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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiatical Parish Of Saint Clement And All Saints Hastings.

2024-12-31-accounts

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

Reports for Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024

TRUSTEES REPORT 2024

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The primary aim of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings is the promotion of the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.

The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent or Priest-in-Charge in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the two parish church buildings, St Clement’s and All Saints’, as well as All Saints’ Church Hall.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to maintaining a faithful, worshiping community at the heart of Hastings’ Old Town, particularly by:

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

they are better equipped to live lives of transformative witness;

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP

The Parish of St Clement and All Saints Hastings is an ecclesiastical parish in the Deanery of Hastings, in the Archdeaconry of Hastings, in the Diocese of Chichester.

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2011) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priestin-charge, readers licensed to officiate in the church), the churchwardens and 4 members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 12 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

The PCC began 2024 with a new Chair, the Revd Mathew Phipps, who was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the parish on 11 September 2023 after a vacancy of roughly 12 months.

Those whose names are on the Electoral Roll are warmly encouraged to prayerfully consider standing for election to the PCC, and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible. The full PCC met 9 times in 2024, holding ordinary meetings in February, April, May, July, September and November, and special meetings in January, August and December.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Our Parish Context

Together, All Saints’ and St Clement’s are the two churches of the Old Town Parish. The historic centre of Hastings is a lively and quirky place which is home to the UK’s largest landlaunched fishing fleet, arcades and a funfair, the East Hill Cliff Lift (the UK’s steepest funicular railway), the Hastings Contemporary gallery, and a wide variety of unusual shops, pubs, bars and restaurants. There are a little over 3,500

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

people resident in the parish, most in the Clive Vale area which sits in the valley between East Hill and West Hill. During the summer, the area attracts tens of thousands from inland to its beaches and other tourist attractions, and there is an exciting annual calendar of community events with wide appeal, including: Hastings Jack-in-the-Green Festival, Old Town Week, Pirate Day, Hastings Week and the Hastings Bonfire.

Though colourful, and popular with visitors, Hastings suffers from high levels of deprivation. The ecclesiastical parish is the 1,951[st] most-deprived ecclesiastical parish out of 12,239 in England (top 15%). The area served by the church includes LSOAs in the top 10% of those most deprived by crime and living environment, and in the top 20% for income deprivation affecting children. The risk of social exclusion is most evident in the incidence of high levels of unemployment, mental health issues and homelessness.

Worship and Mission

There are two regular Sunday morning services of Holy Communion (a traditional Book of Common Prayer service at 8am, and a sung Eucharist using Common Worship at 10am). There is also a monthly “1[st] Sunday@6” evening service, which varies from reflective Taize prayer and worship, to Songs of Praise or Choral Evensong. Attendance at these services has continued throughout the year, with around 60 people attending one of the two morning services each week, while the monthly 1[st] Sunday@6 service has drawn regular worshippers as well as others who do not attend morning services. Major Christian festivals and special services attract significant numbers, with around 145 (mostly families with

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

young children) at the Crib Service on Christmas Eve, and 120 at Midnight Mass. Celebrating these events with the participation of so many members of our wider community is a significant factor in the achievement of our objectives.

Having a half-time parish priest has provided continuity for the community’s worship, with greater opportunities to make changes and trial new ideas. The PCC recruited a new Director of Music, Dr Matthew Geer, who joined the parish in June 2024. His arrival has allowed the choir to develop its repertoire after a 12 month vacancy, with an increased variety of choral pieces enriching worship. New services for 2024 included “Desert Island Hymns” service as part of the 1[st] Sunday @ 6 programme, and the introduction of a service of Choral Evensong to celebrate All Saints’ Day.

The church plays a significant part in the celebration of special occasions and events in the Old Town, including the annual Good Friday Procession of Witness, the Morris Dancers’ Festival Eucharist, Blessing of Pets, and the Community Service attended by representatives of local charities and services. The Blessing of the Sea commemorated the 200[th] anniversary of the RNLI, and was held on the harbour arm, with refreshments served afterwards in the lifeboat house, thanks to RNLI volunteers. These special services illustrate the achievement of our objective to place the church’s worshiping life at the heart of our community and provide wide public benefit.

One of the church’s most visible ministries is the provision of refreshments and light lunches on Saturdays throughout the year, with hot soup in the colder months, and cream teas and cakes in the summer. Combined with visitors and older

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

people who appreciate a place to meet others, and cream teas for tourists exploring the area. This hospitality has worked together with the already valuable ministry of making St Clement’s open almost every Saturday through the year, with visitors drawn especially to craft fairs and the “Rossettis in Love” exhibition which, opened in March 2022, is based on the Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet, Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The church tower bells and handbells groups usually practice on Saturday mornings and lunchtimes, providing an additional attraction and new experience for visitors. Although there is a lot to see and enjoy when the churches are open, it is the constant experience of our volunteers that many people come to pray, to light a candle, or simply to imbibe the spiritual atmosphere of a place that has been prayed in for centuries. Late night opening in the original “Night Church” format continues on special occasions, including for the Hastings Bonfire and Pram Race (during Carnival Week).

Both St Clement’s and All Saints’ are sought after as places to get married of for the baptism of infants, often because of the longstanding family connection that many Hastings residents have with the Old Town. 3 weddings and one Thanksgiving for Marriage were held.

There is a Food Bank collection point at St Clement’s and the second half of 2024 saw an increase in donations, especially for Harvest Festival.

Children, young people and adult discipleship

The Junior Choir, which has been running for nearly 4 years, admits children from 8 to 16 years of age and, through a midweek rehearsal and Sunday morning service, enables them to

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

work through the Royal School of Church Music’s “Voice for Life” programme. This is supported by the Batley-Hibbert Music Fund, administered by the Magdalen and Lasher Charity. There are currently 5-6 young people between the ages of 10 and 15 in the Junior Choir, and a new grant from the Battley Hibbert Fund (in October 2024) will provide for the continuation and expansion of the programme over the next 3 years.

The junior serving team has increased to 4. Through the Junior Choir and serving team, children and young people are able to learn and take a full part in the church’s worship. The whole worshiping community is enriched by serving God together across generations.

3 young people from the parish were confirmed at the Bexhill Deanery confirmation service in June, and one young person and one adult were baptised and confirmed in October. There were 5 infant baptisms in 2024.

Ecumenical Relationships

The church community enjoys a warm relationship with our near neighbour’s, the (Roman Catholic) Parish of St Mary Starof-the-Sea. Our Taize worship services have appealed to Christians of other traditions, and the Good Friday Procession of Witness is organised with wide Christian participation, especially from member of St Mary’s.

Communication and administration

Parish News is a key point of contact between the church and the wider community. There are 10 issues a year (double issues over Christmas and in the summer), and these are

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

delivered to every home and business in the parish by a team of volunteers. A pastoral letter, service and event times, articles of local and educational interest, and advertisements from local businesses all feature. Income from advertising defrays the costs of printing, with the balance being provided by the PCC with support from the Magdalen and Lasher Charity.

The parish website has cemented its place as a source of information for visitors, as well as an up-to-date online calendar which is accessible to all. The website still contains convenient links to the parish Facebook page and to an online donation portal.

The online mailing tool continues to attract new subscribers at a gradual rate, with numbers around 100. Pews News, Parish News and the weekly Sunday sermon are all made available to subscribers. The Facebook page has around 50 subscribes, and publishes sermons, notices about services and events, and seasonal online campaigns like the Church of England’s Lent and Advent reflections.

The parish office is staffed on Wednesday mornings, dealing with enquiries and correspondence, and producing Pews News and other printed material for services.

Schools

Links with All Saints’ CE Junior Academy have developed gradually through the year, with regular meetings between the parish priest and headteacher. A “link worker” from the church visits as often as weekly and supports those involved in leading school worship, as well as with English and

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

mathematics. The school also has a foundation governor nominated with the support of the PCC. The church prays for staff and pupils, prompted by a weekly note in Pew News. In 2024, the school’s annual leavers’ service was held in All Saints’ Church, and its Christmas Carol Concert was hosted in St Clement’s Church, with link worker, governors and parish priest attending.

Pastoral Care for people living in the Parish

Pastoral visits, which may include Holy Communion, are made to sick parishioners. A weekly prayer list is maintained and included in Sunday services in Church and on the Pew Sheet.

Pastoral visits are offered to residents of both residential care homes in the parish. Regular visits to The Laurels were discontinued in summer 2024, although the aim of establishing a more sustainable commitment to pastoral visitation has not yet been realised. Fortnightly visits are made to Old Hastings House and Holy Communion is distributed by lay ministers authorised to do so. The Honorary Assistant Priest in the parish, Brother Aelred Partridge, is also Honorary Chaplain to Old Hastings House.

In Autumn 2024, a monthly evening service of sung worship was reintroduced at Old Hastings House for the first time since the pandemic of 2020. A 3-month trial was well received and, with the support of the Ministry Team, is expected to continue.

St. Clement and All Saints Church Buildings

We have charge of two beautiful medieval churches and a church hall. The PCC is committed to the faithful stewardship

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

of this heritage, and to keeping these buildings well-used and well-maintained.

Some outstanding stonework at St Clement’s Church was completed in 2024, but the more significant building project for the year was the repair of the south porch at All Saints which had become urgent in September 2023. Already the subject of local fundraising in the previous year, 2024 saw the grant of a confirmatory faculty and a number of successful grant applications. During the course of the year, over £25,000 in grants made or pledged. The conditions attached to one grant prompted a useful PCC discussion which arrived at a decision to make All Saints Church more readily available to visitors from 2025 onwards.

Unfortunately, inclement weather caused delays for contractors and the work anticipated for summer 2024 had still not begun by the end of the year.

We remain indebted to the Two Towers Trust for its fundraising activities, and to the local community for continuing to contribute with a generosity that reflects the iconic significance of these historic buildings for the local area.

All Saints’ Church Hall is usually rented out to various local groups. The Lower Hall is let as studio accommodation, with the adjacent garage also let to raise income.

THANKS

The PCC extends its thanks to all who bear responsibility for the Church’s work in this Parish, both employed and volunteer, too numerous to mention by name in this report.

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

However, special thanks are due to the churchwardens for their weekly commitment to the practicalities of church community life. During the vacancy, the church’s life was nurtured by a constant flow of visiting clergy, to whom we are also immensely grateful.

Thank you also to all who have worked so tirelessly for the church, serving on committees, leading our house-groups, children’s work, running and taking part in services, social events, fundraising, flower arranging, brass cleaning, making marmalade and ensuring that the life of the church and its service to the community has continued throughout the year.

Statement of Responsibilities of the PCC

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, which is also applicable to Parochial Church Councils, requires the members of the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the PCC’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the members of the PCC are required to:

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

d) Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the PCC will continue in operation.

This report was approved by the members of the Parochial Church Council and signed on their behalf.

Chair to the PCC

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

Please see separate document

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

MUSIC REPORT

It has been a great joy and privilege to begin my ministry as Director of Music at the Old Town Parish in June 2024. I am deeply grateful to the Junior Choir, Senior Choir, clergy, laity, and congregation for their unfailing kindness and support in helping me settle into the role and feel a true part of the community.

Since starting, the musical life of the parish has continued to grow. As of June 2024, we had 5 committed Junior Choristers and up to 8 Senior Choir members across the vocal range. We were delighted to welcome a new Junior Choir member this spring, recruited through the strengthening of links with All Saints Junior Academy, where I serve as a school governor. I am very thankful to the Head Teacher, Ms Hurd, for her support in this endeavour.

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

The Junior Choir continues to make excellent progress with the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life training scheme. Most members have completed Module E of their next level, and I have been working individually with them to guide their development through Modules A–D. Their dedication has been impressive.

Musically, we have celebrated several special occasions, notably a successful Harvest Festival at which the Junior and Senior Choirs joined together to sing a new choral anthem. The Junior Choir has also had three opportunities to sing independently, including a beautiful performance of A Prayer of St Richard of Chichester by L.J. White during Communion.

One particular development this year has been the integration of choral anthems into the 2nd Communion hymn slot at the Sunday 10am Eucharist. This has generally been well received by the congregation and has allowed us to introduce a wider range of liturgical music. Selecting appropriate repertoire that is accessible to both Junior Choir members (particularly at White Level) and Senior Choir members with varied ranges has been a positive and an ongoing learning curve.

The congregation's response to the music has been welcoming and encouraging, with particular appreciation expressed for the addition of different anthems and new liturgical music.

I would like to record my sincere thanks to the clergy, the Senior and Junior Choir members, their parents, our volunteers who assist with safeguarding at rehearsals, and the

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

whole congregation for their steadfast support and welcome over these first six months.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have made a strong start with two choral evensongs, supported by an augmented choir from within and outside the parish. There has been interest from new singers to join on an occasional basis. Most Junior Choristers are on track to complete their next Voice for Life level by August 2025. We are also currently exploring the possibility of appointing an Organ Scholar, who would receive tuition and participate in some liturgical playing. I have reviewed the choir library to plan new, accessible anthems, and we are making steady progress with a new Communion setting for congregational and choral use.

I am excited to continue building on these foundations in the year ahead and give thanks to God for all that has been achieved so far.

Dr Matthew Geer

Director of Music

BUILDINGS REPORT

South Porch - All Saints

Following timing issues with our initial chosen contractor, additional estimates were sought for the renovation works to the South Porch. We have appointed a new contractor, Richard Soan Roofing services of Lewes and we are confident in their abilities and their aim to commence works in April 25.

Heating

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

The central heating at All Saints and St Clements churches have not been working well, or at all, at various times. Investigation work to find the underlying problems continues, as well as improving the controllability of both systems.

General

One of the large downpipes serving the South elevation knave roof became detached and slipped to the gulley below. This was successfully repaired and replaced and appears to be functioning correctly.

Winter readiness works have been completed to both churches and the church hall, ensuring all gulleys, downpipes and drains are clear and working properly. A large amount of vegetation and overgrowth was removed, with particular attention given to St Clements churchyard adjoining Church Passage. The final inspection of the works by Sussex Stone carried out to St Clements has been inspected and signed off.

Sincere thanks to David Cheale (Builder), John Martin ( Heating Engineer) and Hannington & Gilbert (Electrical) for their attention, advice and care over the last year. Ian Gallagher

CHURCH WARDENS REPORT

Fr Mat our Priest in Charge has been with us for over a year now and this has made a huge difference to our Parish life, Church Worship and well being of the congregation, for which we are truly grateful. We also give many thanks to

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

Brother Aelred who continues to serve the parish and conducts one service a month regularly.

We were very pleased to welcome Dr Matt Geer as the brilliant new Organist in May 2024. Together with Fr Mat, they are both introducing us to new music and choral settings.

We continue to alternately worship 4 monthly between each church. Church attendance is increasing which is encouraging. As a parish we continue to work together with St Marys Star of the Sea for certain services.

Ian Gallagher continues to do a great job as Buildings Officer to both churches. Now focusing on repairs to All Saints south porch.

Both churches continue to be used for concerts and talks, which helps with parish income.

There have been several Baptisms in both churches and Fisherman's Museum, also weddings in both churches.

All Saints Hall continues to be used by the community to facilitate various groups.

Ann Wing

PARISH LIBRARY

The Parish Library is located mainly in All Saints Church with a few books located in St Clements. It contains a large number of items related to many relevant themes such as: Church

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

History, Ethics and Mysticism. Some of the largest sections are devoted to Theology, books examining the person and nature of Jesus and a number of biographies devoted to prominent religious figures.

Although largely consisting of works exploring Anglican and Catholic ideas, other Christian denominations are also included. There is also a small section devoted to other world faiths, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Historically the library has been used as a basis for study by interested members of the congregation and, occasionally, reviews have been printed in the Parish News. Books associated with past Lent and Advent House Groups are also available to peruse. These include the two most recent A Place For Us and The Long Road To Heaven, both of which are based on popular films (West Side Story and The Way respectively). As there is no longer a fund available to purchase new material many items have been kindly donated and some are on long term loan.

As regards the future of the library: at present it remains as a substantial but underused resource. It is our hope that all those who wish to investigate this rich and varied collection will continue to utilise it.

Laurence Homewood

HOUSE GROUPS

House groups continued to flourish during 2024, with 28 members meeting in four groups during Lent and Advent. Meetings were hosted in homes in the parish and in “The Stag”, All Saints Street. Courses use bible readings, thoughts

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

from a variety of writings, poetry, music and art and wide ranging discussion to explore our faith. The five week Lent Course followed the theme of “Thin Places”, looking at the role of pilgrimage and sacred places as part of a life long journey. This course was written by members of the Wednesday evening group. The four week Advent course was also written by group members, and used the hymn “I cannot tell” as a framework. This considered how we can work towards a future where Jesus is known by all as Saviour and God’s love fills the world.. All are welcome; we have members from other churches and with experience of all Christian denominations. Thanks to all our hosts and leaders.

Sue Phillips

SATURDAYS AT ST CLEMENT’S

St. Clement’s church was open on Saturdays, 11.30am to 2.30pm, March to December. Refreshments are offered on a “Pay as you can” basis, soup in the colder months and ploughman’s platters in the warmer months, with cream teas and longer opening in August. Funds raised for the church general fund are shown in the annual accounts, while the first Saturday in the month raises funds for the “Two Towers Trust”, supporting the repair of the two medieval churches. These Saturdays are a successful fund raising opportunity, but the main purpose for the doors of the church to be open .A warm welcome is assured to visitors and our regular customers, whether seeking a spiritual space to pray and perhaps light a candle, or visiting the medieval church

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

buildings while exploring Hastings Old Town. The cafe area in the church is a great place to meet friends and share tea or coffee and cake. Handbell practice is often followed by the “Big Bells” on these Saturdays, giving all a unique experience.

Thanks to our helpers in the kitchen, church sitters and, of course, our customers.

Sue Phillips

HOME COMMUNION SERVICES REPORT

Holy Communion via The Reserved Sacrament is taken into OHH fortnightly. The Book of Common Prayer Communion Service is used. Attendance ranges between 6-8 residents regularly taking part.

Attendance at The Laurels Nursing Home has been sadly dropping. This service unfortunately ceased during 2024, following discussions between Fr Mat and Nursing Home Manager.

Individual Home Communion Services are taken when requested, with a shortened Order of Service used.

Ann Wing

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

Our parish's representatives, Judy Cubison and Sandra Bentall, attended the three Hastings Deanery Synod meetings in 2024, held on 22nd January at St Ethelburga's Church, on

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

29th June at Holy Trinity Hastings, and on 14th October at St Matthew's Church. Revd Matthew Foy is the Rural Dean of Hastings and currently is also Acting Assistant Archdeacon of Hastings.

There was in 2024 lots of planning for 'Celebrating Faith', the 950th Anniversary of the Diocese of Chichester and the Nicene Creed for 1700 years, and Hastings & Rye Deaneries' service with Bishops Martin and Will at St Peter & St Paul on 15th January was a joyous celebration.

Sandra Bentall

CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Christmas Fair was held on Saturday 23[rd] November at St. Clement’s Church, 10.00am to 2.00pm. Stalls included Cakes, Sweets, Biscuits and Preserves, Handicrafts, Christmas decorations and wrappings, Books, Toys, Christmas Tombola and Prize every time, raffle and refreshments. Flagging spirits were raised at noon by a wonderful performance from The Cocktail Choir.

Thanks to all, we raised over £1,360.00.

Sue Phillips

HASTINGS OLD TOWN PARISH

One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

- PCC Membership 2024 2025

Name Role
Incumbent/PiC(a):
Mathew Phipps Chair
Churchwardens(e):
Ian Gallagher
Pat Lock Vice-Chair
JudyRogers Secretary
Ann Wing
Deanery Synod Representatives(i):
Sandra Bentall
Judith Cubison
[Vacancy]
[Vacancy]
Elected Lay-Representatives(j):
Laurence
Homewood
[vacancy]
[vacancy]
[vacancy]
Ken Bentall Electoral Roll Officer
(TBC)
Keith Leech Health & Safety
(TBC)

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One Modern Parish, Two Medieval Churches

Heather Summers Parish Safeguarding
Officer(TBC)
[vacancy]
RosemaryPronger
Simon Graves
Carol Ridge
[vacancy]
Co-Opted /
Invited(k)
Ian Gallagher Buildings Officer (co-
opted)
Simon Scott Treasurer(co-opted)

Annual Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

St Clements with All Saints Hastings

St Clement’s Church, Swan Terrace, Hastings, TN34 3HT

Registered Charity no. 1139491

For the year ended 31st December 2024

CONTENTS

Page 2 Statement of financial receipts and payments 3 Statement of assets and liabilities 4 Notes to the accounts 8 Report of the independent examiner

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s		 Endowed
Fund/s		 Total
All Funds
2024		 Total
All Funds
2023
General
Fund		 Designated
Funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Receipts from Sale of Investments		 £
50,485
4,149
31,522
9,969
537		 £
468
-
5,580
-
-		 £
9,718
-
-
-
26,750		 £
-
-
-
-
-		 £
60,671
4,149
37,102
9,969
27,287		 £
54,941
18,522
21,946
9,601
44
96,662
5,000		 6,048
5,000		 36,468 - 139,178
5,000		 105,054
10,000
Total received 101,662 6,048 36,468 - 144,178 115,054
9,303
94,090
10,441
5,361
-
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Major repairs
Other payments
Payments for purchases of investments		 1,673
87,058
11,845
11,115
-		 6,455
1,158
516
-
-		 -
2,149
-
9,705
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 8,128
90,365
12,361
20,820
-
111,691
8,000		 8,129
-		 11,854
-		 -
-		 131,674
8,000		 119,195
1,166
Total paid 119,691 8,129 11,854 - 139,674 120,361
Reconciliation of funds:
~~ao~~		 ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~
Net income or (net expenditure)
~~ao~~		 (18,029)
~~ao~~		 (2,081)
~~ao~~		 24,614
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 4,504
~~ao~~		 (5,307)
~~ao~~
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Bank accounts at 1 January
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 22,533
~~ao~~		 2,081
~~ao~~		 (24,614)
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~
4,504
5,018
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 4,504
5,018
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 (5,307)
10,325
~~ao~~
~~tt~~
Bank accounts at 31 December
~~tt~~		 9,522
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 9,522
~~tt~~		 5,018
~~tt~~

Rev Mat Phipps, Chair

2

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2023
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2024
Assets:
Cash at bank and in hand		 £
9,522		 £ £ £ £ £
5,018
9,522
-
PCC-owned bank balance 9,522 - - - 9,522 5,018
-
- - - -
Total bank and deposit accounts 9,522 - - - 9,522 5,018
Prepayments and accrued income
Gift Aid recoverable
Other debtors		 -
-
-
-
-
Debtors - - - - - -
CCLA investment fund
All Saints organ fund
Diocese-held fund		 268,311 308,258
12,886
46,848
14,353 35,570 - 318,234
13,544 - - 13,544
- - 47,927 47,927
Investment assets at market value 268,311 27,897 35,570 47,927 379,705 367,992
-
- - -
Investment assets at cost - - - - - -
Fixed Assets for Church use 300,403 300,403
- - 300,403
Total assets 578,236 27,897 35,570 47,927 689,630 673,413
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year		 - -
Total Liabilities - -

Note: No account taken of increase/decrease value of Fixed Assets

3

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total received

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total Notes
1
2
3
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted All Funds All Funds
Funds Fund/s 2024 2023
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
One-off and adhoc donations
Special appeals
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies
Misc donations		 £
20,124
1,360
7,572
2,805
9,813
0
8,811		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
468		 £
-
-
-
7,350
1,328
-
1,040		 £
20,124
1,360
7,572
10,155
11,141
-
10,319		 £
19,193
876
7,455
14,650
7,467
-
5,300
Donations and legacies 50,485 468 9,718 60,671 54,941
Fees for weddings & funerals 4,149 - - 4,149 5,937
Charitable activities 4,149 - - 4,149 5,937
Proceeds of events with trading/sales
Concert income
Night church
Hire of churches
Other fundraising		 1,396
-
-
1,110
5,114		 -
5,575
5
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 1,396
5,575
5
1,110
5,114		 1,525
5,764
213
990
4,093
Total trading activities 7,620 5,580 - 13,200 12,585
Income from church hall
Income from Parish News		 17,242
6,660		 -
-		 -
-		 17,242
6,660		 18,317
3,629
Total other trading activities 23,902 - - 23,902 21,946
Bank & CBF interest
CBF investment fund dividend		 146
9,823		 -
-		 -
-		 146
9,823		 46
9,555
Investments 9,969 - - 9,969 9,601
VAT refunds
Grants
Insurance claims
Other receipts		 537
-
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
25,750
1,000
-		 537
25,750
1,000
-		 -
-
-
44
Total received on all funds 96,662 6,048 36,468 139,178 105,054

Notes

  1. The restricted figure was funds donated for the appeal for the repair of damage to the All Saints porch roof.

  2. We are grateful for the Two Towers Trust donations of £1,040 towards the All Saints porch oof.

  3. For the same project, we were delighted to receive grants from the following: The Benefact Trust; Sussex Historical Churches Trust; and the Garfield Weston Foundation And for the Children's Choir from the Battley Hibbert Trust

4

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total paid

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total Notes
4
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2024 2023
Weddings & funerals
Fundraising expenses
Concerts & AS organ maintenance		 £
1,553
120
-		 £
-
-
6,455		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-		 £
1,553
120
6,455		 £
3,644
-
5,659
Cost of raising funds 1,673 6,455 - - 8,128 9,303
Charitable grants and donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Clergy and other people's expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Administration
Children's choir
Night church
Bells fund
Other regular church running costs
Accounting and examiner's fees
Rosetti exhibition
Church maintenance		 -
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
-
-
-
6,653
300
24
5,049		 371
-
-
-
-
-
-
787
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,149
-
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 371
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
2,149
787
-
6,653
300
24
5,049		 814
30,000
9,830
196
9,647
26,262
1,661
1,864
-
-
3,495
1,800
-
8,521
Charitable costs 87,058 1,158 2,149 - 90,365 94,090
Hall insurance
Hall maintenance
Hall utilities
Parish News costs
Other trading costs		 1,155
-
2,363
8,327		 -
516
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 1,155
516
2,363
8,327
-		 1,124
839
1,951
6,527
-
Trading costs 11,845 516 - - 12,361 10,441
Major repairs 11,115 - 9,705 - 20,820 5,361
Total paid on all funds 111,691 8,129 11,854 - 131,674 119,195

Notes

  1. Repairs to the All Saints porch roof costs continue. A final payment was made for the recent major work on St Clements.

5

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Staff costs

Wages, salaries and honoraria
Employer National Insurance
Employer pension contributions		 2024 2023
£
12,238
-
-		 £
9,830
-
-
12,238 9,830

We continue to pay a cleaner for churches and hall, and for a parish administrator.

Amounts paid and employees' circumstances mean that no NI payments are required, or pension contributions

6

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan
2024		 Income Expenditure Transfers,
other gains
and losses		 Balances
c/fwd
31-Dec-24
All Saints churchyard
St Clements churchyard
Diocese-held funds		 £
265
1,387
45,196		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
1,079		 £
265
1,387
46,275
Total of all endowed funds 46,848 - - 1,079 47,927
Insurance claims
Grants - All Saints Porch Roof
Grant - Children's choir
Two Towers Trust
All Saints Porch Roof Appeal		 -
-
2,033
-
8,923		 1,000
20,750
5,000
1,040
8,678		 (1,000)
(7,665)
(2,149)
(1,040)
-		 -
-
-
-
 -
13,085
4,884
-
17,601
Total of all restricted funds 10,956 36,468 (11,854) - 35,570
All Saints organ inv. fund
All Saints organ
All Saints Hall
St Clements bells
Night church
Jenga
Designated collections		 12,886
843
13,317
784
1,422
68
-		 -
5,575
-
-
5
-
468		 -
(6,455)
(516)
-
(787)
(120)
(251)		 658
-
-
-
-
-
-		 13,544
(37)
12,801
784
640
(52)
217
Total of all designated funds 29,320 6,048 (8,129) 658 27,897
General fund (bank & investments)
Assets held		 285,886
300,403		 96,662
-		 (111,691)
-		 6,976
 277,833
300,403
Total of all unrestricted funds 615,609 102,710 (119,820) 7,634 606,133
Total funds 673,413 139,178 (131,674) 8,713 689,630
  1. We remain grateful for the Battley Hibbert Trust funding provided for the junior choir.

7

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings, on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The responsibilities of PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section trustees and examiner 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

  1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

  2. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

  3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

  4. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by

  5. examiner’s statement 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 In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my examiner's statement 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.

Examiner’s signature

Examiner’s name CAPITAL

MR KEITH MILLER

Date 15th April 2025

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body

if any

Examiner’s address Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, TN34 1QN

8

Annual Financial Report

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

St Clements with All Saints Hastings

St Clement’s Church, Swan Terrace, Hastings, TN34 3HT

Registered Charity no. 1139491

For the year ended 31st December 2024

CONTENTS

Page 2 Statement of financial receipts and payments 3 Statement of assets and liabilities 4 Notes to the accounts 8 Report of the independent examiner

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Fund/s		 Endowed
Fund/s		 Total
All Funds
2024		 Total
All Funds
2023
General
Fund		 Designated
Funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Trading activities
Investments
Other receipts
Receipts from Sale of Investments		 £
50,485
4,149
31,522
9,969
537		 £
468
-
5,580
-
-		 £
9,718
-
-
-
26,750		 £
-
-
-
-
-		 £
60,671
4,149
37,102
9,969
27,287		 £
54,941
18,522
21,946
9,601
44
96,662
5,000		 6,048
5,000		 36,468 - 139,178
5,000		 105,054
10,000
Total received 101,662 6,048 36,468 - 144,178 115,054
9,303
94,090
10,441
5,361
-
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Major repairs
Other payments
Payments for purchases of investments		 1,673
87,058
11,845
11,115
-		 6,455
1,158
516
-
-		 -
2,149
-
9,705
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 8,128
90,365
12,361
20,820
-
111,691
8,000		 8,129
-		 11,854
-		 -
-		 131,674
8,000		 119,195
1,166
Total paid 119,691 8,129 11,854 - 139,674 120,361
Reconciliation of funds:
~~ao~~		 ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~ ~~ao~~
Net income or (net expenditure)
~~ao~~		 (18,029)
~~ao~~		 (2,081)
~~ao~~		 24,614
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 4,504
~~ao~~		 (5,307)
~~ao~~
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Bank accounts at 1 January
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 22,533
~~ao~~		 2,081
~~ao~~		 (24,614)
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~		 -
~~ao~~
4,504
5,018
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 -
-
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 4,504
5,018
~~ao~~
~~tt~~		 (5,307)
10,325
~~ao~~
~~tt~~
Bank accounts at 31 December
~~tt~~		 9,522
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 -
~~tt~~		 9,522
~~tt~~		 5,018
~~tt~~

Rev Mat Phipps, Chair

2

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2023
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2024
Assets:
Cash at bank and in hand		 £
9,522		 £ £ £ £ £
5,018
9,522
-
PCC-owned bank balance 9,522 - - - 9,522 5,018
-
- - - -
Total bank and deposit accounts 9,522 - - - 9,522 5,018
Prepayments and accrued income
Gift Aid recoverable
Other debtors		 -
-
-
-
-
Debtors - - - - - -
CCLA investment fund
All Saints organ fund
Diocese-held fund		 268,311 308,258
12,886
46,848
14,353 35,570 - 318,234
13,544 - - 13,544
- - 47,927 47,927
Investment assets at market value 268,311 27,897 35,570 47,927 379,705 367,992
-
- - -
Investment assets at cost - - - - - -
Fixed Assets for Church use 300,403 300,403
- - 300,403
Total assets 578,236 27,897 35,570 47,927 689,630 673,413
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year		 - -
Total Liabilities - -

Note: No account taken of increase/decrease value of Fixed Assets

3

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total received

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total Notes
1
2
3
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted All Funds All Funds
Funds Fund/s 2024 2023
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
One-off and adhoc donations
Special appeals
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies
Misc donations		 £
20,124
1,360
7,572
2,805
9,813
0
8,811		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
468		 £
-
-
-
7,350
1,328
-
1,040		 £
20,124
1,360
7,572
10,155
11,141
-
10,319		 £
19,193
876
7,455
14,650
7,467
-
5,300
Donations and legacies 50,485 468 9,718 60,671 54,941
Fees for weddings & funerals 4,149 - - 4,149 5,937
Charitable activities 4,149 - - 4,149 5,937
Proceeds of events with trading/sales
Concert income
Night church
Hire of churches
Other fundraising		 1,396
-
-
1,110
5,114		 -
5,575
5
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 1,396
5,575
5
1,110
5,114		 1,525
5,764
213
990
4,093
Total trading activities 7,620 5,580 - 13,200 12,585
Income from church hall
Income from Parish News		 17,242
6,660		 -
-		 -
-		 17,242
6,660		 18,317
3,629
Total other trading activities 23,902 - - 23,902 21,946
Bank & CBF interest
CBF investment fund dividend		 146
9,823		 -
-		 -
-		 146
9,823		 46
9,555
Investments 9,969 - - 9,969 9,601
VAT refunds
Grants
Insurance claims
Other receipts		 537
-
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
25,750
1,000
-		 537
25,750
1,000
-		 -
-
-
44
Total received on all funds 96,662 6,048 36,468 139,178 105,054

Notes

  1. The restricted figure was funds donated for the appeal for the repair of damage to the All Saints porch roof.

  2. We are grateful for the Two Towers Trust donations of £1,040 towards the All Saints porch oof.

  3. For the same project, we were delighted to receive grants from the following: The Benefact Trust; Sussex Historical Churches Trust; and the Garfield Weston Foundation And for the Children's Choir from the Battley Hibbert Trust

4

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Analysis of total paid

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total Notes
4
General
Fund		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds All Funds
Funds Fund/s Fund/s 2024 2023
Weddings & funerals
Fundraising expenses
Concerts & AS organ maintenance		 £
1,553
120
-		 £
-
-
6,455		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-		 £
1,553
120
6,455		 £
3,644
-
5,659
Cost of raising funds 1,673 6,455 - - 8,128 9,303
Charitable grants and donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Clergy and other people's expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Administration
Children's choir
Night church
Bells fund
Other regular church running costs
Accounting and examiner's fees
Rosetti exhibition
Church maintenance		 -
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
-
-
-
6,653
300
24
5,049		 371
-
-
-
-
-
-
787
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,149
-
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 371
31,000
12,238
690
9,869
19,200
2,035
2,149
787
-
6,653
300
24
5,049		 814
30,000
9,830
196
9,647
26,262
1,661
1,864
-
-
3,495
1,800
-
8,521
Charitable costs 87,058 1,158 2,149 - 90,365 94,090
Hall insurance
Hall maintenance
Hall utilities
Parish News costs
Other trading costs		 1,155
-
2,363
8,327		 -
516
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 1,155
516
2,363
8,327
-		 1,124
839
1,951
6,527
-
Trading costs 11,845 516 - - 12,361 10,441
Major repairs 11,115 - 9,705 - 20,820 5,361
Total paid on all funds 111,691 8,129 11,854 - 131,674 119,195

Notes

  1. Repairs to the All Saints porch roof costs continue. A final payment was made for the recent major work on St Clements.

5

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Staff costs

Wages, salaries and honoraria
Employer National Insurance
Employer pension contributions		 2024 2023
£
12,238
-
-		 £
9,830
-
-
12,238 9,830

We continue to pay a cleaner for churches and hall, and for a parish administrator.

Amounts paid and employees' circumstances mean that no NI payments are required, or pension contributions

6

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan
2024		 Income Expenditure Transfers,
other gains
and losses		 Balances
c/fwd
31-Dec-24
All Saints churchyard
St Clements churchyard
Diocese-held funds		 £
265
1,387
45,196		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-		 £
-
-
1,079		 £
265
1,387
46,275
Total of all endowed funds 46,848 - - 1,079 47,927
Insurance claims
Grants - All Saints Porch Roof
Grant - Children's choir
Two Towers Trust
All Saints Porch Roof Appeal		 -
-
2,033
-
8,923		 1,000
20,750
5,000
1,040
8,678		 (1,000)
(7,665)
(2,149)
(1,040)
-		 -
-
-
-
 -
13,085
4,884
-
17,601
Total of all restricted funds 10,956 36,468 (11,854) - 35,570
All Saints organ inv. fund
All Saints organ
All Saints Hall
St Clements bells
Night church
Jenga
Designated collections		 12,886
843
13,317
784
1,422
68
-		 -
5,575
-
-
5
-
468		 -
(6,455)
(516)
-
(787)
(120)
(251)		 658
-
-
-
-
-
-		 13,544
(37)
12,801
784
640
(52)
217
Total of all designated funds 29,320 6,048 (8,129) 658 27,897
General fund (bank & investments)
Assets held		 285,886
300,403		 96,662
-		 (111,691)
-		 6,976
 277,833
300,403
Total of all unrestricted funds 615,609 102,710 (119,820) 7,634 606,133
Total funds 673,413 139,178 (131,674) 8,713 689,630
  1. We remain grateful for the Battley Hibbert Trust funding provided for the junior choir.

7

PARISH OF ST CLEMENT AND ALL SAINTS HASTINGS Accounts 2024

Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of All Saints with St Clement, Hastings, on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The responsibilities of PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section trustees and examiner 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

  1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

  2. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

  3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

  4. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by

  5. examiner’s statement 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 In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my examiner's statement 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.

Examiner’s signature

Examiner’s name CAPITAL

MR KEITH MILLER

Date 15th April 2025

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body

if any

Examiner’s address Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, TN34 1QN

8