ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, ALCOMBE
Registered Charity No: 1132449
## **The Parochial Church Council of**
**St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe**
Annual Report and Financial Statements **Year ended 31 December 2024**
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## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF**
## **ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL ALCOMBE**
## **Trustees Annual Report to year end 2024**
## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
St Michael the Archangel Church is situated in Church Street, Alcombe, Minehead. It is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St Michael the Archangel Church, Church Street, Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 6BL
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe was entered in the Register of Charities on 4 November 2009: the registration Number being 1132449
_PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2024 until the date this report was approved are:_
||_Name_|_Post_|_Dates if part year:_|
|---|---|---|---|
|**_Incumbent:_**|Revd. Kenneth Cross|Chairman||
|**_Curate:_**|Revd Nicola Butcher|||
|**_Readers:_**|Lesley Edwards, Mike Lee||L.E Until Sept. 2024|
|**_Wardens:_**|Mr Lyn Edwards|||
|**_Deputy Wardens_**|Mrs Sue Smith & Mrs Jane|||
||Jones.|||
|**_Elected Members_**|
Mrs Audrey Bateman|Treasurer||
||Mr Jonathan Mills|ERO/Secretary||
||Mrs Sheelagh Spink|||
||Mrs Ruth Gasperini|||
||Mrs Julia Harper|||
||Mr Lyn Edwards|||
||Mrs Jane Jones|||
||Mrs Pat Watkins|||
||Mrs Pauline Bennett|||
||Mr Mike Lee|||
||Mrs Lesley Edwards|||
||Mrs Sue Smith|||
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## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. There is no formal induction or training of new PCC members, they are however advised and aware of their responsibilities as Trustees. PCC members are not remunerated. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The National Westminster Bank, Minehead, is the PCC bank. Mr Nick Shattock of Overstream, Porlock, is the appointed Independent Examiner.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
St Michael the Archangel PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Rev’d Kenneth Cross in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church of St Michael the Archangel and has completed a three phase building development programme.
## **RISK REVIEW**
The PCC makes every endeavour to maintain a safe environment for all its activities, worship, church and buildings. A review of the parish property is undertaken regularly.
The PCC and clergy endeavour to maintain the highest standards of care when dealing with the public, church members and vulnerable people. Safeguarding policies are in place.
## **MISSION AIMS**
1. We remain committed to discerning the vocation of every member of the church community.
2. We seek to build an all-age, inclusive community of Christians to serve the Parish of Alcombe and ensure that young families are welcomed.
3. We strive to foster Christian witness and devotion through high standards of worship and music in the Church.
4. We intend to support the ministry of Christian Pastoral Care and respond to the needs of the people we serve.
5. We will develop opportunities to nurture Christian discipleship and provide for those who seek to know more of our faith.
6. We continue to provide sufficient resources to fund the mission of the Church in Alcombe and beyond.
7. We rejoice in the ministry we share beyond the benefice with both our neighbouring parish of Minehead and our ecumenical partners and others of good will.
- 8 The new Grabbist Hill Benefice was created informally in September 2023, with St Michael the Archangel joining with Dunster, Wootton Courtenay and Timberscombe forming new relationships into the future.
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## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Church Attendance**
From January 2024 - December 2024. Sunday and weekly services continue to be held. The Sunday service continues to be recorded for those with access to the internet and who are still reticent to attend a public place. A weekly newsletter continues to be circulated to those who wish to receive it.
As at 31[st] December 2024 there were 94 parishioners on the **Church Electoral Roll.** The average Sunday attendance was 52; Midweek services continue and the average attendance was 16; Young Church attendance 3.
## **Review of the year.**
The ministerial team included Rev'd Kenneth Cross, with support from retired priests. Our Curate, Nicola Butcher, is fully integrated into the life of our church family. In 2025 she will complete her curacy and be licenced as associate vicar in the parish and take on more responsibilities. Her enthusiasm and organisation are fully appreciated. The pastoral team welcomes a new member, who has embraced the role with enthusiasm and sensitivity.
In September 2023 Grabbist Hill Benefice was created with St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe joining with St. Georges at Dunster; St Petrock's, Timberscombe and All Saints, Wootton Courtenay. Revd Kenneth Cross as incumbent has liaised regularly this year and taken services with the other parishes. We will, looking ahead, be revising our mission aims in collaboration with our sister parishes in the new benefice as our life together evolves and new strategies emerge. The legalities cementing the new benefice will take some time yet.
During the year the PCC met regularly and in addition holding an extra meeting involving members of the PCCs from the other churches in the proposed new Grabbist Benefice. The PCC operated through the following committee: Standing Committee in practice - taking on the role of Finance Committee, which met as and when required. Safeguarding is on the Agenda at all PCC meetings.
SMA remains committed to the Exmoor Youth Project and is supportive of the Youth Worker. The work of the EYP continues. Strong links were maintained with the neighbouring parish of Minehead, and with others in the Exmoor Deanery.
The spiritual, pastoral, ecumenical and social fellowship of St Michael the Archangel (SMA) still thrives and all efforts were maintained to keep everyone connected during the year. Rev'd. Kenneth Cross, Rev'd Nicola Butcher, the retired Priests, readers, and others contributed to the prayers and liturgy that accompanied the correspondence which was distributed in person and via email and post to our church community. Lent and Advent courses were offered and well supported. The Sunday Service continued to be regularly broadcast via 'You Tube'. The pastoral work of the parish continues. Regular visits to the Residential Homes are maintained. The regular Thursday coffee morning continues and the soup lunch on alternate Thursdays is established and supported. Along with other churches in the neighbourhood a "Warm Space" was offered to help alleviate the anxieties of the evolving energy crisis.
The West Somerset Food Cupboard Charity still operates from the church premises. It is supported well by the wider community.
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Work continued on caring for the fabric of the church with repairs and enhancement as necessary. A quinquennial review was undertaken in March 2023. Going forward in 2025 a long awaited report from the architect will be discussed and work as necessary will be prioritised.
Financial contributions to the church continued, and SMA was again just able to meet its Parish Share commitment for 2024. Fund raising activities took place during the year including a concert, a quiz evening and an Advent Fair, raising much needed funds.
The Parish continued its wider missionary work, supports charities where it can and asks for the congregation’s support in this. Our mission aims will be reviewed in 2025..
The PCC remains grateful for and appreciative of Rev'd. Kenneth Cross and his wife Sarah - Jane, Curate, Revd Nicola Butcher, Retired Priests, Readers, and others, including all those volunteers who help with the flowers, cleaning parties, coffee and fund raising etc. which helps to maintain the connectivity within our church community, and help it to thrive.
The work of Churchwarden Lyn Edwards in keeping the church safe, compliant and welcoming during the year is recognized and much appreciated; as is the work of deputies, Sue Smith and Jane Jones.
The Rev'd Kenneth Cross and the PCC are grateful for all the support and faithfulness of SMA's congregation.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW [ Completed by Nick Shttock]**
Total incoming resources on ordinary unrestricted funds were £60,760 and are detailed in the Financial Statements. Including restricted fund income of £1,200 the total incoming resources amounted to £61,960.
Total resources used in the year were £73,320. The largest item of expenditure £50,805 was the Parish Share which is a payment to the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance to enable it to provide the parish with clergy and support services.
The net result for the year was an excess of expenditure over income of £11,360.
## **RESERVES POLICY**
The PCC has a policy to earmark a £30,000 reserve to cover cash flow and emergencies.
## **Approved by the PCC at their meeting in**
## **May 2025**
## **and signed on their behalf by**
## **Rev'd. Kenneth Cross**
**Chairman**
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## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF**
## **ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL ALCOMBE**
## **Independent Examiners Report**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 11.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nick Shattock Overstream Tax and Accounting The Lighthouse Doverhay, Porlock Somerset TA24 8LJ
- 2 April 2025
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## The Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel Alcombe Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2024
|Income
Note
Unrestricted
funds
Tax efficient planned giving
28,232
Other planned giving
1,260
Collections at services
3,980
Other recurring giving (includes Gift days, fetes)
748
Non-recurring giving/donations (includes special appeals)
896
Music fund (restricted)
0
Charitable income (restricted)
0
Tax recovered through Gift Aid
7,146
Legacies received
0
Income from grants
0
Fund raising (sponsored activities, jumble sales)
1,198
Interest/dividends received
3,985
Statutory fees retained by the PCC
5,170
Hall lettings
2,388
West Somerset Food Cupboard contribution
5,500
Other receipts
257
**Total income**
60,760|Restricted
funds
1,000
200
1,200|2024
28,232
1,260
3,980
748
896
1,000
200
7,146
0
0
1,198
3,985
5,170
2,388
5,500
257
61,960|2023
27,258
1,640
3,690
3,667
2,254
0
1,034
7,245
5,000
750
22
3,118
4,081
1,567
5,500
55
66,881|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
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## The Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel Alcombe Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
|Expenditure
Note
Church Activities
Mission giving and donations
Diocesan Parish Share
Salaries and honoraria
Clergy expenses
Church expenses
Mission and Evangelism, outreach, courses
Routine repairs and maintenance
Vicarage repairs
Insurance
Miscellaneous: Printing, stationary, cleaning
materials, telephone
Churchyards
Upkeep of services, organ tuning, worship materials
choir
robes
Young Church
Church utility bills, electricity, gas, water
Fees - payments to Diocese
Cost of bibles/publications
Miscellaneous expenditure
Major church repairs, including decoration
Governance
Annual report
**Total expenditure**
Net surplus for year
Unrealised surplus (loss)
on investments
2
Total surplus for year
Add funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward|Unrestricted
funds
0
50,805
1,821
0
888
510
125
1,115
1,461
1,098
1,027
141
8,461
2,232
0
0
0
300
69,984
-9,224
939
-8,285
61,760
53,475|Restricted
funds
200
3,136
3,336
-2,136
-2,136
47,337
45,201|2024
200
50,805
1,821
0
888
510
125
1,115
1,461
1,098
1,027
141
8,461
2,232
0
0
3,136
300
73,320
-11,360
939
-10,421
109,097
98,676|2023
1,034
46,047
2,590
92
939
1,696
0
1,088
1,353
1,458
924
120
10,846
2,209
1,735
101
3,557
300
76,089
-9,208
3,558
-5,650
114,747|2023
1,034
46,047
2,590
92
939
1,696
0
1,088
1,353
1,458
924
120
10,846
2,209
1,735
101
3,557
300
76,089|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||
|||||109,097||
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## Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel Alcombe
|Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
Fixed assets
Investment Assets
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments
Loan
Cash funds
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Creditors and Accruals
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less current Liabilities
Funds of the Charity
Music fund
Fabric fund
Hardship fund
Discretionary Fund
Reserves
Unrestricted General Fund|Note
2
3
4
5
6|3,500
1,000
52,488
56,988
300|2024
41,988
56,688
98,676
5,418
38,236
213
1,334
30,000
23,475
98,676|3,500
1,000
63,848
68,348
300|2023
41,049
68,048
109,097
4,418
41,372
213
1,334
30,000
31,760
109,097|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel Alcombe
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year to 31 December 2024
## **1. Accounting policies**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2015 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2015.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at the market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Funds**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Incoming resources**
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.
Fund raising events are accounted for net as the amount of the expenses are not considered material in these events.
Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.
## **Income from investments**
Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.
## **Gains and losses on investments**
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
## **Investments**
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.
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## Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel Alcombe
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year to 31 December 2023 (continued)
|2. Investment Assets
COE Investment fund
3. Debtors and prepayments
Income Tax recoverable
4. Cash funds
Current account - Nat West
Central Board of Finance
5. Liabilities
Accruals
6. Funds
Fund Balances at 1 January 2024
Incoming resources
Unrealised investment gains
Resources used
Fund balances at 31 December 2024|cost
21,559
General
Funds
31,760
60,760
939
93,459
69,984
23,475|Increase
value
in value
31 December 2024
939
41,988
31 December 2024
3,500
31 December 2024
3,677
48,811
52,488
31 December 2024
300
Reserves
Restricted
Funds
30,000
47,337
1,200
48,537
3,336
30,000
45,201|Increase
value
in value
31 December 2024
939
41,988
31 December 2024
3,500
31 December 2024
3,677
48,811
52,488
31 December 2024
300
Reserves
Restricted
Funds
30,000
47,337
1,200
48,537
3,336
30,000
45,201|value
31 December 2023
41,049
31 December 2023
3,500
31 December 2023
18,591
45,257
63,848
31 December 2023
300
Total
109,097
61,960
939
171,996
73,320
98,676|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
||||||
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