ST ANDREW’S CHURCH GREAT ILFORD
The Drive, Ilford, Essex Charity Registration No 1132483 www.standrewsilford.org
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Incumbent Vacancy
Associate Priest The Revd Hayley Morris
Churchwarden
Mr Gary Harley
Churchwarden
Mr Barry Shortte
Bank
Nat West Ilford Hill, Ilford, Essex
Independent Examiner
Mr Derek Weist
Hon Treasurer
Mr Michael Williams
Hon Secretary Mrs Marion Pank
St Andrew’s exists to spread the good news of Jesus and to be a haven of welcome, fellowship and care for all people.
Page 1 of 29
INDEX TO THE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL for the year ended 31st December 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| PCC Membership 2023-2024 | 3 |
| Committees | 4 |
| Electoral Roll | 4 |
| Attendance | 4 |
| PCC Review | 4 |
| Asian Congregation | 7 |
| Safeguarding | 8 |
| Legacies | 8 |
| Financial Review, Independent Examiner’s Report, | |
| Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and notes | 12 |
| Deanery Synod | 23 |
| Churchwardens’ Report | 24 |
| Worship | 25 |
| Groups and Organisations | 26 |
| Community | 29 |
| General Privacy Notice | 29 |
Page 2 of 29
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023-2024
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure.
The PCC of St Andrew’s Church has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent 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 site.
PCC MEMBERSHIP 2023-2024
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected for a period of three years by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:
| Vicar | Revd Canon Marie Segal(Retired 8thOctober 2023) |
|---|---|
| Associate Priest | Revd HayleyMorris |
| Churchwarden | GaryHarley |
| Churchwarden | BarryShortte |
| DeanerySynod | GaryHarley from 2023 |
| DeanerySynod | Marion Pank from 2023 |
| DeanerySynod | Margaret Smith from 2023 |
| Elected Members | Michael Dean until APCM 2026 |
| Javed Elahi(resigned July2023) | |
| Ellen Harley APCM 2024 |
|
| Ritesh Kumar APCM 2026 |
|
| William Masih APCM 2026 |
|
| JoyMortimer APCM 2026 |
|
| Angela Norwood APCM 2024 |
|
| Roger Norwood APCM 2024 |
|
| Isaac Okafor APCM 2024 |
|
| Toyin Okpaise(resigned May2023) | |
| George Onyango APCM 2026 |
|
| Michael Spencer(died 05.09.23) | |
| Michael Williams APCM 2026 |
|
| Co-opted | Shaheen Zar APCM 2024 |
Members of the PCC are aware of potential risks, both financial and otherwise that might occur either in the church or in the adjoining halls and have taken appropriate action to control and minimise these risks.
Page 3 of 29
COMMITTEES
Standing and Finance : This is the only committee required by Law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.
Famine Fund Committee : This committee meets regularly and submits reports to PCC with recommendations for recipient charities for monies raised.
Worship Committee: This committee meets regularly and submits reports to PCC.
Asian Management Committee meets regularly.
Executive Committee comprising members of the Asian Congregation and the 10.30 am Congregation meets intermittently as needed.
CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL
In line with Church Representation Rules, the Electoral Roll has been updated and we now have 203 members. Of these 46 reside within the parish and 157 outside the parish.
Ellen Harley Electoral Roll Officer April 2024
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Average church attendance in the past year has been 124 adults and 20 children (these figures include both our Morning and Asian Congregations).
PCC REVIEW
Since the last APCM the full PCC has met on 6 occasions. At the time of writing this report its last meeting of the year will be held in April prior to the APCM. The Standing and Finance Committee has met on 4 occasions, Worship Committee 5 times and the Famine Committee 3 times. The group formed to plan the 100[th] Anniversary of the consecration of the church has met 4 times.
As usual the first meeting of the church year dealt with business matters regarding appointment of officers, constitution of committees, cheque signatories, trusteeship and the review of policies/risk assessments as listed below (all policies are available on the church website). The next review will be in May 2024.
-
Children and Communion.
-
Disability Access Policy.
-
Policy for Use of and Access to Halls whilst being used by Pre-School.
-
Health and Safety.
-
Lone Worker.
-
Church Fire Risk Assessment.
-
Privacy Notice.
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-
Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance
-
-
www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding/policy practice guidance
-
Safeguarding Officer: Duncan Paterson (Morning Congregation)
-
Safeguarding Officer: Ritesh Kumar (Asian Congregation) appointed during the year.
It was confirmed that all continuing members of the PCC had received certificates for Safeguarding training and new members would need to complete theirs by the beginning of September 2023.
As a registered Charity it was confirmed that all members of the PCC had completed and returned their Trustee Eligibility declarations.
INTERREGNUM: Revd Canon Marie Segal retired with effect from 8[th] October 2023 and a well-attended farewell service was held for her based on her favourite hymns.
A pre-vacancy meeting was held on 5[th] September led by the Archdeacon of West Ham, Elwin Cockett. It was conducted on Zoom as he was receiving treatment for cancer. The meeting was advised of the legal processes to be followed and given a rough estimate of how long the interregnum could expect to last. Having recently been advised by the Diocese that the post will be for a Priest-in-Charge, advertisements will be placed on the Diocesan website and in the “Church Times” in early April and interviews will be held in early June.
In accordance with Church of England guidelines two representatives from our congregations have been elected by the PCC to serve on the interview panel: Gary Harley from the Morning Congregation and Shaheen Zar from the Asian Congregation.
FINANCE: Reports are received from our Treasurer Michael Williams at each PCC and Standing and Finance meeting and mention and thanks must be made for the enormous amount of work he does, his diligence and attention to detail.
This year our report includes not only the accounts of the Morning Congregation but also those of our Asian Congregation, both of which have recently been independently examined and signed off. See pages 12 to 22.
Having been advised that there would be an increase of 7% in our Family Purse in 2024 to £74,906, we were asked if we could pledge to pay this in full, which we have done, acknowledging that this will only be possible through using legacy monies.
We have continued our tradition of annual charitable giving in addition to various fundraising activities at coffee mornings and special events. (See also Famine Fund report page 24).
A vote by PCC to sell 49 St Andrew’s Road (property previously occupied by curates) was passed but is on hold until the appointment of our new incumbent.
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WORSHIP: The Worship Committee continues to meet regularly to discuss and review services, which have continued in the same format since Revd Canon Marie left. We are fortunate to have our non-stipendiary Associate Priest, Revd Hayley Morris to lead us and visiting clergy to fill in for her when she has time off.
We are privileged to have a small Choir led by our Organist and Choirmaster Duncan Paterson, who despite undergoing major surgery in the recent past continues in this capacity. We are very grateful to him and the Choir for the part they play in our worship week by week.
PREMISES: Please see Churchwardens’ report on page 24.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: As the necessary policies had now been put in place, the Health and Safety Committee was disbanded during the year. Matters of concern are discussed at Standing and Finance/PCC as necessary.
As we approach the end of another year in the life of our church and look forward to celebrating our 100[th] anniversary, thanks must be given to Revd Hayley for the dedication she has shown in “holding the reins” during our interregnum and her ongoing leadership and hard work.
Our thanks also go to our Churchwardens. Unfortunately Barry Shortte has been off sick for most of the year and we wish him well. Gary Harley has worked incredibly hard in covering the work usually done by two people – a lot of it unseen and unknown about by the majority of the congregation. We are fortunate to have members of the Asian congregation who assist when requested. Thanks also go to all members of the PCC.
Our opening prayer at our Sunday services continues to be as below in addition to which we pray for the interregnum and that a new incumbent will be appointed before too long to lead us into the future.
God of mission
Who alone brings growth to your church, Send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning Wisdom to our actions Joy to our worship And power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, In spiritual commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
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ASIAN CONGREGATION
It has been over 14 years since we had our first worship at St Andrew’s on 13th December 2009. Since then we have made progress beyond our expectations. We are known all over the world wherever Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi is spoken and the diaspora from those regions. We are a ‘gathered’ congregation of mainly, but not exclusively, expatriate Pakistani Christians. Our congregation is considered to be the largest of its kind in the UK. Throughout our existence at St Andrew’s Church we have been affiliated with the Church of England by developing a very close association with the clergy and the main morning congregation of St Andrew’s. Our Urdu-speaking preachers are sourced from a pool of C o E serving Ministers. We have an active Youth Group, Women’s Group and Sunday School (Junior Church).
During the reporting period we have had a number of new families joining us who have been longing to worship in their own languages; one family found us through our website: www.ilfordchurch.org. Another family occasionally attends all the way from Southend by public transport. Following a ‘back to church’ service invite our average attendance has improved from 80 to 95. At the main events such as Christmas and Easter services, we have had well over 350 worshippers. The services and all other church-related activities are relayed live on Facebook, resulting in many hundred views, In addition to regularly worshipping on Sunday afternoon at 4.00 pm.
In August 2023, a false blasphemy-related accusation led to a widespread mob attack on Christian inhabitants in a town, called Jaranwala, in Pakistan resulting in displacement of families and burning of over 20 churches. In response, in solidarity, a number of our congregation members protested in front of the Pakistani High Commission along with others from all over the UK. Our Chairperson, along with a few representatives from various Pakistani Organisations also met the High Commissioner as a delegation. All of the similar efforts, all over the world, successfully put pressure on the government of Pakistan to take urgent remedial actions, including the arrest of the perpetrators. A special prayer service was held in St Andrew’s. A collection was made and sent to the affected families' children in the form of Christmas gift bags including presents and school stationery etc.
We regularly hold joint services with the morning congregation on special occasions for example to mark the Coronation of King Charles and the annual Carol Service.
A biannual Achievement Awards function was held on 5th November 2023 for appreciating and encouraging the high academic and non-academic achievers gaining successes in many walks of life. They were nominated from within the congregation and from the local community. Over 20 awards in various categories were presented to very impressive achievers.
The preceding year had been very significant and eventful for the Asian Congregation. Our congregation, at its AGM on 10th June 2022 unanimously accepted the proposal to fully become a part of the Church of England (C o E). Subsequently, the proposal was accepted by the PCC and we fully and officially became a part of C o E on 23rd March 2023. Henceforth St Andrew’s has become known as one church with two distinct congregations. This was an
Page 7 of 29
historic decision which was facilitated in the main by the Archdeacon of West Ham, Ven Elwin Cockett, who along with the incumbent at the time, Rev Canon Marie Segal, will be remembered by our future generations. Following our inclusion in the C o E the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, graced us with her presence at a joint service on 24th September 2023 and congratulated all of us for becoming part of C o E. Her visit was followed by the Bishop of Barking, the Rt Rev Lynne Cullen, who also congratulated us when she came to preach at our New Year’s Day Service on 1[st] January 2024.
We very much hope that the Asian Congregation of St Andrew’s, Ilford will progress from strength to strength and will work together with the morning congregation shoulder to shoulder in promulgating the Good News of Jesus.
Shaheen Zar Chairperson
SAFEGUARDING
We have, as a PCC, adopted the Church of England National Safeguarding Policy which includes safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Duncan Paterson is Safeguarding Officer for the Morning Congregation and Ritesh Kumar for the Asian Congregation.
LEGACY EXPENDITURE REPORT 2023
At the end of the year, the PCC feel it important to give an update about the use of the generous legacies received in recent years, which is as below. Please feel free at any time to speak to any member of PCC – list on PCC board at back of church – if you want to know anything more about this. The priorities listed for the Grace Crowson, Norman Harlow, Joyce Fuller and Margaret Riddelsdell legacies were as a result of full congregational consultation, whilst Restoration of the Church Triptych was the specific expenditure request of Marie Spencer’s legacy. Consultation regarding the use of Jenny Tripp’s legacy will be held in the future.
Page 8 of 29
GRACE CROWSON LEGACY - £84,240.46 £6,682.43 AS AT 31[st] DECEMBER 2022
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| Chapel Door –(Completed 9.11.16) | £18,000 | £17,476.80 |
| Coffee Area at back of church(completed 2014) | £7,500 | £5,484.51 |
| Organ repairs(completed 2014) | £8,000 | £8,220 |
| Church Hall redecoration – architect costs to October 2017, redecoration of ground floor completed October 2017, (upper floor and office redecoration still outstanding). |
N/A | £16,821.50 (to date) |
| Pew Cushions(Completed 2015) | £9,000 | £7,606.37 |
| Sanding/Repolishing of Church wooden flooring (Completed July2020) |
N/A | £7,980.00 |
| Sanding/Repolishing of Hall wooden flooring (Completed August 2022) |
N/A | £7,176.00 |
| New main hall curtains and installation, including new tracks andpulleys(Completed October 2022) |
£5,415 | £6,792.85 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 - £77,558.03 |
||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING - £6,682.43 |
| MARIE SPENCER LEGACY - £20,101.45 £384.34 AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 |
MARIE SPENCER LEGACY - £20,101.45 £384.34 AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
| Repair/re-gilding of alter Triptych – Completed 3rd December 2019 |
£18,000 | £18,825.14 |
| Electrical re-wiring/new lightingfor Triptych | **N/A ** | £ 800.00 |
| Commemorative plaques for Triptych restoration and new Church Audio & Visual Systems – Purchased March 2020 |
£106.00 | £ 106.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 - £19,731.14 |
||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING - £396.61 |
Page 9 of 29
NORMAN HARLOW LEGACY - £281,682.03 £238,127.40 AS AT 31[st ] DECEMBER 2022
| £238,127.40 AS AT 31stDECEMBER | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
| JMA Garden Design Grounds Maintenance during 2019 (per Church grounds 5-year maintenance plan approved by PCC 2019) |
£5,725.60 | £ 1,353.50 (5 invoices) |
| Pruningof Trees and Shrubs(September 2019) | **N/A ** | £ 90.00 |
| 50% of Installation of new Church Audio & Visual Systems (Completed November 2019) |
£25,000 | £20,670.00 |
| JMA Garden Design Grounds Maintenance during 2020 (per Churchgrounds 5-year maintenanceplan) |
N/A | £ 927.89 (5 invoices) |
| Diocese 2020 Parish Share 2020 £23,516.46 balance payment approved by PCC November 2020 – 50% of balancepayment(December 2020) |
N/A | £ 11,758.23 |
| JMA Garden Design Grounds Maintenance during 2021 (per Churchgrounds 5-year maintenanceplan) |
N/A | £ 884.00 (5 invoices) |
| Diocese 2021 Parish Share 2021 £24,398.01 balance payment approved by PCC November – 29.51% of balance payment(December 2021) |
N/A | £ 7,199.01 |
| JMA Garden Design Grounds Maintenance during 2022 (per Church grounds 5-year maintenance plan) |
N/A | £672.00 (4 Invoices to Sept 22) |
| JMA Garden Design Grounds Maintenance during 2023 (per Church grounds 5-year maintenance plan) |
N/A | £1,449.00 (8 invoices to Sept 23) |
| 50% of Hall major replacement costs (New hall boiler installed 30 October (total £21,984.00), replacement hall doors installed 26 November(total £10,607.40) |
N/A | £16,295.70 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 December 2023 - £61,299.33 |
||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING - £220,382.70 |
Page 10 of 29
JOYCE FULLER LEGACY – £201,790.95 £162,163.72 AS AT 31[st] DECEMBER 2022
| £162,163.72 AS AT 31st DECEMBER | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
| 50% of Installation of new Church Audio & Visual Systems (Completed November 2019) |
£25,000 | £20,670.00 |
| Diocese 2020 Parish Share 2020 £23,516.46 balance payment approved by PCC November 2020 – 50% of balancepayment(December 2020) |
N/A | £11,758.23 |
| Diocese 2021 Parish Share 2021 £24,398.01 balance payment approved by PCC November – 29.51% of balance payment(December 2021) |
N/A | £ 7,199.00 |
| 50% of Hall major replacement costs (New hall boiler installed 30 October (total £21,984.00), replacement hall doors installed 26 November(total £10,607.40) |
N/A | £16,295.70 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 - £55,922.93 |
||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING - £145,868.02 |
MARGARET RIDDELSDELL LEGACY - £500.00 (RECEIVED 1[st] SEPTEMBER 2021) £244.20 AS AT 31[st] DECEMBER 2022
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| New Biblespurchased for church(Oct 2021) | **N/A ** | £255.80 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 - £255.80 | ||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING – £244.20 |
JENNIFER TRIPP LEGACY - £110,000.00 (RECEIVED APRIL 2022) £110,000.00 AS AT 31[st] December 2022
Additional £33,958.62 received in 2023 (£25,000 - 30/31 May, £8,958.62 - 4 July)
| AGREED EXPENDITURE | ESTIMATED COST |
ACTUAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 - £nil | ||
| LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING – £143,958.62 |
Page 11 of 29
FINANCIAL REVIEW The income and eKpenditure figures include the income and expenditure li8ures of St Andrew's lan Congregation IDe5ignated Funds) for the first time. following it becoming fully part of StAndrew's in 2023. Total income of £200,785 was generated, a decrease of £30.413 on last year. £196,828 was unrestricted, with the remaining £3,958 restricted. Planned giving Idon8tions by direct debit. bankers. order, ènd ellvelope 8lvln81 Increased by £10.205 to £31.323. Donations and appe31s Income amounted to £23,277, an in(rease of £14,423 on last year. Loose plate collections totalled £25,070, an increase of É21,567. Incorne tax recovered from 8ift alded donations ralsed £6,7331£5,845 retrived frorn unrestrlcted donations. £9 from designated donations. ènd £879 IrDm restricted donations). 8ank and Building Society Snterest totalled £17,522, an increase of £10.309 on last year. Church Hall Lettings (part of income from church activitiesl generèted £43,030, an increase of £1,011. Other income presents £15,175 telephone mast rental income and £677 Sundry Teceipts. A legacy of £33,959 was received during the year. Total expenditure was £236,914, èn in¢aSe of £69.124 cfi last year. The di0San parish contribution (diocesan family pur5el during the year wa5 £70,429. Expenses for the upkeep of the churchyard expen5e5 were £2,579, an Increase of £ln181. Church running c05t5 Were £44,679, up £32,Z89, whilst Church and Vicarzge maintenance costs We £11,146, down El,499. Church Hèll running expenses In¢ased by £3.153 to £39.141. Church Hall maintenance costs decreased by £17,642 to £9,748. Missionary and Charitable 8iving Idonationsl for the year was £14,365 (specific d)aritable fund-raising in church for variou5 charitie5 not recorded in the church financial statement totalled £1,7581. The Curate's house maintenance, repairs and Insurallce costs were £4,183, down E4,379. The net movement in fundsfrorn all Sncome and eXpendItu was minus £12,843 la decrease of £76,251 compared with last year's £63,408 surplus1 which 15 represented by the movement In short term dep05f(s. cash at bankand in hand. debtors, and creditors. Tctal funds held consequently decreased by £12.843 fforn £604,151 * the start of the year to £591.308. The total fvnds con515t of £ £589,458 of UnStrICted funds1£519,627 in the General Fund, with the remaining £69,831 relating to fund5 desi8nèted by the PCC for specific purposes. narnely the Asian Congree*ion, Hall General, Hall Fabric, Flower and Grounds, Youth Work, Training, offi Equipment Fund. and Music Funds) and El,849 restritted funds (Famine. Vicarfs Discretionaryi Sound System, and Marie Spencer Legacy Funds). The PCC has a policy to try to ensure thai sufficient unrestricted reserves are held to cover 51X Tllonths, average running costs. The actual unrestricted reserves p051tion for the year was sufficientto cover more than 29 rnonth5 01 running COSts. RevdHoyleyMorrts Assodute Prlert IIthAprf12024 Vl.J. MLrn Page 12 of 29
l Rtwt to the tntyteeslrMnthrs of St ATrdreWs Gret Ilford on kcounts for the yeaf endln8 31. DeMber 2023. R•spon51bllhl•¥ ihd As the tTUStees ol the Trus1 are reSpolbIe for the prewr•tlM of tht •cMunts in •cc•rdBnce th rhe requlremtftts of the CharltsPA 2011 llhÈ•£fl. I rewrr In resFeaolmyexamln•thinof theTntsVs •LCOUnturrled out urtder%ectk)D 145 otthe 2011 Act and In carrWn8 my exarninatkn l ve followed all the ap•ble Dlr¢¢tlons 8l¥eN b¥ the Charlty Comrn15sion undErsettn 14515Mblof the ACL I have completed my examlThatK)n. I coNfirm th•t M mattiial rnitters have to ffly •ttentlort In onneetion wlth the examinaiion me t•U5e to belththat kn any mattrfal re5Pètt.' i. Accoufitlw rwds¥fftnotkeptkn re%p¢CtoITDjsI1SrtqUlrebV$eGl1tsn 130oftheAd' or 3. The ac¢ounts cCffiP with the •pble reqrtMents toncernlni the fomi and eontent ol ¥¢¢ounts set out In the Charitles (Nxwunts and Reports) Ae8ulJtkns 2(1)8 other th•n any TequirernErt that the xcounts gfve a Ind lalr whkh 1$ nor a matter Nsldered •5 Wrtol•n ir¥JewThlent exarninatkn. I hove np torKems ¥nd have ome auoss M othEf maners lrt coThnerthJD wlth the examlnation to which attenthtiN should bÈ drwi Ih th15 rewrt In ryder to en•ble • woper ¥ndttstandlng of the accounts to be reathed. Narne.. DerEkWelsL FCA Relevant yolesslonal boty. In5thuteof Crter1 AtttyJnits1fft Ewlnd •ndWales Address.. i aevthThJ SouthWwJdlord. Lorthn El8 Page 13 of 29
|
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| TOTAL | TOTAL | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | FUNDS | FUNDS | ||
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2a | 73,804.81 | 43,393.72 | 3,908.74 | 121,107.27 | 150,795.85 |
| Fundraising activities | 2b | 89.50 | 89.50 | 917.20 | ||
| Income from investments | 2c | 17,085.76 | 387.25 | 49.07 | 17,522.08 | 19,813.37 |
| Income from church activities | 2d | 3,184.84 | 43,030.00 | 46,214.84 | 44,832.12 | |
| Other income | 2e | 15,180.00 | 671.77 | 15,851.77 | 14,839.18 | |
| Total Income | 109,344.91 | 87,482.74 | 3,957.81 | 200,785.46 | 231,197.72 | |
| Expenditure | ||||||
| Expenditure on raising funds | 3a | 500.00 | ||||
| Expenditure on church activities | 3b | 107,164.62 | 123,444.14 | 6,305.00 | 236,913.76 | 167,289.56 |
| Total Expenditure | 107,164.62 | 123,444.14 | 6,305.00 | 236,913.76 | 167,789.56 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 2,180.29 | (35,961.40) | (2,347.19) | (36,128.30) | 63,408.16 | |
| Other recognised gains/losses | ||||||
| Transfer between funds | (24,041.40) | 47,326.50 | 23,285.10 | |||
| Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets | 5 | |||||
| Gains/(losses) on investment assets | 6 | |||||
| Net movement in funds | (21,861.11) | 11,365.10 | (2,347.19) | (12,843.20) | 63,408.16 | |
| Total funds brought forward at 1st | 541,488.09 | 58,466.42 | 4,196.42 | 604,150.93 | 540,742.77 | |
| January 2023 | ||||||
| Total funds carried forward at 31st | 519,626.98 | 69,831.52 | 1,849.23 | 591,307.73 | 604,150.93 | |
| December 2023 |
Page 14 of 29
NC EALAN¢E$HEET AT31 cEllBER22j ,00 2JJ& 5$328f.¢• .7DIBO ?,5.00 $52,7JO.3 Shtyiknthp b9r&¢r•th $72,958 r6 .112.83 IW7.7 P£tASSErs Fund& 4.142 J1.$2 58.4&42 541.4WI 7 F3 .150.93 11 AW12024 Page 15 of 29
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting policies
a Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 1 January 2015 and with the Charities Act 2011.
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 affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members.
b Funds accounting
Funds held by the PCC are:
Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes
Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.
Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restructed objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; 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 remaing unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.
c Income
All income is accounted for gross.
Donation and legacies
Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is received Donations, grants and legacies are recognised when the PCC is legally entitled to the amount due, there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and can be measured reliably
Income from investments
Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.
All other income
All other income is recognised when it is receivable, the PCC becomes entitled to the resources, and it is more likely than not that the PCC will receive the resources and its monetary value can be measured with sufficent reliability.
Gains and losses on investments
Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation on 31 December.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
d Expenditure
Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross.
Grants
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Church Activities
The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for when paid. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.
e Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected. For inalienable property acquired prior to (date) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Individual items acquired since (date) have been capitalised in the accounts and depreciated over their useful economic life (see note (d) ).
All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £2000 are written off in the year they were incurred.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:
| Fixtures and fittings | 25% straight line |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment | 30% straight line |
| Audio Visual Equipment | 10% straight line |
No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.
Investments
Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.
f Current Assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2 Income
| a Donations and legacies Planned giving Collections at all services Gift days Donations and appeals Income tax recoverable Grants Legacies b Fundraising activities Fetes, bazaars and other fund-raising events Bookstall c Income from Investments Bank & Building Society Interest Curate's House Rental Income d Income from church activities Donations for use of church Church hall lettings etc Fees from weddings etc Parish magazine Coffee money e Other income Insurance Claims Duplicating Sundry Income Total Income |
TOTAL TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ 19,784.28 9,979.00 1,560.00 31,323.28 21,118.53 4,320.27 20,749.80 25,070.07 3,502.73 745.00 745.00 740.00 9,896.56 12,655.76 725.00 23,277.32 8,854.64 5,845.08 9.16 878.74 6,732.98 6,579.95 33,958.62 33,958.62 110,000.00 73,804.81 43,393.72 3,908.74 121,107.27 150,795.85 835.00 89.50 89.50 82.20 |
|---|---|
| 89.50 89.50 917.20 |
|
| 17,085.76 387.25 49.07 17,522.08 7,213.37 12,600.00 |
|
| 17,085.76 387.25 49.07 17,522.08 19,813.37 |
|
| 300.00 300.00 275.00 43,030.00 43,030.00 42,019.50 2,726.00 2,726.00 2,310.00 158.84 158.84 227.62 |
|
| 3,184.84 43,030.00 46,214.84 44,832.12 5.00 5.00 1.00 15,175.00 671.77 15,846.77 14,838.18 |
|
| 15,180.00 671.77 15,851.77 14,839.18 |
|
| 109,344.91 87,482.74 3,957.81 200,785.46 231,197.72 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3 Expenditure
| a Expenditure on raising funds Harvest quiz costs b Expenditure on church activities Missionary and charitable giving: Overseas: Pakistan Flood Appeal Embrace The Middle East Barnabus Aid Smile Train Water Aid Mercy Ships Sight Savers Falconer Trust Save The Children Fund Teso Development Trust UNICEF Gaza Appeal UNICEF UK Home: CEP Redbridge Street Pastors Redbridge Foodbank Salvation Army St Andrew's Community support Christians Against Poverty Non-charitable givinig St Andrew's Church (from St Andrew's Asian Congregation) Ministry costs: diocesan parish contribution Parish Fees other clergy costs Church running expenses Church & Vicarage maintenance Major Installation Curates House Expenses Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Parish magazine Youth Church Church hall running expenses Church hall maintenance Education & Training Administration - Printing & Stationery Administration - Sundry Bank Charges Independent examination fee Total Expenditure |
TOTAL TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ 500.00 |
|---|---|
| 500.00 | |
| 3,190.00 3,190.00 800.00 800.00 250.00 400.00 400.00 500.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 900.00 900.00 250.00 800.00 800.00 250.00 835.00 835.00 800.00 800.00 250.00 570.00 570.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 120.00 120.00 620.00 750.00 750.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 400.00 400.00 1,350.00 1,350.00 |
|
| 1,870.00 7,540.00 6,305.00 15,715.00 4,120.00 |
|
| 70,428.60 70,428.60 63,077.92 1,353.00 1,353.00 974.00 506.99 2,879.99 3,386.98 262.66 15,066.58 29,612.44 44,679.02 12,389.69 11,145.72 11,145.72 12,645.12 32,591.40 32,591.40 4,183.12 4,183.12 8,561.81 2,138.56 440.00 2,578.56 1,560.06 1,364 1,363.91 3.75 39,140.78 39,140.78 35,987.83 9,748.20 9,748.20 27,390.58 49.33 127.42 127.42 51.81 472.05 472.05 215.00 |
|
| 107,164.62 123,444.14 6,305.00 236,913.76 167,289.56 |
|
| 107,164.62 123,444.14 6,305.00 236,913.76 167,789.56 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
4 Staff costs
a Wages, salaries & Expenses
| 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 576.00 | 576.00 |
During the year the PCC employed an Organist, but no payment was large enough to attract social security costs.
b Payments to PCC members
As the parish organist, Mr D Paterson who is member of the PCC, was paid £576 during the year. There were no other disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members, nor persons closely connected to them, nor other related parties.
5 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2023 Additions Disposals Revaluation At 31 December 2023 Depreciation At 1 January 2023 Provided in the year Disposals At 31 December 2023 Net book amounts At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 |
Freehold land Church and buildings equipment £ £ 6,100.00 41,340.00 6,100.00 41,340.00 12,402.00 4,134.00 16,536.00 6,100.00 24,804.00 6,100.00 28,938.00 |
TOTAL £ 47,440.00 |
|---|---|---|
| 47,440.00 | ||
| 12,402.00 4,134.00 |
||
| 16,536.00 | ||
| 30,904.00 | ||
| 35,038.00 |
The freehold land and buildings comprises the curate's house at 49 St Andrews Road. The cost value is the original puchase value paid in 1962. A professional current market valuation has yet to be obtained, but it is estimated that its value is in excess of £400,000.
Church Equipment (audio and visual system purchased at cost of £41,340 November 2019) is being depreciated over 10 years at 10% per annum of the 2019 purchase cost from 31 December 2020
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6 Analysis of Net assets by fund
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets for church use | 30,904.00 | 30,904.00 | ||
| Investment fixed assets | ||||
| Current assets | 489,007.98 | 75,379.75 | 1,913.26 | 566,300.99 |
| Current liabilities | -285.00 | -5,548.23 | -64.03 | -5,897.26 |
| Long term liabilities | ||||
| 519,626.98 | 69,831.52 | 1,849.23 | 591,307.73 |
| 7 Debtors Income tax recoverable Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Deferred income Accruals for utilities and other costs Other creditors 9 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than |
2023 2022 £ £ 2,336.00 2,655.00 |
|---|---|
| 2,336.00 2,655.00 |
|
| 2023 2022 £ £ 5,833.23 3,817.62 64.03 64.03 |
|
| 5,897.26 3,881.65 |
|
| one year 2023 2022 £ £ |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST ANDREWS, GREAT ILFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
10 Statement of funds
| Unrestricted Fund General Fund Designated Fund Hall General Fund Hall Fabric Fund Flower & Grounds Fund Youth Work Training Fund Office Equipment Fund Music Fund Asian Congregation Restricted Fund Famine Fund Internal Fabric Fund Vicars Discretionary Fund Sound System Fund Marie Spencer Legacy Fund Total funds |
Bal b/fwd Income Expenditure Transfers, Bal c/fwd 1 Jan 2023 other gains 31 Dec 2023 and losses £ £ £ £ £ 541,488.09 109,344.91 -107,164.62 -24,041.40 519,626.98 541,488.09 109,344.91 -107,164.62 -24,041.40 519,626.98 40,404.84 43,130.00 -75,060.38 28,091.40 36,565.86 16,334.10 327.66 -6,700 0 9,961.76 615.46 82.42 -70.00 0 627.88 382.81 12.27 0 0 395.08 138.83 5.26 0 0 144.09 389.25 14.02 0 0 403.27 201.13 7.01 0.00 0 208.14 43,904.10 -41,613.76 19,235.10 21,525.44 58,466.42 87,482.74 -123,444.14 47,326.50 69,831.52 |
|---|---|
| 2,582.01 3,908.74 -6,305.00 0 185.75 0 0 0 0 0 127.00 0 0 0 127.00 1,103.07 36.80 0 0 1,139.87 384.34 12.27 0 0 396.61 |
|
| 4,196.42 3,957.81 -6,305.00 0.00 1,849.23 |
|
| 604,150.93 200,785.46 -236,913.76 23,285 591,307.73 |
Asian Congregation (Designated Fund) represents funds of St Andrew's Asian Congregation. Funds included in accounts following approval by Chelmsford Diocese and St Andrew's PCC for St Andrew's Asian Congregation to become fully part of St Andrew's Great Ilford Church and the Church of England on 16 March 2023
St Andrew's Asian Congregation funds at 1 January 2023 were £23,285.10
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DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
There have been three meetings during the year at different churches throughout the Deanery. All meetings begin with an act of worship led by the host parish and standard items include reports from the Deanery Treasurer, and the Education Scrutiny representative as well as from Diocesan and General Synods when they have met. At each meeting there is usually a speaker on a topic of special interest.
The first meeting of the year met at Holy Trinity, Barkingside and was addressed by Paul Samuels of Redbridge and Ilford Citizens UK, a non-partisan community organisations using networking and collective connections to influence decision makers such as councillors on important issues. Their current campaigns include youth safety, promoting mental health and prevention of hate crime.
In June the speaker was Julia-Burton-Jones, Anna Chaplaincy lead for Rochester Diocese and national Anna Chaplaincy training and development lead who explained its work and approach. The organisation was founded in 2010 to minister to older people emotionally and spiritually, community-based around a local church. It is ecumenical in ethos, person-centred and non-judgemental, providing community-based spiritual care for older people of strong, little or no faith.
The meeting was also addressed by Michaela Southworth, Chelmsford Diocesan Secretary and CEO who spoke about her work, her personal history and the Diocese’s challenges and direction of travel. Her aim is to bring the Deaneries and central Diocesan functions closer together.
The November meeting was held at St Paul’s Hainault where the main part of the evening was devoted to a discussion on the Deanery Strategy and its state of play, where members, in groups, were invited to reflect on the successes, challenges, new possibilities and needs within their own parish.
In March we met at St Luke’s church, Ilford and listed to a presentation from Beccy Hills, Diocesan Parish Giving Adviser who explained the various ways in which people could make donations. We learned that bids could be made for digital devices in this respect and as a result our Treasurer was successful in his bid for a contactless donation machine which we will take possession of in June of this year.
Gary Harley, Marion Pank, Margaret Smith Deanery Synod Lay Representatives
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CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT
CHURCH BUILDINGS 2023 – 2024: CAPITAL, REVENUE AND REPAIR PROJECTS
Throughout the year we have carried out maintenance and servicing work to our buildings, which include the church, hall, vicarage, and the house at 49 St Andrew’s Road which in the past was where the curates working at St Andrew’s lived. The maintenance and service costs are broken down as follows:
| Electrical | £1,530.00 |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | £625.00 |
| Cleaning | £9,165.60 |
| Organ | £492.00 |
| Fire and Safety Equipment | £540.58 |
| 49 St Andrew’s Road | £4,183.00 |
We have also carried out several projects and/or upgrades to areas of our buildings that the PCC in agreement with the Standing and Finance Committee felt needed doing. The description and costs of these upgrades are listed below.
We replaced the two wooden doors to the hall, the main outer doors, and the inner doors. with aluminium doors which were painted in the colour of St Andrew’s blue. £10,607.40
We needed to replace the gas boiler in the hall since the gas engineer advised us that he was no longer able to service the boiler due to wear and tear. We have been using the same gas engineer to service the boiler that installed the original boiler in the hall over 20 years ago. £21,984.00
During the works on installing the new gas boiler the engineer had to arrange to erect scaffolding on the roof to replace the old flue. We took advantage of the scaffolding being in place and arranged for a builder to fix a problem with the chimney breast that was causing a water leak in the upstairs office in the hall. £1,680.00
We arranged to carry out the annual maintenance and service of the heaters in the church and to have heater guards installed and fitted around the heaters. This is to prevent any accidents with the young children touching the heated metal when the heaters are in operation. £3,765.60
The Quinquennial Inspection report carried out in December 2022, highlighted structural damage to the lean-to brick storage building on the outside of the hall. The condition became worse over the months as well as discovering a water leak in the roof. The building is used by the Pre-school and the Guides to store their equipment. We arranged for a local builder to carry out the repair works.
£6,700.00
We have a contract with a local garden design company to maintain our church grounds. The grounds were originally landscaped by them following our being successful with a Heritage Lottery Grant. They come on site three or four times a year to manage the upkeep of the church garden. £2,138.56
During the Sunday services we were hearing a distortion in the sound coming from the speakers on the wall. Since we have a maintenance contract with the company that installed the sound and visual equipment we called them in to investigate and carry out the necessary repair work. £984.00
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We continue to receive an annual income for housing the Mobile Telephone Mast on the church premises. £15,175.00
A special thank you to Geoffrey Eze, Halls’ Booking Secretary, for the fantastic job he continues to do in managing the hall bookings and liaising with the hall hirers.
If you have an idea of a project that you think would enhance the welcome and worship at St Andrew’s, then please speak to myself, Barry, or any member of the PCC.
Gary Harley, Churchwarden Barry Shortte, Churchwarden
WORSHIP
The Worship Committee has continued to meet throughout this last year during which time we said our farewells to Revd Canon Marie Segal on her retirement and, sadly, to Mike Spencer who passed away in September and to whom we are grateful for his contributions to this committee.
Our Musical Director, Duncan Paterson, underwent surgery in November and the choir rose to the challenge of leading the singing without accompaniment and the congregation responded well. Thankfully Duncan was well enough to be back with us after Christmas.
As a committee we have continued to discuss the worship on offer here at St Andrew’s. The pattern of services has continued including a sung eucharist, family eucharist, eucharist service and morning worship on a monthly basis. On a fifth Sunday the Songs of Praise format has remained popular. There have been a couple of special services eg The King’s Coronation Service and Marie’s Retirement Service in October. STAFF have also led a special service and we have had some invited guest speakers including a speaker from the Mercy Ships Charity at the Harvest service and Helen Mullis from the Christian Education Partnership came to speak in December. We continue our pattern of joining with the Asian afternoon congregation for special services such as the Carol Service.
We continue to value lay participation in our services and have welcomed Ellen Harley, Michael Williams and Marion Pank as lay leaders of services on a monthly basis. Folk from the congregation continue to lead us in our intercessions and reading lessons for each service. For this we are grateful. It is important for the people of God, the congregation, to be involved in our worship week by week. Worship is something we do together; it is not something done to us.
Of course we are now in interregnum and this puts more emphasis on lay participation for which I am very grateful. This time continues and I hope that by the Autumn we will have a new Priest in Charge. Until then we will continue with the pattern of services. Finally please pray for the right person to be appointed here at St Andrew’s to lead us in our worship.
Revd Hayley Morris Associate Priest
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GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
BIBLE STUDY AND COURSES
As is now our custom during Advent and Lent we have chosen books to read together and these books and reflections have also been used in our Wednesday morning Eucharist Services. The Advent book which proved especially popular was called ‘ Brightest and Best’ by Philippa Ruth Wilson and the Lent book this year is called ‘Reflections for Lent’ with a variety of contributors. Whilst in interregnum it was decided that we would not run an Advent or a Lent course. Bible Study meetings are also on hold for the time being.
Revd Hayley Morris Associate Priest
BOOK CLUB
The Book group continues to meet regularly every 4 to 6 weeks. We are grateful to those members who host our meetings and for their hospitality. We have grown in number and continue to enjoy meeting to eat a supper of fish and chips before Book group proper starts and we discuss the chosen book. Once again, we have read a variety of books and some of us are trying hard to not always bring the same genre of book to choose from! This year we have read Love Untold by Ruth Jones, A Bird in the Hand by Anne Cleeves and Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd by Jonas Jonasson amongst others.
Revd Hayley Morris Associate Priest
ST ANDREW’S FAMINE FUND (STAFF)
I took over as Chair of STAFF sometime last year when John Manuel retired after many years. John and Audrey remain on the committee and we are grateful for the hospitality they provide at their home where we meet.
This year we have allocated funds to several charities and reacted to situations that have arisen in the world, eg the earthquake in Turkey and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, by having a gift offering plate at the end of a service. At our meeting in November, we agreed to make six donations of £400.00 to each the following charities, Christians Against Poverty, Falconer Trust, TESO Development Trust, Smile Train, WaterAid and Embrace the Middle East. We have received letters of thanks and receipts for all the donations.
The STAFF Committee has worked hard as always to ensure that the money donated is put to the best use and this year we have also supported a UK based charity, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), which helps to provide financial support and advice to those in need here in the UK.
The team has led a Sunday morning service to explain the different ways people can help to - contribute and we are holding a Family Fortunes style Quiz-night in April as part of a fundraising push. We issued a Lent Challenge, giving people a coffee bag in an envelope and encouraging people to give up a cup of coffee or tea a week, bought in a coffee shop, and
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asking them to set aside the money they would have spent and to return it on Easter Sunday as an offering to STAFF.
As always I am eternally grateful for the generosity of folk here at St Andrew’s. THANKYOU.
Revd Hayley Morris Associate Priest Chair of STAFF
10[th] ILFORD BROWNIES
As usual it was a busy year for the Brownies. We started off with our annual trip to the panto at the Kenneth More Theatre which was a great evening with the whole theatre full of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Towards the end of January we made our own Christingle Candles to take home and fill with money for the charity and these were brought back and taken to church.
During February we worked hard on our Unit Meeting activities, Skills Builders and Badges, we also celebrated Thinking Day remembering all those in Guiding throughout the world. March is very special as we invite the mums. grandmas, aunties or big sisters to join us at Brownies for our Mother and Daughter Evening. The Rainbows join us and we play games and always make a craft with them before giving every lady a little gift. During the month we also raised money for Red Nose Day. We finished off the term presenting all the badges that the Brownies at earned and there was a lot.
In April and May we worked hard again on our Unit Meeting Activities, Skills Builders and Badges, learning new games and trying new activities. We also celebrated the Coronation with the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers from St Andrew’s plus members from other groups. We had fun activities and decorated cakes that we got to eat at the party. We also started to prepare for our first Brownie Holiday since covid.
During June we celebrated Fathers’ Day and invited the dads, grandads, uncles or older brothers to join us. We had some fun activities and found that the dads are very competitive with their newspaper towers and fizzy flyers. Then at the end of the month we went on our Brownie Holiday. It was great weather, we did lots of exciting activities at Chigwell Row campsite, karting, wall climbing, crafts, campfire to name but a few to the theme of Harry Potter and the Brownies can’t wait for the next one.
In July we finished off our badge work and then had our annual sports evening at the site in Wanstead Park Road with the Rainbows. All the parents joined us for a lovely evening including our parents’ race. We also presented their badges.
August was a well-earned rest for the leaders and time to plan for the coming term.
In September we started back with new girls joining us and a few of our Brownies moving up to Guides. We planned with the Brownies our ideas for the term and then started on the badges.
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During October we prepared for our annual show which is in November and we do with the Rainbows and Guides and Rangers who come and run the stalls for us. It is always a lovely evening with the Rainbows and Brownies entertaining everyone and there are games, stalls and raffles for everyone to have a go on. The hall is full and great fun is had by everyone. We also donate most of the money we make to the church for the hall.
December was a fun couple of weeks before we finished for Christmas with Diwali activities, Christmas crafts and our party.
Amanda Shepherd Brown Owl
10[th] ILFORD RAINBOWS
We regularly had 12 girls aged 4 to 7 years in Rainbows over the year. That is our maximum number and as one girl left or moved up to Brownies another was invited to join from our waiting list.
I continue to be the Rainbow Leader (known as Star) very ably assisted by Young Leader Iman (known as Sunshine). Sadly, we lost 2 Unit Helpers during 2023 and ended the year relying on parents to help out at meetings as our second adult.
A typical meeting consists of activities from the Girlguiding programme, Rainbow Chat, where the girls talk about what they have done during the week and plan for the future, and a game. This year we mainly completed activities from the ‘Know Myself’ and ‘Express Myself’ themes, and started on ‘Have Adventures’ and ‘Take Action’. We also celebrated special dates and this year we made rabbits for Lunar Year, celebrated Thinking Day by travelling around the world with passports girls had made, had an egg hunt and egg and spoon race for Easter, made cards and bookmarks for Fathers’ Day, made a card for Rev Marie’s retirement and held a Christmas party.
Each year we join with the Brownies for 3 occasions and 2023 was no different, with Mother and Daughter Evening in March, Sports Evening at Wanstead Park Road in July and Parents’ Evening in November. The Rainbows sang ‘When I grow up’ from Matilda, and, in a new venture for Rainbows, several girls did gym displays and sang songs either solo or with a partner. In May we joined with Guides and Brownies for a fun event celebrating the Coronation.
Outside of regular Friday evenings, girls and their parents joined with other local Girlguiding groups to enjoy the pantomime at Kenneth More Theatre in January, and in September we took 7 Rainbows to the Rainbow and Brownie Day at Chigwell Row Campsite.
Jenny Bowen Star
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COMMUNITY
We continue to give regular support to our local Foodbank including special treats on occasions such as Christmas and Easter.
Our local beat police officer calls in regularly to our Wednesday morning service of Holy Communion to speak about local issues and hear of any concerns we may have.
Our halls are hired out on a regular basis throughout the year to the following organisations and are also available for one-off hire.
-
Munchkinz Pre-School – daily throughout term times.
-
Ilford National Trust Association – evening meetings.
-
Karate – evening meetings.
-
Kumon – Saturday morning and evening meetings.
-
Yoga – evening meetings.
-
Uniformed organisations – Brownies, Rainbows and Guides – evening meetings.
-
Surgeries for local councillors – Saturday mornings.
We take this opportunity of thanking Geoffrey Eze, our Halls’ Booking Secretary, for his hard work and diligence in managing the lettings.
GENERAL PRIVACY NOTICE
On 28th May 2018 General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force. As a church we hold data on our members which comprises name, address, telephone number and, in some cases, e-mail address. This information is used to maintain a record of church members (both those on the electoral roll* and those who have not signed up to this).
The data held allows us to contact members of the congregation for pastoral matters, and matters associated with the life of the church. The information will not be used for any other purpose, eg marketing and it will never be made available to any third party without express permission from the individual(s) concerned.
You may, at any time, request that your personal data be removed from our records by contacting the PCC Secretary.
*If you have registered to be on the Electoral Roll, you will have received a copy of the more extensive Church of England Electoral Roll Privacy Notice. Copies can be obtained from the Electoral Roll Officer or from the Church website – www.saintandrews.wordpress.com.
If you would like further details on anything mentioned in this report, please speak to any of the following:
Associate Priest - Revd Hayley Morris,
Churchwarden – Gary Harley, Churchwarden - Barry Shortte, PCC Secretary – Marion Pank, PCC Treasurer – Michael Williams Chairman Asian Congregation – Shaheen Zar (Sammy)
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