Frome Deanery Wells Archdeaconry Diocese of Bath and Wells
## **Annual Report**
**and**
## **Financial Statements**
# **of the**
# **Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Frome Selwood**
_**(Registered Charity number 1133925)**_
**otherwise**
## **Frome St John the Baptist PCC**
# **for the year ended**
## **31st December 2024**
**Office:** St John’s Parish Office, St John’s Cottage, 1 Church Steps, Frome, Somerset BA11 1PL Website: www.stjohnsfrome.com Email: admin@stjohnsfrome.com Facebook: FromeStJohntheBaptist **Imcumbent :** For January: The Revd Colin Alsbury, and then vacancy St John’s Vicarage, Vicarage Close, Christchurch Street East, Frome, Somerset BA11 1QL
**Independent Examiner:** B.O.A. Accountancy Ltd t/as Berkeley Hall Ltd, Unit 2, Southgate, Commerce Park, Frome BA11 2RY
**Architect:** George Chedburn, Chedburn Dudley, Glove Factory Studios, Brook Lane, Holt, Bradford on Avon BA14 6RL
**Legal advisors:** FDC Law, 21 Bath Street, Frome BA11 1DJ
**Bank:** NatWest Bank, 62 Fore Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8EX
1
The Church of St John the Baptist at Frome Selwood is of ancient foundation, being founded as a mission church by St Aldhelm in ad 685. A royal church in its early years, the patronage passed in the middle ages to Cirencester Abbey and then at the reformation into the hands of the Thynne family at Longleat, who delivered the patronage to the Diocese of Bath and Wells (Board of Patronage) in the late 1930s.
The benefice of Frome St John was held in plurality with that of St Katharine, East Woodlands until the end of September 2023.
## **Ministry**
Vicar: Revd Colin Alsbury MA (until end of January) then vacancy
Reader: Mrs Janet Caudwell MA
## **Parochial Church Council (PCC)**
## **The role of the PCC**
St John’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
## **Charitable status of the PCC**
In 2009 the PCC, previously excepted from registration, registered with the Charity Commission, and the registration process was completed in early 2010.
2
## **Contents**
|PCC membership 2024|4|
|---|---|
|Other PCC ofcers and appointees|4|
|Commitees|5|
|Collaboratve ministry|5|
|Inclusive church|5|
|Major Churches Network|5|
|PCC funds|6|
|Associated and related non-PCC funds|6|
|Trusts and bequests in the care of the Incumbent/Churchwardens|6|
|Strategy for Mission and Ministry|7|
|Statstcs for Mission / Electoral roll informaton|8|
|Report on the fabric, ornaments and goods|9|
|Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council|10|
|Statement of fnancial actvites|11|
|Balance sheet|12|
|Notes to the fnancial statements|13-15|
|Accountng policies|16|
|Additonal notes regarding accountng policies|17-18|
|Independent examiner’s report [to come]|19|
|Property notes|20-21|
|Commitee reports|22|
|Stewardship report|23|
|Bennet Centre (St John’s Church Hall) report|23|
|Charity/Trust Funds income and expenditure accounts|24|
## **Mission statement**
Our mission and ministry:
## ‘ **Seven whole days, not one in seven’**
Cherishing our inheritance of Christian faith and worship, we welcome all and share the joy of the Gospel message in Christ, through concern for the wholeness of individuals and active involvement in community life in all its diversity.
3
## **PCC Membership 2024**
**Clergy:** Revd Colin Alsbury (Vicar) until end of January then vacancy **Churchwardens (elected annually):**
Mr Neil McCormick Mr Terry Bushell **Deanery Synod Members:**
Mrs Lois Bushell (Lay Dean of Frome Deanery, Diocesan Synod, Deanery Synod 2023-26) Mrs Elaine Gilburt (Diocesan Synod, Deanery Synod 2023-26)
**PCC members elected until 2025:** Mrs Amanda Crook (2022-25, PCC Secretary until 20 February 2024) Mr Steve Smith (May 2023-2025)
Mr Harry Chapman (May 2024-2025) Mrs Rosemary McCormick (June 2024-2025 – co-opted)
**PCC members elected until 2026:** Mrs Christine Holland (2023-26, PCC Treasurer) Mr Neil McCormick (2023-26) Mrs Kathryn Yeaman (2023-February 2024) Mrs Kathryn Gurr (May 2024-2026) **PCC members elected until 2027:** Mr Peter Connew (2024-27, Lay Deputy Chair of PCC) Mr Brian Essex (2024-27) Ms Angela Pater (PCC Secretary from February 2024; 2024-2027)
## **Readers (appointed annually):**
Mrs Janet Caudwell
_**Note**_ : Within the Frome Town Group Ministry the other incumbents are also entitled to attend and take part in, but not have any vote in, the proceedings of any PCC meeting: Revd Liz Dudley Christ Church & St Mary's Revd Ian Snares Holy Trinity
## **Other PCC officers and appointees**
Senior server Mr Peter Connew Choir leader Mrs Rosemary McCormick Sacristy Mrs Margaret Veakins Tower captains Mr Matthew Higby Flower co-ordinator Mrs Elaine Gilburt Hon archive supervisor Vacant Safeguarding officer Mr Steve Smith Health & safety issues Mr Brian Essex Electoral roll officer Mr Neil McCormick Stewardship Mrs Amanda Crook Magazine editors Mrs Amanda Crook, Mrs Karolyn Curle Church administrator Mrs Karolyn Curle
4
## **Committees**
The PCC operates through a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. The Vicar is a member of all committees ex-officio. Though most members of committees are also on the PCC, membership of committees is open to persons who are not members of the PCC.
## _**Standing Committee**_
This is the only committee required by law. The Vicar and Churchwardens are ex-officio members, and the PCC appoints a further two members. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC.
## _**Worship Committee**_
This committee co-ordinates the efforts and vision of all those involved in preparing and leading our worship, meeting every couple of months. It makes recommendations to the PCC on any change or development in our pattern of worship.
## _**Social Committee**_
This committee oversees and organises events to build fellowship within the life of the parish.
_**Note:**_ The _Restoration Joint Committee_ is not a sub-committee of the PCC alone but forms a partnership with the separate associated registered charity 'Frome St John Restoration Fund'.
## **Collaborative ministry**
The parishes of the Frome Town Group are able to collaborate through a Group Council. In order to balance the pastoral care responsibilities of the benefices within the town there is a working agreement in place whereby some parts of Christ Church parish are cared for by Holy Trinity and St John’s.
The parish is committed to working with ecumenical partners and hosts a monthly prayer meeting for members of Frome area congregations. The Clergy of the Frome Deanery meet regularly as Clergy Chapter for worship, study and fellowship.
## **Major Churches Network**
St John’s is part of the Major Churches Network (MCN), with regional meetings being held, in order to support Major Churches in management, mission and ministry.
The Church Buildings Council recognise that such Major Churches face issues normally associated with cathedrals, but with parish church-sized resources. Part of the support given to Major Churches will come through assistance in developing a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan.
## **Inclusive Church**
Since 2018 Frome St John the Baptist parish church is part of Inclusive Church, Inclusive Church is a network of churches, groups and individuals uniting together around a shared vision:
‘We believe in inclusive Church - church which does not discriminate, on any level, on grounds of economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability, race or sexuality. We believe in Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.’
Further information is available at _https://www.inclusive-church.org/_
5
## **PCC funds**
Apart from the General Fund, which is unrestricted in use, the following funds are held by the PCC:
_Unrestricted funds_ that have been designated:
- (a) holding of legacy monies received
- (b) administration of the Parish Office and printing accounts.
Because of legal changes, from 1st January 2013 payments in respect of Parochial Fees belong to the PCC and DBF (Diocesan Board of Finance), and are managed by the PCC rather than the incumbent. Fees are therefore processed through the PCC accounts.
_Restricted funds_ that hold:
- (a) monies received or donated for specific support of other charitable bodies
- (b) grants and payments received for specified works in the life of the parish
- (c) income from and relating to the management of the Bennett Centre – St John's Church Hall. (From 1 Jan 2008 the terms of any letting income for the hall are that it shall be applied first for the maintenance, upkeep and running of the Centre.)
## **Associated or related non-PCC funds**
The following funds are not under the control of the PCC but are held for purposes within or connected with the life of the parish of Frome St John:
_Frome St John Restoration_
Established by a Trust Deed in July 1986 as the Friends of St John’s, this is a separate registered charity (No 295057) whose objects are ‘the maintenance and repair of the fabric of St John’s Church and its surrounds’.
The Trustees of this associated charity are accountable directly to the Charity Commissioners for its funds, and notes of their work do not form part of the PCC Annual Report. Their Annual Meeting was held on 8th May 2022.
The report of their Trustees is separately available.
_Sacristy Fund_
Under the terms of a bequest from Rose Hunt a capital sum is held by the Diocesan Trustees, and the income is paid to the parish for the upkeep of vestments etc.
_‘Vicarage Garden’ Trust fund_
This fund, which arose from the sale of land adjoining the former vicarage garden, is held by the Diocesan Trustees for the benefit of the Church School.
## **Trusts and bequests in the care of the Incumbent/Churchwardens**
The following funds are in the care of the Incumbent or the Incumbent and Churchwardens:
_Charities Funds_
Byard (Education) , Taunton (Music), T Smith (Alms), Singer (Bennett Services), Leversedge (Fabric), Baily (Clock, Carillon, Bells), Hutchings (Grave & Fabric)
_Trust Funds_
W Baily (Bennett Memorial), Via Crucis, Bennett Grave, Foster (Flowers)
They are included here below, but for information only. They do not form part of the PCC’s Annual Report.
6
## **Strategy for Mission and Ministry: ‘Seven Whole Days …’**
|**Strategy**|**for Mission and Ministry: ‘Seven Whole Days …’**|
|---|---|
|**Congregation**|**to grow as a viable, sustainable community of worship, ministry & mission**|
|_Worship_|to maintain and develop a rich variety of worship|
|_Nurture_|to establish an effective programme of all-age learning and growth|
|_Fellowship_|to provide and enjoy regular social events|
|_Membership_|to affirm a sense of belonging, encouraging new membership and maintaining
accurate and up to date membership records|
|_‘One Holy, Catholic& _
_Apostolic Church_|to draw strength from and contribute to the wider life of the Church|
|_Plurality of St John &_
_Woodlands_|to share resources effectively|
|_Group Ministry_|to share common policies and vision for the town|
|_Frome Area_
_ChristiansTogether_|to grow in mutual fellowship and ministry|
|_Deanery / Diocese_|to take an active role in the synodical process|
|_Wider Church_|to learn from and support the work of the wider church|
||to give a proportion of our income to support the wider mission and ministry of|
|_Mission partnerships_|the Church and to welcome fresh understanding of our calling through learning|
||from the life of the wider church|
|**Community**|**to engage actively with the whole life of the community in which we are set**|
|_Pastoral care_|to share people’s joys and sorrows and provide appropriate care, support and
guidance|
|_Prayer Network_|to hold in prayer all those whose needs are known to us|
|_Baptism_|to welcome all who would seek to begin their journey of faith|
|_Marriage_|to celebrate mutual love and commitment in marriage|
|_Bereavement_|to support people in the time of grief|
|**Geographical parish**|**to engage with the ordinary life of the community that live, work or take**
**their leisure within the parish**|
|_Resident population_|to reach out in service and witness to the people of the parish|
|_Voluntary sector_|to know and be known by those working for the welfare of the local community|
|_Business community_|to value the people involved in the local economy,especially at Rogation and
Harvest|
|**Education**|**to affirm all involved in the work of education and support individuals of all**
**ages in their learning and personal growth**|
|_Church School_|to actively share in and contribute to the life of St John’s School|
|_Church as a teaching_|to enable the use of the Church building for school visits and as a place where|
|_resource_|learningcan be enriched|
|**Heritage**|**to cherish the inheritance which is in our trust and provide as best we can**
**for that inheritance to be maintained and developed**|
|_The site & building_|to work creatively with heritage bodies to assure the future of a living site|
|_Parish archives_|to work with county archives and others to preserve our unique records|
|_Conservation &_
_access_|to keep safe and ensure security of records, including provision of archive quality
copies; to provide reasonable access to records, including provision of copies,
findingaids and indices wherepossible|
|**Visitors & tourism**|**to welcome casual visitors and organised visits and enrich the experience**
**of their visit**|
|_An open church –_|to maintain a team of volunteers who will be confident in explaining the history,|
|_stewarding_|life and mission of the parish|
|_Guides & literature_|to provide in accessible form a variety of literature which enrich people’s visit|
|**Music & the arts**|**to develop the offering of music and arts within worship and to host**
**appropriate exhibitions and concerts throughout the year**|
|_Frome Festival_|to work closely with the Festival organisers in promoting music and the arts|
7
## **Statistics for Mission**
A number of returns are made each year to the Diocese and Church Commissioners regarding membership, attendance and other aspects of church life.
At the end of 2024 the core worshipping community at St John's, defined as those who attend worship at least once a month, or would do so if not restricted by health or other reasons, comprised 50 individuals:
|_Children (0-10)_|_Youth (11-17)_|_Adult (18-69)_|_Older (70+)_|_Total_||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|0|2|13|35|50|In 2024|
|3|2|19|28|52|In 2023|
The number of baptisms, weddings and funerals were:
|_Baptsms_
_2024_
_2023_
Under 1 year
3
4
Age 1-4
4
1
Age 5-10
1
0
Age 11-17
0
0
Adult
0
0
_Total_
_8_
_5_|_Weddings_
_2024_
_2023_
Full service
1
9
Dedicaton afer civil
marriage
1
0
_Funerals_
_2024_
_2023_
in church
8
9
at crematorium
1
3|
|---|---|
The numbers attending Easter, Advent and Christmas services were:
|||_Easter Day_|_Communicants_|_Communicants_|_Communicants_|_Atending_|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||2024|51|||74|||
|||2023|48|||73|||
||||||||||
|_Advent_|_For congregaton &_
_local community_
_For civic and school_||||_Christmas_|
_Communicants_||_Atending_|
|2024|500||360||2024|96||168|
|2023|350||350||2023|104||320|
## **Electoral roll**
The number on the church electoral roll for 2024 was 77
8
**Wardens’ report on the fabric, ornaments and goods for 2024**
The longstanding fault in the operation of the heating system, which led to the church having no heating for most of last winter was finally located and has now been rectified.
The refurbishment of the organ was completed.
Further progress was made with the new glass doors to be fitted inside the west doors and this work should be completed in 2025.
Further reports were obtained on refurbishment of the Bells and further progress will be made when the Diocesan Bells Adviser has visited and given advice on how to proceed.
Identifying the cause of water dripping onto the organ bench has proved elusive so far and we hope that we can get to the bottom of this before next autumn.
_Neil McCormick and Terry Bushell_
_Churchwardens_
9
## **Report of the Parochial Church Council in 2024**
1. **Vicar:** The major event during the year was the retirement of Rev Colin Alsbury in January 2024. Many thanks to Colin for over 20 years of service at St John’s. There followed the lengthy process of recruiting a new Vicar, involving development of a Parish Profile, visits and interviews, involving a huge amount of work by key members of the PCC, amongst others, as well as the Archdeacon and Bishop Michael. Rev Seamus Hargrave was appointed to take up his role in February 2025.
2. **Vacancy:** St John’s was well supported throughout the vacancy by Peter Connew as Lay PCC Chair, the two Churchwardens and PCC members, our very active Reader, Janet Caudwell, and trainee Reader Rosemary McCormick, and several retired clergy including Rev Kevin Tingay, Rev Ian Pearson, Rt Rev Rob Martin, Rev Mike Vockins and others, whose dedication was much appreciated.
3. **Kathryn Yeaman:** Kathy, who died on 25 February 2024, was a very active member of the church and PCC and is much missed.
4. **Meetings:** The PCC held monthly meetings in 2024, including a meeting in December focusing on ‘Seeking God’s Way’, rather than dealing with the usual business matters. Standing agenda items at the other meetings included Health & Safety, the Net Zero Carbon initiative, and Safeguarding.
5. **Safeguarding:** The PCC is committed to and is complying with the National Safeguarding Policies of the Church of England and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Steve Smith is Parish Safeguarding Officer; he can be contacted via email at smith.steve.71@icloud.com
6. **Health and Safety:** Brian Essex continued as Health and Safety officer. The PCC considered a standing item each month to discuss relevant issues. These included safety of the north churchyard wall and gates to the south churchyard, lone working, and security in church. The church insurers, Ecclesiastical, provided a useful risk reminder each month to encourage focusing on other topics in a proactive way.
7. **Risk Register:** An initial Risk Register was approved by the Standing Committee in December and is being further developed.
8. **St John’s School:** Janet Caudwell the Reader, remained an Associate Governor of St John's CE VA First School. She took Collective Worship with the whole school (now weekly), and the school has continued its support of church in Harvest Festival donations to the Food Bank and in participating in the Well Dressing and Frome Festival exhibitions. End of Term services are always held in church with parents attending. Looking to 2025, regular links with the school are increasing. Revd Seamus has established good relations with the school and has visited and taken Collective Worship. Rosemary McCormick, the Reader in training, is in the process of establishing regular singing times with the school.
9. We do need more members of the church to step forward as Foundation Governors; thank you to those who already expressed an interest.
10. **Events:** Several successful Frome Festival events were held in church in July, including Evensong, concerts and talks, as well as the flower festival. There was a well dressing service in May, a very successful concert by Breathe Music in September, an autumn fair and ten Mini-Markets on Independent Market Sundays, which were excellent fund-raisers and also brought a wide range of visitors into the church.
## **Angela Pater, Hon Secretary**
10
Frome Si John the 8apltst PCC
Statefflent ol Artfvities
Ftyth• y•ff qnd•d JI Ottember 2024
Totsl
21•1 37.619.
IA57.45
39J7&84
3(439.26
ia354
61&77.59
75)1.
20.750.25
21
1049.87
9J7
5.347x8
21dl
&70115
&703.85
693.76
21el
ennert Centre
21n
.13
11104.43
31.604.71
Srithns Cott¢79e
2W
1.820.¢
8.82Q CKI
6.720.00
91316.52
SSJiO.34
158,186.86
107.555 93
451.45
475 25
1.465.Th)
57.424.35
63.16I1S
8A9LC6
9.7•6.01
UlJ6.91
s18.70
5.418.
4.574.17
8enfieitCenrYt
11769.21
u?3
25,643.74
26,311.01
StJohn5 CLXIIW
In
5,109 (KI
5.809 CYI
6.419.79
J4.916.21
19M3.04
IN,539.25
102.C60.39
7.460.JI
187AI
Sa7 61
5895 54
•t i J•rnwv 2024120231
91J60.n
19.387.29
111.317.94
105.852.40
1131 Deternbtr 2024120231
99.42106
65.574.49
J64.995.55
Ill>.9¢
Frome St John the Bapt15t PCC
Balance Sheet at 31 Oecember 2024
14ote
2024
2023
Flxed Asset5
Tanwble Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Debtors
Pfepayments
Bank and cash accounts
73.708.29
946.04
108.301.01
182.955.34
17.102.28
1.077.26
113.070.89
131.250.43
Llabllltles
Amounis lalllng due withln one ydar
A(crua15 waier2bvSinesS
Delerred income- ma8aztne advertlserr*nt5
Oeferred incorne renvfees
Rental Deposii
15.507.55
33.74
197.50
2.211.
io.
18.589.99
28.so
1.274.lJO
10.00
17.959.79
I9.2.49
Net Current Assets
164.995.55
111.Yi7.94
et Assets
164.995.55
111,347.94
Funds
Uniestflcted
Restr¢ted
Endowment
99.421.06
65.574.49
91,960.75
19.387.19
164.995.55
111.347.94
Approved by the Parochial Church COuN on 10 April 2025 and s18ned on Its behall ty:
fv fy4 KVL
Revd Searnus Haryave. WKar and Chalr of the Paf¢xhial Church Councll
12
Frome St John the B•ptlst PCC
Notes io the Flnanclal Statem¢fits
For the •r •ndod 31 D•c•mber 2024
A¢countlw Polldes . See App•fid5x
Total Funds
2024
Fynds
20Z3
211) ine(xnln¢ res11r*ft dwj
Planned 8rdn8:
Tax eHKient planned
Other planned giving
Gllt AKI - planned 8Nin8+5mal donailons
Colleaion5 •1 all 5erd
Sundry donations
20,457.QiI
59).(X)
7.488.34
4.3Y.36
4.689.69
37.619.39
20,457.03
590.IX>
7.538 34
4.394.36
6,497.14
39.476 84
18,837.IXI
549.0)
6.928.31
S.025.98
S.098.97
36.439.26
I.7.45
1.8S7.45
21bl Other voluntary inc&*pinq res¢wrces
Church Or8an Appeal
Lady Chapel Rool Appeal
Legac1è5
Bath & Wels 08F lee rMIlUr$e1Trerf
Si lolm's Chaiilies
Fal and oihef lyndfat51n8 evtyiis
5.372m
162.50
55.579.92
5.37107
162.50
56.879.92
1,866.30
6.429.84
1,3N).
250.00
6.265.03
7.8OS.38
20,750.25
10.187 98
13.354.28
563.10
61.677.59
10.751.08
75.031.87
21¢) lffomefr(¥n chpntowemd a11ry t
Prinlin8 account includW masane
Bookstaiiifradin8
Fees IWeddthgslFur•eTrls
L048.a4
2S6.40
744.63
1.048.84
2S6.40
1.744.63
3.049.87
947.88
251,CL>
4.149.
5.347.88
21dl hKornefvi investments
N5&1 auouni
COIF Charity Fynds
Bank Inltrest
Rent Ichurth and Fe(OlI
4.45
2.834.
1.382.Kl
4.4S
2.834.1
1.382.80
4,482.IX)
703.85
3.41
1.915.16
1.110.19
.703.85
6.693.76
21e} Other ¢Ydlnory lftcryThry re50wces
21fj Bennrti Centre
Donaltons
Gift AMI
Fundrnishi8
Reni
ank Inleiest
Inwrance (lawn
Lottery gfant
4434
10.75
1.335.
152.50
787WI
1.379.$4
163.25
787 80
20.010.54
359.30
1.286.
121.75
620.)
19.105.05
170.IY)
301.98
lo.¢.00
Jl.fA14.78
20.OiQ54
3S9.30
X).829.13
2.275.30
2f81 Szjth 5 Cottoqe
Rent
8,820.IXI
&820.
8.820.(XI
6.720.Q)
6.720.00
Total Incofflln8 Aesourc•s
92.376.52
65.810.34
IS8.186.86
107.555 93
13
continued
Fmfflè Stjohn th• 8WIst PCC
yal Gr¢wts
392.45
392 45
$7.45
457.45
475.25
475.15
65.
jlbl Actrblties threeIe7 ro the wtolthedwth
MSrMstry
P•rish sl¥re
M*d>try expwmj
Chwch ¢WbrMr¥ ¢•hts
Chwch Insuyance
Church mamrtenw
upkeep ol seryK•J
5(ll
2.164.10
S,11&78
7.88&53
4.7Q2.67
482.16
25.32
&429.CQ
21.SCiI.CO
2.164.ID
5,118.78
7,888.53
5.412.67
.16
73.32
B.429.IKI
24,CWryJ
1,226.74
4,989.21
7.426.17
4,152.19
JW97
72Qthl
7.594.11
Arthrtrft's fe¢5 *ss doots
W.32
2.124.84
1.847.76
259.99
$1618
728.
2,l14.14
1,847.76
Hw¥hfier. Pams Aoty
250 IXI
IJ6A8
683 tx)
rur's iebrefflem lynth
45.fy)
55JS9.35
L465.Lil
$7,424.3S
263.15
345.17
Caus of faks and IWx1.f•"t1¢fits
3UiO
239.jl
239_11
.567 96
9.786 01
84n Apwl
567.96
8.891.f
123.10
J 016.92
894 95
A&miru5tr•ts0n"
U22.69
1.$4391
1.052 09
5.418_70
U22 69
1.543.92
1.05109
5.418.70
191.25
1791.83
884 19
4.574.27
Fee5. sub*4•r0
lel &rtJyettCentre
Admin
318.21
262.85
10.229.79
313.33
iio.
IL4S3.10
$15.2fj
237.58
301.91
262A5
Rn1 rost%
m*inrenè
129.79
1507.61
Styl Pry ropw
T&bJes
474.0)
474.(YJ
i.oio
71Jif>
1202.45
312.$0
1212.57
L01%$5
S.689.36
455
1.332 13
2,3 27
26,311.01
door st•
GVI ywi woittt WDrk>
LOtt•rYWl pr¢)J•a
7mS.73
2S.fA3 74
E6.769.11
B.874.53
31n 5tJohn¥ Coeto
3.916.88
494.r
4,C89 72
852.16
L467 91
6,419 79
5.80Y.LtI
5,JC8 C¢)
14.916.21
19.613.01
104.539.25
102.060 39
14
continued
Ffome St John the Baptist PCC
N•tÈs ta th• ANnd•l Staiemlnts
For ihe ye•r ended 31 fiecembef 2014
5tsff COAS
2024
2021
Salaries ond Honorailum
Dur1 ihe year the PCC efflpkjl a c•'r leader afid partsh sttrewv.
Remuneration lor others. e8 or8artisL ss under tonirart lof seThtCQ
8.429.
7.594.81
Flxed Assels fof Use by iht PCC
No items reiaininE any nei book valu• we cwr•ntty
Amfyslsof Net Assets by
Fwd5
Fund
Slxed Asseis
Cufrenr Assets
Currertt LiabIleS
114.92&61
115.507.55
99.42106
65.574.49
180.$03.10
115,507.55
164.995.55
65.574.49
Debtors
2024
2023
73.708 29
73,708.29
17.102 28
17. 102.28
L[arItIeS
Amounts due T*lthkn one
Credrtors lof Roods seryices
3.476.75
12.030.80
15.507.55
3.342.64
15.247.35
18.589.
ReseThe
On Current and fiBureK wrfestricted fundryof £37.5(>l smal cortiin8ew 8VrtI UYKert•nty atwt lIlty
80118 forward. is the baseline for a wty*iw seThe at 3111212025.
10 Cosi Centres
Suipluses for the bennett Cffiite ar*1 St Johft's Cottap arewnmittl lo ptsrtn imptyfftni WDrks at lh¢ rEspettiv¢ k¥c•tions.
11 Leiary Funds
Tho PCC has receib*d • of £55.$79.92 frwi the late Mrs VeThiefi foi rEsttxatbon af the Church Beh,
The item of jewdlery re¢eh*d in 2023 was in 2024 afxl sdd for £130).
Le8acy Funds. amounting to £2.716.08 hC been used io fund the costs ofr.
lil Archltect5 fees foi ihe sur¥ty and sketct*S fegafding ihe G$> IYow>
IMI The InspectK)n of Church electrKal cimits and £$equent femethal T*(yk
12 Churth In5yr•nce
P•ymeni ol insyfince for the Chwth 8enftett Cenire and St J¢kn'sCotta8e Is ty th.rect Detit.
IJ Paflsh Sh•re
Current cash flow al$ ath pwt ol Parbh Ywe to be gald ty flirea L
The 2024 fi8ure for Pansh Sha¢e was £30,482 tr1 onty £21.5 01 th15 Wa5 •b* tg be pald to Ihe DKK¢Se.
The balance ol P¥lsh share f•TraInIlS a moral no¢ • le8al Uabth.
14 P•rlsh Glvl
Our polKy has hisiofbu4y been that • IXOPtylJon of stewardshlp has been donated io l)ome mr$sn5 ènd overseas a.
More recenily. separate WK4r and Chuith Wardens. Char5 and Tn¢ Fund aCt(nIS hav* conbnuod w make grants as apwopriato
as do Social Comrnillee and some 8enefOUS kndi¥UalS Irom time io time.
15
## **Appendix to the Statement of Financial Activities**
## **Accounting Policies**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
## **Funds**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Incoming resources**
_Voluntary income and capital sources_ :
(1) Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
(2) Planned giving is recognised only when received.
(3) Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
(4) Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.
(5) Funds raised by fetes, garden parties and similar events are accounted for gross.
(6) Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.
_Other ordinary income_ : Rental income from the letting of the church premises is recognised when rent is due.
_Income from investments_ : Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.
_Gains and losses on investments_ : Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
## **Resources used**
_Grants:_ Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
_Activities directly relating to the work of the church:_ The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability.
_Prepayments:_ Prepayments below the threshold of £100 and non-recoverable payments less than £100 are generally treated as payment at the time rather than being apportioned over relevant years. **Fixed assets**
_Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings:_
(1) Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
(2) No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the statement of financial activities (SOFA) and separately disclosed.
16
_Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment:_ Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Items that have had no net book value for a clear financial year are retained on the inventory but no longer listed on the accounts.
The Bennett Centre depreciation policy provides that a financial reserve be built up by depreciating its capital contents. The depreciation would be calculated on items or group of like items with a purchase price in excess of £300.
_Investments:_ Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. _Current assets:_
- (1) Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
- (2) Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
## **Additional notes regarding accounting policies**
## **Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme**
Monies recoverable under this scheme have been identified as debtors to the parish until the monies are received. Changed policy includes a risk that not all claimable VAT expenditure will be subject of a grant in compensation. Whilst VAT expended which may be or is the subject of a claim will continue to be shown as debtors there will be a future risk of non-receipt. Such non-receipt will be shown as a bad debt within the accounts.
**Employment**
Persons employed (e.g. church administrator) and self-employed persons who contract to provide regular services (e.g. organists) have been grouped together for accounting purposes within salaries and honoraria. Such grouping together is of no bearing with regard to their employment status.
## **Reserves policy**
A formal reserves policy has been adopted suggesting that a working reserve of unrestricted funds of the order of half the annual parish share plus three to four months other ordinary turnover is vital to sustain sensible cash-flow management. This is reinforced by cash flow modelling of income and expenditure through the year.
A further factor in management of reserves is that at 1 Jan a substantial sum of additional reserve (of the order of 20% of projected project cost) is required in years where substantial capital expenditure is planned involving reclaim of VAT under the government Listed Places of Worship grant scheme as the VAT has to be paid first and reclaimed later with some uncertainty now as to whether funds will always be fully recoverable due to changes in government policy.
Successive years of running at a deficit exhausted unrestricted reserves, and the PCC is now aiming to develop a modest working reserve so that some of the many important or desirable capital works and mission initiatives previously unable to be funded by the general funds of the PCC can be taken forward.
The working reserve figure in line with our policy is £37,500 at 31 December 2024.
17
_**continued**_
## **Policy documents**
Policy documents – including a donations and fundraising policy document adopted in September 2014 – are available for inspection on request.
## **Risk Management**
The PCC identified the following principal risk categories. The issues arising under these categories are reviewed annually.
_**Financial risk** – the most common category of risk and it is possible to measure many nonfinancial risks in terms of financial impact. Financial risks can be managed through budgets and internal financial procedures as well as strategic business and development plans, and management accounts._
_**Reputational risk** – can have an impact on parishes if, for example, unwelcome publicity hinders the mission of the Church._
_**Statutory and legal requirements** – such as health and safety, employment law, Equality Act, Charities Act, safeguarding (Child Protection and vulnerable adults) and associated matters which could lead to substantial liabilities arising from claims or other legal action._
The PCC is committed to and is complying with the National Safeguarding Policies of the Church of England and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
A Fire Safety risk assessment and plan is in place.
The test of ‘reasonable’-ness in the Equalities Act, Disability Discrimination Act and similar duties with regard to Health and Safety clearly requires any organisation to exercise due diligence at all times. We have a responsibility to recognise, plan and implement response to these issues as a priority claim on resources.
First Aid provision, emergency procedures, exit routes and related matters need to be regularly reviewed and all sidesmen, stewards and other responsible persons kept up to date in training.
New General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) legislation came into force in 2018 (replacing the Data Protection Act), and the PCC has worked to take on board the implications of this new legislation with the Diocese providing training and support so that relevant changes in policies and procedures can be implemented.
The PCCs of our parish and our associated parish at Woodlands recommended to their APCMs that a joint Benefice Church Council be established to lead in oversight of statutory and legal requirements that affect them both and that Scheme was approved by Bishops Council in September 2018.
_**Operational risk** – relates to threats to the Church’s ability to deliver its objectives due, for example, to damage to the church building._
Steps have been taken to reduce risk in this area in relation to alarm systems, stewarding at times of higher risk, etc.
18
4kn1 D2. SthRwt•. Comm*(* A
FiF>Y*. Smfs•L aAs12PY
07573 £65
BERKELEY HALL
JOHNTHE BArfisTCHURC
FRO
PAROCIIIAL CHURCH COUNCJL
Report and financial stataTrts for year ended 3 IM December 2024
We BOA ArouanCY Limitd Vas Berkdey Hall of Unit I Southsai¢, Commerce
ParK FTom< repon rhat we have carried an examin3lioTr in accordance wilh ihe
Chur¢h A¢unlIng Regulalions 1998. Ihc r¢8ulations made under Part IV of thc
Charitics Aa 1993 and in accord wilh any applicable directions siven by the
charity commissioners.
In conneclion wilh ihis examinaiion. w¢ c confirm thi no maltsr hAs come lo our
allention whith w(yJld give m¢ reasonable cause to believe that in material
resped:
A)
The Council's accounlinB records have not been kept in xcordance wilh
Seaion 41 of the ChaTiiie5 Act 1993 and with above regulaiion
B}
Th* the accounts do n(x ¥xord with t15¢ r¢cord&
The slalemerti of a¢courts which have bcen Pfcpared on an accruals basis does
I mply with Y of the r¢quiremails.
No malt¢r h&5 come to my aitention which in ow opinion slKbuld be disck>sed in the
report in ord¢T to enable a proper underSRding io be reachejj.
S A Sinith ACA ATII
144/JS
## **Property notes**
## **Bennett Centre – St John's Church Hall**
The Bennett Centre was built in 1854 as a school on land partly the site of the former Grammar School (of Edward VI foundation) and partly land acquired by Vicar Bennett that had been occupied by a number of small poor-quality dwellings. Below the Centre the spring and cistern that lay within the courtyard of those properties remain, evidencing the 18th century ground level. The site is held by the PCC, having been acquired for £5 under a conveyance of 19th May 1961, and is subject to a reversion clause should it cease to be used as a Church Hall or for church purposes. The book value to the PCC of the property is therefore limited to the sum of £5. The Centre has been significantly improved over recent years with two of three intended phases of works now effectively complete.
## **Churchyard and Curtilage**
The ancient churchyard included the western half of the present nave and part of the present forecourt. The visible churchyard was officially closed for burials by Order in Privy Council in 1854 and the southern area substantially re-landscaped at that time. Somewhat irregularly, burials resumed and continued until the mid-20th century. The present-day care and maintenance of the (walled) churchyard, including trees, is the responsibility of the Somerset Council, although the PCC remains responsible for the structure of the Via Crucis. Interment of ashes within the churchyard is allowed within the area along the eastern edge of the main churchyard and the PCC has worked through the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) to remove the restriction that has been in place for some 30 years or so that such interments could not be marked in situ with memorial slabs.
## **Via Crucis**
The extension of the churchyard to include the Via Crucis in the 1860s is the subject of a memorandum of Agreement dated 25th of September 1856 between the then Marquess of Bath and the then Vicar and Churchwardens. The Via Crucis is Listed in its own right, and structural repair work has qualified for the LPWG Scheme. The steps in this area were in the past repaired by the then Mendip District Council working with Somerset County Council, and occasional services of 'Stations of the Cross' are now held at the Via Crucis.
## **Blindhouse**
The ‘Blindhouse’ in the corner of the southern churchyard appears to have been relocated to its position where what was Twattle Alley met Church Lane (as Blindhouse Lane was formerly known) in 1798. The re-ordered churchyard was consecrated in 1801 by the then Bishop of Bristol.
## **Forecourt**
The forecourt as now seen was formed in about 1818 when Bath Street was cut. It includes an area of the old churchyard and land formerly parochial glebe and other properties belonging to the Vicar and Churchwardens. It was cleared on the north side between 1815 and 1818 and on the south side between 1826 and 1837. Somerset Council maintains the highway through the forecourt under a licence agreement, and a further agreement from 1848 allows the owners of 8 Bath Street access to the rear of their property through the forecourt area.
## **Church Cottage**
The Cottage site was conveyed to the Vicar and Churchwardens from the Longleat Estate, and since its use as the Verger’s residence, it has been let in all or part to a variety of bodies. It has been managed by the PCC on behalf of the Vicar and Churchwardens and currently hosts Focus Counselling and provides office space including our own parish office, and some storage.
_Continued_
20
## **Church School**
The school site is formed from a total of six parcels of land originally the site of the Rectorial Manor House and Tithe Barn of Frome and now vested in the Diocesan Board of Trustees as holding trustees on behalf of the owners, the Vicar and Churchwardens. One parcel is held under the School sites act for educational purposes having been given by the Lamb Brewery in 1932, but the remainder were purchased at various dates from 1910 to 1918 and in 1939 and are all held for general church purposes.
## **Chancel repair liability**
By October 2013 all liability for Chancel Repair should be registered at the Land Registry as any land related liability remaining unregistered at that date will cease upon the next conveyance of that land.
Anciently the responsibility fell to Cirencester Abbey and was accepted by Longleat when they acquired the Rectory of Frome in the 16th century. Though Longleat is described as ‘impropriate Rector’ in the 1936 Tithe Act documentation, there is some lack of clarity concerning liability for Chancel Repair as it attached to the Rectorial Glebe of the parish and other properties listed in the relevant Schedule of Ascertainments. A lengthy and thorough period of investigations has revealed that the lands described as Rectorial Glebe in 1840 known as ‘Hewish’ near the present Frome station were acquired by the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway about 1846, and that area of land is now fragmented into a considerable number of separate ownerships. A copy of the Schedule of Ascertainments has also been obtained from the National Archives, and it lists several hundred parcels of land as having a proportionate liability. Many of these parcels have since that date been divided into further smaller parcels as development has taken place in the area.
In the light of guidance received through the Diocese and Church Commissioners, and following research as to the number of properties listed in the relevant Schedule of Ascertainments, the PCC decided in 2012 that no registration against properties in respect of Chancel Repair Liability will be made.
This decision has been made bearing in mind the administrative burden involved in identifying the many hundreds of properties that would be involved, the legal and other costs that would be incurred both in registration and in any future enforcement of the liability, and the reputational risk and pastoral consequences of registration against a substantial proportion of properties in the parish.
## **Christ Church Churchyard**
The northern extension to the churchyard at Christ Church was originally conveyed to the parish of Frome St John the Baptist.
## **Mary Baily Playing Field**
Although this field is vested in other parties and managed by the Town Council for recreational use by children, there is a clause in Mary Baily’s will specifying that upon any breach of the trust upon which the land is held it will then be given over to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Frome St John the Baptist with power of sale and any such proceeds to be held for the general purposes of the parish.
21
## **Committee reports**
## **Worship Committee**
This committee met throughout the Vacancy, under the careful guidance of the Revs Kevin Tingay and Ian Pearson who were the priests who not only celebrated many of our Eucharistic services but also provided pastoral support. We have continued to meet with our new Vicar, in fact we had our first meeting via Zoom before he was inducted. We are people involved in the practical aspects of our worship ‒ Clergy, Reader, representatives of Sacristy, Music and Flower teams, together with representatives of the congregation. But we also take time for an exchange of views about the purpose and nature of our worship. The notes from our meetings are presented to the PCC, sometimes for approval (the change of time for our principal Sunday service for example) and we occasionally report our deliberations in the parish magazine. Inevitably, there have been a number of changes since the arrival of Rev Seamus Hargrave, but we have enjoyed some lively meetings and are generally encouraged by the enthusiastic response of our congregation.
## _Janet Caudwell_
## **Pastoral Team**
This small group has, in the past, taken responsibility for keeping in touch with members of our church family: mostly people on the electoral roll, but with a some other additions. The idea was that no-one should slip away, unnoticed, and that everyone should feel cared for. This has worked well in the past, notably during the pandemic, and we have continued to keep each other in touch, mainly by email, when there are particular pastoral concerns. Probably the time has come to rethink the role and purpose of this team: we have a new Vicar and a new electoral roll _Janet Caudwell_
## **Social Committee**
This is another team, which has had a significant role in the past, but which has changed over the last few years. We used to have regular meetings to plan our fortnightly parish lunches and monthly Tea Time at St John’s meetings. Both these events have vanished from our parish schedule, to be replaced by the monthly mini-markets which provides impressive refreshments and our weekly Sunday evening services. The Social Committee meetings have been replaced (with very much the same personnel attending ) by occasional fund raising meetings at which Festival events and coffee mornings are organised. Other social events (for example bring and share Harvest Lunches and the thank you event at the end of the Vacancy) tend to be of the ‘pop up’ variety and happen without the need of meetings!
## _Janet Caudwell_
22
## **Stewardship**
As ever, we are extremely grateful to all of you who donate regularly to our income.
The planned stewardship review took place as part of Generosity Week in September 2024, and we are delighted to report that as a result the planned giving total for St John’s has increased by 25% to £24,900 per annum.
Last year we reported that we had joined the Parish Giving scheme (PGS), which meant that for the first time we could offer Direct Debit as a method of giving – it also has the advantage that PGS do the administration of claiming the Gift Aid on our behalf. Disappointingly, only a few members of our congregation have joined the scheme this year, but those that have say they have found it convenient and efficient, and we very much hope more will join in the future.
Thank you all for your continued support.
_Mandy Crook, Stewardship treasurer_
## **Bennett Centre (St John’s Church Hall)**
The overall level of use and so income, has held up well during 2024 despite losing all of our regular under 5 play groups (partly due to the Government funding nursery places for 2 year olds which reduced the number of children coming to playgroups). We have one new regular taking one of those freed up slots but still with greater use of the Cloister can cater for more groups.
The letting income and some generous donations and a grant have allowed us to install the first of the new glass Cloister doors and given opportunity to trial and finalise the cloister yard paving arrangement and steps down through the cloister gate. We have also been able to fund blinds at the side windows of the Great hall, although they were only installed in early 2025.
We have also continued to make provision to fund a new central heating boiler which we think will be required before the end of 2025 and also allow preparations for improvements to the main toilets.
Mandy Crook continues to battle for new sources of grant funding as we look to finish the yard and introduce the disabled access lifts. Our thanks to her for her efforts there.
Finally, our particular thanks to Lloyd Carey who volunteers as our booking officer. His efforts enable the hire income but also draw the flak from hirers for anything which goes adrift.
_Pete Connew_
_Management Committee, Bennett Centre_
23
## **Charity/Trust funds Income and expenditure accounts 2024**
## _Notes:_
_1. For information only – these do not form part of the PCC’s annual report._
_2. Some of the Trusts and Charities result from the merging of a number of smaller old Trusts and Charities and the descriptive wording relating to purpose for which held is indicative rather than being a full statement of the purposes for which the relevant funds may be applied._
24