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2021-12-31-accounts

< Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston

For the year ended 31[st] December 2021 Registered Charity Number 1138955

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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Charity registration number 1138955

Objectives and Activities

The Parochial Church Council of Bilston (the PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Acting incumbent, the Reverend Simon Skidmore, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the church

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at all of our three Churches – St Leonards, St Chads and St Mary’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. Also, through nonsacramental activities of hospitality and fellowship we aim to reach non churched members of the community.

Public Benefit

The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Bilston, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:

• Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and

• Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

Vision Statement

“We, the congregations of Bilston Parish, seek to grow as the family of God and the people of God”.

Mission Action Plan (MAP)

Discipleship

What we are doing now:

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- What was planned for the 12 month period:

- What we hope to do in 3 5 years:

Evangelism

What we are doing now:

What was planned for the 12 month period:

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Vocation

What we are doing now:

What was planned for the 12 month period:

What we hope to do in the next 12 months:

- What we hope to do in 3 5 years:

As with 2020, 2021 was drastically impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic as we started the year in lockdown but were able to resume gathered worship and events, following the gradual easing of lockdown and following Government guidelines from 28[th] March.

Prior to 28[th] March, we continued to offer online services that were regularly available on Facebook and other platforms. We continued to develop fellowship gatherings and carry out meetings using Zoom.

We hope to continue to break away from the traditional rather static “Team Vicar” idea – and increase co-operation and commitment over the congregations to each other but this is of course subject to any new appointment to the Parish and under the current vacancy.

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Achievements and Performance

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Our Normal Pattern of worship (changed from March 2021 following vacancy and pandemic)

Sundays

St Leonard’s Church

8am - BCP Holy Communion, 10:30am - Holy Communion (Common Worship) (2[nd] Sunday of the month). - Family Communion Service (Common Worship) (4[th] Sunday of the month). - Communion by Extension (By permission of the Bishop) (1[st] Sunday of the month). - Service of the Word/ Altogether at 10:30 service -(3[rd] Sunday of the month). 6:30pm - Evensong (1[st] , 2[nd] and 3[rd] Sunday of the month). - Memorial Service (4[th] Sunday of the month)

Wednesdays

10:30am - Shoppers Communion

Occasional Saturdays

St Mary’s Church

St Chad’s Church

2[nd] Saturday of the Month.

Other Services and events.

Lent Bible Studies at St Leonard’s and St Chads (During 2021 this was held over Zoom). Weekly Bibles studies at St Leonard’s and St Chads COVID Memorial Services (during 2020 & 2021).

We visit Bushfield Court Nursing Home for a Communion service twice a month and “the Elms” and “Glenthorne” nursing homes monthly and for special events such as Easter, Christmas and Remembrance Day.

Stowlawn Church has now been closed as a place of worship. We are still investigating whether the way ahead may be holding a service in a community room in a local school on the estate so that a Christian presence will be continues.

Wave of Light Service - October - in St Leonard’s to remember babies who have died to soon.

School Services for Easter, Christmas, Harvest and end of year, in St Leonard’s for Bilston CofE and Villiers Primary Schools.

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Baptism, weddings and funerals policies

Baptisms would normally take place on the 2[nd] Sunday and 4[th] Sunday of the month at St Leonard’s, following the main service and with prior arrangement at St Mary’s and St Chad’s, baptism will take place in the main Sunday service. Baptism families are required to attend a church service prior to the baptism a minimum of 3 times, one being their first visit to the church and the last time would include a Baptism Rehearsal. Baptism families and godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Session on a Saturday morning or Monday evening. Baptisms are now being filtered in order to cope with demand and enable mission. This means if those who seek baptism outside of our Parish will need to consult the incumbent or equivalent authority of their own parish where they live before seeking baptism in Bilston. It is offered freely once all the expectations are met and we seek those who are baptized to become members of our churches.

All who live within the parish are welcome to get married at the church of their choice. Those who do not live within the ecclesiastical parish must meet the criteria for a qualifying connection. We have adhered to the new marriage legislation that was imposed from the 4[th] May that has changed the registration of marriages. All Marriages will be registered with the Local Registry Office and any copy of marriage certificates can only be obtained from the same authority.

Baptism and Marriage enquiries/bookings are made on Monday evenings 6pm-7pm & Saturday morning 10am-11am in St Leonard’s church for the whole parish.

All who live or die in the parish are entitled to a funeral service and burial/interment of ashes. Bookings are made and confirmed through the Parish Funeral Co-ordinator along with the incumbent (or equivalent) who will then distribute the request of a funeral service to an appropriate minister. To help with demand, we have and continue to seek support from colleagues in neighbouring parishes for the number of funerals we do have in the parish.

Mission activities through community events

Prior to March, all our missional and community events were put on hold, but since then, we have gradually re-introduced activities for mission and our community. On Good Friday we held a service outside in the grounds of St Leonard’s church as an Easter witness which gathered a good number from both church and community. This was usually a Churches Together initiative but since the lockdown our communication between churches had reduced but has thankfully, picked up again.

Sadly, ‘Hope in the Park’ our ecumenical outreach event with Churches Together in Bilston and Bradley was unable to happen in 2021, like 2020 but we have confirmed plans to go ahead with the event in 2022.

We re-opened and renamed our café in St Leonard’s - ‘Jacob’s Well’ to bring it under the ministry of the church. It is run by an excellent team of volunteers. It is open on a Monday and Thursday at present. Since it’s re-opening has also launched a Lunch club for those who are lonely or seeking friendships/fellowship.

St Mary’s church has hosted at least 1 coffee morning on a Saturday to raise funds and make links with the local community.

The Parish continues to offer support to our local care and nursing homes. We are still active in ‘The Elms’ “Glenthorne House’ and ‘Bushfield Nursing home’, providing a church service and pastoral care.

We continued to offer COVID Memorial services for those who had funerals during lockdown. These were offered primarily on a Saturday afternoon and led by 2 of our Lay-readers including the present incumbent.

St Chad’s continues to offer a Toddler Group on a Friday Morning for families on the estate. We have re-connected with our local counsellors who seek to re-launch their Counsellor Surgeries in the church. St Chad’s on a Wednesday afternoon each week has been opened for a Games afternoon with Table Tennis, Pool, Table football etc to help with mentalwellbeing and community engagement. This has given a platform to discover other activities the church could do in the local community including children’s work. One initiative is the launching of a ‘Places of Welcome’ in St Chads that will be taking place in the Spring of 2022. St Chad’s are now a collection point for ‘The Well’ Foodbank in Wolverhampton and also ‘Coats for Kids.’ St Chad’s continues to support ‘Leprosy Mission’ and had a visit from Mavis Littleford in October to report back the charity work that the church had been supporting.

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St Leonard’s hosts a craft club group on a Thursday and a slimming class on a Friday and both groups continue to meet. On a Wednesday, St Leonard’s hosted a Veterans Group from Age UK who found a home with us for a few months. As a result, St Leonard’s was asked to receive a Standard from the Suez conflict and for it to be ‘laid-up’ in the church. The service was attended by local dignitaries including the Mayor of Wolverhampton, members of the British Legion, armed forces, the deputy Lord Lieutenant and Bishop of Wolverhampton. The Parish of Bilston, with Bilston British Legion, helped in the planning and organising of the Civic Remembrance Sunday Service in Bilston and continues to have strong links with the legion.

The Parish has held several social events over the year including 2 barn dances. At Christmas, St Leonard’s, in partnership with the Bilston & Willenhall Lions Club, organised the Christmas Tree festival and we had several trees from local community groups, schools, businesses and organisations. The Christmas Tree festival coincided with the light switch on in the town. St Leonard’s hosted the annual memorial service for a local funeral director and as a Parish, joined in with the Carols in the town, supported by Churches Together and the Lanesfield Brass Band.

The Parish of Bilston is very active in our local schools. We support assemblies in our own church school - Bilston Church of England Primary, Green Park Special School and Villiers Primary School. We are hopeful that school visits to our churches may restart in 2022.

Parish Mission Priest (Team Vicar/Acting Team Rector’s) Report

I want to begin this year’s report by saying Thank you. Thank you for all the support and encouragement that you as a Parish have given me during a very difficult and exhausting 12 months. In January, Rev Dave finished his time with us as Team Rector and caused a huge change in my role with you in Bilston. In April, Bishop Clive, Bishop of Wolverhampton asked if I could take the unofficial role of ‘Acting Team Rector’ during this season of vacancy as both the Diocese and our Deanery of Wolverhampton were assessing its future through the ‘Shaping for Mission initiative’ where mission opportunities and future deployment is part of the discussions. At present, there is no further progress to report regarding the vacancy in the Parish, but conversations are being had with the Archdeacon, Bishop and the PCC, and I’m sure the future of the Parish will be made clearer in the coming year. Along with the temporary role of incumbent and fulfilling the role of Parish Mission Priest, it was still my aim and objective to seek growth in our churches, to have a heart for evangelism and mission and to pray for new disciple to find faith in Jesus and to grow in love for God’s Word and to serve him through our churches in Bilston.

Building and Personnel.

All the churches in the Parish continued to follow the national government guidelines which involved no gathered public worship before March, 2 metre social distancing marked in each building, the requirement of face coverings, the use of hand sanitiser both entering and leaving the buildings and the use of Track and Trace. All the churches were being monitored over the long period of closure by churchwardens and myself. The churches were still be offered for Private Prayer. I want to thank all the volunteers who have given their time to make sure our churches remained safe over this very stressful period and in helping and supporting their re-opening. I was proud to know that we were keeping close to the guidelines and I am unaware of any of our churches that seemed to encourage the growth of the virus.

On Sunday 28[th] March, we held our 1[st] gathered in-person services and the buildings remained COVID Safe. St Leonard’s and St Mary’s maintained closure of pews and clockwise directions while St Chad’s removed its central aisle and with greater flexibility with chairs, kept seating at the required distances. Over the months following, we gradually re-introduced congregations receiving Holy Communion in 1 form only and not using the communion rail. The chalice was then allowed to be offered which was followed by the relaxing of face coverings and social distancing yet St Mary’s are still operating a more cautious approach with these two at present.

Since the reopening of our churches, there has been a great effort by many to get them operational again.

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St Chad’s

St Chad’s is still exploring the need to replace/ repair its nave floor. The wooden blocks are now becoming more dangerous. Quotes have been obtained but the faculty is yet to be applied for and funding sourced. Following the sale of 2 Russell Road, quotes have been received to install a new fire exit ramp for the church but again, with the lack of funding and faculty required, the project is on-going. I would like to thank Pat and John Arnold as church wardens for the effort to get St Chad’s re-opened for worship and their support in the maintenance of the building. I would like to mention under this heading that St Chad’s were heart-broken following the death of their treasurer, Eric Barker, who was a life-long member of the churches in Bilston, especially at St Chad’s. We cannot thank enough his generosity, commitment and sacrifice he gave to the church he treasured and loved. He will be greatly missed.

St Mary’s

St Mary’s still has an area above the chancel where fallen plaster remains visible. There is also an increasing number of cracks that are appearing in the plaster around higher parts around the walls. St Mary’s has had installed a new smart gas meter which will help with bills and running costs. The graveyard continues to be maintained by a willing group of local volunteers and my gratitude to them for how pristine the grounds are kept. There has been local repairs to the pathway around the church following cracks that had formed around some vaults. The repairs needed for St Mary’s are still with updated quotes required, faculty process to be restarted and funds to be raised.

I would like to mention about the heart-breaking news following the death of Brian Fellows who served as Churchwarden until the end. He was a loyal and faithful member of St Mary’s who played such a vital part of the running’s of the church over the years and he has left a huge hole in the hearts and lives of St Mary’s. I would like to say a huge thank you to Eber Carter as churchwarden, for his dedication in the general running’s of St Mary’s along with Christine Mills who I know is doing some of the background work too. I would also like to say thank you to for he support given by Ade and Amanda Mallen, for the services they have been willing to do at St Mary’s during the vacancy, the pastoral care they have offered and for their support in the Parish Surgeries on a Monday and Saturday. I need to mention with thanks, the support of Rev Kate Watson from St Martin’s who has also helped with service cover during the vacancy. We do appreciate it.

St Leonard’s

St Leonard’s were able to have the dry rot work signed off this year by the Architect who was happy that there was no further damage. There is still an on-going concern with the render from the parapet wall which, after being repaired, has started to come off again. This is being investigated. The church has had several repairs and replacements made over the year including work on the security alarm, all the halogen lights being converted to LED’s, and having the working mechanism for the clock updated. In October, St Leonard’s suffered water ingress above the chancel wall following a freak storm which at present is being investigated through the churches insurance. The grounds continue to be maintained by Wolverhampton City Council, with support of local counsellors and their team who have offered to keep the grounds too. There has been a reduction in Anti-social behaviour in the church grounds.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Mike and Sue Shelly-Smith for their dedication and commitment to St Leonards, Mike in his role as churchwarden and as a reader, who has offered great support in conducting services, funerals and maintenance of the church and Sue with the finances and printing of the magazine, for Joyce Grocutt, Clive Travis and others who have supported in the roles of vergers for occasional offices, for Phil and Jane Dooley and their hard work and dedication, Jane for Jacob’s Well, children’s / youth ministry and the work with the Lunch Club, and Phil for his support as a lay-reader and with the Bible Study group, for Mark Bircher as Parish Warden and Remi Hodister, for the general maintenance and work they have both done in the church, for Sylvia Hodister in doing the rotas and screens for the services, Kerry Bircher for her

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role in safeguarding and keeping us up-to-date with DBS’ and training, for Maxine Gentle who edits the Parish Magazine and has been very flexible with my deadlines!

Across the Parish, I would like to thank Kim Benton for her hard work in keeping our finances in order, even thorough the challenges of the pandemic, for all members of our DCC’s, PCC, Deanery Synod, deputy wardens, sides people, those who have offered to do bible readings, lead intercessions, play music, visit and see people, and anyone who has volunteered their time to support the ministry and mission of the Parish of Bilston. It has been a very tough year but I’m grateful for the support you have given.

Projects

Following the relaxing of the lockdown period in March, we gradually restarted many of the groups and initiatives that were running pre lockdown in 2020. We were pleased to see the re-launch of the café in St Leonard’s, with and emphasis to draw those who come in, to also receive the hope of the gospel and be more of a ministry as well being a source of income for St Leonard’s The name Jacob’s Well reflects this. I would like to thank all the volunteers who have given their time to support this ministry and I pray that it will be a fruitful ministry for St Leonard’s and the Parish.

The Parish Centre at St Chad’s was able to support the New Testament Church of God Foodbank until they returned to their refurbished home. The Parish Centre is still being used weekly by members of the community for meetings, party hire and regular social groups and organisations. We do hope and pray for an organisation to lease the nursery section of the Centre again to bring another stream of income but also to build further community engagement. My thanks for those who help open up and lock the centre voluntarily, to keep it clean, maintained and supported. I do hope to relaunch the committee in the new year as the majority of the original members have either left or sadly passed away.

St Chad’s were able to relaunch its’ Fresh Expression - Fusion@4 on a Saturday afternoons, once a month, later in the year and it has been so encouraging to see people from the estate who don’t or have never been to church, engaging in worship, prayer, fun and fellowship. It is from this initiative where St Chad’s has seen growth in its congregation and links with the estate. Chad’s Place is also playing its role in the same objective, along with the Game’s afternoons. This has encouraged a further initiative to be introduced in 2022, ‘Places of Welcome’ where we hope to gather more people to spend time engaging with each other, develop fellowship and we pray, encounter Jesus. This is a project we are looking forward to get going. This has also helped us to explore the possibility of developing a children’s ministry going forward.

Another aim for the last 12 months is one for outreach and disciple. We not only used Christianity Explored but also, Soul, 3…2…1 and Hope Explored as courses to encourage new disciples in the church. This is something I am still keen to promote and having a team to lead these courses moving forward. As part of this desire to see more people come to faith, I have reviewed our Baptism preparation and procedures, offering sessions for parents and godparents to know exactly what they are promising for their children.

During the Summer term, I was able to return to our link schools to conduct assemblies both on TEAMS and in person. This wasn’t consistent over the year but hopefully we can encourage our schools ministry to grow and have visits to the churches again.

One of the hopes at the end of 2021 was to launch a Pastoral Team that could help with the pastoral needs in the parish including visiting, home communion, occasional offices and memorial services. I was pleased to help get this going at the start of 2022 but as the last 12 months have shown in our churches, we have a great number of loyal members of our churches who can no longer join us in person for worship therefore we must not forget or abandon them, but be there for them. For the sheer number, I cannot do this alone. I’m grateful for all the project and other initiatives that we do as a Parish and I pray they will encourage the growth of God’s Kingdom in Bilston.

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Worship and Growth.

From January to March, worship was offered daily by Rev Dave and I over Facebook for Morning Prayers and Thoughts for the Day. We were able to offer a Sunday Worship Service, live-streamed in the churches that had attendance between 20-30 and views that clicked on the videos into the hundreds. Since March, we started to reduce the number of Facebook live services as we started to gather as numbers decreased dramatically and in-person numbers grew.

From March, and picking up the additional work following the absence of another member of the clergy has resulted in a dramatic change in worship and service structure. Following the change in the service times a few years ago in order for two clergy to manage the workload, we have had to introduce across the Parish a set ‘Service of the Word,’ a non-communion service in each church. This is to allow the 1 member of clergy at present to meet the needs of the Parish and to encourage the very able team of Lay-Readers to use their skills, gifts and their call to ministry. This means I follow a pattern of being at St Mary’s & St Chad’s one week, and St Leonard’s the week following, allowing for the Lay-readers to lead a Service of the Word or with Bishop’s permission as a temporary arrangement - Communion by Extension in the churches I am unable to be present at. It has been heart-breaking to see members of our churches pass away this year, but also encouraged to see new faces in our churches who are coming to faith, exploring the Christian faith or supporting what is going on. This pattern in our churches is as a temporary structure but more changes will need to be made in order for the worship in our churches to be sustainable for the future.

We hope that Inspire Praises may be relaunched again, along with other alternative forms of worship and prayer as we seek the Lord’s guiding hand over the coming year.

I would like to thank personally my wife Kim, my son and daughter, Jeremiah and Anna for all the support, love and encouragement they have given me too during these years of ministry with you all.

Rev Simon Skidmore

Deanery Synod Report

Synod met on the 4th March 2021 via Zoom. After elections for the Lay Chair, Vice Chair and Deanery Secretary, Synod looked at how parishes were coping during the Covid 19 lockdown, noting that most made use of Zoom in some form. Under the heading of Parish Finances, it was reported that most suffered serious reductions in income calling into question, the future of some church buildings. A number of Deanery Synod members are also members of the Shaping for Mission team for the Wolverhampton Deanery and have made valuable contributions. At the time of writing, clear recommendations to Lichfield Diocese have yet to be made by the Deanery Shaping for Mission Team.

The second meeting took place on 7[th] March 2022 at St Jude’s. There were encouraging reports from deanery parishes and a real feeling of things getting back to normal and new undertakings being explored. Synod explored new ways of conducting its meetings and there was even discussion of Lay Members meeting outside of formal Deanery Synod sessions. Included in the General Synod report was mention of a motion to raise awareness of persecuted Christians which originated from The Parish of Bilston. The motion was passed unanimously by General Synod.

Philip Dooley

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St Leonard’s District Warden Report

I had thought that I would continue as your church warden for a few more years, at least until the church and indeed the parish were more stable. In view of comments made at last year’s APCM I decided to resign. I stated at that meeting that if there was anyone who wanted to stand as warden I would resign immediately. No one took up the offer and now 12months later I am implementing my decision to resign, albeit I said later that I would resign either at Christmas 2021 or at the next APCM

I wish to make it clear that I am not retiring but resigning. As such this will be my very last report as your church warden. My resignation is effective as of the APCM 2022. It would have been nice to reach the stage where I could just retire but then we do not get all we want in this life.

During my years as both church and parish warden I have always tried to serve all three congregations as well as Stowlawn with honest integrity. To me it was always a labour of love and dedication to all of you as well as to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

At the point of my resignation, I will be missing from church, namely St Leonard’s for some time. (Excluding Readers Role) This will give me a complete break and during this time I will be praying that our Lord will help me identify a new role within his service. Also gives a new team a chance to get established unhindered. Normally the church warden’s report would not begin in this way, but under the circumstances I consider it appropriate to do so. To all those of you who have honestly supported me over the many years I would like to express a heartfelt, thank you.

Over these years we have achieved a great deal together, but as always there is much more to be done both in terms of the buildings and our collective mission as witnesses.

We are at a stage in the parish where the need for clear vision is needed. Some might disagree with me when I say that I am and always have been a person of vision. I have a vision for the building, for the parish and for the development of worship especially at St Leonard’s.

Over the last few years much has been done of the fabric of the building. Most of this restoration work has been successful; there are however areas of concern that need to be addressed. It is painfully obvious that the outer finish on the inner parapet wall has failed. There are ongoing conversations with the architect to resolve this. In addition, the south side of the inner sanctuary wall needs an inspection due to monsoon rain downpour in October last year. Again, conversations with Ecclesiastical Insurance are ongoing. One disappointment this year was that the application for funding to redecorate the inside of the church failed. On a brighter note, most of the inner strip lights have been converted to LED. This will help us save money on electricity costs.

The cost of doing this has been met by grant aid funding I acquired from the Bussey Trust. During the year our clock maintenance engineers (Smiths of Derby) came to service the tower clock. Although the servicing went ahead their report was that the clock mechanism could fail at any moment and that should this happen, it could not be repaired or replacement parts sourced due to the age of the clock. I was asked to contact the Bussey Trust again. This I did and subsequently at their last meeting they donated £2.5k towards the repairs.

The existing candle stand in church used predominantly for memorial services is cumbersome to move. To help resolve this Sue and I have donated £400 which should go some way towards a replacement. It was thought that one like they have at St Chad’s in memory of Barbara Richardson would be suitable, as yet the stand has not been purchased. I will see to it that this happens soon.

At our last DCC meeting names were listed to form a Building Committee albeit no meeting date has been set. It is imperative that a meeting happens soon so that we can begin the process of a number of initiatives that will allow us to apply for funding, these should include

Without any doubt we have a monumental task before us. To be able to attract the levels of funding needed we need to be able to demonstrate to the funding agencies exactly what benefits their funding will bring to the local community.

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We also need to look at the internal reordering of the church. Realistically for this to happen we must all be in one mind as to what reordering is needed. This process cannot be based on a sort of, ‘what suits me bases. We need to think in a collective sense trying to determine what the future needs will be. We will never move forward unless we reach a common mind. Until such time when there is common consent we cannot begin to seek grant aid financing. I believe that the Building Committee is the right way forward for this to happen.

Vision is not only about the building, it is also about the congregation; it’s about how we proclaim the gospel of Christ and our collective mission to God’s people here in Bilston. Structures that helped us to visualise this at one stage have long since been forgotten. To re-establish these structures in some way could well be the way by which we begin to re-identify our collective mission Mike Shelley-Smith

Mike Shelley-Smith

St. Mary’s District Wardens Report

What a mixed year 2020 has been. It started well enough and we were able to hold our Ash Wednesday Ashing Service and looking forward to Lent and Easter. Unfortunately, the coronavirus arrived and started running rampage around the world.

To try and stop the increase the Government placed a lockdown from mid-March which included Churches not holding public services. Easter passed without any Church activity. St Mary’s opened the Second Sunday in September after making many safety precautions and celebrated our Patronal Festival. Then once again lockdown closed us for the whole of November due to a large increase in virus numbers, this was again eased and we were able to hold our Midnight Mass and the following Sunday, before lockdown again. The biggest problem is that after each lockdown the number of the congregation return is less because most of our members are in the vulnerable group and self-isolating and not able to meet with other people. We can only hope and pray that the new vaccines coming are coming into use that the position will improve and get back to normal (whatever that is?)

All of us at St. Mary’s send our thanks to Rev. Dave and Liz for all their help and support here during their stay in the Parish of Bilston and wish them every success and happiness in their new venture.

Eber Carter

St. Chad’s District Wardens Report

1. Fabric Report

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2. Equipment

3. Events/ church users

Pat and John Arnold

General Data Protection Regulation Report

There is nothing to report on this topic apart from reminding people that if they see any people joining our churches to give them a form giving permission for the church to keep their contact details. Also making them aware that they have the right to discontinue this permission at any time but they may not be aware of items that may interest them in the future.

Diane Woodberry and Kerry Bircher

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Children and Adults Report

The year has been quiet mainly due to effects of the various Lockdowns we have been through. However this is as good a moment as any to remind our congregations of the National Church rules concerning this topic. All DCC and PCC members are required to have their DBS' done. Information on this can be got from Kerry Bircher or Diane Woodberry. Following a satisfactory outcome to this members are to do levels C0 and C1 of the safeguarding training that is on the Diocesan website. When this is done please give a copy of your certificates to Kerry Bircher as they have to be renewed. The legislation does change. If you working in a voluntary capacity on behalf of the church your DBS will need completion and you will need to have done level C0 safeguarding training. For all people please show either Kerry or Diane your DBS certificate for the number and renewal date to be noted and the safeguarding certificate copy handed in. This is a serious subject and we thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

Kerry Bircher and Diane Woodberry

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St Leonard’s Together @ 10.30 Service Report

In 2021 the Service of the Word family services resumed in May with a slightly different format. Because we now have only one Priest in the Parish, each church agreed to have one service which is a service of the word and does not have communion. Phil Dooley agreed to take the St Leonard’s service assisted by Jane, this takes place on the 3[rd] Sunday of each month.

As singing remained advised against, the format we chose was to play videos with the songs and words on, so that people could ‘sing along in their head’ as it were. We also generally use all 4 readings for the day, with a short reflection, a song and a prayer after each reading. The whole service begins with a short liturgy. We began in May with a theme of ‘Gathering’ – which was an apt theme as people were only slowly beginning to return to church. We explored how meeting together as Christians gives us strength and courage as well as lifting us up, but it also enables us to go out and share the Gospel with those around us. Songs included ‘Bind us Together Lord’ and ‘As we are gathered, Jesus is here’.

In June we tackled the subject of the ‘Storms of Life’ as we looked at Jesus stilling the storm and Psalm 107 as it talks about God answering a cry for help. We listened to the hymns ‘Will your anchor hold’ and the Military Wives Choir singing ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’.

July saw the Olympics finally take place and so this was the theme of our service. We read from Isaiah 40 “they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. We looked at the faith of a number of sports people and sang songs like “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord” and “The Power of Your Love”. God can use whatever skills we have for His own purposes.

Things were a little different in August but in September, October and November we explored what it is to be Servants of God, looked at the Greatness of God and discovered why Christ was born to be King and wants to be king of our hearts. We were also allowed to sing again but also retained some of the video songs.

It has been good to see a gradual return to worship of families and a recognition by many that we can gather to worship without having communion every week. The services appear to be well received and enjoyed by all, with new people joining in the service with readings and new songs. In 2022 we are hoping to reintroduce the band into the services.

Phil & Jane Dooley

Jane Dooley

St Leonard’s Sunday School & Young People’s Report

This year has again been a difficult year in Sunday school. Deciding when it was safe to return was very challenging and actually getting families to return to church has been even more problematic.

We did begin to re-establish Sunday school sometime during June/July but attendance was very spasmodic. Sometimes we had 4 or 5 children, sometimes none.

In August Becki Wills, who had ably managed the under 8’s, unexpectedly moved out of the area, which left a big vacancy!

Since this time I have tried to manage all ages, but it is very difficult to teach Christian truth in such a way as children between the ages of 2 and 15 will learn something! In addition to this some of the younger children have spent much of their lives without having any interaction with other children, meaning that encouraging them to sit and take part has been very difficult.

In the run up to Christmas we explored the part played by various parts of the Christmas story – the star, the Angels, the Donkey and Mary and Joseph. This was accompanied by crafts and was enjoyed by all of the children and some of the parents.

Attendance has continued to be very patchy but we are hoping to start a young people’s group in January where those exploring confirmation can learn what it is all about and those who have been confirmed can refresh their faith. We will include food and games to keep it interesting!

Also in January we will begin to explore ways of re-ordering the Sunday school so that all of the children are able to learn from the bible and grow their faith in age appropriate ways.

Jane Dooley

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The Children of St Chad’s (Sunday School)

This year we have added a few children to our Sunday School we now have 5 children who attend on a regular basis all of whom are primary school aged. We started the year doing our own stories at the back of church looking at the theme of obedience and what it means to listen to God and do what he asks. We also looked at the Lord’s prayer and signing the Lord's prayer in Makaton.

The children have been writing the prayers for our monthly Family service of the word. We also try to include a children’s song at these services, with ‘Jesus is the king’ and ‘My lighthouse’ being particular favourites.

The last few weeks we have started to do our Sunday school in a room in the centre, this has given us more room and helped the children to focus of their own stories without being distracted or a distraction.

Kim Skidmore

HOPE in the Park & Reclaiming Christmas

HOPE in the PARK was again unable to take place in 2021, we are hoping that it will return in 2022.

Jane Dooley

Melting Pot Community Café Ministry Report

The café at St Leonard’s finally re-opened on 7[th] June 2021, 15 months after having to close. The decision was made to re-launch with a new name which reflected the fact that the café is part of the mission of the parish – so Jacob’s Well Café was launched. Unfortunately, due to the complications involved in banking we are still banking under the name ‘Melting Pot’.

We opened for two days per week, Mondays and Thursdays, whilst continuing with the lunch club (initially on Tuesdays but switching to Wednesdays after a short while). We had developed a good team of volunteers helping with the lunch club and from these we were able to adequately staff the café for both days. Despite a large outlay to restock the cupboards and fridges, by the end of week 3 we were already showing a small profit and we continued to have a reasonable turnover until we again had to close our doors for 3 weeks in August due to COVID. Following this we managed to remain open and built a loyal customer base, with many others visiting from time to time.

One of the most valuable and rewarding activities of the café is to be able to offer friendship and companionship to isolated and lonely people, many of whom have been bereaved during this terrible pandemic. Staff are reassured that time spent ‘chatting’ to customers is not wasted time but an important part of the job. Several customers return week after week having found a place of solace within our doors. Our final event of the year was to serve Christmas dinner to 32 lunch club guests and volunteers on Wednesday 22[nd] December before taking a well-earned break, ready to start all over again in the New Year. In 2022 our aim is to raise enough money (fundraising and grant aid) to again employ a manager on a part time basis, so that we can re-open for 5 days per week. Any future manager will need to be able to work with us as a church to support the mission of the church, enabling the café to be used as a valuable point of contact with people.

Jane Dooley

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Magazine Ministry Report

I have been the editor of the magazine for just over six years. The magazine includes a variety of articles, picture content and current information to support the community.

This year, due to the pandemic, the distribution of the magazine has been affected due to Church closures. I understand the magazine was published online during Church closures. In addition, the December 2021 and January 2022 edition were combined.

Subscribing to Parish Pump allows free access to images and articles on a monthly basis. It is an excellent website which has an extensive range of information and material for inclusion in the magazine. It is reader friendly and has a lively appeal to an audience. The website has a current range of news articles, including fund-raising ideas. The account is set up in the name of Liz Wills and can be accessed by multiple users for differing reasons. The range of articles is wide and certainly is informative. There is a good mix of church related articles as well as articles relating to issues that the community may face and topical news issues. In February I wrote to all the advertisers in the magazine inviting them to re-advertise with us for another year. The cost of advertising has remained the same as the previous year (£45 for a half page yearly advert and £90 for a full page advert). All responses are returned to St. Leonard’s with payments made to the parish if accepted by the advertisers. If they choose not to re-advertise with us then I will seek further reputable companies in the local area. The decision for advertisers to renew their subscriptions is a positive statement about the magazine. We have 3 companies which are advertising in the magazine and I expect them to renew for the forthcoming year. However, due to the pandemic, advertisers may be reluctant to advertise if they believe the magazine distribution to have been limited.

Positive comments continue to be received about the magazine and its content, especially in relation to the variety. Parishioners have shared their views about the magazine with me and from feedback I understand that most people enjoy reading material that is relevant to living in modern society. It appears that the variety of content is what is appealing to the audience. This year I have received very few articles for publication from members of the Parish. It would benefit the magazine if more articles were regularly contributed. Although, I have included articles which require a response, still very few articles/responses have been submitted. Bilston CE Primary School are now regularly contributing. Reverend Simon Skidmore continues to contribute a monthly article as well as other informative articles. I see the magazine reaching out to all members of the Parish so I want to welcome articles from all. It would be beneficial if each church in the parish would submit their news for regular publication. This is something I intend to pursue.

Each month there is a pictorial theme which adorns the front cover. In order to reach out to the local community I have included:

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The magazine continues to evolve and I think it is important that it stays fresh and current. I aim to encourage more contributions from members of the Parish. I will endeavour to encourage more submission of articles from the local community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon who provides me with the relevant articles, dates, announcements and events and who ensures online distribution. Thank you to Sue Shelley-Smith who assists in printing the Magazine .

Maxine Gentle

Mothers Union Report

The strange times we have all endured again this year did not prevent Mother’s Union from continuing much of its Christian Charitable work despite ‘COVID’ interference. Eventually arrangements were made to enable those who could connect with modern technology to meet “virtually” for work. The Trustees could communicate and carry out their work, some Branch Meetings enabled to go ahead, and Churches could join with other for Worship. This ‘virtual’ method of contact through the Diocese and Branches proved invaluable, keeping many of the Branches in touch and with the outside world, during the lockdown. Not quite the same as normal, but determination got a lot of people through and some business on the go. Fundraising came via the “Summer of Hope” project for which Bilston Branch contributed, and again this year we placed a substantial order for MU Christmas stationary and gifts thanks to Members and Non-members. Our worldwide prayer diary includes named towns in each of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and many countries across the globe, uniting members of all cultures in daily acts of prayer and fellowship.

2022 sees the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, who has been our Patron for 70 years. Mothers’ Union overall celebrations for this magnificent milestone will include a variety of special events and pay tribute fit for a Queen, with all Branches free to create their own projects.

Mothers’ Union 2022 - “For with God nothing shall be impossible - Luke 1:37 (KJB)”

Veronica Britton

World Day of Prayer Report

The World day of Prayer 2020 was the last event that I took part in before lockdown last year. It took place on 6[th] March 2020 at the New Testament Church of God. 37 people from across Bilston Churches together attended as we focused our prayer on Zimbabwe. The theme for the evening was ‘Take up your mat and Walk’.

This year 2021 was due to take place on 5[th] March 2021 however with Covid restrictions still in place this will not be happening until later on in the year. It was written in Vanuatu and the theme is ‘Build a strong foundation’. I will have links for a livestream of this service nearer the time.

2022’s event is due to take place at St Len’s and was written in England/wales/ Northern Ireland and a theme of ‘I know the plans I have for you’

Kim Skidmore

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Bible Study and Prayer at St Chad’s Report

The Bible Study and Prayer meetings at St Chads continued to meet at the start of 2021 over Zoom on a Tuesday evening at 7:30pm. The purpose of the group is to continue to grow in a knowledge and love for God’s Word, to learn how to be more dependent on it, to grow as disciples and pray through and for issues, people and situations we have encounter or for other we know over the week. Over the year we used both prepared Bible Study material that was adapted to our context and I used my own written material for some studies too.

In January we started looking at the Book of Ruth which lasted around 4-5 weeks. We saw how, Ruth remained faithful, even through the trials she faced. This helped us prepared for the Lent Course which I composed called ‘Church, What, Why and How? This was based on the book by Sam Allberry “Why bother with church.” Over the 6 weeks we looked at the importance of what it meant to be the church and the roles that we all have. These were recorded videos too and were published on the Facebook Page. After Easter, we began to look at the Old Testament Prophet, Ezra and spent a good 8-10 weeks looking over how God used Ezra in the rebuilding and restoring of his people from exile - something we could all associate with coming out of the pandemic. The study group broke for August as many were on holiday and needed a rest.

The study group gathered again in September and we were still meeting on Zoom. We looked at a thematic topic “Real Prayer.” This we carried for 8-10 weeks looking throughout the Bible the use of prayer and how examples of prayer in the scripture should teach us and encourage us in our prayer life. When we finished this study, it took us to Advent when we re-visited the book from last year ‘Fixated’ by Tim Chester, looking at the birth of Jesus through the Letter to the Hebrews. This allowed us to prepare ourselves for Christmas. The study group also supported a Soul Course that did over June and July for someone exploring the Christian faith and we were planning to launch the new “Hope Explored Course in January 2022. In 2022, we are hoping to do a Lent Course looking at the Passion of Jesus in Luke 22-24. This we hope will be an in-person and virtual meeting both on a Tuesday evening and a Wednesday morning. We are also planning studies in Nehemiah, Galatians and Judges. Eventually we will revisit ‘Talking Jesus’ and launch that as a separate course in the new year and hope to launch another seeker course in September 2022. The Bible Study meetings are not just for an inclusive group, it is for everyone who wants to know their Bibles better and we are always open for anyone who would like to join us, regardless of how much or little they might know the Bible. I pray we continue to grow and become more dependant of God’s Word into the coming year. If anyone would like more information about how to join us in person or would like the zoom meeting information please contact me.

Rev Simon Skidmore

InSpire Praise Ministry

Having re-thought inSPIRE in 2019 and established a link with the family services through the theme and planning process, our aim in 2020 was to build on this and continue the improvement in teaching and worship. Sadly, as with everything else it all came to a standstill in March and was unable to restart throughout 2021.

Finally, in December 2021 a slightly scaled down Reclaiming Christmas did take place. The band and tech crew came back together again for the first time in 20 months and we were joined by Bilston C of E Primary school who sang wonderfully. Villiers Primary school took part by sending a video of their choir and we were introduced to the new minister from the Baptist Church, Ben Haldane.

We look forward to restarting inSPIRE Praise in 2022 with renewed inspiration!

Jane Dooley

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- Fusion@4 Fresh Expression

Fusion@4 is our Fresh Expression of church that happens on a 2[nd] Saturday of the month. It is primarily aimed at those who have no contact with church and live in the vicinity of St Chad’s. Following the relaxing of COVID restrictions, we had our first gathering called “Messy Easter” which was followed by Fusions that focussed on Ascension Day and then Pentecost. The fusion we did in July was a summer gathering with games and activities before we finished over August. From September we began a new series looking at the ‘I am sayings’ of Jesus in John’s gospel. We were creating a banner at each session which are now hanging up in the church. In September we started to introduce food to the Fusions in September and they seem to have a steady gathering of regular families. We hope to do a new series in 2022 looking at ‘The King, the snake and the Promise’ which was used for St Leonard’s Family services a few years ago. This will be a Bible overview from Genesis to Revelation, helping the families to see how the whole Bible points to the story of God’s salvation for us in Jesus. We still need volunteers to help at fusions. We have a family who comes regularly to our Sunday services in St Chad’s as a result of this ministry. We look forward to the exciting things we are planning in the coming year!

Rev Simon & Kim Skidmore

The Parish Centre

This year we have lost some of our groups from the Centre and therefore lost some of our regular income. We currently have two regular groups that meet in the Centre, a youth dance, singing and drama club and the over 60s Bingo group. We do however have a steady run of enquires for party hire and have a few months that are fully booked and have bookings into June.

Kim Skidmore

Chad’s Place (Coffee morning and toddlers)

Since re opening after Lockdown we have been continuing to run the Chad’s Place Toddler group on a Friday morning. Pre covid we had good numbers but since we have been struggling to get the numbers back up, this is partly due to people being unsure about coming back and partly due to the fact that in the past two years the children have grown up and are now at school. Some of the regulars who have come back are also engaging in some of the other events and services that we are putting on for families including Fusions and Wednesday afternoon Games nights. I hope to continue with the toddler group next year with some more advertising and a sort out of the structure.

Kim Skidmore

St Leonard’s Church, Parish of Bilston on Facebook

This is the name of our Facebook page which has been open for some time now. We currently have 431 people who actively ‘like’ our page and 471 who follow it. Whenever we share information – advertise services and activities etc – we regularly reach about 800 people (whenever anyone else ‘shares’ our post it means that all of their friends can see it too) and we have, on occasion, reached over 1,000 people. As you can see, with figures like these the Facebook page is well worth having and enables us to reach far more people than we would otherwise be able to reach.

Jane Dooley

BILSTON CE PRIMARY SCHOOL: Another Unusual Year

2020-2021

Key findings

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Pupils are confident in expressing how a relationship with Jesus can impact on the lives of those who choose to follow him. However, their current experiences do not yet deepen their understanding of Anglican traditions (this is also now

developing rapidly).

(Siams Inspection January 2020)

Throughout the Pandemic, we have continued to keep Worship as a key focus in our school. Worship has continued via Teams, led by St Leonards clergy team each week, with Class Teachers leading worship in classrooms on other days. We have been able to resume Worship Through Song each week and it has been a joy to be able to come together in Key Stages to once again sing as a collective group. This was a valuable and enjoyable part of our school life that children had missed greatly. Worship is a strength in our school.

Rev Simon, continues to work each week in school as our Christian Mission Priest who supports our Worship Group Leaders; he continues to be a very familiar and welcome face around school and has been into Reception classes to share stories from the Bible and parables and other year groups in school to support RE lessons.

Our new Worship Group is well established in school. They are involved in acts of Worship and have begun to lead some Worship in school, during both Key Stage and Class Worship. The Group is working towards developing an outdoor reflection area and are currently preparing a presentation for Governors to request funding. Again, the Worship Group collaborated to fill shoe boxes from online suppliers. The group are also working towards presenting and leading further Worship in School. Children have also supported the Reclaiming Christmas event, singing, reading, and performing at Church.

It was pleasing to go back to having our Carol Service in Church in December 2021. Again, another familiar gathering that was suspended due to Covid. Although it was not the usual whole school event, Key Stage 2 children and families were able to share in the service. This is always a time when we can really focus on the true meaning of Christmas. The Worship lead has rewritten the Worship rota. This is now a two-year plan, with each value being studied in greater depth over half a term rather than two or three weeks. This allows for the staff and children to really understand each value and how this links with the teachings of Jesus. As a school we have begun to implement spiritual journals. In Key Stage 1 this is done as a class. Whilst in Key Stage 2, each child will reflect upon each value taught using a Mirrors, Windows Doors approach. These are then kept in the back of children’s RE books. This gives children the opportunity to look back at these journals and further reflect.

The relationship between school and church is a well-defined strength of our school. We have further built on the relationships recognised in our SIAMS inspection.

‘Partnerships within the diocese effectively guide Church school improvement. This allows all to flourish. Pupils in the worship group, aided by members from the Christian community, drive improvements in worship. They support the Church school development agenda, including the review of the vision statement.’

‘Worship is well supported by members from the Christian community. A seamless partnership with the church supports spiritual development and impacts well upon this mutually beneficial link. This helps all leaders to share Anglican traditions and Christian teaching. Pupils’ appreciation of Christian diversity and worldwide Anglican traditions of worship are developing well. The church is utilised as a space for worship and a resource for learning linking with whole school themes. This facilitates working together and mutual support. (Siams Inspection, 2020)

J Lewis – Worship Lead / RE Coordinator January 2022

Gary Gentle – Headteacher

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The Future

2021 was again a very difficult year with the vacancy of the Team Rector post and losing key members of our PCC, DCC’s It is very hard to see where the future of the Parish of Bilston but I know it will be an exciting one if we are prepared to all pull together. The incumbency in Bilston will need to be officially filled soon and we must deeply pray for the right person to fill it and take the Parish forward.

The reality of our current situation is we have reducing numbers, both in personnel and finances in our churches and they it is becoming more and more difficult to see a sustainable future I our current form. As a Parish we need to formulate and pray for a new united vision for Bilston and the ministry of our churches. Even though we don’t know what the future will bring, we know that change will certainly need to happen. We need to be reminded that it is the Lord’s church and he will guide, provide and shape its future and that is out of our hands. We need to prioritise the need to grow more in maturity of our faith, be prepared to try new things, increase in our dependency in prayer, seek to support our communities better and encourage others to grow in their relationship with Jesus or even establish one. It has been a privileged to see many grow in their faith over the last year and I do hope to see that continue even into the new year. The Parish also needs more people to come forward and offer to take up roles and positions that have become vacant though others stepping down, moving on or passing away. This is something we must really push into the new year. We hope to carry out more from the MAP’s, to review, celebrate and develop further. The ministries and projects that have happened this year, we pray for the on-going work for them to be sustainable and form part of the running and future of the Parish. As always, I wish to end this report quoting from God’s Word that feeds and encourages us, this passage from Colossians 3:12-17, I read at a PCC Vision and Vacancy meeting, as the passage I have prayed through for the Parish, to put into practise now as we look to the future:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13 ] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14 ] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15 ] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16 ] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17 ] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him . (Col 3:12-17 NIV 2011).

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may he turn his face towards you and give you his peace both now and the year to come.

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Rev. Simon Skidmore
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Financial Review

End of year report for The Parish of Bilston 2021

Income:- £95,165 (2020 £131,013) Expenditure:- £133,417 (2020 £141,989)

Deficit: (£38,252) – Unrestricted Deficit: (£35,474) Restricted deficit (£2,777) – Before gains on revaluation (2020 deficit of £10,976)

Total Assets: £366,662 (2020 £310,607)

The main reason for the reduction in income is due the fact legacies were received in 2020 totalling £24,791. Collections have increased when compared with 2020 but wedding and funeral fees and Parish Centre hire saw a reduction. Overall income has reduced by £35,848.

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Expenditure has reduced by £8,572. Nothing really jumps out apart from other PCC property upkeep, this has reduced by £4,000 the expenditure in 2020 was for 2 Russell Road. A new code has been added Parish Expenses and this is showing £6,000. This was put aside for Parish expenses but some has been used to keep the Parish Centre ticking over.

2 Russell Road has been sold and the proceeds invested. You will see there are three investments under TN733 totaling £103,815. £100,000 was invested so we have already seen a growth of £3,815. Along with this a deposit account was opened again under TN733 with £10,000. This is now showing £11,134. The £1,134 represents dividends paid from the investments. In 2022 I will be asking for the transfer of the excess to be paid to the Parish as and when it is needed. It is hoped at some point the dividends will pay the Parish Share and then the residual paid by the three Churches.

All of our liabilities with Lichfield have now been repaid so 2021 was a good start.

Hopefully in 2022 Bilston will consolidate and start to show an excess.

St Chads: - Income £19,059 Expenditure £20,287 resulting in a deficit of (£1,228) St Chad’s have been repaid £1,363.35 for the hire of the Church in previous years. They have paid their share of the Parish Share in full, and this has been mainly because of the generous donations from Eric. We have seen an increase in Gift aid collections of nearly £3,000 again this will be down to the generosity of Eric. All other areas have remained static. Sadly, Eric is no longer with us, and I personally will miss the chats we used to have about the Gas and electricity for all of the Churches. I will also miss not being able to read his writing on paperwork that had some sort of food attached. Pat Arnold has very kindly stepped into the breach and along with John have taken over counting and paying in along with sending the paperwork to me. We are currently trying to switch to online banking in an attempt to help with the payment of bills etc and to ensure there are enough funds. It may be that their commitment to pay £15,000 share to the Parish share in 2022 may not be achievable.

St Leonards:- Income £50,818 Expenditure £67,859 resulting in an deficit of (£17,041). There has been a reduction in Gift aid and Non gift aid collections but an increase in loose plate collections. The increase in donations is mainly down to the Parish Share support. 2020 and 2021 were shown in the 2021 figures totalling £9,696. Melting pot sales have increased by a £1,000. However we have seen a reduction in wedding and funeral fees. This is being checked because our paperwork showed some unpaid fees at the end of 2021 which will now show in 2022. The overall reduction in income when compared with 2020 was the fact that we receive two legacies totalling £24,791.62 in 2020. We have seen a reduction in expenditure on major repairs and slight increase on church maintenance. All other areas remain static. St Leonard’s paid their Parish share in full and actually received a refund at year end because of the Parish share support. St Leonard’s are now fully set up on online banking with me setting up payments and Mark Bircher authorising them. This is working well and adds an extra layer of control. 2022 will of course be challenging but the Parish are in a better position now with no liabilities to worry about. 2 Russell road sold and monies invested which hopefully will be used to help with the payment of as much of the Parish share as possible providing sustainability. The Melting pot has reopened and is showing signs of recovery.

St Mary’s:- Income £8,742 Expenditure £12,442 resulting in a deficit of (£3,700). St Mary’s were only able to pay £6,353 towards their share of the Parish Share. The remainder was paid from the sale of 2 Russell road. The Common fund request for 2022 has reduced and so has St Mary’s share to £15,000, it is clear that St Mary’s will not be able to pay this amount as their total assets stand at £2,555. St Mary’s have been asked for a nominal amount of approximately £2,000 for the year. Nothing has been set up yet. In other reports I have sent to the PCC during 2021 the cost to keep the doors open is approximately £2,000 per month. When we add into this to erect scaffolding to investigate the problems with the roof estimated costs being £100,000 and approximately £300,000 to repair it becomes clear that the position is not sustainable. Unfortunately, Brian is no longer with us and as with Eric I will miss my chats with Brian but on this occasion his very neat handwriting. Christine Mills has kindly stepped into the breach counting paying in and sending paperwork to me. St Mary’s are set up online but I need another signatory to register so that all invoices can be paid online. Hopefully this will be achieved in 2022.

Reserves Policy -

It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £28,511 (2020 £31,388). It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the year end was £139,633 (2020 £19,750) which is considerably higher than this target.

Investment Policy

The charity is granted power to invest in suitable investments under the PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Trustees Act 2000. As a charity, the Trustees have a duty of care to take such advice as is appropriate before investments are undertaken. This advice is sought from the Central Board of Finance (CCLA) in London.

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The charity’s investment policies are based on two key principles: -

Investment policy for long-term funds is aimed primarily at generating a sustainable income, with due regard to the need for the preservation of capital value, and the possible need to realise investments to meet operational needs. The charity does not have a policy of generating income at excessive or high risk – known as “purchasing income”, where high returns are guaranteed at the expense of capital.

In summary, the charity has an overall policy to maximise income while preserving the real value of its funds. Due to the nature of the charity, an ethical investment policy is taken into consideration when investments are made:

The charity follows the Ethical Investment Advisory policy as recommended by the Lichfield Diocese which includes the following:

Planned giving, collections and donations are the main sources of fund raising along with tax recoverable.

Safeguarding

The PCC believe they have fulfilled their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Reporting Serious Incidents

A Serious Incident is an adverse event, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to the charity’s beneficiaries, employees, office holders, volunteers or to others who come into contact with the charity through its work, loss of the charity’s money or assets, damage to the charity’s property or harm to the charity’s work or reputation.

The trustees are not aware of any Serious Incidents in the last year.

Fundraising

The PCC takes it fundraising responsibilities seriously and is very grateful to all donors – whether regular or occasional – for their support of the church and church events. PCC supporters are never taken for granted. The PCC take full responsibility for fundraising and do not use commercial organisations or professional fundraisers. All money raised is either by donations, fundraising events, special appeals or legacies for which the PCC are most grateful.

Volunteers

The members of the PCC would like to thank all of the 45 volunteers who work so hard to make our Church a lively and vibrant community.

Risk Management

The Church Wardens carry out regular Health and Safety Reviews and regularly inspect premises for potential hazards. We have safeguarding policies in place for child protection and for work with vulnerable adults, including rigorous DBS checking of staff and volunteers. Our insurances are reviewed annually to ensure adequate cover. An informal review of any new risks which may impact the work of the Church in the Parish is ongoing.

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC is a Body Corporate established by the Church of England and is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission. The PCC is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended that came into effect on 2[nd] January 1957, and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended).

The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. The PCC members receive training from

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courses run by the Diocese. Members of the congregation are always urged to join the Electoral Roll, and to stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The PCC met 5 times in 2021

Related Parties –

The PCC does not employ any related parties or give contracts for work on the church to any related parties.

Donations from Related Parties

Donations from related parties during the year totalled £13,066 (2020 £10,350). All of these donations were received without conditions.

Remuneration paid to Trustees

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the PCC

Expenses paid to Trustees

One Trustee was paid expenses of £567.90 (2020 £nil) for travel to officiate Funerals in 2021

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Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston

Other names the charity is known by: N/A Registered Charity Number : 1138955

Charity’s principal address: St Leonard’s Church Walsall Street Bilston WV14 0AT

Correspondence address: St Leonard’s Church Walsall Street Bilston WV14 0AT

Website address: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/

PCC Members: Who Served from 1 January 2021 to the date this report was approved

PCC Members: Who Served from 1 January 2021 to the date this report was approved
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
period
Ex-Officio
Revd. Dave Wills Team Rector Resigned January 2021
Revd. Simon Skidmore Acting Team Rector February 2021
Phil Dooley Secretary/Lay Reader/Diocesan Synod
Adrian Mallen Lay Reader/Assistant Church Warden St Leonard’s
Mike Shelley-Smith Church Warden St Leonard’s/Treasurer/Lay
Reader/Deanery Synod
Diane Woodberry Lay Reader
Pat Arnold Church Warden St Chad’s/Parish Warden
John Arnold Church Warden St Chad’s
Mark Bircher Church Warden St Leonard’s/Parish Warden
Brian Fellows Church Warden/Treasurer St Mary’s Deceased 01/11/2021
Charlie Smith Assistant Church Warden St Leonard’s
Eric Barker Treasurer St Chad’s Deceased 18/01/2022
Eber Carter Church Warden St Mary’s
Elected Members
Kerry Eglington
Kerry Bircher St Leonard’s
Matthew Bircher St Leonard’s
Jane Dooley St Leonard’s
Sylvia Hodister St Leonard’s
Elizabeth Wills St Leonard’s Resigned January 2021
Christine Mills St Mary’s

Page 26

Bank Barclays Bank PLC – Queen Square Wolverhampton WV1 1DS
Investment CCLA
Managers Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4ET
Independent Jonathan Hill
Examiner Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance
St Marys House, The Close, Lichfield. WS13 7LD

Approved by the PCC on 04/04/2022 and signed on its behalf by:

S.Skidmore

Revd Simon Skidmore Mr Philip Dooley

Page 27

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees/members of The PCC of The Parish of Bilston

Registered charity number, if applicable: 1138955

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 which are set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independen t examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: ………………………………………….. Date: …29/09/2022………………………………

Jonathan Hill FCMA CGMA Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance

St Mary’s House, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD

Page 28

The Parish of Bilston Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Accounting Policies

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using Receipts and Payments basis.

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Cashflow Statement

The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500,000.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties relate to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Post year end event

The ongoing worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 virus still represents a significant event since the end of the financial year. However, COVID-19 is considered to be a non-adjusting post year end event and therefore has not been taken into account in preparing these Financial Statements as at 31 December 2021.

Accounting Estimates and Prior Year Errors

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period. No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period

Description of Funds

Unrestricted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its "free reserves" as disclosed in the trustees' annual report.

An explantation of purpose of each Designated fund are as follows:

Restricted funds comprise of two elements :-

Page 29

be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

An explanation of purpose of each Restricted fund are as follows:

Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts.

The Parish of Bilston has no Endowment funds

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received or when the PCC becomes entitled to the resource and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources Expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Governance and Support Costs

Support costs should be allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by allocating staff costs by time spent and other costs by their usage.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts by s.10(2)(a)&(C) of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statemen

No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. Other tangible fixed assets are valued at cost. The assets are depreciated where applicable at 50%

Page 30

Investments

Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are valued initially at cost and subsequently at market value at the year end. Investments held for re-sale are treated as current asset investments.

Debtors

Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount. Subsequently they are measured as cash expected to be received

Creditors and Accruals

Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. Accruals are measured on best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

Page 31

Parish of Bilston year ended 2021

Receipts and Payments 2021

Receipts:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Total receipts
Payments on:
Raising funds
Payments on charitable activities
Other Payments
Total payments
Net receipts / (payments) resources before transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains / losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total funds
Prior year
total funds
69,836
6,191
—
76,028
96,596
9,978
—
—
9,978
9,146
2,884
4,067
—
6,951
5,908
2,205
1
—
2,206
123
—
—
—
—
19,237
84,904
10,260
—
95,165
131,013
133
1,000
—
1,133
171
110,508
1,776
—
112,284
116,725
9,737
10,261
—
19,999
25,092
120,379
13,038
—
133,417
141,989
(35,474)
(2,777)
—
(38,252)
(10,976)
35,014
44,376
—
79,390
1,956
(53,489)
(25,901)
—
(79,390)
(1,956)
3,815
57,137
—
60,952
—
6,318
27,036
—
33,355
64,491
(43,815)
99,870
—
56,054
53,515
190,297
120,310
—
310,607
257,092
146,481
220,181
—
366,662
310,607

Page 32

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2021

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year

Fixed assets - Investments
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 -
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 [1] -
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 [2] -
Totals
Fixed assets - Tangible assets
Parish Centre -
MONTPELLER 100CM DUEL FUEL RANGE
COOKER -
2 Russell Road -
Stow Lawn Land -
Totals
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 -
PCC St Marys Church Bilston Reserve -
St Leonard's Flower Current Account -
Parish Centre Account -
PCC of The Parish of Bilston -
St Mary's DCC - Reserve Account -
CCLA (CBF) St Leonards - Walford Legacy
-
St Chad's Church Current Account -
St Chad's DCC Current account -
Flowers - Cash in hand -
Parish Centre Cash -
St Leonard's Choir -
Melting Pot -
The Melting Pot - St Leonards -
St Leonard's Church Current Account -
IDS Decoration Scheme DOVER STREET -
IDS Decoration Scheme CUMBERLAND -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due
in one year
Salaries - Parish Centre -
Salaries - Projects -
Totals		 25,877
—
—
—
25,877
—
26,212
—
—
—
26,212
—
51,724
—
—
—
51,724
—
103,815
—
—
—
103,815
—
—
—
207,137
—
207,137
150,000
—
—
—
—
—
395
—
—
—
—
—
152,000
1
—
—
—
1
1
1
—
207,137
—
207,138
302,396
11,134
—
—
—
11,134
—
2,555
—
—
—
2,555
4,314
—
306
—
—
306
306
—
—
1,872
—
1,872
1,784
7,034
—
(1,807)
—
5,226
5,929
—
—
—
—
—
1,726
—
—
1,969
—
1,969
1,968
4,215
—
—
—
4,215
2,488
—
257
1,750
—
2,007
1,507
—
142
—
—
142
142
—
—
10
—
10
10
—
21
—
—
21
21
(149)
—
—
—
(149)
—
—
5,240
1,092
—
6,332
2,512
11,027
880
4,338
—
16,246
37,219
—
—
1,220
—
1,220
1,220
—
—
82
—
82
82
35,817
6,848
10,529
—
53,194
61,235
—
—
712
—
712
—
—
—
712
—
712
—
—
—
(1,802)
—
(1,802)
14,110
—
—
(1,802)
—
(1,802)
14,110
—
—
—
—
—
27,664
—
—
—
—
—
11,249
—
—
—
—
—
38,913

Page 33

Grand total

139,633 6,848 220,181 — 366,662 310,607

Approved by the PCC on 04/04/2022 and signed on its behalf by:

S.Skidmore

Revd Simon Skidmore Mr Philip Dooley

Page 34

Analysis of receipts and payments 2021

Donations and legacies Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year
0101 - Gift Aid Collections 16,911
—
—		 — 16,911 16,365
Bank/Envelopes
0201 - Non Gift Aid Collections 1,455
—
—		 — 1,455 773
0201 - Non-Gift Aid Collections 4,729
—
—		 — 4,729 4,080
0301 - Loose plate collections 7,722
—
—		 — 7,722 6,640
0410 - Votive Lights/Church Boxes 39
—
—		 — 39 42
0501 - One-off Gift Aid gifts 400
—
—		 — 400 —
0550 - Donations appeals etc 21,269
1,761
4,582		 — 27,613 27,997
0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid 5,614
—
—		 — 5,614 2,165
0701 - Legacies —
—
1,109		 — 1,109 24,791
08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants 8,097
—
500		 — 8,597 12,988
0901 - Other funds generated 1,837
—
—		 — 1,837 749
Total
68,074
1,761
6,191		 — 76,028 96,596
Receipts from charitable activities
1101 - Fees for weddings and 5,780
—
—		 — 5,780 6,023
funerals
1210 - Melting Pot - Food Sales —
4,198
—		 — 4,198 3,123
Total
5,780
4,198
—		 — 9,978 9,146
Other trading activities
0901 - Other funds generated 2,679
—
—		 — 2,679 —
1230 - Parish Centre Hire —
—
4,067		 — 4,067 5,535
1250 - Magazine receipts - —
—
—		 — — 225
advertising
1260 - Parish magazine sales 205
—
—		 — 205 147
Total
2,884
—
4,067		 — 6,951 5,908
Investments
1001 - Dividends 771
—
—		 — 771 —
1020 - Bank and building society 1
—
1		 — 2 17
interest
1030 - Rent from lands or 80
—
—		 — 80 106
buildings&Melting Pot
1030 - Rent from lands or buildings 1,353
—
—		 — 1,353 —
Total
2,205
—
1		 — 2,206 123
Other income
1310 - Insurance claims —
—
—		 — — 19,237

Page 35

Total —
—
—
—
—
19,237
RECEIPTS TOTAL 78,944
5,960
10,260
—
95,165
131,013
PAYMENTS
Raising funds
1740 - Bank Charges
Total
Payments on charitable activities
1730 - Costs of fetes & other events
1801 - Giving to missionary societies
1910 - Ministry parish share etc
2001 - Salaries
2301 - Church running - insurance
2310 - Church office - telephone
2320 - Organ / piano tuning
2330 - Church maintenance
2331 - Cleaning
2340 - Upkeep of services
2350 - Upkeep of churchyard
2360 -
Admin/Stationery/Photocopier/Print
ing et
2361 - Parish Expenses
2401 - Church running - electric
2410 - Church running - gas
2420 - Church running - water
2519 - Melting Pot - Food Supplies
2602 - Licences & Subscriptions
2602 - Licences & Subrcriptions
2701 - Church major repairs -
structure
2710 - Church major repairs -
installation
2840 - Other PCC property upkeep
Total
Other payments
2004 - Hall Salaries
2333 - Cleaning
2530 - Parish Centre - Electricity
2540 - Parish Centre - Gas
2550 - Parish Centre - Insurance
2560 - Parish Centre - Maintenance
2570 - Parish Centre - telephone
2580 - Parish Centre - water
2820 - Hall + major repairs -
installation
Total		 —
121
—
—
121
109
—
121
—
—
121
109
110
—
1000
—
1,110
62
—
—
—
—
—
25
66,906
—
—
—
66,906
69,693
—
—
—
—
—
6,007
8,348
—
—
—
8,348
8,300
441
—
—
—
441
546
281
—
—
—
281
300
2,486
—
776
—
3,263
3,393
563
287
—
—
850
552
289
—
—
—
289
663
343
—
—
—
343
1,046
8,573
—
—
—
3,763
3,359
6,000
—
—
—
6,000
—
1,574
—
—
—
1,574
2,340
7,487
—
—
—
7,487
6,302
58
—
—
—
58
—
—
1,668
—
—
1,668
698
117
—
—
—
117
—
244
—
—
—
244
112
2,402
3,757
1,000
—
7,159
13,509
100
500
—
—
600
200
7531
—
—
—
7,531
9,439
113,849
6,213
1,776
—
121,838
126,346
—
—
—
—
—
5,247
182
—
—
—
182
539
—
—
1,829
—
1,829
1,190
—
—
2,065
—
2,065
1,600
—
—
672
—
672
725
—
—
2,905
—
2,905
4,144
—
—
1,354
—
1,354
1,425
—
—
1,434
—
1,434
270
—
—
—
—
—
394
9,737
—
10,261
—
19,999
15,534
PAYMENTS TOTAL 114,044
6,334
13,038
—
133,417
141,989

Page 36

GRAND TOTAL (35,100) (374) (2,777) — (38,252) (10,976)

Fund movement by type 2021

Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gain/Loss Closing

Belfry - Belfry

Page 37

Restricted
Sub-total for Belfry
Building - Building Fund
Designated
Sub-total for Building
Choir - St Leonard's Choir
Designated
Sub-total for Choir
Christmas - Christmas Festival
Restricted
Sub-total for Christmas
Decor - Decoration Scheme
Restricted
Sub-total for Decor
Fair - Summer Fair Parish C
Restricted
Sub-total for Fair
Flower - Flower Fund
Designated
Sub-total for Flower
Flowers - Flowers
Designated
Sub-total for Flowers
GenChad - St Chads General Fun
Designated
Sub-total for GenChad
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
Lighting - Lighting At St Leona
Restricted
Sub-total for Lighting
Locks - Parish Centre - Lock
Restricted
Sub-total for Locks
Melting Po - Melting Pot
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for Melting Po
Mission - Mission Work At St C
Restricted
Sub-total for Mission
PCentre - Parish Centre
Restricted
Sub-total for PCentre
Walford - Walford Legacy
Restricted
Sub-total for Walford
Grand total
Fund movement by type 2020
Building - Building Fund
Designated		 —
3,609
1,776
(109)
—
1,723
—
3,609
1,776
(109)
—
1,723
14,370
880
4,257
(10,112)
—
880
14,370
880
4,257
(10,112)
—
880
21
—
—
—
—
21
21
—
—
—
—
21
—
1,000
1,000
—
—
—
—
1,000
1,000
—
—
—
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
206
—
—
—
—
206
206
—
—
—
—
206
449
—
—
—
—
449
449
—
—
—
—
449
257
—
—
—
—
257
257
—
—
—
—
257
1,210
—
—
(1,210)
—
—
1,210
—
—
(1,210)
—
—
171,750
78,944
114,044
(7,151)
3,815
139,633
171,750
78,944
114,044
(7,151)
3,815
139,633
1,860
250
—
—
—
2,110
1,860
250
—
—
—
2,110
1,000
—
—
(1,000)
—
—
1,000
—
—
(1,000)
—
—
2,237
5,080
2,077
—
—
5,240
775
817
—
—
—
1,592
3,012
5,897
2,077
—
—
6,832
1,250
500
—
—
—
1,750
1,250
500
—
—
—
1,750
111,946
4,082
10,261
19,584
57,137
209,525
111,946
4,082
10,261
19,584
57,137
209,525
1,968
1
—
—
—
1,969
1,968
1
—
—
—
1,969
310,607
95,165
133,417
—
60,952
366,662
Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers Gains/losses
Closing
—
15,000
630
—
—
14,370

Page 38

Sub-total for Building
Choir - St Leonard's Choir
Designated
Sub-total for Choir
Decor - Decoration Scheme
Restricted
Sub-total for Decor
Fair - Summer Fair Parish C
Restricted
Sub-total for Fair
Flower - Flower Fund 449 STL
Designated
Sub-total for Flower
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
St Chads - General fund
Designated
Sub-total for St
Chads
St Leonards – General Fund
Designated
Sub-total for St
Leonards
St Marys – General Fund
Designated
Sub-total for St
Marys
Lighting - Lighting At St Leona
Restricted
Sub-total for Lighting
Locks - Parish Centre - Lock
Restricted
Sub-total for Locks
Melting Po - Melting Pot
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for Melting Po
Mission - Mission Work At St C
Restricted
Sub-total for Mission
PCentre - Parish Centre
Restricted
Sub-total for PCentre
Walford - Walford Legacy
Restricted
Sub-total for Walford
Grand total		 —
15,000
630
—
—
14,370
21
—
—
—
—
21
21
—
—
—
—
21
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
206
—
—
—
—
206
206
—
—
—
—
206
649
75
18
—
—
706
649
—
—
—
—
706
67,102
14,745
100,417
117,962
49,490
125,060
171,750
14,745
100,417
117,962
49,490
125,060
171,750
6,466
—
—
(5,255)
—
1,210
6,466
—
—
(5,255)
—
1,210
25,722
—
—
(25,722)
—
—
25,722
—
—
(25,722)
—
—
20,169
—
—
(20,169)
—
—
20,169
—
—
(20,169)
—
—
—
2,000
140
—
—
1,860
—
2,000
140
—
—
1,860
—
1,000
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,000
—
—
—
1,000
2,821
6,201
6,942
156
—
2,237
—
775
—
—
—
775
2,821
6,976
6,942
156
—
3,012
1,250
—
—
—
—
1,250
1,250
—
—
—
—
1,250
124,170
5,535
16,296
1,500
(2,962)
111,946
124,170
5,535
16,296
1,500
(2,962)
111,946
1,960
8
—
—
—
1,968
1,960
8
—
—
—
1,968
199,314
131,013
141,989
—
122,098
310,607

2021 2020

Staff Costs

Page 39

Wages & Salaries £0 £11,255
Average number of Employees 0 3

During the year the PCC did not employ any people having made redundant all employees in 2020.

There were no employee benefits to key management personnel in the previous or current year.

COVID-19 – The PCC received no grants from the Government related to the Furlough Scheme

Trustees’ Remuneration & Expenses

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the PCC One Trustee was paid expenses of £567.90 for travel to officiate Funerals in 2021

Related Parties

No other expenses were paid to any other PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related parties.

Donations from related parties [PCC members] totalled £13,066

Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2021

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----- Start of picture text -----
Fund
Reference Debit Credit Description Fund Type
Tidy Up KB 1.00 — Per General PCentre Res
Tidy Up KB — 1.00 To Parish Centre Retstricte General Unr
Tfr from General fund to Parish Centre restricted — 12,664.57 to Parish Centre R - General Unr
Having paid off Salary
Tfr from General fund to Parish Centre restricted 12,664.57 — Per General having paid PCentre Res
of
Tfr from St Chads General fund - paid from Parish 1,210.85 — Per St Chads General fund PCentre Res
Expenses
Tfr from St Chads General fund - paid from Parish — 1,210.85 To Parish Centre GenChad Des
Expenses
Tfr from General to parish centre - KB Tidy up 4,707.30 — Per General KB tidy up PCentre Res
Tfr from General to parish centre -KB Tidy up — 4,707.30 To Parish Centre KB tidy upGeneral Unr
Tfr from Locks - Locks replaced and paid out of 1,000.00 — Per Locks fund PCentre Res
Parish Centre fund
Tfr from Locks - Locks replaced and paid out of — 1,000.00 To Parish centre - Locks Locks Res
Parish Centre fund changed and paid from
Paid in 15/04/2020 - P Davies Solicitors Will 15,000.00 — Per General Fund Belfry Res
requests it is paid into Belfry fund
Paid in15/04/2020 - P Davies Solicitors Will — 15,000.00 To Belfry Fund General Unr
requests it is paid into Belfry fund
Paid in 29/06/20 trfd as per Will - request to be 9,791.62 — Per General fund Belfry Res
paid into Belfry fund
Paid in 29/06/20 trfd as per Will -request to be — 9,791.62 To Belfry Fund General Unr
paid into Belfry fund
Tfr from Belfry established that the legacy was — 24,901.08 To General Belfry Res
unrestricted
Tfr from Belfry established that the legacy was 24,901.08 — Per Belfry General Unr
unrestricted
Tfr from Building to General Invoice paid from 10,112.93 — Per Building fund General Unr
General
Tfr from Building to General Invoice paid from — 10,112.93 To General Building Des
General
----- End of picture text -----

Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2020

Analysis of Transfer between funds Analysis of Transfer between funds
Reference
Date		 Account
Code description		 Credit
Description
Fund
Debit
General to Parish Centre - monies
from COVID Grant - C/Flow
12/06/2020
General to Parish Centre - monies
from COVID Grant - C/Flow
12/06/2020
General to GenMary to correct
01/01/2020
General to GenMary to correct
01/01/2020
General to Melt Pot to correct
30/06/2020
General to Melt Pot to correct
30/06/2020		 30027537
30027537
40461474
40461474
6596
70201782
Total
St Leonards Petty Cash
The Melting Pot - St Leonards
PCC of The Parish of Bilston
PCC of The Parish of Bilston
Parish Centre Account
Parish Centre Account		 To Parish Centre
General
Unr
Per General fund
PCentre
Res
General
Unr
GenMary
Des
General
Unr
Melting Po
Des
1,956.35
1,956.35
—
77.35
77.35
—
379.00
—
—
379.00
—
1,500.00
1,500.00
—

Fixed Assets

Freehold Church Total

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a) Tangible Fixed Assets

Buildings
£		 Equipment
£		 Assets
Cost or Valuation
As at 1 Jan 302,001 395 303,396
Additions in the Year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Disposal in the Year (152,000) 0.00 (152,000)
Revaluation[if any] 57,137 0.00 57,137
Value at 31 Dec 207,137 395 207,533
Accumulated Depreciation 0.00 0.00
As at 1 Jan 0.00 395
Charge for the Year 0.00 395 (395)
Disposals 0.00 0.00 0.00
Value at 31 Dec 0.00 0.00 207,138
Net Book Value at 1 Jan 2020 302,001 395 303,396
Net Book Value at 31 Dec 2020 207,137 0.00 207,533

Freehold Buildings

Parish Centre: £207,137 2 Russell Road: Sold - Debts repaid and £100,000 invested Stow Lawn Land: £1.00

Church Equipment

Montpeller Dueal Fuel Range Cooker: £395 – 50% depreciation in 2021

b) Fixed Asset Investments

At 1 Jan
£		 Additions
£		 Disposals
£		 Transfers
£		 Change in
Market Value		 At 31 Dec
£
Unrestricted funds
Investments 0.00 100,000 0.00 0.00 3,815 103,815
Restricted Funds
Investments 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Endowment Fund
Investments 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 0.00 100,000 0.00 0.00 3,815 103,815

CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 - £103,815

Summary of Assets by Fund 2021

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Unrestricted
General fund 139,633 — — 139,633 171,750
Designated
Building Fund 880 — — 880 14,370
Flower Fund 449 — — 449 449
Flowers Fund 257 — — 257 257
Melting Pot 5,240 — — 5,240 2,237
St Chads General Fund — — — — 1,210
St Leonard's Choir 21 — — 21 21
Restricted
Belfry — 1,723 — 1,723 —
Decoration Scheme — 1,303 — 1,303 1,303
Lighting At St Leonards — 2,110 — 2,110 1,860
Melting Pot — 1,592 — 1,592 775
Mission Work At St Chads — 1,750 — 1,750 1,250
Parish Centre — 209,525 — 209,525 111,946
Parish Centre - Locks — — — — 1,000
Summer Fair Parish Centre grant from Bussey — 206 — 206 206
Walford Legacy — 1,969 — 1,969 1,968
Total 146,480 220,181 366,662 310,607

SOFA – Receipts & Payments Comparatives Previous Year 2020

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Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 92,821
3,775
—
96,596
93,384
9,146
—
—
9,146
8,556
372
5,535
—
5,908
33,550
115
8
—
123
471
19,237
—
—
19,237
—
121,693
9,319
—
131,013
135,965
171
—
—
171
2,122
116,585
140
—
116,725
161,660
8,795
16,296
—
25,092
49,594
125,552
16,436
—
141,989
213,388
(3,858)
(7,117)
—
(10,976)
(77,423)
456
1,500
—
1,956
38,392
(1,956)
—
—
(1,956)
(38,392)
131,250
(8,981)
—
122,269
11,470
125,892
(14,599)
—
111,293
(65,953)
67,785
131,528
—
199,314
265,268
193,677
116,929
—
310,607
199,314

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