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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Bilston

2023-12-31-accounts

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

For the year ended 31[st] December 2023 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 2023

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 non-sacramental 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 Statement

“We are committed to serving God and our community to the very best of our ability day by day”.

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Mission Action Plan (MAP)

Discipleship

What we are doing now:

- What was planned for the 12 month period:

What we hope to do in 3-5 years:

Evangelism

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:

Vocation

What we are doing now:

- What was planned for the 12 month period:

What we hope to do in 3-5 years:

Since July 2022, The Parish has reduced its number of clergy to one full-time stipendiary post. This has resulted in the loss of the “Team Vicar” post. The hope with one incumbent in the Parish is to further increase co-operation and commitment over the congregations to each other but this is of course subject to the formally appointed incumbent in the Parish under the current vacancy. The Parish is about to embark on a full vacancy process without an incumbent or equivalent by the end of April 2024.

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Achievements and Performance

Our Normal Pattern of worship in 2023.

Sundays

St Leonard’s Church

Wednesdays

Occasional Saturdays

St Mary’s Church

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St Chad’s Church

2[nd] Saturday of the Month.

Other Services and events.

Weekly Bibles studies at St Leonard’s and St Chads

We regularly visit Bushfield Court Nursing Home, Mill House and Glenthorne House to do a monthly service and for special events such as Easter, Christmas and Remembrance Day.

Wave of Light Service - October - in St Chad’s as part of Baby-loss awareness week.

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

St Leonard’s have had visits from Jumping Jo’s Nursery, Bilston CofE Primary School, Villiers Primary School, Green Park School, Field View Primary School.

Baptism, weddings and funerals policies

Baptisms take place on the 2[nd] Sunday and 4[th] Sunday of the month at St Leonard’s, during the main Sunday 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. Baptism families and godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Session on a Saturday morning or Monday evening that now include a Baptism Rehearsal. 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 has changed the registration of marriages. All Marriages will be registered with the Local Registry Office in Wolverhampton 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.

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Mission activities through community events

  1. Churches Together - Good Friday March of Witness, Hope in the Park, Carols in the Town Service.

  2. ‘Jacob’s Well’ Café now has 2 employed café assistants and church volunteers in order to bring it under the ministry of the church. It is open on a Monday to Saturday. It also has a Lunch club for those who are lonely or seeking friendships/fellowship on a Wednesday every week

  3. St Mary’s church has launched a Community Kitchen on a Wednesday once a fortnight to encourage greater engagement with the community. St Mary’s graveyard maintenance team also encourage great engagement with the community.

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

  5. St Chad’s offers a Toddler Group on a Monday Morning for families on the estate. ‘Places of Welcome’ in St Chads now takes place on a Thursday morning. 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 “Operation Christmas Child.’

  6. St Leonard’s hosts a craft club group on a Thursday and a slimming class on a Friday and both groups continue to meet. St Leonard’s has a young people group that meet during term time on a Tuesday evening.

  7. 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.

  8. The Parish has held several social events over the year. 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.

  9. 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, Villiers Primary School, Stowlawn Primary and Field View Primary Schools.

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

In February 2018, just over 6 years ago, I came as a Parish Mission Priest of Bilston, seeking to establish and develop the outreach, evangelism and mission of the Parish as part of a Team ministry including the Team Rector, self-supporting minister and 4 Layreaders. It is incredible to see the amount of change that has happened in the Parish over this period of time, especially over the last 12 months. I mentioned in my report last year about the increasing demands that are still expected from each church on the role of a single incumbent. They still remain too high as I complete a 3[rd] year in the Acting Team Rector role. Further changes need to be made in order for the Parish to have a sustainable and productive vicar who won’t face burnout and is supported in the ministry they are called to serve.

It is with great sadness and after much prayer and consultation, that this is my final report for the Parish of Bilston as Kim, the children and I will be leaving at the end of March and taking up the post of Incumbent at St Mary’s Halton in the Diocese of Chester. It will be very hard to leave Bilston as my heart has been in the Black Country and with the great potential to see the reaping of the harvest field of God’s Kingdom in this place, however, the Lord has called us to serve him in new pastures.

Even though the Parish Mission Priest role was made redundant, I still and have always wanted to seek to fulfil my initial appointment, to seek the growth in our churches, to have a heart for evangelism and mission, to pray for new disciples to come to repentance and faith in Jesus and to grow a deeper love for God’s Word as we seek to serve him through all our churches in Bilston even though I have seen this becoming a lesser priority in the Parish.

Buildings and Personnel.

All our churches in the Parish are due for their quinquennial in 2024 and there have been some significant work taking place to make sure our buildings are safe, secure and fit for purpose. The details for each churches building work and needs can be found in the district wardens reports. I would like to thank Mark Bircher as Parish Warden for his support to all 3 churches in the Parish, especially with the work in maintaining the utility companies, help with financial management and additional support he has given to the other churches in the Parish. It grieves me to write about the tragic loss of John Arnold who passed away in post as Parish Warden last year. John was a loyal servant to the Parish, to St Chad’s and a real friend to me. We send our thoughts and prayers to Pat and the family in their grief.

I would also like to thank Kim Benton who has done a magnificent job with the finances of the parish and who has been a great support to me over the years with St Chad’s, the Parish Centre, the Curates House and the Parish as a whole.

St Chad’s

St Chad’s still has the same troubles with its building as reported last year. Following John’s passing, most of the work we hoped would be completed are still outstanding. The nave floor is still a concern and new quotes are being sourced in order to make the church safer and more comfortable. St Chad’s has spent money on its kitchen through the repairs of its water boiler and with additional plug sockets in order to operate the appliances. A dedicated COSHH cupboard has now been created in the church. There is now a greater concern with the ceiling by the bell as it is noticeable that birds are now getting into the church through the hole which seems to be getting bigger. This is a problem that will need to be addressed in 2024. St Chad’s has had a serious clear out of things in order to reduce the amount of junk that has been stored in the church over the years. The church has had a cleaning company come regularly and this has been a real help to keep on top of the maintenance. St Chad’s has also invested in a garden Company to regular maintain the grounds and this has been a great help to keep the church looking welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. I would like to thank Alison Spencer as church wardens for the way she has stepped up in supporting the church following John’s death and for her dedication to pick up some of the outstanding work on the church. I would also like to thank Diane Woodberry for her help and support as lay-reader and as deputy warden, in conducting Service of The Word services, Family services, support with Fusion@4’s and the work with Places of Welcome and the Pastoral Team. I’m very grateful for the work that you have all done as St Chad’s couldn’t function without it.

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St Mary’s

St Mary’s building needs are still ongoing. The fallen plaster in the chancel area is still on-going due to funds and there are still many cracks in the plaster work. There has been a fall of plaster above the external North-East door and this work has been delayed due to funds. St Mary’s have had work done to its electrics and to its boiler over the year. 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 throughout the year. I would like to thank Eber Carter and Christine Mills as church wardens for their ongoing hard work and dedication in the maintenance of St Mary’s. I was delighted to hear about the establishment of the Community Kitchen in St Mary’s that takes place once a fortnight and how this initiative is growing. I hope and pray this will help the church with its outreach and mission and with the potential link with Bushfield Court. I’m also very thankful to Rev Kate Watson, Rev Ben Whitmore and Rev Foluso Adedipe for your support in service cover and pastoral ministry to St Mary’s over the year too.

St Leonard’s

St Leonard’s work in the chancel was undertaken between August 2023 and completed in February 2024 and required major scaffolding covering the east window and chancel area. This work resulted in regular services being conducted in the chapel area and relocating funerals to St Mary’s as the church was very much like a construction zone. All the repairs were completed and repainted. The Communion rail has also been reconditioned and ready for use again. The falling render from the parapet wall is still work that is ongoing. The paint on the outside of the church continues to peel away. The chapel area was dedicated by the Bishop of Wolverhampton as part of a service of thanksgiving for the work and ministry of Stowlawn Church. St Leonard’s graveyard has had a major grave collapse with another one that looks very unsafe. The responsibility is with Wolverhampton Council Environmental and Bereavement services and we hope this grave is filled in soon. The meeting area at the back of St Leonard’s continues to be a hive of activity every day of the week with the regular opening of Jacob’s Well Café, Lunch Club, Craft Club, Young People’s Group, Slimming Class and toddler provision at the café every week. I’m very grateful for all who have helped and supported the running of St Leonard’s this year, to Mark Bircher as district warden too and especially with the chancel work, to Joyce Grocutt as verger, for your commitment to the occasional offices and Sunday Evening services, to 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 the confirmation group and Phil for his support as a lay-reader with the development of the family service, service of the Word’s and with the Bible Study group, to Remi Hodister for the general maintenance and work he has done in the church and collating the magazine, to Kerry Bircher for her role in safeguarding and keeping us up-to-date with DBS’ and training, to Kim, Karl and all the volunteers in the Jacob’s Well Café, for Maxine Gentle who edits the Parish Magazine and has been very flexible with my deadlines once again this year. I appreciate all the work you have done.

Projects

2023 was a year of waiting and watching. Following the decision of the PCC to reduce the number of clergy to a single incumbent and waiting on diocesan actions resulted in a hold of any further projects I would have liked to explored and develop relating to the MAP. The results of my ministry have been more about ‘maintaining and keeping things going’ rather than ‘exploring and taking things forward.’ The busyness of the role has sadly resulted in some projects and initiatives coming to an end. Sadly, St Chad’s Game’s afternoons had to stop and Soup and Study has come to an end. There was no Summer Club for the children this year and my involvement with Green Park School came to an end in November.

I can confidently say that many of the plans we hoped to do in a 12 months period for Discipleship and Evangelism have been achieved with the Bible Study groups, regular morning prayer at St Chad’s on a Thursday, the development of a youth program and the young people conducting services at St Leonard’s, growth in fellowship after the morning services, the regular opening of Jacob’s Well Café the leafleting of the St Chad’s estate for events and for St Mary’s Community Kitchen, in all 3 churches will give a platform for growth in the coming years. I’m very encouraged that many of these projects are not dependent on clergy and they have been set up and run by members of the congregation/PCC/DCC’s.

In terms of Vocation and to encourage others to grow in their own ministries, the Pastoral Care Team has been a great forum for this to happen. This team continue to visit many members of our Parish who cannot return to our churches for whatever reason and to be an outreach to others. The Pastoral Team help with the Care home’s ministry at Glenthorne House, Bushfield Court, and due to the closure of The Elms, we are now doing services in Mill House Care Home. The Pastoral Team are now more involved in Funeral ministry with the 4 times a year Memorial Services. They are more engaged with Wedding and Baptism ministry, to assist at Parish surgeries, conducting Baptism preparation, doing regular pastoral visits to members of the congregation at home or through phone calls. They are now trained to distribute Home Communions. This team is headed up by Diane Woodberry.

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Many of the other projects that have their own reports are also developing including Bible Study Groups, Fusion@4, Community Kitchen, Lunch Club, Young People’s Group, Places of Welcome and Chad’s Place. All these initiatives have been maintained and been set up in the last 6 years. We were humbled to do the Wave of light service again this year and to raise funds for SANDS although we had to move it to St Chad’s due to the building work at St Leonard’s. This service is regularly attended by a few families and this last year we were able to meet with some new people who are affected by baby loss. I pray that this ministry will continue in the future to maintain this contact.

The major part of my ministry continues to be Schools Work. I continue to visit Bilston CofE twice a week to take an Act of Worship and to work with the school’s Worship Group. The school has done visits to The Well for Harvest, having their 1[st] school service for Year 1 Harvest at St Mary’s due to the building work at St Leonard’s. Bilston CofE had many classes visit St Leonard’s last year as part of the R.E. work and to develop their church link. I continue to take an Assembly in Villiers Primary School every week and they still come to St Leonard’s for a service at the end of each term.

St Chad’s have established a fantastic relationship with Tiptop Nursery in the Parish Centre and have done Easter and Nativity activities with them over Christmas and Easter (2023). Jumping Jo’s Nursery had 2 visits to St Leonard’s over Christmas which they enjoyed.

My Diocesan involvement continued by serving on the Standing Committee of the Deanery Synod and my role as a Vocations Advisor. It is great to see there are potential candidates exploring ministry in our churches and to seek to encourage them in their calling.

Worship and Growth.

The patterns of worship in the Parish are more established, where each church now has a minimum of 2 Holy Communion services a month. The other services conducted are Service of the Word or Morning Prayer conducted by a lay-reader or churchwarden. This pattern has helped the Parish to be more self-sufficient. It still grieves me to not have the opportunity to lead a non-communion service/family service and this was one of the contributors regarding my future in the parish. It is still noticed that during communion, many still refuse or hesitate to receive the common cup and we hope many will have the confidence to start receiving the wine in this form into the new year.

Since the development of the chapel space in St Leonard’s, the Mid-week communion has grown in number and in fellowship. This chapel space was also a vital place for Sunday worship during the building work. During the services at St Leonard’s and St Chad’s that I am able to, I continue to introduce new songs which I believe are being received well.

It is still encouraging to see new faces in all our churches as we still come to terms with the loss of those who have died this year. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. Due to the reduction of clergy, our occasional offices have remained consistent with a good number of funerals, weddings and baptisms coming into our churches. There has been an increase in our home visits and home communions over the year and I pray the Pastoral Team will be ready to support this ministry into the coming year. This year we also marked the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III with many events across our churches and engaged with our local community.

This year has been the hardest in my ministry. Following my Ministry Development Review, it was mentioned that if I carry on the same for another 18 months, both my physical and mental health would be seriously affected. This warning must be heeded. By the strength and blessing of the Lord through the power of his Holy Spirit, I value his grace and the support of all those who have encouraged the ministry that I have shared with you. May the Lord continue to bless the work of our Parish as we continue to seek to serve him and our communities to the very best of our abilities.

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The Future and Final Reflections

The potential for growth in Bilston is amazing, if the whole parish mutually supports and encourages each other. I can’t say that my time in the Parish has been easy and that everything we have tried to do has worked out well. I can’t say that I have supported everything well either, but this comes from great and unrealistic expectations. I’m aware that not everyone has supported the ministry I have shared with you and for some, the role of a Mission Priest is still something you’re trying to work out. I can’t say that the Parish will have all 3 churches in the future or that the Parish will remain financially stable - but one great lesson I have learned while being with you in the last 6 years is, having a great and dependant faith on Jesus. I’ve never been as closer to the Lord as I am now and in seeing others who have also been changed by encountering the riches of his Word, even for the first time. Kim, Jeremiah, Anna, Naomi and I will be sad to leave you in Bilston and we would value your prayers as we move into the future as we will hold you in our prayers too and I thank them for their love, patience, endurance and care.

I pray for your future incumbent to be one who has great strength, great patience and has a heart for the scriptures and teaching of the Word, one whose heart in preaching will remain truthful to the gospel, otherwise the future will look very bleak. May they carry on the work that the Lord is doing in his church and that we never drift from our primary focus in making Jesus known and to know Jesus better in how we serve him. For those who have learnt through the teaching and preaching of the word and have seen the Lord Jesus in it I echo Paul’s final exhortation:

“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [9 ] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

May God richly bless Bilston Parish into the future.

Rev Simon Skidmore

Deanery Synod Report

2024 proved to be a year of transition for Wolverhampton Deanery Synod. At the meeting in July held at St. Matthews East Park, the Rural Dean David Wright announced that he was leaving Wolverhampton to take up a post In Malta. At the same time it was also announced that the assistant Rural Dean, Phillip Robertson was retiring.

In due course, Rev. Richard Merrick, who is the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Heathtown was appointed as Rural Dean. Other appointments were Robin Whitehouse Lay Chair, Amy Bertaut Assistant Lay Chair and Sarah Weston continuing in her role as Deanery Secretary. The first meeting under the new Rural Dean took place on 23[rd] November at Holy Trinity, Heathtown. Discussions in groups addressed the issue of the purpose and mission of the Deanery Synod under the headings of:

Philip Dooley

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Report on the proceedings of the P.C.C.

The Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) has the responsibility of cooperating with incumbent in the mission of the Church. As with all churches in the Church of England, the parish is a charitable body and therefore P.C.C. members are also trustees and hold responsibility for the financial affairs in the parish and care for buildings.

At the time of writing, the P.C.C. has met in person on 8 occasions since the last A.P.C.M. including two meetings with the Archdeacon regarding the current vacancy. There has also been one occasion when the Business by Correspondence provision was employed to address concerns regarding Parish banking arrangements.

At every P.C.C. meeting in the Parish of Bilston, a number of matters are dealt with. These matters include minutes of the previous meeting and any matters arising, the state of the buildings, the financial position, any health and safety concerns or Safeguarding issues. Additional matters are addressed as they arise. Annually, the P.C.C. must approve the contents of the annual report and accounts to be presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (A.P.C.M.). At the time of writing, that meeting is yet to take place.

In the previous year, the P.C.C has considered the following additional matters: The P.C.C. has monitored the progress of the children’s day nursery at the Parish Centre.

The Ministry Action Plan was reviewed as were Eucharistic Licenses.

The P.C.C. agreed the employment of two Café Assistants at St. Leonard’s and to support the Vocation of Jane Ratcliffe. Finally, the P.C.C. adjourned the making of a statement on the blessings of same sex marriages for further discussion. At the time of writing, no date for any meeting has been arranged.

Philip Dooley

St Leonard’s District Warden Report

2023 has been a year of rebuilding in lots of ways, with a lot of work going on behind the scenes to secure a future. In March, Bishop Clive visited us on one of his final duties before his retirement. He dedicated the chapel in the South Aisle, which contains the furniture from Stowlawn Chapel. It was a lovely service which was attended by a number of former members from Stowlawn. This chapel has been well used in the subsequent months whilst the main body of the church has been out of action.

Throughout the year we held a number of small Table Top Sale events in an attempt to get rid of some of the ‘stuff’ that had accumulated around the church, whilst raising a little money to boost the income. April was the first followed by one in July and another in October.

A full programme of Easter services was held and well received, including the Good Friday services in the town and in St Leonard’s, and the services on Easter Sunday Morning.

At the beginning of May we said a sad farewell to Bill Turner, former churchwarden and long term member of St Leonard’s. Bill had struggled with ill health for some years. We have been very pleased to welcome Barbara and their son Robert to join the Wednesday congregation.

In May we celebrated the Coronation with a fun day and BBQ, followed by a celebration service. The church was beautifully decorated with more jam jar red, white and blue arrangements. It was a lovely day and with games, quizzes and lots of crowns, the activities were enjoyed by all.

June saw us taking part in HOPE in the PARK, hard work but a great success. It was good to see more people willing to get involved this year.

In July Jacob’s Well Café finally reached a point where we could advertise and interview for 20hrs of work running the café. In the event this was split between Kim Eglington and Karl Green who had spent a lot of time building up the café. On August 1[st] the café was finally able to open for 6 days per week, meaning that the church was once again open everyday.

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August also saw the erection of the scaffold – something that has come to dominate the church for the final 5 months of the year and into 2024. With the building work beginning one or two services had to be cancelled and the rest moved to the side chapel for the rest of the year. The good news was that the insurance company – Ecclesiastical – agreed to cover 100% of the cost of the repairs which were caused by the water damage which happened during a flash flood in October 2021. As is usual when building work on an old building begins, as well as the thick layer of dust covering everything in sight, more problems arose as the plaster was removed, and further areas of the dreaded ‘dry rot’ were found alongside rotted timbers and what was thought to be solid plaster being found to be timber lath covered by plaster. All this meant that the work was going to take longer and approximately double in price, thankfully the insurance company continued to accept the costs involved.

In mid August we once again enjoyed a trip to Weston-Super-Mare with a coach full of church members and customers from the café. It was a lovely day and a great time was had by all.

In September we were very sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend Eva, who had served in the sanctuary for many years, we had more recently lost touch with her as had many of her family. Her funeral was held in church and well attended. The MacMillan Coffee morning was a successful and fitting end to September.

October brought another sad farewell as we held the funeral of Cyril Pountney, a long standing member of the church most recently the evening service. We also celebrated the Harvest Festival with the usual service and offerings, including a wonderful harvest sheaf loaf created by the young people. Unfortunately the school services were not held in St Leonard’s this year because of the building work.

St Leonard’s Patronal Festival was a little different this year with a mixture of music, readings and general celebration looking at our vision for the future of the church. There were many interesting comments added to our board with many people desiring to see a growing congregation with families and young people added to our number.

As November rolled on we determined that the Christmas Tree Festival would go ahead this year, despite the ongoing building work. A lot of hard work went into the preparation of the church and into the event itself which again proved to be a big success.

Again, in November we said farewell to another valued long-term member of the congregation in Leanna Smith. Her funeral was a moving tribute to her life and lively spirit and the contribution she made to the life of the Caribbean community in Bilston. Her infectious smile and mischievous grin will certainly be missed at St Leonard’s.

Gradually post service gathering with refreshments and lots of chatter began to return and many people have made the decision to relax and get to know each other better after services. Many in-depth conversations along with much joviality can be heard after most Sunday services.

The year ended with a return of school carol services, Reclaiming Christmas, the traditional Sunday evening carol service, Christmas dinner for 36 people at the lunch club, and a slightly adapted crib service on Christmas eve morning. The midnight communion this year was led by Foluso Adepipe with the usual high numbers but Christmas Morning service at 9.30am (a bit early for St Leonard’s folk!) was disappointingly small. However the final service of the year at 10.30am on New Year’s eve was well attended and a fitting way to say goodbye to 2023.

Various activities take place throughout the week at St Leonard’s, the café now open six days per week, funerals occurring most weeks, the parish surgery takes place on a Monday evening, Young People’s group on a Tuesday evening, ongoing midweek communion on Wednesdays followed by a bible study and a lunch club, Knit and natter group meeting every Thursday, a small slimming group continue to meet on a Friday and on Saturday Simon holds the parish surgery and Baptism preparation sessions. In addition to this, two schools visit at least 3 times per year each for large school services with smaller class or year visits in between and other schools also arranging occasional class/year visits.

One of the biggest problems of the year has been the actions of Barclays Bank, with whom we bank. On 1[st] November 2023 they decided (in error) to close our bank account. The first we knew about it was when one or two people who donate to the church by Standing Order began to ask why their money had been returned after payment. We then, on 7[th] of November got a letter from Barclays stating that they had closed our account and would be issuing a cheque for the closing balance. This caused massive problems all round with direct debits not paid out and income unable to be credited. Energy bills built up and transactions between the insurance company and the contractors have been hard to keep track of. Despite admitting fault and agreeing to reinstate the account, this was not done until 27[th] December! We are still trying to sort out the mess.

Financially we are fairly stable at the moment due to a large legacy last year, however our income at the moment does not cover our outgoings and currently we are facing massive gas bills due to having to keep the heating on to dry out the new plaster and paint. The gas bills for November and December were £1,400 & £1,600 respectively!

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The current building work has been completed as I speak and we are looking forward to regaining full use of the church. There is further work which will need to be completed eventually and we would really love to be able to get the whole church painted inside and out in time for the Bicentenary Celebrations in 2027. This will clearly only be possible with some massive funding.

As we move forward into the future we will need to continue to rebuild not just our building but our congregations also, both physically and spiritually. That means that we have to encourage the involvement of all members of the church in the St Leonard’s of tomorrow and hopefully for the next 100 years.

Our thanks this year have to go to Simon for all of his support, to Rev. Glynne Watkin for his commitment to bimonthly services and to all of those who have assisted with services and activities.

Jane Dooley & Mark Bircher

St. Mary’s District Wardens Report

Over the last 2 years St Mary’s has increased its congregation back to pre-Covid levels. New members have all become regular and active participants in our social events as well as regular worshippers.

We have increased and widened our communication with our community by delivering leaflets and having posters outside the Church which give times of services and dates of events. We now have our own dedicated Facebook page which is active and continually increasing engagement with the wider community.

At the beginning of last year, St Mary’s DCC made the decision to start a Community Kitchen which then subsequently began in March and it has proved very successful.

We are extremely fortunate that our members are very willing to help with Church cleaning and maintenance in whatever way they can.

Our group of volunteers ensure that our grounds and Columbarium are in an immaculate condition for those wishing to visit them.

This year our social and fundraising events have included a fete and cream tea to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in May, a Summer Fayre in August and a Coffee Morning in September to raise funds for Macmillan Care. Our Christmas fete in late November was our most successful event ever.

We have also held a Harvest lunch and a Christmas lunch which were both enjoyable occasions.

We were delighted to welcome back to St Mary’s Ade and Amanda Mallins to conduct our Patronal Service in September.

Christine Mills & Eber Carter

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St. Chad’s District Wardens Report

Before starting this report, I would like to take time to pay respect to a fellow warden, John. John was a man who was kind, gentle and willing to help anyone, not just in St Chad’s but other churches. His kindness shone through with trying, or shall I say, doing his best to get things done at St Chad’s, but like most, that wasn’t without difficulty, especially if people weren’t replying to emails or phone calls. I often had a chat with him about the challenges but having a laugh in the meantime.

John was pleased that I had taken on the roll of warden after Pat stepped down. Little did I know this was an upward challenge. When John passed away last year everyone at St Chad’s was sad to lose a kind man who had big shoes to fill. Our hearts go to Pat and the family for their loss of a husband, father and grandfather.

As you are aware, Pat stepped down as warden and I took the roll of warden. Getting to grips with my new role in a way hasn’t been easy but none the less I will give it a good go, trusting in the Lord but most of all, the parishioners give support and appreciate what is going to be done.

To start with ‘The Well’ Foodbank did well and parishioners at St Chad’s and people from Bushfield Court gave a good donations to a good cause, plus St Leonard’s gave us what they had at their Harvest. Hopefully this work carries on. Thank you to all that helped.

Groups at St Chad’s are small, Places of Welcome, although are small, hopefully in the new year it will grow and flourish. Of course, Chad’s Place has restarted at church. Fingers crossed this will catch on with the estate and surrounding areas. Tip Top Nursery are still in the Parish Centre and they are happy and settled. With the year ahead hopefully we will get a few more groups at church.

As for the church at present times, things need to be done with St Chad’s and no mean task or feast. The lighting outside of church needs doing. Flooring in the main church, hopefully carpet, will be put down enabling to keep the church a little warmer. The sound system, the roof around the bell tower both need dealing with also the COSSH Cupboard, Fire Exit at the side of the church needs urgently dealing with as brambles and plant are over grown blocking the exit so hopefully these will get done this coming year if not sooner.

St Chad’s have had our fire drill and our fire safety checks are being done by the Fire Safety Team from West Midlands Fire Service to check that all is well at St Chad’s.

We have had someone come and check our lightening conductor and the outcome was successful as this work was also overdue.

Well not much more to say other than I hope and pray that things go smoothly for us at St Chad’s, God willing.

Alison Spencer

General Data Protection Regulation Report

As a Parish we continue to monitor the privacy of our the people who make up our congregations. If you wish the parish to hold your details which will be kept in a safe place. Please inform the GDPR officer if you no longer wish for this information to be kept and the forms will be returned for you to destroy.

May I take this opportunity to share the news that as from the APCM I will be resigning this post and may I give my successor my best wishes.

Diane Woodberry

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Safeguarding of Vulnerable Children and Adults Report

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, protecting them from abuse or maltreatment and preventing harm to their health or development. As a parish we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our community are protected and recognise the calling and duty to love and care for the vulnerable and protect all from abuse. For this reason, we have taken guidance from Lichfield diocese on how best to protect those in our community. These are the following advisories that we have followed:

  1. Currently, we have a designated safeguarding team which is led by Rev. Simon Skidmore and Kerry Bircher. The role of the Safeguarding Officer is to be the named person volunteers and church members would report any disclosures or child protection concerns to. If required, the Safeguarding Officer will refer on any disclosures or child protection concerns to the appropriate organisation e.g., The Local Authority in which the vulnerable person/child lives, social services or police.

  2. All parish members who may take responsibility within their church such as PCC/DCC members, church/parish wardens or those who are responsible for children or vulnerable adults as part of their role within the church MUST have a current DBS issued by the diocese which must be renewed every 3 years.

  3. All parish members who may take responsibility within their church such as PCC/DCC members, church/parish wardens or those who are responsible for children or vulnerable adults as part of their role within the church MUST have completed basic awareness and foundation safeguarding training (previously C0 and C1.)

Kerry Bircher has continued to ensure all PCC/DCC members have current DBS certificates in line with our current safeguarding policy by becoming a diocesan verifier to streamline the process and avoid the need to rely on external verifiers. St Leonard’s has continued to facilitate safeguarding training evenings to ensure all members can complete the training as well as have sufficient opportunity to ask questions as they arise.

Going forward into 2024, as a parish we need to be more aware of our communities and the challenges they face and take safeguarding more seriously due to the impact it can have on people’s lives. We need to ensure that any concern is reported to a safeguard lead no matter how small we feel the issue is. We need to ensure that all members of the parish who are in these roles do hold a current DBS and have completed safeguarding training. It is now mandatory that any future member of PCC/DCC, church/Parish warden must complete basic awareness and foundation safeguarding training and hold a current DBS within 8 weeks of appointment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Acting on your concerns or seeking advice is rarely a bad idea. People often question ‘What if I’m wrong’ but we have to ask ourselves ‘what if I’m right’. We can’t assume that someone else has seen what we may have seen or will pass on concerns.

Proverbs 31v 8 says ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.’

Kerry Bircher

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St Leonard’s Family Services - Service of the Word Report

In 2023 the Service of the Word family services have continued once per month on the 3[rd] Sunday of each month.

The format for the services remains adaptable to the theme of the month, a short introductory liturgy with confession followed by between two and four readings with a reflection, prayer and song or hymn for each reading.

Themes this year have included The life of John Newton, The Transfiguration, Ascension, Bearing a Grudge and part of the ‘What is Church’ theme amongst others.

We have continued to mix the old with the new in terms of music but our use of the screens has been curtailed by the scaffold which has been in place since the beginning of August.

Joanne, Mark and Kerry Bircher and Dale Stroyde have continued to provide musical accompaniment and lead us in song. We all look forward to growing and developing this service further in 2024.

Phil & Jane Dooley

St Leonard’s Young People’s Confirmation Group Report

The Young People’s group at St Leonard’s has continued throughout 2023. Unfortunately 3 young people did not have the opportunity to be confirmed before family issues caused them to leave – one returning to Latvia to live!

Three of the young people who were confirmed have continued to attend the group on a regular basis with the other 2 popping in from time to time. They have been joined by a further 5 young people so the group remains at a regular 8 with a further 2 at times.

Due to the retirement of Bishop Clive in April, there has been no further confirmation opportunity in 2023. The next opportunity will be in April 2024 at St Martin’s Church, Bradley.

The group continue to enjoy food together each week followed by games (board games are a current favourite) and a teaching session ending with prayers. They are all quite used to asking for prayer for a variety of people and situations including world affairs, local issues and friends and family who need prayer.

On the 5[th] Sunday of the month in October the young people led the morning service at St Leonard’s. They chose a subject of ‘FAMILY’ and looked at the readings and how they tied in. They researched a quiz and chose hymns and songs together. After each activity they gave their thoughts on the subject and asked for any thoughts from the congregation. The young people chose to use the lounge area in order to do a café style service and they all encouraged their families to attend to support them. The service was a great success and they are all keen to do more services.

We have a great group of young people and are always open to others joining us.

Jane Dooley

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HOPE in the Park Report

This year the planning committee for HOPE in the PARK knew that it had become such a big event that it was no longer possible to manage on the minimal budget that we have coped with for the past 15 years. Therefore we began setting out the budget and aiming to raise extra money from the outset. Several charities supported the event this year. Many thanks to Ann Reaney for seeking additional funding.

The theme of LIGHT was decided upon and Paul Wilmott was invited to join the team for the event. He went into several schools prior to the day introducing the theme and enthusing the children. A lesson plan was provided for schools with a simple mirror to make, with the message about how we can reflect the light of God to those around us through the life that we choose.

Because of the size of the event this year and the use of a portable stage, the council took a keen interest and sent round a health and safety team on the day to check that we had done everything correctly – which we passed with flying colours!

Again, attendance was probably around the 1,000 mark and the contributions from the schools was wonderful. There were lots of positive comments this year and more than one person stated that it was ‘the best yet’. Planning is already well underway for this year’s event on Sunday 30[th] June 2024.

Jane Dooley

Jacob’s Well Café Report

After a short Christmas Break we reopened in January 2023, offering a warm safe friendly place for people to come in and have a bite to eat and drink and make new friends.

In March we did another Afternoon Tea for Mother's Day, it was another great turn out and everybody really enjoyed the afternoon and their food! We followed this June with a BBQ for all the Dad's on Father's Day. In between we helped with the catering for the Coronation party in May.

July saw us celebrating a very windy black country Day, whilst the events in the rest of the town were cancelled! Faggots, Mash and paes, Gray Paes and Bearcon, Liver’n’onions, Baercon doorstops and plenty more. This was accompanied by another of our Table Top Sales so there was something for everyone. On August the 1st two volunteers were finally employed for 10 hours a week each, Kim taking Mondays and Tuesdays and Karl taking Thursdays and Fridays, so with both also continuing to volunteer for the rest of the week we were able to open 6 Days a week, Monday – Saturday. We celebrated with tea and cake and various special offers. The Lunch Club has also continued to run every Wednesday afternoon and although numbers fluctuate a little they rarely drop below 16.

On the 9th of August we went on our 2[nd] Annual trip to Weston-Super-Mare, we invited our church family and customers from both the café and Lunch club. Once again a wonderful day was had by all.

A new venture to offer a play space for mums and babies on Mondays in September did not really take off, but the MacMillan Coffee morning that we hosted was a big success once again, raising nearly £200 for cancer support.

October turned into Souper October, everyone loved the homemade soup.

Once again the Christmas Tree Festival in November and December was a great success. We managed the refreshments on the opening night and raised a total of £340 in just 6 hours! Our entry in the tree competition was also well supported.

The Lunch Club Christmas Dinner was on the 22nd of December and was open to church members, lunch club regulars and regular customers. We ended up with nearly 40 people and a few take-away meals.

We had planned to open for a few days between Christmas and new year but unfortunately illness of some staff members meant that we had to cancel this and take a full week break.

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Many of our customers are regular and loyal, inviting friends to come along and supporting us with small donations. We have a wide range of customers but it is generally agreed that all receive a warm welcome and definitely value for money at Jacob’s Well Café. We continue to gain new customers, which is brilliant.

Jacob’s Well is a ministry of the church and not a money making business. That said, financially we appear to be breaking even after paying wages and expenses, we hope to be able to reimburse the church for the cost of Gas and Electricity. We do keep the church doors open 6 days a week and a large number of people come in each week just to light a candle or say a prayer. Sometimes people need the opportunity to talk to someone or some ask if we have a bible or other literature to help them on their spiritual journey.

Here is what some of our customers have to say:

“The café is welcoming and the staff are respectful. The room is lovely and clean, you can meet new friends. I am very grateful to be able to come for the company as well as the lovely food”. Steve

“We always find the lunches very nice and they are always hot which is very important. It is excellent value for money, the staff are very friendly and helpful and the prices are very good compared to Bilston High Street shops”. Joyce and Annabel

“It’s great being able to sit and read my paper in peace. I meet up with my friends here and it’s a cheap cuppa. I tell everyone about it, I don’t know why they don’t all come”. Ivor

Kim Eglington

St Mary’s Church Community Kitchen Report

At the beginning of last year, St Mary’s DCC made the decision to start a Community Kitchen which then subsequently began in March. We delivered leaflets, put up posters and posted details on our Facebook page so all our community were informed.

Initially we offered, a choice of homemade soup, sandwiches or jacket potatoes, cakes and limitless tea or coffee for £1. We were delighted with the response and our customer numbers have steadily increased.

We hold two Community Kitchens a month and we now offer a choice of 5 or 6 hot meals, cakes, tea or coffee still for £1. Many of our clients are elderly who not only appreciate a hot meal but also the companionship they have while they are with us.

We were fortunate that a firm of Solicitors in Wolverhampton heard about our Community Kitchen and sponsored our Christmas meal. This meant we were able to provide a full Christmas lunch free of charge. We are now looking forward to our second year of being open and welcoming new members from our local community.

Christine Mills.

Bible Study and Prayer at St Chad’s Report

The Bible Study groups on a Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning continued through 2023. The Tuesday group meet on Zoom at 7:30pm and has had consistent number of 7-8 people and on a Wednesday morning we meet in person at the back of St Leonard’s church following the shoppers communion and has had 4-5 people. It is encouraging to see that every week 14-15 people are studying the bible regularly and growing in their knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the scriptures and see it as a vital part of their life and their growth in discipleship.

The study groups began in Jan 2023, looking at the Letter to the Romans which took quite a while to get through and we didn’t finish until the summer. This shows the depth of learning that both groups have been going through this year. During Lent, we paused to look at the sequel of ‘Passion’, the book we read through Lent last year- ‘The Resurrection in your life’ by Mike McKinley which looked at the Resurrection of Jesus according to Luke’s gospel and opened to us the very relevance of Jesus’ resurrection for us today.

Following the completion of Romans, the Tuesday evening group were able to study the OT book of Zechariah and his prophetic visions of the coming messiah and the restoration of God’s people, both in the coming of Jesus, but also the new heaven and new earth. Sadly, the Wednesday group weren’t able to look at Zechariah due to several cancelled sessions. During Advent, some members of the groups looked at the Advent book, ‘The Dawn of Redeeming Grace’ by Sinclair Fergusson, which looks at the

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Matthew’s birth narrative of Jesus and its relationship to the Old Testament showing the very grace of God in the coming of Jesus. The study on Zechariah has given the platform to take on one of the greatest studies we are currently going through, the book of Revelation. The news and timing of my departure from Bilston means we are going to start Revelation but we may not complete it.

Due to my leaving, it has raised a question about the future of the study groups, but I have great faith that the members of both groups have the ability, knowledge and commitment to keep these study groups going and to encourage new members to join so that the regular studying of the bible is not lost in the Parish. I have truly valued the fellowship, the friendship and commitment of members of both groups as wonderful examples of faithful and devoted followers of Christ. I pray they may continue in their study of the Word of God.

At the end of each session we spent time in prayer and I have been humbled and amazed by the work of God through the people we have prayed for. We have shared real miracles and healing and hope and each member of the group confidently lead prayers for us all. I believe these gatherings of prayers are the fuel of the ministry for our parish and churches.

The sessions of Morning Prayer at St Chad’s continues to provide a time for focused prayer and worship every Thursday morning at St Chad’s. There has been up to 5 of us meeting to pray. Sadly, Monday Evening prayer in St Leonard’s had to come to an end due to commitments and lack of attendance. I hope another form of regular prayer will be established in St Leonard’s in the future. I would like to thank all the members of both study groups and those who have committed to meet with me to pray for the Parish and the churches and I hope these times have instructed, encouraged and prepared you for your own faith and witness to the Lord Jesus. May you remain faithful to the Word of God and continue in what you have been taught. (2 Tim 3:14).

Rev Simon Skidmore

- Fusion@4 Fresh Expression

Our Fusion@4 services at St Chad’s continued through 2023. Fusion@4 is a Fresh Expression that happens on a 2[nd] Saturday of the month in St Chad’s Church. It is primarily aimed at those who have no experience of church and who live within the vicinity of St Chad’s however we have had people come from all over Bilston and beyond! From Jan 2023, we continued our series looking at ‘Old Testament Bible Explorers’ focusing on several main characters in the Old Testament including Samson, Gideon and Ruth. After our Easter and Pentecost Service, the theme changed to ‘The Parables of Jesus’. The reason for changing the theme was to align the work and ministry we were doing in the schools in order to encourage familiarity for the families we hoped to invite. We have continued these parables into 2024 and will conclude them for Easter 2024.

At each Fusion service, we continue to offer a variety of crafts, activities, challenges and games, a focused time of worship with story-telling, prayers, puppets and dramatic songs, then we finish with a time of food and fellowship. We have started to put a donation plate out to cover costs for the church. Fusion still has the same regular people coming and it would be great to see some new families joining in the future. As part of Fusion, we did Messy Easter and Messy Christmas, both receiving good attendance at both. At Easter, we gave away Easter Eggs and presents were given out to children at Christmas. Fusion wouldn’t be possible without the kindness of the volunteers who give up their time on a Saturday to support this ministry and I’m deeply thankful to my wife Kim for her help in the crafts while juggling the children, to Diane Woodberry, Alison Spencer, Jane Ratcliffe, Linda Stockall, Ann and Mike Reaney who have all helped and supported this venture. We are still looking for more volunteers to help us and we pray for more families to come and bring their children to find out more about Jesus and the hope that he brings. It is intended that this service will become the main service in St Chad’s on this particular week in the month. It has been a privilege to set up this fresh expression in the Parish and I hope and pray that this ministry will continue to grow in the future. Like we finish each Fusion with the Messy Amen. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEN!!!!

Rev Simon & Kim Skidmore

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The Parish Centre Report

This year we have had fewer party and room hires than usual. We have had 6 parties and we were used as a polling station for the local elections. With the reduction in the number of parties and without the people to open the centre for parties we have decided to pause the party hires until we have the people to organise the hire and opening and locking of the centre. The church continues to use the hall for various activities and events including but not limited to, shrove Tuesday barn dance, a barn dance in November, Christmas fayre, Jubilee and coronation celebrations and other community events. My thanks to Pat and John Arnold and Alison Spencer for their help with unlocking and locking up after parties this past year. I’d like to offer my thanks to the staff at Tip Top Nursery for their help with this too, as they have had clear the space for these parties to take place.

The hall has been booked for the councils use as polling station 2[nd] May 2024, my thanks to Alison Spencer and Diane Woodberry for agreeing to be available for the hall opening on this day.

Tip Top Nursery had their official opening, for children aged 2-5, on 6[th] March 2023 and within a few months had enough children for them to be able to open both rooms, the nursery room and the bottom half of the hall. The children from the nursery have enjoyed and benefit from the close working relationship that we are developing between the church and the nursery staff. The children and staff made visits to the church for Easter and Christmas, where Simon did a small story and song time. They also came across to join us for the Macmillan coffee morning.

The nursery staff have made some really lovely renovations to the centre and gardens. The garden at the back and side have had new flooring and play areas installed and look really good, as well as providing a safe educational space for the children. The nursery have also given the hall a much-needed modernised paint job.

In the first few months of this year the nursery have opened a new baby room and have completed the garden renovations. They have also installed a new fence to improve the privacy at the front of the building.

I know the nursery have big plans for the next few years.

My thanks to Lisa, Kate, Charlie and all Staff at Tip Top Nursery for all their work in the centre this past year. I am very much hoping for the relationship to continue in the next few years so the church and nursery continue to grow and support each other.

All hall maintenance has been completed and kept up to date with the help of the nursery staff, who have been available for contractors and companies to lease with. A new telephone line and internet has been installed in the centre. With the internet access being extended into the church building.

In the next year, the contracts for waste disposal and sanitary waste disposal, will need to be looked at and renewed. A quotation was obtained from Cathedral, at the beginning of the year.

My thanks again to all mentioned in this report and anyone else who has helped with the organising, sorting and cleaning of the hall. I sincerely hope that next year and in subsequent years things continue to run as smoothly and that the working relationship with Tip Top nursery continues to grow and develop.

Kim Skidmore

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St Leonard’s Church, Parish of Bilston on Facebook

We currently have 571 people who actively ‘like’ our page and 660 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 well over 1,000 people. Over the Christmas period (1 month) we reached 5,691 people with different posts. 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. If you are on Facebook you can find us and ‘like’ us, then you can help to spread the word about what is happening within the parish. We are happy to share events at any of the churches if you let us know about them and maybe send us a digital poster.

Jane Dooley

Parish Pastoral Care Team Report

Since just after the last APCM a group of people who have been involved in visiting people at home either as a pastoral visit or to give the housebound Holy Communion on a regular basis started meeting. We try to have the same people visit to give continuity and maintain a friendship. We let them know what is happening in the churches so giving a link.

Another item on our agenda is leading worship in three care homes in the parish: Bushfield Court, The Mill and Glenthorne. Our Services are adapted according to the residents requirements ranging from a version of The Service of The Word to something more straightforward. The residents appear to enjoy singing hymns on the old side. We will be looking for an instrumentalist to play for us once Simon leaves. Anyone who would like to join us please contact me.

If you know of anyone who would like to be visited in hospital by either a member of the team or the hospital chaplaincy team please let us know.

Thanks to the team for their support during the past year and if anyone knows of anyone requiring a pastoral visit please contact me on 07890 494151

Diane Woodberry.

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Financial Review

End of year report for The Parish of Bilston 2022

Total Net Assets: £453,731 [2022 £406,032]

Excess £51,344 2023 Unrestricted Excess: £50,282 Restricted Excess: £1,062 [2022 Excess £39,443]

Parish and Parish Centre

Excess: £4,507 Unrestricted excess £4,507 [Excess £4,320 2022]

The Parish account is to receives income from the three churches to pay the Common Fund and Parish Expenses. It also holds the proceeds of the sale of the Curates house. In 2022 the investments were transferred from the General fund to Curate Endowment funds as this better reflects the situation. Whilst the income produced is unrestricted the capital can not be spent. All income from the investments will be used for the Common fund and/or Parish expenses periodically to reduce the burden on the individual Churches. The income will be left to build up in the CCLA deposit account.

The Parish Centre is shown within these accounts. In 2022 the Parish Centre Building was moved from Parish Centre Restricted to Parish Centre Building Endowment. Again this better reflects the situation. Whilst the income in unrestricted the capital can not be spent. All of the income and expenditure was recorded under Parish Centre Restricted. This fund has been closed and funds at the end of 2022 transferred to Parish Centre Designated. It is the intention to build up a reserve fund for any work needed on the Parish Centre and would suggest £20,000 which would be shown separately on the balance sheet as Parish Centre reserve. Along with this working capital of £5,000 retained. Once this figure has been reached then any surplus can be transferred and used to pay the Common fund and/or Parish expenses.

The Parish Centre has seen the Parish centre hire reduce from £9,130 2022 to £8,260. This should increase further as Tip Top Childcare are now hiring the Parish Centre on a 5 year lease eventually at £1,000 per month with contributions to the utility bills. The future looks bright.

Tip Top childcare are now renting the computer room so will be paying an extra £100 per month. As there is no one to take bookings Tip Top are our only client.

Thanks go to Simon and Kim for their continued support and hard work to ensure that the Parish Centre runs so smoothly.

St Chads

Excess: £34,884 – Unrestricted excess £34.485 Restricted excess £398 [Deficit: (£189) 2022][(£1,228) 2021]

St Chads income has increased from £14,965 2022 to £45,903. As with St Mary’s had St Chad’s not received this legacy then there would have been a deficit of £5,116. This is due to the £40,000 legacy left to the Church by the late Eric Barker. Non-recurring one-off grants has reduced along with other funds generated.

On the plus side expenditure has reduced from £15,154 2022 to £11,019. The most notable difference being that St Chad paid £12,000 Common fund in 2022 and this reduced to £5,523 in 2023.

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St Mary’s

Excess: £17,149 – Unrestricted excess £17,149 [Deficit (£120) 2022]

St Mary’s income overall has increased from £10,200 2022 to £31,472. The main reason for this is the legacy left by the Late Brian Fellows. Had that not been received then there would be a deficit of £2,850. Whilst Gift aid collections 0101 has increased donations 0550 has reduced. This will be because I did not receive the paperwork and envelopes in a timely manner in 2022. 2023 saw the paperwork being delivered in time and so envelopes were posted into donors records. This of course will help with Gift aid claims.

The expenditure has increased from £10,200 2022 to £14,323. The main reason for this is St Mary’s have paid in full their share of the Common fund. In addition Church maintenance 2330 has increased.

It is imperative that the Common fund is paid monthly. This still has not been set up. St Mary’s need to understand that the Parish account is just a vehicle. The payments for their share of the common fund is paid into the Parish account and paid out to Lichfield.

St Mary’s for the time being remain a going concern. However the situation is unsustainable.

St Leonards

Deficit: (£5,196) – Unrestricted deficit (£5,859) Restricted excess £663 [Excess £35,432 2022]

Overall income has increased from £85,638 2022 to £89,088. This is mainly due to the receipt of insurance claims totalling £54,373 which of course has been spent on major repairs 2701. We have seen reductions in 0101 Gift aid collections, 0201 Non gift aid collections, 0550 donations and grants.

Expenditure overall has also increased from £50,205 2022 to £94,284 which as previously documented is due to the major works 2701 expenditure. Other than all other areas are pretty static apart from 1910 LDBF Common fund.

Not a bad year for St Leonard’s but a tight rein will be required moving forward.

Thanks go to Mark and Jane for their continued support and hard work throughout the year.

Kim Benton

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 £32,092 [2022 £21,290]. 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 £121,867 [2022 £78,462] which is considerably higher than this target. In the uncertain economic climate, it is felt to have a healthy reserve is a good foundation for the future and will allow the charity to explore different outreach if identified and also be secure of having sufficient reserves if called upon in any unforeseen

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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.

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:

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.

Page 25

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 registration number 1138955. 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 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 9 times in 2022

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 [9] during the year totalled £5,192 [2022 £5,069]. All these donations were received without condition.

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 £199.71 [2022 £177] for travel.

Page 26

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 2023 to the date this report was approved

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
period
Ex-Officio
Revd. Simon Skidmore Acting Team Rector - Chair.
Phil Dooley Secretary/Lay Reader/Diocesan Synod/ Deanery Synod
Diane Woodberry Lay Reader/ Deanery Synod
Pat Arnold Church Warden St Chad’s Finished as Church Warden &
PCC - 23/04/2023
Alison Spencer Church Warden St Chad’s Elected as Church warden-
23/04/2023
John Arnold Church Warden St Chad’s/ Parish Warden Passed away 8 May 2023
Mark Bircher Church Warden St Leonard’s/Parish Warden/Lay
Chair/Deanery Synod.
Jane Dooley Church Warden St Leonard’s
Christine Mills Church Warden St Mary’s
Eber Carter Church Warden St Mary’s
Elected Members
Kerry Eglington St Chad’s Resigned on 23/04/2023
Charlie Smith Deputy Church Warden St Leonard’s
Kerry Bircher St Leonard’s (Safeguarding Co-ordinator)
Matthew Bircher St Leonard’s
Linda Pearson St Leonard’s
Kay Edwards St Leonard’s
Joanne Bircher St Leonard’s
Ann Reaney St Leonard’s Resigned - 22/05/2023
Elizabeth Rice St Mary’s
Wendy Hawkins St Mary’s
Mavis Heath St Mary’s Elected onto PCC - 23/04/2023

Page 27

Bank Barclays Bank PLC – Queen Square Wolverhampton WV1 1DS Investment CCLA Managers 1 Angel Lane London EC4R 3AB Independent Jonathan Hill Examiner Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance St Marys House, The Close, Lichfield. WS13 7LD

Page 28

bank Bardays BankPLC-QJeen Square w¢knhampt￿ WVI It CCLA l An8el Lane London EC4R 3AB Jorwthan Hill Llchfidd Diocesan Boardof Flnance St Mary5 H1X￿e. The aose. t￿hr￿Id. W513 71D Ex•mln•r Apprty4eO bylh¢ PCC on 25103D024 and *ned on ￿1)eha￿ by.. Revd Smon 5kldmcYe Mi Phillip Wey Page 29

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 2023 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: 21/05/2024 Jonathan Hill FCMA CGMA Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance St Mary’s House, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD

Page 30

The Parish of Bilston

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31[st] December 2023

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.

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:

Page 31

Restricted funds comprise of two elements :-

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.

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.

Page 32

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 statement.

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% per annum. The Parish Centre is revalued at 31 December annually using Nationwide house price calculator and show on page 44

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.

Parish of Bilston year ended 2023

Receipts and Payments 2023

Receipts and Payments 2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
2023
2022
Receipts:
Donations and legacies
Receipts from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Total receipts
Payments:
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		 97,333
1,517
—
98,851
98,595
15,157
—
—
15,157
13,823
8,260
—
—
8,260
9,231
3,530
63
—
3,593
1,337
54,373
—
—
54,373
1,617
178,654
1,581
—
180,235
124,605
454
17
—
471
1,067
118,653
501
—
119,155
74,493
9,264
—
—
9,264
9,600
128,372
519
—
128,891
85,161
50,282
1,062
—
51,344
39,443
7,487
—
—
7,487
316,491
(4,949)
(2,538)
—
(7,487)
(316,491)
—
—
6,189
6,189
(12,796)
(8,413)
(1,421)
—
(9,835)
12,723
44,406
(2,897)
6,189
47,698
39,370

Page 33

Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 77,463
17,691
310,878
406,032
366,662
121,870
14,793
317,067
453,731
406,032

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2023

General
Designated
Restricted
Endowmen
t
2023
2022
Fixed assets - Tangible assets
2 x Inspiron Laptops -
Parish Centre -
Stow Lawn Land -
Totals
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
St Mary's DCC Current Account -
St Leonard's Flower Current Account -
Parish Centre Account -
PCC of The Parish of Bilston -
St Chad's DCC Current account -
Flowers - Cash in hand -
Parish Centre Cash -
St Leonard's Choir -
The Melting Pot - St Leonards -
St Leonard's Church Current Account -
CCLA Bilston TN733 - 402 -
CCLA Bilston TN733 - 420 -
CCLA Bilston TN733 - 477 -
CCLA Bilston TN733 - 600 -
CCLA (CBF) St Leonards - Walford Legacy
-
IDS Decoration Scheme DOVER STREET -
IDS Decoration Scheme CUMBERLAND -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
LDBF Common Fund 2022 -
Overpayment to P -
LDBF Common Fund 2022 Overpayment
-
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Grand total		 1,061
—
—
—
1,061
2,122
—
—
—
219,859
219,859
219,859
1
—
—
—
1
1
1,062
—
—
219,859
220,921
221,982
19,585
—
—
—
19,585
2,435
—
306
—
—
306
306
—
4,928
206
—
5,135
4,129
10,902
—
2,200
—
13,103
11,729
34,619
—
6,297
—
40,916
6,032
—
142
—
—
142
142
—
—
—
—
—
10
—
21
—
—
21
21
—
903
—
—
903
11,786
33,119
12,558
4,926
—
50,604
42,967
—
—
—
25,561
25,561
22,246
—
—
—
21,717
21,717
23,136
—
—
—
49,929
49,929
45,636
3,679
—
—
—
3,679
475
—
—
2,059
—
2,059
1,995
—
—
1,220
—
1,220
1,220
—
—
82
—
82
82
101,906
18,861
16,994
97,208
234,970
174,356
40
—
4,103
—
4,143
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,133
—
—
—
—
—
9,835
40
—
4,103
—
4,143
10,968
—
—
6,303
—
6,303
1,275
—
—
6,303
—
6,303
1,275
103,008
18,861
14,793
317,067
453,731
406,032

Approved by the PCC on 25/03/2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Page 34

Revd Simon Skidmore Mr Philip Dooley

Page 35

Genernl DesI￿ated Re#rtcted FndoMTh 2023 Nxed 8ssets-T¥nglblea55e¢s 2 x Inspiron LBptops- Parlsh Centre- Stow Lawn Land- i.c61 2.122 219.859 219,859 219.859 Totals 119859 2Zq921 22L9B2 rreIrt8￿4ts. Ca%h atbanknd kn hand St Marys DCC cU￿nt￿tynt- St Leonard'5 FI￿￿tr Current l£twnt. Parish Centre ALcount- PCC ofThe Parfsh of &lston- St Chad's DCC Current xwunt- FloweTs- Cashln hand- PrishCentre Cash- St Leonard's thdr. The Melilng Pot- St Leenards- St Leonard's Churth Current A￿OUrt- CCLA 811stw TP4733- 402- CCLA 8115ton TN733- 420- CCLA Bilston TN733- 477- 8ilstonTr4733- 6CO- CaA ICBFI St Leon•rd5- Waword Le¥ 19,585 2A35 4,928 5,135 13,103 40.916 142 4129 11.729 032 142 io 21 11.786 42,%7 22.246 lo,￿? 34.619 2.2CII 297 142 21 21 33,119 12.558 4,926 25,561 21.717 49.929 25.561 21,717 49.929 3.679 45.636 475 L995 ID5 Dec(afjen Schernp DOVER sfREET- IOS Dec￿3￿¢￿ Stheme OJMBERLJJ4D. 1.220 1.220 L220 82 IA994 ￿j1￿ 2XgXI 1743% IOL9D6 861 Accounts Recelvable- LDBF CommoTr Fund 2022- OverpymenttoP- LDBF Commw Fund X$22therpawnent 4.103 4.143 L133 9B35 Tota 4101 4143 ency cdlectioiis. 6.303 6.303 275 L275 fot Gr¥￿t•ll1 103,IIX IU61 14,793 317.iw 453.731 Approv¢d bythe PCC(ffi 2510312024 Ind $4ffted ￿ Its ￿hall by: Ileyd Smon StrJdmc*e Mf Phlllp Dudey Page 36

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2022

General
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
2022
2021
Fixed assets - Investments
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 -
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 [1] -
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 [2] -
Totals
Fixed assets - Tangible assets
2 x Inspiron Laptops -
Parish Centre -
Stow Lawn Land -
Totals
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
CCLA (CBF) Lichfield TN733 -
St Mary's DCC Current Account -
St Leonard's Flower Current Account -
Parish Centre Account -
PCC of The Parish of Bilston -
CCLA (CBF) St Leonards - Walford Legacy
-
St Chad's DCC Current account -
Flowers - Cash in hand -
Parish Centre Cash -
St Leonard's Choir -
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 -
LDBF Common Fund 2022 -
Overpayment to P -
LDBF Common Fund 2022 Overpayment
-
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Grand total		 —
—
—
22,246
22,246
25,877
—
—
—
23,136
23,136
26,212
—
—
—
45,636
45,636
51,724
—
—
—
91,019
91,019
103,815
2,122
—
—
—
2,122
—
—
—
—
219,859
219,859
207,137
1
—
—
—
1
1
2,123
—
—
219,859
221,982
207,138
475
—
—
—
475
11,134
2,435
—
—
—
2,435
2,555
—
306
—
—
306
306
—
3,923
206
—
4,129
1,872
10,213
(1,000)
2,516
—
11,729
5,226
—
—
1,995
—
1,995
1,969
(52)
186
5,898
—
6,032
6,222
—
142
—
—
142
142
—
10
—
—
10
10
—
21
—
—
21
21
(715)
10,208
2,293
—
11,786
6,182
36,282
1,932
4,752
—
42,967
16,246
—
—
1,220
—
1,220
1,220
—
—
82
—
82
82
48,639
15,731
18,966
—
83,337
53,194
—
—
—
—
—
712
1,133
—
—
—
1,133
—
9,835
—
—
—
9,835
—
10,968
—
—
—
10,968
712
—
—
1,275
—
1,275
(1,802)
—
—
1,275
—
1,275
(1,802)
61,731
15,731
17,691
310,878
406,032
366,662

Page 37

Analysis of receipts and payments 2023

RECEIPTS

Donations and legacies

0101 - Gift Aid Collections
Bank/Envelopes
0201 - Non Gift Aid Collections
0201 - Non-Gift Aid Collections
0301 - Loose plate collections
0410 - Votive Lights/Church Boxes
0550 - Donations appeals etc
0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
0701 - Legacies
08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants
0901 - Other funds generated
Total
Receipts from charitable activities
0902 - Heating Weddings&Funeral
0902 - Heating Weddings&Funerals
1101 - Fees for weddings and
funerals
1210 - Melting Pot - Food Sales
1230 - Hire of Hall
Total
Other trading activities
1230 - Parish Centre Hire
1250 - Magazine income -
advertising
1260 - Parish magazine sales
Total
Investments
1001 - Dividends
1020 - Bank and building society
interest
1230 - Rent from lands or
buildings&Melting Pot
Total
Other receipts
1310 - Insurance claims
Total		 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
11,703
—
—
—
11,703
11,556
1,429
—
—
—
1,429
1,062
1,730
—
—
—
1,730
4,209
7,728
—
—
—
7,728
7,380
183
—
—
—
183
335
5,148
—
1,353
—
6,502
15,375
4,563
—
—
—
4,563
5,156
60,000
—
—
—
60,000
40,189
2,154
—
—
—
2,154
8,568
2,692
—
163
—
2,855
4,760
97,333
—
1,517
—
98,851
98,595
—
—
—
—
—
60
1,480
—
—
—
1,480
840
4,683
—
—
—
4,683
4,691
—
8,964
—
—
8,964
8,232
30
—
—
—
30
—
6,193
8,964
—
—
15,157
13,823
—
8,260
—
—
8,260
9,130
—
—
—
—
—
90
—
—
—
—
—
11
—
8,260
—
—
8,260
9,231
3,142
—
—
—
3,142
1,052
62
4
63
—
131
104
50
270
—
—
320
180
3,255
274
63
—
3,593
1,337
54,373
—
—
—
54,373
1,617
54,373
—
—
—
54,373
1,617
RECEIPTS TOTAL 161,155
17,499
1,581
—
180,235
124,605

Page 38

PAYMENTS

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Raising funds
1730 - Costs of fetes & other events 287 — 17 — 305 893
1740 - Bank Charges — 166 — — 166 174
Total 287 166 17 — 471 1,067
Expenditure on charitable activities
1910 - LDBF Common Fund 18,410 — — — 18,410 42,368
2001 - Salaries — 4,515 — — 4,515 190
2201 - Parish training and mission 255 — 78 — 333 22
2301 - Church running - insurance 9,277 — — — 9,277 9,209
2310 - Church office - telephone 710 — — — 710 807
2320 - Organ / piano tuning 626 — — — 626 —
2330 - Church maintenance 5,179 — — — 5,179 3,273
2331 - Cleaning — 1,747 254 — 2,002 714
2340 - Upkeep of services 286 — — — 286 886
2350 - Upkeep of churchyard 600 — — — 600 —
2360 - 2,358 65 168 — 2,591 2,518
Admin/Stationery/Photocopier/Print
ing et
2361 - Parish Expenses 128 — — — 128 —
2401 - Church running - electric 3,136 — — — 3,136 3,081
2410 - Church running - gas 8,783 — — — 8,783 5,900
2440 - Heating & Lighting 74 — — — 74 —
2518 - Melting Pot - Non Food Items — 161 — — 161 202
2519 - Melting Pot - Food Supplies — 4,748 — — 4,748 2,885
2602 - Licences & Subscriptions — — — — — 75
2602 - Licences & Subrcriptions 403 — — — 403 491
2701 - Church major repairs - 57,186 — — — 57,186 —
structure
2710 - Church major repairs - — — — — — 1,867
installation
Total 107,415 11,238 501 — 119,155 74,493
Other expenditure
2333 - Cleaning — 210 — — 210 194
2360 - — 10 — — 10 831
Admin/Stationery/Photocopier/Print
ing
2401 - Church Running - Electric — — — — — 20
2410 - Church Running - Gas — — — — — 164
2530 - Parish Centre - Electricity — 1,822 — — 1,822 2,331
2540 - Parish Centre - Gas — 791 — — 791 785
2550 - Parish Centre - Insurance — 335 — — 335 744
2560 - Parish Centre - Maintenance — 2,134 — — 2,134 1,590
2570 - Parish Centre - telephone — 2,327 — — 2,327 1,577
2580 - Parish Centre - water — 1,631 — — 1,631 1,361
2710 - Church major repairs - — — — — — 1,867
installation
Total — 9,264 — — 9,264 11,467
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 107,702 20,669 519 — 128,891 87,028
GRAND TOTAL 53,453 (3,170) 1,062 — 51,344 37,576

Page 39

Fund movement by type 2023

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gain/loss
Closing
Belfry - Belfry
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
Curate - Sale Of Curate House
Endowment
Sub-total for Curate
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 Fund
Designated
Sub-total for Flowers
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
Lighting - Lighting At St Leona
Restricted
Sub-total for Lighting
Manager - Manager Post
Restricted
Sub-total for Manager
Melting Po - Melting Pot
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for Melting Po		 125
—
—
—
—
125
125
—
—
—
—
125
1,962
—
—
—
—
1,962
1,962
—
—
—
—
1,962
21
—
—
—
—
21
21
—
—
—
—
21
2,500
853
—
—
—
3,353
2,500
853
—
—
—
3,353
91,019
—
—
—
6,189
97,208
91,019
—
—
—
6,189
97,208
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
206
—
—
—
—
206
206
—
—
—
—
206
449
—
—
—
—
449
449
—
—
—
—
449
186
—
948
762
—
—
186
—
948
762
—
—
61,731
161,155
107,702
(3,762)
—
103,008
61,731
161,155
107,702
(3,762)
—
103,008
1,447
—
—
—
—
1,447
1,447
—
—
—
—
1,447
1,200
—
—
(1,200)
—
—
1,200
—
—
(1,200)
—
—
10,178
9,239
10,456
2,538
—
11,499
1,593
—
254
(1,338)
—
—
11,771
9,239
10,711
1,200
—
11,499

Page 40

Mission - Mission Work At St C
Restricted
Restricted
Sub-total for Mission
PCentre - Parish Centre
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for PCentre
PCentreBui - Parish Centre Buildi
Endowment
Sub-total for PCentreBui
Project - Kitchen/Vestry/Toile
Restricted
Sub-total for Project
SoftPlay - Soft Play Area
Restricted
Sub-total for SoftPlay
St Chads - St Chads Fund
Restricted
Sub-total for St Chads
Walford - Walford Legacy
Restricted
Sub-total for Walford
Warmth - Places Of Warmth
Restricted
Sub-total for Warmth
Welcome - Places Of Welcome
Restricted
Sub-total for Welcome
Grand total		 1,633
500
96
—
—
2,037
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,633
500
96
—
—
2,037
2,933
8,260
9,264
3,000
—
4,928
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,933
8,260
9,264
3,000
—
4,928
219,859
—
—
—
—
219,859
219,859
—
—
—
—
219,859
500
—
—
—
—
500
500
—
—
—
—
500
1,268
—
—
—
—
1,268
1,268
—
—
—
—
1,268
—
163
—
—
—
163
—
163
—
—
—
163
1,995
63
—
—
—
2,059
1,995
63
—
—
—
2,059
2,000
—
168
—
—
1,831
2,000
—
168
—
—
1,831
495
—
—
—
—
495
495
—
—
—
—
495
404,611
180,235
128,891
—
6,189
453,731

Page 41

Fund movement by type 2022

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gain/Loss
Closing
Belfry - Belfry
Restricted
Sub-total for Belfry
Bibles - Bibles
Restricted
Sub-total for Bibles
Bloom - Bilston in Bloom
Restricted
Sub-total for Bloom
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
Curate - Sale Of Curate House
Endowment
Sub-total for Curate
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 Fund
Designated
Sub-total for Flowers
General - General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
Laptops - Laptops
Restricted
Sub-total for Laptops
Lighting - Lighting At St Leona		 1,723
—
1,598
—
—
125
1,723
—
1,598
—
—
125
—
111
111
—
—
—
—
111
111
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
880
1,082
—
—
—
1,962
880
1,082
—
—
—
1,962
21
—
—
—
—
21
21
—
—
—
—
21
—
2,500
—
—
—
2,500
—
2,500
—
—
—
2,500
—
—
—
91,019
—
91,019
—
—
—
91,019
—
91,019
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
1,303
—
—
—
—
1,303
206
—
—
—
—
206
206
—
—
—
—
206
449
—
—
—
—
449
449
—
—
—
—
449
257
—
70
—
—
186
257
—
70
—
—
186
139,633
97,165
70,151
(90,699)
(12,796)
61,731
139,633
97,165
70,151
(90,699)
(12,796)
61,731
—
500
—
(500)
—
—
—
500
—
(500)
—
—

Page 42

Restricted
Sub-total for Lighting
Manager - Manager Post
Restricted
Sub-total for Manager
Melting Po - Melting Pot
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for Melting Po
Mission - Mission Work At St C
Restricted
Restricted
Sub-total for Mission
PCentre - Parish Centre
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for PCentre
PCentreBui - Parish Centre Buildi
Endowment
Sub-total for PCentreBui
Project - Kitchen/Vestry/Toile
Restricted
Sub-total for Project
SoftPlay - Soft Play Area
Restricted
Sub-total for SoftPlay
Walford - Walford Legacy
Restricted
Sub-total for Walford
Warmth - Places Of Warmth
Restricted
Sub-total for Warmth
Welcome - Places Of Welcome
Restricted
Sub-total for Welcome
Grand total		 2,110
—
662
—
—
1,447
2,110
—
662
—
—
1,447
—
1,200
—
—
—
1,200
—
1,200
—
—
—
1,200
5,240
8,418
3,661
180
—
10,178
1,592
1
—
—
—
1,593
6,832
8,420
3,661
180
—
11,771
1,750
—
116
—
—
1,633
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,750
—
116
—
—
1,633
—
—
—
2,933
—
2,933
209,525
9,130
8,584
(222,792)
12,722
—
209,525
9,130
8,584
(219,859)
12,722
2,933
—
—
—
219,859
—
219,859
—
—
—
219,859
—
219,859
—
500
—
—
—
500
—
500
—
—
—
500
—
1,268
—
—
—
1,268
—
1,268
—
—
—
1,268
1,969
25
—
—
—
1,995
1,969
25
—
—
—
1,995
—
2,000
—
—
—
2,000
—
2,000
—
—
—
2,000
—
700
204
—
—
495
—
700
204
—
—
495
366,662
124,605
85,161
—
(74)
404,611

Page 43

Staff Costs

2023 2022
Wages & Salaries £4,590 £NIL
Average number of Employees 2 0

During the year the PCC employed two Café assistants in The Melting Pot [both part-time] none of the payments were large enough to attract social security costs. Their contracts began 1 August 2023. There were no employees in 2022.

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

The PCC uses the National Employment Savings Trust [Nest] via the Diocesan Payroll Scheme, for its pension payments. However, no pension payments are being made as neither employee qualifies automatically.

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£199 [2022 £177] for travel.

Related Parties

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

Donations from related parties [9 PCC members] totalled £5,192 [2022 £5,069]

Page 44

Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Debit Credit Description Fund
2,000.00 — Per 40461474 PCentre Des
— 2,000.00 To 30027537 General Unr
— 1,000.00 Tfr from General to Parish General Unr
Centre KB tidy up
1,000.00 — Tfr from General to Parish PCentre Des
Centre KB tidy up
— 762.08 Tfr from General to Flowers to General Unr
bring to nil
762.08 — Tfr from General to Flowers to Flowers Des
bring to nil
593.62 — Tfr from Melting pot des to General Unr
General KB tidy up
— 838.56 Tfr from Melting Pot restricted Melting Po Res
to designated to close fund
— 593.62 Tfr from Melting pot des to Melting Po Des
General KB tidy up
1,200.00 — Tfr from Managers post to Melting Po Des
Melting Pot Designated as
salaries paid Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov
totalling £3,677.24
838.56 — Tfr from Melting Pot restricted Melting Po Des
to designated to close fund
— 1,200.00 Tfr from Managers post to Manager Res
Melting Pot Designated as
salaries paid Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov
totalling £3,677.24
— 593.62 Tfr from General to Melting Pot General Unr
KB tidy up
— 500.00 Tfr from Melting pot restricted Melting Po Res
to designated KB tidy up
593.62 — Tfr from General to Melting Pot Melting Po Des
KB tidy up
500.00 — Tfr from Melting pot restricted Melting Po Des
to designated KB tidy up
----- End of picture text -----

Page 45

Analysis of Transfer between Funds 2022

Debit Credit Description Fund Fund Type
- 22,246.15 Tfr General to Curate General Unr
22,246.15 - Tfr General to Curate Curate End
23,136.91 - Tfr from General to Curate Curate End
- 23,136.91 Tfr from General to Curate General Unr
45,636.07 - Tfr from General to Curate Curate End
- 45,636.07 Tfr from General to Curate General Unr
3,923.29 - Tfr from restricted to designated as income can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Des
- 3,923.29 Tfr from restricted to designated as income can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Res
1,000.00 - Tfr from Restricted to Designated as funds can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Res
- 1,000.00 Tfr from Restricted to Designated as funds can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Des
- 10.22 Tfr from Restricted to Designated as funds can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Res
10.22 - Tfr from Restricted to Designated as funds can be used
for Parish expenses		 PCentre Des
219,859.00 - Tfr from Restricted to Endowment PCentreBuilding End
- 219,859.00 Tfr from Restricted to Endowment PCentre Res
180 - Tfr from 90303410 to 70201782 MeltingPot Des
- 180 Tfr from 90303410 to 70201782 General Unr
- 500 Tfr Laptops to General Laptops purchased and General
fund debited - see fixed assets		 Laptops Res
500 - Tfr Laptops to General Laptops purchased and General
fund debited - see fixed assets		 General Unr

Page 46

Fixed Assets

a) Tangible Fixed Assets

Freehold
Buildings
£		 Church
Equipment
£		 Total
Assets
Cost or Valuation
As at 1 Jan 219,860 2,123 221,982
Additions in the Year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Disposal in the Year 0.00 0.00 0.00
Revaluation[if any] -6,258 0.00 -6,258
Value at 31 Dec 213,602 2,123 215,725
Accumulated Depreciation 213,602 2,123 215,725
As at 1 Jan 0.00 0.00 0.00
Charge for the Year 0.00 1,061 0.00
Disposals 0.00 0.00 0.00
Value at 31 Dec 213,602 1,061 215,725
Net Book Value at 1 Jan 2023 219,860 2,123 221,982
Net Book Value at 31 Dec 2023 213,601 1,061 214,663

Freehold Buildings

Parish Centre: £213,601 [£219,859 2022] – The Parish Church Centre is revalued at 31 December annually using Nationwide house price calculator referred to on page 32

Stow Lawn Land: £1.00 – a nominal figure the land has not been formally valued

2 X Inspiron computers purchased in 2022 depreciation @ 50% in 2023

b) Fixed Asset Investments

At 1 Jan
£		 Additions
£		 Disposals
£		 Transfers
£		 Change in
Market Value		 At 31 Dec
£
Endowment Fund
Investments 91,019 0.00 0.00 91,019 6,189 97,208
Total 91,019 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,189 97,208

CCLA (CBF) Lichfield CB3008402 TN733 – £25,561 [2022 £22,246.15] CCLA (CBF) Lichfield CB3008420 TN733 - £21,717 [2022 £23,136.91] CCLA (CBF) Lichfield CB3008477 TN733 - £49,929 [2022 £45,636.07]

Page 47

Summary of Assets by Fund 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2023 2022
Unrestricted
General fund 103,008 — — 103,008 61,731
Designated
Building Fund 1,962 — — 1,962 1,962
Flower Fund 449 — — 449 449
Flowers Fund — — — — 186
Melting Pot 11,499 — — 11,499 10,178
Parish Centre 4,928 — — 4,928 2,933
St Leonard's Choir 21 — — 21 21
Restricted
Agency collection — — — — 1,421
Belfry — 125 — 125 125
Christmas Festival — 3,353 — 3,353 2,500
Decoration Scheme — 1,303 — 1,303 1,303
Kitchen/Vestry/Toilets — 500 — 500 500
Lighting At St Leonards — 1,447 — 1,447 1,447
Manager Post — — — — 1,200
Melting Pot — — — — 1,593
Mission Work At St Chads — 2,037 — 2,037 1,633
Places Of Warmth — 1,831 — 1,831 2,000
Places Of Welcome — 495 — 495 495
Soft Play Area — 1,268 — 1,268 1,268
St Chads Fund — 163 — 163 —
Summer Fair Parish Centre grant from Bussey — 206 — 206 206
Walford Legacy — 2,059 — 2,059 1,995
Endowment
Parish Centre Building — — 219,859 219,859 219,859
Sale Of Curate House TN733 — — 97,208 97,208 91,019
Total 121,867 14,787 317,067 453,721 406,024

Page 48

Summary of Assets by Fund 2022

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2022 2021
Unrestricted
General fund 61,731 — — 61,731 139,633
Designated
Building Fund 1,962 — — 1,962 880
Flower Fund 449 — — 449 449
Flowers Fund 186 — — 186 257
Melting Pot 10,178 — — 10,178 5,240
Parish Centre 2,933 — — 2,933 —
St Leonard's Choir 21 — — 21 21
Restricted
Agency collection — 1,421 — 1,421 —
Belfry — 125 — 125 1,723
Christmas Festival — 2,500 — 2,500 —
Decoration Scheme — 1,303 — 1,303 1,303
Kitchen/Vestry/Toilets — 500 — 500 —
Lighting At St Leonards — 1,447 — 1,447 2,110
Manager Post — 1,200 — 1,200 —
Melting Pot — 1,593 — 1,593 1,592
Mission Work At St Chads — 1,633 — 1,633 1,750
Parish Centre — — — — 209,525
Places Of Warmth — 2,000 — 2,000 —
Places Of Welcome — 495 — 495 —
Soft Play Area — 1,268 — 1,268 —
Summer Fair Parish Centre grant from Bussey — 206 — 206 206
Walford Legacy — 1,995 — 1,995 1,969
Endowment
Parish Centre Building — — 219,859 219,859 —
Sale Of Curate House TN733 — — 91,019 91,019 —
Total 78,462 17,691 310,878 406,032 366,662

Page 49

Receipts & Payments Comparatives

Previous Year 2022

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
2022
2021
Receipts and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Receipts 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		 90,714
8,780
—
99,495
76,028
12,923
—
—
12,923
9,978
101
9,130
—
9,231
6,951
1,309
27
—
1,337
2,206
1,617
—
—
1,617
—
106,667
17,938
—
124,605
95,165
912
155
—
1,067
1,133
71,955
2,538
—
74,493
112,284
1,015
8,584
—
9,600
19,999
73,883
11,278
—
85,161
133,417
32,783
6,659
—
39,443
(38,252)
4,613
1,000
310,878
316,491
79,390
(92,199)
(224,292)
—
(316,491)
(79,390)
(12,796)
—
—
(12,796)
60,952
(1,420)
14,143
—
12,723
33,355
(69,017)
(202,489)
310,878
39,370
56,054
146,481
220,181
—
366,662
310,607
77,463
17,691
310,878
406,032
366,662

Page 50