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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Ringmer

2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of

St Mary the Virgin, Ringmer

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Registered Charity No. 1131869

Summary of Contents

Addresses / Contact Information

Address: Church of St Mary the Virgin, Church Hill, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5JX web site: www.ringmerchurch.org.uk

Incumbent: Revd David Bouskill: The Vicarage, Vicarage Way, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5LA from 22[nd] February 2022

Churchwarden: Anne Franklin: 9 Delves Close, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5JW from 1[st] January 2023 until 31[st] December 2023

Churchwarden: Richard Vincent: 7A Gote Lane, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5HX from 1[st] January 2023 until 15[th] May 2023

Churchwarden: Andrew Edgar: 47 Danforth Way, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5GF from 16[th] May 2023 until 31[st] December 2023

Bank: Barclays Bank plc, 139-142 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RU

Independent Examiner: Nathan Coker ACCA, Price & Company, Chartered Accountants, 30/32 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4SH

Electoral Roll

During the year the electoral roll increased from 112 to 119

St Mary the Virgin, Ringmer Trustees’ Annual Report for 2023

Our aims and purposes as a charity

Giving financial support to those in need locally and to other organisations with similar objectives

The primary objective of St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Council (Powers) measure (1956) and under this measure the PCC has the responsibility of “co-operating with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the Church and other parish buildings. This encompasses practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the eldest, irrespective of level of need or ability to pay. Additionally, this includes providing financial support to those in need and to other organisations with similar objectives. The Council has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure of 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in “the Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” and has regard to it in their administration of the Church. It believes that by promoting the Christian Faith it provides a benefit to the public by providing facilities for private prayer, public worship, teaching that enables spiritual growth at all ages, pastoral support, and community service.

Achieving these aims in 2023

Providing an accessible sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation

Throughout the year, apart from during the internal works, the church was open daily for meditation, repose and private prayer. We provided opportunities for visitors to light a small candle and /or write a request for prayer which would then be taken up confidentially by our pastoral prayer team. Many reported how valuable they had found these resources. In addition, at 8.30am on weekdays morning prayer was said. This gave a further opportunity to pray for those in particular need. As additional sacred spaces, we continued regularly to maintain and nurture both churchyards.

Conducting public worship that is open and relevant to all

We continued to look at our pattern of services and continued to offer a variety of Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic Sunday morning services. We also have a monthly evening Eucharist and a monthly Evensong. All of which are well attended. We also have occasional services with differing styles such as Taize or meditative. Short, informal ‘1[st] Sundays@10’ were introduced and held monthly.

Lay participation was included in all our main services particularly as readers, and in writing and voicing our intercessory prayers.

We held 3 baptisms, 3 weddings and 15 funerals for our local parish community throughout 2023.

Teaching about Christian doctrine and its application to daily life through services and informal groups

Almost all services included teaching Christian doctrine and its application in everyday life based on the scripture allocated for the day. We printed the bible passage and prayers for morning services to be made available in church and delivered by hand to members of the congregation unable to attend, as well as electronically.

We continued to run a study group, looking at figures from the Bible and learning together. This group was held in person during the summer months and via zoom during the winter months.

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Promoting an understanding of our faith through events, meetings, literature and electronic media

As above, our study group met during 2023. Courses of 4-8 sessions, presented by the vicar and experienced lay leaders, were often based on published material from the Church of England or the York Courses organisation. Accompanying notes or audio comments from well-known speakers added to our resources. We observed a welcome growth in knowledge and an increasing confidence to express questions and viewpoints that deepened our collective understanding of our faith in practice.

The church library was well maintained with additional displays of recommended books for Advent and Lent. There was also lively and extensive use of the church Facebook page as well as our long running church and village monthly magazine which is delivered to nearly 700 homes in the parish and available at local shops or in the church. Information was also relayed via the church website.

Maintaining care for the fabric of the church and its grounds

Throughout 2023 many small repairs and upgrades to our church and grounds were undertaken by the Fabric and Facilities Working Group. In 2023, a major project was undertaken: the gas-powered boiler and heating system were condemned in 2022 and we undertook to replace the heating system with a more eco-friendly alternative. After much research we decided to install heated seat coverings throughout the nave and overhead infrared heaters above the new furniture in the chancel. Electric heaters were installed in the Church Room and in the choir vestry for the benefit of the organ above. This work was completed and the results are good – if not universally acknowledged as adequate in the very cold weather. We continue to look at protecting the environment and heating our congregation in the winter months and keeping these two factors in balance. Episodes of youth vandalism resulted in some broken windows in the church, and some nuisance damage to the interior, which have since been repaired.

The old churchyard was maintained by our local council and we communicated with them to enable sections of the churchyard to grow; encouraging wild flowers and enabling a habitat for insects, by the involvement of volunteers. This decision to allow areas of the churchyard to grow longer was communicated through posters around the church and through the parish magazine. Upkeep of the new churchyard comes from church funds, costing £4,047.

Further advancing the Church's mission by tailored activities for children, teenagers and parents

The Children, Families and Youth team, led by an Authorised Lay Minister (ALM), have continued to provide volunteers, expertise and safeguarding support to a village venture for teenagers – running a village youth group on a Friday. This is not a church run group but many of the leaders are members of St. Mary’s.

We ran a successful family day over the Easter school holiday, encouraging parents and children to engage in craft activities, music and games. The day ended with a pizza lunch donated by the local branch of Dominos.

Families took part in All-Age services by leading intercessions and singing, and in preparing for the service at Christingle.

Our ALM for children, youth and family work was involved in Easter assemblies and other lessons at the Primary School. ‘It’s Your Move’ booklets, published by Scripture Union, were given to Year 6 leavers.

The church, with volunteers from Mothers’ Union, continued the weekly toddler group in the Village Hall. Unlike most toddler groups we aim to run 52 weeks a year. This small group has been well received and has grown since we started last year. We remain a friendly and welcoming group for all.

Our ALM provided a point of contact for school mothers needing a ‘listening ear’, and also developed links as a volunteer with the Tiddlers & Toddlers.

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Providing spiritual and practical care across the village including visiting the sick and the bereaved

The Pastoral Team, led by a second ALM, continued to operate well. Its members offered listening, confidential prayer and practical help where possible for those needing support through difficult times. They kept in touch by phone or personal visits.

Members of the Team were also leaders of the 8.30 morning prayers and maintained the Prayer Requests board in church.

Holy communion was taken to individuals and to the three Care Homes in the village. Extra visits by the vicar were made to 4 residents receiving end-of-life care. This year, the Prayer Rugs ministry provided 5 knitted rugs and scarves for those in need of comfort and prayer.

The vicar led the village act of Remembrance on Sunday 13 November. In the same month, parishioners who had been bereaved in the past years were invited to an All Souls service at St Mary’s. This was for personal remembrance with prayers and reflection and was followed by tea. The event was well- attended and much appreciated. Monthly Sunday afternoon teas were also held throughout the year from April until October for those known to be on their own enabling conversation, friendship and consumption of home-made cakes. From November throughout the winter months these afternoon teas became a Friday soup lunch to maintain contact with these individuals and enable them to continue meeting and chatting with one another.

Maintaining facilities for the church and community to use for meetings

The Church Room continued to afford a flexible space with simple catering facilities for groups to meet for formal or informal gatherings. These included supervised groups for community support, creative activities including music and art, and the formal meetings of local societies. The space also provided a practical setting for PCC and Working Group meetings and for refreshments following church services or public recitals in Church.

The Mothers’ Union attached to St Mary’s drew in 22 members from our village, the neighbouring village of Glynde and the local towns of Lewes and Uckfield. They met in person for engaging talks and mutual support while the group was kept informed by monthly newsletters sent out by their secretary.

During the summer of 2023 the lead from the roof of the Church Room was stolen (for the 4[th] time since 2000). It was decided that an alternative substance be used to cover the roof, one that was less likely to be stolen. This took time and during the discussions and agreements rainwater came through the roof which meant that the Church Room floor had to be covered with receptacles for collecting the water. We received the relevant agreements and in early 2024 the Church Room roof was replaced with an asphalt type covering which hopefully will remain for many years.

Further links with the community

These included concerts in the church, the summer Garden Party and the Christmas Fair in the village hall.

Giving financial support to those in need locally and to other organisations with similar objectives

Agreed donations were given to Ringmer Primary School, St Peter and St James Hospice, Chichester Diocese Family Support Work, Embrace the Middle East, Southover Counselling, Caring and Sharing, The Society of Mary and Martha at Sheldon, the A Rocha Trust, the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) for Syria & Turkey, Christian Aid, and the Children’s Society. Collections for other charities were also made in favour of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the East Sussex Farmers Union Benevolent Fund, Cancer Research UK and the Royal British Legion. Our total giving to these agencies was £9,596. This represents an increase of 16% more than in 2022.

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Protecting the well-being of all who use any of the church’s facilities

Safeguarding

The Council has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure of 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding continued to be a standing agenda item at our PCC meetings. Our Safeguarding Officer ensured that all required to do so held a current Certificate of training at an appropriate C0 or C1 level. She also worked toward gaining accreditation at the highest level: C2.

Health and Safety

Our Health and Safety Officer maintained the PCC-approved document listing the recommended policies and procedures for the church to follow. His membership of our Fabric and Facilities Working Group enabled information to be shared about potential hazards and their remedies.

Throughout 2023 we maintained a sensible approach to the lingering Covid situation, taking advice and looking at the latest information available to inform our decisions.

Maintaining robust governance in all activities of our church

Continuing from the good work in 2022 where a full inventory of the church was completed and the church terrier updated accordingly, in 2023 we began the work of unifying and revising all our church policies.

Maximising our efforts to reduce climate change

St Mary’s continues to be designated an ‘Eco Church’. Monthly working parties maintained the old churchyard throughout the growing period. The hard work of our core group advancing this project was rewarded when St. Mary’s church was presented with a Silver Award within the national A Rocha UK project. We now are beginning to work towards achieving the Gold Award.

Financial Review

Financial Management

Before the 2023 APCM, our financial affairs were managed by a Working Group comprising an Acting Treasurer (Richard Vincent), two Assistant Treasurers (Peter Smith and Jonathan Franklin) and a member of the PCC (Margaret Sweatman). Thereafter, by due election, the members of the Finance Working Group became Richard Vincent (Treasurer), Jonathan Franklin (Assistant Treasurer) and Chris Gebbie (also on the PCC). As in 2022, our data storage and presentation was co-managed with the online company, Data Developments. This incurred an annual cost of £2052.

Nominal budget headings remained closely linked to the areas of activity of each PCC Working Group and we maintained our agreed algorithm to shape the responsibility and control of our expenditure.

Incoming and outgoing resources

The receipts into our Unrestricted funds amounted to £99,743. With the contributions towards our Designated and Restricted funds, our final income totaled £120,556. At the end of 2023, our overall expenditure of £185,402 resulted in a negative balance in these resources of £64,846.

Cash collections at St Mary's services raised £3,611. Donations with Gift Aid amounted to £60,028, of which £46,315 was given through the Parish Giving Scheme used by 45 parishioners. Donations that carried Gift Aid allowed us to recover tax of £16,575.

Our overall Reserves at the end of the financial year stood at £285,356 compared with the previous year of £339,450. This reduction, by £54,094, reflects our substantial expenditure on major capital items.

Sharing the ministry costs of the Diocese of Chichester

We contributed in full the requested amount of £78,795 towards the Parish Ministry Costs. This Diocesan fund provides the housing, support, stipend and pension costs of incumbents, the training of new ordinands,

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and a contribution to national church funds.

Payments and expenses to Trustees

A member of the PCC continued her employment as our Church Administrator at an annual cost of £3,414.

Staff costs

The PCC has continued the employment of a part-time cleaner to maintain the church room, kitchen and toilets at a cost of £520 per annum. We are grateful to the many church members who contribute without cost to the growing activities at St Mary’s – not least our regular organist, choir leader, choir and verger.

Repairs and upgrades to the fabric of the church

Routine maintenance of the church during 2023 incurred costs of £2,164. Contractors were sought for maintaining our fire extinguishers, alarm system, sound system, organ, and piano. Less specialist areas of repair or upgrading were tackled by members of the Facilities and Fabric Working Group. The upkeep of the new churchyard amounted to £4,047.

Major Repairs

In 2023 we were challenged by needing a series of substantial repairs and mandatory upgrades. The irreparable failure of our gas boiler required a completely new electrical heating system for the church and church room. This installation required a full review and update of our electrical circuitry and control including new components to manage the heating upgrade. This work was continued beyond the end of 2023. The total cost for our major works in 2023 amounted to £35,728.

Reserve policy

As a contingency against unforeseen situations, it remains PCC policy to maintain the balance of the general unrestricted funds that equates to at least six months of unrestricted payments.

Although substantial funds from previous legacies still provide a high level of reserve, this continues to fall. Our total funds at the end of 2023 stood at £285,356 compared with the previous year of £339,450 thus a reduction of £54,094.

Future Uncertainties

The annual deficit continues to be a concern, especially as funding is still required to complete our major works and to meet the requirements of the Quinquennial Inspection in 2022.We are encouraged by a rise in planned giving, and the increased use of our contactless device. We plan to share with our congregations and community the financial requirements for St Mary’s sustained ministry and upkeep. The use of the Diocesan resources will be of value, and we envisage a focus on giving at Easter and Harvest. We have now set up a further electronic channel for raising money by launching Just Giving on our website.

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Structure, governance and management of the charity

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

During the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council and acted as Trustees of the charity:

Officio Members:

Incumbent Revd David Bouskill Churchwardens Anne Franklin Joint Chair Richard Vincent Joint Chair until APCM 2023 Andrew Edgar Joint Chair from APCM 2023 Elected Members Martine Bailey Kenneth Barber Deirdre Booth Rosemary Colebourn Chris Gebbie Ken Humm Peter Speed (until APCM 2023) Richard Vincent (from APCM 2023) Deanery Representatives Jo Linehan Shirley Squires Margaret Sweatman Secretary to the PCC Meriel Vincent (not a Trustee)

During 2023, the PCC had 8 meetings 90% attendance and one emergency meeting with 70% attendance.

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain exofficio members (the incumbent, the churchwardens and members of the Deanery Synod) and currently up to 10 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

This Trustees' Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by the Churchwardens:

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Statement of Financial Activities

for the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023

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Balance Sheet

for the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023

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Notes to the Financial Statement Accounting Policies

1. Accounting convention

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair” view provisions together with the FRS102(2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102))

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at fair value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are an informal gathering of church members.

2. Fund Accounting

Funds held by the PCC are:

b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund

3. Income and endowments

All incoming resources are accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Collections are recognised when received

Planned giving receivable is recognised only when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate

Gift Aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised. Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding is received by the PCC

Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received

Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services

Income from trading is recognised either (a) when received, or (b) in the case of concerts, for the year in question, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place

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All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy

Realised gains / losses are recognised when the investments are sold. Unrealised gains / losses are accounted for on revaluation on 31 December

5. Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and accounted for gross

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a Binding obligation on the PCC

Diocesan Parish Contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery

Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet

6. Fixed Assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s10(2) of Charities Act 2011

Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is not stated in the financial statements.

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £1000 are written off in the year they were incurred.

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected lives, usually over 4 years on a straight-line basis.

Investments are stated at market value at 31st December.

7. Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible

Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or with Barclays Bank

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Analysis of Income

for the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023

Note: No income was gained from endowments

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Analysis of Expenditure

for the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023

Note: No expenditure was required in relation to our endowments

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Assets as at 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Kkvmrt Total Tan ible Fixed Assets Church equipment Cost 1" January Addibons Deletsons 2.446 2.446 Depreciation 1 January Additsons Deletions 2.446 2.446 Net book value 1 January 31" December Loan East Sussex Credit Union (repayable 13 August 2024) 10.0(K) 10.0(K) 10.oc Investments current mathet value 4276 78 CBF Investment Shares 106 CBF Fixed Interest Securities Chancel Trust Acc inc 96.678 153 96.678 153 7,699 7,699 7.699 104.531 186.618 145 7,016 193,779 96.831 Debtors Income Tax rcoverable VAT recoverable Other 835 570 6.358 1.405 6.828 1.288 15.246 470 11 470 6.928 8.244 16,545 Creditors GocJs and semces Prepayments Other 2(X) 21)) 8.984 126 74 224 627 Net Assets b fund Fixed assets Investment fixed assets Loan Current Assets Current Liabiliti'es 96.831 10.000 72.858 7.699 104.531 193.779 10.oc 10.000 180.108 137.928 9.283 13.804 7.699 285.356 327.903 28.818 78.432 9.208 69.224 179.616 28.818 14

Fund movement for the period from 01 January to 31 December 2023

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Nathan Coker, ACCA Price & Company, Chartered Accountants, 30/32 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4

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