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2023-12-31-accounts

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL REPORT

Parish of Sutton with Seaford

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DECEMBER 31, 2023

ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, CHURCH STREET & ST. LUKE’S CHURCH, WALMER ROAD

Registered Charity Number: 1131402

Contents

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Website: Seafordparish.org.uk

Incumbent:

The Rev’d James Hollingsworth, MA

The Vicarage, 46 Sutton Road, Seaford,

BN25 1SH

Independent examiner:

C R Tyler (FCA DChA)

F1 CRT Limited. Flat 24 Wellingtonia

Court Laine Close, BRIGHTON, BN1 6TD

Bankers: Barclays Bank plc

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Our aims and purposes as a charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Rev’d James Hollingsworth, in:

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have borne in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The aims and focus for the PCC and Parish could be summarised as below (the order not intending to imply specific priorities).

  1. To continue to give attention to our Safeguarding Procedures, and risk assessment management

  2. To grow our connection and support of Children, Youth, and Families, through our youth worker and his groups.

  3. To continue to review our worship to enable all people to connect to God

  4. To reach a balanced budget, through generosity of giving, applying for grants, and sensible stewardship of our assets and various fundraising activities.

  5. To grow in discipleship and mutual support, by opening St Leonard’s Church throughout the week for prayer and by welcoming new people into the Church through worship, Homegroups, book clubs and other groups within the Church family.

  6. To continue to maintain our Church buildings and to develop them so that they may more helpfully meet the needs of the Church and the community (e.g. concerts, Christmas magic etc), particularly through the sale of the Hall and by designing the insides of our Church buildings to this end (eg Kitchen & toilets within St Leonard’s and Office and kitchen at St Luke’s).

  7. To explore how we can reduce our carbon footprint

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

At the time of the APCM the Church Electoral Roll numbered 304 (compared to 294 in 2022, 295 in 2021, 300 in 2020).

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The PCC mostly met in person in St Leonards, a total of 6 times. The Standing Committee met between meetings and their deliberations were reported to the PCC. The Standing Committee met by zoom on a bi-monthly rhythm.

Leadership

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– Community James Hollingsworth

Stefan and James have been able to visit Cradle Hill to help with their RE teaching on the incarnation (year 4) and on Noah’s Covenant (year 3); and into Chyngton Primary school to help unpack the new East Sussex RE curriculum; and into Seaford Head School to do two classes of ‘Grill-a-vicar’ with year 8s.

‘Thank you for the today's visit to the children they were really engaged with everything you and Stefan had to say. I know that they really wanted to keep the conversation going when they got back to the classroom. Thank you as always for being so engaging for the children.’

Stefan was interviewed by Radio Sussex on the Easter Egg hunt he’d planned at St Luke’s.

More Schools asked for a Carol service in St Leonard’s this year suggesting a return to pre-covid times and the Nativity was as packed as ever. The Pub Carols in The Wellington Inn were a joyous warm squeeze. East Sussex Fire and Rescue had their first carol service in St Leonard’s. The High Sheriff, Richard Bickersteth, came to both that service as well as the Mayor’s Carol service which gathered choirs from different schools to sing to a packed church.

‘Thanks for all your encouragement and support for our Carol Service’

The Holiday Club in October was oversubscribed again, and through the generosity of Morrisons and kind donations we were able to send each child home with a free packed lunch. Heaps of thanks to the massive team that made this such a safe and joyful week.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed my two day stint at the holiday club’

At the Diocesan May Camp in Plumpton, a small team of us went to give 140 teenagers a chance to shoot some arrows and again with the charity Family Support Work to about 20 families.

‘Thank you so much for giving up your time to provide the Archery Activity on Saturday. The families really enjoyed it so much, they all mentioned it in the top 3 of their favourite activities over the weekend’.

Alas we held another vigil for Ukraine. The monies raised through the year were given out to support local refugees. The last of the money was given by the end of the year so that Seaford4Ukraine is now closed though we continue to pray for peace and support local Ukrainians.

Members of the Church helped fundraise for different charities this year including rattling buckets for Seaford Bonfire Society and Shoeboxes for Romania (54). See reports below for more details of other charities.

In May, there was a fayre of stalls on the Martello Field, so we set up two gazebos. One was a prayer tent with an A-Z of how the Church helps the community. The other was for young people and had a long queue for the nerf gun game. At the beginning of December, Seaford Magic day saw the church full of people and cake and stalls and different groups singing. St Leonard’s was asked to host the

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‘Seaford Market’ as the forecast was so appalling and the earlier December one had had to be cancelled. This worked tremendously well in terms of so many people coming through the Church on the eve of Christmas eve.

Pastorally we continued to visit Care Homes and to post fortnightly pastoral letters to 68 Church Family who continue to find it difficult to connect to the Church. Rev Derreck led a radio service in EDGH. The annual Memorial service was very full again, perhaps showing a growing need for an opportunity to show community grief. Sylvia Coombe was awarded the Order of St Richard for her on going work with Care Homes.

‘It has been a real pleasure to join you at 6 o'clock, on-line, each evening for prayer.’

St Leonard’s has remained open throughout the year 10-1 each day (except Thursdays when it is open for Toddler group – see also Wednesdays at St Luke’s). This has proved helpful to many in finding a moment of prayer, a listening ear, an occasional coffee, and even a radiator for a homeless man to dry out his sleeping bag. The Wednesday pastoral prayer zoom with thanks to Sue Griffiths as prayer pastor and the Saturday am prayer zoom has continued with thanks to Cpt Bob Carrington.

St Leonard’s Lunchtime concerts have continued with 10 in 2023, average of 70 in attendance.

The 4[th] Saturday of each month has continued to be full of cake and coffee and people connecting to each other.

The Coronation of King Charles 3[rd] started with a vigil on the Friday that had a 100 views on Facebook and concluded with a Civic Songs of Praise on the Sunday. Our online ministry on YouTube as well has proved essential in connecting many to the community of the Church. Eg 260 viewings of our Carol Service and averaging 65 to our usual Sunday service. Our Website and ChurchSuite and our Facebook page and YouTube channel have continued to keep people informed of our activities as has the Magazine. We print 200 copies and have an electronic version. (for links see:

– Worship and Discipleship in the Church James Hollingsworth

2023 has been the second year of the Old Testament. We have done a few ‘children’s stories’ such as Balaam’s Ass but have focused on harder texts such as the Shema and Leviticus.

‘I just felt I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the series over the past year on Old Testament people. I've really felt inspired by them’

St Luke’s started up a Sunday School (Glow). See Stefan’s report for more. Safeguarding Sunday happened in February with a group of us doing C0 training in October.

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The walk of witness saw over 200 Christians coming together from the different Churches in Seaford.

Beach church happened again in August including one infant baptism in the Sea.

‘Thank you for your sermon this morning’.

The prayer-training day was very encouraging with over 40. The Meeting Place service re-started in November with a focus on applied prayer ministry.

Home Groups thrived (see the report below) and 11am Wednesday St Leonard’s service was ably helped by Cpt Bob Carrington, Rev Heather Howell, and Rev Chris Doherty. All three stood down this year. Thank you for your service. Revs Chris Hadfield, Colin Rudge, Colin Pritchard and Chris Collison and the Wednesday am team for their continuing to help with this. Rev Lucy has joined the rota of services as well as her wider support of Deanery Churches.

The Vicar taught Church History again for St Augustine’s Theological College. And continued to be Rural Dean blessing Laughton’s Christmas Tree, Iford’s Midnight Mass, and doing Rural Dean things such as a Cream tea for Retired Clergy and leading a clergy retreat to Penhurst.

James went on Sabbatical over June, July and August to Jerusalem, to Iona and to New Wine. There were about 20 locals who also joined him at New Wine.

The Parish wish to thank Rev Arwen Folkes, Fr Joe Padfield for all their help over the three month period. We also wish to thank Rev Damien Brennan (a Seafordian whose curacy is with the Cuckmere benefice) for his help. He was ordained Priest this year, along with Rev Janice Bartholomew (also a local who rings our bells, her curacy is with the Framfield benefice).

Using our October attendance statistics: Average Sunday attendance was 138 and average Wednesday attendance 9

We had 4 Baptisms, 25 Weddings funerals.

‘Thank you so much for making sure that mums funeral ran smoothly. It was a lovely service, and we appreciated your kindness and empathy.’

The Parish Office, that resides in the tower of St Luke’s, had a new coat of paint, a redesign from a carpenter and new carpet too.

Next year will start with an Alpha course on Thursdays. In June 2024 we will be joined by Rev Carole Darling as our SSM Curate.

‘A huge thank you again from myself and my stall holders for housing us and welcoming us all in to your gorgeous Church. The stall holders really enjoyed being inside the Church.’

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– Deanery Synod James Hollingsworth

The list of Lay Reps can be found on page. The clergy reps are Rev’ds Derreck Lee-Philpot, Lucy Hollingsworth, James Hollingsworth (in his capacity as Rural Dean).

The Synod met four times in the year: to discuss the recent General Synod meetings; to hear about local Churches with ecological care teams and Arocha awards; local chaplains from the prison, University, Fire Service; to hear from the Diocesan Director of Education about the growing partnerships between Churches and Schools. St Leonard’s hosted the Deanery Treasurers meeting to hear about the difficult decisions that lie ahead for the Diocese in running £1m deficit this year and £1.6m in 2024.

– Diocesan Synod James Hollingsworth

There are no lay representatives from this parish on Diocesan Synod. Revds Lucy and James Hollingsworth are elected members of the House of Clergy for Diocesan Synod. New elections will be held over the summer. Diocesan Synod meets twice a year.

This year we have discussed Diocesan finances, the process of Living in Love and Faith , the strategy for Carbon Net Zero, Ethical Investments, and Racial Justice Sunday amongst other things.

– Children, Youth and Family Missioner (CYFW) Stefan Bracher

In the past year the children, youth and family team have been keeping very active within our Church. We have come into contact with over 340 children and their families throughout the year across all of our groups. Some children and families attend regularly, some attend less frequently, but all understand why we run the groups we run. Ultimately to tell the message of Jesus and make disciples.

This year we have had an huge increase in young people attending Ignite, where we had gone form 7 young people to over 70 people being on the books for the group. Whilst we have also had to deal issues around more safeguarding and heating of Church buildings.

But the children, youth and family work continue to expand and develop, to the point where we are now in the need for a second children, youth and family worker for the Parish.

Messy Church

Messy Church has continued to develop over the past year as we try different ways to engage children and families with God’s word. The meeting times from 9.30am-11am seem to be working really well. Where we have a regular attendance of 18-22 children to our Messy Church sessions, and

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one of our biggest Christingle services in December 2023 with over 130 people in attendance, from grandparents, to parents and carers to children and young people.

The Messy Church steering group has been meeting regularly to decide on themes and arrange for the crafts for those themes to be decided well before time. This makes the process of developing a Messy Church session more effective, allowing for longer planning ahead of time.

In connection to this we have looked at specific themes, as we found out about why we have Vicars and what they do as well as why we have Bishops and finding out what they do. Whilst also looking at people of faith such as Rosa Parks and standing up for what is right in the eyes of God.

Tots’ Treats

Tots’ Treats have been developing in what is offered to parents and toddlers. The sessions in both St Luke’s and St Leonard’s have been running with a craft linked to a story, which is then followed by musical instruments. Stories have been used from faith-based books as well as mainstream books with a Christian value within that story. After each story we have also been praying on what the theme is for the story we are listing too. We have also been trying to be more selective over newer toys to help with various levels of development in a child, i.e. the development of fine motor skills, etc.

The biggest noticeable issue is with regards to the heating of St Leonard’s church during the colder months. Children and parents have been very cold which in turn, and understandably, turns parents/carers and their children away. An alternative source of heating is required for St Leonard’s church, to ensure it is a comfortable place to engage with people, as the current heating system is not suitable to heat such a large church and can be very off putting. Parents have complained about this situation.

“The toddler group is amazing, as are the volunteers, but it is so cold in here we can always attend” – Tots’ Treats Parent

Sparks

Sparks have been developing very well. In the summer of 2023, we took 11 children to the summer camp with Generations Christian Camps where they learnt all about who Jesus actually was. Our numbers for the Sparks camp 2024 are looking to be very similar.

We have had a slightly drop in numbers attending Sparks, from 35 down to 20-25 every week. This had been largely down to year 6 children moving into the Ignite youth group as they move into

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secondary school. Throughout sessions we have looked at specific themes, such as parables of the Bible whilst incorporating some science where possible. Our summer programme will be slightly different as we try to visit different local places.

“My girls love coming to the groups, it is their highlight of their week” – parent of a child from Sparks “Sparks is his favourite group ever is what he said” – Grandparent of Sparks member

Holiday Club

Our October half term holiday club, titled Cops and Robbers had been a huge success. We had over 70 children attend with around 55 children attending each day. This is an increase of 10 from last year. We use John Hardwicks Watt-A-Lott Castle holiday club structure in October 2023 as we looked at Kings and Queens of the Bible, ultimately finishing with Jesus as the King of All Kings who conquered death.

Holiday club in 2023 was a lot more expensive, typically costing around £600-£700, in 2023 it cost £1400. To raise funds for holiday club we ran a quiz night which generated over £1000 worth of funds, coring the cost of running holiday club and buying lunches for all the children/families who wanted one. We also had some fantastic supportive donations from the Wellington Hotel which meant that we were able to run holiday club completely free for anyone who wanted to attend at primary school age.

The increase was due to a range of inflationary pressures on goods, but also as we designed more of an elaborate set for the holiday club, to make it truly feel like a castle environment. “How long until camp? I really cannot wait to go again” – Sparks Camp Child

In 2024, we look forward to planning the next October half term holiday club and continue to look for fundraising opportunities.

Ignite

We have changed the way Ignite works as a youth group. Previously it was a time to play games and also have a time set aside for some bible reflections. However, over 2023 we changed Ignite to be more of a youth group with just games to help build trust with young people and the Church. This has worked a great deal and our numbers had gone from 7 to over 70 on our books.

We don’t see this as impacting on what we have set out to do, as it is building the grounds of communication and serving the local community is key. We do however look forward to arranging a

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separate group session where we hold the likes of youth Alpha or Christianity Explored on a separate evening.

This group has also been supported by new volunteers coming along on a more rota basis, which ha ensured that the group can continue to meet. As well as support through free donations of cans of fizz, crisps and chocolate from Morrisons Community Champions and gifts from The Wellington Hotel in Seaford.

“You offer all this for free on a Friday night, that is amazing” – Ignite Parent

The Chosen

Has been developing well. This is a newer group which has been set up primarily for adults of the children and young people who attend our groups and for anyone else who wishes to attend. This group has now watched all episodes of the current Chosen seasons and is waiting for the release of the latest season.

During this period of waiting we have decided to run Alpha at The Chosen until March 2024 and then run the new season after that. Designed to help as a way of progression after Alpha.

Glow

This fortnightly groups have been going from strength to strength over the past year of 2023. Children have been slowly increasing on a Sunday morning as they gather for breakfast, story, craft and singing and dancing.

Two of the members of this group opted to attend this session rather than going to their beloved rugby, which is something special to hear!

Moving Forward

There are still areas where we must continue the development in the work that the Church is currently doing. This includes the continual development of building into the community, through creation of a growing garden (currently working on these plans) to help children, young people and their families understand the need for learning to grow their own fruit/veg.

We are also in a very stail time zone for the children, youth and family work. We are running at full capacity within our current means, but there is so much more need out in the community. We have approximately 5 others groups which we see the need to develop. But we have 0 time to commit to

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them. This is one of the reasons we need an additional full time paid children, youth and family worker in this parish. It is vital if we are to continue to spread the work to as many children, young people and families as possible. Without that role we will stay in a very same position unless we cancel some groups to run others.

We also need to develop spaces to be more multipurpose to enable more of the community to engage with the church building and then in turn with the Church as a whole, largely with in St Leonard’s church, but also in St Luke’s Church. The largest of all being the heating in St Leonard’s church. Here the heating is on full and the church cannot get warm due the construction of the building. Inferred heating seems to the be the best way forward to heat the building.

‘We are so lucky to have people like Stefan … supporting our young people in Seaford’

The Children, Youth and Family Team and the rest of the Church are in a key time to continue to develop the outreach of the Church. Failing to do that promptly and correctly will greatly impact our Church. One of the biggest things which will impact us in the success of this, and spreading our faith, are our attitudes towards children, young people and families and our attitudes towards the way we support the groups which are running.

Our Team of Volunteers

Our teams of volunteers within the children, youth and family team are the biggest in the Church. With over 39 people helping at any one time and regular volunteers of around 15-20 leaders, they get swamped with various requests for support for the groups. Which most of the time they will happily oblige with. But we do need to also continue to offer support to those volunteers through prayer and through encouraging others to volunteer for smaller (or larger) tasks.

This time of volunteers are amazing and without them the Church would not have anywhere near the outreach it currently has on a weekly basis. My heartfelt thanks goes to each one of them.

’ ’ ’ – St Leonard s And St Luke s Mothers Union Janet Kent

Although relatively few in numbers we continue to look for ways to carry out the Mothers’ Union basic remit “Christian Care for Families.” through action and prayers.

We attended six baptisms presenting Bible story books and cards, to welcome them to the family of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s.

During 2023 we provided tea and cakes for over 600 new U.K. Citizens at Brighton Town Hall, attending their Ceremonies, celebrating and sharing in their joy and listening to their life stories and welcoming them to their new UK family.

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We held a fund raising Quiz to support Brian Miller’s work with the young people at YMCA Eastbourne, also providing 20 Christmas gift boxes, we felt it was important to show these young people that they are valued as part of God’s Family. Members also contributed Christmas gifts to the young women being supported by Stopover.

Our enjoyable Garden Tea Party raised money for AFIA (Away from it all). Two caravans owned by Chichester Diocese Mothers’ Union used to provide free holidays for families in need.

At our October Meeting we had an informative talk about Modern day slavery, County lines and Cuckooing, explaining how we can safely be the invisible eyes and ears of the authorities helping to prevent children and vulnerable adults from being trapped into a life of crime. A real “wake up call “for many of us. Yes, it is happening in Seaford.

As part of the M.U. National campaign against Gender based violence we circulated Posters (with helpline numbers) to be put up in Public Toilets and Pubs.

An Ecumenical celebration and Tea party, a talk from Rev. Derreck Lee-Philpot about his experiences in Sudan, an update from Father Joe on Seaford’s Ukrainian Refugees, a fascinating Desert Island Discs and a trip to Firle Church completed our Meetings.

All of our meetings and activities are open to everyone, keep a look out in the weekly sheet and come along and join us.

’ – - Men s Meal Rev Derreck Lee Philpot

During 2023 the Parish Men’s Meal met on five occasions, all of them hosted at the Wellington PH.

They are open to all and are generally about 50/50 of church and non-church people which makes for a lively mix of people. The attendance was between 25 and 34 diners, but with over 65 people on the books that are invited each time.

The meetings invited the following speakers;

Jan 30[th] : That was me speaking on the experiences encountered during my time in South Sudan. Mar 30[th] : Right Rev’d William Hazlewood spoke on his life, especially about what being a bishop is like!

May 30[th] : Rev Paul Mundy spoke about his transformation from selling spirits behind a pub bar to living in the spirit as a priest.

Aug 1[st] : One of our Men’s Meal members spoke on his life and experiences.

Oct 24[th] : John Lawson came to bring his amazing story. From being a gangland enforcer and thoroughly unlikeable person, he was imprisoned and came to know Jesus while he was there. After

prison he became an evangelist ‘living by faith’ speaking to men all over the world prayerfully leading

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them into a relationship with Jesus. All this despite having a terminal cancer diagnosis giving him months to live at the time of the meeting. An inspiring individual.

Keith Carlisle has just stepped down from organising the Men’s Meal, the role has been taken enthusiastically by Lloyd Thompson and in his care I look forward to reporting on another brilliant year of Parish Men’s Meals next year.

’ - Flowers in St Leonard s Church Liz Morgan Jones

Thank you to those who have made kind and appreciative comments about the displays throughout the year. Even with fewer arrangers available, every major festival has seen the church decorated appropriately and beautifully. As well as daffodils bunched for distribution on Mothering Sunday.

Thank you if you have sponsored or bought flowers throughout the year and to those who have arranged them.

The greatest thanks must go to Margaret Smith who tirelessly organises everything in this area of church life including regular watering throughout most weeks in the year and buying and arranging the contents for many of the regular weekly pedestal displays in the sanctuary.

– Parish Mission Support Team Liz Morgan Jones

The Team met three times during 2023 when members brought updates on all eight of our Mission Partners and reported on their own involvement within the mission they support in particular as well as considering other mission activities within the parish. We brought matters of prayer to the attention of the Prayer Pastor for inclusion in the Parish Prayer Diary and passing on to those leading Intercessions at services.

We organised displays at St Leonard’s to promote mission awareness at the Open Church in June and for those attending the services on the following day.

Several groups within the parish arranged collections during the year. Including, for Samara’s Aid in Syria, toiletries, new clothing (because due to customs regulations they can no longer accept second hand items) but they could accept our unwanted walking aids: this collection inspired by Samara’s visit in December 22. There was an immediate response from individuals wanting to send money to the casualties of the Syrian earthquake in March. The Link to Hope Shoe Box Appeal bound for Eastern Europe produced over forty boxes and extras like blankets, gloves, scarves, hats and bags of toiletries etc. There has been an ongoing collection of groceries, cleaning products and toiletries for FSW at both churches. Then In the run up to Christmas, many provided seasonal food, treats and

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presents for distribution by the Diocesan Family Support Work Practitioners as well as gifts for Stopover who look after young women facing homelessness.

For Christian Aid Week people in the parish distributed envelopes door to door although the majority are no longer collected so householders were encouraged to either bring their donations to one of several collecting points (one of which was in St Leonard’s Church for one day) or donate online. We also hosted (one of the three) Christian Aid Lunches in the town. Ours was held at St Luke’s in May.

Church family provided cakes and volunteers for two Open Gardens in Seaford selling refreshments in aid of Family Support Work. Stefan, our Children’s Youth and Family Worker and his faithful dog, Buddy, also raised funds for FSW by taking part in a sponsored and very soggy and muddy Easter Walk!

We continue to arrange visiting preachers and those giving talks on behalf of their Missionary organisation. David Farey a member of the church family spoke and showed photos at St Luke’s about the work of ‘Serving Africa Mission’.

The PCC have agreed to Homelink, the Charity helping homeless people into housing across Sussex who work in conjunction with the Local Authorities, using St Leonard’s Church when interviewing prospective clients.

At the end of each half year in June and December we reviewed our financial giving to our Mission Partners and recommended to the PCC that these donations should be based on ten per cent of the parish’s general income and of that amount we proposed 50% for our own Children’s Youth and Family Work with the remaining 50% equally divided to our eight mission partners - Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, Cambodia Action earmarked for Sarah and Pola Chhin, Church Army, Diocesan Family Support Work, Homelink, LAMA, Samara’s Aid and Waves.

Thank you for all your support for our endeavours.

– Safeguarding Ruth Saunders

I am currently undertaking the Leadership Safeguarding training, and we were asked: How could your church, its culture and the way it is experienced, contribute to the prevention of safeguarding issues? I answered without difficulty, as I feel that our two churches have continued to make great progress over the last year towards them being safe and welcoming places for people to worship. I hope that there are few people who do not know who I am, and that I, along with James, Derrick and Stefan, take Safeguarding seriously, and are happy to talk to anyone with a concern, however small it may seem to you. I have continued to be the person carrying out dbs checks, and through doing these, have met people newly arrived in the parish, and keen to volunteer. As more families come to

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the groups Stefan is running, and the holiday club becomes increasingly successful, there are new volunteers coming forward, and it is essential that we follow the guidance through the Safer Recruitment policies. We are still in the process of formalising our processes and hope to complete this in the Spring of 2024. Our church website is kept up to date magnificently by Malcolm, so that as soon as they start looking at our church, they will see from the first screen, that we take safeguarding seriously.

I have written in the parish magazine, and spoken in church, about how safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and I know, from the number of conversations I have with people, that we are all playing our part in this. And I am delighted to talk to people about situations not directly related to the church, which shows that we don't just think about safeguarding on Sundays, but know it underpins our whole lives as Christians. It was good to be able to speak on Safeguarding Sunday about not finding the actual word 'safeguarding' in the bible, but that we do find the message to love and care for everyone and to give a voice to those who do not have one, shouted out from every page. Sometimes, safeguarding can feel a bit like a box ticking exercise, so it's exciting when it isn't.

This year, it has been a joy to do our first large group training courses since Covid - we did C1, the second part of the Foundation course, at both churches, and around 50 people came. We had good feed-back from people, and it was wonderful to hear someone say at the end - 'I really enjoyed that'. I am sure no-one said that at the end of a difficult couple of hours, shouting at a computer! And it was an opportunity for all church members to be involved, and remind us of our shared responsibility. In 2024, we plan to do the same with a course about Domestic Violence, a subject which is increasingly important for us to be aware of, as our children's work goes from strength to strength.

We shall never be able to stop abuse completely, but we can do things together, to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the future. Thank you to everyone, for joining in with this important work.

– Home Groups David & Pat Farey

An APCM report is like a parish’s health check, and a snapshot of all the home groups is a good indicator. Seaford parish is ticking over ok and the home groups situation holds promise for the future.

Home groups – or fellowship groups, or Bible study groups, or cell groups, or… whatever name you know them by, are small groups of people from the local congregation that meet regularly to learn and grow together as Christians. They can function with an emphasis on hospitality and friendship as they gather to talk about and learn more about living the Christian faith. They are a practical outworking of Christ’s command to, “make disciples of all nations.” If Christians aren’t learning and growing in faith and maturity then they are failing to obey that command.

Pat and I have been co-ordinating the groups with a light touch for just over a year, and in that time we have noticed how each group looks after itself, setting its own teaching material and operating

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according to the needs of those who belong. They function well and there is a sense of good cohesion among the members who attend. So a very big thank you must go to all those who lead and host these groups. Without their willingness the whole system would fail.

Most groups meet every two weeks, with some weekly, and others monthly. They work out what rhythm suits everyone. In the year one group closed but another has been formed and in addition to the nine groups another group formed which runs a Freedom in Christ course, and runs for ten weeks. These are all positive developments and it would be good to keep up that progress.

The ideal is that more members of the congregations of both churches should join house groups so that they can grow in their faith. Each of the groups should grow until they are large enough to form two groups, which should grow and divide in due course. Ultimately the goal should be that everybody in both churches is attached to a house group. Everyone will then have the best opportunity to grow in maturity of faith, and be best equipped to cope with a society that is doing its best to deny Christian teachings.

For anyone interested in joining a group please email David or Pat on homegroups@seafordparish.org.uk.

’ - Seaford Parish Women s Group (SPWG) Julia Lawson

Seaford Parish Women’s Group currently meet in St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road Chyngton, on the 3[rd] Monday of the month starting at 7.30pm. We began the year with an AGM, upside down raffle and discussed the next year’s programme. The meetings are varied with speakers and social evenings. We particularly enjoyed a talk by Charlie Grimble on Tide Mills.

An entertaining talk by Sally on Being a Registrar, an interesting talk about The Unknown Soldier by Major Hamill Retired and an amusing evening about our favourite pets. We enjoyed an evening together with dinner at the Wellington and were pleased to welcome Liz Morgan Jones to talk to us about Family Support Work and the need for food donations for families in the Diocese. In August a group of members met in the JPK Palm Court Tea Rooms in Eastbourne for lunch, and an update on the project providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities. In the autumn we had a short video about the Link to Hope Shoe boxes followed by a board games evening and a creative Christmas Craft evening. In December, we held a combined service for Stopover with the Mother’s Union in St Leonard’s Church led by Revd James Hollingsworth. Stopover Charity care for young women in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, providing accommodation, respite, counselling, and rehabilitation. This was an opportunity to reflect upon how fortunate we are and the pleasure in helping others during challenging times. Stevie Graves the Service Manager gave an update on the charity and was delighted to receive the donated Christmas gifts on behalf of Stopover. We closed the year with rousing favourite Carols and readings.

Page | 17

We especially enjoy sharing companionship together and always pleased to welcome new members to join our evenings, sharing fellowship and a varied programme. We close our evening with prayers and reflections.

’ ’ – St Leonard s & St Luke s Parish Lunch Julia Lawson

Parish Lunch meet on the 1[st] Wednesday of the month in St Luke’s Hall at 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity to socialise in a warm environment and enjoy home cooking. We cater for all dietary requirements and are particularly grateful to Colin and Margaret Rudge who work front of house serving our guest, whilst 5 volunteers work hard with limited time to get the lunch ready on time. We serve a hot main meal and dessert, followed by tea or coffee for just £6.00.

’ – St Leonard s Lunchtime Concerts John Baker

There were 10 concerts between February and November in 2023. There were pianists, organists, a soprano, string quartet and a flute and accordion duo. Our audiences ranged from 50 to 109, averaging 70.

‘My son and I attended yesterday's concert which we considered was one of the best that the Church has organised’.

==> picture [58 x 100] intentionally omitted <==

As usual our final concert was dedicated to St Cecilia, patron saint of music and the retiring collection was for Christian Aid which raised £325. There was also over £850 left at the end of the year for Church funds. We are hugely grateful to our loyal audiences who support us so well.

‘Marvellous, where do you find these performers?’ (We don’t, they approach us).

The aim of the concerts is to enable people to hear talented musicians and provide performing opportunities for musicians, especially at the start of their career and also to provide a friendly welcome for people from all walks of life to our beautiful church, some who might not otherwise come through the door.

The concerts are on the third Saturday of the month from February to November, have free admission and remain self-supporting thanks to the generosity of our audience. There is a brochure listing the concerts planned for 2024 available at both Churches.

Page | 18

’ – St Leonard s Choir Report 2023 John Baker

During 2023 the choir have continued to lead the singing at the 9.30 am service each week at St Leonard’s. We’ve also begun to sing anthems during the administration of communion again. We have sung at several funerals and a wedding. Special services have included the Coronation Vigil on May 5[th] and Coronation Civic Service on May 7[th] , the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Carol Service, Christmas Lessons and Carols, First Communion of Christmas and Christmas Day.

We also enjoyed our annual garden party in July when once again the weather was very kind to us I am very grateful to all the choir members for their support and loyalty throughout the year and were pleased to welcome a new member this year.

‘I'd just like to say how lovely the carol service was last night and everyone did amazingly well, especially the choir.’

We are always pleased to welcome new members. Do contact me via

stlensorganist@seafordparish.org.uk or find me at coffee after a 9.30 service if you think you may be interested in joining the choir.

We meet on a Thursday evening from 7 – 8.30pm in St Leonard’s Church, it’s not all hard work though, there is often chocolate involved!

– Fabric Report Relating to Year 1[st] January to 31[st] December, 2023 Mike Holmes

St Leonard’s Church

Page | 19

St Luke’s Church

Page | 20

St Leonard’s Church Hall

Benenden Close

- Ministry to Care homes within the parish for 2023 Brian Millar and Wendy Ogilvie

We have recently had two new volunteers to support the work within care homes in the parish and we are grateful for this additional support. Our need is ongoing and we are seeking more volunteers

Page | 21

for 2024. One of our regular venues, Burdyke Lodge closed in 2023.This was a residential home where we had held services for many years. We provided ongoing contact with residents who moved on to other homes. We continued to provide support and ministry to Freshford nursing home, Westerleigh nursing home and Nova house. In many of our services we feel that our ministry reaches staff as well residents. In addition to regular sung and communion services, we also offer prayers for the dying and communion to residents in their own rooms. In 2023 we were asked to lead a funeral for a resident who was a regular monthly service attendee. We dropped a introductory letter to those care homes where we currently don’t have a presence and we look forward to building on this ministry. It continues to be a great privilege to serve those that are often out of sight and out of mind.

“Thank you for everything you have done for my cousin - she was so grateful for the communion service before she died”

– Finance Paul Waller

I am pleased to have the honour to deliver my second report as your Treasurer.

My first duty is to give heartfelt thanks to the team which supports me in my role. Every week of the year Bob Carrington collects & counts the donations which are given during our church services. Well done Bob. The data Bob provides is sent to Anna Owen in Weston Super Mare to feed into our software packages which are used to produce the monthly and annual accounts and the claims to the Revenue for Gift Aid.

Since the end of Covid we have seen a steady increase in our letting income and this is managed for us by Charlene Hobbs, who would be pleased to receive any enquiries from you for bookings for meetings or celebrations!

Charlie Christie and Tony Willer issue Invoices for us to the Funeral Directors, Magazine Advertisers and Fitzgerald Charity for work the church does for these organisations.

The efforts of this host of helpers dealt with our Living income, excluding legacies of £245,000.

To you, the members of the congregation of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s, With over £315000 passing through my hands during the year I appreciate the splendid organisation of which I am but a small part.

The accounts you have in your hands are produced for us by Anna Owen who, on top of the church activity dealt with the payment out £8,724 the balance of the Seaford 4 Ukraine fund. The Seaford for Ukraine funds totalled over £22,000. Thank you, Anna, for your hard work all year through.

David Bramley is a hero, in every month recording usage of Gas, Water and Electric at our three sites. I am hopeful that we have found a replacement so that David can put away his torch and clipboard.

We have had the benefit of Chris Tyler our accounts examiner’s scrutiny of the books and giving them a clean bill of health. I thank Chris and ask that we reappointed him for the current year at the end of my presentation.

Now I come to the biggest of the thank you - to you all, our church membership.

What a year 2023 has been, you have before you the report of all the areas of the church activity which has been funded by the your generous giving thought the year.

I have been in awe of the levels of generosity from both those who are still worshipping with us here on earth and of those who have past away. Living members have given £175,000 and past members £171,000 thus

Page | 22

giving us a cash surplus of £59,227 for the year and expectation of, a further £330,500, still to materialise, which brings the Balance Sheet surplus to £389,727.

Having summarised the Income let me briefly explain what this income has been spent upon.

The largest bills are for our Clergy and Staff which come to £230,000 for Parish Share and wages, Expenses are £10,000 and Mission £7,000 thus using up the whole of our pre legacy monies.

A further £88,000 goes to run the church with utility bills and general expenses.

On top of which is repair to the tower at £13,500.

A total of £347,443, which, without, legacies would have meant £110,000 deficit not the almost £60,000 we have been fortunate to record.

Balance Sheet

Historic property values may will change this year with the Hall sale.

Cash up by £40,000 to £240,000.

The biggest change is the Legacies receivable of £330,500

Liabilities mainly end of year payments and the Agency Accounts which no longer has any Seaford4Ukraine funds.

So, to summarise a year of overspending by almost £10,000 a month but half a million given from beyond the grave.

We must increase what we give here on earth.

I know that the dreaded inflation has been as high as 14% and that has hit everyone. The triple lock on Pension has meant the state pension keeps pace with inflation but we need a triple lock on our giving to the church and it must exceed or at least be maintained at over 10% if we are going to meet our commitments to God to enable Gods work to prosper in Seaford.

Thank you ALL.

Page | 23

Structure, governance and management of the charity The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

PCC for the year January 2023 to December 2023

Ex Officio members
Incumbent:
The Rev’d. James Hollingsworth Chairman

Associate Clergy:


The Rev’d. Derreck Lee-Philpot

Churchwardens:
Fred Bass
Elizabeth Morgan-Jones

Deputy Wardens for St Luke’s: Joanne Lalla
Paul Bloxham

Deputy Wardens for St Leonard’s: Janet Kent Vice Chairman
Paul Waller
Elected PCC Members

Paul Waller
Treasurer (from January 2022)
Joanne Lalla (from APCM April 2021)
Michael Holmes (from APCM April 2021)
Anna Grimble (from APCM April 2021)
Bridget Anderson (from APCM April 2021)
Kim Cuthbert (from APCM April 2022)
Lucy Borthwick (from APCM April 2022)
Lisa Hazle (from APCM April 2022)
Stephanie Baker (from APCM April 2022)
Nicola Ferguson (from APCM April 2022)
Sue Topp (from APCM April 2023)
Sally Thompson (from APCM April 2023)
Lizzie Jackson (from APCM April 2023)

Co-opted

Rev Lucy Hollingsworth Stefan Bracher

PCC Secretary

Stephanie Baker

Page | 24

Elected Deanery Synod (from APCM April 2023)

Julia Lawson Nicola Ferguson Bob Carrington Carole Kay

Deanery Representatives on Diocesan Synod:

Revd James Hollingsworth, Rev’d Lucy Hollingsworth

The Rev’d. James Hollingsworth

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priest-in-charge, curate, lay readers licensed to officiate in the church), the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 18 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Revd. James Hollingsworth, PCC Chairman

………………………………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………

Page | 25

Financial Report

Contents

Page

Website: Seafordparish.org.uk

Incumbent:

The Rev’d James Hollingsworth, MA

The Vicarage, 46 Sutton Road, Seaford,

BN25 1SH

Independent examiner:

C R Tyler (FCA DChA)

F1 CRT Limited. Flat 24 Wellingtonia

Court Laine Close, BRIGHTON, BN1 6TD

Bankers: Barclays Bank plc

Page | 26

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

The financial effect of our activities during the year can be summarised as follows:

Income and
endowments from:
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior Year
Donations and legacies 670,329 5,503 - 675,833 256,065
Income from charitable
activities
15,025 2,195 - 17,220 14,495
Other trading activities 1,572 - - 1,572 2,073
Investments 22,001 - - 22,001 1,614
Other income 17,170 12,376 - 29,547 40,248
Total income 726,099 20,075 - 746,175 314,497
Expen/diture on: -
Raising funds 3,363 83 - 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable
activities
290,552 20,261 - 310,814 288,659
Other expenditure 21,395 20,791 - 42,186 32,893
Total expenditure 315,311 41,136 - 356,448 325,855
Net income /
(expenditure) resources
before transfer
410,788 (21,060) - 389,727 (11,357)
Transfers
Gross transfers between
funds - in
6,680 80 - 6,760 29,407
Gross transfers between
funds - out
(6,760) - - (6,760) (29,407)
Other recognised gains /
losses
-
Gains on revaluation,
fixed assets, charity's
own use
- - - - -
Net movement in funds 410,708 (20,980) - 389,727 (11,357)
Reconciliation of funds -
Total funds brought
forward
420,182 275,269 - 695,452 706,810
Total funds carried
forward
830,891 254,288 - 1,085,179 695,452

Page | 27

Balance Sheet Detailed

As at 31/12/2023 As at 31/12/2022

Fixed assets

Current assets

Liabilities

Reserves

6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
280,000.00
280,000.00
140,000.00
140,000.00
91,000.00
91,000.00
511,000.00
511,000.00
5,131.33
19,671.08
10,041.71
52,008.43

0.75
224,804.27
120,851.91
196.62
201.09
79.22
250.00
330,500.00

584.32
4,796.06
10,242.89
2,345.24
581,580.36
200,124.56
(310.61)



224.49

926.85
7,840.15
6,559.78
7,832.11
7,400.51
15,672.26
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
695,452.30
706,810.12
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30

Page | 28

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities, (SORP (FRS 102)).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention \as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value \and the revaluation of fixed assets. 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 affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members

Funds accounting

Funds held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects

Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund

Endowment funds - funds for which the capital must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment

Income and endowments

All income and endowments, accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Donations and legacies

Collections are recognised when received.

Planned giving receivable is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate

Gift aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised

Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding, is received by the PCC

Charitable activities

Statutory fees for weddings and funerals are recognised when the office occurs

Other trading activities

Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services. Income from trading is recognised either: a - when received, or b - in the case of concerts: for the year in which the event occurs, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place

Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received

Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable

Investment income

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue

All other income

All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold

Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation at 31 December

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, payment is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC

Page | 29

Church activities

The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet

Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to (date) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is stated at a nominal £1 in the financial statements

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under (put in limit, say £1,000) are written off in the year they were incurred

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

Land Nil
Buildings Nil
Fixtures and fittings 20%
Audio visual equipment 33%
Office equipment 25%

No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings as the useful economic life of these assets exceeds 50 years and residual values so high that potential depreciation would be immaterial. It is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. Resulting from regular impairment reviews, provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank

Page | 30

2. Income and endowments

Total
Donations and legacies Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
0101 - Standing Order St Leonard's - 2,319 2,319 9,198
Gift Aid
0102 - Standing Orders St Luke's - Gift 2,940 2,940 3,731
Aid
0103 - Parish Giving Scheme 96,821 96,821 91,223
0111 - Envelopes St Leonard's - Gift Aid 216
0202 - Donations - CAF 314 314 64
0203 - Standing Orders St Leonard's 9,349 9,349 5,634
0204 - Standing Orders St Luke's 2,952 2,952 3,241
0205 - Envelopes St Leonard's 700
0206 - Envelopes St Luke's 5
0301 - Collections St Leonard's - Gift 100 100 389
Aid
0303 - Collections St Leonard's 9,502 9,502 10,135
0304 - Collections St Luke's 2,127 2,127 1,771
0403 - Gift Day St Leonard's 17,339
0404 - Gift Day St Luke's
0413 - Boxes St Leonard's 338 338 252
0452 - Tower Appeal 225
0453 - Clock Repair Donations 4,700
0454 - Window Repair Donations 480
0455 - Defibrillator Donations 691
0490 - Stewardship Donations 3,647 3,647 2,766
0491 - Easy Fundraising Donations 85 85 45
0492 - Amazon Donations 32 32 22
0551 - Donations St Leonard's - Gift Aid
0552 - Donations St Luke's - Gift Aid 2,400 2,400
0553 - Donations - Ceremonies 560 540 1,100 445
0554 - Donations St Luke's 1,300 250 1,550 2,580
0555 - Donations Parish - Gift Aid
0556 - Donations Parish 2,843 2,843 19,524
0557 - Electronic Giving 5,433 150 5,583 2,799
0558 - Tax Recovery - Electronic Giving
0606 - Tax Recovery - Parish 4,371 4,371 5,401
0607 - Tax Recovery - PGS 21,616 21,616 19,910
0701 - Legacies St Leonard's 2,135 2,135 38,000
0702 - Legacies St Luke's 500,000 500,000
0705 - Legacies Parish 1,000 1,000 1,000
0801 - Recurring Grants Parish
0806 - Non-recurring one-off grants
Parish
0850 - Energy Costs Grant 12,325
1279 - CFM Grants
1281 - Stripe Income - CFM 2,703 2,703 1,248
Donations and legacies Totals 669,789 540 5,503 675,833 256,065

Page | 31

Income from charitable activities

e from charitable activities
Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
1101 - Fees - Weddings & Funerals St 5,816 5,816 2,692
Leonard's
1102 - Fees - Weddings & Funerals St
Luke's
1103 - Fees - Bellringers
1104 - Choir Income 400 400 370
1105 - Tech Income 1,030 1,030 585
1209 - Coffee Money Donations 520 520 427
1242 - Hall Lettings St Luke's 7,853 7,853 6,493
1243 - Church Lettings St Leonard's 250 250 815
1255 - Magazine income - advertising 580 580 669
1265 - Parish Magazine Sales 5 5 119
1268 - Men's Meal 265 265
1269 - Parish Lunch 150 150 470
1270 - Bell Ringers 1,701
1272 - Flowers 350 350 150
1276 - Vicar's Discretionary Fund
1277 - Women's Group
Income from charitable activities 15,025 2,195 17,220 14,495
Totals
Other trading activities
0913 - St Leonard's Events 1,572 1,572 1,976
0914 - St Luke's Events
0915 - Parish Events 75
0916 - Parish Office Services
1210 - Bookstall sales to promote 22
objectives
Other trading activities Totals 1,572 1,572 2,073
Investments
1020 - Bank Interest - Premium 232 232 45
1021 - Bank Interest - Reserve 0
1022 - Bank Interest - CCLA 7,019 7,019 1,568
1030 - Rent from lands or buildings 14,750 14,750
Investments Totals 22,001 22,001 1,614
Other income
0608 - HMRC Employers Allowance 5,508 5,508 4,297
1278 - CFM Income 9,894 9,894 18,078
1300 - Other Income - Services to 10,200 10,200 11,515
Fitzgerald
1305 - Other Income - Services 1,000 1,000
1310 - VAT Grants 342 120 2,262 2,724
1315 - Insurance Claims
1320 - Surplus - sales of fixed assets
1325 - Friends Subscriptions 220 220 180
2841 - Start of Year Reconciliation
2842 - Write offs 6,177
Other income Totals 17,050 120 12,376 29,547 40,248
Income and endowments 725,439 660 20,075 746,175 314,497
Grand totals

Page | 32

3. Expenditure

Raising funds

Raising funds
Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
1725 - Electronic Giving Costs 61 2 64 34
1735 - Costs of Fetes & Events Parish
2051 - Salary - Parish Admin - 373
Stewardship
2069 - Stripe Fees - CFM 80 80 40
2070 - Costs of Hall/Church Hire 3,302 3,302 3,855
Raising funds Totals 3,363 83 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable activities
1801 - Mission - Overseas CMS
1830 - Mission - Overseas Agencies 2,505 2,505 2,550
1850 - Mission - Home Church Schools
1860 - Mission - Other Charities 2,505 2,505 2,550
1870 - Mission - Secular Organisations 1,670 1,670 1,700
1901 - Parish Contribution 131,162 131,162 120,000
1950 - Music Costs 1,279 1,279 1,342
2003 - Employers National Insurance 5,508 5,508 4,297
2004 - Pensions 1,510 1,510 861
2005 - Employers' Pension 760 760
Contributions
2040 - Salaries - Other (1,080) (1,080)
2050 - Salary - Parish Admin - Clergy 933
Support
2053 - Salary - Parish Admin 14,282 14,282 11,352
2054 - Salary - Parish Admin - 1,807 1,807 1,582
Magazine
2055 - Salary - Parish Admin - 5,160 5,160 4,740
Governance
2057 - Salary - Verger - Upkeep of 5,735 5,735 5,191
Services
2059 - Salary - St. Leon. Organist 4,835 4,835 4,395
2060 - Salary - St Luke's Care - Upkeep 3,722 3,722 3,322
of Serv
2061 - Salary - St Luke's Organist 1,647 1,647 1,425
2062 - Salary - Verger - St. Leon. Runn 5,613 5,613 5,056
Costs
2063 - Salary - St. Luke's Care - Runn 3,771 3,771 3,367
Costs
2064 - Salary - Senior Verger - St. 1,597 1,597 668
Leon. Runn.
2065 - Salary - Senior Verger - Upkeep 1,597 1,597 668
of Servi
2066 - Salary - CFM 36,759 36,759 31,125
2067 - CFM Running Costs 1,091 8,986 10,077 8,468
2068 - CYFW Grant Expenditure
2101 - Working Exp's - Incumbent St 397
Leonard's
2102 - Working Exp's - Incumbent St 753 753 496
Luke's
2121 - Council tax - Vicarage 3,393 3,393 2,934
2122 - Council Tax - St Luke's House 3,393 3,393 3,247
2141 - Water rates - Vicarage 434 434 442
2142 - Water Rates - St Luke's House 440 440 179
2144 - Water Rates - St Leonard's 816 816 656
Church
2145 - Water Rates - St Luke's 231 231 178
2151 - Telephone - Vicarage 921 921 873
2152 - Telephone - St Luke's House 750 750 603
2154 - Telephone - St Leonard's Church 532 532 543

Page | 33

Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
2156 - Telephone - Hall/Office 105 105 196
2161 - Miscellaneous - Vicarage
2162 - Miscellaneous - St Luke's House
2164 - Miscellaneous - St Leonard's 66
Church
2165 - Miscellaneous - St Luke's 17 17 11
Church
2166 - Miscellaneous - Hall
2180 - Alpha Expenditure
2201 - Training and Youth 333
2209 - Refreshments 1,399 1,399 1,347
2210 - Bell Ringers 1,701
2211 - Choir Expenditure 45 45 60
2212 - Flowers
2216 - Vicar's Discretionary Fund
2218 - Parish Lunch 150
2219 - Men's Meal 118 118
2302 - Insurance - St Luke's House 678 678 573
2304 - Insurance - St Leonard's Church 3,587 3,587 3,065
2305 - Insurance - St Luke's Church 997 997 628
2306 - Insurance - Hall 2,549
2320 - Organ / Piano Maintenance 1,875 1,087 2,963 2,032
2331 - Maintenance - Vicarage (313)
2332 - Maintenance - St Luke's House 466 466 814
2334 - Maintenance - St Leonard's 3,219 198 3,417 1,647
Church
2335 - Maintenance - St Luke's Church 4,124 155 4,279 2,352
2340 - Upkeep of Services 38 38 428
2350 - Upkeep of Churchyard 3,751 3,751 581
2370 - Churches Together 95 95 95
2371 - DBS Fees 48 48 60
2372 - Retired clergy wedding/funeral 642
fees
2375 - Diocesan Fees 218
2378 - Tech 76 76
2380 - Equipment Improvements 7,214 7,214 2,623
2381 - Staffing Misc. 478 478
2382 - CFM Equipment 1,976
2404 - Gas - St Leonard's Church 1,577 4,023 5,601 3,493
2405 - Gas - St Luke's Church 1,689 2,123 3,813 2,375
2406 - Gas - Hall 390 390 312
2414 - Electric - St Leonard's Church 343 2,722 3,066 2,521
2415 - Electric - St Luke's Church 236 1,812 2,048 1,565
2416 - Electric - Hall 834 834 555
2420 - Cleaning Materials 673 673 756
2427 - Supplies - Upkeep of Services 250 250
2501 - Magazine Production Costs 49 49
2502 - Photocopier Expenses 5,100 5,100 4,822
2510 - Bookstall Purchases 330
2520 - Bank Charges 51
2601 - Governance - Audit Fees 1,780 1,780 1,490
2602 - Governance - Office Expenses 1,132 1,132 934
2605 - Postage 619 619 107
2610 - Software - Finanace 245 245 419
2615 - Software - Other 1,337 1,337 1,048
2704 - Fabric - St Leonard's Church 11,688
2705 - Fabric - St Luke's Church
2706 - St. Leonard's Boiler
2710 - Reordering
2998 - Transfer of balances
2999 - Write offs 6,195

Page | 34

Expenditure on charitable
activities Totals
Other expenditure
1880 - Legacy - Dollin
2010 - Salary & Pension Services
2707 - Tower Repairs
2708 - Defibrillator
2711 - Professional Advisors Fees
2750 - Benenden Expenses
2832 - Other Expenditure - Fitzgerald
2840 - Year End Reconciliation
Other expenditure Totals
Expenditure Grand totals
288,373
2,178
20,261

310,814
288,659
Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year






598



598



13,573

13,573

444



444
691
1,344

7,217

8,561
24,200
10,214



10,214

8,793



8,793
8,001





21,395

20,791

42,186
32,893
313,132
2,178
41,136

356,448
325,855

4. Missionary and charitable giving


Overseas:
Cambodia Action, LAMA, Mission Direct,
Samaras Aid,
Home:
Children Youth and Family Missioner
Diocesan Family Support Work, Homelink,
Beachy Head Chaplaincy, Church Army,
Caring and Sharing, Waves
Unrestricted

2505

6680
4175
Restricted

-

-
Endowed

-

-
Total Funds
2023

2505

6680
4175
Total Funds
2022

2550

6800
4250
Notes

13360 - 13360 13600
5. Staff Costs
Remuneration
Wages and salaries
Employer social security costs
Employer pension costs
Unrestricted
90591
5508
1510
Restricted
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
90591
5508
1510
Total Funds
2022
77011
4297
861
Notes
97609 - 97609 83859

5. Staff Costs

6. Payments to PCC members

Clergy were paid out of pocket expenses

Page | 35

7. Transactions with persons related to PCC members

None

8. Transactions with related charities

None

9. Governance

9. Governance

Independent examination and professional
advice
Accounts production
Bookkeeping
Unrestricted
1780
1132
5160
Restricted
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023

1780

1132

5160
Total Funds
2022
1490
934
4740
Notes
8072 - - 8072 7164

10. Transfer between Funds

10. Transfer between Funds
Unrestricted
-
Restricted Endowed Total Funds
2023
Total Funds
2022
Notes

11. Fixed Assets

a Investments

11. Fixed Assets
a Investments

Market value 1 January 2022
Disposals at carrying value
Purchases at cost
Net gains and revaluation
Unrestricted
-
-
-
-
Restricted
-
-
-
-
Endowed



Total Funds
2023
Notes
Market value 31 December 2023 - -

11 a Tangible Fixed Assets

11 a Tangible Fixed Assets 11 a Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Notes


Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Freehold land
and buildings
511000
Audio visual

Office
Equipment
Total fixed
assets
511000
Notes


Page | 36

Revaluation
At 31 December 2023 511000 511000
Charge for impairment
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Revaluation




At 31 December 2023
Net book amounts
At 31 December 2023

511000


511000

13. Net Assets by Fund


Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities

Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities

Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Unrestricted
511000
-
341,327
(14,035)
(7401)
Restricted
-
254,288
-
Endowed
-
-
Total Funds
2023
511000
341,327
240,253
(7401)
Total Funds
2022
511000

4,141
192,983
(15672)

14. Debtors

14. Debtors

Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
Unrestricted
584
340,742
Restricted

-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
584

340,742
Total
Funds
2022
4,796
2,343
Notes
(legacy)
£341,326 - £341,326 7,141

15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year.


Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan

Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan
Notes

Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan
Unrestricted
7,401
Restricted
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023

7,401
Total Funds
2022
15,672
-
Notes

Page | 37

Other creditors - -
7,401 - - 7,401 15,672

16. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Unrestricted
-
-
-
-
Restricted
-
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2022
-
-
-
-
Notes



- - - - -

17. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities

Income and
endowments from:
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior Year
Donations and legacies 670,329 5,503 - 675,833 256,065
Income from charitable
activities
15,025 2,195 - 17,220 14,495
Other trading activities 1,572 - - 1,572 2,073
Investments 22,001 - - 22,001 1,614
Other income 17,170 12,376 - 29,547 40,248
Total income 726,099 20,075 - 746,175 314,497
Expen/diture on: -
Raising funds 3,363 83 - 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable
activities
290,552 20,261 - 310,814 288,659
Other expenditure 21,395 20,791 - 42,186 32,893
Total expenditure 315,311 41,136 - 356,448 325,855
Net income /
(expenditure) resources
before transfer
410,788 (21,060) - 389,727 (11,357)
Transfers
Gross transfers between
funds - in
6,680 80 - 6,760 29,407
Gross transfers between
funds - out
(6,760) - - (6,760) (29,407)
Other recognised gains /
losses
-
Gains on revaluation,
fixed assets, charity's
own use
- - - - -
Net movement in funds 410,708 (20,980) - 389,727 (11,357)

Page | 38

Reconciliation of funds -
Total funds brought
forward
420,182 275,269 - 695,452 706,810
Total funds carried
forward
830,891 254,288 - 1,085,179 695,452

Notes to the Financial Re ort p

18. Statement of Funds.

Explanation of funds

Endowed funds are required by the donors to be invested and the income spent on specific objectives

Restricted funds are not invested permanently but are to be spent within reasonable timescales

Unrestricted funds are not subject to any donor restrictions and can be spent as the PCC decides

Summary of all funds

Fund income and expenditure and final balances are as follows





Total of all endowed funds

Total of all restricted funds

General fund
Designated roof fund
Revaluation reserve
Total of all unrestricted
funds

Total funds
Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan2023


Income



Expenditure
Transfers,
other gains
and losses
Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2023
£
£
£
£
-
£
-
-



-
-
-
-
275,269 20,073 (41,134) 80 254,289

290,077
130,105
-

725,439
660
-

313,132
(2178)
-

(80)
-
-

695,623
135,267
-
420,182 726,099 315,311 (80) 830890
695,452 746,175 (356,448) 1,085,179

Page | 39

Independent Examiner’s Report

to the PCC of Sutton with Seaford for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s, Seaford, on the annual report for the year ended 31st December 2023 set out on pages 27 to 41

Respective
responsibilities
of trustees and
examiner
The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC
members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the
Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
1.
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
2.
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
3.
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of
independent
examiner’s
statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by
the charity 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
examiner's
statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me
reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities
Act; and
b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply
with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
* Please delete the words in the (brackets) if they do not apply
Examiner’s
signature
Examiner’s
name CAPITALS
CHRIS TYLER FCA DChA FCIE
Date
Relevant
professional
qualification(s)
or bodyif any
Examiner’s
address
F1 CRT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court Laine Close BRIGHTON BN1 6TD

Page | 40

Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Sutton with Seaford for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems for example:

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose

Page | 41

==> picture [113 x 60] intentionally omitted <==

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL REPORT

Parish of Sutton with Seaford

==> picture [61 x 39] intentionally omitted <==

DECEMBER 31, 2023

ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, CHURCH STREET & ST. LUKE’S CHURCH, WALMER ROAD

Registered Charity Number: 1131402

Contents

Page

Website: Seafordparish.org.uk

Incumbent:

The Rev’d James Hollingsworth, MA

The Vicarage, 46 Sutton Road, Seaford,

BN25 1SH

Independent examiner:

C R Tyler (FCA DChA)

F1 CRT Limited. Flat 24 Wellingtonia

Court Laine Close, BRIGHTON, BN1 6TD

Bankers: Barclays Bank plc

Page | 2

Our aims and purposes as a charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Rev’d James Hollingsworth, in:

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have borne in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The aims and focus for the PCC and Parish could be summarised as below (the order not intending to imply specific priorities).

  1. To continue to give attention to our Safeguarding Procedures, and risk assessment management

  2. To grow our connection and support of Children, Youth, and Families, through our youth worker and his groups.

  3. To continue to review our worship to enable all people to connect to God

  4. To reach a balanced budget, through generosity of giving, applying for grants, and sensible stewardship of our assets and various fundraising activities.

  5. To grow in discipleship and mutual support, by opening St Leonard’s Church throughout the week for prayer and by welcoming new people into the Church through worship, Homegroups, book clubs and other groups within the Church family.

  6. To continue to maintain our Church buildings and to develop them so that they may more helpfully meet the needs of the Church and the community (e.g. concerts, Christmas magic etc), particularly through the sale of the Hall and by designing the insides of our Church buildings to this end (eg Kitchen & toilets within St Leonard’s and Office and kitchen at St Luke’s).

  7. To explore how we can reduce our carbon footprint

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

At the time of the APCM the Church Electoral Roll numbered 304 (compared to 294 in 2022, 295 in 2021, 300 in 2020).

Page | 3

The PCC mostly met in person in St Leonards, a total of 6 times. The Standing Committee met between meetings and their deliberations were reported to the PCC. The Standing Committee met by zoom on a bi-monthly rhythm.

Leadership

Page | 4

– Community James Hollingsworth

Stefan and James have been able to visit Cradle Hill to help with their RE teaching on the incarnation (year 4) and on Noah’s Covenant (year 3); and into Chyngton Primary school to help unpack the new East Sussex RE curriculum; and into Seaford Head School to do two classes of ‘Grill-a-vicar’ with year 8s.

‘Thank you for the today's visit to the children they were really engaged with everything you and Stefan had to say. I know that they really wanted to keep the conversation going when they got back to the classroom. Thank you as always for being so engaging for the children.’

Stefan was interviewed by Radio Sussex on the Easter Egg hunt he’d planned at St Luke’s.

More Schools asked for a Carol service in St Leonard’s this year suggesting a return to pre-covid times and the Nativity was as packed as ever. The Pub Carols in The Wellington Inn were a joyous warm squeeze. East Sussex Fire and Rescue had their first carol service in St Leonard’s. The High Sheriff, Richard Bickersteth, came to both that service as well as the Mayor’s Carol service which gathered choirs from different schools to sing to a packed church.

‘Thanks for all your encouragement and support for our Carol Service’

The Holiday Club in October was oversubscribed again, and through the generosity of Morrisons and kind donations we were able to send each child home with a free packed lunch. Heaps of thanks to the massive team that made this such a safe and joyful week.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed my two day stint at the holiday club’

At the Diocesan May Camp in Plumpton, a small team of us went to give 140 teenagers a chance to shoot some arrows and again with the charity Family Support Work to about 20 families.

‘Thank you so much for giving up your time to provide the Archery Activity on Saturday. The families really enjoyed it so much, they all mentioned it in the top 3 of their favourite activities over the weekend’.

Alas we held another vigil for Ukraine. The monies raised through the year were given out to support local refugees. The last of the money was given by the end of the year so that Seaford4Ukraine is now closed though we continue to pray for peace and support local Ukrainians.

Members of the Church helped fundraise for different charities this year including rattling buckets for Seaford Bonfire Society and Shoeboxes for Romania (54). See reports below for more details of other charities.

In May, there was a fayre of stalls on the Martello Field, so we set up two gazebos. One was a prayer tent with an A-Z of how the Church helps the community. The other was for young people and had a long queue for the nerf gun game. At the beginning of December, Seaford Magic day saw the church full of people and cake and stalls and different groups singing. St Leonard’s was asked to host the

Page | 5

‘Seaford Market’ as the forecast was so appalling and the earlier December one had had to be cancelled. This worked tremendously well in terms of so many people coming through the Church on the eve of Christmas eve.

Pastorally we continued to visit Care Homes and to post fortnightly pastoral letters to 68 Church Family who continue to find it difficult to connect to the Church. Rev Derreck led a radio service in EDGH. The annual Memorial service was very full again, perhaps showing a growing need for an opportunity to show community grief. Sylvia Coombe was awarded the Order of St Richard for her on going work with Care Homes.

‘It has been a real pleasure to join you at 6 o'clock, on-line, each evening for prayer.’

St Leonard’s has remained open throughout the year 10-1 each day (except Thursdays when it is open for Toddler group – see also Wednesdays at St Luke’s). This has proved helpful to many in finding a moment of prayer, a listening ear, an occasional coffee, and even a radiator for a homeless man to dry out his sleeping bag. The Wednesday pastoral prayer zoom with thanks to Sue Griffiths as prayer pastor and the Saturday am prayer zoom has continued with thanks to Cpt Bob Carrington.

St Leonard’s Lunchtime concerts have continued with 10 in 2023, average of 70 in attendance.

The 4[th] Saturday of each month has continued to be full of cake and coffee and people connecting to each other.

The Coronation of King Charles 3[rd] started with a vigil on the Friday that had a 100 views on Facebook and concluded with a Civic Songs of Praise on the Sunday. Our online ministry on YouTube as well has proved essential in connecting many to the community of the Church. Eg 260 viewings of our Carol Service and averaging 65 to our usual Sunday service. Our Website and ChurchSuite and our Facebook page and YouTube channel have continued to keep people informed of our activities as has the Magazine. We print 200 copies and have an electronic version. (for links see:

– Worship and Discipleship in the Church James Hollingsworth

2023 has been the second year of the Old Testament. We have done a few ‘children’s stories’ such as Balaam’s Ass but have focused on harder texts such as the Shema and Leviticus.

‘I just felt I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the series over the past year on Old Testament people. I've really felt inspired by them’

St Luke’s started up a Sunday School (Glow). See Stefan’s report for more. Safeguarding Sunday happened in February with a group of us doing C0 training in October.

Page | 6

The walk of witness saw over 200 Christians coming together from the different Churches in Seaford.

Beach church happened again in August including one infant baptism in the Sea.

‘Thank you for your sermon this morning’.

The prayer-training day was very encouraging with over 40. The Meeting Place service re-started in November with a focus on applied prayer ministry.

Home Groups thrived (see the report below) and 11am Wednesday St Leonard’s service was ably helped by Cpt Bob Carrington, Rev Heather Howell, and Rev Chris Doherty. All three stood down this year. Thank you for your service. Revs Chris Hadfield, Colin Rudge, Colin Pritchard and Chris Collison and the Wednesday am team for their continuing to help with this. Rev Lucy has joined the rota of services as well as her wider support of Deanery Churches.

The Vicar taught Church History again for St Augustine’s Theological College. And continued to be Rural Dean blessing Laughton’s Christmas Tree, Iford’s Midnight Mass, and doing Rural Dean things such as a Cream tea for Retired Clergy and leading a clergy retreat to Penhurst.

James went on Sabbatical over June, July and August to Jerusalem, to Iona and to New Wine. There were about 20 locals who also joined him at New Wine.

The Parish wish to thank Rev Arwen Folkes, Fr Joe Padfield for all their help over the three month period. We also wish to thank Rev Damien Brennan (a Seafordian whose curacy is with the Cuckmere benefice) for his help. He was ordained Priest this year, along with Rev Janice Bartholomew (also a local who rings our bells, her curacy is with the Framfield benefice).

Using our October attendance statistics: Average Sunday attendance was 138 and average Wednesday attendance 9

We had 4 Baptisms, 25 Weddings funerals.

‘Thank you so much for making sure that mums funeral ran smoothly. It was a lovely service, and we appreciated your kindness and empathy.’

The Parish Office, that resides in the tower of St Luke’s, had a new coat of paint, a redesign from a carpenter and new carpet too.

Next year will start with an Alpha course on Thursdays. In June 2024 we will be joined by Rev Carole Darling as our SSM Curate.

‘A huge thank you again from myself and my stall holders for housing us and welcoming us all in to your gorgeous Church. The stall holders really enjoyed being inside the Church.’

Page | 7

– Deanery Synod James Hollingsworth

The list of Lay Reps can be found on page. The clergy reps are Rev’ds Derreck Lee-Philpot, Lucy Hollingsworth, James Hollingsworth (in his capacity as Rural Dean).

The Synod met four times in the year: to discuss the recent General Synod meetings; to hear about local Churches with ecological care teams and Arocha awards; local chaplains from the prison, University, Fire Service; to hear from the Diocesan Director of Education about the growing partnerships between Churches and Schools. St Leonard’s hosted the Deanery Treasurers meeting to hear about the difficult decisions that lie ahead for the Diocese in running £1m deficit this year and £1.6m in 2024.

– Diocesan Synod James Hollingsworth

There are no lay representatives from this parish on Diocesan Synod. Revds Lucy and James Hollingsworth are elected members of the House of Clergy for Diocesan Synod. New elections will be held over the summer. Diocesan Synod meets twice a year.

This year we have discussed Diocesan finances, the process of Living in Love and Faith , the strategy for Carbon Net Zero, Ethical Investments, and Racial Justice Sunday amongst other things.

– Children, Youth and Family Missioner (CYFW) Stefan Bracher

In the past year the children, youth and family team have been keeping very active within our Church. We have come into contact with over 340 children and their families throughout the year across all of our groups. Some children and families attend regularly, some attend less frequently, but all understand why we run the groups we run. Ultimately to tell the message of Jesus and make disciples.

This year we have had an huge increase in young people attending Ignite, where we had gone form 7 young people to over 70 people being on the books for the group. Whilst we have also had to deal issues around more safeguarding and heating of Church buildings.

But the children, youth and family work continue to expand and develop, to the point where we are now in the need for a second children, youth and family worker for the Parish.

Messy Church

Messy Church has continued to develop over the past year as we try different ways to engage children and families with God’s word. The meeting times from 9.30am-11am seem to be working really well. Where we have a regular attendance of 18-22 children to our Messy Church sessions, and

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one of our biggest Christingle services in December 2023 with over 130 people in attendance, from grandparents, to parents and carers to children and young people.

The Messy Church steering group has been meeting regularly to decide on themes and arrange for the crafts for those themes to be decided well before time. This makes the process of developing a Messy Church session more effective, allowing for longer planning ahead of time.

In connection to this we have looked at specific themes, as we found out about why we have Vicars and what they do as well as why we have Bishops and finding out what they do. Whilst also looking at people of faith such as Rosa Parks and standing up for what is right in the eyes of God.

Tots’ Treats

Tots’ Treats have been developing in what is offered to parents and toddlers. The sessions in both St Luke’s and St Leonard’s have been running with a craft linked to a story, which is then followed by musical instruments. Stories have been used from faith-based books as well as mainstream books with a Christian value within that story. After each story we have also been praying on what the theme is for the story we are listing too. We have also been trying to be more selective over newer toys to help with various levels of development in a child, i.e. the development of fine motor skills, etc.

The biggest noticeable issue is with regards to the heating of St Leonard’s church during the colder months. Children and parents have been very cold which in turn, and understandably, turns parents/carers and their children away. An alternative source of heating is required for St Leonard’s church, to ensure it is a comfortable place to engage with people, as the current heating system is not suitable to heat such a large church and can be very off putting. Parents have complained about this situation.

“The toddler group is amazing, as are the volunteers, but it is so cold in here we can always attend” – Tots’ Treats Parent

Sparks

Sparks have been developing very well. In the summer of 2023, we took 11 children to the summer camp with Generations Christian Camps where they learnt all about who Jesus actually was. Our numbers for the Sparks camp 2024 are looking to be very similar.

We have had a slightly drop in numbers attending Sparks, from 35 down to 20-25 every week. This had been largely down to year 6 children moving into the Ignite youth group as they move into

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secondary school. Throughout sessions we have looked at specific themes, such as parables of the Bible whilst incorporating some science where possible. Our summer programme will be slightly different as we try to visit different local places.

“My girls love coming to the groups, it is their highlight of their week” – parent of a child from Sparks “Sparks is his favourite group ever is what he said” – Grandparent of Sparks member

Holiday Club

Our October half term holiday club, titled Cops and Robbers had been a huge success. We had over 70 children attend with around 55 children attending each day. This is an increase of 10 from last year. We use John Hardwicks Watt-A-Lott Castle holiday club structure in October 2023 as we looked at Kings and Queens of the Bible, ultimately finishing with Jesus as the King of All Kings who conquered death.

Holiday club in 2023 was a lot more expensive, typically costing around £600-£700, in 2023 it cost £1400. To raise funds for holiday club we ran a quiz night which generated over £1000 worth of funds, coring the cost of running holiday club and buying lunches for all the children/families who wanted one. We also had some fantastic supportive donations from the Wellington Hotel which meant that we were able to run holiday club completely free for anyone who wanted to attend at primary school age.

The increase was due to a range of inflationary pressures on goods, but also as we designed more of an elaborate set for the holiday club, to make it truly feel like a castle environment. “How long until camp? I really cannot wait to go again” – Sparks Camp Child

In 2024, we look forward to planning the next October half term holiday club and continue to look for fundraising opportunities.

Ignite

We have changed the way Ignite works as a youth group. Previously it was a time to play games and also have a time set aside for some bible reflections. However, over 2023 we changed Ignite to be more of a youth group with just games to help build trust with young people and the Church. This has worked a great deal and our numbers had gone from 7 to over 70 on our books.

We don’t see this as impacting on what we have set out to do, as it is building the grounds of communication and serving the local community is key. We do however look forward to arranging a

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separate group session where we hold the likes of youth Alpha or Christianity Explored on a separate evening.

This group has also been supported by new volunteers coming along on a more rota basis, which ha ensured that the group can continue to meet. As well as support through free donations of cans of fizz, crisps and chocolate from Morrisons Community Champions and gifts from The Wellington Hotel in Seaford.

“You offer all this for free on a Friday night, that is amazing” – Ignite Parent

The Chosen

Has been developing well. This is a newer group which has been set up primarily for adults of the children and young people who attend our groups and for anyone else who wishes to attend. This group has now watched all episodes of the current Chosen seasons and is waiting for the release of the latest season.

During this period of waiting we have decided to run Alpha at The Chosen until March 2024 and then run the new season after that. Designed to help as a way of progression after Alpha.

Glow

This fortnightly groups have been going from strength to strength over the past year of 2023. Children have been slowly increasing on a Sunday morning as they gather for breakfast, story, craft and singing and dancing.

Two of the members of this group opted to attend this session rather than going to their beloved rugby, which is something special to hear!

Moving Forward

There are still areas where we must continue the development in the work that the Church is currently doing. This includes the continual development of building into the community, through creation of a growing garden (currently working on these plans) to help children, young people and their families understand the need for learning to grow their own fruit/veg.

We are also in a very stail time zone for the children, youth and family work. We are running at full capacity within our current means, but there is so much more need out in the community. We have approximately 5 others groups which we see the need to develop. But we have 0 time to commit to

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them. This is one of the reasons we need an additional full time paid children, youth and family worker in this parish. It is vital if we are to continue to spread the work to as many children, young people and families as possible. Without that role we will stay in a very same position unless we cancel some groups to run others.

We also need to develop spaces to be more multipurpose to enable more of the community to engage with the church building and then in turn with the Church as a whole, largely with in St Leonard’s church, but also in St Luke’s Church. The largest of all being the heating in St Leonard’s church. Here the heating is on full and the church cannot get warm due the construction of the building. Inferred heating seems to the be the best way forward to heat the building.

‘We are so lucky to have people like Stefan … supporting our young people in Seaford’

The Children, Youth and Family Team and the rest of the Church are in a key time to continue to develop the outreach of the Church. Failing to do that promptly and correctly will greatly impact our Church. One of the biggest things which will impact us in the success of this, and spreading our faith, are our attitudes towards children, young people and families and our attitudes towards the way we support the groups which are running.

Our Team of Volunteers

Our teams of volunteers within the children, youth and family team are the biggest in the Church. With over 39 people helping at any one time and regular volunteers of around 15-20 leaders, they get swamped with various requests for support for the groups. Which most of the time they will happily oblige with. But we do need to also continue to offer support to those volunteers through prayer and through encouraging others to volunteer for smaller (or larger) tasks.

This time of volunteers are amazing and without them the Church would not have anywhere near the outreach it currently has on a weekly basis. My heartfelt thanks goes to each one of them.

’ ’ ’ – St Leonard s And St Luke s Mothers Union Janet Kent

Although relatively few in numbers we continue to look for ways to carry out the Mothers’ Union basic remit “Christian Care for Families.” through action and prayers.

We attended six baptisms presenting Bible story books and cards, to welcome them to the family of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s.

During 2023 we provided tea and cakes for over 600 new U.K. Citizens at Brighton Town Hall, attending their Ceremonies, celebrating and sharing in their joy and listening to their life stories and welcoming them to their new UK family.

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We held a fund raising Quiz to support Brian Miller’s work with the young people at YMCA Eastbourne, also providing 20 Christmas gift boxes, we felt it was important to show these young people that they are valued as part of God’s Family. Members also contributed Christmas gifts to the young women being supported by Stopover.

Our enjoyable Garden Tea Party raised money for AFIA (Away from it all). Two caravans owned by Chichester Diocese Mothers’ Union used to provide free holidays for families in need.

At our October Meeting we had an informative talk about Modern day slavery, County lines and Cuckooing, explaining how we can safely be the invisible eyes and ears of the authorities helping to prevent children and vulnerable adults from being trapped into a life of crime. A real “wake up call “for many of us. Yes, it is happening in Seaford.

As part of the M.U. National campaign against Gender based violence we circulated Posters (with helpline numbers) to be put up in Public Toilets and Pubs.

An Ecumenical celebration and Tea party, a talk from Rev. Derreck Lee-Philpot about his experiences in Sudan, an update from Father Joe on Seaford’s Ukrainian Refugees, a fascinating Desert Island Discs and a trip to Firle Church completed our Meetings.

All of our meetings and activities are open to everyone, keep a look out in the weekly sheet and come along and join us.

’ – - Men s Meal Rev Derreck Lee Philpot

During 2023 the Parish Men’s Meal met on five occasions, all of them hosted at the Wellington PH.

They are open to all and are generally about 50/50 of church and non-church people which makes for a lively mix of people. The attendance was between 25 and 34 diners, but with over 65 people on the books that are invited each time.

The meetings invited the following speakers;

Jan 30[th] : That was me speaking on the experiences encountered during my time in South Sudan. Mar 30[th] : Right Rev’d William Hazlewood spoke on his life, especially about what being a bishop is like!

May 30[th] : Rev Paul Mundy spoke about his transformation from selling spirits behind a pub bar to living in the spirit as a priest.

Aug 1[st] : One of our Men’s Meal members spoke on his life and experiences.

Oct 24[th] : John Lawson came to bring his amazing story. From being a gangland enforcer and thoroughly unlikeable person, he was imprisoned and came to know Jesus while he was there. After

prison he became an evangelist ‘living by faith’ speaking to men all over the world prayerfully leading

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them into a relationship with Jesus. All this despite having a terminal cancer diagnosis giving him months to live at the time of the meeting. An inspiring individual.

Keith Carlisle has just stepped down from organising the Men’s Meal, the role has been taken enthusiastically by Lloyd Thompson and in his care I look forward to reporting on another brilliant year of Parish Men’s Meals next year.

’ - Flowers in St Leonard s Church Liz Morgan Jones

Thank you to those who have made kind and appreciative comments about the displays throughout the year. Even with fewer arrangers available, every major festival has seen the church decorated appropriately and beautifully. As well as daffodils bunched for distribution on Mothering Sunday.

Thank you if you have sponsored or bought flowers throughout the year and to those who have arranged them.

The greatest thanks must go to Margaret Smith who tirelessly organises everything in this area of church life including regular watering throughout most weeks in the year and buying and arranging the contents for many of the regular weekly pedestal displays in the sanctuary.

– Parish Mission Support Team Liz Morgan Jones

The Team met three times during 2023 when members brought updates on all eight of our Mission Partners and reported on their own involvement within the mission they support in particular as well as considering other mission activities within the parish. We brought matters of prayer to the attention of the Prayer Pastor for inclusion in the Parish Prayer Diary and passing on to those leading Intercessions at services.

We organised displays at St Leonard’s to promote mission awareness at the Open Church in June and for those attending the services on the following day.

Several groups within the parish arranged collections during the year. Including, for Samara’s Aid in Syria, toiletries, new clothing (because due to customs regulations they can no longer accept second hand items) but they could accept our unwanted walking aids: this collection inspired by Samara’s visit in December 22. There was an immediate response from individuals wanting to send money to the casualties of the Syrian earthquake in March. The Link to Hope Shoe Box Appeal bound for Eastern Europe produced over forty boxes and extras like blankets, gloves, scarves, hats and bags of toiletries etc. There has been an ongoing collection of groceries, cleaning products and toiletries for FSW at both churches. Then In the run up to Christmas, many provided seasonal food, treats and

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presents for distribution by the Diocesan Family Support Work Practitioners as well as gifts for Stopover who look after young women facing homelessness.

For Christian Aid Week people in the parish distributed envelopes door to door although the majority are no longer collected so householders were encouraged to either bring their donations to one of several collecting points (one of which was in St Leonard’s Church for one day) or donate online. We also hosted (one of the three) Christian Aid Lunches in the town. Ours was held at St Luke’s in May.

Church family provided cakes and volunteers for two Open Gardens in Seaford selling refreshments in aid of Family Support Work. Stefan, our Children’s Youth and Family Worker and his faithful dog, Buddy, also raised funds for FSW by taking part in a sponsored and very soggy and muddy Easter Walk!

We continue to arrange visiting preachers and those giving talks on behalf of their Missionary organisation. David Farey a member of the church family spoke and showed photos at St Luke’s about the work of ‘Serving Africa Mission’.

The PCC have agreed to Homelink, the Charity helping homeless people into housing across Sussex who work in conjunction with the Local Authorities, using St Leonard’s Church when interviewing prospective clients.

At the end of each half year in June and December we reviewed our financial giving to our Mission Partners and recommended to the PCC that these donations should be based on ten per cent of the parish’s general income and of that amount we proposed 50% for our own Children’s Youth and Family Work with the remaining 50% equally divided to our eight mission partners - Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, Cambodia Action earmarked for Sarah and Pola Chhin, Church Army, Diocesan Family Support Work, Homelink, LAMA, Samara’s Aid and Waves.

Thank you for all your support for our endeavours.

– Safeguarding Ruth Saunders

I am currently undertaking the Leadership Safeguarding training, and we were asked: How could your church, its culture and the way it is experienced, contribute to the prevention of safeguarding issues? I answered without difficulty, as I feel that our two churches have continued to make great progress over the last year towards them being safe and welcoming places for people to worship. I hope that there are few people who do not know who I am, and that I, along with James, Derrick and Stefan, take Safeguarding seriously, and are happy to talk to anyone with a concern, however small it may seem to you. I have continued to be the person carrying out dbs checks, and through doing these, have met people newly arrived in the parish, and keen to volunteer. As more families come to

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the groups Stefan is running, and the holiday club becomes increasingly successful, there are new volunteers coming forward, and it is essential that we follow the guidance through the Safer Recruitment policies. We are still in the process of formalising our processes and hope to complete this in the Spring of 2024. Our church website is kept up to date magnificently by Malcolm, so that as soon as they start looking at our church, they will see from the first screen, that we take safeguarding seriously.

I have written in the parish magazine, and spoken in church, about how safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and I know, from the number of conversations I have with people, that we are all playing our part in this. And I am delighted to talk to people about situations not directly related to the church, which shows that we don't just think about safeguarding on Sundays, but know it underpins our whole lives as Christians. It was good to be able to speak on Safeguarding Sunday about not finding the actual word 'safeguarding' in the bible, but that we do find the message to love and care for everyone and to give a voice to those who do not have one, shouted out from every page. Sometimes, safeguarding can feel a bit like a box ticking exercise, so it's exciting when it isn't.

This year, it has been a joy to do our first large group training courses since Covid - we did C1, the second part of the Foundation course, at both churches, and around 50 people came. We had good feed-back from people, and it was wonderful to hear someone say at the end - 'I really enjoyed that'. I am sure no-one said that at the end of a difficult couple of hours, shouting at a computer! And it was an opportunity for all church members to be involved, and remind us of our shared responsibility. In 2024, we plan to do the same with a course about Domestic Violence, a subject which is increasingly important for us to be aware of, as our children's work goes from strength to strength.

We shall never be able to stop abuse completely, but we can do things together, to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the future. Thank you to everyone, for joining in with this important work.

– Home Groups David & Pat Farey

An APCM report is like a parish’s health check, and a snapshot of all the home groups is a good indicator. Seaford parish is ticking over ok and the home groups situation holds promise for the future.

Home groups – or fellowship groups, or Bible study groups, or cell groups, or… whatever name you know them by, are small groups of people from the local congregation that meet regularly to learn and grow together as Christians. They can function with an emphasis on hospitality and friendship as they gather to talk about and learn more about living the Christian faith. They are a practical outworking of Christ’s command to, “make disciples of all nations.” If Christians aren’t learning and growing in faith and maturity then they are failing to obey that command.

Pat and I have been co-ordinating the groups with a light touch for just over a year, and in that time we have noticed how each group looks after itself, setting its own teaching material and operating

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according to the needs of those who belong. They function well and there is a sense of good cohesion among the members who attend. So a very big thank you must go to all those who lead and host these groups. Without their willingness the whole system would fail.

Most groups meet every two weeks, with some weekly, and others monthly. They work out what rhythm suits everyone. In the year one group closed but another has been formed and in addition to the nine groups another group formed which runs a Freedom in Christ course, and runs for ten weeks. These are all positive developments and it would be good to keep up that progress.

The ideal is that more members of the congregations of both churches should join house groups so that they can grow in their faith. Each of the groups should grow until they are large enough to form two groups, which should grow and divide in due course. Ultimately the goal should be that everybody in both churches is attached to a house group. Everyone will then have the best opportunity to grow in maturity of faith, and be best equipped to cope with a society that is doing its best to deny Christian teachings.

For anyone interested in joining a group please email David or Pat on homegroups@seafordparish.org.uk.

’ - Seaford Parish Women s Group (SPWG) Julia Lawson

Seaford Parish Women’s Group currently meet in St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road Chyngton, on the 3[rd] Monday of the month starting at 7.30pm. We began the year with an AGM, upside down raffle and discussed the next year’s programme. The meetings are varied with speakers and social evenings. We particularly enjoyed a talk by Charlie Grimble on Tide Mills.

An entertaining talk by Sally on Being a Registrar, an interesting talk about The Unknown Soldier by Major Hamill Retired and an amusing evening about our favourite pets. We enjoyed an evening together with dinner at the Wellington and were pleased to welcome Liz Morgan Jones to talk to us about Family Support Work and the need for food donations for families in the Diocese. In August a group of members met in the JPK Palm Court Tea Rooms in Eastbourne for lunch, and an update on the project providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities. In the autumn we had a short video about the Link to Hope Shoe boxes followed by a board games evening and a creative Christmas Craft evening. In December, we held a combined service for Stopover with the Mother’s Union in St Leonard’s Church led by Revd James Hollingsworth. Stopover Charity care for young women in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, providing accommodation, respite, counselling, and rehabilitation. This was an opportunity to reflect upon how fortunate we are and the pleasure in helping others during challenging times. Stevie Graves the Service Manager gave an update on the charity and was delighted to receive the donated Christmas gifts on behalf of Stopover. We closed the year with rousing favourite Carols and readings.

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We especially enjoy sharing companionship together and always pleased to welcome new members to join our evenings, sharing fellowship and a varied programme. We close our evening with prayers and reflections.

’ ’ – St Leonard s & St Luke s Parish Lunch Julia Lawson

Parish Lunch meet on the 1[st] Wednesday of the month in St Luke’s Hall at 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity to socialise in a warm environment and enjoy home cooking. We cater for all dietary requirements and are particularly grateful to Colin and Margaret Rudge who work front of house serving our guest, whilst 5 volunteers work hard with limited time to get the lunch ready on time. We serve a hot main meal and dessert, followed by tea or coffee for just £6.00.

’ – St Leonard s Lunchtime Concerts John Baker

There were 10 concerts between February and November in 2023. There were pianists, organists, a soprano, string quartet and a flute and accordion duo. Our audiences ranged from 50 to 109, averaging 70.

‘My son and I attended yesterday's concert which we considered was one of the best that the Church has organised’.

==> picture [58 x 100] intentionally omitted <==

As usual our final concert was dedicated to St Cecilia, patron saint of music and the retiring collection was for Christian Aid which raised £325. There was also over £850 left at the end of the year for Church funds. We are hugely grateful to our loyal audiences who support us so well.

‘Marvellous, where do you find these performers?’ (We don’t, they approach us).

The aim of the concerts is to enable people to hear talented musicians and provide performing opportunities for musicians, especially at the start of their career and also to provide a friendly welcome for people from all walks of life to our beautiful church, some who might not otherwise come through the door.

The concerts are on the third Saturday of the month from February to November, have free admission and remain self-supporting thanks to the generosity of our audience. There is a brochure listing the concerts planned for 2024 available at both Churches.

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’ – St Leonard s Choir Report 2023 John Baker

During 2023 the choir have continued to lead the singing at the 9.30 am service each week at St Leonard’s. We’ve also begun to sing anthems during the administration of communion again. We have sung at several funerals and a wedding. Special services have included the Coronation Vigil on May 5[th] and Coronation Civic Service on May 7[th] , the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Carol Service, Christmas Lessons and Carols, First Communion of Christmas and Christmas Day.

We also enjoyed our annual garden party in July when once again the weather was very kind to us I am very grateful to all the choir members for their support and loyalty throughout the year and were pleased to welcome a new member this year.

‘I'd just like to say how lovely the carol service was last night and everyone did amazingly well, especially the choir.’

We are always pleased to welcome new members. Do contact me via

stlensorganist@seafordparish.org.uk or find me at coffee after a 9.30 service if you think you may be interested in joining the choir.

We meet on a Thursday evening from 7 – 8.30pm in St Leonard’s Church, it’s not all hard work though, there is often chocolate involved!

– Fabric Report Relating to Year 1[st] January to 31[st] December, 2023 Mike Holmes

St Leonard’s Church

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St Luke’s Church

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St Leonard’s Church Hall

Benenden Close

- Ministry to Care homes within the parish for 2023 Brian Millar and Wendy Ogilvie

We have recently had two new volunteers to support the work within care homes in the parish and we are grateful for this additional support. Our need is ongoing and we are seeking more volunteers

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for 2024. One of our regular venues, Burdyke Lodge closed in 2023.This was a residential home where we had held services for many years. We provided ongoing contact with residents who moved on to other homes. We continued to provide support and ministry to Freshford nursing home, Westerleigh nursing home and Nova house. In many of our services we feel that our ministry reaches staff as well residents. In addition to regular sung and communion services, we also offer prayers for the dying and communion to residents in their own rooms. In 2023 we were asked to lead a funeral for a resident who was a regular monthly service attendee. We dropped a introductory letter to those care homes where we currently don’t have a presence and we look forward to building on this ministry. It continues to be a great privilege to serve those that are often out of sight and out of mind.

“Thank you for everything you have done for my cousin - she was so grateful for the communion service before she died”

– Finance Paul Waller

I am pleased to have the honour to deliver my second report as your Treasurer.

My first duty is to give heartfelt thanks to the team which supports me in my role. Every week of the year Bob Carrington collects & counts the donations which are given during our church services. Well done Bob. The data Bob provides is sent to Anna Owen in Weston Super Mare to feed into our software packages which are used to produce the monthly and annual accounts and the claims to the Revenue for Gift Aid.

Since the end of Covid we have seen a steady increase in our letting income and this is managed for us by Charlene Hobbs, who would be pleased to receive any enquiries from you for bookings for meetings or celebrations!

Charlie Christie and Tony Willer issue Invoices for us to the Funeral Directors, Magazine Advertisers and Fitzgerald Charity for work the church does for these organisations.

The efforts of this host of helpers dealt with our Living income, excluding legacies of £245,000.

To you, the members of the congregation of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s, With over £315000 passing through my hands during the year I appreciate the splendid organisation of which I am but a small part.

The accounts you have in your hands are produced for us by Anna Owen who, on top of the church activity dealt with the payment out £8,724 the balance of the Seaford 4 Ukraine fund. The Seaford for Ukraine funds totalled over £22,000. Thank you, Anna, for your hard work all year through.

David Bramley is a hero, in every month recording usage of Gas, Water and Electric at our three sites. I am hopeful that we have found a replacement so that David can put away his torch and clipboard.

We have had the benefit of Chris Tyler our accounts examiner’s scrutiny of the books and giving them a clean bill of health. I thank Chris and ask that we reappointed him for the current year at the end of my presentation.

Now I come to the biggest of the thank you - to you all, our church membership.

What a year 2023 has been, you have before you the report of all the areas of the church activity which has been funded by the your generous giving thought the year.

I have been in awe of the levels of generosity from both those who are still worshipping with us here on earth and of those who have past away. Living members have given £175,000 and past members £171,000 thus

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giving us a cash surplus of £59,227 for the year and expectation of, a further £330,500, still to materialise, which brings the Balance Sheet surplus to £389,727.

Having summarised the Income let me briefly explain what this income has been spent upon.

The largest bills are for our Clergy and Staff which come to £230,000 for Parish Share and wages, Expenses are £10,000 and Mission £7,000 thus using up the whole of our pre legacy monies.

A further £88,000 goes to run the church with utility bills and general expenses.

On top of which is repair to the tower at £13,500.

A total of £347,443, which, without, legacies would have meant £110,000 deficit not the almost £60,000 we have been fortunate to record.

Balance Sheet

Historic property values may will change this year with the Hall sale.

Cash up by £40,000 to £240,000.

The biggest change is the Legacies receivable of £330,500

Liabilities mainly end of year payments and the Agency Accounts which no longer has any Seaford4Ukraine funds.

So, to summarise a year of overspending by almost £10,000 a month but half a million given from beyond the grave.

We must increase what we give here on earth.

I know that the dreaded inflation has been as high as 14% and that has hit everyone. The triple lock on Pension has meant the state pension keeps pace with inflation but we need a triple lock on our giving to the church and it must exceed or at least be maintained at over 10% if we are going to meet our commitments to God to enable Gods work to prosper in Seaford.

Thank you ALL.

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Structure, governance and management of the charity The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

PCC for the year January 2023 to December 2023

Ex Officio members
Incumbent:
The Rev’d. James Hollingsworth Chairman

Associate Clergy:


The Rev’d. Derreck Lee-Philpot

Churchwardens:
Fred Bass
Elizabeth Morgan-Jones

Deputy Wardens for St Luke’s: Joanne Lalla
Paul Bloxham

Deputy Wardens for St Leonard’s: Janet Kent Vice Chairman
Paul Waller
Elected PCC Members

Paul Waller
Treasurer (from January 2022)
Joanne Lalla (from APCM April 2021)
Michael Holmes (from APCM April 2021)
Anna Grimble (from APCM April 2021)
Bridget Anderson (from APCM April 2021)
Kim Cuthbert (from APCM April 2022)
Lucy Borthwick (from APCM April 2022)
Lisa Hazle (from APCM April 2022)
Stephanie Baker (from APCM April 2022)
Nicola Ferguson (from APCM April 2022)
Sue Topp (from APCM April 2023)
Sally Thompson (from APCM April 2023)
Lizzie Jackson (from APCM April 2023)

Co-opted

Rev Lucy Hollingsworth Stefan Bracher

PCC Secretary

Stephanie Baker

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Elected Deanery Synod (from APCM April 2023)

Julia Lawson Nicola Ferguson Bob Carrington Carole Kay

Deanery Representatives on Diocesan Synod:

Revd James Hollingsworth, Rev’d Lucy Hollingsworth

The Rev’d. James Hollingsworth

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priest-in-charge, curate, lay readers licensed to officiate in the church), the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 18 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Revd. James Hollingsworth, PCC Chairman

………………………………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………

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Financial Report

Contents

Page

Website: Seafordparish.org.uk

Incumbent:

The Rev’d James Hollingsworth, MA

The Vicarage, 46 Sutton Road, Seaford,

BN25 1SH

Independent examiner:

C R Tyler (FCA DChA)

F1 CRT Limited. Flat 24 Wellingtonia

Court Laine Close, BRIGHTON, BN1 6TD

Bankers: Barclays Bank plc

Page | 26

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

The financial effect of our activities during the year can be summarised as follows:

Income and
endowments from:
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior Year
Donations and legacies 670,329 5,503 - 675,833 256,065
Income from charitable
activities
15,025 2,195 - 17,220 14,495
Other trading activities 1,572 - - 1,572 2,073
Investments 22,001 - - 22,001 1,614
Other income 17,170 12,376 - 29,547 40,248
Total income 726,099 20,075 - 746,175 314,497
Expen/diture on: -
Raising funds 3,363 83 - 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable
activities
290,552 20,261 - 310,814 288,659
Other expenditure 21,395 20,791 - 42,186 32,893
Total expenditure 315,311 41,136 - 356,448 325,855
Net income /
(expenditure) resources
before transfer
410,788 (21,060) - 389,727 (11,357)
Transfers
Gross transfers between
funds - in
6,680 80 - 6,760 29,407
Gross transfers between
funds - out
(6,760) - - (6,760) (29,407)
Other recognised gains /
losses
-
Gains on revaluation,
fixed assets, charity's
own use
- - - - -
Net movement in funds 410,708 (20,980) - 389,727 (11,357)
Reconciliation of funds -
Total funds brought
forward
420,182 275,269 - 695,452 706,810
Total funds carried
forward
830,891 254,288 - 1,085,179 695,452

Page | 27

Balance Sheet Detailed

As at 31/12/2023 As at 31/12/2022

Fixed assets

Current assets

Liabilities

Reserves

6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
6430: St Luke's House
280,000.00
280,000.00
6431: St Leonard's Church Hall
140,000.00
140,000.00
6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close
91,000.00
91,000.00
Total Fixed assets
511,000.00
511,000.00
6501: Bank current account
5,131.33
19,671.08
6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium)
10,041.71
52,008.43
6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve)

0.75
6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account
224,804.27
120,851.91
6591: Office Cash Card
196.62
201.09
6592: CYFM Cash Card
79.22
250.00
6594: Legacies Receivable
330,500.00

6597: Gift Aid Due
584.32
4,796.06
Z05: Accounts Receivable
10,242.89
2,345.24
Total Current assets
581,580.36
200,124.56
6606: PAYE
(310.61)

6607: Net Wages


6608: Pensions Creditor
224.49

6699: Agency collections
926.85
7,840.15
Z04: Accounts Payable
6,559.78
7,832.11
Total Liabilities
7,400.51
15,672.26
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Excess / (deficit) to date
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
Z01: Starting balances
695,452.30
706,810.12
Total Reserves
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
280,000.00
280,000.00
140,000.00
140,000.00
91,000.00
91,000.00
511,000.00
511,000.00
5,131.33
19,671.08
10,041.71
52,008.43

0.75
224,804.27
120,851.91
196.62
201.09
79.22
250.00
330,500.00

584.32
4,796.06
10,242.89
2,345.24
581,580.36
200,124.56
(310.61)



224.49

926.85
7,840.15
6,559.78
7,832.11
7,400.51
15,672.26
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
389,727.55
(11,357.82)
695,452.30
706,810.12
1,085,179.85
695,452.30
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
695,623.84
290,077.23
Designated
135,267.41
130,105.59
Restricted
254,288.60
275,269.48
Endowment


Total
1,085,179.85
695,452.30

Page | 28

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities, (SORP (FRS 102)).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention \as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value \and the revaluation of fixed assets. 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 affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members

Funds accounting

Funds held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects

Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund

Endowment funds - funds for which the capital must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment

Income and endowments

All income and endowments, accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Donations and legacies

Collections are recognised when received.

Planned giving receivable is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate

Gift aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised

Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding, is received by the PCC

Charitable activities

Statutory fees for weddings and funerals are recognised when the office occurs

Other trading activities

Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services. Income from trading is recognised either: a - when received, or b - in the case of concerts: for the year in which the event occurs, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place

Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received

Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable

Investment income

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue

All other income

All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold

Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation at 31 December

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, payment is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC

Page | 29

Church activities

The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet

Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to (date) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is stated at a nominal £1 in the financial statements

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under (put in limit, say £1,000) are written off in the year they were incurred

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

Land Nil
Buildings Nil
Fixtures and fittings 20%
Audio visual equipment 33%
Office equipment 25%

No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings as the useful economic life of these assets exceeds 50 years and residual values so high that potential depreciation would be immaterial. It is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. Resulting from regular impairment reviews, provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank

Page | 30

2. Income and endowments

Total
Donations and legacies Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
0101 - Standing Order St Leonard's - 2,319 2,319 9,198
Gift Aid
0102 - Standing Orders St Luke's - Gift 2,940 2,940 3,731
Aid
0103 - Parish Giving Scheme 96,821 96,821 91,223
0111 - Envelopes St Leonard's - Gift Aid 216
0202 - Donations - CAF 314 314 64
0203 - Standing Orders St Leonard's 9,349 9,349 5,634
0204 - Standing Orders St Luke's 2,952 2,952 3,241
0205 - Envelopes St Leonard's 700
0206 - Envelopes St Luke's 5
0301 - Collections St Leonard's - Gift 100 100 389
Aid
0303 - Collections St Leonard's 9,502 9,502 10,135
0304 - Collections St Luke's 2,127 2,127 1,771
0403 - Gift Day St Leonard's 17,339
0404 - Gift Day St Luke's
0413 - Boxes St Leonard's 338 338 252
0452 - Tower Appeal 225
0453 - Clock Repair Donations 4,700
0454 - Window Repair Donations 480
0455 - Defibrillator Donations 691
0490 - Stewardship Donations 3,647 3,647 2,766
0491 - Easy Fundraising Donations 85 85 45
0492 - Amazon Donations 32 32 22
0551 - Donations St Leonard's - Gift Aid
0552 - Donations St Luke's - Gift Aid 2,400 2,400
0553 - Donations - Ceremonies 560 540 1,100 445
0554 - Donations St Luke's 1,300 250 1,550 2,580
0555 - Donations Parish - Gift Aid
0556 - Donations Parish 2,843 2,843 19,524
0557 - Electronic Giving 5,433 150 5,583 2,799
0558 - Tax Recovery - Electronic Giving
0606 - Tax Recovery - Parish 4,371 4,371 5,401
0607 - Tax Recovery - PGS 21,616 21,616 19,910
0701 - Legacies St Leonard's 2,135 2,135 38,000
0702 - Legacies St Luke's 500,000 500,000
0705 - Legacies Parish 1,000 1,000 1,000
0801 - Recurring Grants Parish
0806 - Non-recurring one-off grants
Parish
0850 - Energy Costs Grant 12,325
1279 - CFM Grants
1281 - Stripe Income - CFM 2,703 2,703 1,248
Donations and legacies Totals 669,789 540 5,503 675,833 256,065

Page | 31

Income from charitable activities

e from charitable activities
Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
1101 - Fees - Weddings & Funerals St 5,816 5,816 2,692
Leonard's
1102 - Fees - Weddings & Funerals St
Luke's
1103 - Fees - Bellringers
1104 - Choir Income 400 400 370
1105 - Tech Income 1,030 1,030 585
1209 - Coffee Money Donations 520 520 427
1242 - Hall Lettings St Luke's 7,853 7,853 6,493
1243 - Church Lettings St Leonard's 250 250 815
1255 - Magazine income - advertising 580 580 669
1265 - Parish Magazine Sales 5 5 119
1268 - Men's Meal 265 265
1269 - Parish Lunch 150 150 470
1270 - Bell Ringers 1,701
1272 - Flowers 350 350 150
1276 - Vicar's Discretionary Fund
1277 - Women's Group
Income from charitable activities 15,025 2,195 17,220 14,495
Totals
Other trading activities
0913 - St Leonard's Events 1,572 1,572 1,976
0914 - St Luke's Events
0915 - Parish Events 75
0916 - Parish Office Services
1210 - Bookstall sales to promote 22
objectives
Other trading activities Totals 1,572 1,572 2,073
Investments
1020 - Bank Interest - Premium 232 232 45
1021 - Bank Interest - Reserve 0
1022 - Bank Interest - CCLA 7,019 7,019 1,568
1030 - Rent from lands or buildings 14,750 14,750
Investments Totals 22,001 22,001 1,614
Other income
0608 - HMRC Employers Allowance 5,508 5,508 4,297
1278 - CFM Income 9,894 9,894 18,078
1300 - Other Income - Services to 10,200 10,200 11,515
Fitzgerald
1305 - Other Income - Services 1,000 1,000
1310 - VAT Grants 342 120 2,262 2,724
1315 - Insurance Claims
1320 - Surplus - sales of fixed assets
1325 - Friends Subscriptions 220 220 180
2841 - Start of Year Reconciliation
2842 - Write offs 6,177
Other income Totals 17,050 120 12,376 29,547 40,248
Income and endowments 725,439 660 20,075 746,175 314,497
Grand totals

Page | 32

3. Expenditure

Raising funds

Raising funds
Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
1725 - Electronic Giving Costs 61 2 64 34
1735 - Costs of Fetes & Events Parish
2051 - Salary - Parish Admin - 373
Stewardship
2069 - Stripe Fees - CFM 80 80 40
2070 - Costs of Hall/Church Hire 3,302 3,302 3,855
Raising funds Totals 3,363 83 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable activities
1801 - Mission - Overseas CMS
1830 - Mission - Overseas Agencies 2,505 2,505 2,550
1850 - Mission - Home Church Schools
1860 - Mission - Other Charities 2,505 2,505 2,550
1870 - Mission - Secular Organisations 1,670 1,670 1,700
1901 - Parish Contribution 131,162 131,162 120,000
1950 - Music Costs 1,279 1,279 1,342
2003 - Employers National Insurance 5,508 5,508 4,297
2004 - Pensions 1,510 1,510 861
2005 - Employers' Pension 760 760
Contributions
2040 - Salaries - Other (1,080) (1,080)
2050 - Salary - Parish Admin - Clergy 933
Support
2053 - Salary - Parish Admin 14,282 14,282 11,352
2054 - Salary - Parish Admin - 1,807 1,807 1,582
Magazine
2055 - Salary - Parish Admin - 5,160 5,160 4,740
Governance
2057 - Salary - Verger - Upkeep of 5,735 5,735 5,191
Services
2059 - Salary - St. Leon. Organist 4,835 4,835 4,395
2060 - Salary - St Luke's Care - Upkeep 3,722 3,722 3,322
of Serv
2061 - Salary - St Luke's Organist 1,647 1,647 1,425
2062 - Salary - Verger - St. Leon. Runn 5,613 5,613 5,056
Costs
2063 - Salary - St. Luke's Care - Runn 3,771 3,771 3,367
Costs
2064 - Salary - Senior Verger - St. 1,597 1,597 668
Leon. Runn.
2065 - Salary - Senior Verger - Upkeep 1,597 1,597 668
of Servi
2066 - Salary - CFM 36,759 36,759 31,125
2067 - CFM Running Costs 1,091 8,986 10,077 8,468
2068 - CYFW Grant Expenditure
2101 - Working Exp's - Incumbent St 397
Leonard's
2102 - Working Exp's - Incumbent St 753 753 496
Luke's
2121 - Council tax - Vicarage 3,393 3,393 2,934
2122 - Council Tax - St Luke's House 3,393 3,393 3,247
2141 - Water rates - Vicarage 434 434 442
2142 - Water Rates - St Luke's House 440 440 179
2144 - Water Rates - St Leonard's 816 816 656
Church
2145 - Water Rates - St Luke's 231 231 178
2151 - Telephone - Vicarage 921 921 873
2152 - Telephone - St Luke's House 750 750 603
2154 - Telephone - St Leonard's Church 532 532 543

Page | 33

Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
2156 - Telephone - Hall/Office 105 105 196
2161 - Miscellaneous - Vicarage
2162 - Miscellaneous - St Luke's House
2164 - Miscellaneous - St Leonard's 66
Church
2165 - Miscellaneous - St Luke's 17 17 11
Church
2166 - Miscellaneous - Hall
2180 - Alpha Expenditure
2201 - Training and Youth 333
2209 - Refreshments 1,399 1,399 1,347
2210 - Bell Ringers 1,701
2211 - Choir Expenditure 45 45 60
2212 - Flowers
2216 - Vicar's Discretionary Fund
2218 - Parish Lunch 150
2219 - Men's Meal 118 118
2302 - Insurance - St Luke's House 678 678 573
2304 - Insurance - St Leonard's Church 3,587 3,587 3,065
2305 - Insurance - St Luke's Church 997 997 628
2306 - Insurance - Hall 2,549
2320 - Organ / Piano Maintenance 1,875 1,087 2,963 2,032
2331 - Maintenance - Vicarage (313)
2332 - Maintenance - St Luke's House 466 466 814
2334 - Maintenance - St Leonard's 3,219 198 3,417 1,647
Church
2335 - Maintenance - St Luke's Church 4,124 155 4,279 2,352
2340 - Upkeep of Services 38 38 428
2350 - Upkeep of Churchyard 3,751 3,751 581
2370 - Churches Together 95 95 95
2371 - DBS Fees 48 48 60
2372 - Retired clergy wedding/funeral 642
fees
2375 - Diocesan Fees 218
2378 - Tech 76 76
2380 - Equipment Improvements 7,214 7,214 2,623
2381 - Staffing Misc. 478 478
2382 - CFM Equipment 1,976
2404 - Gas - St Leonard's Church 1,577 4,023 5,601 3,493
2405 - Gas - St Luke's Church 1,689 2,123 3,813 2,375
2406 - Gas - Hall 390 390 312
2414 - Electric - St Leonard's Church 343 2,722 3,066 2,521
2415 - Electric - St Luke's Church 236 1,812 2,048 1,565
2416 - Electric - Hall 834 834 555
2420 - Cleaning Materials 673 673 756
2427 - Supplies - Upkeep of Services 250 250
2501 - Magazine Production Costs 49 49
2502 - Photocopier Expenses 5,100 5,100 4,822
2510 - Bookstall Purchases 330
2520 - Bank Charges 51
2601 - Governance - Audit Fees 1,780 1,780 1,490
2602 - Governance - Office Expenses 1,132 1,132 934
2605 - Postage 619 619 107
2610 - Software - Finanace 245 245 419
2615 - Software - Other 1,337 1,337 1,048
2704 - Fabric - St Leonard's Church 11,688
2705 - Fabric - St Luke's Church
2706 - St. Leonard's Boiler
2710 - Reordering
2998 - Transfer of balances
2999 - Write offs 6,195

Page | 34

Expenditure on charitable
activities Totals
Other expenditure
1880 - Legacy - Dollin
2010 - Salary & Pension Services
2707 - Tower Repairs
2708 - Defibrillator
2711 - Professional Advisors Fees
2750 - Benenden Expenses
2832 - Other Expenditure - Fitzgerald
2840 - Year End Reconciliation
Other expenditure Totals
Expenditure Grand totals
288,373
2,178
20,261

310,814
288,659
Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year






598



598



13,573

13,573

444



444
691
1,344

7,217

8,561
24,200
10,214



10,214

8,793



8,793
8,001





21,395

20,791

42,186
32,893
313,132
2,178
41,136

356,448
325,855

4. Missionary and charitable giving


Overseas:
Cambodia Action, LAMA, Mission Direct,
Samaras Aid,
Home:
Children Youth and Family Missioner
Diocesan Family Support Work, Homelink,
Beachy Head Chaplaincy, Church Army,
Caring and Sharing, Waves
Unrestricted

2505

6680
4175
Restricted

-

-
Endowed

-

-
Total Funds
2023

2505

6680
4175
Total Funds
2022

2550

6800
4250
Notes

13360 - 13360 13600
5. Staff Costs
Remuneration
Wages and salaries
Employer social security costs
Employer pension costs
Unrestricted
90591
5508
1510
Restricted
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
90591
5508
1510
Total Funds
2022
77011
4297
861
Notes
97609 - 97609 83859

5. Staff Costs

6. Payments to PCC members

Clergy were paid out of pocket expenses

Page | 35

7. Transactions with persons related to PCC members

None

8. Transactions with related charities

None

9. Governance

9. Governance

Independent examination and professional
advice
Accounts production
Bookkeeping
Unrestricted
1780
1132
5160
Restricted
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023

1780

1132

5160
Total Funds
2022
1490
934
4740
Notes
8072 - - 8072 7164

10. Transfer between Funds

10. Transfer between Funds
Unrestricted
-
Restricted Endowed Total Funds
2023
Total Funds
2022
Notes

11. Fixed Assets

a Investments

11. Fixed Assets
a Investments

Market value 1 January 2022
Disposals at carrying value
Purchases at cost
Net gains and revaluation
Unrestricted
-
-
-
-
Restricted
-
-
-
-
Endowed



Total Funds
2023
Notes
Market value 31 December 2023 - -

11 a Tangible Fixed Assets

11 a Tangible Fixed Assets 11 a Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Notes


Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Freehold land
and buildings
511000
Audio visual

Office
Equipment
Total fixed
assets
511000
Notes


Page | 36

Revaluation
At 31 December 2023 511000 511000
Charge for impairment
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Revaluation




At 31 December 2023
Net book amounts
At 31 December 2023

511000


511000

13. Net Assets by Fund


Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities

Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities

Fixed assets for church use
Investment fixed assets
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Unrestricted
511000
-
341,327
(14,035)
(7401)
Restricted
-
254,288
-
Endowed
-
-
Total Funds
2023
511000
341,327
240,253
(7401)
Total Funds
2022
511000

4,141
192,983
(15672)

14. Debtors

14. Debtors

Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
Unrestricted
584
340,742
Restricted

-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
584

340,742
Total
Funds
2022
4,796
2,343
Notes
(legacy)
£341,326 - £341,326 7,141

15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year.


Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan

Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan
Notes

Deferred income
Accruals for utilities and other costs
Archdeacon's loan
Unrestricted
7,401
Restricted
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023

7,401
Total Funds
2022
15,672
-
Notes

Page | 37

Other creditors - -
7,401 - - 7,401 15,672

16. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Unrestricted
-
-
-
-
Restricted
-
-
-
-
Endowed
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2022
-
-
-
-
Notes



- - - - -

17. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities

Income and
endowments from:
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior Year
Donations and legacies 670,329 5,503 - 675,833 256,065
Income from charitable
activities
15,025 2,195 - 17,220 14,495
Other trading activities 1,572 - - 1,572 2,073
Investments 22,001 - - 22,001 1,614
Other income 17,170 12,376 - 29,547 40,248
Total income 726,099 20,075 - 746,175 314,497
Expen/diture on: -
Raising funds 3,363 83 - 3,447 4,302
Expenditure on charitable
activities
290,552 20,261 - 310,814 288,659
Other expenditure 21,395 20,791 - 42,186 32,893
Total expenditure 315,311 41,136 - 356,448 325,855
Net income /
(expenditure) resources
before transfer
410,788 (21,060) - 389,727 (11,357)
Transfers
Gross transfers between
funds - in
6,680 80 - 6,760 29,407
Gross transfers between
funds - out
(6,760) - - (6,760) (29,407)
Other recognised gains /
losses
-
Gains on revaluation,
fixed assets, charity's
own use
- - - - -
Net movement in funds 410,708 (20,980) - 389,727 (11,357)

Page | 38

Reconciliation of funds -
Total funds brought
forward
420,182 275,269 - 695,452 706,810
Total funds carried
forward
830,891 254,288 - 1,085,179 695,452

Notes to the Financial Re ort p

18. Statement of Funds.

Explanation of funds

Endowed funds are required by the donors to be invested and the income spent on specific objectives

Restricted funds are not invested permanently but are to be spent within reasonable timescales

Unrestricted funds are not subject to any donor restrictions and can be spent as the PCC decides

Summary of all funds

Fund income and expenditure and final balances are as follows





Total of all endowed funds

Total of all restricted funds

General fund
Designated roof fund
Revaluation reserve
Total of all unrestricted
funds

Total funds
Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan2023


Income



Expenditure
Transfers,
other gains
and losses
Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2023
£
£
£
£
-
£
-
-



-
-
-
-
275,269 20,073 (41,134) 80 254,289

290,077
130,105
-

725,439
660
-

313,132
(2178)
-

(80)
-
-

695,623
135,267
-
420,182 726,099 315,311 (80) 830890
695,452 746,175 (356,448) 1,085,179

Page | 39

Independent Examiner’s Report

to the PCC of Sutton with Seaford for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s, Seaford, on the annual report for the year ended 31st December 2023 set out on pages 27 to 41

Respective
responsibilities
of trustees and
examiner
The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC
members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the
Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
1.
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
2.
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
3.
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of
independent
examiner’s
statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the
Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by
the charity 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
examiner's
statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me
reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities
Act; and
b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply
with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
* Please delete the words in the (brackets) if they do not apply
Examiner’s
signature
Examiner’s
name CAPITALS
CHRIS TYLER FCA DChA FCIE
Date
Relevant
professional
qualification(s)
or bodyif any
Examiner’s
address
F1 CRT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court Laine Close BRIGHTON BN1 6TD

Page | 40

Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Sutton with Seaford for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems for example:

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose

Page | 41

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