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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary, East Grinstead

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary’s East Grinstead

Annual Report

2023

Bishop Will and our confirmation candidates

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023

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CONTENTS

Pages
Annual report 2-13
financial Review 14-15
Statement of financial activities (Receipts & 16-17
Payments)
Balance sheet (Assets & Liabilities Statement) 18
Notes to the annual financial report 19-23
Independent Examiner’s Report 24

St Mary’s Church, East Grinstead

‘Helping our community to know, love and follow Jesus.’

Incumbent: Rev. Adam Charles Wogan BA BTh SSC, St Mary’s Vicarage, Windmill Lane, East Grinstead. RH19 2DS

Independent Examiner: Mrs Claire Harper

Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. ME19 4JQ

Charity Registration Number 1152316

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical

Parish of St Mary’s, East Grinstead - Trustees’

Structure, Governance and Management

St. Mary's Parish covers the northern part of the town of East Grinstead. It is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England. The Church Building, Hall, and Vicarage are located in Windmill Lane. The correspondence address is St Mary's Vicarage, Windmill Lane, East Grinstead RH19 2DS.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:

Incumbent Fr Adam Wogan – Chair Associate Vicar: Fr David Hadfield

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Church Wardens Mr Steve Pond
Deputies Mr David Garrett
Mrs Diane Mead
Mr Andrew Morris
Deanery Synod Representatives Mr David Garrett
Dr Karen Rose
Ms Julie Orton
Elected Members Mrs Wendy Breeze- Safeguarding Officer
Mrs Su O’Neill – Hon Treasurer
Mr Steve Pond – Churchwarden
Mrs Elena Smith
Mr Matthew Bland
Mrs Kathryn Smith
Mrs Moeena Winsor
Dr Karen Rose- Ex Officio
Miss Julie Orton- Ex Officio
Mr David Garrett- Ex Officio

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain exofficio members: The Incumbent and Assistant Curate, the Churchwardens, and members of the Deanery Synod. Up to 12 members of the congregation are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible. There is a Standing Committee, which will meet to deal with any urgent matters on behalf of the PCC.

The PCC appoints working groups when required, to focus on particular aspects of church life.

Mrs Louise Reardon acts as Minute Secretary for PCC meetings.

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of St Mary’s PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in accordance with the traditions of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of working with the Incumbent in sharing in God’s mission to the world, especially within the ecclesiastical parish. This is reflected in its pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical work.

The PCC also has a responsibility for promoting and developing the ethos and work of its church Aided school, which includes nominating suitable candidates to act as Foundation Governors.

The PCC has responsibility for maintaining and promoting the use of its community hall, which is used by various local groups and organisations on a regular basis, as well as providing a well-equipped community facility.

The PCC has ownership of St Mary’s Cottage, (attached to the Vicarage),which is rented out to support the work of the parish Management of the cottage sits with Mayhew’s Property Management. This ensures a professional relationship with the tenants.

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The aims and objectives set out for 2023 were as follows:

We are very pleased to say that progress has been made in these aims:

Clearly our work is not complete, but we can thank God for the progress made so far. It is our hope to build upon this foundation for the coming year.

Achievements and Performance

1. Church Attendance

There are 140 members on the church Electoral Roll, 57 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance (Sundays and weekdays, and excluding school services), was 77 adults and 14 children in 2023.

In addition to worship within the church, clergy regularly visit members of our community who find it difficult to visit St Mary’s and minister to them in their homes.

2. Review of the Year

The full PCC met six times during the year (January, February, May, June, September and November, with an average level of attendance of 80%.

Mailing list

Our Facebook page continues to be a very valuable tool for publicity and evangelism, with regular posts, as well as videos and photos being uploaded. It is proving to be a valuable ‘mission for growth’ tool, enabling us to communicate effectively with those in the church family, as well as those on the fringes of

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our family and crucially to those in our community and parish who we are especially trying to reach out to. We currently have 708 followers on our Facebook page, up from 630 the previous year. Our Mailing List currently reaches 144 people. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email sylvia.stmaryeg@outlook.com

Eco Church – Anne Stone

We have been quite active this year,

We continue to work on maintaining the garden organically and planting for wildlife.

As a personal comment it is encouraging that the church leaders are now actively supporting creation care and involvement in A Rocha’s Eco Scheme, although Chichester is one of the few diocese still investing in fossil fuels.

FSW - Karen West

The Association marches onwards and upwards fulfilling their 5 year plan ahead of schedule despite the many difficulties gaining funding facing charities in general.

Approximately £1000 in household goods and groceries have been distributed by Kelly Hollingdale our Deanery Practitioner to local families. All the Practitioners have lengthy waiting lists for FSW services and are looking forward to having assistants working with them in the near future.

Funds continue to be raised locally. Another uplifting concert at St Swithun's raised £2600, and at St Mary's a coffee morning £275 and a fun packed Beetle Drive £400.

The Deanery Committee also received £432 donation from St Mary's PCC from the Beer Festival proceeds as well as providing a venue for meetings and fundraising events.

This generosity allows the Committee to maximise their fundraising activities.

Thank you for your support and helping us to make a difference!

In addition to supporting FSW, St Mary’s has continued to make various donations towards the below charitable organisations:

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St Mary’s has continued to collaborate with other denominations through events such as the Annual World Day of Prayer , Christian Aid Week , and by having representatives on the East Grinstead’s Street Pastors Team as well as members who volunteer at and/or are trustees to the East Grinstead Foodbank and FSW .

St Mary's has continued to raise funds for the Royal British Legion through their Poppy Appeal . In addition, two members of our church family, Lynda and John Railton, have continued to be Joint Poppy Appeal Organisers for East Grinstead.

Spiritual growth of our church family members was encouraged in 2023 by study courses being offered during Lent and Advent. The Parish followed the Bread of Life Course which was partially filmed here at St Mary’s due to Fr Adam’s involvement of the production of the course as a member of the Editorial Board. During Advent, we followed the Diocesan Advent course.

A screenshot from the Bread of Life Course

During September the parish planned its usual Patronal Festival and beer festival which was a great success, and be read about below.

On the 20[th] November 2023, St Mary’s was joined by Bishop Will, to Confirm 5 of our candidates. Classes were offered, and taken up by the candidates, as well as other members of the congregation, which resulted in a good number of people learning more about their Faith. Fr Adam led the course, and offered seminar style teaching on the seven sacraments of the church.

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Our Christmas Services were very well attended and were spiritually uplifting. These included the return of East Grinstead Concert Band for our ‘Carols around the Oak Tree’ Service, which was attended by around 150 people.

Our crib service was supported by children who attended the Christmas Club, and was attended by over 250 people. This service, along with our Advent Carol Service, and Christmas masses helped us increase our ‘Christmas service’ attendance to pre-pandemic numbers; a very positive achievement.

Carols around the oak Tree

St Mary’s continued to be blessed throughout the year by a loyal choir, choirmaster and organist, as well as dedicated teams of Servers, Sacristans, Welcomers, Readers and Flower arrangers and a small but reliable group who throughout the year regularly clean areas of the church.

Geoff Hempstead, our organist and choirmaster of over 14 years retired in the summer and was presented with gifts and cards in recognition of his years of service.

Andrew Wilson joined St Mary’s later in the year as our Director of Music. We are blessed to have such a talented musician, leading and growing our choir, and enhancing our worship so magnificently.

Geoff is presented with his retirement gifts by Fr Adam and the wardens.

The choir lead a beautiful Advent Carol Service.

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A full nave for Midnight Mass.

3. Young People and Children

St Mary’s Stars Childcare LTD.

2023 saw the establishment of St Mary’s Stars Childcare Ltd, a wraparound childcare club offering before and after-school childcare for the children of our parish school.

Fr Adam was greatly assisted in the development and realisation of this club by Jan Becker. A huge vote of thanks is owed to her for her support and wealth of experience that she was able to offer to Fr Adam. Thanks is due too to Christina, and Su for all their incredibly hard work behind the scenes.

The club began trading in September and has quickly become a success. It is hoped that the club will continue to grow over the coming months and years, in order to support the work of the parish financially, and the school families practically. If you are able to offer help and support by becoming a volunteer, then please do speak to Fr Adam .

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The link with our school has been both maintained and strengthened. collective worship is celebrated together in church each week, and regular school masses are held in church each term. The whole school worship together twice a month in church and KS1 and KS2 alternate in the intervening weeks.

Baby and Toddler Group

The Baby and Toddler Group established here at St Mary’s in September of 2022 continues to grow and meet the needs of local families. This has been a great blessing both for our church community and the wider community of East Grinstead (and further afield). The group now allows us to engage with over 150 families who have, at some time, engaged with the group. The group is offered free of charge as a sign of God’s love for his people.

The group is supported by various helpers and leaders who help with setting up the hall and providing refreshments. A special thank you is due to Jan Becker, Audrey Hadfield, Fr David, Tina Brown and Julie Orton who help by setting up the hall, serving refreshments and producing delicious cakes!

Song time at Baby and Toddler

The Foundation Governors continue to represent the interests of the Church on the Governing Body of the school. Kyle Smith and Fr David act as a Foundation Governors alongside Fr Adam, and members of St Swithun’s congregation

Links between our uniformed organisations have been maintained, and parade services continue. Fr Adam continues to serve as Padre to the Royal Air Force Cadets and Officers from the 1343 East Grinstead Squadron. Our uniformed groups were able to join us for parade services on Mothering Sunday and at our harvest Festival.

The ATC held their annual awards evening in church, and for the first time, a carol service, which was also attended by XIX Squadron. This was a great evening, and the beginning, we hope, of a new tradition.

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ATC Award Evening at St Mary’s

Junior Church continues to teach our children and young people the Faith during our Sunday masses throughout term-time. We thank those hard working people who share the Faith with our young people, and in doing so, prepare the Christian leaders of the future to work with us in Christ’s Vineyard.

In August 2023, St Mary’s was thrilled to host her fourth week-long Summer Club for children. This was led by Fr Adam and a group of volunteers from our church family. Around 30 children spent five days learning the play ‘David and Goliath’, creating the backdrop and props, learning songs and dances, and having lots of fun doing it. This is a huge undertaking, so a special thanks is due to all our adult volunteers who helped put on this fantastic work. The children loved it and the parents and family members who came to watch were very impressed.

Families and friends enjoying pizza together after the summer club play.

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Fr Adam celebrating a teaching mass during the summer club.

Christmas Eve Crib Service

Just before Christmas 2023, St Mary’s again hosted its Christmas Club , which was established in 2018. Around 25 children took part in a morning of craft activities, games and engaging with scripture and drama in preparation for helping Fr Adam lead the Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

4. Community Enrichment, Social and Fundraising

During the year, the church held various events celebrating the Church year alongside promoting national charities fundraising campaigns, as well as drawing various sections of the community together through the use of our church and hall.

Fundraising

Report by Andrew Morris Social and Fundraising Warden

The main thrust of our fund raising in 2023 came from our well-established plant sale, the beer festival and Christmas Fair. Focussing our efforts on doing 3 big things well raised over

Our annual Plant Sale well known throughout East Grinstead netted our biggest total ever, with over £3,500 raised It’s a well-oiled formula nurtured from the seed of an idea into what it is today. Additions over the last few years of an outdoor café and David Garrets Bazaar of unwanted garden paraphernalia means that the plant sale has something to offer for everyone even if it is just to come and sit and enjoy a bacon sarnie.

This year profit was boosted by using donations to buy trays of summer annuals at trade prices which we then marked up. Even at inflated prices the plants were still price competitive and sold like hot cakes. We spent £380 on plants and sold them all making £800. This is something we intend to build on.

This is a lovely event, with broad appeal. Growing, splitting, nurturing plants is a time-consuming exercise and demands love and patience. Thank you to all of our growers because without you we would not have a plant sale. Thank you also to those who help set up and manage the event on the day and to generosity of our congregation enabling us to invest in plants to sell. Long may the St. Mary’s Plant Sale continue.

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Unencumbered by pandemics and national events our beer festival returned to the 2[nd] weekend of September. Despite soaring temperatures threatening to be the hottest September day on record the event went very well raising over £4,400.

We intend to make tweaks and adjustments but we think we have cracked the formula. Supported by the Concert Band in the afternoon and The Uke Band for our evening entertainment punters drank, chatted, danced and had a jolly good time. We even played the rugby through our newly purchased flat screen TV and served half time burgers.

Volunteers at our Beer Festival Revellers soaking up the festival vibe

The event requires a lot of set up and dismantling but we had a strong team meaning we were in a fit state (minus a few hangovers) to host the Patronal festival the day after. Thank you to everyone who made this a great event not just for church but for East Grinstead. It certainly helps put our church on the map.

And a special big thank you goes out to Kyle Smith who sourced, set up purchase agreements and collected kegs from several local breweries dotted around Sussex . The beer selection was excellent.

A family enjoying our wonderful tea-room in church

After trialling a low-key Christmas fair in 2022 we raised the bar in 23. Working in collaboration with our school we put on a great festive show. The south aisle turned into a sophisticated tearoom selling a wonderful array of cakes, tea, coffee and prosecco. Some of our teenage congregational members donned aprons and served the tables whilst the rest of church buzzed with yuletide cheer. Even Father Christmas came to see the children handing out gifts and memorising wish lists.

The event was both hectic, joyous, a wonderful outreach opportunity for church and a great opportunity to unite with our school. We raised over £1,300!

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Social

The Church family gathered again for our new ‘Annual’ Summer BBQ in the Vicarage garden. It was especially good to meet for good food and good company, and build and deepen our relationships as a church family. During the event, Fr Adam asked for pledges towards the expenses of the parish’s biggest fundraiser, the Beer festival. Over £1,000 was raised from people who pledged to “sponsor a barrel”. This was a great success and contributed to record profits at the fundraiser, held later in the year.

Parish BBQ at the vicarage Fr Adam and Kyle cooking up a treat

It was great to be able to come together again as a church family for our Harvest Festival Parade and Lunch in October. It was a lovely Morning and a great social occasion which drew in many new faces as well as our loyal supporters, all to share some wonderful homemade soups made by our Eco- Group.

We carried out the annual distribution of St Mary’s Christmas Cards across the whole parish detailing our Christmas services.

2023 Parish Christmas Card

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All these events contributed towards the growing sense of community around the church. In addition, our church building has continued to be used as a resource for local schools who visit the church as part of their religious education programme. The building has continued to be used for concerts by the local choral society.

5 Fabric – David Garrett Deputy Warden, Fabric.

There have been two major undertakings on the fabric of the Church buildings this year.

In the Church, work has been done to prevent damp, on one of the clerestory windows on the south side of the nave and the neighbouring corbel. In the Hall, there has been some reorganising of the kitchen and new cupboards put in place for extra storage. The works in the Hall have been in part to prepare for the launch of the Children’s School Wrap Around Club.

The general maintenance of the Church and Hall continues throughout the year, with the servicing of equipment and the compliance of such things as fire and safety regulations.

There is no doubt that our Church buildings are now being used more than ever, for worship, meetings and clubs, together with the hiring out of the Hall to the general pubic. Therefore, I am particularly grateful to Linda our Hall cleaner and all the members of our own congregation who volunteer to keep our Church looking clean, tidy and welcoming.”

Financial Review- Mrs Su O’Neill.

Annual Financial Report for 2023

Financial Review

Overview

This report has given you all the wonderful things that St Mary’s has achieved during 2023. Thanks need to go to every single person who has contributed in so many ways, but St Mary’s can only survive financially through the generous giving of all of you (nothing is too small), along with fund raising activities we have done throughout the year. The only external funding we receive is for grant applications on some but not all major repairs. Day to day cost and other repairs are funded by us the church family.

Planned Giving from the congregation is via Standing Order (administered by the Gift Aid Secretary) or the Parish Giving Scheme (administered by PGS) is our main income. We would like to encourage more members to become planned givers if not so already, planned giving continues to be our focus for regular income.

The Diocese a couple of years ago set out what it expects each church to contribute, for a long time we have not been able to meet this and are still paying below what is expected. Please follow this link for an informed explanation of how our parish share funds the wider parish mission and ministry (How does parish share fund parish mission and ministry? - YouTube).

The St Mary’s 100 club currently has 33 members with 56 tickets so space for many more. One ticket is £5 a month. There is a quarterly draw. Half of the income funds the three prizes and the other half of income is used for savings into the R&R fund. Net profit for 2023 was £1,435.52.

Finances

The following pages detail our finances for 2023, please contact the Treasurer (Su O’Neill) if you have any questions regarding anything contained within this report (stmaryschurcheg@gmail.com).

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The total receipts on general unrestricted funds received were £105,153.50. The total receipts on restricted funds were £1,850.64. The total funds received on endowed funds were £6,941.55. Making a grand total of receipts as £113,945.69.

The total expenditure on general unrestricted funds was £122,783.68.

We received a £1,000 grant which was a fund-raising matching scheme from Barclays Bank.

The organ needed repairs and maintenance above the usual twice-yearly service and next year’s accounts will show the withdrawal from the Reserve Ogan Account to fund these repairs.

The amount of Income tax recovered via the PGS (DD giving) was £5,129.13. The amount of Income tax recovered via HMRC (SO giving and misc giving/collection plate) was £5,645.56. Total Gift Aid recovered £10,774.69.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on the general unrestricted funds (excluding property) which equates to approximately two months' worth of unrestricted payments as a contingency against unforeseen situations.

As well as holding the above general reserves, from time to time the PCC receives restricted legacies for expenditure on particular purposes, defined by the donor. We aim to expend such money as soon as possible after receiving the legacy, depending on the specific objectives of the donor. Where we have identified that the specific purpose can only be achieved by delaying the expenditure, we invest the legacy temporarily until such time as the need for expenditure is identified. We received a £1,000 bequest in July.

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Annual Financial Report for 2023 - Statement of Financial Activities

Receipts & Payments 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Endowed
Funds		 Total Total
General
Fund
Funds		 All Funds
2023		 All Funds
2022
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
FROM:		 £ £ £ £ £
Church
Giving 49,427.19 49,427.19 51,433.83
Appeals / Fundraising 13,142.90 13,142.90 12,186.77
Misc Giving 9,303.39 9,303.39 42,661.73
Parish Outings 0.00 0.00 0.00
100 Club 3,142.48 3,142.48 3,131.05
Weddings & Funerals 977.07 977.07 2,331.50
Insurance Claim 777.51 777.51 16,022.00
Hall
Rentals 12,333.37 12,333.37 11,164.00
**Cottage **
Rent 15,600.00 15,600.00 4,700.00
General Reserve 449.59 449.59 249.63
R&R Fund 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Organ 40.13 40.13 14.98
**Cottage ** 422.03 422.03 13.40
Lowdells 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning Trust 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
TOTAL RECEIVED: 105,153.50 1,850.64 6,941.55 113,945.69 150,311.71
EXPENDITURE
Church
Parish Fees/Parish Share 24,624.00 24,624.00 41,731.00
Utilities 11,761.29 11,761.29 9,382.60
Purchases / Supplies 17,697.76 17,697.76 9,854.39
Fund RaisingExpenses 3,195.36 3,195.36 3,047.86
Repairs / Renewal / Fees 17,357.86 17,357.86 18,679.10
CharityAppeals / Payments 1,059.75 1,059.75 148.00
Investments 0.00 0.00
Misc Costs
Other Costs 10,329.47 10,329.47 447.40
Social Evens & Outreach 3,298.50 3,298.50 1,570.14
FlagPole 0.00 0.00 350.34
Lent Banners 0.00 0.00 194.00
Oak Garden 48.00 48.00 133.29
100 Club
Prizes 1,320.00 1,320.00 1,429.00
Licence & Bank Charges 106.00 106.00 83.50

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Receipts & Payments 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Endowed
Funds		 Total Total
General
Fund
Funds		 All Funds
2023		 All Funds
2022
Hall
Utilities 1,247.76 1,247.76 560.01
Repairs / Renewal 3,612.84 3,612.84 4,316.92
Building Work, Decoration & Fit Out 11,361.81 11,361.81 0.00
Cleaning 2,867.10 2,867.10 2,093.71
Hall Supplies & Equipment 692.35 692.35 23.99
Refunds/deposit returns 0.00 0.00 100.00
**Cottage **
Utilities 0.00 0.00 1,884.61
Repairs / Renewal 6,207.73 6,207.73 11,516.10
Mayhews Management Fees 1,497.60 1,497.60 759.40
Other Costs 0.00 0.00 0.00
Vicarage
Utilities / Insurance 4,428.35 4,428.35 3,455.33
Other Costs 70.15 70.15 11.48
TOTAL PAID 122,783.68 0.00 0.00 122,783.68 111,772.17
Reconciliation of funds:
Net Income or (Net Expenditure) -17,630.18 1,850.64 6,941.55 -8,837.99 38,539.54
Transfers Between funds 0.00 -9,000.00 -2,221.91 -11,221.91 38,060.89
Net movements in funds -17,630.18 -7,149.36 4,719.64 -20,059.90 76,600.43
Bank accounts at 1January2023 18,107.03 52,051.35 50,778.95 120,937.33 81,113.00
Bank accounts at 31 December 2023 13,776.85 44,501.99 31,920.50 90,199.34 120,937.33

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Balance Sheet (Assets & Liabilities Statement)

Investment Income -
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities		 Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total all
Funds 2023		 Total all
Funds 2022		 Total all
Funds 2022		 Total all
Funds 2022
General
Funds
ASSETS £ £ £ £ £
Bank Current Account 5,872.53 5,872.53 10,168.78
100 Club 25.32 25.32 308.84
CBF Deposit Funds 7,879.00 44,501.99 31,920.50 84,301.49 110,459.71
Bank and deposit accounts 13,776.85 44,501.99 31,920.50 90,199.34 120,937.33
Other Assets:
S P Lowdell - Investment Fund 13,554.14 13,554.14 11,758.00
W T Lowdell - Investment Fund 2,341.71 2,341.71 2,031.00
StenningTrust - Investment Fund 193,428.58 193,428.58 176,795.05
Investments Assets at Market
Value		 0.00 0.00 209,324.43 209,324.43 190,584.05
Total Assets 13,776.85 44,501.99 241,244.93 299,523.77 311,521.38
LIABILITIES
0.00 200.00
0.00 -20.00
Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 180.00
TOTAL NEW ASSETS 13,776.85 44,501.99 241,244.93 299,523.77 311,341.38

NB: Property valuations of Cottage and Vicarage not included above as these properties are owned by the Diocese

This Financial Report for the year 31[st ] December 2023, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by

........................................................................................................................................

Fr A C Wogan PCC Chairman

........................................................................................................................................

Date

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Notes to the Annual Financial Report

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis.

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities: Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, which require a faculty for disposal.

Analysis of Total Received Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General fund
£ £ £ £ £
Plannedgiving (excl. tax refunds) 35,425.85 35,425.85 34,775.13
Gift Aid - Parish GivingScheme 5,129.13 5,129.13 5,354.10
Gift Aid HMRC Recovered 5,645.56 5,645.56 5,848.98
Loose cash collections 2,036.65 2,036.65 2,162.12
Non-Gift-Aided Donations 6,743.15 6,743.15 3,489.27
Gift-Aided Donations 1,190.00 1,190.00 3,293.50
CharityAppeals 0.00 0.00 0.00
Organ Fund Donation 0.00 0.00 0.00
Grants 1,000.00 1,000.00 26,850.00
Coffee/Refreshments 20.00 20.00 68.60
100 Club 3,142.48 3,142.48 3,131.05
Baby& Toddler donations 90.86 90.86 67.10
Legacy/ Bequests 1,000.00 1,000.00 11,216.39
External CharityAppeals 0.00 0.00 25.00
Insurance Claim 777.51 777.51 16,022.00
Repairs & Restoration Fund 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Lowdells 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning Trust 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
Donations and Legacies 62,201.19 1,388.48 6,941.55 70,531.22 118,706.06
Fees for Weddings & Funerals 977.07 977.07 2,331.50
Total Charitable Activities: 63,178.26 1,388.48 6,941.55 71,508.29 121,037.56
Church Hall Rent 12,333.37 12,333.37 11,164.00
Fundraising 13,142.90 13,142.90 12,161.77
Rent from Cottage 15,600.00 15,600.00 4,700.00
ElectricityRefund 0.00 0.00
Gas Refund 0.00 0.00
Fairtrade Sales 0.00 0.00
Trading Activities 41,076.27 0.00 0.00 41,076.27 28,025.77

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Analysis of Total Received Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General fund
£ £ £ £ £
General Reserve(unrestricted) 449.59 449.59 249.63
R&R Fund(Restricted) 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Organ(Restricted) 40.13 40.13 14.98
Cottage(Restricted) 422.03 422.03 13.40
Lowdells(Endowed) 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning (Endowed) 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
Investments 449.59 1,850.64 6,941.55 9,241.78 6,680.83
Sundry Receipts/Misc Giving 449.38 449.38 970.37
Total Other Receipts 449.38 0.00 0.00 449.38 970.37
Total received on all funds 105,153.50 3,239.12 13,883.10 122,275.72 156,714.53

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Analysis of Total Paid: Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable Costs
Church
Parish Share to Diocese 24,000.00 24,000.00 40,425.00
Parish Fees to Diocese 624.00 624.00 1,306.00
Gas Supply 8,317.35 8,317.35 6,839.44
ElectricitySupply 2,202.00 2,202.00 1,418.00
Water Rates 348.94 348.94 405.16
Organist & Music 2,788.25 2,788.25 2,400.00
Parish Administrator 9,360.00 9,360.00 2,085.00
HMRC Fees 240.68 240.68 3.04
Telephone & Broadband 893.00 893.00 720.00
SacristySupplies 711.87 711.87 1,656.93
Fund RaisingExpenses 2,690.87 2,690.87 2,478.39
Priest Expenses Mileage 544.13 544.13 243.40
Social Events & Outreach 3,298.50 3,298.50 1,570.14
Children's Corner in Church 0.00 0.00 0.00
Costs for Children's summer club 504.49 504.49 569.47
Church Insurance 3,560.75 3,560.75 3,142.90
Piano & Organ Tuning 1,250.40 1,250.40 516.00
Fees & licences 1,291.27 1,291.27 350.80
Subscriptions 703.16 703.16 241.96
Church Equipment 2,265.72 2,265.72 1,376.12
Incidental / Gifts 499.40 499.40 55.00
Parish Outings 0.00 - 0.00 0.00
Fairtradepurchases 0.00 0.00 0.00
FlagPole 0.00 0.00 350.34
Lent Banners 0.00 0.00 194.00
Oak Garden and Gardening 48.00 48.00 133.29
Vicarage Expenses/Office 3,217.81 3,217.81 2,821.01
Vicarage Alarm 70.15 70.15 11.48
Clergy& Incidental Expenses 688.02 688.02 614.08
Church Buildings Repairs &
Maintenance_(misc)_		 7,616.49 7,616.49 11,201.05
Archdeacon's Loan 0.00 0.00
Accounting& Examiner's Fees 250.00 250.00 0.00
Architect Report 1,111.20 1,111.20 2,124.60
Bank Charges 61.99 61.99 82.00
Charitable Giving 1,059.75 1,059.75 148.00
100 Club
Prizes 1,320.00 1,320.00 1,429.00
Licence and bank charges 106.00 106.00 83.50
**Vicarage **
Council Tax 3,981.48 3,981.48 3,070.25
Telephone 0.00 0.00 0.00

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Analysis of Total Paid: Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Water 446.87 446.87 385.08
TOTAL Charitable Costs 86,072.54 0.00 0.00 86,072.54 88,341.68
Trading Costs
Hall
Hall Cleaning (incl. Windows) 2,867.10 2,867.10 2,093.71
Hall Insurance 1,186.92 1,186.92 1,047.64
Hall ElectricitySupply 1,209.00 1,209.00 515.00
Hall Boiler Contract 0.00 0.00 0.00
Hall Water Rates 38.76 38.76 45.01
Hall Repairs & Maintenance 2,425.92 2,425.92 3,269.28
Hall Building, Decoration & Fit Out 11,361.81 11,361.81 0.00
Hall Supplies & Equipment 692.35 692.35 23.99
Hall Refunds/Deposit returns 0.00 0.00 100.00
**Cottage **
Cottage Insurance 494.46 494.46 423.16
Cottage Boiler Contract 0.00 0.00 135.27
Cottage Repairs & Maintenance 5,713.27 5,713.27 10,957.67
ChimneySweep 0.00 0.00 0.00
Water & Council Tax 0.00 0.00 1,884.61
Mayhew 1,497.60 1,497.60 759.40
TOTAL Trading Costs 27,487.19 0.00 0.00 27,487.19 23,308.49
WrapAround Club 9,223.95 9,223.95 67.00
Total Other Payments 9,223.95 0.00 0.00 9,223.95 122.00
Total paid on all funds 122,783.68 0.00 0.00 122,783.68 111,772.17

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Statement of Deposit
Funds
Investment Income		 Balances
B/fwd		 Income Expenses Transfers Balances
C/Fwd		 Balances
C/Fwd
01-Jan-23 31-Dec-23 31-Dec-22
£ £ £ £ £
Endowed Funds:
Lowdells Trust Fund 2,857.19 423.16 0.00 0.00 3,280.35 2,857.19
StenningTrust Fund 47,921.76 6,518.39 -19,300.00 -6,500.00 28,640.15 47,921.76
Total Endowed Funds 50,778.95 6,941.55 -19,300.00 -6,500.00 31,920.50 50,778.95
Restricted Funds:
R& R Fund 50,724.67 1,388.48 0.00 -10,200.00 41,913.15 50,724.67
Organ Fund 1,252.11 40.13 0.00 0.00 1,292.24 1,252.11
Cottage Fund 74.57 422.03 0.00 800.00 1,296.60 74.57
Total Restricted Funds 52,051.35 1,850.64 0.00 -9,400.00 44,501.99 52,051.35
Unrestricted Fund:
General Reserve 7,629.41 449.59 0.00 -200.00 7,879.00 7,629.41
Total Unrestricted Funds 7,629.41 449.59 0.00 -200.00 7,879.00 7,629.41
Total All Funds 110,459.71 9,241.78 -19,300.00 -16,100.00 84,301.49 110,459.71

The Lowdells Trust is a parish Trust Endowed by WT & S P Lowdell, for the benefit of the disadvantaged in the parish. The Trustees are the Vicar & Churchwardens

The Stenning Trust is a parish Trust Endowed by Fanny Augusta Stenning for Education and Mission in the parish. The Custodian Trustee is the Diocese of Chichester, and the Managing Trustees are the Vicar & Churchwardens.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, East Grinstead

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2023

Independent Examiner’s Report

To be attached when received.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary’s East Grinstead

Annual Report

2023

Bishop Will and our confirmation candidates

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023

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CONTENTS

Pages
Annual report 2-13
financial Review 14-15
Statement of financial activities (Receipts & 16-17
Payments)
Balance sheet (Assets & Liabilities Statement) 18
Notes to the annual financial report 19-23
Independent Examiner’s Report 24

St Mary’s Church, East Grinstead

‘Helping our community to know, love and follow Jesus.’

Incumbent: Rev. Adam Charles Wogan BA BTh SSC, St Mary’s Vicarage, Windmill Lane, East Grinstead. RH19 2DS

Independent Examiner: Mrs Claire Harper

Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. ME19 4JQ

Charity Registration Number 1152316

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical

Parish of St Mary’s, East Grinstead - Trustees’

Structure, Governance and Management

St. Mary's Parish covers the northern part of the town of East Grinstead. It is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England. The Church Building, Hall, and Vicarage are located in Windmill Lane. The correspondence address is St Mary's Vicarage, Windmill Lane, East Grinstead RH19 2DS.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:

Incumbent Fr Adam Wogan – Chair Associate Vicar: Fr David Hadfield

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Church Wardens Mr Steve Pond
Deputies Mr David Garrett
Mrs Diane Mead
Mr Andrew Morris
Deanery Synod Representatives Mr David Garrett
Dr Karen Rose
Ms Julie Orton
Elected Members Mrs Wendy Breeze- Safeguarding Officer
Mrs Su O’Neill – Hon Treasurer
Mr Steve Pond – Churchwarden
Mrs Elena Smith
Mr Matthew Bland
Mrs Kathryn Smith
Mrs Moeena Winsor
Dr Karen Rose- Ex Officio
Miss Julie Orton- Ex Officio
Mr David Garrett- Ex Officio

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain exofficio members: The Incumbent and Assistant Curate, the Churchwardens, and members of the Deanery Synod. Up to 12 members of the congregation are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible. There is a Standing Committee, which will meet to deal with any urgent matters on behalf of the PCC.

The PCC appoints working groups when required, to focus on particular aspects of church life.

Mrs Louise Reardon acts as Minute Secretary for PCC meetings.

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of St Mary’s PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in accordance with the traditions of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of working with the Incumbent in sharing in God’s mission to the world, especially within the ecclesiastical parish. This is reflected in its pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical work.

The PCC also has a responsibility for promoting and developing the ethos and work of its church Aided school, which includes nominating suitable candidates to act as Foundation Governors.

The PCC has responsibility for maintaining and promoting the use of its community hall, which is used by various local groups and organisations on a regular basis, as well as providing a well-equipped community facility.

The PCC has ownership of St Mary’s Cottage, (attached to the Vicarage),which is rented out to support the work of the parish Management of the cottage sits with Mayhew’s Property Management. This ensures a professional relationship with the tenants.

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The aims and objectives set out for 2023 were as follows:

We are very pleased to say that progress has been made in these aims:

Clearly our work is not complete, but we can thank God for the progress made so far. It is our hope to build upon this foundation for the coming year.

Achievements and Performance

1. Church Attendance

There are 140 members on the church Electoral Roll, 57 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance (Sundays and weekdays, and excluding school services), was 77 adults and 14 children in 2023.

In addition to worship within the church, clergy regularly visit members of our community who find it difficult to visit St Mary’s and minister to them in their homes.

2. Review of the Year

The full PCC met six times during the year (January, February, May, June, September and November, with an average level of attendance of 80%.

Mailing list

Our Facebook page continues to be a very valuable tool for publicity and evangelism, with regular posts, as well as videos and photos being uploaded. It is proving to be a valuable ‘mission for growth’ tool, enabling us to communicate effectively with those in the church family, as well as those on the fringes of

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our family and crucially to those in our community and parish who we are especially trying to reach out to. We currently have 708 followers on our Facebook page, up from 630 the previous year. Our Mailing List currently reaches 144 people. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email sylvia.stmaryeg@outlook.com

Eco Church – Anne Stone

We have been quite active this year,

We continue to work on maintaining the garden organically and planting for wildlife.

As a personal comment it is encouraging that the church leaders are now actively supporting creation care and involvement in A Rocha’s Eco Scheme, although Chichester is one of the few diocese still investing in fossil fuels.

FSW - Karen West

The Association marches onwards and upwards fulfilling their 5 year plan ahead of schedule despite the many difficulties gaining funding facing charities in general.

Approximately £1000 in household goods and groceries have been distributed by Kelly Hollingdale our Deanery Practitioner to local families. All the Practitioners have lengthy waiting lists for FSW services and are looking forward to having assistants working with them in the near future.

Funds continue to be raised locally. Another uplifting concert at St Swithun's raised £2600, and at St Mary's a coffee morning £275 and a fun packed Beetle Drive £400.

The Deanery Committee also received £432 donation from St Mary's PCC from the Beer Festival proceeds as well as providing a venue for meetings and fundraising events.

This generosity allows the Committee to maximise their fundraising activities.

Thank you for your support and helping us to make a difference!

In addition to supporting FSW, St Mary’s has continued to make various donations towards the below charitable organisations:

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St Mary’s has continued to collaborate with other denominations through events such as the Annual World Day of Prayer , Christian Aid Week , and by having representatives on the East Grinstead’s Street Pastors Team as well as members who volunteer at and/or are trustees to the East Grinstead Foodbank and FSW .

St Mary's has continued to raise funds for the Royal British Legion through their Poppy Appeal . In addition, two members of our church family, Lynda and John Railton, have continued to be Joint Poppy Appeal Organisers for East Grinstead.

Spiritual growth of our church family members was encouraged in 2023 by study courses being offered during Lent and Advent. The Parish followed the Bread of Life Course which was partially filmed here at St Mary’s due to Fr Adam’s involvement of the production of the course as a member of the Editorial Board. During Advent, we followed the Diocesan Advent course.

A screenshot from the Bread of Life Course

During September the parish planned its usual Patronal Festival and beer festival which was a great success, and be read about below.

On the 20[th] November 2023, St Mary’s was joined by Bishop Will, to Confirm 5 of our candidates. Classes were offered, and taken up by the candidates, as well as other members of the congregation, which resulted in a good number of people learning more about their Faith. Fr Adam led the course, and offered seminar style teaching on the seven sacraments of the church.

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Our Christmas Services were very well attended and were spiritually uplifting. These included the return of East Grinstead Concert Band for our ‘Carols around the Oak Tree’ Service, which was attended by around 150 people.

Our crib service was supported by children who attended the Christmas Club, and was attended by over 250 people. This service, along with our Advent Carol Service, and Christmas masses helped us increase our ‘Christmas service’ attendance to pre-pandemic numbers; a very positive achievement.

Carols around the oak Tree

St Mary’s continued to be blessed throughout the year by a loyal choir, choirmaster and organist, as well as dedicated teams of Servers, Sacristans, Welcomers, Readers and Flower arrangers and a small but reliable group who throughout the year regularly clean areas of the church.

Geoff Hempstead, our organist and choirmaster of over 14 years retired in the summer and was presented with gifts and cards in recognition of his years of service.

Andrew Wilson joined St Mary’s later in the year as our Director of Music. We are blessed to have such a talented musician, leading and growing our choir, and enhancing our worship so magnificently.

Geoff is presented with his retirement gifts by Fr Adam and the wardens.

The choir lead a beautiful Advent Carol Service.

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A full nave for Midnight Mass.

3. Young People and Children

St Mary’s Stars Childcare LTD.

2023 saw the establishment of St Mary’s Stars Childcare Ltd, a wraparound childcare club offering before and after-school childcare for the children of our parish school.

Fr Adam was greatly assisted in the development and realisation of this club by Jan Becker. A huge vote of thanks is owed to her for her support and wealth of experience that she was able to offer to Fr Adam. Thanks is due too to Christina, and Su for all their incredibly hard work behind the scenes.

The club began trading in September and has quickly become a success. It is hoped that the club will continue to grow over the coming months and years, in order to support the work of the parish financially, and the school families practically. If you are able to offer help and support by becoming a volunteer, then please do speak to Fr Adam .

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The link with our school has been both maintained and strengthened. collective worship is celebrated together in church each week, and regular school masses are held in church each term. The whole school worship together twice a month in church and KS1 and KS2 alternate in the intervening weeks.

Baby and Toddler Group

The Baby and Toddler Group established here at St Mary’s in September of 2022 continues to grow and meet the needs of local families. This has been a great blessing both for our church community and the wider community of East Grinstead (and further afield). The group now allows us to engage with over 150 families who have, at some time, engaged with the group. The group is offered free of charge as a sign of God’s love for his people.

The group is supported by various helpers and leaders who help with setting up the hall and providing refreshments. A special thank you is due to Jan Becker, Audrey Hadfield, Fr David, Tina Brown and Julie Orton who help by setting up the hall, serving refreshments and producing delicious cakes!

Song time at Baby and Toddler

The Foundation Governors continue to represent the interests of the Church on the Governing Body of the school. Kyle Smith and Fr David act as a Foundation Governors alongside Fr Adam, and members of St Swithun’s congregation

Links between our uniformed organisations have been maintained, and parade services continue. Fr Adam continues to serve as Padre to the Royal Air Force Cadets and Officers from the 1343 East Grinstead Squadron. Our uniformed groups were able to join us for parade services on Mothering Sunday and at our harvest Festival.

The ATC held their annual awards evening in church, and for the first time, a carol service, which was also attended by XIX Squadron. This was a great evening, and the beginning, we hope, of a new tradition.

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ATC Award Evening at St Mary’s

Junior Church continues to teach our children and young people the Faith during our Sunday masses throughout term-time. We thank those hard working people who share the Faith with our young people, and in doing so, prepare the Christian leaders of the future to work with us in Christ’s Vineyard.

In August 2023, St Mary’s was thrilled to host her fourth week-long Summer Club for children. This was led by Fr Adam and a group of volunteers from our church family. Around 30 children spent five days learning the play ‘David and Goliath’, creating the backdrop and props, learning songs and dances, and having lots of fun doing it. This is a huge undertaking, so a special thanks is due to all our adult volunteers who helped put on this fantastic work. The children loved it and the parents and family members who came to watch were very impressed.

Families and friends enjoying pizza together after the summer club play.

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Fr Adam celebrating a teaching mass during the summer club.

Christmas Eve Crib Service

Just before Christmas 2023, St Mary’s again hosted its Christmas Club , which was established in 2018. Around 25 children took part in a morning of craft activities, games and engaging with scripture and drama in preparation for helping Fr Adam lead the Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

4. Community Enrichment, Social and Fundraising

During the year, the church held various events celebrating the Church year alongside promoting national charities fundraising campaigns, as well as drawing various sections of the community together through the use of our church and hall.

Fundraising

Report by Andrew Morris Social and Fundraising Warden

The main thrust of our fund raising in 2023 came from our well-established plant sale, the beer festival and Christmas Fair. Focussing our efforts on doing 3 big things well raised over

Our annual Plant Sale well known throughout East Grinstead netted our biggest total ever, with over £3,500 raised It’s a well-oiled formula nurtured from the seed of an idea into what it is today. Additions over the last few years of an outdoor café and David Garrets Bazaar of unwanted garden paraphernalia means that the plant sale has something to offer for everyone even if it is just to come and sit and enjoy a bacon sarnie.

This year profit was boosted by using donations to buy trays of summer annuals at trade prices which we then marked up. Even at inflated prices the plants were still price competitive and sold like hot cakes. We spent £380 on plants and sold them all making £800. This is something we intend to build on.

This is a lovely event, with broad appeal. Growing, splitting, nurturing plants is a time-consuming exercise and demands love and patience. Thank you to all of our growers because without you we would not have a plant sale. Thank you also to those who help set up and manage the event on the day and to generosity of our congregation enabling us to invest in plants to sell. Long may the St. Mary’s Plant Sale continue.

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Unencumbered by pandemics and national events our beer festival returned to the 2[nd] weekend of September. Despite soaring temperatures threatening to be the hottest September day on record the event went very well raising over £4,400.

We intend to make tweaks and adjustments but we think we have cracked the formula. Supported by the Concert Band in the afternoon and The Uke Band for our evening entertainment punters drank, chatted, danced and had a jolly good time. We even played the rugby through our newly purchased flat screen TV and served half time burgers.

Volunteers at our Beer Festival Revellers soaking up the festival vibe

The event requires a lot of set up and dismantling but we had a strong team meaning we were in a fit state (minus a few hangovers) to host the Patronal festival the day after. Thank you to everyone who made this a great event not just for church but for East Grinstead. It certainly helps put our church on the map.

And a special big thank you goes out to Kyle Smith who sourced, set up purchase agreements and collected kegs from several local breweries dotted around Sussex . The beer selection was excellent.

A family enjoying our wonderful tea-room in church

After trialling a low-key Christmas fair in 2022 we raised the bar in 23. Working in collaboration with our school we put on a great festive show. The south aisle turned into a sophisticated tearoom selling a wonderful array of cakes, tea, coffee and prosecco. Some of our teenage congregational members donned aprons and served the tables whilst the rest of church buzzed with yuletide cheer. Even Father Christmas came to see the children handing out gifts and memorising wish lists.

The event was both hectic, joyous, a wonderful outreach opportunity for church and a great opportunity to unite with our school. We raised over £1,300!

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Social

The Church family gathered again for our new ‘Annual’ Summer BBQ in the Vicarage garden. It was especially good to meet for good food and good company, and build and deepen our relationships as a church family. During the event, Fr Adam asked for pledges towards the expenses of the parish’s biggest fundraiser, the Beer festival. Over £1,000 was raised from people who pledged to “sponsor a barrel”. This was a great success and contributed to record profits at the fundraiser, held later in the year.

Parish BBQ at the vicarage Fr Adam and Kyle cooking up a treat

It was great to be able to come together again as a church family for our Harvest Festival Parade and Lunch in October. It was a lovely Morning and a great social occasion which drew in many new faces as well as our loyal supporters, all to share some wonderful homemade soups made by our Eco- Group.

We carried out the annual distribution of St Mary’s Christmas Cards across the whole parish detailing our Christmas services.

2023 Parish Christmas Card

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All these events contributed towards the growing sense of community around the church. In addition, our church building has continued to be used as a resource for local schools who visit the church as part of their religious education programme. The building has continued to be used for concerts by the local choral society.

5 Fabric – David Garrett Deputy Warden, Fabric.

There have been two major undertakings on the fabric of the Church buildings this year.

In the Church, work has been done to prevent damp, on one of the clerestory windows on the south side of the nave and the neighbouring corbel. In the Hall, there has been some reorganising of the kitchen and new cupboards put in place for extra storage. The works in the Hall have been in part to prepare for the launch of the Children’s School Wrap Around Club.

The general maintenance of the Church and Hall continues throughout the year, with the servicing of equipment and the compliance of such things as fire and safety regulations.

There is no doubt that our Church buildings are now being used more than ever, for worship, meetings and clubs, together with the hiring out of the Hall to the general pubic. Therefore, I am particularly grateful to Linda our Hall cleaner and all the members of our own congregation who volunteer to keep our Church looking clean, tidy and welcoming.”

Financial Review- Mrs Su O’Neill.

Annual Financial Report for 2023

Financial Review

Overview

This report has given you all the wonderful things that St Mary’s has achieved during 2023. Thanks need to go to every single person who has contributed in so many ways, but St Mary’s can only survive financially through the generous giving of all of you (nothing is too small), along with fund raising activities we have done throughout the year. The only external funding we receive is for grant applications on some but not all major repairs. Day to day cost and other repairs are funded by us the church family.

Planned Giving from the congregation is via Standing Order (administered by the Gift Aid Secretary) or the Parish Giving Scheme (administered by PGS) is our main income. We would like to encourage more members to become planned givers if not so already, planned giving continues to be our focus for regular income.

The Diocese a couple of years ago set out what it expects each church to contribute, for a long time we have not been able to meet this and are still paying below what is expected. Please follow this link for an informed explanation of how our parish share funds the wider parish mission and ministry (How does parish share fund parish mission and ministry? - YouTube).

The St Mary’s 100 club currently has 33 members with 56 tickets so space for many more. One ticket is £5 a month. There is a quarterly draw. Half of the income funds the three prizes and the other half of income is used for savings into the R&R fund. Net profit for 2023 was £1,435.52.

Finances

The following pages detail our finances for 2023, please contact the Treasurer (Su O’Neill) if you have any questions regarding anything contained within this report (stmaryschurcheg@gmail.com).

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The total receipts on general unrestricted funds received were £105,153.50. The total receipts on restricted funds were £1,850.64. The total funds received on endowed funds were £6,941.55. Making a grand total of receipts as £113,945.69.

The total expenditure on general unrestricted funds was £122,783.68.

We received a £1,000 grant which was a fund-raising matching scheme from Barclays Bank.

The organ needed repairs and maintenance above the usual twice-yearly service and next year’s accounts will show the withdrawal from the Reserve Ogan Account to fund these repairs.

The amount of Income tax recovered via the PGS (DD giving) was £5,129.13. The amount of Income tax recovered via HMRC (SO giving and misc giving/collection plate) was £5,645.56. Total Gift Aid recovered £10,774.69.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on the general unrestricted funds (excluding property) which equates to approximately two months' worth of unrestricted payments as a contingency against unforeseen situations.

As well as holding the above general reserves, from time to time the PCC receives restricted legacies for expenditure on particular purposes, defined by the donor. We aim to expend such money as soon as possible after receiving the legacy, depending on the specific objectives of the donor. Where we have identified that the specific purpose can only be achieved by delaying the expenditure, we invest the legacy temporarily until such time as the need for expenditure is identified. We received a £1,000 bequest in July.

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Annual Financial Report for 2023 - Statement of Financial Activities

Receipts & Payments 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Endowed
Funds		 Total Total
General
Fund
Funds		 All Funds
2023		 All Funds
2022
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
FROM:		 £ £ £ £ £
Church
Giving 49,427.19 49,427.19 51,433.83
Appeals / Fundraising 13,142.90 13,142.90 12,186.77
Misc Giving 9,303.39 9,303.39 42,661.73
Parish Outings 0.00 0.00 0.00
100 Club 3,142.48 3,142.48 3,131.05
Weddings & Funerals 977.07 977.07 2,331.50
Insurance Claim 777.51 777.51 16,022.00
Hall
Rentals 12,333.37 12,333.37 11,164.00
**Cottage **
Rent 15,600.00 15,600.00 4,700.00
General Reserve 449.59 449.59 249.63
R&R Fund 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Organ 40.13 40.13 14.98
**Cottage ** 422.03 422.03 13.40
Lowdells 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning Trust 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
TOTAL RECEIVED: 105,153.50 1,850.64 6,941.55 113,945.69 150,311.71
EXPENDITURE
Church
Parish Fees/Parish Share 24,624.00 24,624.00 41,731.00
Utilities 11,761.29 11,761.29 9,382.60
Purchases / Supplies 17,697.76 17,697.76 9,854.39
Fund RaisingExpenses 3,195.36 3,195.36 3,047.86
Repairs / Renewal / Fees 17,357.86 17,357.86 18,679.10
CharityAppeals / Payments 1,059.75 1,059.75 148.00
Investments 0.00 0.00
Misc Costs
Other Costs 10,329.47 10,329.47 447.40
Social Evens & Outreach 3,298.50 3,298.50 1,570.14
FlagPole 0.00 0.00 350.34
Lent Banners 0.00 0.00 194.00
Oak Garden 48.00 48.00 133.29
100 Club
Prizes 1,320.00 1,320.00 1,429.00
Licence & Bank Charges 106.00 106.00 83.50

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Receipts & Payments 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Endowed
Funds		 Total Total
General
Fund
Funds		 All Funds
2023		 All Funds
2022
Hall
Utilities 1,247.76 1,247.76 560.01
Repairs / Renewal 3,612.84 3,612.84 4,316.92
Building Work, Decoration & Fit Out 11,361.81 11,361.81 0.00
Cleaning 2,867.10 2,867.10 2,093.71
Hall Supplies & Equipment 692.35 692.35 23.99
Refunds/deposit returns 0.00 0.00 100.00
**Cottage **
Utilities 0.00 0.00 1,884.61
Repairs / Renewal 6,207.73 6,207.73 11,516.10
Mayhews Management Fees 1,497.60 1,497.60 759.40
Other Costs 0.00 0.00 0.00
Vicarage
Utilities / Insurance 4,428.35 4,428.35 3,455.33
Other Costs 70.15 70.15 11.48
TOTAL PAID 122,783.68 0.00 0.00 122,783.68 111,772.17
Reconciliation of funds:
Net Income or (Net Expenditure) -17,630.18 1,850.64 6,941.55 -8,837.99 38,539.54
Transfers Between funds 0.00 -9,000.00 -2,221.91 -11,221.91 38,060.89
Net movements in funds -17,630.18 -7,149.36 4,719.64 -20,059.90 76,600.43
Bank accounts at 1January2023 18,107.03 52,051.35 50,778.95 120,937.33 81,113.00
Bank accounts at 31 December 2023 13,776.85 44,501.99 31,920.50 90,199.34 120,937.33

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Balance Sheet (Assets & Liabilities Statement)

Investment Income -
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities		 Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total all
Funds 2023		 Total all
Funds 2022		 Total all
Funds 2022		 Total all
Funds 2022
General
Funds
ASSETS £ £ £ £ £
Bank Current Account 5,872.53 5,872.53 10,168.78
100 Club 25.32 25.32 308.84
CBF Deposit Funds 7,879.00 44,501.99 31,920.50 84,301.49 110,459.71
Bank and deposit accounts 13,776.85 44,501.99 31,920.50 90,199.34 120,937.33
Other Assets:
S P Lowdell - Investment Fund 13,554.14 13,554.14 11,758.00
W T Lowdell - Investment Fund 2,341.71 2,341.71 2,031.00
StenningTrust - Investment Fund 193,428.58 193,428.58 176,795.05
Investments Assets at Market
Value		 0.00 0.00 209,324.43 209,324.43 190,584.05
Total Assets 13,776.85 44,501.99 241,244.93 299,523.77 311,521.38
LIABILITIES
0.00 200.00
0.00 -20.00
Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 180.00
TOTAL NEW ASSETS 13,776.85 44,501.99 241,244.93 299,523.77 311,341.38

NB: Property valuations of Cottage and Vicarage not included above as these properties are owned by the Diocese

This Financial Report for the year 31[st ] December 2023, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by

........................................................................................................................................

Fr A C Wogan PCC Chairman

........................................................................................................................................

Date

18

Notes to the Annual Financial Report

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis.

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities: Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, which require a faculty for disposal.

Analysis of Total Received Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General fund
£ £ £ £ £
Plannedgiving (excl. tax refunds) 35,425.85 35,425.85 34,775.13
Gift Aid - Parish GivingScheme 5,129.13 5,129.13 5,354.10
Gift Aid HMRC Recovered 5,645.56 5,645.56 5,848.98
Loose cash collections 2,036.65 2,036.65 2,162.12
Non-Gift-Aided Donations 6,743.15 6,743.15 3,489.27
Gift-Aided Donations 1,190.00 1,190.00 3,293.50
CharityAppeals 0.00 0.00 0.00
Organ Fund Donation 0.00 0.00 0.00
Grants 1,000.00 1,000.00 26,850.00
Coffee/Refreshments 20.00 20.00 68.60
100 Club 3,142.48 3,142.48 3,131.05
Baby& Toddler donations 90.86 90.86 67.10
Legacy/ Bequests 1,000.00 1,000.00 11,216.39
External CharityAppeals 0.00 0.00 25.00
Insurance Claim 777.51 777.51 16,022.00
Repairs & Restoration Fund 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Lowdells 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning Trust 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
Donations and Legacies 62,201.19 1,388.48 6,941.55 70,531.22 118,706.06
Fees for Weddings & Funerals 977.07 977.07 2,331.50
Total Charitable Activities: 63,178.26 1,388.48 6,941.55 71,508.29 121,037.56
Church Hall Rent 12,333.37 12,333.37 11,164.00
Fundraising 13,142.90 13,142.90 12,161.77
Rent from Cottage 15,600.00 15,600.00 4,700.00
ElectricityRefund 0.00 0.00
Gas Refund 0.00 0.00
Fairtrade Sales 0.00 0.00
Trading Activities 41,076.27 0.00 0.00 41,076.27 28,025.77

19

Analysis of Total Received Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General fund
£ £ £ £ £
General Reserve(unrestricted) 449.59 449.59 249.63
R&R Fund(Restricted) 1,388.48 1,388.48 64.63
Organ(Restricted) 40.13 40.13 14.98
Cottage(Restricted) 422.03 422.03 13.40
Lowdells(Endowed) 423.16 423.16 469.78
Stenning (Endowed) 6,518.39 6,518.39 5,868.41
Investments 449.59 1,850.64 6,941.55 9,241.78 6,680.83
Sundry Receipts/Misc Giving 449.38 449.38 970.37
Total Other Receipts 449.38 0.00 0.00 449.38 970.37
Total received on all funds 105,153.50 3,239.12 13,883.10 122,275.72 156,714.53

20

Analysis of Total Paid: Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable Costs
Church
Parish Share to Diocese 24,000.00 24,000.00 40,425.00
Parish Fees to Diocese 624.00 624.00 1,306.00
Gas Supply 8,317.35 8,317.35 6,839.44
ElectricitySupply 2,202.00 2,202.00 1,418.00
Water Rates 348.94 348.94 405.16
Organist & Music 2,788.25 2,788.25 2,400.00
Parish Administrator 9,360.00 9,360.00 2,085.00
HMRC Fees 240.68 240.68 3.04
Telephone & Broadband 893.00 893.00 720.00
SacristySupplies 711.87 711.87 1,656.93
Fund RaisingExpenses 2,690.87 2,690.87 2,478.39
Priest Expenses Mileage 544.13 544.13 243.40
Social Events & Outreach 3,298.50 3,298.50 1,570.14
Children's Corner in Church 0.00 0.00 0.00
Costs for Children's summer club 504.49 504.49 569.47
Church Insurance 3,560.75 3,560.75 3,142.90
Piano & Organ Tuning 1,250.40 1,250.40 516.00
Fees & licences 1,291.27 1,291.27 350.80
Subscriptions 703.16 703.16 241.96
Church Equipment 2,265.72 2,265.72 1,376.12
Incidental / Gifts 499.40 499.40 55.00
Parish Outings 0.00 - 0.00 0.00
Fairtradepurchases 0.00 0.00 0.00
FlagPole 0.00 0.00 350.34
Lent Banners 0.00 0.00 194.00
Oak Garden and Gardening 48.00 48.00 133.29
Vicarage Expenses/Office 3,217.81 3,217.81 2,821.01
Vicarage Alarm 70.15 70.15 11.48
Clergy& Incidental Expenses 688.02 688.02 614.08
Church Buildings Repairs &
Maintenance_(misc)_		 7,616.49 7,616.49 11,201.05
Archdeacon's Loan 0.00 0.00
Accounting& Examiner's Fees 250.00 250.00 0.00
Architect Report 1,111.20 1,111.20 2,124.60
Bank Charges 61.99 61.99 82.00
Charitable Giving 1,059.75 1,059.75 148.00
100 Club
Prizes 1,320.00 1,320.00 1,429.00
Licence and bank charges 106.00 106.00 83.50
**Vicarage **
Council Tax 3,981.48 3,981.48 3,070.25
Telephone 0.00 0.00 0.00

21

Analysis of Total Paid: Unrestricted Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Funds		 Total All
Funds 2023		 Total All
Funds 2022
General Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Water 446.87 446.87 385.08
TOTAL Charitable Costs 86,072.54 0.00 0.00 86,072.54 88,341.68
Trading Costs
Hall
Hall Cleaning (incl. Windows) 2,867.10 2,867.10 2,093.71
Hall Insurance 1,186.92 1,186.92 1,047.64
Hall ElectricitySupply 1,209.00 1,209.00 515.00
Hall Boiler Contract 0.00 0.00 0.00
Hall Water Rates 38.76 38.76 45.01
Hall Repairs & Maintenance 2,425.92 2,425.92 3,269.28
Hall Building, Decoration & Fit Out 11,361.81 11,361.81 0.00
Hall Supplies & Equipment 692.35 692.35 23.99
Hall Refunds/Deposit returns 0.00 0.00 100.00
**Cottage **
Cottage Insurance 494.46 494.46 423.16
Cottage Boiler Contract 0.00 0.00 135.27
Cottage Repairs & Maintenance 5,713.27 5,713.27 10,957.67
ChimneySweep 0.00 0.00 0.00
Water & Council Tax 0.00 0.00 1,884.61
Mayhew 1,497.60 1,497.60 759.40
TOTAL Trading Costs 27,487.19 0.00 0.00 27,487.19 23,308.49
WrapAround Club 9,223.95 9,223.95 67.00
Total Other Payments 9,223.95 0.00 0.00 9,223.95 122.00
Total paid on all funds 122,783.68 0.00 0.00 122,783.68 111,772.17

22

Statement of Deposit
Funds
Investment Income		 Balances
B/fwd		 Income Expenses Transfers Balances
C/Fwd		 Balances
C/Fwd
01-Jan-23 31-Dec-23 31-Dec-22
£ £ £ £ £
Endowed Funds:
Lowdells Trust Fund 2,857.19 423.16 0.00 0.00 3,280.35 2,857.19
StenningTrust Fund 47,921.76 6,518.39 -19,300.00 -6,500.00 28,640.15 47,921.76
Total Endowed Funds 50,778.95 6,941.55 -19,300.00 -6,500.00 31,920.50 50,778.95
Restricted Funds:
R& R Fund 50,724.67 1,388.48 0.00 -10,200.00 41,913.15 50,724.67
Organ Fund 1,252.11 40.13 0.00 0.00 1,292.24 1,252.11
Cottage Fund 74.57 422.03 0.00 800.00 1,296.60 74.57
Total Restricted Funds 52,051.35 1,850.64 0.00 -9,400.00 44,501.99 52,051.35
Unrestricted Fund:
General Reserve 7,629.41 449.59 0.00 -200.00 7,879.00 7,629.41
Total Unrestricted Funds 7,629.41 449.59 0.00 -200.00 7,879.00 7,629.41
Total All Funds 110,459.71 9,241.78 -19,300.00 -16,100.00 84,301.49 110,459.71

The Lowdells Trust is a parish Trust Endowed by WT & S P Lowdell, for the benefit of the disadvantaged in the parish. The Trustees are the Vicar & Churchwardens

The Stenning Trust is a parish Trust Endowed by Fanny Augusta Stenning for Education and Mission in the parish. The Custodian Trustee is the Diocese of Chichester, and the Managing Trustees are the Vicar & Churchwardens.

23

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, East Grinstead

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2023

Independent Examiner’s Report

To be attached when received.

24

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, East Grinstead ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2023

Independent Examiner’s Report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, East Grinstead for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: K Donovan Name: Katie Donovan

Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): ACA - ICAEW Address: 1 Sunrays, East Street, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6TZ Date: 14/05/2024