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2022-12-31-accounts

St Lawrence Church Parochial Church Council Lechlade

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the

Year ended 31 December 2022

INTENTIONALLY BLANK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 1 INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 1 INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 1
1. BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................... 1
2 PCC MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................... 1
3. COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................................ 2
4 CHURCH ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................... 2
5 VICAR’S REPORT ..................................................................................................................... 2
5.1 SEEDS OF FAITH ........................................................................................................... 4
6 CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT ................................................................................................. 4
7 SAFEGUARDING REPORT ....................................................................................................... 5
8 CIRENCESTER DEANERY SYNOD .......................................................................................... 6
8.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 6
8.2 DEANERY STRATEGY PLAN ........................................................................................ 6
8.3 DISINVESTMENT IN THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY .................................................... 7
8.4 SAFEGUARDING ............................................................................................................ 7
8.5 PARISH SHARE .............................................................................................................. 7
9 CHURCH MISSION AND MINISTRY .......................................................................................... 7
9.1 BIBLE STUDY GROUPS ................................................................................................. 7
9.1.1
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY ........................................................................................ 7
9.1.2
MONDAY EVENING STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP GROUP ................................ 7
9.1.3
THURSDAY EVENING HOUSE GROUP ............................................................ 8
9.1.4
WOMEN’S BIBLE FELLOWSHIP ....................................................................... 8
9.1.5
“MEN ALOUD OUT” .......................................................................................... 8
9.2 ST. LAWRENCE YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ............................................... 8
9.2.1
REGULAR DISCIPLESHIP: ................................................................................ 8
9.2.2
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND HOLIDAY CLUB ............................................. 8
9.2.3
LITTLE LIGHTS. PRAM SERVICE/ BABY AND TODDLER PLAY GROUP ..... 9
9.3 SOUTH COTSWOLD TEAM YOUTH MINISTRY ............................................................ 9
9.3.1
SCHOOL’S WORK ............................................................................................. 9
9.3.2
SUNDAY SERVICES .......................................................................................... 9
9.3.3
OTHER YOUTH WORK .................................................................................... 10
9.4 ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL ........................................................................................... 10
9.4.1
OPEN THE BOOK ............................................................................................ 11
9.5 MUSIC ........................................................................................................................... 11
9.5.1
ST LAWRENCE CHURCH CHOIR ANNUAL REPORT .................................... 11
9.6 WORLD CHURCH COMMITTEE ................................................................................... 12
9.7 MOTHERS’ UNION ....................................................................................................... 12
9.8 ST. LAWRENCE BELL RINGING ................................................................................. 13
9.9 JULIAN GROUP ........................................................................................................... 13
9.10 PRAYER MINISTRY ..................................................................................................... 14
10 CHURCH SUPPORT TO MINISTRY ........................................................................................ 14
10.1 RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE APPEAL COMMITTEE ................................... 14
10.2 PROJECT INSPIRE ...................................................................................................... 14
10.4 ECO CHURCH GROUP ................................................................................................ 14
11 FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION ....................................................... 16
11.1 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................... 16
11.2 RISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 16
11.3 INVESTMENT POLICY ................................................................................................. 16
11.4 VOLUNTARY HELP ...................................................................................................... 16
11.5 TRANSACTIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION ........................................................... 16
12 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 15/02/2023 AND SIGNED ON ITS
BEHALF BY:................................................................................................................. 20
FUND MOVEMENT BY FUND ...................................................................................... 25
ANALYSIS OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ............................................................ 26
Incoming resources from generated funds ............................................................. 26
Incoming resources from generated funds - Voluntary income ............................. 26
Incoming resources from generated funds - Activities for generating funds ....... 26
Incoming resources from generated funds - Investment income .......................... 26
Incoming resources from charitable activities ........................................................ 26
Costs of generating funds - Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other
costs ........................................................................................................................... 27
Charitable activities ................................................................................................... 27
Governance costs ..................................................................................................... 27

INFORMATION

Parish Vicar Revd Dr Andrew Cinnamond Churchwardens Richard Bell/Paul Cobb Susan Holmes Parochial Church Council Richard Akroyd Richard Bell 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

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

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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 142 parishioners on the Church Electoral roll.

The average Sunday attendance was 101 adults and 12 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 1 baptism, 1 wedding and 12 funerals, with 4 funerals just at the crematorium.

5 VICAR’S REPORT

2022 was a year that seemed a bit like a recovery or a restoration. Covid was hard for everyone, both for individuals and organisations. Indeed, Covid has not gone away, but through resilience, scientific progress and determination, the world seems to have come out the other side of a global pandemic. In our church family, we decided to put our best foot forward and move on in faith. 2022 saw the resumption of our holiday Bible club and our ‘Seeds of Faith’ parish mission.

Our ‘Jungle Adventure’ holiday club saw lots of opportunities, as we had permission to replace the pews with individual chairs for one month, which gave us much greater flexibility and space. The church building was transformed and looked wonderful with all manner of foliage, creepers and jungle animals! I was suitably attired as ‘Lemmy the lemur’ and Gareth our playful curate as ‘Terry the tiger’! In the end, 34 volunteers and 9 teenage helpers helped to host 77 children over the week and I am immensely grateful for all their hard work and enthusiasm. We made a real effort this year to not see the holiday club as a one off event, but to see it as an introduction to deepen relationships with local parents, families and the wider community. We wanted to be able to introduce the other things that we are doing- children’s groups on Sunday, ‘Explorers’ after school club, and the ‘Quench’ and ‘Thirst’ youth clubs run by our team youth worker Chris Saunders. Making connections and forging stronger networks was a key part of what we are all about.

The ’Seeds of Faith’ mission was a focussed time of outreach to our local community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our ‘Sunflower Café’ in the church was a great success and saw many people visiting. Again, this was made by possible by the round tables and chairs we had hired for a month. We were most grateful to have experienced evangelist and missioner Revd Roger Simpson with us for many of our main events. We had a wide range of events to appeal to different groups of people- breakfasts, family fun day, concert, talk in the Garden centre and guest services. A professionally produced video was released with seven local people giving their testimony of what Christ has done in their lives. This video was widely shared and viewed by nearly a thousand people- an important reminder of just important technology and social media is to the Christian Church. Through the various events, we made contact with lots of local people and folks appreciated the invitation sent out to the whole parish, complete with a packet of sunflower seeds! The challenge in coming years is to not see these parish missions as ends in themselves, but to see outreach and mission as essential parts of who we are as a church.

The year also saw great strides forward in our ‘Inspire’ re-ordering project. Much detailed design work was undertaken by professionals to meet our criteria of being eco friendly and ensuring our fine building will be a flexible, warm and inviting place for future generations of worshippers. The scale of the project means that years of research, planning, consultation and prayer has gone into these plans and we want to ensure that our project will be glorifying

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to God and helping future generations know and experience the love of God for themselves. Relaying the cobbles on Shelley’s walk and improving that access area to the church via north porch is an important part of the plan. A sticking point was the right type of reclaimed stone to use in the works, but agreement has now been reached between the heritage bodies and the contractors and the works will hopefully commence Spring 2023.

The year also presented many challenges. The world watched in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine causing much destruction and suffering. As a church, we held special evenings of prayer, but also raised money for the huge relief effort, both within Ukraine, but also helping the millions who have fled the country. The conflict also led to rising energy prices, which meant that millions of people faced a cost of living crisis with rising inflation, industrial action and real uncertainty about their economic future. As a church, we raised money for the many people who are really struggling and it is important we take practical help seriously.

The year also saw all the joy and celebration of the late HM Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The nation and Commonwealth enjoyed a huge range of parties and festivities to mark the occasion, and Lechlade certainly joined in with great gusto! There was real sadness and an outpouring of grief when the Queen died in September and the church became a focal point of remembrance and thanksgiving for a life of remarkable service marked out by a sincere and unapologetic Christian faith. A book of condolence was available and services marked the death of the monarch with both dignity and gratefulness. It will take a while before we get used to using the updated wording of the National Anthem! At times like these, the parish church often becomes a focal point for national feelings of remembrance, grief and gratitude.

2022 also saw the end of an important listening process in the national Church of England called ‘Living in Love and Faith’, which explored sensitive issues of gender, marriage and sexuality. Many Christians have had to make difficult and painful choices between accepting the authority of the Bible in matters of doctrine and practice, and a society where values has changed enormously over the past few decades. Every local church will have to make decisions on these changes and this is far from easy in an era of superficial sound bites, intrusive social media and entrenched attitudes. The PCC in Lechlade have resolved to hold to the Biblical Christian teaching of the Church of England on these issues, but it is so important that whatever we do and say is done in a gracious and loving way. As local believers in Jesus Christ, we strive to be faithful to the teachings of Scripture as understood in church tradition, but also mindful of what the world around is thinking. These issues will continue to dominate debates in the wider church for years to come and we will not be immune from decisions that are made by bishops and General Synod.

When I think about our church family I am always grateful by how much goes on behind the scenes. Sunday services are a wonderful corporate coming together to worship and learn, but they only represent a small part of our Christian life together. Like an iceberg, there is an awful lot left unseen beneath the water! The wardens and PCC humbly and efficiently make sure that things work well behind the scenes, as does Lesley in our busy Parish Office. Our finances are expertly managed by our treasurer and I am so grateful to the congregation and to God that we even made a small surplus last year, and that includes giving £9,500 (10% of our regular income) to our mission partners. God is faithful and God is good! May we never stop being thankful and never stop recognising the faithfulness of God over the years. As Timothy Dudley-Smith wrote in his hymn:

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided, urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided: Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Andrew Cinnamond

Vicar

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5.1 SEEDS OF FAITH

In September, we held our Seeds of Faith parish mission, 9 days of special events to share the good news of Jesus with the wider community. Roger Simpson was our main visiting speaker, preaching at both our guest services, and speaking again at a special lunch in St. Birinus Court, and at the Men’s Breakfast, and Grill A Vicar, both at The Trout pub. Roger was joined by Warren Furman, formerly Ace from TV’s Gladiators, for very well-received visits to Southrop and St. Lawrence primary schools. The Bean Baker Band joined us for a concert in church, where we also had a very successful Ladies’ Breakfast and a special bumper edition of Little Lights. There were speaker events with Judith Hann and Rachel Bell at the garden centre, and Penny Horseman at the Memorial Hall. On the Saturday, we held a Family Fun Day for nearly 200 people, with crafts, games, a live Christian show and refreshments. And throughout the week, the church was open for the Sunflower Café, with tea and cake, a children’s play area, a flower trail, video testimonies, and a resident artist. Many of these events were made possible because the pews were removed for a month, giving us flexible, welcoming space in the church.

All of this took a huge amount of planning and preparation, including mailings to the whole town at Easter and in the summer, a series of trailer events in the months before the mission, and flyers and online adverts, and most importantly weekly prayer for many months. We are indebted and grateful to the huge number of people who volunteered long hours and labours to make these events happen, especially so soon after many had also been volunteering for our Holiday Bible Club.

It is always hard to measure the impact of a week like this. We continue to see new faces at church; we have grown an enquirers’ group following the mission; numerous conversations at the Sunflower Café and elsewhere have built relationships and helped people go deeper in faith; and several people have commented on a sense of growing spiritual life at our church in the wake of Seeds of Faith. We continue to pray for fruit, and to look ahead for other events and opportunities where we can share the gospel with our town and wider communities.

Gareth Griffith

Curate

6 CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

In 2022, the parish was able to get back to a greater degree of normality after the pandemic and gradually were we able to withdraw the various measures in place to manage that particular risk. However, the year saw the loss of a number of members of the church family but thanks, in part, to the Seeds of Faith mission we have seen some fresh faces at services. The mission, ably led by Gareth, overtly has had a positive impact on the influence of the church In Lechlade though it may be years before the ‘seeds’ planted during that busy programme of events reach fruition.

Project Inspire – report on elsewhere – has been a key activity throughout the year and has seen the timescale extended due to the complexity of consultation, the detail of planning and the setback over the postponed relaying of Shelley’s Walk. Nevertheless, the project team presses ahead and several important milestones should be reached in the coming months.

Routine maintenance continues though some more significant work is planned to fix the ailing lights and keep them going for another 18 months or so. Richard Bell, who stepped down as Churchwarden at the APCM after many years valuable service, and Brian Rudge continue to assist with all sorts of tasks. The churchyard working party, led by Peter Magill, has kept the area well maintained despite a ferociously hot summer. After much work by Richard and Paul, we finally got Cotswold District Council to remedy the problem with the wall on the north side of the churchyard where a neighbour has ignored planning obligations and created unauthorised access. It was disappointing how long it took CDC to discharge its statutory duties in this case. One or two other significant items have arisen such as work to progress the

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reinstatement of the Sanctus bell which had to be removed from its frame due to early signs of structural failings. The faculty process ground its way to completion but was an unwelcome and tedious workload.

Unsurprisingly, the demand for foodbanks has continued. Specifically, the parish, under the guidance of David Turtle, has been generous in provision of items for the Swindon Food Collective and Mike Ward makes regular deliveries to the warehouse. Lynwoods café also generously allows us to have a collection point on its premises. A representative of the PCC participated in the establishment of the local ‘warm places’ initiative.

PCC business has remained focussed on the core activities and overall stewardship of the parish. A new volunteer Parish Safeguarding Officer, Lesley Uzzell, now takes the lead on the various strands needed to have suitable arrangements in place and in the monitoring of compliance. This role is quite separate from the busy Parish Administrator function which handles all sorts of enquires, arrangements for funerals and wedding (just the one this year) and specific projects such as delivery of the new Service Book. Following the PCC awayday, we have also examined roles and delegation to ease the workload on the Churchwardens and enable a more strategic approach to be taken.

Paul Cobb – Churchwarden

Susan Holmes - Churchwarden

7 SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The role of the Safeguarding Officer is to be the named person to whom volunteers and church members would report any disclosures relating to vulnerable adults or children. Any disclosures made will be dealt with and referred on where required. There were no disclosures in 2022.

Safeguarding is on the PCC agenda every month to ensure that as a church family we continue to understand and endorse its importance.

Why is Safeguarding so important? Psalm 82 verse 3 says ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless, uphold the case of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy and deliver them from the hand of the wicked.’ As a church we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our church family are protected, and we recognise our duty to love and care for the vulnerable and marginalised and to protect all from abuse.

At St Lawrence we want to ensure we have clear procedures in place and a culture where ensuring children and vulnerable adults are safe is a key priority and taken seriously. Where people can speak out about any concerns they have and that these are dealt with in a professional manner, with no cover up or matters being brushed under the carpet.

All volunteers working with the youth and children have a DBS check prior to undertaking this role, which are renewed every three years. Safeguarding training is also a requirement for many volunteering roles, not just for those working with children, the courses are easily accessed online but can also be attended in person. The Safeguarding Officer is reviewing the Gloucester Diocese Safeguarding Policy and this will form part of the revised St Lawrence Safeguarding Policy, along with best practice from other churches to ensure a robust, effective and workable policy is in place.

Training obligations are placed on those who have contact with children and vulnerable people in the church community. Much on-line and some face-to-face training has been completed this year though there are some small modules outstanding for several people. The PCC is pressing for these to be completed as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Raising your concerns or seeking advice is rarely a bad idea. We can’t assume that someone else has seen what we may have seen or will pass on concerns. Please contact the Safeguarding

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Officer via email on safeguarding@stlawrencelechlade.org.uk or speak to me (I’m usually at the 10am Sunday service) or to the Vicar.

Lesley Uzzell (Safeguarding Officer)

8 CIRENCESTER DEANERY SYNOD

Spring 2023 Report

CIRENCESTER DEANERY SYNOD: year ended 31 December 2022

This report, provided for APCM meetings, summarises the discussions of the Cirencester Deanery Synod during the year ended 31 December 2022.

8.1 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, many small parishes nominate a single representative whilst those with larger Usual Sunday Attendances may have 2, 3 or 4 members normally appointed for a period of three years.

Officers of the Cirencester Deanery Synod in 2022:

Officers of the Cirencester Deanery Synod in 2022:
Post
Area Dean Revd Dr Andrew Cinnamond, Revd Canon Graham
Morris, Revd Canon John Swanton and Revd Val Thorne.
Lay Chair George Collins
Parish Share Apportionment
Officer		 Vacant throughout the year
Safeguarding Officer Jackie Colburn
Standing Committee member Aileen Anderson
Secretary Michael Spittle

On 1 January 2022, duties of Area Dean were divided across four clergy who focus on respective subjects as training, Synod chair, assets and welfare.

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 in a mixture of zoom and face to face during 2022.

8.2 DEANERY STRATEGY PLAN

Preparation of the Deanery Strategy plan for future resourcing of Parishes in terms of stipendiary clergy, lay worship leaders and finance continued throughout the year. The work has been assisted by an experienced consultant (financed by the Diocese from revenue other than Parish Share) although progress was blighted in the early stages by Covid infections. During the summer, a programme of engagement meetings throughout the benefices was pursued. Attendance by local population was variable. However, these events (five in number) reminded congregations that several benefices have clergy whose ages are skewed

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towards retirement at times when the number of newly trained clerics has fallen far short of anticipated vacancies.

The Deanery remains committed to the legal requirement of one eucharist service per benefice each week. However, the role of clergy including work in schools and with individual cases of marriage or funeral services remains dominant. In addition, non-eucharist services are conducted. In this factor, the Deanery trained nine Lay Worship Leaders in the Spring 2022 and expects to report about more people, offering all-age services, music or liturgy, for 2023.

8.3 DISINVESTMENT IN THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY

A motion which recommended the Gloucester Diocesan Synod to explore a motion to General Synod on an inhibition of financial investment in sectors of the fossil fuel industry was approved by Deanery Synod and later endorsed by the Diocesan Synod. The specific purpose was to disallow investment in added exploration of fossil fuels and subsequent pollutants. However, some relaxation in the planned dates for implementation of the restrictions was agreed while supplies from markets other than Russia are identified.

8.4 SAFEGUARDING

Training of Parish Safeguarding Officers and other personnel has been rigorously pursued with much positive effect during the year.

8.5 PARISH SHARE

Officers remained grateful for Parish Share remittances, the majority of these funds financing clergy costs.

“There is a welcome in the ….”

An amusing talk, by the Diocesan Interim Director of Mission and Ministry, noted the paramount importance of welcoming potential newcomers to Church with exchanges of contact details and maintenance of interest in developing appropriate fellowship.

Michael Spittle March 2022

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

9 CHURCH MISSION AND MINISTRY

9.1 BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

9.1.1 Men’s Bible Study

The men’s bible study group met on Tuesday evenings every two weeks through this year, studying the first half of Genesis and then 1 Timothy. We also enjoyed a couple of social evenings, a curry night and watching the England Wales game. Any men who would like to join us are very welcome.

9.1.2 Monday Evening Study and Fellowship Group

Monday Evening Fellowship -Our Group has kept its momentum during this past year, welcoming some new members who have brought their life experience and their own perspectives on the issues we have been studying. In the early part of the year, we focused on the early chapters of The Acts of the Apostles, following a series ‘The church is born’ produced by The Good Book Company. The series provoked some good discussion and helped us to challenge ourselves about our settledness and comfortable Christian living, relative to living life ‘on the edge’ as those followers did in the early days of the church. There was a load of material and we often felt we were just ‘scratching the surface’.

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In the autumn, we reconvened and applied ourselves to The Prayer Course, produced by 24-7 Prayer, which is an overview of developing our understanding and practices of various facets of prayer. It is described as ‘An eight-week journey through The Lord’s Prayer’. Each session has a helpful video presentation which helps make the topics accessible and very grounded in how we integrate prayer into our day to day lives. This course will take us up to Lent when we will pause and join others in the parish for a different focus.

9.1.3 Thursday Evening House group

The Thursday evening group continues with a core group of 10 or 11 members. We love meeting together to study God’s word and to support each other in prayer. Last year we enjoyed studying a number of parables - aided and abetted by Paula Gooder’s wonderful book. We also watched the series on ‘Prayer’ which featured Pete Greig discussing different types of prayer and how to grow in our relationship with God. We are now using the studies from a book called ‘Those who wait’ by Tanya Marlow. In this we are encountering characters from the Bible who were asked by God to trust him through times of waiting.

9.1.4 Women’s Bible Fellowship

We continued to meet for fellowship and Bible study in St Lawrence Church from January-July. In September we moved back into the Cottage - mainly due to the rising heating costs! From January until the start of Lent, we studied the book of John, looking particularly at how Jesus can impact our lives and those around us. From April to September, we used 'Passion for Life ' resources to enable us to be more confident in making Jesus known to those around us. From September to December, we have been looking at how we can be grateful and have an attitude of gratitude in our Christian life and journey. All ladies welcome to join us on a Monday afternoon.

9.1.5 “Men Aloud Out”

The Men Aloud Out group has continued to meet at the Trout most months with a varied programme of invited speakers, social meetings, or discussion on a topical matter of concern led by one of our members. Average attendance 10 people, with more for the social events.

9.2 ST. LAWRENCE YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Ministry Amongst Children and Young People

9.2.1 Regular discipleship:

This year we were very happy to leave behind all the disruptions of Covid and to see our Sunday groups for ‘Stars’ (3-6s), ‘Planets’ (7-10s) and ‘The Grid’ (10-16s) taking place on three Sunday mornings each month. We are particularly thankful that over this past year a member of our team has prepared a personalised teaching syllabus and resources for our younger groups, enabling us to explore the same Bible books and topics as the sermon series taking place within the service. The children have enjoyed series on Acts, Psalms, Colossians and the Tabernacle. Young people from The Grid have been actively sharing in church life by serving in the Holiday Bible Club team and helping with IT, prayers, readings and refreshments in services.

9.2.2 Community outreach and holiday club

'Explorers' afterschool club at St Lawrence School has been full all year, with 35 children drawn from all year groups meeting weekly for Bible stories, songs, videos and activities, building upon the excellent work done through 'Open the Book' and school worship.

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In the community, we hosted a busy Family Fun Day as part of 'Seeds of Faith' mission, with crafts, games, food and a Christian entertainer. We were delighted that families asked us to organise another community Pumpkin Trail, 'Light on a Dark Night', with over 80 children visiting Church Cottage for hot chocolate, popcorn and Christian gift bags. This year we rearranged our Christingle service so that families were invited to arrive early for a Christinglemaking workshop with refreshments. We were really encouraged to see that this attracted far more families to the service. God blessed us richly through the 'Jungle Adventure' Holiday Bible Club, with 80 children and a team of 35 adults and 8 young leaders all enthusiastically having fun whilst learning about the life of King David and how he points us to King Jesus.

We are so thankful for the way the church family has enabled and supported these outreach efforts.

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

A team of Mothers’ Union members facilitate an informal service, with songs, instruments, prayer and worship for pre-school children from birth and their parents/ carers, followed by toys, art/craft, refreshments and chat. This takes place on most 1[st] and 3[rd] Wednesdays from 9.15am until 11am but not in school holidays- 16 sessions in 2022. Families receive a warm welcome and there is no charge. Children are introduced to Bible stories, to God as a loving Father and Jesus as their friend, knowing them and loving them. We light a candle and sing the candle song…as we also do in together@10 services. In 2022 we had an average of 12 children at each service. The team especially thank The Revd Gareth Griffith for his support on the piano, talking to the adults and playing with the children. Kathy Newton

9.3 SOUTH COTSWOLD TEAM YOUTH MINISTRY

9.3.1 School’s work

School work is now reaching capacity again with 7 weekly lunchtime clubs (across 6 different schools) and a host of visits to other primary schools in the team for collective worship. Indeed I was able to visit all 9 primary school and deliver a class assembly on transition whilst distributing over 130 copies of the excellent SU publication, It’s Your Move, to help pupils consider the big step to secondary school during the summer term. In addition, it has been a great privilege to see many of the same pupils at Farmors School and help to give them a measure of continuity.

Following excellent attendance at the primary schools during the last (school) year, I have restarted Cookie Jar at Farmors for y7’s only. It is a safe place to come and make friends as well as a first point of entry for those interested in our out-of-school activities. There’s been a really faithful core group of about 15 to 20 regulars and another 20 to 25 who attend less frequently. Likewise a club for older pupils at Farmors (The Club) has a faithful core of about 8 to 10 who are quite open to share views in a non-lesson setting and have attended various trips.

Having received some generous local support we were able to give out Christmas food hampers and gifts again (toys and presents courtesy of Fairford Air Base) to 10 needy families (school-identified). Hopefully, this took a little pressure off those with financial hardships and allowed ‘the church’ to be seen as a positive visible presence in a very practical and relevant way.

9.3.2 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

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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.

9.3.3 Other youth work

Following excellent attendance at the Lechlade Holiday Club, we decided to launch a new young people’s group on a Tuesday evening called Thirst. This is aimed at those aged 11 to 13 (top ages of primary and youngest at secondary) and has involved a series of high energy activities alongside some discussion and a biscuit all packed into an hour! The response has been very positive with over a dozen regular attendees hardly ever missing a session. Likewise Quench (y10+) has a close knit community of older teens with faithful attendance as we study a range of topics from a Christian faith perspective. Generally the two groups run distinctively to meet the range of needs and ages though occasionally we have come together for a trip (laser tag) or games at Macaroni Woods.

Quench still love to get away to the safe haven of Macaroni Woods for two residentials a year where there is always something for mind, body and spirit! This year, we will introduce our first residential for the younger group where we hope to make the most of the surroundings to help them to grow in friendship and faith.

Our now well-established children’s club in Kempsford continues to flourish and runs weekly on a Wednesday evening with about 20 members and a few teens who come along to help. The latter have then accessed other events such as the Activity Day and residential outings. There is an intention to return to serve in Romania though we are awaiting the announcement of a new director at SU Romania so plans are somewhat on hold.

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 and lasting work in their hearts and minds.

Future Dates:

Chris Saunders, 13[th] January 2023

9.4 ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL

We continue to foster strong connections between the church and school. As well as having a majority representation on the Local Governing Body our Governors play an important part in shaping the direction the school travels. In recent weeks Revd. Andrew has accompanied the headteacher to training delivered by the Diocese with a focus on ensuring our overall vision is rooted in clear Christian theology. The draft of this is included below for the interest of parishioners.

We enjoy working with many members of the church community including a fabulous Open the Book team who regularly lead collective worship sessions with our children. We are also joined by Andrew and Gareth regularly and by Chris who leads a weekly lunch time club for our oldest children. Our 'Explorers Club' is popular with the children and we are grateful for the time given to this by church leaders and members.

We have many links with the wider church community: not least, by being part of a distinctively Christian Diocesan Multi Academy Trust (DGAT). This links us with many other Church of

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England schools where we can share and plan activities together. A recent example of this is our Year 4 class attending a Diocese wide Christingle service at Gloucester Cathedral.

As a school leadership team we feel blessed and privileged to have such a supportive and active church to both share a name and actions with.

Achieving together † Learning for life: Our shared vision is to be a joyful and loving school community; rooted in clear Christian values, where every child participates, celebrates achievement and cares for the people and world around them.

Gordon Soutar

Headteacher

9.4.1 Open the Book

Due to a new outbreak of Coronavirus, we were unable to go into St Lawrence School until after Easter. So it was with great joy we returned and were able to work with groups of children once again on a fortnightly basis to give a presentation of a Bible story to the whole school. Stories have included the Easter story, a special one for the Queen’s Jubilee and the Christmas story. We are pleased to have two new team members, particularly Sandra Gibbons who brings her guitar and accompanies the children for the songs.

9.5 MUSIC

We have been particularly encouraged this year by the opportunities we have had to engage with our community through music, wonderfully supported by the church family and members of our different musical groups. These included the singing of the 'Platinum Jubilee Anthem' for the lighting of the beacons event, community carol singing during 'Lighting Up Lechlade', carols in the Garden Centre and carol singing around the streets.

We are blessed with all those who contribute to the worship life of our Church.

9.5.1 St Lawrence Church Choir Annual Report

This has been another busy but hugely enjoyable year for the choir. It has been rewarding to master new music – ‘In our Service’ by Thomas Hewitt Jones composed for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and ‘Call of Wisdom’ by Will Todd, which was chosen for their final service by the leavers: Annabelle and Tia. There have also been the challenges of singing Faure’s Requiem on Good Friday and Handel’s Zadok the Priest at the Queen’s Jubilee Service.

We have welcomed several new singers to the choir this year – Diana moved from the organ to join the tenors and for a short time Richard also reinforced this part before moving out of the area. Ellen has been an excellent addition to the altos and in September she also brought her daughter, Lavinia and her friend Kaitlyn, who joined the sopranos - very recently Kaitlyn’s father, Richard, has joined the basses. This part has also been strengthened at some services by Mike and Colin. We are also very grateful to those who have accompanied our services – Geoff has been a tremendous support at almost all the practices and many services, but thanks are also due to John, Miranda, Rachel E, Diana and Mary.

We are very thankful for the commitment of two senior choristers, Tia and Annabelle, who have been members of the choir for a combined total of twenty-two years. After their final service, for which they chose the music, there was an excellent photo presentation by Rachel of their time as loyal members of the choir. We wish them all the very best for the future. Annabelle has already had her first term at Magdalen College, Oxford and Tia is having a gap year, so we are grateful she is able to continue to sing with us as a senior member of the choir.

It was a wonderful privilege, tinged with great sadness, that we were able to sing at the Thanksgiving Service for the life of Peter DeIongh. He had been a loyal bass, and, when necessary, a tenor, in the choir for over fifteen years. We know that his involvement in the

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church, through being a member of the PCC and his care of the churchyard, was much wider, but the choir will remember him for his welcoming smile, his very reliable attendance and singing, keen interest in the young choristers and his knowledge of church services both here in Lechlade, but also in Scotland.

We look forward to contributing to the worship in St Lawrence in the coming year.

Rachel Bath

Choir Director

9.6 WORLD CHURCH COMMITTEE

World Church Links

We continue to support, pray for and learn from Christians around the world. In December 2022 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.

We welcomed Bishop Alf Cooper and Hilary for the weekend 25/26[th] June, when Bishop Alf gave a lively presentation of his ministry in Chile.

Then we recognised and prayed for Christians around the world persecuted for their faith, with a special visit from a SAT-7 representative on 20[th] November, when we heard about their satellite broadcasting to Christians in the Middle East. The Church tower was floodlit in red for the week as we remembered persecuted Christians.

9.7 MOTHERS’ UNION

In 2022 we focused on the platinum anniversary of our Sovereign’s accession to the throne. Queen Elizabeth 11 had been our Patron for 70 years. She was dedicated to the cause of MU and had an unwavering belief in what we do as a charity. Then on September 8[th] , she passed away.

We began our year with 51 members. We enrolled Mary Cotton and welcomed Elizabeth Embley and Lesley Uzzell from other branches, which was splendid. Then, we said goodbye to Hermine de Iongh who moved to Scotland. Sadly, we lost our dear member and Deanery Treasurer, Helen Jones, to cancer, on October 30[th] . She was a loyal, faithful and prayerful member.

We have had 12 monthly afternoon meetings with interesting speakers and discussions. All those begin with prayer. We have also had 4 quarterly evening meetings at the home of our Branch Leader, Kathy Newton. We have been to Gloucester Cathedral and to St Mary’s Fairford for a talk about the windows. Some members went on a coach holiday to Belfast for the annual MU gathering. At Christmas, we performed a Nativity Play, written by the Middle East Charity Embrace. The Revd Gareth Griffith joined the cast as the apprentice Wise Man!

We have supported the Worldwide MU with prayer and fundraising. We have tried to serve others locally, in our Churches and our communities including hospitals and prisons. This year we collected necessities for Ukraine families who moved near here. We knit purple premature

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baby cardigans for Gloucester Hospital for the World Prem. Baby Day celebration. We looked out for those needing help and linked with The Lions to provide what was needed. Many MU members help at Church Children’s groups and The Tuesday Club for the elderly for example, following our MU objects as best we can.

We continue to support one another through the celebratory times in our lives and those more challenging times. We are bound together as Christian members of a Worldwide fellowship of prayer, worship, love and friendship.

9.8 ST. LAWRENCE BELL RINGING

There are only seven regular ringers at St Lawrence, but we have managed to ring for many Sunday morning services and some local events, such as the Christmas Lights Switch-On Event and ringing in the New Year, which is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of those ringers.

We have not been able to hold practice sessions every Friday evening as, with low numbers, the session is not always viable. However, when we do meet, progress has been made, mainly due to Philip Twentyman, an experienced Cirencester Branch ringer, giving up his time to help us and the excellent skills development achieved by Alexander and Evelyn Smith, our young ringers, who attend practices in other towers and with the youth team.

We were delighted to be able to ring for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and took a photograph outside the church after ringing, a recreation of an image taken of the band who rang for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.

A far more emotionally mixed ringing commitment was created by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and accession of King Charles III at the beginning of September 2022. The bells were rung, half muffled, at noon on Friday 9[th] September to announce the Queen’s death and on the Saturday the bells were rung open to announce the accession of the King. Finally, at 11:00am on Monday 19 September, with towers across the country, a 120 of Plain Bob Doubles was rung fully muffled, in memory of the late Queen on the day of her funeral. Many of the regular St Lawrence band were proud to be involved along with one former St Lawrence ringer.

At some point in early autumn some damage occurred to part of the mechanism that controls the hammers that create the chimes for the church clock. This damage has been partially rectified by the ringers but a little more work is required and will be carried out soon.

There were no weddings requiring bell ringing in 2022. The situation for 2023 is not yet clear.

The ringers are looking forward to the new ringing year and especially the chance to ring for the Coronation of King Charles III. It is always a pleasure to be able to contribute to local, church and national events.

Anny Crawford (Tower Captain)

Marian Winckles (Tower Secretary)

9.9 JULIAN GROUP

The Julian Meetings have been taking place in the church cottage over the last year on Tuesday afternoons. The wintertime is from 3-4 and we will revert to 4-5pm for British summer time.

Currently 6-8 of us meet for tea, cake, and contemplative prayer. We usually have a reading followed by 20 minutes of contemplative prayer. The aim of the meeting is to foster the teaching and practice of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition.

This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the Julian meetings. We would love our group to grow and hope to have a special celebration for the anniversary in June.

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9.10 PRAYER MINISTRY

A team of trained people offer prayer ministry after most 10am Sunday services; prayer is offered for concerns that people share and this is in complete confidence. In 2022 several team members had to step down for personal reasons but we were pleased to welcome new people to join us. In the summer we met in small groups to review our ministry and to pray for each other.

10 CHURCH SUPPORT TO MINISTRY

10.1 RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE APPEAL COMMITTEE

Following 2021 when there were no events presented by the St Lawrence Restoration and Maintenance Appeal, 2022 saw four events presented very successfully. In March we had a varied concert given by brother and sister Gregory and Ellen Stewart; in April we had the Lechlade Occasional Choir led by Colin Dowdeswell. In June we had a jazz concert given by the Fleur Stevenson Quartet to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, while in December Colin and the LOC returned for a concert of Christmas music. Thanks to all of you who supported these concerts, we hope you will continue to do so in 2023.

10.2 PROJECT INSPIRE

A delegation from the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) visited St Lawrence church in February 2022. The DAC wrote in April to support our proposals although further justification was required for the removal of the screen and re-use of some of the floor tiling. We prepared detailed responses to comments from the statutory amenity societies. The new chair of the DAC visited on 1[st] June when the project proposals were explained.

Chedburn Codd, conservation architects, were appointed in August 2022 to undertake design stage 3 of the project. They were supported by Environmental Engineering Partnership (EEP) who are established building services engineers with a wealth of experience of churches. The design team also included Andrew Turner Associates who are conservation structural engineers. The design stage 3 work included some changes to the initial design presented to the church community in September 2021. The design proposals were completed in November and presented to and approved by the PCC in December 2022. The proposals are to be presented to the church community early in 2023.

In August, the pews were temporarily removed to store and replaced with chairs. This was to facilitate the holiday club, the ladies’ breakfast and the café as part of the Mission activities. This enabled us to demonstrate the flexibility of the nave area for a range of activities and seating layouts.

Works to improve Shelley’s Walk were delayed because of the unavailability of suitable stone paving. Following further discussions with the DAC and Heritage England, the proposed stone has now been approved. Improvement works are scheduled to start in the spring 2023 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 10 times in the year. We informed the church community through Newsletters and plan further issues through 2023.

Nigel Jones

10.4 ECO CHURCH GROUP

The Eco Church Group was formed in 2016 after an inspiring talk given by Sir Gillean Prance and we began working on this Award scheme soon after, which encompasses all aspects of church life. We got our Silver Award in May of this year, requiring 50% score in all the

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categories on the questionnaire. We must now set our sights on achieving the Gold award requiring a 75% score, which is more challenging, but perhaps not impossible. Our success was publicised in the Diocesan News bulletin.

We are also very heartened that the Town Council have announced a Climate Emergency and are working towards a Zero Carbon policy in Lechlade. Our Eco Group will be wholeheartedly supporting them in this endeavour.

We have put up another 6 bird boxes in the churchyard, with the help of Paul Cobb. These were made by Fairford Men’s Shed using designs from the RSPB and BTO, some for small birds like tits and some for the larger species. They went up in late autumn last year so that they are in place for this year’s nesting activity.

On December 11th David gave an interview at the ‘Together at 10’ service to explain about our Eco Group and the Silver Award, which is now on display in the Church.

A meeting has been arranged with Cate Williams (Diocesan Environmental Engagement Officer) which will link us with other local churches who are working towards greater environmental awareness. We will be able to share information and ideas for a more joined up approach across the Diocese.

We keep an eye on the Eco Patch in the churchyard without interfering with it too much. We remove prunings and other detritus which are added by well-meaning neighbours, but we have to guard against this wild area becoming a dump for unwanted garden waste. We cleared the dead stems of the cow parsley and left them in heaps because the hollow stems become a safe hibernating and wintering place for many small insects.

We are hopeful about the bulbs which were planted in 2021. Some of the crocus and daffodil are already showing.

The areas of new grass seed where the trees came out are now almost invisible. They have blended well into the other mown areas. There is still plenty of grass seed left to do some of the other scrubby patches where large shrubs were removed.

One ongoing concern is the disposal of the debris heap from the prunings and offcuts from the churchyard tidy, which happens twice a year. We are hoping that we can work with the churchyard team to find a solution to this and avoid having a bonfire if at all possible.

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11 FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION

11.1 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

11.2 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.

11.3 INVESTMENT POLICY

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

11.4 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.

11.5 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 2022. 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 £818,113 (2021 £798,753). General purpose funds, which include buildings and the designated funds amounts to £594,137 (2021 £569,762), restricted funds, which includes funds for capital projects, restoration, maintenance, and fabric amounts to £217,881 (2021 £222,449) and endowment fund amounts to £6,095 (2021 £6,762).

Approved by the PCC on 05/03/2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Revd. Andrew Cinnamond

Date: 26 March 2023

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12 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 2022.

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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters examiner's statement 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:- 26 March 2023

David White The White House 52 Roman Way Lechlade

Gloucestershire GL7 3BP

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Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
121,194
4,037
32,634
—
157,865
121,395
8,366
—
4,289
—
12,655
9,209
73
—
2,185
198
2,456
289
2,156
—
—
—
2,156
2,782
131,789
4,037
39,108
198
175,132
133,675
—
—
483
—
483
—
118,550
6,457
41,460
—
166,467
126,507
12,962
—
—
—
12,962
11,897
131,512
6,457
41,943
—
179,912
138,404
277
(2,420)
(2,835)
198
(4,780)
(4,729)
9,726
11,052
1,751
—
22,529
1,604
(11,471)
(9,726)
(1,332)
—
(22,529)
(1,604)
—
—
(859)
—
(859)
621
25,000
—
—
—
25,000
—
23,532
(1,094)
(3,275)
198
19,361
621
568,562
3,137
221,156
5,897
798,752
802,861
592,094
2,043
217,881
6,095
818,113
798,752
592,094
—
—
—
592,094
568,562
—
244
—
—
244
243
—
1,799
—
—
1,799
1,200
—
—
5,737
—
5,737
5,737
—
—
2,556
—
2,556
2,539
—
—
18,618
—
18,618
18,618
—
—
1,396
—
1,396
1,781
—
—
1,912
—
1,912
1,055
—
—
—
—
—
1,693
—
—
110,284
—
110,284
122,444
—
—
1,481
—
1,481
1,718
—
—
57,569
—
57,569
37,231
—
—
255
—
255
255
—
—
18,073
—
18,073
28,708
—
—
—
—
—
450
—
—
—
6,095
6,095
5,897
592,094
2,043
217,881
6,095
818,113
798,753
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
H Arnold Memorial Fund
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

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Balance sheet

Class and code
Description		 This year
Last year
4,675
5,330
1,228
1,432
575,000
550,000
580,903
556,762
423
535
76,787
69,524
43,164
42,604
—
—
—
—
110,284
122,443
—
—
—
—
2,573
2,539
1,917
1,718
—
—
—
—
3,813
2,628
238,961
241,991
1,751
—
—
—
1,751
—
818,113
798,753
(4,781)
(4,729)
798,753
802,861
(859)
621
25,000
—
818,113
798,753
592,094
568,562
2,043
1,200
217,881
222,229
6,095
6,762
818,113
798,753
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

APPROVED BY THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ON 15/02/2023 AND SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY:

V Jones
Trustee		 D Williams
Trustee

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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 valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no

Page 21

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 2022. 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 2022 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

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Gross wages and Salary 9,888 9,230
----- End of picture text -----

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

2022 2021 £ £ Gross Freehold Land and Buildings at valuation 575,000 550,000

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 £350,000. b) Perrinsfield, Lechlade: valuation £225,000.

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4 Investments

4
Investments
Cost Value
£ £
CBF Investment Fund 226.27 shares 3,654 4,675
Unrealised Gain/(Loss) £1,677
Cost Value
£ £
CBF Fixed Interest Securities 895.53 shares 1,435 1,227
Unrealised Gain/(Loss) (£4)
5
Debtors
2022 2021
£ £
Tax recoverable 2,638 2,628
Grant Receivable 492 NIL
6
Creditors
2022 2021
£ £
Incumbents Expenses 1,751 NIL
7
Donations to Missionary Societies
2022 2021
£ £
CMS Chile 1,900 1,900
CMS Nepal 2,375 2,375
Scripture Union Pakistan 950 950
Scripture Union U.K. 950 950
iServe Africa 1,425 1,425
Dornakal School for the Deaf 1,900 1,900

8 Amounts Collected on Behalf of Others

The PCC collect funds on behalf of other charitable institutions as follows: The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal £912.

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The Church of England Children’s Society £1396.40

The PCC also held a special appeal under the Hardship Fund which was set up in 2021 and extended on 16[th] March 2022 to include making donations to the British Red Cross to support those in Ukraine and Ukrainian Refugees.

A total of £4460 was collected and given to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

9 Financial Commitments.

At 31 December 2022 the Charity had no financial commitments.

Page 24

Fund movement by Fund

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers Gains/losses
Closing
5,737
—
—
—
—
5,737
18,618
—
—
—
—
18,618
37,232
30,935
10,597
—
—
57,570
1,200
—
601
1,200
—
1,799
28,708
1,373
11,837
(171)
—
18,073
568,562
156,788
131,512
(1,745)
—
592,093
122,443
1,608
13,959
191
—
110,283
1,718
—
—
—
1,718
6,762
198
460
460
(859)
6,101
8,480
198
460
460
—
7,819
255
—
—
—
—
255
1,055
5,174
4,510
193
—
1,912
1,693
4,037
5,856
126
—
—
450
—
450
—
—
—
2,539
17
—
—
—
2,556
1,781
—
130
(254)
—
1,397
798,753
200,130
179,912
—
(859)
818,112
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

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 10,605 — — — 10,605 11,200
Gift Aid Envelopes 707 — 169 — 876 456
Parish Giving Scheme 65,083 — — — 65,083 61,241
Gift Aid tax recovery 15,342 — — — 15,342 14,489
Collections 5,914 — 1,591 — 7,505 4,506
Goodbox Card Donations 4,626 — 143 — 4,769 3,189
Charities Aid Foundation 3,700 — 50 — 3,750 3,525
Sundry gifts 7,178 2,037 24,402 — 33,617 11,843
Southrop and Eastleach 2,880 — — — 2,880 2,880
Tax recovery Sundry gifts 3,916 — 6,279 — 10,195 6,101
Grants 1,242 2,000 — — 3,242 750
Legacies — — — — — 1,000
—
Total 121,193 4,037 32,634 — 157,864 121,395
Incoming resources from generated funds - Activities for generating funds
Fund raising events 426 — 4,289 — 4,715 563
Cottage rent — — — — — —
Rent 7,940 — — — 7,940 8,646
Total 8,366 — 4,289 — 12,655 9,209
Incoming resources from generated funds - Investment income
Dividends and interest 73 — 2,185 198 2,456 289
Total 73 — 2,185 198 2,456 289
Incoming resources from charitable activities
Fees (weddings funerals) due to PCC 2,156 — — — 2,156 2,782
Fees to Diocese-OB — — — — — —
Total 2,156 — — — 2,156 2782
INCOME TOTAL 131,788 4,037 39,108 198 175,131 133,675

Page 26

EXPENDITURE

Costs of generating funds - Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs

Fund raising events — — 483 — 483 —
Total — — 483 — 483 —
Charitable activities
World Church donations 9,500 — — — 9,500 9,500
Mission 2022 126 5,856 — — 5,982 182
Hardship Donations 40 — 4,460 — 4,500 2,200
Donations 134 — 50 — 184 —
Parish share: Diocese 77,232 — — — 77,232 75,482
Parish share: Deanery 7,555 — — — 7,555 7,554
Incumbent's expenses 5,233 — — — 5,233 4,164
Clergy expenses 2,091 — — — 2,091 533
Church heating 1,648 — — — 1,648 1,077
Church lighting 1,001 — — — 1,001 851
Church water charges 16 — — — 16 52
Church insurance 4,247 — — — 4,247 3,810
Church fabric repairs — — — — — 3,536
Gas/electric/water repairs 221 — 706 — 927 1,137
Organ/ Piano maintenance 30 — — — 30 210
Maintenance Fixtures and fittings 914 — 666 — 1,580 2478
Cost of running services 3,234 — 838 — 4,072 2,622
Churchyard maintenance 90 — — — 90 3,718
Cottage heating 527 — — — 527 413
Cottage lighting 530 — — — 530 100
Cottage water charges 12 — — — 12 21
Cottage cleaning 9 — — — 9 510
Cottage insurance 166 — — — 166 391
Cottage repairs 527 — — — 527 700
Honoraria, salaries/wages 1,632 — — — 1,632 1,300
Holiday Club 1,127 — — — 1,127 —
Education and Training 170 — 202 — 372 39
Architects/other fees for repairs or new — — 34,538 — 34,538 3,193
Perrinsfield repairs/insurance 538 601 — — 1,139 864
Total 118,550 6,457 41,460 — 166,467 126,637
Governance costs
Bank charges 380 — — — 380 250
Administrator's wages 9,888 — — — 9,888 9,230
Parish Office 2,623 — — — 2,623 2,152
Other administration costs 70 — — — 70 135
Total 12,961 — — — 12,961 11,767
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 131,511 6,457 41,943 — 179,911 138,404
MOVEMENT IN YEAR 277 (2,420) (2,835) 198 (4,780) (4,729)

Page 27

INTENTIONALLY BLANK Page 28