**ANNUAL REPORT** _**for the**_ **Fiscal Year 1[st] January** _**to**_ **31[st] December 2023** **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Chagford** _**Registered Charity 1172274**_ ## **ANNUAL REVIEW 2023** The obvious place to start this Annual Review, is with an ending(!) … that of Revd. Paul Seaton-Burn’s incumbency – although Paul’s leaving ‘do’ and final service were actually documented in the previous Annual Review. The church and all that it is, is coping without him. Many things he instigated, or welcomed, have stayed the same, and even blossomed: The Well, Taizé Chanting and Church Family Breakfast services continue to attract new people, with one member of the Taizé Chanting group stating (with pride and a certain degree of surprise); _‘we’re developing our own little congregation!’_ Congregation numbers for our regular services are pretty stable and the weekly, Celtic-themed, Prayer Services for a New Rector have a small, but loyal, following. In March, we welcomed Bishop James & Archdeacon Douglas to a meeting with representatives from all the North Dartmoor Parishes. This was a positive evening with much discussion between those attending. The Archdeacon stated that he was optimistic that we could have someone _‘by the summer’_ and, while Bishop James described the role as the _‘crème de la crème’_ of jobs, he also counselled that it is _‘better to have a year’s vacancy than the wrong person, quickly’._ However, despite the post being advertised several times now, at the end of 2023, we are little closer to finding anyone to even apply for the rôle. This is both frustrating and it continues to pile an even bigger workload onto our retired Clergy and Lay Ministry Teams, although the promise of an Interim Priest is an exciting prospect. It must be noted that we are **unceasingly** grateful to Harriet, Noël, Nick and Edwina – as well as the Lay Team – for working so hard to keep our services going. It is perfectly clear that we simply could not have survived without them. Two other people without whom the church simply would not function are, of course, Rosemary and Terry Bleakman. Rosemary has carried the Churchwarden’s Staff on her own for the whole year and really must be aided by a second Warden from the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Despite assistance from several quarters, particularly Margaret Jeffreys and Tony Milton, it is too big a responsibility for one person to carry on their own for long. That Terry was honoured with a St Boniface Award by the Bishop of Exeter this year, is testament to his enormously hard work and dedication to St Michael the Archangel. From late Spring until late Autumn, we discovered just how much Elinor d’Albiac does for our church, when she was indisposed following an accident. It is so good to have her ‘back in harness again’ now. Under other major _thank you’s_ , we must include Jon Bint for his unswerving dedication to the church bells. His skill at both making the bells ‘sing’ and encouraging new ringers, is second to none. We are very fortunate that Roger Clevedon continues as organist for Sung Holy Communion and Choral Evensong services and delighted that Lisa Millett (and, more recently, Tom Fynn) are willing to play the piano for other services each month. In early March, Tom also directed Tymescythe Theatre Company’s rousing production of Shakespeare’s Henry V, transforming the church into the Royal Courts of early 15[th] century England and France, not to mention the battlefield of Agincourt. With a cast of around 30, plus musicians, technicians and an energetic back-stage crew, the four performances played to sold-out houses. Then, almost as if by Shakespearian magic, (‘though, actually, a brilliant working team!), the church returned to its quiet and spiritual space, albeit with the regular, but very varied, schedule of services, toddler group, youth drama, bell-ringing, coffee mornings, choir practice, concerts and other events organised by cross-community, cross-generational groups. Two months after Henry V, we celebrated Charles III, when the church was ‘dressed overall’ with hundreds of red, white & blue paper pompoms and flowers, strung across the aisle. These had been made by all sorts of people throughout the community and were Chagford’s way of honouring the King and Queen on their Coronation, in May. Another stand-out of the year was the donation, by artist Philippa O’Brien, of her sculpture of the Holy Family. Constructed from paper and card, and originally designed to be placed in the Market House, Philippa needed a new home for the figures and we were delighted to receive them into the church. Throughout Advent and until after Epiphany, they resided by the font and delighted all visitors who entered the church. We are very privileged to be the custodians of these figures, which will be enjoyed for many years. The forecast heavy rain meant the planned outdoor Carol Service had to be in the church again, but the shoehorns were out(!) and the church full to bursting for a wonderful service. It was quieter, but no less meaningful, for both the Midnight Eucharist and Christmas Day Family Communion. In accordance with the PCC’s resolution, collections from the Christmas services were distributed equally to the Chagford Pantry and St Petrock’s (Exeter). As these totalled £1352.16, each benefited from £676.08. We must also thank the bellringers, flower arrangers, intercessors, lesson-readers, cleaners, lay worship leaders, Pantry helpers, Little Angel organisers … in fact, everyone and anyone else who has contributed to the festivals and the needs, the pleasures and the worries of our beautiful and ancient church these past twelve months. The Church Family was deeply saddened by the deaths, during 2023, of five men who, each in their own way, gave so much to the life of our church. Tim Garratt, Kit Cooper, John Haws, Tony Dunn and Tony McCrum will never be forgotten. _Lucy Shields, Lay Chairman Chagford Parochial Church Council_ ## **AIMS AND PURPOSE** St Michael the Archangel Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the Grade 1 listed church building and associated churchyard. ## **MINISTRY & MISSION** During 2023, despite having no Rector, church services continued under the pattern established by Revd Paul Seaton-Burn. Congregational numbers not only remained steady but, on many occasions, actually increased - thus bucking the trend in the Church of England throughout the country. Each month, on first Sundays, the morning Holy Communion (usually accompanied by recorded hymn tunes) maintained a steady number of attendees, whilst numbers at Choral Evensong increased. Numbers at Family Breakfast services (in the Jubilee Hall) on 2[nd] Sundays, have fluctuated a bit. Occasionally, several families have attended but, on some months, there have been few young people. For the service in July, we were honoured and delighted to welcome Bishop James, who seemed to enjoy what he saw. In December, the hall was full to bursting for a special Christingle Family Breakfast with special contributions from many children from Chagford Primary School. We are very grateful to Roger Cleverdon and the choir for leading us both at the monthly Choral Evensong, and for the Sung Holy Communion services on 3[rd] Sundays. Celtic Morning Prayer services (on 4[th] Sundays) have been lay-led by several different people, which allows us to view things from a new perspective at times. By contrast to the morning services, The Well (on 2[nd] & 4[th] ) and Taizé Chanting (on 3[rd] ) Sunday evenings, offer a time of quieter, more contemplative, worship. Among other, special, extra services during the year, were Compline each evening throughout Holy Week, Words & Music for the Passion on Good Friday, the sunrise service on Nattadon, on Easter Morning, Remembrance Day Commemorations, and the Christmas Eve Carol Service. In June, a weekly service of Celtic Prayer for a New Rector began. Continuing every Monday evening (apart from Christmas Day) for 33 weeks, this was a source of solace and hope and, with the assurance of an Interim Priest-in-Charge, our prayers were answered (albeit not exactly as we had imagined). The church also welcomes the regular ‘Celebrating the Earth’ events most months, for an offering of ‘nature-inspired art, music, talk, and mediation’. This is all proof that our Ministry and Mission is alive and flourishing. ## _**CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE**_ ## **LITTLE ANGELS** Little Angels, our toddler group in church, is a joy. Numbers attending fluctuate as we lose a percentage when they are old enough, to the Montessori and Church schools, but most are babes in arms when they start and it is a delight to see them taking their first steps, forming their first words and learning to socialise. The majority are too young to listen to Bible stories but we always have some worship music and action songs and close with the ‘Wiggle Song’! Everyone is welcome. We are open on Friday mornings between 9.30 and approximately 11.00 am. The toddlers play beautifully together and their carers (mums, dads and grandparents), enjoy coffee, tea and biscuits and, most importantly, a chat. ## **SEEDLINGS** This small group changed at the start of the year as several members moved on, for very good reasons. Instead, we were joined by some younger folk with new talents. With the departure of the Rector, the group has concentrated on meeting monthly to plan our regular informal Family Breakfast Service in the Jubilee Hall. While we have missed our shared suppers and Bible discussions, we have grown new skills: public speaking, worship through music, children’s activities, Service planning and breakfast (coffee, tea, croissants and jam and fruit) preparation. Many of the attendees are regular members of the congregation but everyone is welcome and the service has attracted some new families and ## visitors, notably the Christingle Service that was packed. We are grateful to have the support of our musicians and sound technician. ## **CHURCH LIFE** _**WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY**_ ## **CHAGFORD COMMUNITY & MEMORY CAFE** Attendance at the cafe has increased this year from an average of 26 people per session in 2022 to 38 pps in 2023. Some of the highlights of 2023 have been: - A day trip to Sidmouth in July with coffee, lunch and afternoon tea at the Belmont Hotel and a chance to walk along the promenade and take in the sea air or chat with friends while enjoying the sea view. - A Coronation themed trip on the Seaton tramway in May with afternoon tea. - A trip on the Wetlands Explorer Tram in September led by dementia experts who led relaxing and enjoyable sensory activities immersed in nature. - A trip to the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton in October to see our Memory blanket, followed by lunch at Farmer Luxtons - A coronation tea at Chagford Primary School and a coronation party in Jubilee Hall. - A Christmas lunch at the Fingle Bridge Inn. - A collaboration with Camilla Rooney from Wellmoor to support unpaid carers. - A visit from the Dartmoor Shepherd in April with lambs and Moss the collie. - Singing for the Brain in August. - 2 craft workshops sponsored by Proper Job. Other sessions have included music, quizzes, singing, games and craft We secured a grant of £300 from the Chagford Community Trust. SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL. CHAGFORD PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Financial Statement For the Period O l January to 3 1 December 2023 Section A Receipts and Payments Church Fabri nrestriEt¢d Churchyard Fund Employm￿¢ Fund Managed Funds Fund Fund Total funds Funds LTrst year {RestriGt¢d) (Re5trirted) (Restricted) (Re5tricted> Al Recelpts Planned Giving {Tax effKient) Planncd Giving (Other) Collections 22.068 22.068 20.087 1.010 7.621 5.508 1,237 1.010 10.316 5.SOB 12,699 43.267 2.466 8.260 5.521 9,756 40.647 1.137 1.558 All other giving Donatlons & Glfts 10.00 I 1.400 Grantsfrom other bodles 25.448 17.819 Legacie Tax recovered through Gllt Aid 9.029 9.189 8.913 Al. I Sub total 46,473 11,246 1,400 25.561 19,377 104,056 95,651 Al.2 Fundrabsln 13000 5.625 1.591 3.895 2.001 17.392 30.056 1.767 1.843 13.247 9.953 Statutory Fees retalned by PCC 7.268 1.671 405 1.170 17.094 8.438 7.358 Tradlng Actlvltles 18,766 8,773 Trahs*ttiOrt Charge Refund 405 Al.4 Sub total 9J44 18,264 27.609 16.131 A? Assét Investmeht *alÈs Ètc. Total Recelpts 75.243 16.732 1.767 3.243 25.561 39.759 161304 151.792 SHEET I OF 4 SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL. CHAGFORD PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Financial Statement For the Period O l January to"3 1 December 2023 Section A Receipts and Payments Church FfTrbrlc unrestricted ChurthyfTrrd Fund (Rèstrlctèd) Employment Fund (Rèstrlctèd) Fund {RÈstrhttÈd) Fund5 (Rèstrhctèd) Tot¥il lund5 Fund5 A3 P￿Tryments A3.1 Cost of GÈnÈr.2tln}i Funds 4.030 3.012 4.030 15.634 i i.oso A3.2 Mi55ion Giwini: 00nati￿ 9.635 6.824 19.471 A3.3 Church Activitie5 DIoce5Th1 Pir15h Shrire 40.030 40.030 36th59 S.037 S.037 5.822 S7LlaryIhonoriifi￿Tr 3.012 20.56 1 23.573 26J52 mlssl0nlÈv£￿1lellsM costs ur 2420.23 2.932 -2420.23 4.999 7.187 9.44 1 7.376 A5 Trrifb5fer5 betweon fund5 6 CA5h fund5 I￿St end 3.679 1 7.246 930 3.192 4831) 18.457 42.673 35.297 Cosh th1* *M 2.790 15.359 450 3.704 4.168 25.643 51114 41673 SHEET 2 OF 4 SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, CHAGFORD PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Flnanclal Statement For the Period O l January to"3 1 December 2023 Section B Statement of assets and liabi lities at the end of the peri od Church Fabric Unrestrlrted Churchyard Fund Employrnent Fund ManaFd Funts {ltrx*r. thDir& Fund Total funds Funds Listy&ir (Restrirted) (Restricted) (Re*ritted) (Restricted) I Cash f￿d* Natwest Currert Account 2.521 -(570) 2.785 6.427 12.961 308 4.735 7.898 26.273 308 4.952 1261 20.029 Uoyds Current Acc(xJnt Uoyds Deposlt account NDP Fees 1.470 2.169 3.405 7.639 98 C8F Deposit Re5erve5 C8F Dep)slt Rescrlcted Use Fabtlc CBF Deposlt Rescrlcted Use Churchyan Cash 740 740 717 1.020 1.020 8.968 6,409 912 5.820 1,900 3,147 458 7.125 7.503 300 529 3,162 TOTAL 7.026 15.359 450 3,704 4168 25.643 56.350 23A70 2 Other m Gift Aid reCoVera￿t 6.405 477 447 100 128 926 8.006 477 6.770 Debt￿5 Hawksmoor Investmenr Mzrs CapiTrl F￿d knVeStrn￿t A55ets @ market vakne 13 1.12.20221 5,795 15.643 4,436 35,108 57 10,294 270.363 7,080 275.013 1 17.122 2.431 (held by Exeter DiC(eson B￿rd o[Flnancel knVestsn￿t @ market Yakne P 1.12.20211 2839 58375 61214 55908 C[￿lt0[5 Various 4713 4713 Section C Net present Value Cash and Inv•strn*nt Ass•ts 130.633 132.933 42.893 64.667 4.296 26.S69 401.991 361.469 SHEET 3 OF 4 SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, CHAGFORD PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Financial Statement For the Period O l January to"31 December 2023 Section D Approvals S￿￿ed by trus*es on behill ol all the PCC Chairman of PCC Nan D2te 203Lr HDn Treasurer Date aJ Sign& by Independent exatniner Natnp Dite SHEET 4 OF 4 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Parochial Church Council of St Michael the Archangel, Chagford Registered Charity No: 1172274 I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31, December 2023, which are Set out on 3 pages referenced 2023-1 to 2022-3 inclusive attached. Respective responsibilitie5 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 Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 201 l Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 201 I Ac( follow the procedure laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145{5)(b) of the 201 l Act): and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Chariry Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with the records. It also include5 consideration of any unusual items or disclosure5 in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audik and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view. and the report is limited to those matter5 set out in the statement below Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with our examination, no matters have come to my attention other than those detailed overleaf which give us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 201 l Ac( or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 201 l Act have not been me¢ or to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding ofthe accounts to be re2ched. Signed. Ftjll Nome Address. Date. 114. 3.IOAlf I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31, December 2023, which are Set out on 3 pages referenced 2023-1 to 2022-3 inclusive 3tt3ched. Respective re5pon5ibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The ch2rity'5 trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 201 l Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedure laid down in the General Directions given by the Chariry Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 201 l Act); and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with the records. It a150 includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in 3 full audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'crue and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with our examination. no matters have come to my attention other than those detailed overleaf which give u5 reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 201 l Act; or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Acc have nor been meo or to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the account5 to be reached. Signed. Full Name Address.