2022-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Kemsing And Woodlands

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The Churches of Kemsing and Woodlands

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2022

Registered Charity 1131431

Incumbent

The Venerable Mike Lodge

Sunnybank Cottage, West End, Kemsing, Sevenoaks TN15 6PX 01732 762556 ven.mikelodge@btinternet.com

Parish Office

Office 5, 9 West End, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, TN15 6PX 01732 761351 administrator@kemsingandwoodlands.org

Independent Examiner

Richard Goss

Bankers

Charities Aid Foundation Bank Ltd. 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4TA

Insurers

Ecclesiastical Insurance Group PLC, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ

Quinquennial Inspector of Fabric

John Bailey, Thomas Ford & Partners 177 Kirkdale, Sydenham, London SE26 4QH

Solicitor

Owen Carew-Jones, Diocesan Registrar The Old Deanery, Dean's Court, London EC4V 5AA

From the Vicar

I would like to begin by thanking everyone for their contributions over the past year, whether you have been at home praying or working within the church buildings! I would like to thank the Churchwardens, Parochial Church Council, and Church Groups for all that they have done over this past year.

As a Church family there are many tasks to be completed on a daily basis, and I am grateful for the part that so many people play to ensure that as much as possible is achieved. I want you to consider the many roles that we have within the Parish of Kemsing and Woodlands and those who carry them out. As you do so, please take a few moments in prayer to thank God for them and also take time to thank them personally...

As I indicated in my report last year, whilst I am in post my focus is to develop the existing parish vision and enable the creation of a parish profile in preparation for the appointment of the next priest. As a result I have been reflecting on the mission statement that was established for St Mary’s Church in Kemsing a number of years ago, ‘To know Christ, and to make him better known’ . In many senses, this remains central to what Jesus calls us to do.

Alongside the development of plans to enable the Parish to grow and flourish we are currently in the process of establishing a new vision or mission statement for the whole Parish of Kemsing and Woodlands, embracing both Churches. As part of this process, a five week sermon series, alongside a five week study guide, was established on the theme of ‘Working towards a Shared Vision for the Parish of Kemsing and Woodlands’ . This was designed to enable everyone to be involved and for all thoughts to be shared and responses taken into consideration. The essence of these studies has embraced our worship, focussing on a relationship with God, a relationship with each other, a relationship with the community and asking questions around ‘Maintenance or Mission?’ Once completed it will be important to put the Vision into practice.

The new Vision Statement will become the framework for our objectives as we continue to seek God's purpose for the Parish helped by the responses within the Vision process. Within and around this framework we can 'flesh out' what we believe are the main priorities and actions, establishing a revised structure for our church teams and working groups.

Building up our faith through a commitment to Biblical teaching is of the utmost importance, which we are able to do, not only through our preaching but also through the Home Groups that are established and other opportunities, including our own personal Bible reading and study. We can also enhance this through a wider interest in the church and a greater understanding of how God might be working in other areas of the church, locally, nationally and across the world.

As members of the Body of Christ each of us has a part to play in the life of this parish, and it is important that we do, otherwise aspects of the church will fail to function! I rejoice in all who are actively involved in the life of the parish and encourage each member to strive to reach their full potential before God, using all the gifts that he has provided to enhance the richness of our fellowship. Exercising our personal gifts includes many individuals being involved in projects to enhance the church and parish buildings we have, especially the new Church Hall. The financial challenge cannot be underestimated, although in the long term we will be providing much improved facilities for the whole community.

Jesus told his disciples to go out from where they were to share the good news, which continues to be an imperative for us; to go out into the community and be involved in it. Being visible in the community should lead to developing good relationships and sharing the gospel message. Looking beyond our own community and having a more global perspective on the church, and life itself, is vital. This must be embraced in terms of our support for mission societies but also accepting our responsibility for looking after God’s creation. There are many challenges here, but if we are receptive to God’s teaching in caring for all, then our response will not be slow in coming.

As I reflect on the past year I do so in the knowledge that it has been another very busy one, which highlights the importance of having a Vision for the parish and using it as a framework for all that we do in the name of our Lord. The Vision will enable us to continue to be aware of the past and present as well as planning into the future, especially through an annual Church Plan, which I look forward to being established and urge you to hold this as a focus for your prayers.

We are not able to achieve anything on our own. We need God and our relationship with him through His Son, Jesus Christ, and we need each other. In the coming year I want us to commit ourselves to seek God's will for our individual lives and for His Church, particularly in building one another up as the Body of Christ in this place, recognising that each of us is unique and valuable in God's sight.

If the role of the church is to lead people to discover Christ Jesus as their personal Saviour and to be Lord of their lives through the work of the Holy Spirit, then we have a real challenge on our hands. We cannot let the opportunities we have slip through our fingers, affirming that we must surround everything we do in prayer as the foundation for God's work.

The Venerable Mike Lodge Priest in Charge

Churchwardens’ Report

The year began on an optimistic note with Mike and Linda quickly establishing themselves in both our church and village communities, providing much needed stability, as a basis on which to set out the current and future mission of our two churches. This optimism was somewhat tempered by the pressing need to address the decline in the church’s financial reserves brought on by the pandemic.

As a result of this, it was decided that our fundraising activities had to be focused on supporting the general administration of the church rather than the construction of the new hall, which has been temporarily placed in abeyance. The situation was not helped by Sevenoaks District Council’s decision to deny planning permission for the Diocese to build a muchneeded new vicarage on the Church Field, which is now subject to appeal. We are grateful to the Fundraising team for all their efforts throughout the year to boost our reserves from a variety of events as well as engendering the growth in our community spirit.

The above issues involving Kemsing have inevitably been the focus of attention by the leadership team, however the need to revitalise our sister church at Woodlands has also been subject to considerable thought and planning. A number of well-advertised “festival” services, together with a wedding and baptism have been held during the year in an attempt to build a critical mass of regular church attendance; although it has to be acknowledged that these and future plans are made all the more challenging by a combination of the lack of a natural congregation in the area and safe parking facilities.

Returning to “bricks and mortar”, our church at Kemsing was the subject of a legally required Quinquennial inspection in March. Overall, the report confirmed the church continues to be well cared for with no significant issues requiring urgent attention raised; although there are a number of relatively minor structural matters which should be addressed within the next 2-3 years.

There have been some changes to service patterns during the year which have generally been well received. In addition to our regular services, the benefits of keeping our beautiful old church open to all during the day have been particularly apparent during this year, providing a peaceful and welcoming environment for private prayer and contemplation in response to events such as the war in the Ukraine and the death of Her Majesty the Queen; and on a happier note, an inspired backdrop for our Christmas Tree Festival which was enthusiastically supported by our village community.

The Churchwardens would like to thank the PCC and members of our wider church community for their help, support and sound advice during the year.

Trevor Mallinson Peter Chadwick

Church Attendance and Statistics 2022

Electoral Roll

At 31st Dec 2022, 120 parishioners were registered on the Electoral Roll, of whom 7 were not resident in the parish.

Attendance and Services

Usual Sunday Attendance 75 adults 12 children Easter Attendance 128 Christmas Attendance 606 Baptisms 10 Thanksgiving for Gift of Child 1 Weddings 3 Funerals 15 in church 16 at crematorium

Membership of the PCC 2022/23

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the church representation rules, or co-opted.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

As charity trustees, the members of the PCC had due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

Ex-Officio Members

Incumbent Venerable Mike Lodge Churchwardens Peter Chadwick, Trevor Mallinson Diocesan Synod Reps John Quenby, Jill Berry Deanery Synod Reps Jill Berry, Mary Quenby, John Quenby

Elected Members

Until APCM 2023 Rosemary Banister, Paul Mayo, Ray Parton, Philip Walker Until APCM 2024 Ruth Mason, Nina Holley, Michael Richards (until Sept 2022), Jean Walker Until APCM 2025 Chris Freeman, Tamara Maretlane, David Round, Helen Davies (until Sept 2022)

Other Appointments

Director of Music Gillian Oldridge PCC Treasurer Philip Walker PCC Secretary Rosemary Banister Gift Aid Officer Peter Chadwick Electoral Roll Officer Nina Holley Lead Recruiter Anita Connelly Parish Safeguarding Officer Tamara Maretlane Children and Families Worker Vacant Children & Youth Co-ordinator Ruth Mason Robin Long Reader with PTO (until March 2022) Ruth Mason Licensed Lay Minister with PTO Mary Quenby Reader with PTO Philip Walker Reader with PTO

Welcome Team (Sidesmen)

The following were appointed during 2022 Rosemary Banister Michael Cursons Gitta Edenborough Chris Freeman Ros McLarney Robert Pierson David Round Mary Round Geoffrey Taunton Jean Walker Philip Walker Bridget Wolfe

Review of the Year

Activities of the PCC and Church Family

St Mary’s Church, Woodlands

St Mary’s, Woodlands, is a parish church of the Parish of Kemsing and Woodlands and the PCC, and in co-operation with the incumbent, promotes the life, worship and mission in Woodlands. St Mary’s works with its sister parish church of St Mary’s Kemsing. Part of the work is to care for the buildings and churchyard but it is the experience of worship and community, the presentation of the Good News and the living out of it in ministry and service which the Church exists to promote.

The church has been closed since 23 March 2020 when the national lockdown due to the Coronavirus Pandemic came into effect. Two special services were held during 2022, at Harvest on 25 September and a Carol Service on 11 December. Otherwise the church has remained closed and parishioners are encouraged to join the services at St Mary’s Kemsing.

The Woodlands Café has not reopened since it closed due to the coronavirus restrictions in March 2020. The Lunch Club has not met since the introduction of the coronavirus restrictions in March 2020.

Woodlands was included on the list of churches that could be visited during the Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Ride and Stride on Saturday 10 September 2022. The church was not open on this occasion.

The churchyard is now ‘closed’ by Order in Council. However, it is still available for burials in existing graves and for the burial of ashes. During the year there has been a burial of ashes and a burial in an existing grave. The churchyard is maintained by Sevenoaks District Council. A working party, organized by a local geocaching group took place on 5 November to clear the leaves and undertake a number of other odd jobs in the church, hall and churchyard.

The two wooden benches donated by the geocaching group in memory of one of their members have been well used by visitors to the area. The churchyard provides a quiet place for visitors to enjoy.

The church hall has been used during the year for the local elections and to film a series that was made available for children as an Advent Calendar. Unfortunately, following the cold weather during December a pipe burst above the kitchen and there has been some damage to the building. This is presently the subject of an insurance claim.

Michael Richards

Church Hall, Kemsing

Following completion in September 2021 of most of the external work, and internally to ‘First Fix’ stage, at a total cost of just over £500,000, no further building work has been carried out, apart from the installation of CCTV following a period of criminal damage. Regrettably, the building work is being held back pending the outcome of the planning appeal, submitted by the Diocese of Rochester, for the building of a new Vicarage. Meanwhile, a Church Hall business plan has been drawn up, in consultation with the relevant Diocesan Officers, in readiness to move to Phase 2 of the project and to complete the Hall.

Since September 2021 the PCC has been responsible for insuring the building, and premiums amounted to £5,624.54 in 2022. However, following a request for EIG to carry out a review in 2022, with regard to the structure of the building, this has resulted in a premium reduction. The anticipated cost for 2023 is £4,428.12. Following discussions with the Diocese of Rochester, specifically relating to the link between the building of the Church Hall and new Vicarage, a grant has been approved to assist with the cost of the Insurance; the final sum to be confirmed.

Mike Lodge

Friends of St Mary’s

The Friends AGM was held on Saturday, 26[th] February 2022 in St Mary’s, Kemsing. Peter Chadwick, the Treasurer, reported that we had £5,000 in the funds to which was added £1,000 in annual membership + gift aid of £238. The only outgoing was £500 to pay the excess required by the insurance company to cover the cost of repair to the roof/guttering. After the short business of the meeting, Jean Walker gave a talk on the St Mary’s historical, ecclesiastical textiles. Individuals were then invited to review the altar frontals up close.

We had a committee meeting in March, where Mike Lodge made a valuable contribution with ideas and suggestions for fundraising and social activities. Some of these have been taken up by the Church Fundraising Team. We plan to hold a Cheese and Wine Evening to celebrate the founding of the Friends or the completion of the first project.

Membership is declining with not enough new people replacing the ones who have moved on. The 32 Members are very positive and unstinting in their support.

Nina Holley, the Communications Officer, updates the website when appropriate and sends out letters when something specific needs to be relayed. As yet we have no new project, as we are currently waiting for decisions to be made in response to the latest Quinquennial Inspection. Suggestions about lighting and sound system are mooted but that requires research and consultation.

Debby Pierson, Secretary

Pastoral Team

Mary Quenby leads the team. The team includes 7 Church members who are all Enhanced CRB checked and who all support the aims and objectives of the team. The team meet with the priest in charge at regular meetings.

Jenny Williamson represents the Church on the Open Door committee. The Luncheon Club meet every Wednesday and provide a home cooked lunch and fellowship. The Welcome Pack is updated regularly, which is available in the library. The sick and the housebound at home are visited regularly by a team member. Those in hospital are visited when it is appropriate. We are very grateful to the Road Stewards who keep us informed. The bereaved who live in the village are visited. The pastoral team assisted the Priest in Charge with the Memorial Service held in October when we remember those who have died, especially remembering pregnancy loss. Afterwards refreshments are offered in Church to those who attend. The Prayer list for this Parish is maintained and updated and kept on the prayer desk at the front of the Church, available for anyone to use. One pastoral team member is a member of the Deanery Prayers who bring the needs of the Parishes to the Shoreham Deanery. Prayers are offered daily at evening prayer.

There is liaison with Open Door, Helping Hand, Baby & Toddler Group, Lunch Club, and with the community at Woodlands when we share facilities and note where needs arise. We are pleased to offer friendship, prayer, and concern wherever we see the need. We feel privileged to do this

Mary Quenby

Youth and Family

Sunday Special has a regular attendance of around 10-15 children from year R to year 7. Over the past year we have spent time with the children looking at the story of Elijah, Ruth, Esther, and Samuel and how God used each of these people to lead and speak to the Israelites.

We have looked at the qualities and power of Jesus as our King and his victory over death at Easter, and every week we have some great discussions and questions from the children about what this teaches us today. As leaders it is a privilege to be able to share God’s word with such a receptive group of children. We have a regular team of 4 leaders and 3 assistants but would benefit from another leader or helper as we look to split the group into older and younger children. The children continue to enthusiastically lead the action song each week at the 11am service and it is a joy to see all those in the pews supporting them. The children enjoyed making decorations for a Sunday Special tree in the Christmas Tree Festival.

Baby & Toddler Group – we meet on Mondays 1.45 -3-45 in St Edith’s small hall, although the numbers are small it is a most welcome place for carers to chat and enjoy refreshments while young ones can run, play and make. The helpers enjoy the time with families reading and listening or chatting.

As a WARM PLACE we now offer soup and homemade bread. It is very good that some leaders are able to continue the conversations in the playground and church as children grow up.

Numbers – we have had some new children join regularly over the past year as well as some children coming as a one-off when visiting friends or family. It’s been great to be able to include them in the sessions.

Ruth Mason and Tamara Maretlane

Choir and Music

Highlights of the year were the Good Friday music, the choral Evensong to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which was attended by a large number of people, and the Christmas services, especially the Carol service. The Carolathon is proving to be a popular annual event. The musicians won a certificate for their Christmas Tree, and had a most enjoyable evening decorating it.

The choir produced communion music when numbers permitted, and the number of musicians for the 11.00 Service grew. For February and March, the music for communion was mainly based on Ukrainian tunes. It has been good to welcome extra people to join in with the music, some regular and some from time to time; there are many musical people in the church who will always be welcome to use their talents and the more there are, the more the musical contribution can grow.

Gillian Oldridge, Director of Music

Church Flower Group

The Church Flower Group has had a particularly busy year. Apart from our regular displays and those for Easter, Harvest and Christmas, we also had a hugely successful Flower Festival to celebrate her late Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

Planning for the Festival began in February and many extra talented flower arrangers were invited to take part. Beautiful displays were created to commemorate all the people, places and events that had been most important to the Queen in her 70 year reign. Enthusiastic support, particularly with all the publicity, was willingly given by the Ven Mike Lodge and parishioners were very generous with financial help. The Festival raised £1500.00 towards the ongoing work and ministry of the churches in Kemsing and Woodlands.

There was only one wedding which required us to decorate our beautiful church but in December we took part in the Christmas Tree Festival. We had fun making paper and fabric flowers for our tree which were much admired.

I should like to thank all the flower arrangers for their time and talent throughout the year and would welcome any new members to the team. It is an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby and I would like to encourage younger members of the congregation to join us – they might bring with them some fresh ideas.

Ann Taunton

Joint Churchyard Maintenance Committee

2022 proved to be quite different to 2021, in that we had quite a long summer drought. Whereas it was difficult to keep up with the grass cutting in the previous year, there was very little grass to cut in the summer months.

When the Committee met in October, we looked especially at the Yew trees which had been allowed to spread – in places completely covering some headstones. Consequently a site meeting with the Diocesan adviser on trees was held, followed by his report. One of the Irish Yews which is closest to the Church Porch was reluctantly deemed to be too big and was now blocking the path. Pruning in the past has just encouraged it to grow more.

Removal of trees in the Kemsing Conservation Area needs planning consent by Sevenoaks District Council, as well as the need to apply to the Diocese for a Faculty. Both were applied for and fortunately approved. The cost of these works will be met jointly by the PCC and Kemsing PC.

The ‘spoil’ heap at the south-west end of the current burial ground ‘has grown like Topsy’, and the latest burial rows are getting closer to it. The Committee agreed it would be best to move it to the bottom corner of the field, but no timetable has been set yet.

Meanwhile it would be appreciated if visitors to family graves could take home any rubbish instead of adding to the pile.

Rosemary Banister, PCC Secretary

‘The Well’

How glad we were that our Spring 2022 edition had the cover of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with her lovely smile in one of her favourite colours, pink, with hat to match, and the photographs in the centre pages reminded us of her Coronation celebrations. The Summer edition listed her Platinum Jubilee events with photographs of the Church Flower Festival. Little did we know when we published the Autumn edition that it would shortly be followed by her death. Kemsing Heritage Centre keeps copies of The Well so that they will be able to tell future generations about the life in our village and how we celebrated and mourned.

Printing costs have gone up during the year, as a result of the world economy being affected by Covid and wars. Unfortunately this meant that our income did not cover the expense of publishing 4 editions in 2022. The Parochial Church Council has always borne the cost, and they have given us the go ahead in 2023 with the proviso that the finances will be reviewed later in the year. We have had to put up our advertising fees, but hope our regular and new advertisers will stay with us. Please continue to support them. All the preparation and distribution is done by volunteers, without whose help we would not be able to get a copy to nearly every household in the parish. Our grateful thanks to you all.

The Well Editors

Open Door

Kemsing Open Door has continued to meet on Monday mornings in St Edith Small Hall. We have met 40 times this last year with a weekly attendance between 30 and 39. It is lovely to hear the buzz of conversation as the waitresses serve everybody. Other Monday activities have included filling shoeboxes to send to children in developing countries for Christmas, eating mince pies and singing carols as well as trying to play them on Handbells.

In January a thought for the week was introduced. On Valentine’s Day Itala spoiled us by decorating the hall and giving us cake and chocolates.

We celebrated Margaret Goulding’s 90[th] birthday in March with a cake. Hot cross buns were a feature of the Easter meeting. On 6[th] June Nina gave us a party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with a Raffle of a hamper and various bottles! In September after our summer break we held our Macmillan coffee morning which raised £350 for Macmillan Cancer Support. In October we celebrated our Birthday Lunch with leek and potato soup courtesy of Robert Pierson and delicious desserts provided by the committee.

We have been pleased to welcome Mike Lodge our Vicar on a number of occasions during the year.

We have enjoyed 4 outings this year. The first being to the Holiday Inn, Wrotham, for Christmas Dinner. In May we went to Bewl Water for a cuppa and some enjoyed a walk by the Lake or in the bluebell woods.

In August we took a full day in Hastings, the weather was perfect and other friends joined us to fill up the coach. Finally in October we went on a beautiful Autumn ride with a cream tea at the Stable Tearooms in Ashdown Forest.

During the year we had a few raffles and books and puzzles are always available for those who want them. At the beginning of the year folks wanted to pay for their transport so a box was put out and the proceeds were to be for the new church hall! I think I have given £200 to the church treasurer for that purpose.

Sadly during this year Vic Hammond died and a number went to his funeral. 4 others have moved into care homes. Theresa is currently in Lavender Fields in Seal. Vi has moved to a home in Yorkshire near her niece and seems to have settled well there. Phyllis is currently in Birkin Lodge at Hawkenbury. Dot is in a home near her daughter. One or two people keep in touch with them.

We also dressed a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival. It just remains for me to

Jenny Williamson

Traidcraft

Trade remained low again this year without a hall to display goods efficiently. Regular customers continued to request supplies and the Christmas Fayre provided for the sale of Christmas cards and presents.

Year ending 11[th] January 2023

Payments Goods Kenya Trust SKET Open Door Traidcraft Exchange Leprosy Mission Lunch Club, coffee Poverty and Hope Carried forward:	250.00 60.00 100.00 30.00 0.00 0.00	£ Receipts£ 1,584.92 B/f 5,019.40 Goods sold 1,744.60 440.00 2,024.92 4,739.08 6,764.00 6,764.00	£ Receipts£ 1,584.92 B/f 5,019.40 Goods sold 1,744.60 440.00 2,024.92 4,739.08 6,764.00 6,764.00
			6,764.00

In September the name of Traidcraft Exchange changed to Transform Trade and this raised the question about its ties to Traidcraft UK as they had always worked in partnership – Traidcraft Exchange being a mission to campaign and to help traders in developing countries obtain fair payment, while Traidcraft UK supported them by the sale of goods.

Many thanks to Gitta Edenborough for keeping the accounts.

Jill Berry

St Mary’s Craft Group

The Craft Group has had a most successful year sending a large number of knitted or crocheted items to the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild (QMCG). 503 items were sent of which 126 were made by the Craft Group at Christ Church, Sidcup.

All the items were gratefully received by the QMCG and given to the usual very needy groups. No doubt the need is greater than ever at this time with people trying to keep warm.

We supported the Church Sale making items such as hats, fingerless gloves, scarves, waistcoats, bed socks, and bed jackets. One member made Christmas decorations and another made jewellery. Together we made over £600.

Our membership has grown to over 20, and we welcome anyone interested on a Tuesday between 2 and 4pm in Kemsing Library. Rebecca and the Library staff extend us a very warm welcome for which we are grateful. To be able to continue in this way, we would welcome any donations of yarn. Financial donations are always very welcome.

Jane Webb

Bellringing

Bellringing at Kemsing in 2022 was dominated by the late Queen Elizabeth II. We rang for her Platinum Jubilee on 3rd June, and again on 5th June, the day of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, when we rang from 19.52 to 20.22 hours.

Following her death on 8th September, the Service bell was tolled 96 times the following day to commemorate her long life. We rang prior to the special Service for her at Kemsing on 18th September, with the bells half-muffled. On 19th September the bells were rung, again half-muffled, for one hour prior to her funeral service at Westminster Abbey.

It is not often we ring for funerals, let alone toll a bell, but we did toll a bell on three occasions in 2022. The first time was on the Service bell prior to Vic Hammond’s funeral in February. This was followed by the tolling for the late Queen, as mentioned above, and, finally, the tenor of the ring of six was tolled 87 times at Robin Long’s funeral, on 19th December, being one for each year of his life. The bells were also rung for two weddings, on 23rd July and 20th August.

For those not familiar with the bells, the ring of six, cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1991, is immediately above the ceiling through which the ropes disappear. Above this is the Service bell, in an ancient wooden frame. The Service bell weighs in at 5 cwt, 3 quarters and 25lb (approx. 303 kg). It is believed to have been cast around 1625, by a William Wakefield. The tenor of the six is 4 cwt, 1 quarter and 5 lb (approx. 218 kg).

A quarter peal (1260 changes) was rung by a visiting band in February, and on 18th October three Kemsing ringers, together with three friends, rang one in memory of Michael Williamson. This quarter had been put off from early 2020 due to Covid and the ensuing lockdown, and a wish, sadly not achieved, to ring it with an all-Kemsing band.

The only other visitors during the year were The Kent County Association of Change Ringers (KCACR) ‘MINI- Ringers’, who had training mornings in June and September. The MINI-Ringers are under-twelves from Kent who are ‘learning the ropes’. Kemsing is ideal for training them as the bells are very light, not too noisy, and the ground-floor ringing area in the Church means there is space nearby for parents, helpers, ‘amusements’ for those not ringing, and a refreshment area.

Through the year, with only a few gaps due to absences, we rang for the Sunday morning Services, and practised on Tuesday evenings. The first Tuesday in each month is reserved for a Surprise practice (Surprise methods are somewhat more difficult than the usual Plain Bob and Grandsire), when ringers from the Tonbridge and Lewisham Districts of the KCACR join those Kemsing ringers who are able to ring Surprise. This practice started twenty five years ago when Kemsing could muster six Surprise ringers. One additional ring was on 9th June, when we rang prior to the Deanery Synod held at Kemsing. The bells were rung half muffled, as usual, on Remembrance Sunday on 13th November.

Just before the end of the Surprise practice on 2nd August a rope broke. Following a broken rope last year, we will definitely be ordering new ropes in 2023. This set of ropes has lasted a remarkably long time, but it is clear a new set is now required.

Unfortunately, in my report last year “practising” was altered (by the computer I am told!) to “practicing”. Whilst this latter spelling is used in America, and indeed was acceptable in this country back in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries, it isn’t correct here now - to get it right think advice and advise!

Fraser Clift, Tower Captain

Loaves and Fishes

Whilst our small team has evolved in its membership since its inception over five years ago, the smooth running of the process has not been allowed to falter, with the demands on this service ever more apparent given the current challenges to people’s individual economic circumstances.

Our system is simple, during the first few days after the first Sunday of each month, canned and packaged food products may be deposited by generous members of both the church and wider village communities at Ray Parton’s home. This is particularly helpful as it provides a useful focal point for “drop offs” within our village for onward delivery to the centralised foodbank for the area, at St John’s Church, Sevenoaks. To avoid any congestion at St John’s, we have our own pre-arranged delivery time slot for the first Thursday of each month.

Donations are always gratefully received by the efficient volunteers at St John’s who unfailing ask us to pass on their gratitude, knowing how much people depend on the products donated. Thank you to all who contribute in this way, your generosity is needed and appreciated now, more than ever.

Peter Chadwick

Helping Hand Driving Scheme 2022

This was our first full year back in business. We totalled a very acceptable 240 trips in the year, although this was only some 75% of the pre-Covid levels, so I would love to hear from more people who might need our services. As always, a few more drivers would be very welcome – it’s really not demanding, there are no regular commitments and you get grateful thanks every time from the customers. Meanwhile my own thanks to Alan, Chris, Dave, David, Geoffrey, Jane, Jenny Dalton, Jenny Williamson, Malcolm, Robert, and Sue for keeping it all going.

Alastair Boobyer, Home: 01959 522490, Mob: 07400 711985

Treasurer’s Report

Thanks to some splendid fund raising activities, the church managed to balance the books for the year and still pay the Parish Share as agreed with the Diocese.

The restricted fund for the hall is healthy and we have paid back around two thirds of the loan of £25,000 from the Diocese.

By the end of 2023, we should have a clear picture as to the completion of the hall and that should mean the church is on a sound financial basis going forward.

The church’s thanks goes to Peter Chadwick for all he has done in recovering Gift Aid money from the Inland Revenue. The annual accounts testify to the large sum so obtained. Also, our thanks go to Michael Martin for preparing the accounts for the independent examiner and to Richard Goss for acting in that capacity.

We are again grateful for the efforts of the Friends of St. Mary’s in raising money for the fabric of the church.

Dr Philip Walker, Honorary Treasurer

Accounting Policies

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions together with FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)).

Assets

Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011, such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

The Church Hall is not consecrated property. No depreciation is provided on the Hall as the currently estimated residual value is not less than its carrying value and the remaining useful life currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. If the carrying value of the Hall looks greater than its current value on this basis, an impairment review will be carried out and any resultant loss included in expenditure for the year.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments (Income shares held by the Churches Board of Finance) are valued at market value at the year end.

Funds

Unrestricted funds : These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its “free reserves” as disclosed in the PCC’s report.

Restricted funds : These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and represent donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.

The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Details of the funds held are shown in the notes to the accounts.

Endowment funds : are resources received by the PCC, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Designated funds : These are a portion of the unrestricted funds of the PCC that have been set aside for a particular purpose by the PCC.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the income resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All income resources are accounted for gross.

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation to the PCC. The Diocesan combined parish share and stipend is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Reserve Policy

It is the policy off the PCC that sufficient reserves should be held to pay, for three months, the necessary bills to ensure the church can continue to meet its legal obligations. In principle, this will be to pay:-

The incumbent, the organist, administrator and cleaners, the utility bills and insurance on the churches and hall, the council tax on the vicarage and vicarage services, the vicar’s expenses and administration and upkeep of the churchyards.

Due to the pandemic, this criterion was not met at every point in 2022 from unrestricted funds and reserves. The reserve figure for 2023 is set at £20,000.

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2022

Note
FIXED ASSET
Tangible Fixed Assets
5
Investments
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
8
LESS LIABILITIES:
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
9
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABLITIES
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
9
TOTAL NET ASSETS
10
PARISH FUNDS
11
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL FUNDS

2022
2021
£
£
617,998
617,998
54,691
61,988
672,689
679,986
3,946
8,244
82,279
103,243
86,225
111,487
58,949
86,988
27,276
24,499
699,965
704,485
10,000
20,600
689,965
683,885
18,964
22,825
19,244
20,545
602,149
584,956
49,608
55,560
689,965
683,885

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 27 March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

..............………...…….............. ........................................... Ven Mike Lodge (Priest in Charge) P E Walker (Honorary Treasurer)

The notes on pages 20 to 23 form part of these accounts.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

Unre- srtricted Funds Note £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Voluntary income 2(a) 54,038 Other voluntary incoming resources 2(b) 17,898 Activities for 2(c) 10,213 Investment from investment 2(d) 570 TOTAL INCOME 82,719 RESOURCES EXPENDED Missionary and charitable giving 3(a) - Activities directly related to the work 3(b) 72,939 Fund raising costs 3(c) 87 Church management 3(d) 13,555 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 86,581 NET INCOME (EXPENDITURE) BEFORE INVESTMENTS (3,861) NET GAINS/(LOSSES) ON INVESTMENT TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS - NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (3,861) BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 22,825 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 18,964 31ST DECEMBER 2022 1ST JANUARY 2022 and administration of the church GAINS/(LOSSES) generating funds	Desig- nated Funds £ 45	Restric- ted Funds £ - 3,220 16,268 56	Endow- ments £ - - - 1,235
82,719	45	19,544	1,235
- 72,939 87 13,555		793 1,558 - -	- 1,235 - -
86,581	-	2,351	1,235
(3,861) -	45 (1,345) -	17,194 -	- (5,952) -
(3,861) 22,825	(1,301) 20,545	17,194 584,956	(5,952) 55,560
18,964	19,244	602,149	49,608

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

2 INCOMING RESOURCES

Unre- stricte- Funds £ 2(a) Voluntary income Planned giving: Gift aid donations and other planned giving 42,042 Income tax recoverable 8,879 Collections (open plate) at all services 3,117 54,038 2(b) Other voluntary income Kemsing Old School Trust Donations, appeals, etc 5,100 Fund-raising 8,989 Legacies 2,500 Café Trading Miscellaneous income 1,308 17,898 2(c) Activities for generating income Magazine 'The Well' 3,079 Church Hall donations - Fees 7,134 10,213 2(d) Income from investments Dividends and interest 570 TOTAL INCOME 82,719	Desig- nated Funds £	Restric- ted Funds £
54,038	-	-
		659 793 1,370 - - 399
17,898	-	3,220
		16,268
10,213	-	16,268
	45	56
82,719	45	19,544

Please note that the full pounds & pence amounts are not shown in these statements but are rounded to the nearest pound and some totals may appear to not exactly add-up for this reason.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

3
EXPENDITURE
Unrest-
Restric-
Endow-
tricted
ted
ments
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
3(a) Missionary and charitable giving
Home missions and other
Church Societies
-
793
-
-
793
-
3(b) Activities directly relating to the work of the church
Ministry -
Clergy expenses
844
Vicarage expenses
5,069
Other clergy costs
243
Parish share
28,276
Junior church
0
972
Church running expenses
8,029
-
Church maintenance
4,548
500
Choir and organ
606
-
Parish magazine
5,065
Upkeep of churchyard
2,230
86
1,235
Church hall running costs
7,521
-
Salaries and fees for services
10,508
0
72,939
1,558
1,235
3(c)
Fund-raising costs
Cost of events and activities
87
-
Café Trading
-
-
87
-
-
3(d) Church management and administration
Administration
6,715
Depreciation
-
Salaries and fees for services
6,840
13,555
-
-
TOTAL RESOURCES
EXPENDED
86,581
2,351
1,235

2022
2021
£
£
793
976
793
976
844
529
5,069
2,378
243
1,569
28,276
36,900
972
4,455
8,029
7,986
5,048
3,641
606
418
5,065
2,775
3,550
3,630
7,521
795
10,508
19,561
75,731
84,637
87
-
-
-
87
-
6,715
6,230
-
-
6,840
6,715
13,555
12,945
90,166
98,558
TOTAL FUNDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

4 (a) STAFF COSTS

Salaries and wages	2022 2021 £ £ 6,887 16,715

During the year the PCC employed an Administrator. The position of Youth Worker remained vacant in 2022.

In addition, fees for the services of a Director of Music, various visiting organists, visiting clergy and a cleaner were paid for but these persons are not employees of the PCC.

4 (b) PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS

Other than to the Incumbent and Youth Worker, no payments or expenses were paid to any PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related parties. The Youth Worker would be a member of the PCC but would only get expenses paid in the role of Youth Worker.

5	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS	2022	2021
		£	£
	(a) Buildings
	The construction of the new hall commenced in July 2019 and by end 2021
	the roof was on and the building water tight. Phase 1 completed.
	To complete construction to a useable state see note 12.
	Fitting out and internal furniture and equipment will also
	be required.	617,998	617,998
	(b) Office Equipment
	There is no net book value at 31st December 2022.	-	-
	Total Tangible Assets	617,998	617,998
6	INVESTMENT ASSETS
	The legacies received for the maintenance of certain graves in	the Kemsing churchyard
	have been invested in the Church of England Investment Fund and have been		taken
	into the accounts at market value.

The Woodlands designated "contingency fund" is similarly invested (see note 11).

7 DEBTORS Income Tax recoverable Other debtors 8 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND Cash Bank * Term Deposits *	2022 2021 £ £ 3,202 3,385 744 4,859 3,946 8,244 - - 82,279 103,243 0 0 82,279 103,243

* Note: See Note 10 regarding split of Bank balances over various Funds.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

9 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR New Hall creditors Loan repayments due 2023 Other accruals and deferred income AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR New Hall - Contractor retentions Loans The loan from Diocese of Rochester is subject to interest at 2% above bank rate.	2022 2021 £ £ 48,634 73,574 9,488 9,600 827 3,813 58,949 86,988 - - 10,000 20,600 10,000 20,600

10 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Fixed assets Investments Debtors Cash/Bank Current creditor due after 1 year Net Assets Creditor	Unrest- tricted Funds £ 3,946 15,845 (827)	Desig- nated Funds £ 10,083 9,161	Restric- ted Funds £ 48,682	Restric- ted Hall Fund £ 617,998 3,590 (58,121) (10,000)	Endow- ments £ 44,608 5,000	2022 2021 £ £ 617,998 617,998 54,691 61,988 3,946 8,244 82,279 103,243 (58,949) (86,988) (10,000) (20,600) 689,965 683,885 TOTAL FUNDS
	18,964	19,244	48,682	553,467	49,608

11 FUND DETAILS

The Restricted Fund is comprised of the following funds -
The Designated Fund is comprised of the following funds –
Woodlands - Church Repair.
Woodlands - Church Repair Fund
Woodlands - Contingency Fund
The Friends of St Mary's Kemsing - raise funds for specific maintenance
and building development within the fabric of the church.
The Kemsing Hall Rebuilding & Equipping Fund - relates to funds raised
specifically towards the new hall.
Woodlands - Church & Hall Maintenance.
The Frank Johnson Memorial Fund - provides for the education of the
junior choir in church music.
The Kemsing Church Development Fund - provides for building projects
within the church.
The Holiday Club Fund - is for the Children’s Summer Holiday Club.

2022
2021
£
£
150
150
27,762
27,762
199
199
5,889
5,019
553,467
537,199
14,350
14,294
333
333
602,149
584,956
2022
2021
£
£
9,161
9,117
10,083
11,428
19,244
20,545

The Endowment Fund consists of six small trusts and a deposit (£5,000) established to provide an income for the maintenance of certain graves in the Kemsing graveyard and provide Chancel income.

12 CONTINGENT LIABILITY

The PCC entered into a contract for Phase 1 of the Hall and this phase was completed in 2021 (creditor of £58,121 still to be paid). To complete construction of the hall will cost around a further £300,000, depending on further consultation with the architect and preferred contractor. Commitment to proceed will be subject to sufficient funds becoming available to finance the work as it proceeds. Further architect fees will amount to around £11,000.

Independent Examiner's Report To The PCC of The Parish of Kemsing and Woodlands

This report on the Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2022 which are set out on the preceding pages, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ('the Regulations') and s. 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

Respective Responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner

As the Members of the PCC, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulation and s.145 of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulation.

Basis of this Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under s. 145(5)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

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

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
(a) to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the Act, and
(b) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations 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

Signed:

Date:

Richard Goss 21 The Landway, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, TN15 6TG