## Parish of Uffculme Parochial Church Council Annual Report For the year ended 31st December 2024 _**Loving God, discovering Jesus, serving the community**_ www.stmarysufculme.org.uk www.squarecorner.org.uk Parish of Uffculme. Deanery of Tiverton & Cullompton, Diocese of Exeter Bank: CAF Bank Ltd; Independent Examiner: Marie Johns, Batchelor & Co Charity 1 ## **Report – Reflections on the Year 2024** 2024 was a year of anticipation and transition. Anticipation in the hope that a Rector would be appointed to succeed Revd. Simon Talbot sometime during 2024 and transition in the transfer of Churchwarden duties from James King and Dave Lewis to myself and Alison Milne and also the transition in October in welcoming as our new Rector of the Culm Valley Mission Community, Revd Ben Maynard and his family. James and Dave were on the interview panel for the appointment of a new Rector and thanks must go to Alison for bringing together the Parish profile that was required prior to interviews taking place. We thank James and Dave for the work they did for St Mary’s and St Stephen’s during their tenure. During the 2024 interregnum cover was found for all but a small number of regular services and our thanks go to all the retired clergy and many others who led and preached at services throughout the year. That this was possible was down to Tony Kidd who, during 2024, chaired the worship committee comprising representatives from all the Mission Community Churches, organising who would take each service. A true feat of organisation. Thanks are also due to the many people who helped in 2024. The welcomers, the readers, those leading the prayers, those operating the PA system, preparing and serving at the Communion services, the after service refreshment volunteers, the bell ringers, those who helped move the pews for Mums and Toddlers, 2 PCC members, Deanery Synod members, vergers and musicians, rota organising, banking the cash. Special thanks are due to Theresa Maunder who worked tirelessly to keep the church and Square Corner always looking special. We continue to be very thankful to Tony Jackson whose management of the Churches finances is exemplary. Tony Lane has continued as Chairman of the Square Corner Management Group with the support of Phil Mumby, Kelly ( until September ) Tony Jackson, myself and Claire. Special thanks again to Phil and Tony Kidd who run the Hallmaster booking system for Square Corner. The two home groups led by Dave Lewis and Claire continued during 2024 as did Sue Kidd’s Book club. It was with great joy in October when we were able to celebrate the licensing of Ben Maynard as the new Rector of the Cum Valley Mission Community and to welcome Sarah and their family to Uffculme. The Church was full to overflowing. The service was led by Bishop Jackie with the Archdeacon, Andrew Beane and Rural Deal, Andy Humm present. Ben’s appointment marks a new beginning in the life of the Mission Community and we look forward with enthusiasm and anticipation to what God has in store for us all in 2025 under Ben’s leadership. Other events that happened during 2024 were the Lent lunches, the Passover meal on Maundy Thursday and the Christmas tree festival. The film club has continued to meet and the Church provided the venue for Wyndham Singers 3 and Sheldon Singers concerts. The summer fete was very successful. The community lunches continued to be as popular as ever and Coffee and Chat in Square Corner on Tuesdays and Thursdays continued to thrive. As part of the Reach project Claire’s Mums and Toddlers continued to be very popular. The Christmas Shoe box appeal was a great success across the Mission Community and will be repeated in 2025. Gordon Milne was appointed Project leader of the servery upgrade project. Encouragingly our links with Uffculme Primary School have continued to strengthen during 2024. Claire, Helen and Sue have all been involved in liaising with the school for their Bible Club and RE lessons. St Mary’s hosted their Harvest and Christmas Carol services and the church was full to capacity with the children and their relatives. We look forward to welcoming them for their Easter 2025 service. We once again welcomed Uffculme Senior school for their Carol service. ## **Safeguarding** We want to make a special comment about safeguarding. This subject was of significant prominence for the Church of England during 2024. The St Mary’s attention to safeguarding has been in a transition process in 2024. We were grateful to Kelly Williams for taking on responsibility for this, taking over from Martin Rock-Evans and to Matthew for helping with training in the first half of the year. However Kelly felt it right to pass on this responsibility which, over the summer, was 4 taken on by Alison who is now our Safeguarding officer. Working with Ruth Putnam the Diocese Safeguarding Officer Alison has worked tirelessly to bring us up to speed with the Diocese requirements. We are very grateful to all those in positions of responsibility and/or who do volunteer work as members of St Mary’s and St Stephen’s who have gone through the various training courses that are required. This has involved significant time and effort by everybody. We are able to say that we are now compliant with almost all that is required of us. We cannot underestimate the importance of being compliant with what is required and thanks are due to Alison for taking on this very important responsibility. As regards the Church finances Tony Jackson will provide a separate report however it is true to say that we are not immune from the rise in cost of living. As James indicated last year there are signs that St Mary’s and St Stephen’s finances are coming under increasing pressure. As an example, through Tony Jackson’s good management we were locked into favourable gas and electricity contracts until the autumn of 2024. The new contracts have inevitably seen a rise in our heating and electricity costs. We are vey grateful to all who contribute financially and would again emphasise that it would be a very big help if more people would use the Parish Giving scheme (www.parishgiving.org.uk ). Not forgetting that there is the alternative to cash by using the card machine by the main door. 5 The Reach project continued to develop under Claire’s enthusiastic leadership. Funding for this project, with contribution from the Diocese, is for a three year period which began in August2023 so the end of year two will be 31st July 2025. Please do consider If you think there is a way you can support Claire in her work be it financially or practically. 2024 was a year during which everybody pulled together and ensured continuity while we waited in anticipation for a new Rector. Thank you all. **Richard Rutty, Alison Milne ( Churchwardens )** 6 ## **Rector’s Report** Sarah, the children (EvieGrace, Keziah, Elliana, Abia, Noah, Titus, Caleb and Hadassah) and I moved into the vicarage in Uffculme at the beginning of October and at the end of a very traumatic few months. However, despite feeling overwhelmed we were heart warmed by the warm welcome we received. We were aware that lots of people in the mission community had been praying for us and we sensed a wonderful care and concern from our new church family. This was certainly true on our first Sunday in Uffculme where we were heartily welcomed. The children commented after the service that people were really friendly. As I have spent time in St Mary’s, I have come to see that the church is a very caring community. The fellowship after the service on a Sunday morning is warm and it is good to see that people stay to converse and build friendships with each other. Bible study groups are places where people can go deeper into the Scripture as well as supporting one another in prayer. It is also good to see the heart that exists for those outside the church. Square Corner is well used and there are lots of opportunities for people to gather and share 7 fellowship during the week. Toddlers is a very popular group that is clearly appreciated by those who attend. The monthly lunch for seniors draws a large crowd and I very much enjoyed the food and fellowship when I attended. I am so glad we are an active church who seeks to love one another and the wider community. In coming into this part of God’s mission field, my main aim has been to begin building relationships and getting to know people, learn how the different church families operate and listen to God. This takes time and I will continue to prioritise this in various ways. One approach has been to invite people to the Vicarage for supper on a Sunday evening. We have really enjoyed these times, and there are a few left so please make sure you book in if you haven’t already! However, this isn’t to say there hasn’t been change, because there has. We have moved away from the lectionary and are embracing a more structured teaching programme, the centre piece of which is John’s Gospel. We have changed service times to make it easier to travel from one St Mary’s to another and a new House for Duty Priest has been appointed into the mission community. We have also included some more focused All-Age Worship services where we invited families from Toddlers. As yet, we haven’t seen any families make it on a Sunday, but we will continue to pray, invite and see what happens. I was heartened to receive a warm welcome from Uffculme Secondary School, and I have been able to attend the 8 Christian Union. This approach of intentionally looking to reach out to those we already have a link with will be a priority as we go forward. Apart from this, we will move forward slowly, looking for new opportunities, as we listen to God and try to go where He is leading. Thank you for your warm welcome and I look forward to serving Jesus with you in this parish as we continue on through 2025. **Rev’d Ben Maynard** ## **Thriving in Rural: REACH Project Report (Jan - Dec 2024)** The REACH project aims to creatively sustain and grow children’s and young people’s work in the Mission Community. The REACH management group comprises of representatives from all four churches. Joint working is helping to build and grow working relationships across the Mission Community and helping us to recognise areas which need to be developed, most notably communication and additional recruitment of volunteers. September 2024 saw us move into year two of this three year project. It has been astonishing to see what God is doing here and to be able to join in. 9 A key part of this project is to sustain existing work, we have been fortunate to have built and nurtured good relationships with local schools and preschools and we were keen to maintain these as well as look for opportunities to grow these links. ## **Schools work:** We are delighted to be able to provide resources and support volunteers from St Mary’s Church to run a lunchtime Bible story club at Uffculme Primary school. We were asked to speak at Harvest and Christmas whole school Uffculme Primary services at St Mary’s Church. Uffculme Top School used St Mary’s Church as a venue for their carol concert and Rev Ben spoke as part of this. St Mary’s Kentisbeare has worked hard to build and strengthen links with Kentisbeare CoE Primary school in addition to hosting whole school collective worship for 140 children and adults weekly, we have also developed opportunities for the school to be involved in church services including the choir singing at the carol service. We regularly share Bible stories with the reception class at and this summer we facilitated a Whole School Visioning Day to help the whole school community to discern a new Christian vision for the school. This year we have been able to offer RE enrichment to 370 children from Willand Primary School, Kentisbeare Primary School and Uffculme Primary School this was delivered as a mixture of RE lessons in school and visits to church. 10 ## **Preschools:** Over the past seven years we have developed and adapted a series of preschool services that help our youngest explorers to find ways to engage with the church. This year we offered these services to Uffculme Preschool, Kingwood, Muddifords, Kentisbeare , Preschool and Willand Preschool. In total we welcomed 335 children and adults to preschool services. We also run a weekly Bible storyclub with Kentisbeare preschool. ## **Babies and Toddlers** We have two popular toddler groups within our Mission Community Uffculme, Rockers in Willand and Uffculme Baby and Toddler Group. Both groups held Christmas specials where we were able to share the Christmas story with children and adults. Uffculme have been regularly welcoming 20 families and families from both groups have come to our Christmas services. ## **Community Outreach** The REACH project continues to support work of Square Corner and community activities run from St Mary's Uffculme, including the shop front of Square Corner window displays which are often created by other village organisations. The summer activities in Uffculme included Uffculme Community Picnic hosted by Coldharbour Mill which attracted 90 people and was a great opportunity to partner with Warm Space and the Green Team. 11 This Autumn included Light and Hope at Square Corner on 31st October we increased the number of bags we made this year and our volunteers gave out 101 bags of hope to trickor treaters, 80 people were welcomed into crafts and free refreshments. Uffculme Christmas Lights switch-on and St Mary’s Christmas tree festival was a huge success despite the weather changing plans and we welcomed at least 70 children taking part in a variety of Bible themed crafts. We have also continued our outreach using social media, the Wandering Wisemen continued their joyful journey on our facebook pages from Advent Sunday to Epiphany. In addition to sustaining existing work we are passionate about ensuring there is opportunity for work with children and families to grow. ## **Opportunities to explore faith** We ran a series of Bears and Prayers sessions for toddler families wanting to explore faith in Willand from February - March 24. The date and time weren’t a good fit for families so we decided to pause this. In Willand we also ran a well attended Pancake session in the church hall and a Bears and Prayers Easter Egg Hunt in the park. Uffculme St Mary’s hosted a Good Friday Toddlers Special 12 ## **Family friendly services** We have developed All Age services in all of our villages. Particular highlights include Mothering Sunday in Kentisbeare and Pet Services in both Uffculme and Kentisbeare this year, welcoming 113 people ( and their animals!) REACH is proving that vibrant children's and families work can flourish in rural settings. With your support, we'll continue sharing God's love and building lasting connections throughout our Mission Community. We are passionate about helping our rural churches to discover that they have a hidden treasure, that thriving children’s and families work is not limited to large town or city churches. (Matthew 13:44) Your support in prayer and finance enables this work to continue. ## **Claire Nichols (Reach Project Lead Worker)** ## **St Stephen’s Ashill 2024** During this period the following services were held:- Easter Day, Harvest Festival , Carol service. There was also a baptism. Coffee mornings held second Thursday of the month continue to be well supported, raising £225 for church funds. The library is also open during this time and is popular with the villagers. **Rosalie Fleet** 13 ## **Square Corner** We love Square Corner because it continues to be a centrepiece to our community outreach in Uffculme and to the wider mission community. It is hard to believe that it is now nine years since we completed the refurbishment of the building to create new opportunities for St Mary’s to serve the community and spread the love of Christ – so yes NEXT YEAR is a celebration year. It has been another good year and we are keeping our head above water but in terms of keeping Square Corner functioning and financially. The money is tight and don’t have any spare for big things like roof or boiler repairs which we have tackled this year. We are nevertheless very very grateful for a grant from Uffculme Trust and also Conversation Space continued to use the Office room which remains a key element of our income together with various other commercial hires over the year to include Uffculme School, Cambian and Aggregate Industries. Coffee and Chat remains a cornerstone of our support to our older community and the occasional young family. This is all down to the dedication of those who volunteer to help and ensure its success, and we are eternally grateful. CHAT returned and so did Warm Spaces and we also continue to host the repair shop. A massive part of what we 14 do is support local organisations and also loads of church related stuff too. The loft area is frequently used for one to one counselling and continues serves as an office base for Claire and the excellent Reach Project. There are clouds ahead though!... two stalwart members of the SC team are Phil Mumby and Tony Kidd, who handle the online booking system called Hallmaster between them, are both leaving to take up other roles at the end of the year. We are therefore really keen to find someone or two who can take on the role – both Phil and Tony assure me it is really simple and doesn’t take up much time. Can you help? Well let me know. We also need to have someone keep an eye on our marketing, social media and website – again nothing hugely onerous or complex but important so if you can help or know someone who might we would like to hear from you. There are plenty of challenges ahead in terms of the building fabric which is beginning to wear after 9 years of use but we are on them. We are hugely indebted to Theresa who keeps the place immaculate – a critical ministry in cleaning. Our focus for the SCMG going forward will be to keep this space as a place of welcome, hospitality, and joy, applying the Gospel in faith and practice. We need to cover our costs and a little surplus would be great to cover improvements but it is about bringing the light of Christ into the midst of our 15 community. If you think you can help or have an idea then come and speak to one of our group. **Tony Lane TSSF (Chair & Premises, Square Corner Management Group)** ## **Treasurer’s Report** Unrestricted Funds income of for 2024 was £73,617 (2023 £71,711). The increase in income from 2023 to 2024 of £1.9k can be explained by a pleasing increase in Planned Giving (£1.7k), donations and collections (£1.6k), Square Corner’s encouraging increased room hire income (£3.0k). 2023 income figures included Mission Outreach income of £4.5k (* see below). * From 1 September 2023 the REACH project commenced with income and expenditure being accounted for through a Restricted fund. Previously Mission Outreach income & expenditure were treated as Unrestricted funds. Regular contributions towards the REACH project are received from Willand and Kentisbeare PCCs. Funding from individual regular donations from Parishioners across the Mission Community is significant, without whose generosity the project could not continue. Restricted fund income of £46,854 is significantly higher than in 2023 (£16,420). This increase is due to a full year of REACH programme income together with generous grants received from Exeter Diocese of £12,000, £3,000 from The Posbury Trust, £350 from Uffculme United Charities, £750 16 from the Uffculme Trust. Square Corner also benefited from grants totalling £2,100 (Uffculme Trust £1,250; Uffculme United Charities £350; Uffculme Parish Council £500). Expenditure from unrestricted funds was £71,172 for 2024 (2023 £75,970). On the face of it there appears little difference between 2022 and 2023 expenditure. However, when the impact of Mission Outreach expenditure (£12,893 2023) is adjusted to both years there is an underlying increase in expenditure in 2024 of £4.8k. This is mainly due to an increase in the Common Fund of £3.6k and general overhead increases of £1,2k (e.g. insurance, Spotlight printing costs, etc). It is worth noting that Square Corner operated at a small deficit for the year; Income projections for 2025 are encouraging. Spotlight magazine continues to be valued by our community and generated a small operating surplus of £310 in 2024, with grateful thanks to those who advertise in the magazine. Restricted fund expenditure in 2024 was £34,723 (£11,256 2023), on the face of it a significant increase. However, if both years are adjusted to exclude the REACH project expenditure the difference between 2023 and 2024 is approximately £0.5k. This increase was due mainly to increased maintenance costs. 2024 was the first full year of income and expenditure of the REACH project. A small surplus of £455 was generated for 17 the year. (Further information regarding the activities of the REACH project can be found elsewhere in the report). There was an encouraging increase in Planned Giving during 2024 (£1,697). Planned Giving income is so vital as it contributes 32% of our unrestricted income and when Gift Aided this rises to around 42.5%. We urge you to consider how you might support our mission through either regular giving or one-off donations. Whenever possible making donations and regular giving Gift Aided means the value of the gift is increased by 25%. As in previous years, in our mission giving we have supported CHAT and Karen Action Group together with the usual November collection for the Royal British legion. **Tony Jackson (Treasurer)** 18 ## **Safeguarding Report** I took responsibility for the Safeguarding Role within St Mary’s, Uffculme and St Stephen’s, Ashill from Kelly Williams in late summer 2024. I would like to thank Kelly for all the work she carried out to ensure we were and are compliant with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measures 2016, to have due regard to The House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. This work has continued with all PCC members and volunteers within St Mary’s having had the appropriate safeguarding training and disclosure checks; some of these have come up for renewal and all are in the process of going through the necessary validation. Training continues into the new year for those eligible at St Stephens. The Exeter Dioscese have added new checks and balances within their Parish Dashboard reports and Hub. We are now working through these as a collective PCC. I am confident that we will complete all the requirements in the coming months. Safeguarding is on every agenda for each PCC Meeting, complying with Safeguarding guidelines. I have met and collaborated with the Safeguarding Officers for Willand and Kentisbeare on a regular basis and will continue to do so going forward. 19 It should be noted that Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved in the Parish. We have been extremely fortunate not to have had any issues regarding safeguarding in the past year and we will continue to be vigilant to continue this going forward. Should you have any concerns and need to make contact with someone; in the first instance please contact: alison.culmvalleychurches@gmail.com Safeguarding mobile telephone number at St Mary’s and St Stephens: 07704 716061 Alternatively contact the Diocese Safeguarding Team or the DBS coordinators please contact the group email address: dsa@exeter.anaglican.org **Alison Milne – Safeguarding Officer** ## **Health and Safety Report** The Gospel message of ‘Loving your neighbour as yourself’ Mark 12:31 is at the heart of Health and Safety and it is an essential expression of Loving God. To make sure we meet this objective we have health and safety policy and risk assessment which was updated in 2025. A copy of the policy is available on our website. St Mary’s, St Stephen’s and Square Corner have all maintained the necessary compliance requirements regarding risk assessment and fire protection as well as 20 legionella. I am as always Richard Rutty’s debt for his conscientious maintenance of the fire and general upkeep Square Corner, St Mary’s and St Stephen’s, meeting contractors at odd times and being on hand. Claire very ably provides risk assessments for the many events we as a church and the REACH project provide. Always good to think these things through and check we are doing everything as safely and joyfully as we can. PCC members will continue to be briefed on their collective responsibilities in respect of the policies and procedures as required. We all however have a role to play to make sure we and others remain safe. I have not had any reported accidents reported to me since the last APCM. This rather suggests that we are under reporting that said we have taken steps to improve on safety issues before they become an accident but we need to remain vigilant. ## **Tony Lane TSSF, SFIIRSM (Health & Safety Officer)** ## **Bell Tower Report** Training of new and existing bellringers has continued at our regular Thursday practice night throughout the year. At the end of 2023 we aimed to ring for two Sunday services a month and during 2024 increased this to every Sunday when a service was held. Due to absence we have not 21 always been able to ring all eight bells for Sunday service and would welcome new learners to our friendly and sociable band; we try to keep the tin of chocolates topped up for offering round at half-time during our practice. Three of our ringers achieved Learning the Ropes awards at various levels and two ringers achieved their first quarter peal, a continuous piece of ringing about 45 minutes long. This is a significant step requiring both resilience and concentration and both rang very well. We took part in the national “Ringing Out for Peace” initiative marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, for the switching on of the Christmas lights and start of the Christmas tree festival. Bells have long been rung to celebrate national and local events and we would be pleased to dedicate a short piece of ringing to a wedding anniversary or significant birthday - please do get in touch! We were also able to take part in a friendly bellringing competition at Crwys Morchard in September and fielded three teams at the Feniton novice competition in October; we were pleased to be awarded the 2nd place certificate at that event. We hosted teams from across the county taking part in a striking competition in April and welcomed a team from the Ancient Society of College Youths to ring a full peal in July. Additionally, we also welcomed visiting ringing bands who were touring in the area. 22 The ringing room has benefitted from some tidying up and the partial repair made to the damaged clock weight chute to provide a more welcoming environment for potential recruits. Two bellropes are showing some signs of wear and are likely to need repair in the next year or so. We would like to explore the possibility of installing simulator equipment to assist with the training and development of our ringers. **John Martin Tower Captain (01884 840966 / jrm.ringaholic@gmail.com** ## **Churchwardens’ Fabric Report** 2024 was a busy year during which various fabric matters were undertaken. However, the most significant of these, the repairs to the vestry roof and the replacement of a roof vent, was not completed. A new roofing company was contracted to finish the work and this will be completed in 2025. On a more positive note our electrician put in a new electrical relay in the South West part of the church to enable a more efficient turning on of Christmas tree lights. This work included the installation of a socket to enable the Sumup machine to function without the need for a dedicated wire looping across the main door. The electrician also put in a plug socket on the outside of the church near the Bell tower door to enable the outside Christmas lights to have a cable run from the outside of the church. Our thanks to Uffculme lights which paid for this. Our thanks also to James King for 23 organising this. A replacement bulb was required for the South aisle which was replaced but unfortunately failed soon after installation – a new bulb will be fitted in 2025 under warranty. Staying with things electrical, overdue PAT testing was carried out with a couple of minor faults identified which have been rectified. Other maintenance work was carried out as necessary. We have experienced some difficulties with the AV equipment through the year. A new lectern mic was installed but proved not to be the answer to that problem. The handheld mic is no longer functioning and there have been some issues with the lapel mics. All this will be reviewed in detail in 2025. The church laptop was replaced as a matter of necessity. The 2023 quinquennial for St Steven’s highlighted a number of issues that needed to be resolved. Whilst some of these were dealt with in 2024 there are still matters needing attention in 2025. An important step in moving forward the upgrade of the serving area was made with the appointment of Gordon Milne to lead the upgrade project. Following Ben’s arrival the project team ( including Ben ) met with the Diocesan Advisory Committee and work was begun to consider the best location for the servery area and also other possible improvements to St Mary’s. Bringing this report to a close we must express our thanks to Theresa. Theresa is such an important and integral part in keeping St Mary’s ( and Square Corner ) in tip top condition. From clearing up after Mums and Toddlers to ensuring the church is clean after the various school services at 24 Christmas, Easter and Harvest on top of the usual week by week cleaning her contribution cannot be underestimated. ## **Richard Rutty/Alison Milne (Churchwardens)** ## **Deanery Synod Report** Deanery Synod met three times since the APCM in 2024, June, September & February. It was chaired by Revd Andy Humm as Rural Dean with Keith Rushforth as Lay Chairman. Tony Lane and I have completed our 2nd year as Deanery Reps. In June, we heard from Andrea Corrie, who had lost her son in a drowning accident, she has since gone on to write two books about the grieving process as part of her faith. We also had news in this meeting that the King had appointed The Right Reverend Mike Harrison as Bishop of Exeter. In September, we heard from Colin Smallcombe from the Farming Community Network (FCN). Colin spoke of the work FCN does in supporting farmers and families through difficult times, they supported over 10,000 people in a year. In February of this year, we heard from Rev Jeremy Putnam, Mission Enabler for the Exeter Diocese. Jeremy described the work he and his team do in developing Mission and Ministry, particularly among children and young people. We also heard from a team in Tiverton who ran the LifePath initiative for year 4 school children from the parishes in and 25 around Tiverton last year, bringing to life the Wesley Family through arts and crafts, they plan to hold a similar event again this year. Finally, we had a short update from the recent General Synod and the safeguarding actions the Church is taking following the publication of the Makin report. Tony Lane & Matthew Nichols continue to be parochial lay representatives on Deanery Synod and therefore ex-officio members of Uffculme PCC. ## **Matthew Nichols (Deanery Synod Representative)** ## **Parochial Church Council 2024 – Chair’s Report** The Uffculme PCC met six times over the course of the year on, 6th February, 25th, March, 22nd, May, 22nd July, 24th September and 11th November. The role of Chair was shared amongst PCC members with Richard taking the Chair for the July and October meetings and the November meeting Chaired by the newly installed Rector, Revd. Ben Maynard. Each meeting has followed a similar agenda, including the key priorities of safeguarding, health and safety, the Reach project, buildings maintenance, finances, clergy recruitment ( until November ), church services and cover during the interregnum. Key policies have been reviewed to ensure we keep abreast of legislative requirements and best practice. 26 Full minutes of the meetings are available by contacting our PCC Secretary Soozie Discombe. We also endeavour to provide a summary of each meeting for distribution amongst church members. **James King (Churchwarden until May ) Richard Rutty ( Churchwarden from May ) on behalf of the PCC.** ## **PCC Membership** The following served as members of the PCC: **Rector of Uffculme/Chair** : Revd Ben Maynard (from October 16th ) **Churchwardens** : Alison Milne & Richard Rutty (from APCM), James King & Dave Lewis (to APCM ) **Deanery Synod Representatives** : Tony Lane & Matthew Nichols ## **Elected members:** Sue Kidd was elected as a member of the PCC. Other PCC members during 2024 were Dave Lewis, Tony Lane, Stephanie Burchaell, Rosalie Fleet, Kelly Willams ( until August ), Matthew Nichols ## **Supporting roles:** Treasurer: Tony Jackson Electoral Roll Officer: Alison Milne PCC Secretary: Soozie Discombe Health & Safety Officer: Tony Lane Safeguarding Officer: Alison Milne from August , Kelly Williams (to August). 27 **The PCC confirms that it has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.** ## **Facts and figures** During 2024 there were 2 weddings at St Mary’s. There were 8 funerals in St Mary’s, and 1 funeral at the crematorium only. There were no weddings or funerals in St Stephen’s. There were also 4 baptisms for children at St Mary’s, and 1 baptism at St Stephen’s. **Electoral Roll Report for 2024 for Uffculme Parish:** The electoral roll stands at: 88 (2023 88), with 19 living outside the parish. _**Loving God, discovering Jesus, serving the community**_ www.stmarysufculme.org.uk www.squarecorner.org.uk **The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Uffculme with St Stephen’s Ashill and All Saints’ Bradfield** 28 PARISH OF ST MARVS. UFFCULME Recelpts and Payments Account Year Ended 31 De￿fflber 2024 (Register Charity No. 1146940) Note Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Funds Total 2023 Receipts Planned Giving Collections Special Giving Donations Tax Recovered REACH Church Fundraising Interest & Dividends Spotlight Magazine Churchyard Rents Grants Church Fees (net) Square Corner Church Hire NET Mobile Mast Christmas Tree Festival Uffculme Bellringers Mission Outreach Sundry income Total Recelpts 23608 6224 23608 6224 464 3912 7711 31697 1510 17121 8459 255 21934 6913 1126 1588 8069 5467 1935 11521 8837 255 600 1942 5294 694 6700 717 65 4474 3912 7711 31697 1510 2428 8459 255 14693 2587 8255 230 6700 1369 350 2587 8255 230 6700 1369 350 19 73617 19 120471 46854 88131 Payments Common Fund Clergy Expenses Maintenance Insurance Upkeep of Services Heat & Light Square Corner Spotlight Magazine Music REACH Fundraising Costs Church Tithe/Giving Print, post, Stationery Independent Examiner Bank Charges Christmas Tree Festival Sundries Mission Outreach Total payments 34157 278 1868 7267 628 4657 8696 8149 34157 278 4213 7267 628 4657 8696 8149 647 31242 214 4175 91 288 64 854 275 30552 593 3886 6837 477 3573 7033 7954 659 8307 257 2826 72 278 61 771 197 12893 87226 2345 647 31242 214 3686 91 288 64 854 275 489 71172 34723 105895 Accumulated fund b/fwd 01.01.24 Transfer between funds (Deficit)/Surplus 54735 4680 2445 28283 4680 12131 83016 82111 14576 905 Accumulated Fund clfwd at 31.12.24 52500 45094 97592 83016 PARISH OF sr MARY'S, UFFCULME Statement of Assets and Liabilities As At 31 December 2024 (Registered Charity No. 1146940) Monles Held: Bank Current Accounts & Cash COIF Deposit Funds CAF Deposit Account 9.840 85,568 2,184 97,592 Permanent Endowments Isee note 8) CBF Investment Fund114184 units) CBF Investment Fund1371.18 units) M & G Dividend Income Fund19220 units) M & G Charifund11223 unlts) 327,972 8,583 4,816 18,007 359,378 Represented bv: Note Bal @ 1.1.24 Recelpts Payments Transfer Bal @ 31.12.24 Unrestrlrted General fund Deslgnated Church Mlsslon Fund Square Corner Ashlll Christmas Tree Festival Uffculme Bellringers Restrlcted Fabric Music REACH Speclal Giving St Stephen's Ashill Church Flower Fund 41435 62716 56124 -6206 41821 2268 2789 -579 1118 696 3686 8696 1812 854 1433 15 2348 -1464 1633 1046 8255 927 1369 350 32108 1586 -100 1103 14076 617 31697 464 2345 647 43839 1556 5035 1,078 685 31242 4680 -93 93 Sub-Total 83016 120471 105895 97592 Pernianent Endowments Bal @ 1.1.24 Change In Value {£) Bal @ 31.12.24 E Brice Endowrnent T Bri￿ Endowrnent 320634 30620 7,338 786 327972 31406 sU￿TOtal 351254 8,124 359378 Total 434270 456970 Notes". l. Bank intsrest Fabric Fund Music Fund General Fund 14076 617 2428 17121 2. Grants Exeter Diocese - (REACH) Uffculme United Charitiescouncil (REACH) Posbury Trust (REACHI Uffculme Trust {REACH} Uffculme Parish Counal (Square Corner) Uffculme United Charities (Square Corner) Uffculme Trust {Square Comerl 12CXX) 350 750 5(M) 350 1250 182iJ) 3. Square Corner Income Hlre of rooms Coffee mornin8S Grants (see note 2) Donations 5297 638 21(K) 220 8255 4. REACH ProJe¢t- Inc(Hne Donations PCC Q)ntributions Programme Income Grants (see note 21 Bank Interest Tax recovered (Gift Aid) 5422 8180 1075 161iXI 736 31697 5. REACH Project- Expendlture Staff costs Programme Costs Office costs 26649 4284 309 31242 6. Speclallmlsslon 8lvln8 Karen Actlon Group CHAT Royal British Legion 1510 2396 269 4175 7. Chrlstmas Tree Festival As at 31st December an Trnvoice for £614 had not been received. Had the invoice been received by the year-end the total expenditure would have been £1,468. The balance on the designated Chrismas Tree Fund would be £1,019. 8. Endowment Funds The endowment funds represent capital invested arising from bequests. We are not allowed to use this capital but can spend the Interest that arises from it. 9. Reserves Poliry The PCC has agreed a reserves policy which identifies a need for a reserve of £16,500 for use in the event of the Churchlosing one or more of its key donors, seeing a drop In individual levels of giving or the unexpected expenditure. If you would like to see a full copy of this policy, please contact one of the Churchwardens. 10. It is our policy to invest short-term General Fund. Fabric Fund, and Music Fund balances in CCLA deposlt funds. Independent Examlner............. .... Chalrman of the PCC............... Treasurer..............................-...... ................ .......................................................... Independent examiner's report to the rnembersftrustees of St Mary's Church, Uffculme Parochial Church Council I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees 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; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act: and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examlnerfs report 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 conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act., and to prepare accounts which accord with the accountlng records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met., or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Marie Johns FCCA Batchelor & Company Accountants Ltd Charlton House, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1AE 5th March 2025 PARISH OF ST MARVS. UFFCULME Recelpts and Payments Account Year Ended 31 De￿fflber 2024 (Register Charity No. 1146940) Note Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Funds Total 2023 Receipts Planned Giving Collections Special Giving Donations Tax Recovered REACH Church Fundraising Interest & Dividends Spotlight Magazine Churchyard Rents Grants Church Fees (net) Square Corner Church Hire NET Mobile Mast Christmas Tree Festival Uffculme Bellringers Mission Outreach Sundry income Total Recelpts 23608 6224 23608 6224 464 3912 7711 31697 1510 17121 8459 255 21934 6913 1126 1588 8069 5467 1935 11521 8837 255 600 1942 5294 694 6700 717 65 4474 3912 7711 31697 1510 2428 8459 255 14693 2587 8255 230 6700 1369 350 2587 8255 230 6700 1369 350 19 73617 19 120471 46854 88131 Payments Common Fund Clergy Expenses Maintenance Insurance Upkeep of Services Heat & Light Square Corner Spotlight Magazine Music REACH Fundraising Costs Church Tithe/Giving Print, post, Stationery Independent Examiner Bank Charges Christmas Tree Festival Sundries Mission Outreach Total payments 34157 278 1868 7267 628 4657 8696 8149 34157 278 4213 7267 628 4657 8696 8149 647 31242 214 4175 91 288 64 854 275 30552 593 3886 6837 477 3573 7033 7954 659 8307 257 2826 72 278 61 771 197 12893 87226 2345 647 31242 214 3686 91 288 64 854 275 489 71172 34723 105895 Accumulated fund b/fwd 01.01.24 Transfer between funds (Deficit)/Surplus 54735 4680 2445 28283 4680 12131 83016 82111 14576 905 Accumulated Fund clfwd at 31.12.24 52500 45094 97592 83016 PARISH OF sr MARY'S, UFFCULME Statement of Assets and Liabilities As At 31 December 2024 (Registered Charity No. 1146940) Monles Held: Bank Current Accounts & Cash COIF Deposit Funds CAF Deposit Account 9.840 85,568 2,184 97,592 Permanent Endowments Isee note 8) CBF Investment Fund114184 units) CBF Investment Fund1371.18 units) M & G Dividend Income Fund19220 units) M & G Charifund11223 unlts) 327,972 8,583 4,816 18,007 359,378 Represented bv: Note Bal @ 1.1.24 Recelpts Payments Transfer Bal @ 31.12.24 Unrestrlrted General fund Deslgnated Church Mlsslon Fund Square Corner Ashlll Christmas Tree Festival Uffculme Bellringers Restrlcted Fabric Music REACH Speclal Giving St Stephen's Ashill Church Flower Fund 41435 62716 56124 -6206 41821 2268 2789 -579 1118 696 3686 8696 1812 854 1433 15 2348 -1464 1633 1046 8255 927 1369 350 32108 1586 -100 1103 14076 617 31697 464 2345 647 43839 1556 5035 1,078 685 31242 4680 -93 93 Sub-Total 83016 120471 105895 97592 Pernianent Endowments Bal @ 1.1.24 Change In Value {£) Bal @ 31.12.24 E Brice Endowrnent T Bri￿ Endowrnent 320634 30620 7,338 786 327972 31406 sU￿TOtal 351254 8,124 359378 Total 434270 456970 Notes". l. Bank intsrest Fabric Fund Music Fund General Fund 14076 617 2428 17121 2. Grants Exeter Diocese - (REACH) Uffculme United Charitiescouncil (REACH) Posbury Trust (REACHI Uffculme Trust {REACH} Uffculme Parish Counal (Square Corner) Uffculme United Charities (Square Corner) Uffculme Trust {Square Comerl 12CXX) 350 750 5(M) 350 1250 182iJ) 3. Square Corner Income Hlre of rooms Coffee mornin8S Grants (see note 2) Donations 5297 638 21(K) 220 8255 4. REACH ProJe¢t- Inc(Hne Donations PCC Q)ntributions Programme Income Grants (see note 21 Bank Interest Tax recovered (Gift Aid) 5422 8180 1075 161iXI 736 31697 5. REACH Project- Expendlture Staff costs Programme Costs Office costs 26649 4284 309 31242 6. Speclallmlsslon 8lvln8 Karen Actlon Group CHAT Royal British Legion 1510 2396 269 4175 7. Chrlstmas Tree Festival As at 31st December an Trnvoice for £614 had not been received. Had the invoice been received by the year-end the total expenditure would have been £1,468. The balance on the designated Chrismas Tree Fund would be £1,019. 8. Endowment Funds The endowment funds represent capital invested arising from bequests. We are not allowed to use this capital but can spend the Interest that arises from it. 9. Reserves Poliry The PCC has agreed a reserves policy which identifies a need for a reserve of £16,500 for use in the event of the Churchlosing one or more of its key donors, seeing a drop In individual levels of giving or the unexpected expenditure. If you would like to see a full copy of this policy, please contact one of the Churchwardens. 10. It is our policy to invest short-term General Fund. Fabric Fund, and Music Fund balances in CCLA deposlt funds. Independent Examlner............. .... Chalrman of the PCC............... Treasurer..............................-...... ................ .......................................................... Independent examiner's report to the rnembersftrustees of St Mary's Church, Uffculme Parochial Church Council I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees 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; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act: and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examlnerfs report 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 conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act., and to prepare accounts which accord with the accountlng records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met., or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Marie Johns FCCA Batchelor & Company Accountants Ltd Charlton House, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1AE 5th March 2025