Serving the local community Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council Year ended 31 December 2024
Diocese of Winchester
(Photos by kind permission of Michael Wright) Incumbent: The Reverend Jo Mulliner
Church Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 7DJ
Large print copies available on request
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PCC, 2024
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 2024 was
Incumbent The Rev Jo Mulliner (Chair) Curate The Rev Helen Holley (from July 2024) Churchwardens & Vice Chairs Mark Holley (until April 2024) Robert Jackson Jeanette Edwards (from April 2024) Representatives Joanna Jarrett-Kerr on Deanery Synod Paul Skinner Rebecca Aldridge Elected members Jeanette Edwards (until April 2024) Debbie Filer (Secretary) Janet Jackson (until April 2024) Nicky Jackson (Treasurer) Mike Leaming Andree McLean Penny Potter Sue Smith David Stevens Julia Wright (until April 2024)
Bank:
The National Westminster Bank plc, 3 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Independent Examiner:
Mr Colin Bezant 3 Up Fallow, Lychpit, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8YW
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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 and elsewhere. Courses in general church governance are also held that are recommended to all PCC members and other inhouse steps are taken to ensure PCC members understand fully their role and responsibilities on the Council. Additionally, mandatory training in safeguarding also takes place (see below).
c) Organisational Structure
In 2024 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 2024 the Standing and Finance Committee met in person in January, March, May, July, September and November and comprised:
Vicar - The Rev’d Jo Mulliner, Churchwardens: Mark Holley (until April 2024) , Robert Jackson, Jeanette Edwards (from April 2024), PCC Secretary: Debbie Filer, PCC Treasurer: Nicky Jackson; PCC Elected Members: Andree McLean and Penny Potter . (from April 2024)
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dii) The Building Group (Fabric Group)
The Vicar, Mark Holley (until April 2024) , Jeanette Edwards (from April 2024) , Robert Jackson, Mike Leaming and David Stevens 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 £107,906.97 which is an increase of £36,248.74 across the year. Overall funds are £212,482.37, an increase of £25,547.45 across the year.
For the first time in many years our income has been greater than our expenses and it is the objective of the PCC for all expenses to be covered by the General Fund in 2025. Income and expenditure is closely monitored and the use of the computerised accounting system assists in this.
The PCC ensures that any minor, non-routine, 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.
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). GDPR is a standing agenda item and PCC members, staff and volunteers are encouraged to complete and review training.
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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 Jeanette Edwards 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 2024 there were 3 weddings; 33 funerals (18 in the Church, 15 at the Crematorium) and 20 baptisms;
There were 136 Christmas communicants.
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ELECTORAL ROLL
On 31[st] December 2024 the Electoral Roll stood at 127 of whom 100 were resident in the Parish and 27 non-resident.
VICAR’S REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2024
As those reading this report will be aware, our beloved Vicar, Rev’d Jo, has been away from St Mary’s at the beginning of 2025 following the death of her mother Cindy. It thereby falls to the Churchwardens to look back at 2024 to recall where God has been especially present with us over the last year.
The first few months of the year are met with dark mornings and dark evenings. However, St Mary’s has early signs of spring with the numerous snowdrops that cover many parts of the graveyard. So that when St Valentines’ Day and Ash Wednesday coincide, as they did, we can step forward in God’s love into the season of penitence.
Palm Sunday was marked with a procession from The Crown, with palms being replaced by pampas grass. We then moved through Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve when Rev’d Jo managed to light the Holy Fire without setting her robes ablaze, following into the joy of Easter Sunday.
We were once again blessed to mark Ascension Day with an outdoor Communion followed by breakfast, with the joy of birdsong in our ears.
St Mary’s Summer was very busy, with our Summer Festival, which also encompassed a Flower Festival and Art Display. Our team of flower arrangers never disappoint. We then had our full games and activities on the Saturday and Sunday. We thank the Festival Planning Group for their hard work.
The next weekend was busy with the Open Gardens around the Parish, and a large proportion of the congregation decanting to Winchester Cathedral to celebrate with the now Rev’d Helen Holley as she was ordained deacon.
In September we were able to celebrate Colin Bezant’s licensing as our Licenced Lay Minister.
In the autumn we celebrated God’s goodness to us with our Harvest Festival. As this coincides with the Festival of St Francis of Assisi we combined this with a Pet Festival and Service when we were able to bless those who provide comfort, joy and distraction in our homes.
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The season of Remembrance is important with our services for All Saints and All Souls and our Remembrance Sunday services where the Old Basing Royal British Legion plays such a large part.
The lead up to Christmas is always busy at St Mary’s with Carol Services, including one for St Mary’s CE Junior School, our ever popular Christmas Tree Festival, and the services at Christmas. This year we also started the new Welcome Tea Room for those wanting a tea and chat on a Friday afternoon.
For us Churchwardens, we particularly need to thank all those who helped ensure that the services have been able to continue. Especially thanks need to go to Rev’d Canon Michael Kenning, Rev’d Rachel Hartland, Rev’d Helen and Colin as well as Rev’d Claire Simpson from the Methodist Church; all have played a big part.
During the year, Rev’d Jo has continued to develop the relationship with the St Mary’s Junior School and Old Basing Infants School, and, at the other end of the age spectrum, with the residents of Basingfield Court and Oakfields.
Special mention must go to the Church Administrator, Debbie Filer. If there was anyone who keeps us all organised, it is she. How she manages, seemingly effortlessly, to keep as many ‘balls in the air’ as she does, we do not know. From arranging the many funerals, both in church and at the crematorium, and weddings and baptisms, to being on the Festivals Organising, running the Welcome Tea Room and acting as PCC Secretary. We can only say ‘Thank You’.
As we thank God for all that we have in 2025, we pray that God’s blessing will be on us whatever way He wishes us to follow him.
Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson Churchwardens
Safeguarding at St Mary’s 2024
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 Incidents 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 of how to contact the Parish and Diocese Safeguarding Officers and the Vicar, are on display in the church.
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When the Safeguarding Dashboard was first launched in 2018, it was based on the requirements found in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. An upgrade in 2024, brought the dashboard up to date with the latest safeguarding requirements. Some of the lights on the dashboard are mandatory requirements, and others are good practice. Parishes assess their safeguarding work against five standards, the upgraded dashboard shows the progress that has been made towards each of the five standards:
Standard 1 - Culture, Leadership and Capacity Standard 2 - Prevention Standard 3 - Recognising, Assessing and Managing Risk Standard 4 - Victims and Survivors
Standard 5 - Learning, Supervision and Support
St Mary’s, Old Basing & Lychpit is completed to the highest level (Level 3) being at 100% in all standards except Prevention where it is currently 92%.
All staff and volunteers have role descriptions 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. 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. References are being requested for volunteers already in post commencing with priority roles including Safeguarding and PCC.
Risk Assessments have focussed on keeping people safe when visiting the church and the church buildings.
Jeanette Edwards Parish Safeguarding Officer
Eco Church
Eco Church: A Rocha UK’s award scheme for churches in England and Wales who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God’s earth.
St Mary’s has achieved both the Bronze and Silver Eco Church Award since joining in December 2022. This accomplishment is a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly community. Receiving the Silver Eco Church Award is not just a recognition of our efforts but a reflection of our shared dedication to caring for God's creation. We have all worked hard to implement eco-friendly practices within our church, from conserving energy to reducing waste and promoting environmental education.
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With the help of the congregation and parishioners we continue to work towards the Gold Award focusing on the following areas.
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Renewable Energy: Exploring opportunities to transition to renewable energy sources such as solar power.
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Biodiversity: Continue to enhance the natural environment around our church and involvement with the St Mary’s CoE Junior School and Old Basing Infant School.
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Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable practices and exploring ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
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Community Outreach: Expanding our environmental outreach programmes and partnering with local organisations to make a broader impact.
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Environmental Lifestyle Audit: Continue to repeat annually
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Lifestyle: Continue regular bulletin articles and monthly tips
This is an ambitious goal but also a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental stewardship.
Jeanette Edwards
Festivals
Summer
This year we again celebrated our summer with flowers with both a weekend of a church festival and the following weekend of Open Gardens. As an active Eco church the imagination and creativity of the flower arrangers were clearly demonstrated as we strive to remove items that challenge the environment such as the use of oasis. The team at St Mary’s have been pro-active in seeking new ways to display flowers and have spent time researching and teaching others these practices so that we may all benefit. The magnificent displays in the church truly were a celebration of summer.
The festival weekend also allowed local artists to display their talents in an art display in the Bolton Chapel, the diversity of the works both in the artistic medium used and themes presented was magnificent and a joy to visit. Children were as ever at the forefront of the activities both in the church and in the outside areas with activities in the PIOCC area as well as teddy zip-wiring from the Tower, soaking the vicar (and others!) and welcoming the school choirs to perform during the weekend. Music was not limited to choirs though as there was a forties themed music evening on the Friday during the Art Exhibition and the British Legion band joined us as well on the Sunday.
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The usual variety of stalls with fantastic barbeque treats and refreshment provided by the Men’s Breakfast team helped make the Festival a joy. We were delighted to be able to help our community share their personal floral celebrations by running the Open Gardens weekend as well. A huge thank you to all who took part either by coming and taking part in the activities or providing a warm welcome to those who did attend with stalls entertainment and displays.
Christmas Tree Festival
Our Christmas Sing-along has now become a regular event in the lead up to Christmas and forms part of the Christmas Tree Festival. With a mixture of popular Christmas songs such as Jingle Bells, Must be Santa, Rudolph, White Christmas and some traditional carols it provides entertainment for all ages.
During the weekend we had a number of stalls in the Parish Room and the Men’s Breakfast excelled at providing hot food during some very challenging weather conditions. Within the body of the Church visitors were able to enjoy the wonderful display of trees and everyone was invited to vote for their favourite. There were lots of activities for the children on both days including finding the many elves located around the church, we give thanks for the support of Claire and her congregation at the Methodist Chapel in providing the helpers for the craft activities in Church. Activities were both inside the church and in the Conservation Area with the PIOCC team supporting the choice of winner for the Eco-friendly Tree.
On the Saturday we were delighted in welcoming the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane who arrived in time to hear the children of St Mary’s Junior School Choir and Old Basing Infant School Choir singing, while on Sunday visitors were invited to enjoy the music provided by Basing Singers while admiring the fabulous tree displays around them. They even let you sing along if you wanted.
One addition this year that was a little more remote from the Church but was prominent in its position, for the whole of the village and for those that just pass through to share in, was the fantastic Nativity art work in the disused bus shelter at Five Ways. Again, thanks to all who took time to help make this Festival a wonderful celebration of St Mary’s Church and community during the annual Advent journey.
Andree McLean
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St. Mary’s Choir
The choir tried hard to prepare for a Choral Evensong as 2024 was an anniversary year for Stanford and for Byrd but were not able to find a suitable date. We will try again and perhaps invite other singers from the area to come and sing. Sadly we sang at funerals during the year.
We are hoping to offer a work on Good Friday as Easter is quite late this year: 2025 is also Paul Wright’s Fiftieth Anniversary as our Organist: He hasn’t missed one Midnight Mass in all that time.
Once again I give my grateful thanks to all who support us in many ways and look after me so well.
Jo Jarrett-Kerr Choir Director
Flower Arranging Team
In 2024 we had 16 Arrangers on the rota for St Mary’s Church. We continue to provide 5 arrangements every 2 weeks, apart from Lent.
Extra flowers were provided for Maundy Thursday this year.
On the 21st June 2024 the Church held its biennial Flower Festival, with the theme of ‘A Celebration of Summer’ and there were just over 30 Arrangements within the Church. There was a strong element of sustainability encouraged for all arrangements.
There were just 2 arrangements at the Altar over Christmas, (plus several foliage decorated candle pots), so as not to clash with the Christmas Tree Festival.
We continue to have 2 Duty Organisers throughout the year, and all arrangers may make a claim for costs up to £20 per arrangement.
Our AGM was held as usual in November, which was well attended. There were 2 adverts for more arrangers to join the team as we are losing 1 and possibly 2 arrangers in 2025.
Lorna Guthrie
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St Mary’s House Groups
The Pilgrim housegroup – formed some years ago and arising from our church’s meetings that followed the study guides of that name by Stephen Cottrell - is still going strong. We are a group of seven at the moment and we meet on Friday evenings for about two hours (7-9 pm) in our homes, rotating the venue as suits us. Our discussions/ conversations are confidential to the gathering which makes the meeting a safe place to share joys, sorrows, doubts, etc.
This year we have looked at a mix of Biblical Study Guides and books with Christian themes. The former have included Tom Wright’s ‘Hebrews for Everyone’ and the latter Paula Gooder’s ‘Women of the Nativity’. We have also looked at David Tomlinson’s ‘How to be a Bad Christian’ and Desmond Tutu’s ‘In God’s Hands’, so there has been a wide range of things to talk about.
Our next book will be Basil Hume’s ‘Seven Last Words’, which we are sure will be inspiring.
Our general approach is to try to read the relevant passage before our meeting, and then discuss it. Often books we use have questions to start us, but even when not we always something to talk about.
If you are interested in joining us, please talk to one of us.
Penny Potter and Robert Jackson
Men’s Breakfast Club
Well, another year has come and gone. It certainly doesn’t seem like a year ago I was writing a Breakfast Club report for 2023, but here goes.
Our numbers have remained very steady throughout the year. Our “record” for 2024 being 23 visitors at one breakfast down to 14 visitors one Saturday during the summer which is usually the case what with holidays. As in the past everyone is very happy and willing, to help out at the various functions put on by the church both inside and outside, sometimes in quite challenging conditions.
Whilst we talked about another trip out in 2024 that’s as far as it got, talk, so hopefully we can put something together for this year. We are somewhat a victim of our own success. What with the open invitation to all men (and boys) making sure we have sourced enough food becomes quite a challenge at times but so far fingers crossed,
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we have survived. I would at this time like to thank in particular Andy Molloy who not only does all the buying, but he makes delicious home baked bread which is still warm when he brings it in each Saturday.
As I’ve said in the past whilst we meet in the parish room of St Mary’s Church are not a “church group” as such and all men and boys are welcome. We do now have a regular vegetarian colleague who is so catered for to his liking (please let us know in advance) so, if you’ve nothing to do on the first Saturday of the month and you’re at a loose end, come along between 8.30 and 9am you’ll be most welcome
Chris Beadle
Ploughman’s Lunch Club
The Ploughman’s team, a group of 8 long standing volunteers, have continued to successfully run our lunch club during the past year. We are pleased to say that it remains well supported and welcomed by the parish.
The team offer a waitressed table service for a pre-booked limited number of lunchers, who book from the 1st monthly for that month’s lunch.
For our Christmas lunch we also provide a free raffle, provided by the team, 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 donations for the wine are given to St Mary’s for the advent appeal, this year £35.70.
Our price remains at £4.50 for three courses, following a marginal increase in September 2023, having been held at £4 for the previous 6 years. Lunchers still only pay for the number of courses they have. We continue to make a profit, which remains ringed fenced in the church accounts for the upkeep of the kitchen and parish room. This year I am delighted to say we added £1,035 to the balance.
Denise Lane
The Village Café & The Welcome Tea Room
The Village cafe continued to operate successfully until July 2024, at which time a number of volunteers decided that they would like to set up an independent venture focusing on fundraising for the community. With the agreement of the PCC, it was therefore agreed to formally close The Village Café as a church group.
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Fortunately, several volunteers wished to continue to support St Mary’s and given the success of the Café, it was clear that there was a need within the community for people to come together in a socially relaxed atmosphere and the idea of The Welcome Tea Room was formed. This is a joint venture between St Mary’s and the Methodist Church and is run by volunteers from both churches and the parish. The Tea Room’s initial opening was in December 2024 and going forward it will be open on the first and third Friday of each month, on a “pay what you can afford” basis. All profits are shared equally between St Mary’s and Old Basing Methodist Chapel to fund church initiatives.
Debbie Filer
Churchyard Conservation Group (PIOCC)
2024 started with the Big Garden Birdwatch in January. We had a good turn out, we counted 12 different bird species (Wood Pigeons, Great Tits, Robins, Jackdaws, Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Magpies, Goldcrests, a Wren, a Coal Tit, a Treecreeper) plus Grey Squirrels in our allotted hour.
Our conservation working parties continued as usual through the winter months, this is when we do the heavy structural work in the churchyard before the birds start to nest. This year we were continuing our work of removing dead and dying elms with the hope of encouraging the hazel to spread through the churchyard, which seems to be working.
In April we switch to our maintenance working parties where the focus is more on grass mowing to encourage wild flowers, weeding to keep the paths clear and discouraging vigorous weeds which might otherwise out-compete the flowers we are trying to encourage. It must be remembered that a weed is only a flower in the wrong place! We lost a couple of working parties for various reasons, but when those lost fell on a Saturday, we continued to meet to enjoy coffee and a catch up in St Mary’s Parish Room.
In February funding came through from the Borough Councillor Community Grant Scheme for the purchase of a battery chainsaw. This is a tool that we have long needed as previously the Chairman provided his petrol chainsaw to do all the felling of dead and dying trees within the Conservation Area and for coppicing the hazels that are prospering. The battery chainsaw is lighter, quieter and also more environmentally friendly. This chainsaw has already been put to good use.
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April was our AGM where those who came were treated to a lovely presentation and talk by Margaret and Tim Carr on Arosa in Switzerland, “Snow and Flowers”.
In June we created a Nature Trail for St Mary’s Summer Festival based on the flowers found in the Churchyard using photographs taken by Margaret Carr. The trail was left in place until the end of the school term for the children to enjoy. This raised £250.82 for St Mary’s.
At the end of September we had our kick off meeting with an excellent talk by Barbara Evans on “Wildlife Highlights from the Hebrides and Hampshire”.
In December we created a Nature Trail for St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival covering the tracks of animals that might be found in the Churchyard. Unfortunately, the weather was not conducive to spending time outside, remarkably £38 was still raised for St Mary’s.
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 2024 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
The PCC, which is responsible for the preparation of the accounts, considers 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 2025
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PCC HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2024
This has been my first year ‘flying solo’ as PCC Treasurer. There have been challenges and frustrations along the way, but I have come through relatively unscathed. Thanks to Julia for remaining available for advice, even after her term on the PCC came to an end, and to Colin for being available when needed for more specialist advice.
So, what about the 2024 accounts?
This has been a really good year for St Mary’s. If you look at the headline figures we had a surplus of just over £25,000. This is the first time that we have been in this position for many years and huge thanks are due to all who generously supported us.
Our overall income for the year was £149,128, an increase of £17,436 compared to last year. Regular giving was up again, and many people are donating via the PayAz machine. We held a number of successful fund-raising activities including a wonderful flower festival, Christmas Tree festival, pet fayre and very well supported open gardens weekend. So, a big thank-you to everyone who has donated over the year and/or supported out events in various ways.
Expenditure for the year was £123,613, a reduction of £31,299 compared to last year. Much of this was due to 2023 being a very costly year in terms of big one-off expenses (notably the refurbishment of the old churchyard), but we also saw a welcome reduction in our utilities costs.
Looking ahead it is very important that we continue to support our church in whatever ways we can and encourage our friends and neighbours to do the same. Please ensure that you complete a gift aid declaration if you have not already done so, we can then claim an additional 25% any donation that you make at no cost to you.
In the past we have relied on our restricted funds to help us cover some of our expenses and these have become depleted. Next year we will be covering all of our regular expenses from our General fund. We are very fortunate to have the ongoing support of the Friends of St Mary’s to help with the costs of any repairs to the fabric of the building, but they cannot help us with our general running costs. There are also some improvements to the church that we would like to make, including replacing our heating system with a more environmentally friendly one, and these will require significant fundraising efforts.
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Another way that I would encourage you to consider supporting us is by using ‘Easy Fundraising’ and selecting St Mary’s as the charity that you would like to support. This does not cost you anything but raises a small donation for the church each time you shop online with many retailers. Please contact me for further information if this is something that you are not familiar with.
Nicky Jackson February 2025
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PCC of St Mary's Old Basing & Lychpit
Statement of Financial Activities
For the period from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Prior year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Funds | funds | total funds | ||
| Incoming resources | ||||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||||
| Voluntary income | 103,904.84 | - | 103,904.84 | 95,222.92 | ||
| Activities for generating funds | 12,458.05 | - | - | 12,458.05 | 7,102.84 | |
| Investment income | 1,152.42 | 5,030.39 | 6,182.81 | 5,330.39 | ||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 23,302.07 | - | 23,302.07 | 19,586.91 | ||
| Other incomingresources | 3,279.79 | - | 3,279.79 | 4,448.86 | ||
| Total income | 144,097.17 | 5,030.39 | 149,127.56 | 131,691.92 | ||
| Resources used | ||||||
| Cost of generating funds: | - | |||||
| Cost of generating voluntary income | - | - | 30.00 | |||
| Fundraising trading cost of goods sold & other | ||||||
| costs | 2,406.93 | 2,406.93 | 1,901.98 | |||
| Investment management costs | - | - | ||||
| Charitable activities | 103,445.84 | 17,759.94 | 121,205.78 | 149,695.81 | ||
| Governance costs | - | - | - | - | ||
| Other resources used | - | - | - | - | 3,283.92 | |
| Total expenditure | 105,852.77 | 17,759.94 | 123,612.71 | 154,911.71 | ||
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | 38,244.40 | (12,729.55) | 25,514.85 | (23,219.79) | ||
| Transfers: | ||||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 975.00 | 282.60 | 1,257.60 | 914.79 | ||
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (282.60) | (975.00) | (1,257.60) | (914.79) | ||
| Other recognised gains / losses | ||||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | 32.60 | - | 32.60 | 122.46 | ||
| Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 38,969.40 | (13,421.95) | - | 25,547.45 | (23,097.33)) | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 81,689.27 | 105,245.65 | 188,934.92 | 210,032.25 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 120,658.67 | 91,823.70 | 212,482.37 | 186,934.92 |
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PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit
Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024
| As at 31/12/2024 £ 1,456.73 - 1,456.73 20,574.08 28,389.01 - 1,000.00 34,124.13 65,573.12 67,155.68 1,525.58 218,341.60 - 100.00 125.00 - 3,695.17 3,395.79 7,315.96 212,482.37 25,514.85 186,934.92 32.60 - 212,482.37 107,906.97 12,751.70 91,823.70 212,482.37 |
As at 31/12/2023 |
As at 31/12/2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||
| Fixed assets | |||
| 6425: Kemp Legacy Investment Fund | 1,424.13 | ||
| 6450: Church Heating System | - | ||
| 1,424.13 | |||
| Current assets | |||
| 6501: Nat West current account | 14,486.84 | ||
| 6505: Nat West Business Reserve Account | 8,198.06 | ||
| 6510: CCLA General PCC V Account | - | ||
| 6511: CCLA Hoare Gift Account | 1,000.00 | ||
| 6512: CCLA Bequests Account | 32,838.74 | ||
| 6530: Virgin Charity Deposit Account | 64,494.89 | ||
| 6550: CCLA RBL Bond Proceeds | 64,626.05 | ||
| Z05 Accounts Receivable | 2,964.71 | ||
| Total Current Assets | 188,809.29 | ||
| Liabilities | |||
| 6602: Wedding Deposits for this year’s weddings | - | ||
| 6603: Wedding Deposits for future year’s weddings | 100.00 | ||
| 6610: Accruals | 125.00 | ||
| 6611: Accruals over 1 year | - | ||
| 6699: Agency Collections | 1,841.63 | ||
| Z04 Accounts Payable | 1,231.87 | ||
| Total Liabilities | 3,298.50 | ||
| Total assets Less current liablities |
|||
| Reserves Excess/(deficit) to date |
(23,219.79) | ||
| Z01 Starting Balances | 210,032.25 | ||
| Z02 Other gains/(losses) | 122.46 | ||
| Z03 Gains and Losses own use | - | ||
| Total Reserves | 186,934.92 | ||
| REPRESENTED BY FUNDS: Unrestricted General Fund |
71,658.23 | ||
| Designated | 10,031.04 | ||
| Restricted | 105,245.65 | ||
| Funds of the Church | 186,934.92 | ||
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown.
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.
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Churchwardens’ Report on The Fabric of St. Mary’s Church 2024
During April 2024 the church was unfortunately the subject of a break-in. This was through one of the toilet windows, and involved some damage to the kitchen and Parish Room cupboard doors. These were repaired and paid for through an insurance claim. Since then, the main church keys have been relocated.
A Faculty application was made for a new soakaway at the east end of the church to deal with rainwater. This was granted in early 2025 and works will be taking place soon.
Generally, the church and Parish Room building is in good repair. Discussions are continuing with the Diocesan Advisory Committee and the Appointed Architect to find a sustainable solution to the church's heating to meet the Church of England's Net Zero commitments for 2030.
Jeanette Edwards & Robert Jackson February 2025
Terrier & Inventory Report
In early 2024, following a donation, we were able to replace the Hydroboiler in the Parish Room kitchen. Following the break in, we disposed of two filing cabinets and replaced them with a new shelving unit in the Parish Room cupboard.
Robert Jackson & Jeanette Edwards Churchwardens
Report on the Churchyard
We remained indebted to the PIOCC group for the maintenance of the Conservation Area and for the lawn mowing team for maintaining the churchyard. At the end of 2023 our previous contractor moved on to different challenges which meant the maintenance of the non-lawn areas around the church became something of a challenge. However, at the end of the year, we have been fortunate to engage the services of Tom Allen Gardening
Early in the 2024 we installed a bench to the memory of "The Joyces" - Hill and Neville and another in the new cremated remains area in memory of Trevor Hitchman.
Robert Jackson - Churchwarden February 2025
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REPORT FROM THE BASINGTOKE DEANERY SYNOD, 2024
In February the Deanery Synod met at Christ the King, Brighton Hill, to welcome our recently installed Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen. In conversation with Ben Kautzer (Area Dean), Bishop Philip shared his background. By means of input from +Philip and from shared group discussions, ideas were shared over the three topics: Healing, Heritage and Hope.
Healing: Reimagining the Culture of the Diocese
Asked how he wanted to be an agent of healing, +Philip wanted to acknowledge the hurt and sadness that had been experienced by some people. He did recognise that not everyone was aware of what had taken place. It is in loving God, and loving our neighbours, that healing begins.
+Philip quoted GK Chesterton who said: !The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild.” How can we, in this deanery, "give room for good things to run wild#? Our churches should make room for those with innovation and creativity. The Holy Spirit makes good things happen. !Listen, Learn, Love, Laugh”
Heritage: Rediscovering the Mission, Ministry, and Purpose of Deaneries
In groups, we considered the questions: !What is the Deanery for?” and “What are we trying to do?”
Hope: Reaffirming the Unity of the Body of Christ in Troubled Times
Bishop Philip stated that we need unity if all God#s people are to be equipped to be agents of hope. He quoted Ephesians 4, vv 1-5:!$ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ”
During long vacancies hope dwindles, and there is no mentoring or care for ministers who find themselves overworked trying to support churches in vacancy. +Philip gave his assurance that there would not be a continuation of the past re-organisation. A divided Church cannot stand; Church is called to be united in the truth. The Church should cherish unity, whilst recognising our multi-layered diversity, through better listening and increased communication.
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Before the meeting closed, Ben Kautzer and Nicola Such (Assistant Area Dean) announced that Christine Watson was standing down as Deanery Secretary and thanked her for 18 years of service.
The second Deanery Synod meeting of the year took place in June at St. Mary’s Church, Eastrop, and focused on mission and ministry amongst older people. The Area Dean, Ben Kautzer, spoke about the centrality of this work for the pastoral ministry of all our parishes. He gave examples of care home ministry and those coming for confirmation later in life to illustrate that the journey of faith is never finished.
Kate Powell told the story of Anna Chaplaincy in Alton. She shared her experience building a ministry amongst older people, growing her team, and working in partnership within her local community. She highlighted several key priorities: care & residential homes, community groups, home visits, street chaplaincy, and Anna Chaplaincy events.
Kate#s plenary talk was followed by three twenty-minute breakout group sessions. Synod members and the many guests were invited to choose between the following workshops:
Anna Chaplaincy - Kate Powell (Anna chaplain, Parish of the Resurrection, Alton)
Being Together: Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic - Jenny Cooke (Pastoral care team, Sherborne St John#s)
Holiday@Home - Revd Caroline West (Assistant minister, St Mary#s Eastrop)
Hospice & End of Life Care - Revd Dominic Thornton (Chaplain, St Michael#s Hospice) and Revd Karen West (Associate minister, Silchester)
Messy Vintage: Cultivating Creative Connections - Revd. Nicola Such (Vicar, Basingstoke Down)
Mission & Ministry in Care Homes - Revd Jane Leese (PTO, Basingstoke Team)
Social Prescribing: Pioneering Community Partnerships - Tracey Powell (Community connector/social prescriber, Watership Down Health)
The aim of the breakout groups was to spark creative thinking, signpost to some good resources, and encourage collaboration between pastoral teams within the Deanery.
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In August the synod met again at Christ the King, Brighton Hill for our ‘Summer Social’. After a few updates and items of business, we spent some time getting to know our fellow members of synod. It was confirmed that Revd Nicola Such (Basingstoke Down) was standing down as Assistant Area Dean.
The final meeting of 2024 took place at St. Mark’s Church, Kempshott, in October. The focus of the meeting was Creation Care and becoming a more sustainable Church. Our guest speaker was Sam Scott, diocesan environmental officer, assisted by Lucy Howlett, project coordinator for the Net Zero Carbon campaign in the diocese.
In his talk, interspersed with group discussions, Sam showed how, starting from a place of gratitude, creation care is an opportunity for:
Discipleship - as disciples we are called to be part of the work of sustaining and renewing God’s creation.
Mission - as the environment is one of the top issues for adults, and even more so for young people, there is an opportunity to find common ground and build links with schools, groups and individuals. If we are not seen as interested in this issue it becomes an obstacle to mission.
Resource Stewardship - a chance to make savings in expenditure as well as reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Our next Deanery Synod meeting will be led by Richard Brand (Archdeacon of Winchester), who will be guiding us through a period of transition as Bishop David takes up his new role as Bishop of Truro, previously held by +Philip Mounstephen.
Rebecca Aldridge, Jo Jarrett-Kerr, Paul Skinner
ANNUAL REPORT
Approved by the PCC on 9[th] March 2025
Signed by the Chair, The Reverend Jo Mulliner
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