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2022-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SUNDAY 30[th] April 2023 10 AM AT ST. MILDRED’S CHURCH

INCLUDING ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the year ended 31[st] December 2022

‘We seek to be an open and loving church, growing in faith and confidence and joyfully sharing God’s love with all’

CONTENTS

Agenda for 2023 APCM page 3
Minutes 2022 Easter Vestry page 4
Minutes of 2022 APCM page 4
Aims, Objectives and Principal activities page 9
Achievements and performance including report
on fabric, goods and ornaments
of the church, working group reports and
Deanery Synod report page 9
Structure, Governance and Administrative details page 28
Financial Report page 30
PCC Annual Accounts Accounts page 2

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AGENDA

  1. Apologies

  2. Election of Churchwardens

  3. Election of representatives to Deanery Synod – 4 members

  4. Election of the Parochial Church Council (PCC): 12 members

  5. Election of Sidespersons and Deputy Churchwardens

  6. Minutes of the Easter Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 1[st] May 2022

  7. Matters Arising from the Minutes

  8. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

  9. Achievements and performance including report on fabric, goods and ornaments of the church, working group reports and Deanery Synod report

  10. Finance Report and Presentation of Accounts

  11. Appointment of Independent Examiner

  12. Church Wardens Remarks

13. Any Other Business – this must be notified in writing to the PPC Secretary at least 24 hours before the meeting

14. Vicar’s Report

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St Mildred’s Parish Church Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Held on Sunday 1 May 2022 in Church

1. Welcome and Introduction

Roger Hagon welcomed everyone to the Easter Vestry meeting for 2022.

2. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Jackie Bartley, Keith Bartley, Maxine James, Ray Locke and Geoff Nicholls.

3. Election of Churchwardens

Roger reported that nominations had been received from Janet Palmer and Steve Chapman. Roger asked if there were any further nominations. As there were none, Roger said that it gave him great pleasure in declaring Janet Palmer and Steve Chapmen duly elected.

Patricia Howard proposed a vote of thanks to the Churchwardens for their hard work during the past two years. Roger thanked the Churchwardens for their skills and spiritual gifts.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

4. Election of Representatives to Deanery Synod

Nominations were received from Richard Morrall, Patricia Howard and Rona Macdonald.

Roger said that St Mildred’s allocation is four members and asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There being no further nominations, Roger thanked Richard, Patricia and Rona and congratulated them on their election.

5. Election of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Judy Bennett reported that nominations had been received from Elizabeth Fleischer, Alan Griffiths, Alice Kawoya, Richard Mander, Rebecca Sangeetha, Stephen Philcox and Judy Bennett. Roger reported that St Mildred’s allocation is twelve members of PCC and asked if there were any further nominations from the floor.

There being none, Roger declared that Elizabeth, Alan, Alice, Richard, Rebecca and Stephen and Judy were duly elected to be on PCC for 2022-23 and thanked them for agreeing to serve.

6. Election of Sidespersons and Deputy Churchwardens

The following were elected as Sidespersons for the year 2022-23: Claudia Almeida, Sophie Blankson, Elizabeth Fleischer, Jeff Fleischer, Matthew Hagon, Brenda Hardstaff, Kath Hemsley, Alice Kawoya, Rona Macdonald, Audrey Marshall, Lloyd Mason, Pam Medland, James Mobbs, Joy Morrall, Richard Morrall, Sheetal Mukkamala,

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Sunil Makkamala, Pat Nicholls, Marion O’Connor, Stephen Philcox, Ricardo Resende, Kathy Rooke-Richards, Janice Rutter and Griselda Wireko-Brobby

Proposed by Margaret Simmons, seconded by Pat Howard.

The following were elected as Deputy Churchwardens for the year 2022-23: Barbara Broughton, Eileen Chapman, Lucy Cogle, Graeme Monk and Linda Monk.

Proposed by Charlotte Hatton, seconded by Pat Nicholls.

7. Minutes of the Easter Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 25 April 2021 (for the Years 2020 and 2021)

The minutes of the Easter Vestry meeting and APCM for 2020 were agreed and signed as a true record.

Judy Bennett reported that there were some amendments to the minutes of the APCM for 2021. Audrey Marshall and Georgina De-Mendoza should be added to the list of sidespeople, and the organisation referred to in the presentation of the accounts is Lives not Knives.

The minutes will be amended accordingly.

8. Matters Arising from the Minutes

Roger Hagon looked back at the report he gave at the 2021 APCM (page 9 in the pack). Whereas last year there was a steady ‘coming back to life’, 2022 has seen a turnaround at St Mildred’s. The real crown was the Easter Sunday service when the church was full and the music led by the choir. We have welcomed our new Deacon Evie, and a number of new parishioners have joined. The Drop In and Toddlers are back, and new teams have been established for pastoral support, mission outreach and the Sunday school. Roger thanked the congregation for their determination to return and for playing their part in this transformation.

9. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

Rona Macdonald reported that the number on the Electoral Roll is 147. This is a decrease of 6 on 2021. Sadly, a number of members have died, and others have moved away. Rona reported that the electoral roll form has been updated and now includes members’ email addresses and telephone numbers.

Members of the congregation may add their names to the Electoral Roll at any time by filling in an electoral roll form.

10. Achievement and performance including report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church, working group reports and Deanery Synod report

Steve Chapman said that it was a delight be able to return to church after lockdown and restricted opening, coming together to enjoy the benefits of the Big Our Church Project in full. The installation of the choir stalls marked the end of the project. Plans for the renovation of the West End organ are well advanced with the works scheduled to be commenced in 2024. Steve thanked Matt and the on-line team for their work in streaming services, helping the St Mildred’s community to stay in touch.

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The last quinquennial inspection took place in October 2020. No works requiring immediate attention were identified. Our inspecting architect Daniel Golberg retired last year. Mandy Lorenz was appointed as inspecting architect in January 2022. Steve thanked Alan Griffiths for completing the audit of the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church in March 2022. Due to the coronavirus pandemic there was no Archdeacon’s inspection in 2021. The next one is scheduled to take place in May.

Roger commended the reports from the various teams and organisations associated with St Mildred’s. There are more than for many years and they make good reading. The reports provide testimony to the Christian work taking place.

11. Finance Report and Presentation of the Accounts

Richard Morrall and Colin Simonds presented the accounts for 2021. Richard Morrall highlighted the Autumn stewardship campaign. He thanked those who had reviewed their giving, and those who took on a new financial commitment to St Mildred’s. This enabled the Finance Team to prepare a cautious way forward. Unfortunately, it was still necessary to control day to day costs, so staff hours had to be reduced once the government Job Retention scheme came to an end in September. It has been a balancing act between income and day to day costs. For instance, the overall surplus for the church and Centre was £342 on an income of over £163,000. At the request of the Independent Examiner, the final accounts for 2021 have been amended to reflect a change to Charity Commission regulations. Originally, staff costs were presented net of income received from the government’s furlough scheme but now this income (£26,150) is listed separately. This does not affect the accounts overall.

The biggest item of expenditure is the Parish Support Fund (PSF) pledge to the Diocese of Southwark. PSF pledges are required to be submitted six months before the start of the year. A realistic pledge of £30,000 was made for 2021. In the event, the easing of restrictions and income from the National Challenge courses for young people held during the Summer resulted in the PSF being boosted by a further £25,000. A pledge of £60,000 has been submitted for 2022. Further payments will be made if at all possible. This is still far short of the PSF pledge of £81,900 for a self-financing parish. Our aim is to get back to being a selffinancing parish as soon as possible. This was achieved in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Richard concluded by saying that despite the continued financial challenges it was pleasing to note that £1,200 had already been received for the Bishop’s Lent Call. Other beneficiaries of our charitable giving include Nightwatch, the Children’s Society and Croydon Refugee Day Centre.

Colin Simonds said that we have to remember where we came from. The Lockdown began in March 2020 but it is only now that we are beginning to get over its effects. St Mildred’s current financial difficulties must be put into the context of this history. As a charity St Mildred’s must comply with the Charity Commission’s protocols. Have we survived? Yes, and better than we thought. The total funds for the end of the year were approximately £555k in 2021 compared to £484k for 2020. The value of the Charifund investments increased. St Mildred’s has income from unrestricted funds (which can be used for anything) as well as from restricted funds (which must be used for a specific purpose). Income on restricted plus unrestricted funds amounted to around £231k in 2021 compared to £185k in 2020. It should be noted that information about church and Centre activities does not have to be reported to the Charity Commission and is for information only. In an abnormal year, church income held up well, mainly due to pledged giving.

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Colin referred to the Reserves Policy (page 28 of the pack). PCC policy is to maintain a balance in unrestricted funds that equates three months unrestricted payments. Free reserves as at 31 December were in excess of this amount and so the policy has been met. New regulations have meant that businesses must evaluate how viable they are by looking at their reserves, and outlining any risks they may face. Having evaluated the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the continued monitoring of cash flows the Trustees have concluded that St Mildred’s can continue as a going concern.

Roger thanked Patrina, Colin and Richard for producing the accounts.

12. Appointment of Independent Examiner

The appointment of Osbert Klass as Independent Examiner was proposed by Patrina Buchanan, seconded by Pat Howard.

A letter of thanks will be sent to Osbert Klass.

ACTION: Judy Bennett

13. Church Wardens Remarks

Steve Chapman said that he was grateful to everyone for coming back so strongly on the back of the covid-19 pandemic. He mentioned some of his own highlights, including:

Steve thanked a number of individuals:

Janet Palmer, for her skills as Churchwarden;

Richard Morrall, for keeping us all safe during the pandemic;

Richard Mander, for his enthusiasm and leadership of the choir;

The Deputy Wardens and Sidespeople, for welcoming the congregation week by week; Alan Griffiths, Joy Griffiths and the Serving Team;

Matt Webb and the ‘tech’ Team, for reaching out to those who cannot attend church in person. Streaming of services has made a difference to so many people’s lives. The Leadership Team – Roger, Marie, and Jane Ward;

Evie O’Brien who has already established herself in our community.

Finally, Steve thanked everyone for being a beacon of light, enabling the church to serve the community in the love of Christ.

14. Any Other Business

Judy Bennett reported that no items of any other business had been received.

15. Vicar’s Report

Roger Hagon read his report, copies of which were circulated at the meeting. Roger announced that he will be retiring in July 2023 after thirty-eight years serving as a minister in Southwark Diocese and thirteen as vicar of St Mildred’s. Roger’s last service will be held on 9 July. Roger said that his time at St Mildred’s had been the most fruitful and enjoyable in his whole time of ministry, but now he feels that the time is right for him to lay down his responsibilities and retire. Roger and Diana will be moving to the south coast to be

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closer to their other children. Matthew will move with them. The prospect is both exciting and daunting and Roger asked for our prayers as he and his family journey on.

Roger outlined his reasons for making the announcement now. Firstly, everyone needs to be aware of his long-term plans and how they may affect the next year. Secondly, Roger and Diana will need time to plan their retirement. They will be moving into a much smaller house in Chichester and will need to scale things down and decorate their new house. Thirdly, the next year will be an opportunity for St Mildred’s to reminisce and reflect on the past years, and plan for an interregnum. Some people may have to take on extra responsibilities so that the work of our church can be maintained and grown. Roger said that he was confident that, with the newly-elected Churchwardens and PCC and the enlarged ministry team, St Mildred’s would be in good hands and able to journey through the future months with God’s help. Finally, the next year needs to be a case of ‘business as usual’. The regular round of worship and the varied ways in which we continue to serve one another in the love of Christ will keep us going along the correct path and through the interregnum.

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AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The Parochial Church Council of St. Mildred’s (the PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity no 1133737 . PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commissions’ guidance under Charities Act 2011 on public benefit when considering the Charity’s objectives and activities.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornamentations of the Church

In 2022 we continued to enjoy the benefits of all the work that was undertaken as part of the Big Our Church Project. One of the benefits has been to allow the live streaming of our services, reaching an additional 50 – 100 people each week. We are grateful to Matt Webb and the young people in our “Tech-team” for making this happen. We could not do this without the young people in our congregation.

Nonetheless, work remains ongoing to ensure that facilities remain appropriate for generations to come.

In Spring 2023, work began in earnest on the renovation of the organ. On-site work has begun with the removal of the old pipes in the West End organ by Nicholson’s. It is planned that the new instrument will be fitted and installed over the course of 2024, completing the work originally planned as part of the Big Our Church Project. We are indebted to the work of Richard Mander and the Organ Team for their work on this project

In 2023 we applied for the Church Building to be Listed by Historic England. The outcome of our application will be decided over the course of June. Successfully listing our church buildings will help to ensure the Church buildings are maintained in line with the vision of the original architects benefitting generations to come. Moreover, it will allow the PCC to reclaim VAT on future building projects – including the West End Organ. Please continue to pray for a successful outcome

The Storms over the winter of 2022 did not leave the building untouched. The roof, across the entrance-way was damaged and subsequently repaired.

The most recent Quinquennial inspection was completed in October 2022 and there were no works identified that required immediate attention.

The inventory of goods and ornament was completed in March/April 2022 and everything was found to be in good order. We would like to thank Alan Griffiths for all his help completing this task.

Churchwardens

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Working Group Reports

Baptism Group

We have celebrated seven baptisms at St. Mildred’s in 2022 and one in 2023, five at our morning service and three in the afternoon. It is always a delight to baptise babies and young children into the Church of God and to witness the ongoing growth of our Church family. The Baptism Preparation Team will be meeting shortly as we plan to re-introduce pre-baptismal household visiting and make provisional plans for the Vacancy.

Revd Roger Hagon

The Centre

Was a challenging year – not just because of trying to get back on track post Covid (which would have been a challenge enough on its own!) But also because of the current economic climate, rising costs of utilities, consumables and the huge amount of maintenance and emergency repairs that the Centre has needed.

Repairs:

The Centre is now 16 years old, perhaps because of its age, construction issues, or maybe because it was closed for so long during lockdowns - More likely though, it’s a combination of all these factors, we have had an unprecedented amount of unplanned and emergency maintenance issues:

Replaced the failing CCTV system. Website reconfigured with a new payment platform. Replaced the Large Hall lights with LED fittings. Various plumbing Leaks in Ladies WC, Kitchens, accessible WC, plus replacing several taps. Emergency lights in most areas replaced.

Two boilers beyond economical repair in the main Centre and replaced. Tiles blown off front porch by high winds, repaired.

Roof leaked in the concourse, which has been repaired but also in the Music room (which we are still trying to repair!). Centre and the Pavilion door locks replaced. Pavilion gate, digital keypad broken and replaced. External brickwork needs repointing – surveyor suggested to be completed within 2 years. Cooker in the Pavilion, broken and replaced.

Centre front entrance, glass door, has had to be rehung as it had shifted on its mount.

So, it has indeed been a very challenging year, but we have also had some successes: This summer, St. Mildred’s successfully hosted the NCS (National Citizens Service) for around 350 young people over 5 weeks of the school holidays. NCS is a voluntary personal and social development course for 15–17-year-olds, funded largely by the UK government. Church bookings have remained steady, with South London Symphonia, Osiris Choir, Rock Project and Musical Bumps all continuing with their regular hire. Collectively these groups together with concert bookings represent an income for the Church of over £10k. Heat and Eat with MLH after school club – thank you so much to the cake sale team and the individuals for supporting this initiative and making it possible for St. Mildred’s to

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offer half term spaces at the MLH holiday club for families identified by local schools as in need of help.

The new community garden has been a joy to many and a great success in enabling connections with the local community. The garden has produced organic vegetables that have either been sold to fund the garden or donated to families that qualify for free school meals. Space has also been given over to shrubs and flowers that will help to support local wildlife.

The hirers:

Some of our regular hirer’s have closed down; 2 Pilates groups, Creative Steps for Children, Dance Fit for adults, Hallmark Learning, Shotokan Karate, Jasper Family Support (which has relaunched as MCM family but this time without using the small office by the kitchen.)

Some of our hirers who have restarted are struggling for various reasons. Because of the economic downturn, people have less money to spend on things like Baby and children’s classes or keep fit, specific interest groups.

MLH after school club have reported that as people have continued to work from home, not so many families need their service as they did before Covid.

We have also noticed a downturn in Saturday party bookings – again possibly because people have less money available.

In summary

We are trying to find a new way to navigate through these difficult times and are quite glad to see the end of 2022 – We hope to be in better shape for 2023 than we were at the beginning of this year. Thank you to all our hirers, our volunteers, and gardeners for their continued support of St. Mildred’s.

Leander Garner

Mission Outreach

The team met several times on Zoom during the year and worked on delivering the following pieces of work:

Revd Roger Hagon

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Staying in Touch Group

The Staying in Touch scheme has now been in operation for 18 months and is running smoothly with no reported issues. It is advertised in Janet’s emails and at the back of church. There are 12 team members and 23 people being supported.

I have now taken on the role of co-ordinator.

We re-launched the scheme at the service on 2[nd] October last year. We have regular team meetings and the next meeting is planned for 22[nd] April 2023.

Jane Ward

Home Communion Team

The Home Communion Team is comprised of Roger, Sharon Collins, Penny Locke, Eileen Chapman and Jane Ward.

We bring communion to members of the congregation who are unable to come to church. This is advertised in Janet’s email and on the St. Mildred’s website.

We currently take communion to 4 people. The numbers have decreased over the past year as several people have died who were receiving home communion.

We meet roughly every 4 months to discuss any issues and allocate anyone new who would like home communion to a member of the team.

Jane Ward

Organ Restoration Project

The past twelve months have seen some exciting developments in the ongoing project, as it enters its final year.

In late 2022, Nicholson’s began the process of restoring the Lewis pipework in their workshops in Malvern. They are extremely impressed with the quality of the pipework, and excited about how it will sound in St Mildred’s. Roger, Warren and I visited Malvern in December to see for ourselves the excellent work.

In March 2023 we launched the Adopt-a-pipe scheme, the flagship of our fundraising effort. In the same month the old West Organ was completely removed by Nicholson’s, with the exception of the copper façade pipes which will be restored and incorporated into the new organ.

Immediately following that, a separate Nicholson’s team visited to make a comprehensive survey of the site, so that detailed computer designs can be drawn up.

Work will start in Malvern in early autumn and take several months. In early 2024 it is expected that installation will begin in the church. This will take a number of weeks, including the tonal finishing where every single pipe will have its speech and voicing individually checked and adjusted. The East Organ, now 35 years old, will also get a complete overhaul.

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I would like to thank everyone involved for supporting this significant project, and look forward to delivering the new organ that will serve St Mildred’s for a great many decades to come.

Richard Mander

Property

During 2022, the property committee did not formally meet due to the low number of issues that needed attention following the 2018 Big Our Church Project.

However, during the year some minor maintenance was carried out including replacing the Church boiler’s thermostat (which allowed the Church to save energy and maintain a more comfortable temperature), and the replacement of a corridor light. During the year, the PCC appointed Mandy Lorenz from Thomas Ford and partners as our inspecting Architect, and we look forward to working with her at our next Quinquennial inspection in 2025.

The team will meet as required during 2023.

Matt Webb

Social Events

The team met several times over the year in order to put on the following social events:

Revd Roger Hagon

St. Mildred’s Live

In 2022 the streaming of live services at St Mildred’s continued from its beginnings on Remembrance Sunday in late 2020. We continue to provide a much valued link to our community for those who can’t physically attend St Mildred’s (and for those who enjoy our music). Throughout the year we streamed almost all of our 10am services, Evensongs, as well baptisms, funerals and special services. The additional services have proven especially helpful to those involved, allowing family and friends from around the world to join us at St Mildred’s in important moments.

And the top 5 public streams of 2022 are:

  1. 18[th] December - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

  2. 24[th] December - Midnight Mass

  3. 22[nd] February - Ash Wednesday Service

  4. 18[th] December - 4[th] Sunday of Advent Parish Communion Service

  5. 2[nd] October – Choral Evensong

During the year we streamed 72 services, we have 91 subscribers (up from 55 last year) and we received a total of 4586 views of our channel. And the figures show that our channel continues to grow since the end of COVID restrictions easing in the Summer of 2021. The

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2022 Nine Lessons and Carols service was viewed by nearly double the amount of people than last year, with 109 unique people watching the service, and Midnight Mass attracting 3 times more than last year at 103 unique people. Viewing habits have obviously changed since the pandemic and while the average number of live viewers (the solid bottom line in the graph below) has remained fairly stable since restrictions eased, the number of unique people watching (middle dotted line) and the total number of stream views (top dashed line) has gradually increased throughout the year. In December the average number of unique people watching each service actually exceeded the average for the 2021 lockdown.

We hope this trend continues in to 2023 allowing more and more people join us in worship at St Mildred’s. We would very much enjoy having new members to help in our mission. No previous experience necessary - the only requirement is a sense of adventure!

And finally my thanks has to go to the streaming team for the many, many pages of subtitles, the ability to cope with technical issues and constant good humour and support!

Matt Webb

Sunday School – Millies Mountaineers

I am delighted to share this report with you, highlighting many of the developments and successes Millie’s Mountaineers has had over the last year. Both Scramblers (pre-school) and Climbers (primary school age) have welcomed new families; some known to the church through the community centre, others who are new to the area.

This year we have reinstated the use of registration forms, plus a photography/social media consent form, together with a weekly register of attendance. As well as serving an important safeguarding purpose, this is helping us to track attendance and build better relationships

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with families. We are very much encouraged by the numbers of children and their families that we see each week, and by the friendships that are forming.

The sending out of a monthly newsletter to our families began towards the end of 2022. The newsletter contains the themes for the month in church, reminders and key dates. This has been well received and is a key way of keeping parents updated with what is happening in the church and its community. Our WhatsApp group is used for sharing the work children have completed in their sessions and passing on important information to parents.

The activity boxes, which were brought in during COVID restrictions, have continued to be a success for the all-age services. The boxes provide both Scramblers and Climbers children with age-suitable resources such as puzzles, crafts, Bible stories and drawing material.

Recently, the small hall, renamed as the ‘Scramblers’ Den’, has remained open throughout all services each Sunday, including the all-age services. The space is available for families with young children to use as an area of respite, given that an hour’s service can be a long time for a pre-schooler to sit still during! Some materials will be left out for the families to use during all-age services, though these sessions will not be facilitated by a Mountaineers Leader.

We ended 2022 on an enormous high, by performing the Nativity in the Sunday service a week before Christmas. This was an incredible achievement; with over fifteen children taking part! There were many lovely and encouraging comments from members of the congregation, and it is something we are hoping to do again this year.

Overall, it has been a hugely successful year for Millie’s Mountaineers, and there are still plenty of ideas in the pipeline for how we can develop our sessions further, to support our young people in their journey of faith. We are very keen that our children’s ministry is part of “one community” with the main church service on a Sunday, with linked themes and a culture where children and families feel welcomed, supported and celebrated.

Huge thanks must be given to all our leaders: Chris, Charlotte, Nikki, Jane, Rebecca, Sophie, Helen, Elizabeth, Eileen and Donna, who give their time so generously in the leading of sessions and the planning and prepping of material. We also are looking forward to welcoming new Mountaineers Leaders, Julia and David, after the Easter holidays.

Donna Oliver

Parish Organisations Reports

ANCA

ANCA has continued to operate throughout the year, delivering all our usual services, as normal; and meeting the requirements of our Contract Agreement with the Social Services Dept. of Croydon Council. These include a Lunch Club, which is held here every Monday and Tuesday, at which some 11 and 14 people (respectively) attend to enjoy a wholesome hot meal, as well as the pleasant company of friends; thus clearly improving their social inclusion and, hopefully, their general health.

We also run our Shopping Bus Service, whereby those less mobile, or more frail, can receive escorted shopping trips to Tesco at Elmers End. We still currently need to use the Dial-aRide service; but I am sorry to say that they have been very slow, to return to any sort of

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“pre-Covid” levels of ‘Service’; having cut back on virtually all previous “Regular Bookings”, which we used to enjoy.

The ‘Extend’ classes of gentle exercise, to help maintain suppleness and general fitness, also prove very popular, both the Monday and Thursday morning groups being well attended. This is a good situation, but if anyone is interested in joining either of these groups, (and there may be some future vacancies), please contact the ANCA office, in the first instance ; for the latest position, and to join up for this.

We held all our regular “Events”, over the past year: a ‘Thank You’ buffet lunch for our Volunteers this February, & a Strawberry Tea last summer, both very well attended, and much appreciated. Also our Christmas Party, last year, was very successfully, as usual. We also enjoyed two delicious ‘Christmas Dinners’, with wine, for our Lunch Club meals, at that time of year, enjoying the improved standard of food we now get, from the kitchen at our Neighbouring Group, “UNACC”, thus finishing off the year in style.

We continue to provide a range of other services to the people of Addiscombe. These include:- Visiting/Befriending of lonely or housebound folk; Advice & Advocacy: and help with Form-filling, or other ‘Applications’, etc.

We also offer help for any dealings with other Agencies, such as Health Authority or Social Services and the Dept. of Pensions; Practical Help with ‘one-off’ problems, such as changing light bulbs, and/or small gardening/DIY jobs, etc.

Equally, we also maintain a small, but useful, store of Mobility Aids & Equipment, which are available for ‘Loaning’ out, on a ‘temporary’ basis, to Clients, or their Family.

Another major plank of our service, are the highly essential, and greatly appreciated, Volunteer Drivers; who take Clients to a variety of ‘Health-Related’ appointments, at Doctors’ surgeries, health clinics, opticians, dentists, and local hospitals, etc.

On the general subject of Volunteers, we are facing a SHORTAGE, at the moment. We are looking for people to help us with various matters; including in our Office; as Befrienders, and with our Shopping Bus Service. We especially need more DRIVERS; as either they, or their cars, have to finally call it a day!! Therefore, we are seriously looking to recruit MORE drivers; hence if anyone can spare a little time, now and then, to do the odd trip to local Clinics, Drs, Dentists, etc., please get in touch via the ANCA office. Things do become a bit desperate at times, trying to meet all the requests we get; however, we try very hard not to let people down, if at all possible, so that we can continue to provide the great standard of care, we do, for the residents of this Parish; and the wider community in and around Addiscombe.

However, finally, the sad news. As most residents of the Borough will already know, Croydon Council is “Bankrupt”. ANCA, along with many other “Neighbourhood Care Groups”, has been “Funded” by the Council, for the past 25-30 years, one way or another. For the last 9/10 years, at least, we have operated under “Tendered” for, (renewable), ThreeYear, Contracts. Unfortunately, ALL such Funding will cease, at the end of March, this year 2023; with no prospect of any other money forthcoming.

Luckily, ANCA is a bit better placed, than most other such other Groups; as we had, previously, received a fairly substantial Legacy; leaving us with some “savings” still in the bank, to draw down from, for some while. This means we can continue to operate, for a few years longer; while we wait to see, whether the Council might “get its house in order”, financially; such that it may be able to resume “Funding” vital Services like ours. The only Page 16

other, potential, source of money, may be from the Health Authority Budget(s); though they still do not seem to understand the true value/benefits of all the very necessary “Prevention” work, which we do; to reduce both Physical, and/or Mental illness.

Norman Till

Choir

The last twelve months has seen a welcome return to our normal routine after the hiatus caused by Covid. We were again able to sing in person in church throughout the year, and the choir has continued to build in numbers and repertoire.

Highlights of the year include our summer trip to Guildford Cathedral, our autumn concert and the Christmas music, including of course the Carol Service.

During the year we were delighted to welcome new members into both the junior and adult choirs. The junior choir now numbers 12 – always room for more but this is an excellent number in today’s world and we are rightly proud of the fantastic contribution the junior choir is making to our worship.

I would like to record my thanks to all those who volunteer their services to sing in our choir, and special mention should be made to the Choir Association Committee members, as well as Simon Pearce, Penny Locke, David Nicholls and Warren Hall, who all stood in for me at various times of the year.

Richard Mander

Ladies Choir

2022 finally provided some light at the end of the Covid restriction tunnel, with a few opportunities for live singing events for the Ladies’ Choir, although still much diminished compared with past years. The annual World Day of Prayer service was the first outing for us in early March, being hosted by St Mildred’s, deferred from 2021. The service was written by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the theme ‘I Know the Plans I Have for You’, based on a reading from Jeremiah 29. We were privileged to once again have Roger playing the organ for the service, as he did in 2020, just before the first lockdown! An added bonus was Matt being available to livestream the service and then put it on St Mildred’s YouTube.

In early May we were able to sing our first Entertainment programme in 3 years, on the theme of Spring, for the Salvation Army’s Home League group, but sadly, many of the groups we used to sing to had not yet re-opened or had even closed.

Our final outing of the year was to sing carols and Christmas songs to entertain the punters at St Mary Magdalene church’s Christmas Fair. We hope for more bookings in 2023.

Sadly, we lost two of our past loyal members, who had been unable to sing for some time, due to very poor health: Yvonne Burr, who died at the end of August, and Ruth Carter, who died just before Christmas. Both lovely ladies had still maintained a strong interest in our activities, even when so poorly – we will miss them very much.

My thanks go to the choir members who have ‘stuck’ with the group, in spite of few opportunities to sing, and we all owe huge thanks, of course, to Roger and Matt, for what we

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did achieve in a limited way last year. My special heartfelt thanks go to Roger for his unstinting support of the Ladies’ Choir during his time at St Mildred’s. This included accompanying our entertainments or services on several occasions, as well as composing wonderful pieces for us to sing, one of which (Mary Sumner’s Personal Prayer) was recorded and streamed worldwide for a Mothers’ Union service in 2021! How many vicars have achieved that in addition to their many pastoral duties?! We will certainly miss Roger in many ways when he retires, but wish him and Diana a happy, relaxing, musical retirement!

Penny Locke

St. Mildred’s Drop-In

The drop-in has now fully re-opened following covid, and is offering hot food, a safe space and good company every Sunday from 1-3pm.

Although numbers fell dramatically following the pandemic we are now seeing regular attendance of at least 20 people. We are also widening our invitation to anyone who would like some company and warmth on a Sunday lunchtime - although many of our guests are homeless, others just appreciate a warm welcome and a good meal.

We no longer offer clothing to our guests though we do have underwear and socks for people and some emergency provision for people who desperately need it. We do however want to fix the showers urgently as some of our guests have no access to hot water, and have offered to pay for the repairs from drop-in funds.

Huge thanks go to our dedicated teams of volunteers, chefs and generous donors. We couldn’t do it without you. If anyone else would like to join us we offer full training and always welcome more support.

Many thanks from the drop-in leaders: Pat, Glyn, Jane, Julian, Jemma and Sally

Sally Burlington

Christmas Day Lunch

This year we offered our Christmas lunch at full strength and fed 100 people. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who helped set up, prepare food, drive our guests, serve and clean up. Everyone had a wonderful time and we were overwhelmed with thanks and gratitude.

Huge thanks also to many donors who gave food, gifts and money. Particular thanks go to Our Lady’s Church on Bingham Road and many generous individual donors who meant that we more than covered our costs this year, and to NLA Church Tooting, Valuing Health Ltd and the parishioners of St Mary’s West Croydon who provided a large number of generous gifts for our guests.

Sally Burlington

Flower Team

We are pleased to say that we are now a group of eight ladies on the flower team, Sharon Collins, Marie King, Sandie Kinnard, Val Lee, Penny Lock + Leander Garner, Rona McDonald and Maria Silk who recently joined us and we are delighted to welcome them. If there is anybody who would be interested in being included on the team please speak with

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Marie King or Sharon Collins, all equipment is provided plus refreshments for us all to enjoy. We are a group of ladies who enjoy each others company helping to make St.Mildred’s a prayerful, loving, beautiful church for all that visit.

It has been a quiet year for the team after the trials of the Covid pandemic without any weddings flowers to arrange, a few baptisms that required decorating the font and funeral flowers for treasured ones. We are very grateful to all who donate towards fresh flowers during the year for special occasions, in remembrance of a loved one, anniversaries or birthdays, any donations are at the discretion of the donor. Please ask Marie or Sharon if anyone wishes to have special flowers arranged for any future dates, choice of flowers or colours according to any budget, the team are only too happy to arrange.

We love to use fresh flowers when we can, the cash placed in the boxes at the back of the church a few weeks before Mothering Sunday, Easter and Harvest Festival is much appreciated and enables the church flowers to be totally self financed. During the year when fresh flowers are not required by donors very good quality silk blooms are used which of course although artificial do deteriorate and have to be replaced from time to time. Please ask Marie or Sharon if you would to have special flowers arranged for any occasion.

We have reserves held within the church accounts which is only used for emergencies or equipment which is now showing age and will be needing replacement in the future.

We appreciate the support and encouragement we receive from all at St Mildred’s and are always open to suggestions or ideas from the congregation, come on, be brave!

Sharon Collins

Friends of St. Mildred’s

"The Friends of St Mildred's" scheme was set up in 1989 to encourage all within our wider family who are united in wishing to support us in some way.

Friends was re-launched in 2013.

We draw our membership from a variety of sources:

We offer people the opportunity to tailor make their involvement, so the forms include the following options:

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Cost? £25 with the proviso that it is 'suggested'. We are aware that some people already support St Mildred's via planned giving and may not wish to pay any more; so, we are very grateful for any donations whether bigger or smaller than that suggested.

A gift aid facility is included.

The form also includes information on how specific concerns (prayer requests etc) can be dealt with via the Parish Pastoral team. Each member, and those family members they nominate on their form, is included in the regular intercessions each week.

Each year, we hope to continue to expand our membership by including forms with various application packs eg weddings, baptisms and Centre bookings

During 2022 around 30 households joined – raising over £800 for church funds.

Margaret Simmons

Home and Lent Groups

We enjoyed another full year of study, discussion (and cake) over the course of 2022/23 In the Autumn term we studied together the Book of Proverbs. Over the course of our reflections, we drew out some of the key themes– trusting God in everything, forging strong families, developing personal discipline, and choosing friends wisely. Although our surroundings have clearly changed, the principles underscoring how we should conduct our lives, in accordance with God’s plan, remain the same as when the Book of Wisdom was first written c 2,500 years ago.

In the Spring term we studied, togethers extracts from Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul’s letter to the Romans is arguably the Grand Opera of Christian belief. It encompasses the landscape of faith with Paul’s typical passion and depth. Inevitably we were unable to cover it all between Christmas and Lent, however we debated many of the key themes. In Lent we were delighted to welcome Bishop Peter Price, who led us through a series of lectures entitled, “People Get Ready – Seeking God’s Kingdom and his saving Justice”. Throughout the five week course we examined the areas we see God acting in the world today and what it mean for our lives both individually and as a church community. It was an inspiring set of talks/discussions and really helped to illuminate the importance that Community plays in all our lives. We are so grateful to have someone of Bishop Peter’s, wisdom and experience lead us on our Lenten journey

Next term each member of the Group will be leading the remainder, in a discussion about a Bible passage that is particularly important to them. We will be re-starting at the beginning of May – please let me know if you would like to join us next term. Hopefully - if the weather improves - we will be able to meet in the garden!

Finally, it is a great delight to report that two members of the home group have, put themselves forward for training in different forms of Ministry. Meeting and studying the bible

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together is a nurturing experience, giving us the chance to learn from one another as we debate matters impacting on our Christian Lives today.

Steve Chapman

The Lit

This season October 2022 to March 2023 has been a very enjoyable season with a wide and varied programme. Unfortunately Member numbers are down on previous years due to long term illness and one of our long term members moving to a care home. We are were sorry to hear of the death of Adrienne Solomon a keen supporter of The Lit in the past. We send our condolences to her husband Ben and the family.

However, the number of visitors has held up in comparison to previous seasons.

The standard of our speakers never ceases to delight us but some of them were very memorable. In October 2022 our lady members enjoyed the visit of Carol Harris “Putting on the Ritz” fashion in the 1920’s and 1930’s. this was the inter war period, a period of social upheaval and advances in technology and the development of light industries giving women more disposable income corresponding with the invention of paper patterns making it possible for women to make their own clothes. Carol had a wide variety of examples to show us making it a very enjoyable evening.

Then in November we had a talk by Carol Roberts on “The Grand Theatre”. This talk was very informative about the grand theatre, but the amazing thing was how many theatres there were in the 1800’s in Croydon.

In February 2023 we were honoured to be entertained by Tony Harris as “Sherlock Holmes”. In true sherlock style he offered his solution as to who the original “Jack Ripper”, was presenting the evidence in a logical and pictorial way to utterly convince us of his conclusion. As well as terrifying some of us with the graphic details. Also, in February we had the artist Steve Waterfields, on “Painting Stained Glass Windows and Poetry”. He showed us his exquisite stained glass in pictures and actual pieces, also a variety of his landscapes but most enjoyable were his poems which he shared with us. We thank all who supported us throughout the season and we hope to see you all for our new season beginning in October 2023.

Elizabeth Fleischer

Mothers’ Union

The year began in February when 20 members attended our AGM chaired by Penny in her role as Deanery Leader

At our meeting in March, we were very active as we focussed on areas around the church. Joy had produced an interesting trail around these areas. One clue led to another and at each destination she had attached a poem , a fact , a verse or some music to reflect on, pertinent to the item we had found. It is easy to be in a place but not see what is around us, and that afternoon we saw and learnt many things.

At last, in April, Rev Esther Foss was able to come and lead our Lenten reflection in person although, she had last year, given a reflection online. Some members had said they had expected the afternoon to be more sombre but Esther was able to deliver her talk with fun and humour but nevertheless giving us a great deal to think about.

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Mandy Campbell had been scheduled to visit us in June 2020 but it had to be postponed to May this year due to obvious reasons. We were really looking forward to her talk with the intriguing title ”The Little Book of Hints and Wrinkles”. After a slight delay with the technology, we improvised with makeshift screen and some scrambling around on the floor to access suitable plugs and extensions.

Despite the weather looking a little unpredictable, seven members met in Coombe Gardens in June for a leisurely stroll. The numbers were down on previous years as some members were on holiday and some are having mobility issues or experiencing poor health.

For our July meeting we had a social evening, the first one since lockdown. Jackie and Keith were our hosts this year and the weather was kind to us, enabling us to sit in their lovely garden all evening. There were about 20 of us all together and we brought along drinks and chairs and a picnic blanket for the children. For food, we had decided on a cold buffet with a variety of lovely quiches from Cook, and members contributed salads and delicious desserts.

During the summer the MU met on two occasions. We had a wonderful time in Penny's garden in August sharing tea with our members and from across the Deanery. A lovely chance to meet old friends and make new ones too. We were able to take home doggy bags of leftovers and freshly picked blackberries from the bottom of Penny's garden ( though we did have to pick them ourselves!). We raised over £300 for AFIA!

In September, 19 members met in church for the Wave of Prayer. The Wave of Prayer is a continuous, daily commitment by Mothers’ Union members from around the world to pray for each other. It runs throughout the year so that the work and members of each and every area in which Mothers’ Union is active is prayed for at some point.

We were delighted to welcome Liz Pullen as our guest speaker on 6 October. Liz gave an interactive talk on Transformation NOW – MU’s theme for 2022. She began by asking us to think of an instance when God had shown His presence to us. We wrote our thoughts on pieces of paper shaped like butterflies and put them on display in front of the altar. Liz said that she was aware of the many good things that take place at St Mildred’s and how we have all had to transform the way we work in the last few years.

In the programme for our November meeting, we had planned to have “a discussion”. As the time got nearer, we contemplated on what the discussion should be about and asked committee members for ideas. Penny, Linda and Margaret came to the rescue and we had a very successful afternoon.

A Christmas lunch at Shirley Park golf Club was well supported in December. All agreed that the food was excellent and it was good to see members family and friends joining us on this occasion. We had a successful raffle with £121 being raised for the MU charity AFIA.

In January we had our usual DIY anthology bringing together Christmas Epiphany and the New year.

Margaret opened the meeting with a politically and legally correct New Year wish which summed up world we are living in ! This was followed by prayers and reflection led by Joy and Penny. We then continued by members presenting readings and poems, some reflecting our original theme and some just for fun.

Another full year has been completed.

Jackie Bartley

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The Parish Post

Over the past year, the Parish Post Committee continued to comprise Karen Rooney, Jane Ward, Judy Bennett and Barbara Broughton.

From April 2023, Jane Ward is taking a 6-12 month break from the magazine to concentrate on her SPA work.

The Committee deals solely with the content of the news section. Karen continued to carry out the design, layout and editing of the magazine, with the rest of the Committee helping to source articles and carry out the proofreading.

We have continued to plan the magazine a few months ahead, in order to provide different and interesting articles and interviews. We thank all our contributors over the past year. The Parish Secretaries are responsible for the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section, the advertisements and for printing the entire magazine, including large print copies. There have been fewer regular advertisers since coming out of Lockdown, but fewer hard copies of the magazine have been printed which has helped to keep costs down. The cover price remains at 50p.

The magazine is also emailed to those on the ‘Friends’ list, as well as being uploaded to the church website, and we thank Margaret for her help with this.

Thanks are also due to the Parish Secretaries and all members of the Committee for their hard work and commitment over the past year.

Karen Rooney

Prayer Meetings

We have been present at many of the prayer meetings and I have been the lead at one prayer meeting but up till now Roger has been the main lead. I with the help of my husband Jeff will be taking over the lead from July 2023. This may be a prayer walk around the Parish. It will still be monthly but likely to be on a Thursday, however I am hoping with the help of the tech team to set up a “what’s app” group to remain in touch on a weekly basis. This will be done in consultation with the current members at the time. I also hope that other members will take the lead on a monthly basis from time to time. It will be a team effort.

Elizabeth Fleischer

Safeguarding

During the course of the last year, ‘A Safe Church’ was continued to be adopted by the PCC. Both PSOs along with the Church Wardens have continuously monitored this and taken appropriate actions and steps where required. Many new DBS checks and renewals have been submitted to the APCS successfully. As Covid restrictions have been lifted, the number of volunteers who carry out regulated activity with children and / or adults has increased significantly over the last year. Both PSOs have conducted further safeguarding training this year and are committed to continued development in the future.

Due to health and work commitments, Chris has expressed his desire to resign as PSO at the APCM in 2023. The increased PSO workload has meant that it would be beneficial to add to the Parish Safeguarding Team, and we are very pleased to announce that Jane Ward and Sam Oliver have agreed to join the team.

Helen Medland

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27[th] Croydon Scout Group

Beavers

As with many organisations, the Covid pandemic has had a profound effect on Scouting and our group in particular. Over various lockdowns our Beaver Leader moved away and our existing Beavers became Cub age. It is important for any scout group to have a Beaver colony to feed into the cubs and scouts. So, we decided to re-launch our Beaver section on Wednesday 14[th] September 2022, with the help of adults from the 1[st] Croydon Scout Group (therefore becoming a joint 1[st] / 27[th] Croydon Beaver colony).

We now have 6 Beavers (3 boys and 3 girls) and offered a full programme from September to December. Our Wednesday evening activities have included:making faces from natural materials, learning about the history of scouting and the scout promise, a puppet show, learning about remembrance, healthy eating and kitchen safety, taking part in parliament week and singing a song at the Christmas event.

During this first term all 6 Beavers were invested and earned the Parliament badge. My thanks go to our Young Leader Antonio, Michael and Rinish for their help.

Helen Medland, Acting Beaver Leader

Cubs

As usual, this year has been a busy and rewarding time for the Cubs. Throughout 2022 we have had a balanced, varied and enjoyable programme both at our weekly evening meetings and when out and about.

Our Thursday evening indoor activities have included: teambuilding, cooking, learning about healthy eating and hygiene, craft, nature art, learning about international scouting, firework art, talking about books we have read.

Outdoor activities: the Cub Funday, a multi-activity day at Frylands campsite, wide games at Sparrows Den and visiting Croydon Fire Station, and rifle shooting at Frylands. Cubs have gained a variety of badges: Home Help, Entertainer, Book Reader, My Faith, Naturalist, International, and local knowledge.

Cubs have also been camping: in July we joined the Cubs at the 1[st] Croydon Scout Group at Bears Wood campsite, Courtwood Lane, Forestdale for a weekend. Sleeping under canvas, the Cubs built their own fires and took part in a number of outdoor activities, including a hike during one of the hottest days of the year!

My thanks to those who helped run the Cub section, especially Henry, my assistant Leader.

Helen Medland, Cub Scout Leader

Scouts

The Scout section has also had a busy and adventurous year.

Thursday evening activities have included: making a variety of things in woodwork and pioneering projects, cooking pancakes, Chinese food and curry.

Outdoor activities: backwoods cooking, and evening ramble.

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Scouts were not able to go to Wintercamp at Gilwell in January, as this was not yet running after the Pandemic. In July, scouts joined the Cubs at Bears Wood. Our usual indoor camp in October was cancelled as the building was not up to standard and needed repairs. My thanks to those who helped run the Scout section, especially Howard.

* The 27[th] Croydon Scout Group would welcome any new members *** Beavers : 6 – 8 years Tuesday 6.15 – 7.15pm Cubs :8 – 10+ years Thursday 6.15 – 7.40pm Scouts :10+ – 14 years Thursday 7.45 – 9.15pm Adults18+ to help with any section on a weekly rota basis. PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Simon Medland Scout Leader

Toddler Group

We have had a busy year with new families coming along on a regular basis. The children learn to mix with each other and share playing with a wide variety of different toys each week.

Each week the craft table offers painting or making something to take home. Crayons and paper are always available. We try to celebrate the major events in the Church calendar. Toddlers were delighted that Roger was able to lead out mini-Easter and Christmas services in Church. Father Christmas was able to leave his mask at home this year when he visited just before Christmas.

The story and singing time at the end of the session continues to be popular

We are grateful to the team who set up, make tea, greet families, and put away the toys each week. Without this support we would not be able to continue. If anyone is interested in helping, please speak to Eileen Chapman or Penny Locke

Eileen Chapman

Women’s Group

With all restrictions lifted, St. Mildred's Women's Group started up again in September with a water colour art class. This was followed by bulb planting, knit and natter, Christmas table demonstration, film night and a cookery demonstration. As usual, we try to keep the cost as low as possible to make the meetings accessible.

Vera Burch

Deanery Synod

It was my privilege to attend and report on the following to PCC during 2022.

January: A Deanery Leadership Team (DLT) meeting was held and Rev Simon Foster, Area Dean, updated the committee on the Afghan refugee status of those staying in the hotel in Crystal Palace. In December, people of our Deanery including St Mildred’s choir in force

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sang Christmas carols outside the hotel (due to the Covid situation) and over 500 gifts were given out; 70+ donated by St Mildred’s.

The DLT were also informed that “The Billy Graham Crusade”, led by his son Franklin, would be happening in July. There would be courses for those volunteering as counsellors and stewards at Christ Church, Croydon. Concern was raised about youth crime in the area and in particular the increase in girl gangs and how they operate. A new sports club called the Legacy Youth Zone had recently opened in Whitehorse Road run by organisations such as Croydon Drop-In to provide a safe place for young people to anonymously discuss anything on their minds.

February: Deanery Synod, held at Emmanuel Church, included an update on the Diocesan Synod and that Adrian Greenwood and Rosemarie Mallett had been re-elected as the chairs of Houses of Laity and Clergy. A General Synod update was given by Paul Waddell. The evening’s talk was by Steve Phaure, Chief Executive of Croydon Voluntary Action, which coordinates all the voluntary work in the Croydon area, both secular and denominational. Regarding the Living in Love and Faith course, an online Deanery course had been run by Peter Graystone and David Wilcox with about 12 attendees. St Augustine’s, St Peter’s, St Matthew’s, Christ Church and St Mildred’s churches each ran courses at their respective venues. The deadline for course feedback had been extended to 30th April due to the Covid disruption.

June: Deanery Synod was held at Christ Church, West Croydon, and we received a talk from Nicola Newman, Deputy Director of Croydon Drop-In. Croydon Drop-In is a counselling service, aimed at those aged 10-25 years old, and takes place in their main building at 132 Church Street. We said an official goodbye to our Area Dean, Rev Simon Foster, who retired in July.

July: I attended the Billy Graham Crusade tour at London Excel Centre on 16th July as a counsellor. The live music was amazing and I was privileged to talk with three attendees about their Christian journeys.

September: The Deanery Synod, at Croydon Minster, held a minute’s silence in honour of the passing of our Queen. The main presentation focused on a talk by Liz Bridge, a Quaker chaplain at Wandsworth Prison. In November 2020, she launched an initiative to collect 1,476 hats, one for every prisoner in Wandsworth saying the prison is very cold and the central heating does not work very well. In 2022, she was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list.

The meeting received updates from both the Diocesan Synod and General Synod. The Lay Chair, David Percival, introduced our new Area Dean, Rev Geoff Dumbreck. Geoff came to Croydon in 2019 and has given confidence and inspiration to the South Croydon Benefice. Geoff said he was excited to be the new Area Dean and looks forward to working with all of us. “If the Deanery is to flourish, it requires all of the parishes to be fully involved within it. There are many committed churchgoers who are not sure what the Deanery is or what it might do. It is our duty to go back to our parishes and enthuse people with the possibilities that come through the Deanery. There are a lot of things we can do together that we might not be able to do if we were working on our own.”

October: At the DLT meeting I expressed that I felt very moved by what Liz Bridge said to us at the Deanery Synod and suggested the Deanery could get involved in donating woolly hats. Thankfully, the Women’s Group and Mother’s Union at St Mildred’s were keen to take this forward and raised this throughout the Southwark Diocese. I was able to source a pattern and circulate.

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November: Croydon Voluntary Action collated information about all the local Warm Spaces which were published on Simply Connect Croydon. This included both our Wednesday gathering and Sunday Drop-in in their database.

December: As many at St Mildred’s will recall, we ran a successful Christmas project throughout the Deanery to provide enough hats for 1,600 prisoners by Christmas Day. I was pleased to deliver over 100 from St Mildred’s to HMP Wandsworth and delighted to report that the target was reached. Thank you to all the knitters who took part.

2023: We can look forward to the June meeting of the Deanery Synod being held here at St Mildred’s on 15[th] June, 2023. Everyone is invited to attend. The main speaker will be Lucy Cokell, the Faith Communities Liaison and Hate Crime Liaison Officer. She will aim to bring some of her colleagues with her to talk about what they do. There is a Disability Liaison Officer, Age, Faith and Race (Lucy) and Violence Against Women and Girls Officer. They can also discuss Hate Crime, what it is, what they do about it and how they can help. Please save the date.

Patricia Howard

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity number: 133737 Registered Charity name: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mildred’s Addiscombe Address: Bingham Road Croydon CR0 7EB Bankers: National Westminster Bank 209-213 Lower Addiscombe Road Croydon CR0 6RB Independent examiner: Klass & Co 18 Mounthurst Road Bromley BR2 7QN

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent: Rev’d Roger Hagon
Hon Curate: Rev’d Marie King (NSM - retired)
Churchwardens: Steven Chapman and Janet Palmer
Secretary: Judy Bennett
Treasurer: Colin Simonds
Representatives on Deanery
Synod: Patricia Howard
Rona Macdonald
Richard Morrall
Elected Members Judith Bennett (from APCM 2022)
Elizabeth Fleischer (from APCM 2021)
Alan Griffiths (from APCM 2021)
Alice Kawoya (from APCM 2021)
Richard Mander (from APCM 2022)
Stephen Philcox (from APCM 2021)
Rebecca Sangeetha (from APCM 2022)

The aims of the PCC are to promote the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical within the parish. It also offers the Pastoral Staff Team full support in the carrying out of their mission.

Working groups, under the authority of the PCC, meet throughout the year prayerfully to reflect on and develop an aspect of church life in line with our current Vision Statement –

‘We seek to be an open and loving church, growing in faith and confidence and joyfully sharing God’s love with all’.

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Each group is invited by the PCC Secretary to send a written report to the PCC meetings which brings the whole council up-to-date with its work and thinking. Sometimes longer presentations may be made to the PCC and recommendations which seek PCC approval. Below is a list of our current groups, their facilitators and membership. Please show your interest by speaking to the facilitator and your support by praying through the year for the members of each group.

Membership and Terms of Reference for PCC Working Groups

Property

Maintaining and developing the Church building.

Facilitator: Matt Webb

Steve Chapman, Richard Morrall, Kieron Chapman

Organ Restoration Project

Providing a new West Organ to support congregational singing and build on the strong musical tradition of St. Mildred’s

Facilitator: Richard Mander

Stuart Knight, Jane Davey, Warren Hall

Finance

Overseeing our financial resources and expenditure and budgeting for the future. Facilitator: Richard Morrall

Patrina Buchanan, David Nicholls, Stuart Knight, Warren Hall, Audrey Marshall, Matt Webb, Colin Simonds.

St. Mildred’s Centre

Facilitator: Leander Garner.

Social Events

Providing a broad range of social events so people can enjoy being with each other and getting to know new members.

Facilitators: Roger Hagon

Jane Davey, George Calvert, Janet Palmer, Claire Webb, Emily Kinnard, Rachael Williams, Meadow Phillipson, Donna Oliver

Baptism Group

Co-ordinating baptism preparation and reflecting on baptism policy. Facilitator: Roger Hagon

Eileen Chapman, Griselda Wireko-Brobby, Rona Macdonald, Donna Oliver

St. Mildred’sLive

Providing live streamed services for those who cannot attend Church and to reach out to the wider community.

Facilitator: Matt Webb

Pat Howard, Margaret Simmons, Kieron Chapman, Kyle Knight, Lloyd Rinsitah, Lilly Watts

Staying in Touch Group

Planning the introduction of a new team approach to pastoral care for those who attend/worship at St. Mildred’s Church.

Facilitator: Jane Ward

Jeff Fleischer, Elizabeth Fleischer Janet Palmer, Jane Ward

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Home Communion Team

Visiting those people who have requested communion at home. Facilitator: Jane Ward

Sharon Collins, Penny Locke, Eileen Chapman

Mission Outreach

Reaching out with love to a needy world.

Facilitator: Roger Hagon

Karen Rooney, Jane Ward, Leander Garner, Stephen Philcox, Sophie Blankson, Rona Macdonald, Alice Kawoya

Sunday School – Millies Mountaineers

Providing lively and interactive teaching every Sunday for both pre-school and school-aged children from 0-11.

Facilitator: Donna Oliver

Eileen Chapman, Jane Davey, Chris and Charlotte Hatton, Nicky Mander, Elizabeth Goddard, Donna Oliver, Sophie Blankson, Rebecca Sangeetha, Helen Loft

Standing Committee

Conducting PCC business between meetings.

Roger Hagon (Vicar), Steve Chapman (Church Warden), Janet Palmer (Church Warden), Judy Bennett (PCC Secretary), Colin Simonds (PCC Treasurer)

Governing Documents

The Church of England have agreed with the Charity Commission that for the purpose of agreeing ‘governing documents’, Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) are governed by two pieces of legislation:

2021 Financial Report.

At the start of 2022 our financial expectation was for continuing to rebuild and stabilise St. Mildreds finances, including working towards becoming a Self Financing Parish once again. However, on reflection 2022, was a year with a high level of costly unforeseen emergency repairs, including extensive gale damage to the Bingham Road entrance roof, serious flooding on Centre concourse on 2 occasions from cracking of the flat roof seals, additional associated redecoration work, replacement lighting in the Large Hall, replacement of 2 condemned centre boilers, renewal of the failed CCTV system, leaking pipes in the toilets, repairs to the main glass entry doors to both church and centre, failures of auto locks on security gates and water ingress/ flooding in the Music Room resulting in £20,567 of unforeseen centre expenditure on centre repairs. Tight financial controls have again continued throughout the year as we faced the energy crisis, soaring cost of living and high inflation.

Whilst our Centre income increased in 2022, income, usage was still well below pre-covid levels despite valiant efforts by our centre manager to attract new hirers. We were delighted to host the National Challenge Service for young people in the summer holiday period.

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Despite our financial challenges, St.Mildreds fullfilled its agreed 2022 Parish Support Fund Pledge of £60000. Although this figure was still £21900 short of the Diocese self financing figure for Parishes. Thanks are extended to everyone for there generous stewardship giving commitment in 2022 and also for supporting our special outreach projects, events and appeals which raised £282 for the Childrens Society, £1567 for Christian Aid, £1233 for the Bishops Lent Appeal, £202 for Croydon Samaritans, £215 for Unicef East Africa, £507 for Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, £220 for MIND in Croydon, £125 for the Warm Hub and £2651 for our Eat and Heat Project for children in school holidays, in partnership with Mums Little Helpers Club.

Work has continued throughout the year by the organ fundraising group, applying for grant awards for the Organ Restoration Fund and thanks are extended to all who have taken collecting tins and/or standing order commitments in support of the project.

Last year’s financial report noted that our financial challenges would remain for a considerable time into the future as we rebuild our finances. Looking forward, we continue to face even greater challenges to meet St.Mildreds financial commitments.

Finally, special thanks to Patrina who prepares our accounts each year, to Osbert Klass our Independent Examiner, to Colin our Treasurer, and to all of St. Mildreds Finance Team for their on-going wisdom, and commitment to the financial health of our church and centre, and ask for your prayers in the coming months.

Richard Morrall

Reserves Policy.

It is the PCC Policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments, equivalent to £54,000, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. Free reserves as at 31[st] December 2022 are £164,320 and therefore the reserves policy has been met.

Going Concern.

The Trustees have evaluated the circumstances in which St.Mildred’s operates.

While the church congregation continue to give generosity to St.Mildred’s, the activities of the centre were significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 into the first half of 2022. The direct effects of government restrictions in relation to the pandemic have now passed. However, centre activities continue to be affected by rises in the cost of living and changes in lifestyles following the pandemic, resulting in reduced usage of the centre compared to before the pandemic.

To mitigate these effects, St.Mildred’s staff reduced their working hours during 2022 and continue to work those reduced hours. St.Mildred’s has also benefited from fixing energy prices over the coming two to three years and the Trustees continue to monitor and manage overheads. Centre repairs in 2022 included exceptional work—for example, replacing the centre boilers—and thus costs are not expected to be as high in the coming years. St.Mildred’s has committed to a Parish Support Fund pledge of £65,000 for 2023, a slight increase on 2022.

Cash flows are managed and monitored at all times. Cash reserves at 31[st] December 2022 were £195,673, compared to £201,803 at 31[st] December 2021.

Page 31

Having evaluated the circumstances in which St.Mildred’s operates, together with the mitigating actions (strict controls and monitoring of cash flows), the Trustees have concluded that the charity is able to continue as a going concern.

Page 32

ST MILDRED’S PARISH CHURCH PCC ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 December 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MILDRED’S, ADDISCOMBE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St. Mildred’s Parish Church for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

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

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

Signature: .................................................. Name: Osbert Klass Relevant professional body: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Address: 18 Mounthurst Road, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7QN Date:

Accounts Page 2

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Note
Income
Church and centre income, fundraising and
donations
Investment
Total income
3
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Income less expenditure
4
Unrealised (loss)/gains on investments
6
Net movement in funds
Fund balances brought forward
2
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 December 2022
9		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
238,662
14,004
252,666
269,291
269,291
(16,625)
(12,371)
(28,996)
503,144
474,148		 Restricted
Funds
£
9,591
414
10,005
10,466
10,466
(461)
(433)
(894)
52,382
51,488		 Total
Funds
£
248,253
14,418
262,671
279,757
279,757
(17,086)
(12,804)
(29,790)
555,526
525,636		 2021
Total
£
246,270
10,917
**257,187 **
220,523
220,523
36,664
34,354
71,018
484,508
555,526

The notes on pages 5 to 13 form part of these accounts.

Accounts Page 3

8TATEIENTOF FINANCIAL posmoii 2.702 45.314 3.S2S 51195 C￿￿th Equw 010 e12 281.J12 274.e16 X•.820 &11.428 18 24.124 8.972 1X.963 9.272 1733XI 22e.188 234.8 21&14JO 474.148 9)3.144 t￿ PCC tyl .¥,JrfJ(eLJJtr Z.J CULIKJ Si(llObJ Th• nth• *Jfi p•o•s S to 13 fomi pArt01th•￿ wJ)uTrts. ¢￿j. RGSFA C. Account% Page 4

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 December 2022

1) Accounting policies

(a ) Basis of preparing accounts

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Church’s ability to continue as a going concern.

(b ) Reconciliation with previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether, in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102, a restatement of comparative items was needed. No restatements were required. In accordance with the requirements of FRS 102 a reconciliation of opening balances and net income/(expenditure) for the year is provided with the net income/(expenditure) under previous GAAP adjusted for the presentation of investment gains/(losses) as a component of reported income.

Funds

Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.

Fixed assets

Assets costing over £300 are capitalised and depreciated as follows: Equipment (computer & electronic)—10%-33% per annum. Fixtures and fittings (including furniture)—10%-20% per annum.

The church and centre buildings are not reported as fixed assets in the statement of financial position; all expenditure on maintaining the buildings is recognised as an expense when incurred.

Investments

Investments are held in the statement of financial position at market value at the year end. Any change from market value at the previous reporting date or from cost if purchased during the year, is included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Fund accounting

Restricted funds represent monies received for specific projects undertaken by the charity. General unrestricted funds of the charity are available for the general purposes of the charity.

Accounts Page 5

2) Comparative of Statement of Financial Activities - 2021

Income
Church and centre income, fundraising and donations
Investment
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Unrealised gains on investments
Transfers
Net movement in funds
Fund balances brought forward
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 December 2021
3) Income from unrestricted funds
Income from church activities
Income from centre activities
Income: Property Fund
Income: Outreach Fund
Income: Big ‘Our Church’ Project
Income: Organ Fund
Other income
Total income from unrestricted funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
239,924
10,548
250,472
210,658
210,658
33,438
396
73,648
429,496
503,144
Note
11
12
13
17
16
14		 Restricted
Funds
£
6,346
369
6,715
9,865
9,865
916
(396)
(2,630)
55,012
52,382

2022
£
99,446
91,113
12,881
8,075
0
40,984
167		 Total
Funds
£
246,270
10,917
257,187
220,523
220,523
34,354
0
71,018
484,508
555,526
2021
£
104,169
85,150
10,482
8,463
1,930
40,185
93
252,666 250,472

Accounts Page 6

4) Income and expenditure on unrestricted funds

Note
Deficit on church activities
11
((£9,985) - depreciation of church assets and equipment £7,973)
Deficit on centre activities
12
((£14,604) - depreciation of centre assets £823)
Property fund: investment income
13
Outreach fund (income less expenditure)
17
Income over expenditure on church
and centre activities
Other income (net of expenditure):
Organ fund
14
Big ‘Our Church’ Project
16
Total income over expenditure on unrestricted funds
5) Staff costs
Salaries (including pensions)
Social security costs
Staff
6) Revaluation of investments
(Decrease)/increase in market value of Charifund investments during
year (unrestricted funds)		 Note
Deficit on church activities
11
((£9,985) - depreciation of church assets and equipment £7,973)
Deficit on centre activities
12
((£14,604) - depreciation of centre assets £823)
Property fund: investment income
13
Outreach fund (income less expenditure)
17
Income over expenditure on church
and centre activities
Other income (net of expenditure):
Organ fund
14
Big ‘Our Church’ Project
16
Total income over expenditure on unrestricted funds
5) Staff costs
Salaries (including pensions)
Social security costs
Staff
6) Revaluation of investments
(Decrease)/increase in market value of Charifund investments during
year (unrestricted funds)		 2022
2021
£
£
(17,958)
(8,337)
(15,427)
(116)
12,881
10,482
66
1,276		 2022
2021
£
£
(17,958)
(8,337)
(15,427)
(116)
12,881
10,482
66
1,276
(20,438)
3,305
3,813
39,183
0
(2,674)
(16,625)
39,814
2022
£
44,452
0		 2021
£

56,930

0

56,930
No.

4
2021
£
33,438
44,452
No.
4
2022
£
(12,371)
(12,371)
33,438

Accounts Page 7

7) Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2022
Additions
At 31 December 2022
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2022
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021		 Centre
Assets
£
66,687
0
66,687
63,162
823
63,985
2,702
3,525		 Church
Equipment
£
83,478
0
83,478
30,283
7,881
38,164
45,314
53,195		 Church
Assets
£
22,339
0
22,339
22,247
92
22,339
0
92		 Total
£
172,504
0
172,504
115,692
8,796
124,488
48,016
56,812

Church equipment includes the audio visual system in the church, purchased in 2018.

8) Debtors

) Debtors
Centre rent and other income owing
Gift aid tax recoverable
Christmas market advances		 2022
£
6,727
2,545
(0)
9,272		 2021
£
7,150
2,002
(180)
8,972

9) Funds as at 31 December 2022

Note
St. Mildred’s fund
10
Property fund
13
Organ fund
14
Outreach fund
17
Big 'Our Church' Project
16
Fabric fund
15
Organ scholarship fund
Flower fund
Centre assets
7
Church equipment
7
Church assets
7
Funds for Associated Accounts
Drop-in for homeless
18
Choir association
18
Ladies choir
18
Toddlers group
18		 Closing
Balance
£
81,165
192,344
96,402
46,294
0
19,927
15,265
2,980
2,702
45,314
0
20,573
2,172
190
308
525,636		 Unrestricted
£
81,165
192,344
96,402
46,294
0
9,927
2,702
45,314
0
474,148		 Restricted
£
10,000
15,265
2,980
20,573
2,172
190
308
51,488

Accounts Page 8

10) St. Mildred’s Fund

St. Mildred’s fund is for the general upkeep and running of the church and centre.

Note
Fund at 1 January
Transfer from Big ‘Our Church’ Project fund
16
Transfer from Sunday School fund
18
Deficit on church activities
11
(Deficit)/surplus on centre activities
12
Fund at 31 December
11) Church activities(for information only)
Income
Pledged giving
Non-pledged giving
Gift aid tax refund
Church rent
Baptisms weddings funerals
Donations and other
Diocese support – utility costs
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Total income
Expenditure
Parish Support Fund pledge1
Heat, light & water
Church repairs
Choir music, organ and organist
Printing and other administration (incl. website)
Parish office wages
Altar sundries and clergy expenses
Insurance
Baptisms weddings funerals costs
Other church expenditure
Total expenditure
Deficit on church activities for the year
2022
£
105,754
0
0
(9,985)
(14,604)
81,165
2022
£
60,551
5,893
14,735
10,856
2,989
3,022
1,400
0
99,446
60,000
9,458
1,902
6,803
10,103
10,176
2,084
3,547
1,498
3,860
109,431
(9,985)		 2021
£
104,690
326
396
(364)
706
105,754
2021
£
58,801
5,826
14,172
8,527
2,646
2,187
0
12,010
104,169
55,000
8,090
479
6,629
8,686
17,667
788
3,380
1,254
2,560
104,533
(364)

1 The Diocese Parish Support Fund self-financing pledge in 2022 was £81,900 (2021 - £80,300).

Accounts Page 9

12) Centre activities (for information only)

Income
Centre rent
Flat rent
Site development donations
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Total income
Expenditure
Routine maintenance
Cleaning
Heat, light & water
Staff costs
Insurance
Administration costs
Centre repairs
Total expenditure
(Deficit)/surplus on centre activities for the year		 2022
£
79,713
11,400
0
0
91,113
12,359
14,946
21,095
30,028
3,547
3,175
20,567
105,717
(14,604)		 2021
£
61,001
9,775
234
14,140
85,150
10,915
10,885
18,383
35,249
3,380
4,492
1,140
84,444
706

13) Property Fund

This fund includes amounts set aside for the future purchase of a property. Those amounts are invested in Charifund income units.

Fund at 1 January
Income:Dividends and interest
(Decrease)/increase in value of Charifund investments
Fund at 31 December		 2022
£
191,741
12,881
(12,278)
192,344		 2021
£
155,247
10,482
26,012
191,741

14) Organ Fund

This fund includes amounts donated, raised and designated for the restoration of the organ. A 15% deposit was paid in 2020 and a further payment was made in 2022 on commencement of the restoration.

Fund at 1 January
Income:donations and fundraising (plus gift aid)
Interest
Christmas market 2022
Used for:organ restoration
Fund at 31 December		 2022
£
92,589
36,839
1,123
3,022
40,984
(37,171)
**96,402 **		 2021
£
53,406
40,185
0
0
40,185
(1,002)
92,589

Accounts Page 10

15) Fabric Fund

This fund was established with a legacy from James Arthur Diplock. £10,000, representing the original capital, is to remain untouched except in the event of a major unforeseen emergency. £5,000 of the original capital is invested in Charifund accumulation units (market value on 31 December 2022 £46,314).

Fund at 1 January
(Decrease)/increase in value of investments during year
Fund at 31 December
Of which:
Unrestricted
Restricted - original legacy		 2022
£
20,020
(93)
19,927
9,927
10,000		 2021
£
12,594
7,426
20,020
10,020
10,000

16) Big ‘Our Church’ Project

This project was launched to redecorate the church and replace the wiring, lighting, stage, choir stalls and audio visual system. The work was largely completed in 2018, with additional work done on the vicar’s vestry and flower vestry in 2019 and the choir stalls installed in 2020. The project was funded through donations, grants, the sale of Charifund income units and part of the proceeds from the sale of 13 Selwood Road.

Fund at 1 January
Income
Big 'Our Church' Project donations (plus gift aid)
Transfer to St. Mildred’s fund
Used for Big ‘Our Church’ project expenditure
Church decorating, lighting, rewiring, stage
Fund at 31 December		 2022
£
0
0
(0)
0
0		 2021
£
3,000
1,930
(326)
4,604
0

Accounts Page 11

17) Outreach Fund

This fund is for use for outreach (see below). The fund includes amounts received in 2022 that will be spent in the future.

Fund at 1 January
Income
Donations – St. Mildred’s Community Garden
Donations – Children’s Society
Donations – St. Mildred’s Christmas lunch
Donations – St. Mildred’s eat/heat project
Donations – St. Mildred’s warm hub
Donations – Christian Aid
Donations – Bishops Lent Appeal
Donations – Mothers Union Appeal
Donations – Shrublands Food Bank
Donations – Croydon Refugee Day Centre
Patronal festival – Croydon Samaritans and Unicef
Christmas market – MIND
Christmas pantomime – Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation
Diocese grant – St. Mildred’s Community Garden
Other
Total income
Used for:
WOW church
St. Mildred’s Community Garden
Children’s Society
St. Mildred’s Christmas lunch
St. Mildred’s eat/heat project
Christian Aid
Bishops Lent Appeal
Croydon Samaritans
Unicef Africa
Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation
MIND
Mothers Union Appeal
Shrublands Food Bank
Croydon Refugee Day Centre
Other
Amounts used for donations and outreach
Fund at 31 December		 2022
£
46,228
503
282
700
2,651
125
1,567
1,103
0
0
0
417
220
507
0
0
8,075
493
1,789
282
251
1,250
1,567
1,233
202
215
507
220
0
0
0
0
8,009
**46,294 **		 2021
£
44,952
705
302
0
0
0
0
740
590
375
690
0
0
0
5,000
61
8,463
688
3,570
302
0
0
0
901
0
0
0
0
590
375
700
61
7,187
46,228

Accounts Page 12

18) Associated Accounts

2022
£
£
ST MILDRED'S DROP-IN FOR THE HOMELESS
Opening balance
20,726
Income: donations
650
650
Expenditure:
Food
(783)
Clothes and other costs
(20)
Donation – Croydon Refugee Day Centre
(0)
(803)
Closing balance at 31 December
20,573
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Opening balance
0
Expenditure
(0)
Transfer to St. Mildred’s Fund
(0)
(0)
Closing balance at 31 December
0
CHOIR ASSOCIATION
Opening balance
2,739
Income
7,926
Expenditure
(8,493)
(567)
Closing balance at 31 December
2,172
LADIES CHOIR
Opening balance
220
Income
0
Expenditure
(30)
(30)
Closing balance at 31 December
190
TODDLERS GROUP
Opening balance
439
Income
890
Expenditure
(1021)
(131)
Closing balance at 31 December
308		 2021
£
£
22,085
15
15
(0)
(374)
(1,000)
(1,374)
20,726
421
(25)
(396)
(421)
0
5,024
5,763
(8,048)
(2,285)
2,739
220
0
(0)
0
220
693
165
(419)
(254)
439		 2021
£
£
22,085
15
15
(0)
(374)
(1,000)
(1,374)
20,726
421
(25)
(396)
(421)
0
5,024
5,763
(8,048)
(2,285)
2,739
220
0
(0)
0
220
693
165
(419)
(254)
439
(0)
(374)
(1,000)
(25)
(396)
20,726
421
(421)
5,763
(8,048)
0
5,024
(2,285)
0
(0)
2,739
220
0
165
(419)
220
693
(254)
439

Accounts Page 13