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2020-12-31-accounts

St Mary the Virgin

in the Parish of Stone

Annual Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31 December 2020 For Christ's Sake †

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS
Agenda and Minutes
Agenda for the Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings 2021 3
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting held on 4th October 2020 4
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 4th October 2020 4
Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council
Administrative Information, Membership 7
Safeguarding, Risk Management, Achievements and Performance, 8
Attendance
Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council 9
Financial Review 9
Reserves Policy 10
Fabric, Goods and Ornaments 10
Deanery Synod 12
Matters of Parochial or General Church Interest 12
Mary’s Child 13
Mothers Union 14
Finance
Income and Expenditure Pie Charts 2020 14
Independently Examined Accounts 2020 1-9

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St Mary the Virgin, Stone

Agenda for the Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 18th April 2021 at 11.30am

Vestry Meeting

  1. Prayers.

  2. Election of Church Wardens.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Apologies for absence.

  2. Minutes of previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 4[th] October 2020

  3. Election of representatives to the Parochial Church Council.

  4. To note that responsibility for the appointment of Sidesmen (welcomers) now lies with the Parochial Church Council under the new Church Representation Rules 2020

  5. To receive and consider reports arising from the following:

  6. 5.1 Electoral Roll

  7. 5.2 Proceedings of Parochial Church Council

  8. 5.3 Financial Affairs

  9. 5.4 Audited Accounts

  10. 5.5 Fabric, goods & ornaments

  11. 5.6 Proceedings of Deanery Synod

  12. 5.7 Matters of parochial or general Church interest

  13. Any other business.

  14. Closing prayers.

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Minutes of the Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 4[th] October 2020 at 11.15am in church and by Zoom

St Mary the Virgin, Stone

Note

These meetings had originally been scheduled to take place on 26[th] April 2020 but had been postponed until today due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Prayers

The meetings opened with prayers led by the Rector.

Vestry Meeting

Number present - 23

Election of Churchwardens

The Rector thanked Colin Whiskin and Martin Trumble who had served as Churchwardens over the past year and over this additional six-month period due to the Covid-19 situation.

There were two nominations for Churchwarden: Colin Whiskin who had been proposed by Kathryn Swanston and seconded by Ken Tuffrey and Martin Trumble who had been proposed by Kathy Cousins and seconded by Thelma Bristow. They were both duly elected for the period up to the next Vestry Meeting scheduled for 18[th] April 20201.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Number present - 24

1. Apologies

Kitty Raj

2. Minutes of previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 28th April 2019

The minutes of the previous annual meeting had been circulated. These were approved by all present as a true record and signed.

3. Election of representatives of the laity to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and of representatives to Deanery Synod.

The Rector thanked all who had served over the past year and over this additional six-month period due to the Covid-19 situation. He especially thanked Colin Whiskin and Martin Trumble as Churchwardens, Dianne Adair as PCC Treasurer and Kathryn

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Swanston as PCC Secretary. The Rector thanked the PCC members retiring at this meeting: Janet Gardner and Kathryn Swanston and also expressed thanks to Glynis Carpenter who had recently moved away.

There were three places available this year for a three-year term (in this case until the date of the APCM in 2023). Three nominations had been received in advance for Thelma Bristow who had been proposed by Maggie Jarvis and seconded by Dianne Adair, for Deborah Lambert who had been proposed by Lois Derham and seconded by David Essex and for Lois Derham who had been proposed by Deborah Lambert and seconded by Jeanne Hoadley. There being no other nominations, all three were duly elected.

The Rector thanked the Deanery Synod Representatives, Dianne Adair and Kitty Raj, who complete their term of office at this meeting. Both had indicated their willingness to serve again. Dianne Adair was proposed by Maggie Jarvis and seconded by Colin Whiskin and Kitty Raj was proposed by Nik Kerwin and seconded by Colin Whiskin. There being no other nominations, both were duly elected, to serve until the APCM in 2023.

4. Appointment of Sidesmen (“Welcomers”)

The Rector advised that under the new Church Representation Rules 2020 the responsibility for the appointment of welcomers now lies with the PCC. Anyone additional who was interested in becoming a welcomer was invited to let the Rector know. The Rector thanked those who serve as Welcomers and emphasised the importance of this ministry and especially so at the current time of pandemic. He envisioned that the additional welcoming measures now in place, such as showing people to their seats and the pre-placing of hymns books and service books in pews, could be continued in the future.

5. To receive and consider reports arising from the following:

5.1 Electoral Roll

Thelma Bristow, the Electoral Roll Officer, reported on the revised electoral roll. It was reported that there were 71 names on the roll and of these 33 being resident parishioners and 38 non-residents.

5.2 Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council

There were no questions on the written report of the PCC’s proceedings.

5.3 Financial Affairs

Dianne Adair, PCC Treasurer, had provided an explanation of the accounts in the Annual Report and a detailed presentation which had been circulated in advance. She advised that St Mary’s had been eligible for and received a Covid-19 grant of £5000 from the Diocese to support our finances during this challenging period. She reported that regular giving has remained stable but there has been a significant reduction in open plate giving, fundraising and gift aid during this period. She was anticipating that for 2020 the finances would be tight but just about manageable. However, she emphasised that these

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significant financial challenges were likely to continue into 2021. At the next meeting of the PCC options for fundraising would be discussed.

There was a discussion about the church’s policy on away giving following a question from a member present. It was noted that the amount recorded in the accounts for 2019 was £900 and the view that this did not seem very much was raised. It was noted in the discussion that charitable giving associated with some activities went directly to the charities concerned and not through the accounts. It was also noted that the high volume of food and toiletries donated by church members to Mary’s Child and to the Refuge should be included in the overall picture. As St Mary’s does not have a formal policy on away giving at present, it was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting of the PCC.

On behalf of church members, the Rector thanked Dianne Adair for her work as Treasurer which included the development of an excellent relationship with the Diocese based upon mutual trust and openness.

5.4 Audited Accounts

The accounts were formally accepted. They had been independently examined and approved by the Parochial Church Council.

5.5 Fabric, goods & ornaments

There were no questions on the written report.

5.6 Proceedings of Deanery Synod

There were no questions on the written report.

5.7 Matters of parochial or general Church interest

There were no questions on the written report.

6. Any other business

None raised.

The next APCM is scheduled to take place on Sunday 18[th] April 2021.

7. Closing Prayers

The meeting concluded with prayer.

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St Mary the Virgin Stone Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31st December 2020

Administrative information

St Mary's Church is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England and is situated in Stone.

The correspondence address is:

Stone Rectory, Church Road, Stone, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9BE

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1131836.

Incumbent

The Revd. Kenneth Clark.

Bank

The National Westminster Bank, High Street Dartford.

Independent Examiner

Hedley Dunk Ltd, Chartered Accountants, Trinity House, 3 Bullace Lane, Dartford

Objectives and activities

St. Mary's PCC's primary responsibility is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. It co-operates with the Rector, the Reverend Kenneth Clark, in promoting the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) throughout the Parish. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the Church Hall in Lower Church Hill, Stone.

Mission Statement

"For Christ's Sake † "

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Structure, governance and management.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2020. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

PCC members, whether ex-officio or elected, who have served from 1 January 2019 until the date this report was approved are:

Wardens

Mr. Martin Trumble Mr. Colin Whiskin

Representatives to Deanery Synod

Mrs. Dianne Adair (Treasurer) Ms. Kitty Raj

Elected Members

Mrs. Glynis Carpenter until 4[th] October 2020 Mrs. Janet Gardiner until 4[th] October 2020 Mrs. Kathryn Swanston until 4[th] October 2020 Mr. Reginald Cousins from 22[nd] April 2018 Mrs. Maureen Franke from 22[nd] April 2018 Mr. Rudolph Jones from 22[nd] April 2018 Ms. Pamela Everall until 17[th] March 2020 Mrs Maggie Jarvis from 28[th] April 2019 Mr. John Stringer until 12[th] January 2021 Mrs. Thelma Bristow from 4[th] October 2020 Ms. Lois Derham (Secretary) from 4[th] October 2020 Ms. Deborah Lambert from 4[th] October 2020

Assistant Curate

The Revd. Anthea Harris-Faulkner

Reader

Mr. Dennis Moor Co-opted

Safeguarding

The PCC has due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. It has adopted the Church of England safeguarding policy statement ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ Ms. Deborah Lambert is our Parish Safeguarding Officer. Those holding specified roles undertake the required safeguarding training and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are taken up as required. A Diocesan safeguarding audit was completed in April 2019 and actions will continue to be taken to implement the new safeguarding requirements. Further information about safeguarding, including how to report a concern, is available on our website and on the noticeboard at the back of the church.

Risk Management

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As St Mary's is below the audit threshold under the Charities SORP regulations, we are not required to report, neither are we reporting on, risk management. A health and safety policy is implemented and is monitored regularly to ensure compliance.

Achievements and performance

Church attendance

The Church Electoral Roll was revised in preparation for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting scheduled for 26[th] April 2020 and there were 71 parishioners (residents and non-residents). There was no change to the electoral roll since last year. It should be noted that this year’s revision period coincided with the national restrictions on movement brought in as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The average weekly attendance, counted during October 2020, was 31.5 adults and 0.5 children. Set alongside this, the virtual audience for the two Sunday services streamed to Facebook was (morning and evening) an average of 52.5 views per Sunday of at least a minute in length.

The church was closed at Easter but attendance at Christmas was 142 (45 communicants). Daily morning and evening prayer is maintained (during the church closure from March until May at the rectory). There were 8 baptisms, 6 weddings and 43 funerals.

Proceedings of the PCC – The Year in Brief

The full PCC has met five times since the last report (all of them virtual meetings), with a sub-committee supervising the new church room project meeting in between when required. A standing committee of the Rector, Churchwardens, Treasurer and Secretary has also met between PCC meetings to ensure continuity of action. Average attendance at PCC meetings has been 69%, but three members have regularly been unable to participate in electronic meetings. At each meeting the PCC receives officer reports from the Rector, Churchwardens, Treasurer and Secretary. The PCC also discusses health and safety and safeguarding matters and ensures policies for these are in place. Updates from the Dartford Deanery and the Diocese are also received. During 2020 the principal topic of discussion has been the pandemic, it’s impact on church and parish, closure of the church, safety of the congregation, strategies for enabling small congregations to re-gather, negotiations for the sale of the church hall, supporting the school, including a gift to the head and deputy head teacher at Stone St Mary’s in gratitude for the leadership of the church school through the first lockdown.

Financial Review – Dianne Adair (Treasurer)

What a year 2020 has been. The Covid 19 Pandemic significantly impacted our finances. Church closure and then only partial opening with all its restrictions meant our usual avenues to raise money virtually closed – no open plate/gift aid collections, no fundraising, no weddings/funerals, etc. However, thanks to our regular givers who do so via bank transfer either weekly or monthly and the response to a call to help out with extra funds, meant that we were able to pay our way.

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Total receipts, therefore, on ordinary unrestricted funds were £44,143 and are detailed in the financial statements. £43,715 was spent to provide the Christian ministry from St Mary’s Church.

The net result for the year was an excess of income over expenditure of £428 but adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balance carried forward at 31 December for unrestricted funds totaled £7,132.

Our Parish Offer for 2020 was £31,250 and using a grant from the Diocesan Board of Finance and our Gift Aid claim we were able to pay in full. This grant was offered to help those Parishes in need during the Covid Pandemic.

It should be noted that Statutory Fees for wedding and funerals are now being paid directly to DBF This is inline with all other Dioceses in the country.

Another area that has suffered because of the Pandemic is our Away Giving to charitable causes and we have only been able to donate £280. However, people have still been generous in supporting ‘in kind’, e.g. Mary’s Child, Parish Pantry, Women’s Refuge, Harvest gifts, etc.

A commencement building date is still awaited on the New Church Room, but the fund now stands at £11,935 which will be added to the proceeds from the sale of our existing hall once the sale has been finalized. It is not too late to make a donation as the more we raise, the less we may need to borrow. We very much appreciate the help and support from the Diocese.

Currently there are 5 people who regularly contribute to the Building Fund. This fund enables us to carry out unexpected repairs as well as those works highlighted in the Quinquennial inspection. It also helps if we need to apply for more major funding for projects to show that we do have some funds of our own. If you would like to support this work, or know of anyone who might prefer to give money to support a Grade 1 listed building, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Every year I do add at this point how important regular giving and gift aid is to us as a Church. The Pandemic has certainly highlighted how vulnerable we can be financially and thanks to those who took note of my plea to consider regular giving via the bank and gift aiding where possible, this has afforded us a little protection from financial disaster. It is so important that if you do give to St Mary’s Church that it is given regularly and the best way is to do this via your bank (standing order, direct debit, BACS). This means that you can continue to support the work that we do ‘for Christ’s Sake’ in this parish and that it is not affected by your absence for whatever reason. I am very pleased to report that a good number of our regular congregation now give in this way and I can only recommend this to you. We are also continuing to monitor expenditure and reducing it wherever possible. Again, this has been particularly crucial during the pandemic.

It is important for us to thank all of you who give so generously to the church both financially and in so many other ways.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level which equates to approximately two months unrestricted expenditure (ie

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£10,000). To achieve this we will aim to put £1,000 per year into reserves from income until that level is achieved.

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Fabric, goods and ornaments – Colin Whiskin & Martin Trumble (Churchwardens)

The past 12 months of Covid 19 has been a year like no year in living memory and one that I am sure we all hope will not be repeated any time soon! Therefore, having been weathering this storm for the past year; St Mary’s has not experienced the same level of use by parishioners as in previous years. Therefore, with regard to general maintenance and minor additions over the past year the church has not required too much attention.

Every five years the main fabric of the St Mary’s church building is subject to a major survey and the next of these Quinquennial Reports as they are known will be completed in June 2022. Over the past 20 years major works have been completed to preserve our beautiful church which has involved works to the upper part of the tower’s spiral stairway and walls, replacement of several parts of the masonry window frames, most of the roof and, more recently, major works to the east wall of the Chancel.

As you might imagine, these reports are comprehensive and lengthy documents that terminate with the inspecting architect listing all the building works that need remedial attention under three headings: attention required immediately, attention required within two years and attention required within five years. Unsurprisingly most remedial works cost a great deal of money but, to counter this, St Mary’s has procured substantial grants from various groups and organisations that have an interest in looking after important historic buildings. However, these grants do not cover everything listed and it is therefore not unusual for some of the less pressing items to be carried over to the next Quinquennial Reports.

That said, the last Quinquennial Report completed in June 2017 concludes with the following:

“St Mary’s Church has come a long way in the 20 years that the inspecting architect has known the building. It has gone from a position of almost redundancy and needing huge amounts of work to a position where there are still works to be undertaken but they are relatively minor and do not reflect poor care. All those that have been involved with the building over the past 20 years are to be congratulated.”

Bearing in mind the foregoing all the clergy and churchwardens who have been in the vanguard of these major works and applications etc . throughout this time should take a well-deserved bow and they include: Terry Mason and Kenneth Clark from the clergy and from the ranks of past churchwardens: Allan Wright (who sadly passed away recently), Peter Finch-Turner, Thelma Bristow, Margaret Pickett, Maggie Jarvis and Colin Whiskin. Thank you all for this absolutely amazing work!

(NB: Anyone interested in reading the last quinquennial inspection report from June 2017 can borrow a copy from Colin or Martin.)

Even after two or three lockdowns it is still amazing how time flies (whether you’re enjoying yourself or not). Although hard to believe, 5 years have now elapsed since we had our new ‘state of the art and magical’ lighting system installed. This in turn has thrown up another quinquennial happening which is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Although not compulsory for private dwellings, it is recommended that all electrical installations are surveyed every five years (and something you all may wish to consider for your own homes). Of course, we at St Mary’s are obliged to have the EICR carried out to ensure the continued safe

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running of the church and to ensure that our electrical systems are fully compliant. This work will be completed in late March and after this APCM report will be published. Therefore, any issues emanating from the EICR will be included in the church wardens report at the APCM.

As an adjunct to the above we will shortly need to have our conductor inspected (and don’t worry Mr Kerwin, it’s not you)! In fact, we have to go all the way back to the 18[th] century to thank Mr Benjamin Franklin’s research into all things pertaining to electricity and which culminated with his invention of the ‘Lightning Rod Attractor’ in 1752. The upshot of all this is our obligation to have the lightning conductor periodically inspected. The reliability of this component is particularly important to St Mary’s Church having lost its roof, spire, bells and belfry through a lightning strike about 100 years before Franklin’s invention! We will be having this inspection completed in due course and, we’re given to understand, that the introduction of camera carrying drones has helped to maintain the relatively low prices of these inspections. The introduction of a Lightning Conductor Log Book will also help to ensure our ‘attractor’ meets all current specifications and remains compliant.

As most of you are probably aware, anyone driving over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge will get a great view of St Mary’s Church sitting very prettily at the highest point in Stone (the Beacon of Kent). Even if you come over the bridge after dark you will still be able to see our church as St Mary’s is flood lit on all sides up to around 11pm each night. Currently the flood lighting system uses ‘incandescent (metal halide) tube bulbs. However, when a bulb needed replacing recently, it became apparent these bulbs are being phased out in favour of LED lighting. While it is hoped that, in the not too distant future, an LED replacement bulb will become available that will fit our floodlights, if this doesn’t happen, the floodlight fittings themselves will have to be replaced. Meanwhile, we have now managed to find some ‘old stock halide bulbs’ online that will hopefully last us a year or two.

In the 2020 APCM report we noted the condition of the wall heaters and panel heaters fitted to most of the central pews and which have never really been fit for purpose. While the heating system designed for the new Church Rooms will be sufficient to run the heating system within the church, even when the above ground building works are completed, it is anticipated there will be a lengthy time lapse before funds are available to have the church room heating extended into the church building itself. In the prevailing circumstances the current heating arrangements for St Mary’s will remain under review.

The annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) was signed off along with the relevant fire extinguisher inspections. With regard to the organ and belfry: our wonderful Father Willis organ is maintained every six months (around December and July) and, so far, no additional expenditure is currently required. Very sadly, the regulations relating to the pandemic silenced St Mary’s belfry for the time being and so there’s nothing further to report.

General minor maintenance and regular cleaning was carried out in the church by church officers and helpers from the congregation. This also extends to the tidying and maintenance of the church yard including the church room foundations.

With the hoped for relaxation of the pandemic rules we would like to invite all members of our church family to join in with this very important maintenance work by making your enthusiasm and willingness known to Kenneth or either of the Churchwardens. Alternatively, please do look out for the notices appealing for volunteers that appear from time to time in the pew sheets throughout the year.

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Last but certainly not least - we must give our grateful thanks for the continuing dedication of all the volunteers who give up their time, tools and manpower to care for our beautiful, nationally appreciated, historic and architecturally important Grade 1 listed church that is: The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stone next Dartford!

Deanery Synod – Dianne Adair (Representative to Deanery Synod)

Little did we know that the meeting held in February 2020 would be the last we would be able to attend in person. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the meeting scheduled for June was cancelled and the October meeting was held via Zoom.

The meeting in February was hosted by St Margaret’s, Darenth and as is our usual practice, started with an act of worship led by the Rev’d Emma Young. She then went on to briefly speak about their patron saint, St Margaret of Antioch, and the formation of the Darent Valley Benefice of St Margaret’s Darenth, St Mary’s Horton Kirby and St John’s Sutton-at-Hone. The Area Dean, Rev’d. Richard Mortimer mentioned the appointments of ‘Growth Enablers’ for each Archdeaconry, who will work to support churches as they develop their ‘Call to Grow’ plans. The Rev’d. Kenneth Clark gave an informative introduction to the Synodical System within the Church of England in terms of origin, history and impact. This led on to some interesting discussion on what our role should be moving forward and that the purpose of Deanery should be that of a policy-making body guiding practice within PCCs and in consultation with PCCs via our members.

The meeting in October 2020 via Zoom shared how the Pandemic had affected individuals and churches and what changes had been implemented to try and cope. It was also noted that General Synod elections (normally 5yr cycles) have been postponed until mid-2021. Diocesan Synod elections (3 yr cycles) will take place after the General Synod elections. Deanery Synod elections (3 yr cycles) were able to take place in October having been delayed from April.

Matters of parochial or general Church interest – Kenneth Clark

2020 was the year we lost to Coronavirus. Thankfully we lost none of our church members to the virus, although some have suffered with it and we have all lost out through it. In the hardships faced by the whole globe St Mary’s has had its share and we have been forced to adapt our common life and mission priorities.

At the end of 2019 we had a growth plan that listed five objectives: 1) to build a genuine culture of welcome with as many church members as possible undertaking the diocese’s “Everybody Welcome” course; 2) to restart the Gemstones children’s provision on a Sunday morning; 3) to build the new hall; 4) to develop relationships within the immediate church neighbourhood through targeted communication and invitations; 5) to pursue the creation of a glass box type of porch inside the west door of the church enabling the main door to stand open during the day with a view into the church even if the inner door had to be locked. But almost immediately the situation changed.

Lockdown came very suddenly in March and lasted until July and (for the first time in centuries) the church was closed for services and any other gatherings. New skills in streaming and zooming had to be learnt very quickly and many church members who had been wary of digital technology turned to it as a lifeline. Even when reopening came, the church regrouped tentatively, in accordance with government rules and Church of England guidelines, and there

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was no rush to resume Communion services. These were eventually restarted at the end of August. By the time of the second lockdown in November it was clear that the Church had by now learned to live with the threat of infection and, whilst congregations were again forbidden to gather, the absolute shutting of churches, even for the daily office, private prayer by individuals or the streaming of services, was no longer considered necessary. By then the spiritual and mental health of the nation as well as the physical wellbeing was becoming a widespread concern.

Fellowship has been sustained in a number of ways, not least through the simple expedient of church members telephoning one another. Members of St Mary’s pastoral team have shown the way with this, meeting virtually each month to check up on needs. Each Sunday the service has gone out live, at first said, then with more music, sometimes including pre-recorded contributions from those shielding at home. None of the broadcasts were masterpieces but all of them tried to be what a church service is meant to be, our duty and service to God, an important expression of our life together and a witness of Christian faith to the wider world. In this last respect streaming the service has put us in touch with a wider (and even international) audience than ever before. One of the lasting lessons of the pandemic is the value of digital technology and this needs to be incorporated into our plans for growth.

The activities of Mary’s Child (the charity jointly operated by volunteers from St Mary’s Stone and St Mary’s Greenhithe) have continued, though curtailed to the offering of food parcels, supported by the continued generous donations of church members and local organisations eager to be helpful. It was considered too dangerous to go on with offering furniture and furnishings for the time being.

Whilst other communal activities like bellringing, choir practice, and toddler group have stopped, Bible study and fellowship time has moved online, Wednesday becoming the focus for this, and also for our publicized time of opening for individual prayer. Since the beginning of the first lockdown there has been each night (except Sunday) a “good night” slot, most often consisting of a bible reading and prayer. One hopes this has been a fixed point in a changing and frightening world.

In the midst of this, St Mary’s has continued to be a school of vocation, Anthea learning the trade of a priest in the most unusual of circumstances and Ethlyn Roy-Johnson progressing inexorably through her studies toward ordination in September 2021. In the summer, Kathryn Swanston was sponsored by the PCC as a candidate for Licensed Lay Ministry (what in the past would have been called a Reader), a vocation endorsed after interviews at diocesan level. She continues her preparation.

The strength of ministry provision at St Mary’s and the resilience of both the church and school is a blessing and that has enabled us to be helpful elsewhere. With other clergy and minsters shielding for various reasons, we have been able to help with the understandable increase in funerals in our area. Happily, we have also been able to host slightly more than our planned number of weddings as for legal and logistical reasons couples looked to marry nearer home and smaller, simpler ceremonies became the norm. Baptisms sadly have nearly all been put on hold. We are privileged to be linked with Stone St Mary’s School which in the first lockdown acted as a hub school for the children of key workers and has, through rigorous hygiene precautions, managed to stay open for all but the worst of the pandemic with only a few of the year group bubbles being closed at different times. Even when closed, the home-schooling provision has been impressive and admirable. Weekly recorded Christian assemblies have been

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made available to all the primary schools in the parish and special acts of worship for Harvest and Christmas went to Stone Lodge (Secondary) School, whose permanent building has been taking shape on the corner of Cotton Lane and London Road.

The year has brought little progress on the sale of the old church hall, but a new buyer has been identified and the purchase price is credible. As reported last year, until funds have been generated by the sale of the hall, we cannot with confidence begin the building of the new.

Despite the suspension of many of our normal activities such as fund-raising fairs, Messy Church, social events, Holy Week and Easter, the Remembrance parade, etc. and the postponement of the Deanery Confirmation to be hosted at Stone in the middle of November, the church of Jesus remains constant here. Her members are loyal to his Gospel, and have a renewed appreciation of the things they value: friendship with God and the freedom to express that with others. Though we thank God from sparing us the worst of the Coronavirus, we have said goodbye to some friends. Glynis Carpenter, Sheila Davies, and Eileen Flint have moved away from Dartford, and Victor Hill, though not so far as to be unable to make return visits. And of course, there are those for whom 2020 has meant no visits outside and certainly none to church. Saddest of all, Graham Harris organist at St Mary’s for 20 years died suddenly at home on the day after Christmas. We were also saddened to know that Allan Wright, former churchwarden, died after a long struggle with dementia.

Mary’s Child – Thelma Bristow

Mary’s Child has continued to support local families throughout this challenging year. Due to the pandemic, we have been unable to provide furniture but have carried on our food deliveries in a Covid safe manner. Huge thanks are due to those volunteers who have done this at such a difficult time.

Mary’s Child now has a branch in Peterborough. It acts independently of our original branch here with its own bank account but shares our values. As a recognised charity we are able to bid for funding and have been very fortunate in this. In particular this has meant more fresh food has been provided. We are now hoping to receive funding to cover administrative costs and to help with the costs of counselling and legal advice.

It was good to be able to help many families at Christmas, not only with seasonal food but also extra treats. I know that more and more people are finding out about Mary’s Child and giving generously to support the work with gifts not only of food but money and items such as laptops for schoolchildren during the lockdown.

Thank you for all that you do to help care for local families.

Mothers’ Union, Stone St Mary’s Branch – Jeanne Hoadley (MU Branch Treasurer )

The last year has been a difficult year for all of us and similarly to our church, the Global MU has been streaming on Facebook sharing prayers and information. Our branch did manage to hold our AGM in February last year before lockdown but of course all our plans had to cancelled. During last year The Diocesan MU Treasurer, Mark Jamieson, resigned and Susan Brooker took

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over the role. We have ten members going through to 2021 having Glynis Carpenter leave due to her moving out of the area and also Doreen Kirk, soon to move out of the county with her family.

We look forward to this coming year to take up the 'Cookbook Challenge,' our president Julia has set us, to raise funds for AFIA an organisation that funds holidays for deprived families.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31 December 2020

Unrestricted
Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES
Note
£
Voluntary income
2a
38488
Activities for generating income
2b
1328
Income from Investment
2c
0
Church Activities
2d
3718
Other incoming resources
2e
609
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
44143
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Cost of generation voluntary income
3b
0
Fundraising trading costs
3c
0
Church activities
3a
43715
Governance costs
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
43715
NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES
428
Transfers
4000
4428
2704
7132
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT
1 JANUARY 2020
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT
31 DECEMBER 2020		 Unrestricted
Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES
Note
£
Voluntary income
2a
38488
Activities for generating income
2b
1328
Income from Investment
2c
0
Church Activities
2d
3718
Other incoming resources
2e
609
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
44143
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Cost of generation voluntary income
3b
0
Fundraising trading costs
3c
0
Church activities
3a
43715
Governance costs
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
43715
NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES
428
Transfers
4000
4428
2704
7132
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT
1 JANUARY 2020
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT
31 DECEMBER 2020		 Designated
£
199
927
182
1308		 Restricted
£
9664
21
9685
578
578
9107
-5000
4107
24130
28237		 Endowment
Funds
£
1
1
0
1
1
302
303		 TOTAL FUNDS
2020
2019
£
£
48351
48093
2255
9490
22
41
3900
13750
609
596
55137
71970		 TOTAL FUNDS
2020
2019
£
£
48351
48093
2255
9490
22
41
3900
13750
609
596
55137
71970
71970
0
0
43715
43715
428
4000
4428
2704
7132		 480
1877
2357
-1049
1000
-49
6259
6210		 0
480
46170
0
46650
8487
0
0
8487
33395
41882		 0
2831
64676
0
67507
4463
0
0
4463
28932
33395

Notes on pages 2 to 7 form part of this account

Reg Charity No 1131836

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fxed assets
5a
Investment assets
5b
Endowment - Barrows Trust
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
6
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS
8
NET ASSETS
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE
YEAR
LIABILITIES:AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE
THAN ONE YEAR		 2020
£
-
303
65558
6333
34066
105957
(64378)
41579
41882
7132
6210
28237
303
41882		 2019
£
-
302
65406
6312
25503
97221
(64128)
33093
33395
2704
6259
24130
302
33395

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 28[th] March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

………………………………………………………….

The Revd Kenneth Clark - Rector (PCC Chairman)

The notes on pages 2 to 7 form part of these accounts

2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, STO

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Statemen Accounting Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005), issued in March 2 Standards and the Charities Act 2011’.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the investment assets which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transa liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of the church their main affiliation to another body, not those that are informal gatherings of church members

FUNDS

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding t available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular p are also unrestricted.

Restricted funds represent donations received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a sp funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance rem the end of the year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Endowment funds are funds of which the capital must be maintained; only income arising from i endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose endowment was established.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received by or on behalf of the P recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies ar when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accountable for when receiv accrued. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. All other income is recognised when r

RESOURCES USED

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The diocesan parish share is accounted Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditu recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2) (a) of 1993

Movable church furnishings held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC a a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired p is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the account since 1 January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently economic life on a straight-line basis.

All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items unde repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2001 is written off.

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December

3

ONE

nt of Recommended 005, UK Accounting

e valuation of actions, assets and h groups that owe s.

their use and are purpose by the PCC

pecific object. The maining unspent at

investment of the for which the

PCC. Tax refunds are re accounted for vable, interest is receivable.

d for when paid. re is generally

the Charities Act

and which requires d in the church's prior to 2001 there ts. Items acquired y anticipated useful

er (£1000) or on the

3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ending 31 December 2020

2
INCOMING RESOURCES

2a)
VOLUNTARY INCOME
Planned giving:
Income Tax recoverable
Other planned giving (inc 4 envelopes)
Collections (open plate) at all services
Grants -
Donations/appeals
2b)
ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS
Fundraising events
2c)
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
Dividends and interest including any reclaimable tax
2d)
INCOME FROM CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Cardstall
Magazine
Church Hall Lettings
Fees
2e)
OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES
Insurance Claim
Misc
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
Gift aid donations (30 )		 Unrestricted
£
26700
8182
1942
412
1252		 Designated
£
17
182
199
927
927
0
0
182
182
0
1308		 Restricted
£
604
5000
4060
9664
0
21
21
0
0
9685		 Endowment
Funds
£
0
0
1
1
0
0
1		 TOTAL F
2020
£
26700
8803
1942
412
5000
5494
48351
2255
2255
22
22
0
0
182
3718
3900
609
609
55137		 UNDS
2019
£
26346
7873
1773
2624
0
9477
38488 48093
1328
1328
0
0
3718
3718
609
609
44143		 9490
9490
41
41
278
720
805
11947
13750
596
596
71970

4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2020

3
RESOURCES EXPENDED
3a)
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Missionary and charitable giving:
Overseas:
Poverty & Hope
Home:
Ministry: Ofer scheme
Clergy expenses
Other clergy costs
Church - running expenses
Church maintenance
Training
Magazine
Church Hall running costs
Provision of music
Other Fund expenses
Printing and stationery
Bank charges
Misc
Independent Examination
3b)
GENERATION OF VOLUNTARY INCOME
Cost of Stewardship
3c)
FUND-RAISING COSTS
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
( Children's Society, Ellenor, FKC,
etc)		 Unrestricted
Designated
£
£
5
5
0
31250
2885
0
4372
781
0
1902
1428
975
449
629
328
588
43715
1877
0
0
480
0
480
43715
2357		 Restricted
E
£
275
275
303
578
0
578		 ndowment
£
0
0
0
0		 TOTAL F
2020
£
0
0
280
280
31250
0
2885
0
4372
781
0
1902
1428
975
303
449
629
0
328
588
46170
0
480
480
46650		 UNDS
2019
£
0
354
0
546
900
41250
0
3705
0
4679
1136
0
1788
1816
1420
2656
1763
2006
0
969
588
64676
0
2831
2831
67507

4 PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS

A small immaterial portion of the expenses paid to the incumbent may have related to his services as chairman of the PCC. No other payments or expenses were paid to any other PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related parties.

5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2020

5 FIXED ASSETS

Cost

Movement in the year: Market value - 31 December 2019 Market value - 31 December 2020

£ 0 383 288

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
Fixed assets for Church use
Investment fxed assets
Current assets
Liabilities - due within one year
Liabilities - due after more than one year
Fund balance
DEBTORS
Income tax recoverable:
General - GiftAid/Envelope Scheme
GASDS
Building Fund - Gift Aid on donations
New Church Room Gift Aid
Flower Fund GA
Tower Fund GA
Diocesan loan for proposed new Church Room
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Ofer
Independent Examination fee
Proposed new Church Room
Wedding Fees Refundable
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
Not later than 1 year
Later than1 year and not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years		 £
71510
(64378)
7132
2020
£
6835
562
161
443
17
0
57540
65558
2020
£
6250
588
57540
64378
2020
£
0
2020
£
1842
5066
0
6908
Unrestricted
Funds		 £
£
6210
28237
6210
28237
General - GiftAid/Envelope Sche
GASDS
Building Fund - Gift Aid on donat
New Church Room Gift Aid
Flower Fund GA
Tower Fund GA
Diocesan loan for proposed new
Ofer
Independent Examination fee
Proposed new Church Room
Wedding Fees Refundable
2019
£
0
2019
£
1825
6908
0
8733
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds		 £
303
303
me
ions
Church Room
Endowment
Funds		 Total
£
0
106260
-64378
0
41882
2019
£
6758
0
161
789
146
12
57540
65406
2019
£
6000
588
57540
0
64128

8 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR

9 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S STONE

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2020

9
FUND DETAILS
Designated Funds
Cardstall - funds used to support life of the Church
Messy Church - to provide additional outreach to families
Flower Fund
Outreach
Reserve Fund
Sub total
Restricted Funds
Church Building Fund - donations for fabric
Tower Fund - funds to support bells and associated items
Covid 19 Grant
Youth Club (Play Place) -
Mary's Child
Charity Collections
Sub total
Restricted Funds - held at Rochester
Organ Fund - organ maintenance
Heating Fund - for heating maintenance/renewal
Church Building Funds - for fabric repairs/restoration
Phase 1/2 Restoration - for fabric repair/restoration
Sub total
Total Restricted funds
Endowment - Barrows Trust - upkeep of grave
Church Hall - maintenance and general running of Church
Hall plus surplus used to support life of the Church
Memorial Book - to cover entries in the Memorial Book
and to support the life of the Church
Youth Fund - to provide resources for children's work, ie
Junior Church
100 Club - fundraising for specifc projects decided by
PCC
Church Room project - funds to support frst stage in
proposed new build
Community Fund - used to promote work in the
Community by providing equipment and resources		 B/fwd 2019
Income
Interest
Transfer
Expenditure
364
182
1,000
1427
119
648
648
269
60
329
348
51
215
184

437
437
237
927
480
684
297
87
79
305
659
155
504
3000
3000
Bal at 31 Dec
2020

6259
1307
0
1,000
2356
6210
9704
2429
198
11935
6059
1305
7364
1088
115
105
1098
0
5000
(5,000)
0
967
967
0
540
540
0
275
275
0

17818
9664
0
(5000)
578
21904
1512
6
1518
124
0
124
118
1
119
4557
14
4571
1
0
1

6312
0
21
0
0
6333
28237
302
0
1
0
0
303

7

Inlkpendent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of the PCC of St Marfs Stone ('the Charlty.) I report to the charwty Members of the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. Respmsibilities and Basis of Repwt As the Charivs Memirs of the PCC you are responyble for the preparatk)n of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Chartts Act 20111.the 2011 Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried OLrt under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicab￿ Direction5 wven by the Charity Comrni55ion under sertion 1451511b} of the 2011 ACL Independent EM¥niner's Ststement I have completed my examination. I confirni that no rnatter5 have corne to my attention in connettion with the examination givin8 me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. Accounting records Itsere not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the ChaTitie5 Act 2011: or 2. The accounts did not accord with the accounting records: or 3. The accounts did not cornpty with the applicable requirements conceming the forrn and content of accounts set out in the (haritie5 (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2(KJ8 other than any requirement that the accounts 8rve a 'true arKI fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have Tr) concerns and have come across no other matter5 in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached This report is made solely to the Chartvs Members of the PCC. as a body, in accordance wtth Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work ha5 been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Mernber5 of the PCC those matter51 am required to State to them in an Independent Examinerfs Report and for ￿ other purwse. To the fullest extent permitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Chartty's Members of the PCC as a body. for my work or for this report Dated: 2810312021 Jack FryEr ACA Hedley Dunk Limited

('the Charlty.) e Charity for the accounts in ction 145 of the ns given by the tion in connettion sertion 130 of the g the form and ions 2￿8 other ot a matter xarnination to ndin8 of the ance wlth Part 4 of en so that l rnight eminan itted by law, I do 's Members of

I ndependent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the PCC of St Mary’s Stone ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Members of the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Charity’s Members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or

  2. The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

  3. The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

This report is made solely to the Charity's Members of the PCC, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Members of the PCC those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Members of the PCC as a body, for my work or for this report

Signed: Dated: 28/03/2021 Jack Fryer ACA Hedley Dunk Limited