**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. 

1 



**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. 

2 



**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. 

3 



**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<br>Chair of the PCC|
|||
|David Payne*|Reader|
|Peter Thompson|Reader|
|||
|Vanessa Sharman|Churchwarden from October 2020 to May 2021<br>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<br>DeputyWarden from May2021|
|Michael Bradford|Deputy Warden from October 2020 to May 2021<br>DeputyWarden from May2021|
|||
|Michael Hardcastle|Carillon Cottage Chair (and Chairman and member of the Patronage<br>Board)|



* _entitled to attend PCC but choose not to do so and not trustees of the charity_ 

4 



**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<br>(% 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|



5 



**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. 

6 



**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: 

- maintains the fabric of the parish church 

- is the beneficial owner of, and responsible for the activities conducted from, Carillon Cottage, the church community centre in Wadhurst High Street 

- is the beneficial owner and managing trustee of St George's Hall in Sparrows Green 

- has oversight of the publication of _Focus_ – the parish and community magazine 

- is the employer of the Parish Administrator 

- is the employer of a Pastoral Assistant for Families and Children and has oversight of the ministry undertaken by the person in that role 

- is the employer of the School Pastors Coordinator and Youth Worker 

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. 

7 



**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: 

- Prayer and worship 

- Discipleship 

- Pastoral care 

- Evangelism 

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. 

8 



**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: 

- 8am communion service on the first three weeks of the month 

- 10:30am All Age Service on the first Sunday of the month 

- 10:30am service on 2[nd] , 3[rd] (morning worship) and 4[th] Sunday (communion) 

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. 

9 



**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. 

10 



**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. 

11 



**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. 

12 



**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. 

13 



**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. 

14 



**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: 

- conducted a strategic review and developed a Mission Action Plan to set priorities for the future 

- led by our Safeguarding Officer, complied with section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).  It has reviewed and confirmed policies on Safeguarding and received regular reports from the Safeguarding Officer. It has been informed of improved processes for recruitment of volunteers 

- received regular finance reports from the Treasurer and had oversight of the financial position of the church; in addition, the PCC has reviewed and approved an updated financial policy to ensure good financial practices and agreed a new accounting system.  It has also implemented a new contactless giving station in the church 

- reviewed and approved updated policies for health and safety and GDPR 

- received regular reports from the Fabric Chairman, Pastoral Assistant for Families and Children, and the Chairman of Carillon Cottage 

- continued to maintain the churchyard to a high standard for the enjoyment of the village as a whole and continued to ensure that the church is a welcoming environment, available for anyone to use for quiet reflection or prayer 

- celebrated the continuing links with Wadhurst CE Primary School and given Bibles to school leavers 

- continued to offer Sunday services every week on-line and live services when possible, catering for the spiritual needs of the congregation and wider community 

- maintained its income at a level that has enabled the PCC to meet its obligations to the Diocese and maintain all its services locally 

- supported local and national charities financially and through the provision of goods such as toys and food 

- supported the local community with services and information via Carillon Cottage and _Focus_ magazine. 

15 



**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. 

16 



**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 

17 



**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 

18 



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

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



19 



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

|Bank current accounts<br>Deposit accounts<br>Less monies held as agent<br>**Cash funds**<br>**Other Monetary assets**<br>**Investment assets**<br>**Assets retained for church use**<br>**Liabilities**|**Note**<br>**5**<br>**6**<br>**7**<br>**8**<br>**9**|**Unrestricted Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>11,290<br>44,230<br>55,520<br>72,162<br>48,379<br>77<br>48,456<br>47,199<br>(1,991)<br>-<br>(1,991)<br>(2,484)|
|---|---|---|
|||**57,678**<br>**44,307**<br>**101,985**<br>**116,877**|
|||2,332<br>-<br>2,332<br>3,473<br>76,543<br>-<br>76,543<br>73,262<br>337,493<br>20,000<br>357,493<br>357,493<br>( 1,870)<br>-<br>( 1,870)<br>( 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 **<br>**3 **|**Donations**<br>Collections<br>Planned giving and parish giving<br>Donations<br>Income tax recovered<br> **Payments**<br>Charitable giving & vouchers**(note 4)**<br>Diocesan parish contribution<br>Other clergy costs<br>Church running expenses<br>Church maintenance & repairs<br>Contactless & Broadband<br>Vicarage<br>Upkeep of churchyard<br>Upkeep of services<br>Training and education<br>Outreach<br>St. George's Hall - PCC contribution<br>Focus Magazine expenditure<br>Salaries<br>Pension costs<br>Governance costs: Independent examiner's fee<br>**Unrestricted payments**<br>St. George's Hall<br>Carillon Cottage<br>Burundi fund charitable giving**(note 4)**<br>Caring & Sharing charitable giving**(note 4)**<br>Cameo<br>Reorganisation of churchyard<br>Return of grant<br>School Pastor and Youth Worker's salary<br>School Pastor and Youth Worker's expenses<br>**Restricted payments**<br>**Total payments**|**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>6,902<br>6,027<br>87,872<br>84,805<br>17,236<br>20,860<br>5,730<br>6,158|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||117,740<br>117,850||
|||**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>13,197<br>13,384<br>63,962<br>60,997<br>2,653<br>2,229<br>13,198<br>11,748<br>39,816<br>5,797<br>3,285<br>-<br>3,797<br>4,215<br>6,031<br>3,642<br>4,209<br>2,013<br>990<br>325<br>1,138<br>102<br>2,000<br>1,500<br>592<br>14,351<br>25,276<br>26,532<br>-<br>354<br>3,612<br>3,540|**2020**|
|||183,756<br>150,729||
|||3,064<br>6,334<br>20,487<br>13,442<br>18,500<br>13,100<br>990<br>2,000<br>733<br>900<br>3,600<br>3,000<br>600<br>-<br>9,747<br>-<br>274<br>-||
|||57,995<br>38,776||
|||241,751<br>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_<br>Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ<br>Tunbridge Wells Street Pastors<br>_UK Charities_<br>Diocesan Family Support Work<br>The Children's Society<br>Church Army<br>Church Pastoral Aid Society<br>Bible Society<br>Chichester Cathedral Trust<br>St Luke's Healthcare for the Clergy<br>_Overseas Charities_<br>Church Mission Society<br>Crosslinks<br>Tearfund<br>Release International<br>Eurasia Education Foundation<br>Open Doors<br>School Leavers' Bibles<br>Christmas vouchers||**2021**<br>**£**<br>850<br>850<br>1,200<br>850<br>1,800<br>1,200<br>700<br>-<br>-<br>1,200<br>1,500<br>800<br>800<br>-<br>-|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**<br>680<br>680<br>1,190<br>680<br>1,700<br>1,190<br>680<br>400<br>200<br>1,190<br>1,700<br>-<br>-<br>680<br>680|
||11,750<br>11,650<br>687<br>944<br>760<br>790|||
||13,197<br>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). 

22 



## **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**<br>Gift aid recoverable<br>Other debtors||**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,943<br>389|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**<br>3,473<br>-|
|||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**<br>Taxation and social security<br>Other creditors||**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,870<br>-|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**<br>1,306<br>940|
|||1,870|2,246|



23 



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

24 



**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. 

26