ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2023
The Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s Addingham
Registered Charity : 1134446
2023 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s Church, Addingham
Registered charity number : 1134446
Aims and purposes
St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Mark Cannon in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church and Church Hall at Church Street, Addingham.
Objectives and activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of the parish community at St Peter’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how services can involve the many groups that live within the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
When planning activities for the year, the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit has been considered, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities and the advancement of religion. In particular, the PCC tries to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of the parish community through :
-
Worship and prayer;
-
Learning about the gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus
-
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
-
Missionary and outreach work
To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Peter and the Church Hall.
Financial Review
In the year to 31 December 2023, the net income of the year can be summarised as follows :
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 2022 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) on sales and revaluation of the parish investments | £ 12,789 |
| £ (74,119) | |
| Deficit in the day to day running of the parish | £ (53,893) |
| £ (40,331) |
Total
£ (41,104)
£ (114,450)
The above figures demonstrate how dependent the Parish is on the investment income. In the past few years, the Parish has made considerable surpluses on its investments. The year 2022 was, however, a very bad year for those investing in Stock Market investments and whilst the investments did show a surplus in 2023, this was not sufficient to cover the deficit on the day to day running of the Parish and supporting the Diocese. It should be emphasised that the Parish still has very considerable reserves.
Nevertheless the Church Council has decided that efforts should be made to increase the giving of the congregation to reduce the deficit and a Mission was held in the autumn which has increased giving by about one half. The Parish has budgeted to make a surplus in 2024, thanks to this extra giving and a reduction in the amount requested by the Diocese as Share in that year amounting to a reduction of all of £14,980. The cost of energy is expected to rise, however, by close to £10,000. Achievement of this budget does depend on a minor increase in the valuation of the Parish’s investments.
The payments to the Diocese is known as Share, and is a contribution to Diocesan expenses which includes the salary and housing of our Rector as well as a contribution to the costs of the Diocese and also costs incurred by parishes less fortunate than ourselves.
It should be highlighted that St Peter’s has paid the full amount of the share requested by the Diocese for the last 31 years and more, a record few parishes can match.
Most income and expenditure items were roughly in line with the previous year. Items to be highlighted are as follows. The Diocese had been holding investments on behalf of the Parish, the value of which were not held in the Parish’s accounts. These investments were cashed in and the cash, amounting to £18,583, forwarded to the Parish’s bank and has been included in these accounts as dividends and interest. It was good to see that following the Covid epidemic become less virulent, the Hall has been used more and also the Church for weddings and funerals. The PCC sub-committee have noted the cost of gardening and our considering how to reduce this cost in 2024. In addition, the sub-committee are looking at ways to reduce the energy costs by the possible use of a heat pump and even a house battery. Any progress will result in a reduction in the Church’s carbon footprint.
Every five years, a report on the fabric of all churches is made to their Diocese to enable the state of repair to be monitored by the property arm of the Diocese. This can be a cause of great concern to many parishes who fear that the report may identify that great expenditure would be required. However, it can be reported that our architect found little cause for concern when he had issued his quinquennial report, that is his five-year report.
Several years ago, the Parish received a legacy of £125,000 from long standing members of the congregation, Ken and Sallie Powell. This legacy was “unrestricted” a term that meant that the cash could be spent however the PCC decided, subject to the duty of the members of the PCC as trustees to utilise the money in the best interests of the Parish. The PCC has wanted to acknowledge this kind contribution to the Church’s funds and it was originally thought that the funds should be utilised as part of a project to extend the Church Hall and the Powell’s contribution be recognised with a plaque in a similar way to the plaques recognising the far larger legacies from Phyllis and Hilda Holmes. Much work was done on this project culminating in planning permission being obtained. During this time, a Survey of the Village was completed to give valuable information on the needs of the Village and how best the
Parish could serve these needs. The PCC then gave the scheme full consideration and assisted by the Survey, took the view that the proposed extension was not good value for money and hence was not in the best interests of the Parish and it was decided not to proceed. The funds still form part of Parish funds and it was decided to earmark this amount in the accounts as an “Endowment Fund” in the name of the Powells. An endowment fund is a fund set aside for a particular purpose by the PCC but can be released to general funds should the PCC take that decision. As noted in the Fabric Report, it is currently intended to alter the entrance to make it easier for the disabled to gain access to the Church together with other alterations and the current intention is to utilise the “Powell Fund” to cover the cost of these alterations.
Fabric
For many years Mr Gordon Atkinson has chaired the Fabric Committee which has ensured the Church and the Hall have been kept in good order, something which is confirmed whenever we have had a five yearly report, on the fabric on behalf of the Diocese. During the year, Mr Atkinson asked to retire from the chairmanship and the PCC would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution he has made over the years. Fortunately, he continues to offer advice over a number of projects that occur from time to time. It was decided that to combine responsibility for all physical resources into one sub-committee and Mr Ian Hepworth agreed to take on the role of chairman. The sub-committee’s responsibilities cover a wide range from finance to sewerage, the latter being something not to be ignored as our trees do keep sending roots into our pipes.
The major decision made on the fabric during the year, which is noted above, was the decision not to go ahead with the hall extension. Instead, the Physical Resources. Instead, focus has turned to its responsibility towards the disabled. Firstly, disabled car parking spaces have be set aside for the disabled and thanks go to Mr Robin Leleux and Mr Jeremy Schofield for painting the lines on the car park delineating these spaces. As well as the work on the alterations to the entrance to the Church, noted above, there is a project ongoing to provide a new path so the infirm can avoid the current path from car park to the entrance to the churchyard which is too steep and can be particularly dangerous when icy.
A professional from the Abbeyfield The Dales Society was asked to do a Fire Risk Assessment of the Church and Hall, at no cost to the PCC, in view of the work done by church members at their home in Ilkley. Almost 50 recommendations were made most of which have been accepted and the recommended changes made, including the Church’s first ever fire drill, which showed the Church could be emptied in less than the target of two minutes.
The neighbours in Beacon Street to the west of the church field have long expressed concerns that the street is too narrow to enable cars to be parked and for fire engines to pass, thus meaning in the event of a fire, houses could be lost. Negotiations have been taking place to sell a small strip of land to the residents, each resident getting the land opposite their house. The residents had hoped that the land would be gifted to them but the Charities Act requires all sales of land by a charity (and the PCC is a registered charity) must come with a professional valuation and must not be sold below that valuation. It is hoped that the agreements are made during 2024.
With the world heating up, thought has been given to how the PCC can make a reduction in the Church’s carbon footprint. The main way this can be achieved would be reducing reliance on gas for heating. It is hoped that the Diocese will provide a grant for a house battery so that energy produced by our solar panels and at night nationally, most of which is renewable, can
be stored and used during the day when much of the energy comes from fossil fuels. Following this, it is intended to consider the viability of using a heat pump to provide the heating using the battery storage to power the pump.
Several minor works have been undertaken during the year or are in hand, such as the church clock which was not keeping time but has now been repaired.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the PCC to maintain sufficient reserves invested so that investment income supplements the other income of the parish. It is the long term aim of the PCC to generate sufficient funds to pay the Church’s payments to the Diocese and every other day by day expenses without utilising this income which can then be used for other projects.
Volunteers
The PCC would like to thank all the volunteers who helped the Parish through this year. Particular mention should be made of the wardens, Joy Harper and Penny Crisfield and all of those who contributed to a new norm, that of worshipping online. They have worked so tirelessly on behalf of the Parish.
Structure, governance and management
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity.
The method of appointment of the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Peter’s, the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent (our Rector), church wardens, the reader and members who are elected by those members of the Church who are on the electoral roll. All members of the congregation who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. PCC Members are elected for three years at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. A report on the work of the PCC is attached and this includes details of the number of meetings and the attendance.
The full PCC met xxx times during the year and the average attendance was xxx. Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has three sub-committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees are the Standing Committee, the Investment Committee and the Physical Resources Committee. In addition there are Working Groups covering Worship, Communications and Pastoral Care. The Sub-Committees and the Working Groups report back to the PCC regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.
Administrative Information
St Peter’s is situated in Church Street, Addingham. It is part of the Diocese of Leeds, within the Province of York and within the Church of England. The Church Council is registered with the Charity Commissioners under the name “The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter’s Addingham” and has the registered charity number of 1134446.
Being a charity, the members of the PCC are also the trustees of the church.
PCC members/trustees who have served at any time from 1[st] January 2022 until the date of this report was approved are :
Ex officio
Incumbent : The Reverend Mark Cannon Lay Reader : Mrs Anne Hodgson Warden : Mrs Margaret Widdowson
Representatives on the Deanery Synod :
Professor Arthur Francis (also Diocesan Synod member) Mr Roger Bainbridge
Elected members :
Mr Roger Bainbridge Mrs Christine Bean Mr Keith Boothroyd Mrs Lucy Comerford Ms Penny Crisfield Mr Ian Hepworth (Treasurer) Mr John Holdsworth Professor Michael Hudson Mrs Judith Idle (Deputy Warden) Mr Frank Millward (Deputy Warden) Mrs Rita Leleux Mrs Sue Settle Mr Matt Waddilove-Carr Miss Judith Worsnop
Friends of St Peters Addingham
FOSPA, as it popularly known is a separate charity registered with the Charity Commission with the charity number 513674. It was set up to raise money for the Parish by serving teas on a Sunday afternoon mainly to visitors to the Parish and selling items, which it has done for many years.
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St Peter’s Church, Addingham, Parochial Church Council
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
-
State whether particular matters have come to my attention .
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records have not been met; or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J Bridgford Chartered Accountants, 17 The Grove ILKLEY. 23rd March 2024
ST PETER'S PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ADDINGHAM BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 Investments 7 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 Short term deposits Cash at bank LIABILITIES Creditors : Amounts falling due in one year : accruals 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted 11 Restricted 11 Endowment Funds 11 |
2023 £ 126,217 395,139 521,356 15,407 17,236 10,196 42,839 6,484 36,355 557,711 2,988 232,928 321,795 557,711 |
2022 £ 127,348 440,179 |
|---|---|---|
| 567,527 | ||
| 13,721 7,118 11,571 |
||
| 32,410 | ||
| 1,099 | ||
| 31,311 | ||
| 598,838 | ||
| 1,893 232,955 363,990 |
||
| 598,838 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by :
I R Hepworth Treasurer
The attached notes form part of these accounts
ST PETER'S PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ADDINGHAM
| Mary Coates Fabric Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund 2016 2015 2014 £ £ £ Receipts Investment Income - Mills Bequest 120 120 Other Investment Income 180 180 Collection for Fabric Fund Surplus for the year 300 300 Hilda Holmes Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Receipts Investment Income 0 1,062 Investments Revaluation -992 49 Historic Buildings Grant 4528 - 3,536 1,111 Payments Insurance 2,261 Water 301 Repairs 2,672 Cleaning 5,351 Organ service 150 Gravelling Field Sundries Brokers Charges 280 Depreciation of Hall 2,868 13,883 Surplus for the year - 12,772 Betty Jackson Fund Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Legacy received - Simulator bell system - Surplus for the year - Phyllis Holmes Fund - Expendable Endowment Receipts Income from Investments 17,856 Profit/Loss on Sale of Investments 1,121 Investment Revaluation 6,467 25,444 Payments Stockbrokers Charges 2,580 Youth Network 2,000 4,580 Surplus for the year 20,864 |
Mary Coates Fabric Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund 2016 2015 2014 £ £ £ Receipts Investment Income - Mills Bequest 120 120 Other Investment Income 180 180 Collection for Fabric Fund Surplus for the year 300 300 Hilda Holmes Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Receipts Investment Income 0 1,062 Investments Revaluation -992 49 Historic Buildings Grant 4528 - 3,536 1,111 Payments Insurance 2,261 Water 301 Repairs 2,672 Cleaning 5,351 Organ service 150 Gravelling Field Sundries Brokers Charges 280 Depreciation of Hall 2,868 13,883 Surplus for the year - 12,772 Betty Jackson Fund Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Legacy received - Simulator bell system - Surplus for the year - Phyllis Holmes Fund - Expendable Endowment Receipts Income from Investments 17,856 Profit/Loss on Sale of Investments 1,121 Investment Revaluation 6,467 25,444 Payments Stockbrokers Charges 2,580 Youth Network 2,000 4,580 Surplus for the year 20,864 |
Mary Coates Fabric Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund 2016 2015 2014 £ £ £ Receipts Investment Income - Mills Bequest 120 120 Other Investment Income 180 180 Collection for Fabric Fund Surplus for the year 300 300 Hilda Holmes Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Receipts Investment Income 0 1,062 Investments Revaluation -992 49 Historic Buildings Grant 4528 - 3,536 1,111 Payments Insurance 2,261 Water 301 Repairs 2,672 Cleaning 5,351 Organ service 150 Gravelling Field Sundries Brokers Charges 280 Depreciation of Hall 2,868 13,883 Surplus for the year - 12,772 Betty Jackson Fund Bequest Fund Income & Expenditure - Restricted Fund Legacy received - Simulator bell system - Surplus for the year - Phyllis Holmes Fund - Expendable Endowment Receipts Income from Investments 17,856 Profit/Loss on Sale of Investments 1,121 Investment Revaluation 6,467 25,444 Payments Stockbrokers Charges 2,580 Youth Network 2,000 4,580 Surplus for the year 20,864 |
|---|---|---|
| 300 300 | ||
| 0 1,062 -992 49 4528 - |
||
| 3,536 | 1,111 | |
| 2,261 301 2,672 5,351 150 280 2,868 |
||
| 13,883 | ||
| - 12,772 | ||
| - - |
||
| - | ||
| 17,856 1,121 6,467 |
||
| 25,444 | ||
| 2,580 2,000 |
||
| 4,580 | ||
| 20,864 |
ST PETER'S PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ADDINGHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
2. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
| 2(a) Voluntary Income Planned giving Gift aid donations Tax recoverable Collections - open plate Grants : GASDS top up payment Legacy Sundry donations Activities for generating funds Dividends and interest Loss/Profit on sale of investments Church Activities Church hall lettings Fees for weddings and funerals TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2(b)O Sales of and Advertisement in_"Source" 2(c)_Income from investments 2(d)I |
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ 38,292 - - 38,292 32,892 10,293 10,293 8,656 6,497 - - 6,497 6,717 - - - - - 1,581 1,564 1,564 233 |
|---|---|
| 56,646 - - 56,646 50,079 | |
| - - 0 183 |
|
| 480 140 13,746 14,366 15,493 -5,105 -5,105 -6,246 |
|
| 480 140 8,641 9,261 9,247 | |
| 7,154 - - 7,154 4,227 8,248 - - 8,248 7,093 |
|
| 15,402 - - 15,402 11,320 | |
| 72,528 140 8,641 81,309 70,829 |
ST PETER'S PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ADDINGHAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income 2 (a) Activities for generating funds 2 (b) Income from investments 2 (c) Church activities 2 (d) TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activities 3 (a) Raising Activities 3 (b) TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET OUTGOING RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS Transfers between funds 5 Net in(out)going resources before other recognised gains Revaluation Profit/(Loss) 7 BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1ST JANUARY 2023 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 |
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ 56,646 - - 56,646 50,079 - - - - 183 480 140 8,641 9,261 9,247 15,402 - - 15,402 11,320 |
|---|---|
| 72,528 140 8,641 81,309 70,829 | |
| 156,435 267 - 156,702 125,362 - - 2,313 2,313 3,122 |
|
| 156,435 267 2,313 159,015 128,484 | |
| -83,907 -127 6,328 -77,706 -57,655 85,000 -85,000- - |
|
| 1,093 -127 -78,672 -77,706 -57,655 - - 36,477 36,477 -67,873 |
|
| 1,093 -127 -42,195 -41,229 -125,528 1,895 233,055 363,990 598,838 724,366 |
|
| 2,988 232,928 321,795 557,609 598,838 |
The attached notes form part of these accounts
PARISH CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PETER'S ADDINGHAM
CASHFLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31st December 2023
| Net cash generated in operating activities Cashflow from investing activities Dividends & interest from investments Interest paid Proceeds from the sale of : Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed investments Purchase of : Tangible fixed asset for the use of the PCC Fixed asset investments Net cash providedby investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January 2023 Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December 2023 Reconciliation of net expenditure before investment gains Net expenditure before investments gains (losses) Adjustments for Depreciation Dividends and interest Decrease (Increase) in debtors Increase (Decrease) in creditors Net cash used in operating activities Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand Notice deposits |
2023 2022 £ £ £ £ - 58,561 - 66,636 14,366 15,493 - - - 94,669 103,150 - 4,891 - 3,912 - 36,840 - 53,467 67,304 61,264 8,743 - 5,372 18,689 24,061 27,432 18,689 - - 53,918 - 51,409 6,024 5,656 - 14,366 - 15,493 - 1,686 - 3,133 5,385 - 2,257 - 58,561 - 66,636 10,196 11,571 17,236 7,118 27,432 18,689 |
2023 2022 £ £ £ £ - 58,561 - 66,636 14,366 15,493 - - - 94,669 103,150 - 4,891 - 3,912 - 36,840 - 53,467 67,304 61,264 8,743 - 5,372 18,689 24,061 27,432 18,689 - - 53,918 - 51,409 6,024 5,656 - 14,366 - 15,493 - 1,686 - 3,133 5,385 - 2,257 - 58,561 - 66,636 10,196 11,571 17,236 7,118 27,432 18,689 |
|---|---|---|
| - 5,372 24,061 |
||
| 18,689 | ||
- 51,409 5,656 - 15,493 - 3,133 - 2,257 |
||
| - 66,636 | ||
| 11,571 7,118 |
||
| 18,689 |
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2023
The Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s Addingham
Registered Charity : 1134446
2023 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s Church, Addingham
Registered charity number : 1134446
Aims and purposes
St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Mark Cannon in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church and Church Hall at Church Street, Addingham.
Objectives and activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the church and to become part of the parish community at St Peter’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how services can involve the many groups that live within the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
When planning activities for the year, the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit has been considered, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities and the advancement of religion. In particular, the PCC tries to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of the parish community through :
-
Worship and prayer;
-
Learning about the gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus
-
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
-
Missionary and outreach work
To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Peter and the Church Hall.
Financial Review
In the year to 31 December 2023, the net income of the year can be summarised as follows :
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| 2022 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) on sales and revaluation of the parish investments | £ 12,789 |
| £ (74,119) | |
| Deficit in the day to day running of the parish | £ (53,893) |
| £ (40,331) |
Total
£ (41,104)
£ (114,450)
The above figures demonstrate how dependent the Parish is on the investment income. In the past few years, the Parish has made considerable surpluses on its investments. The year 2022 was, however, a very bad year for those investing in Stock Market investments and whilst the investments did show a surplus in 2023, this was not sufficient to cover the deficit on the day to day running of the Parish and supporting the Diocese. It should be emphasised that the Parish still has very considerable reserves.
Nevertheless the Church Council has decided that efforts should be made to increase the giving of the congregation to reduce the deficit and a Mission was held in the autumn which has increased giving by about one half. The Parish has budgeted to make a surplus in 2024, thanks to this extra giving and a reduction in the amount requested by the Diocese as Share in that year amounting to a reduction of all of £14,980. The cost of energy is expected to rise, however, by close to £10,000. Achievement of this budget does depend on a minor increase in the valuation of the Parish’s investments.
The payments to the Diocese is known as Share, and is a contribution to Diocesan expenses which includes the salary and housing of our Rector as well as a contribution to the costs of the Diocese and also costs incurred by parishes less fortunate than ourselves.
It should be highlighted that St Peter’s has paid the full amount of the share requested by the Diocese for the last 31 years and more, a record few parishes can match.
Most income and expenditure items were roughly in line with the previous year. Items to be highlighted are as follows. The Diocese had been holding investments on behalf of the Parish, the value of which were not held in the Parish’s accounts. These investments were cashed in and the cash, amounting to £18,583, forwarded to the Parish’s bank and has been included in these accounts as dividends and interest. It was good to see that following the Covid epidemic become less virulent, the Hall has been used more and also the Church for weddings and funerals. The PCC sub-committee have noted the cost of gardening and our considering how to reduce this cost in 2024. In addition, the sub-committee are looking at ways to reduce the energy costs by the possible use of a heat pump and even a house battery. Any progress will result in a reduction in the Church’s carbon footprint.
Every five years, a report on the fabric of all churches is made to their Diocese to enable the state of repair to be monitored by the property arm of the Diocese. This can be a cause of great concern to many parishes who fear that the report may identify that great expenditure would be required. However, it can be reported that our architect found little cause for concern when he had issued his quinquennial report, that is his five-year report.
Several years ago, the Parish received a legacy of £125,000 from long standing members of the congregation, Ken and Sallie Powell. This legacy was “unrestricted” a term that meant that the cash could be spent however the PCC decided, subject to the duty of the members of the PCC as trustees to utilise the money in the best interests of the Parish. The PCC has wanted to acknowledge this kind contribution to the Church’s funds and it was originally thought that the funds should be utilised as part of a project to extend the Church Hall and the Powell’s contribution be recognised with a plaque in a similar way to the plaques recognising the far larger legacies from Phyllis and Hilda Holmes. Much work was done on this project culminating in planning permission being obtained. During this time, a Survey of the Village was completed to give valuable information on the needs of the Village and how best the
Parish could serve these needs. The PCC then gave the scheme full consideration and assisted by the Survey, took the view that the proposed extension was not good value for money and hence was not in the best interests of the Parish and it was decided not to proceed. The funds still form part of Parish funds and it was decided to earmark this amount in the accounts as an “Endowment Fund” in the name of the Powells. An endowment fund is a fund set aside for a particular purpose by the PCC but can be released to general funds should the PCC take that decision. As noted in the Fabric Report, it is currently intended to alter the entrance to make it easier for the disabled to gain access to the Church together with other alterations and the current intention is to utilise the “Powell Fund” to cover the cost of these alterations.
Fabric
For many years Mr Gordon Atkinson has chaired the Fabric Committee which has ensured the Church and the Hall have been kept in good order, something which is confirmed whenever we have had a five yearly report, on the fabric on behalf of the Diocese. During the year, Mr Atkinson asked to retire from the chairmanship and the PCC would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution he has made over the years. Fortunately, he continues to offer advice over a number of projects that occur from time to time. It was decided that to combine responsibility for all physical resources into one sub-committee and Mr Ian Hepworth agreed to take on the role of chairman. The sub-committee’s responsibilities cover a wide range from finance to sewerage, the latter being something not to be ignored as our trees do keep sending roots into our pipes.
The major decision made on the fabric during the year, which is noted above, was the decision not to go ahead with the hall extension. Instead, the Physical Resources. Instead, focus has turned to its responsibility towards the disabled. Firstly, disabled car parking spaces have be set aside for the disabled and thanks go to Mr Robin Leleux and Mr Jeremy Schofield for painting the lines on the car park delineating these spaces. As well as the work on the alterations to the entrance to the Church, noted above, there is a project ongoing to provide a new path so the infirm can avoid the current path from car park to the entrance to the churchyard which is too steep and can be particularly dangerous when icy.
A professional from the Abbeyfield The Dales Society was asked to do a Fire Risk Assessment of the Church and Hall, at no cost to the PCC, in view of the work done by church members at their home in Ilkley. Almost 50 recommendations were made most of which have been accepted and the recommended changes made, including the Church’s first ever fire drill, which showed the Church could be emptied in less than the target of two minutes.
The neighbours in Beacon Street to the west of the church field have long expressed concerns that the street is too narrow to enable cars to be parked and for fire engines to pass, thus meaning in the event of a fire, houses could be lost. Negotiations have been taking place to sell a small strip of land to the residents, each resident getting the land opposite their house. The residents had hoped that the land would be gifted to them but the Charities Act requires all sales of land by a charity (and the PCC is a registered charity) must come with a professional valuation and must not be sold below that valuation. It is hoped that the agreements are made during 2024.
With the world heating up, thought has been given to how the PCC can make a reduction in the Church’s carbon footprint. The main way this can be achieved would be reducing reliance on gas for heating. It is hoped that the Diocese will provide a grant for a house battery so that energy produced by our solar panels and at night nationally, most of which is renewable, can
be stored and used during the day when much of the energy comes from fossil fuels. Following this, it is intended to consider the viability of using a heat pump to provide the heating using the battery storage to power the pump.
Several minor works have been undertaken during the year or are in hand, such as the church clock which was not keeping time but has now been repaired.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the PCC to maintain sufficient reserves invested so that investment income supplements the other income of the parish. It is the long term aim of the PCC to generate sufficient funds to pay the Church’s payments to the Diocese and every other day by day expenses without utilising this income which can then be used for other projects.
Volunteers
The PCC would like to thank all the volunteers who helped the Parish through this year. Particular mention should be made of the wardens, Joy Harper and Penny Crisfield and all of those who contributed to a new norm, that of worshipping online. They have worked so tirelessly on behalf of the Parish.
Structure, governance and management
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity.
The method of appointment of the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Peter’s, the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent (our Rector), church wardens, the reader and members who are elected by those members of the Church who are on the electoral roll. All members of the congregation who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. PCC Members are elected for three years at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. A report on the work of the PCC is attached and this includes details of the number of meetings and the attendance.
The full PCC met xxx times during the year and the average attendance was xxx. Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has three sub-committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees are the Standing Committee, the Investment Committee and the Physical Resources Committee. In addition there are Working Groups covering Worship, Communications and Pastoral Care. The Sub-Committees and the Working Groups report back to the PCC regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.
Administrative Information
St Peter’s is situated in Church Street, Addingham. It is part of the Diocese of Leeds, within the Province of York and within the Church of England. The Church Council is registered with the Charity Commissioners under the name “The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter’s Addingham” and has the registered charity number of 1134446.
Being a charity, the members of the PCC are also the trustees of the church.
PCC members/trustees who have served at any time from 1[st] January 2022 until the date of this report was approved are :
Ex officio
Incumbent : The Reverend Mark Cannon Lay Reader : Mrs Anne Hodgson Warden : Mrs Margaret Widdowson
Representatives on the Deanery Synod :
Professor Arthur Francis (also Diocesan Synod member) Mr Roger Bainbridge
Elected members :
Mr Roger Bainbridge Mrs Christine Bean Mr Keith Boothroyd Mrs Lucy Comerford Ms Penny Crisfield Mr Ian Hepworth (Treasurer) Mr John Holdsworth Professor Michael Hudson Mrs Judith Idle (Deputy Warden) Mr Frank Millward (Deputy Warden) Mrs Rita Leleux Mrs Sue Settle Mr Matt Waddilove-Carr Miss Judith Worsnop
Friends of St Peters Addingham
FOSPA, as it popularly known is a separate charity registered with the Charity Commission with the charity number 513674. It was set up to raise money for the Parish by serving teas on a Sunday afternoon mainly to visitors to the Parish and selling items, which it has done for many years.
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St Peter’s Church, Addingham, Parochial Church Council
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
-
State whether particular matters have come to my attention .
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records have not been met; or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J Bridgford Chartered Accountants, 17 The Grove ILKLEY. 23rd March 2024