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2021-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1132389

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS

CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 1
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 3
PCC MEMBERSHIP 4
OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 7
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE IN 2021 8
BENEFIT TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY 12
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2021 15
FINANCIAL REVIEW 16
SIGNATURE PAGE 17
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 18
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT 19
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 20
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 21

Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Church of St Peter and St Paul Church Street Wadhurst East Sussex TN5 6AA Incumbent Revd Dr Paul Ratcliff The Vicarage High Street Wadhurst East Sussex TN5 6AA Independent Examiner A S Healey FCA, CTA, DChA Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Ltd Chartered Accountants North House 198 High St Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Tunbridge Wells (B) Branch 89 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1QJ

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its report, together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is on Church Street in the heart of the village of Wadhurst.

The parish has been part of the United Benefice of Wadhurst, Tidebrook and Stonegate since June 2020.

The benefice is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England.

Correspondence address : Carillon Cottage High Street Wadhurst TN5 6AA

Wadhurst PCC is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission (charity number 1132389) and is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation Rules, as amended in 2020.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are trustees of the Charity.

St Peter and St Paul’s PCC consists of the Vicar, the ex officio members, plus those elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. All those who attend services regularly are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and to consider standing for election to the PCC. Other PCC members may be co-opted.

Patrons of the benefice may attend by invitation. Church members tasked by the PCC with leading church activities (eg fabric oversight, work with children and young people) submit written reports to each meeting and may also attend by invitation to discuss their activities.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

Executive Committee

The PCC’s Standing Committee, which is required by law and is known as the Executive Committee, comprises the Vicar, the Churchwardens, the Treasurer, the PCC Secretary and, if appropriate, one other representative of the PCC. From June 2021 this was Chris Bithell.

This committee sets the agenda for PCC meetings and has the power to transact business on behalf of the PCC between its meetings, subject to directions given by the PCC.

Patrons

For over 35 years and until his death in 2020, Mr Michael Toynbee was a Patron of Wadhurst Church.

Following the creation of the United Benefice, a Patronage Board of three was set up to cover all three parishes. The Board consulted with the PCCs of all three parishes before appointing John Bateup as the third Patron on the Board. The full membership of the Patronage Board was certified by the Diocese in November 2021 to be:

Michael Hardcastle Caroline ‘Nima’ Reid John Bateup

Patrons play no role in the governance of the church but have the right to appoint a new incumbent to the benefice when it is necessary.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)

Membership

St Peter and St Paul’s PCC consists of the Vicar, Churchwardens (and occasionally deputy wardens), Readers, Deanery Synod representatives and the Chair of Carillon Cottage (the ex officio members), plus those elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Additional members may be coopted, such as the Treasurer and Secretary.

Appointment

Members of the PCC are appointed at the Annual Meeting (APCM) and Annual Vestry Meeting (AVM) which appoints the Churchwardens. The AVM and APCM were both held on 20 May 2021, in the church.

In addition, an Extraordinary Meeting of Parishioners was held on 28 November 2021, following the resignation of John Bateup as Churchwarden. Ruth Dunnett was elected Churchwarden and Heather Ratcliff elected as Deanery Synod Representative at that meeting.

Members in 2021

During the year January to December 2021 the following served as members of the Wadhurst PCC:

Ex-officio members

Ex-officio members
Revd Dr Paul Ratcliff Priest-in-Charge to May 2020 and Vicar from June 2020 to present
Chair of the PCC
David Payne* Reader
Peter Thompson Reader
Vanessa Sharman Churchwarden from October 2020 to May 2021
Churchwarden from May2021
John Bateup Churchwarden from October 2020 to September 2021
Ruth Dunnett Churchwarden from November 2021
Chris Bithell DeanerySynod Representative from October 2020
Heather Ratcliff DeanerySynod Representative from November 2021
George Pulman (deceased) DeanerySynod Representative from October 2020 to January2021
Peter Dwyer* Deputy Warden from October 2020 to May 2021
DeputyWarden from May2021
Michael Bradford Deputy Warden from October 2020 to May 2021
DeputyWarden from May2021
Michael Hardcastle Carillon Cottage Chair (and Chairman and member of the Patronage
Board)

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

Elected members

Elected members
Sue Hill Elected Member to May2021
LesleyWardrop Elected Member and SafeguardingOfficer from 2021
PennyDobson Elected Member and Lead Recruiter from 2019
Martin Lindsay Elected member from October 2020
Miquela Walsh Elected Member from October 2020

Co-opted Members

Co-opted Members
Paul Stephens HonoraryTreasurer
Lynda Wight PCC Secretary

Resigned during the year

John Bateup resigned as Churchwarden for personal reasons in September 2021.

The PCC noted with great sadness the sudden passing in January 2021 of long-serving and faithful member George Pulman.

PCC Meetings

In the year January to December 2021 four full PCC meetings were held; one online and three face to face.

Date of Meeting Number attending
(% of those entitled to do so at the time of the meeting)
22 March 2021 (by virtual meeting) 11/14 (79%)
28 June 2021 12/13 (92%)
20 September 2021 9/12 (75%)
6 December 2021 10/14 (71%)

In addition, during times when meetings in person were discouraged, PCC members considered supporting information and voted on special resolutions by email on six occasions.

Date Topic Result
Jan 21 Cancellation of services due to Covid 14/15 approved; 1 objected
Jan 21 Appointment of Pastoral Assistant 14/14 approved
Apr 21 Approval for filming in churchyard 13/14 approved; 1 objected
October 21 Approval for work to commence on vestries 12/12 approved
Nov 21 Approval for implementation of contactless giving 12/12 approved
Dec 21 Approval for a benefice-wide GDPR policy 14/14 approved

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

Employees of the PCC

The PCC employs Jean Sermon as Church Administrator.

The PCC has employed Kat Fisher as the Pastoral Assistant for Families and Children, School Pastors Coordinator and Youth Worker since February 2021.

Robert Fuller is employed by the PCC for his services as organist and choir master.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The PCC works with the Vicar to promote the whole mission of the church – pastoral, evangelical, social, and ecumenical – in the ecclesiastical parish of Wadhurst.

Mission Statement

Using the gifts God gives us, we: bring others to Christ deepen our faith in Him develop the life of the church family serve each other and the wider community and so express our worship to God in every part of life

In furtherance of this mission, the PCC:

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the PCC has given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to ‘public benefit’.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The PCC has due regard for its Health and Safety responsibilities and for its responsibilities under the GDPR.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE IN 2021

Electoral Roll

The church Electoral Roll, as at the annual meeting in May 2021, stood at 191 members. Six names were added, three left the area and sadly four members died since the previous electoral roll.

Mission and Evangelism

Mission Action Plan

During 2021 the PCC developed a Mission Action Plan outlining its priorities for future activities in the areas of:

Initial work on the MAP involved a community audit to identify ways in which the church interacts with different age groups, those with special needs, businesses and other institutions in the local community, as well as within the worshipping church family.

Homegroups

The church has a network of homegroups, through which the gospel is proclaimed, and private and collective prayer and study are promoted. These have continued to meet virtually during the pandemic to offer support to their members in those tough times. Most are now back to having faceto-face meetings.

Children and Young People

The church was in receipt of a Diocesan Mission Grant to employ a Church Youth Worker and School Pastors’ Coordinator. Following the interview process Kat Fisher was appointed to both posts and as the Children and Families worker, and commenced work in February 2021, initially part-time and then full time.

The church has continued to provide teaching for children in the church family aged 3-12 years, either on-line or latterly face to face at Sunday J Club. In addition, provision for children across the community is supplied through activities at Jellybeans and the weekday J Club (see later).

A Youth Group for young people of secondary school age has been set up meeting on Sunday after the morning services.

Children participated in the virtual ‘May Camp’.

Prayer and Worship

Worship

In general, the PCC aims to offer different styles of service each Sunday to enable as many people as possible from the local community to experience worship that is spiritually fulfilling for them.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

The church leadership responded to the challenge of the COVID pandemic by providing weekly on-line services from March 2020. Services over Christmas 2020 and into 2021 were again cancelled due to rising infection rates.

On-line provision of services on the church website and Facebook page continued in 2021 and archive recordings remained on-line throughout the year so they could be accessed at any time. Sermons were recorded and made available on CD, as email attachments or as hard copy for those unable to access the internet.

‘Live’ services in church began from March 2021, initially with one service weekly, at which everyone who came could be comfortably accommodated whilst maintaining strict social distancing. Even after face-to-face services were possible, online provision continued, including online Q&A sessions after services with guest speakers eg from Tearfund. This was supplemented by occasional special events for children held outdoors eg on Mothering Sunday and at Easter.

A full programme for Easter was held with in-person services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, plus an online all-age service on Easter Day and a ‘virtual’ walk of witness on Good Friday.

In June, Covid restrictions were lifted completely, and the following service pattern was established in Wadhurst to allow the incumbent to preside at services across the benefice:

All-Age services and services of Morning Worship are led by members of the worship leadership team.

Special Services

The number of special services offered was initially impacted by the pandemic with many cancellations. However, numbers increased as restrictions lifted.

We have celebrated 9 baptisms and 10 weddings, held 7 funerals in the church in 2021, and 2 services at local crematoria, all in line with the Covid restrictions in force at the time. In addition, there were 16 burials of ashes in the churchyard.

Memorial services were held for a number of members of the church family who died during the year, with recordings available online for those unable to attend.

Special services to mark Remembrance Sunday, Harvest Festival and the Nativity attracted attendances from across the village. The church also joined with the local Roman Catholic Church for Churches Together in Wadhurst services, including an Advent Carol Service and a Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols involving representatives of local community organisations such as the Parish Council.

The local primary school also held services in the church for Harvest and Christmas. Unfortunately, Uplands Community college carol concert had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

Prayer

Confidential prayer ministry has continued to be offered after all the morning services, either by telephone or in person when possible.

Saturday morning prayer meetings recommenced in September 2021.

The benefice participated in the nationwide CofE initiative # PrayerfortheNation by Zoom meetings every evening in February 2021.

A special weekend on prayer was held on 9/10 October 2021, with sessions run by guest speakers.

Pastoral Care

The COVID pandemic impacted on the social and pastoral life of the community and the church, which nonetheless continued to offer care and service to the local community throughout 2021.

The volunteer base co-ordinated by Carillon Cottage supported the local community with shopping, prescriptions, hospital visits and similar. A further Wealden Hero award for this work was received from the MP for Wealden, Nus Ghani, in August 2021.

The Vicar continued to maintain contact with all parishioners through weekly email and regular telephone calls and visits.

During 2021, formal training in Pastoral Care was offered to all interested church members, and as a result a Pastoral Group has been established which will be commissioned in January 2022 to expand the pastoral care given across the community.

Deanery Synod

By virtue of the number on the Electoral Roll, the church has four places on the Deanery Synod. This Synod provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church.

Fabric and churchyard

A new Chair of Fabric, Anthony Dunnett, was appointed in 2021.

Maintenance of the church fabric continued as far as possible in line with COVID limitations, following the recommendations of the Quinquennial report.

During 2021, the opportunity was taken to redecorate and re-purpose the Vestry area to provide for better meeting spaces, improved crèche facilities and alternative storage.

Wifi was installed in the church building during the latter part of 2021 to improve connectivity, offer opportunities for live streaming in the future and support a contactless donation facility.

During the year repairs were required to the church heating system on several occasions. The PCC is considering options for its replacement in line with a commitment to environmental issues.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

The churchyard continues to be maintained in good order.

Financial Support

The church and PCC seek to contribute in financial terms to the Mission of God locally, nationally and globally. The PCC gave a total of £11,750 to a range of local, national and international charities. Donations were made from Restricted funds to Burundi £18,500 and to Nakuru (£990).

In addition, vouchers were distributed to local families in need, and there is a ‘Vicar’s Discretionary Fund’ to allow rapid response to crises.

Becoming Carbon Neutral

In response to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s call for the Church of England to become Carbon Neutral by 2030, a working group was established. This is known as the ECO-C0 Working Group, reflecting both the carbon-neutral aims, and the work of A’Rocha in providing the framework for churches to audit and then improve.

The working group consists of representatives of the three churches in the benefice plus Carillon Cottage and has commenced work on a baseline audit of all four entities.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

BENEFIT TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY

Wadhurst church aspires to be at the heart of the local community and to manifest loving service in numerous ways. The church has sought to continue as many activities as possible in line with Covid safety advice.

These services include:

Carillon Cottage

Since 1999 the Wadhurst PCC has had responsibility for the activities run from this location on Wadhurst High Street. The volunteers in the Cottage provide tourist and local information services and keep the Village Diary. They advertise and sell tickets for local events, coordinate a volunteer driving service for hospital appointments across Kent and Sussex, and offer a monthly hearing aid clinic. Wheelchairs may be hired, and meeting rooms are made available for local groups for consultations, advice and community engagement.

‘ Carillon Cottage is a great asset to residents in the Wadhurst area. …. Many thanks to the whole team at Carillon Cottage for making an enormous contribution to the community and helping hundreds of Wealden residents along the way’ Nusrat Ghani, MP

In 2021 the Cottage volunteers took local residents for initial COVID vaccinations and boosters to clinics in Ticehurst, Crowborough and Flimwell.

A Wealden Hero award was received from the MP for Wealden, Nus Ghani, in August 2021.

Churchyard and Church building

The PCC maintains St Peter and St Paul’s churchyard in good order not only for the benefit of the worshipping community but for the wider community. The churchyard is a popular place for dog walkers and for people to sit away from the bustle of the High Street. The church building has been open for quiet reflection and prayer.

The church has been used for children’s groups and activities, including:

Jellybeans - a Babies’ and Toddlers’ group hosted by the church. Since it reopened after lockdown, it regularly attracts up to 50 people every week. Families have valued the healthy snacks that have been provided as well as the provision of a safe space, with a listening, caring ear for all and games, stories and activities for the youngest. It is supported by a team of volunteers across the age range.

J-Club – a weekly after-school club hosted by the church during term time. J Club attracts families that do not attend church. It is supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who supervise a ‘walking bus’ service from school to church, where activities and healthy snacks are provided.

An outdoor Summer J Club was held in the garden of Carillon Cottage.

The church is also available for local arts initiatives and concerts although these have been limited during the pandemic. In December 2021 a sell-out concert was held with local performers.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

St George’s Hall

This building in the Sparrows Green area of Wadhurst has been used by various local community groups for many decades and is available for private hire.

The building closed at the start of the pandemic and the opportunity was taken to undertake a full survey of the building prior to a strategic review of its use, aimed at optimising the benefit of this asset for the local community in the future.

Focus

This magazine for the parishes of Wadhurst, Tidebrook and Stonegate is distributed throughout the village and is available in Carillon Cottage. It offers a directory of services and support, an events diary and a means for local authorities (such as the Parish Council and police service), local clubs and societies, the two Wadhurst schools and Stonegate Primary School to communicate with the wider community. During 2021 work has been done to improve the design of the publication and the usefulness of the directory pages. The production of the publication and the management of income through advertising is the responsibility of an external company (Hucksters).

CAMEO

Come And Meet Each Other, or CAMEO, is a weekly club for the elderly, with a hot meal followed by games, activities, or a guest speaker. It is run by a team of volunteers and welcomes up to 25 members each week. Volunteer drivers collect the guests and take them home. This service was suspended during the pandemic but restarted in 2021 at the Commemoration Hall in the heart of the village.

‘ To the cooks, carers and drivers and all who care for us – my heartfelt thanks. Much appreciated.’

‘Thank you for letting me part of CAMEO, it is a wonderful club to be part of.’

CAMEO clients

School Pastors

The church has been awarded a Mission Grant by the Diocese to employ a part-time professional coordinator to grow the ministry. There is a team of School Pastors in place, supported by a Prayer Pastors group. Due to COVID limitations, School Pastors were not able to go into the local secondary school for much of 2021, although a good relationship remains. School Pastors were able to visit the primary school to speak to Year 6 leavers about their moves to secondary schools.

Who Let the Dads Out? was a monthly Saturday morning opportunity for fun and fellowship for dads and their children. It was not possible for WLTDO to meet during the COVID crisis, but it restarted in November 2021 with a new name – Dads on Saturdays.

Schools

The church actively supports our local schools. Wadhurst CE Primary School governing body has three foundation governors from the church. Leavers are presented with Bibles in the summer. The Vicar and Heather Ratcliff lead weekly assemblies in the Primary School.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

Each child at both schools who is in receipt of Free School Meals was given a £10 supermarket voucher for Easter. This was entirely funded by donations from church members.

The church also helps to run a lunch club at Wadhurst CE Primary School called Stargazers.

Nourish

From time to time the church and Carillon Cottage are collection points for this local community food bank.

Family Support Work

Once again in 2021, a collection of toys, gifts and money was made for Diocesan Family Support Work to support needy families in the wider community over the Christmas period.

In addition, a collection of toiletries and school stationery essentials was made in the autumn to support families who were struggling to obtain these.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2021

In undertaking active stewardship of the church building and finances and in sharing in the leadership of the church’s worship and mission, the Wadhurst PCC has:

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During 2021 the PCC decided to present the financial statements using the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. The 2020 comparative figures have been adjusted to reflect the same basis.

Total receipts from unrestricted general funds were £186,329 (2020: £147,746). This included an insurance claim of £30,751 following the theft of lead from the vestry roof and the resulting internal damage.

Payments on unrestricted activities were £183,756 (2020: £150,729). This includes the contribution to the diocesan parish share of £63,962 (2020: £60,997).

The expenditure also includes the cost of the work to repair the vestry roof, making good the resulting damage and improving the facilities within the vestries area.

The year showed a surplus on unrestricted activities of £2,573 (2020: deficit of £2,983).

RESERVES POLICY

At 31 December 2021 the unrestricted cash balances were £57,678.

The PCC Trustees review the Reserves Policy from time to time at PCC meetings. In 2020, the PCC approved a free Unrestricted Reserves Policy target of three months of annual general (Unrestricted Funds) expenditure.

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

The PCC trustees declare that they have approved the PCC annual report above.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL:

Revd Dr Paul Ratcliff

Chair of Wadhurst PCC

Vicar of Wadhurst, Tidebrook and Stonegate

Date: 9 May 2022

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Charity Number 1132389

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2021

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wadhurst (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do 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.

Amy Healey FCA CTA DChA Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited Chartered Accountants North House, 198 High Street Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE

Date: 10 May 2022

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Receipts from:
Donations
Church Activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Insurance claim
Grants
Pastoral assistant income
St. George's Hall income
Carillon Cottage income
Burundi donations
Caring and Sharing donations
Cameo income
School Pastor and Youth Worker grant
Payments on:
Church Activities
(Deficit)/surplus for the year
Cash balances brought forward
Cash balances carried forward		 Note
2
3		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2021
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
117,740
-
117,740
117,850
12,849
-
12,849
6,278
-
-
-
12,919
1,983
-
1,983
2,389
30,751
-
30,751
-
6,501
-
6,501
10,500
16,505
-
16,505
3,513
-
2,086
2,086
5,827
-
16,472
16,472
17,353
-
8,122
8,122
10,648
-
432
432
576
-
1,418
1,418
718
-
12,000
12,000
-
186,329
40,530
226,859
188,571
183,756
57,995
241,751
189,505
2,573
( 17,465)
( 14,892)
( 934)
55,105
61,772
116,877
117,811
57,678
44,307
101,985
116,877

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Bank current accounts
Deposit accounts
Less monies held as agent
Cash funds
Other Monetary assets
Investment assets
Assets retained for church use
Liabilities		 Note
5
6
7
8
9		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2021
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
11,290
44,230
55,520
72,162
48,379
77
48,456
47,199
(1,991)
-
(1,991)
(2,484)
57,678
44,307
101,985
116,877
2,332
-
2,332
3,473
76,543
-
76,543
73,262
337,493
20,000
357,493
357,493
( 1,870)
-
( 1,870)
( 2,246)

The receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the members on 9 May 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Rev'd Dr Paul Ratcliff Paul Stephens - Honourary Treasurer Vicar and Chair of the Wadhurst PCC Member of the Committee

20

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Preparation of accounts

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. The accounts are presented in pound sterling and rounded to the nearest £1. The 2020 accounts have been amended to reflect the comparatives on a Receipts and Payments basis.

2
**3 **		 Donations
Collections
Planned giving and parish giving
Donations
Income tax recovered
Payments
Charitable giving & vouchers(note 4)
Diocesan parish contribution
Other clergy costs
Church running expenses
Church maintenance & repairs
Contactless & Broadband
Vicarage
Upkeep of churchyard
Upkeep of services
Training and education
Outreach
St. George's Hall - PCC contribution
Focus Magazine expenditure
Salaries
Pension costs
Governance costs: Independent examiner's fee
Unrestricted payments
St. George's Hall
Carillon Cottage
Burundi fund charitable giving(note 4)
Caring & Sharing charitable giving(note 4)
Cameo
Reorganisation of churchyard
Return of grant
School Pastor and Youth Worker's salary
School Pastor and Youth Worker's expenses
Restricted payments
Total payments		 2021
2020
£
£
6,902
6,027
87,872
84,805
17,236
20,860
5,730
6,158		 2020
117,740
117,850
2021
2020
£
£
13,197
13,384
63,962
60,997
2,653
2,229
13,198
11,748
39,816
5,797
3,285
-
3,797
4,215
6,031
3,642
4,209
2,013
990
325
1,138
102
2,000
1,500
592
14,351
25,276
26,532
-
354
3,612
3,540		 2020
183,756
150,729
3,064
6,334
20,487
13,442
18,500
13,100
990
2,000
733
900
3,600
3,000
600
-
9,747
-
274
-
57,995
38,776
241,751
189,505

21

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

4 Charitable Giving

The following donations to missions and charities were made in the year

Local Charities
Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ
Tunbridge Wells Street Pastors
UK Charities
Diocesan Family Support Work
The Children's Society
Church Army
Church Pastoral Aid Society
Bible Society
Chichester Cathedral Trust
St Luke's Healthcare for the Clergy
Overseas Charities
Church Mission Society
Crosslinks
Tearfund
Release International
Eurasia Education Foundation
Open Doors
School Leavers' Bibles
Christmas vouchers		 2021
£
850
850
1,200
850
1,800
1,200
700
-
-
1,200
1,500
800
800
-
-		 2020
£
680
680
1,190
680
1,700
1,190
680
400
200
1,190
1,700
-
-
680
680
11,750
11,650
687
944
760
790
13,197
13,384

In addition, donations were made from Restricted funds to Burundi of £18,500 (2020: £13,100) and to Nakuru (Caring and Sharing) £990 (2020: £2,000).

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

5 Monies held as agent

These include fees collected on behalf of the Diocese by St Peter and St Paul, Stonegate and Tidebrook churches at weddings and funerals, and special collections.

6 Other monetary assets
Gift aid recoverable
Other debtors		 2021
£
1,943
389		 2020
£
3,473
-
2,332 3,473

During the year the charity was notified of a grant of £20,000 towards the work of the pastoral assistant. During the year £12,000 was received with the final £8,000 expected to be received in 2022.

7 Investments

All investments are held in CBF Church of England Funds and are stated at market value. Trust funds are invested through the Diocesan Board of Finance and include the Watson-Smyth Trust and Parish General Fund. They also include the Laurens/Watson-Smyth and thus is considered unrestricted. Churchyard Fund. The capital represented by theses holdings is freely available to the PCC

Other funds (not included in accounts)

Chancel Trusts: The Diocese maintains, as a permanent trust for the Parish under the Tithe Act, a holding of 196.74 CBF Investment Fund - Income Shares (value at 31 December 2021, £4,607 (2020: £4,031)) accumulated income from which may be used to defray the cost of repairs to the fabric of the chancel and the Church. The Diocese has confirmed that the accumulated income is held by CBF as custodian trustee and is freely available to the PCC.

8 Assets retained for church use

Assets retained for church use include the freehold property at Carillon Cottage purchased in 1999 and St. George's Hall at cost.

9 Liabilities
Taxation and social security
Other creditors		 2021
£
1,870
-		 2020
£
1,306
940
1,870 2,246

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10 Statement of cash funds held

Unrestricted cash funds
Designated cash funds:
Fabric fund
Focus magazine fund
Church building fund
Pastoral assistant fund
Unrestricted cash funds
Restricted cash funds:
Caring and sharing scheme
St. George's Hall
Carillon Cottage
Burundi fund
Communications fund
Cameo
School Pastor and Youth Worker
grant
Other restricted funds		 Brought
Carry
forward
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
forward
£
£
£
£
£
34,366
-
-
( 7,000)
27,366
1,212
-
( 592)
-
620
5,000
-
-
( 5,000)
-
6,363
16,460
( 8,643)
-
14,180
8,164
169,869
(174,521)
12,000
15,512
55,105
186,329
-183,756
-
57,678
558
432
( 990)
-
-
5,208
2,207
( 3,064)
-
4,351
27,804
16,351
( 20,487)
-
23,668
12,544
8,122
( 18,500)
-
2,166
6,750
-
-
-
6,750
4,708
1,418
( 733)
-
5,393
-
12,000
( 10,021)
-
1,979
4,200
-
(4,200)
-
-
61,772
40,530
(57,995)
-
44,307
116,877
226,859
( 241,751)
-
101,985

Designated Funds:

Fabric fund:

This fund is for the Quinquennial, five-year cyclical maintenance of the church premises. In 2021 £7,000 was transferred to help meet the cost of refurbishing the vestry area of the church.

Focus magazine fund:

The Focus magazine is administered by a separate committee under the overall control of the PCC. It seeks to raise sufficient income from advertising revenues and from sales to cover its costs of production and distribution. The print and production of the magazine is managed by an external company "Hucksters".

Church building fund:

This fund is for improving the Creche amenities of the church. In 2021 £5,000 was transferred to meet the cost of refurbishment and fit out the Crèche.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10 Statement of cash funds held (continued)

Pastoral assistant fund:

The goal of this fund is to grow the church and serve the community through the appointment, funding and support of a pastoral assistant for families and to develop flexible fellowship space and improve the amenities of the church. Donations have been allocated to the fund from general fundraising by the PCC.

Restricted funds:

Caring and sharing scheme:

This scheme was established some years ago to support our nominated community in Nakuru, Kenya. The scheme was closed in 2021 with the balance of £900 paid to the Nakuru charity.

St. George’s Hall:

St. George’s Hall (Sparrows Green) is a separate charitable trust, approved by the Charity Commission in 1994, of which the PCC is beneficial owner and Managing Trustee. St. George's Hall is administered by a committee under the control of the PCC. In financial terms it is largely self-sufficient, although the PCC contributes to its revenues as required. In 2021 the PCC made a grant of £2,000. The statement of cash funds above relates only to the cash funds held.

Carillon Cottage:

The Carillon Cottage fund is for the operation of the Church Community Centre at Carillon Cottage, High Street, Wadhurst, a property purchased by the PCC in 1999. The figures include Social Action Project and Friends Across Wadhurst receipts and payments, although Friends Across Wadhurst closed its operation in 2021 because of the Covid restrictions.

Burundi fund:

The Burundi fund includes donations received for the specific purpose of furthering the aims of the Wadhurst-Burundi link.

Communications fund:

The communications fund includes donations towards improvements to church communications and marketing.

Cameo:

The PCC took over the responsibility for this fund from the Wadhurst Methodist Church Council in May 2015, following the closure of Wadhurst Methodist Church. The Cameo fund provides the finances for weekly lunches and other social activities for senior citizens at the Commemoration Hall, High Street, Wadhurst.

25

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WADHURST

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10 Statement of cash funds held (continued)

School Pastor and Youth Worker Grant:

This fund was set up to provide for the appointment of a School Pastor and Youth Worker, who leads a team of volunteer school pastors who visits the local Community College. The position is part funded by a Diocesan Mission grant of £12,000.

Other restricted funds:

This fund relates to funds for the extension of the churchyard burial ground and work on this was completed in 2021 and the fund has a zero balance at the year end.

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