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2022-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

REGISTERED CHARITY 1133832

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
VICAR’S REVIEW OF 2022 PAGE 3
CHURCHWARDENS’ REVIEW 2022 PAGE 4
CHURCH BUILDING PAGE 5
CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PAGE 5
COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 6
OUTREACH PAGE 7
CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES PAGE 9
DISCIPLESHIP PAGE 11
SEND PAGE 13
CHOIR AND MUSIC PAGE 15
BELL RINGERS PAGE 16
SAFEGUARDING PAGE 17
THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS PAGE 18
DEANERY AND DIOCESE PAGE 19
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2022 PAGE 20
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2022 PAGE 29
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT PAGE 43

Cover picture: The church choir singing at a community concert held in church on 3[rd] June 2022 to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

VICAR’S REVIEW OF 2022

2022 has been the first year postCOVID when the life of the church has been uninterrupted by lockdowns. Our new service pattern has become established and both morning services have flourished, with new people joining, new opportunities to develop all traditions of music and the opportunity for many people to begin to experience leading worship. It has been good to mark Holy Week, Easter and Christmas without restrictions and these have been seasons of great encouragement. It has been a particular joy to have the school children in church for so many seasonal services with their teachers and parents.

Since COVID, our occasional offices have seen some change, with a significant increase in the number of baptism enquiries alongside a drop in the number of church weddings and funerals. These latter match national patterns.

We welcomed Saju and his family to Rothley at the start of the year as he took up his new role as Bishop of Loughborough and it has been a delight to support the family week-by-week. The Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth II gave us a unique opportunity to serve the community and to proclaim Christ at times of national celebration and national mourning.

Beyond the Parish it has been a challenging time in Deanery and Diocese. There are many vacancies in the Deanery, so a significant amount of

my time has been taken up supporting the governance of those churches and supporting them in their regular services. In the Diocese, the new ministry framework of Minster Communities is something we will need to consider very carefully how to engage with in the coming year. A combination of factors means that one vicar/church is now very rare and where it does exist, as in Rothley, it is unlikely to continue into the future.

None of what has been achieved would be possible without the willing and faithful service of so many in the Church family, each offering their gifts in a huge variety of ways. As we come out of the pandemic, I would particularly like to thank my ‘cobra’ crisis committee (David Wilson, Fred & Liz Sleath, Margaret Rouse, Jean Arkley), whose support, challenge, advice and encouragement through all the changes of the past couple of years has been so valuable. Alongside them, I would also like to thank Ray Prince for all the work he does behind the scenes to look after our church building.

There are many encouragements, but also ahead of us lie very significant challenges for the church locally and nationally. St Peter addresses the church of his day as exiles and strangers in the culture in which they are set, yet alongside that celebrates that the Word of the Lord endures forever and gives us a glorious hope.

Rob Gladstone

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

The past year has seen a return to normal, with the removal of the general restrictions and requirements following COVID-19. This has meant coffee after morning services and Communion once again being celebrated, albeit using individual cups rather than the chalice. This requires a more tedious and rigorous washing-up regime for the wardens, but this is a small price to pay for a vital part of our fellowship together. We do, however, need to remain aware that COVID, and indeed other infectious diseases, remain a real issue for some of our church family who have long-term ongoing health issues.

served by our choir, music group, flower arrangers, bell ringers, brass cleaners and coffee-makers, and all others who have helped in other ways during the year.

In June we marked the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II with a concert and church family lunch. Sadly, this was followed only a few months later by a period of mourning for her death, during which pages for the National Book of Remembrance were made available and an opportunity for candles to be lit by anyone who wished to mark her passing locally in that way.

We have kept the new pattern of services that was adopted post-lockdown, which is to be reviewed by the PCC in March 2023. Both the morning services continue to have high attendances, although the numbers at the afternoon/evening said services and second Sunday choral evensong tend to be quite modest. By contrast, the monthly afternoon family Shine services are well supported.

The church was again open daily between Easter and the end of October. Thanks to Jean Johnson for drawing up and overseeing a rota of keyholders for this, and all those who helped with the locking and unlocking. Sadly, some damage and theft occurred during the last week (half term), when a number of teenagers entered the building. This has been part of a village-wide problem which is being addressed by the Police, but means we will have to review the Open Church policy if there is repetition of this during 2023.

This return to normality has meant that we are now able to hold our Sunday School, and we have also seen the regular diary events of Easter, Trinity, Ascension etc. being marked. Alongside these, there have also been the Mothering Sunday, Harvest, Memorial and Remembrance services and Carols by Candlelight.

The short to medium future will see a number of changes in our church life. Rob’s incumbency will come to an end in a few years, and we need to be aware that a number of our key leaders are ageing and a process of training for replacements needs to begin. Included within this scene is the impact of Shaped by God Together, the Diocese-wide reorganisation strategy, which is now in its early stages of development and implementation in other areas. Being mindful of this ‘landscape’, it is essential that all church members consider carefully how they can best serve the fellowship and the wider community through the commitments they make within the Church’s life and its effect in the wider village.

We would like to thank all those who have helped this year, particularly our assistant wardens – Jean Johnson, Angela Neill, Ray Prince, Marion Whitby and Alison Parkinson. We are particularly grateful to Ray for maintaining the building on a week-by-week basis and to Ian Sanders who heroically hoists and removes the flag at the top of the tower for our own festivals and national occasions. We are also grateful to Richard Yates and Richard Neill who have taken on the role of Verger for weddings and funerals. Alongside these activities, we have also been well

Fred Sleath and Margaret Rouse

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

CHURCH BUILDING

Regular maintenance of the church building was carried out during the year, as usual. This now includes the annual maintenance of the six church bells. Charnwood Borough Council granted planning permission to remove the old boiler house and relocate the gas meter above ground. The Diocese of Leicester then granted a faculty to do this work, which should be carried out in January 2023. Unfortunately, during the regular service of the church clock in July, it was discovered that the clock hands and the dial motion works need repair. Again, this work required faculty permission. The Diocese of Leicester granted a faculty to do this work, which should also be carried out in January 2023. This will then enable the clock to chime again and keep good time. The clock dates from 1847, and is now 175 years old. The work required in the Quinquennial Report of October 2020 should be started during 2023.

The audio-visual system in the church continues to work well and is much appreciated. During the year various small improvements were agreed by the PCC and carried out. The PCC also took out a 3-year maintenance plan in August 2022. This will help with call-out costs and any new equipment required in future.

The PCC has to authorise large maintenance expenditure on the church before any work is carried out.

I would like to thank all who have helped to maintain the church during the year, especially Marion Whitby who helps with producing the faculty documents and with carrying out the monthly safety check.

Ray Prince

CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

There have been a number of meetings and discussions with the architect, as well as amongst the Committee overseeing the project. We have now finalised the requirements, which are being turned into drawings which will form the basis of our submission to the Diocesan Advisory Committee. They have to give approval before the works can be carried out.

The main issue that has been addressed in these later stages is the need to provide additional storage for flowerarranging materials, church music and Christmas-related items, as well as the new outdoor PA system. It is believed this can now be achieved satisfactorily, and the finalised drawings will hopefully be on display by the time of the APCM.

An Appeal Brochure will be produced in 2023, giving a full explanation of the scheme, together with its financial implications for us, the fellowship. Any questions regarding the design should be addressed to me or Ken Arkley, while financial issues should go in the direction of Charles Poole or Sue Wilson.

The application process is quite long and it is not anticipated that approval will be granted until Autumn 2023 at the earliest. Estimates for the cost of the works then have to be obtained, so commencement is likely to be in Spring of 2024 at the earliest.

Fred Sleath

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

COMMUNICATIONS

I finished last year’s report by saying “we are now trying to gather a group concerned with Church communications, both internal and external, high tech and low tech, so we would be grateful for any interest from anyone in any of these areas …” We have had offers from a couple of people willing to post things through letterboxes and possibly pin up posters on noticeboards, but, apart from that, things are pretty much as they were, apart from …

With Steve Thomason moving away and others not able to give much of their time to technical matters, we have now involved Eric Hissett in keeping information updated on our church website. This will also involve individuals and group leaders updating relevant information, for which Eric has made requests, and we would be grateful if this could be done soon. Out-ofdate information is worse than no information! However, keeping up with communications can be time-consuming, so more help would be appreciated on various levels. Jenny Pilbeam is now also looking at ways of updating our website and other technical communication platforms we can use, using her skills and experience in these areas.

As well as the formal methods of communication, it is also really helpful if all church members can invite family, friends and neighbours to as many of our services and events as possible. It is often far better to give out a personal invitation than a blanket invitation to the whole village! If you are a Facebook user, please do “like” information that is posted by us on the church Facebook page or Spotted Rothley and share it with others if you can.

The “Fellowship Post” continues to keep the church membership in touch with each other and with what goes on here week by week, which we know many people appreciate. I am still grateful to the

volunteers who week-by-week continue to deliver paper copies to about 25 of our church members who don’t have easy access to computers. We continue to include the order of service for the livestream each week to help people who need to stay at home.

We have an audio-visual system installed in church, which means that many of the words used in a service can now appear on the screens via PowerPoint slides during many of our services and one of the services each Sunday is livestreamed. We are always keen for offers of help (after training) to operate the sound or vision equipment during services, on a rota basis. There are never enough volunteers, so offers to Eric Hissett please. However, we do appreciate that some people are not able to comfortably look at the screens, so there is always a small number of service orders printed and available in church. We have now also invested in new portable PA system for outside events, such as Remembrance, Lights Switch-on, Christmas Eve Children’s Carol Service and summer Shines.

We are aware that there are faults within the delivery of our communications, but we always try to do our best and make improvements where possible. Rob and I now get together once a month to keep the online church diary up-to-date, which can be viewed via the church website, and to see how best to communicate and advertise planned events.

There were some technical difficulties with producing our Christmas card in time this year, and we are grateful to all those who delivered them in a short time frame, and to Susie Clark for her assistance in producing the card. We hope to avoid the delivery rush in future.

Liz Sleath

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

OUTREACH

Little Fishes

Little Fishes Parent & Baby/Toddler Group continues, on Monday mornings in term time, 9 to 11am, to serve a need in the community and enables us to build relationships with parents and grandparents, babies and children, and to witness to them. We have a team in the kitchen who serve tea and toast from 8.45am and a different team who take it in turns to welcome and host the group, including story and singing time in the middle of the session. The story is usually Bible-based and there is a safe and happy atmosphere in the group. We also hand out invitations to relevant services and events to those that come along. We are grateful to all those who give their time to running the group, including those who set everything out for us on Sundays.

RCMG (Rothley Church Men’s Group)

We were intending to start organising events again in 2022, although were hesitant to do so with a potential surge in the Coronavirus variant at the start of the year. As such, the only event organised this year was a Petanque evening in the summer which was very well supported and enjoyed by all. The Men’s Group Committee is to meet in the first quarter of 2023 to discuss future events.

Care home links

A willing and eager group of Rothley church members continue with a monthly service, usually the first Monday, to encourage the residents to share together what we have enjoyed

the previous Sunday in Rothley Parish Church. We love a good sing and the reading of the Bible with prayers – as well as a brief comment on the reading – but not the sermon!!! It is always a special joy when members of our own fellowship are among the residents, but we are also delighted when we see each month those who have been living at Cedar House for years.

We mark the special national events, sad and happy, as well as the seasons of the Christian year. Both before and after the service we chat with those who have joined us and many a memory and a good laugh are shared. Thanks to Liz Sleath for preparing the service sheets for us in good, clear type - a real blessing.

For the time being, the ministry at Babington Court has come to a close, but any future opportunities will be followed up.

A change of staff at Mountview Care Home has opened up a new opportunity for a monthly service, led by a committed team. This is very much appreciated by the residents, many of whom had strong connections with their local church in the past.

Bereavement Support

The annual Memorial Service is always a special service, with its mixture of sadness and thanksgiving; of church and community coming together; freedom to be oneself, to light a candle, hear a loved one’s name, shed a tear knowing one is safe and supported; the preciousness of hearing of the love, peace, and hope in our Lord Jesus

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Christ, through Scripture, reflection, hymns, and prayers; and the singing. The choir sang their hearts out, and across the whole church so did everyone. Everyone had their service sheets, but it was the screens where they looked, upward and outward, a little touch of heaven.

Thank you so much to our church’s small bereavement support group, and to so many in the congregation who support, comfort, care and pray for those who grieve.

Wednesday Lunches

The Wednesday Lunch club has continued to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, with a regular take-up of 25 to 30 diners. This year we have together celebrated the 100th birthday of a long-standing attendee, Margaret Foister, the 60th wedding anniversary of Terry and Pauline Sheppard, and in December 36 of us sat down to share a traditional Christmas meal. Newcomers are always welcome, but pre-booking with Sandra (01162302989/07941951265) essential for shopping purposes. A twocourse meal costs just £5 and we meet at 12 noon in the Old School Rooms.

Warm Welcome

Food price rises have produced a significant increase in the number of families using the Soar Valley Community Food Bank this year, and there has been concern that the dramatic increase in energy prices would result in many people not to being able to heat their homes this winter. Nationally, churches (along with

libraries, community centres, charities and public buildings) have responded to the energy crisis by providing warm spaces for their local communities. In association with the food bank and the other churches supporting it, a grant has been obtained from Leicestershire County Council to cover the cost of heating the Old School Rooms to provide a warm welcome space.

This has been in operation since midNovember, opening between 2 and 5pm on Friday afternoons, providing free hot drinks, Wi-Fi, games, magazines and areas for quiet or company. We have advertised extensively online, in print, on notice boards, through flyers in the church Christmas service cards and through the school. We have stressed a welcome for everyone, inviting the lonely as well as the cold, in the hope of breaking through the pride which might be a barrier to accepting help.

So far there has been very little response. It could be that there is no need for a warm space of this type in Rothley, that visiting a church building is a barrier, that the timing is wrong or that the financial impact is yet to reach its height. There is still a positive message in our church joining the national response to the energy crisis by offering something to our local community, so we intend to carry on until the end of March. We very much appreciate the support of regular volunteers, those who have dropped in to help provide a welcome and the prayers of the whole church.

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES

The Growing Families Group (GF) continues as a WhatsApp group, keeping parents of primary school-aged children in touch with each other and with what is happening at church week by week, and gathering for occasional events. A number of GF parents are now also involved in leading Sunday services, and others now attend the more informal 11am services and “Shine”.

Shine! continues at 4pm on the first Sunday each month and is usually well attended by young families and church members of all ages. We give invitations to the children at Rothley School, through local posters, Growing Families chat and to families whose children have been baptised here recently. Whilst the format varies to include as many forms of activity and interaction as possible, usually accompanied by fun and excitement, we always try to make sure Jesus is at the heart of it. Special events over the last year have included an international lunch in people’s homes followed by a party in church, a shared lunch in OSR following the APCM, a visit from Dave Godfrey in July, Harvest Festival in October, the Light Party in early November and our Christmas Eve service in the churchyard, which this year was led by Sue and Andy Willetts, with a little help from their friend Simon, the sheep (puppet).

Some of the parents with young families continue to lead our 11am services, when we are joined by a small music group and things are generally less formal and more accessible for families. Once a month we have an all-age service at 11am, which is usually a

Communion or Baptism service, and Sunday School has generally been meeting twice a month on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays. Liz Sleath and Margaret Offley now lead the 3- to 10-year-olds, in two separate groups when there are large enough numbers, with regular help from two other church members. Who knows, during the coming year we may even get back to having socials such as the swimming party that we used to enjoy pre-pandemic? However, in June we did manage to take a group of young people - 4 from Sunday School and 4 from Grid - to The Oakes Christian Holiday Centre near Sheffield, as we used to do every year. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with great teaching and lots of fun! We also again tried to make the Summer Sunday services at 11am as informal and family-friendly as possible, but numbers of children were very low most weeks.

Just before Christmas we deviated from our usual nativity production, which involves rehearsing with the Sunday School children for a few weeks ahead on Sunday mornings. This year we used an “instant nativity service” produced by the Bible Society, so it was adults who needed to be dressed up and organised in advance, with children joining in on the day. There was a great gospel message running through the production and it was interspersed with well-known carols. Unfortunately, there was a lot of illness around at the time we arranged it, so not many children and young families were available to join in. However, a few very willing adults (really good sports!) dressed up and joined us at the last minute and we will try this again next year.

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

The Grid, for 10 to 14 years olds is run by Mark Baird, Simon Beals & Rashaen Cummings, usually meeting on Sunday mornings in the Spencer family’s home next door to church. They have about 10 to 12 members on their register and enjoy Bible study and games together twice a month at the same time as Sunday School.

Families group and Little Fishes etc., then fitting them in to our service schedule if they decide to go ahead. However, numbers of enquirers are now significant and it may be time to think about a preparation scheme for parents, that we used to follow previously, or a few group preparation sessions, like we ran at the end of 2021.

Liz Sleath

Breakthrough has been temporarily suspended due to there being only a couple of young people of that age (15 to 18) in the church, but as Grid grow older, or if new young people join, something different may start again.

There were efforts in 2022 to get a regular social evening going for Grid members (Youth Off the Grid!) consisting sometimes of games and food in OSR or films in a local home, or sometimes an outing. However, other activities that children are involved with means that it is difficult to find a common time to meet other than Sunday mornings, so this now only happens occasionally, but is still a workin-progress.

We have continued to seek to support the Christian ethos of Rothley Primary School in whatever ways we can. Rob and David have resumed face-to-face assemblies in school with the children. We now have additional regular class assemblies in church focussed on Christian Values and had a very full programme of nativities in the church building, to which many parents came.

Shine Light Party 6[th] November 2022

Children’s Carols in the churchyard 24[th] December 2022

We continue to have many enquiries about Baptism, which currently Rob is responding to, encouraging the families to come to our family-friendly services and inviting them to join the Growing

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is about growing in faith as followers of Jesus. Paul’s vision of discipleship in Ephesians 4:7-16 continues to be our church vision for discipleship, with a focus on growing in depth of discipleship through our services, small groups and personal prayer, Bible study and reading of Christian literature. The discipleship working group of the PCC continues to work on strategic leadership in this area and has produced a poster and leaflets to communicate opportunities for growth in discipleship to the church fellowship and visitors.

Housegroups: The beginning of the year saw the church’s housegroups using a variety of ways to keep in contact in line with COVID restrictions, but face-to-face meetings increasingly became the norm. COVID saw groups develop imaginative ways of caring for each other and for those in the wider community; there were some wonderful examples of Christian discipleship in action, and this continued when relatively “normal” times returned. There are nine groups, mostly meeting fortnightly, either during the day or in the evening. With new members joining, there are currently about 90 people meeting in housegroups to study Scripture, discuss, pray and provide care for each other. We thank God for the commitment of the housegroup leaders, who put in a huge amount of work to enable this centrallyimportant part of church life to develop and flourish.

Men’s breakfast: The Men’s Breakfast Group, typically five to ten in number, meet for conversation and Bible study on the first Saturday of each month between 7.30 and 9am, rotating the venue around the group’s homes. The focus is generally on discipleship and learning how to follow Jesus’ example of teaching and sharing God’s word in the context of the world we live in. In November members of the group

attended the annual Men’s Convention at Cornerstone Church, Nottingham. This was a fantastic opportunity to receive teaching and ideas from outside our immediate church and to purchase books. Breakout sessions included topics such as “Growing as men who pray” and “Race and church in the UK”. The group met up socially in the summer to enjoy walks in the Charnwood hills and Cossington Meadows, followed by a drink in the pub.

Bible reading notes : Whilst we endeavour to facilitate group Bible study through our many church groups, we also strongly encourage personal Bible study. For those who wish to have daily Bible reading notes in a printed format, we continue to arrange the procurement and distribution of many different books, whilst also encouraging the use of online daily Bible reading media on the Rothley Church website, including “Verse of the Day” (biblegateway.com) and Scripture Union’s “The Word Live” daily passage (wordlive.org). In 2022, two individuals moved from a printed format of daily Bible reading to an online format. 33 individuals used a printed format, using seven different books.

Prayer & Praise continues to be a time for folk to come together to pray for the life of our church, village and nation. The prayer topics always seek to maintain a prayercovering over our church's life and growth, its leaders and its various pastoral and practical activities. The ‘Praise-time’ allows us to thank and praise God at a personal level, and it is encouraging to pray with folk who share a desire to see God at work in our church family and wider community.

Mothers’ Union: Regular meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month. In addition, in 2022, the Leicester Wave of Prayer was held in church in July and a harvest supper in October. Five new members were enrolled. Charitable initiatives both within the local community and overseas continue to be supported, including the Away From It All (AFIA)

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Holiday which took 10 families away in 2022. Members also made wiggly bags for the paediatric oncology ward at Queen’s Medical Centre for use by children undergoing cancer treatment. These were sponsored, with the proceeds going towards Mothers’ Union funds. Links with overseas Mothers’ Union members in Eastern Zambia, Mombasa and Temotu are maintained and the Mothers’ Union members in Gwagwalada and Ekiti-West, Nigeria, regularly prayed for.

Prayer Circle: There are 11 members, of whom Valerie Joyce, Jean Arkley and Trevor West can be contacted by those requesting confidential prayer. The other eight members are only known to each other and are committed to prayer. Requests are usually prayed for a week, though members will pray longer as requested and where people’s situations are longer term. The circle had 77 requests in 2022, and the support this ministry provides has been much appreciated.

Quiet Day: 10 people attended ‘A Day of Reflection’ in October at St Leonard’s Church, Swithland, led by Valerie Joyce. There were opportunities to reflect on our experiences of lockdown, what we noticed in ourselves, others and where God was at work. There were times to reflect silently, using Psalm 139 and Psalm 23, to share and listen, to walk and rest, however we felt led.

Pastoral Care: The church seeks to follow Christ’s example in caring for those in need in our church and in our community. There has been a continuing willingness from people in the fellowship to be involved with the ministry of pastoral care, whether

formally as a designated pastoral visitor or informally. The role of Pastoral Coordinator as a reference point has enabled people to ask for help for themselves or for others, and has enabled ongoing liaison with the Vicar and Ministry Team.

Following the relaxation in COVID restrictions, those in hospital, sick, bereaved, isolated or feeling lonely have been visited and supported. Where visits have had to be limited for health considerations, contact has been maintained by telephone calls, texts, emails and cards. As many of the elderly do not have access to modern technology and cannot access the on-line services, the distribution of the printed ‘Fellowship Post’ has continued to prove a vital link with the church. These were distributed by volunteers who took the opportunity to chat and check on the well-being of the recipients.

The provision of meals and the ‘cake ministry’ has continued to demonstrate the church’s love and care for those going through difficult times. Transport by volunteers has been organised by a transport coordinator to enable visits to medical appointments and vaccinations. Volunteers have also helped with shopping, posting letters and prescription collection. Many people in the church and in the community have found that prayer by members of the church fellowship has supported and comforted them.

Alison Godfrey

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

SEND

Our aim is to send out and support Christians here and in the wider world, so that others may hear and know God’s love in Jesus. So we seek to be a church with God’s heart for the nations.

We aim to support a variety of organisations, some local, others in the wider world. It is important for us as a church not only to be concerned about our own spiritual life and witness, but to be outward looking in our prayers and our giving.

In our regular giving during the past year we have supported the following organisations through our tithe, which is 10% of our church’s donations and tax recovery income:

Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) , who support churches in the UK and Ireland, providing resources for leaders, children and young people’s work, run Christian holiday camps and are patrons of Rothley Church;

Crosslinks , specifically supporting Jirka and Keira Kralovi who work with students in the Czech Republic, and Brada and Yatza Radanovic in church ministry in Serbia; Tearfund , who work with local churches and organisations in more than 50 countries to tackle the complex challenges of poverty;

The Dioceses of Mount Kilimanjaro and

Kiteto, Tanzania which have been linked with Leicester Diocese since 1982;

Local charities The Carpenter’s Arms, Loughborough, and Triangle, Leicester , which provide help and support to the homeless and also addiction services.

15% of our tithe is reserved for discretionary giving. This year we supported: Mercy Air Soar Valley Community Food Project Mothers’ Union The Oakes Holiday Centre CPAS School Ventures

We also collect for Christian Aid annually, support emergency appeals on behalf of Tearfund for crisis situations, encourage regular donations of food to the foodbank and clothes to Triangle, and there is a Fair Trade stall at the back of church.

We have kept our church family up-to-date by means of regular information and updates on the organisations we support in the weekly Fellowship Post. There are weekly prayer pointers, and also links to prayer letters. We also feature information and prayer requests for fair trade, asylum seekers, modern slavery, the environment and the persecuted church around the world.

After two years of being unable to invite speakers from the organisations we support, it was a joy to have a number of visitors in 2022.

In July, Rupert Shelley, the new Director of Mission Partnerships for Crosslinks, preached and then spoke after the morning service about what Crosslinks does and also gave us a helpful account of his visit to our mission partners, Jirka and Keira Kralovi in the Czech Republic. Jirka, Keira, and their four lovely children were then able to visit us briefly for tea in the Old School Rooms on a Saturday afternoon in August. It is always wonderful to see in person those whom we support and for whom we pray; it brings their situations so vividly to life.

Mike Duff, the Patronage Secretary of CPAS, preached at both morning services in September, and spoke and showed slides between the services about the work of CPAS, who are the patrons of our church and give much support to our ministry team and to the youth work.

Paul and Cathy Middleton spoke in two morning services in October about what they have been doing in southern Africa with Mercy Air; Bridget Patel did the same

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

for Triangle in November, in response to which a large number of practical gifts were given by the congregation.

In addition to these, members of the Mothers’ Union met Bishop Isaiah from Kiteto, Tanzania, and his wife at Church of the Martyrs during their visit for the Lambeth Conference in July. They spoke movingly about the evils of child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation in their area and what Mothers’ Union is planning to do to counteract it.

Billie Thaw spoke to the Mothers’ Union in December about the amazing history of the Oakes Holiday Centre, which was visited this year by a group of children from our church.

Two of our young people were involved in Christian service last summer: Serena Cook went with an evangelistic organisation to The Gambia for four weeks and sent regular vivid and challenging descriptions of their work; James Pilbeam worked as a leader on a CPAS Venture holiday for youth. Both gave inspiring accounts of their experiences to the church on their return. We hope that many more young people will be inspired to attend CPAS Venture holidays in 2023.

In these many ways our church has been made aware of the needs of the world outside our walls, and about the work of God in so many areas, in order to stimulate our prayers and involvement.

Serena in The Gambia July 2022

Bishop Isaiah and Ezereda from Kiteto, Tanzania, meet Mothers’ Union members and friends at the Church of the Martyrs, Leicester, 22[nd] July 2022

Margaret Leverment

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CHOIR AND MUSIC

As I flick through my 2022 diary at the end of the year, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride as I reflect on all that we have achieved with our music provision at Rothley Parish Church. From traditional Choral Evensongs (of which there have been many this year) and Morning Services with organ and choir, to contemporary services with instruments and singers, we have worked very hard to offer a diverse range of musical styles for our congregation.

The music planning team plays a crucial role in selecting music for our services, and we are grateful to them and to those who give their time and talents by singing, both as part of the choir and at the less formal services, and playing various musical instruments. All such contributions play a vital part in our ultimate aim … to worship God.

In addition to our regular services, we were able to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a memorable concert in June. It is not only during joyous occasions that music plays a vital role in our church. We held a poignant and meaningful Memorial Service for those who have recently lost loved ones, as well as our annual Remembrance services, both in church and at Cross Green, to honour those of our village who died as a result of the conflicts of two world wars.

This year, we were saddened by the Queen’s death in September and we marked her passing with a special service. We were also deeply saddened by the deaths of a number of members of our congregation including Ros Taylor, Keith Ridge, June Simpson and Liz Purnell.

While this year was not without its challenges, it is clear that through the dedication and hard work of our team of musicians, choir and singers we have been able to provide meaningful and uplifting

music for our church and for the wider Rothley community, thinking particularly of the services that take place away from the church building, such as at Cedar House.

It has been good to celebrate with couples that were married in church this year and we have had some very inspiring services, especially when celebrating our major festivals of Christmas, Easter and Harvest, but also on many other occasions throughout the year.

During 2023, I would really like to start exploring the processes involved in recruiting and forming a junior choir again and, possibly, a junior instrumental group. Children are the future, and by encouraging more of them to be part of a singing group or musical group, we would go some way in ensuring that we continue to build the church in Rothley. When I look back at my introduction to church, I began as a junior chorister in the church choir at St Phillip’s church in Leicester in 1969. Little did I know, all those years ago, that it would lead to me being a church organist and choir master/choir trainer, for what has now spanned a period of over forty-five years. We need to provide the encouragement to children by opening such doors and, who knows, they could become our inspirational leaders of the future.

I look forward, with the choir, singers and musicians, to continue to support the musical provision in 2023. We already have a joint Choral Evensong planned with the choir of Leicester Cathedral in January, and we will be focussing on a series of special events and services to mark the King’s Coronation in May.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who makes a point of speaking, or writing, to me, when they have felt the need to express their gratitude for music that has moved them, or, indeed, to offer musical suggestions and improvements for future services and events. It is greatly appreciated. Simon Murphy

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Handbells

Rothley Handbell Ringers have met together and are looking to start meeting regularly in 2023.

Ruth Gilmore

BELL RINGERS

RINGING ACTIVITY

The principal special ringing during the year was associated with HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and, half muffled, her subsequent death and funeral, along with ‘open ringing’ for the Proclamation of King Charles III. Most of the team were able to participate in these historic events. Thanks to Steve Mitchell for the commemorative plaques in the belfry recording these activities.

The standard of ringing has steadily improved over the year with more and more rope time and practice. Thanks to Harry Longman for his guidance and bell tutorials and challenges leading to a consequent improvement in striking – both rounds and call changes with method ringing – both Plain Hunt and Bob Doubles on a few occasions.

Pleasingly, with the numbers we now have in the team, Sunday ringing with all six bells has become very much the norm, rather than the exception. Ringing has also been possible at the additional services at major festivals, including Carol Services and Christmas Midnight Communion.

Bells, as usual, were rung half muffled for Remembrance Sunday. Also, the happy couples at three wedding celebrations during the year asked for the bells. The bells also rang out the old year and greeted in the New Year of 2023.

We have received a few visitors and it has been beneficial and interesting to meet those from other towers. Three Rothley ringers went to Cossington to ring at their Church’s 800[th] Anniversary celebration,

which was a great experience on other bells.

RINGING MEMBERSHIP

There has been an extremely welcome increase in numbers - a very warm welcome back for some (in some cases after a fairly short absence, for others decades) and the warmest of welcomes to several newcomers. Return visits by university students and past ringers spending holiday time with family has also been much appreciated.

On the Safeguarding front for both Child and Vulnerable Adult protection, the number of ringers who have undertaken C of E online basic and foundation training has increased and key officers have enhanced DBS. Three members have attended a church-organised First Aid course and there are others with First Aid skills in the team.

BELLS & TOWER MAINTENANCE

There is now a formal Maintenance Annual Inspection Contract with Taylors Bell Foundry. A replacement fan heater is now in use, kindly donated by the Rothley Heritage Trust. Thanks to Ian Sanders, who has ensured throughout the year that the appropriate flag is flown on the tower, as required. A Health and Safety Risk Assessment has been drafted for the conduct of tower tours. The Church insurance policy with Ecclesiastical Insurance has been reviewed and we adhere in our activities to the guidance of our insurers.

COMMUNITY INTERFACE

Chiming sessions, to start a bell striking, have taken place with youngsters from Rothley C of E Primary School as they visited to learn about the church, and youngsters from the uniformed organisations have enjoyed a similar experience.

The ringers entered ‘Quasimodo’ in the village scarecrow competition, which could

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be seen above the tower door, bell rope in hand. During the weekend, the tower doors were opened, allowing youngsters (and adults) to chime a bell – something which proved extremely popular. Particular thanks to those who looked after those youngsters and to everyone who helped with both putting Quasi in place and the subsequent removal.

The church was decorated for Christmas by various groups within the church family. The ringers staged a display in a window in the north aisle on the theme of bells. Particular thanks to Nita Armstrong, Angela Spink and Steve Mitchell for their creativity.

THANKS

My thanks to each of the Tower officers for all they do, and not least to Harry Longman for his expertise and experience which he so readily shares. Thank you, also, to everyone in the Team. This year, for numerous reasons, has seen much for which we should be grateful.

Charles Poole

Quasimodo

SAFEGUARDING

“God’s call is to speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.” Proverbs 31:8

Safeguarding within Rothley Parish Church is the responsibility of all. It is overseen by two appointed Safeguarding Coordinators, Kate Croden (Children and Young People) and Wendy Ferguson (Vulnerable Adults). Lisa Cook supports in her administrative role, ensuring DBS applications are made and up-to-date. We also want to thank Liz Sleath for her support during the year.

Our parish safeguarding policies for child protection and vulnerable adults were reviewed and updated, in line with the model diocesan policies and GDPR guidance in November 2022. They are available on the noticeboard at the back of church and in the Old School Rooms.

Training and safer recruitment remains a priority. It is recommended that all PCC members, all those leading or involved with groups (children, young people, and adult groups) should complete basic and foundation safeguarding training every three years. Most courses are now online. It is also a requirement that group leaders, and those involved with the children’s groups should have a valid DBS. The coordinators are available to give advice on the most appropriate training for individuals.

The coordinators oversee and feedback any national changes for the reporting of serious incidents and work with Rob if a safeguarding issue arises.

The church policy on communication and the use of social media and images has been

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recirculated to the PCC as a reminder about our responsibility within the church.

The Safeguarding Coordinators’ priority plan for 2023 is:

Kate Croden and Wendy Ferguson

THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS (OSR)

The Old School Rooms have been in constant use since the beginning of the year, unlike the previous year. Church groups, e.g. Lunches, Mothers’ Union, Little Fishes, have all managed to meet throughout the year, and housegroups and Prayer & Praise have used it on several occasions. We have also had some interesting one-off bookings, while our Children’s Birthday Party and Family Occasions market has continued to be as popular as ever. We have lost one of our long-standing regular bookers, but gained a new regular customer, with even more new regular users booked in for 2023.

Regular maintenance work has continued and, following a 5-year inspection of the roof, repairs to the gullies and gable ends were carried out.

the best option was to replace it with a new one.

In anticipation of increased heating costs, a Hive thermostat/time clock has been fitted – the result being that the thermostat actually works, and the timings can be controlled much more easily than with the previous time clock.

The most surprising event of the year was when part of the ceiling in the store cupboard in the church office collapsed, leaving the office covered in a very thick layer of dust and debris. As a consequence, the church administrator had to de-camp to the choir vestry until the clean-up and repairs were done and it was safe for her to return.

Since the middle of November the hall has been used as a “warm space” for members of the community to use, rather than heating their own homes.

Meanwhile, we strive to demonstrate God’s love by giving all our users a warm welcome, whatever their needs, as the hall continues to be used on average 5+ days per week. The Old School Rooms can be seen as a link between the church and the wider community.

Leaders of church groups are reminded that they are responsible for booking the OSR if they require it, and special hiring rates are available for private use by church members. Availability can be viewed on the church website under “Resources” and “Old School Rooms”. Bookings can be made by email: osrenquiries@gmail.com

Linda Poole

After more than 20 years both ovens and hob decided to give up at the same time, with both thermostats becoming unreliable, so two new electric ovens and a new gas hob have been installed. Not wanting to feel excluded, the water boiler also ceased to operate, and following a diagnosis and quote for repair by Burco, it was felt that

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DEANERY AND DIOCESE

Three topics dominated both Diocesan and Deanery Synod agendas in 2022: “Shaped By God Together”; “Living in Love and Faith”; and Diocesan finances. Their dominance meant that, sadly, outward-facing debates about evangelism and outreach inevitably became somewhat marginalised.

The “Shaped By God Together” project has at its core the development of some 20 to 25 new Minster Communities across the whole diocese. In 2022 three pilots were initiated: the first is situated in the area around Launde Abbey, the second is located in North West Leicestershire, and the third is in North East Leicester. These three pilots mean that the diocese is gaining experience in facilitating the formation of Minster Communities in rural, urban and suburban areas. The whole diocese is scheduled to move into the Minster Community framework by 2026. This reorganisation process will inevitably impact upon Rothley Parish in the next few years but quite how is, as yet, unknown. A presentation, with opportunity for discussion and questions, was given at Goscote Deanery Synod in late 2022.

The September 2022 Diocesan Synod at Beaumont Leys was largely given over to a discussion on “Living in Love and Faith”, the Church of England’s discernment process about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. As befits a very sensitive subject, the

discussions took place in an atmosphere of respect and care and each speaker was listened to attentively. Debate is ongoing, with the bishops of the Church of England and, in February 2023, the General Synod of the Church of England, expressing their views about possible ways ahead in this highly contentious area, one which has at its core divergent views about the authority of Scripture.

The third focus in 2022 was Diocesan finance. Both the September and the late November Diocesan Synods heard from the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance that there was a deficit of well over £1 million, despite cuts to central staffing levels. Levels of Parish Contributions have not kept pace with overall costs and, unless this changes in 2023, there are liable to be further cuts in the number of stipendiary ordained ministers. This is already biting locally: for example, at the end of 2022 there were only three stipendiary ministers for the whole Goscote Deanery (for which Rob Gladstone remains Area Dean). This is the context in which “Shaped By God Together” is being played out; there are, therefore, plenty of financial and organisational challenges ahead in 2023 and beyond. Whilst such issues are clearly important, it is crucial the gospel message of God’s love for the world through Jesus Christ is proclaimed with confidence, otherwise we will simply be overseeing an exercise in managerial decline.

David Wilson

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The purpose of Rothley Parochial Church Council (PCC), as set out in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended, is to co-operate with the incumbent, Rev Canon Rob Gladstone, in promoting in the parish of Rothley the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Rothley Parish Church:

Rothley PCC is the guardian and maintainer of St Mary & St John Parish Church, a Grade II* listed building, actively promoting to the general public its significance and history through open events.

In planning and undertaking its work, Rothley PCC has taken account of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENTS

2022 has seen the resumption of all church activities, following two years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Having taken the opportunity, during that period, to try different timings for church services, a new settled pattern was established during the year which also includes a variety of styles of worship. We still aim to livestream one service each Sunday for the benefit of those who are not able to attend in person, and this is very much appreciated. However, the audio-visual equipment is sensitive and complex and there are occasions when livestreaming does not work. We are always looking for more expertise within the congregation to help in this area. Our weekly communications and service sheet, sent electronically or delivered to every church member, includes the order of service for the livestreamed worship.

A concert and a special service and community lunch was held to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Her death in September was marked in our Sunday services and the church was open during the weekdays for personal remembrance and the signing of condolence sheets.

Our Pastoral Co-ordinator remains responsive to the needs of church members and other contacts in the village. Lifts are also offered to medical appointments and the like, and these are co-ordinated separately. Two groups of church members focus their pastoral support on the residents of the two care homes in the parish, through monthly visits. The pastoral care provided in the community is greatly valued by those who have been helped.

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School assemblies, both at the school and in the church, have been able to take place throughout 2022. We have also been pleased to welcome children and parents for class visits and productions in the church. The Growing Families WhatsApp group continues as a helpful forum for local families and they continued to organise lively events during the year.

Our Sunday School, youth and adult groups in the church all met throughout 2022. On the three occasions during the year when there was a fifth Sunday in the month, the whole congregation was invited to stay for lunch after the church service.

Our partnership with the Baptist Church in the Soar Valley Outreach project, particularly its foodbank ministry, has increased in importance in 2022 as the energy and cost of living crises have hit more and more people. Church members generously gave food, funds and volunteer time to this ministry throughout the year. A new initiative during the autumn and winter has been to collaborate in providing warm spaces for the village community. Our contribution is Warm Welcome in our church hall (The Old School Rooms) on Friday afternoons, aiming to provide warmth and company to anyone in the community. Hot drinks, games, jigsaws, Wi-Fi and a quiet area for reading or studying are all made freely available.

The requirements of Health and Safety legislation are embedded in the Church’s procedures and budget for both the church building and the Old School Rooms. Health and Safety is a standing item on PCC agendas.

The ten-year Management and Maintenance Plan for the church and Old School Rooms is updated annually. Each year we apply to the government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in order to recoup all allowable VAT costs on repairs to the church building.

Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is given appropriate priority and is a standing item on PCC agendas.

An indication of the scale and importance of the contribution made by volunteers to the work of Rothley Parish Church is evident in the narrative reports of church activities which form the first part of this Annual Report. Their continued commitment has been invaluable, as has that of our employees.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

With inflation rising during 2021, the PCC set a worst-case scenario General Fund budget for 2022, assuming income below 2021 levels, expenditure higher than 2021 and a potential deficit of £9,400. In the event, General Fund income (excluding a legacy and a special donation received during the year) exceeded the budget by 14.5%. General Fund expenditure was also above budget, by 8.7%, but the year-end deficit was considerably less than budget, at £1,777. This is the first time the accounts have shown a deficit since 2015.

Rothley Parish Church’s principal source of funding for its general expenditure is the regular donations of its congregation, together with the related recovery of tax through Gift Aid and the additional relief available on cash donations through the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS). We are very grateful for the continued support and commitment to regular giving shown by our church members.

The most significant regular expenditure is the Parish Contribution to the Diocese of Leicester (£96,430 in 2022), which supports ministry across the Diocese as well as providing funds to

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pay for clergy housing, stipends and pensions. The Parish Contribution is considered to be a gift offered by the parish and the amount must be decided by the PCC annually.

The PCC is very grateful for a legacy from the late Lady Isobel Barnett, a special donation in memory of the late Bessie Grindrod and donations to our work with children and youth in memory of Ros Taylor, all received during 2022.

Plans to improve the church building, principally by installing toilets and a servery, were recommenced during 2022, following a two-year delay as a result of the pandemic. The full cost is expected to be at least £250,000 and during the year the PCC set aside half that amount, £125,000, from legacies towards the project. At the suggestion of the donor, the PCC designated the special donation to the Organ and Music Fund as a significant contribution towards an organ repair due to take place early in 2023. The donations towards our work with children and youth were paid directly into the restricted Children and Families and Youth Funds.

Having six people working together as a treasury team provides the capacity to monitor budgets and contracts, and control expenditure, as well as providing good internal controls in our financial procedures.

We continue to base the remuneration of our regular part-time employees on the Living Wage Foundation’s Voluntary Real Living Wage, which is considerably higher than the government’s National Living Wage and is independently calculated each year to ensure it keeps pace with any increase in the cost of living.

FUND OVERVIEW

Rothley Parish Church held a balance of £394,810 at 31 December 2022, made up as follows:

Fund Overview 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2021
£		 31/12/2021
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
211,068
271,705
(Unrestricted) Designated Funds
Church Building Improvements Fund
130,873
5,161
Church Maintenance Fund
6,870
7,843
Heritage Events Fund
501
878
Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund
68
68
Organ & Music Fund
15,863
14,948
Wednesday Club
140
138
Total Unrestricted Funds
365,383
300,741
Restricted Funds
Children & Families Restricted Fund
13,643
10,661
Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund
8,611
2,185
Goscote Deanery Fund
934
925
Youth Fund
6,238
4,624
Total Restricted Funds
29,426
18,395
Total funds
394,809
319,136

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GENERAL FUND

General Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Donations
121,831
113,594
Tax recovery
26,715
25,398
Legacies
72,543
-
Special donations
1,250
Grants
2,186
293
Trading & fees
2,888
2,926
Old School Rooms
4,458
1,869
Investments & Feed-in Tariff
8,126
5,701
Total income
239,997
149,781
Expenditure:
Tithe for mission
14,855
13,899
Parish Contribution
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
14,844
14,018
Clergy & staff expenses
1,476
908
Mission & evangelism
947
103
Church costs
22,401
14,847
Church utilities
2,092
1,511
Old School Rooms
14,432
5,743
Governance
504
480
Total expenditure
167,981
147,939
Surplus/deficit of income
72,016
1,842
Net transfers to/from other funds
(132,653)
(10,727)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
271,705
280,590
Balance at 31 December
211,068
271,705

Excluding the legacy and special donation received during the year, General Fund income amounted to £166,203 in 2022, 14.5% above expectations and £16,422 (11%) above 2021 levels. Increases occurred in the following areas:

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General Fund expenditure rose £20,042 above 2021 levels, an increase of 13.6%, and 8.7% above budget expectations. The main increases were seen in the following areas:

GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2023

The budget for 2023 is concerning, but realistic, at a time of high inflation and high energy costs. It will be vital for the PCC to carefully monitor income and expenditure throughout the year.

General Fund Budget for 2023 £
Income:
Donations
119,968
Tax recovery
26,970
Trading & fees
841
Old School Rooms
2,400
Investments & Feed-in Tariff
6,070
Total income
156,249
Expenditure:
Tithe for mission
14,694
Parish Contribution
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
16,301
Clergy & staff expenses
1,933
Mission & evangelism
1,450
Church costs
22,501
Church utilities
12,173
Old School Rooms
12,177
Governance
556
Total expenditure
178,215
Budgeted surplus/(deficit)
(21,966)

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RESERVES POLICY

The PCC’s Reserves Policy (reviewed in March each year) requires the holding of unrestricted reserves equal to three months’ general running costs and an additional three months’ salary costs. Any surplus reserves are to be committed to planned expenditure in line with long-term strategy. In 2023 the amount required in the General Fund is £71,866, which includes £21,966 to cover the budgeted year end deficit. At 31 December 2022 the PCC held £211,068 in the unrestricted General Fund, although £139,373 of this amount is legacy funds waiting to be designated for use. Our policy is to use legacies for specific projects, rather than to cover general expenditure. In accordance with correct procedure, the balance of the legacies is held in the General Fund until such time as the PCC designates its use. Discounting the legacy balance, there remains £71,695 in free reserves in the General Fund at 31[st] December 2022, which is just £171 short to cover the projected deficit in 2023. A further £154,315 is held in designated funds, whose designation could be changed by the PCC if it became necessary.

INVESTMENTS

The PCC has opted for a no-risk strategy. The Church holds a 60-day notice account and four 12-month fixed rate saver accounts, one maturing each quarter, with Shawbrook Bank, which runs the accounts on behalf of CAF Bank. The PCC restricts its investment with Shawbrook Bank to £85,000 in order to be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Our remaining reserve funds are held in the Central Board of Finance Church of England Deposit Fund, which is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, but has a good credit rating.

FUTURE PLANS

Detailed drawings of the plans to improve the church building, principally by installing toilets and a servery, are being prepared by our architect. At the same time, an appeal brochure is being written to use to raise the balance of funds that will be required for the project. Building work is not expected to begin until 2024.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Church, as identified by the PCC, are split into four areas:

Operational risks of Health and Safety, employment and Safeguarding are identified and managed by named individuals or sub-committees who report as necessary to the PCC.

Through Diocesan resources the PCC is updated on regulatory and governance requirements, which are then assessed and actioned accordingly.

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The PCC recognises that the main financial risks and uncertainties arise from the need to maintain the church fabric and organ, while also investing in the future life of the Church in order to address our priorities. However, the generous legacies received in 2019 and 2022 are proving a very helpful resource.

Day-to-day risks and uncertainties are managed through the Finance Committee who handle the Church’s finances, regularly reporting to the PCC and providing advice as appropriate.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Rothley PCC is governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures:

The PCC is a corporate body with charitable status. It comprises both those elected by members of the Church Electoral Roll and others who sit on the PCC by virtue of a particular office they hold within the Church. The PCC meets six times a year.

The PCC has several sub-committees and working groups, both of which also draw in other members of the congregation, covering different aspects of the Church’s work. At least one member of the PCC usually sits on each sub-committee and reports to the PCC. The subcommittees are:

The working groups are:

Each year, soon after new members are elected to the PCC at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, an induction evening is held to help new trustees understand their role. All PCC members are expected to attend. Useful written resources are given to trustees as background support to their role.

The PCC is responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding how funds are spent.

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Name of charity: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St
Mary & St John, Rothley
Registered working name: Rothley Parish Church
Charity number: 1133832

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Address: The Old School Rooms 3 School Street Rothley Leicester LE7 7RA

Trustees: Rob Gladstone Vicar (Chair) [ex-officio] Margaret Rouse Churchwarden [ex-officio] Fred Sleath Churchwarden [ex-officio] Wendy Ferguson Also Deanery Synod representative Linda Poole Also Deanery Synod representative Ray Prince Also Deanery Synod representative David Wilson Also Deanery Synod representative Liz Barker Susie Clark (from 3/4/22) Chris Garnett Alison Godfrey David Hodgson Margaret Leverment Wendy Lewis Alison Parkinson Susan Pinkus (elected to 3/4/22; co-opted from 9/5/22) Jonathan Pilbeam Susan Wilson

The following member served as a trustee during part of 2022 only: Jennifer Pilbeam (co-opted to 3/4/22)

Bankers: NatWest 1 Granby Street Leicester LE1 6EJ CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner: Scott Bradford BSc ACA Newby Castleman, Chartered Accountants 6 Forest Road Loughborough LE11 3NP

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The Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by Rothley Parochial Church Council on 13[th] March 2023.

Signed on its behalf:

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ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2022 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2021
£		 31/12/2021
Current assets:
Debtors (Note 10)
5,093
2,513
Cash at bank and in hand
399,257
328,504
Total
404,350
331,017
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9,540
11,881
(Note 11)
Net assets:
394,810
319,136
Located:
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
211,068
271,705
(Unrestricted) Designated Funds
Church Building Improvements Fund
130,873
5,161
Church Maintenance Fund
6,870
7,843
Heritage Events Fund
501
878
Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund
68
68
Organ & Music Fund
15,863
14,948
Wednesday Club
140
138
Total Unrestricted Funds
365,383
300,741
Restricted Funds
Children & Families Restricted Fund
13,643
10,661
Church Building Improvements Fund
8,611
2,185
Goscote Deanery Fund
934
925
Youth Fund
6,238
4,624
Total Restricted Funds
29,426
18,395
Total funds
394,809
319,136

The accounts were approved by Rothley Parochial Church Council on 13[th] March 2023

Signed on its behalf:

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Statement of Financial
Activities 1 January to 31
December 2022		 Unrestricted
funds
General Fund
£		 Unrestricted
Designated
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 Totals 2022
Totals 2021
£
£
Income:
Donations
121,831
-
7,490
129,321
114,914
Tax recovery
26,715
-
623
27,338
25,728
Legacies
72,543
-
-
72,543
-
Special donations
1,250
1,250
-
Grants
2,186
363
-
2,549
330
Trading & fees
2,888
172
1,180
4,240
3,794
Old School Rooms
4,458
-
-
4,458
1,869
Investments & Feed-in
Tariff
8,126
1,143
238
9,507
5,890
Other income
3,240
3,240
-
Total income
239,997
1,678
12,771
254,446
152,525
Expenditure:
Tithe & other awards
14,855
-
-
14,855
13,899
Parish Contribution
96,430
-
-
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
14,844
50
-
14,894
14,018
Clergy & staff expenses
1,476
-
-
1,476
1,027
Mission & evangelism
947
332
1,739
3,018
1,075
Church costs
22,401
7,107
-
29,508
22,388
Church utilities
2,092
-
-
2,092
1,511
Old School Rooms
14,432
1,562
-
15,994
21,887
Governance
504
-
-
504
480
Total expenditure
167,981
9,051
1,739
178,771
172,715
Surplus/deficit of income
72,016
(7,373)
11,032
75,675
(20,190)
Transfers between funds
(details below)
(132,653)
132,653
-
-
-
Balance brought forward at
1 January
271,705
29,036
18,395
319,136
339,326
Balances at 31 December
211,068
154,316
29,427
394,811
319,136

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Transfers between funds
1 January to 31
December 2022		 Unrestricted
funds		 Unrestricted Designated funds Unrestricted Designated funds Unrestricted Designated funds
General Fund Church
Building
Improvements		 Church
Maintenance		 OSR
Maintenance		 Organ &
Music
£ £ £ £ £
Transfer from General Fund
(Pat Foulds legacy) to OSR
Maintenance Fund for
refurbishment as agreed by
Business Committee 7/4/22
Transfer from General Fund
(PF legacy) to Church
Building Improvements
Designated Fund as per
PCC resolution 4/7/22
Transfer from General Fund
(Pat Foulds legacy) to OSR
Maintenance Fund for
refurbishment as agreed by
PCC 4/7/22
Transfer from General Fund
to Organ & Music Fund as
agreed by PCC 19/9/22
(special donation)
Transfer from General Fund
(Pat Foulds legacy) to
Church Maintenance Fund
for pew cushions as agreed
by PCC 21/11/22
Transfer from General Fund
(Pat Foulds legacy) to
Church Maintenance Fund
for outdoor AV equipment
as agreed by PCC 21/11/22
Transfer from General Fund
(PF legacy) to Church
Building Improvements
Designated Fund for
microphones as per PCC
resolution 9/5/22		 (238)
238
(125,000)
125,000
(1,324)
1,324
(1,250)
(780)
780
(1,007)
1,007
(3,054)
3,054		 1,250
NET (132,653)
128,054
1,787
1,562		 1,250

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Location of funds: £ £
Nat West Stewardship Account: 12,046 Debtors*: 5,093
CAF Bank General Account & cash: 43,152
CBF Deposit Fund: 257,562 Creditors*: 9,540
CAF 60 Day Notice Savings Account 10,440
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver Account 19,016
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 2 19,148
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 3 19,016
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 4 18,878
Net creditors (4,447)
Total 394,811

*For details of Debtors and Creditors see pages 34 and 37.

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. Accounting Policies

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accrual accounting method has been used and the financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and in accordance with Charities SORP (FRS 102). Rothley Parish Church is a public benefit entity, as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as an ongoing concern.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Rothley Parish Church holds both unrestricted and restricted income funds:

Some unrestricted funds have been designated by the Trustees for certain purposes :

Some funds are restricted because their use is limited by the intentions of the donors:

INCOME

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

VOLUNTEERS

Rothley Parish Church acknowledges the vital role of its many unpaid general volunteers in carrying out its charitable activities. Members of the congregation assist in ministry, administration and practical tasks.

EXPENDITURE

FIXED ASSETS

DEBTORS

The debtors shown on the Statement of Financial Activities for 2022 comprise:

CREDITORS

The creditors shown on the Statement of Financial Activities for 2022 comprise payments relating to 2022 but invoiced or paid shortly after the end of the year, as well as the balance of our tithe gifts for mission, the exact amount of which cannot be finalised until the sum of all donations, tax recoverable through Gift Aid and relief obtained through GASDS, is established.

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

2. Analysis of income

----- Start of picture text -----
Income General Designated Restricted Total 2022 Total 2021
Fund Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £
Donations 121,831 - 7,490 129,321 114,914
Tax recovery 26,715 - 623 27,338 25,728
- - -
Legacies 72,543 72,543
-
Special donations 1,250 1,250
Grants 2,186 363 - 2,549 330
PCC & activity fees 2,354 172 1,180 3,706 3,525
Trading: hospitality,
copying, sale of books 534 - - 534 269
Old School Rooms
rentals 4,458 - - 4,458 1,869
Interest 2,337 1,143 238 3,718 1,060
Rental of church field
- -
& churchyard wayleave 1,383 1,383 1,380
Feed-in Tariff 4,406 - - 4,406 3,449
Other income 3,240 3,240 -
Total 239,997 1,678 12,771 254,446 152,524
----- End of picture text -----

3. Analysis of expenditure

Expenditure General
Fund
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Total 2022 Total 2021
£
£
Tithe & other awards
14,855
-
-
14,855
13,899
Parish Contribution
96,430
-
-
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
14,844
50
-
14,894
14,018
Clergy & staff expenses
1,476
-
1,476
1,027
Mission & evangelism
947
332
1,739
3,018
1,075
Church costs
22,401
7,107
-
29,508
22,388
Church utilities
2,092
-
-
2,092
1,511
Old School Rooms
14,432
1,562
-
15,994
21,887
Governance
504
-
-
504
480
Total
167,981
9,051
1,739
178,771
172,715

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

4. Tithe gifts for mission 2022

Tithe gifts for mission 2022 £
Church Pastoral Aid Society (mission in UK & Ireland)
3,714
Crosslinks (international mission)
3,417
Tearfund (international relief and development)
2,525
Link Dioceses of Mount Kilimanjaro & Kiteto, Tanzania
1,485
The Carpenter’s Arms, Loughborough (drug & alcohol rehabilitation)
743
Triangle (Christian outreach to homeless people in Leicester)
743
Mercy Air (aviation for humanitarian aid & mission)
578
Mothers’ Union (Christian concern for families worldwide)
450
Soar Valley Community Food Project, Rothley
500
The Oakes Holiday Centre, Sheffield (Christian holidays for children &
teenagers)
400
Church Pastoral Aid SocietySchool Ventures(Christian holidays for children)
300
Total
14,855

5. Trustees’ remuneration & benefits

Two trustees received remuneration during 2022 from employment by Rothley Parish Church as follows:

6. Trustees’ expenses

No expenses have been incurred by trustees during 2022 in respect of their role as trustees.

7. Related party transactions

The only related party transactions during 2022 are listed under note 5.

8. Independent examination fees

The fee payable to the Independent Examiner for his work on these accounts is £504. This amount has been accrued as a creditor.

9. Employees

Rothley Parish Church employed the following staff during 2022:

No employees received payments of over £60,000.

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

10. Debtors

Debtors 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2021
£
Accrued income
30
372
Gift Aid & GASDS
4,254
2,141
Churchyard wayleave
3
Feed-in Tariff
365
-
Wedding fees
232
OSR hire
208
Total
5,092
2,513

11. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:

Creditors 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2021
£
Balance of tithe
6,155
9,399
Accruals
2,479
1,582
PAYE Creditor
141
171
Agencycollections
766
729
Total
9,541
11,881

12. Old School Rooms

Old School Rooms 2022
£		 2021
£
Rental income
4,458
1,869
Expenditure:
Utilities
1,631
924
Cleaning
3,089
2,964
Maintenance
9,581
1,791
Consumables & other costs
132
65
Total
14,433
5,744
Operating surplus/(deficit)
(9,975)
(3,875)

Page 24 details the additional repair and maintenance costs in 2022. In addition to the costs of maintenance and repairs, a further £1,562 from legacies was spent on the following refurbishment work:

37

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

The hall was in use throughout the year by church groups and outside hirers. The hall is a very comfortable venue and remains a huge asset to the church.

13. Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund

Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Bank interest
1
31
Total income
1
31
Expenditure:
Non-routine repairs
-
1,205
Refurbishment
1,562
14,939
Total expenditure
1,562
16,144
Surplus/(Deficit)
(1,561)
(16,113)
Transfer from General Fund (Legacies)
1,562
6,216
Transfer from General Fund (Old chairs for use in
church)
-
180
Balance brought forward at 1 January
68
9,785
Balance at 31 December
69
68

14. Church Building Improvements Fund

Church Building Improvements Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Bank interest
924
16
Total income
924
16
Expenditure:
Audio-visual equipment
3,054
4,520
Architect's fees
211
-
Total expenditure
3,265
4,520
Surplus/(Deficit)
(2,341)
(4,504)
Transfer from General Fund (Legacy)
128,054
4,520
Balance brought forward at 1 January
5,158
5,142
Balance at 31 December
130,871
5,158

Further purchases, totaling £3,054, were made from legacies to cover additional items required for the audio-visual system:

38

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Mounted drawings were produced by the architect for the relaunch of the Church Building Improvements project. In July 2022 the PCC designated £125,000 from legacies to this project.

15. Church Maintenance Fund

Church Maintenance Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
315
-
Bank interest
65
34
Total income
380
34
Expenditure:
Architect's & planning fees for removal of boiler house
1,092
-
Outdoor AV equipment
1,007
-
20 pew cushions
780
-
Display boards
261
-
Non-routine repairs
-
2,734
Total expenditure
3,140
2,734
Surplus/(Deficit)
(2,760)
(2,700)
Transfer to OSR Maintenance Fund (Old chairs for use in
church)
-
(180)
Transfer from General Fund (Legacy)
1,787
-
Balance brought forward at 1 January
7,844
10,724
Balance at 31 December
6,871
7,844

The process to remove the old, unsafe boiler house commenced in 2022 with planning and faculty permission received late in the year. The work will take place early in 2023.

Outdoor AV equipment and additional pew cushions for the church were funded from legacies.

16. Heritage Events Fund

Heritage Events Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Bank interest
5
3
Total income
5
3
Expenditure:
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Concert & Service
382
-
Organ Centenary Concert
-
213
Total expenditure
382
213
Surplus/(Deficit)
(377)
(210)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
877
1,087
Balance at 31 December
500
877

39

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

A concert and a special service were held in church to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

17. Organ & Music Fund

Organ & Music Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Grants
48
37
PCC wedding fees
172
688
Bank interest
147
47
Total income
367
772
Expenditure:
Church costs
702
287
Equipment
-
119
Total expenditure
702
406
Surplus/(Deficit)
(335)
366
Special donation designated by PCC for organ repair
1,250
Balance brought forward at 1 January
14,947
14,581
Balance at 31 December
15,862
14,947

18. Children & Families Restricted Fund

Children & Families Restricted Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Donations
1,355
1,320
Gift Aid tax recovered
339
330
Activity fees
1,180
180
Bank interest
121
32
Other income in memory of Ros Taylor
1,620
Total income
4,615
1,862
Expenditure:
Mission & evangelism
1,633
679
Total expenditure
1,633
679
Surplus/(Deficit)
2,982
1,183
Transfers to General Fund (glue sticks & posting error)
-
(9)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
10,661
9,487
Balance at 31 December
13,643
10,661

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

19. Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund

Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Donations
6,100
-
Gift Aid tax recovered
275
-
Bank interest
51
7
Total income
6,426
7
Expenditure:
-
-
Surplus/(Deficit)
6,426
7
Balance brought forward at 1 January
2,185
2,178
Balance at 31 December
8,611
2,185
20.
Youth Restricted Fund
Youth Restricted Fund 2022
£		 2021
£
Income:
Donations
35
-
Gift Aid tax recovered
9
-
Bank interest
57
15
Other income in memory of Ros Taylor
1,620
-
Total income
1,721
15
Expenditure:
Mission & evangelism
106
79
Total expenditure
106
79
Surplus/(Deficit)
1,615
(64)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
4,625
4,689
Balance at 31 December
6,240
4,625

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

21. Legacies

Legacies £
Received:
Legacy from the late Pat Foulds received 18/6/19
255,745
Final payment from the late Pat Foulds received 13/7/20
191
Legacy from the late Lady Isobel Barnett received 25/1/22
72,543
Total received
328,479
Allocated:
OSR refurbishment (2020)
20,000
Audio-visual improvements (2020)
22,303
Dimmer switches on church lighting (2020)
4,665
Audio-visual improvements (2021)
4,520
OSR refurbishment (2021)
6,216
OSR refurbishment (2022)
1,562
Church Buildings Improvements (2022)
125,000
Pew cushions for church (2022)
780
Outdoor audio-visual equipment (2022)
1,007
Audio-visual improvements (2022)
3,054
Total allocated
189,107
Balance remaining to be allocated at 31/12/22
139,372

Having received a legacy from the late Lady Isobel Barnett in 2022, the PCC now holds funds from two legacies in the General Fund. Further expenditure has been made during 2022 on the refurbishment of the OSR, pew cushions for the church, outdoor audio-visual equipment and audio-visual improvements in the church. In addition, the PCC designated £125,000 to the Church Building Improvements project, which has been picked up again in 2022, following delays as a result of the pandemic.

22. Additional small Fund held by the Diocese of Leicester

Chancel Repair Fund

The value of the Fund at 31 December 2022 was £267. This Fund cannot be closed.

42

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

to The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary & St John, Rothley

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 that are set out on pages 29 to 42.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility:

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Scott Bradford BSc ACA Newby Castleman Chartered Accountants 6 Forest Road Loughborough LE11 3NP

43