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2023-12-31-accounts

APCM Reports 2024

6. Electoral Roll Report 2024 – Jim Allen, Electoral Roll Officer

At last year's APCM, the total number on the Electoral Roll stood at 121 parishioners.

I have just completed the annual review, and can report that one more name has been added. Sadly three parishioners have passed away, and six have moved, or are moving, away, giving an aggregate figure of 113. Only those on the Electoral Roll may be nominated for election to the PCC, or to the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods.

In line with the Diocesan Data Protection Policy, the PCC is not permitted to share any personal data from the Electoral Roll with any individual or organisation, and the publicly-available list gives only the names on the Electoral Roll and no other personal details.

Every six years, a new electoral Roll has to be collated, so next year, 2025, everyone will need to apply to be included on a new Roll.

7 PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT – Marian Nash

The PCC met in the Douglas Lowe Room and on Zoom in hybrid meetings. Our thanks to Jean-Pierre Frossard and Mike Edis for facilitating this. The PCC Minutes are produced after each meeting and once they have been agreed at the following meeting, they are displayed at the back of the church. The dates for PCC and Standing Committee are normally published in January. Do let the PCC secretary know if you need to raise a matter.

The date for next year’s APCM is 11[th] May 2025.

8 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL REVIEW 2023

Background

The PCC of St Mary’s has the responsibility of co-ordinating with the incumbent in the whole mission of the Church. This involves not only the ministry of St Mary’s Church in its parish, but also in the wider work of the Church in the Deanery of Woking and the Diocese of Guildford, and links with all other churches in and around Byfleet. The

PCC operates through its regular meetings in alternate months, and through the work of its subcommittees and working groups.

PCC Membership

Members are either “ex officio” or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During 2023-24, the following served as members:

Ex Officio: Incumbent: Rev. John McCabe

Churchwardens: Mike Edis, Phil Way

Deanery Synod Representative: Ralph Hales

Elected Members: Jim Allen, Cllr Amanda Boote, Tom Calder, Jean Pierre Frossard, Sarah Frossard, Sally Hodson, Kate Weston Laver, Marian Nash, Nick Quin, Penny Weiss

Co-opted members: Nigel Prior

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The PCC met 6 times since the last APCM

Sub Committees

The Standing Committee is required by law and exists to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, and to prepare the agendas. They are Rev John McCabe, Jim Allen, Tom Calder, Mike Edis, Jean-Pierre Frossard, Sally Hodson, Phil Way.

The Property Management Committee exists to advise the PCC in all matters regarding the buildings: - the church, the church hall and the curacy. They are Jim Allen, Sally Hodson and Phil Way. All spending decisions are authorised by the PCC.

Church Attendance

At the 2023 APCM the electoral role stood at 121.

Objectives and Activities

The aim of the PCC is to support the work of the Rector in promoting throughout the parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical.

Our Mission Statement:

Praying, loving, serving.....

Financial Review 2023 – Tom Calder

Summary:

The challenges of 2022 have continued into 2023. The costs of utilities have risen, increasing our property costs, and regular giving has fallen for a second year in a row. There have been some high financial points: Hall lettings have risen for a second year in a row and we received a full year’s rental income for 118 Rectory Lane.

The summary figures include:

I’d like to highlight the key areas that have impacted our results for the year:

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planned for, regular giving is vitally important and this has now fallen from £49,343 in 2021 to £42,265 in 2023, a fall of 14.3% in two years

Looking ahead to 2024, we continue to have major challenges: the cost of our gas and electricity is going to continue to be high. Also the church boiler is in a poor state of repair and major expenses will be required in relation to the entire heating system. Finally, as mentioned in my report last year, we have been planning to replace the shingles on the spire and have raised a total of £15,514 for this purpose. This figure does not include donations from Friends of St Mary’s, the local council and available grants.

Unrestricted income and expenditure details:

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £122,284 ( 2022: £121,335 ) of which £58,802 ( 2022: £66,505 ) was from voluntary income (giving, donations and appeals). The fee income from weddings and funerals (net of fees payable to the Diocese) was £9,113 ( 2022: £ 9,686).

As mentioned above, the freehold house at 118 Rectory Lane has new tenants and was occupied for all of 2023, providing rental income of £20,268 ( 2022: £ 12,109). In 2021, there were significant sums spent on the refurbishment of this property ( £3,084 ) but no expenses since then. The balance on the Property Maintenance Fund is £6,541.

There was expenditure of £120,393 ( 2021: £107,759 ) spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St Mary’s Church, including the contribution to the Guildford Diocese through the parish share of £76,479 ( 2022: £ 69,948). This provides the stipends, pensions and housing for the clergy, as well as supporting the central team resources at Church House.

Planned giving:

Planned giving is almost entirely through standing orders direct to the bank with a small number of donations received in envelopes. As mentioned in the summary above, has decreased to £42,265 ( 2022: £45,123 ), a fall for a second year in a row, being a reduction 14.3% from 2021. Gift Aid receivable is estimated to be £9,500 for the year ( 2022: £8,750 ).

Church Hall:

As stated above, income from Church Hall lettings was £29,407 ( 2022: £24,531 ). Kitchen letting income was £1,893 ( 2022: £nil ). The hall is self-funding covering the general maintenance costs, utilities, and insurance and contributes towards administration costs.

Unrestricted reserves:

The net result for the year was a deficit of £7,982 on unrestricted funds. This reduction in our reserves represents the impact of the points above, mainly the increase in utilities costs and the reduction in our regular giving as stated above ( 2022: deficit of £918 ). The deficit for 2023 is better than anticipated but is still cause for concern.

The balances carried forward at 31 December 2023 on unrestricted funds totalled £18,009 ( 2022: £25,991 ).

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Restricted income, expenditure and reserves details:

Restricted income for the year totalled £7,171 ( 2022: £7,073 ), being donations towards the steeple fund (£5,751), donations for new church bibles (£750) paid into the AV Fund, a donation for LLM training fees (£520), Churchyard receipts (£130), bank interest (£20) and investment income attributable to restricted funds (£120).

There was expenditure of £3,028 ( 2022: £1,296 ), being the purchase of new bibles (out of the AV fund) (£1,920), Churchyard maintenance costs (£528) and LLM training (£580).

The restricted funds balance at 31 December 2023 was £43,304 ( 2022: £39,161 ) and the main funds are:

The balance is made up of a number of small funds.

Charitable support and donations:

In spite of the challenges of 2023, St Marys has continued to support four charities; Tearfund, Woking Hospice, the Children’s Society and St Michael’s Sheerwater. In 2023, £4,300 was set aside to be donated to these charities ( 2022: £4,506 ).

Endowment Funds:

Also we have endowment funds worth £33,838, a rise of £3,321 from 2022. These funds are based on investment assets held on our behalf by CCLA, a fund management company specialising in churches and charities. The rise in value reflects an increase in the value of the assets held.

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9. REPORTS FROM CHURCH GROUPS

Alpha Report for the APCM – Rob Knee

One Alpha course was run in 2023 for just one couple, so it was run in their house mainly which worked really well. Whilst the course was not completed for various reasons we did manage all the sessions up to and including the Holy Spirit day. The couple valued the course and are now a regular part of our worshipping community.

The current 2024 course is going well although small in numbers, with most indicating that they are finding the videos and discussions very thought-provoking.

Post Alpha Further Study Groups

Tuesday Homegroup report – Rob Knee

This is a small group originally born out of a lockdown Alpha but now containing a few others. We usually meet in the church flat and on Zoom (a hybrid approach that allows others to join who otherwise would not be able to make it). We have followed various Bible study courses in 2023 with the discussion always being lively and accessible for those at all

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stages in their walk of faith. Being a Tuesday group we have, at times, struggled to meet in a regular pattern (we aim for every other week) as there are often clashes with other church meetings (PCC, women’s group, Sam’s support group etc) however we have not been able to find an alternative day of the week suitable for all, so we end up meeting ‘irregularly’. The size of the group is also a slight issue as when people are naturally away at times it makes the group very small, so if anyone wishes to join us you’d be most welcome – do speak to either Marian or Rob.

Post Alpha Thursday Study Group – Mike Edis

An on-line study group met regularly on Zoom on Thursday evenings until September. We have been studying the Fruits of the Spirits from the Eden Book Series. 7 members of our church have been attending this group. Since September meetings have been on hold pending a discussion about recommencing in the Spring.

THURSDAY HOMEGROUP @ THE RUSTS – 2023 - Bernice, John & Matthew Rust

Thursday group has continued meeting during 2023 with 12 members, mostly meeting in person, with Zoom available if anyone has preferred to join remotely. We meet twice a month – usually 2[nd] & 4[th] Thursdays of the

We started the year with The Good Book Company course – Contentment: Healing the Hunger of our Hearts. This had been postponed from 2022, as John McCabe had decided to use this course for the sermon series. The weeks were organised to match with sermon themes, as much as possible – contentment with what we have and where we are; ‘food’ that satisfies and the secret of true happiness. It helped us reflect on the importance of our faith in our

we are agreeing to when we say the

The meetings consist of coffee (for those attending in person) and chat to begin followed by the bible study and then a time of prayer and reflection to close.

Churches Together in Byfleet, West Byfleet, Pyrford and Sheerwater (and also New Haw and Woodham!)

This year has been a most wonderful year for Churches Together. The Anglican clergy have been much encouraged and strengthened by the addition (to the title and list above) of All Saints Woodham - a Church with which we already had strong links (For example, the Green Team is being much helped by the All Saints Warden Adrian Vincent) and links which are being further strengthened by the welcome widening of Rob Knee’s preaching ministry. Father Roland Oliff moved into the Vicarage on Friday March 8[th] as all the

renewable work on the property is now complete! The property’s multiple Solar panels and Ground sourced heat pumps provide an inspiring example to the Deanery and the neighbourhood as a sign of hope for the future.

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In Anglican terms we have also been very fortunate to have Rev Keith Elford of West Byfleet join us: he is also Vicar of New Haw. Thanks to Keith, St Mary’s was also brilliantly represented by Amanda Hickey and Pat Melrose at the Christmas wreath festival which was hosted and held in St John’s West Byfleet.

Our ecumenical collaboration has been fruitful and enjoyable. Our ecumenical links have been somewhat stalled by the recent welcome arrival (and then the less welcome news of the sudden impending departure) of Methodist Minister Rev Sidney-Samuel Lake. During his ultra brief tenure we worked on and held held a widely appreciated service at Byfleet’s War Memorial in November.

Our Catholic links are much blessed by our friendship with Eleanor Grady whose outstanding contributions to Byfleet village seem to flourish and grow, if possible, even further. Also we welcomed Fr Aaron Spinelli to his new post in Our Lady Help of Christians in West Byfleet and into a leading role at our recent ecumenical Lent group in March 2024, ably supported by two parishioners of St Mary’s.

St Mary’s principal and highly-to-be-welcomed ecumenical contribution in 2024 undoubtedly came from playing the leading role in the March 1[st] 2024 World Day of Prayer event which was hosted in Church and afterwards at the Hall, and which is more adequately documented in a separate report.

Finally, on a related, but separate, topic, St Mary’s hosted in 2023 a much appreciated inter-faith event in a visit from the Woking People of Faith team. People of the Bahai faith, Sunni and Shia Muslims, and those of Jewish faith were all ably represented and welcomed!

Byfleet Community Newsletter – Kate Weston Laver

During 2023 there was 1 newsletter produced by the Newsletter Team of the church: BCN27. The newsletter was well received in the community and 3400 copies were distributed to all households in the village and left for pick-up or perusing at local businesses, the library and pubs.

With the members of the group much reduced in size: Jim Allen and Kate Laver plus much appreciated help from Bruce Bovill, it was a lot of work since the team was a third of it’s original size.

In order to keep the publication of the newsletter going, BCN27 was again sponsored by local company Green and Parry and the company provided help from Curtis Heard to coordinate the advertising.

There was some planning for BCN28 in December 2023 but there was not enough sponsorship found, nor the help required to produce the next issue, so it was decided that a card publicising the Christmas services and delivered to all the village households would be achievable. Many distributors for BCN helped to deliver the Christmas services card.

There are no further BCN issues planned at present but it is hoped to keep the communication with the volunteer deliverers within Byfleet for further church community communications.

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St Mary’s Communications Team - Kate Laver

Following the priority to improve communications identified by the Mission Action Plan, to lead to further parish growth, it was decided to have a bi-annual meeting for some of the key people in the parish (including the church wardens) who oversee the means of communicating information about St Mary’s generally. The first meeting was held on 27 March 2023 and the team met again in October 2023 and March 2024. The meetings have led to a good exchange of ideas and improved interactions about the church’s social media and posters, news and information about services and ideas for church-wide events.

Coffee Drop-in - Angela Marshall & Carol Ream

Coffee drop-in has continued to meet monthly in the committee room. Numbers continue to be fairly low and we love to see more people come along. Those who come regularly enjoy a friendly morning and a good natter. We will continue to meet on the second Thursday of each month. We enjoy welcoming regulars and newcomers each month.

Friends of St Mary’s Church, Byfleet – Nick Bradshaw

The focus of the Friends of St Mary’s Church remains as last year on helping the church raise funds for repair / refurbishment work needed to be done on the church spire as identified in the diocese appointed architect’s quinquennial report but progress this year has been minimal as we have already approached most of the known charitable organisations who would give donations to this sort of project.

Nevertheless we have secured a further grant of £750 (from Residents Association) taking total funds secured by the Friends to £20,556 and a further grant application for £3,000 has just been submitted (to Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects) which with the support of Councillor Amanda Boote we are hopeful of receiving.

On other matters Chris Glasow has stood down from his position on the Friends of St Mary’s Church committee but Nigel Prior has recently joined us.

LLM Training – Sam Fisk

I am now in my final year of training and only have four months left until I complete the course – time flies! I have also been given the date of my licensing ceremony which is on the 22[nd] June at 5.30pm.

This year has been a great learning experience with covering topics such as Christian Doctrine and the New Testament. This year I have also had the opportunity to experience another church by being on placement at St Peter’s, Old Woking. This experience has been valuable to learn about another parish and how they ‘do church’. To wrap up my studies my final module will be on Pastoral Care which I’m looking forward to.

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Reflecting on my time at LMP as it comes near to ending, I would say that it has been a wonderful learning experience that’s given me access to a variety of materials. But it hasn’t just been about the learning the formation part of it has also been a lovely journey and has allowed me to pick up some new friends along the way as I have been making this journey.

ST MARY’S WOMEN’S GROUP - Kate Weston, Sarah Frossard & Janet Briggs

St Mary’s Women’s Group meets bi-monthly on Tuesdays and has had another full year of six meetings in 23/24. Sadly Sandy Smith has had to step back as a member of the organising team during the year, due to ill health. We want to say a very big thank you to her for many years of assisting with the organisation of the group.

We had a variety of speakers and were joined by between ten and twenty-five members and visitors to each meeting during the past year. In May 2023 we welcomed a talk about Guide Dogs for the Blind charity and on 4 July we had a wonderful American themed summer party with a BBQ and food prepared by the great team of Jean Pierre and Sarah Frossard with quizzes and demonstrations and all things USA. September’s talk was an important one on Woking Foodbank (including our local foodbank in Byfleet Village and we finished the year with our traditional Christmas meeting with a lovely evening of fellowship including the famous reindeer drive and quizzes with seasonal cheer of mulled wine and mince pies. 2024 has brought meetings on Life in Romania by church family member Delia Jurje which was fascinating for all attending and a high interesting talk on Weird & Wonderful Stamps by Jean-Pierre Frossard who has enjoyed a lifetime of philately.

We are looking forward to enjoying forthcoming events this year and thank everyone for attending and their help in organising the evenings.

Open the Book - Carol Ream

The Open the Book team goes into both village schools once a month. For the past year, the team has consisted of 7 people, two of which are from different churches. Caroline Oldroyd from Church of the Good Shepherd, Pyrford and Naseem from King’s Church, Walton. Caroline continues to lead and co-ordinate the group, for which we are grateful. Fortunately for the team, the schools’ preference is for us to perform our plays on different days of the week making it much easier to plan. The children enjoy watching the plays and joining in with the actions. The plays are educational and with our performance over, we also show a carton version of the same story to reinforce its message. As well as the play, each month we have been asked to lead the children in one or two songs, again with actions. The children and staff are very receptive and appreciative of this, even if it does rather hype the children up for the rest of the day! This year we have started at the beginning of the Old Testament, Genesis, and are working our way through this. This has included stories about Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, Joshua and the battle of Jericho, Samson and Ruth. However, once a term we do a

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New Testament Bible story, such as the story of Christmas, Easter or a story Jesus told. We look forward to being able to continue to support the children and our local schools in this way.

Pastoral Team Report – Paula Bradshaw, Team Coordinator

The work of the Pastoral Care Team has of course continued throughout the past year, quietly and gently in the background.

Home Communion services for those who are unable to attend Church and the larger monthly services at Kings Lodge Care Home and Barnes Wallis Court continue as usual. The annual Barnes Wallis Carol Service was once again much enjoyed by the residents. The choir of St Mary’s School came to sing again which was an added joy. The annual Memorial Service in Church followed by tea in the Church Hall took place last November and was very well attended as always. We pray that all who come may find comfort.

We are for now a team of three - Angela Marshall, Carol Ream and Paula Bradshaw, but the plan is for further Pastoral Visitors to be trained when the time is right.

Claire Calder has recently stepped down from her role as a Pastoral Visitor and we thank her for all her kindness and care. She will be greatly missed.

Unfortunately, Carol Ream was out of action for some time last year due to ill health. We are thankful that she is now much better and is back.

Information about the St Mary’s Pastoral Team is available in Church (on the left, just inside the door). If we can be of help to you, please contact us through the Church Office.

As this will be John McCabe’s last APCM with us, I must add … It is hard to find appropriate words to write about John’s amazing pastoral care for people in this parish. I have worked closely with John in my pastoral role for many years and I have heard (never from him) of countless situations where he has been an enormous help and support to people in difficult times, without others knowing about it. Thank you John and thank you for all your guidance, support and encouragement to the Pastoral Team. We will really miss you.

SQuaD REPORT - Phil Way

SQuaD has continued to meet throughout the year, apart from our break for the Summer Holiday. At the moment we meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month in the Committee Room. If our numbers start to increase, we will look to meeting more frequently and breaking into three groups as we did in the past. (Our groups were the Seekers, Questers and Delvers which is why we are SQuaD)

Our numbers typically range from 2 to 5. At each meeting we normally have a chat with the children about what we and they have been up to recently, then have a song and a prayer, and hear and discuss a Bible story. We often stream online Bible based cartoons via laptop and projector – a resource known as Douglas Talks which the children enjoy. We generally end each meeting with a little craft or puzzle activity related to the week’s bible story.

We have used a resource called ‘Go Teach’ for a number of years and we dip into it and/ or refer to the lectionary when deciding our topics and stories each week. Our recent topics have included stories about Naomi and Ruth, John the Baptist and Jesus starting his ministry.

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The Squad leaders are now Judy Daws, John Haynes, and Lorraine and Phil Way. In line with Diocesan requirements, we are all completing a number of ‘safeguarding' courses. Ill health has prevented Lorraine from meeting the children in recent months, but she is still able to take an active role in preparing lessons.

THE MENS GROUP - Andy Hodson

The aim of St. Mary’s Men’s Group is to enjoy genuine friendship with the men of our village and surrounds; to discover in a comfortable environment the meaning and relevance of the Christian faith and to develop caring support for each other in our daily lives.

St Mary’s has regularly put in a team at the Woking Churches Golf Day and, last October, I took over the organising of this event and thankfully the day went well at Chobham Golf Club including the evening dinner and award presentation. Thank you to Rev Matt Smith who gave an entertaining and well received speech. St Mary’s managed to win the small team event again. It is hoped we can challenge again in the near future for the Main Team event. I am hoping to build on the success of the day with the aim of a growth in participants and with perhaps an extra Spring date (as was few years back). Please let me know if this may be of interest to you

Since the end of the pandemic the Men’s Group has not got going again. Please let Andy Hodson know if you would like to get involved in a small group to help create a programme of meetings and events in the months ahead

All men with a direct or indirect link to St Mary’s will be warmly welcome to attend meetings and events and I would particularly like to hear from those men who have ideas for future events or who may like to talk about their interests or hobbies

The Children’s Society – Sally Hodson

The parish has continued to support the work of the Children’s Society through the annual tithe and box collections, although many have swapped to direct debit following a further decline in the use of cash. Despite the difficulties of recent years, the UK box holders still raised over £1million in 2023 and make such a difference to children’s lives in this country. There are regular updates on the work of the charity at the back of church and please make contact if you would like a cash collection box or a direct debit form. We are trying to arrange a speaker to update us on the work of the Children’s Society.

Tear Fund – Claire Calder

Tearfund is a Christian charity with over 50 years of experience in international development. They believe that poverty is not God’s plan, and an end to extreme poverty is possible. You can check their website www.tearfund.org for more information.

They work directly, and/or alongside local partners and churches, in underserved communities in more than 50 countries to tackle complex poverty in three main ways:

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We have given the Tearfund £3,583.45 for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We'll donate to them another £860 for 2023.

AYD (Alpha Yuf Division)/Over 18s Report – 2023 – Bernice Rust

AYD continued to meet during the first part of 2023. This was aimed at senior school age group and above, and mostly met late afternoon on the 1[st] Sunday of the month. There were usually 4-6 members at each meeting, with the two at university often joining on Zoom. I was assisted by Rachel Gaster-Woods & Matthew Rust.

We started the year with Epiphany thoughts, treats & games. We then looked at what being a disciple of Jesus means both now & in the early church, reflecting especially on the lives of Peter & Paul. The group then revisited the Easter Story and helped with the Good Friday Service & activities. We then continued to look at discipleship through lives of current ‘Famous Christians’, and then back to women in the Old Testament.

In July we said ‘goodbye’ to Rachel & her two daughters at our summer BBQ @ the Rusts. From September 2023, the remaining 4 members were then all over 18. They decided they wanted to continue to meet and invite previous members of Yuf to join. These meetings started with another BBQ @ the Rusts! They meet monthly on a Wednesday evening, at the Rusts (their preference) with anything from 4 to 12 people in attendance, members age from 18 – 29. I am also usually present, with Matthew and John assisting, if needed/available. Some Wednesdays are social gatherings, and others are following the Soul course published by the Good Book Company. This course is a DVD, questions booklet & discussion, based on Mark’s gospel – Jesus is Christianity, His life, death & resurrection, our identity, mission & call. It will take this group through to July 2024.

1[st] Byfleet Rainbows – Christine Haynes

Rainbows meet for an hour each week during term time, doing many fun and exciting activities. Having craft evenings, completing 4 different challenges towards their skills builder badges, playing games and reminding them of the Rainbow promise which they need to keep, experimenting with different things around them, including making fizzy rockets, and many other adventurous activities.

During the year Rainbows have worked at home towards and gained various interest badge including animal lover, drawing, recycling and family tree.

Having gained interest badges and skills builders badges has led to several Rainbows earning their Bronze and Silver awards. Four Rainbows who have worked very hard were even presented with their Gold award, with one even completing all 12 interest badges too.

At the end of the Summer term the Rainbows met up with a Brownie unit and had a very enjoyable evening at a local guiding site, Heyswood, playing games, exploring the outdoors, making seed balls and even cooking campfire cones on a fire!

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Over the year. We have had 12 Rainbows move up to Brownies which created new places. 4 were fill by girls

At present we have a full unit of 16 Rainbows, with a waiting list of girls wanting to join us. The unit is run with 2 leaders and a unit helper, but we are always in need of additional volunteers to help us.

10. St. Mary's Church Fabric Report

This report has been complied by Mike Edis and Phil Way, in our capacity as Church Wardens. We both sit on the PCC - meetings are normally held 6 times a year for decision making and spending approval in the life of the Church and building and hall. Phil is also a member of the Property Management Committee (PMC) which meets 6 times a year to plan works that can be attended to by our volunteers and those which need professional contractors.

Dominus custodiat introitum tuum et exitum tuum is inscribed over the entrance to the Vestry from our Churchyard. I must have walked past it a hundred times without noticing until earlier in March when it caught my eye whilst cleaning the neighbouring gutter of leaves and other debris. (Google tells me the quote is from Psalm 121 v 8: The Lord shall preserve your going in and going out ).

At our last Quinquennial inspection, just over two years ago, the surveyor concluded ‘St Mary’s appears overall to be in sound order and well maintained’

Review of 2023 – 2024 (since last APCM on 23.04.2023)

Church and churchyard repairs, maintenance, and works

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Thanks to the many volunteers throughout our fellowship who have helped maintain our buildings this year. To the flower arrangers, cleaners and gardeners, who make the Church look welcoming and have maintained our churchyard and copse.

Hall repairs, maintenance and work

118 Rectory Lane Repairs and Maintenance

What’s coming up in the next year.

11. DEANERY SYNOD Report for APCM 2024 - Ralph Hales

The Woking Deanery Synod consists of representatives from each parish Church in the Deanery. There have been three open meetings in the year ending 31 March 2024:

8 June 2023 hosted by Christ Church Woking

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Richard Lloyd, Head of the Diocesan Mission Enabler Team led a small groups workshop which is a priority for many parishes. Typically, a small group is one which meets regularly, usually in a home. The purpose of the group is to help people grow in faith and take their next steps in discipleship.

3 October 2023 hosted by All Saints Woodham

Rev. Dr. John Valentine led a session on Resourcing our Churches. He explained the Diocese’s new training plan and how it could benefit each parish eg training of ordinands and LLMs and those who are leaders in the church.

8 February 2024 hosted by Christ Church Woking

This provided an opportunity for a few representatives to support Woking Borough Council, as its meeting that evening would be finalising the package of cuts needed to balance their budget. Areas of particular interest were Woking Leisure Centre and the community centres. Other Synod representatives were able to watch a livestream at Christ Church or from home.

14 SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Parish Safeguarding Officer Report - Carol Ream

Having not been in post for that long, it has been quite a steep learning curve. I have also had to learn to manoeuvre around the parish dashboard which I seem to have achieved and now St Mary’s is at dashboard level 3, defined as having safer practices. I have provided the PCC, via the PCC link officer Penny Weiss, with PSO reports at least every 6 months or more often if the need arises. In October 2023, the safeguard training requirements changed meaning that a good number of our volunteers required further or refresher training and this is on-going. Having reached dashboard level 3, there is now a facility available to record the completed training of our paid and volunteer workers, keeping all the records in one place and therefore it is easier to keep track of an individual’s training needs. This information is confidential and only accessible by our parish. It has been a busy year, but I am pleased to report that no suspicions or allegations of abuse have been received.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Year ended 31 Year ended 31
December December
2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Note £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations 2 58,802 7,151 - 65,953 73,438
Trading activities 3 32,871 - - 32,871 30,780
Charitable activities 4 9,113 - - 9,113 9,686
Investment income 5 21,498 20 - 21,518 14,504
Total income 122,284 7,171 - 129,455 128,408
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds 6 - - - - 875
Charitable activities 7 130,266 3,028 - 133,294 122,739
Total expenditure 130,266 3,028 - 133,294 123,614
Net income/(expenditure) before gains/(losses) on
investments -7,982 4,143 - -3,839 4,794
Net gains/(losses) on investments - - 3,321 3,321 -4,646
Net income/(expenditure) and net movement In
funds -7,982 4,143 3,321 -518 149
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 25,991 39,161 30,517 95,669 95,520
Total funds carried forward 18,009 43,304 33,838 95,151 95,669
----- End of picture text -----

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 14 to the financial statements.

2

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Balance sheet

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Investment assets
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts due within one year
12
Net current assets
Net assets
13
Funds
14
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Endowment funds
Total charity funds		 £
38,377
5,900
29,196
73,473
16,638		 31 December
2023
£
38,316
56,835
95,151
18,009
43,304
33,838
95,151		 31 December
2022
£
34,994
25,839
5,716
49,369
80,924
20,248
60,675
95,669
25,991
39,161
30,517
95,669

Approved by the PCC on 19th March 2024 and signed on their behalf by

John McCabe, Chairman

3

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. Accounting policies

Basis of Preparation

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) including early adoption of Update Bulletin 1. The charity is a public benefit entity for the purposes of FRS 102 and therefore has also prepared the financial statements in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (The FRS 102 Charities SORP) and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair' view. This departure has involved following "Accounting and Reporting by Charities for charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and updated periodically since then (January 2022 is the latest version)" rather than the "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005" which has since been withdrawn.

The Charity adopted the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102) applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland for the first time in the year ended 31 December 2015. The transition date was 1 January 2014. There have been periodic updates to this standard, the latest being in January 2022.

Reconciliation with previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice:

In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102) any transitional adjustments are required. In accordance with the requirements of FRS 102 there have been no adjustments to the net income and opening balances under previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) as a result of the changes in accounting policies and estimates.

Going Concern

The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. After making enquiries the trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Functional Currency

The functional currency is considered to be in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the charity operates. The financial statements are also presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest £1.

4

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the application on general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.

Restricted funds are those funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions are provided in note 8.

Expenditure

Expenditure on raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charity in inducing third parties to make donations to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose and the costs associated with the investment property.

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC.

Expenditure is recognised in the period in which they are incurred on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these financial statements and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by Section 10(2), subsection (a) and (c) in the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated.

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Financial Instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. With the exceptions of prepayments and deferred income all other debtor and creditor balances are considered to be basic financial instruments under FRS 102.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity date of three months or less. For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above.

Creditors

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Deferred income represents grants, contract funding and training fees relating to future period.

5

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

2. Donations and legacies

Regular giving
Collections
Appeals and Donations
Legacies
Gift aid receivable
Total
Other trading activities
Church hall lettings
Church hall kitchen hire
Other
Total
Charitable activities
Weddings and funerals (net of fees payable to the Diocese)
Total		 Unrestricted
£
42,135
6,506
1,248
-
8,914
58,802
Unrestricted
£
29,407
1,893
1,571
32,871
Unrestricted
£
9,113
9,113		 Restricted
£
130
499
2,492
3,445
586
7,151
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
£
-
-		 Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
42,265
7,005
3,739
3,445
9,500
65,954
Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
29,407
1,893
1,571
32,871
Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
9,113
9,113		 Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
45,123
6,828
12,737
-
8,750
73,438
Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
24,531
-
6,250
30,780
Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
9,686
9,686

3. Other trading activities

4. Charitable activities

5. Investment income

Rental on investment property
Other Rental Income
Dividends received
Bank interest
Total		 Unrestricted
£
20,286
-
1,027
184
21,498		 Restricted
£
-
-
20
-
20		 Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
20,286
-
1,047
184
21,518		 Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
12,109
1,350
1,022
23
14,504

6

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

6. Costs of raising funds

Investment property costs
Total		 Unrestricted
£
-
-		 Restricted
£
-
-		 Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
-
-		 Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
873
873

7. Costs of charitable activities

Grants
Relief and development agencies
Home missions
Secular charities
Activities relating to the work of the church
Diocesan Parish Share
Clergy expenses
Clergy premises
Visiting Speakers
Church premises
Church hall premises
Repairs and decoration
Outreach
Other
Support costs
Administration
Administration staff costs
Total		 Unrestricted
£
4,300
-
136
4,436
76,479
2,363
918
40
8,185
21,355
8,220
2,599
234
120,393
2,642
2,794
5,436
130,266		 Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,448
-
-
580
-
3,028
-
-
-
3,028		 Year ended 31
December
2023
Total
£
4,300
-
136
4,436
76,479
2,363
918
40
10,632
21,355
8,220
3,179
234
123,421
2,642
2,794
5,436
133,294		 Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
4,506
-
682
5,188
69,948
2,459
241
92
6,134
18,415
5,898
4,911
234
108,332
2,731
6,488
9,219
122,739

8. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs listed in note 7 relate to services provided by one part-time employed who is supported by some voluntary unpaid administ Total remuneration for the paid administrator in the year ended 31 December 2023 was £2,749 (2022: £6,488) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) The PCC do not receive remuneration.

7

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

9. Tangible fixed assets

The Charities Act 2011 states in Section 10(2) that benefice property (sub-section (a) and consecrated property (sub-section (c)) are removed from the definition of charity for the purposes of the Act, therefore the land and buildings are not included in the financial statements.

The Church and contents are insured at a value of £5,800,000 (£5,800,000 in 2022). The main churchyard is closed under an order in council dated 7th January 1977.

The Church Hall and contents are insured at a value of £2,900,000 (£2,900,000 in 2022). The Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance are Custodian Trustees.

118 Rectory Lane (previously referred to as The Curate's House) is insured at a value of £381,091

(£381,091 in 2022). The Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance are Custodian Trustees.

The field at the corner of Sanway Road and Church Road (approximately 3 acres) was given in 1920 for additional burial groun

10. Investments

Opening market value
Additions at cost
Proceeds from disposals
Net gains
Debtors
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors		 Year ended 31
December
2023
£
34,994
-
-
3,322
38,316
Year ended 31
December
2023
£
27,750
10,627
38,377		 Year ended 31
December
2022
£
39,640
-
-
(4,647)
34,994
Year ended 31
December
2022
£
18,250
7,589
25,839

11. Debtors

12. Creditors: amounts due within one year

Accruals and deferred income
Trade creditors		 Year ended 31
December
2023
£
5,769
10,869
16,638		 Year ended 31
December
2022
£
7,756
12,492
20,248

8

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

13. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 December 2023
Prior year analysis of net assets between funds
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 December 2022		 Unrestricted
funds
£
-
34,647
(16,638)
18,009
Unrestricted
funds
£
-
46,207
(20,248)
25,991		 Restricted
funds
£
4,478
38,826
-
43,304
Restricted
funds
£
(4,814)
44,012
-
39,161		 Endowment
funds
£
33,838
-
-
33,838
Endowment
funds
£
30,516
-
-
30,517		 Total funds at 31
December 2023
£
38,316
73,473
(16,638)
95,151
Total funds at 31
December 2022
£
34,994
80,924
(20,248)
95,669

9

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

14. Movements in funds

General Fund
Property Maintenance Fund
Kitchen Equipment Fund
Rectory Decorating Fund
LLM books
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds:
AV/Sound System Fund
Wickenden Bequest
Other Trust Funds
Church Steeple Fund
Churchyard Fund (reopened)
LLM Training
Hedge Fund
Church Carpet Fund
Women's Group Fund
Men's Group Fund
Total Restricted funds
Prior year movements in funds
General Fund
Property Maintenance Fund
Kitchen Equipment Fund
Rectory Decorating Fund
LLM books (NEW)
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds:
AV/Sound System Fund
Wickenden Bequest
Other Trust Funds
Church Steeple Fund
Churchyard Fund (reopened)
LLM Training
Hedge Fund
Church Carpet Fund
Women's Group Fund
Men's Group Fund
Total Restricted funds
Endowment funds
Unrestricted funds:
Total funds
Unrestricted funds:
Endowment funds
Total funds		 As at 1 January
2023
£
14,876
4,514
5,101
1,000
500
25,991
15,010
4,841
4,726
9,763
500
1,868
1,613
478
317
45
39,161
30,517
95,669
As at 1 January
2022
£
15,584
4,514
5,872
750
250
26,970
15,155
4,821
4,607
3,330
-
3,019
1,613
478
317
45
33,385
35,162
95,518		 Income
£
122,284
-
-
-
-
122,284
750
20
-
5,751
130
520
-
-
-
-
7,171
3,321
132,776
Income
£
121,337
-
-
-
-
121,337
-
20
119
6,433
500
-
-
-
-
-
7,072
-
128,409		 Expenditure
£
(129,346)
-
(920)
-
-
(130,266)
(1,920)
-
-
-
(528)
(580)
-
-
-
-
(3,028)
-
(133,294)
Expenditure
£
(121,545)
-
(771)
-
-
(122,316)
(145)
-
-
-
-
(1,151)
-
-
-
-
(1,296)
(4,646)
(128,258)		 Transfers
£
(2,527)
2,027
-
250
250
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
£
(500)
-
-
250
250
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 As at 31
December 2023
£
5,287
6,541
4,181
1,250
750
18,009
13,840
4,861
4,726
15,514
102
1,808
1,613
478
317
45
43,304
33,838
95,151
As at 31
December 2022
£
14,876
4,514
5,101
1,000
500
25,991
15,010
4,841
4,726
9,763
500
1,868
1,613
478
317
45
39,161
30,517
95,669

10

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Notes to the financial statements

Church Hall fund

This fund represented monies raised to be used in the redevelopment of the church hall. The main works were carried out in 2016 to improve the heating and to extend the kitchen and create a new storage space. Further grants were obtained in 2018 enabling the upstairs rooms to be reordered to create a large new meeting room, together with new carpet throughout, new lighting and rewiring. A small grant was obtained in 2019 and this was used to repair the fire escape from the new meeting room and provide furniture. Fund now closed.

Wickenden Bequest

The Wickenden fund represents monies gifted to the church to support costs of ecclesiastical linen and choir expenses. Historically this fund has been used to fund linen and candlesticks.

Other Trust Funds

These are historic funds - Clerical Assistance & Prayer Book - invested in CBF Church of England Investment Fund.

Footpath Fund

New in 2016 to raise funds for improving the footpath surrounding the Church. A significant donation was received during 2019 to enable the three paths at the front of the Church to be resurfaced and the path to the rear door. FUND now closed.

Churchyard fund

This fund commenced in 2013 with a grant of £3,000 from SCC for the Copse project. Specific donations towards this project have also been made. Another SCC grant (50% funding) up to £3,000 was made available for the 2017/18 financial year. The final balance of grant was received in 2019 towards the cost of the new trench required for the additional tap. This fund was closed but has now reopened to fund the maintenance of the burial ground.

Church Carpet fund

This fund was started in 2012 with donations and fundraising events to fund a new carpet for the Church. It was agreed in 2014 to use this fund to pay for sealing and resealing the floor. Some resealing was done during 2018.

AV/Sound System Fund

New in 2017 to pay for upgrading the Sound System and provide Audio Visual. There were two significant donations received and the work on the sound system was completed. Discussions continue with the Diocese about the way forward with the proposed new AV system, and a further donation was received in 2019. Some wi-fi costs funded in 2020.

LLM Fund

Set up in 2021 based on two donations to pay for LLM training.

Hedge Fund

Set up in 2020 to raise funds for new hedge to surround open Garden of Remembrance.

Church Steeple Fund

New in 2018 with initial donation the majority being used with the donors permission towards the footpath. Fundraising for the significant steeple repairs required commenced in 2019.

Men's Group fund

This fund represents monies raised by the Men's group for use on their own activities, and has been used to fund bibles and books for baptism families and children attending Squad.

Women's Group fund

This fund represents monies raised by the Women's' group for use on their own activities.

11

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BYFLEET

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

15. Prior year Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
£
Income from:
Donations
2
66,505
Trading activities
3
30,780
4
9,686
Investment income
5
14,365
Total income
121,337
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
6
873
Charitable activities
7
121,443
Total expenditure
122,316
-979
Net gains/(losses) on investments
0
-979
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
26,974
Total funds carried forward
25,994
Charitable activities
Net income/(expenditure) before gains/(losses) on
Net income/(expenditure) and net movement In		 Restricted
£
6,933
-
-
139
7,073
-
1,296
1,296
5,777
0
5,777
33,384
39,161		 Endowment
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
-4,647
-4,647
35,163
30,516		 Year ended 31
December
2022
Total
£
73,438
30,780
9,686
14,504
128,408
873
122,739
123,612
4,797
-4,647
151
95,520
95,671

12

Independent Examlnerf5 report on the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of The Eccleslastical Parfsh of St Marfs Church Byfieet for the year ended 31° De￿rnber 2013. I have examined the accountlng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations con￿rning any such matters. In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention whKh glve me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respert the requirements lo keep accounting records or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met. Anthony Moore 17, April 2024