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2023-12-31-accounts

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2023

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Contents

Contents

Contents ......................................................................................... 2 Charitable Objects ........................................................................ 3 Administrative ............................................................................... 3 Credits ............................................................................................ 3 Organisation .................................................................................. 4 Trustees ......................................................................................... 4 External Representation ............................................................... 6 Safeguarding ................................................................................. 8 Areas of focus for 2023 reviewed ................................................ 9 The Community ............................................................................. 9 Ministry and weekly services ..................................................... 10 Children and Young People’s work ........................................... 13 Pastoral Report ........................................................................... 15 Publicity and Communications ................................................. 16 Financial Review ......................................................................... 17 Focus for 2024 ............................................................................. 18 Prayer for our Partnership ......................................................... 18

This report should be read in conjunction with the reports from the 4 local churches, available at http://WSwinLyd.org.uk/council/report

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 Apr 2024 and signed, on behalf of the board, by

Chris Scarisbrick, Trustee

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Reference and Administrative

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Plans for 2024

Focus for 2024

Our Partnership Council propose the following areas of focus for 2024:

Prayer for our Partnership

Lord God, we thank you for calling us into the company of those who trust in Christ and seek to obey his will. May your Spirit guide and strengthen us in mission and service to your world; for we are strangers no longer but pilgrims together on the way to your Kingdom. Amen.

Charitable Objects

The purpose of our Partnership is to advance the Christian faith in West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze in accordance with the principles and practices of the Participating Churches. In achieving its purpose, the Partnership will engage in a range of activities, either on its own or with others, including (but not restricted to):

Administrative

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership is registered in England as a charity. Charity Reg no; 1141341. Our address is, c/o Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive, Swindon SN5 5PY

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership is a registered data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act. Our registration number is Z2669468.

The Partnership is registered to claim gift aid enabling individuals to give tax efficiently either to the general fund or specifically for the primary schools work.

Our Bank Account is with CafCash P.O. Box 289, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA. Our Independent Examiner is James Gare, Monahan’s, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon. SN2 2GA.

Credits

This report is prepared by, and with thanks to Rev Lis Arnold, Heather Benn, Janet Clarke, Rev Trevor Day, Rev Clive Deverell, Mark Dowling, Rachel Dowling, David Hoar, Neema Mariya, Linda Nicholas, Pete Rogers, Chris Scarisbrick, Rev Mark Tidey, Pat Watson.

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West Swindon and the Lydiards Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Finances

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Structure Governance and Management

Organisation

The partnership comprises four churches, acting together: Holy Trinity Church, Shaw (HTS) St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze (SMLT) Toothill Church Westlea Church

We are a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership, as described by Churches Together in England. The Partnership is part of the Baptist Union, Church of England, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church (URC).

Our clergy comprise those who have been duly authorised and appointed by our participating denominations. Rev Canon Capt. Clive Deverell is Vicar of West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze (Church of England and Authorised to Serve in the Upper Thames Circuit of the Methodist Church and within the URC) with responsibility across the Partnership. Rev Trevor Day is Assistant Minister (Church of England) working across the partnership. Rev Lis Arnold (CofE) based at St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze, has Permission to Officiate in the parish. Rev Mark Tidey is Assistant Minister (Church of England) working mostly at Toothill. Rev Som Okonkwo continues to serve in the Partnership as part of his Anglican training for ministry. Rev Joseph Ribeiro is a Methodist Minister in the Upper Thames Circuit whose pastoral responsibilities extend to Toothill Church.

Trustees

The trustees are the members of the Partnership Council (PC). Anglican Members also constitute the Parochial Church Council (PCC) when needed to conduct Anglican specific business, though the PCC delegates as much business as it can, to the wider PC

The charity trustees have had due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

The Partnership Council (PC)

The PC is the main governance and representative body. Its responsibilities are Regulatory, Oversight, Governance and External partnerships. Other responsibilities, ministry / mission, buildings, pastoral care and local leadership, are delegated to the Local Church Committees (LCC) / Leadership Teams. A fuller description of the current functions of the PC, PCC and LCCs can be found in the Partnership Constitution (2015) and in draft Standing Orders.

Financial Review

The Partnership’s main source of income is the share from the individual churches, with some income generated from fees for weddings and funerals. Most of the fee income is paid out to cover costs to the diocese or clergy, organist, verger and clerk as well as for costs such as heating and lighting. We do almost no public fundraising as a Partnership although some is done by the individual churches to support specific causes.

The Partnership’s main expenditures are contributions to the parent bodies, this accounting for just over 80% of expenditure, leaving a small amount for general expenses including the maintenance of Hook Cemetery and outreach work. In recent years, including 2023, the Partnership has not directly employed staff and has instead relied on the goodwill of volunteers to continue the work of the charity; this work often goes unnoticed but is gratefully appreciated as it is what enables the Partnership to continue its work.

Against a backdrop of reduced membership and an ongoing cost of living crisis we are thankful to have seen regular giving increase slightly in 2023 over 2022.

In the consolidated accounts the total unrestricted income was £148,108 and restricted was £29,880. The total unrestricted expenditure was £193,853, and restricted expenditure was £58,363.

The reserves being carried forward were £63,808 for unrestricted and £94,682 for restricted. The restricted funds are being held against future building related work and the employment of a Childrens’ Worker. Despite advertising a vacancy, we were not able to recruit, and given the forthcoming changes to the Partnership, Partnership Council agreed to delay recruitment until the new structures are in place.

The policy of the individual churches and the partnership is to keep 6 months of expenditure as reserves, which for the group amounts to some £30,000. The total free reserves are £63,808, which is in excess of the required amount.

Our financial controls are reviewed by the trustees on an ongoing basis as is risk. This enables us to act/react to changes to both legislation and provision requirements as soon as possible

Going Concern

As of 31 Aug 2024 the Local Ecumenical Partnership will be dissolved. Each individual church community is defining their own future as single denomination churches. The intention is to ensure all activities, assets and liabilities are allocated appropriately between the successor organisations, before that date. The trustees will then take steps to close the charity. The charity is not a going concern.

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Structure Governance and Management

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

We are extremely grateful to Ann Hutchison who co-ordinates volunteers at St Mary’s, and importantly to those who take responsibility for the management of our safeguarding across the Partnership.

Thanks also to Rev Trevor Day who leads on the Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park, offering a listening ear and opportunities for daily reflection and silence.

We would like give thanks for the passion at HTS as we seek to care for the environment, our desire to make HTS sustainable having now installed Solar Panels, and Westlea for continuing their litter picks.

We thank those volunteers at HTS and Toothill who are involved in ‘Welcome Space’. HTS are now offering two sessions a week, and their craft activities have resulted in increased attendance. Toothill Church have also seen numbers grow and attendees enjoyed a very special Christmas lunch. its growth is a real blessing.

Loss

Grief has been tangible for myself, and several others, in 2023, we mourn the loss particularly of Val Hemmens, Mavis Mclaughlin, Seth Nartey, Joan Rumming and Milton Shim each of them brought so much to the Churches. We give thanks for their lives and continued inspiration.

Clergy (ex officio) Rev Canon Capt. Clive Deverell
Rev Trevor Day
Rev Mark Tidey		 Rev Canon Capt. Clive Deverell
Rev Trevor Day
Rev Mark Tidey		 Rev Canon Capt. Clive Deverell
Rev Trevor Day
Rev Mark Tidey
Partnership Council Chair Mark Dowling(from Apr 2023)
Treasurer Pam Ray(till Apr 2023)
Neema Mariya(from Apr 2023)
Secretary Chris Scarisbrick
Churchwardens, Synod reps
and LLMs (ex-officio)		 Wendy Dukes
Dr Angela Mak
Pat Watson		 Jacqueline Kirwan
Peter Rogers
Linda Nicholas
Bob Nicholas
Elected Members Mike Black
Janet Clark		 Peter Gilder
Chris Scarisbrick
Circuit Superintendent Minister, and
Circuit Steward (ex officio)		 Rev Shirlyn Toppin
URC Synod Pastoral Adviser Rev Gerald England

The PC met 6 times in 2023, in February, April (the AGM for year 2022), twice in July, and in October and November. Between meetings, day to day operations and decision making was delegated to the Partnership Executive.

Main PC topics during the year were:

New beginnings

We face a new beginning from the summer of 2024. Our efforts must be focused on how we are going to build the Kingdom of God in West Swindon, in so doing we will need to work together more, understand each other more.

God is doing something, look at the vocational growth, look at the changes in demographics in our congregations. There is more to be done, let us pray, study and reach out, to our communities together.

The Partnership Executive met 8 times in 2023 using video conferencing facilities or face to face.

Apart from the Executive, appointed Sub Groups handled specialist areas of work on behalf of the PC, and gave reports on progress. The groups were:

Publicity and Communications

Our web site https://WSwinLyd.org.uk is somewhat static, but a helpful central point of information. Each local church is responsible for local publicity – this is through their Monthly Magazines, Weekly Notice Sheets, Christmas cards etc.

Local Church activities

There is much more that happens in each of our local churches, well described in their local Annual Reports, available online at http://wswinlyd.org.uk/council/report

Risks

The Partnership has a number of risks to its activities which have been assessed at either PC or the Executive. These include:

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Structure Governance and Management

The PC considers that these risks have been mitigated to the best practicable extent.

We have identified two risks that are beyond our direct control.

All risks are monitored within the Partnership’s governance processes.

Induction and Training of Trustees

There is no formal training process for trustees, however all PC members are formally inducted and made aware of their role and responsibilities at the first PC meeting after the AGM, and through discussion and briefing before and at meetings.

External Representation

Anglican Deanery and Diocese

Deanery Synod has continued to focus on the Diocese project and strategy for moving forward and reaching out into the community - Transforming Church, Together.

Chris Dobson, from the Diocese, came to lead a session in May to highlight the Discipleship stream of Transforming Church. He asked challenging questions including- ‘If someone came into a church and wanted to find out about Jesus, what would they find?’; ‘if someone wanted to find out about discipleship at your church, what would they find?’; ‘what understanding or feelings come to mind when you hear the word evangelism or discipleship?’

The Deanery Leadership Team have been working on the Deanery Plan, reflecting on the questions, ‘What is Swindon Deanery? What are our characteristics? What is our geography? What are our shared priorities?’ The plan was introduced and shared in July; PCCs were asked to reflect and feedback on the plan. This was discussed in November’s meeting with subgroups planned to address each aspect of the plan.

Pastoral Report

In a year, in which King Charles III had his coronation, we recall the important role that the Church had on that day and the special part that the anointing had. It was a real privilege for both Churches to share in that joy and our prayers continue to be with him and his family.

Sincere thanks firstly, needs to go to all wardens, stewards, and leadership teams and committees who have ensured the daily life of the churches, have continued without disruption, in a time of uncertainty and change.

Individual need

Pastorally, we have in all the churches, seen change, fewer Baptisms and Weddings, more Church funerals but fewer at the Crematoriums as more are taken by civil celebrants. We will all need to look at how we facilitate memorial services for individuals. Home Communions are taking place, and our Pastoral teams endeavour to keep in touch with those unable to attend. Heat and Eat is a specific new venture where Toothill is supporting the most vulnerable.

Vocations

We do need to acknowledge, in 2023, Andy Bissex has continued on his ordination training and left to go on extended placement. We have officially welcomed Robert Nicholas as an LLM, it was great that so many went to Bristol for his licensing, and we welcom Nitin Shinde, an Ordinand from Christ Church, who is with us till the summer of 2025.

We have continued to be blessed by Rev Mark Tidey and on an extended placement Rev Som Okonkwo, both have been more focused at Toothill this last year.

Volunteering, caring for our environment, reaching out .

We thank those who lead Messy Church and Open the Book, especially Heather Benn, as she inspires and encourages so many. All the Churches have played their part in supporting Open the Book and Messy Church, we have sustained and continued with those activities that originated from ourselves.

We thank those Volunteers running Spotlight and Daygroup for Jesus, the study group at Toothill and to Westlea for the use of their zoom account to facilitate a number of them.

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Structure Governance and Management

2024 the challenge will be to nurture the doors opened to us with deepening commitment and relationship.

God is doing many things in our churches, everywhere you look there is change, new things springing up or being talked about. OtB is no different – we have enjoyed the conditions that enabled our flourishing under the unifying umbrella of the partnership – thank you. Our trajectory now depends on the love and support of all the churches, through prayer, provision, and the continued blessing of our PCC’s and their working together for the good of this ministry.

Messy Church

Messy church has been meeting on the second Sunday of each month at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw. Numbers have been small during the year. We invited more people to attend for the December Christingle session and more came. Some families hope to join in most months in 2024. We are grateful for the guitar playing of Mark Tidey, the piano playing and enthusiastic acting of Mick Dams and family. We have collected items for shoeboxes, held a session where we made grace cards, completed some messy painting, and constructed many food items such as a ‘Sail boat’ a ’Sheep’ and decorated biscuits. It was nice to see Emma and Callum for a session before they went back to college.

The messy church publication changed during the year, we now have a book that runs from September to August which we are following. We are adding some of our own ideas as well to add specific bible stories. We have held Tuesday planning meetings once a month.

Our challenge for next year is to encourage more families to attend. ( A brand new baby came to January’s session.)

Oliver Tomkins CE Infant and Junior school

Oliver Tomkins Schools underwent seismic change during 2023, Miss Cockwell retired as Headteacher in July 2023. A lovely farewell service led by Clive took place with each year contributing. Former colleagues, fellow Heads joined from other local schools. Mrs Katie Cook was appointed to replace her.

The school faces a major change in 2024, having to join a multi academy trust. In December the Infant School had an OFSTED inspection and was graded as good.

Katikamu Sebamale School, Uganda

The link with the school has continued to grow. The WhatsApp link is really useful in keeping in touch. We have struggled to send financial help this year and we hope to resolve this soon. St Mary's continues to raise funds each Christmas, and like others, prays for the school regularly.

Baptist Area

In the year 2023 the Baptist church has been focussing on evangelism with a key verse from 1John 1 v 7. ‘We walk in the light as he is in the light.

They have been trying to start new churches where they see gaps in provision. Individual churches, such as Gorse Hill in Swindon, are still supporting the community fridge idea where folk can leave food in the

fridge or on the shelves next to it when they pop in for a coffee. Those in need can come and get food. A few churches are doing meals twice a week.

The main AGM was held in Telford in June and the South West AGM was held in Clevedon in July. Questions were asked about the truth of reporters saying church is in decline. These meetings both said that church numbers were not dropping but, if anything they were increasing especially those attending bible study online. Horfield Baptist church in Bristol has swapped buildings with the local CofE one as that would suit their needs better. The two churches are still friends and have a common online bible session twice a month.

Methodist Circuit

The Partnership's commitment to ecumenism means that Partnership clergy continue to lead worship in the Upper Thames Circuit. As part of this reciprocal arrangement we thank the Circuit Ministers and Local Preachers who lead worship across the Partnership, we are extremely grateful for their support.

In September we welcomed Rev Joseph Ribeiro to the circuit ministry team. Rev Joseph is minister at Highworth and Shrivenham and shares ministerial responsibilities for Toothill with Rev Mark Tidey.

As part of the conversations this year about the future of the partnership, the Circuit invited Toothill Church join them and become a Methodist Church. At the end of 2023 we were preparing to discuss this at church and partnership levels.

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Structure Governance and Management

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

URC

URC SW Synod confirmed David Hoar continued in his role as a lay president, authorised to serve communion in the Partnership. We said farewell to our moderator Ruth Whitehead. Rev Gerald England continued to give us support as a partnership for which we are extremely grateful.

Safeguarding

We have 88 people trained and available to work with children or those who may be at risk, at the time of reporting. We have had no incidents of safeguarding concern in 2023. Though there were a couple of minor incidents requiring pastoral support for staff, these did not warrant safeguarding concern.

In doing our work of safeguarding the Partnership Council have followed the advice and guidance of the United Reformed Church Synod Safeguarding Officer. According to section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, the PCC have given due weight to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

St Mary’s Futures group

This year the "Futures Group" the small group responsible for ensuring the legacy of the conservation project at St Mary's is maintained.

Volunteers continue to steward and the numbers recruited continue to grow. A new interpretation board for the Churchyard was designed and sent to Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for approval in December 23. This once installed will give visitors insight while the Church is closed.

The guidebook continues to sell well, and numerous schools have visited during the year and Anne Hutchison has led this and the volunteer group with great skill.

Children and Young People’s work

Our local churches support for children and young people on Sundays, and midweek groups has been greatly diminished, however Toothill Church run Toothill Tinies and Friday Club for Junior School age children. They also support a Family Hub and Youth Club for Secondary School age children, held at Toothill Church. These are described further and reported in the local church annual reports at http://WSwinLyd.org.uk/council/report, here we consider our joint efforts

Primary schools work - “Open the Book”.

As I sit and write this between Christmas and New Year I think back and am grateful for all the good things that have happened to, and in, the Open the Book team. The words “pass my story to the next generation” and “beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News” echo in my heart, what does God want from us most? – our hearts. This is a ministry everyone can participate in, the lame, the sick, the lonely, the fearful – in fact they are the very people who would be at home with us for God is able to make them stand as he has done for us.

Open the Book is a bible telling story programme in primary schools and part of Bible Society. In 2023 we have established ourselves in 4 primary schools, Shaw Ridge, Peatmoor, Tregoze and Westlea. Given 61 assemblies on Wednesdays with a team of 20 people from 5 different churches. Schools are very encouraging and supportive of the team and appreciate the message the stories bring. Our relationships remain good with a change of 2 new school contacts for Shaw Ridge and Westlea.

We have a resource room at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw to meet in and store costumes and props – thank you. We have signed up to the new Bible Society membership scheme (a requirement from Sept 2024) and used some of the new stories in Westlea and Tregoze schools. We have welcomed Lindsay to the team and said goodbye to Bob and Wendy. It has been a tough but enjoyable year. In

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

June, with Rev Mark Tidey and Kirsty and Benita Bondah leading the worship. Mike Wilmot from Bible Society led at Westlea in October.

Day group for Jesus

A successful year of study and fellowship. Getting to the know the richness of our creator’s love and grace. Meeting on Zoom, then using Welcome Space at Holy Trinity Shaw to meet in person and help with its running.

We finished our Watchwords of Faith. It’s surprising how single words like Transformation, Hope and Redemption could give us so much material.

Mike Black told us his story of transformation from RAF pilot to becoming a MAF pilot. Wow, brilliant, many thanks Mike for an enthralling session.

Angela then led with Praying like Monks, with not requiring a change of dress code. The study getting to us to think about our practise of prayer and techniques to improve it.

Finishing the year with the Bible Societies course on Romans. Not an easy book, however Andrew Ollerton’s creative approach to the study helping us to rediscover its message we are invited to be part of.

This year we will see changes, but our ethos in DG4J will not change - ‘All are warmly welcome to our meetings.’

Workload: 12 hours/meeting, 22 meetings/year, between 3 people.

With thanks to Angela and Edward for a great year of study.

Spotlight

Spotlight started on Zoom during the lockdown in April 2021. It began as a result of a conversation about the value of House Groups. Spotlight is a different version of a House Group and is based on the monastic tradition of Lectio Divina (Holy reading) and is a contemplative approach to Bible reading. It is not Bible study but a way of dwelling on a short passage of Scripture, read slowly, twice, with silence in between. We then share what we find valuable, encouraging, even alarming etc.

The group (which on average is about 10-12 people) feel safe in the confidential atmosphere to say exactly what they feel; everyone’s contribution is valid. It may build confidence, deepen faith and help us draw closer to each other and to God.

Areas of focus for 2023 reviewed

All these areas of focus were overtaken by events during the year, when our denominational leaders asked us to consider dissolving the partnership. The Partnership AGM held in April 2023 agreed to this proposal, with a view to dissolution at the end of 2025. Following denominal developments it was agreed at a Partnership Council meeting in January 2024 to dissolve the partnership on 31 August 2024.

We have made great strides in defining the shape of our new organisations. We have decided on a possible future for each local church, partially defined the work each needs to do to get there, and decided the date of dissolution. We will start our new beginning on 1 Sept 2024.

The Community

Membership is expressed through the Local Churches, and each congregation is responsible for encouraging regular attendees into membership. Within our different church traditions there are slight differences in understanding of membership, but this causes us no problems apart from explaining to our parent denominations.

The group has people from across the Partnership and beyond. We still meet on Zoom, fortnightly, each session lasting one hour, in blocks of 5 sessions. Initially Lis led the sessions but as the group became used to the process, others have chosen the Scripture and led if they wish.

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Annual Report 2023 Achievements and Performance

Membership Summary

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
57 68 67 61 61 69 67 66
St Mary’s
Holy 21 21 28 23 25 30 27 28

Trinity
27 32 31 31 31 31 28 35
Toothill
27 29 32 34 34 31 31 31
Westlea
132 150 158 149 151 161 153 160
Total

Our partnership’s main services take place on a Sunday Morning usually in all four local churches. A service of Holy Communion is generally held in at least one of the Partnership locations every Sunday, with a range of styles reflecting the breadth of our traditions.

Friday morning prayers took place throughout the year on Zoom and attendance on Friday mornings quite often reached double figures.

Messy Church is a missionary congregation aimed at families with young children. It is lay-led and resourced from the other “Sunday morning” churches.

A midweek meditation and study group “Spotlight” continued this year and has attendance across the Churches in West Swindon.

The ‘Day Group for Jesus’ meets fortnightly with attendees from across the partnership.

Ministry and weekly services

The worship rota is arranged across the Partnership. Clergy, Local Preachers, Lay Ministers and our team of trained lay people lead services and preach in their ‘home’ church, in the other partner churches and some across the Methodist Upper Thames Circuit. The Circuit also contributes worship leaders.

Denominationally Appointed and Authorised Ministers Denominationally Appointed and Authorised Ministers
Rev Canon Capt. Clive
Deverell
 CofE Vicar. Authorised to Serve in Methodist
and United Reformed Churches
Rev Trevor Day CofE Assistant Minister
Rev Mark Tidey CofE Assistant Minister

Rev Lis Arnold
 CofE Ordained Minister (Permission to
Officiate)
Rev Joseph Ribeiro Methodist Minister
Mrs Rachel Dowling Methodist Lay Preacher
Mr Mark Dowling Methodist Lay Preacher

Mr David Hoar
URC Lay Preacher
Mrs Angela Mak CofE Licensed Lay Minister (LLM)
Mr Bob Nicholas CofE Licensed Lay Minister (LLM)
Mr Peter Rogers CofE Licensed LayMinister(LLM)
Administrative and Support Administrative and Support
Ms Neema Mariya Partnership Treasurer
Mr Chris Scarisbrick Partnership Secretary and
Joint Safeguarding Coordinator
Mrs Julie Scarisbrick Joint SafeguardingCoordinator

Usual Weekly Attendance (Chris)

2023 2023 2022 2022 2021 2021 2020 2020 2019 2019 2018 2018 2017 2017
Adult Child A C A C A C A C A C A C
St Mary’s 33 0 40 2 35 2 23 2 55 9 63 9 68 10
HolyTrinity 29 1 18 2 20 1 20 2 31 8 32 4 33 8
Toothill 22 4 18 6 14 2 24 3 24 3 24 7 25 8
Westlea 13 1 17 1 25 0 27 2 24 4 24 5 22 5
Total 97 6 93 11 94 5 94 9 134 24 143 25 148 31

Figures adjusted to include Messy Church other non-weekly services etc

We have continued to notice decline in attendance of children and young people at Sunday services.

Joint Partnership Worship

Lay worship leaders Lay worship leaders Lay worship leaders
Heather Benn
Andy Bissex
Benita Bondah		 Kirsty Bondah
Janet Clarke
WendyDeverell		 Peter Roslyk
Mark Taylor
Richard Williams

We held joint partnership services for major Christian festivals in 2023.

Our Covenant service at the start of the year was led by Rev. Shirlyn Toppin. Lent Weekday services at Toothill Church on Wednesdays were led by Rev Lis Arnold, Rev Trevor Day or David Hoar. Nigel Howarth preached at Toothill in

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
107,617
Charitable activities
5
Church activities
36,223
Other trading activities
3
1,987
Investment income
4
2,281
Total
148,108
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
465
Charitable activities
7
Church activities
193,388
Total
193,853
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(45,745)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
109,553
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
63,808		 Restricted
funds
£
29,816
-
-
64
29,880
-
58,363
58,363
(28,483)
123,165
94,682		 2023
Total
funds
£
137,433
36,223
1,987
2,345
177,988
465
251,751
252,216
(74,228)
232,718
158,490		 2022
Total
funds
£
218,693
47,307
2,607
512
269,119
225
244,251
244,476
24,643
208,075
232,718

The notes form part of these financial statements

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West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

There are no significant areas of judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.

Legal Status - The charity is an unincorporated charitable trust constituted by trust deed.

Going concern

As of 31 Aug 2024 the Local Ecumenical Partnership will be dissolved. Each individual church community is defining their own future as single denomination churches. The intention is to ensure all activities, assets and liabilities are allocated appropriately between the successor organisations, before that date. The trustees will then take steps to close the charity. The charity is not a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the Church / group is legally entitled to the amounts due.

Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the Church / group. The diocesan or other denominational share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds.

The Diocese own the freehold for the church buildings, therefore capital work to the church buildings are written off as expenditure.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the Church at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provisions for amounts that may prove uncollectable. Short term deposits include cash held on deposit at the Bank.

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Current liabilities

Creditors are recognised where the church has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Financial Risk Management

The charity has minimal exposure to customer credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Please refer to the risk management section of the trustees annual report for information on how risks are managed. The charity does not have any non basic financial instruments.

2.

3.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Planned giving - gift aid
Planned giving - tax recoverable
Planned giving - other
Collections - open plate
Grants
Sundry donations
Donations and appeals
Tax reclaim on other donations
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Listed place of worship
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Fetes, bazaars, other fund-raising events		 2023
£
65,633
16,330
1,714
9,248
-
18,194
20,504
5,810
137,433
2023
£
-
2023
£
1,987		 2022
£
64,409
17,060
3,235
5,275
7,251
92,947
24,172
4,344
218,693
2022
£
7,251
2022
£
2,607

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Deposit account interest
5.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Church hall letting etc -
church groups
Church activities
Church hall letting etc - other Church activities
Ministry Fees
Church activities
6.
RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
Costs of fetes, bazaars, other fund-raising events
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Church activities
8.
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Missionary and charitable giving
Ministry - partnership share
Church running and maintenance costs
Ministry - other clergy costs
Major building work
Bank charges		 Direct
Costs (see
note 8)
£
248,891		 2023
£
2,345
2023
£
4,529
17,811
13,883
36,223
2023
£
465
Support
costs (see
note 9)
£
2,860
2023
£
14,221
86,005
65,035
7,576
75,840
214
248,891

9. SUPPORT COSTS

Church activities

Governance costs £ 2,860

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

9. SUPPORT COSTS - continued

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
2023 2022
Church Total
activities activities
£ £
Accountancy and independent examination 2,860 1,920

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

Expenses totalling £4,149 (2022: £4,633) were paid to 2 (2022: 4) trustees. All these payments are either expenses or part of fees for performing church services.

11.

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
96,015
Charitable activities
Church activities
47,307
Other trading activities
2,607
Investment income
479
Total
146,408
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
225
Charitable activities
Church activities
151,287
Total
151,512
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(5,104)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
114,657
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
109,553		 Restricted
funds
£
122,678
-
-
33
122,711
-
92,964
92,964
29,747
93,418
123,165		 Total
funds
£
218,693
47,307
2,607
512
269,119
225
244,251
244,476
24,643
208,075
232,718

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Gift aid debtor
Other debtors
Prepayments
13.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Other creditors
14.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
funds
£
Current assets
99,108
Current liabilities
(35,300)
63,808
15.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.1.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
109,513
Toothill building fund
40
Toothill young people's work
-
109,553
Restricted funds
Family Work
1,601
St Mary's Building Fund
35,519
Toothill Tinies
587
Other
1,452
Primary Schools (KS1 and 2) children and
their families mission work
84,006
123,165
TOTAL FUNDS
232,718		 Restricted
funds
£
94,682
-
94,682
Net
movement
in funds
£
(45,745)
-
-
(45,745)
(1,601)
(27,707)
268
557
-
(28,483)
(74,228)

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Family Work
St Mary's Building Fund
Toothill Tinies
Other
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
148,108
-
20,402
6,326
3,152
29,880
177,988		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(193,853)
(45,745)
(1,601)
(1,601)
(48,109)
(27,707)
(6,058)
268
(2,595)
557
(58,363)
(28,483)
(252,216)
(74,228)

Comparatives for movement in funds

At 1.1.22
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
114,617
Toothill building fund
40
114,657
Restricted funds
Family Work
3,361
St Mary's Building Fund
88,920
Toothill Tinies
982
Other
155
Primary Schools (KS1 and 2) children and
their families mission work
-
93,418
TOTAL FUNDS
208,075
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
146,408
Restricted funds
Family Work
-
St Mary's Building Fund
30,222
Toothill Tinies
6,275
Other
2,208
Primary Schools (KS1 and 2) children and
their families mission work
84,006
122,711
TOTAL FUNDS
269,119		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.22
£
£
(5,104)
109,513
-
40
(5,104)
109,553
(1,760)
1,601
(53,401)
35,519
(395)
587
1,297
1,452
84,006
84,006
29,747
123,165
24,643
232,718
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(151,512)
(5,104)
(1,760)
(1,760)
(83,623)
(53,401)
(6,670)
(395)
(911)
1,297
-
84,006
(92,964)
29,747
(244,476)
24,643

continued...

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

The Church Partnership and each individual church and sub-groups maintain a General Fund.

Some of the churches in the partnership have received funds for a specific purpose such as building. Any such amounts unspent at the year end have been included as restricted funds.

Transfers have been made from unrestricted to restricted funds where expenditure on a particular project has exceeded the funds available for that purpose. Transfers from restricted funds to the general fund occur when the expenditure has been identified through the general fund or to transfer unspent funds with the agreement of the donor.

16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Total donations of £22,349 (2022: £10,477) were received from trustees. These donations were all given without conditions. Trustees also donate via church plate collections. These amounts are not recorded separately. There were no related party transactions in the year.

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