ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS Sunday 6[th] April 2025 at 1.15pm in St Mary's Church, Prestbury
AGENDA
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Opening Prayers
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Appointment of Clerk to the meeting
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Minutes of Previous Meeting on 21st April 2024
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Election of Churchwardens
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Sunday 6[th] April 2025 To follow the Annual Meeting of Parishioners
AGENDA
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Appointment of Clerk to the meeting
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Apologies for absence
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting on 23[rd] April 2024
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Report on the Electoral Roll
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Annual Report of the PCC
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Report for the Parish of Prestbury - Team Rector's report
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Financial Review (Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 are in a separate document)
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Report of the PCC Secretary
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Reports on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish
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Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod
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Report on the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod
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Other reports on Parish Activities
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Sunday Club
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Special activities and events
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Elections to the PCC
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Appointment of Independent Examiner
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Matters of Parochial Interest
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Prestbury Parish magazine
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Friends of Saint Mary's
3. Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, and Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 21st April 2024 at 3.00 pm
Printed in separate document.
4. Report on the Electoral Roll
Updated figures will be supplied at the APCM.
5. Annual Report of Prestbury PCC for the year ended 31st December 2024
Administrative Information
St Mary’s and St Nicolas’ Churches are situated in Prestbury, Cheltenham. They are part of the Diocese of Gloucester within the Church of England.
Their correspondence address is:- North Cheltenham Team Ministry Office, 5 High Street, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL25 3AR m Team Ministry OfficHStreet, Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL52
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) was registered as a charity in August 2009: charity number 1130933.
PCC members who have served from 1 January 2024 until the date this was approved are:-
Ex officio
Revd Nicholas Bromfield (Chairman) Linda Biggs (Lay Chair)
- Churchwardens (ex officio):
Helen Mann ) St Mary's Stewart Wright ) St Mary's Janet Waters ) St Nicolas' Jackie Smith ) St Nicolas'
Treasurer Philip Lasseter
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Elected PCC Members Elected Term
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| Elected PCC Members Elected | Term |
|---|---|
| Gill Cartwright 2023 | 2026 |
| Lorna Dymock 2023 | 2026 |
| Rosalind Waters 2022 | 2025 |
| Marcus Steel 2023 | 2026 |
| Dawn Davis 2024 | 2027 |
Diocesan Synod Reps
| Mary Turner 2024 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Chris Horswell 2024 | 2027 |
| od Reps | |
| Marilyn Powell 2023 | 2026 |
| Margaret Compton 2023 | 2026 |
| Christopher Parsons 2023 | 2026 |
| Thelma Mumford 2024 | 2027 |
Deanery Synod Reps
Secretary: Stella Caney (not a PCC Member)
Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC Members is as agreed by Prestbury APCM in 2009. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and Activities
Prestbury PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St Mary’s and St Nicolas’ Churches and associated properties.
Stella Caney PCC Secretary
6. Report for the Parish of Prestbury -Team Rector’s Report 2025
One constant in church life is that things rarely stay the same! I am relieved that our two new Team Vicars are now settled in post and the workload on the retired clergy and myself has eased somewhat.
The recovery in attendance levels continues at St Nicolas and St Mary’s. While national church attendance dropped by over 40% between 2004 and 2024, our attendance has increased by 25%. It must be emphasised how rare this is! We also continue our live streaming of Sunday services, attracting a loyal following.
Once again, the most satisfying feature of the past year has been the number of people coming to Sunday services, plus many new faces and families. Unlike most churches, we are now exceeding the congregation levels from before this time five years ago as Covid hit the nation and the world. While there has been some recovery in numbers the drop in regular Sunday attendance (known as uSa) and at Easter and Christmas nationally is a cause of serious concern.
The main Sunday morning congregations at St Mary’s are now almost always 100 plus, even more for the Healing Eucharists (120–150). 70% of those attending the Healing Eucharist at St Mary’s receive the laying on of hands and anointing each time. I have been a member of the Diocesan Healing & Wholeness Group for ten years, and nowhere else is the church’s healing ministry as established and successful as at Prestbury. We are referred to as a centre of excellence for the parish healing ministry. The 8 o’clock Eucharist has attracted new members, comfortably averaging mid-20s. Carols by Candlelight for the whole parish, saw St Mary’s totally full with over 500 people, once again people were sat around the altar singing carols! At St Nic’s, our numbers are strong and robust, with new joiners and newcomers always warmly welcomed into the St Nics family, while we stay connected with those not able to make the services themselves. Church Hall bookings are strong. Couples continue to want to marry here, and it is lovely to take wedding bookings, even for 2028! Baptisms remain high, almost weekly in the summer months. The number of funerals can be very high at times, but this is reversing the trend towards direct cremations and celebrant-led services.
On Holy Saturday last Easter, we supplied 8 of the 19 people being confirmed by Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert at the Cathedral, and we hope to have a similar number being confirmed this coming Easter
As is usually the case, there are many other things I could include. The family service ‘Breakfast Celebrate!’ held weekly at the School on Bouncers Lane, has been going now for over 3 ½ years, combining a good breakfast from 9.00 am, then worship with our puppets, with modern music and worship songs. We draw in new families and offer time for family-oriented worship. Normally some 50-60 attend each week, with around 20-30 children and a number of grandparents and visitors.
I remain very thankful for our Permanent Deacon, Readers and ‘retired’ Clergy (who never really retire!), dedicated Churchwardens, Treasurers, Safeguarding Officer, PCC members and PCC Secretary, Electoral Roll Officer, Bereavement Support Team, choirs, musicians and Organists, worship leaders, our gravediggers, cleaners and flower arrangers, our bell ringers, and gardeners, our vergers, our acolytes, and sacristans, our church lockers and un-lockers, the Magazine Editor and so many others , together with our former LMT Members. Without you all it would be impossible to run all of our services, occasional offices, and support groups.
Last year, the new Shop, Dearly Pre-Loved was still in the planning. But what an incredible success it is! We have a highly visible Christian presence in the very heart of our community and part of a revitalised, welcoming high street. We opened in June 2024, with a fantastic volunteer team, wonderfully kind local people donating brilliant items and a very healthy turnover from the start, vital in helping the parish balance the books.
Lastly, once more, a huge thank you to all who pray for me personally and supply all manner of provisions to the Rectory – your support and encouragement mean so much!
Revd Nick Bromfield
Team Rector
7. Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2024 (see separate document)
Financial Review
The main income of the parish is in the Unrestricted Funds where the PCC has complete discretion as to how the funds are spent. This fund is showing a net income of £9,204 (Income £42,557 Dec 2023) for the year.
The single greatest item of expenditure each year is the Parish Share, or Quota, paid to the Diocese which provides and pays for the clergy and other services. During 2024 this was £162,000 (£107,250 Dec 2023).
In 2024 we spent some of the unrestricted funds to meet the parish share over the year. We paid the parish share during 2023 without having to dip into our reserves.
Reserves Policy
It is the PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds that equates to 6 months operational costs, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time.
Funds
The unrestricted funds of £278,912 as at 31st December 2024 are held mainly in three separate deposit accounts between the two churches and the St Nicolas church hall.
The restricted funds of £547,426 are split between Prestbury Hall valuation £350,000: Friends of St Mary £175,128 for fabric and Youth fund £19,373.
The Endowment funds of £35,840 are mainly for the maintenance of the churchyard.
Summary
A new source of income for 2024 is the charity shop Dearly Pre Loved opened in June 2024, this has enabled the Prestbury PCC to pay the parish share without having to dip into our reserves.
The current reserves of the parish are healthy relative to a number of other PCCs.
But the parish share requested for 2025 is considerably higher again and our costs are always increasing
Philip Lasseter Treasurer
8. Report of the PCC Secretary
In 2024, the Prestbury PCC met for a full meeting on five occasions during the year, with an average attendance of 13 members.
Details of PCC membership are as listed in the Annual report of Prestbury PCC earlier in this document.
The PCC has discussed many matters during the year, among them:-
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Database system - ChurchSuite appeared most suitable for our needs.
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NCTM Website
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Mission and Evangelism – a number of wide-ranging ideas
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Badhams chemist premises –conversion into shop and office. Regular updates on this work were given at every meeting in 2024. The opening of the shop took place on 26[th] Mary, and has brought in a substantial income for the church. The Administrator moved into the new office in July. Bishop Rachel visited the shop on 27[th] September
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Safeguarding – regular updates, including inclusion of new modules, eg Safer Recruiting
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Repairs to St Mary’s roof and St Nicolas’ guttering
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Prestbury car park – the sale of which has affected the amount of parking available for churchgoers
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The number of candidates from the NCTM being presented for Confirmation on Holy Saturday
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Discussions over ways to administer communion following the pandemic
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Repairs to the organ in St Mary’s
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Appointment of new Treasurer and subsequent improvements to the financial management of bank accounts
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Amount required to pay the Parish Share
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Prestbury Hall – expiry of current lease. New terms were discussed and agreed during the year
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Innovations for St Mary’s taking place during the autumn – Prestbury Pictures and Reading the Gospels.
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Christmas lunch in the W.I. hall to be held again following the previous year’s success
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Regular updates on Building and Fabric requirements – eg the hearing system at St Mary’s
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Requests for interment of ashes in St Mary’s churchyard
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New Cancer Centre in Cheltenham fund – a moving account by Anoushka, who is being treated there, of how the current premises need improvement
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Consideration given to recruiting a Children’s and Family worker
The PCC has received regular reports from the various sub-committees.
Stella Caney PCC Secretary
9. Reports on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish St Mary’s Buildings, Fabric and Plate Report for 2024
This has been another very busy year with a constant stream of projects on the go. Major projects requiring a Faculty or Archdeacon’s permission have included the restoration of the North pitch of the nave roof plus patch repair of the South, with work being completed ahead of schedule in January of this year. Multiple masonry repairs were completed in the bell tower and throughout the main body of the church and the total overhaul of the organ will have commenced by the time of reading. Also, an overgrown fir tree needed to be removed in August and was replaced with a deciduous Whitebeam.
Other tasks have included re-wiring to the tower, replacement of the sound system’s amplifier (twice) and complete renewal of the hearing loop. Ongoing maintenance has included bi-yearly churchyard ‘tidy-ups’, deep cleaning of the church plus professional cleaning of the carpets, regular wax removal and polishing of church plate. For the first time in a number of years all of the (at least 18) Health and Safety tests/inspections/servicing have been completed including a full H & S check on all of the monuments in the churchyard. The Quinquennial inspection was completed in late February and the subsequent report is pending. The broadband system has been renegotiated and we are about to renew contracts with suppliers of gas and electricity for a three year period.
Stewart Wright and Helen Mann
Churchwardens St Mary's Church Prestbury
St Nicolas’ Church – Churchwardens’ Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments
Following the relocation of the Parish Office to the Dearly Pre-Loved shop in Prestbury, Erikas Stankevicius has been appointed to carry out refurbishment of the old administrator’s office. He has been given a brief on areas to change so that the choir will be able to utilise the room. The plaques and ornaments that are currently located in the ambulatory were studied, and it has been decided to leave the ornaments where they are, as several of them are chipped and may break if we try to move them. The plaques may be relocated – new location is undetermined at this time.
Erikas has also been doing some work in the church, removing old plaster and repainting.
The leak in the kitchen has been fixed.
A water heater has been fitted in the sacristy. CityFibre have now installed fibre optics at the entrance to St Nicolas. Brian W is now going to progress installation of full fibre internet to the church with Octapus, an internet provider.
There has been no progress with the mower situation. However, a decision has been made to lock the mower securely to the wall outside the kitchen where power is
available, and it is easier to manoeuvre the mower onto the field from there. A cover will also be sourced to protect the mower from the elements.
The entrance facia boards need to be sanded down and repainted as the wood is in good condition. It has been proposed that Erikas will complete this work in conjunction with the church redecoration.
Brian F gave an account that the team took £405 in car parking for the November race meeting with the refreshments team taking an additional £21. Brian F also mentioned that bookings for the March meeting were good with booking takings already over £2,000.
St Nicolas’ Hall
Peter A gave an account of the hall finances which are in a strong position with the hall realising £6,000 in profit for last year. Peter A has offered to pay 50% of the church redecoration costs.
Janet Waters, Jackie Smith
Churchwardens St Nicolas’ Church, Parish of Prestbury
10. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod .
The Deanery Synod has meet three times during the year March, June and November.
All meetings begin with a prayer.
The Revd Andrew Blyth, Area Dean, started the year by looking at the Deanery Leadership structure particularly with the Deanery Strategic Plan in mind. He appointed five new Assistant Area Deans to assist him with general support of clergy and parishes and in specific areas:
Graham Bowkett – Civic Ministry and Chaplaincy Roger Widdecombe – Finance and Parish Share Rosie Amies – Chaplaincy Sarah Haden – Mission enabling in Pioneer contexts Nick Bromfield – Mission enabling in Parish contexts
A new Parish Share model based on the cost of ministry but with banding above and below this figure considering financial circumstances. There will be ‘floor ‘and ‘ceiling’ amounts based on a target figure of £80,000 per full-time post. The new model starts in 2025 but will be given 5 years to settle in, then reviewed every 5 years with parishes being asked to undertake a financial ‘Quinquennial’ health check to agree share targets for the next period.
Each Deanery has produced a Strategic Mission Plan. The College Green team have looked at them all and identified common themes and proposals on how to address. Historic Buildings, a shift from being a burden to mission proposals such as music festivals and multi-use.
Shared administration resources.
Ministerial support in rural areas – Market towns and the villages around them. Cheltenham and Gloucester are very different: Gloucester has small churches most of which are struggling. Cheltenham has no churches not, broadly, covering costs. Some sharing can therefore be done between them.
There are huge mission challenges and opportunities such as the Cyber Park and how to reach the 98% of people not engaging with us.
The Leadership Team has met with the College Green Team and they are looking at how to move forward. Gloucester and Cheltenham will be moving forward slightly differently because of Community development. The Diocese is going to fund someone to work with Cheltenham to establish where there are needs. Our objectives are enabling, flourishing and pioneering work, which we will continue to pursue.
During the November meeting, Yvonne Penn of Christian Aid spoke about their work. Christian Aid started in 1945 to ensure that there was love and care for those in desperate circumstances. They helped refugees across Europe and began on-going development work. Their by-word is ‘Hope’ and belief that small acts of kindness can change things. They now work in 29 countries, reaching out to over 4 million people working with partners so that they can be informed as to what is required helping local economy to survive. The year 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the unstoppable power of Hope. They work across the world i.e. in Ukraine, Gaza, Malawi and Sudan.
At the end of the November meeting the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury was acknowledged. Changes in Safeguarding at parish level were taking place. Andrew said we must thank our Parish Safeguarding Officers for the work they do and ensure that our Safeguarding measures are robust.
As always, meetings end with a prayer.
Margaret Compton Deanery Synod Representative
11. Report on the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod
Full minutes of the Diocesan Synod meetings are available on the Diocese of Gloucester website for anyone to read, if they so wish.
12. Other reports on Parish Activities
Sunday Club (St. Mary’s)
Sunday school is now offered twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Numbers are low, with eight on the register but in reality we have just two young people who join us regularly and a three year old monthly. Visitors will often join us too.
We have one leader and then two ‘sitters’ who alternate duties. We follow the lectionary for the most part and sessions include a mix of discussion, creative prayer, an art activity and a physical activity. A good time appears to be had by all as we discover something new about our faith week on week.
Special events and activities (St. Mary’s)
In addition to the host of regular services and events, we celebrated a (freezing) Dawn Celtic Communion on Cleeve Common on Easter day, we enjoyed a social and leisurely Rogation procession around the Mill Street area in May swiftly followed by kite flying, games and picnic for Pentecost (again, on the common).
Churches Count on Nature week saw various activities including a visit to the churchyard nature trail plus activities for some sixty Year-3s from the junior school. We hosted the Archdeacons’ visitation (at which all the churchwardens are sworn in) in June and enjoyed a fabulous bring-and-share Harvest supper followed by a brilliant
performance of ‘The three strangers’ In October. The very generous Harvest donations were collected by CCP for their food bank.
We treasured the weekly ‘reading of the Gospels’ alternating between the two parish churches from September through to early December.
There was another outstanding performance by Adrian Palmer of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in December, and then there was the final monthly film night in the current series. The year was rounded off with robust Carol singing at all the local pubs and a Christmas tree decorating and craft afternoon in December, and the wonderful Christmas gift donations were welcomed by the Seren’s wish local charity.
Helen Mann
Churchwarden St Mary's Church Prestbury
13. Elections to the PCC
Any changes will be reported at the meeting.
14. Appointment of Independent Examiner
To be confirmed at the meeting .
15. Matters of Parochial interest
Sunday Club
Sunday school is now offered twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Numbers are low, with eight on the register but in reality we have just two young people who join us regularly and a three year old monthly. Visitors will often join us too. We have one leader and then two ‘sitters’ who alternate duties. We follow the lectionary for the most part and sessions include a mix of discussion, creative prayer, an art activity and a physical activity. A good time appears to be had by all as we discover something new about our faith week on week.
Helen Mann
Churchwarden St Mary's Church Prestbury
PRESTBURY PARISH MAGAZINE
We have been able to publish 11 issues again this year. The initial print run is 130 copies, which is significantly down from previous years. This deters the potential advertisers. Each monthly issue is prepared and posted erratically on the prestbury.net website for everyone to read.
I wish to thank the regular contributors and the occasional contributors. Without them there would be no magazine. Very nearly everything sent to the magazine is included. David Lyle continues to persuade people to write Book Reviews. Richard Johnson looks after the day-to-day management of the advertisers who provide much needed funds for our churches. I co-ordinate and compile the magazine. Edward Wyatt checks the proof copies. Thank you to all of them.
Six times in 2024 there were so few articles I felt obliged to reduce the cover price from £1 to 50p. The magazine is on sale in Dearly Pre-loved as well as our two churches. I hope there is each month something of interest to our churchgoers and those in the wider community. However for a church magazine there is little ‘church’. Material
suitable to fill this void seems to be published elsewhere. Our monthly theme continues to provide the cornerstone for illustrated articles. I would like more people to write something for the magazine whether it be a report of an interesting event or news of something to come or what’s going on in your church or about a random thought which could be shared. It is not that hard.
Contributors need not stick to the theme each month. It is there to drop an idea into people’s minds as a starting point. Any item of general or local interest submitted will be considered for publication. Please submit articles to magazine @ prestbury.net or to the address in the back of each magazine.
Brian Wood
FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S REPORT 2024
In 2024 some repair projects which FOSM had agreed to fund went on apace, while others were delayed. There was a program of fund raising which was well supported as usual. Some committee members withdrew so we would be pleased for fresh volunteers.
FOSM underwrote the following repair projects: The Chancel Roof; The North Pitch of the Nave Roof; 2 Bat Surveys for these projects; The associated Architects fees; Stabilising Shelves in three Windows of the Clock Chamber; Two sections of the Churchyard Wall; The Removal of an encroaching Fir tree; the Purchase of a part for the Organ.
These projects were made possible by a significant legacy to the FOSM fund. The responsibility made the committee aware that the accountability of the flow of funds needed to be better recorded, and the section of the constitution covering Finance needed to be updated.
Lynda Hodges retired from the committee having been a founder member. Before doing so she helped the committee to reaffirm what were the founding principles of FOSM and the range of projects which might be considered. We thank her for her energy, knowledge and cuisine.
In 2025 we expect to help fund the completion of work on the Organ and repair to Floor Tiles plus South Porch Step. We are running a lighter programme while we concentrate on fund management and review the worthiness of the constitution.
David Lyle
Chairman FOSM
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies 2(a) Income from charitable activities 2(b) Investment income 2(c) TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Expenditure on charitable activities 3(a) Other expenditure 3(b) TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfer between funds Gains/(losses) on investments - unrealised Gains on revaluation of fixed assets 4(a) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY 2024 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 |
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 212,635 7,027 - 219,663 83,030 3,527 - 86,557 8,007 10,400 - 18,407 303,672 20,954 - 324,626 267,549 33,984 - 301,533 26,919 - - 26,919 294,468 33,984 - 328,451 9,204 (13,029) - (3,825) - - - - - - 802 802 - - - - 9,204 (13,029) 802 (3,023) 269,708 560,455 35,038 865,201 278,912 547,426 35,840 862,178 |
2023 £ 500,816 39,586 16,773 |
|---|---|---|
| 557,175 | ||
| 341,204 8,681 |
||
| 349,885 | ||
| 207,290 | ||
| - 3,013 - |
||
| 210,303 | ||
| 654,898 | ||
| 865,201 |
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Fixed assets 4(a) Investment assets 4(b) CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 6 Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 7 NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted 5 Restricted 5 Revaluation reserve 5 Endowment 5 |
2024 £ 387,405 35,840 423,245 5,703 373,626 62,014 441,343 (2,410) 862,178 278,912 277,426 270,000 35,840 862,178 |
2023 £ 350,000 35,038 |
|---|---|---|
| 385,038 | ||
| 7,474 406,814 78,821 |
||
| 493,109 | ||
| (12,946) | ||
| 865,201 | ||
| 269,708 290,455 270,000 35,038 |
||
| 865,201 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 6 April and are signed on its behalf by:
The Revd Nick Bromfield (Chairman)
Mr Philip Lasseter (Hon. Treasurer)
The notes on pages 3 to 9 form part of these accounts.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value except the valuation of the Church Hall, which is shown at fair value and of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:
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the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102)
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and with the Charities Act 2011.
In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether applying the accounting policies required by the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was needed. No restatement was required.
Funds
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Designated funds are where the PCC has earmarked some of its own unrestricted funds for a specific purpose
Restricted and Endowment funds can only be applied for the purposes specified by individual donors.
Revaluation Reserve
The revaluation reserve relates to the re valuation of the Freehold land and Church hall This was revalued at the end of 2022 and will be regularly reviewed.
The accounts 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 affiliation to another body nor those informal gatherings of Church members.
Income
Voluntary income and capital sources. Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned Giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received. Income Tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is received. Grants and Legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by special events are accounted for gross.
Sales of books and magazines are accounted for gross.
Rental Income from letting of Church premises is recognised when the rent is due.
Investment income
Dividends and interest are accounted for when received.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Gains and losses on Investments
Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold.
Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
Expenditure
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when payable.
Fixed Assets
In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of charity' by Section 10(2) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the accounts.
Moveable Church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal are accounted as inalienable property when consecrated. They are listed in the Church's Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts.
office.
Current Assets
Short term deposits include cash held on deposit with the CBF Church of England, Gloucester Board of Finance and at banks.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
2 INCOME
| 2 INCOME | |
|---|---|
| 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 2(a) Income from donations and legacies Parish giving scheme 96,003 96,003 Open plate collections 15,255 15,255 Other giving 26,525 26,525 Income tax recoverable 27,830 526 28,357 Appeals - 2,372 2,372 Sundry donations 522 522 Donations and appeals 1,700 1,700 Grants 34,245 34,245 Legacies 2,070 - 2,070 Fundraising events 8,484 4,129 12,612 212,635 7,027 - 219,663 2(b) Income from charitable activities Magazine and bookstall 1,876 1,876 Charity shop sales 46,931 46,931 FOSM membership & events - 3,527 3,527 Church hall lettings 22,984 22,984 Fees 11,238 11,238 83,030 3,527 86,557 2(c) Investment income Untaxed dividends and interest 8,007 10,400 18,407 TOTAL INCOME 303,672 20,954 324,626 |
2023 £ 94,525 15,237 52,997 36,006 5,848 719 1,000 274,500 19,984 |
| 500,816 | |
| 2,047 3,205 23,305 11,029 |
|
| 39,586 | |
| 16,773 557,175 |
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
3 EXPENDITURE
| 3(a) Expenditure on charitable activities Grants - missionary and charitable giving Home missions and Church societies Activities directly relating to the work of the Church Ministry: Diocesan parish share Clergy expenses Church running expenses Church maintenance Office and charity shop - maintenance Office and charity shop - running costs Hire of equipment Upkeep of services Church hall running costs Friends of St Mary fabric upkeep Friends of St Mary running costs Organist fees Fundraising costs Total expenditure on charitable activities 3(b) Other expenditure Administration: Parish administrator Parish office telephone Depreciation on leasehold improvements Legal fees Bank charges Printing and stationery TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ - 2,372 - 2,372 - 2,372 - 2,372 162,000 162,000 4,153 4,153 22,770 22,770 35,296 35,296 12,288 12,288 14,465 14,465 1,508 1,508 6,998 6,998 4,299 4,299 28,974 28,974 110 110 2,799 2,799 972 2,528 3,500 267,549 31,611 - 299,160 267,549 33,984 - 301,533 12,038 12,038 2,223 2,223 4,156 4,156 5,227 5,227 333 333 2,942 2,942 26,919 - 26,919 294,468 33,984 - 328,451 |
2023 £ 5,848 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,848 | ||
| 107,250 3,594 21,427 71,612 - 1,455 4,623 5,942 115,600 680 2,765 408 |
||
| 335,356 | ||
| 341,204 | ||
| 4,338 1,939 263 267 1,874 |
||
| 8,681 | ||
| 349,885 |
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
4(a) FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC
| Gross Book Value At 1 January 2024 Additions Revaluation At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 At 31 December 2024 Net Book Value At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2024 |
Freehold land and Church hall £ 350,000 - - 350,000 - - 350,000 350,000 |
Leasehold improvement s - 41,561 - 41,561 4,156 4,156 - 37,405 |
Fixtures and Fittings £ 19,257 - - - 19,257 - - - |
Total £ 350,000 41,561 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 391,561 | ||||
| 4,156 | ||||
| 4,156 | ||||
| 350,000 | ||||
| 387,405 |
The Freehold land and Church Hall is in Bouncer's Lane (opposite St Mary's C of E Schools). This has been revalued in December 2022 at £350,000 and valuations will now be undertaken on a regular basis every few years. The valuation has been undertaken by an independent chartered surveyor. The deemed historical cost of the Freehold land and Church hall is £80,000. The Leasehold improvements reflects the amount spent on the fixtures and fittings for the shop and office. The costs of which are to be depreciated over the life of the lease.
4(b) INVESTMENTS - ENDOWMENT
1,550 units invested in the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund were valued at £35,840
on 31 December 2024 (£35,038 at 31 December 2023). The original cost of these units was £2,206.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
5 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
-
Church hall, office equipment, etc 37,405 350,000 387,405
Investments with the CBF - - 35,840 35,840
37,405 350,000 35,840 423,245
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 2,780 2,923 - 5,703
-
Short term deposits 184,358 189,268 373,626
Cash at bank and in hand 56,779 5,235 - 62,014
-
243,917 197,426 441,343
TOTAL ASSETS 281,322 547,426 35,840 864,588
Less: LIABILITIES DUE
WITHIN ONE YEAR (2,410) - - (2,410)
TOTAL FUND BALANCES 278,912 547,426 35,840 862,178
6 DEBTORS
2024 2023
£ £
Income tax recoverable 1,425 1,249
-
Prestbury Hall rent 1,000
CBF deposit interest- Dec qtr 3,752 4,658
Friends of St Mary's gift aid 526 567
5,703 7,474
7 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£ £
St N Hall doors - 6,555
Roof retention - 2,788
Other creditors 2,410 2,063
Charity donations - 820
- 720
2,410 12,946
----- End of picture text -----
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
8 STAFF COSTS
| 8 STAFF COSTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and honararia | 2024 £ 12,038 12,038 |
2023 £ 4,337 |
| 4,337 |
The PCC employed a Parish Administrator for 16 hours a week to August 2024 and 18 hours a week thereafter.
9 FUND DETAILS
The Restricted fund is Prestbury Hall, Friends of St Mary's fund, and Youth fund.
The Friends of St Mary's (FOSM) fund is run under the authority of the PCC. The income is treated as a separate restricted fund for the upkeep of the fabric of St Mary's church.
Endowment funds consist of thirteen separate bequests held in the form of income units with the CBF Investment Fund.
Unrestricted funds are available for the day-to-day running of the Parish.
10 MISSION GIVING
During the year the congregations supported a number of charities with donations given as part of the collections at various services.
report to the PCC of Prestbury St Mary with Nicolas
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PCC of Prestbury St Mary with Nicolas for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in 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.
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
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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 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:
Name: Gemma Percival
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): ACA Qualified (ICAEW) Membership No. 1596755
Address: 6 Broadway Close, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3EA
Date: 6 April 2025