The Parish of Central Exeter Churches of St Mary Arches, 5t Olave, St Pancras, St Petrock, St Stephen Giving breathing spa¢e; Livlng the values; Engaging with the clty The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Central Exeter Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Intnxlurtion to 2024 Annual Re rt There contlnues to be change within the shopping facllities along the High Street and within the city centre generally. We see the ongoing march of coffee shops and eateries as more people shop online. There is also a growth in rented housin& mainly for students. As a parish we are acutely aware of the ever-changing pattern of activity within the city centre and try to provide some sense of long-term continuity through the continuing presence of our medieval churches- which are themselves important features of the city landscape. Administrative Information The Parish of Central Exeter is a charity which is registered with the Charity Commissioners, number 1134851. It is part of the Diocese of Exeter within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Parish Administrator, 3, Blackthorn Way, Cullompton EX15 IQH. Parfsh Churches St Stephen. High Street, Exeter EX4 3LN Daughter Churches St Mary Arches, Mary Arches Street, Exeter EX4 3BA St Pancras, Guildhall Centre, Exeter EX4 3HW St Petrock. High Street, Exeter EX4 3DT St Olave, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT Team Rector Revd Sheila Swarbrick Mlnistry Team Revd Sheila Swarbrick, 7 Lower Kings Avenue, Exeter EX4 6JT Bank Lloyds Bank. High Street, Exeter, EX4 3NL Independent Examiner Simon Gay. 14A, Church Road, St Thomas, Exeter EX2 9AY Membership Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation rules. PCC members who have serrfed from l January 2024 until the date that this report was approved are:
Mlnlstry Team: Revd Sheila Swarbrick Chalr: Revd Sheila Swarbrick The Churchwardens: Keith Walton, Betsy Allen Representatives of Deanery Synod: Jessica Claridge, Celia Smith The Elected Members from 2022: Richard Skinner, Viv Asher, The Eletted Members from 2023 Helen Evans, Claire Mayer (There were no elections in 2024) The following offlcers were appointed: Treasurer: Sean Swarbrick Secretary: Mary Keaney Structure Governance and Mana ement Commlttees The Planning Committee (Clergy, Churchwardens) meets in between full PCC meetings. Other ad hoc committees and working groups are created and terminated as needed. The full PCC met for ordinary meetings four times during the year, all being face to face. The average attendance was 80%. Aim and Pu oses Statement 'The PCC is required. as ststed in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1966, to co-operate with the Parish Priest. in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical,. Ob'ectives and Activities The Parish's vision, goals and actions are stated in full in the Mission Action Plan. Vlslon Being part of God's mission of love and reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ. we are comrnitted to: Giving breathing space Living the values Engaging with the City (Continues)
Objectlves (goals) We will achieve our vision by working together with others as we pursue the following goals: To attract more people to enter and use our churches and find it a positive experience; To encourage visitors, church members and church users on their spiritual jou rney. challenging towards deeper levels of Christian commitment; To meet our on-going parish commitments, seeking efficient and effectlve use of our resources with other Anglican or Ecumenical colleagues. In carrying out their work the Trustees take due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Continuing Activities We have been able to keep all our churches open on weekdays and for the now established pattem of services at St Stephen's on the first, third and fifth Sunday of each month, St Pancras on the second, and St Olave on the fourth. We discontinued the use of parish zoorn meetings on the second Sunday of the month as with the prepared worship sheets on those days. The lunchtime service of Communion in St Pancras has been maintained rnonthly on Thursdays at 12.00. Voluntary organisations are able to use the churches for approved purposes on request and subject to terms and conditions. Continuing activities (rnaintained in various formats throughout the year) include: Variety of worship services as outlined above. Lent Groups Summer concerts and other music activities Exhibitions 'Inner Room, poetry workshops Use of the parish website to communicate with and provide support to the parish members and the general public. Jewish Circle Dancing Prayers round the Cross bi-monthly Seeking Silence Book Club (Continues)
Achlevements and Performance Church Attendance There are 36 Parishioners on the church electoral roll of which 34 are not resident within the Parish. Average Sunday attendance in-church Is about 19, Attendance in-church at Easter 2024 was 28 and 20 on Christmas Day. Community use of Churches St Stephen's continues to be the main church for community use. During the autumn of 2024 Safe Space, which had been on hold during the earlier part of the year awaiting further funding, was able to restart in this church. Safe Space serves three main purposes - light medical treatment like cuts. sprains, recovery. blisters. welfare support like counsellin& phone chargin& water, safety alarms, bottle tops, change of clothes and a safe and warm place to wait for transport home. We have also seen a continued steady use of St Stephen's by Exeter Network Church. of St Stephen's and St Pancras by the Russian and Romanian Orthodox churches. St Petrock's continues to host support group meetings. the Exeter Guild of Bell-ringers plus their library, and we have developed a regular programme of exhibitions. With the main body of the Quire in Exeter Cathedral being out of use for renovation and excavation, the Dean and Chapter have been using St PetrOcS for daily moming prayer and eucharist and St Pancras for a weekly communion service lunchtime on Wednesdays. St Pancras is on the register of Small Pilgrim Places and is open daily for private prayer, with monthly BCP Communion and monthly shortened lunchtlme Communion services. Seeking Silence continues as a monthly time of meditation on the first Wednesday of the month. St Olave's is the church used least by the community. largely because of its fixed pews. In total in our churches we hosted over 500 separate events including worship services, Blble study. prayer meetings, support groups. concerts and coffee mornings. St Mary Arches is now leased to Unlimited Church - the Diocesan youth church and holds a number of activities to attract young people. (Contlnuesl
Parish Actlvltles The basic pattern of services remained unchanged in 2024. We supported the Fore Street Flea Market with St Olave's taking part in this event. The Christmas St Nids Fayre was also able to take place as a parish f undraiser. The Inner Room, launched in 2020 as a parish outreach project, has continued to flourish with a mixture of face to face and zoom activitie5. The Room to Write events which give participants prompts to write poetry is now self-contained without needing regular input from Helen Evans - the project champion. We are delighted to have been able to run live events in St Stephens and St Olaves, giving opportunity to create poems using vlsual prompts. Our Facebook page is continually updated along with the website. We continue to support the Exeter Community Initiative, St Petrock's Centre for the Homeless. and the Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy, as well as a programme of monthly giving to selected local, national and international charities. We are ensuring that members of the PCC receive appropriate Safeguarding clearances and training to their level of involvement in the Parish. We are conscious that our membership demographic is getting older and sadly we saw the death of four of our stalwart members, Revd Dr Bob Burn, Sue Blow, Caroline Cornish and John Dobson during the year. Whilst the Parish is relatively secure flnancially, the number of people available or able to assist in preparing the church and assisting in the services is a concem. This situation is not unique to our parish and is a matter of concern to the whole Diocese. Church Buildings. The PCC has continued to undertake all the necessary repair and maintenance of the churches in the Parish, mostly resulting from normal wear and tear, pests and occasional abuse or vandalisrn. Following the resignation of Jeremy Chadburn as our architect we have appointed Michila Wilks to this post. The quinquennial survey of St Pancras has taken place. (Continues1
Links with other churches/organlsatlons The Parish continues to be involved with the Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy. The Revd Shella Swarbrick has continued to provide a vital link between the parlsh and other churches in the centre of Exeter and Diocese at all levels both fonnally and informally. Policy The PCC is kept abreast of Parish responsibilities under the Safeguarding legislation by our designated representative. We have taken due regard to the guidance issued by the House of Bishops on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. The churchwardens and PCC members have completed their required Safeguarding Training. A Safeguarding policy document is in place. We have a Health and Safety Officer and our H&5 policy is reviewed as necessary. We introduced a Data Security policy and have issued appropriate privacy notices and received and recorded consents for use of data as required by the General Personal Dats Regulations. Flnancial Revlew The totsl income for the Parish in 2024 was £64,140 representing income derived from 'normal' parish activities. Expenditure of £70,665 gave us a deficit of £6,525 The target parish (unrestricted) income budget for 2025 has been agreed by the PCC at £55,000. Reserves Policy In 2013 the PCC agreed to a reserves policy of 4 times the monthly average expenditure, which equates to £23,500 for 2025 Approved by the PCC on l)ate and signed on their behalf by: Sheila Swarbrick PCC Chair (Continues)
The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Central Exeter Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Funds Note £ Restricted Funds Total Funds Prev Year INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Activitles for generating funds Income from savings Church Artivities 2(a) 2{b) 21c) 2(d) 42,065 2.505 984 18,586 42,065 2,505 37,278 1,888 579 33,873 18,586 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 64, 140 64,140 73.588 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activities Fund-raising trading costs Governance Costs 3(a) 31b) 3(c} 70,665 70,665 53,215 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 70,665 70,665 53,215 NET INCOMING RESOURCES -6,525 4.525 20,373 Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUND5 -6,525 4,525 20,373 BALANCES BIFWD start of year 65,497 8.728 74,225 53,851 BALANCES C/FWD end of period 58,972 8,728 67,700 77,224 (Continues)
The Parochial Church Councll of the Parlsh of Central Exeter Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Totsi Funds Total Funds Prev Year FIXED ASSETS TanBible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Deposit account Shared Interest Account Cash at bank 1452 19,429 5,047 33,044 58.972 1.452 19.429 5.047 4L772 67.700 1,650 18,450 5,042 49,082 74,224 8,728 8,728 LIABiirriES Creditors: all amounts falling due in one year Total ussets less current Ilobllities 58,972 8,728 67,7 74,224 TOTAL NET ASSETS 58,972 8,728 67,700 74.224 REPRESENfED BY Unrestrlcted Funds Restritted Funds 58,972 54972 8.728 67,700 65,497 8,727 74,224 8.728 58.972 8.728 (Continues)
The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Central Exeter Notesto the Finanaal Staternents for the Year Ending 31 December 2024 and forming an Integral part of the statements. l Accounting policies Basls of financlal statements The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting stsndards and the current ststement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities {SORP 2005). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. (a) Funds The General Fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Designated are general funds set aside by the PCC for use in the future and remain u nrestricted. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for a specific purpose, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. (b) Incoming resources Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC a re accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement. the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by fundraising events are accounted for gross. Income received from use of PCC property is on a voluntary basis dependent on the ability to pay and therefore accounted for only when reived. (c) Resources expended Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. The Common Fund contribution is accounted for when paid. (Contlnues) 10
(d) Fixed Assets Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the accounts In accordance with s.10(2){a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church furnishings held by the Incumbent and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed In the church's inventory. For anything acquired prior to 2(KIO there is insufflcient information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Unrestricted Funds Restrltted Funds Totsl Funds INCOMING RESOURCES 21a) Voluntsry Income Tax efflcient planned giving Collection5 (open platel Recurring donations Non recurring donations Tax recoverable on planned & non recurring donations Recurring grants Other grants 8477 874 8,477 874 2,995 2995 4W3 2461 23255 3,461 23.225 42065 42.065 2(b) Actlvltles for Generating funds Fund-raising 2505 2,505 2,505 2505 21¢) Income from savln8S Interest from deposit account Interest from Shared Interest Acc 979 2{dl Income from church artlvltles Use of church buildings- local community Other Fees retained 15930 2386 270 15.930 1386 270 18586 18,586 2{e) Other IncomlnE resources Miscellaneous Total Incoming Resources 64,140 li
RESOURCES EXPENDED 3(a) Churth Activltles Mlssionary and charltable 8ivlng Overseas missionlaid Local charities UK & International charities 635 63S 1.290 470 470 2,395 Ministy.. DI0San parish share Clergy expenses Cost of services Church upkeep & maintenan Utllltles Administration Miscellaneuus Fumiture & fittings Depreclatlon 10757 10,757 6922 27690 12 525 7969 2407 6,922 27,690 12,525 7,969 2,407 70665 70,665 31b) Fund-ra151ng tradlng costs 31cl Govemance costs TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 70.665 The PCC does not employ any staff and has not made any payments to PCC members for remuneration. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSEf5 NIA un$tritted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds DEBTORS Tax recoverable Other debtors Prepayment5 and accrued Income 1,452 L452 1452 £452 UABIUTIES Payments held on trust for ch3fities Creditors Other creditors Accruals 12
REsfRicfED FUNDS Churches U keep Fund Fund Movements Total funds Balance at Istjanuary Incoming Resources Resources Expended Funds Transfer Balan at 315t December 8,728 8,728 8,728 8,728 Net assets of restrkted funds Tangible fixed assets Tax recoverable Accrued Income Deposlt account current account liabilltles (all wlthin one year) 8,728 8,728 8,728 8,728 9 Explanatlon of Restrlrted Funds The Churches Upkeep Fund is a restricted fund for donations and grants given to the Parish specifically for the upkeep of the churches for which the PCC is responsible and would include running costs and repair and maintenance. Approved by the PCC on Q o Zb and signed on its behalf by Sheila Swarbrick (Chairman) Sean Swarbrick (Treasurer) 13
DIOCESE OFEXETER Independent Examiner's Certificate forthe PCC Accounts THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN DEVON Report to the trustees of". Parochlal Church Council On accounts for the year ended.. Charity Number (if applicable): 1134851 Rèspeciive responsibilities The charivs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts Th8 of Iruslees and examlner tharity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under sedion 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Chaiities AGtI and Ihat an independent eMinatiOn is needed. 11 is my responsibility to= examine the accounts under sectlon 145 of the Charilies A¢ to fr>llow the prc¢edures taid down in Ihe general Oire¢tion$ gwen by tt Ch*rty CoMmiss¢n {under seth.on 14515)(b) of the Charities Act. and to state whether parti(yJlar matters have come to my attenton. Basis of independent My examination was carri8d out in accordance with general t)irections given by Ihe examinefs statement Charity Commission. An examination indudes a Teview of the accounting records kept by the chaiity and a comparison of the accounts presented wrth those records. It also inpjudes consideralion of any unusual items OT disclosures in the a(XInts, and seeking explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provKle 811 the evKlence that would be required in an audit. and consequ&nt]y no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf VEW and the report is limrted lo those matters set out in the statThnt below. Independent examinerfs In conneciion with my examination, no matter has conie to my attention (other than statement that disdosed below 1. which gives me reasonable eAuse to believe that wi. any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in awdance w.tth section 130 of the Charitses A¢ and to pr8par8 acccAJnls which accord wrth the accounting OrdS and comply with the aLtounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met or 2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding ot the accounts to be reached. . Please delete the words in the breckets rfthey do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Relevant professlonal qualifKation{s) or body (rf any): Address: