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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St John The Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist Beeston

Serving Christ in our Community

Annual Report and Accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Contents

Page
Annual Reports 1
Financial Statements 7
Independent Examiner’s Report 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12
Reports from Parish Groups 13

Annual Report for the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ending 31 December 2023

Administrative Information

St John the Baptist is situated in Church Street, in the parish of Beeston and the Diocese of Southwell of Nottingham. The correspondence address is Beeston Vicarage, Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1GA.

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

Incumbent Revd Wayne Plimmer Chairman Revd Kirstine Buchan Associate Priest Jem Bloomfield Lay Reader Revd Rob Wiggins Permission to Officiate Revd Dawn Glen Permission to Officiate Revd Monika Doering Permission to Officiate Revd Paul Knight Permission to Officiate Wardens Pat Atkins Jackie Laats Deanery Synod Representatives Christopher Gray Julie Howson Parish Safeguarding Officer Laura Macdonald Elected Members Ian Buchan David Butler Kaye Ford Treasurer Pam Holland Steve Lowe Kate Lyons PCC Safeguarding Lead Val Sellars Helen Spiby Norman Vaughton Richard Whitaker Revd Rob Wiggins

Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Councils Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity with the Charity Commission and its registered number is 1134788.

The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

The PCCs objectives and operations are framed in the context of Church as a fellowship of believers whose main objective is to serve Christ in our community. This is worked out through a wide range of activities including:

Achievements and Performance

Church Attendance :

There are currently 138 members on the Church Electoral Roll, some of whom reside outside of the parish. This figure is 3 more than last year.

Average attendance at the 10am Sunday Eucharist is around 100. At the Wednesday 10am Eucharist, 17 people, on average, attend.

Safeguarding Review for the Year:

The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy states that the Church “will train and equip church officers to have the confidence and skills they need to care and support children, young people and vulnerable adults and to recognise and respond to abuse”.

At St John’s we use The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard online tool, which helps to keep track of safeguarding matters and keep up-to-date with local and national changes in safeguarding requirements.

Safeguarding Dashboards is based on the requirements found in the Church of England's Parish Safeguarding Handbook

At St John’s we are operating at the highest level, level 3.

We have four groups specifically for children and youths. We have two activities which targets vulnerable adults and three activities which include children. All nine activities/groups adhere to the Church of England Safeguarding requirements and necessary documentation such as risk assessments, role descriptors are presented to the PCC annually.

Julie Howson, Parish Safeguarding Officer

PCC Review for the Year:

Each PCC meeting receives reports from our Treasurer. Deanery Synod meetings are also reported to the PCC which updates us on wider issues. Regular reports are presented by representatives of other church organisations for discussion and annual reports from all these sources are presented for consideration at the Annual Parish Church Meeting (APCM). During 2023, the PCC met 8 times.

The Finance Group supports the PCC in managing the finances of the Parish Church. It normally meets quarterly, prior to PCC meetings, reporting back to the PCC with recommendations and requests for decisions and approval if necessary. During 2023 the Finance Group met 3 times.

The Standing Committee normally meets prior to each PCC meeting to agree the draft minutes and agenda and to discuss matters and make decisions prior to full PCC approval. They take any significant recommendations for action to the PCC. In accordance with Church Representation Rules, the Standing Committee may also ‘transact the PCC’s business between meetings of the PCC’. During 2023 the Standing Committee met 5 times.

PCC meetings during 2023 were, as usual, a mixed bag. Continual rising energy costs remained a constant feature and we were lucky to receive several generous donations from congregation members, as well as a £10,000 grant from Church Commissioners, which certainly eased some of the financial burden. Our Parish Share contribution was also reduced while we sought to keep a balanced budget.

Several fundraising activities took place during the year, which all proved to be successful. They included Coronation Beer and Hymns, and a ‘Big Lunch’ to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles. We also hosted a Michaelmas Market, Christmas Tree Festival and Carols and Wine. The church also played host to a number of concerts by local groups and, again, we all well received.

The PCC reviewed and approved safeguarding plans of action, provisions, risk assessments and policies and well as reviewing all church activities.

New Baptism Guidance was also approved and the policy on animals in church was discussed.

The main building work carried out was a new water heater in the toilets and electrical work in church and in the bell tower.

A new noticeboard for the church yard was installed, funded by a generous legacy from Dorothy Reus.

During April, we were joined by an intern from the University of Nottingham who was instrumental in the creation/development of a new website and welcome leaflet.

Thanks were given to Pauline Wheelhouse who, after serving on the PCC since the 1970s, stepped down from the position this year.

Kathryn Weller, Clerk to the Trustees

Chairman’s Review for 2023:

The Diocese is undertaking a Diocesan ‘Vision Refresh’ for 2023-30 and it is likely that this will also feed into our vision in 2024 and following years.

2023 has been a year of steady growth which has been encouraging in all sort of ways. Our many groups have re-established themselves post-pandemic and green shoots of growth are beginning to appear. We are particularly enjoying having our ARK group meeting on a regular basis on Sundays and I want to say a heartfelt thanks to Katy MacBurnie and the team who have helped to make this a reality. Following the death of Sheila Alton who gave so much to the life our parish, the future of our Mother’s Union looks uncertain, but things will become clearer in 2024. I would like to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of all of you for their wonderful work over the years.

Thank you too to my colleagues, ordained and lay, not-to-mention our many volunteers and our paid staff who help to ensure that St John’s continues to be a place of welcome, inspiration and encouragement for so many in our community.

We continue to be challenged financially and have been unable to pay our full ‘Parish Share’ (the amount we pay the Diocese for a Vicar, Vicarage etc) in 2023. This was due almost entirely to potentially crippling energy costs. Generosity from parishioners and from the Church Commissioners (via the Diocese) meant that we were ‘saved’ from a serious situation. Costs and Income however, continue to be a significant challenge. We ran a broadly balanced budget in 2023 but only because we decided not to pay the above share in full.

We are enormously grateful for the on-going generosity of members of our congregation to help us make ends meet, both with increased giving and one-off donations.

Thank you so much for your support.

Fr Wayne Plimmer (Vicar)

Churchwarden’s Review and Fabric Report for the Year:

Routine maintenance has been carried out as usual.

Over the past twelve months this has included:

Annual checks on roof alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. Clearing gutters and checking roof tiles. (Bonsers is now checking twice a year again, after blocked gutters above the choir vestry)

Checking of portable electric appliances.

First Aid boxes, checks in hand at time of writing.

North aisle roof

Estimates have been accepted for the repair of the 3 easternmost bays.

Lighting

Flickering lights have been a problem all year, The architect has recommended new control panels and estimates have been received. The PCC will discuss this at an emergency meeting on 3[rd] March.

The notice board, provided from the bequest of Dorothy Reus, is now in place.

A new water heater has been installed above the toilet block. A new pump has been fitted to the central heating boiler. The water heater in the kitchen has been serviced.

Broxtowe has continued to maintain the churchyard and our eco group has undertaken to keep in touch with them over environmental issues.

As always, we are grateful for the help and advice of our architect Graeme Renton, particularly over the north aisle roof and the lighting, for the support of our Health and Safety officer, the Revd Rob Wiggins and for the support of the Finance Committee and the PCC. It has been a pleasure to work with all of them.

Pat Atkins and Jackie Laats, Churchwardens

Deanery Synod Review for the Year:

This year we have said goodbye to Rev’d Tom Gillum (St Mary’s in the Lace Market) and Rev’d Jamie Franklin (Nottingham, St George). We have welcomed Rev’d Fi Shouler (St Barnabas, Lenton Abbey), Rev’d Anna Clarke (Trinity – Pioneer Minister) and curates Amy Jones (Trinity), John Lees-Robinson (Nottingham, St Saviour), Daniel Tsoi (Nottingham, St Nic’s).

Rev’d Jonny Hughes became priest-in-charge at Nottingham St Andrew’s as it joined Trinity and Nottingham St Saviour. Rev’ds Jo and John Lees-Robinson moved to Nottingham St Saviour with a team from Trinity and it re-opened on 17 December.

The Deanery Leadership Team has continued to meet during the year to plan Synod and to discuss ways to support parishes in the Deanery – particularly those in vacancy. We have held three Synods:

On 15 February we met at St Peter’s in Nottingham and the theme of our meeting was “Crossing Cultures with Christ). The aim of this meeting was to help us to continue to think about the diversity of our Deanery and how we can reflect this in our churches. Our speakers were Rev’d Clive Burrows, Rev’d Liam O’Boyle and Adan Baker (from Refugee Roots).

On 18 July we met at St Mary’s, Wollaton Park. We were joined by Rev’d David McCoulough who shared with us about the varied role chaplains can fulfil. Synod then discussed the potential role for chaplains in their parishes. We also admitted churchwardens who had not been able to attend the visitation services at Southwell.

On 23 November we met at St Barnabas, Lenton Abbey. Rev’d Jo Tatum, Area Dean, updated Synod on the renewed vision and Trevor Peel, Deanery Treasurer, explained the process for the allocation of giving for ministry for 2024. Cpt Denis Tully and Rev’d Dr Ian Paul then gave a report to Synod about General Synod including the Prayers of Love and Faith.

Our November meeting was also our AGM and a report was provided on the work of the Deanery Leadership Team during the past year. Elaine Hinchliffe had given notice that she was stepping down as Lay Chair at the end of November 2023 and she was thanked for all she had done in this role.

Following the AGM the Deanery Leadership Team was made up of:

Ex-officio Members: Rev’d Jo Tatum (Area Dean), Kirsty Cowley (Deanery Administrator) Lay Chair: Vacant

Deanery Secretary: Peter Horne Deanery Treasurer: Trevor Peel DLT Members: Fola Sowunmi, two clergy vacancies, one lay vacancy

We also voted the following people on to Diocesan Synod:

House of Clergy: Rev’d Jo Tatum, Rev’d Dr Mark Wreford, Rev’d Jonny Hughes and Rev’d Andy Tufnell

House of Laity: Christopher Gray

The Deanery paid 86.6% of its giving for ministry in 2023. Every parish is thanked for their generosity.

Kirsty Cowley (Deanery Administrator)

Financial Review

This financial year has been a particularly difficult one especially with the extortionately high costs of Gas and Electricity that we had no option but to accept. Our contracts did not finish until the end of November so we had to pay rates higher than we had ever paid. There was only one way could do this and that meant reducing the amount of the Parish Share that we pay. We have always prided ourselves in paying our Share in full but this just became impossible so the PCC agreed a much reduced figure. We budgeted to pay £40,000 out of the £54,492 requested by the Diocese. We were fortunate to receive a grant of £10,000 in the spring from the Church Commissioners via the Diocese towards utility costs. This enabled us the meet the large bills that we received. We were also very lucky that our congregation appreciated the seriousness of our financial situation and several very generous donations were received. These enabled us to return the £10,000 to the Diocese in the autumn thereby meeting our reduced promise of £40,000 for Parish Share. By the end of November we had been able to negotiate revised utility costs. As a result we switched provider to E-On Next (better for price and better for the planet) with effect from 1st December 2023. Our new rates are significantly lower than the previous ones so we anticipate future bills will reflect this reduction. It will obviously take us a while to recover to a reasonable financial position so for the time being we are continuing to pay a reduced Parish Share amount. However, this situation will be regularly monitored by the Finance Group and the PCC.

During 2023 we lost a number of loved members of our congregation. One of these was Dorothy Reus (who was 103 years old). Dorothy kindly left us a £2000 legacy which enabled us to purchase a new notice-board for the Church. Hopefully, you will have spotted this new addition to our landscape.

We have paid for work on our lighting system but still have work to complete to remedy the annoying flickering problem that we have – we hope to get this sorted early next year. We also paid to update lighting and heating in the Bell Tower but can thank the Bell Ringers Fund for meeting half the cost of this work.

Fund-raising events have returned to our Church Activities – these included The Michaelmas Market, Carols and Wine, The Bell Ringers' Quiz, Ros's Christmas Quiz and the Christmas Tree Festival. These events were all very successful and resulted in welcome income for Church Funds. It should also be mentioned that the Thursday morning Coffee Stop has been well received and continues to contribute to Church Funds.

We are now preparing for our next major project and that is the essential work on the North Aisle Roof. This will be a costly project but needs to be done to maintain the fabric of the building for years to come. Funding will be sought where possible but again it is hoped that the congregation will continue to give their generous support so that we can ensure that our wonderful building is maintained and protected for future generations.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Finance Group for their ongoing support and also Michael Gillie for the excellent work he does on our payroll matters – this is very much appreciated. Thanks also to everyone who supports St John's either financially, physically or prayerfully we could do very little without you all – so many thanks.

Kaye Ford – Treasurer to the PCC

Planned Giving

Our main income comes through direct debits and standing orders.

The donations that are gift aided resulted in the receipt of £13,494.65 from HMRC (June 22 – June 23)

In addition to the above we have CAF, Charities Aid Foundation, which was introduced in April 2021. This is an online method of donating to St John’s, Gift Aid is added automatically.

Another method is the GOOD BOX, the electronic box that sits on the welcome table. This was introduced in August 2022.

Throughout 2023 CAF and Good Box together have accrued just over £10,000.

If you do kindly donate to St John’s and you are able to gift aid your donations then please ask Kaye Ford, Treasurer or Julie Howson, Planned Giving Officer for a Gift Aid form. For every £10 donated we can claim £2.50 from HMRC.

Father Wayne and the PCC would like to thank everyone for their continued generosity.

Julie Howson, Planned Giving Secretary

Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
1 Accounting Policies
See attached document – model set of accounting policies
2 Incoming Resources Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
2a Incoming Resources
Planned Giving-
Covenants/Gift Aid £65,255.79 £0.00 £65,255.79 £53,781.00
Tax Returned on Convenants £13,494.65 £0.00 £13,494.65 £21,145.00
Unconvenanted £3,843.60 £0.00 £3,843.60 £3,861.00
Collections All Services £3,510.18 £0.00 £3,510.18 £4,121.00
SundryDonations £5,343.09 £10,000.00 £15,343.09 £1,522.00
£91,447.31 £10,000.00 £101,447.31 £84,430.00
2b Other Voluntary
Incoming Resources
Donations,Appeals etc. £0.00 £9,131.66 £9,131.66 £3,815.00
Tax returned on Memorial Fund £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £813.00
Legacies £0.00 £2,000.00 £2,000.00 £0.00
FundraisingEvents £2,808.87 £0.00 £2,808.87 £1,153.00
£2,808.87 £11,131.66 £13,940.53 £5,781.00
2c Income from Charitable
and Ancillary Trading
Candle Sales £108.50 £0.00 £108.50 £105.00
PCC Fees/Extras £4,018.00 £0.00 £4,018.00 £3,853.00
Booklets/BRF etc. £37.37 £119.70 £157.07 £104.00
£4,163.87 £119.70 £4,283.57 £4,062.00
2d Other Ordinary
Income Resources
Coffee Fund £2,412.21 £0.00 £2,412.21 £1,416.00
Hire of Premises £1,327.00 £0.00 £1,327.00 £2,087.00
Gifts £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £727.00
Misc. Income £124.72 £0.00 £124.72 £50.00
£3,863.93 £0.00 £3,863.93 £4,280.00
2e Income from Investments
Dividends/Interest £318.83 £576.49 £895.32 £785.00
CBF Investment Interest £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £51.00
£318.83 £576.49 £895.32 £836.00
2f Chancel Repairs
VAT refund £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £4,066.00
Grants/Donations £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £21,007.00
Tax on donations £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,400.00
£0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £26,473.00
Total Incoming Resources £102,602.81 £21,827.85 £124,430.66 £125,862.00
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
3 Resources Used
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
3a Grants
Relief and Development
Agencies £240.00 £0.00 £240.00 £851.00
Home Missions and
other Church Societies £0.00 £278.25 £278.25 £423.00
Clergy/Other Gifts £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £807.00
£240.00 £278.25 £518.25 £2,081.00
3b Activities Directly Relating
to the Work of the Church
Ministry-
Givingto Ministry £40,000.00 £0.00 £40,000.00 £53,856.00
ClergyDevelopment £510.00 £0.00 £510.00 £0.00
ClergyExpenses £583.27 £0.00 £583.27 £1,393.00
Church -
RunningExpenses £15,359.97 £19,131.66 £34,491.63 £16,528.00
Repairs and Maintenance £2,269.80 £0.00 £2,269.80 £4,567.00
Bell Tower Work £845.19 £0.00 £845.19 £0.00
Cleaners Fees £2,095.52 £0.00 £2,095.52 £1,981.00
Upkeepof Services £2,328.61 £0.00 £2,328.61 £1,101.00
Religious Education inc. BRF £87.50 £133.45 £220.95 £738.00
Salaryof Organist/
Choir Leader £5,320.00 £0.00 £5,320.00 £3,959.00
Choir Expenses £190.56 £0.00 £190.56 £236.00
Roof Alarm £498.60 £0.00 £498.60 £567.00
Bank Charges £161.48 £0.00 £161.48 £168.00
Mission Opportunities & ARK £139.01 £0.00 £139.01 £304.00
MessyChurch £419.08 £0.00 £419.08 £0.00
Noticeboard £358.00 £2,000.00 £2,358.00 £0.00
LightingImprovements £1,073.99 £0.00 £1,073.99 £4,963.00
£72,240.58 £21,265.11 £93,505.69 £90,361.00
3c Fundraising and Publicity
Costs of FundraisingEvents £54.59 £0.00 £54.59 £0.00
3d Church Management
and Administration
Print,Statnry,Phones,Pstge £3,877.49 £0.00 £3,877.49 £4,071.00
Parish Secretary £11,339.84 £0.00 £11,339.84 £9,728.00
Misc. Expenses £29.71 £0.00 £29.71 £108.00
Contracts of Employment £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £600.00
Marketingand Publicityinc. Wifi & Licences £1,672.77 £0.00 £1,672.77 £1,215.00
Audit Fee £160.00 £0.00 £160.00 £160.00
£17,079.81 £0.00 £17,079.81 £15,882.00
3e Chancel Roof Repairs £0.00 £675.46 £675.46 £25,697.00
3f North Aisle Repairs £740.00 £0.00 £740.00 £0.00
£740.00 £675.46 £1,415.46 £25,697.00
Total Resources Used £90,354.98 £22,218.82 £112,573.80 £134,021.00

----- Start of picture text -----
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023
2023 2022
£ £
Fixed Assets
Investment Assets Capital £1,025.00 £1,025.00
Interest £2,240.45 £1,664.00
£3,265.45 £2,689.00
Current Assets
Debtors/Paid in Advance £19,000.00 £14,521.00
Short Term Investments £40,267.07 £39,948.00
Cash at Bank £32,145.38 £25,866.00
£91,412.45 £80,335.00
Liabilities: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year -£7,822.86 -£8,026.00
Net Assets £86,855.04 £74,998.00
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted £77,575.54 £65,527.00
Restricted £8,254.50 £8,446.00
Endowment £1,025.00 £1,025.00
£86,855.04 £74,998.00
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds
£ £ £ £
Fixed Assets £0.00 £2,240.45 £1,025.00 £3,265.45
Current Assets £84,559.15 £6,853.30 £0.00 £91,412.45
Current Liabilities -£6,983.61 -£839.25 £0.00 -£7,822.86
£77,575.54 £8,254.50 £1,025.00 £86,855.04
It should also be noted that the following balances were held by a Church group at 31.12.2023 :-
Bell Ringers £1,934.15
The market value of Endowments held at 31.12.2023 was as follows:-
Beeston Chancel Fund £21,090.74
The market value of the CCLA Investment Fund A/C 2 at 31.12.2023 was £37,315.75 (£30,000 was invested in this fund
and is included in the Short Term Investment figure).
----- End of picture text -----

Parvchial church Council of StJDhn the Baptist, BEeston. Nottlngharn stJtefflent of FlnanclalActhfitlEsforthe earended 31 December Z013 Llnrp5tricted Funds Re5trict2d FuThds Endowrnent Funds Total 2023 Tots12022 Incomln8 Resources OonatlDnS & Legacies Charitable NLtlvftles £5,343.09 E9S,940.89 18.83 £21,131.66 £119.70 £O.OD f26,474.75 £6,150.(X) £O.(K) £97.060.59 £92.403.00 £o.ts) £895.32 IrNestnnts £576.49 E836.00 Chancel Roof Fu￿lS £0.00 £0.00 £0.( £O.W £22,407.00 £O.IM) £4,066.00 £O.CQ £124.4ao.66 E125.862.00 VAT Refund on Charel Roof £000 £OOD £o.(w) EIOi602.81 £21.827.85 Re5vvrtpsVsed Charltable Attfvltles Chancel Rovl Rppaits NorthAisle Repairs OtI￿r £89,614.98 £0.00 £21,543.36 £675.46 £o.rJ) £111.158.34 £107,409,00 £0. £675.46 £25,698.ryJ £740.00 £O.OD £740.Q¥) £0. EO. £0. £O.(N) Eo. EO.00 £914.OD £90,354.gB £ZI,Z￿.8z £O.LKI £111573.80 £134.021. Transfèrof Fund$ Movementof Endowment £o.th) £0. £0.th) £O.LhJ -£5.510.OJ Net Incom•ill¢￿tgOVh8> lesour¢es £11247.83 -£39).9Y £0.00 £IL856.86 -£13,669. atrance blfwd @ ljan zoza £1111,909.35 -£40,9%.17 El,025.LhJ £74.998.18 £88.667.IXI Balance ¢lfwd @ 31 Dec2023 £127,157.18 .£41,327.14 £1.025.￿ £86.855.04 £74998.iX) Acwunts prepared ty.. Kaye Ford- FMA4T Treasurerto the P.C.C. Accounts Approved tythe P.C.C. On 21st March 2024 Revd. W. Plimrner Vlcarand Chairof P.C.C.

Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of St John the Baptist, Beeston

This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 1 to is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (-the Regulations-} and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 {'lhe Act”)

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the Bnancial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to is$ue this report on these financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basi$ of this Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the Genera{ Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council, That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The proeedures URder%ken do not provide aU the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Deborah Wnitaker M AAT 11 Old Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

  1. Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005 and SORP 2015.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements 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, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investments of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

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

Incoming Resources

Planning giving, collections and donation are recognized when received. Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources Expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.

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

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist Beeston

Serving Christ in our Community

Reports from Parish Groups 2023

ABC2

This report covers the year January – December 2023

After a very prolonged break following the Covid 19 pandemic, ABC2 finally started again in June 2023. We have continued with meeting on Tuesday morning term time only. The numbers attending have very gradually built since starting up again and we now have a core of about 10 children with their parents/ carers come most weeks.

There are 5 members of the team that help run crafts, story time, singing and refreshments. Thanks to all those who help run the group and also to those who attend. Pam Holland

Ark Youth Group

2023 was our first full year of Ark, and we have packed a lot in. We have welcomed some new members and it has been wonderful to see our young people’s faith and fellowship grow over the year. At our monthly social events we enjoy games, crafts and activities followed by a meal together and a short reflection time at the end. In 2023 we had our first pancake party where the favourite topping was definitely strawberries and Biscoff spread! We have also learned about how we can be kinder to the planet with an Eco Church treasure hunt, made Remembrance wreaths and reflected on Jesus supporting us on our journey through the Footsteps in the Sand poem (accompanied with piggy back races around the churchyard!).

On Sunday mornings we have continued exploring the Christian faith, getting more familiar with the Bible and discussing the readings of the church calendar. In the term before Christmas we created our own Jesse Tree, learning about the key characters in the Old Testament and Jesus’ lineage. Throughout the year Ark members have supported the wider worship in the church supporting the family Easter service and the Christmas Eve Christingle service. Ark is also regularly on the readings and intercessions rota and our young people are gaining in confidence in both writing prayers and reading in church.

In July we said goodbye to Sam who was a fabulous asset to our team. We are always looking out for people to support our young people in their faith journey so if you feel you have something to offer please do get in touch. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Any young people in year 6 or above are welcome to come along and see what we get up to.

Katy McBurnie, Ark Leader

Bellringers

The band of ringers at St. John’s continues to flourish and remains one of the strongest groups of bell ringers in the Southwell and Nottingham diocese. Since the last report we have welcomed three new recruits to the band, one complete beginner and two who have learnt elsewhere but now work in the area. From our younger teenage ringers, the band consists of people from every decade up to those in their 80s!

We held our AGM on 10 th March, re-electing our principal officers who over this next year will have completed 23 years in role. Whilst this is a significant commitment, we recognise that a succession plan should start soon.

In addition to ringing on Sunday mornings, for weddings and during our Wednesday evening practices, we rang 15 quarter peals on Sunday afternoons. A number of these sadly were to celebrate the life of those recently departed. Sheila Alton and Gerald Norris amongst those who are no longer with us. But on a more positive note, Brian Walton marked 50 years of being a bell ringer at St. John’s. What an achievement!

Apart from ringing, we enjoyed a number of social activities, involving a week’s canal trip on the Stourport Ring calling in at various churches along the route to ring bells. Pizzas were consumed at the Smith household, croquet played and fellowship made through shared food at our Christmas Party.

Our tower outing in 2023 was to many of the churches around York, and the Quarter Peal day took place in and around Nuneaton.

Another highlight of the year was the Church Quiz which attracted record numbers. Thanks should be given to Tim, our quiz master of 10 events, who understandably is standing down. Despite this we look forward to contributing again to the church social calendar come the autumn.

We have also supported the church open mornings over the year by offering up tours of the tower and an introduction to ringing bells. These are always great fun and really appreciated by the visitors.

Finally our younger ringers make up the majority of the team representing the diocese at national and regional contests. In July they competed at the National Youth contest in York for the first time and put in a strong performance. To follow this up, this month they came a close second to Derbyshire at the inaugural Midlands Youth contest. This really shows that the next generation of bell ringers are on their way to retain our voice in the community at St. John’s.

The Ringers

Children’s Society Box Collection

Following a couple of requests for the return of boxes/ donations to the Children’s Society and a Coffee Morning held in October, we managed to gather in 12 boxes and donations. This has now been banked and amounted to £373.17 . ( this is £147.99 more than last year). The amount consisted of £319.27 from the boxes, £30.70 from the Coffee Morning and £23.20 from the sale of cakes after the service on the Sunday morning.

I would like to extend thanks to those who donated, came along to the coffee morning or bought cakes after the service. Also a thanks to Val Knight for bringing the knitted puppies to sell at the coffee morning with proceeds included in the total to the Children’s Society . Another coffee morning will be planned for October this year.

Pam Holland

Church Flowers

Thank you to everyone who donated to the flowers in Church. The list is at the back of Church for anyone to choose a date. Also thank you to Pam for her help.

Pauline Wheelhouse

Coffee Stop

We started the year on a positive note with both Ros and Christina working as a great team with occasional help from me.

The numbers coming in has remained consistent averaging 28 people per week, although we had a spell when we were seeing 30 plus coming in which gave the place a very lively buzz. In March (Saturday 18th) we ran a Coffee morning in church organised by Ros and Kaye, which was reasonably attended.

On September 28th we ran a Macmillan Coffee Morning event which was well attend with many new faces coming in. The total raised from the Thursday and Sunday 1st October after service drinks was £316.30. Many thanks again to all who supported this event on both days.

After the success of this event Ros and Kaye asked about doing a fair and it was suggested by the vicar around Michaelmas, so the Coffee Stop regular were commandeered to produce their excellent cakes and the help needed to serve drinks. This took place on Saturday 11th November.

In December after meeting all the criteria required the Coffee Stop became a member of Places of Welcome network. Here is the introduction from the website:

Places of Welcome is a national network of over 600 spaces offering an unconditional welcome to local people to connect and contribute for few hours each week. They are places where everyone can go for a friendly face, a cup of tea and a conversation if and when they need it. Places of Welcome take place in a variety of venues including churches, community centres, libraries, mosques, temples and other community group buildings across the UK.

For more information go to https://www.placesofwelcome.org.uk/

As Coffee Stop is a gift to the community – no fixed charges – having taken money out for the supplies tea, coffee, milk etc we still manage to donate a sum of money to the church each month which is purely from donations.

Finally, once again I must thank both Ros and Christina through this report for keeping this outreach going and growing with new ideas e.g. bacon cobs and sausage cobs. But this is not the norm!!!

Reverend Rob Wiggins

Eco Church

Eco Church - Sharing God’s love through caring for Creation

Eco Church encourages churches to measure themselves and their creation care progress across the five categories of its survey. Replies in each category result in Gold, Silver or Bronze or No Award, and churches must reach a particular level in all five categories to qualify for that award. Currently St John’s has reached Gold level in Worship and Teaching, No Award in Land, and Bronze level in the Buildings, Lifestyle and Community and Global Engagement categories. Consequently at the moment we are still working towards our Bronze Award.

The Eco Church Group has six members including a church warden and a member of the clergy, but this has to grow to be a whole-church project if it is to fulfil its purpose of making us all more aware of the joys and responsibilities of caring for God’s world and everything in it.

Actions to date

The Eco Group members are always happy to hear your thoughts and ideas.

We are: Val Sellars, Rose Lucas, Ian Buchan, Fran Blackler, Jackie Laats and Revd. Dawn Glen. You can also contact us via Kathryn at the church office.

Val Sellars

‘Green Pastures’ Dementia Friendly Service

The Green Pastures Service has become an established slot in the St John’s calendar. Its monthly services (the first Tuesday of the month) are well attended by a group of regular congregants some coming from outside Beeston. We have attracted an ecumenical group of people too. The service continues to be Dementia friendly and is of short duration with well-known hymns, a reflection and prayers. Tea and coffee, often with cake, is served afterwards to allow everyone to socialise in a supportive environment.

Though numbers fluctuate we regularly have 18-20 people attending and in January when we met just after new year and the rain was of biblical proportions nearly everyone turned up!

We continue to receive positive comments about how valuable the service is and one couple commented that they ‘wouldn’t miss it for the world’.

Father Paul, who leads the worship, has been very sensitive to the range of needs and each service aims to follow the liturgical calendar. We are grateful too to Chris for boosting our singing on the organ.

Rosemary Carpenter

Messy Church

This report covers the year January – December 2023. During this time we ran 5 Messy Church sessions, in March, May, July, September and November. The themes were the Last Supper (with activities including bread-making), God’s Kingdom (timed to link with the Coronation), Following Jesus, the road to Emmaus and in November our Advent Messy Church.

It has been lovely to see many regular faces as well as welcoming some new families this year. We have a strong community of regular attendees and usually have between 20-30 children with their parents and carers. This year we’ve also seen a number of young people want to be involved as young leaders at Messy Church, this is an area that Julie Howson is taking a lead on supporting. It’s really good to see the Messy Church ministry grow in this way.

Pam Holland stepped down from overall leadership of Messy Church at the end of 2022, and we have continued through 2023 with Naomi Groves, Julie Howson and Father Wayne Plimmer standing in as overall leaders together. They are very well supported by a team of regular helpers and this year it’s been a particular pleasure to see a number of members of the Sunday congregation come forward to offer occasional help when needed. We’re very thankful for all those who offer their time to Messy Church.

We continue to pray that someone will come forward with a vocation to lead Messy Church. There is a strong community and a desire to meet more frequently but at present we don’t have anyone able to take on overall leadership. As a team we remain committed to keeping Messy Church going at St John’s and see the value in this important ministry and will do so whilst we pray for the right person to come forward to lead this ministry forward.

Naomi Groves

Mothers’ Union

There are now 18 full members in the Branch, with 5 Honorary Life Members.

It is with great sadness that we record the death of Sheila Allton. She was a good friend to us all and there are many stories of her kindness. She made a great contribution to the life of this branch and to MU in the diocese and further afield. She will be much missed, by us and many others. May she rest in peace.

We also record with sadness the deaths of Gerald Norris and Jo Young, who had joined the branch fairly recently, and Gillian Wright, who had been a member for many years. We are grateful for their contributions to the life of the branch, they will all be missed.

2023 started in the traditional way. The New Year lunch was enjoyed by all and the AGM followed in February.

As always prayer and worship were at the heart of branch activities. The Revd Paul Knight led a Lenten Meditation in March, in September we played our part in the Wave of Prayer and the Revd Rob Wiggins led the service to mark the start of the autumn season. The Easter meeting saw another reading from the Man Born to tbe King, by Dorothy L Sayers .

There was one meeting on MU work, Tessa Rolph talked on the Contact Centre in Retford, which is run by MU volunteers.

Looking more widely, we had a talk from a representative of the Childrens Society and two discussions: one on the borough of Broxtowe, led by Janet Patrick and one the parish strapline, S erving Christ in our Community. For our Christmas meeting Ernie Hodge Carty, a MU member from Anguilla at present in Nottingham, told us about Christmas in her own country.

We were also able to make the usual donations to Midlands Women's Aid, including a cheque at Easter to provide Easter eggs for the children at the refuge. Members also contributed individually to the diocesan Lent Count your Blessings and the MU Make a Mother's Day collection. We held the traditional Strawberry Tea in July, as always it was much enjoyed and profits were sent to MU overseas projects.

Sheila Allton kept the accounts and did much of the branch business until October, for which we are all most grateful and we thank all committee members for their support during the year. We should also all like to thank the Vicar for chairing the AGM and for many years of support and encouragement.

At the MU AGM in February it was decided to close the branch: the remaining officers were unable to continue and there was no one willing to replace them. Some members plan to become diocesan members, all decided to continue to meet on the usual 3[rd] Thursday for prayer and fellowship and it was hoped some MU projects could still be supported.

Pat Atkins

Sunday School

Sunday school has continued to run each Sunday during term time this year. We have followed the lectionary most weeks, but have also covered parables and some of the characters of the Bible as well as the key people of the Nativity story.

The format has remained the same where we meet downstairs on the carpet at the beginning of the Sunday Service, then all go upstairs together. Each session starts with a bible story which is accompanied with a craft or activity and then aim to finish with a prayer before re-joining the service downstairs for the Peace.

We have a lovely group of young people that attend with their families and have also welcomed a couple of new children during the year.

We are now a team of 6 people who are on a rota to lead and help each week. Our thanks to all those who offer their time and help and those who come along.

Pam Holland