Annual Report and Accounts of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2023
Contents
Parochial Church Council Trustees Annual Report Statement of Financial Activities Notes to the Accounts Independent Examiner’s Report
1
Barkham Parochial Church Council
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Reference and administrative information
The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission as ‘The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Barkham’, registration number 1143332.
The address of the church office is The Rectory, Church Lane, Arborfield, Berkshire, RG2 9HZ
The trustees (members of the PCC) at the time of this report were as follows:
Basis of appointment
Emma Benbow Elected The Revd Julian Bidgood Michael Byrne Ruth Dand (from APCM) David Horrocks Peter Kilby (from APCM) Lionel Matsuya Oli Parker (from May 2023) Co-opted Karen Pugh (from APCM) Churchwarden Frances Roberts Elected Lucy Savage (from APCM) Churchwarden Ian Turner (from APCM) Elected
Clergy (& appointed chairman) Deanery Synod representative Elected (& appointed secretary) Deanery Synod representative Deanery Synod representative
Elected (& appointed treasurer)
Structure, governance and management
The PCC has been formed under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.
The PCC members are recruited in a number of ways. The clergy are members by virtue of their office. The churchwardens are elected annually at the annual meeting. Other members of the PCC are elected at the APCM and hold office for three years. Deanery Synod representatives are also elected for a 3 year term at annual meetings and are on PCC by virtue of this role. Chair, treasurer and secretary are roles appointed by the PCC.
There are the following committees:
- Standing Committee – This committee consists of the church leadership team (the Minister in charge plus two others at present), the Churchwardens and the Treasurer. They have power to transact business of the PCC between PCC meetings, reporting to the full PCC as appropriate.
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Objectives and activities
The objectives of the PCC are defined by the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as ‘to cooperate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical’.
St James’ Church Barkham comprises two congregations meeting at 10am and 6pm. Our aim as a church is to honour the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we do. By his grace we are seeking to grow in our knowledge of him, our love for him and our obedience to him. We are also seeking to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to others as well, both by reaching out to others ourselves and by supporting mission partners in the UK and overseas. We currently have particular links with Crosslinks, OMF, Open Doors, The Delhi Bible Institute, Yeldall Manor and a former member now working in a church in Russia.
Our Sunday services are the focus for our life as a church as we gather to listen to the word of God being read and preached and as we respond to him in prayer and praise. It is our assumption, however, that our life as a church should overflow into our daily lives and our midweek small groups provide a natural context for relationships to develop whereby people can serve and encourage one another further. We are committed to encouraging people of all ages to hear the Christian message and grow in faith, so we run a number of groups for children up to the age of 18, we run a baby and toddler group jointly with Arborfield Church, with whom we also run a monthly meeting for ‘seniors’.
Achievements and performance
Our Sunday services are the focus of church life as we gather for corporate worship and to encourage one another. Average weekly attendance has crept up a little to 83 in the morning and 48 in the evening with around half a dozen going to both. We are very committed to the fact that we meet as one church family with young and old worshipping together. We have a creche and Sunday School of about 15 children.
We continue see high levels of commitment and involvement from the congregation. On any given Sunday around 25 people are serving in some official capacity. And it’s encouraging that when gaps appear on rotas, others step up.
There continues to be plenty going on in the life of the church. The majority of adults are members of fellowship groups that meet midweek. The Monday toddler group is well attended. We run Friday Club, an open Youth Club for younger teens run weekly at the Village Hall and twice-termly we put on bigger events for older teens. CAMEO, our monthly meeting for seniors or others who may be on their own meets on the second Monday of each month. All of these activities have been attracting good numbers of participants.
Our relationship with our church school, the Coombes, remains strong as we provide weekly assemblies, assist the school in celebrating other major Christian festivals and supporting the RE syllabus whenever we can.
In accordance with Church of England rules, we have revised our Electoral Roll this year. The number on the roll is currently 119.
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Financial review
In a world where significant challenges seem to arise every month, what reassurance that we have a God who is both never changing and always loving, and on whom we can depend, taking our prayers in faith. And this is always felt keenly in the area of financial stewardship in the church.
After a few years of regular giving decreasing, we were thankful that it increased by 5% in 2023 (2022: 5% decrease). Further to this, we had an excellent response to our gift day in October, in which we received both one-off gifts and increases in regular giving just about exceeding what we set out to achieve. Overall, therefore, our receipts increased to £188k (2022: £179k). It should be noted that the effects of the increases in regular giving will be felt more in 2024 as the changes in giving only just started to come into effect at the end of the year.
Our payments are always a bit more difficult to predict, but in 2023 we have felt the same cost pressures as everyone else, which played a part in driving up our expenditure to £193k overall (2022: £183k). We have recently increased our Parish Share after discussions with the Diocese.
At the end of 2023, we therefore had a deficit of £5,333 (2022: deficit of £3,875). Our unrestricted reserves are still healthy at £84k (2022: £89k). However, due to the timing of gift day in 2023, we are forecasting a surplus in 2024 as the effects of the changes in giving are felt across the full year.
The church tower fund has a small balance remaining (£4k); as a restricted fund it can currently only be used for the purpose for which the appeal was made. The PCC is exploring ways in which these funds can be used for alternative essential tower works.
The Maintenance fund is a designated fund used for major repairs or projects to the church. There were no expenditures in 2022 and the annual transfer of £5k to the fund was completed. With the Quinquennial inspection having been completed, we expect a number of significant outlays in the next two years but it is not yet clear what they will be.
The Treasurer and the Bookkeeper manage the day-to-day finances for St James Barkham and the Treasurer reports to the PCC as well as at the APCM, and at various points throughout the year to the congregations. Forecasts are prepared and re-assessed monthly to ensure that adequate funds exist for the church, and a Giving Day is normally held annually in the autumn.
Statement on the Church's policy on reserves
The Church does not have a formal reserve policy but it is regularly commented on at PCC that we expect to maintain at least 2 months' expenditure in reserve. This would amount to £27k based on General Fund expenditure.
Details on any funds materially in deficit
There are no funds materially in deficit as of year end 2023.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the PCC:
The Rev’d Julian Bidgood Date: 10/04/2024
Chairman
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St James Barkham
Independent examiner’s report on the accounts to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St James Barkham (“the charity”) for the year ending 31 December 2023
Responsibilities and basis of report
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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do 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.
Signed Date: 11 April 2024
Name: Jason Foxwell
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body
Chartered Certified Accountant
Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners
Address 39 Enfield Road Poole BH15 3LJ
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St James Barkham
Receipts and Payments account
For the year ended 31 December 2023
| Receipts from: Donations and other legacies Planned Giving Collections at services Other voluntary receipts Voluntary receipts Gift Aid recovered Receipts from charitable activities Receipts from church activities Investments Investment Income Other receipts Other receipts Total receipts Payments from: Payments for charitable activities Parish Share Clergy and Stafng costs Church Activities Church Running Expenses Church Repairs and Maintenance Mission Giving and Donations Independent Examination Costs Total payments Net receipts / (payments) before transfer Transfers: Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fxed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds £ £ £ £ 132,820.00 - 132,820.00 126,244.00 - - - 14,702.00 2,550.00 17,252.00 10,256.96 1,160.96 - 1,160.96 - 31,851.75 - 31,851.75 32,397.22 |
|---|---|
| 180,534.71 2,550.00 183,084.71 168,898.18 2,192.77 - 2,192.77 3,447.98 |
|
| 2,192.77 - 2,192.77 3,447.98 365.92 - 365.92 65.71 |
|
| 365.92 - 365.92 65.71 2,272.41 - 2,272.41 6,500.00 |
|
| 2,272.41 - 2,272.41 6,500.00 |
|
| 185,365.81 2,550.00 187,915.81 178,911.87 4,297.00 - 4,297.00 - 134,693.09 - 134,693.09 127,254.63 8,919.22 - 8,919.22 13,876.15 24,869.80 2,594.84 27,464.64 23,581.00 - - - - 16,900.00 - 16,900.00 17,150.00 975.00 - 975.00 925.00 |
|
| 190,654.11 2,594.84 193,248.95 182,786.78 |
|
| (5,288.30) (44.84) (5,333.14) (3,874.91) |
|
| 11,600.00 - 11,600.00 16,675.00 (11,600.00) - (11,600.00) (16,675.00) - - - - - - - - |
|
| (5,288.30) (44.84) (5,333.14) (3,874.91) 88,879.67 8,591.53 97,471.20 101,346.11 83,591.37 8,546.69 92,138.06 97,471.20 |
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St James Barkham Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31 December 2023
| Assets Bank Current Account General Fund Unrestricted Churchyard Fund Restricted QI Fund Designated Maintenance Fund Designated Bell Ringers Fund Restricted Agency collection Restricted Bank Deposit Account General Fund Unrestricted Cash in hand General Fund Unrestricted Debtors Accounts Receivable General Fund Unrestricted Total Assets Liabilities Agency accounts Agency collection Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year Accounts Payable General Fund Unrestricted Total Liabilities Grand Total* |
Balance 31 Dec 2023 £ 15,855.34 4,259.67 3,535.34 23,507.60 751.68 2,740.00 50,649.63 30,639.17 30,639.17 263.76 263.76 16,125.50 16,125.50 97,678.06 2,740.00 2,740.00 2,800.00 2,800.00 5,540.00 92,138.06 |
Balance 31 Dec 2022 £ 39,855.06 4,304.51 3,535.34 18,507.60 751.68 1,851.00 |
|---|---|---|
| 68,805.19 30,273.25 |
||
| 30,273.25 243.76 |
||
| 243.76 0.00 |
||
| 0.00 | ||
| 99,322.20 | ||
| 1,851.00 | ||
| 1,851.00 0.00 |
||
| 0.00 | ||
| 1,851.00 | ||
| 97,471.20 |
*Agency collections are those made on behalf of other parties, for example fees from weddings or funerals that are payable to the Diocese.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf on 19 February 2024 by
Julian Bidgood Lionel Matsuya Chairman Treasurer
Notes to the accounts
Note 1: Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2005.
The basis of accounting is the Receipts and Payments basis as permitted by this SORP. However, two accrual entries have been made:
-
a £2,800 expense accrual for mission giving relating to 2023 for which the cash transaction went through during January 2024;
-
and £16,125.50 debtor for a gift aid claim relating to 2023 which was received in January 2024.
These have been accrued to ensure comparability between years as in other years they would have been recorded as cash entries within the year.
The PCC uses the Charity Commission recommended headings for the Statement of Financial Activities (Receipts and Payments account).
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC for the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors, including those donations received from specific appeals.
The PCC holds no Endowment funds.
Note 2: Receipts
| Donations and other legacies Planned giving Regular giving - Gift Aid Regular giving - non Gift Aid Collections at services Collections and giving bags Other voluntary receipts Gift Days - Gift Aid Gift Days - non Gift Aid One-off giving - Gift Aid One-off giving - non Gift Aid Grants - recurring Grants - non-recurring Gift Aid recovered Gift Aid recovered Receipts from charitable activities Receipts from church activities Fees for weddings and funerals Bookstall sales - objects related Church activity receipts - objects related Investments Investment income Bank and building society interest Other receipts Other receipts Other receipts Insurance claims Total receipts |
2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds £ £ £ £ 125,903.00 - 125,903.00 121,097.00 6,917.00 - 6,917.00 5,147.00 - - - - - - 6,370.00 - 6,370.00 5,250.00 1,000.00 - 1,000.00 622.96 4,142.00 - 4,142.00 577.00 3,190.00 - 3,190.00 1,400.00 - 2,550.00 2,550.00 2,407.00 1,160.96 - 1,160.96 - - 31,851.75 - 31,851.75 32,397.22 |
|---|---|
| 180,534.71 2,550.00 183,084.71 168,898.18 - - 1,431.00 - 1,431.00 2,428.00 - - - 181.75 761.77 - 761.77 838.23 |
|
| 2,192.77 - 2,192.77 3,447.98 - - 365.92 - 365.92 65.71 |
|
| 365.92 - 365.92 65.71 - - 2,272.41 - 2,272.41 6,500.00 - - - - |
|
| 2,272.41 - 2,272.41 6,500.00 |
|
| 185,365.81 2,550.00 187,915.81 178,911.87 |
Note 3: Payments
| Payments for charitable activities Parish share Clergy and stafng costs Salaries and wages of parish staff National Insurance of parish staff Pension contributions of parish staff Minister expenses Council tax House rent Mortgage House insurance House maintenance Water rates Church activities Parish training and mission Church activity costs - objects related Bookstall costs - objects related Church running expenses Church insurance Church routine maintenance Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Church electricity Church heating oil Literature for church building Banking costs Admin and other running costs Central costs Church repairs and maintenance Church major repairs - structure Church major repairs - installation Church interior and exterior decoration Mission giving and donations Giving to missionary societies Governance costs Independent Examination costs Total Payments |
2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds £ £ £ £ 4,297.00 - 4,297.00 - 59,341.00 - 59,341.00 56,352.00 6,252.00 - 6,252.00 5,651.00 13,821.00 - 13,821.00 14,377.00 2,696.78 - 2,696.78 2,618.76 5,112.00 - 5,112.00 4,811.00 20,497.00 - 20,497.00 18,300.00 25,056.00 - 25,056.00 23,112.00 480.00 - 480.00 420.00 420.31 - 420.31 639.87 1,017.00 - 1,017.00 973.00 6,949.34 - 6,949.34 12,332.46 1,919.88 - 1,919.88 1,251.00 50.00 - 50.00 292.69 2,532.42 - 2,532.42 2,555.38 8,408.43 - 8,408.43 2,580.24 3,605.84 - 3,605.84 1,878.95 - 2,594.84 2,594.84 2,438.37 1,655.54 - 1,655.54 480.92 946.31 - 946.31 1,144.99 140.52 - 140.52 49.75 155.48 - 155.48 153.70 658.26 - 658.26 1,806.00 6,767.00 - 6,767.00 10,492.70 - - - - - - - - - - - - 16,900.00 - 16,900.00 17,150.00 975.00 - 975.00 925.00 |
|---|---|
| 190,654.11 2,594.84 193,248.95 182,786.78 |
|
| 190,654.11 2,594.84 193,248.95 182,786.78 |
Note 4: Summary of restricted and designated funds
| Restricted Funds Bellringers fund Church Tower fund Churchyard fund Total Designated Funds Church Plant fund Maintenance fund Total |
Balance b/f 01/01/2023 Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/f 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ £ 752 - - - 752 3,535 - - - 3,535 4,304 2,550 2,595 - 4,260 |
|---|---|
| 8,592 2,550 2,595 - 8,547 |
|
| Balance b/f 01/01/2023 Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/f 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ £ - - 6,600 6,600 - 18,508 - - 5,000 23,508 |
|
| 18,508 - 6,600 11,600 23,508 |
Bellringers fund (restricted)
The Bellringers fund was created in 2017 to fund maintenance of the bells in the church tower. It is funded by occasional receipts from the use of the bells and funds are used for bell maintenance.
Church Tower fund (restricted)
The Church Tower fund was established in 2017 to fund maintenance and repairs of the tower carried out in 2018, the funds of which were raised in an appeal to address the items noted in the Quinquennial Inspection report from 2015. There is expected to be no further significant outlay with respect to the expenses relating to the 2015 Quinquennial Inspection report.
Churchyard fund (restricted)
The Churchyard fund receives grant and other monies for the maintenance of the churchyard.
Church plant fund (designated)
The Church Plant fund was established in 2016 to fund the Church at the Green, planted in 2017, with support continuing. Church at the Green (CTG) aims to become wholly funded through members (both new members and those previously from Arborfield and Barkham churches). However, as it becomes established, additional support is provided from these churches to help CTG meet its expenses. This additional support varies from year to year depending on a number of factors and is agreed by the respective PCCs in consultation with the Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches Trust (ABPCT) and the CTG Elders.
A designated fund is used for tracking purposes only as the fund is designated. In 2023 payments were made to ABPCT, in line with agreed funding, totalling £6,000 (2022: £12,000). Note that the £6,600 in the
table above represents an overpayment by St James Barkham by £600; this will be returned in the Trust reconciliation payment in 2024.
Maintenance fund (designated)
The Maintenance fund exists to provide a build-up of funds for significant projects primarily for the church building and minister’s house. This is a designated fund with an annual transfer from the general fund of £5,000, as agreed by the PCC.
Note 5: Staff and Trustees
The church has no direct employees. Its activities are carried out by volunteers and by staff employed by an independent charity (The Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches Trust). Grants paid to that trust to meet these costs are shown in the Clergy and Staffing costs section of note 3 above.
Included in the staff employed by that independent charity are Rev Julian Bidgood and David Horrocks, who are members of the PCC of St James Barkham and hence are trustees. The Clergy and Staffing costs shown in Note 3 above represent the amounts paid to The Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches Trust for provision of the services of Julian Bidgood and David Horrocks by that Trust.