## **The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe**
## **Parochial Church Council**
Correspondence address:-
The Rectory, 5 Cobb Lane, Plymstock,
Plymouth PL9 9BQ
Members’ Report and Accounts
for the year ended
31 December 2023 Charity Number: 1133015
Team Rector Reverend Prebendary Jennie Appleby
## Bankers:
NatWest, 12-16 Old Town Street, Plymouth, PL1 1DG
## Independent Examiner:
Barretts Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers 22 Union Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2JS
## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Plymstock & Hooe Parochial Church Council Charity no. 1133015**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of the report**
As the charity trustees of the Church you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the Church’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
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:
- Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Church as required by section 130 of the Act; or
- The accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
Ian Barrett FCA FCIE Barretts 22 Union Street Newton Abbot TQ12 2JS
16[th] May 2024
2
## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
## **Aim and Purpose**
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Plymstock & Hooe had responsibility in 2023 to cooperate with and to support its Clergy and Readers in promoting across its four churches the whole pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical mission of the Church. Its principal aim was to work together across the Parish.
## **Objectives and activities**
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship in our churches, and to become part of our parish family. When planning church activities the PCC considers the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. Exeter Diocese offers a three point Mission Action Plan i)to grow in prayer, ii)to make new disciples, iii) to serve the people of Devon with joy. Based on this the PCC has tried to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as if they were on a journey as God’s pilgrim people through
- Connecting with God. Growing in faith through worship and prayer.
- Connecting with each other. Growing together through fellowship and discipleship
- Connecting with our local community. Growing and serving through mission and outreach work.
## **Achievements and Performance 2023**
## a) Worship and prayer
Regular Sunday worship follows a pattern of weekly Sunday Parish Eucharist alternating between St. John’s and St. Mary’s (the two largest church buildings). A midweek communion service was held on Tuesday mornings at St. Mary’s followed by coffee and discussion. Monthly informal services were held on Sunday afternoons. Home communions were regularly taken to housebound members of the parish and services in local care homes.
We hosted a Confirmation Service in March and a Priesting Ordination Service in September when we celebrated the Priesting of our curate, Rev. Jo Parker.
Special Services and events were held for the Kings Coronation. Weekly vigils for peace between Israel & Gaza took place in November. Lent and Advent Groups were held as well as further discussions about the Church of England Report, _Living in Love and Faith_ . In the autumn a monthly course was held to study and practice different styles of prayer.
At Easter and Christmas, we took part in Ecumenical services held at the Broadway Shopping Centre and also the Refresh Gatherings which brought together local churches on three occasions during the year.
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## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe **Statistics 2023**
Summary 2023 statistics for the parish were as follows.
|Average main Sunday service.||
|---|---|
|(In addition, approx 40 others|50|
|used printed service sheets at||
|home.)||
|Worshipping Community|120|
|Electoral Roll|131|
|Baptisms|16|
|Marriages|3|
|Funerals|32|
Attendance numbers greatly increased at Christmas and Easter. Baptism preparation was given to families and marriage preparation provided for couples.
## **Deanery Synod Report 2023**
Deanery Synod met twice in 2023 in June and October. Each meeting of Deanery Synod has a main speaker where members are made aware of things that are happening in the Plymouth Deanery.
In June Brigit Kiyaga from the Mission and Ministry team was the speaker and the main theme was giving/stewardship. We were provided with some interesting facts and figures about people’s giving habits in the Church of England. It was at this meeting that we were introduced to the Digital Giving scheme whereby the church nationally were rolling out an opportunity for parishes to bid for a contactless giving station for use in their church.
At the October meeting, we heard from Jeremy Putnam the new Mission Enabler for the diocese spoke to us about the Come and See weekend in November when the Archbishop of Canterbury would visit the diocese. He encouraged individual churches to organize their own Come and See events. He also introduced the Come and See series of videos, which could be used as a way to explore our faith in groups in our churches.
## **Church Buildings and Fabric Report 2023**
Church buildings throughout the parish remain in good condition through the care and attention received by members of the PCC and congregation.
- During the year routine and regular maintenance has been performed across all sites. This includes annual PAT (electrical), fire extinguisher, boiler check and lightning conductor testing. All sites, except for St Mary & All Saints now have smart meters fitted.
- **The Church of the Good Shepherd** received maintenance work on an ad hoc basis. Electrical work was carried out by KES Electrics in May.
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## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
- **St John’s Church** had its Quinquennial Inspection in July 2023. The architect reported favorably on the condition of the church and a schedule of works will be drawn up based upon the findings of the Inspection.
- The window above the main entrance to the door in the St John’s Church Hall needs to be replaced. The current window is enabling water ingress and is damaging the wall plaster beneath. A quote from a reputable carpenter to make a new window, (including the frame and surround) was approved by the PCC.
- **St Mary & All Saints** received regular maintenance work during the year.
- Work to update the existing lighting in the church and bell tower was investigated during the year. A quote for works was received from a local company and agreement was provided from the PCC to replace 40 floodlights in the church (nave, aisles and chancel) are approaching with up-to-date LED lighting units, which will improve the quality of light produced and reduce energy costs by up to 50%.
- The clock face on the west side of the tower remains in a poor state of repair and should be restored/repainted as funds permit.
- After consultation with Plymouth City Council (who manage the churchyard) a large beech tree, which stands opposite the Church Garage was pruned. A damaged branch was removed from the crown of the tree alongside branches which overhang the pavement and road.
- Damp issues in the church are regularly monitored; previous damp has caused discoloration of walls in the church which will need repainting/restoration in time to come. Dampness is continuing to damage the stonework inside the entrance porch. The limewash plaster is regularly flaking off the wall in the ringing chamber and requires attention as soon as possible.
- The parish has been greatly assisted, once again, by the Probation Service who have maintained the churchyard at St Mary & All Saints throughout the year. Their work has been instrumental in maintaining this churchyard to a very high standard, ensuring it is accessible for the bereaved and visitors to the church.
- Finally, thanks to everyone who loves and cares for our church buildings.
## **Volunteers 2023**
A great deal of work was carried out by a small number of committed volunteers to keep our buildings, especially the interiors, in good shape. They are thanked unreservedly for the work they do. The PCC would like to thank all volunteers who work tirelessly for the Parish. In 2023 our special thanks were due to Churchwardens who continued to set a pace and example for the rest of us to follow.
## **Mission and Evangelism 2023**
A parish Alpha course was delivered in Jan/Feb. We held special events for the Coronation weekend, including a Barn Dance and took part in the ‘Big Help Out’ Day.
During Christian Aid Week the Parish made financial donations to the charity and a Coffee Morning raised a generous sum for Macmillan.
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## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
We also hosted a diocesan travelling exhibition of photographs and written testimonies entitled _This Is My Story._
In November, we took part in the Diocesan ‘Come & See’ weekend and organized a ‘Come & Remember’ afternoon for the bereaved which included a panel of speakers and a cream tea.
We visited some of the local primary schools to lead assemblies for Harvest and Christmas and to take lessons at Pentecost and Advent/Christmas. It was good to welcome schools into church for RE lessons and staged mock baptisms and weddings. We also hosted the usual Christingles and Carol Services for local schools and Cubs, attracting over 1000 children and their parents into our buildings in the run-up to Christmas in December.
The clergy conducted monthly communion services in care homes, Selkirk House and Furzehatt Residential Home, as well as Easter/Christmas services.
A community Carol Service was held at The Boringdon Arms and our Christingle services at St Mary’s and Good Shepherd on Christmas Eve attracted a large number of local families to both churches.
Warm Welcome Space continued over the winter months in 2023, meeting on Sunday afternoons in St. Mary’s Church Hall. This provided a warm space, hot food, games and conversation for anyone in the parish. Hooe’s Place Community Café met weekly in St. John’s Church Hall, offering a hot meal and companionship for the elderly.
A monthly newsletter continued to be sent out to all those in the worshipping community across the parish.
## **Other Activities** 2023
We continued to serve the local community by collecting contributions for Plymouth Foodbank in boxes across the Parish.
We have greatly appreciated the work of the Probation Service in keeping St Mary’s churchyard tidy, particularly as all graves were made accessible, making a huge difference to the appearance of the churchyard.
## **Safeguarding 2023**
The PCC has complied with its obligation under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. The PCC has regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by acting within current legislation, guidance, national frameworks and the Diocese of Exeter Safeguarding procedures. It has evidenced this by the completion of the Diocesan Safeguarding Checklist which is being used for future planning. The Parish has several named Safeguarding contacts who liaise with the Parish Safeguarding Representative. Safer Recruitment, Training and DBS checking of those requiring it is ongoing.
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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe **Structure, Governance and Management 2023**
## **Parochial Church Council (PCC) 2023**
The method of appointment of PCC members is in accordance with Church Representation Rules.
Composition of the PCC in 2023 is shown as follows.
||Jan - May APCM|May - December|
|---|---|---|
|Clergy - ex-officio|3|3|
|Reader - ex-officio|1|1|
|Parochial Wardens - elected|2|2|
|Deanery Synod Members 3 yr office
appointed by PCC|2|2|
|Diocesan Synod Members - ex-officio|1|1|
|Elected Members|11|12|
Parish Governance was managed by teams including members of the PCC and other volunteers, to include:
Standing Committee to manage ongoing parish matters legal and material _(Under Rule M31 in Church Rep. Rules, with over 50 names on the electoral roll, the Standing Committee to consist of a) the minister, b) each churchwarden who is a member of the PCC c) at least 2 other PCC members appointed by PCC resolution)_ .
Ministry Team to plan worship and mission initiatives.
## **Administrative Information 2023**
Our Parish is part of the Deanery of The City of Plymouth, in the Diocese of Exeter.
The 3 worship centres are each located as follows:
- St Mary & All Saints, Church Road, Plymstock, PL9 8BD
- St John the Evangelist, Church Hill Road, Hooe PL9 9SE
- Church of The Good Shepherd, Marine Rd, Oreston, PL9 7NN
## Clergy
Team Rector Rev’d Prebendary Jennie Appleby
Curate Rev’d Joanne Parker
Associate Priest Rev’d Carl Budden
## The PCC
This is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006) and Registered Charity No 1133015.
7
The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe **PCC members in 2023** .
Ex Officio
Team Rector The Rev’d Jennie Appleby (Chairperson) Curate The Rev’d Joanne Parker Associate Priest The Rev’d Carl Budden LLM (Reader) Mr Graham Dee, Diocesan Synod Dr Kerry Gilbert (Lay Vice Chair) Elected members
Parochial Church Wardens Mr Graham Naylor Elected Annually Dr Kerry Gilbert Elected Annually Deanery Synod Reps (Appointed by & from PCC) Mrs Delia Kevern Elected May 2022 for 3 years Dr Kerry Gilbert Elected May 2023 for 3 years Members Mr Anthony Banbury(Reader/LLM) Elected May 2022 for 3 years, Ex.Off. from Sept 23 Mr Neil Broom Until May 2023 Mr. Bob Davidson Elected May 2023 for 3 years Dr Frankie Dee Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mrs Sheila Eccleston Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mrs Elizabeth Elliot Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mrs Mary Goulding Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mr Richard Harvey Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mrs Delia Kevern Elected May 2022 for 3 years Mr Graham Lea Elected May 2022 for 3 years Mrs Lorraine Pinkham Elected May 2023 for 3 years Mr Peter Towell Until May 2023
## Trustees
All PCC Members are Trustees.
-o-
Full PCC met on 8 occasions in 2023, with an average attendance of 78%.
During 2023, the PCC continued to address its vision for the Mission Action Plan. Building on earlier images of “connection-with-God,-each other-&-the-community” and the Diocesan “growing-in-
8
## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
prayer,-making-new-disciples-and-serving-people of Devon” we would become a “journeying” group - people on a “pilgrimage”.
Plans were made and events put in place for the King’s Coronation.
PCC regularly considered and acted upon local matters of finance, buildings, worship, mission, outreach, families, children, pastoral care, safeguarding and other items. In particular a match-funding bid “Give To Go Green” was secured to initiate upgrading of heating and lighting in St.Mary’s church. (£10k raised, + £10k grant = £20k total).
And during 2023 there were regular informal meetings of the clergy and churchwardens, the Standing Committee, the Ministry team and other groups as need arose.
-o-
## **Financial Report 2023**
_Banking_ The Parish used three banks, The Cooperative Bank (St. Mary's), Lloyds Bank (St. John's and Plymstock Parish Hall) and NatWest (The Good Shepherd and PCC).
The Skipton Building Society(Plymouth branch) was also used as a Parish savings building society).
_Financial Review_ Income was £178,607(£95,132). Expenditure was £136,031 (£76,088). Our income was inflated by a generous, restricted legacy of £80,937. Our expenditure increased through payment of the 2022 Common Fund deficit of £39,767..
With the agreement of the Diocese, we paid £54,000 of the 2023 Common Fund Request, a deficit of £28,921.There is no liability beyond the paid £54,000.
A recent letter from the Acting Bishop of Exeter states that the Common Fund is used to pay “the clergy, clergy housing, resources for mission and ministry, training and support.” By not paying our Common Fund Requests we are relying on the generosity of other Parishes to contribute towards our shortfalls. Additionally it is building up potential difficulties for the future. Our 2024 Common Fund Request is £81,574.
_Stewardship_ Many parishioners are generous with their time and with their financial giving. Where people pay any tax on their income, the most effective way of contributing financially is through the Parish Giving Scheme. This system allows the Gift Aid element of a person's donation plus the donation itself to be received within days of making the donation. Currently, 30 people use the Parish Giving Scheme. The **average** donation is £53/month.
If 90 people were to use the Parish Giving Scheme, paying the current average donation, the Parish would raise **£71,550.** (There are 140 people on the electoral roll).
_Potential Financial weakness_ St. Mary's designated Maintenance Fund had £16,601 at the end of the year. Given the size and age of the church this is considered to be insufficient.
_Plymstock Parish Hall/Hooe's Place_ These activities play a significant part in the community and social life of the Parish. Financially, they raised £17,650.
_Potential Savings_ The Parish is not frivolous with its spending. There are potential savings to be made with our utilities costs.
_Merging the Parish's Bank Accounts_ The extent to which the PCC wishes to know the income and expenditure of each church/hall has an important bearing on the merging of the bank accounts and the way our financial software is used. This issue requires resolution in 2024.
9
## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
_Reserves Policy_ It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (if possible) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments.
_Management of the Parish Finance_ The Parish requires three/four people to manage its finances. Thanks are due to Marion Banbury, Mandy Towell, and Tony Maggs. Finally, very special thanks are due to Kathryn Brewer (Deanery Treasurer).
## **Statement of Accounts 2023**
## **Parish of Plymstock and Hooe**
## **Receipts and Payments account for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
|**Income**
Planned Giving
Parish Giving
Scheme
Other collections
Charitable Giving
Donations
Gift Aid
Legacies
Diocese payment to
PCC
Bank and B/S
Interest
Fees
Hall Lettings
Other income
Grants
Hall Fund
Community Garden
Mission
Grant to repay VAT
Totals
**Expenditure**
Charitable Giving
Mission Giving
Mission Costs
Common Fund
Church Utilities
Church Insurance
Church Other
Church Maintenance|**PCC**
**St Mary**
**St John**
**GS**
**Total PCC**
2022
1,327.76
6,190.86
1,640.00
20.00
**9,178.62**
4,089
2,950.12
9,982.59
7,381.42
1,280.00
**21,594.13**
20,439
4,038.40
2,279.20
**6,317.60**
5,076
1,094.45
**1,094.45**
2,033
6,522.18
1,969.62
1,316.65
0.00
**9,808.45**
16,746
737.56
3,356.94
1,558.52
320.00
**5,973.02**
9,341
0.00
80,936.82
**80,936.82**
5,000
3,999.96
**3,999.96**
4,060
2,098.93
190.35
1,291.71
1,115.45
**4,696.44**
1,063
8,114.00
**8,114.00**
13,254
10,500.00
9,809.00
1,784.00
**22,093.00**
4,091
3,510.12
**3,510.12**
9,941
1,290.00
**1,290.00**
**0.00**
**0.00**
**0.00**
**0.00**|
|---|---|
||31,645.08
36,228.76
25,276.50
85,456.27**178,606.61**
95,132|
||178,606.00
1,518.43
25.00
**1,543.43**
2,664
0.00
**0.00**
171
211.15
**211.15**
195
93,767.00
**93,767.00**
48,939
9,758.64
2,143.90
1,160.19
**13,062.73**
7,042
4,458.35
2,096.87
1,109.95
**7,665.17**
6,972
1,326.45
462.41
818.34
**2,607.20**
1,585
2,388.83
1,397.94
288.80
**4,075.57**
1,888|
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## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
|Clergy Expenses
Hall Utilities
Hall Insurance
Hall Other
Hall Maintenance
Running Costs - IE
Fees
Other
Totals
Net receipts
**Common fund**
**payments**|826.92
**826.92**
24
4,751.80
2,648.81
1,565.31
**8,965.92**
1,989
1,136.93
470.82
**1,607.75**
441
161.80
82.13
530.25
**774.18**
291
12.54
431.48
0.00
**444.02**
2,910
480.00
**480.00**
977|
|---|---|
||98,129.95
23,156.30
9,619.47
5,125.32**136,031.04**
76,088|
||-
136,032.00
**-**
**66,484.87**
**13,072.46**
**15,657.03**
**80,330.95**
**42,575.57**
19,045
93,767.00
93,767.00
48,939|
## **Parish of Plymstock and Hooe Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
## **Assets**
|**Cash at Bank**
PCC
St. Mary;s
St. John's
Good Shepherd
**Totals**
**Investments**
St John's
Exeter Board of
Finance
CCLA
Totals
**Liabilities**
Common Fund
Agency
**Totals**
**Represented by**
**funds**
Unrestricted|**General**
**Restricted**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
64,895
96,113
161,008
102,296
32,756
1,765
34,521
28,743
34,295
186
34,481
37,083
1,119
0
1,119
10,457|
|---|---|
||**133,065**
**98,064**
**231,129**
178,579|
||904
904
826
28,000
28,000
28,000|
||28,904
0
28,904
28,826|
||0
0
0
39,767
0
6,512
6,512
20,895|
||**0**
**6,512**
**6,512**
**60,662**|
||161,969
161,969|
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## The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe
|Restricted
**Totals**
**161,969**
**General Fund**
General Fund
**Designated Funds**
St John's Church
St John's Church
St John's Hall
St John's Fabric
St Mary's
Maintenance
Plymstock Parish Hall
**Restricted Funds**
Legacy
Charitable Giving
Retiring Collections
Mission Fund
St Mary's Bell Fund
St John's Hall
Good Shepherd
Legacy
Flower Fund
**Agency Collections**
EDBF
Organist
Verger|91,552
91,552
**91,552**
**253,521**
**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains/Loss**
**Balance**
**01-Jan-23**
**31-Dec-**
**23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|
|---|---|
||124,965
81,273
-127,067
891
78
80,140|
||**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Adjustment**
**Balance**
**01-Jan-23**
**31-Dec-**
**23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
28,000
**28,000**
184
436
**620**
26,718
**26,718**
556
2
-28
-274
**256**
16,187
182
-703
935
**16,601**
13,785
-6,063
1,912
**9,634**|
||**71,645**
**14,405**
**-6,794**
**2,573**
**0**
**81,829**|
||**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Adjustment**
**Balance**
**01-Jan-23**
**31-Dec-**
**23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
5,000
-1,313
**3,687**
145
437
-342
-99
**141**
-99
396
-396
99
0
3,763
-120
**3,643**
1,819
8
**1,827**
167
**167**
82,052
0
**82,052**
35
**35**|
||**10,795**
**82,928**
**-2,171**
**0**
**0**
**91,552**|
||**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Adjustment**
**Balance**
**01-Jan-23**
**31-Dec-**
**23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
17,395
6,278
-17,351
**6,322**
1,940
-1,800
**140**
500
-450
50|
12
|The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Bells|0|180|-180|||0|
|Plymstock Parish Hall|3,500|52|-88|-3,464||0|
|**20,895**||**8,950**|**-19,869**|**-3,464**|**0**|**6,512**|
-o-
## **Trustees Report for 2023**
Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf
……………………. Rev Jennie Appleby (Chair) Date 15/04/24………………………………
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