## **St Mary and All Saints,**
## **The Parish Church of Bingham**
**Registered Charity Number – 1131217**
## **Annual Report**
## **Of the**
## **Parochial Church Council**
**For the year ended 31 December**
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2024
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## **PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, BINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024**
## **BACKGROUND**
St Mary and All Saints’ PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector to promote in the ecclesiastical parish of Bingham, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The aims are stated as: to worship God, to serve the community, to show God’s love to everyone, to care for those in need and to introduce people, young and old, to our Lord Jesus Christ.
The PCC is also responsible for Old Church House.
## **MEMBERSHIP**
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), have been co-opted or have filled a vacancy during the year in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
|**Incumbent:**|Revd Jon Wright (untl 30.04.25)|
|---|---|
|**Church Army:**|Capt. Alan Cooper CA MBE|
|**Wardens:**|Mr John Woodman|
||Mrs Wendy Forbes-Buckingham|
|**Hon PCC Secretary:**|Mrs Wonnie Wong|
|**Treasury Team:**|Mrs S Price, Mr John Woodman, Mrs Vivien Dyer|
|**Representatves on the**||
|**Diocesan Synod:**|Mrs Kate Gent, Mrs Vivien Dyer|
|**Representatves on the**||
|**Deanery Synod:**|Mrs Vivien Dyer|
|**Elected Members:**|Mrs Lesley Black
(untl 2025)|
||Mrs Mieneke Hedges (untl 2025)|
||Ms Natalie Lister|
||Mr Andy Moxon (Vice Chair)|
||Mrs Jo Radford|
||Mrs Chrissy Sanderson|
# **CHURCH OF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, BINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024**
## **Committees**
The PCC operates with the help of two committees or groups which meet between full meetings of the PCC:
## **Standing Committee**
This is the only committee required by law. It has powers to transact the business of the PC between meetings subject to any direction given by the PCC.
## **Old Church House Management Group**
This committee considers the financial situation and the maintenance of Old Church House.
## **Church Attendance**
Following a revision of the Church electoral roll for the 2025 APCM there were 66 parishioners on the roll.
The average weekly adult attendance counted during October 2024 was 73 (Covid 19 restrictions in place). On Easter Day 2024 there were 91 attendees; on Christmas Day 2024there were 54 attendees.
There were 0 baptisms, 3 weddings and there were 18 Bingham parish funerals.
# **CHURCH OF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, BINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024**
St Mary and All Saints’ Church is in a Covenant for Unity with other churches in Bingham, namely the Methodist Church and the Bingham Congregation of St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Radcliffe-on-Trent.
**On behalf of St Mary and All Saints’ Parochial Church Council**
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
**Mr Andy Moxon Vice Chair (In Rector’s absence on sick leave)**
**Date: 18 May 2025**
## **ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS THE PARISH CHURCH OF BINGHAM**
**Registered Charity Number – 1131217**
## **ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS**
## **– 12.00 Sunday 18 May 2025**
1. OPENING PRAYERS
2. Apologies for Absence
## **ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS**
## **Agenda**
1. To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 April 2024
2. The election of Church Wardens
## **THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
## **Agenda**
1. To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 April 2024 (attached)
2. Revised Electoral Roll
3. Report in lieu of Rector’s Report (attached)
4. Church Wardens Report
5. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of the examined accounts for 2020 (attached) 6. Deanery Synod Report (attached )
7. OCH Report
8. The election of church members to the Parochial Church Council (one re-election sought)
9. The appointment of Sidesmen for the coming year
10. The appointment of an independent examiner
11. Other matters of parochial or general interest
12. CLOSING PRAYER
**SAINT MARY AND ALL SAINTS, THE PARISH CHURCH OF BINGHAM**
## **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS & THE ANNUAL**
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
# **HELD IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY 28[TH] APRIL 2024**
**PRESENT:** Revd Jon Wright (Chair), 2 Churchwardens, 21 parishioners.
**APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:** Anne, Ben & Helen Barrow, Joy Holbrook, Don and Shelby Jordan.
The meeting opened in prayer at 12.05.
The Rector then introduced and welcomed our new Treasurer, Sue Price, to the meeting.
## **ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS**
## **1. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES HELD ON 16[TH] APRIL, 2023**
The minutes had been previously circulated and were agreed to be a true record. **Proposed: Maria Wright. Seconded: Kate Gent. All in favour.**
## **2. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS**
Two nominations received:
John Woodman, nominated by John Miller, seconded by Lesley Black.
Wendy Forbes-Buckingham, nominated by J. Litchfield, seconded by Mary Russell.
In the absence of any other nominations it was proposed that **John Woodman and Wendy**
**Forbes-Buckingham be declared Churchwardens for the year 2024/2025. All in favour.**
## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
## **1. MINUTES OF THE 2023 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
The minutes had been previously circulated and were agreed to be a true record. **Proposed: Maria Wright. Seconded: Kate Gent. All in favour.**
## **2. REVISED ELECTORAL ROLL**
The current electoral roll stands at a total of 73.
## **3. TREASURER’S REPORT AND ADOPTION OF THE EXAMINED ACCOUNTS FOR 2023**
The report and accounts had been previously circulated. The Treasurer addressed the meeting, pointing out that Old Church House keeps the church afloat and expressed thanks to Linda Walden for managing lettings, invoices etc. The treasurer also pointed out that the coming year looks challenging, due to increased fuel charges etc.
The accounts have been submitted and approved by independent examination.
There were no questions regarding the finance report.
The Rector expressed his thanks to Sue Price for taking over as Treasurer.
## **The adoption of the examined accounts for 2023 was proposed by Sue Price and seconded by Wendy Forbes-Buckingham. All in favour.**
## **4. RECTOR’S REPORT (attached)**
The report had been previously circulated and there were no questions raised. The Rector re-iterated his thanks to everyone who helps out in whatever capacity they serve, not least the churchwardens Wendy Forbes-Buckingham and John Woodman. He mentioned his sabbatical and the emerging teams that arose from his time away to think and pray about the future of the church. We have seen an increase in the number of children attending and he gave thanks for this encouragement and other continued growth within the church. Particular thanks, from the Rector, to our Licensed Lay Minister - Wendy Forbes-Buckingham – for ably leading the church during his sabbatical.
## **5. ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH AND OF OLD CHURCH HOUSE, AND OTHER RECEIVED REPORTS FOR 2023 (attached).**
These reports had been previously circulated and there were no questions raised.
## **6. WARDEN’S REPORT AND REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH (attached)**
The report had been previously circulated and there were no questions raised. John Woodman updated the meeting that a meeting with the architects has been arranged to discuss the ongoing “removal of the pews situation”.
## **7. THE EAST BINGHAM DEANERY SYNOD REPORT**
The report had previously been circulated and there were no questions from the meeting.
## **8. OTHER REPORTS**
Old church house and flower group reports had been previously circulated. Thanks were expressed again to Linda Walden for all she does behind the scenes.
## **9. THE ELECTION OF CHURCH MEMBERS TO THE PCC**
There were 4 nominations, to replace those standing down/retiring: -
Andrew Moxon – proposed by Lesley Black. Seconded by Linda Walden.
Chrissy Sanderson – proposed by Kate Gent. Seconded by Penny Greenwood.
Natalie Lister – proposed by Kate Gent. Seconded by Penny Greenwood and Jo Radford –proposed by Wonnie Wong. Seconded by Andrew Moxon. **All in favour.**
## **10. THE ELECTION OF 2 DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES**
There were 2 nominations.
Kate Gent – proposed by Penny Greenwood. Seconded by Roger Gittings
Viv Dyer – proposed by Kate Gent. Seconded by Roger Gittings. **All in favour.**
## **11. THE APPOINTMENT OF SIDESMEN FOR THE COMING YEAR.**
Deferred to churchwardens.
## **12. THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**
The Treasurer informed the meeting that Brian Hall (known to her) has agreed to be the independent examiner of our accounts.
## **13. OTHER MATTERS OF PAROCHIAL OR GENERAL INTEREST.**
The Rector informed the meeting of an e-mail he had received from Mena Richardson asking if she could co-ordinate fund-raising activities for the church, with her friend Sandy (both from 10.30 congregation). **All were in favour.**
Marilyn Kirkbride requested that she be kept informed of planned events for the 800[th] anniversary celebrations so the cleaners can be organised.
Peter Kirkbride mentioned the song which has been written for the Anniversary, by Chrissy Sanderson in collaboration with a Dutch musician.
The Rector explained that a working group has been formed regarding the 800[th] Anniversary plans and ran through various ideas that have been put forward for consideration. Any other ideas are welcomed. The working group consists of the Rector, Wendy Forbes-Buckingham, Linda Walden and Lesley Black.
## **14. CLOSING PRAYER**
The meeting closed in prayer at 12.30 pm
## **ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, THE PARISH CHURCH OF BINGHAM**
## **REPORT IN LIEU OF RECTOR’S REPORT**
The PCC were very saddened by the news that our Rector, the Revd Jon Wright had to take the difficult decision to step down from Incumbency due to health reasons for which he successfully sought early retirement on health grounds. We said goodbye to Jon and his wife Maria by way of a farewell time of fellowship on 30 April 2025.
We have been extremely blessed by Jon’s ministry here in Bingham and have seen many positive changes in the life of our church. Both congregations, the more traditional 9am and more contemporary 10.30am services, have grown. Although the number on the electoral roll is slightly lower than last reported, the actual consistent attendance is higher which is very encouraging.
There is continuous facility for childrens’ work during the 10.30 service time slot and again more children are coming along and this ministry is, while continuing to develop, showing real growth with some children coming to faith and requesting to be baptised.
2025 sees the Church celebrating it’s 800[th] anniversary for which logoed merchandise has been produced and various events will be held during the year.
The continued support of all who serve and worship in Bingham is both acknowledged and appreciated by the PCC.
Wendy Forbes-Buckingham
**ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, THE PARISH CHURCH OF BINGHAM CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024**
## **FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH**
## **Removal of Pews**
After tenders were received Howlett & Sons were appointed to do the work:
Removal of pews and timber platform at west end of nave Excavation of ground and removal of spoil Laying of limecrete floor with foam glass insulation Tiling to match existing tiling Installation of two electric radiators
The original plan was for a stone finish, but the cost was prohibitive, so tiles were used instead. When the pews were originally installed the octagonal base of a column had been cut into. It was agreed to replace the cut stone with a new one.
Excavation revealed a number of findings that required the appointment of an archaeologist and caused considerable delay. As a result, the project extended into 2025 before completion.
Three burial vaults and a grave marker were the main finds. South of the central aisle the top of a burial vault was made visible. North of the central aisle two burial vaults could be seen, one partially covered and intersected by the aisle from main to north door and the second partially covered by north aisle. The grave maker was to the south of and partly hidden by central aisle.
## Excerpts from archaeologist’s report:
As the brick vaults extended below the formation depth of the building works full archaeological excavation was not undertaken. Therefore, as only the top of each vault was exposed it was not established whether they were single width burial shafts or the slightly larger and broadly contemporary family vaults (Litton, J., 1991 _The English Way of Death The Common Funeral Since 1450_ , 221). Single width brick lined burial shafts were the most popular form of intramural burial from c. 1650-1850. On average twelve feet deep, they could accommodate six coffins, separated one from another by horizontal bars with the shaft often capped by an incised ledger stone. Vaults were popular due to demand from the middle classes as they were increasingly disdainful of the lower-class trend of erecting headstones within the churchyard and space within churches was limited due to oversubscription in previous centuries (Litten, 1991, 221-2).
Though the inscription of the grave marker is incomplete as it lay partially beneath the baulk the Nottingham Burial Index records that at Bingham Ann Markham was buried on the 7th October 1727 and Elizabeth Markham on the 29th August 1727 who was baptised on the 14th July 1727; undoubtedly the individuals commemorated on the grave marker. Therefore, the grave marker is broadly contemporary with the vaults with Elizabeth and Ann potentially buried within one or two of them. However, the original stratigraphic relationship between the grave marker and vaults has been lost as the former has been re-used as levelling for the current stone flag floor and it could be the case that it is an incised ledger stone for a different vault or shaft grave altogether.
## **Toilets**
The sump pump serving tower room toilets became blocked and required servicing. The pump is in poor condition.
## **Roof**
Gutters cleared and minor repairs to slates and lead flashing.
## **Tower Clock and Bells**
The clock is serviced every year by Smith of Derby.
One of the bell ropes has been repaired.
## **Churchyard**
The plane tree on southern boundary has damaged both wall and public path. Trees and soil in south-east corner have caused eastern wall to lean. Walls need repointing at other points on perimeter.
Since the churchyard is closed and in the care of local authority, Bingham Town Council has taken the lead on this matter, but we will apply on their behalf to DAC for necessary permissions.
## **Quinquennial Inspection**
This took place on 1st May.
Quinquennial reports use a score system for urgency of repair grade, (A) urgent, (B) within 5 years, (C) as soon as possible and (D) desirable but no fixed timescale.
The only work that the report categorised as urgent, to guttering and fallen slates, had already been planned and when executed also covered several issues scored as grade B.
John Woodman, Wendy Forbes-Buckingham
**ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, THE PARISH CHURCH OF BINGHAM**
**Annual Finance Report & Accounts 2024**
## **Income:**
Despite best efforts, regular giving has only increased marginally during 2024. Service collections and donations have remained steady and we were very grateful for a donation specifically for the audio equipment upgrade and towards the kitchen refurbishment, and financial contributions towards the disposal of pews. The temporary closure of the Thursday café and the – hopefully – temporary removal of the cash donation box has led to reduced income in these areas.
Buttercross magazine continues to raise a small profit, but a decrease in adverts, together with an increase in printing costs, means a decision will be taken in 2025 as to its future. In the meantime, we have reduced circulation to ten issues a year. Income from Old Church House provides much needed assistant to church costs. Many thanks to Linda Walden for her continued support, but strenuous efforts must be made in the New Year to find a replacement for her and allow her a muchdeserved retirement!
For the first time in a few years, a fund-raising drive has raised £3,831.30 from a Summer Fair, a Christmas table-top sale and healthy donations from the Saturday Chestnut community coffee mornings, for which all contributors are gratefully thanked.
## **Expenditure:**
St Mary managed to pay 100% of its Parish Share this year, but increasing costs and decreasing Reserves mean that this is unlikely to be the case in 2025.
There has been major expenditure on the kitchen refurbishment, roof repairs and the cost of the quinquennial report – which has identified areas requiring repairs in future years.
The PCC gave the go-ahead for the removal of pews and the cost of work so far has totalled £21,601 with another estimated £14,000 to come. It is estimated that after completion of the work there will be approximately £18,000 left in Reserves, with the church running at a deficit of up to £1,000 a month if we are to meet our obligations. It is hoped that there will be an opportunity of raising funds during the 800 celebrations in 2025.
Sue Price Treasurer
**East Bingham Deanery Synod** _Annual Report APCMs 2024_
The East Bingham Standing Committee meets before each Deanery Synod to discuss the agenda and plans across the deanery. The standing committee elected at the start of the triennium remains in place
Standing Committee aims to meet regularly for prayer and reflection, and the Mustard Seed prayer group has been praying for the deanery throughout the year. Coordinated by Lesley, everyone is encouraged to join in these monthly prayer meetings, and to send in any prayer requests to the administrator Portia Newling to share with the group.
At Deanery Synod we have been working through the focal points of the Growing Disciples vision in discussion groups, as well as regular business.
We have circulated reports from Ian Boothroyd, a representative in General Synod, and he has regularly joined us to answer questions and give us a taste of the atmosphere at General Synod.
In addition to Deanery Synod business, we have also held a thank you meal for readers and retired clergy supporting ministry in the deanery. We held an open Chapter on the topic of Chaplaincy, with David McCoulough. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell spoke in the most recent of our series on Reflections on faith and Ministry, where we have also heard about the journey to faith of Bishop Paul and Dean Nicola. We also gathered for a roadshow ‘Encouraging Generosity’ which prepared us for the coming trajectories for parish share.
**ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, BINGHAM**
## **REPORT ON OLD CHURCH HOUSE**
The tenants of OCH are now getting into the habit of booking when they are in and when out. This makes it easier to accept casual bookings during the school holidays.
The light fitting in the passage by the store rooms, is still not working. I think this may be proving a difficult job.
It has been pointed out to me that there is a tree growing in the roof over the office.
Please see photo at the end.
The decoration provided by Megan in the large hall will be starting the week of 28th July.
The curtains from the large hall are not being reused, so a plan to launder and reuse to cover the green chairs is in place.
The ceiling in the ladies loo is going to be repaired by William , now that he is happy that the roof above is indeed on longer leaking.
I am hoping that he will also start decorating the small hall.
The store room has been cleared of a great deal of clutter belonging to the uniformed organisations and the Playgroups.
Thank you to Natalie for liaising and achieving action.
Please see second email for further photo
Linda Walden
**St Mary & All Saints Bingham - Financial Statement for the Year ended 31 December 2024**
|**RECEIPTS**
Regular giving
Collections/Envelopes
Donations (Note 1)
VAT recovered
Gift Aid recovered (Note 2)
Café & Tea Point
Grants
Investment Income
Transfers from Reserves
Weddings & Funerals
Buttercross
Old Church House
Fund-Raising
**EXPENDITURE**
Parish Share
Ministry expenses
Services
Weddings & Funerals
Church Running Costs (Note 3)
Administration
Miscellaneous (Note 4)
Café Expenses
Pews Project
Lighting
Buttercross
Old Church House
**CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE**
Balance at 1 January 2024
Income
Expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2024
**Reserves (Instant Access Account)**
01-Jan-24
Deposit/Withdrawal
Interest
Gift Aid
31-Dec-24
**TOTAL ASSETS**
Current Account
Reserves Account
CCLA Investment Account
Church of England Investment Funds|**Unrestricted**
**£**|**Restricted**
**£**|**TOTAL 2024**
**£**|**TOTAL 2023**
**£**|**TOTAL 2023**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||28983.40
5483.09
4886.31
2379.07
11772.32
2480.43
0.00
15.67
24160.00
7954.10
24431.27
27555.20
3831.3|475.00
785.00
90.00|29458.40
5483.09
5671.31
2379.07
11862.32
2480.43
0.00
15.67
24160.00
7954.10
24431.27
27555.20
3831.30|29174.10
4254.48
8592.82
0.00
5905.58
3165.46
750.00
11.54
2648.70
7415.30
24840.56
29700.56
0||
||||**145282.16**|**116459.10**||
||201901 Bell
Ringers(Miles)|201903
Churyd(Miles)|201905 Fabric
(Richmond)|201906 General
Purpose|TOTAL|
||**269.91**|**135.02**|**578.07**|**681.69**|**1,664.69**
**£**|
Note 1: Includes £785 for Audio Upgrade Note 2: Gift Aid includes Planned Giving & Small Donations Scheme
|Note 3: Church Running Costs Breakdown
Mission
Insurance
Gas
Electricity
Water
*Inc Kitchen £8376.14, Roof £1278
Fabric*
Other|**2024**
675.06
Mission
4730.52
Insurance
5849.51
Gas
863.56
Electricity
220.23
Water
10826.67
Fabric
837.62
Other
**24003.17**|**2023**
2515.07
4579.48
4131.51
855.54
188.44
2041.81
1901.68|
|---|---|---|
|||16213.53|
Note 4: Includes Audio Upgrade and Quinquennial Inspection
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's
report on the accounts
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trustees of
St Mary & All Saints Bingham
On accounts for the year
ended
31 December 2024
Charity no
(if any)
1131217
Respectlve The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
responsibilitles of The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year
trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an
independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the
Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Ba818 of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given
oxaminer'8 Statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the
accounting records kept by the charty and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual
items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the
trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not
provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and
consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true
and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the
statement below.
Independent In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my
examinerfs 8tstement attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of
the Charities Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
of the accounts to be reached.
Slgned:
Date:
Name:
LiCO
Addrèss: