Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of St Bartholomew’s Church, Arborfield
for the year ended 31 December 2020
Trustees Annual Report
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Reference and administrative information
The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission as The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Bartholomew’s, Arborfield, registration number 1146779.
The correspondence address of the Church is The Rectory, Church Lane, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9HZ.
The Trustees, members of the PCC who have served from 1 January 2020 until the date this report was approved are:
| Minister | Rev Piers Bickersteth (Chair) |
|---|---|
| Assoc. Minister | Rev Andrew Kearns |
| Churchwardens | Joseph Brown |
| Adedayo Ajibola (from Nov 15th) | |
| Deanery Synod reps | Gillian Kaiser |
| Poppy Brown | |
| Anthony Pollock (from Nov 15th) | |
| Amy Dawson (stepped down Nov 15th) | |
| Elected members | Alison Caldwell |
| Patricia Fryer (Warden until Nov 15th) | |
| Ian Hollamby | |
| Mark McDonnell | |
| Hannah Schuster | |
| Felicity Singh | |
| Thomas Auden (stepped down Nov 15th) | |
| Jocelyn Austen (stepped down Nov 15th) |
| Bankers | Barclays Bank PLC |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner | Jacob Farley ACA |
| Stewardship | |
| 1 Lamb’s Passage | |
| London | |
| EC1Y 8AB |
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Structure, governance and management
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission and operates under the Charities Act 2011. The governing documents for the charity are the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended) and the Church Representation Rules 2011.
The appointment of PCC members is governed by, and set out in, the Church Representation Rules. The PCC comprises ex-officio members (which includes clergy and churchwardens), elected members and co-opted members. The PCC organises elections annually before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) to fill vacancies. The members of the PCC are the charity's trustees for the purposes of charity law.
Responsibility for setting policy and for determining the parameters within which the charity should operate rests with the PCC which meets regularly to monitor the activities of the charity.
Objectives and activities
The principal purpose of St Bartholomew’s Church, Arborfield is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The objectives of the PCC are defined by the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as “to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.”
The trustees confirm that they have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the operation of public benefit.
Achievements and performance
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. During 2020 we supported the following: Universities & Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), OMF, Crosslinks with Abuja Bible College (Nigeria) and the Algeo Family with SOW, (The Gambia), Christian Community Action (CCA), and Open Doors.
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. This is also a vital time for us to grow as a fellowship and refreshments after the service provide the opportunity for relationships to build. It is our assumption, however, that our life as a Church should overflow into our daily lives and our growth groups continue to provide a natural context for relationships to develop whereby people can serve and encourage one another further.
Much of the year has inevitably been affected by the prevalence of Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictions both locally and nationally. This has meant that the church building has been closed for some of the year with our Sunday services moving to an online platform. Despite the restrictions and the disruption they bring to “normal” church life, we are thankful for the way we have been able to gather virtually during those times and the Lord’s ongoing provision and protection.
Church at the Green marked its third birthday in March 2020 and continues to give thanks to God for all that He continues to do in establishing and keeping the church family. Piers Bickersteth continues in his role as rector of the benefice as well as leading the ministry at CTG.
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Phil Rowlandson entered in to his third year in his role on the staff team as a Ministry trainee, based at CTG, and has begun the selection process for ordination in the Church of England.
Andy Kearns continues his role as Associate minister, based at Arborfield.
During the year the Electoral Roll was revised in accordance with Church of England practice and the number currently on the Roll is 113.
Most of the charity ’ s activities are undertaken by volunteers and the charity could not operate effectively without their efforts. In planning the activities, the PCC has applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
Despite the COVID pandemic our Lord has been very kind to us with Andy Kearns our Associate minister continuing to lead us with support from Piers and Phil Rowlandson. We have been delighted to continue to support Church at the Green (CTG) alongside Barkham PCC. We have also supported our mission partners as they seek to serve across the globe. We have continued to repay our loans for the Church Hall Extension.
During the year the Church total income increased by £12,292, to £161,554 and expenditure increased by £6,714, to £158,032. The increase in expenditure is mostly related to the opportunity provided by School House and was funded by the restricted account.
Reserves
The trustees have agreed change of policy in the amount of cash reserves we should hold and have reduced it from 3 months income to 2 months. Despite still have ongoing loan repayments we have increased the amount held in our reserves. The cash held in the unrestricted fund has increased to £28,732 (2019: £16,720). The cash available in the restricted funds has reduced by £8,491 to £2,879 (2019: £11,369).
School House
We are the Managing Trustees of School House which the Coombes School has used to house their caretaker. The caretaker retired this year and the rent and maintenance for School House has been a burden to the school. As the trustees for the property, we have agreed with the school, that the lease should be surrendered. This will give us the opportunity to house a member of staff, providing this continues to benefit the school. School House is in a state of disrepair and requires renovating and extending before it can be used to provide suitable accommodation. The funds in the restricted account have been used to facilitate this change in status and start to clear the grounds and get planning approval. A mortgage will be required to renovate and extend the property and we are in the process of securing the appropriate permissions and funding.
Quinquennial Inspection
The quinquennial inspection was carried out in August 2020 and the report was received in October, immediate work has been recommended. Of this work we have carried out the electrical inspection, (£900 for report and £984.13 for repairs) and have agreed a quote to repair the lightning conductor of £1,840 + VAT. We are awaiting quotes for the outstanding items so cannot give an estimate.
Going concern
The Charity is reliant on the support of voluntary donations to enable it to continue operating. The trustees believe that support will continue and that the Charity will continue to operate.
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Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
With regard to the PCC’s obligations to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, the members of the PCC confirm that they have complied with their duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 14 March 2021, and signed on its behalf by:
Piers Bickersteth Chairman
Patricia Fryer Treasurer
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF
ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2020 on pages 6 to 10 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Jacob Farley ACA
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: 16 March 2021
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Note 2 Voluntary receipts Church activities Investment income Other receipts Total receipts 3 Church activities Ministry Mission and charitable gifts 4 Payments Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end Income receipts |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total £ £ £ 158,627 - 158,627 2,753 163 2,916 5 6 11 - - - 161,385 169 161,554 69,676 8,659 78,335 65,698 - 65,698 14,000 - 14,000 149,373 8,659 158,032 12,012 (8,491) 3,522 - - - 2020 2020 2020 |
Total 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| £ 139,835 4,884 9 4,534 |
||
| 149,262 | ||
| 69,560 67,408 14,350 |
||
| 151,318 | ||
| (2,056) - |
||
| 12,012 (8,491) 3,522 16,720 11,369 28,089 2,879 31,611 28,732 |
(2,056) 30,145 |
|
| 28,089 |
The notes on pages 8 -10 form part of these accounts.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Note Investment assets at market value CBF Investment Fund - Ditchfield Prize Assets retained for charity's own use Church Hall sliding partitions Church equipment Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity 6 Other debtors 6 Liabilities Creditors 7 Accruals 7 Loans 7, 8 |
Unrestricted Restricted Totals Totals Funds Funds 2020 2019 £ £ £ £ - 328 328 307 |
|---|---|
| - 328 328 307 |
|
| 11,034 - 11,034 11,034 2,050 - 2,050 2,734 |
|
| 13,084 - 13,084 13,768 |
|
| 28,732 2,879 31,611 28,089 |
|
| 28,732 2,879 31,611 28,089 |
|
| 1,751 - 1,751 3,745 500 - 500 500 |
|
| 2,251 - 2,251 4,245 |
|
| (3,730) - (3,730) (1,271) (1,260) - (1,260) (1,020) (8,500) - (8,500) (17,000) |
|
| (13,490) - (13,490) (19,291) |
Consecrated property, beneficed property and moveable church furnishings which require a special faculty for disposal are excluded from the above list of charity assets.
Except where indicated from the statement of receipts and payments or above, all the assets and liabilities are in respect of the charity’s unrestricted funds.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf on 14 March 2021 by
Piers Bickersteth Patricia Fryer Chairman Treasurer
The notes on pages 8 -10 form part of these accounts.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Note 1: Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| Voluntary income Regular donations under gift aid Other regular donations Gift aid reclaimed Regular receipts One-off donations under gift aid Other one-off donations Gift aid reclaimed on one-off donations Collections Gift aid reclaimed on collections Receipts from one-off donations Total Receipts from investments Dividends Total Receipts from church activities Clergy fees Women’s ministry events Other activities and fees Total Other receipts Rent (see note 9) Other receipts Total Note 2: Receipts Total receipts |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 2020 2019 |
|---|---|
| 89,393 - 89,393 88,157 9,630 - 9,630 9,450 26,903 - 26,903 26,301 |
|
| 125,926 - 125,926 123,908 |
|
| 23,300 - 23,300 5,300 5,600 - 5,600 6,680 3,200 - 3,200 1,325 592 - 592 2,503 10 - 10 119 |
|
| 32,702 - 32,702 15,927 |
|
| 158,627 - 158,627 139,835 |
|
| 5 6 11 9 | |
| 5 6 11 9 | |
| 2,432 - 2,432 4,438 - 163 163 171 321 - 321 275 |
|
| 2,753 163 2,916 4,884 | |
| - - - 4,500 - - - 34 |
|
| - - - 4,534 | |
| 161,385 169 161,554 149,262 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Church @ the Green Church running costs Office cost and central costs Insurance Independent examination Other charitable activities Other costs Assigned fees School House refurbishment project (see note 9) Church extension (loan repayments) Total Associate Minister Ministry trainees Youth worker Other ministry expenses Total Christian Community Action Crosslinks OMF International Open Doors UCCF Others Total Bell fund School House fund Ditchfield prize fund Other nominated gifts Church activities Ministry Note 4: Movement on restricted funds Mission and charitable gifts Note 3: Payments Total payments |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 2020 2019 |
|---|---|
| 39,492 - 39,492 37,332 5,721 - 5,721 8,623 8,750 - 8,750 7,587 3,515 - 3,515 3,554 1,140 - 1,140 990 128 49 177 - 1,953 15 1,968 724 477 - 477 1,436 - 8,595 8,595 314 8,500 - 8,500 9,000 |
|
| 69,676 8,659 78,335 69,560 | |
| 55,452 - 55,452 55,092 5,528 - 5,528 8,184 4,056 - 4,056 3,888 662 - 662 244 |
|
| 65,698 - 65,698 67,408 |
|
| 1,500 - 1,500 1,350 4,500 - 4,500 5,000 2,500 - 2,500 2,500 2,500 - 2,500 2,500 2,500 - 2,500 2,500 500 - 500 500 |
|
| 14,000 - 14,000 14,350 |
|
| 149,373 8,659 158,032 151,318 | |
| £ £ £ £ 1,197 - (15) 1,182 9,275 - (8,595) 680 187 6 - 193 710 163 (49) 823 Balance at 1.1.20 Receipts Payments Balance at 31.12.20 |
|
| 11,369 169 (8,659) 2,879 |
The Bell fund was set up during 2010 by the Arborfield Bell Ringers in order to secure funds specifically for the purpose of maintaining the bells at St Bartholomew's Church.
Until 2019, the School House fund collected rental income on a property which was then solely expendable by the Coombes CE Primary School for activities or equipment at their behest. Note 9 explains the recent developments in relation to this fund.
The Ditchfield Prize Fund represents interest gained on the fixed asset investment noted below and is set aside to reward the best RE student at the Coombes CE Primary School. This investment is held by the CCLA Investment Management Ltd on behalf of the Church and has a market value of £328 (2019: £307).
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, ARBORFIELD NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
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 ministry section of note 3 above.
Included in the staff employed by that independent charity is Rev Andrew Kearns, who is a member of the PCC of Arborfield Church and hence a trustee. The Associate Minister costs shown in note 3 above represent the amounts paid to The Arborfield and Barkham Parish Churches Trust for provision of the services of Rev Kearns by that trust.
No person connected with the PCC has been paid remuneration or other benefits from the funds of the PCC.
| HMRC - Gift Aid outstanding Other debtors Creditors Accruals Loans Total Loans Total Note 8: Creditors due in more than one year Note 6: Debtors Note 7: Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2020 2019 |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ 1,751 - 1,751 3,745 500 - 500 500 2,251 - 2,251 4,245 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2020 2019 |
|
| £ £ £ £ 3,730 - 3,730 1,271 1,260 - 1,260 1,020 8,500 - 8,500 8,500 13,490 - 13,490 10,791 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2019 2020 |
|
| £ £ £ £ - - - 8,500 - - - 8,500 |
Loans have been provided by members of the congregation in order to fully fund the Church Hall Building Programme. These loans are repayable within the next year and standing orders have been put in place to ensure repayment is made in full by annual instalments.
Note 9: Management of separate trust
Arborfield PCC is the Managing Trustee of a trust which owns a house in the grounds of the Coombes CE Primary School. This "School House" has been leased by the trust to the school for many years, and the rent paid was placed in the School Fund (see note 4) and used for additional school activities.
The lease for school house has still not been surrendered but is planned to be any moment and the PCC plans to refurbish the house for use as clergy accommodation, while providing ongoing benefits to the school.
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