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2022-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts

Charity Number: 1172298

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of the WOUGHTON ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP at St Mary’s Church – Woughton on the Green Tuesday 9[th] May 2023 at 7:30pm

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Ecumenical Vision Statement

For the Woughton Ecumenical Parish

In the light of the prayer of Christ ‘may they all be one… that the world may believe that you sent me…’ (Jn 17.21) and the injunction to ‘spare no effort to make fast with bonds of peace the unity which the Spirit gives’ (Eph 4:3), members of Woughton Ecumenical Parish commit themselves to work together in serving God’s mission locally and beyond. Members of the Parish, drawn from the four participating denominations (The Church of England, The Methodist Church, The Baptist Union and The United Reformed Church) and from other Christian traditions, seek to respond to the call of God through Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our life together and our mission are shaped by our core values:

Each of our five local congregations gives expression to the above, in its worship, ministry and mission.

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AGENDAS for

Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Woughton Parish,

Parochial Church Council of Woughton Parish,

Annual Congregational Meeting of Woughton Ecumenical Partnership,

And 46th Meeting of the Woughton Ecumenical Partnership Trustees At 7.30pm on Wednesday 9[th] May 2023 St. Mary’s – Woughton on the Green

Prayers led by the Team.

Rev Ian Herbert in the Chair for items 1 and 2.

  1. Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  2. a. Approval of Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting 5[th] April 2022

  3. b. Nominations for churchwardens

  4. d. Election of PCC members as nominated in Appendix A

  5. e. Decision on number of elected PCC members for the year 2023/24

  6. f. Appointment of Deanery Synod representative

  7. Parochial Church Council Meeting

  8. a. Co-option of PCC member

  9. b. Election of PCC Secretary

  10. c. Proposal that the WEP Treasurer should act as the PCC Treasurer for the year

Mike Davidge in the Chair

3. Annual Congregational Meeting

Rev Ian Herbert in the Chair

4. Meeting of Trustees

Appendix A to the Agenda

Appendix B

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Appendix A

Nominations for appointments at Partnership level 2023-2024

Annual Parochial Church Meeting:

PCC Members Lynn Castle (St T) all for one year Irene Longstaff (TF) 2023-24 Don Mahon (TF) Di Miller (St M)

PCC Ex-Officio to note Revd Ian Herbert, Revd Paul Norris,

Church Wardens

St Mary’s David Bird St Thomas’ Iola Samuels Woolstone John Howard Deanery Synod Representatives Di Miller, Kim Weston

Parochial Church Council:

Co-opt to PCC Revd. Charmaine Howard Revd. Nicola Vidamour

Annual Congregational Meeting:

WEP Trustees For three years to 2023

For information: Continuing Trustees Lynn Castle (St T)[(2019)] Iola Samuels (St.T) )[(2021)] Mike Davidge (Chair of Trustees)[(2019)] David Hart (CtV)[(2019)] Don Mahon (TF)[(2019)] Marilyn Mahon (TF)[(2019)] Di Miller (St M)[(2019)] John Howard (W)[(2019) ]

For Election Geoffrey Miller (St. M)

Ex-Officio Trustees

Revd. Ian Herbert , Revd. Nicola Vidamour , Revd. Paul Norris, Revd. Charmaine Howard

Methodist Circuit (2) Lynn Castle; Marilyn Mahon, Don Mahon

Netherfield Partnership (corporate member) Revd Ian Herbert / Rev.Charmaine Howard

Trustees Meeting:

Trustee of Trinity Centre

Ian Herbert/Don Mahon

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Appendix B

Other Appointments and Representatives 2023-2024

Ministry Team

Revd Ian Herbert Revd Paul Norris Revd Charmaine Howard Revd Nicola Vidamour

Other Ordained Ministers

Revd Christopher Bell

Preachers and worship leaders Lynn Castle Mike Davidge Judy Rapp Safeguarding Officers St. Mary’s – Kim Weston St. Thomas – Nicola Vidamour Holy Trinity - ??? Trinity Fishermead - Irene Longstaff Christ the Vine - ???

URC Synod Representatives (appointed by local churches – 1 per church)

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of Woughton Parish on 5th April 2022 St. Mary’s Church Woughton on the Green & via Zoom

Present:

Ian Herbert Geoffrey Miller Paul Norris Lynn Castle Nicola Vidamour Kim Weston Charmaine Howard David Hart Susan Newby Melania Hart John Howard Sue Smith Mike Davidge Lynn Davidge Iola Samuels Norma Baldwin Pat Hodges Chris Bell Don Mahon Marilyn Mahon Jayne Carvell-Taylor `

Apologies: Beccy Herbert, Angy Norris Sue Smith

Rev Paul Norris led us in Worship.

Rev Ian Herbert in the chair for Items 1 & 2

1. Annual Parochial Church Meeting

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2. Parochial Church Meeting

Meeting ended at 7.45pm.

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Minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting of Woughton Ecumenical

Partnership held on 11[th] May 2022 at St Thomas’ Church Simpson

Present. 53 members of the Partnership were present in person. Apologies. There were 8 apologies recorded.

Mike Davidge in the Chair for the Annual Congregational Meeting

The Reports were proposed for acceptance by Mike Davidge and seconded by Lynn Castle. All in favour.

The Finance Report was proposed for acceptance by Mike Davidge and seconded by David Bird. All in agreement. Mike expressed his and our very grateful thanks to Don and Marilyn who give much of their time to the financial affairs of the Partnership.

The meeting ended at 7.55pm Rev Paul Norris closed with prayer.

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Parochial Church Council Report 2023 -- Di Miller, PCC Secretary

The Woughton Parish has been returning to a normal life after two years of the pandemic. Services have been taking place across the Partnership although Christ the Vine has maintained the streaming service option in addition to attendance. At St Mary’s mask wearing became optional and many people chose to do without. The congregation remained in favour of using the small Baptist service glasses for the Communion wine.

In the past year at St Thomas’ Iola Samuels as the churchwarden submitted reports. In summary these have related to the continuing problems concerning the large the cracks in the wall of the chancel. Structural engineers have needed to visit every 2 months to check on movement. The VAT bill of £2,142 on the fact finding work was paid by successfully applying to The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. Later in year the crack in the chancel wall became much more serious and the window on the south wall was so unstable it needed to be removed. The window embrasure was boarded up. Bucks Historic Churches Trust have been approached for financial help. Fund raising among the church members is being undertaken. A successful application was made to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to have a green plaque at the entrance to the churchyard signifying a war grave. Faculties have been approved for reservations for burial plots in the churchyard and funds have been gathered to employ a gardener to look after the area.

On behalf of St Mary’s Church, Churchwarden David Bird has given the reports. There are ongoing problems with damage to the east churchyard wall caused by a tree falling from the hotel grounds and a section of the north wall. Efforts have been made throughout the year to communicate with the hotel owners which have proved fruitless. The hotel is still being used to house asylum seekers.

In the churchyard a Faculty has been obtained for a grave reservation and work has been needed to prune the large cedar tree just outside the porch area as high winds have resulted in damage to its branches.

Simon Head has replaced Brian Baldwin as the Tower Captain. The church clock has been reengineered and finally shows and strikes the correct time. A replacement gas heater has been installed in the Old Organ Loft (kitchen area). Total cost £2172 inc VAT. It has been necessary to replace light fittings in this area too.

The Church Hall needs to be revalued as progress has been slow. The sale is in the hands of an agency approved by the PCC and the Diocese. The insurance for the building is also under review as it has dropped in value.

Christ the Vine Community Church building is owned by the Diocese. An extension to the dining room is planned and it was agreed by PCC and WEP Trustees, after a DAC meeting, that a grant should be applied for to pay for more architects’ drawings and a feasibility study. The new initiative, a Wellbeing Hub was started last year together with the Grapevine which continues to be open every Friday. Electrical work which needed to be done has been paid for by the Archdeacon’s Discretionary Fund. Three replacement heaters in the kitchen, dining room and entrance hall have been fitted.

Christ the Vine Church has not been used by the Winter Night Shelter this year as there are insufficient volunteers.

The Fishermead Community Centre continues to work together going forward for a Community Asset Transfer ie a transfer of ownership. It was reported that recent financial turbulence has pushed back the planned transfer. During the year several computers for the digital café were stolen. The insurance company have paid out for the claim. A much more secure method of housing the replacement computers is being arranged as well as CCTV and then the new machines will be bought. The Diocese have paid a grant towards the digital café.

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A new initiative has been the setting up of a food larder each Monday run by SOFEA. A café also operates on a Monday with various support organisations holding counselling sessions and this has led to vibrant social interaction.

The Manse on Fishermead was granted a Certificate of Structural Adequacy after subsidence work was done. It is rented out and brings in the income to WEP.

The Community Church at Woolstone. The discussions with the MK Council to make an Asset Transfer in respect of the building have been put on hold indefinitely. The heating system is on the list for upgrade but is still waiting.

The church is planning to hold an Alpha course in early 2023 and is hoping to boost member numbers in so doing. Normal services have resumed.

Churchyard trees have been felled where necessary and the toilets have been refurbished in the summer. Woolstone Management have redecorated the main hall and included the chancel as well.

February 2023 Di Miller PCC Secretary

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Annual Report and Accounts Woughton Ecumenical Partnership Foreword

This annual report reviews the life, ministry and activities of Woughton Ecumenical Partnership and its congregations in 2022. The after-effects of the Covid pandemic gradually eased during the year as people felt more confident about meeting together, both for worship and social and fund-raising events. As ever, we owe much to our Ministry team and so many of our members who have worked so hard to restore our sense of Christian community and witness.

Experience gained during lockdowns with online services continues to be used by some of our congregations and some further development of these is planned.

Some of our important community actions returned in 2022, including ABC (the group for parents and toddlers) at Christ the Vine. Experience gained in 2020 working with Woughton Community Council on a food parcel scheme and the successful food larder scheme in Tinkers Bridge led to the opening during 2022 of another food larder on Fishermead with significant involvement from members of Trinity Church and the wider Partnership.

At Christ the Vine, the Wellbeing Hub continued with its aim of bringing together local community and health groups to provide a welcoming and supportive meeting place in a café setting.

On the financial side, we started the year expecting to have to draw quite heavily on our reserves but we ended the year just about in balance, thanks again to generous giving from members throughout the Partnership. Staff costs remain are our biggest investment in mission but, as we all know, costs in general have risen dramatically over the last year, particularly on energy and building costs, two of our main areas of expenditure. We are so grateful to all who donate to keep our ministry running but we know the pressures on costs and income will continue with us. Our Treasurer Don Mahon, the district treasurers and the Trustees will continue to address this as a priority for us all as members so that we can take forward our mission in our communities.

There are many challenges facing us but we can be confident that God goes ahead of us. Our ecumenical vision statement reminds us that, as members, we commit ourselves ‘to work together in serving God’s mission locally and beyond.’

WEP’s role is to support all of us in the part we can play in that mission as we ‘seek to respond to the call of God through Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.’

On behalf of the Trustees I want to thank our Ministry team, our volunteer ministers (ordained and lay) and others who lead worship and all those in our churches who do so much to build our life together – those who have worked so hard in such difficult circumstances to maintain our church life and witness.

Mike Davidge Chair of Trustees

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Contents

Section Title

1. Reference and Administrative Information 2. Structure, Governance and Management 2.1 The WEC Constitution and the WEP Governing Document 2.2 Appointment and training of Trustees: 2.3 The organisational structure of WEP and how decisions are made: 2.4 The relationship between WEP and Milton Keynes Mission Partnership 2.5 A statement of the major risks to which WEP is exposed

3. Partnership Aims and Objectives

4.

5. Financial Review

Appendices

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Annual Report and Accounts 2021

  1. Reference and Administration Details : 1.1 Name: Woughton Ecumenical Partnership, abbreviated to WEP. 1.2 Address: Partnership Office, Christ the Vine Community Church, Jonathans, Coffee Hall, Milton Keynes MK6 5DE Tel 01908 392583. www.woughton.org 1.3 Trustees: Lynn Castle Don Mahon Mike Davidge Marilyn Mahon David Hart Di Miller Rev Ian Herbert Rev Paul Norris Rev Charmaine Howard Iola Samuels John Howard Rev Nicola Vidamour Geoff Miller (co-opted from 4 October 2022) Kim Weston (resigned 6 August 2022) 1.4 Key Personnel: Chair: Mike Davidge Ministry Team: Rev Ian Herbert, Rev Charmaine Howard, Rev Paul Norris, Rev Nicola Vidamour Secretary: Di Miller Treasurer: Don Mahon WEP Administrator: Tim May 1.5 Principal Bankers: CAF Bank, Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and Central Board of Finance of the Church of England. 2. Structure, Governance and Management: 2.1 Governing documents: Woughton Ecumenical Partnership (WEP) is established as a single congregation local ecumenical partnership. Its governing documents – the Constitution and Schedule – were approved and adopted at the inaugural congregational meeting on 18 October 2016. From this date, WEP replaced the former body known as Woughton Ecumenical Parish. As well as the governing documents, there is a Memorandum of Understanding made between the Bishop of Buckingham, the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Woughton and the Trustees of WEP. WEP is established as a charitable unincorporated association. The Charity Commission registered it as a charity on 28 March 2017 with Registered Charity Number 1172298.

A set of Standing Orders (SOs) has been approved by the Trustees. Each one covers a specific aspect of WEP policy. During 2022 the Trustees appointed a working group to carry out a full review of Standing Orders and to report back to the Trustees with recommendations for any changes needed. This exercise will continue in 2023. Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) form part of the SOs and work is in progress to clarify and expand the matters covered by the SFIs. The SOs and SFIs are drawn up to comply with the governing documents, relevant charity legislation and good practice as promulgated by the Charity Commission as regulator. The SOs all have scheduled review dates and the Trustees review each document as it falls due (or sooner if need arises). New SOs and SFIs are developed when need arises.

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2.2 Appointment and training of Trustees:
The Trustee Body consists of:
•
Up to eleven Trustees elected by the Annual Congregational Meeting (normally for a term of three
years)
•
Ex officio Trustees, being the ministers of the LEP for the time being
•
Not more than five co-opted Trustees appointed by the Trustees.
During 2022, one person was co-opted as a Trustee, the other Trustees are either elected or ex
officio.
All Trustees have received the Charity Commission guide ‘The essential trustee’. Formal training for
Trustees is planned but to date none has taken place.
2.3 The organisational structure of WEP and how decisions are made:
There are five Local Church Councils (LCCs) whose task is to maintain and develop the life and
mission of their local church. The rules governing LCCs are contained in SO No. 8 Local Church
Councils. Our practice is to ask each church to nominate up to two Trustees to the Partnership, for
approval by the Annual Congregational Meeting. A Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are elected by the
Trustees. Members of the Ministry Team are ex officio Trustees.
The Trustees have delegated to the Ministry Team matters of ministry and spiritual and pastoral care.
There is an Annual Congregational Meeting to receive the Report and Accounts and elect Trustees (if
there is a vacancy or a Trustee’s term is expiring). The normal business of the Partnership is
conducted through regular meetings of the LCCs and the Trustees during the year.
Membership data is set out in Appendix 1.
2.4 The relationship between WEP and Milton Keynes Mission Partnership:
WEP was a member of Milton Keynes Mission Partnership during 2022. Mission Partnership’s aim
was to advance the Christian faith by drawing together Christian communities from Milton Keynes and
the surrounding areas to further the 'Five Marks of Mission' which had been adopted by the Forum of
Churches Together in England. In March 2022 members of Mission Partnership voted to dissolve the
organisation (and that process was concluded in 2023). Nicola Vidamour continued as a Trustee of
WEP and was a Trustee of Mission Partnership throughout 2022.
2.5 A statement of the major risks to which WEP is exposed:
•
Inadequate level of voluntary income to support activities contributing to WEP’s objectives
•
Inability to find volunteers to lead activities essential to meeting WEP’s objectives
•
Failure to comply with relevant legislation (of which Health and Safety, Discrimination, including
Disability, Safeguarding, Data Protection, Charity and Employment Law are the principal items)
•
Lack of or inadequate insurance cover to meet all eventualities including loss or damage to
buildings and assets or public and employer liability
•
Inappropriate words or actions of church officers and church members that damage WEP’s
reputation
•
Management shortcomings in strategy, organisation, leadership, decision making or
communications mean that WEP’s objectives are not achieved.
The Partnership Trustees act to mitigate all risks.
3. WEP Aims and Objectives:
3.1 Our purpose
As set out in our Governing document, the purpose of the Charity is to advance the Christian faith in
the Area of Benefit in accordance with the principles and practices of the Participating Churches.
Our Ecumenical Vision Statement
In the light of the prayer of Christ ‘may they all be one… that the world may believe that you sent
me…’ (John 17.21) and the injunction to ‘spare no effort to make fast with bonds of peace the unity
which the Spirit gives’ (Ephesians 4:3), members of WEP commit themselves to work together in
serving God’s mission locally and beyond.
Members, drawn from the four participating denominations (The Church of England, The Methodist
Church, The Baptist Union and The United Reformed Church) and from other Christian traditions,

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seek to respond to the call of God through Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our life together and our mission are shaped by our core values:

3.2 Our Mission Objectives Each of our five local congregations gives expression to the above, in its worship, ministry and mission. Together across the Partnership we look to:

  1. Provide regular public worship for all who wish to attend.

  2. Pray for the well-being of members, adherents and people and organisations in the community. 3. Provide opportunities for children, young people and adults to learn about the Christian faith and its key teaching.

  3. Undertake mission activity including both evangelism and service as appropriate. 5. Engage with the local community and other agencies to work towards meeting the needs of the community.

  4. Engage in pastoral work for the benefit of members and others. 7. Offer baptism, thanksgiving, naming and blessing, marriage and funeral services for members, adherents and people in the wider community with appropriate preparation and follow-up.

  5. Provide facilities and activities with a Christian ethos for the local community including the elderly, young and groups with special needs.

  6. Support other charities in the United Kingdom and overseas. 10. Seek God's guidance and direction in all that we do.

3.3 Our continuing objectives District churches

How did we do: . Many activities, including worship services, community events and weddings and baptisms returned but with some modifications to meet Covid guidelines. We were delighted that severn people from our congregations were ecumenically confirmed at a service for all the Milton Keynes LEPs. Our churches continued their efforts to keep in touch with members and local communities, particularly those known to be vulnerable, through electronic media, by phone and personal visits where safe to do so.

The Partnership

o Offer Easter Cracked and Christmas Cracked to all local schools with the appropriate year gro
o Encourage members to take up other training courses and to explore more formal training for
local ministry

How did we do: The Winter Night Shelter ran at Christ the Vine for several years but the charity has changed its approach and did not require the facilities for winter 2022-23. Church members helped to establish a new food larder scheme in Fishermead and others continued their involvement with the larder on Tinkers Bridge. At Christ the Vine, the Wellbeing Hub continued, aiming to bring together local community and health groups to provide a welcoming and supportive meeting place in a café setting. The Easter Cracked and Christmas Cracked events for local schools restarted. Some members took advantage of training courses, including specific training on safeguarding.

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Trustees

How did we do: The weekly newsletter and web site continue as sources of information. Much work was done during the year to revise and update the web site. The new web site is now in operation and further improvements will come during 2023. Cross-Partnership groups and events were not yet fully re-established, although Lent and Holy Week services were able to go ahead while the Annual Congregational Meeting was notably well attended and provided a social time after the business meeting. Members responded with great generosity to maintain a sound financial position in the year and people were encouraged to use standing orders or bank transfers where possible. We introduced contactless giving (but only one church has so far taken this up on a permanent basis) and direct online giving via the CAFDonate web site. Our thanks go to the district church and Partnership treasurers for all their work to encourage good stewardship practices but we know that financial challenges lie ahead and will require continued effort to manage. On applicable laws and regulations, the Trustees continue to give close regard to these. In 2022, we continued to review our own standing orders, including our safeguarding policy, to ensure they reflect good practice. We need to do more work on developing strategy in the context of the Partnership.

4. Activity and Achievement Reports:

4.1 Ministry Team 2022 Ian Herbert, Nicola Vidamour, Paul Norris, Charmaine Howard.

At the beginning of 2022 our churches were still feeling the effects of the Pandemic. Throughout the year we have seen the majority of our congregation return, although there are still some who are not attending, and some who have moved/passed away and have gone on to other churches, in addition to those who have continued to worship online, although we are seeing new faces in all churches.

Our appreciation and thanks must go to all who have supported us in 2022. Revd. Chris Bell, Mike Davidge, John Howard, Lynn Castle, Judy Rapp, and David Hart and Revd. Hannah Akebo Betts, who have supported our five churches by leading services and preaching. This ensured that we were able to maintain a weekly service in all five churches in the partnership.

Although our Pastoral work is shared with church members and does not exclusively fall on the shoulders of the Ministry Team, 2022 once again saw an increase in the Ministry Team’s involvement with church members and residents living in our communities. 2022 continued with a high number of funerals and the pastoral care associated with the death of a loved one.

The beginning of 2022 once again gave us the opportunity for the whole Partnership to come together for teaching and learning about the Christian faith, through online Bible Study groups, Sunday School, and our Lent reflections. The online Tuesday morning Bible Study and Prayer time hosted and led by Revd. Charmaine Howard, the Tuesday afternoon Sunday Sermon Reflection, and monthly Bible Study hosted by Trinity, Fishermead and led by Revd. Chris Bell, Wednesday evening online Compline and evening prayer led by Revd. Ian Herbert. We were once again able to offer an All Soul Service held at St. Thomas’ Simpson.

Please read the reports from each of the churches if you would like to know more about what each church has been up to.

As the churches were all open, we were still faced with the challenge of ensuring a safe environment for all, with some still wearing face masks. Communion continued with no common cup until each church felt comfortable with sharing the chalice.

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Thank you for your patience, support, and help. Without you we would not have been able to ensure the wellbeing of all who attended our churches.

2022 saw us again celebrating public worship at our Easter and Christmas services in all five churches, with an increase in numbers attending.

The Ministry Team continued to connect with local schools, homes for the elderly, community projects, residents ’associations, Mum’s and Toddler groups, community councils and other organizations.

See local church reports for details of the strong community links our churches have. Throughout 2022, Tim May our Partnership Administrator continued to support the Ministry Team by taking on the day-to-day administrative tasks. Tim continued to play his part in maintenance of the web site.

The Parish has a long tradition of lay involvement. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported us by offering and exercising their gifts and skills. Without you we would not have been able to be as effective in our churches and communities as we have been.

In 2022 we were able to take 13 weddings, 59 funerals and 9 interments of Ashes. Seven of our church members were confirmed and we took 4 baptisms.

As we look to the future, we the Ministry Team, encourage you all to seek God’s guidance on how you might be able to support the work of WEP in the local churches and communities we serve.

Revd. Ian Herbert, Revd. Paul Norris, Revd. Charmaine Howard, Revd. Nicola Vidamour

4.2 Secretarial Report for WEP ACM 2023

During this past year of 2022/23 WEP has returned to a normal life. We have held our Trustees meetings face to face. We are not as yet at full strength with the numbers of possible Trustees. The Annual Congregational Meeting in 2022 was held on two occasions because the first ACM was not quorate. The second attempt attracted a very good turnout of members (53) and was held at St Thomas’ on 11[th] May 2022. The Trustees have met five times during the year. The Minutes of all these meetings are available to read in the Parish Office and online. Services have resumed in the churches, although some churches have offered streaming for their services as a hybrid.

Tim May, Parish Administrator, has been working partly remotely and is in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or by appointment. He has been compiling and sending out the Parish newsletter and Prayer Diary electronically and also paper copies for those who are not on email. Tim has delivered these for which we record our thanks. In addition, over the past year Tim has been taking the Minutes at some of the Trustee meetings and also the PCC meetings. Tim has also offered his expertise through the year with PAT testing of appliances and risk assessments. Our thanks too for his help in collating this annual report. The web site (woughton.org) has been moved during the year to a different hosting site Churches 123. Each church is responsible for its own page and continues to be a valuable resource for people to find out information regarding the Woughton Partnership.

Our prayers are now for us to work together as a responsible Partnership. We look for new opportunities to grow and serve God here in Woughton.

Di Miller Secretary to WEP. February 2023

4.3 CHRIST THE VINE COMMUNITY CHURCH REPORT

2022 has been a challenging year for the church, as we have faced many difficulties. However, through it all, we have continued to develop our relationship with God and our communities.

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Our Relationship with God

Despite the challenges of the past year, we have come through lockdown with a strong sense of God's grace and mercy. We have continued to worship both in-person and online on Sundays, praising God for all he has done and is doing in our lives. We have also continued to develop our relationship with God through our weekly Bible Study group, Study Vine. This group meets on Zoom on Thursday mornings and typically includes videos, Bible readings, discussion, reflection, and prayer. The group has been a source of strength and support for us during these challenging times.

Blessings Course

We held the Blessings Course during the summer on Monday mornings for six weeks. This small group met to pray for the church and its communities, and also to walk the streets of Coffee Hall speaking blessings on the people, the shops, offices, schools, places of work and worship and all the homes. The course ended with a fellowship meal.

Mission

As the Blessings Course ended, praying continued and the group became a "Meet Up Mondays" group which meets for prayers followed by board games, table tennis, and a light lunch. There are currently 11 regular attenders and a few more people who attend on occasion.

Grapevine

The Grapevine Wellbeing Hub was created to meet the community's need for such provision and is open on Fridays from 10 am till 2 pm. There are now 30 regular users of the Grapevine Wellbeing Hub who enjoy participating in gardening activities, art and craft, music making, table tennis, and chatting over food and drink in the cafe. A prayer and reflection time is offered at the end of each session and is very well attended.

Dementia Services

The church is currently used by Admiral Nurses to provide support for Carers of people living with dementia. This is a drop-in group where carers can enjoy company with others and chat over tea and coffee.

Coffee Hall Residents Association

We worked with the Coffee Hall Residents Association, (CHRA) the Woughton Community Council, and the Royal British Legion to offer our communities Family Fun Days, Christmas Fairs, and Remembrance Services.

Conclusion

Our verse for the year is 2 Chronicles 7:14. We chose this verse because we understood God’s call for us to draw near to him, to make him the centre and focus of our attention and lives. And that requires us to pray, rest in his presence and allow him to heal us, our relationships, and our land. We plan to continue this in 2023.

David Hart April 2023

4.4 Annual Report – Holy Trinity, Woolstone

During our worship in 2022, we introduced a Café style service on the first Sunday of each month. This service has been well received, and on occasions we have seen new faces. We continue with the individual cups for communion, as this is a preference for our congregation. We celebrated in partnership with Woolstone Management Community, Her Majesty the Queens Platinum Jubilee, with a afternoon tea, which saw over 180 people from Woolstone and Springfield joining us for this celebration. Our Christmas services were well attending with our midnight communion service having a congregation of 52, of which 48 were non-church members, we continue to see occasional visitors to our services.

I want to acknowledge here my thanks for the support and encouragement, we as church have received during 2022. To Sue, Sophie, and Judith, for leading us in our Sunday worship, to John and Judy for committing to lead us in worship and preaching the word.

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Friends, thank you for remaining faithful to Holy Trinity, it has been another tough year for many of us, we have lost loved ones, suffered sickness, felt fearful, lonely, and lost, so together let us continue to hold our church, our community, and our city in our prayers as we seek God’s vision for us. In Christ

Revd. Ian Herbert (Rector) 4.5 St Mary’s Woughton on the Green report by Kim Weston DCC Chair This has been a year of mixed emotions with joy, sadness and uncertainty, a daily occurrence but with God`s will, we have maintained our numbers, seen some new beginnings and remained strong as a church and community. The District Church Council DCC has met 9 times during the year, now face to face and have had open discussions and planned ahead, meetings always start with prayer, and I am grateful to Di Miller for being our minute secretary.

David Bird, our Church warden, is well supported in his role by Jean Mattinsley and between them and the Baldwins, and all the other teams, garden, cleaners, flower arrangers , the Church and grounds are kept in good condition and problems dealt with as quickly as possible.

Obviously our own AGM report was lengthy so these are the bullet points of it.

Worship and community

Practical Issues

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Mission, Outreach, and Fundraising

My thanks to Rev Paul Norris for his continued ministry to us all and for the whole congregation for their regular membership and support during what has been a busy year again.

4.6 St. Thomas’ ACM 2023

Minister’s Report

It seems appropriate that the death and resurrection of Lazarus was the lectionary gospel reading for today as the death and funerals of our sister, Alison and our brothers, John and Eric, are still very live and poignant memories in my heart and mind and soul as I look back on the last year. We have wept, as the friends and family of Lazarus did, and we have proclaimed together that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

2022 will also be remembered because of the death of the Queen. Earlier in the year, we had a wonderful celebration of her Platinum Jubilee, complete with knitted flowers and crown, and Eric as our Archbishop!

Iola’s report has already mentioned many other highlights of the year – as well as the ongoing issues with the chancel. I know that all of you will want to echo my thanks to Iola for her exemplary service as church warden – and to assure her of our continuing prayers for her daughter, Rebecca and all the family.

I also want to express gratitude to Paul le Sueur, Lynn Castle and Linda Kirk for their support with leading worship; to say thank you for the music to Mike, Matthew, Megan, Alan and Jean Mattinsley - and to Hilary and the recently formed choir; to Pat for organising the concerts and quizzes; to all the members of the DCC and particularly to Ruth who is an outstanding secretary and to Mike, our financial consultant; to everyone who helps with providing refreshments and clearing up afterwards, counting money, cleaning, giving out books, putting up hymn numbers, arranging flowers, looking after the churchyard, running the walkers’ teas, singing hymns with our friends across the road, and offering support for weddings, baptisms and funerals. And I want to thank all of you not just for what you do but for who you are as individuals and for who we are together as a Christian community. I feel part of the body of Christ in this place and that is a gift and a joy.

I am looking forward to another year of ministry amongst you and I thank God for this church – both the building and the people.

Grace and peace. Rev. Nicola Vidamour 25[th] March 2023

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Church Warden’s report for St Thomas’ Church ACM 26[th] March 2023

Once again “thank you” to you all for your support during this past year. Thank you also to Rev Nicola for her guidance and leadership, and to Ruth our capable secretary. The Chancel, the large cracks in the walls remain!

We have spent more money on investigative work and now the architect thinks that the problems may be caused by the large number of trees that surround the chancel. We are waiting further advice from an arboriculturist. A leaded glass window slipped out and this is now boarded and made safe.

Some flashing on the north side of the church now needs repairing. We are waiting for a quote for the work and for the cost of scaffolding.

The Rev Paul Le Sueur celebrated the 60[th] Anniversary of ordination in June. A lovely celebration.

The churchyard is looking good. The gardener worked hard following the year of biodiversity. Pat arranged a quiz for the “gardening fund” and members made donations. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.

Reverend Nicola celebrated the launch of her new book “Where Two rivers Meet” on the 2[nd] July. Her mother, family members, her friends from her school days, friends from her professional life and many of us from of St. Thomas’ Church all enjoyed this book launch.

A new sound system was installed into the church in October. This was an anonymous donation from a very good friend of St Thomas’ church.

We all thought that Alison Lucas was recovering from her surgery, when sadly she died in September. She is now at rest in St Thomas’ churchyard. We also lost John Castle in September.

Eric’s Coles last public duty was laying the wreath on Remembrance Day. Just before Christmas Eric became ill and was admitted to hospital. At 96 years Eric died peacefully. A fund was set up in Eric’s memory to help with the cost of the major repairs to the chancel. This fund now stands at £1,686 [inclusive of Gift Aid]. We are also planning to purchase new hymn books in memory of Eric.

Philip Coppen was persuaded to have his beard shaved! This raised £770 in sponsorship for the Building Fund.

Our visits to the Day Centre in Simpson continue each month. Rev Nicola and five members from St Thomas take percussion instruments to the Day Centre. The clients and the staff join in the hymn singing.

In December the children from Charles Warren Academy held their Christmas concert in Church. The atmosphere was wonderful with Mums and Dads all enjoyed the Christmas Spirit.

The making of Christingles. The uniformed organisations [guides Scouts] joined us in Church to make Christingles. The young people and their leaders had a great fun.

Thanks to Pat who continues to run Quizzes for our Church funds, the gardening fund and other charities.

This past year has been busy, we have welcomed new members, and, enjoyed fellowship and fun.

Iola Samuels Church Warden

4.7 Trinity Church, Fishermead

In March 2022 we launched the Community Larder, and over the course of 2022 we saw the numbers increase. The Community Larder has enabled the team of committed volunteers to interact and build relationships with those living in our community. A huge thanks to Don & Marilyn Mahon, Chris & Ann Bell, Kim Weston, Irene and Ophelia and those from the

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community who occasionally support us. Over 2022 we’ve seen our congregation increase
with new members joining, although there is no regular pattern at the moment. Our online
sermon reflection on a Tuesday, monthly Bible Study and Evening Prayer/Compline remains
with a faithful few. Our children’s work supported by Marilyn and Ann, for whom we give
thanks, for their continued commitment with a small number of children. Highlight of 2022,
our Harvest Service, where the congregation joined together in clearing and removing
garden waste from the Trinity Centre garden. Easter, Advent and Christmas service were of
great joy, as we saw members of our congregation returning.
I want to acknowledge here my thanks for the support and encouragement we as church
have received during 2022. To Don and Jill, for leading us in our Sunday worship, to Chris
and Hannah for committing to lead us in worshiping and preaching the word. To Chris for
leading us our online Tuesday afternoon Bible reflection and first Sunday of the month Bible
Study, and to Ann for taking on the role of hospitality and refreshments. To Marilyn, Don,
Gabriel and Elizabeth, for setting the church up, and for all those who help pack away the
church, and setup for the Larder.
Friends, thank you for remaining faithful to Trinity, it has been another tough year for many
of us, we have lost loved ones, suffered sickness, felt fearful, lonely and lost, so together let
us continue to hold our church, our community and our city in our prayers as we seek God’s
vision for us.
In Christ
Revd. Ian Herbert (Rector)
4.8 Marriage in the Parish
Please refer to Ministers Report
4.9 Baptism and Thanksgiving Naming and Blessings:
Please Refer to Ministers Report
4.10 Bereavement Care:
Please refer to Ministers Report
4.11 Adults, Babies and Children (ABC):
ABC has been held in Christ the Vine for many years, and we as a Partnership thank Nikki
and Anna for the quality of their work. The range of activities provided for the group is
extensive, and there are now 20 regular children (plus their adults) attending. We are
committed to supporting and helping this community to grow.
4.12 The Netherfield Partnership Limited (NP Ltd):
Nothing to report.
4.13 Webmaster's Report for 2023 AGM
In the early part of the year, the website continued much as before with content being
posted as and when it was received.
During the year, the Trustees decided that they would like a more modern and mobile-
device-friendly website and the Communications Group was tasked to develop this under
the direction of David Hart. The new website on Church 123 was authorised to go live at the
November 2022 Trustees meeting.
Geoffrey Miller, Webmaster

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4.14 Safeguarding Report for 2023 APCM

Safeguarding Policy

We continue to follow the Methodist Safeguarding Policy. The full version is available here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/28840/safeguarding_policy_and_procedures_for_the_m ethodist_church_in_britain-march_2023.pdf

A shorter version – which should be on the website and on the noticeboard of every local church – is in the process of being reviewed and will hopefully be available soon. Resignation of Safeguarding Lead

Kim Weston resigned as safeguarding lead with immediate effect on 29th December 2022. We would like to express our appreciation to Kim for taking on this role and for the work she did during her time in office. Revd Nicola Vidamour is currently covering this role but we urgently need to find a new lay person to take on this responsibility.

DBS Checks

These are valid for five years. Tim May or Nicola Vidamour are authorised to do the online applications and document checks. All those who have substantial contact (i.e. more than handing someone a cup of coffee or a hymnbook) with children, young people and vulnerable adults requires a DBS check. Anyone who preaches or takes a service also needs to have a DBS check and complete the relevant training.

Training

The Methodist Circuit runs Foundation Training sessions regularly and a number of people from WEP have attended these in the last year. This needs renewing every four years. There is now a new Advanced Training which is obligatory for the roles listed below. Thankfully, those who have done the Anglican Church Leadership Module (formerly known as C2) do not need to do the Methodist Advanced Training. Once the Advanced Training has been done, the Foundation Training does not need to be repeated/renewed.

Nicola Vidamour

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5.

Financial Review:

5.1 Independent Examiner:

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5.2 A statement of the principal financial policies including reserves:

1 Principal accounting policies

Trustees’ responsibility in relation to the financial statements

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Reserves policy

Only the general fund meets the Charity Commission’s definition for reserves, resulting in reported reserves of £37,522 at 31 December 2022. The trustees seek to maintain reserves at not less than three months’ general fund expenditure (i.e. £35,936 based on 2022 expenditure), believing that this provides a prudent buffer against unforeseen spends. Sudden serious income shortfall is not seen as a major risk as the majority of the Partnership’s income is derived from a large number of donors as well as fees and premises lettings, none of which is individually significant. Although no single donor, on their own, is significant it should be noted that four Partnership couples deliver just over a fifth of total Partnership income.

1 Accounting policies

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102. In preparing the financial statements the Partnership follows best practice as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” effective January 2015.

(b) Basis of consolidation

These financial statements consolidate the financial results of the various activities of Woughton Ecumenical Partnership on a line-by-line basis. Certain of these activities are not directly managed by the trustees but delegated to groups within the Partnership. These activities have been accounted for as branches and the financial results shown within separate designated funds.

(c) Incoming resources

Voluntary income is recognised when received. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Grants (including grants for the purchase of fixed assets) are recognised in full in the year in which they have been received. Each grant is disclosed within the category of income that is most appropriate to the activity it is intended to support.

Incoming resources from charitable activities is recognised when the activity giving rise to the income takes place.

Investment income is recognised on an accruals basis.

(d) Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered.

Grants & donations payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which the Partnership decides they should be made. Accruals are made if the payment is not made until the

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following year. In all cases where such accruals have been made, either the details of the grant or donation have been communicated to the beneficiary before the end of the year or the payment is the result of a specific appeal.

(e) Fund accounting

Charity law requires the net assets of the Partnership to be accounted for within a number of funds. The Partnership operates the following two types of funds.

Unrestricted general funds

These are funds that can be used in accordance with the Partnership’s charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

This is the fund through which the normal operating activities of the Partnership are recognised.

With the exception of the URC Manse and Ministry Fund these funds are not directly managed by the trustees but by groups delegated to run and oversee these activities on behalf of the Partnership and its trustees. These funds are shown in the Designated Fund column of the financial statements

Following the lifting of restrictions Adults, Babies and Children Group (ABC) have returned to normal operations remaining alert to any guidance changes should they arise. The lockdown meant there was a development of alternative support for the homeless served by the Soup Run so the team have decided to cease their activities.

These are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. Currently the Partnership has no major plans that might require designations. On the resumption of services in April 2021, the congregation of Christ the Vine elected to prioritise their local mission plans over their local running costs and obligations to the wider Partnership and designated a portion of their regular weekly offertory to achieve their mission aims.

Restricted Funds

These are funds that can only be used for specific purposes within the Partnership’s objects. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific projects or purposes.

These expendable funds are operated by the local church councils but overseen by the trustees or (where required by Church of England rules and mostly relating to building matters) the Parochial Church Council. The income and expenditure of these funds are shown in the Restricted Fund column of the financial statements.

There are a number of funds currently in operation in the Partnership with most operated by the churches.

Christ the Vine currently have three ongoing funds.

Gift Day: Donations made specifically for local investment, mission and support to Christian charities. There were no spends against this fund during 2022.

Building Fund: gifts and donations were received throughout 2022 in order to build the fund needed to pay for building issues as they arise or are identified by the church council. The urgent electrical inspection, broken window and radiator repairs were the main spends during the financial year.

Legacy: the church received a legacy from a former member for church purposes during 2022.

Suspense: The CVCC church members had decided at a congregational meeting how their offertory was to be split signing declarations to affirm this decision. However, no approval had been sought from the trustees either before or at the time the decision was made. The offertory was temporarily held in suspense from the date the trustees were advised the church had made its decision until the formal presentation to the WEP trustees. The funds were then distributed in accordance with the instructions issued by the trustees.

Flood Relief: Following flooding in Coffee Hall a fund was set up to support those who would not have the ability to pay for the repair and recovery work. This is operated by the WEP trustees in partnership with the local Parish Council. There was no need to call on the fund during the financial year.

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St Mary’s have received donations for specific major developments or repairs to the church building at Woughton on the Green. There are three ongoing funds and these are as follows:

Audio: There was only the purchase of a microphone stand during 2022 but gifts, donations and fundraising events continue to generate the funds necessary for the acquisition of the Audio Visual equipment.

Clock: a donation was originally made for the repair or replacement of the tower clock mechanism. The original donors agreed that the funds remaining, following the mechanism installation, could be retained and used at the discretion of the Church Council. The fund was used to pay for some minor maintenance work on the clock mechanism.

Fabric: a gas heater and ceramic hob were replaced during 2022. The congregation continue to donate for the upkeep of the main church building, tower and churchyard.

St Thomas’ started a building fund in 2015 for the purposes of fabric and churchyard restoration. The funds have been generated through fundraising events, grant applications and donations. It was originally created to acquire a new noticeboard and repair the paths. The fund is being utilized to pay for continuing inspections in order to identify the source of the subsidence. The movements caused by the subsidence has necessitated minor repairs to keep the building intact and protected from the elements. Quizzes, concerts, donations and grant applications are generating the cash needed to pay for the completion of the inspection that will identify what is required to sure up the site and protect the building.

A legacy received specifically for local St Thomas’ projects has not been used during 2022.

Trinity received a gift, in 2016, to be used for local activities. The use is to be determined by the Church Council. The fund was used to purchase polo shirts and jackets in 2022.

The Baptist Association grant is still to be used. It is still intended to proceed with the project for the young people of Fishermead. The fall out from the pandemic continued to be a delaying factor during the financial year.

• Endowments

These are permanent funds. The income and expenditure of these funds is shown in the Endowment Fund column of the financial statements.

The Partnership currently has six separate permanent funds managed by CCLA. The income generated from these investments is allocated to the appropriate District in the Partnership in accordance with the Trust documents.

5.3 Banking and accounting arrangements:

The Partnership operates a number of bank accounts all managed centrally. The accounts used and their closing 2022 balances are:

CAF £8,701 (presented cheques and deposits but uncleared at the end of 2022 would add a further £1,013 to the closing balance)

CAF Gold £50,521 Central Board of Finance £70,920 CCLA £23,002

All the Partnership transactions were processed through these accounts or the petty cash floats held and operated by St Mary’s, the Adults, Babies and Children Group and the Homeless Group.

Detailed figures were presented to the trustees on a quarterly basis.

5.4 General Unrestricted Fund outturn and budget:

The Partnership ended 2022 with a small General Fund surplus of £676. This is a £15k improvement on the outturn predicted in the budget. Although there were no appeals the Partnership still benefitted from a number of large one-off gifts that could not have been predicted or relied upon when computing the budget. Tax Efficient Giving also improved delivering a beneficial impact on the tax recovered through the Gift Aid scheme. There were also improvements in Other and Activity Income but these income strands were moderated by allocations to external bodies.

Utilities & Rates expenditure was also considerably lower than budget. This also contributed to the final surplus.

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The financial statements show the apportionment of ministry and overhead using the existing
standing financial instruction. The generous one-off gifts meant only the first call on churches was
needed.
Although the outcome of the 2022 budget computations challenged the long standing ministry and
overhead apportionment methodology the outturn allowed for the continuation of the existing
approach.
The 2023 General Fund Budget is close to completion but could not be concluded until the method of
apportioning the ministry and central overheads has been identified and agreed.
5.5 A Report of Fund Raising Activity:
In normal years the principle methods of raising funds are:
o
Member’s donations and, where appropriate, the recovery of tax.
o
Subscriptions and hire fees.
o
A wide variety of fundraising events e.g., fetes, quizzes, concerts, tabletop sales etc.
o
Minor Grants to support specific Partnership activities.
o
Major Grants and special appeals to support specific significant Partnership projects or
activities.
o
Fees from Funerals, Weddings & Thanksgiving, naming and blessings.
o
Interest from deposit accounts and dividends from investments.
5.6 Investment Policies and Performance:
To invest the unused Partnership funds in secure interest-bearing deposit accounts. To hold these
and the Partnership investments in secure and ethical funds in accordance with the Trust Deeds.
5.7 Notes to the 2022 Accounts
Partnership Unrestricted General Funds:
Incoming Resources
The Financial statements, in the Annual Report, only disclose the total of all funds operated by the
Partnership in 2021. Space does not allow for the separate reporting of the prior year Unrestricted
General Funds so the movements reported below cannot be extracted directly from the Financial
Statements included in the Annual Report. The 2021 Unrestricted General Fund figures can be found
in last year’s Annual Report or on request from the Partnership Treasurer who can be contacted by
email at treasurer@woughton.org.
i.
When compared to 2021, income from Donations and Legacies has decreased by £5,693.
Note 1 of the Financial Statements reports the breakdown of this income.
Tax Efficient Giving has fallen by £12,141, collections qualifying for Small Donations have
increased by £6,195. The combination of these movements has had a negative impact on the
Gift Aid and Small Donations Scheme re-claims from HMRC falling by £1,275.
The appeals promoted throughout 2021 ceased but there were still a number of ad hoc one-
off large donations. These went some way in easing the fall. The full year celebration of
church services throughout 2022 was the main reason for the increased plate giving.
Other Donations fell by £1,995 compared to the prior year. The appeal donations that did not
attract any form of income tax recovery were included under this heading. So the fall is
predominantly due to the appeals ceasing and the donations returning to their normal levels.
Although the income arose in different churches Appeals for specific projects remained
almost the same as the previous year.
There was no change to the Chapmans Educational Foundation grant even though activities
remained affected by the pandemic. There was a Diocesan grant received in support of the
digital deprivation project that Trinity Church is undertaking in partnership with the Trinity
Centre.
ii.
Charitable activities have seen a rise of £2,755 from the 2021 performance. The
breakdown of this income stream can be seen in Note 2 of the Financial Statements.
There were more Weddings in 2022 delivering an increase of £1,369. Funeral fee
income has also risen slightly. The manse letting income continued but there was an

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increase in St Thomas’ rental revenue delivering the bulk of the £1,180 favourable
movement compared to 2021.
iii.
Other Trading Activity increased by £970. The continued easing of restrictions meant that
events and activities gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels. The outcome is an increase
of £790 in Fundraising activities. The General Sales income increased moderately, up by
£180 on the prior year. This was predominantly a change in the Church Hall insurance costs
passed on under the
current arrangements. The breakdown of Other Trading Activity can be seen in Note 3.
iv.
Investments has increased by £446 compared to the previous year. The bank interest rates
on all deposits increased significantly towards the end of 2022. Interest income from the
permanent endowments is collected under the Endowments heading. Where the trust deeds
stipulate the interest generated has been transferred to the General Fund and allocated to the
church specified in each deed. This forms part of the ‘Transfers between funds figure’.
v.
Other Income is predominantly delivered from a number of sources that do not easily fit the
other revenue categories. There were a number of donations received from funerals or
events to pass on to a charity or cause.
Resources expended
i.
Raising Funds costs are £589 lower than 2021. The analysis of this expenditure can be seen
in Note 5 of the Financial Statements. Fundraising Costs have increased by £611, compared
to the prior year, due to the increased number of events; Advertising & Promotion
expenditure decreased by £240. There were no visits by the Diocesan architect or
independent valuers in 2022 delivering a £960 reduction compared to the prior year.
ii.
Charitable Activities have increased by £1,332 between years. There have been several
significant adverse and favourable movements under this heading. The breakdown of the
activities can be seen under Notes 6a to 6d.
iii.
Ministry and Related Staff Costs (Note 6 Sub Note (a)) have fallen by £3,698 compared to
2021. The LEP Share and Clergy Expenses have decreased £3,994; the manse running
costs are very similar to the previous year. There were two safeguarding sessions and a
retreat during 2022 increasing Training expenditure by £250 compared to the prior year.
iv.
Employed Staff costs rose by £128 compared to the prior year. The Partnership follows the
Living Wage Foundation announcements published in November each year. There were rate
rises announced in both 2021 and 2022 delivering the increase. See Note 6 Sub Note (b).
v.
Premises and Other Resource Costs (Note 6 Sub Note (c)) has fallen by £95 from 2021. The
most significant movements occurred on the following sub headings:
Premises running costs saw further savings and are down by £499 compared to 2021. Within
the headline figures there are expenditure movements both up and down but there was an
overall decrease of £1,497 on Gas, Electric and Water. The Partnership resumed paying the
share of utilities at Woolstone adding £474 to the 2022 running costs. When the tenants
moved into the manse there was a Council Tax refund in 2021. This was not repeated in
2022 and delivered a further adverse movement under this category. A review of the stock
levels meant Premises cleaning materials needed replenishing and increased the costs
compared to the previous year.
Maintenance is £264 lower than the prior year. Again a number of movements within the
headline figures. There were the normal annual service visits but there was arboricultural
work at St Mary’s and the five year electrical work at CVCC in 2022.
Partnership Administration is down by £62 on the prior year. The bulk of the Parish Office
Costs adverse movement, between years, is the increased use of photocopying. This is offset
by lower Professional Fees because there were no site visits during the year.
Upkeep of Services/Centre Hire; services had fully resumed in 2022. This meant that flowers
and service elements were once again being purchased regularly delivering an increase over
the previous year.
Insurance; normal rises in premiums delivered the £333 increase in insurance costs.
Equipment & New Building Works is £227 lower than the previous year. The purchases are
non-recurrent in nature so it is difficult to draw any conclusions from the movement between
years. A personal gift allowed for the investment in audio equipment at St Thomas’ during
2022.		 increase in St Thomas’ rental revenue delivering the bulk of the £1,180 favourable
movement compared to 2021.
iii.
Other Trading Activity increased by £970. The continued easing of restrictions meant that
events and activities gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels. The outcome is an increase
of £790 in Fundraising activities. The General Sales income increased moderately, up by
£180 on the prior year. This was predominantly a change in the Church Hall insurance costs
passed on under the
current arrangements. The breakdown of Other Trading Activity can be seen in Note 3.
iv.
Investments has increased by £446 compared to the previous year. The bank interest rates
on all deposits increased significantly towards the end of 2022. Interest income from the
permanent endowments is collected under the Endowments heading. Where the trust deeds
stipulate the interest generated has been transferred to the General Fund and allocated to the
church specified in each deed. This forms part of the ‘Transfers between funds figure’.
v.
Other Income is predominantly delivered from a number of sources that do not easily fit the
other revenue categories. There were a number of donations received from funerals or
events to pass on to a charity or cause.
Resources expended
i.
Raising Funds costs are £589 lower than 2021. The analysis of this expenditure can be seen
in Note 5 of the Financial Statements. Fundraising Costs have increased by £611, compared
to the prior year, due to the increased number of events; Advertising & Promotion
expenditure decreased by £240. There were no visits by the Diocesan architect or
independent valuers in 2022 delivering a £960 reduction compared to the prior year.
ii.
Charitable Activities have increased by £1,332 between years. There have been several
significant adverse and favourable movements under this heading. The breakdown of the
activities can be seen under Notes 6a to 6d.
iii.
Ministry and Related Staff Costs (Note 6 Sub Note (a)) have fallen by £3,698 compared to
2021. The LEP Share and Clergy Expenses have decreased £3,994; the manse running
costs are very similar to the previous year. There were two safeguarding sessions and a
retreat during 2022 increasing Training expenditure by £250 compared to the prior year.
iv.
Employed Staff costs rose by £128 compared to the prior year. The Partnership follows the
Living Wage Foundation announcements published in November each year. There were rate
rises announced in both 2021 and 2022 delivering the increase. See Note 6 Sub Note (b).
v.
Premises and Other Resource Costs (Note 6 Sub Note (c)) has fallen by £95 from 2021. The
most significant movements occurred on the following sub headings:
Premises running costs saw further savings and are down by £499 compared to 2021. Within
the headline figures there are expenditure movements both up and down but there was an
overall decrease of £1,497 on Gas, Electric and Water. The Partnership resumed paying the
share of utilities at Woolstone adding £474 to the 2022 running costs. When the tenants
moved into the manse there was a Council Tax refund in 2021. This was not repeated in
2022 and delivered a further adverse movement under this category. A review of the stock
levels meant Premises cleaning materials needed replenishing and increased the costs
compared to the previous year.

Maintenance is £264 lower than the prior year. Again a number of movements within the headline figures. There were the normal annual service visits but there was arboricultural work at St Mary’s and the five year electrical work at CVCC in 2022. Partnership Administration is down by £62 on the prior year. The bulk of the Parish Office Costs adverse movement, between years, is the increased use of photocopying. This is offset by lower Professional Fees because there were no site visits during the year.

Upkeep of Services/Centre Hire; services had fully resumed in 2022. This meant that flowers and service elements were once again being purchased regularly delivering an increase over the previous year.

Insurance; normal rises in premiums delivered the £333 increase in insurance costs.

Equipment & New Building Works is £227 lower than the previous year. The purchases are non-recurrent in nature so it is difficult to draw any conclusions from the movement between years. A personal gift allowed for the investment in audio equipment at St Thomas’ during 2022.

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There were increases on the remaining categories in Sub Note (c) but these arose from the full resumption of Junior Church and ABC activities; bible purchases needed for the rise in Baptism/Naming and Blessing services also contributed to the adverse movememt. vi. Grants and donations payable (Note 6 Sub Note (d)) were up by £5,253 compared to 2021. The restrictions being lifted allowed more fund-raising events to be staged during 2022 for good causes. The transfer of the Digital Deprivation grant to the Trinity Centre added £3,986 to the Grants and donations outlay.

General Fund:

The General Fund performance, by District, can be seen in the first section of Note 9.

A budget was not approved in 2022. The absence meant the apportionment of ministry and overheads was based on the outturn positions of the churches. A gift made specifically for minister costs has meant that only the local church surpluses was needed to pay the remaining ministry and overhead expenditure.

This has meant that all churches ended 2022 in a breakeven position. Parish Central ended with a small surplus of £498. The year end position of the Church Hall is merely the result of the payment arrangements.

The apportionment method adopted to distribute ministry and overheads across churches does not alter the overall Unrestricted General Fund outcome. The Partnership ended 2022 with a surplus of £676.

Partnership Groups and Designations:

The summary of Partnership Groups and Designations can be seen in the second section of Note 9 titled Designated funds.

ABC (Adults, Babies and Children Group) met throughout 2022. The data is incomplete but the latest position is a £26 surplus. This will change when the final receipts and payments are compiled and included. The financial activity will not be material enough to undermine the overall Partnership position.

For the period of a year Christ the Vine designated 25% of their regular Sunday plate offertory towards mission activities. When the designation proposal was presented to the trustees it was not approved. However, the sum that accumulated over the twelve month period has been retained and used to fund various local CVCC initiatives and activities.

The Homeless Group (the Soup Run); alternative ways of supporting the homeless were developed during lockdown replacing the support originally provided by the Soup Run. Given this development the Soup Run decided to cease its operations.

Part of the income from the letting of the Manse has been set aside to meet the cost of the subsidence repairs once the remedial work required has been identified.

There was no activity on the other designated funds except the accrued interest in 2022.

Partnership Restricted Funds:

CVCC Building: The fund was initially started by an assignment of regular Sunday offertory. The fund has subsequently been moved to be correctly built up with donations and grants restricted specifically for the purpose. It has been used to repair the radiators, fence and window. The electrical inspection was also charged to the fund but this was offset by a Diocesan grant awarded for this purpose. A computer was included in the submitted capital plan so the purchase has been charged against this fund.

Christ the Vine received a legacy to support the church. Given the donor has specified the gift be used by the local church it has been treated as restricted.

St Mary’s continue to receive gifts for the next phase of the Audio Visual installation. A microphone stand was charged to the fund during 2022.

St Mary’s also retain the remainder of a gift intended to replace or repair the clock mechanism. It has been used for maintenance work carried out on the clock mechanism in 2022.

St Mary’s Fabric continues to receive regular gifts from supporters and, where appropriate, this is supplemented by the Gift Aid re-claim. The fund also receives money from a dedicated church box. Most recently the fund has been used to pay for a replacement gas heater and ceramic hob.

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St Thomas': Building; the work on the Chancel subsidence is continuing with further architect and surveyor site visits. There was further ground movements during 2022 which eventually necessitated the boarding up of a window. The expenditure was ameliorated with a recovery of VAT through the Listed Places of Worship scheme. The church members have responded to this urgent work with a number of personal gifts, fundraising events and grant applications. The church continues to seek avenues to meet the financial exposure that the subsidence has visited upon them.

Trinity Church: Restricted; the church is partnered with the Trinity Centre in the operation of the Fishermead Digital Deprivation initiative. The church has also partnered with SOFEA to open a Community Larder. It has used its restricted fund to purchase polo shirts and fleeces with the church logos printed on them to raise visibility while working with the partners. Apart from the accrued interest there was no activity on the other restricted funds with retained balances.

Investments:

The Partnership holds six permanent trust funds all managed by CCLA. Five are invested in the CBF Church of England Fund as income shares and one in the COIF Charities Investment Fund as income units. They are as follows: The Woughton-on-the-Green Church House (127001608S) annual income from investments is used for Woughton Parish charitable purposes.

The Woughton-on-the-Green Church – Levi Trust (127001566S) is a fund applied in or towards an organist and tuning and minor repairs to the organ at St. Mary's Church, Woughton-on-the-Green. The Dividends Received from (127002702S) Little Woolstones Church Hall, sold in 1984, are passed back to the DCC to be used by the local church. The Dividends Received from (127002582S) Simpson Church Hall, sold in 1973, are passed back to the DCC to be used by the local church.

The Woughton-on-the-Green Church Trust (127002774S) is a fund received in respect of a Deed of Variation in 1992. The annual income from investments is to be used for the repair and upkeep of the fabric of St. Mary's Church, Woughton-on-the-Green.

The Dividends Received from Woughton-on-the-Green Church Trust (COIF - 546050001T) are passed back to the DCC of St. Mary's Church, Woughton-on-the-Green.

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Woughton Ecumenlcal Partnershlp Flnanclal statements to the month erbded 31 Detember 2022 Statement of Financial Activities 2022 Designated funds 2022 Restritted funds 2022 funds 2022 Endowments 2022 funds 2022 funds 2021 Income and endowments from.. 112,604 21,976 4,642 457 698 2,657 5,771 224 13,590 128,851 27,747 7.524 6.395 3.536 140,458 25,037 6,384 4,933 45 2,658 626 2,838 Inve5tment5 Other 246 5,066 Total Expenditure on.. 140,377 8,898 19,712 5,066 174,053 I76￿57 13,0791 1159.5601 12,6401 Total 1143,7421 19251 17,3931 110,5791 1162,6391 122,6721 1161,0951 24,178 Net incomellexpenditurel Tran$fers b8iwoen fund$ 13,3651 4.041 7.973 433 12,319 128,1851 111.2581 39,940 N¢t movement in fufids 676 8.406 9,907 130,2471 39,940 Reconciliation of funds.. Total funds brought forward 36.846 22.485 47,117 233.501 139.949 300,009 Total lund$ tarried forward 37,522 30,891 57,024 203,254 328,691 339,949 Balance Sheet 2022 Oesignated Restricted fund5 funds 2022 2022 funds 2022 Endowments fund5 2022 fund5 2021 2022 Fixed assetS'. Investments 12 170.239 170.239 192.911 Totallixed as5et5 170,239 170.239 19Z,911 Curr•nt assots.. Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 4,935 34,191 517 56,507 5,457 154.599 6,705 144,597 30,886 33,015 Total curront a$$8ts 39,126 30,891 57,024 J3,015 160,056 151,302 Crtditors.. Amounts fallln8 due withln one year 11.6041 14,264 Net ¢urrent Assets or liabilities 37,522 30,891 57,024 33,015 158,452 147,038 Total as5•ts1gss curr•nt liabilitigs Netosset orlicbilitie5 excluding pension u55etorliobility 37.522 30,891 57.024 203.254 128.691 339,949 37.522 30.891 57.024 203.254 328.691 339.949 37,522 30,891 57,024 203,254 328,691 339,949 Thg funds of thg charity.. Endowment funds li 203,254 203.254 57,024 68.413 233,501 47,117 59,331 Resiri¢ted income funds Unrestricted funds io 57,024 37,522 30,891 Total unr4strictgd funds 37.522 30.891 68,413 59,331 Total charity funds 37.522 30,891 57,024 203.254 328.691 339,949 32

Notes Unrèstrittèd funds 2022 Oesignatèd funds 2022 RÈstrirtÈd funds 2022 Endowments funds 2022 funds 2021 2022 Note l.. Donations and legacies 63,493 12,554 19,231 9,998 3,092 4,236 1,091 497 345 724 3,159 2,573 1,368 341 67.743 15.624 20,944 11,063 8.241 5.236 81,078 6,359 21,867 13,047 7,237 5,870 5,000 Small Donations Gift Aid and Small Donatlon Re-clalm Other Donations Appeals Grènts 5,149 1,000 Legacies Tot•1 Donation$ •thd leggcles 112.604 2.657 13.590 IZ8.851 140,458 Note 2.. Charitable activities Baptism Fees Funeral Fee5 Wedding Fee5 6,974 4,897 10,105 6,974 4.897 15.876 6,768 3,528 14,741 5,771 Total Ch•ritsble activitie$ 21,976 5,771 27,747 25,037 Note 3.. Other trading actlvSties 2,944 2,658 5,602 224 4,539 327 224 1,698 1.698 1,518 Totsl Other tradin8 activitie$ 4,642 224 2,658 7,524 6,384 Note 4.. Investrnents 457 246 626 1,329 29 Investment Income from Endowments 5,066 5.066 4,904 Total Investmet)t$ 457 246 626 5,066 6,395 4,933 Note 5.. Raising funds 1,813 704 2,517 562 1,440 240 960 Advertisin8 & Promotion Grant Application & Professional Costs 562 Tatsl Riislngfvthds 1,813 1,266 3,079 Z,640 Note 6.. Charitable activities l•) Ministry and Related Staff Cost5 Mission Pèrtner5hip LEP Share Clergy Expenses Manse Running Expenses 85,098 4,648 516 85.098 4,648 516 91,443 2,618 470 750 254 1,004 500 91,012 254 91,266 95,031 Ibl Ernployed Staff Average number of part time staff 2022 2021 Salaries & wages 14,294 70 14,341 151 14,364 14,492 33

Unrestricted funds 2022 Designated funds 2022 Restricted funds 2022 Total funds 2022 Endowment5 funds 2021 2022 Icl Premises and other resource costs Premise5 runnin8 COSt5 Maintenance 7,279 4,250 4,897 3,173 7,704 1,213 347 180 1,505 8,784 8,086 14,Z90 3.173 7,704 2,566 817 1,000 7,778 6,725 6,358 2,985 7,371 14,576 339 243 455 3,381 1,893 7,500 Upkeep of Services/Centre Hire Equipment & New Building Works Junior Church, ABC & Youth Pastoral CarelHomeless 853 soo 470 820 29,043 925 6,127 10,325 46,420 46,375 Idl Grants and donations payable All We Can British Heart Foundation Buck5 Vision Cancer Research Community Voices Water Eaton Dffi Osprey Project Fishermead Trinity Centre Freedom frotn Torture Healing Hands Network Leaving Gift Martnillan MK-Art MK Bridgebuilder Trust MK Food Bank MK Prison Fèllowship RNLI 399 248 399 248 506 506 loo 483 416 483 416 300 347 310 347 310 25 32 32 232 156 20 48 48 129 129 396 91 413 334 67 Ivation Army Simpson Garden Group 92 92 Tear Fund The Mount Coffee Club Trinity Centre Internet Cafe Wader Quest Woter Aid Donation Zimbabwe Housing Project 41 458 3,986 41 458 3,986 323 Is 15 loo 7,510 7,510 1,557 Total ChrStbl• *dlvitl•s 141,929 915 6,127 10,579 159,560 158,455 Note 7: Debtors Gift Aid lax recoverable Sm311 Donation5 recoverable Amount5 falling due within one year 3,759 822 354 293 224 4,057 1,046 354 5,th)4 797 904 4,935 517 5,457 6,705 Note 8: Creditors Amounts falling due within one year CVCC- Donations Other creditors IWeddin851 48 48 S81 2,838 845 1,556 1,556 1,604 1,604 4,264 34

Note 9.. Unrestricted funds Balance at 15tJan 2022 Balance at 31st Dec 2022 Net Movement Income Expenditure Transfers Undesignatsd fund WEP General 23,326 3,759 14,373 10,361 2,992 51,752 1.600 31.129 28.170 140,377 1109,1021 18,7041 11,0891 95,227 23.824 3,759 498 HolyTrinity Stmarys St Mary's Church N811 St Thomas Trinity Church Fishermead Parish General Funds Designated funds Adults. Babies and Children Group Benevolent Fund Christ the Vine-. Designated Homeless Group Ministry Fund WEP Property URC Manse Woo15tone Chancel Trust 11,9031 145,8711 12.9901 178 3.267 11.117 36,846 119,SO81 2.267 11.137 37,522 1143,7421 4,041 676 1.262 78 238 1.288 79 26 789 163 433 964 5,141 1.763 2.204 9,899 6,319 3.234 964 163 4,978 1,763 1,763 2,204 4,526 6,242 3,195 22N85 5,828 77 5,373 77 Youth Fund 39 39 Parish Dgsignatod Funds 8,898 433 10.891 8,406 Pari$h General & D¢signat8d Fut)d$ WEP 5uspèn5e Accounts 59,331 845 149,275 11,924 1144,6671 4,474 68,413 1,556 9,082 711 60,176 161,199 1155,8801 4,474 69.969 9,793 Note 10.. Restricted fund$ Christ the Vine.- Gift Day 872 36 li 883 li 5,287 62 2,838 16 462 2.475 5.062 2,475 62 Christ the Vine.. Legacv Christ the Vine.. Suspense Coffee Hall.. Flood Relief 5t Mary's.. AV St Mary's.. Clock St Mary's.. F8bri¢ 5t Thoma5': Building St Thoma5': Legacy Trinity Church. Projects Trinity Church.. Restricted 5,000 12,8381 1,230 3,699 2,660 30.243 1,246 7.369 2.513 31.671 16 3,754 33 3,645 3,982 62 12 3,670 11801 1,428 2,906 62 12 5,031 1,006 801 5,093 1,018 249 io 47,117 19,71Z 17,3931 12,4121 57.024 9.907 Note 11.. Endowments Trust income retained Total Endowment Investments 40,590 192,911 5,066 110,5791 12,0621 33,015 170.239 17,5751 233.501 117,6061 110,5791 12,0621 203,254 130,2471 Note 12.. Investments Value DeceTnber Value December Dividends Share Holding5 Quantity 2022 Received 2021 WotG Church House112700160851 WotG Levi Trust112?00156651 Little Woo15tones Church Hall{127￿27015I Simpson Church Hall112700258251 WotG Churih Trust1127002774SI WotG Church Trust ICOIFI1546050LKIITI 4,889 818 1,038 218 181 1,245 101,014 16,901 21,447 4,504 3,740 22,633 3,(NJ4 503 638 134 iii 676 114.491 19.156 24,308 5,105 4,239 25,612 11341 8,389 170.239 5.066 192.911 35

2022 Statement of cash flows Current Year Totsl funds Prior year Total lunds Cash flows from operatin8 artNities: Net cash provided by (used inl operating activities (ash flows from investing activities.. Dividends, Interest and rents from Investments Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale ol Investments Purchase of investments Net cash provided by (used inj investinq artivities 3,607 8,894 6,395 4,933 6,395 4,933 o￿nge In ¢ash and cosh equivulents in the reporting period (ash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Chan8e in cash and tash equivalents due to exchange rate movements 10.002 13.827 144,597 130,770 Cttsh tsndcosh ¢quivol¢nts ot the •nd ol the r¢portlnq period 154,599 144,597 2022 Reconciliation of net incomel{expenditurel to net cash flow from operating activities Curr•nt Y•ar Prior Y•ar Net I￿OMe/(exPendrt￿re)￿0r the rewting peiyodlosper the stutement olfinunciul ortivltiesj Adju5tment5 for: Depreciation charges (Gainslnosses on investments Dividends. interest and rents from investments Lossllprofitl on the sale of fixed assets Ilncreaselldecrease in stocks Ilncreaselldecrease in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors N•t cash provid•d by lus•d inl op•r•tin8 activiti•s 111,2581 39,940 22,672 16,3951 124.1781 14,9331 1,248 12.6601 3,607 15.5491 3,614 8,894 2022 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Curr•nt Y•ar Prior Y•ar Cash in hand at close of year Notice deposits (less than 3 months) Overdraft facility repayable on demand Cosh ondcosh equivoltnts ot the •nd oyth¢ reporting period 154.599 144.597 154,599 144,597 36

Appendix 1

WEP ADULT MEMBERSHIP ROLL 2022 (2021 numbers shaded)
WEP ADULT MEMBERSHIP ROLL 2023 (2022 numbers shaded)
Church Anglican Baptist Methodist URC Ecumenical Other Totals
Christ the Vine 37
10 2 5 3 7 10 37
St Thomas' 21 1 3 1 6 2 39
21 1 3 1 8 5 39
St Mary's 70
44 2 7 5 0 10 68
Trinity 5 4 5 0 2 13 29
6 5 5 0 3 18 37
Woolstone 10 2 0 0 0 1 13
17 3 1 1 0 0 22
Totals for 2022 95 12 17 8 16 41 189
Totals By Year Anglican Baptist Methodist URC Ecumenical Other WEP
Total
2022 95 12 17 8 16 41 189
2021 98 13 21 10 18 43 203
2020 100 13 21 10 18 41 203
2019 99 14 25 6 26 42 211
2018 99 13 20 7 30 47 216
2017 91 15 15? 5 30 39 194
2016 85 14 18 5 28 31 181
2015 86 20 19 7 29 28 189
2014 99 19 20 7 26 31 202
2013 92 16 25 5 27 28 193
2012 91 15 29 2 24 33 194
2011 99 14 25 3 27 32 200

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Appendix 2

Appointments at Partnership Level 2020-21

Trustees of Woughton Ecumenical Partnership

and Woughton PCC Members 2022-23

Representing WEP Trustee WEP + PCC PCC Member
Christ the Vine
Community Church		 David Hart Mandy Heart
Woolstone Church John Howard
St Mary’s Church Kim Weston/Geoffrey
Miller		 Di Miller
St Thomas’ Church Lynn Castle
Iola Samuels
Trinity Church Marilyn Mahon Don Mahon
Team ex officio, other
ex officio,
co-opted		 Revd. Paul Norris
Revd. Ian Herbert
Revd. Nicola Vidamour
Revd. Charmaine Howard		 David Bird

Deanery Synod Representative Di Miller, Kim Weston

Church Wardens

Christ the Vine Community Church

David Hart

Woolstone Church

John Howard St Thomas’ Church Iola Samuels St Mary’s Church David Bird

United Area Meeting

Lynn Castle; Marilyn Mahon

Netherfield Partnership corporate member

Ian Herbert

Trustee of Trinity Centre Member of Trinity Centre Management Committee

Andrew Buckley

Ken MacLeod

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