## **THE PARISH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON** ## **Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2023** **The Churchwardens’ Report on the Fabric & Ornaments of the Church and the Deanery Synod Report** **The Minutes of the Annual Church Meetings held on 16[th] April 2023** ## **Incumbent:** The Rev’d Simon Dommett ## **Bank:** National Westminster Bank 81 High Street, Bedford ## **Independent Examiner:** Amy Eyles 44 Wellington Road, Raunds Registered Charity No: 1131568 ## **THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON** ## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023** ## **Administrative Information** St. Mary’s Church is situated in Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford. It is part of the Diocese of St. Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St. Mary’s Parish Office, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0AP. ## **Structure, governance and management** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1131568. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following have served as members of the Council: ## _**Ex-Officio Members**_ Vicar: The Rev’d Simon Dommett Assistant Curate: The Rev’d Joss Sanders Churchwardens: Colin Last Nesta Gedrych Licensed Readers: Michael Furlong Cathy Sanderson Susan Lane Deanery Synod Representatives: Susan Lane ## _**Elected Members**_ Sarah Collinson (elected in 2021 for three years) (Secretary) Chris Hjelt (elected in 2021 for three years) D-J Alino-Wilcockson (elected in 2021 for three years) Debbie Richardson (elected in 2022 for three years) (Minutes Secretary) 1 Susan Lane (elected in 2022 for three years) (Licensed Reader and Deanery Synod Representative) Jeff Alino-Abbott (elected in 2022 for three years) (Treasurer) Alan Bates (elected in 2022 for three years) Sue Lennon (elected in 2023 for one year) (Parish Safeguarding Officer) Craig Brandon (elected in 2023 for three years) (resigned) ## **Committees and Working Groups** The PCC operates through a series of committees in order to carry out its aims and objectives. All these committees have the power to make recommendations but all spiritual, pastoral and financial decisions are made by the full PCC. All committees have agreed Terms of Reference ratified by the PCC in 2019. ## _**Standing Committee**_ The only committee required by law. It has the power to transact business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The committee must comprise the incumbent, each churchwarden and at least two other members of the PCC. The committee of St Mary’s comprises the incumbent, churchwardens, secretary, treasurer and at least one ordinary member. Members of the congregation wishing matters to be raised at the PCC should bring them, in the first instance, to this committee for consideration. In general, it meets two weeks before a full Council meeting to prepare the Agenda for PCC meetings and to consider financial and property reports. ## _**Finance Committee**_ The committee comprises the Vicar, Treasurer, a Churchwarden and the Planned Giving Officer. It supervises budgets and maintains an overview of the parish finances. ## _**Pastoral Committee**_ The committee prepares Services of Thanksgiving for the bereaved and supports the sick and housebound with prayer and anniversary or other greetings cards. It also organises a Christmas tree bauble scheme in aid of St John’s hospice, Moggerhanger. ## _**Property Committee**_ The committee is responsible for all aspects of the church fabric and the church hall. ## _**Publicity Committee**_ The committee arranges advertising and publicity using multiple media and tries to ensure that all activities and events at St Mary’s are well promoted. 2 ## _**Worship Committee**_ All service planning is considered under the aegis of this committee which regularly reviews our worship. The members meet two or three times a year to check that all scheduling is in hand and that services are running smoothly _._ The Health & Safety Officer (currently vacant) reports directly to the Standing Committee of the PCC. The Environmental Officer, North Bedford Churches Together and Deanery Synod representatives report directly to the PCC. ## **Objectives and Achievements** The PCC co-operates with the Churchwardens in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, co-ordinating and inspiring the congregation in its pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical mission. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St. Mary’s church and church hall in Church Lane, Goldington. St. Mary’s PCC is dedicated to helping all those living in Goldington and beyond to worship at St. Mary’s without discrimination, to engage with its activities, to develop their spiritual lives and to become part of the family of God through our Lord’s unconditional love. It is constantly reviewing and developing new ways of involving those who have no background of church life. We aim to do this by providing services and facilities which will support our work of outreach in the community, by maintaining a framework of church services where worship, praise and prayer can be offered, by hosting courses where people may learn about the Christian message and be encouraged to live it and grow spiritually in a Christian environment and by the pastoral care of our parishioners at focal times in their lives. The PCC under the chairmanship of the Vicar has complied with its duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. The PCC has complied with their 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.) In April 2023 there were 120 (122) names registered on the Electoral Roll. Attendance numbers for 2023 have remained steady in comparison to 2022 with particular increases in young families and children due to Diddy Disciples, Messy Church and during services such as Christingle and Nativity. There remains a good core of online worshippers both locally, nationally and internationally. 5 (5) marriages were celebrated during the year and 15 (14) baptisms. There were 10 (11) funerals in church and 14 (12) funerals at Norse Road Chapel. 3 Safeguarding as ever has been at the forefront of our PCC deliberations with Sue Lennon continuing as our Parish Safeguarding Officer. There have been changes to the Church of England and Diocesan strategies and planning and these have required a lot of work by our PSO. New policies include Safer Use of Images and the introduction of the Safeguarding Hub. All PCC members, church leaders, officers and relevant volunteers will be required to undertake a recruitment process with relevant safeguarding training in order to comply with regulations and to ensure that we are living out our faith in the safest and most caring ways. ## _WORSHIP_ The PCC worked hard on finding ways to worship that would suit the needs of as many as possible including the re-introduction of the Common Cup and decreased social distancing requirements. We continue to purchase the necessary licenses for music and online services. There was good attendance at our Christmas services, in particular our Christingle and Nativity. Most of the congregation has settled into to the pattern of weekly worship but some of the more vulnerable are still understandably wary and continue to worship at home. Services are still being live-streamed and are available on our YouTube platform. Great strides have been made in what the technology can offer and continues to evolve. The ‘tech team’ led by our vicar is to be congratulated on their knowledge and dedication in this work. This year we said good bye to the Rev’d Marcus Ottaviani and his family and pray for God’s blessing on their future ministry in Battersea. In the summer we welcomed the Rev’d Joss Sanders as our new part time Assistant Curate and his wife and family to join us at St. Mary’s. He has already proved a great source of support to the ministerial team and in particular has enhanced the musical worship in the Family Praise service and the interactive talks at Messy Church which our young members engage in and thoroughly enjoy. As well as our hard-working Vicar and Curate, the other members of the ministerial team comprising the Rev’d Jennie Cappleman (Associate Priest) our three Licensed Readers Cathy Sanderson, Michael Furlong, and Susan Lane and Sue Lennon (Lay Leader of Worship) have continued to give their invaluable support throughout the year ensuring variety and freshness in our worship. We celebrated the coronation of HM King Charles III in May by organising events which the local community were warmly invited to and enjoyed. As part of the celebrations, we like the country were encouraged to organise events over the Bank Holiday weekend. On Sunday 7[th] May we hosted a ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ event in our hall with a ‘Right Royal Bring & Share Picnic Lunch’. Soft drinks were provided and we were pleased of the plethora of food attendees brought. On Monday 8[th] May we organised a ‘Big Help Out’ event of a community litter pick which was very well attended by congregation members as well as local community and Goldington Ward Councillors. Most of the litter pickers then joined the Warm Spaces session in the hall for much needed refreshments and fellowship. The Worship Committee led by Cathy Sanderson constantly reviewed all aspects of our worship during the year. The Messy Church Team has worked incredibly hard this year holding monthly with average attendances of around forty-five family members. Diddy Disciples is our Sunday group meeting regularly each week and providing teaching and play for the youngest members of the congregation. Since Amanda Ottaviani left us, Diddy Disciples has continued under Heather Dommett’s leadership with invaluable support from volunteers and parent helpers. Much continued prayer has been offered for the work of these two Fresh 4 Expressions of our faith. A small team applied to multiple trusts and organisations for grants towards the 3-years contract of a new Families and Children’s Minister. Interviews of two candidates were undertaken in late 2023 with Ceri-Anne Ashby being successful and subsequently appointed. She will assume leadership of Diddy Disciples in January 2024, and plans to implement other ideas to extend our outreach to all local families and children. The Signing Group has continued to sign at the First Sunday service and meets once per month to practise together. The choir, although much reduced in number, is singing regularly at the 9.30am Sunday service. It also contributed to the Carol Service which is boosted by extra singers from within the congregation and from another church. The Bell Ringers in the tower regularly ring for main services inviting all to worship and welcoming new families. They have also welcomed members of the community up into the tower and, as part of the summer fete, invited them to try ringing. ## _PASTORAL CARE_ Susan Lane has continued her leadership of the Pastoral matters. Prayers for the vulnerable and sick have been offered ceaselessly and the bereaved remembered with anniversary cards. Holy Communion is taken to those housebound members who request it and once per month is celebrated at a local care home. The ministry of the team would love to be expanded with more volunteers, could you help? Sadly, the team is very low in numbers and we shall need to look to reducing the pressure on them. ## _PROPERTY_ Throughout the year the Property Committee has maintained the fabric of the church and hall. After a few years of leadership Chris Hjelt retired and Colin Last has taken over this role in the interim. The refurbishment of the south porch is still proceeding as well as work on the oak beams. Various leaks and other minor matters have been addressed and any outstanding quinquennial items have now been complete. The church building is due it’s next quinquennial inspection in 2024. This is a thorough survey of the building for wear and repairs. Surveys and plans were carried out and plans produced to help us in our aim to become carbon neutral including inviting the congregation to assess their own carbon footprint at home. Some small changes can be effected immediately but other issues such as heating and lighting changes are ongoing. We installed a new boiler in the church hall and we look to renewing our gas and electric contracts on green zero carbon tariffs. Some projects require more thought and could incur considerable expense. This work was carried out with our Environmental Officer, Colin Last, as part of our Eco Church plans. We are working towards our ‘Silver’ EcoChurch award and with the addition of a pond in the churchyard and regular maintenance of the grounds, this should come to fruition in the near future. Craig Brandon was appointed as Health & Safety Officer and carried out a much-needed overview of our risk Assessments, Health & Safety protocols and Due Diligence procedures. Unfortunately, he had to relinquish this post for personal reasons at the beginning of 2024 and we are now seeking a new Officer. Geoff Sowerby has continued to work hard to building our client base in the hall and bookings are now looking healthy again with some spaces still available. Our thanks go to him for all the work he does re the hall’s management. 5 ## _MISSION, CHARITY AND OUTREACH_ Diddy Disciples and a much-expanded Messy Church are going from strength to strength. The church hall is a focus of much community activity and the various groups and activities which are so much part of the life of St Mary’s often attract people from beyond our congregation. Our annual summer fête and autumn fair were held as usual and, largely in part to successful leaflet drops and local community canvassing, were our most lucrative to date. Other social gatherings i.e. indoor bowls, the walking group, monthly breakfasts have all run regularly and welcome both church members and those from the wider community. Post-service refreshments are available and the catering team provided its usual much appreciated services for the Harvest lunch and at our summer and autumn fairs. The North Bedford Churches Together group offered a Lent course with multiple venues and start times to suit all. Links to the online material were distributed to the wider congregation with references made in church _via_ displays. The annual Remembrance Day Service organised by the group took place on Goldington Green. All these activities and events have been well advertised by the Publicity Group under Debbie Richardson using online platforms (Facebook and website) and any other available media such as posters, handbills, the large noticeboards and word of mouth. This publicity has been supplemented by the regular circulation of our parish magazine _Parish & People_ which continues to be published each month online and in print for those who prefer this format. The congregation still support the Children’s Society with donations _via_ house boxes and the Christingle service raise much needed funds and awareness for the charity. Christine Chapman organises the yearly box opening with results that confirmed the generosity of our givers. The parish also supports financially and in kind the Dwell Well Support – Bedford initiative which provides new/like-like every day household goods for those moving from homelessness into new accommodation - a project founded by Marcus and Amanda Ottaviani and now administered by Debbie and Andy Richardson. Since late 2022, our Monday afternoon Warm Spaces has gone from strength to strength with an average of forty guests per week in 2023. Under the leadership of Heather Dommett and her team of volunteers, members of the public have found friendship and companionship. Sessions are supplemented by official visits by the local Public Health team, Goldington Ward Councillors and local Police Community team. This initiative has proven to be a life-line to many in our community as well as our congregation with new guests still coming. Late 2023 saw Chris Jones and Debbie Richardson interviewed and appointed Deputy Leads which ensures sessions can go ahead as long as one of the three Leads are present. The PCC continued to review and re-invigorate our Mission Action Plan. This tool allows us to advance our ministry and mission with clear goals in mind. Our mission statement has remained the same but continuing and new goals were prepared and priorities identified. The PCC is constantly engaging the congregation to take ownership of our MAP. The prayers and practical support of everyone have ensured that St Mary’s is even more at the heart of the community and we look forward to growing in faith and love having as our vision the aim ‘ _To grow together as a worshipping church family, to know Jesus better and to find new ways to express our faith within our local community.’_ 6 **Mission Action Plan 2023-24** Going Deeper into God + Making New Disciples + Transforming Communities ## **Vision** ## _What is the vision for your Church, Parish, Team Ministry or Benefice?_ To grow together as a worshipping church family, to know Jesus better and to find new ways to express our faith within our local community. ## **Values** ## _What are the core values for your Church, Parish, Team Ministry or Benefice?_ - Inclusive. - Place of welcome in the community. - Accepting of difference. ## **Priorities** ## _What is your 1st Priority to make your vision a reality?_ Employ a Family and Children’s worker. _Which of the 3 strands of Living God’s Love does your 1st Priority most focus on?_ Making New Disciples. ## _SMART Goal to achieve your 1st Priority_ Planning in Autumn 2023/Employ by Spring 2024. ## _SMART Goal 2 to achieve your 1st Priority_ Advertise in Autumn 2023. ## _SMART Goal 3 to achieve your 1st Priority_ Interview in late Autumn 2023. _Smart Goal 4 to achieve your 1[st] priority_ - To confirm pledges and grants by Spring 2024. - To put plans in place in 2024 for any shortfall for the three-year funding plan. ## _What is your 2nd Priority to make your vision a reality?_ To become a carbon neutral church by 2030. _Which of the 3 strands of Living God’s Love does your 2nd Priority most focus on?_ Transforming Communities. _SMART Goal to achieve your 2nd Priority_ 7 Have an energy audit in Summer 2023 to get baseline usage. ## _SMART Goal 2 to achieve your 2nd Priority_ Improve insulation and energy usage in hall and church by Autumn 2024. ## _SMART Goal 3 to achieve your 2nd Priority_ To move to carbon neutral or sustainable energy suppliers in 2024. ## _Smart Goal 4 to achieve your 2nd priority_ To put together a planned pathway to being a carbon neutral community by Autumn 2024. ## _What is your 3rd Priority to make your vision a reality?_ To grow the scope and influence of Warm Spaces. _Which of the 3 strands of Living God’s Love does your 3rd Priority most focus on?_ Transforming Communities. ## _SMART Goal to achieve your 3rd Priority_ To appoint Deputy Leads by Spring 2024. ## _SMART Goal 2 to achieve your 3rd Priority_ To obtain external funding for the project for 2024 Spring/Summer 2024. ## _SMART Goal 3 to achieve your 3rd Priority_ To train and recruit volunteers to run the event safely and sustainably by Summer 2024. ## **Financial Review for the year 2023 (figures are rounded to nearest ‘000 for ease of understanding)** During 2023, the PCC has kept financial activity under close review, recognising the potential impacts of rising inflation on both those who provide our income and the church’s direct costs. Concerns about a reduction in voluntary giving proved to be unfounded, although income from this source has remained flat. General expenditure has risen, creating a deficit in unrestricted funds for the year. This is despite our costs for gas and electricity remaining constant throughout 2023, due to the fixed rate contracts that were in place during the year. There has, however, been a significant rise in the level of restricted income, due to the receipt of grants in support of the new Children’s and Families Minister, who started her work within the parish early in 2024. The total of grants received for this purpose totalled £20,000 and, together with other restricted receipts of net £2,000, allowed the overall Income and expenditure account for 2023 to show a surplus of £14,000. 8 This situation is being kept under detailed review by the PCC, especially as 2024 brings increased gas and electricity costs, and activities designed to both increase income and decrease expenditure are being brought forward. The Parish Giving Scheme continues to be a success and has replaced regular cash giving in most cases, although around 30 members continue to use standing orders and envelopes. The Scheme requires regular donations to be made by direct debit and saves the Stewardship Recorder from having to maintain records to support gift aid tax claims. The summer and autumn fetes were very successful in 2023, generating record receipts and several other social activities took place. Conversely, there was a reduction in income generated by hall lettings, largely due to the loss of some regular bookings. By the third and fourth quarters there was evidence of a recovery, with new regular lettings and an increase in ad-hoc bookings becoming evident. The market value of long-term investments increased by £2,500, arising largely from increases in interest rates. As with the losses suffered in 2022, gains of this nature do not give any indication of future performance. The PCC sets aside 5% of stewardship income, plate collections and gift aid tax recovery for missionary giving. This is shared between support for the work of our CMS mission partner, Heather Johnstone, at the Rehema Project in Tanzania (¾) and WaterAid (¼). The resulting donation amounts for CMS and WaterAid were consistent with the previous year. A full list of charitable donations appears in Note 9 to the Financial Statements. ## **Reserves Policy** The church is partly an historic building and, therefore, expensive to repair as modern materials and methods are usually not permitted. Consequently, it is PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted and relevant restricted funds to mitigate the costs of future major maintenance work that has been identified in the Quinquennial survey. A similar policy is adopted for work required to the church hall, although the hall is not subject to a professional survey. No work of any major significance has been carried out in recent years, but some stonework repairs were undertaken in 2022. The church hall has benefitted from the installation of new heating equipment, which will help to reduce consumption. In recognition of the Church of England’s policy to move to a zero-carbon energy position the Property Committee has been looking at various other options of reducing consumption. The amount set aside for both buildings at the end of the year was £72,000. Funds ‘set aside’ for future expenditure are designated funds and there is no restriction on the money being used for other purposes should this prove necessary. Where no specific purpose for a legacy is expressed, it is PCC policy to consult with the family as appropriate and put the money to a use which reflects the interests of the donor. The PCC has received several such legacies over the years and the amount remaining unspent stands at £85,000. These gifts comprise a significant part of general church funds. It is also PCC policy to retain sufficient unrestricted reserves to cover any deficit forecast for the following year plus an amount to cover any adverse cash flow situations that may arise from time to time. The amount required by this policy amounts to £17,000 for the year 2023. 9 At the end of the year the available unrestricted and relevant re5trlcted funds totalled É157,IXX). Cash represents £88,oc￿ of thls amount and Is suffklent to meet the re8ul¥ cash requlrements and the repair eMpendItu￿ Ilkely to be requlred In the next two years. Cash funds Ind the PCCS lon8-term knvestments, taken together, are suffklent to meet the cost of repahs and the cenvnitment to spend eacles on worthwhile improvement projects. The amount to be held in reserve for fepalr and cash fl¢)w rposes Is reMbtd on an annual ba5iS. It15 PCC poliry to invest J proportion of reserve funds in CBF Church of En￿and Investment Funds for h)n8-tenn 8rowth and Income. The remalnder In the fomi of cash Is held by Vlrwn Money and the CBF Oep)slt Fund. Interest earned on both deposk51s rbow rlslne duÈ to the bank rate pollcy of the Bank of Annual report appfoved by the PCC on 9th W 2024 and slened on thelr behalf by the Wd Slmon Oommett. Vkar Ind•p•nd•nt Examlnqrf5 R•port to th• M•rnts•rs o15t. Mary th• Goldliwii I report on the Account5 of the PCC of St. Mary the Viw'n, Goldington for the year ended 31 December 2023. whkh are set L￿t ¢>n paw 12 to 19. R•sp•cUw r•sw)slbllhl•J al th• PCC and the Independent Lx•mln•r The PCCS tn￿ are re5ponslble fof the weparatlon of the Accounts. Tho PCC$ tntste•s conskler that an not requlred forth15 year under 5ec¢k)n 144 of the Charit5e5 Acl 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination 15 needed. 11 Is my re4￿nSibIlity to:_ . examine the Attount5 under 5ectlon 145 of the Charitie5 Act; • follow the prrKedures lald down In the General tknctkns 8lven by the Ctharlty CommlsslMers In sectlon 14515Mb) of the Charfrtbes Act; and • to stste vthether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Bas15 ol Ind•p•ndffit Exanknrfs ststam•rt My examlnatlm was Carrled out In accordan￿ with the General Directions 8iven by the Charity Commlsslon. An examlnat•on Indudes • review of the xcountln8 records kept by the PCC and a Item5 or di5d05ures In the kcaurts and seeklnq explanatklns from the tnistees concernlnl afty such io audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the Accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent Examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention: 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: - - to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the Charities Act; and - to prepare Accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached. ## **Amy Eyles - CPFA, BA (Hons) 44 Wellington Road, Raunds 7[th] April 2024** 11 6•.979 16.990 &4 49S 102.314 Ll59 Z.S•J 2.$91 .iJJ IL954 9.24S 19.0511 IlJ.292 21.V44 140?6 TOTAt IlJP405 •IOIKJWT IC*WAID JS.6l3 4.olj 164.2 71.94$ STOLk ol s 4J N176 4JlS •J.422 797 35.611 101.2•& 4.IlS 4.2)J 9J Q53 Ntl CUWF4Y ASSelS lJl.621 JS.61J 1.07J 171J14 164.2 13.65• 4073 ￿TI J IM>14 • J561J ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **For the year ended 31 December 2023** ## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparation** The Accounts have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and is in compliance with accounting standard FRS102. The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at a fair value. The Accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. ## **Funds** _Endowment funds_ are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established. _Restricted funds_ represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of 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 basis. _Unrestricted funds_ are general funds which can be used for ordinary PCC purposes. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC, such as the church repair fund, are also unrestricted. ## **Incoming Resources** Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the income 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. Gifts in kind for the PCC’s own use are included in the SOFA as incoming resources at their fair value when receivable, and expensed as and when consumed in use. Gifts of fixed assets, if material, are included in the balance sheet at their fair value and expensed over the asset’s useful economic life. 13 All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Amounts generated specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. Amounts received for mission in which the PCC acts only as an intermediary are not shown as income of the PCC, except where the PCC is involved in the fund-raising process. Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31st December. The value of any donated services or voluntary help received are not included in the Accounts but are described in the trustees’ annual report. ## **Resources expended** Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share unpaid at 31st December is provided for in these Accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. ## **Fixed assets** Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements in accordance with S.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. All expenditure on consecrated or benefice buildings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Accounts in the year in which it is incurred. Land and buildings held for the functional use of the PCC are valued at original cost, less provision for depreciation. Buildings are depreciated over a period of 50 years; pre-fabricated buildings are assumed to have a useful life of 25 years. Additions to existing buildings, which do not substantially extend the life of the asset, are written off over the remaining life of the original building. Land is not depreciated. 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. They are listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For anything acquired prior to the year 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the Accounts. Subsequent to this date no individual item has cost more than £1,000, so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred. Fixtures & fittings and equipment used within the church premises, including moveable church furnishings, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items with a purchase price of less than £1,000 are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments are valued at a fair value, which is deemed to be the market value at 31st December. 14 ## **Current assets** Amounts owing to the PCC at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable. Short-term deposits comprise cash held on deposit with Virgin Money plc and the CBF Church of England Funds. 15 PAR(XHIALCHVRCH C(YJI4CL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN. G(XCIP4GT(X4 NOTES TO THE RIWICIALSTATEMENTS Forthe year endEd 31 Derefflber 1023 IPKOME UnrE5trittEd ftE5trOtted ElthWTh￿nt Funds Funds Fur#ls TOTAL FUNOS 21al VO￿ntary lrtome PknrbEd giying: Grft Aid donatiorts Tax reC(Nerab￿ on gift aid donations Other planr*d gv4ing Collertionsat all 5eN [X>n*￿n5 ar￿ appea15 Tax recoverable on other gift HKI donati(M15 Tox recovered on small donatK)ns l(>ASDSI DOrt*￿ns fDr mi5siofbS and rharrties ie8aries Grant5 recei¥e(I Go¥ernmffit irart5 recep￿1 36,399 6.3 10,068 1,826 1.927 36.399 6.308 lo.￿8 1.965 5.451 8,174 14,555 3.031 2.932 139 3524 555 1.160 1.520 1.520 5.931 50 25.881 64.979 23.6LJ 88.592 70,4( 21bl Artl¥ltsfor¥￿er31lnl lynds Fete% bazzar¥ ar￿ othpr turKI rai5ir¥ e¥wt5 Cl￿r(h hall bptting5 Rentsl in¢(mE. l Athol Walk S•le5 of purd7a5pd and tlwwtell ￿d5 S.OS9 11.930 2,￿3 16.082 346 54 ii. 99 16,950 16.950 19.286 21cl IKofftè from 1Th￿st￿￿rtS Di¥Kleryls I￿1 intwest 4,244 3,202 21dl I￿)rne from c￿rth •ctl¥ltOos Magazine Cx>nath?ns for use of chwth hal Social Lwents Chrch fees io 55 456 8.029 1.719 7.662 8.029 8.495 8,495 9.436 TOTAL INCOME 94.411 23.6L3 256 118.281 102.324 16 PAROCHIAL CHUACH COIIP40L OF ST. MARY ThE VIRGIN, Gr￿￿TC￿l NOTES TO THE FIPIAMOAi STATEPAENTS For thè year or￿ed 31 DoLtffllbw 2023 EXPENDITi Llnrestrirted Re5trirted TOTAL FUNDS FurKts Fund5 Funds 3131 Ctrwrth atU¥hlÈs Mi55ionary & chèritablÈ gp&ryW. Churrh o¥*r5eas: - missionary socieb'es - relief and de%*lopmert agenci25 Home missions and other C￿r(h societies 2.285 969 1.520 139 L659 821 4.389 1730 5.138 Ministry. 0￿ceSan parish share Othèr ministry costs & houslre Parish training and mssion Churth rwniry & Maintenan￿ expEnse5 Upkeep of seryKes UF&eep of churthyard and grounds ctwrth hal wunnin8 costs 65,635 1,798 65.635 60.536 7.391 396 10.298 1.082 170 13.946 93.819 8,930 8.9 12,671 91.011 12,671 91,011 93.741 1.659 95.4Crf) 98.957 31bl Corts of fund fa￿￿1 a(Il¥ii C05t of fete¥ fairs and social actiwtie5 Cost ot purchased ttems for sale Costs 01 Christian StEwardship 215 54 269 31¢) Mahx repatrs and dÈpYedathin Churth repair5 & furni5hir¥5 Churth hall equipment & DeprecKatwJn ol buihlings Dewe£4tion ofthurth hall ffixtrres & finin 1.250 7,870 139 7.870 139 8.C119 1.389 31dl Suppr*t tosts Printing and ststiowwy Office equipment & coryuter thare Parish offKe telepF Other casts 677 87 316 438 1,0 1.245 1.245 2.593 2.593 1.518 TOTAL EYPENDITURE 105.028 1.659 IC6.687 102.133 17 PAROCMIAL OIUACH COVMOI OF sr. MARY THE VIIGIN. Gr￿INGTON 1407ES TO THE FIPIAIICIALSTATEMENTS F(¥ the yeirendul 31 De(ember 1023 4 lal STAFF COSTS Wages arKI s*rie5 During the year the PCC ernpl￿d a Nwger. hall ￿etaker aThl a hal manager. All p(￿￿n$ are part411nè. 5,421 6.172 Ibl PAYMENTS TO PCC MEM8EIIS & RELATED PAMIES No tran￿lianS taken place with related part>e5. No trustee has re(ewl payment for 5er¥ice5 wovHled or expen5e5 WKurred Js a tru51ee. Vefger's fees c4 £378 wd to PCC members aNI perscffjs closety conThected with them. acted as*rgets at weddiry a￿1 funerals Apart from ihe abo%*. ￿ other payn*nts *re made to PCC mèmber. pers￿$ cknsoty connected ￿ them or felated partit5 2Kcept for thè r•mbursement of pwchases male on bèhaw ofthe PCC. FIXED ASSEf5 FCKI USE BY THE PCC Freehold Laryl & Hall Frtt Hall EqUI￿￿t Totsl lal Tar¥ible fixed asset5 (all Unr￿￿￿ted? ACTUALIOEEMED COST at l January 2021 ad¢*'tions disposals at 31 Oecembpr 2023 .414 39,453 3,910 151.777 108.414 39.453 3.910 151.777 DEPREOATION at l January 2023 (￿rIe fu the wrtIKlra¥m on di5P05315 at 311)ecember 2011 104.191 139 39.453 3.910 147554 139 104.330 39.453 3.910 147.693 WRITTEK*)WN VAWE at 310ecember 2023 at ai OècèmbÈr 2022 4.084 4223 422a freehdd laThl and bi•Idin￿ cfffiprise tre chvrth hall ￿'￿￿orth Ac*Jm and are sPth¥n ai the¥ oriynal pmision for buildings amcrtisknon. Land is not amortised. The hall and contènts are valued fcrf Insurnnce purrA)ses at £2yKI.(m ￿ this is(￿51dered to be a ta¥ estimate of cwrent value in use of the iryerty. Ibl Inv¥5tynwrt5 Fair ¥a￿e at l Revaluat￿ gainllkissl Fair value at 31 Decembef 66.962 2.482 69.444 76207 9.245 66.962 Th# foll(NJini irnestmpnts arÈ hÉld and awè shown at fairTAlue as at 31 December: 23 IOJ72 ￿lts CBF Fixed Interem Se(urities Fund- historical cost £18.6SO 18,408 units CBF Property Fund- hist￿1(al c05t £25,(￿) 1.378 unlts CBF In¥*5tment Fund - hISt￿ra1 cost £15.072 IS.738 22,551 31.155 14.B52 23.654 28.456 69.444 66.962 18 PARIXHIALCHUACH CCAJNOLOF ST. MARY ThE vipfjIK rJOLD1P￿TON NOTES TO ￿ RI4A14Ck4L STATEMEIIYS Fof the ￿•r wKlpd 31 DK*rnbv 1013 DEBTOAS I￿oMe tsx reco¥erable Prepayments wls and seNces and a(crued ￿terest Other debl¢y5 1.631 1.103 1.581 4,315 2.357 370 2.050 4.777 LIABILMES Amounts fall￿1d￿ ￿ar. Credrtors forgoods and service5 Mi55k>nary kcrued ewerfje5 arKI deferred iwKome 43 3,776 296 4.115 4.slo 2.873 8.233 FUND OÉTAIiS UNèstrxt￿ Re￿riC￿d EThdowment Funds Fund5 Fund5 2023 Tot Totsi The PCC fiTh15 fOryi5e the follo*4ry'. General ctr￿rth rep3ir5 chan￿ repair5 Churth hall fepa 64x136 48S)2 64,036 IS.￿2 4.073 25,690 35.613 178,314 73.2A3 48.333 3.817 25.216 13.659 164.238 4.073 25.690 35.613 35,613 118.628 4,071 The ch￿ce1 Aepair Fund 15 a peffl￿nent endowrneni whKh ￿lts tl* iKorr* lo be sP￿L 0￿￿gna￿d fuThls unrestrKted May be used Icrf other wrw)se mmxy of Fund Mo4*ments Unrestrfcied Deswated Funds 2023 Fund5 fvnd churrh holl repairs chancel church repair5 other5 Tvtsl pars 8alwKe at l January 2023 Incoming resources Aesources expèndedlAmortisats"c In¥estment gainsllk)sse51 at 31 December 2023 73J13 93.369 1105.0281 2.481 64￿36 48333 569 2S216 474 13.659 23.613 11,6591 3.817 256 164.238 118.281 I IL%.6871 2.481 1?8.314 48.902 25.690 35.613 4.073 9 CHARITABLE GMIIG FOR YEAA Fr(xn PCC re￿wr￿S.. CMS Ilor part￿rI WatefAid From ather don*K>ns & 81S￿p,5 haThtSt appeal Christian 2JM8 683 473 1.047 2.730 Fr(¥n CFwistmas donati￿5.. SMART Prebend Oay Centre Families F•r5t ￿￿l￿dshir* 1.520 70 139 Totsl thari￿le 19 ## **CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT ON FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS** It has been a quiet year with no major expenses regarding the church building. We have kept on top of the routine maintenance jobs. There is still some outstanding work to do in the South Porch. Thanks are due to the Property Committee for all the work they do in keeping the church in a good condition. There is concern about damp getting into the church in one or two places. This summer the Quinquennial Survey is due, 5-yearly inspection of the building by our architect. He will no doubt flag up what works we need to undertake to deal with the damp problem and also other works that are needed to keep the building in a fit state. The churchyard continues to be looked after regularly. We required a Faculty, permission from the Diocese, when we decided to dig a large hole in the churchyard for our pond. The Log Book and Terrier (inventory of all church possessions) has been kept up to date. There have been no major additions, and we haven’t lost anything either. The annual Archdeacon’s Visitation went well with favourable comments about how things are going at St Mary’s. We churchwardens got the praise, but thanks to everyone who has helped us both in the past year. It’s a team effort. Colin Last and Nesta Gedrych Church Wardens ## **BEDFORD DEANERY SYNOD REPORT** Bedford Deanery Synod met three times in 2023 in various churches around the deanery. We have had some interesting talks this year alongside the more formal business part of the meetings. In March, we had a talk by a representative of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. We heard a brief history of the Trust and how it makes grants. We discovered that churches don’t have to be historic to benefit from grants from the Trust. The bulk of the Trust’s income arises from the annual bike ride, which raises around £100,000 each year. Half the sponsorship money goes to the churches. St. Mary’s has benefitted from the Trust in this way over the years through the dedicated folk who cycle or walk to as many local churches as they can on one day in September. In June, we had a very interesting talk on how churches can communicate well. We were encouraged to consider what our church offers, what message we are giving out, what draws people into our church, and lots of other ideas to get our creative juices flowing. At that meeting, we also heard from Revd David Thomas from Christchurch, Bedford, about his first year of incumbency. In October, Sheila Bissell gave a report on General Synod and Cathy Sanderson gave a report on Diocesan Synod. We also had a presentation by two young people from Transfiguration Church in Kempston, highlighting the views of young people in caring for God’s creation and what their church is doing to fulfil the fifth Mark of Mission. Previously, there have been two St. Mary’s representatives at Deanery Synod. If you would like to join me in representing St. Mary’s in our local Deanery, please do speak to me to find out more. Susan Lane St Mary’s, Deanery Synod Rep. 20 ## **SAFEGUARDING REPORT** As the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for St. Mary’s, I can confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty to have “due regard” to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidelines. In order to comply, safeguarding is a standing agenda item at every PCC meeting. Here, feedback is given on the elements of safeguarding that require annual review by the PCC, and on any other safeguarding matters that need the PCC’s attention. The elements needing annual review are those that apply to St. Mary’s involvement with activities for children, young people or vulnerable adults. As such, policies on safeguarding, and the recruitment and safeguarding training of people who lead and volunteer to help with Messy Church, Diddy Disciples and Warm Spaces must be reviewed, as well as necessary DBS checks; and certain safeguarding procedures used in those activities. The PCC also has to annually review the organisations that use the church hall that are for children, young people or vulnerable adults; and ensure that safeguarding guidelines and the Church of England Policy Statement are displayed in the church hall (for hirers to see) and in church. The PCC subscribes to an electronic service provided by the Church of England, called The Dashboard, which reminds us of when the annual reviews are due. It’s very useful, and the reminders have helped us to be – at the time of writing – 99% up-to-date with every requirement. This year, the PCC has given approval for us to subscribe to a second Church of England electronic service called The Hub, which will retain people’s DBS and safeguarding training records, and send out reminders electronically when updates are required. Across the past year, some concerns have been brought to the PSO regarding people who might be at risk. Usually, these have resolved themselves, with just a watchful eye being kept to monitor situations. Occasionally, they’ve been referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, who then gives guidance on further action. This can result in a concern being passed to a professional body. We sometimes hear that some church members have felt that safeguarding is only about children. It truly isn’t. In the past three years, all bar one concern has been about adults. Whether we come into contact with children or not in the church environment, safeguarding is relevant to us all. Even the strongest of us can, through circumstance, go through a time of being vulnerable. We may find ourselves in need of, or being able to offer, caring concern. The Introduction to the Church of England’s Policy Statement for Children, Young People and Adults: Promoting a Safer Church states, “The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.” Sue Lennon Parish Safeguarding Officer 21 ## **ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON** ## **Sunday, 16[th] April 2023** ## **MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PARISHIONERS – 11.00 am in church** The Meeting of Parishioners was attended by 42 people. 1. The Rev’d Simon Dommett opened the meeting with an introductory welcome and prayer. ## 2. **Apologies for absence** Sue Barker, Jean Bloom, The Rev’d Jennie Cappleman, Vi Tulloch, Michael Barker, Alan Bates, Russell Bloom, Craig Brandon, Daniel Everitt, Geoff Sowerby ## 3. **Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners – Sunday, 20[th] March 2022** The Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting. It was agreed that they be adopted. There being no amendments, the Minutes were signed by the Chairman. 4. **Election of Churchwardens for 2023/2024** There were two nominations for the two posts Colin Last Proposer: Richard Kirby Seconder: Susan Lane Nesta Gedrych Proposer: Mary Everitt Seconder: Michael Barker There being no other nominations, these two were appointed to serve as Churchwardens for the 2023/2024 and the meeting showed its appreciation. The two wardens were welcomed to the new term of office and thanked for their contribution during the previous year. There being no other business, the Meeting was closed at 11.05 am. S.E.C. 17.04.23 22 **ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON** ## **Sunday, 16[th] April 2023** ## **MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – 11.10 am in church** 1. **Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Sunday, 20[th] March 2022** The Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting. It was agreed that they be adopted. There being no amendments, the Minutes were signed by the Chairman. 2. **Presentation of the Electoral Roll** John Sheffield, the Electoral Roll Officer, announced that the revised roll has 120 names with 5 deletions and 3 additions. He was thanked for his work on this. ## 3. **Presentation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC** The Report was circulated and available to parishioners before the meeting. After noting that this was his first year in office, the treasurer, Jeff Alino-Abbott highlighted various points. - The PCC almost broke even during the year with a nominal surplus of £191. - There was a significant reduction in investment value of _ca_ £9,000 caused by market fluctuations. - In general income has recovered post Covid. - The roll-out of the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) has been very successful with only a few people still paying by Standing Order. - Overall costs have been consistent largely due to the PCC having fixed contracts for utilities which still have a while to run. Hall costs will be reviewed in the light of increased utility prices once the contract have expired. - Social activities - fêtes and fairs etc. - have continued to bring in good sums. - Hall lettings are almost back to pre-Covid levels bringing in _ca_ £16,000. The Hall Manager was thanked for all his efforts in ensuring this level of letting. - Running costs have increased mainly as a result of church repairs and increased cleaning expenses in the hall. The treasurer concluded by thanking Richard Kirby for guiding him through his first year in office. _The Rev’d David_ Gregg asked whether any thought had been given to installing solar panels. The vicar replied that it was the PCC’s aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and various options were being considered. _Andrew Dennison,_ the Independent Examiner, brought the meeting’s attention to an error in the page numbering of the report noting that the following references within the financial statements are incorrect and should be amended as follows: Page 7: The first paragraph of the independent examiner's report should refer to pages 8 to 14 instead of 10 to 15. Page 8: The last line should read 'The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these Accounts. The final version for submission to the diocese and Charity Commission has been amended accordingly. 23 It was proposed that the Financial Statements, as approved by the PCC, be adopted. ## Proposer: Antony Collinson Seconder: Debbie Richardson Accepted _Nem Con_ ## 4. ## **Churchwardens’ Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church** Colin Last explained the requirement for the Report and noted that the continued diligence of the Property Committee in always ensuring that work on the church building is carried out makes the wardens’ role much easier. He announced that the content of the Inventory and Terrier was now all recorded digitally. This includes itemisation of all the church property - plate, furniture etc - and photographs of all the objects. All the items for attention outlined in the last quinquennial inspection have now been completed. Both he and Nesta Gedrych were thanked and applauded for their hard work as wardens. ## 5. **Group Reports 2022** The reports were circulated before the meeting. The vicar thanked everyone for their time and contributions to the many church groups. He noted the sad loss of our Fairtrade stall resulting from the cessation in trading of Traidcraft but urged people to continue using fair trade products and accessing the Fairtrade shop at St Andrews church. ## 6. **Deanery Synod Report** The report was circulated before the meeting and taken as read. Sue Lennon was thanked for her four years as a Deanery Synod representative. ## 7. **Safeguarding Report showing PCC Compliance with the House of Bishops’ Guidance on** ## **Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults** Sue Lennon, Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), confirmed that the PCC is compliant with the House of Bishops’ Guidance. She said that the diocese encourages all members of the congregation, regardless of whether they hold specific roles, to take the basic online safeguarding course and let her know if they intend to so that she can guide them through the process. Renewal of training is always ongoing and eleven more people refreshed their training as required during the year. ## 8. a. **Election of Deanery Synod Representatives** There was 1 nomination for the three-year vacancies Susan Lane Proposer: Sue Lennon Seconder: Debbie Richardson There being no other nominations, Susan Lane was declared appointed. ## **Election of Parochial Church Councillors** There was 1 nomination for the three-year vacancies Craig Brandon Proposer: Heather Dommett Seconder: Wendy Watmough 24 There was 1 nomination for the one-year vacancy Sue Lennon Proposer: Antony Collinson Seconder: Sarah Collinson There were no nominations for the two-year vacancy There being no other nominations, the above were declared appointed. Craig Brandon has also agreed to act as Health and Safety Officer. ## c. **Appointment of Readers to the PCC** It was proposed that Michael Furlong, as a Licensed Reader, be appointed to the Parochial Church Council. Proposer: Janet Fowlds Seconder: Tim Hern Accepted _unanimously_ ## 9. **Appointment of Independent Examiner** Amy Eyles has agreed to stand as Independent Examiner for next year and on the recommendation of the PCC her appointment was proposed. Andrew Dennison was thanked for his tireless work in the role for so many years. Proposer: Jeff Alino-Wilcockson Seconder: Antony Collinson Accepted _unanimously_ ## 10. **Priest’s Comments** The vicar opened his remarks with a brief history of St Mary’s church noting that in five years’ time we shall celebrate our 800[th] anniversary - taken from the installation of the first vicar. The parish is home to 18,000 souls with over 25 languages being found in local schools. It also has some of the highest levels of deprivation. We are a centre-of-the road Anglican church with worship ranging from Prayer Book services through Common Worship Eucharists to _Praise is Rising_ and Taizé style offerings. Average attendances on Sundays are _ca_ 70 and 15 during the week. We have long been a training parish and despite having an aging congregation are delighted to have the uniformed youth organisations meeting in the church hall. Our families and children’s outreach has expanded and with the help of a diocesan grant Messy Church has grown into a monthly stand-alone congregation of more than 60 members. This growth has been largely due to the work of Cathy Sanderson and her team of helpers. Our Sunday School, Diddy Disciples, has also grown and become an integral part of our Sunday worship under the aegis of Amanda Ottaviani. 25 We are now trying to appoint a children and families’ worker for three years and have already obtained pledges of £10.000 support from the congregation. £15.000 is earmarked from PCC reserves and there are several ongoing grant applications. Warm Spaces on Monday afternoons is much appreciated and, working with our local councillors and other organisations, is branching out to incorporate activities with initiatives such as Golden Gardens and include some skills workshops. Dwell Well, set up by Marcus Ottaviani, continues to fill a big need and over 100 tenancy packs have been prepared. Again, we work with other organisations to optimise our help and these include St Paul’s church and Bridging the Gap. Environmental issues are also at the heart of our parish life and Colin Last, the environmental Officer has initiated several projects including tree planting and the installation of swift bird boxes. Praying and sharing are essential to our church life and four of the Lent House Groups have decided to continue their companionship. The meeting noted how much the prayer ministry had helped and supported them during the year. Sadly, we shall say farewell to Marcus and his family this summer but shall welcome Joss Sanders as our new curate in training. The congregation was thanked for supporting him during his training. We give thanks for God’s work with our children and families and pray for this vision to continue. Finally, the vicar thanked the hard-working Ministry Team and all those who work behind the scenes to make St Mary’s what it is. _David Gregg_ in turn thanked Simon and Heather Dommett for their oversight and care. ## 11. **Any Other Business** _Susan Lane_ thanked the Ministry team for its support during her training and said how honoured she was to have been admitted as a Reader. She asked for everyone’s continued prayer. _Frances Tyler_ asked whether the ongoing work at Bury Court flats had caused any undue problems for the church and Simon Dommett replied that he was in constant touch with the site team and was monitoring any parking issues. _Susan Lane_ reported on the renovation of the church library which has seen several books given to theological colleges and charity outlets. The book trolley will now be in the hall weekly after services. Any number of books may be borrowed for an unlimited time. Work is still continuing on classification of the remaining holdings. 26 _Colin Last_ reiterated the meetings thanks to Andrew Dennison the retiring Independent Examiner and gave him a card. ## 12. **Closing Prayer** There being no other business the Meeting closed at 11.53 with the grace. S.E.C. 17.04.23 27