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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Mary's, Ambleside

2023-12-31-accounts

St. Mary’s Church, Ambleside

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

(St Mary’s Ambleside is part of the Diocese of Cumbria within the Church of England)

Annual Report 2023

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements

for year ended December 2023

Charity No: 1134603

Church Office: Bankers: Independent Examiner
St Mary’s Church Barclays Bank, Helen Holmes
Vicarage Road 3 Crescent Road, Stables Thompson &
Ambleside Windermere, Briscoe Ltd
Cumbria LA23 1EB Lowther House
LA22 9DH Lowther St
Kendal
Incumbent: LA9 4DX
Rev Andy Smith

Stables Thompson & Briscoe Ltd

Chartered Accounts and Business Advisors

Lowther House

Lowther Street

Kendal

LA9 4DX

1

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

pages
Report of Trustees 3
Independent Examiner’s Report 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16 - 23
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 24 - 25

2

REPORT OF TRUSTEES

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of accounting and reporting by the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (Effective 1 January 2015). They were also prepared in accordance with PCC Accountability.

1. AIMS and PURPOSES

To cooperate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church: evangelistic, pastoral, social and ecumenical.

St Mary’s Church Ambleside also provides a daily benefit to a high number of visitors from all over the UK and the world.

2. OBJECTIVES and ACTIVITIES

The objectives of the PCC are detailed within the Memorandum & Articles of the PCC, but can be summarised as follows: -

The PCC is committed to encouraging as many people as possible to worship at our church and become part of our church community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many community groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music, and sacrament. St. Mary’s Ambleside PCC confirm compliance with the “duty” in section 4 of the 2006 Charities Act and give due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding Public Benefit. In summary, the PCC trustees ensure that the purposes for which it is set up are maintained:

Next to St Mary's church sits Ambleside Parish Centre (APC), a Community Centre, which receives financial contributions from St Mary's, the local Methodist church and community grants. It is a vibrant welcoming community space where many members of the local community take part in groups and activities or volunteer their time for projects such as the Community Lunches, the Evergreen club for over 55s and Community Food Cupboard. Many of the congregation of St Mary's are actively living out their faith, supporting the groups and volunteering alongside their neighbours.

Of the 91(89) people on the Church Electoral Roll, 5(6) are serving as Trustees and 11(10) as active volunteers at the APC.

3

St. Mary’s Church has contact with the University of Cumbria (Ambleside campus) through the Rector’s work with the University Chaplain and the student Christian Union.

When planning our activities for the year we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on the public benefit and the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to encourage people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

· Worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel and developing their knowledge, relationship and trust in Jesus Christ.

· Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

· Missionary and outreach work.

The main objective for the last year was to continue to ensure that the objectives set out above can be met and supported and to raise the profile of the work of the PCC and encourage new people to take an interest in the Church and its activities.

To facilitate this work of the Church it is important that the PCC maintains the building’s fabric.

3. ACHIEVEMENTS and PERFORMANCE (figures in brackets refer to 2022)

Worship and Prayer.

Following the retirement of Rev Beverley Lock in January worship was ably led by Rev Nick Hallam and Rev Jane Nattress, with help from Rev George Wrigley. The regular 11.00am Sunday services continued, together with occasional weddings & funeral services.

In September Rev Andy Smith was licensed by the Bishop of Penrith as Rector of the benefice.

A midweek group, coordinated by Graham Sutton, continued to be held via Zoom every 2 weeks. This provided a space to encounter each other and encourage one another to explore our thoughts and feelings about our Christian Faith, enabling us to share our experiences as well as hear from others about theirs.

A Bible Study group also met on-line on alternate Wednesdays led by Brian Lock until it ceased meeting in the summer.

There have been two weekly Prayer Meetings on Zoom on Mondays; mission community morning prayers at 9am where ministers pray together and an intercessory prayer group at 10am.

Ambleside School use the church building for their annual performances with some help from

members of the congregation. They hold their milestone celebrations, such as leavers’ assembly, and end of terms services in the church building.

The Youth Church met once a month on a Monday evening until the end of the summer school term when declining numbers caused its closure. There is a hope that it will recommence if we see an increase in interest.

Booklets on Christian faith (supplied by LIFEWORDS) in many languages are available in church and are free to visitors although donations are given and there is a steady demand for this Christian literature.

4

‘Monday Meet up’ continues as an open session from 2pm to 4pm each Monday for people of all ages to get together for a cuppa, cake, and a chat. Friendships are developing and we are building relationships with people in our local community. We have met people who would not normally come to church but have felt comfortable enough to come through the door on a Monday afternoon. It is led by Rev Jane Nattrass with a dedicated team of volunteers who turn up each week to help. Many thanks to all.

Pastoral Care

The prayer "chain” has continued to provide prayer support for the church and wider family. Beyond prayer ministry, the pastoral care team has been busy providing support in practical ways.

This year has seen the church family learning how to meet again and being together in the building after the restrictions of covid. It has been a difficult time for some and returning to a sense of "pre covid" normality has taken a while.

In March we said goodbye to George and Gill Scarlett and to celebrate them we held a church family lunch in church. This was the first time in two years that we had sat and eaten together, and it was very warmly received by the 36 folk who took part.

In August about 30 church members walked (or were driven) to Rydal Hall one sunny Sunday and shared in a lovely lunch of good food and fine company.

And in October 10 of us shared a morning clearing up the overgrowth behind the bench in the church yard as the first phase of a "growing project".

By the end of the reporting period, it is good to note that most of the rotas are again well supported, and mostly people now feel able to help as they did pre-covid!

Mission and Evangelism Review & Update

Mission Giving - £4,942- helped to support our main Mission Initiatives outlined below. Donations via Planned Giving, gift aid, loose plate collection, Contactless Donations Unit (replaces the Church Pillar) and Letter Box continues.

Overseas Mission : Nepal International Support Fellowship; TEARFUND; Compassion UK.

Home Mission : Ambleside C of E Primary school; Cedar Counselling; CAP debt advice Kendal; St Mary’s Hospice; British Legion.

Community Mission and Evangelism Activities : Ambleside Parish Centre; End of year school Bibles; Network Youth Ministry; Lifewords (Christian literature in many languages available for visitors).

Specific Church Collections for Charity

During the year, collections were taken for “Crisis at Christmas” and the DEC appeal for the Syria earthquake.

==> picture [503 x 39] intentionally omitted <==

5

Third party collections for Charity Review & Update

During the year, St Mary’s Church Fellowship co-ordinated collections for the following donations made directly to 3rd party charities. (These donations do not form part of the end of year accounts); The Childrens Society (Christingle Service) - £595(£455) and Christian Aid week - £995(£996).

Parish Magazine

Our parish magazine is delivered to every household in the parish free of charge. The magazine keeps parishioners and the community informed of community events and church meetings. Some 1800 magazines are printed and distributed 10 times annually. In 2023 we outsourced printing and compiling of the magazine, as doing it ourselves involved an enormous amount of effort and time which church volunteers were finding difficult to maintain.

Ecumenical Relationships

St Mary’s Church is a member of Churches Together in Ambleside District (CTAD). In 2023 the January Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was very well supported. Denominations attending are Anglican; Roman Catholic; Methodist and Quakers.

A united service is held with the Methodist church when there is a 5th Sunday in the month.

St. Mary’s Church is a member of the Central Lakes Mission Community and group of 14 worshipping communities who are exploring how they can work together to promote the Christian faith in the Central Lakes. Together we have created and published leaflets of Pilgrimage Walks from the churches in the MC.

We have a Mission Community choir and meet to work out ways to come together for projects to promote the Christian faith in the area.

In 2023 the Mission Community began holding Contemporary Worship services (Aspire) in St Mary’s church. Three were held during 2023 on Sunday afternoon/evenings, with guest worship leaders and preachers. They were reasonably well supported, and it is hoped that numbers will continue to grow as the service becomes more widely known.

Churchyard

2 (1) faculties for reserving grave plots were applied for during the year.

In 2023 the PCC adopted a policy that the PCC would not accept future requests to reserve space in the churchyard. The reason for this is that there is estimated to be enough space in the churchyard for burials for only 12 years. Previously approved reserve spaces would be honoured. The normal practice of allowing burials of any Ambleside residents and those on the electoral role of the Church would continue to apply if there is space at the time of their death.

The PCC pays for the churchyard to be kept in good order and received financial help for this from members of the local community and the Parish Council.

6

Work began in 2023 to tidy-up tombstones broken by Storm Arwen in 2022. This work remains to be completed.

Church Building

In November two additional speakers were installed in the church to improve the sound system. General maintenance work was carried out during the year.

The quinquennial survey of the church and grounds was carried out in September by an architect appointed by the PCC. The summary to the report states,” The building is in good condition but as is

to be expected there is the inevitable requirement to carry out routine maintenance and localised repair.” The report goes into detail about the building and where repairs are needed. The PCC will be monitoring the building and carrying out repairs as necessary.

4.FINANCIAL REVIEW (See Financial Report for detail)

Summary information: (previous year in brackets)

==> picture [494 x 145] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
St Marys - Income 2023 - (£99,399) St Marys - Expenses 2023 - (£129,109)
£7,586
Voluntary Income - £4,942
£12,445 Planned Giving
Voluntary Income - Mission Giving
other
£46,608
£8,642 Income Generation £41,072 Ministry
£83,095
£24,118 Church Fees Church Running
Costs
Investment
----- End of picture text -----

5. RESERVES POLICY - reviewed by the PCC each financial year.

The PCC holds Funds as detailed below. These Funds are held in 2 accounts: CBF Church of England Fund and a Current Account held with Barclays Bank.

Restricted Funds

Two people left significant legacies in 2012 , one for the Church plus Churchyard and the other for the Church. The funds remaining for these legacies are £60,653 (£83,999).

In addition, Restricted Funds have been established for the following purposes:

7

Organ Fund. (Planned Giving).

Storm Damaged Trees & Churchyard Magazine Printing Fund. Fund. (Appeal) (Appeal)

During 2023 a new lighting system was installed. The funds held for the “Mural restoration” and “Beautify the church” were fully used towards this project cost.

A new restricted fund was established in 2023 to help with Magazine printing costs. The Magazine is now printed externally as printing the magazine internally was taking up too much volunteer time.

Designated Funds

The PCC received a further legacy in 2017, which has no restrictions. The PCC has designated this legacy towards improving the Church Visual and Sound systems. This fund has now been completely used.

The PCC hold Designated unrestricted funds (£60,000) to ensure that at least 9 months of typical church running costs can be met in the unlikely event of a shortfall in income or any unexpected expenses.

Unrestricted Funds (cash)

Balance held in General unrestricted funds at the end of 2023 is £23,883 (£35,394 ) - see note 10 of Accounts.

Legacy policy

This policy has now been implemented as part of the “Giving for Life” initiative and is now available on the church website.

6. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The PCC will continue to meet its objectives as outlined within this document, working with the newly installed Team Rector who was licenced in September 2023.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE and MANAGEMENT PCC

The PCC complies with its governing document. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules (dated 2020). All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Measure.

All new members are voted onto the PCC via the Annual Parish Church Meeting (APCM). The role of Church Warden or Secretary or Treasurer is also confirmed at the APCM along with confirmation of the Financial Examiner.

8

The full PCC met 9 (7) times) during the year, including 3 (1) Special Meetings, (not including the Annual Parochial Church Meeting) with an average attendance of about 75% (73%) (elected and ex-officio members); 73% (78%) (including co-opted member). At each meeting, members are responsible for declaring any “conflict of interest” at the start of the meeting having had the forthcoming agenda before the meeting.

Issues discussed during the year covered:

Selection and installation of Rev Andy Smith to replace Rev Beverley Lock, worship , Safeguarding ~~,~~ sound system improvements, parish magazine, Mission Community plans, remit of the PCC Standing Committee, maintenance of St Mary's and St Anne's graveyards, and unauthorised car parking.

Electoral Roll

All are welcome to attend regular services. There are 91 (89) parishioners on the Church of England Electoral Roll for St Mary’s Ambleside.

Safeguarding Policy

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Judith Dixon, based at St. Mary’s Church Office, Ambleside.

Safer Recruitment :

Our parish supports the following groups working with children and young people and with adults who may be vulnerable:

The coordinators of these activities have been safely recruited according to the Church’s national guidance and we have ensured they have received the level of training required by the Church.

In addition, members of the PCC and volunteers working with these groups are made aware of the Churches Safeguarding Policy and where appropriate are encouraged to undertake a relevant level of Safeguarding Training.

Training :

We have now signed up to the Safeguarding Dashboard – a Church of England resource which collates our position and gives us targets to improve. This provides a traffic light system showing where we are up to date and where we need to do more.

All PCC members are required complete the following courses:

9

Awareness of Domestic Abuse is a new course that clergy, PCC members and church wardens will all need to complete to gain a green light on our Dashboard.

In addition, many of the PCC completed Basic Awareness and Foundation training in 2020/1, so will need to renew it in 2024.

It is hoped to deliver a face-to-face training morning for Basic Awareness and Foundation level in 2024 for those who need a top up.

Church Policy and Guidance :

The PCC has adopted the House of Bishop’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’ , and the Church of England safeguarding policy and guidance. These documents have been signed by the Team Rector and Churchwarden and are displayed on our church noticeboard together with a Safeguarding List of Who’s Who.

Copies of all the Safeguarding and Risk Assessment Documents are kept in a folder in the Vestry and include a policy on what to do in a Medical Emergency at a Church Service.

Risk Management

The PCC records "Risks" as Agenda items of the PCC. They are then managed to closure, and all actions and decisions are recorded at subsequent PCC meetings. "Risks" are defined as significant problems that could hinder the Church’s work and categorised as follows:

Governance risks (skills, competence, and organisation of the PCC etc).

Operational risks (health & safety, employment, child protection etc).

Financial risks (reserves, cash flow, investments, income stability, fraud etc).

External risks (demographic and employment changes, public reputation etc).

Regulatory risks (fundraising, disability discrimination, HMRC requirements etc).

During 2023 three Risk items were further managed and the PCC progressed actions at each PCC meeting. The 3 Risk items were:

During 2023 St Annes churchyard and the Maintenance of St Mary’s churchyard have been addressed.

Safeguarding is now a separate agenda item that covers the newly released C of E Safeguarding Dashboard.

10

Deanery Synod

Synod met three times in 2023, in March, July and November. The venues were St Mary’s Windermere and St Mary’s Allithwaite, within the area of Windermere Deanery.

There were regular items for information and discussion on:

Finance – providing oversight of Deanery accounts, Parish Levy and discussion concerning Ministry offers;

Mission Communities [North, East and South] updating what is happening locally in each area; Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee;

Network Youth Ministry submit a written report sometimes with a video presentation;

Safeguarding;

Data Protection & GDPR;

as well as invited speakers who gave a flavour of their expertise and resources.

There were three speakers during the year:

Bishop Rob – who gave an edited version from Vision for Cumbria roadshow.

Anna Newlove – Net Zero Officer – relating to Tread Gently of the Diocese Vision. Sophie Hodge – Stewardship & Legacy Giving.

A summary of each Deanery meeting and minutes is shared at PCC.

Deanery Synod meetings are open to non-members so that they can benefit from this resource when a subject relevant to their local interest/role is discussed.

St Mary’s church is entitled to send two representatives to Deanery Synod, as per the electoral roll formula. During 2023 Pauline Sunnucks was our only representative.

Leadership Team

The Church leadership Team met four times during the interregnum to support the churchwarden. The group has ceased to meet since the arrival of the new Rector; it is envisioned that a similar group will form in 2024.

Payment of Staff Policy

The PCC currently has one paid part time post of Church Administrator. The role covers general church administration, and the line manager is the Incumbent. Annual increases are reviewed at the end of each tax year and any increases are based on the RPI index. The accountants manage Pay Slip and Government payments on behalf of the PCC.

11

8 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Location and contact address
St Mary’s Church, Vicarage Road,
Ambleside LA22 9DH		 Contact Details:
Rev Andy Smith
015394 34512

PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2023 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex-Officio members (7):

(Team Rector) appointed September 2023

(Team Vicar) Associate Vicar Church Warden

5.Pauline Sunnucks Deanery Synod representative

6.Vacant Church Warden 7.Vacant Deanery Synod representative

Ex – officio members who resigned at APCM on 16[th] April 2023 None

Elected members (9) of the PCC APCM 16[th] April 2023:

5 Dr Sue Ion

Elected members who resigned at APCM on 16[th] April 2023 None

Co-opted members. One of the PCC.

Graham Sutton

==> picture [92 x 52] intentionally omitted <==

Approved by the APCM on 5[th] May 2024 and signed on their behalf by

12

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

==> picture [171 x 45] intentionally omitted <==

H M Holmes BSc FCA

Stables Thompson & Briscoe Ltd Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors Lowther House Lowther Street Kendal LA9 4DX

Date: 7 May 2024

13

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Church activities
Other trading activities
2
Investment income
3
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Church activities
Rushbearing activities
Other
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
58,098
12,445
8,642
2,100
81,285
79,654
-
75
79,729
1,556
150,169
151,725		 Restricted
funds
£
12,626
-
917
5,486
19,029
50,666
-
-
50,666
(31,637)
105,156
73,519		 Endowment
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 31.12.23
Total
funds
£
70,724
12,445
9,559
7,586
100,314
130,320
-
75
130,395
(30,081)
255,325
225,244		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
75,099
10,116
9,237
3,922
98,374
86,493
1,204
-
87,697
10,677
244,648
255,325

14

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Balance Sheet 31 December 2023

FIXED ASSETS
Notes
Tangible assets
7
Investments
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at bank
10
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
12
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds
£
3,750
41,477
45,227
1,442
107,664
109,106
(2,608)
106,498
151,725
151,725		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
73,520
73,520
(1)
73,519
73,519
73,519		 Endowment
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 31.12.23
Total
funds
£
3,750
41,477
45,227
1,442
181,184
182,626
(2,609)
180,017
225,244
225,244
151,725
73,519
225,244		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
4,688
41,477
46,165
1,193
210,508
211,701
(2,541)
209,160
255,325
255,325
150,169
105,156
255,325

==> picture [499 x 102] intentionally omitted <==

15

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value.

The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts are prepared on a going concern basis.

The charity is an unincorporated entity governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation Rules.

The address of the registered office is given in the charity information page of these financial statements. The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities are to promote in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donated facilities, goods and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

16

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its

estimated useful life. Fixtures and fittings - 20% on reducing balance

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Car park rentals 4,256 4,186
Magazine advertising 4,386 3,805
Rushbearing income 917 1,246
9,559 9,237
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Dividends 2,100 1,700
Deposit account interest 5,486 2,222
7,586 3,922

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Mrs P Sunnucks and Mrs M Thomlinson were paid in total £845 (2022 - £1,335) for their services as verger in the year.

Judith Dixon was paid £6,161 (2022 - £5,452) for her services as administrator in the year.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

17

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

5.
STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Administrator
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.		 31.12.23
£
6,061
6,061
31.12.23
1		 31.12.22
£
5,452
5,452
31.12.22
1
6.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
61,461
13,638
Charitable activities
Church activities
10,116
-
Other trading activities
7,991
1,246
Investment income
1,700
2,222
Total
81,268
17,106
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Church activities
71,249
15,244
Rushbearing activities
-
1,204
£
£
Total
71,249
16,448
NET INCOME
10,019
658
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
140,150
104,498
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
150,169
105,156
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Endowment
fund
£
Total
funds
£
-
75,099
-
10,116
-
9,237
-
3,922
-
98,374
-
86,493
-
1,204
£
£
-
87,697
-
10,677
-
244,648
-
255,325
Fixtures and fittings
£
31,549
26,861
938
27,799
3,750
4,688

18

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

8. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Unlisted investments
£
MARKET VALUE
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 41,477
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 41,477
At 31 December 2022 41,477
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
The shares held are unlisted so there is no open market value.

9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Prepayments and accrued income
10.
CASH AT BANK
Barclays current account
CBF deposit account
Total
Rushbearing
Barclays Rushbearing Activity
activities
£
3,371
CBF deposit account
-
Total
3,371
Storm
Barclays current account
damage
appeal
£
-
Barclays Rushbearing Activity
-
CBF deposit account
5,879
Total
5,879		 31.12.23
31.12.22
£
1,442
£
1,193
General
Operational
Volunteer
fund
£
23,883
reserve
£
-
fund
£
-
23,050
60,000
731
46,933
60,000
731
Alene
Hackett
Adrienne
Nicholson
legacy
£
-
legacy
£
-
Organ Fund
£
-
29,058
29,070
5,497
29,058
29,070
5,497
31.12.23
31.12.22
Magazine
donations
£
-
Total
funds
£
23,883
Total
funds
£
35,394
-
3,371
3,940
645
153,930
171,174
645
181,184
210,508		 31.12.23
31.12.22
£
1,442
£
1,193
General
Operational
Volunteer
fund
£
23,883
reserve
£
-
fund
£
-
23,050
60,000
731
46,933
60,000
731
Alene
Hackett
Adrienne
Nicholson
legacy
£
-
legacy
£
-
Organ Fund
£
-
29,058
29,070
5,497
29,058
29,070
5,497
31.12.23
31.12.22
Magazine
donations
£
-
Total
funds
£
23,883
Total
funds
£
35,394
-
3,371
3,940
645
153,930
171,174
645
181,184
210,508
210,508

The Church received an amount of £133 (2022 - £130) on behalf of community collections which was paid out in the year to the charities concerned. As per PCC guidance this income and expenditure has not been reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities as this is not church income.

11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other creditors

31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
2,609 2,541

Included in Other creditors is £1,191 (2022 - £1,191 relating to "Mission Communities". This will be paid out when this fund has set up a formal constitution and opened its own bank account. This is not church money.

19

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Operational reserve
Designated legacy
Designated legacy - Lighting system
Volunteer fund
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Mural Appeal
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Lighting grant
Storm damage appeal
Magazine donations
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated legacy
Churchyard designated
Designated legacy - Lighting system
Volunteer fund
Contributions to Clergy Interviews
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Mural Appeal
Churchyard maintenance
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Lighting grant
Grants for major repairs
Energy and Warm Space Grant
Magazine donations
TOTAL FUNDS

20

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Operational reserve
Designated legacy
Designated legacy - Lighting system
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Mural Appeal
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Lighting grant
Tree maintenance appeal
Storm damage appeal

TOTAL FUNDS
 At 1.1.22
£
78,524
60,000
1,626
-
140,150
3,898
43,591
40,408
2,793
4,475
5,690
1,500
1,009
1,134
104,498
244,648		 Net
movement
in funds
£
9,119
-
-
900
10,019
42
(1,828)
(471)
74
-
(895)
-
(1,009)
4,745
658

10,677
 At
31.12.22
£
87,643
60,000
1,626
900
150,169
3,940
41,763
39,937
2,867
4,475
4,795
1,500
-
5,879
105,156
255,325

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Churchyard designated
Designated legacy - Lighting system
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Churchyard maintenance
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Tree maintenance appeal
Storm damage appeal
Lynchgate appeal
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
79,886
482
900
81,268
1,246
1,222
1,000
488
540
-
-
11,063
1,547
17,106
98,374		 Resources
expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
(70,767)
9,119
(482)
-
-
900
(71,249)
10,019
(1,204)
42
(3,050)
(1,828)
(1,471)
(471)
(414)
74
(540)
-
(895)
(895)
(1,009)
(1,009)
(6,318)
4,745
(1,547)
-
(16,448)
658
(87,697)
10,677

21

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS – continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Operational reserve
Designated legacy
Volunteer fund
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Mural Appeal
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Lighting grant
Tree maintenance appeal
Storm damage appeal
Magazine donations
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.22
£
78,524
60,000
1,626
-
140,150
3,898
43,591
40,408
2,793
4,475
5,690
1,500
1,009
1,134
-
104,498
244,648		 Net
movement
in funds
£
12,470
-
(1,626)
731
11,575
(528)
(14,533)
(11,338)
2,704
(4,475)
(5,690)
(1,500)
(1,009)
4,745
645
(30,979)
(19,404)		 At
31.12.23
£
90,994
60,000
-
731
151,725
3,370
29,058
29,070
5,497
-
-
-
-
5,879
645
73,519
225,244

22

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS – continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated legacy
Churchyard designated
Designated legacy - Lighting system
Volunteer fund
Contributions to Clergy Interviews
Restricted funds
Rushbearing activities
Alene Hackett legacy
Adrienne Nicholson legacy
Organ Fund
Mural Appeal
Churchyard maintenance
Rev D Harrison legacy to beautify the
church
Lighting grant
Grants for major repairs
Tree maintenance appeal
Storm damage appeal
Lynchgate appeal
Energy and Warm Space Grant
Magazine donations
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
157,872
-
782
900
731
2,268
162,553
2,162
3,965
3,743
3,118
-
1,222
-
3,000
50
-
11,063
1,547
4,216
2,049
36,135
198,688		 Resources
expended
£
(145,402)
(1,626)
(782)
(900)
-
(2,268)

(150,978)
(2,690)
(18,498)
(15,081)
(414)
(4,475)
(1,222)
(5,690)
(4,500)
(50)
(1,009)
(6,318)
(1,547)
(4,216)
(1,404)

(67,114)
(218,092)		 Movement
in funds
£
12,470
(1,626)
-
-
731
-
11,575
(528)
(14,533)
(11,338)
2,704
(4,475)
-
(5,690)
(1,500)
-
(1,009)
4,745
-
-
645
(30,979)
(19,404)

The Alene Hackett legacy is for the maintenance, repair or improvement of the church and churchyard. The

Adrienne Nicholson legacy is for the maintenance of the fabric of the church.

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

23

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

31.12.23 31.12.22
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
funds funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Planned giving - Gift Aid 34,121 523 - 34,644 36,963
Other planned giving 3,130 - - 3,130 2,517
Collections 2,976 - - 2,976 3,279
Legacies - - - - 1,400
Grants - 7,806 - 7,806 540
Sundry donations 9,182 2,191 - 11,373 18,961
Gift aid 8,689 2,106 - 10,795 11,439
58,098 12,626 - 70,724 75,099
Other trading activities
Car park rentals 4,256 - - 4,256 4,186
Magazine advertising 4,386 - - 4,386 3,805
Rushbearing income - 917 - 917 1,246
8,642 917 - 9,559 9,237
Investment income
Dividends 2,100 - - 2,100 1,700
Deposit account interest - 5,486 - 5,486 2,222
2,100 5,486 - 7,586 3,922
Charitable activities
Fees (weddings and funerals) 8,533 - - 8,533 6,865
Church hire 2,875 - - 2,875 3,021
Miscellaneous income 1,037 - - 1,037 230
12,445 - - 12,445 10,116
Total incoming resources 81,285 19,029 - 100,314 98,374
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Insurance 6,277 - - 6,277 5,038
Light and heat 6,664 4,216 - 10,880 7,931
Mission giving - overseas 1,873 - - 1,873 1,544
Mission giving - home 3,069 - - 3,069 3,442
Ministry - Parish offering 35,000 - - 35,000 34,000
Ministry - clergy expenses 6,072 - - 6,072 940
Upkeep of services 560 - - 560 298
Parish magazine 4,166 1,404 - 5,570 2,692
Furnishings and equipment 82 - - 82 100
Upkeep of churchyard 2,497 4,353 - 6,850 15,905
Cleaning 508 - - 508 1,116
Church maintenance 2,196 39,207 - 41,403 2,039
Rushbearing expenses - 1,486 - 1,486 1,204
Major repairs - - - - 1,885
Fixtures and fittings 938 - - 938 1,172
69,902 50,666 - 120,568 79,306

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

The PCC of St Mary's Church, Ambleside

24

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
funds
£
Support costs
Management
Administrator
6,061
Postage and stationery
1,650
Sundries
48
Independent Examiner fee
1,751
9,510
Finance
Bank charges
317
Total resources expended
79,729
Net (expenditure)/income
1,556		 Restricted
funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
50,666
-
(31,637)
-		 31.12.23
Total
funds
£
6,061
1,650
48
1,751
9,510
317
130,395
(30,081)		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
5,452
699
254
1,588
7,993
398
87,697		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
5,452
699
254
1,588
7,993
398
87,697
7,993
398
87,697
10,677

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

25