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

2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for 2023

Presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Mary’s Church, Greasley Sunday 14[th] April, 2024

Opening Prayers: Present / Apologies

  1. Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners, held on 16[th] April 2023 Meeting of Parishioners – Election of Churchwardens 2023 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, held on 16[th] April 2023

  2. Election of PCC Members

  3. Election of Deanery Synod Members

  4. The appointment of an independent Examiner or Auditor

  5. Achievements and Performance:

A Vicar's Report K Tower Captain's Report
B Churchwardens' Report L Friends of St Mary's Report
C PCC Secretary's Report M EcoChurch Report
D Electoral Roll N Social Committee Report
E Financial Review O Parish Magazine
F Buildings & PropertyReport P Christmas Market Report
G Choir Report Q Safeguarding Report
H B.L.A.S.T. Report R Pastoral Care/ Visiting
I Deanery Synod Report S Parish Oven Report
J Greasley Christian Aid Report

  1. Legacy Policy

  2. Structure, Governance and Management

  3. Risk Assessment

  4. Administrative Information

1

Aim and purpose

St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with any incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church -- pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church Hall and Church House.

The general functions of the PCC are stated within section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Church and to become part of our parish community at St Mary’s. It maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate this work, it is imperative that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Mary’s, the Church Hall and Church House.

1. Minutes of 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting

A. Welcome and Prayer: Meeting was chaired by Revd Denise Dodd, who also led us in prayer.

B. Meeting of the parishioners:-

The minutes of the 2022 meeting were proposed as being a true and accurate account of the meeting by Fiona Edwards and seconded by Bob Willimott. Election of churchwardens:-

There were two nominations: Derek Fletcher: Proposed by Neil Taylor, seconded by Sue Fletcher John Timby: Proposed by Peter Stanton seconded by Hercules Smit There being only two candidates and two vacancies, both were duly elected. Denise gave thanks to Derek and John for all their work so far, and also to Sue and Win for their support.

C. Minutes of the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting:

Denise asked if these were a true account and for a proposal: Pauline Jackson proposed that the 2022 APCM minutes were a true account. Seconded by Emmi Checkley

D. Election of Deanery Synod members

Barbara Coleman to continue, but Pat Higham has stood down as she wishes to be a full member of the PCC. There is a vacancy for two more reps should anyone be interested. Deanery Members now can only stand for two consecutive terms of three years

E. Election of PCC members

There are seven vacancies (Phil and Sharon having resigned this morning and there already being two spaces in addition to three members being re-relected). Peter Stanton (prop Chris Perry, sec John Hind), Ian Wheeler (prop Carol Atkinson, sec Wendy Taylor), Anthony Kirby (prop John Timby, sec John Hind), Dennis Pickworth (prop Peter Stanton, sec Sonia Burnett), Pat Higham (prop Martin Perry, sec Sue Fletcher)

2

There being enough vacancies all were duly elected. Denise gave thanks to those who have joined and those who were re-elected and who continue to serve.

Electoral Roll Report:

Report was read out by Ian Wheeler, Electoral Roll Officer. Meeting heard that the total on the Roll remained at 108, as last year, though five people had been removed from the Roll (three deaths, two non-attendees). There were, however, five new names added for 2023.

Treasurers’ Report:

We are at the point where we are entering minus figures and we have to take this seriously. Need to look at how we are growing in our discipleship and drawing people into church who want to give to God and how we use that money. We will be looking at stewardship in the coming months so that people realise how and where their money is being spent. It’s about how do we hold our stewardship and how much we trust in God and believe in the church. I value any comments and thoughts as it’s not easy reading. Denise thanked Neil Taylor for all his hard work on the finances and for agreeing to c ~~o~~ ntinue. Bob Willimott proposed a vote of th ~~a~~ nks to Neil, particularly for providing a clear Budget for the first time.

Reports from groups:

Property – Update from John on repairs to south side crenelations and ongoing repairs to Sextons Cottage following burst pipe damage. Friends of St Mary’s – Denise thanked Pauline, Sue and everyone involved. Christian Aid – Janet Hedderly said that St Mary's should be so proud of the support it always gives. Denise thanked everyone involved. Tower Captain’s report – No comments. Emmi announced that the bellringers will be ringing for the King’s coronation on May 6th. Choir – Thanks given to David Dobb and congratulations on his retirement. Social Committee – John Hind expressed thanks to the team and all they do. Deanery Synod – Denise said that whenever she’s attended she always brings up the subject of finance and that we at Greasley are ahead of the field in how we have reacted to the issue of the Parish Share in only paying what we can afford. Every church is struggling. Safeguarding – Pat said she was disappointed in the quality of the in-person training given by the Diocese. Parish Oven – No comments. Denise thanked everyone involved. Christmas Market – Denise thanked Phil and everyone involved in its organisation and on the stalls.

Vicar's round-up:

The APCM isn’t just a meeting – as your vicar I would like to think that you see it as part of our vision and what we do. Let’s not be complacent – there are times when things will be challenging, but that’s when God wants us to move on in a positive way. Each one of us can participate. Do not do things with guilt or because you feel you have to – do things with joy in your heart. When things change, we support and hold each other. We hope to see new things happening and support each other. Let’s move forward.

It is a privilege to be here. I believe in this church and in the future. Let’s celebrate what’s been achieved over the last year. Let us give thanks to God for what has been achieved.

Meeting ended at 12.55pm with The Grace

2. Election of PCC members for 2024/5: Seven vacancies to be filled

3. Election of Deanery Synod members for 2024/5: Three vacancies to be filled

4. Appointment of an independent Examiner or Advisor: Proposal needed

3

5. Achievements and performance

a) Vicar's report

As I look back on 2023, and into 2024 and beyond, how am I feeling? Well, I’m actually really positive about the journey God has taken us on, and the possible future that lies ahead for us. I’m also looking at the next few years with hope and anticipation. It’s not all clear waters ahead, but the view to the horizon looks great.

I am, as always, grateful to everyone who has contributed to the life of St Mary’s over the past year. No matter how great or small you feel your contribution has been, please be assured that it is always valued. The Annual Parish reports highlight a wide range of the work and energy that has gone into the running of St Mary’s over the year. Huge thanks to both those who are responsible for such roles, teams, and key church matters, and to everyone mentioned in those reports.

More significantly, I am very grateful indeed to John, Derek, and Neil for their service as churchwardens and treasurer. It has at times been hard for them in their roles. The churchwardens have worked tirelessly to make sure the fabric of the church, community hall and surrounding church grounds are maintained to a good standard, and this has at times come at a personal cost. As treasurer, Neil has continued to serve faithfully in keeping the church accounts in order, finding ways to be more cost-effective as a church and preparing budget reports to the PCC outlining the financial position of St Mary’s.

This leads me to talk a little about finance. If you are already one of those who give to the church, let me begin by thanking you; without your giving, we would be unable to carry out what we currently do. The financial report gives an indication of how much the church costs are for its day-to-day running and the income we receive. The predicted forecast is that the church will result in an ongoing deficit each year. This, sadly, is unsustainable. I am grateful to Neil, the social committee, and other people for all their efforts to both increase income and reduce expenditure. At this point, it is our income that needs to change. Last year, we sent letters out to every member of the congregation and Electoral Roll, and in the coming months we will be looking at personal stewardship once again. Please do keep this in your prayers, alongside the finances of the church, and the skills of the treasurer.

In ministry I give thanks to Barbara Coleman for her faithful and committed role as Reader, Safeguarding and DBS Officer and Pastoral care. For Anthony Kirby as verger, and his dedication in maintaining the grounds of the churchyard. Many families have expressed their gratitude for the endless hours he spends in making sure this area is kept to a high standard. Thank you to all who have cleaned the church or made it beautiful with the display of flowers throughout the year!

For all those who have served on the PCC, I am grateful for their wisdom and support through a tricky and challenging period of church ministry.

And once again, recognition to all those who contributed to the spiritual worship of St Mary’s: Fiona Edwards, Philip Currie, all members of the choir, sides stewards, readers, intercessors, and of course the talents and skills of the bellringers!

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As you will know only too well, it is always a risk to start thanking individuals, since someone important will inevitably get missed. So, I want to say this. You are all valued. And I do want to make it clear that it is not simply for what you do that you are valued, but also for who you are. The contributions each of you make are not to be measured, but rather to be treasured and cherished.

Moving forward, in the previous year’s APCM report I proposed the following key priorities for St Mary’s; Going Deeper into God, Transforming Communities, Making new Disciples. I would like to share some memories of the last year;

 The Easter and Christmas concerts from the local school children at Greasley Beauvale Primary School.

 School assemblies, class lessons and acting as community school governor at Greasley Beauvale Primary School.

 The community King’s Coronation celebration in St Mary’s church, with picnic and live streaming of the service.

 B.L.A.S.T (children’s and young people’s group) taking part in a community car wash and dancing in front of Bishop Paul during a Sunday service (In my Christmas card from the Bishop he stated how much he enjoyed seeing the children expressing their faith in worship!).

 St Mary’s choir adapting to singing alongside CDs after the retirement of David Dobb and working together to bring worship each week. THANK YOU!

 All social evenings throughout the year, in particular the joy in seeing people during the Strictly Ballroom evening showcasing their dancing moves.

 The fantastic community outreach in the Parish Oven. All the dedicated volunteers, seeing new people come to the tea room, and welcoming people to the church on a Sunday from visiting the Parish Oven.

 Our average Sunday attendance has continued to slightly grow. It has been wonderful to form new friendships with people who have joined the church.

 AND THE LIST GOES ON………

As we make plans for the future, we need to be realistic about what is possible, and what is not, with the resources we have available. Part of that resource is human, and part is financial. In a nutshell, that is the realism we are currently encountering.

And yet we are Easter people. We need to be hopeful. And in order to be hopeful, we also need to be visionary. The future may need to look significantly different from the past. I understand that even saying that may sound frightening! In a world that seems to move so quickly, we rely on the stability of a church community. Nevertheless, change is an inevitable part of life. Not only that, if we have valued all that St Mary’s has offered over the past decades, it is incumbent on us to secure its existence for future generations.

The coming year should therefore be one of challenging ourselves as we discern our future direction. We do need to be challenged, to recall what lies at the

5

heart of our faith. This church serves a large community, and at the moment it really is quite a small number who connect with St Mary’s.

It’s important that we find ways to change that. And it seems to me that the best way to do that is to recall why we worship God; how knowing God transforms our lives; why it is that sharing God’s love has the potential to transform the world.

I am proud to be Vicar of this parish. I am humbled by the love and dedication that I see here. And I am passionate that we need to share God’s love more widely. To ensure that others are able to believe that what we have found in God is something that others might find too.

So to end, what are the main issues for the year ahead? Simply to trust and to listen; to God, ourselves, each other and the neighbourhood….and then to act together. With my thanks to and for all of you, and all that builds our life together as the church in this place and asking God’s blessing on the year ahead.

Yours in Christ, Revd Denise Dodd

’ b) St Mary s Churchwardens Report 2022-2023

We were once again privileged to be elected as your churchwardens at the APCM.

John was able to attend the Archdeacon’s Visitation in June and Derek in July at Southwell where both were officially admitted as churchwardens.

We continue to take communion in the same manner as during Covid and, with the very pleasing increasing number of worshipers, both adult and children.

To enable those who don’t carry cash to donate to the work of the church and other charities, we obtained a card reader with the help of the Diocese. The reader, accompanied by a screen, allows donors to select a donation amount and pay by card, phone or smart watch.

The payment terminal relies on having good internet access to update itself and process card transactions. It occasionally shuts down or rejects transactions due to the inconsistent mobile data signal achievable inside the church and a more reliable data connection may be required.

Following our Quinquennial inspection in October 2022 we have been tackling, or attempting to tackle, the recommendations in the report. Whilst there were no major concerns, as one might expect of a church of this age a few things needed ongoing monitoring.

We have a rolling schedule of maintenance checks on various aspects of the building and the churchyard.

The Quinquennial Inspection recommendation was that various works be carried out.

This is an indication of some of the works carried out:-

The Quinquennial Inspection also made recommendation for various inspections and tests.

The testing of the lightning protection system, carried out in July.

The fixed electrical systems, planned for early 2024.

6

Annual health and safety requirements have been addressed through the year including, but not limited to:-

Following a serious pipe leak in December 2022 substantial work had to be carried out to the Sextons Cottage to enable it to be reused to support the work of the church.

A new church signboard was installed with all information updated, supported by Friends of St Mary group.

We couldn’t keep our lovely church building and churchyard in such good order without the help of many friends. We are truly thankful to those who help on a regular basis as welcomers, on the sound desk, readers and intercessors at our services, with churchyard clear-ups and with necessary odd jobs around the building and in the churchyard. Serving is an act of worship and we would welcome further help inside and outside the church. Please do not hesitate to speak to one of us if you are able to offer a little help.

2023 has again been a positive year and we pray that, with God’s guidance, we will build on that in 2024.

Derek Fletcher & John Timby, Churchwardens

c) PCC Secretary Report

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is elected to represent the whole Church. Any matters which members of the congregation wish to raise, or which cause concern, should be brought to the attention of a member of the PCC. Members of the PCC, as of December 31st, 2023, are as follows:

Revd Denise Dodd (vicar & chairman) Mr Anthony Kirby Mr Derek Fletcher (churchwarden) Mr John Timby (churchwarden) Mrs Julie Stanton Mr Ian Wheeler (secretary) Mr Peter Stanton Mr Dennis Pickworth Mrs Patricia Higham Mrs Sue Fletcher Mrs Barbara Coleman (ex-officio, Ms Edith Hawley Mrs Lauren Howatson Deanery Synod rep) Mrs Pauline Jackson Mr Neil Taylor (ex-officio, Treasurer)

In a normal year the PCC meets for six regular meetings, with additional extraordinary ones where necessary.

Ian Wheeler, PCC Secretary

d) Electoral Roll Report

The total number on the Roll is 111, with three additions on last year and no removals.

Of those on the Roll, 70 are resident in the parish and 41 live outside.

There are 77 females and 34 males on the Roll. The next full revision of the Roll is due in 2025.

Ian Wheeler, Electoral Roll Officer

7

e) Financial Review

TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

St Mary’s, Greasley is a registered charity, ref 1172273, its financial accounts are managed and monitored by Neil Taylor, PCC Treasurer who also has the role of Gift Aid Secretary. A summary of the accounts is regularly presented to the PCC which includes a forecast for the year ahead.

Once again Pells Chartered Accountants have provided an independent examination of our accounts. Their report is attached herewith.

2023 saw an increase of 7% in our regular giving by Gift Aid, including tax refund, and Pledges. This remains the main source of income source. The year also saw a 22% increase in Plate receipts.

The Parish Share paid to Southwell for 2023 was set at £67 560.

Parish Share is St Mary’s contribution to Southwell Diocese to pay towards the running of the Diocese, which then gives the church, at present, a full-time stipendiary minister. It also pays towards the training of future incumbents within the Diocese.

As we couldn’t pay the full parish share due to the lack of funds the amount the PCC agreed that we pay was £37 440, which we did.

For 2024 we have been requested to pay £50 000 towards parish share, again we are not in a position to pay this, although it should be a figure we should aim for as it practically covers the cost of having a full-time stipendiary minister. The PCC agreed that we would pay £37 440 with a review later in the year.

The income and expenditure of the fees account (weddings, funerals, and monuments) has been shown on a separate page and not incorporated in main accounts.

The Church light and gas expenditure for 2023 appears to be slightly lower than it was in 2022. This is due to receiving a £770 rebate on excess VAT paid since November 2022. We had been paying 20% VAT instead of 5%. Negotiations in hand to claim excess VAT paid from January 2020 to October 2022.

As our Church is a grade 2 listed building, we were able to claim grants from the Department of Media Culture and Sport equivalent to VAT paid on Repair & Maintenance works which included repairs to crenelations, new third bell clapper and organ service.

Thanks go to all those who contribute time and talents, which are not shown in the accounts, which benefit our church so much.

New social events including tabletop sales and concerts in church have complimented the Christmas market, Spring open day and church illumination as being an important source of income. Representing 13% of our general income.

The Parish Oven continues to be a great success in many ways. Almost £23,000 was made during 2023. This income is allocated to a PCC designated fund called “Community Centre Development Fund”. This income is not used to finance day to day running of the church; however, contributions are made to offset the running costs of the Hall.

Should anyone have any questions about our finances or gift aiding then please feel free to speak or e-mail me.

Neil Taylor, Treasurer

8

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees ST MARY'S CHURCH GREASLEY On a¢¢ounts for the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2023 Charity no {if any) 1172273 Set out on pagas I report to th8 trustees on my examination of the accounts oflhe abovè ¢harity ("th8 Trust") for the year ended 3111212023. Responslblllties and basis of report A8 thp. c,harity'9 triJ81?o.s, you aro ro￿pOn￿￿>ib1e for the praparation of the aGcounts in accordance with the requir8ments of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examlnatlon of the Trust's ac¢ounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Acl and in carrying out rny examinalion, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commisslon under section 14515)(b) of the Act. Independent I liave coinpleted my examination. l Gonfirm that no material matters h8ve examlner's statsment come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives m8 cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord wlth the accountlng records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forrn and content of accounts set out in the Charitles (Accounts and Repartsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which Is not a matt&r considered as part of an independent examinatlon. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with th8 examination to which attentlon should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned: Date: 0710312024 Name: MISS GEORGINA DEAKIN Relevant professional qualification{s) or body lif any): ACCA Address: PELLS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IER

1 DERY ROAD EASTWOOD NG16 3PA Section B Disclosure Only complete il the exarniner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. I CAN CONFIRM THAT I HAVE NOT COME ACROSS ANY MATTERS FOR CONCERN WHEN REVIEWING THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023. ON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST DRAFTS FROM THE CLIENT THERE WERE A FEW ERRORS WITH FORMULA, HOWEVER THE CLIENT WORKED WITH US TO AMEND THE FORMULA AND UPDATE THE ACCOUNTS ACCORDINGLY. THE FINAL DR4FTS HAVE BEEN RF R￿VlFWFTr AND c,nNFIRMFD TC) BF CORRECT. IER io

11

St. Mary's Greasley Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Receipts and Payments Account

RECEIPTS
note
Donations and gifts
1
Trading Income
2
Investment income
3
Other income
4
Grants received
5
Missionary giving
6
Total Receipts
PAYMENTS
Donations
8
Church activities
9
Total Payments
NET RECEIPTS/ (PAYMENTS)
Balances: B/F
Funds transfers
Balances: C/F
11		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
40,586
14,791
589
0
489
0
56,455
0
64,788
64,788
-8,334
30,449
22,115		 Restricted
Funds
£
2,877
22,987
838
0
0
37
26,739
1,102
3,179
4,281
-529
45,791
45,262		 2023
2022
Total
Total
£
£
43,463
38,804
37,778
32,036
1,427
5,629
0
303
489
0
37
251
83,194
77,023
1,102
603
67,967
55,080
69,069
55,683
-8,862
21,340
76,240
54,900
67,378
76,240

12

Greasley Parish Church Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Receipts and Payments Account

note

ote Receipts and Payments Account
1 Donations and gifts
2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Gift Aid 21,201 21,201 18,326
Pledges 3,198 3,198 3,717
Plate 5,601 5,601 4,600
Donations 3,212 2,877 6,089 3,920
Bequest 0 0 500
Tax credits 7,374 7,374 7,741
40,586 2,877 43,463 38,804
2 Activities for generating funds
Hire of Hall 5,715 5,715 4,745
Church House Rent 0 0 0
Funerals see fees account 0 0
Wedding fees see fees account 0 0
Christmas Market 4,100 4,100 3,663
Open Day & Other events 4,250 4,250 1,420
Parish Oven 0 22,987 22,987 21,998
Church Lights 725 725 210
14,791 22,987 37,778 32,036
3 Investment income
Funds from CBF 0 0 0 4,224
Bank interest 589 838 1,427 1,405
CBF Interest 0 0 0 0
589 838 1,427 5,629
4 Other income
Insurance claims 0 0 0
Interregnum claim 0 0 0
Other 0 0 303
0 0 0 303
5 Grants received
489 489 0
489 489 0
6 Missionary giving
Misson Covenants 0 0 0 0
Other Mission 0 37 37 251
0 37 37 251

13

St. Mary's Church Greasley

Receipts and Payments Account Expenses December 2023

Receipts and Payments Account
Expenses December 2023
note
Charitable payments
8
Donations and grants
Friends of St Mary's
The Royal British Legion
Emmanuel House
Christian Aid
Children's Society
Other Mission
9
Church activities
Parish share
Clergy expenses
Administration
Churchyard
Printing & stationery
Light & heat
Insurance
Minor Repairs and Refurbishment
Professional fees
Telephone
Organist
Service Expenses
Licences
Church House Expenses
Parish Oven Exp
Parish Room Expenses
Hall Running Costs
Pastoral Care
Major Repairs and Refurbishment
Investments
Funeral expenses
Wedding Expenses		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
0
0
0
0
0
0		 2023
2022
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
£
£
£
63
63
0
202
202
0
219
219
0
419
419
267
200
200
250
0
0
86
0 1102
1102
603
37440
37440
36000
480
480
315
38
38
29
2747
2747
2470
1909
1909
1596
4820
4820
4931
5416
5416
5020
0
1955
1955
918
1320
1320
600
1103
1103
1086
945
945
2045
499
499
610
613
613
605
2970
2970
-7275
0
0
1000
560
560
0
3927
3927
5130
0
0
0
0
1224
1224
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
see fees account
see fees account
64788
3179
67967
71721

14

ST MARY'S GREASLEY FEESACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 2022 OPENINGBAL4NCE RECEIPTS FEES £51 Monuments £4,917 £24,955 £1,561 includedwilhfuneiais £28,065 £7,255 Funera15 Wedding5 £31,433 OTHER Donations 2105 £23 Inter￿t £128 23L612 £35,320 PAYMENrs PAYMENTS SNDBF pcc Verger Organist Expenses Visiting Cleoy £6.886 £12,665 £2,823 £1,364 £197 £420 Funera15 £20.629 £2,476 £1.249 includèdwilhfunerals £12,339 24,302 Monuments Weldings £24,355 £24,￿5 £24,355 £16,641 Cash in Bank £7,257 £7,257 £18,679 to PCC £3L612 £31,612 £35,320 15

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1- OVERALL
EXPENDITURE
68,622
74,838
-6,216
70,350
1- OVERALL
INCOME
50,385
65,774
15,389
65,038		 1- OVERALL
EXPENDITURE
68,622
74,838
-6,216
70,350
1- OVERALL
INCOME
50,385
65,774
15,389
65,038		 1- OVERALL
SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
-18,237
-9,064
-9,239
-5,312
TO BALANCE 2024 BUDGET
WE ARE LOOKING AT AN
INCREASE OF 8% IN INCOME
2- CHURCH
EXPENDITURE		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023
ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Parish share
£37,440
£37,440
£0
£37,440
2023
Heat - Light
£6,165
£4,820
£1,345
£5,302
2023+10%
Insurance
£5,467
£5,416
£51
£5,430
As Insurance Company
Printing Stationery Admin
£2,775
£3,050
-£275
£3,315
2023 + 5% + 110
Organist
£2,045
£945
£1,100
£2,147
2023 budget + 5%
Minor Repairs/ Maintenance
£1,500
£1,955
-£455
£2,000
As 2023
Other
£500
£500
£0
2023 + 5%
Clergy/Ministry Expenses
£315
£979
-£664
£1,070
2023 + 5% + 511
Licenses
£630
£613
£17
£644
2023 + 5%
Professional Fees
£1,320
£1,320
£0
£630
2023 + 5%, less quinn survey
Churchyard
£2,570
£2,747
-£177
£2,884
2023 + 5%
Donation/Mission
£603
£1,102
-£499
£1,157
2023 + 5%
Major Repairs/ Maintenance
£0
£1,224
-£1,224
£0
Transfer to funds
£0
£5,769
-£5,769
£1,700
2- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
61,330
67,380
-6,050
63,719		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gift Aid
18,326
21,201
2,875
21,201
AS 2023
Tax credit
7,741
7,374
-367
7,374
AS 2023
Pledges
3,717
3,198
-519
3,198
AS 2023
BUDGET PAGE 1 OF 3 PAGES		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gift Aid
18,326
21,201
2,875
21,201
AS 2023
Tax credit
7,741
7,374
-367
7,374
AS 2023
Pledges
3,717
3,198
-519
3,198
AS 2023
BUDGET PAGE 1 OF 3 PAGES		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gift Aid
18,326
21,201
2,875
21,201
AS 2023
Tax credit
7,741
7,374
-367
7,374
AS 2023
Pledges
3,717
3,198
-519
3,198
AS 2023
BUDGET PAGE 1 OF 3 PAGES		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gift Aid
18,326
21,201
2,875
21,201
AS 2023
Tax credit
7,741
7,374
-367
7,374
AS 2023
Pledges
3,717
3,198
-519
3,198
AS 2023
BUDGET PAGE 1 OF 3 PAGES
NOTES
BUDGET 2024 70,350 65,038
VARIANCE -6,216 15,389 -9,239 VARIANCE 2,875 -367 -519
2023ACTUAL 74,838 65,774 -9,064 2023ACTUAL 21,201 7,374 3,198
2023 BUDGET 68,622 50,385 -18,237 BUDGET 2023 18,326 7,741 3,717
EXPENDITURE INCOME SURPLUS / SHORTFALL INCOME ACTIVITY Gift Aid Tax credit Pledges
1- OVERALL 1- OVERALL 1- OVERALL 2- CHURCH

17

Plate
4,600
5,601
1,001
5,601
AS 2023
Christmas market
3,663
4,100
437
4,100
AS 2023
Open Day
1,420
1,420
0
1,420
AS 2023
Other social events
0
2,830
2,830
2,830
AS 2023
Donations
3,720
6,089
2,369
6,089
AS 2023
Other
303
-303
0
AS 2023
Interest
1,475
1,427
-48
1,600
Bequest
0
0
0
0
AS 2023
Church Lights
210
725
515
725
AS 2023
Missionary
210
37
-173
0
AS 2023
Grants
0
489
489
0
Transfer from funds
0
5,568
5,568
1,000
2- TOTAL INCOME
45,385
60,059
14,674
55,138
2- CHURCH
SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
-15,945
-7,321
20,724
-8,581		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Gas
2,364
1,203
1,161
1,323
As 2023 + 10%
Electric
1,418
1,690
-272
1,859
As 2023 + 10%
Insurance
361
361
0
362
As Insurance Company
Maintenance
600
35
565
600
As 2023 + 5%
Caretaker
0
0
0
0
As 2023 + 5%
Effluent disposal
485
639
-154
671
As 2023 + 5%
Sundries
70
0
70
70
As 2023
3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5,298
3,928
1,370
4,885		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Hire
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
TOTAL INCOME
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
3- HALL
SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
-298
1,787
-655
5,015
BUDGET PAGE 2 OF 3 PAGES		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Hire
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
TOTAL INCOME
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
3- HALL
SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
-298
1,787
-655
5,015
BUDGET PAGE 2 OF 3 PAGES		 ACTIVITY
BUDGET 2023
2023ACTUAL
VARIANCE
BUDGET 2024
NOTES
Hire
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
TOTAL INCOME
5,000
5,715
715
9,900
3- HALL
SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
-298
1,787
-655
5,015
BUDGET PAGE 2 OF 3 PAGES
VARIANCE 1,161 -272 0 565 0 -154 70 1,370 VARIANCE 715 715
2023ACTUAL 1,203 1,690 361 35 0 639 0 3,928 2023ACTUAL 5,715 5,715
BUDGET 2023 2,364 1,418 361 600 0 485 70 5,298 BUDGET 2023 5,000 5,000
EXPENDITURE ACTIVITY Gas Electric Insurance Maintenance Caretaker Effluent disposal Sundries 3- TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCOME ACTIVITY Hire TOTAL INCOME
3- HALL 3- HALL

18

NOTES As 2023 + 10% As Insurance Company As advised by Severn Trent As 2023 + 5% NOTES
BUDGET 2024 774 241 250 300 1,565 BUDGET 2024 0 -1,565 BUDGET 2024 180 0 180 BUDGET 2024 0 -180
VARIANCE 497 0 115 -1,588 -976 VARIANCE 0 976 VARIANCE -310 -250 -560 VARIANCE 0 -560
2023ACTUAL 704 180 215 1,871 2,970 2023ACTUAL 0 -2,970 2023ACTUAL 310 250 560 2023 ACTUAL 0 -560
BUDGET 2023 1,201 180 330 283 1,994 BUDGET 2023 0 -1,994 BUDGET 2023 0 0 0 BUDGET 2023 0 0
EXPENDITURE ACTIVITY Gas/Electric Insurance Water Maintenance 4 -TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCOME ACTIVITY TOTAL INCOME SURPLUS / SHORTFALL EXPENDITURE ACTIVITY Electric Insurance excess 5 -TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCOME ACTIVITY 5- TOTAL INCOME SURPLUS / SHORTFALL
4- HOUSE 4- HOUSE 4- HOUSE 5- PARISH ROOM 5- PARISH ROOM 5 - PARISH ROOM

19

f) Buildings & Property report

It’s not unusual that a parish church, especially one such as ours, with a considerable amount of attached land, three separate graveyards, along with the Community Hall and Sexton’s Cottage, will inevitably throw up challenges and it can be a bit off-putting when these seem to occur on an almost daily basis.

To say that this last year has been problematic would be an understatement, with several major issues cropping up simultaneously, causing problems which needed urgent attention.

It’s to our credit that, despite everything, the working team here at St Mary’s has managed to stay on top of much which arose, working as we do with limited resources, money and labour.

What was lacking in these areas, was more than made up for by the enthusiasm of the workforce and their dedication to maintaining the church and church property as well as can be expected, in the circumstances. Also encouraging is that some members of the wider community have rallied round to provide their services, free of charge, and we can only assume that this is brought about by them recognising the worth and value of this church in their community and the wish to help where they can.

To mention all of the work which has been completed over the year would take up too much space, so suffice to say, many of the boxes have been ticked off regarding the requirements of the 2022 Quinquennial report. Most of the statutory requirements have been met and documented, ie. fire safety, electrical safety, health & safety requirements, also the health, safety and cleanliness of all the areas used by the church congregation, and casual users of the church and its surroundings. Other important work is in the pipeline and will be dealt with over the coming months.

A more comprehensive list of completed work can be found in the church logbook, along with faculty requirement records and architects’ recommendations, reference numbers as per Church of England requirements. These records are continually being updated by the churchwardens and will be signed off for the period covered at this 2024 APCM meeting.

Last winter’s severe frosts caused a great deal of damage to the Parish Room and other downstairs rooms in the Sexton’s Cottage. This has been rectified over the summer with most of the cost being carried by the church insurers. We now have valuable space for meetings and extra storage with the added advantage of knowing that until these areas are ‘modernised’, they can be used safely in a variety of ways. Work was also carried out restoring some damaged and dangerous stonework on the church south wall as well as new lead flashings on the tower roof to prevent water damage in the bell chamber.

Our thanks go out also to the Friends of St Mary’s group who raised the money for a new church notice board.

The Church of England is looking ahead towards making the church and its surroundings an eco-friendly area, which will mean that this requirement will need to be taken into account when planning future work.

You will notice that this report does not mention any names. That is done deliberately because those who do help, in so many ways, show such a generosity of spirit in what they do for the church and community, thanks are not required. It’s a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for me to know that I can ask for help and it is almost always forthcoming.

We can look to the future with confidence and the knowledge that our efforts will find their reward.

John Timby

20

g) Choir report

Following the departure of David Dobb as organist, my gut reaction was to become an individual member of the Royal School of Church Music (my costs were subsequently refunded by the PCC) in order that we could continue to access the readings and hymns/songs for Sunday worship.

Denise, a strong supporter of the choir, proposed, and purchased the CD package to support our worship through music and voice. This wasn't without hiccups, but with Fiona Stanton's technical support at choir practice and during services, we persevered and survived!

The introduction of Alan Wilson into our practice was an opportunity for us to flourish -- he is an inspiration!

He was the injection we needed with co-ordinating the DHL Festival concerts and supporting us all through Advent and Christmas.

During this time, Pauline Jackson needs recognition, too, as she ensured the choir were constantly updated by acting as a go-between and keeping us in touch with Alan when he wasn’t able to be with us in person.

*UPDATE: Early in 2024 St Mary’s advertised for a Director of Music and we are so fortunate to have been able to appoint Robert Carlin to fulfil this role. Robert’s repertoire is extensive, and he has already helped us, beginning our practices with warm-up exercises, and extending our practice time to help us all to develop our inner strengths.

We, as a choir, are looking forward to improving our support of church worship.

Hilary James (Crucifer)

h) BLAST Report

Our B.L.A.S.T. (Bible Learning and Sharing Together) group, for the younger members of the congregation, continues to meet on the first Sunday of the month under the guidance of the Vicar and Julie.

Sadly numbers remain low but the members are very enthusiastic!

A typical meeting starts in the hall with a prayer followed by some form of activity and a reading before returning into church to join in the final stages of the Eucharist. On Sundays’ when there is no formal meeting, those members not involved in the choir will normally get together during the service in the resource corner of Church and carry out some constructive unsupervised activity. Formal or informal, the group generally share their work with the congregation at the end of the service.

During the year they have been involved in various activities. They held a car wash session during the week which raised money for the church funds, a Light Evening with games as an alternative to Halloween, helped with the construction of the Bug Hotels in the Churchyard, put on a presentation during the Crib Service culminating in a rather wild but entertaining dance session.

Julie Stanton

21

i) Deanery Synod

Currently, only one member of the PCC sits on the Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the Church. Technically, we should have two representatives from our parish. If anyone feels that they would like to volunteer, please speak to me or Denise.

The Deanery Synod meets four times during the year at different venues within the Newstead Deanery and gives us the opportunity to share our parish news with other churches. Parish treasurers were again invited to one of the meetings where the deanery treasurer outlined the Parish share expected by the Diocese from each parish. A discussion followed.

Revd Richard Kellett is now acting as Area Dean, following the retirement of Fe Shouler. Barbara Coleman

j) Greasley Christian Aid Group Report

As usual we start our report with Christian Aid Week held from the 14th – 20th May 2023.

We, together with our friends at Newthorpe Baptist Church, had Church Collection envelopes. There was also a two day collection at Morrisons, Eastwood and we already had some savings from individual donations and Fair trade profits, which meant that £2,760 was raised altogether. Our Vicar led a very meaningful service and Jeremy Gowers-Cromie from Christian Aid came to speak at a separate event.

Other giving, during the year amounted to £500 for the 2023 Christmas Appeal supporting young women setting up businesses, using traditional sewing skills, in Northern Bangladesh, and £825 for the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal, making a total of £1,325. This, added to the Christian Aid Week total, meant we were able to send a final total of £4,085 to Christian Aid.

Despite more difficult conditions, £3,031 worth of Fair Trade goods were sold in the financial year 1st August 2022 – 31st July 2023 and the contribution given to Christian Aid was £542.

We had our popular Fair trade Day at Watnall WI Hall on 14th October.2023.

The Chair and Treasurer attended a Christian Aid East Midlands get together in June at Maynell Langley Hall near Derby. which celebrated the efforts and achievements of Christian Aid week 2023 and outlined future events and activities.

So now we come full circle to Christian Aid Week 2024, which runs from 12th – 18th May.

We hear the story of Aline Nibogora from Burundi. She was pushed to the brink of survival by poverty. She suffered abuse from her violent husband and had to flee. He turned the community against her. She was separated from her children and was sleeping on the streets. With the help of Christian Aid she was reunited with her three sons and was trained to set up a small business. Together Aline and her sons are building a new home.

Reading through this report it is very clear that together we have made a difference to many people suffering from extreme poverty, to the young setting

22

up businesses, to the victims of natural disasters and to those getting a fair wage for their skills.

Without the support of our Vicar, the PCC and everyone who has given money or bought Fair trade goods none of this would have been possible. We thank you very sincerely for your great support.

Janet Hedderly Secretary, Greasley Christian Aid Group

k) Tower Captain Report

Reflecting on the past year, apart from the odd occasion due to illness or absences for holidays, we have been able to ring for most Sunday services and hold practices on Wednesday nights. At practices, we continue to benefit from the support of ringers from Eastwood tower. Like-wise some of our band support their practices on Fridays. This mutual arrangement meansthat progress can be made both in ringing skills and methods rung.

We currently have seven ringers in the band, although, one of our members has been unable to ring due to family illness and bereavement for the past few months. We hope he will be able to rejoin us in the future. Our newest member of the band, Neil Taylor, is a former ringer, and during the past year has been regaining his skills & method ringing.

Recently, he rang in a quarter peal at Greasley, which was his first for the tower and Mansfield District. Natalie achieved her first quarter peal in May, only a year after first learning to ring, and has rung two further quarter peals on the treble, recently. The remaining members of the band continue to work on learning new methods, when we have the support of visiting ringers, and play an important role in the progress of new ringers.

In addition to service ringing & practice nights there have been several occasions when the band have come together to ring. The first of these was hosting Mansfield District’s 8 bell practice in April. Next, we had the pleasure of ringing to celebrate the coronation of King Charles lll. Shortly after this, we rang a quarter peal to commemorate the life of a former Mansfield District ringing master. In September we were asked to ring for a special service held at Greasley as part of the D.H. Lawrence festival of arts, culture & local history. The ringing was well received, not only by the organiser of the event, but by customers of the Parish Oven cafe. October brought the Mansfield District Quarter Peal week, during which we rang a quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles for Sunday service, and some Greasley ringers got involved in quarter peals at other towers with various ringers from the district. In late November, on the day of Greasley’s Christmas Market, we had some General ringing to add to the atmosphere of the event. To round off the year we rang for the Carols by Candlelight service in December.

Maintenance of the bells and cleaning of the tower was carried out in Spring, Summer & Autumn. A potential problem with the third clapper was identified during the Spring maintenance, and subsequently repaired at John Taylor’s bell foundry. The tenor bell, from as early as March ‘23, had been posing some difficulties when rung, and was inspected by a Taylor’s Bell engineer.

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The problem was a bearing that had come loose, allowing the tenor to shunt sideways. The engineer carried out the required work in the tower in September.

The infestation of flies was much milder during the Autumn, and only one smoke bomb was required to control potential infestation.

Finally, last April, rather belatedly due to Covid, a peal board was hung in the ringing chamber for Don & Mary Beach. Don was the tower captain at Greasley for 56 years & Mary rang at the tower for 70 years. The board shows the two peals, one of Grandsire Triples for Don & the second of Plain Bob Triples for Mary, rung by members of the Greasley band & ringers from the Southwell & Nottingham Guild, who had rung with them throughout their lives. We are pleased, finally, to have a board commemorating their lives and service to ringing at Greasley.

Emmi Checkley, Tower Captain

l) Friends of St Mary's Report

Another good year for the Friends of St Mary's, the annual Strawberry Tea being the highlight with all 50 tickets sold.

The Friends of St Mary had a programme throughout the year of very varied meetings with topics to suit all interests. The other highlight was the Burundi lunch, a charity close to our Vicar’s heart as she spent some time in Burundi.

Membership remains steady and funds were raised to support the church. The majority of the funds raised last year paid for the new notice board at the front of the church.

Over £1,600 was spent on this one item but the Friends also donated wood and other materials needed to re-instate the old wooden cross which had rotted. We are grateful for the support of all our members and guests who all help to raise money to support our church.

We are continually grateful to all speakers, but especially members of the congregation, many of whom do not charge a fee or expenses.

Pauline Jackson

m) EcoChurch report

In August last year, the first steps were taken to get recognition as an EcoChurch and achieve an award. This is an initiative developed by A Rocha UK. To quote from their advertising :-

‘From meditation to insulation, from location to invocation, loving God and his creation should impact everything in our church lives. This is why A Rocha UK developed EcoChurch – an award scheme for churches of all denominations in England and Wales who want to demonstrate that they care for God’s earth’. A survey was completed that covered the following areas of church life:-

The survey highlighted areas to be worked on in the next months. So far, work

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has been done on establishing bug hotels and bird feeders to encourage and care for our abundant wildlife. Training on beekeeping has been started by two people to look for establishing beehives in 2024. Plans to restock the tearoom garden are underway.

Sheila Over

n) Social Committee Report

The social committee meets throughout the year to plan events which not only help raise money for our church but, also provide ways in which church members and their friends and families can meet in an informal setting, as well as extending a welcome to members of the wider community.

The committee is currently made up of only four core members, with extra helpers pitching in for major events such as the spring Open Day, Christmas Market and Carols by Candlelight, at all of which the committee provides refreshments. Additional members are always welcome!

Any profit raised from our events is normally set aside from general church funds, to be used at a time and for a purpose chosen by the members of the committee. For 2024, however, given the church's current financial circumstances, it has been decided that all income will go into general funds.

Members were kept busy during 2023 running the Parish Oven tearooms and as ever, were on hand to provide refreshments for the annual Christmas Market and the Carols by Candlelight. We also organised a Fish&Chip Quiz Night, a coach trip to Stratford on Avon, two Table Top Sales, a Strictly Come Dancing theme night, and two concerts in church from visiting choirs.

Ian Wheeler, Social Committee Secretary

o) Parish Magazine ‘Open Door’

Our church magazine, Open Door, switched to being online-only at the start of the Covid pandemic and is available by visiting the church website. Given the cost involved, it is unlikely that it will ever fully return to being a printed magazine, though I do run off a handful of copies for customers at the Parish Oven and they are proving to be very popular, with most of them being taken away by visitors.

Members of our Facebook group will know that I flag up when new edition is ready and ask that, where possible, people consider printing off a copy for friends or neighbours who they think might enjoy reading it.

I am grateful to those regular contributors who continue to come up with the goods every two months. Anyone else who feels that they might be able to contribute in any way is more than welcome to send in articles or photographs.

Ian Wheeler, Editor

p) Christmas Market report

Our annual Christmas Market, which is held on the last Saturday in November, continues to be our single major fund-raising event of the year and in 2023 raised an impressive £4,100 for for St Mary's. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who in any way helps to make this event continue to be such a success. It wouldn't happen without you!

Ian Wheeler, Organiser

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q) Safeguarding report

Safeguarding is continually changing and developing regarding training issues, with edicts coming regularly from the Diocesan Safeguarding team.

Training has continued for those people holding positions of responsibility or other volunteer roles within the church.

DBS requirements have been undertaken as necessary.

During the year, continued checks have been undertaken in line with the Church of England's requirements.

There are further changes expected in 2024.

Barbara Coleman Safeguarding Co-Ordinator & DBS Officer

r) Pastoral visiting/care report

During the past year, many people who were formerly church regulars but, for one reason or another, have not been able to attend have been phoned or visited to let them know that they are still very much part of the church family.

Reasons for visiting or making contact may be that they have been missing from church for a while due to ill-health, or perhaps are elderly and are unable to get to church due to transport or mobility issues.

Where contact is made, news has been offered regarding church family happenings and comings and goings and, where necessary, support is given.

Holy Communion has been offered and taken to those who have requested it, by Revd Denise or myself.

For various reasons the pastoral visiting teams did not form during 2023 as hoped, though we are planning to form such a group this year who will assist Denise and myself as requested.

Barbara Coleman, Pastoral Visiting Lead

s) Parish Oven Report

The Parish Oven continues to grow from strength-to-strength and has become very much a part of both church and community life, being a safe place where people can visit for refreshments, a warm space and a chat .

Our varied customers are confirmed regulars, cyclists, walking groups, visitors from other churches, funeral attendees, DH Lawrence devotees, passing trade and, of course, a dedicated section of our church community.

All income from the Parish Oven is ring-fenced for future use on redevelopment of the Sexton's Cottage and is shown on the church accounts under the heading "Community Centre Development". This is supported by detailed accounts which show all income and expenditure on a weekly basis and are available for inspection on request.

Thanks, as ever, go to our enthusiastic volunteer staff and bakers for their tireless efforts over the last 12 months together with all those within our church and wider community who have supported us with their custom.

Ian Wheeler

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6. Legacy Policy

It is the PCC’s policy to record any legacies received and, if given without any restriction, to use them in such a way that -- wherever possible -- reflects the person who has given the legacy. Restricted legacies will be used in accordance with the restriction.

7. Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure. St Mary’s is a Registered Charity. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Mary’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, Churchwardens, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the Church.

All those who attend our services/members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. Individual PCC members receive training as and when deemed appropriate by

the PCC. Training may include trustee responsibility training, basic health and safety, risk assessment and management, child protection procedures and safeguarding vulnerable adults.

St Mary's has one paid member of staff. PAYE payroll and a workplace pension scheme are also in place.

8. Risk Assessments

The PCC undertakes assessments to identify major risks as required. Procedures are then put in place to manage those risks and minimise their impact on the life of the Church.

9. Administrative Information

St Mary’s Church is situated in Greasley, Nottinghamshire. It is part of the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Church Office, Church Road, Greasley, Nottinghamshire NG16 2AB.

Names of advisors:

  1. Architect: Allan Joyce Architects 2. Independent Examiner: Pells Chartered Accountants

Name and address of Bankers and Investment companies:

  1. Nat West Bank Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8HF 2. Barclays Bank Northwich, Cheshire CW9 7RB

  2. Lloyd's Bank PLC, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT

  3. CCLA 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4ET

  4. CBF Church of England Funds Jubilee House, Westgate, Southwell NG25 0JH

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