## **The Parish of Whyke, St. George Rumboldswyke, St. Mary & Portfield, All Saints** 

## **Diocese of Chichester** 


## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024** 

**With accounts and financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2024** 

**Presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 18 May 2025** 

**Incumbent: The Revd Dr Angus Reid** 

**Registered Charity No. 1133301** 



## **Parish of Whyke, St George, Rumboldswyke, St Mary & Portfield, All Saints** 

## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** 

## **CONTENTS** 

**1. Agenda** 

**2. Minutes of the previous year’s meeting, 19 May 2024** 

**3. Trustees’ Annual Report on the proceedings of the PCC and activities of the parish during 2024** 

**4. Financial statements of the PCC for the year ending 31 December 2024 and Independent Examiner’s Report** 

**5. Report on the Fabric & Furnishings of the Church** 

**6. Deanery Synod Report** 

**7. Safeguarding Report** 



## **Parish of Whyke, St George, Rumboldswhyke, and St Mary & Portfield, All Saints** 

The Annual Parochial Meeting (APM) and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) will take place on Sunday 18 May 2025 at 11.30am in St George’s Church 

## **Agenda** 

1. Welcome 

2. Apologies for absence 

## **Annual Parish Meeting** 

3. Election of Churchwardens 

## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** 

4. Approval of the Minutes from the previous year’s meeting, 19 May 2024 

5. Any matters arising from the Minutes 

6. Election of representatives to the Deanery Synod 

7. Election of representatives to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) 

8. Appointment of Independent Examiner 

9. Report on the Electoral Roll 

10. Trustees’ Annual Report on the proceedings of the PCC and activities of the parish during 2024 

11. Financial statements of the PCC for the year ending 31 December 2024 and Independent Examiner’s Report 

11. Report on the Fabric and Furnishings of the Church 

12. Deanery Synod Report 

13. Safeguarding Report 

14. Rector’s Report 

15. Any Other Business 



## **ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, WHYKE Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Council meeting held on Sunday 19th May 2024** 

## **at 11.30am in church.** 

**Present:** Fr Angus Reid (Chair) plus 29 attendees. 

1. Fr Angus welcomed the meeting. 

2. **Apologies for absence** were received from Mary Howick, Louise James, Elizabeth Carlisle. 

## **Annual Parish Meeting** 

## **3. Election of Churchwardens** 

Sam Kelly was elected unanimously as Churchwarden. 

## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** 

## **4. Minutes of meeting held on 21st November 2022** 

The minutes were agreed unanimously and will be signed by Fr Angus. 

## **5. Any matters arising not covered below** 

There were no matters arising. 

## **6. Election of representatives to the Deanery Synod** 

Penny Mason was elected as representative to the Deanery Synod. 

## **7. Election of representatives to the PCC** 

Alison Davis Catherine James Nikki Edge Sue Howell-Evans Ginnie Wyllie Rebecca Hulse All were elected unanimously. 

## **8. Appointment of Independent Examiner** 

Stewardship was appointed as Independent Examiner. 

## **9. Report on Electoral Roll** 

There are 147 people on the electoral roll. Fr Angus thanked Lesley Valerio and Rosemary Lay for compiling the Electoral Roll. 



## **10. Trustee’s Annual Report on the proceedings of the PCC and activities of the parish during 2023** 

The meeting approved the annual report. 

## **11. Financial statements of the PCC for the year ending 31 December 2023 and Independent Examiner’s Report** 

Alison outlined the financial statements. Our auditor has requested to share our format as a good example for other parishes. There was a discussion about Easy Fundraising, but there were no questions. 

## **12. Report on the Fabric and Furnishings of the Church** 

Fr Angus presented the Annual Fabric and Furnishings Report. There were no questions. 

## **13. Deanery Synod Report** 

Fr Angus presented the Deanery Synod Report. There were no questions. 

## **14. Safeguarding report** 

Fr Angus presented the 2023 safeguarding report. Correction to the printed report: one safeguarding issue was reported in 2023 and was dealt with appropriately. 

## **15. Rector’s Report** 

Fr Angus gave the Rector’s report. 

## _Life of Worship and Prayer_ 

The Sunday Eucharist has grown and developed in the past year. New people have joined and become involved. Easter 2023 was quiet in terms of congregation numbers. The church will rethink patterns of worship and enter a dialogue to engage people. The re-think was evident in 2024 and Easter was more positive. Christmas was also encouraging and engaged people in various services. Numbers were still lower than we’d hoped, but we’re thinking about how to engage people more. Meditation has been an important part of our worship and continues to develop. 

## _Children and Families_ 

Zara has been an excellent colleague for Fr Angus to creatively plan and deliver children’s work. 

## _Community Engagement_ 

We have been working on engaging people across generations and family groupings. 

- Friends of St Mary’s Churchyard has been an enormous benefit to the St George’s Community. 

- The community food hub in partnership with UK Harvest is fighting food poverty and fighting food waste. People from the wider community come and find St George’s a place of welcome. 

- Rumboldswhyke School: 

   - Fr Angus and two congregation members are governors. 

   - Fr Angus leads meditation and worship. 



- Sue visits for music with the children and has recently started a children’s choir. 

- Sam has been in to talk about ecology and work outdoors with the children. 

- Some Rumboldswhyke children and families now attend St George’s and are being prepared for first communion. 

## _Events_ 

The team has worked hard, led by Mary Acland, bringing new events to our calendar. Our first Autumn Show was a great success and brought in new people. Christmas Fair, Breakfasts, Fish & Chips Quiz nights, WRAP Chat were also enjoyed by many and raised much needed funds. 

## _Resources and Volunteers_ 

Fr Angus has taken on a lot of additional duties in the absence of a PCC secretary and churchwardens. The lack of willingness for people to participate is partly due to the historic expectations of the roles. Despite the headline vacancies, we have been agile in teams to complete the work required. For example we have three deputy churchwardens running services effectively, the building team has undertaken a great deal of work, finances and PCC have been taken care of well. There are people who willingly help, but fear being on a rota. We have a challenge to ensure that people see that the roles can be life giving rather than life draining. We have a duty to care towards the people who work hard for us. 

## _Safeguarding_ 

It is an absolute priority to ensure that people who come to our church are safe, especially those who are vulnerable in any way. Our processes must be set up to ensure that reporting and resulting actions are fit for purpose. We must create and maintain a culture which creates trust and dignity in all our interactions. We must embody our values in everything we do. We are under resourced but keeping our standards as high as possible, particularly as we grow and welcome more people. 

## _Ecological Focus_ 

We have a deep commitment to caring for God’s world. How we care for God’s creation as a community reflects our values. It is not an option to switch off our minds to the improvements we must make. If all churches do this as communities, the impact will be invaluable. 

There were no questions. 

## **16. Any other business** 

- i. Deanery meeting about integrating families, and environmental priorities, Sat 29[th] June, St Paul’s Church, 9.00-1.30, Chris Harrison extended an open invitation. 

- ii. Diocese Environment Day, 15[th] June, Horsham. Sam & Zara attending, Sam extended an open invitation. 

- iii. Fr Angus thanks: 



1. Sue Howell Evans and the choir 

2. Sarah Pack, Chris Harrison, Greg James, Rebecca Hulse, Amy Sweetapple, Ginnie Wyllie and all the volunteers who have helped with the J-team and our children’s events 

3. Zara Cross, Youth Worker 

4. Nikki Edge and all the serving team, particularly all the children who have joined the serving team. 

5. Readers, intercessors, and lay ministers of the Eucharist 

6. Siân Thomas - Churchwarden 

7. Jill Merry, Mark Arnold, Mike Mower – Deputy Wardens 

8. The stewards, meeters and greeters 

9. Fr Bill Johnston & Fr Philip Meader 

10. Rosemary Lay, who keeps the parish office running efficiently 

11. Jill Merry and Mary Poole who serve as sacristan, taking over from Sue StevensonWatt 

12. Jill Merry, Judy Emmett, Penny Mason, Mary Poole, Fr Bill and Fr Phillip for their healing ministry 

13. Sue Bainbridge and the flower team 

14. Mary Acland and the members of the events and fundraising committee 15. The cleaning team 

16. Isabelle Poole for cleaning the centre 

17. Dan Perkins, Roy Barratt, Peter James, Ian Attwood, Jill Merry, Geoff Merry for their being part of the building team. 

18. All who attended and help with the Meditation Sessions 

19. All those on the catering team who provide refreshments after Mass and at events. 

20. Ken Green for everything he has down to promote the life of St George’s. 

21. Sam Kelly, Gerladine Burrows, Ian Attwood, Liz Ashurst – members of the Friends of St Mary Churchyard committee 

22. John Fitch and Ken Green for their work on the history and heritage of the churchyard. 

23. All the other friends of St Mary’s 

24. Mary Poole for her acting as the link person between St George’s and Lakeview Grange care home, and for others who come to help at the service of Holy Communion. 

25. Geraldine Burrows – for her work as cashier and WRAP-CHAT 

26. All who volunteer at WRAP CHAT and all speakers. 

27. WRAP CHOIR – Geraldine Burrows, Nikki Edge and Jason Howard. 

28. Mike Nation, who deals with bookings for the Centenary Centre 

29. Geoff Merry, as Health & Safety Officer, and for co-ordinating the team of volunteers at the Community Food Hub 

30. All those who provide hospitality at the Community Food Hub 

31. All members of the PCC, Standing Committee, Finance Committee, Deanery Synod, Safeguarding team. 

32. Alison Davies – Treasurer 

33. Mary Howick – Parish Safeguarding Officer 

34. Kim Mcnamee, Lead Recruiter (DBS checks) 

35. Jenny Harding, who served as PCC Secretary 



36. Ramblers 

37. Lesley Valerio, and Rosemary Lay the Electoral Roll Officers. 

38. Eddie Tuke – helping with technical issues 

39. Steve Blighton-Sande, who acts as webmaster and looks after social media 

40. Lisa Harris, the staff and parents and pupils at Rumboldswhyke 

41. The volunteers who run the Friday concerts, and all the performers. 

42. All others who give of themselves, often unnoticed 

iv. Nick Taunt proposed heartfelt thanks to Fr Angus for everything he does, and everyone present agreed. 



## St George's PCC Chichester 

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024 


1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 

Parish Office Cleveland Road Chichester PO19 7AD 

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS 

PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules 2011 

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1133301 MEMBERS OF THE PCC _Ex Officio members:_ Revd. Dr Angus Reid (incumbent) _Elected members_ Hugh Acland Susan Bainbridge Alison Davis Mavis Dolton Nicola Edge Christine Harrison Susan Howell-Evans Mary Howick Rebecca Hulse (elected May 2024) Jessica Hunter Penelope Mason (elected May 2024) Catherine James Samantha Kelly Ruth Taunt Ginnie Wyllie (elected May 2024) BANKERS Barclays Bank UK PLC CCLA Investment Management Limited INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Jaimée Young Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB 

## **INDEX** 

Page 1 Pages 2-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Pages 17-19 

Legal & Administrative Details Trustees' Report Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Assets & Liabilities Notes to the Accounts 

Page 1 



## **Annual Report** 

of 

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of 

**Whyke, St George with Rumboldswhyke, St Mary and Portfield, All Saints** 

**For the year ending 31[st] December 2024** 

**Website:** www.stgeorgeschichester.org 

## **Incumbent:** The Revd Dr Angus Reid 

**Independent Examiner:** Stewardship Services Ltd, 1 Passage, London, EC1Y 8AB 

## **Registered Charity No. 1133301** 

2 



## **Chichester** 

## **Annual Report for 2024** 

This report follows the guidance documents produced by the Diocese for use in the preparation of the  Parochial Church Council (PCC) Statutory Annual Report under English Law as required by the Charity Commission. 

## **Our aims and purposes as a charity** 

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Revd Dr Angus Reid, in: 

- The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the  Church of England 

- Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical To know Jesus better and make Him better known 

- Providing practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the eldest,  irrespective of level of need or ability to pay 

Providing financial support to those in need and to other organisations with similar objectives. 

## **Activities planned to achieve our charitable objectives** 

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific advancement of 

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 

vulnerable adults. To this end, the council continues to make 

seeing it as intrinsic to the Gospel mandate to respect and champion the dignity of every person, especially people who are vulnerable and at risk, while also learning from failures in the past to protect those who are vulnerable and respond well to victims and survivors of abuse. Making safeguarding an integral part of all that 

concern, doing so in tandem with an approach that promotes a healthier and safer ethos across all activities and events, and encourages a more transparent, collaborative, and proactive attitude to safeguarding within the life of the parish and in partnership with the diocese and other partner organisations. This has taken on a higher urgency this year given the significant safeguarding failures in the Church of England, highlighted by the Makin Report, which led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

our church as safe as possible for children, vulnerable adults, and all people has included, amongst other things, a) ensuring volunteers and the leaders within the church, especially build a positive culture of attentivenes 

responsibility and people feel able to share whatever concerns they have with the appropriate person; b) ensuring good communication and working relationships between the incumbent, the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, other key officer holders, and council members around matters of safeguarding best practice, reflection, and learning; and c) building up a safeguarding team to support the incumbent and PSO and reflect constructively and critically, within a framework of mutual accountability and 

Church, and society as a whole. 

3 



For this year we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims: 

- Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church 

- Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers Maintaining an overview of worship throughout the parish Considering how services can involve the many groups that live within the parish Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament Offering worship and prayer, and learning about the Gospel in small group situations Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of, and trust in, Jesus Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish Providing assistance to the poor and needy of the parish 

- Continuing to build up our provision for families, children, and young people so that they have a sense of belonging and can grow in their faith and participation in the Church community. Forging closer links with the local Rumboldswhyke Church of England Primary School Supporting the work of the as a sub-committee of the PCC to care for, celebrate, research and enhance our churchyard as a sacred space, historical site and haven for wildlife Developing partnerships with other organisations committed to the common good Reaching out to the unchurched through provision of events such as the Autumn and Christmas Fairs, a Plant Fair, coffee mornings, breakfast, quiz nights, and holding family focused events related to Shrove Tuesday, Halloween and Christmas 

- Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a focus of church and social life in the parish 

## **2024-25 Key Events** 

On 4 July members of the PCC welcomed the Archdeacon for a visitation. Under church law, Archdeacons are required to arrange for regular visitations to churches within their jurisdiction. As well as fulfilling legal duties, the visits also aim to foster cooperation and mutual understanding was required to provide information to the Archdeacon about the life of the church ahead of his visitation and Fr Angus, the church warden, deputy church wardens and members of the PCC met with him during the course of the day. The visitation proved to be a very valuable experience with the Archdeacon producing a positive report on his findings o 

## _**Stewardship Campaign**_ 

A successful Stewardship Campaign was run during October and November this year. The campaign asked members of the congregation to consider how they might contribute to the life of our parish in terms of both increased financial support and giving of their time and talents. A letter and booklet setting out the aims of the campaign were circulated to all members of the church, along with a questionnaire which provided people with the opportunity to offer skills, time or talent to the church. The campaign had a positive impact and resulted in an 11% increase in planned giving to the church and new volunteers signing up to a wide variety of roles. 

4 



## **Impacts and Achievements** 

## _**Attendance at worship**_ 

sh boundary and from 

further afield. We seek to welcome people of all ages and from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church. We maintain that voluntary attendance to worship God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as revealed in Jesus Christ and the life of the Church, is a major demonstration of the public benefit of our activities. 

The average regular weekly attendance, counted during October was 122 adults and 38 children. We continued to see and openly welcome the enriching impact that this is having on our church community, both in worship and the wider life of the church. 

Our offer for the younger members of our church family has grown and developed over the past year, ably led by our Youth Worker. , younger children and a new group for older children, all of which take place during our main Sunday Eucharist. These groups are led by a dedicated team of volunteers headed up by our Youth Worker. This team of volunteers now includes a number of young people who work with younger children, supported by our adult volunteers. We are grateful for those who lead and nurture our young people with such creative and engaging activities. 

Our monthly All-Age Eucharist, which takes place in term time, has become an integral and much valued part of our sacramental worship life. The service has a shorter interactive sermon. Children are actively encouraged to participate in the service by serving, reading, singing, leading prayers and making crafts to give as part of the offering of gifts. In the last year, two of our older children, who take communion themselves, have joined the Lay Ministers of Holy Communion team, and serve as important role models for others. We have also incorporated into the Allwhich is made up of children from the church and wider community. The service continues to provide a valuable opportunity for everyone in our church family to interact more closely through collective and inclusive worship, and to learn how to worship God together in reverence and generosity. 

Our bi-monthly ministry of healing is now well established as part of the main Sunday Eucharist. After Communion anyone who wishes is welcome to go to the Lady Chapel for the Laying on of Hands by lay minister and Anointing with Oil by a priest. A team of lay volunteers, drawn from the congregation, has been formed for these purposes and they work alongside retired clergy and the incumbent. We continue to see many people go up to receive this ministry. The ministry team also meets after the service for debriefing and prayer. 

During the week, the church offers two mid-week Mass services, one on Wednesdays at 11.30am, followed by refreshments and fellowship; the other on Thursdays at 9.30am. We also offer Morning Prayer at 8.45 Monday to Thursday and the church is open for private prayer from Monday to Thursday. In addition, we hold an evening meditation session on Mondays, during term time, in which a text on meditation is read, followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation and the recitation of a poem. 

5 



Alongside our regular worship we have also enjoyed a wide range of special services to mark festivals throughout the year. 

We marked the start of Lent with two Eucharistic services with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. During Lent we also offered a weekly meditative service of Stations of the Cross. Holy Week provided the opportunity to experience the wonder and mystery of the passion through a Maundy Thursday Eucharist with foot washing and a watch until midnight in the Lady Chapel, a Good Friday Service with the Veneration of the Cross and Communion, and an Easter Vigil on Easter Saturday. This year, we were keen to promote the mystery and richness of the Easter Vigil service to a wider group of people, including families and children. Accordingly, while incorporating the full depth of the traditional Vigil, the service was adapted to enable the involvement of children and young people, with more people attending than in previous years. As part of the celebration of Easter, the Vigil service was followed by a BBQ and the chance for fellowship, which included activities and a film for children, and a sleepover party of older children. We welcomed 272 people for our Easter services. 

Our Patronal Festival was celebrated on Sunday 21 April. The service included a performance of the story of St George and the Dragon by members of our J Team and was followed by a blessing of our new community herb garden which has been developed at the front of the church for use by the whole community. After the service, there was a bring-and-share picnic in the centenary centre. 

During the year, we held funeral and memorial services for two congregation, Ken Green and Fred Corbin. Both had been part of the life of the church for several decades, serving in many different capacities and contributing in countless ways to building up the life and mission of the parish. Both services drew large numbers of people from both the church and wider community to pay tribute to both Fred and Ken and commit them to God. 

The Harvest Festival was celebrated on Sunday 13 October. Food, toiletries and other items were donated to the Church at the Harvest Festival by Rumboldswhyke Church of England Primary School and parishioners. These items were passed on to the Chichester District Foodbank. A new church lawnmower, which had been paid for by donations, was also blessed as part of the service. 

An evening choral Eucharist was held on All Souls Day in which the names of the deceased were read out. 

Remembrance Sunday was observed on 10 November, with the laying of wreaths and Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. 

The J-Team Nativity Play, put on by the children of the J-Team in the sermon slot during the Parish Mass on Sunday 15 December, was enjoyed by the congregation with many new families attending from Rumboldswhyke School and the wider community. 

Beautiful services of Advent Liturgy and Christmas Carols were also held, together with Carol singing at various locations in the parish. A Compline service was also held on a Tuesday evening through Advent which provided a valuable opportunity for contemplative prayer and reflection. Both Rumboldswhyke Primary School and Kingsham Primary School held their Christmas services in the church with Fr Angus offering prayer, reflections and a blessing. This year we also held a Christmas Concert for the first time, which showcased people of different ing a play. Fr Angus opened and closed the event with prayer. 231 people attended services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

6 



## _**Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers**_ 

Twelve 4. There was also one marriage and nine funerals, the latter held either in church , or the crematorium. 

After a period of preparation, some of our children were admitted to their First Holy Communion on 22 July. 4 teenagers and 3 adult candidates were also confirmed by Bishop Will Hazelwood in Chichester Cathedral on 24 July. Adults and young people took part in separate preparation classes in the weeks leading up to confirmation and the young people took part in a day hike to Halnaker, giving them an opportunity to spend more time together talking and learning about their faith and reflecting on the decision to be confirmed. 

Several new people have also come forward to join the team of lesson readers, intercessors and servers. 

A Lent Group met for five weeks looking in depth at the book _Saying Yes To Life by Ruth Valerio_ . This attracted a good mix of people from the congregation for learning, discussion and fellowship, and linked well into our efforts to engender a greater awareness of ecological questions. It also firmly linked to our commitment to follow the guidance of Eco-Church in order to review and develop how we might, as a parish, become more proactive in our stewardship and protection of the natural world and its environment 

## _**Evangelism and outreach**_ 

_Youth Worker_ 

Our Youth Worker Zara Cross has continued to nurture and grow our offer to children and young people, using her creativity and energy to excite young and old alike 

mongst other things, as Youth Worker, Zara works alongside Fr Angus, the J-team and other volunteers to encourage children and their families in their faith, spirituality and life of prayer and service, rooting this in the Eucharistic worship and sacramental vision o s older 

A key part of the role has also been to continue to grow and develop work with our teenagers, including providing a regular session where they have the opportunity to meet together for activities, build friendships, discuss and debate questions of faith, explore prayer, spirituality and mission. The youth group meets twice a month in term time where one session is led by Zara and Fr Angus and the other by Zara and another volunteer. In July, the J Team held an election to vote for their first ever Youth Faith Leader, chosen by our young people from amongst them. 

and in the parish centre, helping Fr Angus to continue to develop the All-Age Eucharist and encourage more children to assist and serve. As a very positive offshoot of this a number of young people have now taken on the role of serving and administering the chalice in the main Sunday Eucharist. Zara and Fr Angus also prepare children together for baptism, first communion, and confirmation. 

This year Zara, together with a few volunteers, ran an Eco-Church programme during the summer for those families and children who attended church during the school holidays. In previous years, there had been no provision for families and children. 

and clothes swap shop. This has a very positive response and forms part of our continued effort to bring ecological question into the heart of our teaching and activities, especially with children. 

7 



In addition, Zara has played a central role in organising, planning and putting on specific events geared towards children and families such as the Pancake Party, Halloween Party, the Christmas Concert, the Christmas Crib service. 

We look forward to continuing to develop the role of the Youth Worker and our Chil 5. As part of this, Zara has been approved to undertake the D 2025. At the end of the year, we also submitted a successful grant application to the local charity, Trust, Chichester, with the trustees generously agreeing to award a £15,000 grant, to be paid over three years, to support our youth work. 

Music is central n important role in our worship, ably led by our Musical Director Sue Howell-Evans. There is a growing focus on promoting singing in all forms of worship, and especially amongst children and families. 

This ambition has received a significant boost in the past year with the launch of the Choir. The choir, which is run by Sue Howell-Evans and Mandy Roberts, has been steadily growing since its launch, with members now drawn from other schools in the parish. The choir meet weekly in church, and the culmination of their hard work is now regularly witnessed when the choir join All-Age Eucharists, robing and sitting in the choir stalls with the adult choir, leading the congregation in singing and performing pieces they have rehearsed during the service. 

The Last Friday of the Month Concert series, which has been running for around seven years, continued this This year the series including both returning musicians and new performers, including cello and piano performances by the Luc Family, Horsham Town Band and Tim Rivalde, Assistant Organist at Chichester Cathedral. 

Christmas Concert was held in church on 14 December. The concert included performances from It was a wonderful showcase of the talent of our church and the wider community. 

A band of merry carollers took to the streets of the parish on 19 December, meeting at Eastgate Square and making their way to Royal Close where mince pies and hot drinks were served. It was a joyous occasion which provided a valuable opportunity for members of the church to witness out and about in the local community. 

## _Rumboldswhyke Church of England Primary School_ 

Rumboldswhyke Primary School is now a full primary school and part of the Bishop Luffa Learning Partnership. 

sits as a foundation governor and chair 

of the school, oversee finances and hold the school leadership and its performance to account. There are also several parent governors 

8 



Fr Angus leads collective worship at school each Tuesday morning and continues to teach and lead meditation has part of the collective worship, enlisting students to help. The children have shown a willingness to embrace stillness and silence and see how the practice of meditation relates to broader questions of spirituality, ethics, and faith and the message of the scripture. Fr Angus also provides regular support in the teaching of RE, inviting children from Rumboldswhyke, and indeed, Kingsham Primary, to explore and examine the different objects and symbols in the church as part of their interactive learning on local history and religion. Sue Howellc, continues to lead a music session at the school every Friday. 

school services held in the church over the past year, including an end of term service in the summer, a Harvest Service and a Nativity Service. Each service includes music, prayers, readings and presentations of work, which the children rehearse in advance. Some of the services have also been Eucharistic, with children taking on serving roles which, through their active participation, have encouraged them to learn more about the significance of the Eucharist to Christian worship and practice. It has been wonderful to welcome an increasing number of Rumboldswhyke children and their families ing sense that the church is an increasingly important part of their school experience. This has been especially apparent in the number of school families attending the Pancake Party and Halloween Party and active participation in the Christmas Fair and Christmas Concert. 

Several families with children at the school are regular worshipers at St with many of the children attending the J-team and some of the parents taking an active role in the church. 

Churchyard, established in March 2023, continues to seek to a) to participate in the and improvement of Churchyard; and  c) to encourage enjoyment and appreciation of the Churchyard and its use by the whole community as well as enhance its value to local wildlife. The group is run as a sub-committee of the PCC. 

The group currently has over 70 active members, drawn from the church, local community and further afield. The Friends, together with the PCC, help which recognises the different profiles of the various sections of the churchyard from an ecological perspective as well as remembrance and burial. The Friends have also hosted several successful events, including wildlife related activities such as bat walks, ecological surveys, and a Love Your Burial Ground family and community event on 8 June. In addition, a regular series of working parties made up of volunteers have helped restore, maintain and transform the churchyard, managing it both for the purposes of allowing access to graves and to encourage local wildlife to flourish. Some of the oldest sections of the churchyard have, over the course of the year, been brought back to life with the removal of dense bramble scrub, revealing long hidden gravestones. As a consequence of the work of the Friends, the churchyard has been revitalised as a source of life within the local community and serves as a meeting point for many different people from different walks of life with various interests. 

## _WRAP-CHAT_ 

The monthly social group WRAP-CHAT has continued in its third year, meeting on the 1[st] Wednesday of each month (excluding August) in the Centenary Centre. The group provides a valuable opportunity for people to socialise over refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere and to hear from a wide variety of interesting and engaging speakers. 

9 



## _St_ 

## _Tots_ 

Tots meets on Monday mornings in term time, offering term-time sessions of soft play, stories and singing for families with young children. It offers an easy introduction to church life and the wider community. Between 1220 children normally attend with a parent or carer. 

## _Sister Act_ 

This year has seen the launch of Sister Act, a new group which aims to provide a space for the women of St have fun and get to know each other better. Events so far have included a pudding club, a walls walk , cinema trip and wreath making. 

## _Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party_ 

A Pancake Party for families with young children was held on 8 March. Following a time for crafts, a story and singing in church, pancakes were enjoyed by about 40 children and their families in the Centenary Centre. 

## _Halloween Party_ 

On Sunday 3 November, a Halloween Party was held for children and families. The party provided an opportunity for people to remember those who have gone before and have some fun in a way that creatively reconnects Halloween to the feast of All Souls and All Saints. The party welcomed 35 children, with some families coming into the church for the first time. 

## _**Other outreach events:**_ 

A number of other events have taken place during the last year which have provided an opportunity for outreach and engagement with the wider community. These include a fish and chip quiz night, two Happy Café events in which a full breakfast was cooked and served by volunteers, coffee mornings, a Vintage Tea Party hosted by members of the congregation, and Christmas wreath making workshops. 

## _Pet Blessing Service_ 

On 12 October a family-friendly Pet Blessing Service took place, with all creatures great and small welcomed chance to remember and give thanks for pets who had died. The service coincided with the time of year when St Francis of Assisi is commemorated by the church. 

## _Autumn Fair and Produce Show_ 

A Harvest Fair and Produce Show was held on 14 September. The event included a produce competition which encouraged people to enter their produce or artistic creation. There were a wide range categories for bakers, gardeners and artists. In addition, refreshments were served and there were a number of stalls and games for all the family. The event proved to be a great success with many people entering items into the produce show and a good selection of people from the wider community taking part in the other activities. The organisers and volunteers ensured the event was well organised with a hospitable and joyful atmosphere that was appreciated by many who attended. 

## _Christmas Fair_ 

Our Christmas Fair on 30 November was again one of the highlights and saw many people attend from the local area. Stalls included home-made cakes, craft items such as hand-knitted hats and scarves, books, toys, a tombola, festive raffle, and Father Christmas in his grotto. Teas, coffees and mince pies were enjoyed and provide a good opportunity for conversation and for meeting others. Again, the event relied on the effort, time and generosity of organisers and volunteers. Their contribution was appreciated by many. 

10 



## _Plant Fair_ 

This year we launched a Plant Fair on 20 April which we hope will run as a regular event each year. The fair comprised a morning for the whole family with plant stalls, gardening items for sale, books, children's activities along with refreshments and musical performances. People also had the opportunity to sell their own plants and gardening equipment. In preparation for the fair, many members of the congregation grew plants from seed to sell and there was a Sow a Seed Family Workshop held in March to encourage children to be involved and grow plants for the fair. There was a very large turnout on the day with a positive atmosphere which saw people both 

## _World Day of Prayer_ 

This year, with a soup lunch and refreshments were served after the service. 

pared by 

## _Eco Champion and Eco Church_ 

This year the PCC nominated Sam Kelly to be our parish Eco Champion. This is something that every parish in the Diocese was asked to do. Sam, our churchwarden and a professional ecologist, had already done much to . Many people are passionate about this pressing issue and eager to work together to prioritize environmental and ecological matters as central to our faith and commitment to the common good of all. 

lso achieved the Bronze Eco Church Award. Eco Church is run by the Christian charity A Rocha in partnership with Christian Aid, the Church of England, the Methodist Church and Tearfund. A Rocha works for the protection and restoration of the natural world, both as a response to the biblical mandate to care -based survey and award scheme with three levels of award bronze, silver and gold. The survey enables churches to record what then act accordingly. It is designed to motivate and resource churches in making ecology an integral part of their create a network of churches that act as local centres and beacons of care for the earth and all that lives. 

## _Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish_ 

A high value is placed on the provision of discreet pastoral care for parishioners. Alongside providing pastoral support in conjunction with confession, funerals, baptism and weddings, Fr Angus regularly met with people to talk through questions of faith and pastoral need. He has also visited people in their homes, bringing communion to those who are unable to attend church. The Deputy Church wardens and Healing Ministry Team also provide additional lay support. 

The church has a growing relationship with the residential care home, Lakeview Grange, which opened at the beginning of 2023 and Fr Angus has offered a monthly communion service with assistance from parishioners. During Advent, this included singing carols with Sue Howell Evans and several parishioners helping. 

## _Care and tangible support for others_ 

founded over ten years ago by local churches and community groups to alleviate food poverty in the local area. 

11 



The partnership with the charity UK Harvest has continued to strengthen. This has involved hosting a fortnightly community food hub in the Centenary Centre. and seeks to address the twin issues of food poverty and food waste. In return for a modest donation, anyone can come and fill a shopping bag with groceries and fresh food, with 1,191 bags of food being distributed during 2024. 19 v 

a warm and friendly welcome and serve refreshments. The project also connects people with organisations that offer long-term support. 

## _Charitable giving_ 

We continue to collect milk bottle tops and used stamps that help to raise funds for the Chestnut Tree House Hospice respectively. 

## **Financial Review** 

## **Income and Outgoings** 

During the year income increased by £10,200, to £103,200, and expenditure increased by £24,300, to £112,200.  As a result, the cash held by the charity decreased by £9,000, to £62,900, of which £59,100 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose. 

The last quinquennial inspection was held in 2023; work on the roof and the electrics were completed during 2024. There were other areas highlighted for minor repairs and maintenance, all of which have been completed in 2025. 

## **Sharing ministry costs of the Diocese of Chichester** 

The Parish Share goes towards meeting the costs of clergy stipends, housing, training, and pensions, as well as national church responsibilities. The PCC reduced the Parish Share to the Diocese to £52,500 to ensure the church maintains its reserves in accordance with the reserves policy. 

## _Money held in reserve._ 

It is PCC policy to invest temporarily surplus general funds with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund, returning funds to our current account as and when finances are required to pay day-to-day bills. At the year end, the total cash held by the charity decreased by £9,000 to £62,900, of which £59,100 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose. 

The PCC have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £43,000 (which equates to roughly 5 months of unrestricted expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £59,100. 

12 



## **Structure, Governance and Management of the Charity** 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011, its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. 

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of ex-officio members (the incumbent, the churchwardens, members of the Deanery/Diocesan or General Synods) and members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to encourage a balance of skills and experience where possible. 


_____________________________ Date:__________________ 

13 



## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT** 

## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF** 

## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St George's PCC Chichester ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 on pages 15 to 19 following. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts 

I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. 

I have no concerns and 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. 

Jaimée Young Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB 

Date: 

Page 14 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|Notes<br>**_Income receipts_**<br>Voluntary receipts<br>2(a)<br>Fundraising income<br>2(b)<br>Church activities<br>2(c)<br>Investment income<br>2(d)<br>Insurance claim<br>**_Total receipts_**<br>**Payments**<br>Church activities<br>Parish share<br>Clergy and staffing costs<br>3(a)<br>3(b)<br>**_Total payments_**<br>Transfers between funds<br>6<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>Cash funds as at last year end<br>**Cash funds at this year end**<br>A<br>Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers<br>Mission giving and donations<br>Church running expenses<br>Fundraising expenses|General<br>Funds<br>£<br>77,018<br>5,064<br>14,053<br>3,362<br>-<br>99,497<br>52,500<br>9,162<br>37,503<br>313<br>1,000<br>100,478<br>(981)<br>(1,476)<br>(2,457)<br>16,903<br>14,446<br>Unrestrict|Designated<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,072<br>-<br>-<br>3,072<br>(3,072)<br>350<br>(2,722)<br>47,339<br>44,616<br>ed Funds|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>2,876<br>-<br>829<br>11<br>-<br>3,716<br>-<br>4,240<br>4,417<br>-<br>-<br>8,657<br>(4,941)<br>1,127<br>(3,814)<br>7,634<br>3,820|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>79,895<br>5,064<br>14,882<br>3,373<br>-<br>103,213<br>52,500<br>13,402<br>44,992<br>313<br>1,000<br>112,207<br>(8,994)<br>-<br>(8,994)<br>71,876<br>62,882|Total<br>2023<br>£<br>72,911<br>4,541<br>12,427<br>1,625<br>1,503<br>93,007<br>50,000<br>8,799<br>28,487<br>-<br>658<br>87,945<br>5,062<br>-<br>5,062<br>66,814<br>71,876|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 17 - 19 form part of these accounts. 

Page 15 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** 

## **AS AT THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**A**<br>**Cash funds**<br>Cash at bank with immediate access<br>Notice deposits<br>Prepaid card balance<br>Petty cash<br>**B**<br>**Other monetary assets**<br>Gift aid due to charity<br>Other debtors<br>**C**<br>**Liabilities**<br>**Falling due within one year**<br>Taxes due<br>Fee for Independent Examination||General<br>Designated<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>7,863<br>-<br>6,554<br>44,616<br>29<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>14,446<br>44,616<br>496<br>-<br>701<br>-<br>1,197<br>-<br>499<br>-<br>1,290<br>-<br>1,789<br>-<br>Unrestricted Funds|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>3,610<br>-<br>-<br>210<br>3,820<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>11,473<br>51,170<br>29<br>210<br>62,882<br>496<br>701<br>1,197<br>499<br>1,290<br>1,789|Total<br>2023<br>£<br>15,791<br>55,876<br>-<br>210<br>71,876<br>880<br>-<br>880<br>437<br>1,200<br>1,637|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **D Assets retained for charity's own use** 

Consecrated property, beneficed property and moveable church furnishings which require a special faculty for disposal are excluded from the above list of charity assets. 

## **E Investment assets** 

|LA investment fund income shares (bid market value)<br>Note 6<br>rish Trust investments<br>Note 6|Fund to<br>which asset<br>belongs<br>Restricted<br>Endowment|Value<br>2024<br>£<br>2,069<br>21,118<br>23,187|Value<br>2023<br>£<br>1,952<br>20,499<br>22,451|
|---|---|---|---|



The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

___________________________________Revd. Dr Angus Reid Date: ______________ 

The notes on pages 17 - 19 form part of these accounts. 

Page 16 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs. 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects. 

|**2**<br>**a)**<br>**Voluntary income**<br>Donations<br>Parish Giving Scheme (including recovered gift aid)<br>Gift aid recovered<br>Other donations and grants<br>**b)**<br>**Fundraising income**<br>Events<br>Other<br>**c)**<br>**Church activities**<br>Fees for weddings and funerals<br>Concerts<br>Other activities<br>Lettings for community use<br>**d)**<br>**Investment income**<br>Interest from cash deposits<br>Dividends from CBF investment funds||Unrestrict|Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>ed Funds|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>2,707<br>-<br>169<br>-<br>2,876<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>829<br>-<br>829<br>11<br>-<br>11|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>44,790<br>22,259<br>11,694<br>1,151<br>79,895<br>4,796<br>268<br>5,064<br>7,239<br>1,833<br>3,154<br>2,657<br>14,882<br>3,078<br>295<br>3,373|Total<br>2023<br>£<br>42,156<br>19,616<br>10,999<br>141<br>72,911<br>4,206<br>335<br>4,541<br>4,556<br>1,887<br>2,264<br>3,720<br>12,427<br>1,429<br>196<br>1,625|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||General<br>funds<br>£<br>42,083<br>22,259<br>11,525<br>1,151<br>77,018<br>4,796<br>268<br>5,064<br>7,239<br>1,833<br>2,325<br>2,657<br>14,053<br>3,067<br>295<br>3,362|||||



Page 17 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted Funds|
|General|Designated|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|Funds|2024|2023|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|3|a)|Clergy and staffing costs|
|Cost of payroll|Note 5|5,892|-|4,240|10,132|5,666|
|Running costs for clergy accommodation|3,270|-|-|3,270|3,133|
|9,162|-|4,240|13,402|8,799|
|Revd. Dr Angus Reid (who is|a clergy member of the|PCC) receives|a stipend|from|the|Diocese; the|cost of this stipend|is not|included|in|the|above|
|payroll|cost|however|it|should|be|noted|that|some|of|the|Parish|share|is|used|to|help|pay|the|stipends.|Revd.|Dr|Reid|was|also|provided|with|
|accommodation (which is customary for clergy) and incurred expenses whilst serving as clergy; these costs are also disclosed in the above note.|
|b)|Church running costs|
|Church repairs, maintenance and equipment|9,466|-|2,926|12,392|8,861|
|Utilities|5,051|-|-|5,051|4,986|
|Hall repairs, maintenance and running exps|241|3,072|-|3,313|449|
|Ministry costs, activities, admin and support|8,723|-|1,491|10,214|7,848|
|Insurance|3,323|-|-|3,323|2,898|
|Governance|1,224|-|-|1,224|1,500|
|Quinquennial inspection and associated repairs|9,204|-|-|9,204|1,680|
|Other legal and professional fees|270|-|-|270|266|
|37,503|3,072|4,417|44,992|28,487|
|4|Mission giving and donations|
|Organisations:|
|Disaster Emergency Committee|-|-|-|-|468|
|Sanctuary in Chichester|1,000|-|-|1,000|40|
|Individuals|-|-|-|-|150|
|1,000|-|-|1,000|658|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**5 Transactions with related parties** 

Susan Howell-Evans, a trustee, served as the church organist and was paid £6,250 [2023: £4,990] for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee. 

Page 18 



## **ST GEORGE'S PCC CHICESTER** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **6 Movement on designated and restricted funds** 

|General funds<br>Designated funds<br>Kay Glover fund<br>Fabric fund<br>Mission and outreach<br>Youth worker<br>Flower fund<br>Restricted funds<br>Churchyard<br>Flower fund<br>Flower tin<br>Children's activities<br>Organ and choir<br>Organ tuning<br>Girl's choir<br>Iris Woodhams fund<br>WRAP chat<br>Lawnmower<br>Total funds|Opening<br>balance<br>£<br>16,903<br>47,339<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>47,339<br>608<br>706<br>210<br>351<br>581<br>-<br>247<br>4,240<br>691<br>-<br>7,634<br>71,876|Receipts<br>£<br>99,497<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>245<br>846<br>-<br>595<br>230<br>1,050<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>750<br>3,716<br>103,213|Payments<br>£<br>(100,478)<br>(3,072)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(3,072)<br>(688)<br>(1,200)<br>-<br>(291)<br>-<br>(1,488)<br>-<br>(4,240)<br>-<br>(750)<br>(8,657)<br>(112,207)|Transfers<br>£<br>(1,476)<br>(17,269)<br>10,000<br>5,000<br>2,269<br>350<br>350<br>689<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>438<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,127<br>-|Closing<br>balance<br>£<br>14,446<br>26,998<br>10,000<br>5,000<br>2,269<br>350<br>44,616<br>854<br>353<br>210<br>654<br>811<br>-<br>247<br>-<br>691<br>-<br>3,820<br>62,882|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



The Kay Glover fund relates to a legacy that had no conditions attached, so the PCC have decided to designate part of these funds for fabric, youth worker, and mission and outreach. The Churchyard relates to funds provided for the purpose of maintenance of St Mary's Churchyard and the development of The Friends of St Mary's Churchyard. 

The Flower fund is for donations for the purchase of the church flowers. The Flower Tin is also for the purchase of church flowers but is the cash element for day to day purchases. Receipts need to be shown for all purchases. 

Children's activities consist of Tots and J Team and funds for this purpose are used for these groups. Funds given for the Organ and choir fund are used for the purchase of music and other choir related costs. Funds given for organ tuning were spent specifically on this expenditure during the year. Girl's choir relates to funds given for this particular youth activity. Iris Woodhams fund has been put towards the cost of a youth worker. The WRAP chat fund relates to funds given to support this monthly social group. The lawnmower relates to funds given specifically to purchase this equipment. 

In addition to the bank and cash balances in restricted funds are the following held as investments whose movements do not therefore form part of the receipts and payments accounts: 

|_Restricted_<br>CBF Fixed interest securities [Rumboldswyke, Whyke and Portfield PCC]<br>CBF Fixed interest securities [Rumboldswyke & Portfield churchyards]<br>_Endowment_<br>Parish Trust investments<br>Sale Langdale Ave<br>Parish Trust investments<br>Salehall Portfield|Opening<br>balance<br>£<br>1,541<br>411<br>1,952<br>9,099<br>11,400<br>20,499<br>22,451|(decrease)<br>in value<br>£<br>87<br>30<br>117<br>275<br>344<br>619<br>736|Closing<br>balance<br>£<br>1,628<br>441<br>2,069<br>9,374<br>11,744<br>21,118<br>23,187|
|---|---|---|---|



Page 19 



## **ANNUAL REPORT ON THE FABRIC AND FURNISHINGS OF THE CHURCH** 

_The Rector and one of the Deputy Church Wardens have continued to take responsibility for the fabric and furnishings of the Church._ 

In January, a full tree inspection and report was undertaken of 28 trees in St Mary’s Churchyard. The work was undertaken by Jonathan Rodwell of Beechdown Arboriculture Limited. A ground level visual assessment of the trees was undertaken to identify potential defects that may represent a risk of failure leading to injury or damage to property; management recommendations to mitigate risks were made; and an appropriate re-inspection schedule and review process was identified. 

Also in January, the audio-visual system in the centre and the sound system in the church were upgraded with new hardware. These were kindly installed and donated by a parishioner. 

In March, the outside gutters and downpipes were cleared by Silverlock Window Cleaning. The total cost of the work was £320. 

During April, repairs and maintenance work were carried out to the church roof by Tarrant Group, a company of steeplejacks. The works were identified by our inspecting architect in the Quinquennial Report and included replacing many broken tiles, including many at high heights, the removal of moss from the north face of the church roof and vestry roof, making repairs to tiles in the valley section of the roof between the church building and the centre, and replacing the broken bell wire in the Lady Chapel. The total cost of the works was £9,204. 

In May, Beechdown Arboriculture Limited undertook tree pruning work in St Mary’s Churchyard, as identified in the Arboriculturist Report. The works cost £450. 

In June, the floor in the centre was sanded and treated with three coats of floor sealer. This treatment was much needed as the floor had become worn over the years. The work was recommended in the Quinquennial Report. The work cost £3,072 and was undertaken by Jeremy Green of Timber Flooring Services. 

Also in June, work was carried out on many items by our electrician Lord & Taylor. This included replacing damaged trunking in the centre, fixing lighting in the sacristy and boiler room, securing speaker cable in the church, repairing the hostess trolly, and disconnecting the hand drier in the toilet next to the choir room. The work cost £475.72 

Bradley Electrical, as they had done in previous years, completed the EICR Inspection on the church’s electrical system in June. The report found the condition of the installation to be satisfactory while also identifying several areas in which improvements were recommended. The total cost was £1466.40. The inspection and the report were subject to many delays, having originally been requested by the Rector in August 2023 and followed up by him on repeated occasions. In light of this poor level of service, the decision has been made to use our current electricians, Lord and Taylor, when the next inspection is due. 

In July the annual servicing of the fire alarm system and emergency lighting within the Centenary Centre was carried out.  The annual servicing of the fire extinguishers as well as the fired heater and gas installation took place. 

During the year, officers from the local fire brigade visited the church to advise us on fire safety matters and evacuation procedures. 



In September, a new St George’s flag was purchased and installed to replace the old flag which had become warn. The new flag included the insignia/logo for the Diocese of Chichester in line with church guidelines when flying the St George’s flag. The cost was £72.93. 

In October, several broken paving slabs around the war memorial and near the main entrance to the church were replaced. A number of slabs were also replaced or re-lifted in the courtyard at the back of the church. The work was carried out by Cathedral Gardeners and cost £1,620. 

In October, at the Harvest Festival Service, the Chichester Combined Church Recording Group, coordinated by Jennifer Woolfrey, presented the results of their work recording St George’s fixture and fittings. Their work began before the Covid outbreak in 2020. Fr Angus formally received from them a hardback bound volume that includes photographs, detailed descriptions, and the history of the fittings and furnishings of the interior of the church. This be an invaluable record. The Recording Group were thanked and presented with a gift by Fr Angus after the service. 

In December, further electrical works were carried out by our electrician Lord & Taylor. These included replacing the trunking over the doorway in the centenary centre; fixing the sacristy office lighting as well as the main entrance foyer light; clipping and securing speaker cables in the church; disconnecting and removing the hand drier in the disabled toilet in the centre, and remedial work to various lamps. The work cost £315. 

Also in December, a de-humidifier was purchased for use in the parish office to help reduce the dampness level which was affecting paper documents and the photocopier. This item cost £143.90. 

At the end of the year, the cellar area under the church nave, which been used as a storage space, was cleared and all the items were removed as recommended in the Quinquennial Report. 

A protective box and hazard warning strip was placed over an exposed pipe in the boiler room as advised in the Quinquennial Report. The work was kindly carried out by a member of the congregation. 

Throughout the year, the Friends of St Mary’s Churchyard, have continued to maintain the grounds of the churchyard where a regular series of working parties made up of volunteers have helped restore, maintain, and transform the churchyard; managing it both for the purposes of allowing access to graves and to encourage local wildlife to flourish. The costs for fuel, maintenance and large equipment are borne by the PCC with the Friends raising funds for other items and equipment. 

_Fr Angus Reid and Jill Merry, deputy church warden March 2025_ 



## **Report on the meetings of the Deanery Synod held in 2024/25.** 

The Chichester Deanery Synod met in February and the following and January (2025) with a Deanery Day in June, all meetings were held at St Paul’s Church, Chichester. 

The meeting in February began with a presentation of the FSW (Society for Fallen Women) by Martin AutonLloyd which was created in 1890 and developed through the twentieth century to provide support and assistance to unmarried mothers until the 1950s.  The society (a registered charity) continues today with 18 workers with a specialist background in Social Services or teaching.  They offer a holistic approach, really getting to know the families they support.  Most families are supported for 3-6 months at a time.  FSW also run a foodbank and deliver enough food for 20 meals on a monthly basis.  At Christmas, 200 hampers were distributed, and 400 families had presents for children and toiletries for children to gift to their parents.  Funds are depleting and parishes were asked to consider supporting the charity. 

The Deanery Day in June was an open meeting with good attendance by lay and clergy.  St Paul’s offered a warm welcome and generous hospitality throughout the busy day.  The day comprised two workshops, two keynote addresses and two panel discussions.  Workshop 1 – Children and Young People – A Catholic Perspective, facilitated by Mr Rachel Gledhill, St John’s Upper Norwood.  Mr Rachel provided a highly inspirational account of how St John’s went from a church with no regular CYP presence to a thriving community of around 100 each Sunday.  Mass remained traditional with children involved in all areas of worship.  CYP are divided, like St George’s along key educational stages.  St John’s host monthly meals inviting children and their families to eat together, transforming the church into refectory-style seating, encouraging families to fully integrate with their neighbours.  Workshop 2 – Care for Creation – Fifth Mark of Mission, facilitated by Mrs Karen Park, Eco Church Lead, Horsham Churches Together.  Mrs Park delivered another very inspiring workshop explaining how Horsham Churches attained their gold eco award.  The day finished with lunch where Mr Martha was wished a fond farewell in her new role in Oxford. 

January’s meeting was hosted by the new Rural Dean, Fr Paul Diock – new to Chichester – but not new to being Rural Dean having previously held the position for five years in another deanery and seems keen to run an effective and efficient “ship”.  Fr Doick is keen to recruit the following to the Deanery Synod, if anyone feels called: Lay Co-Chair – to share the role of chairing meetings, sit on Diocesan Pastoral Committee (3-4 meetings a year, all on Zoom).  Treasurer – not onerous, mainly paying expenses and applying for grants.  A short discussion was held around the subject of what the Deanery Synod to look like/do?  Feedback from different churches was fairly similar around working together better, improving communication between parishes, sharing resources, sharing ideas etc.  The next Meeting will be held on 11 June – Rev Jo King, Diocesan Disability Co-ordinator attending, location to be confirmed. 

_Hugh Acland Christine Harrison Penny Mason_ Deanery Synod Representatives March 2025 



## **Annual Safeguarding report - St Georges Church, Whyke** 

## **Commitment to Safeguarding** 

As set out in the Trustee’s Annual Report, the Rector and PCC of St George’s continue actively to make safeguarding a key priority in the life of St George’s seeing it as intrinsic to the Gospel mandate to respect and champion the dignity of every person, especially people who are vulnerable and at risk, while also learning from failures in the past to protect those who are vulnerable and respond well to victims and survivors of abuse. Making safeguarding an integral part of all that we do at St George’s means working to overcome any sense in which safeguarding is considered a marginal concern, doing so in tandem with an approach that promotes a healthier and safer ethos across all activities and events, and encourages a more transparent, collaborative, and proactive attitude to safeguarding within the life of the parish and in partnership with the diocese and other partner organisations. This has taken on a higher urgency this year given the significant safeguarding failures in the Church of England, highlighted by the Makin Report, which led in 2025 to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and General Synod passing resolutions to have independent oversight of safeguarding in the Church of England as well as introducing new safeguarding policies and procedures at every level of the Church. 

At St George’s our commitment to making our church as safe as possible for children, vulnerable adults, and all people has included, amongst other things, a) ensuring volunteers and the leaders within the church, especially in relation to children’s work, are not only properly trained and checked but also supported and challenged to build a positive culture of attentiveness, welcome and care for all so that safeguarding is seen to be everyone’s responsibility and people feel able to share whatever concerns they have with the appropriate person; b) ensuring good communication and working relationships between the incumbent, the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, other key officer holders, and council members around matters of safeguarding best practice, reflection, and learning; and c) building up a safeguarding team to support the incumbent and PSO and reflect constructively and critically, within a framework of mutual accountability and the bounds of confidentiality, on the safeguarding culture and practices at St George’s, the Diocese, the wider Church, and society as a whole. 

## **Parish Overview** 

The past year has seen the congregation flourish and grow, with attendance at Sunday services and other activities increasing across all age groups, and children and families in particular. 

The following groups have continued over the past year and, in general, have seen an increase in numbers attending: 

- J Team / Diddy Disciples 

- Tots Group 

- St George’s Choir 

- First Communion Classes 

- Confirmation Classes for adults 

- Confirmation Classes for children 

- WRAP Chat 

- Youth group 

- Lent group 

- Friends of St. Mary’ Churchyard 

- Community Food Hub (run in partnership with the charity UK Harvest) 

- Servers Team including both adults and children. 



The following groups have started up during the past year: 

- Sister Act 

- St George’s Children’s Choir – this was previously based at Rumboldswhyke School but has moved to the church and opened up to the wider community for all children in year one and above, with the choir numbers increasing. The Choir performs at regular intervals at All Age Sunday services and also sang this year at the new Christmas Concert event. 

Other events taking place throughout the year: 

- Pancake party for children and families 

- Halloween Party for children and families 

- Easter Vigil and sleepover – for the first time, and in a bid to encourage more participation from families and children, the Vigil service involved children in every part of the liturgy and was followed by a BBQ for all attendees, culminating in a sleepover for youth and children members, with adult supervision. 

- Happy Café breakfasts 

- Fish and Chips Quizzes 

- Plant Fair 

- Summer Fair 

- Christmas Fair 

In light of all these activities and events, and as the church continues to grow and expand the activities it offers, the Safeguarding Officer will continue to work with the incumbent and other church officers, employees and volunteers, to ensure that all necessary safeguarding procedures are in place and relevant checks have been implemented as new groups start and different activities are organised. 

The Youth Worker continues to be employed by the Church which enables more activities to take place and a more structured plan of Sunday school learning which enriches the experience for the children in attendance. The Youth Worker also helps plan and run the Youth Group evenings, first communion and confirmation classes. Together with the incumbent and the Safeguarding Officer, the Youth Worker plays a key role in implementing the safeguarding policies and procedures at St George’s and helping to foster a safer, healthier and more transparent culture around safeguarding. 

## **St George’s Safeguarding Policies and SQP** 

Ginnie WYLLIE has been appointed as the new Parish Safeguarding Officer, taking over from Mary HOWICK who moved to the role of Parish Secretary. 

Level one of the Diocese of Chichester’s new safeguarding programme, SQP, was obtained in 2020. This programme aims to improve safeguarding at parish level. As part of this J Team, church choir, Monday Tots and Servers have a folder containing all relevant safeguarding policies and forms, which are regularly reviewed. The Diocese has also announced that in May 2020, they will be launching a new online tool to help parishes with their safeguarding compliance called “Parish Dashboard”. This will replace SQP. The dashboard is a user-friendly and effective tool that is already being used by most other dioceses across the country. The goal is to make safeguarding compliance simpler by providing safeguarding officers with everything they need in one place. 

The Safeguarding Sub-Committee continues, which includes Fr Angus, Parish Safeguarding Officer and three members of the PCC. This group meets regularly to discuss the church’s overall approach to 



## safeguarding, ensure effective procedures, and monitor practice. 

The PCC reviewed and adopted the parish safeguarding policy preferring to use the pro forma template issued by the Church of England rather than the Diocese. This was done in consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Along with the safeguarding policy, the PCC also reviewed and adopted the following safeguarding policies and documents: 1) Responding to Safeguarding Allegations in the Parish: Parish Policy and Guidance; 2) E-Safety Policy; 3) Expressing Concerns and ‘Whistleblowing’: Policy and Guidance; and 4) Code of Conduct for Volunteers Working with Children. 

A Youth Helpers Code of Conduct has also been introduced for children over 14 years old who help directly with children under the supervision of adult leaders. As with the adult code of conduct, this is there as a vital part of the provision we offer as a church and as a charity interacting with children. As a minimum, it ensures we comply with the legal and safeguarding frameworks we are duty bound to follow, as well as the requirements of our insurers, under our employer's liability, to take all reasonable care with respect to those who volunteer for us. More than that, however, the code is there to give a clear standard of care not just for young volunteers but also for adult volunteers and for children and families who attend church, so they know what to expect when they hand their children into our care and so that everyone can feel safe and enjoy themselves. To this end, the code of conduct seeks to make clear that volunteering with children is a specific role with clear duties and responsibilities for which volunteers are accountable. The related guidelines for adult leaders also helps adults be clear about their own responsibilities towards young helpers who remain under their care and supervision. For example, in no circumstances can young helpers be counted as in the adult to child ratios. 

The PCC also abides by the Charity Commission’s requirement for reporting any Serious Safeguarding Incidents to the Charity Commission. 

There were 7 safeguarding issues raised and reported in 2024. Where necessary, these were all referred to the Diocese Safeguarding Team and/or statutory agencies by the incumbent and Safeguarding Officer. 

## **Training** 

The Church of England's Child and Adult Safeguarding Protection Training (C1 module) is available online for members of St Georges undertake. This training is compulsory for all those eligible for a DBS check and it is also open to all church members. The majority of PCC members have now completed the Basic and Foundation level training, and J Team Leaders have all completed Basic and Foundation training. 

Leadership training has been completed for all of those in positions of safeguarding leadership within the Church. 

Additional courses of Modern slavery and Human Trafficking, Raising awareness of domestic abuse and Safer recruitment and people management have been identified as required for completion by a number of people in particular roles; this is in progress. 

The Parish Safeguarding Officer maintains a training log to ensure it is kept up to date and ensures that all new volunteers are notified of the training requirements. 

## **Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)** 

Kim McNAMEE continues as the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) administrator. 



Kim keeps up to date with any changes in policy or legislation regarding DBS checks. Kim also keeps up to date with any changes to volunteer roles or new members whose role requires a DBS check. 

Since the last report, All PCC members have had a DBS check. 

DBS checks carried out prior to the 4[th of] January 2022, remain valid for 5 years. Due to a change in policy, DBS checks carried out after this date, are valid for 3 years only. Kim will ensure that new checks are carried out when they are due for renewal. 

At the time of this report, there is one DBS check outstanding for a volunteer role.  Arrangements are being made for the completion of this. 

No issues have been flagged up from any of the DBS checks carried out for St Georges. 

Report by: 

Ginnie WYLLIE Safeguarding Officer and Kim McNAMEE DBS Administrator 10.03.2025