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THE PARISH OF WINCHELSEA

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“We are an open welcoming church, which exists for the community as a whole and where everyone is valued and respected. We are called to serve Christ in the world, sharing the joy of God’s unconditional love in faith and action. We commit ourselves to praying and working for a world where love, reconciliation, equality and peace can prevail.”

INTRODUCTION

Within the Diocese of Chichester, the Parish of Winchelsea and Winchelsea Beach is served by two Churches, St Thomas of Canterbury in the Town of Winchelsea and St Richard of Chichester at Winchelsea Beach. There is a single Parochial Church Council (PCC). Together with the Parish of Icklesham (the Church of St Nicolas with All Saints) these three churches comprise a Joint Benefice. Icklesham has its own Parochial Church Council.

P.C.C. WINCHELSEA – MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Members of the PCC are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Churchwardens are elected at the annual Vestry meeting, which precedes the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, for a one year term. Deanery Synod representatives are elected for a three-year term which commenced in March 2018.
The following served on the PCC during 2020:

Incumbent and Chairman The Reverend Jonathan Meyer Churchwardens Mrs Charlotte Beecroft Mrs Celia King Deanery Synod Mrs Angela Hill Representatives Mrs Marion Lovell Mrs Deborah Rodley Elected Office Holders Mrs Angela Hill (Hon. Secretary ) Mrs Pamela Jefferies (Hon. Treasurer – Until May ) Elected Members Mrs Sara Baker Mrs Alice Bolton Mr David Jefferies Mrs Tessa Potts Mrs Sue Taberer Mr Jeremy Naylor Mrs Mary Parker

CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES and the PUBLIC BENEFIT

Registered charity number: 1132555 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas Winchelsea

Principle address: St Thomas’ Church Winchelsea East Sussex TN36 4EB

Website: www.winchelsea-icklesham-churches.org.uk

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The PCC Members are all Trustees of the above charity and have complied with their duty in Part 9 of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission. They have also been guided by the following charitable aims this year:
To maintain a building appropriate for collective or private worship, prayer and reflection.
To support selected local and national charities throughout the year, including making regular monthly cash and food collections.
To ensure that church buildings are open daily and are available for use by the community as a whole.
In seeking to meet these objects, the PCC has had due regard to carrying out its purpose for the public benefit. However activities have again been restricted this year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. There were no public services until Ash Wednesday, thereafter services resumed with the restriction of no choir or hymns until July. Since then we have continued with our regular services with the exception of the 8:00am BCP Service of Holy Communion.

Church Markets resumed outside in June and inside from the beginning of August and are now taking place regularly again. We were visited by Bishop Will of Lewes for our 5[th] Sunday Benefice Parish Eucharist for All Saints on 31[st] October, which included the confirmation of three members of our parishes. Fellowship Lunches resumed in October at Winchelsea Beach.

The PCC has sought to maintain the Churchyard, with community support, as a de facto ‘village green’. The PCC has set up a Churchyard Sub-Committee to reflect and advise on matters relating to the churchyard and following a generous donation we have commenced with three areas for wild flowers, which were prepared and seeded towards the end of the year. We organised a Churchyard Working Party in early August, which was well attended and refreshments were enjoyed afterwards. Our service of Nine Lessons and Carols took place and celebrated the whole community as usual. Following the lighting of the church in 2020 the Advent Windows Committee lit the monuments and the exterior of the church during Advent and made generous donation to our lighting appeal. Following the relaxing of restrictions on family services, the Crib service was very well attended and around 30 children took part, just under £100 was raised for the Fellowship of St Nicholas.

Because of restrictions we have been unable to support charities as widely as we would hope and over the year, the charities supported by the Parish were Shelter, Demelza House Children’s Hospice, Family Support Work, Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital, Snowflake, You Raise me Up and the Royal British Legion. We provided a box for the Rye Food Bank after lockdown was eased.

RISK MANAGEMENT and SAFEGUARDING

During the year, the PCC has continued to monitor the various risks applicable to the Church and has reviewed its published Health and Safety policy. Special risk assessments have been drawn up for events and services during the pandemic and the restrictions have been well publicised. Until restrictions were lifted, hand sanitiser has been provided and the pews and chairs were regularly cleaned with antibacterial fluid. Seating has been separated to allow for social distancing. Any event taking place within the church and churchyard is appropriately assessed and measures to mitigate risk are set in place. No accidents were reported this year. Hand sanitiser was available to the end of the year and communion has been received in one part throughout the year.
The PCC has also reviewed and reissued its Safeguarding policy. The PCC is a member of the Church’s Child Protection Advisory Service. Appropriate clearances are held and updated and cleared people are present in a supervisory capacity whenever children attend Church.

DELIVERING THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Church of St Thomas was open whenever permitted. Under the circumstances this has been appreciated and it is clear that people need the Church for many different reasons and the fact that it is available for their use, for public and private worship and for meditation is regularly reflected in the visitors’ book.
Although Christmas Services took place without restrictions due the Omicron variant numbers were down but the choir organized a very well received service of Nine Lessons and Carols There were three weddings in church with a full compliment of guests.

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Music. Our normal schedule of concerts and arts events was curtailed in the early part of the year but Church Life began to return to normal with a Winchelsea Arts Concert on 27[th] June, there were concerts as part of the Peasemarsh Festival on July 1[st] and July 3[rd] and a concert of young singers from the Royal Opera House took place on 17[th] July to raise funds for the Rye Tennis Club. There were further concerts for Winchelsea Arts, the Brickwall Music Society, the Mayor Rye’s charities and another concert by young singers from the Royal Opera House.
Finance; The Statement of Financial Affairs attached to this report shows the existing investments and reserves. Our long standing treasurer stepped down in May and we appointed an acting Treasurer on 13[th] November 2021. There has been a lot of work putting a new system in place, which has enabled us to dispense with the services of a paid accountant. It is hoped that this will save in the region of £3,000 to £3,500 per annum. We have also moved from an accruals system of accounting to the more simple payment and receipts. We are still hoping to appoint a local full time local treasurer and we continue to be aided by Pamela and David Jefferies how pay proceeds into the bank and organize or Gift Aid claims.
The PCC’s Reserves Policy is to invest all its surplus funds with funds managed by the CCLA. The Diocese reports performance annually, which is reflected in the PCC’s Annual Accounts. All reserves are used in support of the Church’s charitable objects in delivering public benefit in the Parish. Reserves will not normally be higher than 50% of estimated annual expenditure and will not normally be lower than that required to maintain a positive cash flow over the year. Reserves will be increased from time to time when required to support the delivery of a major capital project falling out of periodic structure reports. This policy is reviewed by the PCC annually.

Finance

The effects of the pandemic have certainly had an impact on income but our deficit over the year was just over £5,000. When we take into account the cost of installing Wifi at just over £3,000, which we had planned to fund from reserves but have not yet transferred the funds, the figures look much better and the deficit is slightly less than our budgeting shortfall. Making digital giving easier has certainly helped as has the generosity of supporters.

Fabric

There have been no major structural projects undertaken this year. The most important work has involved the installation of Wifi, which has necessitated external work carried out by Openreach and the preparation of a trench to the east of the church with the necessary permissions allowing for a cable into lower vestry. Our electrician completed the installation of a hub in the main body of the church, this has enabled a digitally controlled heating thermostat and the potential for a contactless giving terminal.

St Richard’s

The Quinquenniel report for St. Richard’s outlined a large number of issues which need attention and in March the architect visited to give a very rough outline of possible costs. These came out at around £80,000 plus VAT. However it was acknowledged that this was pessimistic. The matter was discussed by the PCC and it was felt that even if the costs half this figure, we needed to consider whether such an expense was viable bearing in mind a dwindling congregation of around 6 people. There are also considerable running expenses as well as underlying problems with the structure. The Bishop and Archdeacon visited in May and felt that subject to the views of the PCC it was unrealistic to keep the church open. For that reason services have not resumed this year and after prayer and discussion the PCC reluctantly voted to proceed with the closure of Saint Richards on 25[th] September subject to consultation with the Diocese and a local public meeting. A meeting was held on October 27[th] at the Village Hall in Winchelsea Beach. Around 30 people attended of home about half hour from the local community. Although there was opposition no proposals for fundraising or support were put forward and although the Rector has said he would respond to any such proposals to date no approach has been made. We are currently taking the advice of the diocese and it is proposed that the church will be offered for sale.

It should be noted that St. Richard’s is not consecrated and is a dedicated church having the legal status of a chapel of ease, which means that it is solely the responsibility of the PCC rather than the diocese. This makes the process of closure and disposal simpler and any benefit would revert to the PCC. In the event of there being any proceeds, the way in which they are invested or used will be a matter for discussion in future. It should also be noted that there are a significant number of cremated remains interred in the area around the church. As far as can be ascertained they were illegally interred and we are seeking advice in regard to the exclamation and reburial.

The Electoral Roll

There were 101 on the electoral roll for the Parish of Winchelsea, 85 residents and 16 non-residents, at year end.

Looking Ahead

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It has taken some time for us to resume normal activities and start to plan for the future once again. There have been discussions regarding the removal of weeds and the restoration of the ruins to the west of the church. There is also been a discussion with regard to replacing the existing York stone path leading the High Street, which can be very slippery, with a safer surface. There is also a project to install a completely new lighting system, a better sound system and facilities to stream services live, now that we have the use of WiFi. We sought the guidance and advice of the DAC and they attended in November and gave informal advice regarding these proposals, which we intend to develop in the coming year.
We are pleased to acknowledge and thank all those who have voluntarily given so much time to maintaining the life of the Church and it’s service to the whole community throughout the year. This includes so many people and we could not manage without you all.
Lastly, we would also wish to acknowledge the help of the Diocese, Archdeaconry and Deanery in so many ways that often go unnoticed, but upon which we sometimes depend. We are also grateful to Icklesham Parish Council for its support and particular assistance in maintaining the Churchyard; to the Friends of Winchelsea Church for their regular financial assistance and to all the organisations and individuals who have supported Church projects over the last year.

Jonathan Meyer Rector

For and on behalf of the PCC

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SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS WINCHELSEA

1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS (TO NEAREST £)

RECEIPTS Voluntary Receipts Activities for Generating Funds (trading) Charitable Activities Investment Interest, Dividends, Rent Other Income Sub total: Gross Income Asset and Investment Sales Sale of fixed assets Sale of investments Loan repayments received Loan from external funder Sub total: Asset & Investment Sales TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS Costs of Generating Voluntary Receipts Fundraising Costs (trading activity) Investment Management Costs Cost of Charitable Activities Governance Costs Other Costs Sub total: Operating Costs Asset and Investment Purchases Purchase of fixed assets for church purposes Purchase of general investments Loans made Loan repaid to external funder Sub total: Asset & Investment Purchases TOTAL PAYMENTS NET OF RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS Transfers between funds Cash funds at 1st January 2021 Cash funds at 31st December 2021	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Endowed Fund	Total All Funds 2021	Total All Funds 2020	*Notes*
	*2,4* 58,731 11,222 - 69,953 - 11,943 - - 11,943 - 9,608 - - 9,608 - 1,559 16 - 1,575 - 3,104 90 - 3,194 - 84,945 11,328 - 96,273 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 84,945 11,328 - 96,273 - 3,4 (34) - - (34) - - - - - - - - - - - (82,536) (8,507) - (91,043) - (3,539) - - (3,539) - (475) - - (475) - (86,584) (8,507) - (95,091) - (3,472) (192) - (3,664) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (3,472) (192) - (3,664) - (90,056) (8,699) - (98,755) - (5,111) 2,629 - (2,482) - 4,5 - - - - - 42,854 31,572 - 74,426 - 37,743 34,201 - 71,944 -
	37,743	34,201	-	71,944

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STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (TO NEAREST £)

ASSETS CASH FUNDS Winchelsea Lloyds Current CCLA Guide Book CCLA Legacies CCLA Legacies (B) CCLA Education CCLA Special Appeals CCLA Joseph McCrindle CCLA Churchyard CCLA St Richards TOTAL CASH FUNDS	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Endowed Fund
	35,373 2,577 - - 3,234 - - 14,544 - - - - - 1 - - 15 - - 10,443 - - 3,352 - 2,369 - -
	37,742	34,166	-

OTHER MONETARY ASSETS (DEBTORS)

Total Debtors

INVESTMENT ASSETS		Fund to	Cost	Current
		which asset		Value
		belongs
TW Longley Legacy	Designated General		10,275	37,417	4a
Blanesburgh Bequest	Designated General		920	23,950	4a
ASSETS RETAINED FOR CHARITY'S OWN USE		Fund to	Cost	Current
		which asset		Value
		belongs

NONE

LIABILITIES

Fund to Amount Due which asset belongs

DETAILS OF LIABILITY

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT (ALL FIGURES TO NEAREST £)

1 The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and current Church Accounting Regulations, using the Receipts and Payments basis.

Unrestricted General Fund	Unrestricted Designated Fund	Restricted Fund	Endowed Funds	Total All Funds 2021	Total All Funds 2020
11,400 - - - 11,400 4,087 - - - 4,087 4,690 90 - - 4,780 16,800 - - - 16,800 - - - - - 12,667 - 9,410 - 22,077 8,997 - - - 8,997 - - - - - - - 1,812 - 1,812
58,641	90	11,222	-	69,953	-
4,558 - - - 4,558 360 - - - 360 7,025 - - - 7,025
11,943	-	-	-	11,943	-
9,353 - - - 9,353 - - - - - - 255 - - - 255 - - - - - - -
9,608	-	-	-	9,608	-

1,559	-	16	-	1,575

3,104	-	90	-	3,194
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-	-	-	-	-	-

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3 FURTHER ANALYSIS OF COSTS PAID

FURTHER ANALYSIS OF COSTS PAID
Costs of Generating Voluntary Receipts Fundraising Costs (trading activity) Investment Management Costs Cost of Charitable Activities Mission giving and donations Parish Share Insurance Salaries, wages and honoraria Clergy & staff expenses Mission & Evangelism Maintenance running costs Service Costs Printing, Stationery & sundries Utilities: Gas, Elec, Water, Broadband Costs of church activities/trading eg Magazine, bookstall Hall running costs Major church repairs & maintenance Major Hall/other property repair & maintenance New building works Total: Cost of Charitable Activities Governance Costs Other Costs Asset and Investment Purchases Purchase of fixed assets for church purposes Purchase of general investments Loans made Loan repaid to external funder Total: Asset & Investment Purchases	Unrestricted General Fund	Unrestricted Designated Fund	Restricted Fund	Endowed Funds	Total All Funds 2021	Total All Funds 2020
	(34) - - - (34) - - - - - - - - - - (1,123) - - - (1,123) (51,500) - - - (51,500) (4,226) - - - (4,226) (3,401) - - - (3,401) (6,961) - - - (6,961) (595) - - - (595) (3,085) - (8,507) - (11,592) (1,173) - - - (1,173) (1,905) - - - (1,905) (6,752) - - - (6,752) (1,815) - - - (1,815) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	(82,536)	-	(8,507)	-	(91,043)	-

	(3,539)	-	-	-	(3,539)

	(475)	-	-	-	(475)
	(3,472) - (192) - (3,664) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	(3,472)	-	(192)	-	(3,664)	-

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4 STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Balances b/f at 01/01/21	Income	Expenditure	Transfers	Balances c/f at 31/12/21
42,854 84,855 (90,057) - 37,651 - 90 - - 90
42,854	84,945	(90,057)	-	37,741
- - - - - 3,233 2 - - 3,234 14,536 8 - - 14,544 1 - - - 1 15 - - - 15 10,438 5 - - 10,443 3,350 4,314 (8,165) - (501) - 7,000 (534) - 6,466 - - - - -
31,573	11,329	(8,699)	-	34,202
- - - - - - - - - -
-	-	-	-	-

74,427	96,274	(98,756)	-	71,943

4a[INVESTMENT ASSETS] TW Longley Legacy

Blanesburgh Bequest

The TW Longley Legacy is represented by 1,599.91 shares in the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Investment Fund. Originally an unrestricted fund it was designated by the PCC in 2017 for the purpose of internal operational support and external Churchyard fabric.

The Blanesburgh Bequest was made in 1947 by Lord Blanesburgh leaving £2,000 in trust to support the organist and music of the church. It is held in the name of Chichester Diocesan Board of Finance. In 2018 approximately half of the shares were sold and used for organ repairs. The remaining holding is represented by 1022.73 shares in the Central Board Investement Fund of the Church of England.

5 DETAILS OF TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS
PCC Approval Date

This financial report for year to 31st December 2021 was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by:

Signature

Print Name Date of approval

2021-12-31-accounts