2023-12-31-accounts

BLANDFORD FORUM PARISH LHUKLH- A Beucun ()ICJi￿s HtTrp¢ *tJr II&TJidhA Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Blandford Forum Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Wednesday 24th April 7.30pm At Blandford Forum Parish Church Vision: Revitalise the Church, Transform the Town, Impact the Area and beyond

Ministers Re ort I continue to be encouraged by the journey of the church here in Blandford Forum. By God's grace we are continuing to grow and have an impact within our community. We started 2023 with the move back down to worshipping in the church buildin8 with +Stephen joining us to commi55ion us back into the space. It was especially fi'tting to walk from the Parish Centre down to church as a community- reversing our stepsfrom when we vacated the church in February 2022. It was also a risk for us as a community as the question remained, would we retain all that we had gained during our time worshipping in the parish centre? Would the sense of community persist? Would we continue to grow a5 a community? In essence we returned to a building in many ways very different from that we left. We were warm, there was new technical gear, a new servery and a new carpet all of which has contributed to the space feeling more welcome for those coming across the threshold. +Stephen was also able to announce on that day that Will Burditt would be joining us for his curacy. Another confirmation that we were heading in the right direction as a church. No sooner had we returned to using the church building, we were also hosting the rest of the churches of the town for our frequent but irregular United Service at which we were able to share Holy Communion (which I believe was a first?). As we engaged with a rhythm of worship in the church building we also initiated what 15 now our 11am Contemporary Service. At the time this felt like a big risk, dividing the church congregation. Would it work or would it falter? Ultimately we were hoping for growth. I think time has proved that the risk has been worth taking we now have two thriving congregations, and the number of children engaging with the church ha5 Steadily increased over the last 12 months. Post Christmas 2022 we launched our first Alpha course in a number ofyears. We had a good number of people come along, and I know that those who led that first course were greatly encouraged by the conversations and the relationships built. We may not have grown in congregation size, but we definitely grew in faith of what God can do. During Lent, we took the decision to hold weekly prayer and worship evenings under the title of Going Deeper. These gatherings on a Thursday evening were powerful for those that went along, with a real tangible sense of the Holy Spirit being present. Alongside this we held a Lent course lookin8 at Hearing God's Voice - helping to engage with the prophetic gifting. Easter wa5 again another highlight- with the suite of services being such that almost everyone was able to engage with something - the Good Friday Breakfast followed by the Parish Boundary walk was very well attended and will undoubtedly become a fixture in the annual church calendar. Post-Easter we launched our monthly evening worship 8athering - on the first Sunday of the month. This effectively transitioned the weekly prayer and worship gatherings from Lent into a monthly gathering aimed at the wider community of North Dorset. Thi5 Steadily grew over the year and reached 30 attendees by the end of the year, which is a huge encouragement

and show's a desire across the area for people wanting to go deeper in prayer and worship than can be achieved on a Sunday morning. In May we assisted with the celebration of the coronation for the town, hosting a civic service attended by the MP and the town Mayor. On the Monday we invited the whole community to Afternoon Tea - and given the wet weather it was surprisingly well attended. A real highlight of the church engaging with the wider community. The Bellringers also celebrated with a quarter peel being rung in the church. Incidentally it has been good to have the ringers operating every first Sunday of the month for our combined service. We continue to strengthen the relationship between them and the church community. In June, Archbishop Wake Primary School had a visit from ++Justin Welby as part of his mission weekend in the Diocese of Salisbury. As a parish we hosted Ben Hudd, a member of the Archbishop's College of Evangelists, who led series of events and prayer sessions over the weekend of the mission which a small number of us took part in. Ben also preached for us on the Sunday morning. We continue to engage with the two primary schools in the town, with Will and I both leading collective worship once a month and hosting the schools in the church at least once a term. This has been a conts'nued encouragement to us and13yS the foundation for all that we want to do in regards to ministry amon8St families and children. Over the Summer Term our preaching and teaching was on our identity in Christ (Secure, Accepted and Significantl and then our discipleship practices (Worship, Belong, Pray, Give, Serve, Witness). At the start of July we welcomed The Burditts to our community, with Will getting ordained on 2. Julyand thenioininguson 9 Ih when we shared a bring and share meal up in the parish centre. At the end of the Summer Term the Community Kitchen team took the difficult decision to stop their regular coffee mornings in order to provide space and time to rethink how we serve and reach the wider community of elderly and vulnerable as a whole. My personal thanks go to Mike, Juliet, Annie. Susanne and Heather who all made the ministry happen. At the end of July, a small group of us attended New Wine United in Kent. This was a good time of fellowship. worship and teaching. Over the Summer holidays we consolidated our usual worship pattern down to a single 10am service for all ages each Sunday- where we followed the story of Jonah and how it related to evangelism. Feedback from many was that this was a good approach to this usually fallow season in the life of the church. Alongside this, we had social gathering5 each Sunday (walk, picnic, BBQ) for those who hadn't disappeared on holiday, to connect socially and 80 deeper in relationships. Each Wednesday we hosted the community for our regular holiday stay and play sessions. We were able to Serve many families over the holidays, giving them space for craft, games and fun a5 well as lunch for everyone attending. This is increasingly serving the wider community and demonstrating the chu rch is a blessing to the town. My thanks to Tina, Barry and all others involved. This was a real team effort from the church community in making it happen.

Between September and November we worked our way through the book The Church of tomorrow- both in Small Groups and in our Sunday preaching. This was a very fruitful season of conversation across our congregations on the nature of church and what it looks like to engage with being disciples in the world today. The conversations we had then continue to shape us today in a very productive and healthy way. In November Will and I played significant roles in the various remembrance events across the town. I led and Will spoke at the ceremony on the camp, and then we both had roles in the town service later that afternoon. The civic nature of the church continues to be a way we can serve the town and gives us an opportunity to speak into its wider communal life. Over the Autumn Term Will and I were able to expand the scope of our schools ministry to include Downlands School on the Blandford Camp with the impending move of Padre Ken Adolphe to civilian life leading a church in Poole. This is an incredible opportunity to build connections with the community on the camp and see what relationships can be formed. This is also assisted by Downlands intent to join DSAT (Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trustl in the near f uture. Over the last year, I have also joined the Trustee Board of Faithworks (who operate Blandford Foodbankl and the Local Governing Body at Milldown School. I believe both of these roles reinforce the work of BFPC and strengthen the relationships we have with those organisations. Both are partners in mission for u5 as a church. In addition to this I have also been leading the local New Wine leaders. network alongside Mike Tufnell from the Lantern Church in Merley. My hope is that as we work in partnership with likeminded churches across the area we will be able to learn from them and them from us. We are stronger together. At the end of 2023, we had a great Christmas with a good number of different worship offerings, as well as the Yuletide festival. The Yuletide festival bought a continual crowd of people into the church building and served to reinforce the need to make adjustments to the building in order to better cater for the wider community. Lack of decent toilets, a decent kitchen and the space to host hundreds in an informal manner were all clear issuesl Christmas itself for me was unusual, in that we had very good attendance numbers, but the number of church members was small in comparison to visitors. My usual experience has been Christmas is largely about church family coming together to worship... As I look back at the above l am amazed by all that we have done and all that we have achieved in 2023. If you had told me in Jan 2022 how far we would have come in 2 years I would have been very surprised. God has been very good to us and has blessed us as we have sought to honour him in our worship and our communal life. 2024 has continued in the same vein - but I'll get to that in my APCM report next year. Thank you to everyone who has served in some way in the life of the church over the last year. I know I don't say it enough, bL*t l am deeply appreciative of everything you have done. Church wouldn't be church without you. I want to urge you to keep praying for this church to grow and prosper. We've come a long way, but we've 5ti11 got 50me way to go before we can declare success! Onwards and upwards! Revd. Chri5 Beaumont

Messa e from Will Firstly. thank you for welcoming me and the family. It was daunting leaving Salisbury. friends, church, work, and schools etc. but the transition has certainly been softened by all your warmth and welcome. Thank you especially to Chris for all his support and kindness. Secondly, it has been a real privilege to be a part of this church - it is clearly on an exciting journey of restoration and renewal. The f irst few months have been a joy to be a part of something that God is working in and through. It is hard to comprehend that as I write this we will be coming up to a year in Blandford, we still feel very much like the newbies. But my time so far has enabled me to see all that goes on in the life of the church and contribute in part to some of those activities. I have deeply appreciated these varied experiences and opportunities that Chris has gradually and helpfully given me. My curacy has been appreciated in part because I have learnt lots already and still have plenty to reflect on. But overall, it has been a joy because it's clear that we are a church that is not satisfied with the status quo and wants to pursue God and His mission for Blandford, and gettin8 to play a small part in that is a real gift. l am grateful for the previous year and excited for the year ahead.

Church Re orts Electoral Roll At the time of putting this Annual Report together there are 95 members on the Electoral Roll. 4 names have been removed and 8 names added. The electoral roll was approved by the PCC th at the meeting on 14 April 2024. Safe uardin In line with Church of England expectations and Diocesan Guidelines the PCC has a Safeguarding Policy in place. This Policy is renewed annually. Mary Henley was unanimously approved as Safeguarding Office at the PCC meeting on 19 June 2023. Re ort from the Safe uardin Officer Ma Henle We now have 58 people with valid DBSs- a mixture of Adult & Child DBS. New DBSS are bein8 processed as requested by the various activity leaders. Any existin8 DBSS that are reaching the three-year limit are being renewed if appropriate. 43 people have completed the Safeguarding Basic Awareness course, 33 the Foundations Course. In addition, courses on Domestic Abuse, Leadership and Safer recruitment have been completed by some Church members. There is a requirement for courses to be retaken every three years and this position is being monitored. The Diocesan Parish dashboard is being used to check on our compliance with the Parish Safeguarding Handbook - this is a work in progress! As Parish Safeguarding Officer l attend Diocesan Safeguarding Workshops. PCC Strurture Governance and Mana ement The method of appointment of PCC Members is set out in the Church Representation Rules, a copy of which is available in the church office. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. Over the course of 2023 the PCC has met 8 times to discuss'normal, bu5ine5S Wlth an average attendance rate of 10. Ob ectlves and Activities Blandford Forum Parish Church's PCC has the responsibility of working with the incumbent to promote the whole mission of the Church in Blandford Forum. It a150 ha5 maintenance responsibilities for St Peter and St Paul's Church and the Parish Centre buildings.

Membershi of the PCC Administratlve Information PCC members who have served since the last APCM in May 2023 are.. Clergy: Rev. Chris Beaumont Rev. Will Burditt15ince July 20231 Wardens: Stuart Britton and Heidi Roberts Representatives of the Deanery Synod: Philip Whitcomb (until 2026) Lay Chair: Rodney Smith Secretary: Tina Stanley Elected members: Sara Loch (until 20261 Philip Whitcomb (until 20241 IPCC Treasurer) Sue Metelko (Until 20261 Gail Del Pinto Iuntil 2024) Rodney Smith Iuntil 20251 Gill Ablitt Iuntrl 20261 Rachel Anney was co-opted on to the PCC. Communlon Distribution Assistants The following acted as Communion Distribution Assistants during 2023- Rodney Smith Dan Roberts Barry Cox Heidi Roberts Sara Loch Debby Griffiths Philip Whitcomb The following people have arted as Sidesmen (Welcomers) during 2023 Tina Stanley Barry Cox Diane Beasley Muriel Read Marion Warren Val Dennis Alan Dennis Graham Poynter Rodney Smith lan Smith Bob Henley Sheila Bessant Andy Bessant Pat Richardson Shirley Remmer Gail Del Pinto Liz Wesley-Barker

Occasional Offices Over the course of 2023 we have conducted the following.. Funerals.. 8 Funerals took place at Blandford Forum Parish Church l Funeral took place at Blandford Cemetery Baptisms.. 8 Baptisms took place, No Weddings were held.

Wardens Fabric Re rt on the Church Bulldin s 2023 Church buildin During 2022/3 the following work has been carried out.. A display area has been created on the left and right back pews with a permanently fi'tted collection box installed. Curtains have been installed in the north and south porches to enclose the working areas. The first toilet cubicle and north porch area have been decorated. The flower area in the south porch has had additional shelving installed. A handrail has been installed from the dais to the south aisle. Lightbulbs have been upgraded to LED in dimly lit areas. There has been general upkeep of paths and removal of ivy, etc in the churchyard. There have been further clearances of unwanted items in the west balcony, north and south porches. The fi're extinguishers have received an annual service. The boiler has had its annual service. A wireless thermostat has been fitted to control and regulate the temperature inside the church. The electricity and gas contracts were renewed with British Gas and our broadband contract is with Now TV Parish Centre During 202314 the following work has been carried out: The telephone and broadband contract with BT were renewed. Our electricity contract is with British Gas Lite The heat pump central heating had its annual service and various parts were mended. The fire extinguishers have been Serviced and the fire alarm is tested quarterly. The edging was added to the concrete surface to create a step down to the grass. An office storage cupboard was built. Repair to the sagging gutter over the Emmaus Room and leaf clearance of the gutters during the year. The shed is now more organised and useable with a large shelf for Little Peas equipment being installed. The raised bed in the garden has been removed to create more usable space with new gravel being added to the existing stones. General upkeep of the garden which is now being undertaken by Barry Cox A r.hild-prnnf EAtp fnr l ittlp PpA%lFxplnrpr< hA£ hppn in<tAllpd acrnsg the corridor area. Fitted doormats have been installed in the office and Emmaus room to help with traffic in and out to the garden. A huge 'thank you, goes to our maintenance team, Barry, Andy and Shane who have spent many dedicated hours mending and improving both the church and Parish Centre. Your creations are amazing.

Another big 'thank you. goes to Bob who keeps up to date with finding us the best deals and suppliers of gas, electricity, telephone and Broadband for the Parish Centre and church. We really appreciate you keeping the costs down! And of course, were would we be without Rodneyl Font of all knowledge and amazing at coordinating and meeting contractors who come to mend and improve our buildings. Thank youl Inventory and Terrier There have been no additions to the church inventory this year. There have been the following disposals.. The carrying case of a Thurible which contained asbestos. Three mouse damaged robes1163-1651 Stuart Britton Heidi Roberts

Milton and Blandford Deane nod Re 0rt- 2023-24 The Deanery Synod met 3 times this year and the following is a summary of those meetings to share with parishes at the APCM. In June 2023 we were delighted to welcome Heidi Roberts Ideputy manager ofthe 81andford Foodbankl, and she gave a very enlightening talk to the Deanery Synod about the work of the foodbank. The synod was very moved by Heidi's examples of real people gaining so much from the help that they're to receive not only financial and resources but also the care and relationship building. Heidi and her team are more than happy to come to individual parishes if anyone is keen to find out more about their work. Lay Worship Leader and Lay Pastoral Assistant Training continues to be offered across the Deanery following on from the very successful courses run in 2022. Pastoral Reorganisation is continuing albeit at a fairly slow pace, the Two Rivers Benefice due to be established in 2023, ongoing recruiting in the Chase Benefice. On a positive note, Reverend Jane Williams was installed in the Red Post Benefice in September 2023 and Reverend Will Burditt as curate for Blandford Parish Church from summer 2023. September 2023 meeting- Reverend David Miell welcomed John Simmonds IJSI, Chair of the Sudan Medical Link and Simon Tustin ISTI Executive officer, Anglican International Development to Synod. Both enlightened the audience with details of projects ongoing in the South Sudan and acknowledged the need for transparency and audit trail for any monies raised to support those projects. They also agreed that they saw the organisations as partners rather than a relief agency and there is much opportunity for the deanery to explore areas of partnership as well as continuing the Sudan Medical Link. At this meeting the Standing Committee was elected for another 3 years, however with various family commitments it was noted that there is an opportunity for others to take the p13ce of some members who were currently finding thing5 a little difficult. The February 2024 Synod included a Presentation and Discussion on the Diocesan Vision 'Making Jesus known" led by the Revd Canon Jonathan Triffitt (Diocesan Director of Mission & Ministry and Deputy Diocesan Secretary) with small group discussions.

Re ort on Restoration Pro ect The restoration of the roof, high level masonry and the internal plasterwork was completed during this year. Unfortunately, it came in approximately £IOOk over budget due to delays caused by, amongst other things, discovering unexpected problems. The delays meant that the expensive scaffolding stayed up at least twice as long as expected. But as far as we can see there is no water ingre55, no more buckets to catch the drips. We are still in the snagging period, but so far the only problern that has arisen is the swelling of the 4 dormer doors that are used to get access to the parapet to clean the gutter sumps. There will be a final snagging report. It looked as if it would be impossible to find money to cover the excess required. as grant givers do notgive moneyforworkthat has already been done. However, the National Heritage Lottery Fund suggested that we came back to them for a top-up grant11 didn't know they did such things), and we were fortunate to be given one to cover the excess. The building work may be finished but there is continuing program of community engagement activities, including the monthly roof tours,. the regular talks in the church and with us going out to local groups; on-going research into the history of the church building (rather excitingly we have discovered that there is an uncatalogued box of church papers in the Dorset History Centrel; the extensive archive resulting from the project will provide a valuable resource for schools,. and we did a mosaic workshop during a Stay and Play session. We are still encountering diffi'culties connecting with the Blandford Schools, mainly due to the increasingly inflexible, large curriculum. The official fi'nishing date for this part of the project in November 2024, but we will continue most of the activities.

Church Grou Artivit Re orts Little Peas- 2023 Little Peas is going really well, numbers have grown and have averaged over 20 families a week over the year (Jan - Dec 20231. Many of our families have come consistently since we opened or since they joined. Quite a number of parents who came with young babies early in the year, or last year have begun to return to work, almost all are either not working on Wednesdays and can continue to come or their children are continuing to attend with grandparents. We have had a waiting list for most of the year which continues to grow. Over time it feels like we are building a lovely community which is supportive and friendly and we are really getting to know the families who come regularly well. During the summer months we have been able to use part ofthe garden which has been very much enjoyed by some of the children and created a bit more space indoors. The removal of the raised bed near to the hall made this space much safer and more usable {thanks to Barry for this). In September we moved to using both the Hall and Emmaus Room for play spaces {buggies and prams have to be left in the garden) in order to try and expand the number of places available. We have welcomed a number of new families but the waiting list keeps growing. The added space is much better especially 35 the weather got colder and we are only Using indoors. We are continuing to invest in play equipment and developing the outside space for next surnmer will be the next thing to think about. We hope to add an outside kitchen and will need to think a bit more about making the garden safe now we park prams outside. The new children's resources cupboard in the office (thanks again to 8arryl I ha5 made an enormous difference with more space to keep creative resources used for Little Peas. Explorers and Stay and Play and the purchase of toddler height tables and chairs is also helpful. We have a reliable team of both kitchen and "hall" helpers who do a fantastic job of making parentslcarers and children feel welcome and loved. Coming along side and listening, playing with little ones so parent5/carers can have a cup of tea. settin8 up and tidying away are all part of making things work so well. Having a few more people on the team would help make things easier when people are away, especially for set up so that is something to pray for and work towards next year. We hear a lot of positive feedback from parents/carers, they comment on feeling welcome, lookin8 forward to coming and their children wanting to come in to play on days when it's not Little Pea5 and being disappointed when they can'tl It was lovely to see some Little Peas families at The Light Party and Christmas Services. Thanks to all the team who help at Little Peas. CatB

Ex lorers 2023 With the move back into the Church building in January, our Sunday Children's group moved to using the small room off the porch and became "Explorers" We had a big clear out and tidy up to make the room work for children's work and created a safe play space in the coffee area for younger children staying in the service with parents/carers. Explorers has used f ree sessions written by Faith in Kids, Meals with Jesus and then Who om l? and later in the year we began to use a resource called Energize which we pay for monthlv. It's accessible for all those who lead sessions online and we can stop using and paying for it at any time if it doesn't work for us. We followed a series of sessions about Old Testament characters from September to November. Attendance across the year has been gradually increasing, starting nearer an average of 3 children per week and ending between September and December with an average of over 5. The average age of the children remains fairly young at about 5 years. Over the year it became increasingly apparent that the room we were using wa5 not really big enough for our growing numbers, especially as the children are gethng older. Discussion5 about the possibility of moving the group to the Parish Centre in 2024 began in the Autumn Term where there would be more space for active games and no need to worry about the noise either carrying from the main worship space into the Explorers room or vice versa. One of the first steps on this journey has been thinking about storage and equipment at the Centre. The purchase of new child sized tables and chairs and the new Children's resources cupboard in the Centre are big steps forward. The Explorers Team has grown this year and now numbers 9 people. By the end of the year we had managed to get all members of the team up to date with Safeguarding Training f rom Salisbury Diocese as well as having had DBS checks. Going forward new team members will undergo all the necessary checks and training prior to serving as part of the team. Role descriptions for Explorers group leaders and helpers are next on the list of things to complete for safeguarding along with updating our Safer Recruitment practice. The Explorers Team would like to thank Mary Henley for her help in all things safeguarding. Thanks to everyone who leads and helps Wlth Explorers. CatB

Sta and Pla 2023 Stay and Play runs every Wednesday throughout the school holidays. providing a free session of play, craft and lunch for families. The activities are most suitable for 5-9-year-olds but younger and older siblings also attend with parents. There are a number of families who attend regularly but also new families attending. Most sessions are fully booked as soon as they are advertised or even before I This year we have actively worked with our friends at Nourish to support clients attend with their children. It has been a joy to see how these families have blossomed and made friends with other families while attending sessions. Some families have now begun to attend the AIITo8ether@11 services and have attended special church services such as the Crib Service and Light Party. Running the sessions 15 a huge team effort by our volunteers and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gives their time and energy to make this possible. Tina Stanley I" Blandford Parish Church Brownies Re ort 2023 24 We have had a full and varied programme on subjects ranging from Knowing Myself, Have adventures, Be Well to Skills for my Future. Please follow the link to learn more htt www. what-we-do 8rownies-7-10 We took part in'joyto the World" Christmas Tree Festival; we made some sparkly Snowflakes and helped with Refreshments and fundraising for our units at the Yuletide Festival. Our Brownie unit has a full membership with girls moving into Blandford from different areas and the Rainbows moving up. Blandford Division are looking to recruit more volunteers to re- open another Brownie unit due to leaders leaving and volunteer shorta8e. Please follow the link to learn more htt www. .or et-involved become-3-volunteer Ruth Jones (Tawny) March 2024 2nd Blandford Parish Church Guides Re ort for 2023 We meet every Monday evening during term time at the Parish Centre. We have had a full and varied programme with the girls running their own actsvities on subjects ranging from Skills for my future to Staying Healthy. Pleasè follow the link to learn more htt uides-10-14 www. irl uidin what.we- Our first big occasion in 2023 was our celebration evening. amongst many badges presented durin8 the evening we were able to present our first Gold Award to one of our older Guides, Eve. Since then, Eve has moved on to be a Young Leader at Brownies, she helped with Stay and Play over the Summer and has also, with another member, gained her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

Thisyearfor Motheringsundaywe decorated candles and tried pyrographyon wooden spoons, made batter from scratch and cooked pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and transformed crème eggs into various farm animals, for our annual Easter competition. The Summer term with lighter evenings enabled us to try outdoor activities. The girls had the opportunity to try Kayaking, Windsurfing, Paddleboarding and Archery. We also joined Guides from around the county for a campfire at Dudsbury Guide camp. Towards the end of the Summer term we had a go at using saws and hammers making bug houses for the Centre garden and we tried to be savvy shoppers at Tesco. Learning to manage a budget so that we could buy some essential items for Nourish. The Summer term ended with a visit to Splashdown. In September we had a weekend camp at Dudsbury, the guides sleeping under canvas and cooking their own meals under supervision. Some of our Guides also went Pond dipping on Brownsea151and. Closer to Christmas we decorated a tree for the Christmas tree trail, provided Santa with his Elves for the Yuletide festival and visited Sophie's pottery for a painting session. There are many more activities that have taken place over the year, those ments'oned are some of the more memorable ones. Keeping the unit going is very much a team effort, and the unit wouldn't be what it is without the adults who have given their time over the year to attend trainings, resource activities and lead weekly meetings and other event5. Heather Stringer March 2024 Mothers, Union Pra er and Fellowshi Grou At the beginning of 2023 Gail Del Pinto took on the leadership of Mothers, Union following the sad passing of the previous leader Anne Shire. Over the 3 sessions she led the meetings She encouraged them to build in confidence as a strong team of women with voices that could change the world around them. She also encouraged them to be strong advocates to mothers around them and share their experience. During meetings the group prayed for families around them and around the world. Gail also visited the Mothers. Union caravan at Rockley Park. This offers holidays at a reduced rate for families to give them the opportunity of a break together. Nourish identify and support families to benefit from this. After Gail stepped down as leader the members wished to continue, but there was no one able to take over as leader. They continued to meet during this time and enjoyed regular trips to Salisbury to join other groups for Communion at the Cathedral. A representative from Mothers, Union visited the group to offer support and encouragement to conti nue. Following this we are delighted that Muriel Read has now taken over leadership of the group and we thank her for keeping this important church group going. In 2024 there will be regular guest speakers at the meetings. Two new members have recently joined. New members are very welcome. If you are interested in fi'nding out more please speak to Muriel or pop along to one of the meetings. Gail Del Pintonina Stanley

Christmas Tree Trail In 2023 the popular BFPC Christmas Tree Trail continued with the theme being Silent Night, Holy Night. Trees from Community Groups ranging from Pre-schools to Care Homes, and everyone in between. were displayed in shop windows and the 8 school trees were displayed in the church building. The church was opened every day in December to allow people to view and vote for the trees, in addition to the usual flurry of voting at the Yuletide Festival. The most votes cast by the public online and in person were for Community Tree Icastleman House) and School Tree (Durweston Primary Schooll, with the mayor choosing the Footprints Toddler Group IBlandford Evangelical Church) as his favourite tree. Tina Stanlev Saturda Coffee During 2023 Saturday Coffee resumed and was welcomed by the community. There are a small but growin8 8roup of regulars each week and it is a pleasure to develop and deepen our relationship with them. It is also a con515tent time when the church is open outside of Sundays giving an opportunity for people to visit the church and find out not only what is happening in the building but also in the life of the church. The team of coffee makers and listening ears is relatively small. If you are interested in finding out how you can help please speak to Sara Loch or Tina. Tina Stanley

BLANDFORD FORUM Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St Peter & St Paul, Blandford Forum For the year ended 31 December 2023

Parochial Church Councll of the Parlsh of St Peter & St Paul, Blandford Forum Notes to the FlnancSal S nts rthe ear 31 Decemb Accountln8 Pollcle5 The PCC 15 a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charlties Act, 2011 followin8 procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 1451511bl of the Charities Act, 2011. Under section 144121 of this Act an audit is not required for thi5 year. The statements have been prepared also in accordance with Church Accounting Regulation5 on the accrual ba515. They include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible by law. They do not include the accounts of any church groups that owe their affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Any income received which exceeds the requirements of the purpose for which it is raised or donated will be transferred to Church general funds lunrestrictedl. We are currently using a software accountanry package called Expense Plus which has been specifically designed to provide a more accurate cloud based financial position in real time. Flnanclal Revlew Total receipt5 on unrestricted fund5 were £719,210 of which £718,693 was unre51ricted planned voluntary donatlons. This compared to £291,658 In the previous year. However, a large proportion of that relate5 to the Sale proceeds of Anne Shire's house which raised £328,862. If this Is deducted the total receipts on unrestricted funds is £390,348. The figure for 2022 was artificially higher because of the festoration of the roof project. The actual amount budgeted for donatiot)al income in 2023 was £61,950 and we achieved more than double this amount. The proceeds of Anne Shire's house hove been notionally allocated £IOO.CLIO towards the costs of providing a Children's Ministry Leader over the next five years and the balance towards the proposed re-ordering and ￿$tOratIOn of the Church's interior. In january 2022, the monthly donation through the Parish Giving Scheme as £1,386. By December 2022 Ihis had risen to £2,206 per month and by December 2023 it had risen to £2,885. That is 108% increase over a 24 month period and a 31% increase for 2023 alone. There are currently 28 members signed up for the PGS but only 10 have elected for annual inflationary increases. There are currently 11 members who 8ive fflonthly by 5tandln8 order. This totals £792 per month. We now have two fully operational contactless Ilevices. One in the Parish Centre and one in the Church. The Church one has been less reliable as it is dependent on a broadband signal but now seems to be working a lot better. The amount collected varies from week to week. On average we

are receivin8 between £10-15 per week1£60 per monthl from the Sundaymiursday seJvice5 at a cost of £21 per month. The hand held device costs £9.60 per month. The average amount collected through all the contactle55 devices was £44.58 per month in 2022 and this has risen to £86.33 in 2023. The legacles we received In 2023 were as follows.. Pat Ellen £20,612 Mary Pope- £26.767 Anne Shire - £328,837 In 2024 we should ￿ceIve the balance from the estate of Heathef Bracewell. This money is designated for the HeritagelFabric Fund. Both the costs of Bas and electricity for the Church were up from 2022. This was partly due to the price per L¢nit increasing but also overall we have used more units then previous years. However on analysis of the units used per month it was evident that it is more efficient to keep the church heated all week at a constant temperature rather than fluctuating when Scheduled seThices were due. General maintenance and running costs were also up from 2022. Some of the difference was due to the clock mechanism being updated including silencing of the bells at night. The rest related to church boiler repairs, woodwork in the church inclijding giving station and door adjustments and or8an repairs. Total net assets was £425,529 as at 31 December 2023 compared to £168,079 as at 31 December 2022. Assets ConsetratÈd and benefice In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of "charity" BY SectSon 10121 lal and Icl of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial ststements. Moveable church furnlshln These a￿ capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economlc life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In these cases, the item is not capitalised but are included within the Church's inventory. Tan Ible Flxed A55ets for use These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £l,C4)O. They are valued at cost.

A depreciation of IO% has been allocated for 2023 towards the PA and lighting system. Depreciation is calculated to wrlte off the capitalized cost of fixed assets less their currently antlclpated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives. No depreciation is provided on buildin8s as currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remainin8 useful life of these a55ets exceeds SO year5, $0 that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. Funds Endownment Funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained,. only Sncome arising from the investment may be used as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established. This fund was generated from the sale of Lesley House. Restrlrted Funds relate to income received for a specific objective. These funds can only be spent on the specific purpose for which they are given. The PCC does not invest separately for each fund. The Restricted Funds as at 31 December 2023 are Herita8elFabrlc Fund For specific Church Building Repairs and Maintenance £42,963 Parish Centre Relates to the running & upkeep of the Parish Centre £972 Youth Support foryouth Work £416 Organ Relates to specific work to the organ £627 Mothers Union For work relating to Mothers Union £279 Hardship For those in particular financial need £97 Desl nated Fund5 relate to funds earmarked for a designateLI purpose such as the Parish Centre or Flowers bL¢t can also be used as unrestricted funds if required. The Community Kitchen Fund is designated fund. The followin8 are the designated funds held as at 31 December 2023.. Community Kitchen £3,500 Heritage & Fabric Ftjnd £74,208 Flower5 £474 Friends £695 Restore 1£71,3881 Parlsh Centre (£2141 Youth £989 General Unrestricted Fund is the fund used by the PCC for PCC ordinary purposes. Unrestricted fLtnds represent the fund5 of the PCC that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use. The fund stood at £42,397 a5 at 31 December 2023.

Income Resources Planned giving. collections and donations are recognised and received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. All income resource5 are accounted for 8ross. Resources Used All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and is accounted for gross. The diocesan parish contribution (Share) is accounted for when paid. Related party transactlons and coun¢ll memberfs remuneration No member of the council recelved any remuneratSon for their work as trustees. No members of the PCC or other persons related to the PCC had any personal interest In any contract or transaction entered into by the PCC during the year. ExpendSture 75% of the Diocesan Parish Share amounting to £43,000 was paid and this was in line with the budget set at the start of the year. The intention of the PCC It) 2024 is to pay 100% of the Pèrish Share which amounts to £58,826. The Parish Share is the sum that the Churches in the Deanery have to find and is shared between the Churches according to a formula that is based mainly on the numbers in our worshlpin8 community. It is the cost of being part of the Salisbury Diocese. No employees received emolumènts of more than £60,0￿. The average number of employees during the year was two. Employees worked between 9 and 19 hours per week each. Reserves pollry It is the PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds lif p055iblel which equates to approximately six months unrestricted payments lo cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. Thls has been archived for the first time in a number of years in 2023. Par15h Centre The total income from the letting of the Parish Centre was £11,667 in 2023, down slightly from 2022 of £12,264. This is largely due to timlng of payments rather than the Centre being less busy than 2022. The elettricity Costs for the Parish Centre remain high. In 2023 it was £2,674 agalnst a budgeted figure of £2,000. Both the usage and rate is higher than previous years. Maintenance and repairs were also higher than expected. Whilst the Centre has been regularly maintained over the years there are elements which will need to be replaced in the comin8 years. The first of these Ithe outside deckin81 was completed during 2023 but that has used up virtually all of the reserved funds. A vast majorlty of the stafflng Costs have been met out of the general church funds rather than a proportion being allocated to the Parish Centre Fund.

Restore The bi88est itern of expenditure and the one which has caused the most headaches has been the restoration of the roof project. The main issue has been cash flow and as at 31 December 2023 the fund was in deficit by £71,388. Effectively we have borrowed monles from other funds to pay for the work. The good news is that this shortfall has been met by lottery grant however the balance of that grant will not be paid until September 2024 so cash flow will remain a challenge for the time being. The total cost for the project amounted to just over £1.5m.

I

25"April 2025 Parcthral Church C￿n￿l of Parish of Si Peter& St Paul. Blandtorrl Forum INDEPENDEKf EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS Report to tho PCC of Parish of St Petsr & St Paul, Blandford Forum On accounts for the yèar onded 31" December 2023 This report on the a(Yxxmts of th8 PCC for the year erMl&l 31 C￿M￿£r 2023 is in respect of an examinatDn Ca￿led out under Regulaticn 313) of the Church Accwnbng Regulatths 1997 and s.144 of the Charities Act 2011. ROsF￿9 responslbllltlès of In￿1••5 and oxaminor The members of the PCC o)nsKler that an audrt is not required for this year (under sec#ion 144 of the Charitvas Act 2011 (the Acl)) and that an inde￿￿ent exam¥)atiM is noodgd. It is my responsibilty to.. Examine acc(yJnts (under secA*)n 145 oftheAcl): To follow ts proC£dU￿$ lavj down in the Generd DireciThs gNen by the Chaiity Ciynmiss (under sed￿n 145(5Xbl of theActl, and To stale ￿ether parts￿L4r matters habE lo my attent￿￿. Basb of Independent examlw'5 Statement My examinalion was Carri￿ out in a￿rdan￿ with General DireCti￿S given by the Charity CommissK)ners. An examinati￿ ind￿Je$ a re￿eW of Ihe aea)untir4J records kept by Ihe PCC and a compariscffl of the acAxxJnts presented tkDse r￿rds. It aL￿ indudes 0￿SIderat￿m of any unusual items or d￿0¥dJreS in the accounts. aThJ 8eekn.rrfj explana￿nS frcffi the tnjslees ￿n￿MIng any suth matters. The pro(xiur8s undertaken do ml provKle all the evidencé that w¢)uld be required n an aud and consequenly I do ￿t express an a￿11 opwiw ￿ the aC{x￿nts. Indopgndent examlnor's statement In the ￿)Urse of my examinatKy). no matter has to my attentiC￿.. which gwes me reaSC￿ab1e cause to believe tha( in any material respec( Ihe trustees have not mel the requirements to ensure that" prorw acc(xJntiTrJ re￿r￿S are k£pt lin aC0)rdan￿ Nmth sectkjn 41 of the Act); and b. accounts are preparBd a3re8 th8 arminting re￿rdS and (￿MP￿ the acc4JJnting rEyuirements of tsA(I,' or 2. to whid), in rny oyinDn, attentK)n sh)ukl te drawn li 0￿er to eTrab￿ 8 prcw understanding of the acccwnts to be reacw. Signed....S￿wltttts............. Date: ...25"Wil 2025.... Su8 WinUe FMAAT, ACIE Accojntrng Technicaan, AssocHti￿ of Chanty Inde￿dent Ey2miners 27 Bascott Road Wallisdown Boumemouth Dorset BH118RJ

25[th] April 2025

Parochial Church Council of Parish of St Peter & St Paul, Blandford Forum

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the PCC of Parish of St Peter & St Paul, Blandford Forum

On accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023 is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3(3) of the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 and s.144 of the Charities Act 2011.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The members of the PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Act);

• To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act), and

To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:

2. a. proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 41 of the Act); and

3. b. accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or

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

Signed: …Sue Wintle………….

Date: …25[th] April 2025….

Sue Wintle FMAAT, ACIE

Accounting Technician, Association of Charity Independent Examiners

27 Bascott Road Wallisdown Bournemouth Dorset BH11 8RJ