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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Peter Chippenham

2023-12-31-accounts

AGM/APCM REPORTS ST PETER’S CHURCH, FROGWELL FOR YEAR 2023

(Registered Charity No 1131473)

Journeying together to share our Christian faith and the love of God with all’

5[th] May 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PCC ANNUAL REPORT TO THE APCM

Appendix A – FoodBox Report Appendix B - Electoral Roll Report Appendix C - Church Warden’s Fabric Report Appendix D - Pastoral Care Report Appendix E - Financial Report & accounts Appendix F - Free Will Giving Report Appendix G- Deanery Synod Report Appendix H - Safeguarding Report

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Annual Report 2023 of the Parochial Church Council of St Peter's Church, Frogwell

Aim and Purposes

St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) and the Priest-in-charge, Reverend Andrew Martin Gubbins (until March 2023), shared the responsibility of promoting the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in the ecclesiastical parish of St Peter’s, Frogwell. With the departure of the priest-in-charge, responsibility devolved upon the PCC Transition Team, generously supported by clergy from the diocese and deanery and loyal members of the congregation, to maintain this mission. We remain committed to enabling as many people as possible to ‘journey together to share the Christian faith and the love of God with all’. We want to keep in step with God’s Spirit in our worship, activities and future plans. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St Peter’s Church and Church Community Centre, Lordsmead.

Objectives

Any person is welcome to worship at our church and to become part of the St Peter’s community. Our site brings people together for Christian worship, education and fellowship from diverse Christian cultures, including liberal, evangelical, sacramental/catholic and charismatic traditions or none.

Led by the priest-in-charge, church wardens, and leadership team, the PCC maintain an overview of life at St Peter’s Church to better serve our wider community. Acts of worship include prayer and scripture, music, sacrament, preaching and interaction. In the rest of our Church’s activities, we seek to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our Christian community through:

Achievements in 2023

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in the meeting room and installation of a range cooker in its kitchen; and rapid responses to our maintenance issues arising throughout the complex.

Activity in 2023

Worship and prayer

St Peter’s Church has offered a range of services on a weekly, monthly and seasonal basis during the inter-regnum:

Anyone is welcome to attend any services. In 2023 there were 115 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, a small increase of 2 on last year. 85 were resident in the Parish and 30 were nonresident. A full report is at Appendix B. Attendance at Easter stood at 67 and Christmas at 98.

Regrettably the Kingfisher Messy Church initiative, which was revived post-Covid, had to be suspended with the departure of the priest-in-Charge due to a scarcity of human resources for its continuance and the need to focus on other core activities. It is hoped to reinstate this means of outreach once the new priest-in-charge takes up post.

Again, there were no weddings in the church, although we read banns for weddings in other churches. There were 3 baptisms. Six funeral services were conducted in the church.

Ministry

The combining of lay and ordained leadership matters at St Peter’s in pastoral care, missional initiatives such as FoodBox has maintained services with or without a clergy presence.

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LIGHT (monthly worship led by an ecumenical team for people with special needs) has continued led by Revd Canon Alice Kemp as the co-ordinating minister with attendance of 20-30. This is now a recognised activity for St Peter’s, although its status in accountability terms remains somewhat opaque.

Cornerstone Project

The PCC has continued to monitor closely all our options relating to the significant challenges of concrete cancer throughout the church structure. More detail on this is contained in the Fabric Report of the Church Warden at Appendix C.

Partnerships and Centre Users

The Lord’s Mead Pre-School successfully transitioned into the Hall while also retaining use of the Harris Room and the meeting room when required. It continues to thrive in its new setting with some 80 children now enrolled.

The ‘Distinctively Christian’ input to St Peter’s C of E Academy continued with Collective Worship in the church led by visiting clergy. Clergy participation in the governance of the academy ended with the departure of the priest-in-charge.

Our hirers have included Chippenham Male Voice Choir, CLOGs, WWT, Deanery & Diocese, as well as parents & toddlers, uniformed groups and exercise classes as well as family community events.

Pastoral care

A separate report on our pastoral care activities have been submitted for the APCM (Appendix D). Other groups who contribute to our pastoral support, such as Friendship Lunch and the Ladies Guild, men’s activity over meals, coffee and walking; and the Choir remain active. Other pastoral initiatives included the church BBQ, a further great success despite being driven in doors by the weather. We also hosted a Harvest Lunch funded by donations and a craft afternoon where the raised some additional funds for the church.

Mission

In a continuing demonstration of our faith, we responded directly to need this past year, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, through our award-winning FoodBox initiative. We also maintained support for many charities: Leprosy Mission, Christian Aid, Send-a-Cow, Stroke Association, Doorway, Food Bank, Cancer Research, Sightsavers, Embrace the Middle East and Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust.

Ecumenical Relationships

The church remains a participating member of Chippenham Churches Together, but the organisation remains fragile post-Covid with the focus remaining on the recovery of individual churches from its aftereffects.

Volunteers

We thank all who have worked so hard over a difficult year as we awaited the appointment of a new Priest-in-Charge. The pool of those able to actively support events and initiatives is limited but they have given freely of their time and energy, sustaining the welcoming and friendly character of the church and encouraging a positive attitude to the impending change in ministry. This has

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resulted in a hopeful and expectant community ready to embrace the future. We greatly appreciate all involved from: administrators, rota members, cleaners, flower-ladies, sacristy/servers, the PA team, welcomers, music & arts, treasury, and other unnamed contributions that are nonetheless so very valuable for our community. We could not have done it without you!.

Charitable Status

The PCC takes note of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion in setting the framework of its public accountability, and in particular this annual report.

Financial Review

A full financial report together with audited accounts for 2023 have been submitted and are incorporated at Annex E . These represent that translation of church activities into financial terms. The Freewill Offering Report is at Appendix F.

We have maintained our policy of keeping a £8,000 minimum reserve in line with Diocesan and Charity Commission guidance. Given the impact of Covid, and the unknown overall cost of rectifying the concrete cancer issues inherited by the church since its construction, the PCC maintained its position that it could no longer commit to a gift to the level suggested by the diocese. As the scale and range of uncertainties faced by the church remained unabated, it remained the financially prudent course of action. However, when the diocese’s request for 2024 was received, it was agreed to meet their request in full. This was because a much-reduced request was made, reflecting the fact that the church would now be part of a benefice and share ministerial costs with Lacock and Bowden Hill.

Structure, governance and management.

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Peter's the membership of the PCC consists of the clergy, churchwardens, any licensed lay minister, deanery synod representatives and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All the baptised who attend services at St Peter’s are encouraged to register on our Electoral Roll and are welcome to stand for election to the PCC.

PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the church and parish. New members receive initial briefing and support as to the workings of the PCC and sign standard terms of reference. All are required to undertake the national church’s mandatory safeguarding training.

Officers of the PCC include a church warden, treasurer, and parish secretary and they are ably assisted by any other members of a Leadership Team, that in addition to clergy, can consist of assistant wardens or other nominees of the PCC each year.

Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has various ways of dealing with particular aspects of parish life. Groups and individuals address worship, safeguarding, Cornerstone, finance, premises, outreach and pastoral issues, all responsible to the PCC and reporting back to it as necessary.

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The PCC met 5 times in 2023, The Leadership team met on 6 occasions. The AGM/APCM was held on 12[th] March 2023.

Links

The Priest-in-charge participated in Diocesan and Deanery life as well as in Chippenham Churches Together and was the PCC’s link as Ex-officio Governor for St Peter’s C of E Academy.

Deanery Synod

The church had no Deanery Synod representatives during the year. Our Church Warden has, however, remained in her role as Deanery Secretary and member of the Deanery Leadership Team. This has continued to ensure necessary information flows and co-ordination with wider deanery thinking and planning, especially in regard to the development of the Chippenham Deanery Mission Area Plan. The work of the Synod is covered in a separate APCM report (see Appendix G).

Safeguarding Report

Safeguarding and Inclusion is informing every aspect of our ministry at St Peter’s as we have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ guidance. Information of who to contact in case of a Safeguarding Concern, or for advice about procedures and good practice in the parish and the diocese is published in the foyer of the Church. St Peter’s Church had only one Parish Safeguarding Officer at the start of the year: Bev Webb. Thankfully, we were able to return to our previous complement of two when Joan Taylor- Gunston joined the team as Assistant Safeguarding Officer. Caroline Masters has continued as our DBS Validator.

St Peter’s PCC has agreed policy guidance for parish safeguarding, safer recruitment, and response to safeguarding concerns or signs of domestic abuse. The PCC has also adopted the national statement of the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’ in our parish safeguarding policy. A regular report by the PSO is made 3 times a year to the PCC. A safeguarding report for the APCM is at Appendix H).

St Peter’s PSOs input to the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to monitor performance and progress against national standards and requirements. Whilst progress has been made, much still remains to be done. However, during the course of the year all active PCC members completed the mandatory basic and foundational training on safeguarding. We shall continue to work towards full compliance in 2024.

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Administrative Information

St Peter’s Church is situated at Frogwell, Chippenham. It is part of the Diocese of Bristol within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St Peter’s Church, Lordsmead, Chippenham SN14 0LL. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission (Reg No. 1131473)

PCC members who served at any time from 1 January – 31 December 2023:

Ex-Officio members:
Priest in charge:
Church warden:
Deanery Synod
representatives:
Elected members:
Co-opted Member
Former Charity Trustees
who served during
the financial year.		 Revd. Andrew Gubbins (Chair) (until March
2023)
Mrs Vivienne Fuller
No representatives.
Mrs. Daphne Brindle (Deputy Chair)
Mrs Sue Burt
Mrs Elisabeth Davies
Mr. Ivan Hurcum
Mr Matthew Hurcum (Secretary until June 2023
and Treasurer from June 2023)
Mr. Christopher Gough (Treasurer until June
2023)
Nigel Fuller (Secretary from June 2023)
Bev Webb (Safeguarding Officer)
Ms Colleen McDuling (Until November 2023)

Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Revd. Simon Dunn (PCC Chair)

Revd. Simon Dunn

May 2023

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Appendix A

FoodBox: Review of 2023

Background:

The FoodBox project collects surplus food from local stores, supplements this with purchased food, and distributes these to those in need throughout the area. The project runs under the auspices of the PCC and operates in partnership with the wider community across Chippenham and its surroundings. It is wholly run and supported by volunteers from many churches across the area, as well as volunteers from the local community with no church affiliation.

Timeline

Operational numbers

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Finances

On behalf of the FoodBox Strategy Team

March 2024

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Appendix B

REPORT ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL FOR ST PETER’S, FROGWELL AGM/APCM 2024

At the time of the AGM last year there were 113 names on the roll.

Since then we have lost 5 people: Two have died; and

Three have moved away.

We have added seven people to the roll, six of whom are resident, and one is non-resident.

Therefore, the new electoral roll will have 115 names on it.

The new electoral roll will be displayed in the narthex dated 2024. It shows only names; no addresses are shown in accordance with confidentiality rules.

Should you wish to see your full entry, please speak to me and I will show you your entry on the master list which is never on display.

Mrs Angela Hurcum Electoral Roll Officer

18 April 2024

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Appendix C

APCM CHURCH WARDEN’S (PREMISES) REPORT: INCLUDING CORNERSTONE – 2023

Introduction

Maintaining our church and its associated community facilities, despite its relative youth, is always a challenge. Last year I commented that 2023 would prove even more demanding with only myself as church warden. This has proved an understatement as additional calls on time and effort resulted from new approval requirements for a listed building, the period of vacancy working with the transition team, liaising with deanery and diocese, participating in the recruitment process and co-ordinating with our sister churches of Lacock and Bowden Hill as we move towards partnership in a new benefice. Despite often feeling like a full-time job, rather than a volunteer post, with the aid and assistance of many colleagues, it has been possible to continue to move the Cornerstone project forward and respond effectively to the frequent maintenance issues that have arisen over the course of the year.

Long Standing Problems: The Peter Window:

At the end of 2022, following the Diocesan Advisory Committee’s final recognition that repair was not a viable option, we had progressed the cornerstone to the preparation stage for tender documentation. The tender process proved rather protracted for several reasons. The preparation of the technical documentation, especially for the bespoke concrete mullions proved time consuming. Alan Keiller was particularly helpful in providing advice to our architects on specification details subsequently incorporated into the brief and I am most grateful for his expert advice. The identification of suitable contractors willing to undertake the task, and a specialist manufacturer for the mullions, proved difficult. Ultimately only one firm was found to be capable of the casting task, and even then our architects suggested a trial cast to prove their capability before letting any contract. In April 2023 the tender papers were issued to three contractors each required to use the specialist casting firm as a subcontractor. The time for responses had to be extended to allow full consideration of the requirements. Only two of the contractors ultimately responded in June and one of those indicated that their price was reliant on there being no asbestos being present in the structures to be removed and with an open ended ‘cost-plus’ contract approach. To try and firm up pricing we commissioned an asbestos survey which was carried out in August, with a report received in September which demonstrated no asbestos was present. A final tender report was received from our architects in November which indicated that on cost grounds there was only one contractor to be recommended at a cost of some £300K including fees. This compares with previous estimates when the project first started some 12 years ago of £65K, subsequently raised to £160K with the passage of time and experience. The PCC were understandably concerned at the scale of costs and the continuing uncertainties surrounding the like-for-like replacement requested by the DAC. It was therefore decided to request an onsite meeting with the DAC to consider the following questions:

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The DAC agreed to a meeting in January 2024 and we continue to press for consistent advice which will result in an affordable and sustainable solution that does not leave a toxic legacy for our successors.

New Projects to Improve Facilities

Following the transition of the Lordsmead Playgroup into the Hall at the end of last 2022. We had recognised the need for a new door to be cut between the Harris Room and the Hall entrance lobby to assist the groups future expansion and to allow them to meet Ofsted safeguarding requirements for a secure environment for their charges. A faculty was needed from the diocese to permit this, which involved an extended consultation period. This was obtained in April 2023 and the contract let with local company NuFlu. The delay between obtaining the quote and obtaining the faculty resulted in a small cost increase due to inflation. Given the contractors other commitments, the need to undertake the work only during school holidays, it did not prove possible to commence and complete the work until October.

The Hall toilets, now used by the Playgroup were becoming old, tired, stained and unhygienic with repeated repairs being required to cistern syphons etc. Indeed, one cubicle partition collapsed onto a playgroup staff member albeit no injuries were sustained beyond shock. We were fortunate that a child was not involved. Replacement offered a long-term cost-effective solution, and these were fitted in November

The Playgroup also sought our help in replacing the railings around their play area with purpose designed fencing matching that used by the school. This would improve the security of the group and have the added benefit of deterring vandals from accessing the flat roof of the complex from this area as they had done in the past. The PCC were therefore happy to obtain the necessary approval from the diocese needed for this work given the proximity to a listed building. The cost will be born in full by the Playgroup.

In the meeting room we have installed a new projector screen to enhance its facilities for hirers and in January obtained an Area Board Grant to purchase a range cooker for the kitchen to support the friendship lunches.

Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to clean the upholstery of the chairs in the church, significantly improving their appearance.

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Delayed/Deferred Projects

The securing of the hall area for the Playgroup’s use during the week in term time meant the loss of the accessible toilet for other users during its operation. We pursued the idea of converting the ladies’ conveniences in the link to a unisex one with a fully accessible toilet. Two interested contractors were found but, despite giving quotes, both ultimately withdrew from the process. In any event, obtaining the necessary faculty was proving problematic given the space requirements mandated for disabled access. Waivers might have been possible, but the withdrawal of the contractors and absence of detailed plans prevented this. Conscious of other calls on our resources it was decided to put this project into abeyance, but we will return to it in more propitious times. The accessible toilet in the hall remain available to other users at all other times.

EcoChurch

The national church’s commitment to achieve net aero carbon emissions by 2030 came with the incentive of £10K grants to individual churches if they agreed to an energy audit. St Peter’s signed up to this initiative and an audit was undertaken in October and a report with various recommendations was received in December. This suggested improvements, via major projects costing a total of £230K with breakeven points being reached in many cases decades in the future. Given the potential call on church funds for the Peter Window project, further capital investments on this scale simply could not be achieved. The contents of the report have been noted and we may take up some minor improvements from their list in due course. Our hope of installing better roof installation in the church hall was also set back by the audit in which it did not feature due to the low payback envisaged in its implementation. Again, this will not be pursued given other pressures.

In the meantime, we have had a new electricity supply SMART meter installed which in turn necessitated an improvement to the power supply system. Neither involved cost to church funds being covered by the national Grid and Southern electric respectively. The replacement of light bulbs and strip lighting with LED equivalents has also moved on a pace. The Area Board grant that paid for the new cooker for the meeting room kitchen was also used to refund replacement LED fittings to the neighbouring toilets and kitchen.

Ongoing tasks

Other ongoing areas of maintenance covered during the year included:

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emerged of the winding up of DBAT due to an adverse OFSTED report and an inheritor Trust is being identified. We will pursue our claim with them in due course.

Conclusion

The cost of general maintenance over the course of 2023, not including Cornerstone, amounted to just under £14K. This reflected a conscious decision to reinstate long overdue maintenance needs to maintain our rental income and remain an attractive venue for users. Total running expenses including maintenance came to nearly £44K. Since its inception the various activities required to identify a solution to the Peter Window issue have amounted to some £45K. These are not inconsiderable sums when taken alongside Parish share and we could not have sustained them without the income generated from our community complex.

The length of this report demonstrates the range and complexity of task facing church wardens and their PCC colleagues. We should not expect them to diminish with the continuing uncertainties over a solution to the Peter Window and the rise in prices faced from a variety of external sources. Looking to the year ahead, we can expect to face continuing challenges with our buildings. I would certainly welcome the continuing active support of everyone within the church community in taking issues forward and the appointment of a fellow Church warden to share the load would be greatly appreciated.

Vivienne Fuller Church Warden

5 May 2024

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Appendix D

Pastoral Work at St. Peter’s Church Chippenham for year 2023.

At St. Peter’s the Pastoral Team aim to co-ordinate the care of the St. Peter’s Church Family.

During the year our team has comprised five members. In compliance with Diocesan requirements, all have completed three online Safeguarding Courses and DBS checks. Four members have completed Volunteer Driver’s Agreement forms and Passenger Consent Forms have been agreed for Pastoral lifts.

What do we do?

We meet each month to review and plan our actions. Communication between, commitment to and support for each other is essential for us as a team. Confidentiality is stressed at all times.

Our work is very varied. We aim to respond promptly to those who contact us. People may need support for a short while or it may be over a prolonged period, or just need someone to talk to. We continue to support those who are no longer able to attend church services, our message being ‘we the church still care about you and have not forgotten you’. The important ministry of Home Communion is available, monthly, to those who are unable to attend church.

As we can spend a considerable amount of time, visiting people in their own homes, it is vitally important to be able to develop ‘trusting relationships’ not only with them but also with their families/carers.

We take people regularly for Doctors’, Dentists’ and Hospital Appointments.

Wherever possible we visit people in hospital, send cards and inform the Hospital Chaplain of their stay.

Regular visits are made to Care Homes (Cepen Lodge and Middlefields).

We provide support where necessary for bereaved families by visiting and sending cards. In October/November we organise a ‘tea’ (immediately before a Remembering Service) for families who have held a funeral in church during the previous 3 years. This is well received and sometimes it is the first time the families have re visited the church since the funeral took place.

We would like to thank all who have supported us during the year.

Daphne Brindle Pastoral Team Leader.

March 2024

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St. Peter’s Church, Chippenham Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Appendix E

St. Peters Church

LORDS MEAD, CHIPPENHAM, SN14 0LL

Journeying together to share our Christian faith and the love of God with all.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 DECEMBER 2023

CHARITY NUMBER 1131473

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity name: St. Peter’s Church Chippenham
Charity number: 1131473
Principal office
address:		 St. Peter’s Church
Lord’s Mead
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 0LL
Charity trustees at
date of approval:		 Ex-Ofcio members:
Priest in charge:
Dep. Chairperson:
Church wardens:
Treasurer:
Deanery Synod
representatves:
Elected members:
Co-opted members:		 Rev. Simon Dunn
Mrs. Daphne Brindle
Mrs. Vivienne Fuller
Mr. Mathew Hurcum
none
Mrs. Daphne Brindle
Mrs. Sue Burt
Mr. Ivan Hurcum
Mr. Chris Gough
Mrs Lis Davis
Mr Nigel Fuller (Secretary)
Bev Webb (Safeguarding Ofcer)
Former charity
trustees who served
during the financial
year:		 Colleen McDuling

Financial Review

Summary: Last year it was reported that the loss of the Tom Metcalf Centre as one of our regular hirers would have a bigger effect on our income this year than in 2022. I am pleased to report that the fall in income from the hiring of our rooms has been limited to less than 8%. This is almost entirely down to the increased provision we’ve been able to provide to Lords Mead Playgroup who have been able to increase their numbers. The addition of a doorway from the Link to the Harris Room, and other modifications, has allowed this to happen. We have also continued with the upkeep of our premises in line with the Quinquennial Report, with a threefold increase in spending on Repairs and Maintenance. With these investments put in place, the PCC have had the confidence to increase the standard rent for our rooms by approximately 10%, which still represents excellent value for money.

Making comparisons with previous years needs to be made with some caution, as last year we sold a 50% share in a property, netting us approximately £110,000 which has been put to the Cornerstone Fund (90%) and to the Repairs and Maintenance budget (10%). In the years before that we were, of course, severely restricted by Covid regulations.

Income: Our income sources are primarily from voluntary giving and the renting out of our rooms. As stated earlier, our rental income has fallen by 8%. In 2022 it was reported that our voluntary giving fell by some 9%

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on 2021. This year it has fallen by a further 4% primarily due to the passing away and leaving of members of our congregation. Given the rate of inflation over recent years, this has had a significant impact on what we are able to do as a church.

Expenditure: Our big expenditure items were Parish Share (£39,600), electricity (£9,700), repairs and maintenance (£16,200) and cleaning costs (£13,400). The outlook for the coming year is to maintain and hopefully increase our income from room rentals, due to the investments that we’ve made in our facilities. We continue to look at ways we can reduce our exposure to energy costs, such as by fitting radiator thermostatic valves and LED bulbs to our lighting.

Parish Share : In the past two years, the PCC took the difficult decision to pay a reduced Parish Share from that requested by the Diocese, although 2023 saw us pay 10% more than in 2022. For 2024, the Diocese have requested a sum which equates to a further 8% increase on what we paid in 2023. This is a significant drop in what was requested in previous years reflecting that the parish will now form part of a benefice with Lacock and Bowden Hill, thereby sharing clergy costs. As such, it was felt by the PCC that we should show goodwill and strive to meet the requested amount (approx. £43,000).

FoodBox at St. Peter’s : It is unfortunate to report that the current economic situation means that this service remains necessary. This year saw a recruitment drive which increased the number of volunteers. Income from grants and donations topped £15,800 in the past year, although down on last year. Their finances remain healthy.

Cornerstone Fund : The Cornerstone fund has remained static over the year, earning a modest amount of interest, balanced by various professional fees.

Conclusion: The most concerning aspect is the ongoing reduction in Voluntary Giving, in both absolute and real terms. With the inevitable increase in costs due to the global financial situation it will continue to be a challenge for St Peters to maintain a healthy budget. Close consideration of all costs, and increased promotion of the building as a hireable venue, should enable St Peters to continue operating successfully.

I would like to thank all those who have helped the Treasury team this year, with particular thanks to Ivan Hurcum for his continued weekly processing of any income to St Peters and to Chris Gough for his ongoing guidance and advice from when I took on the role of Treasurer.

Matthew Hurcum PCC Treasurer

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM : Donations and Legacies Regular giving Receipts from donors

Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Designated
Fund		 Restricted
Funds
(Note 8)		 Restricted
Funds
(Note 8)		 Restricted
Funds
(Note 8)		 Total 2023 Total 2023 Total 2023 Total 2023 Total
2022
Plannedgiving £24,364 £100 £24,464 £27,677
Collectons other thanplannedgiving £5,851 £5,851 £3,981
Income tax recovered £8,080 £25 £8,105 £8,274
Grants £4,104 £4104 £970
£42,399 £125 £42,524 £40,902
Other Donatons and Legacies(note 2) £2,717 £16,717 £19,434 £130,310
Income from Charitable Actvites(note 3) £3,922 £3,922 £4,361
Other TradingActvites(note 4) £34,074 £34,074 £38,471
£40,713 £16,717 £57,430 £173,142
Total Deposited into Bank £83,112 £16,842 £99,954 £214,044
Income from Investments(note 5) £143 £3,894 £4,037 £1,523
Total Income and Endowments £83,255 £20,737 £103,992 £215,567

EXPENDITURE ON:

EXPENDITURE ON:
Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Designated
Fund		 Restricted
Funds
(Note 8)		 Total 2023 Total 2022
Expenditure on Charitable Actvites
(note 6)		 £2,754 £2,754 £2,099
Parish Share £39,600 £39,600 £36,000
Other Expenditure(note 7) £52,345 £12,173 £64,518 £159,093
Total Expenditure from Bank Account £94,699 £12,173 £106,872 £197,192
Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Designated
Fund		 Restricted
Funds
(Note 8)		 Total 2023 Total 2022
Net income/(expenditure) (£11,443) £8,563 (£2,880) £18,375
Transfers between funds £87,023
Net movement in funds (£11,443) £8,563 (£2,880) £105,399
Add back net movement in unpresented
cheques(note 8)		 £0 £0 £0 £0 -£241
Cash at bank 1st January £23,812 £0 £133,134 £157,031 £51,873
Cash at bank 31st December £12,368 £141,697 £154,151 £157,031

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Fund		 Unrestricted
Designated
Fund		 Restricted
Funds (Note
8)		 Restricted
Funds (Note
8)		 Total 2023 Total 2023 Total
2022
Cash Funds
HSBC current account £1,568 £17,489 £19,057 £26,052
HSBC deposit account £11,250 £11,250 £6,806
CBF Cornerstone Fund £123,759 £123,759 £123,989
Cash foats £85 £184
Total Assets £12,818 £141,248 £154,151 £157,030
Liabilites
Net Assets £12,818 £141,248 £154,151 £157,030

The attached notes on pages 5 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

Prepared by Matthew Hurcum (PCC Treasurer)

Approved by the PCC to the Priest in Charge and PCC Secretary at its meeting of 18[th] April 2024

Rev Simon Dunn (PCC Chair)

Nigel Fuller (PCC Secretary)

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1. Notes

The PCC is committed to maintaining an £8,000 minimum reserve representing three months essential expenditure, which is held within the HSBC current and deposit accounts. The level of the minimum reserve will be decided annually by the PCC. It is a requirement to have a contingency plan to restore funds to the minimum reserve level should ever the situation arise.

(iv) Assets recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities include:

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2. Other donations and legacies

2. Other donatons and legacies
2023 2022
To Restricted Funds:
Cornerstone Fund donatons via current a/c £110,143
WednesdayCofee Fund £495 £343
LIGHT service £448 £1,460
FriendshipLunch £100
Wiltshire Council for “Foodbox” £5,000 £4,936
Borough Lands for “Foodbox”(3grants) £3,500 £0
Chippenham Lions for “Foodbox” £1,520 £0
Suton Benger Beer & Sausage Festval for
“Foodbox”		 £1,500 £0
St Andrews PCC for "Foodbox" £500 £500
NeighbourlyGrant for "Foodbox" £1,000 £1,000
Other donors for “Foodbox” £2,654 £10,726
Pastoral Commitee £40
£16,717 £129,148
To Unrestricted Funds:
Craf Day £37 £0
Angela Hurcum(Marmalade sales) £57 £127
Daphne Field(cards) £103 £44
Bev Webb(Sale of Christmas Cakes) £165
Sale of Votve candles £91
Keynenburg& Morgan £100
Collecton for Andrew’s LeavingPresentaton £606
Bequests(TerryBate) £1,000 £0
SundayCofee Fund net £485 £325
SallyPowell(piano/organ tuning) £169
Other donatons £73 £398
£2,717 £1,163
Total £19,434 £130,310

6

3. Income from Charitable Activities

3. Income from Charitable Actvites
2023 2022
Fundraising forgeneralpurposes
Summer fete(BBQ) £730 £1,455
Funeral collectons for St. Peter’s Church
(Kath Bollen)		 £80 £458
Use ofphotocopier £1
Tradewinds BBQ £510
Other £365
£811 £2,787
Fundraising for specifcpurposes
Children’s Society £50
Christan Aid £25 £187
Sight Savers £195 £122
Send a Cow(The Ripple Efect) £409 £166
LeprosyMission £308 £271
Embrace The Middle East £75 £0
Funeral donatons for charites £515 £0
Wiltshire Historic Churches £236 £15
DorothyHouse(D. Pitchford) £251 £137
Guide Dogs Blind £143
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Insttute £168
McMillan Cancer £260
Acton on Poverty £55
Cancer Research £296
Ride & Stride £473
Alzheimers Research(V. Adcock) £278
Stroke Associaton £50
£3,111 £1,573
Total ££3,922 £4,361

4. Other trading

4. Other trading
2023 2022
Tom Metcalfe Centre rent £6,747
Lord’s Mead Playgrouprent £20,052 £16,960
Other Hall Letngs £12,098 £11,182
Weddingfees £99 £434
Funeral fees £1,825 £3,148
£34,074 £38,471

7

5. Income from investments

5. Income from investments
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 2023 2022
Interest on CBF Account £3,894 £3,894 £1,503
Interest on Deposit Account £143 £143 £20
£4,037 £1,523

6. Expenditure on charitable activities

6. Expenditure on charitable actvites
2023 2022
Send a Cow(The Ripple Efect) £409 £166
Sight Savers £120 £122
Children’s Society £210
Christan Aid £25 £187
Embrace Middle East £0
Prostate Cancer UK(John Webb) £202 £0
LeprosyMission £308 £271
MacMillan Nurses £296 £260
Wiltshire Historic Churches £473 £0
Dementa UK(Jean Robbins) £55 £0
DeanerySynod subscripton £30 £0
Dorothy House (Jean Robbins/Dorothy
Pitchford)		 £306 £137
Guide Dogs Blind £143
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Insttute £168
Acton on Poverty £55
Alzheimer’s Associaton(Violet. Adcock) £278 £45
Forever Friends Appeal(RUH) £168
Wiltshire Air Ambulance(John Webb) £202 £168
Stroke Associaton £50
Total £2,754 £2,099

8

7. Other expenditure

7. Other expenditure
2023 2022
Clergy Expenses
Expenses £111 £1,334
Visitng preachers £1,366 £29
£1,477 £1,363
Benefce fees £393 £1,183
Church Maintenance and Running Expenses
Electricity £9,827 £4,997
Gas £0 £2,030
Water rates £0 £0
Insurance £2,121 £2,004
Grass cutng £650 £650
Repairs and maintenance £13,882 £5,386
Imperial CleaningServices £14,666 £13,871
Refuse collecton £975 £880
Fire extnguishers £642 £437
Chair Cleaning £520 £0
Boiler Servicing £102
LED Replacement Lightng £234
LighteningConductor Test £72
£43,690 £30,256
Church Management and Administraton
Photocopier costs £1,135 £935
Postage £9
Statonery £110 £8
Computer and sofware £848 £1,476
Telephone £717 £646
Contactlessprocessingfees £1
Bank charges £157 £226
Total £2,967 £3,300
Support costs
Altar Requisites £241
Service books/music £95
Candles/bateries etc £145
Flowers expenses £23
Copyright fees £416 £224
Organ and Piano tuning £169
Organist fees £120
Verger fees £120
Kitchen Equipmentpurchases £394 £249

9

First Aid Courses £24 £0
Other £421 £306
Pastoral Commitee expenses £15
LIGHT service(H)expenses £712 £899
Foodbox(I)expenses £7,732 £12,313
Cornerstone Expenses £4,124
Presentaton to Rev Andrew Gubbins
(outgoingincumbent)		 £614
Church Times Advertsement £1,050
Transfer to CBF Cornerstone Fund £108,576
£15,597 £122,990
£64,124 £159,093

10

8. Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds year-ended 31/12/2023

A A B B C C D D E F
Cornerstone
Fund		 Foodbox LIGHT
Service		 Wednesda
y Cofee
Fund(AED)		 Friendship
Lunch		 Flower
Fund		 Totals
Balance at
01/01/2023
HSBC
accounts		 £0 £6,349 £1,768 £628 £400 £0 £9,146
CBF deposit
account		 £123,989 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £123,989
Cash foats £0 £0 £0 £40 £122 £22 £184
£123,989 £6,349 £1,768 £667 £522 £22 £133,318
Donatons £0 £15,799 £443.00 £584 £1,651 £0 £18,550
Other
Voluntary
Receipts		 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0
Interest
received		 £3,894 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £3,894
Expenses -£4,124 -£7,732 -£712 £0 -£1,521 £0 -£14,088
Transfers
from/to
unrestricte
d funds		 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 -£200
Total
movements
inyear		 -£229 £8,068 -£269 £584 £130 £0 £8,083
Balance at
31/12/2023
HSBC
accounts		 £0 £14,417 £1,499 £1,123 £500 £0 £17,339
CBF deposit
account		 £123,759 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £123,759
Cash foats £0 £0 £0 128 £153 £22 £303
Total
Restricted
Funds		 123,759 £14,417 £1,499 £1,251 £653 £22 £141,401

11

Notes:

Restricted Funds in St. Peter’s are set out above. All the figures have been provided and confirmed by the designated organisers of the respective funds.

12

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. Peter's Church, Chippenham, Parochial Church Council

13

IAIN t2AIG. FfLL4 . tiiTERfD l•J£IiT￿TL •F MW4Q6MENT AeCtrthIr￿ LR£riQEiI) TITrE B*ftN. I+I&H tMEeT SuThH BENGEII WiL75fliR£ SHIS Appendix F 14

– Freewill Ofering 2023

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Envelopes &
StdngOrders		 81 76 71 68 68 57 53 53 50 40
Total Contents
£ *		 39035 33027 33466 33175 29922 31971 32176 33180 28202 19997
Av/env/week 9.27 8.36 9.06 9.38 8.46 10.8 11.67 12.04 10.85 9.61
No. regular
Gif Aid		 61 58 56 52 52 49 51 50 43 37
Av GA/wk 7.99 7.75 9.61 9.39 9.85 11.86 12.85 10.5 12.60 10.14
Yellow GA * 3683 3240 4012 3530 3900 3424 2306 355 680 620
Tax Rebate * 8214 8346 7864 8453 8640 8881 7874 8114 7774 7346
Loose coin in
Plate £ *		 3306 3757 5004 4488 6069 5036 3717 3402 4355 6394
Parish Giving
Scheme		 4046
* Total FWO
Income		 54238 48370 50346 49646 48531 49312 46073 45051 41011 38403

----- Start of picture text -----
AVERAGE GIVING
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Avenv/wkAv/GA/wk
AvGA/wk
Loose coin
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
----- End of picture text -----

Comment

These figures give a mixed message: we have lost a number of regular givers, consequently the gift aided average has gone down. Also, although the plate cash giving has increased, and the introduction of the Parish Giving Scheme has tended to improve the picture, it remains that the overall giving has decreased noticeably. We need to increase our attendance, and to raise our individual giving. Ivan Hurcum, FWO Secretary

Appendix G

15

APCM - 2023 DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

  1. General: The Deanery Synod met three times in 2023: 23[rd] March; 22[nd] June; and 23[rd] November. Attendance averaged 25 representatives from the

7 benefices of the deanery. St Peter’s currently has no lay Deanery Synod representative, and this report is provided in my role as secretary to the Deanery Synod and its Leadership Team.

  1. 23[rd] March Synod – The meeting was primarily taken up with a series of presentations made by diocesan staff:

  2. a. Chris Dobson , was occupying a new post as adviser to the parishes on discipleship and evangelism. He wished to hear from parishes about how he could best help to support them in this important area of growth.

  3. b. Stephanie Hayton , Warden of Readers, spoke on the vision and support for lay ministry.

  4. c. Liz Townend , the Director of Education at the Diocese, was introduced as their senior link leadership team link to the deanery. This was part of a new initiative to improve dialogue and co-ordination.

Julia Childerhouse, the Deanery Lay Chair gave an update to Synod on the continuing development of the Chippenham Deanery Mission Area bid. Dick Spencer, the Deanery Eco Champion, gave a brief update on the development of the EcoChurch initiative.

Following a recent General Synod decision on the blessing of gay marriages, it was announced that the planned establishment of a new relationship with Kigezi Diocese through the Uganda Link, to replace that with Mukono, was in abeyance. The intention was to keep links open and rekindle a positive relationship over time.

  1. 22[nd] June Synod – The Synod was primarily focused on an update of the developing Deanery Mission Area Proposal: A revised version had been put to the Diocese for discussion resulting in some further refinements before submission to the Bishops Council for approval. This current draft responded directly to the four outcomes which had emerged from the Diocesan Transforming Church Together (TCT) strategy:

  2. A form of church in every community in which all can participate & thrive.

  3. People who worship God in every aspect of their lives.

  4. The local church recognised as a powerful force for Gospel change.

  5. Environmentally and financially sustainable.

It would aim initially to deliver transformative cultural change in six of the twelve strategic activities identified in the Diocesan strategy:

16

It was also announced that the establishment of a new link with Kigezi Diocese was now increasingly unlikely given the church in Uganda’s opposition to the General Synod decision on the blessing of gay marriages, which they believed undermined the teachings of the church.

  1. 24[th] November Synod – Ven Christopher Bryan announced that the Chippenham Mission Area Plan had been approved.

Revd. Canon Alice Kemp reported on the General Synods of July & November 2023: The York Synod in July had acknowledged and deeply regretted the safeguarding failures of the Church of England and especially their effect on victims and survivors. In discussions of the church’s response to the climate emergency it was agreed that The November Synod had focussed on the controversial questions involved in Living in Love and Faith and same sex relationships. After a difficult debate it had been agreed that Bishops would be free to make space for prayers for same sex relationships. This would be in the form of stand-alone services for blessing same-sex couples. This would be for a trial period. It was for each Diocese to decide whether they pursued the proposal for same-sex blessings.

Revd. Canon Alice Kemp (in her role as Diocesan Disability Adviser) and Leanne Parkes from the Diocese’s Disability and Mental Health Team, gave a presentation on the issues involved and helpful initiatives and resources to address them. Bristol Diocese had signed up to the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, as a discreet means for people to signal that they might need support. The scheme would help churches to be more inclusive and PCCs were encouraged to sign up.

Amy Dartington spoke on the aim to support the reduction of carbon emissions from energy used in churches, schools, cathedrals, houses and other buildings through a series of energy audits with a £30M grant fund for improvements. The ambition was to achieve net zero by 2030. Individual audits would result in recommendations which could draw down grants of up to £10K for each church from the fund. She urged churches to seek an audit and to appoint an eco-champion to share information on this area of activity.

Vivienne Fuller Chippenham Deanery Secretary

May 2024

17

Appendix H

2023 Safeguarding Report for APCM meeting of St Peters Church

Despite the fact that I have been too unwell to physically attend St Peters over the past 6 months – I am totally committed to serving you all within the Safeguarding management & policies necessary to protect both children & adults.

Any Safeguarding policies needing to be addressed or reviewed, have been agreed & passed by our PCC. I have advised the PCC regarding all necessary Modules & Courses needed by all the people involved within the areas of their Safeguarding responsibilities for both children & adults - & to date, all necessary modules/courses have been completed by people within the requirement of their role.

I also very much appreciate Joan Taylor-Gunston joining me as Assistant Safeguarding Officer after completing the necessary training for the role, & also Caroline (Masters) who has completely & regularly managed the DBS requirements – for which I thank them both.

I have updated the PCC for each of their Meetings (either in person, or through a written report) on any reports/safeguarding matters that I had been made aware of. Thankfully, there have been none of any gravity that needed to be redirected to any outside Agencies – other than discussion with the relevant person within the Diocese Office, for confirmation & support within the actions & support needed. I have been able to manage them “remotely” - & trust that you will all have the faith in me to continue this service, both to any vulnerable person in need of protection or help. & especially for our Church.

Bev Webb. Parish Safeguarding Officer

17.02.2024

18