## **All Saints’ Martock** ## **ANNUAL REPORT 2023 with Financial Review & Statements** _Placing Christ at the Centre of All We Do_ ## **Registered Charity No: 1160333** ## **INTRODUCTION** All Saints’ Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the church building of All Saints’, Martock. When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion, in particular:- - Worship and prayer - Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish - Ensuring that the church building is both an accessible and welcoming environment. ## _**Placing Christ at the Centre of All We Do** – a celebration of all our Church Activities over the past year_ With our sister parishes of the benefice, we share FIVE Mission Objectives. - _1) We aspire to be a growing church, increasing in faith and number_ - _2) We are collectively a ‘both… and’ church, offering the comfort of traditional worship and seeking God’s will for ‘fresh expressions’ in the community_ - _3) We show the love of Christ as individuals by word and action_ - _4) We offer our church building as a place of hospitality and welcome_ - _5) We strive to meet our financial obligations towards the mission of the church locally, across the diocese and worldwide_ 2 **REPORTS 2023** ## **Music** The beginning of 2023 saw us holding a twice-monthly evening service entitled _The Well_ , an informal contemporary worship on the second and fourth Sundays, and which was led by Lydia Kemp and Andy Handcock together with Kathy Maple from MCF. This later moved to once a month and, after Lydia and Steve Kemp moved away in the summer, the music team were augmented by some additional members, including Dave and Hilary Bull and Martin Bradbrooke. In September it was decided that there was opportunity for the worship group, now joined by several singers, to become involved in the morning service on the first Sunday to assist in the inclusion of some more contemporary hymns and worship songs. This has continued with the worship group leading the third hymn and playing some music during the administration of the bread and wine. Finally in 2023, the worship group led the music for the Crib Service. Andy Handcock Our Musical Director, Steve Salisbury, has nothing further to report but continues to play the organ for the majority of our Sunday morning services and other occasions as required. ## **Bell Ringers** We are delighted to have a growing team of dedicated trainee bell-ringers at Martock who have been practicing hard since the beginning of the year with support from other ringers in the Benefice and from David Hammond, the Bath & Wells Educator. It has been an enormous challenge, only achieved by total dedication, will power and concentration. You will hopefully have heard them ringing for the Coronation and more recently before the Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of the month and on some Sunday mornings. The team are still seeking a Tower Captain and would welcome new band members so please get in touch if you might be interested (cozensfona@gmail.com) It is truly a privilege to ring bells cast as far back as 1599 and to highlight the craft of ringing in our community. ## **Children & Young Families** _Tiddlers_ , our toddler and baby group, continued to be run by the dedicated volunteers every Thursday morning in term time for the majority of the year until Hannah Page, our Toddler Group Leader, returned to work after her Maternity Leave in October. A small sensory table and some small world resources were purchased through a kind donation from Martock Charity Shop which have extended our provision to the children and they continue to enjoy playing on the big slide and cooking in the ‘kitchen’! Hannah has once again embraced her 3 role whole heartedly and has planned a variety of bible-themed activities for the children (as well as their parents/carers!) to enjoy every week, along with snack, singing, and bubbles to end the session. Numbers continue to grow which is very encouraging, with between 15 and 20 families attending each week. Many thanks to all the volunteers who help to set up and support _Tiddlers_ every week. It is much appreciated and _Tiddlers_ couldn’t happen without you! Finally, our Crib Service on Christmas Eve was well attended by the community once again and very much enjoyed. Sally Howells ## **Church Flowers** In 2023 All Saints’ Church has been decorated with a beautiful altar pedestal arrangement each week (except during Lent and Advent) by a team of 10 flower arrangers made up of church folk and experienced locals and professionals. The altar arrangements were supplemented by a friendly team who joined in to add more arrangements for the festivals of Easter, Harvest and Christmas, enjoying the company and satisfaction of creating arrangements which everyone visiting All Saints’ church appreciated. We are so grateful to, and wish to thank, all our arrangers and also the helpers who donate foliage and flowers for festivals from their gardens. Thank you! We also wish to thank members of the congregation who donated a white lily in memory of a loved one, at Easter time, which enabled us to create two special memorial arrangements. If you would like to join in with flower arranging, either without any previous experience or as an experienced arranger, a good way to start is to join the team which will arrange flowers in vases and pedestals at festival times. The next festival we will decorate for is Harvest in September or October and the morning spent decorating will be advertised in the weekly sheet. We would love to see you and promise you a warm welcome. Diana Healey, Jane Cockerham, Ann Hall & Suzanne Luxton ## **Discipleship** In the last year we have offered two courses for the whole benefice which have taken place in small groups in people’s homes; “Saints Alive!” and the “SHAPE” course. Both courses were suitable for people at any stage in their Christian journey from those just exploring Christianity to those who have been Christians for decades. These have been led by Rev Alison and Andy Handcock, Sally Howells, Bridget Jones, Rev Richard and Jane Caddell and Rev Paul and Tracy Fillery. Over 30 people took part in each of the courses, mostly from All Saints but also from across the Benefice. “Saints Alive!” is a nurture course consisting of nine sessions and designed to: 4 help people come to faith and become active Christians in the church and the world, help people explore what it means to live the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit, offer participants the opportunity to respond to Christ and experience God’s power at work in their own lives. The SHAPE course ran for five sessions and while generally well received, its composite nature made the material more difficult to follow but ultimately sought to help us to see where we might serve and how the church might identify and encourage the use of the spiritual gifts in its ministry. “SHAPE” stands for: **S** piritual Gifts – those unique gifts which God gives us to help build up the body of Christ and minister to the world **H** eart’s desire – this is what motivates and excites us **A** bilities – our strengths, knowledge and skills **P** ersonality – our character, style, preferences and personal qualities **E** xperiences – our life experiences, both good and bad, which have moulded us into who we are. In both courses the sessions consisted of teaching, reflection and discussion, often with laughter mixed in. There was also material to reflect on in between sessions Rev Richard Caddell ## **Fairtrade** All Saints’ Church is registered with the Fairtrade Foundation as a Fairtrade church. This means that we have promised: 1) to use Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and for all meetings for which we have responsibility; 2) to move forward on using other Fairtrade products (such as sugar, biscuits and fruit); 3) to promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible. Thanks go to Carol for ensuring that our refreshment supplies include fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar. We don’t have a Fairtrade team so if you would be interested in setting one up and helping to promote Fairtrade, please speak to Jane. Please continue to buy Fairtrade items, wherever they are available rather than a cheaper alternative. By doing so, you will be giving a hand-up to the poorest, weakest producers and making a real difference to their lives. Jane Cockerham 5 ## **The Lord’s Larder** Donations to the Lord’s Larder have continued and for this they are grateful. However, due to the general economic situation people are probably not able to donate as much. For several years prior to lockdown we had a monthly rota to deliver to Gateway but now Ann and I go every two or three months with three or four bags. We then enjoy coffee and a teacake in the café! Grace Dunton ## **Martock Educational Foundation** (Trustees Rev Paul Fillery, Marian Singleton, Sally Howells, Kathy Maple) This is a charity set up in 1888 to initially _‘provide houses for the teachers of Martock School or in or towards the maintenance of the school as long as it is maintained by voluntary subscriptions and is used for CofE religious education and for Sunday School prizes, or, if there is no Sunday School, to be applied for instruction and encouragement in religious knowledge’._ - MEF has continued to support Martock Primary school and All Saints’ this year. - All invested capital is now held in Church House Investments, which makes it easier to manage. Church House met us at our AGM and reported on the investments. We have benefited from the slightly higher interest rates. - Pinnacle Accountants have completed a set of audited accounts should HMRC request them. After discussion with Brian Williams, accountant, it was decided that we should have the accounts audited every 2 years going forward as there are relatively few transactions. - _Expenditure in 2023_ - Baptismal bibles - Audited accounts Repair of the Trim Trail on Key Stage 1 playground (MEF paid for this as there was no other funding available and if not repaired would have not been safe to use. All the younger children in the school benefit from the exercise. This used up a considerable amount of our available funds) - Essential work at the school was completed in the summer holidays. This involved repairing drains and replacing all the lighting with LED bulbs. The governors are liable for 10% of the costs. The Trustees have agreed to support these payments which are to spread over 3 years, with some help from governor fund raising. - We still have a vacancy for a trustee. Ideally this would be a foundation governor. Marian Singleton, Chair 6 ## **Martock Primary School church team** The Martock Primary School collective worship team continued to plan and deliver assemblies in Martock Primary School and Ash Primary School on a regular basis in 2023. We work closely with the Headteachers, MCF and URC. Whole school assemblies usually take place on Wednesdays in both schools. Our input as part of this team works out at delivering assemblies once or twice each half term. MCF and URC provide input once or twice a term. There have been some disruptions to this pattern because of unavoidable school issues over the year. We aim to work with the preferred school materials concerning values and using Bible Stories to illustrate the Christian perspective on these values. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are used. During 2023 themes have included Thankfulness, Trust, Forgiveness and Perseverance. We are excited moving forward to be planning ‘Open the Book’ assemblies with the help of other Benefices in our deanery. This will involve increased pupil participation and some dressing up as we present stories from the Old and Testaments. Martock Primary School also come into church at All Saints’ for an end of term service and we assist with the sound, introducing and closing the service with Paul. ## Bridget Jones ## **Martock School Governors** Over the last year Martock Church of England VA Primary School has strived to raise awareness of our shared vision and the values of **Kindness** , **Perseverance** , **Respect** and **Collaboration** . We enjoyed a fantastic vision day where every class took part in celebrating our values, as well as holding class discussions, assemblies and highlighting their importance through everyday tasks. This has benefitted the feeling of community and identity of our school and is providing a strong foundation for every child to flourish. Through various initiatives in and out of class we have raised the importance and enjoyment of reading and how this can enhance all aspects of learning. We have, and continue to use, the OPAL initiative (Outdoor Play and Learning) to ensure that every child has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. We are also using the ‘No Outsiders’ scheme that encourages inclusivity and tolerance of others and prepares our pupils for life as global citizens. We understand the importance of wellbeing and are pleased to know how happy and safe the pupils at Martock School feel. We are extremely proud of how hard our staff are working to develop and deliver a highquality curriculum that will match our pupils needs and interests and continue to raise attainment for all. 7 School admissions continue to show that we attract high numbers of pupils, indicating that the school remains very popular for families. The school PTA have had a very successful year, raising essential funds for the school through a variety of events such as Santa run, discos and reading nights. Funding from the PTA provides access to trips by contributing towards coaches, resources and activities that the pupils have loved. We have been well supported by community donations particularly from the charity shop who have been incredibly generous with their support. The school has benefitted greatly from regular visits from the local churches, providing collective worship which the pupils enjoy. With the help of the Diocese of Bath & Wells we have been able to repair damages to our pipework and drainage and replace all lights with LED equivalence. We have managed to recruit a number of new Foundation Governors in the last year but there are still a few vacancies. Please consider this rewarding role, especially if you care about children and education, are interested in promoting the Christian character and ethos of the school and like a challenge! We are continuing to build on our successes and drive the school forward. We appreciate this is a team effort and want to thank everyone who has contributed to supporting Martock Primary School and all our wonderful children. Andrew Jackson (Chair of Governors) ## **Mothers’ Union (Martock & Ash)** We started the year with Holy Communion and our AGM. Three new members have been welcomed from Huish as their branch closed down. We had speakers for most months and we finished the year with handbell ringers and a Christmas tea. We still knit teddies for baptisms and also send knitting to Ukraine via Ellen and Andrew Howard. Our meetings are held in All Saints’ on the first Tuesday of each month at 2pm, everyone welcome. Martin Bailey, Branch Secretary 8 **Reports by Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council** ## **PCC Members and Trustees** Who have served from January to December 2023 are: Incumbent Readers Revd Paul Fillery (Chair) licenced 27 April 2021 Bridget Jones elected September 2019 Warden 1 Grace Dunton Warden 2 _vacant_ Deputy Wardens _vacant_ Vice Chair Ivan Childs elected April 2021 Deanery Synod Rep Grace Dunton elected April 2023 Deanery Synod Rep Sally Howells elected April 2023 Deanery Synod Rep _vacant_ Diocesan Synod Rep _vacant_ Treasurer Jeremy Hudson from Jan 2023 Secretary Sally Howells from August 2019 Elected Members Carol Ansell elected April 2023 Timothy Booth elected May 2022 Martin Bradbrooke elected April 2023 Alexander Finlayson elected April 2023 Andrew Howard elected October 2020 Ellen Howard co-opted Jan 2023 Sally Howells elected April 2023 Geoff Lucas elected April 2021 Steve Salisbury elected May 2022 Parish Safeguarding Carol Ansell ## **Administrative Information** The church is the second largest parish church in Somerset dating from 13[th] century, although there has been a church on the site since Anglo-Saxon times. It was enlarged and re-roofed in 15[th] and 16[th] centuries. Of special note is the superb angel roof completed in 1513, the 17[th] century clerestory paintings of the 12 apostles and a magnificent organ. The church is situated on Church Street, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6JL, and is part of the Diocese of Bath & Wells within the Church of England. The Benefice Office is housed in the vicarage and the correspondence address is Benefice Office, The Vicarage, 10 Water Street, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6JN. 9 email: benefce.martock@gmail.com webpage: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11008 ## **Benefice Relationships** Our Benefice, in the Diocese of Bath and Wells (Wells Archdeaconry) was formed in April 2014 when Kingsbury Episcopi joined the existing benefice of Martock with Ash. Martock, seven miles west of Yeovil, lies on the edge of the Somerset Levels; Ash is a mile distant from Martock and Kingsbury Episcopi three miles away. There are three churches to serve the three parishes. A strong sense of identity and community exists in each, but ‘Benefice belonging’ has been well established. The Benefice Ministry Team is led by the Vicar of the Benefice. In 2023, this also consisted of one retired clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO), one clergy with Permission to Officiate, one Distinctive Deacon (PTO) , one Lay Reader (PTO) and five Lay Worship Leaders, all of whom function across the Benefice. ## **Churchwarden** During 2023 all servicing and maintenance was carried out on the security alarms, fire extinguishers and heating boiler. John Knight did some electrical work in the bell tower and the annual service was carried out on the clock. Don Reed came to do PAT tests on all electrical goods in the church. The Henry vacuum was found to be faulty so Don took it home and kindly repaired it. On 1 May 2023 the new halo light/heater was installed in the Lady Chapel. As this is my last report as Churchwarden, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me over the years. We have a brilliant team in All Saints, too many to mention by name, who I knew I could rely on in any situation. In particular, I would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to Richard Brisset. In my time as Churchwarden he has always been a reliable source of information and help. We certainly had plenty of exercise climbing 120 steps to the top of the tower, usually to change the flag. During the time of the death of one monarch and the succession of another the flag had to be lowered/raised several times over a period of a few days. As Richard said to me, ‘We octogenarians should not be doing this, Grace’! I have learnt a lot and enjoyed being Churchwarden but it now feels the right time to hand over to the new wardens. I wish them every success and am sure, with your help and encouragement, they too will enjoy the role. Grace Dunton ## **Deanery Synod** 10 We are part of the Ivelchester Deanery, led by our Area Dean, Revd Bruce Faulkner, which serves to support its parishes in their local Mission and Worship through enabling partnership and facilitating the development of and sharing of ministries. Three meetings took place this year with an emphasis on meeting the challenges of both mission and ministry for the coming decade including working towards net carbon zero by 2030. As outlined in last year’s report the financial situation within the Diocese has meant that the number of clergy in the Diocese needed to be reduced and after much consultation the Deanery Mission and Pastoral Group (DMPG) presented their recommendations for new Benefice structures within our Deanery. Two configurations were presented followed by much discussion, comment and emotion within the Deanery. At the Deanery meeting in July, the Acting Archdeacon moved to a vote to welcome and accept the proposals for the Deanery to be made up of the five Benefices as listed below. This was unanimously agreed. - Benefice 1 – Ash, Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock and Muchelney Benefice 2 – Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Montacute, Odcombe, West Chinnock, Middle Chinnock, Norton-sub-Hamdon and Chiselborough - Benefice 3 – Somerton, Kingsdon, The Charltons, Pitney, Long Sutton with Long Load - Benefice 4 – Curry Rivel, Fivehead, Swell. Aller, Huish Episcopi cum Langport, Drayton and High Ham with Low Ham - Benefice 5 – Ilchester with Northover, Limington, Yeovilton with Podimore, Tintinhull, Chilthorne Domer and Yeovil Marsh The proposals were taken to Diocesan Synod in September and agreed and it is a delight to welcome Muchelney to our Benefice! Obviously, it will take time to develop new patterns of ‘being church’ within the new Benefice but support is available from the Diocesan team and positive links have begun to be established. In other news, Bishop Michael made a Deanery visit (in Martock) in November which was well attended. A passage from Isaiah was looked at and discussed, good news from the Deanery was shared and there was an opportunity to ask questions. Our Deanery representatives are Grace Dunton and Sally Howells. Sally Howells ## **Electoral Roll** 11 At the 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting the number on the Roll was 114. Over the course of the year the Roll has decreased by nine. However, thirteen names have been added making a total of 118. Annie Swain ## **Planned Giving** Planned Giving is well supported at All Saints’ Church and since the autumn of 2023 donors have had the option to set up their planned regular giving online, through the Parish Giving Scheme, or by standing order, using the form at the back of church. The online giving can be accessed through the ‘Ways to Give’ QR code from the cards available in all pews or through the Parish Giving Scheme website. Gift Aid claims, including under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme, have been submitted quarterly to HMRC during 2023 by the Gift Aid Secretary. If you are a Gift Aid donor to All Saints’, but no longer pay tax, please contact Jane Cockerham on 824233 to discuss. If you are a new donor to All Saints, we invite you to join our Planned Giving Scheme either using the QR code on the ‘Ways to Give’ cards in the pews, or through the Parish Giving Scheme website or by completing the blue form at the back of church. If you are eligible, please consider completing the Gift Aid section, which will allow All Saints’ to reclaim the tax you have paid on your donations, thereby increasing your gift by 25%. Alternatively, to make a Gift Aid donation, please put your donation in a yellow envelope with your details. If you have any questions relating to planned giving, please feel free to speak to Jane. Jane Cockerham ## **Safeguarding** 12 TRAINING At this present time my training is all up to date. I do attend quarterly zoom meetings for Parish Safeguarding Officers. I have delivered face to face basic safeguarding awareness training, in May and July. I have completed DBS checks when it has been required. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES All policies and procedures are up to date. The safeguarding policy and domestic abuse policy can be found on the safeguarding board at the back of the church. PARISH DASHBOARD I continue to use this very useful tool. It reminds me if something needs to be actioned and when someone needs to renew their training or DBS. SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY On Safeguarding Sunday on Sunday 19 November 2023 we included special prayers for victims of abuse and those people who work to make our churches a safe place, we also sang the safeguarding hymn. If anyone has any concerns and think it may be a safeguarding issue then please contact me, my details are on the safeguarding board. Carol Ansell ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Parochial Church Council’s members/trustees are elected for 3 years at the APCM following the Church Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll which is renewed annually. The PCC activities and responsibilities are supported by the Benefice Ministry Team and other members of the church. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met 6 times during 2023. The PCC is Registered Charity number 1160333. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 13 The Accounts are prepared on an Accruals basis. The total receipts on the unrestricted funds were £84,082, with £18,502 for restricted funds during 2023. The total amounted to £102,583, which was made up of an increase of £9,251 in general funds and an increase of £15,849 in restricted funds during 2023. Total Expenditure amounted to £80,182, an increase of £15,401 on 2022. Our total reserves for year end were £85,766, an increase of £22,339 on 2022. Planned giving decreased by £5,091 on 2022. The contribution towards the Diocesan Common Fund was £34,535, an increase of £677on 2022. Our Parish Share was paid on time and in full again this year. If anyone, who puts cash in the collection plate, or uses the envelope system, would like to change to paying by Standing Order, please do get in touch with Jane Cockerham. It doesn’t mean that you pay any extra by doing it this way, or that the Church can alter the amount at will. It is entirely under your control. It just makes it easier and quicker for all of us. ## **Free Reserves** The free reserves of the PCC are those funds that are freely available to be spent in pursuing the charitable objectives. The Free Reserves of the PCC, at the financial year end were: - ||||**2023**||**2022**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||Total Reserves at 31
December||£85,766||£63,367| ||Less. Restricted Funds||(£23,092)||(£9,882)| ||Free Reserves||£62,674||£53,485| Balances of Accounts in the bank, and in hand, as at 31 December 2023 were: |Lloyds Bank|£34,753|Actual|£52,974| |---|---|---|---| |CCLA Deposit Account|£50,228||£10,000| |TOTAL|£84,981|Actual|£62,974| ## **Reserve Policy** Under Charity Commission rules, we are required to have a policy regarding the amount of funds we hold in our accounts at any one time. It is suggested that this should be sufficient to cover 3-6 months of operation. At a full meeting of All Saints’ Martock PCC, on 7[th] November 2016, it was resolved to set the PCC’s Financial Reserve at £10,000. During 2023 we transferred excess funds of £40,000 from our bank account with Lloyds to CCLA in order to earn extra interest which is being retained in the CCLA to build on our reserves. ## **REGULAR GIVING** 14 The Gift Aid has been claimed quarterly this year. We have received a total of £10,380 this year, compared with £9,387 in 2022. If you give on a regular basis, and pay enough tax to cover the gift and have not already signed a Gift Aid Form please do so, or put the money in a Yellow Gift Aid envelope, and complete the outside. More and more people are unable to Gift Aid their donations, as they do not pay enough tax to cover them. If you no longer pay tax and have signed a Gift Aid Form, please let Jane Cockerham know. ## **FUND RAISING** Thanks to Sally Howells and her team, fundraising has continued. The total raised for the year amounted to a splendid £6,431 (2022 £6,345). Well done Sally and everybody that supported her. ## **CHARITY GIVING** This year we were able to raise money for our Church charities via Lent lunches, the Harvest collection and Christmas services. During the course of the year we raised £1,023.32 which was split equally between Friends of Yeovil Hospital, Food for the Hungry and Christian Response to Eastern Europe and a further £285 was raised for the Tear Fund. We have also continued to support the Lord’s Larder both financially and with regular deliveries of food donated by the parish. ## **Conclusion** This year our Parish share has increased by £677. We have undertaken several projects including new heating in the Lady Chapel and a kitchen refurbishment which have been largely funded through fund raising and grants. Legacies of £11,000 received during the year have helped to produce a surplus of £9,225 in the general fund and £13,212 in restricted funds. However, it should be noted that next year we will face significant challenges with increases in Parish share, insurance and energy costs and a trend of declining revenue from planned giving. Jeremy Hudson Hon Treasurer **Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ending 31 December 2023** 15 All Saint's Church Martock Statement of Financ ial Activities Forthe ear ended 31 December 2023 2023 2022 INCOMING RESOURCES Donations & Lega cies Income from Investments Income f rom Cha ritable ActivitEs 67199 675 15.197 | 82.3961 60.376 675 357 2b 2c 16207 3.305 19.512 16.751 Total Income & Endowments 84082 18,502 102,583 77,484 RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure on Raising Funds Expenditure on Cha rItab￿ Actiwtie5 Other Ex nditure -355 -64.426 3b 75349, -4,833 -80,182 3c Tota I resources e ended 75349 -4,833 -80.182 -64.781 | Net IncomelExpenditurel Transfer5 Between Fund5 Net Movement in funds Funds brou ht forward at l Jan 2023 Funds carried forward at 31 Dec 2023 8732 13,669 -4571 13.212 22.401 9,881 63.366 £23,093 £85,767 22,401 12.703 457 9189 53485 12.702 50,663 63.367 £62.674 16 Al Saint's Church Martock Balance Sheet 2023 2022 Tan ible A5set5 I nve5tments 50228 ioo)o Debtors.. amounts f alliryg the after one year Debtors.. amounts f allirE ckje within one year Cash 3t bankand in hand 181 393 35.579 52.974 Current Assets 86,473 63,367 Credrf(or5'. amount5 fallirE due within one year -706 Net Current A55et5 Current as5et5 less creditors < I ear 85.767 63,367 Total Assets less current liabilfties( fixed assets ￿uS NCAI 85.7 63.367 Creditors.. amounts fallire due after one year Net Assets 85,767 63,367 Restricted Fund5 23,092 62,674 9,882 53,485 GerEral FurKls IUnre5trictedl Reserves 85.7E6 63.367 4 This 15 our Reserve FurKI, as agreed ty the PCC on 7th November 2016 ad(fitio nal funds added to ea rn interest 5 Clock Maintena rKe paid £1054 for 5 year5, in Ja n 2021 7 See Note5 6 for Breakdown of Restricted Fund5 8 The Genera l Funds i nclude5 £18￿00 that ha5 been designated for an upgrade to south door5 to keep tbe heat in: and moiing the axi5ting u'ooden door5 to the outside of the porch. In 2021 the PCC agreed that thi5 should be designated The IVe5t End Fund In 2022 the PCC again redesEnated as Improvements to ￿1 Saints. Fund (designated fuTrJl Thi5 f und now stands at £20370 Approved bythe PCC on 2023 and signed on its beha￿ Revd Paul Fil lery Chair Martock PCC Grace Dunton ChLrch Warden 17 Al Saint's Church Ma rtock Notes to the Accounts ea r ended 310Ècember 2023 For the INCOMING RESOURCES Donations & LÈ8aties Planned Giving CollectlOll5,donatio ns & other giving HMRC Gift Received Legacie5 Non-Rocurring Gra nts Recurring Grants (Guardian51 Clarkes Field Rental 2a 231 2a2 2a3 2a4 235 2a6 237 38.176 IOA84 9%191 I,th)ol 7.721 1.186 2,174 561 9,994 1.282 39362 12,658 iOJ80 10,994 9,003 44A53 6,306 9,387 67.199 15,197 82J96 60,376 Income from Investments 2b Interest & Dividend5 2bl Returned from Sequestration acco uni 2b2 675 ol 675 675 357 650 I,(¥)7 675 Income from charilab￿ actr¥itie5 Parochia I fee5 Magazine IBook5tall sale5 Fund Ra ising Event5 Ash & KE Office Sha red Cost5 2cl 2c2 2c3 2c4 9,255 9255 486 6A31 3340 195 12 6,035 856 6,345 3,514 16,750 3,125 3.340 16,207 3,305 3,305 Totsl Incoming Resources 84.082 18,502 102,583 78,133 231 Some pledges are Restricted to pay towards the Children's Work 2a2 233 £830 was Glft Reclaimèd for restricted funds, including chidrens work. 2cl Thi5 15 the gros5 amount of Fee5 received for the PCC. The Diocese received the Sum of £4080 2c4 Shared Benefice office ex[￿n5@S claimed from KIn￿￿ry & Ash Churches 18 All Salnvs Church Martock Notes to thè Attounts ear ended 31 December2023 Forthe RESOURCES EXPENDED Expendlture on Ralslni Funds Cost of Raisin Funds 3a 3a1 355 355 Expendoture on ChartsbIeActtv￿￿3 Donations/Grants to Charities Mission & EvanRelism Parish Share Clergv Iministeriall Expens Chjrch Running Costs Childrens Work Costs Co-op Fund Ctssts Cosi of Services Employee Costs EKpÈNliturÈ Dn Magaiine & Bookstall Fees 10 the Diocese Routine Reyairs to Charity Cenire Major Repairs to Church Buildings Charity Management & Administfdtion 3b 3bl 3b2 3b3 3b4 -21 33,858 952 34,5351 1,2261 11,985 34,535 1,226 13,328 3b5 3b6 1,343 13,040 26 3b7 3b8 3bg 3blO 3bll 3b12 3b13 4,036 5,249 ol 4,c60 | 724 13,395 1,638 502 5,673 5,751 120 4,080 974 14,495 4,175 7,248 522 2,226 2,301 250 I,ioo 89 75,349 4,833 ,182 64,426 T￿31 Resourtes Expènded 75,349 4,833 ),182 64,781 3b3 The Parish Share was paid in full and on lime again this year 384 Includes incumbeni's e¥penses, phone travel and off ice expences 3b7 We have made payff*nis to our Organist, Mr S Salisbury, as a self employed provider who bècamè a member of the Ffc in April 2017. 3b8 WÈ havè rnadÈ paymènts to Sardh NicholaslLydia Kèmp BènèfitèAdministrator and to Hannah Page of Tithllers 19 1 Sainvs Church Mart Note5 to the Accounts Forthe ear ended 31 DEcember20Z3 UhrÈstridEd De5i£nated Re5trKted Totsl Funds Funds Fund5 12023 Totsl 2022 DEBTOR5 Iniorne tax retO4ErablE other &ebtor5 OGOS F*epayment5 DEBTORS.. DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR | Other eebtor5 Prepayment5 393 Clock maintenance 1054 393 CREfMTOIS: DUE IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR cru315 -72.8 -633 5pcial collectio￿ for charities -706 20 I Salnt's Church M Noies io ihe Accounts For the ear ended 31 Detember 2023 FUNDS Balance blfwd 8al3nce cllwd Income Expenditure Transfer Iunrestrlcted f unds General Fund 5a 53,485 84,082 -75,349 457 62,674 Total unrestricted funds Restrbcied funds Children's Work equest Fabric Fund owÈr Fund FlowerFund Kitchen Refurbishment 4S7 62 674 6a 3,819 2,108 9,994 12 53 5,274 9,994 92 'Gc 6d 224 -254 211 329 108 -75 362 6£ 2,925 1,979 -2,200 -58 5,999 1,37 1 Co-op Donations Clarkes Field rent -550 . Sound system replacement Clock repair New Hymn Books Totsl reMrltted funds 61 -153 271 -118 758 9,881 734 18.501 -1,492 -4,833 -457 23.092 Totsl Funds 63,366 102,583 -80,182 85,766 5a The ge neral fund includes a designated fund Of £17,592 lor Improvements to All Saints, Children's Work- Part of the congregatio n's pledged giving is specifically for the Chi Idren's Work expèndifLJre. as wèll a s Tiddlers Coffee Monèy & Gift Aid From the estate of the late Mrs Wakelv Tower Fund- Funds were donated for the upkeep of the bel Is, clock and the bell tower. Flowèr Fund- funds giftèd for usè by the flowèr arrangÈrs ,loriginally an Annuity whith was cash Èd in in 20141 Donations given to refurbish the Kitchen used for Lunches, Teas, Coffees & Funeral |Refreshments Funds recèived from the Co-op for The Childrens, Work with 'Tiddlers' Clock repairs undertaken to fix (imekeepin 6a 6b 6c 6d 6g 21 Independent Examinerfs Report 2023 min ij Councll I report on tr£ accounts of the trL6t for the year 31 0&￿em￿ 2023 min The chaws trustees coftsk1er that an aLK1it Is rnt r4tstred for thts year under seLtion 144(2} or the c￿FI￿e$ Art 2011 (the 2011 kt) a￿j that an iwel￿t eyBmithn is needgj. It Is my reswn&biltty to examlne the accounts under ￿tiOn 145 of the 2011 A(t, follow the prtt&Ylures laky down in the generdl dIr￿tIOnS g1￿ by the lTrarSty COMMI￿10r￿S wtson 14515)Ib) of the 2011Art; and whether partkuiar matrers have to my attent*)n. My ￿MOre examinaiion was carried in acCOrda￿e with the Gewal L*rect￿5 given ty the Chadty CommiSSio)n. An examinaton IndLNJes a T￿eW ly the accountlw r￿05 kept by the charty and a comparf9)n of the ￿[C￿nts present￿ wrth recoTds. It also ir￿￿d￿ consideTation of ary unusual itEm5 or disdoyjres in the ￿CoUnts, and seeking e%pknations ffom you, as trust*s, corKeming such atters. The prcredures undertaken do mt pmwde all the ￿en￿ that woukl be reqLEir81 in an audfc aTrJ cOrtsequ￿t￿ no opinion is grven as to whether the accounts present a kne aThY fair view- and the ￿rn ￿ limited to those rnatteT5 Set wt in the *ate￿￿￿t bdow. In cC￿nect￿)n th my examlnatK)n Th) mats has c()Te to my attentkn: l. whkh glves me reas(￿￿b￿ ouse to that lft ary materlal rwert the r4Ulreft￿ts: to keep accountirvJ records tn accordarKe writh serlion 130 of the 2011 aTr to prq)are accounts whi(h ￿Cord wrth the acixiuntiThJ reLords th comply with r￿U]r￿rEnts of the 2011 Act aTrJ RegLEL*lons have not been met: or 2. to which, In my oplnton, attentsn should te drawm In order to enable a proper of the accounts to be reached. P.J. ADtA, CGMA Oak Fk)Lse 16, L¢Mer Tun)erS Bam Lare, Yeovil 2JH IIP April 2024 22 ## **PRIEST’S REPORT for APCM 2024** We have many things to thank God for as I reflect on this past year. In a world that is experiencing considerable turmoil, we can be grateful for the many blessings we have experienced as a church family. We have seen some gentle growth in church numbers and the moving forward of several projects which I will mention in this report. Inevitably it is a risky business naming individuals in order to thank them, as one never knows where or when to stop - but that is a risk I must take - so apologies in advance to anyone who misses a mention - know it was not intentional! Tracey and I would like to express our thanks for all your prayers and the practical support and care we have received on her ongoing journey through breast cancer. It has been a tough journey and is not over yet, but we are so grateful for your kindness – thank you all! At the outset, I must thank our wonderful Churchwarden Grace Dunton who has served us again for her final year, despite many pressures upon her time and energies. I am so glad we have found two wonderful replacements for the role of Churchwarden and we owe Grace a huge debt of thanks for her faithful service to All Saints’ Church over many years. My thanks too to our wonderful Administrator Sarah Nicholas who took up the role again after Lydia moved to Bath to be nearer her family. Many congratulations to Lydia and Steve on the birth of Gabriel, it was wonderful to see them all on Easter Sunday. We are so delighted to have Sarah back with us and her knowledge and skill in the role of Administrator is invaluable and such a blessing. Sarah and John, Emily and all the family remain in our prayers in the days ahead. My thanks also, as ever, to all the members of the PCC who have worked so hard throughout the year engaging with numerous challenges and making vital decisions. Special thanks to Sally Howells our indefatigable PCC Secretary for her constant hard work in so many areas of our church life, we owe much to her efforts and dedication. Mention must be made too of Carol Ansell our dedicated Safeguarding Officer who has brought such enthusiasm and efficiency to her role. Her efforts are so much appreciated and her ability to teach the basic level awareness material ‘inperson' has been so much appreciated across the Benefice. Special thanks too to Jeremy Hudson in his role as Treasurer which he executes with huge efficiency and wonderful good humour. I am also grateful to our Leadership Team – Grace Dunton, Bridget Jones, Sally Howells, Andy Handcock, Richard and Jane Caddell and Tracey Fillery for all their prayer and input over the past year. Our collective discussions have been a key factor in discerning God’s will and purpose for us as a church family. ## **Worship and Discipleship** This year has seen the recent addition of Morning Worship - a fresh approach to our service of Morning Prayer with worship being provided by our Worship Group led by Andy Handcock. This time of contemporary liturgy, worship and prayer will hopefully provide an accessible offering to those new to the Anglican church or new to church altogether. With the advent of Morning Worship we have ceased The Well in the hope that this will provide a similar, yet different, offering for those who enjoy that style of worship. The goal in providing such an offering is to offer as wide a range of worship opportunities as possible at All Saints’. We now have our regular BCP Holy 23 Communion; our 9.30 Common Worship Holy Communion and Morning Worship along with our reflective service Still Waters. We hope everyone will to be able to find a context in which to worship and encounter God. My thanks too to all involved in leading our worship on Sundays at All Saints’: Rev Richard, Bridget, Sally and Grace. It has been a joy to welcome the Rev Ben Rundell-Evans to our team and his ministry has been much appreciated throughout the Benefice. My thanks to all our readers, intercessors, sides-people and welcomers - not forgetting all who make tea and coffee after our services - thank you all. My thanks too to Steve Salisbury for his input and guidance throughout the year in all matters concerning our worship and ongoing ministry of music. After completing the SHAPE course looking at our spiritual gifts and how we might use them for God’s glory – we continued our home-group study with The Prayer Course which was very much appreciated by all who went through it. A special thank you to Rev Richard Caddell and Jane for heading-up the organising of our courses and home-groups. ## **Finances** Our finances are in reasonable shape but we are now on a new rate for our gas supply which will have an impact upon our finances in the days to come. In addition, we have lost one or two generous givers which always has a negative effect on finances. My thanks to all who give regularly, generously and sacrificially we are so very grateful. I would urge any who haven’t signed up to regular Gift-Aided giving to speak to Jane Cockerham or Jeremy Hudson about doing so. My special thanks to Jane for all her hard work on our Gift-Aid donations and for her other significant efforts in many areas of our church life! ## **All Saints’ Church building** This year has seen the moving forward of the kitchen re-fit which is now complete and the central island will be fitted in early June - completing a long journey to providing an efficient and workable space for making and serving refreshments of all kinds. Carpets have been cleaned and we have tidied and sorted the St Thomas Chapel and provided a lovely Prayer Tree in memory of Ann Manners – we hope the space will be more and more used for private prayer and contemplation in the days to come. My thanks to the Guardians and their ongoing work of fund-raising for the fabric of our church building. We are so grateful to all who put on the concerts and expend time and energy in planning and executing an ongoing programme of fund-raising events. I must also mention the ongoing efforts of Sally Howells who continues, along with Bridget and others, to run our church stall at the Farmer’s Market - this has provided thousands of pounds over the years that it has been in operation and we are so grateful to Sally and her team for keeping this going. We still need to pursue the wider issue of how we heat our church building in the future. The halo heater will provide some very useful ‘lived experience’ for us and we continue to reflect upon that option for the whole church. Gas prices are increasingly prohibitive and environmentally our use of gas cannot be reconciled with the Church of England’s zero-carbon objectives. 24 ## **Tiddlers** I am delighted that Tiddlers continued so well during the absence of Hannah our toddler-group leader who was on maternity leave. My thanks to Sally, Pauline and Carol and the rest of the team who have kept this vital link with local families going. It has been a joy to welcome Hannah back and Tiddlers is growing and thriving under the efforts of the whole team. We have a dedicated group of ‘regulars’ who really enjoy the company and care that Tiddlers provides. A special thank you to the gentlemen who come faithfully each week early in the day to set-up for the morning session. ## **Martock Primary School** I am so glad that we have a meaningful and ongoing relationship with our local church school. I meet regularly with Sarah Lafferty-Jenkins the Head Teacher and the school have attended church for services on various occasions in the year as well as having a specific session of being shown around the church by me. In addition, Sally and Bridget take school assemblies throughout the year. This year we hope to start presenting Open the Book in our two schools which I know will be warmly and enthusiastically received once we start. My thanks to both Sally and Bridget for keeping these vital interactions with our school alive and well! ## **Bell-ringers** A huge well done to our now dedicated team of bell-ringers who have grown massively in skill over the past year. Their hard work and efforts have shone through and it is a joy to hear the bells rung on Tuesday practice and now on some Sundays and special occasions. My thanks to David Hammond for coming over to train them and to the other bell-towers in the Benefice who are also supporting our training programme. Well done to Fiona and all the new team for working so hard and moving forward together so well. ## **Final thanks** There are so many tasks that make life so much better for so many and yet can be overlooked when it comes to saying a simple ‘thank you’. Our church is opened and closed every day by someone and that simple yet vital task is organised each week by Richard Brisset who also programmes the boiler so that heat appears at the right time for all of us! My thanks to Richard and all the team that open and close the church daily. My thanks too to Carol Ansell and her team of ladies and gentlemen who clean our church every couple of weeks. And as Easter begins to fade into the recent past my final thanks go to all the flower arrangers headed-up by Jane Cockerham and Diana Healey. The church has looked beautiful throughout the year and especially at those special seasons in the church calendar. So ends another long report (!) and my final thanks to all of you for your kindness and support to me and Tracey as we seek to serve God and all of you and the wider Parish - we could not do it without you all. Blessings, Rev Paul 25 **MINUTES of the APCM 2023** ## **MINUTES for the** ## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING At All Saints' Church, Martock on Sunday 16[th] April 2023, 11am** 26 People were present **Vestry Meeting -** Election of Churchwarden - Grace Dunton had agreed to continue as Churchwarden for one more year. Proposed by Sally Howells, seconded by Rev. Paul Fillery. Agreed unanimously. Paul thanked Grace for all she does, it is much appreciated. |**1**|**Welcome and Opening Prayers**by Rev. Paul Fillery (Chair)| |---|---| |**2**|**Apologies for Absence**– Andrew & Ellen Howard, Diana Healey, Jane
Caddell,TraceyFillery,Steve Salisbury,Bridget Jones.| |**3**|**AOB –**none declared| |**4**|**Minutes of the last APCM**held on 8thMay 2022 were proposed as an
accurate record. Proposed byIvan,seconded byGrace Dunton. All agreed.| |**5**|**Maters Arising -**none| |**6**|**Revised Church Electoral Roll**– Ann Swain had completed the electoral roll
with 114 members now enrolled. Paul thanked Annie for faithfully
contnuingwith this role.| |**7**|**Financial statements**of PCC for year ending 31.12.2022. The reports had
previously been audited by Mark Taylor, approved by the PCC and
presented to the public before the meetng. There was no further comment
or debate. Jeremy Hudson was thanked for taking on the role of Treasurer
since January 2023 and thanks and appreciaton expressed to Ellen for her
energy and tme as our previous Treasurer. It was noted that our energy
bills will increase in April 2024 which will entail an inevitable rise in overall
costs and regular obligatons will need to be prayerfully considered. Paul
will do a stewardship Sunday later in the year.
A queston was asked as to whether the boiler needs replacing? Paul replied
that this is being looked into, with a radiant heater being fted in the Lady
Chapel shortly. We need to look at eco-optons as the way ahead as the
Church of England requires churches to be carbon-zero by 2030. There are
grants available for solar panels, but the process of applying takes a lot of
tme.| |**8**|**Independent Examiner**– Paul Taylor has agreed to contnue to audit our
accounts as our Independent Examiner next year.
Proposed byRev. Paul Fillery,seconded byJeremyHudson. All agreed.| 26 ||Thanks were expressed to Paul.| |---|---| |**9**|**Churchwarden’s Report** **on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.**
Paul thanked Grace for all she does and Grace reiterated that this would be
her last year as Churchwarden and it would be good for someone else to
join her to learn the ropes.
Grace reported that the clock is fnally working well and keeping good tme.
Not all the work from the Quinquennial Report has been completed – Andy
Rogers stll has some things to do.| |**10**|**Deanery Synod Report**– There has been an emphasis on Deanery re-
organisaton, led by Rev Bruce Faulkner. Consultatons have taken place and
further meetngs are in progress. There is a huge legal process involved and
there may be news regarding the Benefce changes in the Autumn. It is likely
that Muchelneywill bejoiningus.| |**11**|**Presentaton of nominatons for electon** **to 9 vacancies on the PCC**.
Carol Ansell (nominated by David Isaac, seconded by Sally Howells), Martn
Bradbrooke (nominated Pauline Beavon, seconded by David Isaac), Sally
Howells (nominated by Malcolm Leggeter, seconded by Jane Hodgson) and
Andrew Howard (nominated by Pauline Beavon, seconded by Vivienne
Brisset, were duly elected to PCC for the next 3 years.
(8 PCC members now in total, 4 vacancies remain).
It was agreed that Jeremey Hudson should be co-opted as Treasurer.
**Presentaton of nominatons for electon to 3 vacancies to Deanery Synod.**
Grace Dunton (proposed by Sally Howells, seconded by Steve Salisbury) and
Sally Howells (proposed by Tim Booth and seconded by Diana Healey) were
duly elected to Deanery Synod for the next 3 years.| |**12**|**Secton M15 (1h) of the Church Representaton Rules 2020**agreement to
welcome any licensed Reader resident in the parish. The meetng agreed
unanimously that Bridget Jones should be welcomed as a member of the
PCC. Thanks were extended to Bridget for all her hard work with funerals,
baptsms and links with local leaders inpartcular.| |**13**|**Other items relatng to the Annual Report 2022 –**none.| |**14**|**AOB –**none| |**15**|**Vicar’s report**– this had been forwarded previously.
Thanks were ofered to Lydia, our Benefce Administrator, for her hard
work, good humour and kindness. Rev. Paul announced that Lydia and Steve
are moving, so Lydia will sadly be fnishing as our BA at the end of July.
Our contemporary worship service_The Well_began in 2022 with twice
monthly services and has been very well received, but it has been decided
to make it a monthly service from now on. We now have a wide range of
worship to encounter God.
Special thanks were ofered to Andy and Rev Alison Handcock for their input
and ministryamongst us.| Thanks were also offered to – - Jane and Rev Richard Cadell for heading up groups and for Richards’s ministry. - The Guardians for their ongoing fundraising and gifts they have provided. We are very grateful to them. - all those who have been sorting books etc and tidying church. - to Carol as our Safeguarding Officer - and to _everyone_ who helps to make All Saints a friendly and welcoming place to be. We are delighted that Tiddlers has continued whilst Hannah has been on Maternity Leave. The link to the local community is a vital part of our work. Our link with our local schools is good; we help to deliver assemblies and they visit our churches regularly. Bellringers – a team of dedicated people have come out of some recent open days and will hopefully ring for the Coronation. Kitchen refurbishment – a faculty has been prepared and fundraising in the pipeline. Rev Richard Caddell thanked Rev Paul for his preaching and leadership. **15 Closing Prayers** – the meeting ended with The Grace at 11.50am. ## **Vestry Meeting** Opening prayer, election of church wardens 28 ## **AGENDA for the** ## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, MARTOCK Sunday 19[th] May, 2024** |**1**|Welcome and OpeningPrayers| |---|---| |**2**|Apologies for Absence| |**3**|AOB| |**4**|Minutes of the last APCM held on 16thApril,2023| |**5**|Maters Arising| |**6**|Revised Church Electoral Roll| |**7**|Financial statements of PCC foryear ending31.12.2023| |**8**|Independent Examiner| |**9**|Churchwarden’s Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the
church| |**10**|DeanerySynod Report| |**11**|Presentaton of nominatons for electon to 5 vacancies on the PCC (12
in total)| |**12**|Secton M15 (1h) of the Church Representaton Rules 2020 agreement
to welcome anyReader in theparish| |**13**|Other items relatngto the Annual Report 2023| |**13**|AOB| |**14**|Priest’s report| |**15**|ClosingPrayers| 29