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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Mary The Virgin Corringham

2023-12-31-accounts

UNITED BENEFICE OF CORRINGHAM AND FOBBING

ST. MARY THE VIRGIN AND

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST

CORRINGHAM

Charity No. 1138056

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SUNDAY 26[th] May 2024

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual Vestry Meeting and Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 26[th] May 2024 at St. Mary’s Church after Mass.

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING.

AGENDA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

AGENDA

Peter Handscombe PCC Secretary.

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MINUTES OF ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY 16[TH] APRIL 2023 AT 12.20PM AFTER MASS.

Present: Fr. David Rollins in Chair - there were 23 Parishioners present.

Apologies: Christine Miles, Mandy Waite, Beverley Howells.

The minutes of the Vestry Meeting of Sunday 16[th] April 2023 were agreed, with no matters arising.

Election of Church Wardens: There were two nominations:

Mr. David Mott Proposed by Mr. Peter Craggs Seconded by Mrs. Carol Webb Mrs. Mandy Waite Proposed by Mrs. Bev Howells Seconded by Mr. Peter Handscombe

Mr. David Mott and Mrs. Mandy Waite were unopposed and duly elected.

Vestry Meeting closed at 12.25pm.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING WHICH FOLLOWED THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING WITH 23 PARISHIONERS PRESENT.

1. MInutes:

The minutes of the previous APCM of Sunday 16[th] April 2023 had been previously circulated, prior to the meeting, for members.

It was proposed by Mrs. Victoria Thompson and seconded by Mrs. Marion Hunting that the minutes be accepted. All in favour.

2. Matters Arising from the Minutes:

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

3. Parish Priest’s and Curate’s Report – Fr. David Rollins / Rev Wendy Mott:

The Parish Priest’s Report having previously been circulated was accepted. Fr David also added that he thanked Marion Stephens for providing and arranging the Church flowers.

4. Church Wardens Report – David Mott and Mandy Waite:

The Church Warden’s Report having been previously circulated was accepted.

’ 5 . Treasurer s Report – Beverley Howells

The Treasurers report had been previously circulated and was accepted.

Marion Stephens raised a point on the accounts in that it showed that money had been given from the account for the provision of flowers. She explained that she provided the flowers for the church and had not received any such monies. Beverley explained that where flowers had been provided as gifts to Parishioners’ on special occasions these had been shown under the general heading as Church

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Flowers. Marion asked that in future these gifts be shown under a separate heading for clarity. Beverley would look into it.

John Hunting noted that Power and Utilities had shown a drop in expenses this was due to Beverley signing a fixed term contract. Noted.

Fr. David reported that Beverley Howells and Mandy Waite had purchased three radiant heaters to help heat the Church. These heaters were low power usage and would supplement the gas heating. It was proposed by Roz Cummings and seconded by John Hunting that the heaters be used and thanks to Beverley and Mandy.

6. Deanery Synod Report – Peter Handscombe

The Deanery Synod had been previously circulated and was accepted.

7. Health & Safety Report – Peter Handscombe

The Health & Safety Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

8. Messy Mass Report – Rev. Wendy Mott

The Messy Mass Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

9. St. Luke’s Chaplaincy Report – Rev. Wendy Mott

St. Luke’s Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

10. Safeguarding Report – Carole Howes Benefice Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

11. Call in for Coffee – Marion Stephens

The Call in for Coffee Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

12. Social Committee Report. – Victoria Thompson

The Social Committee Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

13. Electoral Roll Report – Rev. Wendy Mott

Rev. Wendy reported that the Electoral Roll had been updated and submitted. The report was accepted.

14. Knit and Natter Report – Christine Matthews

The Knit and Natter Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

15. Lunch Club Report – Peter Craggs and Jean Craggs

The lunch Club Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

16. Walsingham Cell Report - Carol Webb

The Walsingham Cell Report had previously been circulated and was accepted.

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17. Election of Independent Examination of Accounts

Beverley Howells reported that she had approached Mr.Thornton Wallace who confirmed that he was willing to be the Independent Examiner of Accounts. Beverley proposed that Mr. Thornton Wallace be appointed as the Independent Examiner of Accounts. It was seconded by Mandy Waite. All in favour.

18. Election of PCC Members - Fr. David in Chair:

There were no Current Members due for re-election and there were no further nominations received. The current members will serve until 2025

19. Election of Deanery Representatives:

The Parish can have 3 elected members. We currently have two, Beverley Howells and Peter Handscombe, who remain in post until 2025. It was proposed by Carol Webb and seconded by Victoria Thompson that David Mott is also elected as a Deanery Representative. All agreed. David also to serve until 2025.

22. Election/Ratification of Side Persons & Eucharistic Ministers:

The above are now approved and appointed by the PCC.

In summing up Fr. David thanked everyone who did work for the Church and Parish wide. Bishop Guli had circulated a report called Travelling Well Together and we do things well together. At Easter we had the most in the Congregation for months, doing things we do well counts.

Peter Craggs thanked Fr. David and Rev. Wendy for their work over the year.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 12.45pm.

Peter Handscombe PCC Secretary.

I certify that the above Minutes are a true record of that meeting.

Signed Fr D. Rollins (Chairman)

Dated 26[th] May 2024

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ANNUAL REPORTS FOR YEAR 2023

Parish Priest’s Report: Fr. David Rollins

Each year I admit I find it harder to reflect clearly on the past year, as my memories of past events all jostle for position. In some ways I find that encouraging as it must mean the past year was without any catastrophic event. For most of us find comfort and security in the known and are not seeking dramatic events which rock the foundations of our world or our faith.

Personally, I find great comfort in the regular rhythm of worship whether praying alongside Rev Wendy and David or with others and both celebrating and attend the Eucharist. These are the bedrock of my faith journey.

Our yearly Annual Report is the opportunity to reflect on the past year and help to plan for the forthcoming year. I know for many, regular attendance at the Sunday or Mid weeks services is fundamental to their spiritual wellbeing. Alongside our worship we also have many other activities which take place across the Benefice, these activities are Faith in Action, reaching out to all from the wider community. You will find reports of these activities, within our Annual Report. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps organise these events.

I would also like to thank the Officers of our PCC’s, the Church Wardens, PCC secretaries and treasurers for all their hard work and diligence.

I must thank our four Church Wardens Christine, Mo, David and Mandy who do so much in ensuring the smooth running of our parishes and support the clergy in their role.

Our two treasurers Bev and David work diligently to ensure our financial stability. There are many demands on our finances especially as we are all living with the consequences of inflation and increased costs. I would like to thank all who contribute financially to our parishes and all who offer their gifts and talents in the service of God and our parishes.

Whatever you do for the church whether keeping the grounds tidy, linen cleaned, cleaning the church, arrange the flowers, whatever the task whether big or small, thank you .

How can I express my thanks for the hard work of my colleagues; Rev Wendy, words don’t express how much I personally appreciate all that you do within the Benefice. We also have the privilege of the preaching skills of David and Pamela, David is now reducing his commitments, but we give thanks for all that he has shared through the years.

I would also like to thank our PCC secretaries Peter and Carole, and Elaine our Parish Administrator who do so much behind the scenes.

The Parish couldn't function without many individuals playing their role; Darryl our organist, the choir, servers, those who organise our social events and fundraisers, thank you .

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I commend our report to you, outlining all the activities of the Benefice and our financial position.

I look forward to the coming year, and the arrival of a new colleague, Lauren and her family.

Life within our Benefice continues to flourish, as we continue to work together to further Gods Kingdom in the communities of Corringham and Fobbing.

May God Bless us as we go forward in faith to share the good news of the Gospel.

CHURCHWARDENS' REPORT: Mandy Waite and David Mott

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who helps to care and look a<er St. Mary's and St. John's Churches.

We know there are many who work quietly in the background to help with flowers, cleaning, and general upkeep. All your efforts are truly appreciated.

2023 was a very significant year for everyone, as in May we all celebrated the Kings coronaNon. At St Mary’s we had the privilege to join the naNonal bell ringing iniNaNve. Our three bells were rung by those who aRended evensong on the eve of the CoronaNon, and our contribuNon was recorded by Essex Bellringers.

During 2023 we have conNnued to care for the maintenance and upkeep of St Marys and St Johns so that both are welcoming and safe. In St Mary’s minor plaster work repairs and some repainNng of walls were carried out by Bakers of Danbury. For both Churches rouNne maintenance was kept up to date. All checks and safety requirements have been carried out including boiler service and gas inspecNon, PAT tesNng, lightning conductor, and fire equipment checks.

ApplicaNons were made for the installaNon of a new noNceboard in St Mary’s Churchyard on the opposite side to the current one. This was to facilitate more noNficaNon of Church events for people using the footpath. The Archdeacon agreed, leading to the new noNceboard being installed in February 2024. The Archdeacon also gave permission for the replacement of the Cross outside St Johns in natural wood as it was roZng and unrepairable. The cross, also now installed, was made, and paid for by the Orthodox Church.

In mid-2023, Site Acres were appointed as the new Gardeners for both Churches, as the previous Gardener had moved away. This has incurred more expenditure, but we are hoping to conNnue to maintain the grounds and are very grateful to those who contribute to help with some of the cost.

As we all conNnue to face the challenges of the current Nme, we thank you for leZng us serve as your churchwardens. If appointed for the coming year, we will endeavour to care for the fabric of both churches so that they conNnue to be a visible witness to our local community.

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Treasurer’s Report: Beverley Howells.

This year has seen an increase in the number of people who pay via PGS- we now have 23 people paying this way, this makes my job a lot easier as Gift Aid is claimed automatically and paid every month. We also have 13 people paying by Standing Order. Both these methods help with budgeting as I know I have a guaranteed income of £2,344.68 coming in every month. Although this seems to be a large sum it doesn’t even cover the £2,918.21, that we pay to Chelmsford every month. All our bills have gone up over the past yearelectricity, gas, water, grass cutting, etc. We receive a steady income from the various groups that hire St John’s Hallthank you to all of those, giving us over £27,700 during the course of the year. On paper it looks as if our current account has dropped by over £9,000 but this is due to the fact that we, the PCC, decided to move £10,000 into CCLA, which gives a good return on our investments We continue to support the Indian Project- all money paid is raised via specific donations or through fund raising, many thanks to their fund raising team. There was little change in the Repair Fund- interest going in from investments and some donations. We had no expenses as we didn’t have any large repairs. I want to end by thanking everyone who contributes, in any way, to our accounts- Fund Raisers, the Planned Givers, one off donations (for specific work) etc. If anyone wants to know more about PGS please askI’m always ready to encourage extra supporters.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHUCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLEWICAL PARISH OF ST.MARY THE WRGIN CORRINGHAM Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2023 Registered ChaTity Number:1138056 General Fund Recei tsandPa ment Account 2023 202Z Recei Incomin reSoUr￿S from donors Planned gNln8 Collections aNI other giving 26,974.00 5,842 24,7041￿) 6￿83.(1) £a2,816XKI 30,787.1 Other Volunta Incomin Resourtrs tk*nations Restricted Ootriatioths Ch3rftles Fyndrai5ing Events Hall Incorne 2.960.00 .173 1138.00 3,276.IXI 27,708.CI) 2.642.tXI 12245LX) 2.625.C#) 2,642.IXI 22,938.(KS £4fjJ55 43,092AKI Income from Charitable & Ancilla sa￿ of magazines & candles Fees PCC Fees IRe5trittedl SundrEs Tradin 416.00 2A08.L¥) 15.617.(M) 346.0) 1,046.INJ 12,261.(K> 1.060.(t> £iw .n3.rKI TOTAL RECEIPTS £97 512.00 £88 592.(Kl

THE PAROCHIAL CHUCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF sr.MARY THE VIRGIN CORRINGHAM Flnanclal Ststements foT thè Year Ended 31" December 2023 Reglstered Charlty Number:1138056 General Fund Recei tsandPa entAccount Grants Chèrltles 1.820.Q) 1569.ri) -rect[ relatin Dknce5an Quots rKyExpeThses Retum (Des￿nated} Sanrtuary Aowers Buil￿1￿m31nteftance,etC Use Re5tdtted Fuodlng to the work of the Church 3Y,f4Y).(b) 990. 9,723.CO 4,633. 157.1)) 17.924. S,￿2. 34.672.00 663.00 7,959.00 3A96.00 19.S66_IXJ 2,086.00 WZ9. 68.m Church mana èmènt & administration PrfntiDg& st*ionery Power& Utilikies 5.IK)7.CO 6.220.O) J4.698.¢X> 3.868.00 3.936.QO 2.937. 2S.915.OD 10.74L( TOTAL PAYMEKrs £106 674.00 ExcE5s of paynYdThtsover r2£elpts Excess of recelpts over paymeTrts Transfer Recondlllarion OpeThin8b3lancÈ at Istja 9.162A 690m 33ml.ots 26,735 £33.647.(Kl Closing balance at 3tst Dec Approved by ParcKhlal thurth Cwndl on and slgned on ts behalf ty.- Revd. D. Rollins (Chairman) Mrs. 8. Howells IT￿?￿rer)

THE PAROCHIAL CHUCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASficAL PARISH OF ST.MARY THE VIRGIN CORRINGHAM Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31" December 2023 Registered Charity Number:1138056 Re air Fund Recei ts and Pa ments-Restricted Fund 2023 2022 Recel Restricted Donation5 Donations Fundraising Events 1,130. 180. 280.00 1.163.IX) 182.QX) 2.473.00 642.lJ) Pa ments Maintenan CCLA Speclflc Fund Mi5tr11aneous 3,298.00 3,298.00 Excess of Receipts over PayThents Excess of Payments over Receipts Openin8 BalaTh￿ tst january 2,473.(Ks 2,656.CKJ 14,024.00 11,368.00 Closing Balance at 31st December £13,841.00 £11,368.00 Mlss S.LLong Endowrnent Fund C8F Deposit Interest AccumuLed income which COU￿ be ud by Parish for Repair Fund 00 IA35.00 73.00 4363.00 Kathy Charlton Legacy on be￿a￿OI￿￿yCharlt0￿le¥p0￿01￿? Deposit Fund Investment ICCLAI Accumulated Fund Investment ICCLAI 37250.IXI 73.862. 27250.00 66.616.lJO io

THE PAROCHIAL CHUCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASficAL PARISH OF ST.MARY THE VIRGIN CORRINGHAM Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31" December 2023 Re8FStered Chartty Number.1138056 2023 2022 Sunda Mornin OpeniTrg Balance Istjan Don3ttons Expenses Excess of Paymetts D￿r Receipts Exces5 of Receipts over Payments Coffee 32.00 260.(h) 293.00 201.(M) 248. 47. Closing Balance 31stDec -£1.00 £32.00 Call in for Coffee-new Opening Balan Donations 154.QJ 6D.00 40.00 I54X￿1 Charity Donations Expenses Ex￿s5 of Receipts over Payrnents 20.¢X) Closing Balance 31stDec £174.00 £154.00 Lunch Club Openlng Bal8nce tstjan Donation5 165.00 2,076.lJ) 2,220.C 144.(X) 1,447.1)0 la62.00 Expenses Excess of Payments over Receipts E¥ce55 of Receipts over Payments 85.00 Closing Balance 31stDec £106.00 £250.00 Mess Mass Opening Balance 1st Jan Donattons 215.00 123.IXI 679. 594.00 751.C4) Expenses Excess of Payments over Receipts Exces5 of Receipts over Payments 659.(Kl 92.00 Closing Balance 31stDec £300.00 £215.00 li

THE PAROCHIAL CHUCH COUNaL OF THE EC(IESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST.￿ftY THE VIRGIN CORRINGHAM Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 RÈglstered Charity Number:1138056 2022 8ankCutrentAttourrt Bank Repalr Fund 2V8&1)0 13WLOO 3W7.ty) 368. DEP MisstoreAc¢ount Depost Fund In¥e5tmenE 1435.00 Jn50.00 £38 68&00 TOTA . 363. 2Y.2SO.y) TOTAL. kcumulatEd Furbj Investment TOTALASSSEfs E150 12

Deanery Synod Report: Peter Handscombe

The Parish has three Deanery representatives being myself, David Mott, and Beverley Howells.

The first meeting of the year was in January 2023 at Chafford Hundred. The Speaker was The Ven. Mike Power – Archdeacon of Southend, who talked about his call to faith and the vision of the direction of the Church in the Diocese.

The business of the meeting discussed the Orsett Show and an appeal for help on the day and finance. MMU’s no longer needed but Parishes need to work more together.

The next meeting was on the 19[th] April 2023 at St. John’s, Tilbury. There are no minutes available for this date; I was unable to attend.

A meeting was held at St. Michael’s, Fobbing on 10[th] July 2023. This was the first meeting of the Triennium the main order of business being the election of Officers (both Clergy and Lay) of the Deanery and Standing Committee. Fr. David and Beverley Howells were elected to the Standing Committee. After the elections news and events from the Parishes were announced. David Mott was later elected as Vice Chair as it was vacant. Frank Woolard the Lay Chair had a heart attack and has since recovered.

The final meeting of the year was held on 17[th] October 2023 at St. Catherine’s, East Tilbury. At this meeting Belinda Ramsey (Children, Youth and Families Advisor for Bradwell Area.) – Giving a summary of her work in the Diocese and acknowledging that many churches have lost their younger church group since The Pandemic. She recommended small steps to rebuild and advice available. Rev Darren Barlow announced that he was moving to Shenfield so we would need a New Rural Dean next year.

Health and Safety Report: Peter Handscombe

Health and Safety is dealt with on a rolling basis and updated where necessary. Any incidents are recorded in Report books which are located in all our buildings within the First Aid boxes. The Health & Safety Officer then reviews the report to assess if further additions/amendments need to be made to the Risk Assessments. The First Aid boxes have now been updated to include foil blankets.

All the gravestones at St. Mary’s have been checked by the application of pressure and no further action needs to be taken.

The trees at St. Mary’s and St. John’s are being assessed by qualified persons and a report is awaited.

Messy Church Report: Rev Wendy Mott

Messy Church has had another year of fun and fellowship, for families, as we have met together on the second Tuesday of each month in St John’s. The children continue to freely engage in the craft activities linked to each theme and have enjoyed Fr David’s story and time for reflection. They also greatly look forward to their meal. As in previous years the commitment of all those who are part of the team who help each month with supervising the activities and organising the food and the layout and clearing away of tables is greatly appreciated.

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St Luke’s Chaplaincy Report: Rev Wendy Mott

This year I have continued my chaplaincy volunteering at St Lukes. Based more at the new site in Thurrock I help on a Wednesday to provide practical and spiritual to all who in attendance on the day. There have been a few times I have been asked to attend outside of this time to provide chaplaincy support at Basildon. With the Hospice continuing to provide so many services, the love and kindness and positivity of all is so much part of every week. During the year I have tried to attend the Chaplains meetings and undertake the mandatory training required for being part of the Hospice. Having now been part of the chaplaincy team for nearly ten years I continue to be very grateful for the privilege to be of support to others each week.

Benefice Safeguarding Report: Carole Howes

The Safeguarding Policy was agreed by both PCCs and has been displayed on notice boards in all churches and halls within the Benefice. To comply with the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment Policy we have carried out a programme of providing each person in a volunteer role with a specific job description. Each volunteer has also signed a Confidential Declaration Form and a copy of the Benefice Safeguarding policy. This has been a demanding and time-consuming task and I would like to thank everyone for their patience and support to ensure all the paperwork is completed. We continue to ensure that individuals update their online safeguarding training every three years. Safeguarding is a hugely important topic and remains a high point of focus for the Benefice. We would like to emphasise that the safeguarding of all vulnerable individuals, children and adults, is the responsibility of every member of our churches.

Electoral Roll Report: Rev Wendy Mott (currently overseeing the Electoral Roll)

During the time the Electoral Roll was open for revision this year there were two applications for inclusion. We have had two changes of name and sadly one member who died.

Having reported 76 as being on our electoral roll this time last year, our numbers to report for this year are 77 of which 45 are resident and 32 are non-resident.

Walsingham Cell Report: Carol Webb

On Tuesday 16th May 2023 eleven pilgrims from our Benefice made our three day annual visit to the Shrine of Walsingham. We travelled by Rosie's minibus arriving early afternoon. As usual our accommodation was perfect. We attended all the services especially the beautiful healing service with the laying on of hands and anointing. We walked through the gardens holding our candles high as we sang the Ava Maria. Some pilgrims made their way to the Slipper Chapel; others made their way to Wells Next The Sea for a seafood lunch; others just rested in the peaceful gardens.Rev Wendy gave a very interesting service on Ascension day and distributed photos of Our Lord ascending to heaven. One such painting is in the Shrine's own church. A wonderful, reflective time was had by all.

We did not make arrangements for 2024 as a pilgrimage to Malta was planned. Many thanks to Father David and Rev Wendy who give so much of their time.

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Little Feet Report: Jenny Frood

Over the past year Little Feet has had approximately 2 to 5 children attend each month. The monthly sessions are based on the Gospel reading of the day and include a story and discussion, followed by craft and colouring and concluding with a prayer. The children present their craft activities to Father David or Rev Wendy at the end of the service and answer any questions on what they have learnt that morning.

Call in for Coffee Report: Marion Stephens

We usually meet the first Saturday of the month at St. John’s Church Hall, although on a couple of dates it had to be change to a later date due to conflicting dates when the hall or ourselves were not available. During the year Peter and Marion provide tea/coffee, cake and biscuits with those attending making a voluntary donation.

We have a small band of people who regularly attend and the occasional casual attendees. We are hopeful that when the weather improves new customers will call in. At Christmas this year we donated £45 from funds to purchase oranges for the Christingle service.

Social Committee/Fund Raising Report: Victoria Thompson

During the last year we have held various events in the Parish. We started with a Beetle Drive which was enjoyed by all who attended. Our Annual Cake and Spring Jumble Sale was held outside St. John’s Hall. Bev baffled our brain cells with one of her quiz’s. We had our yearly Bring and Share Lunch for the Feast of Our Lady. This year we returned to holding an Autumn Fayre which was great success. Our annual Christmas shopping trip to Southend was advertised on the Pew Sheet and was open to all. This was the first since Covid restrictions. Rev. Wendy, David Mott, Mandy, Linda, Gill, Julie and Carol all had a lively day shopping and a lunch at Tommassi’s. No money was made for the Church but a great social event. Peter provided his yearly Christmas Quiz, which spanned its way around the country and certainly made everyone rack their brains with the cryptic clues. Mosaic returned to hold its popular Christmas Concert for us in St. John’s hall, with cheese and wine in the interval. This got us all in the Christmas spirit and a very enjoyable evening for all. We rounded our year off by holding our Annual Christmas Raffle after the Carol Concert at St. Mary’s.

This year we hope to host many events around our Parish. We hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please let us know if you have any ideas or would like us to host something specific.

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Knit & Natter Report: Christine Matthews

The past year has been a busy one for the Knit & Natter group. Over the last few months we have gained some new members and we now have a regular group of 19 members. We continue to meet every Monday in St Michael’s and have slightly increased our meeting time to 10am to 12.30pm. Our main project over the last year has been to knit Noah’s Ark. Apart from the actual Ark we knitted the rainbow, Noah and his wife, and a whole selection of animals, 2 of each. This has been displayed in the Church and is now boxed up ready for use in School assemblies, Messy Church and other similar events and places. Last summer one of our Church members was married in St Michael’s and as a gift from the Knit & Natter group we produced a knitted bride and groom ably crafted by Diane one of our members. Alongside this we knitted stars and angels for our Christmas tree at the Christmas tree Festival. We decided on a colour scheme of pink and turquoise in varying shades. While we were working on these projects we had an invitation to attend the opening of the new Hobbycraft in Lakeside. Several of our members attended and we were given a generous gift token to spend in the shop. This enabled us to purchase a good selection of wool for the group to use and a couple of storage boxes After Christmas we received a request to help with knitting blankets for Care homes locally. We have been working on this for some weeks and have completed 7 blankets, each made up of 30 squares and kindly crocheted together by one of our members. At the same time most members are working on their own projects and learning new skills from each other.

Lunch Club Report: Peter & Jean Craggs

We have had another successful year. We meet at St. John's Church Hall on the first Wednesday of every month except August. There are 55 members of the Lunch Club and we had an average of 43 people attending each month. We charged £5 per head throughout the year but increased this to £7 for the December Lunch. The price will go up to £6 in January 2024. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the September lunch as there weren't enough helpers. We now have a new helper, Brenda Scott. During the year we had a special 'British Lunch' in May, to celebrate the Coronation Of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. In December we had the traditional Roast Turkey lunch and we were entertained by Corringham Primary School, Choir, we gave them a donation of £50 for which they were very pleased. We always offer a choice of menu with a meat and fish dish, or two meat and always have a vegetarian option, followed by a choice of dessert and tea or coffee. After lunch we usually have an activity, Bingo, a quiz or singing, which go down well. Every month we have representative's from Thurrock Council Adult Social Services who come to offer help and support to anyone who needs it. I would like to thank everyone who helps in any way to make the Lunch Club such a success.

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Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of the Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Corringham

I report on the accounts off the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out over 5 enclosed pages.

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records, It also includes consideration of unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Thornton Wallace 69 Theydon Crescent Basildon Essex SS14 3LW 31/3/24