TABLE OF CONTENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL WARSOP WITH ST AUGUSTINE SOOKHOLME
Registered Charity Number 1131083
31[ST] DECEMBER 2023
Rector
Reverend Canon Angela Fletcher
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Annual Report ____________ 2 Mission Statement ________ 2 Structure Governance and Management ______ 2 Parochial Church Council ________ 2 Standing Committee _______ 2 Electoral Roll_________ 2 Reference and Administration ______ 3 Objectives and Activities __________ 3 Leadership Team, Worship and Pastoral Ministry ____ 4 Safeguarding________ 4 ECO Church _________ 4 Fabric including Church Wardens Report _____ 5 St Peter and St Paul ________ 5 St Augustine __________ 5 Parish Centre ________ 6 Deanery Synod ________ 7 Finance _________ 9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ________ 10 Statement of Financial Activities _______ 10 Balance Sheet _________ 11 Notes to Financial Statements______ 13 1 Policies __________ 13 2 Debtors ________ 14 3 Creditors _________ 14 4 Fund Details __________ 14 Parochial Fees Note ________ 15 Independent Examiners Report ___________ 16
1 | P a g e
Annual Report
Mission Statement
Our aim is to promote the Good News of Jesus in practical ways in our community, through our individual and corporate lives, as we seek to encourage and empower people on their Christian journey.
Joining together in the Transforming Mission of God
Growing Disciples Younger, Wider, Deeper
Structure Governance and Management
Parochial Church Council
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected each year by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year, there have been monthly meetings with an average attendance of 90% in person meetings in the stable Barn with a break in August and December. Standing committee meetings were held periodically as and when needed.
Sub-committees of the PCC also met several times during the year; “Mission committee”, dealing with the outreach and mission of the Church for its members and the local community. “Fabric and Finance committee” which deals with the building maintenance of the Parish Church, Sookholme church and the exterior of the Parish Centre and the “Parish Centre Committee” looking after the letting, running and maintenance of the Parish Centre.
Standing Committee
This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC.
Electoral Roll
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 93 (92 in 2022) parishioners were members of the Electoral Roll.
2 | P a g e
Reference and Administration
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. They are also Trustees of the charity.
Rector: The Rev’d Canon Angela Fletcher Wardens: Mrs Valerie Spencer From APCM 2022 Mrs Jenny Briggs From APCM 2023 Deanery Synod: Mrs Jenny Briggs From APCM 2023 Mr Matthew Robinson From APCM 2023 Reader Representative: Mrs Patricia Brewin Reader Elected Members: Mrs Pamela Stevenson Secretary APCM 2021 Mrs Amy Whant Safeguarding APCM 2023 Mr Ian Cargill Treasurer APCM 2022 Mrs Carole Barker From APCM 2023 Dr Peter Birchenall From APCM 2022 Mr Robert Davies From APCM 2022 Mr Alex Nicol From APCM 2022 Mr Andrew Melless From APCM 2022 Co-opted member Mr Anthony Herrod Electoral Roll Officer
Objectives and Activities
St Peter & St Paul Warsop with Sookholme PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Vicar, in promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, for all who reside in the ecclesiastical parish and all who worship at St Peter and St Paul Warsop and St Augustine Sookholme. It also has responsibility for maintaining the fabric of the Church and the Church Rooms. The PCC is body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2021) and Registered Charity Number 1131083.
These objectives could not be achieved without the time and talents of many volunteers to whom the PCC extend their thanks.
3 | P a g e
Achievements and Performance
Leadership Team, Worship and Pastoral Ministry
We have now been able to fully resume our worship and activities from the limitations because of Covid-19. The PCC agreed to cease the live streaming of the 10am Sunday morning worship after a break during the summer due to reduced numbers of those accessing it.
But that we would endeavour to meet other service requests for live streaming. This has become more difficult recently due to lack of volunteers willing to train and undertake providing this service.
Miss Pat Brewin celebrated 25 years of Reader Ministry in October 2023 and continues to support the pastoral ministry team who provide Home Communion in peoples home, at The Sycamores Nursing Home and at The Woodlands Nursing Home which The Reverend Richard Kirton has been able to resume since his illness.
Mary has continued to provide a much appreciated mission outreach with “Church Buddies”. We were able to continue to hold Messy church in the Parish Centre and in church and for our Palm Sunday re telling of the Easter story. We resumed holding a marquee at Warsop Carnival with children activities and in giving out information about the church in July. We were also able to hold a Teddy Bears picnic in August which was very successful. Melissa and Andrew Barker were confirmed at Sturton le Steeple Church in June and many of us were delighted to support our own Reverend Claire Melless as she was licesened to the parishes of Clipstone Edwinstowe and Perlethorpe in October.
The bell ringers have been able to enlist more ringers after an open day in church in February. They have resumed a regular bell ringing practise on Monday evenings and have also resumed ringing for Sunday services. During Easter some schools actively engaged with the church, then harvest there was a marked increase of involvement. They have also visited church for to explore the chiristian faith as part of their curriculum. During Advent all Warsop Schools came into Church for their Christmas Carol services and also took part in the ‘Angels and Archangels ’ which was a great success and included angels from the ‘schools, ‘Church buddies’, children who attend our Sunday services and many more.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed in any way
Safeguarding
During this year Mrs Amy Whant continues to be our safeguarding co-ordintor and offers ‘CO Basic’ Level in Safeguarding training for members of the PCC and other members of the church. Amy also keeps the PCC update at each meeting of any safeguarding issues. Policies and Risk assessments were updated.
Many thanks to Amy for all she does in this vital part of our work.
ECO Church
Many of the members of the PCC registered with ECO Churches (A Rocha UK) surveys attached to the ECO programme were completed and St. Augustinechurch has been awarded silver status.
Our thanks go to all who have stepped up to the challenge to offer their time and talents to the different aspects of church life including the team of cleaners cleaning in the church, flower arrangers, choir, caterers, readers, recorders of services and intercessors. The PCC is extremely grateful for your input in whatever capacity.
4 | P a g e
Many thanks to the small team who have ensured that Sookholme has been kept clean and prepared for worship Sunday by Sunday.
The Council would also like to thank Miss Pat Brewin for her input in services, occasional offices and managing the pastoral care team who also give of their time so readily. The PCC greatly appreciate all their hard work.
Fabric including Church Wardens Report
The Fabric Focus Group has continued its responsibility for the maintenance of our churches’ buildings.
St Peter and St Paul
Stonework inside and outside appears to be in a good state. There is, however, some concern re the surface of the slabs around the tower and the state of the car park where persistent rain can make the area slippery.
This year we had a major boiler breakdown in the Parish Church which was eventually repaired at a heavy cost. Fortunately, many people were very generous in their gifts to help with the cost. We were able to start a fund to replace the boiler with an eco-friendlier system as the present boiler is 15 plus years old.
All electrical, gas and fire appliances have been serviced in both Churches and are all up to date with safety regulations.
During 2023 we have been made aware of problems with the electrical work in the tower. It was outdated and carried a serious fire risk. With the help of Peter Birchenall permission was granted by the Diocese for repairs and upgrades to go ahead. The work should be completed in early 2024. Several years ago the lead covering the Chancel roof was replaced by Turn coated steel as means of countering persistent metal thefts. This roof now needs to be checked to identify potential wear and tear and to pinpoint remedial work that may need to be carried out.
Due to illness the usual gardening volunteers haven't been able to upkeep the Church grounds as usual but we thank them for all their years of dedication and hope to recruit new volunteers to help in the future.
Numbers at our main service have risen slightly and we have welcomed two new families as regular worshippers.
A thank you as always to everyone who has given up their time in whatever capacity to help with the day to day running of St. Peter & St. Paul's and St Augustine's. To our cleaning teams, flower arrangers, Sides people and all others who make our church a beautiful and welcoming place to worship and to find peace and calm
St Augustine
All appears to be in good shape at Sookholme church although there is some pointing of the exterior stonework to be completed. Numbers attending Sookholme services remained stable during the year with an average of 12 to 14 worshippers.
We extend our thanks to those who clean and care for this church and prepare it for worship.
Val Spencer & Jenny Briggs
5 | P a g e
Parish Centre
The Parish Centre continues to be used by the community for weddings, parties, and funerals on a regular basis even though at present we have no bar. People wanting a bar book outside bars or provide their own drinks in accordance with regulations.
Repairs.
We have had new fence panels and posts replacing old, damaged ones between the Parish Centre and the property next door.
An investigation into deteriorating roof beams has been looked at by our Architect Mr Alan Wahlers and it was reported no further action was needed at this present time.
A grant through Vibrant Warsop has been investigated to help redecorate the downstairs corridors, toilets and Fitzherbert room. The plumbing in the toilets needs attention after a leak, this is ongoing.
Cross Keys
Carole and her team continue to work tirelessly running the Tuesday Cross Keys Cafe in the Fitzherbert room, this is a great success and provides value for money meals along with a muchneeded social interaction. Thank you to Carole, Melissa, Wendy & Kath
Craft Market
This has been a huge success with over 25 crafters standing and a fabulous turn out of people browsing and buying.
The Advent Breakfast was incorporated within the Christmas Market and this was a roaring success. Thank you to Carole for organising this event.
Volunteers
We have many volunteers giving up their time to put on events, meals etc. and many volunteers willing to help out with a special mention to The Barker Family who are always willing to help. A huge thank you goes to Pamela for all she does outside of office hours, for keeping all bookings for the centre running smoothly and for her dedication and always willing to help whenever needed.
Thank you to everyone who in some way or another continues to keep the Centre running.
The Flat
Our Tennant is still very happy living in such a beautiful unique place. Extensive work is underway to replace and repair the outside staircase and decking leading to the flat door.
Val Spencer (chair), Pamela Stevenson, Carole Barker, Andrew Melless
6 | P a g e
Deanery Synod
Parish Lay Representatives: Jenny Briggs and Matthew Robinson
During the year Deanery Synod has met in May & September for social gatherings with time to talk informally about what is happening in our parishes the good things and the problems. These are very productive especially to new members as we get an overview of the Deanery.
We have also met for three formal Synods in March and July and had a zoom meeting in November.
When we met in person we assemble and share refreshments before the meeting. Synod always start with worship which is always inspiring. Run-down of the meetings in 2023.
15th March .
Parish Refresh. Six of our parishes including ours had contributed towards this, identifying any progress, learning and opportunities in each of the 3 areas: wider, younger, deeper. There was also the opportunity to identify needs and priorities. It was clear that churches were working really hard to engage with their local communities, particularly with regard to children and families, and that we recognised the many opportunities. Common needs were having enough volunteers, and a shortage of funds with which to resource our work.
Financial report
It was recognised that all churches are struggling with high energy costs and there is a lot of pressure around paying our Parish share.
Information was given re the Safeguarding training and how to access the training online.
12th July.
Was hosted at St John’s.
We welcomed new Deanery Synod representatives as the new triennium started, we also welcomed new clergy to the Deanery. An election of Deanery officers took place.
Financial Report
40.4% of the Parish share had been paid and this was better than other deaneries.
Eco church was highlighted with almost half the Deanery signed up with ARocha to help us become more aware of our responsibility to care for our world.
We were informed of problems with the staffing of the food bank because of retirements etc and we were asked to look at any help we could offer.
Pete Edwards talked to us about disability training to make our churches more accessible to everyone.
November 15[th] meeting was via zoom.
We heard an outline of the Diocesan Refreshed vision of building and growing disciples of Christ with compassion, confidence and courage with seven areas of focus. This vison will be fully launched in 2024.
We broke into small break out rooms to discuss the seven areas of focus.
7 | P a g e
-
1 Inspiring Worship
-
2 Reaching younger.
-
3 Enhancing diversity.
-
4 Growing leaders.
-
5 Enabling commitment.
-
6 Encouraging generosity 7 Nurturing prayer
After some discussion it was decided that our three specific focus areas for the next year’s meeting would be. Inspiring worship, nurturing prayer and encouraging generosity as this is a particular area which we all have difficulty with.
The meeting concluded with a very brief report from that day’s discussion at General synod.
At each meeting we are updated on Parish Share. Paying share continues to be a challenge for most parishes. We recognised however that there is great generosity, and the amount of money our Deanery contributes is huge. In 2023, we contributed just over £430k, which was 85.7% of what we were asked to pay.
8 | P a g e
Finance
Our church treasurer continued to work with the ‘Xero’ accounting system but has found this a struggle to handle and so retired at the end of the year. Many thanks to Hilary Cheshire to enable the end of year accounts to be ready for the APCM and complete the Independent Examiners Report.
Our contributions and occasional offices fees are still greatly reduced from pre covid figures and therefore as in 2022 we have had to use some of our reserves to complete essential repairs. Despite all of this we have once again paid our Parish Share in full to the Diocese and would like to thank all who contribute to our funds regularly through plate collections or the giving scheme. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thanks also go to those who have made donations through bequests or special appeals.
Our Mission Allocation this year has been able to support the following charities ‘Voices of the Vale’, a local choir, ‘Christian Aid’, Fund to support those suffering as a result of the ongoing war in the Ukraine and the Earthquake in Turkey.
The Council continues to use the services of Jill Stanforth from the Diocesan staff as our Planned Giving Secretary who submits our Gift Aid application to HMRC.
Thank you to everyone who have contributed in any way to helping each other out during this past year.
The Reverend Canon Angela Fletcher
9 | P a g e
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Financial Activities
10 | P a g e
Charitable activities.. Donation51Grints to dwitie5 (175) ISS.04) (lJ161 153,9761 Parish Share 153.(MI expenses Children5 Wor (132) {2,572) I> 126.449) Provision of ServKes sni 16,1431 128.8751 Churth running expenses Churchyard nNlinrenare Cost of rdisingfrmtts Adminlstrntn costs linc. staff costs) Governance Costs 110.0711 (16541 14.8901 I4.7() 13.2041 {7A62) {8,0•4) 19J481 110,1691 Other Major expendrture Repair5 to churth tlI¢Jing5 Repair5 to other property Capital PurchasesAddonS Loan repayments 124.1771 T•tsl r¢wyrfe• ¢xp••4•4 {•o.363) {17.982) {541) (98.U6) (134.2141 Net {wWingy ine•ming rewur¢e• 3.013 IfA5 3.540 .63• 134.4171 3.013 IOB5 8.638 (34,417) C(th or bonk und hrynd or l Jon IR&PBck7nce) Fund5 corF*d (Qrd or 31 Dec 2023 51327 &927 4.467 45.720 74.3S• 55.340 8.(K>7 65.720 Balance Sheet 11 | Piige
Approved by the PCC on 28[th] March 2024 And signed on its behalf by
Revd. Canon Angela Fletcher & Church Warden Mrs Valerie Spencer
12 | P a g e
Notes to Financial Statements
1 Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
Funds
General 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. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. 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 their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.
Fixed Assets
Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011
Moveable church furnishings are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). They are capitalised at cost and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life (initially over 4 years) on a straight-line basis.
All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £1,000 or on the repair of moveable church furnishings acquired before 1st January 2003 is written off.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years except computer equipment which is over 3 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Reserves
Restricted funds are kept and only used for their intended purposes
The PCC understand their responsibility to ensure that the reserves are used to gain the maximum benefit for the parish as a whole in its pursuit of the whole mission of the church. This policy will be reviewed annually prior to the APCM.
Ongoing investigations to be undertaken if there should be further funds restricted for children’s work.
13 | P a g e
2 Debtors
3 Creditors
4 Fund Details
14 | P a g e
Paroch ial Fees Note as prepred ty the Archbishops" CowLciI Lnder the Ectlesknistical Fees Measure 19B6. The baLlr relates to (harges as fixed Ihe PCC. for extrns a5 be115. flower5 anl spttfdl heatir¢. or pakl tovisitir¢ minlster5. Readers or N¢)n-stip¥MJkry Ministers a5 Set out in the DBPS ParochRI Ftts p)1 Ofthese fees onty the amunt thje to the PCC Iststutory & nor$tutory) is sho%m above as legalty the arwLKtth to the DBF and other mlnisters las setout In Ihe DBF polyl shoull rLOt be treated as PCC IrMe finG in Crei&tor41 yoar. th PCC r4c•prtd pthal totsl Ststutwy Fee5 dutto the Ffc totthd Statuw F duto th DBF tota ststht Foo5 on khAlfof athrd party Ntsn.5tstUt Extra5 duo to the PCC ttstthd Non.Ststutvry Extsas due tv a third puty totthd Th? PCC is hokkry Wed&ry Deposits for thp fc4)M"ry totakng LJu,25B.UO Ll l.lJ4.lJO l5.648. LJ,780.00 l4544.00 0.00 £1.390.IX) 151 Piige
Independent Examiners Report
Bramblewood, Royal Oak Court, Edwinstowe NG21 9QD
16 | P a g e