Serving the local community Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council Year ended 31 December 2022
Diocese of Winchester
(Photo by kind permission of Michael Wright)
Incumbent: The Reverend Heather Leppard/The Reverend Jo Mulliner
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, 2022
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 2022 was
Incumbent The Rev Heather Leppard (Chair) until 14 August 2022) The Rev Jo Mulliner (Chair) from 22 November 2022)
Churchwardens & Vice Chairs Mark Holley Robert Jackson Representatives Joanna Jarrett-Kerr on Deanery Synod Paul Skinner Rebecca Aldridge
Elected members Jeanette Edwards Debbie Filer (Secretary) Katharine Harding (until 6 March 2022) Mike Jackson (until 6 March 2022) Janet Jackson Alan Jones Mike Leaming Andree McLean Sue Smith David Stevens Julia Wright (Treasurer) Co-Opted member Nicky Jackson (from 17 November 2022)
Bank:
The National Westminster Bank plc, 3 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Independent Examiner:
Mr Colin Bezant
3 Up Fallow, Lychpit, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8YW
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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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 2022 the PCC met in February, March, May, July, September and November. These meetings were in person with some members joining via Zoom if unable to attend upon occasion.
d) Committees:
The following report to the PCC:
di) During 2022 the Standing and Finance Committee met in person in January, March, May, July, September and November and comprised:
Vicar - The Rev’d Heather Leppard (January, March, May & July) , Churchwardens: Mark Holley, Robert Jackson, ), PCC Secretary: Debbie Filer, PCC Treasurer: Julia Wright, PCC elected member: Andree McLean.
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dii) The Building Group (Fabric Group)
The Vicar, Mark Holley, Robert Jackson, Mike Leaming and David Stevens (coopted) comprise this group, which meets according to need to discuss matters concerning the Church Building and Fabric.
This year they met to assess the Quinquennial Report prepared by the then Church Architect, Sarah Harlow of Seymour and Bainbridge Architects. This practice ceased trading in May and the group was involved in the interview process for the new Church Architect who was appointed in September. This is Libby Watts of Liberty Rose Architects.
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 £64,709 which is an increase of over £6,300 in 2022. However, when you take the total funds into account, reserves have decreased by £9,421.
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 and restricted funds that are available to help us in the short term. The objective of the PCC is still for all day to day expenses to be covered by the General Fund in the long term and the Generous July campaign in 2021 helped to increase our regular income. 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 payments made require the approval of two signatories authorised by the PCC. All expenditure is assigned to a cost code and budgets are set and agreed for each of these. These budgets are regularly monitored.
The PCC considers carefully its legal obligations and has policies in force to ensure they are met.
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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 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, 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 2022 there were 5 weddings; 23 funerals (11 in the Church, 11 at the Crematorium and 1 at the Graveside); 16 baptisms; and 1 renewal of marriage vows. There were 116 Christmas communicants.
ELECTORAL ROLL
On 31[st] December 2022 the Electoral Roll stood at 124 of whom 105 were resident in the Parish and 19 non-resident.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022
2022 has been a busy year for St Mary’s, made the more ‘interesting’ by a vacancy.
The year started with repairs being undertaken to the East Window which had been the subject of ‘impact damage’. Now restored, we have this to remind us of our faith when we are in church.
A potential rise in Covid-19 cases, did not stop us having our Annual Parochial Church Meeting in early March, when a new Parochial Church Council was elected. This was a somewhat muted affair due to the potential restrictions.
For these reasons, Lent was also restrained. However, there were the full set of services to mark the season, but with the Rev’d Heather unwell we must thank those who stepped into the breach.
Just after Easter Rev’d Heather announced that she had been appointed as Anglican Chaplain to Oxford Brookes University, meaning that she would be leaving us in the summer.
Her final three months with us were busy with a range of events, including the wonderful Flower Festival and Open Gardens. We must thank everyone who put in so much hard work.
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In late July we wished Rev’d Heather, Dominic and the children all the best for their future.
We were fortunately able to advertise for a new incumbent more or less immediately, and we should thank all those who were involved in pulling together the Parish Profile, the advertisement and then involved over the two days of the interview.
We would like to place on record our thanks to all who helped in the vacancy, to the clergy, particularly to Very Rev’d John Morley and Rev Ken Batt who led the majority of the services. We were also blessed to have visits from Bishop David and Archdeacon Richard. Thanks must also be recorded to Debbie, our Parish Administrator, whose tasks increased significantly during this period.
In November, we welcomed Rev’d Jo Mulliner as our new Vicar. She has already settled into the vicarage with her mother, Cindy, and has led a full Advent and Christmas season for us. May your time with us be blessed.
It would not be right to look back at the year without looking at the church finances. Matters had improved significantly due to the generosity of our worshippers, but geopolitical events, -have put our finances under strain, like everyone’s, due to the rising cost of fuel. This is unsustainable, and therefore the PCC will be looking at ways in which we can, hopefully, reduce our month-on-month outlay, but this may involve significant capital expenditure.
Can we thank everyone who plays a part in the life of St Mary’s. This may be the big things, such as Julia who is stepping down as our Treasurer after 9 years, or it may be in the countless unseen ways. All are important as we seek to grow together.
Robert and Mark - Churchwardens
Safeguarding at St Mary’s 2022
St Mary’s PCC has adopted the Church of England’s Safeguarding policy, Promoting a Safer Church. It 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). No Serious Incident occurred during the year that should have been reported to the Charity Commissioners. The PCC has appointed Jeanette Edwards as the Parish Safeguarding Officer with Safeguarding being a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. Details
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of how to contact the Parish and Diocese Safeguarding Officers and the Vicar, are on display in the church.
Risk Assessments have focussed on keeping people safe when visiting the church and the church buildings.
All staff and volunteers have role descriptions (48 roles) in place and are recruited according to the House of Bishops Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance and appropriate training is completed following Church of England guidance. 95% of training is up to date. All Disclosure and Barring checks have been carried out online with those valid for 5 years now starting to be renewed after 3 years in line with latest requirements.
The new electronic Safeguarding Dashboard is completed to Level 3.
2022 Festivals
During June the successful Flower Festival was held which included an Art Exhibition, Open Gardens and a Preview Evening for an opportunity to preview the Festival and to buy art whilst listening to Jo Jarrett-Kerr playing the organ and a performance of Durante's Magnificat by The BSC Chorale. 27 sponsored Floral Arrangements filled the church with scent whilst displays, won by the Old Basing Rainbows and Brownies (Portraits of Ones Self) surrounded St Mary’s alongside a variety of stalls and Children’s Activities. An interactive Nature Trail was created within the Conservation Area, Men’s Breakfast provided a BBQ with refreshments and cream teas were also available.
In December we held the ‘12 Day’s of Christmas’ Tree Festival and an enjoyable Christmas Sing-A-Long played by Paul Wright and compared by Jo Jarrett-Kerr. 27 trees lit up St Mary’s throughout Christmas until Epiphany with the Rainbows and Brownies plus The WI being voted as favourites. The Fayre was extended to both days over the weekend and Men’s Breakfast supplied hot food over both days which was warmly welcomed.
During both festivals the School Choirs and RBL Band of Corps entertained during the afternoon. Besides raising almost £7000 in funds these events were an opportunity for outreach and fellowship with the parish. The PCC is very grateful to parishioners for their support at both well attended events. It was lovely seeing the children and adults from the local community and beyond enjoying themselves in and around our church.
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Preparations for future events are already underway including The Summer Festival for June with the annual Christmas Tree Festival in December.
Jeanette Edwards
Children & Youth
Children and families activities have continued to be undertaken however uptake of the Sunday services has been limited since the lifting/reduction of COVID restrictions. In order to ensure a continuity of care for this group, Junior Church has been prepared each week using the Roots resources, allowing St Mary’s to provide worship based on the scripture, being read in Church at the same time, as well as providing curiosity and follow on activities for use through the week at home.
During Lent children of late Primary/early Secondary School age (10+) were invited to attend a ‘Pilots’ afternoon with craft activities based on the Stations of the Cross and pizza treats at the end. It was lovely to see some children that are familiar with the Church, but who don’t regularly attend on a Sunday, join the activities. The plan had been for this age group to be invited to decorate a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival but unfortunately due to the loss of our dear friend Caroline and limited Children’s leaders availability ahead of the Festival this activity was not subsequently advertised.
Following on from the ‘take home’ activity bags launched during COVID, during Lent in 2023 families will again be given the opportunity to undertake a selection of activities focusing on Lent themes and Holy Week activities, it is planned to run alongside and work in union with the reinvigoration of the Messy Church, starting with a Holy Week focus.
A Summer Festival celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee offered families and children opportunities to take part in the activities during the weekend and produce displays for the whole community to enjoy.
Sadly Rev’d Heather left St Mary’s during the summer and we returned to vacancy. During this time Rev’d John Morley kindly supported St Mary’s as a consistent caretaker and encouraged family attendance through several services including the Bag Blessing service, Harvest and rememberance.
Helen Holley took up the reins of Diddy Disciples, on a Friday morning for children aged 0-4 with their grown ups. The services continued in the format of beginning with the lighting of candles and singing of songs and celebrating Jesus’ presence with
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us. We then hear a Bible Story, which is followed by craft, play and refreshments time. Afterwards we come back together for prayers and closing songs.
Fortunately, St Mary’s was blessed with the early filling of the vacancy with our new minister Rev’d Jo Mulliner joining us at Advent. Under her guidance and inclusive approach we are currently considering how best St Mary’s can encourage and establish a more regular family and children’s attendance at our Church. So as 2023 commences we look forward in hope and with some change. Sadly we are suspending both Junior Church and Diddy Disciples due to the lack of attendance. Junior Church will run until Easter after which members that have continue to attend Church will be provided each week with Roots resources to encourage them to continue to be curious about their faith and expand further meaning into the readings that they will hear during the church service in a format appropriate to their age and understanding.
We will of course be reinvigorating Messy Church during Lent/Easter and have several other activities planned throughout the year to endeavour to reach out to those in our community to enlighten and encourage to join us in our Christian journey.
Andrée McLean Children and Families Leader
St. Mary’s Choir
I think the highlight of the year was the Carol Service where the Choir performed, very well, several items that, unknown to me, were in the programme from Kings College, Cambridge.
A big thank you to Paul Wright and by extension, Marilyn, without whom we couldn’t do nearly so well. Also to the members of the Choir who continue to support music in the Church as often as they can and to Myrna who keeps me in order. I am very grateful to them all.
Jo Jarrett-Kerr Choir Director
Flower Arranging Team
We currently have 16 volunteers on the Flower Arrangers Rota. This year we have one member of the team standing down and one new recruit. We are awaiting response from an advert for new volunteers in the Parish Magazine.
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Every two weeks 4 Arrangements are placed within the Church, but at Christmas, Easter and Harvest this number is increased to 8 arrangements.
Throughout the year one arranger will do up to 7 arrangements and we may claim £20 per arrangement from the Church although I believe many do not claim funds.
This year we hope to use as little floral foam as possible within guidelines set out by most professional florists and floristry institutions such as the RHS.
Two Duty Organisers oversee the care of the arrangements over approximately three months, and informal coffee mornings are held throughout the year.
Our Annual General Meeting is held in November.
Lorna Guthrie
St Mary’s House Groups
At present there is one active house group meeting regularly and that is the PILGRIM group. We take our name from the Church of England Pilgrim Course for the Christian Journey written by Stephen Cottrell et al. and run by Fr Alec a few years ago. Indeed this group arose from those attending this course.
We meet every Friday evening in the house of one of our members, rotating around those able to host us. We gather at about 7.15 pm for coffee, tea, cake ! and chat and our meeting starts at 7.30 pm with prayer and ends with prayer around 9.00 pm.
This year we have been able to meet regularly and since I last reported we finished our study of the Gospel of Luke and have read and discussed “Phoebe, A Story” by Paula Gooder. We really enjoyed this book, learning more about the early Christian Church in Rome through the author’s imaginative recreations which are all based on sound research. Our reading also opened up several themes contained in the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
Currently we are studying the second book of Luke, that is the Acts of the Apostles, again using a Bible Study guide written by Tom Wright. Some of the questions he sets are straightforward and others have proved quite challenging and lead to longer discussions – for example “ what do people today find puzzling in the scriptures ? Think of particular people you know and what you have heard them ask”. Note that we are bound to keep our discussions confidential.
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In the future we plan to read and discuss Pauls Gooder’s new book “Lydia” which will include careful study of the letter of St Paul to the Philippians. A start date will depend on any planned Lent studies
We have been together as a group for some time now and are comfortable with being open with each other. However, we are happy to welcome new members. If the group were to grow too large for comfort in private houses we would split into two groups. Please chat to me or another member of the group - Jeanette Edwards, Robert Jackson Jo Jarrett Kerr, Alan Jones Paul Skinner and Sue Smith.
Penny Potter
Men’s Breakfast Club
So, another year has gone by since my last report and fortunately this year we have been able to get back to a regular 1[st] Saturday get- together. Numbers have been good with a regular twelve to fifteen men turning up but remember any men/boys are more than welcome to just turn up, no need to pre-book.
We’ve been fortunate over the years providing enough food for all who come along, though in the early days I recall there was one occasion when the supplies didn’t turn up (no names, no pack drill) there were only six of us on that particular day so we went to the Bolton Arms for bacon rolls.
As with previous years we have been able to offer our services at the various functions put on by the church (bbq’s, mulled wine etc.) even helping our new incumbent set up her personal gym when she moved in.
The “clubbers” come and go and we had several new members during the past year but sadly one of our original breakfast clubbers Michael Moore, passed away during the past year.
So remember, men/boy’s come along to the parish room on the 1[st] Saturday of each month at 8:45 for a full English breakfast at just £4 per head. Just one proviso if you are vegetarian please let us know before-hand so we can be prepared.
Chris Beadle
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Ploughman’s Lunch Club
The Ploughman’s team, a group of 8 mainly long standing volunteers, have continued to successfully run our lunch club throughout the past year. We are pleased to say that it remains well supported and welcomed by the parish.
Following the covid pandemic we now operate a waitressed table service for a pre booked limited number of lunchers, who book from the 1st monthly for that month’s lunch. The new system worked so well for both helpers and lunchers that we have continued permanently with this even though covid restrictions were significantly eased during the year.
For our Christmas lunch we also provide a free raffle and offer wine or a non alcoholic alternative courtesy of a local firm of Chartered Accountants, LMW Ltd, who have their office in Old Basing. Any donation for the wine is given to St Mary’s for the advent appeal.
Our prices remain unchanged despite the significant increase in food costs and we continue to make a profit, which is ringed fenced in the church accounts, for the upkeep of the kitchen and parish room. This year we added £580 to the balance and are happy to support the replacement of the radiators in the toilets, at an estimated cost of £500.
Denise Lane
The Village Café
The Village cafe reopened its doors, following closure due to Covid restrictions, on 4th March 2022. During the year, we have held 22 afternoon sessions, weekly from March to September, moving to monthly sessions for the winter.
Of the sessions we provided, 21 were held in the Parish room and we ran one cafe from the Pavillion room at the Recreation Ground due to a Wedding at the church which clashed with cafe opening times. Thanks to the Pavillion room as they allowed us to use the facilities free of charge, which meant the £176 taken went directly to cafe funds. In September the cafe closed for 2 weeks out of respect, following the death of the Queen.
We have continued with our pre ordering “cakeaway” option which enables customers to pre order and pick up from the cafe. This is still very popular.
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We have also started another initiative, “baking you smile”, where members of our community can be nominated to receive a cake for a special reason and we deliver a “smile” to their doorstep. This is incredibly successful and we have met some lovely people on our deliveries and will continue with this initiative for the coming
The cafe continues to be well supported, so much so that we have been able to fund another AED, which has been installed at the local Co Op store , thanks to the owners who have always been huge supporters of our community, Mary Salmon and Bob Pyle. We have also made a donation to the local Infants school to enable them to buy new sports equipment for the children following the installation of an all weather play area.
A breakdown of our takings since reopening on 24th September - Total takings between 4th March and 31st December - £3,360.00
We also had donations from Alison’s Wonderland, Flamingo, Daiva Florist and from the AED training of £420.00. This made our overall total £3784.00 of which 21.35% was paid in rent for the Parish room, a total of £680.00 This leaves a grand total of £3184.00
We do struggle with volunteers to serve on Friday afternoons sometimes and are always looking to welcome new members to our team, both to bake and help with barista duties.
N.B. The cafe has made a donation to St Mary’s Junior school, which is being used to purchase new sports equipment following a refurbishment of the play area.
Deb Thorne
PIOCC (Churchyard Conservation Group)
2022 was a much improved year we returned to normal working parties with coffee breaks in the Parish Room on Saturdays. Winter conservation working parties, where the heavy work is done, were impacted when Tim Carr, Conservation Working Party leader had a knee replacement in November 2021. However Adrian Stanley kindly stepped into the breach in the new year and felled a number of dead and dying trees for us. He also supplied a load of wood chippings to resurface the path round the central glade.
Once again in June a team lead by Rebecca Aldridge and Aude Cholet created a wonderful Nature Trail round the Conservation Area for St Mary’s Summer Festival.
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This trail generated a huge amount of interest and the main structure was left in place until the end of the school term for the children to enjoy. In December a lesser display was organised for the Christmas Tree Festival on the theme of the “Twelve days of Christmas” and again it was popular with visitors of all ages.
Also in June the battery hedge trimmer purchased with funding from the Borough Councillors finally arrived after a long wait. It has proved immensely useful. In July the Parish Council awarded us a grant of a £1000 towards our work in the Churchyard. This has been spent on a battery strimmer, to match our hedge trimmer and 150 hedging plants. The hedge trimmer and strimmer are not only quieter and more environmentally friendly but also lighter so more volunteers can use them. The hedging plants were used to fill in gaps in the Church Lane hedge and strengthen the hedge between the Conservation Area and the Church. They were mostly planted at the end of November and the rest at the December working party.
In July the group built a Bug Hotel for Old Basing Infants School and installed it on the inside of the hedge near the silver birch. The children populated it in October.
We were delighted to welcome Rev. Jo to our December working party, and hope her lead will encourage more to join us. Thanks to all the volunteers who enthusiastically turn out every working party to help.
Tim Carr
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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 2022 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 February 2023
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PCC HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2022
Well after 9 years in the role of treasurer, it’s time for me to take a step back and handover the reigns to a new team. I will still be supporting them for as long as I’m needed and I’ll finally have time to finish off the tasks at the bottom of my Treasurer’s “to do” list. No excuses now!
So, onto the 2022 accounts:
Each year has its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. We have lost a vicar but we have been very fortunate to gain a new vicar promptly and this has helped to reduce our vacancy costs. And like all of you, the church has seen a rapid increase in the price we pay for gas and electricity. This will continue into 2023 so please wrap up warm and use the blankets. The PCC is looking at alternative forms of heating, but this will be a long term solution.
Overall income in 2022 was £117,672, an increase of £12,501 compared to last year. Some of this was due to the opening up following COVID which allowed the parish room to be used more (increasing rental income) and we had some weddings. Fundraising was up, thanks to a wonderful flower and art festival and open gardens plus our Christmas Tree Festival. Thank you to everyone who helped in these massive events. Regular donations are also up, which is building on the good work we did for the Generous July campaign in 2021.
Expenditure in 2022 was £127,093, an increase of £15,156 compared to last year. Some of these are one off costs such as vacancy costs and the costs of fundraising and putting on the flower festival. Some will continue into 2023, such as the much higher utility costs.
So over 2022 we have recorded a loss of £9,421.
With such an old church there are always going to be challenges we encounter. We are lucky to have a few funds at our disposal that can be used to meet certain specific expenses and we have Friends of St Mary’s Church which help with expenses to the fabric of the church.
Looking just at the General Fund (the one that is used for all day to day expenses except for the administrator’s salary) this grew by £6,729 in 2022. This would have looked better if we hadn’t incurred the vacancy costs or higher utility bills, but we still aren’t generating enough income to cover our day to day expenses and this is
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something that needs to be addressed in the next few years. We need to determine how we can encourage more of our friends to attend church events and donate. The whole parish loves St Mary’s Church and we need the whole parish to support the church and its activities to secure its long term future.
Thank you.
Julia Wright February 2023
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PCC of St Mary's Old Basing & Lychpit
Statement of Financial Activities
For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted Designated funds funds |
Restricted Total Prior year funds funds total funds |
|---|---|
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds - - Voluntary income 86,431.09 830 Activities for generating funds 9,843.88 - Investment income 111.49 109.94 Incoming resources from charitable activities 18,159.48 - Other incomingresources - - |
- - - - 87,261.09 84,388.21 - 9,843.88 7,651.81 1,423.03 1,644.46 167.61 145 18,304.48 11,159.05 618.12 618.12 1,804.00 |
| Total income 114,545.94 939.94 Resources used Cost of generating funds - - Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other costs 3,009.63 - Charitable activities 101,522.86 113 Other resources used 3,283.92 - |
2,186.15 117,672.03 105,170.68 - - - - 3,009.63 1,431.43 19,163.91 120,799.77 107,221.41 - 3,283.92 3,283.92 |
| Total expenditure 107,816.41 113 |
19,163.91 127,093.32 111,936.76 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer 6,729.53 826.94 |
-17,151.43 -9,594.96 -6,222.61 |
| Transfers: Gross transfers between funds - in - - Gross transfers between funds - out -351.81 - Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets - - Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use - - |
351.81 351.81 2,000.00 - -351.81 -2,000.00 -173.67 -173.67 543.47 - - - |
| Net movement in funds 6,377.72 826.94 Reconciliation of funds |
-16,799.62 -9,594.96 -6,222.61 |
| Total funds brought forward 58,331.80 8,541.70 |
152,753.71 219,627.21 225,849.82 |
| Total funds carried forward 64,709.52 9,368.64 |
135,954.09 210,032.25 219,627.21 |
| Represented by Unrestricted General fund 64,911.85 - Designated Children's Corner - 18.99 Ploughmans' Lunch - 8,629.85 Special Projects 3 - 250 Surplices for Choir - 197.8 Tesco Technology - 272 Restricted Agency collection - - Dorothy Iris Silver - - Dunbar Fund for Restoration & Preservation - - Hoare Gift Account - - Investment Bond - Warden and Vicar Discretion - - Kemp Legacy Fund - - |
- 64,911.85 58,534.13 - 18.99 58.99 - 8,629.85 7,942.92 - 250 - - 197.8 267.79 - 272 272 424.72 424.72 279.72 48,363.43 48,363.43 65,281.98 22,827.99 22,827.99 23,495.93 1,043.45 1,043.45 1,030.07 61,790.50 61,790.50 60,988.34 1,301.67 1,301.67 1,475.34 |
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit
Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2022
| As at 31/12/2022 £ 3,283.92 1,301.67 4,585.59 |
As at 31/12/2022 £ 3,283.92 1,301.67 4,585.59 |
As at 31/12/2022 £ 3,283.92 1,301.67 4,585.59 |
As at 31/12/2021 |
As at 31/12/2021 |
As at 31/12/2021 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | ||||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 6,567.84 | |||||
| Investments | 1,475.34 | |||||
| 8,043.18 | ||||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 1,920.01 | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 222,246.90 | |||||
| 224,166.91 | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year | 12,282.88 | |||||
| Provisions for liabilities and charges due within one year | 300.00 | |||||
| 12,582.88 | ||||||
| Net current assets less current liabilities |
||||||
| Total assets less current liabilities |
||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||
| Total net assets less liabilities |
||||||
| Represented by | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| Unrestricted - General fund | ||||||
| Designated | ||||||
| Designated – Children’s Corner | ||||||
| Designated – Ploughman’s Lunch | ||||||
| Designated – Special Projects 3 | ||||||
| Designated – Surplices for Choir | ||||||
| Designated – Tesco Technology | ||||||
| Restricted | ||||||
| Restricted – Agency Collection | ||||||
| Restricted - Dorothy Iris Silver | ||||||
| Restricted – Dunbar Fund for Restoration & Preservation | ||||||
| Restricted – Hoare Gift Account | ||||||
| Restricted – Investment Bond – Warden and Vicar Discretion | ||||||
| Restricted – Kemp Legacy Fund | ||||||
| Funds of the church |
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown.
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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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 2022
Every five years the Diocese requires, and pays for, an Inspection of the Fabric of the Church., a Quinquennial Inspection. This was undertaken in March 2022 by Sarah Harlow of Seymour and Bainbridge Architects. This report noted the major works of repair that had taken place in 2019 and 2020 following the last Quinquennial inspection, and that generally the Church and Parish Room are in a good state of repair.
However, the report did indicate that there was a blocked drain in the northeast corner which is causing backing up of the downpipe from the roof. We were therefore advised to have this repaired as soon as possible.
Surveys could not definitively identify the cause of the blockage, so following discussions between the Diocesan Advisory Committee and the newly appointed Architect, Libby Watts of Liberty Rose Architects, a specification was drawn up to allow for physical works to try to identify the problem and then allow a repair. This was put to the Chancellor of the Diocese, who sanctioned the works.
Currently quotes are being obtained for the works with a view to actioning them as soon as possible
We would like to thank the Friends of St Mary’s for their financial contribution to the costs to date (the architect’s fees associated with drawing up the specification and getting it agreed), and hope that they will be able to be as generous when the quotations are received.
Early in 2022 there were significant problems with the heating system failing to start leading to the church being particularly cold (inevitably this happened when frost was on the ground). This was remedied by a dismantling and rebuilding of the main fan. The problem was caused by a large spider that had got into the fan, with its web shorting the electrical system. The system now appears to be functioning normally.
We also had an audit by the Church Insurers, Ecclesiastical Insurance, over the building. No significant issues were identified, although we were asked to ensure that the electrical systems were tested. They have now been so tested.
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There were no other major faults identified in 2022, although with a building, parts of which are nearly 1000 years old, there will always be things that will need to be done.
Thank you to those who have come to the ‘Friends in High Places’ cleaning which happened twice this year. The first was particularly necessary as a through clean had not been undertaken since before the pandemic.
We would also like to thank our cleaner, Tina Kean, for all her hard work in ensuring that church and Parish Room are maintained on a week-by-week basis.
Mark Holley & Robert Jackson February 2023
Terrier & Inventory Report
During the year no additional items were either purchased or disposed of. However, as members of the congregation will be aware, we have purchased rugs. These have been used both to keep warm on top, but also to sit on, providing a double benefit of a warmer derrière and a more comfortable seat.
Mark Holley- Churchwarden February 2023
Report on the Churchyard
There is little to report as to matters relating to the Churchyard, as opposed to the Conservation Area, in 2022. I would like to thank those who maintain the flowerbeds around the church and the grass mowing team for all their hard work in ensuring the churchyard is in good order.
The PCC continues to employ Graeme Dickinson of Dickinson's Garden and Tree Maintenance for maintenance of the boundary foliage.
During the year, it was noted that the compost heap in the northeast corner of the churchyard was overflowing. It was decided to clear this, and I would like to thank the Men’s Breakfast Team for this. The church has purchased a brown compost wheelie bin from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council with the aim of ensuring that garden waste is disposed of via this method, rather than on site to ensure that the previous situation does not re-occur.
Robert Jackson - Churchwarden February 2023
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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REPORT FROM THE BASINGTOKE DEANERY SYNOD, 2022
The first Deanery Synod meeting in February was led by St Gabriel’s, Popley. Dr Zoe Tebbs gave an outline of mental health from a Christian point of view and the ways in which churches could support people with low or moderate mental health difficulties.
Richard Harlow recommended the Sanctuary Course for people wanting to improve - their understanding of mental health (https://www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org/sanctuary course/. He also introduced The Happiness Lab based on the book ‘The 8 Secrets of Happiness’ (Paul Griffiths and Martin Robinson). The initiative started as a followon to the ‘Who Cares?’ campaign held in 2017. It is a 6-week session, using a video presentation followed by discussion in small groups. The course has been held 8 times in various venues in Tadley.
Rev Jonathan Clark spoke about Wellbeing Spaces or Cafés which can provide a welcoming and friendly space to meet people, share interests and grow in happiness and wellbeing. Christ Church Chineham (CCC) has set up ‘The Well’, not a café, but a place to meet safely with company and activities and the knowledge that it is “OK not to be OK”. It is underpinned with prayer, and seeks to be in partnership with the local health providers.
Rev Sue Colman & Barbara Irving, Director of Cedar Tree Counselling, spoke about the success of meetings held by the Oakley parish to explain and discuss issues around mental health, with the aim of taking-away the shame or stigma that is sometimes associated with mental health issues. ‘Blue Christmas’ and quiet days gave space for solitude and lament in community.
Dr Philip Hiorns spoke about Care for the Family parenting courses that have been run at St Mary’s, Eastrop and elsewhere locally. These courses were not set up just to deal with problems but to give support to parents of early years, primary and teenage children.
The second Deanery Synod meeting was held in May at St Leonard’s Church, Oakley. The special guests were: Rt Rev David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke; Rt Rev Dr Ric Thorpe, Bishop of Islington and National Lead Bishop for Church Planting; Rev John Hudson, Rector Designate of Basingstoke. They gave a talk about the forthcoming Resource Church at St Michael’s Church, Basingstoke.
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Bishop David explained that Basingstoke won funding from the Church Commissioners to launch a Resource Church. As an area of large population, low church attendance and some local deprivation, it was able to bid for strategic development funding. St Michael’s was chosen to spearhead revitalisation.
Rt Rev Dr Ric Thorpe described historic methods of church growth, followed by an explanation of the characteristics of a Resource Church:
1 Nominated by a Bishop to revitalise other churches 2 Joins in with the strategy of the Diocese
3 Some of its members will be called to leave and go elsewhere to plant and revitalise.
4 It will be successful in developing leaders.
5 Members from all backgrounds will develop expertise to use within the church and to give to others.
He encouraged the churches of Basingstoke to work collaboratively with the aim that surrounding churches will be revitalised to reach the diverse population so evident in and around Basingstoke.
Rev John Hudson said that 65 people from the team churches; St Michael’s, St Peter’s, All Saints and Christ the King, had shared in a recent meeting in St Leonard’s Centre to pray for vision for what God will do and how to be part of that. A launch would take place in September / October, around St Michael’s Day (29th September).
The third Deanery Synod meeting was held in October at St Mark’s, Kempshott. Following the appointment of Richard Harlow as an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Ely, Ben Kautzer had been newly appointed as Area Dean, and he announced that Nicola Such had accepted the role of Assistant Area Dean.
There was a theme of change, not just the change of seasons that we could see in nature but also in the parishes of the Deanery. Several parishes were in vacancy (including ourselves), St. Mark’s and Immanuel had joined to form the Parish of Basingstoke Down, the new team in Basingstoke centre was in place and had a successful launch event at St. Peter’s with a continuing good attendance there.
Philip Hiorns, Deanery Lay Chair, gave a Diocesan Synod update, noting a more positive and collaborative mood. In setting the next Common Mission Fund, the Bishops Council had lowered the proposed budget from £9.67 million to £9.37 million. It had been stated that Clergy posts will not be cut to save costs.
There are proposals to link Basingstoke and Bournemouth Deaneries with the Province of Chile. At the end of July, four representatives from Basingstoke Deanery
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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met with several church members from Bournemouth together with Canon Mark Collinson, Principal of the School of Mission and Bishop David, Assistant Bishop Alf Cooper and his wife from Santiago, Chile to talk about the life of the Anglican Church in Chile. It remains to be seen how realistic forming the link will be going forward.
Julie Maxwell gave a report on the Vacancy in See Committee’s preparations for the appointment of a new Bishop. Julie, from St Mary’s Eastrop, is one of the four elected Lay members of General Synod from the Diocese and is thus an ex officio member of the Vacancy in See Committee.
Jonathan Clark, CCC, discussed the launch of a new initiative - The Warm Welcome Campaign - which is the community response to the Cost of Living Crisis: free, warm, and welcoming spaces in communities across the UK. This was expected to involve around 30 places, including churches, libraries and community centres, in Basingstoke and Tadley. Information is available from: www.warmwelcome.uk.
Debbie Veel, Basingstoke Down, gave an enthusiastic account of ‘Mossy Church’ which was held in the church grounds of St Mark’s for 6 weeks. It is a nationwide programme based around a Bible passage each week and learning about insects, plants and trees, the food chain and other aspects of the environment. The science equipment, such as microscopes, is available to borrow from the Science Centre at Queen Mary’s College.
Rebecca Aldridge, Jo Jarrett-Kerr, Paul Skinner January 2023
ANNUAL REPORT
Approved by the PCC on 19[th] February 2023 Signed by the Chair, The Reverend Jo Mulliner
The PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit Parish is a Registered Charity No. 1136606
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