OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish St John Baptist Berkswell

2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Annual Report and Accounts The Parochial Church Council of St. John Baptist Church, Berkswell Year ended 31[st] December 2023

1

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Table of Contents

Trustees’ Report ......................................................................................................................... 2 Aim and Purposes ............................................................................................................................... 2 Objectives and Activities ..................................................................................................................... 2 Achievements and Performance ................................................................................................. 3 Structure, Governance and Management ............................................................................................ 6 Administrative information ................................................................................................................. 7 Trustees ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Committees and Groups ..................................................................................................................... 7 Rector’s Report .......................................................................................................................... 8 Independent Examiner's Report ............................................................................................... 10 Financial Review ...................................................................................................................... 11 The Churchwardens’ Report .............................................................................................................. 20

Trustees’ Report

Aim and Purposes

St. John Baptist Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Canon Dr Mark Bratton, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions as to how our services can engage the many groups that live within our parish. We are a passionate, inclusive church, responding to our faith in God.

When planning activities for the year, the PCC considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate the whole mission, the PCC is specifically responsible for the important task of maintaining the Church building and the adjoining rooms.

The PCC complied with its duty in having due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding vulnerable children and adults (under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016). The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Wendy Burns, whose report can be found on page 19.

2

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Background

The Coronavirus pandemic has proven to be one of the greatest challenges to the Church since the second World War. We lost a great deal of freedom during the last three years and a sense of what was our ‘normal’ life. Our life as a church family has now, however, returned to much of what we knew previously. Whilst the impacts of the pandemic will be felt for many years there is a sense of renewal and hope which is encouraging.

Achievements and Performance

Ministry Team

The Ministry Team continued to meet on a regular basis to plan and prepare for worship, with particular focus on our special services and to pray for the life of the church community. The ministry team consisted of Revd Canon Dr Mark Bratton, our licensed Reader, Richard Hollingdale, Stephen Collins and Anthony Rich. This team takes primary responsibility for the leading of worship in our church community and therefore oversees liturgy and the rhythm of both special services and ordinary worship.

Throughout 2023 we continued to offer the ministry of occasional offices of baptisms, weddings, funerals and burials, all of which have been significant and meaningful occasions for those involved.

Worship and Prayer

Worship and prayer are at the heart of our church life. Our regular pattern of worship now consists of three services, being two services on a Sunday and a mid-week service on Thursdays. Sunday services are 10 a.m. sung Parish Communion (Common Worship) and 5.30 p.m. Evensong or Holy Communion, with a said Holy Communion on Thursdays at 10.30 a.m.

Junior Church is an intrinsic part of church life at Berkswell, the leadership team undertook to provide sessions on a weekly basis during term time. A thoughtful, informative and enjoyable programme was delivered linking in with the key themes of the liturgical year in addition to such topics as care for creation. It was encouraging to see an increase in the number of children and young families attending worship. Being such an important dimension to the worshipping life of the church, we were delighted to welcome two new Children and Families Ministry Workers, Selina and Katie, who have exciting plans for the future.

We are actively involved with our ecumenical brothers and sisters through Churches Together in Balsall and Berkswell.

We were thankful to be able to hold a full series of special services during 2023.

3

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

We are grateful and thankful for the contributions to worship of so many of our congregation and friends, be that music, readings, creative ideas or behind the scenes technical expertise. Special thanks go to Patricia Rich and Peter Cross for ensuring our services continued to be broadcast online to the small, private group of congregation members no longer able to attend in person. Also to our Director of Music, Kevin Stannard, and the choir members for their wonderful, choral contributions, both at regular and special services. We were delighted to welcome Stephen Collins as our Sacristan and the return of Jack Cross as Crucifer, thanks to you both for your steadfast service.

During Lent, a study course was organised and led by Anne Short – ‘Differences – The power of faith in a conflicted world’.

We hope to continue with a rich pattern of worship and music in 2024 celebrating the key liturgical seasons in the Church’s calendar and to connect with our parish in a meaningful way throughout the coming years.

Electoral Roll and Statistics for Mission

As of 31[st] December 2023 there were 190 people on the church electoral roll, of whom 107 resided outside of the parish. Our worshipping community at the end of 2023 was 209, comprising 178 adults with 31 children and young adults. We welcomed 23 new adults and 15 children during the year, with 19 adults and 11 children leaving for a number of reasons.

Numbers are still recovering post-pandemic and has been one of our big challenges over the last two years. On a positive note, the new signs of growth in our church give hope for the future.

Attendance at Easter and Christmas services: Easter Day: 105 Advent and Nativity services: 275 Christingle, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 668

In addition to our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God through the various milestones of life’s journey. In baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and in funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life now completed in this world, commending their loved ones into God's keeping. We celebrated 4 baptisms and 5 weddings

16 funerals were held with 8 committals only or burial of ashes.

Safeguarding

The Diocese takes safeguarding very seriously and is keen to ensure that parishes are aware of, and able to take appropriate action where concerns have been raised about potential safeguarding issues. As a Church, the PCC also takes Safeguarding seriously, believing in the intrinsic value of training to facilitate culture change and to promote the safety and welfare of everyone who accesses our church. The PCC adopted the recommended Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment policies from Coventry Diocese. The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an important part of our Christian ministry and therefore training is vital to ensure church officers and volunteers understand their responsibilities. Everyone who

4

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a safer church and this is underpinned by robust, good quality training. The PCC thanks Wendy Burns, the Parish Safeguarding Officer, for her diligent work and focus on this important aspect of church life.

Church Centre

The church is open daily, available to our local community for private prayer and to visitors who come to the church for a number of reasons, as borne out by our visitors’ book. The church space and grounds provide a place for those seeking a quiet and reflective environment for worship, prayer or a period of solitude. The church complex includes two rooms and a kitchen adjoining the church which may be hired exclusively for meetings or events incidental or ancillary to the activities of the church. Room bookings are now starting to increase bringing in much needed income from the hire of rooms. The Parish office operates on weekday mornings.

Repairs and Renovations

Routine maintenance and servicing continued in line with our programme of works to ensure health and safety requirements were met. Other repairs or maintenance were attended to in a timely and appropriate manner. The Quinquennial Inspection took place in 2023 and the PCC is delighted report that all was considered in good order. Inevitable there are some works required and some other elements recommended to be undertaken over the next few years.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral visits and home communion for the sick were undertaken by Revd Mark Bratton. Occasionally, home communion was administered by authorised individuals to those members of our congregation no longer able to attend services in person due to illness or mobility issues. Many congregation members continued to act as ‘good neighbours’, keeping in touch with and supporting their church friends.

We continue to be engaged with Solihull Council’s Community Champions, receiving regular updates on all help and support available be that health and well-being, parenting, or simply ensuring access to medication and groceries shopping.

The Jordan Room was open as a Warm Hub on Thursday mornings from November 2022 until Spring 2023, partly coinciding with Coffee Shop, this was a collective venture, co-ordinated through Churches Together. Given our more rural, village location, attendance was minimal.

Mission and Evangelism

The coffee group, successfully set up in 2022 for Ukrainian refugees and their sponsors, came to a natural end with refugees finding employment and homes of their own. It was a privilege to be involved in such an initiative.

Our very successful weekly Coffee Shop has grown further, thanks to Liz Whalley, June Smitten and their team of volunteers. Many new faces soon became regulars, appreciating the welcome and social aspects of this ever-growing group.

The infamous Berkswell Beerfest was held before Advent, a hugely successful element of outreach. Many thanks to Graham Parry and the organising committee and volunteers without whose help, the event may not have continued.

5

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Community events included fundraising quizzes, Coronation celebrations and the Big Coronation lunch, thanks to the hard work of Cathy and Graham Parry and others.

Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. We actively encouraged donations of goods and toiletries for our foodbank collection which goes to Carriers of Hope, Coventry. The monthly parish magazine, under the watchful eye of Editor, Patricia Rich, continues to be an interesting, informative read, reaching out to the wider community keeping parishioners informed of important matters affecting our church and local articles of interest.

Ecumenical Relationships

Our church is a member of Churches Together in Balsall and Berkswell (CTBB). Various activities in which we participated included the monthly coffee mornings in Balsall Common village centre, Lenten Breakfasts and rotational hosting of the annual Women’s World Day of Prayer service. There are also social and fundraising activities that enable sharing and fellowship. We thank Barbara Magson and David Bell for representing Berkswell in 2023 along with the Rector. Emma Bratton has now taken over the reins from Claire Laland as CTBB Secretary. The PCC thanks those church members that have both supported and volunteered at the various activities.

Volunteers

The PCC warmly thanks all volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is. There are too many to name individually but, in particular, we are very grateful to our Churchwardens, Angela Childs and Michael Parker, who have worked tirelessly on our behalf; also Peter Cross, Honorary Treasurer, who helped us understand the church’s financial position during these unstable times.

Risk Management

The PCC maintains a Risk Management profile that is reviewed regularly. This describes the principal risks and uncertainties facing the church and its undertakings, as identified by the trustees (PCC members), together with a summary of plans and strategies for managing those risks. Health & Safety risk reviews are carried out annually by the churchwardens or other appointed persons. Additional risk assessments were undertaken to ensure we complied with the government and Church of England guidance for various events and activities.

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St. John Baptist the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent (our Rector), Churchwardens, Diocesan Synod representative, Deanery Synod representatives, Readers and members elected by those of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. Members of the congregation who are eligible, are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including decisions on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial induction into the workings of the PCC. The PCC met six times during the year with an average level of attendance of 76%. Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has established a number of advisory groups and subcommittees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These groups, detailed on page 8, are all

6

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

responsible to the PCC and are expected to report back regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC for discussion, as necessary.

The PCC maintains relationships with Berkswell Church of England school via the Foundation Governors, who

were nominated by the PCC. The current Foundation Governors are the Rector (Ex-officio), Kevin Millward, Rebecca Crowe, Michael Parker and Christine Gough.

Administrative information

Berkswell Church is situated in Church Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BJ

The parish office telephone number is 01676 529123.

The Parish is part of the Diocese of Coventry within the Church of England.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity, as a place of worship, currently registered with the Charity Commission - Charity Number 1132450.

Trustees

PCC members who served at any time from 1st January 2023 until the date of this report are:

Ex Officio Members:

Incumbent: The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Bratton (Chairman)

Reader: Richard Hollingdale Churchwarden: Angela Childs Churchwarden: Michael Parker

Diocesan Synod Representative: Anthony Rich

Deanery Synod Reps (3-year term to 2026) Paul Morris, Peter Toor, Veronika Toor, Ivor Wood

Elected Members:

Peter Cross Kirsten Fergus Jo Hands Simon Northover Tom Walls Faye Newcombe – resigned March 2023 Liz Whalley – retired April 2023

Officers:

PCC Secretary - Janet Roberts Honorary Treasurer - Peter Cross

Committees and Groups

Standing Committee :

This is the only committee required by Canon Law; created from members of the PCC, it has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. In 2023 it comprised :

The Rector Churchwardens Licenced Reader Honorary Treasurer PCC Secretary Tom Walls Simon Northover (part) Anthony Rich (part)

Advisory Sub-committees and GroupsLed by: Advisory Sub-committees and GroupsLed by:
Baptism Preparation Margaret Walls
Bell Ringers Stephen Patrick & Steven Tibbetts (Ringing Master)
Music provision Kevin Stannard
Churches Together Revd Canon Dr Mark Bratton
Eco-church Jo Hands
Gift Aid Secretary Peter Cross
Finance Committee Tom Walls

7

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Children & Families Ministry Selina Toor (from September) Magazine Editor Patricia Rich Worship Revd Canon Dr Mark Bratton

Approval of Report

The Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the Parochial Church Council at its meeting held on 18[th] March 2024.

Rector’s Report

Looking Back

The keynote of the past year has been development

The keynotes for the previous two years were ‘encouragement’ and ‘recovery’. Several goals set out in last year’s report have been achieved.

The PCC has discussed and asked one of its members Paul Morris to consider various ways of improving levels of stewardship and propose a strategy.

Over the past year, we have appointed Kate Goodacre and Selina Toor as Children and Families Ministers on a job-sharing basis. They have made valuable contributions, overseeing the work of Junior Church, participating in the administration and preparation of candidates for baptism, and forging close links with the local primary school. Recently, the church’s first ‘parent and toddlers’ group, called ‘Stay, Play and Pray’ was launched and has already attracted more than 10 children on a regular basis.

The Church successfully achieved its Eco Church Silver Award, an enterprise spearheaded by the Eco subgroup of the PCC, under its Chair, Jo Hands.

The Church has worked productively with the Berkswell Mothers’ Union, which has attracted several new members throughout the year. Church members hosted the Bishop of Kapsabet in Kenya, and his wife, Mama Seline, who is the Chair of the Mother’s Union in that diocese, to a service of Evensong in November, and refreshments afterwards.

The preaching ministry in the Church has been enhanced by the contributions of Michael Parker and Anthony Rich, and the Revds Annie McCormick and Pauline Warner.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the PCC has reflected on how our village church might thrive, exploring the areas of welcome, life events, the creative use of our building, caring for God’s Acre, our role in the community and celebrating our heritage. This coming year, we will be considering making the most of festivals, welcoming more children, reaching the isolated and lonely and communicating effectively.

Looking Now

Churchwardens Angela Childs and Michael Parker have worked superbly well together to ensure smooth running of Church life on a daily basis. A major event was the quinquennial survey and report, and its

8

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

implementation will be a goal for next year. To have one good churchwarden is a blessing, to have two is a miracle, especially where a quarter of Church of England parishes are entirely without.

This blessedness extends to the ministries of Stephen Collins as Sacristan and principal Server, and Jack Cross as Assistant Sacristan and Crucifer, assisting the priest in the conduct of serene and dignified worship. It was with great sadness that we received news of the death of former Crucifer and Sacristan, Ray Wilcox, whose funeral service we held in Berkswell Church just before Christmas. Our condolences are extended to his widow Jean, his children Raymond St John, and Billie-Jean, and the wider family. I am grateful to Stephen for agreeing to lead and preach at Evensong regularly.

With the appointment of our two Children and Families Ministers, new energy has been injected into the work of Junior Church, which has attracted significant numbers of new children and families throughout the year. I am thankful for the continuing commitment of our Junior Church leadership team, especially, Cally Northover, Emma Bratton, Jo Hands, Kirsten Fergus and Stuart Hands. This has significantly contributed to the rise in the number of baptism applications, and I continue to be grateful to Margaret Walls who efficiently administers these and provides a vital link between families and the Church. The policy of making home visits to baptism families, usually on Saturday mornings, has proved a good way of deepening relationships and making these feel valued members of the church.

Peter Cross has continued to handle the complex finances of our church with utmost reliability and surefootedness. I am grateful to Jim Fergus for assuming some of Peter’s responsibilities and lightening the Treasurer’s heavy load a little, and, of course, to our parish administrator, Janet Roberts, for her assistance. Again, increasing numbers of parishes are without treasurers, and so I am doubly thankful for Peter’s commitment and contribution

Janet, as Parish Administrator, has continued to be the linchpin of so much of our Church life and the mushroom-like growth of her role over many years necessitated a review of her multifarious activities and the appointment of an assistant, Anne Green, who has capably taken on some of Janet’s former responsibilities. Janet works closely with Wendy Burns, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, for whom I am immensely thankful in this complex and delicate area of church governance and law. Many parishes find it exceptionally difficult to find someone to assume this indispensable role.

Richard Hollingdale is my closest ministerial colleague, and I am blessed to have in Richard a fine preacher, serene leader of worship and wise counsellor. Anthony Rich and Michael Parker have also preached superbly, reinforcing the strength-in-depth the Church has in this area of ministry, as have our regular guest preachers, the Revds Annie McCormick and Pauline Warner.

Our Director of Music, Kevin Stannard, and his assistant, Christine Gough, have maintained exceedingly high standards of musical worship, especially at Advent and Christmas Carols and Passiontide. The contribution of our music to our mission cannot be overstated. Kevin has recently relinquished his evening commitments for wider ones, and I am grateful to Francis Hooper and Norman Ashfield for their reliable assistance and proficiency at Evensong.

There are distinct signs of growth in our church life currently. Recently, numbers at our principal morning service have exceeded 100 with the presence of numerous children accounting for this. The must be partly to do with increased investment in church life, particularly the children and families ministry and energetic committed newcomers. This growth is not solely numerical, but also qualitative, as evidenced by the 17 members of the Lent Reading Group held in the spacious boundaries of Marlene Jolley’s living room in Balsall Common.

Another successful Beer Festival in the latter part of 2023 ‘project managed’ by Graham Parry and assisted by Paul Tyler – to both of whom I am immensely grateful - was symptomatic of the Church’s good community relations and the attractiveness of our Church and location for people who do not normally go to Church.

9

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

My overall message is that the Church is ‘in good form’ and ‘fine fettle’ for which thanks be to God.

Looking ahead

We have a firm foundation on which to further build. Look ahead:

  1. To continue working on our church finances to close the gap between expenditure and ‘regular giving’ income, currently bridged by income generated from investments.

  2. To continue growing our children and families work and consequently the number of families coming forward for the baptism of their children.

  3. To engage more systematically in the work of Christian instruction, both with newcomers to the Christian faith, and more seasoned Christians seeking regular Christian education and fellowship in small bible-study and/or reading groups.

  4. To encourage adults in the congregation to get baptised and confirmed if not already so, as a mark of commitment and base for a deepening Christian faith.

  5. To continue encouraging and resourcing the ministry of preaching in the Church.

  6. To begin progress towards the achievement of our Eco Church Gold Award.

  7. To continue community outreach through the creation of a revitalised Church Fete team and further Beer Festivals.

  8. To continue to reflect collectively, and systematically, on the requirements for a thriving village Church.

The Rector

Independent Examiner's Report

Report to the members/trustees of St John Baptist, Berkswell, Parochial Church Council.

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

10

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

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

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

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

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting

requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Financial Review

The results show a deficit of incoming to outgoing resources of £20,743 for the year compared with a deficit of £16,726 last year. A legacy meant that the recorded deficit was less than our original budgeted deficit of

11

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

£24,600. Our investment income is much improved. We continue to hold some of our investments in cash to cover the deficits that the PCC has approved. The investment values increased over the year and we saw a net increase in value of £77,735. Together with our deficit this gave a net increase in funds for the year of £56,992. We have agreed to use our Eaton fund to support employment of Children and Families workers to strengthen and build our young families in the congregation. Our agreed budget therefore reflects this increased liability and is for a deficit of £39,000. As in previous years given the strength of our reserves, the PCC is confident that our finances continue to represent a ‘going concern’ and our accounts have been prepared on this basis.

Incoming Resources

Unrestricted voluntary income (excluding grants and legacies) increased this year from £74,023 to £78,761.

Our Church of England ‘Parish Giving Scheme’ now has 30 scheme members, each giving an average of £17.12 per week.

One legacy was received this year, £5,000 from the estate of Mary Bullock.

Expenditure

We purchased a replacement printer this year which increased our office costs. In the churchyard we extended our burial plot area and replaced the old fencing separating the old burial area and the church field.

The monitor in the Jordan room was replaced with a new one and partly funded from the remaining AV charges.

Our staff costs increased with the appointment of three new members of staff.

Reserves Policy

We are currently using our reserves (and their generated income) to cover the shortfall between our voluntary income and our day-to-day costs.

The Common fund is held in the form of investments to provide income.

12

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ending 31 December 2023


Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and Legacies
2(a)
Income from charitable activities
2(b)
Other trading activities
2(c)
Investments
2(d)
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Cost of generating funds
3(a)
Cost of generating voluntary income
3(b)
Expenditure on charitable activities
3(c)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE
BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS
NET GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
9
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted Restricted
Endowment Total Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023

£
£
£
£
85,731
150
50
85,931
16,535
16,535
8,752
8,752
18,114
4,011
22,125
129,132
4,161
50
133,343
2,365
2,365
0
0
148,831
2,890
151,721
151,196
2,890
0
154,086
-22,064
1,271
50
-20,743		 Total Funds
2022
£
85,846
14,835
6,305
13,260
120,246
2,043
133
134,796
136,972
-16,726
62,969
4,842
9,924
77,735		 -49,996
40,905
6,113
9,974
56,992
576,926
67,507
117,714
762,147		 -66,722
828,869
617,831
73,620
127,688
819,139		 762,147

13

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DEcE￿[BER 2023 Notes FIx￿D ASSETS Inve5tr1ents 074.350 d]0.014 T￿g￿l le 674.351 6,015 CURRENf.4SSErs CCL.4 EtP05it Account San￿der (Cuwenl.4ccount) 80.0 85.0 32.287 40.078 F￿a Bank Accounts 31.320 30.454 Debtors 1.231 1232 157.761 144_838 LL4BILrrIES Crolitors -50 -1232 NET CURRENf.4SSEfs i(LL4BILrrIES) 144.788 155.532 TOTAL ASSETS 819,139 76? 147 Represo)ted h": Urre5tiicte 617.831 570.926 Restiicted 73.620 07.507 Er￿O￿l￿ellt 12 7,688 117.714 819.139 70?.147 Approved by Parothral Church Council on 18th March 1024 and slÉned on its behaff by.. Chalmian PCC member nts￿ ¢)n the folkswing pages form part of these ￿￿oUnts. 14

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations (2006) governing the individual accounts of PCCs and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions, together with applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at 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 for Church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance of that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its ‘free reserves’ as disclosed in the trustees’ report.

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable; interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources Expended.

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable Church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).

Equipment used within the Church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

15

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ending 31st December 2023

2
INCOMING RESOURCES
a)
Donations and Legacies
Planned giving (tax efficient)
Planned giving (non tax)
Tax recovered from Gift Aid
Open Plate (Weddings/Baptisms/Funerals)
Open Plate collections
Sundry Donations
Wall Safe
CAF donations (unplanned)
Miscellaneous Receipts
Unplanned Tax efficient giving
Grants
Legacies
b)
Income from charitable activities
Fees
Magazine Sales
Fees for Rooms
c)
Other trading activities
Goods & Souvenirs
Collective Efforts
d)
Investments
Investment Interest
C.B.F. Interest
Total income		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
42,828
42,828
2,699
2,699
14,249
14,249
1,231
1,231
2,862
2,862
1,170
150
1,320
3,511
3,511
0
0
400
50
450
9,811
9,811
1,970
0
1,970
5,000
5,000
85,731
150
50
85,931
11,902
11,902
3,363
3,363
1,270
1,270		 TOTAL
2022
£
44,102
520
13,854
1,709
3,483
950
2,742
50
305
6,308
0
11,823
85,846
11,252
2,693
890
16,535
16,535
169
169
8,583
8,583		 14,835
236
6,069
8,752
8,752		 6,305
9,129
9,129
8,985
4,011
12,996		 7,611
5,649
18,114
4,011
22,125		 13,260
129,132
4,161
50
133,343		 120,246

16

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ending 31st December 2023

3
EXPENDITURE
Costs of raising funds
a)
Expenses
b)
Costs of generating funds for voluntary
income
Giving Costs
c)
Charitable activities
Cleaning
Fabric Maintenance
Extraordinary Expenses
Service Costs (incl Organ)
Courses / Education / Conferences
Junior Church
Staff
Miscellaneous Expenses
Admin. & Office Expenses
Utilities
Maintenance
Insurances
Parish Share
Children and Families Ministry
Churchyard Expenses
Postage
Printing & Stationery
Telephone & Broadband
Choir, Other Expenses
Grants, Gifts, Affiliations
Relief Clergy
Relief Organists
Flowers in Church
Berkswell Parish Magazine
Missionary Societies
Other Charities
Bank Charges
Rectory Expenses
Rector's Expenses
RoomsConsumables
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
4
STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries
Average no. of employees
During the year the PCC employed a Parish Administrator,
a Child and Families Worker and a Director of Music.		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
2,365
2,365		 TOTAL
2022
£
2,043
2,365
2,365		 2,043
0
0		 133
127
127
1,291
1,291
2,208
2,208
2,029
2,029
48
48
0
0
27,275
27,275
1,070
468
1,538
7,278
7,278
13,041
13,041
3,096
3,096
5,941
5,941
70,000
70,000
2,011
2,011
4,453
2,422
6,875
33
33
96
96
680
680
127
127
350
350
446
446
640
640
428
428
1,677
1,677
300
300
0
0
24
24
460
460
3,550
3,550
152
152		 80
821
0
1,937
615
20
22,882
465
3,677
13,186
2,609
5,401
70,000
0
3,526
76
38
674
110
508
539
495
756
2,022
390
566
24
601
2,494
284
148,831
2,890
151,721		 134,796
151,196
2,890
154,086		 136,972
2023
2022
27,275
22,882
4
3
an Assistant Administrator, a Magazine Editor,

No payments were large enough to attract social security costs.

No PCC members nor related parties received more than £60,000

5 Related Parties

Mrs Patricia Rich was employed by the PCC as Parish Magazine editor, she received £840. No pension contributions nor other benefits were made.

Miss Selena Toor was employed by the PCC as a Children and Families worker, she received £2,400. No pension contributions nor other benefits were made.

No other PCC members or related parties received benefits or emoluments.

No travelling, subsistence, nor out of pocket expenses were received by PCC members. The Rectors expenses are shown in note 3c

17

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ending 31st December 2023

NOTE

6 FIXED ASSETS Investments

£

FIXED ASSETS
Investments		 £
Market Value at 1st January
Purchases at cost
Disposals
Gain on revaluations
Market Value at 31st December		 606,614
0
-10,000
77,736
674,350
7
Debtors
December Gift Aid Claim		 1,231
1,231

8 Creditors

Agency Collection
FUND DETAILS
Unrestricted
Common
General
Eaton Bequest
Restricted
Bushill
Churchyard
Fabric
Endowment
Betty Huggins
CBF Bushill Feeder Fund
Eborill
Stokes
TOTALS		 31.12.23
£
419,538
27,460
170,833		 -50
-50
1.01.23
movement
£
£
396,841
22,697
27,768
-308
152,317
18,516
617,831 576,926
40,905
17,672
2,953
52,995		 17,274
398
2,557
396
47,676
5,319
73,620 67,507
6,113
17,908
11,272
13,144
85,364		 16,310
1,598
10,295
977
13,144
0
77,965
7,399
127,688 117,714
9,974
819,139 762,147
56,992

Eborill Fund

Specifically to be used 50 % for the Maintenance of the Churchyard, particularly

the Eborill Graves and 50 % to augment the Rector's Stipend in consideration of him ensuring that the Graves are maintained in good order.

Bushill Fund

Specifically to be used for the maintenance of the Bells.

Fabric Fund

Specifically for the fabric of the Church and Tower.

Betty Huggins Fund

Specifically for flowers in the Church

Eaton Bequest Fund

Designated for projects aimed specifically at involving the local community Stokes Churchyard Fund

Specifically for the upkeep of the churchyard

18

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

OTHER REPORTS

GIFT AID AND REGULAR DONATIONS

Annual Gift Aided giving increased by 4.3% this year, though it has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

Total £47,363.30 £52,871.95 £48,059.67 £47,183.43 £48,389.53 £50,468.38

The chart shows the following giving amounts for each year 2018 to 2023. Pink Env : Gift Aided donations received in pink envelopes.

FWO : Gift Aided Free Will Offering envelopes received.

PGS: Gift Aided Direct Debit giving, collected for us via the Parish Giving Scheme. SO : Gift Aided Standing Orders paid directly into the PCC bank account.

Church service attendances continued to increase this year. The average number of individuals for which tax was reclaimed increased this year from 84 per month in 2022 up to 91 per month in 2023, (as averaged over the year). Our contactless terminal now takes Gift Aided donations.

The overall number of planned givers increased this year from 74 in 2022 to 77 in 2023.

The non-gift aided regular giving for 2023 (Standing Orders and Parish Giving Scheme) totalled £5,674 (a significant increase compared with £3,437 of last year).

This together with the gift aided regular giving and the tax reclaimed we received a total committed amount for the year of £59,458, (i.e. not including Pink Envelope donations), up from £57,139 in 2022.

The total gift aided tax reclaimed for 2023 was £14,248 which is up from £13,854 in 2022, (The total tax reclaimed included £1,628 from eligible small donations e.g. open plate collections.)

Peter Cross Gift Aid Secretary

19

Annual Report - St John Baptist, Berkswell

The Churchwardens’ Report

We have now completed two years in office, and in our second year we have strived to build on the good practice we believe we and our predecessors helped to establish as we recovered from the impact of the enforced closure of the churches during the national lock-downs. We have met with the Rector, the Parish Administrator and our Licensed Reader in regular weekly meetings to keep a weather-eye on the life of our church. Teams of volunteers of readers, intercessors and chalice ministers are now settled and well established. Attendance at services, on Sundays and Thursdays continues to grow steadily, and we are now regularly close to eighty in number on Sunday mornings, and regularly about thirty on Thursdays. We continue to offer access to the online recording of the Sunday service, restricted by password. At present a small number of people continue to participate by this method.

Throughout the year the church building and the attached rooms have been regularly inspected, and minor problems resolved. Our Quinquennial Inspection took place towards the end of 2023, and no serious concerns were raised. Recommendations have been made, and these will be addressed over the quinquennial period. We are in the process of establishing a small team of volunteers to look after minor works. In particular, the porch lamp has been repaired, and at the time of writing was close to being ready for re-installation. The Inspection Report is available to view on request. Angela has continued to lead on garden maintenance and on intensive cleans. The church is in good order. Noticeboards have been updated and kept tidy, informative and relevant.

A new digital inventory has been prepared, with close comparison made to the previous manuscript versions. This was presented to the PCC, and we can report that all is in good order. The inventory, terrier, logbook and all other relevant documents are available for inspection on request.

We are grateful to the many people who have offered and given us their help and support, some of it unbidden, whether at services or behind the scenes. They have our thanks.

It continues to be a privilege and an honour, and we can also say a joy, to serve as your churchwardens.

Angela Childs and Michael Parker

20