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2024-12-31-accounts

Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Trustees’ Annual Report for year ended 31 December 2024

Reference and Administrative Information

St Matthew’s Church and Centre is situated at the corner of Aldridge Road and Birdbrook Road, in the Great Barr area of Birmingham.

The office address is:

St Matthew’s Parish Office, Birdbrook Rd, Birmingham, B44 8RA.

The Revd Trevor Thurston-Smith is the Incumbent

and his address is:

St Matthew’s Vicarage, 313 Beeches Road, Birmingham, B42 2QR

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC powers measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2022) and is registered with the Charities Commission, Registered Charity No. 1164756.

Bankers:

Barclays Bank plc.

Independent Examiner:

Data Developments First Floor The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WB11HT

The Parish is part of Handsworth and Central Deanery, in the Church of England Diocese of Birmingham.

The PCC is responsible for working with the Incumbent to promote the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical - in the Parish of Perry Beeches. This includes the life of the Parish Church of St Matthew, including the church centre complex comprising the large hall, lounge and family room, and grounds, and the general and restricted funds

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required for the operation of the church and centre, and for the mission of the Parish.

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected annually by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The ministers licensed to the Parish and Churchwardens are members by virtue of their office. Deanery Synod representatives are elected at the APCM and hold office for three years. Other members of the PCC are elected annually at the APCM. Up to two additional members can be co-opted by the PCC.

The membership of the PCC in 2024 was as follows:

‘Ex officio’ members:

Revd Trevor Thurston-Smith Vicar/Chair Revd Br Martin John Price SSF Assistant Curate Tim Bartlett Churchwarden Janet Cook Churchwarden Paul Phipps Lay Minister and Deanery Synod Rep. Carolyn Phipps Deanery Synod Rep Ann Harrison Deanery Synod Rep. Parish Administrator/Treasurer & Electoral Roll officer

Elected members:

Adrian Deverell PCC Secretary Judith Deverell Safeguarding Officer David Gadd Susan Kyte Vera Lawrence Andrew Mitchell Robert Moulds Rodney Williams Vice-Chair

Electoral Roll

In April 2024, there were 56 names on the Electoral Roll, which is due to be completely renewed in accordance with Rules 6 and 7 of The Church Representation Rules by the 2025 APCM.

Usual Sunday Attendance

Our main act of worship on a Sunday is the 10.00am Parish Mass. During 2024, the average attendance at this service was 28 adults and 2 children under the age of 16

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Usual weekday attendance.

Throughout 2024 we maintained 3 weekday celebrations of the Mass: Monday 7.00pm Average Communicants: 5 Thursday 10.00am Average communicants: 7 Friday 10.00am Average communicants : 3

Other services:

We have maintained a weekly ‘phone-in’ service for those who are no longer able to physically attend ‘in person’ worship. Average ‘attendance’ at these services throughout 2024 was 11.

Morning and Evening Prayer is said at fixed times on most weekdays either in person (average attendance 1) or on ‘Zoom’ (average attendance 3).

On Wednesdays Evening Prayer is said in person by clergy and lay representatives of the four parishes of our ‘Oversight Group’ and rotates around the parish churches of St Bernard Hamstead, St John Perry Barr and St Paul Hamstead along with St Matthew’s, with an average attendance of 7.

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC makes all decisions corporately, except that the Standing Committee has delegated powers to make decisions between PCC meetings, subject to keeping the PCC fully informed.

The PCC is responsible for all parish finance, its management and control, including the appointment of the treasurer. The work of the PCC is supported by its committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. These are:

Standing Committee – Consisting of the Vicar, Churchwardens, Parish Treasurer, Vice Chairperson, PCC Secretary, and one other member of the PCC elected by the PCC. They have power to transact the business of the PCC between PCC meetings, reporting to the full PCC as appropriate.

Fabric and Finance Committee – Including the Parish Treasurer, the Churchwardens, the Vicar, other PCC members as appointed, to ensure adequate skills and representation and other invited members with appropriate knowledge and skills regarding our buildings and their maintenance. They are responsible for the production of reports and recommendations for the PCC.

Church Growth Group – established after the PCC’s annual review in 2016, this Includes the Vicar, another member of the PCC, the Clerk for Baptisms

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& Marriages, and other appointed members with appropriate knowledge and skills. During 2024 this group was effectively temporarily superseded by:

The ‘Diamond Jubilee Planning Group’ whose role was to plan various services, events and missional opportunities to be held throughout 2024 in celebration of the 60[th] anniversary of the Dedication of the current church building.

Objectives and Activities

Mindful of its responsibility for the mission of the Church in Perry Beeches Parish, the PCC seeks to provide a welcoming spiritual home and community resource for all in the neighbourhood. Our worship is firmly rooted in a modern and inclusive Catholic tradition centred on the Eucharist, but we recognise that God’s love and saving grace are not limited to the confines of the church building and its institutional life. St Matthew’s bears witness to this through its on-site life, where the sacred space sits side-byside with the hall which draws in many people from the wider community.

Our specific aims and objectives are:

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PCC Secretary’s report 2024

As the primary decision-making body for the many aspects of St. Matthew’s life including financial matters, the maintenance of church buildings and property and the promotion of the church’s mission, the Parochial Church Council met on nine occasions during 2024 with an 83.7% attendance of its membership recorded.

Apart from routine matters, the PCC implemented a programme of services and events to mark the church’s sixtieth anniversary, approved the installation of an upgraded sound system in church and agreed in joining an ‘Oversight Group’ of local churches, enabling better use of the shared resources available.

Adrian Deverell PCC Secretary

Children and Families Work

We have maintained a Sunday School on most Sundays, coinciding with the Parish Mass, but attendance is poor. We also run a ‘Messy Church’ session in all school holidays, with 5 sessions during the long summer holiday, with an average attendance of 20 children and 15 adults. We are currently short of volunteers to help run both the Sunday School and Messy Church.

We continue to build on our good relationship with local schools, most notably Glenmead and Greenholm Primary Schools, having hosted church visits, School Services for Christmas and Easter and taken part in Assemblies, and we plan to extend this work to other schools in the area.

We had hoped to be able to appoint a full-time Youth, Children and Families Ministry Leader in the course of 2024, subject to funding, whose role will be to expand existing projects, to develop new initiatives, and to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to assist. Identifying funding for this post has proved more difficult than expected. We have now secured 50% of the necessary funding from our Patrons, St Martin’s Trust, and are seeking match funding. This is proving challenging as fewer Trusts are now willing to fund salaries.

Prayer & Spiritual Development

The spiritual life of the parish centres on the Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer which are said according to the following pattern:

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Sunday: 9.15 in person (Chapel) Monday: 9.00 on ‘Zoom’ and 17.00 on ‘Zoom’ Tuesday: Said in private Wednesday: 9.00 on ‘Zoom’ and 16.00 in person (rotating venue in ‘Oversight Area’) Thursday: 9.00 in person (Chapel) 17.00 on ’Zoom’ Friday: 9.00 in person (Chapel) 17.00 on ‘Zoom’ Saturday: Said in private

The celebration of The Eucharist is also at the heart our tradition and takes place at the following times:

Sunday: 10.00 Monday: 19.00 Thursday: 10.00 Friday: 10.00

A Julian Group meets for contemplative prayer once a month.

Our team of Lay Pastoral Assistants regularly visit the sick and housebound members of the parish, and assist in taking Communion to those unable to attend Mass.

Paul Phipps, our Licensed Reader is also also a valued member of our Ministry team and he co-ordinates and leads a weekly ‘Telephone Service’ for those who cannot attend church in person.

The council has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Thanks to the people of St. Matthew’s we were able to undertake a house to house delivery of Cards at Easter, but the PCC has decided that in view of the increasing age profile of our congregation and the attendant risks in this activity, we will discontinue the distribution of Easter Cards in future years and will have Christmas Cards delivered professionally.

In 2024 there were 2 Baptisms . Baptism is offered either as part of the 10.00am Mass or as a separate stand-alone service, usually at 12.00pm.

In 2024 7 funerals (of which 4 were Requiem Masses) took place in church and 4 at a Crematorium or Cemetery Chapel. There were no weddings in church.

Weekly Coffee mornings are now held on Fridays and are usually well attended by both church members and members of the wider community.

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Church Fabric Our grade 2 listed church building (Murray & Maguire, 1964) provides an exceptionally user-friendly space for prayer and worship. It is also potentially an excellent space for concerts and other events but has been underused in this regard as there were issues of lighting and sound that needed to be addressed. These issues are now resolved, enabling a number of events to be planned as part of our 2024 Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Church cleaning, flower arranging, and gardening are carried out by volunteers. The Parish is very conscious of the value of all the volunteer hours that we depend on every day.

Partnership with other Christians

St Matthew’s participates fully in the life of the Diocese and Deanery. Our Parish enjoys a friendly partnership with the neighbouring Parishes of St John’s, Perry Barr and St Paul’s and St. Bernard’s, Hamstead with whom we now comprise a formal ‘Oversight area’ which is co-ordinated by The Revd Siobhan Bridge, Vicar of St Paul’s and St Bernard’s. We are also part of an Anglo-Catholic Missioner project, in partnership with the parishes of St John’s, Perry Barr, St Mark’s Kingstanding, St George’s Edgbaston and St Alban’s, Highgate

There is an established ecumenical relationship with Beeches Evangelical Church and Perry Beeches Baptist Church, with the ministers meeting together regularly for discussion, prayer and mutual support. Sadly, joint services and pulpit exchanges are currently on hold due to significant differences regarding St Matthew’s firm commitment to inclusivity, specifically on LGBTQ+ issues, reflecting tensions on this matter in the wider church. The Ministers, however, are all committed to working together despite their differing views and are keen to re-establish a regular pattern of joint services if and when the appropriate authorities in the churches concerned give their consent. In the meantime, it is a cause of great sadness to St Matthew’s that this one area of disagreement has been allowed to result in the temporary discontinuation of ecumenical projects. Whilst not being willing to compromise on our firm commitment to inclusivity, we look forward to the matter being resolved and being able to work once again with our ecumenical neighbours in sharing God’s love unconditionally with the whole community.

Julian Group Report

We have had prayerful meetings over the last year, although we have had to cancel one or two meetings due to illness.

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We have about 7 members from 4 different churches.

We have a reading, then our Quiet Time of about 30 minutes, we go on to our intercessions and finish with a reading from Julian of Norwich.

A reading from Mother Julian:

‘We are so preciously loved by him who is the highest that it is far beyond the comprehension of all creatures. That is to say, no created being can fully know how much, how sweetly, and how tenderly our Creator loves us. But, with his grace and his help, we can gaze in endless wonder at the infinitely high, surpassing, immeasurable love which our Lord, in his goodness has for us. And so we may reverently ask our Lord all we want: for our natural will is to have God, and the good will of God is to have us. Anne Gadd

‘Phone In’ Services

Our Telephone Service Group continues to come together on a Tuesday evening each week, with worship and prayer at its core.

The group has a loyal and faithful fellowship, made up mainly of former regular attendees at St Matthew Church but who now, due to age, health issues, or other situations are unable to travel to the Church building. In addition there are five or six participants who regularly attend both church on a Sunday and also join our Tuesday Phone-in-Services.

There is a monthly healing service on the first Tuesday of the month and also many of the Church Feast days are included as the basis of our Services.

We have just marked the five years anniversary of the telephone services, which were originally initiated due to COVID isolation regulations. Five years on we continue with our mission to provide the opportunity for those who are also isolated today, due to their personal situations, to have the sense of belonging and engagement along their faith journey and also the knowledge they are a valued member of a fellowship that shares the same beliefs and values and that they are able to support each other in both joyful and challenging times. Paul Phipps

Financial Review

We rely on our Patrons, St Martin’s Trust to pay our Vicar’s stipend, our administrator and our organist. They also assist with office expenses and contribute to the travel expenses of our Curate.

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St. Matthew’s regular charities, Malawi and ‘Embrace the Middle East’ have still been supported this year through our online giving scheme, albeit with a reduced contribution.

Our common fund payment in 2024 was £22,800.

We must acknowledge the generosity of our congregation. Many of them contribute to the Church via the Parish Giving scheme, standing orders and envelope contributions, as well as plate donations at services in Church.

Hall hire during 2024 has seen an increased number of regular groups hiring during the week. This has been profitable for the PCC. The hall is also available for private party hire.

Churchwardens’ Report

The Terrier, listing land belonging to the church, and the inventory of items belonging to the church have been checked and all items are accounted for. We have photographed all of the items we have in the Church and a hard copy and a digital copy are with the inventory. All the Church’s insurances are in place and up to date.

During 2024 we have had a New Sound System installed in the Church which has greatly helped our services. We also had a new Altar Cloth and a Jubilee Tree for the Church Garden.

Janet Cook Tim Bartlett

Social Activities and Entertainment

In June Brother Martin was ordained and we had his first Mass which was a great cause for celebration

2024 was our Jubilee year, 60 years since the Church was built so we had a number of activities to celebrate this during the year:

In June Brother Martin and his fellow brothers organised a Franciscan Mission. We had an evening together where they explained the working of the Franciscans and they also arranged a very informative visit to the local Gurdwara

In July we had an evening with Adrian & Bridgett Plass, a husband-and-wife team who are both writers and speakers, particularly in the Christian faith

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In August we had a family fun day with activities for Children in Church and a bouncy castle, and also a brass band in the Church Hall, Bingo and food on sale

In September we had a photographic exhibition showing photos of St. Matthew’s over the years. This was on every day for 3 weeks and finished with the patronal festival Mass and the planting of the Jubilee Tree.

In October we finished our year-long celebrations with a Songs of praise.

Our popular Friday Coffee mornings continue as does our annual Christmas Fair.

Due to the activities during the year, our usual holiday with members of the congregation was postponed to 2025.

Janet Cook

Deanery Synod Report for the Handsworth and Central Deanery

There were various meetings held for the Deanery Synod members at various churches and locations throughout the Deanery.

The themes covered this year were :-

  1. Diocesan Finances – Are we still a going concern and what should our contributions be if that status is to continue in the light of the new Bishop?

  2. Deliver us from Evil – As a church how do we understand paranormal behaviour and how does Deliverance Ministry help us to respond to the spiritual and medical challenges it presents?

  3. How does the Israeli-Gaza conflict affect us here in Birmingham?

  4. One of the Church of England’s key targets is Growing Younger and Diverse. In an attempt to achieve this noble objective – How can our churches and parishes in Handsworth and Central embark on a programme of action to embed this while at the same time Encouraging Authorised Lay ministry and the Growing gifts programme to help fast-track it? Ann Harrison

Deanery Synod Representative

Safeguarding Officer Report 2024

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has adopted the House of Bishops policies and practices and has accordingly, appointed a Parish Safeguarding

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Officer (PSO). The PCC has adopted the requirements of both ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ and the diocesan statement regarding domestic abuse.

The PSO reports to the PCC on:

The parish’s maintenance of its safeguarding dashboard.

Its progress towards implementing all policies and practices related to the maintenance of the House of Bishops safeguarding policies and guidance from the Diocese of Birmingham as set out on the dashboard.

Compliance with DBS and training and issues related to outstanding training requirements as set out in the Safeguarding guidelines of Diocese of Birmingham. The effectiveness of its procedures and practices for reporting incidents.

The PSO has set up the parish safeguarding hub which runs in conjunction with the parish dashboard.

All training and DBS checks as of November 2024 are up to date. The PSO will advise individuals when they need to be renewed. Judith Deverell Parish Safeguarding Officer

Vicar’s Report 2024

The year 2024 marked the 60[th] anniversary of the dedication of our current church building. It was, therefore, an exciting and busy year, punctuated by various events – both spiritual and social – to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee.

In May, on the Saturday of the Pentecost weekend, we hosted a Festival for ‘On Fire Mission’. The day included Mass, Benediction, Healing Ministry and Personal stories, with contemporary music and worship with a gentle ‘Charismatic’ edge. It was well attended by supporters of ‘On Fire Mission’ from across the Midlands region and beyond but attracted only a handful of our own folk.

In June, our Curate, Br Martin John SSF and three Franciscan novices led a Franciscan Mission, the most popular aspect of which was an information evening that was well attended by our congregation and much enjoyed. Later in the month we held a very successful Family Fun Day which included the usual attractions – a bouncy castle, Bingo, a performance by The Great Barr Brass Band, and, of course, the excellent refreshments for which St Matthew’s is renowned!

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This was followed in July by an evening with the well-known Christian author, speaker and humourist Adrian Plass and his wife Bridget. As several colleagues in the diocese commented, being able to secure their services was something of a coup, and although the attendance was reasonable it was a little disappointing. Those who did attend, however, enjoyed an evening that combined church-focussed humour with some more thoughtful and accessible reflections on aspects of our faith. As such, it was an ideal opportunity for mission and a gentle introduction to Christianity for those outside the church. I think we need to gain in confidence in inviting ‘nonchurch’ friends and neighbours along to such events.

Over the course of the year, three ‘Spiritual Saturdays’ were organised, to explore key aspects of our church identity, focussing specifically on Prayer, St Matthew’s Gospel and the Anglo-Catholic tradition. All three were wellreceived by those who attended and we had some very lively, informative and interesting conversations along the way.

The highlight of the year was, quite rightly, our Patronal Festival Mass on St Matthew’s Day (21st September) at which Bishop James Langstaff (an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese) presided and preached and planted a memorial tree in the church garden. We were grateful to the St Eligius Singers who provided the music for this special celebration. Needless to say, the usual excellent refreshments followed.

In the run up to our Patronal Festival, we held a photographic display telling the story of St Matthew’s down the years. This attracted significant numbers of people from the wider community and was much appreciated. Particular thanks are due to Janet and Dave Cook who provided most of the many hundreds of photographs.

Inevitably, not all of our plans came to fruition. We had hoped to host a performance of Roger Jones’ religious Musical ‘The Torn Curtain’ but we were unable to recruit sufficient singers for the chorus to make this viable. We nevertheless rounded off our celebrations with a special ‘Songs of Praise’ service on the last Sunday of the Church year – the Solemnity of Christ the King.

In between all of this ‘extra curricula’ activity, the ongoing work of the church continued; we maintained a pattern of three said weekday Masses, with our main worshipping focus being the 10.00am Parish Mass on Sunday. Our numbers have grown slightly, including at weekday services, and if all of our church family (i.e. our regular worshippers) were to be present every Sunday, we would see more evidence of this growth. In reality, however, the competing demands of modern living mean that many faithful worshippers

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can’t attend Mass every Sunday, and St Matthew’s is far from unique in this regard.

In 2024 we once again held a successful and well-attended Lent Course and celebrated all the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter, and we offered the usual range of services at Christmas.

Our pastoral care and outreach continued, supported by our Reader Paul Phipps and our team of Pastoral visitors. Meanwhile, the re-establishment of the Friday Coffee morning has proved popular and is a valuable opportunity for church members to welcome and interact with others.

We continue to build good relationships with both Greenholm and Glenmead schools, with both attending St Matthew’s for special services at Christmas and Easter as well as occasional class visits.

One of the major frustrations of the year has been our inability to secure funding for a full-time Youth, Children and Families Minister. Our Patrons - St Martin’s Trust - have kindly agreed to provide 50% of the required funding for three years, but despite approaching several other Trusts we have yet to find the necessary match-funding. However, we are not giving up, and the search continues. I believe we are absolutely right to hold out for a full-time post offering an appropriate salary if we are to attract applicants of a suitable calibre, and I know that this view is shared by members of the senior staff team of the diocese. Hopefully new possibilities will open up in the coming months.

Throughout the year we have continued to work with Mthr Charlotte, the Anglo-Catholic Missioner, in exploring how we might become more outwardlooking and confident in our mission. Whilst we are excellent at providing ‘missional hospitality’ (i.e. welcoming people in through various events and activities) we are not so good at actively reaching or moving out into the wider community. It’s good, therefore, to have Mthr Charlotte with us once a month to celebrate and/or preach and to gently challenge and encourage us to become more mission-focussed.

Also on the theme of mission, our local Oversight Group (comprising St Matthew’s, St John’s Perry Barr, St Paul’s and St Bernard’s, Hamstead) is becoming well established under the leadership of The Revd Siobhan Bridge. The clergy of our parishes have ‘gelled’ very well as a team, and we look forward to relationships being developed between our respective congregations over the coming year. As part of that process, the Group meets for Evening Prayer every Wednesday at 4.30pm in rotation at one of the four churches. This is a good opportunity for Clergy and laity from across the Group to meet together for prayer and to catch up on one or two items of

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news. Sadly, St Matthew’s is the only church in the group that is represented at this service only by its clergy, and it would be good if one or two of our folk could join us, at least from time to time, for this brief but important half-hour gathering.

In short, it has - as usual - been a rather mixed year, with much for which to give thanks and one or two disappointments that should perhaps give us pause for thought. Whilst it has been good to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, even more importantly we have continued to offer good quality worship in a genuinely inclusive and welcoming ethos, and we remain a very open, friendly and caring community. That said, there are clearly ongoing challenges to be faced in terms of our mission, our openness to more contemporary but still firmly Catholic styles of worship, and our work with younger people. It isn’t difficult to spot the inter-relatedness of these three areas nor to recognise their importance for the church’s future.

I believe it is now time to make way for someone else to lead you in these challenges. As many of you will know, it is likely that I will be retiring in the latter half of 2025. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and it has been cut somewhat shorter than I planned, mainly due to personal circumstances and health issues. Nevertheless, I believe that my moving on is right both for me and for the parish.

In conclusion, I would like to say a very sincere thank you to our Churchwardens, Janet Cook and Tim Bartlett, our PCC, Ann our administrator, to all those who give so generously of their time and talents in so many voluntary roles and, of course, to our very supportive and generous Patrons, the St Martin’s Trust. I also want to say a particular thank you to our Reader, Paul Phipps for his ministry, and to wish him and Caroyln well as they prepare to move to pastures new.

Last but absolutely by no means least, I want to thank Br Martin for being a faithful, conscientious and supportive colleague. Curates are placed in parishes to be trained rather than to be an extra pair of priestly hands, but Martin has proved to be both a joy to train and a great asset to the parish. One of the reasons I feel able to leave sooner rather than later is the knowledge that during the vacancy he will be here - at least for a while - to provide a degree of continuity.

You will be in good hands. Most importantly of all, of course, you will be in God’s hands.

With thanks for all that has been, and prayers for all that will be, Your brother in Christ, Fr Trevor

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Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Trustees’ Annual Report for year ended 31 December 2024

Reference and Administrative Information

St Matthew’s Church and Centre is situated at the corner of Aldridge Road and Birdbrook Road, in the Great Barr area of Birmingham.

The office address is:

St Matthew’s Parish Office, Birdbrook Rd, Birmingham, B44 8RA.

The Revd Trevor Thurston-Smith is the Incumbent

and his address is:

St Matthew’s Vicarage, 313 Beeches Road, Birmingham, B42 2QR

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC powers measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2022) and is registered with the Charities Commission, Registered Charity No. 1164756.

Bankers:

Barclays Bank plc.

Independent Examiner:

Data Developments First Floor The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WB11HT

The Parish is part of Handsworth and Central Deanery, in the Church of England Diocese of Birmingham.

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The PCC is responsible for working with the Incumbent to promote the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical - in the Parish of Perry Beeches. This includes the life of the Parish Church of St Matthew, including the church centre complex comprising the large hall, lounge and family room, and grounds, and the general and restricted funds required for the operation of the church and centre, and for the mission of the Parish.

Activities during 2024

2024 was the 60th Anniversary of the dedication of our parish church, so there were a number of activities associated with this, culminating in a celebratory Patronal festival in September led by The Rt Revd James Langstaff, Hon. Assistant Bishop, Church of England Birmingham

These festivities included an evening performance by Adrian and Bridget Plass; a Fun Day, and a Week long Photographic exhibition.

On a more practical note we carried out some work on the front garden of the Church returfing, removing a dead tree and replacing it, and pruning several others.

We also replaced the door to the car park entrance and did some alterations and repairs on the Church Hall, including improving access to storage and repairing plaster damaged by damp.

We also brought some new chairs for the Lounge and replacement tables for the Hall.

In the Church we made a radical improvement to the Sound System with some new radio microphones and a new mixing deck.

Approved by the PCC on ………………….. 2025 by

…………………………… ……………………………

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2024

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 02 to 15.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis on Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. To keep accounting records in accordance with section130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the

  4. accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met:

or 2. To which, in my opinion, attention should have been drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Stephen Hendy 3[rd] March 2025

Data Developments, First Floor, Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 IHT

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St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
Church General fund
Designated
Altar Cloth 2023
BDBF Energy Extra Costs
Childrens and Family Worker Expences
Christmas Fair Set up Fund
Church Hall General Fund
Diamond Jubilee Events
Donations in Memorium
Friday Cafe
Furniture - Lord Austin 2022
Kitchen Equipment - Harlow 2022
Messy Church
Noah's Ark
PCC Fabric Fund
RIP Sheila Rooke
St Martins Capital Fund
St. Martins initiative fund
St.Martins 2023 Revenue
Thursday Bowlers Club
Unallocated funds in the Saving Account
Vicar's Charity fund		 35,526
4,936
22,770
—
63,232
69,692
5,171
23,766
100
—
29,037
27,760
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
98
288
31
—
418
232
824
—
208
—
1,032
4,621
41,619
39,491
23,109
—
104,219
102,910
39,466
41,578
23,518
—
104,562
89,907
676
—
903
—
1,580
6,197
40,142
41,578
24,421
—
106,141
96,104
1,477
(2,088)
(1,312)
—
(1,923)
6,806
3,021
5,031
4,006
—
12,058
3,468
(4,244)
(4,066)
(3,749)
—
(12,058)
(3,468)
254
(1,122)
(1,055)
—
(1,923)
6,806
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668
10,768
44,608
13,175
—
68,551
70,474
10,768
—
—
—
10,768
10,514
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
2,634
—
—
2,634
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
(343)
—
300
—
—
300
(430)
—
21,796
—
—
21,796
24,452
—
(44)
—
—
(44)
—
—
718
—
—
718
—
—
1,783
—
—
1,783
459
—
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,076
—
—
1,076
1,101
—
125
—
—
125
88
—
1,308
—
—
1,308
956
—
4,976
—
—
4,976
5,021
—
—
—
—
—
475
—
850
—
—
850
850
—
500
—
—
500
500
—
(94)
—
—
(94)
430
—
300
—
—
300
300
—
8,172
—
—
8,172
7,839
—
210
—
—
210
250

Page 5

Restricted
Childrens and Family Worker Fund — — 2,481 — 2,481 2,824
Church Floor Grouting — — 1,200 — 1,200 1,200
CoE Investments — — 388 — 388 356
Curates Accomodation and Travel Expences — — 214 — 214 543
Embrace the Middle East — — 142 — 142 174
Flowers — — 32 — 32 162
Harlow 2024 - Leafleting — — 1,000 — 1,000 —
Slabbing amd Church Windows from 2017 Grants — — 2,448 — 2,448 4,030
St. Martins Admin Wages — — 81 — 81 220
St. Martins Music Funds — — 1,963 — 1,963 2,095
Vicarage Decoration Fund — — 3,225 — 3,225 2,625

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Balance sheet at 31 December 2024

Total funds
Prioryear funds
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
Church General fund
Designated
Altar Cloth 2023
St. Martins initiative fund
St Martins Capital Fund
St.Martins 2023 Revenue
PCC Fees
Verger Fees
Christmas Fair Set up Fund
Heating fees from Funerals
Noah's Ark
Messy Church
Friday Cafe
Diamond Jubilee Events
Thursday Bowlers Club
Outings and Trips
PCC Fabric Fund
Vicar's Charity fund
RIP Sheila Rooke
Donations in Memorium
BDBF Energy Extra Costs
Kitchen Equipment - Harlow 2022
Furniture - Lord Austin 2022
Church Hall General Fund
Unallocated funds in the Saving Account
Childrens and Family Worker Expences		 —
1,319
388
356
68,724
73,526
69,112
75,201
561
4,728
561
4,728
68,551
70,474
68,551
70,474
68,551
70,474
10,768
10,514
—
150
500
500
850
850
(94)
430
—
—
—
—
300
(430)
—
—
1,308
956
125
88
1,783
459
(44)
—
300
300
—
—
4,976
5,021
210
250
—
475
718
—
2,634
2,634
1,076
1,101
—
1,000
21,796
24,452
8,172
7,839
—
(343)

Page 6

Restricted
Harlow 2024 - Leafleting
Slabbing amd Church Windows from 2017 Grants
Church Floor Grouting
Vicarage Decoration Fund
CoE Investments
Childrens and Family Worker Fund
St. Martins Admin Wages
St. Martins Music Funds
Curates Accomodation and Travel Expences
Flowers
Embrace the Middle East
Funds of the church		 1,000
—
2,448
4,030
1,200
1,200
3,225
2,625
388
356
2,481
2,824
81
220
1,963
2,095
214
543
32
162
142
174
68,551
70,474

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2024

General Designated
Restricted Endowment
Thisyear
Lastyear
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Current Account -
Hall Current Account -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
Totals
Current assets - Investments
CBF CoE Fixed Interest Securities Fund -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one
year
Accounts Payable -
Totals
Grand total		 2,716
28,586
14,211
—
45,513
26,916
—
—
(1,420)
—
(1,420)
(1,420)
8,059
3,289
(443)
—
10,905
23,016
(7)
12,733
1,000
—
13,727
25,014
10,769
44,608
13,348
—
68,724
73,526
—
—
—
—
—
1,319
—
—
—
—
—
1,319
0
0
388
—
388
356
0
0
388
—
388
356
—
—
561
—
561
293
—
—
561
—
561
293
—
—
—
—
—
4,434
—
—
—
—
—
4,434
10,768
44,608
13,175
—
68,551
70,474

Page 7

Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2023

General Designated
Restricted Endowment
Thisyear
Lastyear
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Current Account -
Hall Current Account -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
Totals
Current assets - Investments
CBF CoE Fixed Interest Securities Fund -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one
year
Accounts Payable -
Totals
Grand total		 (4,891)
19,095
12,712
—
26,916
20,650
—
—
(1,420)
—
(1,420)
(1,420)
18,968
1,174
2,874
—
23,016
22,985
(7)
25,021
--
—
25,014
16,781
14,070
45,290
14,166
—
73,526
58,996
—
1,319
—
—
1,319
5,789
—
1,319
—
—
1,319
5,789
0
0
356
—
356
356
0
0
356
—
356
356
—
—
293
—
293
1,474
—
—
293
—
293
1.474
3,555
879
—
—
4,434
--
3,555
879
—
—
4,434
--
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Fund movement by type

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing
Altarclth - Altar Cloth 2023
Designated
Sub-total for Altarclth
DorothyL - In Memory of Dorothy
Designated
Sub-total for DorothyL
Harlow2024 - Harlow 2024 - Leafle
Restricted
Sub-total for Harlow2024
Jubilee - Diamond Jubilee Even
Designated
Sub-total for Jubilee
Memorium - Donations in Memoriu
Designated
Sub-total for Memorium
VaterLeak - Insurance Claim for
Designated
Sub-total for VaterLeak		 150
—
216
66
—
—
—
150
—
216
66
—
—
—
—
500
—
(500)
—
—
—
—
500
—
(500)
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,000
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
550
594
—
—
—
(44)
—
550
594
—
—
—
(44)
—
612
869
975
—
—
718
—
612
869
975
—
—
718
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Page 8

Vicarage - Vicarage Decoration
Restricted
Sub-total for Vicarage
BDBF-Elect - BDBF Energy Extra Co
Designated
Sub-total for BDBF-Elect
Kitch - Kitchen Equipment -
Designated
Sub-total for Kitch
Furniture - Furniture - Lord Aus
Designated
Sub-total for Furniture
General - Church General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
CHGeneral - Church Hall General
Designated
Sub-total for CHGeneral
SavGeneral - Unallocated funds in
Designated
Sub-total for SavGeneral
Investment - CoE Investments
Restricted
Sub-total for Investment
CFW-Exp - Childrens and Family
Designated
Sub-total for CFW-Exp
CFW-Wages - Childrens and Family
Restricted
Sub-total for CFW-Wages
StM-Admin - St. Martins Admin Wa
Restricted
Sub-total for StM-Admin
StM-Music - St. Martins Music Fu
Restricted
Sub-total for StM-Music
STM-IF - St. Martins initiati
Designated
Sub-total for STM-IF
STM-23Cap - St Martins Capital F
Designated
Sub-total for STM-23Cap
STM-23Rev - St.Martins 2023 Reve
Designated
Sub-total for STM-23Rev
Cur-Accom - Curates Accomodation
Restricted
Sub-total for Cur-Accom
Flowers - Flowers
Restricted
Sub-total for Flowers		 2,625
—
—
600
—
—
3,225
2,625
—
—
600
—
—
3,225
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
2,634
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
2,634
1,101
—
—
(25)
—
—
1,076
1,101
—
—
(25)
—
—
1,076
1,000
—
1,086
86
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,086
86
—
—
—
10,514
41,619
40,142
(1,223)
—
—
10,768
10,514
41,619
40,142
(1,223)
—
—
10,768
24,452
33,085
35,766
25
—
—
21,796
24,452
33,085
35,766
25
—
—
21,796
7,839
288
—
45
—
—
8,172
7,839
288
—
45
—
—
8,172
356
31
—
—
—
—
388
356
31
—
—
—
—
388
(343)
—
—
343
—
—
—
(343)
—
—
343
—
—
—
2,824
—
—
(343)
—
—
2,481
2,824
—
—
(343)
—
—
2,481
220
16,800
17,863
925
—
—
81
220
16,800
17,863
925
—
—
81
2,095
3,500
3,632
—
—
—
1,963
2,095
3,500
3,632
—
—
—
1,963
500
—
—
—
—
—
500
500
—
—
—
—
—
500
850
—
—
—
—
—
850
850
—
—
—
—
—
850
430
2,000
2,524
—
—
—
(94)
430
2,000
2,524
—
—
—
(94)
543
1,500
903
(925)
—
—
214
543
1,500
903
(925)
—
—
214
162
70
200
—
—
—
32
162
70
200
—
—
—
32

Page 9

PCCfees - PCC Fees
Designated
Sub-total for PCCfees
Verger - Verger Fees
Designated
Sub-total for Verger
XmasFair - Christmas Fair Set u
Designated
Sub-total for XmasFair
HeatingFee - Heating fees from Fu
Designated
Sub-total for HeatingFee
Noahsark - Noah's Ark
Designated
Sub-total for Noahsark
Messy-Ch - Messy Church
Designated
Sub-total for Messy-Ch
Cafe - Friday Cafe
Designated
Sub-total for Cafe
Bowlers - Thursday Bowlers Clu
Designated
Sub-total for Bowlers
Gp-Outings - Outings and Trips
Designated
Sub-total for Gp-Outings
EME - Embrace the Middle E
Restricted
Sub-total for EME
FabricFund - PCC Fabric Fund
Designated
Sub-total for FabricFund
VicarsFnd - Vicar's Charity fund
Designated
Sub-total for VicarsFnd
S-Rooke - RIP Sheila Rooke
Designated
Sub-total for S-Rooke
Slabing - Slabbing amd Church
Restricted
Sub-total for Slabing
GroutFloor - Church Floor Groutin
Restricted
Sub-total for GroutFloor
Grand total		 —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(430)
—
281
1,011
—
—
300
(430)
—
281
1,011
—
—
300
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
956
595
243
—
—
—
1,308
956
595
243
—
—
—
1,308
88
36
—
—
—
—
125
88
36
—
—
—
—
125
459
1,325
—
—
—
—
1,783
459
1,325
—
—
—
—
1,783
300
—
—
—
—
—
300
300
—
—
—
—
—
300
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
174
208
240
—
—
—
142
174
208
240
—
—
—
142
5,021
500
—
(545)
—
—
4,976
5,021
500
—
(545)
—
—
4,976
250
—
—
(40)
—
—
210
250
—
—
(40)
—
—
210
475
—
—
(475)
—
—
—
475
—
—
(475)
—
—
—
4,030
—
1,582
—
—
—
2,448
4,030
—
1,582
—
—
—
2,448
1,200
—
—
—
—
—
1,200
1,200
—
—
—
—
—
1,200
70,474
104,219
106,141
—
—
—
68,551

Page 10

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Analysis of income and expenditure

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Parish Giving Fund
Envelope Scheme
Other Planned Giving
On-Line Giving
Open Plate Donations
Other One-off Donations
Donations for Parish Parties
Parish Giving Gift Aid
Other Gift Aid
Recurring Grants
One-Off Grants
Donations for Flowers
Coffee Morning Donations
Total
Income from charitable activities
Charges for Organist
Charitable Events - Christmas Fair
Income for Diamond Jubilee events
Other Charitable Events
PCC fees for weddings and funerals
Heating Income from Weddings/Funerals
Income from Book Sales
Noah's Ark Income
Messy Church Income
Bowler's Income
Church Centre Commercial Rent
Church Centre Community Rent
Church Centre - Private Party Rents
Total
Other trading activities
Cheques Received from Church Account
Total
Investments
Bank Interest
Return on CCLA Investment
Total
Other income
Embrace the Middle East
Rent from Land and Buildings
Solar Panel Income
Sundry Income - Church
Total		 Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
22,236
—
—
—
22,236
20,960
743
—
—
—
743
709
1,740
—
—
—
1,740
1,740
436
—
—
—
436
108
2,632
—
—
—
2,632
4,043
961
1,112
10
—
2,083
664
—
—
—
—
—
118
5,132
—
—
—
5,132
4,852
1,645
—
—
—
1,645
1,808
—
—
21,700
—
21,700
31,490
—
2,500
1,000
—
3,500
2,850
—
—
60
—
60
350
—
1,325
—
—
1,325
—
35,526
4,936
22,770
—
63,232
69,692
—
—
100
—
100
—
3,605
—
—
—
3,605
2,885
—
550
—
—
550
—
42
—
—
—
42
103
1,324
—
—
—
1,324
1,220
200
—
—
—
200
300
—
—
—
—
—
139
—
595
—
—
595
800
—
36
—
—
36
45
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
14,948
—
—
14,948
14,383
—
6,397
—
—
6,397
6,150
—
1,240
—
—
1,240
1,585
5,171
23,766
100
—
29,037
27,760
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
98
288
—
—
386
232
—
—
31
—
31
—
98
288
31
—
418
232
—
—
208
—
208
215
75
—
—
—
75
75
749
—
—
—
749
770
—
—
—
—
—
3,560
824
—
208
—
1,032
4,621
INCOME TOTAL 41,619
39,491
23,109
—
104,219
102,910

Page 11

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure on charitable activities
Office Stationary, Hall etc.
Office Phone and Braodband
Photocopying
Office Stationary Church etc
Church Hall Electricity
Church Hall Gas
Church Hall Maintenance
Church Hall Cleaning
Church Hall Boiler
Church Hall Capital Projects
Noah's Ark
Sacristy Services and Equipment
Common Fund
Organist Fees
Relief Vicars Expences
Church Electricity
Church Maintenance
Church Capital Projects
Garden Maintenance
Lounge and Servery Mainenance
Centre Hygene
Centre Maintenance
Centre Pest Control
Centre Insurance
Water Bill
Marketing costs
IT Costs
Refreshments for Church Events
Administrator Wages
Children and Families Worker Wages
Children and Families Worker Expences
Sunday School Expenfiture
Parish Party Costs
Trips and outings
Christmas Fair Expences
Costs associated with Diamonf Jubilee Ev
Flowers
Embrace the Middle east
Bowls club Expences
One-off charity Donations
Miscellaneous - Church
Miscellaneous - Church Hall
Sundry Donations
Cheques paid to Church Hall Account
Governance Costs - Examination/Audit
Total		 —
339
—
—
339
309
—
374
—
—
374
389
—
674
—
—
674
858
—
131
—
—
131
27
—
1,698
—
—
1,698
1,127
—
5,406
—
—
5,406
4,265
500
7,995
—
—
8,495
334
—
7,451
—
—
7,451
4,582
—
228
—
—
228
454
500
—
—
—
500
1,964
—
243
—
—
243
403
1,310
216
—
—
1,525
1,275
22,800
—
—
—
22,800
23,600
—
—
3,632
—
3,632
3,300
6
—
—
—
6
139
8,785
—
—
—
8,785
7,057
661
—
—
—
661
—
882
869
—
—
1,751
1,176
25
—
1,582
—
1,607
40
—
—
—
—
—
25
—
647
—
—
647
593
—
2,357
—
—
2,357
3,753
—
310
—
—
310
—
3,503
—
—
—
3,503
3,763
—
392
—
—
392
155
—
1,227
—
—
1,227
624
—
147
—
—
147
—
474
—
—
—
474
652
—
—
17,863
—
17,863
15,372
—
—
—
—
—
9,824
—
—
—
—
—
466
19
—
—
—
19
—
—
—
—
—
—
214
—
—
—
—
—
225
—
281
—
—
281
499
—
594
—
—
594
—
—
—
200
—
200
414
—
—
240
—
240
240
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
—
—
—
—
210
—
—
—
—
—
100
—
—
—
—
—
30
—
—
—
—
—
76
—
10,000
—
—
10,000
606
—
—
—
—
—
618
39,466
41,578
23,518
—
104,562
89,907

Page 12

Other expenditure

Other expenditure
Vicar's Expences
Vicarage Expences
Curates Accomodation Costs
Curates Expences
Total		 —
—
—
—
—
266
666
—
—
—
666
928
—
—
—
—
—
4,599
10
—
903
—
913
404
676
—
903
—
1,580
6,197
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 40,142
41,578
24,421
—
106,141
96,104
GRAND TOTAL 1,477
(2,088)
(1,312)
—
(1,923)
6,806

PRIOR PERIOD COMPARATIVE SOFA

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 34,852
3,795
31,045
—
69,962
81,537
4,647
23,113
100
—
27,760
28,510
—
606
—
—
606
---5
95
137
—
—
232
(41)
889
123
3,609
—
4,621
4,332
40,482
27,774
34,654
—
102,910
114,339
40,616
21,269
34,219
—
96,104
102,281
40,616
21,269
34,219
—
96,104
102,281
(134)
6,505
436
—
6,806
12,057
228
1,845
1,395
—
3,468
8,995
(828)
(2,640)
---
—
(3,468)
(8,995)
(734)
5,710
1,831
—
6,806
12,057
11,248
40,020
12,399
—
63,668
51,610
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668

Page 13

Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Trustees’ Annual Report for year ended 31 December 2024

Reference and Administrative Information

St Matthew’s Church and Centre is situated at the corner of Aldridge Road and Birdbrook Road, in the Great Barr area of Birmingham.

The office address is:

St Matthew’s Parish Office, Birdbrook Rd, Birmingham, B44 8RA.

The Revd Trevor Thurston-Smith is the Incumbent

and his address is:

St Matthew’s Vicarage, 313 Beeches Road, Birmingham, B42 2QR

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC powers measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2022) and is registered with the Charities Commission, Registered Charity No. 1164756.

Bankers:

Barclays Bank plc.

Independent Examiner:

Data Developments First Floor The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WB11HT

The Parish is part of Handsworth and Central Deanery, in the Church of England Diocese of Birmingham.

Page 1

The PCC is responsible for working with the Incumbent to promote the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical - in the Parish of Perry Beeches. This includes the life of the Parish Church of St Matthew, including the church centre complex comprising the large hall, lounge and family room, and grounds, and the general and restricted funds required for the operation of the church and centre, and for the mission of the Parish.

Activities during 2024

2024 was the 60th Anniversary of the dedication of our parish church, so there were a number of activities associated with this, culminating in a celebratory Patronal festival in September led by The Rt Revd James Langstaff, Hon. Assistant Bishop, Church of England Birmingham

These festivities included an evening performance by Adrian and Bridget Plass; a Fun Day, and a Week long Photographic exhibition.

On a more practical note we carried out some work on the front garden of the Church returfing, removing a dead tree and replacing it, and pruning several others.

We also replaced the door to the car park entrance and did some alterations and repairs on the Church Hall, including improving access to storage and repairing plaster damaged by damp.

We also brought some new chairs for the Lounge and replacement tables for the Hall.

In the Church we made a radical improvement to the Sound System with some new radio microphones and a new mixing deck.

Approved by the PCC on ………………….. 2025 by

…………………………… ……………………………

Page 2

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2024

Page 3

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 02 to 15.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis on Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. To keep accounting records in accordance with section130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the

  4. accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met:

or 2. To which, in my opinion, attention should have been drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Stephen Hendy 3[rd] March 2025

Data Developments, First Floor, Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 IHT

Page 4

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Represented by
Unrestricted
Church General fund
Designated
Altar Cloth 2023
BDBF Energy Extra Costs
Childrens and Family Worker Expences
Christmas Fair Set up Fund
Church Hall General Fund
Diamond Jubilee Events
Donations in Memorium
Friday Cafe
Furniture - Lord Austin 2022
Kitchen Equipment - Harlow 2022
Messy Church
Noah's Ark
PCC Fabric Fund
RIP Sheila Rooke
St Martins Capital Fund
St. Martins initiative fund
St.Martins 2023 Revenue
Thursday Bowlers Club
Unallocated funds in the Saving Account
Vicar's Charity fund		 35,526
4,936
22,770
—
63,232
69,692
5,171
23,766
100
—
29,037
27,760
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
98
288
31
—
418
232
824
—
208
—
1,032
4,621
41,619
39,491
23,109
—
104,219
102,910
39,466
41,578
23,518
—
104,562
89,907
676
—
903
—
1,580
6,197
40,142
41,578
24,421
—
106,141
96,104
1,477
(2,088)
(1,312)
—
(1,923)
6,806
3,021
5,031
4,006
—
12,058
3,468
(4,244)
(4,066)
(3,749)
—
(12,058)
(3,468)
254
(1,122)
(1,055)
—
(1,923)
6,806
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668
10,768
44,608
13,175
—
68,551
70,474
10,768
—
—
—
10,768
10,514
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
2,634
—
—
2,634
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
(343)
—
300
—
—
300
(430)
—
21,796
—
—
21,796
24,452
—
(44)
—
—
(44)
—
—
718
—
—
718
—
—
1,783
—
—
1,783
459
—
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,076
—
—
1,076
1,101
—
125
—
—
125
88
—
1,308
—
—
1,308
956
—
4,976
—
—
4,976
5,021
—
—
—
—
—
475
—
850
—
—
850
850
—
500
—
—
500
500
—
(94)
—
—
(94)
430
—
300
—
—
300
300
—
8,172
—
—
8,172
7,839
—
210
—
—
210
250

Page 5

Restricted
Childrens and Family Worker Fund — — 2,481 — 2,481 2,824
Church Floor Grouting — — 1,200 — 1,200 1,200
CoE Investments — — 388 — 388 356
Curates Accomodation and Travel Expences — — 214 — 214 543
Embrace the Middle East — — 142 — 142 174
Flowers — — 32 — 32 162
Harlow 2024 - Leafleting — — 1,000 — 1,000 —
Slabbing amd Church Windows from 2017 Grants — — 2,448 — 2,448 4,030
St. Martins Admin Wages — — 81 — 81 220
St. Martins Music Funds — — 1,963 — 1,963 2,095
Vicarage Decoration Fund — — 3,225 — 3,225 2,625

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Balance sheet at 31 December 2024

Total funds
Prioryear funds
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
Church General fund
Designated
Altar Cloth 2023
St. Martins initiative fund
St Martins Capital Fund
St.Martins 2023 Revenue
PCC Fees
Verger Fees
Christmas Fair Set up Fund
Heating fees from Funerals
Noah's Ark
Messy Church
Friday Cafe
Diamond Jubilee Events
Thursday Bowlers Club
Outings and Trips
PCC Fabric Fund
Vicar's Charity fund
RIP Sheila Rooke
Donations in Memorium
BDBF Energy Extra Costs
Kitchen Equipment - Harlow 2022
Furniture - Lord Austin 2022
Church Hall General Fund
Unallocated funds in the Saving Account
Childrens and Family Worker Expences		 —
1,319
388
356
68,724
73,526
69,112
75,201
561
4,728
561
4,728
68,551
70,474
68,551
70,474
68,551
70,474
10,768
10,514
—
150
500
500
850
850
(94)
430
—
—
—
—
300
(430)
—
—
1,308
956
125
88
1,783
459
(44)
—
300
300
—
—
4,976
5,021
210
250
—
475
718
—
2,634
2,634
1,076
1,101
—
1,000
21,796
24,452
8,172
7,839
—
(343)

Page 6

Restricted
Harlow 2024 - Leafleting
Slabbing amd Church Windows from 2017 Grants
Church Floor Grouting
Vicarage Decoration Fund
CoE Investments
Childrens and Family Worker Fund
St. Martins Admin Wages
St. Martins Music Funds
Curates Accomodation and Travel Expences
Flowers
Embrace the Middle East
Funds of the church		 1,000
—
2,448
4,030
1,200
1,200
3,225
2,625
388
356
2,481
2,824
81
220
1,963
2,095
214
543
32
162
142
174
68,551
70,474

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2024

General Designated
Restricted Endowment
Thisyear
Lastyear
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Current Account -
Hall Current Account -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
Totals
Current assets - Investments
CBF CoE Fixed Interest Securities Fund -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one
year
Accounts Payable -
Totals
Grand total		 2,716
28,586
14,211
—
45,513
26,916
—
—
(1,420)
—
(1,420)
(1,420)
8,059
3,289
(443)
—
10,905
23,016
(7)
12,733
1,000
—
13,727
25,014
10,769
44,608
13,348
—
68,724
73,526
—
—
—
—
—
1,319
—
—
—
—
—
1,319
0
0
388
—
388
356
0
0
388
—
388
356
—
—
561
—
561
293
—
—
561
—
561
293
—
—
—
—
—
4,434
—
—
—
—
—
4,434
10,768
44,608
13,175
—
68,551
70,474

Page 7

Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2023

General Designated
Restricted Endowment
Thisyear
Lastyear
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Saving Accounts -
Church Current Account -
Hall Current Account -
Totals
Current assets - Debtors
Accounts Receivable -
Totals
Current assets - Investments
CBF CoE Fixed Interest Securities Fund -
Totals
Liabilities - Agency accounts
Agency collections -
Totals
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in one
year
Accounts Payable -
Totals
Grand total		 (4,891)
19,095
12,712
—
26,916
20,650
—
—
(1,420)
—
(1,420)
(1,420)
18,968
1,174
2,874
—
23,016
22,985
(7)
25,021
--
—
25,014
16,781
14,070
45,290
14,166
—
73,526
58,996
—
1,319
—
—
1,319
5,789
—
1,319
—
—
1,319
5,789
0
0
356
—
356
356
0
0
356
—
356
356
—
—
293
—
293
1,474
—
—
293
—
293
1.474
3,555
879
—
—
4,434
--
3,555
879
—
—
4,434
--
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Fund movement by type

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing
Altarclth - Altar Cloth 2023
Designated
Sub-total for Altarclth
DorothyL - In Memory of Dorothy
Designated
Sub-total for DorothyL
Harlow2024 - Harlow 2024 - Leafle
Restricted
Sub-total for Harlow2024
Jubilee - Diamond Jubilee Even
Designated
Sub-total for Jubilee
Memorium - Donations in Memoriu
Designated
Sub-total for Memorium
VaterLeak - Insurance Claim for
Designated
Sub-total for VaterLeak		 150
—
216
66
—
—
—
150
—
216
66
—
—
—
—
500
—
(500)
—
—
—
—
500
—
(500)
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,000
—
—
—
—
1,000
—
550
594
—
—
—
(44)
—
550
594
—
—
—
(44)
—
612
869
975
—
—
718
—
612
869
975
—
—
718
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Page 8

Vicarage - Vicarage Decoration
Restricted
Sub-total for Vicarage
BDBF-Elect - BDBF Energy Extra Co
Designated
Sub-total for BDBF-Elect
Kitch - Kitchen Equipment -
Designated
Sub-total for Kitch
Furniture - Furniture - Lord Aus
Designated
Sub-total for Furniture
General - Church General fund
Unrestricted
Sub-total for General
CHGeneral - Church Hall General
Designated
Sub-total for CHGeneral
SavGeneral - Unallocated funds in
Designated
Sub-total for SavGeneral
Investment - CoE Investments
Restricted
Sub-total for Investment
CFW-Exp - Childrens and Family
Designated
Sub-total for CFW-Exp
CFW-Wages - Childrens and Family
Restricted
Sub-total for CFW-Wages
StM-Admin - St. Martins Admin Wa
Restricted
Sub-total for StM-Admin
StM-Music - St. Martins Music Fu
Restricted
Sub-total for StM-Music
STM-IF - St. Martins initiati
Designated
Sub-total for STM-IF
STM-23Cap - St Martins Capital F
Designated
Sub-total for STM-23Cap
STM-23Rev - St.Martins 2023 Reve
Designated
Sub-total for STM-23Rev
Cur-Accom - Curates Accomodation
Restricted
Sub-total for Cur-Accom
Flowers - Flowers
Restricted
Sub-total for Flowers		 2,625
—
—
600
—
—
3,225
2,625
—
—
600
—
—
3,225
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
2,634
2,634
—
—
—
—
—
2,634
1,101
—
—
(25)
—
—
1,076
1,101
—
—
(25)
—
—
1,076
1,000
—
1,086
86
—
—
—
1,000
—
1,086
86
—
—
—
10,514
41,619
40,142
(1,223)
—
—
10,768
10,514
41,619
40,142
(1,223)
—
—
10,768
24,452
33,085
35,766
25
—
—
21,796
24,452
33,085
35,766
25
—
—
21,796
7,839
288
—
45
—
—
8,172
7,839
288
—
45
—
—
8,172
356
31
—
—
—
—
388
356
31
—
—
—
—
388
(343)
—
—
343
—
—
—
(343)
—
—
343
—
—
—
2,824
—
—
(343)
—
—
2,481
2,824
—
—
(343)
—
—
2,481
220
16,800
17,863
925
—
—
81
220
16,800
17,863
925
—
—
81
2,095
3,500
3,632
—
—
—
1,963
2,095
3,500
3,632
—
—
—
1,963
500
—
—
—
—
—
500
500
—
—
—
—
—
500
850
—
—
—
—
—
850
850
—
—
—
—
—
850
430
2,000
2,524
—
—
—
(94)
430
2,000
2,524
—
—
—
(94)
543
1,500
903
(925)
—
—
214
543
1,500
903
(925)
—
—
214
162
70
200
—
—
—
32
162
70
200
—
—
—
32

Page 9

PCCfees - PCC Fees
Designated
Sub-total for PCCfees
Verger - Verger Fees
Designated
Sub-total for Verger
XmasFair - Christmas Fair Set u
Designated
Sub-total for XmasFair
HeatingFee - Heating fees from Fu
Designated
Sub-total for HeatingFee
Noahsark - Noah's Ark
Designated
Sub-total for Noahsark
Messy-Ch - Messy Church
Designated
Sub-total for Messy-Ch
Cafe - Friday Cafe
Designated
Sub-total for Cafe
Bowlers - Thursday Bowlers Clu
Designated
Sub-total for Bowlers
Gp-Outings - Outings and Trips
Designated
Sub-total for Gp-Outings
EME - Embrace the Middle E
Restricted
Sub-total for EME
FabricFund - PCC Fabric Fund
Designated
Sub-total for FabricFund
VicarsFnd - Vicar's Charity fund
Designated
Sub-total for VicarsFnd
S-Rooke - RIP Sheila Rooke
Designated
Sub-total for S-Rooke
Slabing - Slabbing amd Church
Restricted
Sub-total for Slabing
GroutFloor - Church Floor Groutin
Restricted
Sub-total for GroutFloor
Grand total		 —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(430)
—
281
1,011
—
—
300
(430)
—
281
1,011
—
—
300
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
956
595
243
—
—
—
1,308
956
595
243
—
—
—
1,308
88
36
—
—
—
—
125
88
36
—
—
—
—
125
459
1,325
—
—
—
—
1,783
459
1,325
—
—
—
—
1,783
300
—
—
—
—
—
300
300
—
—
—
—
—
300
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
174
208
240
—
—
—
142
174
208
240
—
—
—
142
5,021
500
—
(545)
—
—
4,976
5,021
500
—
(545)
—
—
4,976
250
—
—
(40)
—
—
210
250
—
—
(40)
—
—
210
475
—
—
(475)
—
—
—
475
—
—
(475)
—
—
—
4,030
—
1,582
—
—
—
2,448
4,030
—
1,582
—
—
—
2,448
1,200
—
—
—
—
—
1,200
1,200
—
—
—
—
—
1,200
70,474
104,219
106,141
—
—
—
68,551

Page 10

St Matthew, Perry Beeches, Birmingham

Analysis of income and expenditure

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Parish Giving Fund
Envelope Scheme
Other Planned Giving
On-Line Giving
Open Plate Donations
Other One-off Donations
Donations for Parish Parties
Parish Giving Gift Aid
Other Gift Aid
Recurring Grants
One-Off Grants
Donations for Flowers
Coffee Morning Donations
Total
Income from charitable activities
Charges for Organist
Charitable Events - Christmas Fair
Income for Diamond Jubilee events
Other Charitable Events
PCC fees for weddings and funerals
Heating Income from Weddings/Funerals
Income from Book Sales
Noah's Ark Income
Messy Church Income
Bowler's Income
Church Centre Commercial Rent
Church Centre Community Rent
Church Centre - Private Party Rents
Total
Other trading activities
Cheques Received from Church Account
Total
Investments
Bank Interest
Return on CCLA Investment
Total
Other income
Embrace the Middle East
Rent from Land and Buildings
Solar Panel Income
Sundry Income - Church
Total		 Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
22,236
—
—
—
22,236
20,960
743
—
—
—
743
709
1,740
—
—
—
1,740
1,740
436
—
—
—
436
108
2,632
—
—
—
2,632
4,043
961
1,112
10
—
2,083
664
—
—
—
—
—
118
5,132
—
—
—
5,132
4,852
1,645
—
—
—
1,645
1,808
—
—
21,700
—
21,700
31,490
—
2,500
1,000
—
3,500
2,850
—
—
60
—
60
350
—
1,325
—
—
1,325
—
35,526
4,936
22,770
—
63,232
69,692
—
—
100
—
100
—
3,605
—
—
—
3,605
2,885
—
550
—
—
550
—
42
—
—
—
42
103
1,324
—
—
—
1,324
1,220
200
—
—
—
200
300
—
—
—
—
—
139
—
595
—
—
595
800
—
36
—
—
36
45
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
14,948
—
—
14,948
14,383
—
6,397
—
—
6,397
6,150
—
1,240
—
—
1,240
1,585
5,171
23,766
100
—
29,037
27,760
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
—
10,500
—
—
10,500
606
98
288
—
—
386
232
—
—
31
—
31
—
98
288
31
—
418
232
—
—
208
—
208
215
75
—
—
—
75
75
749
—
—
—
749
770
—
—
—
—
—
3,560
824
—
208
—
1,032
4,621
INCOME TOTAL 41,619
39,491
23,109
—
104,219
102,910

Page 11

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure on charitable activities
Office Stationary, Hall etc.
Office Phone and Braodband
Photocopying
Office Stationary Church etc
Church Hall Electricity
Church Hall Gas
Church Hall Maintenance
Church Hall Cleaning
Church Hall Boiler
Church Hall Capital Projects
Noah's Ark
Sacristy Services and Equipment
Common Fund
Organist Fees
Relief Vicars Expences
Church Electricity
Church Maintenance
Church Capital Projects
Garden Maintenance
Lounge and Servery Mainenance
Centre Hygene
Centre Maintenance
Centre Pest Control
Centre Insurance
Water Bill
Marketing costs
IT Costs
Refreshments for Church Events
Administrator Wages
Children and Families Worker Wages
Children and Families Worker Expences
Sunday School Expenfiture
Parish Party Costs
Trips and outings
Christmas Fair Expences
Costs associated with Diamonf Jubilee Ev
Flowers
Embrace the Middle east
Bowls club Expences
One-off charity Donations
Miscellaneous - Church
Miscellaneous - Church Hall
Sundry Donations
Cheques paid to Church Hall Account
Governance Costs - Examination/Audit
Total		 —
339
—
—
339
309
—
374
—
—
374
389
—
674
—
—
674
858
—
131
—
—
131
27
—
1,698
—
—
1,698
1,127
—
5,406
—
—
5,406
4,265
500
7,995
—
—
8,495
334
—
7,451
—
—
7,451
4,582
—
228
—
—
228
454
500
—
—
—
500
1,964
—
243
—
—
243
403
1,310
216
—
—
1,525
1,275
22,800
—
—
—
22,800
23,600
—
—
3,632
—
3,632
3,300
6
—
—
—
6
139
8,785
—
—
—
8,785
7,057
661
—
—
—
661
—
882
869
—
—
1,751
1,176
25
—
1,582
—
1,607
40
—
—
—
—
—
25
—
647
—
—
647
593
—
2,357
—
—
2,357
3,753
—
310
—
—
310
—
3,503
—
—
—
3,503
3,763
—
392
—
—
392
155
—
1,227
—
—
1,227
624
—
147
—
—
147
—
474
—
—
—
474
652
—
—
17,863
—
17,863
15,372
—
—
—
—
—
9,824
—
—
—
—
—
466
19
—
—
—
19
—
—
—
—
—
—
214
—
—
—
—
—
225
—
281
—
—
281
499
—
594
—
—
594
—
—
—
200
—
200
414
—
—
240
—
240
240
—
—
—
—
—
150
—
—
—
—
—
210
—
—
—
—
—
100
—
—
—
—
—
30
—
—
—
—
—
76
—
10,000
—
—
10,000
606
—
—
—
—
—
618
39,466
41,578
23,518
—
104,562
89,907

Page 12

Other expenditure

Other expenditure
Vicar's Expences
Vicarage Expences
Curates Accomodation Costs
Curates Expences
Total		 —
—
—
—
—
266
666
—
—
—
666
928
—
—
—
—
—
4,599
10
—
903
—
913
404
676
—
903
—
1,580
6,197
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 40,142
41,578
24,421
—
106,141
96,104
GRAND TOTAL 1,477
(2,088)
(1,312)
—
(1,923)
6,806

PRIOR PERIOD COMPARATIVE SOFA

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Prior year
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before
transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 34,852
3,795
31,045
—
69,962
81,537
4,647
23,113
100
—
27,760
28,510
—
606
—
—
606
---5
95
137
—
—
232
(41)
889
123
3,609
—
4,621
4,332
40,482
27,774
34,654
—
102,910
114,339
40,616
21,269
34,219
—
96,104
102,281
40,616
21,269
34,219
—
96,104
102,281
(134)
6,505
436
—
6,806
12,057
228
1,845
1,395
—
3,468
8,995
(828)
(2,640)
---
—
(3,468)
(8,995)
(734)
5,710
1,831
—
6,806
12,057
11,248
40,020
12,399
—
63,668
51,610
10,514
45,730
14,229
—
70,474
63,668

Page 13