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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mark Highcliffe Diocese Of Winchester

2023-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH of

ST MARK’S HIGHCLIFFE DIOCESE OF WINCHESTER

For the Year ended 31[st ] December 2023

Vicar: The Reverend Veronica Brown

Independent Examiner: Sue Wintle MFAAT

Solicitors: Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP, Highcliffe

Bankers:

HSBC Bank plc, Christchurch

Charity Number 1150249

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St. Mark's Church - Annual Report for 2023

Aim and purposes

St. Mark’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Veronica Brown, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church, the two churchyards, St. Mark’s Hall and Library. A Parish Office is situated within the complex.

Objectives and Activities

St Mark’s Church is here to serve God, each other and the community. Our Christian faith is at the heart of our mission in Highcliffe. We are a friendly, varied and supportive group of people who meet to worship and minister together to share our love of God in our community.

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 Mark’s Highcliffe. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, we continue to consider the aims we set in our pMAP which was approved by the Diocese and Deanery in September 2019.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Mark’s and the Church Hall and Library.

A message from the Vicar

It has been my great privilege to be with you over the past 4 years. In the paragraphs that follow, we describe the ministry and mission that has taken place since the last APCM. Please know that I continue to thank God for all of you, for all the many ways you contribute to the mission and ministry of this church, and all that you do for the glory of God. May God bless you all now and always. Amen. All blessings, Veronica

Safeguarding Report

The PCC places a high priority on its responsibilities towards children and vulnerable adults. ‘As members of the St Mark’s Parish Community’ ‘we commit to the support,

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nurture, protection and safeguarding of all’. The safeguarding statement is on display in the church Foyer. The PCC has and will continue to comply with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishop’s Guidance on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults as set out under S5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

Church Wardens, all PCC members, and those responsible for activities that involve other people, continue to be checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We had no reported Safeguarding incidents during 2023.

All policies and procedures continue to be reviewed and updated annually as appropriate; all Safeguarding policies were reviewed by PCC during October 2023.

The period a DBS check is valid for is three years, DBS Clearance have their certificate renewal applications submitted on time.

Mrs Susan Lyonette is the nominated Safeguarding Representative. Any concerns should be address to the Safeguarding Rep. or the Vicar, Reverend Veronica Brown.

Mission Planning

Since our last APCM, we continued to focus on our four mission projects :

  1. New Churchyard Boundary Project: We think that our churchyards are for the community and when kept well, reveal the beauty of God’s creation and the peace of God. We have been working hard to define the boundary of our New Churchyard so that we can ensure that the area is kept up with dignity and respect, that it is a safe place, and that future PCCs will understand the extent of this beautiful green expanse.

  2. Organ Project: We think that music within the liturgy enhances our worship of God. We are grateful to our choir director and choir, accompanied by both digital piano and organ. For many years, our church organ has not only supported our worship; but also funerals and weddings. Indeed, the organ is often the instrument of choice at these occasional services. Recently, it developed serious issues. Near term, we have taken a minimalist approach to repair this organ using funds received from a grant. Long term options will be assessed in due course.

3. Eco Church and Net Zero Project: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” We take seriously our calling to be stewards of the earth, summoned by God to ‘work it and take care of it’. When it comes to Climate Change and Global warming, we think that the church should be leading the way by example and raising awareness. We have worked towards an A Rocha Silver Eco Church award and to host the first ever, Highcliffe Green Fayre.

4. Coffee Bar Project: This project has mutated quite a bit since conception from coffee shop to coffee station. Nevertheless, we hope that a facility in the foyer of the

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church for preparing hot drinks and light meals might encourage fellowship within and across congregations, as well as welcome new visitors.

In addition to our mission projects, we continued to offer the following mission initiatives :

Presently, our Mission Planning team is reflecting on Robert Warren’s Angel of the Church, using The Book of Revelations , Chapter 2 , ’to the angel of the church in …’ Highcliffe . We hope that this will help us to unify our thinking, recognise who we are, where we have been, and who God is calling us to be. We wonder, “What is the essential character of St Mark’s Church, ‘it’s angel”?

God of Mission ,

who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen

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Both our work and relationships with the Highcliffe St Marks Primary School are developing well, thanks to our church team. Also, the Vicar’s relationship to the school, as leader of Church, its school ministry, and ex-officio foundation governor has grown. The school’s Collective Worship and Worship services in St Marks Church have been aligned so that they are structurally similar following the 4 central attributes of worship: Gathering, Engaging, Responding and Sending. This ensures Christian content and key elements of worship are included, e.g., The Lord’s Prayer. All of this is work that we will want to continue to build upon and expand.

As a church, one of our key mission challenges is resources. We all must pray for God’s help with this. Succession planning for each voluntary role is essential at the outset of taking on the role. We need volunteers to fill the following vacancies:

Worship Planning

We believe that we meet God in worship and offer ourselves for God’s mission in this world. We know that we are unified in Christ, united through the eucharist and our various styles of worship. In our worship planning, we hope to take all of this into account, while at the same time not diluting the breadth and depth of our worship, offering, and teaching in Christ. We meet monthly to plan all the worship across all services, our regular services as well as feast days and special services – like Easter Sunrise service on the Clifftop. We continually check and correct the rota. We factor in the ecumenical and civic component.

Choir and Music

The choir motto:

" Singing is one of the essential ministries of the church. It does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be from the heart “ continues to be put into practice with another successful year completed of leading the worship at the 10.00 Sunday communion services.

The Choir needs fresh singers to swell numbers. This year we maintained four-part harmony which has been encouraging, but the need to supplement all voice parts remains a need going forward.

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There are currently 13 members of the choir but often numbers are down due to illness, hospitalisation, holidays, grandparent duties etc. Selecting suitable music in advance is a challenge, but the choir has tackled new anthems with enthusiasm and competence. Old favourites have also been revisited.

Choir practices take place in church every Thursday 7.00-8.30 pm: there are no auditions, but reading musical notation is a great help - even if not fully competent at this, friendly advice is always available, and new members will be warmly welcomed.

Every member of the choir is highly valued and deserves praise for their continued commitment and good-humoured approach in learning and faithfully delivering choral support to the services.

Last year has seen the introduction of some new congregational hymns and a fresh setting of the Mass (HOLY TRINITY found in the Anglican Hymns Old and New hymn book - used in the main for the weekly hymns). This has provided a choice of three Mass settings to reflect seasonal services and gives musical variety.

Pastoral Care

We believe that pastoral care flows out of God’s grace to us. It is informed by the ministry of Jesus Christ and his command to love one another (John 13.34).

Our team is composed of Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs), who are required to have both pastoral and safeguarding training, and to apply both in practice. LPAs and the vicar are also required to hold a current DBS certificate. This is assured by our Parish Safeguarding Representative.

Pastoral care is based on requests for visits, support, or home communion. These requests are received by the vicar and allocated to LPAs or licensed minister/worker based on need.

This year, we extended our support to Silverways Nursing Home. We now meet monthly with residents at Silverways and Highcliffe Nursing homes. At both places, we offer a Service of the Word with well known, traditional hymns. We find a deep joy when residents join in with the words our Saviour taught us. We offer home communion to residents in their rooms, on request.

Pastoral care beyond the worshipping community was also accomplished through the Occasional Services (funerals, baptisms, and weddings). Through these services we find those seeking the Lord and are able to guide them to the church service that would best fit their needs. I am grateful for all the support of our pastoral care team, churchwardens, and vergers for all that you do in the name of Christ.

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The team continued to meet quarterly throughout the year to review our support with an aim of serving the church and wider Highcliffe community.

Prayer Ministry

Prayer is at the heart of all we do at St Mark’s and this report gives just a brief outline of our activities:

Intercessions at the 10 am weekly Communion Service: The Handbook for Intercessors has been updated with further guidance in some sections. Two members of the team have ‘retired’ recently and one is taking a break meaning we have just 4 regular people and two who offer once a quarter - it would be good to have some new people.

The Prayer list: giving names of those from the Church who have asked for prayer is used at each service – following GDPR guidelines, only the first name of each person is used.

The Prayer Book: is open on the altar for people to add the first name of those from the wider community who have requested prayer, this adheres to GDPR guidelines.

Informal Prayer Group : 8 – 12 people meet weekly on a Tuesday evening from 7.00 – 8.00pm for prayer, fellowship and discussion led by different members each week. We pray for those who are on our prayer list and in our Prayer Book as well as issues of national and international concern and the work and ministry of St Mark’s. Prayer is followed by fellowship and some interesting discussions.

Prayer Intentions : It’s been good to have a wider group of contributors for this monthly list which goes into the Parish News.

Prayers from the website : we occasionally get requests for prayer via the website – these are added to our prayer lists or circulated to our email prayer team as appropriate.

Prayer email : sometimes we need to respond quickly to a prayer request so an email is circulated to members of the prayer group, intercessors, PCC.

Prayer at 9am on a Friday : We’ve been meeting weekly for 20 months. This time of silent prayer has become a very precious 30 mins for the few who gather. We finish with either the Grace or our Mission Prayer.

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Quiet Mornings : We have 4 QMs each year with themes relating to the season or something topical –an average of 10 people attending each QM in the Library and Church areas.

Preaching and Teaching

The preaching has been distributed across several preachers, including our PtO, LLM, LLW, ordinand, curate and visiting clergy giving voice to God’s Word through varied theological and pastoral perspectives.

During Lent 2023, we offered Walking the way of the cross , evening sessions with hospitality. This was very well attended and appreciated by St Mark’s and Highcliffe Methodist Church members. The archbishop’s Difference course was offered in the autumn 2023. This too was very well received and successful both in teaching and numbers.

This year we were very blessed with both an ordinand and a curate, both had much to offer in preaching and teaching. We were also blessed when a member of our congregation put herself forward and was accepted for Licensed Lay Ministry training, which is due to complete in 2025. We continue to give thanks for our PtOs, LLM, LLW, and we pray for all of those in ministerial training, those transitioning to full time ministry, as well as those discerning their call and the possibility of ordained ministry.

Home Group Bible Study

On alternate Mondays 10.30 - 12.00 a thriving Home Group Bible Study meets. Currently we have eleven members, but it is rarely everyone is able to come each session, so we usually number 8 or 9 which is manageable in a home situation. We did try meeting in church thinking numbers attending may grow, but the overriding opinion was the essence of meeting and having fellowship in a home situation was lost. So, we abandoned that idea and happily reverted to being a Home Group.

Those with suitable accommodation take it in turns to host the meetings and study leaders emerge as we go along, giving us a variety of approaches. No one is under any pressure to host or lead.

This last year the group completed ACTS (a lengthy book to have tackled fortnightly), followed by the books of JAMES, and 1 and 2 PETER. At the moment DANIEL is our focus.

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All members of the mixed gender group are on a fascinating learning journey together with everyone enjoying Christian fellowship and encouragement in their faith.

Children and Schools Report

Highcliffe St Mark’s Primary School

Chewton Common Playgroup

During 2023 the children from the playgroup were welcomed to St Mark’s church several times for their Tuesday afternoon sessions. On each occasion the children came and spent their session doing activities in the church and getting to know the inside of the church building.

Easter Craft Workshop

This event held on Good Friday 2023 was incredibly well attended by families with all aged children. Everyone enjoyed the event. Thank you to all the many helpers who supported this event either helping with crafts, providing crafts, providing cakes, or hot cross buns and serving teas and coffee.

Little Fishes

Jackie Peterson and her team stepped back after 30 years of dedicated service to the families who attended this toddler group. The team’s work was recognized, and they were thanked and applauded for their amazing work.

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Chewton Common Toddler Group

The Monday morning slot in the church hall has been taken over by Helen who runs Chewton Common Playgroup. She now runs Chewton Common Toddler group in the church hall on Monday mornings.

The PCC kindly agreed to waive the cost of the hall rental. Helen has to pay her employee and had to initially provide new play equipment. She runs this toddler group on a commercial basis but will give any profits back to the PCC. So far she has just about broken even financially, but the numbers attending have been a little disappointing.

She had an advertising drive doing a leaflet drop locally and reducing her rates for one Monday. This proved successful for a week or so and numbers increased.

Diana has been into the Toddler group to read stories and sing songs and will continue to do so about once a month, or half term.

Breakfast@9

This continues every Sunday in the hall. St Mark’s has welcomed new families and adults into its fellowship through this informal service during 2023. Breakfast@9 provides fellowship and informal, all age worship, along with good coffee! Thank you to all the team that make this service possible.

The uniformed groups took part in the Remembrance Sunday service in church and Act of Remembrance at the Highcliffe War Memorial as did the House Captains from Highcliffe St Mark’s Primary school.

Ecumenical work - Highcliffe Churches together

Church leaders and lay church leaders met regularly for fellowship, lunch, and planning. We continue to hold two joint services “loved ones remembered” and an Ecumenical service for Christian Unity. The Palm Sunday walk of witness is also well received. We have continued to advertise our services jointly making a shared Christmas and Easter services poster, which went into the local press and websites. We are looking forward to planning more joint activities and services together. The annual service of Remembrance in church and at the War Memorial also involved all three churches and the uniformed groups and was well received by the whole community.

Accounts Report for 2023

Financially this has not been a good year for St Marks. Our net worth has decreased by some £39,000 compared with the £24,000 loss in 2022, and were it not for a substantial legacy, could have been a lot worse than that. As the figures include

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depreciating the cost of our heating system which has already been paid for, this equates to an actual cash shortfall of £17,000.

So, we are particularly grateful for the £23,000 legacy from Irene Mayes which has enabled us to pay our Common Mission Fund request from the Diocese in full, as in previous years. This Fund enables both having a vicar in our parish and contributes to those other parishes who can’t afford one. See

We have also received a grant of £6,000 from the Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council for the upkeep of our graveyards. These are a public asset, and we are developing their ecological value by working towards an A Rocha Silver award. The Friends of St Marks have also contributed a grant of £6,000 for the repair of a water heater and our grade 2 listed lychgate.

Giving apart from donations, at £73,000 is near the average for recent years, and we would encourage our congregation to use the Parish Giving Scheme (which is now a national organisation).

We are sad to see the end of the Little Fishes playgroup which has previously added to our funds. This need has been undertaken by the Chewton Common Playgroup who are not related to the Church.

As the Parish News can now be read from our website, fewer physical copies are being bought, so less money is generated. We are trying to find other ways of fund raising. The Green Fayre was not explicitly designed to do this, but did contribute as part of its success. The Harvest Supper and Craft and Stars events also contributed.

Following the change in ownership of the Lord Bute Restaurant, we have signed a new agreement to allow their parking on Church Property.

We are having to spend on repairs to the Hall. The health and safety problem of the hot protection grills over the heaters, and the replacement of uplights with LED equivalents has reduced the profit in this area. We continue to see high demand for regular lets and private parties.

Church maintenance includes £1,000 for boiler repairs and £2,500 for painting. Churchyard costs include £10,000 for tree maintenance, £5,000 for the Lych Gate and £1,000 for surveying the extension to the New Churchyard.

The value of our investments has gone up – but this is only a paper gain.

So, in summary, our costs continue to increase, and we are anticipating a further cash loss in 2024 without increased revenue.

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Fabric Report

We have completed almost all the necessary work from Quinquennial inspection.

We will have a heavy list to complete next year as there is still damp in South Transept as well as East wall.

New Churchyard Boundary Project

The staking out of the boundary around the new churchyard has been completed. We also had some input from the Parish Council, Cllr A Sofianos, who was pleased that he had been asked to review our plans as well as confirm our ideas about allowing wildlife access were sound. As soon as we have 2/3 fencing quotes we will review them and make recommendations to the PCC.

IT and AV

AV- all equipment is functioning correctly. We plan to review the current electronic keyboard and determine whether the choir can be better picked up by the microphones so that they can be heard more clearly towards the West End.

IT- The Parish Administrator (PA) has implemented one of the church’s MicroSoft 365 licenses to set up a Parish Office MS Office365 account. All documents will be uploaded to this account. All parish work will be done from this account. Log-in details will be shared with the Vicar and Churchwardens. This means that all correspondence and documents will be automatically backed-up; and will be accessible by those with the log-in details as well.

Health & Safety

In June 2023, we had undertaken the task of instituting the Church Fire Certificate and the Risk Assessment for Church, Library and Hall.

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A Fire Evacuation Drill was carried out in July for the 8am, B@9 and 10am Services which is planned to be carried out annually during the month of July.

A First Aid Course was arranged for up to 20 volunteers who agreed it was very informative.

Generic Risk Assessment forms have been produced to be used for most situations.

A Pro-Forma for periodic/annual Health & Safety checks is available for use in all church environments.

The annual check on both the Old Churchyard and New Churchyard monuments and graves has been carried out for safety purposes. Thank you to the Parish Council for covering the cost of cleaning the Highcliffe War Memorial!

ECO team report

Arocha-Eco Church Award . We could definitely apply for the Bronze award. The answers currently supplied by the Eco team to Arocha indicate that we qualify for the Silver award. ( Following further checks, the Silver award was applied for 3/2/2024)

Fairtrade . We are now a Fairtrade Church. The tea, coffee and sugar served at the back of church and at B@9 carry the Fairtrade logo which identifies these products have been traded with fair prices, ensured decent working conditions for those producing the items giving a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries where tea, coffee and sugar is sourced.

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Green Fayre . This took place between 1p.m. and 4p.m. on Sunday, 14th May 2023 in and around the Church, Hall etc. and was, we are delighted to say, opened by the acting Bishop of Winchester. We gratefully received help from The Rotary Club, Men’s Shed and members of the congregation. There were stalls, speakers with an Eco theme, refreshments organised by Church members and a BBQ. It was an afternoon for the Church, the community and families and included activities for children. The programme included a lifestyle survey. Whilst not intended as a moneyraising event we did raise £429.41. We have subsequently been asked, by Parish Councillor/School Governor, Cllr Adam Sofianos to help with a similar event to be

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held at St Mark’s school, likely to take place in September 2024. We have agreed to that and await further details.

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Bishop Debbie at St Mark’s Green Fayre 2023

Community and Global Engagement . A WWF Lifestyle survey was published in the Parish Magazine over the year with a link to the WWF website for anyone wishing to take the survey. Arocha have published a “calendar” of Eco ideas for each month of 2024. We anticipate the section for each month will also be published in the Parish Magazine over the year. A personal lifestyle survey from the Arocha website will be considered for possible use by members of the congregation to do a personal Eco lifestyle survey.

A Report on our activities, with background, was published in the December/January Parish Magazine.

Land . Small areas of the graveyards have been identified as appropriate to leave unmown and be accompanied by signage explaining that wild flora and fauna are being encouraged to further support biodiversity.

Cycle stands . The PCC has agreed to install simple cycle stands near the church and rings in the side of the Hall. Further investigation and decisions are required.

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Carbon Net Zero by 2030 . There were Energy Audits by ESOS, arranged through Parish Buying, on 4th November 2022. ESOS agreed to provide both for the price of one, already subsidised by the Church of England. The auditor was verbally complimentary, and we received the Report on the Church building just before Christmas 2022. The Report on the Hall etc was received in the spring of 2023. Many of the recommendations have been achieved, or nearly so. However, those which would make a big difference both in the reduction of carbon emissions and in bills for heating are also expensive to install, e.g. solar panels and wall insulation for the Hall and therefore cannot currently be considered. We are considering, with PCC consent, asking for a survey of the present insulation in the Hall. Another area highlighted was the draughty window in the choir vestry. We understand that some remedial work has been done to the outside of the windows.

Other . We continue to collect used postage stamps, plastic milk bottle tops and used PC cartridges for Christchurch “Win on Waste”. Unfortunately, the medicine blister packs we were collecting can no longer be accepted by Win on Waste nor, in quantity, by Superdrug. Requests for clarification on what is being done by BCP to recycle medicine blister packs have been ignored. The Holy Redeemer Church continues to collect with us and the Methodist Church has made some contribution. Amberwood Highcliffe WI has started collecting for us.

Charitable Support Group

St Mark’s conpnues to support the various charipes represented by the group. Kinkiizi Medical Centre benefited from the 40p for 40 days inipapve and the girls in the school received kits made by the Eve Project when Gill Tyberg was at last able to travel to Uganda.

Shoeboxes were sent to needy children either, online via Samaritan’s Purse to Ukraine, or by supporpng the Highcliffe Rotary collecpon.

Chrispan Aid is supported throughout the year, responding to need, rather than its earlier focus on Chrispan Aid week.

Workbox made and supplied knised items for the homeless charity, Mary’s Men, as well as the knised angels given to children during the Christmas services.

made during the Chrispngle service were also sent.

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Food given at the Harvest service was taken to the Foodbank, which conpnues to receive the weekly donapons let at the entrance of the church. The DEC received the financial offerings from the Harvest service, but also throughout the year as parpcular needs are made known. Christmas offerings were given to the Bible Society, which supports the Open the Book scheme.

A small group, we are very aware of the loving support given by so many of St Mark’s fellowship, and praise God for all who give care and pme to help those in need.

Workbox. Our Lent and Spring term knitting for 2023 produced 44 blankets, 12 little cardigans, 17 “Graduation” Hats, and 15 bags for Breast Pumps. The staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were amazed and delighted by our gifts.

As is usual we enjoyed a day out in July, visiting Romsey for the Romsey Quilters Festival in the Abbey and then lunch together. We gathered again in the Autumn and made our customary good supply of knitted items for the Homeless supported by the Salvation Army at Winton, Mary’s Men. These were presented at the Mothers’ Union Deanery Advent Service held in December. We also supplied a fresh batch of knitted Angels to be distributed in the parish over the Christmas service.

We are a group of 10 who meet on first Thursday of the month, except during Lent when we meet weekly. We enjoy much fellowship together.

Eve Project . We were delighted that our 40 kits for the schoolgirls and 10 for the clinic were at last taken to Kinkiizi. Gill Tyberg gave a PowerPoint presentation at the Kinkiizi Link group evening held at Ashley. This was repeated at the MU diocesan information day on 10th July held at St John’s Hedge End. Gill is a diocesan member. A sample pack was available for view. In August when we were honoured by the visit of the Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union to Highcliffe. She also was very interested in the kits and took copious photographs.

The Children’s Society Box collection amounted to the sum of £832.84. There are 21 contributors in the parish.

Friends report

The Friends of St Mark’s have been the fund-raising group of the Church since they were set up in 1996 by David Cundy. We are currently struggling with an ageing committee and fewer member.

We have been helping the Church with grants for repairs and upgrading since then and would like to continue, but we are finding it difficult at present.

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St Mark’s Parish News

This continues to be published ten months of the year. The editor is assisted by a small team who print, collate, and organise the distribution process. This paper format is distributed to various subscribers and available in church. We also continue to enjoy its distribution by Highcliffe Post Office. A loyal and stable base of advertisers ensures that the magazine can contribute, after production costs, to church funds. As well as the paper version, which is in Black and White, a colour edition is published on the Church website.

Flowers at St Mark’s

We are a small team of ladies who look after the flowers in Church every week, and who put on special displays for the big church Festivals, as well as weddings & funerals.

We would be interested to hear from new recruits. If anyone has experience or would like to learn how to arrange flowers in our church, please get in touch with Ann.

2023 Service Attendance

The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 89 adults and 11 children and young people under 16, but this number increased at festivals. As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping. We have celebrated 11 baptisms and 2 weddings and supported 36 funerals in our church this year.

Electoral Roll

There are currently 138 members on St Mark's Electoral Roll, 22 of whom are not resident in the parish. Since April 2023 we have welcomed 2 new members and 1 has died.

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GDPR Report

Parish Resources has, during the last year, not issued any updates to their general advice. Consent forms relating to photos, social media and filming have been updated. An annual risk analysis has been undertaken with nothing to report.

Christchurch Deanery Synod

Deanery Synod is a link between our PCC and the Diocesan Synod. Its role is mainly to look after mission and pastoral matters in the Deanery, help parishes deliver the Diocesan strategic priorities and to monitor and support the allocation of Parish Share across the Deanery to the Common Mission Fund.

Christchurch Deanery Synod met three times in 2023, in February, June, and October.

The year began with a February Zoom meeting when Jemima Lewis, Diocesan Head of Communications and Engagement gave an informative presentation about communicational opportunities for publicity and engagement with our communities. She also explained how communication from the Diocese to churches and parishioners was being given more focus with the expanded weekly newsletter the main tool for sharing information more widely.

In June St Mary the Virgin Bransgore hosted a Synod meeting welcoming all the newly elected members with a service of Holy Communion led by Rev Canon Charles Stewart (Vicar of Christchurch Priory) the Assistant Area Dean. A presentation was also given following the recent visit to the Deanery’s mission partners Kinkiizi Diocese in Uganda.

The final meeting of 2023 was held in October at Ellingham Hall with a focus on Lay Ministry.

Synod welcomed Greg Eland, Senior Mission and Ministry Trainer from the Diocese who highlighted the opportunities available for Lay Ministry training through the Bishop’s Commission for Mission (BCM) and Bishop’s Permission to Preach (BPP) courses.

The Deanery overseas link with Kinkiizi Diocese Uganda continues to operate. Climate change is affecting Uganda as it is countries worldwide, and they experienced heavy rainfall in the early part of 2023. So much so there were fears of landslides behind the Health Centre staff accommodation Christchurch House and the Deanery was asked to help with financing the construction of a flood defence wall behind the house. Following a Deanery wide appeal enough funds were raised for the wall to be completed. Retired clergy were also supported with financial help towards unexpected expenses like medical bills. In 2023 a total of £4720 was sent in support of Kinkiizi Diocese.

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The Deanery continues to provide opportunities for those working with children and families to benefit from sessions run by Lighthouse Ministries led by Andy Saunders, and is sensitive to the needs of parishes by proactively supporting them wherever possible. A major challenge in 2023 has been the number of parishes in vacancy but Deanery officers have worked hard to support churches through the process of their interregnums.

Deanery Synod meetings are now all open meetings for anyone to attend should they so wish. (Only if a vote is called are restrictions in place for elected members only to cast such a vote.) I would encourage everyone to consider coming along to hear interesting speakers, have a chance to meet other people from across the Deanery, and to share experiences for mutual support.

Administrative information

St. Marks’s Church is situated in Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe. It is part of the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England.

Our Parish Administrator , Lorna Prout, is usually in the office on Thursdays, but monitors emails and telephone messages from home at other times. Much of her work is linked to supporting the Vicar with arrangements for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Lorna also manages bookings for the Hall and Library. All correspondence should be posted to:

The Parish Administrator, St. Mark's Church, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 5AA .

Or by email to : parishoffice@stmarkshighcliffe.org.uk

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. Registration as a Charity. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission.

Membership of the PCC:

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. All members of the PCC serve as Trustees.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Vicar and Chair The Reverend Veronica Brown
Vice Chair Mrs Susan Lyonette Deanery
Synod (Lay

19

Chair)
Safeguarding
Officer
Licensed Lay Minister Mr Colin Chatten
Licensed Lay Worker Miss Maureen Stringer
Churchwardens
(elected annually)		 Mrs Elizabeth Morton until April
2023
Miss Sandra Channon
Mrs Ann Nash		 Friends
Chair
Representatives of
the Deanery Synod
(elected every 3 years
for a 3-year period)		 Mr Francis Bray Treasurer
Miss Sarah Richardson
Elected Members
(elected every 3
years)		 Mr David Cannings until April 2023 Health and
Safety
Officer
Mrs Diana Faunce Children and
Schools Rep
Dr Bob Gilbertson until April 2023
Mr Michael Goodman
Mrs Diane Hegarty
Mrs Julie Melvin ECO Lead
Mrs Elizabeth Morton PCC
Secretary
Dr Sally Russell LLM in
training
Mr Quentin Stokes NCY
Boundary
Project Lead

20

Mr Michael Williams Data
Protection
Officer
Mr Anthony Nash Co opted
June 2023
Health and
Safety
Officer
Mrs Ann Elliott Co opted
June 2023

Trustees’ Duties:

The Trustees have complied with the duty imposed by section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission in respect of public benefit.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 20[th] March 2024.

Signed on behalf of the PCC by The Reverend Veronica Brown, Vicar.

21

St. Mark's Church

Highcliffe

Annual Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Incumbent: The Reverend Veronica Brown Independent Examiner: Sue Wintle FMAAT Solicitors: Aldridge Brownlee, Highcliffe Bankers: HSBC, Christchurch

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of the Highcliffe Parochial Church Council

I report on the accounts of the charity (no. 1150249) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 8.

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 Charities Act") and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement:

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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

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.

Sue Wintle FMAAT

27 Bascott Road Wallisdown Bournemouth Dorset BH11 8RJ

Date:--------------------------------

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/expenditure
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Endowment
Funds
Funds
General
Designated
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£,000
£,000
£,000
£,000
£,000
£,000
99
14
0
0
113
111
13
0
-1
0
13
19
1
0
0
0
1
11
0
0
0
1
2
1
114
14
-1
1
128
142
131
38
0
1
171
160
131
38
0
1
171
160
4
4
-6
-18
-25
-1
4
-39
-24
36
47
6
42
130
154
18
22
6
46
92
130

1

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Total Total
General Designated Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes 2023 2022
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Planned giving 45,913 45,913 46,867
Gift aided giving 3,993 3,993 2,748
Income tax recoverable 14,510 14,510 17,901
Cash collections 8,502 8,502 7,133
Donations 3,626 1,680 5,306 6,231
Legacies and Grants 22,630 6,000 28,630 24,139
Grants from Friends of St Mark's 6,006 6,006 5,756
99,173 13,686 0 0 112,859 110,776
Charitable activities
Charitable trading 0 58
Fees 9,809 9,809 11,518
Net income from Little Fishes 804 804 1,374
Flower fund -532 -532 -218
Profit from parish magazine 1 1,519 1,519 2,653
Fund Raising Events 1,341 1,341 3,172
13,472 0 -532 0 12,940 18,558
Other trading activities
Non Charitable trading 484 484 1,000
Profit from parish hall letting 2 442 442 10,286
927 0 0 0 927 11,286
Investment income 337 1,248 1,585 1,287
337 0 0 1,248 1,585 1,287
Total 113,909 13,686 -532 **1,248 ** **128,310 ** 141,906
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Clergy expenses 1,067 1,067 902
Upkeep of church 11,280 666 110 12,056 11,618
Upkeep of services 1,835 1,835 874
Upkeep of churchyard 13,353 11,340 1,138 25,831 14,189
Utilities & Telecom 6,500 6,500 7,388
Lay staff and organists 12,142 12,142 9,517
Common Mission Fund 75,702 75,702 79,804
Evangelism 1,408 1,408 1,063
Children's work 1,270 1,270 767
Fund Raising 71 71 1,348
Grants and charities 3 462 1,680 2,142 2,595
Administration 4,965 4,965 3,325
Training 495 495 60
Accountancy fees 300 300 300
Depreciation 4 636 24,570 25,206 26,372
Total 131,487 38,256 0 **1,248 ** **170,991 ** 160,121
Net gains/(losses) on investments 3,918 3,918 -5,560
Net income/expenditure -17,578 -24,570 -532 **3,918 ** **-38,763 ** -23,775
Total funds brought forward 35,668 46,665 6,357 41,730 130,419 154,194
Total funds carried forward 18,090 22,095 5,824 45,648 **91,656 ** 130,419

2

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes 2023 2022
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 4 25,206 50,412
Investments 45,648 41,730
70,854 92,142
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 5 2,375 4,852
Short term deposits 6 15,930 28,094
Cash at bank and in hand 7 8,913 11,451
27,218 44,397
98,072 136,538
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors falling due in one year 8 5,754 5,218
Income received in advance 9 661 901
6,415 6,119
TOTAL NET ASSETS 91,656 130,419
FUNDS 10
Unrestricted funds 40,184 82,333
Restricted funds 5,824 6,357
Endowments 45,648 41,730
91,656 130,419

A.F. Bray Treasurer

3

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. PARISH MAGAZINE ACCOUNTS
RECEIPTS
Sales and donations
Advertising
PAYMENTS
Stationery and bank charges
Church news services
Surplus for the year
2. PARISH HALL LETTING ACCOUNTS
RECEIPTS
Regular Lettings
Ad Hoc Lettings
Donations
PAYMENTS
Cleaning
Licences
Electricity and water
Repairs
Stationery and bank charges
Staff
Surplus for the year
3. GRANTS AND CHARITIES
The Poppy Appeal
Foodbank
The Childrens Society
Christchurch Deanery Synod Kinkiisi account
Salvation Army (Mary's Men)
DEC (Ukraine)
DEC (Earthquake appeal)
Bible Society
Jubilee tree planting
Warm Spaces Initiative
The Smile Train
Julia's House		 2023
2022
546
695
1,806
2,786
2,352
3,481
785
781
48
833
47
828
1,519
2,653
2023
2022
20,836
24,265
3,817
5,664
0
24,653
29,929
5,339
5,098
134
105
6,025
6,062
6,143
1,193
397
496
6,173
6,689
24,211
19,643
442
10,286
2023
2022
102
203
135
124
810
1,078
80
617
582
71
262
130
50
293
100
100
2,142
2,595

4

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (CONTINUED)

4. TANGIBLE ASSETS
Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
Cost
At 1 January 2023
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
Additions
0
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
73,711
7,100
7,143
2,884
10,459
6,844
108,141
Charge for the year
24,570
0
0
0
636
0
25,206
At 31 December 2023
98,281
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,095
6,844
133,347
Net book value
At 31 December 2022
49,140
0
0
0
1,272
0
50,412
At 31 December 2023
24,570
0
0
0
636
0
25,206
5. DEBTORS
2023
2022
Magazine a/c
Expense Advance Payments
50
48
Hall a/c
Lettings Debtors
1,286
3,023
Expense Advance Payments
1,286
3,023
Main a/c
Cash not cleared
431
657
Gift Aid Accrual
306
101
Expense Advance Payments
75
514
812
1,272
Fees a/c
Debtors
227
509
2,375
4,852
6. SHORT TERM DEPOSITS
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
At 31 December 2022
23,094
5,000
28,094
At 31 December 2023
10,930
5,000
15,930
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
At 31 December 2022
10,094
1,357
11,451
At 31 December 2023
8,089
824
8,913
8. CREDITORS
2023
2022
Hall a/c
Utilities
1,210
1,342
Staff
385
484
Cleaning
467
448
Other
5
5
2,067
2,279
Main a/c
Utilities
734
721
Charities
262
397
Staff and Organists
693
845
Gardening
300
385
Cleaning and repairs
257
257
Stationery etc.
749
35
Clergy Expenses
393
Independent Examiner
300
300
3,687
2,939
Magazine a/c
Other
Fees a/c
Unprocessed Payments
0
0
0
0
5,754
5,218
9. Income Received in Advance
2023
2022
Fees a/c
Wedding/Funeral Deposits
661
901
0
0
661
901		 Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
0		 Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
0		 Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
0		 Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
0		 Heating
Office & garden
Sound
Security
Screens &
equipment
system
system
Kitchen
projector
Total
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
0
122,851
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,731
6,844
158,553
73,711
7,100
7,143
2,884
10,459
6,844
108,141
24,570
0
0
0
636
0
25,206
98,281
7,100
7,143
2,884
11,095
6,844
133,347
49,140
0
0
0
1,272
0
50,412
24,570
0
0
0
636
0
25,206
2023
2022
50
48
1,286
3,023
1,286
3,023
431
657
306
101
75
514
812
1,272
227
509
2,375
4,852
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
23,094
5,000
28,094
10,930
5,000
15,930
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
10,094
1,357
11,451
8,089
824
8,913
2023
2022
1,210
1,342
385
484
467
448
5
5
2,067
2,279
734
721
262
397
693
845
300
385
257
257
749
35
393
300
300
3,687
2,939
0
0
0
0
5,754
5,218
2023
2022
661
901
0
0
661
901
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
10,094
1,357
11,451
8,089
824
8,913
2022
1,342
484
448
5
2,279
721
397
845
385
257
35
300
2,939
0
0
5,218
2022
901
0
901
5,218
2022
901
0
901

5

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (CONTINUED)

10. FUNDS

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

At 1 January 2023
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Transferred to main account
At 31 December 2023
RESTRICTED FUNDS
At 1 January 2023
Income
Expenditure
At 31 December 2023
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
At 1 January 2023
Investment income
Transferred to main account
Increase in value of funds
At 31 December 2023		 Main account
Magazine
Hall Little Fishes
Total
77,750
1,207
3,375
0
82,333
-44,913
1,519
442
804
-42,148
4,804
-1,000
-3,000
-804
0
37,641
1,726
818
0
40,184
Churchyard
Heating
Organ
Flower
Total
0
5,000
1,357
6,357
120
120
0
0
-652
-652
0
0
5,000
824
5,824
Lorraine
Malcolm &
St Mark's
Stuart
Legacy
Callear
Repair
Trust
Total
Legacies
Charity
(upkeep of
(upkeep of
(fabric
(fabric
churchyard)
churchyard)
repairs)
repairs)
21,984
16,075
1,636
2,036
41,730
657
481
49
61
1,248
-657
-481
-49
-61
-1,248
2,068
1,512
150
187
3,918
24,052
17,587
1,786
2,223
45,648

6

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Accounting framework

The accounting, auditing and reporting regime for Church of England PCCs, is contained in the following documentation:

which form the link between the CRRs and the requirements of the Charities Act

Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions, together with FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at fair value.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Recognition of income and endowments

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when: the PCC becomes legally entitled to the use of the resources; and inflow of economic benefit is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Fundraising costs

Funds raised from events and trading activities (e.g. a fete, a garden party or sales of books and magazines) are reported gross in the SOFA – i.e., before any related costs that may have been deducted from the gross proceeds.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are included in the SOFA when any preconditions preventing their use by the PCC have been met. For collections and planned giving this is when the funds are received.

Gift Aid Tax claims, etc., on cash donations

Gift Aid and other tax claims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

Rental income

Rental income from the letting of the church hall and library is recognised when the rental is due.

Investment income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment gains and losses

This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

7

HIGHCLIFFE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable.

Governance costs :

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. The parish have maintenance responsibility for the consecrated land/buildings and certain other (benefice) properties within the parish. The Charities Act 2011 states in Section 10(2) that benefice property (subsection (a) and consecrated property (sub-section (c)) are removed from the definition of charity for the purposes of the Act. Therefore these assets should not be included in the financial statements though they may be referred to in the notes. Costs associated with the maintenance or improvement of such assets will be written off in the year they are incurred. This exclusion includes the parsonage house.

Moveable church furnishings

These are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church’s inventory in any case.

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or else, for gifts-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalized cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows:

*No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out at each year-end and any resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives from them (CIFs, etc.) are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees’ best estimate of market value.

FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds

These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its ‘free reserves’ as disclosed in the trustees’ report.

Restricted Funds

These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.

Endowment Funds

These are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a

discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts.

8