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2021-12-31-accounts

THE PARISH OF THE ITCHEN VALLEY

Incorporating the Churches of St Mary’s Avington, St Mary’s Easton, St John’s Itchen Abbas and St Swithun’s Martyr Worthy

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Table of contents

Section 1

  1. Administrative information - 4

  2. Structure, governance and management - 4

  3. Aims and purposes - 4

  4. Objects and activities - 4

  5. Achievements and performance - 5

  6. Electoral Roll - 5

  7. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches - 5

  8. Rector’s report - 7

  9. Churchwardens’ report - 11

  10. Deanery Synod report - 15

  11. Further reports - 16

Section 2 – Financial Reports - 19

1. Administrative information

The Parish of the Itchen Valley is part of the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: Itchen Valley Parish Office, St John’s Church, Itchen Abbas, Winchester SO21 1BJ (01962)779845. The office is open from 9 am to 1pm on weekdays. The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Itchen Valley is a Registered Charity No: 1133110.

The Churches of the Parish are St Mary's at Avington, St Mary's at Easton, St John the Baptist's at Itchen Abbas and St Swithun's at Martyr Worthy.

Ministry team:

Rector - Revd Peter Walker Licensed Lay Minister - Gerry Stacey

Churchwardens:

St Mary’s Avington - Vacant St Mary’s Easton - Chris Ellis, Theo Mezger St John’s Itchen Abbas

Deanery Synod Representatives

(elected in 2020 for 3 years):

Gerry Stacey Theo Mezger Sonia Cragg

Elected members of the PCC :

Helen Wayne (Avington), Sara Janssen (Easton), Sally Parker (Itchen Abbas), Nicky Barber (Martyr Worthy)

Hon Secretary: Olivia Cox Hon Treasurer: James Wright

2. Structure, governance & management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the Parish of the Itchen Valley is the governing body for the Parish. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules and the Parish Scheme. The PCC met six times during 2021. The PCC was supported by a Standing Committee and a Finance Committee.

The Constitution of the Parish of the Itchen Valley and the supporting Policy Guidance document can both be found on the parish website.

There are four District Church Councils (DCCs), one for each District centred on the churches of the Parish. All the DCCs met regularly during 2021.

All regular Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC and DCCs.

3. Aims and purposes

The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Rector, to promote the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical - in the Ecclesiastical Parish and the area of the Itchen Valley. It is the duty of the Rector and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish.

4. Objects and activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship God at our churches and to become part of our parish community. The Ministry Team and PCC all acknowledge the need to consider public benefit in planning activities and guidance on the advancement of religion.

5. Achievements and performance

The churchwardens’ report set out some of the highlights of the parish’s achievements and performance in 2021.

Average Attendance

Average Attendance Average Attendance Average Attendance Average Attendance
8.00 am - BCP Communion
2021 2020 2019 2018
8 7 8 8
10.00 am - Parish Communion
2021 2020 2019 2018
31 46 41 44
All Age Worship
2021 2020 2019 2018
49 51 55 54
Valley Worship
2021 2020 2019 2018
52 43 56 43
10.00 am average
2021 2020 2019 2018
44 47 51 47
6.00pm - Evensong
2021 2020 2019 2018
19 15 13 19
Christmas Eve & Day
2021 2020 2019 2018
269 222 461 512
Easter Day
2021 2020 2019 2018
141 68 136 169
Additional Services
2021 2020 2019 2018
4 6 12 10
Baptisms
2021 2020 2019 2018
3 6 12 10
Weddings
2021 2020 2019 2018
6 2 6 4
Funerals
2021 2020 2019 2018
6 11 6 15

The attendance calculation for 2021 are based on Zoom attendance and Church attendance when permissible.

6. Electoral roll

There are 15 9 names on the 2022 Electoral Roll for the Parish, of whom 20 live outside the parish. This is an increase of 6 on 2021 when the Electoral Roll was renewed.

7. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches

St Mary’s, Avington

Work on the outdoor brick repair work has continued and is nearly complete. Permission was sought and gained for some trees in the churchyard to be cut back as they were a potential danger. This work is complete.

Work is needed on some of the lighting and the electric sockets. As a quinquennial report is due to be completed later this year, we shall await the results of that and combine all the requirements before starting the work.

The Vinegar Bible and prayer books have now been repaired and will now be stored in the new cabinet.

St Mary’s, Easton

It is of great concern that during the last year we have failed to repair a small leak in the nave roof where it abuts the chancel and which we believe is blowing the plaster off the internal wall immediately above the font. This is principally due to inability of our

architects to find a contractor to undertake the work. Now the wardens are putting extra effort into remedying this unsatisfactory situation.

Meanwhile, the work to install a brandnew audio visual/broadcasting system has been successfully completed, the chancel lighting has been replaced with a modern LED installation, we have installed a newbench in the churchyard and the extensive remedial work on the trees in the churchyard is nearing completion.

An application for a faculty to level the table tomb closest to the south door is in process. Shortly we expect to start a wild bulb planting scheme in the churchyard. Verbal progress has been made on a plan to improve the access to the church and a final solution may be found in the coming months. During this year it is our plan to gain approval for the extension on the north side of the church, to complete the fund raising and to commence the building work.

St John’s, Itchen Abbas

St John’s has been occupied for various additional services and events around twice a week in addition to Sundays. It is thanks to Vernon who vacuums and shampoos the carpet regularly, that the carpet appears to be in such good condition after heavy use for over 12 years. In addition, the re-arranging of the

chairs is a constant task which he undertakes with good grace. The varied use of St John’s is possible thanks to the re-ordering of the church in 2009. The work to make it welcoming for its increased use falls on the same people although it is a welcome space for the whole parish.

We have an area of the churchyard which has been sown with wild flowers. This has been selected so that the major part of the churchyard is mown and looks tidy. John Bouldin heads the team for this.

There are some outstanding minor repairs which still need attention and will be done before long. Patrick Appleby continues to do sterling work in keeping the boiler, lights, other electrics and the sewage system in good order.

Those who help in a number of ways – John Bouldin for Zoom and projector work, Elizabeth Bouldin with Arminel Tottle arranging the flower rota, Lavinia Owen as chalice assistant, with Elizabeth Bouldin providing coffee after services, Joan and Rodney Dartnall cleaning the brasses as well as opening and locking the church daily, Charlotte Appleby finding organists for the different services across the Valley – all give their time cheerfully and are invaluable in making things run smoothly.

St Swithun’s, Martyr Worthy

Following the carrying out in 2020 of both the works arising out of the Martyr Worthy 2017 quinquennial inspection and the repair of the west wall of the churchyard, 2021 was a quiet year apart from routine maintenance and some minor repairs. These involved some small electrical works to bring things up to modern day standards, refixing four loose gravestones and replacing a rotten gate post in our second graveyard.

Since the year end, we have obtained permission to fell a dangerous ash tree in the north east corner of the churchyard which leans over a wall and Church Lane. Our next quinquennial inspection is due in 2022.

In addition, we are investigating the possibility of engraving the west window of the church, which currently comprises nearly all plain glass, subject to raising the necessary funding.

8. Rectors Report - Revd Peter Thanks to all

This report must start with expressing my heartfelt thanks for the incredible welcome that all of you have given both to me and to Georgie since our arrival in the summer. After some years of moving around, we have ‘come home’ to the lovely Itchen Valley. And, after a gap of 28

years since being in parish ministry, I find myself sometimes not sure whether I am in my late 20’s and serving my curacy or in my 60’s—or perhaps a bit of both at the same time! It’s been a great place to ‘pick up where I left off’ and to be allowed to rediscover the joys and challenges of leading a local church.

We are sorry that, despite our initial aspirations, we have not managed to have more of you round to enjoy some Rectory hospitality, but we do hope once Covid issues and the winter months are behind us, that we will see the Rectory house and garden become a meeting-place for many.

And a further big ‘thank you’ to all those who have given of their time and energy to enable so much to happen in our church life recently. Since my Licensing six months ago on September 11, what a lot has happened! In particular:

So much has been done, and with energetic contributions from so many people—all helping to bring church life back to something of what (I can only imagine) was happening long before I arrived and before the devastations caused by the pandemic.

Rising Energy

The list could go on. Yet one particular activity perhaps deserves a special mention: the resurgence of energy in our children’s ministry in the Ark. In my opening months there was a palpable sense of weariness amongst those who had been ‘holding the fort’ so valiantly during the Covid season. But after some honest discussion about the stresses involved, after some time spent in praying and discerning, and in particular after some wonderful offers of extra help from new parents within our church family, we

seem now to be in a place where a real momentum has been established.

For some, it was that moment towards the end of Valley Worship on Sunday 16 January when 18 children walked through the Easton church door—having walked round from their Ark activities 200 yards away—that ‘lit the heart’.

For others, it was being in the Avington Barn All Age Worship service at 4.00pm on Sunday 30 January and hearing the sheer volume of sung praise and worship coming from all the children, their parents and, yes, their grandparents! By the way, both the timing and the venue of this event were novelties for which your new Rector was responsible, so he was more than a bit nervous on the dot of 4 o’clock, when the barn seemed rather void of people. But then they stopped playing their games outside and ended their conversations, and, suddenly, there were 65 people singing the opening hymn— with an age range from 0 to 92!

Growing in prayer & listening

Yet this is not the only resurgence of energy which I have felt in the parish. From where I am standing, I have sensed something similar taking place—though

expressed perhaps more quietly!— in some of our traditional services. Before and after Christmas there was a series of services at St Swithun’s, Martyr Worthy, that were incredibly powerful: singing carols in the churchyard; Midnight Communion; a New Year Communion based on the BCP order but using the ‘contemporary language’ version; and, finally, a Choral Evensong, which attracted a congregation totalling 36—and this was on a cold winter’s night in the second week of January! One of the church’s welcome team, who had been on duty that night, was rumoured to have been overheard saying afterwards, “I could have danced all the way home!”

In a similar vein, I have sensed our practice of regularly including some verses of a congregational Psalm in our traditional services—both morning and evening—has enabled a new sense of prayer and personal worship to flow amongst us, as we each take the precious words given us in Holy Scripture and use them to express heartfelt praise and prayer to God our Father. It’s so powerful to use the Prayer Book that Jesus himself would have used and thereby to learn to pray as Jesus would often have prayed; and to do so, together —encouraging each other forwards in our journey of faith.

And, in keeping with this, the small change we made in February—namely,

incorporating the words of the Collect, the congregational Psalm and the two Bible Readings within the middle pages of Church Matters—has similarly helped us all to pay closer attention to all these important words. It has enabled a greater flow of worship (not being distracted by having to turn to 3 different sheets or books to find them in a hurry!). And, who knows, it may even have helped our preachers to keep a little bit closer to their text (knowing the congregation have it open in front of them and can easily note when the sermon veers off course!).

In all these ways—seen across the wide range of our services and activities—I have sensed this gentle ‘upsurge’ of energy and power. Storm Eunice recently reminded many of us, who experienced power cuts for several hours, of our dependency on electricity. Perhaps this ‘upsurge’ should be seen as evidence of God’s power and presence amongst us and cause us to ponder our own dependency on God’s Spirit, who alone brings light and life to the people of God.

New openings

Focusing on our Sunday services, I am very grateful that I have been given some space within our pattern of services to try out a few new ideas. We have twice done a traditional Morning Prayer service (using the provision for that in the Common Worship book, 2000); and we have done a similar Evening Prayer service at St John’s, Itchen Abbas, instead of Evensong. This seemed to go down very well—as did the Taizé-styled service we did the week before.

And mention has already been made of the ‘contemporary language’ version of the BCP Communion service. I love the

Book of Common Prayer—not only its powerful language but also the brilliance of Cranmer’s theology and liturgical wisdom. For good reason it remains the foundational norm for all Anglican worship. And I imagine we shall therefore be using it at our 8.00am services at St Swithun’s until the Second Coming! Yet, if some people find its language off-putting, we may be able to use the contemporary language version on some other occasions—for example, most recently at our Ash Wednesday Evening Service—to introduce this brilliant theology to people who might otherwise rarely have an opportunity to engage with it.

In all these ways—and especially when we remember our monthly Valley Worship and All Age Worship services—we are offering within this one parish an incredible range of worship experiences which truly reflects the best breadth that is possible within an Anglicanism that is true to its essentially biblical foundations.

Building on the past

In saying this, I am aware that this happy situation has only come about because those foundations have been laid so well by those who came before me. I am acutely aware of the hard work done by many people over 15 years ago which enabled the four churches to come together and now to work so well as one benefice. And I am also acutely aware of the pivotal role played by my immediate predecessor, Alex Pease, through the many years of his involvement here—both before and during his time as Rector. I have sensed this in so many areas—not least in the quality of the website, the vigour of the informal services, the practical skills of the wonderful Parish Administrator he appointed and the wideranging wisdom of the Ministry Team he

gathered around him. If these had not been in place, the task of the new Rector (especially one working half-time!) would have been impossible; and this report after the first six months would have read very differently indeed!

So I am full of admiration and gratitude and simply ask that, guided by God’s greater wisdom and moved by the truth and love that are ours in Jesus his Son, I may be able to build on this great foundation something ‘beautiful for God’—a community of people, all very different, who together reflect something of the character of our wonderful God and Saviour. Jesus’ chief apostle, Peter, spoke powerfully in his first letter (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9) of the beautiful building that can be built when each individual is focused on Christ. May his words inspire us all to help build such a community here in the Itchen Valley:

‘As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. … You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’

9. Church Wardens’ Report

2021 was a year of change. However, we would like to start by warmly welcoming all those who are new to the parish including the many young families and those from outside the parish who have chosen to worship with us and become part of our community.

As mentioned in last year’s report, The Revd Alex Pease announced in January 2021 that he would not be seeking to be re-appointed as our Rector on 15[th] April. We fully understood why and were fully supportive of his position. We thanked Alex and Lucy for all that they did in his three years at a party in July in Theo and Judith Mezger’s wonderful garden when we presented Alex with a glass bowl engraved by Philip Lawson Johnston and a donation towards the renovation of Lucy’s and his garden. Alex left us in a thriving, growing, sustainable and strong position and can be very proud of his achievement. We all enjoyed working with and supporting Alex in his work and are delighted that he and Lucy have chosen to remain living among us.

We were then faced with the challenges and burdens of yet another vacancy where the responsibility of running the parish fell on the Churchwardens, but we

were lucky and blessed to have a strong Ministry Team which was one of Alex’s legacies who were able to take charge of taking the services and maintaining momentum. Both they and the Churchwardens were ably supported by Beccy Clark our Parish Administrator on whom part of the burden inevitably fell.

With the help of Rt Rev David Williams Bishop of Basingstoke and The Ven Richard Brand Archdeacon of Winchester, we were very lucky to be able to secure the appointment of The Revd Peter Walker as our new Rector after a short vacancy. At a ceremony at Easton Church on 11[th] September, Peter was presented to Bishop David to be instituted as Rector by Mrs Amelia Ashton DL representing the Crown, who owns the Living, having had it restored to them on 28[th] July following a three year suspension at the time of Alex’s appointment.

Peter was then instituted by Bishop David and inducted by the Area Dean Revd David Chattell. It was a very happy day when the parish was able to welcome Peter and Georgie to the parish. We are already enjoying helping Peter, supported by Georgie, in his work as he gets to know us and starts to develop his plans. We feel truly blessed to have Peter and Georgie amongst us. The post of Rector, which has been a half-time post since Alex’s arrival

in April 2018, remains a half-time post with Peter devoting the other half of his time to his other work responsibilities.

Throughout the year it should not be forgotten that we were also faced by the challenging and evolving restrictions imposed by Covid but were able to successfully maintain and develop the initiatives that we wrote about in some detail last year and to start to open up as the restrictions began to ease. We look forward to hopefully getting back to some sense of normality in 2022 but recognise that Covid is likely to be with us for many years to come and that we need to learn to live with it.

We would like to pay tribute to the members of our Ministry Team led by Alex up to 14 May, Tim Clapp during the vacancy and Revd Peter from 11 September, supported by Gerry Stacey, our Licensed Lay Minister, and our eight Licenced BCMs, Tim Clapp, Simon Ffennell, James Greig (for part of the year), Julia Wright (all Worship Ministers), Nicky Barber (Creation Care), John Barber (Prayer Minister), Lavinia Owen (Pastoral Minister) and Lucy Pease (Discipleship Minister) (up to 14 May). In addition James Greig (for part of the year), James Wright, Julia Wright, Nicky Barber and John Barber were occasional preachers, selected by the Rectors and operating

under their authority. We would like to thank our Ministry Team, which was much enlarged by Alex, for all that they have done and we feel truly blessed to have them. We should not underestimate the challenges they faced and the work involved, particularly as a result of both Covid and the vacancy. We should also remember that the Ministry Team plays a very important role now that the post of Rector is only a half-time post and given that we have not had a curate since 2018. We also much appreciated the part played by visiting clergy drawn from the Clerical Register during the vacancy, which continues when Peter is away. An enormous thank you to you all.

We would again like to thank the support given to the Ministry Team by the Zoom jockeys led by Chris Ellis and including Gerry Stacey, John Bouldin, James Greig (for part of the year) and Ben Hart who enabled many services to be zoomed. Equally critical were David Parker, the parish’s Health & Safety Officer, and Sara Mason, the Parish’s Covid Protocol Officer, who took particular responsibility for producing and revising the protocols to be followed and the risk assessments for each type of service and church. We are truly grateful to them and blessed to have them. Again a big thank you.

It must not be forgotten that the success of a parish also depends on many others who volunteer to perform various other key roles and duties. Those who:

It has always been and remains one big team effort and we are truly appreciative of all that you have done in this difficult year. We thank you.

Our objective remains to hold a minimum of two church services each Sunday with services spread across our four churches in a regular pattern of worship which our congregation appreciates. As set out in our Parish Profile, in recognition of the fact that the Church of England is a broad church, that we are a rural parish and that different members of our congregation like different forms of worship, liturgy and versions of the prayer book and Bible, we aim to offer worship across a broad spectrum. This involves a balance of traditional and more modern familyorientated services so as to both maintain a wide appeal and attract younger people which is so important if we are to be a vibrant and growing rural parish. It has also involved having services outside and using Avington Barn for services thanks to Robert Stent. This has proved particularly popular. We appreciate that the more modern forms of services do not appeal to some of our older congregation members. However it attracts younger families who are already playing an active role in church life. We keep the format and content of these more modern form of services under regular review.

We are blessed with beautiful and wellmaintained churches and are pleased that we are able to keep them open daily and to use them for regular and festive worship and other events. It is gratifying to see from the visitors’ books how many people visit and appreciate our churches. This is in large part due to the four District Church Councils, who have delegated responsibility for the upkeep and general maintenance of the churches and churchyards, together with the large number of people who provide additional support.

We continued to assist our Rector and the Ministry Team with implementing our Parish Mission Action Plan as part of the Diocese’s Strategic Priorities for Mission. This has led to various initiatives in recent years including a renewed focus on attracting more families and younger parishioners to our churches.

We would like to thank Beccy Clark, our Parish Administrator, whose skills and helpfulness are much appreciated, for all her time and hard work. We would also like to thank Janet Denyer, our Parish Bookkeeper, for all her hard work and help too. We have also been entirely dependent upon our wonderful volunteers in doing the various jobs that they do including Rolls Coleman and his successor James Wright as Hon Treasurer, Verity Coleman and her successor Olivia Cox as PCC Secretary, David Parker as

Health & Safety Officer, Sara Mason as Covid Protocol Officer, Sarah Hunt as Safeguarding Officer and Charlotte Appleby who has sought out new organists when our regular ones are not available and makes them feel welcome. We are truly appreciative and grateful. Thank you.

The work of the parish is reflected in the wide range of activities which take place. Normally notable events include the annual Way of the Cross Service, our Patronal Services and parties and Carols in the Barn. Sadly not all of them were able to take place in 2021 due to Covid. In addition we had carol singing in the various villages in 2021 as in 2020 led by the choir under the direction of Major General Tim Tyler.

With a focus on mission and outreach, and mindful of the importance of public benefit in the work of a charity, many of the activities of the parish continued to be directed towards the wider community and beyond:

2021, like 2020, was unavoidably a less active year for fund raising. Events were limited to the first of the three lectures in the 2021/22 Martyr Worthy Lecture Series (£3,080), and Philip Windsor-Aubrey Woodwork Sales (£222). Historically, fundraising events have made a major contribution to our financial position and it is important that a major push is made in 2022 to restore fundraising income to its former position as the Treasurer also makes clear in his report. Fundraising events also provide a social dimension to our life as a parish and demonstrate that the congregation is active in the local community. Some events are put on jointly with other organisations and may raise money for several charities as well as church funds. We are once again grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of fundraising teams, but are always looking out for new ideas and helpers.

Going forward as the Treasurer again makes clear in his report we need everyone to consider in 2022 increasing the amount they give by way of planned giving.

This year sees Theo Mezger standing down as Churchwarden. We would like to thank Theo for all that he has done including acting as Deputy Chairman of the PCC and being Acting Chairman during our recent Vacancy. In addition, David Parker, who has been Health & Safety Officer since the creation of the post, is standing down. We would like to thank David for everything that he has done

over the years including setting up the protocols. We also saw, as reported last year, the departure at the last APCM of Tony Gaster as a Churchwarden and would once again like to thank Tony for all that he did as a Churchwarden and for both the PCC and Itchen Abbas DCC where among other jobs he co-ordinated St John’s churchyard maintenance team. In addition, as mentioned above, we saw Rolls & Verity Coleman retire as Hon Treasurer and Hon Secretary and would again like to thank them both for all that they did.

10. Deanery Synod Report

For the first half of the year the parish had four lay representatives on Deanery Synod, Gerry Stacey, Sonia Cragg, Sally Parker and Theo Mezger. Following a review by the Diocese during the summer our representation was reduced to three and Sally Parker most graciously stood down.

During the last 12 months Synod has met three times in June and October via Zoom and in February face to face.

The main topics have been:

Focal Ministry – where a lay person is commissioned to act as a minister in the larger benefices. There are now two such pilot schemes in Bighton and Old Alresford. For the time being this concept is not applicable to the Parish of the Itchen Valley.

Lango Link – Following the retirement of the principal representatives on the Lango Committee and no replacements being forthcoming it was decided to abandon the relationship. Following a final payment of funds the link has now ceased.

Rwanda – The Diocese of Winchester is suggesting that we as a Deanery develop a link with a diocese in Rwanda, which is

under consideration but for which there is currently limited enthusiasm. Farm Church – a concept of services being held six times per annum on farms through the Deanery, each with a strong agricultural theme.

Two such services have been held so far with success. Our parish is likely to be asked to hold one later this year (now scheduled for Saturday 10 September). Deanery Pilgrimage – In lieu of the annual Deanery Thanksgiving Service there will be a pilgrimage/walk from St John’s, Alresford to Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 28 May along the Pilgrim’s way via Martyr Worthy, which will be a resting point. The event is being organised by this parish.

11. Reports

CAMEO – Charlotte Appleby

CAMEO has been a hybrid affair this year, with some actual gatherings and some home deliveries. We deeply regret the death of John Hollier, and have also lost a few guests who have moved away to be nearer family but we have been delighted to welcome some new ones, so numbers are stable. A short non-communion service has been devised for those months when the service is taken by a lay minister and we are grateful to Revd Peter for coming every third month to take the service even though Tuesday is not one of his working days. The helpers team is, as ever, wonderfully willing in spite of now having more demands on their time. Vernon the Verger is a key person, putting the tables out and away each month with cheerful good humour.

If anyone knows any over 65s who might like to join us, or anyone (over or under 65!) who would like to join the helpers team we always have room for more.

Valley Visitors - Lavinia Owen

Visiting remains difficult with some of the vulnerable still shielding but it has continued with much use of the telephone. We have been unable to visit Care Homes until recently. The Valley Visitors team now has 14 visitors, who I want to thank for their amazing efforts in these awkward circumstances. Gail Mann has retired after many wonderful years of service to the community and Maddy Woosnam and James Greig have also stepped down due to their commitments. We wish them well with Maddy’s writing and teaching work and James’ lovely flowers.

Our last meeting was on the 18 November in St John’s Church which was a chance for most of us to meet up with Revd Peter when we were much encouraged to learn that Pastoral Care is one of his priorities for his ministry.

UTX (Under the Cross)

Unfortunately, UTX has not met during the last year but we are looking forward to re-launching this group for secondary age children in the coming months.

The Ark - Julia Wright

The Ark was very happy to be reunited and revived in September 2021 after the limitations. We had several new parents joining the rota which has been hugely encouraging, and makes the running of the Ark more sustainable. Since September, the number of children attending the Ark has reached 18 children – which is the largest the Ark has seen for a long time. There is a lovely family atmosphere amongst the children, who range from 2-10 years, and also amongst the parents who lead the sessions.

The Ark has recently started looking to employ a children’s worker who would be able to offer greater input to the young people in our parish.

Little Rainbows - Julia Wright

Little Rainbows began meeting again, post Covid lockdowns, in April 2021. We had to be limited to 15 adults for a few months and had a waiting list which was always filled within minutes of opening. There was a real hunger amongst both adults and children to spend time together after the lockdowns. By September the restrictions were lifted and we regularly saw 15 adults with their little ones. The toddlers snack table now stretches to 3 tables long to accommodate them all!

We follow the same format of play, coffee, snack time, dancing, and a Bible

story. We also continue to be hugely grateful to the rota of Older Rainbows organised by Verity Colman. We always love their company and are very appreciative for their tea, coffee and wonderful cakes.

Wednesday Night Worship - Julia and James Wright

Our worship evenings had been on pause during Covid whilst there were restrictions on un-masked singing. However, we were very happy to be reunited in November 2021 when we had our first gathering after twenty months. A few new faces have joined our evenings, both from within the parish and also further afield, bringing our numbers to between twenty and twenty five.

We continue to seek to provide a place for people to meet with God, and meet with others, in an atmosphere of informal worship, with the sharing of testimonies rooted in Scripture, and while praying for one another. We meet once a month in St John’s, Itchen Abbas.

Health and Safety - David Parker

This year was again dominated by Covid related issues. I would like to thank all involved in creating a safe space for the various activities, but particular thanks go to Sara Mason for her leadership of the Covid sub-Committee. Her report is as follows:

The pandemic continued to present challenges throughout the year, particularly for weddings and funerals which required an immense amount of planning and co-ordination to meet the control measures required at the time. I would like to thank Beccy for her support and patience in dealing with the challenges throughout the pandemic. On the arrival of Revd Peter we were able to welcome him and Georgie with various events, even under the control measures in place at the time. I am pleased to say that we have now returned to singing in church, which is a great joy after so many months but we continue to be mindful of those in our community who are vulnerable but may wish to attend a service. I hope we have achieved the right balance and I thank all the members of the PCC, Revd Peter and the parishioners for their continued support as we return to normal service patterns as the pandemic eases.

Safeguarding - Sarah Hunt

There are no incidents or confidential matters which have caused concern. The new regulations insist that DBS renewals should be done every three years instead of every five and that the paper forms and document checking have to be undertaken in a way which seems unexpectedly old fashioned and cumbersome. Presumably this is also time-consuming and expensive for the Diocese. The use of St John’s by the Rector for confidential discussions with Beccy in attendance but out of hearing is available when necessary. There are a number of new people who are helping with the Ark which is a good addition to those already in the team.

We have continued to review the data and guidance and have been able to return to a more expansive programme in church in a controlled and step by step manner. At all times our priority has been to take all reasonable measures to be as safe as practically possible for the good of all our church community. The more routine actions have been kept up to date as best as is reasonably practical.

After a decade I have decided to step down from my Health and Safety role and I am delighted that Sara has agreed to pick up the overall leadership. I would like to thank the whole team and especially Sara and the DCC representatives who have been simply superb.

Itchen Valley PCC

End of Year Financial Statements Year ending 31[st] December 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW

This report shows the financial performance of the Itchen Valley Parish for 2021.

Total Income for the year was 21% lower YoY at £129k (PY £164k) and Expenses were 5% lower YoY at £168k (PY £177k). After £5k of investment gains, the total deficit for the year was £34k (PY £12k).

As a result, the financial position of the Parish has weakened and Total Funds, on 31st December 2021, were down 13% YoY to £216k.

The unrestricted deficit in 2021 was £25k (£7k in 2020) and the unrestricted reserves at 31 December 2021 stand at £98k (£123k in 2020).

The Parishes contribution to the Common Mission Fund (CMF) was £69k (£74k in 2020) and, to support investment in growth within the Parish, will reduce to £45k in 2021.

Of note, Planned Giving (unrestricted) and Gift Aid Recovered totaled £83k (£90k in PY) and remains short of our target for regular giving to cover the day-to-day running costs of the parish (c.£110k pa).

A key focus for the Parish, in the coming year, is to increase regular giving and restore regular fundraising events within the villages.

As ever many thanks are due to everyone who contributed to the running and financing of the Parish in what has been a difficult year and, in particular, to Janet Denyer, who continues to carry out the roles of Bookkeeper and Gift Aid Secretary expertly.

RESERVES POLICY

As required by Charities legislation, the PCC reviews regularly the financial risks associated with the operations of the Church. The main financial risk to income would be a change in the giving profile of parishioners and the main financial risk to costs would be a requirement for significant expenditure on the buildings.

The PCC’s policy is to maintain liquid funds (not designated for other purposes) to cover 9 months expenditure of unrestricted funds.

Approved by the Itchen Valley PCC on 22 March 2022 and signed on their behalf by

Rev Peter Walker.

Revd Peter Walker

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

on the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2021

Respective responsibilities of the P.C.C and the examiner

The P.C.C. members acting as the charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act

to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the Independent Examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission and the guidance published in the PCC Accountability (The Charities Act 2011 and the PCC, 5th edition). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for 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 material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 24th March 2022

Signed:

Stephen Hendy

-21-

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

Restricted funds represent donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for expenditure on a specific purpose agreed by the PCC. The designation has no legal status and may be changed.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes in accordance with its constitution.

Incoming resources

All income is generally recognised when it is received.

Resources expended

Expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. In certain cases, where significant liabilities have been incurred but not paid for, these are accounted for on an accruals basis.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.92(a) of the Charities Act 1993. Movable church furnishings held by the rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31[st] December comprise short-term investments shown under current assets.

Investments sold are revalued immediately prior to disposal

Investment income is allocated across the funds in proportion to their average balance during the year.

Investment balances are allocated across funds in proportion to the fund balances at the 31[st] December.

-22-

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
Prior Year
Total funds
Note
Receipts
Planned giving
1
Collections and other giving
2
Other voluntary receipts
3
Gift Aid recovered
4
Other receipts
5
Activities for generating funds
6
Investment Income
7
Receipts from church activities
8
Total receipts
Payments
Cost of generating funds
9
Common Mission Fund
10
Clergy and Staffing costs
11
Church Running Expenses
12
Church Repairs & Maintenance
13
New Building work
14
Total payments
Net incoming / (outgoing) resources before
transfer
Transfer between funds
Net incoming / outgoing before other gains /
losses
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains / losses on investment assets
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Designated
Itchen Abbas Designated Fabric
Restricted
Avington Fabric
Easton Fabric
Martyr Worthy Fabric
Were Fabric Fund
Total Funds		 68,464
—
—
68,464
72,875
3,242
—
350
3,592
4,348
3,642
—
22,290
25,933
51,298
14,064
—
1,086
15,150
17,193
227
—
3,900
4,127
889
3,130
—
222
3,352
9,768
696
154
562
1,412
1,880
7,359
—
—
7,359
5,535
100,825
154
28,410
129,389
163,786
80
—
—
80
—
68,537
—
—
68,537
74,474
20,713
—
—
20,713
20,089
39,115
—
—
39,115
31,580
—
663
5,975
6,638
49,549
—
—
32,952
32,952
808
128,445
663
38,926
168,034
176,500
(27,620)
(509)
(10,516)
(38,645)
(12,714)
—
—
—
—
—
(27,620)
(509)
(10,516)
(38,645)
(12,714)
2,466
534
1,916
4,916
858
(25,155)
24
(8,600)
(33,730)
(11,855)
123,006
27,342
99,872
250,221
262,076
97,851
27,367
91,273
216,491
250,221
97,851
—
—
97,851
123,006
—
27,367
—
27,367
27,342
—
—
10,814
10,814
11,094
—
—
39,540
39,540
46,512
—
—
17,945
17,945
19,856
—
—
22,974
22,974
22,411
97,851
27,367
91,273
216,491
250,221

Balance sheet

Total funds
Prior year funds
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Designated
Itchen Abbas Designated Fabric
Restricted
Avington Fabric
Easton Fabric
Martyr Worthy Fabric
Were Fabric Fund
Funds of the church		 7,756
6,673
—
131,951
215,150
122,984
222,905
261,609
6,415
11,388
6,415
11,388
216,491
250,221
216,491
250,221
216,491
250,221
97,851
123,006
27,367
27,342
10,814
11,094
39,540
46,512
17,945
19,856
22,974
22,411
216,491
250,221

Statement of assets and liabilities

Current assets - Current assets
CAF current account
CAF Gold bank account
Nat West current account
Scottish Widows 90 day account
CCLA Investment Fund
M&G Charifund
Accounts Receivable
Totals
Liabilities - Liabilities
Agency collections
Accounts payable
Prepayments
Totals
Grand total		 General
Designated
Restricted
Thisyear
Lastyear
61,026
16,686
54,322
132,034
43,711
16,680
4,561
14,251
35,492
35,488
22,382
6,120
19,123
47,624
43,785
—
—
—
—
80,823
—
—
—
—
42,224
—
—
—
—
8,904
1,262
—
6,494
7,756
6,673
101,349
27,367
94,189
222,905
261,609
—
—
2,917
2,917
6,850
2,228
—
—
2,228
4,538
1,270
—
—
1,270
—
3,498
—
2,917
6,415
11,388
97,851
27,367
91,273
216,491
250,221

Analysis of income and expenditure

1 Planned giving

Planned giving - GAE donations
Planned giving - non GAE donations
Planned giving - GA inclusive
donations
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
53,602
—
—
53,602
61,382
5,782
—
—
5,782
2,293
9,080
—
—
9,080
9,200
68,464
—
—
68,464
72,875

2 Collections and other giving

GASDS Avington
GASDS Martyr Worthy
GASDS Itchen Abbas
GASDS Easton
One-off GAE gifts (inc CAFDonate
GAE)
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
—
—
—
—
150
187
—
—
187
1,555
114
—
—
114
810
473
—
—
473
378
2,468
—
350
2,818
1,455
3,242
—
350
3,592
4,348

3 Other voluntary receipts

Church wall boxes
Donations for specific purposes
Recurring grants
Other donations Non GAE & one-off
grants
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
458
—
—
458
81
—
—
19,493
19,493
39,500
2,500
—
—
2,500
10,000
685
—
2,798
3,482
1,717
3,642
—
22,290
25,933
51,298

4 Gift Aid recovered

Gift aid tax reclaim
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
14,064
—
1,086
15,150
17,193
14,064
—
1,086
15,150
17,193

5 Other receipts

Other funds generated
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
227
—
3,900
4,127
889
227
—
3,900
4,127
889

6 Activities for generating funds

Fund raising events
Christmas card sales
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
3,130
—
222
3,352
9,668
—
—
—
—
100
3,130
—
222
3,352
9,768

7 Investment Income

Bank interest
Investment income
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
79
17
61
158
260
617
137
501
1,254
1,620
696
154
562
1,412
1,880

8 Receipts from church activities

Wedding & funeral fees
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
7,359
—
—
7,359
5,535
7,359
—
—
7,359
5,535

9 Cost of generating funds

Costs of fund raising events
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
80
—
—
80
—
80
—
—
80
—

10 Common Mission Fund

Common mission fund
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
68,537
—
—
68,537
74,474
68,537
—
—
68,537
74,474

11 Clergy and staffing costs

Assistant ministry expenses
Parish administrator & bookkeeper
costs
Rector's expenses
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
210
—
—
210
169
20,188
—
—
20,188
19,920
315
—
—
315
—
20,713
—
—
20,713
20,089

12 Church running expenses

Bank charges
Expenses for vacancy
Wedding and funeral expenses
Stationery, printing, computing
Sacristy
Training courses
Children's activities
Parish entertainment and hospitality
Church running - insurance
Organ tuning
Church maintenance
Service: fire, heating, safety
Worship and music
Upkeep of churchyard
Administration
Church running - electric
Church running - gas
Church running - water
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
96
—
—
96
65
945
—
—
945
—
1,852
—
—
1,852
770
6,002
—
—
6,002
2,793
—
—
—
—
41
173
—
—
173
502
373
—
—
373
381
461
—
—
461
508
6,189
—
—
6,189
6,825
355
—
—
355
—
4,941
—
—
4,941
4,500
2,024
—
—
2,024
912
2,650
—
—
2,650
2,639
6,768
—
—
6,768
4,083
820
—
—
820
—
2,316
—
—
2,316
1,926
2,783
—
—
2,783
5,028
369
—
—
369
608
39,115
—
—
39,115
31,580

13 Church repairs & maintenance

Quinquennial inspection - Martyr
Worthy
Quinquennial inspection - Itchen
Abbas
Quinquennial inspection - Easton
Quinquennial inspection - Avington
Church & graveyard major repairs
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
—
—
2,358
2,358
33,190
—
663
—
663
—
—
—
—
—
1,128
—
—
—
—
11,790
—
—
3,617
3,617
3,441
—
663
5,975
6,638
49,549

14 New building work

Avington Bible cabinet
Easton sound system
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
—
—
3,449
3,449
680
—
—
29,503
29,503
127
—
—
32,952
32,952
808

15 Additional Notes Details of Fund-Raising Activities

Event Unrestricted
Fund		 Restricted
Fund		 Net sum raised
for
the parish
Martyr Worthy Lectures
Sale of woodwork
Sale of T shirts		 3,080
50		 0
222		 3,080
222
50
Total 3,130 222 3,352

In many cases, fund raising expenses are not reported to IVPCC and only net funds have been received. Although this is relatively common practice, it is not strictly in compliance with generally accepted accounting practice.

Collections for Other Charities

During 2021 there were the following collections for other charities (not including special collections at weddings and funerals). As these collections are for third parties, they are not counted as part of the funds of the Parish. Collections include donations via CAF Donate and SumUp.

Candlemas services collection for:
Lango		 92
Confirmation service collection for:
World Mission
Harvest Festival collections for:
Trinity Winchester
Winchester Basics Bank
Winchester Beacon		 130
181
181
181
Remembrance service collection for:
Royal British Legion		 455
Christmas collections 2021 split between:
The Children’s Society
Trinity Winchester
Winchester Basics Bank
Winchester Beacon		 601
601
601
601
Total collections for other charities 3,623

Donations for Specific Purposes

Easton chancel lighting
Easton audio visual		 1,393
18,100
Total donations for specificpurposes 19,493

Donations from Trustees

The total donations from the Trustees in the reporting period was £38,454 and no conditions were attached to any of these donations.

Itchen Valley Churches St John’s Church, Itchen Abbas, Winchester SO21 1BJ