28[th] April 2024 _Photo credit: Revd. John Potter_ Annual Reports and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St. George’s, Jesmond, for the year ending 31[st] December 2023 ## **Parochial Church Council of St. George’s, Jesmond Registered Charity No. 1132758** ## **Aim and Purpose** St. George’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Canon Brian Hurst (to June 2023), in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church, the Church Hall, Tower House, Close house, and the Green. ## **Objectives and Activities** St George’s seeks to be an Inclusive Church and has set the following areas of focus for our energies: - Open and welcoming church community - Inclusive and traditional worship - Questioning and nurturing faith - Relevant and engaged in the wider world ## **PCC Members who served during 2023** ## **Ex Officio** Incumbent: Reverend Canon Brian Hurst (to June 2023) Curate: Reverend Oliver Dempsey Interim Minister: Reverend Canon Clare MacLaren (since October 2023) Lay Reader and Anna Chaplain: Joan Grenfell Churchwardens: Graham Hatt (to July 2023), Enid Pearson (2023-2025), Janet Wilson (20232026) General Synod: Canon Izzy McDonald-Booth Lay Representatives on Deanery Synod: Mike de la Hunt (2020-2026), Kay Plumley (20202026), Alex Walker (2023) Treasurer: Mike Ranson ## **Elected Members** Hilary Cullingford (2022-2025) Donald Gaze (2023-2026) Lana Liu (2023-2026) Ian Ness (2022-2025) Nigel Russell-Sewell (2023-2026) Sue Vernon (2021-2024) Margaret Vane (2022-2025) Secretary: Janet Wilson (to July 2023), Nigel Russell-Sewell (since July 2023) ## **Contents** Agenda ................................................................................................................ 2 Electoral Roll Report ............................................................................................ 3 List of Sidespeople .............................................................................................. 3 Parochial Church Council Report ......................................................................... 4 Churchwarden’s Report ....................................................................................... 6 Fixtures and Fittings Report .................................................................................. 11 Deanery Synod Report .......................................................................................... 13 Safeguarding Report ............................................................................................. 14 Safeguarding Policy .............................................................................................. 15 Inclusive Church Statement .................................................................................. 16 Children and Young People Report ........................................................................ 16 Eco Group Report ................................................................................................. 18 Environmental Policy ............................................................................................ 19 Faith and Nurture Group Report ............................................................................ 20 Anna Chaplain Report .......................................................................................... 20 Community Hub Steering Group Report ................................................................ 21 Bellringers’ Report ............................................................................................... 23 Friends of St George’s Report ............................................................................... 24 Minutes of the 2022 meetings ............................................................................... 25 Treasurer’s Report ................................................................................................ 30 Selected pages from the accounts ........................................................................ 32 1 ## **Agenda** ## **Annual Meeting of Parishioners** 1. Appointment of Secretary 2. Election of Churchwardens 3. Close ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** 1. Welcome and apologies 2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 30[th] April 2023 3. Consideration of the Electoral Roll 4. Approval of Sidespeople 5. Election of one representative to Deanery Synod 6. Election of two representatives to the Parochial Church Council 7. Consideration of reports: - 7.1. The proceedings of the PCC - 7.2. Churchwardens - 7.3. Fixtures and Fittings - 7.4. Proceedings of Deanery Synod 8. Treasurers’ Report and Audited Accounts 9. Appointment of the Independent Examiner 10. Safeguarding Report and reaffirmation of the Safeguarding Policy 11. Reaffirmation of the Inclusive Church Statement 12. Consideration of Committee, Group, and other reports - 12.1. Children and Young People - 12.2. Eco Group and reaffirmation of the Eco Policy - 12.3. Faith and Nurture Group - 12.4. Anna Chaplain - 12.5. Community Hub Steering Group - 12.6. Bellringers - 12.7. Friends of St George’s 13. Chair’s remarks - 13.1. Clergy protection - 13.2. Charitable Giving Group Membership 14. Consideration of other matters of Parochial of general church interest 15. Close 2 ## **Electoral Roll Report** The revision of the Electoral Roll was completed on 14th April 2024. The roll contains 206 names; 93 are resident in the parish and 113 are non-resident. In April 2023 the roll contained 201 names; there have been 11 additions and 6 deletions since then. The secretaries of the Diocesan and Deanery Synod have been duly informed of the current roll numbers. ## **Margaret Baron, Electoral Roll Officer** ***** ## **List of Sidespeople** Jenny Click Jon & Jean Davies Mike & Linsley de la Hunt Graham, Caroline & Andrew Field Peter & Vera Friberg-Rodgers Donald Gaze Hazel Jones-Lee Sue King Jim Lowe Peter Magnay Judith Meikle Sue Melbourne Samuel Parker Julian & Kay Plumley Christine Rowland Jackie & Ian Spencer Chris & Sylvia Stenton Brent Swinburne Lorna & Paul Taylor Leslie Wilkinson Janet Wilson 3 ## **Parochial Church Council Report** The past 12 months have been extremely busy for the PCC. At the start of the year, the PCC was extremely grateful to Graham Rutt who had taken on the role of warden support coordinator. Given that we had been reduced to a sole warden, it was extremely helpful to have a rota of Assistant Wardens drawn from the ranks of previous Churchwardens at St George’s to assist at the back of church each Sunday. It was proving difficult to find a successor to Graham Hatt whose work as a lone warden was greatly appreciated. It was agreed that the generous Ann Biles legacy be used in part to fund improvements to the church sound system. The Treasurer expressed concerns at the inactive nature of our endowment fund (that had become known as the Garden of Remembrance fund) whose conditions of establishment remained mysterious, partly due to missing Parish records from the regional archive at Woodhorn. The income is available for use but in practice most of it reverts annually to general church expenditure, as there are few running expenses due to the team of volunteer gardeners, whose work is much appreciated. In February, essential tree surgery works on the green were commissioned. The PCC welcomed the suggestion of the Treasurer to modify the Parish Share such that we did not continue the downward spiral of increasing deficit year on year as we had now only six weeks’ operational expenses in reserve - whereas our reserves policy indicate we should have a three month buffer fund. It was agreed that the Parish Share should be reduced such that the continuing decline in reserves could be halted. The PCC welcomed the much needed uplift to income from the Catherine Cookson Trust, generated through rental properties, for expenses arising only within the Parish. March saw completion of the tree works, repairs to the new noticeboard, and successful congregational and external launches of the St George’s Community Hub appeal. The possibility of using car park space rental as an additional source of revenue was discussed following a suggestion by a parishioner. The annual accounts for 2022 were approved in April ahead of the Annual Meeting. May, the first PCC after last year’s Annual Meeting, saw the appointments of PCC officers: Mike Ranson as Treasurer and Nigel Russell-Sewell as Secretary. This was also the last meeting chaired by the Vicar, the Revd Canon Brian Hurst. The Archdeacon attended to outline expectations for the interregnum and the ‘new’ process for filling the vacancy, for which our benefice was to pilot. July saw the election of Janet Wilson as Lay Vice-Chair of PCC, followed by a joint meeting with members of the PCC of St Hilda’s. This enabled the two parishes to explore aspects of the interregnum, the timeline for appointment of a new Vicar and to start to put together the Parish Profile; a significant document to support the appointment process both for the Bishop and for applicants. The PCC agreed to meet monthly during the first phase of the interregnum to facilitate the preparation of all documentation for advertising the vacancy. 4 By the August meeting, the requirements for the Parish Profile and accompanying illustrated ‘brochure’ had been revised by the Bishop. The Area Dean (the Revd Dr Pauline Pearson) advised on the new requirements. The PCC was relieved that work already carried out had not been wasted! The PCC received a legacy from the late Revd Frank Dexter in September: the cope made by Patricia Winskell along with £2,000 which was placed in the restricted Fabric Fund. The cope, received at a special service, has been used on festive occasions and will be used to vest the new Vicar at their installation. The PCC also received news from the Bishop that the Revd Canon Clare McLaren (Canon for Music and Liturgy at Newcastle Cathedral) would undertake a secondment as Interim Minister at St Geroge’s until Easter Day 2024, and that the Revd Ollie Dempsey would divide his time between Newcastle University Chaplaincy and St Hilda’s. This significantly relieved the pressure on the Churchwardens who would otherwise be searching for clergy to take the services each week. October saw the final approval of the paperwork for advertising the vacancy. A formal meeting (“Section 11”) was held with the Archdeacon and St Hilda’s to review these and agree the draft advert. The final review of all documentation was carried out in November in preparation for a formal meeting (“Section 12”) with the Bishop of Berwick, which concluded the work of both St George’s and St Hilda’s PCCs on the vacancy. Following this meeting, only appointed “representatives” from each parish would deal with matters relating the application, selection, and interview processes. With the vacancy being advertised, December saw business return to ‘normal’ with the PCC having reviewed the proposed Deanery Plan and the three aims St George’s agreed to support: - Aim 4: To reach out to children, young people, and families through building effective links with toddler groups and schools; - Aim 5: To provide accessible and effective pastoral care to all who seek it in each of our communities through clear structures and communication and appropriate training; and - Aim 7: To explore use of buildings by the wider community and for worship. - The PCC also received detail of the fundraising activity for the organ project. Every PCC has ‘standing items’ on the agenda that must be considered at each meeting: Safeguarding; Finance; Estates Group; and St George’s Community Hub 2025. Minutes are published on the St George’s website following approval and can be read at: https://www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk/about/#the-pcc ## **Dr Nigel Russell-Sewell** ## **Honorary Secretary, St George’s Jesmond Parochial Church Council** ***** 5 ## **The Churchwardens’ Report** ## **Written in Interregnum – a reflection of 2023 in the life of St George’s.** ## **January** The year began with the launch of the _Patrons of Music_ initiative – one of many music developments throughout the year organised by our Director of Music, Drew CantrillFenwick. Music has enhanced our worship, extended our outreach, and bolstered our engagement with younger people throughout the year. An evening meeting was convened to discuss the announcement on “Living in Love and Faith” from the College of Bishops concerning same-sex relationships (https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/draft-prayers-thanksgivingdedication-and-gods-blessing-same-sex-couples). We reflected on the public apologia - “ _We want to apologise for the ways in which the Church of England has treated LGBTQI+ people – both those who worship in our churches and those who do not. For the times we have rejected or excluded you, and those you love, we are deeply sorry. […] As we have listened, we have been told time and time again how we have failed LGBTQI+ people. We have not loved you as God loves you, and that is profoundly wrong. We affirm, publicly and unequivocally, that LGBTQI+ people are welcome and valued: we are all children of God._ ” The proposal of blessing of same sex relationships fell short of church marriage and seemed at variance with some of this sentiment. Many present felt frustration and disappointment. We were encouraged to share our perspectives with our new Bishop, Helen-Ann, ahead of the February General Synod February. On lighter notes - an outing was arranged to celebrate Chinese New Year and the Children North East supporters organised by Liz Rhodes and Hazel Jones Lee completed their first box of donations for 2023. ## **February** Turning our thoughts outwards in anticipation of Lent we ran an appeal for the earthquake which had devastated substantial areas in Syria and Turkey. We held a collection for the East End Women’s food bank. Fourat Duggan launched a drop-in session for those seeking sanctuary in the UK, housed in the New Northumbria hotel. Monica Ogden ran a bridge afternoon to supplement the funds raised for the Children’s Society, in addition to the box collections. If you would like to have a box at home to collect loose change for the Children’s Society throughout the year, please ask our Sacristan Monica – if you do not yet know Monica, please ask one of the wardens. The highlight of early February was the church pantomime under the tireless guidance of Graham Rutt and Catherine Laidler – names too numerous to mention managed somehow to make sense of “Prince Froggie and the Evil Toad”. Linsley de la Hunt and her team delivered a constant supply of attractive refreshments over the two days of production. The main Lent group considered the book _The Falling of Dusk_ , in which Paul Dominiak explores how each of the seven last words from the Cross, confronting doubt, suspicion and 6 our own assumptions, anxieties and beliefs through a conventional Lenten form of meditation. A smaller group took up the opportunity to share a serialised format of the National Theatre at home broadcast production of _Angels in America_ by Tony Kushner. ## **March** The Community Hub Congregation Launch took place on Sunday 12 March during parish coffee. Community Hub activities through 2023 form a separate section of this report. Father Ollie and our trainee Reader Izzy held the first of a series of small reflective services – “Sacred Space” at St Hilda’s. This quiet and reflective Eucharist offers particular welcome for members of the LGBTQI+ community, their family, and friends. Drew organised a spectacular screening of Cecil B DeMille’s King of Kings. On a more prosaic note, our website was updated and streamlined with improved links and greater clarity. ## **April** The month opened with Holy Week. The preacher this year was our own Father Ollie Dempsey, whose theme was “The Art of the Passion: Depicting the emotions and feelings of Holy Week through art”. Fr. Ollie led us through Awkwardness - _The Anointing of Christ_ , Julia Stankova; and Apprehension - _Victory Over Death 2_ , Colin McCahon; to _The Betrayal of Jesus_ , as sculpted by Antoni Gaudi. On Maundy Thursday evening the theme was Beloved - _Jesus washes Peter’s Feet_ , Ford Maddox Brown, moving through Hope - _The Crucifixion_ , as portrayed by Leonard Evetts, culminating on Easter Day in Triumph – El Greco’s _Resurrection of Christ_ . The Easter vigil and Easter Day services alone were attended by 188 people. In the middle of the month we welcomed back Nathaniel Hayler as Deacon and preacher. The third weekend in April was memorable for a number of reasons. On Saturday, 22 April Bishop Helen-Ann was installed in the cathedral. It was an extremely wet day - as those of us who took a different path, following Margaret Vane and our treasurer Mike Ranson to the Dalemain Marmalade Festival in the Lake District, remember only too well. Our Mike was the 2022 overall champion and we all agreed that the 2023 winner’s marmalade was not a patch on his. The following day, an announcement from the Bishop was read out at the end of Parish Eucharist that our Vicar Brian Hurst had been appointed as interim Priest-in-Charge of the Cheviot Benefice comprising the parishes of Doddington, Ilderton, Kirknewton and Wooler. A farewell of a different nature was made the following Wednesday - Canon Frank Dexter’s funeral in Hexham Abbey. Frank, a friend to so many at St George’s over his many years as Vicar, very generously left a legacy to the church and also donated the magnificent Cope which had been embroidered for him by Particia Winskell. We took receipt of this Cope from Jill and Helen Dexter in the autumn, in time for its use at our festival of dedication in October. ## **May** On 6 May the church bells were rung to mark the Coronation of HM King Charles III. Reader and Anna Chaplain Joan Grenfell organised a highly successful Big Friendly Coronation Gathering on St George’s green on the Monday bank holiday. As ever, this gathering offered 7 real engagement with the community of all ages. Elements of the afternoon reflected the King’s wish that we seek out new opportunities for volunteering to mark his ascension to the throne. We welcomed Helen Young back as a guest preacher and were delighted that Jennifer, Oscar, and Alex were all confirmed, in a service held at St Hilda’s. The month ended with Drew’s first “Kids’ Organ Prom” - Peter and the Wolf. ## **June** Janet and Enid were nominated as Churchwardens at the close of the service on 11 June. All eligible members of the Electoral roll are encouraged seriously to consider whether this is an opportunity to which they might be called over the next couple of years. The summer fête - postponed due to the Coronation weekend - was a great success: sunny, sociable, and with something for everyone. Thanks to the massive planning and graft of Tom Furness and the stall stalwarts, we raised over £5000. More locally, Linsley de la Hunt, chair of governors at Christ the King Church of England primary school, launched a very successful appeal to support pupils on a three day rural break – an opportunity to experience the countryside that many children from Shieldfield would not otherwise have been able to enjoy. An appeal was launched for Christian Aid, supporting victims of the flood in Ukraine. We said a sad farewell to Tiger Lee after 18 months as organ scholar, as he left to take up a position as Director of Music at St Chad’s College Durham. Evensong on 18 June was Canon Brian’s final service. This was a low-key departure at his own request. We attended the Archdeacon Deacons’ Visitation at the cathedral alongside our fellow wardens from St Hilda’s, Lesley, and Phil. ## **July** At the beginning of July some of us made the trip to Wooler to witness Brian’s installation by Bishop Helen-Ann. There was a good turnout, the warmest of welcomes to Brian and Mo, not to mention some spectacular catering! Meanwhile, back at the ranch lightning struck. Our lightning conductor averted structural damage but the electrics, sound system, livestream and hearing loop were all casualties. Thankfully the restoration costs were mostly covered by our insurance. At the end of the month we had the opportunity to say a formal farewell and heartfelt thanks to Graham Hatt for his years of service as warden, a tenure that had seen him and Louise grapple with the unique challenges of the Covid pandemic and which culminated in a year as solo warden. His smile, enthusiasm and patience remain a constant legacy for his successors. We are also grateful for the ongoing services of Shaun – Hon. Assistant Warden. 8 ## **August** August is typically a somewhat low-key month in our church calendar, but in 2023 it was transformed by the appearance of the BBC Songs of Praise team. Those with the longest memories of St George’s reckon it is our third appearance on this program. The format has changed however, such that an episode is not centred on one church but rather on a theme. The crew were delightful to deal with and made light of the considerable on-site logistics leading up to the evening of Monday 21st August when the recording took place. The pantechnicons began to arrive the previous morning and it was a tight squeeze to fit in the Baptism of William Eyre before they took over the site completely. Special thanks to Charlotte Hindle, the Songs of Praise producer, for eagerly volunteering herself to assist with setting up refreshments on the green so that all could go smoothly for the Eyre and Mattison families. Some of the initial outputs of the evening’s recording have already been screened - 520 people thronging our pews to a backdrop of flowers masterminded by Vera. Particular thanks to Drew for his tireless conducting, and Graham Rutt and his expert team of stewards and safety officers. ## **September** In September the Children North East team gratefully received over 400 uniform items. The ringers tolled the tenor bell in memory of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, RIP. The 8th and 9th September were our Heritage Open Days when Barbara Peacock gave her very popular guided tours of the church and surroundings. Revd Dr Roy Large entertained visitors with his periodic organ recitals and refreshments were available throughout - a particular thanks to Hilary Pitkethly who supports a huge range of hospitality events through the year. On 10 September we welcomed Jesmond Methodist Church to hold their 11am worship at St George’s, during the 6 week refurbishment of their entrance and of kitchen facilities. On the 24th we held our Harvest Festival service in the morning with a collection in aid of the People’s Kitchen. In the afternoon Reader Malcolm Toft organised the Battle of Britain Remembrance Service. Bryan Vernon nobly ran the Great North Run raising over £600 for Christian Aid. The Loose Ladies and the church Walking Group resumed their activities following the summer break. At the end of the month we were delighted to welcome Canon Clare MacLaren on secondment from her position as Canon precentor at St Nicholas Cathedral, for a period of six months as Interim Minister until Easter Day 2024. At the same time, Father Ollie moved his base across the Benefice to be principally engaged in activities at St Hilda’s and in liaison with the university chaplaincy services. Safeguarding is an important issue in St George’s and indeed across the diocese. In September Janet went to Morpeth for warden induction on a number of topics including safeguarding. At the end of November Enid attended the launch at the cathedral of a 9 Diocesan Safeguarding report commissioned from Sunderland University, which highlighted areas for improvement of engagement and delivery by those in positions of responsibility. ## **October** The month opened in a joint service with JMC with Canon Clare presiding and JMC’s Revd. Alison Wilkinson as our preacher. Ollie invited Bishop Helen-Ann to preach at the Choral Evensong on Sunday, 15 October our dedication festival. It made a very special evening for all present and for those able to watch on the livestream. The livestream team under Jackie Spencer have shown remarkable agility as various different systems and modifications have been undertaken for a variety of reasons throughout the year. Although only a small number of people watch our transmission live, some of the YouTube content has almost hundred views. This does not mean that 100 people watch the whole service but it does offer those who are not members of the congregation a valuable opportunity to ‘sample’ our services. JMC’s works were completed on time and after their last use of our premises on 22 October we were presented with a magnificent basket of exceptional biscuits to share at our parish coffee. The congregation were invited to contribute to a poll of characteristics most sought after in a new vicar as part of the ongoing vacancy and discernment process ahead of the Archdeacon’s Section 11 and Bishop’s Section 12 meetings– see PCC report for more details. ## **November** The Sung Eucharist on All Souls Day was enriched by music from Fauré’s Requiem and poignant solo singing by chorister Eleanor. The following week a more light-hearted event – Ready Set Sing! comprising an open rehearsal of Junior choir, a short act of worship and organ tours followed by pizza proved popular with younger voices. It was announced that The Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, and Bishop Helen-Ann were to lead the next phase of the process of introducing Prayers of Love and Faith. On Remembrance Sunday Shaun and Jack led us in the moving Kohima Exhortation. An appeal was launched for Christmas gifts for the West End Refugee Service. Some were able to join JMC on their community meal and grand opening of their new facilities. ## **December** The Christmas Market on 2 December raised around £4500. We had many very popular worship events spearheaded by Canon Clare throughout the month. Our mission statistics show that 359 people attended special Advent services and 1500 came to events organised for the community. 10 The community events included the popular annual service of lighting St George’s Christmas tree. 2023 was a bit different as the Watson Family Trust sponsored not only St George’s Green floodlighting and Christmas tree, but also the illumination of Acorn Road with a series of attractive Christmas trees. Members of the Northern Counties school braved horrendous wind and rain to switch on the lights in Acorn Road before the over 150 people processed to St George’s. Everyone present was charmed by the wonder of the Percy Hedley signing choir. We were back out in Jesmond again on Saturday, December 16, for a Living Nativity possession around various local sites, complete of course with Honey the Donkey. Gradually the numbers grew - attracted by the carol singing, the narration, and of course Honey. The following day, the congregation at Parish Eucharist applauded warmly when Canon Clare concluded Parish Eucharist in offering prayers and blessing for a same-sex couple, becoming one of the first priests across the Church of England so to do. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services welcomed 1118. In 2023 there were 14 baptisms and eight weddings. We give thanks for this growth, among the many good things of the past year. We pray that we may be found by a new vicar who will lead us joyously from strength to strength as the 2020s unfold. ## **Janet Wilson and Enid Pearson, Churchwardens** ## ***** ## **Fixtures & Fittings and further Reflection** It has been an eventful year, marked by departures, welcomes and new beginnings. Such an interim period in the life of our church might be regarded as challenging and unsettling. However it gives us the opportunity to question what we do, our community outreach and how things might be improved. As Rowan Williams puts it, so eloquently and succinctly: _“If there is one thing I long for above all else, it’s that the years to come may see Christianity in this country able again to recapture the imagination of our culture, to draw the strongest energies of our thinking and feeling into the exploration of what our creeds put before us.”_ The rich fabric of St George’s Church was augmented, during the course of the year by the following items: - Repair of the large communion jug, facilitated by Barbara Peacock; - Donation of a votive candle stand, by Mr David Cheeseman, in memory of his late wife, Jean; - Festal cope, made and embroidered by Mrs Patricia Winskell, donated by Mrs Jill Dexter, in memory of Frank Dexter; - New community noticeboard on the green, facilitated and installed by Graham Hatt and a team of volunteers; 11 - New sound system, projector, and screen, facilitated by Janet Wilson; - Plans in progress for new lectern steps, designed by Ian Ness, to be financed by a recent legacy; These items have been/will be added to the inventory and logbook, with associated articles from the Lance, as advised by the Area Dean, Reverend Pauline Pearson, at the triennial parish inspection on 27/10/23. Pauline also drew our attention to the disparity between electronic and written data, which needs correction, ideally before the quinquennial architectural inspection in September 2024. If you have the necessary skills and time for this piece of work, and would be willing to assist, please let us know. Although the church fabric is in good shape, the gradual, long term decline in weekly attendance and increased average age, reflects the national secular trend. This means a diminution in the number of volunteers, who undertake a multitude of tasks associated with the outreach and functions of St George’s. To those who help in so many ways, we say a big vote of thanks to you all. If you are new to the church or have not yet had the opportunity to volunteer your help, please speak to one of us and give an indication of how you might be able to assist the work of the church. This appeal replaces a Time and Talents campaign this year. As part of our outreach, we have been glad to welcome members of the Community Police force, who regularly visit the Friday Café, gardening group, and have even been spotted at one of our services. They offer useful advice. Security on the site has presented some issues recently: items of petty theft from the church in November 2023 and recently, attempted theft from a contractors’ van, parked outside the hall, which was only prevented by the sharp eye of a passing member of the public. The police have raised with us the possibility that we should consider having CCTV in place, for example, outside the hall main entrance. This might be regarded as an intrusion on privacy and therefore should be a matter of debate for the whole congregation. Further, a small number of email scams, purporting to be from members of the clergy, have occurred recently. Please be vigilant and check that all emails from St George’s are genuine. In spite of many changes, one constancy is our parish secretary, Jonathan. He fulfils all his duties and much more, with secretarial skill and utmost diplomacy, alongside continual interruptions in the office. Some of us even forgive his football team allegiance! Thanks to you all for your support of the life and work of St George’s during the past year. All reasonable suggestions for change will be considered! ## **Enid Pearson, Churchwarden** ***** 12 ## **Deanery Synod Report** This has been an active year for the Central Newcastle Deanery Synod, under the leadership of Rev. Pauline Pearson, Area Dean. She will be much missed, as she retires in March 2024. The St. George’s Synod representatives this year were: Elected reps: Mike de la Hunt, Kay Plumley, Alex Walker (resigned end 2023) Ex officio: Brain Hurst (to June 2023), Ollie Dempsey (to September 2023), Izzy McDonald Booth (as Lay Chair of the Diocesan Synod), Clare MacLaren (since September 2023). The focus of the work this year has been in two areas: ## **Deanery Development Plan** The Deanery Development Plan is now in place. A team, including the Rev. Ollie Dempsey, pulled it together over many months. The process included several Deanery Synod meetings to review and give input to it. The plan aims to share people, time and resources across the churches and parishes in the Deanery, including clergy, lay leaders and retired clergy. Five focus areas have been agreed: 1. Leadership & Governance 2. Mission & Pastoral Care 3. Buildings fit for purpose 4. Development of Lay Ministry 5. Generous Giving There was a lot of discussion about the challenges we face eliminating fossil fuels and achieving carbon net zero, with the Environment running as a thread through all five of these focus areas. The Deanery Development Plan (copy available from any of your Deanery Synod reps) has been shared with St. George’s PCC, who have identified three aims which we might pursue: ## **1. To reach out to children, young people, and families through building effective links with toddler groups and schools.** _There has been a lot of discussion at Deanery Synod about how parishes might collaborate more closely, share resources/expertise and also a more integrated approach to youth work._ ## **2. To provide accessible and effective pastoral care to all who seek it in each of our communities, through clear structures, communication, and appropriate training.** _E.g. Offer friendly, accessible activities and services for groups not used to attending church, or who might feel excluded._ 13 ## **3. To explore use of buildings by the wider community and for worship.** _E.g. looking at what percentage of time and space is let, has letting fee been reviewed recently, how accessible are buildings? And of course, all of the Community Hub work._ ## **Parish Share** Parish Share was a topic at most of the Deanery Synod meetings. As you know, much of Parish Share is spent on clergy stipends and clergy housing, as well as training across the whole of our Diocese. Wealthier parishes voluntarily support ministry in areas which cannot afford to pay for clergy. Parish Share does not pay for the Bishop, although it does pay for central support staff in areas like Safeguarding and Children & Youth work. All parishes were urged to help and support ministry and mission in our Diocese, including sharing the funding of the work. St. George’s had separate meetings between the Archdeacon, Area Dean, Deanery Finance Officer, our Treasurer and our Deanery Synod reps, as we needed to reduce our Parish Share contribution in 2023 to get back onto a sound financial footing, increase our reserves and invest in our parish. We continue to work together and support one another in the Central Deanery in a positive and constructive way. ## **Mike de la Hunt, Clare MacLaren, Izzy McDonald-Booth, Kay Plumley** ***** ## **Safeguarding Report** I am glad to report there is nothing to report; no major incidents to report this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their co-operation in being Police checked and participating in training, as well as being alert to possible incidents. I am sure everyone is aware of the importance of keeping everyone safe at St Georges. ## **Dr Sue Vernon, Parish Safeguarding Officer** ***** 14 Parish Safeguarding Handbook Parish Safeguarding Policy Church of England THE PARISH OF ST GEORGE'S JESMOND SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH The followThJ w)li¢y was agTeed at the Parochial Chutch Council IPCCI rneetirw hekl on ￿ April 2024 In arKA)rdaw£ ¥￿th the Church of Englatvj SafeguardirKJ PoI￿Y our church is commiitèd to.. PtomolirrfJ a safer enwronmenl aThJ culture. Safely recruibng and supporting all IFh)se wth any reSp)F￿1b1llty related to chikiren, young Feople and vulnerable ajults ¥￿thin the church. Responding proMp￿Y to every Saf&jua￿1r4j Con￿ or al￿atiOn. CarirNJ pastorally for wctirnslsurvivors of abuse arnl other affected persons. Carin9 pastorallyforlhose whoar&th8 suwof concems orallegations of abuseaThJ otsraffected FeTrons. Responding to those that may pose a ptesent nsk lo others. Th& Parish will. Create a safe and carirKJ pla￿ for all. Have a named Partsh Safeguarding Offtsr IPSOI to work with the incumbent Ihe PCC to implem8nt )licy and ptocedures. Safely ￿ruit, train and support all those any responsibilty for¢hihJren, young pwle ￿ adulls to have the ¢onfiderrE and skills lo recogntse and rÈsF¥)nd lo abuse. Ensure that there is appropriate inSura￿e cover for all ￿tivitieS invofviro Chi￿ren ￿K1 adults undertaken in the name of the parish. Display in church premrses and on the Parish ￿bSite the detsils of who to conw rf there are safyuardirvJ C0￿MS or supwrt needs. Listen to and tske serijusty all Ihose vtho discbse abuse. Take steps to p￿tect children and aduts when a safeguanling concem of any kind arises, fOlkn￿ng House of Bisws guidan￿, i￿lUdIty￿ notity'ng the Diocesan Safeguarding Advwr IDSAI and 4atutory a9￿￿￿8$ immediatdy. Offèr support to victi'mslsutvl4￿ls ofabuse regardth of the type of abuse. whèn or vthere il rKcutteil. Care lor and monitor a)y rnemberofthe church community who may pose a risk to children and adults WhI￿t maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all pa￿es. Ensure Ihal heatth and safety policy, pr￿￿lureS risk assessr[￿S are in pl￿ and that these are revie￿Ed annually R&vYaw the implèrnentstion ofthe Safeguarding Policy, Procedures Prackes al least annualty This policy is reme¥￿1 e￿ year by the Paroch￿ Church Council and re-affirmed al the Annual Meets'ng Each person who works within this chufch comrnurmty will agree to atide by this kM)licy a￿1 the guideli￿S established by this chu￿. This church appoints Dr Sue Vemon Isue Incumbent .....V.CLQ.CLw. Churchwardens ....... vemon idoud.Gixn as ts Partsh Safeg(￿rding Officer. q |+ Iit-............................................. Thls policy is to be reviewed annually and re-affirnied at the APCM ## **Inclusive Church Statement** “We believe in **inclusive church** – a church which **celebrates and affirms** every person and does not discriminate. We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of **disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.** We believe in a Church which **welcomes and serves all people** in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.” https://www.inclusive-church.org/the-ic-statement/ ***** ## **Children and Young People Report** ## **Background: What the PCC has chartered the CYP to do/ team members this year?** The purpose of the CYP is to ‘ _Help to deliver the Church Vision for children & young people, especially to meet their spiritual & worshipping needs_ ’. Team members throughout the year were Alison, Kay and Sarah, with Sue Vernon attending occasionally in an advisory capacity as Safeguarding Officer. Brian Hurst, Ollie, Lucy, and Lorna resigned during the year, with much gratitude for their valued contributions to the work over the years. Alex Walker, Lana Liu, and Canon Clare joined the team during the year. ## **Highlights** **Discerning the way forward for St. George’s ministry with children and Young People** After Emily, our Family & Youth Leader, left in the spring of 2023, we ran a process to take stock of where we were, what our focus areas needed to be, and whether we might need to employ someone again. We were helped by two members of the Diocesan team, Tara Russell (Children & Youth Team Leader) and Susan White (Youth Advisor). Questionnaires went out to the congregation, Smarties leaders, as well as the children and young people. The resulting input was considered by the CYP team, facilitated by Tara and Susan. The most important outcomes were the decision to focus on more involvement of our children & young people in all aspects of our work and worship, without recruiting a new employee, as well as to continue the ‘Being With’ and student work, led by Ollie. ## **All Age Worship** In the first of what we hope will be a once-a-term event, an all-age worship service was held on November 26th, celebrating the feast of Christ the King. While the leaders of Smarties and 16 the Junior Choir were involved in the preparations, it was not intended to be a children’s service, but to have people of all ages across the congregation collaborate in our worship. The teamwork during the sermon reflected the strong connections between different age groups in our congregation. While a few people felt that the service catered too much to a younger audience, the response from the majority was overwhelmingly positive. The highlight of the day was the involvement of the Junior choir and Smarties, infusing our worship with youthful energy. ## **Business as Usual, punctuated with Special Events** We would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who run our regular activities with children and young people. Especially to Christine’s team running Little Saints, the volunteers helping Drew with the Junior Choir, and all of the people involved in Smarties. Events with outreach to children & young people in the community this year included the Coronation BFG on May 8th – there was an Eco stall where the Eco group offered bug hotel building, seed bomb making, and bird box assembly. The ladies from the URC ran children’s activities. Joan organised a face painter. No year would be complete without the Summer Fete on June 17[th] . The Advent and Christmas season was particularly busy, with the Christmas Market, including many well received activities for children in the Mitchell room; the Living Nativity, featuring Holly the Donkey and with participation from many of the shops in the area; and the Christingle Service with assembly of the Christingles by the children, immediately before the service. ## **Housekeeping & Maintenance** This year it was rat ingress which required work on the children’s corner in church – once the floor had been repaired and the rat entry stopped, replacement of the carpets and disinfection of the toys. Many thanks to the several people involved in the clean-up and purchase of replacement items! ## **We would like your practical help – it doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment!** We can use your help and skills in all sorts of ways: Getting materials together for a craft activity; running an activity during a church event; making Christingles; encouraging children and young people to join our Junior Choir or Bell Ringers; joining the Smarties rota. Do contact us! ## **Kay Plumley, on behalf of the CYP** ***** 17 ## **Eco Group Report** Having previously achieved “Bronze” level in the Eco Award scheme we have, during the past year, carried out further work to enhance our environmental credentials. As a result we have elevated our status to “Silver” level, a significant achievement. This opens up the possibility of applying for further grants in our objective to achieve “Net Zero” carbon emissions. Part of the work undertaken to gain “Silver” level included an estate management plan detailing gardening practices and how we give due recognition to encouraging biodiversity. Regarding our aim to achieve Net Zero, a review of the energy usage in the church was undertaken by ESOS, an expert consultant specialising in ecclesiastical buildings. The cost of the work was covered by our energy supplier under the Parish Buying scheme. The most important recommendations were that we heat the people rather than the whole building, and only for a period commensurate with its duration of occupancy. Discussion with the specialist from the DAC also supports this view. A scheme has now been outlined and initial budgetary costing arrived at. A presentation has been made to the PCC on the scheme and a similar presentation was made on 25th February to interested members of the to the congregation. We have been made aware of grants that are being made available to facilitate decarbonisation, it is the intention to apply for these wherever we can, including any trials or tests. We continue to monitor energy consumption for both the hall and church. ## **John Clark, on behalf of the Eco Group** ***** 18 St. George's Eco*cHURCH Jesmond ANI A ROCHA UK PRO.IEC-: Environmental Polic St. George's Church accepts responsibility for its effects on the environment and is committed to reduce them. As your local Church of England (Anglican) church, one of our Five Marks of Mission is to strive to safeguard the integrty of Creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The key points of our strategy to achieve this are: Frequently ernphasise God's love for Creation and our stewardship of nature, through our worship and teaching. b. Understand and minimise the impact of our church activities, land and buildings on the environment, especially on the climate and biodiversity. c. Implement an awareness program for our congregation, volunteers and staff to enlist their support in improving the church's impact on the environment. d. Measure our carbon footprint and set targets for ongoing improvement which achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Understand what would be required to reach this target and draw up an economically sensible action plan to achieve it. e. Use future plans to reduce our environmental impacL f. Engage wrth other churches, the Diocese of Newcastle, the Church of England and other local and national partners to understand and follow best environmental practi￿ & guidance in the context of listed church buildings, to secure their help and partnership to get the work done and to hold the nats'onal Church to account. g. Collaborate with people and groups from our local community on environmental initiatives. h. Establish and maintain an Eco Group, chartered by the Parochial Church Council to bring environmental issues and con¢ems forward to them on a regular basis. with agreed membership, aGcountabilty and reSoUr￿s. Follow the Eco Church programme. aiming to achieve Gold certification by 2030 j. Ensure compliance with all relevant environmentsl legislation. Signed.. £,.- Dated.. April 2024 91114- Chair of the Parochial Church Council Review.. This policy will be reviewed each year at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting ## **Faith and Nurture Report** The stated purpose of the Faith and Nurture Group is to set the strategic direction for St George’s chosen priority of ‘Questioning, Nurturing Faith’. Our aim has been to help our church to grow both numerically and spiritually. The Group, led by Joan, has worked to provide input into activities including Bible Study Groups, Lent Courses, and the Advent programme. We also devoted considerable time and energy to running courses on the Pastoral Principles and Living in Love and Faith. For Living in Love and Faith, we extended our course and discussions to all within and beyond the congregation of St George’s. We contributed to the consultation process and feedback as far as we could, as individuals as well as a group. We have been disappointed at the limited outcomes of this extensive consultation but are mindful of those for whom even that has been felt to be too much. Regular faith-based activity is well established at St George’s and there has been little response to fresh initiatives and proposals. Membership of the F&N Group has dwindled and we do need to reconsider our remit. We would welcome new members and suggestions how we might best enhance the spiritual life of our community. No further meetings of the Group have been scheduled but we look forward to discussion with our new incumbent, when appointed and established, as to how we proceed. ## **Michael de la Hunt and Joan Grenfell** ***** ## **Anna Chaplain Report** The Ministry goes on... When I come to write my Anna Chaplain Report I feel as if I am writing much the same each year… because I do much the same thing each year. This past year then, has consisted of Home Communion being taken on a weekly basis to Cestria House and Craghall Residential Care homes. This is something I value and I know it is appreciated by the residents and staff of the Care Homes. All the major festivals are marked, as well as specific events as they arise: the death of the Queen and the Coronation. Inevitably the health of residents deteriorates as the days/ years pass. so the numbers at the services can vary from 16 attending to a more intimate service with just 2 people. Whether it is 16 or just 2, the service is offered. 20 During the year I have been asked to sit with a resident coming to the end of their life, offering prayers or simply being there holding a hand. This request can come unannounced, so I am grateful for the memory I have of certain prayers or bible verses! It was particularly touching to sit with Ethel, a very faithful participant in our weekly worship at Craghall. She knew the scriptures so I tried to quietly share what I could recall. I held her hand and was with her. I was told that she died a few hours into the next day. I will miss her. Recently, I was asked to conduct the funeral of Valerie, a resident of Cestria House. I had known Valerie for some time as had many people in Jesmond, especially at the library where she had been a volunteer, and in the Hardware Shop where she was a frequent and welcome shopper. Her funeral was attended entirely by friends and was, if there is such a thing, a very pleasant funeral… gentle and meaningful. Afterwards I joined others at Cestria House where a small wake had been arranged. I am delighted to say that I have been asked to give the Wednesday evening talk at Jesmond library in April so that people can learn a little more about the ministry of an Anna Chaplain. It is good to have the opportunity to spread the word! I continue to support care staff as I am able and as they share with me some of the family concerns they are carrying as they come to work each day. In some cases these are very considerable. I cannot speak highly enough of them, as watching them at work, it would not be in any way apparent that they were carrying any concerns at all. I continue to share my experiences when I join the national online training course as a guest Chaplain and regard this as an important extension to my ministry. I hope to be able to continue offering this ministry, in the name of St. George’s, for some time to come. ## **Joan Grenfell, Anna Chaplain** ***** ## **Community Hub Steering Group Report** At the start of 2023 the Community Hub Steering Group and subgroups began to coalesce ahead of launch events for both the congregation and to the wider community. There was some disappointment that larger numbers of individuals did not come forward to join these groups, tempered with understanding that many experienced “project fatigue” due to the very long gestation of the proposals. For the same reason, timely progress was essential in order not to lose the PCC’s substantial prior investment in hard won permissions to develop 21 the North-West corner of the church and to refurbish the hall. The Community Hub Steering Group was very grateful to Chris Clarke, a major leader of the Jesmond Community Festival and Treasurer of the Jesmond Community Forum, who kindly agreed to join us, despite his many other commitments. Useful discussion was generated by both the internal launch and the public launch on 25th March 2023. Initial fundraising events included a lecture by David Saunders on the Russian writer Evgenii Zamiatin, whose novella _The Islanders_ is set locally; a trip to the Dalemain marmalade festival in the Lake District; and a popular Wine Tasting event in May. A small number of parishioners took up the opportunity of using the website “Give As You Live Online” as a portal for our online purchases. £290 has been raised by this means at the time of writing. See https://www.giveasyoulive.com/. Under Kay Plumley’s leadership, the Publicity Group generated banners for display in the church hall and an impressive brochure, followed by a leaflet suitable for mass distribution and circulation. Kay also represented the Community Hub at the Summer Fête in mid-June, and we were grateful to some of our younger church members, notably Stephen Dawes and Jennifer Mills, for promoting three bespoke badged “Community Hub beers” from Wylam Brewery. A Hub appeal display, banner, and table with a freestanding contactless payment were set up at the back of church. The final fundraising event of the year was a lecture on Dickens in Newcastle given in early December by Dr Chris Goulding. The Steering Group gained support by the creation of the Projects sub-group in March last year. They act as the link between the appointed construction consultancy team and the Main Steering Group. St George’s was visited by the manager of the James Knott trust to further explore our application for initial funding. Over the summer meetings were also held with Ian Watson of the Watson family Trust who so generously funds the Christmas tree and church floodlighting, to seek his views and guidance on our progress. We were delighted that Sir Alan Craft, who lives locally for some of the year, and who has been extremely successful in fundraising for medical charities, accepted our invitation to become Patron of the St George’s Community Hub project. In response to suggestions by Chris Clarke, we are making more effort to engage with others within the community whose needs we hope ultimately to serve. This engagement includes forging stronger ties with the Jesmond community forum and Jesmond Library. During autumn and winter, the extension to the church had gone through the full development and detailing of the drawings and specification to facilitate the ability to seek formal tender bids from a select list of proposed Contractors. The PCC approved this process, required to allow our professional fundraising consultant to progress with applications to those medium and large sized trusts who require accurate costings. 22 The end date of the planning permission for commencement of works for the Hall was midFebruary 2024. Therefore, after options review, the PCC approved funding the replacement of the rooflights in the main hall. Architectural drawings thereof were commissioned for submission to the Council Planning Department. Towards the end of the year we were delighted to be awarded £30,000 to be delivered in three annual £10,000 sources by the James Knott trust. By year end, the running total for the appeal was £78,487, including not only the James Knott award but also £1000 from the Hedley Denton Trust, £5000 from the Sabina Sutherland Trust and £15,000 from Clerical and General. Together with funds already expended by the PCC and kindly donated by the Friends of St George’s, the fundraising total at year end stood at £156,100. This represents 39% of the quantum required to deliver the much-needed additional facilities to the main body of the church. The Community Hub members have continued to work hard throughout the year in progressing the scheme to finally turn it into a positive reality. They in turn thank all who have so very generously donated to support the work of St George’s community outreach endeavour and continue to support our fundraising events in so many ways. ## **Janet A Wilson and Derek Nicholson, on behalf of the Hub Steering Group** ***** ## **Bellringers Report** Whereas we are back to pre-lockdown ringing standards, we have not been able to replace the teenagers that we had learning the art in early 2000. This has been a priority for us for some time but without success. However we have recruited a couple of adults. There has occasionally been a shortage of capable ringers to deliver ringing for service in the past but recently we have usually had all 8 bells ringing for service and on a practice night. The enthusiasm of our ringers and their help to keep the bells ringing when required, such as for weddings as well as Sunday services, has been tremendous. On Sunday morning, after ringing at St George’s, a group of ringers help out with ringing for service at St James and St Basil in Fenham where numbers are short. Risk assessments are in place and sanitiser is in appropriate locations as a precaution when we change bells at the start of ringing. In May we rang to open the Jesmond Festival and anticipate doing so again this year. Chris Clark, Jesmond Festival organiser, kindly said that, as bellringers, we are an asset to the 23 community. Under the slogan Ring for the King, the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers gave national guidance on ringing for the coronation, and we duly fell in line. Regarding bell maintenance, the help of Tom, Stuart (Gosforth ringer), John and Steve, has lightened the responsibility of repairing stays. A stay is one of the safety devices which prevents an accident but can crack and break if the bell is overpulled when ringing, a frequent occurrence with learners. We needed a new rope which was delivered last April, and we are considering ordering new muffles to replace our decades old set. These muffles are used when we are asked to ring for funerals and on Remembrance Sunday. Thank you to all of the congregation who listen for our bells and often comment on whether the ringing was good or bad on a particular Sunday. ## **Lorna Taylor (Tower Secretary) and Geoff White (Tower Captain)** ## ***** ## **Friends of St George’s Report** As ever we have had a busy year, starting with the ever popular Sophie, Simon, and Jenny’s challenging Quiz - always a good way to start the year. I am always delighted to report on how popular it is, bringing in large numbers of competitive participators from both the community and the congregation, fortified with lashings of pies and peas (Enid Blyton would have added ginger beer but we tend surprisingly enough to partake of vino). I would stress that everyone is welcome - you don’t have to join the Friends to attend, but it is obviously a sensible and clever move to make! In June we had our annual FOSG Dinner, a friendly and chatty evening, starting with fizz on the Green in warm sunshine, then a delicious meal in excellent company. Later in June we had the pleasure of an evening with Newcastle Concert Band, always a delight, and, being a regular event, the chance to meet up with old friends during usually extended interval drinks. September brought the Heritage Open Days, which always gives us the chance to encourage visitors to our magnificent Grade 1 listed building, and to get new members to join. In October we were indeed fortunate to have a talk from Janet Wilson on William Wilde, which attracted a goodly audience. Janet had done an amazing amount of research, including a trip to Ireland. Thank you, Janet, for all your hard work and meticulous research. A stall at the Christmas Market in early December enabled us to sell some of our excellent merchandise and to gain some new members. The year finished with The Singers’ Christmas Concert, which always sets off the Christmas Season so beautifully - Brent’s delicious mulled wine adds another dimension to the evening! We look forward to another rich programme in 2024. **Barbara Peacock, Chair of the Friends** 24 ## **Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 30[th] April 2023** **The Parish Church of St. George, Jesmond** ## **Annual Meeting of Parishioners Annual Parochial Church Meeting** ______________________________________________________________________________ ## **Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 30[th] April 2023 in the Church Hall.** Apologies had been received from Mike Oswald, Jackie and Ian Spencer; Alison Mattinson, Sue Vernon; Revd. Roy Large; David Cullingford. 55 attendee signatures were recorded. ||**Annual Meeting of Parishioners**| |---|---| |**1.1**|**Appointment of Secretary**
Janet Wilson was approved as secretary.| |**1.2**|**Election of Churchwardens**
No nominations had been received. The Archdeacon will be encouraged to chair a special
meeting of parishioners in 4-6 weeks offering an opportunity to nominate one or two
churchwardens (CWs). Not everyone seems aware that we have a well-defined CW job
description. This will be recirculated and hard copies will be placed at the back of church.
The Chair expressed the view we have become focused on the CW job spec, and the task. We
have rather lost sight of the fact that the CW position is an ancient role. It is separate from all the
things that the St George’s congregation have ‘dumped’ onto and come to expect from the
Warden. Graham has dealt well with some of these extraneous demands, but also generously
volunteered to continue for a further year alongside a newly appointed warden if such a person
steps forward.
The core issue for all to consider is: Who is God calling in this place to be foremost among the
laity?
Q raised as to whether we could have four CWs. CW Graham Hatt responded in principle four
wardens would be wonderful. Would need clarity on the legal responsibilities. However, we
already have four assistant wardens. Four CWs might be excessive.
PCC will revisit Graham Rutt’s CW paper.
If no intervening election ensues, Graham Hatt will demit the CW post at the end of July.| ||**Annual Parochial Church Meeting**| ||**The Chairman, Revd. Canon Brian Hurst opened the meeting.**| |**2.1**|**Consideration of Electoral Roll**
The Roll updated on 16 April 2023 contains 201 names, an increase of four; 87 are resident in the
parish. The electoral roll officer, Margaret Baron, was thanked for her work.| |**2.2**|**Approval of Sidespersons**
The list circulated was approved – noting that Andrew Swai has sadly moved house away to a
different Parish.| 25 |**2.3**|**Election of representatives of the laity to the Deanery Synod**
Nominations received from Kay Plumley; Mike de la Hunt and Alex Walker were approved.| |---|---| |**2.4**|**Election of representatives of the laity to the PCC**
Nominations received from Nigel Russell-Sewell; Lana Liu and Donald Gaze were approved| |**2.5**|**Receiving Annual Reports**
**1. PCC Report**
The report on the activities of the PCC over the last year was received. The list of supported
charities was announced - see Appendix page 5.
**2. Churchwarden’s Report and Report on Fixtures and Fittings**
The meeting received the Churchwarden’s Reports.
**3.** **Deanery Synod Report**
The meeting received the report of the Deanery Synod, which comprised representatives of the
laity forming a link with the clergy.
Q raised on the outcomes or decisions of matters discussed. Kay Plumley responded. She
explained it was not easy to answer as it is not a forum where many decisions are made – except
that a sign up to Net Zero was agreed. There is also input to a Deanery Development group. Clergy
also attend Deanery Synod and Father Ollie Dempsey sits on said Group. Net Zero definition was
briefly discussed – no emission of CO2 contributing to global warming; offset of C02 emitted by
tree planting etc. Izzy McDonald Booth, Kay Plumley and Mike Delahunt were thanked for their
work.| |**2.6**|**Annual Treasurer’s Report and Audited Accounts**
The Treasurer, Mike L Ranson, Chartered Accountant, highlighted key points:
Stephenson Coates were acknowledged - Thanks where conveyed to John Oswald’s
daughter for attending the meeting on behalf of the company.
St George’s has been struggling financially for a time, and incurred deficits several years
running. This is not sustainable. We have reduced our largest expenditure, Parish Share, to
£100,000K for year just ended. However this proved to be an insufficient reduction as we
incurred another shortfall of £6000 on operational activities. A generous Legacy received
last year offsets that deficit on paper. However, the PCC wishes to hold the legacy money
to be available for a specific future identified expenditure. The Treasurer had had a useful
meeting with Diocese and Deanery representatives and it was agreed that we will continue
to reduce the Parish Share to a level that we can afford. The important thing is that we
return to level of a surplus generation as this is vital for any charity or organization, in order
for it to invest in the future. To help us meet our shortfall in day-to-day operational
expenditure, we are receiving a very generous donation from the Catherine Cookson Trust
– whose Trustees are rightly insistent that any expenditure of this donation is within the
Parish.
The Charity Commission encourages we have a reserves policy and the Treasurer is
working towards this goal.
In response to Q- parishioners were reassured that we are not presently borrowing money.
An offer to support planting in the Garden of Remembrance (GoR) was made from the
floor. The Treasurer reminded the meeting that there is a large endowment fund set up for
the GoR. Currently, the PCC wishes to use its capital to enhance the GoR – for example by
building a feature boundary wall which is not presently allowed. The Charities Commission
has been approached by the Treasurer to this end but with no success. He will try again as
it is quite a large sum. The Chair reminded the meeting that the income from the said fund
is of course available to support day-to-day planting activities such as those referred to in
the originalquestion.| 26 ||Q concerned outstanding unspent funds for a Youth Worker. Kay Plumley updated the
meeting - £15000 is available and if a new youth worker is appointed in July a further
£15000 will be forthcoming
The Treasurer was thanked by the vicar for his financial achievements and his input to other
matters throughout the past year. Thanks were also extended to Rachel Oswald for attending the
APCM, to John Oswald and Stephenson Coates.| |---|---| |**2.7**|**Appointment of Independent Examiner**
John Oswald of Stephenson Coates was proposed by the Treasurer to continue in the position of
Independent Examiner which met with unanimous approval| |**2.8**|**Safeguarding report and Affirmation of Safeguarding Policy,**
Thanks were expressed to the Parish Safeguarding Officer Sue Vernon for her huge support to
the Vicar and Churchwarden over the past year. The meeting received a brief report and
reaffirmed the Safeguarding policy. Already approved by the PCC.| |**2.9**|**Reaffirmation of Inclusive Church**statement
The meeting was delighted to reaffirm their commitment to the inclusive Church statement,
which is a living statement for us as a Parish.| |**2.10**|**Committee and group reports were considered:**
**1. Children and Young People**
The Children and Young People Committee Work is under review – those present were asked to
complete the questionnaire distributed this morning at Parish Communion to inform this work
**2. ECO group / Environmental policy**
Fuel costs presented a considerable challenge in the past year. The church saved a third of gas
cost for the hall through the new boiler and insulation. A recent change in supplier has reduced
the cost of the hall electricity supply by 50%. New members were most welcome to join the
group. The meeting reaffirmed the adoption of the Environmental Policy.
**3. Faith and Nurture**
Joan Grenfell noted that this activity comprised a huge cradle to grave responsibility – and
would welcome one or two more members to input. The Northern Saints Pilgrimage to Holy
Island was delightful, one of the first things Father Ollie Dempsey organised when he
arrived.
**4. Anna Chaplain**
Joan Grenfell was thanked for her ministry as part of the clergy team. The Vicar observed that
our Anna Chaplin is a great exemplar of living in love and faith within the community and she
was thanked for raising the profile of St George’s throughout the neighbourhood.
**5. Community Hub Steering Group**
Since Derek Nicholson submitted his report, the Steering Group was delighted to welcome Chris
Clarke, well known for his tireless work in the community. Also the PCC had extended the term
of tenure of Paul Baird as our Fundraising consultant. In addition to Derek, project group lead,
other members of the steering group were the Vicar; Treasurer; Head of publicity group Kay
Plumley, the Director of Music, fundraising lead Janet Wilson. More members on the community
hub groups would be most welcome as there is a great deal of work to undertake. We have
undertaken successful Parish and Community Launches. At present, the Boundary wall is a
priority. Tennis club is imminently starting work on the contiguous fence**.**
**6. Music**
Thanks were extended to Drew firstly, in appreciation for the personal skills of his contribution
toperformance. Also for his massive range of varied activities undertaken in 2022 -Choir;Junior| 27 ||Choir; Organ Restoration Project funding, including recitals and silent movie screenings with
musical accompaniment.
Attention was drawn to the 2023 summer series of weekly Friday organ recitals starting on 5 May
at 13: 00, running through to Friday, 21 July.
Also to joint musical Vintage afternoon teas at Jesmond United Reformed Church on Mondays at
1500 between 22ndof May and 3rdJuly in aid of the organ funds of both St George’s and JURC.
Drew had set up an eBay account for sheet music sales
**7. Bellringers**
Thanks where extended to Geoff White and Lorna Taylor for their ongoing commitment – not
just every Sunday but also on special occasions such as this week’s Coronation when visitors to
the green would be offered the opportunity to enter the tower and try their hand at ringing one
of the bells
**8. Friends of St George’s**
Barbara Peacock observed that quite a number of those present were not members of the
Friends of St George’s, that new FOSG are very welcome- and that the subscription had been
pegged at £10 since 2008. The PCC remains very grateful for the Friends’ support, and would
encourage everyone to join this group which has achieved a massive amount in support of our
facilities in the past 15 years.| |---|---| |**2.9**|**Chairperson’s remarks**
Last year I spoke about the long road back from Covid. It is hard to think back to those
days. Worship is more normal. Big friendly gatherings and Fetes have resumed. It was a
pleasure to welcome schools back into the church building this Christmas. The initial
tentativeness has now been overtaken by a more sure optimism. Yet the impact of the
pandemic is real. Church numbers have fallen across the land. People have found new
ways of worshipping. There has been some churning of congregations. Some have gone
elsewhere. Some have come here
Some in that churning process have stayed. Others have drifted, gone elsewhere or
stopped coming to church altogether. For some the pandemic made the church even more
marginalised than it already was. For others it made the church seem much more relevant,
with new people of faith appearing. As a Christian community we need to redouble our
efforts of nurture and welcome so that the new relationships stick.
One of the significant steps forward of the past year has been the bringing together of all
the hard work of what originally was called the Whole Site Plan now St George’s
Community Hub. This has strengthened the view of who and what we want to be in this
parish. We have appointed a professional fundraiser to lead the endeavour which is an
enormous but achievable task. Much of the hard work to get to the launch last month was
in 2022. Another strand is the launch of the organ appeal, and I am very grateful to Drew for
spearheading
this, very much in conjunction with the Community Hub development. We are blessed with
a first class instrument as well as a first-class Director of Music. Drew plays it so well that
it is hard to believe it is in great need of restoration and our thanks go to him in this
undertaking.
I have other thanks to make this morning. To Graham our churchwarden. I have found
Graham a great colleague and I’m sad that he has had to plough that furrow alone in his
final year as churchwarden.
My thanks go to Ollie Dempsey who with Joan and members of the Pastoral Visiting
Ministry team reach out to the sick and housebound in our number. This work is greatly
valued.| 28 Today I don’t wish to thank the obvious people. I prefer this morning to thank the quiet people. So I offer my thanks to Monica Ogden for her faithful work in the Sacristy. Also to Doreen Taylor – who still does the small linen laundry, despite being very much housebound. She takes great comfort and satisfaction from this service and she remains very much a valued member of this community. Finally I wish to thank those who work with children and young people. Those who lead Smarties, and our uniformed organisations. Those who work alongside the servers. Those involved with Junior Choir. All those who talk to our children and treat them as equal children of God. Thanks to one and all for your contribution to the life of St George’s. **2.10 Consideration of other matters of parochial or general church interest** Thanks to Barbara Peacock were added from the floor for her work week in and week out supporting services. An update was requested on the installation of the new sound system. A suitable system at a cost of something over £10,000 had been identified following an options appraisal organised by the Churchwarden. The delay in installation was that we awaited the outcome of a funding application. If unsuccessful, the PCC has already agreed the project should be met by church funds in the context of post-Covid progress referred to by the chair, it was suggested we return to the bringing up of the Elements from the nave, an involvement of congregation members in worship which enhanced the link between those in the pews and those in the chancel. The suggestion was warmly welcomed by the chair as something that can indeed be resumed – once we have addressed the issue of our churchwarden vacancy. Having encouraged those present to avail themselves of leaflets on the Parish Share, and the forms of Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III on the following Saturday, the vicar led us in closing the meeting with the Grace. ## **Appendix -SUPPORTED BY CHARITABLE GIVING 2022** ## **A total of £2000 was disbursed** Charitable giving was considered too late this year to support Angel Tree which offers Christmas Gifts to the children of prisoners. The PCC therefore agreed for 2022 instead to donate £200 each to the West End Refugee Service – WERS - and Rainbow Home which supports LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum and who live in the North East of England. The other recipients were as in 2021: Children North East Dementia Matters Trussell Trust Foodbank USPG - United Society Partners in the Gospel Friends of Jesmond Library Jesmond Street Pastors Street Zero Together Newcastle (now called Transforming Communities Together Tyne to Tweed) **Signed: Janet Wilson (Lay Chair) _____________________________________________________** 29 ## **Treasurer’s Report** Much of the effect of the National Lockdown brought about by Covid-19 has been put behind us and, combining unrestricted and restricted income, donations, legacies, and trading income showed an increase of £25,872 over 2022, which is a tremendous achievement. Total restricted income amounted to £80,708 although that, of course, can only be spent on the projects for which it was raised; the PCC takes great care in ensuring that it all restricted funds remain ring-fenced for their specific purposes. A year-on-year comparison shows that trading activities have generated an improvement in income, especially in Church Hall letting and Church hire, that have increased by £9,333 to £25,121. Our properties, Tower House and Close House, were fully let throughout the year, generating income of £24,600. Fund raising events, primarily the summer Fête and Christmas Market, showed an improvement of £4,788 to £16,344, plus £4,748 generated for the restricted funds for the Hub project and Organ Restoration Fund. Although Planned Giving, which is so important to continuing prosperity of the Church, decreased slightly again, it has held firm thanks to the continuing generosity of so many of our parishioners who also contributed sizeable sums through donations via the new electronic system that allows donations to be made by card. Total unrestricted expenditure for the year was £211,669, compared with £204,686 in the previous year. Although that represents an increase of only 3.4% it was achieved in the face of rising inflation particularly on utility bills for the Church and Church Hall that increased by around 50% over the previous year. The other significant saving was a further reduction in Parish Share payments to the Diocese to £90,000 for 2023, that now absorbs 45% of all unrestricted income. As a result of these many factors there was a net deficit in 2023 of £10,822 on unrestricted funds. Despite this, there has been some financial improvement achieved and it is pleasing to see that the progressive erosion of reserves that had taken place over successive years is being brought slowly under control. Problems persist, particularly in some areas of cost like utilities, although there are signs that these costs should reduce in 2024. Of particular benefit during the year were the generous donations from the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust (CCCT) to provide support to the PCC in maintaining and running the Church and its buildings. The PCC has established a restricted fund to hold this income and apply it in accordance with the purposes specified in a Memorandum of Understanding between the PCC and the CCCT trustees. During the year all the donations totalling £15,322 were applied for those purposes. The PCC held free reserves (unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets) of £115,189, including the designated buildings works fund of £52,025. At 31st December 2023 free reserves had reduced further by £1,580 to £30,482, which still falls short of the minimum amount of around £45,000 required under the PCC’s Reserves Policy. £17,360 of the legacy 30 received in 2022 that has been earmarked by the PCC for specific projects remains unspent and the transfer of £15,322 from the Cookson Fund brings the total general reserve stated in the accounts to £63,164. Accordingly, the PCC will continue to persevere in its endeavour to return to surplus in 2024 and subsequent years. Restricted funds have been referred to above and the amount of work on these projects has been considerable. £36,933 was raised for the Hub during the year, to which pledges made but not yet received should be added, against which £13,377 was spend on progressing the project. £17,685 was raised for the Organ Restoration Fund; with the amount raised last year and some costs being incurred, the Organ Restoration Fund stood at £22,117 at 31st December 2023. Another significant restricted fund relating to the Family & Youth Leader project has not altered greatly since the leader left in early 2023. No further charitable foundation grants will be received until a replacement leader is found and a balance of £12,675 remains available to fund this project. The achievements in the year have gone a long way to restoring financial strength and, since the year end, Church income continues to improve slowly, and costs are being kept under control. The unwelcome pressure on our reserves of declining income and increased costs over several years continues, however, and in the short term reduced payments of our Parish Share are making a contribution. Although the PCC’s responsibilities are not consistent with increasing the current payments until after reserves have attained the level required under the Reserves Policy, the PCC has committed to maintain payments at the existing amount of £90,000 p.a. and will work with the Diocese to identify an appropriate fair share for the future and strive to make contributions that are affordable. ## **Mike Ranson, Treasurer** 31 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** I report to the members on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. George, Jesmond for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 7 to 16. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011(‘the 2011 Act’). You consider that the audit requirements of section 144 of the 2011 Act do not apply and that an independent examination is required. Having satisfied myself that the accounts are not required to be audited, I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: - (1) accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or - (2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or - (3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **John Oswald BA FCA Stephenson Coates Audit Limited** Chartered Accountants **14 April 2024** West 2, Asama Court Newcastle Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YD 6. **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** |**Note**
**INCOME FROM:**
Donations and legacies
1(a)
Other trading activities
1(b)
Investments
1(c)
Church activities
1(d)
Other income
1(e)
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Raising funds
2(b)
Church activities
2(a)
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) BEFORE**
**INVESTMENT GAINS**
**GAINS ON INVESTMENTS**
- unrealised
- realised
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS**
9(b)
**BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT**
**1 JANUARY 2023**
**BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT**
**31 DECEMBER 2023**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2023**
**2022***
109,219
75,467
-
184,686
176,356
66,065
4,748
-
70,813
53,271
2,754
166
1,955
4,875
3,677
15,305
165
-
15,470
15,014
7,137
162
-
7,299
21,585
200,480
80,708
1,955
283,143
269,903
614
4,153
-
4,767
1,184
211,669
28,573
1,955
242,197
238,589
212,283
32,726
1,955
246,964
239,773
(11,803)
47,982
-
36,179
30,130
981
-
6,152
7,133
(12,097)
-
-
-
-
-
(10,822)
47,982
6,152
43,312
18,003
15,322
(15,322)
-
-
-
971,725
67,564
65,378 1,104,667
1,086,634
976,225
100,224
71,530 1,147,979
1,104,667| |---|---| *The full statement of financial affairs for 2022 is shown in note 11 to the financial statements. 7. **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## **AT 31 DECEMBER 2023** |**Note**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
4(a)
Investments
4(b)
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
6
Cash at bank and in hand
**LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING**
**DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
7
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
Unrestricted
8,9
Restricted
8,9
Endowment
8,9|**2023**
**2022**
862,205
863,374
95,660
88,527
957,865
951,901
11,959
9,842
185,578
147,928
197,537
157,770
7,423
5,004
190,114
152,766
1,147,979
1,104,667
976,225
971,725
100,224
67,564
71,530
65,378
1,147,979
1,104,667| |---|---| ## **Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 14 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:** ## **Janet Wilson, Lay Chair** The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements. 8. ## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **1 INCOME** |**1**|**INCOME**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total Funds**|**Total Funds**| |||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|**2022**| |1(a)|**Donations and legacies**|||||| ||Planned Giving:|||||| ||Gift Aid donations|79,066|-|-|79,066|80,128| ||Tax recoverable|20,501|9,301|-|29,802|23,392| ||Collections (open plate) at all services|4,066|462|-|4,528|9,048| ||Sundry donations|5,586|37,882|-|43,468|16,639| ||Legacies|-|2,000|-|2,000|28,380| ||Grants|-|25,822|-|25,822|18,769| |||109,219|75,467|-|184,686|176,356| |1(b)|**Other trading activities**|||||| ||Church hall letting|22,285|-|-|22,285|15,100| ||Church hire|2,836|-|-|2,836|688| ||Property rental income|24,600|-|-|24,600|21,179| ||Fund-raising events|16,344|4,748|-|21,092|16,304| |||66,065|4,748|-|70,813|53,271| |1(c)|**Investments**|||||| ||Dividends|797|-|1,955|2,752|2,789| ||Interest|1,957|166|-|2,123|888| |||2,754|166|1,955|4,875|3,677| |1(d)|**Church activities**|||||| ||Fees|13,705|165|-|13,870|11,326| ||Youth trip|-|-|-|-|2,545| ||Magazines|1,600|-|-|1,600|1,143| |||15,305|165|-|15,470|15,014| |1(e)|**Other income**|||||| ||VAT grants|-|-|-|-|18,369| ||Insurance claims|4,578|-|-|4,578|2,123| ||St Hilda’s contribution (ministry costs)|1,580|-|-|1,580|-| ||Sundry|979|162|-|1,141|1,093| |||7,137|162|-|7,299|21,585| |||||||| ||**TOTAL INCOME**|200,480|80,708|1,955|283,143|269,903| 11. ## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** _**(continued)**_ ## **2 EXPENDITURE** |**2**||**EXPENDITURE**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total Funds**|**Total Funds**| ||||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|**2022**| |2|(a)|**Church activities**|||||| |||Missionary and charitable giving:|||||| |||Church overseas:|||||| |||Relief and development agencies|-|-|-|-|-| |||Home Missions and other Church Societies|-|-|-|-|-| |||Charitable donations|4,500|314|-|4,814|972| ||||4,500|314|-|4,814|972| |||Ministry:|||||| |||Parish Share|90,000|-|-|90,000|100,000| |||Clergy expenses|2,076|-|-|2,076|3,125| |||Clergy housing expenses|6,214|-|-|6,214|6,356| |||Fees paid to diocese|3,198|-|-|3,198|5,827| |||Church – running expenses|24,528|-|-|24,528|14,964| |||Church maintenance|22,105|262|11|22,378|5,284| |||Upkeep of services|3,573|-|-|3,573|2,029| |||Parish magazine and publicity|196|1,127|-|1,323|523| |||Church Hall running costs|12,879|-|-|12,879|7,613| |||Church Hall maintenance|1,238|-|-|1,238|15,802| |||Other property upkeep|1,886|-|1,944|3,830|8,524| |||Whole site plan development|-|10,805|-|10,805|8,008| |||Flowers|377|2,464|-|2,841|238| |||Asset depreciation|-|1,169|-|1,169|1,607| |||Others|2,709|3,463|-|6,172|2,514| |||Organ and choir|15,301|7,128|-|22,429|15,193| |||Children and young people|214|1,841|-|2,055|20,828| |||Printing, stationery and office costs|4,741|-|-|4,741|5,148| |||Office administration|12,792|-|-|12,792|11,666| |||Bank charges|453|-|-|453|438| |||Professional fees|1,026|-|-|1,026|342| |||Independent examiner’s fees, including payroll|1,663|-|-|1,663|1,588| |||**Total Church activities**|211,669|28,573|1,955|242,197|238,589| |2|(b)|**Raising funds**|||||| |||Costs of fund raising activities|614|4,153|-|4,767|1,184| |||**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**|212,283|32,726|1,955|246,964|239,773| 12. ## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** _**(continued)**_ |**3**
**STAFF COSTS**
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
During the year the PCC employed an administrator and a director
**4**
**FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC**
4 (a)
**Tangible fixed assets**
**COST OR VALUATION**
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1 January 2023
Charge in year
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022|of music.
Freehold
land and
buildings
£
1,161,787
-
-|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
21,433
36,239
419
887| |---|---|---| |||21,852
37,126| |||Plant and
office
equipment
Total
£
£
34,198
1,195,985
-
-
-
-| ||1,161,787|34,198
1,195,985| ||300,751
-
-|31,860
332,611
1,169
1,169
-
-| ||300,751|33,029
333,780| ||861,036|1,169
862,205| ||861,036|2,338
863,374| The freehold land and buildings comprise the Church Hall, Tower House and Close House all located at St. Georges Close in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. The valuation in these accounts is based on the estimates made by the PCC for insurance purposes in 2007. The latest available valuation for insurance purposes amounted to £3,969,000. ## 4 (b) **Investments** |**At market valuation:**
3,164.24 Units in the CBF’s Investment Fund
14,624 Units in the Epworth Investment Fund|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
71,530
65,378
24,130
23,149
95,660
88,527| |---|---| |The historical cost of the investments at 31 December 2023 is £51,916 (2022: £51,916).
The movement in the year comprises:
At 1 January 2023
Purchases
Revaluation of investments
At 31 December 2023

|**£**
88,527
-
7,133| |---|---| ||
95,660| 13. **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** _**(continued)**_ ## **5 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND** ## **6** ## 7 ## **8** ||**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Restricted**|**Restricted**|**Restricted**|
**Endowment**|**Total Funds**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**Undesignated**|||**Designated**|||**Funds**||**Funds**|**2023**| |||**£**|||**£**||**£**||**£**|**£**| |Fixed Assets|||-|886,335|||-||71,530|957,865| |Current Assets|70,587||||26,726|100,224|||-|197,537| |Current liabilities|(7,423)||||-||-||-|(7,423)| ||63,164|||913,061||100,224|||71,530|1,147,979| |**DEBTORS**||||||||**2023**||**2022**| ||||||||||**£**|**£**| |Gift aid recoverable||||||||4,614||5,412| |Sundry debtors and accrued income||||||||7,345||4,430| |||||||||11,959||9,842| |**LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING**|**DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|||||||**2023**||**2022**| ||||||||||£|£| |Creditors for goods and services||||||||5,524||1,668| |Accruals and deferred income||||||||1,899||3,336| |||||||||7,423||5,004| |**FUND DETAILS**||**Unrestricted**|||
**Restricted**||**Endowment**|||**Total Funds**| ||||**Funds**||**Funds**||||**Funds**|**2023**| ||||**£**|||**£**|||**£**|**£**| |Property, Church Hall, Tower House, Close House|||861,036|||-|||-|861,036| |Funds designated by the PCC - Buildings|fund||52,025|||-|||-|52,075| |General fund|||63,164|||-|||-|63,164| |Bell Ringers fund||||-|1,075||||-|1,075| |Donations restricted by donors – access to capital||||||||||| |and interest||||-|99,149||||-|99,149| |Donations restricted by donors – access to interest||||||||||| |only||||-||-|||71,530|71,530| ||||976,225||100,224||||71,530|1,147,979| 14. ## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** _**(continued)**_ ## **9 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS** |9 (a)
**Unrestricted funds**
Property
Buildings fund
General
**Total Unrestricted funds**|**Balance**
**Gains**
**Balance**
**1 January**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**and**
**31 December**
**2023**
**resources**
**resources**
**Transfers**
**losses**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
861,036
-
-
-
-
861,036
50,247
797
-
-
981
52,025
60,442
199,683
(212,283)
15,322
-
63,164
971,725
200,480
(212,283)
15,322
981
976,225| |---|---| The PCC has designated the Buildings fund for use on property refurbishment projects. |9 (b)
**Restricted funds**
Bell Ringers fund
Open Churches fund
Fabric fund
Flowers
Family & Youth leader fund
Choral Scholarships
Director of Music
Singing Group
Music
The Hub
Organ Restoration project
The Cookson Fund
Other grants and donations
**Total Restricted funds**|**Balance**
**Balance**
**1 January**
**Movement in resources**
**31 December**
**2023**
**Transfers Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,389
-
165
(479)
1,075
120
-
-
-
120
36,637
-
2,166
(1,169)
37,634
1,027
-
1,916
(2,464)
479
14,776
-
-
(2,101)
12,675
2,300
-
2,486
(3,100)
1,686
-
-
1,955
(1,955)
-
1,917
-
-
(1,660)
257
1,273
-
1,765
(2,744)
294
-
-
36,933
(13,377)
23,556
7,794
-
17,685
(3,362)
22,117
-
(15,322)
15,322
-
-
331
-
314
(314)
331
67,564
(15,322)
80,708
(32,726)
100,224| |---|---| The Bell Ringers fund was created to generate funds for the maintenance of the Church bells. It is administered by the bell ringers outside of the main PCC accounts. The Open Churches fund was donated to ensure the Church would be opened to the public for specified periods in the year. The Fabric fund relates to amounts raised for the purpose of capital repairs and maintenance work for the Church. The Family & Youth leader and Director of Music funds are sums raised to support the work of those roles. The Singing Group fund was donated by Jesmond Dementia Action Alliance, to fund a further 40 sessions of the singing group they established. The Hub relates to the project to add an extension to the Church and redevelop the Hall and all associated activities (formerly known as the Whole Site Plan). The Organ Restoration project relates to the full restoration of the St George’s organ which was built in in 1887. The Cookson Fund. During the year a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Trustees of the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust who have generously offered to make donations to provide support to the PCC of St. George’s Church in maintaining and running the Church and its buildings. The PCC has established a Restricted Fund, the Cookson Fund, to hold this income and apply it in accordance with the purposes specified in the Memorandum of Understanding. During the year donations totalling £15,322 were received, all of which were applied for those purposes; accordingly, a transfer of £15,322 from the Cookson Fund to the general, unrestricted fund has been made at the year end. The other funds have similarly been restricted by donors so that none may be used for the general running expenses of the Church but are to be applied for the purposes specified. 15. **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. GEORGE, JESMOND** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## _**(continued)**_ ## **9 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS** _**(continued)**_ |9 (c)
**Endowment fund**
Garden of Remembrance and
Fabric Fund|**Balance**
**Balance**
**1 January**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**31 December**
**2023**
**resources**
**resources**
**Additions**
**Revaluation**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
65,378
1,955
(1,955)
-
6,152
71,530| |---|---| The income from the fund is to be used firstly for the Garden of Remembrance if required and thereafter for the upkeep of the fabric of the church. ## **10 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** During the year, Nigel Russell-Sewell was paid a £800 Choral scholarship and £115 in session fees. Other members of the PCC were reimbursed expenses incurred on behalf of the PCC amounting in total to £5,775. ## **11 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS** |**Note**
**INCOME FROM:**
Donations and legacies
1 (a)
Other trading activities
1 (b)
Investments
1 (c)
Church activities
1 (d)
Other income
1 (e)
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Raising funds
2 (b)
Church activities
2 (a)
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) BEFORE**
**INVESTMENT GAINS**
**GAINS ON INVESTMENTS**
- unrealised
- realised
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS**
**BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT**
**1 JANUARY 2022**
**BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT**
**31 DECEMBER 2022**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment Total Funds Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2022**
**2021**
154,900
21,456
-
176,356
213,472
53,191
80
-
53,271
43,549
1,721
12
1,944
3,677
2,603
15,014
-
-
15,014
7,317
3,087
18,498
-
21,585
-
227,913
40,046
1,944
269,903
266,941
1,184
-
-
1,184
180
204,686
31,959
1,944
238,589
302,864
205,870
31,959
1,944
239,773
303,044
22,043
8,087
-
30,130
(36,103)
(3,375)
-
(8,722)
(12,097)
13,390
-
-
-
-
-
18,668
8,087
(8,722)
18,003
(22,713)
-
-
-
-
-
953,057
59,477
74,100
1,086,634
1,109,347
971,725
67,564
65,378
1,104,667
1,109,347| |---|---| 16.