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2021-12-31-accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of ST MICHAEL and ST PAUL ALNWICK

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Incumbent Vacancy

St Michael’s Vicarage Howling Lane Alnwick, NE66 1DH

Bank Barclays Bank plc Alnwick

Independent Examiner Mr George Clark FCPFA Registered Charity Number 1131297

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Annual Report of the Parish of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick 2021

Parochial Church Council 2021

The PCC is the governing body of the parish of St Michael and St Paul Alnwick. The PCC is a team made up of members of clergy and lay members of the church. Together they are responsible for the overall wellbeing, practical as well as spiritual, of their church, the church members, and the church buildings. The PCC also has a duty to promote the mission of the church within the wider community.

The PCC is also responsible for the internal maintenance and running of the Parish Hall. The Hall is leased from the Northumberland Estate who is responsible for the external fabric.

Ex officio members:

Chairman: Revd Canon Paul Scott (until 31[st] January 2022) Mrs Jean Darby (from 1[st] February 2022) Curate: Revd Gerard Rundell (until 31[st] July 2021) Churchwardens: Mrs Pat Taylor Mrs Anne Blades Deanery Synod Members: (elected in 2021 for 3 years) Mrs Annette Playle Mrs Jean Darby Mrs Patricia Tweed Mrs Pat Taylor Elected Members: Mrs Frances Allsop (elected in 2019 for 3 years) Mrs Rosie Buxton (elected in 2019 for 3 years) Mr Richard Allsop (re-elected in 2020 for 3 years) Mr John Cooke (re-elected in 2021 for 3 years) Mr Richard Dale (re-elected in 2020 for 3 years) Mrs Lindsay Johnston (elected in 2020 for 3 years) Mrs Susan O’Neill (elected in 2020 for 3 years) Mr Henry Playle (re-elected in 2020 for 3 years) PCC Officers: Vice Chairman: Mrs Jean Darby PCC Secretary: Mrs Rosie Buxton PCC Treasurer: Mr Richard Dale

Assistant Church Wardens:

Mrs Pat Tweed One vacancy

Attendance at PCC meetings:

Seven regular and one extraordinary PCC meetings were held in 2021 (five on Zoom). The overall attendance was 83%.

PCC Committees and other groups:

The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings (subject to any directions given by the Council). Its members are Revd Canon Paul Scott (until 31[st] January 2022), Mrs Pat Taylor, Mrs Anne Blades, Mrs Jean Darby and Mr Richard Dale.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Clergy with permission to Officiate:

Revd Canon Sue Allen, Revd Canon Philip Bourne, Revd Robert Chavner, Revd Colin Perkins, Revd Natasha Shemanoff, Revd Martin Turner, Revd Canon Denis Winter, Revd Martin Roff, Revd Gilly Maude

Readers:

Mr John Cooke, Mrs Annette Playle

Safeguarding Officer

Dr Patty Everitt

Church attendance:

For much of the year the church was closed for public worship and Occasional Offices because of Coronavirus. During this time services were streamed on YouTube and restricted to one service each Sunday. It is difficult to estimate accurate numbers. The number of viewings could be traced but not the number participating in each ‘hit’. On the two occasions lockdown was eased there was an average of 50 people worshipping in church on a Sunday morning and the YouTube viewings reduced accordingly.

Statistics as reported to the Diocese for 2021 (2020 figures in brackets where available) Baptisms 13 (1) Confirmation 5 (0) Weddings 2 (2) Funerals 22 (38) in Church, and 19 (27) at the crematorium or cemetery only.

Average attendance : 123 adults and 5 children (80 adults and 2 children)

Christmas : 85 communicants, 98 attendees (53 communicants, 55 attendees)

Easter : 76 communicants, 80 attendees (No public worship because of lockdown)

People in our “worshipping community” at the end of 2021:

Total Children
(Age 0-10)		 Young people
(Age 11-17)		 Adults
(Age 18-69)		 Adults
(Age 70+)
99 0 4 20 75

Electoral Roll Officer’s Report 2021 - Susan Trafford, Electoral Roll Officer

On revision of the Electoral Roll this year, 2021, there are 156 names on the roll. We have lost 9 members of St Michael’s congregation either through death ( 6 ) or moving away ( 3 ). However, there have been 2 new names added to the roll for this year to date.

As required, the revised roll has been displayed in church and any further names can only be entered after the APCM.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Review of the Year 2021

Introduction

If 2020 was a year like no other because of Covid-19 then 2021 was equally memorable for a series of landmark events.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly completion of the restoration of the tower and the installation of a peal of ten bells. The work is described more fully later in the Review of the Year but it is wonderful to hear the peal of bells to welcome us to worship and mark special events in the life of the church and the town. We are immensely grateful to all who donated to the costs of the project, to all the tradesmen who made our plans a reality and to Jean Darby and Jim Crowther for their vision and energy managing the project.

We had a number of arrivals and departures in the year. In July 2021, Revd Gerard Rundell and his family left Alnwick as Gerard took on a new role as Team Rector and Priest in charge at St. Aidan’s, Brunton Park. Gerard served us well during his three years as Curate and we are grateful for his mastery of technology for worship during the Covid lockdowns and for his wonderful work to develop youth work in the town and beyond. We wish him well for the future.

In January 2022, Revd Paul Scott retired as our Vicar after almost ten years with us. Paul has overseen some great changes to the church, the Parish Hall and our worship and outreach. He will be greatly missed and we wish Jane and Paul a long and happy retirement. We are now in a period of vacancy and pray that we will be able to find an equally strong new Vicar.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Revd Christine Hardman, retired at the end of the year with the Bishop of Berwick, Rt Revd Mark Wroe taking on the role of acting Bishop while the vacancy is filled. We were pleased to be able to welcome Mark to St Michael’s three times during the year – once on-line during lockdown and twice in person to celebrate the Tower project.

We were pleased to welcome Revd Canon Philip Bourne and Revd Robert Chavner to the area as retired clergy with Permission to Officiate and they are already having an impact on our services and music.

Covid inevitably had a lasting impact on our worship throughout the year. The first three months of 2021 saw another suspension of in person worship and a return to our on-line services using YouTube. We were able to record the services in church which allowed greater involvement of our retired clergy, lay readers and other church members in preparation of our worship. The last few weeks of the year were also disrupted by the spread of the Omicron variant but we continued to meet in person, albeit with tighter social distancing arrangements. However our worship is now back to something much nearer to normal. We have restarted early morning communion and evening worship on a Sunday, we have started singing again and recently it has been agreed to allow worshippers, who wish to do so, to remove face coverings.

The PCC agreed to a trial period for a new pattern of worship. The 8.00am and 9.30am services have been put back by half an hour to 8.30am and 10.00am respectively. Sung evensong has been limited to the first Sunday in the month and, during the vacancy at least, will be a Deanery evensong. On other Sundays, there will be alternative patterns of worship including compline and Taize and Iona style worship. It was agreed to suspend the 11.15am service for a trial period and to adjust the 10.00am service on the first Sunday of the month to provide a more informal style of worship.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Life elsewhere in the Parish has started to return to greater normality. The Parish Hall is open for business again (and is well used), church groups are reforming and we were able hold our Winter Market, our main fundraising event of the year, for the first time since 2019. There is still much to do, the pace of which will depend on Covid infection rates and government and diocesan guidance. We know that some of us will remain nervous for some time to come and we want to be inclusive for all who regard this place as their spiritual home, regardless of whether or not they come in person and whether or not they wish to retain social distancing and face coverings.

Financially the position was much better than we might have feared. We didn’t manage to pay our full Parish Share for the year but managed significantly more than the minimum contribution we were asked to make. Our balances are healthy, thanks in no small part to some significant donations from well-wishers, both in the Parish and beyond. We also need to acknowledge that our costs are increasing at the same time as we are losing members of our community so another stewardship campaign will be needed during 2022.

2022 will inevitably be a challenging year as we continue to rebuild our community life and as we navigate through our vacancy. Our churchwardens, retired clergy, readers, PCC and many other members of the church are doing much to ensure that we continue to thrive and we will hope to look back on 2022 in next year’s report as another year to remember.

The Parochial Church Council

Volunteers:

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so tirelessly to make our church the lively, welcoming and vibrant community that it is. There are many committees carrying out work in a variety of areas and many parishioners are members of more than one group. Without everybody’s contribution we would not be able to keep the church running.

Church and School Links:

The links between the Church and St Michael's C of E Primary School remain strong. The foundation governors are John Cooke, Rosie Buxton, Alison Burden and Mike Samuels.

Communication:

The Church Web Site is www.alnwickanglican.com. It contains information about service times, church location, activities accessibility, and contact details. There are also details about the history of St Michael's and information about Denwick Chapel and the parish hall. In addition, there are weekly pew sheets, photographs and details of events. The parish magazine, 'Gateway’, is normally published every month.

Fabric - Pat Taylor, Churchwarden

A huge part of the Fabric report is contained in the tower and south aisle exhibition report.

Other highlights during the year were:

The Churchyard suffered greatly during storm Arwen in November. We lost three large trees and part of a large holly tree. The Northumberland Estates and Northumberland County

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Council were prompt and efficient in their clearing. Special thanks must go to John Onions for his sterling work in clearing up after the contractors had finished.

The Church Hall is now welcoming groups. Mariana continues to manage and organise the Hall to a high standard.

Tower restoration and south aisle exhibition – Jean Darby, Project coordinator

Paul spoke in his annual report last year of the excitement building as the work on the tower was beginning. Once the scaffolding was erected in February work started in earnest. Masonry and the louvre in the south of the belfry were removed in order to allow access for the bells and the steel frame. In March the medieval bells were removed and taken to Whites of Appleton. The rotten frame and wheels were also removed and we are very grateful to the team of volunteers who helped the professionals from Whites, thus allowing for a substantial reduction in the cost.

Inspection of the roof found over 400 pieces of graffiti dating from 1764 to 2008. This was catalogued and brought down to a safe place in the church by expert archaeologist, John Buglass. This will eventually form the centre of an exhibition space in the south aisle. Unfortunately, at the opening up of the roof it was discovered that the timbers which had been thought to be rotten only at the edges were in fact rotten right through and in need of complete replacement. It was also found that the masonry on the south parapet was leaning dangerously over the main entrance to the church and was in need of immediate repair. Consequently, costs soared and despite deciding to delay the improvement of the tower stairs there was still going to be a substantial shortfall in funding. We are therefore very much indebted to the anonymous benefactor who, at the beginning of the project, had so generously given us a loan on extremely beneficial terms, who at this point increased that loan in order that the project could be completed.

Much masonry which was worn and eroded was restored with impressive skill by Andy Hudspeth. The lead on the roof was completely renewed and guttering renewed and improved. These renovations will keep the tower in good repair for many generations to come.

As work continued four new bells were sponsored and cast by Taylor’s of Loughborough. 6 bells removed from St. James Newton Hall were donated by the Keltek Trust, sponsored and taken to White’s where they were cleaned, engraved and tuned to ring with the 4 new bells. In the belfry a new steel frame and wheels of traditional hard wood were installed. To allow ringing practice without disturbing neighbours excellent sound control was inserted behind new louvres with the facility provided to ring out fully for services and special occasions. A ringing room was created by lowering the ceiling of the clock room and moving the clock, which had its dial regilded, into a deafening chamber above. Dado panelling in oak, opening windows to afford ventilation and carpet tiles were fitted. The sallies are in the Northumberland colours. Andrew Beckwith, a third generation wood carver, skillfully restored an original wheel, which had been scrapped, into very attractive frames for coat hooks. On August 9[th] the two listed medieval bells, which had been cleaned, were brought back into church for honourable retirement. The ten new bells were brought into the chancel, viewed for one day only and blessed in a service that evening by Mark Wroe, Bishop of Berwick. All ten bells were then lifted into the restored belfry ready for a successful test ringing the next day. Again, we are very grateful to the team of volunteers who helped the professionals from White’s.

On target, at Michaelmas, September 29[th] 2021, a service of dedication for the ten bells and the restoration was led by the Bishop of Berwick, who handed over the bell ropes to the

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Vicar, Canon Paul Scott. There was a full congregation and in celebration the bells rang a quarter peal.

We will always be grateful to David Beaumont the architect, David Ferguson, the contractor, Alan Coulson, the indefatigable site manager, Andy Hudspeth, the stone mason, Taylor’s of Loughborough, White’s of Appleton and all those whose skills glorified St. Michael’s. Most grateful thanks go to all the individuals and trusts whose contributions made possible this project, which will prove a lasting asset for generations to come. However, we must be aware that we are morally bound to continue fund raising in order to make contributions towards repaying the loan made by our generous benefactor.

Deanery Synod – Annette Playle, Deanery Synod member

Over the past year the Deanery Synod has been meeting via Zoom. Our last meeting was on Tuesday 30th November 2021 and was led by the Area Dean, Alison Hardy.

A welcome was made to two people from Transforming Communities Together Tyne to Tweed who gave an interesting and informative talk about growing social action and discipleship in the Church of England, reaching out in different ways to the local community. They spoke about different ways in engaging with the community which may be implemented as and when restrictions and manpower allow.

Our next meeting again will be via Zoom and is on 22nd March 2022.

Safeguarding - Patty Everitt, PCC Safeguarding Advisor

Introduction:

As a church we want to welcome all those who come through our church doors. We want to make sure, in the best way we can, that we are a people who create a safe and respectful place for all who come to us and all those with whom we come into contact.

Our commitment to safeguarding is demonstrated by and led through the church leadership and the church officers: the vicar and Readers certainly, but mainly through the leadership of our churchwardens and members of the PCC.

Through the training that many of us have taken over this last year, we have become aware that being a safe place and safe people may also mean having the courage to say something if we notice something is not right and someone may be at risk. I think the tag line used on the trains is apt here “See it, Say it, Sorted”. We do not take responsibility for investigating or sorting out the situation. The Parish Safeguarding Officer and Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor are responsible for responding to the concern.

How do we “do” safeguarding?

We “do” safeguarding by:

We are now using a tool provided to each parish by the Diocese of Newcastle, the Parish Dashboard. In fact, the Parish Dashboard tool has been created by the national church and Newcastle Diocese has completely endorsed and embraced the tool.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

The Dashboard has been an excellent tool for me to understand what processes we need to have, who needs to trained, and the training pathway each role should follow. The national church defines the training pathways and provides the training which is of excellent quality.

Activities and action over the past year:

During the past year my attention has been on:

  1. Making sure that safeguarding information is posted within the church so that you have access to the Parish Safeguarding Handbook and anyone who visits the church knows that we are committed to providing a safe and respectful place.

  2. Making sure the processes we need are in place and approved by our PCC. These processes are now in place.

  3. Responding to Concerns or Allegations of Abuse – this tells us how to report a concern and who to report it to.

  4. Policy for Recruitment of Ex-Offenders – not all offences will bar a candidate for applying for a role in the church. Legally we must treat ex-offenders fairly.

  5. Making sure that I am up-to-date with the requirements and training in the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer.

  6. To obtain a DBS certificate

  7. To keep up-to-date with the safeguarding training provided by the Church of England:

    • Basic Safeguarding

    • Foundation Safeguarding

    • Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

    • Leadership safeguarding training.

    • Safer Recruitment Procedure training

  8. Learning about the Parish Dashboard and how to use it.

  9. Working with the members of the PCC to help them fufil their requirements and legal obligations as approvers and overseers of the groups and the volunteers who work with children on our behalf. These requirements and obligations are:

  10. To obtain a DBS certificate

  11. To keep up-to-date with the safeguarding awareness training provided by the national church:

    • Basic Safeguarding

    • Foundation Safeguarding

    • Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

  12. Working with the churchwardens to help them meet the requirements and obligations of their roles, including:

  13. To obtain a DBS certificate

  14. To keep up-to-date with the safeguarding training provided by the Church of England: o Basic Safeguarding

    • Foundation Safeguarding

    • Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

    • Leadership safeguarding training.

  15. Working with church officers: the Sacristan, church Secretary and church hall manager to take the Basic safeguarding training.

As you may imagine this is difficult material to address and can feel uncomfortable. On behalf of all of us I would like to thank our churchwardens, the members of the PCC and our church officers, for their commitment to the training for the roles they undertake.

Safeguarding concerns raised:

Over this past year four safeguarding concerns have been raised and managed by me, in the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Activities and actions for the next year:

For this coming year my attention will on working with the volunteer groups that run within and on behalf of our church.

One of the things I am intending to do is to provide some group training to our volunteers for those who would prefer this, rather than working on the internet through the Church of England Safeguarding Platform. My next action is to find out how I can do this.

The training will be open to all, not just to our volunteers. If you would like to attend any training then I would be delighted. Just let me know.

I know that we are all grateful for the time and effort that our volunteers commit on behalf of St Michael’s Church to make life richer for those whose lives we touch.

Foundation Governors’ Report - Rosie Buxton , Secretary

Following the extreme challenges that arose in 2020 due to Covid this has been another very difficult year for staff and pupils alike. All have risen to the task of doing their best to maintain the continuity of teaching and learning and St Michael’s Primary School has developed their whole curriculum aims around three key words: Respect , Persevere and Achieve .

These are words that sum up their hopes as the children learn to respect each other and the world around them, persevere and try hard without giving up, and achieve highly in all areas.

A major development in 2021 for the school is the proposal to join the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust (NCEAT) which offers support to schools. The school will become part of a trust. The academy trust looks at all areas of the school to see which areas would benefit most, thereby improving strategic direction as well as supporting teaching and learning.

The Diocese of Newcastle is strongly encouraging all Church of England schools to form sustainable local partnerships and welcomes the proposal.

What are the benefits of joining the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust?

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

NCEAT has already helped with professional development, advice and training within the school and their guidance has definitely inspired all.

Mission Group

As with everything this year, the mission group’s activities continued to be affected by the pandemic.

Mission giving in 2021 was £6,900 which the PCC agreed to split equally between St Michael’s School, Alnwick Community Centre and Contagious.

Messy Church – Jane Brown

Messy Church meets in church once a month usually the 3rd Saturday in the month from 11am – 12.30. We invite families with children from 0-10 years old to come to our church to listen to/take part in a bible story, make crafts to do with the bible story and then we eat a light lunch together. We have a regular team of 8 who prepare the food and crafts and tell the story. The number of families coming to Messy Church varies from month to month. Last summer we had about 20 children and their parents. The last 2 months have been much quieter (9 children in February). Our aim is to create a family church where children and adults feel relaxed. It enables people to encounter Jesus in a relaxed space. The people who attend do not normally attend any Sunday services.

Mini Michael’s – Pat Tweed

Mini Michaels continues to flourish although numbers are slightly less than before. Having said that we still average about 25 children each week and along with mums, dads, grandparents and carers we make a good and probably more manageable group.

Our intrepid helpers keep coming each week; welcome group, craft ladies (who continue to amaze us with their ideas) refreshment team, storytellers and general setters-up and chatters with mums.

We have been fortunate to get two new members to our team but if ever anyone feels moved to join us we would be very happy to have you.

This is a happy group and gives us much to smile about each week, as you can imagine dealing with little ones, from our youngest ever at three days old when she came with mum and big sister, to the three years olds when they " graduate” and move on to nursery school.

St Michaels’s on-line events - Revd Sue Allen - Chair of Mission Group.

Livestreamed Worship:

Since the first Lockdown in March 2020, worship has been streamed regularly via YouTube. Since then the 10am Sunday worship, and initially also the midweek Wednesday Communion, has continued to be streamed. The initial technical difficulties have been overcome, and with Ant Allen’s back-up a small group of volunteers is now running it more successfully. It would be very helpful to have more people involved; with the holiday season approaching it may not be possible to cover all Sundays. This would be a significant loss to the faithful online congregation, who value greatly the opportunity to participate in worship. Sunday Plus provided an opportunity for informal and creative worship at 4pm during the main Lockdown. It was much appreciated, drawing a significant congregation locally, as well as further afield. As restrictions eased, we experimented with combining zoom and in person

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

worship. Sadly this was not viable long term as restrictions eased, and it ceased in September 2021.

Zoom Cuppa and Chat:

This began as a substitute for coffee in person after the 10am service, and especially during lockdown provided a much needed opportunity to catch up. The group has continued, and now meets at 4pm, usually on the First Sunday of the month. Though numerically smaller now, the mix of those who are housebound with those out and about (including 2 joining from USA) provides an excellent opportunity for informal fellowship. If you would like to join in, please contact Sue Allen for details.

Sidespersons – Pat Taylor

As worship has continued to come out of lockdown conditions have begun to use sidespeople at the Parish Eucharist. We have 12 names on the rota. The Churchwardens continue to act as sidespeople at the other services.

The Mothers' Union – Val Hawker

Due to the continuing trials surrounding Covid the meetings had to be halted for the majority of the year. However meetings began again in the autumn and we were delighted to host the deanery service at St Michael’s. This was a lovely service taken by Rev Gilly Maude.

I would like to thank all volunteers for their support and look forward to another year of fellowship.

The Churchyard Project – Sue Allen

With the Climate Emergency upon us, we aim to help St Michael’s to ‘strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth’1, working with the active encouragement of Diocese and Deanery. The group was set up as a separate entity in September 2021, to report back both directly to the PCC and to the Mission Group.

After much discussion it was decided to focus initially on the area on the North side of the church, extending downwards to the boundary wall adjacent to the current building site of Northumberland Estates. We have been much helped by professional advice from various quarters, especially from Paul Stenhouse, and June Drage (via Michelle Duff). The aim is to plant native species to encourage a greater diversity of wildlife (insects, including bees, birds and mammals).

The first step was to make the area safe. To protect the drop below the low wall, a hedge has been planted. During the October Half Term a group of 10 young volunteers from Community@NE66, accompanied by their leaders (who were responsible for Safeguarding) came to plant approximately 100 hedge saplings, donated by the Duchess High School, surplus to their needs. The protective guards and canes were also donated by the High School.

We planned that the young volunteers would return to plant wildflower bulbs (snowdrops, wild daffodils, aconites and English bluebells) on the flat area to the east of the hedge. Unfortunately this was twice cancelled because of bad weather, and the bulbs were planted, a little late, by members of the churchyard group. Thanks to the congregation, donations almost exactly covered the cost of these bulbs (approx. £100), and to Paul Stenhouse for obtaining the bulbs.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Most of the nettles on the slope have been cleared by Ant Allen for future planting of wildflower seeds or bulbs.

Annette Playle has produced an ongoing display of progress, currently on a board at the back of the church.

Future Plans already approved by the PCC.

To make the south side of the church more welcoming we hope to obtain further seats to place for example on the south side of the church (without obstructing parking). To obtain some barrels, and plant them with flowers to be enjoyed by those on the seats. These to be positioned so that they don’t obstruct parking or vehicles.

To improve the signage around the churchyard, so that people know what is available. We hope to obtain external funding for these projects.

Financial review - Richard Dale, PCC Treasurer

The financial statements for 2021 are significantly impacted by the project to repair the church tower and to install the new peal of bells. The Statement of Financial Activities shows net outgoing resources for the year of £49,085, almost all of which is due to use of the Church Tower Fund built up in previous years to complete the building work.

The project was the most significant undertaking by the Parish for many years. Although there were some bumps along the way, it was completed on time and broadly on budget for which we are grateful to Jean Darby and the various contractors who worked hard to overcome the challenges which we faced during the repair work. Much of the work was funded by a substantial loan and, although there is no legal obligation to repay, we will need to continue fundraising for some time to come to satisfy our moral obligation to repay. The cost of the bells and associated works is shown as a fixed asset on the balance sheet and the other costs incurred have been charged directly to the Statement of Financial Activities.

During the year, we also replaced the boiler in the Parish Hall and completed the reordering of the back pews in the church to enable better access. The former is also shown as a fixed asset on the balance sheet with the latter being charged directly to the Fabric Fund in the Statement of Financial Activities.

By comparison, the General Fund position was rather more stable despite the challenges of Covid-19. We recorded a net surplus of £1,876 in the year, compared to a net deficit of £1,415 in 2020.

General Fund voluntary income increased by 12% from £94,782 to £105,739. Most of this increase was due to some very significant donations by supporters of the church, both within and outside the parish for which we were immensely grateful. Regular giving declined by 2% is the year, reflecting the loss of members of the congregation and pointing the need for a stewardship campaign later this year. However, this was offset by a significant increase in collections at occasional services as we returned to holding funerals in church as lockdown restrictions abated during 2021.

General Fund fundraising income fell by 27% from £25,348 to £18,462. However this was distorted by a one-off receipt of £10,000 in Covid-19 support grants in relation to the Parish Hall in 2020. Excluding this distortion, fundraising was £3,114 better compared to 2020, mainly due to being able to restart the Winter Market (which raised £2,476) and running a number of market stalls during the summer in place of our usual efforts at the Alnwick International Music Festival.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

We were asked to contribute a minimum parish share of £65,000 in 2021 with a target to contribute £76,257. In the end, we were able to contribute £72,300, almost 95% of the requested amount. In line with previous policy, our budget for charitable giving was reduced by a similar proportion with total giving in the year of £6,900 which is split equally between St Michael’s School, Alnwick Community Centre and Contagious.

Parish Secretary costs were significantly lower in 2021, following the retirement of Joan Dunn at the end of 2020 and clergy expenses and Council Tax costs were also lower, reflecting Gerard leaving the parish for his new role during the summer. Church gas and electricity costs increase during the year reflecting less time when the church was closed due to lockdown and price rises – the latter will significantly impact our finances during 2022.

Looking ahead, 2022 is highly uncertain. We have lost a number of members of our congregation which is impacting regular giving and we will see a very significant increase in gas and electricity costs in the coming months. These losses will be mitigated to some extent by lower clergy costs during the vacancy.

I am grateful to the Churchwardens for their support to me through another difficult year when I have had to rely on their good services more than I would normally need to. We are also grateful to the many individuals and organisations who have continued to support us through this period – without their generosity the PCC’s financial position would be far worse than we are able to report.

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Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick

This report on the attached financial statements of the PCC of St Michael and St Paul for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (the Regulations) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act).

Respective Responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements: you consider that the audit requirement under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiners Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: -

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.

have not been met;

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

George Clark FCPFA

Independent Examiner

May 2022

14

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Statement of Financial Activities For the period 1st January to 31st December 2021

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Note
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Incoming Resources
Incoming resources from
generated funds
Voluntary income
Fundraising
Income from investments
Incoming resources from
charitable activities
Church activities
Other incoming resources
Total Incoming Resources		 2
105,739
193,290
0
299,029
3
18,462
1,072
0
19,534
7
2,411
0
2,418
4
4,112
0
0
4,112
3
0
0
3		 156,041
28,598
2,549
3,936
7
128,323
196,773
0
325,096		 191,131
Resources used
Cost of generating funds
Cost of generating
voluntary income
Fundraising costs
Church activities
Parish Share
Church running expenses
Charitable giving
Governance costs
Total Resources Used
Transfers between funds
Net Incoming/Outgoing
Resources
Balances Brought Forward
Balances Carried Forward
5
164
0
0
164
6
9,688
1,244
0
10,932
72,300
0
0
72,300
7
34,795
248,229
0
283,024
8
6,900
0
0
6,900
9
861
0
0
861		 630
11,425
73,600
58,726
7,710
756
124,708
249,473
0
374,181		 152,847
(1,739)
1,739
0
0
1,876
(50,961)
0
(49,085)
3,357
90,516
51,350
145,623		 0
38,284
107,339
5,233
39,955
51,350
96,538		 145,623

15

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Balance Sheet as at 31[st] December 2021

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
10
Forster Bequest Capital
Current Assets
Barclays Community Account
Barclays Business Premium Account
Cash in hand
CBF Fabric Capital account
CBF Fabric Income account
Accounts receivable (Debtors)
11
Accounts payable (Creditors)
12
Loans
Total assets		 2021
£
162,689
40,640		 2020
£
0
40,640
203,329
13,761
1,665
0
10,710
31,418
89,937		 40,640
(2,256)
126,278
0
10,710
29,007
76,819
147,491 240,558
94,282
160,000		 15,575
120,000
96,538 145,623
Represented by
Balance at 1st January 2021
Surplus/(Deficit) for year
Balance at 31st December 2021		 145,623
(49,085)		 107,339
38,284
96,538 145,623
Distribution of total equity by funds
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Restricted funds
Fabric Fund
Parish Hall Fund
Church Tower Fund
General Fund
Young People Activities Fund
Endowment funds
Forster Bequest
D E Reavell Fund
A Hogg Fund		 3,357
36,438
0
51,282
2,796
400
90,916
31,383
4,545
2,055
1,796
176		 5,233
39,995
40,640
10,000
710		 51,350 40,640
10,000
710
51,350
96,538 145,623

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 3 April 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Jean Darby Chair

Richard Dale PCC Treasurer

16

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31st December 2021

1 Accounting policies

1.1 General

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP) 2005.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements 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 (e.g. the Mothers’ Union), nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

1.2 Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC’s discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

The parish’s endowment funds consist of:-

The income from all these funds is paid into The Fabric Income Account (CBF 625063003D) which is a Restricted fund (see below) and is only available towards the maintenance and repair of the fabric of St Michael’s Church, Alnwick as the Vicar and churchwardens in their absolute discretion think fit. This was laid down by those who gave the endowments.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted purposes intended by the donor, and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC’s general purposes.

Designated Funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the PCC for a specific purpose. They may be “undesignated” by the PCC at any time.

17

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

1.3 Receipts

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is entitled to the use of the resource, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are reliably quantifiable.

Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, and interest as and when accrued by the payer. All incoming resources are accounted for Gross.

1.4 Payments

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for as and when (and if) it is paid. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

1.5 Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with sections 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time.

Office equipment and similar items used within the church premises are written off when the asset is acquired.

Capitalised assets are stated at cost and depreciated over their expected useful life as follows:

Parish Hall boiler 10 years Church bells 50 years from 1st January 2022

Investments are valued at historical cost with a note of the value at 31st December if available.

1.6 Current assets and liabilities

Amounts owed to the PCC on 31st December are shown as “Accounts Receivable” commonly referred to as Debtors. Amounts owed by the PCC on 31st December are shown as “Accounts Payable” and are commonly known as Creditors.

Short term deposits are held either at Barclays or with the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England.

1.7 Staff costs

During the year the PCC paid an honorarium to a parish hall caretaker and fees and expenses to an organist. Neither of these persons are members of the PCC.

Fees were also paid to organists and vergers in respect of Occasional Offices (funerals, weddings etc) but these amounts do not form part of these financial statements.

18

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

2 Voluntary income

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Regular giving
Gift Aid
Non Gift Aid
Parish Giving Scheme
Income tax recovered
Sub-total
Collections
Regular services
Occasional services
Sub-total
Legacies
Donations and grants
Total		 45,615
2,054
47,669
4,833
12
4,845
18,998
0
18,998
17,614
2,178
19,792		 47,288
4,219
20,777
25,730
87,060
4,244
91,304
2,046
0
2,046
2,211
118
2,329		 98,014
2,187
789
4,258
118
4,375
0
2,000
2,000
14,422
186,928
201,350		 2,976
0
55,051
105,739
193,290
299,029		 156,041

3 Fundraising

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Fundraising activities
Winter Market
Market stalls
Bells preview evening
Other events
Sub-total
Parish Hall
Lettings and other income
Covid-19 grant
Monthly draw
Sub-total
Magazine
Catering income
Other
Total		 2,476
0
2,476
589
615
1,204
0
457
457
0
0
0		 0
0
2,450
438
3,065
1,072
4.137
13,275
0
13,275
0
0
0
0
0
0		 2,888
12,878
10,000
800
13,275
0
13,275
1,143
0
1,143
172
0
172
807
0
807		 23,678
1,183
213
636
18,462
1,072
19,534		 28,598

4 Church activities

This income relates to PCC fees for weddings and funerals. During 2021, we collected £344 for weddings (2020: £733) and £3,768 (2020: £3,203) for funerals. Fees for clergy, vergers and organists are handled by the PCC on an agency basis and are excluded from these accounts.

19

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

5 Cost of generating voluntary income

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Fundraising expenses
Planned giving expenses
Total		 0
0
0
164
0
164		 453
177
164
0
164		 630

6 Fundraising costs

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Parish Hall
Gas, electricity and water
Maintenance
Caretaker
Depreciation
Other expenses
Sub-total
Other
Total		 3,994
0
3,994
490
0
490
4,200
0
4,200
0
1,244
1,244
1,004
0
1,004		 3,761
2,183
4,200
0
1,087
9,688
1,244
10,932
0
0
0		 11,231
194
9,688
1,244
10,932		 11,425

7 Church running expenses

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Church
Gas, electricity and water
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Refurbishment
Wine, wafers and candles
Organists
Organ maintenance
Worship
Other costs
Sub-total
Clergy
Council Tax
Expenses and other costs
Sub-total
Administration
Parish secretary
Photocopier
Office supplies etc
Telephone and internet
Sub-total
Total		 10,030
0
10,030
6,060
1,168
7,228
2,927
0
2,927
1,050
246,618
247,668
271
0
271
800
0
800
1,320
0
1,320
705
159
864
100
66
166		 8,228
5,761
2,844
24,145
392
0
1,320
833
106
23,263
248,229
271,294
4,539
0
4,539
1,090
0
1,090		 43,069
5,797
1,666
5,629
0
5,629
100
0
100
4,443
0
4,443
540
0
540
820
0
820		 7,463
2,200
4,174
568
682
5,903
0
5,903		 7,634
34,795
248,229
283,024		 67,733

20

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

8 Charitable giving


Charitable giving
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Giving		 2020 from
PCC Funds
Alnwick Community Centre
Contagious
St Michael’s School
Carbon offsetting fund
Total		 2,300
0
2,300
2,300
0
2,300
2,300
0
2,300
0
0
0		 2,125
2,125
2,125
1,335
6,900
0
6,900		 7,710

Special collections, donations and fundraising events which are specifically on behalf of another charity are not included in the accounts.

9 Governance costs

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Bank charges
Independent examination
Treasurer’s expenses
Total		 581
0
581
150
0
150
130
0
130		 507
120
130
861
0
861		 756

10 Tangible fixed assets

Church
Parish Hall
Total
Bells
Boiler
Assets
Cost
Balance at 1stJanuary 2021
Additions
Balance at 31stDecember 2021
Depreciation
Balance at 1stJanuary 2021
Charge for year
Balance at 31stDecember 2021
Net Book Value at 31st December 2021		 0
0
0
151,495
12,438
163,933
151,495
12,438
163,933
0
0
0
0
1,244
1,244
0
1,244
1,244
151,495
11,194
162,689

11 Accounts receivable

1
Accounts receivable
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Income tax recoverable
Gas refund
Electricity refund
Parish Hall rental income
Other
Total		 76.342
11,793
88,135
1,267
0
0
0
0
0
468
0
468
67
0
67		 73,092
0
3,033
344
350
78,144
11,793
89,937		 76,819

21

Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021

12 Accounts payable

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds		 2020
Parish share
Gas
Electricity
Charitable giving
Agency balances
Clergy expenses
Other
Total		 52,300
0
52,300
0
0
0
3,435
0
3,435
22,506
114
22,620
15,239
0
15,239
0
0
0
688
0
688		 0
156
790
9,045
4,520
835
229
94,168
114
94,282		 15,575

22