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2023-12-31-accounts

THE COTTERIDGE CHURCH

For The Year End 31st December 2023

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CONTENTS Trustees‘ Annual Report 2 ….………………………. Independent Examiners 16 Report………………... Statement of Financial Activities 17 …………….. Balance Sheet 18 …………………………………………. Notes to the 19 Accounts………………………………

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2023 TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

The Cotteridge Church Annual Report 2023 Year ended 31 December 2023

Our Mission Statement

The Cotteridge Church aims to be:

A place of reconciliation

A place of proclamation

A place of service

A place of celebration

Our Vision Statement

Striving to be a vibrant, challenging Christian community celebrating and sharing in the life of God's kingdom.

Inclusive

Welcoming all: ourselves, our community, and the worldwide community

Intentional

Living the gospel in word and deed

Inviting

Offering the opportunity to explore the Christian faith

Interactive

Enabling all to find and celebrate their place in the life of the Church

Church members will be aware that a Strategy Group is currently consulting with all those associated with the Church on its Mission Statement, its Vision Statement and an Action Plan for the future. There will be an update on progress at the AGM.

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The Cotteridge Church

24 Pershore Road South, Kings Norton, BirminghamB30 3EJ Tel: 0121 433 5518 Fax: 0121 459 6909 Email: administrator@thecotteridgechurch.org.uk www.thecotteridgechurch.org.uk

Trustees who served during the year

Ex officio

Rev. Michael Claridge (Anglican Minister) Rev. Roger Collins (Non-stipendiary Anglican Minister and vice chair of PCC) Rev. Barbara Calvert (Methodist Supernumerary minister) Dorothy Audley (Treasurer) Co-opted Neil Walters (Church Warden) Mike Meadows (Methodist Steward) Dorothy Audley (URC Elder) and Chair of JCC Elected Neil Walters Stephen Audley Jane Stephens Chris Pascal Sandra Walton Pam Waddell Non-trustees Rev. Cleopas Sibanda (Methodist Superintendent) Marje Roper (Methodist Circuit Steward)

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Introduction

Welcome to the Annual Reports and Accounts as they relate to 2023. The contents of this document represent a lot of hard work by a lot of people and, in terms of the accounts, the generosity of all who support The Cotteridge Church financially. Please take time to read and examine the report and accounts. There will be an opportunity at the Annual Meeting on Sunday 12th May (after the 10.30am service) to ask any questions for clarification. Please make every effort to attend the worship that morning, and the meeting that will follow it. This is an important time in the life of The Cotteridge Church as we are seeking God’s direction as we look to serve Christ and the community in appropriate ways.

Mike Claridge, Minister

Minister’s Notes

The year of 2023, which the reports in this document relate too, was a busy year in which we continued to try and ‘bounce back’ after the three years of different levels of lock down due to Covid-19. At the heart of our common life together is of course worship. Our main act of worship at 10.30am on Sundays has seen a number of new faces, and more new ones are always welcome. As well as myself we have had worship led by Roger Collins, Barbara Calvert, John Cooper and Sue Spencer among others. Worship must always be at the heart of our common life - as we praise God for the love revealed in Jesus Christ. We do this on Sunday mornings face-to-face, Wednesday evening on Zoom, Tuesday mornings for Holy Communion and, in the final third of 2023 Sunday Evening Worship was restarted on the first Sunday of the month.

Worship is only part of the ministry of The Cotteridge Church. Hospitality and welcome are an important part of our life and the ministry of the Cotteridge Church Café is vital. On Monday to Saturday mornings, and Tuesday evenings, we welcome all who come for refreshment. The café is part of the wider catering ministry for which we give thanks.

During 2023 we said goodbye to the ministry of the Day Centre for Older Adults. This was for various reasons. We give thanks for its ministry over many years and for the devotion of those who worked there.

The Cotteridge Church serves the community in many ways, some of which feature in this report. In all this we seek to live out our calling to respond to God’s love in Christ and to live out our discipleship in worship and mission.

Mike Claridge, Minister

Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Lead stepped down during the year. It was decided that the setting up of a Safeguarding Team was the way forward to ensure the Church fulfilled Safeguarding requirements. Members wishing to join the team are encouraged to contact the Chair of JCC.

Thank you to those who have helped with the administration of Safeguarding this year. Also, to those who have completed training as required and obtained DBS checks. We ensure that both training and DBS checks are up to date as required.

During 2023 there were no safeguarding concerns or incidents that required action by The Cotteridge Church Safeguarding Team.

Mike Claridge, Minister

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Membership

The number of members, as reported to the Church Council on 31st December 2023, was 118 (2022 - 125).

During the preceding twelve months seven members sadly died. The current membership is 115.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Cotteridge Church is a Local Ecumenical Partnership between the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. Its premises are subject to a sharing agreement between the three denominations and its structure, governance and management is ordered by an updated constitution adopted at the 2020 AGM in April 2020.

Throughout the year the Trustees pay due regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on Public Benefit and in particular the specific guidance provided to charities involved in the advancement of religion.

Congregational Meeting

The meeting is chaired by the minister and is a vehicle for consulting with the congregation about all aspects of Church life, and for communicating the decisions of JCC to the wider Church congregation. The annual meeting usually taking place around April/May is not only the Church AGM but also the time when the three denominational AGMs are held. It is at this meeting when the Annual report and Accounts are received.

Joint Church Council

The legal responsibility for The Cotteridge Church rests with the Joint Church Council (JCC), which is elected on denominational lines as defined in the Sharing Agreement. The Stipendiary minister, and nonstipendiary ministers are ex-officio, co-opted members, (the C of E Church warden, the Methodist Steward, the URC Elder), serve until the next AGM, and elected members serve for three years retiring in rotation. The JCC is also the body of Trustees and membership is as per the list at the beginning of this report. The JCC is responsible for the Church finances, its management and control, including the appointment of a Treasurer. Currently, the Trustees have appointed joint Treasurers, who, together with the Administrator, keep the accountancy records which are used to ascertain the financial position of the Church. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, and enable them to ascertain, the financial position of the Church, while ensuring that the financial statements comply as follows:

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) published on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The JCC is responsible for safeguarding Church assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Due to the level of income of the Charity, JCC is required to have the financial statements independently examined prior to publication.

Risk Management

The Joint Church Council recognises the need for appropriate policies and procedures to manage risk (including Health & Safety), across all areas of activity for which it is responsible, including its buildings and facilities, as well as a wide range of activities and events. Subject to policies agreed by the JCC, each

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Committee has responsibility for the effective day to day implementation of the relevant agreed risk management processes covering the areas of activity for which they are responsible.

The Church’s exposure to risk is being managed and monitored through the Risk Register agreed by the JCC in 2014 and covers five major areas:

  1. Strategic and Reputational Risk 2. Financial Risk 3. Compliance Ongoing Risk 4. Operational Risk 5. Property/premises

The major risks to which the JCC is exposed are identified in the above-mentioned document and the JCC are ultimately responsible to ensure that there are procedures established to reduce and manage those risks. The Risk Register is reviewed on a regular basis as determined by the Property and |Management Committee and was last updated in 2022.

Financial Review

The total unrestricted income for the year is £125,242 which is slightly higher than for 2022. Designated income has risen slightly, from £30,007 to £38,627. The total income for 2023 is £219, 804 which is lower than the total income for 2022 which stood at £240,166 due to restricted income funds being considerably lower during 2023. This in part is due to Foodbank no longer being part of the church accounts and also down to the closure of the Day Centre.

Church expenditure continues to be higher than income, meaning reserves have to be called upon. Room Hire continues to generate a sizeable income due to the outstanding effort of our church Administrator. It is our hope that room hire will continue to grow.

Donations have been received from BB, Tuesday Fellowship and the Book Centre. There has been some Legacy gifts and Grants received during the year.

Thanks go to our church staff for the work they do, and in particular, thanks go to our church volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year.

The income from donations for books, and financial donations via the Café are very gratefully received.

We continue to carry out essential work on the building. In order to deliver on the Action Plan adopted from the work of the Strategy Group, financial investment is needed.

Fundraising of various means and Grant applications will be required in the coming years to help in fulfilling our mission to and in the Community.

A reduction in our Common Fund contribution for the next year has been successfully negotiated which will help enormously.

The Treasury Team.

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy of The Cotteridge Church is currently being reviewed. The reserves are calculated as follows:

“Six to Twelve Months Average Monthly Expenditure, plus the evaluated 5-year forecast of property expenditure, plus any restricted or designated funds, plus five percent of annual income for mission projects”.

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Administrator’s Report

One of my main objectives for 2023 was to increase the room hire revenue.

This has been successful and in 2023 we invoiced in excess of £45.5k which was an increase of 45% compared to 2022 when we invoiced £31.3k.

The closure of the Day Centre was very emotive for the Church; however, we have been able to use the space very well since October and the sale room and new hire opportunities are generating an average of £720.00 per month.

Although we are benefiting from a new revenue stream, the brief is not simply to make money. Most of the room hire is to groups who are supporting members of the local community. An alcohol addiction support group, a teacher & student having 1-2-1 sessions and we are running an exercise class in the space too.

We still very much want to upgrade and improve certain areas of the church building.

My personal view is that the toilets and both the ‘front’ and ‘funeral’ doors need to be improved with some urgency. Unfortunately, I haven’t had any update from the Building Steering Group in relation to these items that have been on the agenda for the last year. ( Note: One of the key outcomes of the Strategy Group consultation was the need to refurbish the toilets.)

One of the biggest obstacles I face is when requesting support from the church community. Everything that we do here relies so heavily on the goodwill of others. That maybe volunteering some of their time or participating in some of the events that we run. I understand that we all live

very busy lives but without the support from the church members we do struggle to do all of the things that we want to.

Sarah Canning

Church Committees

The Church is supported by a limited number of Committees and Working Groups:

Worship and Pastoral Committee

Regular worship and on-going pastoral care would not happen without the contributions of a large team of people, a lot of the time and effort is unseen but is vital to the life of The Cotteridge Church. Pastoral

Services

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Witness

Ongoing developments

Jane Stephens

Property and Management Committee

Property & Management (P & M) have met every two months since the last AGM. Membership comprises Peter Childs (chair) Dorothy & Steve A (JCC), Sandra W(JCC) and Mike C (JCC). The church administrator Sarah C may also attend or provide reports.

Eco Group, led by Sandra, is incorporated into P & M. They group successfully applied for and were awarded silver level in recognition of achieving benchmark goals.

Roof Repairs and Condition: Dev Samplar of Building Kontrol repaired and re-pointed several areas on the north side of the roof in February 2023, removed debris from valleys to assist drainage, and made lead flashing repairs. Internal water stains especially above the altar had been noted before the work. As far as P & M can see the stains have stabilised and the repairs have held, but ideally, we should move to replacing the stained plasterwork.

The Methodist Circuit annual return submitted August 2023 noted a slate was missing on the south side roof above the coffee bar, and a persistent stain on the wall of the Cheviot room was not responding to cosmetic decorating. Mr Samplar has been asked to quote and subsequently undertake work to remedy these problems.

Some areas of plaster from a lath roof above the south exit steps have fallen away and need to be repaired. Windows: Single glazed windows noted in the 2021 quinquennial inspection should ideally be upgraded to double glazing. The kitchen window frame facing the garden needs replacing.

Heating and Lighting: The gas boiler and lighting are generally up to satisfactory condition but the heating controls are still not clear to the operators. Mapping the system to better understand it would make it more efficient and less wasteful.

Routine Safety Procedures: Fire Call points test frequency was moved from ¼ year to weekly in September 2023. One box in turn out of the full set of nine is tested at 9 am each Friday. All tap water temperatures are tested monthly to monitor compliance against the build-up of Legionella bacteria. Emergency lighting is tested on a regular basis. Portable Appliances are tested for electrical safety according to regulations. Equipment: A new upright 'fridge/freezer was purchased and installed in the kitchen. The door seals on the old one had failed.

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Rooms: Weatheroak Day Centre closed in September 2023. The former premises have been repurposed as extra meeting rooms. Linda Woodhouse has set up extra stalls selling second hand items. P & M are looking to internally decorate to freshen up some of the rooms. Discussions are taking place to create better access to the Pennine Way.

Solar Panels: Feed in Tariff (FIT) payments had been claimed each ¼ year by sending the solar meter readings to Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), worth on average £1 500 pa. However, SSE have been taken over by OVO. Since November 2023 it has proved difficult to get OVO to action the FIT payments. Buddleia was noted to be growing in the stonework on the tower at the 2021 Quinquennial. A cheap way to remove it has not yet been found.

Peter Childs Chair of P & M

Property Development Working Group

PDWG has not met since March 2022. In part this behaviour continued deliberate caution while new patterns of use emerged and the church's “vision” remains to be finalised.

Our key marker and resource (www.PDWG.weebly.com) have hence barely changed as no significant

progress has been possible.

In late May I briefly met the constituency MP and—as he was more in touch than most with community needs— asked what he would like to see provided on the site. No response came.

Membership was due for reconstitution in May 2023 so I asked who was willing to continue. Sandra Walton and Barbara Calvert have stepped back, leaving only myself, Roger Collins, Jane Stephens, and Peter Childs. Roger (alone) said he thought we should meet.

We continue to await a vision from JCC so that we may frame needs, identify relevant professionals, draft proposals and engage with funders. (BCC remains in financial crisis so funding from the local council seems impossible for at least the next few years).

Tim Clayton

Chair of the PDWG

Community Services Warm Welcome Committee

In 2023 CSC was pleased to welcome Cathy Tuckett from the Cotteridge Friends and Bonnie Alcock (a warm welcome volunteer) on to the committee.

Warm Welcome

The Cotteridge Church continues to be place of warm welcome each day through the services of the Pennine Way café thanks to the hard work of Shirley, Tina, Sarah and all the volunteers. Working with Cotteridge Quakers an afternoon of ‘Warm Welcome’ was offered at the Meeting House on a Wednesday. Free refreshments and crafts were provided and volunteers recruited from amongst the Quakers and members of Cotteridge Church. This venture did not attract a lot of custom so now a monthly afternoon craft session is offered to all.

Barbara Calvert

Catering Working Group

It is very clear from the recent community survey (as part of the strategy work) that the church coffee bar continues to be highly valued by our customers as offering good food, at good value and offering a friendly

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environment. It has attracted a good number of new customers this year, many of whom have become part of the regular clientele.

Catering sales have increased substantially over the last year (at least 30% increase and consistently over £3,000/week by the end of the year), as the coffee bar continues to get busier, and contributed to by a price rise in spring 2023. Unfortunately, without full accounts available for the whole of 2023 it is difficult to be accurate, but despite increased sales we are still in deficit, though by the end of the year we were covering about 70% of food and staff costs. At the start of the year, it was hoped that the Day Centre would be contributing about 30% of staff costs, but with the closure of the Day Centre, we will have to make up the difference by increased sales. There will be a further price increase too, but we strongly wish to continue to provide an affordable offer for the community.

Improvements in 2023, which have doubtless contributed to increase sales, have included a revised and expanded menu, smartening up of the look of the café and some new equipment (funded by some grant funding). There have been more large-group booking, including but not only at Christmas, with the Catering Manager/ Administrator really helping to link room hire and catering more strongly.

There were some long-term absences amongst staff and volunteers during the year, but everyone pulled together for which we are extremely grateful. A good number of new volunteers have been brought on board throughout the year, including a small team of ‘cover volunteers’, so not only did we manage to stay operating throughout absences, but we are now consistently open from 08.30-14.00 Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) and 10.00-12.00 of Saturdays for drinks and snacks. The slightly extended and more consistent hours have recently been helped by a changed arrangement whereby one of the kitchen staff is present on the coffee bar most of the time. This has also helped with consistency in service and hygiene.

New Volunteers are always welcome, and if we continue to get busier during the week will be very necessary. We are also encouraging more regular catered group events, including Saturdays, so will need additional weekend help.

Pam Waddell

Chair of Catering Working Group

Older Adults Working Group

Day Centre

Sadly, the Day Centre closed in October 2023. Since Covid it had proved impossible to build numbers to s sustainable level. With Michelle and Simon moving on to other jobs it was decided the Centre had to close.

Pennine Way Trips

The trips are open to anyone who visits our Church, not just church members.

In 2023 the programme included eight half-day trips to Boundary Outlet, Harvington Hall, Arley Arboretum, Winterbourne, Leamington Spa, The Hop Pocket and twice to Melbicks and The Lake at Barston. There were also two daytrips to Oxford and Weston-Super-Mare.

The aim of these trips is to give adults who may not be able to go anywhere under their own steam, the chance to visit interesting places round the Midlands. They offer value for money, a friendly atmosphere, and most of all they contribute towards the quality of life. The fact that so many people want to join in, not only from Cotteridge, but Kings Norton, Bournville, Kings Heath, Northfield etc., shows that the aim is being fulfilled. (Not too many churches can provide such a full programme of trips, which in 2024, will have been running for 20 years.)

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When people bring along friends and family, this not only introduces them to the trips programme, but also makes them aware of all the other activities our church provides – especially the café. The first time at Cotteridge will probably not be their last.

My thanks to Sarah, our Administrator, for helping with publicity, as well as taking part in one of the trips to find out more about the aims.

Rita Sutton.

The Church Garden

Chris Pascal.

Knit and natter

A regular group meet on Thursday mornings in the café. A new knitted nativity set was created in the run up to Christmas with different members knitting different figures. The stipulation was that they must have brown faces. The new set of figures was used effectively as a visual aid in the Christmas midweek service. Some of our knitters also crochet, make cards and have introduced weaving. Sarah has also been donated a Doll’s house which needs furnishing. The proposal is to rename the Knit and Natter group the Craft group to be inclusive of all these different activities.

Work with Families and Young People The Young People Working Group

The Young People Working Group oversaw all young people services provided by the Church and links to other young people in our community and groups who hire rooms throughout most of 2023. The group was dissolved in the Autumn term, with the Community Services Committee taking over the role.

Sue Clayton (Chair)

Saplings Stay & Play Group

Saplings Stay & Play Group offers friendship and support to carers and their pre-school children, with both secular and Christian themes. This group continues to be very popular with young families in our locality, welcoming 133 families with multiple children and adults during 2023. Parents are very appreciative of the group and the opportunity to talk to the leaders, other parents and Cathy Leigh, our contact from the Early Years Alliance. We are particularly grateful to the new volunteers who

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joined us during the year and Rev Barbara Calvert, who welcomes and provides a wonderful listening ear to the families.

Sue Clayton (Saplings Coordinator)

Cotteridge Primary School

Cotteridge School Choir were a delight when they sang 4 songs at our Christmas midweek Service on Thursday 14[th] December. The children were also very keen to read and to offer thoughts for prayers. A Mother’s Day midweek service is planned for Thursday 7[th] March and Cotteridge school choir will be invited.

Assemblies at Cotteridge School . Barbara Calvert was invited and led a Christmas assembly on Monday 18[th] December and has been invited again 18[th] March. Good and positive relationships are being forged with the school.

Boys’ Brigade

Another successful year at Boys Brigade with the highlight being the Queens badge awarded to Finlay Attrill. The sleepover and BB week in November again proved popular with the money raised helping to continue Boys Brigade at Cotteridge.

Our General Knowledge Quiz at Easter raised a substantial amount which was shared between The Birmingham Hospice and The Cotteridge Church. The summer Peckwood week-end for all sections was enjoyed by everybody and all the boys are looking forward to our 2024 visit in June. In July the coach outing to Weston-Super-Mare took place and a near full coach had a great time despite the damp weather. We continued to meet every Friday and all this would not be possible but for the loyalty of our leaders who support the company.

Bob Hotchkiss

Youth Café

Although towards the beginning of 2023 Youth Café was still appearing on the Notice Sheet in reality it didn’t take place. Whereas before Covid lock downs it was booming, with numbers of participants in double figures, it failed to take off again after lock down. This was despite the hard work in late 2022 of Youth Workers (for whom we were paying £1000 per term). A decision was made to cease to meet and this was the reality in 2023.

Mike Claridge, Minister

Girlguiding and Tuesday Evening Café

Tuesday evenings during term time are busy with Girlguiding groups running in three sections; Rainbows (aged 4-7), Brownies (7-10), and Guides (10-14). There is currently no Rangers (14-18) provision at The Cotteridge Church.

I have continued to open the café when possible, from 6.15pm - 7.30pm, which is the main time that parents choose to wait. The merchandise of the coffee bar is very popular with the parents - and a large amount of cake in particular is sold and consumed!

The Tuesday café has helped to continue to build relationships between The Cotteridge Church and Girlguiding groups. Unlike Boys Brigade, Girlguiding is not a Christian organisation, indeed all reference

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to God has now been removed from the promises that girls make. However, our Girlguiding groups continue to build links with the wider church community here.

Mike Claridge, Minister

Communicate to You (C2U)

Our friends at C2U (Communicate to You) continue to be much more than just a room hirer (although their room hire is important!). They continue to support different aspects of church life, for example supporting Summer and Christmas fairs. In addition, they also operate the café, specifically on Tuesday mornings as a training opportunity. The nature of C2U of course means that faces are often changing, especially at the turn of the academic year, and we welcome those new to The Cotteridge Church.

Mike Claridge, Minister

Other Church Activities

Book Centre and Traidcraft

In January 2023 Traidcraft went into receivership. The signs were there in late 2022. Deciding to keep the fair trade going in the Bookcentre we needed to find new suppliers which was fairly straight forward. JTS (TRUE ORIGIN) provided the jars, EQUAL EXCHANGE provided the whole foods ETHICAL SUPERSTORE provided most of the rest together with WE ARE FAIR TRADE (who sold most of the Traidcraft stock and TRANSFORM TRADE the charity that took over the TRAIDCRAFT name. What became clear was that discounts were not going to be as good as Traidcraft although during the year discounts did improve slightly on bulk buying .We have kept going and by the end of the year we had taken £5598 and has spent £4755. The difference of £863 was transferred to the church

Roger Collins.

Praying through Change Group

The Praying through Change Group was started in the early 2000’s by Hazel Nash and Gill Salkeld who felt the need at the time to pray for the church as it went through a period of great change. The group has continued since this time and we still pray for the church locally and globally as well as praying for different situations in the world and the nation as they arise. We meet fortnightly on Tuesday morning after the communion service. The dates of our meetings are advertised in the notice sheet. We are always happy to welcome other members. Linda Mann

The Tuesday Fellowship

Tuesday Fellowship is a group of people who meet on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Tuesday afternoon of each month. We have a regular average attendance of 9 with up to 15 for popular speakers. Over the last year we have covered a range of topics from Louise Ryland and Josiah Mason to old bottles, musicals, Palestine and Isle of Man Railways, interspersed with music and poetry afternoons. We ran the cake stall for the Christmas Fair, as usual, and managed to raise nearly £200. Our programme for 2024 is advertised in the Pennine Way. We are a diverse group, and we invite anyone of any age or gender to join us. If you need more information please contact me.

Linda Mann.

Flower Ministry

It was a joy to be able to celebrate an Easter Wedding in Church this year. The flowers used were all ready for Easter day and what a joyful celebration it made. Thank you, Emily and Ollie.

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I have been so thankful to everyone who has donated this year to the flower ministry. You have all made it possible for us to enjoy seeing flowers in church that does enhance our worship. Please continue to support in the coming year, it is so appreciated.

I want to say a big thank you to all those who have helped me with the flowers this year. Linda Woodhouse, Rita Sutton and Chris Pascal, and a special thank you to Peter, Tony, Stephen and Dororthy for supporting and helping whenever needed. Working as a team brings the best results for us all to share, and I am so grateful to everyone. There is always room for others to join us so please come and chat to me about the possibilities. Thank you again for all your encouragement. Sandra Walton.

Roundabout

This is published every two months:- i.e. January, March, May, July, September and November. I would like to thank wholeheartedly all the contributors who have made it an interesting and informative record of the life of our church and its members. One of its most important aims is to foster a community spirit, and, hopefully, to increase the number of people visiting our church. I would like to encourage more people to submit an article, ideally relating to faith or our community. I am always open to new ideas, so if there is anything you would particularly like to see in Roundabout, please let me know.

Celia Lester

Eco Church Report

We are still a small group supporting and encouraging the agenda of climate change and eco matters in church . Peter Childs, Carole Allen and myself comprise the group but we are always looking for new members to join us. Please think about this.

We had several meetings during the year, illness, holidays and time somehow have limited the times we have met … and of course the Eco Church group reports directly to P&M group so issues are discussed and raised there throughout the year.

We have continued to make a contribution to church life through the articles in Roundabout…”What we can do however small makes a difference”. We celebrated Big Green week differently this year through a time of worship led by Barbara and also everyone present was given a bookmark celebrating and reminding us of the Big Green week agenda. Our Sunday services continue to remind us in prayer and worship of the climate agenda and Roger and Mike have included issues in prayers and readings throughout the year.

Our main focus has been on looking at ways to become energy efficient and to this end what insulation is present in our building. We therefore applied to the Footsteps charity for a grant to enable us to have an energy assessment… this will be reported in in 2024 report.

We were thrilled to progress to our Silver Award in the Eco church supported by “A Rocha “this year, and received notification of this in December. We have yet to celebrate our success and this of course will be reported on in our next AGM report. As a church we are mindful of all we need to do. We are thankful for the Fairtrade products sold in church , the dedicated work performed by Peter , Tony, Stephen and Dorothy Audley on our building . We are constantly thinking of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint…. and include sustainability in what we do.

Can I encourage everyone to consider what they can do personally in lifestyle choices. Thank you for all your encouragement and articles passed to me for reading. The more we have knowledge, the more we can do.

What you do makes a difference. Keep going ….thank you.

Sandra Walton

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

15 Fundraising Since January 2023 there has been a new initiative for raising much needed funds for our Ghurch. A room has become available specifically for selling items, kindly donated for this purpose. This is in conjunction with the existing book roomllibrary. The aim is to try and open each day for customers, but we are in need of volunteers to give up a few hours on days to suit. Feedback has been positive for the sale room, evidenced by the number of customers who visit to buy. A small team, between January and April, has raised over £IOOO. Please support us through donations and offer some of your ttme so that we can open each day. Thank you. Linda Woodhouse. The Cotteridge Church Annual Report and Accounts 2023 Signed and dated after approval by the members of the Joint Church Council afier their meeting on Z4￿1¥ Chair of the Joint Church Council of The Cotteridge Churcb Date Trustee of The Cotteridge Church 141 Mt8 Avo The Cotterid8e Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts September 2024

Inde endent Examiner's ReDOrt Independent Examinerfs unqualified report to the members of The Cotteridge Church. Kings Norton, Birmingham B30 3EJ In respert of the Financial Statements of the Joint Church Council for the year ended 31" December 2023 a5 Set out on pages 17 to 18 of this Report. Charity Commission Re8iStration Number 1143091. RespÈtti¥e Tesponslblllties of thèJCC and the examiner. The Jolnt Church Councll members acting a5 the charl￿$ tnJstee5 are rèsponsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not Tequired for the year under settlon 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independènt e¥aminatio is needed. It is my responsibility to.. Examinè the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission lunder section 14515llbl of the Charitie5 Act, and to state whether particular matter5 have come to my attention. Basis of the Independent Examinerfs statement. My examination was carried out in accordance with the Eeneral Direttions givèn by the Charity Commission. An examinati(￿ includes a review o* the accounting records kept by the charity and comparison ol the accounts presented wth these records. It also indude5 consideration of anv unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for an audit, and consequèntly no opinion 15 8iven as to whether the accounts present a ttrue and fair, view and the report is limited to those matter5 set out in the statement below. Independènt examinels statement. In connection with my examination, no material mètter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect." Accountin8 records were not kèpt In accordance with section 130 ofthe Charities Act or the accounts do not accord to the 3ccounting reconis. I have come across no other matters in connecttorJ with the examinatlon to whTrch attentions should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding ol the accounts Is reached. Signed. Date 2661 leMthe/ 2u2k. Name Revd. A. A. Clements. Fellow Association of Charity Independent Examiners. Address 15 CaTleton Road, Great Knowley, Chorley PR6 8TQ ACIE PCC CC32 The CotteTid8e Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts September 2024

17

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Notes Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Prior
year
funds funds funds funds total
funds
Income and endowments from:
Voluntary income (2a) 67,755 0 16,994 84,749 115,380
Activities for generating
funds (2b) 45,264 5,638 0 50,902 30,810
Investment income (2c) 7,222 0 139 7,361 10,077
Church activities (2d) 1,482 32,985 38,806 73,273 83,861
Internal Contribution – In 3,519 0 0 3,519 38
Total income 125,242 38,623 55,938 219,804 240,166
Expenditure on:
Church activities (3a) 144,044 53,491 93,867 291,402 560,734
Costs of generating funds (3b) 48 4,795 450 5,293 4,988
Internal Contribution - Out 120 0 3,519 3,639 8,928
Total expenditure 144,211 58,286 97,836 300,333 574,651
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer -18,969 -19,663 -41,897 -80,530 -325,558
Transfers:
Gross transfers between funds - in 1,957 8,610 0 10,567 58,706
Gross transfers between funds - out -8,610 -1,707 -250 -10,567 -58,706
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets 4,315 0 0 4,315 -29,379
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,
charity's own use 0 0 0 0 0
Net movement in funds -21,307 -12,761 -42,147 -76,215 -354,938
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 190,801 38,276 59,230 288,307 643,245
Total funds carried forward 169,494 25,516 17,083 212,093 288,307

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

18 BALANCE SHEET At At 3111212023 3111W2022 General Deslgnated Restrfcted Flxed assets Tanglble Assets Investments 4.826 132.977 137.803 2.087 27,000 29,087 6,913 159,977 166 890 8,080 165,662 173,742 Current assets Stocks And Wort In Progress Debtors 3,500 3,500 17,804 25,681 46,985 3,825 22,655 109.480 136,960 17.754 14,236 31,991 50 Cash At Bank And In Hand -7,071 4,ST1 18,515 18,560 Llablllties Creditors: Amount5 Falling Due In One Year 300 1,482 1,482 1.782 21,395 21,39S 300 1,782 Net current assets loss current Ilabllltles 31.691 4,671 17,083 45,203 114.665 Totsl assets less curnnt IlabS1ft508 169,494 25,616 17,083 212,093 288,307 Liabilities Total net assets1888 Ilabllltles 169,494 26,516 17,083 212,093 288,307 Signed and dated after approval by the members of the Joint Church Council after their meeting on Jdtql24 Date S QoRDThY Chair of the Joint Church Council of The Cotteridge Chur¢h Date . Trustee of The Cotteridge Church NTi frILC' MEJ¥Do The Cotterldge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts September 2024

19

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Summary of Accounting Policies

General Information and basis of preparation

The Joint Church Council of the Cotteridge Church (JCC) is a public benefit entity with the meaning of FRS102. The financial Statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and under FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards, and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Report by Charities (SORP(FRS102)). Assets:

Consecrated and benefice property.

Consecrated and benefice property is excluded and not capitalised in the financial statements in accordance with Charities Act 2011.

Fixed Assets

Depreciation has been provided as follows: Solar Panels Straight line over 25 years. Equipment & Vehicles Straight line over 4 years.

Investments

Investments are recognised at their quoted market price. Unrealised gains or losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Funds:

The financial statements have been prepared using fund accounting. Whereby income, expenditure, assets & liabilities are classified by fund. The 2 types of fund classification present in these accounts are:

1. Unrestricted Funds (General & Designated):

The purpose of funds held by the charity are set out in notes to the financial statements.

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

20

2. Incoming Resources

Unrestricted Unrestricted Designate Designate Restricted Last Year
Fund d Fund Funds Year Total Total
a) Voluntary Income
Planned Giving 52,282 0 288 52,570 55,596
Collections At Service 601 0 0 601 189
Donations & Appeals 732 0 908 1,640 6,521
Gift Aid 10,890 0 197 11,087 12,936
Legacy gifts received 1,250 0 0 1,250 0
Grants 2,000 0 15,601 17,601 40,138
Voluntary income total 67,755 0 16,994 84,749 115,380
b) Activities for Generating Funds
Events Fundraising 1,091 0 0 1,091
953
Regular Fundraising 2,445 20 0 2,465
1,623
Hire 41,728 0 0 41,728
22,905
BookCentre Sales 0 5,618 0 5,618 5,329
Activities for generating funds
total 45,264 5,638 0 50,902
30,810
c) Investment Income
Bank & Deposit Account Interest 306 0 139 444 189
Dividends 6,377 0 0 6,377 7,683
Solar Panel Income 539 0 0 539 2,205
Investment income total 7,222 0 139 7,361 10,077
d) Church Activities
Other Income 914 0
0		 914
628
Parochial Fees 568 0
0		 568
1,175
Catering Services Sales 0 32,985
60		 33,045 24,678
Boys' Brigade 0 0
1,888		 1,888
3,286
Saplings 0 0
2,128		 2,128
693
Pennine Way Trips 0 0
6,596		 6,596
6,946
Flower Guild 0 0
479		 479
358
Tuesday Fellowship 0 0
315		 315
424
Day CentreAttendance 0 0 27,340 27,340 45,673
Church activities total 1,482 32,985 38,806 73,273 83,861
InternalContributions- In 3,519 0 0 3,519 8,966
Internal Contributions- In 3,519 0
0		 3,519
8,966
Total Income and endowments from: 125,242 38,623 55,938 219,804 249,092

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

21

3. Expended Resources

a) Church Activities

a) Church Activities
Unrestricte
d Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Year Total
Last Year
Total
55,260
0
0
55,260
55,260
8,856
0
0
8,856
8,856
8,856
0
0
8,856
9,156
0
0
0
0
50
43
0
0
43
50
529
1
0
530
1,078
921
0
0
921
892
0
0
0
0
126
20
0
0
20
42
17
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
0
146
1,875
0
0
1,875
2,878		 Designated
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Year Total
Last Year
Total
Common Fund
Methodist Apportionment
URC Apportionment
Charitable Giving
Pastoral Costs
Ministry Expenses & Costs
Vicarage Costs
Youth & Family Work
Mission & Outreach Work
Children & Families Work
Community Work
Church Service Costs
Staffing Costs
Staff Wages & Payments
Office & Admin Costs
Communication Costs
Maintenance & Improvements
Garden Costs
Cleaning & Hygiene
Insurance
Safety & Security
Church Utilities
Church Major Repairs & Additions
Professional Fees
Other Expenditure
Christmas Tree & Lights
Depreciation
Catering Services Direct Costs
Day Centre Direct Costs
Foodbank Direct Costs
Saplings
Boys' Brigade
Pennine Way Trips
Tuesday Fellowship
Flower Guild
76,377
1
0
76,378
78,534
27,881
29,748
72,292
129,920
142,561
27,881
29,748
72,292
129,920
142,561
5,765
0
0
5,765
4,662
175
0
0
175
175
2,004
975
0
2,979
16,367
0
0
38
38
0
5,009
0
0
5,009
5,023
4,242
0
0
4,242
3,864
4,109
0
0
4,109
625
15,615
0
0
15,615
16,317
0
5,950
0
5,950
0
300
0
0
300
300
613
0
0
613
253,214
491
0
330
821
255
1,167
0
0
1,167
1,574
39,490
6,925
368
46,783
302,376
296
16,817
3,249
20,363
15,924
0
0
6,884
6,884
8,369
0
0
0
0
3,017
296
16,817
10,133
27,247
27,310
0
0
2,258
2,258
491
0
0
1,607
1,607
1,832
0
0
6,596
6,596
7,056
0
0
170
170
85
0
0
442
442
489
0
0
11,073
11,073
9,953
144,044
53,491
93,867
291,402
560,734

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

22

b) Costs of generating funds
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Year Total
Last Year
Total
Fundraising Costs
48
0
0
48
131
Book Centre
0
4,795
0
4,795
3,622
Staff Wages &Payments
0
0
450
450
1,235
Costs ofgenerating funds total
48
4,795
450
5,293
4,988
Internal Contributions - Out
120
0
0
120
8,928
Total Internal Contribution - Out
120
0
0
120
8,928
Total Expenditure on:
144,211
58,286
97,836
300,333
574,651
c) Unrestricted Fund Movements
Fund Fund
balances
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains
and
Fund
balances
brought
forward
Resources
Resources
Losses
Carried
forward
General
Unrestricted		 190,801
125,242
144,211
-6,653
4,315
169,493
Sub-totals 190,801
124,328
143,297
-6,653
4,315
169,493
Designated
Book Centre
Catering Services
Diocesan Decorating Fund
Garden Project
QM - Cook & Wolstenholme
Sub-totals		 7,020
5,618
4,795
-1,707
0
6,136
0
32,985
46,565
8,610
0
-4,970
655
0
0
0
0
655
3,602
20
66
0
0
3,556
27,000
0
6,860
0
0
20,140
38,277
38,623
58,286
6,903
0
25,517

Unrestricted Fund Purposes:

General Fund:

Designated Funds:

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

23

d) Restricted Fund Movements

Fund
BCC - Catering
CP - Childrens Party
C&Y Work
Garden
HF - Hardship Fund
Holiday Club
IonaTrip
WS - Warm Spaces
Xmas Tree
Trips
Church Group’s Restricted
BB - Boys Brigade
Saplings
Flowers
TF - Tuesday Fellowship
Day Centre Restricted
DC-Gen		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains
and
Fund
balances
brought
forward
Resources
Resources
Losses
Carried
forward		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains
and
Fund
balances
brought
forward
Resources
Resources
Losses
Carried
forward
0
3,060
3,249
0
0
-189
233
0
0
0
0
233
83
0
0
0
0
83
0
150
38
0
0
112
522
505
0
0
0
1,027
1,578
0
0
0
0
1,578
235
0
0
0
0
235
1,000
1,651
0
0
0
2,651
1,694
455
330
0
0
1,819
0
6,596
6,596
0
0
0
5,345
12,417
10,213
0
0
7,549
8,457
1,888
1,607
0
0
8,738
340
2,128
2,258
0
0
209
167
479
442
0
0
204
404
315
170
-250
0
299
9,368
4,810
4,477
-250
0
9,450
26,458
38,712
65,087
0
0
83
26,458
38,712
65,087
0
0
83
Sub-totals 14,796
17,227
14,690
-250
0
17,082
Day Centre Restricted
Apprentice
We are all Making a Difference
Door
Mem Act
NP ??		 11,985
0
11,985
0
0
0
768
0
768
0
0
0
3,030
0
3,030
0
0
0
1,754
0
1,754
0
0
0
520
0
520
0
0
0
18,057
0
18,057
0
0
0

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

24

Church Restricted Fund Purposes:

Church Group Fund Purposes:

Day Centre Restricted Fund Purposes:

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

25

6. Transfers Between Funds

Note General Designated Restricted Total
General Fund to Catering Designated Fund 1 -8,610 8,610 0
Tuesday Fellowship Restricted to Church General Fund 2 250 -250 0
Designated Book centre to General fund 3 1,707 -1,707 0
-6,653 6,903 -250 0

7. Staff Costs & Payments

Church Catering Day Centre This Year Last Year
Total Total
Administrator Wages 16,026 0 0 16,026 15,063
Cleaning Wages 6,868 0 2,002 8,870 9,269
Catering - Kitchen Wages 0 30,723 3,115 33,838 29,875
Catering - Manager Wages 0 1,592 0 1,592 1,134
Catering - DC Wages Contribution 0 -2,567 0 -2,567 0
Day Centre - Carer Wages 0 0 60,062 60,062 68,242
Treasurer Payments 0 0 1,938 1,938 2,318
Agency Cover 0 0 4,182 4,182 0
Redundancy Payment 0 0 0 0 8,928
22,894 29,748 71,299 129,922 127,103
Social Security Costs 3,891 0 0 3,891 5,312
Pension Costs 1,096 0 994 2,089 2,421
4,987 0 994 4,987 7,733
The average number of employees 3 3 4 7 9

During the year, no employee earned £60,000 per annum or more.

There are no other disclosable transactions in respect of JCC members, persons closely connected with them or other related parties.

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

26

8. Fixed Assets

Cost
As at 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 December 2023
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2023
Charge for year
As at 31 December 2023
Net Book Value 31 December 2023		 Solar Panels
Garden
Furniture
Total
10,701
2,782
13,483
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,701
2,782
13,483
4,708
696
5,404
471
696
1,167
5,179
1,392
6,571
5,522
1,390
6,912

9. Investments

Market Value – 1stJanuary
Additions
Disposals (Sales)
Revaluation gain / (loss)		 Share Fund
Property
Fund
Total
90,166
75,497
165,662
—
—
—
-10,000
—
-10,000
7,834
-3,520
4,314
88,000
71,977
159,977

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

27

10. Cash At Bank & In Hand

Church:
Current Account
Church Soldo Account (Petty Cash)
Church Petty Cash (Cotteridge Church)
CCLA Deposit Account
Diocesan Decorating Fund
Other Groups:
Catering
Catering Soldo Account (Petty Cash)
Catering – Square (Till)
Food Ministry
Book Centre
Flower Guild
Boy’s Brigade
Boy’s Brigade Reserve
Saplings
Tuesday Fellowship
Total Cash At Bank & In Hand		 This Year
Total
Last Year
Total
2,779
32,077
2,199
16
20
20
5,729
16,046
0
655
10,727
48,815
1,736
2,500
5
1,073
365
1,475
527
522
3,077
3,920
204
167
6,995
6,729
1,744
1,728
2
87
298
404
14,953
18,604
25,681
67,419

11. Stock

Cost:
Brought forward 1stDecember
2023
Additions
Disposals
Book Value 31stDecember
2023		 Book Centre
Catering
Total
3,100
725
3,825
—
—
—
—
-325
-325
3,100
400
3,500

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024

28

12. Debtors

Trade Debtors
Other Debtors
Prepayments
Total Debtors &
Prepayments		 This Year
Total
Last Year
Total
9,317
11,949
3,955
6,356
4,533
4,351
17,804
22,655

13. Creditors

Church Liabilities:
Other Creditors
Utility Creditors
Agency Collections
Total Creditors
Deferred Income
Total Creditors & Deferred
Income		 This Year
Total
Last Year
Total
300
6,732
0
2,510
1,482
11,536
1,782
20,778
—
—
1,782
20,778

The Cotteridge Church 2023 Annual Report & Accounts

September 2024