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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of The Church Of The Martyrs, Leicester

2023-12-31-accounts

Introduction to the Annual Report 2024

At the beginning of 2023 I spoke about how I felt God wanted to encourage us throughout the year to be courageous. As I now reflect on the year just gone, I so appreciate how we as a church community responded to that word. People have ‘stepped up’ to volunteer in helping with our children’s and youth work, leading home groups, being on the welcome and hospitality team, serving on our PCC, speaking or leading prayers at our services, and also in choosing to come along to our church holiday in Wales last summer! Around 120 people of all ages and from many and varied backgrounds came to our much-anticipated time away at Cefn Lea, and the feedback we’ve had was that it was a very special time of relaxation, friendship and fun. May I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the church holiday planning team (Phillippa Taylor, Liz and Ben Lawton, Shobha Goza, Pete Gilbert, Stephen Kinyua and Bertin Hermo, Audrey Basopo, Liz Bamford and Julie Shaw). Also, a big thank you to all those who helped run children’s events, sports activities, craft sessions, bed time stories, sports day, star gazing, sorting lunches and refreshments, transport… and more. Great work everyone!

As you will read in this annual report, so much has been going on at the Martyrs throughout 2023. We are passionate about encouraging each other in our faith and are especially thankful to everyone leading and speaking at our church services and those helping to lead our homegroups. I am also very grateful for people’s willingness to pray for others, whether via the prayer-chain or with people on Sunday mornings and other times. It has been so encouraging hearing about the many answered prayers for people throughout 2023 and how God continue to meet with people in all sorts of ways.

Also, throughout 2023 we have explored how we can share and be the good news of Jesus to our local community. A number of us gathered on Saturday mornings throughout June - August to engage in local outreach and evangelism, with one person joining our church as a result. Our connection and partnership with Shaftesbury Junior School has continued to grow in 2023 with Irene and Phillippa regularly taking assemblies at the school, and, with help from others, to also run weekly craft groups. At other times such as Easter and Christmas the whole school visits the church for special Christian productions (see report from Irene for more details). Our student outreach has also continued to make an impact, and it is such an encouragement to see a number of students from different parts of the world having found a home at the Martyrs over the last year. A big thank you to Shobha and her team for their leadership in this. Finally, I also continue to be impressed with the way our Martyrs guiding group serve many local families and are making a real positive impact on so many girls.

As most of you will know, social action and justice issues have been a key focus for us as a church for a long time. We are grateful for the ministries of Baby Basics and Money Matters Leicester (MML). MML is now in the process of having to stop serving our local community with debt advice and support. We are so very grateful to Nina de Salis Young and others who have volunteered in this ministry since its launch in 2016.

I also want to express my appreciation to our Mothers Union, headed up by Shirley Waterworth and Karon Price. This faithful group of women (and a few men) are also very engaged in helping with social issues and challenges both locally and further afield.

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2023 has also been a year where we have had to say farewell to a number of dear friends.

At the beginning of the year Ken Prior went to be with the Lord and in June Su Cullen followed. Also, Basil Scott’s dear wife Shirley went to glory last September. We remember them all with much love and fondness.

Whilst some people have moved away from the Martyrs throughout 2023, it has been wonderful to welcome a number of new faces into our church family. We have continued to grow our three main church gatherings in the week (Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings – 6.15, and our Wednesday morning communion service). A big welcome to all of you have made Martyrs your spiritual home in 2023.

After much prayer, planning and discussion over these last three years, the PCC has unanimously decided to move forward with our Nave Reordering Project. We have recently submitted a faculty application and are now awaiting their response. We are hoping and expecting to receive a faculty for the work proposed (lighting, flooring and seating), which means that as we now move forward throughout 2024 we need to pray for the project and opportunities to give financially. It is a significant cost, but we believe that, as in the past, God will provide for us once again.

Alongside many other churches in Leicester we are about to begin exploring the best way forward with the Diocesan Minster Community Vision. More information about this will be available soon, but in the meanwhile please pray for wisdom for the PCC as we work our way this process throughout 2024 and well into next year.

Finally, a special thank you to those in various leadership roles, whether serving on the PCC or the Leadership Group, lay readers, children and youth workers, homegroup leaders, ministry leaders and of course the staff team. And a huge thank you to others of you who serve faithfully in all sorts of ways to help us ‘be church’. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and friendship. It continues to be a great joy serving the Lord with you!!

I commend this annual report to you.

Lord let your Kingdom come and let your will be done!

Bertin

Martyrs Church Holiday Banner

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STATUTORY REPORTS OVERVIEW OF THE PCC

Background

The Church of the Martyrs is situated on Westcotes Drive, Leicester. It has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Revd Ole Bertin Hermo, in promoting in the parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1134668. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The number of elected members of the PCC is governed by the number of people on the electoral roll. In the case of The Martyrs, with over 100 members on the roll, it enables 12 elected places, with a third of posts being due for re-election each year. Members stand for a term of 3 years. In the case of any member elected to a Deanery synod or General synod, they are part of the PCC in addition to the other elected places.

Existing PCC membership since the last APCM held on the 14th of May 2023 is shown below, along with their date of their next re-election date in brackets,

Vicar Rev Ole Bertin Hermo Curate Rev Phillippa Taylor IWC Pioneer Minister Mrs Shobha Gosa Churchwardens Mr Richard Jaramba Mrs Lorraine Pointon

Other Ex Officio

Deanery Synod Mrs Shayne Ardron (Ex officio as a member of General Synod)

Elected Members (Retires)

Mrs Liz Bamford (2026 Deanery Synod) (Vice Chair) Mrs Julie Shaw (2026 Deanery Synod) Mr Steven Ardron (2026 Deanery Synod) (PCC Secretary)

Mrs Guinevere David (2026) Mrs Florence Adediran (2026) Mr Ben Lawton (2024) (Electoral Roll Officer) Mr Chris Roe (2025) Mr Daniel Pallatt (2026) Mrs Helen Pinney (2026) Mrs Osayomwanbo Uhunamure (2025) Mr Geoff Pollard (2026) Mrs Wendy Bebbington (2024) Mrs Jo Pearce (2025)

Co-Opted Members Mr Ed de Salis Young (Treasurer) Reader Representative Mrs Shayne Ardron (Also General Synod member)

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC

The PCC is a legal body of the church established to consult on matters of general concern and importance to the parish, to promote the mission of the church (pastoral, evangelical, social, and ecumenical) and has the responsibility for the maintenance of the church buildings, assets and managing church finances. It meets approximately once every 2 months, although we have had some additional ad hoc meetings as circumstances have dictated.

There continues to be much to discuss on a range of issues, and the minutes of the last meetings are available at the back of Church, or on request during the year.

There are many topics covered at each meeting, however as a matter of course the agenda will always include time to discuss matters arising from previous meetings, our health and safety obligations and responses, The PCC’s safeguarding and safer recruitment obligations and any required training, as well as regular financial reporting and budgetary matters.

With a very active church, there are also regular reports from our own Intercultural Worshipping Community (IWC) steering group, and discussion items that come forward in relation to projects such as Money Matters & Baby Basics. At a Leicester Diocese and National Church level there are also some key topics that have begun to be raised in 2023 that will carry through into future years.

The first is the way in which the Diocese is addressing its shortfall in funding, and with the gradual introduction of Minster Communities, how this may affect the Martyrs and its working links with other Churches. Secondly will be the discussions required for the National debate on “Living in Love and Faith” (LLF) and our responses to identity, sexuality, and marriage in that context.

Of major discussion this year has continued to be the Nave re-ordering project, where a small team from the PCC have continued to work on the presentation material to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). A detailed application explaining the works was submitted in Nov 2023, and positive responses have since been received in February 2024. A formal Chancel faculty would still be required alongside any DAC recommendation to permit. This will lead to more in-depth costing options for PCC to debate and to contemplate the next steps as we move into 2024/5.

This is still very much a journey, and it should be noted that this piece of work has not centred around any single issue, such as pew removal, but seeks to address the overall comfort of the building and its flexibility of usage in future years. This encompasses considering heating options (and heat loss issues) against the backdrop of sustainability advice and targets set by National Church, lighting improvements, flooring repair and maintenance, audio requirements, storage etc.

Inevitably there will be costs for the current and future PCC to consider, and how any such funds should be raised. Even if no changes were being considered, it is apparent that some of our heating and lighting is failing and raising such additional lump sums will be a necessity soon. The larger projects discussed at PCC potentially offer some economies of scale and could also be a be a prudent way of dealing with outstanding maintenance.

2023 was a year in which we were obliged to have our 5 yearly inspection of the church building, which involved an independent architect reviewing the fabric of the building and bringing matters of any concern to the notice of the PCC for them to address during the next 5-year cycle. The report will be a key topic for the upcoming PCC to discuss, with works being prioritised as raised.

As in 2022, the PCC and other leaders have continued to participate in an away day, to give more time to think about the church in a setting other than a typical business meeting. This time and space in 2023,

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facilitated by Archdeacon Claire Wood, was a valuable time to help us to explore and reflect how we connect together – learning from one another about how to build relationships.

Steven Ardron, PCC Secretary

LEADERSHIP GROUP REPORT

The current membership is Rev. Bertin Hermo, Richard Jaramba and Lorraine Pointon (church wardens), Liz Bamford (Lay chairperson of the PCC), Ed de Salis Young (Treasurer), Shobha Gosa (IWC Pioneer minister), Phillippa Taylor (curate) and Liz Lawton.

Meetings begin with some reflection on a word from scripture and prayer.

The Leadership Group fulfils two functions: a ‘sounding board’ and support group for the clergy and staff team as well as acting as the Standing Committee for the PCC. It is the Standing Committee that prepares the PCC agendas and considers finance alongside any urgent business between PCC meetings.

Regular items discussed during the last year include mission and ministry, which includes planning and reflecting upon services throughout the year, particularly planning for the Advent and Christmas periods and Easter; the church vision for the way ahead; our work with children and young people including family events and the holiday club; finance, including the parish gift and tithing; progress with developing Martyrs as an Intercultural Worshipping Community and home groups. We also reflected on the church holiday.

During the early part of the year, we considered the application to the Diocesan Advisory Committee regarding the nave re-ordering project. There was feedback and comments to action from the committee and we are soon to finalise our application for consideration by the Chancellor.

We have discussed the Diocese initiative to form minster communities and the impact on the Martyrs. In the autumn the national Church of England decided at General Synod to authorise prayers of love and faith which may be said with and for same sex couples. This topic was also discussed as part of a meeting.

Meetings are always varied and full of lively discussion. If you have any questions or a topic for us to consider or something you think should be a part of our vision, please speak to a member of the group. And please continue to pray for the clergy and the leadership team!

Thank you.

Lorraine Pointon, Church Warden

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ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT – March 2024

The electoral roll is a list of names and addresses of every person who can vote in the annual parochial church meeting. The number of electors reported at the 2023 annual parochial church meeting was 167. (2 persons added between the report being issued and the date of the APCM)

Total number of electors upon the church electoral roll as of 1st March 2024 is 173

The electoral roll consists of 70 people who are residents of the parish and 103 are non-residents of the parish.

During the last 12 months 6 persons have been added to the electoral roll and none have been removed.

Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral Church of the Martyrs electoral roll summary roll summary roll summary roll summary roll summary
Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Resident 82 84 82 81 79 59 60 60 65 67 70
Non-Resident 105 108 104 105 105 82 81 81 91 100 103
Total 187 192 186 186 184 141 141 141 156 167 173
Added 9 11 1 1 0 29 0 2 17 12 6
Removed 0 6 7 1 2 72 0 2 1 1 0

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Any person who wants to join the electoral roll and is eligible can apply at any time during the year.

The electoral roll is due for a full revision in 2025. This occurs every 6 years when a completely new roll is prepared in the two months leading up to the annual parochial church meeting. Those on the previous roll are informed so that they can re-apply and anyone who wishes and is eligible to apply can apply to join the elector roll. This last occurred in 2019.

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ATTENDANCE REPORT

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a long time ago and the attendance at The Church of the Martyrs has made a recovery back to pre-pandemic levels. Broadly speaking, at the beginning of 2023 attendance was back to 2019 levels. However, by the end of 2023 attendance levels had increased above the 2019 pre pandemic levels.

Please note the information does not reflect the increased diversity of our church family. The report issued is based on numbers and broad age groups as requested for the year diocese report “Statistics for mission”. These are below 16 years of age and above 16 years of age. This report does not give a detailed breakdown of age ranges or ethnic background.

Sunday Clubs

We have had a full year of Sunday clubs except for the summer holiday period and school holidays throughout the year. The following information relates to each group.

Ark Club met on Sunday mornings on 12 occasions with an average attendance of 4 children and 3 adults over the 12 occasions. Maximum number of children 7.

Rainbows met on Sunday mornings on 29 occasions with an average attendance of 6 children and 4 adults over the 29 occasions. Maximum number of children 10.

Ketchup met on Sunday mornings on 29 occasions with an average attendance of 13 children and 3 adults over the 29 occasions. Maximum number of children 20.

Fuel Cells met on Sunday mornings on 33 occasions with an average attendance of 5 children and 2 adults over the 33 occasions. Maximum number of children 8.

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Sunday 10:30hrs service

We had a full year of Sunday morning services, and we met on 52 occasions during 2023.

The average attendance over the 52 services was 96 adults and 13 under 16 years giving a combined average of 109. The highest attended service was 9th April 2023 with 217 people attending. Note that these numbers do not include those attending Sunday clubs.

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Sunday 18:15hrs service

We had a full year of 18:15hrs services, and we met on 45 occasions during 2023.

The average attendance over the 45 services was 23 adults. The highest attended service was on 9th February 2023 with an attendance of 41 adults.

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Average Sunday attendance at all services and Sunday clubs

The total average attendance at all Sunday services was 150 people per Sunday during 2023.

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Cont.

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Red line under 16 years, blue line over 16 years, and green line total attendance,

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Wednesday 11:00hrs service

We had a full year of Wednesday morning services, and we met on 49 occasions during 2023.

The average attendance over the 49 services was 24 adults. The highest attended service was on 22nd February 2023 with an attendance of 41 people.

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Special Services

Christian festivals celebrated at The Church of The Martyrs in 2023. All were well attended, and generally higher attendance than pre Covid attendance.

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3418 1:9 51 183 88 124 14 84 24 9: 3 116 33
3412 191 8 182 64 148 36 95 88 63 5 111 71
3416 349 75 116 86 113 17 69 51 92 1 9: 18
3419 123 74 172 21 171 33 24 38 28 4 136 19
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3437 197 75 155 53 152 12 24 78 88 3 99 15

Ben Lawton

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FABRIC REPORT

QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION

This 5 yearly inspection was undertaken by a qualified architect, Richard Brooks, in June. Richard Brook’s circumstances have changed during the year leading to a delay in the PCC receiving the report. The report provides a description of the condition of the building, described as generally good with the building being well maintained. The report recommends work that should be carried out as soon as possible, work to be carried out within the next year, next two years and next five years. The preparation for the quinquennial necessitated the compilation of a new logbook. This contains: The Electrical Condition Report, 2013 & 2018 Quinquennial Reports, plans of the church building, a log of work undertaken since 2016, Faculty Certificates and supporting paperwork, records of expenditure and a disability audit.

GAS and ELECTRICS

The annual gas maintenance check took place in October at a cost of £569.02

The 5 yearly inspection of fixed electrical installations has taken place. The outcome of this was that Kneller and Kneller completed work in November at a cost of £508.13

HEATING All work undertaken by Busy B Boilers.

13.01.23
03.02.23
21.02.23
05.09.23
TOTAL		 £204.02
£1,737.58
£93.60
£883.20
£2.918.40

TREE WORK

The yew trees in the church gardens have been pruned back by Beddow Tree Specialists at a cost of £550.

ONGOING

The carpet at the back of church is badly worn and hard to keep clean. It needs replacing but is tied into the nave reordering work.

Ladder access to the upper-level bell tower needs improving for safety reasons (Quinquennial 2018).

Lighting in the chancel needs attention.

Richard Jaramba, Church Warden

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FINANCE REPORT 2023

The Martyrs finances are split into a number of different funds which represent different areas or projects relating to church work. These are accounted for separately and each is described here.

In 2023, the General fund had a surplus of £23,293 which compares to a budgeted deficit of £9,333. The surplus has increased our General fund reserves to £94,628.

However, we should note that there was one large one-off donation to the General fund which was intended to cover 3 years. If we count only 1/3 of this in 2023, the surplus is reduced to £5,293, however this is still a good outcome. The figures below are adjusted for this, to be more realistic.

Our overall donation income was 7% over budget. In particular, cash collections and credit card/online giving all increased. Once again, we received significant grants relating to the IWC project, covering Shobha’s work and a grant towards the church holiday. We also had the payments made for the holiday itself increasing our overall income.

Against this, our general expenditure, including transfers to other funds, was around 4% under budget. The most significant differences were utilities, which were lower after a peak in 2022, and while some areas were over budget or had unexpected purchases, quite a few were under budget. Some Quinquennial inspection spend was done in 2023, although the delay in receiving the report means that more will be needed in 2024. The General fund also needed to subsidise the Hall fund by £3,500, as discussed below. For 2024, PCC has approved a budget for the General fund which has a deficit of £9,200. This reflects a 17% increase in expected expenditure, including a 10% increase in Parish Contribution, increased maintenance and Quinquennial work, subsidies to other funds, salary increases (including paid church cleaning) and other general increases. It was agreed that the reserves are currently high enough to allow a deficit budget to be set.

The Hall fund had another large deficit in 2023, of around £6,600. Rental income and donations both increased, in particular the income from one-off lets tripled and is expected to continue to increase in 2024. This is primarily due to the sterling work of Martin Clarke in decorating, marketing and managing the Hall. Overall, the income increased 6%, despite having no covid grants in 2023. However, hall expenditure also rose and was 7% higher than 2022. Salary costs increased significantly, utilities were similar, and maintenance reduced (due to more in-house work by Martin). With the Hall reserves starting the year at only £3,193, a transfer of £3,500 from the general fund was needed to cover the deficit. Looking forward to 2024, we are forecasting a 20% increase in overall income with an increase in both regular and one-off lets, and hoping for a small surplus if cost rises can be contained.

The Church Development fund became active again in 2023, with some donations for the nave reordering project. The only expenditure was the ongoing depreciation on the previous church chair purchase, and the balance at the end of 2023 was £3,753. We expect that fundraising for the nave reordering project will start later in 2024.

The Mission Partnership fund was set up to fund Mission Partnership events and expenses. There were no transactions in 2023 and the balance remains at £2,222.

The Money Matters fund covers the Money Matters Leicester debt counselling service. This had a small deficit of £2,900 leaving reserves of £12,200 at the end of 2023. Money Matters is closing in 2024 and PCC has agreed that any remaining funds will either be returned to grant givers or donated to their satellite centre Hope67 based at New Life Church in Coalville.

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The Baby Basics fund has continued to grow and support an increase in referrals and donations, with income increased 30% to £50,154 (including the Martyrs tithe donation). With the first full year of the new premises and employment of a new administrator, spend increased 75% to £61,708 giving a deficit of £11,961, however reserves remain strong at £23,855. Additional grant funding is continually sought, and this will determine how much expenditure can be sustained longer term.

The Children and Families fund pays for the work of our Children and Families worker, Irene Hart. We started the year with £1,185. Individual donations to the fund increased again in 2023 (although skewed by also receiving a 3-year one off donation similar to the General fund), and we got the second year of three of our £8,500 grant. Overall, this gave a surplus of £68, leaving reserves of £1,253. In 2024 we are likely to need some subsidy from the General fund, and in 2025 we will need to find a replacement for the current large grant which finishes this year.

The Organ fund holds and depreciates the cost of the Organ, current value £2,808.

The Hardship fund is new in 2023 and has been set up to support church members or people in the local area who are in need. The Leadership Group tithe has now been transferred to this fund, and with limited time for donations in 2023, the balance was £10,724 at the end of the year.

Finally, the Tithe fund , which holds our tithe donations prior to paying out as well as the Leadership Group tithe money. The tithe donations paid out in 2023 were as follows:

With all tithe donations made, the tithe fund balance was £0 at the end of 2023.

Finally, I’d like to thank again the Finance team for their continued support: Martin Clarke in the Church Office; Mike Dampier doing the banking with Martin; Nina de Salis Young who administers Gift Aid; Malcolm Greenwood who administers envelopes; and all the collection counters.

Edward de Salis Young, Treasurer

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WEST LEICESTER MISSION PARTNERSHIP

Our main contact throughout 2023 has been the weekly Zoom Morning Prayer every Thursday mornings. These times have provided genuine support and encouragement for clergy and other church leaders, especially during times of prayers for personal challenges and church life in general. Whenever there is a 5th Thursday in the month we have met in person for breakfast.

We have also been able to provide Clergy and Reader support by conducting services at each other’s churches and chapels. The 7 churches and ministries in the Mission Partnership are Holy Apostles, Martyrs, St. Anne's with St. Paul's, St. Margaret’s, St. Peter's and Wyggestons.

Bertin Hermo

CITY OF LEICESTER DEANERY SYNOD

Leicester City Deanery Synod Report covering 2023 Meetings for 2024 APCMs

Only two deanery synod meetings were held in 2023.

Monday 27th March, St. Andrew’s Church Aylestone – Generous Giving

50 people attended this Open meeting. The theme was ‘The need to solve the funding gap between parish contributions and clergy costs in the diocese.’ A presentation was given by David Palmer, Jonathan Kerry, Claire Bampton, Phil Leech and Simon Wilson, representing the Diocesan Board of Finance. The difficult financial position the diocese is in was outlined, along with thoughts and possible proposals for how we can all contribute to the long-term funding of local ministry, and the consequences of doing nothing.

The diocese is £2.4 million in deficit. Our main source of income (parish contributions) is going down, expenditure on day-to-day operations is greater than our income and is subject to inflation etc.

It was explained that Minster Communities will help. Most people give to the church building, not mission which needs building up. 80% of expenditure is on clergy, so the number of paid clergy needs to reduce. There is a need to build up discipleship and communities, be outward facing, not inward looking.

Deanery Synod Accounts were then briefly read through by the Lay Chair/Assistant Area Dean on behalf of the Treasurer and a Parish Update on St. Andrew’s, Aylestone was given by their Vicar, Revd Rowena Bass.

Wed 5th July 2023, All Saints Church, Scraptoft - Climate Crisis and the Church. Following a presentation from Andrew Quigley, who outlined the work the Church of England is doing nationally to work towards our ambitious target of becoming Carbon Net Zero by 2030, Andrew spoke about the work happening locally in our Diocese to support churches with our contribution to this target. We had presentations from Fr Martin Court (All Saints), Anne Scott, (St Peter's Belgrave), Sharon Plant (St Anne's and St Paul's with St Augustine's) who gave case studies about litter picking, Muddy Church and the Outdoor Worship Leaders (OWL) network and Allotment Church respectively. Zina Zelte from Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire attended, speaking about joining their network and their current campaign asking Leicestershire County Council to divest their pension scheme from fossil fuels. The Synod broke by houses to vote to join both Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire and also support the Pension Divest campaign. The motion was carried in both houses.

Qyan Arnachellum, Leicester City Deanery Administrator

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HALL REPORT

This report covers the calendar year 2023.

Our regulars for the year were,

Sunday Clubs Torch Armonia (Annexe) Hopscotch Money Matters Leicester Mothers Union Guides Brownies Rangers Rainbows Black Annis Women’s Morris GKR Karate Red Fox Ceilidhs We Love Pilates Leicester West Seventh Day Adventist Church All Nations Assemblies of God God's Vineyard Church Leicester

The hall has also hosted IWC (Intercultural Worshipping Communities) events for students.

There were forty one-off hirings (twelve in 2022; a 333% increase).

The largest qualitative achievement was the redecoration of the lower hall.

The following is my precis of the Treasurer’s report to the Hall Management Group 31/01/2024.

We have a deficit for the year of £6,600. Letting income has increased, one-offs by £3,200 and regular by £1,800, a total of £5,000. However, costs have increased. Salary by £2,500, mainly due to the April increase in Real Living Wage and other factors. Music Steps lease cost £800. Equipment £2,500; £1,350 cooker plus other items used for maintenance (including polishing of the lower hall floor), in which costs are

reduced as maintenance is being done more by the premises officer and cleaner. Utilities are also less than 2022. The Hall fund, which incurred huge losses from 2019 to 2021 inclusive, needs a transfer of £3,500 from the general fund.

The good news is that income is increasing well. However, it needs to increase a lot more (one-off bookings are currently running at five times the amount this time last year, regular bookings are increasing and may well do so more substantially), without big cost, if we are to break even in future and not require large transfers from the general fund every year.

All Health and Safety items for the hall are up to date, including the annual gas safety inspection, firefighting equipment annual servicing, bi-annual fire alarm and annual emergency lighting inspections.

Martin Peter Clarke, Church & Community Hall Administrator and Premises Officer

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HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT

It is important to remember that we are each responsible for our own safety and the safety of others.

Our policies, so far as is reasonably practicable, is that our activities are carried out safely and do not pose a risk to the health of our employees, volunteers, congregation, visitors, contractors and others who may use the church, church grounds and the Community Hall. The policies are based on comprehensive risk assessments and a separate Fire Risk

The PCC accepts that it has overall responsibility for the policy and will ensure that adequate resources and training are made available for its implementation. In order to ensure that health and safety matters are kept constantly under review, an item on health and safety will be on the agenda for all meetings of the Parochial Church Council. The Church and Community Hall Administrator liaises with the appointed health and safety coordinator to prepare a written or verbal report for PCC meetings.

The PCC are confident that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all who use the church, church grounds and Community Hall.

All scheduled checks for gas, electrics, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and the lightning conductor have taken place. The metal cage around the cellar steps have proved very effective in completely reducing discarded drug taking equipment and the gathering of people who use drugs.

Policies and risk assessments are due in 2024.

Pete Coopey on behalf of the Health and Safety Working Group

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

SAFEGUARDING IS A WHOLE CHURCH RESPONSIBILITY.

At the Martyrs we aim to promote the welfare of children, young people and adults by working to prevent abuse from occurring, protecting those who are at risk of being abused and responding well to those who have been abused. The PCC have allocated the following responsibilities:

Dave Spence: DBS certificates, Safeguarding training and Safer Recruitment. As of January 2024, Dave Spence’s responsibilities were taken over by Pete Coopey. A big thank you to Dave Spence for all his help with safeguarding at the Martyrs over many years.

Pete Coopey: Safeguarding Coordinator, DBS certificates, Safeguarding training and Safer Recruitment, policy review, maintaining the safeguarding dashboard and preparing reports to the PCC, the APCM and the diocese.

Phillippa Taylor: Adult Safeguarding Coordinator.

(Please note this refers to 2023 and changes have been made for 2024)

The PCC has adopted all the relevant guidelines issued by the Church of England and the Diocese and has the appropriate up to date policies in place which are reviewed annually. The PCC, wardens and deputy wardens have completed C0 (basic) Safeguarding Training with most completing C1 (foundation) as well. Those required to complete both of these and higher level C2 (leadership) have done so. The diocese is encouraging people to undertake the online course on domestic violence.

All appropriate people have a current DBS certificate or are in the process of obtaining one. All members of the congregation involved in work with children and young people or who are members of the Pastoral Team have attended training and have a DBS certificate.

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The Parish Dashboard is a diocesan document that all parishes are asked to use. It covers, policies and action plans, safeguarding roles, training for key roles, displaying information, reviews and reports and church activities Each time the dashboard is updated an action plan is generated for the PCC to consider.

Pete Coopey

PASTORAL TEAM REPORT

The Martyrs is a church where a great deal of pastoral care goes on – between friends and from the support given within home groups. Much of this care is discreet and reflects the caring nature of our church life together and much of it is unseen.

The Pastoral Team continues to meet monthly by zoom. In 2023 the team comprised Bertin Hermo, Margaret Farrell, Katherine Hawker, Pete and Liz Coopey, Arthur Deegan, Lorraine Pointon, Jane Berridge, Phillippa Taylor and Shobha Gosa. Margaret Farrell stood down part way through the year. A list of team members is displayed at the back of church.

The team works to a Pastoral Policy that highlights the need for accountability and confidentiality – a copy of this is available on request from Pete Coopey.

The team considers the known needs of the congregation – including those who are no longer able to attend church services and are probably not known to the majority of those who do. Individual team member’s visit people (at home, in hospital or in care homes) or make telephone contact. The team oversees the delivery of Easter flowers, harvest baskets and Christmas gifts amongst the congregation.

At Pastoral Team meetings people in need of a visit or telephone support will be identified. I would like to recognize the contribution made by Home Groups and the Mother’s Union to the pastoral care of the church.

Pete Coopey, on behalf of the Pastoral Team

BABY BASICS REPORT

There is no surprise that 2023 was Baby Basics busiest year yet. We supported 909 children, which was a 27 percent increase from the previous year. 6 1/2 years ago, when we started Baby Basics, Leicester City council estimated there would be about 8 families a month that needed help. It is now a very different story, and we are bigger than we ever imagined! It is very sad that so many families are in need of such help and with as cost of living crisis continues it will not calm down anytime soon.

At the beginning of 2023 we employed Jo, another local Vicars wife, to help with administration tasks. This was funded for a year by a grant and has been a great success for sharing the workload and bringing more consistency to the way we run. Baby Basics UK continue to support us by sending quarterly pallet loads of new donations from well-known British brands such as Silver Cross, Mamas and Papas, Maclaren and Jellycat toys. It is such a delight to receive brand new donated items and be able to give them out alongside the preloved items.

Thanks to a huge cot donation, we have been able to clear a large waiting list for cots and give them out as soon as they are needed. Sadly, it was reported last year that 1 million children sleep on the floor or share a bed, we are glad we are part of changing this statistic.

We now have a core team of 17 regular volunteers all doing various tasks at Baby Basics. Our regular team grew in strength last year which has allowed us to relook at the structure of our team in the year ahead. With sending out more referrals each month in 2023 we also saw our overhead costs increase too. We will therefore be setting up a fundraising committee if anyone wishes to join for the year ahead. We have also hosted several volunteer workdays where companies encourage their staff to volunteer in the community.

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For the last 5 months Laura has taken on an extra role of being a Regional Hub for the Baby Basics centres in the North Midlands. This is to provide support and encouragement to the ever-growing network of centres. The baby bank sector is still getting a lot of publicity from HRH The Princess of Wales who proactively visits and supports baby banks across the county. Who knows we may get a visit from her one day?! We continue to work closely with Health professionals and other charities to make sure we provide what vulnerable families need and get it in time for their babies' arrival.

Laura Hutchinson

MONEY MATTERS LEICESTER REPORT

I regret to confirm that Money Matters Leicester stopped taking new clients in Autumn 2023 and will be closing completely in mid-2024. The remaining time will be devoted to overseeing Hope67’s debt advice until they can obtain alternative Financial Conduct Authority authorisation.

Why are we closing?

These issues are reflected nationally, both within Community Money Advice (CMA), our parent charity, and in other debt advice providers.

We have spent several months exploring alternatives, including employing advisers. However, this would mean allying ourselves with non-Christian organizations, having to move away from the Hall to larger premises, and signing up to clients targets which would conflict with our strongly held principle of giving clients as much time as they need. We have dealt with some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and we do not want to run a compromised service.

Clients

As we are closing, I am giving lifetime figures from our start in 2016 until the end of 2023.

Over this period, Money Matters has had:

What next for the remaining volunteers?

Our remaining volunteers will be carrying on in this area with other groups. Nina is going to volunteer at Hope67, who are more sustainable as they are closely linked to a Food Bank, who fund the Centre Manager post, and possibly another adviser post. Roz will be carrying on with her Benefits advice, and Richard will be

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carrying on his role as Midlands Operations Support Manager for CMA. Nina will also be doing work for CMA in training and specialist debt advice.

Thank you

We’d like to say a big Thank You to everyone who has supported us through the last seven years. We could not have done it without you.

Nina de Salis Young, Centre Manager, Money Matters Leicester

YOUNG CHILDREN’S AND FAMILIES’ WORK REPORT

2023 was a year of growth, change and fun for our Children’s and families work. Our Martyrs Children’s Team has continued to focus on family discipleship, encouraging children to grow in their faith, reaching out to our local community and fostering a sense of belonging.

Shake Shake continues to thrive and grow, mainly through word of mouth. There are regularly 13-18 children attending with their grownups each week. Some families come most weeks and others feel comfortable to pop along when it’s a good week for them. The ability to access early years education/childcare has been noticeable as most of our children now being 0-2’s and going to nursery when they turn 3. Many of our children were born around the time of Covid restrictions and benefit from interaction and space to run and play. Many of our children don’t have a garden. Some weeks there is not enough space to encourage being active which is essential to the children’s development. This is particularly tricky in the winter. Some Shake families have started coming to church regularly or for events and Family Services and are building friendships within the church family.

Our Shake Team is committed and works well together. Thank you to Phillippa, Ruth, Margaret, Jean and Clare for all you’ve done in 2023. We were sad that Margaret has been unable to be with us at Shake for a while and welcome Patricia to the team.

Holiday Club Super Squad was a brilliant time for the children who attended and our Holiday Club Team. Dave Gilbert and Liz Lucas were our experts who helped us put together a hands-on and watching activities exploring God’s superpower. The children were from our church family, friends and family, and the local community. Some of them shared what they felt God was saying to them, they asked and explored some great questions, enjoyed our Super Wonderful song and stories of God’s amazing superpower in Jesus and his friends including us! We enjoyed learning that God’s superpower is with his friends every day and we can change the world when we’re in God’s Super Squad.

We celebrated and shared what we had done at Super Squad in our Holiday Club Family Service. It was great for others to experience the joy and fun the children had experienced during the week.

Thank you to everyone on the team who made it such a wonderful week. We’re looking forward to holiday club in 2024.

Ketchup Club Our Y1-Y6 kids have been continuing to grow in their faith, friendships and belonging. The older children enjoy asking questions and finding out things about Jesus and stories in the Bible. We have continued to have some quite deep theological discussions and explored the children’s questions by running sessions on them. One of our themes was from their question ‘Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem?’ We looked at different times Jesus went to Jerusalem and what he did or celebrated there. This theme is continuing currently.

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Ketchup Club enjoyed their Christmas Activity Day at the beginning of December where we made crafts, played games, sang songs, prayed and had lots of fun based on the Nativity. We also had a chip shop lunch and movie time. It was a fun time of friendship and exploring what the Christmas story means for us.

Our Ketchup Club Team are amazing and help the kids engage well with topics, activities and each other. We always have lots of fun. Thank you to Robin, Dave, Magda and Sophie.

Rainbow Club Rainbow Club in 2023 is led by a small but committed and knowledgeable team. There has been a lot of work put in to grow the number of children, the children’s confidence and find new team members. We have taken some children into this group a year early as we had very few children who were 4 & 5. This group is now a good size, and friendships are being built. The children sing, hear Bible stories, pray and explore the stories and God’s love through craft, games and play.

Thank you to Liz B, Kim, Katherine, Liz L & Guinevere for all you do for our Rainbow Club children and families.

The Ark The Ark (0-2’s) has been hard to find regular leaders for and is currently without a team.

Light Party Our annual Light Party at the end of October has been a chance for our children to invite their friends to have fun while finding out about Jesus, The Light of the World. We used it as a reunion for Holiday Club and to give children the opportunity to explore or grow in their friendship with Jesus. We also saw some children we’d invited from SJS join us which was brilliant.

Good Friday Family Event Our annual Good Friday Family Event helped our church families and those in our wider community celebrate and explore the meaning of Easter. We included more of a focus on under 5’s than previous years with a play dough kitchen and other activities as well as our usual fun for primary age children. This continues to be a popular event and supported well by the Martyrs Children’s Team.

Links with Shaftesbury Junior School We continued to host the annual Christmas and Easter plays put on for schools by a team in our diocese led by HTL. This event is always something the children from school look forward to engaging enthusiastically with and enjoy as a whole school community. We are grateful to the team who put this on and enjoy hosting them and using it as an opportunity to build our relationship with the school.

Irene and Phillippa and our schools team run assembly usually 2-3 times each term. The theme is the school’s character trait of the week which we link in with a Bible story and explore through games and object lessons. We particularly enjoyed the assembly on sharing where we had a bag of objects that we asked the children to decide if they were good to share or not and then revealed a few boxes of bananas we’d bought to share with the whole school.

In May 2023 we ran The Diary of a Disciple Schools Workshop for the whole school! The workshop was well received, and the children explored stories from Luke to find out about what the Bible is, who Jesus is and why he’s important to Christians. Thank you to the team who helped.

In the summer term of 2023, we started MAKE it afterschool club. We have mainly run 6 weeks blocks for different year groups due to the high demand. Each group have done 3 weeks on ‘I’m Special, You’re Special’ and 3 weeks on a seasonal or tailored activities for the group. Each week there is a Bible or Bible truth story, icebreaker and activity. We are growing our school’s team and thank you to those who’ve been involved.

Other Schools & Nurseries We continue to welcome schools and nurseries for visits to church. At Harvest and Christmas 3 nurseries visited where we shared about what we celebrate and had stories, games, songs and activities. We had some very positive feedback on these sessions and both leaders and children had a fun time.

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Please continue to pray for all aspects of the work we do with children and families that lives will be impacted by God’s amazing and saving love. There are opportunities for our others to join our team on this amazing adventure and we’re so grateful to those who’ve recently enquired about joining our team.

Thank you to many of you for the amazing support and encouragement you give me and our team.

Irene Hart, Children’s and Young Families’ Worker

FUEL CELLS

Fuel Cells are a group of 4-5 young people and some slightly older leaders, meeting together in the hall on Sunday mornings. We have explored our identities as Christians, what our influences are and events in the news. Our sessions are a mix of games, activities and reading the bible. We have enjoyed Laserforce with torch and joined in the Leicester 'United' youth events. We aim for a relaxed and open space where our group can grow as young people and explore their Christian faith.

David Seaman

TORCH

In the current academic year, the Torch group has met on average once a month during the term time in the usual Sunday night slot of 6-8pm in the church hall.

We have between 3 to 6 young people who come. The group remains an informal gathering with a mix of board games, music, food/drink, and conversations.

The group continues to spend time discussing topics of interest including faith and doubt, identity, our personal stories, the environment, our future plans, and being part of the church family.

Torch is open to those in Year 10 (14 years+) and above, for those who might be interested in coming to join us, we offer fun and an inclusive and chilled out space.

Chris and Libby Elsey

INTERCULTURAL WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY (IWC)

The year has been a year of building friendships and continuing with reaching out to people in our community. We have run various training programmes and engaged in different activities and new initiatives as part of our ongoing quarterly plans. Throughout 2023 we continued to benefit from having access to the money allocated to our IWC project. Many thanks to our steering group for their ongoing support and many others who have helped in different ways. Here are some of the highlights.

Women’s Ministry – launch of SISTERS on ‘Black History Month’ was a great opportunity for all women, and particularly many of our African, Caribbean and UKME (United Kingdom Minority Ethic) background women to gather. It provided a space for women to connect with one another on a deeper level and in offering support and encouragement in their faith journeys.

Community prayer and witness We have continued our Wednesday morning (coffee & croissant) gatherings to pray for our church and community and there is an increasing sense of meeting with God and hearing reports of prayers being answered.

Last summer from May to June a number of people were involved in reaching out to our immediate neighbourhood with the good news of Jesus by offering prayer for people, sharing their faith, and by acts of kindness. Many positive conversations were held, with some beginning to attend Martyrs regularly since (including baptism last Easter).

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Just prior to Christmas a number of us went to Bede Park for a Community Carols event. It was a fun time with multilingual carols, hot chocolate and cakes. Several people walking by stopped and joined in with the singing.

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Young Adults and Students Ministry

In October we organised a welcome dinner for newly arrived international students and almost 40 students joined us for interactive activities and a meal. This event was done in collaboration with Friends

International and Christian Union. We further invited students to our Sunday 6.15 gathering to receive welcome kits prepared with donations from Martyrs

congregation. We have also been able to help international students with mock interviews and CV writing sessions. There are regular Young Adult and Student socials taking place as well as a weekly home group.

Many students have shared how they have appreciated our Martyrs warm welcoming and hospitality. Bijina is one of the students who has been journeying with us since she came to Leicester as a student. After graduating from university, she continues to attend our Young Adult group and church. Having come along to our church holiday last summer, Bijina expressed how thankful she was to the church for welcoming her to be part of our church family.

6.15 gathering At our Sunday evening 6:15 gatherings we aim to provide a relaxed, welcoming and an interactive ‘Café Style Church’ to help people engage with God and with each other. We regularly welcome new Uni students & young adults to 6.15, with several of them coming from a different faith or no faith background. Some of them have shared how these gatherings are providing them with the chance to deepen their understanding of the Bible by having meaningful conversations with people from different nationalities around the table.

Watch night service Over 50 people, mainly from Martyrs UKME families, attended last year’s New Year Eve Watch Night Service. There was singing and praying and eating together. A couple of families passing by the church came inside and were touched by the welcome they received.

Shobha Gosa, Intercultural Pioneer Minister

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HOMEGROUPS

Home groups have continued to be an important way for us to build fellowship and faith in our church community throughout 2023. Our home groups have covered a variety of material including Bible study, discipleship and evangelism courses.

Following a homegroup launch in January two new home groups started and we now have six homegroups which are run by Trevor Worsfold, Liz Lawton and Arthur Deegan, Robin Pointon, Shobha Gosa, and Phillippa Taylor. Around 40 people have connected with the different groups in 2023.

Each homegroup decides the content of their sessions. However, the home groups met together in September for the launch of the Life on the Frontline course which all of the homegroups studied at the same time and created some interesting conversation about how we share faith in everyday life.

We would like to develop this ministry further in 2024, training more homegroup leaders, launching more homegroups and connecting more people to a home group.

Thank you to everyone who has helped to lead and participate in this important ministry.

Phillippa Taylor, Curate

WORSHIP GROUP

It’s been an interesting year for the worship team since the last report. We have had some new members joining the team whilst some are having a break for a while. We’ve had some memorable moments, the Christmas Carol Service being one of them.

My thanks to those who continue to help in leading what we do on a Sunday morning / evening whether they are singers, musicians, or worship leaders as well as the sound and AV team each give their time, week in and week out.

Over the last year we have continued to hold our once a term worship workshop which we introduced the other year. This gives an opportunity to anyone at the Martyrs to come along to learn and practice new & old songs. It’s been a useful time for us where we had the chance to learn new songs which we’ve been able to use in our services.

Please pray for us as we continue to develop our own way of worship that is pleasing to our Lord, God.

Erol Melbourne

ECO CHURCH

In October 2022 the PCC agreed that Martyrs Church would make a formal commitment to improve the environmental credentials of our church by endorsing the undertaking of work towards an Eco Church Award.

Following this decision, an Eco team consisting of Chris Freeman, Shobha Gosa, Lorraine Pointon, Robin Pointon, Phillippa Taylor and Cathy Shelly was formed in February 2023 with the initial goal of working towards achieving the bronze A Rocha Eco Church Award.

This work is an important part of our missional call 'to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew life of the earth' and supports one of the strategic priorities of the Diocese of Leicester to build eco communities which take seriously our calling to be good stewards of the natural world, especially in light of climate crisis.

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During 2023 the Martyrs eco team have completed the A Rocha Eco Church survey which assesses how we as a church are caring for God's creation in the areas of:

The results of the survey indicate that Martyrs Church is already undertaking work which would achieve a bronze level award in the areas of worship and teaching and management of church buildings. However, we need to achieve bronze in all five areas to successfully obtain the award.

Events such as the showing of the 'Ants and the Grasshopper' film in church, creation of 'bug hotels' in our church garden and Sarah Shepherd talking to us in church about the work of the Just Shop in Leicester have all contributed to our eco church work.

The eco church team are really excited about continuing this work in 2023 and would welcome anyone with an interest in eco church to join our team!

Phillippa Taylor, Curate

SOCIAL TEAM

As a Social Team we hope to organise events that help us to get to know one another better as a church family. We try to offer a varied programme in the hope that there will be something, at some point, that appeals to everyone. If there is something YOU would like to do/take part in/see organised please speak to one of the team, your suggestions would be very welcome!

Since last writing a report for the AGM we have enjoyed a wide variety of events at The Martyrs. ‘Martyrs Café’ on first Saturdays continued for the remainder of 2023 and was relaunched with the Eco Café in February this year. ‘Chips and Chat’ on the last Wednesday of each month has continued to be a popular with ‘Coronation’ and ‘Festive’ specials featuring in 2023. We enjoyed a very well attended Biryani and Bhangra night in church, some folks joined the Red Fox Ceilidhs and enjoyed some energetic barn dancing in the upper hall, the harvest quiz took place at the end of September and Beer and Carols made a welcome return at Christmas in a new location at the Merry Monarch. In early 2024 we hosted Souper Sunday after the morning service followed by board games and jigsaws and more recently a group of about 30 enjoyed an evening at Laser Quest. It proved very popular and I’m sure it could become a regular event.

Currently we have 11 folks on the ‘official’ social team: Bertin, Phillippa, Audrey Basopo, Dave Seaman, Sarah Roe, Robert Freeman, Judy Edwards, Margaret Wicks, Daniel Pallatt, Jane Berridge and Julie Shaw. However, there are others who support and help with events on an ad hoc basis and a huge thanks go them too!

Julie Shaw

GUIDING

Girlguiding at the Martyrs continues to offer weekly activities for girls from the age of 5 to 18 in our Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger units. In 2023 we have been pleased to welcome more adult volunteers to support our groups. The number of girls is gradually growing, although we are still looking for ways to recruit more girls, especially of Brownie age.

We are always grateful for the huge support that we receive from church members. Many people helped with and supported our Christmas Fair which raised a record amount of £1700 and also attracted many

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people from our community. Other fundraising events like our Shopping Evening and Chef and Spice are always well attended by church members, for which we are very grateful. This means we can try to keep Girlguiding affordable for all. We have to pay an annual subscription (2023 - £47.50) and thanks to our fundraising and our weekly subs we didn’t have to ask for any further contributions from parents.

Every week girls can be found in the hall busy doing craft activities, games, cooking, badge work and skills, eating and having fun! Across the groups we have also had days out, nights away, a cinema visit and a panto trip. We would love to welcome more girls to come and join us.

We are grateful to Bertin and Phillippa for valuing our groups, to people who just ask us how Girlguiding at the Martyrs is going and once again to all those who support our events. Thank you!

Liz Bamford

MOTHERS UNION

Mothers’ Union (MU) is a Christian organisation/charity with 4 million worldwide members. Membership is open to everyone who would like to “make a difference” to the lives of people around the world and the UK, especially local (grass roots) concerns. All aided with prayer.

Our theme for 2023 “Transformation Now!” continued from the previous year, the aim to adapt to a changing world. Our branch had a successful and enjoyable year. We had 28 members, not all are able to attend the monthly Wednesday afternoon meetings. We were invited to contribute a stall at the “Market Day Sunday” in church at the May AGM, to “advertise” our work and distribute brochures.

Audrey Maydwell’s funeral in January, at the Martyrs was well attended, and she is greatly missed. Over the year, we were very pleased to welcome Mary, Eileen, Leonie and Oji (from Nigeria, visiting her daughter).

All our monthly meetings took place, some with speakers and our annual September Church Communion Service, was kindly led by Phillippa. It was interesting to hear Dr Codra Spencer speak about MU in Zimbabwe. Also, Leonie and Oji’s contributions about the pride of belonging to MU and the good work that is being achieved in the communities over there. Domestic violence and FGM continue to be a concern and MU’s assistance in providing education for women and men, and empowerment for women is very important, to enable changes to happen. We were encouraged by Leics. Diocese to support with donations and prayers, Bishop Isaiah Chambal’s wife Ezerada’s FGM initiative, in the Diocese of Kiteto, Tanzania.

The social aspect of MU is immensely important. A delicious lunch was held in May at Palmer’s Garden Centre and our grateful thanks to Bertin and Sue for hosting our August afternoon tea, on a lovely sunny day in their garden. We raised £110 for the Summer of Hope Appeal for UK projects.

£240 was also donated to other MU causes including the work of the Leicestershire Homeless and £80 was given to the Hall Fund. We continued to campaign and support Women’s Aid with prayer during the 16 Days of Activism and with donations, PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust) supporting families of prisoners in Leicester/shire prisons, Baby Basics , and Away From It All holidays (AFIA) for 10 families in need in 2023. MU also collaborates with the Clewer Initiative to work to address and raise awareness of modern-day slavery and of young people drawn into the county lines drug gangs.

My thanks and appreciation to Karon Price (Treasurer), committee members Linda Tilley, Angela Sharp and Ruth Twaite, Bertin, Phillippa, everyone at the Martyr’s and all our generous and loyal branch members. We always welcome new members, even if they are unable to attend monthly meetings, but wish to support our work.

Shirley Waterworth, Branch Leader

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Annual General Meeting of the Church of the Martyrs Leicester Sunday 21[st] April 2024 at 12.00hrs in the Church

AGENDA

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

1. Opening Prayer

2. Appointment of Clerk for Meetings

3. Apologies

4. Minutes of AMP 2023

5. Election of Church Wardens for 2024-25

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of 2023 APCM

3. PCC Reports

Written reports

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4. Elections & Appointments

5. Open Forum: an opportunity to ask questions about the life of the church; questions to be submitted by Wednesday 17[th] April to Steve Ardron (07770 852149) steven.ardron@virginmedia.com )

6. Closing Prayer.

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Minutes of Annual General Meeting of the Church of the Martyrs Leicester Sunday 14th May 2023 at 12.15pm in the Church

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

In Attendance:

Revd. Bertin Hermo, Revd. Phillippa Taylor, Liz Bamford, Pete Coopey, Liz Coopey, Julie Shaw, Sue Gammon, Les Gammon, Helen Pinney, Norman Banner, Renee Bose, Ed de Salis Young, Nina de Salis Young, Erol Melbourne, Eileen Melbourne, Malcolm Greenwood, Chris Roe, Sarah Roe, Lorraine Pointon, Steve Bradley, Kathy Bradley, OG, Angela Sharp, Maureen Pointon, Pat Woods, Linda Tilley, Libby Elsey, Ann Smith, Sue Hermo, Irene Hart. Margaret Wicks, Tony Shelley, Cathy Shelly, John Riley, Rosemary Matley, Pat Bailey, Robert Freeman, Chris Freeman, Harriet Asare, Wisdom Chikwe, Kike George, Olayinka OlatundeShittu, Trevor Worsfold, Liz Preston, Angela Gordon, Margaret Farrell, Richard Jaramba, Sammy Jaramba, David Seaman, Guinevere David, Paisible Ndacayisaba, Leonie Nibona, Roz Burch, Ben Lawton, Liz Lawton, Dave Woodcock, Karon Price, Shobha Gosa, Robin Pointon, Clare Pollard, Geoffrey Pollard, Shirley Waterworth, Janet Lenton, Ruth Fryer, Thushara Jagadeesh, Sonia Kurian, Shaylesh Raja

Apologies:

Ann Raja, David Gilbert, Freya Gilbert. Shayne Ardron, Steve Ardron, Sue Seaman Pete Gilbert, Debra Gilbert. Dave Shepherd, Sarah Shepherd, Wendy Bebbington, Daniel Pallett, Rachel Pallett, Mike Pinney, Ben Dickson, Jean Miller, Mavis Millins, Emma Worsfold, Sue Woodcock, Sojan K. Iype,

1. Opening Prayer

Bertin chairing the meeting opened the meeting with prayer at 12.20pm.

2. Appointment of Clerk for the Meetings

Liz Bamford was appointed as Clerk for the meetings.

3. Minutes of the AMP 2022

It was proposed from the chair that the minutes of the AMP held on 15[th] May 2022 were an accurate record of the previous meeting. This was accepted unanimously by the meeting and there were no matters arising.

4. Appointment of Church Wardens for 2022/23

Pete Coopey and Lorraine Pointon have served as dedicated wardens for the past year. Lorraine was appointed in Oct 2020 and is willing to serve again. Pete having served since 2014 is standing down this year.

Bertin thanked Pete for the wonderful service he has given and for doing such a fantastic job for the last nine years. He presented Pete with a small gift as a token of thanks.

In response Pete thanked his fellow wardens – Ben Lawton, John Sinclair and Lorraine Pointon. He also thanked David Hemmings, Martin Clarke and Liz Bamford for their help and support.

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The following nominations for the role of church warden had been received, Lorraine Pointon - proposed by Erol Melbourne and seconded by Liz Coopey Richard Jaramba - proposed by Debra Gilbert and seconded by Sue Seaman

After a show of hands, both Lorraine Pointon and Richard Jaramba were duly declared elected to serve as Church Wardens for one year with full approval of the meeting. The thanks of the meeting were expressed to Lorraine and Richard for being willing to fulfil this role.

Meeting closed 12.26pm

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Commenced 12.30pm

1. Attendance & Apologies

Both as recorded for the AMP.

2. Minutes of the 2022 APCM

The minutes of the 2022 APCM, held on 15[th] May 2022 were accepted as a true record with no matters arising.

3. PCC Reports

A range of reports had been produced for the year ended 31[st] Dec 2022 and circulated both on-line and by way of hard copy, which were also available at the meeting.

a) Mission & Ministry Reports:

Verbal Reports

• Family and Children’s Work – Irene Hart Irene gave a brief review of the past year and shared the encouragement that children’s work was thriving although that meant that more help was needed. Shake Rattle and Roll continued to be very popular and is well known in the local community. Relationships had been built with local nurseries who had visited at Harvest and Christmas. Schools had visited to support the delivery of the RE curriculum. Links with Shaftesbury are developing and we have hosted Easter and Christmas plays, started an after-school club and are currently delivering an activity programme based on Luke, to the whole school.

Church activities have included a Light Party, Crib Service and Good Friday family event. A very successful holiday club was held and hopefully another will be held this year. It is encouraging to see children growing in their faith. The Parenting in Faith Course had been successful and another one is being considered.

Irene expressed thanks to all those involved with the Children’s Team over the past year.

• Intercultural Worshipping Community (IWC) - Shobha Gosa Shobha shared some of the work that had happened this year. She reminded us of the 5 themes that IWC is based on, as explained in her report. She reinforced that IWC is part of the church vision. She had been working with Michael, Wisdom and the staff team in welcoming foreign students, families, migrants and reaching out to others. Linking this to the church values and encouraging us to be open and honest to follow Jesus and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this community. Shobha ended by sharing a brief video showing the impact of Young Adults, Events, Community Prayers, Outreach Prayer Walks and 6.15 Gathering.

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•

Nave Re-ordering:

As Ben Lawton had recently given an update in church regarding this it was not included again as part of this meeting.

Written Reports

Bertin thanked all those who had written reports which showed the breadth of engagement and that we had much to be thankful for. He briefly highlighted the following -

• Baby Basics headed up by Laura Hutchinson and Money Matters led by Nina De Salis Young both have a huge impact in our community.

• Families and Children’s Work is at the heart of what we do at The Martyrs and we are grateful to Irene and all those involved.

• Although presently we do not have many teenagers, we aim to grow this work and value our young people. Thanks to Dave Seaman, Ben Lawton, Sarah Roe, Chris and Libby Elsey who lead Fuel Cells and Torch

• Thanks to Michael and Wisdom for their work supporting Shobha with IWC. Thanks also to the steering group that now consists of Erol Melbourne, Geoff Pollard, Michael Jawahar, Bertin Hermo, Phillippa Taylor and Shobha Gosa.

• Homegroups are now headed up by Phillippa and it is wonderful to note that more people are engaging and hope that even more may become involved.

• The Worship Group have been working hard to ensure our music can reflect our church and its diversity, by learning new songs especially some in other languages. Thanks to Erol and all those who lead worship and Shaylesh Raja and Steve Bradley for heading up AV and Sound respectively.

• We are fortunate to have an active Social Team headed up by Julie Shaw. We have held many successful events and continue to look for more ideas for ways to socialise. Looking forward to the church holiday later in the year.

• Girlguiding has a rich history at the Martyrs and Bertin expressed his appreciation as vicar, for the strong connection and impact guiding has in the life of the church and the community.

• Likewise Mothers’ Union historically has a great importance in this church and Shirley Waterworth and those involved were thanked for their commitment and always ensuring a warm welcome was given.

• In an update to the Nave Reordering Project Bertin confirmed that the PCC had voted unanimously for a faculty application to be prepared and submitted. We will keep everyone informed as this moves forward. Bertin expressed thanks to the working group.

Bertin thanked everyone for giving their time, commitment and skills, including those involved with welcome teams, counting money, gardening, cleaning and visiting. He reminded us how this commitment links to our vision and values. He commended all these ministry projects and reports to the AGM.

b) Proceedings of the PCC Report

The report as printed on page 5 of the Annual Report document was presented to the meeting. Bertin thanked the PCC for all their commitment and engagement this year.

c) Leadership Group Report

The report on the workings and membership of the group was printed on page 5 & 6 of the Annual Report document and was presented to the meeting.

Thanks to Steve Ardron and Lorraine Pointon for preparing these reports. There were no questions asked.

d) Electoral Roll Report

The Electoral Roll Report was presented, noting that the list had increased to a total to 167 members on the Electoral Roll (this is 2 more than shown in the report) with 12 added and one removed. The report was

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received by the meeting and Ben Lawton was thanked for his work in managing the Roll and attendance figures. It is encouraging that new people are joining us and interesting to note the success of the Wednesday morning service that now has between 20-30 people regularly attending.

Question: Eileen Melbourne asked why the figure removed from the electoral roll in 2019 was so high – 72 people, was this because it was revised then? Bertin confirmed that was the case and the roll is reviewed every 6th year.

e) Fabric Report & Inventory

The Fabric Report as printed on pages 10 & 11 of the Annual Report was presented to the meeting. Thanks to Pete Coopey for its compilation. It was noted that should the nave reordering go ahead there would be significant changes to the flooring, lighting and seating and at a later point the heating. It was also noted that the Quinquennial inspection was due this year.

f) Finance Report

Ed de Salis Young presented the Finance Report (Pg 11-12) in graphs and charts form, and the accounts to the meeting as printed in the Annual Report,

Funds are held in separate accounts and comments regarding each were made in the following order:

Some general comments regarding the budget looking forward were shared:

Hall

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In summary Ed concluded

Ed thanked those who contributed to accounts and managing income including Nina De Salis Young, Martin Clarke, Malcolm Greenwood, Mike Dampier, the collection counters and the Independent Examiner Colin Wood. He also thanked everyone who gives to the church.

Questions

Q: Nina De Salis Young wanted to clarify that both Money Matters and Baby Basics were not run as independent charities and very much valued the support and prayers of the church.

Q: Pat Woods asked if people wanted to give money to support the church hall how could we do that? A: The church is committed to supporting the hall through general funds. It would be good to encourage the community to use the hall. It was also suggested that specific fundraising for hall projects could be useful. Ben Hart shared ideas for fundraising.

Ruth Fryer thanked Ed for presenting the Financial Report and Finances so clearly. Bertin also thanked Ed and all those involved and also shared a note of thanks from a Ukrainian family who had received a financial gift to set up home in Leicestershire from one of our tithes.

It was proposed by Shaylesh Raja and seconded by Sarah Roe that Ed’s verbal financial report along with the preceding written reports of the Annual Report Document plus the accounts as stated at the rear of the document pg. 30 onwards be accepted. This was unanimously agreed by a show of hands by the meeting.

g) West Leicester Mission Partnership Pg 12

h) City of Leicester Deanery Synod Pg 13

i) Church Hall Report Pg 13-14

A fantastic resource for community use and thanks expressed to Martin Clarke.

j) Health & Safety Report Pg 14

k) Safeguarding Report Pg 14-15

Thanks to Pete Coopey, Katherine Hawker, Dave Spence and Phillippa Taylor for work on this during the last year.

l) Pastoral Team Report Pg 15

Thanks to this team for their support and care for others.

Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Pastoral Team, West Leicester Mission Partnership, Hall, and Deanery Synod Reports were all received by the meeting.

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4. Elections and Appointments

a) Parochial Church Council

Thanks to those due to retire this year from PCC. They are:

Lloyd Ganza Cynthia Ganza Debra Gilbert David Basopo

David Spence who was stepping down after moving away

Bertin declared that nominations had been received as follows:

In the absence of any other nominations, there was no requirement for a vote and the above mentioned were duly elected to the PCC. It had been agreed at the last PCC meeting that the formal election of officers for the new PCC would be at the beginning of their first meeting. It will also be decided who of the 4 new members will serve for three years and who will serve for 1 year.

b) Deanery Synod

Deanery Synod membership is to be reviewed this year. Steve Ardron, Liz Bamford and Julie Shaw have been our representatives.

The following nominations have been received:

In the absence of any other nominations, there was no requirement for a vote and the above mentioned were duly elected as representatives on the Deanery Synod and members of the PCC.

c) PCC Reader Representative

Shayne Ardron is appointed as Reader representative on the PCC.

d) Deputy / Assistant Wardens

Whilst not being formal church appointments the valuable work of Deputy Wardens was recognised. Eileen Melbourne and Liz Bamford have agreed to continue in this role.

e) Independent Examiner

Nina de Salis Young proposed that Colin Wood be appointed as Independent Examiner for the forthcoming year. This was seconded by Liz Lawton and unanimously agreed by the meeting.

5. Open Forum

It was noted that no questions had been received prior to the meeting for Open Forum discussion.

6. Votes of thanks

Bertin expressed his appreciation for the help and support he receives. There are of course ups and downs and it is good to be a community doing things together. Supporting one another when people are struggling

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and rejoicing when people are celebrating. It is great to learn together, to worship Jesus together, to change, to grow. It’s great to be church and to be community.

In response Lorraine Pointon thanked Bertin for all he does and expressed the appreciation of the church for his wisdom and leadership. Shobha also expressed thanks to Sue Hermo.

Final Prayer

Pete Coopey closed the meeting with a final prayer.

The meeting ended at 1.35pm

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CHURCH OF THE MARTYRS LEICESTER Registered Charity no 1134668

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

Page 2 Statement of Accounting Policies Page 4 Statement of Financial Activities Page 5 Balance Sheet as at 31[st] December 2023 Page 6 Notes to the Accounts

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 1 of 8

CHURCH OF THE MARTYRS, LEICESTER Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Note 1:

Accounting Policies

These Accounts have been prepared in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable Accounting Standards and the Charities SORP 2005.

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and on an Accruals basis.

Scope of the Accounts

The Accounts combine the results of the Church, Hall and associated funds for the year. The Accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible.

Funds

Unrestricted funds [general fund] represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use.

Restricted funds represent income and donations from individuals or groups which, may be expended only on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. At the start of 2023 there were 5 active Restricted Funds: Children and Families Worker Fund, Money Matters fund, Baby Basics fund, Organ fund (donations for the church organ), and Mission Partnership fund. During the year one new restricted fund was created, the Hardship fund. This is to support people in need, either locally or church members.

Designated Funds have been designated by the PCC and as such could be ‘undesignated’ in the future. At the start of 2023 there were 3 active Designated Funds: the Hall fund, Buildings Development fund and Tithe fund (to hold unspent tithe monies). This did not change during the year.

The Accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the Accounts of Church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 2 of 8

Resources used

Outgoing donations made are accounted for when paid. The Parish Share is accounted for when paid, although any unpaid amount at 31st December is provided for in these financial statements as an operational (though not legal) liability and as such would be shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. All other expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust of the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).

Items acquired before 2000 are not included in the accounts either because there is insufficient cost information available or the value is considered too low. The expenditure on individual items and equipment under £1,500 is written off when incurred.

The church does record 5 fixed assets, which are over the £1,500 threshold. Depreciation is applied on a ‘straight line’ basis over the likely lifespan of each item, based on advice from suppliers. The 5 items are the electronic organ (25 years lifespan), and the main audio visual (AV) projector, sound desk (now zero value), photocopier and church chairs (all 10 years lifespan).

The church (rather than the Diocese) also owns the Martyrs’ Community Hall which was built later than the church and paid for by parishioner fundraising. This is noted here, but not shown as a fixed asset in the accounts as the value is uncertain.

Salaries

During the year the PCC employed an Administrator, a Premises Officer, two Hall Cleaners (due to a change in September), a Children and Families Worker, and for Baby Basics a Manager and an Administrator. Currently the Administrator and Premises Officer roles are done by the same person, making a total of 5 employees at the end of 2023, who were all part-time. The payroll is administered by the Diocese of Leicester, and wages for all employees have had appropriate PAYE and NI deductions made. Pension contributions have been made for the Administrator, the Children and Families Worker and the Baby Basics Manager and Administrator; all employees now have the option to join the pension scheme, which is with NEST.

Payments to PCC Members

A small immaterial portion of the expenses paid to the clergy may relate to their services to the PCC. The only payments made to any other PCC member, persons closely related to them or related parties, were direct reimbursements for items bought for the church.

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 3 of 8

Church of the Martyrs, Leicester – Statement of Financial Activities – Year Ending 31[st] December 2023

Statement of Financial Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Designated Restricted Restricted PCC Total PCC Total
Activites Church Church Church Church **Hall ** Money Matter s
Baby Basics		 2023(£) 2022(£)
General Fund Ch Dev Ch&Fam MP
Tithe Organ,Hship
Incoming Resources
Voluntaryincome(note 2a) 150,997 3,750 27,787 182,534 1,915 6,994 43,822 235,265 185,486
Investment income(note 2b) 1,029 - - 1,029 - - - 1,029 406
Income from Charitable Activities
(note 2c)		 15,303 - - 15,303 30,800 - 3,944 50,047 27,418
Other IncomingResources(note 2d) - - - - - - 1,982 1,982 886
Total Incoming Resources 167,329 3,750 27,787 198,866 32,715 6,994 49,748 288,323 214,196
Resources Expended
Cost of GeneratingFunds(note 3a) 207 - - 207 - 15 245 467 114
Grants(note 3b) 583 8,774 70 9,427 - 2,410 18,946 30,783 17,407
Activities directly related to Church
Work(3c)		 131,608 540 18,186 150,335 41,317 4,726 42,517 238,895 197,761
Total Resources Expended 132,398 9,314 18,256 159,968 41,317 7,151 61,708 270,144 215,341
Net incomingresources 34,931 (5,564) 9,531 38,898 (8,602) (157) (11,960) 18,179 (1,144)
Transfers between funds
(note 4 below)		 (11,638) 6,530 794 (4,314) 5,500 (1,593) 407 - -
Net movement in funds 23,293 966 10,325 34,584 (3,102) (1,750) (11,553) 18,179 (1,144)
Total funds brought forward 71,335 2,784 4,461 78,580 3,193 17,323 35,409 134,505 135,649
Total funds carried forward 94,628 3,750 14,786 113,164 91 15,573 23,856 152,684 134,505
Note 4: Fund transfers were:
General to Tithe fund(tithes) 8,138
General to Hall fund(support) 3,500
Tithe fund to MoneyMatters(half tithe) 407
Tithe fund to BabyBasics(half tithe) 407
Tithe fund to Hardshipfund(LG tithe) 794
MoneyMatters to Hall fund(rent) 2,000

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 4 of 8

Church of the Martyrs, Leicester – Balance Sheet for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Balance Sheet Unrestricted Designated Restricted PCC Total PCC Total
Church Church Dev,
Hall, Tithe
Organ, MP, MM,
BB, CH&Fam		 2023(£) 2022(£)
Fixed Assets - Equipment(note 5) 2,015 1,615 2,808 6,438 7,943
Current Assets
Cash at bank and hand 88,598 6,363 49,606 144,567 123,088
Debtors - Tax reclaimable(note 6) 5,833 0 969 6,802 9,622
Debtors -general(note 6) 763 1,023 1,317 3,103 1,718
Total 95,194 7,386 51,892 154,472 134,428
Current Liabilities(note 7)
Agencycollections (487) 0 0 (487) (44)
Creditors -general (2,095) (5,157) (487) (7,740) (7,824)
Total (2,583) (5,157) (487) (8,228) (7,868)
Total Net Assets 94,627 3,844 54,213 152,684 134,504
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
General fund 94,627 94,627 71,334
Designated
Hall Fund 91 91 3,193
Church Development Fund 3,753 3,753 540
Tithe Fund 0 0 2,244
Restricted
HardshipFund 10,724 10,724 0
Children & Families Worker Fund 1,253 1,253 1,185
MoneyMatters Leicester Fund 13,350 13,350 15,101
BabyBasics Fund 23,855 23,855 35,409
Mission PartnershipFund 2,222 2,222 2,222
Organ Fund 2,808 2,808 3,276
Balances at 31 December 94,627 3,844 54,213 152,684 134,504

Approved on behalf of the PCC ……………………………… Name: Bertin Hermo, Vicar CHURCH OF THE MARTYRS, LEICESTER .

11/04/2024 Date: ………………………….

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 5 of 8

Church of the Martyrs, Leicester – Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Note 2:

Note 2:
Incoming Resources Detail Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Designated Restricted Restricted PCC Total PCC Total
Church Church Church Church **Hall ** Money Matters Baby Basics 2023(£) 2022(£)
General Fund Buildings Ch&Fam
Tithe Organ, Hship
2a Voluntary Income
Regular donations Gift Aid 28,079.35 3,640.00 31,719.35 440.00 32,159.35 30,834.23
Donationsgross via CAF 900.00 10,000.00 10,900.00 10,900.00 -
Donationsgross via PGS 53,572.99 53,572.99 53,572.99 60,378.89
Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid 14,071.54 750.00 1,806.75 16,628.29 384.00 242.00 17,254.29 9,677.52
Credit Card or online donations 8,804.47 8,804.47 908.00 1,916.00 11,628.47 -
Regular donations non Gift Aid 5,110.80 240.00 5,350.80 251.86 9,020.00 14,622.66 13,462.38
Cash Collections 4,224.30 4,224.30 25.00 473.45 4,722.75 3,884.12
Special or one off Donations Gift Aid 22,349.44 3,000.00 3,600.00 28,949.44 1,150.00 40.00 30,139.44 3,041.00
Special or one off Donations non Gift Aid 313.91 313.91 1,890.00 2,987.00 5,190.91 9,001.94
Grants & Legacies 514.65 8,500.00 9,014.65 4,300.00 28,703.80 42,018.45 43,902.70
Grants - IWC 13,055.33 13,055.33 13,055.33 11,302.94
Total 150,996.78 3,750.00 27,786.75 182,533.53 1,915.00 6,993.86 43,822.25 235,264.64 185,485.72
2b Investment Income
Bank/CBF Interest 1,029.17 1,029.17 1,029.17 406.13
Total 1,029.17 - - 1,029.17 - - - 1,029.17 406.13
2c Income from Charitable Activities
PCC Fees(Weddings,Baptisms,Funerals) 768.00 768.00 768.00 428.00
Hire/Lettings of buildings - - 30,800.33 30,800.33 25,984.07
TradingIncome and Cost Reimbursement - - 3,943.98 3,943.98 1,006.77
Parish Holiday (Note 8) 14,534.60 14,534.60 14,534.60 -
Total 15,302.60 - - 15,302.60 30,800.33 - 3,943.98 50,046.91 27,418.84
2d Other
Social and FundraisingEvents - - 1,881.56 1,881.56 886.00
Miscellaneous Income - - 100.00 100.00 -
Insurance Claims - - - -
Total - - - - - - 1,981.56 1,981.56 886.00
Total Incoming Resources 167,328.55 3,750.00 27,786.75 198,865.30 32,715.33 6,993.86 49,747.79 288,322.28 214,196.69

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 6 of 8

Note 3:

Note 3:
Resources Expended Detail Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Designated Restricted Restricted PCC Total PCC Total
Church Church Church Church **Hall ** Money Matters Baby Basics 2023(£) 2022(£)
General Fund Buildings Ch&Fam
Tithe Organ,Hship
3a Cost of Generating Funds
Social Events,Envelopes,fees 207.02 207.02 15.47 244.91 467.40 114.42
Total 207.02 - - 207.02 - 15.47 244.91 467.40 114.42
3b Grants
Tithespaid out 8,774.00 8,774.00 8,774.00 6,148.98
Other Donations 582.57 70.00 652.57 2,410.00 18,946.22 22,008.79 11,257.80
Total 582.57 8,774.00 70.00 9,426.57 - 2,410.00 18,946.22 30,782.79 17,406.78
3c Activities directly related to Church Work
Parish Contribution 66,000.00 66,000.00 66,000.00 63,000.00
Remuneration Costs(inc temporary) 6,763.13 17,538.78 24,301.91 18,396.15 17,440.69 60,138.75 45,718.02
Clergyand Staff Expenses 1,431.06 1,431.06 1,431.06 1,139.33
IWC Staff and Event Spending 3,846.58 3,846.58 3,846.58 3,244.73
Mission: Church Trips and Holidays 19,693.56 19,693.56 19,693.56 -
Mission: Children and Youth inc HolidayClub 1,651.64 1,651.64 1,651.64 911.87
Mission: Other events,Alpha etc 1,442.46 1,442.46 1,442.46 317.82
Staff Trainingand Conferences 501.55 501.55 130.00 106.00 737.55 3,211.43
Printing,Stationery,Phone,Broadband,Postage 2,436.84 179.67 2,616.51 225.00 1,040.35 4,507.60 8,389.46 4,576.31
External Printing,Publicity,Website 596.60 596.60 327.04 136.78 1,060.42 9,030.78
Consumables and CleaningEquipment 648.30 648.30 1,755.99 47.89 2,452.18 2,107.93
Insurance Premiums 3,553.08 3,553.08 2,457.38 453.71 6,464.17 5,733.76
Fees: Subs,Licenses,Membership,PRS 1,248.10 1,248.10 1,793.00 300.00 3,341.10 3,080.14
Equipment: Computers,furniture etc 587.54 587.54 2,487.43 215.33 332.20 3,622.50 1,809.40
Equipment: Worship (PA etc) 866.65 866.65 866.65 33.00
Worshipand Service Resources,Manuals,Books 3,802.21 3,802.21 761.04 4,563.25 2,738.03
Fixed Asset Depreciation 500.15 539.79 468.00 1,507.94 1,507.94 1,865.15
General Maintenance 6,167.87 6,167.87 5,119.04 288.00 11,574.91 12,635.80
Premises: Rental,legal and valuations - - 780.00 15,631.59 16,411.59 12,764.10
Utilities 7,631.80 7,631.80 10,096.17 3,726.66 21,454.63 23,607.95
PCC Expenses and Governance Costs 186.84 186.84 186.84 10.30
Major orQuinquennial Work 1,732.72 1,732.72 1,732.72 -
Bank Charges 319.80 319.80 6.00 325.80 283.05
Other Expenses - - - 0.90
Total 131,608.48 539.79 18,186.45 150,334.72 41,317.16 4,726.47 42,517.41 238,895.76 197,819.80
Total Resources Expended 132,398.07 9,313.79 18,256.45 159,968.31 41,317.16 7,151.94 61,708.54 270,145.95 215,341.00

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

Page 7 of 8

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Note 4: For details of Fund transfers, see Note 4 on the summary SOFA page.

Note 5: Fixed Assets

Note 5: Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets
(a) Tangible Electric
Organ
A/V
system
Sound
Desk
Copier		 Church
Chairs
Total
Actual Cost
At 1 January2023 11,700 19,150 3,600 2,907 5,374 42,731
Additions 0
Disposals 0
At 31 December 2023 11,700 19,150 3,600 2,907 5,374 42,731
Depreciation
At 1 January2023 8,424 18,091 3,600 1,450 3,222 34,787
Additions 468 210 0 290 537 1,505
Disposals
At 31 December 2023 8,892 18,301 3,600 1,740 3,759 36,292
Net Book Value at 31 December 2023 2,808 849 0 1,167 1,615 6,439
Net Book Value at 31 December 2022 3,276 1,059 0 1,457 2,152 7,944

Note 6:

Debtors consist of Gift Aid tax recoverable and general debtors (for example Hall users). The stated Gift Aid tax owing at the end of 2023 matches the tax claim made in February 2023.

Note 7: Liabilities consist of Agency collections (those collected for others but not yet paid over), invoices not yet paid, deposits held (including for Hall users), and accruals.

The total Parish Contribution offer the Martyrs made for 2023 was £66,000, which was fully paid during the year.

Note 8: Church Holiday

In 2023 the church organised a summer holiday at Cefn Lea in mid-Wales for its members. Items such as accommodation, food and transport were directly paid by the church. Attendees were then charged based a range of factors (some deposit payments were made in 2022 which were carried forward as creditors and recorded as payments in 2023). The church also received a grant from the IWC seed fund which was used towards the holiday cost.

The holiday has been accounted for in the General fund and the summary of receipts and payments is as follows:

Total payments received from attendees: £14,535
Seed Fund grant received: £8,000
Total Holiday costs paid out: £19,694

Examined 31 March 2024

Registered Charity no 1134668

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