## **Parochial Church** 

## **Council of the** 

# **Ecclesiastical Parish of Alvechurch Charity Registration Number: 1131783** 

**Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for 2023** 



## **Annual Report 2023** 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The Parochial Church Council (‘PCC’) is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church, and regularly reviews how our services can appeal to and involve the many groups that live within our parish. We strive to put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music, and sacrament. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: 

- worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel, and deepening their knowledge and trust as disciples of Jesus Christ 

- provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish, and missionary and outreach work. 

The church hall (The Ark) is an important asset to us in achieving our objectives. When planning its activities, the PCC has regard to the Charity Commissioners' guidance on public benefit, and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

## **Worship and Prayer** 

The PCC aims to offer a range of services each week, and over the course of the year, that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. For that reason, the PCC is keen to continue the full range of Sunday services which provide both intimate and reflective worship, and more outgoing forms of worship. 

We continue to grow in relationship with St Leonard’s Beoley. We held two “all-together” services, one at each church, and we held a joint Harvest Social. 

The coronation of King Charles III was celebrated together at St Laurence. 

A joint Confirmation service was conducted by Bishop Martin for 11 candidates from St Laurence and St Leonard (which included 2 baptisms). 

A new monthly worshipping community, a café-style service, entitled Church@4 was started in April.  Places of Welcome continues to grow and provides a valuable service to those who attend. 

We welcomed Rev Martin Allen as a new curate member of our Ministry Team. 

Everyone is welcome to attend our regular services. At the end of 2023, there were 98 parishioners on our Electoral Roll. Our worshipping community numbers some 140 including 30 children and young people. 

We celebrated 7 baptisms, 7 weddings, and held 16 funeral services in our church and conducted 9 interments of ashes. 



In addition to praying for those mentioned on our Prayer Board, there is a confidential prayer chain for private prayer requests. 

## **Deanery Synod** 

Two members of the PCC, together with our Vicar, sit on the Redditch and Bromsgrove Deanery Synod. This provides an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. 

## **The Fabric of the Church** 

We have carried out essential repairs as they have arisen, and most of the remedial work arising from the Quinquennial Review has been completed except that on the tower which is expected to be started in 2024. The churchyard continues to be maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, and tree surgery has been performed to deal with any trees that might have presented a hazard to visitors or the general public. 

The experience of broadcasting recorded services whilst we were unable to meet in person during the Covid pandemic gave the impetus to continue this activity. Thanks to donations and legacies we raised the necessary funds for the installation of a new audio-visual presentation system which was commenced in December (and completed in 2024). This will be used to enhance the worship experience during services at St Laurence and will enable us to live stream or record services in the future. 

## **Pastoral Care** 

The Tots and Toddler Group continues to operate. The children's Sunday Club has run during the Sunday morning Family Service and remains popular, with adult helpers bringing considerable skill and imagination to this activity. All who work with children have been DBS checked. 

St Laurence's is a caring community. The pastoral care group and others endeavour to visit, or keep in contact with, those who are no longer able to come to church due to sickness or infirmity or Covid restrictions. Regular services continue to be held in local residential homes at The Lawns, The Leys, Grosvenor House and Hopwood House. We have commissioned 7 Pastoral Care Ministers to enable them to administer communion in these premises and in the homes of other local residents. 

## **Mission and Evangelism** 

Helping those in need is also a demonstration of our faith in action. Financial, practical and prayer support was once again given to those we are linked with in the churches in Peru. We have also supported the work of the orphanage at Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre in Zimbabwe, together with Faith at Work in Worcestershire - four members of our congregation are workplace chaplains in Alvechurch and Redditch. We 



continue to give on a regular basis to the food bank run by New Starts in Bromsgrove, with donations also to Birmingham City Mission. 

Our monthly parish magazine, The Grapevine, has been available free of charge across the parish. This has continued through the Covid pandemic after the first month of the initial restrictions. As well as giving information about the village of Alvechurch, the magazine deals with matters affecting the church, and reminds readers of our activities, as well as seeking to develop knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ. Special services, including our recorded services, are advertised across the parish. During the year the printing of this magazine was brought inhouse with a considerable saving in cost. 

## **Ecumenical Relationships** 

St Laurence is a member of Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney Green (CTARG) with joint events held during the year including Advent and Lent courses, and the Christmas light switch-on service. 

St Laurence members continue to be active in the operation of the ecumenical, Alvechurch Larder. This service provides near sell-by food at a greatly reduced cost to local people, thereby reducing food waste and helping those in financial need and continues to satisfy a growing local need. 

As part of CTARG, St Laurence participated in the village Picnic in the Park in May, and with an ecologically-oriented service in Rowney Green in June. 

A joint Service for Peace was held followed by a Ukrainian themed+ meal. 

## **Safeguarding** 

The PCC has due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance in relation to safeguarding. DBS checks are up to date, as is mandatory safeguarding training for those who deal with vulnerable parishioners. The yearly Toolkit for  the  Archdeacon  is  now  an  online  dashboard  which  is  coloured  red, orange,  green  depending  on  whether  or  not  we  are  compliant  with  the requirements and  if  not  our  action  plan.  There  are  no  outstanding safeguarding issues. 

## **Financial Review** 

The overall value of PCC funds fell by £28,762 in 2023, compared with a rise of £24,298 in 2022 (excluding an extraordinary profit of £275,991 on the sale of land). 

The fall in overall funds in 2023 is mainly due to payments being made for the installation of new audio-visual equipment in St. Laurence’s Church building, amounting to £50,212.  This has been funded from legacies and, individual donations received in previous years, and a transfer made from 



The Ark Café Fund following the closure of the café during the Covid pandemic, together with a transfer from the General Fund. 

Receipts exceeded payments by £15,321 on the unrestricted, General Fund in 2023.  This compares with a surplus in 2022 of £23,126 (excluding an extraordinary profit of £34,991 on the sale of land). 

**The balance on the General Fund at the end of 2023 is £52,675. This equates to approximately 8 months’ normal expenditures, including Ministry Share payments. In view of the current geopolitical uncertainties, creating a cost-of-living crisis in the UK, together with potential continued loss of income from regular giving, the PCC considers that this level of General Fund reserve is necessary.Reserves Policy** 

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance in the General Unrestricted Fund which equates approximately to six months' normal expenditures, including Ministry Share payments. 

## **Administrative information** 

During the year the work of the Parish Administrator, Mrs Lynda Lewis, was augmented by the employment of a part-time Ministry Support Assistant, Mrs Penny Walker. This post is shared with St Leonard’s Beoley. 

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. 

During the year, the following served as members of the PCC: Priest in Charge Rev Gail Rogers 

Churchwardens    Mr Graham Clark, Mr Mick Fletcher (until April) Michael Davenport (from April) 

Curate                   Rev Martin Allen Lay Readers Mrs Sue Philips-Wardle, Mrs Helen Ayling Treasurer Mr  Mark Blamire-Brown (from May) Members Mr Andrew Notley Mr Roger Wardle Mr Michael Davenport Mr Peter Freeman Mrs Sue Lambert Mrs Sarah Linton 



Mr Mark Linton Mrs Lysandre Notley (Secretary) 

Mrs Linda Helmore Mrs Jane Edwards Ms Sue Sperring Ms Gloria Wilson 

## **Aims and purposes** 

St Laurence PCC is responsible for promoting the whole mission of the church - evangelistic, pastoral, social and ecumenical - within the ecclesiastical parish of Alvechurch, and for seeking ways to grow mission and ministry in the parish. 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

Appointment of members to the PCC conforms with the Church Representation Rules. Everyone attending church is encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC Committees. 

The PCC operates through several committees and groups, which meet between full PCC meetings, and which met as necessary on Zoom following the start of the Covid pandemic: 

- 1) Finance and Standing Committee 

This is the only committee required by law. It has powers to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to directions given by the Council. It oversees the general financial dimension of the work of St Laurence by monitoring receipts and payments, budgeting and co-ordinating the review of planned giving. 

2) Buildings, Fabric and Churchyard for Mission Committee 

This committee is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of church property (the church building, the Ark, and the churchyard). It also plans, co-ordinates and budgets both capital and maintenance projects. It is responsible for work arising from the Quinquennial Inspection and the Asset Management Plan. 

3) Children and Youth Work Committee 

This  committee  is  responsible  for  overseeing  Church  groups  which  are dedicated  to  helping  children  and  young  people  develop  faith.  It  also considers  the  wider  work  of  the  church  and  community  in  relation  to children and young people. 

- 4) Wider Mission Group 



This committee fosters links with the Anglican Church and Christians in Peru, and the orphanage at Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre in Zimbabwe, and other missionary work, including Faith at Work in Worcestershire. 

Other groups include, Pastoral Group, Growing Mission & Ministry, Churches Together and Eco Church. These groups represent the whole mission and ministry of the church. 

## **Statement of Responsibilities of members of the PCC** 

The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity, and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the PCC is required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, 

- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

- the PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that they comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations. 

- The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the assets and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 



The Parochial Church Council
of the
Eccleslastlcal Parish of Alvechurch
Charity Registration Number: 1131783
Accounts for the year ended
sl
31 December 2023

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasllcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for Ihe year ended 31st December 2023
Contents
Page
Independent Examlner's Report
Recelpts ond Payments Account
statement of Assets and Llabllttles
Notes to the Accounts:
l. Accounting Basis
2. Receipts
3. Payments
4. Profit on Sale of Land
5. Transfer Between Funds
6. Movemenl of Accumulated Funds
7. Investment Assets

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts lorthe year ended 31st December 2023
Independent Examlner's Report
Independent exominerfs report to the members ol the PCC of the Ecclesiaslical
Parish of Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2023.
I report on accounts of the Parochial Church Council I'PCC'I ol the Ecclesia51icol Parish of
Alvechvrch lor the year ended 31 sl December 2023, which ore sel out on poge5 2 10 8 .
Res
eclive res
onsibilities ol PCC
The PCC is responsible lor the preparation ol the occounls in occordance with the Charities Act 2011.
They consider Ihol on audit 15 not reqvired lor Ihi5 year under section 144 01 the Charities Act 2011
ond Ihol an independent exominolion is needed.
f in
endenl examinerf5 re ort
I report in respecl of my exominalion ol the PCC'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the
Charilies Act 2011 ond in carying out my exominotion. I have followed the applicoble directions
given by the Charity Commission Under section 145151 Ibl of the Charitie5 Ac12011.
Inde
endenl ex
miner's st tem
nt
I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihot no material mallers hove come lo my ottention in
connection wlh the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any moleriol respect:
accounting records were not kept in occordonce wth seclion 130 01 the Act or
the occounls do not accord with the accounling records
I hove no concerns ond have come across no other motlers in connection with the exominalion
lo which oltention should be drown in order lo enable o proper understanding of the accounts
to be reached.
Dale
M.A. Edwords
For ond on beholf ol :_
M. A. Edwards Accounlanls Limited,
Chartered Accounlanls.
26, The Green.
Kings Norlon.
Birmingham.
B38 8SD.
Page I

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Eccleslasticol Parish ol Alvechurch
Acccounts for Ihe yeor ended 31st December 2023
Receipts and Payments Account
Unieslricled Designaled Reslilcted
Fund
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipls
Planned giving
Colleclion5 al services
Olher voluntary receipts
Gill aid tox recovered
Total Voluntary receipts
Activitie5 lor generaling funds
Investmenl receipts
Church activities
47,354
6,082
10,705
12,163
76,304
4,102
43
16.385
830
1,275
2,300
702
5.107
960
7,901
2,368
48.184
7,357
13,045
12,865
81.451
5,145
7,944
41.235
55,652
7,019
16,785
12,115
91,571
2.682
1,825
39,127
2101
40
40
83
21bl
21cl
21dl
22,482
Total Recelpts
96,834
22.605
16.336
135.775 135.205
PAYMENTS
Church activities
Diocesan Ministry Share contributions
Clergy & stolling costs
Church running expense5
Utilities expenses
The Ark running costs
Mission giving & donolions
Cost ol generating funds
Other expenses
45.411
11.887
16.368
3,695
4,589
50,0(X)
20,713
21.332
7,877
7,452
6,204
725
50,235
50,(K)O
13,165
23.369
9,028
5,948
6,323
2,961
113
31al
31bl
31cl
8.826
1,006
4,182
7,013
3,958
439
2,610
190
3,594
535
23
31dl
50,212
Total Payments
81,513
71.239
11.786
164.538 110,907
Excessl{Deficil) off Receipts over Payrnenls
15,321
48,6341
4.550
128,7631
24.298
Prollt on sale of land
275,991
Transfers be￿een funds
144.5371
55.835
111.2981
Nel movemenl in funds
29,216
7,201
6.748
28.7631 3(X).289
Reconclllatlon of Ivnds
Accumulated lund5 blf
Accumuloled Ivnds clf
81,891
52.675
475,220
468,472
557,191 256,902
528.428 557.191
7,281
Page 2

The Parochial Church Council of the Eccleslasllcal Parish of Alvechvrch
Acc¢ounts lor the year ended 31st December 2023
Statement of Assets and Liablllffes
Unrostrlcted Deslgnated Resmcted TOTAL TOTAL
Fund
Fvnd
Funds
2023
2022
Note
Cash funds
Bank
Cash in hand
Deposlt funds
43.370
1.271
8.034
7,281
19,245 69.896 111.864
50
1,321
251,160 259.194 241,oJo
52.675
7,281
270.455 330.411 352.864
Olher rnonetary assets
Gift aid tax recoverable
997
335
1.332
Investment assets
Investment fund shares at market value
229.279 229,279 204.686
Llobllllles
Agency Collectlon5
1.747
1,747
These accounts were approved by Ihe Parochial Church Council on 27th February 2024
and signed on Its behalf by..
Revd Gail Rogers
Chair ol the Parochial Chwch Council
Page 3
Puge

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Ecclesiaslical Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
The financial statements of the PCC hove bèen prepared in accordance wilh the Church
Accounting Regvlolions 2006 using the Receips ond Payments basis.
Unrestrlcled Deslgnated Restricted
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
2 RECEIPTS
2(a) Other volunta
recei
ts
other donations
Legacies
Granls
567
10,138
1.552
200
548
2,159
1,358
10,338 14.927
10,705
2,300
13,045 16,785
2(b) Activities for
eneratin
funds
Fund raising events
Grapevine magazine advert15ing
1.282
2.820
83
960
2,325
2,820
1.612
1,070
4,102
960
5.145
2,682
2(c) Inveslmenl recei
ts
Dividends
Deposit interest
Rent from field
1.230
6.671
1.230
6,714
608
1,068
149
43
43
7.901
7.944
1,825
2(d) Church activities
Fees- weddings & funerals
The Ark lettings & events
other receipls
12.350
112
12,462 15.336
22.482 23.746
6.290
45
22,482
4,034
2,256
16,385
22.482
2.368
41,235 39,127
Change to accounts disclosure: Fees- weddings & funerals in 2022 included fees received
from wedding couples and funeral directors Ihal ore due lo third parties such as organist5.
vergers. bellringers arld the diocese. Third party fees have been excluded from the fuures for
2023 Fees- weddings & funerols.
Page 4

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslostlcal Parlsh of Alvechvrch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounls
Vnrestricted Deslgnaled Reslrlcted
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
3 PAYMENTS
3(0)
& stoffin
costs
Clergy expenses
Administrators slaff costs
2.181
9.706
2.181
18.532
1,109
12.056
8.826
11,887
8.826
20,713 13,165
Reddilch Holy Trinity PCC contribute towards 50% of clergy expenses. In 2022, the receipts
were netled off against payments. In 2023, the receipts ore included in Church Activities,
other Receipts
3(b) Church runnin
ex
enses
Fees- weddings & funerals
Insurance
Repair & mainlenance
Worship resources
Administrolion
Independent Examiner's Fee
other expenses
774
6,302
3,705
1.274
2.800
1.128
385
16,368
774
4,781
6,302
5.629
8,096
8.395
1.299
900
3,034
2,333
1,128
948
698
382
21,332 23,369
711
3,681
26
IS4
215
1.006
98
3,958
Change to accounts disclosure: Fees- weddings & funerols in 2022 included lees paid to third
parties such as organists. vergers, bellringers ond the diocese. Third party fee5 have been
excluded trom the figures for 2023 Fees- weddings & funerals.
3(c) Utilitie5 ex
enses
Ga5
Electricily
rt & Telecommunicalions
1,957
1,613
124
3.694
2.112
1.613
458
4,182
4,069
3,225
582
7,877
4.539
3.243
1.246
9.028
31d) Other ex
enses
Audio visual system installation
Small equipmenl purchases
50.212
50,212
23
50,235
23
23
113
113
50,212
Page 5

The PaTochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasflcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
4 PROFIT ON SALE OF LAND
Land in School Lone, Alvechurch. upon which the former Parish Room stood, was sold in May
2022 for £395.000. Net proceeds, after deducling professional charges, amounted lo
£375,991. As the land was nol designated as endowment, there ore no restrictions on Ihe use
of the proceeds. whether cO￿tal or income earned from inveslmenls. provided they ore for
the ecclesiaslicol purposes ol the charity 1131783: the Porish Council of the Ecclesia5ticca
Parish of Alvechurch" However. the PCC has decided that the funds should be classiFied as
Restrictive and used in perpetuity for the mainlenance and repairs of St. Laurence church
buildings and ils churchyord. This decision can be modified by the PCC provided they satisfy
the Charities Commision stipulation.
Unre5trlcted Designated Restricted
Fund
Fund
Funds
5 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS
2023
From General Fund to Audio Visual Fund
From Olhers Fund lo Audio Visual Fund
143,8351
43.835
12.000
112,(K)01
From General Fund lo Ark Fixtures & Filtings Fund
15051
505
From General Fund to Churchyard Maintenance
17881
788
From Others Fund lo General Fund
632
16321
From General Fund to Clock Fund
41
(44.537)
55.835
(11.298)
2022
From General Fund to Clock Fund
11001
100
From Ark/Church Car Park Fund
lo Copilol Repair Fund
I i 00.0001
i 00.000
(i 00)
loo
Page 6

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasllcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
6 MOVEMENT ON ACCUMULATED FUND
01101123
Recelpts
Payments TfansFer$ 31112123
Unrestricled Fund
General Fund
81,891
96,834
[81,513) (44,537) 52,675
Desi
noled Funds
Audio Visual
The Ark
150.2121
121,0271
{71,239)
55,835
5,623
1 ,658
7.281
80
22,605
22.605
55.835
Reslricted Funds
Ark Fixtures & Fillings
Ark Recoupmenl
Ark Tots & Toddler5
Bells
Capital Repair
Churchyord Copital
Chvrchyard Maintenance
Clock Fund
Fabric
Others
Orgon Resloration Fund
stipend
Youth
1.824
58.881
14391
505
1,890
58,881
2.132
2.360
0 343,469
40,883
2,256
786
2,572
11241
1201
11031
1,594
341,000
40,883
683
2,776
1.778
756
3,871
2.992
13.2491
14621
788
41
3,111
4,582
2,363
14.803
12.8001 112.6321
4,562
7,503
475.220
27
188
16.336
14.5891
7,691
111.786) (11,298} 468.472
TOTAL FUNDS
During the year the PCC decided to create a new designated fund for a mojor project to
instoll o new oudio visual system in the church. This project had nol been completed al the
year-end.
The 2022 the General Fund receipts and payments include Ihose in respect of the The Ark
community centre. The PCC required greoter visibility of The Ark receipts and poyments, so in
2023 these were recorded in a 5eparale designoled fund for The Ark.
Prior to Jul 2023, the receipts and poyments for Tots &Toddlers Group, which meets weekly in
lem lime, were excluded from the PCC account5. However. now Ihat Ihe Group is led by
church members a new restricted fund has been created to collect fees and pay expenses
for the Group.
The'others, Fund holds donalions, on o short term basis, raised for specific church ond charity
uses
Page 7

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Ecclesiastlcal Parish of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Noles to the Accounts
7 INVESTMENT ASSETS
Investment Funds
The Worcester Diocesan Board of Fiance manage5 on Ihe PCC'S behalf the following CBF
Church of England Inveslment Funds:
Markelvalue
31112123 31112122
Fund Name
Note
Alvechurch Black Paddock (Recoupl
Alvechurch Black Paddock Ch'yrd Maint
Alvechurch PCC
lal
Ibl
Icl
70,549
62,627
45.002
41,102
113,728
100,957
229,279 204,686
lal Part of the land held by the PCC and known as the'Black Paddock. was sold in 2003. Part
ol the proceeds. amounting to £978,710, was used to build The Ark community centre. being
an extension to the existing church building. This land had previously been held as a
permonent endowment by the PCC as a trustee in a separate charity'for burial purposes and
exlension ol the churchyard.. By order of Ihe Charity Commission, Ihe PCC placed £42,CK)O in
an accumulaled investmenl fund, permitting dividends accruing therefrom to be
occumuloled over 60 years. At the end of Ihe 60 years the inve5tmenl is to be Ireated as a
Ibl £40,￿0 of the proceeds from Ihe sole of'Black Paddock, lond was invested in Income
shares, whereby the dividends are paid into the Churchyard Mainlenance Fund.
Icl £1 00,000 from the land sale proceeds (see Note 41 was invested. in May 2022, in an
Accumulalion Fund.
osit Funds
Deposit savings are held on Ihe CBF Church of England Deposit Fund and in bonk deposil
accounts held on the CAF Charily Deposits Platform.
At the start of the year, the Worcester Diocesan Trust held £4.563 in a CBF Church of Englond
Deposil Fund account named 'Alvechurch Stipends Trust, as Custodian Trustee for the PCC.
The account wos closed in February 2023 ond the proceeds used lo pay parl of Ihe PCC'S
Ministry Share for 2023.
Page 8

The Parochial Church Council
of the
Eccleslastlcal Parish of Alvechurch
Charity Registration Number: 1131783
Accounts for the year ended
sl
31 December 2023

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasllcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for Ihe year ended 31st December 2023
Contents
Page
Independent Examlner's Report
Recelpts ond Payments Account
statement of Assets and Llabllttles
Notes to the Accounts:
l. Accounting Basis
2. Receipts
3. Payments
4. Profit on Sale of Land
5. Transfer Between Funds
6. Movemenl of Accumulated Funds
7. Investment Assets

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts lorthe year ended 31st December 2023
Independent Examlner's Report
Independent exominerfs report to the members ol the PCC of the Ecclesiaslical
Parish of Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2023.
I report on accounts of the Parochial Church Council I'PCC'I ol the Ecclesia51icol Parish of
Alvechvrch lor the year ended 31 sl December 2023, which ore sel out on poge5 2 10 8 .
Res
eclive res
onsibilities ol PCC
The PCC is responsible lor the preparation ol the occounls in occordance with the Charities Act 2011.
They consider Ihol on audit 15 not reqvired lor Ihi5 year under section 144 01 the Charities Act 2011
ond Ihol an independent exominolion is needed.
f in
endenl examinerf5 re ort
I report in respecl of my exominalion ol the PCC'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the
Charilies Act 2011 ond in carying out my exominotion. I have followed the applicoble directions
given by the Charity Commission Under section 145151 Ibl of the Charitie5 Ac12011.
Inde
endenl ex
miner's st tem
nt
I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihot no material mallers hove come lo my ottention in
connection wlh the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any moleriol respect:
accounting records were not kept in occordonce wth seclion 130 01 the Act or
the occounls do not accord with the accounling records
I hove no concerns ond have come across no other motlers in connection with the exominalion
lo which oltention should be drown in order lo enable o proper understanding of the accounts
to be reached.
Dale
M.A. Edwords
For ond on beholf ol :_
M. A. Edwards Accounlanls Limited,
Chartered Accounlanls.
26, The Green.
Kings Norlon.
Birmingham.
B38 8SD.
Page I

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Eccleslasticol Parish ol Alvechurch
Acccounts for Ihe yeor ended 31st December 2023
Receipts and Payments Account
Unieslricled Designaled Reslilcted
Fund
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipls
Planned giving
Colleclion5 al services
Olher voluntary receipts
Gill aid tox recovered
Total Voluntary receipts
Activitie5 lor generaling funds
Investmenl receipts
Church activities
47,354
6,082
10,705
12,163
76,304
4,102
43
16.385
830
1,275
2,300
702
5.107
960
7,901
2,368
48.184
7,357
13,045
12,865
81.451
5,145
7,944
41.235
55,652
7,019
16,785
12,115
91,571
2.682
1,825
39,127
2101
40
40
83
21bl
21cl
21dl
22,482
Total Recelpts
96,834
22.605
16.336
135.775 135.205
PAYMENTS
Church activities
Diocesan Ministry Share contributions
Clergy & stolling costs
Church running expense5
Utilities expenses
The Ark running costs
Mission giving & donolions
Cost ol generating funds
Other expenses
45.411
11.887
16.368
3,695
4,589
50,0(X)
20,713
21.332
7,877
7,452
6,204
725
50,235
50,(K)O
13,165
23.369
9,028
5,948
6,323
2,961
113
31al
31bl
31cl
8.826
1,006
4,182
7,013
3,958
439
2,610
190
3,594
535
23
31dl
50,212
Total Payments
81,513
71.239
11.786
164.538 110,907
Excessl{Deficil) off Receipts over Payrnenls
15,321
48,6341
4.550
128,7631
24.298
Prollt on sale of land
275,991
Transfers be￿een funds
144.5371
55.835
111.2981
Nel movemenl in funds
29,216
7,201
6.748
28.7631 3(X).289
Reconclllatlon of Ivnds
Accumulated lund5 blf
Accumuloled Ivnds clf
81,891
52.675
475,220
468,472
557,191 256,902
528.428 557.191
7,281
Page 2

The Parochial Church Council of the Eccleslasllcal Parish of Alvechvrch
Acc¢ounts lor the year ended 31st December 2023
Statement of Assets and Liablllffes
Unrostrlcted Deslgnated Resmcted TOTAL TOTAL
Fund
Fvnd
Funds
2023
2022
Note
Cash funds
Bank
Cash in hand
Deposlt funds
43.370
1.271
8.034
7,281
19,245 69.896 111.864
50
1,321
251,160 259.194 241,oJo
52.675
7,281
270.455 330.411 352.864
Olher rnonetary assets
Gift aid tax recoverable
997
335
1.332
Investment assets
Investment fund shares at market value
229.279 229,279 204.686
Llobllllles
Agency Collectlon5
1.747
1,747
These accounts were approved by Ihe Parochial Church Council on 27th February 2024
and signed on Its behalf by..
Revd Gail Rogers
Chair ol the Parochial Chwch Council
Page 3
Puge

The Parochlal Church Councll of Ihe Ecclesiaslical Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
The financial statements of the PCC hove bèen prepared in accordance wilh the Church
Accounting Regvlolions 2006 using the Receips ond Payments basis.
Unrestrlcled Deslgnated Restricted
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
2 RECEIPTS
2(a) Other volunta
recei
ts
other donations
Legacies
Granls
567
10,138
1.552
200
548
2,159
1,358
10,338 14.927
10,705
2,300
13,045 16,785
2(b) Activities for
eneratin
funds
Fund raising events
Grapevine magazine advert15ing
1.282
2.820
83
960
2,325
2,820
1.612
1,070
4,102
960
5.145
2,682
2(c) Inveslmenl recei
ts
Dividends
Deposit interest
Rent from field
1.230
6.671
1.230
6,714
608
1,068
149
43
43
7.901
7.944
1,825
2(d) Church activities
Fees- weddings & funerals
The Ark lettings & events
other receipls
12.350
112
12,462 15.336
22.482 23.746
6.290
45
22,482
4,034
2,256
16,385
22.482
2.368
41,235 39,127
Change to accounts disclosure: Fees- weddings & funerals in 2022 included fees received
from wedding couples and funeral directors Ihal ore due lo third parties such as organist5.
vergers. bellringers arld the diocese. Third party fees have been excluded from the fuures for
2023 Fees- weddings & funerols.
Page 4

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslostlcal Parlsh of Alvechvrch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounls
Vnrestricted Deslgnaled Reslrlcted
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2023
TOTAL
2022
3 PAYMENTS
3(0)
& stoffin
costs
Clergy expenses
Administrators slaff costs
2.181
9.706
2.181
18.532
1,109
12.056
8.826
11,887
8.826
20,713 13,165
Reddilch Holy Trinity PCC contribute towards 50% of clergy expenses. In 2022, the receipts
were netled off against payments. In 2023, the receipts ore included in Church Activities,
other Receipts
3(b) Church runnin
ex
enses
Fees- weddings & funerals
Insurance
Repair & mainlenance
Worship resources
Administrolion
Independent Examiner's Fee
other expenses
774
6,302
3,705
1.274
2.800
1.128
385
16,368
774
4,781
6,302
5.629
8,096
8.395
1.299
900
3,034
2,333
1,128
948
698
382
21,332 23,369
711
3,681
26
IS4
215
1.006
98
3,958
Change to accounts disclosure: Fees- weddings & funerols in 2022 included lees paid to third
parties such as organists. vergers, bellringers ond the diocese. Third party fee5 have been
excluded trom the figures for 2023 Fees- weddings & funerals.
3(c) Utilitie5 ex
enses
Ga5
Electricily
rt & Telecommunicalions
1,957
1,613
124
3.694
2.112
1.613
458
4,182
4,069
3,225
582
7,877
4.539
3.243
1.246
9.028
31d) Other ex
enses
Audio visual system installation
Small equipmenl purchases
50.212
50,212
23
50,235
23
23
113
113
50,212
Page 5

The PaTochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasflcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
4 PROFIT ON SALE OF LAND
Land in School Lone, Alvechurch. upon which the former Parish Room stood, was sold in May
2022 for £395.000. Net proceeds, after deducling professional charges, amounted lo
£375,991. As the land was nol designated as endowment, there ore no restrictions on Ihe use
of the proceeds. whether cO￿tal or income earned from inveslmenls. provided they ore for
the ecclesiaslicol purposes ol the charity 1131783: the Porish Council of the Ecclesia5ticca
Parish of Alvechurch" However. the PCC has decided that the funds should be classiFied as
Restrictive and used in perpetuity for the mainlenance and repairs of St. Laurence church
buildings and ils churchyord. This decision can be modified by the PCC provided they satisfy
the Charities Commision stipulation.
Unre5trlcted Designated Restricted
Fund
Fund
Funds
5 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS
2023
From General Fund to Audio Visual Fund
From Olhers Fund lo Audio Visual Fund
143,8351
43.835
12.000
112,(K)01
From General Fund lo Ark Fixtures & Filtings Fund
15051
505
From General Fund to Churchyard Maintenance
17881
788
From Others Fund lo General Fund
632
16321
From General Fund to Clock Fund
41
(44.537)
55.835
(11.298)
2022
From General Fund to Clock Fund
11001
100
From Ark/Church Car Park Fund
lo Copilol Repair Fund
I i 00.0001
i 00.000
(i 00)
loo
Page 6

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslasllcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Notes to the Accounts
6 MOVEMENT ON ACCUMULATED FUND
01101123
Recelpts
Payments TfansFer$ 31112123
Unrestricled Fund
General Fund
81,891
96,834
[81,513) (44,537) 52,675
Desi
noled Funds
Audio Visual
The Ark
150.2121
121,0271
{71,239)
55,835
5,623
1 ,658
7.281
80
22,605
22.605
55.835
Reslricted Funds
Ark Fixtures & Fillings
Ark Recoupmenl
Ark Tots & Toddler5
Bells
Capital Repair
Churchyord Copital
Chvrchyard Maintenance
Clock Fund
Fabric
Others
Orgon Resloration Fund
stipend
Youth
1.824
58.881
14391
505
1,890
58,881
2.132
2.360
0 343,469
40,883
2,256
786
2,572
11241
1201
11031
1,594
341,000
40,883
683
2,776
1.778
756
3,871
2.992
13.2491
14621
788
41
3,111
4,582
2,363
14.803
12.8001 112.6321
4,562
7,503
475.220
27
188
16.336
14.5891
7,691
111.786) (11,298} 468.472
TOTAL FUNDS
During the year the PCC decided to create a new designated fund for a mojor project to
instoll o new oudio visual system in the church. This project had nol been completed al the
year-end.
The 2022 the General Fund receipts and payments include Ihose in respect of the The Ark
community centre. The PCC required greoter visibility of The Ark receipts and poyments, so in
2023 these were recorded in a 5eparale designoled fund for The Ark.
Prior to Jul 2023, the receipts and poyments for Tots &Toddlers Group, which meets weekly in
lem lime, were excluded from the PCC account5. However. now Ihat Ihe Group is led by
church members a new restricted fund has been created to collect fees and pay expenses
for the Group.
The'others, Fund holds donalions, on o short term basis, raised for specific church ond charity
uses
Page 7

The Parochlal Church Councll of the Ecclesiastlcal Parish of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2023
Noles to the Accounts
7 INVESTMENT ASSETS
Investment Funds
The Worcester Diocesan Board of Fiance manage5 on Ihe PCC'S behalf the following CBF
Church of England Inveslment Funds:
Markelvalue
31112123 31112122
Fund Name
Note
Alvechurch Black Paddock (Recoupl
Alvechurch Black Paddock Ch'yrd Maint
Alvechurch PCC
lal
Ibl
Icl
70,549
62,627
45.002
41,102
113,728
100,957
229,279 204,686
lal Part of the land held by the PCC and known as the'Black Paddock. was sold in 2003. Part
ol the proceeds. amounting to £978,710, was used to build The Ark community centre. being
an extension to the existing church building. This land had previously been held as a
permonent endowment by the PCC as a trustee in a separate charity'for burial purposes and
exlension ol the churchyard.. By order of Ihe Charity Commission, Ihe PCC placed £42,CK)O in
an accumulaled investmenl fund, permitting dividends accruing therefrom to be
occumuloled over 60 years. At the end of Ihe 60 years the inve5tmenl is to be Ireated as a
Ibl £40,￿0 of the proceeds from Ihe sole of'Black Paddock, lond was invested in Income
shares, whereby the dividends are paid into the Churchyard Mainlenance Fund.
Icl £1 00,000 from the land sale proceeds (see Note 41 was invested. in May 2022, in an
Accumulalion Fund.
osit Funds
Deposit savings are held on Ihe CBF Church of England Deposit Fund and in bonk deposil
accounts held on the CAF Charily Deposits Platform.
At the start of the year, the Worcester Diocesan Trust held £4.563 in a CBF Church of Englond
Deposil Fund account named 'Alvechurch Stipends Trust, as Custodian Trustee for the PCC.
The account wos closed in February 2023 ond the proceeds used lo pay parl of Ihe PCC'S
Ministry Share for 2023.
Page 8