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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary & St John Rothley

2023-12-31-accounts

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ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

REGISTERED CHARITY 1133832

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
VICAR’S REVIEW OF 2023 PAGE 3
CHURCHWARDENS’ REVIEW 2023 PAGE 4
SAFEGUARDING PAGE 5
CHURCH BUILDING PAGE 6
CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PAGE 6
DIOCESAN REORGANISATION PAGE 7
COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 7
OUTREACH PAGE 8
CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES PAGE 10
DISCIPLESHIP PAGE 11
SEND PAGE 14
CHOIR AND MUSIC PAGE 15
BELL RINGERS PAGE 16
THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS PAGE 18
DEANERY AND DIOCESE PAGE 19
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2023 PAGE 21
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2023 PAGE 30
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT PAGE 45

Cover picture: Community summer picnic & games

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VICAR’S REVIEW OF 2023

The life of Rothley Church in 2023 has taken place against a very challenging backdrop outside of the parish. The churches of the Deanery are being split four ways into different Minster Communities; in the National Church there have been convulsions over sexual ethics and the doctrine of marriage. The controversial decisions of General Synod are having wide ranging consequences in relations between and within churches. While much of the implications of these are yet to filter down to the life of the local congregation, they have meant that, as Area Dean, a disproportionate amount of my time and energy has been spent away from the Parish in meetings concerning the wider Deanery and Diocese. Alongside this I have been supporting six other churches who will continue to have no vicar of their own for the foreseeable future.

In the parish it has been a great joy to welcome Sneha Ninan as a contextbased ordinand. Sneha will be with us for two years and is already having a significant impact in various aspects of church life. We have also welcomed Sue and Andy Willetts, Nigel Elliott and Alison Godfrey into our ministry team. Growing this, developing lay ministry and training new service leaders and preachers remains very important as we prepare for a future in which the availability of stipendiary clergy will be much reduced.

The post-COVID service pattern continues to provide new opportunities to develop all traditions of music and the opportunity for many people to

begin to experience leading worship. The variety of styles continues to attract new members to the Church. It has been a particular joy to have the school children in church for so many regular and seasonal services, along with their teachers and parents. The Coronation of King Charles III gave us a unique opportunity to serve the community and to proclaim Christ at times of national celebration.

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. I would particularly like to thank the churchwardens Margaret Rouse and Fred Sleath, whose support, challenge, advice and encouragement 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; Jean Arkley for all she does to help us give expression to our pastoral care; Liz Sleath for all her work in the Church Office.

There are many encouragements, but also ahead of us lie very significant challenges for the church locally and nationally – in some respects, the foundations of ministry and doctrine in the Church of England are being shaken. St Jude wrote to the church of his day, urging them to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people, yet confident that God is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

Rob Gladstone

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CHURCHWARDENS’ REVIEW OF 2023

At their first meeting, the new PCC proposed that this year we would prioritise evangelism, especially on the new estates which have grown up round the village in recent years. Many people living on these estates are new to the area, and so our first priority was to introduce ourselves and to get to know them. We planned three picnics on the recreation areas at Warren Way, near the school; Sheppard Way/Barwell Drive, off Mountsorrel Lane; and on an open space near Baum Drive. Invitations were sent to every house. The picnics took place on Sundays in July and August and members of the congregation joined in. Food was provided and the PCC invested in games, which proved very popular. Having made the first contacts, we followed up with carol singing in the same areas in December. We aim to maintain the contacts with more events in 2024.

Another picnic was held in May, as part of our celebrations for the Coronation. It took place in the churchyard after the Service and was for our own church family. We were blessed with glorious weather. We also enjoyed a celebration concert and a special service to mark the event.

We have made some changes to the evening service pattern this year. Since the COVID pandemic, numbers have been low, so we now hold Choral Evensong on the second Sunday and a prayer meeting in church on the fourth Sunday. Both are at 6pm. Shine is held at 4pm on the first Sunday. Both the 9.30am and 11am services are very well attended.

The churchwardens are representing the congregation and PCC at the Shaped by God Together meetings which have been inaugurated by the diocese. These meetings are to discuss and discover how

the resources of the diocese may be best used. We have held extra PCC meetings to discuss the situation and, at an open meeting in church, members of the congregation were invited to hear about the discussion, to ask questions and to make comments. As your representatives, we are not making the decisions, we are asking your questions and reporting back on the proposals which the PCC will discuss. This is a crucial issue for all of the churches in the diocese and we would appreciate your prayers.

We have continued to plan the improvements to the church. These have involved much discussion and many decisions. The plans, which had to be delayed due to the pandemic, will now cost considerably more than they would have done four years ago and it was a major leap of faith from the PCC and church members to vote to go ahead with them. Everything is coming into place, the appeal will be launched in January 2024 and we hope to see the work completed by the end of the year.

This has been an interesting and exciting year. We are privileged to serve as your churchwardens, but we could not do it without your help and prayers. We are particularly grateful to our assistant wardens – Chris Garnett, Jean Johnson, Angela Neill, Marion Whitby and Nigel Willey; also to Richard Neill and Richard Yates who act as vergers for weddings and funerals. It is a good team which comes together for all the unseen jobs which make a difference to the life of our church. We are also grateful to Ray Prince, who oversees everything to do with the building ensuring our safety and comfort.

Margaret Rouse and Fred Sleath

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Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

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

The aim is for Rothley Parish Church to be a space in which people feel safe and cared for. Safeguarding is a fundamental part of this and is the responsibility of all within the church. It is overseen by a PCC appointed Safeguarding Coordinator, Wendy Ferguson, who oversees safeguarding within the church and liaises with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Lisa Cook supports in her administrative role, ensuring DBS applications are made and up to date. Liz Sleath also provides valuable support to ensure we are compliant with all safeguarding requirements.

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 2023. These are available on the noticeboards in church and in the Old School Rooms or on our website.

Training and safer recruitment remains a priority. Most of the training courses are now online, although can be accessed as face-to-face training if anybody is unable to access online. The training provides a good understanding of what, why and how to keep our children and each other safe and increases our confidence. It is a requirement for all PCC members, and

all those leading or involved with groups (children, young people, and adult groups involving vulnerable people) should complete basic and foundation safeguarding training every 3 years. All training can be accessed via the Safeguarding Training Portal (cofeportal.org)

Alongside the training, a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required for most roles. This is additional to the training. This is a nationally-run service which ensures the people we are recruiting to work in our children’s, young people’s and vulnerable adult’s groups do not have a history of criminal offences.

The safeguarding coordinator and DBS administrator are available to give advice on the most appropriate training for individuals and whether a DBS is required for a particular role.

Risk assessments have been updated for all our regulated activities.

The coordinator oversees and feeds back any national changes for the reporting of serious incidents and works with Rob if a safeguarding issue arises.

The Safeguarding Coordinator’s priority plan for 2024 is:

We are committed to ensuring we are a welcoming church, offering a safe

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environment and protecting all those who worship and share with us. 2023, they carried out work on two trees. In January

Wendy Ferguson

As the churchyard is closed, Charnwood Borough Council maintains it for us. In 2023, they carried out work on two trees. In January 2024, repairs to the north boundary stone wall will be done. The Council pays for this work.

CHURCH BUILDING

As in previous years, regular maintenance of the church building was carried out. This includes a monthly safety check.

In 2023, having obtained a Faculty (Permission from the Diocese of Leicester), the old boiler house was finally removed and the gas meter relocated. This work was completed in February and has eliminated many health and safety risks. In April, having obtained another Faculty, work was carried out to repair the church clock hands and dial motion works. The clock now chimes again on the hour for all to hear. The bell ringers regularly wind the clock and, if necessary, adjust the hands. Our final Faculty was to dig two trial holes in the choir vestry floor. This was in preparation for our church building improvements. The trial holes were dug in early December. The architect, structural engineer and archaeologist were satisfied with the results and the work, depending on obtaining another Faculty, should be completed in 2024.

The work required from the Quinquennial Inspection Report of October 2020 will be starting in January 2024. The work involves Internal works, Doors, Windows, Walling, Parapets, Copings and Roof work. Work to the Stained Glass Windows will be completed at the same time. This also required a Faculty.

The PCC has to authorise all 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 and Angela Neill, who helped with producing the faculty documents. Marion also helped with the church monthly safety checks and the annual check of the headstones for any movement.

Ray Prince

CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

Our proposed improvements are now progressing well. The design details are being prepared by our architect to enable a faculty application to be made to the Diocesan Advisory Committee to acquire the relevant “planning permission” to allow the works to be carried out. If this, together with the architect getting estimates for the work, goes smoothly and fundraising is successful, the works may be complete by the end of 2024.

Having produced our Appeal brochure, we plan to launch our appeal funding amongst the church fellowship, the PCC having already pledged £125,000 to the works. We will also look at possible

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charitable trusts and our wider local and business communities for further funding in order to reach our target of £320,000, hoping that we will be able to reclaim the additional £60,000 VAT to which the works will be subject.

Fred Sleath

DIOCESAN REORGANISATION

Our Parish is now engaged in the Shaped by God Together process, prompted to form groups of parishes into functioning units with teams of at least 4 ministers, some ordained and some not, to co-ordinate the advance of the gospel in villages, communities and schools throughout the Diocese. These groups are to be known as Minster Communities. This will mean a significant change away from the traditional stand-alone parishes being overseen by individual clergy, or groups of parishes as benefices, also being overseen by individual clergy. This has met with a wide range of reactions, from parishes like ourselves who are willing to engage in the process, to those who have withdrawn from it and those who are completely opposed to the concept.

A difficulty for Rothley is the question of patronage. Our patrons, the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) offer prospective new candidates to become Vicar following an interregnum. Currently no third parties are involved in this process, however as part of a Minster Community, others may wish to have an input into our selection process. This will be further discussed by the PCC in 2024.

The process is moving into its next phase, when parish representatives will look at the data that has been presented to the Diocese to help in the bringing together of those who can work alongside each other within these communities. For ourselves, this process is reasonably straightforward as we have significant geographical constraints on whom we may become involved and in the light of those parishes which take a similar scriptural view of the gospel.

Fred Sleath

COMMUNICATIONS

Word of mouth, posters and fliers, church website, WhatsApp groups, emails, Facebook and other social media and local newspapers are all useful ways of communicating with all sorts of people about what we believe and what we do here at Rothley Parish Church.

I continue to produce the weekly “Fellowship Post” to keep our membership in touch. It includes notices about upcoming services and events, an outline of our live-streamed service for those not able to get to our church building on Sundays, Prayer Pointers to guide us all with our personal prayer during the week, and the very popular letter on the front page, usually written by Rob, but with occasional contributions by other members of our Ministry Team. This is mostly distributed by email, but we deliver about 20 paper copies to those without easy access to computers. There are usually a few spare copies on the welcome table in church for anyone who doesn’t have one delivered, but I will happily include you on the list if you get in touch and ask!

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We continue to develop use of our AV system in church and it is proving very popular with occasional visitors, e.g. at wedding, funerals and school events, as well as concerts etc.

Eric Hissett looks after our church website day-to-day and we are still updating our website as quickly as we can. There is a church diary that can be accessed from the website, as well as being printed on the Fellowship Post. Rob and I try to meet monthly to update the diary and make sure our forthcoming events are advertised.

We work closely with Rothley Primary School and send invitations to relevant events directly to the school community via their email system to parents. We also continue to send out Christmas and Easter invitations to the whole parish with details of our services and other events, for which we are grateful to you all for delivering, along with fliers for our Summer Picnics around the new estates.

Liz Sleath

OUTREACH

Little Fishes

Our parent and toddler group takes place in The Old School Rooms on Monday mornings during term-time, providing a welcoming, safe, friendly environment for parents and grandparents and their babies and toddlers to interact and get to know each other and the church volunteers. We provide tea and toast for the first half, then we have a Bible story and group singing alongside children’s drinks and biscuits. Several of us take it in turns to tell the story and lead the singing. During the year we held a

couple of social events for the mums, including our Activate “Fish & Chip Night” and a skittles game and food at a local pub.

RCMG (Rothley Church Men’s Group)

We were intending to start organising events again in 2023, although unfortunately no events were organised. The committee are endeavouring to decide if there is still a need for a Church Men’s group in our Church. The committee met in October and have decided that the group should be relaunched, however most likely in a different format. The Committee intend to meet again in the first quarter of 2024 to discuss the future direction.

Wednesday Lunches

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month and have

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managed to keep the cost down to £5 for two courses.

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On January 24th we’ll be celebrating our oldest customer’s 102nd birthday, and over the summer months our catering team was joined enthusiastically by Sandra Shaw Pearce’s 6-year-old grandson and, on several occasions, by her youngest granddaughter, born in May.

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It’s a wonderful opportunity to share warmth and friendship over a meal that you don’t have to shop for, cook or clean up after yourself. As the regular members of our catering team age alongside our customers, we’d welcome a pair of younger stronger hands to put out the tables and chairs on a regular basis. All offers to Sandra, thanks.

Care home links

We continue to enjoy visits to Cedar House, usually on the first Monday of each month. We are well supported by David Hodgson bringing his keyboard and other members of the team reading

the Bible passage and leading the prayers. We try to link the services to those at Rothley Parish Church the previous day to help the residents feel part of the church family. If you would like to join in do please have a word with Pam Harvey.

The monthly service at Mountview Care Home is led by a great team who are very gifted at getting alongside the residents. It continues to attract many of the residents and has resulted in a wider ministry involvement with the Care Home, supporting those who are ill and families through bereavement. The regular service 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 Christ, through Scripture, reflection, hymns, and prayers; and the singing.

Thank you so much to so many in the congregation who support, comfort, care and pray for those who grieve.

Activate Your Life

A group of us from church went to an Activate Your Life weekend in March 2023. AYL is a Christian charity which works to encourage, resource and inspire ordinary Christian women to connect with others through friendship evangelism. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many Christian

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women from all over the country. We felt inspired to recreate this to encourage women at Rothley Church and invited AYL speakers, Rachel and Rhiannon, to two events we held in the autumn of 2023, with the theme being 'fellowship, friendship and discipleship'. The first event was a fish and chip and prosecco supper on Friday night aimed at the Growing Families and Little Fishes groups. Under the title, 'Parenting - from Godzilla to Mary Poppins', an informal and light-hearted evening was enjoyed by the mothers who attended. The continental-style breakfast the following morning was a time to eat, meet, listen and talk for women from church of all ages and stages on their Christian journey. Those who attended had the opportunity to:

The team who facilitated the weekend would like to encourage all women to consider how to be active in whatever way you feel you can. This may be through reaching out to make new connections, one-to-one meetings, small groups, or bigger events, as well as ideas about how we as women can

move forward together as part of the whole congregation at Rothley.

The team would also like to encourage women to attend the annual Activate weekend away; some are booked to go in February 2024. It is possible to attend as a day visitor.

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES

Sunday School for children aged 3 - 11 years is generally held on 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays of the month during the 11am service. We study the same Bible story, but with differing age-related activities and intensity. We all meet together in The Old School Rooms at the beginning of our sessions and split into 3 groups divided by ages soon after.

The Grid for young people aged 11-14 years is held at the same time as Sunday School, currently in a local home due to a shortage of space, but hopefully moving to the new room in church when the building project is completed. This group look at Bible topics and discussion with some games as well. On occasional Friday evenings this year we have been trying to run a group “Yoof off the Grid” with games and social activities and outings, to build relationships both between the Grid members and with their leaders.

Shine! is a community who meet generally on the first Sunday of the month at 4 pm, usually in church, but sometimes outside in the churchyard. Here there is the opportunity to meet with regular church families and those who can only join us once a month for a short time of worship, prayer and Bible story, age-relevant activities, crafts and

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refreshments, with a time to chat and build relationships afterwards.

In 2023 we ran a one-day Children’s Easter Holiday Club on Maundy Thursday, starting in the Old School Rooms with a drama from some of our teenagers, followed by different activities for small groups of the children including making hot cross buns, miniature Easter gardens and an Easter card. After lunch we moved over to church to meet several characters from the Easter story who read us a relevant Bible passage and gave us a related hands-on experience or challenge and some questions to answer, finishing with a short summary from Rob and singing a couple of Easter songs before going home laden with souvenirs, including an Easter egg and a booklet explaining the Easter story “Christ Died for me?”. A similar day is planned for Holy Week in 2024.

A group of families from church took a holiday to Devon at May half term, staying at St George’s House, the trip being led by Rob and Sarah. There was a choice of outdoor activities, which seemed to have been enjoyed by all who took part, as well as time to worship and pray together and play and eat together. A similar trip is planned in 2024.

We continue to work closely with Rothley Primary School , particularly through weekly assemblies led by Rob, David Wilson, Alison Godfrey and, more recently, Sneha Ninan. During last year, Prayer Explorers was started by Lynne Bragg. It is a lunchtime club offered to one year group at a time, for 12 children at a time. It involves chat, games and some prayer stations. It allows pupils to

engage in prayer and spirituality in a safe, accessible, fun and creative way.

We again participated in CPAS Schools Venture in June, giving an opportunity to 9 children from Rothley School who don’t usually come to church, to join in a fun weekend at a centre in Northamptonshire with children from other schools, accompanied by school staff and a church youth group leader, to learn more about Jesus through the activities.

Liz Sleath

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is about growing in faith as followers of Jesus. Paul’s vision of discipleship in Ephesians 4 vv 7-16 continues to be our church vision for discipleship, with a focus on growing in depth of discipleship through our services, through meeting in smaller groups and through 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.

Housegroups: We thank God for our nine housegroups. These meet regularly, usually in homes, for Bible study, discussion and prayer, providing a safe space where we are able to care and share with each other. 2023 has seen a number of new people joining housegroups, and feedback from them has been overwhelmingly positive. Housegroups help us to better understand our faith and provide us with resources to live it out in our daily lives; they enable us to ask questions in an unthreatening, friendly environment and grow together as Christians. We thank the housegroup leaders for their dedication: their enthusiasm and

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commitment is of the highest order and we praise God for all that they do to enable those who attend to learn and to share their faith together.

Men’s breakfast: The Men’s Breakfast Group, typically 5-10 in number, meet for conversation and Bible study on the first Saturday of each month between 7.30 and 9am, rotating the venue around members. The group have benefited greatly from the opportunity to share in confidence and encourage each another in their faith and in sharing their faith with others. Studies in 2023 were from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and Peter’s first letter to Christians in Asia Minor – a letter of comfort, hope and encouragement. In November, the group attended the annual Men’s Convention at Cornerstone Church in Nottingham - a fantastic opportunity to purchase books as well as receive teaching and ideas from outside our immediate church. Breakout sessions included topics on “Sharing Hope in a Hopeless World”, “Teach us to number our days” and “How to be men with a fully-functioning emotional life”. The group also met up socially for a summer walk over the Charnwood Hills, rounding this off nicely with refreshment in a local pub.

Bible Reading Notes: Whilst we endeavour to facilitate group Bible study through our many church groups, we also strongly encourage personal Bible study as part of daily quiet time with God, to equip us for the challenges of everyday life. 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 Bible reading books, whilst also encouraging the use of online daily Bible reading media,

including “Verse of the Day” (verse-aday.com) and “The Word Live Daily Passage” through the Scripture Union WordLive.org website. These can be found on the Rothley Church website under Resources/Recommended. In 2023, one individual moved from using a printed format of daily Bible reading to an online provider; 32 individuals use the printed format, using seven different books. Rafe Cherry continues to coordinate.

Prayer meetings: As a church, we have begun to engage more widely with our new estates, starting with summer picnics. In preparation for these, we started a monthly Sunday evening prayer meeting, specifically concerning evangelism. This prayer meeting is now a regular monthly fixture in our calendar.

Mothers’ Union: Regular meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month, are open to members and nonmembers, and include prayers and a speaker. In addition, in 2023, the international Wave of Prayer was held in church and we hosted a strawberry tea and a harvest supper. Proceeds were dispersed to Mothers’ Union Diocesan General Fund, Mary Sumner House, Britain and Ireland Development Fund, Supporting Homeless in Leicestershire fund and the Old School Rooms. Other charitable initiatives supported the Bradgate Mental Health Unit at Glenfield Hospital, who were hugely grateful for the provision of cream eggs at Easter, chocolate bars at Christmas and toiletries to be used as prizes for their quizzes. A display was held in church to promote Mothers’ Union and Margaret Rouse gave a short description of MU’s role in supporting families and

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communities around the world. Unfortunately, we lost some of our members during 2023; we were able to help with the wakes after the funerals.

Prayer circle: Valerie Joyce, Jean Arkley and Trevor West can be contacted with confidential prayer requests. The other 9 men and women of the prayer circle, who commit themselves to pray, are anonymous. Members usually pray for a week, but for longer if requested and according to circumstances. No request is considered too small; it is a person or situation that is causing concern. In 2023, up until November, 75 requests for prayer were received. Many expressed how precious this prayer support is.

Pastoral care: The church is encouraged by Christ’s example to care for those in need in our church and in our community. There has been 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 in the fellowship to ask for help for themselves or for others, and has enabled ongoing liaison with the Vicar and Ministry Team.

The housebound, those physically and mentally ill at home, in care homes and in hospital and the bereaved, isolated and lonely have been visited and supported by the Ministry Team and church members. Contact has also been maintained by phone calls, texts, emails and cards and arrangements made to provide home communion for those who wished to receive it. The latter part of the year has been more challenging with an increased number of people

being housebound, sick at home, in hospital, or having operations. Many people in the church and in the community found that prayer by members of the church fellowship supported and comforted them.

The distribution of the printed ‘Fellowship Post’ continued to prove a vital link with the church for those without access to modern technology, distributed by volunteers who also chatted with and checked on the wellbeing of the recipients. The provision of meals and the ‘cake ministry’ also continued to demonstrate the church’s love and care for those going through difficult times.

A transport coordinator organised volunteers to enable visits to hospital and doctors’ appointments, vaccinations, and church services. Volunteers have also helped with shopping, posting letters and collecting prescriptions.

In the wider community, the Soar Valley Community Food Project continues to be actively supported by the church. Client numbers have increased, with the average number of food parcels distributed per week 71 in 2023 compared to 54 in 2022. On behalf of the local authorities, the project has also administered an energy ‘top-up’ scheme. The project employs a Financial Coach who visits the distribution centres to support people with their personal and family budgets. Church members volunteer at the Food Bank and the fellowship has given generous donations of food and money to support the project. One of the Trustees is a church member.

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At Christmas, toys were given by the congregation for the Rotary Club’s ‘Toys on the Table’ appeal.

Alison Godfrey

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.

We are particularly happy that Serena Cook, who completed her degree at Aberystwyth University in 2023, has joined The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) as a Relay Worker, supporting students in Aberystwyth and Lampeter. This is a volunteer post for a year and we are keen to support her in any way that we can.

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:

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 and Christmas parcels to Triangle.

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. Each week there is half a page of news on one organisation, with prayer pointers. We also featured information and prayer requests for asylum seekers, modern slavery, the environment, the persecuted church around the world and Serena’s work with students.

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Our link missionaries with Crosslinks, Jirka and Kiera Kralovi in the Czech Republic and Brada and Yatsa Radanovic in Serbia regularly send newsletters which are distributed via email to members of the congregation, as are occasional links to Tearfund and to Christian Aid. Serena Cook has sent regular prayer letters to those who have requested them.

In 2022 we had a number of visiting speakers from the organisations we support, after two years of being unable to do so, hence there was less activity in 2023.

Members of the Mothers’ Union presented the work of MU to the congregation, both locally in our church branch, and in the diocese and organisation as a whole. MU is an international organisation which undertakes amazing work through its members all over the world.

In these ways our church has been made aware of the needs of the world and about the work of God, locally in Leicestershire, in the UK and in the wider world, in order to inform and stimulate our prayers and involvement.

Margaret Leverment

Serena Cook spoke to us more than once about her work with university students in Wales, supporting the Christian Unions and individual Christian students in strengthening their faith, and also in mission, reaching other students with the good news of Jesus.

==> picture [209 x 278] intentionally omitted <==

Evangelistic event at Aberystwyth University

CHOIR AND MUSIC

We have had the opportunity for much celebration during 2023.

The year started with a joint Choral Evensong in church, where we were joined by the Leicester Cathedral Choir, its Director of Music, Chris OuvryJohns, and David Cowen, the Cathedral Organist. It was a truly memorable service of praise, and I was delighted how well the choirs, and all involved, blended to make it so special. Our choir has been invited to join with them again, at Leicester Cathedral, once all the building works have been fully completed.

We celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with a concert, which had a varied programme and attracted a good number into church. We also had a special Sunday morning service in recognition of this momentous national occasion.

A good number of the choir and congregation joined in the celebration

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of one of our long-serving choir members, Dorothy Birkett, who reached the grand age of ninety and who continues to sing Alto within our four-part choir, as well as joining us for the more contemporary services. I know how much her singing and being part of the choir means to her and we are truly blessed to have her with us.

The planning of music continues on a monthly basis with separate meetings covering the 09.30am choir-led services and the 11.00am contemporary services. I am really pleased that the ‘band’ for the 11.00am service is making great progress and has built-up a good foundation of hymns and songs. I must say a big thank you to David Hodgson for his unwavering support, not only with his keyboard playing, but also in the production, distribution and coordination of all the music used for these services.

I write this report soon after having played for all of the Christmas services and I have many things that struck me (positively!) over this time, but none more so than the quantity of families that attended the 4.00pm Christmas Eve Family Service (originally planned to take place outside the church) and the gathering of around twenty young children around the grand piano as they sang out heartily the words of the lovely carol ‘Away in a manger’. It was delightful. I was very keen to sign some of them up on the spot to start a new Junior Choir!

It would be easy to write about everything that we do musically, week in and week out, but I am conscious that there are limits as to how much I am permitted to write. I contend that we do strike a really good balance with our

styles of worship and feel that we are truly adaptive to whatever is needed. The church organ, pianos, double-bass, drums, shakers for the children, all have a part to play and it’s a joy when we combine them! Psalm 150, a great psalm of praise, talks very much of the use of the many and varied instruments in the praise and worship of God.

I would like to thank everyone that contributes to the musical life of the church, whether that involves planning, singing, leading or playing an instrument.

Simon Murphy

Handbells

Rothley Handbell Ringers are preparing to start meeting in 2024 and plan to recruit new ringers.

Ruth Gilmore

BELL RINGERS

RINGING ACTIVITY

In addition to weekly service ringing and Thursday evening practice, the past year has been very active for ringing to mark special events.

On Coronation Day, along with towers around the country, the bells

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were rung to celebrate the Coronation.

RINGING MEMBERSHIP

The number of ringers – both new and those returning to the tower – continues to grow. Including those who return at holiday time from work or university, the Register now stands at 20 ringers.

BELLS & TOWER MAINTENANCE

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

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COMMUNITY INTERFACE

THANKS

Finally, my thanks to both the Tower Officers and everyone in the team for their constant support and good humour.

Charles Poole

THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS (OSR)

The building continues to be well used as our church office, by several church groups, and also for private bookings by members of the local community, with children’s birthday parties and family occasions still ranking highly in the bookings diary. We continue to accommodate several regular bookers, some of whom have enquired about increasing their usage during 2024, and many others are now making return

visits. During the year the hall was hired out 226 times to “paying customers”.

During 2023 the Old School Rooms has undergone yet more improvements, not least to the storage area in the office. Following the collapse of the ceiling in 2022, it was felt that, by lining the area with insulating board, painting and adding an extra layer of flooring, a dedicated ladder and handrails to help with access, it would make a good, dry storage facility.

An LCD Projector has been installed in the hall, along with speakers and an electric screen. Those wanting to use the equipment need to use their own lap-top computer, and then the connection is very simple.

We continue to try to demonstrate God’s love by giving our users a warm welcome and providing a link between the church and the wider community. It is unfortunate that we can only accommodate 60 people, as designated by the fire regulations for the building, and also that significant car parking is not readily available.

Leaders of church groups wanting to use the hall are reminded that they are responsible for booking the OSR. Special hiring rates are available for church members using the hall for private events. All bookings can be made by email at: osrenquiries@gmail.com and the availability can be viewed in the diary on the church website under “Resources” and “Old School Rooms”.

Linda Poole

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DEANERY AND DIOCESE

The Diocesan Synods in 2023 dealt with a wide variety of topics including: strategy development, progress towards net zero carbon across the diocese and a review of diocesan governance. However, as in 2022, three topics continued to dominate discussion at both diocesan and deanery levels: Shaped by God Together Living in Love and Faith ; and diocesan finances. Their dominance, especially at Diocesan Synods, meant that, sadly, discussions about evangelism and outreach inevitably became somewhat marginalised. However, Goscote Deanery Synod (with Rob Gladstone as Area Dean) did manage to spend a significant proportion of its time looking outwards, especially in the context of the new housing developments springing up across the deanery, and the November meeting saw Bishop Saju lead an inspiring evening on the importance of spreading the good news of Jesus in our daily lives.

There is a separate section in this Annual Report on the progress of Shaped by God Together , and this will become particularly important for our parish in 2024, as discussions about future organisational patterns develop apace. Only one Minister Community has so far been established (Launde), but a number of others are in the pipeline, including one for the area in which Rothley is situated. The implications for Goscote Deanery are considerable, since it is likely that parishes currently in the deanery will ultimately end up in three or four different Minster Communities. Quite what the role of the deanery will be in the new world of Minster Communities

has yet to be worked out. Complication is likely to be the order of the day!

Throughout 2023 Diocesan Synod has addressed various aspects of Living in Love and Faith (LLF), the Church of England’s discernment process on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. As befits a very sensitive subject, discussions always took place in an atmosphere of respect and care. The December Synod at Beaumont Leys followed very soon after the November General Synod, which had expressed its support, by a tiny majority, for the continued implementation of the House of Bishops’ proposals to change the practice of the Church of England via the introduction of Prayers of Love and Faith with regards to sexual ethics and marriage. There is a strongly-held view that these proposals are being pursued without adequate provision and protection for those holding to the historic and global Anglican view of marriage and sexual ethics. The fact is that LLF is highly divisive and is likely to continue to remain high-profile in synods in 2024 and beyond. This has the potential to undermine so much of what we are about, namely looking outwards and presenting the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ to a needy world.

Both Deanery and Diocesan Synods have addressed the thorny issue of finance. The December Diocesan Synod approved the 2024 budget, which authorised a deficit budget of £2.15 million. The Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance emphasised, as he had done in the previous year, that this situation is unsustainable longterm. The next few years are likely to see further cuts in the number of stipendiary clergy across the diocese to help address this financial crisis.

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Currently, too few churches in the diocese are covering the costs of ministry, hence the need for drastic action, which could be partly addressed by the advent of Minster Communities.

Thus, there are numerous challenges ahead at both diocesan and deanery level. While these issues are clearly

important, it is crucial that the gospel message of God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ is proclaimed with confidence, otherwise the danger is that it could all too easily be pushed to the margins.

David Wilson

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2023

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

Two church services, of different style, are held every Sunday, with, in addition, a choral evensong once a month and a prayer meeting once a month. We continue to livestream one service each Sunday for the benefit of those who are not able to attend in person. Our weekly newsletter and service sheet, sent electronically or delivered to every church member, includes the order of service for the livestreamed worship.

We celebrated the coronation of King Charles III with a concert, a special service and a community picnic lunch.

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.

School assemblies have continued, both at the school and in the church, throughout 2023. 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 to be informed about church events.

A wide range of activities for all age groups took place week by week throughout the year. The narrative reports which form the first half of this Annual Report document provide details of

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these activities. A new venture this year was to organise three community picnic-and-games events on public spaces on the new housing estates in the village. We followed up these with Carol singing visits before Christmas.

Our partnership with the Baptist Church in the Soar Valley Outreach project, particularly its foodbank ministry, remained of high importance during 2023, as the energy and cost of living crises continued. Church members generously gave food, funds and volunteer time to this ministry throughout the year. As part of the partnership, and supported by a joint grant from Leicestershire County Council, we set up and advertised a warm space in our church hall (The Old School Rooms) on one afternoon each week during the winter of 2022/23, but this was little used and closed at the beginning of March.

Every year we organise the village Remembrance Day service in church, followed by wreathlaying at the village war memorial. At the end of November, we partner with the Baptist Church in providing entertainment when the village Christmas lights are switched on.

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 rising inflation, exponential rises in energy costs and a new gas contract due in April 2023, the PCC agreed a worst-case scenario General Fund budget for 2023, assuming income below 2022 levels, expenditure higher than 2022 and a large potential deficit of £21,966. In the event, General Fund income exceeded the budget by 6%, as a result of higher-than-expected interest rates and income from the Old School Rooms. Conversely, General Fund expenditure was 8% below budget, hence the potential year-end deficit was not realised and, instead, the result was a surplus of £2,230.

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, 59% of our General Fund expenditure in 2023), which supports ministry across the Diocese as well as providing funds to pay for clergy housing, stipends and pensions. The Parish

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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 donation in 2023 from Rothley Park Cricket Club towards a repair needed on the church organ.

Plans to improve the church building, by installing toilets, servery, upstairs meeting room and glass inner doors to the main entrance of the church have progressed during 2023, to the extent that fundraising is due to begin in January 2024 and the faculty application is to be submitted in February. The full cost is now expected to be £384,000. We hope to be able to claim back at least some of the VAT included in that total through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. At the end of 2023, we held £126,425 in a designated Church Building Improvements Fund and £8,849 in a restricted Church Building Improvements Fund. We hope to raise the remaining £184,726 plus mainly through donations and grant applications, possibly supported by interest-free loans.

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 £363,729 at 31 December 2023, made up as follows:

Fund Overview 31/12/2023
£		 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2022
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
83,728
211,068
(Unrestricted) Designated Funds
Church Building Improvements Fund
126,425
130,873
Church Maintenance Fund
21,446
6,870
Heritage Events Fund
351
501
Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund
70
68
Organ & Music Fund
16,021
15,863
Parish Evangelism Fund
75,388
-
Training Fund
10,155
-
Wednesday Club
-
140
Total Unrestricted Funds
333,584
365,383
Restricted Funds
Children & Families Restricted Fund
13,966
13,643
Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund
8,849
8,611
Goscote Deanery Fund
954
934
Youth Fund
6,376
6,238
Total Restricted Funds
30,145
29,426
Total funds
363,729
394,809

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GENERAL FUND

General Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Donations
119,329
121,831
Tax recovery
26,770
26,715
Legacies
-
72,543
Special donations
100
1,250
Grants
3,159
2,186
Trading & fees
3,000
2,888
Old School Rooms
6,056
4,458
Investments & Feed-in Tariff
7,650
8,126
Total income
166,064
239,997
Expenditure:
Tithe for mission
14,610
14,855
Parish Contribution
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
16,086
14,844
Clergy & staff expenses
2,069
1,476
Mission & evangelism
654
947
Church costs
21,024
22,401
Church utilities
3,100
2,092
Old School Rooms
8,882
14,432
Governance
528
504
Total expenditure
163,383
167,981
Surplus/deficit of income
2,681
72,016
Net transfers to/from other funds
(130,021)
(132,653)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
211,068
271,705
Balance at 31 December
83,728
211,068

Excluding the special donation received during the year, General Fund income amounted to £165,964 in 2023, 6% above expectations and just £240 more than the adjusted 2022 total.

General Fund expenditure was 3% less than the 2022 total, and 8% below budget expectations. The main reason was that gas costs for the church rose 65% during the year, as we had to negotiate a new contract, rather than the potential 784% estimated in the autumn of 2022 when the budget was drawn up.

GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2024

The budget for 2024 is, again, a deficit budget. A slight reduction (3%) in income and a 11% increase in expenditure is anticipated, leading to a potential deficit of £19,333. This is, however, a worst-case scenario and, in the past, we have often achieved a much better result at the end of the year.

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General Fund Budget for 2024 £
Income:
Donations
119,968
Tax recovery
26,970
Grants
302
Trading & fees
2,226
Old School Rooms
4,540
Investments & Feed-in Tariff
7,660
Total income
161,666
Expenditure:
Tithe for mission
14,744
Parish Contribution
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
17,895
Clergy & staff expenses
2,469
Mission & evangelism
1,450
Church costs
23,138
Church utilities
5,278
Old School Rooms
19,001
Governance
594
Total expenditure
180,999

Budgeted surplus/(deficit) (19,333)

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

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strategy. In 2024 the amount required in the General Fund is £70,469, which includes £19,333 to cover the budgeted year end deficit. At 31 December 2023 the PCC held £83,728 in the unrestricted General Fund, £9,990 of which is remaining 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 £73,738 in free reserves in the General Fund at 31[st] December 2023, which is sufficient to fulfil our Reserves Policy.

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 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

It is anticipated that the long-planned church building improvements will be approved and completed during 2024. We have worked closely with the Diocesan Advisory Committee to ensure that our plans meet with their approval. We are hopeful that we will raise the necessary funds. However, we will consider our priorities should there be a shortfall.

The Diocese of Leicester is restructuring its patterns of ministry, and Rothley falls into one of the large areas of Leicestershire currently under discussion. This means that in due course we will be expected to work in a group of around ten churches (a Minster Community), sharing four paid clergy or lay posts. This is a new scheme for the Diocese, so the full implications may not be understood for many months, or even a few years.

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.

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 have provided a very helpful resource.

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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. In May 2023 all members were encouraged to access PCC Tonight , an online course provided by our patron, the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS). Since July 2023 we have been using another CPAS course called PCC Tonight: Leading your churches in evangelism during PCC meetings.

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] Linda Poole Also Deanery Synod representative Ray Prince Also Deanery Synod representative David Wilson Also Deanery Synod representative Susan Wilson Also Deanery Synod representative from 2/4/23 Liz Barker Susie Clark Wendy Ferguson (also Deanery Synod representative until 2/4/23) Chris Garnett David Hodgson Margaret Leverment Wendy Lewis Alison Parkinson Susan Pinkus (co-opted to 2/4/23; elected from 2/4/23) Nigel Willey (from 2/4/23)

The following members served as trustees during part of 2023 only: Alison Godfrey (to 2/4/23) Jonathan Pilbeam (to 2/4/23)

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 11[th] March 2024.

Signed on its behalf:

==> picture [204 x 53] intentionally omitted <==

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ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023 31/12/2023
£		 31/12/2022
£		 31/12/2022
Current assets:
Debtors (Note 10)
4,518
5,093
Cash at bank and in hand
369,417
399,257
Total
373,935
404,350
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
10,207
9,540
(Note 11)
Net assets:
363,728
394,810
Located:
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
83,728
211,068
(Unrestricted) Designated Funds
Church Building Improvements Fund
126,425
130,873
Church Maintenance Fund
21,446
6,870
Heritage Events Fund
351
501
Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund
70
68
Organ & Music Fund
16,021
15,863
Parish Evangelism
75,388
Training
10,155
Wednesday Club
-
140
Total Unrestricted Funds
333,584
365,383
Restricted Funds
Children & Families Restricted Fund
13,966
13,643
Church Building Improvements Fund
8,849
8,611
Goscote Deanery Fund
954
934
Youth Fund
6,376
6,238
Total Restricted Funds
30,145
29,426
Total funds
363,729
394,809

The accounts were approved by Rothley Parochial Church Council on 11[th] March 2024

Signed on its behalf:

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Annual Report & Accounts 2023

Statement of Financial
Activities 1 January to 31
December 2023		 Unrestricted
funds
General Fund
£		 Unrestricted
Designated
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 Totals 2023
£		 Totals 2022
£
Income:
Donations
119,329
10
1,370
120,709
129,321
Tax recovery
26,770
-
330
27,100
27,338
Legacies
-
-
-
-
72,543
Special donations
100
-
-
100
1,250
Grants
3,159
3,915
-
7,074
2,549
Trading & fees
3,000
1,020
3,530
7,550
4,240
Old School Rooms
6,056
-
-
6,056
4,458
Investments & Feed-in
Tariff
7,650
4,876
689
13,215
9,507
Other income
-
-
-
-
3,240
Total income
166,064
9,821
5,919
181,804
254,446
Expenditure:
Tithe & other awards
14,610
-
-
14,610
14,855
Parish Contribution
96,430
-
-
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
16,086
-
-
16,086
14,894
Clergy & staff expenses
2,069
-
-
2,069
1,476
Mission & evangelism
654
1,586
5,738
7,978
3,018
Church costs
21,024
34,851
-
55,875
29,508
Church utilities
3,100
-
-
3,100
2,092
Old School Rooms
8,882
7,328
-
16,210
15,994
Governance
528
-
-
528
504
Total expenditure
163,383
43,765
5,738
212,886
178,771
Surplus/deficit of income
2,681
(33,944)
181
(31,082)
75,675
Transfers between funds
(details below)
(130,021)
129,483
538
-
-
Balance brought forward at
1 January
211,068
154,316
29,427
394,811
319,136
Balances at 31 December
83,728
249,855
30,146
363,729
394,811

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Transfers between funds
1 January to 31
December 2023		 Unrestricted
funds		 Unrestricted Designated funds Unrestricted Designated funds Unrestricted Designated funds Unrestricted Designated funds Restricted
funds
General Fund Church
Maintenance		 OSR
Maintenance		 Organ &
Music		 Parish
Evangelism		 Training Children
& Families
Restricted
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to Church
Maintenance Fund for
outdoor AV equipment as
agreed by PCC 21/11/22
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to Church
Maintenance Fund for
boiler house removal
balance and Quinquennial
repairs as agreed by PCC
13/3/23
Transfer from General
Fund to Children &
Families Fund (St
George's House)
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to Parish
Evangelism Fund as
agreed by PCC 22/5/23
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to Training
Fund as agreed by PCC
22/5/23
Transfer from General
Fund to Organ & Music
Fund as agreed by PCC
3/7/23
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to OSR
Maintenance Fund as
agreed by PCC 3/7/23
Transfer from General
Fund (legacies) to OSR
Maintenance Fund as
agreed byPCC 3/7/23		 (55)
55
(37,000)
37,000
(538)
(75,000)

(10,000)
(100)
(2,273)
2,273
(5,055)
5,055		 75,000
100		 538
10,000
NET (130,021)
37,055
7,328		 100
75,000		 10,000
538

32

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

Location of funds: £ £
Nat West Stewardship Account: 12,689 Debtors*: 4,518
CAF Bank General Account & cash: 29,406
CBF Deposit Fund: 240,123 Creditors*: 10,207
CAF 60 Day Notice Savings Account 10,542
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver Account 19,149
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 2 19,282
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 3 19,215
CAF 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver A/c 4 19,010
Net creditors (5,688)
Total 363,728

*For details of Debtors and Creditors see pages 35 and 38.

33

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 :

These funds are classified as unrestricted because the Trustees are able to change their designation if thought necessary .

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

34

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

INCOME

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 2023 comprise:

CREDITORS

The creditors shown on the Statement of Financial Activities for 2023 comprise payments relating to 2023 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.

35

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

2. Analysis of income

2. Analysis of income 2. Analysis of income 2. Analysis of income 2. Analysis of income 2. Analysis of income 2. Analysis of income
Income
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total 2023 Total 2022
£
£
£
£
£
Donations
119,329
10
1,370
120,709
129,321
Tax recovery
26,770
-
330
27,100

27,338
Legacies
-
-
-
-

72,543
Special donations
100
-
-
100

1,250
Grants
3,159
3,915
-
7,074

2,549
PCC & activity fees
2,282
1,020
3,530
6,832

3,706
Trading: hospitality,
copying, sale of books
718
-
-
718

534
Old School Rooms
rentals
6,056
-
-

6,056
4,458
Interest
2,785
4,877
689
8,351
3,718
Rental of church field
& churchyard wayleave
1,380
-
-
1,380
1,383
Feed-in Tariff
3,485
-
-
3,485
4,406
Other income
-
-
-
3,240
Total
166,064
9,822
5,919
181,805
254,446
3. Analysis of expenditure
Expenditure General
Fund
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Total 2023
£		 Total 2022
£
Tithe & other awards
14,610
-
-
14,610
14,855
Parish Contribution
96,430
-
-
96,430
96,430
Staff salaries/payments
16,086
-
16,086
14,894
Clergy & staff expenses
2,069
-
2,069
1,476
Mission & evangelism
654
1,586
5,738
7,978
3,018
Church costs
21,024
34,851
-
55,875
29,508
Church utilities
3,100
-
-
3,100
2,092
Old School Rooms
8,882
7,328
-
16,210
15,994
Governance
528
-
-
528
504
Total
163,383
43,765
5,738
212,886
178,771

36

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

4. Tithe gifts for mission 2023

Tithe gifts for mission 2023 £
Church Pastoral Aid Society (mission in UK & Ireland)
3,652
Crosslinks (international mission)
3,360
Tearfund (international relief and development)
2,484
Link Dioceses of Mount Kilimanjaro & Kiteto, Tanzania
1,461
The Carpenter’s Arms, Loughborough (drug & alcohol rehabilitation)
730
Triangle (Christian outreach to homeless people in Leicester)
730
UCCF Relay: Serena Cook
500
Paul & Cathy Middleton (health care & aviation transport in Southern Africa
448
Soar Valley Community Food Project, Rothley
398
Mothers’ Union (Christian concern for families worldwide)
348
The Oakes Holiday Centre, Sheffield (Christian holidays for children &
teenagers)
298
Church Pastoral Aid SocietySchool Ventures(Christian holidays for children)
198
Total
14,607

5. Trustees’ remuneration & benefits

Two trustees received remuneration during 2023 from employment by Rothley Parish Church as follows:

6. Trustees’ expenses

No expenses have been incurred by trustees during 2023 in respect of their role as trustees.

7. Related party transactions

The only related party transactions during 2023 are listed under note 5.

8. Independent examination fees

The fee payable to the Independent Examiner for his work on these accounts is £528. This amount has been accrued as a creditor.

9. Employees

Rothley Parish Church employed the following staff during 2023:

No employees received payments of over £60,000.

37

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

10. Debtors

Debtors 31/12/2023
£		 31/12/2022
£
Accrued income
-
30
Gift Aid & GASDS
4,230
4,254
Churchyard wayleave
-
3
Funeral fees
125
365
Sale of Advent books
53
232
OSR hire
110
208
Total
4,518
5,092

11. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:

Creditors 31/12/2023
£		 31/12/2022
£
Balance of tithe
4,960
6,155
Accruals
4,392
2,479
PAYE Creditor
163
141
Agencycollections
691
766
Total
10,206
9,541

12. Old School Rooms

Old School Rooms 2023
£		 2022
£
Rental income
6,056
4,458
Expenditure:
Utilities
2,545
1,631
Cleaning
3,401
3,089
Maintenance
2,714
9,581
Consumables & other costs
223
132
Total
8,883
14,433
Operating surplus/(deficit)
(2,827)
(9,975)

The Old School Rooms is used extensively by the Church and also let out to the local community when available. It is not intended to make a profit. In 2023 the hall proved very popular with both church groups and outside hirers and brought in an excellent income contribution, which helped significantly towards its running and maintenance costs. The hall is a very comfortable venue and remains a huge asset to the Church. During the year leaks in the roofs of the outside brick store and shed had to be repaired, at a cost of £1,656.

38

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

13. Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund

Old School Rooms Maintenance Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Bank interest
2
1
Total income
2
1
Expenditure:
Refurbishment
7,328
1,562
Total expenditure
7,328
1,562
Surplus/(Deficit)
(7,326)
(1,561)
Transfer from General Fund (Legacies)
7,328
1,562
Balance brought forward at 1 January
69
68
Balance at 31 December
71
69

During 2023 £7,328 was spent from legacy funds on the following work:

The projector and screen are proving very helpful to church and community groups who use the hall.

14. Church Building Improvements Fund

Church Building Improvements Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Bank interest
2,834
924
Total income
2,834
924
Expenditure:
Church Building Improvements Project
7,282
3,054
Architect's fees
-
211
Total expenditure
7,282
3,265
Surplus/(Deficit)
(4,448)
(2,341)
Transfer from General Fund (Legacy)
-
128,054
Balance brought forward at 1 January
130,871
5,158
Balance at 31 December
126,423
130,871

The expenditure of £7,282 in 2023 all concerned the final plans and specifications for the planned building works. In particular, trial holes had to be dug in the choir vestry to ensure the foundations would be adequate to allow for the construction of a new meeting room above.

39

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

15. Church Maintenance Fund

Church Maintenance Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
3,846
315
Bank interest
363
65
Total income
4,209
380
Expenditure:
Architect's fees for removal of boiler house
1,320
1,092
Removal of boiler house
23,669
1,007
Architect's fees for Quinquennial Inspection 2020 work
1,770
780
Extension lead for outside PA system
55
261
Sale of Acrow Props from boiler house
(125)
-
Total expenditure
26,689
3,140
Surplus/(Deficit)
(22,480)
(2,760)
Transfer from General Fund (legacies) for outdoor AV
55
1,787
Transfer from General Fund (legacies) for boiler house
balance & QI repairs
37,000
-
Balance brought forward at 1 January
6,871
7,844
Balance at 31 December
21,446
6,871

The removal the old, unsafe boiler house was undertaken in 2023. A further small purchase of outdoor AV equipment was funded from legacies. The process of addressing various nonurgent repairs identified in the Quinquennial Inspection in late 2020 began during the year, with the necessary faculty permissions obtained in order that the work can be undertaken in early 2024.

16. Heritage Events Fund

Heritage Events Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Bank interest
9
5
Total income
9
5
Expenditure:
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Concert & Service
-
382
Coronation Concert
159
-
Total expenditure
159
382
Surplus/(Deficit)
(150)
(377)
Balance brought forward at 1 January
500
877
Balance at 31 December
350
500

A concert was held in church to mark the King’s Coronation.

40

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

17. Organ & Music Fund

Organ & Music Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Grants
69
48
PCC wedding fees
516
172
Bank interest
353
147
Total income
938
367
Expenditure:
Church costs
880
702
Total expenditure
880
702
Surplus/(Deficit)
58
(335)
Special donation designated by PCC for organ repair
100
1,250
Balance brought forward at 1 January
15,862
14,947
Balance at 31 December
16,020
15,862
18.
Parish Evangelism Fund
Parish Evangelism Fund
2023
£
Income:
Donation (picnics)
10
Income from Activate events
315
Little Fishes contribution to Activate events
190
Bank interest
1,157
Total income
1,672
Expenditure:
Picnics
549
Carol singing
41
Activate events
694
Total expenditure
1,284
Surplus/(Deficit)
388
Transfer from General Fund (legacies)
75,000
Balance at 31 December
75,388

This new designated fund was created by the PCC in May 2023 by allocation of money from legacies. It is intended to be used for outreach in the parish, particularly to the new housing estates.

41

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

19. Training Fund

Training Fund 2023
£
Income:
Bank interest
155
Total income
155
Expenditure:
Total expenditure
-
Surplus/(Deficit)
155
Transfer from General Fund (legacies)
10,000
Balance at 31 December
10,155

This new designated fund was created by the PCC in May 2023 by allocation of money from legacies. It is intended to be used for training, particularly in evangelism.

20. Wednesday Club

Wednesday Club Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Bank interest
3
1
Total income
3
1
Expenditure:
Paid to Sandra Shaw Pearce for Wednesday Lunches
143
-
Total expenditure
143
-
Surplus/(Deficit)
(140)
1
Balance brought forward at 1 January
140
138
Balance at 31 December
-
140

In 2021, Wednesday Club amalgamated with Wednesday Lunches, and the merger has proved very successful. During 2023, it was decided by the former Committee of Wednesday Club that the balance of funds should be transferred to Wednesday Lunches for the benefit of all the members.

42

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

21. Children & Families Restricted Fund

Children & Families Restricted Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Donations
1,370
1,355
Gift Aid tax recovered
330
339
Activity fees
3,530
1,180
Bank interest
292
121
Other income in memory of Ros Taylor
-
1,620
Total income
5,522
4,615
Expenditure:
Mission & evangelism
5,738
1,633
Total expenditure
5,738
1,633
Surplus/(Deficit)
(216)
2,982
Transfer from General Fund (St George's House visit)
538
-
Balance brought forward at 1 January
13,643
10,661
Balance at 31 December
13,965
13,643

22. Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund

Church Building Improvements Restricted Fund 2023
£		 2022
£
Income:
Donations
-
6,100
Gift Aid tax recovered
-
275
Bank interest
238
51
Total income
238
6,426
Expenditure:
-
-
Surplus/(Deficit)
238
6,426
Balance brought forward at 1 January
8,611
2,185
Balance at 31 December
8,849
8,611

43

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

23. 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
Outdoor audio-visual equipment (2023)
55
Removal of boiler house (balance) & Quinquennial 2020 repairs
37,000
Evangelism Fund
75,000
Training Fund
10,000
OSR refurbishment (2023)
7,328
Total allocated
318,490
Balance remaining to be allocated at 31/12/23
9,989

Balance remaining to be allocated at 31/12/23

The PCC received two legacies, in the period 2019 to 2022. Further expenditure has been made during 2023 on the refurbishment of the OSR, outdoor AV equipment, and the setting up of two new designated funds: the Evangelism Fund and the Training Fund. A small balance remains to be allocated.

24. Additional small Fund held by the Diocese of Leicester

Chancel Repair Fund

The value of the Fund at 31 December 2023 was £279. This Fund cannot be closed.

44

Rothley Parish Church, Registered Charity 1133832

Annual Report & Accounts 2023

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 2023 that are set out on pages 30 to 44.

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

==> picture [136 x 48] intentionally omitted <==

45