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← Pcc Of Long Melford

2023-12-31-accounts

The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

The Chadbrook Benefice

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Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31[st] December 2023 Parochial Church Council

Holy Trinity Church with St Catherine’s Long Melford, Suffolk

APCM meeting will be held at St Catherine’s Church, Long Melford on Monday 29[th] April 2024 at 7.30pm

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Loving God ,

once more we thank you for our church and for the fellowship we share with one another. We praise you for all whose contribution to our life together we recognise and acknowledge this day – all who have served the church over the years, who have nurtured and encouraged our faith, who have been part of our continuing life and witness.

We pray for those who offer their services this day: those who will take on new positions of responsibility – equip them to fulfil their duties wisely and faithfully; those who will continue in the office they have already been undertaking – give them renewed inspiration and vigour in their work; those who will stand down from office – may they know their labours have been appreciated.

Holy Spirit, Lord God, Giver of life, come to us as a refreshing and strengthening power; purge out of our lives all that denies your inspiration; keep us alert to your challenges; let us be open to your new demands, both in the world and in the church; give us humility that we may see your vision and, trusting in your power, commit ourselves to it,

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN

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Annual Vestry Meeting

Agenda

  1. Prayer 2. Apologies

  2. Minutes of the last Vestry Meeting held on 10[th] May 2023 4. Election of Churchwardens for 2024-2025

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING ARE IN ADDENDUM 1

Annual Parochial Meeting

Agenda

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 10[th] May 2023

  3. Matters arising from the minutes

  4. Electoral Roll Report

  5. Financial Statement for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 including the Independent Examiners report

  6. Report on the Fabric, goods and ornaments of Holy Trinity and St Catherine’s churches

  7. Group reports and Deanery Synod report (attached)

  8. Elections – current vacancies as listed

    • Three lay representatives to the Parochial Church Council – each for threeyear terms.

    • One lay representative to the Parochial Church Council – for a 2 year term

    • One lay representative to the Parochial Church Council – for a 1 year term

  9. Election of PCC Members

  10. Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2024

  11. Results of Elections, if any

  12. Any other business

  13. Rectors Report

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING ARE IN ADDENDUM 2

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Parochial Church Council 2023

Administrative Information

Holy Trinity Church Long Melford is situated at the northern end of the village green, overlooking the village. St Catherine’s, in St Catherine’s Road is situated in the heart of the residential area of the village further south. They are part of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The correspondence address is The Rectory, The Green, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9DT.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity requiring registration to the Charity Commission, as a church with an income greater than £100,000. PCC members as this report was prepared are:

Chairman: Rev Matthew Lawson Church Warden(s)/ vice chair: Cheryl Morgan Deborah Blake Church Treasurer : David Walters PCC Secretary: Linda Goodban Representative on John Watts ex-officio (2023-2026) Deanery Synod David Walters ex-officio (2023-2026) Assistant Priest Judith Offord Assistant Priest Henry Heath Elected Members:

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Graham Wegg 2021– 2024
Harry Mee 2022 - 2025
Ian McDonald 2022 - 2025
Judi Moss 2023 - 2026
Chris Badger 2023 - 2026
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Co-opted Members : Currently no co-opted members

Structure Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

Holy Trinity and St Catherine’s PCC has responsibility for co-operating with the Rector in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church buildings of Holy Trinity and St Catherine’s and the Glebe land, Long Melford.

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Church Services

Throughout 2023 the following services took place at Holy Trinity Church:

Weddings 3 (limited due to scaffolding for clerestory works) Christenings / Baptisms 12 Confirmations 8 Funerals 23 Average attendance at Sunday services was 106

Livestreaming of Holy Communion and Evensong continued with several people joining the services online.

Attendance at special services held at Holy Trinity Church were as listed: Attendance at special services held at Holy Trinity Church were as listed:
Easter Day 220
Clopton Rose 80
Harvest Festival 120
Remembrance 300
Carol Service 275
Crib Service 200
Midnight Mass (Christmas Eve) 200
Christmas Day 130

Elders

There are currently 8 Lay Elders in the Chadbrook Benefice.

Charlotte Blyth Richard Blyth Christine Smith Malcolm Brunwin Linda Goodban Tim Harbord Ian McDonald Kevin Powell

Elders support the ministry team in Worship, services and in the wider community.

They also visit parishioners in their homes, at The Willows Lawshall, Melford Court and Steeds Meadow (both of Long Melford), where they offer a combination of home communion, private prayer, a short private service and companionship.

If you would like a home visit for any of this type of support please contact a member of the ministry team.

Parochial Church Council – Review of the Year

2023 was an interesting and challenging year. It was wonderful to welcome Deborah Blake to be my co-churchwarden and we are working well together and supporting each other. The main challenge this year was the repair of the clerestory and involved many meetings with architects, scaffolders and builders throughout the year. Bat surveys had to be carried out before the work could commence and fortunately no protected bat species were found.

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The scaffolding was erected in May and a small committee was formed to explore the idea of celebrating the scaffolding and the work being carried out to encourage visitors to come to the church even though it was under repair. Various exhibitions under the banner of ‘Does God Matter’ were set up for visitors to enjoy and learn about the church and the various uses of scaffolding through the ages. To mark the start of two weekends when extra activities were available, Lynda Badger kindly organised a cannon on the Green.

There were 2 days set aside for tours of the scaffolding led by the architect, Simon Marks. These were very popular and those that took part were fascinated by the work going on and the views of the church from such a vantage point. In September we had a’ Hymns and Pimms’ evening which was also very popular and something we are looking to do again in the future. Setting up for services throughout the work was interesting and we had to be quite inventive sometimes. My thanks go to every single person involved in anything to do with the church during this time.

The scaffolding was taken down in November. We are looking forward to the visitors who came to the church to see the work going on coming back to see the finished result. Although I didn’t think the work would have any great effect on the church, I have been surprised by the amount of light that the windows let in and how the work has lightened up the clerestory.

Deborah and I attended the churchwardens training in July where we met Edmund Harris from the DAC who talked about the faculty system. He is a great addition to the diocesan team and has proved very helpful to us during the recent burglaries.

The altar kneelers have been replaced and a new contactless machine has been installed which is very successful. The Art exhibition was held in the Lady Chapel during July and August. The most recent tenant of Convallaria left at the end of the year and we have recently had new tenants move in.

Our thanks go to Graham Wegg, who as assistant churchwarden has organised and supervised the power upgrade which was completed in October. Graham has also organised a rail to the rear of the altar for the sacristans and the redecorating of the toilet. He also supervises Command Pest control who also clean gutters as well as helping us to keep pests from the church. New pigeon controls are going to be installed in the porch to try and deter them taking up residence there.

Sadly in October we were victims to a burglary where offenders tried to enter unsuccessfully the church via the Lily Crucifix window in the Clopton Chapel, then attempted the door near to the vestry. They cut through the light in the porch and eventually jemmied their way in via the main door and stole the 16c collection box which wouldn’t have contained as much as £100. However the damage caused has taken a lot of hours to sort out, including organising a faculty for the repair of the window (which is to be authorised) , the repair of the door and the changing of the locks, distributing new keys to those that needed them, liaising with the police and insurers. Fortunately the collection box was found by the police in a ditch and David Hamand is organising its repair.

Deborah, Graham and I have weekly meetings with Matthew via Zoom to discuss any church issues and plan for any forthcoming events.

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St Catherine’s Church

St Catherine’s continued to be the venue for the successful Connect mother and toddler group (once a week) and Fusion youth group (once a month) during term times. St Catherine’s is also used for most PCC meetings, prayer breakfasts and Lent lunches (which recommenced in 2023 for the first time since the pandemic).

In June 2023 Suffolk Libraries’ Long Melford branch, rendered homeless by the closure of the Royal British Legion building, began renting space at St Catherine’s on an initially informal basis. It is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturday mornings. After a few teething problems at the start concerning storage issues and the moving of furniture (pews, tables and chairs), the arrangement settled down to run pretty smoothly for the rest of the year. The library is a good fit as there is considerable overlap between users of Connect, Fusion, and the library. The library also acted as a warm space during the winter.

Cheryl Morgan and Deborah Blake Church Wardens

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Treasurer’s report to 2024 APCM

The 2023 approved and examined accounts, with front sheet and Independent Examiner's Statement, have been on display in both churches over a month, and can be downloaded from the Church website. It is not my practice to go through these in any detail at the APCM because they have been presented and explained in full to the PCC, but please take a look at them and get back to me with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Because of the major essential work on the clerestory, our reserves restricted to preservation and general restoration were completely spent out in 2023. We therefore had to use some of our unrestricted general fund to cover this, and there will be some final further costs in 2024. Overall, there was a deficit of £32,780 in the general fund in 2023. As well as the direct restoration costs, the presence of the scaffolding had an indirect adverse financial impact in terms of a reduction in revenue from weddings, shop takings and visitor donations. This financial situation needs to be tackled and our revenue needs to increase in 2024 if we are to avoid future cuts in our excellent ministry and mission activities. I am confident that our Church and community here at Holy Trinity with St. Catherine’s Long Melford are capable of dealing with this financial challenge, and we need to do that if we are to be faithful to the memory of those who grew and maintained this Church before us, and to future generations.

I have now completed 9 years as PCC Treasurer and have been saying for some time that it would be good for all concerned if I were to work with a deputy who would eventually take on my role, it is not a good thing to be regarded as indispensable! I am delighted to say that in recent months Chris Badger has become such a deputy and although I intend to remain as an ex-officio member of the PCC and to keep an interest in Church finance at a parish and wider level, I do not intend to be PCC Treasurer after this APCM. I commend Chris to the PCC and the wider parish and he might well eventually decide to handle our finances in his way, just as I did things in very much my own way after I took over in 2015.

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As well as eagerly welcoming Chris, I am extremely grateful to David Tweed, Ron Davies and Theresa Munford for the essential work they continue to do and the highly efficient way in which they cheerfully carry it out. We are also very grateful to our examiner Neil Pearson for his highly professional and helpful work at no charge, and I propose that we request him to continue in that role.

David Walters, Honorary Treasurer

REVISION OF ELECTORAL ROLL AS AT 22[ND] MARCH 2024

In the past year we have sadly lost; Bill Haldane, Joan West and John Steward We are happy to have welcomed; June Squirrel, Peter Dickinson, Rosalind Dickinson, Karen Straight, Terence Straight, Jean Johnson and Sheryl Risley The Electoral Roll stands at 177, 144 inside the parish and 33 outside

Mary MacDonald Church Electoral Roll Officer

Fabric Report including Stained Glass Windows Report

38 Clerestory Windows and the East Window: After a minor fall of stone from a clerestory window and a detailed survey of the windows by the Church Architect, Simon Marks of Purcell Architects, which was appended to the Quinquennial Review of the Church Fabric, the PCC on 15/9/21 considered a number of options for addressing the repairs and working arrangements to allow the church to operate as far as possible during the works. Significant issues included:

Purcell Architects were responsible for the specification and supervision of the works throughout the programme. They prepared a list of suitably qualified and experienced contractors to be invited to tender. They agreed with the Church that the works be undertaken in two phases: firstly the east end of the nave, the chancel and the east window and secondly the west end of the nave. Four firms were invited to tender, two were shortlisted and interviewed by Purcell and the Church and Bakers of Danbury Heritage Ltd were appointed as lead contractor with sub-contractors responsible for glazing and scaffolding.

Based on the tenders received a cost envelope was presented to the PCC on 14/12/22, net of VAT, of about £145,000; this net cost to the PCC was based on the following considerations:

  1. It assumed the Church is successful in securing DCMS grant to cover the VAT of £31,750 (approx).

  2. It assumed receipt of £15,000 from the Friends, the figure they have volunteered.

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  1. It assumed no further contribution from grants; however the PCC agreed to set up a small group to secure specific grants for these works with a target of £25-30,000.

  2. The cost included provision for a Principal CDM Designer, who provided a safety plan for the works and for ecologists to conduct bat surveys and monitoring.

In May 2023 scaffolding was erected on the north and south sides of the nave and chancel, access to the church being limited during this stage. Phase 1 works were undertaken from May to September. This process was repeated from October to December for Phase 2. The contractors were clear of the site ahead of schedule and in time for the church to be prepared for Christmas.

Staged payments were made to the contractor in accordance with detailed certificates of the works completed, the certificates being prepared by the architect and presented to the Church.

Outcome

The 38 clerestory windows and the east window have been restored in accordance with the specification set out in the Appendix to the Quinquennial Review. The final completion certificate was issued on 15/02/2024

The DCMS grant in relation to VAT payments is being requested by the Treasurer and Harry Mee. To date a grant of £23,686 has been received. The Friends have contributed £15,000. The final outlays by the PCC are:

Bakers and their sub-contractors: £118,205, plus retention to be paid (amount unknown) Purcell Architects: £14,075 paid to date, plus likely final charge Wharton, ecologists re bat surveys and monitoring: £7,552 Other outlays: £ 3,478 Total £143,310

Overall the total paid by the PCC will be about the same as the cost envelope agreed by the PCC, with Bakers having charged less than the contract sum and the ecologists having provided more services and charged more.

Stained Glass Fund - Report on the Medieval Stained Glass Restoration

Members will have noticed that three of the eight medieval windows have now been restored at a total cost of approximately £300,000. We are very pleased to be nearly half way through the restoration without any money coming from the PCC’s General Fund.

One window was funded by Bernie Hood in memory of his wife and the others funded largely by contributions from the Friends of Long Melford Church Building Trust, topped up with money raised by the church stained glass fundraising group.

The fundraising group continues to build awareness of the need for further restoration and to raise money. In the past year we had a successful Open Gardens Day, Festive Melford, and 2 safari suppers – all of which were great fun and good money spinners. At present the amount in the Stained Glass Restricted Fund, raised by the stained glass fundraising group, is approximately £70,000 (hopefully soon to be augmented by an additional £20k VAT reclaim).

We are holding a Quiz night at the Village Hall on 26 April and will again be hosting Open Gardens at Mansel Hall as well as Festive Melford (if it goes ahead this year – which at the moment is in some doubt). We have also ordered more stained glass related merchandise for the church shop ahead of the visit by the Clopton Association of America in June this year.

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Other fundraising activities are under active consideration.

We are hoping that the Friends have enough money to pay for another window. However this needs to be confirmed, for which we need a quotation from Canterbury Glass Studios. We are unfortunately yet to receive this despite months of chasing. We have been happy with the quality of work of Canterbury, but they seem to be somewhat disorganized at the moment, and very slow in responding to us despite a previous commitment to provide a quote. We are restricted in the manner of restoration, but I do not believe we are restricted as to the provider. The PCC should consider whether it is worth seeking a quote from another potential supplier such as Auravisions, who seem to have done a good job on the clerestory glass.

Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to our fund and attended our events. We enjoy doing it, but need your support.

Sally McDonald 1 April 2024

CHILDREN IN CHURCH Family & Children, Community Outreach and 4o’clock Community

Connect continues to be an important part of our community, reaching many parents, carers and grandparents and the babies and toddlers in their charge. Each half-term we update our records to account for new members and those who have not attended in a while, and each half -term, we have around 50 adults and approximately 70 under 4’s. Two years ago we joined Lightwave after incorporating prayers with our volunteers. After an hour or so of play and crafts, we have a story, songs and get the parachute out, before a child friendly prayer to all join in, and a resounding AMEN!

As we get to know the adults attending our group we start to notice when something is wrong and find that they often confide in us. I’ve found that most are very grateful if I offer to pray for them, or with them.

We have been told many times what a vital part Connect plays in the lives of our parents. They know they have a safe place where they will not be judged; where they can relax, have a cuppa and know that they are not alone.

Being inspired by the pioneering attitude one of our Connect disciples, I have been encouraged to offer private prayer after Connect to anyone who wants it. Knowing this, when one of our little boys was seriously ill in hospital, 2 mums approached me and asked if we could pray together as a whole group for his recovery, and his family. I’m pleased to say he has recovered and his own mum was so grateful.

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But what happens after the children move on?

One way I maintain connections is through Diddy Disciples . Once a week I visit the nursery and the reception classes at Long Melford Primary School. There I tell a Bible story through actions and songs. Of course many of these pupils were once at Connect so know me and are comfortable to join in. Photos and a rundown of my visit are then shared with the parents, so the profile of the church in the school community is sustained.

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I am also invited into school to help bring their RE to life and share my viewpoint as a Christian. One way is through workshops . A child is more engaged and retains information if they are involved in their learning. At Pentecost, the pupils used the crafts they had made to help illustrate the story in an assembly for the rest of the school. Each craft represented the wind rushing in, flames appearing over the disciple’s heads, speaking in tongues and the Holy Spirit.

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I was also asked to explain what the cross means to me. After the workshop, I could explain my relationship with the cross- and the sadness, the hope and the joy it evokes. Each child was given their own holding cross from the Holy Land to treasure. Workshops are not confined to just school. The staff and pupils love coming to Church to enhance the curriculum in the Emmanuel

Project. You can see Reverend Lawson performing a mock baptism, while the other half of the class are making doves to represent the Holy Spirit. The other photo shows the children watching Jesus ascend which was part of a Messy Church style

The whole school join us at Church 4 times a year for celebrations - Harvest, Easter, Christmas and Leavers. Also for special events, such as the Coronation. Most of these services are prepared and led by the children themselves, and the Church is packed with parents and grand-parents who wish to share in the festivities.

We are also beginning to build strong connections with the primary school at Lawshall, whose church has recently joined our benefice. Each time we visit, the children are excited to see Reverend Lawson or myself and look forward to assemblies and worship, whether in school, or next door at the Church. This year I was able to lead assembly for Lawshall’s SIAM’s inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) where the inspector was extremely impressed with the Christian ethos, values and learning. As Long Melford and Lawshall often want their big Church celebrations on the same day at the same time, Matthew and I also now take it turns at each church so as to meet the needs of both schools.

We continue to hold Messy Church every other month; sometimes in school and sometimes at Church. We see old friends from toddler group, members of our congregation and other parents familiar to us through the pupils visits to church or workshops. For Messys at Church we don’t always have the numbers we get in school, but we do have a hard core of families and are able to build relationships. After a school service, one Messy Dad asked me about reading the Bible: “ I think I need a little faith in my life” he stated. He was so pleased to receive his own Bible which I was able to present to him after the Crib Service. He has promised to read it and eventually pass it on to another new enquirer into faith. Please pray for him on his journey.

We also hold Messy church in the community: this year at the village hall as part of the Christmas Fayre where children can tell the story of the Nativity through crafts. These free activities and warm

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atmosphere are a great way to promote God’s love as well as the Church, and what is happening. Similarly, in 2023 we took Messy Church to the village fete where the theme was the miracles of Jesus.

As I have mentioned, we have started to get a hardcore of families attending Messy church. We found that 4 o’clock was a good time for families to attend Church events, especially if food and refreshments were provided. Thus the 4 o’clock Community took root. When we started Shine informal worship we thought it might be a place for parents and youth but have found that the age is very varied. A number of our messy families do attend but we have also gained a new congregation.

At the heart of our 4 o’clock services is community. That is what is growing and that is its strength. Ably led and developed by Nicky Lawson, the 4 o’clock community has quickly become a staple of our church and of many people’s lives. Each week is different, and the worship is in one place. Things we have done are: fireworks and hot dogs, pub socials and Wild Church in many forms. It is church, but not as you know it! And we have had our first 4 o’clock confirmation.

Now for Fusion Youth Group : we meet once a month for fun, games and challenges. It is often chaos, but is so important to offer a safe environment for our young people to get together and be recognized and valued. Also to build relationships and know there is someone there who will not judge but will listen when needed. Each month we have between 18 and 25 youngsters, ages ranging from the last year of primary school (and thus developing the connections we’ve made) all through secondary. Many are also well known to us from family services.

Regarding the main Church services, we now have the (pleasing) challenge of needing to set up a programme (similar to when we ran Base camp) to accommodate children once more.

Towards the end of the 2023 we were approached by one or two people from traditional services and from 4 o’ clocks Shine and Messy Church, about confirmation classes. Reverend Lawson had also been asked about baptism for a youth. Thus, it was decided to hold Youth Alpha confirmation classes for any one with questions about faith, or who wished to explore faith further. We are delighted that on Easter Day 2024, seven young people and one of our Connect mums were confirmed or baptised by Bishop Mike. Let’s give thanks to God.

Other important events in St Edmundsbury Diocese 2023 – April 2024

Pam Tonks

Family and Youth Worker

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Deanery Synod report to APCM May 2024.

The Synod meets every three months in various churches in the Deanery. Simon White, who has chaired the meetings in a very efficient manner is still referred to as “acting” Rural Dean. We are updated on financial matters by David Walters (Deanery Organiser).News around the Deanery is announced and discussed and we are also briefed about Diocesan and National Synod decisions,

Topics presented this year have included:

“Love Rural” a community set up to unite and help people in need and to help those scattered in the countryside.Also the organisation has brought younger people in our villages, The cost-of-living crisis and its affect on the church community and what actions we need to take. It was concluded that any actions that the church could take eg food banks, financial advice etc. would be productive.

The March Synod covered the topic “Signs of Growing in God in our Schools” presented by clergy and lay members. After this Bill Box (husband of the Reverend Tricia Box of Little Cornard) on his work in secondary schools, mainly Thomas Gainsborough.

Other news includes the merging of All Saints and St Gregory’s Sudbury which is now formally proceeding. A draft Deanery Plan has also been produced.

The Lay Chair is shortly to step down and we are short of other Deanery Officers. David and I have noticed that the quality of our Synod meetings has improved significantly and it is vital that this continues to enhance communication and understanding in the Deanery. Hopefully there will be more volunteers to help with this work.

Davd W and myself are at present the PCC members and there is one vacancy. It is vital that the organisation continues to make a significant contribution to our Deanery.

John Watts (Deanery Synod Member) April 2024,

Big Bells and Hand Bells

2023 started off fairly quiet in the Tower with every indication it would remain low key throughout the year, primarily due to lack of weddings and events as a result of scaffolding in the main body of the Church whilst repairs were carried out to the clerestory windows.

However this proved not to be the case. There were of course all our usual weekly and Festival services to ring for and only 3 weddings requiring bells, but we also had 3 separate groups of visiting ringers to the tower (various levels of ability) and of course we also had the Coronation weekend events where bells rang out in celebration of King Charles III coronation, a very welcome and joyous event with hope and encouragement for the future following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

As with the ringing for the death of the Queen, and declaration of the King in 2022, we once again encouraged our younger ringers to participate in ringing for the Coronation alongside our regular ringers in May 2023. Their excitement and enthusiasm for this was infectious and Theresa and I very much wanted to feed their hunger for more.

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During the summer holidays we started a ‘summer school’ for young ringers, meeting every Tuesday evening and had 10 young people take up the challenge, ages ranging from 7 to 12. We had not intended these sessions to continue once school term resumed, but such was the enthusiasm and commitment of the young ringers, we made the decision to continue with weekly practice sessions.

By the end of the year all our young ringers had made great progress, and we now have 12 in number, with 7 older children (11 and 12 year olds) now also ringing with our adult team on a Wednesday evening

Health issues have hit a couple of our adult ringers, restricting their attendance at practice and for events. In October Sylvia Nunn had a severe back issue which kept her out of the tower for the remainder of the year. And following the Christmas service rings, Daniel Piper injured his shoulder and is currently unable to ring. We are mightily relieved that Neither injuries were caused as a result of ringing!

As always I offer a heartfelt vote of thanks to my team, Theresa for all her support as my deputy, to David, Alan, Craig, Daniel and Danny for their hard work maintaining the bells so we can continue with ringing and practice sessions and not least of all to ALL my ringers, adult and junior, for all your dedication, commitment and hard work in providing bells for services, events and pleasure at Holy Trinity

Linda Goodban Tower Captain, Holy Trinity Church

Hand Bells

We finished 2022 on a high with the group performing once again at Little Welnetham candlelit Carol Service just before Christmas and returned to ringing after our well-deserved Christmas break in February 2023 with ever decreasing numbers but feeling well-motivated with a few new tunes to try and learn.

Practices and progress were always dependent on numbers available and with numbers decreasing, and some of the team not available every week due to other commitments, progress became very limited and the opportunity to perform in public reduced, particularly during summer months with performances limited to indoors as the sounds of the handbells does not travel well outside.

In July we took our summer break and sadly, after much consideration, Linda and I made the decision not to return to handbells due to other commitments with the big bells. With no one to lead the group, the band of handbell ringers sadly closed.

Theresa Munford Hand bells

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FRIENDS OF LONG MELFORD CHURCH BUILDING TRUST REPORT

It hardly seems possible that another year has passed since we last wrote the newsletter and sent it to you.

MEDIEVAL WINDOWS . We are pleased that the three windows, pictured above, have now been reinstalled in the Church after having been cleaned, repaired and protected with iso-thermal glazing by Canterbury Cathedral Glass Studio. Now there is a protective clear glass outside to protect them from the weather, accidental damage or vandalism, the actual stained glass has been set back into the opening with space between the two that allows air to flow preventing condensation building up. The total cost of this was circa £281,000 of which we, The Friends, have donated to the PCC £200,000 from the William B. Clopton Fund and other earmarked donations for the windows. In total there are eight windows, so still five more to do; we should have sufficient funds to cover one of these.

CLERESTORY. The PCC began work on replacing the iron glazing supports and repairing the damaged masonry earlier this year, which meant the Church interior and exterior was festooned with scaffolding for many weeks, but it is down in time for Christmas. The Friends donated £15,000 towards this work.

CLOPTON FAMILY ASSOCIATION. As reported in newsletters the planned CFA reunion in 2020 had to be cancelled owing to the Covid pandemic. Planning is going ahead for a reunion in Long Melford next year June 2024. The first reunion in Long Melford was in 1984, so this will also be the RUBY ANNIVERSARY of the CFA meeting in Long Melford.

As in previous years our Chairman took part in the Clopton Rose Ceremony, when the “rent of one red rose” is presented to the Clopton Family by the Mayor of Hadleigh. In 2024 this will be held during the reunion partly when the CFA visit Hadleigh and at the Sunday morning service in Holy Trinity Church.

CLOPTON CHAPEL FUND. We also administer another fund donated by William B. Clopton for repair and maintenance of the Clopton Chantry Chapel. Below a photo of the LILY CRUCIFIX WINDOW which is in the east window of the Chapel, this is probably the oldest glass in Holy Trinity Church.

John Watts Richard Michette Hon. Chairman Hon. Secretary

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ADDENDUM 1

Minutes of the Annual Parishioners Vestry Meeting of Holy Trinity Church with St Catherine's held on Wednesday 10th May 2023, 7.30pm at St Catherine's Church, Long Melford

1. Members Present:

2. Apologies : Charlotte Harkness and Harry Mee.

3. Minutes of the previous Annual Parishioners Vestry Meeting :

4. Election of Church Wardens : Two nominations received. Cheryl Morgan - elected (see nomination form) Deborah Blake - elected (see nomination form) Graham Wegg - to continue supporting as Assistant Church warden All nominations unanimously approved by all present

5. Any other Business : No other business

ADDENDUM 2

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Holy Trinity Church with St Catherine's held on Wednesday 10th May 2023, 7.40pm at St Catherine's Church, Long Melford

The meeting began with all present singing hymn 270, followed by the prayer on page 2 of Annual Report

6. Members Present:

Rev Matthew Lawson, Cheryl Morgan, Deborah Blake, Graham Wegg, David Walters, Ian McDonald, Judi Moss, Chris Badger, Bronwen Recknell, John Watts, Linda Goodban and 11 members of public.

7. Apologies : Charlotte Harkness and Harry Mee.

8. Minutes of the previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting :

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 22nd May 2022 we approved and signed by Rev Matthew Lawson

9. Electoral Roll Report : Mary MacDonald gave the following report;

Three members of Electoral Roll have passed away during the year, Bill Haldane, Gwen Clephane and Ann Paton. We remember them in our prayers.

Three additions to the Electoral Roll, Judi Moss, Christopher and Lynda Badger.

One further enquiry, Kate Allen, issued with form several weeks ago but not yet returned. Electoral Roll numbers stand at 169.

16

10. Finance Report : David Walters gave the following report;

The 2022 approved and examined accounts, with front-sheet and Independent Examiner's Statement have been on display for over a month and spare copies are freely available in both churches. It is not my practice to go through these in any detail at the APCM because they have been presented in full to the PCC, but please take a look at them and get back to me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Our unrestricted reserves were depleted by £19,000 in 2022, partly because of repairs at St Catherine's and a contribution to improvements to parking on the Green in addition to our normal expenditure, but costs like this must be expected and we need to continue to address our income sources, primarily regular giving, to ensure that our ministry and mission, as well as our wonderful but expensive building, continue into the future.

I am extremely grateful to Deputy Treasurer David Tweed, Cashier Ron Davies and Planned Giving officer Theresa Munford for the essential work they do and the highly efficient way in which they cheerfully carry it out We are also very grateful to our examiner Neil Pearson for his highly professional and helpful work at no charge, and I propose that he continues in this role. 2022 was my 8th year as PCC Treasurer, and so I am now into my 9th. While I am prepared to continue this role for the present, it is not good practice to be indispensable and as most people know I am quite active in various other areas, including as a member of the Bishop's Council and Diocesan Finance Committee. It would therefore be healthy for the PCC to find a deputy Treasurer who would be prepared eventually to take over, either running the evolving financial system that I have now put in place or radically changing it and running it their own way, as I did when I took on the role in 2015.

Our Bank no longer treats our account as a charity and significant charges are now applied throughout the year, however whilst this is frustrating the bank were very proactive this year in identifying a fraud attempt that would have cost us in excess of £83k had the attempt succeeded

J Freeborn asked how our finances compare to 2019 - Response: Comparable. There is lower cash income but an increase in planned giving, Parish Giving Scheme, online and card payments.

A Douglas asked if the card reader in shop could take payment from Apple Pay via apple phone - Response: Apple payments can definitely be made via i-phone so should be available via watch.

ML extended a vote of thanks to David and team for their hard work.

11. Fabric Report : Ian McDonald gave the following report:

Clerestory works ; Scaffolding to be put in place next week for the commencement of the necessary repairs to the clerestory. Two species of Bats have recently been identified in church placing additional cost on the project in order to protect sensitive areas and not disturb the bats. An infrared camera is to be used on Tuesday 17th May to film the bats and identify pathways and areas used by them. Bat poo has already been sent for examination to identify the bat species.

During the works it is intended to have exhibitions and displays highlighting the activities of the Church and it is hoped to hold events such as 'pop up cafe' during this period. Boards on display will be of the same design as the recent coronation boards and will be prepared by Indigo Ross of Sudbury.

Power Supply : Graham Wegg is liaising with UK Power Network to get improved power supply to church which will greatly improve options and costs for heating the premises. R Davies reported that wooden panels stored behind the tomb in Martyn Chapel have become wet, possibly with water from flower exhibitions place on the tomb. GW to investigate and check.

ML extended a vote of thanks to Ian and Graham for their reports and continued support.

12. Group Reports and Deanery Synod report: Reports from Church groups and Deanery Synod received and noted as per Annual Report document

17

13. Elections to PCC : Three lay representatives to the Parochial Church Council each for three year terms.

Nominations received were: Bronwen Recknell Christopher Badger Judi Moss

No other nominations received, all three elected to the Parochial Church Council.

ML extended a vote of thanks to three outgoing members of the PCC, David Hamand, Fiona Pearson and Alison Ewbank, for all their hard work and support during time on the PCC A further vote of thanks was extended to Bronwen Recknell who is stepping down as PCC Secretary, her support in this role has been very much appreciated.

14. Election to Deanery Synod : Two nominations received for Deanery Synod;

John Watts

David Walters

No other nominations received. Both nominees elected to Deanery Synod. One further vacancy remains unfilled, anyone with an interest is invited to speak with John Watts or David Walters for further information.

15. Appointment of independent examiner :

David Walters proposed that Neil Pearson be appointed to continue in this role. Seconded by Ron Davies Unanimously agreed. DW to notify Neil Pearson.

16. Any other Business : The following items were raised under AOB

17. Rectors Report : Rev Matthew Lawson gave the following report; Looking at the bigger picture this year it is clear that lockdown has affected families, health, mental health and finances, and the volunteer economy in general. We are only now coming through this, however we are back up and running with services in Church and thanks to the commitment of many we have fared better than many.

18

Throughout lockdown and the return to 'normal service' there were services live-streamed, as they continue to be. Together with our regular Sunday and midweek services, the 4o’clock community has helped the Church to offer services with a range of traditions, and hopefully we offer a pathway for all, young and old, traditional and contemporary, to grow closer to God. Last year we only had one Church Warden; for us to have achieved all that we did Cheryl must be commended for all her hard work.

We have a developing ministry team supporting all services, outreach and sessions within the parish and community.

It is likely that my position as Rector within Lawshall will become official from August 2023. With Nigel Brown now retired from teaching he has been working closely with the choir and our work with music within the Church continues to grow bringing new members to the choir. Major projects that we are currently carrying out are the clerestory and the cleaning and protection of the medieval stained glass windows. In the pipeline we have the organ restoration, the power upgrade and the re-ordering at the back of church (and parking is an issue too!). These projects take a great deal of time and energy and I am grateful to the support of all those involved in these.

At a recent church conference for some 2000 delegates in Harrogate it was noted that some 37million people still identify as Christians despite national claims that numbers are in decline. This could have been a challenge shared, many clergy are stressed, tired and over stretched, however so many good things were also identified. I feel eyes were opened to attendees as to what it is to be in the climate where God is moving despite the relative weakness we are feeling.

I have been particularly encouraged by the success of the following; Our regular worship Music Alpha courses Adult Baptisms Confirmations Dawn Chorus Forest Church Messy Church 4o'clock community

I have also received enquiries to provide confirmation classes for children. I feel excited by all of this and see potential here in Chadbrook Benefice on what God might do amongst us.

I would like to extend a great vote of thanks to Nicky and Pam as they reach out to ‘the missing generations’.

I would like to thank the ministry team and all those involved in supporting and managing all we do here at Holy Trinity and within the Chadbrook Benefice. Thank you all for your patience, kindness, generosity, faith and support.

On behalf of all present John Watts extended a vote of thanks to Matthew for all his hard work, enthusiasm, encouragement and leadership in prayer and faith.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 20.55

==> picture [202 x 67] intentionally omitted <==

19

Holy Trinity with St Catherine’s Long Melford Registered Charity Number: 1169680

==> picture [204 x 102] intentionally omitted <==

PCC Annual Accounts

For the Year 1[st] January – 31[st] December 2023

Frontsheet

Independent Examiner Report to the Parochial Church Councll of Holy Trinity Church. v•ith St Catherine's Long Melford I report on the atti>unts of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2023 whlch are set out on pages I to 10. Respectlve responslblllty of the PCC (the Trustw)i and Independent Examlner The PCC are ￿sPOnsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charltles Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examlnatlon Is needed. It Is my re5ponsibilty to: a) Examine the accounts under sectlon 145 of the 2011 Art; b) Follow the pr(Kedures laid down in the general direction given by the thaTity Commlsslon under sectoon 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Art; and c) State whether parkncular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlners Report My examination was carried out in accordan￿ wtth the general direttions given by the Charlty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the Trust￿ Con￿rning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requI￿d in a full audlt and consequently no opinion ￿ given as to whether the accounts present"a true and falr vlew", and the report Is Ilmtted to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlner Statement In connertlon wlth my examlnation rbo matters have come to my attentyon: whith give me reasonable cause to believe tha¢ in any materfal respect. the requ1￿ments la. to keep accountlng records In accordance wtth section 130 of the 2011 Act or Ib. to prepare accounts which accord v4ith these accountlng records and comply with the accountlng requlrements of the 2011 Act have not been met, or 2. to which in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Nell J Pearson ¥i>l-" Address: 87 High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk IP7 7ER

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with St Catherine's, Long Melford, Suffolk Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31st December 2023

INCOMING RESOURCES

Note Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Incoming resources from donors
2a
92,113
Other Voluntary incoming resources
2b
-
to further the Council's objects
2c
6,300
to generate funds
2d
23,972
Income from Investment
2e
4,003
Other ordinary incoming resources
2f
8,603
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
134,991
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Note Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
Activities directly relating to the work
3a
134,608
of the Church
Church Management & Administration
3b
20,006
Cost of generating funds
3c
13,157
Grants to other charities
3d
-
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
167,771
NET (OUTGOING)/INCOMING RESOURCES
(32,780)
Investment gains (losses)
6
-
Increase in capital items
5b
1,062
Capital items written off
5b
-
Depreciation
5b
(2,177)
Increase/(decrease) in shop stock
5c
6,855
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
(27,040)
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1st JANUARY
502,785
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31st DECEMBER
475,745		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
117,846
2,027
990
15,829
6,346
-
143,038
Restricted
Funds
2023
£
174,044
62
8,082
2,608
184,796
(41,758)
-
-
-
-
-
(41,758)
150,149
108,391		 Endowment
funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Endowment
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
731
-
-
-
-
731
7,544
8,275		 Total
funds
2023
£
209,959
2,027
7,290
39,801
10,349
8,603
278,029
Total
funds
2023
£
308,652
20,068
21,239
2,608
352,567
(74,538)
731
1,062
-
(2,177)
6,855
(68,067)
660,478
592,411		 Total
funds
2022
£
258,167
2,970
10,475
26,702
3,476
12,989
314,779
Total
funds
2022
£
288,386
16,713
9,434
3,815
318,348
(3,569)
(463)
-
-
(2,902)
(2,008)
(8,942)
669,420
660,478

Page 1 of 10

Parochial Church Coun¢1 of Holy Trknly with St Catherhw AIBiford Suffol( Balance sheet as at 31st Decombgr 2023 2023 2022 Targbb F￿￿d Assets 2,592 3.7 8.275 370.867 371,250 SW sto 14,e64 iern) de￿ItS 221100 256.751 31.029 5,072 HMRC debtors 14.479 17,673 Otsi debkns 3.031 6.476 284503 U4BLrrES Creditors 293.981 14 180.6591 11.9211 Pr&paid irrome I3.3￿) (2.8321 63.9S9 753 CURRE1￿ ASs￿s 221,614 NEf TOT￿ ASSErs S91411 660A78 FUNDS 475,745 108,391 1￿•.149 8.275 $92 11 660.478 vo¥ed by the PaffjcI￿ Chrxth Cowmil on 2W1r2024kn1 ts behalf Chairn) rJtes to fina￿181 stateft*rts on paga$ 3 to 10 part of tlwe acco￿￿ P•Je 2 of 10 11 /s/zF

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with St. Catherine’s, Long Melford, Suffolk

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Required Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRSSE SORP).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.

Funds

The unrestricted general fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriction regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. If some of this fund is designated for a particular purpose of the PCC (e.g. children & youth work), it is also unrestricted. Details of this and of the restricted funds are given in note 6.

The accounts 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 main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary Income and Capital Sources

Collections and other donations are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Planned giving is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the original donation is received, which may be some time before the money is received from HMRC. There may be a difference between the totals initially estimated by the Cashier and finally established by the Planned Giving Officer and agreed by HMRC, and any such difference after closure of the accounts is then included in the accounts for the following year. Some Gift-Aid income is received directly from HMRC and some is received via the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), which claims it from HMRC immediately and forwards it to the PCC within days. The split of this Gift Aid income and its allocation between funds and other charities is described in note 7.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for only when received.

Income from online card donations and contactless card donations is accounted for net within incoming resources. Details of gross income and charges are given in note 11.

Funds raised by any fund-raising activity are accounted for gross, provided that the information is available.

The sales from the Church Shop are all accounted for gross.

Other income

Rental income from the letting of church premises or church property is recognised when due and received, any payments received in advance are classified as pre-paid income.

Income from investments

Dividends are accounted for when due and received. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31[st ] December

Page 3 of 10

Resources Expended

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when paid.

All known liabilities for payments at 31[st ] December are provided for in these accounts as an operational liability and are shown as Creditors in the Balance Sheet.

Any significant but unquantifiable liability is assessed as close as possible to the expected value and provisioned accordingly within accruals.

Grants

Grants and donations made to other charities by the PCC are accounted for when paid over or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Any applicable Gift-Aid is credited at the time of the grant or donation and claimed in due course from HMRC

Fixed Assets

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings

Consecrated and Benefice Property is not included in the accounts in accordance with sections 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. Heritage assets are not accounted for as they do not form part of the objects of the PCC.

Moveable Church Furnishings held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Church Inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time.

For inalienable property acquired prior to the Year 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Large items acquired since 1 January 2000 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts together with other assets that are able to have been valued, over their currently anticipated useful economic life. Depreciation is usually calculated as 25% of the reducing balance per annum.

A re-valuation of all tangible assets within and around the Church buildings, to estimate their actual practical value, is carried out on occasions to ensure a realistic value for these assets.

All expenditure in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings or on the repair of moveable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2004 has been written off.

Other fixtures, fittings or office equipment

Equipment used within the Church premises is normally depreciated at 25% of the reducing balance per annum.

Any item of equipment with a purchase price of less than £1,000 may be written off when the asset is acquired, in accordance with the latest Church Accounting Regulations and as agreed by the PCC in January 2017. Any existing individual item with a residual value of less than £100 is normally written off, and assets with a higher value may be written off when appropriate.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31[st ] December

Current (Cash) Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31[st ] December in respect of fees, rents, Gift-Aid or any other income are shown as Debtors, less provision for amounts which may prove uncollectable

Short term deposits include cash held on deposit with the CBF (CCLA) Church of England Funds.

Any outstanding advance payments at the end of the year are shown within Debtors or are deducted from pre-paid income, whichever is judged the more appropriate for the item in question.

Transitory Income

In accordance with the SORP, transitory income which passes through the PCC account as agent is not included in the SOFA, but major items are commented upon briefly in section 10 of these notes to the accounts.

Page 4 of 10

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with St Catherine's, Long Melford, Suffolk Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

2 INCOMING RESOURCES

2(a) Incoming resources from donors
Standing orders, BACS and PGS
Numbered white envelopes
Unrestricted G-aided yellow envelopes
Loose collections at 10:30 Holy Trinity
Other Holy Trinity loose collections
St. Catherines loose collections
Other non-GA donations in Church
11
Stained Glass receipts
Grants & sundry other donations
Gift Aid recovered on all donations
7
Legacies
2(b) Other voluntary incoming resources
Donations for other charities etc.
2(c) Income from operating activities:
to further the Council's objects
Weddings & funerals stat fees
Weddings & funerals other
Children's & youth work donations
2(d) Income from operating activities:
To generate funds
Commercial use of church buildings
Safari Supper
Festive Melford
St Catherine's Coffee & Cake
HCT Ride & Stride
Farm Tour
Open Gardens
Does God Matter scaffolding activities
History talk by Ken Dodd
Ian Steward's barrell organ
Flower Fund revenue (excl. weddings)
Bell Fund revenue
Matthew's Bike ride, before GA
Village Fete
Shop receipts
12
2(e) Income from Investment
Dividends & interest
13
2(f) Other ordinary incoming resources
Insurance claims and compensation
Rental income from Convallaria
8
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
48,918
1,883
1,915
4,297
2,077
-
13,210
-
4,516
15,297
-
92,113
-
-
3,320
2,980
-
6,300
9,927
-
-
-
248
-
2,553
-
603
-
-
-
-
845
9,796		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,542
94,623
16,619
4,062
-
117,846
2,027
2,027
-
60
930
990
6,432
2,365
1,975
-
-
-
650
2,787
-
-
894
726
-
-
-
15,829
6,346
6,346
-
-
-
143,038		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
2022
£
£
48,918
45,735
1,883
3,540
1,915
1,790
4,297
3,871
2,077
2,871
-
-
15,752
13,677
94,623
161,436
21,135
3,444
19,359
21,733
-
70
209,959
258,167
2,027
2,970
2,027
2,970
3,320
4,760
3,040
4,323
930
1,392
7,290
10,475
16,359
12,621
2,365
-
1,975
700
-
483
248
302
-
40
3,203
-
2,787
-
603
-
-
70
894
250
726
185
-
10
845
359
9,796
11,682
39,801
26,702
10,349
3,476
10,349
3,476
150
1,900
8,453
11,089
8,603
12,989
278,029
314,779
Total Funds		 2023
2022
£
£
48,918
45,735
1,883
3,540
1,915
1,790
4,297
3,871
2,077
2,871
-
-
15,752
13,677
94,623
161,436
21,135
3,444
19,359
21,733
-
70
209,959
258,167
2,027
2,970
2,027
2,970
3,320
4,760
3,040
4,323
930
1,392
7,290
10,475
16,359
12,621
2,365
-
1,975
700
-
483
248
302
-
40
3,203
-
2,787
-
603
-
-
70
894
250
726
185
-
10
845
359
9,796
11,682
39,801
26,702
10,349
3,476
10,349
3,476
150
1,900
8,453
11,089
8,603
12,989
278,029
314,779
Total Funds
258,167
2,970
2,970
4,760
4,323
1,392
10,475
12,621
-
700
483
302
40
-
-
-
70
250
185
10
359
11,682
23,972 26,702
4,003
4,003
150
8,453
8,603
134,991		 3,476
3,476
1,900
11,089
12,989
314,779

Page 5 of 10

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with St Catherine's, Long Melford, Suffolk Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

3 RESOURCES EXPENDED
3(a) Activities directly relating to the work
of the Church
Parish Share
Other ministry & mission costs
Church running expenses
Utilities
Insurance
New facilities and equipment
General repairs & cleaning
Stained glass restoration
Other Holy Trinity restoration
Bell expenses
Flowers (excl. weddings & funerals)
Organist fees (excl. transitory)
4
Other music costs
Specific children's, youth & family work
4
3(b) Church Management & Administration
Administrator time & expenses
4
Other administration costs
Bank charges
13
Maintenance & running costs of Convallaria
3(c) Cost of generating funds
Shop purchases, charges and costs
12
Commercial & fund raising expenses
3(d) Grants to other charities
Kagera, Lent Appeal 2023, donation 2022
Ukraine relief, Lent Appeal 2022
Number 72, from Lent Appeal 2022
Edens project, Sudbury
Cancer Research UK, IMO James Recknell
Thai Orphange donation
Royal British Legion
Barnardiston PCC
Storehouse foodbank, Lent Appeal
Sudbury District Scouts and their charities
British Heart Foundation
Alpheton & Shimpling PCC
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
62,645
6,407
10,028
8,141
12,142
7,683
-
6,181
-
-
6,825
1,145
13,411
134,608
12,670
5,599
771
966
20,006
12,251
906		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
1,600
-
57,015
114,387
711
331
-
-
-
174,044
-
-
62
-
62
-
8,082
8,082
803
-
-
175
-
10
391
225
803
103
98
-
2,608
184,796		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
2022
£
£
62,645
59,364
6,407
5,618
10,028
8,651
8,141
7,330
13,742
9,687
7,683
15,446
57,015
159,264
120,568
1,929
711
832
331
718
6,825
6,300
1,145
1,044
13,411
12,203
308,652
288,386
12,670
11,695
5,599
3,575
833
771
966
672
20,068
16,713
12,251
7,218
8,988
2,216
21,239
9,434
803
625
-
855
-
855
175
225
-
412
10
-
391
510
225
313
803
-
103
-
98
-
-
20
2,608
3,815
352,567
318,348
Total Funds		 2023
2022
£
£
62,645
59,364
6,407
5,618
10,028
8,651
8,141
7,330
13,742
9,687
7,683
15,446
57,015
159,264
120,568
1,929
711
832
331
718
6,825
6,300
1,145
1,044
13,411
12,203
308,652
288,386
12,670
11,695
5,599
3,575
833
771
966
672
20,068
16,713
12,251
7,218
8,988
2,216
21,239
9,434
803
625
-
855
-
855
175
225
-
412
10
-
391
510
225
313
803
-
103
-
98
-
-
20
2,608
3,815
352,567
318,348
Total Funds
288,386
11,695
3,575
771
672
16,713
7,218
2,216
13,157 9,434
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
167,771		 625
855
855
225
412
-
510
313
-
-
-
20
3,815
318,348

Page 6 of 10

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity with St. Catherine’s Long Melford Suffolk Notes to the Financial Statements for year ending 31st December 2023

4. PAYMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR SERVICES SUPPLIED

The PCC has no employees but makes payments at agreed rates to self-employed individuals who supply their services as required, all of whom also supply their services to other organisations. Payments in 2023 and 2022 were:

Benefice Administrator:
Organists:
Children & Youth Worker:
Technical Support, mainly livestreaming
Cleaning at St. Catherine's
Totals:		 2023
12,670
6,925
14,460
3,962
1,048		 2022
11,695
6,300
12,203
1,709
897
39,065 32,804

In accordance with the SORP, the above figures do not include any transitory income (e.g. payments to organists through the PCC for weddings and funerals), but do include payment of properly-approved expenses.

No payments were made to PCC members apart from transitory income (e.g. verger, bells and chorister fees), and properly-approved reimbursement of incurred expenses.

5. FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC

5(a) The House ‘Convallaria’ in Bridge Street

This was received as part of a legacy in 2015 and its value at the end of 2016, after major refurbishments and improvements, was estimated at £330,000. Its value at the end of 2020, allowing for house price changes locally over the previous 4 years, was conservatively re-estimated at £355,000. The property was vacated in October 2023 without full rent being received, and it is not occupied as of the end of 2023. Use of its rental income is described in note 8.

5(b) Other tangible fixed assets

Fixed tangible assets considered to be the property of the PCC include the furniture in the shop and some other parts of the church buildings, fire equipment, heating systems in the Lady Chapel and St. Catherine’s, alarm and bird-proofing systems, storage sheds, some carpets, sound and video systems. The value of these assets is regularly updated and revised to ensure that they are reasonably well aligned with the Church Terrier, insofar as this is permitted by the Charity Accountancy regulations.

There was one addition and no write-offs relating to these tangible assets in 2023 and, applying a nominal depreciation of 25%, their value has been estimated at £6,530 as of the end of 2023. Adding this to the estimated value of Convallaria gives the figure of £362,592 for tangible fixed assets quoted in the Balance Sheet. The changes in value are shown in the SOFA.

5(c) Shop Stock

A full stock-take was undertaken by the shop manager, with assistance, at the end of 2022. Value of the stock as of the end of 2023 has been calculated using the sales and stock purchase figures during the year. The significant increase in stock value shown in the balance sheet and SOFA is primarily due to the purchase of 4,000 new stained-glass window guides with a potential sale value of £4.50 each.

5(d) Investment and Endowment Funds

The PCC no longer has any investment funds apart from two permanent endowment funds which are invested with CCLA through the diocese. The valuations of these at end of 2023 are shown in note 6 and in the balance sheet, and the change in value is shown in the SOFA.

Page 7 of 10

6. DETAILS OF FUNDS

The name of each fund, and its cash value rounded to the £ at the start and end of 2023, are given below.

Value at
31/12/22
Fund Title
131,069
Unrestricted General Fund
Restricted Funds
34,336
Preservation & Protection Fund
4,391
Bell Fund
80
Flower Fund
88
Children & Youth Fund
8,608
Organ Fund
42,554
Stained Glass Fund
60,092
Restoration Fund (Spent Out and Closed)
150,149
Endowment Funds
451
Charlotte Allen Churchyard Trust
7,093
Miss Sophia Louise Faulkner Trust
7,544		 Value at
31/12/23
98,289
0
4,607
655
1,265
7,882
93,982
0
108,391
495
7,780
8,275

The Unrestricted General Fund is the main operating fund of the PCC. All unrestricted transactions described in the SOFA, and in the details given in sections 2 and 3 of these accounts, relate to this fund.

The Preservation & Protection Fund is a fund set up to receive donations restricted to the preservation and maintenance of the general fabric of Holy Trinity Church building, including the major part of the insurance if required. Any donations, legacies, or fundraising income specifically for the church building in general, and not for the wider ministry and mission of the Church, are allocated to this fund.

The Bell Fund receives contributions from donors and visiting bands specifically for the maintenance of the bells and frame at Holy Trinity.

The Flower Fund is used to buy flowers and related material for the decoration of the church and receives payments or donations specifically for that purpose.

The Children & Youth Fund is a fund restricted to paying for the work with children, families, and young people. This includes Messy Church, the Fusion youth group, the Connect mother & toddler group at St. Catherine’s, and any other family and youth initiatives.

The Organ Fund was set up during 2018 to receive donations and fundraising revenue towards major refurbishment and enhancement of the church organ. Routine maintenance of the organ is paid for out of the General Fund.

The Stained-Glass Fund was set up during 2019 to handle the money received and paid out for the work on the restoration and protection of the eight medieval stained-glass windows. All donations, fundraising and grants for the stained-glass work are received into this fund, and all payments by the PCC for that restoration and protection work are made from it.

The Restoration Fund was spent out and closed during 2023 owing to the major restoration work on the clerestory windows. Donations restricted to restoration can now be made to the Preservation & Protection Fund.

The Charlotte Allen Churchyard Trust is for keeping in good order and condition the Churchyard and requesting that the graves and memorials of William and Charlotte Richold and of Charlotte Allen and her husband be given adequate attention. This is a permanent endowment fund held by the diocese.

The Miss Sophia Louise Faulkner Trust is an endowment fund for the upkeep of the memorial window in memory of Miss Faulkner's father and mother and for general repair of the church. This too is a permanent endowment fund held by the diocese.

Page 8 of 10

Separate but Related Charity

Friends of Long Melford Church Building Trust

This is an independently registered charity (commission no. 1069008) whose purpose is defined as ‘To administer funds and trusts to assist the PCC in the repair of the fabric of Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford’.

One of the important elements of the PCC’s relationship with the Friends is the project to preserve the medieval glass, for which the Friends hold restricted funds donated by members of the Clopton family. In 2023 the Friends contributed £55,000 towards the ongoing work on two windows which has now been completed.

The Friends also contributed £15,000 in 2023 towards the cost of the restoration work on the clerestory.

7. INCOME TAX RECOVERED FROM HMRC THROUGH GIFT AID

Some of this income is received by the PCC directly from HMRC through our Gift-Aid claims, and some is received via PGS (Parish Giving Scheme) which claims the money on behalf of the PCC and forwards it to the PCC account each month. The split of this income, and its subsequent distribution to the respective funds and charities, is shown in the tables below.

Received Directly from HMRC:
Received via PGS (Parish Giving Scheme):
Total:
Donations to Charities through the Church account:
Children, Youth & Family Work:
Stained Glass Fund:
Organ Fund:
Unrestricted:
Total:		 2023
14,479
4,887		 2022
17,673
4,060
19,366 21,733
356
232
3,464
10
15,304		 512
348
6,690
33
14,151
19,366 21,733

8. FUNDING OF CHILDREN, FAMILY AND YOUTH WORK COSTS

The Children, Family and Youth worker is part-funded directly by the Diocese through the Lightwave project, but most of her time is funded directly by the PCC.

The rental income from the house mentioned in note 5(a), after an allowance for routine upkeep and maintenance costs, has been designated by the PCC to fund Children and Youth work. In addition, the Children & Youth fund receives, on occasions, donations or fundraising revenue specifically restricted for that purpose. Taking those factors into account, the net impact of this work on the unrestricted general fund in 2023 was to increase the deficit by £4,660.

9. RESERVES POLICY

The reserves policy of the PCC, which is reviewed annually, is based on an estimate of 3 months’ parish share and 3 months of maintenance, insurance and all other expenses totalling £33,000, to be held as part of the Unrestricted General Fund.

Page 9 of 10

10. TRANSITORY INCOME

In accordance with recommended accounting practice, transitory income is not shown in the SOFA, but major items of possible interest are summarised for information in the following table.

Summary of Major Transitory Income

Transitory transactions within the benefice
Diocesan fees for weddings and funerals:
All other transitory payments for weddings and funerals:		 Transitory transactions within the benefice
Diocesan fees for weddings and funerals:
All other transitory payments for weddings and funerals:		 2023
2,586
698
7,046		 2022
2,626
1,732
7,066
10,330 11,424

11. INCOME FROM CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS AND ONLINE ONE-OFF DONATIONS

The gross income and charges relating to each of these sources in 2023 and 2022 are tabulated below.

Card and Online Button Donations Credits and Costs
 Gross Credits
 Gross Credits
 Charges
'Box' Contactless Donations
'SumUp' Contactless Donations
Online Button/QR Code Donations		 2023
6,690
2,520
396		 2022
6,058
0
615		 2023
723
72
5		 2022
662
0
8

The contactless card reader in the cabinet accounts for over half of all the non-gift-aided one-off unrestricted donations received in the church, though some of those card donations are probably in lieu of Sunday loose collections. The two ‘SumUp’ card readers were installed at the end of August and are proving to be very worthwhile and cost-effective. They are currently restricted to fabric or Children’s work but that can be changed if required. The online donations button accessed through the QR code or Church website is also a useful facility because there is no fixed cost for this, just a low percentage charge.

12. CHURCH SHOP ACTIVITY

Revenue from shop sales was down by 16% compared with 2022, probably because of reduced numbers of casual visitors due to the clerestory work. Takings by card machine were 45% of total takings. It seems likely that this percentage would be higher, and total shop revenue would also be higher, if it were possible for the shop to be attended for longer periods in the future than it was in 2023.

13. ALLOCATIONS OF BANK CHARGES AND INTEREST

The PCC has approved the allocation by the Treasurer of bank charges incurred and interest earned by the various funds in rough proportion, respectively, to the number of transactions and to the average amounts held in those funds during the year. On that basis, bank charges of £61.87 and interest of £3,023.63 were allocated to the Stained-Glass fund, and £771.31 and £4,002.73 correspondingly to the General Fund. Adjustments to the other restricted funds were not considered necessary.

14. CREDITORS

The unusually high figure of over £60,000 shown in the balance sheet as owed at the end of 2023 is a result of Canterbury Cathedral Enterprises still not having submitted its invoice for the completion of the restoration work in the third window, which work was completed during November 2023. The estimated cost for this, based on previous invoices, was £57,014.82 and so this has been provided for in the accounts.

15. OBSERVATIONS ON 2023 FINANCIAL FIGURES

The two fabric-restricted funds have been totally spent out on the essential clerestory restoration work. In addition, there was a year-end deficit of £33,653 in the unrestricted general fund. Most of this unrestricted deficit can be accounted for by a combination of the clerestory work (directly and indirectly), the work on electrical power upgrade, the problems with Convallaria, and a major purchase of shop stock. After taking all those factors into account the remaining current-account deficit for the year is estimated to be in the region of £3,000.

Page 10 of 10

Independent Examiner Report to the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, with St Catherine's Long Melford I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31st D￿mber 2023 which are set out on pages I to 10. Respective responsibility of the PCC (the Trustees), and Independent Examiner The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC 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 examinatton is needed. It is my responsibility to: a) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; b) Follow the pr(￿edureS laid down in the general direttÉon given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Att; and c) State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examlners Report My examination was carrted out in accordan￿ with the generdl directions gtven by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accountin9 records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts pr*nted with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in a full audit arid consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present °a true and fair view". and the report is limite(I to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examiner Statement In connection with my examination no rnatter5 have come to my attention: which give me reasonable cause to believe tha( in any material respett, the requirements la. to keep accounting records in accordance w¥th section 130 of the 2011 Act or Ib. to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Att have not been met, or 2. to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Neil J Pearson Dated: i3l- Address: 87 High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk IP7 7ER