OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-12-31-accounts

Parish of St. Peter's Birstall

Annual Meetings Booklet - 2023

Prepared By Miles Lawson (Churchwarden)

Parish of St Peter's Birstall - Annual Report 2022

for the

Annual Meetings 2023

to be held in the Church on Sunday 23rd April 2023 at 11:00am.

Agenda

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

PCC Membership

Ex Officio Retire 2023 Retire 2024 Retire 2025
Priest-in-Charge Jonathan Keer (vacant) Alison Sowden
Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) Alan Graves Andy Rhodes Solly Wilson
Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) Chris Taylor (vacant)
 Janice Mitchell
Churchwarden (Vacant)
Churchwarden (Vacant)

Deanery Synod Representatives - David Barker (retire 2023), (vacant), (vacant) Co-opted Members (retire 2023) - Rosie Price, Martin Price.

Maximum Total PCC members:

Page 2

1. Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Parishioners on 3rd April, 2022

Present: Thirty nine attended the meeting and they were.

Denise Gosling, David Barker ,Carol Lynch , Elaine Jackson, Margaret & Alan Graves, Sue Charlton, Margaret Bell, Ann Lister, Miles Lawson, Raymond & Dorothy Gallagher, Stuart Spencer, Christine & John Culberson, Philip and Ann Walls, Trish Wynn, Pat Caunt, Jean Frankland, Joanna Earnshaw, Alison Sowden, Kathleen O’Shea, Pauline Cowan, Andy Rhodes, Sarah & Hilary Whitfield, Jack Leeson, Alex and Jayne Hunter, Colin Vella, Wendy Harper, Simon Davis, Jackie Donugh, Leif Wilks, David & Pat Chapman, Jack Leeson & Solly Wilson.

The meeting commenced at 11.45am and Rev’d Jess Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Jess reported in the Churchwardens Measurers there is a rule which can be disregarded by the parishioners. A churchwarden is elected every year up to six years but if the parishioners agree to revoke the rule then a churchwarden can serve more than six years.

It was proposed by Raymond Gallagher and seconded by Andy Rhodes to disregard the rule and a churchwarden can serve more than six years. There was a show of hands with 31 for and 4 against. The proposal was carried.

Everyone received a voting form and the results were counted by Alison Sowden and Janice Mitchell. Miles Lawson and Denise Gosling were elected. The meeting was closed.

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Present: Thirty nine members attended the meeting (listed above)

  1. Apologies for absence (listed above)

  2. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15[th] April,2021were read and passed. Proposed Alan Graves and seconded by Dorothy Gallagher. Unanimous..

  3. To receive and consider the Electoral Roll Dorothy Gallagher’s report was included with the agenda. Jess offered a vote of thanks to Dorothy. It was proposed by Pat Caunt and seconded Sue Chalton to accept the report. Unanimous.

  4. To receive a report on the proceedings of the PCC

  5. Denise Gosling’s report was included with the agenda. Jess offered a vote of thanks to Denise. It was proposed by Leif Wilks and seconded by Raymond Gallagher to accept the report . Unanimous

  6. 5a To receive a report on the financial affairs of the Parish

  7. The Annual Accounts and Treasurers Report for the year ending 31[st] December 2020 were included with the agenda

  8. Jess offered a vote of thanks to Alan for doing an excellent job as treasurer. It was proposed by Wendy Harper and second by Elaine Jackson to accept the reports. Unanimous

Page 3

Page 4

joined the church in September.

Thanks were offered to Chris Taylor and Alex Hunter who managed the online services.

  1. To elect three members to the Deanery Synod

  2. No election to Deanery Synod this AGM

  3. To elect up to three members of the laity to the PCC to serve three years

  4. Janice Mitchell was proposed by Alison Sowden and seconded by David Sowden. Alison Sowden was proposed by Denise Gosling and seconded by Margaret Bell. Solly Wilson was proposed by Margaret Bell and seconded by Jean Frankland. There being were no further candidate the three were elected.

Any Other Business

Being no further business the meeting was closed with Grace.

End of Minutes of meetings of 25th April, 2021

Report of the Proceedings of the PCC - April 2023

3. To receive and consider the Electoral Roll - 2022

ELECTORAL ROLL

On Sunday the 9[th] April 2022 there were 96 names on the roll. Sadly, one person has died and their name has been removed.

On the 16[th] .April 2023 the roll now stands at 99 names.

Dorothy E Gallagher

Dorothy E. Gallagher Electoral Roll Officer

4. To receive a report on the proceedings of the PCC

Report of the Proceedings of the PCC

We have had seven meeting this year with the attendance being 82%. There have also been seven Standing Committee meeting.

Denise Gosling

PCC Secretary

Page 5

5. To receive a report on the financial affairs of the parish including:

Treasurer’s Report – 2022

Please note that my report refers specifically to the financial year from 1[st] January 2022 to 31 December 2022 and my comments below are relevant to that year only. The actual accounts appear in Appendix 1. They have been approved by the PCC and independently examined by Stephen Lister to whom I extend my gratitude for the time and effort put in by him.

May I also extend a very big thank you to everyone for your generous giving, enabling the Church to fulfil its obligations and provide a Christian presence here in Birstall. Also to those volunteers who give freely of their time and to everyone who supports the Church in whatever way. Our total income from all sources was £81,531 and our total costs amounted to £79,461.

We held many fundraising events, the amounts raised are listed on Page 2 of the Accounts, section d) less expenses as detailed in page 3 h) leaving a net figure of £5,556.

As can be seen from page 1 and page 2 c), we received a grant of £2,500 from the Church Commissioners. This was to help towards payment of rising fuel bills. Fortunately we are in fixed term contracts with our energy suppliers and so we have not been seriously affected to date. This money has been put into a Restricted Fund to smooth out future energy price fluctuations when our contracts come to an end. The actual cost of electricity, gas and water was £7,082.

Under the constitution of the Bridge Club the governing document stated that on closure any funds remaining were to be transferred to the church and used for the benefit of the community. The balance on closure was £3,115 which has again been placed in a ‘Community’ Restricted Fund.

A balance of £1,214.55 remained in the Frampton Mural account following its full restoration. The PCC agreed to transfer this balance into a new ‘Environmental’ Fund.

In October we paid the final balance of £2,010.70 on the roof repairs which had been retained by us to cover any snagging work which may have been needed.

As can be seen from page 4 of the Accounts, restricted cash funds under the control of the PCC amount to £9,865 and money held in designated cash accounts total £16,254. The balance of the general cash fund account was £8,324. For an explanation of the various fund types, please see page 6 of the Accounts.

The value of the share holdings held in Endowment Funds and Restricted Funds, was lower at the end of the year in line with general stock market falls. This follows several years of continuous growth in shares (the comparison figure with 2021 is shown on page 4).

In accordance with our mission statement, we have paid 10% of our general income in tithe payments to various charities totalling £4,596. This included a payment from the tithe fund of £400 to the Disaster’s Emergency Committee to provide humanitarian aid following the start of the war in Ukraine. A collection from you, the congregation, raised a further £305.

Our Parish Share, set by the Diocese was a very challenging £47,071, but we have paid this in full. The Parish Share is used to ensure a Christian presence through Ministry and Mission within the whole Diocese. It is used entirely towards clergy stipends, pension and the provision and maintenance of clergy homes.

F. Alan Graves, Treasurer

Page 6

5.a Please see Appendix 1 at the end of this document

5.b to appoint an independent examiner;

Stephen A. Lister kindly agreed to undertake the duties of Independent Examiner in accordance with the Charity Commission regulations. A copy of his report is attached - please see Appendix 2. Stephen has again volunteered to act as Independent Examiner for the coming year.

5.c to receive a report on the financial affairs of the Governors of St Peter's School.

St Peter’s School Governors

Report from St. Peter’s School Governing body

Another school year is now in its final term, and your governors have continued to work hard behind the scenes in a variety of roles.

This year we said a fond farewell and with many thanks to Leif who stepped down from being a foundation governor after many years of friendship and service to our school.

We welcomed recently to our governing body Elaine Jackson and Jane Hunter and hope that they enjoy working alongside governors to help the whole school be a community where children can reach their potential, whilst learning to care for the communities where they live as well as the wider world, all while having a sense of God through knowing Jesus as a special friend.

Governors also visit school to observe lessons, talk to children and staff, and we are always delighted to see how engaged children are, how much they enjoy school and how inclusive our classes and the teaching is.

Financially the school manages its budgets extremely well, and this year has been challenging, with increased costs in fuel and on salaries, for which no extra funding had been given. Next year is also going to be a difficult one.

Governors are still supporting school - we are steadily paying back to the budget, money that was paid for us as we could not meet the 10% that was required from us towards some windows that needed to be replaced.

I continue to be grateful for the 5ps that are given, and would ask that you could consider supporting us in this way.

There is good news though!

Our new school building work should commence this summer, with hopes of being open by September 2024, I have added some pictures to this report for you to have a look at, but please ask me or Jan or Jess for more information.

Please continue to support our school with your prayers, as we face a year or more of building work, and as school continues to prepare for an (expected any time) OFSTED inspection.

A Sowden

Page 7

6. To receive a report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.

Churchwardens’ Report

1. Church Heating

We have had big problems with the church heating this year. The boilers are now over 10 years old since they were installed. One of the boilers began to stop working early in 2022 and we have requested our servicing company to identify the issue. They really struggled with this until early 2023 when they discovered that the issue was with the main circuit board after 5 or 6 visits. but even before they identified this problem, we began having issues with heating to the South and Centre isles heating areas. This was quickly identified as being the electric valves which were quickly replaced. All the problems were rectified and everything heating wise is back to normal. However we will do some further rationalisation of how we can use the heating best

2. Hole in the floor

While we had the heating engineers on site, they stepped on a board in the vestibule area and broke the board creating a major hole in the floor. This was discovered to be a fibre board used during the initial heating installation which had deteriorated with damp and time until it was no longer safe. A new plywood board has been installed that has replaced this and is now safe for many years to come.

3. Church Security Alarm System

One afternoon we had a call to say the church alarms were sounding. Denise went to the church and was unable to stop the system alarms ringing. After a while we called a local firm to help us shut it down along with help from the community.

We discovered that the old system was totally dysfunctional with eroded backup batteries and the keypad without electricity at all. Given we now had no security alarm, we obtained 3 estimates from local suppliers and the PCC chose the best price and functionality system. A part B faculty was obtained and granted with the Archdeacons permissions to proceed.

The new system was installed and all key holders shown how to use the system.

4. Tree Planting with St Peters School

In early autumn we were under instruction that after felling some dangerous trees in the Victorian Graveyard, the Diocese and Kirklees council advised us that we would need to plant new replacement trees. We worked with St Peters school to get some of the young people to come and plant the new trees. A competition in the school asked the children to give names to the trees and on the specified day These were planted and Rev Jess prayed for God's blessings on the trees. Sady one of the trees has not seen through the winter but all the others are doing well and they have a name tag asking everyone to care for them.

5. Lighting In Church

In line with Church Policy based on Eco Church concepts, we are moving towards using LED lights in Church. This provides us with electricity savings and going forward we plan to replace the tube lights with LED batons. So this year the light by the vestry door has been replaced and the light in the washroom area has also been replaced with LED batons. Also one of the original lights in the fellowship area near the tower room has been replaced with a LED ceiling light.

Page 8

6. Washroom Basin and Toilet

Denise arranged for a higher level toilet to be installed so making it much easier for people to use the facilities.

The skirting boards and door in the washroom area have been sanded ready for painting. It is a precursor to a new unit to be fitted below the washbasin which has dropped and is a bit wonky. We may even be able to provide a little more storage under the sink. Watch this space.....

7. Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers have been checked in all areas. We have made arrangements for a new contractor to maintain and replace our fire extinguishers at a better price. Well done Denise.

8. Church Clock Maintenance

We have had the church clock properly serviced. However we have experienced some anomalies where we have experienced some power cuts that has caused the clock to be displaying and sounding chimes incorrectly. We have taken advice from the Diocesan Clocks advisor and now know how to correct this problem. We have also renewed the battery in the vestry for the clock adjustment for Winter/Summertime and this is now working correctly.

9. Graveyards

The churchwardens are responsible for the wider graveyard issues reporting to our Priest-in-Charge and liaising with our verger Solly Wilson. This year we have seen requests for a bench in the graveyard and also having to deal with unsafe headstones. Alongside all of this is where there have been major holes in graves and dealing with families who have responsibilities for the headstones and graves. Big thanks to Rev. Jess and Solly for all their help.

A faculty class B has been approved by the Archdeacon to landscape along the Longbottom Dam walls so removing unsafe walls and providing a much more pleasant environment. This will be achieved at zero cost to the church and help define the safe graveyard boundaries so helping us to close the graveyard into the hands of Kirklees council.

We have one other issue to manage before we can hand over to Kirklees Council. This relates to 2 gardens on Monk Ings where the graveyard walls have collapsed into gardens. Potentially this has been caused by previous residents levelling out their gardens by the wall which has ultimately caused the walls to become unsafe and collapse into the gardens. We are in the process of getting quotations to repair these walls but we are looking at costs of around nearly £17,900. We will need to look into grant funding if we are to make any progress. Please watch this space...

9. General

Page 9

Furniture and Furnishings

These are in good state of repair.

Miles Lawson & Denise Gosling

Churchwardens

7. To receive a report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.

Deanery Synod Report 2022 – 2023

Over the past year the Deanery Synod has met three times. During the year we have received a presentation from the Diocesan Mission Link Coordinator who encouraged us to re-establish our connection and support with our link parishes.

A discussion was held on a proposal to allow the use of individual cups in the celebration of communion. The following motion put before the Diocesan Synod in October:

"This synod would welcome the Church of England withdrawing its opposition to the distribution of wine in individual cups at the Holy Communion."

The Deanery Synod was reminded that at present there is no change to the rules and individual cups are not currently permitted.

There is an ongoing challenge in the deanery with several churches being in vacancy. This is paired with ongoing financial difficulties. There is a limit to the number of full-time stipendiary clergy that are financially viable, and the maintenance of our buildings is often a large financial burden; pastoral reorganisation is one option to help manage these challenges.

Over the year there have been a number of changes to clergy in the deanery. Rev’d Jonathan Bish is now team rector for the Batley Team and Rev’d Capt. Neil Walpole was appointed as Associate Priest for the Dewsbury Team. Rev’d Brunel James and Rev’d Karen Nicholl have now left the deanery leaving vacancies at Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw and Gomersal. Rev’d Mark Umpleby has also recently announced that he will be leaving the Batley team in the summer.

Page 10

Elections to the Deanery Synod run on a 3 yearly cycle. Elections are due in 2023 for three representatives from St Peter’s Church Birstall.

Rev’d Jess Davis

Priest-in-Charge

8. To receive a report on Health and Safety

St Peter’s Parish Church – Report on the Management of Health and Safety for the AGM to be held on 23 April 2023

This Report covers the period from 9 March 2022 to 26 February 2023

1. Worship” Beyond” the Coronavirus Pandemic

It is with relief and joy that during this year, the format of our worship has returned to full “normality”. Communion is now being taken with both elements. Members of the Congregation can choose for either (a) the bread to be dipped in the wine before taking it, or (b) taking the bread and then taking the wine from the communal cup.

When we share the Peace, there is personal choice for gesture, hand clasping and, for some, the welcome return of sharing a hug. The Music Group leads us “unmasked” and at full volume and refreshments are once again enjoyed in close proximity to one another. No hand gel and no masks are in sight.

2. Trees in the Burial Ground

At the previous AGM, it was noted that JCA Ltd had assessed the condition of the trees in the Burial Ground; and had drawn up a Report, which contained an Action Plan. Over this year, progress has been made in carrying out the recommendations of the Action Plan, in that (a) the three trees identified for removal have been taken down and (b) the pruning of the 18 trees has started.

The PCC is reminded that in addition to the pruning, eight trees have defects which need to be monitored, two trees need to be re-inspected and nine trees need ivy and other growth removing from the base so that these can be inspected.

3. Bonfire Night

The PCC made the decision not to reinstate the Bonfire Night Event, following its cancellation during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The reason is because the cost of the fireworks plus the cost of the insurance required to cover the health and safety risks, absorb near enough all the money taken on the night.

4. Food Preparation

The “Meet ‘n Eat” Club, which had been proposed to replace the “Bridge Lunch Club”, never got off the ground. This had been intended as an opportunity to bring members of the Community into the Church, offering a light lunch, such as soup and a sandwich, to be eaten with Church Members in a social setting. This means there is no regular occasion when members of the public are brought into the church to take refreshments.

Spasmodically through the year, there were occasions when food was served, for example the Summer and Christmas Fayres, when food such as cold sandwiches with salad; or heated pasties and sausage rolls were available to purchase. No raw food is cooked on the premises.

Use of the Kitchen is under the control of Nicola Keer, who has professional experience in catering. She holds a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate; and has the help of five others who also hold Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificates.

A revised written procedure for “Food Preparation in the Kitchen” has been drawn up and will be kept in the Health and Safety Folder in the Vestry.

Page 11

5. Fire Risk Assessment

As the annual inspection of the fire extinguishers became due, this led to the realisation that no written Fire Risk Assessment has been prepared for the Church. This has now been produced and will be kept in the Health and Safety Folder in the Vestry.

The risk of a fire occurring is judged to be low; and the risk to any person being injured by fire is judged to be very low. However, one action for the PCC to note is that the five yearly inspection of the electrical installations, by a suitably qualified person, will be due in the first quarter of 2024.

This Report was produced by Pat Caunt, Church Member with oversight for Health and Safety, dated 26 February 2023.

9. To receive a report from Priest-In-Charge

Priest in Charge – report

We come again to the end of another PCC year and there is much to give thanks for. Our church family continues to grow. The parish return for last year showed growth in regular Sunday attendance as well as seasonal services. Our Wednesday congregation is also showing signs of growth and has on some weeks been a similar size to our Sunday early service. We now have four home groups with approximately a quarter of the congregation attending. Although many of our children have a sporadic attendance, the junior church team continue to do an excellent job of teaching and supporting them. We have also had a number of very successful events over the year which have raised much needed funds for the church, as well as providing opportunities to connect with people from our community who do not currently come to services, and opportunities for our regular congregation to spend time with each other socially.

Our relationship with St Peter’s school continues to be strengthened. In addition to my weekly visits to the school for Collective Worship, some of our congregation have been involved in supporting the school through becoming Maths Mates and Reading Friends. We continue to have a strong involvement in the school through our foundation governors and I am pleased to report that we now have two new foundation governors on the team. We have also begun to explore other creative ways to connect with the school, particularly through environmental projects. Earlier this year, children from year 5 came to plant trees in the Victorian graveyard (the names of the trees and the map of where to find them is currently in the vestry).

I am proud of our new Eco team and that we are starting to work towards becoming an eco-church. The national church has set an ambitious goal of being carbon net zero by 2030. This means that we will need to make some changes in the coming years to play our part in reaching this target. I am confident that by working together under the guidance of Rosie and Martin we will be able to make a real difference.

As we know, life often throws unexpected things our way and so I have learned not to set too many concrete goals but I would like to share a direction of travel for the coming year. There is so much that we could be doing and that needs to be done but my key areas of focus for the coming year are going to be:

Page 12

I am so grateful to and for each and every one of you. The church is the people and so we are all the richer for your being part of us. The church is the body of Christ and so each one of you uniquely reveals something of the nature of Christ. You are valued simply just for being you and choosing to journey with us.

I also want to say a special thank you to those who work so hard in all areas of church life - it is a joy to minister alongside you. I know many of you give freely of your time, your energy, and your resources and I am eternally grateful for all that you do. I know a number of people are stepping down from roles this year and/or into new roles in the coming year. Thank you for your service and especially to those who have helped me as I find my feet here and discern where God is leading us.

Finally I want to say thank you to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the one who makes all this possible and the one for whom all this is for. May he receive all of our hopes and plans for the coming year as worship to him, our risen Lord.

Rev’d Jess Davis

Priest-in-Charge

10. To receive any other reports of parochial or church interest.

10.1 Tower Captain's Report for AGM 2023

We have practiced most weeks throughout the year on Thursday evenings. The current St Peters ringers are growing more confident in their abilities and especially Alexander and Rebecca. Unfortunately Rebecca has had to give up for now due to her work commitments. Pete Mitchell started to learn to ring but his foot injury while on holiday has meant that he has had to take time out of training for a while and he is hoping to join us soon. We are enjoying the company of Ron and Paul from Thornhill who join us regularly on a Thursday which brings some experience into the band too.

During the latter part of the year I received a request to train a new band of ringers for St John's Cleckheaton. This means that we aim to alternate between the two churches on Practice evenings and we now have a solid core of ringers at St Johns and means that together we can ring for weddings and special occasions.

We have also had a lot of enquiries for people to learn to ring for the Coronation, (Approximately 7) which has meant that practice time is starting earlier at 7pm.

Miles Lawson

Tower Captain

10.2 Safeguarding Report for AGM 2022

Safeguarding continues to be a priority and a strong focus for the Church of England and St Peter’s Church. We want to make sure that we have a safe, caring environment for everyone who attends by ensuring that we have strong procedures in place to protect everyone.

Over the past year training has been undertaken on Safer Recruitment and new procedures have been drawn up and followed when appointing anyone to new roles in church, particularly in Junior Church.

We have adopted the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed annually by the PCC and was reviewed on 6th March 2023. The Policy and contact details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team are on display on the noticeboard in the fellowship area. We have strong links with our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Nikki Rose who is always available for help and advice.

Leeds Diocese provides a very comprehensive list of online training which is available for all concerned

Page 13

and most of the PCC has now completed this training. As the training is online we are looking at alternative ways to ensure that those who are not able to access training online can still receive training.

I have now completed Safeguarding Leadership Pathway Training and am awaiting further Induction Training which was delayed due to the pandemic.

DBS checks and Confidential Self Disclosures are up to date.

Completion of the digital Safeguarding Dashboard is still ongoing. When it is completed it will provide a regular report and action plan for the PCC to keep track of safeguarding and ensure that we are fully compliant at St Peter’s Church

It is up to each and every one of us to play our part in keeping our church a safe place for all, by adhering to the guidance, being vigilant and reporting any concerns that we might have immediately.

Report prepared by Jan Mitchell

March 2023

10.3 Junior Church Report for AGM 2023

St Peter’s Church AGM 2023 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AND JUNIOR CHURCH

Junior Church volunteers have continued to rise to the challenge of ministering to a group of children that is small with a wide wide age range (3 years to 13 years)!

We ended our Summer 2022 “term” on a high last July with a celebratory “end of term” party and presentation which involved around 10 children.

During the Autumn we “experimented” with dividing the children into two age groups, with the aim of offering more age-appropriate activities, particularly for the older children.

However, it soon became apparent that we had insufficient children attending to enable us to run two groups effectively. So, we reverted to the combined group.

This year we have started to use the ROOTS online resources. ROOTS is a partnership of Christian denominations/organisations which has been publishing lectionary-based worship resources for over 20 years.

It means that our structured Junior Church sessions, broadly speaking, follow the same calendar of readings and themes as the adult services. It also means that we can offer a wider choice of activities, linked to the age of each child.

The Children’s Table and the soft play corner within Church have become familiar and well established spaces and they have been particularly well used by families attending special services.

Junior Church ran its own Punch Balloon and Lollipop stall at the Christmas Fair in 2022, when several of the children were enthusiastic stallholders raising money for Church funds.

Big thankyous go to our Junior Church volunteer leaders and helpers, Penny, Jan, Pat, Rebecca, Sarah, and Elaine for their time, support and energy!

Thanks also to those who have donated resources, books, craft items, pens, party food and party bags etc… to Junior Church! We upcycle/recycle and reuse as much as we can to keep spending down and these donations have helped us significantly. From February 14[th] 2022, when the Parochial Church Council approved spending by Junior Church of up to £120 annually, up to March 1[st] 2023, we have been able to keep total spending to £88.69.

Sue Lawson

Lead Junior Church Co-ordinator

Page 14

10.4 To receive a report on Church Woods

Church Wood Annual report. 2021/22

(On behalf of the trustees of Church Wood -by Andy Rhodes)

This year has been a much better year for church woods. We have now established a baseline report (with the help of Liam Plumber from The Woodland Trust) which can be used a s blueprint not only for short and medium term maintenance of the wood , but also as a pathway to restoring the wood fully to an ancient woodland. The longer term plan is to have the woodland registered nationally to preserve it against possible encroachment by developers and protect against other interference.

This year several things have happened in church wood. Peter Mitchell, Martin price, Colin Vella and Hadyn Pitchforth have been co-opted onto the committee, and Jess Davies (chair) has asked me to take on the duties as chair for the foreseeable future with regard to the general organisation and running of the Church woods Committee.

The major works this year have concentrated upon clearing the entrance, bramble thinning in the main wood, and the removal of fallen tree branches which were obscuring the path. One large sycamore tree came down to the top of the wood but this was cleared as promised by farmer Andrew, in whose field it landed.

Of note this year was the tremendous response from the congregation and local people in a morning wood clear which occurred in October and made light work of some of the brambles with a working team of some 20 plus adults and children. I have recently done an inspection of the woods and con confirm that the Bluebells are just beginning to sprout and will hopefully produce their usual spectacular view, so keep an eye out and visit when they arrive in their full glory. There have been some trees which have fallen but only one is in need of possible attention as it is partially fallen and may continue to fall toward the path.

Progress has been made with involving the youngsters from school but this was mainly a tree plant in the graveyard. Further progress is hoped to be made this year but the main emphasis is upon clearing the Himalayan bolsom.(This is mainly along the stream and farmer Nigel’s permission has been sought and given to clear the Bolsom from his land also).It is also hoped that further clearing of the brambles will take place.

A big thankyou to everyone who has helped with the woods this year.

10.5 To receive a report from Verger

In the last year we have had eight funerals, six burials and twelve internment of ashes , responded to approx 16 requests to find family plots , ancestors etc.

We continued to have good relationships and work well with all the local funeral directors and stone masons .we are the only church that offers a hot drink for the funeral directors lads something that they really appreciate.

We are looking to the future of the graveyard / garden of remembrance being aware that plots are becoming scarce.

I'd like to thank Jess, Wendy and Leif for their empathy and sensitivity when taking funerals, David Gill for being available to play the organ when required and David Sowden and Elaine for their expertise on the sound desk.

Solly Wilson.

Verger March 2023

Page 15

10.6 To receive a report from Playtime

Playtime.

Playtime attendances gradually increased from April and we now have a lovely group of Mums, Grandmas, Carers and Children who return on a weekly basis. At Easter we had an Egg Hunt and Easter Bonnets, we made Easter Crafts and Cards and the Children received a Goody Bag to take home.

July we had a small party and once again gave Goody bags, and, said goodbye to the Children who were starting School. In November we held a Cake stall to raise funds for Children in Need, which raised £80. In December everyone enjoyed the Christmas Party, especially the visit from Santa who gave the Children a Present, "Thank you Santa". We hope to continue with good attendances in the future.

Kind Regards,

The Playtime Team.

11. To receive a report by the Readers

None for 2022

12. To elect three representatives to the Deanery Synod

13. To Elect up to three members of the Laity to the PCC to serve for three years and two to serve for one year

Page 16

APPENDIX 1 - Annual Statement of Financial Affairs

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH

IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS REGISTERED

CHARITY NUMBER 1133854

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

PREPARED BY: F. ALAN GRAVES TREASURER TO THE P.C.C.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: STEPHEN LISTER

Page 17

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2022

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

Note
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts:
Tax Efficient planned giving
Other planned giving
Misc. Collections at Services
a)
All other giving
b)
Gift Aid Recovered
Grants Received
c)
Fundraising Activities:
d)
Investment Income
e)
Statutory Fees
Income from lettings:
Sundries
f)
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Costs of Fund raising Activities:
h)
Church Activities:
Mission Giving/Donations
i)
Diocesan parish Share
Clergy & Staffing costs
Church Expenses:
Mission & evangelism costs
j)
Church Running Expenses
k)
Church utility bills
Major Capital Expenses:
l)
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Excess of Receipts over Payments
Transfers between funds
Cash at Bank as at 1 January 2022
Cash at Bank as at 31 December 2022
STATEMENT OF ASSETS
Assets
Cash Funds
Bank current account
Bank deposit account
CBF Deposit Fund
National Savings & Invest. A/c
Investment Assets
Diocese – Chancel Fund Deposit
C of E Investment Fund shares
TOTAL ASSETS – see Fund Analysis
Cash Funds as above
Investment Assets as above		 Unrestricted
Funds
34,577
9,494
2,649
1,389
9,311
57,420
7,022
118
8,509
130
73,199
1,466
4,596
47,071
698
428
14,611
7,082
1,200
77,152
(3,953)
2,225
(1,728)
22,357
20,629
Unrestricted
Funds
10,329
0
14,250
0
24,579
0
24,579
0
24,579		 Restricted
Funds
492
2,500
2,992
3,115
6,107
298
2,011
2,309
3,798
3,798
10,017
13,815
Restricted
Funds
9,865
9,865
7,010
7,010
9,865
7,010
16,875		 Endowment
Funds
0
2,225
2,225
0
2,225
(2,225)
0
0
0
Endowment
Funds
0
93
75,053
75,146
0
75,146
75,146		 TOTAL
2022
34,577
9,494
2,649
1,881
9,311
2,500
60,412
7,022
2,343
8,509
130
3,115
81,531
1,466
4,596
47,071
698
726
14,611
7,082
3,211
79,461
2,070
0
2,070
32,374
34,444
TOTAL
2022
20,194
0
14,250
0
34,444
93
82,063
82,156
34,444
82,156
116,600		 TOTAL
2021
33,831
13,144
1,586
8,681
10,262
32,811
100,315
2,448
2,219
8,068
100
15,486
128,636
233
4,456
46,545
135
9,628
15,677
6,693
96,131
179,498
-50,862
0
-50,862
83,236
32,374
TOTAL
2021
18,122
10,141
0
4,111
32,374
93
92,666
92,759
32,374
92,759
125,133

Page 1

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS – NOTES

RECEIPTS
a)
Collections at Services:
Cash received
Sundry collections
Weddings, Funerals etc. - Gift Aided
Weddings, Funerals etc. - not G/A
b)
All other Giving/Voluntary Receipts:
Disadvantaged families
Donation from bell ringers
Sundry Donations – Gift Aided
Sundry Donations – Not G/A
Ukrainian Appeal
Miscellaneous
c)
Grants Received:
ChurchCare Archbishop’s Council
Congregational & General
Listed Places of Worship
Church Commissioners
d)
Fund Raising Activities:
Book sales
Brass Band concert
Card sales
Christmas Fayre
Easyfunding
Meet ‘n’ Eat
Merchandise sales
Murder Mystery
Pete’s Produce
Play Group
Sale of marmalade
Summer Fête
Swing Band concert
Miscellaneous
e)
Investment Income:
Bank/NS&I Deposit Interest
Income on CBF Deposit
Income on CBF Investments
f)
Sundries:
Bridge Club transfer
Cheques not presented
Diocesan loan
Electricity refund
Vicarage Utility bills
Miscellaneous		 Unrestricted
Funds
1,573
276
0
800
2,649

20
20
1,349
1,389
0
52
1,608
73
1,579
47
412
14
345
427
200
13
1,628
610
14
7,022
1
79
38
118
0		 Restricted
Funds
0
188
304
492
2,500
2,500
0
0
3,115.00
3,115		 Endowment
Funds
0
0
0
0
2,225
2,225
0		 TOTAL
2022
1,573
276
0
800
2,649
188
20
20
1,349
304
0
1,881
0
0
0
2,500
2,500
52
1,608
73
1,579
47
412
14
345
427
200
13
1,628
610
14
7,022
1
79
2,263
2,343
3,115
0
0
0
0
0
3,115		 TOTAL
2021
1,182
182
0
222
1,586
0
30
7,511
1,120
0
20
8,681
10,000
9,300
13,511
0
32,811
33
0
85
1,994
0
109
0
213
0
14
0
0
0
2,448
31
0
2,188
2,219
0.00
300
14,000
805
332
49
15,486

Page 2

FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS – NOTES

PAYMENTS
Unrestricted
Funds
NOTE
h)
Costs of Fund raising activities:
Brass Band concert
671
Christmas Craft Fayre
94
Murder Mystery refund
345
Summer Fete
280
Miscellaneous
76
1,466
i)
Mission Giving and Donations:
Tithe Payments to Charities
4,596
4,596
j)
Mission & Evangelism costs:
Collection re Archdeacon
Collection re Bishop
50
Disadvantaged children
13
Donation – St Peter’s School
Sunday School prizes
Ukrainian Appeal
305
Yorkshire Ass. of change ringers
10
Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
40
Miscellaneous
10
428
k)
Church Running Expenses:
Church Building running expenses
12,433
Costs of Services
1,150
Office Expenses
1,028
14,611
l)
Major Capital Expenses:
Architect fees
Diocesan loan repayment
Heating maintenance and repair
1,200
Mural and Tower room lights
Roof repairs
1,200
ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS OF PAYMENTS:
Church Building Running Expenses (see k) above):
Arboricultural Survey
Building Insurance
Clock Service – contract
Fire Extinguisher service
Grass cutting
Kitchen boiler service
Light bulbs/fittings
Radiator leak
Telephone/internet
Temporary graveyard wall repair
Tree felling
Vicarage utility bills – restricted
Sundries		 Restricted
Funds
0
0
147
151
298
0
2,011
2,011
 Endowment
Funds
0
0
0
0
0		 TOTAL
2022
671
94
345
280
76
1,466
4,596
4,596
0
50
160
0
151
305
10
40
10
726
12,433
1,150
1,028
14,611
0
0
1,200
0
2,011
3,211
0
7,958
600
203
2,583
0
58
0
138
0
835
0
58
12,433		 TOTAL
2021
0
223
0
0
0
223
4,456
4,456
53
0
0
9500
0
0
10
40
25
9628
12,814
1,109
1,754
15,677
2,652
14,000
482
580
78,417
96,131
654
7995
216
84
2957
60
0
118
0
250
0
332
148
12,814

Page 3

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS FUND ANALYSIS

Reference
No. of
Shares
Endowment Investment Funds held by the Diocese:
Chancel Fabric Fund
140002048S
834
Choir Fund
140002051S
134
Church Cottages Fund
140002236S
1787
Curate Fund
140002047S
328
Sunday School Prizes
140002222S
110
Chancel Fabric – Deposit
140002207D
Endowment Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Curacy Fund
640002003S
128
Longbottom Bequest
640002001S
298
Total of Endowment Funds
Restricted Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Altar Linen Fund
640002004S
62
Birstall Schools Building Fund
640002002S
276
Restricted Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Community Fund
Disadvantaged families at school
Frampton Mural Fund
Kitchen Renovation Fund
Re-ordering/Maintenance Fund
Sunday School Prize Fund
Tower Room/Bells Fund
Total of Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Designated Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Altar, Linen, carafe & organ
refurbishment Fund
Energy Reserve Fund
Environmental Fund
Flower Festival Fund
Graveyard Fund
Parish Training Fund
St Peter’s Playtime Fund
Tithe Fund
General Fund held by the PCC:
Total of Unrestricted Funds
Total Assets:*
Endowment Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated/unrestricted Funds		 2022
Valuations
17,296
2,779
37,060
6,802
2,281
66,218
93
66,311
2,655
6,180
75146
1,286
5,724
7,010
3,115
40
0
2,057
2,872
799
982
9,865
16,875
(1,977)
2,500
1,215
189
10,456
2,000
498
1,373
16,254
8,324
24,578
75,146
16,875
24,578
116,599		 2022
Dividends/
Interest
512
82
1,098
202
68
1,962
1
1,963
79
183
2225
38
0
38
0
38
0
0
2,225
38
79
2,342		 2021
Valuations
19,531
3,138
41,848
7,681
2,576
74,774
93
74,867
2,998
6,979
84,844
1,452
6,463
7,915
0
0
1,215
2,057
4,882
881
982
10,017
17,932
(2,015)
0
0
190
8,492
3,277
498
109
10,551
11,806
22,357
84,844
17,932
22,357
125,133

Notes:

1 * Dividends on the Birstall School’s Building Fund are paid directly to the School

2 Based on the mid market price of the shares held in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund income units the price per share as at 1 January 2022 was 2,341.81p and at 28 December 2022 was 2073.87p

Page 4

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

MOVEMENT OF RESTRICTED FUNDS HELD BY THE PCC

Balance Income/ Expenses/ Balance
01/01/22 Donations Transfers 31/12/22
Community Fund
Movement 0 3,115 0 3,115
Disadvantaged families at St Peter’s School
Movement 0 187 147 40
Frampton Mural
Movement 1,215 0 1,215 0
Kitchen Renovation Fund
Movement 2,057 0 0 2,057
Re-Ordering and Maintenance Fund
Movement 4,883 2,011 2,872
Sunday School Prize Fund
Movement 881 68 150 799
Tower Room and Bells Fund
Movement 982 0 0 982
10,018 3,370 3,523 9,865
MOVEMENT OF DESIGNATED FUNDS HELD BY THE PCC
Altar Linen, Carafes & Organ Refurbishment Fund
Movement (2,015) 38 0 (1,977)
Energy Reserve Fund
Movement
0 2500 0 2,500
Environmental Fund
Movement 0 1215 0 1,215
Flower Festival Fund
Movement 189 0 0 189
Graveyard Fund
Movement 8,492 5,372 3,408 10,456
Parish Training Fund
Movement 3,277 0 1277 2,000
St Peter’s Playtime Fund
Movement 498 0 0 498
Tithe Fund
Movement 109 5,860 4,596 1,373
10,550 14,985 9,281 16,254
MOVEMENT OF GENERAL FUND – GENERAL CHURCH INCOME AND EXPENSES
Movement 11,806 64,791 68,273 8,324

Page 5

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

Notes to the Accounts:

Signed

Date 13/03/2023

F. Alan Graves

Treasurer, Birstall Parish Church of St Peter

ndlx 2 Inde endent Examlners Re CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES. Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner'5 Report Report tt the trust88&1 BIRStALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS On accounts forthe year 31112r2022 arlty no 1 1133854 Irf any) Set out on pages I rw)rt lo ts trustees on my examination ofthe acctxmts of the aty)ve arty llhe Trusfi forthe year erthd 3111212022 R8spon81bllllles and A6 Ihe of the Trust. you are resrKMwble forthe Fyeparalion $1$ of rgport of Ihe a￿)Unts in xccrtarKe wth ￿ requirements ofthe Charities Ad 2011 llhe Acri. I rewjrt in resFect of my examinabon ofthe Tnfs accounts carried out under secbon 145 Of￿ 2011 Ad arKJ in CarrW￿ out my examination. I have fdloEd the appaL DYe¢ll￿ the Chanty Cornmis5K)n under seclhjn 14951(bl of the Act. Independent I have corntled my exaMi￿tion. I confirni that ￿ rnaterial matters have oxam jnee$ ststèment come to my attention (other than that d￿￿oSed ￿ly￿.) in conne(on vith Ihe examination gNes me cause to ￿￿ve that in. any rnatenal the Act th the exammats.on to attention should te draw￿ in 0￿rt0 enabk a ' Ffe35e delete the Myds wp the br8¢8ts rflh8y do ap￿Y. Signed: 202 R•hvant prol•sslonal quallllcatlon($l or body Irf any): Addrtss: IZ sJeL6ic&/thrtJ IK17 g&t-

Section B Disclosure (k)ly complete rfthe examineT nee(15 to h¥hlvJht tnatter5 of con¢zm 15ee CC32, IndepeThJent examy0i￿l of Lnty W￿r￿s.. diTecons and guidan￿ for examiners) Giv• h•r• brsof details of any Items that th& examiner wsh88 to dis¢lo¥•. Page 6