ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SHEERING
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
FOR ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SHEERING
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1149115
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SHEERING
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
St Mary's Church is situated in Church Lane, Sheering. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Broomfields, Hatfield Heath, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM22 7EH.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity number 1149115).
PCC members who have served from 1 January 2023 until the date this Report was approved are:
Incumbent: The Revd Dawn Jewson Chair: The Revd Dawn Jewson Vice Chair: Mrs Jane Potter (since 7 May 2023) Wardens: Mrs Elsie Baker (until 7 May 2023) Mrs Fiona Klimcke Treasurer: Mrs Jean Franks Secretary: Mrs Elsie Baker Representative on Deanery Synod: Mrs Jane Potter Elected members: Mrs Barbara Aylmer Mr Nandiran Ratnavel Mr Stuart McCulloch (until 4 December 2023) Mrs Sarah McCulloch (until 4 December 2023) Mrs Lydia Taylor Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc 10 North Street Bishops Stortford Herts. CM23 2LH National Westminster Bank Plc 12 The Rows Harlow Essex. CM20 1BZ Independent examiner: Rev Malcolm Green BA (Hons) 5 The Gowers Harlow Essex CM20 2JP.
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ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SHEERING
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Church is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation rules that came into force in 2020 and subsequent amendments.
Structure:
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and activities:
St. Mary’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church, Church Room and grounds.
Committees:
The PCC operates through committees, and also receives reports and advice from various groups which may meet between full meetings of the PCC.
Standing Committee: This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.
Finance Committee:
Oversees the general finance dimension of the work of St Mary's by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and co-ordinating the annual review of the Christian Stewardship of money through planned giving.
Fabric Committee: Attends to matters relating to the stewardship of plant, such as the church buildings and fabric, the churchyard (including overseeing the implementation of the Diocesan churchyard regulations).
Church attendance:
At the APCM 2023 there were 44 people on the Electoral Roll, 19 being non-resident. During the year 2 members moved away. There are no new members on the Roll which now stands at 42, with 17 non-resident.
The Parish Count in October averaged 20 adults and 0 children per Sunday.
Review of the year
The full PCC met 9 times during the year with an average level of attendance of 80%. In addition the PCC was convened once by email for a single-topic decision. Committees met between meetings, and minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed.
The Church was used throughout the year for 4 weddings, 0 baptisms and 6 funerals.
Harvest was celebrated over the weekend of 23/24 September 2023 with teas and stalls in the Church Room and a service in Church with harvest gifts donated to Harlow Foodbank and Streets2Homes. At that service bibles were presented to children from the Reception Class at Sheering School.
St Mary’s Brass provided the music for Carols and Mulled Wine in the Village Hall in December (£351 sent to Crisis at Christmas) and also played Christmas music at an event in The Cock Inn (£62 donated to Friends of St. Mary’s funds). A separate group of musicians led carol singing round the village (£136.11 sent to TearFund), A Christmas card in Church raised £151.08 for Crisis at Christmas.
Friends of St. Mary’s hosted three fund-raising events: A quiz in the Village Hall, a concert in church with local musicians and a Wildlife talk in the Church Room. A moth-trapping evening in the churchyard identified over 120 species
The Bishop consecrated an extension to the churchyard on 15 November 2023.
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ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SHEERING
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Financial review (detailed in the Financial Statements)
Income
Total Income for the year was £35,469 (unrestricted) and £5,898 (restricted).
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year was £32,811 expended from general funds and £5,394 expended from restricted funds.
The accounts showed an excess of income over expenditure for the year of £2,658 in our unrestricted funds. This meant that the balance of our unrestricted funds increased from £6,459 at the end of the last financial year to £9,117 at the end of this financial year.
The charitable giving for the year amounted to £1,119
The ongoing Parish Share contribution (for Diocesan provision) represents a significant challenge, and the PCC continues in its endeavours to meet this in order that the work of spreading the good news of Jesus can continue to be effective and relevant in our Parish. Our Parish Share contribution has been fixed at £16,646 this year because, for the first time in many years, we share the cost equally with Holy Trinity, Hatfield Heath.
Public benefit statement
In shaping the Church's objectives and planning the activities, the PCC members have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
A thank you to all.
Finally, on behalf of the PCC, I would like to express thanks once again to the congregation for their continuing financial support during 2023 which was another very challenging year in both our Church and in the wider world due to continuing unease around the world and the financial pressures in the wider economy. I would also like to express thanks to everybody who helps with the smooth running of St. Mary's finances, particularly Philip Taylor who has supported me in my role, and whose invaluable help I greatly rely upon; Jane Potter who, together with Philip Taylor and myself, make up our finance committee; Philip Taylor helping with monitoring the accounts and producing financial reports for PCC meetings and Jane Potter faithfully dealing with reclaim of Gift Aid tax; Vernon Baker and Philip Taylor who look after collections; and Elsie Baker who oversees the finances for Friends of St. Mary's.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ……………………………………… and signed on its behalf by:
.…………………………………… Mrs Jean Franks, Treasurer
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST AIARY THE VIRGW, SHEERING Ind•p•nd•ne •Mmln•r's r•port to th• trusl••s ol St Mary th• Vlrghl, 8hwlng I retK>rt to the clwlty In5 on my examinati of th• aco)unts of Sl Mary thé Vlrgn. Shééring {th• Trusll Ihe y•ar ended 31 D8cwnbw 2023. R•sponslbllttl•s and ba1 of rnport As the charty trusIS of lh8 Tn1. yw are rèS$t fcrf the preparin of Iho ac¢oLnts . accordant6 with the rwJrements of the Chanibes Act 2011 (the Ad). I re{ in respect of my examinats'on d the Trt'S acc4xffits cam8d oiA undw seCth 145 of Ihe Act and In carylng my examinau'on I hav6 foltr all apFable 'rtiOnS giv•n ty thè Ch•rty Commlsslon under sectlon 14515)¢b) of the ACL Ind•p•nd•nt èxafflln•r'8 sL1t•m•nQ I have completed my eXaMWon. I conflrm Ihat nD mateflal mallors have (xMn• to my atttk C4Mnects'on wilh examinatson giving me cause lo belbeve tr1 n any matenal respect: 1. accountlng r8cords not kepi kn respgct of ts Trust as rewk•d ty 50ft 130 of tr• ' 2. the aCcOts do not aax>rd wllh those r8cx)rds' or 3. the accounts do nol comply Vth the icabl8 ruIreMents concerning the fonn ¢tent of actounts sel oui in the Chanties {A¢unts and Repts} Rogulalis 2(L18 crther than any requlremenl Ihal aCcnts gve a true fr vw which ts nol a matter consMJer8d as part of an vMendent examlnallon. I hav8 no crxKerrs and ha com• acxoss othor malers In (nnect vAth the examinatlon to which attenllon sIKJkl be dravm In ordef to Wablo a prowf undorsl¥>ding of Ihe accounts b• r•ath•d. 231¢ Awd. 2024 Rev M Gr8en Indapend•nl Examln•f
The PCC of Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Sheering
Statement of Financial Activities
For the period from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Endowment | Total | Prior year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | total funds | |||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||||
| Donations and legacies | 31,226 | 5,898 | — | 37,125 | 24,895 | ||
| Income from charitable activities | 3,671 | — | — | 3,671 | 2,451 | ||
| Investments | 572 | — | — | 572 | 569 | ||
| Other income | — | — | — | — | 1,532 | ||
| Total income | 35,469 | 5,898 | — | 41,368 | 29,447 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||
| Raising funds | 60 | 176 | — | 237 | — | ||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 32,303 | 5,217 | — | 37,521 | 35,251 | ||
| Otherexpenditure | 446 | — | — | 446 | — | ||
| Total expenditure | 32,811 | 5,394 | — | 38,205 | 35,251 | ||
| Gains / losses on investment assets | — | — | 1,814 | 1,814 | (2,537) | ||
| Net income / (expenditure) resources | 2,658 | 503 | 1,814 | 4,976 | (8,341) | ||
| Transfers | |||||||
| Gross transfers between | funds - in | — | — | — | — | 0 | |
| Gross transfers between | funds - out | — | — | — | — | 0 | |
| Other recognisedgains | / losses | ||||||
| Net movement in funds | 2,658 | 503 | 1,814 | 4,976 | (8,341) | ||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 6,459 | 3,256 | 19,118 | 28,834 | 37,176 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 9,117 | 3,760 | 20,932 | 33,810 | 28,834 | ||
| There may be minor | discrepancies in the totals if the | pence are not being shown |
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The PCC of Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Sheering
Balance sheet (Summary) As at: 31 December 2023
| £ As at 31/12/2023 |
£ As at 31/12/2022 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted Unrestricted - General fund Restricted Restricted - Flower Fund Restricted - Friends Of St Mary's Restricted - Len Gunn Bequest Restricted - Pam Gunn Memorial Fund Endowment Endowment - Scoones Bequest Endowment - Williams Bequest Funds of the church |
20,932 | 19,118 |
| 20,932 1,136 15,835 |
19,118 1,623 10,493 |
|
| 16,971 4,092 |
12,116 2,400 |
|
| 12,878 | 9,716 | |
| 33,810 | 28,834 | |
| 33,810 | 28,834 | |
| 9,117 169 3,591 — — 8,748 12,184 |
6,459 169 3,087 — — 7,989 11,128 |
|
| 33,810 | 28,834 | |
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
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Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1. Statutory Information
St Mary the Virgin is an unincorporated charity, registered in the name of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sheering. The principle office is detailed on page 1 of the financial statements. The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. The financial statements comply with section 1A of Financial Reporting Standard 102.
2. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP(FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practises applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accurate basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the yearend date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Investments
Investments comprise a managed investment fund. Investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of financial activities.
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The PCC of Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Sheering Analysis of income and expenditure Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
| Income and endowments Donations and legacies Gift Aid - Bank Other planned giving Loose plate collections One-off Gift Aid gifts Donations appeals etc Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Non-recurring one-off grants Other funds generated Donations and legacies Totals Income from charitable activities Fees for weddings and funerals Income from charitable activities Totals Investments Dividends Investments Totals Other income Insurance claims Other income Totals Income and endowments Grand totals |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022 |
|---|---|
| 3,540 750 4,290 4,981 13,753 75 13,828 10,595 1,527 — 1,527 2,000 2,680 — 2,680 — 3,269 2,492 5,761 2,411 4,888 947 5,836 3,932 950 — 950 — 617 1,634 2,251 974 |
|
| 31,226 5,898 37,125 24,895 3,671 — 3,671 2,451 |
|
| 3,671 — 3,671 2,451 572 — 572 569 |
|
| 572 — 572 569 — — — 1,532 |
|
| — — — 1,532 |
|
| 35,469 5,898 41,368 29,447 |
The charity also receives fees for weddings, funerals and other related services, in its capacity as agent, on behalf of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance and other service providers. Neither these receipts nor their subsequent payments are recognised in income and expenditure.
(Expenditure appears on the next page)
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| Expenditure Raising funds Fees paid to fund raisers Costs of fetes & other events Raising funds Totals Expenditure on charitable activities Giving to missionary societies Giving - relief and development agencies Home mission Secular charities Ministry parish share etc Salary of parish administrator Working expenses of incumbent Church running - insurance Organ / piano tuning Church maintenance Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Administration Church running - electric Church running - water Hall running - electricity Hall running - maintenance Governance costs examination/audit fee Expenditure on charitable activities Totals Other expenditure Payroll Bureau costs Other expenditure Totals Expenditure Grand totals |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022 — 50 50 — 60 126 187 — |
|---|---|
| 60 176 237 — 938 — 938 — — — — 386 156 — 156 20 25 — 25 — 16,646 — 16,646 16,000 2,401 — 2,401 1,871 221 — 221 184 2,926 — 2,926 2,476 20 — 20 440 — 410 410 3,881 2,143 — 2,143 2,745 — 30 30 3,894 1,976 — 1,976 419 2,988 — 2,988 1,473 346 — 346 357 1,474 — 1,474 811 — 4,395 4,395 250 40 381 421 40 |
|
| 32,303 5,217 37,521 35,251 446 — 446 — |
|
| 446 — 446 — |
|
| 32,811 5,394 38,205 35,251 |
|
| There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown | |
| GRAND TOTAL 2,658 504 3,163 (5,804) |
There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022
There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022
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The PCC of Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Sheering
Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at: 31 December 2023
| General Last year 2022 Class and nominal code Restricted Endowment Total 2023 |
General Last year 2022 Class and nominal code Restricted Endowment Total 2023 |
|---|---|
| 6430 : Williams Bequest 6431 : Scoones Bequest Fixed assets - Tangible assets — — 12,184 12,184 11,128 — — 8,748 8,748 7,990 Total — — 20,932 20,932 19,118 Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand 6501 : Bank current account 12,461 97 — 12,557 6,978 6505 : Bank Friends account 104 3,006 — 3,109 3,346 6590 : Cash in hand — 169 — 169 169 Total 12,564 3,271 — 15,835 10,493 Current assets - Debtors Z05 : Accounts Receivable (416) 1553 — 1136 1623 Total (416) 1553 — 1136 1623 Liabilities - Agency accounts 6699 : Agency collections — 13 — 13 15 Total — 13 — 13 15 Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year Z04 : Accounts Payable 3,030 1,050 — 4,080 2,385 Total 3,030 1,050 — 4,080 2,385 Net total assets 9,118 3,761 20,932 33,811 28,834 |
|
| Total 3,030 1,050 — 4,080 2,385 |
|
| Net total assets 9,118 3,761 20,932 33,811 28,834 |
|
| Represented by Unrestricted - General 9,118 — — 9,118 6,459 Restricted - Flower — 169 — 169 169 Restricted - Friends — 3,592 — 3,592 3,088 Endowment - Scoones — — 8,748 8,748 7,990 Endowment - Williams — — 12,184 12,184 11,128 Total 9,118 3,761 20,932 33,811 28,834 |
|
| Total 9,118 3,761 20,932 33,811 28,834 |
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The PCC of Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Sheering
Fund movement summary Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
| Fund | Fund Balances | Incoming | Outgoing | Gains and | Fund balances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| brought forward | Resources | Resources | Losses | Carried forward | |
| Flower - Flower Fund | 169 | — | — | — | 169 |
| Friends - Friends Of St Mary's | 3,087 | 5,898 | (5,394) | — | 3,591 |
| Scoones - Scoones Bequest | 7,989 | — | — | 758 | 8,748 |
| Williams - Williams Bequest | 11,128 | — | — | 1,056 | 12,184 |
| General - General fund | 6,459 | 35,469 | (32,811) | — | 9,117 |
| Totals | 28,834 | 41,368 | (38,205) | 1,814 | 33,810 |
| There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if | the pence are | not being shown |
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