OpenCharities

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

2021-12-31-accounts

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH BUCKLAND MONACHORUM WITH THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MILTON COMBE

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Website: bucklandchurchdevon.co.uk

Charity No. 1132573

Diocese of Exeter

Aims and Purposes

There are two churches in our parish and the Parochial Church Council includes representation from both. The Vicar, Andrew Bowden, along with an Associate Minister Andrew Farmer and the PCC, aspires to extend the ministry and teaching to the wider parish community of over 2000 people.

When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

“Living in community as God’s people; serving the wider community in God’s world”

Our vision encourages us to look in two directions:

This year has been heavily disrupted by COVID-19 and the numerous lockdowns that have followed. Nevertheless, we have sought to offer spiritual teaching, direction and support to our church family and our communities.

The above have been met in various ways, and include the following:

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of both churches in Buckland Monachorum and Milton Combe.

2

a) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE 2021

Guidelines and Policy documents:

Safeguarding

Safeguarding, at St Andrew’s Church, Buckland Monachorum, and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Milton Combe continues to be a high priority and we all fully recognise that everyone has a responsibility to support, protect and safeguard all, but in particular the vulnerable, young children and the youth.

A culture of prevention, support and guidance within both churches and all who work with children and young people, and the vulnerable is encouraged. All volunteers are recruited in accordance with the Diocesan Safer Recruitment guidance. All are fully DBS checked and are given support and training for their role.

Review of Safeguarding Action Plan 2021

The Safeguarding Action Plan was presented to the PCC by the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in January where it was approved. A mid-year review was undertaken in June and reported to the PCC. Progress was reported upon at each PCC meeting throughout the year. Despite the continuing pandemic, good progress was made in all the identified areas.

Progress:

Actions not fully completed have been added to the 2022 plan. These were outstanding training; pastoral visiting guidance; risk assessment for lone workers and bell ringers.

3

Management was received for implementation from January 2022. This will mean some changes to our procedures will need to be made, so this action will move onto the 2022 Action Plan.

Trish Topham, Parish Safeguarding Officer

b) OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY – This is shown in the following reports:

Charleston Friendship Cafe – this community event held in the Village Hall is run and supported by members of the church family and other local people. The Friendship group meets twice a month to support those in the community, who may feel isolated or are simply in need of good company. There is tea and cake, lots of chat and fun activities that are also dementia friendly.

Pastoral Care

During 2021 the pastoral care team has continued to respond needs as they have arisen: These have included delivering some meals, keeping in touch with those living alone by telephone calls and also, when it has been appropriate, to support individuals by taking them to some appointments. One or two people have been helped with shopping, and Andy Bowden has visited a range of folk (both church and non-church members) living locally. The usual welcome bags have been delivered to those moving into the parish when they have become known to church members. Working with Buckland Cares the church helped delivered around 20 Christmas hampers including Co-op vouchers to those in most need. Financial donations had been received from the church family towards the cost of the vouchers.

Buckland Cares Group

Buckland Cares is a Community Support Group set up in March 2020 as a joint initiative at the start of the first Covid pandemic lockdown. The core Committee is made up of representatives of key organisations around the parish, including Rev. Andy Bowden.

Buckland Cares Food Hub foodbank has continued to open throughout the year for an hour each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning with approximately ten regular visitors and another five dropping in occasionally. This includes those living alone as well as those with families. It is hosted by Buckland Chapel Trust, located in the main hall of Buckland Chapel, and manned by volunteers from the Community. Throughout 2021, Gary Baird of the core set-up committee, successfully secured grants from WDBC and LiveWest, a local housing association. This has enabled the Food Hub to keep the shelves stocked with non-perishable essentials as well as toiletries, fruit and vegetables and bread.

Additionally, grocery donations are received from a collection point in the Co-op, Yelverton, and excess ‘stock’ has been donated from the food hub in Bere Alston. The food hub also continues to receive regular donations of food items and funds from local residents. Once again, very generous Harvest collections at both churches and St. Andrew’s school boosted the stock in the autumn. Church and Community donations were again very generous in December, including a large collection by the local Hash Harriers running group, enabling Buckland Cares to make up and distribute hampers to provide a little extra at Christmas, particularly for those alone or struggling.

Many of those still using the Food Hub, found it a ‘lifeline’ as a point of contact during periods of lockdown. Volunteers have been able to provide a safe place for conversation as well as the practical provision of food supplies. With this in mind, during regular opening hours and whenever there are extra volunteers available, the Food Hub will be serving hot drinks and cake, and somewhere to sit for a chat, from the start of 2022.

Buckland Cares continue to support the need in the community, recognising its value as a social action initiative and an example of community supporting community.

4

Links with St Andrew’s Primary School

St Andrew’s Church continued to support St Andrew’s School financially, physically and spiritually during 2021

Financially:

An academic gift of £5000 in January 2021 was used to purchase a class set of laptops. Money remaining from this gift was put towards a charging trolley.

This technology supported remote learning during lockdowns, prioritising disadvantaged learners. It also enhances in-school learning.

Physically:

Church members play an active role in the governance of the school.

Weekly assemblies based on the Christian ethos are popular with the children and have been led on alternate weeks by Andy Bowden and Tom Watson and occasionally by Andy Farmer.

In September 2021, the church set up a coffee event on the first day of the school term in Buckland Chapel to welcome new parents. It was well received and served as an introduction to church services and outreach initiatives aimed at children and families. Sarah Lakey (Head teacher) and Claire Morris (SEN) attended, and parents appreciated the chance to meet them and chat.

In December 2021 the church was used by the school for rehearsals and performances of a nativity play. Andy Bowden and Tom Watson opened the performances and closed in prayer. Terry West was indispensable in operating the sound equipment, during all the rehearsals and performances.

Also, in December 2021 the church hosted a fundraising event for the school featuring Seth Lakeman (a well-known folk singer and musician). The church was also used when Seth performed for the children.

In the past, DBS vetted members of the church have volunteered at the school. However, this was prevented in 2021 due to Covid restrictions. It is hoped it will recommence when restrictions lift.

Spiritually:

Prayer is a mainstay of school life, and the church has supported this in numerous ways.

The School Prayer Support Group has been running for five years and has continued to meet via Zoom on Monday mornings throughout 2021.

Andy Bowden and Tom Watson ran wellbeing sessions for staff during the autumn term. These where popular but have stopped temporarily while Covid restrictions are in place.

Andy Bowden and Andy Farmer have provided both pastoral and prayer support for the Headteacher which was very much appreciated during her first, very challenging year, in post.

Parish Magazine “Outreach”

At the end of November 2020, the editors (Mark Woock and Denise Hume) stood down from their positions running our community magazine, after producing six magazines a year for three years. By January 2021, no-one had stepped forward to take on the work of editing and producing Outreach, despite many “adverts” and pleas in newsletters. The previous editors, Diana and Nick Kilby, agreed to resume editorship, whilst continuing to seek new volunteers.

At the same time, many of our regular advertisers running small local businesses were being hard hit by the pandemic, so we offered to make payment for adverts optional in 2021. Over the years, Outreach had built up reserves, and we wanted to support our regular advertisers in times of difficulty. However, half of our advertisers insisted on paying anyway, which underlines why we recommend our readers to support our advertisers! All Outreach income has only ever come through subscriptions and adverts, and in 2021 this totalled £1,387.50 compared with the usual £3,000. As printing and internet costs were much the same, the magazine made a loss of

5

£800 in 2021, which was funded by Outreach own reserves. At the end of 2021, we were delighted to announce that Becky Butland would be taking over the editorship from January 2022, and would be assisted by David Oliver (Advertising) Nick Kilby (Treasurer), Diana Kilby (Calendars) with our trusty distribution team run by Margie Goodfellow and Brenda Dilnot.

We urge all of the St. Andrew’s community to find £5 a year to subscribe to the magazine for 2022, and to contribute articles and news to Becky Butland via email- (editor@bucklandoutreach.co.uk).

c) GENERAL CHURCH ACTIVITY

In January 2021 we welcomed our new Youth and Children’s worker Tom Watson and are delighted to see how much he has achieved this year with our Youth & Children, considering he joined during the Covid restrictions.

Children and Youthwork Reports - Continued nurturing of our Young People, as seen in the following reports.

Children aged from 3-11 are able to attend the Sunday morning group during term time, not including the first Sunday of the month when they are in church for the ‘All-Age Service’. Each week, three leaders from the team run the session in the Chapel Hall, ensuring the safeguarding policy is adhered to and any issues being reported back to Tom Watson and/or the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

In January 2021 another national lockdown occurred, which resulted in the provision for children going online again. Tom Watson took on the recording of a weekly ‘Family Focus’ for families to watch before or after the main service. This would be a brief and more age-appropriate talk on the passage being spoken on in the main service, along with a game, a craft and some questions for families to engage with together at home.

Once a month during the lockdown, the children were invited to have a short (30 minute) session on Zoom on a Sunday afternoon; an opportunity for them to see each other and their leaders while playing some short interactive games, looking at a short passage from the Bible and praying together.

About midway through the lockdown a Zoom family games night was organised for parents and children to join together and play some games against other families. This was well received and allowed for families a little more on the fringe of things to be involved too.

As lockdown eased but with restrictions still in place over Easter, an Easter Egg trail was set up in the villages of Buckland Monachorum and Milton Combe. A map of Egg locations was shared on Facebook and families from both villages and the surrounding area were invited to find each egg along the trail. The eggs were decoratively painted wooden shapes with a laminated sheet attached beneath containing a part of the Easter story and a challenge for families to attempt in situ. The trail was left up for a couple of weeks of Easter.

Once we were able to invite children back to sessions in person, Nicki Bovey, Deborah Corness, Hannah Waine and Hellen Williams continued as leaders with Debbie Farmer also joining the dedicated team. Sessions continued to be based around the same passage as is being taught in the main service where possible.

In October we were able to take the opportunity to run a Light Party as an alternative to Halloween. This saw many of the children invite their friends from St Andrew’s school to come along and hear a short gospel talk, play some games and make a craft around the theme of Jesus being the Light of the world.

On Christmas Eve, the traditional Christingle service took place, aimed primarily at children and young families. To allow for a degree of ‘branching out’ the service was redubbed as a ‘Children’s Christmas Celebration’. There was a good atmosphere among those who came along and of the 150 Christingle oranges made only 20-or-so ended up being composted!

During term time throughout the year, Tom has been able to lead ‘school assemblies’ on a Wednesday morning. For a brief time at the end of the summer term and beginning of the autumn term Tom was able to go in to do these in person. The rest of the time these have needed to be recorded and sent in on video. At the end of the summer term, Tom was also able to go in to run a lunchtime club for KS2 as well as say a few words for the Year 6 end of year assembly.

6

Youth

Along with the Family Focus videos, during lockdown the youth were invited to join together for a midweek Zoom to play some games and take a look at some of the parables in Luke’s gospel. As lockdown continued, the teenagers were invited and equipped to send a letter to some of the more lonely members of the congregation, which proved to be a mutually encouraging endeavour for senders and recipients! A number of Zoom socials were organised and once restrictions eased a few more in person activities were organised to encourage a ‘re-gelling’ of the group. There are plans developing for a weekend away for the youth over the early May Bank Holiday to further build relationships within the group.

It was encouraging to see a number of the socials organised during the summer term attended by some of the youth whom we wouldn’t normally see on a Sunday morning. This has either been through seeing things online or wonderfully through direct invitation from church teenagers and families.

Sunday morning sessions have continued along with a new ‘youth service’ every other month on a Sunday evening. This service, rather than being aimed at the youth, is a service where the youth are invited to take an active role in proceedings. It continues to be encouraging to see young people involved in various elements of an All Age Service at the beginning of each month.

A termly social called ‘At home with…’ started during the autumn term, where the youth are invited to meet a member of the congregation they may not otherwise speak to in order to find out a bit about them and learn a skill pertaining to their (former) area of work. Our first ‘At home with…’ social saw the teenagers meeting Keith Topham and learning to whittle a wooden fork!

Currently there may be scope for a VI form boys’ group to meet once a week during term time to read the Bible and pray together in addition to the Sunday morning sessions. There may be an opportunity for this to happen more widely as the youth team grows.

Community Outreach to young people

During the first half of the year, community outreach was relatively limited due to Covid restrictions. Aside from Zoom ‘First Friday’ socials (on the first Friday evening of the month), the Easter egg trail in the villages marked the first ‘in person’ event that afforded an opportunity to engage with young people who may not have had previous contact with the church.

At the start of the summer, we organised a couple of outdoor based activities for young people including ‘Smores on the moors’ and stand-up paddle boarding at Sibblyback Lake. Along with Wednesday evening hangouts at the chapel during the summer term, a film night and the ‘at home with social’, it is encouraging to see the young people reaching out and inviting their friends along. The best evangelists to teenagers are teenagers themselves and it has been exciting to see new faces whom I would have otherwise been unable to reach during the year.

Networking with other youth groups

A longstanding relationship with the children and youth workers at St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth city centre has proved to be mutually supportive and encouraging through the year. Plans to organise a joint weekend away for the young people from both youth groups were stopped short due to limited accommodation at an already-decided venue but is something we would be keen to consider in future years.

An annual children and youth work conference run by the organisation ‘Growing Young Disciples’, was a good opportunity to meet with and build relationships with other children and youth workers across Plymouth and the Southwest. A tentative encouragement for some of the older youth to think about attending a summer Venture run by CPAS was understandably met with hesitancy. In the coming years it would be great to take the young people on a summer Venture where enduring friendships are often formed and grown with other youth and youth workers across the Southwest (and further afield).

Dangerous Club

The end of lockdown in the autumn term provided an opportune time to try out a new monthly club for children in Key Stage 2. ‘Dangerous Club’ is directed at children aged 8-11 and involves a short Bible talk followed by various

7

games and activities loosely based around the theme of the talk. The idea is that it provides an easy evangelistic opportunity for the children from church families to invite their friends along to a club where they are guaranteed to have fun and hear about Jesus. While the club is going on, a café runs for parents and younger siblings with drinks, board games and small craft activities available to do. This provides a time for some of our church families to build relationships with other parents in an informal setting.

St Andrew’s School has been very supportive in advertising the club, which we are now trialling on Fridays after feedback that Wednesdays clashed with some of the school’s after-school clubs. The ‘Christmas special’ proved popular with the children and it’s exciting to see what happens this year as we continue to present the gospel to the children who attend the club.

The dedicated team of leaders involved in both the club and the café make for a thoroughly welcoming and enjoyable time together.

Parish Camp

This was sadly cancelled due to Covid at the last moment after much planning and preparation had been done. We are so grateful to Rachel Perry and the planning team for all their hard and fastidious work – hopefully we can look forward to 2022 and be back camping again and can utilise all the Risk Assessments, etc., that were produced.

d) FURTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Carols in the Meadow

A new initiative was held before Christmas where many villagers and members of the church joined together in the Buckland Meadow field behind the church. More than 150 met to sing carols and hear readings. Garth Redgrave read a passage from Cider with Rosie and a Christmas poem was read by one of the children. We were delighted to have the ‘Laira Youth Band’ to lead our singing. Thanks to all who set-up the PA etc, we were also fortunate to have good weather.

After the singing, the Drake Manor welcomed everyone and served mulled wine and mince pies – a big thank you to Mandy and Garth for providing this.

Christianity Explored

This course was held via Zoom, led by Andy & Bethany Bowden with Tom & Lizzie Watson supporting + 5 seekers. Spring term - Christianity explored; Summer term - Discipleship Explored; led by Andy Farmer with the Watsons still supporting. They used the same materials as the established Home/Discipleship Groups.

Lent Course

The Lent course also took place via Zoom and took the theme of living through the Psalms and how we can see them mirrored in our lives today through our struggles and joys that we experience, to pray and build our relationship with God. Our speakers opened the words of the Psalms to us and we then joined ‘breakout rooms’ to discuss questions raised. The following topics were covered: Psalm 51: Repentance; Psalm 95: Praise and submission; Psalm 51: Confession; Psalm 19: Thanksgiving; Psalm 20: Intercession - praying for others; Psalm 91: Praying for ourselves. The course finished with a Maundy Thursday Service at St. Andrew’s Church.

Discipleship Groups

Discipleship groups aim to help us learn from God's word, share our thoughts, experiences, and encouragements, pray for each other and those around us, and grow in our faith. We have five or six, meeting in people's homes and a few meetings in the Chapel. People investigating Jesus or newly following him are encouraged to join a Christianity Explored group or one of the follow-up groups. Debbie and Andy Farmer, with co-leaders, have been particularly generous in setting up new groups to make room for people relatively new to our fellowship or to following Jesus.

The material suggested by Andy Bowden has been appreciated by many, though the groups like the freedom to choose what they do, so that they can tailor the material to their need. The number of people in small groups has grown, which is very positive, as the groups allow us to challenge, encourage, and support each other in our everyday lives.

There remains a need for new leaders, to allow groups to divide and grow when they become full. Please pray for God to create a heart in people to serve in this way and for the groups to grow new leaders.

8

Ladies Fellowship

This year sadly the group has been unable to meet until just before Christmas when a few were able to meet over a simple meal hosted by Pippa Brown.

Men’s breakfast meetings

During the year there were 2 men’s breakfasts, both of which were held at The Glen in Milton Combe. In May 2021 the event was held outside due to Covid and 16 men listened to Tom Watson, our new youth worker. This type of event gives opportunity for men who are not part of our congregation to listen to good testimony and to have opportunity for fellowship. 2 or 3 men in this category attended in May. In October with reduced numbers and a relaxation of the Covid regulations enabled us to have an indoor event with 10 listening to Rob Hopkins who spoke of experiencing God's grace over the years. At both events all costs and ticket sales were allocated to the work of Buckland Chapel.

Prayer Ministry Team & Prayer Ministry

Prayer Ministry

In December the team were able to start to pray after the morning service at St Andrew’s Church. Social distancing was employed and wearing face coverings was observed. This has been much appreciated by members of the congregation when receiving prayer for themselves or others. We also welcome new people who feel called to this ministry to join and in the New Year there will be opportunity to undertake training.

The Prayer Chain consists of thirteen members of the church, including Rev. Andy Bowden. This is a confidential service for the church members and the wider community. We have been privileged to pray for many situations and people have been blessed through answers to prayers for both healing and situations changed.

Sung Worship within both Churches

We are blessed at St Andrews to have a group of people, who love the Lord Jesus, with their whole being, who are prepared to be part of the sung worship teams, and to say a huge thank you to them for their willingness to serve Sunday by Sunday. Alongside them, is organist, Audrey Mills, who has been amazing and supportive in all we have been able to do. Elizabeth Baxter and Sue Chapman, thank you also, for your service in playing regularly at Milton Combe.

We began this last year in lockdown once again, but since May we have been back in church, worshiping together, and as the year has progressed, we have been able to do more. I remember the Sunday so well, when the congregation were allowed to sing, albeit with a mask on, but the joy was so real in that service. The sung worship has been led primarily by four teams, who each lead one Sunday a month, and this has worked really well this year. I do believe the one thing we have learnt is not how many of us are singing, but that we coming before our Heavenly Father with humble hearts, and being open to the Holy Spirit, who has really blessed our worship Sunday by Sunday.

Christmas has always been a time for gathering together to sing. This year was no different. Our carol service was very special, with lots of congregational sung carols, which everyone who came really loved. The teams were asked to sing O Holy Night, after the sermon. We deliberately kept numbers of those taking part to the minimum. In all there were 15 of us, and we really worked hard for many weeks before hand so that we could give of our best. We had some really lovely evenings singing and praying together, and my hope is that this is something we can continue to do in the coming year. It will be great to encourage new folk to join us. It is an immense privilege to head up the sung worship, and something I do not take for granted. I do however look forward to what’s to come and how our Heavenly Father will lead and guide us as we sing and worship together.

Jane Oliver, Music Group leader

Bellringers

During the period of the Coronavirus most church bells remained silenced and it is thanks to the St. Andrew’s PCC in the year 1947, when the church bells were rehung and augmented from 6 bells to 8 bells, that a set of Ellacombe Chimes apparatus was also installed. This meant that during the period of the virus lockdown we have been able to enjoy the regular sound of the bells calling people to worship each Sunday at St. Andrew’s.

9

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers during the whole period of the covid virus have been extremely helpful with guidance covering the period from no permitted bell ringing to the time of some relaxation of covid restrictions on the 17[th of] May 2021 to when greater relaxation came about on the 21[st] of June 2021.

It became important for each tower to consider carefully, on returning to ringing, to conduct a risk assessment of the ringing room, also the risk to oneself and others. The main considering factor at St. Andrew’s was that the ringing chamber could not provide an effective through ventilation or adequate social distancing, which were important guideline principals. Our ringing chamber situated in the tower room has only one small high level fanlight window, and the access to the room is climbing a narrow apse staircase.

It was not until Sunday 26[th] September 2021, following a period of gaining more confidence in the relaxation of restrictions that we considered our tower was a safe enough environment to resume ringing all the bells. This brought about an excellent team effort amongst our bell ringers to conduct a necessary safety check and maintenance of each bell mechanism; this was urgent work following a period of 18 months of no swinging movement of the bell bearings and bell ropes.

Our church tower joined in the combined effort with other churches in the country to ring one half muffled bell at 3.00pm on the 12[th of] April 2021 for HRH Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral.

We joined in with other churches in the UK who also have the Ellacombe chimes, to ring our chimes at 11.00am on the 26[th of] June 2021 to celebrate the ‘Ellacombe Chime Bicentenary’.

Rev. Henry Thomas Ellacombe invented the Ellacombe chimes when he was vicar of Bitten in Gloucestershire. He was a qualified engineer before ordination and a keen bellringer, who authored many books on bellringing.

It was good to keep up the age-old tradition at St. Andrew’s in ringing the old year out and the New Year in this year, something we were unable to do last year because of Covid.

e) UK AND OVERSEAS MISSION GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Supporting people in full-time service both in prayer and financially: -

This year we have been reviewing our missionary support. We have decided to support 4 or 5 organisations consistently and well. We are in the process of deciding who those people and organisations should be. We would also like to establish a principal as to how much of our church income should be in turn given to others which requires a PCC decision. We plan to use Mission Update slots in our services to keep people informed of these people and organisations we support. We want to distribute the Mission Restricted Funds in 2022. Some of these have been sitting unused for a long time. See accounts for 2020/2021 donations.

Mission Coordinator: Peter Harlow

Missionary Aviation Fellowship : (Active Support, financial and prayer) (Continue in 2022 onwards)

MAF believes that nothing should stop people from receiving the love of God and the essentials of life – no matter how remote they are. Their vision (and ours) is 'to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ’. They use aviation and technology, because in many places those are the only ways to reach isolated people in need. We are the home church for Missionary Aviation Fellowship family, Matt and pilot Becki Dillingham with their children Bethan and Luke. They are based in Chad at the moment. Becki is the Operations Manager as well as a pilot. Mission Liaison: Philip and Antonia Tuckett, Hanna and David Waine, Peter Harlow Web site: https://www.maf-uk.org/

Open Doors: (Active Prayer Support, occasional financial) (Increase finance in 2022 onwards)

Every day, millions of Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus. In more than 60 countries, Open Doors supports them by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief and helping persecuted believers stand strong for the long-term. In the UK and Ireland, Open Doors helps the church to pray, give and speak out for those who share our faith but not our freedom. Mission Liaison: Susanna Campbell, prayer group. Web site: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/ Tear Fund: (Proposed financial and prayer support 2022 onwards)

Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. They tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters, and challenging injustice. They believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Mission Liaison: TBA - Web site: https://www.tearfund.org The Bible Society: (Proposed financial and prayer support 2022 onwards)

Bringing the Bible to life in today’s world is a big undertaking and our help is needed.

The Bible Society are passionate about making the Bible available to men, women and children around the world. Abroad, the challenge is to meet the need and demand; whereas at home, it is to engage with the unengaged. Mission Liaison: TBA. - Web site: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

10

Buckland Chapel Trust - BCT

The church has strong links with the Chapel, where members of the congregation are either Members of the Chapel Trust, or on the Board of Trustees.

The Buckland Chapel has its own group of Trustees that oversee and run the Chapel and we are very grateful to the team of Trustees for all the work that they have done to enable the Chapel to be used for the Church and Community. The Trustee team meet weekly with Members and supporters for prayer and worship, supporting the many and varied activities that take place in the Chapel and praying for individual needs.

They have raised funds, including an annual contribution from the church, to enable the completion of a level access throughout the ground floor, ramp entry to the main entrance and excellent new accessible toilet facilities. This work was completed in the spring of 2021. Additionally, the rotten windows have been repaired or replaced, the old kitchen has been removed and damp proofing and repainting undertaken. We give grateful thanks for the support received from many people, in particular Ken Farnham and Keith Topham, to enable these improvements to be made.

The Trustees are now progressing well towards completing a new kitchen and coffee making area. Throughout this period the Chapel has hosted the Buckland Food hub, that was set-up by the church and the community at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak and this has forged warm links with the village and wider community. All this work has enabled the church to use the Chapel for many different activities, including all our Youth and children’s outreach; links with the local primary school; Harvest Supper and Light Party. Buckland Chapel Trust has its own Annual Report which can be found on the website: www.bucklandchapeltrust.org

f) Other key people and groups

There are many other individuals and groups who contribute greatly to the smooth running of both churches: Our Verger; our Cleaner; the Flower arranging team; the Guild members; Coffee serving teams; Projectionists and Sound desk controllers; those that organise and take part in the rotas for side-persons, prayer ministry, and the weekly notice sheets. Readers from St Andrew’s have also been supporting other parishes north of the Deanery.

2022 Electoral Roll Report

There were 148 names on the roll in 2021 and during the year since May, three people left, but four more people have been added – taking to total to 149 on the roll at 30[th] April 2022.

Deanery Synod

At the February meeting, via Zoom, The Revd. Andy Atkins spoke about the future after Covid. He explained that the Deanery Plan might have to be altered as a result of a shortage of money. There was a one million pound shortfall for the Exeter Diocese. By 2024 there might be six full-time Stipendary Priests down from 7.6.

At the June meeting, again via Zoom, the Bishop of Crediton and the Revd. Sourbut spoke about “Living in Love and Faith in the Diocese”. Four years ago, in the General Synod the Bishops had put forward a “Take Note” Debate, following on from a Report. The object was to listen and learn from one another and God. How could we listen and discern together? Therefore “Living in Love and Faith” was born. The subjects looked at, would entail, the Bible; Theology; History; Society; the Social and Biological Sciences, and the real-life stories of the followers of Christ with diverse experiences and convictions. The Living in Love and Faith courses would be run in the Mission Communities and the Parishes. At the question time, the Revd. Andy Bowden asked the question “What weight is given to each voice, Scripture, Science, Story?” The Bishop answered, “the stories have impact”.

At the October meeting the Deanery Synod said farewell to the Rev. Hardwick and his wife and they were presented with gifts on their retirement from The Tavistock Parish. Neil Williams, Director of Finance for the Diocese, then gave a talk, where he thanked the Deanery Parishes for their very good Common Fund contributions. The Diocese Common Fund had a shortfall of 9.5%. In 2022 there will be a 2% increase for Parishes. Exeter is one of the poorer Dioceses.

g) STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The method of appointing PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St. Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Milton Combe, the PCC consists of the

11

incumbent; a self-supporting Associate Minister; and nine ex-officio members, together with seventeen other elected members. Included in the total of 24, are three representatives for the Church of the Holy Spirit in Milton Combe and six lay readers. The PCC also has a Standing Committee which can deal with urgent matters more effectively than calling a full PPC meeting, and a Finance Committee that regularly meets a week prior to the PCC meetings, to deal with any financial matters in more detail than the full meetings allow. The full PCC met on six occasions via Zoom during this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Finance Committee also met six times. The standing committee did not need to meet. The Annual AGM was held in May 2021.

Financial Review

Our combined income for Unrestricted and Restricted funds for the year ended 31.12.21 was £143,375, a decline on the previous year of £156,932. This represents a fall in income of just over 9%. Our combined expenditure for the year ended 31.12.21 was £155,077, an increase from the previous year of £132,513. This represents an increase in expenditure of almost 12%.

An overall deficit of £11,701 was seen compared with a surplus of £24,418 last year. Reviewing our income, it is noted that most of the decline was accounted for by a reduction in planned giving via standing orders from just over £100k to just less than £83K. Gift-aid Refund from HMRC did increase from just under £10k to almost £25K, but this is probably explained by the periodic nature in which payments are received. As expected, with the opening of our churches, plate collections and planned giving donations by envelopes have increased from £3,597 last year to £7,058 this year. As is usual the largest expenditure was the Diocesan Parish Share. This had increased from £78,953 last year to £83,156 this year.

Expenditures to note which had not occurred last year includes costs for roof inspections at Milton Combe (£1,576). The donation to St Andrew’s School was increased to £5,000 last year compared with £1,000 in previous years. Additional Mission Donations of £3,550 were also made last year. Both Clergy and Nonclergy expenses appear to have increased this year.

Conclusions

Several major expenditures are likely in the short or medium term. Examples include replacing the rather ancient oilfired boiler at St Andrew’s and the need to treat damp areas in both churches. The potential costs for roof repairs at Milton Combe are not yet available.

In addition, there will be significant cost pressures as energy prices soar and the rate of general inflation increases. Although the financial reserves remain healthy, they have been depleted by approximately £12,000 this year. A legacy of almost £25,000 has recently been received but now is the time that we all need to reflect on our giving to ensure the work of our two churches continues and that the churches flourish, shining as beacons in our communities. Roger Watkins - Warden

h) ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Church of St. Andrew’s, Buckland Monachorum is situated in the village of Buckland Monachorum, Devon PL20 7NA. The Church of the Holy Spirit, Milton Combe, is in the village of Milton Combe, Devon PL20 6HP.

PCC members who have served from 1 January 2020 until the 31[st] December 2021 were:

Ex Officio members:

The Reverend Andrew Bowden - Vicar

The Reverend Andy Farmer - Associate Minister Mrs Rumbi Mukono (Treasurer) Mrs Patricia Topham (Safeguarding Representative) Mrs Angela Smith (Reader)

12

Deanery Synod Members: Churchwarden: Mr P. Tuckett (Reader) Ex-officio Mr Roger Watkins Mr R. Matthews (Reader) Ex-Officio

PCC Members:

Dr P. Coates Mr Bob Barnes Mrs D. Farmer Mr J. Girven (Milton Combe) Mrs B. Girven (Milton Combe) Mrs D. Corness Mrs H. Hopkins (Hon Secretary) Mr R. Hopkins (Electoral Roll officer) Mrs H. Keane Mrs D. Kilby Dr M. Perry Mr Simon Bovey Mr Joe Smart Mr Terry West (Buildings & Fabric lead) Dr M. Smith (Reader) Mrs M. Goodfellow

Safeguarding representatives: Mrs Patricia Topham & Deputy Mrs Jane Oliver. DBS Officer: Helen Hopkins :

Independent Examiner: Mrs Felicity Harris – Moorlands Accountants.

The Report was approved by the PCC at a Zoom meeting held on Monday 9[th] May 2022. The Report was signed by:

Rev Andrew Bowden, Vicar: ………………………………………………………………… and

Roger Watkins, Church Warden: ………………………………………………………………………

13

Parochial Church Council of St Andrew Bucldand Monachorum with Milton Combe Financial Statements For tbe Year Ended 31st December 2021 Moorlonds

Parochial Chureh Council of St Andrew Buekland Monacborum with Milton Combe Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31st December 2021 CONfENTS Legal & Administrative information Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Inccome and Expenditure Report Balanc¢ Sheet

Parochial Church Council of St Andrew Buckland Monachorum with Milton Combe al and Administrative Information INCUMBENT R¢v. Andrew Bowden BAI¥4KERS Lloyds Bank Ple 8 Royal Parade Plymouth Devon INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Felieity Harris. Chartered Accountant Moorlands Ro¢k view 28 GlanvÉlle Road Tavistock Devon PLI 9 OEB

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Andrew Buckland Monachorum with Milton Combe This report is on the a¢¢ounts of the PCC for the y&ir ended )lst December ?0? I which are set out oll the following page5. Respective respoll5ibilities of the PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the prepardtion of the accounts,. you consider that an audit is not required fL)r thi.% year under seclion 144(2) of ihe Chariiies Act 2011 ( the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to examine the acwunts under sectiort 145 of the 2011 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Direction5 giv¢n by the Charity Commissioner vnder section 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my att¢ntiort. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was catTied out ii) accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounls, and seeking explanations from you as trustee$ concerning such matters. The proccdures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would required in an audi¢ and consequently no opinion 1$ given as to whether the accounts present a *rue and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next stalemenÉ. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my ¢xaTnination. no matt¢r hab come io my attention.. I which gives me reasonable eause to believe that in any material reSp￿t the requirements to keep accounting rwords in a¢cordance with sectEon of the l Aa- and io pr¢pa￿ a¢tyount3 wliicli a¢Gord with the accountingi r¢¢ords and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 ACL have not been met. or 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn itt order to enable & proper understanding of the accounts to ir reached. Felicity Harris Moorlands BAACAA 28 Glanville Road, Tavi5tock Devon PL19 OEB

$1 AndreWs Church, Bucklad Monachorum PCC & Hoty Splrft Mllton Combe Statpment of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January 2021 to 31 Dec8mb8r 2021 Unr08trfctod d8 R08trl¢ted Endomnont funds lunrts Total funds Prforyear total lund8 Incgmo Irorn.. Donaii¢n$ and lega¢es Inrom&from ¢h8ritablo llwtses Oiher Encome 91.319 27.203 104 21,LMJO 581 ?,186 112.319 27,764 3291 140,775 15,357 789 Total In¢omo 118.627 24.748 143.376 156,932 ExpendI1￿re OA cha￿ta￿e &ra￿Ve5 Other expenditure 123,032 2.337 24.302 5.404 147,334 7.742 129,9g4 2.518 Total expendlture 125.365 29.707 f55,077 132,513 Not Incom• I l•xpAndlturol rosour¢•s boforo tran8ler 16,7421 149581 11,7011 24,418 Tffsnsletr Gros¥tran$feTS bets￿n ￿ts￿S- I Gros8 tran5feB behween IuTKJs- out 11781 113.7511 13.751 113,7511 14891 OthgrrecoBnl8edg•lthf llossés Notmov8ment In fvnds 18,7421 14,958) 111,7011 24418 Total ￿ndS broughl IOYw8rd 142.739 38,B64 820 181430 158,011 Total fund¥ carrfèd forwavd 134997 33,905 82S 170.728 182.430 Thom maybominordlscrvpandvs In th• ¢Oi•tsMIhp•n￿ aro nolbvlnislrown 06 May2022

st Andrew's Church. Bucklad Monachorum PCC & Holy Splrlt Milton Comb9 Balanc8 sheet (Church of England) As at: 31 Decembor 2021 AB al $IM212021 A It 3111212020 Flxed ats8è18 InVeSt￿r￿S 825 825 825 825 urroTht¥SSèts Debtots Cash albwk 8nd In hand 17,1Z7 152,776 19,125 163.229 169.903 182.355 Llabllltlè8 Credrtors.. Amoufits lalling due In oDe year 750 NotcurrentasBets1855 currgnt Ilabllltles 169,903 181,805 Totsl astsots lèss ¢uYrent Ilabllttlos 170.728 182,430 Total nèt aètéts 1lablllt108 170,728 182,430 R•pment8d ty ilnT95trfctod Unre$irtcted- Ge￿r￿lfuMd 135,837 142,334 Dw$lgrwtsd rwted. t54gnaknl Fund5 159 405 Re51rictÈd. Bulwing D&vdopmÈnl Fund Re5knded. G Cotter Re8lricled- CMstm8s Hampers Reslrfcted- The Hub Re8lrfcled- IPANI SCHOOL Re$th2ted. MAF. Mall & Bed Resirtcted. MIXM Combe RestrScted- Cl￿rch Part&h Magazlne Restricted- Menouf Restri(aed. Mission8ry Work Reslricaed- Open Doors Re5tricW- CwolnE Hammond RestrirAed- Organ Donallons Re81rlct8d- Ovefsea5 Mlss]on5 Resliicie(l- Parish C3ffiP ReslriEted. Pastarol Ca R&slilcted- PalhflThJer Restricted- Restrided. Payroll Re&tricied. Restrided Reslrfcled- Church Roof Reslrlcted- SchoDI Govemrs Reslrfcted- seq￿tratIOn AeLout4 Reslrlcted- Buthland Chppel Re$trided- S￿kIn8h 213 1.589 390 1.2OD 2.255 4.$0S so 45 1.200 2.255 2,550 550 63 385 1.398 110 786 753 50 I,too 433 1.300 Ih•r•m4y O•mlnor4*erepattelotrln tho lot8ls MthopoK¢eaT8nOtbelng$hown 06 May 2022

A• ot 3111212021 As at 311f212020 Reslricl8d- Sourvj RÈslrfcted_Tear FLty Reslrfct8d- Tomwais Re$tr¢led- Wndow Reslrt¢ted. P8ri$h Youth Workers Reslrfcted- Pathsh Youth Vlort( Reslricte(S- c￿1￿tian11Y Explored Resirtcted- Devon Historic Churches Re51ricled- Esme Palmer Re51ri¢Aed- BuEWand Footj H Re51rfcled- Flower Furwj Re5W¢l&- Glft forTristan- Leaving Q 224 275 18.247 295 245 17,753 295 30 10D 545 545 Endowment Enown*tt. Endowmeot F￿xI 825 825 Fund8 ofthe Church 170.725 182,430 Therp maybemlthvdlsGrepancles In the totals If theppnceare notbelngshown 06 K4ay 2022

st Androw's Church, Bucklad Monachorum PCC & Holy Spirlt Mllton Combe Analysis of income and expenditure Selectsd perlod.. 01 January 2021 to 310ecember 2021 rotal Unr•Dtrlcted l)pÈlgMatbd Re•lrfctsd Endo%iIMn¢ gyoAr Lablyoar Income and endowmènts Donatlons Andl•gaelo8 011NOOOI . Envelopes StAndre 011NOLNJ2- Envelopes MC 011NQLMJ3- Payroll Donaliurts- Fer yO￿h ￿￿ker 011ND￿4- Yaulh WoFk 011NOOOS- Matt & Beck 011NOOD8- Slonding ￿erts- Genaral 011N0007- Standlng (kders- Re51[￿ed 011NOOD8- DDnation$ Mad¢ By Cheque 031N0001- Op8n Plate- St Nmrevts 031NaOQ2- Open plate MC 041N0001 - MIS Income Occa$lonal 041NOOf14- Don8tlons to Mllton Combe 041N0005- Donallons to StAndiew5 1,250 1.SOS 1,250 1,505 8,562 422 8.8e2 11,278 7.714 1,9S5 7.714 1,955 82.870 416 8,210 82,870 100.248 2,504 415 1QQ 758 3.545 5,108 3,140 3S 3.895 695 4261 75B 1,370 1.075 750 750 452 22 Donotions andlegaclgs fota 91.319 21,001 112,320 140.776 Income from ¢h4tlt#bl• acfvltl•s (k%lNOOOI - GrfiAid RefvJr 111N0￿1- Church SEFVIWS Fee& Inromp 121NOWI - Mawlne IrKory 24,477 24,471 1.855 9,gfj1 516 1,3Be 45 1.433 2.997 la¢omg from ¢haHtabl8 acVvltie8 rotals 27,203 561 27.764 15.387 othorln¢om$ 101M)LX)l- Bank Interest t31MJ(X)l - Par48h Carnp Incorne i( 3.1 26 763 3.186 Dtharineom• Total8 1tkS 3.187 3291 789 Income and endowments Grand totals 118.627 24.748 143.375 156,932 Expenditure Expondlturn on charllable a¢tlvldg9 17EXOOD2- B8llringer5 expendNure 18EKOW1- Donall￿¥ lo 18Ex0￿2. Mission Don*ions Home IBEXQ003- Mission t)onatson$ Owasional 18EX0004- Mlsskjn Donallons Bud¢18nd Chapel 19EXIN)01- Dloces8n P￿sh Shar8 20EX0001- WMRC NIC- T￿ Pffjoll Fees 20EXOO￿2- paY￿1- Sal8rie$ 20EX0003- ErnpLoye¢$ ¢onlrfbuiion to NEST 175) 1751 5,000 782 3.550 1,000 272 510 3.550 2,500 1,480 3,980 83,156 83,156 78,953 613 21,372 21.372 1,896 11,427 1,896 20ÈX0004- Senrices Fees & Oth setsfi￿ G%￿ng•S 1,e75 1,67S 933 71Jer8nI￿ b¢rnlnordl¥¢rnpan¢l•s In the totsls Ifthopence are notbéln# show Cfj May 2022

Totsl D••lyn•t•d Th1# yar LaSt￿or 21)EX0005- Organisl Fees 21EK0001- Expenses Min15ty 21EX0002- Tralning Cosls Ord8lned staff 21EX0003- Expense&- NeTrClergy 22EX0001- Pastoral Cere Expenses 22EX0002. Evaroelism Pwchase5 22EX0004- Youlh Work Expense5 23EX0002- P0818g88 arKJ Telephone 23EX0004. Church SeNiTr5 Expen8e¥.Music 8ook5 elc 23&X0005- Purch¥5ey mk8￿m￿r￿uS 23EXo0(￿- Slalionery consumgwes 631 2.745 B31 2.745 399 855 345 1,853 378 1,853 376 543 1.999 303 100 114 1,579 521 521 174 23EXOQO8- IT Hardware Purchases 23EX0009- IT Solhyare Purrase$ 23EX0010- MalnlenaTrre and General Rep8lTS Fees 23EX0012- Organ and PiBntr Mainlenan 23EX0013. Church Car Park- Malntenance and Genèra 23EX0014- Healllw System Re￿r$ & alntsnance 23EX0016- Redecoratin9 8nd FloDrlr¥ 23EX0017. Safety MainlenBnre 23EX0019- Broadb8nd &Webslte etihostlngl Cosls 23EX0020- se￿Ces Costs & Otrr SuprAEs 23EX0021- St Andr6Ws Insuranc& Costs 23EXD022- MC In5Lxanca Costs 23EX0023- Cle8nlng Cosls 23￿0024- Gardenirw Cosls 24EX0001- Uts"111￿5 ElectrldtyC05t8 24EX0002. Utilit$ Gas ATNI Oil c￿15 24EX0003- Water ExpÈndtture 952 70 707 70 707 246 246 877 877 24 883 49 823 902 5.315 5,315 5,163 923 1,410 1,490 1.6 2,115 53 812 g50 1,268 2.577 2,88g 1,410 1.490 1,638 2.115 53 Exptrndlture on ch8rltsblg actlvltlgs fotats 122.786 246 24.303 147.335 129,995 Otherexpendlturo 22￿￿O&3- Parish Cany 23EX￿￿)1- Bank Charge 28EX0003- Bu1￿1n￿ OeveloprrE Costs- Mlllon Comb 29EXO(KJl - Magazine expen¥es 3,829 3,829 150 1,576 150 227 1.570 2,188 2,188 2,291 Otherexp•ndilure Tot4 2,33B 5.405 7.742 2,518 Exp8ndltura Grand totsls 125.124 24e 29.707 155.077 132,613 Tlwgnmy ￿ mlnortstscr¢panclo¥ln tho lotsls Ifthepenceargnotb•lny shown 06 May 2022

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Andrew Buckland Monachorum with Milton Combe This report is on the accounts of th¢ PCC for thc y¢ar eThled J 1st Decemb¢r ?O?l ivhich are set out OD the following pag&s. Respective respollsibilities of th¢ PCC aDd the examiner As members of the PCC you are responsli yle for the pwtion of the accounts: you consider that an audtt is not required for ihis vear under section 144(2) of the Charitie5 Act 2011 ( the 2011 Act) and that an indepcndent e.%amination is required. 11 is my responsibility to examine ihe accounts under section 145 of the ?01 l Act, to follow the procedures laid down im the General Dirwtions given by the Charity Comwni55ion¢r under section 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act and to state wheth¢r parficular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independeut ¢xaminer's report My examination was carri¢d out in accordance iyith the Genernl Directio￿$ given by the Charity Cornmission. Thal examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the a￿o￿nts M'ith those recordk It also include5 considcration of any unusual itetll5 or disclosures in the accounts: and seek-ing expl8n2tions from you as tNstees onoernin8 such tnatter5. The procedures undertak-en do not provide all the evidence that would be rcquhrcd in an audiL and Consequently no opinion is given as zo whether the accounts present a 'ttrue fair VI￿ and the reFK)rt is limttej to those matters set out in the next sthtement. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my exami[￿lOn. no mattcr h&5 ¢omc to my attention.. which gives tne re850nable cause to ￿lIeve th￿ in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting tecords in accordance with section IJO of the Zol l and to pr¢par¢ a¢wunis which &ccord with the accountin8 record5 and comply with th¢ accounting requirements of the 2011 Acl haye been met. or 2 to which. in m). opinion, attention should be drawn in order to ¢Dable o proper understanding of the aecounts to ix reacheiL Felicity HaTrts Moorlands BAACAA 28 Glanville Road, Tavistock Devon PL19 OEB