2024-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Boston A Place of Hospitality: A Place to Belong + A Place to Believe

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Report

Sunday 18[th] May 2025, 1pm St Botolph’s Church

Table of Contents

Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners .......................................................................................... 5 Minutes of the Meeting of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting .................................................... 5 Parochial Church Council Report ................................................................................................... 8 Electoral Roll Report ...................................................................................................................... 8 Safeguarding Report ...................................................................................................................... 9 Deanery Synod Report ................................................................................................................ 10 Deanery Partnership Report ........................................................................................................ 11 St Thomas’ Church Report ........................................................................................................... 13 St Botolph’s Church Report .......................................................................................................... 14 Director of Music Report .............................................................................................................. 21 Building Projects and Fabric Report ............................................................................................. 28 St Botolph’s Fabric Report ........................................................................................................ 28 St Thomas’ Fabric Report ......................................................................................................... 28 St Christopher’s Church ............................................................................................................ 28 St Botolph’s Library .................................................................................................................. 28 St Botolph’s Lighting Upgrade .................................................................................................. 29 Blenkin Memorial Hall ............................................................................................................... 29 Boston Foodbank Report ............................................................................................................. 30 St Botolph’s Church Sanctuary Guild Report ................................................................................ 33 Community Garden Report .......................................................................................................... 34 5[th] Boston (St Botolph’s) Scout Group Report .............................................................................. 35

3

Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners

28[th] April 2024, 1.00pm, Blenkin Memorial Hall

Revd S Clifton, Assistant Curate of the Parish of Boston, welcomed everyone to the meeting and led the opening prayers.

Election of the Parish Churchwardens

Four nominations had been received: Andrew Elms, Paula Tamberlin, Rod Paul and Bob Tamberlin. It was proposed by C Bartlett and seconded by T Baily that all four be appointed. It was agreed unanimously.

Revd S Clifton thanked our Churchwardens for being willing to undertake this important role in the life of our Church.

The meeting of the Parishioners was then closed.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

28[th] April 2024, 1.10pm, Blenkin Memorial Hall

Revd Sally Clifton welcomed everyone to the Annual Parish Church Meeting.

Present: Revd S Clifton (Chair), A Kelk, J Stewart-Smith, G Stewart-Smith, M Haynes, B Charity, G Cooper, A Cooper, G Atkinson, C Davis, B Davis, S Kirk MBE, B Rathbourne, A Elms, C Ladner, J Lyon, I Thomas, R Paul, J Degg, P Tamberlin, B Tamberlin, D Scoot, C Bartlett, T Baily, D Williams, T Scoot

1. Apologies for absence

M Forster-Parish J Morris, A Sargeant, J Maddy, T Atkinson, W Green, K Lawson, P Lawson, K Davey

2. Minutes of the last APCM meeting held on 30th May 2023

Proposed: B Tamberlin Seconded: B Charity Unanimously Agreed

3. Matters Arising

No matters arising

4. Electoral Roll Report

Revd S Clifton gave thanks on behalf of the Parish for the work of J Maddy in her duty as our Electoral Officer. The Electoral Roll Report can be found in the report pack.

5. PCC Membership

Fr David Stephenson, C Ladner, P Kay, A Elms, P Tamberlin, R Paul,

B Tamberlin, G Stewart-Smith, D Williams, T Baily, J Lyon, A Kelk, J Morris, D Scoot, M Forster-Parish, I Thomas, K Davey, A Cooper, J Maddy (ex-officio)

6. Presentation of the Annual Report

As the APCM Report had been circulated prior to the meeting, Revd S Clifton went through the report, highlighting key points.

Assistant Curates Report Revd S Clifton thanked everyone who had provided support throughout the vacancy, especially the Ministry Team

5

Boston RoadHOG Report T Baily reminded the meeting the handover of the new bus would take place on 11[th] May at the Rugby Club, all are welcome! Also there has been a change since the report was submitted in that the Tunnard St. carpark stop has had to be suspended as the Borough Council have introduced a height barrier which prevents the Bus from entering St Botolph’s Report Revd S Clifton commended the team for the huge amount of work it takes to keep the building open. There have been many lovely, positive comments about how well the church is used and the great welcome they receive from the staff & volunteers Director of Music Report J Lyon thanked St Thomas’ for enabling live music to continue and their continued support generally Boston Foodbank Report Revd S Clifton highlighted the gap between donations and users resulting in shortfalls of some goods. She asked people to continue to support the Foodbank to help those less fortunate in our community. Your prayers are encouraged St Botolph’s Sanctuary Revd S Clifton thanked the members of the St Botolph’s Guild Report Sanctuary Guild for the beautiful flowers provided throughout the year. T Scoot proposed a vote of thanks, seconded by J Degg with all in agreement.

Revd S Clifton continued, thanking the flower team at St Thomas’ Church (M Taylor, K Davey & A Cooper) for their work too. St Botolph’s Community If you have not already, please do go and experience the Garden garden. The team have done a fantastic job.

1. Presentation of the Annual Accounts C Ladner presented the fully audited accounts.

The accounts have shown a -£59,000 deficit for the year. The parish is solvent due to its reserves, but this can not continue. The majority of this deficit has been caused due to a large increase in the utilities – c.£55,000 and £81,000 on gas and electricity respectively. Not only has the cost started to reduce, but the amount used is through good management of lighting and heating when necessary.

Unfortunately, the Parish Giving Scheme is still not having the uptake it should. We have had a few people pull out of the scheme which is disappointing. This method of giving is the best way to give your gift to the church. The scheme enables us to budget against the money we are expecting in and avoids long gift aid claims as they do that on behalf of the Parish. Please do pick up an application form or speak with C Ladner to sign up or to find out more information.

The Gift Shop / Refectory has seen a 15% increase in income through 2023 with 2024 already beating the previous years figures. The profitability has gone up, providing an important income to the Parish.

The current 2024 budget is to breakeven which will be possible with tight controls on spending.

Members in the meeting then asked several questions, which C Ladner answered.

6

Q. Are we using more energy than previous years or is it purely the cost increasing? A. No, we aren’t using any more than previous years. The supply cost has increased, as it has for everyone. Through being wise stewards of the energy we use, this figure has already started to fall through 2024.

Q. What are the barriers to people signing up to the Parish Giving Scheme?

A. We are unsure, but if you hear of any when chatting to others then please let a member of the Ministry Team know so we can try and overcome them. Even £5 per person, per month would help enormously.

Q. Are we exploring the options of contactless giving?

A. Yes, we are awaiting the Diocese of Lincoln to confirm the date of delivery of a contactless donation machine.

Q. The wage bill looks quite high?

A. It does when put together in the accounts, but 90% of the cost is met through various grants.

The meeting thanked C Ladner for his time and effort in getting the accounts together.

8. Appointment of Auditors

C Ladner proposed the Parish continues to use the services of Moore-Thompson as our Parish Auditors. This was seconded by T Scoot and unanimously agreed by the meeting.

9. Any other business

There was no other business

10. Date of the next PCC Meeting to be confrmed

The meeting was then closed in prayer.

Signed…………………………………………. Date………………………. Rector of The Parish of Boston

7

Parochial Church Council Report

Members of PCC include: Fr David Stephenson, C Ladner, P Kay, A Elms, P Tamberlin, R Paul, B Tamberlin, G Stewart-Smith, D Williams, T Baily, J Lyon, A Kelk, J Morris, D Scoot, M Forster-Parish, I Thomas, K Davey, A Cooper, J Maddy (ex-officio)

The PCC met in January (St Botolph’s), April (Zoom), June (Blenkin Memorial Hall), July (St Thomas’), September (St Thomas’), November (Blenkin Memorial Hall).

The PCC have a set agenda which includes; Finance & Governance, Safeguarding, Time to Change Together, Appointment of our new Rector, Music Report, Ministry Report, Activities & Events Report, Towns Deal Funded Projects Update and a Fabric Report. Meetings have been held in St Thomas’ Church, St Botolph’s Church and online, via Zoom.

At our first PCC meeting, Mr Graham Stewart-Smith was re-elected Lay Chair, Mr. Chris Ladner was re-elected Treasurer and Mr. Adam Kelk was elected Secretary & Safeguarding Officer.

As per Church Representation rules, one third of the PCC will retire at the 2025 APCM. There will be 4 vacancies. Nomination papers can be obtained from the Parish Office.

A set of approved minutes can be obtained by contacting me via [e-mail].

Adam Kelk

PCC Secretary

Electoral Roll Report

2025 is a full renewal year which means all members must re-apply for membership or else their names will be deleted. The Church Electoral Roll is the basic list in every parish of all those entitled to vote on elections within the Church of England. Those entitled to have their names on this roll must be 16 years of age or more and they must reside in the relevant parish or be regular worshippers in church whose roll they wish to join. Joining the Electoral Roll opens the way for greater involvement in the life of your Church, at deanery, diocesan and national levels as well as being entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

The Electoral Roll stood at 107. Following the complete renewal it now stands at 104.

If you need to check to see if your name is on the Roll, or require an application form, please contact the Parish Office to obtain one. I would encourage all those who regularly worship in our parish to join.

Jayne Maddy Electoral Roll Officer

8

Safeguarding Report

The PCC takes very seriously the requirement to safeguard children, young persons and potentially vulnerable adults who attend any activity organised by the church. Accordingly, it continues to actively monitor the application of the Dioceses Safe Church policies and procedures. The PCC have adopted the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance, copies of which can be viewed in the Parish Offices. These documents are updated regularly and re-adopted by the PCC every year.

Part of this monitoring process involves an annual Diocesan self-audit. Each year all Parishes are required to complete a self-audit and submit the results to the Diocesan Safeguarding team. The audit goes through all sectors of parish life, ensuring that safeguarding principles are applied and best practice is used. The results are on based on Red (not compliant, will need actioning as soon as possible), Amber (partially compliant, need further work to get to green) & Green (fully compliant). I am pleased to report that we were Green throughout. This promotes good practice and also ensures that we are doing all we can to protect our most vulnerable in society.

All persons who have direct contact with groups who are identified as being vulnerable, and are classed as leaders, are required to obtain a clear Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) report and these checks are renewed every 3 years. Detailed records are kept and confidential documents are filed in a locked facility. Risk assessments are completed when hosting activities and events which includes Safeguarding. Our volunteers are offered basic Safeguarding training which is provided by the Diocesan safeguarding team. It is also a requirement for all members of the PCC to undergo a basic level DBS in their role as trustees within 3 months of them being elected or the expiry of their training.

Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families, people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in the church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.

The people who can help you are our Rector or the Parish Safeguarding Officer. You can contact the safeguarding officer, Adam Kelk, via [e-mail] or our Rector, Fr. David Stephenson, [e-mail]. If you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team – their contact details are [e-mail]. There is also information on the Diocesan website about other places where you can get help or advice.

Adam Kelk

Safeguarding Officer

9

Deanery Synod Report

The elected representatives for the Parish of Boston are: Polly Tamberlin, Chris Ladner and Adam Kelk.

Deanery Synod met on 29[th] February (Holy Trinity), 18[th] June (Kirton Parish Church) and 16[th] October (Holy Trinity).

Deanery Synod meets to receive report on Diocesan Synod, the Deanery Pastoral Committee and Standing Committee. For the third year running St Botolph’s hosted a Deanery Advent service.

It is important to note that Deanery Synod is the legal entity recognised by the Church of England and as such the Deanery remains as the Holland Deanery, including Society parishes.

Elections

June Orford was elected as Deanery Treasurer, Chris Ladner was elected as Lay Chair and Mike Sharp as Secretary.

Pastoral Committee

The Pastoral Committee met formally to discuss the vacancies at Kirton/Algarkirk, Friskney/Wrangle/Old Leake and the Sibsey and Brothertoft Group.

Safeguarding

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team continue to review and strengthen existing procedures and all parishes should ensure they continue to be aware of all who require training.

RoadHOG

The RoadHOG Youth Project continues to operate at many stops in and around Boston. A newly refurbished bus was commissioned on 11th May 2024, and the old bus after many years of faithful service, retired. The bus now stops at 10 locations over a two week cycle. A new stop has been established in Wyberton. The bus is also welcomed at schools during the year. During 2024, 3703 visitors were welcomed onboard which is an average of 309 young people a month.

The bus hopes to provide a safe and warm place for children (ages 8 to 15) to gather and participate in games and crafts, and to provide a safe space for the children to talk privately and pray with team members if they so wish. Members of the teams prayed with 84 young people and held 12 significant conversations during 2024. These are conversations that we believe may change the course a young person’s life and set the seeds of a faith in God. The stops are occasionally visited by PSCOs as part of their community relation role

Trevor Baily continues as team leader at the Fenside stop. During 2024 Fenside typically welcomed 9 to 18 young people aboard the bus. Wendy Green attends both the Fenside and the Sibsey stops. Visitor numbers at the Sibsey stop range between 3 and 12. David Scoot is a member of the Fishtoft team where between 6 and 12 young people regularly visit.

The RoadHOG team wish to thank all who have supported the project. Should any one wish to join the project as a team member, please contact Trevor Baily.

10

Deanery Partnership Report

LMP SOUTH	LMP NORTH
Boston, St Botolph	Holy Trinity, Skirbeck	Key Mission
Wyberton	Fishtoft (St Nicholas)	Local Mission
Boston, St Thomas Frampton St Mary, Frampton St Michael & All Angels Donnington, Sutterton, Swineshead, Wigtoft	Butterwick, Freiston, Leverton, Friskney, Old Leake, Wrangle Sibsey Holland Fen, Kirton Holme	Community
Boston, St Christopher Bicker Algarkirk	Brothertoft, Langrick, Wildmore Carrington, Frithville, New Bolingbroke	Festival

Pilgrim Local Mission Partnership(Society Parishes, under the care of the Bishop of Richborough)
St Nicholas, Skirbeck Kirton	Local Mission
Fosdyke	Community

Local Mission Partnership South :

Fr David Stephenson, Revd Mark Williams and Revd Canon Sudharshan Sarvananthan (Rural Dean) make up the ministry provision for LMP South.

Local Mission Partnership North :

The hope is that this LMP will continue to have 3 stipendiary clergy, although the pledges at the moment mean that there is the expectation of only 2 posts being funded. Revd Andy Higginson, Revd Marc Cooper and members of Holy Trinity currently cover ministry provision in the LMP North. Holy Trinity, following Revd Lis & Ian moving to pastures new, are expecting to appoint a new priest in 2025.

- Pilgrim Local Mission Partnership Richborough (The Society) Local Mission Partnership: It was announced that Fr Paul Norwood would be licensed as the new priest of The Society churches within the Deanery Partnership. Kirton, Fosdyke and St Nicholas form part of the wider Society LMP which covers the entire Diocese. Fr Paul’s licensing took place on 19[th] January 2025.

Other updates:

Since October 2022 the Partnership Dean and Lay Lead have been attending joint days meeting with those from other Deanery Partnerships. It has been helpful to hear what is happening in other places, although all the contexts are very different and there is no “one size fits all” answer. Boston DP has made all the pledges and a start has been made by most churches towards fulfilling them.

11

The Diocese will be requesting all churches to look at their current Covenant Pledge and propose how much they will be able to give in the next 1-3 years. This exercise enables the Parish Support Office to budget against a realistic figure as well as helping to shape the deployment of ministry.

Adam Kelk and Carol Acheson, Parish Safeguarding Officers for the two Key Mission Churches, have held their first meeting of Parish Safeguarding Officers in the Deanery. Through this forum it is hoped there can be a mutual support in fulfilling their duties and highlight any training provision needs. Following the first successful meeting, it is hoped the group can meet again following all APCM’s being completed to see what training is required and where. The group will then contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to provide the necessary training.

Mission Enabler (volunteer post): David Acheson (Holy Trinity) continues in this role for the Boston DP.

DP Administrator: At the beginning of 2024, Nikki Jackson decided to step back from her role as Deanery Administrator. Nikki shared this role with Jayne Maddy. In December this part-time, Diocesan funded post was advertised and Carol Norwood was successful. Carol and Jayne work together to share news, collate data and keep Deanery records for meetings etc. These roles do not replace administration arrangements in individual parishes, but it provides a more centralised administrative base across the two LMPs and support for all those involved in ministry both lay and ordained.

“If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another helper, and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit…” John 14:15-16

12

St Thomas’ Church Report

St Thomas’ Church

Church services have continued to follow the same pattern each month, Congregational, Eucharist, Morning Worship, Eucharist with the fifth service in a month being a united service. There is a midweek Eucharist on a Thursday and Morning Prayer on a Saturday. We hold regular Compline services alongside St Botolph’s. Thank you to the choir and Anthony who help lead our services. We added an extra service on Christmas Eve for the first Communion of Christmas, this was well attended and appreciated.

We’ve had a number of weddings and funerals throughout the year and baptisms take place on the second Sunday of the month as well as baptism preparation mornings three times a year. The church has been visited by St Thomas primary school and St George’s Preparatory school to hold services including harvest and carols.

The church is decorated with flowers at Harvest and Christmas by Ashley, George, Kathy, Trevor, Maureen, Edna and Judy as well as St Botolph Sanctuary Guild. We also had a big clean in November. We have refreshed the notice boards and opened up the space as you enter the church to be more welcoming.

St Thomas was the venue for the parish radical welcome course.

St Thomas wives group meets in the hall once a month with a regular attendance of 18.

We held our annual Spring and Advent fairs which raised over £2750. Both fairs were supported by the local community with the Spring fair taking place on the church lawn as well as the hall. Thank you to Trevor Baily who organises these events as well maintaining the outside areas of the Church particularly the lawns and hedges.

We are thankful for the Parish staff and ministry team who cover the administrative duties, the printing and purchasing of consumable supplies.

St Thomas’ Church Hall

Regular weekday hirers include Tai Chi, Pilates, NHS Diabetes, Boston Health Walkers and Slimming World as well as regular weekend hiring for parties.

In addition to these a group of volunteers from St Thomas congregation offer a welcoming space for the local community. These are all offered free of charge, although most people that visit the sessions give a donation which alongside grants help us to maintain these facilities. On a Tuesday we offer a Parent and Baby & Toddler group (with between 3 and 12 children attending at a time). This is followed by a community lunch which serves between 24 & 30each week, most of these people staying to play scrabble or dominoes afterwards. On a Friday there is a social with coffee and cake, again playing scrabble, dominoes or chatting.

Polly Tamberlin

Churchwarden

13

St Botolph’s Church Report

2024 has been another incredibly busy year for St Botolph’s, with yet another record breaking year for the number of visitors we have welcomed through our doors. The figures are listed further on in this report, but it is important as ever to thank our incredible team of staff and volunteers who make all that we do possible. We have, as a team, worked incredibly hard to ensure that the message gets out that we are a Place of Hospitality: a Place to Belong + a Place to Believe. All that we do is for the mission of the Church to bring people closer to God.

Our fantastic team of staff and volunteers show that whatever the challenge, our team rise to the occasion and achieve an incredible level of quality and professionalism – something we are known for, both locally and throughout the county.

When reviewing our year, it would be impossible to list every single activity or event which has taken place, but below are some of the highlights.

Families & Children

St Botolph’s offers a wide range of activities and events for families and children. Not least of these being our regular Fun @ the Stump! days. Our Fun @ the Stump! events have gone from strength to strength. We host our family fun days on Thursday through school holidays between 10.30am and 2pm. A special thanks to Julie who marks them in her calendar and volunteers her time to enable families to have free fun. We have had fantastic feedback from those who attend, welcoming something free for children to do in the often long and expensive holidays. Our sessions consist of garden games, arts & crafts, trails and fun – with the added Disney music thrown in too! Literally hundreds of children have attended these sessions through 2024 and all have had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Our Lego Club has celebrated its third year of regular meetings on the first Saturday of each month. The concept is simple – thousands of Lego & Duplo bricks are on offer with a theme each month for children (and adults!) to let their imaginations go wild. Our sessions attract anywhere between 10 – 40 children to each session.

Our work within scouting has continued, although not at the same rate as in previous years. The main focus of these visits has been to help them achieve their ‘My Faith Badge’. We have welcomed beavers, cubs and scouts into St Botolph’s to explore our faith more and to tour the building. We have explored bible stories, how we practice our faith and most have paid to place a brick on the Lego model.

We continue to engage with our local schools with several classes coming into St Botolph’s, both via organised tours and self-led tours. With the curriculum including faith, place and community, schools value being about to use our space to put their learning into practise – bringing their learning to life. This is a particular area for growth into 2025 as the need for our schools is there.

Since 2016 we have hosted an entire year group from Kirton Primary School for a full day at St Botolph’s. Our partnership continues to be strong with them booking in for 2025.

During the summer holidays we worked with the Boston Foodbank to deliver ‘Kids eat free!’ enabling over 200 children to pick up a simple picnic lunch everyday through August. We received an incredible response to this initiative with parents commenting on how the school holidays can be expensive – especially those who will not get free school lunches. A local market trader

14

donated all the fruit for the initiative with the rest being covered via a grant through the Boston Foodbank.

A lot of our events and activities aimed at families and children are free. We believe that all should be able to engage with them. They do, however, see an increase in footfall which results in an increase in sales via our Refectory, Lego Build, Tower Climb and Gift Shop, along with general donations and votives.

Festivals and Markets

2024 saw us working with Boston College to host our very first Boston Food Festival. This event saw students from the college design the publicity, take part via demonstrations and engage with their community. We are grateful to the College for their operational support in delivering this festival which saw in excess of 5,000 people visit St Botolph’s in 2 days. With thanks to Fr David for supplying a vintage Grey Ferguson Tractor, which was very popular, alongside the Minion character who walked around taking photographs with visitors! We hope to bring the Festival back each year.

Our Craft Markets continued through 2024 with four taking place, one in each quarter. Our Christmas Market is the smallest of the year due to space owing to us also hosting the Borough Council’s Christmas Tree Festival. We are incredibly lucky to have an extensive list of market traders to call upon when the time comes often meaning we do not need to advertise for stall holders. We have an incredibly loyal group of stall holders who look forward to being with us each time. Our thanks goes to Jayne Maddy for her impeccable organisation and Jayne Morris for creating our trader list and being on hand at each market.

Exhibitions and Demonstrations

St Botolph’s welcomed the Boston Nurses League in 2024 for their first Boston exhibition of the work of the Nurses League in Boston. This fascinating insight into nursing in Boston was well received by our community and we hope to work with them again in the future to bring the exhibition back again.

We continued to work with the Lincolnshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers to develop their offer to the community of Boston. Historically the Guild joined us for one-off events or stand-alone exhibitions. We now welcome the Guild to St Botolph’s during most school holidays. They have a fascinating exhibition, demonstration and kits available for people to have a go. Our thanks go to Jayne Porter & Anne Boggis for their care and commitment to sharing their craft. Both Jayne and Anne also give their time each November to assist in putting our knitted poppy display up, something which never fails to attract people during the season of remembrance and provides a powerful backdrop to our commemorations.

Boston Art Group joined us once again for their summer exhibition and sale. This celebration of local artists is always a delight, showcasing local artists in our iconic space. The group also very kindly offer a 20% commission on all pictures sold during their exhibition.

Hire of the Building

2024 saw us push out further as a space organisations and companies can hire. This is a guaranteed income for the Parish and an important source of income.

15

The Health Walkers continue to meet on a Tuesday morning in our space, meeting to register before their walks and coming back together afterwards for drinks, biscuits and fellowship afterwards. The Boston: St Botolph’s Group is now the largest on their books throughout the Borough of Boston.

Boston College approached us to host their Graduation again in 2024, the third year running. Following a change in award body from Lincoln to Derby they felt they wanted to host their very own graduation ceremony so that loved ones could be involved rather than having to travel to Derby. The students from Boston College parade from the Sam Newsome building through the town into St Botolph’s’ for the formal ceremony. Following the graduation, the students, families and friends take photographs and enjoy a drink in the grounds of St Botolph’s. It is an absolute privilege to host this incredible event for our town. The College also have the bells, an organist and this year paid for St Botolph’s Sanctuary Guild to arrange two pedestals.

The performing arts and art & design students from Boston College brought their annual showcase back to St Botolph’s for the 4[th] year running. The students exhibit their work for 5 days in St Botolph’s, with an evening event for loved ones to visit outside of working hours.

Our relationship with the Boston Sinfonia continues to hold strong with them hiring St Botolph’s 5 times a year for their performances. The orchestra rehearse on a Friday evening before their performance on either a Saturday evening or a Sunday afternoon. The Sinfonia regularly attract an audience of 150+ people with St Botolph’s offering refreshments preconcert and during the interval.

G4 came back for their fourth year as part of their Christmas tour in Cathedrals and historic spaces. St Botolph’s is the only Parish Church they have on their tour. We have a really strong relationship with the members of G4 and their team, with them commenting that they look forward to the Boston date on their tour in particular. Not only do we hire the building but we also offer a full bar service to the 680+ people in the audience. This is always a terrifically busy event, but always enjoyable.

2024 saw St Botolph’s welcome the County Groups concert from the Lincolnshire Music Service. This concert is the finale of a week-long residential the children have in Repton. We are delighted that they received such a welcome and great hospitality that they booked for 2025 with a view to St Botolph’s being their regular concert venue.

The Butterfly Hospice hired St Botolph’s twice in 2024. Once for their celebration of 10yrs of care event and their Light Up a Life event. Both were well received by our community.

Through 2024 we have sought to streamline how organisations hire St Botolph’s via our booking form. We have also tried to standardise the hire fee of the building, although we do look at each hire on a case-by-case basis to ensure equity. St Botolph’s champions the use of live music, is committed to safeguarding procedures and good governance. This is all achieved through the introduction of a thorough booking form.

Volunteers

The Parish is blessed with an incredible number of people who give freely of their time. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our operations in St Botolph’s with us being unable to offer what we do without them.

16

Caz Harvey, as Volunteer Manager, leads our volunteers through inductions, training and reviews. We have a very robust volunteering procedure now which ensures that, not only are we adhering to what we need to, but our volunteers feel valued. Caz is a real asset to our team and I know is very much valued throughout the Parish.

We have a very dedicated, loyal and committed group of people who turn up each week to help run our operations. As in previous years we have welcomed new volunteers to the team and said goodbye to those who have retired or have found employment. As is the case with most organisations who depend on a volunteer team, we are always in need of more volunteers, so if you can give any time, whether a regular slot or more ad hoc, please contact Caz Harvey via [e-mail] or contact the Parish Office.

Commercials

In 2024 our main two commercials (Refectory & Gift Shop) have provided much needed income to our Parish. We continue to develop what we offer to attract repeat custom and new audiences.

The Refectory has continued to go from strength to strength. The operational, day to day running, continues to be solely down to our volunteers. We operate two menus through the year - Spring/Summer, Autumn/Winter. I oversee the menu, ordering and governance whilst Caz Harvey oversees the training of our volunteers.

The menus have proved popular, with a steady increase in regular, weekly, customers. Our coffee is supplied by a local supplier who deals with fair trade coffee and most of our food offering comes from Pilgrim Foodservice & Tesco. This enables us to meet the standards expected of a food outlet. I’m pleased to say that through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, we were awarded a 5* rating once again. Our team are also able to host afternoon teas and buffets which have been received well. 2024 saw the introduction of baguettes, salads and jacket potatoes as regular items on the menu. We offer soups in the Autumn/Winter and are looking to further develop our salad offering for our Spring/Summer menu in 2025. The Refectory is now seen as a real community asset with not only regular custom but also being used as a place for people to hold business meetings.

Our Gift Shop has struggled in comparison to the Refectory but still remains the main place both locals and visitors shop for unique Boston souvenirs and gifts. The Gift Shop is solely run on volunteers with my oversight of ordering. Volunteers and staff suggest new lines dependent upon what is requested by our visitors. We are looking to expand our range of gifts to attract more local buyers. Our online Gift Shop continues to receive several orders a month, mainly due to being the only online outlet for the Boston Monopoly game.

St Botolph’s Tower Climb

The Tower Climb is always a popular attraction and over the last year we have had no problems with visitors climbing the tower. The tower climb really depends upon the weather owing to the health and safety protocols. Our Gift Shop volunteers operate the Tower Climb process, signing them in, taking payment and explaining the rules in place to keep them safe. The process has enabled us to continue to keep people safe whilst allowing them to climb without a guide. People travel to Boston to experience the spectacular views from our iconic tower.

17

Big Lego Build

The Lego Build has really grown in the last 12months. With thanks to the dedicated volunteers who help; Rod, Jan & Graham. Our volunteers on our Lego are an asset to St Botolph’s, not only to help build the model but they are also a constant presence helping with enquiries and generally welcoming visitors The Lego Model was purchased to help fundraise for our Children & Community Outreach.

Each brick costs just £1 to sponsor, so please do support our project. We have reached many milestones through 2024 as we came to the final layer of the nave and chancel. We hope that 2025 will bring the completion of the tower and, with a big push on donations, completion in 2026. Bricks/modules of the model can be sponsored to celebrate or mark a special time. We have had very generous donations in previous years for wedding anniversaries, birthdays and memorials. Please speak with Rod if you are interested in helping us out to reach our final target of 100,000 bricks.

Other events & Activities

May 2024 saw the Ingram Memorial space welcome the Boston Hanseatic League Group host their international Hanse Day. This incredibly important day highlights our shared history and the importance Boston had on international trade.

We have hosted a number of musical events through 2024, which are covered in the Director of Music report. But these events are important in the life of St Botolph’s in promoting professional, high quality music to our community and offering something that is not readily available in the area. Events we have hosted include the London Bach Choir, Stile Antico alongside our regular concert series to name just a few.

How can we not mention the night that everyone in our town talks about – our disco nights at St Botolph’s with local legend Steve Greenhough. These nights attract hundreds of people into our space to dance the night away in the safety of our building. Our incredible team of staff and volunteers step up to assist with setting up, crowd control, bar work and then the tidying up again. All this happens within the space of about 4 days with Sunday morning looking as if nothing ever happened. My thanks go to our incredible team who are a well-oiled machine and just get on with their duties! Each of these events has shown c.£2,000 profit – so not only are they encouraging our community to engage with us but also help with our finances too.

We have built a relationship with Carlton Road through their participation in our annual Big Sing programme, with thanks to John Lyon. This has developed into St Botolph’s hosting their annual Christmas performance to parents and carers, alongside their end of year assembly too. These events are a real delight as we welcome hundreds of children with their loved ones to St Botolph’s.

Christmas at St Botolph’s

2024 saw a change in days for the annual Christmas Festival in Boston, from Thursday-Sunday to Friday-Sunday. The usual Thursday celebrations and town Christmas light switch on moved to the Friday evening to allow more of our community to engage in the event. St Botolph’s once again took a significant part in the festival with community singing groups being staged in our space and St Botolph’s hosting the towns Christmas Tree festival. We also hosted a face painter and both St Thomas’ and St Botolph’s Sanctuary Guild had stalls to raise much needed funds. On the Saturday of the festivities we hosted our Christmas Craft Market. All this resulted in 5,500 people

18

visit St Botolph’s. This all had a very positive impact on our Refectory, Lego Build, Gift Shop and Tower Climb.

As always, local organisations and community groups approached us to host Christmas events and services. These included; the Boston District Scout carol service and the David Ross Educational Trust service of lessons & carols amongst others.

Our November and December in The Parish of Boston is always a hectic time of the year with thousands engaging with us and our buildings welcoming many new people through our doors.

Visitor Figures / Graph

Our Welcome Desk volunteer hand click each visitor in. The figures below do not include our events where there are restrictions in place i.e. ticketed events, nor does it include most of our services. As you can see, we have had another increase in the number of people visiting St Botolph’s in 2024.

19

	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Jan		31	2158	3681	3818
Feb			3114	4812	5059
Mar		250	4362	4811	6233
Apr		851	5445	5803	6783
May		1169	4734	6147	5627
June		1669	4687	5972	6870
July		439	5940	6677	7604
Aug	1546	3451	6905	7469	13530
Sept	2237	2969	7392	5916	6735
Oct	1781	3298	6405	6633	7928
Nov	267	3121	7092	11818	11285
Dec	558	2431	4629	5156	6668
Total		19679	62863	74895	88140
Increase from Previous year			43184	12032	13245
			219% increase	19% increase	18% increase

Thank you

I would like to finish my report by thanking all of our amazing, dedicated and valued volunteers without whom we would not be able to offer any of what we have this year. Our volunteers are the backbone of our Parish and without them we wouldn’t be able to engage with our community. We hope that all of our events enable our community to experience the love of God and encourage them to explore their faith.

Adam Kelk

Head Verger & Commercial Manager

20

Director of Music Report

As ever, we have enjoyed a busy year of music making in the Parish of Boston. The musical offer that music colleagues provide in church remains at a very high standard and we have continued to broaden our community musical outreach, in line with our mission to make music inclusive and accessible to all who would wish to explore and develop their skills.

Parish Choir

The adult division of our parish choir remains a strong ensemble, although numbers are smaller than they were. Recently, David Wing has made the decision to retire from the choir, which leaves us with four men on the back row, alongside our four alto voices. David arrived in the choir in 1957, making him the current longest serving member. We give thanks for his service to God and music in this place and wish him a happy retirement.

In spite of the smaller number, we remain able to sing music in worship of a high standard, tackling pieces which are challenging, and which support our aim to sustain a choral tradition which has been a core part of our parish traditional worship style for centuries. Consideration must now be given to consider how we continue to sustain and develop our adult line. Skilled adult readers and singers do not seem to be plentiful in the Boston area, however, we need to make the effort to seek them out!

The choir have given some outstanding performances through the year, often being incredibly buys during key festivals. A highlight of the year was the All Souls’ service, where the adults and teenage voices sang Durufle’s beautiful setting of the Requiem Mass. It was good to be able to welcome Jeff Makinson from Lincoln Cathedral to accompany the service.

Chamber Choir

The chamber choir has continued to provide an alternative ensemble to the main, core adult line, singing music that often requires additional preparation and individual rehearsal. I have introduced additional rehearsals into the schedule for chamber choir members this year, to help us to manage the challenge of the music better. These have been well-received and will continue to form part of the rehearsal schedule in the year to come.

Junior Choir

Membership of the Junior Choir remains stable with 17 choristers currently singing regularly. We have recently welcomed a new chorister from Carlton Road Academy, as a result of his participation in the Spring Big Sing. He has already settled into rehearsals and seems to be very excited about being a member of the choir! The junior choristers are incredibly committed to their duties, performing in church at least twice each month and, attending rehearsals regularly. Thanks should be offered to parents who bring their children to rehearsals and services each week. It is always good to see parents stay for our morning service and hear their children leading worship.

This coming term, choristers will be working on medal progression activities and our three probationer choristers will be looking to progress to becoming full choristers. Our choristers enjoy playing an active role in worship, reading the lessons and leading intercessions. This is an excellent way to allow them to interact with the church community.

The return of Choir Club after a protracted period of absence has been a welcome addition to our weekly schedule. The club provides a wonderful opportunity for choristers to socialise and have

21

fun together after rehearsals. The recent donations of cards and games to play have been really well received and choristers have been making full use of the new activities on offer!

A recent visit to the Kinema in the Woods to see Paddington in Peru (a Christmas Reward Trip) was very well received by choristers and parents. It is good to be able to reward our choristers for their hard work and dedication to the choir.

Junior Choir are in need of more rehearsal time to ensure that we get the most out of our choral singing. This is an area under consideration for the year ahead.

B-16 Choir

Our teenage chamber choir continues to thrive, with fourteen members currently rehearsing with us on a regular basis. It is always good to have the teenagers singing in church. They have led services alone this year for the first time and have also sung alongside our junior choristers and our adults. They have become very capable singers and given than for a number of members, this was their first experience of a choir, they have developed into a very good ensemble. There is further work to be done to secure commitment to service singing. The draw of part time work can be an obstacle for many members and therefore it can interfere with availability. By being part of the choir, our teens are learning a wide range of music but are importantly, learning so much about what it means to make a commitment and also how important it is to be professional in your communications, when you cannot attend. There are many life lessons being learned through choir and this places additional value on the ability for teenagers to become members.

Additional work needs to be done to try to recruit new members from schools which currently don’t engage with our offer. This is the challenge for the year ahead.

Choral Scholars

Our choral scholars have each received £400 for their commitment to choral singing in the parish. The scholarships are able to be given thanks to successful funding applications to the Williamson and the Ouseley Trust. A recent application has been made again to the Ouseley Trust to support the continuation of choral scholarships in the future. The scholars have each reported back on the impact of the scholarship, all citing the value of being able to sing here alongside skilled adult voices, as well as being able to access repertoire that cannot be accessed anywhere else locally. They have all been incredibly positive about their experience as scholars.

Organ Scholarships

Thanks to a successful bid to the Laughton Trust, we were able to secure funding to offer our first ever Junior Organ Scholarships in the Parish of Boston. Publicity and application forms have been completed and the scheme is due to launch in May 2025. Anthony Baldery will be delivering organ tuition to the scholarship holders, who will begin to play for some worship once they have reached a suitable standard of performance. The ability to offer organ scholarships to state educated students in our area is significant and is providing access to an amazing opportunity to enter a world which is so often exclusively populated by children who are fortunate to receive private schooling.

Choral Bedesmen

There has been no personnel change in the line-up of Bedesmen this year, who continue to sing as a 4-part ensemble as part of the choir, but also on their own. The Bedesmen have led worship, including choral evensong, providing opportunities to explore different repertoire and singing styles. I am grateful for the Bedesmen (and ex Bedes) who continue to provide a core ensemble of singers, as the role has done for centuries.

22

Community Choir

The community choir continues to enjoy strong membership, and Anthony is working well with them to cover a range of musical content and repertoire. The choir have performed in the parish, supporting worship at St Thomas’ and here at St Botolph’s. In addition, they have also sung in concert and are scheduled to be part of this season’s lunchtime concert series. The Blenkin Hall has given the community choir a secure and well-equipped place in which to rehearse, which helps them to feel able to achieve a good standard of singing. Members speak positively about the enjoyment of singing in the choir and it is good to see people engaging with the musical offer that the parish provides.

Assistant Organist

David Shepherd retired from his role as Assistant Organist after 20 years in post. A farewell gift and celebration were provided, where it was good to be able to thank David for his contribution to music here. David remains available to play for occasional services.

As a result of David’s retirement, we were able to advertise the vacancy and then after a successful interview, appoint Anthony Baldery to the position of Assistant Organist. Anthony is helping to deliver live music for worship at St Thomas’ as well as supporting worship at St Botolph’s. As part of Anthony’s role, he is delivering some individual singing tuition to teenage voices and will be delivering the organ scholarship programme once recipients have been selected.

Anthony has delivered some primary school workshops as part of his role, delivering preparations for a Christmas performance at Swineshead, St Mary’s Primary School. He also delivered the Spring Big Sing project to Swineshead and Sutterton schools, allowing them to participate again this year.

Recently, Anthony has been appointed as the Musical Director of the Boston Choral Society, bringing the choir back under the direction of one of our parish musicians. As a result, they have returned to Boston to rehearse and meet in the Blenkin Hall.

St Thomas’

Margaret Lee retired after many years of service as organist at St Thomas’ Church. I should like to thank Margaret for her commitment to playing the organ and wish her a happy retirement. Anthony Baldery now plays for services at St Thomas’ as part of his Assistant Organist role, where he works with the choir members to promote live music. Anthony has recently introduced some changes to the sung eucharistic setting in Lent, which have been positively received. Thank you to the members of the choir at St Thomas’ for your commitment to singing there each week and helping to lead music in worship.

Project Funding

After the successful submission of a report on the development of music in the parish, we were granted the third year of funding from the Bishop’s Transformation Fund. The money received supports the provision of the Director of Music’s salary and allows us to offer the range of musical outreach that we engage with across a year. We will be looking to apply for additional funding for the next three years, to support continued growth in our musical provision in the years ahead. It was disappointing to be refused funding from the Cathedral Music Trust this year, over a technicality in the application process, which wasn’t clarified until after the submission deadline. It is hoped that we may achieve a successful outcome in this year’s round of funding.

23

Chorister Tuition Programme

Six choristers receive individual tuition as part of our Chorister tuition programme. Other choristers have expressed an interest in the scheme, but time constraints prevent further expansion at the moment. A donation of a set of Melodicas has been received, which will allow choristers to learn keyboard and breathing skills via a separate activity which will be launched in 2025.

Choral Resources

The parish received a very generous gift from Wallis Fox to provide a set of bespoke choral folders for choir use. The folders are hand made by a British company and feature our parish logo as well as an inscription on the back, in memory of Peter Fox and his unmatched years of service to God and the choir. The folders were dedicated at a special evensong service and have been in use since.

An anonymous donation was received to complete the furnishing of the Song School. A set of 40 foldable chairs and trolley were provided which are in use at weekly rehearsals. The chairs provide comfort for our singers during rehearsals but also, due to their lightweight build, along with the music stands help to maintain the flexibility of the Song School space.

Spring Big Sing 2025

This was our third annual Spring Big Sing and the largest we have undertaken to date. It was wonderful to welcome seven primary schools to the project and also the Skegness Grammar School Choir, alongside our full Parish Choir to present a spectacular evening of music. This year, the chosen programme of songs was the most adventurous to date and included works from across 800 years of musical achievement. The schedule of sessions is gruelling in the Spring Term, with each school receiving ten sessions to learn ten songs. Chosen works included Zadok the Priest, O Fortuna, Summer is Icumen in amongst others; each with a significant level of challenge. The children sang all the songs with enthusiasm and gave a wonderful performance to a full church of parents, family members and teachers. The Spring Big Sing is our largest community outreach activity in the year and so it is especially good to witness how positively the event is received.

DRET Work

I continue to provide two days of teaching time each week to Skegness Grammar School through the Musician In Residence programme. I work with individual students and also train the Grammar School Choir, Magnus Sonus. The school is a very positive place to work and I have been able to support a number of students in their performance, listening and composition work. The students are perceptive and keen to improve their skills and knowledge, listening carefully to constructive comments.

As part of my role, I have supported students in delivering concert performances as individuals and as members of ensembles. This year, I have accompanied and directed at six school concerts, in addition to a range of external events. I led the school choir in a performance at the DRET Schools’ Music Festival in Nottingham’s Albert Hall, with the choir performing in St Barnabas’ Cathedral and working with Pete Letanka. The choir also delivered a performance at the Grimsby Auditorium alongside the BBC singers, where I was praised for the quality of the preparation of the pieces. I also led the pit orchestra for the school’s own production of School of Rock, by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, helping to direct rehearsals and prepare pupils for the performances.

24

At Christmas, the choir participated in a Grand Georgian Christmas performance in Hull Minster, alongside other singers and the Gabrieli Consort. This was a prestigious event where the choir performed well under challenging circumstances.

I have attended Choral Professional Development sessions with Charles McDougall at Charnwood College, Loughborough, to support my work with the school choir and our choirs here. The relationship that we enjoy with DRET through the programme is very positive and valuable to the parish. The income received helps to support my post but additionally, there are a significant number of opportunities to work alongside some key professional musicians, where valuable experience and sharing of ideas can take place.

Lincolnshire Schools’ Festival – Lincolnshire Showground

In September, I led a series of workshops at the Lincolnshire Schools’ Festival at the Lincolnshire Showground. I worked with 16 school groups over two days, teaching children the importance of story telling and singing in worship. The pupils and teachers responded positively to the workshops, where they learned about breath control, warming up the voice and how to project their sound. The schools that I worked with this year were not local to Boston and so there was no opportunity to recruit choristers, which was a shame.

Concerts and Performances

The summer lunchtime concert series took place last summer and featured a wider range of instruments and voices that the previous year. The attendance at the concerts was stable, although it would be good to see numbers increase. The musicians and singers who come to perform are generous with their time and talents, often donating their skills for free. The concerts are subject to charges from the PRS and so it is increasingly challenging to make a profit from them, which is a shame. The concerts are an important vehicle for performers and also for sharing the experience of hearing live music in a wonderful setting. In addition to the summer series, we had a short series of autumn concerts, including wonderful performances by excellent musicians, including Dr David Hill. It is good that we are able to attract such high-profile musicians to perform here.

A number of evening concerts took place, including Organ Fireworks in November, which was well attended and a visit from a trio of young opera singers, who gave a memorable performance in the nave.

Stile Antico, a professional chamber ensemble, gave a stunning concert of early music, which was attended by a large audience. This concert was made possible by a generous anonymous contribution to cover costs.

Maintaining quality in performance standards

All our musicians and singers in the parish work hard to maintain high standards of musical performance. Many hours of collaborative and independent work go on behind the scenes to ensure that the music we offer in worship and in concert is the best it can be. Part of our success in achieving the standards which align with our historic choral tradition lies within the ability to provide live music for each service. We have always enjoyed live music at St Botolph’s but, thanks to the support of musicians in the team, it has been possible to ensure that all worship across the whole parish has been accompanied live across the year. I am pleased to have received the support of the PCC, who voted to support the promotion of live music not only in worship and our own concerts, but also in performances given by others who use our church buildings and for occasional offices, where it is preferable to use a live musician wherever possible. As so many churches nationally no longer have the facility of live accompaniment and

25

where children in our schools rarely hear a real musician play, or sing at all times to backing tracks, the work we are undertaking in our parish and with our respective partners to preserve the best qualities of live performance is essential in maintaining high standards and sharing skills which inspire others and provide opportunities for education and enrichment.

Instrumental resources

The organ in St Botolph’s has required some additional attention this year to keep it operational. The coupling between the blower fan and the motor was badly worn after over 80 years of service and so had to be replaced with a modern alternative, designed and fitted by Stephen Lemming. Further work was carried out to the blower starter mechanism by James Richardson-Jones, who replaced a circuit board in the blower control, which had been causing the organ to fail to start and even to stop mid-performance!

Later in the year, we were advised that the swell organ concussion bellows had burst and needed to be re-leathered. The bellows were removed and sent to Durham for repair. Their failure would have caused a huge wind leak and rendered part of the organ unplayable. The repaired concussion was re-installed before Easter.

The swell organ, which sits at the top of the organ chamber has suffered over winter from the effects of the central heating and the exceptionally dry weather outside. As a result, the responsiveness of the key action has become uneven and some stops fail to function when they are drawn. We are advised that this part of the organ has not received any significant attention since before 1920 and so is now due restoration.

In spite of ongoing maintenance and issues that have arisen, the organ remains fully functional and one of the best instruments in the UK. Thanks to our regular tuning visits, the organ remains remarkably stable and therefore in the best condition to support our choral tradition.

The organ at St Thomas’ is in very poor condition. A tuning visit this year highlighted leatherwork in a fragile state on the reservoir, a completely worn-out key action, where the bushings have worn clean away and an infestation of live woodworm in the pedal pipes of the bourdon rank. One pedal pipe has been stopped up with a rag to prevent its continuous sound and a sticking note on the keyboard division has been investigated and repaired by me. An effort is underway to locate a replacement organ for St Thomas’, which may form part of our Music Appeal focus. As organ scholars will receive tuition at St Thomas’ it is important to find a solution which provides an instrument that is reliable and positive to play.

Volunteers and Support

Such a huge programme of activities could not happen without the support of volunteers who make up our choirs and who undertake additional roles. I would like to thank Tim Atkinson for his preparation of our monthly Compline services, Cheryl Davis, for her huge commitment as choir librarian, a role that has expanded dramatically, as our choirs have grown. Finally, I would wish to thank Sian Wenninger, who helps me to look after our junior choristers and without whom, we would not be able to easily meet together to rehearse, enjoy club and prepare for Sunday worship. Our choirs do a tremendous amount to enhance the life of our parish, through worship, through their roles as ambassadors and through their support of our youth ministry to the children and adults who sing in our choirs. I would like to thank all choir members for their continued support of our living choral heritage.

26

In conclusion

The parish through music undertakes an enormous amount of pastoral, mission and educational work each year, supporting children, teenagers and adults and providing opportunities for each to share and explore their talents both individually and collectively. The work of our choirs is precious, They support our worship in our parish, performing an enormous range of music from across a wide repertoire, supporting a living choral heritage whose heartbeat is as strong as it has ever been. Where so many parishes have lost their choirs, ours remains a strength. The community outreach through music has expanded significantly and developed. As a result, it is now larger and having a greater impact than previously. I believe that we are working hard to make the most of our choral heritage and resources, to create a living tradition that is beautiful, challenging spiritually uplifting and that works hard to bring out the best in the people who engage with the opportunities it provides.

John Lyon Director of Music

27

Building Projects and Fabric Report

St Botolph’s Fabric Report

Lamps have been replaced in all light fittings throughout St Botolph’s, however during the maintenance a stone slab was broken. This was replaced using Ancaster stone and paid for by the Restoration Trust.

The taps in the toilets were replaced with push button ones which has resulted in a greatly reduced water bill.

We have made some progress with regard to the gutters and rain goods as per the requirements laid out in the quinquennial inspection. We will have to have some minor roof repairs on the roof of the Ministry Office in 2025.

A huge amount of repair and maintenance work is carried out by volunteers particularly Peter Mills and Trevor Baily. They continue to save the parish a lot of money and do an excellent job. They have recently repaired the font and are in the process of repairing the large oak door into the ministry office.

We continue to monitor the stonework and particularly the salt levels and repoint as needed.

The five yearly fixed electrical testing is also due at St Botolph’s in 2025.

St Thomas’ Fabric Report

St Thomas’ quinquennial is due in 2025. Following this we will source quotes for the plaster work that is required from conservation companies.

St Thomas’ Church and Hall have had their electrical testing completed and are up to standard following some remedial work.

We are looking at what improvements can be made to St Thomas’ Hall.

St Christopher’s Church

Following the mutual surrender of the lease of the back of the building to Lincolnshire County Council we have now placed the property up for sale with several interested parties looking to purchase it.

St Botolph’s Library

The Library continues to be a great success with people visiting on a daily basis. The additional visitor numbers have helped increase the footfall of St Botolph’s by 18% to 88,140 visitors throughout the year. Local schools and Boston College are regular visitors, and the library is currently being used as a revision space for students from Haven High. I recently presented a paper to Lincoln College, Oxford, on the Library and the positive impact the project has had in opening up the library and transforming it into a more accessible, environmentally controlled, space which has not only preserved the precious collections but also opened new avenues for research and exploration. This has allowed scholars and enthusiasts alike to delve into the rich

28

tapestry of history that the library holds. Contact has also recently been received from the University of Nottingham Special Collections Library who are keen to collaborate on projects including learning lessons from our own project and developing workshops to teach students.

St Botolph’s Lighting Upgrade

We had hoped, at this stage, to have appointed a contractor for the lighting as per the project brief. The lighting controls were intended to be connected to equipment supplied by Lite IP, however following extensive discussions and a number of technical queries – particularly around the lighting manufacturers specified – Lite IP have concluded their equipment is ultimately not suitable for this project. Their primary concern is latency, which they believe could cause the lighting control system to feel slow or unresponsive. After dedicating considerable time to evaluating the situation, they have decided to withdraw from the project, citing concerns that the end result may not meet client expectations. To avoid any further delays, we have now engaged Synapsys Solutions as an alternative controls partner. A site visit with a view to tender is planned for 2[nd] May 2025.

Blenkin Memorial Hall

The Song School is now home to five choirs of all age ranges and abilities and has recently become the base for the Boston Choral Society. The BMH project has enabled outreach into our community, one such programme being the Spring Big Sing 2025 which saw seven schools take part, an increase on previous years. We’ve continued to build and develop our links with local schools, both primary and secondary. The Song School will soon be launching a Junior Organ Scholarship Programme. This is a very positive and exciting venture, which will give state school students the opportunity to learn how to play the organ.

The BMH continues to be used by companies and organisations as well as private individuals. We have recently hosted East Midlands Railway, and the Lincolnshire co-op are using it as a training facility

Chris Ladner

Resources Manager

29

Boston Foodbank Report

Overall, 2024 saw a marked decrease in the number of items donated to the Foodbank. While the last quarter looked healthy, with the help of the Reverse Advent Calendar initiative and Harvest Festival celebrations, we ended the year 2.3% down when compared with 2023.

Conscious of the decline of goods being donated, we have introduced or renewed initiatives to raise the awareness of the lack of donations whilst ensuring we receive the items we are short of.

The Reverse Advent Calendar was a new initiative introduced in December 2024. We encouraged individuals and businesses to donate an item a day through Advent, delivering the goods to the Foodbank in readiness for Christmas. It was well received and increased donations of items we were in need of, we shall therefore be promoting this again in 2025.

New Foodbank Donation points have been purchased and placed in local churches, schools and community centres. It is hoped that, along with those in our local supermarkets, it will be another way to increase donations and promote the work of the Foodbank.

The Foodbank have reached out to the local news outlets; the newspapers and radio. This saw an immediate, but not sustained, increase in donations being placed in the local supermarket donation points. We hope to have a more regular presence through 2025 to ensure we keep the momentum going.

Another way in promoting the work of the Foodbank has been through attending St Botolph’s Craft Markets, highlighting the good works on the Boston Foodbank Facebook page, visiting local schools to present in their assemblies and undertaking food drives in ASDA and TESCO. We have also been fortunate to be the local chosen charity of Boston Downtown.

We continue to develop partnerships with local businesses to encourage them to choose the Foodbank as their charity and highlight the work we do.

Partnership working has been a real asset in 2024 with Boston Seeds donating each month along with the promise of continuing this through 2025. The Lincolnshire Co-op donated £1,000 worth of gifts for children at Christmas providing gifts for 150 young people. We also thank Lidl (Neighbourly) for their support in assisting the delivery of the toy drive too.

We were fortunate to receive a large donation of £1,500 to purchase meat vouchers from a local butcher. The local butcher, who wishes to remain anonymous, very generously added an extra £100.

Unfortunately, the demand on the Foodbank continued to increase in 2024. As already stated, the level of donations received has dramatically decreased. We were in a fortunate place, following a successful Trussell Trust grant, we have been able to purchase food. We purchased 16543.6kg at a cost of £26,190.33. Sadly, this one-off grant may not be repeated which means we need to continue to create new ways in highlighting the need of the Foodbank.

The Boston Foodbank operates with 3 members of staff; Foodbank Manager, Deputy Foodbank Manager and Warehouse Coordinator. We rely heavily on our loyal team of volunteers, without whom the operation would not continue. We also have a resident financial inclusion advisor from

30

Citizens Advice, with access to specialist advice helping clients with welfare and benefits, and debt, and a housing advice and advocacy service at Centrepoint Outreach.

The Boston Foodbank believes in an holistic approach, encouraging our users to seek the support that is in place to help them. Most of these roles are supported by Trussell Trust grants which we are seeking to reapply for and look for alternative funding streams to keep these vital services available for our users.

The Foodbank contributed towards providing free lunches for 352 children throughout August last year in collaboration with St Botolph’s Church, at a cost of £244. This initiative was to help families through the school summer holidays, particularly due to the ongoing financial crisis.

We are so fortunate to have a loyal, committed team of volunteers but we are always seeking more to help! Particular roles being sought are; assisting with publicity, fundraising and collection point drivers. If you can give some time, please speak with Caz Harvey to receive an application form.

Working with our partners, highlighting the need within the community and ensuring people are receiving what they should, we hope to be in a better position in 2025.

Bob Taylor Foodbank Manager

31

A I 2024 4476 +11% People have been helped Increase in demand from 2023 to 2024 GOODS DONATED BY THE COMMUNITY GOODS GIVEN OUT VIA FOOD PARCELS 25,627.8kg 38,978.8g Thank you to anyone who donated Stock purchased to top up donations 13,351kg CHILDREN: 1611 ADULTS: 2865 TOTAL: 4476 CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE 150 CHILDREN HAD A TOYTO OPEN AT CHRISTMAS ehllthon AdultÉ 64% We need your help to keep this vital service going for those most vulnerable in our community. DONATING MORE... £1.000 WORTH OF BUTCHERS VOUCHERS WERE GIVEN OUT IN DECEMBER 2024 You can donate money via www.parish-of- boston.org.uk/donate or food via our food bins in your local supermarket. Boston Thank you in anticipation for your generous support. Q Foodbank Togetherwith Trussell T81. 1012051310929 | Address. 1 Wormgate. Boston. PE21 6NP. | Email. [e-mail] Website. www.parish-of-boston.org.uk | Facebook. @bostonstump | X. @stump_boston

St Botolph’s Church Sanctuary Guild Report

It was another busy year for the dedicated members of the Sanctuary Guild. Due to rising flower costs, it was agreed that the monthly allowance be increased to £25 per arrangement and the number reduced to two pedestals and a nave altar arrangement. Flowers are provided by the Guild every month of the year except during Lent and Advent.

Loved ones were remembered at Christmas and Easter with lilies and seasonal flowers using monies generously donated by family and friends. The church looked magnificent for both festivals. Memorial pedestals were gifted for three members of the congregation who passed away during the year. A leaving gift of flowers was given to Revd Sally Clifton.

The Guild was pleased to arrange a pedestal of carnations and orchids to welcome Fr David Stephenson to the parish at the end of April. The costs were met by two donors. David has joined the Guild and kindly provided the sherry at the meeting to wrap the tombola prizes for the Christmas Fayre. It was a very jovial meeting, enjoyed by all.

A pedestal arrangement of red, white and blue flowers was provided at the font, together with a map of the beaches and a small bowl of wildflowers to commemorate D-Day 80 in June. In July, a large rose and lily arrangement was done for a wedding, which needed two people to carry it to the reception. In October the Guild was delighted to be asked to arrange two pedestals for the Boston College Graduation Ceremony in the church.

Tombola stalls were held in June and November to raise much needed funds. The income from the stalls was boosted by the sale of homemade marmalade, decorative tins and plants. A total of £535.80 was raised.

The Sanctuary Guild was delighted to welcome two new members to swell the ranks into double figures. Neither member had any experience of arranging so training has been given to both and they are now on the rota to arrange flowers.

Monies raised from arranging flowers for wedding, funerals, baptisms and other occasions enables the members to decorate the church throughout the year to THE GLORY OF GOD.

We are always looking for people interested in flowers or learning how to arrange flowers. Beginners are always very welcome and full tuition will be given. Please contact: Karen Lawson, Chairman 01205 364709 or Jean Stewart-Smith, President 01205 723030 or the Parish Office.

Karen Lawson

Chair of the St Botolph’s Sanctuary Guild

33

Community Garden Report

The Community Garden has continued to grow and blossom into a wonderful area of peace, calm and sanctuary in a busy town centre. The puns are all intended.

Following on from the 2024 report, we now have a fantastic greenhouse in the garden, all built by a tradesman who gave his time for free. The greenhouse has been used extensively during the past year, by schools, scouting and volunteers. The children all sowed many seeds, with almost all of them germinating, even though they hadn’t marked up what was in what pot! The seedlings were then planted into the beds, and as a result, we had some very pretty flowers that the bees have loved, which then pollinated the other seedlings. These turned out to be runner beans, and we had a very abundant crop of beans. Fay, our main volunteer was very impressed with the beans, as the plants grew better and produced more beans than hers at home she said. The beans were subsequently given out with the Foodbank bags, the initial vision of the garden starting to come to fruition.

The pond which the F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. teens group dug out and planted up has thrived during the year, attracting lots of insects, which again, are pollinating the pond plants. It is very well established now, and I do keep checking to see if we are getting any frogs or newts – none yet though sadly.

We had a wonderful group of volunteers from National Grid, who came in and painted the back fence on a rather blustery day. They did a great job, and it is now looking much smarter. Fay dug out and planted a border in front of the fence, which is now looking beautiful, with spring bulbs and plants in full bloom.

Later this year, the Co-op will be coming along with a working party to do their Green Space Community Initiative project work. They will be helping Fay with moving a couple of the compost bins into the area behind the ‘dead hedge’ border, painting a bit more of the fence and if they have time, sanding down, repairing and painting the wendy house in the children’s area. They are definitely going to have a busy day.

Centrepoint Outreach are going to continue to come along and use the garden on a weekly basis, to do arts and crafts, games, reading, weeding or just sitting and enjoying the garden. This all helps with mental health issues and stress and gives people a chance to sit together in a relaxed atmosphere, in beautiful surroundings.

To help combat the excesses of the British weather, we have had funding to buy a gazebo for the garden, and had our logo put on it. It has been used during the open Saturday mornings where we have had to sit under it to shelter from the rain during Lego club, as well as sit under it to keep out of the blazing sun, also during Lego club! Schools and Scouting are continuing to use the garden, and all the children have said they really enjoy being there and just playing, which is what a garden should be used for.

A special mention must go to the main garden volunteers, Fay Huggins, Richard Bell and Peter Mills who between them have transformed the unloved space into the wonderful facility we now have. If anyone would like to have a look at the garden to see if they fancy spending a few hours a week sitting there, please let me know. If we get volunteers to be ’in charge’ for half days, we can then open up to the community, which was the vision at the start of the project.

Jayne Maddy

Project Lead for the Community Garden

34

5[th] Boston (St Botolph’s) Scout Group Report

Scouting in Boston continues to thrive and grow, enabling the young people of Boston and the surrounding areas to gain skills for life in an exciting and safe atmosphere.

The links with St Botolph’s and Scouting remain strong, thanks to the way we all work together. Last December the annual Scouting and Guide Carol Service was held in the church, with a wonderful service lead by Fr David. There was lots of great singing and lots of laughter, and all the young people thoroughly enjoyed it.

In April 2024 the St Georges Parade was held in the town, with scouts and guides marching from the Central Park to St Botolphs with flags held high, followed by the St Georges Day service, once again lead by Fr David. Another great success, with all the different sections and age ranges enjoying and joining in.

In April 2025, St Georges Day was slightly different, with a Day of Celebrating Scouting being held at Haven High School, and Fr David attended to lead the prayers, and hand out some welldeserved awards that our young people had earned during the year. Thank you, Fr David, for helping out and joining in.

In March, the District Cubs held their Stump Hike morning, using the church as the starting and finishing point for a clues hike around the town. It looked like chaos as all the District Cubs descended on the church with their parents, however once the parents left and the Cubs were put into their groups and sent on their way clutching their clues papers, peace once more reigned in the church! Well, until they all arrived back again at lunchtime with their completed clues papers. The winning team were able to add a brick each to the Lego, which they found very exciting.

The Community Garden has been visited several times by local Cubs, they do seem to love pulling weeds up and using a wheelbarrow.

The Cubs are once again going to be camping (freestanding tents) in the church for a night in June – an exciting evening of activities, followed by not much sleep!

The Scouting leadership team send a huge thank you to all at St Botolphs for making the young people and their leaders so welcome whenever they have an activity at the church. We hope that by working together the link between Scouting and St Botolphs will continue to thrive and grow even stronger.

Jayne Maddy

Assistant District Commissioner, Boston District Cubs

35

PCC of the Parish of Boston (incorporating St Botolph's, St Thomas' and St Christopher's) CHARITY COMMISSION REGISTERED NO: 1138045

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

for the year ended 31st December 2024

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Contents Page

for the year ended 31st December 2024

INDEX

Reverend's Report
Legal and Administrative Information	1
Trustees' Annual Report	2 - 6
Auditors Report	7 - 10
Statement of Financial Activities	11
Statement of Financial Position	12
Statement of Cash Flows	13
Notes to the Accounts	14 - 32

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Reverend's Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Dear Friends,

Aim and Purpose

The Parochial Church Council (the PCC) of the Parish of Boston has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, Fr David Stephenson, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. As well as the church buildings, the churches of St Botolph (Grade I listed) and St Thomas (Grade II listed), the PCC is also responsible for maintaining St Thomas’ Church Hall and the Blenkin Memorial Hall.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC seeks to offer opportunities for as many people as possible to share the worship of the Church within the traditions of the Church of England. As part of the Inclusive Church network of churches, the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals, the Prayer Book Society, and the Major Churches Network, the rich inclusivity and breadth of the Gospel is recognised, honoured and promoted through the priorities of welcome and hospitality. Worship is largely traditional in style, embracing the choral tradition of the Church of England, but also recognising the ministry and witness of authorised lay ministers who lead God’s people in worship and prayer and undertake some of the parish’s funeral ministry. The PCC promotes and inclusive and accessible baptism policy welcoming families of all kinds, from all kinds of backgrounds, heritage and traditions. The worship of the Church is embedded in prayer, reflected in the Daily Office which is said corporately. The gathered community is encouraged to work at deepening spirituality and understanding by participating in study courses during the year.

To support the ministry and mission of the Church, the PCC undertakes, promotes and supports a variety of commercial and fundraising activities throughout the year. It also promotes and provides opportunities for social engagement, well-being, interaction and support for vulnerable people in the parish and wider community. To further the work of the Gospel, the PCC works in collaboration with Trussell to provide, run and manage the Boston Foodbank, serving those experiencing poverty by providing food parcels and signposting to other support agencies. The parish has very close connections with Centrepoint Outreach in Boston, members of the parish being trustees, supporting the homeless, rough sleepers, and migrant members of the local community. The Rector is an ex-officio trustee for local charitable trusts which seek to support the under-privilege and promote the Christian faith.

Based in St Thomas’ Church Hall, the PCC supports families and children with a weekly Toddler Group and those in isolation with weekly lunches and social activities.

Both church buildings, primarily for the worship of God, are also utilised as venues for social and cultural events, including concerts and recitals, festivals, award ceremonies, presentations, meetings, children’s activity sessions, heritage events and craft markets. The PCC promotes both church buildings as places of welcome and safety.

The Incumbent’s Report

I am grateful to those who have supported the ministry and mission in the Parish of Boston over the last year. Not least, at all, amongst these, includes Rev’d Sally Clifton who, during her time as Assistant Curate in the parish, shared the pastoral and spiritual care of parishioners. It was Sally who prepared the last report, in the absence of an incumbent. The parish was fortunate to have a priest-in-residence during vacancy – a blessing most parishes do not have. Sally moved from the Parish of Boston in the middle of 2024 to take up her first living in the Woodhall Spa and Bain Valley Groups of churches. My incumbency began at the end of April 2024 and the remainder of the year was a learning curve, on all sides, and a period which saw grounding, development and the beginnings of some new priorities and projects.

The Parish of Boston operates in a way unknown in the vast majority of English parish churches. Whilst the PCC with the incumbent has overall responsibility for compliance and governance, ensuring that the aims and purposes of the parish are always foremost, in front of them is a great number of other people, staff and volunteers who, together, enable to wheels of the parish of turn, and keep turning.

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Reverend's Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

The work of the Gospel of Christ is of one body but many members, each essential in its efficiency and output. The Gospel call to repentance is one of turning more and more towards God, giving back to God what we have each been blessed with, dedicating each day our lives in the service of the Church, and witnessing to God’s love to the world through acts of service, sacrificial living and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. During my time as Priestin-charge/Rector (designate) this has been my call to God’s people in the Parish of Boston. To be a Church truly inclusive means welcoming those with whom we may not agree and ensuring that any who are called have opportunities to share in the leadership of the Church. No voice should ever feel unheard, whatever language it uses.

St Thomas’ Church and its community have continued with a worship pattern of lay-led worship alternating with Eucharistic services. There have been united services at St Thomas’ including the Patronal Festival as well as 5pm Compline services for saints and feast days. The appointment of Anthony Baldery as Assistant Organist to the parish has equipped the church with a permanent organist following the retirement of Margaret Lee after many years’ faithful service. The regular fairs, groups and lunches have met and taken place during the year and the Hall was hired by several groups and families for private events. The volunteer community, overseen by Churchwardens Polly and Bob Tamberlin, help the church building to remain open and in good order, hospitality and engagement to be active and God’s presence in the Church to be visible in that part of the parish.

St Botolph’s functions on several different levels with record visitor numbers during the year in the region of 88,000. It is seen as the civic heart of the town and is the space many turn to for life and community events. St Botolph’s could not function without its commercial and grant-funded income, nor without its use as a commercial venue. These income streams, each carefully considered by the core management team, never deflect from the overarching aims and objectives of the parish, nor do they interfere with the worship of the Church. We regularly receive very positive feedback from members of the public when they visit or attend services and/or events. They share common amazement and wonder at the scale and beauty of the church building but, perhaps more significant than this, they comment on the friendliness of staff and volunteers, a willingness to chat, listen, explain and help and the sense of feeling both safe and welcome. This is perhaps more important than ever in the present time where Boston continues to receive unfair and unfavourable press, and where the national and local political scene continues to shift to deny rights and standard of living for many of those for whom St Botolph’s is home and sanctuary. We continue to be an inclusive place of welcome where any may find a home.

The reports presented to the 2025 APCM will cover significantly more ground than this brief introduction allows. What we shall hear and read is the story of God’s Church alive and at work in this parish, of people’s faith commitment realised in daily living, and of the desire to celebrate God’s blessings and work in the parish. We shall hear, also, of the desire to continue to grow and flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit which, I earnestly pray, will help us bear much fruit in the name of the Lord.

As we look into 2025, we can continue to feel optimistic that, no matter what the media wish to portray, Boston continues to be a town where people witness to the saving love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a diverse population who support and care for one another as good neighbours who live together in relative peace.

May God bless you all.

…............................ Rev. David Stephenson Trustee

Date:

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Legal and Administrative Information for the year ended 31st December 2024

Rev. David Stephenson - Chair (Appointed 29/04/2024)

Rev. Sally Clifton (Resigned 7/07/2024) Jayne Elizabeth Morris Andrew Nicholas Jordan Elms Chris Ladner Marion Rose Forster Parish John Lyon Kathleen Florence Davey Isobel Thomas Ashley Cooper Granville R Paul Graham Stewart Smith Robert William Tamberlin Adam Kelk Paula Tamberlin Sue Kirk MBE Trevor Baily David Scoot

Registered Office

1 Wormgate Boston Lincolnshire PE21 6NP

Auditors

Moore Thompson Bank House Broad Street Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 1TB

Bankers

Lloyds Bank 51 Market Place Boston PE21 6NQ

Page 1

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Trustees' Annual Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024.

The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in 2015 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC of the Parish of Boston (hereinafter - the PCC) is a registered charity (charity registration number 1138045) which provides the Church of England religious services to the community within its parish boundaries.

The charity was registered with the Charity Commission on 15th September 2010.

The PCC is controlled by its governing document, the Parochial Church Council powers measure (1956) as amended and church representation rules.

The Trustees who served during the year and detailed on the charity information on page 1.

Recruitment and Appointment of New Trustees

New Trustees are recruited by advertising and recommendation. Current Trustees vote on the new Trustee applications at Board Meetings. Ideally the Trustees would like to keep a balance of skills and experience on the Board.

New Trustees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with charity laws, the financial reports of the PCC and to attend Trustee meetings and other events.

Organisational Structure

The PCC is managed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for overseeing the financial and operation direction of the PCC. The Board is responsible for ensuring that all recommended financial controls have been considered and introduced and they meet on a regular basis.

Objectives and Activities and Public Benefit

The main objective of the PCC is to provide Church of England religious services to the community within the Parish of Boston as well as promoting in the ecclesiastical Parish the whole mission of the Church.

The objectives are set to reflect the Church's faith and community aims. Each year the Trustees review the objectives and activities to ensure they continue to reflect the aims of the Church. In carrying out this review the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.

The Trustees are highly conscious of the need to provide the best possible public benefit in line with Charity Commission guidance and consider that the charity does this.

The charity has undertaken various activities described in the sections below during the year to implement these objects in line with the PCC's current development path. These activities also provide support for the public benefits that the charity provides.

Related Parties

Transactions during the period with trustees and any other related parties are detailed on note 15 of these financial statements.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the PCC is exposed and to ensure appropriate

Page 2

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Trustees' Annual Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Fundraising

The charity does not carry out significant fundraising activities.

Achievements and Highlights for 2024

Through consultation our congregations have agreed that The Parish of Boston hopes to be known as a significant Place of Hospitality. A place where the hospitality of God can be encountered by all; for people who visit every day, people who may visit once in their lives, for the young and old, worshippers and pilgrims, historians and tourists. We are a united parish which includes St. Botolph's, St. Thomas' and St. Christopher's.

Inspire - " The Life Long Learning Project "

The Library

The library continues to be a great success with people visiting on a daily basis. The additional visitor numbers have helped increase the total footfall of St Botolph’s by 18% to 88,140 visitors throughout the year. Local schools and Boston college are regular visitors, and the library is currently being used as a revision space for students from Haven High.

The Foodbank

The Foodbank continues to be an important part of our mission and outreach service, The services provided which include professional advisors for debt and housing are exceptionally important with the continuing cost of living crisis by providing those in need in the local community three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We remain committed to being part of the nationwide network of foodbanks working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Community Garden

The Community Garden has continued to grow and blossom into a wonderful area of peace, calm and sanctuary in a busy town centre. It is used by a wide range of community organisations, Centrepoint Outreach, Schools and Scouting and the F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. teens group amongst other. Volunteers have come from the Co-op Green Space Community Initiative and the National Grid as well as many individuals.

Blenkin Memorial Hall

The BMH continues to be used by companies and organizations as well as private individuals. We have recently hosted East Midlands Railway, and the Lincolnshire co-op are using it as a training facility.

The Song School Is now home to five choirs of all age ranges and abilities and has recently become the base for the Boston Choral Society. The outreach programme which the BMH project made possible culminating in the Spring Big Sing 2025.

Financial Report

The financial performance of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2024 is detailed on pages 11 to 32 of these financial statements and the Trustees are pleased with the performance during the year.

Continued high costs for utilities continued to impact on our expenditure and poor weather affected revenue from tower climbs. Revenue from visitors through donations and votives is continuing to recover to pre covid levels. The commercial activities and events showed a strong recovery and have given a good base to build upon for 2025 and allow us to build a sustainable future.

Page 3

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Trustees' Annual Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Financial Report continued

Recruitment and retention of volunteers continues to be a challenge as it does throughout the charity sector but plans are being put in place for a recruitment drive which is already showing signs of success.

Continued high costs for utilities continued to impact on our expenditure and poor weather affected revenue from tower climbs. Revenue from visitors through donations and votives is continuing to recover to pre covid levels. The commercial activities and events showed a strong recovery and have given a good base to build upon for 2025 and allow us to build a sustainable future.

We have continued to receive funding for key staff from the Restoration Trust, The Heritage Lottery Fund, the Bishops Transformation Fund and the Boston Municipal Non-Educational Charities.

A stewardship campaign is planned that will hopefully increase giving from both visitors and worshippers as well as more long-term giving through legacies.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the PCC that it will hold in unrestricted reserves the equivalent of half year's Diocesan Quota plus six months costs of insurance, utilities and salary costs, which for 2024 was approximately £120,000.

Following the injection of the £151,000 "restore reserves" funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund in 2021 the PCC continues to hold sufficient unrestricted reserves to cover this policy requirement.

Total closing reserves as at 31st December 2024 were £654,119 comprising of carried forward unrestricted funds of £322,657 plus carried forward restricted funds of £435,244 and endowment funds of £96,218.

Investment Policy

The investment objective set by the PCC is for the Investment Manager to invest in low risk areas in order to safeguard the initial capital invested. The Trustees are willing to accept levels of return commensurate with a low risk strategy.

The majority of the PCC's investments are maintained by the Lincoln Diocesan Trust Board of Finance and are held within low risk CCLA accounts.

Volunteers

The PCC continues to be grateful for the support of our volunteers who play a very important role across the PCC from the Board of Trustees, gift shop and coffee shop assistants, fundraisers and general volunteer workers and assistants to the PCC.

Plans For The Future

The hope is that these plans will help the PCC further achieve it's current and long-term objectives as follows:

The Open Door Project

The aim is to develop our ministry of hospitality and welcome and to raise the funds needed to keep our doors - Worship, prayer, discipleship and pastural care to love God with all our mind, body and strength and to love our neighbour as ourselves.

• By our decisions being guided by the purpose and value of Christian hospitality

• By developing ongoing community projects which will both reach and raise funds

• By trying to meet expressed and unexpressed needs of the community

• By developing a profitable shop and coffee shop to help with the Open Door running costs

• Continue to raise our profile so we are known as a venue and a place that welcomes art and exhibitions

• To be creative and good stewards of all God's gifts to us so the Parish has a self-sustaining future

Page 4

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Trustees' Annual Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Inspire Project:

Library Lighting

We had hoped at this stage to have appointed a contractor for the lighting but as per the project brief, the lighting controls were intended to be connected to equipment supplied by Lite IP. However, following extensive discussions and a number of technical queries—particularly around the lighting manufacturers specified—Lite IP have concluded that their equipment is ultimately not suitable for this project. Their primary concern is latency, which they believe could cause the lighting control system to feel slow or unresponsive. After dedicating considerable time to evaluating the situation, they have decided to withdraw from the project, citing concerns that the end result may not meet client expectations. To avoid any further delays, we have now engaged Synapsys Solutions as an alternative controls partner.

Events

An extensive diary of events is planned for 2025 which will capitalize on the development of previous years. This will see an increased use of St Botolph’s and increase the revenue steam for use of the building and our commercial activities.

Community Garden

The garden is located at the rear of the old Rectory in what is now the Foodbank. The vision is to have different areas of the garden to reflect differing needs. So, for example, one corner will be an area mainly geared towards children, with a playhouse, blackboards and a stepping stone trail, another area designed to be more of a quiet, peaceful area where you can sit quietly and enjoy the garden. There will be raised beds for growing vegetables and flowers that will be fully accessible to all, as well as a greenhouse, potting shed and compost bins and a sensory area.

There will be seating designed to fit around a wonderful old tree in the middle of the garden, and a new access will be made at the side of the garden, to include a covered seating area.

Other charitable agencies have helped with the project, as well as local Scouting groups, all on a voluntary basis. The project has received funding from the Medlock Trust.

Auditors

It is proposed that Moore Thompson be re-appointed as auditors for the next financial year - to be ratified at the Annual General Meeting on 18 May 2025.

Page 5

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Trustees' Annual Report

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Trustees Responsibilities Statement

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC and the surplus or deficit of the PCC for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the PCC will continue running.

The Trustees are responsibly for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the PCC’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the PCC and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the board of Trustees on …................. and signed on behalf of the board by:

…................................. Graham Stewart-Smith Trustee

Page 6

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of

PCC of the Parish of Boston

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Boston (the ‘PCC’) for the year ended 31st December 2024, which comprise of the Statement of Financial Activity, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31st December 2024, and of its incoming

• · resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting

• · Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertanties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Page 7

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of

PCC of the Parish of Boston

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees’

• · report; or

• the charity has not kept adequate accounting records; or

• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in lines with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material mistatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material mistatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

• the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence,

• · capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees and

• · other management, and from our knowledge of the charity sector and experience of the client.

• we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on

• · the financial statements or the operations of the charity.

• we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making

• · enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and

Page 8

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of

PCC of the Parish of Boston

for the year ended 31st December 2024

• identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team

• · remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptability of the charity's financial statements to material mistatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by;

• making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptability to fraud, their

• · knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;

• considering the internal controls in place to mititage risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and

• · regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

• performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

• tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

• investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

Because of the inherent limitations of this audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material mistatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occuring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or

• error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• [Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that ] are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charity’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting

• · estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and,

• · based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern.

• [Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the ] disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Page 9

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of

PCC of the Parish of Boston

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Moore Thompson Chartered Accountants, Statutory Auditor Bank House Broad Street Spalding PE11 1TB

Dated:

Moore Thompson is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 10

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Notes Unrestricted funds £ Income from: Donations and legacies 90,263 Grants - Charitable activities 105,910 Trading activities 50,100 Investments 12,493 Other 23,733 Total incoming resources 2 282,499 Expenditure on: Raising funds 1,345 Charitable activities 307,184 Total expended resources 3 308,529 Net gains / (losses) on investments 28,146 Gain / (losses) on revaluation of fixed 228,000 assets 256,146 Net income / (expenditure) 230,116 Net movement in funds 230,116 Transfers between funds 12 (57,915) Net movement in funds 172,201 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 17 150,456 Total funds carried forward 12 322,657	Restricted Endowment funds funds £ 10,000 - 154,765 - - - 28,243 - 1,314 2,483 - - 194,322 2,483 - - 224,394 - 224,394 - 1,083 2,137 - - 1,083 2,137 (28,989) 4,620 (28,989) 4,620 60,398 (2,483) 31,409 2,137 403,835 94,081 435,244 96,218 2024	Total £ 100,263 154,765 105,910 78,343 16,290 23,733 479,304 1,345 531,578 532,923 31,366 228,000 259,366 205,747 205,747 - 205,747 648,372 854,119	2023 Total £ 109,283 186,784 106,953 77,906 16,873 21,809
			519,608
			3,697 703,460
			707,157
			10,345 -
			10,345
			(177,204)
			(177,204) -
			(177,204) 825,576
			648,372

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year.

The notes on pages 14 to 32 form part of these financial statements

Page 11

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Statement of Financial Position

at 31st December 2024

NoteUnrestricted Funds £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 6 305,553 Heritage assets 7 13,000 Investments 8 86,056 404,609 Current assets Stock 2,317 Debtors and prepayments 9 18,636 Cash at bank and in hand 10 (58,175) (37,222) Amounts falling due within one 11 (44,730) Net current assets (81,952) Total assets less current liabilities 322,657 Net Assets 322,657 Charity Funds 12 Unrestricted 322,657 Restricted - Endowment - 322,657 Creditors:	Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ 26,350 - - - 48,419 96,218 74,769 96,218 - - - - 360,651 - 360,651 - (176) - 360,475 - 435,244 96,218 435,244 96,218 - - 435,244 - - 96,218 435,244 96,218 2024	Total £ 331,903 13,000 230,693 575,596 2,317 18,636 302,476 323,429 (44,906) 278,523 854,119 854,119 322,657 435,244 96,218 854,119	2023 Total £ 112,658 13,000 199,327
			324,985 2,057 22,842 354,632
			379,531
			(56,144)
			323,387
			648,372
			648,372
			150,456 403,835 94,081
			648,372

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on …................... and are signed on their behalf by:

…...................................... ….................................... Rev. David Stephenson Graham Stewart-Smith Trustee Trustee Date: Date:

Pages 14 to 32 form part of these financial statements

Page 12

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Statement of Cash Flows

at 31st December 2024

		2024		2023
	Note	£	£	£	£
Cash flow from operating activities
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year		205,747		(177,204)
Adjustments for:
Interest and dividends received		(16,290)		(16,873)
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets	6	10,635		12,719
(Gain)/losses on investments		(259,366)		(10,345)
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors		3,946		84,442
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors		(11,238)		(50,761)
			(66,566)		(158,022)
Cash flows from investing activities
Loss of disposal of fixed assets		2,500		-
Purchase of tangible fixed assets		(4,380)		-
Interest and dividends received	2	16,290		16,873
			14,410		16,873
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			(52,156)		(141,149)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			354,632		495,782
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	10		302,476		354,632
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand	10		302,476		354,632

Page 13

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31st December 2024

1. Accounting policies

The address of the registered office is 1 Wormgate, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6NP.

The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities is the provision of the Church of England religious services to the community within its parish boundaries.

Statement of compliance and basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:

• Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing the accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued October 2019)).

• FRS 102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

• The Charities Act 2011.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

For grants to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the grant and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

Where practicable, gifts in kind donated for distribution to the beneficiaries of the charity are included in stock and donations in the financial statements upon receipt. If it is impracticable to assess the fair value at receipt or if the costs to undertake such a valuation outweigh any benefits, then the fair value is recognised as a component of donations when it is distributed and an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.

Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred over the life of the asset.

Page 14

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Income recognition (continued)

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity.

Support cost allocation

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of it's activities and services for its beneficiaries.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

Support costs include all those overhead costs for utility services, and other services and costs, which are in support of the activity. They have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Leases

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against or credited to profits on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Page 15

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible fixed assets

All tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the

Memorial Hall Straight line over 50 years Memorial Hall contents Straight line over 10 years IT equipment 25% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance

Impairment

Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset's cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount where the impairment loss is a revaluation decrease.

Heritage assets

Heritage assets are recognised on the balance sheet and initially measured at cost when purchased or if donated, their valuation. Assets are subsequently stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Fair values for donated assets are estimated by reference to market prices.

Where information on the cost or valuation of heritage assets is not available or the cost of providing such information significantly outweighs any benefit to the users of the accounts then heritage assets are not recognised on the balance sheet.

These assets only arise when donated to the charity or, if on acquisition, it is believed that they will further the charity’s objectives. Once acquired they will be preserved by the charity in order to keep their historical, artistic, scientific, technological, geophysical or environmental qualities to such a high level as to contribute to knowledge and culture. Heritage assets are to be held for the foreseeable future.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of a heritage asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that heritage asset as follows:

Hand bells Straight line over 50 years Grand piano Straight line over 50 years

Fixed asset investments

Investmentments are a form of basic financial instrument. Fixed asset investments are initially recognised at their transaction value and are subsequently measured at their fair value (market value) as at the balance sheet date. The Statement of Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year. Quoted stocks and shares are included in the Balance Sheet at the current market value quoted by the investment analyst, excluding dividend. Other investments are included at the trustee's best estimate of market value.

The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk can be found in the Trustees Report (page 4).

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell.

Page 16

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the Charity, these are principally by investments. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments fall to be treated as part of the fund of which they form part of. Endowment fund income can be used in furtherence of the general objectives of the Charity and is included as unrestricted income.

Employee benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable. The charity also pays for life insurance for all employees.

Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the charity has an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount can be reliably estimated.

Page 17

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

**2. **	Analysis of income 2024 Unrestricted Funds Donations and Legacies £ Gift Aid 26,376 Collections 8,213 Giving - Boxes & votive stands 20,525 Gift Aid recovered 11,654 Donations 2,197 Donations - Lego project 9,622 Donations - Stump Souvenirs Ltd 8,501 Legacies 3,175 90,263 Grants Other project grants - Inspire Project - Library Project - - Charitable Activities Fees for weddings and funerals 15,897 Hall lettings 1,245 Coffee shop - sales 50,759 Coffee shop - recharged costs - Church lettings 16,437 Guided tours / tower admissions 15,960 Miscellaneous 5,612 105,910 Trading Activities Fundraising 1,292 Floodlights 5,678 Bells 55 Blenkin Memorial Hall - Hire 2,581 Music and children 5,315 Music director tuition 35,179 Foodbank - 50,100 Investment Income Rent 3,545 Bank interest 7,475 Dividends 1,473 12,493 Other income St Thomas' PCC incomeNote 16 23,733 23,733 282,499	Unrestricted Funds £ 26,376 8,213 20,525 11,654 2,197 9,622 8,501 3,175	Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ - - - - - - - - 10,000 - - - - - - - 2024	Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ - - - - - - - - 10,000 - - - - - - - 2024	Total £ 26,376 8,213 20,525 11,654 12,197 9,622 8,501 3,175	2023 Restated Total £ 24,491 7,893 20,866 15,505 20,553 7,476 12,499 -
		90,263	10,000	-	100,263	109,283
		- - -	139,809 625 14,331	- - -	139,809 625 14,331	74,693 19,535 92,556
		-	154,765	-	154,765	186,784
		15,897 1,245 50,759 - 16,437 15,960 5,612	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - -	15,897 1,245 50,759 - 16,437 15,960 5,612	6,564 2,525 38,857 2,717 37,561 16,055 2,674
		105,910	-	-	105,910	106,953
		1,292 5,678 55 2,581 5,315 35,179 -	- - - - - - 28,243	- - - - - - -	1,292 5,678 55 2,581 5,315 35,179 28,243	- 4,395 60 2,438 4,986 29,023 37,004
		50,100	28,243	-	78,343	77,906
		3,545 7,475 1,473	- - 1,314	- - 2,483	3,545 7,475 5,270	3,429 8,172 5,272
		12,493	1,314	2,483	16,290	16,873
			-	-	23,733	21,809
		23,733	-	-	23,733	21,809
		282,499	194,322	2,483	479,304	519,608

Page 18

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

**3. **	Analysis of Expenditure 2024 Raising funds Events Charitable activites Diocesan quota Wages Note 3a Coffee shop expenses Insurance Organ tuning Organist fees Music and choir costs Candles and Oil Church repairs and maintenance Inspire project repairs Note 3b Cleaning Office costs Administration Information technology costs Miscellaneous expenses Library - Restoration costs Note 3c Church and hall electric Memorial hall overheads Delivery Stage (HLF) Marketing Accountancy Audit Foodbank - Running costs Foodbank - Outside adviser costs Depreciation charges Loss of disposal of fixed assets St Thomas' expenditure Note 16	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £ 2024	Total £	2023 Total £
		1,345	-	1,345	3,697
		47,000 68,879 21,058 41,299 4,267 2,561 3,520 4,064 - - 1,288 3,889 4,061 3,673 7,425 - 39,158 11,148 - 1,229 5,753 3,625 - - 1,852 2,500 28,935	- 87,318 - - - - - 9,912 41,976 - - - - - 8,225 - - (3,049) - - - 47,654 23,575 8,783 - -	47,000 156,197 21,058 41,299 4,267 2,561 3,520 4,064 9,912 41,976 1,288 3,889 4,061 3,673 7,425 8,225 39,158 11,148 (3,049) 1,229 5,753 3,625 47,654 23,575 10,635 2,500 28,935	72,000 132,980 29,671 36,424 1,990 3,564 1,672 4,186 13,485 85,641 2,892 5,729 6,527 3,110 7,472 100,145 81,474 5,067 - 934 6,230 3,520 46,383 19,417 12,719 - 20,228
		307,184	224,394	531,578	703,460
		308,529	224,394	532,923	707,157

Page 19

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

3a. Analysis of restricted wages HLF Project Boston Foodbank Bishops Transformation Fund re Music Director Wages 3b. Breakdown of Inspire project costs Repair and conservation works Professional fees Equipment purchases Administration costs 3c. Breakdown of Library restoration costs Repair and conservation works Professional fees 4. Employee Emoluments Salaries (Inc. life insurance) Social security costs Pension costs There are no employees who received emoluments exceeding £60,000 Average number of part-time employees during the year	2024 £ 26,246 47,704 13,368	2023 £ 31,919 33,619 22,288
	87,318	87,826
	2024 £ 29,466 1,128 11,382 -	2023 £ 70,119 5,520 7,958 2,044
	41,976	85,641
	2024 £ 8,225 -	2023 £ 98,662 1,483
	8,225	100,145
	2024 £ 142,560 10,272 3,365	2023 £ 121,465 8,672 2,843
	156,197	132,980
	2024 10	2023 8

5. Trustees remuneration and expenses

There were 2 trustees who received remuneration for the year ended 31st December 2024 (2023 - 2). However, this was in their capacity as employees of the charity and not as trustees.

Reimbursements of £671 (2023 -£nil) were made to trustees for trustee work related expenses incurred during the year.

Page 20

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

6. Tangible fixed assets

Cost Brought f/wd at 1st Jan 2024 Additions Revaluation Disposals Carried f/wd at 31st Dec 2024 Depreciation Brought f/wd at 1st Jan 2024 Charge for the year Revaluation Disposal Carried f/wd at 31st Dec 2024 Net book value At 31st Dec 2024 At 31st Dec 2023 - Restated	Land and Buildings £ 80,000 - 220,000 -	Memorial Hall contents £ 5,000 - - (5,000)	Equipment and IT £ 23,295 4,380 - -	Fixtures and Fittings Total £ 72,633 180,928 - 4,380 - 220,000 - (5,000)	Fixtures and Fittings Total £ 72,633 180,928 - 4,380 - 220,000 - (5,000)
	300,000	-	27,675	72,633	400,308
	8,000 - (8,000) -	2,500 - - 2,500	15,778 2,975 - -	41,992 7,660 - -	68,270 10,635 (8,000) 2,500
	-	-	18,753	49,652	68,405
	300,000	-	8,922	22,981	331,903
	72,000	2,500	7,517	30,641	112,658

Within tangible fixed assets is £26,350 net book value of restricted fund assets (2023 = £35,133).

7. Heritage assets

Net book value Brought f/wd and carried f/wd at 31st December 2024	Hand bells £ 2,500	Grand piano £ 10,500	Total £ 13,000

The hand bells and grand piano have been considered by the trustees to have a useful life at 31st December 2024 in excess of 50 years and therefore have not been depreciated.

The charity also holds several other heritage assets including a brass eagle lecturn, 2 bishops chairs, 1,500 catalogued library books and other items with historical qualities that are held and maintained principally for their contribution to knowledge and culture. Due to information on the cost or valuation of these items not being available nor able to be obtained at a cost commensurate with the benefit to the users of the accounts and to the charity for its own stewardship purposes the assets are purely disclosed in the accounts with no values attributed to them.

Page 21

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

8. Investments

Units Held Unit Cost Unrestricted funds Charinco investment fund 1637.00 10,690 Barclays Plc 23108.00 6,144 Restricted funds St Botolph Church Fabric (Sayer) Bequest 2094.00 16,112 Endowment funds Boston Chapel of Ease Trust 212.00 233 St Botolph Curates (Gee) Trust 2769.00 2,769 Parsonage HSE (Gee) Trust 362.00 288 Boston Middle Class Girls School (Gee) Trust 1157.00 1,157	2024 £ 24,103 61,953	2023 £ 23,491 34,419
	86,056	57,910
	48,419	47,336
	4,902 56,192 8,370 26,754	4,792 54,951 8,183 26,155
	96,218	94,081
	230,693	199,327

All of the above investments are held by the St. Botolphs branch of the PCC Parish of Boston and correctly split between, General, Restricted and Endowment funds.

The PCC Parish of Boston also owns land at Cowgate, Boston for which it receives rent of £3,545 per annum (2023 - £3,429). No value is included in these accounts in relation to this parcel of land.

9. Debtors

Debtors
Trade debtors Stump Souvenirs Limited donation debtor	Unrestricted Funds £ 9,199 9,437	Restricted Funds £ - - 2024	Total £ 9,199 9,437	2023 Total £ 8,390 14,452
	18,636	-	18,636	22,842

Page 22

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

10. Bank and cash

Bank and cash
Treasurers Account Community Instant Access Account St Botolphs Gift Aid Account General Reserve Fund Chancel Fund Vicar and Church Wardens Boston Chapel of Ease Trust MSL Deposit Account Petty Cash St Thomas' Current Account - St Thomas St Thomas General Fund St Thomas Designated Funds Cash Account - St Thomas St Christopher's Deposit Account - St Christophers Creditors: falling due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	Unrestricted Funds £ (265,643) - - 166,288 718 5 1,056 10,138 200 4,253 9,511 6,952 31 8,316	Restricted Funds £ 339,598 - 21,053 - - - - - - - - - - - 2024	Total £ 73,955 - 21,053 166,288 718 5 1,056 10,138 200 4,253 9,511 6,952 31 8,316	2023 Total £ 73,608 54,116 21,925 160,024 691 4 875 9,644 200 10,075 9,153 6,690 31 7,596
	(58,175)	360,651	302,476	354,632
	Unrestricted Funds £ 9,097 25,373 10,260	Restricted Funds £ 176 - - 2024	Total £ 9,273 25,373 10,260	2023 Total £ 8,572 35,016 12,556
	44,730	176	44,906	56,144

11. Creditors: falling due within one year

11a. Deferred income

Weddings

Unrestricted Funds £ 900	Restricted Funds £ - 2024	Total £ 900	2023 Total £ 2,858
900	-	900	2,858

Page 23

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

**12. **	Funds 2024 At 1 Jan 2024 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 150,456 Restricted funds Heritage Lottery Fund 183,963 St Botolphs Church Fabric (Sayer) Bequest Fund 53,539 Church Fabric Legacy Donations 108,204 Boston Foodbank 39,244 Inspire Project Fund (26,564) Bishop Social Justice Fund 4,670 Typmanum Repairs (St Thomas') 10,000 Library Project 22,563 Bishops Transformation/Music 8,216 Directors Fund 403,835 Endowment funds Boston Chapel of Ease Trust Fund 4,792 St Botolph Curates (Gee) Trust Fund 54,951 Parsonage HSE (Gee) Trust Fund 8,183 Boston Middle Class Girls School (Gee) Trust Fund 26,155 94,081 Total funds 648,372 The funds are constituted as follows: Unrestricted Funds £ Fixed assets 404,609 Stock 2,317 Debtors 18,636 Cash at bank and in hand (58,175) Creditors (44,730) 322,657 -	At 1 Jan 2024 £ 150,456	Incoming Resources £ 282,499	Outgoing Resources £ (52,383)	Transfers £ (57,915)	At 31 Dec 2024 £ 322,657
		183,963 53,539 108,204 39,244 (26,564) 4,670 10,000 22,563 8,216	- 2,397 - 168,052 625 - - 14,331 10,000	(31,981) - (9,912) (118,932) (41,976) - - (8,225) (13,368)	- (7,517) - - 67,915 - - - -	151,982 48,419 98,292 88,364 - 4,670 10,000 28,669 4,848
		403,835	195,405	(224,394)	60,398	435,244
			110 2,771 414 1,325	- - - -	- (1,530) (227) (726)	4,902 56,192 8,370 26,754
		94,081	4,620	-	(2,483)	96,218
		648,372	482,524	(276,777)	-	854,119
		Unrestricted Funds £ 404,609 2,317 18,636 (58,175) (44,730)	Restricted Funds £ 74,769 - - 360,651 (176)	Endowment Funds £ 96,218 - - - - 2024	Total £ 575,596 2,317 18,636 302,476 (44,906)	2023 Total £ 324,985 2,057 22,842 354,632 (56,144)
		322,657	435,244	96,218	854,119	648,372
		-	-	-	-	-

Page 24

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

13. Restricted funds

Heritage Lottery Fund - This fund is for the renovation work required to Boston Stump which completed in

St Botolph Church Fabric (Sayer) Bequest - A restricted investment fund where both the capital and income can only be expended for Church Fabric purposes.

Church Fabric (Legacy Donations) Fund - A fund of legacy donations received where the income can only be expended on Church Fabric purposes.

Boston Foodbank - This fund is for the running of the Boston Foodbank to help feed locals in crisis.

Inspire Project Fund - This fund is for the restoration, renovation and development work to the Blenkin Memorial Hall.

Bishops Social Justice Fund - Funds to be used as part of the Boston Parish Homeless Project.

Tympanum Repairs (St Thomas') Fund - This fund is for the restoration and clearning of the Tympanum at St Thomas'

Library Fund - This fund is for the restoration and conservation of the Medieval Library.

Bishops Transformation/Music Directors Fund - This fund is to provide specific funding towards the cost of employing a full time Director of Music.

Endowment funds

Boston Chapel of Ease Trust - P ermanent endowment fund whereby the capital cannot be expended only the income can be spent.

St Botolph Curates (Gee) Trust - Permanent endowment fund whereby the capital cannot be expended only the income can be spent. Parsonage HSE (Gee) Trust - Permanent endowment fund whereby the capital cannot be expended only the income can be spent.

Boston Middle Class Girls School (Gee) Trust - Permanent endowment fund whereby the capital cannot be expended only the income can be spent.

14. Operating leases

At 31 December the charity had total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below:

Not more than one year Later than one and not more than five years	2024 £ 1,152 1,344	2023 £ 1,253 -

Page 25

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

15. Related parties

During the year donations of £8,501 (2023 - £12,499) were received from the related company Stump Souvenirs Limited, the shareholders of which are the Churchwardens of the Parish of Boston PCC.

The charity is also associated with The Boston Stump Restoration Trust (Charity No. 507699) with the Rev. David Stephenson sitting on The Trustees Board of both charities. The charities work closely together in relation to any renovation work required at The Parish Church of St Botolph, Boston.

During the year £Nil (2023 - £nil) funds, set aside by The Boston Stump Restoration Trust to help fund the redevelopment of the Blenkin Memorial Hall by the PCC of the Parish of Boston, were paid over.

Also, as under the terms of the Trust Deed of The Boston Stump Restoration Trust, in 2024 the charity spent £5,205 (2023: £26,226) directly covering ongoing costs of repairs to the fabric within the Boston Stump as part of the Parish of Boston PCC ongoing maintenance programme .

The trustees consider that there are no other related parties to the charity requiring disclosure.

16. Post balance sheet events

During the year it was brought to the attention of the Trustees that the Parish has a potential claim over the ownership of St Christopher's Church, Fenside Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 8HY.

The Trustees have been advised by The Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance that the church building was Blessed by the Bishop however it had never been consecrated and as a result the building is not officially a church but is instead held on an Ecclesiastical Purposes Trust for the benefit of the Parish of Boston rather than the Lincoln Diocese.

Unfortunately, the exact legal ownership of the property has not yet been confirmed at the date of the approval of the financial statements, but the property is in the process of being marketed for sale by the Parish of Boston, following the surrender of the lease by Lincoln Country Council.

As the ownership of the property has yet to be confirmed no amounts have been included in thse accounts. Should the ownership be confirmed following the sale of the building, the benefit of this (circa £245,000 will be introduced into the December 2025 financial statements as an exceptional income item.

Page 26

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

16. Detailed Income and Expenditure Account - St Thomas' Church PCC

Income from: Donations and Gift Aid Teas Candles Fundraising Fees for funerals, baptisms and weddings Church Hall Miscellaneous Interest Total incoming resources Expenditure on: Parish Share Licences Heat, light and cleaning Insurance Repairs and maintenance Music and choir costs Total expended resources Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total bank and cash balances b/fwd Total bank and cash balances c/fwd Note 10	2024 Total £ 6,897 537 379 5,469 288 8,427 1,116 620 23,733 18,000 351 3,719 6,173 692 28,935 (5,202) - (5,202) 25,949 20,747	2023 Total £ 4,091 435 - 3,664 645 6,896 5,383 696
		21,809
		13,000 - 2,480 3,382 880 486
		20,228
		1,582 -
		1,582 24,367
		25,949

Page 27

Pages 29 to 32 also form part of these financial statements

and show the comparative 2023 figures.

Page 28

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

17. Fund comparatives

Statement of Financial Activities

Income from: Donations and legacies Grants Charitable activities Trading activities Investments Other Total incoming resources Expenditure on: Raising Funds Charitable Activities Total expended resources Net gain / (losses) on investments Net (expenditure) / income Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted funds £ 94,283 - 106,953 40,902 12,998 21,809	Restricted funds £ 15,000 186,784 - 37,004 1,294 - 2023	Endowment funds £ - - - - 2,581 -	Total £ 109,283 186,784 106,953 77,906 16,873 21,809
	276,945	240,082	2,581	519,608
	3,697 333,902	- 369,558	- -	3,697 703,460
	337,599	369,558	-	707,157
	(1,716) (62,370) 3,304	4,071 (125,405) (724)	7,990 10,571 (2,580)	10,345 (177,204) -
	(59,066) 209,522	(126,129) 529,964	7,991 86,090	(177,204) 825,576
	150,456	403,835	94,081	648,372

Page 29

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

17. Fund comparatives (continued)

Analysis of income 2023 Donations and Legacies Gift Aid Collections Giving through boxes and votive stands Gift Aid recovered Donations Donations - Lego project Donations from Stump Souvenirs Legacies Grants Heritage Lottery Funds Other grants Inspire Project Library Project Charitable Activities Fees for weddings and funerals Hall lettings Coffee shop sales Coffee shop - recharged costs Church lettings Guided tours/Tower admissions Miscellaneous Trading Activities Floodlights Bells Blenkin Memorial Hall - Hire Music and children Music tuition Foodbank Investment Income Rent Bank interest Dividends Other income St Thomas' PCC Income	Unrestricted Funds £ 24,491 7,893 20,866 15,505 5,553 7,476 12,499 -	Restricted Funds £ - - - - 15,000 - - -	Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - -	Total £ 24,491 7,893 20,866 15,505 20,553 7,476 12,499 -
	94,283	15,000	-	109,283
	- - - -	- 74,693 19,535 92,556	- - - -	- 74,693 19,535 92,556
	-	186,784	-	186,784
	6,564 2,525 38,857 2,717 37,561 16,055 2,674	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - -	6,564 2,525 38,857 2,717 37,561 16,055 2,674
	106,953	-	-	106,953
	4,395 60 2,438 4,986 29,023 -	- - - - - 37,004	- - - - - -	4,395 60 2,438 4,986 29,023 37,004
	40,902	37,004	-	77,906
	3,429 8,172 1,397	- - 1,294	- - 2,581	3,429 8,172 5,272
	12,998	1,294	2,581	16,873
	21,809	-	-	21,809
	21,809	-	-	21,809
	276,945	240,082	2,581	519,608

Page 30

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

17. Fund comparatives (continued)

Analysis of Expenditure 2023 Raising funds Events Charitable activites Diocesan quota Wages Coffee shop expenses Insurance Organ tuning Organist fees Music and choir costs Candles and Oil Church repairs and maintenance Inspire project repairs Cleaning Office costs Administration Information technology costs Miscellaneous expenses Library - Restoration costs Church and hall electric Memorial hall overheads Delivery stage (HLF) Donations Marketing Accountancy Audit Foodbank - Running costs Foodbank - Finance advice costs Depreciation charges St Thomas expenditure St Christopher refurbishment	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £ 2023	Endowment Funds £	Total £
	3,697	-	-	3,697
	72,000 45,154 19,831 36,424 1,990 3,564 1,672 4,186 4,890 - 2,892 5,729 6,527 3,110 7,472 - 81,474 5,067 - - 934 6,230 3,520 - - 1,008 20,228 -	- 87,826 9,840 - - - - - 8,595 85,641 - - - - - 100,145 - - - - - - - 46,383 19,417 11,711 - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	72,000 132,980 29,671 36,424 1,990 3,564 1,672 4,186 13,485 85,641 2,892 5,729 6,527 3,110 7,472 100,145 81,474 5,067 - - 934 6,230 3,520 46,383 19,417 12,719 20,228 -
	333,902	369,558	-	703,460
	337,599	369,558	-	707,157

Page 31

PCC of the Parish of Boston

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st December 2024

17. Fund comparatives (continued)

Funds 2023 At 1 Jan 2023 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 209,522 Restricted funds Heritage Lottery Fund 229,793 St Botolphs Church Fabric (Sayer) Bequest Fund 48,174 Church Fabric Legacy Donations 116,799 Boston Foodbank 27,716 Inspire Project Fund 39,542 Bishop Social Justice Fund 4,670 Typmanum Repairs (St Thomas') 10,000 Library Project 30,152 Crisis Wellbeing Café 9,814 Bishops Transformation/Music 13,304 529,964 Endowment funds Boston Chapel of East Trust Fund 4,380 St Botolph Curates (Gee) Trust Fund 50,326 Parsonage HSE (Gee) Trust Fund 7,479 Boston Middle Class Girls School (Gee) Trust Fund 23,905 86,090 Total funds 825,576	At 1 Jan 2023 £ 209,522	Incoming Resources Restated £ 276,945	Outgoing Resources Restated £ (339,315)	Transfers Restated £ 3,304	At 31 Dec 2023 £ 150,456
	229,793 48,174 116,799 27,716 39,542 4,670 10,000 30,152 9,814 13,304	- 1,294 - 110,947 19,535 - - 92,556 750 15,000	(45,830) 4,071 (8,595) (99,419) (85,641) - - (100,145) (9,840) (20,088)	- - - - - - - - (724) -	183,963 53,539 108,204 39,244 (26,564) 4,670 10,000 22,563 - 8,216
	529,964	240,082	(365,487)	(724)	403,835
		543 6,134 929 2,965	- - - -	(131) (1,509) (225) (715)	4,792 54,951 8,183 26,155
	86,090	10,571	-	(2,580)	94,081
	825,576	527,598	(704,802)	-	648,372

The funds are constituted as follows:

Fixed assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors	Unrestricted Funds £ 148,436 2,057 22,842 29,958 (52,837)	Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ 82,468 94,081 - - - - 324,674 - (3,307) - 403,835 94,081 2023	Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ 82,468 94,081 - - - - 324,674 - (3,307) - 403,835 94,081 2023	Total £ 324,985 2,057 22,842 354,632 (56,144)
	150,456	403,835	94,081	648,372

Page 32

Independont Audltof8 Report to tha Trusto08 of PCC of tho Parf8h of Boston for the yaar anded 31•t Dacembor 2024 Oplnlon We h•v• auditod tho Ilnancknl •tthnont• olth• ParocNal Chtrch Cowicll of th• Parf•h of Bo•ton (th• 'PCC') for the ￿ ended 318t December 2024, whkh compri9e ( tha Statement of FinanGial kbvty, Statsrn￿t of Flnanoal Posldon, Stalemont of Cash Fl¥Y•VS and noteg to tho ffinancial 8tat8ments. InG￿dIng a summary of lignificant a￿nting polldo8. The ffflanclal reportlng framework that ha8 b•en appllad In thelr yeparathjn Is applicabb law and Unlbd Klngdom Accountkng Standard8. Induding FinanGkl Reportlng Standard 102 The Flnancial Reporung Standard appllcable In tha UK and Republic of Ireland {Unlted Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pracllce). In our th• flnanclAI 9tat•ment8: glv• a sffld falr vlvw of tho •tato oftho cMrW• affalr• # at 31at Do¢4mbor 2024, arKI of its knGoml r•aour¢e8 and application of resour￿, for the year then ended; have bmn prowty prnpared In acoordance wlth Untsd Kingdom G•Mrally AG(Pted AKounllng Practice; and have boen prepared In accordance wlth tho requk•monts of th• Charltle$ kt 2011. Ba•1• for oplnlon We Cond￿ (wr audl In accordance th Intsmaliorwl Slandardj on Audltlng (UK) (1&48 (UK)) and appllcabla llw. (￿r ￿P￿￿11109 urthrthom 4tandvd• arn furth•r do8ofjl)•d In th• AwJMif• r••poMblllle• forth• audil of the flnanclal 8tatem•nts 8ectlon of our report. W• ar• indopendent of the Chartty In accordance wllh the •thi￿1 r•qulrnm•rts that re&%nl to ￿dIt of f￿￿claI •lmont8 kn Iho UK, kncjudkng th• FRC'• EthiGal Standard, have fulnllad our other mpon6lbllllle8 In accordance ￿th Ihe8e requiremeni8. We bekn thal the audtt evldenco we hove obtain•d 18 Jufflclent and approwlate to provlde a bAg13 for our opknlon. Con¢lu8ion8 rolating to going concpAn In auditing the flnancial 8tatements. ￿ have conduded that thè tru8tee8' U8e of gL¥r¥J Goncem ba818 of aecountlng In tha preparatlon of the financlal statements i• approprfat•. Based on the work we have perfomied, VA Iwve not Idantified any matsrfal uncetsntles relatkng to ev•nts ¢￿dItIor￿ tha( inolvidually or collect1￿ly, may n18 materlalty inconoi8tent the t]nanclal •tatements or our krrt)wladge obtained in tho cour8e of the audit or otharmse appearn to b• matermlly ml8•tsled. If we Idendfy such material incon8i8t•nGiw or apparent mateflal ml8Statement8. we arn raquired to detemine whether thlg gtv•s rkne to q matarial mi8Btatement In the fin8nclal •tataments themsefvffj. If, ba8ed on the work we ha￿ perforniad, we concluda that there18 a mat•rig1 mkngtatement of th18 other infomiatlon. Mi are requlred to report that fact. We hav8 nothlng to report In thi• regard. Page 7

Indopendont Audltof8 Roport to the Tru8ta•s of PCC of th Parfsh of Boston for tho yoar ended 31st Docember 2024 Matsrn on whlch w• ar• rnqulr•d to r•port by •xc•ption We have nothlng to report In re•FqCt of tho fdbwlw matters In relaifon to ￿1¢h the Charllle8 (Account8 and Reports) RegulgliorA 2008 rnquir• u8 kn rnportlo you If, In our oplnlon: th• lThfomiallon fvi In tho Ilnfffl(l •tatem•nts IA kn¢on•i•tent In ary mr*l YAlh tho tru8lM•' r•port; or the charlty ha8 not kept adaquate accounling rnGord8: or the lknancial statsmont8 ar• not in agreement wllh tho a￿fttln9 recordA,' or we not recelved all the Infomiatlon and explanatiom we wulro for our audit R•4pon8lbllltl•8 of trugt••• •xplakn•d morn fully In the tr￿1￿. r6•pon8lblltle• Alatamart th6 ar• r•8pon8lJlo tr Iho paration ￿ tha fmanclal statsrnent8 and for belng 8atlgfiad that they give a tNe and fair view, and for Such Intamal control a8 the INst8es determlne Is nece88ary to •nabla the prep¥ati￿ of finanaal statements th￿ are free from matarial mi88tatsm•rt whether due trj fraud or error. In pr•parkng th• flrwnclal •tal•m•nts, the Iru•ts•s v• r•won•lbl• for th• ¢hwltl• ablllty to conllN• a8 a going GonGem, dlJdo8lng, as appllcable, mattar• related to going Con￿rn and u8tng the golrYJ concem basi8 of aGcountlng unless Iho tr￿tee8 ellhar intend to liquldalo th• tharity or to ceaw operatlons, or have no realiltic altemauve but to do 80. Awlltof• r••ponBlblllll•• for th• Audlt ol th• lIna￿l•l •lat•m•nts We have baen appolntad al audltor unthr eedlon 145 of the Charfles Act 2011 and rnwt in ac4yJrdanca wlth regulakn8 made unthr Mction 154 of that Act. Our objective8 ar• to obtain reasonable aswrance about Mthéthar the financLg18tat•m•nts al a whole arn free from m&t•iiAI ml8thtsnrt dub to fraud or •rror, and to l••u• an authf• report that InC￿de• our opinion. R•88¢nable as8urance18 a hlgh level of asauranee, bLrt ig not a guarantee that an audit Gondu(thl accordanca with ISAS (UK) wiw a￿•y$ detsct a matérial mi••tatement when it exists. Misstalemerts can arl88 from fra￿1 or •rror arKI are ¢onJider8d materlal If, Indmduolly or in the aggrogate, they Ca￿d reasonably b• exp•ctad to inffuenc• th• Konomk d•¢hlons of user8 taken on th• ba•1• of these tlnandal Otatemants. Irregulartl￿. In¢￿ding fraud, are Instan￿ of nonwcomplianc• with law8 and rngulations. Wè dulgn procedurn8 in lino8 wlth our re8ponslblliti88, outllned abw, to deteci matorial mi8tatsments In re8pect of lThegularities, Includlry fraud. The #pecffic procaduras for th18 angag•m•nt and tho extenl to whlth these are capable of detectkng Irregularttle#, IncludlNJ fraud 18 d&allad belchw. Our approach lo Idendfylng and a8S689ing the ri8k8 of mat•rial mi8tatement In re8pect of Irregularltle8, Indudlng tr￿d and nonthcompllancè wlth laws and regulAlion8. was as folkM8: lh• engagement pwther ensured that th• angagement ieam co1￿1Vety had tho approprlate competence, apablllll88 $kllh to klenofy or rocagnise rK)nwcompliance with appllcable law8 and MgulatI￿$., id8ntifi•d laws and regulatbns appllcable to tha charity through di8CU88ions i%ith tNstee8 and other man•g•men( and from our krK#Aedge of th• charity 8ector and exp•rien¢e of the cllent. wo focu8ed on 8p•c4fK law8 and regulalons whkh we consldered may have a dlr•ct matsrial effed on the firwidal 8tatem•nt8 or the operations of the charKy. we a88e8eed the exlenl of compllancè wlth the laws and r•gulatlon8 IdentEff•d abow through making enquirle8 of management and in3peGtlng18g41 correspondance; and Pall0 8

Indopondont AudltoV8 R•port to the Tru8teu of PCC of tho Parlsh of Boston for th• year ended 31st DKembor 2024 Idenlined law8 and regulation8 were communicated wllhln the audlt team rngularly and the team rnmalned alert to In•tarth8 of non￿￿M0.0n(x throughout audlt. W• ag4e88ed th• 8u•Gepthlllty of the flnanraal gtat•m8nts to maierlal mlslalem•nt. IncludlrYJ obtalnlng an under8tandlng of hLW fraLthI mlght ocaur, ty, makiNJ enquirf88 of marwgement a• to vthere they con81dered thare was 8U8ceMabilty to fraud, tholr knr, a8 fraud involv88 Intenllonal Concealment, forwy, collu8ion, omi8•ion or mlsrepreoentatkn. A8 part ot an audll In accordance ISAB (UK), we exercl8e professlonal Judgment and maintaln profeBBional sc•pfjca8m throughout the audtt. W• al80: Identify and ass￿8 the rlsk8 of matsrfal ml88tatement of the financlal 8tat•ments, whelher due to fraud or error, ￿￿￿Jn arKI perfomi audlt wocedure8 responsive to th08e rf8k8. and obtaln audlt evldenco thai [• 8uFfio•nt and approprlate to W0￿de a ba819 for op¥nion. Th• risk of not detectlng a materlal rni88tstement re8ultlng from fraudlg hlghér than for ono rn8ulling fiDm errnr. as fraud may Invofva coIIu8lon. trgery. Intantlonal omlgsloni misrepreMntation•, or the ov•rrld• of Intémal ¢ontrol, Obtsin an un￿ra￿ndIng of intamal control relevart lo tho audtt In order to design audlt proc•dur•• that e approwiats in the cirGum•tarKM, but not for the purpo8e of oxprn80ing an opinion Qn th• effethno89 of the (*arfty• intemal ￿ntrOl. Evaluats th• approprfatene88 ol accountlng pollda8 u88d and tho rnaK•nablen888 of accountlrKJ 88timate• and related dlxlosum made by th• truitees. can￿d8 on th• apprqxlat•noss al lh• Irust•e•' ule of th• golry ¢>Jnc•rn b••i8 of aGGountrry wd, based on Ihg audit widence obtalned. wthethar a materfal uncartainty exi8ts mlat•d io events or eontllh)n• may GI￿ •lgnMc•nl doubt on tho abllty to canOnu• a8 a gdng ￿ncern. r condud• that a mat•rJal uncartalnty •xl•ts, ￿ ire r•qulr•d lo drffw att•ntlon aLMlltof8 rewl to the relaied dl8cIo8ur•8 in the flnanclal 8tat•monts or, If 9uch diado8ure8 arn inadequate, to modlfy our oplrkn. Our condu8lon• ￿ bawd on tho audt obtakn•d up to the dats of our a￿lIt0f5 r•po How•v•r. future events or condftlons may ￿u9￿ the charity to to contlnue u a gokng ¢oncem. Evaluate tho overall prasentatlon, struc4ure and cont•nt of the finandal 8talem•nts, Inc4udlng the diKlosure8. and wh•ther the flnanclal statements rnpr•8ent the Unde￿ng transactlonj and e￿nts rnannar that aGhl8ves fat we8entaUon. We communicate wilh thoee ¢harged w5th lwrnan￿ rogardiig, among other mattern, the planned 8cope and Ilmlng of the a￿lIt and iignffiGant audlt r￿dI￿$, Includlng any glgnificont deficl•nci88 in intemal control Ihat Identity duriw our audit. Page 9

Indopondont Audltofs R•port to tho Tru8ts08 of PCC of the Parfsh of Boston for th• y•ar onded 318t DerAmb8r 2024 U•• of our r•port Thi• r•port18 mado 8ol to the chwws tru•ts81, aB a boty, In accor￿¢• th Part 4 of tho Charlll•8 (Accounts and Reports) Regulatlons 2008. Our audlt work has boon undertaken so that we mlght state to the LarW8 trths tho•e matkn ¥rf8 requtr•d to ts1• to thwn In an authtofB r•F￿t for no other pwpoa•. To the fulest 6xtent permlttad by law, we'do not a¢coPt or a88umo rn8ponJibility to anyon8 other Ihan the chwly •rKI Iho chwW• IN•t•o• al a body, for our a￿lIt Mirk, for th1• rvpor( or forlh• opknlons ￿ have fomied. Moore Thompson Chartared ACci￿nt•n18. Slattrt￿Y Alxlltor Bank House Broad Streat SpAkllng PE111TB Moorn Thomw 18 to art as an audtrln temm of806kn 1212 oflhe Comp8rHe8 Act 2006. Page 10