2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Margaret's Olton Solihull Church Olton Solihull

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St Margaret's Accompanying Reports Year 2024

For the majority of the St Margaret’s congregations, the most significant event in the life of the church in 2024 was the departure of Revd Dom Wright, who had been vicar here since 2016. While that inevitably created some uncertainty, it is heartening that our vibrant worshipping community has continued to thrive. This is in a large part due to the efforts and commitment of members of the congregation who volunteer so much of their time. Thanks to our volunteers, we continued in 2024 to create opportunities for fellowship and fun, including the St Margaret’s Day event, cream tea afternoon and partnering with St Margaret’s school for the annual garden party. Warm Wednesday has carried on going from strength to strength, with numbers now regularly over 30 each week.

In August, St Margaret’s was awarded an Eco Church Bronze Award in recognition of our efforts to care for God’s earth. Thanks go to Rob Smith who led the PCC on this. We will now look to working towards the silver award.

Since Dom’s departure, the PCC has been working on drawing up our Parish Profile, which is a document to accompany the advert for a new vicar. It provides details of the parish and church, the congregations and all the activities which go on here, and also what we are looking for in our new vicar. That document is now with the Archdeacon for review. We hope to be in a position to advertise the post later in the Spring.

In the meantime, the PCC made progress in 2024 on our building project. We discussed initial proposals with a couple of firms of architects before choosing to partner with BHB Architects, who have considerable experience working with churches. Over the course of several meetings, we discussed what we want from the project and listened to their advice. We now have some outline plans which we will be discussing with the diocese. The main aspects of the project are:

Refurbishment of the toilets, to include accessible facilities.
Create a new and accessible welcome area.
Increased office, meeting and storage space.
Improvement of the kitchen.

It is perhaps unfair to single out individuals among our volunteers, but I must mention our churchwarden, Liz Hart. St Margaret’s should have two wardens, but this year has only had one. Even if we were in normal times (with a vicar), there would have been a lot for Lizzie to do, but the fact that we have been in vacancy since September means she has had to shoulder a greatly increased workload and responsibility – all as a volunteer. In addition to ensuring that we have priests to deliver our services each week, Lizzie has kept St Margaret’s running, dealt with a lot of building and maintenance issues, and still found time to come up with creative ideas for fellowship and community engagement. Lizzie – you are a star and we are lucky to have you! Particular thanks must also go to Carol Belcher who, as PCC secretary, has been a great guide and support to the PCC this year, and to me in particular. The renewal of the Electoral Roll was a big task and the PCC thanks Regan Plant for taking on the role of Electoral Roll Officer and ensuring this ran smoothly.

The PCC is very grateful to our Treasurer, Natalie, who agreed to serve an additional year in the role. We desperately need someone with accounting experience who is willing to take on this role next year – please speak to Lizzie, Carol, Natalie or me if you can help.

As we continue to navigate our way through this period of vacancy, I would ask every member of St Margaret’s to prayerfully consider what practical gifts and time you have and can offer to support our church. Many hands make light work and by volunteering a small amount of time occasionally – whether as part of our services (maybe as a reader or supporting the 9:30 service), helping occasionally with refreshments, assisting with some of the treasurer’s duties, or with our website/social media – you could make a big difference!

Lynne Hill – PCC lay vice chair

Church Wardens’ Report

This year, 2024, was an unexpectedly challenging year as we lost three people from key leadership roles. First, at the end of March, Revd. Tammy Tearoe, our curate of three years left to take up her new role as vicar at St Edburgha’s, Yardley. Then, at the beginning of May, Rolo Prabakar, our most experienced church warden at the time moved away from the area - and as yet has not been replaced as warden. Finally, in mid- September with only six weeks’ notice, Revd. Dom Wright, our vicar, left St Margaret’s to become a Team Rector within the Oxford diocese. We have been in vacancy since his departure.

This series of events has left all of us with many additional tasks to do in the everyday running of St Margaret’s Church. It has effected our abilities and our ambitions for the plans laid out for this year. I am very pleased that we have all pulled together as a large team and taken on the many extra jobs with some humour, kindness and inspired thinking.

Fabric of the Church

We all know that St Margaret’s is a beautiful church and this year the church was awarded Grade 2 listed building status. This means the church is legally protected now to preserve its historical and architectural significance. The Church of England does not allow any alterations or significant maintenance to its buildings without applying for a faculty so most work needs permission from the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). This acts as a safeguard and protection for church buildings. The benefit of Listed Building status is we will no longer have to pay VAT on most building/maintenance works.

In 2024, the principal focus for the Churchwardens was to continue to work with the Building & Fabric Committee to continue the long-standing maintenance works around the church and to discuss and to plan forthcoming new building works. In January 2023, Messrs. Barnsley Bate, Chartered Building Surveyors carried out the quinquennial inspection on behalf of the Diocese of Birmingham. Their report highlighted some areas in need of immediate attention, especially on our church building’s external facade and its external stonework. A number of these observations have been long-standing maintenance items from several previous inspections.

Stonework and external façade repair

A follow-up review of the most urgent stonework repairs was undertaken in conjunction with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and Midlands Conservations Limited was appointed to undertake the works on the west facade of the church.

This work included repointing, defrassing and replacement of damaged stones and the ‘doff ’ cleaning of the brickwork to remove lichen and paint markings around the West door archway. The large stone cross on the apex on the top roof of the church over the west wall, was also repointed via a tall height cherry picker. As part of the works, the plaster behind the baptismal font which had been severely damaged due to water ingress was removed. The underlying brickwork has now been repointed and allowed to dry out. The exposed brickwork was then re-plastered with lime mortar and finished to a very high standard.

To manage the financial impact of repairs and to try and keep any disruptions to church services to a minimum, our ambition is to carry out the most urgent repairs on an annual‘ rolling programme and we hope to tackle one facade a year.

As part of the ‘rolling programme ’the stonemasons (M.C.Ltd) we hope will be re-engaged in 2025, to undertake repair works along the North façade including the associated rainwater goods, which are still outstanding. We have agreed a quote to undertake this work at PCC and are currently awaiting faculty approval.

Audio Visual System

A new audio-visual system was installed in February 2024. The system was installed by Keystone Sound Systems Limited, a specialist Audio-Video contractor that specialises on churches. Keystone was selected after a comprehensive tendering and procurement process. This high tech system includes three large retractable screens, upgraded microphones (roving, lapel, static choir microphones and a loop system) Subsequent to the installation a new laptop computer and two tablets have been bought to maximise the systems usage. Powerpoint presentation/services are now an almost weekly feature at the Family service as they can be tailored to the younger audience and include action songs - so the visual aide this provides is wonderful. The live camera relay allows us to display baptisms on the screens so all guests can see what is going on. As yet, this systems potential is underutilised as its full scope isn’t fully understood nor is how to operate it, so further training of our church members is required if it is to realise its full potential.

Electrical/Gas

We have undertaken several electrical works in 2024, these include; two new lights for the cellar, one of which is a sensor security light. A replacement security light was fitted outside the vestry and a new sensor security light was installed outside the hall double door/carpark entrance. Other maintenance light replacements and fittings were dealt with as required (loose security fixing on West wall and ladies toilet light). We had a certificated electrical installation and compliance report carried out in the winter this year and our PAT testing completed. Subsequently we have replaced the altar light and warden vestry flex which registered as above the acceptable heat allowance. We have also arranged for the emergency exit lighting to be renewed in early 2025.

In the autumn we had some ongoing issues with the kitchen boiler which is 15 years old. We have arranged for minor parts replacements and repairs to be carried out on several occasions as we hope this boiler can last until the planned new building works commence. It has often needed manual intervention before hall lettings which has caused additional strain on our church members.

In Summary and looking forward to 2025

This year has been very productive with a whole range of improvements and initiatives further consolidated and new relationships forged.

We have been supported by many wonderful priests, our lay reader, junior church team and members of the congregation who have collectively taken over 50 services and led prayers. This includes our Archdeacon Phelim and our Area Dean Tony - who have also provided guidance and ongoing support to the PCC and me personally as Warden.

We have not done any less with our outreach despite being in vacancy either - Our community events have been joyous occasions as well as great fund raisers - most importantly though we have at least one new family regularly attending on Sunday’s as a result of our outreach.

Our regular Warm Wednesday lunch continues to grow in numbers and popularity and in December, thirty one members of the St Margaret’s CE school choir, with teachers including the head, joined us at our roast turkey lunch to sing Christmas Carols, accompanied by our Director of Music, Eddie Guard on piano. This was greatly enjoyed by everyone present.

The church has continued to look lovely with beautiful fresh flower arrangements, seasonal decorations, special woolen poppy displays and wonderful embroidered banners. The uniformed groups have also participated in making decorations for both our church and its grounds.

The crib service was an amazing production which always requires so much planning and rehearsal but delivers a truly special introduction into Christmas for the many non or lapsed church goers who attend this each year.

There is so much work and support that goes on behind the scenes but keeps our church functioning from counting the money/the banking/washing the linens/ordering the candles wafers/organising rotas/ moving bins on bin day/opening and closing up after parties and serving at services in some

capacity … etc etc the list goes on and on … and all of this is done freely by some amazing volunteers. A big thank you to you all.

I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished as a co-op! and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made any contribution at all to help, be it with a friendly smile and some words of encouragement to others in the congregation or by performing one of the many tasks needed to keep us running smoothly.

In 2025, further ongoing attention will be paid to the repair and maintenance of the fabric of the church as identified in the quinquennial report and I hope we may be able to to get some grant funding to help achieve this. The main focus in 2025 must be to secure an agreed new building plan, and appoint a project manager. We must also prepare for operational disruptions as a result of the building project and we must all endeavour to ensure excellent communication with one another throughout the church. I am looking forward to what we can achieve together next year especially with the appointment of our new incumbent.

Lizzie Hart, Church Warden

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Progress Report

In the year 2024/25 the Parish Church of St Margaret Olton continues to protect children and vulnerable adults while in the care of the Church.

Safeguarding Issues

During the last year there have been no Safeguarding issues to report that have required direct action by St Margaret’s.

Compliance with the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).” To this end the PCC has reviewed and revised safeguarding policies during summer 2024. It has made sure these policies are displayed in Church and can be found on the front page of the Church website.

The Parish is using the online Parish Safeguarding dashboard at level 3.

A copy of the latest action summary is available on request.

Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator – Martin Pyne.

Sanctuary Report

In this year we had a rota of 5 servers and 3 administrators for Sunday worship. Cilla Taylor is now organising servers for the Wednesday Morning communion services, where there are 2 additional servers.

A big thank you to all for their commitment and service in these important roles.

In 2024, at Sunday morning services we generally administered at two stations, the High Altar and the Butler Chapel. Non-alcoholic wine is now available without prior request at the High Altar in each Sunday morning service.

Jean Law continues to devote much time again this year to maintaining the flower arrangements in Church with a couple of regular helpers. She and her team do a wonderful job and we thank them for their time and commitment.

Brian and Alan look after cleaning of the brassware which was undertaken regularly during the year, thank you.

Audrey Biddell has also stepped in to look after the linen used at communion services which was washed weekly and the Altar cloths changed and washed every couple of months.

Candles, bread and wine were ordered when necessary.

Martin Pyne.

Baptisms

Baptisms at St Margaret’s generally take place at 10.30 on the fourth Sunday of the month, although from time to time either religious or secular events cause this to change. Over 2024 twelve children were brought for Baptism. In the early part of the year Revd Dom and Revd Tammy performed the services and after they had each left for pastures new we were delighted to welcome various visiting priests, to whom grateful thanks are extended. Sadly, this year the Team lost our dear friend Cynthia Veal. For many years she was a stalwart of the Team, visiting families at home and assisting both at the pre-Baptism sessions held in church and also at the services. Latterly she provided valuable assistance writing all the Anniversary cards that are sent to children who have been baptised at St Margaret’s. I would like to record my grateful thanks to Cynthia for her many years of help and advice to the Team. During this time of vacancy the pre-Baptism preparation has changed. Cilla is undertaking extended home visits to families and the in-church pre-Baptism sessions are in abeyance. We welcome the fact that parents are bringing their children to baptism as the first step on their Christian journeys. Cilla Taylor (Baptism Team Co-Ordinator)

Gardening Team Report

We held a total of five ‘clear-up’ events during the year with much other work being carried out in between. The spring clear-up came on a chilly but dry day on April 20th when 11 helpers and 2 guests attended. All the lawns had the first cut of the season. The ‘Dalek’ type bins in the choir vestry area were emptied giving us some lovely natural compost which we use to top up flower beds and planters around the church. The car parks were cleared of winter pinecones and needles debris. Our woodworker supplied 2 new homemade planters to replace the old ones either side of the main church entrance. Some pathways were weeded and some overhanging ivies cut back from the footpath areas outside on the Old Warwick Road. June 15th came next with a great turnout of 15 helpers including 4 new members. The area by the birdbath had a good tidy up, the broken gate to the bins area was taken away to be replaced later and copious amounts of hedge cuttings were bagged up and taken away. On July 13[th] we came to prepare the gardens and grounds for St Margarets Fun Day a week later and the new gate made by our woodworker for the bins area was installed. On August 17[th] 8 people came along. Lofty tree and shrub overhangs were lopped, the “St Margarets” stones on the main driveway were re-defined and most of the fences around the church had a fresh coat of Fence Guard. The final session of the year was on October 26[th] whereby our youngest helper helped to clear great heaps of leaves from the lawns and car parks (in fact, a lovely photo of young Chloe was shown on the cover of the December 24 issue of the church magazine with her holding a large bunch of leaves in her arms)! The ‘Edith Holden’ birdbath had a good scrub down and the new planters by the front porch were planted up with winter flora.

Lots more went on that would fill a book to report on but we would like to think of it as a very productive year in the gardens and grounds, Just to say that following all our events we enjoyed loads of bacon butties, cakes, biscuits and beverages as well as having a great social gathering in the Spencer Hall. Please feel free to come along in 2025 to enjoy it with us, we promise you won’t regret it!

Many regards, Janet, Brian and the team.

Director of Music report

The choir has continued to sing at the morning service and in addition two evening services a month throughout the year. Some of the younger members of the choir have been arriving early on Sunday mornings to support the final hymn at the 9.30am family service.

In April the choir was invited to form joint choir with St Edburgha`s Yardley for the induction of our former curate Tammy Tearoe

In July the choir sang for the Songs of praise service organised by Beverly and Natalie the hymn festival was exhausting work for the choir and organist but very rewarding.

In September we said goodbye to two of our most loyal and long standing members of the choir, Sarah to a full time teaching post and Madison to pursue her university course.

In addition to regular Friday practices the choir took part in the annual diocesan service in Birmingham Cathedral in October and for the second year in succession the choir, plus some brave extras from the congregation, sang carols at Blossom field residential home, a visit organised for us by Brian Faulkner.

In January the choir joined with other choirs of the diocese at Birmingham Cathedral to sing choral evensong accompanied by King Edwards Camp hill orchestra.

As ever we are still looking to recruit new members of all voice parts and anyone wishing to try out the choir would be most welcome.

One of the gratifying aspects of the interregnum has been the very positive comments from visiting clergy which justifies all the hard work and dedication the choir has contributed to the church`s music over the years.

I only hope and pray that St Margarets next incumbent will be as supportive of the churchs music and traditions as their predecessors have .

Edwin Guard – Director of Music

March 2025.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Annual Report And Financial Statements Of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Incumbent:

Reverend Dominic Wright – 18[th] September 2024

Charity Number: 1147836

Banks:

Current Accounts:

Santander UK PLC, Bootle, Merseyside, L30 4GB Lloyds Bank PLC, Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AN

Deposit Account:

CBF Church of England deposit Fund, CCLA Investment Management Ltd. Senator house, 85 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4ET

Independent examiner:

Thomas & Young Ltd Carleton House 266-268 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AD

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Background

St Margaret’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for the maintenance of the Church, Church Hall and Grounds at St Margaret’s, Olton, Solihull and for the finances of St Margaret’s church. At this time of vacancy, it also has the responsibility of maintaining the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Margaret’s. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We seek to provide pastoral care for those living in the parish. Together we aim to learn about the gospel and develop our knowledge and trust in Jesus.

As a registered charity, St Margaret’s priorities must align with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. The three priorities for our vision are:

Sharing God’s love in Olton – which includes practically helping the community
Evangelism – which means to spread the good news of the gospel
Prayer – which includes listening to and petitioning God

Worship and Prayer

The PCC offers a range of services to cater to all age groups, and to people at different stages of their Christian journey. On Sundays our 9.30am service is set up with young families in mind although all generations sometimes enjoy attending. Our 10.30am service in the choral tradition is the service where many members of the congregation who have been committed for a longer time come to worship, where the teaching often goes slightly deeper. On Sunday evenings we offer choral evensong twice a month with spoken evening prayer on the other Sundays. A spoken Wednesday morning communion has become an increasingly popular service mid-week.

In 2024 we had 12 baptisms. We usually aim to baptise during either our 9.30am or 10.30am service on a Sunday so that we are truly welcoming them into the worshiping family of God. We celebrated 1 wedding over the year. Our funeral ministry continues to be an essential part of our mission to share God’s love with the community with several funerals either having taken place at St Margaret’s or being led by ministers from St Margaret’s this year at the Crematorium.

We continue to work with Olton Friary and Olton Baptist Church as ‘Churches Together Olton’ joining together publicly at Prayers for Christian Unity, for The World Day of Prayer, our Good Friday Walk of Witness and our Advent Carol Service. We continue together to produce a joint Christmas card with these other churches for our community.

Lynne Hill

Lay vice chair

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Ministry & mission Team

BAPTISM TEAM REPORT

Baptisms at St Margaret’s generally take place at 10.30 on the fourth Sunday of the month, although from time to time either religious or secular events cause this to change. Over 2024 twelve children were brought for Baptism. In the early part of the year Revd Dom and Revd Tammy performed the services and after they had each left for pastures new we were delighted to welcome various visiting priests, to whom grateful thanks are extended. Sadly, this year the Team lost our dear friend Cynthia Veal. For many years she was a stalwart of the Team, visiting families at home and assisting both at the pre-Baptism sessions held in church and also at the services. Latterly she provided valuable assistance writing all the Anniversary cards that are sent to children who have been baptised at St Margaret’s. I would like to record my grateful thanks to Cynthia for her many years of help and advice to the Team. During this time of vacancy, the pre-Baptism preparation has changed. Cilla is undertaking extended home visits to families and the in-church pre-Baptism sessions are in abeyance. We welcome the fact that parents are bringing their children to baptism as the first step on their Christian journeys.

Cilla Taylor (Baptism Team Co-Ordinator)

Deanery Synod

Yardley and Solihull Deanery Synod held three formal meetings during 2024. The February meeting was held here at St. Margaret’s. The topic was “Transform, one of the “Marks of Mission” of the church. The speaker was Fred Rattley who spoke about the formation of his department “Community Regeneration.” He said that too often as churches we talk about social action and dismiss it, although it is at the very heart of the gospel. There is only one gospel, and its message is about helping the poor, oppressed and marginalised. He said those involved in putting together agendas are generally men, while those involved in helping the needy are generally women – something he would like to address. 'Thrive Together Birmingham' was a movement of people rather than organisations and a call to people in churches to come alongside their local neighbourhoods and especially those in poverty, not employing organisation to do it for us but supporting Christian activities that alleviate poverty and disadvantage. In June the meeting took place at St Mary’s Acocks Green. There was a short presentation from Jerome Turner, Pathways Development Manager Pathways: Jerome Turner, Pathways Development Manager, enlightened us to the benefits the Pathways programme could offer subscribers, both Clergy and Laity, interested in developing their life of service in the Anglican Church. He said it was located on the Birmingham Churches Learning platform (not the Google search!) and described how to create an account, broadly what was available and to browse the modules. He advised we could recommend modules to church members if we noticed anything of interest to them and to forward suggestions of any topics we felt were missing. There was an on-line 'drop-in clinic' every Wednesday from 11 am until 12 noon and any questions could be emailed to pathways@cofebirmingham.com. The longer presentation was on Environmental matters, with three speakers from the diocese giving presentations. The aim was to encourage us all in assisting the Church of England to reach its aim of being Carbon Neutral by 2030. All churches are encouraged to work towards gaining the A Rocha Eco Church awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold).

There was no Summer Social this year as the new Area Dean, Revd. Tony Rindl, only took up his post in July. In October Synod met at St Edburgha’s in Yardley under the chairmanship of our new Area Dean Revd Tony Rindl. Church Treasurers were invited to attend as the topic was church finances and the Common Fund. The

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

speakers were explaining the challenging state of the diocesan finances and how this is impacting on the Common Fund request. Cilla Taylor (Deanery Synod Representative for St Margaret’s and member of its standing committee)

Cilla Taylor (Deanery Synod Representative for St Margaret’s and member of its standing committee)

Electoral Roll

The new electoral roll for the Parish Church of St Margaret, Olton was prepared in accordance with the Church Representation Rules 2022 between 12[th] January 2025 and 9[th] March 2025. There are 153 persons on the new roll of which forty-nine persons reside outside the parish boundary. The new roll came into effect on 23[rd] March 2025.

Thank you to the people who assisted with the preparation of the new roll, mainly with the distribution and collection of the forms.

Regan Plant

Electoral Roll Officer

PCC Membership

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial church council powers Measure. The PCC is a registered Charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The membership of the PCC consists of the clergy, churchwardens, the licensed reader, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the Church. All those who attend our services/members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has several committees each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees, building and finance, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed, as necessary.

During 2024 the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent	Revd Dominic Wright until last service 15th September 2024
Assistant Curate Licensed Reader	Revd Tammy Tearoe until 24th March 2024 Beverley Robotom-Scot
Wardens	Rolo Prabakar resigned 12thMay 2024
	Elizabeth Hart
Deanery Synod	Cilla Taylor
Members	Mathew Powell – Resigned
Elected	Ruth Galvin
Members	Michael Carthew
	Lynne Hill
	Julien Reville Resigned - 3rdJanuary 2024

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Michael Dodgeon Andrew Taylor Phil Carpenter Christine Evans Robert Smith Cherelle Yearwood - Resigned

PCC Secretary Carol Belcher

The PCC has met 7 times on the 22nd May, 26th June, 24th July, 21st August, 25th September, 23rd October & 27th November since the APCM held last year. Following the APCM we had 3 vacancies on Deanery Synod and 3 on the PCC.

This year, prior to the APCM the PCC has held 3 meetings on 22nd January, 26th February and 26th March.

Carol Belcher Secretary to PCC

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of this church to hold in reserve the equivalent of three months’ general running costs (£30K). It is also our policy to hold an amount for likely building works at the next quinquennial inspection (£8K), totaling £38K. This policy will be reviewed in twelve months’ time, and it is our aim to increase the amount in reserve to the desired level at that time.

Stewardship and Gift Aided Giving

In the last tax year regular giving to St Margaret’s Church saw little variation from the previous year, with income from bank standing orders slightly down at £21,063, a doner average of £55 per month, whilst dated weekly envelope giving increased slightly to £5,363 at an average weekly gift of £5.43 per doner. Casual giving via the yellow Gift Aid envelopes brought in £1,006 with an average donation of £3.06 and our contactless giving machine brought in a further £1,277 averaging £6.76 per gift.

The above, together with some one-off Gift Aided donations, enabled the church to submit a 25% claim on £25.7k of tax paid donations and on the maximum allowed £8k of open plate and non-taxpayer giving, which resulted in a rebate payment of £8,425 from HMRC for which the church is very grateful.

In addition to the schemes mentioned above, we also utilise the Parish Giving direct debit scheme for anonymous donation on which the Gift Aid is claimed for us and added to our monthly receipt. The total received from the Parish Giving Scheme was £7925, with an additional £1906 received in Gift aid on these donations, this equates to a monthly average donation of £41 per doner.

I would like to say a big “Thank You” to all our doners and encourage you all to review your giving in the light of these inflationary times. I would also direct a plea to those of our congregation who are not regular doners to please consider joining one of our schemes enabling us to better plan our annual budget.

Andrew Taylor (Stewardship Officer & Gift Aid Administrator)

Financial Review

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Main Financial Movements

During 2024 St Margaret’s has moved forward considerably on a number of projects and fabric repairs that has required financial investment. The overall net income for 2024 was a deficit of £9,807. Expenditure on designated funds has contributed to this deficit as we have appointed architects to move forward with the development of the building. Of the overall deficit £2,364 is a result of the general fund and our income not meeting our day-to-day operational costs.

In the year 2024 we received interest of £48,086 from the CCLA deposit account. During the year £45,000 has been transferred from the deposit to our current account in order for us to meet payments. Our current priority is to maximise the interest earned on our reserves. The Accumulation and Income shares we hold with CCLA increased in value; the revaluation figure was £47,950 an increase of £2,230 at year end.

The following table shows our general fund surplus/deficit over previous years and our financial position on general fund at year end –

	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Surplus/Defcit	(£2,230)	£174,402	(£17,151)	£250,774	£601,926	£4789	(£12,553)
General Fund	£205,595	£958,725	£860,151	£877,821	£632,132	£29,814	£25,025
Designated	£821,450	£80,386	£8,115	£8,115	£3,115	£7,690	£7,416

Designated and Restricted Funds

Restricted funds are set up when donors stipulate the use of the money or money has been raised for a specific project, £10,218 of the church asset is in restricted funds. This is contributed mainly by 2 funds, the Toilet fund and the Youth fund, these are both relatively static. We have regular donations to the Organ Fund this helps to support the maintenance of the recently refurbished Organ. There has been limited fundraising to subsidise church excursions and at the end of the financial year the fund was at zero.

We received three separate grants over the year from Birmingham City Council amounting to £5,000 in total for our Warm Wednesday group.

The designated funds are allocated by the PCC for a specific purpose. When we have larger known capital expenditure it is helpful to move the funds to a designated fund, it ring fences the money and helps to maintain the general fund for the day-to-day operations of the church. This year the PCC designated £750,000 to the building ledger for the redevelopment of the building. Money in a designated fund can be transferred back to the general fund.

Income

Focus needs to be given to increasing our regular income to meet our day to day running costs. The following table shows how our general fund income has trended over previous years -

2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
£129,615	£285,960 (£120,960)	£92,012	£435,884 (£85,884)	£681,023 (£81,023)	£98,955	£99,379
Our income less Interim Distributions.

Our voluntary income from regular giving was in decline by 13% (£6,819) on previous year. When we receive less voluntary income, we also lose the 25% gift aid element from those eligible donations.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

We received £21,546 of income from church activities, this was an increase of £6,082 on previous year. Our hall revenue saw an increase of 47% (£5600). This has gone a long way in offsetting the decline of voluntary income.

Following a decline in 2023, there was a further decline in 2024 in the number of weddings and funerals taking place in 2024. We received £1,771 in fees this was £180 less than previous year.

The net income received from fundraising activities is £6,573, this compares to £4,654 in 2023.

We received £48,086 of interest from monies we have in our CCLA deposit account. As we draw money from this account, naturally the interest we achieve will fall, this will have a direct impact on the bottom line.

Expenditure

The following table shows how our general fund expenditure has trended over previous years –

2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
£134,218	£116,567	£107,877	£191,785 (£96779)	£82,597	£100,444	£112,675

Our operational expenditure for 2024 was £17,651 more than previous year. The two main contributors to our increased costs are a £7,055 increase in our common fund and an increased spend of £15,505 on the church repairs and maintenance namely the essential stone masonry work completed, and repair to the church roof.

We have made savings on our utility costs. In 2024 our utility bills were £16,930 compares to £18,638 in 2023, this was a 9% reduction. 43% more than the previous year, £12,324 compared to £8,564 in 2022.

Our employee costs also increased from £16,233 to £17,878. Pay rises were made to employees in line with inflation, this also impacted the organist and choir costs.

Charitable Work

We continue to support a few charities throughout the year - Christian Aid = Focus on Christian Aid week and Christmas special appeal. Narthex Sparkhill = Monthly food collections and harvest contributions for the Foodbank. Children’s Society = At our Christingle service, and through home collection boxes.

During the year funds from the coffee served after the Wednesday morning communion service has been donated to Educaid Africa.

Natalie Henderson, Treasurer

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Maragret’s Olton

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 17.

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 examiner’s 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 concerning 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 examiner’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 accounting 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.

J Carty FCA FCCA

Thomas & Young Limited

Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

Carleton House 266 – 268 Stratford Road Shirley

Solihull West Midlands B90 3AD

Dated: 25 March 2025

Parochial Church Council of St Margaret's Church,

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Charity Number 1147836

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted

Note
Income and Endowments
from:
Voluntary Income -
Donatons
Income from Church
Actvites
Actvites for generatng
funds
Income from Investments
TOTAL
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable actvites
TOTAL
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains
Net gains on investments
Gain on stock revaluaton
NET INCOME
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds at 1st January

General
Desiginated
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
54
,095
- 5,412
-
59,
507
230,344
19
,390
2,157
95
2
-
22,
499
16,096
7
,941
-
41
2
-
8,
353
8,359
48
,189
-
- -
48,
189
36,228
129,615 2,157
6,776 -
138,548
291,027
1,368
-
- -
1,368
3,088
132,850
11,693
4,684
-
149,227
121,475
134,218
11,693
4,684
-
150,595
124,563
(4,603)
(9,536)
2,093
-
(12,046)
166,464
2,230
-
- -
2,230
5,009
- -
- -
-
-
(2,373)
(9,536)
2,093
-
(9,816)
171,473
(750,766)
750,600
16
6
-
-
-
(753,139)
741,064
2,259
-
(9,816)
171,473
958,725
80,386
7,959
-1,047,070
875,597

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Total funds at 31st December

205,586 821,450 10,218 - 1,037,254 1,047,070

Parochial Church Council of St Margaret's Church,

Charity Number 1147836

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024

Note Fixed Assets: Fixtures & Fitngs Investments Current Assets: Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand Stock of books and cards Current Liabilites: Creditors Net Current Assets Total Net Assets Represented by parish funds: Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - Designated Restricted	2024 2023 £ £ 63,349 - 47,950 45,720
	111,299 45,720
	11,826 22,651 942,267 927,401 44,726 60,325 397 405
	999,216 1,010,782 (73,261) (9,432)
	925,955 1,001,350
	1,037,254 1,047,070
	205,586 958,725 821,450 80,386 10,218 7,959
	1,037,254 1,047,070

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

The notes of pages 3 and 4 form part of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Parochial Church Council on 26th March 2025

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 26th March 2025

And signed on its behalf by:

………………………………………………………………………………

Notes

1. Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

St Margaret's Olton is a Parochial Church Council in England. The address of the registered office is given in the charity's information on page 2 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities are for the advancement of the Church of England through worship and prayer, provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish, missionary and outreach work.

The charity constitues a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued in July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015

The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS102 Section 1A.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convertion, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the genral objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise of unrestricted funds that have been set aside be the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specfic fund.

Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activites when the PCC is legally entitled to them as income or capital respectively, ultimate receipt is probable and the amount to be recognised can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Planned giving, collections and similar donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the income Grants received which are subject to pre conditions for entitlements or use specified by the donor which have not been met at the year end are included in creditors to be carried forward to the following year. Dividends and rents are accounted for when declared receivable, interest as and when accrued by the payer.

All income is accounted for gross.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the PCC to pay out resources. Expenditure is included on an accruals basis under the following headings; all costs are allocated under a specific category

Costs of raising funds

These are the costs associated with the PCC's fundraising activities such as parish magazine printing, summer fete and Christmas fayre event costs and church hall running costs

Charitable expenditure

Charitable expenditure is analysed between ministry and mission expenditure. Ministry expenditure includes direct costs of running the church such as the diocesan parish share, church building and service costs. The diocesan parish share expected to be paid over is accounted for when due. Mission expenditure includes mission giving and donations, outreach in the community activities, messy church and associated staff costs.

Support costs consist of central management, administration and governance costs such as the independent examiner fees. These are costs which are directly attributable to a specfic charitable activity.

Grants and donations payable are accounted for when authorised, when the ward of the grant/donation has been specifically communicated to the recipient and when the PCC have agreed to pay the grant/donation without condition, or any condition attaching to the grant/donation is outside the control of the PCC. Grants/donations offered subject to certain condition which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. Expenditure is account for gross.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Movablechurch furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £1000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Financial instruments

The PCC has elected to apply the provision of Section 11 "Basic Financial Instruments" and section 12 "Other Financial Instruments" of FRS102 in full to all of its financial instruments.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Debtors which are receivable within 1 year and which do not constitute a financing transaction are initially measured at the transaction price. Debtors are subsquently measure at amortised cost being the transaction price less any amounts settled and any impairment losses.

Creditor's payable within 1 year and which do not consitute a financing transaction are initially measured at the transaction price. Creditors are subsequently measure at amortised cost being the transaction price less any amounts settled.

2. Income

2. Income
Voluntary Income - Donatons Planned giving Collectons at services Other tax Efcient Giving Sundry donatons Grant/Legacy Gif Aid recovered Income from Church Actvites Fees for weddings and funerals Hall letngs Sale of Books and Cards Other incoming resources Actvites for Generatng funds Parish Magazine Summer and Christmas fete fundraising events	Unrestrict ed Restricted TOTAL General Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ 19,355 240 19,595 14,381 - 14,381 9,484 - 9,484 1,429 172 1,601 - 5,000 5,000 9,446 - 9,446	Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL General Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ 20,459 240 20,699 17,740 59 17,799 11,876 - 11,876 1,393 25 1,418 165,000 2,117 167,117 11,420 15 11,435
	54,095 5,412 59,507	227,888 2,456 230,344
	1,771 - 1,771 17,535 - 17,535 84 - 84 2,157 952 3,109	1,951 - 1,951 11,935 - 11,935 100 - 100 1,478 632 2,110
	21,547 952 22,499	15,464 632 16,096
	489 - 489 4,731 - 4,731 2,721 412 3,133	590 - 590 5,555 - 5,555 1,713 501 2,214
	7,941 412 8,353	7,858 501 8,359

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

103 - 48,086 -	103 48,086	101 - 101 36,127 - 36,127
48,189 -	48,189	36,228 - 36,228
131,772 6,776	138,548	287,438 3,589 291,027
Unrestrict ed Restricted General Funds Funds £ £ 245 - 970 - 153 -	TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL 2024 General Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ 245 271 - 271 970 2,614 91 2 ,705 153 111 - 111
	TOTAL 2024 £ 245 970 153
1,368 -	1,368	2,996 91 3 ,088
6 2,500 - 94 - (431) - - 180 7,644 - 2,979 - 1 4,062 - 2 1,376 - 4,525 - 1 7,464 - 84 - 3,762 - 435 - 0 - -	62,500 9 4 (431 ) 180 7,644 2,979 14,062 21,376 4,525 17,464 8 4 3,762 435 0 4,869	55,445 - 55 ,445 790 - 790 1,594 - 1 ,594 - 180 180 7,595 - 7 ,595 5,570 - 5 ,570 15,399 - 15 ,399 1,461 - 1 ,461 - - - 15,948 - 15 ,948 100 - 100 2,800 - 2 ,800 450 - 450 0 - 0 7,148 7

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

4,869		- ,148
139 ,363 180 - 112 - 1,127 2,000 - 422 - 1,115 3,265	139,543 112 1,127 2,000 422 4,380	114,300 180 114 ,480 - 659 659 - 967 967 2,000 - 2 ,000 2,310 1 ,059 3 ,369 - - -
3,537 4,504	8,041	4,310 2, 685 6 ,995
142 ,900 4,684	147,584	118,610 2, 865 121 ,475
- - 1,643 -	- 1,643	- - - - - -
1,643 -	1,643	- - -

145 ,911 4,684	150,595	121,606 2, 957 124 ,563
As at 1 January 2024 Purchases £ £ 4 2,023 - 3,697 -	Disposals Change in market value As at 31 December 2024 £ £ £ - 2,145 44, 168 - 85 3 ,782 - 2,230 47, 950
45 ,720 -

Receivable within one year:
	2024	2023
	£	£
Gif Aid Recoverable	6,491	7,410
Prepayments:
Parish Magazine Advertsing	180	255
Music Licence	338	189
Hall letngs	2,597	1,185
Bank Deposits	2,220	13,612

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

11 ,826 22,651

6. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:

Amounts falling due within one year:
Accountancy and fnancial services Utlites Uncleared Cheques Wedding Deposits Other Creditors 7. Staf Costs Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Contributons	2024 2023 £ £ 1,000 1,000 2,633 984 19,558 5,535 100 150 49,970 1,762
	73,261 9,432
	2024 2023 £ £ 17,782 16,233 - - 96 -
	17,878 16,233

During the year the PCC employed a Parish Administrator and 2 cleaners, no payments were large enough to attract either social security or employer pension contributions. No Trustees received any remuneration during the year.

8. Tangible Fixed Assets

2024 2023 £ £ Fixtures & Fittings 63,349 - 63,349 -

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

9. Movements in Funds

Restricted Fund Organ Toilet Fund Youth Group Excursions Warm Wednesday Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Appeals Buildings Fund Legacy Donaton Av & Sound General Fund Unrestricted General Fund TOTAL FUNDS 10.Analysis of Net Assets by Fund Investments Fixed Assets Debtors due within one year Short term deposits Cash at bank Stock of books and cards	01-Jan-24 Income Expenditure Transfers Capital Movement s 31-Dec-24 £ £ £ £ £ £ 582 652 180 - - 1,054 4,063 - - - - 4,063 2,221 - 111 - - 2,110 9 953 1,128 166 - 0 1,083 5,172 3,265 - - 2,990
	7,959 6,777 4,684 166 - 10, 218
	- 2,157 2,757 600 - - 1,615 - 4,410 750,000 - 747,205 6,500 - 6,500 - - - 72,271 - 61,375 - 63,349 74,245
	80,386 2,157 75,042 750,600 63,349 821,450
	958,725 129,613 134,216 (750,766) 2,230 205,586
	1,047,070 138,547 213,942 - 65,579 1,037,254
	Unrestrict ed general fund Unrestricted designated fund Restricted fund Endowment fund Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 47,9 50 - - 47,95 0 45,7 20 - 63,349 - - 63,34 9 - 11,8 26 - - - 11,82 6 22,6 51 184,16 6 758,101 - - 942,26 7 927,40 1 34,5 07 - 10,218 - 44,72 6 60,3 26 3 - - - 3 4

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Creditors due within one year	97 97 05 (73,261) - - - (73,261) (9,432)
	205,586 821,450 10,218 - 1,037,254 1,047,070

11. Payments to PCC Members No Trustees received any remuneration during the year.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Annual Report And Financial Statements Of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Incumbent:

Reverend Dominic Wright – 18[th] September 2024

Charity Number: 1147836

Banks:

Current Accounts:

Santander UK PLC, Bootle, Merseyside, L30 4GB Lloyds Bank PLC, Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AN

Deposit Account:

CBF Church of England deposit Fund, CCLA Investment Management Ltd. Senator house, 85 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4ET

Independent examiner:

Thomas & Young Ltd Carleton House 266-268 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AD

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Background

Objectives and Activities

Sharing God’s love in Olton – which includes practically helping the community
Evangelism – which means to spread the good news of the gospel
Prayer – which includes listening to and petitioning God

Worship and Prayer

Lynne Hill

Lay vice chair

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Ministry & mission Team

BAPTISM TEAM REPORT

Baptisms at St Margaret’s generally take place at 10.30 on the fourth Sunday of the month, although from time to time either religious or secular events cause this to change. Over 2024 twelve children were brought for Baptism. In the early part of the year Revd Dom and Revd Tammy performed the services and after they had each left for pastures new we were delighted to welcome various visiting priests, to whom grateful thanks are extended. Sadly, this year the Team lost our dear friend Cynthia Veal. For many years she was a stalwart of the Team, visiting families at home and assisting both at the pre-Baptism sessions held in church and also at the services. Latterly she provided valuable assistance writing all the Anniversary cards that are sent to children who have been baptised at St Margaret’s. I would like to record my grateful thanks to Cynthia for her many years of help and advice to the Team. During this time of vacancy, the pre-Baptism preparation has changed. Cilla is undertaking extended home visits to families and the in-church pre-Baptism sessions are in abeyance. We welcome the fact that parents are bringing their children to baptism as the first step on their Christian journeys.

Cilla Taylor (Baptism Team Co-Ordinator)

Deanery Synod

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Cilla Taylor (Deanery Synod Representative for St Margaret’s and member of its standing committee)

Electoral Roll

Thank you to the people who assisted with the preparation of the new roll, mainly with the distribution and collection of the forms.

Regan Plant

Electoral Roll Officer

PCC Membership

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial church council powers Measure. The PCC is a registered Charity.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

During 2024 the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent	Revd Dominic Wright until last service 15th September 2024
Assistant Curate Licensed Reader	Revd Tammy Tearoe until 24th March 2024 Beverley Robotom-Scot
Wardens	Rolo Prabakar resigned 12thMay 2024
	Elizabeth Hart
Deanery Synod	Cilla Taylor
Members	Mathew Powell – Resigned
Elected	Ruth Galvin
Members	Michael Carthew
	Lynne Hill
	Julien Reville Resigned - 3rdJanuary 2024

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Michael Dodgeon Andrew Taylor Phil Carpenter Christine Evans Robert Smith Cherelle Yearwood - Resigned

PCC Secretary Carol Belcher

This year, prior to the APCM the PCC has held 3 meetings on 22nd January, 26th February and 26th March.

Carol Belcher Secretary to PCC

Reserves Policy

Stewardship and Gift Aided Giving

Andrew Taylor (Stewardship Officer & Gift Aid Administrator)

Financial Review

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Main Financial Movements

The following table shows our general fund surplus/deficit over previous years and our financial position on general fund at year end –

	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Surplus/Defcit	(£2,230)	£174,402	(£17,151)	£250,774	£601,926	£4789	(£12,553)
General Fund	£205,595	£958,725	£860,151	£877,821	£632,132	£29,814	£25,025
Designated	£821,450	£80,386	£8,115	£8,115	£3,115	£7,690	£7,416

Designated and Restricted Funds

We received three separate grants over the year from Birmingham City Council amounting to £5,000 in total for our Warm Wednesday group.

Income

Focus needs to be given to increasing our regular income to meet our day to day running costs. The following table shows how our general fund income has trended over previous years -

2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
£129,615	£285,960 (£120,960)	£92,012	£435,884 (£85,884)	£681,023 (£81,023)	£98,955	£99,379
Our income less Interim Distributions.

Our voluntary income from regular giving was in decline by 13% (£6,819) on previous year. When we receive less voluntary income, we also lose the 25% gift aid element from those eligible donations.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Following a decline in 2023, there was a further decline in 2024 in the number of weddings and funerals taking place in 2024. We received £1,771 in fees this was £180 less than previous year.

The net income received from fundraising activities is £6,573, this compares to £4,654 in 2023.

Expenditure

The following table shows how our general fund expenditure has trended over previous years –

2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
£134,218	£116,567	£107,877	£191,785 (£96779)	£82,597	£100,444	£112,675

Our employee costs also increased from £16,233 to £17,878. Pay rises were made to employees in line with inflation, this also impacted the organist and choir costs.

Charitable Work

During the year funds from the coffee served after the Wednesday morning communion service has been donated to Educaid Africa.

Natalie Henderson, Treasurer

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Maragret’s Olton

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

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 examiner’s report

Independent examiner’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 accounting 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.

J Carty FCA FCCA

Thomas & Young Limited

Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

Carleton House 266 – 268 Stratford Road Shirley

Solihull West Midlands B90 3AD

Dated: 25 March 2025

Parochial Church Council of St Margaret's Church,

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Charity Number 1147836

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Total funds at 31st December

205,586 821,450 10,218 - 1,037,254 1,047,070

Parochial Church Council of St Margaret's Church,

Charity Number 1147836

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024

Note Fixed Assets: Fixtures & Fitngs Investments Current Assets: Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand Stock of books and cards Current Liabilites: Creditors Net Current Assets Total Net Assets Represented by parish funds: Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - Designated Restricted	2024 2023 £ £ 63,349 - 47,950 45,720
	111,299 45,720
	11,826 22,651 942,267 927,401 44,726 60,325 397 405
	999,216 1,010,782 (73,261) (9,432)
	925,955 1,001,350
	1,037,254 1,047,070
	205,586 958,725 821,450 80,386 10,218 7,959
	1,037,254 1,047,070

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

The notes of pages 3 and 4 form part of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Parochial Church Council on 26th March 2025

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 26th March 2025

And signed on its behalf by:

………………………………………………………………………………

Notes

1. Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS102 Section 1A.

Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the genral objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise of unrestricted funds that have been set aside be the trustees for particular purposes.

Income

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

All income is accounted for gross.

Expenditure

Costs of raising funds

These are the costs associated with the PCC's fundraising activities such as parish magazine printing, summer fete and Christmas fayre event costs and church hall running costs

Charitable expenditure

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Financial instruments

The PCC has elected to apply the provision of Section 11 "Basic Financial Instruments" and section 12 "Other Financial Instruments" of FRS102 in full to all of its financial instruments.

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

2. Income

2. Income
Voluntary Income - Donatons Planned giving Collectons at services Other tax Efcient Giving Sundry donatons Grant/Legacy Gif Aid recovered Income from Church Actvites Fees for weddings and funerals Hall letngs Sale of Books and Cards Other incoming resources Actvites for Generatng funds Parish Magazine Summer and Christmas fete fundraising events	Unrestrict ed Restricted TOTAL General Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ 19,355 240 19,595 14,381 - 14,381 9,484 - 9,484 1,429 172 1,601 - 5,000 5,000 9,446 - 9,446	Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL General Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ 20,459 240 20,699 17,740 59 17,799 11,876 - 11,876 1,393 25 1,418 165,000 2,117 167,117 11,420 15 11,435
	54,095 5,412 59,507	227,888 2,456 230,344
	1,771 - 1,771 17,535 - 17,535 84 - 84 2,157 952 3,109	1,951 - 1,951 11,935 - 11,935 100 - 100 1,478 632 2,110
	21,547 952 22,499	15,464 632 16,096
	489 - 489 4,731 - 4,731 2,721 412 3,133	590 - 590 5,555 - 5,555 1,713 501 2,214
	7,941 412 8,353	7,858 501 8,359

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

103 - 48,086 -	103 48,086	101 - 101 36,127 - 36,127
48,189 -	48,189	36,228 - 36,228
131,772 6,776	138,548	287,438 3,589 291,027
Unrestrict ed Restricted General Funds Funds £ £ 245 - 970 - 153 -	TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL 2024 General Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ 245 271 - 271 970 2,614 91 2 ,705 153 111 - 111
	TOTAL 2024 £ 245 970 153
1,368 -	1,368	2,996 91 3 ,088
6 2,500 - 94 - (431) - - 180 7,644 - 2,979 - 1 4,062 - 2 1,376 - 4,525 - 1 7,464 - 84 - 3,762 - 435 - 0 - -	62,500 9 4 (431 ) 180 7,644 2,979 14,062 21,376 4,525 17,464 8 4 3,762 435 0 4,869	55,445 - 55 ,445 790 - 790 1,594 - 1 ,594 - 180 180 7,595 - 7 ,595 5,570 - 5 ,570 15,399 - 15 ,399 1,461 - 1 ,461 - - - 15,948 - 15 ,948 100 - 100 2,800 - 2 ,800 450 - 450 0 - 0 7,148 7

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

4,869		- ,148
139 ,363 180 - 112 - 1,127 2,000 - 422 - 1,115 3,265	139,543 112 1,127 2,000 422 4,380	114,300 180 114 ,480 - 659 659 - 967 967 2,000 - 2 ,000 2,310 1 ,059 3 ,369 - - -
3,537 4,504	8,041	4,310 2, 685 6 ,995
142 ,900 4,684	147,584	118,610 2, 865 121 ,475
- - 1,643 -	- 1,643	- - - - - -
1,643 -	1,643	- - -

145 ,911 4,684	150,595	121,606 2, 957 124 ,563
As at 1 January 2024 Purchases £ £ 4 2,023 - 3,697 -	Disposals Change in market value As at 31 December 2024 £ £ £ - 2,145 44, 168 - 85 3 ,782 - 2,230 47, 950
45 ,720 -

Receivable within one year:
	2024	2023
	£	£
Gif Aid Recoverable	6,491	7,410
Prepayments:
Parish Magazine Advertsing	180	255
Music Licence	338	189
Hall letngs	2,597	1,185
Bank Deposits	2,220	13,612

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

11 ,826 22,651

6. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:

Amounts falling due within one year:
Accountancy and fnancial services Utlites Uncleared Cheques Wedding Deposits Other Creditors 7. Staf Costs Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Contributons	2024 2023 £ £ 1,000 1,000 2,633 984 19,558 5,535 100 150 49,970 1,762
	73,261 9,432
	2024 2023 £ £ 17,782 16,233 - - 96 -
	17,878 16,233

8. Tangible Fixed Assets

2024 2023 £ £ Fixtures & Fittings 63,349 - 63,349 -

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

9. Movements in Funds

Restricted Fund Organ Toilet Fund Youth Group Excursions Warm Wednesday Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Appeals Buildings Fund Legacy Donaton Av & Sound General Fund Unrestricted General Fund TOTAL FUNDS 10.Analysis of Net Assets by Fund Investments Fixed Assets Debtors due within one year Short term deposits Cash at bank Stock of books and cards	01-Jan-24 Income Expenditure Transfers Capital Movement s 31-Dec-24 £ £ £ £ £ £ 582 652 180 - - 1,054 4,063 - - - - 4,063 2,221 - 111 - - 2,110 9 953 1,128 166 - 0 1,083 5,172 3,265 - - 2,990
	7,959 6,777 4,684 166 - 10, 218
	- 2,157 2,757 600 - - 1,615 - 4,410 750,000 - 747,205 6,500 - 6,500 - - - 72,271 - 61,375 - 63,349 74,245
	80,386 2,157 75,042 750,600 63,349 821,450
	958,725 129,613 134,216 (750,766) 2,230 205,586
	1,047,070 138,547 213,942 - 65,579 1,037,254
	Unrestrict ed general fund Unrestricted designated fund Restricted fund Endowment fund Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 47,9 50 - - 47,95 0 45,7 20 - 63,349 - - 63,34 9 - 11,8 26 - - - 11,82 6 22,6 51 184,16 6 758,101 - - 942,26 7 927,40 1 34,5 07 - 10,218 - 44,72 6 60,3 26 3 - - - 3 4

St Margaret’s Church – Annual Report 2024

Creditors due within one year	97 97 05 (73,261) - - - (73,261) (9,432)
	205,586 821,450 10,218 - 1,037,254 1,047,070

11. Payments to PCC Members No Trustees received any remuneration during the year.