Charity Registration No. 1144309
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Trustees
| Trustees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Revd. Dr. Timothy Gill (Chairman) | ||
| Revd. Samuel Ellmore | ||
| Revd. Jeni Fryer | ||
| Mrs Ann Hackett | ||
| Mrs Susan Harland | ||
| Mr Christopher Harper | ||
| Mrs Andrea Hatcher | ||
| Mrs Josephine Hawksworth | ||
| Mrs Judith Nicholson | ||
| Mr Andrew Robinson | ||
| Mrs Anne Rostron | ||
| Mrs Kay Thompson | ||
| Mrs Pamela Thomson | ||
| Charity number | 1144309 | |
| Principal address | ||
| Church Street | ||
| Ecclesfield | ||
| Sheffield | ||
| S35 9XZ | ||
| Independent examiner | Natalie Bracey ACA | |
| Member of Hart Shaw LLP | ||
| Sheffield Business Park | ||
| Europa Link | ||
| Sheffield | ||
| S9 1XU |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice,
It should be noted that the annual report on the activities, achievements and performance is presented in detail at the Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for Sunday 7[th] April 2024 at 12 noon. The information which follows is a short summary of the information to be presented.
Structure, governance, and management.
the National Church. Parochial church council powers measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation rules that came in to force on 2 January 1956; also, the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended); and the Churchwardens Measure 2001 and any subsequent amendments.
The PCC has enjoyed independent charitable status since 17 October 2011 (Charity number 1144309) and was previously able to act as a part of the Diocese of Sheffield Charity.
The PCC has up-to-date policies: - Health and Safety, Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Safe Church, and risk assessments for a range of activities and practices.
Trustees
The trustees who served during the year and since the year end are set out below:
Revd. Dr. Timothy Gill (Chairman) Revd. Samuel Ellmore Revd. Jeni Fryer (appointed 23[rd] April 2023) Mrs Ann Hackett Mrs Susan Harland Mr Christopher Harper Mrs Andrea Hatcher Mrs Josephine Hawksworth Mr Mark Holmes (stepped down as of 23[rd] April 2023) Mr Malcolm Johnson (stepped down as of 23[rd] April 2023) Mrs Margaret Myers (stepped down as of 23[rd] April 2023) Mrs Judith Nicholson (reappointed 23[rd] April 2023) Mr Andrew Robinson Mrs Anne Rostron (appointed 23[rd] April 2023) Mrs Kay Thompson Mrs Pamela Thomson Mr Michael Waldron (stepped down as of 23[rd] April 2023)
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Aim and Purposes
by the Vicar and Parochial Church Council (PCC). The church has a strapline and mission statement, and its primary aim is to follow these: -
Following Jesus; Celebrating Life; Welcoming All
We are here to help people love and worship God.
We aim to be, and encourage others to become, committed and active disciples of Jesus, who love God and worship him, who know the power of the Holy Spirit and who show
Objectives and Activities
In working towards our mission statement, we aim to offer a wide variety of church services appealing to the whole community. We also welcome those in the parish and those with qualifying connections to , as well as offering the families of the bereaved funeral services. We also aim to involve the local community in the life of the church and make the building available for secular purposes and concerts and in turn, to be involved in the secular activities of the Ecclesfield Community. When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC on charities for the advancement of religion. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community. We have an ancient and historical building which we strive to maintain and improve as a centre for all people in the village.
Achievements and Regular Activities
Worship and Prayer
Regular services include: -
Sunday 10.00am Parish Communion (2nd Sunday All Age Celebration Service) with Choir and Organ, or Music Group or all.
Baptism Services incorporated in standard service or separately at 12 noon.
6.30 pm Evening service (2nd Sunday Holy Communion, 4th Sunday Prayer and Praise with Music Group). During the winter months the Evening service is held at 4pm. Midweek
9.30 am Thursday Holy Communion
There are a range of other special services organised during Lent, Advent, and Christmas. We welcome everyone to all services during the year and invite relatives of those who have been recently bereaved once a month with an annual service for families who have been bereaved.
The main 10.00am Sunday morning service and some special services continue to be streamed on Facebook and the Church website.
Many of the events and special services we hold, including Easter and Christmas, were possible having been scaled back in the previous 3 years. Fundraising events including concerts, coffee mornings and the Christmas Fayre were held, in many cases for the first time since before the Coronavirus pandemic. The church coffee shop continues to run and was well attended throughout the year. A particular highlight of the year were two services led by the Steel City Choristers which were well attended.
Bereavement Café
Towards the end of 2023 which runs on the 2[nd] Saturday of each month and provides a safe space for anyone to be able to come and spend time with others who have experienced bereavement.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Coffee Shop
The church is open to all every Tuesday and Friday morning for tea, coffee and toasted teacakes and cakes.
Mothers Union
Meets on the 1st Wednesday every month in the Gatty Hall.
Church Choir
Meets to practice on Friday evenings.
Music Group
Meets to practice on Thursday evenings.
Ladies Group
Meets on Thursday afternoons.
Bell Ringers
Meet Tuesday evenings to practice.
Synods
The church can elect representatives to sit on the Deanery Synod and the Diocesan Synod providing a two-way communication path to these committees. attend Deanery Synod.
Mission, Evangelism and Outreach
Teams led from the PCC aim to help to improve links to the community and provide pathways for those with faith to strengthen this.
Magazine
Our parish magazine is published monthly and is available at several retail points in the village and is also available to download from the Church website.
Financial Review
Once again, the PCC had to make some difficult decisions on routine expenditure (excluding one-off projects) from the general accounts, particularly the Common Fund contribution, to keep expenditure in line with a continued reduction in income, and expenditure was again kept low in 2023, despite the challenges of higher energy costs and inflation. Some of the provisions made for spending on training, teaching and children and young people plus paying a Musical Director were not used. By keeping running costs under control and the generosity of the congregation with regular giving and fundraising the result was that receipts were greater than payments by £5.675. The PCC were able to increase their Common Fund contribution from £30,000 in 2022 to £32,000 in 2023.
Project Accounts and Restoration
The main projects of the year have been to re-light all the main areas of the building. The existing lighting units using metal halide technology, installed in 2001, had come to the end of their useable life and spares had become increasingly difficult to obtain. These were all replaced with LED units which use less than 50% electricity compared to the previous ones. The work was carried out in October at a total cost of £15, 600 plus VAT (which we have claimed back). As well as saving electricity costs, the overall effect is a dramatic improvement. Now we are used to the effect, one or two further (and minor) improvements are being looked at.
Following many years in fact centuries of being stored, a medieval altar top (stone Mensa) has finally been restored with a new base and this now sits in the North Transept Chapel as part of the enhanced prayer corner with 5 new chairs. The work was carried out in December at a cost of £9,200 plus VAT.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
A very generous gift from a family in memory of their ancestors who were very much involved in Ecclesfield Church was received specifically towards the cost of these works, to the value of £20k (plus gift aid generosity.
Work was also undertaken to repair the Church path and although the responsibility for this was contribute to the work. The PCC agreed to approach the Diocesan Board of Finance to utilise the Church Yard Upkeep investment, and this was agreed, and the investment shares were realised and the balance of £5,057 was transferred by the Diocese to St.
There is still ongoing repair work required on the building resulting from the 2020 Quinquennial inspection and progress will continue to be made on this during 2024. Subject to available funding, the development of the North Transept Chapel will continue with the medieval crosses eventually being moved into this area.
The Restoration Fund ends the year with a balance of £40,356.
2024
This is expected to be another challenging year for the general accounts when it will take careful management to balance the books, particularly given the increased gas and electricity costs and inflation still being at a high level. The PCC anticipate that an organist will be appointed during 2024 and this is reflected in the budget. The PCC has taken the decision to decrease its pledge to the Diocesan Common Fund from £32,000 in 2023 to £30,000, which is considerably less than we were able to pledge pre-pandemic. The number of weddings in 2024 is in line with 2023 and this has been factored into the budget for 2024. The PCC will again review the budget during the year and consider if an increased amount can be paid to the Diocese towards the Common Fund.
Tower Roof
During 2023, there have been increasing leaks from the tower roof onto the bells in the belfry and through the bellringing room ceiling. Temporary repairs are underway. However, the roof has the oldest -covered with new insulation in the belfry and replacement of the ceiling and decoration in the bellringing room. The work will require extensive scaffolding and the outline cost is in the region of £50k and this will require applications for grants and fundraising.
Reserves Policy
The aim of the PCC is to balance income and expenditure whilst making a generous contribution to the Diocese Common Fund and to make gifts of at least 5% to charities. We also keep raising funds for the restoration of our ancient church building. The PCC aims to respect all reserves which are designated to particular areas of expenditure or restricted to specific purposes. The PCC aims to keep a minimum of three months recurring expenditure in unrestricted reserves as a standard policy of financial prudence.
Thank you
We would like to thank all the many members of the congregation, all volunteers, and the Community of Ecclesfield for their incredible generosity and for their hard work during another difficult year to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is.
Chris Harper
Treasurer
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories | Categories | Details | Unrestricted funds |
Designated funds (Restoration) |
Restricted funds (Bellringers) |
Endowment funds |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||
| B1 Cash funds | Unrestricted funds | 68,211 | - | - | - | |||
| Designated funds (restoration) | 40,356 | - | - | |||||
| Restricted funds (bellringers) | - | 7,423 | - | |||||
| Total cash funds | 68,211 | 40,356 | 7,423 | - | ||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
OK | OK | OK | OK | ||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
||||||
| Details | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||
| B2 Other monetary assets | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||
| B3 In | vestment assets | C of E investment - Ecclesfield PCC - Restor Maintenance Fund |
ation and | Designated funds (restoration) |
- | 11,879 | ||
| Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance - Ecclesfield Chancel Repair fund |
Endowment funds | - | 102,609 | |||||
| Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance - Ecclesfield St Mary's Church Yard upkeep fun |
d |
Endowment funds | - | - | ||||
| - | - | |||||||
| Total investment assets | - | 114,488 | ||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||
| B4 A | ssets retained for the | - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| - | - | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which liability relates |
Amount due (optional) |
When due (optional) |
|||||
| B5 L | iabilities | Deposits held for future weddings | Designated funds | 1,560 | ||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature | Name | Date of approval |
|||||
| Approved by the PCC on the 4th of | March 2024 and signed on their behalf by Reverend Dr. Tim | Gill(PCC Chairman | ) | |||||
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
I report on the financial December 2023 (Registered charity number 1144309) .
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
-
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and conseque and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
Have not been met; or
- To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Natalie Bracey FCA Hart Shaw LLP Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Sheffield Business Park Europa Link Sheffield S9 1XU