Serving the local community Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council Year ended 31 December 2020
Diocese of Winchester
(Photo by kind permission of Jeanette Edwards)
Incumbent: The Reverend Heather Leppard
Church Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 7DJ
Large print copies available on request
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PCC, 2020
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. In 2010 this PCC became an independent charity number 1136606
Membership of the PCC during the 12 months January-December 2020 was
Incumbent The Rev Heather Leppard (Chair)
Churchwardens & Vice Chairs Ian Kershaw until 18 October 2020
Tricia Renwick until 18 October 2020 Mark Holley from 18 October 2020 Robert Jackson from 18 October 2020 Representatives Joanna Jarrett-Kerr on Deanery Synod Penelope Potter until 18 October 2020 Paul Skinner Rebecca Aldridge from 18 October 2020 Elected members Rebecca Aldridge until 18 October 2020 Jeanette Edwards Debbie Filer (Secretary) Katharine Harding Mike Jackson Robert Jackson until 18 October 2020 Vena Jackson until 18 October 2020 Alan Jones Mike Leaming from 18 October 2020 Andree McLean Sue Smith from 18 October 2020 David Stevens Gary Taylor until 18 October 2020 Julia Wright (Treasurer) until 18 October 2020 & then co-opted Environmental/Ecological Representative Andy Molloy
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Bank:
The National Westminster Bank plc, 3 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Independent Examiner:
Mr Colin Bezant
3 Up Fallow, Lychpit, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8YW
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Governing Document
The Parochial Church Council is a charity established under the Parochial Church Powers Measure (1956) as amended and the Church Representation Rules. Its activities are to provide a ministry of presence and engagement with God through sacramental worship, mission and hospitality.
a) Methods Adopted for Recruitment and Appointment of New Members
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The new regulations now apply, as stated in the Annual Report 2012.
All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Members
The Churchwardens, Treasurer, PCC Secretary and Parish Administrator are offered formal training through the Diocese. Courses in general church governance are also held that are recommended to all PCC members and other in-house steps are taken to ensure PCC members understand fully their role and responsibilities on the Council.
c) Organisational Structure
In 2020 the PCC met in person in February and online via Zoom in June, August, October and November. All approvals were ratified by M29 Measure in line with the Church Representation Rules relating to Parish Governance.
d) Committees:
The following report to the PCC:
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di) During 2020 the Standing and Finance Committee met in person in January and March and online via Zoom in May (twice), July, August, September and November and comprised: Vicar - The Rev’d Heather Leppard, Churchwardens: Ian Kershaw, Tricia Renwick, (until October 2020), Mark Holley, Robert Jackson (from October 2020), PCC Secretary: Debbie Filer, PCC Treasurer: Julia Wright, PCC elected members: Andree McLean, Penny Potter (until October 2020).
dii) The Building Group (Fabric Group)
The Vicar, Mark Holley (from October 2020) , Mike Jackson, Robert Jackson, Ian Kershaw (until October 2020), Mike Leaming ( from October 2020) Tricia Renwick (until October 2020), David Stevens and Gary Taylor (until October 2020) comprise this group, which meets according to need to discuss matters concerning the Church Building and Fabric.
e) Risk Management
The major risks to which the Church is exposed relate to financial instability, fraud, failure to comply with legal obligations and commitments in relation to the church building.
The reserves in our General Fund are now at £50,157. The PCC is very conscious that the expenditure of the church continues to be greater than our income. We are fortunate to have additional reserves in designated funds that are able to help us in the short term, but we are actively looking at running a stewardship campaign to help us work towards a balanced budget. Income and expenditure is closely monitored and the use of the computerised accounting system assists in this.
The PCC ensures that any minor expenditure has to be approved by the Vicar and Churchwardens. Major expenditure has to be approved by the PCC. The Treasurer monitors payments requested and any cheques drawn require the approval of two signatories authorised by the PCC.
The PCC considers carefully its legal obligations and has policies in force to ensure they are met.
The Churchwardens and David Stevens, the PCC appointed Health and Safety Officer, monitor and manage fire and health and safety matters connected with the use of the church premises and report back to the PCC.
A Health and Safety Policy, a Lone Workers’ Policy, a Child Protection Policy and a Vulnerable Adult Policy are in place and updated annually.
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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Safeguarding at St Mary’s
The PCC is fully compliant with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding & Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults) The PCC has appointed Jeanette Edwards as the Safeguarding Officer with Safeguarding being a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. The PCC has a plan in place to raise awareness of, promote training and ensure that safeguarding is taken seriously by everyone in our church community.
The Parish is registered for the purposes of the Data Protection Act with the Administrator as the Data Controller. All information is held and used in a manner which complies with the General Data Protection Regulations. GDPR is a standing agenda item and PCC members, staff and volunteers are encouraged to complete and review training.
We are fortunate in having such a beautiful church building but this does impose considerable obligations. The condition of the building is monitored regularly by the Churchwardens and the PCC appointed architect. Reports of concerns are made to the PCC who determine what action should be taken and how any expenditure should be financed.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives
The chief role of the Parochial Church Council is, together with the Incumbent and clergy, to promote the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC represents parishioners and, on their behalf, considers and agrees appropriate action on matters relating to St Mary’s Church, its fabric, finances, daily life and future direction. The Incumbent is the Chair of the PCC and Mark Holley and Robert Jackson (Churchwardens) are joint Vice Chairs. The business of the PCC is conducted through discussion, review and liaison with other interested groups and individuals, any of whom may, in this way, raise concerns or topics for consideration.
The members of the Parochial Church Council of Old Basing and Lychpit follow the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” and have had regard to it in their work for and in the Parish. The Council Members believe that promoting the work of the Church of England in this Parish helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic,
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social and ecumenical) more effectively in the Parish as a whole and so provides a benefit to the public by:
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providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for all who wish to benefit from what the Church offers;
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promoting Christian values, and by service by members of the Church in and to their communities and for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Church Attendance
In 2020 there were 2 weddings; 27 funerals (7 in the Church and 20 at the Crematorium); 6 baptisms; no renewal of vows, wedding blessings or thanksgivings for the birth of a child;
There were 97 Christmas communicants.
ELECTORAL ROLL
On 31[st] December 2020 the Electoral Roll stood at 128 of whom 106 were resident in the Parish and 22 non-resident.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2020
What a year it has been! Few of us will forget 2020 quickly. Life at St Mary’s has been through many adaptations, but two things have given great comfort throughout this year: the steadfast love of God, and the callings, both new and established, that have brought people to serve the community of the church and the parish in a huge number of different ways.
January began with a joyful all age service for the Baptism of Christ, with renewal of baptism vows. ‘Find out Fridays’, the Christian club at St Mary’s Junior School, saw over 20 children continue to attend each week (until lockdown began). A team of four from St Mary’s Church shared in the leading the sessions, further strengthening our great links with the junior school. Strong links with the schools have continued through fortnightly acts of worship for the Junior School via video, as well as assemblies for the Infant School.
January also saw a new ‘Marriage Preparation Day’ held at St Mary’s with all eight couples due to be married in 2020 attending - lunch kindly provided by the Ploughman’s lunch team. It was a day of joy, reflection, excitement and laughter.
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February saw our first baptism preparation morning in the parish room with three families attending and exploring faith together. Refreshments and welcome were provided by our Baptism Preparation team. St Mary’s has a high number of occasional offices, and we hope to be able to build on our welcome for those approaching the church.
Welcome was one of the main themes to come out of our Parish Vision Day held in mid-February. The day saw over twenty members of the congregation gather, along with Phil Dykes, Church Growth Missioner for Winchester Diocese, who facilitated a rich discussion. The themes that emerged from these, alongside ‘Welcome’, were ‘Journeying Together’, ‘Sanctuary and Spirituality’, and ‘Serving the Parish’. The aim is to create a new Mission Action Plan for the parish to build on the strong base we already have, and see us grow as a community over the coming years.
Around this time a new book group was formed. Early meetings were held in The Crown, before moving online. It has been an important time of fellowship and lively discussion at its monthly meetings throughout the year, and has gone from strength to strength.
As we moved into March the church saw the completion of a large and successful building project. Thanks go to all those who enabled this to take place, from the Church Wardens and building group who planned and oversaw the project, to all who contributed financially, including the Friends of St Mary’s, ensuring a building that is fit for the future of the church.
The building works were completed, providentially, just before the worsening pandemic forced the closure of all churches (and most of society). ‘Worship at Home’ sheets were produced for people to use in their own homes on a Sunday, and the services moved online, beginning on Mothering Sunday. Expertise in the arcane mysteries of video streaming has been built up over the ensuing year, moving from the slightly ‘home-spun’ services of March to the slick, multi-media presentation of online worship now. It has been so good to see the sacramental life of the church continuing. In common with most churches there have been a few ‘bloopers’ along the way, mostly involving the Vicarage children; but more importantly it has been wonderful to be able to include readings and intercessions from members of the worshipping community. It has also been wonderful to have sermons from Helen Holley, who completed the Bishop’s Permission to Preach course last year. We were delighted to hear at the end of 2020 that she has been accepted for training to Licensed Lay Ministry.
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During April the first service from the Vicarage garden was held (in bright sunshine) for Easter Sunday. As it became apparent that ‘lockdown’ would last for some time, the church stepped up to help the community, working with Basingstoke Voluntary Action and the Coop to be a local hub for food and prescription collection for those unable to leave their homes. We also began a weekly email bulletin which has proved a great way to keep in touch.
The Foodbank collection point was moved from the church to the Vicarage; donations have increased significantly, testament to the church and community’s desire to help in these difficult times. The Church also remains committed to promoting charitable giving through its charity of the month. Fundraising has had to be more creative than ever this year – it was great fun to join together online from our gardens for the Christian Aid camp out in May. Likewise our Flower Festival couldn’t take place but we are grateful to those who organized the sale of plants, which raised vital funds for the church. The introduction of a new card payment machine in church was complemented by a new ‘donate’ button throughout our online presence, providing a much-needed update to the ways in which people can give to St Mary’s.
New opportunities opened up around morning prayer, with online services benefitting those who had previously been unable to attend in person. From this a new team came together to share in the leading of the daily service, and it has been a great joy to witness this growth of the church’s praying life. The church was also able to open again for private prayer, taking appropriate precautions and providing extra cleaning; another new team formed to enable this. St Mary’s wonderful flower arrangers continued to beautify the church for all those who came by bringing in displays prepared at home.
It was a great relief to be able to resume services in church at the beginning of September, with services continuing to be provided online for those unable to come to church. A newly formed Tech Team made this possible. We still have challenges with intermittent internet which we will be working on in 2021.
Harvest this year was between lockdowns and the Messy Church team brought together a splendid ‘Messy Harvest’, making full use of the natural bounty of the churchyard. It was also a delight to welcome the children from Old Basing Village Nursery School back to the church for a Harvest activity morning.
Later in October the delayed Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meetings took place with new churchwardens and new members of the PCC elected. We thanked
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Tricia Renwick and Ian Kershaw for all that they have done over the past many years, and hope that they enjoy their retirements (but not too quietly). We also took the opportunity to thank Hilary May-Miller for her work as Electoral Roll Officer, and Penny Potter for the many years that she served as lead Sacristan; a role that Katharine Harding has now taken on. It was a pleasure to welcome Robert Jackson and Mark Holley to serve as churchwardens.
November’s ‘season of remembrance’ saw a stone cross formed by the lobby with names of loved ones. Our All Souls service was able to take place in church and online – with candles and orders of service sent out in advance to those joining from home. Remembrance Sunday was carefully planned with the Royal British Legion and livestreamed from the War Memorial. We invited the Uniformed Organisations, and Old Basing Infant School, to be involved this year by decorating stones with poppies which they brought to the War Memorial through the week. Also outdoors was our Christmas Tree festival which proved a great success, blessed by fine weather and a warm atmosphere.
Christmas looked rather different to usual, but the church was able to hold additional services to enable everyone who wanted to attend to do so. In church, we held our Community Carol Service (this year including more organ pieces and less singing), Blue Christmas, and midnight and Christmas morning services. Most novel was our Christingle in a bag which enabled families to join in an online Christingle service from their own homes. It was a really beautiful service and the messages of thanks were lovely to read.
We continue to pray for those who have been most deeply affected by the events of 2020 as we also continue to hope and pray for a return to something like normal. We thank God for the calling placed upon us to welcome people in Christ’s name, to journey together, to serve, and to provide sanctuary. It is impossible in this report to thank everyone individually who has contributed to make this vision possible, but the vitality and resilience shown by the people and the community of St Mary’s, Old Basing and Lychpit has been a source of immense inspiration and encouragement throughout the year. Thank you all, and thanks be to God.
Reverend Heather Leppard March 2021
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Examiners Report to the PCC of St Mary’s Parish Church, Old Basing & Lychpit
This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2020 which are set out hereafter, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations and the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
Respective Responsibilities of Trustee and Examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirements of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) do not apply.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. That examination includes a review of the accounting record kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those accounting records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion of the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:
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Which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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To keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
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To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met or;
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To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Colin Bezant March 2021
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PCC HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2020
Firstly, I’d like to thank you for reading this.
I’m very appreciative of everyone who pays regularly, whether through the Parish Giving Scheme, Standing Orders, cheques, cash or online. This regular income has been the lifeline of the church.
As you are well aware, 2020 has been a tough year for many people and businesses and your church is no exception. We have seen our church closed for long periods, weddings cancelled, the parish room closed and the summer fete cancelled. However, during this time we have still had bills to pay. This is not just bills for the major church repairs. The church still needs to pay for insurance, the common mission fund, salaries, gas and electricity standing charges, water rates …… you get the picture. In fact, although the church has been closed, most of our usual expenses are fixed. Plus we have had additional expenses to stream our services online, hold meetings online and purchase additional cleaning products.
So, how has this impacted our church?
Overall expenses exceeded income by £69,876. Of this £45,636 is due to the cost of building repair works and £24,240 is from general day to day expenses.
Whilst 2020 was an exceptional year, this does follow a period of years when income received has not met our general expenditure. The budget for 2021 is predicting a loss in the region of £25,000 if income is not increased. If this situation of income not meeting expenses is not rectified, the funds of the church will be depleted. I would encourage regular givers to increase their generosity if possible. The PCC are also looking at ways to increase income in the long term.
It costs at least £70,000 to put an ordained minister in a Parish. Our contribution to the Common Mission Fund covers this and contributes to central Diocesan costs that include the training of future clergy, funding for curates, safeguarding and support to church schools.
Julia Wright February 2021
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PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit
Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Prior year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | funds | total funds | |
| Incoming resources | ||||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||||
| Voluntary income | 75,095 | — | — | — | 75,095 | 157,584 |
| Activities for generating funds | 1,835 | — | — | — | 1,835 | 6,918 |
| Investment income | 628 | — | — | — | 628 | 1,812 |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 8,866 | — | — | — | 8,866 | 15,917 |
| Total incoming resources | 86,427 | — | — | — | 86,427 | 182,233 |
| Resources used | ||||||
| Cost of generating funds | ||||||
| Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other costs | 150 | — | 393 | — | 544 | 210 |
| Charitable activities | 91,359 | — | 61,115 | — | 152,474 | 214,426 |
| Other resources used | 3,283 | — | — | — | 3,283 | 3,283 |
| Total resources used | 94,794 | — | 61,509 | — | 156,303 | 217,921 |
| Net income / (expenditure) | (8,367) | — | (61,509) | — | (69,876) | (35,688) |
| Transfers | ||||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | — | 32 | 434 | — | 466 | 531 |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (466) | — | — | — | (466) | (531) |
| Net income / (expenditure) | (8,834) | 32 | (61,075) | — | (69,876) | (35,688) |
| Other recognised gains / losses | ||||||
| Gains / losses on investment assets | — | — | 1,010 | — | 1,010 | 6,738 |
| Net movement in funds | (8,834) | 32 | (60,064) | — | (68,865) | (28,949) |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 58,991 | 7,802 | 227,890 | — | 294,684 | 323,633 |
| Total funds carried forward | 50,157 | 7,835 | 167,826 | — | 225,818 | 294,684 |
| Represented by | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| General fund | 50,157 | — | — | — | 50,157 | 58,991 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Children's Corner | — | 58 | — | — | 58 | 58 |
| Ploughmans' Lunch | — | 7,508 | — | — | 7,508 | 7,477 |
| Surplices for Choir | — | 267 | — | — | 267 | 266 |
| Restricted | ||||||
| Agency collection | — | — | 482 | — | 482 | 482 |
| Dorothy Iris Silver | — | — | 80,925 | — | 80,925 | 96,032 |
| Dunbar Fund for Restoration & Preservation | — | — | 23,481 | — | 23,481 | 69,059 |
| Hoare Gift Account | — | — | 1,029 | — | 1,029 | 1,025 |
| Investment Bond - Warden and Vicar Discretion | — | — | 60,617 | — | 60,617 | 59,698 |
| Kemp Legacy Fund | — | — | 1,290 | — | 1,290 | 1,198 |
| Special Projects Fund 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 393 |
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PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit
Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2020
| As at 31/12/2020 As at 31/12/2019 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 9,851 13,135 Investments 61,907 60,897 71,759 74,032 Current assets Debtors 2,600 6,910 Cash at bank and in hand 158,755 257,195 161,356 264,105 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6,596 38,405 Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year 700 700 Net current assets less current liabilities 154,059 224,999 Total assets less current liabilities 225,818 299,032 |
As at 31/12/2020 As at 31/12/2019 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 9,851 13,135 Investments 61,907 60,897 71,759 74,032 Current assets Debtors 2,600 6,910 Cash at bank and in hand 158,755 257,195 161,356 264,105 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6,596 38,405 Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year 700 700 Net current assets less current liabilities 154,059 224,999 Total assets less current liabilities 225,818 299,032 |
As at 31/12/2020 As at 31/12/2019 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 9,851 13,135 Investments 61,907 60,897 71,759 74,032 Current assets Debtors 2,600 6,910 Cash at bank and in hand 158,755 257,195 161,356 264,105 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6,596 38,405 Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year 700 700 Net current assets less current liabilities 154,059 224,999 Total assets less current liabilities 225,818 299,032 |
As at 31/12/2020 As at 31/12/2019 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 9,851 13,135 Investments 61,907 60,897 71,759 74,032 Current assets Debtors 2,600 6,910 Cash at bank and in hand 158,755 257,195 161,356 264,105 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6,596 38,405 Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year 700 700 Net current assets less current liabilities 154,059 224,999 Total assets less current liabilities 225,818 299,032 |
As at 31/12/2020 As at 31/12/2019 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 9,851 13,135 Investments 61,907 60,897 71,759 74,032 Current assets Debtors 2,600 6,910 Cash at bank and in hand 158,755 257,195 161,356 264,105 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6,596 38,405 Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year 700 700 Net current assets less current liabilities 154,059 224,999 Total assets less current liabilities 225,818 299,032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Tangible assets | 13,135 | |||
| Investments | 60,897 | |||
| 74,032 | ||||
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 6,910 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 257,195 | |||
| 264,105 | ||||
| Liabilities | ||||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year | 38,405 | |||
| Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year | 700 | |||
| Net current assets less current liabilities |
224,999 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities |
299,032 | |||
| Liabilities | -- 225,818 50,517 58 --- 7,508 267 --- 80,925 1,290 -- 60,617 -- 23,481 482 1,029 225,818 |
|||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year | 4,348 | |||
| Total net assets less liabilities |
294,684 | |||
| Represented by | ||||
| Unrestricted | ||||
| Unrestricted - General fund | 58,991 | |||
| Designated | ||||
| Designated – Children’s Corner | 58 | |||
| Designated – Friends of St Mary’s Building Donation | -- | |||
| Designated – Ploughman’s Lunch | 7,477 | |||
| Designated – Surplices for Choir | 266 | |||
| Designated – Village Café Collections | -- | |||
| Restricted | ||||
| Restricted - Dorothy Iris Silver | 96,032 | |||
| Restricted - Kemp Legacy Fund | 1,198 | |||
| Restricted - Monica Peer Fund for Church Restoration | -- | |||
| Restricted - Investment Bond - Warden and Vicar Discretion | 59,698 | |||
| Restricted - Special Projects Fund 1 | 393 | |||
| Restricted - Dunbar Fund for Restoration & Preservation | 69,059 | |||
| Restricted - Agency Collection | 482 | |||
| Restricted - Hoare Gift Account | 1,025 | |||
| Funds of the church | 294,684 |
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown.
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The accounts are a summary of the Financial Statements which have been reviewed by the Independent Examiner. A copy of the full financial statements, including relevant notes to the accounts, is available from the Administrator, Debbie Filer.
Churchwardens’ Report on The Fabric of St. Mary’s Church 2020
At the beginning of 2020 works of repair were continuing on the building following the last Quinquennial Report. These were completed in February 2020. While scaffolding was erected in front of the East Window impact damage was noted to a small number of the pieces of glass. However, due to the pandemic nothing further was done on this and this will be taken forward in 2021.
The Aumbry door became stuck shut in November 2020. It was subsequently found that water had leaked in and caused some corrosion of the door. This was oiled and new moisture absorbing trays were placed. The internal curtains were washed and base fabric insert replaced due to some water damage.
Terrier & Inventory Report
There have been no additions to or items removed from the inventory this year.
Mark Holley- Churchwarden March 2021
Report on the Churchyard
Limited work could be carried out on the churchyard in 2020-2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions. The PIOCC team have been able to do some routine maintenance in their area and lay some metal sheets to conduct a slow worm survey.
On 26[th] December 2020 a Yew tree in the north east corner (near the bins) sustained some wind damage. A large branch fell from the main stem onto the compost stack, neighbours’ fence and the Granary roof. David Stevens, very kindly, has been in discussions with the neighbour regarding replacing a few damaged tiles on the Granary. It has been suggested that the remaining tree be removed, and applications have been made along these lines.
There was a problem with overflow of the bins in the “closed” churchyard which can be accessed from the lower part of Church Lane. The grey and green bins were both full and there was overflow all around the area. This has been cleaned up and just the grey bin will be returned (as people were not using the green for recycling), this will
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be emptied once a month. An enquiry was made as to if a permanent council black round bin could be placed but this was declined.
REPORT FROM THE BASINGTOKE DEANERY SYNOD, 2020
The first Deanery Synod meeting of 2020 was held at Christ Church Chineham in February. After our worship led by the incumbent Jonathan Clark, the Lay Chair, Philip Hiorns, outlined the plans for forthcoming meetings. As this was the final year of the triennium, new members would be elected for the new three-year term at APCMs in April. The term officially ended on 30th June, so the meeting scheduled for 12th May was open to existing members and it was planned to hold an introductory meeting on 1st July. Of course, things didn’t turn out like this!
The main business of the meeting was to receive two presentations. The first of these was from Luke Maundrell, Stewardship & Resources Officer for the Diocese. Luke showed a video explaining how the Common Mission Fund pays for the £13million that it takes to run the Diocese of Winchester annually. He talked about Stewardship and the motivation behind giving of time, talents and money. Looking at figures for monetary giving, the average weekly amount per person was £14.10 for Winchester, compared with £16.05 for The Diocese of Sheffield. For Basingstoke Deanery the figure was £15.82 and he suggested a target of £17. Looking at encouraging giving, mention was made of ‘digital giving’ including card readers, tap-to-donate devices and online donations, all of which we now have. In closing, he told us to look out for Generous June, which was an initiative in partnership with The Diocese of Sheffield.
The second presentation was from Phil Dykes, Church Growth Missioner, on the Bishop’s Commission for Mission - BCM. The aim of BCM is to equip ordinary people to find their calling. Each course, or stream, runs as six evening sessions, sandwiched by an opening day and a closing morning, so is finished in a term. Current streams are Pastoral, Worship, Evangelism, Growing Faith, Children, Youth & Families, Pioneering and Prayer Champions. Planned streams are Serving Schools, Creation Care and Chaplaincy, with more to come. Mention was also made of the Bishop’s Permission to Preach (BPP) programme, which is a year-long academic and practical course enabling lay people to preach.
Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, meetings of the Deanery Synod were suspended. With the delay to APCMs, new lay members were not elected until the Autumn and a meeting was then held on Zoom in earlyNovember. This meeting consisted in large part of elections to posts and an introduction for the benefit of those new to Deanery Synod. Richard Harlow, Area Dean, gave an outline of the deanery. Philip Hiorns, having been re-elected as Lay
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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Chair, outlined some of the challenges and opportunities lying ahead. Covid remained the immediate challenge, with some parishes having suffered big drops in income (e.g. from hall rentals) but there were huge variations. There were also concerns about some congregation members becoming disengaged. Opportunities had been taken, and continued to be developed, to increase online presence and give practical help to parishioners. With a squeeze on resources, the diocese was stretched, particularly with clergy numbers. Although the geographical area covered by the deanery is considered affluent, there remain areas of deprivation, especially parts of Basingstoke. It is a challenge to reach those areas, the new housing developments and youth. Parishes will continue to be a primary focus of mission, but across the deanery there will be some things we can do more effectively working together. Some changes are coming. It is proposed that St. Michael’s, Basingstoke, be made a ‘Resource Church’. There are plans for deanery links to overseas provinces, with the proposal that Basingstoke and Bournemouth Deaneries join together in linking with Chile.
Please speak to any of three lay representatives on the Deanery Synod or Revd. Heather if you wish to know more about any of these matters.
Rebecca Aldridge, Jo Jarrett-Kerr, Paul Skinner
February 2021
ANNUAL REPORT
Approved by the PCC on 18[th] March 2021 Signed by the Chair, The Reverend Heather Leppard
18[th] March 2021
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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