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2021-12-31-accounts

st Bartholomew's, Thurstaston with St Chad's Irby MISSION AND ACTIVITIES IN 2021 ITHANK YOU I DAWPOOL YOU ARI GREAI 1 IME

Members of the PCC 2020-21

The members of the PCC in 2021-22 were:

Revd J Turner Rector Mrs E Whitehead Warden Mr C Smale Deanery Synod Mrs J Davies Deanery Synod Mr A Harford Elected Mrs J Hodgson Elected Mrs P Neil Elected Mr G Barley Elected Mrs J Trigg Elected Mrs J Deboorder Elected Mr M Studholme Elected Mr J Oliver Elected Mr C Williams Elected Mr R Jackson Elected Mrs E Barton Elected

A WORD FROM THE RECTOR

Initial reflections on the past year seemed to produce a deep sadness for me. It has felt like a year in exile. The adrenalin of 2020 caused by the pandemic led to lots of action and lots of new ways of doing things and this report last year was full of thankfulness for all that we had learned about gratitude for so many things. But 2021 has felt like a year of waiting for things to begin to rebuild. Many people have not yet returned to church, and some probably never will. The variety of everyday ministry has been lacking with not being able to be in school, with many fewer weddings and baptisms than normal, with small groups and fellowship needing to remain online. A large focus of the PCC has been related to diminishing finances.

Thankfully, glancing back through the parish magazine over the last twelve months reminded me of some of the good things of 2021. We were able to remain engaged with the wider community through the Heart Bomb and the Scarecrow Festival. We were able to serve those in need by making cot blankets for Arrowe Park Neonatal Unit and through donations to Forum Housing and Wirral Foodbank. We were able to learn together through the Prayer Course and had fun baking our way through Lent. A few of us were able to join with others across the diocese on the “Creation Care Course” and work continued to re-establish the garden at St Chad’s so that it will be more accessible in the future.

As I look to the future I am reminded of some of the promises of God:-

Isaiah 42v3: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.”

And I am reminded of the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah enabled the rebuilding of the temple through prayer and by bringing people of all backgrounds to work together. But this rebuilding wasn’t just about the temple, it was also about enabling the people to repent and be restored in relationship with God leading to spiritual growth and evangelism.

Let’s give thanks for where God has been present in this year. Let’s look for what God is doing now. And with prayer and commitment let’s look to where God is leading us and trust him to rebuild and strengthen our church community starting with us.

Revd Jane Turner

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REPORT ON THE BUSINESS OF THE PCC AND OTHER CHURCH MATTERS IN 2021

The PCC met seven times using video technology (“Zoom”). The Standing Committee met in the same way to discuss urgent matters, usually referring their conclusions to the PCC for discussion or using an approved consultation process to reach decisions. This is a summary of the PCC business during 2021.

Closure of churches and plans to re-open

In January, the Rector informed the PCC that the Standing Committee had recommended another closure of the churches, with only on-line services until at least the end of the month. The Government’s guidance on preventing the spread of coronavirus meant that neither church could safely be used for public worship until transmission rates were much lower and the vaccination programme had begun to take effect. The bishop agreed to authorise dispensing with regular services until post Covid-19 lockdown had ended and Wirral had returned to a minimum of Tier 3.

Over the next weeks and months, the regulations and advice were changed frequently and the PCC supported the Rector in adapting arrangements as necessary to comply with the law. Re-opening the churches was discussed frequently. It was possible to hold all-age services during Holy Week, for the evening of Palm Sunday and further services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day.

After much discussion and a survey of views on returning to normal worship, the PCC decided that service times would not be changed until social distancing rules were lifted.

Service arrangements after the lockdowns.

The PCC agreed later that from September 2021, or after all social distancing requirements had been removed, if later than September, the service pattern should be changed to try to rebuild, rejuvenate and strengthen the congregations. This would be reviewed after six months (around Easter 2022, or later if implemented later than September). The service times would be:

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The decisions about service times were taken after many options had been explored. The PCC recognised that the pandemic has taken its toll and we should move forward as positively as we could by working together, to strengthen the community outreach that was so powerful during the first lockdown, and to help to grow the kingdom of God.

Drains at St Bartholomew’s

Early in the year, a pump in the heating system at St Bartholomew’s failed and was replaced by Mr Studholme. It became apparent that the rainwater gulley was partially blocked and could not be cleared. No manholes were visible and there were no drawings of the external layout of drains.

The Insurance Company, Ecclesiastical Insurance, would replace only the damaged part of the drain but the PCC believed that a limited repair would mean more problems in the future. Ecclesiastical Insurance agreed to a cash payment for the cost of the repair to the damaged drainpipe so that we could have the entire drain replaced. The work was completed by a local builder, Hattons, with some of the cost paid from the legacy of Mr C Jones, with the permission of his executors.

Toilet facilities at St Bartholomew’s

In March, Mr Harford, who was leading the work to provide the facilities, said that the work by Hattons should help in finding the best site for the building. In June, Mr Harford informed members that he had spoken to the suppliers of the modular toilet block proposed for installation on the south side of the church and to the Church Architect, Mark Pearce. As it could be moved very quickly, if necessary, he did not expect it to require planning permission and there would be no need to dig foundations. The DAC had approved the use of such buildings by other churches.

Mr Harford had identified another supplier, Concept Cabins, that could provide a steel building that would be easier to install. He suggested that we inform the DAC of both options. A steel structure could be disguised by an external wrapping provided by the manufacturers, to simulate a wooden building. We could not yet make it a specific proposal because the DAC would require full details including costs. It was agreed to ask the DAC for advice, and Mr Harford’s description of the possibilities and other information were submitted to the DAC.

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Churchwarden’s Reports to the PCC

The Churchwarden regularly draws the attention of the PCC to all matters concerning the two churches that require attention. The Churchwarden’s report (page 12) has further details.

Financial Matters

We have for some time only been able to afford to pay 60% of our full Parish Share, which the Diocese agreed to and is still in effect our ‘baseline’. Even that became difficult during lockdown and was reduced to 35%, but the Treasurer hoped we could return to paying 60% of Parish Share from 1[st] April. All Parish Share retained during the year had been ringfenced in the hope that we would repay it later, unless it was required for an emergency.

In September, the PCC was informed that we were still paying 35% of Parish Share and reverting to 60% would increase outgoings by £1,514 a month. This was discussed at length. In November the Treasurer reported that the finances were slowly returning to normal in services although we were still about 30% down on income. More information on the parish finances can be found in the Treasurer’s report (page 6).

Legacy for St Bartholomew’s from the late Mr C Jones

In May, the PCC expressed appreciation of a generous donation by Mr C Jones of a legacy for use at St Bartholomew’s. Mr Jones was a PCC member and churchwarden who had oversight of many building and maintenance projects in the churches and the previous rectory.

Quinquennial Inspection of St Bartholomew’s

The PCC agreed unanimously to invite Mr Mark Pearce, the church architect and a member of the DAC, to carry out the inspection.

Renewal of St Chad’s garden

The PCC agreed to a proposal by Mrs DeBoorder to apply to the LA for grant aid for a plan to renovate existing features in the garden. The work was commenced during the summer and was planned in phases, beginning with the raised beds and outside electrical fittings.

Quinquennial Inspection

During the inspection, the architect found that pigeons had gained access to the Old Tower, creating a significant Health and Safety issue. Mr Studholme, Mr Whitehead and Mr Oliver offered to clear and seal the premises, with overalls and masks kindly provided by Mr Studholme.

Easy Pay

The possibility of having a debit/credit card reader for use by visitors or people passing by, and by those attending weddings or baptisms who

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are relatively young, computer literate and often not carrying cash, had been discussed previously, and the PCC agreed to an offer by Mr Turnbull to purchase a card reader, test it and train others to use it. The costs involved were not fully known and the Finance Committee would be assessing it.

Resignation of Booking Secretary

Mrs Jean Heath had retired as Hall Booking Secretary and had been formally thanked for her work in that capacity over many years. An offer by Ms Julie Davies to receive the emails and maintain the diary was gratefully accepted.

Resignation of Treasurer

Mr Marley informed the PCC that he would be resigning as treasurer in April 2022. He suggested that Mrs K Butler would become treasurer and bookkeeper, working from home for one hour extra on her usual working days. The banking arrangements would have to be reviewed to ensure due separation of responsibilities.

Resignation of Safeguarding Officer

Our Safeguarding Officer was no longer able to carry out the role. It was essential to have a Safeguarding Officer who understood the requirements and the responsibilities and was computer-literate. The person appointed would require a DBS certificate. Three people offered to undertake the responsibilities. After careful consideration, Mr C Williams was appointed. The Rector thanked all those who had volunteered.

Dawpool Foundation Governor

Two of the six Foundation Governors at Dawpool School reached the ends of their terms of office. Mrs K Robson was re-appointed unanimously and Mrs H Williams was appointed to replace Mr K Marley. The Rector thanked Mr Marley on behalf of the PCC.

Kneelers at St Bartholomew’s

Following an on-line discussion, most PCC members had said the old kneelers should be removed. All PCC members were asked for their views by email; permission from the archdeacon was obtained and they were offered on E-Bay. There was no interest and Mr Oliver disposed of them.

Graham Barley (PCC Secretary)

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TREASURER’S REPORT FOR

2021

We have again had a very difficult year which has had an impact on the financial running of the Parish. However, we have also been able to take advantage of certain financial grants to achieve things that would have been out of reach. Our thanks go to Revd Jane and Julie Deboorder who applied for these.

PARISH SHARE

We started the year again paying 35% of the agreed Parish Share in order to maintain our reserves at the required level. This meant that in 2021 we contributed £17,909 less than our agreed 60% ‘baseline’, which together with the £15,215 ringfenced from last year means we have not paid £33,000 over the two years. We were hoping to repay the diocese at a later date if finances allowed and I believe that is still our hope, but as income is down and repairs are imminent, that decision will have to be reviewed.

If we do this it still leaves us in the vulnerable position of possibly receiving only 35% of a replacement minister if the need arose.

ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE BETWEEN 2021 AND 2020

Income

Planned Giving

Our main source of income was down by 5% on last year. However, I would still like to thank everyone for their amazing generosity in these troubled times. It represented 52% of our total income down from 60%, not including the gift aid that is due.

As attendance at church becomes more erratic due the pandemic, it becomes more important that more members are encouraged to join and current members set up standing orders to eradicate any gaps in their financial support of the church. The increase in standing orders since the start of the pandemic has helped enormously with the planning and budgeting, so again my thanks to you all. The continued need to limit numbers at services during parts of the year, following government guidance, has had an impact on the donations we have received.

Donations/Grants/Legacies/Insurance Claims

The income from donations was down 53% and again a huge thank you to all who have donated over the past 12 months.

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We also received two grants of £3,506 and £2,815, being a covid recovery grant and a garden grant.

We received this year a very generous legacy of £5,000 from the estate of Mr Cecil Jones.

We also had an insurance claim at St Bartholomew’s for £3,461 to replace some damaged drainage, and we added some additional expenditure to future proof the work.

We will be examining ways of making donations via contactless technology over the course of the year once we know what the new normal will be.

Everyone should be encouraged to read our legacy policy and think about including the church in their will.

Gift Aid and GASDS

This provides us with very valuable income and is vital to our accounts as this year it made up nearly 15% of our total income. It is cost free to the contributor as long as they have paid enough tax throughout the year. With this in mind, could everyone who is eligible, sign a gift aid declaration and also can current members let the Planned Giving Officers know if you have moved, are no longer eligible or have changed your name.

At this juncture I must thank Chris Turnbull and Chris Smale for the amazing work they do in this area – it can be very time consuming and laborious.

Fees Received

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing issues fees received were down again this year on normal years by over 50%.

Hall Hire

Income was down by 90% this year on normal years due to not being able to hire out the hall.

My thanks to Julie Davies and Kate Butler for their tireless work on bookings, invoices, debt collection and QuickBooks entry.

Investments and Reserves

Despite the poor economic climate and the disintegration of the interest rates on savings, we were only down by 1% in investment income so our assets have held up really well and have actually increased in value by 10%.

We have been able to maintain our reserves at a decent level by not paying the full parish share, but the nature of our situation means this

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needs to be maintained for the continued financial health of the PCC and to cover any unexpected expenditure which can occur at any time.

There has been no work done through the Open Door Fund this year but plans are still under consideration.

Expenditure

I have not done a line-by-line explanation as it is impossible to compare this year to last. Our overall expenditure was up by 14% mainly due to the work done with the grants and the insurance claim, which is offset in the income. Otherwise, the expenses are only 3% up overall. This is mainly due to increased costs of utilities. This was in line with the overall rise in income of 10%. We still had to incur cleaning and salary costs as certain jobs still needed to be done so we didn’t need to furlough anyone.

Assistant Clergy

We had no expenditure on Assistant Clergy over the year but our thanks continue to go to you all for your unwavering support and generosity.

SUMMARY

It has been another difficult year for everyone for many reasons so to have come out the other end in a fairly stable financial position is a credit to the generosity of everyone in the Parish.

This is my last Treasurer’s Report as I have handed the reins over to Kate who will be employed by the PCC to take on this role on top of the Administrator role. I would like to express my deepest thanks to all who have supported me in this endeavour and I wish everyone well for the future.

The finance team comprises:

Parish Giving Officers Chris Turnbull and Chris Smale Banker Kate Butler Parish Administrator Kate Butler Signatory and cashier Roger Jackson Hall Hire Officer Julie Davies, Jon Oliver, Elizabeth Barton and Kate Butler Payroll Officer Patsy Brady Committee members Chris Williams and Malcolm Studholme

Kevin Marley (Honorary Treasurer)

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SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

The government is continually reviewing legislation and guidance to ensure children, young people and adults at risk are kept safe as far as possible. It is our responsibility to ensure we do all we can to make the environments, in which we work and worship, safe for everybody. Our policy at St Chad’s and St Bartholomew’s is based on the policy and procedures outlined in the Church of England Parish Safeguarding Policy. This policy and its procedures will be amended in line with any recommendations or good practice guidance from the House of Bishops and will be reviewed annually. These procedures may be adapted as required specifically to meet the needs and practices of St Chad’s Irby and St Bartholomew’s Thurstaston.

- Parish Safeguarding Co ordinator

The current Safeguarding Co-ordinator appointed is Mr Christopher Williams. Christopher has recently completed the diocesan safeguarding training. Christopher is responsible for the administration of all DBS correspondence, references and online checks through the thirtyoneeight DBS online portal (the company procured by the Diocese to undertake DBS checks) but has no pastoral responsibility for the children or adults at risk within the Parish. Contact details for the Safeguarding Co-ordinator are currently displayed on Church notice boards along with contact details of local authority safeguarding boards. The email address to contact the Safeguarding Co-ordinator is safeguarding@thurstaston.org.uk.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

In the event of a safeguarding concern or referral being made, under the current arrangements, any such referrals should be directed to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Reverend Jane Turner who will liaise with the Diocese Safeguarding Officer and the relevant local safeguarding authority. There have been no safeguarding referrals or concerns raised to the Safeguarding Coordinator during the year 2021 and no pending investigations.

Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding training for volunteers is arranged by the Diocese. Dates of any new classroom based safeguarding training events will be circulated as they become available; however an easier to access, online e-learning course is also freely available through the Church of England website at - https://www.chester.anglican.org/support

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All current volunteers have been asked to complete this Church of England online safeguarding training course. All current volunteers have received a guidance document outlining the types of abuse which can lead to safeguarding referrals, this should enable them to identify any potential abuse situations.

Safer Recruitment and DBS (Disclosure & Barring) Vetting

In accordance with legal requirements all volunteers currently working with children and adults at risk have registered for DBS checks. References from two referees are requested along with suitable identification checks prior to DBS certificates being issued. New volunteer applicants are asked to complete a pre-appointment questionnaire and declaration in relation to any previous offences. New volunteer applicants are asked to sign a consent form in relation to the sharing of their personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998. DBS checks are completed and retained by thirtyoneeight as the 14 appointed DBS service provider. This is an on-line service which works well for these purposes and DBS certificates will be requested to be renewed at regular intervals.

Current DBS Registrations

Presently eleven people within the Parish have DBS certificates in place, several of whom will be required to renew their DBS certificates during 2022. There are currently no new DBS applicants being processed. The Rector or the Safeguarding Officer will only provide details of DBS certificate holders on request.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding referrals and all relevant sensitive information should remain confidential and should only be shared with local authority safeguarding boards and the Safeguarding Officer for the Diocese. All personal information in relation to volunteers and sensitive information in relation to safeguarding referrals must be stored and locked away in a safe place, inaccessible to anyone other than authorised personnel.

Safe Working Practice

Risk assessments forms are available and should be carried out and recorded for all new and changing activities. Risk assessments for existing activities should be assessed at least annually by the lead practitioner for the activity.

Children’s Advocate

Currently the Parish has decided not to appoint a separate person to act as ‘vulnerable person’s advocate’ whom children or adults at risk could talk to about any safeguarding concerns they might have. Safeguarding

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concerns and referrals in relation to children will continue to be reported by the Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator or the Rector.

Appropriate Insurance Cover

The Parish is responsible for ensuring adequate annual insurance cover for its Church activities. People requesting hall hire are asked to ensure that they have also made appropriate insurance arrangements and advised that they need to ensure risk management strategies are in place for the activities they wish to engage in and that it is their responsibility to provide adequate supervision for children and young people taking part in these activities.

Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) and Joint Safeguarding Policy Arrangements

St Chad’s, Irby with St Bartholomew’s, Thurstaston do not currently have any such joint partnership arrangements in place.

Agreements with Offenders

Offenders who become known to the church and who pose a risk to children or adults at risk and who wish to take part in activities or church worship should enter into an agreement which should be reviewed on a regular basis.

The Year Ahead

The Parish commits itself to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust. The current policies and procedures have been adopted and are in place in order to ensure that the Parish is compliant with legislation and guidance and has robust safeguarding protocols in place. I believe that provided the current policies and safeguarding procedures are followed and adhered to, the Parish will remain compliant.

In the year ahead it is proposed that, in order to remain compliant with legislation and guidance, the following will take place:

A full review, by the PCC, of Parish safeguarding policies.

A review and update of the Parish website to ensure that all safeguarding information is up to date and easily accessible.

Ensuring that all people undertaking any church role has access to and information on appropriate training, and that training for all such individuals is up to date.

Christopher Williams Safeguarding Co-ordinator St Chad’s Irby with St Bartholomew’s Thurstaston

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CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT

The year began with no services at either church due to the national lockdown.

Services resumed for both churches from 23[rd] May. Places were limited due to COVID protocols and had to be booked using a booking system which was in place through to July when restrictions were eased.

In January ITPAS donated and planted daffodils at St Bartholomew’s on either side of the lychgate. ITPAS donated further daffodil bulbs for St Chad’s which were planted by congregation members along the grass verge in front of the extension and in a cross shape at the entrance to the car park.

Julie DeBoorder has continued to work extremely hard with the tree project at St Chad’s. We were also given a grant from the Wirral Together Fund to help renovate the existing garden features at St Chad’s, and a further COVID Recovery Grant from the local council to purchase some garden tables and chairs.

At St Bartholomew’s, we have had work completed on the roof to clear gutters of vegetation. There has also been a considerable amount of work completed on the drainage system with the installation of new pipe work and gullies. The system had begun to collapse.

We have also had work completed on repairing the organ which had a ‘stuck’ stop. This was paid for by a legacy specifically given for organ repairs.

The Quinquennial Inspection of St Bartholomew’s was carried out by the church architect on 30[th] June. The report was received in November.

The urgent works requiring immediate attention were to commission an electrical installation condition report and clear the Old Tower of guano and dead birds in order to allow the safe inspection of its interior.

Pigeons has been able to access the Old Tower through a wooden hatch which had rotted. There were several dead birds and the contents of the tower were covered in guano.

We are very grateful to Malcolm Studholme, Peter Whitehead and Jon Oliver, for donning PPE to remove the dead birds and prevent them from gaining further access.

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At St Chad’s, hall hire was suspended during lockdown, but resumed in June.

The main hall floor had begun to deteriorate and has been temporarily repaired. However, we have started to look at funding in order to replace the whole floor.

In May, Revd Jane was given a truncheon, a pair of handcuffs and two pictures of St Bartholomew’s (the first and second churches). These had belonged to Mr Thomas Langley of Ivy Bank, Thurstaston. He had become the first warden of Thurstaston Common in the late 19[th] Century. He had also been a very active member of our church community.

In June, Revd Jane accompanied Aleta Doran (Artist in Residence at Chester Cathedral) on a visit to St Bartholomew’s to view two stained glass windows made by Trena Cox.

Trena Cox (1895-1980) was born on Wirral and grew up around Birkenhead. Most of her works are in churches in the old counties of Cheshire and Lancashire. Our two examples are the St Bartholomew window, on the South side opposite the main door and the first window, by the main door on the North side.

Once again, as the only Churchwarden for both churches the role has been very challenging.

My thanks go to all who have helped out in any way with the day to day running of the churches, but in particular to Malcom Studholme, without whose assistance my role would become impossible.

I would also like to thank my husband, Peter Whitehead, Peter Robson and Jon Oliver for always being there when needed.

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Finally, but most importantly, we as a parish must give our thanks to our Rector, Revd Jane Turner, for her continued support, hard work and devotion especially during the restrictions caused by the continuing pandemic.

Now we pray that the Lord gives us his blessing for 2022, as we go forward in these still uncertain times.

Liz Whitehead (Churchwarden)

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

In the first half of 2021, lockdown rules were in force, so two remote Deanery Synod meetings were held via Zoom. The Reverend David Vestergaard, the vicar of St Andrew’s Bebington, was welcomed as the new Rural Dean at the first of these meetings.

The main agenda item was ‘Ministry during the pandemic’ and the Revd David invited participants to consider three questions:

  1. Can you name one thing which has helped you to keep going over the last year and which might be helpful to others?

  2. What is your greatest hope for the year ahead?

  3. Where is you church most in need of support, advice or help?

Feedback from the various breakout rooms indicated some wide-ranging discussion. Participants referred to regular telephone contacts, ‘buddy’ groups, WhatsApp prayer groups and use of technology, including streaming services, as important means of sustaining church life, whilst others mentioned the importance of Nature and the opportunity to (re) establish home routine.

Among people’s greatest hopes were an end to the pandemic, the chance to worship in person once more and to receive Communion, a Church that looks outwards, not inwards, and that we would not forget the things we have learned during the pandemic. The hope was also expressed that some people who have watched streamed services might be brought to the Lord.

The third question generated quite a lot of discussion about IT issues, how to stream services and use various digital platforms, as well as about best practice for children’s groups when given permission to re-start.

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The main part of the second meeting held via Zoom was devoted to a presentation by the Revd Canon Sarah Fenby, who is the Diocesan Director of Vocations. She began her talk, entitled “Let’s Talk Vocations”, by considering the ‘theological starter blocks’:

Beginning with God;

Confidence in God’s work in the world;

God calls us to be a visible witness to His name;

Different Gifts – a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

From there she considered a number of ‘discernment’ questions and described the various vocational courses available within the diocese, concluding with an exploration of the six qualities necessary for ordained ministry: love for God, love for others, a call to ministry, wisdom, fruitfulness and potential.

Revd Jane offered to host the final meeting of the year at St Chad’s. This was the first to be held in person, following the lifting of lockdown, and gratitude was expressed to the volunteers from the parish who provided refreshments. The main speaker was the Revd Jane Proudfoot, a member of the Diocesan Advisory Group for Living in Love and Faith (LLF). She explained that there is a need for church members to learn about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage and that LLF is there to allow different voices to speak in safe spaces without feeling judged. A book entitled “Living in Love and Faith” is available, as well as a course which can be accessed via the Church of England website. This course is followed by a questionnaire, which can be taken by individuals or groups and will provide valuable feedback to the national church.

Chris Smale and Julie Davies

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

At the APCM in 2021, the Electoral Roll contained 151 members from 103 households.

The numbers on the Roll have not changed during the past year and on the date of the APCM in 2022, it still contained 151 members from 103 households.

Helen Williams (Electoral Roll Officer)

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CHARITIES SUPPORTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY

For 140 years, the Society has worked to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect, supporting them through their most serious life challenges.

The Society also campaigns tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most.

Jean Heath and Barbara Kozer co-ordinate fund raising for the Society in the Parish.

Due to Covid restrictions, for the second year it was not possible to hold our annual ‘Thank You’ Coffee Morning in October. However, with due regard to health and safety, Barbara and Jean were able to collect most of the house boxes on the list and, thanks to these supporters, a record amount of £1,258.29 was paid in to help with the Society’s work with young people across the country.

Some of our box holders, for this year only, chose to donate online and some have decided to use this method in future. However, we hope the Coffee Morning planned for 10.30 on Saturday,19 March 2022 at ‘Barnstables’, 233 Irby Road, will give an opportunity for everyone to come together and help raise a further amount for the Society’s work.

Jean Heath (648 6015)

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Junior Church and Seniors 2021

Before Junior Church had re-started, it was noticed that one senior had been very helpful in our family zoom services. Although we were not able to have a bookgiving service, we thought Abigail Williams was very deserving of the Senior Shield. Revd Jane devised a plan to fool Abigail into opening a parcel during the June “Zoom” family service as part of a theme, however she was surprised to find the shield!

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Also, in May, while there was no Junior Church, we were able to involve the children in Pentecost by sending out pictures to colour in. The children’s pictures were then able to be part of our window display.

Junior Church resumed in September and was held once a month, usually the 4[th] Sunday of the month. Sally

Partington became a new leader and Dawn and Sally produced lovely sessions with crafts and stories.

After careful consideration and consultation with all the seniors, we made the decision to close Seniors.

A lot had changed in two years, most had naturally moved on to other things and there was no interest from those of the right age to start a new group. I will miss them; they were a great group. Chris Smale and I both enjoyed our sessions together and wish them a bright future.

In October we had a special Pumpkin Party when there was much pumpkin carving and fun to be had.

We were not able to produce a nativity service as normal, so this year Revd Jane organised a Pop Up Nativity which was able to run with the aid of a few props and willing volunteers

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It was a lot of fun and I think the adults liked dressing up more than the children, particularly the three kings who looked wonderful.

Many thanks for parents’ help in sessions and to all the leaders, helpers and

Revd Jane for all their support and hard work.

Julie De Boorder

Bellringers’ Report 2021

2021 has followed on from 2020 as another difficult and disrupted year for the world, the Church and for our ringing.

We started the year with ringing in Church suspended by Covid regulations. We therefore took the opportunity to continue to meet, socially distancing, in gardens to ring hand bells. At some points in the crisis this was reduced by the Rule of Six and we put in place an informal ‘rota’ for attendance.

The hand bell ringing has improved and developed over time. It has allowed us the opportunity to look at the logic and patterns behind the bell ringing, something that I hope will improve our church bell ringing over time.

We wish to continue to meet and practice hand bells over the coming year.

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Photo taken by Ruth Eden of hand bell ringing in summer 2020

There have been a number of occasions when the national ringing community were asked to ring during the lockdown. On these occasions I attended and rang the tenor bell after agreement from the Rector:

Saturday 27[th] February 100 Tolling

In memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore on the day of his funeral.

Friday 9[th] April 99 Tolling

In memory of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh whose death was announced today.

Saturday 10[th] April Half muffled Nine Tailors and Tolling 99 times Rung at noon in memory of the life and service of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Saturday 17[th] April 30 minutes of half muffled Tolling Rung prior to the funeral of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh held at Windsor.

[The Nine Tailors (made famous by the Dorothy L Sayers novel of the same name) is an historic way of noting a death. The tenor is initially tolled in groups of three. There are nine rings (three groups of three) for the death of an adult male, six for an adult female and three for a child. This is then followed by one toll for each year of their life].

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During the last year representatives of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, the House of Bishops and the Government have been regularly meeting to come up with an approved framework detailing how to return to ringing in a safe fashion as the regulations change. This framework takes into account local circumstances such as ventilation, number of bells, length of ringing etc. I am very grateful to this team for their ongoing advice and updates as to what is safe and reasonable.

Following the relaxation of Government rules and with agreement from the Church we were able (with appropriate safeguards in place) to return to limited ringing practices in May – this was greatly appreciated by the whole ringing team. We were very happy to return to the tower and reassured that the appropriate precautions were in place.

In September the PCC agreed to a return of Church services, though the service pattern was changed. We were therefore able to return to service ringing and now ring on alternate Sundays for the 10.30 service at St Bartholomew’s. We would like to ring more regularly but do not feel that ringing before the 9am service on the alternate weeks would be acceptable to the village community.

We did not have a ‘Christmas meal’ last year due to the lockdown restrictions but are looking to book one as the situation, hopefully, improves in the coming weeks and months.

We currently have 15 ringers but will always welcome more. You are welcome to come and see what we do and to join us (please ring first to confirm that we will be there).

Peter Robson

COMMUNITY ACTION 2021

Community Action was first included in last year’s Annual Report because due to the pandemic, I was involved in community projects that would not have happened otherwise.

20

Heart Bomb

Shortly before Valentine’s day, Revd Jane found an article called Heart Bomb, composed by Muddy Church, the idea being to get the community to cover everywhere in hearts, lifting spirits with everyone feeling loved. Initially I was just going to take it up with our church, but it grew quickly with the help of Facebook.

Elizabeth Barton worked with me and made all the large hearts for the churches and created the floral display in St Bartholomew’s porch. Elaine Jones decorated the lychgate and the W.I. made hearts and helped Elizabeth and myself to decorate the village.

By 13[th] February we had Heart Bombed both churches and Irby Village, with many people joining in putting hearts in their front

gardens and windows.

21

It was a lovely event and many people commented how cheerful it made them feel and how the community felt stronger.

Garden Project

In 2020 plans were made to restore the back garden of St Chad’s and in February 2021 we were successful in receiving a grant from Wirral Together for £2,815 for this purpose.

Work began in May, firstly, to cut back the large overgrown raised area and treat with weedkiller, then to remove rotten raised beds and have a new long raised bed built, complete with bark path for easy access all around it. Also in May, Linda Barley

and I laid down tree mats around each tree that was planted last year along the Village Hall side of the back garden, in order to suppress grass around them to aid their growth.

In September there was a change of plan and work began to remove the large raised area and return it to grass. It was felt that trying to restore it to a bark chipped area would cost a lot of money and need a lot of time to maintain, with a possibly of it becoming overgrown yet again. From the wood that was saved it is hoped we can make small raised beds to plant up and make it a relaxing place to sit and enjoy for our church and the community.

22

Scarecrow Festival

At the end of August, a Scarecrow Festival was held in Irby. St Chad’s were able to join in the festival due to the hard work and talent of Elizabeth Barton, helped by Emma Davies, Matthew Barton, Jon Oliver and me. We had a scarecrow choir led by scarecrow Sheeran and a scarecrow gardening party. A great fun event to take part in and was enjoyed very much by the community and all that came to see it.

Julie De Boorder

CHURCH RELATED ORGANISATIONS

Please visit www.mothersunion.org/ or

www.mothersunionchester.org.uk to find out more about the work of Mothers’ Union.

EMU report January – December 2021

Our branch of EMU (Evening Mothers’ Union) meets monthly during the school term at St Chad’s at 8.00pm. We would love to welcome new members. Please come along and give it a try. We have a varied programme to suit all tastes.

We didn’t manage any meetings in St Chad’s in 2021 because of COVID restrictions. However, on 30[th] June we had an unofficial meet up with EMU friends in Judith’s garden and enjoyed tea and cake.

23

Also on 20[th] October, some of us met up for a meal in The Gravesberie Inn at Greasby and had a lovely meal and a good long chat.

A Christmas coffee morning was held on 27[th] November 2021 at St Chad's, with proceeds being split between church and EMU. We raised £174.25, of which £100 is to be donated to AFIA (Away from it all Holidays).

A group of us, along with church members made hearts to display in Irby for Valentine’s Day to spread Love in the community.

I continue to knit Baptism teddies but not many baptisms took place this year.

Chris Rostock – Branch Secretary

24

1[st ] Thurstaston Guides Annual Report for 2021

Well, what can we say about the past year! Like most people, we found things were hugely different again for us for most of the year. In 2021, we had to remain online for the spring and summer terms but then after the summer holidays we were able to go back to face-toface meetings for autumn 2021, which was great. This report will therefore cover both our online and in-person meetings, as we tried to make the sessions enjoyable for our guides no matter where we all were!

Virtual Meetings

Having been forced online in 2020, in 2021 we were more used to the idea and so continued to have some great meetings over Zoom.

Some of the cooking we did (over Zoom ably assisted by glamorous assistants in the form of parents/carers!):

We also completed our Whittling badge and had some great soap models leading up to it and no major first aid incidents.

We held our district Thinking Day event over Zoom and although the singing was ‘interesting’ the whole event was a great success involving two guide units, two brownie units and two rainbow units – all on Zoom! A few of our guides also made their promises at this meeting – a truly unique experience for them

Face to Face

It was fantastic to be able to meet face to face with the girls again from June 2021. We had all outdoor meetings first as we were still unable to meet indoors. We still managed to do a fair bit including a chippy walk to Parkgate, a very damp games night in Irby Park, a trip to the Yog bar in Hoylake, litter pick on Thurstaston Beach and the traditional outdoor BBQ at Thurstaston (just for guides rather than their families too this year to aid with social distancing) at the end of term.

In the Autumn term, we were back in the Church Hall. We completed a couple of the skills builder badges (which go towards the girls’ Gold Award). One of these focused around campaigning and we had a visit from the local parliament outreach officer, Gary who gave us a really

25

interesting, informative and enjoyable talk about what goes on in parliament and also played us a short video that our local MP, Margaret Greenwood, had made for us.

We had the usual trip to Manley Mere which involved a great deal of getting soaked and muddy (intentionally I hasten to add!) and plenty of smiles and laughter. We also had a tennis evening when Sue from Heswall tennis club came and did some tennis with the girls. This also coincided with our Children in Need fundraising night, so tennis was played in PJ’s and onesies!

So, after starting 2021 in lockdown again and having to continue with virtual meetings, it was fantastic to be able to finally meet face-to-face again and throughout it all, we’ve once again managed to involve the girls in a good range of activities.

As always, we wish the guides who have now left us all the best for the future.

Ellie Randall, Gaynor Vaughan, Lily Foster and the Guides!

3rd Irby Brownies

3rd Irby Brownies have been able to return to meeting weekly face to face at St Chad’s. The Brownies have been able to complete plenty of badges throughout the year and we have started to be able to do some trips including a Christmas themed evening at Hadlow Fields and a trip to the Panto in January. We have said goodbye to some of our older Brownies who have gone to Guides and welcomed lots of new Brownies. The unit is thriving with over 35 girls. We are looking forward to going to PGL in June for a weekend away.

Gemma Willerton, Lynn McCoy, Kate Preston, Mandi Fletcher and Emily Fearns-Nicol.

TOTS & TINIES

We have been meeting since September 2021, numbers have varied between 20-40 children every week. The session begins with free play, then a craft and finally a story time and song all together. It is really lovely to see the parents and children engaging with each other. We also contribute to any church activities such as the heart bomb event.

It has been a great help having volunteers to provide Tea/Coffee and Juice. We are not providing any snacks for the children at the moment to minimise the risk of spreading COVID.

Allison Youds

26

CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2021

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Bartholomew, Thurstaston Registered Charity Number 1132086

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ending 31 December 2021

Receipts & Payments account
Receipts
Voluntary Receipts
Planned Giving St Bartholomew
St Chad
Other Collections St Bartholomew
St Chad
Total
Donations
Wallbox
Recurring Donations
Text Donations(just giving)
Non recurring Donations (see note 1)
Total donations
Grants received (see note 2)
Legacies (see note 15)
Tax recovered
Total
Total Donation Income
Activities for Generating Funds (See note 3)
Church Activities (See note 4)
Income from Investments (See note 5)
TOTAL
Payments
Cost of generating voluntary income (See note 6)
Mission Giving (See note 7)
Church Activities (See note 8)
Major Works
TOTAL
Excess of Receipts over Payments		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2020
26603
26603
26343
14304
14304
17068
629
629
296
546
546
454
42082
0
0
0
42082
44161
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
16
16
2883
2883
6151
2899
0
0
0
2899
6151
44981
44981
50312
6321
6321
2000
5000
5000
0
11231
11231
10489
22552
0
0
0
22552
12489
67533
0
0
0
67533
62801
176
176
0
8030
8030
5434
25
4450
135
4610
4829
75764
0
4450
135
80349
73064
126
126
157
65
65
310
65654
65654
57287
0
0
0
65845
0
0
0
65845
57754
9919
0
4450
135
14504
15310
Transfers between funds
Total
Bank Current and Deposit Accounts 1 Jan
Bank Current and Deposit Accounts 31 Dec		 58045
179427
4849
72312
193095
5634		 242321
271041
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Assets
Cash at bank and in hand and undeposited funds
CAF Current Account
CAF Gold Account
Total
Investment Assets (See note 9)
Morrell Trust
Ismay Charity
Tudor Trust
Eileen Shaw Trust
Open Door
Reserve Fund
Total
Other Monetary Assets
Gift aid claimable
Total Assets
Liabilities (See note 11 )
Total Assets less Liabilities		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
13
13
39992
39992
28378
28378
68383
0
0
0
0
68383
8893
8893
5634
0
28085
28085
117037
117037
39080
39080
3929
3929
72312
0
193095
0
5634
271041
9911
9911		 Total
2020
13
25730
28375
54118
8178
4849
24080
108109
39060
3927
242321
10693
82223
0
193095
0
5634
280952
785
785
81438
193095
5634
280167		 253014
204383
48631

Approved by the PCC on and signed on their behalf by Rev E Jane turner (PCC Chairperson) and Mr Kevin Marley (Treasurer)

Notes to the accounts
1. Non recurring donations
Gift Aided Donations
Non‐Gift Aided Donations
Total
2.Grants Received
Grant from Diocese due to COVID
Covid recovery grant
Garden Grant
Total
3.Generating Funds
Christmas Fair/Santa in Irby
Other fund raising events
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2020
2505
2505
2272
378
378
3879
2883
0
0
0
0
2883
6151
0
0
2000
3506
3506
0
2815
2815
0
6321
0
0
0
0
6321
2000
176
176
0
0
0
0
176
0
0
0
0
176
0

4. Main Church Activities

Fees Received
Contribution to heating
Hall Hire
Tots and Tinies
Magazine subscriptions
Magazine income
Insurance claims
Total
5. Income from Investments
Bank Interest
Morrell Trust
Ismay Charity
Tudor Trust
Shaw Trust
Total
6. Costs of Generating Voluntary Income
Planned Giving Envelope Systems
Harvest Supper
Christmas Fair/Santa in Irby
Total
7. Mission Giving
Diocesan Family of Schools
Friends of Chester CathedralDeanery Synod
Ismay Charity donation
art exhibition and flood relief
Gifts (Rural Dean)
Total
8. Church Activities
Parish Share
Salaries
Caretaker
Cleaners
Parish Clerk
Pastoral Expenses
Rector's Expenses
Rector's Office Expenses
Rectory Expenses
Mission Costs
Assisting Clergy Fees & Expenses
Organist's Fees
Service Costs (worship materials)
Website
Youth
Tots & Tinies
St Bartholomew Overheads
Church Insurance (see note 16)
C26: Church Licences
C23: Church Building Maintenance
C19: Churchyard Upkeep
C24: Church Organ Expenses
C21: Church Electricity
C22: Church Heating Oil
St Chad's Overheads		 2502
2502
2456
56
56
280
1144
1144
1852
443
443
238
184
184
180
240
240
428
3461
3461
0
8030
0
0
0
0
8030
5434
25
25
204
223
223
237
135
0
131
762
762
747
3465
3465
3510
25
0
4450
0
135
4610
4829
126
126
157
0
0
0
0
0
0
126
0
0
0
0
126
157
0
0
0
25
25
65
0
0
220
0
0
0
40
40
25
65
0
0
0
0
65
310
23072
23072
25359
0
394
394
394
1519
1519
1607
3560
3560
3560
0
567
567
567
1874
1874
1873
2959
2959
2818
0
0
0
406
66
66
868
1228
1228
1006
215
215
233
0
0
0
221
221
116
0
5828
5828
5918
83
83
80
841
841
867
7358
7358
915
690
690
115
329
329
450
1330
1330
1061
0
Hall Insurance ( see note 16)
Hall Licences
Hall Building Maintenance
Hall Grounds Maintenance
Hall Electricity
Hall Gas
Hall Water
St Chads Building Maintenance
Magazine Costs Production Expenses
Admin Expenses
Office equipment
Office Postage
Office Software
Office Stationary
Office Phone & Internet
Bank Charges
Total		 0
0
0
332
332
307
200
200
492
4996
4996
600
691
691
620
1042
1042
1245
1105
1105
231
106
106
91
47
47
109
0
1859
1859
2152
0
0
31
958
958
825
1686
1686
1898
402
402
413
96
96
60
65654
0
0
0
0
65654
57287

9. Investments

The investments relate to 5 funds:

Income Fund with the balance held in the bank account for distribution at the

discretion of the incumbent, or for eventual reinvestment.

investments,The property fund,the UK equity fund and the global equity income fund

(iv) The Eileen Shaw Trust is a restricted fund producing income for general church use and is invested in C of E Global Equity, Property, Uk Equity, Investment and Fixed income Funds

The fund is held by Chester DBF as Diocesan Authority on behalf of the PCC This trust is now shown in the PCC’s statement of Assets and Liabilities

10. St Chad's Building

St Chad's building is 50 years old and was built using donations. The first extension was built using funds from the sale of land on which Village Court was built. The new extension was built over 10 years ago.

11. Liabilities
11. Liabilities 2021 2020
Retained wedding and funeral fees 785 785
Hall Hire paid in advance 0 885
Total 785 1670

The Parish has been unable to meet its Parish Share contribution in full for several years. The Parish achieved a payment amounting to 35% of the total request for 2021. The Parish are mindful that they have not been able to reach a full payment, but will look to increase payment to the Diocese as income allows.

12. PCC member payments

PCC member Jon Oliver was paid £264 because of his employment as Verger.

13. Accounts

This financial statement has been prepared in accordance wth Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

The Gift Aid refers to money received in 2021 for the 2020 financial and tax year. Also no reference is made to stock held or debtors

14. Reserves Policy

  1. Legacies

  2. Insurance

We have no Quinquennial provision and we aim to carry a minimum of 3 months turnover i.e approximately £30000

We received one legacy of £5000 from the estate of Cecil Jones.

The insurance figure is now a combined figure for both churches

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Independent examiner's report on
the accounts		 Independent examiner's report on
the accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/
members of
On accounts for the year
ended
Set out on pages		 Charity Name
Charity no
(if any)
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical
Parish of St. Bartholomew, Thurstaston
31st December 2021
1132086
1 to 6
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
1 to 6

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. [The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [named body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

1

March 2022

IER

Independent In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my examiner's statement attention (other than that disclosed below") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or 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 Ihat the accounts give a 'true and fair. view whi¢h is not a matter onsidered as part of an independent examination. I 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 6th March 2022 Name: Margaret Ann Walker of MAW Accountants Relevant professional qualification{sl or body lif any).. ICPA(Fellow) Address: 33 Thingwall Road Irby Wirral CH613UE Section Disclosure Only ionlpileit 11 ilie éxdminei liceds Its liifjl-,Iifjill tnaleiial maiiei S OI CGFiiei Il (see CC32, Independent examinolion ol chaiiiy accounts.. dire(lions and guidance loi examineis). IER March 2022

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Following a meeting of the PCC to discuss the 2021 Financial Accounts, and a subsequent discussion with the Diocese it was agreed that the Liabilities (Note 11) relating to the Unpaid Parish Share should be revised to reflect a more realistic position and in that respect all previous years 'outstanding' Liability should be cancelled and the Reserves adjusted accordingly.

3

March 2022

IER