2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Wickham Bishops & Little Braxted

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Parish of Wickham Bishops with Little Braxted

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

AnnualReview/March2022/GSpearman

ANNUAL REPORT for 2021 & AGENDA 2022 Sunday 20th March at 12 noon St. Bartholomew’s Church

Welcome to the Annual Report for 2021

CONTACTS

Once again we’re pleased to present our review of the church year. We hope that you enjoy reading and reflecting on the various reports included. This was another challenging year when some events were unable to take place, but as you will see, committees and groups continued with plans wherever possible and safe once restrictions were lifted. In the second part of the year our congregation was once again able to attend for gathered worship.

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this report.

You will find the Agenda for this year’s Meeting to Elect Churchwardens and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on pages 7— 9

Priest in Charge: Rev. Hilary Le Sève 01621 892867 revhilary:@btinternet.com Associate Priest Rev. Derek Clark 01245 380627 Churchwarden: Graham Wingrove 07398 025442 PCC Secretary: Geraldine Spearman 01621 893180 gspearmanpcc@gmail.com Hall Bookings: Kath Adkins 01621 891143 Kathrynadkins@btinternet.com Church Website: churchinwickhambishops.org.uk Facebook: St. Bartholomew’s Church, Wickham Bishops

ELECTIONS

PCC MEMBERS: There are 4 nominations

Each for 3 years to 2025

. Please see separate sheets for details

INDEX

INDEX
Page	number
Administratve Informaton	4
Church Ofcers	5-6
Meetng to Elect Churchwardens AGENDA	7
Annual Parochial Church Meetng AGENDA	8-9
Chairman’s Report	10-13
Electoral Roll Report	15
PCC Report	16
Safeguarding	17-18
Financial Report	19-20
Appointment of Independent Examiner	21
Deanery Synod Report	22
Fabric Commitee Report	23-25
Worship Commitee Report	26-28
St. Nicholas’ Report	29-31
Pastoral Commitee Report inc. Drop-in	32-33
Community inc. Foodbank, Bowls Club	34-35
Fundraising Commitee inc. Guardians & Open Gdns	36-40
Discipleship inc. WCF, Bible Course, Prayer Group	41-42
Children and Families inc. Messy Church, Edward Bear	43-45
ELECTIONS OF PCC OFFICERS	46

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Parish of St Bartholomew Wickham Bishops with St Nicholas Little Braxted is situated in the Witham Deanery, part of the Diocese of Chelmsford. It has responsibility for two principal places of worship - St Bartholomew's Church, the Parish Church, which is situated in Church Road, Wickham Bishops and St Nicholas Little Braxted now a Chapel of Ease, but licensed for weddings. St Nicholas is situated in Witham Road, Little Braxted.

The correspondence address for both churches is The Rectory, Church Road, Wickham Bishops CM8 3LA Tel. 01621 892867. Information about the churches in Wickham Bishops and Little Braxted is also available at www.churchinwickhambishops.org.uk.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wickham Bishops with Little Braxted is a Registered Charity No. 1159874.

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. A number of Committees are responsible for helping to manage and organise different activities of church life, maintenance and worship.

Objectives and Activities

St Bartholomew Wickham Bishops and St Nicholas Little Braxted Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical issues. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church centre complex of St Bartholomew's Church and Church Hall and St Nicholas Church, Little Braxted.

attending is around 2 yrs old, and the older 3-4 yr olds we used to attract are most likely signed up to nursery (government funds children from the first term after they are 3) as they haven’t had the chance to establish themselves in local groups in the last couple of years. We have a couple of babies and smaller children attending.

The group run a small stall with children’s crafts at the Church Christmas Market. We connected with United In Kind and produced some hand print Christmas decorations that went into kindness gift bags that went to people across Maldon District who were struggling over the festive period. We were pleased to have a Christmas Party at the end of 2021, with Mini Melodies providing entertainment, the children also enjoyed a light lunch and visit and gift from Father Christmas.

So far this year the group have had a tidy out of the toy cupboard and some less used toys gifted to local families, and the children are enjoying new toys procured from some of the money raised by the weekly suggested donation of £1 a child.

Stella Scrivener

PCC MEMBERS AND OTHER OFFICERS

Edward Bear Club

The Edward Bear group runs from 10.00 to 11.30 am on a Monday morning during term time and is open to all babies and pre-schoolers. The session incorporates free playtime with various toys, a craft activity in the hall. We take the group into the Lady Chapel for singing, prayer and the children can explore the church environment searching for a bear. Back in the hall the children listen to a story with a biscuit before more playing and crafting continues. The craft activity and

prayer each week link into the community and church calendar.

Following the lockdown period the group reopened in April 2021 with outside play and bookable places, getting back indoors in May. It was wonderful in July to be back to “normal” and say goodbye to our little bears heading off to school. We also said a sad goodbye to our lovely leaders Ava Quilter and Amecia Wilkins.

New volunteers Stella Scrivener, Leanne Goddard and Adele Joyner have taken on running the group in September. The children attending have been born during the pandemic or spent most of their lives socially distanced. It is great to see them slowly learning social skills, making friends and playing once more. We have noticed that our average child

As at January 2022

Rev. Hilary Le Sève Rev. Derek Clark Graham Wingrove Barry Cousins (to Jan.2022)

Priest in Charge: Associate Priest: Churchwardens:

Members of the PCC: Members of the PCC are the Priest in Charge, Churchwardens, elected representatives, Deanery representatives and any appointed ex-officio members.

Elected Representatves (max 12) as at 18/10/2020:

Spencer Churchill (to 2022) Ruth Johnson (to 2022) Dorothy Kerr (to 2024) Kate Dawson (to 2023) Graham Spearman (2022) John Baker (to 2023)

Lester Firkins (to 2022) Wendy Firkins (to 2024) Lucy Traynor (to 2023) Anne Keatley-Clarke (to 2023) Ruth Keatley-Clarke (to 2023)

Ex-Ofcio: Geraldine Spearman, Secretary Rev. Derek Clark, Associate Priest

Deanery Synod Reps: John Gilbert (to 2024) Christine Bealer (to 2024)

Treasurer: Graham Spearman Safeguarding Officer : Norma Hayward Electoral Roll Officer: Mary Brown Health and Safety : Allan Baker Gift Aid Secretary : John Baker

Deputy Churchwardens: (from 2022 new title ‘Assistant’ Churchwardens) Kath Adkins, Kate Dawson, Lester Firkins,

Wendy Firkins, Dorothy Kerr.

Sidespersons:

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

as at January 2022

Kath Adkins Norma Hayward Anne Keatley-Clarke Sue Clements Kate Dawson Rosie Woodgate Lester Firkins Dorothy Kerr Stuart Parish Wendy Firkins John Kerr John Wratten Francine Cope Geraldine Spearman Dick Yelland Denise Yelland Vivienne Lodge

Vergers: for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

Lester Firkins Wendy Firkins Kate Dawson Tamsyn Clark Dorothy Kerr Kath Adkins Christine Bealer

If you’re interested in becoming a Sidesperson please speak to Dorothy Kerr.

If you would like to become a Verger, please speak to Rev. Hilary.

In addition to Edward Bears and the Youth Group, Messy Church has been meeting again enjoying the annual legendary Bonfire Party at The Rectory (for the 7[th] year!) and the Christingle/ Crib/ Children’s Communion Service at St Nicholas’. The service at St Nicholas’ was memorable attracting new families who had never been in the building and engaging them in a rich variety of activities, prayers and songs.

Messy Church is co-run with volunteers from St Peter’s Great Totham – a lovely opportunity to make new friends keen to share Good News with children and their families. ‘Pop-Up’ Junior Church (10.30am) happens on 2[nd] Sundays of the month when resources are available. Harvest Festival was fun as children from Edward Bears joined in the service and made bug boxes to take home. Unfortunately Covid 19 led to the cancellation of the Nativity service on Christmas Eve for a second year .

All events are promoted on the parish Edward Bears and Messy Church Facebook groups. It is lovely to see families who bring their children for baptism (and those who do not) join in these services and events. Do come along.

Rev. Hilary Le Sève

One of the cribs at St. Nicholas’

THE BIBLE COURSE

Following the very successful “Alpha” courses it was decided to hold a “next step” programme entitled The Bible Course .

Held at the start of 2021, it was an 8 week programme, obviously over ZOOM, and included videos and break-out group discussions. It was led by Rev. Hilary, Graham Spearman and myself.

Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens

20th March 2022 at 12 noon

AGENDA

The technology challenges were overcome with ease and we generally had about 10 – 12 people sign on each week.

In essence it was an exploration of the various books of the Bible and how they fit together. It is safe to say that everyone found something of interest and for many (me in particular) it explained a huge amount about this most important Book that I had never really appreciated.

An excellent exercise which may well be repeated in the future.

Lester Firkins

FRIDAY MORNING PRAYERS

During lockdown, as part of our continuing engagement, we started on-line “Zoom” meetings three times a week (Monday Wednesday and Friday) which was in addition to the streamed Sunday service.

These gave people, on the Zoom platform, the chance to talk to one another and share experiences – as well as having a simple act of on-line worship.

Because several people found this format a helpful way of having a week service, it has continued, albeit just on a Friday.

1. Opening Prayer

2. Apologies for absence

3. Minutes of the last meeting 21st March 2021 (see separate sheet)

4. Election of Churchwardens

*Proposal that the Churchwarden can stand for a further year (in line with the Church Representation Rules)

5. Any other business (notified to the chairman in advance)

The gathering occurs for 40 minutes, starting at 10.15, and against a mail out invitation list of 15 people we regularly have 6 regular attenders.

If you would like to join us, then please write to lesterfrkins@mac.com or 07813919526 and he would be delighted to put you on the invite list

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

DISCIPLESHIP

Sunday 20th March 2022 at 12 noon

Women’s Christian Fellowship:

Welcome

AGENDA

Sadly, like all other clubs, we were unable to meet for most of 2021 and our first meeting was in September, when we had a very informal gathering in the Church Hall for tea, cake and lots of chat.

2. Apologies for absence

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING - held on

Sunday 21st March 2021 by ZOOM (see separate sheets)

In October, John Le Seve came and spoke to us on his Beekeeping journey, from making and siting his hives to collecting the honey. After this talk he also spoke of insect and bee friendly gardens and we were all able to make and take home a "bug hotel".

4 . Matters arising

5. Chairman’s Report

6. Electoral Roll Report

7. Report on the PCC

8. Annual Financial Statements (Separate sheets)

9. Appointment of Independent Examiner

10. Safeguarding Report

11. Report on Deanery Synod

12. Churchwarden’s report on Fabric, Goods and

November brought us a talk by Mrs Wendy McWhirr who showed us her amazing skill in Quilting and Patchwork bringing many examples of her intricate work.

In December members and guests had a delicious Christmas Lunch at Peartree Pantry in Hatfield Peverel. At this meeting our Chairman Liz Hale gave notice of her resignation as she had now moved to Tiptree and we all wished her well along with the gift of a planter filled with spring bulbs.

Sadly not all members felt able to attend due to on-going Covid worries but we all hope that the new year will be a shining light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

WCF meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Church Hall at 2.30 pm. Visitors are always welcome.

Denise Yelland

OPEN GARDENS REFLECTIONS

13. WORSHIP

St. Bartholomew’s, St. Nicholas

On June 13, 2021 residents and visitors alike enjoyed walking through the highways and byways of Wickham Bishops, visiting gardens, with a renewed sense of purpose after a succession of restrictions brought about by Covid had been lifted. Thanks to the contribution of around 100 volunteers, and around 1000 visitors, the village was buzzing with excitement and chatter, with those near the church also enjoying the childhood sounds of the fairground organ.

14. PASTORAL

Including Drop-in

15. COMMUNITY

Foodbank, Bowls Club

16. FUND RAISING AND SOCIAL

The goal was to make this an inclusive event that encouraged as many people as possible to enjoy the day - gardens, scarecrows, rickshaw rides, classic cars, photo and art exhibition, food and drink. From the point of view of community spirit we definitely achieved that, not just with visitor numbers and generous local sponsors but also with volunteers, many of whom have already offered to help next time. The funds raised, including the Garden Festival concert and the linked summer lunchtime. amounted to £16,784 after costs. What a wonderful tribute to the community's hard work and enthusiasm! If you would like to be involved next time, please let us know.

FR&S committee, Guardians, Open Gardens

17. DISCIPLESHIP

Women’s Christian Fellowship, Prayer Group, Bible course

18. FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Edward Bear, Messy Church

19. ELECTIONS

Stewart Adkins stadkins58@gmail.com

See separate sheets for nominees

PCC members 4 nominations

20. AOB / Any matters of urgency

21. Next Meeting — APCM: Sunday 12th March 2023

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

‘ For where your treasure is – there will your heart be also ’ (Matthew 6:21)

Looking back over 2021 we are reminded of the great treasure we have been given in Christ and of our response to that gift as we share that treasure one with another.

Gathering as a worshipping community, we are reminded weekly of the great feast of life and abundance in which we share through the words and actions of Holy Communion. It is however when this is reflected in the wider villages we are here to serve, that we see the fruits of such life. Events of the summer, as regulations from Covid 19 were relaxed, saw us gathering in good numbers to celebrate together - good weather,

gorgeous gardens, ease of company, joyous music making, fabulous food and a long-awaited uplifting of spirits. Of course, I refer to the Scarecrow Festival, Open Gardens Festival, Open Gardens Concert and the wonderfully attended lunchtime concerts (with BBQ!). Open to all, volunteers emerged from across the local community regardless of any tie to the church giving us an opportunity to be together in fresh ways. Thanks must be expressed to the magnificent teams making all this

happen.

Rev. Hilary, John and Jean cooking bacon rolls before one of the Summer Concerts!

Regarding fund raising we have considered a number of functions and currently we have formed a small Organising Committee for the holding of a Platinum Ball to be held at Braxted Park on 4 June to celebrate our Monarch’s reign of 70 years. This has been advertised locally and ticket sales are extremely encouraging. Overall, the Committee feel this serves a dual purpose, one through promoting a community form of celebration and the second finically supporting our two churches.

Other events are planned for the remainder of this year and of course we already have one eye on the Open Gardens festival scheduled for 2023. Excess of income over expenditure for 2021 is £9,202.47.

I would like to thank the Guardians Committee for their commitment, and we are looking forward to continuing our work throughout 2022 and beyond – we have a great team.

Nick Carter

Pauline promoting Guardians at the Christmas Market

If you’d like to join Guardians of the Village Churches, visit the website:

https://www.guardiansofthevillagechurches.co.uk to find out about the various membership options.

GUARDIANS OF THE VILLAGE CHURCHES

Despite the recent difficulties, as a committee, we have not been idle and have sought to plan for the future while maintaining a local presence throughout the past year. For example, we have held regular Committee meetings either virtually or more recently in person.

In addition, we have also been active with community engagements including the organization of a painting competition in conjunction

with the Great Totham Primary School – years 5 and 6 where we asked children to draw our two churches as part of a promotional exercise for the production of a limited range of merchandise. This was a great success with over 20 entries which we reduced to 2 winners, and a number of runners up. The Reverend Hilary Le Seve and I visited the school in November to award certificates and Amazon Vouchers to the children involved. We have used two of the drawings on a range of ceramic and china mugs which we exhibited at the recent Church fayre.

As a further community engagement, we reported on the competition in the Wickham Bishops Parish Magazine (November issue) – with a photograph of the successful finalists.

Postponed events and services for the 900[th] Anniversary of the founding of St Nicholas’ Church in Little Braxted again brought us together to celebrate including county dignitaries and the newly ‘seated’

Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani (Diocesan Bishop of Chelmsford) along with the community for a special service in September. Especial thanks to our church warden of six masterminded it all.

Bishop Guli with the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff outside St. Nicholas’ Church

On a different note, pastorally informal and formal provision

continued as in 2020 with families coming to the churches for services of baptism, marriage and funerals. Reunions after long periods of separation were especially poignant. The Commemoration Service for those who have Died was particularly moving this year as families processed the very challenging circumstances faced as they sought to journey with the terminally ill thorough hospitalisation and separation. Continued one-to-one engagement by the Pastoral Team made up for the suspension of the ‘Drop In’ as we observed guidelines mitigating the impact of the pandemic. With Safeguarding a top priority for our church, we are very thankful to Norma Hayward as Parish Safeguarding Officer

ensuring church officers and volunteers are up to date with their training and documentation.

Families and children have been very much in our thoughts and prayers as households and the local school have continued to juggle the demands of mental well-being, testing, schooling, work and family life. A small team working in this area looks to continued development and growth.

With church as a place of learning, in addition to weekly teaching as part of services, The Bible Course proved a welcome point of exploration using a handbook, group discussions and input through film footage

The five-week course on Living in Love on Faith held in the summer invited us to explore questions about identity, sexuality, relationships, and marriage and what it means to live in love and faith together as a Church – both courses to be repeated should there be the demand.

As ever, the presentation of our buildings has been to a very high standard thanks to the work of volunteer mowers and gardeners, cleaners and maintenance people and the Fabric Committee under the leadership of Churchwarden Graham Wingrove. The churches and the hall at St Bartholomew’s offer excellent venues not just for services but a range of village wide events and it has been good to see the increase in bookings as pandemic regulations diminish. With a new Chair of The Guardians of the Village Churches (GOTVC) we are thankful for the enterprising spirit of the committee and their ability to navigate between the innovative and practical as they seek ways to raise funds to maintain and raise awareness of the two historic church buildings in our care.

Refreshments were served and an informal act of worship was led by Rev Hilary. Although there were fewer young people than usual.

On the Sunday before Christmas the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols took place and our committee served the mulled wine, stollen and mince pies after the service.

Although the pandemic prevented us from holding as many events as usual, with a consequent loss of income, we were grateful to return to some sort of normality during the second half of the year and are happy with what we achieved. Our committee still has a membership of eight, plus Rev. Hilary who attends meetings as and when she can and is very supportive, as are so many others from within the Church family and the wider community. Feedback and suggestions are most welcome; we certainly need some new ideas!

We hope that we will be able to provide a full programme of events in 2022, unhindered by restrictions, and that it will be an enjoyable and successful year.

Kath Adkins

If you’d like to help with organising events like these, or have new ideas to share, we’re always happy to welcome new people on to our committee.

Contact Kath 891143

kathrynadkins@btconnect.com

The Parish Giving Scheme introduced in 2019 has proven to be a game changer as donations to sustain the worshipping life of the parish can now be easily set up online (and inflation proofed) offsetting the fall in

FUND RAISING & Social Events

Our 2021 programme was disrupted, once again, by the global pandemic. However, from June we were able to start holding events, albeit with some restrictions, and we managed to raise £1992.45 which goes towards the everyday running costs of our Church. We also played a significant role in the Open Gardens event in June and the Concert in September which together raised an incredible £16,500. Our contribution to that figure was £780.79 from the provision of refreshments in the Church Hall at the event in June.

A little later in the year we coordinated the Bring and Share Harvest Lunch – a purely social affair – which was quite well attended and offered a splendid variety of dishes. In October we also organised a food themed evening, once again, which we called Autumn Warmers. Even though the traditional British fare was enjoyed by those who attended, the numbers were down on previous years and, consequently, the amount raised (£524) was significantly lower. Perhaps it’s time for a change!

At the end of November we held the Christmas Market in both the Church and the Hall and it was very successful. It was well supported, there was a great atmosphere and it raised a fabulous £1,468.45. it was still an enjoyable and worthwhile evening.

A couple of days later we welcomed a reduced number of uniformed groups into the Church to put their handmade decorations onto the Christmas Tree in the Lady Chapel.

cash offerings during services while in lockdowns. It is of note that in these straightened times parish giving to designated charities was maintained.

Part of the Deanery of Witham, Diocese of Chelmsford and Beacon Hill Churches Together, our church exercises a role beyond the local parish to engender links with neighbouring parishes and ecumenical partners. Ongoing conversations about financial viability and the growth of our churches give space to process thinking and wonder about our direction of travel and growth as we look to the future.

At this APCM on Sunday 20[th] March 2022, time will be set apart to give thanks for all that enables church in our villages to flourish. Individuals will be celebrated in the knowledge that there is much that is given unseen that is deeply woven into the warp and weft of this common life. If you are someone who has stepped up in some way or another to help out, then thank you and we look forward to working together again.

Rev. Hilary Le Sève

At Christmas, Sue, the shop Manager for One Stop used the community fund which was allocated to the store, to donate bags of food from the

shop to the Area Foodbank.

This was delivered together with the church collection to the Braintree Warehouse.

The picture shows Judy, one of the shop staff, with the many bags that were delivered.

The warehouse covers the Witham area as well as Braintree and Halstead. The local centre where people can collect food parcels is based at the Witham Methodist Church in Guithavon Street.

Geraldine Spearman

BOWLS CLUB

The Bowls Club, due to Covid, has had a difficult year and it has not been possible to play every week. Happily, with new members joining we are able to resume our normal playing in the Church Hall on Tuesday afternoons at 2.00 p.m.

New members always welcome, no experience necessary, no competitions, just a fun social afternoon with refreshment all for £3.00. Cindy Baker

COMMUNITY

The village and church community has continued to support the work of the Trussell Trust Foodbank with generous donations of food items during 2021.

Once lockdown was lifted, we were again able to place a collection box back into the church and continue with the collections at One Stop. The Harvest collection of food delivered both to the church and to One Stop was well supported.

Wickham Bishops Nursery also provided bags of items totaling over 13 kgs

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

The Church Electoral Roll has been renewed this year in line with the Church of England regulations.

During the past year three members have sadly died. Six members did not renew this year and there is one new member.

There are 118 people on the 2022 Church Electoral Roll; of these 92 are parishioners who live in the Parish, and 26 non-resident parishioners.

of food .

Foodbanks supply a minimum of 3 days nutritionally balanced, tinned and dried food to families or individuals .

Collections of food bags in the church at the Harvest Service in October

I would like to thank all those on the Electoral Roll for their prompt responses to the requests for renewal /removal - it made the process run very smoothly!!

Mary Brown, Electoral Roll Officer

The Electoral Roll is the register of those who worship regularly at our Churches.

If you would like more information and an application form, please e-mail our Electoral Roll Officer

wblberoll@gmail.com

PCC REPORT

At the 2021 APCM we welcomed back Dorothy Kerr and Wendy Firkins onto the PCC for a further 3 year term of office.

Our Electoral Roll membership entitles our Parish to 12 laity PCC members. In addition the PCC consists of Chairman Rev. Hilary Le Sève, 2 Deanery Synod Representatives and two Churchwardens. The Secretary and Rev. Derek Clark (Associate Priest) both sit on the Council as ex-officio members. The Standing Committee, who meet to discuss upcoming PCC agendas, is made up of the Chairman, Associate Priest, Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and the Pastoral Assistant.

During 2021 the PCC met 6 times and were once again able to hold these in person from July, rather than via Zoom, ensuring that social distancing was adhered to.

Discussions took place on how to manage our services on return to gathered worship. Emphasis was also placed on attracting and encouraging people back to church after the extended lockdowns. A survey to gauge opinions on church life and preferences was compiled for the Parish.

The meeting agendas focus on relevant and significant issues within the life of our two churches, reports from each committee are presented and discussed together with an update from the Treasurer. Items of Good News are always included. During this year, we were also kept up to date with national Church of England Covid guidelines and completed the relevant Risk Assessments.

We are fortunate to have a PCC who bring many gifts and talents. My thanks as always, to Rev. Hilary and the members for their continued support during what has been another challenging year for everyone!

Geraldine Spearman

PCC Secretary

Visiting has been much curtailed this year but the committee has worked very hard, alongside members of the church, to keep in touch by phone with the elderly, isolated, sick and bereaved and anyone needing a little support in these difficult times. A big thank you goes to them all.

We were sorry to say farewell to Mary Rothero when she stepped down as chair of the committee his year. Mary has contributed immensely to the pastoral team over many years and we owe her a huge vote of thanks .

Jayne Jennings

DROP IN

The Drop-In restarted in October 2021 on the second Monday of the month from 2.30pm to 4 pm. Over the 3 sessions to the end of the year there were attendances of 15, 9 and 13.

The December meeting was our Christmas one with delicious finger food, Christmas crackers, Secret Santa presents for everyone, carol singing and much more. It was so good to have a happy time after the difficulties of the previous 18 months.

The Drop In is run with dedication, care and love by a number of people- Christine, Geraldine, Gillian, Hilary, Jan, Jayne, Kath and Sue.

Drop-in members and

helpers enjoying

Christmas tea.

Sue Clements

PASTORAL WORK

“ The committee has worked very hard, alongside members of the church, to keep in touch with the elderly, isolated, sick and bereaved and anyone needing a little support in these difficult times.”

The committee supports the pastoral care in the church and local community. This includes visiting the sick, lonely and bereaved; Drop In sessions, Welcome Packs, Parish Magazine, Services at Little Oaks and Home Communion.

We began the year with a soup lunch followed by an excellent concert arranged by Paul, our organist. There was a very good turn out and everyone enjoyed the delicious homemade soup provided by the committee, before settling down to some wonderful entertainment.

Sadly that was our only social event for the year due to Lockdown. We had hoped to have a coffee morning for all magazine distributors and Welcome Pack deliverers in September but this had to be postponed. However the magazine has continued, albeit sometimes on line only, and we are very grateful to all deliverers for their support during the year. Welcome Packs too continue to be delivered to welcome newcomers to the village.

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Safeguarding checks

The current online system for carrying out safeguarding checks for people working with children and adults in the church, known as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and run by the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) set up in March 2018, is now well established and continues to work well. It is also known as 31:8. Checks now have to be repeated every 3 years instead of 5.

Once an applicant has completed the online form, I have to see evidence of identity and address. After a year of accepting photocopies posted to me or emailed scans of documents because of Covid, I now feel I can see the evidence in person. Once these details have been submitted to 31:8, the result of the check is sent both to the applicant and to me.

Three checks have been carried out in the last 12 months and one renewal. Further renewals are now due.

The Diocese also requires an application form which also asks for references and a confidential declaration to be completed, even if a DBS check is not always possible.

Safeguarding Training

We once again organised the delivery of cyclamen plants to the sick and bereaved at Harvest time and these were much appreciated.

Sadly we have been unable to visit Little Oaks for some time but have kept in touch and look forward to resuming services as soon as possible.

The Church of England continues to put a strong emphasis on safeguarding training, both for those who work with children and with vulnerable adults. The online training is now carried out through the Church of England National Safeguarding Online Training Portal and not the Diocese which means the whole system has changed.

Any member of the congregation may undertake the Basic Awareness and Foundation courses and all PCC members are encouraged to as well as those working with children and adults. For those in leadership roles, a further level of training is required. It is expected that the training will be repeated every 3 years.

The Diocese safeguarding team continue to support parishes especially with safeguarding issues.

The Church of England Parish safeguarding handbook “Promoting a Safer Church” has been adopted by the parish and can be accessed on the Church of England’s Website www.churchofengland.org/ safeguarding .

Norma Hayward

Parish Safeguarding Officer jhaywa@globalnet.co.uk

A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the board in the Church Porch and the hall noticeboard.

Further Safeguarding information is available on the Diocesan Website

https:// www.chelmsford.anglican.org

The service was followed by a buffet reception in a wonderful lakeside setting, courtesy of Kit and Trudy Speakman, where the High Sheriff presented Elsie Rees with a High Sheriff’s Award Certificate marking Elsie’s service and dedication to the community and St Nicholas’ over so many

years.

Also, in September An Evening with Rev Ernest Geldart [aka Dr James

Bettley]; James entered via the Vestry door took his place in the Pulpit and gave a dramatic first person rendering of the life of the former 19c Rector in an atmospheric, candlelit, packed church. Wine and nibbles were enjoyed during the interval before James completed his presentation. A year previously Dr James was interviewed on camera in the church on the same subject which will in time form part of an Archival Film of many of the Commemoration events.

BHCT Songs of Praise was held in October with over 30 folk from the five churches in the Beacon Hill Together Group, enjoying favourite Hymns and songs chosen by a member from each congregation. We enjoyed some light refreshments afterwards. Thank you, Elsie and George, for your favourites and the St Bart’s choir for their welcome support.

An Exhibiton of Home natvity/Crib sets took place

over the Patronal Weekend in December. We had a good number and variety of Nativity sets on display, although few visitors! The weekend also hosted the Patronal Festval combined Eucharist, Messy Church

and Christingle Service complete with Amelia as the Child Bishop. With 20 or so Adults and over a dozen children it was a wonderful occasion marking the end of our Commemorations.

‘A combined effort’: Barry Cousins — edited by S & M Churchill

We await further on the legalities of operating the Corona and whether or not the PCC will want to fund work to comply with the Law subject to a Faculty.

DAY TO DAY CARE

It is with regret that Elsie Rees has had to give up her role as Caretaker/Verger/Sidesperson and unofficial Assistant Churchwarden. Elsie has been involved with St Nicholas’ since being married there in 1959, as a PCC member, PCC Secretary and Churchwarden and continued ‘unappointed’ for the last ten years. Thank you Elsie, for all your dedication over so many years.

We must also express our thanks to Trudy & Kit for taking over daily unlocking on a full-time basis.

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

“2021 was another year of challenges with continuing lockdowns and the resulting limitations on what we could do.”

Coronavirus has continued to have an impact on the Parish Finance General Funds. Collections have recovered somewhat and income from the Parish Giving Scheme has increased. This is as a result of the majority of donors index linking their donations and new members joining. I would encourage everyone to join this scheme which also reduces the workload of the Gift Aid Secretary as well as the Treasurer.

THE 900[th] COMMEMORATIONS 1120-2020

We were able to continue with some of the postponed events marking the founding of St Nicholas’ some 900 years ago with Churchwarden Barry in the Chair:

A few cyclists visited the church, open for the annual Ride and Stride Day while we were preparing for The Celebraton Eucharist with over 65 guests which was held the following day in September, a year later than scheduled. We were honoured that the Bishop Guli, Bishop of Chelmsford presided, just after her inauguration, presenting a plaque of

her Coat of Arms. This compliments the three Coats of Arms of former Bishoprics painted on the wall near the Rector’s desk. Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, H.M. Lord Lieutenant of Essex planted a Yew Tree to mark the occasion, and a near neighbour, Mr Simon Brice DL, High Sheriff for the current year also attended.

Fee income for funerals and weddings has recovered and the Fund Raising and Social Committee were able to hold some events.

With the easing of lockdown, costs increased particularly electricity. Luckily we are on a two year fixed tariff which ends in December 2022. Hopefully the market may have settled by then but clearly there will be a significant increase in cost in 2023.

In 2020 our expenditure from General Funds exceeded income by £4,280 and in 2021 this figure was £1,507.27. So over the two years General Funds have suffered a decrease of £5,787.27.

Despite that we stand in a reasonably sound position with £55,654 in General Funds. However, we need to concentrate on raising more and spending less.

The good news of 2021 was the Gardens Festival and I wish to formally thank Stewart Adkins and his Committee for their vision and hard work. When the Gardens Festival Concert is added in, for which thanks go to Paul Strong, St Bartholomew’s Fabric Fund received £18,878.51.

The St Nicholas Fabric Fund is also in a reasonably good place having benefited from a bequest of £12,000.

I would like to thank John Baker for his most efficient processing of Gift Aid.

We have again met our parish Share in full. The 2022 share is increased by 5.18% to £3,886.57 per month.

I am pleased to report that The Guardians committee has expanded and, as mentioned last year, a significant Fund Raising Event has been planned. Unfortunately, due to Covid this has continued to have to be deferred a number of times and it is now hoped that this can take place in the Autumn. A Ball has also been organized to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This event has limited capacity but interest is at a good level.

With regard to the Parish Charitable giving I should explain that the donations given at the end of each year are based on 10% of our giving income the previous year. So in 2021 the figures were based on 2020 income which was inevitably reduced to Covid lockdowns. Hence those figures are lower this year.

In summary I am pleased to be able to report that our Parish continues to be in a reasonably sound financial situation. But, I must state that there are challenges ahead of us.

The report and full copy of the 2021 accounts are available as Graham Spearman Hon Treasurer a separate document.

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ST NICHOLAS’, LITTLE BRAXTED
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SERVICES

Despite restrictions and regulations dictated by the Pandemic we were pleased that all regular monthly services took place since Easter. In the early part of the year, we like others were without music and singing but were really pleased when Jayne J was allowed to come on board and make the little organ sing for us! Attendance at services was at times depleted with the vagaries of Covid and other illnesses but we still have a faithful few who turn out for the regular services. In addition, there were a couple of Wed-

dings and two funeral services and although no stranger to us we were pleased to formally welcome little Ruby Churchill at her Baptism in November. The annual midweek Carol Service was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid problems, but we did manage to go ahead with the candlelit Midnight Mass.

MAINTENANCE

Some urgent work was

carried out with clearing gutters etc and wood worm infestation treatment by the Churchwardens. We were also delighted when the carved sign ‘Watch and Pray’ was discovered in an outbuilding, renovated, and replaced in its former position over the Porch door. Other remedial work has been carried out with ‘oiling’ of the porch and doors and renovation of the Notice Board. [Thanks Mr & Mrs C] We were also pleased to learn of a substantial legacy from the Estate of the late Roy Tracy, a former Churchwarden. When received, the money will bolster the Fabric Fund and allow further essential work.

have in the village and the generous support the church receives in people’s time and efforts.

It was with sadness that we received in September Paul’s decision to step back from being full-time organist; we are delighted he continues to play on the first Sunday of each month. God is gracious, however; what could have been a real setback became an opening to a new opportunity.

Graham Spearman (perfectly timed retirement) with his experience and knowledge of choral worship stepped up to take on the organisation of the choir and organist arrangements.

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

To examine the year’s accounts for 2021.

The Examiner is appointed on a yearly basis.

They are required to be proposed and seconded and agreed by the members at this meeting.

Our current Examiner is:

In addition to Paul’s talents, we now benefit from the playing of Richard Overill, an experienced organist on second Sundays and Ed Sutton, Musical Director of the Harsnett Choir, a Cathedral trained organist for fourth Sundays and major festivals.

In addition, Ed has brought his extensive musical expertise, repertoire, razor-sharp coaching and irrepressible good humour to the development of the choir – raising standards beyond those which any in the choir would have thought possible. It is somehow fitting and also ironic that the choral year should have both culminated and terminated with the Service of Nine Lessons and ~~Covid~~ Carols on 19[th] December before Omicron took out the Vicar, the organist, half the choir and several leading members of the congregation resulting in the cancellation of services over Christmas. I believe the old saying is “No good deed goes unpunished!”

John Barnes

FCA

(Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants)

If anyone requires information about the Parish Giving Scheme, Graham is happy to advise grstreasurer@protonmail.com

Hopefully 2022 will be a little less disrupted.

John Gilbert

WITHAM DEANERY SYNOD

Our Synod Representatives:

Rev. Hilary Le Seve, Rev. Derek Clark (House of Clergy) John Gilbert, Christine Bealer (House of Laity)

In the Anglican Communion, the model of governance is the ‘Bishop in Synod’, meaning that a diocese is governed by a bishop acting with the advice and consent of representatives of the clergy and elected representatives of the laity of the diocese.

Meetings are chaired by the Rural Dean, Rev. Simon Garwood and a Lay Chair, who is Canon Mike Robinson. Regular business includes updates on the Deanery’s Parish Share commitments, on Mission and Ministry Units, on events and activities taking place within the Parishes. A report of the latest meeting of the General Synod is circulated and a session on a matter of interest.

It is still a meeting that could be a great opportunity for sharing learning and strategies that are working well within our parishes. There are clearly smaller parishes that have been struggling with the pandemic and do not appear to be blessed with the richness of skills and volunteering enjoyed within our own church family and they should be remembered in our prayers.

The Synod has had only one meeting in the last twelve months, the other one scheduled for July 2021 was cancelled at the last minute.

The special session was:

‘Survival and Growth in a post COVID World’ with input from Rev. Canon Phil Ritchie, held in October.

With the disruptions caused by Covid, we have extended access to our services with Facebook Live streaming of the 10am midweek communion and the 10:30am Sunday Services. These are available live on the Facebook page, but can also be accessed for up to a month after the service so anyone can use the service in their own devotions whenever and wherever is appropriate.

Notwithstanding the Covid disruption, this year has been both busy (in a positive way!) and event filled. With the return of choir singing in the Spring, we had a choral Evensong for Ascension Day with liturgy and Paul’s usual inspired choice of music spanning 5 centuries.

Although congregational singing in church took somewhat longer to be allowed, we were able at least to sing our final hymns a Capella outside, which brought a whole new meaning to “graveyard session”. The culmination of the delayed 900[th] anniversary of St Nicholas’ church was a service presided over by Bishop Guli, with the choir in strong voice and a church at capacity.

The contribution of music in the church to the wellbeing of people in the parish was full demonstrated by the attendance and very positive reception of the short series of summer lunchtime concerts organised by Paul Strong and ensemble. This was reinforced with the Open Gardens concert organised by Paul in September, all showcasing the talent that we

Christine Bealer

PARISH WORSHIP

“We are working to develop our worship services to make our church an environment that is welcoming to all ….”

The primary purpose of the Worship Committee to assist the minister in their role in deciding on and leading the services across the year, in both church buildings and in public services where the church has a leading role in organisation. It acts as a means whereby the PCC can discharge its function of “co-operation with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical” in the area of public worship.

The Worship Committee, chaired by the minister, meets on average 3-4 times a year, as needed, to assist in planning the overall pattern of services (the detailed decisions are the minister’s responsibility). It advises and supports in bringing resources and ideas together for specific special services, as God leads us to see opportunities in the Church and our own community calendar. We are working to develop our worship services to make our church an environment that is welcoming to all and where we are encouraged and assisted in coming closer to God and one another.

The Service pattern is now well established, with 8:00 a.m. Communion ably led by Barry Cousins at St Bartholomew’s each Sunday, except 3[rd ] Sundays, when there is a 9:00 a.m. Communion service in traditional form at St Nicholas. The weekly 10:30 am Service at St Bartholomew’s has benefitted

from a variety of churchmanship and formats within a cycle of services as we seek to enable all who come to find something to support their worship.

FABRIC REPORT

“ We are hopeful to press on with the decoration of the remainder of the Church …. when funds become available”

Whilst Covid restrictions continued to a greater and/or leaser degree during the past ecclesiastical year, the upkeep of both St. Bartholomew’s and St. Nicholas Church Buildings and Church Yards, has continued. The Fabric Committee managed just one in person meeting. I am grateful to Ruth Johnson for keeping a log of the jobs that have been done so that the record is complete.

At St. Bartholomew’s

Following the completion of the re-decoration of the Chancel by Bakers of Danbury, the contract was signed off in the spring. As stated last year we are hopeful to press on with the decoration of the remainder of the Church and other things on the wish list. Not least more room at the chancel end of the nave and better access and accommodation for wheel chair users, all depending when funds become available.

The faculty re the phone line for our Broadband connection was granted. However, unfortunately the Open Reach engineer placed the cable to the Vestry in a manner that was not acceptable to the DAC. We were able to get Open Reach back to re-route the cable in the correct location, so all was well in the end. The broadband connection has greatly improved our online offering.

Following the donation of a tipper load of pea shingle from the builders who were working on a new house in Station Road, and in return for the use of our car park, I am grateful to Rick Smith and Richard Sceats

together with his tractor, for their help in spreading the shingle in the car park. It certainly made the job a lot easier and the end result a great improvement. We also took the opportunity of “ topping up” the Church paths as well.

A. James of Saffron Walden came to repair the clock chiming mechanism as it was mis-striking.

In early July the organ discus blower motor failed and had to be rewound. This work was undertaken by Gibbons Engineering of Tollesbury. The organ was kept playable whilst the motor was away for repair by hand blowing the bellows.

Our go-to electrician, Mark Parsley, has upgraded the lighting on the hall

In addition, two Saturday morning working parties were organised, all in accordance with Covid rules. The spring working party being much better supported than the autumn date, but thanks to all those who did come along.

Also thanks to Ruth for providing the customary refreshments.

At St. Nicholas

Woodworm treatment was carried out to vestry, cupboard and furniture to comply with one of the quinquennial urgent requirements.

My colleague, Barry Cousins, also undertook a good deal of general maintenance around the church in preparation for the rearranged 900[th ] anniversary celebrations.

pathway and also replaced the street light sodium bulb and also the various up-lights in the church which had failed.

The customary certifications i.e. fire extinguishers and PAT testing have also been carried out.

The churchyard has been, as usual, well maintained by our volunteer mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters. We are extremely grateful to all of them and to Dick Yelland for organising the annual rota. We are also indebted to John Popham for his work around the Churchyard as our Sexton.

We are always looking for people to help look after the fabric and curtilage of our two historic buildings, particularly St. Nicholas where other quinquennial repairs are still needed to be arranged. So please do let me know if this is something you could help with.

Graham Wingrove

Wickham Bishops & Little Braxted PCC

Registered Charity 1159874

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2021

Page 1

WICKHAM BISHOPS & LIThLE BRAXTED PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 I report to Ihe charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Church Council for the year ended 31 D6cèmber 2021 which are set out on pages 4 to 12. Rg$ponsibllltl8s and basis of rnport As tre charity's trustees you are rosponsible for the preparation of the accounts in acrdance the requirements of th8 Charities Act 2011 ('th8 Act'i. I report in respe of my examinalion of the charity's arKounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I hav6 followéd all the applicab18 Dir8Ctions giv8n by the Charity Commission under section 14515)(b) of the Act. Indopondont examlnefs $ts1oment I have completsd my examination. I conflrm that no matsrial matters have come to my attention in connectlon wth th6 examination giving m8 Cause to believe that in any mat8ri81 r88P8Ct: 1) accounting r8oJrds were not kept in rB8pect of the charlty as required by section 130 of the Ad,. or 2) the accounts do not accord with those records., or 31 the accounts do not comply with the applicable r8qulrements concernlng the fomi and content of accounts set out In the Charities (Accounts and Reports) R8gulation5 2008 other than any r8quirement that the accounts give a 'true end falr vlew. vthlch Is not a matter consldered as part of an Independent examlnation. I hav8 no concems and have come across no other matters in conn8Ction with th8 8xamination to which attention should be drawn in this r8port In order to enabl8 8 proper understanding of th8 accounts to be rga John Barn FCA IndeFendenl Examiner Handel House Ros8lawn FieklB Broomfield Chelmsford CM17GB OL Page 2

Treasurer’s Report

2021 was another year of challenges with continuing lockdowns and the resulting limitations on what we could do. Coronavirus has continued to have an impact on the Parish Finance General Funds. Collections have recovered somewhat and income from the Parish Giving Scheme has increased. This is as a result of the majority of donors index linking their donations and new members joining. I would encourage everyone to join this scheme which also reduces the workload of the Gift Aid Secretary as well as the Treasurer. Fee income for funerals and weddings has recovered and the Fund Raising and Social Committee were able to hold some events.

In 2020 our expenditure from General Funds exceeded income by £4,280 and in 2021 this figure was £1,507.27. So over the two years General Funds have suffered a decrease of £5,787.27.

Despite that we stand in a reasonably sound position with £55,654 in General Funds. However, we need to concentrate on raising more and spending less.

The St Nicholas Fabric Fund is also in a reasonably good place having benefited from a bequest of £12,000.

I would like to thank John Bakerfor his most efficient processing of Gift Aid.

We have again met our parish Share in full. The 2022 share is increased by 5.18% to £3,886.57 per month.

In summary I am pleased to be able to report that our Parish continues to be in a reasonably sound financial situation. But, I must state that there are challenges ahead of us.

Graham Spearman Hon Treasurer 17/01/2022

Page 3

Statement of Financial Activities

	Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds funds total funds
Receipts Planned giving Collections and other giving Other voluntary receipts Gift Aid recovered Other receipts Youth Club Activities for generating funds Investment Income Receipts from church activities Total income Payments Cost of generating funds Missionary and Charitable Giving Parish Share Clergy and Staffing costs Church Running Expenses Youth Club Hall Running Costs Church Repairs & Maintenance Hall Repairs & Maintenance Governance Costs Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains / losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated Guardians Wickham Bishops Deposit Restricted Little Braxted Fabric Fund Wickham Bishops Church Restoration	38,337.08 — — — 38,337.08 34,799.38 2,924.12 — — — 2,924.12 2,557.53 4,537.87 11,480.47 18.60 — 16,036.94 8,224.67 10,013.84 303.75 100.00 — 10,417.59 11,094.06 1,608.76 — 94.20 — 1,702.96 830.68 — — — — — — 14,855.63 — 32,371.96 — 47,227.59 12,627.88 17.64 — 9.32 — 26.96 212.77 8,733.15 — — — 8,733.15 4,636.60
	81,028.09 11,784.22 32,594.08 — 125,406.39 74,983.57 2,219.32 2,747.73 — — 4,967.05 1,360.11 3,900.00 — — — 3,900.00 4,000.00 44,340.12 — — — 44,340.12 43,845.12 5,745.25 — — — 5,745.25 4,143.48 25,295.69 — 929.80 — 26,225.49 17,599.74 — — — — — — 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,914.88 — — — — — 582.49 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00
	83,214.36 5,026.73 929.80 — 89,170.89 124,240.39
	(2,186.27) 6,757.49 31,664.28 — 36,235.50 (49,256.82) 679.00 5,638.11 5,638.11 — 11,955.22 — — (5,638.11) (6,317.11) — (11,955.22) — — — — — — — — — — — — —
	(1,507.27) 6,757.49 30,985.28 — 36,235.50 (49,256.82)
	57,161.60 3,542.76 9,405.27 — 70,109.63 119,366.45
	55,654.33 10,300.25 40,390.55 — 106,345.13 70,109.63 55,654.33 — — — 55,654.33 57,161.60 — 10,300.25 — — 10,300.25 3,542.76 — — — — — — — — 16,840.31 — 16,840.31 4,733.54 — — 23,550.24 — 23,550.24 4,671.73

Page 4

Balance sheet

	Total funds Prior year funds
Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated Guardians Wickham Bishops Deposit Restricted Wickham Bishops Church Restoration Little Braxted Fabric Fund Funds of the church	106,345.13 70,109.63
	106,345.13 70,109.63
	106,345.13 70,109.63
	106,345.13 70,109.63
	106,345.13 70,109.63 55,654.33 57,161.60 10,300.25 3,542.76 — — 23,550.24 4,671.73 16,840.31 4,733.54
	106,345.13 70,109.63

Statement of assets and liabilities

	General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand Bank current account - CAF Cash Account 00022245 - CAF Gold Account - Guardians - CCLA deposit account608143001D - CCLA deposit account Church Restoration - CCLA deposit St Nicholas Fabric - Cash in hand - Totals Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year Loans received - Accounts Payable - Totals Grand total	(13,983.24) (7,189.73) 22,176.78 — 1,003.81 783.39 694.66 36,342.69 (29,030.34) — 8,007.01 9,718.36 30,427.76 37,618.01 (57,061.24) — 10,984.53 11,019.44 (414.00) (42,281.75) 52,996.00 — 10,300.25 3,542.76 48,197.86 — (12,548.46) — 35,649.40 35,630.83 (9,438.24) — 32,988.48 — 23,550.24 4,671.73 (2,632.40) (13,897.71) 33,370.42 — 16,840.31 4,733.54 (0.42) — 10.00 — 9.58 9.58
	52,851.98 10,591.51 42,901.64 — 106,345.13 70,109.63 4,299.00 — (4,299.00) — — — (7,101.35) 291.26 6,810.09 — — —
	(2,802.35) 291.26 2,511.09 — — —
	55,654.33 10,300.25 40,390.55 — 106,345.13 70,109.63

Page 5

Fund movement by type

	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Closing
General - General fund Unrestricted Sub-total for General Guardians - Guardians Designated Sub-total for Guardians CCLA001 - Wickham Bishops Depo Designated Sub-total for CCLA001 CCLA004 - Wickham Bishops Chur Restricted Sub-total for CCLA004 CClA005 - Little Braxted Fabri Restricted Sub-total for CClA005 Grand total	57,161.60 81,028.09 83,214.36 679.00 — 55,654.33
	57,161.60 81,028.09 83,214.36 679.00 — 55,654.33 3,542.76 11,784.22 5,026.73 — — 10,300.25
	3,542.76 11,784.22 5,026.73 — — 10,300.25 — — — — — —
	— — — — — — 4,671.73 18,878.51 — — — 23,550.24
	4,671.73 18,878.51 — — — 23,550.24 4,733.54 13,715.57 929.80 (679.00) — 16,840.31
	4,733.54 13,715.57 929.80 (679.00) — 16,840.31
	70,109.63 125,406.39 89,170.89 — — 106,345.13

Analysis of income and expenditure

					Total
	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	Endowment	This year	Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Planned giving
0110 - Envelopes	1,657.50	—	—	—	1,657.50	3,681.05
0201 - planned giving	36,679.58	—	—	—	36,679.58	31,118.33
Total	38,337.08	—	—	—	38,337.08	34,799.38
Collections and other giving
0301 - collections	2,878.12	—	—	—	2,878.12	2,327.53
0501 - Gift Aid Envelopes	46.00	—	—	—	46.00	230.00
Total	2,924.12	—	—	—	2,924.12	2,557.53
Other voluntary receipts
0302 - Charity Collections	67.61	—	—	—	67.61	154.78
0550 - Other Giving	803.68	—	—	—	803.68	900.00
0551 - Donations	2,202.58	—	18.60	—	2,221.18	1,399.29
0552 - Gemma Fraser	—	—	—	—	—	—
0553 - Flower Fund	—	—	—	—	—	—
0554 - Music Fund	1,464.00	—	—	—	1,464.00	—
0701 - Legacies/Grants	—	—	—	—	—	—
0801 - Recurring grants	—	—	—	—	—	—
08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants	—	—	—	—	—	—
0915 - Roof Repair Appeal	—	—	—	—	—	—
1001 - Guardians	—	11,480.47	—	—	11,480.47	5,770.60
1200 - Alpha Donations	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total	4,537.87	11,480.47	18.60	—	16,036.94	8,224.67

Page 6

Gift Aid recovered 0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid 0602 - Tax Refund - Church Restoration Fund WB 0603 - Tax refund - LB Fabric 0604 - Tax Relief Guardians Total Other receipts 0555 - Resources from Diocese 0901 - Other funds generated 0908 - Braxted Gazebo Hire 1310 - Insurance claims 1320 - Surplus - sales of fixed assets 1401 - Little Braxted General Transfer 1500 - In/Out Total Other receipts - Youth Club 0556 - Youth Club Income Total Activities for generating funds 0909 - Fund Raising - Open Gardens Flower Festi 0910 - Fund Raising 0911 - Braxted Fete Income 0912 - Fund Raising - Golf Day 0913 - Fund Raising - May Ball 0914 - Trading Income 1000 - Friends of Little Braxted 1100 - Fees to Diocese 1240 - Church hall lettings 1250 - Magazine income - advertising 1400 - Little Braxted Fabric Total Investment Income 1020 - Interest - General Fund 1021 - Interest WB Church Restoration Fund 1022 - Interest LB Fabric Fund 1023 - Interest/Dividends Total Receipts from church activities 1101 - Parochial Fees for weddings and funerals 1102 - Gravespoil 1103 - Memorial Book Income 1210 - Greeting Cards sales 1241 - Tea/Coffee 1337 - Drop In Donations Total	10,013.84 — — — 10,013.84 9,636.56 — — 75.00 — 75.00 12.50 — — 25.00 — 25.00 107.50 — 303.75 — — 303.75 1,337.50
	10,013.84 303.75 100.00 — 10,417.59 11,094.06 — — — — — — 276.76 — 94.20 — 370.96 39.01 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,332.00 — — — 1,332.00 791.67
	1,608.76 — 94.20 — 1,702.96 830.68 — — — — — —
	— — — — — — — — 18,797.21 — 18,797.21 210.00 2,364.42 — — — 2,364.42 550.00 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 17.21 — — — 17.21 15.00 — — 13,209.40 — 13,209.40 153.55 3,290.00 — — — 3,290.00 2,739.33 1,400.00 — — — 1,400.00 1,376.00 7,784.00 — — — 7,784.00 6,984.00 — — 365.35 — 365.35 600.00
	14,855.63 — 32,371.96 — 47,227.59 12,627.88 17.64 — — — 17.64 136.96 — — 6.30 — 6.30 19.48 — — 3.02 — 3.02 23.19 — — — — — 33.14
	17.64 — 9.32 — 26.96 212.77 7,415.40 — — — 7,415.40 3,246.00 1,020.00 — — — 1,020.00 715.00 10.00 — — — 10.00 50.00 182.68 — — — 182.68 230.53 105.07 — — — 105.07 124.87 — — — — — 270.20
	8,733.15 — — — 8,733.15 4,636.60
INCOME TOTAL	81,028.09 11,784.22 32,594.08 — 125,406.39 74,983.57

Page 7

EXPENDITURE

Cost of generating funds

1729 - Braxted Gazebo Expenses 1730 - Costs of Fundraising 1731 - Cost of Fundraising - May Ball 1732 - Cost of Fundraising - Braxted Fete 1733 - Costs of Fundraising- Open Gardens 1734 - Guardians expenses 2510 - Greetings Cards costs 2511 - Trading Goods Total Missionary and Charitable Giving 1801 - Charity Donations Total Parish Share 1901 - Parish Share Total Clergy and Staffing costs 1104 - Fees to Diocese 2000 - Locum Costs for re- imbursement 2001 - Other Clergy Expenses 2002 - Gemma Fraser payments 2050 - Wages Honoraria & Support 2101 - Clergy expenses of incumbent 2130 - Rectory expenses Total Church Running Expenses 2003 - Resources from Diocesan Grant 2301 - Insurance - Wickham Bishops 2302 - Insurance - Little Braxted 2330 - Church maintenance WB 2331 - Church Maintenance - LB 2337 - Pastoral Care 2339 - Children & Youth Work 2340 - General Costs 2341 - Flowers for Church 2342 - Upkeep 2343 - Music Fund 2350 - Upkeep of churchyard WB 2351 - Upkeep of Churchyard LB 2360 - Administration 2401 - Church running - Utilities WB 2410 - Church running - Utilities LB 2501 - Magazine expenses 2521 - Tea/Coffee Costs 2602 - Alpha Expenses 3000 - Journal Write Off 4000 - In/Out Total	— — — — — — 84.47 — — — 84.47 96.00 — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,012.61 — — — 2,012.61 200.00 — 2,747.73 — — 2,747.73 825.60 122.24 — — — 122.24 238.51 — — — — — —
	2,219.32 2,747.73 — — 4,967.05 1,360.11 3,900.00 — — — 3,900.00 4,000.00
	3,900.00 — — — 3,900.00 4,000.00 44,340.12 — — — 44,340.12 43,845.12
	44,340.12 — — — 44,340.12 43,845.12 3,277.00 — — — 3,277.00 2,742.33 — — — — — — 454.09 — — — 454.09 325.60 — — — — — — 1,525.00 — — — 1,525.00 655.00 489.16 — — — 489.16 420.55 — — — — — —
	5,745.25 — — — 5,745.25 4,143.48 — — — — — — 2,385.19 — — — 2,385.19 2,322.85 1,038.36 — — — 1,038.36 1,016.49 2,775.06 — — — 2,775.06 975.01 — — 929.80 — 929.80 1,672.94 88.31 — — — 88.31 234.95 162.46 — — — 162.46 — 2,591.34 — — — 2,591.34 2,259.54 97.08 — — — 97.08 26.40 238.00 — — — 238.00 312.00 1,471.98 — — — 1,471.98 78.00 252.68 — — — 252.68 503.00 620.00 — — — 620.00 781.00 605.12 — — — 605.12 625.21 4,914.78 — — — 4,914.78 2,615.97 389.51 — — — 389.51 226.59 5,985.62 — — — 5,985.62 3,377.12 60.20 — — — 60.20 — — — — — — — (30.00) — — — (30.00) — 1,650.00 — — — 1,650.00 572.67
	25,295.69 — 929.80 — 26,225.49 17,599.74

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Church Running Expenses - Youth Club 2338 - Youth Club — — — — — — Total — — — — — — Hall Running Costs 2520 - Hall running costs 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 Total 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 Church Repairs & Maintenance 2701 - Church major repairs - structure — — — — — — 2702 - Church Major Repairs - Structure St Nich — — — — — — 2703 - Guardians Costs — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,569.29 2710 - Church major repairs - installation — — — — — — 2711 - Capital Expenditure — — — — — 345.59 2720 - Church interior and exterior decorating — — — — — — Total — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,914.88 Hall Repairs & Maintenance 2801 - Hall + major repairs - structure — — — — — — 2820 - Hall + major repairs - installation — — — — — 582.49 2830 - Hall + interior and exterior decorating — — — — — — Total — — — — — 582.49 Governance Costs 2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00 Total 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00	Church Running Expenses - Youth Club 2338 - Youth Club — — — — — — Total — — — — — — Hall Running Costs 2520 - Hall running costs 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 Total 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 Church Repairs & Maintenance 2701 - Church major repairs - structure — — — — — — 2702 - Church Major Repairs - Structure St Nich — — — — — — 2703 - Guardians Costs — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,569.29 2710 - Church major repairs - installation — — — — — — 2711 - Capital Expenditure — — — — — 345.59 2720 - Church interior and exterior decorating — — — — — — Total — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,914.88 Hall Repairs & Maintenance 2801 - Hall + major repairs - structure — — — — — — 2820 - Hall + major repairs - installation — — — — — 582.49 2830 - Hall + interior and exterior decorating — — — — — — Total — — — — — 582.49 Governance Costs 2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00 Total 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00
	— — — — — — 1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57
	1,603.98 — — — 1,603.98 1,684.57 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,569.29 — — — — — — — — — — — 345.59 — — — — — —
	— 2,279.00 — — 2,279.00 50,914.88 — — — — — — — — — — — 582.49 — — — — — —
	— — — — — 582.49 110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00
	110.00 — — — 110.00 110.00
EXPENDITURE TOTAL	83,214.36 5,026.73 929.80 — 89,170.89 124,240.39

GRAND TOTAL	(2,186.27) 6,757.49 31,664.28 — 36,235.50 (49,256.82)

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Charitable Donations made 2021:

International

CMS Embrace the Middle East £190 Bansang Education £375 Yomelelani Trust

National

National Churches Trust Remap Christians Aware

Local

Friends of Essex Churches CHESS Replenish UK Dementia Adventure

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WICKHAM BISHOPS & LITTLE BRAXTED P.C.C. ASSETS

ASSETS
General	£ 57,142
Guardians	£ 3,543
St Bartholomew’s Church Restoration Fund	£ 4,669
St. Nicholas Fabric Fund	£ 4,731
Bookstall Stock	£ 708
Estimated Values
Church Hall	£ 500,000
Tables & Chairs	£ 2,000
Kitchen Equipment, Storage Boxes, Urn, Cutlery, Microwave Etc. £ 1,500
Crockery & Glasses	£ 500
Step Ladder	£ 109
Vacuum Cleaners	£ 200
Video/Television, Sound System/Heaters	£ 1,600
Choir Robes	£ 1,500
Lawnmowers	£ 1,250
Strimmer	£ 150
Hedge Trimmer	£ 150
Piano x 2	£ 2,700
Shed x 2	£ 1,500
Projector	£ 430
Floristry equipment	£ 2,000
Dishwasher	£ 1,500
Photocopier	£ 2,500
Mevo Camera	£ 350
WiFi Router	£ 90

This report dated: 17[th] January 2022

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