**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER:**
**1141879**
**Report of the Members of the Parochial Church Council and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2023**
**for**
**The Parish of St Peter and St Paul, West Wittering**
Page Front cover
## **WEST WITTERING PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Report of the members of the PCC**|**3 to 12**|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|**13**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**14**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**15**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**16 to 20**|
Page 2
## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
The members of the Parochial Church Council of St Peter and St Paul (PCC) present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The members of the PCC are the Charity Trustees.
The members of the PCC have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2014.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number**
1141879
## **Registered Name**
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **Principal address**
Church Office West Wittering Rectory Pound Road West Wittering PO20 8AJ
## **Trustees after the APCM in May 2023**
Revd A. Goddard Clergy Mrs J. Gray Mr B. Harvey Mr. D. Howeson Stewardship Missioner & Treasurer Lady L. Hutton Mr M. Jarman Mr F. Pearson-Gee Co-opted in June 23 Ms S. Pendleton Churchwarden, Deanery Synod Mrs S. Weatherall Revd J. Swindells Chairman Mrs E Szepesi Secretary **Observer** Dr S. Monks Licensed Reader
**Independent Examiner Bankers Bankers Solicitors** Mr J Jeffers BA (Hons) FCCA HSBC Bank plc Barclays Bank plc Irwin Mitchell Solicitors 2 Culimore Road 94 East Street 74/75 East Street Thomas Eggar House West Wittering Chichester Chichester Friary Lane West Sussex West Sussex West Sussex Chichester PO20 8HB PO19 1HD PO19 1HR PO19 1UF
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **BACKGROUND AND GOVERNING DOCUMENT**
West Wittering Parochial Church Council ("the PCC") has the responsibility under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure (1956) as amended and the Church Representation Rules of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Parish Church of St. Peter and St Paul and the Church Room.
## **OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES AND POLICIES**
The primary objective of West Wittering PCC is the promotion of the Good News of Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. In co-operation with the incumbent, the promotion of the mission of the church was achieved through the five **Marks of Mission** : **TELL TEACH TEND TRANSFORM TREASURE**
## **PUBLIC BENEFIT**
The members of the PCC have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and remain committed to working to build the Kingdom of God for the good of the communities the Church in this place is called to serve. Further, the wider Benefice is committed to a shared vision to know Jesus, to discover the gift of His love and to follow in His way – the way that leads to life in all its fullness. This will be realised whenever the church is felt to be ‘good news’ by bringing a blessing on the communities she is called to serve.
## **CHURCH COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES**
The only formal committee required by law is the Standing Committee, which normally meets throughout the year. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. Other working groups meet to consider particular tasks – such as fabric maintenance – as the need arises.
## **CHURCH ATTENDANCE**
Across the Church of England attendance has been very challenging to assess as a consequence of the impact of Covid. The Parish Mission Statistics submitted to the Diocese/national Church are available via the website. They also indicate that Harbour Churches has continued to support families at times of loss and grief through funeral care and provision, as well as in the glad times of celebrating the blessing of life long, loving relationship through marriage and the gift of new life and faith in baptism. There has been an increase in all occasional offices. What the statistics cannot measure is the ‘quality’ of faithfulness of a congregation. Harbour Churches are growing both numerically and spiritually.
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **SUMMARY OF PCC MEETINGS**
West Wittering currently has eight members on the PCC (Dick, Emma, Jenny, Lindy, Mike, Sally, Stella and Ferdy). Since the last APCM held in May 2023, West Wittering PCC have held two solo West Wittering and four Benefice Board meetings, with two being held via zoom. The average attendance rate has been 69%. Meetings have been carried out in a positive and productive manner, working towards our mission to be good news, committing to the five T’s.
Decisions and actions taken by the PCC:
- In June 2023 West Wittering along with Birdham with West Itchenor PCC committed to making our Churchyards eco-friendlier.
- In July 2023 West Wittering along with Birdham with West Itchenor PCC got together to discuss the GAP and how to move forward with the 5 T’s.
- West Wittering PCC agreed to use PCC funds to fund the shortfall of the proposed audio-visual enhancement for the Church of St Peter and St Paul.
- West Wittering PCC approved installation of equipment for wireless broadband.
- In October 2023 West Wittering along with Birdham with West Itchenor PCC identified families and children as a key focus area for 2024.
- The PCCs were delighted to learn that Canon Yvonne, at her request, had been licensed with permission to officiate in the Benefice and will occasionally lead worship.
- West Wittering PCC gave thanks to the Woodger Trust for their generous donation of up to £75,000 to fund the repair and re-shingling of the Church Tower.
- In December 2023 West Wittering along with Birdham with Itchenor PCC discussed the proposals of new initiatives for 2024: monthly Prayer meetings and Contemplative Worship services.
- In January 2024 West Wittering PCC met via Zoom, to discuss Claire and Mark Ralf’s generous offer to fund and coordinate the redecoration of The Church Room. We gave thanks to the Woodger Trust to extend their donation to cover the replacement of Wooden Louvres in the Church tower.
- In April 2024 Harbour Churches welcomed the Archdeacon’s visit and several members of the PCCs were able to attend.
- In May 2024 West Wittering PCC met and concluded that going into the next year, Governance will be a high priority.
We thank all who work so tirelessly to support Harbour Churches and help us continue our mission to 'be good news'.
## **DEANERY SYNOD**
The Deanery Synod has endeavoured to meet the challenging aspirations for the Deanery to realise its missional purpose and the pressing need to be financially viable.
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Report of the Members of West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS**
_The following comments cover the period May 2023 to May 2024 and seek to demonstrate how Harbour Churches is living out its stated vision to ‘Be Good News’ as we seek to grow God’s Kingdom in growing numerically and spiritually. The comments address the Five Marks of Mission which are the starting point for the church’s development plan (GAP - Growth Action Plan) which sets the priorities for the ongoing process of church renewal to realize the Diocesan strategic vision for growth._
_Bishop Martin believes that vital to church growth is an experience of joyful, confident Sunday morning worship which is full of hope in the “happy news” of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop Martin sums up his_ challenge like this:
## **With what degree of confidence would we always, and spontaneously say to someone who has never been to church, “Come to church with me; it’s amazing. You’ll love it.”.**
Harbour Churches remains committed through TELL to the ongoing renewal of worship as we seek to celebrate the good news of God’s kingdom through inspiring worship, accessible, contemporaneous and resonant to all. Later in 2024, we will look to review both our patterns of worship and through this, ask pertinent questions as to how our life of worship can encourage families, children and a younger generation find their place within the body of Christ at Harbour Churches and a rooted faith. This process will, in part, be facilitated by Canon Rob Dillingham of the Diocesan mission team.
Our three new Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) for liturgy have been a blessing and it is encouraging to see them grow in craft and confidence. The Liturgy and Spirituality Group (LSG) has created an effective forum for those responsible for delivering worship and the church family remain hugely grateful to Revd. Jim, Bruce, Roger, Susan our brilliant Reader and ALMs Sue, Claire and Mark. Of particular note has been our joy at welcoming back Revd. Anthony to continue his training as assistant Curate.
Communications throughout the Benefice remain the responsibility of the Mission Support Facilitator. There has been marked improvement in the scope of all forms of communication and the graphic and branding of Harbour Churches. The excellent new website continues to do most of the ‘heavy lifting’ comms work. Moving forward, all three churches and two church facilities need to reconsider how most effectively to use hard copy, visible communications.
Time and training was given to enhance the experience of welcome offered by the church at all services and events – particularly in response to the increasing number of those who are new to Harbour Churches. This remains a critical aspect of our growth mindset.
There have been so many TELL highlights over the past twelve months: Wintershall ‘Life of Christ’ visit, Coronation Party and Sing Along, St Francistide Pet Service, Christmas Services overflowing with worshippers and especially our outreach through the best attended Carols in the Community, Messiah concert and Easter Services full of new life, 5th Sunday One Church services at St Nicks giving huge encouragement to our little sister church and now monthly prayer meetings for the life of our church. Bishop Ruth’s visit in Advent was also a particular joy and encouragement for the Church Family.
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS (cont')**
Harbour Churches seeks to be a learning church, skilfully developing discipleship. We have continued to prioritise the nurture of existing church members and those new to, or exploring, faith through the mission focus of **TEACH** .
Preaching has embraced the Diocesan Years of the Old and New Testament. Thematic preaching has impacted on this and the LSG plans to incorporate further thematic preaching through careful planning based on material in New Patterns of Worship.
The Harbour Groups continue to thrive and have been ably led by Sue Graham Smith. The HGs successfully ran a short new series of Advent Talks. These were well received but it was recognised that it is a very busy time in the calendar! Courageously, Harbour Churches embraced the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ study programme sensitively led by Susan Monks. This too was well received and supported - though some found it challenging. What it did reveal was the lack of theological rigour and learning taking place in the life of the church. In response the Lent Talks had as their focus ‘Let’s Do Theology’ and we were hugely blessed and inspired to welcome Bishop Laurie to lead us in this. We will invite him again as the learning continues…
The Alpha Course is a real encouragement to faith and had its largest number of catechumens this year. Mark and Claire Ralf, supported by their team of volunteers, are to be thanked for this. It is a particular encouragement that six adults of a younger, more diverse demographic were Confirmed.
Every baptised Christian is called to minister God’s healing and wholeness in Christ – to TEND his flock. It continues to be such an encouragement to see so many activities offering this ministry and the opportunity of life restoring relationships.
The bereavement work of the church is also very evident and meaningful. The Clergy Team continue to support many families through the experience of the death of a loved one and the process of grief. In the past twelve months they oversaw more than 50 funerals. This mainstay of parochial ministry was supported through the Bereavement Journey course and Next Steps. The ‘Forget Me Not Tea’ outreach is well received as is the annual ‘Remembering Loved Ones’ service. We are excited too at the prospect of working in partnership with the national bereavement charity AtaLoss.
The ‘Parish Pump Café’ at the St James Centre is now a growing outreach offering a welcoming presence to all members of the community and those taking advantage of the beautiful location the church finds itself in. It is a recognised ‘Warm Spaces’ meeting place. The ‘Amblers’ group continue to meet for their weekly walks and offer comfort and support to those experiencing loneliness, loss and infirmity. This ministry has been further complemented by a new initiative ‘Out of the Box’ led by the previous Afghan Refugee team. The monthly Soup Lunches attract a wide group of folk who enjoy the relaxed and supportive opportunity to have lunch together. And the Shrove Tuesday Beetle Drive party was a real joy. The Itchenor Lunch Group now meets to have lunch again - instead of coffee, and is very much appreciated. Itchenor also hosts the popular ‘Knit and Natter’ group.
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS (cont')**
It is hoped that we will very soon appoint a co-ordinator for TEND to take oversight of the great work being done and also to help us more effectively manage and measure this critical area of Harbour Churches ‘being good news’. The Lay Pastoral Group (LPG) has yet to be established but it may well find fresh focus through the role of the TEND co-ordinator.
Harbour Churches successfully delivered Parenting Courses working in partnership with our primary schools to meet the needs of particular parents.
There are countless other untold acts of Christian neighbourliness and goodness which are a source of great blessing to so many. **The whole church family can be thanked for being ‘good news’ in this.**
Harbour Churches has made a lively response to working for justice, mercy and peace as an inclusive church seeking opportunities to **TRANSFORM** our communities and wider world, committed to the well-being of the marginalised and to peace-making.
The wider church has been regularly updated and challenged with contemporary issues of concern and is beginning to truly appreciate incarnational ministry in action. However, ‘events’ give this mark of mission particular focus and intensity. The Lent Talks challenged the church to reflect on how it can rediscover an authentic and legitimately Christian voice of advocacy and not fear being political.
One of the highlights of the Churches’ work to transform communities is its work in Sierra Leone in Africa through the Bo Project. For the past 18 years people in the benefice have been supporting the education of children in Bo by establishing a school there and the project has gone from strength to strength with 2022-23 being a spectacularly successful year. A new 6-classroom block was completed in time for the start of the Autumn term, allowing numbers to increase to 2,000 pupils. There was also a visit by a team that included Nick Matthews (WW School Head) who had designed and ordered a computer lab for St Paul’s School. During the visit the computer lab was installed and despite many problems everything worked and has been working ever since. Such things are rare in Sierra Leone and it can truly be considered a triumph (in adversity). St Paul’s School is now an ‘A’ rated school (their Ofsted equivalent), one of only ten in the country.
Also, during the visit to Bo, Revd Bruce Holben was installed as Canon in Bo Cathedral in recognition of the Church and Village’s work for St Paul’s Anglican Secondary School and the Diocese of Bo.
Critically, many of our outreach missional activities are a consequence of the Harbour Churches acting as ‘salt yeast and light’ and then **working in partnership** with non-church members and the wider community.
It should be perplexing that as such an active church, Harbour Churches make no explicit claim on cherishing God’s creation in how we **TREASURE** living in environmentally sustainable ways and honouring the sanctity of life. Is it that we are so busy in doing other things that this ‘sentinel’ work of the witnessing church in a time of climate crisis is so sidelined? However, quiet progress is being made and it is encouraging to report that the vast majority of church flower arranging in Harbour Churches is now carried out without the use of floral foam, such as oasis or similar synthetic products. Our Wildlife Encounter Days, based in the churchyards of
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS (cont')**
St James and St Peter and St Paul, are proving to be very popular and are well supported by the wider nonchurch community with many children from our local primary schools participating. Further, we are adopting best practice for managing our churchyards through the environmental charity ‘Caring for God’s Acre’.
The ongoing work of maintaining and restoring all our church buildings continues to be taken seriously and carried out with due diligence and care. It is encouraging to see the scaffolding up at St James and urgent maintenance underway. St Peter and St Paul completed extensive and expensive work to the tower. Much of the £100K cost was covered by a hugely appreciated donation from the GF Woodger Trust. Stella Pendleton, Churchwarden, continues to make an amazing contribution to how the church fabric is treasured. St Nicholas was also blessed with the conservation and restoration of the Memorial Window. Much of the cost was borne by the generosity of the wider Itchenor community. Sue Pope, a constant support in many matters of Harbour Churches life, did so much to make this happen and we remain deeply indebted to her – as we do to all those who volunteer to support our fabric: the church cleaning teams, gardening teams and not forgetting our gifted flower arrangers who do so much to beautify our places of worship.
Previously, our work with children has come under TEACH. However, for the purposes of this report and to better enable us to fully appreciate the importance this ministry moving forward, it will be seen as an aspect to TREASURE - after the example of Christ (Matt. 19.14).
The ‘Ducklings’ parent and toddler group, based at the St James Centre, continues to thrive. We are still to realise the as yet untapped potential to integrate those who come with the life of the church. Nevertheless, we celebrated over 38 baptisms in the past year and, additionally, prepared for marriage and conducted the wedding celebrations of over 20 couples – many of whom will be back to have babies baptised!
The Sunday children and young people’s group ‘Connect’, is thriving thanks to its skilful stewarding by Alistair Ghinn (our Church Mission Worker) and the team. We celebrated seven young people going forward for Confirmation and hope to see more again this coming summer. The ‘Explore’ group for older children and teenagers discovering faith is also in good heart and our weekly youth clubs ‘Tower Group’ are thriving with numbers better than ever. The Redlands Youth Camps continue to be a great success and ever popular. As a church we are very blessed in all this and hugely grateful to Alistair.
## **Other areas of missional focus and priority**
## **Family, Young People and Children**
Over the coming year we will continue to aim to increase and improve our provision in this missional field and seek to build on, and from, the great work we have already done to ensure that this vital (and missing) demographic can feel that Harbour Churches is ‘good news’ for them. In this we will be assisted by the Church House missional team and others with tried and tested expertise.
## **Governance**
Very significantly, Harbour Churches welcomed Archdeacon Luke for his official ‘Archdeacon’s Visitation’ – the first in 24 years! This was a process of forensic scrutiny across all areas of church life with a particular focus on
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS (cont')**
church governance. We already knew that this was a challenging area for us and one that we have continued to work hard on. Thankfully, Fr. Luke gave us a clean bill of health and, whilst recognising that some of our operation is irregular, we are a church serious in fulfilling the Diocesan Mission Strategy at a local level. There will be wider learning from this process and, in the coming year and the Archdeacon has encouraged us in our shared desire to make our Governance as fit for purpose as we can.
## **Financial management and deployment of resources**
This continues to be a challenge - as it is for the vast majority of churches. The Epiphanytide stewardship campaign was impactful and encouraging with greater focus on the pounds, shillings and pence aligned to need. Dick Howeson, Sophie Relf, Robin Hamilton and Katie Wilson are to be thanked for all their help in this area.
It continues to be a cause of real celebration that we been able to continue to pay 105+% of Parish Share Costs throughout the year and that we finished the financial year in the ‘black’ with an increase in income. As detailed in the sets of accounts, charitable giving continues to be generous.
It goes without saying that thanks should be given to so many people who serve the life of the church for the sake of the Kingdom. In having a dynamic vision, it is easy to overlook all that is so good in who we are and what we do. To this end, the Rector aims to invite the PCCs and wider church family to take more ownership of all that is going on, to give time to fully appreciate all that is taking place and to better nurture and encourage activities, Critical in this is to ensure that we are valuing and equipping our many volunteers (who number over 100!). Our Safeguarding Officers and the Rector will be utilising our ‘safer recruitment' processes to enable us in this important expression of being ‘good news’.
Finally, we end on a bittersweet note. In November the great twisted tree outside St James fell. After over 250 years its time with us came to an end. It was a cause of much sadness and sense of loss for many. The St James Churchwarden Ian Strong, was, as ever, on hand to faithfully deal with the situation (and the many annoyances that came with it…) as he was with so many issues of parish pump life.
It came as an even greater shock that Ian died suddenly in early May. Our sympathies and prayers are with Marianne and their family. To say Ian will be missed is an understatement. However, he had complete faith in his ‘Dad’ - our heavenly Father. His faithfulness and generosity of heart touched many, many people within and without the church. Personally, I am mourning his passing and feel bereft. I do though take comfort in his spirit of enduring evangelistic optimism and his trusting to God’s providence in all things. And so, I end this report quoting the scripture (he loved God’s Word!) that was his ‘family motto’. I hope it will inspire Harbour Churches in continuing to grow numerically and spiritually as we seek to grow God’s Kingdom:
## **Give, and it will be given to you.**
**A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.**
Luke 6.38
Page 10
## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Report of the Members of
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
This was another positive year from a financial perspective with a surplus for unrestricted funds of £13,306 (2022: £12,702).
**Unrestricted income** of £101,225 was up by £13,557 enormously helped by a much appreciated legacy and some very generous donations.
Excluding Bo, restricted income was made up of £22,021 being the first installment requirement for the work on the tower (see note on page 20). During the year the church also raised money for the MND charity, The Children's society, The Royal British Legion, Chichester Sanctuary, Chichester Foodbank, My sisters' House and Canine Partners as well paying 5% extra on our parish share to help other churches in the diocese. The total raised was over £7,000
**Church running costs** were up by £8,657 with the increase due to increased admin costs. This increase includes £1,712 (170%) for heat and light, £3,170 for our MSF and £1,568 for upkeep of the churchyard. (2023 was a good year for growing grass!)
## **The Bo project in Sierra Leone:**
Our wonderful Community raised £37,614 (2022: £28,120) during the year including funds from regular donors sponsoring individual children.
Grants expended for the year amounted to £72,601 which included covering the cost of a new 6-classroom block completed in time for the start of the Autumn term. This now allows for numbers to increase to 2,000 pupils to accommodate the Sierra Leone Government’s edict that all 11 yr olds were to attend secondary school.
£15,000 covered the cost of a computer lab with the eqipment that was shipped from the UK and designed and installed by Nick Matthews (WW School Head).
The Grants also incuded funds provided by local sponsors providing sponsorship for just under 300 of the poorest children. This sponsorship covers the cost of providing uniforms, sports kit, books etc, as well as a daily lunch on school days.
Future plans include a Domestic Science Lab and Solar Power with a fund raising Quiz night planned for 29th June and further events in the Autumn.
## **RISKS & RESERVES**
With unrestricted reserves of £68K at the 31st December 2023 and with the aim of maintaining a level of £15K working capital, there are currently sufficient funds to cover expected outgoings for the current year.
## **INVESTMENT POLICIES**
The PCC has authority and power to invest funds in accordance with its legal responsibilities. It does not consider that there would be any benefit of such investment at the current time.
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West Wittering P¥ochial Church Council
Report ofthemembersof
West Wittering Parochial Church Council
ATEMEIUOF RESPONSIBILITIES OFTHE MEMBERS OFTHE PCC
The Charities Act 2011 and the Church (OntIng Regulations 2006 require the member5
of the PCC to preparefinancial statements for each financial year, which givea true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC at the balance sheet dateand of its incoming
resources and application of resourcesfor that year.
In Preparing thosefinancial rtatement5, the members of the PCC should follow best
practice and:.
. select suitable accounting policies and apply them congstently:
- makejudgements and esiimates that are reasonableand prudent:
- state whether applicable accountin8 Standards and statements of recommended
practice have been followed, subject to any material departure5disclosed and explained
in the financial statements- and
- prepare the financial statementson thegoing concern ba515 unless it is inappropriate
to PTe5umethat the PCC wlll continue itsactivitie
The members of the PCC are re5pon%ble for keeping proper accountin8 records which
disclose with reasonable aCCUfacy at any time the financial position of the PCC and
to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the ChaTltiesP£t 2011
and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. The members ofthe PCC arealso
responsible for safeBuardin8the assetsofthe PCC and hence for takin8 reasonoble
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irre8ularities.
ON BEHALFOFTHEPCC
Rev
windells
Date-
May2024
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
Independent Examiner's Report of the Members of West Wittering Parochial Church Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination that gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
- I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J P Jeffers BA (Hons) FCCA 2 Culimore Road West Wittering Chichester West Sussex PO20 8HB
Date: May 2024
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2023**
|**Note**
**Incoming Resources**
Income from Donors
2a
Other Voluntary income
2b
PCC Objectives
2c
Generated funds
2d
Investment income
2e
**Total Incoming Resources**
**Resources expended**
**Outgoing Resources**
Grants
3a
Work of the Church
3b
PCC Management & Admin
3c
**Total Resources expended**
**Net Incoming / (Outgoing) Resources**
Gains & Losses on Investments
Net Movement in funds
Balance brought forward
**Balance carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total funds**
**Total funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**2022**
71,331
37,614
108,945
109,138
19,669
22,021
41,690
30,702
7,830
-
7,830
5,798
293
-
293
596
2,102
-
2,102
160|
|---|---|
||**101,225**
**59,635**
**160,860**
**146,394**|
||7,159
75,025
82,184
34,371
80,603
22,021
102,624
78,502
158
-
158
153|
||**87,920**
**97,046**
**184,966**
**113,026**|
||**13,305**
**(37,411)**
**(24,106)**
**33,368**
-
-
-
-
13,305
(37,411)
(24,106)
33,368
57,611
61,538
119,149
85,781|
||**70,916**
**24,127**
**95,043**
**119,149**|
The notes on pages 16 to 20 form part of these accounts.
-
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## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council Balance sheet as at 31st December 2023**
|**Balance sheet as at 31st December 2023**
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**2023**|**2022**|
|**Fixed Assets**
Tangible Fixed Assets
5a
Investment Assets
5b
**Current Assets**
Debtors
7
Short Term Deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
**Total Current assets**
**Liabilities**
8
**Net Current Assets**
**Net Assets**
**Funds**
**Unrestricted (designated as)**
General
Designated new church facilities
Designated CYE Youth work
**Restricted**
Sierra Leone Appeal
New Church facilities
Refugees Appeal
Repairs to Church Yard
**Total restricted funds**|-
-
33,771
57,304
15,142
**106,217**
(11,174)
**95,043**
**95,043**
68,039
2,877
-
70,916
14,746
6,882
2,499
**24,127**
**95,043**|-
-
24,907
12,296
91,757|
|||**128,960**|
|||(9,811)
**119,149**|
|||**119,149**|
|||54,734
2,877
-|
|||57,611
49,734
6,875
4,922
7
**61,538**|
|||**119,149**|
The notes on pages 16 to 20 form part of these accounts.
………………………….
Revd J Swindells
Page 15
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements**
## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of accounting**
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP 2005) and the Charities Act and Charity Law and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, subject to the departures referred to below
Planned giving, collections, donations, legacies and grants are recognised when received Consecrated and beneficial property is excluded from the accounts by s10 (2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on moveable Church furnishings and equipment held by the Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure, whether additions or improvements, is written off when incurred.
## **Incoming resources**
Rents received from the letting of the Church Room are accounted for gross and when the rental is due. Interest and dividends are accounted for gross when receivable.
## **Income tax recoverable**
Provision is made for tax recoverable on income received during the year.
## **Resources used**
The parish contribution payable to the Diocese is accounted for in the year to which it relates and provision is made for any unpaid contributions. Remuneration and amounts due for goods supplied and services rendered are accounted for when invoiced. Grants and donations are accounted for when awarded.
## **Investments**
Investments are stated at market value. Realised and unrealised gains or losses are brought into the Statement of Financial Activities.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from direct taxation on its charitable activities.
## **Current assets and liabilities**
Amounts owing to or owed by the PCC at 31st December 2023 for goods or services supplied are shown respectively as debtors or creditors. Provision is made for any liabilities known at 31st December 2023.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is legally responsible. The accounts do not include the accounts of Church groups that are administered or run by informal groups of Church members or any group affiliated to another body.
Page 16
## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements**
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council**||
|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total funds**
**Total funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**2022**|
|**2. Incoming resources**
**2a Incoming resources from Donors**
Donations
Gift Aid recoverable
Collections
Other income
**2b Other Voluntary incoming resources**
Grants - Parish & Chichester Council
Donations, Appeals, etc.
Legacies
**2c Income from Operating Activities PCC**
Church Room lettings
Fees and benefice income
**2d Income from Operating Activities-Funds**
Deposit box for Parish Magazine
Fetes, Bazaars & Other Fundraising events
**2e Other ordinary Incoming Resources**
Investment income & CCLA Deposit Interest|57,076
31,636
88,712
90,042
5,200
5,978
11,178
11,535
7,775
7,775
5,901
1,280
-
1,280
1,660|
||**71,331**
**37,614**
**108,945**
**109,138**
1,500
-
1,500
1,500
13,169
22,021
35,190
29,202
5,000
-
5,000|
||**19,669**
**22,021**
**41,690**
**30,702**
673
-
673
492
7,157
-
7,157
5,306|
||**7,830**
**-**
**7,830**
**5,798**
293
-
293
596
-|
||**293**
**-**
**293**
**596**
2,102
-
2,102
160|
Page 17
## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements**
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council**||
|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total funds**
**Total funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2023**
**2022**|
|**3 Resources Expended**
**3a Grants**
Church Overseas
-
72,602
72,602
18,739
Home Missions/other church societies
7,159
2,423
9,582
15,632
**7,159**
**75,025**
**82,184**
**34,371**
**3b Activities Directly relating to the work of the Church**
Ministry Diocesan Parish Share
39,398
-
39,398
38,484
Rector/Rectory expenses
6,891
-
6,891
5,465
Benefice & Admin costs
26,229
-
26,229
20,351
Other clergy costs
2,233
-
2,233
1,710
Less Birdham & Itchenor contribution
(17,677)
-
(17,677)
(13,763)
Church Running Expenses
4,011
-
4,011
1,806
Church Maintenance
4,293
-
4,293
6,537
Upkeep of Churchyard
5,843
-
5,843
4,275
Church Room running costs
3,011
-
3,011
1,372
Salaries and associated expenses
6,510
-
6,510
4,883
Sundry
(139)
-
(139)
507
80,603
-
80,603
71,627
Pillar Refurbishment
-
-
-
5,175
Tower Repairs
-
22,021
22,021
-
6th Bell
-
-
-
Repairs to Church Yard
-
-
-
1,700
**Total**
**80,603**
**22,021**
**102,624**
**78,502**|-
72,602
72,602
18,739
7,159
2,423
9,582
15,632|
||**7,159**
**75,025**
**82,184**
**34,371**|
||80,603
-
80,603
71,627
-
-
-
5,175
-
22,021
22,021
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,700|
||**80,603**
**22,021**
**102,624**
**78,502**|
1. Rector's, Rectory and Benefice costs are shared equally with Birdham & West Itchenor PCC.
2. Other clergy costs are also shared equally with Birdham & West Itchenor PCC. They represent the expenses of Assistant Clergy
3. Church running costs include upkeep of services, heating & lighting and worship resources.
|**3c PCC Management & Administration**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Bank Charges|-|-|-|-|
|Other Admin - Gift aid envelopes etc.|158|-|158|153|
|AGM costs|-|-|-|-|
||**158**|**-**|**158**|**153**|
|**4 Staff Costs**|||||
|**Wages, Fees and Salaries**|**6,510**|**-**|**6,510**|**4,883**|
|Salaries include payment towards costs of the Youth Worker|||||
|During the year the PCC employed a Secretary, 50% of these|||||
|costs are met by Birdham & West Itchenor PCC.|||||
||||**2023**|**2022**|
|Number of charitable staff (average monthly number employed)|||**-**|**-**|
|No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 per annum.|||||
Page 18
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements**
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**
**West Wittering Parochial Church Council**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**||**Total Funds **|**Total funds**||
||**funds**||**funds**|**2023**||**2022**|
|**5 Fixed Assets for use by the PCC**|||||||
|**5a Tangible Fixed Assets**|-||-|-||-|
|The Church of St Peter and St Paul is considered to be a heritage asset,|||so not shown at a valuation.||||
|Leasehold Land & Buildings comprises the Church Room in Pound Road.|||||||
|The land is owned by the Diocese and as such, no value has been given|||to it in these Accounts.||||
|Church equipment comprises a sound system and a projector screen, which have a nil book value.|||||||
|**5b Investment Fixed Assets**|||||||
|**Value as at 31.12.2022**|**-**||**-**|**-**||**-**|
|Gains on disposals|-||-|-||-|
|Unrealised gains/(losses)|-||-|-||-|
|Disposal|-||-|-||-|
|**Value as at 31.12.2023**|**-**||**-**|**-**||**-**|
|The investments are held to provide an investment return for the PCC.|||||||
|**6. Analysis of Net Assets by Fund**|||||||
|Held by Church of England Deposit Fund|57,304||-|57,304||12,296|
|Held by HSBC Bank|7,235||7,907|15,142||91,757|
||**64,539**||**7,907**|**72,446**|**104,053**||
|**7. Debtors**|||||||
|HMRC - estimated Gift Aid receipts outstanding|5,031||5,900|10,931||10,286|
|VAT Refund Due|3,706||-|3,706||133|
|Amounts due received after 31st December|19,134||-|19,134||14,488|
|Total Debtors|**27,871**||**5,900**|**33,771**||**24,907**|
|**8. Liabilities**|||||||
|Other creditors and accruals|9,646||-|9,646||7,301|
|Charitable Giving|1,528||-|1,528||2,510|
||**11,174**||**-**|**11,174**||**9,811**|
## **9. Capital Commitments**
There were no outstanding capital commitments as at 31st December 2023
## **10. Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits**
No member of the PCC received any remuneration in respect of their duties as a Trustee
## **Trustee Expenses**
During the year, no Trustees received contributions towards their expenses incurred in their duties as a trustee within the parish (2022: nil).
Page 19
## **West Wittering Parochial Church Council Notes to the Financial Statements**
|**11. Movement on Funds**
**Unrestricted Funds**
General
Designated for new church facilities
Designated Youth work
**Restricted Funds**
Sierra Leone Appeal
Refugees Appeal
New Church Facilities
Tower Repairs
Repairs to Church Yard
**Total Funds**|**At 01.01.2023**
**Income**
**Outgoing Revaluation At 31.12.2023**
54,734
101,225
(87,920)
-
68,039
2,877
-
-
-
2,877
-
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|
||**57,611**
**101,225**
**(87,920)**
**-**
**70,916**|
||49,734
37,614
(72,602)
-
14,746
4,922
-
(2,423)
-
2,499
6,875
-
7
-
6,882
-
22,021
(22,021)
-
-
7
-
(7)
-
-|
||61,538
59,635
(97,046)
-
24,127|
|||
||**119,149**
**160,860**
**(184,966)**
**-**
**95,043**|
## **Designated Funds**
## **The Designated New Facilities Fund**
This fund was opened with a 2015 donation from the Parish News (£5,395) and is designated to go towards the provision of new facilities and decoration for the Church. The aim is to make the church more friendly and appealing for services and more practical for hosting community events. The amount outstanding (£2,877) is currently designated to go towards the provision of an AV sytem for the church
## **Restricted Funds**
**The Sierra Leone Appeal Fund** was set up in 2006 when the Church agreed to raise funds to build and support a school in Bo, Sierra Leone, inviting the village to be involved. The school named St Paul's School has grown significantly since then thanks to support from people in the village and from further afield.
**The New Church Facilities fund** is made up of donations to go towards the AV system.
## **Tower Repairs**
Following the discovery of water leaking into the tower apex, a programme of repair and restoration was initiated: new oak shingles (tiles) to tower roof, new oak louvres, stonework repairs, re-gilding of cockerel weathervane, new gilded N, S, E and W letters, leadwork at base of weathervane. When approached for help with the cost, the F Glenister Woodger Trust very generously contributed £92,000. The whole project was finally completed just before Easter 2024.
Page 20