Parochial Church Council
of the
Ecclesiastical Parish of Alvechurch
Charity Registration Number: l 131783
Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for 2024

Annual Report 2024
Objectives and Activities
The Parochial Church Council (PCCI 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 aim to support people in living 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 in achieving our objectives.
In planning activities for the year, the PCC has had due regard to the Charity
Commission's general guidance on public benefit, including 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 finds both beneficial and
spiritually fulfilling. For that reason, we continue to offer a full pattern of
Sunday services. including both intimate and reflective worship. and
more outgoing forms of worship.
We continue to grow in relationship with St Leonard's, Beoley. Two 'all-
together" services were held-one at each church-as well as a joint
Harvest Social. We also shared discipleship groups across both parishes
during Lent and Advent.
We committed to exploring welcome and hospitality using Inclusive
Church resources, integrating these into our worship, and offering
opportunities for deeper engagement through midweek groups.
In May, we launched a new monthly café-style worshipping community
at 9:15am, which takes an intergenerational approach. A monthly
toddler service was also introduced as a new worshipping community,
focusing on children aged O-4 and their parents/carers.
Places of Welcome continues to offer valuable support to attendees.
New activities, including jigsaws. have proved especially popular.
Page I

Revd Martin Allen was ordained priest in 2024, and presided for the first
time at an All-Together Communion Service with St Leonard's. A joint
celebratory lunch followed.
Everyone is welcome at our regular services. At the end of 2024, 90
parishioners were on the Electoral Roll. Our worshipping community
numbers approximately 148, including around 30 children and young
people.
We celebrated l O baptisms, conducted 7 funeral services at church, 5
at the crematorium, and held 15 interments of ashes.
Advent and Christmas attendance increased by 910 compared to 2023.
Alongside our public worship, we maintain a confidential prayer chain,
and continue to pray for individuals named in the Prayer Tree and Prayer
Folder.
Risk Review
The PCC has reviewed the major risks to which the church is exposed.
The main areas identified include the financial sustainability of ministry
and mission, maintaining adequate volunteer capacity, and the upkeep
of the church building and associated facilities. The PCC monitors
income and expenditure regularly and will continue to explore future
sources of funding to protect against any significant reduction. The PCC
is actively involved in. and oversees, the delivery of its activities to ensure
both safety and quality are maintained across all areas of ministry.
Deanery Synod
One PCC member and our Vicar sit on the Deanery Synod, providing a vital link
between the parish and the wider structures of the Church.
The Fabrlc 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. In the summer of 2024, we were awarded £189,000
from the National Lottery Heritage fund for work on the tower. As part of this
work, we are having the tower clock electrified too. Work will start on this in Moy
2025. The churchyard continues to be maintained by a dedicated team of
volunteers, and we had the lower churchyard extended by having some
ground levelling work done.
Our Organ Fund which is raising money for essential works to our church organ is
still on going. this year we launched sponsor a pipe appeal, which has been
going steady.
Page 2

The Audio-visual work was completed at the beginning of 2024 and has been
used successfully, enhancing our worship experience.
Pastoral Care
The Mother 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 ot The Lawns, The Leys,
Grosvenor House and Hopwood House.
Mission and Evangelism
The Growing Mission and Ministry Group enrolled in the Myriad New Worshipping
Communities Pathway. As additional support and commitment to expanding
our mission, we also joined the Diocesan Mission Accompanier Scheme.
Support was provided to the churches in Peru through financial, practical, and
prayer contributions. Asslstance was also extended to the Montgomery Heights
Christian Care Centre in Zimbabwe and Faith at Work in Worcestershire. where
four members of the congregation serve as workplace chaplains in Alvechurch
and Redditch. A Peruvian day was organized, integrated into worship, and
followed by an event featuring stalls selling Peruvian goods and a shared meal
with Peruvian foods. Proceeds supported various areas of ministry in Peru.
Regular contributions continue to be made to the food bank run by New Starts
in Bromsgrove.
For the second consecutive year. a free Christmas Day Community lunch was
organized. operated entirely by volunteers, with 70 attendees. Seasonal Ark
Lunches continued to be well attended, and links with the church school
included the school choir providing entertainment at the Christmas Ark lunch,
which was enjoyed by participants.
The monthly parish magazine. The Grapevine, remains free of charge and has
grown in readership. It provides information about the village of Alvechurch.
addresses matters affecting the church, informs readers of activities, and aims
to develop knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ.
Page 3

Ecumenical Relationships
st Laurence is a member of Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney
Green ICTARG} with joint events held during the year including Advent and Lent
courses, and the Christmas light switch-on service.
Sl Laurence members continue to be active in the operation of the ecumenical
Alvechurch Larder.
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 shared meal.
Safeguarding
The PCC has due regard to the House of Bishop's 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
Income for Unrestricted Funds in 2024 was £108,951 and in 2023 was £1 19,439.
Income for Restricted Funds was £115,259 and in 2023 was £16.336.
Expenditures from Unrestricted Funds in 2024 was £118,566 and in 2023 was
£152,752.
Ministry Share paid in 2024 was £35,213 and £50,000 in 2023.
Expenditures from Restricted funds in 2024 was £19.058 and in 2023 was £11,786.
Cash reserves of General Unrestricted funds Stood at £50,130 ot the end of 2024
and £59,956 at the end of 2023. representing less than 6 months, expenditure.
Reserves Policy
It is PCC policy to maintain a balance in the General Unrestricted Fund which
equates approximately six months, expenditures, excluding Ministry Share
payments.
Page 4

Administrative information
There have been significant administrative changes this year. During the year
the Parish Administrator, Mrs Lynda Lewis retired. Following a restructure of roles
we now have, have Mrs Charlotte Palethorpe as Ark and Building Administrator,
and Mrs Michelle Read as Finance Officer. Mrs Penny Walker continues in the
shared role as Ministry Support Administrator between St Laurence and St
Leonard's. Ms Helen Cran transferred from self-employed to an employee too.
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial
Church Meeting (APCMI in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:
Priest in Charge
Rev Gail Rogers
Churchwarden
Mr Graham Clark (until May)
Mr Mick Fletcher (From May)
Mr Michael Davenport
Curate
Rev Martin Allen
Lay Readers
Mrs Sue Philips-wardle, Mrs Helen Ayling
Mr Mark Blamire-Brown (until May)
Treasurer
Mrs Michelle Read (from May)
Mrs Lysandre Notley
Secretary
Members
Mr Andrew Notley
Mr Roger Wardle
Mr Peter Freeman
Mrs Sue Lambert
Mrs Sarah Linton
Mr Mark Linton
Mrs Linda Helmore
Mr Andrew Edwards
Page 5

Mr Colin Bennett
Ms Sue Sperring
Ms Gloria Wilson
Mrs Helena Allen
Aims and purposes
st Laurence PCC has the responsibility of promoting the whole mission of the
church - evangelistic, pastoral, social and ecumenical - within the ecclesiastical
parish of Alvechurch and seeking ways to grow mission and ministry locally.
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, which meet between full PCC
meetings:
Finance and Standing Commitlee
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 Ihe work of St Laurence by
monitoring income and expenditure, 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, the Ark, and the churchyard). It also now plans,
co-ordinates and budgets both capital and maintenance projects. It is also
responsible for work arising from the Quinquennial Inspection and the Asset
Management Plan.
31
Children and Youth Work Committee
This committee is responsible for overseeing Church groups which are
dedicated to helping children develop faith. It also considers the wider work of
the church and community in relation to children and young people. 4) Mission
Committee
This committee fosters the links with the Anglicon Church and Christians in Peru,
and the orphanage at Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre in
Page 6

Zimbabwe. and other missionary work, including Faith at Work in Worcestershire.
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 yearwhich 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,
slate 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 ne prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
Page 7

The Parochial Church Councll
of the
Ecclesiastlcal Parish of Alvechurch
Charity Registration Number: 1131783
Accounts for the year ended
31, December 2024

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Contents
Page
Independent Examiner's Report
Recelpts and Payments Account
Slatement of Assels and Liabililies
Notes to the Accovnts:
l. Accounting Basis
2. Receipts
3. Payments
4. Transfer Between Funds
5. Movement of Accumulated Funds
6. Investment Assets
7. Trustees, Remuneration and Benefits

The Parochial Church Council of the Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31 st December 2024
Independent examlner's report to Ihe members of the PCC of the Eccleslastlcal
Parish of Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2024.
I report on accounts of the Parochial Church Council I'PCC'I of the Ecclesiastical Parish of
Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 8 .
Res
ective res
onsibilities of PCC and the examiner
The PCC is responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
They consider that on audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011
and that an independent examination is needed.
Basis of inde
endent exominer's re
ort
I report in respect of my examination of the PCC'S accounts corried out under section 145 of the
Charities Act 2011 and in carrying out my exomination, I have followed the applicable directions
given by the Charity Commission under section 145151 Ibl of the Charities Act 2011.
Inde
endent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I hove no concerns ond have come across no other matters in connection with the examination
to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts
to be reached.
M.A. Edwards
For and on behalf of :_
M. A. Edwards Accountants Limited.
Chartered Accountants,
26. The Green.
King5 Norton,
Birmingham,
B38 8SD.
Page I

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parlsh of Alvechvrch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Recelpls and Payments Account
Unreslricled Deslgnated Restricted
Fund
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
2024
TOTAL
2023
Note
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipts
Planned giving
Collections at services
Other voluntary receipts
Gift aid tax recovered
Total Voluntary receipts
Activities for generating funds
Investment receipts
Church activities
46.576
4,818
1.235
10,863
63,492
4.600
7,657
12,526
1,494
1,842
98,831
876
103,043
468
4,110
7,638
48.070
6.660
100.116
11.752
166,598
5,316
11.767
40,529
48,184
7.357
13,045
12,865
81.451
5,145
7,944
41.235
21al
50
13
63
248
21bl
21cl
21dl
20,365
Total Recelpts
88,275
20.676
115.259
224,210
135,775
PAYMENTS
Church activities
Diocesan Ministry Share contributions
Clergy & staffing costs
Church iunning expenses
utilities expenses
The Ark running costs
Mission giving & donations
Cost of generating fund5
other expenses
35,213
22.477
22.191
7.602
35,213
32.473
32,576
14,624
9,270
4.082
1,722
7.664
50,000
20,713
21.332
7.877
7,452
6.204
725
50,235
31al
31bl
31cl
9.996
568
7.022
6,196
9.817
3.074
3,985
1,042
1.140
97
680
900
31dl
5.624
Total Paymenls
89.160
29.406
19.058
137.624
164.538
Excess/(Deficit) off Recelpts over Payments
18851
18.7301
96,201
86,586
128.7631
Transfers between funds
11,6601
1,449
211
Net movemenl in funds
{2,545)
(7.281)
96.412
86,586
(28,763)
Reconclllatlon of funds
Accumulated funds b/f
Accumulated funds c/f
52,675
50,130
7.281
468,472
564.884
528,428
615.014
557,191
528,428
Page 2

The Parochiol Chvrch Council of the Eccle5ia5tical Parish of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
statement of Assets and Liabllitles
Unrestricted Designated Reststcted
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2024
TOTAL
2023
Note
Cash funds
Bank
Cash in hand
Deposit fvnds
33,644
798
15,688
115,137
148,781
798
266.848
69.896
.321
259,194
251.160
Inveslment assets
Investment fund shares at ¢0St
199.764
199,764
199.764
Liabilities
Agency Collections
11,7471
50.130
564,884
615.014 528,428
These accounts were approved by Ihe Porochial Church Council on
and signed on its behalf by:
Revd Gail
gers
Chair of the Parochiol Church Council
Page 3

The Parochial Church Councll of Ihe Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31sl December 2024
Notes lo the Accounts
l The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance wth the Church Accounting
Regulations 2006 using the Receips and Payments ba515.
Unrestrlcted Deslgnated
Fund
Fund
Restricted
Funds
TOTAL
2024
TOTAL
2023
2 RECEIPTS
2(a) Other volunta
recei
ts
other donations
Legacies
Grants
735
500
50
3,709
500
94,623
4.494
1,000
94,623
2.159
10,338
1,235
50
98.831
100.116
13.045
A sum of £94,623 was received from the National Lotterie5 Fund on 29107124. being the first tranche of a grant
towards the costs of refurbishing the church tower. These works are due to start in Spring 2025.
2{b) Activities for
eneratin
funds
Fund raising events
Grapevine magazine advertising
2,690
1,910
468
3,406
1,910
2,325
2,820
4.600
468
5.316
5.145
2(c) Investment recei
ts
Dividends
Deposit interest
7,401
256
1,249
2,861
8,650
3,117
1,230
6,714
7,657
4,110
11.767
7.944
2(d) Church activities
Fee5 - weddings & funerals
The Ark lettings & events
other receipts
4,470
2,872
1.439
3,327
7.342
21.333
11.854
12.462
22.482
6,290
19.894
471
8,056
12.526
20.365
7,638
40,529
41,235
Page 4

The Parochlal Church Council of Ihe Ecclesiastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Accounts
Unrestrlcted Deslgnated Reslricled
Fund
Fund
Funds
TOTAL
2024
TOTAL
2023
3 PAYMENTS
3(0) Cler
& staffin
costs
Clergy expenses
staff costs - odministrotion & ministry supporl
2.374
20,103
2,374
30,099
2,181
18,532
9,996
22,477
9,996
32,473
20,713
st Leonard's Beoley District Church Counil contributes towards 50fo of clergy expenses and 50% of the ministry
support odminislrator's salary costs, the receipts for which are shown in church activities, other receipts.
3(b) Church runnin ex
enses
Fees- weddings & funerals
Insurance
Repair & maintenance
Worship resources
Administration
Independent Examiner's Fee
other expenses
774
6.302
8.096
1,299
3.034
1,128
698
21.332
6,801
5,029
805
3,470
1,176
4.910
22.191
6.801
14,201
805
3.495
1,176
6,098
32,576
125
9.047
25
443
568
745
9,817
3{c) Utilities ex
enses
Gas
Electncity
IT & Telecommunications
3,808
3.297
497
7.602
3.014
3.297
711
7.022
6,823
6,594
1.208
14.624
4,069
3,225
582
7.877
3(d) Other ex
enses
Audio vi5ua5 system installation
Professional fees
Small equipment purchases
5,624
5.624
2,040
50,212
900
1.140
23
50,235
900
5.624
1.140
7,664
Page 5

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Accounts
Unrestrlcted Deslgnated Restrlcted
Fund
Fund
Funds
4 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS
2024
From General Fund to The fund
From General Fund to Churchyard Maintenance Fund
11.4491
1,449
211
(1,660)
1.449
211
2023
From General Fund to Audio Visual Fund
From Others Fund to Audio Visual Fund
143.8351
43,835
12,000
112,0001
From General Fund fo Ark Fixtures & Fittings Fund
15051
505
From General Fund to Churchyard Maintenance
17881
788
From Others Fund to Generol Fund
632
16321
From General Fund to Clock Fund
41
(44,537)
55,835
(11,298)
Page 6

The Parochial Church Councll of the Ecclesiastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Notes lo Ihe Accovnls
5 MOVEMENT ON ACCUMULATED FUNDS
01101/24
Recelpts
Payments
Transfers
31112124
Unrestricted Fund
General Fund
52,675
88,275
(89,160)
(1,660)
50,130
Desi
nated Funds
Audio Visual
The Ark
5.623
1,658
7.281
15,6231
1?3,7831
(29.406)
20,676
20.676
1,449
1.449
Reslricted Funds
Ark Community Fund
Ark Fittings & Fixtures
Ark Tots & Toddler5
Bells Fund
Capital Repair Fund
Churchyard Maintenance Icapitall
Churchyard Maintence Fund
Clock Fund
Fabric Fund
Music
Organ Restoration Fund
Olher5
The Ark Recoupment Fund
Tower Project Fund
Youth Fund
2,086
75
1 ,482
29
11 .2271
13351
12191
1521
859
1,630
3,395
2,337
343,469
40,883
91
3.111
3,563
166
4.574
3,941
58,881
90.292
7,692
564.884
1,890
2,132
2,360
343.469
40,883
4.621
14,7411
211
3,111
4,582
2,861
166
3,466
5.850
13,8801
121
14,2711
2,362
58,881
94,623
14.3311
7,692
468.472
115,259
(19.058)
211
TOTAL FUNDS
528.428
224.210
(137.624)
615.014
The 'Others' Fund holds donotions, on o short term bosis. roised for specific church and charity uses .
Page 7

The Parochial Church Councll ol the Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Alvechurch
Acccounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
Noles lo the Accounls
6 INVESTMENT ASSETS
Investment Funds
The Worcester Diocesan Board of Fiance manages on the PCC'S behalf the followng CBF Church of England
Investment Funds..
Marketvalue
31112124
31112123
Fund Name
Note
Avechurch Black Paddock (Recoupl
Avechurch Black Paddock Ch'yrd Maint
Avechurch PCC
lal
Ibl
Icl
74,150
46.032
119,534
239,716
70,549
45.002
113.728
229,279
lol Port of the land held by the PCC and known as the 'Black Paddock. was sold in 2003. Part of the proceeds.
amounth'ng to £978.710. was v5ed to build The Ark community centre. being an extension to the existing church
building. This land had previously been held os a permanent endowment by the PCC as a Irustee in a
separate charity 'for burial purposes and extension of the churchyard,. By order of the Charity Commission. the
PCC placed £42.000 in an accumulated investment fund. permitting dividends accruing therefrom to be
accumulated over 60 years. At the end of the 60 years the investment is to be treated as a permanent
endowment.
Ibl £40,000 of the proceeds from the sale of'Black Poddock. land was invested in Income shares, whereby the
dividends are poid into the Churchyard Maintenance Fund.
Icl £IOO,000 from the land sale proceeds in 2022 was invested in an Accumulation Fund.
De
osil Funds
Deposit savings ore held on the CBF Church of Englond Deposit Fund and in bank deposit occounts held on
the CAF Charity Deposits Platform.
7 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFI
There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefils for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Clergy expenses amounting to £2.37412023 £2.1811 were paid in the yeor.
Page 8