The Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's 2023 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31st December 2023 Issued 08 April 2024 2023 Annual Report and Accounts The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Numbers: 1.0 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 2.0 TRUSTEES REPORT 2.1 Aims and Purposes 2.2 Objectives and Activities 2.3 Achievements and Performance 2.4 Sonning Area Dean Report 15 2.5 Other Churches and Community 16 2.6 Financial Review 19 2.7 Structure, Governance and Management 22 2.8 Parochial Church Council l Annual Parochial Church Meetings 2023 22 2.9 Parish Statistics 22 3.0 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS 24 4.0 BALANCE SHEET 25 5.0 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 26 6.0 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT 33 7.0 2023 MISSION ACTION PLAN Page | I 2023 Annual Report and Accounts LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Full Parochial Name- Parish ofwokingham St Sebastian's The Incumbent: The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray BA IHons}, FCMA, Dip (HEI Parish address: Parish Office. Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham Berkshire RG40 3AT Tel.. 01344 761050 e-mail.. office@stsebaslians.org.uk www.stsebschurch.or Bankers to the PCC: CAF Bank Limited, 25 King's Hill Avenue, King's Hill, ME19 4JQ Barclays Bank UK PLC Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent Examiner.. Mr Michael Young FCA The following schools are associated with the Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's.. Hatch Ride Primary School., Holme Grange Independent School., Oaklands Junior School- Oaklands Infant School., st Sebastian's Church of England Primary School and Nursery., Wellington College. The Parish of Wokingham St Sebaslian's is situated in Wokingham Without. It is part of the Sonning Deanery, Archdeaconry of Berkshire, Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England. Correspondence address= Parish Office, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AT. The Parochial Church Council IPCC) is a body corporale IPCC Powers Measure 1956, as amended, Church Representation Rules 2022), and a registered charity of The Charity Commission for England and Wales. Charity Registration Number.. 1139933 TRUSTEES REPORT Aims and purposes To promote Ihe whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Page | 2 2023 Annual Report and Accounts The Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's Parochial Church Council IPCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray, 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 following buildings.. St Sebastian's Church Sl Sebastian's Parish Centre St Sebastian's Parish Church Hall Sl Sebastian's Lodge Nine Mile Ride Wokingham Berkshire RG40 3AT Objectives and Activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part ofour Parish community of Wokingham Without. The PCC maintains an overview ofworship throughout the Parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our Parish. Our servi￿$ and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities forthe year, we have considered the Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft's {Bishop ofoxford) Common Vision of being called to be Christ-like (Contemplative, Compassionate and Courageous) for the benefit of our Parishioners, local residents and visitors. This also includes supplementary guidance from The Charities Commission {England and Wales) for the advancement of religion for the public benefit. With the Parish Interim Mission Aclion Plan of'a beacon of Chrlst lovlng God and servlng others" we enable ordinary people to live oul their faith in response to us loving God and others through.. becoming a welcoming Christ-like Church called by God., resourcing Pastoral Care for church members & local residents., building Missionary and Outreach work with Diocesan partnership- increasing Parish collaboration with local government bodies & local community groups., increasing Parish buildings, usage., being good stewards and guardians of resources in our care. The detailed Mission Action Plan can be reviewed in Section 7.0 (pages 3445). Achievements and Performance PARISH REVIEW I was installed on 1 Oth May 2023 as the next Incumbent of St Sebastian's Church after sharing farewells in my last Parish of three churches.. The Claydons in Buckingham. I now hold the Vicar role of Parish Incumbenl and legal Chair of St Sebastian's, a UK registered charity of the Charity Commission {England and Wales). What an exciting lime for Nicki and l as we Page | 3 2023 Annual Report and Accounts reset our journey with the Lord in a new Parish with great expectations. My predecessor, Reverend Canon Andrew Marsden, had been in this role for 25 years. the last three years of which he suffered ill heallh resulting in his departure in March 2022. The Parish and I wish Reverend Andrew and his wife, Ros, well. So, I would like to acknowledge wilh thanks the special support of Clergy colleagues during the time of Reverend Andrew's absence.. Archdeacon of Berkshire, The Venerable Stephen Pullin, Area Dean The Reverend Canon Richard Lamey, The Reverend lan Seymour and The Reverend Marina Brain- Local Licensed Lay Ministers= Russell Shiplon, Wendy Wickens and David Hare., Children and Family Workers: MaNin and Amy Vogel; Churchwardens.. Mary Unwin and Nigel Wickens, succeeded by Chris Bull and Peter Thompson,. Diocesan representative Rhodri Bowen, l also acknowledge the work of the Standing Committee, Parochial Church Council members (under the leadership of David Smartl, Safeguarding Leaders, Helen Thompson, Mark Lee, Surnan Shrestha and Murray Foulds, and members of the Parish Ministry Team for keeping the Parish events and activities on the road prior to my arrival. l am also grateful for the hard work and administrative support of Kirsty Milam, Parish Office Manager, who remains an asset lo Ihe Parish. I would like to take the opportunity to show appreciation for her continuity of support, particularly, during the transition of clergy change and through 2023. We remain in a transitional stste of change as a Benefice as we discern a new sense of direction in which we pause for a refreshed anointing of God the Holy Spirit. A discovery of a new mission action plan. taking stock of our current ministries. re-building leadership capacity, underslanding where we are, what is noliced, seeking where God wanls us lo be and taking stock of our Parish resources are all part of journeying together. But the primary aim is that God's presence goes with us and looks favourably on us. We see a similar story in the 33rd chapter of the Exodus narrative below. "Then Moses said, "If you don't personally go with us, don't make us leave this place. How will anyone know Ihat you look favourably on me- on me and on your people- if you don't go with us? For your presen￿ among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth." The Lord replied lo Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favourably on you. and I know you by name." Albert Einstein once said, 'There are two ways to live.. we can live as if nothing is a miracle, or we can live as if everything is a miracle" The Parish and I choose the latter as we view Ihe miracle landscape across our Parish and missional opportunities. We choose the latter as the driver of our faith, labour of love, devotion for the Lord and frequent prayers that change things. According to Benjamin Franklin, "Change is the only constant in life, our ability to adapt to those changes will determine our success in life". It is to this quote l add "alignment to God's purpose" which brings the discovery of the Parish achieving more and changing more by doing less. Our course and direction as a Parish are set by God and our achievemenls will occur with success with the help of God. We work in ministry partnership with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Lastly, we were encouraged by the very positive outcome of the Deanery Inspection in September 2023 of our Parish Governance systems, led by Area Dean The Reverend Canon Richard Lamey. This was the first for the Parish in Ihe last five years. l am grateful lo our Page 14 2023 Annual Report and Accounts churchwardens, Chris Bull and Peter Thompson, and Kirsty Milam, Office Manager, for the sterling work of preparation and achievement for the Parish. Thank you. MINISTRY ACTIVITIES Parish Services We held 131 events in 2023 covering Sunday Worship, All Age and Communion Services, Worship and the Word, The Base, Wednesday Communion and 5th Sunday Healing and Prayer. Included in Ihis lolal were the following services.. Easter and Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Three Hour by the Cross, Christmas Tree Festival, Christingle, Carols Service, Crib Service and Midnight Communion. An addilional 28 seNices were held for All Souls and Remembrance Day, Life Events {baptisms, weddings and funerals), Harvest Festival, School services and my Installation I Collation with Bishop of Reading, The Rt Reverend Olivia Graham. We have also begun holding monthly communion services at Buckler's Lodge Care Home. Safeguarding Work wntinued throughout the yearon building on the good work undertaken by our leaders.. Helen Thompson, Mark Lee, Suman Shrestha and Murray Foulds. Team Leaders have made great efforts to stay up lo date with their Iraining supplemented by a healthy attendance support of Deanery events including the latest learning around Pastoral visits in September 2023 as part of our overall pastoral ministry. We also attended in great numbers the other Deanery workshop two months later about "Raising Awareness of Domeslic Abuse" lam deeply encouraged by the support of our Parish leaders in this very important aspect of our ministry. Little Angels l am grateful for Little Angels, Ihe Parent and Toddler group. which meets in Sl Sebastian's Church Hall each Friday during school term time. This has been running for a number of years under the leadership of Children and Families Worker, Amy Vogel, and our parishioners. For parents, other than a °Toddler Group, the event was their "Coffee Morning" The Parish has built up a community of mothers and families joining us on Fridays, and I look forward lo future opportunities of developing our engagement. l offer my thanks to Amy and all volunteers, who have helped run this essential event and particulady those who have regularly brought in cakes. We say goodbye to Amy Vogel whose last day was 14th February 2024. With her husband, Marvin, and family, Amy will be exploring new ventures and ministry opportunilies. We wish her and her family well. Youth We are blessed to have a Parish Youth Ministry, which has been run by Youth Worker, Marvin Vogel, for several years. The club was held fortnightly and has become a friendly and safe space for teenagers to meet, to socialise, to explore basic bible truths wilh food and plenty of fun. Opportunities were taken to communicate the love of Christ in a way that is relevant Page | 5 2023 Annual Report and Accounts to our teenagers through the range of appropriate activities offered. The feedback received was of our Youth wanting more and we are looking at growing opportunities of engagement for taking iheir Chrislian wilness forward. We said goodbye to Matvin Vogel in January 2024 and thanked for all his work and efforts building Parish ministry in this area. We remain graleful for his contribution into this ministry. and we wish him well. In the meanlime, we are exploring with Ihe help our volunleers options of additional resources for sharing with our Youth as they continue to meet fortnightly with the support of temporary leadership. Life Events In contrast to 2022, we had 19 (181 Life events, comprising 2 (1) weddings, 3161 baptisms {2 of which were held in church services) and 141111 funerals. We hope lo build on this year's success with a greater push during 2024 in social media, announcements and publicity to build these missional opportunities. Life events are a good indicator of growing engagement with our local community, and we are steadily breaking ground as more local residents and families with Parish connections look to the Parish for greater engagement, support and journeying. LI￿nsed Lay Ministry l am thankful for the Parish resource and support of our Local Lay Ministers ILLMS) Russell Shipton and Wendy Wickens. Beyond the support prior to my arrival, they continue to contribute lo the flourishing of local ministry, particulady, Pastoral Care and 6pm Worship services. In recognition of their contribution, fourth Sundays were earmarked shortly after my arrival and still remains for exercising their ministry in partnership. Schools St Sebastian's Church of En land Prima School and Nurse I regularly engaged wilh Headteacher, Martin Gater beyond the following school events of Easter, Summer End of Term, Harvest, Remembrance Day and Christmas. l also had the pleasure of joining the KS1 class Hal competition and other concerts, which saw an average 141 in attendance of children, parents and teachers, when held in our church building. School children were also invited and participaled in Ihe Christingle Service. Children and Families Worker, Amy Vogel also held several services with the school at St Sebastian's Church, which all contributed to progress by the school in spiritual values. The school by virtue of historical partnership is supported by Foundational Govemors from our church. Together, they have contributed to the School's governance and Headteacher, Martin Galer, and Teachers, support. Lastly, in accordance with past agreement and tradition, we donated the cost of Bibles for final school year pupils in preparation for move to local secondary schools. Oaklands Junior School I had the privilege lo lead and preach at the Harvest Service in Oaklands Junior School. The Schoolteachers, reception and children's enthusiasm were most welcoming. Our Youth Worker, Marvin Vogel, had undertaken some great work maintaining Parish relationship with the school for which l am appreciative. The school recently asked to be added to our website as a partner and, in relum. I look fomard to building Parish engagement during 2024. Page | 6 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Holme Gran e Inde endent School Youth Worker, Marvin Vogel, led the school engagement work at this school on Thursdays. He brought a variety of resources into school wilh energy and enthusiasm, which have been able to build good relationship with the school, particularly, its Christian Union. We are thankful for Marvin's work. We look forward to building school engagement during 2024 linking into Parish ministry following Marvin's departure. Wellin ton Colle College Volunteers assisted the Parish during 2023 with the preparalion of food parcels under the leadership of Marvin Vogel. l am thankful for all Ihe efforts expended in achieving the outcome of distributed food parcels. Buckler's Lodge Care Home The Parish began holding monthly Holy Communion services in the Care Homefrom October following September discussions. This followed their clergy invitation lo the opening event shortly after my arrival. Holy Communion services have been wonderful and are growing to the extent that services can be found in the Parish Diary and the Care Home is now embedded on our websile as a partner of the Parish. Praise Ihe Lord! would like to acknowledge the warm hospitality of Business Support Manager, Anne Burroughs, Debbie Rapson and Aimee Hallcup. We also share our deepest thanks to the local residents who attend each service, their acceptance of our setvice books and the Holy Communion. We look forward to more collaborations and a flourishing relationship with the Care Home throughout 2024. Prayer Group Prayer is an embedded ministry at st Sebastian's and for that l am grateful. After all, the 7th chapter of Matthew's Gospel cites: "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." This is what we do here at St Sebastian's as we seek a refreshed direction of Iravel on this ministry joumey in order to'achieve more by doing less" with the help of God. The Prayer Group meets weekly. mostly via Zoom, led by leaders.. Alexis Clarke and Jill Gardiner for which l am grateful. l am also grateful for group members who join at these meetings. Prayer support was provided during Holy Communion, 5th Sundays and other unplanned occasions when needed. In our aspiration to locate in the heart of the community. we shall be establishing new channels for receiving prayer requests including via the website as well making connections through our home groups and pastoral care. Home Groups and Pastoral care The above ministries have been running at St Sebastian's for a considerable time, prior to my arrival. Several home groups have been rneeting at regular intervals lo cater for the supporting needs of our parishioners. I would like to give recognition to the groups of Russell and Angela Shipton, Paul and Claire Morrison, Sally and John Congram, Anne and Mark Andrews, Murray and Joy Foulds and others who will have occasionally met on the margins. Many thanks for all the efforts expended holding the emotional needs of Ihe church community, which remains an essential aspect of our local ministry. There is also another aspect to the above ministry. Paul and Claire Morrison have been frequently providing practical help, transport and food to vulnerable parishioners of our Page | 7 2023 Annual Report and Accounts church community during this year and in times before. An area of work that can be easily laken for granted. Paul and Claire have been coordinating a Parish team of support since May 2022 and l am sure many parishioners will be most grateful for Iheir heroic work, also endorsed by me too. This recognition also extends lo all Parish volunteers involved in home groups and pastoral care. Cancer Support l am grateful for the much needed support work of Anne Bone and leam in this area. This ministry is so necessary for meeting the needs of the Parish demographics as well as those the church community. Thank you, Anne. Churches Together Crowthorne St Sebastian's Church is a member of Churches Together Crowthome ICTCI. CTC is an associalion of local churches from Crowthorne and Finchampstead, who come together to serve and bless our area and its people in the name of Jesus Christ including church cornmunities.. St John the Baptist. St James in Finchampstead, the local Baptists. Methodists, Roman Catholic and Vineyard Church groups. We are fortunate that CTC Chair. Janel Rogers, is a member of our local Parish community. l am thankful for all the work Janet is putting into this ecumenical ministry. I had a privilege of frequently meeting local leaders several times at Vineyard Church Offices. l also took part in the organised summer event at the Morgan Recreation Grounds and the Christmas late night shopping event in Crowthorne High Street outside the local Baptist Church. Several members ofour Parish communityjoined in and the events were successful. Age UK Berkshire Dementia Club We are honoured to be providing the use of our Church Hall for the above fortnightly event for an essential group of our local community. I reached out to Dementia Activities Coordinator, Adele Ireland, Age UK Berkshire. following a flourishing relationship and deep collaboration with Age UK Buckingham. The Wokingham Borough Council sponsored fortnightly collaboration and also created a window of opportunity for parishioner volunteers lo join, following a short bout of training. This communily service is growing, and we are looking forward lo building engagement with our other church ministries in the fulure. Food Distribution The Parish via Matvin Vogel collaborated with Share Wokingham and Vineyard Foodbank for the distribution of food to parents at St Sebastian's School and local residents. Sandwich Men's Club This was a recent addition to Parish ministries, the vision of our parishioner and fomer Local Lay Minister, lan Mackenzie. This is a welcome space for our senior men to meet over a cup of tea and share each month in the Parish Centre. l am grateful for lan's vision and can see this ministry developing over the course of time. Like other ministries. I see this opportunity as an additional touch point for engaging with our church community and local residents. Page | 8 2023 Annual Report and Accounts COMMUNICATION Website The Parish website was refreshed during August and September 2023 as part of resetting what ourcommunily and slakeholders see of us. Opportunily was taken to refresh our Parish calendar now listing all events, safeguarding statement, setting out our services, charities supported and links to local community groups. We eased the Church Hall Booking service inlerface by introducing "Hall Booking software" which displays all bookings and available slots in real time and automates customer invoicing. Donations and stewardship giving are easier to manage-with embedded software tools and pages. Social Media Steps were taken to rationalise the four Facebook social media public accounts to two (public and private) portals for Parish communications. We are steadily building membership of both groups. The former is now dynamically linked lo the face of the website {display of the last five messages) and the latter has now got access into several local Facebook forums covering up to 15.000 residents. Opportunity has been taken to provide regular Christian quotes, bible readings, notices and prayers, which have drawn many positive responses, and they are increasing. Occasionally, relevant videos have been added. VOLUNTEERS I would like to thank all the volunleers who have worked so hard to maintain our Church and Parish buildings during 2023 from flower arranging. verging, polishing, cleaning, refreshments, baking cakes, Sound and Vision desk and modest repairs. You are too numerous to be named but you know who you are, and l am deeply grateful. Thank you for all your efforts. GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE Parish Treasury The 2023 Parish Share of £82.622 was met in full, a modest 3 per cent reduction on 2022's £85,093. We praise Ihe Lord for all donations, stewardship and other giving to meet in full our share of Diocese of Oxford's costs. Supported Charities The Parish donated £3,794 to the following in 2023.. UK Charities Yeldall Manor £600 JAC £300 Soulscape £300 Royal British Legion £150 Page | 9 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Overseas Charities Tear Fund Quiz Mitiyana Open Doors Univida £644 £600 £600 £600 This Parish is a registered charity of the Charity Commission (England and Wales). The support and contribution of the Parochial Church Council members (as Trustees) have helped to sustain our charity's legal and governance obligations during 2023, and for that I am thankful. PARISH ATTENDANCE Every effort will be made lo refresh this data annually for the benefit of our Parish community. Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's 2023 Monthly Attendance Data F*￿ts M*lJ ZJ L￿21 ei 5eYk4¢e PailshAtt+rtdah¢*T¢ta1slM¢nih￿Tr 159 361 322 331 431 931 SimH￿Com￿ni￿seru￿ IOAmAIIAseCommunion IOAMWar5hyaTrdtheWardlw2&pt￿rn5l IOAmHolw£Dmmuni IQAmHO￿£DrnMunI￿lwEdne￿da¥S 66 50 L09 27 s> 1th>￿ndh¥H￿&ThxSer¥￿e IOkmTheBase io J06 ChrI5t￿5(￿ser￿￿￿ 27 58 1r15hAtteftd&nceM￿mvTat￿5 aao 296 a52 a5S 270 27S 751 5 da15erdLes&idulÈEvenI5 R¢mpTh*rOrt¢tDoV LArEvtn 264 87 HA￿estI￿J5(hU￿s LS CareH￿P Ikw'£LodgeHoly¢oMmun￿n R5Gidlllilo zz4 194 250 OVERILL TOTAL 159 749 390 LL74 Pa115hofWithin8hamStSebastian's FÈ￿14 So, we come to the end of this Parish Review as we look foNard to 2024. We keep on keeping on, watching and waiting for a new word from the Lord, affirmed direction of travel and engagemenl to be blessed. We remain encouraged that the Lord is with us as we pursue new horizons in this Parish to be a beacon of light and serve others with love. Page | 10 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Peace be with you The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's Diocese of Oxford I Church of England OTHER PARISH REPORTS Churchwarden's Report 2023 was a year of change within the church. After three years ofAndrew's illness and the interregnum we moved into a new season. This started with the recruitment day for the new Vicar in January 2023 where a large number of church members came to support the interview process including listening to sermons and meeting the candidates at break times. It was a joyous day resulling in the appointment of The Reverend Rickey Sitnpson-Gray, who look up office in May. Many thanks go to The Reverend Canon Richard Lamey, The Reverend Catherine Vaughan. Suman Shrestha and Mary Unwin who formed Ihe interview team and all those who helped organise and run the day and those who attended. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCMI saw Ihe two Churchwardens, Mary Unwin and Nigel Wickens. who had led us Ihrough the inlerregnum, standing down and Chris Bull and Peler Thompson were elected. A special note should be made of the efforts of Mary and Nigel who not only led us through the Interregnum but also the two years of Andrew's illness. In May 2023, Reverend Rickey was commissioned al a beautiful service at St Sebastian's. Thanks are due to Mary who was heavily involved in the organisation of this. The Churchwardens are ably supported by three deputy wardens for the management of services, Jane Addison, Nigel Birch and Paul Morrison. We would like to thank them all for their dedication and service to this responsibility. The arrival of Reverend Rickey has brought new energy to our church, and we thank God for his appointment. We are grateful for the positive outcome of the Deanery inspection of our governance systems, with special thanks to Kirsty Milam, Office Manager. Fabric Re ort 2023 We have been engaged in many different items sorting out issues that occur running the fabric of any church and related buildings. Church The main task this year was to clean and varnish Ihe flooring in the extension at the back of the church. We had a few problems with the floor lifting but with Ihanks lo Nigel Wickens this was completed in lime for church on the following Sunday. We have installed fibre inlernet in the Parish Cenlre and relocated Ihe feed into the church. This now provides us with a high-speed internet service to allow liveslreaming and related media opportunilies. Church Hall Continual improvements being made to the church hall with the repainting of the toilets and entrance lobby. A window in the gents, toilet was replaced and was provided by the Wokingham 'Men's Shed, project team with help from lan McKenzie. Page | 11 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Parish Centre and Flat Continued maintenance has been carried out through the year. The flat will require a compete redecoration and upgrading now thal Youlh Workers. the Vogel's, have departed from the Parish. Concems remain over the dampness in the roof of the building, which will need to be investigated. Car Park We have carried out some patching in the car park, but this is only a temporary solution to a much bigger problem (see below). We have also undertaken a general clear up and removal of trees, bushes and leaves ongoing with weekend clearing up days. Ma or Pro ects The main church roof on the north side of Ihe building will need the rafters refitting at a cost of£40 000 al some stage in Ihe nearfuture. The car park needs a drain soak away replacing and complete resurfacing al an estimated cost of £85,000. We are in discussion with Keys Academy Trust on behalf of St Sebastian's School for resolving this issue. Redevelopment of the church hall remains a fulure consideration to provide more services into Ihe community. Church Hall users Finally, we remain grateful to regular users of our Church Hall, which brings much needed income to our Parish.. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Age UK Berkshire. Thanks to Fabric Team.. Murray Foulds, David Metson, Paul Morrison, and Nigel Wickens for all their help. More members welcome. Churchwardens: Chris Bull and Peter Thompson Safeguarding The PCC continues to regard Safeguarding as one of its most important responsibilities. Understanding that Safeguarding extends lo all. the PCC agreed a renewed Safeguarding Policy at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCMI in May 2023. Key points were as follows= Our Parish is commilted to.. Promoting a safer environment and culture- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church., Responding promplly to every safeguarding concern or allegation., Caring paslorally for victimslsurvivors of abuse and other affecled persons,. Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concems or allegations of abuse and other affected persons., Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others. 2023 saw a continued focus on updating safeguarding training for many of St Sebastian's congregation in accordance with roles I responsibilities as per Diocesan guidance I requirements. Approximately 50-60 persons have compleled safeguarding training at Basic Awareness &lor Foundation &lor Leadership Levels during 202312024. In addition 10 persons completed Domestic Abuse Awareness training in conjunction with others from the Diocese. A Parish Stalemenl on Domestic Abuse was approved in January 2024. Work continues to embed an effective safeguarding culture within St Sebastian's to date good progress has been made. Helen Thompson, Mark Lee, Suman Shrestha and Murray Foulds The Base Page | 12 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 2023 was a great year for The Base. We maintained services for families and children twice monthly, save for summer months and other seasonal festivals. We engaged with singing, dancing with all age groups whilst supporting parents who also attended. It was wonderful lo see new families joining us out of connections to our other Parish ministries of "Little Angels" St Sebastian's School and Youth Club. We wish to acknowledge the voluntary efforts of Suman Shrestha, Tracey-Anne Clarke, Mark and Rachel Portsmouth. The Foulds and other volunteers who have made this ministry effort possible. We are also grateful for the financial support and resourcing from Parish leadership and ministry colleagues loo. Thanks. Marvin and Amy Vogel Llttle Angels Throughout the school terms, Little Angels has been taking place every Friday morning in the Church Hall.11 provides a wami, safe space for pre-school children and their carers. The highlight of the morning is probably the home-made cakes for the grown-ups, and the healthy snacks for the children. The children usually get to enjoy the cakes tool There is a fabulous group of volunteers who bake, set up the hall and provide a listening ear lo anyone who needs to chat. Everyone enjoys singing fun songs at the end and taking home birthday socks on special occasions. Amy Vogel and Eve Bull Youth Club . Friday Night Live 2023 has been a fantastic year for the Friday night Youth Group. Currently, the group runs every fortnight. Numbers reached 25 at times as the young people are natural evangelists, bringing their friends along from school. The evenings were full of fun and games with a talk at the end from Youth Worker. Marvin Vogel. A discussion group was started up forthose who wanted to stay on for half an hour after the evening had finished. This quickly progressed to having its own night on the in-between Fridays in the Parish Centre where we discussed topics such as.. fear, trust and Chol￿s. The year finished with a special time celebrating Marvin's work and saying our goodbyes. Sally Alexander School Worshlp St Sebastian's Prima School and Nurse We held regular School Worship in liaison with Headteacher, Martin Gater, and Schoolteachers between the School Hall and St Sebaslian's Church. Some of these events also included the assistance of our new Vicar, Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray. We gifted bibles for final year school children as they leave for secondary schools. On several occasions, we welcomed school children into the Parish Centre to assist preparation of food parcels for local families in need. It is nice to see a gmwing awareness of our Christian faith amongst the school children and we are pleased with the impact of our ministry. We would like to offer our thanks to the support of Headteacher, Martin Gater, Governors, School Teachers, Parents and children. Marvin and Amy Vogel Page | 13 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Oaklands Junior School Oaklands Junior School is a non-religious primary school in Crowthorne. It has always been open to having Christians in from the community to lake assemblies on a regular basis. St. Sebastian's has had a long history of involvement in the school. I held monthly School Assembly services at Oaklands Primary School with assistance from Sally Alexander, a schoolteacher and members of our church. Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray also held a service at the school. School children were mosl engaged with our services, and itwas great lo see their growing inlerest in the Christian faith wilh thanks to Headteacher, Mrs Wesl, Sally Alexander and fellow schoolteachers, Governors. Parents and children. Marvin Vogel Holme Gran e Inde endent School I made regular Thursday visits to run the Christian Union club. This was attended by a small group of studenls and we have seen modest growth in this ministry. I would like to offer my Ihanks to the Headteacher, Teachers and School Students for these channels of engagement. Marvin Vogel Wellin lon Colle Regular engagement has been mainly around students, help for preparation of food parcels in the Parish Centre, which tied in with the study themes around local community support. A highlight has been the opportunity to respond to a student's bible request, which we duly met with the Teacher's approval. I would like to offer my thanks to the Headteacher, Teachers and School Students for these channels of engagement. Marvin Vogel Home Groups The Homegroup System was severely depleted by the Covid Pandemic between 2021 and 2022, there currently being only three groups meeting, with an additional group communicating online. With Reverend Rickey leading the Parish, our focus has begun rebuilding homegroup membership, along with the inherent pastoral care. Russell Shipton Prayer Team Prayer ministry is offered al each Sunday Cornmunion service and at other times by request. We currently have 12 people on the Prayer Ministry team. Prayer and Healing ServI￿S have been held whenever there is a 5th Sunday in the month, with a different prayer focus each lime. We held a weekly prayer meeting on Zoom each Monday at 7.30 pm with a regular attendance of 13 (Zoom link on website}. The online community has 39 members and re￿iVeS regular requests for prayer and many encouraging answers to our prayers. Jill Gardener and Alexis Clarke Cancer Support Group We metthis yearon the second Tuesday ofeach month with 5-7 people attending. Christmas Lunch at the Tally Ho in Eversley was very enjoyable. We would like a slightly larger number of regulars to cover times when folk are unable to come and inevitably there are people who feel ready to move on from the Group. Anne Bone Sandwich Men This new social group for men started meeting monthly in the Parish Centre in December 2023. Its purpose is to pmvide a lunchtime opportunity for men to share life experiences, hopes and fears while they eat their sandwiches - hence the namel Two of us also visited Crowthorne Baptistfor one oftheir bi-monthly Saturday Men's Breakfasts. Although we have only Mel twice, numbers are growing as we plan future meetings for God to bless. lan Mackenzie Page | 14 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Worship and Musi¢ Report Thanks to all the musicians and singers who have contributed their time and talents to the worship at St Sebastian's over the last year. Recent highlights have included the Christmas Choir conducted by Janice Ellwood and accompanied by Jill Metson at the Carol Service and the more regular participation in our services by the St Sebastian's Brass Band. Another delight has been the first Sunday in the month when we have enjoyed worship in the church lead by musicians from "The Base" Thanks again to all those who have taken part in enhancing our worship at St Sebs. Eve Bull Communication We were established in December 2023 to facililate coordination and management of information and messages to our church communication as well as our broader community across the Parish. Our primary goal is to facililale effective communication within the church, ensuring that announcements, events, sermons, and other relevant infomiation are delivered clearly and consistently through various channels, such as newsletters, social media, websites, and in- person interactions. This team may include roles like communication directors, writers, graphic designers, and social media coordinatorswhowork to enhance the church's outreach and engagement. We considered the following communication themes Website development., Exlernal notice boards., Informing the parish of St Sebastian's and its activities- Social media., Other forms of media., Day to day information. To dale we have met only once. Chris Bull, Paula Morris, David Smart and Suman Shrestha Sound and Vision Report 2023 Major upgrade lo the internet provision was made when we were able to have the connection replaced to fibre into the Parish Centre. The wireless connection was repointed from the school to the Parish Centre. This now provides fast Wi-Fi internet access in the church to allow live streaming and other media opportunities. We have replaced the church overhead projector due to a malfunction over the Christmas period. New team members added on the vision rota, but we are very short staffed on running the sound desk. Thanks everyone who helps with the sound and vision in the church. More members welcome. Chris Bull Churchwarden Sonning Deanery Report from Area Dean As well as excellent presentations around Youth and Children's Work and the building project at All Saints "Space for All" a major focus for Synod. this year has been the adjustments to Parish Share which were voted through with a large majority. We decided in the end to reduce the Parish Share payments immedialely while staggering ihose facing an increase by making up the gap wilh Deanery Funds. Our Deanery Green Fund has been very popular, and we have made grants for things like lighlbulbs, a new door for a parish hall and sensors which turn lights off when people have Page | 15 2023 Annual Report and Accounts left the room. The application process is very simple, and we match the funding offered by the PCC lo a total per grant of £1,000. Parishes may only make one application per calendar year bul there is nothing to stop parishes applying year after year. The total Share we paid in 2023 was £1.017 million, which is 93.6 % of the total we are asked for by the Diocese. We were £69,797 short, a deficit made up of only two parishes. Thank you to all of the parishes, and all of the Finance Teams and Treasurers. for their excellent efforts lo support mission and ministry across the Deanery and beyond. (We were £84,000 short in 2022 so this is a considerable and welcome improvement.) The congregalion of our Hong Kong community, who worship in Cantonese al St Mary's, Winnersh. are in good heart and steadily growing in number, lo the extenl thatthey now need lo rent further space at The Forest School when they meet. It was good to have a presentation on Ihis initiative al Synod in April 2023 at Owlsmoor. The Deanery Plan was also voted through in 2023, with a limited reach and a focus on things like building support groups for people in sel roles, like Safeguarding Offi￿rS and Treasurers. We are also working on a list of 'trusted traders, who parishes have used and putting on Deanery courses which all parishes can access, e.g. on spotting domestic abuse, and fundraising. Deanery Chapter continues to be well attended and a real source of support and ideas. Part of the reason that we are keeping a narrower focus in our Deanery Plan is the significant number of parishes in vacancy at the moment. We are holding the line at the moment, through committed lay leadership, hard-working clergy in the parishes in question and willing support from the Deanery. l am really thankful for everyone's commitment and help in the four parishes of All Saints, Finchampstead, Ruscombe, Twyford and Hurst and Winnersh and Bearwood. At the start of 2024 we are still trying to work out what level of ministry is affordable for Winnersh and Bearwood, and how to split Hurst and Ruscombe with Twyford into two separate parishes. The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray was installed as Vicar of St Sebastian's, Wokingham Without in 2023 and The Reverend Laura Wheatley Downs was licensed as Assistant Area Dean. alongside The Reverend Jane Kraft who continues in role. I was also relicensed as Area Dean in November 2023- those five years have gone very quickly indeed, since I was first licensed in 2018. The Reverend Canon Rlchard Lamey Rector of Sl Paul's Parish. Wokingham Area Dean of Sonnlng Other Churches and Community Churches Together Crowthorne and Finchampstead CTC is an association of local churches frorn Crowthorne and Fincharnpstead, who come together to serve and bless our area and its people in the name of Jesus Christ. During 2023, we adopted our Pur ose Stalemenl adopted during 2023, following a year-long discemment prO￿sS involving many people from our churches. Page | 16 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Churches Together in Crowthorne aims to support and promote unity among the churches actively sharing our Christian faith and values in our community in an authentic, loving, serving and inclusive manner by.. coordinating joint churches activities- making the churches activities visible to all; praying for our community- building relationships with our community. htsrehèj T •thAr In Cro4 Carols In the Square lin thè JIM Flnni• Sguarè by the Llbrary Saturday F￿k￿*•￿ by Dqc 16th nki ind IO".00- 11..WMm. Baptist arols in thè Square- Satur In￿1 iOHI....WHAT A fvII •nd...th•r• •tIM MORE to Ish We have worked hard over recent years to 'earn the right, to engage powerfully within the Crowthorne 'public space, our work with the Christmas Lights, support of Late-Night Shopping and the Crowthorne Summer Activities in particularly well supported by the Community. We loved sharing our Knitted Angels (thank you to Jo Golding and her band of knittersll and singing carols at different venues- including the Prince and Crowthorne Inn Pubs for the first lime this year. Crowthorne Summer Activities attracted c700 children plus parents I grandparents over four Fridays in July and August for fun activilies and prominent prayer and scripture-based craft activities. (Thank you to those from Sl Sebastian's who helped with Ihis.) It is amazing to see how the churches work together in such creative ways to organise these events and many others- support for the Good Friday Service and Walk of Wilness, World Day of Prayer, Christian Aid Week. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as well as continuing support the Crowthorne Foodbank and 'HopeZone" activities with young people and more. We would love to see more St Sebastian's people join us - we need a representative to be part of Ihe steering committee that meets four limes a year and help us engage more within St Sebs. We also have a lot of fun working together- the best ideas usually emerge from conversations around the Christmas events and Summer Activities! Janet Rogers, Chair CTC {and St Sebastian's Rep) Wokingham Without Parish Council Wokingham Without Parish Council serves 3,000 households including the majority of the (Ecclesiasticall Parish of St Sebastian's Wokingham Without.. excluding Buckler's Park which is in the Parish of Crowthorne and notably extending up to the Waterloo Railway Line in the north (All Saints Parish) where 2,000 houses are to be built. Page | 17 2023 Annual Report and Accounts The Parish Council has eleven councillors (with current vacancies), chaired by Cllr Lesley Foxwell (pictured). You will know Cllr Kevin Whitehead and Cllr Janet Rogers, both members of St Sebastian'sl We are a "non-political" council which means that councillors do not represent a 'political' paty on the Council, all sharing a desire to work to improve our local community. Council Meetin Members of the public are invited to attend any of our full council meetings (usually the first Monday of each month in the Howard Paltner Room {St Sebastian's Hall). The Annual Parish Meeling (this year 20 March 2024 7=30pm) provides an overview of our work and includes a speaker on a lopic of general inlerest (this year road closures and road worksll. This meeting is a good opportunity to meel your parish councillors, staff and our Borough Councillors. In 2023, The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray was able to establish many useful contacts al this meeting. What we do: The Parish Council is responsible for managing the Pinewood Centre, situated along Old Wokingham Road. It is home to a variety of Clubs & Societies and boasts a large adventure playground, pond, woodland walks and fitness trail. The Parish Council also hires out the St Sebastian's Memorial Hall for a variety of community activities and with Crowthorne Parish Council jointly manages the Walter Recreation Ground and Circle Hill sites, situated on the boundary between Crowthorne Parish and Wokingham Without Parish. As well as managing the land and building that we are directly responsible for, the Parish Council is a statutory consultee for all Planning applications in the parish. This also extends to representation on the stakeholder groups of nearby developments such as Buckler's Park and the Broadmoor Hospital redevelopment. We are closely monitoring the planned "South Wokingham Major Development" to the north playing a key role in the planned community infrastructure (for example the Community Hall). A large part of our work is improving the environment of Wokingham Without for our residents we ernploy a part time litter picker and organise Community Litter picks (next one March 24th 20241. We regularly highlight problems to Wokingham BC and Bracknell FC highways concerning road works I road closures and floodingldrainage issues, which have recently reached epidemic proportions! Crowthorne and Wokingham Without Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meet Iwice a year. The meetings are well attended by residents, bolh parish councils and Thames Valley Police along with both Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough Councils. The group continues to provide a plalform for residents and local stakeholders to discuss concerns. Crowthorne Community CCNAG Neighbourhood Action Group ¢￿ttn5 ke Grants.. In December, the council was pleased to approve more than £12,100 in grant funding for local organisations who provide valuable servi￿$ to Wokingham Without residents. wjsc CARNIV siriiiliifth ABC.:, TMIRAPY ¢￿T k02pmob1e Vlslo ou will see that St Sebastian's PCC received a grant as well as CTC Gant for the Crowthome Summer Activities.) With Crowthorne Parish Council we hold an awards ceremony (November 2024) to also promote and celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to our community. The St Sebs Page | 18 2023 Annual Report and Accounts "Surviving the Breakup" group was recognised some time ago, but I would be please to assist in the nomination of any individuals or groups that you feel should be recognised in this way. We always welcome contributions from our residents and are delighted with the growing relationship developing with Sl Sebastian's Church. Please do talk lo me or Kevin Whitehead {picturedl if you would like to know more about any of our activities (which space precludes me from including) or are interested in filling one of our vacant councillor positionsl Cllr Janet Rogers la parish councillor since 20141 Financial Review The accounls for the year ended 31 December 2023 are presenled on pages 24-33 and are in accordance with the PCC Accountabiliiy guidance, 5th edition, 2017, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops, Council. Review of the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 In 2023 totsl Income £176,380 exceeded total Expenditure £175,150 resulting in a net Surplus of £1,230 (before gains or losses on investments) compared with the net Deficit in 2022 of £24,692. Income Total income was £176,380 (2022.. £147,727). (Note 2 of the financial statements provides further details.) Our main income source is 'Voluntary income" or congregational giving (plus associated HMRC tax recovery) and we are grateful to the many faithful and generous givers {some over many years) who contribute, and without whom the Church would not be able to run ils programme of activities. This year lotal donations and legacy income has increased to £145.060 from £123,431 in 2022. Included in these totals the Regular Monthly Gifts increased to £110,286 from £101,50312022}. ir) addilion there was a further increase in One- Off Donations to £30,508 from £18,264 in 2022 and £4,109 in 2021. These one- off gifts were a major factor in Ihe improvemenl the results for the year. We are particularly grateful for the members of the congregation who generously made these donalions. Activities for generating funds, arising from Ihe letting of Ihe Church's premises, provided £24,45612022.' £20,090). The income from Ihe letting of Sl Sebastian's Lodge amounled to £18,64012022 £15,610). There was no void period in 2023. Church Hall rent was £5,816 up from £4,480 in 2022 because of increased rents from the existing regular hirers and a new regular hirer. Expenditure Total expenditure in the year was £175,150 {2022 £172,419). {Note 3 of the financial statements provides further detsils.) The largest single item of expenditure remains the diocesan parish share of £82,517 (2022.. £83,718). The parish share is set by the Diocese and Deanery according to pre-determined formulae. We pay our parish share via a 12 monthly direct debil which provides us with a 1 % discount. During 2023, we employed up to 5 staff members during the year, and their salary costs accounted for our second largest expense of £50,690 {2022'. £46.222). The Church is committed to give at least 10 /0 of its unrestricted voluntary income to support the work of charities and reach out to those in need across the world and in the UK. However. Page | 19 2023 Annual Report and Accounts this year in view of our financial situation, it was decided to limit our giving. This decision is explained in the review of our Financial Position later in this report. Our property costs in the year tolalled £30,036 {2022'. £20,638). In 2023 LED lighting was fitted in the Church Hall and Parish Centre at a cost of £1,850 which limited the effect of the increased cost of electricity. The cost of Gas in 2023 was £7,356 up £3,000 on the previous year. Other major building maintenance costs contributing lo the increase were £1,561 reordering the plumbing in the Church building and £1,200 on replacing the Church Lightning conductor. In addition. it was necessary to repla￿ the Parish Centre Flat boiler al a cost of £2,370. We are also grateful for the many volunteers who generously provide their time and skills for Ihe benefit of Ihe Church and Ihus make a substantial saving on our running costs. Net Current Assels At the end of the year, the net current assets totalled £63,304 (2022 £62,680) made up of rAsh balances of£56,430, Debtors £1,206 and Investments valued at £18,646 less Creditors of £12,978. Reserves policy It has been the PCC'S policy, where practicable, to maintain a minimum balance of free reserves (net current assels) equating to approximalely two month's general fund payments or £30,000. It is held lo smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the General Fund at 3151 December 2023 was £32,628. The Designated Fund for Major Mainlenance of £20,000 The PCC has designaled three other funds.. "Major Maintenance Fund" setup in January 2012 to cover large repair and maintenance items relating to the church and buildings. This Fund has a balance of £20,000 at 31 December2023, which is largely represented by the Current Asset Investment in Barclays PIC ordinary shares with a book value of £18.646. In September 2022. the PCC resolved to sell the Barclays Shares as soon as the opportunity arose to sell without a Ioss, Ljnfortunately it has not yet been possible to make this sale. 'Jubilee Club Fund" relating to this church group. 'Legacy Fund" _ during 2019, the PCC received a legacy of£5,000 from the estate of Mike Page a much-loved member of the congregation. The PCC has designated these funds whilst considering options to invest funds in a way that would honour Mike's memory. In 2021 the PCC received gifts in memory of the wonderful servant of the church, The late Reverend Erik Fudge. and these have been similarly designated. Financial Position To shore up our Reserves, in the Aulumn of 2022. an appeal made to the PCC and Ministry Team that had resulted in one-off donalions of £17,250. Despite this, al the beginning of the year our Unrestricted Reserves had fallen to £56,318 and the forecast regular Expenditure for 2023 ex￿eded the forecast income for 2023 by £47,000. Our regular giving income was conlinuing to fall because of the disruplion caused by the Pandemic and the facl that we were in an interregnum. Page | 20 2023 Annual Report and Accounts The PCC approved and implemented a plan to tackle the forecast deficit. In January, a video presentation entitled "The Voyage of the Lord's Ship St Sebastian's" subtitled -The Financial Stomi" was shown to make both congregations aware of the seriousness of our financial position. In February. a more formal presentation lo the church congregations was made of the forecast deficit for 2023 of £47,000, with an invitation to increase their monthly giving or make one-off donations to repair the reserves. There was an update of progress with a second video in eady June. In September. the church used 'Generosity Week" to report Ihe progress that had been made and particularly to encourage regular monthly giving. As reported above, these efforts resulted in One-off donalions totalling £30,500 and contributed lo a net growth in our regular monthly donations. Total expenditure in 2023 was limited lo Ihe level of expenditure in 2022. This was achieved despite increases in utilities costs lup 50 % by £3,500) and building repairs (Up £3,200). To offset these rises in costs, in July the PCC reluctantly decided to reduce our Mission Giving by wriling back the unspenl Mission Tilhing Provision of £4,379. which was brought foward at the beginning of the year. In addition, the PCC paused the monthly donations made to our Mission partners switching to six monthly payments in January and July. This switch in the timing of payments reduced the 2023 deficit by further £3,000 without effecting the yearly totals of the donations received by our Mission partners. Following a change our accounting package to Quickbooks Online, the role of Finance Officer was made redundant, resulting in a saving of£1,300 in 2023 and an annual saving £3,750. The combined effect of these actions resulted in a small surplus in 2023 against the budgeted deficit of £47,0001 This has enabled the charity to maintain its Major Repair Designated Fund of £20,000 intact. Outlook for 2024 The PCC considers that the level of One-off gifts received in 2022 and 2023 to support regular expenditure to be exceptional. Consequently, after allowing for the increase in regular giving that occurred in 2023. it is anticipated that total income in 2024 will be £20,000 lower than 2023. At the October 2023 Budget Meeting, Ihe forecast for 2024 showed an Excess of Regular Expenditure over Expected Income of £14,000. In addilion to this deficit. the charity faces Ihe urgent needs to repair the Car Park (estimated cost £33,000) and to repair the Church Roof (estimated cosl £35,000). The other new factor affecting our forecast Regular Expenditure for 2024, is Ihe resignalions of our Family and Youth workers, Marvin and Amy Vogel in early 2024. This will result in savings in salary costs at least for several months, while the PCC plans the way forward. The Vogels leaving means the Parish Centre Flat will become vacant, and this opens the possibility to receive rental income from the Flat. The PCC now expects to be able to manage our expenditure in 2024, so that our Total Income will ex￿ed our Regular Expenditure. This will mean that, with the use of this surplus, and the Major Repair Fund together with specific fundraising, the PCC expects to be able to fund the Car Park and Roof Repairs over the next eighteen months. Financial administration A Finance Committee appointed by the PCC has responsibility for oversight of routine financial administration, annual budgeting, and preparation of financial reports. Provision of infomiation to independent examiners Each ofthe members oflhe PCC at the time when this report is approved has confirmed that.. Page | 21 2023 Annual Report and Accounts so far as helshe is aware, there is no relevant financial information of which the charity's independent Examiners are unaware, and thal helshe has taken all the steps that ought lo have been taken as a trustee in order to be aware of any information needed by ihe independent examiners in connection with preparing his report and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information. Independent Examiner During the year, the PCC approved the appoinlment of Michael Young FCA, a member of the congregation, to act as Independent Examiner John Congram - Treasurer Structure, Governance and Management The method of appointrnent of PCC (Parochial Church Council) members is set out in the 2022 Church Representation Rules. In Ihe Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's. Ihe membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbenl (our vicar). Churchwardens. and members elected by Electoral Roll members in Ihe Parish. All those who attend our services I members ofthe congregation are encouraged lo regisler on the Elecloral Roll and sland for election lo the PCC. In addilion, Ihe following officers are also members of the PCC, Secretary Mrs Mary Unwin, Treasurer and Stewardship- Mr John Congram. The PCC members, who carry the legal slatus of Charity Trustees, are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance lo the Parish of Wokingham St Sebastian's. This also includes detemiining and prioritising how budgeted PCC funds are spent. Parochial Church Council and Annual Parochial Council Meetings 2023 18 January 2023 15 March 2023 19 April 2023 IAPCM) 17 May 2023 19 July 2023 20 September 2023 18 October 2023 15 November 2023 Parish Statistics 2024 electoral roll.. 145 members12023 - 151 members). Parish Electoral Roll Following the revision of the Church Electoral Roll for the APCM on 24 April 2024 there are 145 Parishioners on the roll as compared to 151 in 2023. 11 names were removed and 5 added. The whole roll was renewed in 2019 and it is due to be renewed again in 2025. Mary Unwin, Electoral Roll Officer Page | 22 2023 Annual Report and Accounts PCC members who have seNed at any time between 1st January and 31st December 2023 are as follows.. Ex Officio member.. Incumbent.. The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray (Chairl Licensed Lay Ministers= Russell Shiplon LLM Wendy Wickens LLM Churchwardens.. Chris Bull Peter Thompson Mary Unwin Nigel Wickens from April 2023 from April 2023 until April 2023 until April 2023 Deanery Synod members: Janet Rogers Mary Unwin from April 2023 David Hare until April 2023 Peter Thompson until April 2023 Wendy Wickens until April 2023 There is currently one vacancy PCC Members.. Nigel Birch John Congram Murray Foulds Stuart Gatley David Metson Paul Morrison Suman Shrestha David Smart (Deputy Chairl Sue Thomas There are 2 vacancies October 2023 to January 2024 from April 2023 PCC Secretary: Mary Unwin frorn May 2023 Peter Thompson until March 2023 John Congram John Congram Treasurer.. Planned Giving Officer.. Parish Safeguarding Officer.. Helen Thompson Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer.. Mark Lee Children's Advocale.. Suman Shrestha PCC Safeguarding Lead.. Murray Foulds Approved by the Parochial Church Council on: 27 March 2024 And signed on their behalf by.. The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray PCC Chair Page | 23 2023 Annual Report and Accounts INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Totsl T¢tsl Geneval DE&gnatsd Unrestricted Rethcted Fund Funds Fund$ Fund$ Capital Re*rve$ TOTAL TOTAL 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2022 2023 INCOME Donations and Legacies Income Charitable activities Income from Investments Income from Trading Activities TOTAL INCOME Nots8 mie7 mle9 2,819 1406D 123,431 3,967 3,967 3,967 2,164 1,807 1,807 1,090 2,897 21dl 24,456 24,456 21456 20,090 172,471 172,471 3,909 17&380 147,727 EXPENDITURE Parish Share and Fees Mission and Charitable Giving Staff Costs Ministry Costs Premises Costs Otherchurch Activities TOTAL EXPENDITURE 81 31bl, t2 cl. 4 82,622 82,622 82,622 81093 1,005 10,617 49,665 49,665 50,690 5,477 5,477 4477 3(81 25,414 25,414 4,622 30,036 20,638 5,820 5,320 1320 5,162 16B,709 168,709 6,441 NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS ILOSSESI 3,762 3,762 (2,5321 1,230 4,694 Net Ilossl gain on investments Adjustment to Restricted Funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS I8￿) 16061 16061 13,3901 3,156 3,156 624 OPENING BALANCES 29.472 56.318 61430 624 93,062 296,495 NET MOVEMENT IN FUND5 CLOSING BALANCES 3.156 3.1 I28.￿2) 64,430 32,628 S9,474 65,051 2YI49S Page | 24 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 4.0 BALANCE SHEET 2023 2022 ASSETS Fixed Assets In￿stments Fixed Assets Tangib Total Fixed A8sets 1,750 296,495 298,245 1,750 296,495 298,245 Current Assets Debtors and Prepayrfftnts Current asset inlestments Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets 1,206 18,646 56,430 76,282 1,167 19,252 55,292 75,711 Current Liabilities Creditors- f811ing due wthin one year 12,978 13,031 NET CURRENT ASSETS 63,304 62,680 TOTAL NET ASSETS 361,549 360,925 PARISH FUNDS Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds - Designa￿1 Funds Unrestricted Funds - General Fund 5,580 26,846 32,628 65,054 296,495 361,549 8,112 26,846 29,472 64,430 296,495 360,925 Tb Church Capital Reser CLOSING BALANCES Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 27 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by: The Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray PCC Chair John Congram PCC Treasurer Page | 25 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 5.0 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS THE PARISH OF WOKINGHAM ST SEBASTIAN'S PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL For the Year ending 31st December 2023 Accounting policies Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and with the Regulations true and fair view provisions, they have been prepared under FRS102 {2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities {SORPIFRS10211. The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets and certain of the freehold properties which are at valuation as described in the notes. 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 thal are informal gatherings of church members. Funds Capital reserves (or permanent endowment ftinds) are funds, the capilal of which must be maintained- only income arising from investment of Ihe capital reserves may be used either as restricted or unreslricted funds depending on the purpose for which the capital reserve was established. The PCC has a single permanent endowment (capital reserves) estsblished by trust in 1968 relaling lo the Upkeep of the Church and Churchyard. Restricted funds represent income from trusts and endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. These funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent atthe end ofeach year musl be carried fonmard as a balance on thatfund. Restricted funds include an upkeep of church and churchyard fund held under trust deed together with several other restricted funds. Unrestricted funds are general funds that can be used to fund ongoing Church expenditure. These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes ofthe PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for ils own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reserves, as disclosed in the trustees, report. Designated unrestricted funds are monies sel aside by the PCC from unrestricted funds for specific purposes. That purpose is not binding on the PCC, though the PCC must be mindful of the intent when considering using the funds for other purposes. It is the simplest and mosl flexible way to ring fence money for special needs. 'Major Maintenance Fund" selup in January 2012 to cover large repair and maintenance items relating lo the church and buildings. Page | 26 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 'Jubilee Club Fund" setup in September 2017 representing funds and expenditure relating to this church group. 'Legacy Fund" (formally 'Mike Page Legacy Fund") - during 2019. the PCC received a legacy of £5,000 from the estate of Mike Page a much-loved member of the congregation. The PCC has designated these funds whilst considering options lo invest funds in a way that would honour Mike's memory. In 2021 the PCC received gifts in memory of the wonderful servant of the church Eric Fudge, and these have been similarly designated. Income Planned giving, colleclions and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resources to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally enlitled lo the amounts due. Rental income from the letting of the PCC property is recognised when the renlal is due. Investmenl income is included in the accounts when receivable. Inveslment gains and losses include any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year. All other income is accounted for gross. Expenditure Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that reward creates a binding or constructive obligation of 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. It is the policy of the PCC that at least 10°/o of our voluntary unrestricted giving (and related recoveries of income tax) should be used for missionary and charitable giving.. at the year- end amounts are accrued to comply with this policy. Fixed assets As Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the stalutory definition of "charily. by Section 10(21 la) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a facully for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected lat any reasonable limel. No valued is placed on Ihese assets in the financial statements. No individual item has cost more than £1,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred. Freehold properties are either stated at cost when built by the Parish or ststed at valuation when donated to the PCC. Fixed asset investments are stated at cost. Other Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or else, for gifts-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalized cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows.. Land - Nil l Buildings. Nil l Fixtures & Fittings 20 years. 'No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carying value. Page | 27 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Current assets Current asset investments are stated at cu￿ent market value. Income and Endowmenls Totsl General Desfjgnated Unre4rf¢ted Restrlcted Fund Fund$ Funds Funds Total Totsi 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2022 INCOME 2131 Donations and Legacies Gift Income Planned Glvfjng ,259 550 90.809 Tax reeoverable 19,477 19,477 19.477 17.523 One￿ff Gifts 19,204 6,035 19,204 19.204 12,769 Tax recov8r8blo 6,0 6.035 134.975 134,975 550 135.525 117,492 Other Donathons non gift aid Collodion8 at Ser¥i¢e8 5,269 5.269 2,545 1.998 1.619 N¢yninated Gift5 794 794 Grdnt Received 1,475 1,475 1,7T4 Logaties Sub-yotsl Donatlons and Legaclos 142.241 142,241 2.819 145.060 123,431 21bl In￿m? Charitablo adiviti*$ Charltsbl8 ￿tIvItIeS- Fees 3.426 3,426 3.426 1.976 Charitable Activities. Other 541 541 541 Sub.Total Income Charitable activities 3,967 3,￿7 3.967 2,164 21cl Incomo from Inv8stsn•nts Sykes Legacy Divds & Interest ThvSdend8 R88trlctod Funds 1,807 1,807 1.807 1.090 1.0 Sub.Totsl Income from Investments 1,Fd)7 1,807 1.090 2.897 2,(￿2 21dl Incom8 trom Trading A¢tlvltl88 Church Hall R•ntal Incomo 5,816 5,816 5.816 St Sebs Lodge Rental Income 18 640 18,640 18.640 15,610 Sub-Total Income from Trading Actiwt1tr8 24,456 24,456 24,456 20,090 TOTAL INCOME 172,471 172,471 3,909 176,380 147,727 Page | 28 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Expenditure General Desgnatetl Fund Funds Totsl Total unrest￿¢￿ Restrfctèd d Funds Fund5 TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2022 EXPENDITURE 3181 Parish Shar8 and Fe8S DIoc8s8 and Deanery F868 Parlsh Sharo 105 105 105 1,375 82,517 82.517 82,517 83.718 Sub4otal 3lal Parlth Share and Fees 82,822 82,622 82,622 ,093 31bl MIs￿on and Charltable Glvlng Gifts Made 4,590 4,590 794 5,384 10,617 Prtsvi*on written back 14,3791 14,3791 14,3791 Sub4otsl Mis¥on & Charitsble Giving 211 211 794 1,005 10.617 31cl Staff Cost5 49.665 49.665 1.025 50,6 46.222 31dl Ministry Co Church Servic8s Co*s 3.576 3.576 3.576 2.131 Education Evang81i¥n & Pa*oral Family and Youth Sub4otal Mlnlstry Costs 55 55 73 1.846 1.￿6 2.482 5,477 5,477 5,4TI 4.686 4el Premlses Co&8 25,414 25.414 4,622 30,036 20,638 4fj Other Church Advltles Communications 2,896 2,696 2,6 2,417 Independent Ex8mine¢s Fee Other Admini4r8tion ExpÈnsÈs 500 2.624 2,624 2,624 2,245 Sub4otsl Olher Churth AGtivities 5.320 5.320 5,320 5.162 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 168.709 168.709 6.441 175,150 172.419 4. Staff Costs 2023 2022 Salaries 49,892 45,539 Social Security Coa5 Pen*on Contribution5 798 Total Staff Coa5 50,690 46,222 There were five15) employees in post until July when one employee left, there were four employees for the rest of the year. There were no employee benefits to key management personnel in this year or previous years. Page | 29 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 5. Fixed assets 5 (a) Investments- at 31 December 2023 CBF Inve5trtEnt fund- 1,764 5hare5 1,750 The CBF Investment funds represents permanent endowment {capital resetvesl relating to the Upkeep of the Church and Churchyard restricted fund. 5 (b) Tangible fixed assets - freehold land and buildings- at 31 December 2023 Artual/d2emEd c05t cumulated Depreciab"on Net Book Value 296,495 296,495 Freehold land and buildings comprise the church hall and the parish ￿ntre, both of which were built by the PCC and are stated at Gost of £201,495, and St Sebastian's Lodge which is staled al a valuation made in Ihe year of donation to the PCC of £95,000. It is not considered that the current value of the freehold properties is lower than their slaled cost and accordingly no depreciation has been provided. The PCC do not see any benefit in obtaining a current valuation of these properties. 6. Debtors 31 Dec 23 31 Dec 22 Tax Recoverable 442 83 Other Debtor 146 230 Accounts Receivable 618 854 1,206 1,167 7 (a) Current Asset Investments The inveslments being Barclays Ordinary Shares are stated al the market value prevailing at 31 December 2023. 7 (b) Designated Funds Major Maintenanc8 Fund Totsl Designated Funds Legacy Fund Jubilee Club Fund Opening Balance 1011011231 Total Income 20,000 5,453 1,393 26,846 Total Expense Tra￿￿er$ to General Fund clo￿ng 8alance {31.12.231 20,000 5,453 1,393 26,846 Page | 30 2023 Annual Report and Accounts 8. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year 31 Dec 23 31 D8c 22 Rent Aflvance .Hall 330 Accruals 9)5 1,919 Utilitie$Ac¢nJal 6,735 3.244 Tlthlng Provldon HMRC Payroll CreditorlDebtor Verger & AV Operator Fees Parochial Fees 4,379 1,358 797 70 740 300 Peoples Pen￿On Credltor Accounts Payable 438 285 3,172 1,337 12.978 13.031 9. Restricted Funds Totsl R88trict8d Funds Churth & ChurchJ4rd Fund Other Restricted Funds Family Wokingham Youth Work8r Unltod Frlday Salary Charlty NlgM8 3,992 Sp8cIflc Charity Collections Opening Balances 1st January2O23 8,112 120 Restric18d Donations 794 Grant from wO￿n￿ghaM WIth(￿t P. C. Grant *rchbi8hop'8 c￿r￿lI 475 475 1.0 1.09) Ditridends Total Incon 3,909 1,090 1,000 SalaTIÈ$ 1,025 1,025 Reorder Plumbing in Church Hall Up)r8de Expendllure Charihes 2.761 2.761 1,861 1,861 794 Total Expèndlture 6,441 2,781 1,025 1,861 Closing Balance5 315t Decerrtspr 2023 2.131 1,000 10. Disclosure of trustee and staff remuneration, related party and othertransactions PCC member, Mary Unwin, is a Govemor of St Sebastian's School. During the year. the PCC made grants of £690 to the school to pay for bibles for the children and staff and pay Ihe Core Support charge from Ihe Diocese. PCC member. Peter J. Thompson, is a Trustee oflhe Mitiyana Charity- During the year, the PCC made grants of £700 to support this charity. PCC Member, Janet Rogers, is a Councillor of Wokingham Without Parish Council. No other payments or expenses were paid to any other member ofthe PCC or person closely connected lo them or related parties. otherlhan the re-imbursement ofexpenses incurred by PCC members in respect of Church activities. PCC indemniiy insurance cover is provided for all PCC members as part of the Ecclesiastical Parish Plus Insurance policy entered on annual basis. The annual premium for the combined Page | 31 2023 Annual Report and Accounts church, parish Trntre and hall insurance, which also covers areas such as employerfs liability, property damage, consequential loss, and financial loss, is £4.178 for the year to 30 April 2024. The cost of the indemnily insurance cover is not separately identifiable. 11. Fees payable to the Independenl Examiner The Independent Examiner, Michael Young, who is a member of the congregation did not charge a fee. He is not a person closely connected to any member of the PCC. 12. Charitable grants and special collections The Church is committed to give at least 100/0 of its unrestricted voluntary income to support the work ofcharities and reach out to those in need across theworld and in the UK. However. in view of our financial siluation, in July 2023, Ihe PCC decided reluclantly thal we should concentrate our resources on our own local mission objeclives. Therefore, it was agreed that the unspent Tithing Provision of £4,379 brought forward at the beginning of the year would be written back to our reserves. Further. rather than stopping our giving to existing mission partners, the PCC approved the move from monlhly donations to six monthly gifts in January and July. This move reduced this year's deficit by £3,000 without effecting the annual receipts to our partners. During 2023, charitable grants wérè made to the following organisations= St Sebastians C of E Primary School -Diocesan Core Support -Bibles for Children 500 190 690 Yeklall Christian Centre 7CIJ Just Around The Comer IJACI Soulscape Pastoral Gifts 350 350 1,8Ch) Mitiyana Charity Open Doors Univida 70) 7C¥J 2.100 Specific Collections - Royal British Legion Tearfund Quiz 150 794 Total Gifts made in 2023 £5.384 Write Back of Unspent Provision 14.3791 Net Mission and Charitable Giving per Statement of Activities 2023 £1.005 Page | 32 2023 Annual Report and Accounts INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Parochlal Church Councll of St Sebmuan, Woklngham Flnan¢lal •tat•ments For the y•ar endlng 31 D•cembfrr 2023 I r•wt on the acttyjnts of the PCC for the ended 31 De¢ember 2023. Iwhkh are s•t outon p•qe$ 6t0 14}. As members dthe PCC ytyj irt r￿￿ble the prwrntion ofthe FIMnci•l Ststem•nts,' conslder th•t the •udlt requlrement of Rewl•llon 3131 •nd 5ectKJn 144121 of the 2011 Charrties Art do not appty. It 15 nry responsibility to: ex•mln*thtKcounts under se¢ttm 145 olthe 2011 Art.. foll¢Avthe pmcedvres l•id In theGentrnl ￿TectIonS ￿¥•A by th• Ch•rlty C4xnmhssk)n under $edk￿ 14515lbl olthe 2011 Art.. •nd stste ¥¥hether particuknr m•tters h•¥• come to my attentlo My *x•rniNtion orrled In the Genernl Olre¢tlonsgiven byth•Ch•rlty Comffli￿1on under McJon 14515llbl ofthe 2011 Ad and to be found IA the PCC Ac¢ountsbilityguithn¢e, 5th edit￿>Th, 2017 issued by the Finlnce Dlthn of the Anhbishops, Coun¢ll. Thit examln•tion includes • revlew of the ac¢ountr'nR rtttyd5 kept by the PCC and • cornp•rlson ofthe a¢¢ounts vhth those rectyd5. ft•lso ar￿ude5 considtting any unusual items ty disclosures in the accounts and seekiw expLinatlons from you as trustees wcernirry any sKh matters. The Pfrxedures undertjken do n(* prtylde all the evidence thatwould be required In In audil and consequently I do not express èn •uditoplnion onthe vieai8lven by the accounts. In connectK)n w￿h my ex•rnination. no matter ¢