## **The Parish of Sprotbrough** **Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Parish of Sprotbrough for the year ended 31st December 2023** ## **Incumbent** The Revd A Barraclough The Rectory 42a Spring Lane Sprotbrough Doncaster DN5 7QG ## **Bankers** Santander Bank 56 High Street Doncaster DN1 1UN ## **Independent Examiners** Messrs Brearley & Co Accountants 39-43 Bridge Street Swinton Mexborough S64 8AP ## **Membership** The method of appointment of members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All eligible church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. The following shows the membership of the PCC as at 31[st] December 2023. |**Ex officio members**||| |---|---|---| |Rector|Revd Amanda Barraclough|2015| |Associate Priest|Revd Robert Heaton|2016| |Assistant Curate|Revd Christine Herbert|2022| |Church Wardens|Roland Lumby|2017 (retired April 2023)| ||Janet Scott|2022| |**Deanery Synod Representative**||| ||Derek Barraclough|2017/20 & 2020/23 (retired 2023)| ||Lyn Hopson|2023/26| ||Rachel Towers & Secretary|2023/26| |**Reader Emerita**||| ||Betty Brockman|2023| |**Elected Members**||| ||Robert Paskell (Treasurer)|2022/25| ||Alison Lumby|2017/20 & 2020/23 (retired April| |||2023)| ||_Lyn Hopson_|_2021/23 (Deanery Synod Rep)_| ||Angela Hudson|2021/24| ||James Inglis|2021/24| ||Therese Paskell|2021/24| ||_Rachel Towers (Secretary)_|_2021/23 (Deanery Synod Rep)_| ||Andrea Offord|2022/25| ||Derek Barraclough|2023/2026| ||Carol Palmer|2023/2026| 1 ## **Aims and Organisation** The mission statement of St Mary’s Church states that our purpose is to Worship God and Welcome All. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline measures 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). The PCC operates through the following committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. ## **Standing Committee** This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. ## **Vision Committee** This deals with matters relating to the ministry of the local church to the community and the world, including ecumenical links, evangelism and the support of mission and relief agencies. ## **Church, Building and Grounds Committee** This assists the churchwardens in executing their responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric and plant of St Mary’s Church, and also for the maintenance of both St Mary’s and Cadeby churchyards. ## **Social Events & Fundraising Team** Team to organise events that reach out into the Community as well as Church. The emphasis is on events that are enjoyable and fundraising is not the stimulus. 2 ## **Rector’s Report** 2023 has been another year of energetic activity, with life shared in all its joys and sorrows along the way. I’ve grateful to God, and to all who serve God in this place. As 2023 began, the Ministry Team were considering a transition from our current pattern, a team locally grown, who work in partnership with me to develop mission and ministry, to the new Diocesan pattern of Oversight Minister and a Focal Team. Oversight Ministry involves a different role description which is more focused on team development, coaching and training each member. Focal Leaders are those, lay and ordained, who the community would recognize as the public face of the church in their particular context. The PCC had encouraged exploring this pattern in the awareness that this model, primarily aimed at parishes where a stipendiary minister is shared, will help to future-proof ministry here, where that is increasingly likely to be the case in future. However, the process was not felt to be a good fit to current patterns, and a service to license people to focal ministries, planned in September, was cancelled. We continue to work closely as a Ministry Team, and have invested time in a church Mission Action Plan 2023. A Vision Day for the PCC in November, led by Revd Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese, enabled us to articulate a vision statement with three key priorities, which are now shaping future focus and enabling us to use our limited resources with wisdom. Over the course of the year we have welcomed 11 new members into the life of St. Mary’s and shared in the joy of three confirmations. Our culture of welcome has grown in strength and those new to the church tell us how welcome they have been made to feel. Our Worshipping Community (defined as those who engage with public worship at least monthly) has, however, remained static at 102, as we have also lost 11 members over the course of 2023. Whilst some have been ‘promoted to glory’, others are due to us pausing our Messy Church provision in July. This was a difficult decision, but it had become clear that Sunday afternoons were not working for the families with whom we seek to engage. We continue to discern next steps, but this will also involve growing a new team to deliver it. Despite this, opportunities to offer Christian ministry and teaching in schools and local nurseries have grown – this year we have developed an active link with the Levett School, and with a second nursery where story-time is offered each month, introducing young children to Jesus for the first time. Local schools now use the church building more frequently and for a greater variety of things, including displaying artwork for the wider community to enjoy. We were able to draw in wide community and school engagement in our project to create a handwritten illuminated Coronation Gospel to mark HRH’s Coronation on 6[th] May this year. We were thrilled to hear of its arrival in the Chapel Royal and that it was being used in worship there. One of our key priorities is a deepening of faith. Whilst always difficult to measure, the growth in Fellowship Groups and Advent and Lent course involvement is encouraging. New members are invited into these early in their journey of belonging, and this helps to develop a confidence in talking about faith. Prayer stations in the Chapel have become a regular feature this year, inspired by Louise, with the support of Christine Herbert, our curate. Rachel Towers, our Administrator, has embarked on the Foundations Course offered by the Diocese, with the support of the PCC, in order to deepen her understanding and to discern what God may be asking of her next. I am grateful to Rachel for her unswerving commitment to St. Mary’s and her determination to serve God through his church. Her launch of the Craft-antics group this year has offered a valued meeting place for many. All these are encouraging markers of a family of faith who are putting deeper roots down into the soil of God’s word, and finding this both nourishing and anchoring. These shifts in church culture are reflected in the plans to redevelop aspects of our church building, after earlier consultation processes. The new social space in the south west corner of the building has allowed for more relaxed conversation and a greater sense of togetherness after services, and has proved a valuable area for young families during worship. We trust that as we adapt the space to today’s needs, as it has been shaped many times before, it too will shape us to become more the people God would have us be, in his service and that of our community. **Revd. Canon Amanda Barraclough** 3 ## **Churchwarden's - Report** At the APCM last year, Roland Lumby stood down from his position as Church Warden. I have therefore been the only Church warden since then as no-one else came forward. It is quite challenging being the only Church Warden as all the numerous responsibilities which fall to the Churchwarden in the absence of another named person (i.e. Health and Safety). I have particularly enjoyed ensuring all is running smoothly on Sunday mornings, filling the gaps as needed. Work has been done on developing a diary of maintenance tasks and compliance certification so life ticks over smoothly. A lot of support was needed and given from other Church members when required. A big thank you to all who have been called upon to help, I couldn’t have managed without you. Going forward to the coming year, more volunteers are certainly needed, with other people putting themselves forward for this demanding, but rewarding position. Whilst I have enjoyed serving in this role, I do not want to do so as sole churchwarden again. I may have to stand down if no-one else comes forward. **Janet Scott** ## **Secretary – Report** 2023 was a busy year for the Parish and Trustees. The Hotspot initiative launched in a response to the cost of living crisis in winter 2022 continued through the start of 2023 and finished at the end of March. In a response to the popularity of having somewhere to be, I agreed to launch a monthly group from 10am-4pm and though a craft orientated group, it has been open to anyone to visit for a coffee and chat at no cost to attendees, just a request for donations toward refreshments that are donated to St Mary’s Church (see later report). Though the Hotspot initiative had been popular the appetite to re-launch this in October 2023 was not there for our Trustees or local partners, the main issue being volunteers. However, it was agreed to promote the Warm Spaces we already provide weekly/monthly to the Parish and again this in conjunction with Parish partners. The Trustees have had an interesting year as they dealt with the re-ordering of the Church and various faculty applications for this and installation of Wi-Fi into the Church building. The continuing pattern of reduced giving by the congregation is proving to be a concern as we lose aged generous givers. Providing honest information on the state of the Church finances to our congregation to encourage more generous giving is an ongoing exercise. Toward the end of 2023 the issues of the anticipated utility bills increases was acknowledged and considered for 2024 and the budget for next year reflected a deficit as the reducing income this year is expected to continue into the new year. The Administrator role was split into two in April (Church Administrator and Hall & Stable Bookings) but this proved unsuccessful and the role reverted back to the Church Administrator at the end of August. Unfortunately revenue was lost over this period; however, after a concerted effort and creation of a Facebook page and concentrated promotion the bookings and revenue were back on track by the end of the year. Finally, the Focal Ministry arrangement for St Mary’s did not, as hoped, take place. Consideration of a Focal Ministry team will undoubtedly continue into the new year. However, focus on St Mary’s vision for Ministry going forward was a high priority and again will continue to be so into the new year. **Rachel Towers** ## **Deanery Synod - Report** The two representatives from St. Mary’s on the Deanery Synod for Adwick Deanery are Lyn Hopson, and Rachel Towers. Dave Berry is Area Dean. Currently, Dave is the only clergy member of the Standing Committee, along with three lay members, so those present at the meetings have been encouraged to consider whether they know of any clergy who might be willing to become members. At our meetings we receive up-dates on what is happening in neighbouring parishes, sharing good news from each, and are also made aware of Diocesan priorities and focus areas. In the 4 two meetings I have attended so far, the main topic for the first was Focal Ministry, and its growing importance due to the fall in numbers of clergy. At the second meeting, John Marsh gave a talk on the importance of engagement in Mission and its biblical basis. We were encouraged to work in small groups to discuss and evaluate what was already happening in parishes in this area and what we might consider doing going forward. John also spoke about the ‘Small Sparks’ grants of between £500 and £2000 available from the Diocese to start something new/build on an existing project. Applications for these can be made by Church Wardens. At the next meeting we will receive a report on the General Synod. The PCC is are provided with a short report following each meeting to allow for discussion/ action if necessary and appropriate. **Lyn Hopson** ## **Safeguarding – Report** St Mary’s Church takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously. My role as Safeguarding Officer entails ensuring the training and checks required by the Diocese of Sheffield, and the Church are in place. All roles have a job description, and where necessary the correct level of training for the role is identified, and the applicant trained as needed prior to starting their role. Should a role require regular contact with Children or vulnerable adults a check is undertaken using the DBS service provided by Thirtyoneeight. DBS certificates may be either basic or enhanced depending on the details of the post. This applies to both volunteers and employed people, and maybe either basic or enhanced dependant on the role. Even occasional helpers are required to undertake some basic safeguarding training and supply two references before they are involved. Safeguarding Sunday was marked in 2023, and is become a regular part of our worshipping life. This ensures that safeguarding is seen to be the responsibility of the entire congregation, and part of the culture of St. Mary’s. Safeguarding is a standard agenda item at all PCC meetings. This allows us to consider practical scenarios in church life through the lens of safe practice, and take appropriate action. **Janet Scott** ## **Church, Buildings & Ground Committee – Report** Work has progressed on the re-ordering of the Church, although there are still a number of things to be dealt with. The new social area (which will eventually have a kitchen installed) appears to be very popular. Towards the end of 2023, we had our Quinquennial inspection. This went rather well,, and a list of jobs to be dealt with prepared, but there was nothing urgent. Risk assessments for the buildings have been done and are on a schedule to be updated every year, likewise the fire risk assessment as well, sand we liaise frequently with our insurers, Ecclesiastical to ensure we comply with what they ask for. Routine maintenance tasks have been identified and work carried out when necessary, involving respective contractors as needed. Much of the general maintenance work is carried out by the SMITIE team We have also developed a disability action team, which is headed by Christine Herbert, this is still very much work in progress. , It is working towards finding any issues those with disabilities, may encounter and any adaptations that might make things at Church easier for them. As we do not have (at the moment) a specific Health and Safety Officer nor a general maintenance person (any volunteers?) and SMITE can only do so much, the organising of Major maintenance, inspections and Health and safety compliance has fallen to the Churchwardens. Having only one committee has made it easier form a decision-making process however this shortfall has increased the workload of the Church Warden, again there is only one! 5 We would like to take this opportunity would like to say a huge thank you to Roger Offord and the SMITE (maintenance) team. Who work tirelessly every Wednesday to smarten up the Churchyard and keep on top of maintenance tasks both in the Church and grounds and also at the Hall and Stable. Thank you so much! It is very much appreciated. If anyone would like to volunteer for SMITE duties, please see Roger Offord. **Janet Scott** ## **Vision Committee – Report** The Vision Committee meet quarterly, joining the monthly Ministry Team meeting, and has enriched the conversation. Significant focus has been given to developing Mission Action Plan 23, to help us identify key priorities for the next 2 years. It became apparent that greater attention needed to be given to articulating a clear summary of our vision, so that the whole congregation understand the priorities and can take their part in working towards them. To enable us to progress this, Revd. Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese, spent a Vision Day with the PCC in November, helping us to identify the key aspects of St. Mary’s we felt God was seeking us to work on. The outcome was a statement which has three key priorities we seek to embed in our future life as a church. ## **As a community of Christians called by God to be a lighthouse of Christ’s hope and a refuge for the troubled, we aim to :** - **Be a church where all ages are visible and valued.** - **Deepen our faith through prayer, study and discipleship.** - **Bring the light of Jesus to others in the community.** ## **Revd. Canon Amanda Barraclough** ## **Churches Together in Sprotbrough – Report** The formal group ‘Churches Together in Sprotbrough’ no longer exists, though there are still limited funds held in a bank account, with signatories from both churches. Through the pulpit swap during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and a number of joint services over the course of the year, including the World Day of Prayer, and the Ten Days of Prayer, we have sought to sustain ongoing relationships between St. Mary’s Church and Sprotbrough Methodist Church. Occasionally, ordained ministers from each church are invited to each other’s Ministry Team meetings, and it is clear that many of the same challenges are ones we share in common. The ecumenical Bible Study and Open the Book continue to involve members of both churches, as do shared Lent Courses, which are agreed collaboratively. **Revd. Canon Amanda Barraclough** ## **Riverside Mission Area - Report** There is little to report, as both churches (St Peter’s Bentley and St. Mary’s) have largely operated independently from one another over the last year. Both parishes have adequate clergy provision (and both have a curate) which means there is little sense of need for closer collaboration. It is increasingly apparent that the cultural context and needs of each parish are quite different, so energies tend to be put in differing priorities. It is hoped that future plans would enable closer working and help us to invest in areas of our parish we find it more difficult to minister to. **Revd. Canon Amanda Barraclough** ## **Messy Church** In January 2023 we ventured into running ’Messy Church’ sessions for young children and their families, following the suggestion that Sunday t-Time should be re-launched under the brand of ‘Messy Church’ – a nationally better known name for church services and activities that are child friendly. The re-launch was advertised extensively on Social Media in the hope of attracting more young families. 6 During the Messy Church sessions, we continued to encourage and nurture friendships and fellowship as we shared and explored the Bible together, through role play; computer technology; craft activities; games; songs and prayers helping us to discover new things about God and supporting our Christian faith journeys, whilst engaging in fun and creativity. However, due to numbers fluctuating from session to session and the decreased number of adults being able to commit to and support the running of Messy Church, it was decided that the last session of Messy Church would run at the end of July leading up to the summer time break. The decision was taken with the view that children’s ministry would continue in different ways, as we were finding Sunday afternoons were now becoming even more busy for our Messy Church members, due to other commitments and demands on the young families. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, and was a difficult and very sad one to make. During the summer, a cheese and wine event was held at the rectory where Messy Church parents/carers were invited along to discuss what might be the next steps for the church to take in supporting their children’s spiritual growth. So at the moment the church is at a bit of ‘a crossroads’ where we are praying that God will show us the ’openings’ and the next steps that He wants us to take with regard to children’s ministry (as God always has a plan!). So we would very much value your prayers at this time. As an update to this, during 2023 Amanda has had additional openings/opportunities to connect with both staff and children at the Levett School in Sprotbrough and also at the Danum Daisies Nursery. In addition to this, ever opportunity has been taken to offer a Children’s Activity Morning during each of the school holidays, as well as always promoting and advertising the ‘All Age’ (child friendly) services held every month in church. To this day, children still keep telling me how much they are missing not being able to come along to Messy Church. So please do pray for the children and the children’s work at St Marys as they are a vital part of the church family. Thank you. **Irene Heaton** ## **Pastoral Workers - Reports** Irene and Derek are the two licensed Lay Pastoral Ministers here at St Mary’s and we acknowledge that much of the pastoral care is carried out by the wider congregation, and often goes unrecognised. So may we firstly acknowledge your contribution and say a huge thank you for your love and care for our worshipping congregation and wider community. For Derek the lines have become blurred, as he is also a Lay Reader but he is proud to claim ‘both hats’. Part of our role is to try to be aware of who is missing from our regular worship, or who we have lost contact with. We then try to follow up with gentle visits, enquiries or phone calls. We also try to be aware of those having difficulties or needs and give aid, encouragement and prayer in those situations. Irene continues to fit in her role around busy and demanding work commitments. Much of her support is given by telephone and in church, with home and hospital visits. A large part of Irene’s time (in the first 7 months of the year) has been involved with the Messy Church Services – please see details on the Messy Church Report. Irene has also had a large involvement in one of the Fellowship Groups, where the group has generally met twice a month to explore and study the Bible and praying together, whilst enjoying fellowship with each other. The studies have included a series on ‘Liberating Sabbath’; a short course on the Book of Proverbs and 2 Emmaus courses covering ‘Christian Lifestyle’ and ‘Living images’. Amazing discussions and discoveries have come out of these studies! During 2023 fellowship numbers have continued to grow, which has been wonderful! Irene and Derek meet regularly as part of the ministry team, where issues or situations can be discussed. It was suggested that men could meet monthly in the Ivanhoe pub at the same time as Mother’s Union. This has now been happening for six months, and though not large, it is encouraging and we hope to continue to meet. It is a group where all men are welcome, with no agenda, to chat, discuss, drink beer, other beverages are available. During a Ministry Meeting in the Autumn, it was suggested that the Pastoral Care network of St Marys be reviewed and developed. Since then, Christine, Robert and Irene have been looking 7 into this and have started to update the church’s records and putting together ideas on how this network of those who provide pastoral care could be put into place. A larger, co-ordinated, Pastoral team could then hopefully be established – as a wider shared ministry throughout the church family. There are encouraging signs of God’s provision here at St Mary’s. Following a recent P.C.C vision day we met to discuss, strategy and our mission statement, where three areas were highlighted. Community, Spirituality and Families, already almost without trying God is already meeting some of these needs. Please keep praying. Many thanks for your support. **Derek Barraclough and Irene Heaton.** ## **Lay Readers - Report** Lay Reader ministry here at St Mary’s continues through Betty Brockman Emeritus reader and me. We are both part of the ministry team, praying, seeking God’s guidance and direction as we minister in the parish of Sprotbrough and the wider diocese. Betty continues to preach regularly (To a high standard) leads intercessions and contributes much, unseen by the congregation. For my part I also am privileged to be able to preach, lead services and am involved outside of the remit of reader ministry. Both Betty and I meet regularly with our incumbent, Amanda, and she is always available where help/advice/direction is required. This year I have taken on a wider role in the diocese by being invited to be on the Lay Readers Executive Committee, which meet four or five times annually to maintain, ongoing development of Reader Ministry in the Diocese. I am indebted to Betty for her support, experience, spirituality and friendship as we minister alongside each other. We are both honoured and privileged to be part of the worshipping community here in Sprotbrough. **Derek Barraclough** ## **Website/Social Media – Report** Sprotbrough Venues – In 2023 I maintained the website and included a photo gallery to promote the regular users and promoted various events on the front page. The details of our website are regularly promoted via Facebook to the local area. St Mary’s Church – This website though an old format works well, though technical issues have begun to become a challenge occasionally. I endeavour to keep the pages all up to date and the front page is constantly updated to represent what is happening i.e. a link to the weekly newsletter, foodbank news and various events/services we promote. Facebook- As well as the page for St Mary’s Church, in September 2023 a new page was created for Sprotbrough Venues, cross promotion is undertaken but the majority of posts for the Venues Facebook page is supporting events and regular users of the Hall and Stable. The number of followers has been increasing monthly on the Venue page. The Church Facebook page continues to increase followers and content is well received. Both pages are shared across local Hubs to promote our wide range of services, prayers, events, activities and social issues. **Rachel Towers** ## **Children’s Society Support Group - Report** Friends of the Children’s Society are a small group of volunteers raising funds for the Society. Our annual quiz is always a popular event and this year raised £436.50. The annual box opening raised £632.70. Once again a few of us enjoyed making Christingles with the children at Orchard school, always a happy occasion and they collected £297.05 for the society. A total of £1,422.66 has been sent to the society during 2023. We are truly grateful for all the support we receive so thank you very much. **Friends of the Children’s Society** ## **Mothers’ Union – Report** The members enjoyed a variety of speakers during 2023, and our meetings continue to be well attended. We continue to support Doncaster Women’s refuge providing essential items for the women and children when they are rehoused. 8 Our afternoon cream tea raised £683 for Away From It All, a Mothers’ Union project that provides a holiday and days out for needy families. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Mothers’ Union has been supporting families since 1876 with over 4 million members in 84 countries. We as a branch would love to have more members, so why not come to one of our meetings. **Helen Harwood, Branch Co-Ordinator** ## **Sprotbrough Bellringers - Report** Our primary purpose is to ring for Sunday Service and we calculate our Performance Indicator whereby 100% would be scored if we rang all 8 bells every Sunday. Pre-Covid we were achieving circa 95%. In 2022, first full post covid year this dropped to 76% due to some ringers dropping out of the band. This year our score was 77%, thus holding steady, though we clearly need to recruit. By comparison, only Doncaster Minster, supported by ringers from other towers exceeded this score, which is indicative of a widespread problem of recruitment and training of ringers. We are grateful for support by ringers from nearby towers, as similarly many of our band ring at more than one tower on Sundays and support other practice nights. The Bells are regularly checked, in accordance with national guidelines, and minor routine maintenance promptly carried out. The only issue outside our control is stone dust falling within the bell chamber, stairs and ringing room, which was identified in the Quinquennial report. **Tim Wheeler, Tower Captain** ## **Event & Fundraising Team – Report** Several events were organised in 2023. Three Northern Soul nights in January, April and October proved popular and brought in a group of people from within and beyond Sprotbrough. “Wedding Dresses Through the Years” and a cheese and wine evening again appealed to people beyond our church family and brought many people into church who told stories of their own courting days and weddings. The Christmas trees displayed in church were reduced so that our limited number of volunteers could focus their efforts on the Christmas Fayre. Orchard Infant School, Copley Junior School, Richmond Hill Primary Academy and the Levett School displayed trees which were enjoyed by many people when the village lights were switched on. The Christmas Fayre was very successful and enjoyed by all who came. Thank you to all who supported these events in any way. In total, these events raised £4,585 for church funds. **Andrea Offord, Issy Mears, Sue Ekins, Sue Silverwood, Derek Barraclough** ## **Jigsaw Library – Report** The Jigsaw library is now in its 12[th] year of operation. The numbers have declined over recent years but there is still a dedicated core that come out in all weathers to enjoy a social group with friends and to swap out their jigsaws. Sadly one of our helpers, Marcia’ succumbed to cancer in September and she had been a faithful worker for the club for many years. We are in urgent need of more helpers as we had to cancel one meeting due to illness. However we continue to provide an opportunity for people in the community to meet and socialise with each other in a hospitable and friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and a biscuit. With upwards of over 400 jigsaws to choose from members can borrow as many as they wish, for whatever period they require them, at a minimum cost of £1 with tea/coffee and biscuits available at £1.50. Many users borrow multiple jigsaws either for themselves or for people who they support in the community. We continue to donate surplus jigsaws to local charity shops. Funds generated by members have enabled us to make the following donations:- £100 St Marys Church, £100 RedCross - Turkey Appeal and £50 English Estates – In Memory of Marcia. **Reg Crockford** ## **Forget me Not Cafe - Report** In April 2023 we received £435 from the Sprotbrough & Cusworth Parish Council which has helped to fund this year’s meetings, providing entertainment and refreshments. Numbers have 9 increased slightly this year; on average we have 20 people including volunteers. We do promote the monthly meetings and attend the bimonthly Doncaster Dementia Collaborative meetings on behalf of St Mary’s. **Angela Hudson & Hilary White** ## **Craft-antics – Report** On 19[th] May 2023 we launched a new craft and natter group to be held monthly on the third Friday of the month. This group was launched in response to the success of the Hotspot initiative over winter 2022/23. With the support of the Trustees it was agreed that there would be no charge for people to attend this group and it would run from 10am-4.00pm. Any voluntary monies given toward refreshments have been donated to the Church. Carole Hall is an invaluable support to me with managing the group and provides home baked goods which are all popular. The numbers have varied between 12 and 16 at each meeting, some pop in, others stay all day. Not all attendees are Church family, it has been encouraging to have people from the wider community join us and become regulars. There is a various assortment of crafts people bring and I provide encouragement and enjoy hosting the various personalities. The atmosphere tends to be one of good humour and positivity. I hope this will continue next year. **Rachel Towers** ## **Electoral Role Officer Report** The number people on the electoral roll at 31[st] December 2023 is 132. **Christopher Davis** 10 ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 CHARrrY NO:. 1133069 ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH INFORMATION Contact Miss R Towers Treasurgr Mr R Paskell TrustOgS Revd A Barraclough Revd R Healon Revd C Herbert Mr D barraclough Miss GE Brockman Mrs MA Hopson Mrs A Hudson Mr J Inglis Mrs A Offord Mrs C Palmer Mrs R Paskell Mrs T Paskell Mr5 J Scott Miss R Towers Address The Rectory 42a Spring Lane Sprolbrough Doncaster DN5 7QG Accountanls Brearley & Co Accountants Ltd 39143 Bridge Street Swinton Mexborough S64 8AP Bankers Santander Bank High Street Doncaster DN1 1UN ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH CONTENTS Pago Statement of Trustees ￿sponSibl11t1es Ac¢ounlants' report Income and expenditure accourrt Restricted Unrestricted Balance sheet Restricted Unrestricted Joint Notes ST. PAARfs CHURCH SPROTBROUGH Tho PaT￿la1 Chuth C(wn(il reqwres ts T￿￿t￿$ lo an￿8 that fmwKial statemerrts are epared 101 èach financaal year ¥thith ￿ a In* ¥#1 faw view of the stale ol affairs of ChLwth ¥nd ofthe Tplus or defirit of the ChLwth for that peritid. In the preparatw)n ofthose f￿a￿Y31 statements, the Try$18¢8 are requwj lo enwrn thatr.- ludgernents #nd estimate5 are rtoswaL4e aThJ wudent: p￿parati￿ of the finant*al Btstements is ￿ the goiThJ basi8 Uldess It Is Thpprowiate to Presume that the Churth *il conlinue kn Ixth*8. rea8L￿ab1e eccuracy #t any time. the financial pjS61M￿ ol Ihe ChLwch and to tnabb• them to ensuro that the flnamyal stslem•nt$ ryjmpty wilh thè Par￿￿81 Cvrth CcuK4. are also responsitle for saleguardlng the assets of th? Churdj and hence for reasMat4e Steps for the weventkn arK Slgn•d.' (rn￿) Dats:. 281 *12LP ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH INDEPENDENT Ex￿lINER's REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST. MpAfs CHURCH. SPROTBROUGM. I roport lo tho trust8e8 ￿ myexa1￿Th?lkn of th& a¢¢wnts ofthe above fcrthe ￿ar endod 31 Docwnber 2023. As the Chadvs trustee$, are respons￿0 for tho k¥epar8lbJn of the accounts th acc•rdar*ce ￿￿th the requirernents of Iha Cha￿￿8% Act 2011 llhe AGri. I report Sn respecl of my 6xaMnabon of fru$f$ acoyjnts ca￿18￿ out und8r seckn 145 of the 2011 Act and In carrying out my exarnlnalion. I have loltrNed all the appl￿b￿ ¢Jkncbcffls gwen lo ￿ by Ihe Chorlty ¢ommi8S uThtt•r section 1451SMbl of Ihe ACL I haw6 ¢ompleted my examination. I can confimi ihat rm) material manors hov• Cm lo my ottentlon kn connectK)n ￿1h ¢he ax8mlna￿Qn gl%Ang rne cau￿ to be￿¥0 Ihat th ony respact.. 1. 8CCOLtnJw records were noi k8pt kn resp8¢t ol th• P•rtKhLql Chjrch as by 130 ofth• A¢t or 2. the 8c¢ounts dld nol a¢¢tyd vllh th8 roouods. I ha¥• no Goneerns and h8V8 •cfoBS no other matters In wth th8 ex8[￿nath￿ lo whkh altenbon •hould b• drawn in Ihls roport In tyder lo •Trab￿ 8 prfw und•rst•nding oflhe ￿e0￿nIS b) be read￿. 8r•1rloy & Co Accounl*nts Llmll•d Dat•'.- Ch•rt•r•d C•rtlll•d **¢ountsn¢• 3W43 8rld•• Str••t Swlnton •xbovouqh 8othh York•hlrn ST. MARY'S CHURCH SPROTBROUGH INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 RESTRICTED 31.12.23 31.12.22 Restrlcted Funds Other voluntary Fundraising Investment Gift Aid & GASDS recovered Church Activites Grants 70 698 24.558 246 1,580 1.683 7.000 935 7,000 4,000 Gross Income 33,261 14,509 Resources expended Church Running Expenses Church Utility Bills Church Maintenance Church Hall & Stable Maintenance Other Recategorise Funds 281 217 4.248 26 78 8,965 1.713 2,191 15,901 4,352 Net Gainsl(Losses) on Investments 16,709 Surplusl{Deficlt) for the year 17,360 6,552 Funds balance blfwd 225,610 232,162 242,970 225,610 ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 UNRESTRICTED 31.12.23 31.12.22 Unrestrlcted Funds Collections - Setvice Colleelions - Baptism Collections - Funerals Collections - Weddings Planned Giving Gift Aid and GASDS recovered Church Activities Other Voluntary Statutory Fees retsined by the PCC Investments Legacies Grants Fundraising Other Receiptsllncome not listed Donations to Other Charities not SDBF Recategorise Funds 6.494 579 1.802 101 26,101 7,039 25,315 3.450 8,803 1.764 2.000 2.150 4,139 60 242 2,191 5.895 959 803 394 32,925 8,245 24,381 3,130 6,168 504 1.000 4,255 1.452 1.030 Gross Incorne 92,230 91,141 Resources exp8nd•d Diocesan Parish Share Salaries, Wages & Honoria Clergy and Staff Expenses Mission & Evangelism costs Church Running Expenses Church Utility Bills Charfty Donations Church Maintenance Costs of Trading Fundraising Costs Donations lo Other Charities not SDBF Other 43.000 9.410 1,742 560 19,419 5.617 700 43.000 10,417 186 732 17,602 5,848 2.409 12.767 186 242 15 11.544 132 1.012 868 93,658 93,750 Net Gainsl(Lossesl on Invsetments Surplusl{Deflcit) for th• year 1N28 2,609 Fund balan¢• brought forward 71,051 73,660 69,623 71.051 ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH BALANCE SHEEr AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 31.1223 31.1222 SDB F￿￿¢e Invesknents 194 Short Term Inveslments ICCLA) Debtor5 ￿mRC) 221,132 193.079 25 32.312 241772 225,416 225.416 241970 225,610 Parish Funds Restricted 241970 225.610 241970 225,610 &gned:..... Date:_28 ILFIZ ST. MARY'S CHURCH SPROTBROUGH BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 31.12.23 31.12.22 Invostments SDB Finance Inve51ments Current ay¥ets Debtors (HMRC) Debtors (GASDS) 3,732 63,794 68.919 70.963 72.651 Current Ilabllitie8: Amounts falling due wlthln one year CreditOTS 1,600 Net current assets 69,623 71,051 69.623 71.051 Parfsh Funds 69.623 71,051 69,623 71,051 Signed: ... Date.- 28ILk114 ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROTBROUGH BALANCE SHE AS AT 31 DECEIIBER 2023 31.1123 31.12.22 SDB Firwi 194 Shcrttem) Invethents Debl(x5 IHMRC) Débtts5 IGASDS} Bank 221.132 IZ79 193.079 1.985 101.231 314n5 311395 .661 Parfsh Funth Totsl Funts IS93 2S6.661 s19r￿d." D*.- 281+lL* SI. MARfs CHURCH SPROTBROUGH NOTES TO THE F114ANCIAL 8TATEMENT8 FOR THE YEAR ENDED JI DE¢EMBER 2023 13 F￿d￿lIniC￿ ij 1.5 *t•eo¥•r*DVAT 1.0 fv•d CcrAecTaW bwi.9q2Kilot 1*3. ¢N¥thW4rain￿*PKI 1.7 $tèÈbx R￿￿￿￿￿OIfvnd ST. MARYS CHURCH SPROT8ROUGH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO Th£TRusfEES OF ST. M￿r5 CHURCH. SPROTBRIXIGH. I rep￿1 to tho trustses on rny•x*￿nalth ollJ* a¢ttyJnts ab¢w• yoor erKJrrtl 31 Doc•mber 2023. A8 lh8 CharW$ trustee5. ￿ aro respons￿e for th8 prow•ih* ￿the accourts wllh tho r49utr￿￿nts of Ihe Char￿￿8 Ad 2011 llhe Atri. I report In respect of my 0xan￿1￿ of Ihe TruJf8 accwnts urKl•rigd>>i 145 41 th• 2011 Acl and ¢a￿lnU wl my exAmlnation. I have fo*Jw•d •11tho arWKobla dkotkn$ to mv by Ih ChatycorrW￿ und8t sèctk)n 145(5Xbl ofthe Act. I hB¥o compw ry examln8kn. I w cMfirn) that mtit•riwl mwtters h8¥8 come to my atton1¥￿ kn CMnxtk￿ w the ex8mlnolon gfvlrvJ m couaa ￿ t•¥8ve th81 kn arby maièrfal rgspxL 1. 1ccoun￿n9 rttords were rnl vwp8clollh8 CPwr¢h •5 r•qu￿1 byaéetsn 130 oftho Ac¢ 2. tha accounts dld not act￿d tho aCCou￿ryd r•md•. I hove no cone•ry￿ and hove atre48 rK*oth•r m•ttorn In conn•cih)n Tth th• •￿a￿￿Tr￿1￿ 10 whkh attwlon 8hDuld drnwn Sn thL8 report In ortl•rto ￿Sts1O 8 F¥rw ￿d01S￿rKI￿9 Kwjnts t* rooL￿. Br••rt•y a Co *K¢ount•nl• Llmknd Ch•rt•r•d C•rtin•d A¢￿￿￿t•￿ts 3W43 8rldg• Str••t M•xborough South Y¢xkshlr•