OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← The Parochial Church Council Of The Parish Of St Peter And St Paul, Ringwood

2023-12-31-accounts

==> picture [452 x 151] intentionally omitted <==

ANNUAL REPORT

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER & ST PAUL, RINGWOOD

WITH

ST MARY & ALL SAINTS, ELLINGHAM AND ALL SAINTS, HARBRIDGE

(Charity No. 1134815)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, RINGWOOD WITH

ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, ELLINGHAM AND ALL SAINTS, HARBRIDGE

VICAR:

Position vacant The Vicarage 65 Southampton Road Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1HE

BANKERS:

The National Westminster Bank 11 High Street Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1BA

CCLA Investment Management Ltd The CBF Church of England Funds Senator House 85 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4ET

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:

Vantage Accounting Unit 1 Cedar Office Park Cobham Road Wimborne Dorset BH21 7SB

2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, RINGWOOD WITH

ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, ELLINGHAM AND ALL SAINTS, HARBRIDGE

==> picture [259 x 100] intentionally omitted <==

The Church of St Peter and St Paul

Market Place, Ringwood Hampshire, BH24 1AW

==> picture [261 x 100] intentionally omitted <==

Church of St John the Baptist Linford Road, Ringwood Hampshire, BH24 1TY

==> picture [260 x 101] intentionally omitted <==

Church of St Paul Ringwood Road, Bisterne Hampshire, BH24 3BN

3

==> picture [229 x 112] intentionally omitted <==

Church of St Mary and All Saints Ellingham, Hampshire, BH24 3PJ

==> picture [121 x 141] intentionally omitted <==

Church of All Saints Harbridge, Ringwood Hampshire, BH24 3PS

CHURCHWARDENS

Mrs Jacqueline Brown and Mr Matthew Steele

All Correspondence to:

The Benefice Office The Church of St Peter & St Paul Market Place, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1AW Tel: 01425 489898

Email: office@ringwoodbenefice.org.uk Website : www.ringwoodbenefice.org.uk

4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, RINGWOOD WITH ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS, ELLINGHAM AND ALL SAINTS, HARBRIDGE

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2023

THE PARISH

The Parish of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge has been navigating a period without a stipendiary minister since May 2022. However, during this interregnum, the parish is actively engaged in the process of recruiting a qualified and dedicated individual to fill this vital role. Beyond the practical aspects of the search, the parishioners are united in prayer, seeking divine guidance and inspiration for the right candidate to step forward.

Throughout this period, the Churchwardens have assumed the responsibility, with the invaluable support of our committed team of retired and lay ministers, to whom the Parish expresses deep gratitude. Furthermore, we have been truly blessed by the presence of Revd Canon Peggy Jackson, who has graciously chaired the Ministry Team in the absence of a Vicar.

The formation of the Benefice of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge with the Parish of All Saints at St Leonard’s and St Ives came into force on 7th October 2017.

The Parish of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge lies on the western edge of the New Forest and the south-western border of Hampshire. It is part of the Diocese of Winchester, in the Deanery of Christchurch, within the Church of England.

The population of the Parish was estimated to be 16,200 in 2018, however this figure is continually increasing due to the building of new housing developments in and around Ringwood. The territorial extent is large, running from Bisterne in the south to an area north of Churchfield Lane at Harbridge, it includes the Somerley Estate, the Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, as well as scattered settlements, farms, and houses at Blashford, Ellingham, Harbridge, Ibsley, Rockford and Highwood, some of which fall within the New Forest National Park. See map on page 6.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) shares responsibility with the Vicar and Churchwardens for five Church of England churches within the Parish. These are the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul and four Chapels of Ease, namely St John the Baptist Church at Poulner, The Church of St Paul at Bisterne, St Mary and All Saints Church at Ellingham and All Saints Church at Harbridge. The Benefice website can be found at www.ringwoodbenefice.org.uk.

The formal registered name of the PCC is THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD. The registered number of the Charity is 1134815, and statutory information regarding the Parish may be found on the Charity Commission website (www.charitycommission.gov.uk), which it is the responsibility of the PCC to update, particularly following the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

5

==> picture [405 x 587] intentionally omitted <==

Benefice of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge with the Parish of All Saints at St Leonards and St Ives showing the boundaries and location of the six churches.

6

AIMS AND PURPOSES

In pursuance of its charitable objects (particularly the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit) and in accordance with the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Synodical Government Measure 1969 -

It shall be the duty of the Incumbent and the Parochial Church Council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the Parish. The functions of the PCC shall include: Co-operation with the Incumbent in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical; the consideration and discussions of matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest, but not the declaration of the doctrine of the Church on any question; making known and putting into effect any provision made by the Diocesan / Deanery Synod, but without prejudice to the powers of the Council on any particular matter; giving advice to the Diocesan / Deanery Synod on any matter referred to the Council; raising such matters as the Council consider appropriate with the Diocesan / Deanery Synod. In the exercise of its functions, the PCC shall take into consideration any expression of opinion by any Parochial Church Meeting.

When planning objectives and activities for the year, the Churchwardens, Ministry Team, and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge Parochial Church Council (PCC) fulfils its aims and purposes through activities associated with six main objectives.

Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge PCC provides:

1. Regular public worship open to all

We make our services (as required, authorised, or allowed by Canon), accessible to as many Parishioners as possible, by offering options at various times and across the wide range of styles and traditions to be found within the Church of England. To facilitate this objective, specific guidelines are followed;

2. Sacred space for personal prayer & contemplation

Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge PCC ensures that -

3. Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved

The PCC supports the Clergy, Visitors, Licensed Lay Ministers, BCM and Staff Team to ensure that –

7

4. Teaching through sermons, courses, and small groups

The PCC supports the Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers in providing at least five sermons every Sunday. It also provides learning opportunities for discipleship and mission such as -

5. Taking of religious assemblies (Collective Worship) in schools

Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge PCC supports the Parish Clergy, Foundation Governors, and others in leading Collective Worship termly in Ringwood Infant School, and occasionally in other schools, promoting our special relationship with Ringwood Church of England Infant School who also hold special services in the Parish Church. The PCC also values its close relationship with Ringwood Junior School, Moyles Court School, and Ellingham House Day Nursery. During December a total of four local schools usually hold Carol Services in our churches.

6. Promotion of Christianity through events, meetings, and the distribution of literature

The PCC encourages outreach through activities such as meals, coffee mornings, concerts, and fairs. Fund-raising events are held at all our churches which allow the community opportunity to engage with us. Many major town events such as the Ringwood Carnival, and the Ellingham Show are used to reach out to the townspeople. The PCC promotes the full range of its activities through a monthly magazine, a weekly notice sheet, a weekly newsletter, a website, social media, church noticeboards, and occasional press releases.

REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

It shall be the duty of the Incumbent and the Parochial Church Council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the Parish.

The PCC met eight times during the year.

The Standing Committee for the Parish of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge did not meet in person, but made decisions by email consultation, these being related to church works, faculty applications, salary reviews, and staff employment. Decisions made in this way were ratified by the PCC at its subsequent meeting.

Church Committees for each of our five churches met regularly to conduct business under their own terms of reference. With the exception of Ellingham, who are presently in the process of searching for a Chairman. Reports were received by the full PCC and discussed when necessary.

Benefice office

The Parish of Ringwood employs an Office and Communications Manager working 25 hours per week. The post is filled by Samantha Swyer. Ministers, Churchwardens, PCC, and church members remain hugely grateful to Sam for the care and commitment she displays in all aspects of her work.

8

Co-operation with the Incumbent in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical

1. Regular public worship open to all

a. Service pattern, attendance, and occasional offices

Throughout 2023, our service pattern remained unchanged. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our retired clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) for their unwavering commitment and hard work. Their invaluable contributions have been a cornerstone in supporting the operational aspects of our Parish, and we express profound thanks for their steadfast and unwavering support.

Average Sunday attendance for the Parish of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge during 2023 was 120.

Communicants on Easter Day were 165. At Christmas, communicants for the five Churches in the Parish totalled 136.

Nine baptisms, one thanksgiving, 11 weddings, one blessing, and 25 church funerals were conducted in the Parish. There were six interments in our churchyards. Services for six cremations were conducted.

b. Ministry Team

The Benefice Ministers’ Group brings together all those clergy and lay ministers who are licensed in the benefice of Ringwood. From the start of the interregnum, and throughout the last year, we have met fortnightly on Monday lunchtimes in the Ringwood Parish Office – to pray together and share reflections on faith matters, and to check in with each other, in order to maintain the worship patterns and ongoing public ministry as far as possible, in all six churches of the benefice. There have been no changes to the group in the last year: currently we consist of five retired clergy with PTO (permission to officiate) in the diocese, and six LLMs (lay ministers licensed to the benefice), and all of us offer our ministry as ‘volunteers’.

Since May 2022, we have been involved with the following major aspects of benefice life:

• Maintaining the existing patterns of Sunday and midweek worship in all our churches, with just a few adjustments, and especially managing to do so over festival times: Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. In this we have been particularly grateful for extra help received from others within, and beyond, the benefice – as detailed in the Benefice Worship Report for this year.

• Supporting the existing outreach initiatives in the benefice, such as The Gathering, The Well, and Messy Church, as well as winter Warm Spaces. We have also been able to co-ordinate a continued ministry, through services and assemblies, to a number of residential homes and schools, as well as welcoming regular Sunday attendances from Moyles Court pupils at Ellingham, and a developing relationship with residents of St Martha’s.

• We have continued to be able to respond to all requests for Occasional Offices – funerals, weddings, and baptisms – in the benefice, with essential support from our administrators, Samantha Swyer at the Benefice Office, and Lisa Hover at the All Saints, St Leonards and St Ives Office. We are very glad also to have been able to offer preparation sessions to all those enquiring for weddings or baptisms – a ministry for which we are particularly grateful to Peter Vargeson for ensuring continuity, and collaboration over wedding preparation, with clergy from the Avon Valley Churches.

• Regular pastoral care has been sustained and supported as far as possible, largely on a church-bychurch basis, by a continuing round of home communions and visiting, responding to particular needs as

9

they have arisen, and the encouraging of more church members where possible, to become involved in ministry beyond the church walls.

• We have continued to support and encourage the prayer life of the benefice – through Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study on Zoom and in person, led by Peter Vargeson, and the regular house/discussion group led by Michael Anderson. In addition, we have ensured that Benefice Monday Prayers have continued to be offered every week in St Peter & St Paul, with the grateful assistance of Samantha Swyer and Jan Pankhurst among those leading, alongside the licensed ministers. Peter Vargeson arranged a Half-Day of Prayer for the Benefice in July, in St Peter & St Paul, which was well received, and we co-ordinated a Day of Prayer for the Benefice in September (with rather less widespread support), planned to link up with the Ride and Stride Day, with prayers offered on the hour in different churches throughout the day.

• A Christian Enquirers’ course has been running since the beginning of 2024, with a number of people picking up invitations which had been distributed at the 2023 Christmas services. We are grateful to Peter Vargeson for co-ordinating this.

• We have worked closely throughout the year with the four benefice churchwardens, and other members of the Benefice Interregnum Group: reviewing and adjusting the profile and advert, and in joint meetings with Bishop Debbie and Archdeacon Jean, when they have visited to discuss the search for a new incumbent.

We share with the churchwardens and PCCs a frustration that it has not yet been possible to appoint a new incumbent, when we know there is so much potential here, and capacity to grow the church, and bring a gospel witness to the communities we serve. But through this long interregnum, we have still continued to learn from one another, and to grow in mutual respect and understanding of the different church backgrounds and traditions from which we come. And, above all, we continue to respond gratefully to the one overriding call which we all still share: to serve God faithfully in the churches of this benefice.

Members of the Ministers Group serving in 2023 have been:

Clergy with PTO: Canon Michael Anderson LLMs: Ruth Freeman Canon Richard Emblin Elizabeth Halford Revd Terry Roberts Peter Jackson Canon Peter Vargeson Derick Potter Richard (Dick) Powell Canon Peggy Jackson (convenor) Stephen Wood

Revd Canon Peggy Jackson

c. Benefice Worship

The Ministers Group for the benefice has worked throughout the year to ensure that the regular pattern of worship on Sundays and midweek has been maintained, in all six churches. This has seemed particularly important during the extended time of this interregnum. It is also the dedication and commitment of others in leadership across the benefice, which has enabled services to continue with minimal disruption and reorganisation - particularly the churchwardens and officers in our churches, the organists, servers and sidespeople, and those who hold the Bishop’s Commission for Ministry: Gill Tybjerg, Samantha Swyer, Jan Pankhurst, Kevin Jones, Elizabeth Halford, and Jacqueline Brown. We are also grateful for continuing assistance offered from time to time during the year by ministers from outside the benefice: Canon Andrew Gough, Jeremy Houghton-Brown, and most recently, as a welcome return to the area, the Revds Roy and Sandra Matthews.

10

Benefice Worship has continued to be organised as the main morning service on every fifth Sunday during the year, in a variety of churches.

As a benefice, we have continued to play a part in Churches Together in Ringwood and District – contributing to worship in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, participating in the Good Friday Walk of Witness which leads into the Three Hours’ service at St Peter & St Paul, and joining with all other churches on the Bickerley in Ringwood, for a Sunday morning celebration for the Coronation Weekend.

8th October was designated as a Dedication Festival in every church across the benefice, where we took the opportunity to focus our prayers, preaching and thanksgiving on our life as church communities, sharing together in both the joys and the strains of the long interregnum.

Within regular worship, across the benefice, we have reviewed the way in which intercessions are requested and updated in all churches. And we have been pleased to restore the practice of offering prayers for healing, to accompany the Communion service monthly, on third Sundays, at St John’s.

Revd Canon Peggy Jackson

d. Benefice Interregnum Group

The Benefice Interregnum Group (BIG) was constituted from the Benefice Leadership Team when we entered an interregnum in May 2022.

This Group has three very specific purposes, the first of which is complete:

  1. To ensure that the Vicar’s departure was done in the best possible way, and that everything that needed to happen did happen.

  2. To support the Churchwardens in the management of the interregnum.

  3. To manage the process of appointment, which included updating the bMAP, drafting and subsequently amending as needed The Benefice Profile and liaising with the Diocese on advertising and interviewing.

During 2023 the Group has met regularly on alternative Mondays in the Benefice Office. A total of four rounds of advertising in The Church Times and on the Diocesan website were completed since the beginning of the interregnum. These generated many hundreds of ‘clicks’ into the vacancy details, several enquiries to the Archdeacon and two expressions of interest but no applications.

The BIG team have updated significant parts of the Benefice Profile and completely revised the advertisement.

Each church in the Benefice is represented on the group, along with YCF and the Ministry Team, via Revd Peggy Jackson. Those elected by PCCs to be on the appointments panel are members.

Members as 31st December 2023:

Jacqueline Brown Churchwarden Ringwood St Peter & St Paul
Matthew Steele Churchwarden Ringwood Harbridge & Ellingham
Lynne Wilson Churchwarden St Leonards & St Ives St Leonards & St Ives
Frankie Hester Churchwarden St Leonards & St Ives St Leonards & St Ives
Kevin Jones YCF Chairman Families Ministry
Hallam Mills Interview Panel Member Ringwood Bisterne
Rhoda Curtis St John’s Poulner Representative St John’s
Ruth Freeman LLM & Interview Panel Member St Leonards & St Ives
Revd Peggy Jackson Locum Tenens and Ministry Team liaison

11

Samantha Swyer PCC Secretary Ringwood Gill Tybjerg PCC Secretary St Leonards & St Ives

The Parish Representatives on the interview panel are:

Ringwood: Jacqueline Brown, Hallam Mills, Matthew Steele St Leonards & St Ives: Ruth Freeman, Lynne Wilson

The Benefice Interregnum Group will continue its work until a successful appointment is made. At that time, the new Vicar will decide what forum for collaboration between our two parishes he or she wishes to put in place.

Jacqueline Brown Churchwarden and Benefice Interregnum Group Chairman

e. Families Ministry

The Benefice Youth Childrens and Families Ministry Group has continued to meet regularly over the past year to co-ordinate the ministry across both Parishes of the Benefice.

Focus during this period has been primarily on maintaining the existing Families Ministry provision in the Benefice which comprises of a Toddler Group and Messy Church in each Parish along with the Impact Youth Group. In addition to these the group receives reports and supports Meet and Eat, a joint initiative with Ringwood CofE Infant School and the Baptism ministry conducted by Revd. Peter Vargeson.

During the period the group has considered the re-establishment of a Toddler group and Bumps and Babies group at St Peter and St Paul’s unfortunately the initiative has not been able to progress because the current team do not have capacity and a new leader has not been found.

Sadly, in July 2023 the Benefice bid farewell to our two Moorlands Students Luke Simpkins and Abbi Cooper who had been on placement with us for the three years of their studies. Both graduated successfully and moved into fulltime Ministry in Canada and Herefordshire respectively. Luke and Abbi had played a huge part in our Ministry and continued to run the Impact Youth group following the departure of our Curate Kay Pead the previous year. The Benefice celebrated their time with us at a farewell gathering after ‘The Well’ during which Luke and Abbi were presented with a thank you gift from the congregation and the young people.

Looking to the future initial discussions with representatives of Love Church a local HTB plant have given some hope of possible support, and it remains an aim to restart our Impact youth group if a youth leader can be found. Consideration is also being given to the establishment of a new monthly family service at St Peter and St Paul at 0930h.

Kevin Jones

f. Meet and Eat

The Group meet every two weeks in term time and have provided one off holiday events including a Family Fun Day at Alice in Wonderland during the summer holidays which was funded by the Mothers’ Union, and a Christmas party for the children with a magician.

The meetings are aimed at helping and supporting families to develop bonds and skills. They are based around the preparation and sharing of a meal together, alongside activities which include art and craft, group games, planting seeds, table tennis, and darts.

The group comprising of families identified and nominated by the school, provides a support network to

12

the families and helps them to build positive relationships with one another. During the year the group has been successful in obtaining funding from the County Council and various other grants thanks to the assistance of Ringwood Foodbank.

Kevin Jones

g. Messy Church

In January this year, Messy Church celebrated its eleventh birthday! It is always good to look back and reflect on the year gone by and to continue to thank God for all the families that have attended Messy Church in that time.

It is always a positive thing to reflect and remember that God loves and cares for families even more than we do, and it is a privilege to be able to serve God and one another as we participate in this area of Family Ministry. We also thank God continually for his faithfulness and generosity of love to our wonderful Messy Church Team who continue to meet regularly together to plan and pray for each session of Messy Church.

Messy Church meets once a month on a Sunday at St John's Church and Hall between 3pm-4.30pm.

Messy Church continues to thrive and grow. It continues to be a very safe and happy environment where families can meet together for craft activities, a lively and joyful time of worship in St John's Church, followed by a wonderful afternoon tea produced by our amazing catering team!

Our themes this past year have been, ‘Caring for God's Creation’, ‘Bread Ahead’, ‘The Lost Sheep’, ‘A Fishy Breakfast’, ‘The Sower’, ‘Samson - The Strong Man’, ‘The Lost Coin’, ‘Jonah’, ‘Ruth and Naomi’, ‘Bethlehem Street’, ‘Jesus meets a Roman Centurion’, and ‘Jesus meets the Woman at the Well’.

As well as producing thematic craft activities, Messy Church has also introduced a craft prayer station every month at Messy Church, which has been very well supported by families with children of all ages, where they can use simple mark-making, pictures, and words to communicate their thanks and prayer requests to God. These have included Prayer Pears, Prayer Feet, Prayer Buckets, Prayer Sheep, and Prayer Sea-Creatures! They are all pinned up on the notice boards at St John's!

Messy Church continues to send out invitations and emails as reminders. Messy Church also posts on Facebook to advertise Messy Church, and there are regular updates in the Ringwood Link Magazine. Messy Church continues to ask families to confirm whether they will be attending Messy Church as this helps so much with catering and activities.

Messy Church is completely self-funding. Messy Church is a ‘Fresh Expression’ and an established ‘Worshipping Community’ within the Parish.

Messy Church is attended regularly by 20-30 children and 20-25 adults.

Several of the Messy Church families have had their children baptised and some families also attend Diddy Dunkers the parish toddler group.

Please continue to pray for all the families that attend Messy Church and for our team too. We thank everyone that has supported Messy Church during the year. It is so exciting to see so many connections being made between all the different areas of Family Ministry, and our prayer is that God will continue to bring together all generations with hope for the church now and the future.

Peter & Sara Jackson

13

h. St John's “Diddy Dunkers” Toddler Group

Diddy Dunkers has been meeting regularly every Monday morning during school term time from 9.1511.00am at St John's Church and Hall.

Diddy Dunkers continues to offer a variety of play activities including some soft play, which focus on all aspects of children's development between 0 and 4 years.

Diddy Dunkers continues to be a very supportive and nurturing toddler group which is very much part of the local community and beyond, including West London, Bournemouth, and Verwood!

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and we continue to welcome Parents, Grandparents and Childminders.

We continue to be blessed to have a caring and supportive, prayerful team as well as other church members who will step into help whenever it is needed. Diddy Dunkers would not function if these wonderful people were not involved, and we are so grateful to them.

It continues to be a real joy to offer a safe space in which children and their carers can make friends and interact together with the team in a positive way that supports the children's social skills. Families still continue to make positive comments including “We have heard all about Diddy Dunkers and it is great!”, “We would come every day if we could”, “You guys are all so kind and caring,” “I have told all my friends about Diddy Dunkers!”

This year particularly, we have worked hard to provide opportunities for the families to actively participate in story time activities with Mr Crocodile.

For example, Mr Crocodile's washing was blown off his washing line and it landed in Mr Squirrel's Garden! All the Families helped Mr Crocodile peg his washing back on the line again and we said, “Thank you God for the wind that blows!” Other themes have included, Catching Fish, Lazy Afternoon, Holiday Adventures, Blackberries, cleaning Mr Crocodile's teeth, keeping warm, Christmas and Mr Crocodile makes Pancakes! There are many more story time activities which encourage the children to explore using their senses as well as counting activities.

Diddy Dunkers always finishes with a prayer, saying “Thank you to God.” Some of the families are attending Messy Church too.

Diddy Dunkers continues to be completely self-funding.

Diddy Dunkers has a Facebook page with 107 followers. There continue to be regular articles in the Ringwood Link Magazine. Some of the families come to Diddy Dunkers through their connections with Baptism preparation. Most of the families have heard about Diddy Dunkers through word of mouth, and many of them invite their friends with young children. Most weeks there are 20-30 children and 15-25 adults.

We continue to say, “Goodbye” to families as their children move to nursery and reception classes, but equally during the past year we have many more new families attending Diddy Dunkers. The families are such a joy to be with and it continues to be such a privilege to be part of their lives. Please continue to pray for all the families, and for us too as we continue to serve in this area of Family Ministry. And we continue thank everyone for their support and prayers.

Sara & Peter Jackson

14

i. Impact Youth Group

The group met weekly on Wednesdays between 7 and 8pm and was attended regularly by between 6-8 teenagers. The focus of meetings was on discussion and bible study, alongside games and prayer. One of the members of the group briefly managed to reestablish a Christian Union at Ringwood School with the assistance of Abbi Cooper for a short period before her departure. The final event for the group was a barbeque which was held in July to mark the end of term during which of the young people were given a personalised Christian book by Luke and Abbi. Sadly, with the departure of Luke and Abbi, the group was unable to continue, and despite some initial interest another leader has not come forward and the group has now ceased to meet.

Kevin Jones

j. The Well

The Well continues to meet twice a month at St John’s Poulner on the second and fourth Sunday, in the evening.

Over most of the past year we have mainly been working through a book by Bishop Jill Duff – “Lighting the Beacons”. The book begins in the Lord of the Rings series, when at the darkest time a hobbit manages to scramble up to light the beacon. As a result, a chain of beacons are lit – help is coming; Bishop Jill’s point is that we all have a part to play in lighting beacons of hope and faith across our nation. At the heart of the book is the longing of our heavenly Father for his children and the central message “We miss you – please come home”. It has been a very encouraging series.

Our aim remains to be a space where we can focus on God’s word and take time to listen to what he is saying – though we need to get better at that! Thanks to Kay Pead and Peter Jackson who both contribute as speakers.

Thanks also to Chris and Ruth Kipling who come once a month to lead our worship, and to Sam Pead who also helps once a month. Worship is important to the Well, as we seek to press into the presence of God and glorify his name. Psalm 29:2 “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness”.

One of this year’s highlights was a visit by John and Poppy Spens, speaking of their Brickworks charity which is providing relief and help in South Sudan, supporting health services, teacher and medical training and youth services, alongside the Bishop and Diocese in Yei.

We meet at 6.00pm for half an hour before the service for very good cake with refreshments, and we are very grateful for those who provide and serve us. It is a lovely time of fellowship.

The name “The Well” comes from the Samaritan woman’s life-changing encounter with Jesus at the well. Our continued prayer is that The Well will be a place where people can encounter Jesus and be challenged to take hold of all that God has for us, as we seek to be beacons of hope in our community.

Revd Canon Peter Vargeson

k. The Gathering

The Gathering meets in St Peter and St Paul’s and has a very simple format of worship, Bible study and prayer. We were very blessed by the presence and contributions of Abi and Luke from Moorlands, but they have both now qualified and moved on to new ministries.

The initial vision for the Gathering, under Kay Pead’s leadership, was that as well as being a worshipping community, we might also serve the community in some way. That has not really come to fruition yet, but we continue to pursue what God might be saying. Part of the original vision was “To establish a

15

community, as a space and place to engage with God and each other as a community, to worship, and encounter God through prayer and bible study”.

We had a very encouraging (and challenging!) series on Philippians in the Autumn of 2023. The highlight of the Gathering’s year is the Easter SonRise service at Avon beach. There were about 30 of us celebrating the joy of the risen Jesus and the victory of the empty tomb. Only five people celebrated by swimming afterwards!

This year we have been blessed by Jane Bell, who has joined us, and plays her violin, which wonderfully enhances our worship.

In essence the Gathering is a simple time of worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome - currently 9.30am in the Lady Chapel on 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays and at Luna Coffee on the 3rd.

Revd Canon Peter Vargeson

l. Reflections@6

Reflections @6 is a Benefice informal evening service that happens on each 3rd Sunday at All Saints, St Leonards & St Ives. It’s a contemplative service using a variety of mediums including art, music, and prayer to reflect and draw closer to God. Topics recently have included a meditation on the painting ‘A Great Light’, praying for the Benefice during our Vacancy and ‘Pilgrimage’. My heartfelt thanks to Ruth Freeman and Hilary Cooper who help me prepare and present the services.

Gill Tybjerg

m. Christmas Services

A peaceful and reflective Advent service at Ellingham Church received positive praise from those who attended. The Parish Church hosted Christmas services for Ringwood Infant School, Ringwood Junior School, and Moyles Court School. The latter also organised its Christingle service at Ellingham Church. Additionally, Nine Lessons and Carols services took place at All Saints Harbridge and St Paul's Bisterne. Meanwhile, a Candlelit Carols service was held at the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, and St John's hosted a Family Carol Service followed by a Christmas Tea.

During Advent the number of people attending special services for the congregations and local community totalled 770. The total number of people attending services held specifically for schools was 1,130.

Midnight Communion services were observed at St Mary & All Saints Ellingham and the Parish Church. On Christmas Day, services were conducted at three churches across the Parish.

2. Sacred space for personal prayer & contemplation

The PCC and Churchwardens extend their gratitude to the Deputy Churchwardens, Vergers, and Cleaners for their dedicated efforts in maintaining the safety and welcoming atmosphere of the buildings, ensuring the churches are well-tended. All churches have undergone necessary maintenance and repairs, aligning with the recommendations outlined in the Quinquennial Reports.

3. Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved

16

4.Teaching through sermons, courses, and small groups

House groups, small gatherings, and Bible study sessions throughout the Parish convened regularly for weekly or bi-weekly exploration of scripture and prayer. Notably, there were no Confirmation Candidates this year. The Mothers' Union group has consistently gathered on a monthly basis, providing unwavering support to the Parish. Our Messy Church and Toddler Group remain vibrant and active. The Impact Youth Group, led by our two Moorlands College students Abbi & Luke, met weekly during term time until July 2023. Following their departure, efforts have been underway to explore resources and sustain this valuable youth initiative.

5. Taking of religious assemblies (Collective Worship) in schools

In the Vicar's absence, we have maintained termly Collective Worship at Ringwood Infant School, thanks to the invaluable support of our retired clergy. We eagerly anticipate the appointment of a new Vicar, which will enable more consistent contact at Ringwood Infant School, Ringwood Junior School, and Moyles Court, strengthening our ties with these educational institutions.

During December, four local schools hosted Carol Services in our churches and one school held a Christingle Service. During Advent the number of people attending services held specifically for schools totalled 1,130.

Once again, we eagerly await the appointment of a new Vicar, foreseeing an expansion of this valuable work.

6. Promotion of Christianity through events, meetings, and the distribution of literature

The PCC actively promotes community outreach through various activities, including meals, coffee mornings, concerts, and fairs.

Fundraising events take place across all our churches, providing the community with opportunities to connect and engage with us.

Participation in major town events such as the Ringwood Carnival, and the Ellingham Show serves as a platform to connect with the townspeople.

To ensure widespread visibility, the PCC communicates its diverse activities through a monthly magazine, a weekly notice sheet, a weekly newsletter, a website, social media channels, church noticeboards, and occasional press releases.

As an active member of Churches Together in Ringwood & District, the Parish collaborates with other churches to promote the faith within the local community. Church members extend their involvement by volunteering outside the church premises throughout the year.

17

Benefice update

The year 2023 has presented challenges without a paid incumbent leading the Parish and benefice. However, we have received valuable support from the ministry team, wardens, and dedicated volunteers. We have maintained communication with our Curate Sandra Matthews who has been completing her curacy within another parish, and has also been engaged in her work for Church’s Ministry Among Jewish People (CMJ) in Jerusalem.

The Benefice Interregnum Group maintained regular meetings to handle all aspects of recruiting for the positions of Vicar and House for Duty. They kept the PCC informed of their progress. We express our appreciation to the group for their dedicated efforts on behalf of both parishes within the Benefice.

The Benefice Mission Action Plan (bMAP) four ‘big’ goals to live out our vision continue to be;

Revd Peggy Jackson remains actively involved with the Benefice Interregnum Group and Ministry Team until the recruitment of a new Vicar. We express our appreciation for her steadfast commitment throughout the vacancy period, especially as this has been longer than expected. Her extensive knowledge, expertise, and support have proven invaluable to our community.

We extend our thanks to our ministry team, comprising both lay and retired members, for their diligent work in assuming various responsibilities since the departure of the previous incumbent. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership in coordinating weddings, funerals, and baptisms, and have worked tirelessly during the very busy periods of Lent and easter, Advent and Christmas. We sincerely appreciate each team member and extend our heartfelt gratitude, hoping they find rest and rejuvenation.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk is defined in The Charities Act 1993 and the PCC (5th edition, 2017) as ‘the threat that an event or action will adversely affect an organisation’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies.’ The major risks to which the PCC is exposed have been reviewed and systems or procedures have been designed or improved during the year to manage those risks.

Operational risks - to health and safety; upkeep of buildings; employment

The PCC is grateful to all those who raise concerns through their various committees and show vigilance. The PCC Health & Safety Policy was last revised in 2015. The PCC is currently looking for a new volunteer for the post of Health & Safety Officer. Risk to the fabric of buildings has been minimised through schedules of repairs and maintenance which follow the recommendations of recent Quinquennial Reports under the watchful eye of the Church Committees, the Churchwardens, and their deputies. Employment Risk has been minimised through ensuring employees of the PCC work under Contracts of Employment, with designated line managers, and are being paid at or above the Living Wage. All have a comprehensive Staff Handbook detailing the PCC’s policies on all employment-related matters.

18

Financial risks

The PCC is dedicated to assessing financial risks related to reserves, cashflow, income stability, investments, and fraud. Regular reviews of Income and Expenditure are conducted to ensure the ongoing solvency of the Parish. Utilizing the Church of England’s Parish Buying Scheme helps minimize costs whenever feasible. Mr. Matthew Steele serves as the Parish's Stewardship Adviser.

To ensure accurate financial management, the Parish has engaged the services of a professional bookkeeper, Ms. Emma Lessells from Coast Book-keeping, who collaborates closely with the Treasurer, Mr. Roger Dewar. The Parish Accounts have been meticulously prepared using Xero, an accounting software package.

Recognizing the importance of collaborative financial oversight, a Finance Team was established in 2020. This team comprises representatives from each of the five churches and since the departure of Mr Chris Kean in September 2023, is chaired by Revd Peggy Jackson. Its primary role is to support the PCC Treasurer and provide strategic advice to the PCC.

External risks

Risk to the reputation of the PCC can be minimised by encouraging ‘Best Practice’ in all aspects of the Parish’s management, thereby reducing the risk of inappropriate actions that would have a damaging effect on the Parish. This extends both to Staff and Volunteers, all of whom need to be familiar with their duties, trained as required and adhere to laid down procedures where given. The PCC has taken Diocesan advice on procedures for working with volunteers and paid staff and issues a Staff Handbook.

Regulatory risks

The PCC minutes reveal the extent to which we have ensured compliance with Church of England guidelines, Canon Law, Charity Commission regulations, the Statement of Recommended Practice accountancy procedures, Health and Safety requirements, Safeguarding and all other legislation relating to the conduct of its affairs. The PCC regularly updates its policies on Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Lone Workers, Mission Giving, Use of Legacies, Collections at Pastoral Services, Parish Investments, Levels of Financial Reserves, Environmental Protection, and Risk Assessment.

Governance risks

The PCC relies on a large circle of volunteers without whom the effectiveness of the church would be greatly compromised, and the PCC continues to encourage the development of personal discipleship, and the offering of individuals’ prayers, time, and talents, in support of the mission of the Parish, whatever form that may take. Significant risk arises from the fact that the availability of volunteers is decreasing at a time when legal, financial, and other obligations on PCCs are increasing.

VOLUNTEERS

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) acknowledges the invaluable contributions of numerous volunteers who have greatly assisted in the smooth operation of our Parish. These dedicated individuals encompass a range of roles, including elected Churchwardens and their deputies, PCC officers and their assistants, committee members, Deanery Synod Members, Foundation Governors of Ringwood Church of England Infant School, representatives on external bodies such as Bible Society, Churches Together, and Christian Aid. We also express our gratitude to those responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Data

19

Protection.

Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the specially appointed personnel who work tirelessly on behalf of the PCC, both in paid and voluntary capacities. These individuals include the Office Manager, vergers, cleaners, welcomers, sidesmen, gardeners, musicians, readers, intercessors, pastoral visitors, and those authorized to administer Holy Communion. Their contributions are truly valued.

As we look back on the year 2023, the PCC wholeheartedly extends its gratitude to those who graciously dedicated their time, support, and prayers. However, we acknowledge with concern that the workload has progressively weighed upon a limited group of volunteers. Therefore, we earnestly hope and sincerely pray for a renewed inspiration in individuals, that they may be moved to offer their unique gifts in service to the Lord's work.

EMPLOYEES OF THE PCC

In 2023, the following worked as paid employees of the PCC:

The PCC is aware of its obligations for automatic enrolment under the Workplace Pensions Scheme and has fully complied with these.

THE PARISH OF RINGWOOD CHURCHYARDS

The Parish Churchyard is closed to further burials and, by reason of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, it is the responsibility of Ringwood Town Council to maintain the Church’s grounds and paths. We are grateful to our Local Authority for their time and expertise in this respect.

Currently, the Churchyards at St Paul’s Bisterne, St Mary’s Ellingham and All Saints’ Harbridge are open and in the care of the PCC.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

A. PCC Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

By decision of the APCM there are 15 elected members, of whom one third retire annually but are eligible for re-election. Not less than five of the 15 should represent the Parish Church, not less than three should represent St John’s Church, not less than two should represent St Paul’s Church, not less than three should represent St Mary and All Saints’ Church and not less than two should represent All Saints’ Church. All are elected for a period of three years. The Licensed Lay Ministers serve on the PCC by annual decision of the APCM.

During 2023 the elected membership totalled 13.

The representation from the five churches was distributed as follows -

20

St Peter & St Paul three
St John’s three
St Paul’s two
St Mary and All Saints’ two
All Saints’ two

No PCC member receives remuneration or other benefit from his or her work with the Parish of Ringwood. All members, as trustees of the Charity, have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 19 April 2015, it was agreed by the members present to suspend the six-year rule in the Churchwardens’ Measure 2001. This decision is reviewed annually at the APCM.

The PCC Secretary is currently Mrs Samantha Swyer. The PCC Secretary is not a member of the PCC.

PCC members who have served at any time from 1[st] January 2023 to the date of this report was approved are:

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Vicar Vacant
Licensed Lay MinistersMrs Elizabeth Halford (Safeguarding Officer) Until September 2023
Mr Peter Jackson
Mr Stephen Wood
Mr Derick Potter
Mr Richard Powell
(Derick Potter and Richard Powell decline to take their seats on the
PCC. Elizabeth Halford stepped down in September 2023)
Churchwardens Mrs Jacqueline Brown re-elected April 2023 (PCC Lay Vice Chairman)
Mr Matthew Steele re-elected April 2023 (PCC Lay Vice Chairman and
Stewardship Adviser)
Deputy ChurchwardensMiss Jan Pankhurst (St Peter & St Paul) re-elected April 2023
Mr Paul Gray (St Peter & St Paul) re-elected April 2023
Mrs Diana White (Ellingham) re-elected April 2023
Mr Michael Thomas (Harbridge) re-elected April 2023
Deanery Synod Representatives -to serve for three years from April 2023 - 2026:
Mrs Jacqueline Brown
Mr Paul Gray (Deputy Warden SPSP)
Mrs Margaret Groves
Mrs Heather Casalis de Pury (resigned April 2023)
Diocesan Synod Mr Matthew Steele 2021-2024
ELECTED MEMBERS
St Peter and St Paul’s ChurchMr Roger Dewar 2017-2026 (PCC Treasurer)
Miss Jan Pankhurst 2017 - 2025 (Deputy Warden SPSP)
Mrs Gillian Langford 2023-2026
Mrs Samantha Swyer 2017 - 2023 (resigned April 2023)

21

St John’s Church Mrs Sara Jackson 2016 - 2025
Mrs Rhoda Curtis 2021 - 2024
Mr Nigel Curtis 2021 - 2024
St Paul’s Church Mr Hallam Mills 2013-2026
Mr David Thomas MBE 2023-2026
St Mary and All Saints ChurchMrs Diana White 2017 - 2025 (Dep Warden Ellingham)
Mr Christopher Kean 2019 – 2023 (resigned September 2023)
All Saints’ Church Mrs Jane Thomas 2017 - 2025
Mr Michael Thomas 2021 - 2025 (Dep Warden Harbridge)

B. PCC Committees

The Parochial Church Council operates through several committees which meet between full meetings of the PCC.

The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the Council and comprises of the following members:

Mr Roger Dewar - Treasurer Mr Matthew Steele - St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham Mrs Jacqueline Brown - St Peter & St Paul, Ringwood Mr Hallam Mills - St Paul’s, Bisterne Mrs Rhoda Curtis - St John’s, Poulner Mr Michael Thomas - All Saints, Harbridge Mrs Elizabeth Halford - Safeguarding Officer, (resigned September 2023) Mrs Samantha Swyer - PCC Secretary, (resigned April 2023)

Other Committees operate with functions delegated from and reporting to the PCC.

Church Committees

Oversee the day-to-day management of the affairs of each Church and are drawn from, and elected by, members of the congregations who habitually worship in each of the five Churches. These in turn have power to appoint subcommittees as required.

St Peter & St Paul 2023 Fundraising Report

The fund raising committee started work in February 2023 and ran 13 events throughout the year.

In February we held a Pre-Lent hot Lunch which was greatly enjoyed, raising £493.

In April we had the first of three Chamber Maids concerts raising £265, followed by one in August and December raising £636.75 and £898.60 respectively.

On a sunny June day, we had a Garden Party in Sue’s lovely garden and raised £374.

July was our first summer Fete, which unfortunately had to be inside because of the weather, but it did not put off our customers, who raised £950.65.

22

September saw the annual Ride and Stride sponsors raising £260.50, and a refreshment stall on the church lawn, raising £464.50 at the Ringwood Carnival.

October was our Harvest Lunch raising £314.93. Also, we welcomed Gregory Steward to sing on a Sunday afternoon, raising £235.

In November we had our Christmas Fair and although footfall was low, we still raised £900.

We finished the year with two concerts, from Chamber Maids and the RMDS Choir which raised £898.60 and £803 respectively.

So, throughout the year we managed to raise £6596.64 For the general expenses of The Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul. I would like to thank all the people who supported the events and especially the committee members who work so hard.

Shirley Dewar

Ringwood Parish Church Project Group (Previously RIMA: Ringwood Parish Church Reordering Committee) The year has been far quieter with the South Transept Window project completed. Work instead has centred on continuing small improvement and maintenance tasks. Work to guttering, roof leaks etc has been ongoing.

The main task for the year has been rebuilding finances to address the pressing need for improvement of the lighting. The current temporary lighting in the Nave continues to work well, but the situation in the crossing is poor. We must repeat the quotation process but hope to do the work in the first half of 2024. It will require full-height scaffolding of the Crossing, which obviously cannot interfere with weddings and other events.

The South Aisle window secondary glazing has reached the end of its life and needs replacement. Quotations are being sought but Salisbury Cathedral Glass will not be able to do the work for a long while.

We also hope to get assistance in making an appeal to Highways about the extra traffic noise from the A31 re-layout with an acoustician examining the official plans and documentation.

A team has been established and we now have volunteers to tend to raising and maintaining the flag. As always I am grateful to the team for their generosity in time and work to support the building’s preservation and improvement.

By Paul Gray

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Year ending 31 December 2023

In the Parish Safeguarding Handbook which provides a comprehensive overview of safeguarding in the Church of England as well as detailed guidance, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, states that, ‘Safeguarding is at the heart of our Christian faith’.

The principles and practice of safeguarding continue to be central to the ministry and activities in the Parish of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge. A safe, caring environment is key to our work, as is the provision of an appropriate space where victims of abuse can report or disclose concerns and find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse.

23

A copy of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook together with the Parish of Ringwood’s Safeguarding Policy is available online at is available at www.ringwoodbenefice.org.uk/safeguarding .

There are safeguarding liaisons in each of our five churches.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

DBS checks have continued to be carried out throughout 2023. The majority of DBS applications are now made online which significantly reduces the paperwork and Samantha Swyer, the Parish Administrator, now handles these centrally from the Parish Office. This is an important contribution to safeguarding in the Parish as the DBS workload has increased considerably given that the validity of certificates has been reduced to three years from five.

Training

Training continues to be an important component of Parish safeguarding and the content and delivery of courses has been revised in recent years.

A training matrix detailing the training required for each role is available to download at winchester.anglican.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-training .

Alternatively the Parish Office or the Parish Safeguarding Officer can provide a paper copy if required.

Safeguarding policies

An important addition to our existing safeguarding policies has been made in 2023 with the creation and formal adoption by the PCC of a Dignity at Work Policy .

This is designed to prevent bullying and harassment and applies to all office holders, whether lay or ordained, and to everyone taking part in activities, whether as volunteers or as paid staff. It aims to provide a framework for dealing with instances of abuse or harassment and will be revised as necessary on an annual basis.

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

I should like to acknowledge my appreciation for the continued support and guidance of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to the parish.

Elizabeth Halford Parish Safeguarding Officer

DBS checks and safeguarding training

Both paid and unpaid workers in the Parish undergo Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks where the roles bring them into direct contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Safeguarding education and information is an important part of Parish life. All paid and unpaid workers including members of the PCC are required to undertake appropriate levels of training as advised by the Diocesan Safeguarding Registry.

Recruitment practice

The PCC is responsible for the appointment of those working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid and has adopted the following guidelines.

24

REPORT FROM CHRISTCHURCH DEANERY SYNOD 2023

Deanery Synod is a link between our PCC and the Diocesan Synod. Its role is mainly to look after mission and pastoral matters in the Deanery, help parishes deliver the Diocesan strategic priorities and to monitor and support the allocation of Parish Share across the Deanery to the Common Mission Fund.

Christchurch Deanery Synod met three times in 2023, in February, June, and October.

The year began with a February Zoom meeting when Jemima Lewis, Diocesan Head of Communications and Engagement gave an informative presentation about communicational opportunities for publicity and engagement with our communities. She also explained how communication from the Diocese to churches and parishioners was being given more focus with the expanded weekly newsletter the main tool for sharing information more widely.

In June St Mary the Virgin Bransgore hosted a Synod meeting welcoming all the newly elected members with a service of Holy Communion led by Rev Canon Charles Stewart (Vicar of Christchurch Priory) the Assistant Area Dean. A presentation was also given following the recent visit to the Deanery’s mission partners Kinkiizi Diocese in Uganda.

The final meeting of 2023 was held in October at Ellingham Hall with a focus on Lay Ministry.

Synod welcomed Greg Eland, Senior Mission and Ministry Trainer from the Diocese who highlighted the opportunities available for Lay Ministry training through the Bishop’s Commission for Mission (BCM) and Bishop’s Permission to Preach (BPP) courses.

25

The Deanery overseas link with Kinkiizi Diocese Uganda continues to operate. Climate change is affecting Uganda as it is countries worldwide, and they experienced heavy rainfall in the early part of 2023. So much so there were fears of landslides behind the Health Centre staff accommodation Christchurch House and the Deanery was asked to help with financing the construction of a flood defence wall behind the house. Following a Deanery wide appeal enough funds were raised for the wall to be completed. Retired clergy were also supported with financial help towards unexpected expenses like medical bills. In 2023 a total of £4720 was sent in support of Kinkiizi Diocese.

The Deanery continues to provide opportunities for those working with children and families to benefit from sessions run by Lighthouse Ministries led by Andy Saunders, and is sensitive to the needs of parishes by proactively supporting them wherever possible. A major challenge in 2023 has been the number of parishes in vacancy but Deanery officers have worked hard to support churches through the process of their interregnums.

Deanery Synod meetings are now all open meetings for anyone to attend should they so wish. (Only if a vote is called are restrictions in place for elected members only to cast such a vote.) I would encourage everyone to consider coming along to hear interesting speakers, have a chance to meet other people from across the Deanery, and to share experiences for mutual support.

Gill Tyberg

Bishop’s Commission for Mission (BCM)

The BCM programme has been developed by Winchester Diocese to support the work of parishes and deaneries by equipping lay people for service. We continue to encourage people to take part in the BCM programme.

All who have taken part in the BCM training are listed below.

Miss Jan Pankhurst BCM Pastoral and BCM Prayer Champions Mrs Samantha Swyer BCM Pastoral and BCM Prayer Champions Mr Kevin Jones BCM Pastoral and BCM Prayer Champions Mrs Elizabeth Halford BCM Prayer Champions Mrs Jacqueline Brown BCM Creation Care

ELECTORAL ROLL

The total number of people on the Electoral Roll in April 2023 for all five churches was 212.

DECLARATION

The Trustees declare they have approved the Trustee’s Report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees.

26

FINANCIAL REPORT

2023 has continued to present challenges to our finances as we deal with smaller attendances at services post covid and escalating inflationary pressures.

Our congregations continue to slowly return and although we are still in an interregnum we are able to offer, thanks to the support of our retired Clergy and LLMs, a full range of services in our Churches. The reintroduction of a full range of social and fund-raising events has also boosted our depleted finances.

Inflationary pressures have seen a huge jump in energy and other operating costs, and these have affected the financial stability of all our premises be they Churches or Halls. The Parish Church alone is now facing gas bills for heating of more than £1,500 a month during the coldest 6 months of the year.

Our incoming resources from all areas declined from £288,609 to £205,072 a decrease of £83,537. Much of this decrease is reflected in the grants received in the previous year for repairs and renovations of our various buildings especially the South Transept Window in the Parish Church of £159,730.

Overall, our total Capital & Reserves increased fractionally from £274,493 to £276,793.

After six years of declining reserves, it is good to see an improvement albeit of only 0.84%.

It was with continued regret that we were again unable pay our Common Mission Fund in full. This is for the fifth year in succession.

However, all of our Churches were able to increase their contribution above the 60% mark (2022 50%) and we paid £71,752 an increase of £10,375 over 2022. The outlook for 2024 is much brighter with an anticipated payment of at least 81% of the requested amount and the Parish Church paying 100% of their share.

Unfortunately, although our congregations are returning their willingness or ability to contribute more in line with inflation is not apparent. We continue to promote the Parish Giving Scheme as our preferred source for congregational giving.

Our income from the letting of our premises has increased as has our overall fund raising and these two areas produced £37,403. A jump of 10.5%. We are very grateful to the various fund-raising committees in our Churches for their dedicated work.

The Government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has been renewed for a further period and has enabled us to claim VAT refunds of £11,668 during the past years for eligible work in those of our Churches that are Listed Places of Worship.

As in past years we are forever grateful to the Trustees of The Friends of Ringwood Parish Church; The Friends of Bisterne Church; Ellingham Church Fabric Appeal Fund; Guardians of St Johns Church for their financial support of repairs to the fabric of our buildings.

Due to increased energy costs and other inflationary pressures on our operations and those of our congregations it is anticipated that 2024 will be another financially challenging year.

In budgeting for 2024 it is the intention of the Parish Finance Committee to explore all avenues for raising funds and controlling expenditure. It is also our aspiration to return to paying our contribution to The Common Mission Fund in full as soon as is practicable.

Roger Dewar PCC Treasurer

27

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER & ST PAUL RINGWOOD YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD (CHARITY NO: 1134815) FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

28

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations and legacies
2a
Charitable activities
2b
Investments
2c
Church Activities
2d
Other
2e
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Expenditure on church activities
3a
Expenditure on fund raising
3b
Other
3c
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
Net Incoming before transfers
Un-realised gains / losses
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 General
Restricted
Endowment
2023
2022
Funds
Funds
Funds
121,735
12,168
-
133,903
209,623
23,998
13,305
-
37,303
33,766
2,019
5,430
338
7,787
2,477
14,411
-
-
14,411
16,043
450
11,218
-
11,668
26,700
162,613
42,121
338
205,072
288,609
138,507
38,889
338
177,734
303,690
5,494
2,647
-
8,141
5,157
15,091
1,752
-
16,843
16,526
159,092
43,288
338
202,717
325,373
3,521
(1,167)
-
2,355
(36,764)
-
-
-
-
-
79,737
183,505
11,197
274,439
311,203
83,258
182,338
11,197
276,793
274,493

29

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible - Fixtures and equipment
4
Investments
5
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and prepayments
6
Bank and cash balances
LIABILITIES
Creditors and accruals
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
REPRESENTED BY
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
2,391
2,391
3,831
11,197
11,197
11,197
-
2,391
11,197
13,588
15,028
1,488
-
-
1,488
8,665
91,051
181,009
-
272,060
272,725
92,539
181,009
-
273,548
281,390
9,281
1,062
-
10,343
21,979
83,258
179,947
-
263,205
259,411
83,258
182,338
11,197
276,793
274,439
83,258
83,258
79,737
182,338
182,338
183,505
11,197
11,197
11,197
83,258
182,338
11,197
276,793
274,439

Approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees

ER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD

30

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The Diocesan Common Mission fund is accounted for when due.

Fixed assets

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings:

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by section 10 of the Charities Act 2011, and this policy has been extended to the dedicated property at St John’s.

No value is placed on moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property.

All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities and separately disclosed.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a 15% reducing balance basis. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £3,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments:

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Current assets:

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

During the year the PCC employed an Office Administrator, Verger, and Cleaner, none of whom earned more than £60,000 per annum. Salaries and wages are included under the appropriate expenses headings.

31

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2a
2b
2c		 Donations and legacies
Parish giving scheme - Gift Aid donations
Parish giving scheme - Non Gift Aid
donations
Gift Aid donations
Tax recovered
Other planned giving
Collections - open plate
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)
General donations and appeals
Transfers between funds
Fabric Appeal Fund
Friends of Ringwood
Friends of Ellingham
Friends of Bisterne
Other
Charitable Activities
Hall Income
Fund raising
Investments
Bank interest
Dividends		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
41,522
-
-
41,522
39,919
-
-
-
-
-
11,807
-
-
11,807
11,865
17,183
594
-
17,777
18.266
9,538
240
-
9,778
10,058
14,421
10
-
14,431
15,218
3,760
-
-
3,760
3,526
19,867
10,056
-
29,923
55,096
1,016
(1,016)
-
-
-
2,103
800
-
2,903
2,950
-
940
-
940
51,962
-
544
-
544
435
-
-
-
-
-
518
-
-
518
328
121,735
12,168
-
133,903
209,623
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
10,033
-
10,033
9,622
23,998
3,272
-
27,270
24,144
23,998
13,305
-
37,303
33,766
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
2,019
5,430
-
7,449
2,141
- -
338
338
336
2,019
5,430
338
7,787
2,477

32

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2d
2e		 Church Activities
Parochial Fees
Parish News
Other
Other income
Listed places of Worship Grant scheme
Grants
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
14,096-
-
14,096
15,942
275
-
-
275
101
40
-
-
40-
14,411
-
-
14,411
16,043
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
450
11,218
-
11,668
26,700
450
11,218
-
11,668
26,700
162,613
42,121
338
205,072
288,609

33

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3 RESOURCES EXPENDED

3a Expenditure on church activities
Charitable Giving
Secular Charities
Ministry
Common Mission Fund
Clergy
Church running costs
Fabric Repairs & renewals
Fabric Repairs & Renewals funded by friends
of Harbridge
Upkeep of services
Organist, choir and music
Messy church
Training
Upkeep of church yards
Upkeep of church halls
Salaries
Other		 Unrestricted
Funds -
General
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
669
1,866
-
2,535
4,824
71,752
-
-
71,752
61,377
735
-
-
735
1,637
31,171
2,000
-
33,171
24,749
1,603
21,234
338
23,175
171,657
-
246
-
246
242
1,188
-
-
1,188
1,218
2,927
356
-
3,283
2,611
-
-
-
-
215
-
-
-
-
-
2,795
1,808
-
4,603
3,344
-
11,379
-
11,379
9,324
21,170
-
-
21,170
19,053
4,497
-
-
4,497
3,439
138,507
38,889
338
177,734
303,690
3b Expenditure on raising funds
Gift aid envelopes
Events		 Unrestricted
Funds –
General
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
172
5,322
-
2,647
-
-
172
7,969
-
5,157
5,494
2,647
-
8,141
5,157

34

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3c
4		 Other
Independent Examination
Professional and other
Support costs (Parish Office expenses)
Other
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
- FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
GENERAL
Gross book value
1 January
31 December 2023
Depreciation
1 January
Charge
31 December 2023
Net Book value
31 December 2023
31 December 2022		 Unrestricted
Funds –
General
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
2,400
-
-
2,400
2,400
135
242
377
249
10,743
70
10,813
10,486
1,813
1,440
3,253
3,391
15,091
1,752
-
16,843
16,526
159,092
43,287
338
202,718
325,373
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
5,936
52,306
-
58,242
58,242
5,936
52,306
-
58,242
58,242
5,936
48,475
-
54,411
52,791
1,440
1,440
1,440
5,936
49,915
-
55,851
54,411
-
2,391
-
2,391
3,831
-
3,831
-
3,831
5,451

35

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5
6
7
8		 INVESTMENT ASSETS
Mary Ayles Fund
CBF Investment Fund Income shares
547.61 shares
As at 1 January
Valuation as at 31 December 2023
DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
Sundry Debtors
LIABILITIES- AMOUNTS DUE
LESS THAN ONE YEAR
Sundry creditors
Independent Examiners fee
Loan
STAFF COSTS
Salaries
National Insurance		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
11,197
11,197
11,197		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
11,197
11,197
11,197
-
-
11,197
11,197
11,197
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
1,488
-
-
1,488
8,665
1,488
-
-
1,488
8,665
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
6,881
1,062
-
7,943
9,566
2,400
-
-
2,400
2,400
-
-
-
-
10,014
9,281
1,567
 -
10,848
21,980
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
21,170
19,053
-
-
21,170
19,053

36

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 INDEPENDENT TRUSTS

The Friends of Ringwood Parish Church

During 2023 the Trustees made donations totalling £940 to Ringwood Parish Church (2022 £45,115).

The Friends of St Mary and All Saints Church Ellingham

During 2023 the Trustees made donations totalling £545 to St Mary’ Church Ellingham Fabric Appeal Fund (2022 £435).

The Guardians of St Johns

During 2023 the Trustees made donations totalling £500 to St Johns Church (2022 £1,400).

10 CONNECTED PERSONS – MEMBERS OF THE PCC

No payments or expenses were paid to any other PCC member, persons closely connected with them, or related parties.

11 SUPPORT COSTS

The support costs are almost exclusively in connection with the activities of the churches of the Parish and any apportionment of this amount to other headings is not practicable.

12 ACCUMULATED FUNDS

Endowment Funds

The Mary Ayles Fund is a permanent endowment which requires income to be spent on the fabric of the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul.

Restricted Funds

The restrictions applicable to the use of the Restricted Funds, are as follows:

Beacons: the benefit of children at the Parish Church.
Bells and Belfry: the repair/maintenance of the bells of the Parish Church.
Challis: the charitable and educational work of the Church of England at St John’s
Church.
Fabric: the repair and preservation of the historical buildings.
Mission: specific charitable purposes as decided upon by the PCC.
Parish Rooms: the repair/maintenance of the Parish Rooms.
Penrose: the charitable and educational work of the Church of England in the Parish of
Ringwood.
Re-ordering: the provision of Clergy Stalls when the Parish Church is re-ordered.
St John’s Church Hall: the repair/maintenance of St John’s Church Hall, Poulner.
Thomas Trust: the fabric of St John’s Church, Poulner.

37

THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Ringwood PCC
General
Parish office
Penrose
St Peter and St Paul Church
General
Ayles
Beacons
Bells & Belfry
Fabric
Audio Visual
Choir
Lighting
Meet & Eat
Window
St John's church
General
Challis
Organist (Designated fund)
Hall
Moss removal
Thomas Trust
St Paul Church
General
Other
Ellingham Church
Choir
Fabric
General
Harbridge Church
General
Fabric
TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
4,736
-
-
4,736
5,947
-
3,353
-
3,353
4,862
-
17,037
-
17,037
17,037
4,736
20,390
-
25,126
27,846
43,334
-
-
43,334
45,334
-
-
11,197
11,197
11,197
-
29
-
29
29
-
2,031
-
2,031
2,031
-
14,705
-
14,705
20,620
-
1,123
-
1,123
1,123
-
323
-
323
203
-
4,441
-
4,441
3,685
-
1,727
-
1,727
1,193
-
-
-
-
(16,576)
43,334
24,379
11,197
78,910
68,839
(11,531)
-
-
(11,531)
(10,731)
-
93,156
-
93,156
96,353
13,571
-
-
13,571
13,037
-
9,278
-
9,278
16,817
-
805
-
805
805
-
21,836
-
21,836
22,323
2,040
125,075
-
127,115
138,604
10,647
-
-
10,647
8,823
-
-
-
-
-
10,647
-
-
10,647
8,823
-
179
-
179
294
-
216
-
216
-
17,544
-
-
17,544
11,447
17,544
395
-
17,939
11,741
4,958
-
-
4,958
5,880
-
12,098
-
12,098
12,706
4,958
12,098
-
17.056
18,586
83,259
182,337
11,197
276,793
274,439

38