## **St Mary the Virgin, Beddington Annual Report**
## **31 December 2023**
_Putting faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament._
**Registered with the Charity Commission as “Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Beddington” with Charity number 1131167**
## **The Parish Church**
## **Address**
St Mary the Virgin, Beddington St Mary the Virgin in the Deanery of Sutton, Church Road Archdeaconry of Reigate Wallington, Surrey, and Diocese of Southwark SM6 7NH
## **Incumbent**
## The Reverend Andrew Fenby
## **Correspondence address**
The Rectory 18 Bloxworth Close Wallington, Surrey SM6 7NL
## **Bankers**
Santander plc CCLA Investment Bootle Management Ltd Merseyside One Angel Lane L30 4GB London EC4R 3AB
## **Independent Examiner**
Mr Robert Cunningham, ADA 64 Widmore Road Bromley, Kent BR1 3BD
This is the form of annual report and financial statements required by the _Charities Act 1993_ and
the _Church Accounting Regulations 2006,_ together with the _Statement of Recommended Practice 2005_ published by the Charity Commission.
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_Gracious Father, we pray for your Church. Fill it with your truth, keep it in your peace and unite it in your love, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen_
St Mary’s is a Church of England (Anglican) Church serving the Parish of Beddington. We are in the Reigate Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Southwark, and within Sutton Deanery.
## **Aims and purposes**
St Mary's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Rector, the Reverend Andrew Fenby, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
Our aim is to proclaim God's greatness in all that we do as a community and as individuals and to rejoice in God's saving love for the world revealed in Jesus Christ.
At St Mary’s we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. We embrace the diversity of God’s children and give thanks for all that we can learn about God from each other as we walk together on our journeys of faith.
We believe that God calls us to love not to judge. He meets each of us where we are in our lives and we hope to model His unconditional welcome in our worshipping community.
We are committed to opening our arms to all God’s people regardless of, for example, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, ethnicity, race, colour, nationality, cultural origin, religion, disability, experience of mental distress, HIV status, caring responsibility, class, education, employment status, political belief or criminal conviction.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
St Mary's Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. It operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity of which all members are trustees.
It comprises lay persons, elected at the Annual Parish Meeting, who together with the incumbent, licensed clergy, the churchwardens, ex officio and co-opted members (if any), are responsible for the initiation, conduct and development of the Church’s work within the parish and outside, whereby the whole mission of the Church is promoted.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
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In accordance with the requirements for disclosure, the Parochial Church Council members who have served during the reporting year (1 January – 31 December 2023) include::
## _**Ex-officio members:**_
Incumbent: Fr Andrew Fenby (Chair) Churchwardens: Mandy Larkum ) From Judy Page ) APCM 2023 Reader: Alison Hargreaves Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary: Maud Adams Deanery Synod Representatives: Bronwyn Collins ) From Ann Lusmore ) APCM 2023 Linda Wood ) _**Elected members:**_ Edward Stawiarski ) To APCM 2023 Richard Pocock ) From APCM 2023 Elizabeth Atkins Ian Atkins Gill Caddick Sophie Longmoor Francesca Markland Christine Morgan Jill Pope Behrang Taheri Linda Waters
## **Standing Committee**
The PCC Standing Committee has the power to transact the business of the PCC between PCC meetings. Ratification of any Standing Committee decision is made at the next PCC meeting. Members of the Standing Committee comprise:
Andrew Fenby Mandy Larkum Christine Morgan Judy Page
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**Objectives and Activities**
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. We are an inclusive, friendly church and welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences.
The PCC held six meetings in the year. One further matter required PCC consultation and approval between these meetings and this took place via email.
- **Worship:** Reviewing our worship practices is a regular item on the PCC Agenda. Through the Worship Committee, the PCC maintained an overview of worship throughout the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
- **Safeguarding:** St Marys continues to follow and be guided by the Southwark Diocesan Policy as outlined in ‘A Safe Church’. Everyone is committed to taking their responsibilities seriously, ensuring the safety and welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our policies highlight that any suspected abuse or concerns must always be reported in the correct manner. We continue to liaise with the Diocese as and when needed.
All adults working in a position of trust eg the choir and Sunday club, are DBS checked and they are updated as and when required. Maud Adams and Judy Page attended the two-day online Southwark safeguarding course in 2022, and Mandy Larkum has attended it this year. All members of the PCC have been asked to complete relevant online training: Raising Awareness of Abuse, and the basic and foundation courses of Safeguarding.
We strive to create an environment which is sensitive and respectful, and create an awareness of safeguarding being everyone’s concern. Ensuring everyone is confident and aware of who to contact with any concerns and how, is paramount. We ensure any issues are dealt with in a confidential and respectful manner.
**Parish Support Fund (‘PSF’):** Our pledge for 2024 was determined following PCC consultation on 14 August. When considering our finances it was clear that whilst our income had remained virtually unchanged, our outgoings had increased significantly to the point where it would be not only unrealistic to increase our pledge, but equally difficult to maintain it at the 2023 level of £41,000. In determining what would be an achievable amount for the church to offer, it was disappointing to have to reduce our 2024 PSF pledge to £38,000. This decision was not taken lightly and we hope to improve our contribution next year.
- **Legalities:** The PCC ensured that legal requirements had been met within the year in respect of buildings and Employer’s Public Liability insurance cover; safety certificates being issued to cover our gas and electrical installations; servicing of our fire extinguishers; and licences for use of copyright music and films.
- **Policies and Procedures:** Our comprehensive set of policies and procedures are reviewed annually.
- **GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):** General Data Protection is adhered to and reviewed annually. Information can be found on our website.
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## **Achievements**
## **National Lottery Heritage Fund**
- **January** Funded by the NLHF, a professional photographer was engaged to photograph interesting areas of the church, including all the mediaeval brasses.
- Protective conservation of the Roman Coffin took place, a new acrylic mount was made to support the coffin lid and the base of the coffin was wrapped in plastic to create a barrier between the lead coffin and its wooden cabinet. A decision is to be made on how the coffin will be displayed.
- **April** A William Morris Day was held to celebrate the Arts & Crafts influence at the church. As part of this event, Wandle Industrial Museum Volunteers led a William Morris print workshop and John Hawks of the Merton Priory Trust gave a talk on William Morris and the Merton Abbey Works.
- **May** Following the Creative Writing workshops that had taken place in 2022, with the help and support of Sutton Writers we published _'A Church in the Park'_ – an anthology of writings and poems based on St Mary’s, its history and Carew family connections. We were joined by the Mayor of Sutton for a well-attended book launch. The book is available to buy in church.
- **July** Throughout 2022 a lot of research had taken place highlighting the historical connection between St Mary’s and the Royal Female Orphan Asylum at Carew Manor from1866 to 1939. It had resulted in an exhibition at Honeywood Museum and then Sutton Central Library which received a lot of positive feedback, the exhibition and supporting digital outputs engaging over 5,000 people. The culmination of this project was the installation of the Royal Female Orphanage Interpretation panel in the extension churchyard adjacent to the much-worn memorial stone listing the girls who died whilst at the orphanage. The new panel gives the history of the orphanage and the names of those listed on the original stone
With the completion of these 2023 activities, the two-year contract of our Activity Fund Coordinator concluded and we said goodbye to Philippa Messiano in June 2023. We thank Philippa for having worked so enthusiastically on all the project activities, covering the areas of public engagement we had established.
When the final NLHF accounts were drawn up, an underspend of £22,900 was found. We were delighted when agreement was reached with the NLHF for this amount to be reallocated to cover the cost of employing a Coffee Shop manager, starting in January 2024.
The NLFH funded project has now concluded. We are grateful to Alison Hargreaves, Chris Morgan and Judy Page who from 2019 made up the working party that achieved the lottery funding and saw the project through to its completion.
## **The Next Stage**
We are obliged to continue community engagement activities over the next few years and report these back to the NLHF. The planning for this will take on a wider development group involving churchwardens, deputy churchwardens, the Director of Music, the organist and members of the activity groups in church.
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## **Worship and Services**
Twenty-twenty three saw St Mary’s return to a steady pattern of worship after the long tail of disruption caused the pandemic, though some areas of our liturgical life have not been restarted.
Enhanced by our team of musicians and choristers, servers, sidespeople, readers and intercessors the main focus of our regular worship continued to be the Sunday 9:30 Sung Eucharist, the best attended of our regular services. Choral Evensong was sung weekly during school term time, a pattern now rare in parish churches, and attracted a small but dedicated congregation, as did the 8am Said Mass and the midweek Wednesday eucharist. In the second half of the year numbers attending all services grew moderately but observably.
Parish Reader Alison completed her first full year at St Mary’s in 2023, preaching and assisting at the Parish Mass and regularly presiding and preaching at Evensong.
We were delighted to welcome again the officers and young people of the Sutton Sea Cadets who joined us for morning services on Sea Sunday and Harvest Festival, and during the Christmas season we welcomed several of our local schools to church for their yearly carol services. On the weekend of 6-7 May we joined the country in celebrating the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla through community events and liturgy.
Nine children and three adults were welcomed into Christ’s Church through the sacrament of baptism at St Mary’s in 2023, and four candidates from this church were confirmed by the Bishop of Croydon. Four couples were married here, and there were nine funerals in church and seven services for the burial of ashes in the churchyard.
## **Sunday Club**
In the past year, St. Mary's Sunday Club has continued to flourish as a vibrant hub of spiritual education and community engagement. Our dedicated team of parents and volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where children can learn about the teachings of the Bible in a fun and interactive manner. From sharing stories of courage and faith like David and the Lion's Den to crafting meaningful representations of biblical scenes, our Sunday Club curriculum has sparked curiosity among our young learners. At the annual crib service, our children showcased their talents by reenacting the nativity story, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas. Additionally, our Easter egg hunt was a joyful celebration of new life and resurrection, as children eagerly searched for eggs while reflecting on the significance of Easter.
## **Mondays @ St Mary’s**
The group continues to meet via Zoom on Monday evenings, to read and study the Bible, share and discuss ideas raised and pray for the parish and the world. Meeting via Zoom enables members of the group who travel abroad and spend time in other locations to still participate in sessions and stay connected. During Lent the group used the meditations and questions posed in Stephen Cottrell's book The Nail as a Lent Study and preparation for Easter.
## **Pastoral Care**
Pastoral care roles are taken by Alison (Reader) and Maud (SPA). Home communions are given by Father Andrew, Alison and Maud. Those on our Prayer List are prayed for during Morning Prayer and at the Wednesday morning Eucharist.
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## **Eco Church**
St Mary’s Environment Working Group continued to work through its action plan in 2023, with regular reviews of progress and reports back to the PCC.
In March 2023 St Mary’s was delighted to be awarded the Eco Church Bronze Award and proudly displays the certificate in the Centre at the West door. Further action taken to improve our ‘green’ credentials and add to our existing environment-friendly practices included:
- Installation of sensor lights in the toilets.
- Installation of cycle racks outside the West Door.
- Reviewed energy usage.
- Increased use of Fairtrade products and working towards all beverages served and sugar used being Fairtrade.
- Signage placed in church to encourage switching off of lights.
- Clearing the churchyard compost bin area of rubbish, bringing it to a more manageable level. Many thanks to a member of the congregation for his great effort.
- Encouraging appropriate use of the composter to include adding coffee granules generated by the coffee shop and Centre kitchen activities.
- Toilet twinning one of our toilets with a latrine in Zambia. This was through the generosity of a member of the congregation.
- Being allocated a specific postcode for St Mary’s - essential to progress work on waste management/collection.
- Regular ‘Eco News’ items added to the weekly pew sheet and email to keep church members updated on topics.
The Environment Working Group will continue to meet regularly in 2024 to determine how actions taken so far can become embedded. Its key aim will be to identify what further actions are required for St Mary’s to achieve Eco Church Silver award status.
## _Further information can be found in the separate_ _**Eco Church Report.**_
## **Social Activities and Fundraising**
## **The Tower Coffee Shop**
The Tower Coffee Shop has kept open consistently during 2023. It has been a challenge to engage volunteers and cover for absences, but to ensure that we ran the coffee shop with increasing numbers of customers, we employed a manager. In 2023 Joe Hargreaves managed the Coffee Shop, working two days a week and covering absences when necessary. The Coffee Shop is providing an increasing source of revenue for church funds. We have to look forward to engaging paid staff in the future which will ensure the consistency and efficiency of continuing the growth of sales and profits. We have been fortunate to have volunteers from Sutton Volunteers and the Hong Kong Chinese Community in Sutton who have been invaluable. When Joe left to start a new job, we employed managers from our volunteers to cover 4 days a week. As noted in the NLHF report, we have received £22,900 of grant monies to cover employment costs. Future discussions will take place to decide a plan of action for when this grant money is expended.
The coffee shop continues to welcome everyone in the community. We have links with local schools (Carew Academy and Sherwood Park) with the pupils learning life skills.
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## **Other Activities**
Our Sunday afternoon concerts have continued throughout 2023. The Beddington Consort (David Harvey - flute and Richard Price - piano/harpsichord) gave well received recitals in April and October. We also welcomed David Harvey again in October, this time with Peter Duncan, performing a jazz programme. These concerts were followed by a cream tea, and all concerts were well attended. Admittance was free but donations were gratefully received. A note of thanks to all performers who offer their services completely free of charge. David Harvey and Richard Price especially have given around two concerts at St Mary’s every year since 2013. David Harvey has also performed at St Mary’s with other talented musicians in jazz duos. We warmly thank these musicians for sharing their talents so generously.
In September 2023, Pam organised a Vivaldi come and sing event _‘Happy and Glorious’_ with choir, orchestra and organ. This was a great success, involving many visitors joining the choir for rehearsals and then on the day of the concert. The church was filled with an appreciative audience!
The Frost Fair took place in November. We had a good array of stalls throughout the church and church centre, run by church members and also by external stall holders. Many came along to enjoy this event and stock up on some early Christmas presents. This year, a small organising committee was formed which was a great help and brought new energy to this annual event.
All of these events raise much needed funds for the church and would not be possible without the few volunteers who give their time and effort to make sure these events go ahead and run smoothly. Please see Lizzie Atkins or Pam Akhurst if you could offer your help at similar events in future.
## **Men's Group**
The Men's Group continued with their twice monthly meetings for breakfasts and evening meals. They were sorry to learn of the death of Gerrie England who had been staunch members since the group was set up.
Anyone wishing to join the group should speak with Ian Atkins.
## **Performance**
## **Attendance**
We welcomed 131 worshippers on Easter Sunday and 200 on Christmas Eve/Day 2023. During the season of Advent, we greeted 460 worshippers and just under 800 attendees for school carol services.
## **Electoral Roll**
There were 99 people on the Electoral Roll, 53 of whom were not resident in the parish.
## **Deanery Synod**
St Mary’s can elect three lay members to sit on the Deanery Synod. Representation on the synod provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. The Deanery Synod meetings are the formal gatherings which focus on the mission and ministry in our area (the London Borough of Sutton) and are times when through presentations, discussion and debate the parishes can share information, work together and support each other in issues that matter to the worshipping community. The Diocese has encouraged the development of deanery leadership teams, to provide more
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opportunities for local lay leaders to work in partnership with each other and with clergy to develop local initiatives for their communities and support the Diocesan growth objectives. In 2023 there were two Deanery Synod meetings both held at the Church of the Good Shepherd Carshalton Beeches. The first one in March was primarily to introduce the newly installed Bishop of Croydon The Rt Rev'd Rosemary Mallet to Synod members. The second meeting was of the newly elected Deanery Synod, where elections happened for the posts of Lay Chair, Secretary and treasurer. Other topics included The St Mary's Almshouses and Reigate Archdeaconry Social Justice Forum.
_Full details of these meetings can be found in the separate_ _**Deanery Synod Report** ._
## **Music and Choirs**
During 2023 St. Mary’s choir continued to enrich the worship at St. Mary’s, performing each Sunday morning and evening during term times and presenting music from a wide range of composers and styles throughout the year. The Epiphany, Advent and Christmas carol services demanded extra work in order to get all the music ready in time but, as usual, the choir members rose to the challenge and presented music of a very high standard.
In addition to these Sunday services the choir also sang at a number of funerals and weddings. Jeff Beck’s funeral in February gave some choir members the opportunity to (literally) rub shoulders with some of the Big Names from the world of rock and pop music.
The coronation of King Charles III in May provided inspiration for a Come and Sing event in September entitled _“Happy and Glorious”_ . A programme of joyful anthems, accompanied by our very skilled and much valued organist, David Moore, preceded a performance of the Vivaldi “Gloria” in the second half, accompanied by a small orchestra and sung by a choir of almost 50 singers, including some from other churches and choral societies. They made a tremendous sound and were well supported by a large, enthusiastic audience.
We were pleased to welcome some organ scholars to our St. Mary’s family during the year. Mark and Freddie are being tutored by David and are gradually beginning to take a more active part in our services as their skill and confidence grows.
Heartfelt thanks are due to David and all the members of the choir who give their time and energy to produce music of such a high standard throughout the year and to Andrew for his support which is much appreciated.
## **Tower Bellringers**
2023 was a year of continuing to rebuild the bell ringing band. Two new recruits were gained but two who joined last year decided that due to changing working conditions they could no longer continue.
Learning to handle and ring bells is a lifelong learning experience, which some find easy and others not so. This has continued to be the experience of the Beddington band during 2023.
Highlights of the year included running the Water into Wine stall at the Frost Fair; with the help of friends from the Surrey Association an attempted Quarter Peal in memory of the late Heather Cosgrove, St Mary's SPA, whose daughters were both St Mary's bell ringers; and ringing for two separate weddings, both for people involved or connected with St Mary's regular worship. The bellringers look forward to ringing for more weddings in 2024.
At the time of writing there are eight ringers to ring ten bells. Recruitment and teaching continue to be the bands main focus and we look forward to welcoming more potential ringers in 2024.
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## **Outreach and Communications**
## **St Mary's Helping Hands WhatsApp Group**
This group has continued to be a link to a wide number of people, both members of the congregation and the wider community. Its use has varied, offering a useful communication stream between those who use it. The site is monitored to ensure a safe environment (only people over 18 are invited to join).
## **St Mary's Quiz Sessions**
A fortnightly quiz night on Zoom which was set up during 2020 has continued through 2023. Everyone is invited to join and the group benefits from keeping in touch and keeping up morale. All are invited to take part both from the congregation and from the wider community. The sessions are light-hearted and popular with lots of fun, encouraging our well-being. To join contact Alison Hargreaves on 07910 814447.
## **St Mary's Book Club**
The Book Club has been very busy during 2023. It meets weekly on a Tuesday evening on Zoom. Members continue to take turns in choosing books from different genres, alternating between books concerning aspects of faith and books that have themes of inclusion and diversity. During 2023 the group read 11 books. These are displayed in the Coffee Shop area of the church for people to borrow. This is open to everyone and is an inclusive group. There is no pressure to join in discussions if people simply want to read and listen to the thoughts of others. Good fun.
## **Knit and Natter**
Set up in September 2023, the group is an inclusive one and meets on the last Monday of the month from 10am to 12noon in the church centre. You do not have to be an experienced knitter to attend (in fact, bring along some sewing or crochet if you like). It is a social gathering which enables those attending to meet, have a coffee/tea/biscuit and chat once a month. Just come along and join the group
## **Quiet @St Mary’s**
This service to the community continued to provide opportunities on the third Thursday of the month for people to experience the peace and beauty of St Mary's and to partake in various quiet activities located around the church including walking the St Mary's canvas Labyrinth in the Centre. Classes from Carew Academy and classes of wheelchair user students, their teachers and carers from Sherwood Park School continue to be welcomed. All seemed to enjoy their time engaging with the various activities and enjoying the services of the Tower Coffee Shop. The Quiet @ St Mary's team look forward to introducing more visitors to the Labyrinth and other Quiet activities in 2024.
## **Toddlers @ St Mary’s**
Toddlers @ St Mary's has thrived during 2023. It has been most successful and is well attended by parents and toddlers. It is run by three volunteers and Father Andrew plays his guitar during a singing session. A story is read, rhymes are sung and complimentary refreshments provided for adults and children. More volunteers are always welcome. Contributions are made and the money used for the refreshments and updating the equipment. Contact either Alison Hargreaves (07910 814447) or Judy Page (07947 735372)
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## **Schools**
Links with the local schools have been maintained – Carew Academy, Sherwood Park, Beddington Infants, Beddington Primary School, Wallington County Grammar School and The Link. Christmas services took place during the last week of term in 2023. There was also an Easter Service for Sherwood Park School. Children from Sherwood Park School visit during the week and some classes have used the labyrinth whilst others have learnt some life skills while visiting during the Coffee Shop. A closer link with Sherwood Park School is planned for 2024, with regular visits to the school.
## **Social Media**
Our website www.stmarysbeddington.org.uk , St Mary's Facebook. The Tower Coffee Shop Facebook and Toddlers @ St Mary's pages were regularly updated with services, events and other relevant information. These are all valuable links in engaging with the wider community. The updated website, which is more user friendly, is ready to start up in 2024. This work is being done inhouse so will be cost free. A Twitter account is also set up.
## **Mission and Charitable Giving**
A regular annual donation of £1,100 was made to the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and £100 to the Surrey Association of Bellringers. We are a Fair Trade church.
## **Ecumenical relationships**
The church is a member of Churches Together in Beddington and Wallington (CTBW).
## **Thanks**
As with most other churches, St Mary’s would cease to be the place it is if not for the tireless effort of all our volunteers - flower arrangers, sidespeople, servers, coffee and tea makers, helpers in children’s ministry and at diversity events, church cleaners, and volunteers running The Tower Coffee Shop. It is not possible to name you all, but be assured no matter what is offered, every bit of help is received with our most grateful thanks.
## **Fabric/Churchwardens’ Report**
The Archdeacon's annual visitation took place on 20 April, 2023 with the Area Dean, Revd. Kevin Lewis attending. The Articles of Enquiry were submitted. All went well.
The end of year accounts show the cost of regular repairs and maintenance to the fabric and contents of the building, together with the upkeep of the churchyards, was £17,373 (2022 £12,402). In addition to this, running costs covering insurance, electricity, gas and water amounted to £24,927 (2022 £14,910).
The Quinquennial Inspection took place on 6 July, 2023. The major works on the West Tower which were highlighted in our previous Quinquennial Report having now been completed, the fabric of the building is generally in good condition considering its the age. The churchwardens have read the report, prioritised work to be done and action to be taken on major works highlighted. Minor works have been carried.
_Further details of works carried out during the year can be found in the separate_ _**Churchwardens’ Report.**_
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## **Financial review**
## **Reserves Policy**
The PCC’s reserves policy, in accordance with diocesan guidelines, is to maintain a balance on free reserves of three months running costs plus an additional one month’s salary costs to cover unforeseen emergencies and smooth out fluctuations in cash flow. The Designated Funds for Building Maintenance and Organ Repairs hold reserves at £9,119 and £16,153 respectively. The replenishment of the Building Fund began in 2023 with the PCC’s agreement to an initial transfer of £5,000 from the current account, followed by monthly transfers of £250. These Designated Funds are considered both prudent and essential. The cost of routine and modest building maintenance is met from our available unrestricted funds, but we are mindful that with a building of the age and importance of St Mary’s, the likelihood of exceptional and extensive repair is ever present and forward planning is needed.
It is our policy to invest the short-term investment fund balances with the CCLA Church of England Deposit Fund.
The PCC is responsible for all parish finance, its management and control, and a treasurer is usually appointed to manage this area. In the continuing lack of a treasurer, the regime initiated in 2022 of having a Finance Committee monitoring the financial position ran well and continues in place.
In preparing the financial statements the PCC, through the Finance Committee, is required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
- Follow applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
- Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the Charity will not remain in operation.
Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £145,062 of which £40,106 was unrestricted planned voluntary donations.
## **Finance Committee Report**
## **Year ending 31 December 2023**
The Financial Statements have been approved by Robert Cunningham our Independent Examiner. The following is brief summary of the accounts:-
**Total funds** at year end 2023 amounted to £104,108 of which £25,280 were in restricted funds. (Year end 2022 were £107,070 of which £2,788 was restricted).
**Total income,** compared to 2022, fell by £115,013 to £145,163, but this drop reflects in part the reduction of NLHF grant reimbursements entering our accounts prior to the near completion of structural works and the community engagement programme. A better comparison would perhaps be the total income at the year-end 2021 which was £143,843.
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**Total expenditure** . Although this shows a fall of £60,517 to £148,126 (2022 £208,643), this was largely due to a reduction in NHLF costs. However, this was offset by other increases in expenditure. In common with the rest of the UK, the church was significantly affected by the increase in fuel costs which rose from £6,340 in 2022 to £15,372 in 2023. Measures were put in place to reduce our power consumption as much as possible.
It is a matter of concern that our regular stewardship giving, by standing order and stewardship/Gift Aid envelopes, has shown a drop of 10% over the past 3 years, with the rate of inflation further eroding the value of the donations received. Stewardship is our major source of income on which St Mary’s is heavily dependent. Of course, in these times of continuing economic hardship, we appreciate the challenges faced in maintaining the current level of giving, and increasing giving is bound to be even more difficult. We’d like to thank everyone who contributes to the upkeep of St Mary’s, whether that be in stewardship or time.
## **Notes on other income**
An anonymous gift of £5,000 was received.
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid was £8,704, but this only covers the six months from January to June inc.
**Church hall lettings** increased from £1,328 in 2022 to £5,320 in 2023.
**The Tower Coffee Shop** income rose to £22,853 in 2023, up from £16,194 in 2022, but the associated running costs rose to £15,887 from £5,886 in 2022 thus reducing the overall profit from £10,278 in 2022 to £6,966 in 2023. The profit level was impacted by payment of a coffee shop manager, but as previously mentioned staffing costs starting in 2024 will be covered by a NLHF grant of £22,900.
Signed ……………………………………… Date ……………………………. The Reverend Andrew Fenby Rector and PCC Chair on behalf of the Parochial Church Council
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**St Mary the Virgin, Beddington End of Year Financial Statements Year ending 31 December 2023**
**Introduction**
## **Accounting Policies**
The principal accounting policies are summarized below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.
## **Basis of Accounting**
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis together with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
## **Fund Accounting**
_Unrestricted funds_ are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
_Designated funds_ are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.
_Restricted funds_ are subject to restrictions on their expenditure by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
## **Incoming Resources**
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
## **Resources Expended**
Expenditure is accounted for on a Receipts and Payments basis as a liability is incurred. Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. All costs are allocated on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
## **Fixed Assets**
Consecrated property which is the church building and moveable church furnishings are excluded from the accounts by virtue of s.1 Charities Act 20 II.
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## **Statement of Financial Activities**
|**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total**|_Total_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|_2022_|
|**Income and endowments from:**|||||||
|Donations and legacies|102,939|
0|0|0|**102,939**|_230,118_|
|Income from charitable activities|14,830|
0|0|0|**14,830**|_11,033_|
|Other trading activities|26,532|
0|0|0|**26,532**|_18,742_|
|Investments (interest on deposit accounts)|37|
724|101|0|**862**|_282_|
|Other income|0|
0|0|0|**0**|_0_|
|**Total income**|**144,338**|
**724**|**101**|**0**|**145,163**|_260,176_|
|**Expenditure on:**|||||||
|Raising funds|16,244|
0|0|0|**16,244**|_6,045_|
|Expenditure on charitable activities|131,882|
0|0|0|**131,882**|_202,598_|
|**Total expenditure**|**148,126**|
**0**|**0**|**0**|**148,126**|_208,643_|
|Gains / losses on investment assets|0|
0|0|0|**0**|_0_|
|**Net income / (expenditure) resources**|**(3,788)**|
**724**|**101**|**0**|**(2,962)**|_51,533_|
|**before transfer**|||||||
|**Transfers**|||||||
|Gross transfers between funds - in|20,860|
7,750|22,900|0|**51,510**|_0_|
|Gross transfers between funds - out|(50,650)|
0|(860)|0|**(51,510)**|_0_|
|**Other recognised gains / losses**|||||||
|Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,|0|
0|0|0|**0**|_0_|
|charity's own use|||||||
|**Net movement in funds**|**(33,378)**|
**8,474**|**22,141**|**0**|**(2,962)**|_51,533_|
|**Total funds brought forward**|**85,054**|
**18,879**|**3,139**|**0**|**107,070**|_55,720_|
|**Total funds carried forward**|**51,476**|
**27,353**|**25,280**|**0**|**104,108**|_107,253_|
|**Represented by:**|||||||
|**Unrestricted**|||||||
|General funds current a/c Santander|29,402|
0|0|0|**29,402**|_83,131_|
|General funds deposit a/c CBF3|22,074||||**22,074**||
|**Designated**|||||||
|CBF4 Organ Fund|0|
16,153|0|0|**16,153**|_15,652_|
|CBF5 Building Fund|0|
9,119|0|0|**9,119**|_1,147_|
|Choir Fund Account|0|
2,081|0|0|**2,081**|_2,680_|
|CBF1j Curate Accommodation|0|
0|0|0|**0**|_351_|
|Flower Fund Account|0|
0|0|0|**0**|_45_|
|**Restricted**|||||||
|CBF1k Coffee shop manager|0|
0|22,900|0|**22,900**|_0_|
|CBF1 Rector's Discretionary Fund|0|
0|1,242|0|**1,242**|_1,701_|
|CBF1a Restricted Capital Fund|0|
0|1,138|0|**1,138**|_1,087_|
|**Total**|**51,476**|
**27,353**|**25,280**|**0**|**104,109**||
_Page | 3_
## **Balance Sheet**
|||**2023**
_2022_
**29,401**
_83,131_
**22,074**
_1,177_
**25,280**
_3,140_
**16,153**
_15,660_
**9,119**
_1,147_
**0**
_0_
**2,081**
_2,680_
**0**
_45_|
|---|---|---|
|**Current assets**
Bank current account - Santander
CCLA (CBF 3) deposit acc General
CCLA (CBF 1) deposit account
CCLA (CBF 4) Organ Fund
CCLA (CBF 5) Building Fund
Flower Fund Account
Choir Fund Account
Cash in hand
**Total Current assets**
**Liabilities**
Agency collections
**Total Liabilities**
**Net Asset surplus(deficit)**
**Reserves**
Excess / (deficit) to date
Starting balances
**Total Reserves**
**Represented by funds**
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
**Total**|||
|||**104,108**
_107,722_
0
_216_|
|||**0**
_216_|
|||**104,108**
_107,506_|
|||**(2,962)**
_51,533_
**107,070**
_55,720_|
|||**104,108**
_107,253_
**51,475**
_83,131_
**27,353**
_21,334_
**25,280**
_2,789_
**0**
_0_|
|||**104,108**
_107,253_|
## **Statement of assets and liabilities**
|**General Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_|**General Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_|
|---|---|
|**Cash at bank and in hand**
Bank current account - Santander
CCLA (CBF 3) deposit account - General
CCLA (CBF 1) deposit account - Restricted
CCLA (CBF 4) deposit account - Organ Fund
CCLA (CBF 5) deposit account - Building Fund
Choir Account
Cash in hand
**Totals**
**Liabilities - Agency accounts**
Agency collections -
**Totals**
**Grand total**|29,401
0
0
**29,401**
_83,131_
22,074
0
0
**22,074**
_1,177_
0
0
25,280
**25,280**
_3,140_
0
16,153
0
**16,153**
_15,651_
0
9,119
0
**9,119**
_1,147_
0
2,081
0
**2,081**
_2,680_
0
0
0
**0**
_45_|
||**51,475**
**27,353**
**25,280**
**104,108**
_107,714_
0
0
0
**0**
_216_|
||**0**
**0**
**0**
**0**
_216_|
||**51,475**
**27,353**
**25,280**
**104,108**
_107,498_|
_Page | 4_
## **Fund movement by type**
|**CBF3 - General Funds deposit**
Unrestricted
**Sub-total for CBF3**
**General - General fund**
Unrestricted
**Sub-total for General**
**CBF1 - Rector's Disc Fund**
Restricted
**Sub-total for CBF1**
**CBF1a - Restricted Capital Fund**
Restricted
**Sub-total for CBF1a**
**CBF1j - Curate Accommodation**
Designated
**Sub-total for CBF1j**
**CBF1k – Coffee shop manager**
Restricted
**Sub-total for CBF1k**
**CBF4 – Organ Fund**
Designated
**Sub-total for CBF4**
**CBF5 - Building Fund**
Designated
**Sub-total for CBF5**
**Choir - Choir Fund Acc**
Designated
**Sub-total for Choir**
**Flower - Flower Fund Acc**
Designated
**Sub-total for Flower**
**Grand total**|**Opening**
**2023**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing Transfers Closing**
**2023**
1,177
37
0
20,860
22,074|
|---|---|
||**1,177**
**37**
**0**
**20,860**
**22,074**
83,876
144,301
148,126
(50,650)
29,401|
||**83,876**
**144,301**
**148,126**
**(50,650)**
**29,401**
1,701
50
0
(509)
1,242|
||**1,701**
**50**
**0**
**(509)**
**1,242**
1,087
51
0
0
1,138|
||**1,087**
**51**
**0**
**0**
**1,138**
351
0
0
(351)
0|
||**351**
**0**
**0**
**(351)**
**0**
0
0
0
22,900
22,900|
||**0**
**0**
**0**
**22,900**
**22,900**
15,652
501
0
0
16,153|
||15,652
501
**0**
**0**
**16153**
1,147
222
0
7,750
9,119|
||**1,147**
**222**
**0**
**7,750**
**9,119**
2,680
0
599
0
2,081|
||**2,680**
**0**
**599**
**0**
**2,081**
0
0
0
0
0|
||**0**
**0**
**0**
**0**
**0**|
||**107,670**
**145,162**
**148,725**
**0**
**104,108**|
_Page | 5_
## **Analysis of income and expenditure**
## **INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|
|---|---|---|
|**Total**_Total_
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_
**Donations and legacies**
Donations by standing order
36,152
0
0
**36,152**
_37,052_
Gift Aid - Envelopes
1,049
0
0
**1,049**
_771_
Stewardship Envelopes with Gift Aid
1,721
0
0
**1,721**
_2,519_
Stewardship Envelopes no Gift Aid
1,184
0
0
**1,184**
_1,725_
Other planned giving
0
0
0
**0**
_235_
Loose plate collections
5,658
0
0
**5,658**
_3,531_
Other giving
80
0
0
**80**
_75_
One-off Gift Aided gifts
5,657
0
0
**5,657**
_399_
One Off Gifts with no Gift Aid
2,536
0
0
**2,536**
_15,820_
Donations Lent
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
8,704
0
0
**8,704**
_12,832_
Legacies
500
0
0
**500**
_1,000_
Recurring grants
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Non-recurring one-off grants
2,694
0
0
**2,694**
_31,076_
National Lottery Grant
37,004
0
0
**37,004**
_120,730_
Other funds generated
0
0
0
**0**
_2,354_
**Total**
**102,939**
**0**
**0**
**102,939**
_230,118_
**Income from charitable activities**
Church Activities – sale of books etc
123
0
0
**123**
_0_
Fees for weddings and funerals
9,387
0
0
**9,387**
_9,706_
Church hall lettings
5,320
0
0
**5,320**
_1,328_
Total
14,830
0
0
**14,830**
_11,033_
**Other trading activities**
Tower Café
22,853
0
0
**22,853**
_16,194_
Fundraising Events - Frost Fair etc
3,680
0
0
**3,680**
_2,548_
Total
26,532
0
0
**26,532**
_18,742_
**Investments**
Bank and building society interest
37
724
101
**862**
_282_
Total
37
724
101
**862**
_282_
**INCOME TOTAL**
144,338
724
101
**145,163**
_260,176_|||
|||**102,939**
**0**
**0**
**102,939**
_230,118_
123
0
0
**123**
_0_
9,387
0
0
**9,387**
_9,706_
5,320
0
0
**5,320**
_1,328_
14,830
0
0
**14,830**
_11,033_
22,853
0
0
**22,853**
_16,194_
3,680
0
0
**3,680**
_2,548_
26,532
0
0
**26,532**
_18,742_
37
724
101
**862**
_282_
37
724
101
**862**
_282_
144,338
724
101
**145,163**
_260,176_|
||||
||||
|**INCOME TOTAL**|||
_Page | 6_
## **EXPENDITURE**
|**Total** _Total_
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_
**Raising funds**
Costs of Frost Fair/concerts, etc
358
0
0
**358**
_159_
Cafe Costs
15,887
0
0
**15,887**
_5,886_
Total
16,244
0
0
**16,244**
_6,045_
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
Planned Giving to charities
1,200
0
0
**1,200**
_1,200_
Rector's Discretionary Fund
500
0
0
**500**
_0_
Children's ministry
238
0
0
**238**
_219_
Diversity
39
0
0
**39**
_0_
Secular charities – MacMillan
706
0
0
**706**
_0_
Church Activities
852
0
0
**852**
_1,833_
Parish Support Fund
41,000
0
0
**41,000**
_41,000_
Choir
720
0
0
**720**
_1,459_
Flowers
371
0
0
**371**
_1,196_
Readers
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Organist salary and cover
10,861
0
0
**10,861**
_10,097_
Working expenses of incumbent
309
0
0
**309**
_43_
Rector's telephone
707
0
0
**707**
_553_
Southwark Statutory Fees
2,532
0
0
**2,532**
_2,292_
Education & books
0
0
0
**0**
_36_
Parish training and mission
0
0
0
**0**
_452_
Church running - insurance
8,956
0
0
**8,956**
_8,396_
Church running - Sundries
2,915
0
0
**2,915**
_902_
Office supplies, photocopier
1,005
0
0
**1,005**
_698_
Organ / piano tuning and maintenance
3,048
0
0
**3,048**
_1,677_
Church maintenance
14,933
0
0
**14,933**
_7,972_
Cleaning/products
165
0
0
**165**
_660_
Altar expenses
916
0
0
**916**
_620_
Churchyard upkeep
2,440
0
0
**2,440**
_4,430_
Licensed lay ministry deputy clergy
87
0
0
**87**
_41_
Church running - electric/gas
15,372
0
0
**15,372**
_6,340_
Church running - water
599
0
0
**599**
_174_
Sundries
870
0
0
**870**
_864_
Hall running - maintenance
0
0
0
**0**
_70_
Governance costs examination/audit fee
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Professional Fees – architects, etc
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Professional Fees - NHLF Work
16,879
0
0
**16,879**
_109,373_
Church major repairs - structure
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church major repairs - installation
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church interior and exterior decorating
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church Repair/Restoration NHLF
3,664
0
0
**3,664**
_0_
Total
131,882
0
0
**131,882**
_202,598_|**Total** _Total_
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_
**Raising funds**
Costs of Frost Fair/concerts, etc
358
0
0
**358**
_159_
Cafe Costs
15,887
0
0
**15,887**
_5,886_
Total
16,244
0
0
**16,244**
_6,045_
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
Planned Giving to charities
1,200
0
0
**1,200**
_1,200_
Rector's Discretionary Fund
500
0
0
**500**
_0_
Children's ministry
238
0
0
**238**
_219_
Diversity
39
0
0
**39**
_0_
Secular charities – MacMillan
706
0
0
**706**
_0_
Church Activities
852
0
0
**852**
_1,833_
Parish Support Fund
41,000
0
0
**41,000**
_41,000_
Choir
720
0
0
**720**
_1,459_
Flowers
371
0
0
**371**
_1,196_
Readers
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Organist salary and cover
10,861
0
0
**10,861**
_10,097_
Working expenses of incumbent
309
0
0
**309**
_43_
Rector's telephone
707
0
0
**707**
_553_
Southwark Statutory Fees
2,532
0
0
**2,532**
_2,292_
Education & books
0
0
0
**0**
_36_
Parish training and mission
0
0
0
**0**
_452_
Church running - insurance
8,956
0
0
**8,956**
_8,396_
Church running - Sundries
2,915
0
0
**2,915**
_902_
Office supplies, photocopier
1,005
0
0
**1,005**
_698_
Organ / piano tuning and maintenance
3,048
0
0
**3,048**
_1,677_
Church maintenance
14,933
0
0
**14,933**
_7,972_
Cleaning/products
165
0
0
**165**
_660_
Altar expenses
916
0
0
**916**
_620_
Churchyard upkeep
2,440
0
0
**2,440**
_4,430_
Licensed lay ministry deputy clergy
87
0
0
**87**
_41_
Church running - electric/gas
15,372
0
0
**15,372**
_6,340_
Church running - water
599
0
0
**599**
_174_
Sundries
870
0
0
**870**
_864_
Hall running - maintenance
0
0
0
**0**
_70_
Governance costs examination/audit fee
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Professional Fees – architects, etc
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Professional Fees - NHLF Work
16,879
0
0
**16,879**
_109,373_
Church major repairs - structure
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church major repairs - installation
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church interior and exterior decorating
0
0
0
**0**
_0_
Church Repair/Restoration NHLF
3,664
0
0
**3,664**
_0_
Total
131,882
0
0
**131,882**
_202,598_|**Total** _Total_
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023**_2022_
358
0
0
**358**
_159_
15,887
0
0
**15,887**
_5,886_|
|---|---|---|
||131,882
0
0
**131,882**
_202,598_||
||||
|**EXPENDITURE TOTAL**|148,126
0
0
**148,126**
_208,643_||
||||
|**GRAND TOTAL**|(3,788)
724
101
**(2,962)**
_51,533_||
_Page | 7_
## **Notes:**
## Page 5 **Transfer of funds:**
The PCC agreed that the designated Building Fund should start to be restored to its prestructural repair level by an initial transfer of £5,000 from the current account, followed by monthly transfers of £250.00.
With healthier levels of interest being paid, we transferred £20,000 from our non-interestbearing Santander current account to our CCLA unrestricted deposit account.
## Page 6 **Income:**
The bottom line of Total Income at £144,302 shows a rather dramatic decrease over the 2022 figure of £260,176, but this reduction reflects the drop in National Lottery Heritage Fund grant monies made to us in 2023 (from £120,729 to £37,004), as the structural and community engagement work they were funding had been almost completed.
Of the final £37,004 reimbursed by the NLHF in 2023, we have been very fortunate in that they agreed an underspend of £22,900 from the original grant monies could be reallocated to fund the employment of a Tower Café manager in 2024. The £22,900 has been transferred to our CCLA restricted account CBF1 and can only be used to cover payments made to the manager(s).
It is encouraging to see that setting aside the NLHF monies which have coloured our accounts somewhat over the past couple of years, what can be termed our ‘regular’ income has increased from £91,552 in 2022 to £101,568 in 2023. Looking through the list of income:
- **hall lettings** income has increased to near pre-Covid levels;
- **loose plate collections** – which include our contactless card payments – have risen;
- **fund raising** events are up.
- **Tower Café** income showed a healthy rise, although its net profit was reduced due to staff payments. We can expect a substantial profit at the end of 2024 when staff payments will be covered by the NLHF grant monies.
- A generous anonymous **donation** of £5,000 also helped that bottom line!
## Page 7 **Expenditure:**
Unfortunately, just as our income has increased, so has our expenditure - from £99,270 in 2022 to £131,250 in 2023. Major increases include:
- **Energy costs** : Up from £6,340 to £15,372
- **Church maintenance** : Up from £7,972 to £14,933, but this includes the new sound system (£5,752.57) the cost of which was covered by the £5,000 gift mentioned above once Gift Aid was claimed on the donation.
- **Café costs:** Up from £5,886 to £15,887 to cover paid staffing. This meant the net profit was down from £10,278 to £6,966. Still a valuable source of income, plus the immeasurable value of the church being open 5 days a week.
_Please note that occasional small differences of £1 or so may occur from time to time in the accounts. This is to do with rounding errors and does not materially affect the accounts._
_Page | 8_
##
##
##
##
##