The United Benefice of Carlton in Lindrick
with
Langold and Oldcotes St. John the Evangelist St. Luke’s & St. Mark’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting
2023
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APCM 2023 StJ, Stm, StL
UNITED BENEFICE of
St John the Evangelist, Carlton in Lindrick with Langold and Oldcotes 2023
Agenda: Annual Vestry Meeting, Sunday 21st May 2023 11.30 a.m. in the Parish Centre
(Open to all Parishioners and Electoral Roll Members)
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Minutes:
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Election of Church Wardens:
Agenda: Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2023
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Apologies:
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Minutes of APCM 2022:
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Matters Arising:
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Reports for APCM:
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Finance and Presentation of Accounts:
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Rector’s Report
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Election of PCC members where applicable
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Appointment of Sidespeople
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Appointment of Independent Examiner
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10.Any Other Business
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| Agenda: Annual Vestry Meeting, Sunday 21st May 2023 | 3 |
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| Agenda: Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2023 | 3 |
| Annual Vestry Meeting May 29th 2022 | 2 |
| Annual United Benefce Meeting May 29th 2022. | 2 |
| PCC Members 2022 | 3 |
| Report of the Electoral Roll Ofcer to the APCM | 4 |
| May 2023 | 4 |
| Secretary”s Report to APCM 2023. | 4 |
| Safeguarding Report to APCM 2023 | 5 |
| Fabric report for APCM May 2023. | 5 |
| Parish Centre Report for APCM 2023. | 6 |
| Deanery Synod Report to APCM 2023 | 7 |
| Events Committee Report for APCM 2023. | 8 |
| Children and Young People 2023 | 8 |
| 1st. Carlton-in-Lindrick Scout Group | 9 |
| Treasurer’s Comments St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s 2023 | 9 |
The Rector welcomed everyone to the meeting explaining to all that we were using Zoom because of uncertainties around Covid Restrictions when the date of the meeting was set.
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Annual Vestry Meeting May 29th 2022
The Rector opened the meeting with a prayer. Chair, the Revd. Mark Orr Attendees: 28
Apologies from D.Fullelove. B.Lord. V.Harrison.
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Minutes of the Annual vestry meeting of 2021 were circulated and accepted.
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The Rector thanks Pat Shepherd and Richard Smith for their continued work as wardens and in addition he thanked all those who work to provide their support for the running of all three churches across the Benefice .
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The Wardens Pat Shepherd and Richard Smith were elected to continue in post as were the Deputy Wardens. This was supported unanimously.
There will be a designated Sunday when Wardens will be commissioned. A date is to be advised.
Vestry Meeting closed.
Annual United Benefice Meeting May 29th 2022.
Chair: Revd. Mark Orr
Attendees 28 The Rector welcomed 19 Parishioners from across the Benefice.
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Apologies: were given by D. Fullelove, B. Lord, V. Harrison
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Minutes: as circulated were accepted as a true record unanimously
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Matters arising: there were no matters from the Minutes.
4. Reports
The Report on the Electoral Roll was accepted by all.* The Secretary’s Report was accepted The Safeguarding Report was accepted The Fabric Report was accepted The Parish Centre Report was accepted The Deanery Synod Report was accepted The Events Committee Report was accepted. The CYP Report was accepted St Luke’s and St. Mark’s reports were accepted.
5. Finance and Presentation of Accounts
St. John’s
AF commented on the report as presented to the meeting. Questions particularly those relating to the contributions required for the Parish Share were discussed. The Rector highlighted the need to meet our obligations across the benefice but to make the best contribution we could realistically afford.
The issues raised will be considered by the PCC at future meetings and plans developed to respond particularly to explore opportunities for increasing income.
St. Luke’s
Despite the efforts of MS in the pursuit of clarity relating to the restricted funds has proved challenging. A number of approaches have been made to the Diocesan finance team and to date there has been no response.
The Rector outlined the issue and has noted that this will form part of his discussions with the new Archdeacon when she is in post.
St. Mark’s Financial Report
2020 Parish share was paid in full.
There are currently 6 regular gift aid contributors to St. Mark’s and 2 annual subscribers.
All Financial reports were accepted.
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6. Rector’s Report
The Rector thanked all those present and others in their absence for the support they have provided by taking on rôles of responsibility and committee work to keep the church running throughout the year. There have been many challenges with the aftermath of Covid that have needed our response and prayer.
He recognised, particularly the position of St. Mark’s and St.Luke’s where the day to day challenge of maintaining the buildings and finding a rôle continues.
Mark asked that more members would continue to consider taking up voluntary positions so that the load was shared and understood by more people within the benefice. In view of the effects of the pandemic positions on the PCC would currently be held for two years, but there are vacancies and room to contribute.
7. Election of PCC Members
The members of current PCC will remain in post and elections will, in future, take place in line with the Deanery Synod Cycle.
PCC Members 2022
| PCC Members 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Pat Shepherd | Church Warden |
| Richard Smith | Church Warden |
| Rita Roberts | Deputy Warden |
| Andrew Fullelove | Deputy Warden |
| Pauline Moore | Deputy Warden |
| Trevor Smith | Deputy Warden |
| Emma Fullelove | Deanery Synod Rep. |
| Geofrey Lewis | Deanery Synod Rep. |
| Jeanette Hercon | Reader |
| Christine Lewis | Secretary & Lead Recruiter PSO |
| Liz Smith | Penny Wilson |
| Carol Bower | Kim Littlewood |
8. Appointment of Sidespersons
Sidespersons at Baptisms are Pauline Moore and Pat Shepherd
Sidespersons have not been required during the year because of pandemic restrictions. There is a need to confirm the willingness of these and any new people to resume this responsibility.
8.15 am
C. Harte B. Lord
R. Ingleton
10.30 am
J. Bartlett
A. & A. Bulmer
N. Goodacre
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Intercessors
A. J. & V. Harrison
C. & G. Lewis
Please note that the listings in italics are awaiting 2022 amendment and arrangement
S. Lloyd
A. Pugh
P. Shepherd
E. & R. Smith
T. Smith
9. Independent Examiner
Independent Examiner : D.Ingram to continue for St.John’s. Independent Examiner : Alan Hirst to continue for St.Marks and St.Lukes.
The Independent Examiners were both unanimously accepted.
The meeting closed with the Grace
Report of the Electoral Roll Officer to the APCM May 2023
As at April 2022 the Electoral Roll was made up of 128 names - 100 residents and 28 nonresidents.
Sadly, during the year four residents and one non-resident passed away. We have received 3 new applications from residents.
In total there are now 126 names on the Electoral Roll. Of these 99 persons are resident in the parish and 27 persons are non-resident. This equates to 78.57 per cent of the roll being made up of residents, 21.43 per cent non-residents.
A copy of the Roll can be found on the porch notice board in Church.
Pat Shepherd
Electoral Roll Officer
May 2023
Secretary”s Report to APCM 2023.
Throughout the year 2022/23 I have undertaken to produce the minutes and reports for the regular cycle of PCC meetings and to liaise with the Wardens at St.John’s and Maureen Smith for St.Lukes and St.Marks and to ensure accurate records of the business of these meetings and attendance are kept and submitted for the Benefice.
There have been 7 regular and 1 Extraordinary meeting held to consider recent guidance from the House of Bishops.
Minutes are circulated by Pat Shepherd prior to the upcoming meetings along with the Agenda.
Christine Lewis, Hon. Secretary. 5/23.
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Safeguarding Report to APCM 2023
Throughout the year there have been members of PCC, Clergy, Laity and the Pastoral group who have undertaken Safeguarding Training in line with the schedule prescribed by the Church of England. We and all other national and local organisations are required to undertake training to ensure the safety and well-being of those taking part as well as securing DBS clearance. I contact regular Hirers of the Parish Centre to discuss the safeguarding arrangements in place that they hold and see their policies.
The majority of training now is to be undertaken on-line directly from the Church of England website with the exception of Leadership and Domestic Abuse. These areas are covered by the Diocesan team and are mostly held on Zoom with some limited face to face sessions and for Leadership. Domestic Abuse training is carried out face to face and the aim is to get sessions more locally where possible. Domestic Abuse training is now mandatory for all PCC members. There its an awareness that on line training does not suit everyone but I will undertake to support individuals as and when required.
The Benefice Safeguarding policy was updated and posted in Church in May 2022 and will be annually renewed.
I have attended a training session on Modern Slavery which is run by the Clewer Initiative for the Church. Other denominations such as The Salvation Army are involved in this 3 year project. It highlights the issues present in our society today which we personally may not have considered. Amongst those, are such areas as Car Washes, Nail Bars, Barbers and other everyday jobs which which regularly appear in our locality and which may affect people we meet.
Training Sessions are organised on a quarterly basis and I alert those who need update training. There is also a cycle of briefing meetings for PSO’s and Lead Recruiters when updates and reports from the Diocesan team are shared with representatives from all the parishes and Benefices. Our progress in building a safe environment and best practice is recorded on an on-line device known as the ‘Safeguarding Dashboard’ which is shared.
Safeguarding Sunday was held in November and there will be another face to face event for PSO’s in July. My thanks to all who have participated in the training programmes and for their support to me in completing the required elements.
Christine Lewis Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Fabric report for APCM May 2023.
We are continuing to carry out the regular maintenance work on the Church as and when necessary.
Risk Assessments/Health & Safety/Electrical issues: these are regularly checked and brought up to date as required.
The Churchyard is full, as is the Parish Council Burial Ground adjacent to the Churchyard. There is still the occasional burial or interment of ashes in these areas where there is space in an existing family grave or plot.
We are working with the Parish Council to complete the final legal closures of both these burial areas.
The Parish Council continues to be responsible for the general, regular maintenance of the Churchyard which it keeps to a satisfactory standard.
We are also negotiating with the Parish Council regarding the maintenance of the trees and paths in the churchyard.
New burials etc. are now in the new cemetery on Hundred Acre Lane.
The large painted church notice board on the main road has now been replaced. Work has been carried out on the lightning conductor to bring it up to the required modern standard. However, further work is still needed: this will be carried out as soon as possible. Regularly work on maintaining and improving the Parish Centre is ongoing.
The Scout Group have paid for the refurbishment of part of the courtyard and it is now regularly used by them for outdoor activities.
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Carl Andrews has been appointed as our new architect. He has been asked to carry out the Quinquennial Survey as soon as he is able to fit it in to his schedule.
Richard Smith (Churchwarden) April 2023
Parish Centre Report for APCM 2023.
The Parish Centre is the venue for three broad categories of activity. Some gatherings are part of the church’s life whether serving religious, business or fellowship purposes; some are an extension of the church’s accommodation to related groups and functions such as fayres or scout group activities; and some make the space available to those who choose to hire it for their own events. Only the final category generates income to keep the Centre served with utilities and general maintenance.
For many years, the income from the third category of activity has kept pace, within reason, with expenditure although there have been times when a major item of outlay such as a replacement heater or boiler has caused the income to be used up. Over the last three years the settled state of many years has been severely disrupted. First of all the loss of the Rainbows Pre-School took from the Centre a steady income, then all the changes associated with Coronavirus and its aftermath first closed the Centre and afterwards de-stabilised both the way the general public were using their leisure time and activity groups were operating; finally the very significant and rapid escalation of utilities bills has made the maintenance of a balance difficult. It is very hard to predict how these last two factors will affect the Centre, but it is evident that maintaining the fabric and cleanliness of the building in the kind of condition into which we are keen to welcome visiting groups will need well targeted expenditure drawing on money we hold or are able to raise. We also have to give attention to the annual maintenance of the boiler and heating system, the lighting and electrical circuits and the fire appliances and alarms, all of which require the attendance of qualified contractors and escalating costs.
Taking the above into consideration we can report that the Centre is well used. To accommodate the church we have held Bible Studies, The Vision Meeting, Café Church, the Fayres and Boot Sales, celebratory parties, Lunches and Breakfasts; and, of course, widened the scope of the after-church coffee and biscuits gathering to become a real point of fellowship each week, frequently having our Methodist friends join us.
As well as making use of the courtyard for activities, and we thank them for the money they donated to up-grade that space, the Scout Group have used the hall when the younger ones host meetings for other groups or as a venue for quizzes and dances to raise funds. They also joined us, with parents and friends, for a packed Christingle service and celebration at Christmas time. The contributors to our regular income include The Little Drama Group, Slimming World, The Women’s Institute, Probus and The Flower Design Class, all of whom have regular meetings. Sadly, the ‘Just Good Friends’ group for those with learning difficulties had to withdraw because of the failure of certain grants to sustain their work here in Carlton. However, we have recently welcomed the Grove Pony Club for a monthly indoor session to train for their multi-skill events (they will not be bringing the ponies).
Incidental events which have made a contribution as well as raising money for charitable causes are those hosted by Worksop Rotary and BlueBell Wood. Finally there have been children’s parties, baby showers, birthday parties, Christmas wreath making workshops, Baptismal celebrations, wedding receptions and funeral farewells to help balance the running costs. Challenges are anticipated in the coming year because ourselves and all the other users of the Parish Centre are trying to tighten our belts and yet keep up momentum and quality as changes occur. We hope that we will continue to have your support in promoting the use of the Centre and doing whatever we can to keep it as a preferred venue for activities of a modest scale in the village. Our thanks go to all who have helped to keep the Centre in good order during the year and to Alan and Ann Bulmer who have worked hard to keep our revenue and accounts in order too.
Geoff. Lewis for the Premises Sub Committee
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Deanery Synod Report to APCM 2023
The Deanery Synod has met on three occasions during the year with meetings following a similar pattern. The opening act of worship, led by different members of the clergy, has been followed by a presentation of some aspect of development within the Deanery or Diocese. At the beginning of the year we were encouraged to support to the completion of the ‘Vision Refresh’ programme, led by clergy across the Diocese, it asks that time is given to looking prayerfully and realistically at the current conditions in the parishes for improving engagement with the local communities, reaffirming and developing a clear view of pathways for the future.
Nigel Frith, Director of Diocesan Education spoke about working with church and other schools and provided an interesting and thoughtful analysis of the challenge of extending the Christian message in educational settings. A useful power-point presentation called ‘Life in All its Fullness’ is available for parishes to use in discussion.
Robert Cleave, the Environmental Officer, brought information about moving towards a carbon neutral church. He introduced the document ‘Caring for Creation’ that sets out the rationale for change in Christian terms, He spoke of husbandry of those resources we have and planning that took more notice of reducing the use of carbon based energy across church properties. He acknowledged that the straightforward responses in insulation etc. were not easily met in ancient buildings but did speak of changes in lighting, efficient heating and vigilance that could make a difference.
Trying to engage young people and a wider congregation has been a theme in both reporting and discussion throughout the year. Many leaders in the Diocese are trying to narrow the gap between school and church by providing different forms of service and meeting. There has been some limited success and the prayer and energy continues. As the winter progressed the concern for those who were severely effected by rising utilities bills and the cost of food was discussed and examples shared of some churches responding, where appropriate, by providing ‘’Warm Spaces’ and a warm welcome to those in need at this time.
The issue of vacancies continues to challenge the Diocese. Some churches and benefices have been without vicar for a long time and there are ongoing attempts to provide for Idle and Sands, Blyth, Scrooby and Ranskill, Oswaldbeck and Rivers, Retford. Thanks were expressed to the retired clergy who had done so much in recent times to support those benefices without an incumbent. There has been an acknowledgement that village churches with ancient buildings are not an attractive proposition for those emerging from clerical training: small, aging congregations and high costs. There has been consideration given to providing curates in successful village parishes so that the advantages are apparent and they are encouraged to apply.
There are vacancies within the Deanery too. There is a longstanding need for a treasurer, and now a Lay-chair with the retirement of Isabelle Richards from that post. The Deanery Standing Committee, who deal with day to day matters, also have vacancies. We are now at the end of the Triennium and the time has come for the re-election of representatives to the Synod. Safeguarding is a standard agenda item as it is at PCC meetings. The determination of the Church of England to maintain vigilance in this area is reinforced by both the training and support on offer. Deanery meetings provide an update and encouragement to check and maintain the ‘Dashboard’ in each Parish as part of the monitoring process. Most recently training on Domestic Abuse has been introduced and made a mandatory part of the programme for all who serve on the PCC and work in the name of the church.
In reports from the General Synod during the last meeting of the year, the interim outcomes from the recent General Synod discussions on the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ materials was presented, There is little change at present but the House of Bishops is preparing a resource called ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ to be available to clergy as a means of affirming and celebrating the relationships of same sex couples. The extent of these prayers is not yet agreed and they will not alter the Church of England’s doctrine of holy matrimony. The resource will be accompanied by ‘Pastoral Guidance’ that replacers the current advice ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’. Further details of this and other issues are available on the Church of England web site - General Synod, business done -.
At a Diocesan and Deanery level, Parish Share continues to be a topic in discussion. The difficulty many parishes have in meeting their targets in this respect is apparent across the board and acknowledged. All are thanked for their efforts and the debate continues.
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It was noted that the Bishop and senior clergy from Southwell have made visits to the Parishes twice each month this year to speak to parishioners, conduct services and familiarise themselves more closely with local strengths and needs. Geoff. Lewis and Emma Fullelove
Events Committee Report for APCM 2023.
Since the beginning of May 2022 we have held 4 Church Fayres / Car Boot Sales which are our main fund raising events. Each has raised over £1,000 which was very pleasing. Car Boot numbers have varied depending on the weather and if there were any other Boot Sales in the area. We did try tinkering with the timing but starting later did not really bring in more customers. We have had several new helpers at these events, for which we are very grateful. However, it has seemed hard work collecting prizes for the games etc.
We have also held 3 social events which are not intended to be money raising but which do often make a profit. These included the 2022 Summer BBQ (which was very much helped by a grant from ASDA). In October there was the Harvest Bring and Share Lunch and in January, the popular Ploughman’s Lunch. The latter followed the usual Ploughman’s Lunch theme – but a bit more up market.
In addition we held 2 events to mark outstanding national celebrations. On June 2nd 2022 we put on an afternoon tea to celebrate the Platinum Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth 2nd. This was a new venture for us but everything came together really well. Our Rector’s footage of the Queen’s Coronation, along with communal singing were enjoyed by all. As well as delicious sandwiches and cakes there was a quiz, a toast and the National Anthem. We received a grant of £320 from ASDA towards this event and the BBQ.
After the sad death of the Queen and the details of a long holiday weekend for the coronation of Charles 3rd we opted for a celebratory lunch on May 7th. Again the hall was decorated with flags, bunting, balloons and flowers. The savoury first course was catered for by the Events Committee and our 60 guests made quick work of everything. The desserts were donated by those attending and the tables set out to receive them were overflowing. There was a topical quiz, a toast to our new King and a rendition of the National Anthem. Our Rector and his wife, Nicola, were unable to be with us for this exciting occasion but had supported our preparations in many ways. They were in our thoughts throughout.
It is noticeable that some of our Methodist friends have joined us for services where appropriate this year and have subsequently attended our social events. It has been a pleasure to welcome them and get to know them.
Many thanks to members of the Events Committee for their commitment and hard work again this year. Also to Chris and Geoff Lewis who, because of their oversight of the Parish Centre, always join in and help us. We do appreciate this. Elizabeth Smith (Secretary)
Children and Young People 2023
We have not yet returned to the regular cycle of our ABC meetings which we undertook pre Covid.
However, we held both Christmas and Easter sessions for a small group of children with craft activities in the Parish Centre and and the festival stories with the Rector.
We have also run limited church themed craft activities at the fund raising fayres which allowed us to meet young children and families with the hope of fostering their interest in participating at future sessions. In particular the hope of recruiting some potential helpers.
Christine Lewis
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1st. Carlton-in-Lindrick Scout Group
ANNUAL REPORT FOR APCM MAY 2023.
This has been a tremendously successful year with a King’s Scout Award, three members of the group selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree and a new section (Squirrels) started. Numbers of young people in the group continue to increase and we are at maximum capacity in some sections. There are waiting lists of children wanting to join these sections, particularly those for younger children.
Luke Annals has completed all the requirements of the King’s Scout Award. This is a real achievement as this is the highest award that can be earned in scouting and is rarely gained. It is the first time it has been awarded in Bassetlaw since Charles III became King. Congratulations to Luke.
Two of our scouts, Amy Cohen and Laura Maddock, will be attending the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in the summer of 2023. One of our young leaders, Luke Annals, will also be attending as part of the International Service Team. Congratulation to them all. We look forward to hearing about their “trip of a lifetime” after their return.
In the autumn of 2022 we were able to start a new section called ‘Squirrels’. This is for 4 to 6 year olds. We are the first group to have Squirrels in Bassetlaw and one of only a handful in Nottinghamshire. We are very fortunate in having three very enthusiastic leaders to run this section, Claudia Cofield-Vance, Rachael Raymond and Caroline Savage.
We have been able to pay for the refurbishment of part of the Parish Centre courtyard. This will enable more of our activities to be outdoors whenever the weather and other constraints allow. As one of her last honours award Queen Elizabeth II granted the “Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service” to Nottinghamshire Scouts. This is the highest award that can be given to a voluntary organisation and is equivalent to an MBE. Each leader and adult volunteers received a certificate and a badge.
We are very fortunate in having many excellent leaders and helpers but we always welcome extra help in all sections. The current leaders are all thanked for their hard work and the many hours they have put in during the year. We are very pleased that many of them continue to be involved with the Group after many, many years of valuable service.
The Group is also grateful for the continued support from its Group Committee members. Finally the Group would like to thank everyone, including parents and friends of the Group, who have supported us during the year. Our thanks must also be extended to our Church, local authorities, charitable trusts and other organisations which continue to support us extremely generously financially. We look forward to this support continuing in the forthcoming year. A copy of the annual balance sheet is available on request.
Richard Smith (Group Scout Leader) May 2023 Group Scout Leader: Richard S. Smith.
Charity Registration Number: 522434.
Treasurer’s Comments St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s 2023
St. Mark’s Church
Financial Report
Our main income is from Monthly Gift Aid Standing Orders and the tax re-claimed on them. We have been able to pay part of the Parish Share for 2021 and 2022 which resulted in a deficit of £1045.84.
There has only been one Sunday Service but in 2023 this will increase to five, each on the fifth Sunday of the month where this occurs.
We would like to thank all who continue to support St. Mark’s financially and for the support we receive from all at St. John’s.
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St. Luke’s Church
Financial Report
Funds have now been transferred from CBF which enabled us to pay 50% of our Parish Share for 2021 and 2022.
The craft group has now closed so our only income is from services once a month and funerals. The deficit from 2022 was £6078.57
We would like to thank all who support St. Luke’s in any way.
I would like to ask you to accept the accounts for St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s Churches and agree to appoint Alan Hirst as financial examiner 2023.
Maureen Smith (Hon. Treasurer)
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