2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christ Church With St. Mary Magdalen And St. Peter And St. Paul St. Leonards-On-Sea

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul, St Leonards on Sea

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St Leonards-on-Sea

Christ Church, London Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6GL

Registered Charity no. 1170031

For the year ended 31 December 2021 CONTENTS Trustees annual report 1-14 Statement of financial activities 15 Balance sheet 16 Notes to the accounts 17-24 Report of the independent examiner 25 Website: www.christchurchstleonards.co.uk Priest-in-Charge: Rt. Revd. Peter Wheatley Independent examiner: Ashdown Hurrey, Hastings Bankers: Charities Aid Foundation, West Malling

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul, St Leonards-on-Sea Trustees Annual Report for 2021

Our aims and purposes as a charity

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in:

The provision and maintenance of the fabric of Christ Church, St Leonards on Sea and its associated buildings;
Conducting regular Christian worship;
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, including on a daily basis at Christ Church; baptisms, marriages and funerals;
Leaving Christ Church open to the public to enter and benefit from personal spiritual
contemplation;
Promoting the study of Christian teaching, practices and Scriptures;
The provision of means and encouragement to promote fellowship within the
membership of the Churches and the wider community;
In addition to the above, Christian devotional acts and outreach work is carried out,
including:
Visiting the sick;
Administering the Sacraments to those unable to attend regular acts of Worship,
to the sick and dying;
Supporting pastoral work;
Fostering ecumenical links between differing Christian denominations;
Supporting the work of other local charities.

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

For 2021 we continued to pursue the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church. Obeying Covid 19 restrictions the Church remained open through the day whenever possible;
Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community;
Teaching, baptizing and confirming new and existing believers;
Maintaining an overview of worship throughout the parish;
Considering how services can involve the many groups that exist within the parish;
Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament;
Offering worship and prayer, though learning about the Gospel in small group situations had to postponed this year because of the pandemic;
Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of, and trust in, Jesus;
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish;

Providing assistance to the poor and needy of the parish;
Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a historic centre and focus of life in the Parish.

Our Mission Action Plan is regularly reviewed and monitored at PCC meetings.

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

The range of activities for Christ Church can be split broadly into three categories – a) worship, prayer, catechesis, pastoral care and evangelism; b) fellowship and fundraising;

c) serving the local community

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has continued to impair the normal activities of the Church throughout 2021, but it is remarkable how resilient the Church has been.

Worship, prayer, catechesis, pastoral care and evangelism

The Church has remained open for private prayer day-by-day. Public worship continued with two Masses on weekdays Monday to Friday and four Masses on a Sunday as opposed to the previous two per Sunday before the 2020 lockdowns to ensure ease of social distancing and cater also for the needs of the children who were unable to meet safely in the crypt.

Baptisms were celebrated and adult candidates presented for Confirmation. With only limited numbers allowed at times to attend, funerals in Church included from the congregation, Jennifer Sang, Michael Fletcher, a former Organist, Patrick Dawson, a former Churchwarden and member of the Confraternity of Our Lady, and Noreen Knight, who had served for many years as a housemother for the Fellowship of St Nicholas and more recently as a benefactor enabled the Church to access WiFi and donation by credit card. Requiescant in Pace .

Throughout the year Fr Nick Archer led worship in Christ Church Academy, including when only kept open for key workers and vulnerable children, and has provided weekly videos for classroom worship. This ministry has been maintained since Fr Archer left in October 2021 by Fr Thomas Crowley whom we welcomed as a full-time stipendiary assistant curate in September.

The church bells were rung each Sunday. When collective bell ringing was not possible, the bell ringers ensured that a single bell was tolled both on Sunday and before the evening Mass.

Fundraising and Fellowship

2021 proved to be as challenging as 2020 and started with a lock down, the first casualty was the Parish lunch to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

However positive steps were taken when conditions allowed:

Seven table Sales were held raising £2,366, a further £957.83 was raised through various efforts including the Book Room, Epiphany Envelopes, Penny Boxes, Christmas Cards and Cake of course.

There were two Concerts by the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.
Our website continues to be a useful source of information including an on-line giving facility
Funding from a parishioner in 2020 enabled the installation of Wi-Fi throughout the church which has provided access to the internet for ‘livestreaming’ of services via Face Book whilst the service booklets were emailed to people’s home from the Parish Office and the use of an unmanned contactless donation device which in these difficult times, especially with cash handling and when the church was only open for private prayer and reflection. The Wi-Fi has also been used to exercise more control over the recentlyinstalled, improved Sound System.
The Fundraising Group established 2019 continues to assist in looking at ways of raising the substantial sum of money needed for renovation of the Church fabric and will, later in 2022, look at sustainable giving on a regular basis. A number of meetings have been convened mainly over ZOOM or Telephone Conferencing and importantly working with Craigmyle, an experienced fundraising firm of some 50 years, especially in the area of an ecclesiastical nature. The emphasis of these meetings has been how to apply successfully for grants to enable substantial renovation to the exterior of the church in dealing with the recommendations of the 2018 Quinquennial Report from our architect Peter Pritchett, for example:
The urgent work on the Tower and Steeple was undertaken in the first half of 2021 at a total cost of around £108k. With the help of Craigmyle, the Fundraising Group and our architect, Peter Pritchett, a grant of £87k was obtained from the Cultural Recovery fund of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Although not grant funded the four Clock Faces were taken down and taken to the workshops of Smiths of Derby who conducted a complete refurbishment and are now returned to their rightful place. Clock watchers will know the hands were removed for safety reasons some 20 years ago. The Fundraising Group and the PCC felt the clock faces were an important landmark in the community and needed to be restored to their 1895 splendor. The cost of this has been in the region of £65k, donations of £26k have already been received. Later in 2022 a project to obtain some grant funding will be launched to overhaul the clock mechanism to get the clocks fully working again.
The next phase of refurbishment is the South side of the Church; this was started in November 2021 and will continue until April - June 2022. Again, a grant of £180k was obtained from the Cultural Recovery fund of the Cultural Recovery part of the NLHF against an overall project cost of £226k.
The last phase is the West, North and East elevation along with the lower part of the tower. The planning for this has already started.

Of course, this is not all about fundraising and buildings, it is about people coming together, using their talents, involving the local community and celebrating the space we call our church for worship and much more.

Serving the Community

This year we have continued, as much as we can, to continue looking outward in our mission and outreach.

We have still been able to support the local community in these ways:

The Seaview Project (for the poor and needy) through contributions of food and useful small items and contributing staple foodstuffs and toiletries to Hastings Foodbank.
Serving as local governors at our parish school.
Serving as trustees of the Christ Church Old Buildings Trust (CCOBT), Sarah Brisco Charity and the St Mary Magdalen Educational Charity.
Serving as Board members of the Christ Church House Improvement Society Ltd.
Hosting weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Hosting weekly Cocaine Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
Members of the sewing group are contributing knitted items of clothing to charities such as Surviving the Streets, Dom’s Food Mission and Warming Up The Homeless.

Night Shelters

Opening the Crypt for the night shelters operated by SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) and Surviving the Streets has not been allowed again this year but communications remain open with Hastings Council for using the Crypt and supporting SWEP in future.
Regular contact and support is maintained with Surviving the Streets and some funding has been given to them via the Sarah Brisco Charity. Discussions re ways forward for the church to continue its support are ongoing and a link between the charity and Christ Church is now firmly linked.

Surviving the Streets Food Bank Initiative

This year we have been very pleased to see the instigation of an exciting new initiative with Surviving the Streets with the installation of a Food Bank Locker in the courtyard. This has finally come to fruition after a year of hard work from Christ Church clergy, PCC members and the charity. The church has been able to fund the initiative through the Sarah Brisco charity and the Food Bank will be a much needed resource for local people to use providing food parcels for people and pets and essential items for the homeless.

Church members continue to volunteer to lead our local Scout Group and serve as members of the Scout Group Committee although actual gatherings have been curtailed until allowed.

The monthly Community Café has been unable to take place this year but will resume shortly. Monthly Table Sales have resumed and have proven once again to be a great success with local people and also as a means of income. Many thanks to the members of the congregation who tirelessly work on a regular basis to enable the sales to occur.

The Parish Hall and Crypt have continued to be used by vulnerable groups AA, NA, CA throughout the pandemic and both rooms are now reopen to the wider public and the hall has resumed being booked by local groups.

The ‘Book Room’ in the Parish Centre is now open twice a week and continues to raise a profitable amount of money as well as providing a reading resource for the congregation and wider public.

Negotiations are ongoing to provide an opportunity for local arts groups to use our facilities.

The Church has been able to continue to host some concerts this year and has a good ongoing relationship with Hastings Philharmonic Choir and Chamber Choir. We have been able to benefit from a variety of recitals by various people in church and some concerts have been rescheduled to take place at a later date.

A new children’s choir group, Songbirds, has also been set up by Hastings Philharmonic Choir and this takes place in church.

Citizens Advice Bureau has settled into CCOBT’s Magnet Centre and a good relationship has been developed with them.

The Church has also benefitted from being part of the Safer Streets project with liaison between Church, police and CAB to provide extra lighting and security cameras in the courtyard. This has given extra security to the users of our premises.

Financial Review

Throughout 2021 the PCC continued to highlight different ways in which people can financially contribute to the mission and ministry of the Church in this Parish. In particular this stressed giving through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), enabling a more direct means of reclaiming Gift Aid, thus helping with our cash flow. Although there was a small uptake in numbers in the PGS, the overall level of regular giving has not increased.

Throughout the year Christ Church continued to engage the fundraising consultancy Craigmyle as professional support to advise on a capital campaign to raise the sums required to take our building improvement plans forward, and to create plans to make the annual running costs of the church sustainable without relying on reserves.

The Quinquennial Inspection showed the requirement for urgent fabric restoration repairs. Detailed inspection of these requirements showed additional work was required on the Tower and Steeple. In total these costs are in excess of £725,000, and this is greater than our level of reserves. Craigmyle were able to secure two large grants from the Cultural Recovery Fund covering 80% of the costs of the works to both the Tower/Steeple and South Elevation. The Tower and Steeple works were completed during the year and work commenced to the South Elevation in November. The balance of costs of these works at £33,000 has had to come from our reserves.

Further works to the remaining elevations of the Church are the subject of an application submitted by Craigmyle on our behalf to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which would cover a large part of the costs, but would still require £140,000 to be found to complete all the necessary works.

In addition to these works Appeals were launched during the year to cover the costs of the restoration of the Clock Dials, an upgraded Sound system and urgent repairs to the Organ dehumidifier. These Appeals together with legacies requested to be used for these costs raised

£38,000. This was insufficient to meet all the costs of these projects, mainly owing to unforeseen difficulties experienced by the Contractors restoring the Clock Dials causing delays and significantly higher scaffolding costs. This has led to £46,000 of our reserves being used. Grant Aid was not possible for these works.

During 2021 donation income (excluding the special appeals) was £6,000 lower than in 2020. With COVID-related restrictions reduced, the second half of the year saw increased use of the Church Hall and Crypt together with concerts in the Church, meaning that this income was greater than in 2020. The PCC continue, where possible, to keep expenditure under tight control. However the day-today deficit was £25,000 for the year. The investment holdings again brought a windfall gain of £43,000 on their revaluation at the year-end. We again caution that valuations can reduce as well as increase. The overall effect has been to decrease our Reserves by £70,000

The PCC continues to address this unsustainable financial position through its Financial Sustainability Sub-Committee, tasked with achieving a balance of income over expenditure over a five-year period. It has not been possible during 2021 to make much progress, and the expected deficit for 2022 remains too high at £20,000, thereby eroding further our accumulated reserves.

Why we hold some money in reserve

The PCC discussed the following factors in arriving at their reserves policy:

• Money should only be kept in reserve for specific reasons – whilst the Bible clearly indicates that we should not hoard, it is also clear that sensible planning for known events and a contingency for emergencies are important.

• In 2021 there was an excess of expenditure over income of £112,000 before the exceptional increase in value of our Investments is taken into Account

• The ongoing income is insufficient to meet the ongoing costs of the Church, the largest item of cost being the Parish Share. Whilst there is no immediate cause for concern, given the current levels of cash and other reserves, it remains prudent to make reserves for both ongoing costs and special repair and maintenance costs, for the Church and Church Hall.

Policy : It is the policy of the Church to keep-six months’ running costs (£70,000), to cover any unforeseen emergencies. The PCC will also keep in reserve sufficient funds to enable the Church, and Church Hall to be kept in a good and substantial state of repair. Currently an amount of £42,000 is considered to be a reasonable estimate. This policy is reviewed annually.

Structure, governance and management of the charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:

Ex Officio members

Priest-in-Charge

The Rt Revd Peter Wheatley PCC Chairman

Assistant Curates:

The Revd Nicholas Archer ( to 7 November 2021 )

The Revd Thomas Crowley ( from 14 September 2021 )

The Revd Dr Richard Ralph (NSM) PCC Secretary

Wardens:

Mrs Susan Shaw PCC Vice Chairman

Mrs Maureen Harman

Elected Members:

Jessica Campbell Assistant Safeguarding Officer

Trevor Davies Treasurer

Julie Gidlow

Christopher Goodman Data Protection Responsible Person

Tina-Marie Grevett

Michael Hart

Jane Hart Safeguarding Officer

Wil Jewitt

Andrew Knight

Celia Manning

John Read

Carole Sherwood Electoral Roll Officer

David Smith

Deanery Synod Representatives

Louise Fisher

Anne Hanney Assistant Safeguarding Officer

Elizabeth Mackay

Susan Parsons

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent, curates), the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 13 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

Structure, governance and management

As required by law, a Standing Committee meets to transact PCC business between PCC meetings.

Also elected at the first meeting of the PCC after the APCM were a Safeguarding Committee and working groups for buildings and maintenance, social and catering and fairs. Stewardship and mission was subsumed into meetings of the Standing Committee, as was also fundraising, given the importance of major grants for the fabric, already secured and applied for, and attention to the ongoing financial deficit, all with the assistance of Craigmyle, our fundraising consultants.

Meetings of the Churchwardens and of the Clergy Staff took place on a monthly basis, chaired by the Priest-in-Charge

Christ Church St Leonards on Sea House Improvement Society Ltd

The Board of Directors is chaired by Bishop Peter. The Company Secretary is Trevor Davies and the Managing agents continue to be FPE. Fr Richard Ralph is in attendance at Director’s meetings. The Directors have the responsibility of administering and maintaining St Richard’s House, Pevensey Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. During 2021, the Board of Directors continued to improve the standard of housing and levels of comfort for our tenants, and with ever-increasing costs rents were increased slightly for the first time since 2018, allowing for a very small surplus. The registered address is Christ Church Parish Office, 2 Christ Church Courtyard, London Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6GL.

St Mary Magdalen Educational Charity

The charity is registered with the Charity Commission (306495). The charity offers cash grants to individuals and organisations that will tend to facilitate education in accordance with the principles of the Church of England, and provides grants to Christ Church School in particular. The charity mainly operates within the parish of Christ Church and St Mary Magdalen, St Leonards-on-Sea or in the wider Borough of Hastings. The Trustees are chaired by Bishop Peter. Trevor Davies is Treasurer.

Sarah Brisco Charity

The charity is registered with the Charity Commission (211554). The Trustees are Bishop Peter, the Church Wardens and Treasurer. The charity exists for the relief of the poor of the Parish which it

does through the making of grants to individuals, and organisations within the Parish of Christ Church, St Leonards-on-Sea, at the absolute and uncontrolled discretion of the Trustees.

In 2021 this included grants to Christ Church School for part of the costs of the needy schoolchildren's Home-schooling packs, Gardening Club and Friday Fruit, as well a contribution to Surviving The Streets for their provision to the needy as well as the first payment towards to Food Bank installed in the Church Courtyard.

Christ Church St Leonards Old Buildings Trust

The charity is registered with the Charity Commission (1087321)

The Trust owns and manages the buildings parallel to Christ Church known as the Old School Buildings and the land upon which the Christ Church CE Primary and Nursery Academy stands.

The objects of the Trust are:

The advancement and promotion of theological education and training for lay and ordained persons in the Church of England.
Meeting rooms for the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church and St Mary Magdalen, St Peter and St Paul, St Leonards-on-Sea.
Accommodation for clergy and their families within the Church of England.
For other charitable purposes connected with the Church of England

The Trustees are; Bishop Peter Wheatley, (Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church), Mrs Maureen Harman, Bishop Nicholas Reade, and Mr Ian McKellar. Two new Trustees joined the Board in 2021, Mrs Susan Parsons and Mr Paul Lewis. Mr Andrew Knight is Clerk to the Trustees.

Highlights for 2021 have been:

The continuation of a ten-year lease let to CA1066 (Citizens Advice Bureau) from 2/1/19
A rolling 1-year lease let as a private residence for 17 Alfred Street from 1/5/2020
The continuation of a rolling 1-year lease of the ‘Parish Rooms’ to the Christ Church PCC
A continuation of a 125-year lease to Hastings Borough Council for the part of the building known as Renaissance House
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic the Board met six times during 2021 (two via ZOOM) and discussed and progressed where possible
A closer relationship with the Mother Agnes Trust
The Fire Alarm in the Old School Buildings (OSB) which was replaced in July 2021
Maintenance of the outside of OSB (held up due to COVID-19)
Long term strategy of the use of the OSB
Recruitment of two new Trustees

Anti-Social behavior initiatives such as CCTV, keeping the curtilage clean in and around the OSB and Christ Church, including liaising with Community Leaders and Hastings Borough Council
Compliance with the Charities Commission advice on Risk, Conflict of Interests and Financial Control

Risk Review

The risks facing the PCC include the state of repair of the church, and the financial requirements to meet its stated activities, including payment of its Annual Parish Share. The structure of the church is continually monitored by the Church Architect and by the Buildings and Maintenance Group reporting regularly to the Standing Committee and PCC. The finances are controlled by careful budgeting and close attention to fundraising, particularly with the employment of professional fundraisers.

There have been no serious incidents or other matters relating to this charity over the previous financial year that should have been brought to the attention of the Charity Commissioners but have not.

There is a Church Risk Assessment booklet. It is strongly recommended that all who work in the church read it and abide by it. There is a copy in the Outer Sacristy and more copies are now available for groups who hire the church and for school visits.

Organisational Structure

The PCC is responsible inter-alia for promoting the mission of the Church, the parochial budget, and all expenditure thereunder, and the care and maintenance of the fabric of the church. The PCC is also the normal channel of communication between the parishioners and the Bishop of the diocese. All members of the PCC are volunteers.

New representatives are told of their responsibilities and of the issues facing the Church by existing representatives, and receive such additional training as required. Officers of the PCC, including the Secretary and Treasurer are appointed at the first meeting of the PCC after the Vestry Meeting.

As indicated, members of the PCC also serve as representatives on the Deanery Synod.

The church is run entirely by volunteers, as the one stipendiary clergyman is remunerated by the Church Commissioners. Without the work of these volunteers, Christ Church would not function.

Fabric

Routine Servicing - Boilers in the Church and Parish Centre have been serviced, as has the Font Lifting Mechanism and the Church alarm system. PAT testing has been carried out. The lightning conductor has been checked.

Lighting - all lights in the church and organ gallery have been replaced as necessary. The ornamental light in the Crypt now has a replacement bulb and an LED light bulb put in the wall mounted light inside the door.

Key Pad - the key pad on the Crypt has been replaced and has a protective cover over it.

Drains - there was a sewage problem in the Parish Centre causing an offensive odour. The offending drain was cleared. Also the drain under the sink in the flower room was partially blocked. A temporary solution may have been found. If this is not successful then a drain company will be called in.

Gutters - the gutters and hoppers have been cleared curing the water ingress in the Crypt.

Parish Centre - the damp problem in the Parish Centre has been rectified, through replacing a radiator and keeping the heating on all year round. Also, when the boilers were serviced it meant all radiators were working properly. All taps in the toilets have been replaced and the water pressure reduced.

Organ dehumidifier - a dehumidifier is to be fitted in the organ blower room and at the time of writing, although the necessary electrical preparation has been done, the installation of the dehumidifier is awaited.

Altar Lamps - again, at the time of writing, the servicing of these is awaited, although a price has been agreed.

Hot Water - the problem of the hot water taps in the Crypt toilets has been dealt with.

Safeguarding

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) adopts the Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of Chichester and reviews this annually. Our Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Jane Hart. She is assisted by Mrs Anne Hanney and Miss Jessica Campbell. The Diocese has a Safeguarding Website (https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org), which can be accessed by anyone, and all the policies and procedures adopted by the PCC are available here. They are also available via a link on the front page of our Parish website.

During 2020, the Safeguarding Training was delivered by Zoom, with those needing to update attending, including Jane Hart and Fr Richard Ralph at C2 level. It has been difficult to monitor this during the various lockdowns of the pandemic, but Jane is aware of any courses being made available and the PCC and wider Parish community will be notified as appropriate. The courses are C0 and C1 safeguarding training, required by all in any role concerning young people or vulnerable adults. C2 training is for all laity in a leadership role. The Clergy are also required to take C3 training. The training continues to be on Zoom, and will be for the foreseeable future.

All members of the congregation required to do so (those in leadership, training, supervision, and trustee roles) have been DBS checked (Criminal Records Bureau), and these are now updated every 3 years.

We aim to be transparent in all we do, and are compliant with all required forms and information, subject to GDPR.

The forms have been updated and displayed as required. The Safeguarding team has continued to

meet via Zoom throughout 2021. There have been no areas of concern. As Covid restrictions have gradually lifted, the Family Mass at 10.30 has adapted, but maintained safety aspects.

Jane Hart, Safeguarding Officer

PALS (Christ Church Sunday School)

PALS did not resume during 2021, but the 10.30 Mass was continued in lieu of it. It is an interactive celebration where the children (and adults) can take part as much as they wish, in reading the lesson, joining in with the sign language worship, and laying incense grains on the burner during our prayers. As I am now an Authorised Lay Minister in Worship & Liturgy, I sometimes present the teaching element of the Mass, following the Gospel. This is a concise 1or 2 minute talk or activity; a simplified version of what we would be teaching in PALS. It is hoped this might continue once a month, when things return to normal and we are able to resume PALS in our room downstairs, but giving the young people and their families a different form of worship actually in church, and one the younger ones can take more part in, rather than the full Parish Mass. It is an excellent way to introduce certain aspects, and I thank Bishop Peter, Fr Nick, and now Fr Thomas for their ideas, support and encouragement in this new service.

Godly Play was to be introduced as a local activity at St John’s Church, Pevensey Road, in October 2021, but due to various members of the team contracting Covid, this has been deferred until Spring 2022.

On Christmas Eve, we had the 4pm Crib Service. Shades Christian Theatre Group performed a short sketch about the Angel Gabriel. I think it was better appreciated by adults than by children, but it gave a good introduction to the rest of the story. There were 4 children and 12 adults, plus Bishop Peter, Fr Thomas, myself and Mick Hart. Those that wanted to could dress up.

Jane Hart

Deanery Synod Report

A Deanery Synod has now reconvened, but in 2021 planned meetings were cancelled until 27 September when Synod met to discuss experiences of the pandemic.

In October the Synod lay members voted for candidates for the Diocesan Synod. The next meeting is scheduled for 19 May 2022.

Christ Church Bell Ringers

With eleven permanent ringing members and some regular visitors, we are one of the better populated towers in the county, and manage to man all or most of the eight ringing bells each Sunday and on our Monday night practices. The recent change to a new Sunday morning ringing time of 9 am to 9.30 was inevitably more convenient for some than for others, but it is appreciated that the structure of Sunday morning masses is under review. The recent extensive work on the tower has been carried out with minimal disruption to the ringing, and we look forward to developments with regard to the clock. The bells themselves continue to be in good order.

Alan Pink , Tower Captain

9[th] Hastings (Christ Church) Scout Group: Group Scout Leader’s Report

2021 started off the same way 2020 ended - in lockdown with no Scouting activities except via

zoom, which I tried to do on a regular basis with my leaders to keep them up to date with any changing guidelines, and also to ensure everyone felt they were still involved. March saw the Hastings ½ Marathon cancelled for the second year running, so no drink station again and still no Scouting.

Guidelines changed slightly by the end of March when six adults could meet up outdoors and Scout HQ announced that limited Scouting could start with small groups of Scouts meeting up face-to-face outside. After several Zoom meetings with the Leaders, the 9[th] resumed meeting in The Courtyard face-to-face.

To celebrate coming back together again and utilising guidelines, we decided to finish off the term by taking the whole Group down to the Crazy Golf. Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and we had to cancel the golf, finishing our term prematurely.

It was mid-September by the time we were able to restart following the summer break. Guidelines slightly changed once more and with huge relief we were able to meet indoors at last. Unfortunately, October saw Emma our Scout Leader step down and I once more stepped back into the role of Scout Leader. October was also our first Church Parade for some time, if on a somewhat smaller scale than usual, when we took part in the Harvest Festival mass.

October and November saw the Group get back to some sort of normality with Beavers talking about looking after our planet, learning how to send a letter and learning a new song. The Cubs looked at Road Safety, did some cooking and the Artist Badge, trying to copy Banksy. The Scouts had a crafty evening, a hobbies evening and held an International evening. The whole Group helped to make poppies for remembrance Sunday which went to decorate the Church.

In December, all the sections were able to finish off the term in different festive ways. The Beavers and Cubs both had a Christmas party, and the Scouts had a Jim Jam film night, dressed in either onesies or pajamas watching Elf. The Cubs and Beavers also went to the White Rock pantomime during the Christmas break.

We ended the year by saying goodbye to our Akela (Duane Kemp) who had been with our Group since 2013. All the leaders from each section came down to wish him well on his final evening. I would like to thank all the Adult Leaders, Assistant Leaders, and helpers for the excellent job they do, volunteering their time freely to make a real difference to the lives of the young people in our group, especially even more so over the last year which has been at times rather stressful!

Graeme Monk Group Scout Leader , 9[th] Hastings Christ Church Scout Group

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Rt. Revd. Peter Wheatley, PCC Chairman

6 March 2022

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St Leonards-on-Sea Registered Charity no. 1170031

Statement of Financial Activities for the 12 months ended 31st December 2021

	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund(s)	Endowment Fund(s)	Total FundsT	otal Funds 2020

Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other receipts	£ 110,720 1,002 159,373 8,390 -	£ - - - 457 -	- - - - -	£ 110,720 1,002 159,373 8,847 -	£ 77,478 794 12,794 9,687 -
Total income	279,485	457	-	279,942	100,753
Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Other trading activities Other expenditure	8,641 361,013 22,156 -	- 293 464 -	- - - -	8,641 361,306 22,620 -	7,702 139,964 15,051 -
Total expenditure	391,810	757	-	392,567	162,717
Net gains (or losses) on investments	40,737	2,185	(36)	42,886	116,803
Net income or (net expenditure)	(71,588)	1,885	(36)	(69,739)	54,839
Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Reconciliation of funds:	-	-	-	-	-
	(71,588) - - -	1,885 - - -	(36) - - -	(69,739) - - -	54,839 - - -
Net movement in funds	(71,588)	1,885	(36)	(69,739)	54,839
Total funds brought forward 31.12.2020	543,515	17,013	541	561,069
Total funds carried forward	471,927	18,898	505	491,330

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St Leonards-on-Sea Registered Charity no. 1170031

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2021

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2021
	Total Funds 2021	Total Funds 2020	*Notes* 8 15 11 12
Intangible assets Tangible assets Investments Endowed investments	£ - - 341,574 505	£ - - 298,652 541
Total fixed assets	342,079	299,193
Stocks - Debtors 81,197 Cash at bank and in hand 160,825		- 4,711 321,372
Total current assets	242,022	326,083
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year	(50,699)	(22,135)
Net current assets or (liabilities)	191,323	303,948
Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year	533,402 - (42,072)	603,141 - (42,072)
Total net assets or (liabilities)	491,330	561,069
The funds of the charity: Endowment funds Restricted income funds	505 18,898	541 17,013
Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve	471,927 -	543,515 -
Total unrestricted funds	471,927	543,515

Total charity funds	491,330	561,069

This Annual Financial Report, for the year ended 31st December 2021, including the notes following, was Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by

+Peter Wheatley Chairman

Date: 6 March 2022

Notes to the financial report

1 Accounting policies

a Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current (2015) Statement Of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (FRS 102).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and the revaluation of fixed assets. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members.

b Funds accounting

Funds held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Endowment funds - funds the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment

c Income and endowments

All income and endowments are accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donations and legacies

Collections are recognised when received.

Planned giving receivable is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate.

Gift aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised.

Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding, is received by the PCC.

Charitable activities

Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received.

Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable.

Other trading activities

Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services. Income from trading is recognised either: a - when received, or b - in the cease of concerts: for the year in question, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place.

Investment income

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

Notes to the financial report (continued)

All other income

All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation at 31 December.

d Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and accounted for gross.

Grants

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

Church Activities

The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.

e Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar 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's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to (date) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is not stated in the financial statements.

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £1,000 are written off in the year they were incurred.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

� Fixtures and fittings 20%

� Audio visual equipment 33%

� Office equipment 25%

No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.

f Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St Leonards-on-Sea

2. Analysis of income and endowments 12 months to 31st December 2021

	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund(s)	Endowment	Total Funds	*Total Funds* *2020*
			Fund(s)	2021

	£	£		£	£
Planned giving (excl. Gift Aid) Planned Giving (incl Gift Aid) Donations Loose cash collections Fund Raising Events Summer and Winter Fayres Table Sales Gift Aid recoverable Legacies Special Appeals	14,730 14,296 26,603 2,400 958 1,090 2,366 11,488 29,459 7,330	- - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - -	14,730 14,296 26,603 2,400 958 1,090 2,366 11,488 29,459 7,330	18,052 14,192 30,195 2,578 587 - 1,588 10,286 - -
Donations and legacies	110,720	-	-	110,720	77,478
Fees for weddings & funerals	1,002	-	-	1,002	794
Charitable activities	1,002	-	-	1,002	794
Summer fete & Christmas bazaar Coffee and Candles Rent from letting of St Peters Hall Church Hall and Office Letting Grants Walsingham Pilgrimages	- 1,167 - 18,731 139,475 -	- - - - - -	- - - - - -	- 1,167 - 18,731 139,475 -	- 830 900 12,370 250 (1,556)
Other trading activities	159,373	-	-	159,373	12,794
Bank & CBF deposit interest CBF investment fund dividend HMRC Interest re Gift Aid	147 8,229 14	- 457 -	- - -	147 8,686 14	1,266 8,395 26
Investments	8,390	457	-	8,847	9,687
	-	-	-	-
Total income and endowments on all funds	279,485	457	-	279,942	100,753

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St Leonards-on-Sea

3. Analysis of expenditure 12 months to 31st December 2021

	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund(s)	Endowment Fund(s)	Total Funds	*Total Funds*
				2021	*2020*

Special appeals costs (e.g. adverts, brochures) Summer fete & Christmas bazaar costs	£ - -	£ - -	- -	£ - -	£ - -
Planned Giving Costs Stewardship costs (e.g. printing envelopes) Grants costs (e.g. making E/Heritage application) Investment management costs Other fundraising (non-trading) costs	217 - 8,424 - -	- - - - -	- - - - -	217 - 8,424 - -	35 - 7,667 - -
Cost of raising funds	8,641	-	-	8,641	7,702
Missionary and charitable giving Ministry: diocesan parish share other clergy costs Staff Upkeep of services Church running Sunday school Church maintenance and repair Fabric Costs Insurance of Church Building Grants Special Appeals works (Clock Dials/Sound System/Organ) Architects Fees Bank charges Rectory Costs Governance	- 62,000 90 7,051 2,510 12,764 - 7,335 172,116 6,588 - 84,675 724 286 2,834 2,040	- - - 193 - 100 - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- 62,000 90 7,051 2,703 12,764 100 7,335 172,116 6,588 - 84,675 724 286 2,834 2,040	- 61,800 936 6,134 1,136 13,456 50 11,358 31,706 6,727 20 - 1,666 90 2,965 1,920
Cost of charitable activities	361,013	293		361,306	139,964
Summer fete & Christmas bazaar costs St Peters Hall costs Church Hall and Crypt running costs Curate costs Parish magazine costs Bookstall costs Walsingham Pilgrimages Sundry Expenses	- - 16,266 5,890 - - - -	- - - 264 - - 200 -	- - - - - - - -	- - 16,266 6,154 - - 200 -	- 637 12,167 2,247 - - - -
Cost of other trading activities	22,156	464	-	22,620	15,051

Total expended on all funds	391,810	757	-	392,567	162,717

Notes to the financial report (continued)

4 Missionary and charitable giving:

4 Missionary and charitablegiving:
	Unrestricted Fund		Restricted Fund/s		Endowed Fund/s		Total Funds 2021	Total Funds 2020

Overseas: Home:	£ - -			£ - -		£ - -	£ - -	£ - -
	-			-		-	-	-

5 Staff costs
	Unrestricted Fund		Restricted Fund/s		Endowed Fund/s		Total Funds 2021	Total Funds 2020

a Remuneration Wages and salaries Social Security costs	£ 7,051 -			£ - -		£ - -	£ 7,051 -	£ 6,134 -
	7,051			-		-	7,051	6,134

6 Governance
	Unrestricted		Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
		Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020

Independent examination Accounts production Bookkeeping		£ 2,040 - -		£ - - -		£ - - -	£ 2,040 - -	£ 1,920 - -
		2,040		-		-	2,040	1,920

	Unrestricted		Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
		Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020

7 Analysis of transfers between funds		£		£		£	£	£
		-		-		-	-	-
		-		-		-	-	-

		2,040	-	-	2,040	1,920

		Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowed	Total Funds	Total Funds
		Funds	Fund/s	Fund/s	2021	2020
		£	£	£	£	£
7	Analysis of transfers between funds
		-	-	-	-	-
		-	-	-	-	-

Notes to the financial report (continued)

8 Fixed Assets

a Investments

8 Fixed Assets a Investments
	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds
	Fund		Fund/s		Fund/s		*Notes*

Market value 1 January 2021 Net (losses)/gains and revaluation	£ 283,107 - - 40,707	£ 15,545 - - 2,215			£ 541 - - (36)	£ 299,193 - - 42,886
Market value 31 December 2021	323,814	17,760			505	342,079

b Tangible fixed assets

b Tangible fixed assets
	Freehold land and buildings	Audio visual equipment	Office equipment	Total fixed assets	*Notes*
Cost or valuation At 1 January 2021 Additions Disposals Revaluation	£ - - - -	£ - - - -	£ - - - -	£ - - - -
At 31 December 2021	-	-	-	-
Charge for impairment At 1 January 2021 Additions Disposals Revaluation	- - - -	- - - -	- - - -	- - - -
At 31 December 2021	-	-	-	-
Net book amounts At 31 December 2021	-	-	-	-
At 31 December 2020	-	-	-	-

Notes to the financial report (continued)

9 Analysis of net assets by fund

9 Analysis of net assets by fund
	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020	*Notes*

Investment fixed assets Current assets (except cash) Cash at bank and on deposit Current liabilities Provisions for Liabilities	£ 323,815 81,197 159,687 (50,699) (42,072)		£ 17,760 - 1,138 - -		£ 505 - - - -	£ 342,080 81,197 160,825 (50,699) (42,072)	£ 299,193 4,711 321,372 (22,135) (42,072)
	471,928		18,898		505	491,331	561,069
10 Debtors							Total Funds
	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020	*Notes*

	£		£		£	£	£
Income tax recoverable 3,219			-		-	3,219	2,540
Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors	5,704 72,274		- -		- -	5,704 72,274	2,171 -
	81,197		-		-	81,197	4,711

11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020	*Notes*

Deferred income Accruals for utilities and other costs Other creditors	£ - 50,699 -		£ - - -		£ - - -	£ - 50,699 -	£ - 22,135 -
	50,699		-		-	50,699	22,135

12 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowed	Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds	Fund/s	Fund/s	2021	2020	*Notes*

Other creditors	£ -	£ -	£ -	£ -	£ -
	-	-	-	-	-

13 Provisions for Liabilities

13 Provisions for Liabilities
	Unrestricted	Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds		Fund/s		Fund/s	2021	2020	*Notes*

Provision for Church Hall Maintenance Provision for Church Maintenance	£ - 42,072		£ - -		£ - -	£ - 42,072	£ - 42,072
	42,072		-		-	42,072	42,072

The Board of Trustees have deemed the valuation of the provision for Church Maintenance

as reasonable based on the report of the Architect following the Quinquennial Inspection of the structure of the Church and the recommendations included in the Report.

Notes to the financial report (continued)

Statement of funds	Statement of funds	Statement of funds	Statement of funds	Statement of funds	Statement of funds
	Balances b/fwd 1 Jan 2021	Income	Expenditure	Transfers, other gains and losses	*Balances* *c/fwd* *31 Dec 2021*
DBF Funds	£ 541	£ -	£ -	£ (36) -	£ 505 -
Total of all endowed funds	541	-	-	(36)	505
Rector & Churchwardens YACC Walsingham Pilgrimage Fund Sunday School Trollopes Charity	- 577 366 495 15,575	- - - - 457	- - 200 100 457	- - - - 2,185	- 577 166 395 17,760
Total of all restricted funds	17,013	457	757	2,185	18,898
General fund	543,515	279,485	391,810	40,737	471,927
Total of all unrestricted funds	543,515	279,485	391,810	40,737	471,927

Total funds	561,069	279,942	392,567	42,886	491,330

The endowed fund comprises an historic bequest

The restricted funds are as set out above. The YACC balance is considered to be a designated account. Restricted funds are not invested permanently, but are to be spent within reasonable timescales.

The unrestricted fund includes a designated sum £42,072 which has PCC has set aside towards the cost of future fabric repairs to the Church

Within the unrestricted funds are balances totalling £350,835 that can be utilised for expenditure by the authority of the Rector and Churchwardens only

15 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

	Total Funds	Total Funds
	2021	2020	*Notes*
Cash in hand including non-notice deposits Notice deposits (less than 3 months) Overdraft facility repayable on demand	£ 160,825 - -	£ 321,372 - -
Total cash and cash equivalents	160,825	321,372

16 Related parties and transactions

Certain members of the PCC are also trustees of certain other Charities.

No member of the PCC has any financial transactions with any of these Charities.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF CHRIST CHURCH WITH ST MARY MAGDALEN AND ST PETER AND ST PAUL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 set out on pages 15 to 24.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the account in accordance with the requirements of the Charites Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since your charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

S. R. Sampson BFP FCA FCIE DChA For and on behalf of Ashdown Hurrey Auditors Limited Accountants and Business Advisors 20 Havelock Road Hastings East Sussex TN34 1BP

Date: 9 June 2022