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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Plymstock & Hooe, Plymouth.

2024-12-31-accounts

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 2024

Charity Number: 1133015

Team Rector Reverend Prebendary Jennie Appleby

Bankers:

NatWest, 12-16 Old Town Street, Plymouth, PL1 1DG

Independent Examiner:

Precise Accountants Ltd Unit 4, Seaton Park, 36 William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 5WR

The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK & HOOE, PLYMOUTH

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

I report on the unaudited financial statements of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Plymstock & Hooe, Plymouth for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Respective responsibilities

The charity is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, and considers that the audit requirement of section 144(2) of the charities act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the general directions given by the charity commissioners under Section 145 (5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the charity commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. it also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act,

have not been met: or

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

Signed by the independent examiner:

Mr L J Hardacre (FCCA/FMAAT) Dated 14/03/25

Name and address of the independent examiner:

Mr L J Hardacre, Precise Accountants Ltd, Unit 4 Seaton Park, 36 William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5WR.

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Aim and Purpose

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Plymstock & Hooe had responsibility in 2024 to cooperate with and to support its Clergy and Readers in promoting across its three 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

Achievements and Performance 2024

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 in Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday afternoons followed by tea and cake. Special services were held at Easter and Christmas. Home communions were regularly taken to housebound members of the parish and monthly services were held in two local care homes.

There were various opportunities to meet together for prayer. Prayer gatherings were held on zoom and in person throughout the year. Prayer walks took place in the summer months and prayer ministry was offered at the end of the Sunday morning Eucharist. The Mothers’ Union Group met together for a monthly prayer meeting.

As part of the Give 2 Go Green Campaign during the year, the themes of Creation Care and Climate justice were followed during Lent at informal afternoon services and at the Lent Group. An Advent Group met to study a book and other Book Groups were held for discussion in the local pub.

The Global initiative Thy Kingdom Come and Christian Aid were marked at a special service. 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. In addition, church members helped to plan and participate in the annual World Day of Prayer service held locally.

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Statistics 2024

Summary statistics for the parish were as follows:

Summary statistics for the parish were as follows:
Average main Sunday service.
(In addition, approx 35 others used		 50
printed service sheets at home.)
Worshipping Community 110
Electoral Roll 120
Baptisms 15
Marriages 2
Funerals 39

Attendance numbers greatly increased at Christmas and Easter. Baptism preparation was given to families and marriage preparation provided for couples.

Deanery Synod Report 2024

Deanery Synod met three times in 2024, in February, June and October. Each meeting of Deanery Synod has a main speaker or speakers who talk about current schemes and initiatives taking place across the deanery and diocese and how they can be accessed or applied in the parishes we represent.

In February, synod was addressed by speakers Scott Shackleton and John Williams, from Transforming Plymouth Together, who explained their work in tackling food poverty in the city of Plymouth with the support of Fairshare and Plymouth City Council.

In June the Venerable Jane Bakker, Archdeacon of Plymouth explained her role and background, as well introducing plans for the Plymouth City Deanery review. She then answered questions from members about her role, vision, Deanery Synod's role with respect to the broader governance of the Church of England and the Plymouth review.

At the October meeting, we heard from Jeremy Putnam the Diocesan Mission Enabler, who spoke to us about one of the diocesan vision next steps priorities of growing the faith, particularly with respect to children and young people. He showcased a number of initiatives currently underway.

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Church Buildings and Fabric Report 2024

In 2024, significant efforts were made to maintain and repair the three Churches and three Church Halls within the Parish, ensuring they remain functional and beneficial to the community, as they are crucial to the work of mission and ministry in our Parish.

St Mary & All Saints, Plymstock :

St John the Evangelist, Hooe :

Church of The Good Shepherd, Oreston :

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Volunteers 2024

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. In 2024 our special thanks were due to churchwardens and a number of key volunteers who continued to set a pace and example for the rest of us to follow.

Mission and Evangelism 2024

During Christian Aid Week the Parish made financial donations to the charity and a Coffee Morning raised a generous sum for Macmillan.

We visited some of the local primary schools to lead assemblies for Harvest and Christmas. It was good to welcome nursery classes from a local school for Christmas. We also hosted the usual Christingle and Carol Services for local schools, attracting over 1000 children and their parents into our buildings in the run-up to Christmas.

The clergy conducted monthly communion services in care homes, Selkirk House and Furzehatt Residential Home, as well as Easter/Harvest/Christmas services. A new Carol Service at Selkirk House was led by church members and enjoyed by staff and families.

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 on a monthly basis and weekly over the winter months, 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. Regular Coffee Mornings were held at St. John’s and Church of the Good Shepherd Church Halls.

A monthly newsletter continued to be sent out to all those in the worshipping community across the parish.

Other Activities 2024

The Give 2 Go Green Campaign at the beginning of the year was a huge success and motivated church members to raise funds in various ways via a Spring Fayre and Barn Dance, whilst individuals held coffee mornings and sponsored events. We successfully achieved our target of £10k and this was match funded. Further fund-raising events were held in the year for Parish Funds. A visit to Buckfast Abbey was arranged in the summer.

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 continuing to keep St Mary’s and St. John’s churchyards tidy, particularly as all graves were made accessible, making a huge difference to the appearance of the churchyards.

Safeguarding 2024

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 2024

Parochial Church Council (PCC) 2024

The method of appointment of PCC members is in accordance with Church Representation Rules.

Composition of the PCC in 2024 is shown as follows.

Jan - May APCM May - December
Clergy - ex-officio 3 3
Reader - ex-officio 2 2
Parochial Wardens - elected 2 0
Deanery Synod Members 3 yr office
appointed by PCC		 2 2
Diocesan Synod Members - ex-officio 1 1
Elected Members 8 9

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 2024

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:

Clergy

Team Rector Rev’d Prebendary Jennie Appleby Curate Rev’d Joanne Parker

Associate Priest Rev’d Carl Budden

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

The PCC

This is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006) and Registered Charity No 1133015.

PCC members in 2024

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

Elected members

Parochial Church Wardens

Mr Graham Naylor Until May 2024 Dr Kerry Gilbert Until May 2024 (Lay Vice Chair of PCC) Deanery Synod Reps (Appointed by & from PCC) Mrs Delia Kevern Appointed May 2023 for 3 years Dr Kerry Gilbert Appointed May 2023 for 3 years Members Mr Anthony Banbury Elected May 2022 for 3 years Mr Stephen Bawn Elected May 2024 for 3 years Mr. Bob Davidson Until May 2024 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 Miss Vanessa Thornton Elected May 2024 for 3 years

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Trustees

All PCC Members are Trustees.

The full PCC met on 8 occasions in 2024, with an average attendance of 76%.

During 2024, the PCC continued to address its vision for the Mission Action Plan i) to grow in prayer, ii) to make new disciples, iii) to serve the people of Devon with joy.

The 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 successful bid was made for a match-funded grant totaling £20,000 under the “Give 2 Go Green” project, to upgrade the lighting and heating in St. Mary’s church. During the year, a Buildings Team was set up consisting of PCC members and others, to work on regular maintenance issues and planning for more major building issues to be addressed. This has been a reliable and successful step forward. Also during 2024, PCC members took on extra practical responsibilities because there were no churchwardens in place from May onwards.

And during 2024 there were regular informal meetings of the clergy and churchwardens, the Standing Committee, the Ministry team and other groups as need arose.

-o-

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Financial Report 2024

Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £113,218 (2023 £178,607), this included a very successful Give 2 Go Green (G2GG) fundraising campaign which raised £10,495 which was matched by a grant of £10,000 giving a total of £20,495. In this year the parish also received a generous legacy of £3,000 towards St Mary’s Church roof.

The income in 2023 was inflated by a large legacy, however if you discount the legacies in both years and the Give 2 Go Green the underlying income has dropped by approximately £9,000. This is driven by a reduction in planned giving and a drop in income from the Parish Giving Scheme, also during this year the popular community lunch Hooe’s Place ended as the team reached retirement. This loss of Hooe’s Place income has been partially offset by increased Parish Hall lettings.

Total expenditure this year is £101,382 (2023 £136,031) significant non routine items of expenditure include the installation of LED lights at St Mary’s (G2GG), repairs to the Parish Hall roof and the Quinquennial Inspection of Good Shepherd. The Common Fund due for 2024 was £81,574, to date a payment of £46,574 has been made leaving a balance of £35,000.

To summarise:

o summarise:
Summary 2024 Last Year 2023 Change
Income £113,218 £178,607 -£65,389
Expenditure £101,382 £136,031 -£34,649
Surplus £ 11,836 £ 42,576 -£30,740
Common Fund Paid £ 46,574 £ 93,767

Hopefully this table explains the position over the last two years. Overall, the news is encouraging in that income continues to exceed expenditure, but the margins are narrow. The surplus of income over expenditure in 2024 is lower than 2023, and within the surplus of £11,836 is the balance of the Give 2 Go Green £10,480 which is restricted. This highlights why the parish has unfortunately not paid the 2024 common fund in full at this stage. The 2025 Common Fund request is reduced to £75,728.

Recognising the falling income trend there has been increased fundraising activity to generate income in 2024, with three successful church fayres. There are also now contactless terminals at each church building making it easier for people to make donations. These were used especially by visitors over the Christmas services.

Reserves Policy

The PCC have established the Reserves Policy with reference to the Charity Commission guidance. The PCC do not intend to build up reserves for unspecified purposes, the aim is to apply income to direct charitable purpose. However, the risk of the falling income trend is recognised and at this stage it is prudent to maintain a balance of general fund which equates to at least 4 months expenditure.

Management of Parish Finance

The PCC would like to give special thanks to the Deanery Treasurer for her invaluable support to the finance volunteers this year after the Treasurer stood down in the first few months.

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Statement of Accounts 2024

Statement of Accounts 2024 Statement of Accounts 2024
Parish of Plymstock and Hooe
Receipts and Payments account for theyear ended 31st December 2024
PCC St Mary St John Good Shepherd Total PCC 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income
Planned Giving 14 5,827 1,725 0 7,566 9,179
Parish GivingScheme 3,073 8,141 5,736 1,409 18,358 21,594
Other collections 6,282 1,016 563 0 7,860 6,318
Charitable Giving 145 145 1,094
Donations 12,714 2,220 1,467 0 16,401 9,808
Gift Aid 768 2,035 1,288 316 4,408 5,973
Legacies 0 3,116 0 0 3,116 80,937
Diocesepayment to PCC 4,000 4,000 4,000
Bank and B/S Interest 2,081 407 2,164 2,323 6,975 4,696
Fees 9,527 9,527 8,114
Hall Lettings 0 15,096 7,478 1,073 23,646 22,093
Other income 32 0 0 0 32 3,510
Grants 10,000 10,000 1,290
Fundraising 1,186 1,186
Totals 49,821 37,857 20,420 5,121 113,218 178,607
Expenditure
Charitable Giving 723 723 1,543
Mission Giving 0 0 0
Mission Costs 136 136 211
Common Fund 46,574 46,574 93,767
Church Utilities 5,552 2,500 698 8,750 13,063
Church Insurance 4,569 2,240 1,238 8,047 7,665
Church Other 1,845 655 552 93 3,145 2,607
Church Maintenance 15,991 776 1,145 17,913 4,076
ClergyExpenses 86 86 827
Hall Utilities 2,897 1,833 2,467 7,198 8,966
Hall Insurance 932 475 1,408 1,608
Hall Other 0 0 386 386 774
Hall Maintenance 4,726 1,948 163 6,837 444
RunningCosts 178 178 480
Fees
Other
Totals 49,542 35,323 9,849 6,667 101,382 136,031
Net receipts 280 2,533 10,570 -1,547 11,836 42,576
Common fundpayments 46,574 46,574 93,767

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Parish of Plymstock and Hooe Parish of Plymstock and Hooe
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Assets
General Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Cash at Bank
PCC 53,800 15,928 69,728 161,008
St. Mary;s 35,663 8,126 43,789 34,521
St. John's 49,120 187 49,306 34,481
Good Shepherd 1,658 74,226 75,885 1,119
Totals 140,241 98,467 238,708 231,129
Investments
St John's
Exeter Board of Finance 925 0 925 904
CCLA 28,000 0 28,000 28,000
Totals 28,925 0 28,925 28,904
Liabilities
Common Fund 0 0 0 0
Agency 0 1,773 1,773 6,512
Totals 0 1,773 1,773 6,512
Represented by funds
Unrestricted 169,166 169,166 161,969
Restricted 96,694 96,694 91,552
Totals 169,166 96,694 265,859 253,521

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

Parish of Plymstock and Hooe Parish of Plymstock and Hooe
Receipts and Payments account for theyear ended 31st December 2024(cont/)
General Fund Balance Income Expenditure Transfers **Gains/Loss ** Adjustment Balance
01-Jan-24 31-Dec-24
£ £ £ £ £ £
General Fund 80,140 70,379 -66,128 1,702 21 776 86,890
Designated Funds
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Adjustment Balance
01-Jan-24 31-Dec-24
£ £ £ £ £ £
St John's Church 28,000 28,000
St John's Church 620 852 1,472
St John's Hall 26,718 342 -1,000 26,060
St John's Fabric 256 0 -256 0
St Mary's Maintenance 16,601 360 -3,793 -84 -16 13,068
Plymstock Parish Hall 9,634 15,215 -9,551 -1,623 13,675
81,829 16,770 -14,344 -1,708 -272 82,275
Restricted Funds
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Adjustment Balance
01-Jan-24 31-Dec-24
£ £ £ £ £ £
St Mary's Legacy 3,687 3,000 -480 6,207
Charitable Giving 141 145 -203 12 95
RetiringCollections 0
Mission Fund 3,643 3,643
St Mary's Bell Fund 1,828 43 1,871
St John's Hall 167 167
Good Shepherd Legacy 82,052 2,323 -10,149 74,226
Parish Goes Green 20,496 -10,015 5 10,486
Flower Fund 35 62 -62 -35 0
91,552 26,069 -20,910 5 -23 96,694
Agency Collections Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Adjustment Balance
01-Jan-24 31-Dec-24
£ £ £ £ £ £
EDBF 6,322 8,195 -12,941 1,576
Organ 140 2,525 -2,515 150
Verger 50 550 -600 0
Bells 0 360 -360 0
Plymstock Parish Hall 0 36 -3,500 3,464 0
Charitable Giving 0 47 47
6,512 11,713 -19,916 0 3,464 1,773

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The Parish of Plymstock & Hooe

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Trustees Report for 2024

Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf

Rev Jennie Appleby (Chair) Date

… 27/2/25 ………………………..

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