## **Annual Report 2022** St Giles’ combines the role of a parish church to a gathered congregation with that of a “city church”. The congregation is largely resident outside the parish (though many reside in the joint benefice) and consists of people who choose St Giles’ for worship because of its history, its music, and its distinctive qualities of its liturgical tradition and Christian witness. The mission of St Giles’ is threefold: 1. To provide a forum for worship for those who position themselves within the “central” or “broad” Anglican church tradition. 2. To act as a social and cultural centre for the community that surrounds it. 3. To fulfil the historic mission of St Giles, the Saint, caring for the homeless and travellers. ## **This report: an explanatory note** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Giles’ is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission, with the charity number of 1135246. PCC members effectively function as charity trustees. The function of the PCC is officially summarised as: “co-operation with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”.[1] This annual report, which covers the calendar year 2022 and will be submitted to the Charity Commission for publication, is concerned with the PCC’s direct activities and those under its purview. An accompanying report, covering other charities and trusts associated with St Giles’ Church (but not governed by its PCC) is also provided for parishioners. These charities and trusts comply with their own separate statutory requirements for reporting. ## **Administrative** Vicar / PCC Chair Revd. Daniel Walters The Vicarage, Church Walk, Oxford OX2 6LY vicar@StGilesStMargarets.org Bank: CAF Bank (Charities Aid Foundation) 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Independent Examiner: Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LE > 1 Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 1 ## **Electoral Roll and Church Attendance** There were 98 names on the Electoral Roll at the APCM on 22rd May 2022. ## **PCC Membership in 2022** Members of the PCC are either _ex officio_ or elected by the Annual Parish Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During 2022, the following served on PCC: ## **Clergy licensed to the benefice** Daniel Walters Stephen O’Connor (from July 2022) Anne Holmes ## **Licensed Lay Ministers** David Longrigg ## **Churchwardens** Paul Rutterford Joanne Russell (until May 2022) Mary Whitlock (from May 2022) ## **Deanery Synod Representatives:** Catherine Hilliard ## **Elected Lay Members** _Based on the size of our electoral roll, we are eligible for nine elected members. Three are elected each year, for a three year term._ Elected in 2020 _(these terms of office come to an end at the 2023 APCM):_ - Tim Myatt - Andrew Patterson - Mary Whitlock `o` Replaced by Andy Lewin in May 2022, when Mary was elected Churchwarden Elected in 2021 - Helen Fletcher - Nicholas Prozzillo - Andrew Sillett Elected in 2022 - Joe Hollies - Melanie Florence - Joanne Russell 2 ## **Non-voting church officers** _The following church officers are not PCC members (unless listed above in another capacity), but receive PCC correspondence and are invited to attend PCC meetings_ ex officio _as non-voting participants._ - Director of Music: Nicholas Prozzillo - Tower Captain: John Pusey - Organist: Andrew Patterson - Health and Safety Officer: Jim Smith - Safeguarding Officer: Lorraine Desai 3 ## **Review of the year** The activities during the year are reviewed in the following reports: |•|Churchwardens’ Report|pg. 5| |---|---|---| |•|PCC Report|pg. 8| |•|Safeguarding Report|pg. 10| |•|Health and Safety Report|pg. 11| |•|Choir and Music Report|pg. 12| |•|Deanery Synod Report|pg. 13| |•|Bellringing Report|pg. 14| |•|Project 900 Report|pg. 15| |•|Finance Report|pg. 18| Signed on behalf of the PCC ________________________________________ Revd Daniel Walters, Vicar 4 ## **Churchwardens’ Report** In July 2022 the Vicar and churchwardens attended the churchwarden visitation service at the Cathedral, at which churchwardens are officially appointed, so this report covers the period from July 2022 to December 2022 when I was in post. ## **Events** - In July we hosted the visit of the Inklings Society from America, the first for three years. - At the end of July an art exhibition was held in church – 'Everyday Saints and Other Stories': a very successful exhibition linked to other events in Oxford which brought many visitors to St Giles’. - The Patronal Festival Garden Party was held at the Vicarage on 4th September: many thanks to Daniel and Eva for hosting this event. - The church was open during St Giles' Fair on 5th and 6th September, as well as the 'Ride and Stride' and 'Open Doors' weekend of 10th and 11th September. On the latter, our young organists showcased their talents with a recital after the Sunday morning service. - Jazz concerts resumed in September and we are very grateful to David Clover and the Jazz Committee for their work in maintaining these concerts and the financial contribution they make to Project 900. - Zihan Wang gave a piano recital in December, a wonderful occasion with the money raised contributing to Project 900. ## **Fabric** Following a report to PCC regarding the plans for the kitchen extension/refurbishment and installation of a new WC, Richard Whitlock wrote the new Statements of Need and of Significance that were required by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), the architect finalised the plans and draft tender documents, and all the documentation was submitted to the DAC in July. The faculty was approved shortly before Christmas, allowing us to go out to tender. Basic maintenance work was undertaken to keep the building weathertight and equipment serviced as required. A roof leak over the kitchen was repaired, the church boiler serviced, fire-extinguishers checked and serviced, and all electrical equipment was PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tested. ## **Tidying/de-cluttering the church** Over the years all churches tend to accumulate 'stuff' that is unlikely to be used again. St. Giles’ is no exception and, as some people had commented, this had become a real issue that needed addressing, particularly as storage space within the church is limited. Also, the Project 900 work involves redecoration of the building removal of clutter is essential for that to be carried out. A meeting with the Vicar was held in church on 17th August to discuss in some detail what could be done and a start was made on the work, which included: - the removal of cardboard boxes, plastic bags, timber offcuts, sheets of plywood, large pieces of cloth, multiple display boards, old bricks, paper and fliers, etc., from under and around little-used pews and elsewhere throughout the church; - replacing the kneeler stands and hassocks in the pews and removing covid-related stickers on pews and floor; 5 - the return to St. Margaret's of a number of their chairs and Stations of the Cross; - clearing assorted items from the architecturally important early 13th-century blind arcading/niches along the north wall, returning the children's space and the pews to their pre-covid positions; - tidying certain spaces within the church to improve its appearance, especially the area around the font and in front of the vestry screen at the west end of the south aisle; - clearing the storage vault under the Lady Chapel floor; - clearing of various items stored behind and beside the organ, in preparation for the first phases of the Project 900 work. ## **Wall hung notice board** The main notice board in the south aisle, west of the font, was not in a prominent position and notices were difficult to see or access because of a large cupboard/altar located below it. The board was refurbished and relocated to the north wall where it is easily accessed. ## **Sanctuary** It isn't known when carpet was first laid over the Victorian tiling in the sanctuary, or why this was done, but the 1960s-style green bedroom carpet had become worn and very tatty; it was clearly not an appropriate floor covering for a Grade 1 listed building. An initial inspection of the tiling beneath the edges of the carpet revealed Victorian tiles which were much more in keeping with the building, as well as restoring part of the church's history. The tiles appeared to be in reasonably good condition although they needed to be cleaned and some small areas needed relaying. The PCC agreed that the carpet should be removed and advice sought on cleaning and relaying some of the tiles; this work is now being progressed. ## **Sideboard/altar/cupboard** This large piece of furniture, which was located against the south wall to the west of the font, has an interesting history. According to Catherine Barrington-Ward’s church guide it began life as a very large sideboard, salvaged from St. Martin's church on Carfax before the nave of that church was demolished in 1896. At some point the sideboard came into the ownership of a St. Giles' parishioner, Mrs. Macintosh. It was recycled during WW2, when timber was in short supply, part being converted to an altar designed by Sir Charles Nicholson for the Lady Chapel, and part providing a clergy desk and an altar rail. It was moved from the Lady Chapel in 1995 when the Chapel was re-ordered and subsequently converted to provide storage for church files. The cupboard's location against the south wall meant that it had to be moved away from the wall to access the files but, given its size and eight, this was difficult on the uneven floor of the south aisle. Because of its history and previous use it was considered that it should be kept in the church if a more suitable location could be found and the PCC agreed to its temporary relocation to the east end of the north aisle. (In 1271 this area is said to have been a chapel dedicated to St. Michael, and its use as a chapel is confirmed by the 13th-century piscina on the east wall.) Relocating the former altar to the north aisle has received many positive comments. ## **North aisle/piano** Following a report to the PCC consideration was given to relocating the piano from the east end of the north aisle to the south aisle. Because of the uneven floor at the east end of the 6 north aisle it had proved difficult to move the piano and some damage had been caused to the floor. Also, the tidying and other changes in the north aisle had suggested that a chapel/prayer station might be a more appropriate use, so the piano was moved to the south aisle before Christmas. This has improved the appearance and use of the north aisle and also means that it is now much easier to move the piano for concerts etc.. ## **Church cleaning** The work of tidying the church uncovered many years of dust and dirt. It became clear that the cleaning service employed by the church, with one person and limited time, had only been able to manage a basic clean of the kitchen and WC and vacuuming some floor surfaces. The build-up of clutter and the difficulty of accessing some parts of the church (such as window sills) also hindered thorough cleaning. Most parish churches don't have the benefit of a regular commercial cleaning service due to its cost, and cleaning is usually done by volunteer members of the congregation on pre-arranged cleaning days four or five times a year, often before church festivals. The PCC agreed to address the church cleaning needs through organising such days and asking for volunteers to assist. A cleaning day was held in December and we are grateful to the volunteers who took part. ## **South door access** The wooden ramp in the south porch had caused some trip hazards and PCC reviewed its suitability and that of the alternative portable, but heavy, metal ramp. It was agreed to look at alternatives and to investigate whether a ramp which fitted across the entire width of the porch step could be provided. Following some investigation, the PCC approved the construction of two further sections for the wooden ramp and the work is now in hand. ## **Finances** Following the resignation of the church's former treasurer the position has been very ably filled, on a temporary basis, by Joanne Russell. The churchwardens are very grateful to Joanne for all her work with the accounts over the past year, not least because, in the absence of a treasurer, the churchwardens are required to act in that capacity! However, Joanne has decided that she is no longer able to continue with this work so the PCC has been considering options to enable financial planning and monitoring of the church’s income and expenditure and are looking to engage a book-keeper who will work with a PCC Finance group. ## **Thank you** I would like to say thank you to all the volunteers who contribute to the life at St Giles’, including those who make the coffee and provide cake after Sunday services, operate the live-streaming, keep the churchyard neat, put out all the books that are needed for services, providing materials for the children who visit, welcoming visitors, intercessors and readers. All of this work requires time, commitment, and goodwill, and we are very grateful to all those who help us to continue to maintain and look after St Giles’. Thanks also go to all our choirs, soloists, instrumentalists and young organists who contribute to the services and give much enjoyment through their concerts and recitals _Paul Rutterford, Mary Whitlock, Churchwardens_ 7 ## **PCC Report** Since the last APCM, meetings of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) have been open to attendance by: - The ministerial team: Daniel Walters, Stephen O’Connor, Anne Holmes, David Longrigg. - The churchwardens: Mary Whitlock, Paul Rutterford. - Deanery Synod Representatives: Catherine Hilliard. - Elected Members of the Laity: Tim Myatt, Andrew Patterson, Helen Fletcher, Nicholas Prozzillo, Andrew Sillett, Joseph Hollies, Joanne Russell, Melanie Florence, Andrew Lewin. - Church Officers (not listed above): Lorraine Desai (Safeguarding Officer), Jim Smith (Health & Safety Officer), John Pusey (Tower Captain). In this period, the PCC has met eight times. Six of these were ordinary meetings (22nd June, 4th October, 30th November 2022, 25th January, 8th March, 3rd May 2023). In addition to these, there were two extraordinary meeting (22nd September 2022, 22nd January 2023). These meetings have always been quorate, and, when appropriate, non-members have been invited to advise the PCC on various issues. The PCC has also agreed that some decisions of a routine nature may be taken at short notice between meetings via email circulation. The PCC also undertook an Away Day on 10th July 2022. This meeting covered the areas of music, finance and Project 900 fundraising. The PCC reaffirmed its commitment at this meeting to the current direction of travel with regards to the music (both within and beyond the Academy CIO). It also reaffirmed its belief that making a success of Project 900 was vital to the church’s future. The Vicar instituted a new mode of governance for the PCC for this year. In previous years the PCC had convened a number of sub-committees to provide oversight of various areas (Finance, Buildings, Choir & Music, Jazz at St Giles’, Project 900). For 2022, Finance, Buildings and HR matters are now discussed at Standing Committee (whose existence is mandated in the Church Representation Rules) prior to PCC meetings, while other committees have continued. Individual church officers have the freedom to convene working groups to help them with their duties, but church officers themselves are accountable to the PCC. The Vicar created three ‘Planning Groups’ (widening participation beyond PCC members to interested members of the congregation). These were set up to facilitate discussion of the church’s direction of travel in the major areas of ‘Worship & Liturgy’, ‘Faith & Prayer’ and ‘Community & Social Action’. It was envisioned that these groups would have a crossbenefice aspect to them. Logistical difficulties have on occasion prevented some of these groups from meeting, but it is to be hoped that as things settle down in terms of staffing and resourcing within the benefice, these will be developed and extended further. In addition, in 2022 an HR working group was established, convened across the Benefice to bring order to the various employment practices which have grown organically over the years in the two churches. This group met on a number of occasions to produce a set of 8 recommendations. We look forward to seeing these discussed in due course in a full PCC meeting. In 2022, the PCC contributed to the appointment of a new Associate Priest, providing feedback to a revised parish profile, meeting the candidates and providing representatives on the shortlisting panel. _Revd Daniel Walters_ 9 ## **Safeguarding Report** The specific activities to which our safeguarding policy applies are: - The Girls' Choir - The Boys' Choir - Schola (the Choir for 15-19 year olds) - Bell ringing - Confirmation classes and Religious Instruction - Choir Tour and External events ## **Policies:** The Parish Safeguarding Policy was approved at the PCC meeting on 25th January 2023. The Safeguarding Action Plan was approved at the PCC meeting on 8th March 2023, (including a procedure for dealing with safeguarding concerns and allegations). ## **Training:** Lorraine Desai completed the Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction Training on 4th July 2022. Please note that all members of the congregation including those involved in the choirs are encouraged to complete the Basic Awareness Safeguarding Training available online (see link below). Members of the PCC and Church Officers are required by the Diocese to complete the Basic Awareness Safeguarding Training, Foundation Safeguarding Training and Safer recruitment and People Management Training, available on the Diocesan website - (oxford.anglican.org/safeguarding/safeguarding training/) and to refresh their training every 3 years. ## **Volunteers:** We currently have 16 DBS-checked volunteers for the three Choirs, and 2 for Bells (another bell ringer is currently applying for DBS clearance). Volunteers need to have a DBS check issued through St Giles. A new DBS administrator needs to be appointed as Jane Finnerty, our current administrator wants to step down. We thank her for her dedicated service over the last decade. Many thanks to all those who give their time to make sure that our children are safe. _Lorraine Desai. Safeguarding Officer_ 10 ## **Health and Safety Report** One damaged pew has been repaired and a new ramp for the main south door has just been installed - early days yet for any feedback on that. One item in the Accident book: one person slipped off the platform around the High Altar (some bruising), not clergy, the regular users. _Jim Smith, Health & Safety Officer_ 11 ## **Choir and Music Report** Much was achieved in 2022. Special mention should be made of the church’s Schola Cantorum that attracted several new singers. The academic year concluded with a splendid choir tour to Bergamo, an activity that attracted 86 people. During this tour, the combined choirs sang a concert and Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a Mass in another church, and a Mass in Brescia. There was a wonderful atmosphere and it was especially pleasing that several alumni joined the tour. Throughout 2022 cost-saving measures were in place. Mr Patterson continued to give his services for free; no external organists were brought in; there was no senior organ scholar; and the Choir Director frequently found himself covering both roles, in addition to undertaking all the chorister training. Dr Sillett is to be thanked for his efforts in teaching Latin to some of our choristers. Organ Studies at St Giles’ continue to develop. The St Giles’ Music Academy, an independent charity, now boasts 33 organists, many of whom are under the age of 18. Our Junior Organ Scholar, Mr Grønlie, has taken on a greater role at St Giles’. Other young organists are also heard on a weekly basis, learning the art of accompanying divine worship. St Giles’ is now in a position where an entire service can be accompanied by one or more organists under the age of 18. It was good that one of our young organists was able to accompany the choir on its recent tour to Bergamo. St Giles’ continues to support choral studies. Two of our Junior Choral Scholars took up positions at King’s College Cambridge, and Durham in September 2022. One long standing member of our choir was offered a conditional offer of a Choral Scholarship at Merton College Oxford for 2023. A church that is able to nurture the talents of its organ and choral scholars, under the supervision of senior musicians, is clearly a church that aims to nurture talent, providing a valuable service to the community. _Nicholas Prozzillo, Director of Music_ 12 ## **Deanery Synod Report** This has been the last year of the current triennium and elections for the next must be held before 31st May 2023. I have attended 2 out of the 3 scheduled meetings during this year. In September there was a joint meeting with Cowley Deanery held in St Mary and St John, Cowley Road. To start with, we were all encouraged to converse with somebody we didn’t know: a very good ice-breaker which led to interesting and lively discussion of the executive summary of the Oxford and Cowley Strategy Group for discerning community needs in the Oxford and Cowley deaneries, ascertaining the resources needed to meet those needs and identifying existing resources that may be shared. Various concerns were expressed, namely that many parishes are very parochial in the strict sense and are not very willing to engage in cross-parish initiatives, and also many interested individuals feel wary of involving themselves in activities which are perceived as needing professional experience and expertise. In November the Oxford Deanery met in St Michael and all Angels, Summertown. There was an interesting talk by Mia Smith, Chaplain of Hertford College on Keeping Advent and Christmas in busy times. Also the parish share was agreed as follows: _That the Deanery Share of £ 1,175,007 for the year 2023 be allocated to Parishes in accordance with the figures referred to in the attached paper._ For St Giles this means that last year’s share of £55,778 will rise by 3.42% to £57,688. I haven’t reproduced the figure here but I will be happy to answer questions after the APCM. _Catherine Hilliard, Deanery Synod Representative_ 13 ## **Bellringing Report** There does not seem to have been a report on St Giles’ Bellringing since one which referred to the ringing in calendar year 2019, and a lot has happened since then. Ringing was stopped completely for a time in 2020, and then allowed to restart only gradually and in limited ways, because of government measures to restrict the spread of Covid. During the period of restrictions, the St Giles’ band provided a valued weekly opportunity for a simulated form of change-ringing to be practiced on-line, by some members of our own and other bands. Ringing at St Giles’ has now largely recovered to its previous level, with bands of at least four ringers before the two main services on almost every Sunday, often with the help of one or two visitors from other local towers. However, because of the small number of advanced ringers usually available, most of the ringing before Sunday services has been at quite a simple level, and often, for most or all of each session, on less than all eight bells. Full peals: None in 2020 or 2021; two in 2022 Quarter peals: - 2020: 4 on tower bells, 6 on handbells (all of these except one on handbells were rung before Covid restrictions began in March 2020) - 2021: 10 on tower bells - 2022: 13 on tower bells; two on handbells (both downstairs in the church while it was open to the public during St Giles’ Fair) Most of the recent tower-bell quarter peals were rung on Sundays after morning service, at a time when many of the congregation were still within earshot, but when there was usually no conflict with other activities, providing opportunities for some of our own ringers to progress, and when it was usually possibly to obtain a few ringers from other towers to provide a strong enough band. Appropriate ringing on muffled and half-muffled bells took place in 2022 after the deaths of the Duke of Edinburgh and then of the late Queen Elizabeth. A number of new recruits appeared in 2022 (and more in early 2023, in response to a national campaign to recruit additional ringers to ‘Ring for the King’ at the time of his Coronation in May 2023). The presence of more learners gives us hope for progress in the future, and thanks are due to instructors primarily based at other towers who have helped us with the new learners on some practice nights. Thanks are due especially to our own Sara Jones, now aged 17, who has been extremely regular in attendance, has continued to make progress with her own ringing skills (mostly by visiting other towers to ring with other bands), has been active as an instructor both at St Giles and elsewhere, and has recently obtained a formal qualification as an instructor awarded by the Association of Ringing Teachers. Congratulations to her also for ringing her first full peal, on 21 August 2022, and for having conducted a quarter peal herself for the first 14 time, on 18 September 2022 - both of these having been on St Giles’ bells; and also for having been included in the band which represented the Oxford Diocesan Guild in the National Under-18’s Striking Contest in 2022 at Exeter (and is to be included again, this time as conductor, in 2023 at York). For some years, there has been some evidence of penetration by rainwater through the tower roof and into the bell chamber. The amount of water coming through seems to have become larger recently, and arrangements are being made for inspection and assessment of what preventive measures and repairs may be required. _John Pusey, Tower Captain_ 15 ## **Project 900 Report** ## **Background** The purpose of this paper is to provide an annual report to the St Giles’ Annual Parochial Church Meeting on the work of the Steering Group and the progress of the Project 900 (P900) fundraising campaign. ## **Project 900** As a reminder, the objectives of Project 900 are to raise funds in support of: - The repair of the vault, identified in the Quinquennial Review as urgent. - A new mechanical action pipe organ to replace the existing church organ that is beyond repair and unreliable and will support the various liturgical, musical and educational activities supported by the church; and - A range of enhancements and repairs to the church building and fabric, including: - Electrical works, - Refurbishment of kitchen and floor, - Construction of a second toilet with flower preparation area, - Redecoration of the church interior. ## **The Steering Group** The project is led by a steering group (P900SG) which reports to the St Giles’ Parochial Church Council (the PCC). In 2022, the Steering Group met ten times by Zoom. Membership during the year comprised David Clover, Jonathan Mitchell (who resigned in December), Nicholas Prozzillo, Andrew Sillett, Mary Whitlock and Veronica Warner, with Meg Peacock as Secretary. Revd. Anne Holmes joined the Group in November. ## **Update on P900 progress in 2022** It was possible to be much more active in 2022 than in the preceding two years and there was a busy programme of varied events including concerts with external performers, the Auction of Promises, Sunday performances of Bach Cantatas, the Midsummer Men’s Concert, an organ marathon launched by the High Sheriff Mark Beard, a Singalong Carol Concert and a solo recital by Zihan Wang. We are very grateful to the organisers of Jazz at St Giles’ for donating the profits from the autumn jazz concerts to Project 900. The Steering Group was able to report positively on activity and potential support at the PCC’s Away Day in July. However, it was noted that inflation was likely to affect the price of the new organ quoted by the preferred organ builder and so Nicholas Prozzillo undertook from his own resources to explore other options. ## **Major donors:** There have been some new introductions to Project 900 and so new activity is in hand to engage potential major supporters with the project. ## **Grants:** A grant of £4,000 was received from the William Dellafield Trust. Preparatory work continued for major applications but these are being held back until the Faculty for the organ and associated works is granted. 16 ## **Communications:** David Clover has continued to run the P900 website (sg900.org) and mailing list and to promote events via local media as well as handing ticket sales through Eventbrite. The Group would like to thank David for his creativity and expertise. ## **Project 900 finances** ## **1 Target** The total fundraising target was set at £642,000, of which £550,000 is earmarked for the organ, and £92,000 for the fabric and renovation works. It was recognised that these figures needed reviewing in the light of inflation and the Choir Director devoted a considerable amount of his own time and resource to assessing other potential organ builders. ## **2 Funds raised** The separate financial report details the funds received to date in support of P900 in 2022. Combining these with gifts and pledges previously made, we are able to report that £510,000 has been raised in total. Particularly of note is the very generous support made primarily by members of the congregation, the choir and their friends towards Sponsor a Pipe. We would like to renew our thanks to John Chelsom for his work in designing and overseeing this fundraising success. ## **Key progress in 2023** Although outside the remit of this report, it will be of interest to readers to know that proposals for a new organ builder were brought to the PCC at the beginning of 2023. These were accepted and a revised target price of £605,000 for the organ was agreed. This has enabled an application to be made to the Diocese for a faculty to take out the existing organ, repair the vault and instal the new organ. To have reached this point is enormous progress and thanks go to Mary Whitlock (assisted by Richard Whitlock) and Nicholas Prozzillo for their considerable efforts in completing this documentation. ## **Summary** Project 900 continues to be challenging; however, the Steering Group is heartened by the many signs of support for the project on the part of donors, performers and helpers in many guises. It is likely that work will start on the fabric very soon now that the faculty has been granted for that. After so many years of talking about the work to be done, it will be great to see the work actually being done. _Veronica Warner, Project 900 Steering Group Chair_ 17 ## **Financial Review** 2022 figures, attached, were finalised in Finance Co-ordinator by March and sent to Wenn Townsend in April. The delivery was not possible until April because of a missing RBS statement. The RBS bank account details were addressed to a previous treasurer. Many thanks to Catherine Hilliard, who, as a then still-registered signatory was able to lead the change of signatories and to obtain a replacement RBS statement. The finalisation of 2022 figures before handover includes the following jobs: - liaising with St Margaret’s over reimbursements for two of their staff members plus our contribution for the Associate Priest, - fully bank reconciling all banking sources within our accounts (CCLA 5 separate accounts, RBS, CAF Cash, CAF P900, CAF Organ, PayPal) - allocating payroll percentages for our staff members correctly between funds (nb, Andrew Sillett has pointed out that this needs to be reviewed in the case of one employee, Nicholas Prozzillo) - Obtaining cheque from VCWT, depositing this via CAF bank envelope. I would like to give thanks to an unsung hero of St Giles accounts – Jim Smith. Every month, Jim assiduously documents the cash collections, annotates the orange envelopes, empties the churn and wall safe, provides floats for events for which he then accounts the cash takings, keeps meticulous records of all deposits made into RBS. Without Jim doing this, the cash takings of St Giles would be in disarray. Two Gift Aid claims were made in April 2023: 2022 donations to Organ fundraising: (cdonations total £2,125) **Received 13/04/2023 £533.96** (Thanks to Nicholas Prozzillo for the information for this one). This is in P900 Organ Fund. 2021 Envelopes; 2022 Envelopes; Planned Giving Jul-Dec 22: (donations total £15,785.30) **Received 13/04/2023 £3980.90** This is in General Fund. Nb: Planned Giving Jan-Jul 2022 claims had been made and sums of 2,404.63 and £573.75 had already been received. This is in General Fund. Gift Aid claims still outstanding which need to be made: - 2019 onward Project 900 – Joanne to liaise with Nicholas Prozzillo about this - Choir Academy 2021 – expected worth of £1,400 in Gift Aid - Choir Academy 2022 - expected worth of £1562 2022 accounts are currently in preparation for presentation by Sophie Roberts, Accounts Associate, and Jane Bull, Director of Accounting, at Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants. Sophie and I have been worked hard over the past month on the following: - to establish the current state of historic debtors and creditors - to extinguish the suspense income fund Sophie is seeking to improve the accounting of St Margaret’s payroll within Finance Coordinator. I will meet with her about this once accounts are presented. 18 Sophie expects to have the accounts prepared in draft within the next fortnight. I will then meet with her and Jane to answer their further questions. Planned Giving in 2022 was down from £34,122 to £29,074 Choir Academy Fund 2022 included £4765 in donations and voluntary subscriptions and £1562 in projected Gift Aid. Autumn Jazz (JASG) – 5 concerts in Autumn 2022 raised £3480, a good profit in the faced of rising costs for sound and lighting. It is proposed that £480 of this is retained as contingency for 2023 concerts and £3000 can be used in whatever way is agreed by PCC. _Joanne Russell, Book-keeper_ 19 Re9iStered Charity 1135246 The Parochlal Church Councll of the EcclesSasU¢al Parish of St Giles, Oxford Annual Accounts forthe year ended 31st December 2022 Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants Oxford Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of The Ecclesiastical Parfsh of St Giles, Oxford I report to the trustees on my examination of the accoun15 of the above charity I'the Trusr) for the year ended 31st December 2022. Responsibilitles and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20221'lhe Act'i. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515){bl of the Act. Independent examlner's $tatement I have completed by examination. I confirm that no material matter5 have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any material Tespecl. the accounting records were not kept in a¢cordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities {Accounls and Reports) Regulabons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns ancs have come a¢ross no other matters In connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the ?￿Ounts to be reached. Andrew Rodzynskl FCA Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles Oxford OX13LE 2023 -r4bi O) ro> 7J ¢)) *t o) 4141 ID¢Nv* T5 (era o)* ¢Dco ￿￿ fL¥J -o