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2021-12-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number 1133947

St Lawrence Church Parochial Church Council Lechlade

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the

Year ended 31 December 2021

Table of Contents

Information ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Information ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Strategic Report ................................................................................................................................. 4
1. Background ............................................................................................................................... 4
2 PCC Membership ...................................................................................................................... 4
3. Committees ............................................................................................................................... 4
4 Church Attendance .................................................................................................................... 4
5 Vicar’s Report ............................................................................................................................ 4
6 Churchwardens’ Report ............................................................................................................. 6
7 Safeguarding Report ................................................................................................................. 6
8. Response to the Pandemic ....................................................................................................... 6
9 Cirencester Deanery Synod ...................................................................................................... 7
9.1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 7
9.2
Strategic Planning: ten years to 2030.............................................................................. 8
9.3
Lay Worship Leaders ...................................................................................................... 8
9.4
Parish Share ................................................................................................................... 8
10 Church Mission and Ministry ..................................................................................................... 8
10.1 Bible Study groups .......................................................................................................... 8
10.1.1 Monday evening Bible Study Group .................................................................... 8
10.1.2 Men’s Bible Study ................................................................................................ 8
10.1.3 Monday Evening Study and Fellowship Group .................................................... 9
10.1.4 Thursday Evening House group .......................................................................... 9
10.1.5 Women’s Bible Fellowship ................................................................................... 9
10.2 St. Lawrence Youth and Children’s Ministry .................................................................... 9
10.2.1 Sunday discipleship ............................................................................................. 9
10.2.1 Midweek and community outreach .................................................................... 10
10.2.3 Little Lights. Pram service/ baby and toddler play group .................................. 10
10.3 South Cotswold Team Youth Ministry ........................................................................... 10
10.3.1 Schools work ..................................................................................................... 10
10.3.2 Sunday services ................................................................................................ 11
10.3.3 Other youth work ............................................................................................... 11
10.4 St. Lawrence School ..................................................................................................... 11
10.4.1 Open the Book .................................................................................................. 12
10.5 Music ............................................................................................................................. 12
10.5.1 St Lawrence Church Choir - a year of two halves.............................................. 12
10.5.2 St Lawrence Music Group ................................................................................. 13

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10.6 World Church Committee .............................................................................................. 13
10.7 Mothers’ Union .............................................................................................................. 13
10.8 St. Lawrence Bell Ringing ............................................................................................. 13
11 Church Support to Ministry ...................................................................................................... 14
11.1 Restoration and Maintenance Appeal Committee ......................................................... 14
11.2 Project Inspire ............................................................................................................... 14
11.3 Fabric ............................................................................................................................ 14
11.4 Eco Church Group......................................................................................................... 15
11.4.1 Climate Sunday ................................................................................................. 15
11.4.2 Eco Church Award............................................................................................. 15
11.4.3 Churchyard ........................................................................................................ 15
12 Financial and other Statutory Information .................................................................... 16
12.1 Statement of Trustees Responsibilities ......................................................................... 16
12.2 Risk Management ......................................................................................................... 16
12.3 Investment Policy .......................................................................................................... 16
12.4 Voluntary Help ............................................................................................................... 16
12.5 Transactions and Financial Position .............................................................................. 16
13 Independent Examiners Report to the Parochial Church Council of Lechlade ........................ 18
Statement of Financial Activities ................................................................................... 19
Balance sheet ............................................................................................................... 20
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16/02/2022 and signed on its behalf by: ......... 20
Fund movement by Fund .............................................................................................. 25
Analysis of income and expenditure .............................................................................. 26

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Information

ation
Parish Vicar Revd Dr Andrew Cinnamond
Churchwardens Richard Bell
Susan Holmes
Parochial Church Council Richard Akroyd
Paul Cobb
Nigel Jones
Denver Keegan
Gordon Land
Deanery Synod Representatives David Corris
Vicky Jones
David Williams
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc
Lloyds Bank Plc
Independent Examiner David White

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Strategic Report

1.

Background

St Lawrence Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Parish Vicar, the Revd. Andrew Cinnamond, promoting in the parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelical and social. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building, Church Cottage, and the investment property.

2

PCC Membership

Members of the PCC who are also trustees of the charity for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011 are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, and in accordance with the Church Representation Rules are elected for a three-year period.

The following served as Members of the PCC during the year:

Parish Vicar Revd Dr Andrew Cinnamond Churchwardens Richard Bell Susan Holmes Representatives of the Deanery Synod and therefore Ex-officio Members David Corris Vicky Jones (Secretary) David Williams Elected Members Richard Akroyd Paul Cobb Nigel Jones Denver Keegan Ex-officio Gordon Land Revd Dr Gareth Griffith (Curate)

3. Committees

The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. It comprises the Vicar, Church Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary.

4 Church Attendance

There were 152 parishioners on the Church Electoral roll.

The average Sunday attendance was 98 adults and 10 children. Services have also been streamed live throughout the year from the church, and this will continue; an average of 24 people have viewed the whole service.

During the year, the church held services for 4 baptisms, 4 weddings and 10 funerals, with 4 funerals just at the crematorium.

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Vicar’s Report

The past year has been one of great challenge and uncertainty. None of us have lived through a pandemic and we are, to use a much over-used metaphor, in ‘uncharted territory’. We have done this before! We have no examples to follow, or experience to lean on. There has not always been clear guidance from either government or church authorities. As a result, the

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church has been trying to steer a sure path between being too hesitant and frightened on the one hand, and too bullish and overconfident on the other. Thank you for your prayers, as together with our wonderful wardens, Richard and Susan, and the Parochial Church Council, we have prayerfully tried to do what is best for the vast majority of the church family and wider community.

Church is not like any other hobby or leisure interest. It is a meeting place of God’s People on earth. It is the place where we experience God’s grace through Word and sacrament. It is an outpost of God’s Kingdom on earth. It is, despite all its frailty and divisions, a foretaste of our heavenly home. It is God’s hospital, a place of healing, restoring and new life. It has been my intention to resume ‘normal’ church life as soon as legally possible after national restrictions and lockdowns. For all the blessing and advantages of meeting online, zoom calls etc., it does not replace the vitality and warmth of real, personal, physical interaction one with another. We have put restrictions and procedures in place (open doors for ventilation, keeping a maskwearing zone in our church building etc.) to allow as many people to worship together as possible. God has greatly blessed and encouraged us over the past few very difficult yearsattendance has been remarkably consistent, with new people joining us; our finances have not been badly hit, so that we have broken even each year, and we can still afford to give 10% of our income to our world mission partners.

The mission of the local church therefore goes on. People still need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. People still need all the practical support and love we can give them. I have been so aware over the past year of the toll that Covid has taken on people’s lives, with increased anxiety and stress, a huge increase in mental health problems, marriage and family breakdown, and financial hardship. It has never been more important for the local church to be a visible witness to God’s love for them in Christ.

To that end we continue our plans for our ‘Inspire’ re-ordering project, seeking to make our wonderful Grade 1 listed building suitable for a whole new generation of worshippers, with better accessibility, flexibility, heating, lighting, AV provision, all with our environmental responsibilities upper most in our minds. We also continue our planning and training for the ‘Seeds of Faith’ parish mission in September 2022. This will be a coordinated time of outreach in the church and different venues across Lechlade. Sunday sermons and Lent course resources will help us to make the most of being Christians in whatever circumstances or situation we find ourselves in - we all have our ‘frontlines’ where we are disciples. As a church we are also planning to have another holiday club during the summer, building on our links with our church school. In all these things, we are not standing still.

We realise that going to church is now a very alien concept to most people around us and in Britain as a whole. We need to be even more imaginative and flexible in our approach if we want to enable local people to consider the claims of Jesus Christ for them. Sitting back and waiting for people to visit our Sunday services is not an option. The Church of England as a whole is facing very significant challenges in the form of declining attendance, reduced income, and a reduction in the number of stipendiary clergy. St. Lawrence, Lechlade is certainly not immune from these wider factors, and it will become ever more important to co-ordinate resources, focus our priorities, and to train lay people to take a much more active role in the local church, including leading services. We are greatly blessed to be a training parish and we welcomed Revd Gareth Griffith as our curate, together with his wife, Sonia and children Vaughan and Myfanwy. It is always encouraging to see how God is still calling people to serve Him, including in the ordained ministry.

It is very easy to become disillusioned and cynical when we see the world around us, and just focus on the problems and the obstacles to be overcome. However, we are Christians. We

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are the people of God. We have a hope that transcends all the plotting and machinations of this present world. We are exiles in this present world, and we live by faith until we reach our true home on Heaven. Until then we have job to do. We are to be salt and light in the very different situations the Lord has placed us in. We are to be like yeast working silently and powerfully in a batch of dough, spreading Kingdom values. We are disciples of Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace. As a church family, we strive towards that goal, asking for God to strengthen and encourage us in that task. I am so grateful that God called me to this place and to this ministry. I am so grateful for the many, many people who labour so faithfully to help our mission. I look forward to journeying alongside you in faith.

Yours in Jesus Christ’s service,

Andrew Cinnamond

Vicar

6 Churchwardens’ Report

During the last year, Covid has continued to play an ‘active’ part in the workings of St Lawrence. However, we been blessed that the church has remained open over the last year and a team of people has worked hard to ensure it is clean and welcoming for services and visitors.

We are so thankful for everyone who has contributed to the life of the church in what has proved to be another challenging year. Many of our congregation have been unable to attend services and we have tried to make sure they continue to feel part of the church family through regular newsletters and updates. Lesley Uzzell, the Parish Administrator has continued to provide our much-needed office support and during the year she has helped with the organisation of detail that enables the church to function; we are grateful for all that she contributes to the life of our church.

After nine years as churchwarden, Richard has decided to retire at this year’s APCM. It has been a very enjoyable time, though sometimes, fraught with unforeseen problems. He wishes his successor well for his or her new position.

Richard Bell – Churchwarden

Susan Holmes - Churchwarden

7 Safeguarding Report

Lesley Uzzell has recently taken over as Parish Safeguarding Officer (please note that this will not be part of her role as Parish Administrator). There will be training undertaken in the next few months as well as hand over with Pat Scott. If anyone has any safeguarding queries, please do contact Lesley.

The PCC reviewed, amended, and reissued the safeguarding policy. It has also undertaken to conduct a further review to enable it to be more meaningful to St Lawrence. There have been no Safeguarding issues this year.

Response to the Pandemic

Again, this year the PCC continued to manage its response to the pandemic as a gradual easing of restrictions enabled services to be held in church and a greater degree of normality to resume. Much effort went into managing the risk predicated upon a robust risk assessment. Measures included provision of hand sanitising, social distancing practices, additional ventilation and altered means of sharing communion. Overall, good practice was followed week by week and included good cooperation at events such as funerals when many people who were unfamiliar with the church used the building. As we enter 2022, some residual practices

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will continue to be recommended so that the risk is managed and, importantly, all members of our church community can feel confident to return to services and other events.

9 Cirencester Deanery Synod

9.1 Introduction

Cirencester Deanery Synod is formed of more than 45 parishes situated between Lechlade and Shipton Moyne and from Elkstone or Birdlip to the Wiltshire border. The Synod comprises all stipendiary incumbents and nominated lay representatives proportionate to the size of their respective parish. Thus, small parishes nominate a single representative whilst those with larger Usual Sunday Attendances may have 2, 3 or 4 members normally appointed for a triennium.

Officers of the Cirencester Deanery Synod in 2021:

ennium.
ficers of the Cirencester Deanery Synod in 2021:
ennium.
ficers of the Cirencester Deanery Synod in 2021:
Post
Area Dean Revd Canon Poppy Hughes (resigned
as Area Dean 31.12.2021)
Lay Chair George Collins
Deputy Lay Chair Revd Dr Andrew Cinnamond
Parish Share Apportionment Officer Nick Mitchell (resigned January 2021)
Safeguarding Officer Jackie Colburn
Secretary Michael Spittle

In 2022, the functions of the Area Dean were apportioned between the Revd. Dr Andrew Cinnamond, Revd. Canon Graham Morris, Revd. Canon John Swanton, and Revd. Val Thorne. The arrangement is subject to review after six months.

Some parishes have not identified lay representatives although, in several of these, local church officers have agreed to receive the Deanery’s publications and minutes. In brief, the Deanery Synod is a link between parishes and the Gloucester Diocesan Synod, which also explores the objectives of Diocesan Vision and informs its members of items of interest, as an example, financial affairs, governorship of CofE schools or safeguarding. It also forms the electorate of the Gloucester Diocesan and General Synods of the Church of England.

Three meetings were successfully held during the year through zoom. These continued to focus on the strategic planning of human, physical and electronic resources for the delivery of Mission throughout the ten years to 2030. Key parts of the discussions were proposals to deflect the consequences of a future reduction in the availability of clergy numbers, the potential fall in churches’ income and the use of technology, especially during the times when church buildings have been closed for any form of worship. Through its two-way link between Diocese and Parishes, general advisory business on (i) the policies and procedures for Safeguarding arrangements, (ii) Parish Share apportionment, and (iii) on the General Data Protection Regulations 2016 (GDPR) were addressed. Environmental issues and the abuse of our planet remained in the agenda as Eco-Church initiatives were explored by some parishes. Finally, reports on proceedings of the General Synod and of the Gloucester Diocesan Synod were received.

One lay member of the Deanery Synod is also a member of General Synod while nine others are in membership of the Gloucester Diocesan Synod.

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9.2 Strategic Planning: ten years to 2030

As reported previously, Deaneries across the Gloucester Diocese have been asked to develop plans that would shape Future Ministry during the ensuing ten years. These were expected to take account of (i) clergy retirements that numerically outstrip recruitment entailing the loss of at least one member of clergy in each deanery; (ii) reductions in parish income and (iii) any lessons learned from the coronavirus lockdowns for alternative forms of Ministry. Against these factors, Deanery Synod determined its principles as: Ministry rooted in our local community; (ii) vibrant lay ministry and leadership; (iii) church families focused outwards on the people and the communities they serve; and (iv) redefining the role of clergy in a new landscape. Synod meetings concentrated on the benefits and potential pitfalls that might be found in the

Last autumn, Archdeacons noted that the significant impact of draft plans determined the need of a coordinated approach throughout the nine Deaneries that formed the Diocese. To assist in this method of strategic planning, professional consultants with Church ministry experience were appointed. Their work was in progress while this report was compiled. Costs of the consultancy were financed from Diocesan funds other than through the Parish Share revenue.

9.3 Lay Worship Leaders

Deanery Synod was pleased to learn of the training and commissioning of nine new lay worship leaders in January 2022.

9.4 Parish Share

The Diocese expressed thanks for the prompt payment of Parish Share throughout another troubled year. Deanery Officers similarly compliment, and empathise with, the 47 parishes for this support. Some 98 per cent of Parish Commitments within the Deanery had been paid to the Diocese during 2021; this amounted to £888,487.

Michael Spittle March 2022

Secretary to Cirencester Deanery Synod m.spittle46@btinternet.com

10 Church Mission and Ministry

10.1 Bible Study groups

10.1.1 Monday evening Bible Study Group

For the first half of the year, we met online to study the book of Titus and then some psalms. In May 12 members enjoyed a tea party in the Bainbridges’ garden. We resumed face to face meetings in the autumn studying the book of James

10.1.2 Men’s Bible Study

The group has continued to meet fortnightly, in person when Covid rules permitted and online at other times. We meet fortnightly for a time of fellowship, prayer, and bible study. Last year we studied the book of Hebrews and then went back to the beginning and started looking at Genesis, which has continued into this year. We are always open to new members and meet on a Tuesday evening at David Corris’s house. Please contact David (01367 253276) if you are interested in joining.

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10.1.3 Monday Evening Study and Fellowship Group

Our group has met through the past year with some consistency, comprises of 12 participants and has convened sometimes by Zoom and in person which was been a much-welcomed experience.

We have followed two series of studies. The first ‘Wisdom for the whole of life’ based on Proverbs. (Produced by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity). The 6 guided sessions helped us review our perspectives on the book of Proverbs and the writer helped to bring Proverbs alive with working examples of their application in our everyday lives. The second series, not yet quite completed, is ‘The Church is born’ following Acts 1-12. (Produced by The Good Book Guide). It is a stimulating series that takes us through some of the key landmarks of the young church and explores its opportunities along with its growing pains.

We benefit from a range of leaders who facilitate the sessions, and their different styles provide a variety of learning experiences for us all. For further details, please contact Geoff Holmes.

10.1.4 Thursday Evening House group

Having been part of the online study groups throughout lockdown, we decided to continue to meet as a separate House group – amalgamating two ‘break-out’ groups into one with a total of 10 members.

We continued to meet online each Thursday evening studying firstly, Titus, using Tim Chester’s booklets ‘Titus The Good Life’, and then looked at Acts with the help of John Stott’s book ‘Acts – Seeing the Spirit at Work.’ When lockdown rules were lifted, we meet together in person! This included starting with coffee and biscuits and praying together at the end of the meeting. We have just finished studying 12 parables of Jesus, using John White’s booklets ‘The Greatest Stories Ever Told’. It has been a joy to share fellowship together and we have all grown in our understanding of God’s word and its application to our daily lives.

10.1.5 Women’s Bible Fellowship

Continued on Zoom from January- July, we studied the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments, including looking at the Trinity, After Easter we studied Jeremiah linked to the sermon series. From September, we have managed to meet in person in St. Lawrence Church, where we are able to split into 2 groups with an average of 10 in each group most weeks. We have studied the gospels of Luke and John. We have been especially encouraged by welcoming new members.

10.2 St. Lawrence Youth and Children’s Ministry

10.2.1 Sunday discipleship

After all the restrictions on children's activities during Covid, we are so glad to report that during 2021 God has enabled us to make the long, slow transition back to in-person groups. At the beginning of the year, Sunday activities consisted of activity packs for primary age children within 10am church services and some 'zoom' meetings for secondary age.

By June we were able to restart monthly physical groups for ‘Stars’ (3-6s), ‘Planets’ (7-10s) and ‘The Grid’ (10-16s), growing to twice monthly in September, and now back to a full rota of 10 am groups. We are particularly pleased to have welcomed both new adult team members and new children to our groups in this time. Our younger groups have enjoyed a series of stories of 'Meals with Jesus', and our older group are currently exploring 'Faith on the Frontline' in parallel with Sunday services.

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10.2.1 Midweek and community outreach

After a long pause whilst schools needed to restrict mixing to mitigate against Covid, we were delighted to restart the weekly 'Explorers' after-school club at St Lawrence CofE Primary School after autumn half term. 30 children drawn from every year group in the school meet for Bible stories, songs, videos, and activities building upon the excellent work done through 'Open the Book' and school worship. It has been wonderful to see children we have not seen for nearly 2 years returning to the club, as well as getting to know new families.

In the community, we have built upon the lockdown experiences of needing to find new ways to reach out to families in Lechlade. Members of St Lawrence church hosted an 'Experience Easter' interactive churchyard trail exploring the Easter story, and organised Lechlade Pumpkin Trail, in which many church and wider community members decorated pumpkins and welcomed families. The offer of hot chocolate, popcorn and Christian gift bags enabled us to engage with over 80 children in the yard of Church Cottage. We are so thankful for the way the church family has supported these outreach efforts.

10.2.3 Little Lights. Pram service/ baby and toddler play group

Our pre-school group started back in September after not meeting for 18 months on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Wednesdays but not in school holidays. We warmly welcome pre-school children with parents/ carers. We have an informal service with music, stories, prayers and follow on with refreshments /toys/craft. Each child has a name card with attendance stickers.

We have a small Mothers’ Union team who run it. Gareth has joined our team and is a great asset and such an enthusiastic supporter!

10.3 South Cotswold Team Youth Ministry

10.3.1 Schools work

School opportunities have been varied during the last 12 months ranging from an open door ‘as long as the school is open’ to a closed door for all outside visitors. After limited contact beyond online support in the early months of 2021, I have forged very positive relations in the latter part of the year so that I serve 4 primary schools on a weekly basis (Lechlade, Kempsford, Ampney Crucis and Meysey Hampton). In each the (voluntary) attendance is very good (75100% generally) and the pupils engage well on topics such as Happiness, Forgiveness and New Starts. The intention is to build resilience and forge deeper relations in advance of secondary school. In addition, I have taken Collective Worship sessions at most of the primary schools ranging from online (Zoom and pre-recorded) messages initially to in person visits in more recent times.

All the primary schools welcomed a summer class assembly visit to distribute It’s Your Move booklets (largely paid for by local parishes) and speak to the y6s about their forthcoming move to secondary school and the pupils engaged well and expressed their hopes and concerns with great honesty. Never has the need to support the pupils and staff of our local schools been more relevant than this last year! One head teacher candidly explained than the many disruptions had left the y6s far less equipped for secondary school life than would be expected.

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I was able to follow up the transition assembly with another four visits during the summer term, aiding with the final preparation for this huge upheaval for many pupils.

It is key to continuity to continue a presence at secondary school and for much of the year, I was able to offer mentoring support as well as a weekly club at Farmors. For around half a dozen boys per week, this involved a short check in on their well-being where anxiety levels amongst pupils was higher than ever due to all the disruption. Sadly, Farmors have decided to alter their policy towards a more ‘in-house approach’, so my weekly involvement has been reduced to an all-aged club, well attended by around 20 pupils. Dialogue continues with heads of year and again we were able to give out Christmas food hampers and gifts to 13 needy families (school-identified) where ‘the church’ was seen to be visible in a very practical and caring way.

10.3.2 Sunday services

I endeavour to regularly visit churches from across the team, supporting clergy and updating congregations on our youth work through sharing encouragements, prayer needs and vision for the future. In addition, I take the opportunity to preach, lead prayers and chat to interested parties wherever possible. Once a month, I’m also committed to co-lead the Grid group in Lechlade where the youth of our team gather for bible study and discussion.

10.3.3 Other youth work

Our Tuesday evening bible study group, Quench, continues to provide for the spiritual needs of our teenagers with 5 of the group being confirmed during the very special service conducted by Bishop Robert in October. We have 2 residential trips in the diary including one next month where we will seek to include the coming y6s for the first time to have a ‘taster’ of the venue. We have invited all of St Lawrence y6 and are hopeful that several will make that first step towards engaging with our programme for secondary school age as we evolve the work.

We have also quickly established a children’s club in Kempsford run weekly on a Wednesday evening. For older group members we are hopeful of a return to Romania this summer and are currently exploring dates while being mindful of international concerns

I would like to close with a huge thank you to the volunteers who give their time so sacrificially to stand alongside me in body and prayer to support and nurture these young lives in so many contexts. Together we lift them to the Lord who we trust will continue the good work in their hearts and minds.

Future Dates:

10.4 St. Lawrence School

The strong link between St. Lawrence church and school has been maintained despite the ongoing challenges and restrictions. We have found new ways of working and supporting the school as they have dealt with the impact of Covid and the resulting constraints. The Local Governing Body, which includes six foundation governors and the vicar, continued to meet remotely as visits to school have been limited.

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During the year, the Gloucester based iSing Pop team, who work with primary schools to enable them to connect with the wider church and community through collective worship, spent time in school preparing the pupils for two lively performances in church. We continue to support and pray for Mr. Soutar, the headmaster , the staff team, the pupils, and the governors as they work hard and achieve together.

10.4.1 Open the Book

The team found creative ways to present the Bible stories to the children in St Lawrence School. These included the team dressing up and acting out some stories to be filmed for the school to use. When restrictions lifted, we were able to resume working with the children, first filming some bible stories with Year 6, shared with the whole school in the Summer and then, in the autumn term, presenting Open the Book to the whole school assembly.

10.5 Music

10.5.1 St Lawrence Church Choir - a year of two halves.

The first half of the year was all about our young choristers. From May, there were no restrictions on the number of young singers who could attend rehearsals, but there were still some on the number who were permitted to sing in services. This meant that the presentation of awards was spread over two services.

At the end of May David Bainbridge admitted Hannah and Tom as full choristers (where they received their surplices) and Sophie received her Dark Blue Ribbon, Tia and Isis their Dean’s Award and Annabelle her Bishop’s Award. The following week Gordon Land presented Barnaby, Hannah and Lily with their Light Blue Ribbons and Isis and Tia with their Red Ribbons. Unfortunately, Ben was unable to attend this service to receive his Bishop’s Award. These awards not only reflect their singing ability, but also show not only an understanding of the services and music in the church, but also the features of the church building.

Before their summer break these hardworking choristers whose on-line attendance at on-line chorister training throughout lockdown had been exemplary, were rewarded with a surfing adventure to The Wave in Bristol. In the second half of the year the adult singers were able to return and on 5[th] September the full choir sang for a very special Evensong. After ten years as a loyal member of the choir it was Isis’s final service, with the music chosen by her, before leaving to begin her university course in Falmouth.

The choir was also privileged to lead the singing at the services on Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Day and for a Candlemas evensong in St Andrew’s, Eastleach. The Advent and Christmas Carol services were also wonderful services to be part of and it is always a great pleasure to welcome back former choristers on these days. At the end of the Nine Lessons and Carols service, our Curate, Gareth Griffith, asked all the congregation to remain seated to enjoy Anne Crow’s final voluntary. Both she and our Evensong organist, Diana Lee-Browne, were retiring and we thanked them for their dedication and loyal service for a combined total of over 25 years. They were presented with gifts and bouquets by the senior choristers.

A few weeks earlier at a Friday practice, Rachel was surprised with another presentation, of flowers and a compilation of recorded video messages from former choristers from all over the country in which they shared their favourite memories of their time in the choir. This was a delightful surprise that acknowledged her huge commitment and leadership of the choir for twenty-one years.

Rachel Bath

Choir Director

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10.5.2 St Lawrence Music Group

The music group continues to lead music, with instrumentalists and singers using a wide range of both traditional and more contemporary hymns/songs led by Geoff Holmes and Kate Cinnamond. Others are always welcome to join us.

10.6 World Church Committee

We continue to support, pray for, and learn from Christians around the world. In December 2021, we sent a total of £9,500 from the PCC to our World Church Links.:

We continue to support in prayer Ram Prasad and Keshari (from Nepal), who are sharing their faith among ethnic minorities in the neighbourhood of Rochdale, UK.

10.7 Mothers’ Union

We have a thriving branch with 50 members from Lechlade, Fairford and Faringdon. Most members have returned to monthly afternoon meetings at the hall or quarterly evening meetings at Kathy Newton’s after COVID lockdown online gatherings. The ‘solid’ committee work hard and try to plan interesting speakers, discussions, and trips out. They try to keep members informed about MU worldwide, involve them in local projects helping families through prayer, practical help and fund raising.

We support each other through friendship, fellowship, and prayer. We like to involve ourselves in Church life when possible and in our communities too. We give out Baptism bears, wedding cross in pockets and Bible Story books to children connected to Church when they start school. We were pleased to help a Duke of Edinburgh student with her volunteering work in Summer. The Queen is our patron and we have already sent her a card for her platinum anniversary!

We give heartfelt thanks for over 120 years of MU in Lechlade. We thank God for the vision of Mary Sumner our founder who gathered women to be a wave of prayer to take the love of Christ into their homes and families and those we meet.

10.8 St. Lawrence Bell Ringing

Due to the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic there is still little to report at a time when ringing was allowed, we were further hindered by the disrepair of the Sanctus bell. However, despite these and other setbacks we still have a functioning band of dedicated ringers for St Lawrence and happily our youngest members Alexander and Evelyn Smith are making excellent progress with their ringing skills. Many heartfelt thanks to all for your ongoing support and dedication.

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11 Church Support to Ministry

11.1 Restoration and Maintenance Appeal Committee

As in 2020, the activities of the St Lawrence Restoration and Maintenance Appeal were severely curtailed in 2021. It was hoped to hold a Christmas Concert but due to the onset of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, this was cancelled.

We hope to be able to recommence activities in 2022.

Mike Keegan

Chairman of St Lawrence Church Restoration and Maintenance Appeal

11.2 Project Inspire

A delegation from the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) visited St Lawrence church in April. The DAC was impressed with our presentation of the proposals and expressed their content with the principles of the proposed scheme. Elements of the proposals were discussed in detail.

The proposals were presented to parishioners and the church community in September. A video summarised the proposals and was shown to all who attended the presentation in the church. A sample of chairs was provided for all to inspect and comment on preferences. All visitors to the presentation we asked to complete a questionnaire to express their views on the design proposals. We had an excellent response with over 80% of regular churchgoers expressing support of the proposals. A summary of the report is available on the website. Thank you to all who took the time to respond.

The south door has been reopened after several decades of closure. The door is thought to be the original from the 15[th] Century and is in reasonable condition. We plan to carry out restoration work so the door can be regularly used.

We have agreement with the DAC and Heritage England to relay the cobbled section of Shelley’s Walk to provide an even path for all abilities. It is planned to carry out the work in summer 2022 by Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) which is responsible for its maintenance. Funding is mainly from GCC with grants from the Lechlade Heritage and Development Trust and Lechlade Town Council.

The Working Group met 11 times in the year. We informed the church community through Newsletters and plan further issues through 2022.

Nigel Jones

Chairman Project Inspire

11.3 Fabric

The fabric of St Lawrence is handled by Richard Bell as Churchwarden assisted by some members of the congregation. During the last year, we have carried out work in the churchyard, by way of removing some yew trees, and various large bushes – the result has been to openup the main Centre area along Shelley’s Walk. Also, a small group of people have very kindly planted numerous spring flowering bulbs, mainly on the north side of the pathway. Our grass cutting team have performed very well and last summer, the churchyard looked superb.

The internal workings of the church continue to give ‘un-planned’ problems – these usually being the interruption of lighting or the ingress of rainwater in very heavy storms. One of these areas was repaired with new sub timbers and lead sheeting along the top of the west of the tower.

Page 14

The Sanctus bell had to be removed, due to its wooden mountings becoming dangerous through age and rotten timbers, it is currently in store.

11.4 Eco Church Group

11.4.1 Climate Sunday

In July, we held a Climate Sunday service, when we invited Dr Martin Hodson to preach on “Climate Change”, in preparation for the focus on the UN Climate Conference COP26 in November.

11.4.2 Eco Church Award

We are hoping to reach the required level for a Silver Award in 2022.

11.4.3 Churchyard

In the summer, we had a family friendly nature hunt. We were very lucky to be helped by Stevie, who at that point worked for the Glos Wildlife Trust. She had many helpful ideas for children’s activities which included plant identification and bark rubbing, and she brought children’s binoculars and lots of interesting artefacts like mouse skulls and birds’ nests.

The Eco Patch in the churchyard has been extended slightly.

In November, Barbara McNaught arranged for a band of volunteers to plant bulbs in several areas, bearing in mind the current areas which are mowed. They planted 1000 purple croci tommasinianus, which should slowly increase and naturalise if they are happy. Though unfortunately squirrels love crocus bulbs and quite a few have been dug up and eaten.

The two bare patches where the trees were felled have been cleared, levelled and re-seeded. The grass seed has germinated well. There is plenty of seed left to reseed the areas where some of the other shrubs have been removed.

We look forward to seeing the results of this planting in Spring 2022.

Page 15

12 Financial and other Statutory Information

12.1 Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: -

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, The Charity (Accounts & Reports) Regulations 2008 and Church Accounting Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud.

When planning our activities for the year, the PCC. considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in particular, the specific guidance to charities concerned with the advancement of religion.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements

12.2 Risk Management

The PCC actively reviews the major risks and challenges generated within the church by means of its regular meetings. Approval is required for all key operational and financial decisions.

12.3 Investment Policy

It is the policy of the PCC. to invest fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.

12.4 Voluntary Help

The PCC wishes to express their gratitude to the many volunteers who help in so many ways in the various activities of the church and who provide support to the PCC.

12.5 Transactions and Financial Position

The Statement of Financial Activities displays a summary of the Analysis of Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2021. The key performance indicators are as follows: -

Page 16

The principal funding sources of the church activities continues to be regular gifts and donations from members of the congregation, supplemented by grants from outside bodies and legacies.

Following a difficult two years, the PCC are pleased to see the increase in regular giving however, the PCC. are aware of the ongoing pressure of cost increases and will strive to ensure sufficient liquidity on the unrestricted funds.

Income was also generated from the letting of fixed asset properties.

The reserves of the charity stand at £798,753 (2020 £802,861). General purpose funds, which include buildings and the designated funds amounts to £569,762 (2020 £568,271), restricted funds, which includes funds for capital projects, restoration, maintenance, and fabric amounts to £222,449 (2020 £228,449) and endowment fund amounts to £6,762 (2020 £6,141).

Approved by the PCC. on 16 / 03 / 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Revd. Andrew Cinnamond

Date: 8 May 2022

Page 17

13 Independent Examiners Report to the Parochial Church Council of Lechlade

Report to

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:- D White Dated:- 31 March 2022

David White

The White House 52 Roman Way

Lechlade

Gloucestershire GL7 3BP

Page 18

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Incoming resources
Voluntary income
Activities for generating funds
Investment income
Incoming resources from charitable activities
Total income
Resources used
Costs of generating funds
Fundraising: cost of goods sold and other costs
Charitable activities
Governance costs
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains / losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
REPRESENTED BY:-
Unrestricted
General fund
Designated
Perrinsfield House
Restricted
Audio/visual
Bells Appeal Fund
Brownrigg Fund
Choir Fund
Hardship Fund
Mission Fund
Fabric Appeal
H Arnold Memorial Fund
Project Inspire
Reordering (West end) Fund
Restoration and Maintenance Fund
Services Fund
Endowment
H Arnold Memorial Fund
Total funds carried forward
115,095

6,300

121,395
120,379
8,656

553

9,209
7,649
25

264

289
956
2,782



2,782
2,445
126,558

7,117

133,675
131,429





259
113,200

13,307

126,507
129,733
11,767

130

11,897
10,898
124,967

13,437

138,404
140,890
1,591

(6,320)

(4,729)
(9,461)

1,252
352

1,604
254
(1,300)
(52)
(252)

(1,604)
(254)



621
621
244





166,000
(1300)
1,200
100
621
621
156,783
568,271

228,449
6,141
802,861
646,078
568,562
1,200
222,229
6,762
798,753
802,861
568,562



568,562
568,271

1,200


1,200



5,737

5,737
5,737


2,539

2,539
2,790


18,618

18,618
18,618


1,781

1,781
1,974


1,055

1,055



1,693

1,693



122,444

122,444
125,640


1,718

1,718
1,543


37,231

37,231
36,599


255

255
255


28,708

28,708
34,843


450

450
450



6,762
6,762
6,141
568,562
1,200
222,229
6,762
798,753
802,861

Page 19

Balance sheet

Class and code
Description
This year
Last year
Fixed assets
H Arnold CBF Inv Fund
H Arnold CBF Fixed Int. Sec.
Fixed asset - property
Total Fixed assets
Current assets
General Lloyds Bank Account
General Barclays Bank Account
General CBF Deposit Account
Fabric Appeal Lloyds Bank Account
Fabric Appeal Barclays Bank Account
Fabric Appeal CBF Deposit Account
Cottage Lloyds Bank Account
Cottage CBF Deposit Account
Bells CBF Deposit Account
H Arnold CBF Deposit Account
Cash in hand
Other Assets
Accounts Receivable
Total Current assets
Liabilities
Creditors due in 1 year
Fees due to Gloucester Diocese
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus(deficit)
Reserves
Excess / (deficit) to date
Starting balances
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
Gains and losses own use
Total Reserves
Represented by funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total
5,330
4,626
1,432
1,515
550,000
550,000
556,762
556,141
535
1,363
69,524
72,531
42,604
42,582




122,443
125,640




2,539
2,790
1,718
1,543



271
2,628
241,991
246,720




798,753
802,861
(4,729)
(9,461)
802,861
646,078
621
244

166,000
798,753
802,861
568,562
568,271
1,200

222,229
228,449
6,762
6,141
798,753
**802,861 **

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16/02/2022 and signed on its behalf by:

D Williams Trustee

V Jones Trustee

Page 20

Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting Policy

Accounting Convention

The Financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with transactions recognized at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the notes to the accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom FRS102 and the Charities Act 2011.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained: only income arising from Investment of the endowment may be used for the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, or in the case of donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they are given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year must be carried forward for each fund.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming Resources

Planned Giving, collections and donations are recognized when they are received. Tax refunds are recognised when the resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due.

All other income is recognised when it is receivable.

Resources Expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due.

All other expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and accounted for gross.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with S.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For anything acquired prior to 2000, there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not

Page 21

valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £1,000 accordingly all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December 2021. The Statement of Financial Activity includes net gains and losses arising on revaluations at the year end.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the Charity at 31 December 2021 for tax recovery are shown as debtors.

Bank deposits include cash held on deposit either with CBF Church of England Funds or at a Bank .

2 Staff Costs

2021 2020
£ £
Gross wages and Salary 9,230 8,533

The Charity employs a part time administrator.

The Charity also paid honoraria to the Director of Music and certain choristers.

3 Fixed Assets for use by the Charity

2021 2020 £ £ Gross Freehold Land and Buildings at valuation 550,000 550,000

The freehold land and buildings are held in trust by the Diocese, and for accounting purposes the historical cost is deemed to be the valuation at the date the property was acquired. The PCC considers that depreciation is not considered necessary, since the properties are deemed residential properties and are fully maintained by the PCC.

The properties held are as follows: a) Church Cottage Lechlade: valuation £325,000. b) Perrinsfield, Lechlade: valuation £225,000.

Page 22

4 Investments

Cost
£
CBF Investment Fund 226.27 shares
3,654
Unrealised Gain/(Loss) £1,677
Cost
£
CBF Fixed Interest Securities 895.53 shares
1,435
Unrealised Gain/(Loss) (£4)
5
Debtors
2020
£
Tax recoverable
2,628
6
Donations to Missionary Societies
2020
£
CMS Chile
1,900
CMS Nepal
2,375
Scripture Union Pakistan
950
Scripture Union U.K.
950
iServe Africa
1,425
Dornakal School for the Deaf
1,900
Value
£
5,331
Value
£
1,431
2019
£
5,882
2019
£
1,700
2,325
850
850
1,275
1,700

Page 23

7 Amounts Collected on Behalf of Others

The PCC. collect funds on behalf of other charitable institutions as follows:

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal £441.

The Church of England Children’s Society £1,425.

The PCC. also held a special appeal called the Hardship Fund to raise money to support local charities who are helping those in financial difficulties. A total of £3,250. was raised by donations and the PCC. was able to make the following contributions to assist the work of the following organisations: -

C.A.P. (Christians Against Poverty) £1,200.

Swindon Food Bank £1,000.

8 Financial Commitments

At 31 December 2021 the PCC. had no financial commitments (2020 £3,300).

Page 24

Fund movement by Fund

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers Gains/losses
Closing
Audio-vis - Audio/visual
Restricted
Brownrigg - Brownrigg Fund
Restricted
Inspire - Project Inspire
Restricted
Perrin - Perrinsfield House
Designated
Rest-Main - Restoration and Maintenance
Restricted
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Fabric - Fabric Appeal
Restricted
H Arnold - H Arnold Memorial Fu
Restricted
Endowment
Sub-total for H Arnold
Reorder-WE - Reordering (West end
Restricted
Hardship - Hardship Fund
Restricted
Mission – Mission and Outreach Fund
Restricted
Services – Services Fund
Restricted
Bells - Bells Appeal Fund
Restricted
Choir - Choir Fund
Restricted
Grand total
5,737




5,737
18,618




18,618
36,600
1,185
182


37,233

1,200



1,200
34,842
560
6,695


28,707
568,271
126,558
124,967
1,300

568,562
125,640
65
3,262


122,443
1,543
175



1,718
6,141



621
6,762
7,684
175


621
8,480
255




255

3,255
2,200


1,055

1,875
182


1,693
450



450
450
2,790
1
252


2,539
1,974

293
100

1,781
802,861
131,429
140,890

166,244
798,753

Page 25

Analysis of income and expenditure

Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This Year Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Incoming resources from generated funds
Incoming resources from generated funds - Voluntary income
Standing Orders 11,200
11,200 8,735
Gift Aid Envelopes 456
456 337
Parish Giving Scheme 61,241
61,241 58,884
Gift Aid tax recovery 14,489
14,489 14,134
Other planned gifts
Collections 4,061
445
4,506 3,497
Goodbox Card Donations 3,137
52
3,189 428
Charities Aid Foundation 3,525
3,525 8,600
Sundry gifts 8,280
3,563
11,843 12,157
Southrop and Eastleach 2,880
2,880 2,880
Tax recovery Sundry gifts 5,076
1,025
6,101 5,673
Grants 750
750 2,693
Non recurring grants
Legacies
1,000
1,000 2,000
Church upkeep - Barrel 215 215 361
Total 115,095
6,300
121,395 120,379
Incoming resources from generated funds - Activities for generating funds
Fund raising events 10
553
563 1,431
Cottage rent
Rent 8,646
8,646 6,218
Magazine sales
Total 8,656
553
9,209 7,649
Incoming resources from generated funds - Investment income
Dividends and interest 25 264 289 955
Total 25
264
289 955
Incoming resources from charitable activities
Fees (weddings funerals) due to PCC 2,782
2,782 2,445
Fees to Diocese-OB
Total 2,782
2,782 2,445
INCOME TOTAL 126,558 7117 133,675 131,428

Page 26

EXPENDITURE

Costs of generating funds - Fundraising trading: Costs of generating funds - Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other cost of goods sold and other cost of goods sold and other costs
Fund raising (general) 47
Fund raising events 212
Total 259
Charitable activities
World Church donations 9,500 9,500 8,700
Christian relief and development
Home mission 182 182
Hardship Donations 2,200 2,200
Parish share: Diocese 75,482 75,482 75,482
Parish share: Deanery 7,554 7,554 7,362
Incumbent's expenses 4,164 4,164 3,891
Clergy expenses 533 533 400
Parsonage house
Church heating 1,077 1,077 1,781
Church lighting 851 851 799
Church water charges 52 52 73
Church insurance 3,810 3,810 3,766
Church fabric repairs 826 2,710 3,536 7,202
Gas/electric/water repairs 15 1,122 1,137 164
Organ/ Piano maintenance 210 210
Maintenance Fixtures and fittings 779 1,699 2478 300
Cost of running services 2,459 163 2,622 1,984
Churchyard maintenance 658 3,060 3,718 89
Cottage heating 413 413 380
Cottage lighting 100 100 458
Cottage water charges 21 21 79
Cottage cleaning 510 510 582
Cottage insurance 391 391 425
Cottage repairs 700 700 94
Honoraria, salaries/wages 1,300 1,300 1,270
National Insurance
Sunday School
Holiday Club
Education and Training 39 39 7
Architects/other fees for repairs or new 892 2,301 3,193 9,788
House repairs 864 864 4,657
Total 113,200 13,437 126,637 129,733
Governance costs
Bank charges 250 250 273
Administrator's wages 9,230 9,230 8,533
Parish Office 2,152 2,152 1,860
Other administration costs 135 135 232
Total 11,767 11,767 10,898
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 124,967 13,437 138,404 140,890
MOVEMENT IN YEAR 1,591 (6,320) (4,729) (9,461)

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