OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2020-12-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Report

of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Lavant

St Mary with St Nicholas

Pook Lane, East Lavant. PO18 0AH

For the year ended 31 December 2020

PAGE CONTENTS 2 Part 1: Trustees annual report 8 Part 2: Parish reports 15 Part 3: Annual Financial Report

website: www.lavantchurches.net Incumbent: The Revd Dr David Jarratt The Rectory, Pook Lane, East Lavant. PO18 0AH Independent Mr P Tostevin Examiner: 48 Maplehurst Road, Chichester PO19 6RP Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC 74/75 East Street, Chichester PO19 1HR Co-operative Bank PO Box 250, Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

1

Trustees Annual Report - Part 1

Our aims and purposes as a charity

The primary objective of Lavant PCC is our Mission Statement,

‘To lead the people of Lavant into the knowledge and love of God, and bring them into the life and worship of Christ’s church.’ This remit also encompasses those who live outside our Parish boundaries who wish to attend our Church.

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector, the Reverend Dr. David Jarratt in:

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

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

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

In 2020 the PCC continued with the objectives and activities planned in 2017 to fulfil the following aims:

2

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

Attendance at worship

The Lavant Churches welcome visitors from within as well as outside the parish boundary. Visitors attend by personal choice and, it is our great pleasure to welcome anyone from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church. Voluntary attendance to worship is a major demonstration of the public benefit of our activities. At the end of 2020 there were 209 members registered on the church electoral roll.

Services at Church were disrupted by the country going into lockdown in an aid to stop the Covid pandemic from spreading. The Church was closed for all services and private prayer, from the end of March until the beginning of July and again closed for services from the beginning of November to Christmas.

The worshipping congregation, who attend regularly, at least once a month, total 115 comprising of 17 children and 46 adults under 70 and 52 aged 70 and over.

We held two Zoom services on Sundays through the year from the March lockdown with the Zoom Junior Church being very successful attracting an average of 17 children. The 10am Zoom Sunday service averaged 97 – frequently there was more than one person logging on to their computer. The drop in numbers of the worshipping community from previous years is largely explained by the older members of the congregation being unable to access the internet.

Christmas is normally a very special time when many sections of the community come together to share in the many varied services. This year due to the restrictions the Christingle service, Carol Service and Crib Service were all held virtually on Zoom. The Midnight Mass was attended by 63 people with families sitting together and everyone masked and spread out throughout the Church. The choir was permitted to sing but again at a social distance. The 8am Said Eucharist service on Christmas Day was

3

held in St Mary’s. The family service on Christmas Day at 10am. was held virtually on Zoom. Easter is normally a lovely time of year in the church calendar. However this year due to the pandemic restrictions regrettably no actual Church Services were held

Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers

In 2020 there has been 1 (9) baptisms, 2(6) weddings, 9 (13) church funerals Note: Figures in brackets show numbers for the previous year. Our worship continues to be led and informed by our Rector, Reverend Dr David Jarratt. A faithful number of adults undertake to lead our junior church and we are always seeking to welcome new leaders and helpers. Lent and Advent groups were unable to be held this year. We enjoy a very positive relationship with our local Church of England Primary School, where a weekly assembly is conducted by the Rector

Evangelism and outreach

Lavant churchgoers are the lifeblood of many regular village events as well as new initiatives. The local Church of England Primary school is also very much at the heart of the church community and is supported in its fundraising activities by members of the church.

Lavant Churches offer a number of well attended outreach activities including a monthly Lunch House attended regularly by over 30 villagers and church members; a weekly Tea and Chat, mainly for elderly villagers although all are welcome, and a thriving Toddler Group which meets weekly in term time and welcomes up to 32 pre-school children with their parent or carer. The monthly Saturday Brunch continues to prove very popular and welcomes villagers and churchgoers alike, around 40 breakfasts are served each month, including parents or grandparents with children who come to enjoy a relaxed brunch while their children are occupied at the craft tables.

Lavant News is the monthly Parish Magazine prepared by a small editorial team which has the objective of uniting the interests of the Church and the village, promoting community spirit. Publicity in the magazine encourages villagers who may not be churchgoers to join in events organised by the church and local organizations. 11 issues were distributed in 2020 (one magazine for December/January). The publication is now delivered free to everyone in the parish and to those of our worshipping community outside the parish. Additional copies are available in both churches. Part of our mission is to reach out to everyone and this is one step towards that goal

4

Provision of the church building for people to enjoy

We celebrated very few baptisms, weddings and funerals in our churches during the year due to the restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic. Our churches continue to be appreciated by our parishioners and many others, as spaces where life events are celebrated with joy and thanksgiving. The focus continues to find ways in which the St Nicholas church building can be used for events in addition to services. Its position at the heart of the most populated part of the village together with its lack of fixed pews and well equipped kitchen make it an ideal venue for community events. Until the pandemic restrictions in March it was currently used once or twice a week by the Post Office as well as being the venue for our outreach activities: Lunch House, Tea & Chat, Toddler group, and Saturday Brunch.

It is important to us that the church is available for private prayer not just to the church family but to the wider visiting community. To this end St Mary’s church was always open during daylight hours, when restrictions allowed, and the entries in the Visitors’ Book testify to this.

Spatial reordering of the church building and future projects

Ongoing decisions are made in faith, to adopt and encourage the Diocesan Strategy of re-imagining of ministry and, to modernise our church building, pointing to a hopeful future. However, such improvements will require the continued spiritual and financial commitment from all of us, to see it realised. Plans for this are currently on hold and will be reviewed in 2021.

Rector’s Role

Rector’s role – description. There is now a requirement under the new common tenure for this document to be completed. The PCC unanimously accepted the completed document in 2018.

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

Lavant is a relatively small community with a strong sense of neighbourliness. Members of the church offer support and keep an eye on more vulnerable members, be it to assist with short term practical help or longer term needs. Those requesting spiritual support are held in prayer weekly, and according to their wishes, their reasons for asking for prayer support remain confidential. The Rector regularly makes home and hospital visits and a small team delivers home communions to those too frail to attend church.

In 2017 prayer trees were introduced in each church and these continue to be overseen by our Healing Ministry Team who respond in prayer to the requests on the prayer trees before passing them to the Rector. The Healing Ministry offers to pray with and for those in need after the Quiet service on the second Sunday of the month at 6pm at St Mary’s.

5

Provision of tangible support to the village

It has been our custom in recent years that the Harvest Festival gifts are donated to the Food Bank in Chichester. This year as we were unable to hold Church services items were donated by leaving them at St Nicholas Church when it was open, delivering them direct to the Foodbank or dropping items off at the supermarkets when shopping.

Other charitable giving Check

During the year our charitable giving to groups and others was reduced to the fact that we were unable to continue with our Outreach activities and hold fund raising events.

The Lent appeal supported Mary’s Meals which raised a total of £625

The Royal British Legion’s Remembrance poppy appeal raised £147 plus an anonymous donation of £100 together with a donation from the Parish Council of £200

The Christmas Appeal raised the sum of £1546, which was divided equally between the charities, Safe in Sussex and the Four Streets Project.

The Children’s Society Christingle collection raised a total of £146

Archivist

Our church archivist, Barbara Treverton, has undertaken this role for the past two years. She looks after all our files and papers and is invaluable when we require access to documents and other information. Our thanks go to Barbara for all her work and support.

Financial Review 2020

As a result of the pandemic few services and no fundraising events were held. Members of the congregation contributed to church running costs through the Parish Giving Scheme, direct debits and standing orders.

The Parish Share of £62,000 was paid in full (2019 £71,833) The Accounts include the payment made in advance for January 2021 £5,167

Income from weddings, funerals and hall lettings were down by just under 50% The General Fund (unrestricted) had a deficit of £7,496 for 2020 leaving a balance of £25,464 to be carried forward to 2021

The Buildings Appeal fund (restricted) rose to £58,611. This included a legacy of £20,000 and the balance on the Friends of Lavant Churches bank account £5,197 Most of this is held in Barclays No 4 account in the name of Lavant Churches Buildings Appeal Fund.

£16,698 being held in the Co-operative Bank account in name of the Buildings Appeals Fund.

St Nicholas Chancel Trust is held entirely by the Chichester Diocesan Board of Finance. Claims to be made for assistance with insurance premiums for St Nicholas

6

Trustees Annual Report

Structure, governance and management of the charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council: Ex Officio member

Ex Officio member
Incumbent: The Revd Dr David Jarratt Chairman
Elected Wardens: Mr Ben Smith
Mrs Georgina Bill Elected October 2020
Mrs Cynthia Blades Vice Chairman
Retired October 2020
Elected Members: Mr James Pickford Treasurer until October
Mrs Kathy Fletcher Treasurer
from October 2020
Mrs Sheila Sims Secretary
Mrs Caroline Loten
Mrs Zoe Mann
Mrs Jean Sherrington
Mrs Shirley Whincop
Mrs Frances Talbot
Mrs Claire Evison
Mrs Jenny Quest from October 2020
Mrs Jenny Rogers from October 2020
Mrs Sue Tostevin from October 2020
Mrs Deecie Tester from October 2020
Mr Barry Tester until October 2020
Deanery Synod Mr Phil Binns Mrs Karen Crossley
Mrs Jo Heather Mrs Deecie Tester
Mrs Barbara Treverton All retired October 2020

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent), the churchwardens (elected annually and who by resolution of the PCC may serve for a maximum of 6 years in succession) and members of the Deanery Synod (elected to serve for 3 years) and 12 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) to serve for a period of 3 years before seeking reelection for a further 3 year period only. Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible. This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Reverend Dr. David Jarratt, PCC Chairman

Signed: D Jarratt

on 21 March 2021

7

Trustee Annual Report - Part 2 Parish Reports

At the start of 2020 who would have envisaged that within three months Church life and everyone’s personal life as we knew it would change when a Covid pandemic hit our country. During the first three months of the year all the usual Church Services and Outreach activities took place.

The end of March saw the country go into its first ‘lockdown’ in an effort to stop the spread of the virus and unusually all places of worship were closed. All activities and actual Church services stopped at that time – we could not even go to Church for private prayer which many people found very difficult. Later in the year we were able to hold a few services in Church but the majority had to be virtually through Zoom

Online services

At the start of COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown we explored how best to provide Church religious service to reach our congregation who could no longer physically attend Services in our two Churches. We evaluated several different options and chose the Zoom platform delivering our first offering on Palm Sunday. All Services are recorded and uploaded to the church website so those who are not able to attend at that time can view the service at a later time/date. Over the period that we have offered online services there has been an average of 52 unique participant logons. Many people watch the service together sharing one screen and this equates to an average of about 92 participants for every online service.

Please see below for various parish reports .

Churchwarden’s reports

from Ben Smith

We welcomed Gina Bill as the new Church Warden in October following the much delayed APCM.

Following receipt of the necessary permissions, quotes were obtained for the works to replace the stolen lead dormer roof with zinc. This work was undertaken by a specialist roofing company and a claim was successfully made to our insurers to cover payment of this work.

A telephone desktop survey with our insurers identified a number of minor areas for improvement, which we have now largely addressed. We have prepared a Key Register identifying who holds keys for both of our Churches. A Working from Height Policy has been written and approved by the PCC. Asbestos surveys at both Churches have been undertaken and these confirmed that no asbestos is present in either Church. Food safety training and certificates are required for the preparation and serving of food – this will be undertaken once we are able to recommence Brunch and Lunch House.

The radiators at St Marys have been serviced. Replacement filters and one new motor will be ordered and fitted in due course. We hope that this will solve the noise problem sometimes experienced.

We are very grateful to Mr Ifould who offered to pay for a replacement memorial bench at St Nics. This has been installed and looks much tidier. The wildflower planting to this part of the graveyard has been very successful. We continue to chase CDC regarding the repair of the flint wall to the roadside.

Having made good progress with the St Nics improvement project it was disappointing to have to put this on hold. We felt that now was not a good time to be fund raising and additionally the

8

National Lottery Heritage Fund stopped accepting new applications. Hopefully we can pick this up again when normality returns.

Safeguarding

The current Safeguarding Policy was reviewed by the PCC and there being no alterations deemed necessary agreed and a copy signed by the Rector and Churchwardens. As is customary copies can be seen in both churches with a further copy sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Colin Perkins, who having been seconded to the London Diocese has resumed his appointment with Chichester.

It is helpful to our aim as a Church to be fully conversant with the guidance available. PCC and congregational members therefore are encouraged to take advantage of the information available, (leaflets etc) which is located in both churches in the area where the Safeguarding Policy is displayed. It was felt by members of the Diocesan Safeguarding team good practice that not only the PCC but a larger number on the various church rotas have undertaken the online Safeguarding Foundation & Basic Training Courses, C0 & C1.

The Rector & myself attended a meeting with members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at Donnington, where we presented on behalf of the Parish a file which embodied details of our commitment to Safeguarding in Lavant. The answers to the questions posed was supported by evidence in various forms including photographs and I am pleased to report that a certificate confirming our success in achieving Level 1 of SQP (Simple Quality Protects) was attained. Not only does this confirm the strength of understanding and provision as a church, but also our dedication to improving that provision where necessary.

If you wish for further clarification of anything to do with this aspect of our church life and any concerns please so not hesitate to get in touch with our Rector, David, or myself.

Electoral Roll

There were 209 members on the roll as reported at the APCM on 8 October 2020. In December 2020 there were 209 parishioners on the church electoral roll, no change since the number reported at the previous APCM however there was 1 death and 1 new joiner. 40% [31%] of those on the roll live within the parish boundaries, however a further 58% [62%] live within a 7 mile radius of the parish.

Brunch

The monthly Saturday Brunch saw many people, an average of 30 – 40 people, meeting friends whilst enjoying everything from toast and marmalade to egg and bacon baps followed by pastries and lashings of tea and coffee. Craft activity sessions were run for children who came along with their parents and grandparents: these were very successful and enjoyed not only by the children but also by the group of willing helpers. Our thanks go to the very hard working group of volunteers who made these morning sessions possible and so enjoyable. The Fairtrade stall was continued to attend the Brunch mornings.

Lunch House

Lunch House took place on the second Wednesday of the month with many local people enjoying the welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Every month we had at least 30 to 40 people tucking into a three course meal. These sessions would not be possible without the help of a hard working team who provide a delicious and varied menu every time.

9

Tea and Chat

A small group met regularly for Tea and Chat – the cakes always appreciated and chat was never in short supply. At Christmas we were able to deliver a small cake and a greetings card to all our group to let them know that they were in our thoughts and that we hadn’t forgotten them.

These three activities were held in St Nic’s and although the Church was not always as warm as one would have liked the atmosphere at all the activities was warm, welcoming and happy. Without the many hard working volunteers it would not be possible to organise these sessions.

Coffee after Church

Until lockdown in March refreshments had been provided after the 10.00 service each Sunday by members of the coffee/refreshments teams. This gave members of the congregation a chance to linger over a cup of coffee whilst catching up with friends and acquaintances. It also gives newcomers to the church a chance to get to know others. Many thanks to all of the team and to all those other members of the congregation who have so kindly helped on an ad-hoc basis.

Choir/organist

This year has certainly been different and as a result the report is slightly more complex than usual.

As many parishioners will know, due to the online services, the organs have not been in as much regular use as normal. I have tried to ensure that, where it is permitted, I have been able to go to St Mary’s to make sure the organ gets somewhat regular use. It has continued to play in the usual fine-ness expected and has been used for multiple funerals and a couple of weddings this past year. While Lockdown was lifted, I was playing incidental music for the 8am said communion, which was very well received. Once the 8am services resume, I will be planning to return to this habit, until the 10am service becomes re-instated in the church buildings. I have been using my keyboard, linked to a digital organ software to provide live accompaniment for the 10am Online services, except for Sundays where I am away. For those Sundays, I have pre-recorded at St Mary’s, and this has gone down well also.

St Nic’s organ has been serving well this year, although I have noticed a slight hiss in some of the top notes when they are being rendered. As mentioned in previous years, I am concerned we may not have many years left on the instrument – but we have more pressing matters in the meantime, and this is not an urgent situation.

On the note of St Nic’s organ starting to show its age, I have purchased a Hauptwerk project for myself which I shall be picking up once lockdowns have ended – this will hopefully enable me to provide more complex and musically performed music for the 10am services, should they continue once I have it set up. I could potentially use it as a temporary stand-in instrument at St Nic’s should we encounter issues with the organ at St Nic’s that prove not easily remediable. My apologies for the potential doom and gloom over St Nic’s, but I believe we should be aware of any oncoming issues well in advance, so we aren’t surprised if anything happens.

The Choir have not met for much of the past year, having sadly missed the opportunity to do a new anthem for Easter, managed to meet to record carols for the online Carol service, which they did a fantastic job of, in a very intense and tiring recording session. This recording was also a historic first for the parish, as the first time the choir was recorded in professional quality with both video and audio.

They also sung at the Midnight mass, which went down superbly. I would like to extend my personal thanks to the choir, who reassembled with gusto and enthusiasm for Christmas after a whopping 8 months of no meeting and pulling it out of the bag

10

Flower Team – St Mary’s

Flowers have continued to be arranged throughout the past year, excluding Lent, and Advent. It was felt that when the church was open for private prayer they provided a welcome for visitors. Comments in the visitors book confirm that. During the year the flower team has also arranged flowers for funerals and our thanks go to them for their ongoing support.

Flower Team – St Nic’s.

It has been a frustrating year for many due to Covid-19 and not least the St Nic's flower team. As we approach, very hopefully, the end of another lockdown, we have all agreed that we need more flowers in our lives! While 8 o'clock services were able to take place at St Nic's, we did manage to create a little welcome, with some simple displays, and our Advent wreath was lovingly created, but sadly only enjoyed by a few. Nonetheless, we like to think that St Nic's felt loved. All being well, we hope to be back to our old ways soon, and look forward to putting on a bit of flower show at St Nic's as part of the planned Lavant week celebrations in June. If anyone would like to join us in expressing their joy through flowers, do get in touch, we are a small, amateur, but enthusiastic bunch, who love to make our small country church look lovely for all its users.

Grave Concern Report

It has been a difficult year with the first COVID lockdown preventing any gardening until well into the season. To start with I did most of the mowing with the help of Sam Humphries a Goodwood gardener who lives in the Flats adjacent to the Church and who had been furloughed and therefore offered his services which was greatly appreciated.

When things were relaxed a little, some of the team were able to get involved but at no time did we have a full turnout.

As reported last year we could do with more volunteers before the start of the mowing season. I will prepare a short appeal notice again for the Lavant News and or the Pew Sheet as outlined below. Any recruitment ideas from the PCC would be welcome.

The core group is a dedicated team but would benefit from more volunteers to spread the workload a little.

The group is I believe effective with everyone involved working very well together. The three mowers will need to be serviced together with the two strimmers at an approximate cost of £600, Grave Concern will, as in previous years, commit a small amount of money on summer bedding plants to give a little colour adjacent to the west door during the summer months at a cost of approximately £20.

Appeal for Volunteers

The group, Grave Concern, which keeps St Mary’s churchyard neat and tidy desperately needs more people to get involved. Some of us have been involved for over 20 years and haven’t the stamina we used to have. The group is a very sociable one and welcomes anyone willing to help with the heavier jobs like mowing and strimming, and also light work, for example, weeding, generally clearing up or edging. The group meets once a week on a Monday afternoon/evening during summer months, April to October. If Mondays are not convenient then other days could be considered as could the times.

Very often the evening concludes with a chat, nibbles and a glass of something.

The time is fast approaching when the clocks go forward and we start our work so if you feel able to help in any way please contact Richard Boyce by e mail Richard@boycenet.plus.com or phone 01243 527273. Alternatively, just turn up on a Monday between 17.00hrs and 18.00hrs, once the clocks go forward.

11

Please come and join us as your help is essential, if we are to continue to keep St Mary’s looking special.

Healing Ministry Report

Prayer ministry continued to be available at the 10.00 o'clock service at St Marys on the forth Sunday in the month. However, a review in the autumn in 2019 of how prayer ministry is offered at Lavant Churches led to a change. In February 2020 prayer ministry was, for a trial period, moved to a new time after the new Quiet Service in the Lavant Room at 6.00pm on the second Sunday of the month. Then in March 2020 the Healing Ministry was suspended along with the Lavant Churches services with the introduction of the lock down restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

At the time of writing this report we are in the third lock down, but infection rates are falling and in the future it is hoped to resume the healing ministry when restrictions are removed. However, it is accepted that due to way in which healing ministry is carried out, with face to face discussion and frequently the laying on of hands all Covid restrictions will have to have been removed before the healing ministry can resume in safety. It is expected that the Church of England will issue guidelines at the appropriate time.

Requests for prayer can be made online via the church website.

The annual Diocesan Healing day in Eastbourne in March 2021 was cancelled due to the Covid restrictions.

Holy Dusters

For the first three months of the year a small group of cleaners continued to meet up once a month to clean St Mary’s. A spring clean of St Mary’s was held one Saturday in March before the pandemic restrictions came into force when many willing helpers turned up. Unfortunately the spring clean of St Nicholas had to be cancelled. Cleaning continued regularly once we were able to hold services again and both churches were made ‘Covid secure’ according to the regulations laid down. Thanks go to all those who so kindly gave up their time to keep our beautiful churches looking so clean.

Junior Church

Junior Church functioned as per normal during the beginning of 2020 until the first lockdown, when services in church were stopped. Since Easter 2020 we have run Junior Church on Zoom, continuing over the school holidays up until Christmas.

We are continuing to follow the readings for each Sunday using Roots as a guide. Some of the activities cannot be conducted over Zoom, so I adapt them where necessary. We keep the activities fairly simple only requiring paper or card, scissors, glue and colouring pens. The attendees and their parents seem happy with the sessions; the children enjoy showing what they have done at the end of the main service and, from the comments I get back from the congregation, the exhibits are appreciated.

We also held our annual Christingle service in December, but this year over Zoom. Elizabeth Woodford and her team of helpers are thanked for the preparation and delivery of all the bags for Lavant School and Junior Church.

In Spring term 2020, while we were meeting in person, the average attendance was 9 children per week. From Easter to Christmas, for the Zoom sessions, the average attendance has been 16 children.

The children have enjoyed recording readings and prayers for the main Zoom service. We will continue with Zoom sessions until we can meet in person and welcome new members.

12

Lavant News

The parish magazine continued to be published throughout the year and thanks is given to the editors and all those involved in the distribution. There were less contributions from local groups due to them not being able to meet, but our editors were very imaginative in finding other material to include in the magazine so that it continued to be a valuable read. The magazine was a very helpful way at the start of lockdown in publicising the support available for those who had to isolate and were not able to access grocery shopping and other needs such as picking up of prescriptions. Advertising revenue was reduced as some businesses had limited trading due to government restrictions, but we are very grateful to all those that were able to renew their commitment to the Lavant News.

Readers and Intercessors

The main service on Sunday's has been via Zoom for the year. That has meant that our readers and intercessors have been giving their ministry in a different format from what we are used to. Whilst the format has not been suitable for some on the rota usually due to poor internet connection, the Zoom format has opened up new possibilities. Some have been able to record the reading or intercessions and we have also been able to have many more children contributing in this way.

Weekly Email Newsletter

We send a newsletter to about 290 [260 in 2019] people each week, a third or so are not regular members of our church but they like to keep in touch with our activities. Production of the email is shared by 3 volunteers who each take responsibility for producing the newsletter for a month at a time. Overall the open rate has increased this year from 43-44% to 49-50% [compared to the sector average of 22%].

Church Website

The church website remains a source of information for those outside our church. The new site has been in use for over a year and is very simple to update and maintain. In the following analysis figures in brackets are for 2019.

Toddler group

Lavant Toddler Group remained very active for the first two months or so of 2020 until the lockdown. Our last session was on 10[th] March.

We had 32 children on the register at the start of the year and regularly had around 18 children attending.

We operated with two teams; Angela Stenning, Gina Bill, Shirley Sturgess, Suzy Lowe and myself. Shirley and Suzy ran the craft table each week on their sessions. The older Toddlers really enjoyed this. In addition to this there is another table with paper, stencils and play dough Another quiet corner is set up with books and jigsaws. Another area has megablocks (giant lego) This leaves room for children to play on the big toys.

13

I tried to get advice as to whether we could continue through the Pandemic but the restrictions were too severe and as a volunteer church group it was just not practicable in any way. We hope to start again when the full restrictions are eased and the vaccine rolled out. Most of the volunteer helpers are in the older/more vulnerable age group.

Deanery Synod

The synod met three times during the year. One of their meetings was a presentation on Youth Work in a Parish – the practical way to start. Speakers were the Youth Ministers from St Paul’s Church and St Pancras Chichester. Pandemic restrictions curtailed their planned agendas.

Friends of Lavant Churches

Due to lack of activity and the Covid-19 pandemic it was decided to make this sub-committee dormant. During 2020 there was one donation and sale of cards amounting to £2069. The balance of the account at Barclays Bank stood at £5044.61 – this was transferred to the Building Appeal Fund at Barclays Bank. The Friends of Lavant Churches bank account is held open for future use.

Secretary

This year has been a difficult year for everyone and my sincere hope is that we will be able to meet up in 2021 and join together regularly in the act of worship.

14

TrusteesAnnual Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Lavant

St Mary with St Nicholas Church,

Lavant

Pook Lane, East Lavant, PO18 0AH

Registered Charity no. 1131684

For the year ended 31st December 2020

CONTENTS

Pages Part 3 Statement of financial receipts 16 and payments Statement of assets and 17 liabilities 18 Notes to the financial report Report of the independent 22 examiner

15

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant registered charity number:1131684 Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

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

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2019		 Notes




3





5



A&L
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2020

Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other receipts		 £
71181
3,939
10,142
-
-		 £ £ £ £ £
106,188
7,746
12931
3
-
- 26542 - 97,723
- 80 - 4,019
- - - 10,142
-
- - - -
Total received 85,262 - 2,6622 - 111,884 126,868
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Other payments		 0
90,039
3,719
-		 906
113,793
4,068
-
-
- - - 0
- 4,270 - 94,309
- - - 3,719
- - - -
Total paid 93,758 - 4,270 - 98,028 118,767
Reconciliation of funds:
Net income or (net expenditure) (8,496) - 22,352 - 13,856 8,101
Bank accounts at 1 January
32,960 63,232
- 38,374 - 71,334
Bank accounts at 31 December 24,464 - 60,726 - 85,190 71,333

16

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant registered charity number 1131684 Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Our financial position at the year-end was

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2019
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2020
Assets:
Bank current account
Cash		 £
24887
577		 £ £ £ £ £
70,736
597
- 59726 - 84613
- - - 577
71,333
- - -
Total bank, cash and deposit accounts 25464 59726 85190
71,333
Debtors & Prepayments
Gift Aid recoverable		 1084
811		 2,140
1084
- 250 - 1061
Debtors 1895 - 250 - 2145 2,140
- -
- - - -
- - - - - -
Chancel Trust income held by Diocese - 3,178
- 3440 3440
- - - -
- - -
Total assets 27359 63446 90775 76,651
Liabilities:
Magazines adverts received in advance
Electricity used since last billed (est'd)		 2572
345		 2,500
-
600
-
- - - 2572
- - - 345
Total liabilities 2917 - - - 2917 3,100

This Financial Report for the year ended 31st December 2020, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by The Revd. Dr David Jarratt, PCC Chairman:

Signed D Jarratt

Date: 23 March 2021

17

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant registered charity number 1131684 Notes to the Financial Report

1 The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and current Church Accounting Regulations, using the Receipts and Payments basis.

2 The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities: Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, which require a faculty for disposal.

3 Analysis of total received

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2019		 Notes
4
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2020
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Loose cash collections
Donations and Special appeals
Gift Aid recovered
Fund raising
Book stall sales
Legacies		 £
51,782
-
1,185
5,143
13,996
75
-
-
-		 £ £ £ £ £
54,758
-
7,737
14,877
16,211
0
105
12,500
-
- 160 - 51,942
- - - -
- - - 1,185
- 3,789 - 8,932
- 563 - 14,559
- - - 75
- 30 - 30
- 21,000 - 21,000
- - - -
Donations and legacies 72,181 - 25,542 - 97,723 106,188
Fees for weddings & funerals 3,939 - 80.00 - 4,019 7,746
Charitable activities 3,939 - 80.00 - 4,019 7,746
Village Fete
Magazine sales (LPC donation)
Magazine advertising
Hall lettings		 0
540
7,532
2,070		 - - - 0 1,200
500
6,931
4,300
- - - -
- - - 540
- 7,532
- - - 2,070
Other trading activities 10,142 - - - 10,142 12,931
Bank & CBF deposit interest - - - - - 3
Total received on all funds 86,262 - 25,622 - 111,884 126,868

4 Legacies include a bequest from the estate of the late Mr Brooks and Mrs Small and credited to the Lavant Church Buildings Fund

18

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant registered charity number 1131684

Notes to the Financial Report

5 Analysis of total paid

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2019		 Notes
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2020
Stewardship costs
Fund raising expenses		 £
-
-		 £ £ £ £ £
55
851
- - - -
- - - -
Cost of raising funds - - - - - 906
Charitable grants and donations:
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Training conferences etc
Other clergy costs
Fees paid to fundraisers
Insurance
Water, Gas, Electricity, and Oil
Upkeep of services (inc choir)
Major church maintenance
Upkeep of churchyard (inc Stelae)
Other church maintenance
Administration		 -
67,167
3,000
367
5,263
-
3,094
4,403
2,805
1,042
864
2,034		 - 2,171 - 2,171 3,838
71,883
3000
505
5,855
1,552
3,019
6,167
4,106
7,061
3,207
868
2,732
- - - 67,167
- - - 3,000
- - - 367
- - - 5,263
- - - -
- - - 3,094
- - - 4,403
- - - 2,805
- 1,628 - 1,628
- 470 - 1,512
- - - 864
- - - 2,034
Charitable costs 90,039 - 4,269 - 94,308 113,793
Magazine printing
Bookstall costs
Other trading costs		 3,720
-
-		 - - - 3,720 3,944
124
-
- - - -
- - - -
Trading costs 3,720 - - - 3,720 4,068
Other payments
Total paid on all funds 93,758 - 4,269 - 98,028 118,767
  1. Charitable donations were: Lent Mary’s Meals £625 Christmas The Four Streets Project £773 Safe in Sussex £773

19

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant

Registered charity number 1131684

Notes to the Financial Report

Payments to PCC employees:

Wages, salaries and honoraria
Organist		 2020 2019
£
3,000		 £
3,000
3,000 3,000

9 Payments to PCC members:

No payments were made to PCC members during the year other than for reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf

of the PCC. One member received reimbursements totalling £4,990

Clergy support: Council tax £3,066, Water, electricity, travel, postage, telephone etc £2,172 = £5,263

11 Statement of Funds

Fund income and expenditure and final balances are as follows:

Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan 2020		 Income Expenditure Transfers,
other gains
and losses		 Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2020
£ £ £
-		 £
 £
Building Fund (restricted) 33,940
21,102
1,628		 5,197 58,611
Outreach
Friends of Lavant Churches
St Mary’s Garden of
Remembrance
Choir Fund		 -488
3,167
910
845		 2,410
2,030
-
80		 2,171
-
471
-		 -
-5,197
-
-		 -249
-
439
925
Total of all restricted funds 38,374 25622 4,270 - 59,726
General fund 32,960 86,262
-		 93,758
-		 -
-		 25,464
-
Total of all unrestricted funds 32,960 86,262 93,758 - 25,464
Total funds 71,334 111,884 98,028 - 85,190

20

St Mary with St Nicholas Church, Lavant

Registered charity number 1131684

Notes to the Financial Report

11 Statement of Funds (cont.)

Lavant Churches Buildings Fund and Friends of Lavant Churches Fund:

The Friends of Lavant Churches Fund was closed during the year and the balance of £5,197 transferred to the Lavant Churches Buildings Fund.

Lavant Churches Buildings Fund income includes a legacy of £20,000 and expenditure of £1,628 charged to the Fund.

Parish Share: The monthly sum of £5166.66 for January 2021 was paid in December 2020

RESERVE POLICY: The PCC continues to maintain a reserve policy of £20000

21

Independent Ex•mlnerfs Report to the PCC of St Mary wlth St N1d￿•S Chwch. iavant for the Year Ended 31° Ile¢ember 2020 IReg Charlty P40 11316141 myr•wt IOlh•P4w¢Wth￿hc￿r￿I¢41￿ E¢¢W•4 Pwtyh IPCQolSt lthSI iimyr•wnsiwtyio'. 2. fDltowth¢prx•thNo5 tytheCh commis5￿n lunthr 14515Mbl DltheCh¥ltW5Art.' 4hd 5. s￿tE￿4￿￿rtlc￿1arrnitter5have1orneto m¥•ttenkn. Charn¥Comm4sbTr.An eumknation a reve olthe ac<owtk le￿Id5 ii•lw lrtlud•s cthith1•r•tlon ola(ry unuSu•litems c¢ dis(kn￿￿1ft Iht•tuwts id dwthkn donct pm¥th•M th•¥thDt th•i¥rtwJhJ biwAkn•dkn ¥t•jO￿ l. whkh rne re•w•t4tuwtt¢4bloth•¢ M•t•￿Il¢Sp￿tr• ALI,. •nd pr•pirarc<wDtsTrthl(h wlthth• •rcowtiryr•cwth rwptywiththEa¢r¢¥Jntiry requYEwtsofthe(h¥Tr15A¢t hwe not been met.. or I to *thlth. In oplDbJD.auenthJn shroJh1 thenabb2a wth5undryoltheaurAmtsto teweached. . Xii 6¢P 22 22