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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary Edwinstowe

2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND

of life FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE

ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF

ST MARY EDWINSTOWE

Registered Charity Number 1171553 YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Priest in Charge Revd. Claire Melless

Independent Examiner Sara Coupe 1 Woodhead Close, Edwinstowe NG21 9RE

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Contents

Annual Report .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Mission Statement ................................................................................................................................... 4 Achievements and Activities (Including future plans) ............................................................................. 6 Vicar’s report .................................................................................................................................10 Church Rooms ................................................................................................................................10 Fabric..............................................................................................................................................11 Finance ...........................................................................................................................................12 Report on the proceedings of the Mansfield Deanery Synod 2024 ......................................................13 Financial Statements..............................................................................................................................14 Statement of Financial Activities ...........................................................................................................14 Balance Sheet ........................................................................................................................................16 Notes to Financial Statements ...............................................................................................................17 1 Policies ........................................................................................................................................17 2 Incoming Resources ....................................................................................................................19 3 Resources Expended ...................................................................................................................19 4 Staff Costs (including Pension) ...................................................................................................20 5 Assets for use by the PCC............................................................................................................20 6 Debtors .......................................................................................................................................20 7 Creditors .....................................................................................................................................21 8 Fund details .................................................................................................................................22 Independent Examiner’s Report ............................................................................................................23

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Annual Report

Mission Statement

We seek to join with God’s mission to place love at the heart of life in three dimensions:

UP towards God – Helping people in Edwinstowe to recognise and respond to God’s love at the heart of life through Spirit-led worship [Worship]

IN towards each other – Growing disciples of Jesus Christ who put love for each other at the heart of life [Discipleship]

OUT towards the world – together we will put love for the world at the heart of life , through proclamation of the Gospel, loving service, challenging injustice and protecting God’s creation. [Mission]

Structure, Governance and Management

Parochial Church Council

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected each year at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

During the year, there have been 8 PCC meetings with an average attendance of 69% (2023 76%).

Sub-committees of the PCC met several times during the year: Children and Young People’s leaders and the Church Rooms Management Committee

Leaders from Edwinstowe also join with Perlethorpe and Clipstone to form the “Three Churches Forum" who meet every Monday for Prayer and a diary meeting.

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The Standing and Finance committee meet every other month.

Electoral Roll

At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 108 (106 in 2023) parishioners were members on the Electoral Roll

Safeguarding

The PCC has worked closely with Pete Edwards, the Parish Safeguarding Officer, to ensure we have complied with our Safeguarding Policy & Action Plan. The documentation and procedures are under regular review and revised as necessary. All the identified members have undergone appropriate training for their role.

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Reference and Administration

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. They are also Trustees of the church charity.

Priest in charge:
Wardens:
Deanery synod:
Reader representative:
Elected members:
Safeguarding		 Revd Claire Melless
Richard Neely
Vacant
Hilary Cheshire
Matthew Storor
Ruth Roddison
Pete Edwards
Emma Scaysbrook
Margaret Share
Walter Daglish
Darren Knight
Brian Evans
Sue Ford
Harold Green
Denise Poole
Linda Foster
Jane Knight
Terry Ashton
Michaela Turpin
Julie Readman
Steve Roddison
Pete Edwards		 From October 2023
Treasurer & Diocesan synod
To July 2024
Secretary to July 2024
Co-opted APCM (full Sept 24)
Co-opted Sept24 (full Nov 24)
To APCM
To APCM
To July 2024

Objectives and Activities

St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest in Charge, in promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, for all who reside in the ecclesiastical parish and all who worship at St Mary’s. It also has responsibility for maintaining the fabric of the Church and the Church Rooms. The PCC is body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2011) and Registered Charity Number 1171553. These objectives could not be achieved without the time and talents of many volunteers to whom the PCC extends its thanks.

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Achievements and Activities (Including future plans)

Vicar’s Report

Worship, Discipleship & Mission

The regular Sunday morning service moved, in March 24, to a new time of 11.15am – this has been received well, and the average attendance is around 35 adults, with 5 children. However, our regular worshipping community is made up of approximately 49 adults and 15 under 18’s.

Parish communion is held on most Sundays with a ‘Worship for Everyone’ service being held on the 3[rd] Sunday of the month. We are very thankful to Steve Roddison who at the beginning of the year was playing the piano to accompany our worship almost every week. Since the summer Steve plays for approximately two Sunday’s a month and we use the system to accompany our worship on other Sunday’s. Occasionally John Pope plays the organ and we are grateful to him too.

Thanks also go to our readers (LLM’s) Lorna and Pete who preach and lead services regularly and to Revd Richard Ford and Revd Sue Caddy who cover services when needed.

The leaders of all our children’s and youth groups do a fantastic job of nurturing the young and we are very thankful for them. One Way Club meets on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday of the month at 10.30am. Our pre-school offering “The Ark” continues and welcomes the foundation children from St Mary’s school each month.

At Easter it was great to welcome many children and families into church on Good Friday for our ‘Good Friday Special’.

The Youth group “Illuminate” paused in the spring of 2024 as we made plans to re-launch in Sept 2024. It was re-launched and now meets on the 1[st] Sunday of every month 6-7.30pm. The group consists of a core group of 6- 8 young people and there is representation from Edwinstowe and Clipstone.

‘Sunday @6’ was launched in Sept 2024, this is a contemporary worship service and is a space for come and soak in the presence of God through worship, prayer, scripture and word. This takes place on the 4[th] Sunday of every month at 6pm. Held at St Mary’s but for anyone from across The Churches of Sherwood and beyond. On average there are about 15 people each month, however this is often a different combination of people each time so there have been more in total.

The bible course concluded in late Spring and an ALPHA course will be beginning in Spring 2025.

Occasional Offices 2024 2023
Baptism 7 16
Funerals in Church 15 10
Service at Crematorium 2 6
Weddings 3 5

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Our vital relationship with St. Mary’s C of E Primary School continues to be important. There has been a change in leadership in 2024, Jennie Bailey took up the role of head teacher in Sept 2024. Hilary Cheshire continues as chair of governors with Linda Foster as vice chair. Revd Claire is a governor and other foundation governors are Steve Roddison, Glenn Hickman, Sara Coupe and James Turpin. Revd Claire goes in to deliver Collective worship on a regular basis (every 2 weeks) and Steve and Ruth go in regularly to deliver singing sessions. Curriculum visits to St Mary’s Church with Revd Claire take place too.

We continue to enjoy a good relationship with King Edwin Primary School, Revd Claire occasionally delivers an assembly at the school.

Both schools attended church for Easter, Harvest and Christmas specials.

The Christmas tree festival was, once again, a great occasion. The wonderful trees represented groups from across the wider community and many people came in to view the trees.

The carol service, Christingle and midnight communion attracted many people from across the community. The numbers all being significantly higher than the previous year. It is always great to welcome many people in from the wider community and to proclaim the good news of the Christmas message.

The church continues to be open for visitors on many days throughout the year as and when the stewards are able to facilitate this. We are hugely thankful for the dedication & interest of our small band of stewards, Denise, Harold, Peter, Terry & Revd Richard. This meant we were able to welcome many visitors [nearly 4000 over the year] to enjoy our church history & explore the legend that is Robin Hood. We hope to receive funding to install a system called ‘InfoPoint’ in 2025 which will help to enhance the visitors’ experience alongside the stewards.

The ‘hidden’ jobs are just as important and thanks to all who do them - all on the PCC and especially Richard Neely whose dedication as Church Warden is incredible and treasurer Hilary Cheshire. We thank Emma Farrier for her continued work in the paid role of cleaner. Our thanks also go to the band of volunteers who have diligently and beautifully decorated the church for festivals led by our verger Jo Rose.

Jayne Mawby our administrator is still unwell and unable to work. We pray for her recovery. In December 2024 we employed a temporary admin assistant, Alice Curry, who works 10 hours each week. It has been great to welcome her into the role and we look forward to working with her going forwards.

The Village Exchange shop has had some management changes this year, our paid manager was on long term absence due to illness for the first 6 months of the year. The manager resigned in September and since then the team of core volunteers has been co-ordinating the day to day running and management of the shop in liaison with Revd Claire, our church warden and treasurer. The VX is thriving, it is not only a shop but a place where people can drop in for a chat too. The VX continues to provide pre-loved goods and is appreciated as the cost of living continues to rise. Our HUGE thanks go to the Core volunteers and the team of general volunteers for all they do, and all who donate goods for sale.

Eco church – We achieved the silver eco church award from La Rocha during 2024. Thanks go to the Eco group for all their hard work in achieving this award, in continuing to meet these standards, and as we work towards attaining the gold award in the future.

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Future plans

In 2025 we will be working continue with the many aspects of mission, discipleship, outreach and ministry and will be seeking to deepen our own discipleship and to grow disciples.

Future plans include but are not limited to

We will also strive to work towards meeting the different priorities of our Growing Disciples plan (this is a working document that is subject to change as God moves and works within our lives and within the Churches of Sherwood Forest)

I look forward to all that lies ahead in this year and the years to come. I believe there are exciting opportunities for mission and growth here in The Churches of Sherwood Forest. I pray that as we enter the next year, we will continue to build on what we do well, to pray together, worship together and work together to grow disciples with confidence, compassion and courage as we join with God’s mission to place love at the heart of life here in The Churches of Sherwood Forest. Thank you everyone for all that you are and all that you do.

Revd Claire

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Other reports

Church Rooms

With much dedicated & continuous support from members of the Management Committee, 2024 turned out to be a further year of retrenchment where, albeit with a small trading surplus, we saw a good level of usage both by regular hirers & occasional users across the year. To support the Rooms the PCC made a grant of £2k. In the new year the fees were increased applicable to all hirings.

Insurance costs & wages were slightly up on 2023 but outlays on gas & electricity & maintenance/repair costs were lower.

For the first time the Management Committee was compelled to issue court proceedings to seek recovery of unpaid hire charges.

All these items taken together resulted in the generation of a small surplus but the reward was that our community continued to have access to a great resource at an affordable cost.

The Management Committee met 5 times during the year.

The Edwinstowe in Bloom volunteers helped by young people from St Mary’s Church used the ground at the front railings again this year to brighten up the area.

After many years of devoted service, we reluctantly accepted the resignations of Pauline & Walter Daglish from the Management Committee. We are deeply indebted to them for their commitment & support.

For the future

Going forward we will be updating the terms & conditions of hire; and, when finances allow, we will introduce LED lighting into the hall which will improve our carbon footprint & lower running costs. We will also investigate investing in a remote keyless locking system - it is anticipated that this will facilitate our hirers as well as reducing administrative tasks.

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Fabric

We have again arrived at this time of year where a report is made on the upkeep of the church fabric & our churchyard together with some detail of maintenance work that has been done throughout 2024.

Internally, it is confirmed that the ornaments & furniture are all accounted for & in good condition [allowing for ‘wear & tear’]. We wish to record our appreciation for the gifts of a side table & fire stand, the latter being crafted by renowned local carpenter, Richard Tudsbury. These items are on display in church - they add to our demonstration of God’s creation through the working of wood & the depiction of nature.

Service & maintenance works have been carried out during the year, for example, to the organ [half-yearly], the gas boilers, the CCTV system, the emergency lighting, the fire extinguishers and the external water goods. The Fire & Safety Service made a preliminary inspection of the church premises. The heating & lighting were monitored closely to control costs whilst seeking to maintain a reasonable ambience for the congregation and at other events. In this regard it is important to remember that the organ also has to be cared for. There were minor water incursions when the weather was particularly inclement & a radiator showed a very small leak which seemed to seal itself.

The church clock & the chime have not run smoothly during the year & we remain in consultation with our contractor to remedy this.

Newark & Sherwood DC has continued to carry out a regular mowing of the grass & cutting the hedgerows. Regard has been had to our increased planting of bulbs etc thus helping them to spread [by not cutting them down too soon]. It was intimated by N&SDC that it would be planning a review of all the trees in the churchyard with a view to drawing up a plan for future maintenance. Our young people joined with Edwinstowe in Bloom to plant more flowers & a raised flowerbed was erected near the southern main gate. We thus continued our efforts to increase the wilding of the churchyard. As reported elsewhere, St Mary’s also achieved the silver ECO award from La Rocha. Gold next!

We would like to thank all those who have helped & supported us over the year but special mention must go to Emma Farrier & Peter Atkinson for keeping the church clean; to Walter Daglish & Terry Ashton doing odd jobs; to Margaret Share & Val Hart for their work in the grounds [including the bug hotel]; and to all those who gave of their time as stewards to welcome visitors & tourists.

Our church architect, Graeme Renton, retires in 2025 having looked after St Mary’s for some 20 years. We thank him most sincerely for his advice & guidance & wish him well in his retirement.

Future plans

The PCC still has plans to electrify the church clock & to digitalise the Memorial Book. The coming year will see the servicing of the lightning conductor – good practice says this should be done every 4 years. We will look at adding a surge protection system to

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reduce possible electrical outages. This has assumed greater significance as we have increased our reliance on electrical devices. The 2 benches in the Children’s section will be replaced.

Finance

There was global economic uncertainty in 2024 as the war in Ukraine continued along with the conflict in Israel and Gaza. General inflation fell from the high of 10% however there continues to be concern over the cost-of-living.

We are grateful to both Thoresby Charitable Trust and The Sir Hugh & Lady Sykes foundation for their continued support.

The Card reader has been a good addition as many people no longer carry cash, it generated donations of £2,312 over the year, on a par with cash donations of £2,413 in the “black box”.

The Village Xchange provided nearly 40% of the total income for 2024 enabling us to pay our Parish share in full and continue our commitment to give away 10% of income to other charities.

We have been saddened by the deaths of several of our stalwart congregation who have been faithful financial supporters for many years.

We continue to pray that we show wisdom and generosity in our stewardship of all gifts. Everything we have belongs to God to be used for His glory. We would like to thank once again all organisations and individuals that give their financial support .

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Report on the proceedings of the Mansfield Deanery Synod 2024

During 2024, Deanery Synod met 3 times, twice via zoom and once in person. The March meeting learned about Chaplaincy, with Revd David McCullough leading the discussion and encouraging us to ‘go where the people are’.

At our July meeting we welcomed Tony Brown to tell us about the Parish Giving Scheme which is being expanded across the diocese.

Our November meeting concentrated on Safeguarding and the new framework which was explained to us by Stephanie Spencer, National Standards Safeguarding training manager and parish support officer.

At each meeting we are updated on Parish Share. Paying share continues to be a challenge for most parishes, which is met with great generosity. However, this year we were able to pay £30k more than last year and were the only deanery to pay 100% of their requirement, totalling £470,615.

In addition to the Synods, we held 3 Gatherings. These were informal meetings where each parish had the opportunity to share the good things that were going on, and any challenges they faced. We were able to spend time praying for each other.

The diocesan vision of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage was launched this year, with 7 areas of focus for mission and ministry, to bring Living Hope for the city, towns, villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond.

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Financial Statements Statement of Financial Activities

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Re50urce5 expeTh(led Charitable aclivilies.. DonationslGranls lo charities (10.753) (1.3401 (12.093) Mission & Evangelism Parish Sharo (36.060) (431) (173) (15.906) (36.060) 1.74..7.L?I Clergy expenses Provision ol Services 474 301 Church running expenses Childronlyouih work costs (3.515) (19.422) l.f.P441 (587) (21.023) I.YIP4k (761 Cost ol raising Funds Administration Traininglsupporl Adminislralion Costs (18.834) (2.190) (10.090) (455) Other (117) Governance costs (68) (68) Major expendilL4re Repairs lo Church buildings D*pre¢ialion Total resources expended 3 192.827) (6.159) (1.059) 1100.045) I111.<￿1 Net (outgoing)l incoming resources 23.750 2.465 1.652 27.867 23.750 2,465 1,652 27.867 6.PL? 23.750 26.735 2.465 1.790 1,852 15,855 27.867 44.380 &.pL? ILla?AY&?4 50.485 4.255 17,507 72.247 Page | 15

Balance Sheet os ot the 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Tingth assets Investm￿ts 5b Fix•d A554ts Debtor&" amounts fakng due aftor one year 9.439 77.258 86.698 7.109 49.845 56.954 Cash at ￿n￿ ar￿ in hnd (14.4511 (12J74) 72.247 44J80 Trtd Assets less amnt k4kn 1FisvdA£reY.r/biLr￿￿A 72.247 44J80 Nrt Assets 72.247 44.380 Restncted funds 17.507 4.255 50.485 15.855 1.790 26.735 Desynated funds lurwtstrKtd) G•twal fund i unrestrthd) 72.247 44.380 Approved by the PCC on 11ih March 2025 and signed on its behall by Revd Claire Melless Priest in Chargè Hilary Cheshiie Treasurei Page | 16

Notes to Financial Statements

1 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 the PCC, together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (2015 FRSSE). 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

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. 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 are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation is received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by fund raising events are accounted for gross. Sales of books and magazines are accounted for gross.

Income from Investments

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. 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 31st December.

Resources Used

Grants

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

Activities directly relating to the work of the church

The diocesan parish share is accounted for in the period to which it relates. Any parish share unpaid at 31st December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet

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Fixed Assets

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings

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

Moveable church furnishings are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). They are capitalised at cost and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life (initially over 4 years) on a straight-line basis.

All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £1,000 or on the repair of moveable church furnishings acquired before 1st January 2003 is written off. Heating System replacement 2020 not capitalised due to the nature of the project.

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years except computer equipment which is over 3 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

COIF Charity Fund Investments were cashed in November 2020

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable. Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with National Savings or National Westminster Bank. The PCC will periodically review where our investments are held to gain the best return.

Reserves

Unrestricted funds .

It is the policy of this church to work towards keeping at least four months running costs in reserve to cover unforeseen emergencies.

Designated funds are set aside for a particular purpose with an identified time frame. In view of the nature of the historic building the PCC will also aim to add £5k to designated reserves each year to cover work arising out of quinquennial inspections.

Restricted funds are kept and only used for their intended purposes

The PCC understands its responsibility to ensure that the reserves are used to gain the maximum benefit for the parish in its pursuit of the whole mission of the church. This policy will be reviewed annually prior to the APCM.

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2 Incoming Resources

3 Resources Expended

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4 Staff Costs (including Pension)

5 Assets for use by the PCC

6 Debtors

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7 Creditors 2024 2023 Ministers Fee5 £591.IXI £1.163.CKI £8.738.44 £1.233.66 £40.( Away Giving Suppliers Church Rooms Key deF>osits HMRC & Pensions Payable Wedding Deposits Totsl £11,355.56 £1,196.27 £60.(K) £198.10 £549.16 £1.050.CM) 14H50S3 £850.CXI 1157426 Paioch•al F••s Not• C or Iht DBF, as prpard by th Ar¢hbishops> Coun¢1 undei Ihe EC¢lesi4st￿4l Fts M4swt1986. The Ib alance relat•s to charges as lix•d ￿ th• PCC. loi exlras such as bells. Iloweis and special heatry. or paid to ijisiiing rninisiers, RadefS oi Non-stipendiafy Minisiers as sw ) the CEF'S Parochial Fees policy i-itr th•s• ls only ih aTh)uni io PCC (slat￿OrY & Thon.siatutoryl is shown 4bov as Itya1￿ ih+ ¥Thc4Jni ,JiJ to Eh DBF and oihei minisiefs las set our in th OBF poli¢yl should be treated as PCC in¢ome Eiijring rht yeai. tht PCC re¢tivd paiochial fets ,ialutoiy Fees due lo the PCC iotalled £3.0 16_00 iaiuloiy Fts due io th tEF loialled £3.535.00 iatutoiy F••s paid to visilin9 mirdst•rslR•aderslNSMs toti 1210.00 Tl)+ PCC also fceivtdllus+dl O+Fosits for iho Ic41owry ¥1 £0.00 £6.8?100 Balwjce Iri ioial th PCC r•paid thè folomng F••$ duirKJ lh paf F, >ymnt to DBF ol Siaiutofy Fs F. Jyment to visitThJ ministlslRe4derslNSMs i This x¢luds f••s lor Sunday Sivi¢es) E3.535.00 £210.00 Page | 21

8 Fund details

Fabric Fund - donations given specifically for the restoration and upkeep of the building Church Rooms - Hall lettings and income designated for the upkeep of the fabric of the building

The Bell Fund - donations given specifically for the restoration and upkeep of the bells and ringing chamber

Tourism – Grants and donations to enhance the visitor experience.

Music – To be able to resource musical needs of the church

Growing Disciples – Funding received for mission

Eco Church – Funding received to Care for God's creation

Youth Fund - Grants and donations for the benefit of the Children and Young people of St Mary's

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Independent Examiner’s Report

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

My examination included a review of the accounting records to ensure records are kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

Sara Coupe

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