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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD

Church of England

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford

St James the Great,Winscombe

4 th May 2025

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025 Agenda, Minutes of 2024APCM & Reports for St James the Great and All Saints for the year ended 31st December 2024

The Church of England Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford

Annual Parishioners Meeting 2025

Election of Churchwardens

To be held at the Church Centre, Winscombe, BS25 1BA

Sunday 4[th] May at 11.30am

AGENDA

Welcome and Opening Prayer
Apologies for Absence
Minutes of 2024 Annual Parishioners Meeting
Election of the Churchwardens to serve at St James’s
Election of the Churchwardens to serve at All Saints

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford Annual Parishioners’ Meeting Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.30am The Church Centre, Winscombe Minutes

	Benefce of Winscombe and Sandford Annual Parishioners’ Meetng Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.30am The Church Centre, Winscombe Minutes
Item		Acton
1. Welcome and Opening Prayer by the Chair	The Revd. Andrew Hiscox welcomed everyone to the meetng with a prayer
Atended by:	25 members atended the meetng
2. Apologies for Ab- sence	Apologies from 7 members were received before the meetng:
3. Minutes of the previous Annual Parishioners Meetng held on 30th April 2023	The approval of the minutes was : Proposed by: Hugh Gunn Seconded by: John Hayter and this was endorsed by all those present. Accordingly, the Chair signed the minutes.
4. Maters Arising	There were no maters arising.
5. Electon of Churchwardens	Nominaton for St James’s There were no nominatons for Churchwarden for St James. Nominaton for All Saints 1. Diana Williams Proposed by: Angela Morris Seconded by: Douglas Ogram The meetng endorsed this nominaton unanimously. The Chair expressed his sincere thanks to Ian Hine, Diana Williams and Douglas Ogram who had carried out their churchwarden dutes so well over the past year. Also as Ian Hine was retring as Churchwarden for St James and Douglas Ogram for All Saints the Chair, Rev. Andrew, on behalf of the meetng, expressed his thanks to Ian and Douglas for all their dedicaton over the years. In additon Bill Wallace was retring as PCC Secretary and Rev. Andrew also thanked him for all that he had done. Finally Rev. Andrew expressed his personal thanks and grattude to Ian, Douglas and Bill and then presented each with a gif.	Results of Electon Form to be displayed (WDC)
Closing remarks
	The Meetngclosed at 11.55am

The Church of England Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025

To be held at The Church Centre, Winscombe, BS25 1BA

on Sunday 4[th] May at 11.30am

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Apologies for Absence

3. Minutes of the APCM 2024 (with respect to 2023)

4. Reports

5.1 Report on the Fabric of St James and All Saints

5.2 Financial Statements for year ending 31[st] December 2024

5.3 Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod 2024

5.4 Safeguarding Report

5.5 Fresh Foundations/Church Centre Development

5. Electoral Roll – The revised Electoral Rolls for St James’s Church and All Saints Church

6. Elections and Appointments

7.1 Elections for PCC

7.2 Appointment of Stewards to St James and All Saints

7.3 Appointment of Independent Examiner to the PCC

7. Closing Remarks and Prayers

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Monday 21st April 2024 at 11.30am The Church Centre, Winscombe

Minutes

		Minutes
Item
1. Welcome		The Chair welcomed everyone to the meetng and opened with a prayer.
Atended by :		25 members atended the meetng
2. Apologies for Absence		Apologies had been received from 7 members before the meetng.
3. Minutes of the APCM held on 30th April 2023		The approval of the minutes of the 2023 APCM was Proposed by: Angela Morris Seconded by: Celia Hine and this was endorsed unanimously. Accordingly, the Chair signed the minutes.
4. Maters Arising		No Maters were raised
5. Annual Reports		5.1. Fabric St James and All Saints The Chair, Rev. Andrew drew the atenton of the meetng to these reports which had been previously circulated and invited any questons. No points were raised. 5.2. Financial Accounts 31 st December 2023 Sarah Gunn (SG) presented the Accounts and apologised for their late publicaton. The copy circulated was unsigned but the Examiner, Dick Beath, had now approved these accounts. St James’s SG reported that there was a defcit of c£12K for the year, mainly due to the full Parish Share being paid in 2023 and higher repair costs. Planned Giving was also falling, the fgures in the current year were distorted by the inclusion of the allowance received towards the costs of housing the Ukranian family, and SG invited ideas on how to increase giving. John Hayter (JH) noted that the Diocese was looking at alternatve ways of calculatng the Parish Share, and this cost was already taking an increasing share of the total expenditure which was not sustainable. SG agreed and reported that there were some reserves in place and at present it looked as if we would need to use these reserves to keep going. Rev. Andrew (AH) said that cost pressures were increasing natonally with the cost of living crisis and infaton being relatvely high. This is also refected in Diocesan costs. He noted that some Benefces in vacancy were having to accept additonal churches, such as Crook Peak and Axbridge, or Kingston Seymour. AH explained that he had writen to the Bishop and Diocesan Secretary last year, following the Parish Share leters received from them, and was endeavouring to ensure that our larger Benefce, which now includes St Johns in Churchill, would be refected in the new calculaton basis. Dorothy Baldwin (DB) said that there would stll be a “charge” of £10 per week for regular atenders and the meetng noted that direct debits were beingtalked about as a method of donatng.

There followed a discussion about how to achieve an increase in donations from those passer-bys who visited the church , perhaps offering refreshments, devotional cards and maybe resiting the card machine. AH agreed that there had to be a more imaginative approach to raising enough funds to maintain a listed building, and invited suggestions from Church members concerning how they could help with this.

All Saints

SG reported a small deficit of c£1.5K and noted that All Saints were very good at raising money locally with community events which covered a lot of their expenditure. Other Financial Maters

Hugh Gunn (HG) raised the issue of the Discretionary Fund which had been set up for the Vicar to help those in need and asked whether it had been needed during the past year. AH replied that he occasionally receives request from the schools for the Church to support disadvantaged pupils with school trips but he thought the overall limit of the fund could perhaps be reduced. But he went on that it is helpful to have this discretionary fund, even if it doesn’t always get fully spent in any given year.

On the issue of the Vicar signing the annual accounts SG advised that now the Diocese did not require the Vicar to sign, approval from the APCM was all that was required.

It was proposed by Alex Jones and seconded by Ian Hine that the accounts be approved and this was passed by the meeting. Finally HG asked for clarification on any future integration of St John’s . AH responded that at present they would keep their separate identify in some areas. AH went on that we are one Benefice but three churches who partner in mission, and that this was a good basis for us going forward for now.

The Chair expressed his thanks to Sarah and Hugh Gunn for all their work in looking after the Churches’ finances. 5.3. Deanery Synod 2023

DB reported that their report had been circulated, she also reminded the meeting that there was an event being run this week on the subject of giving. She also reported she had raised the issue of maintaining a Grade 1 listed building with the Diocese who had been unsympathetic

The Chair thanked Dorothy Baldwin and Angela Morris for their valuable work in representing the Benefice on the Deanery Synod and appreciated their agreement to continue this work for the following year.

5.4. Safeguarding Report

In the absence of Jo Claridge, Safeguarding Officer, the Chair praised her for the quality of her work in this area. It was noted that there had been no serious incidents that required a report to the Charity Commission in 2023. Chris Hayter (CH) proposed that the meeting express its thanks to Jo for her dedication in this area, this was seconded by SG and passed by the meeting. 5.5 Fresh Foundatons/Church Centre Development

Alison Haynes (AHa) reported on this project and advised that Phase 1 of this project had been achieved with the granting of Outline

		Planning Permission. The Fresh Foundatons team now consisted of both church and non-church members. Of the £40K donated towards this project c£32K stll remained unspent. The next phase involved the costng of the fve optons now being looked at , a community consultaton was planned as to which opton was preferred and then a fnal decision would be made by the PCC in the summer. Of the other reports that had been submited Pauline Nixon summarised and praised the Pastoral work carried out by her team and invited referrals for her team who could only visit if invited. Bill Wallace noted in his PCC Secretary report the high level of actvity in this Benefce and what had been achieved in the year. Rev. Andrew (AH) also highlighted the other items covered in the Annual Report that recorded the wonderful work done by many volunteers including in the areas of :  Signpost - the Parish Magazine  Events  Music and Choir  Cofee Mornings and Cafés  Church Cleaning  Flower arranging  Bell Ringing AH went to acknowledge and express his thanks to the Friends of St James who contnued to ofer fnancial support towards the upkeep of our Grade 1 listed church. SG proposed and HG seconded that the Annual Report be accepted and this waspassed unanimously.
6. Electoral Roll		Sarah Gunn reported that there were now 122 people on the Electoral Roll – 89 at St James’s and 33 at All Saints.
7. Electons & Appointments		7.1. Electons for the PCC Those leaving the PCC were Hilary Bebb and Pauline Nixon and AH thanked them for their eforts and tme devoted to the work of the PCC. Electons St James Martn Hagen Proposed by Helen MacPherson Seconded by Angela Lacy Jo Claridge Proposed by Derrick Claridge Seconded by Douglas Ogram All Saints Simon Crew Proposed by Bill Wallace Seconded by Diana Williams Douglas Ogram Proposed by Diana Williams Seconded by Angela Morris It was proposed by Hugh Gunn and seconded by John Hayter that these nominatons be accepted and this was approved unanimously

		by the meetng. 7.2. Appointment of Stewards The meetng agreed unanimously the appointment of the Stewards as listed on page 20 of the Annual Report. 7.3. Appointment of Independent Examiner to the PCC The appointment of Dick Beath as the Independent Examiner was endorsed by the meetng, and Hugh Gunn will seek confrmaton of this.
8. Address by the Vicar		The Vicar gave an address drawing on his Annual Report reminding the meetng of the Benefce mission of putng the love of Christ in the heart of the community and to consider how we are led to use our gifs to achieve that aim. He noted that the mission included visits to 5 schools and to 5 Care Homes, none of the schools were Church of England but we were stll welcomed to take services. In additon there were cofee mornings, 6 Home groups, Messy Church and regular events run by the Events team. There were good links with other denominatons and charitable giving was £4,300 in 2023. AH noted that this Benefce is also a charity but has to pay for a Grade 1 listed building and also pay the Diocesan Parish Share. Part of the Parish share does of course have a charitable element which helps to support underprivileged Parishes in the Diocese who would not normally be able to aford a priest. Rev. Andrew exhorted church members to resist the Britsh tendency to dwell on what we lack, and be joyful and thankful in the many ways in which God has blessed us and been faithful to us. He believed that the Lord will lead us forward to good things , when we trust in Him.
9. Closing Prayer		The meetng closed with a prayer at 12.45pm

REPORTS FOR ST JAMES THE GREAT, WINSCOMBE AND ALL SAINTS, SANDFORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

1. CHURCHWARDENS’ FABRIC REPORTS FOR 2024

St James’s Churchwardens’ Report

Reverend Andrew Hiscox announced that he was leaving the Benefice in May 2024. At this time St James’s had no churchwardens. An extraordinary general meeting was held on Sunday 7th July 2024 at which Derrick Claridge and Beth Cutmore were elected as Churchwardens.

A special service was held to say goodbye to Andrew, Corinna, Owyn and Carys at St James followed by a Benefice lunch at the Church Centre. Gifts were presented to the family including a Photobook of memories of their time in Winscombe.

Since then, we have been working in collaboration with our wonderful ministry team who have worked tirelessly to successfully fill services across the Benefice.

In November we commenced the process of finding a new vicar with a Pre Section 11 meeting which was attended by Bishop Michael, Archdeacon Charlie, the Area Dean and our two patrons.

We would like to thank everyone who contributes to the life of our parish and look forward in faith and hope to the future as we continue to pray for a new vicar to lead our Benefice forward.

St James’s

Fabric Report 2024.

The fabric of the Church this year has been sound with very little work carried out. Portable equipment testing, Heating equipment servicing, fire extinguishing equipment servicing and Burglar alarm servicing have been carried out during the year as required and all is well. There is a problem with the lamp post light outside Church main door failing which was found to be a breakdown of the main cable between the Church and the post. This light remains out of commission.

The lighting fittings to the Tower stairs were replaced owing to poor lighting quality and fitting failures.

The PCC agreed to accept the Friends of St James kind offer to replace all of the post tops to the three lamp posts in the Churchyard and the external wall lanterns. Some minor preparation work has been carried out to this scheme; however, a start date is currently unknown.

A new control unit was fitted to the Church sound system due to mice chewing their way through the electrical cables. The new control unit is electronic and operated via a tablet computer, now kept in the vestry, and can be used in any location in the Church.

For most of the year the clock chiming equipment has been out of commission. Despite several efforts of the Bell Ringers, who look after this equipment, and our maintenance contractor the problem has not been resolved. This clock is old and consequently there are no off the shelf spares, so any new parts have to be specially manufactured. Ther Church Wardens are in touch with the Bell Ringers on this and monitoring the situation.

No further work has been carried out on the Quinquennial inspection report this year. Beth Cutmore, Derrick Claridge Churchwardens of St James the Great Church Winscombe.

All Saints Church Wardens’ and Fabric Report 2024

We have had another encouraging year at All Saints Sandford.

We have had services at All Saints on 3 Sundays each month, usually alternating between Parish Praise and Holy Communion. However, towards the end of the year we reduced this to 2 Sundays a month. We also have a weekly Holy Communion on Tuesday morning which is well attended. We were sad to see our Vicar Andrew depart in September to a new Benefice, but since then we are grateful that our Curate Jacqui and the Ministry team have covered all our services. Every first Saturday of the month we have our popular Community café in the church run by Llyn Callow and her hard-working team. Serving tea, coffee, homemade soups and delicious cakes. We raise between £350 and £400 monthly through voluntary donations which go towards church funds.

On February 24[th] we had our popular Quiz and raffle. This took place in the village hall and the funds raised went towards the building fund.

On the weekend of June 12[th] and 13[th] we had an Art exhibition featuring works of art produced by a talented local artist. Paintings were exhibited round the church and teas and coffee were provided to visitors. Funds raised went towards the building fund.

On October 12[th] we had our delicious Autumn Ploughman’s supper. This was accompanied by cans of cider kindly donated by Thatchers. The funds raised went towards the church building fund. On 16[th] December we had our local community Carol singing outside Sandford Premier stores who kindly donated mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies. We were all in good voice despite the rainy weather.

On Christmas Eve at 8pm we had our annual Carol Service. A large congregation filled our beautifully decorated church and Mulled wine and Christmas biscuits were served afterwards. At the end of the year we were very pleased to receive a substantial donation from Thatchers who had also kindly given us a large donation towards the repair and renovation of the church tower several years ago.

This donation, together with a sizeable donation from a member of our congregation and the building funds we have been collecting over the last couple of years have been enough to carry out the badly needed renovation of the church room and the conversion of the toilet to allow disabled access. The new kitchen will be vital to improve catering for church and community events.

The end of December was spent clearing out the church room making it ready for the building work to begin in January.

Diana Williams

Churchwarden, All Saints Church Sandford

3. FRESH FOUNDATIONS (CHURCH CENTRE DEVELOPMENT TEAM) REPORT

The Church Centre Development Team was initiated by Winscombe and Sandford Parish Church Council in February 2022. There were a number of issues with the current Church Centre and the Benefice now consists of 3 Churches, thus creating the need for a larger building to accommodate the new congregation. Also there’s been an increase in population due to new large housing estates so the demand for good quality community space is increasing.

A sum of £40,000 was left as a legacy for the improvement of the Church Centre, this enabled the team to fund the necessary reports and professional services to meet the success criteria. A larger sum has been pledged by a person who wishes to be anonymous for the purpose of improving the centre and leaving a legacy.

Outline planning permission to demolish Centre and Birch Cottage and build a new larger centre was obtained in October 2023.

Project team - Project Manager Alison Haynes, Treasurer Derrick Claridge, Dorothy Baldwin, Rev Andrew Hiscox (left August 2024), Tony Callow. We welcomed Nigel Carson (retired Architect) and near neighbour of the Centre to the team.

PROJECT OUTPUTS

Fresh Foundations project team met on 4 occasions during 2024.
2 Newsletters were published
Church Centre management team set up Feb 2024 – to optimise rental income, minimise out goings, maintain building.
Benefice PCC’s workshop held, and priority goals established
Consultation event with 3 Congregations with options appraisal took place (see report below)
9 reports to PCC made with appropriate decisions being obtained. (see report below)
Good progress made with research and costings
Structural Surveyor instructed and full report obtained (see report below)
Quantity surveyor instructed and feasibility cost plan report obtained
Proposals and options made to both PCC’s for a way forward presented and decisions made.
Detailed specification to enable Architects tenders – 3 quotes obtained range £26,500 to £115,500
Asbestos reports commissioned on Centre

BIRCH COTTAGE – MAIN OUTPUTS

PCC decision to investigate demolishing Birch Cottage – (see report below)
Research into costs of disconnecting services (approx. £600) and ‘De-Banding’ for council tax purposes currently being pursued (potential saving of £2,000 per year)
Detailed specification to enable quotes for Demolition (Birch Cottage) – 3 quotes obtainedrange £14,500 to £34,500
Planning permission status regarding demolition. Established, permitted with current planning permission.
Asbestos reports commissioned for Birch Cottage
Potential to create a temporary ‘Garden of Peace’ on site of demolished cottage – work ongoing (see report below)

PROJECT OUTPUT 5.

List of the 10 optons presented at consultaton event with detailed drawings and costs

OPTION 0A: Remedial work to Church Centre and demolition of Birch Cottage

OPTION 0B: Remedial work to Church Centre and updating of Birch Cottage

OPTION 1: Remedial work & improvements to Church Centre; extension to front of Church Centre; update Birch Cottage (As For Option 0B)

OPTION 2A: Remedial work and improvements to Church Centre & extension to front and side; relocation of offices & toilets. Update Birch Cottage and add link.

OPTION 2B: As for 2A with larger, more imposing extension.

OPTION 2C: As for 2A with larger more imposing extension; provision of extra small hall & additional meeting room; demolish Birch Cottage

OPTION 3: New Church Centre on footprint of existing centre and Birch Cottage (Outline Planning Permission granted)

OPTION 4: New Church Centre on footprint of existing centre and Birch Cottage, larger than OPTION 3

OPTION 5: Sell existing site and relocate or rent. DEMOLISH BIRCH COTTAGE (Not linked to any other option)

These were the votes from attendees and postal/email replies

OPTION	0A	0B	1	2A	2B	2C	3	4	5	DEM. BC
						Y			N
	N	N	N	N	N	N	Y	Y	N	Y
						Y	Y	Y		Y
							Y			Y
						Y		Y	N
						Y	Y		N
							Y			Y
									Y
						Y	Y	N	N	Y
						Y				Y
	Y					Y				Y
						Y
	Y	N	N	N	N	Y	N	N	N	Y
	Y	N	N	N	N	Y	N		N	Y
	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N	Y
	Y	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
TOTAL IN FA- VOUR	5		1	1	1	11	6	3	1	10

This feedback and that received verbally showed that majority who commented were in favour of Option 2C:

Demolishing Birch Cottage
Pursuing significant upgrading of the current building and extending to create new flexible spaces for hospitality and second hall.

It also showed the majority were not in favour of:

Repairing without improving the building
Refurbishing Birch Cottage for either community use or residential
Extending without moving toilets/office
Refurbishing but not adding a second hall
Demolishing the whole site and building new
Selling the whole site and relocating – to WinSpace or any site

Several people who supported Option 2C felt a phased approach could be considered.

PROJECT OUTPUT 6

PCC DECISION FOLLOWING OPTION APPRAISIAL CONSULTATION RESULTS

Having considered that the Fresh Foundations team have taken professional advice from an Architect, Planning Consultant, North Somerset Planning Dept, a Structural Engineer, construction experts and a Quantity Surveyor. Ecological and topographical reports were received and considered. Having regard for the “Project Vision”, our priority goals and the consultation feedback our recommendation is as follows:

To pursue OPTION 2C as the preferred way forward.

Next Steps

Following the PCC meeting (July 2024) the priorities were re-set:

To investigate the implications and costs of demolishing Birch Cottage.
To further develop the design and provide accurate costings for a range of possibilities for Option 2C.
To investigate the possibility and practicalities of implementing a phased approach.
To create a Business Plan for the purposes of grant and other funding route applications.
To agree to explore the implications of working with a Funding Consultant.
For the Fresh Foundations team to meet with representatives from WinSpace and update our current position i.e. the results of our consultation have shown that the option to sell our current site and relocate is not desired by the majority of our church membership.

PROJECT OUTPUT 8

Splinter Structure Engineers report received in Feb 2024, confirmed the most likely cause of the cracks and that the damage and remedial work to put this right are not a serious as initially thought and the building can be repaired. Advised what work required to restore the centre to a satisfactory state of repair.

-Report sent to solicitors managing claim against neighbours tree – possible cause of subsidence

BIRCH COTTAGE PROJECT OUTPUT 6

Potential to turn the demolished area into a ‘temporary’ garden of peace to be used in a way we have been visualising.
positive action towards a project the whole congregation could get behind
Where possible items such as raised flower beds, containers, benches could be mobile to allow relocation to a new garden of peace where necessary.

Budget and Spend ( Balance at end of 2023 £32,728)

Splinter structures £ 650.00 Whole project total Spend at end of 2024 £ 8,112.00 Balance at end of 2024 £31,888.00

SUMMING UP

With the Church being in vacancy from September 2024 – fund raising through grant funding has faltered whilst the Business Case has had to be developed more slowly. The Business Case can only be finalised when the vicar’s support for an agreed option is determined. Fund raising through donations from the congregation for both Demolition of Birch Cottage and for Option 2C project has stalled for the same reason. When a new incumbent is installed the position of the project will be revisited and recommenced.

Alison Haynes

3. OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS

a. Pastoral Team 2024

The Pastoral Care Team have continued their work of visiting, and making phone calls, to those who are lonely, sick or bereaved, throughout the year. Cards were also sent to those bereaved in the last year.

The annual All Soul’s Service, which is organised and run by the team, took place at St James Church at the beginning of November.

All members of the team have now completed the training, and safeguarding required, to be li-

censed by the Diocese as Lay Pastoral Assistants, and we are hoping the licenses will be issued very soon. We also hope that a commissioning service can then be arranged in the benefice. Rev’d Ann Ogram has now moved on to concentrate on her new pastoral care duties with the Diocese and we would like to acknowledge our thanks for all she has done over many years with us. I would also like to thank the members of the team for all they do, for their commitment, encouragement and care for all those they see.

If anyone knows of someone who might like a visit, please contact me. Rev’d Pauline Nixon

b. Collective Worship in Winscombe Primary school

Over the last year, the school has continued to welcome the team drawn from parishioners in the benefice and the Lynch Chapel. On our weekly visits on Tuesdays after the school lunch break, we have presented dramatized Bible stories from the Lion Storyteller Bible, using material from the Bible Society known as ‘Open the Book’. We have always been encouraged by the six or more enthusiastic volunteers from year six who assist us in presenting the stories. The presentations are well received by the children and the supervising teachers. The attention and reaction of the 200 or so children present are a further encouragement as also is the feedback that we have received from the staff. We have continued to cover 30 stories a year to include a mix of events from both the Old

and the New Testaments so that in a two year cycle, we have presented most of the stories available from the series.

c. Signpost (Parish Magazine)

The Signpost magazine continues to be edited and printed by the Benefice Administrator each month. Just over 300 people receive a colour copy via email and 135 black and white copies are printed and distributed across all three communities of Winscombe, Sandford and Churchill. Over recent months, there have been a few more enquiries for paid advertisements from local businesses, so the cost of paper and printing is more than covered. Nigel Carson continues to oversee the paid advertising and invoicing element of the magazine. Sue Smyth

d. Events Team – St James’s

Background

An action from the May 2023 PCC away day was to set up an events team with focus on non religious activities. The team has the following remit:-

Focus on fun
Grow our connections with people in village
Raise money for St James Church
Team open to anyone to join
Events accessible and open to all
Aim to hold an event every 2 months

Chair Alison Haynes, Team members - Beth Cutmore, Jo Claridge, Helen Mc Pherson, Jayne Smith, Sue Smyth, Martin and Hilary Hagen. No secretary or Treasurer as there is no specific account/budget and reports directly to PCC - 4 members are also on PCC.

Events

Monthly film club x 12 – continued for all of 2024 with numbers averaging 15 and donations averaging £20. Children’s films shown in summer holidays well attended. Numbers began to dwindle and day swapped to 3[rd] Wednesday to dovetail with luncheon club in Community Centre. Future of club to be reviewed early 2025.

Quiz night 10/2/24 – 50 tickets sold profits £395 Bingo and Bangers 27/4/24 – 56 tickets sold profits £510

D Day 80 coffee 4/6/24 morning - free event

D day 80 Documentary 6/6/24 free event – approx. 30 attendees

D Day80 Celebrations 8/6/24 - 76 tickets sold – partnership with Winscombe Folk Club – profits £646 Winscombe Village Market (WVM) relocation/summer festival 20/7/24, with 3 children’s stalls. Profit £42 WVM catering – sausage bap – 17/8/24 – profit £80 HARVEST LUNCH Sunday 10[th] Sept, free ticket – donations £168

Fab Twins live music 18/10/24 – plough mans supper and bar - 53 tickets sold profit £601

Late night shopping promotions/childrens stall engaged with approx. 400– 3/12/25 – profits £69 Badger set 7/12/24 120 tickets sold – festive nibbles & free drink - £680 (50% of £1,360 split with All Saints)

Wreath making 10[th] and 11[th] December – table top and wreaths – 32 tickets sold – profits £616 Carols by lantern light – 14/12/24 approx 250 attendees - £370 profit.

Summing up – The team has moved from strength to strength with all of us gaining good working practices. On reading last years report we planned to hold 6 events during 2024 – we actually held 25 – phew. We have fulfilled our remit, engaged and entertained over 1,500 people, had fun and laughter along the way and raised well over £4000.

e. Music and Choir – St James’s

2024 was a very positive year for the Choir. Derek Jones continued to lead us as our Organist and increase the repertoire of the Choir and improve our singing technique as well as playing the Organ. The Choir has gained confidence over the year as we continue to sing the Communion Service on 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday mornings and increasing our repertoire of Anthems. We are also robing once again on important Sundays and Festivals. Unfortunately, Derek will have to step back for a few months immediately after Christmas for health reasons but he fully expects to return to lead us in the late spring of 2025. Until then the Choir will continue to lead the congregation in the singing of hymns. The Music Group continues to provide music at the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sunday Services in the Church Centre and their more modern hymns and songs enable the congregation to enhance their worship through a wide selection of music. Very many thanks to all who lead and support our music at St James’s and the Church Centre.

f. Church Cleaning – St James’s

The Church continues to be cleaned on a regular basis by six teams of two people. Each team is responsible for two weeks at a time and can choose when and how often it should be cleaned during the two weeks. The Church always looks welcoming and we are extremely lucky to have such commitment to keeping the building looking cared for and clean. It would be wonderful if more people were interested in joining us – the more teams we have the less each individual has to do! Contact the Church Office (844650) if you would like to offer a couple of hours every six months.

g. Flower Arranging – St James’s (verbal report at the APCM)

h. Bellringers – St James’s (verbal report at the APCM)

5. THE PCC 2024

Report from the Secretary

At the first PCC meeting after the 2024 APCM, the following were appointed to the Committee Revd. Andrew Hiscox - Chairman

Revd.Jacqui Keir-Bucknall - Curate Derrick Claridge - Churchwarden, St James’s Beth Cutmore - Churchwarden, St James’s Diana Williams - Churchwarden, All Saints Dorothy Baldwin – Deanery Synod Representative Angela Morris – Deanery Synod Representative Jo Claridge – Parish Safeguarding Officer Sarah Gunn – Treasurer Alison Haynes (SJ), Simon Crew(AS), Douglas Ogram(AS), Jan Welling(AS). Later in the year Revd.Pauline Nixon, Martin Hagen and Bridget Andrews (Secretary) were co-opted to the Committee.

Many thanks to William Wallace who was the PCC secretary until July 2024.

The major event of the year was the departure of Andrew Hiscox in early September to take up an appointment in a Cotswold Benefice. We held a “Goodbye” Lunch at the Church Centre after the service on 1st September, which was very well attended. Presentations were made to all members of Andrew’s family and we wished him well for the future. His leaving meant that the Churchwardens had a huge commitment to carry on the work of the church in the Interregnum. We are all very grateful to them and the profile team for all their hard work.

The profile team were guided by Sandra O’Shea, the Diocesan profile leader. The members were Jo Claridge (St James’s) Emma Stocks (St Johns), Douglas Ogram (All Saints) and Sue Smyth (Benefice Administrator). They produced an excellent profile which was praised by Sandra as the best she had seen.

We are also grateful to Revd. Jacqui, our Curate, and all the retired clergy who have stepped in to cover services. We are now praying as a whole church for the appointment of our new priest. The interview panel will consist of Diana Williams, Tricia Avery and Jo Claridge, one member from each church in the Benefice.

A welcome outcome from the interregnum was the training and commissioning of new Lay worship leaders from both churches.

There was a candlelight service at St James for Advent and our annual Carols by Candlelight at St James Church Centre, both enjoyed by all.

The PCC met every month of last year on the first Tuesday of the month. At each meeting there are reports from Safeguarding, Pastoral Care, Finance, and Fresh Foundations. Items on the agenda are discussed and voted upon. Our meetings start and end in prayer, acknowledging our dependence on God to help us in our decisions.

6. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2024

Although many topics were discussed and debated, the emphasis for 2024 was the precarious position of the Diocesan and Parish finances. The Church of England has produced a report on a planned giving scheme entitled "Generous Giving". It launched at the Deanery Synod on 20th March 2024 by Hayden Taylor, Lay Chairman. A workshop took place on 25th April to which all Parish Treasurers, clergy and Deanery Synod members were invited. It was vibrantly led by two Diocesan representatives. It became clear that Parishes have a responsibility to pay their Parish Share. As we have not achieved 100% in the last two years, it is something we have to take seriously in Winscombe and Sandford. The PCC here is in discussion concerning how we address our shortfall.

At the October Synod, Hayden Taylor, Lay Chair, reported on a meeting at the Diocese on the new Benefice Share Scheme. This was received without enthusiasm across the Deaneries, but Parishes are our Deanery Mission and Pastoral Group felt it was uncomfortable although realistic. being asked how they are planning to further Christ's Mission in our communities. We also had an enthusiastic presentation by Revd Caroline Deakin on setting up Youth Hubs. This was particularly interesting to our Benefice as St John's, Churchill are investigating the use of the Old Stables as a Youth Hub for Sixth formers at Churchill Academy. At the July Synod, held in Langford, there was a lively presentation from the Revd. Tim Erridge and the Revd Craig Philbrick on the "Magnificat Estates". These are Parishes considered by the Diocese as being socially and economically deprived. We have four such Parishes in our

Deanery and have the full support of the whole Deanery. A Forest Church Baptism was one successful example of engaging with people outside Church buildings.

The Revd. Andrew Hemming stood down as Rural Dean at Christmas, having served four years Assistant Area Dean and three years as Area Dean. The Revd. Caroline Deakin was appointed in his place with the Revd. Tim Erridge as Assistant. He was thanked for his service to the Deanery. The annual Service of Light took place in January 2024.

Angela Morris, Dorothy Baldwin

7. CHURCH SUPPORT FOR CHARITIES in 2024

There was no separate Charitable Giving by St James’s in 2024 but there were two Charity Cafe Churches during the year which were supported by all three churches in the Benefice, at which the following was raised:

Christian Aid – February 2024 £320.00

Christians Against Poverty – money was donated directly after the event

8. SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2024

1. Introduction

Safeguarding is a standing item at P.C.C. Meetings. A Safeguarding Report is presented and discussed at every meeting.

The Benefice works in line with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. The Benefice uses the Safeguarding Dashboard, a piece of software that makes administration and governance of safeguarding simpler.

2. Formal Obligation

The PCC has continued to comply with the duty to have “due regard” to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. This means that we are committed to:

Promoting a safer environment and culture
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons
Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

3. Safeguarding Roles

The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for Winscombe and Sandford is Jo Claridge. The Parish Safeguarding Officer for St John’s is Pauline Hurst.

Details of how to contact the PSOs are displayed on the notice boards at each church and on the church website. The two PSOs work closely together and the two PCCs within the Benefice have adopted the same policies, guidance and procedures in respect to safeguarding, to ensure a consistent approach.

4. DBS Checks

All volunteers who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults have to undergo a DBS Check.

The DBS Recruiter and Verifier is Jo Claridge. DBS Certificates are renewed every 3 years.

The Diocese works with the Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight for DBS checks. 43 people currently hold up to date DBS certificates (including 6 clergy) and are actively volunteering with adult or children’s activities.

5. Safeguarding Policy, Guidance and Documentation

The Benefice has a number of Safeguarding Policies and Guidelines which all those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults are expected to follow and comply with. Copies of these can be found on the Church Website

· Parish Safeguarding Policy; a copy of this is also on display in each Church and at the Church Centre

· Guidelines for the Prevention of Bullying and Harassment

· Safer Working Practices

· Policy for the Use of Social Media

· Domestic Abuse Statement

· Safeguarding Agreement for the Hiring of Premises

· Safer Recruitment and People Management

· Recruitment of Ex Offenders

· Responding to Safeguarding Allegations or Concerns

All policies and guidelines are reviewed annually. The Benefice works in line with the Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook which is supported by use of the Safeguarding Dashboard (see 1. above)

6. Safeguarding Learning and Development

All volunteers / staff who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults undertake mandatory Safeguarding Training provided by the Church of England online or face to face. The core pathways are Basic Awareness, Foundation and Leadership

· The majority complete Basic Awareness and Foundation Training.

· In addition, leaders of some activities / groups are expected to complete Leadership Training.

· The PSO and Churchwardens also complete Leadership Training.

· Clergy, Lay Worship Leaders and Assistants and Readers also complete leadership Training These trainings are renewed at the highest level every three years. In our Benefice we provide face to face training at Foundation Level every three years. Face to face training was organised in October 2022. It is our intention to offer the Foundation training again in Autumn 2025.

The Churchwardens and PSO also complete Safer Recruitment Training every three years. Training Completed 2024 -25 Course Number Role Basic Awareness 0 Volunteers / PCC Foundation 3 Volunteers / PCC Leadership 0 Activity Leaders Safer Recruitment 2 PSO & CW Awareness of Domestic Abuse 1 PCC

7. Safer Recruitment and People Management

The churches are compliant with C of E guidance regarding Safer Recruitment and People Management.

When appointing paid staff at least one member of the interviewing panel will have completed Safer Recruitment Training.

All relevant guidance has been followed in recruiting to paid and voluntary roles.

All activity leaders are aware of their responsibilities when recruiting new volunteers.

New volunteers are expected to complete an application form and provide referees as well as undergoing a DBS check.

8. Safeguarding Concerns

One safeguarding concern was raised within the Parishes. Advice was sought from the Diocese and followed. A record of the incident and actions was made and filed.

9. Safeguarding Sunday

Family Holy Communion on Sunday 17th November at the Church Centre was a special service for Safeguarding Sunday prepared by Pauline Nixon and Jo Claridge. The Makin Report and the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury had been in the news the previous week, so it was timely. A video message from Bishop Michael addressing the issue was shown at the start of the service as well as a specially produced video from thirty one-eight which was used as a reflection. Jo Claridge, Safeguarding Officer.

9. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT 2024

The Electoral Roll was reviewed in April 2024. There were 88 on the St James’s Roll (an increase of 1 on 2023) and 34 on the All Saints Roll (an increase of 1 on 2023) making a total of 122. A copy of the Electoral Roll was displayed on the notice boards of both churches after the 2024 APCM. The six year complete revision of the Electoral Roll will take place in April 2025. Sarah Gunn, Electoral Roll Officer

10. CHURCH LOG BOOKS, INVENTORIES AND TERRIERS

St James’s Church

The Terrier, Inventory and Log Book are up to date. The documents are filed in the Church Office and are available for inspection if required.

All Saints

The Terrier, Inventory and Log Book are up to date, and they are kept in the safe in the Church Room.

11. FRIENDS OF ST JAMES THE GREAT CHURCH

During 2024 the Committee of Friends of St James’s has successfully organised its normal schedule of events and contributed modest amounts to the reserves, which remain healthy. We remain committed to the churchyard lighting refurbishment which it is hope will be executed in early 2025. Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to Janet White (Chair) and Jason Schofield (Treasurer) who successfully and enthusiastically steered the Friends for several years. Thank you both for your sterling service. We have been most fortunate to have added Alison Haynes to the Committee. Thank you Alison.

Our greatest challenge is recruiting new members/Committee members but we remain optimistic that a new generation will come forward to lead the Friends as the current members inevitably retire.

12. SERIOUS INCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE CHARITY COMMISSIONERS

Our Charity Number is 1173106

All charities with an income over £25,000 have to report Serious Incidents to the Commission. A Serious Incident is:

An adverse event, actual or alleged which results in or risks significant:

Loss to the charity’s money or assets
Damage to the charity’s property
Harm to the charity’s work, beneficiaries or reputation.

There were no Serious Incidents to report in 2023.

13. STEWARDS in 2024

St James’s Senior Stewards Derrick CLARIDGE Beth CUTMORE Hugh GUNN Sarah GUNN Martin HAGEN John HAYTER

Stewards

Dorothy BALDWIN Jo CLARIDGE Barbara COOK Hilary HAGEN Chris HAYTER Ian HINE Margaret LISTER

All Saints Stewards

Tony CALLOW Douglas OGRAM Angela MORRIS Jan WELLING

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD

Chu rch of En glan d

B en efice of Win scom be an d San dford

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St James the Great,Winscombe
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4[th] M ay 2025

A n n u al P arochial Chu rch M eetin g St Jam es the Great an d A ll Sain ts A ccou n ts for Y ear En ded 31st D ecem ber 2024

Parish of Winscombe and Sandford Explanatory Note to the Annual Accounts for 2024

1. Introduction

The Annual Accounts are presented in the form issued by the Diocese of Bath & Wells to all their parishes, as introduced in 2020.

2. Financial governance

Through the year, the Treasurer completes the Diocesan Cashbook and compares the outturn against budget. The PCC regularly receives finance reports that enable it to monitor income and expenditure against the budget. After the Financial Year has ended on 31[st] December, the Annual Accounts are extracted from the Diocesan Cashbook. The Annual Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 were approved by the PCC at their Meeting on 4[th] March 2025

3. Brief overview Parish/Benefice Share - the largest expenditure item for both Churches

For both churches the Parish/Benefice Share requested by the Diocese is by far the biggest outgoing. According to the Diocese, there are three elements to the Benefice Share request:

The cost of deploying stipendiary clergy in a benefice
A proportion of diocesan costs
A mutuality and generosity contribution for those identified as needing particular additional support, including areas of multiple deprivation or significant rural sparsity.

The Diocese calculate figures for each church by including the Statistics for Mission data and the attendance data returned by each parish every year. In 2024 the amounts requested of our Parish were:

All Saints £7,461
St James’s £65,300

The PCC took the decision that the churches could not afford this and voted to pay 85% of these requests; however at the end of the Financial Year both churches were able to pay a ‘top-up’ which meant 93% of the amount requested was paid.

As a Charitable Trust, we send a copy of our Accounts to the Charity Commission as required.

Independent Examiner’s

Report to the Parochial Church Council of Winscombe & Sandford (“The PCC”)

I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024 as set out in the Receipts and Payments and Financial Return reports.

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and examiner

The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s report

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 those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as members of the PCC concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner’s qualified statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.

There are no other matters to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Independent Examiner Date: 26 March 2025

Date: 26 March 2025 :

Winscombe & Sandford - St James the Great Winscombe's Receipts &

Payments Account

for the year ended 31 December 2024

for the year ended 31 December 2024 Payments Account
Receipts Donations and Legacies: Planned giving Collections, donations & other giving Income tax recovered Legacies Other Trading activities Magazine/Bookstall sales/Hall Lettings etc Income from other Properties Annual Fete/events Receipts from Investments: Interest & dividends Receipts from Charitable activities: Parochial fees Other Receipts Insurance claims Sale proceeds from fixed assets Loans received Other Notes	General fund £	Designated fund £	Restricted fund £	2024 £	2023 £	Accounts List code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
	5,319	-	-	5,319	4,915
	- - - - 364 - - - - - - - - - - 5,947 - - 5,947 5,549 98,653 - 2,500 101,153 98,287 - - - - - (274) - - (274) (428) (60,505) - - (60,505) (59,366) (407) - - (407) (719) (6,687) - - (6,687) (12,568) - - - - (1,717) (10,758) - - (10,758) (10,609) (111) - - (111) (56) (14,305) - (47) (14,352) (10,943) - - - - - (7,927) - - (7,927) (5,708) - - (1,202) (1,202) (6,656) - - - - (1,500) - - - - - - - - - - (100,974) - (1,249) (102,223) (110,270) (2,322) - 1,251 (1,071) (11,983) - - - - - (2,322) - 1,251 (1,071) (11,983) 75,578 - 42,318 117,896 129,878 73,257 - 43,569 116,826 117,895					10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 23 25 26 27 28
	-	-	-	-	364
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	5,947	-	-	5,947	5,549
Total Receipts
Payments Charitable activities: Donations/Grants to charities Mission & Evangelism Parish Share Clergy expenses Church running expenses Churchyard maintenance Cost of raising funds Support costs Administration costs (inc. staff costs) Governance Costs Other Major expenditure Repairs to church buildings Repairs to other property Capital purchases/additions Loan repayments
	-	-	(1,202)	(1,202)	(6,656)
	-	-	-	-	(1,500)
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Total payments
Surplus/(Deficit) of Receipts over payments
Transfers between funds	-	-	-	-	-
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan	(2,322)	-	1,251	(1,071)	(11,983)
	75,578	-	42,318	117,896	129,878
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec	73,257	-	43,569	116,826	117,895

St James The Great Winscombe 2024 Annual Accounts Notes on Receipts and Payments Page (numbers correspond with column Accounts List Code)

Planned Giving is down by £8K which is mainly due to money coming in from the Ukrainian Government Scheme in 2023. The ‘Sum-up’ Box in St James’s raised £356 from visitors attending services or just passing.
We were very lucky to receive 3 Legacies in 2024 totally over £10K. This enabled the PCC to decide to pay 93% of the Parish Share.
Church Hall bookings are continuing to grow.
The Churchyard Room continues to be let.
Fundraising has done well in 2024, once again achieving over Budget aims.
This includes the monthly contributions to the Benefice Administrator costs by All Saints and St John’s and to Insurance costs by All Saints.
93% of 2024 Parish Share request from the Diocese. One third of our worshipping community gives less than the Diocesan norm, although we are very blessed to have some generous contributors.
Church Running Expenses include minor repairs, routine maintenance, heating, flowers, music and ‘provision of services’.
Includes the costs of running Birch Cottage and the Church Centre. Birch Cottage, although empty, has to be kept dry and there are still Insurance and Council Tax costs. 23. Insurance costs.

As at 31st December 2024 St James’s Assets	consisted of the following:
	2024	2023
Nat West General Bank Account	£17,397	£22,290
Nat West Church Centre Renovation Account	£43,569	£42,318
COIF Deposit Account	£55,795	£53,076
SOLDO Card (CC used for paying for goods online)	£ 66	£ 213
Investments	£30,516	£29,830
Buildings and Land	363,000	£363,000

Charitable Giving by St James’s in 2023

Christian Aid – February 2024 £320.00
Christians Against Poverty – money was donated directly after the event

Gift Aid was raised on the following and paid November 2024

DEC 2023 Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal - £432.45 Elizabeth-Ann 2023 Appeal – £369.25 2022 Ukrainian Appeal - £ 1809.20

As the church is being used as an Agent the money does not appear in our Accounts because the figures are posted in Code 730 which is not reflected in the R & P page.

			16 ~~a~~	15 ~~a~~	14 ~~a~~	~~a~~	C ~~a~~	B ~~a~~	A ~~a~~	~~a~~	13 ~~a~~	13 ~~a~~	12 ~~a~~	11 ~~a~~	Church activities 27 Major repairs to the church building ~~a~~ ~~M~~	10 ~~a~~	Income from investments 25 Cost of trading ~~a~~	9 ~~a~~	Activities for generating funds 23 Church running expenses Gross income from fundraising activities 24 Church utility bills ~~a~~	TOTAL Voluntary income: Activities for generating funds ~~a~~	8 ~~a~~	7 ~~a~~	6 ~~a~~	4 ~~a~~	3 ~~a~~	2 ~~a~~	1 ~~a~~	UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED (nearest £) (nearest £) (nearest £) (nearest £) Voluntary income/ receipts Costs of generating income Tax efficient planned giving 17 Fund-raising activites (costs and payments) January to December 2024 Parish name: Bath & Wells James the Great Win St James the Great, Winscombe Diocese: INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED ~~a~~ ~~T~~	UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED (nearest £) (nearest £) (nearest £) (nearest £) Voluntary income/ receipts Costs of generating income Tax efficient planned giving 17 Fund-raising activites (costs and payments) January to December 2024 Parish name: Bath & Wells James the Great Win St James the Great, Winscombe Diocese: INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED ~~a~~ ~~T~~	Return of Parish Finance ~~a~~
	*recorded within the Cashbook*	*This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not*	Number of new legacies received *This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not* ~~a~~	Number of other planned givers ~~a~~	Number of tax efficient planned givers ~~a~~	PLANNED GIVERS AND LEGACIES Number of tax efficient planned givers ~~a~~ ~~TE~~	TOTAL ~~a~~	Restricted ~~a~~	Unrestricted ~~a~~	TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES (FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) ~~a~~ ~~TE~~			Gross income from trading (e.g. hall lettings, magazine, bookstall). NOT fundraising. ~~a~~	Statutory fees retained by the PCC (weddings, funerals etc) Gross income from trading (e.g. hall lettings, magazine, ~~a~~		Dividends, interest, income from property etc. Church activities ~~a~~		Gross income from fundraising activities ~~a~~			Grants [Include recurring and one-off) ~~a~~	Legacies received (capital value) Grants [Include recurring and one-off) ~~a~~	Gift Aid recovered ~~a~~	All other giving and voluntary receipts, including Special Appeals (recurring and one-off) Gift Aid recovered ~~a~~	Collections at services ~~a~~	Other planned giving Collections at services ~~a~~	Tax efficient planned giving ~~a~~	Voluntary income/ receipts Tax efficient planned giving ~~a~~
			*This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not* ~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~		101,151 £ ~~a~~ ~~TE~~	2,500 £ ~~a~~ ~~TE~~	98,651 £ ~~a~~ ~~TE~~		5,245 £ ~~a~~ ~~TE~~		14,398 £ ~~a~~ ~~TEM~~	5,319 £ ~~a~~ ~~M~~		7,621 £ ~~a~~ ~~M~~		4,765 £ ~~a~~		61,303 £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	8,002 £ ~~a~~	10,600 £ ~~a~~	693 £ ~~a~~	72 £ ~~a~~	3,164 £ ~~a~~	38,772 £ ~~a~~		Parish name: ~~a~~	6 digit Parish Code ~~a~~
			~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~		~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~	~~a~~ ~~TE~~		- £ ~~a~~ ~~TE~~		- £ ~~a~~ ~~TEM~~	- £ ~~a~~ ~~M~~		- £ ~~a~~ ~~M~~		- £ ~~a~~		2,500 £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	2,500 £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~	- £ ~~a~~		James the Great Win ~~a~~	601345 ~~a~~
	30		32 Investments as at 31 Dec 2024 ~~TE~~	31 Cash and deposit balance as at 31 Dec 2024 ~~TE~~	~~TE~~	F TOTAL ~~TE~~	E Restricted ~~TE~~	D Unrestricted ~~TE~~	~~TE~~	99 Other outgoing resources/ payments ~~TE~~	26 Governance costs ~~TE~~		29 ~~TEM~~	28 ~~M~~		~~M~~		24 Church utility bills		22 Church expenses: Mission and evangelism costs		21 Clergy and staff expenses	20 Salaries, wages and honararia 21 Clergy and staff expenses	19 Diocesan parish share contribution	18 Mission giving and donations	18 Mission giving and donations	17 Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)		James the Great Win St James the Great, Winscombe	If the form is NOT completed on behalf of the entire parish, please list below the churches included:
Receipts and payments [ X ]		Account basis: on which basis are your accounts prepared (indicate ONE)	32 Investments as at 31 Dec 2024	31 Cash and deposit balance as at 31 Dec 2024	Cash and Investment Balances UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED	F TOTAL	E Restricted	D Unrestricted	TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED (FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)	99 Other outgoing resources/ payments	26 Governance costs	SUB-TOTAL for Church activities & expenses	New building work to the church, church hall, clergy housing or other PCC property SUB-TOTAL for Church activities & expenses	Major repairs to church hall or other PCC property, including redecoration	27 Major repairs to the church building	Major capital expenditure	25 Cost of trading	24 Church utility bills	23 Church running expenses 24 Church utility bills	22 Church expenses: Mission and evangelism costs	Church expenses	21 Clergy and staff expenses	20 Salaries, wages and honararia 21 Clergy and staff expenses	19 Diocesan parish share contribution	18 Mission giving and donations	Church activities 18 Mission giving and donations	17 Fund-raising activites (costs and payments) Church activities	Costs of generating income 17 Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)
Accruals [ ]			393,516 £ ie	73,257 £ ie		101,541 £	1,249 £	100,292 £		359 £ eee	- £ eee	98,972 £ eee	- £ eee	- £ eee	- £ eee		9,797 £ De	3,046 £ De	21,892 £ De	274 £ De		518 £	2,940 £	60,505 £	- £		961 £		Diocese: ~~T~~	Deanery: ~~T~~L
			- £ ie	43,569 £ ie						- £ eee	- £ eee	1,249 £ eee	1,202 £ eee	- £ eee	- £ eee		- £ De	- £ De	47 £ De	- £ De		- £	- £	- £	- £		- £		Bath & Wells ~~T~~	Locking ~~T~~L

Winscombe & Sandford - All Saints Sandford's Receipts & Payments Account

for the year ended 31 December 2024

for the year ended 31 December 2024
Receipts Donations and Legacies: Planned giving Collections, donations & other giving Income tax recovered Legacies Other Trading activities Magazine/Bookstall sales/Hall Lettings etc Income from other Properties Annual Fete/events Receipts from Investments: Interest & dividends Receipts from Charitable activities: Parochial fees Other Receipts Insurance claims Sale proceeds from fixed assets Loans received Other Notes	General fund £	Designated fund £	Restricted fund £	2024 £	2023 £	Accounts List code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
	267	-	-	267	103
	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,909 - 2,029 13,938 15,226 - - - - - - - - - (115) (5,814) - - (5,814) (6,600) (480) - - (480) (511) (1,927) - - (1,927) (6,445) - - - - (55) - - - - - - - - - (86) (1,847) - - (1,847) (2,017) - - - - - (1,246) - - (1,246) (1,064) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (11,314) - - (11,314) (16,893) 595 - 2,029 2,624 (1,667) (10,000) - 10,000 - - (9,405) - 12,029 2,624 (1,667) 21,584 - 2,849 24,433 26,099 12,179 - 14,878 27,057 24,432					10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 23 25 26 27 28
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Total Receipts
Payments Charitable activities: Donations/Grants to charities Mission & Evangelism Parish Share Clergy expenses Church running expenses Churchyard maintenance Cost of raising funds Support costs Administration costs (inc. staff costs) Governance Costs Other Major expenditure Repairs to church buildings Repairs to other property Capital purchases/additions Loan repayments
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Total payments
Surplus/(Deficit) of Receipts over payments
Transfers between funds	(10,000)	-	10,000	-	-
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan	(9,405)	-	12,029	2,624	(1,667)
	21,584	-	2,849	24,433	26,099
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec	12,179	-	14,878	27,057	24,432

All Saints, Sandford 2024 Annual Accounts Notes on Receipts and Payments Page (numbers correspond with column Accounts List code)

Planned giving is 9% down on 2023
Fund Raising events which include Community Cafe and other fund raising events.
Parish Share is 93% of the Diocesan Request. It is covered by Regular Giving and supplemented by regular Community Cafe Donations.

Parochial Fees – the low sum is due to money for 3 funerals being paid into St James’s account and only transferred to All Saints in early 2025. There are the usual timing and reconciliation differences between All Saints and St James’s because all the Parochial Fees are paid into St James’s.

In June 2024 the PCC agreed that £10,000 should be moved from the General Account to the Building Fund in order to finance the refurbishing of the Church Room.

All Saints’ Assets

2024 2023 Nat West General Bank Account £12,179 £21,584 Nat West Building Fund Account £14,879 £ 2,849

||||||||16
~~le~~|15
~~le~~|14
~~le~~|~~le~~|C
~~le~~|B
~~le~~|A
~~le~~|~~le~~|13
~~le~~|13
~~le~~|12
~~le~~|11
~~le~~|Church activities
27
~~le~~
~~i~~|10
~~le~~|Income from investments
25
~~le~~|9
~~le~~|Activities for generating funds
23
Gross income from fundraising activities

~~le~~|TOTAL Voluntary income:
Activities for generating funds
~~le~~|8
~~le~~|7
~~le~~|6
~~le~~|4
~~le~~|3
~~le~~|2
~~le~~|1
~~le~~|UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
Voluntary income/ receipts
Costs of generating income
Tax efficient planned giving
Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)
Diocese:
INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Bath & Wells
l Saints Sandford, St Ja
January to December 2024
Parish name:
~~le~~
~~|~~|UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
Voluntary income/ receipts
Costs of generating income
Tax efficient planned giving
Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)
Diocese:
INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Bath & Wells
l Saints Sandford, St Ja
January to December 2024
Parish name:
~~le~~
~~|~~|UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
(nearest £)
Voluntary income/ receipts
Costs of generating income
Tax efficient planned giving
Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)
Diocese:
INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Bath & Wells
l Saints Sandford, St Ja
January to December 2024
Parish name:
~~le~~
~~|~~|Return of Parish Finance
~~le~~|| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||recorded within the Cashbook|This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not|Number of new legacies received
This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not
~~le~~|Number of other planned givers
~~le~~|Number of tax efficient planned givers
~~le~~|PLANNED GIVERS AND LEGACIES
Number of tax efficient planned givers
~~le~~
~~i~~|TOTAL
~~le~~|Restricted
~~le~~|Unrestricted
~~le~~|TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES (FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)
~~le~~
~~i~~|||Gross income from trading (e.g. hall lettings, magazine,
bookstall). NOT fundraising.
~~le~~|Statutory fees retained by the PCC (weddings, funerals etc)
Gross income from trading (e.g. hall lettings, magazine,
~~le~~||Dividends, interest, income from property etc.
Church activities
~~le~~||Gross income from fundraising activities
~~le~~|||Grants [Include recurring and one-off)
~~le~~|Legacies received (capital value)
Grants [Include recurring and one-off)
~~le~~|Gift Aid recovered
~~le~~|All other giving and voluntary receipts, including Special
Appeals (recurring and one-off)
Gift Aid recovered
~~le~~|Collections at services
~~le~~|Other planned giving
Collections at services
~~le~~|Tax efficient planned giving
~~le~~|Voluntary income/ receipts
Tax efficient planned giving
~~le~~||||| ||||||||This section needs to be completed manually as the figures are not
~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~||13,938
£
~~le~~
~~i~~|2,029
£
~~le~~
~~i~~|11,909
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||-
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||-
£
~~le~~
~~i~~|267
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||407
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||2,053
£
~~le~~||9,182
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|2,449
£
~~le~~|157
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|1,292
£
~~le~~|5,284
£
~~le~~||Parish name:
~~le~~
~~|~~||Parish code: (6
digits)
~~le~~
~~|~~|| ||||||||~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~||~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~|~~le~~
~~i~~||-
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||-
£
~~le~~
~~i~~|-
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||146
£
~~le~~
~~i~~||1,695
£
~~le~~||188
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|178
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|-
£
~~le~~|10
£
~~le~~||l Saints Sandford, St Ja
~~le~~
~~|~~||Parish code: (6
601345
~~le~~
~~|~~|| ||||||30||32
~~i~~|31
~~i~~|~~i~~|F TOTAL
~~i~~|E Restricted
~~i~~|D Unrestricted
~~i~~|~~i~~|99
~~i~~|26
~~i~~||29
~~i~~|28
~~i~~||~~i~~||24||22||21|20
|19|18||17||l Saints Sandford, St Ja
~~|~~||If the form is NOT completed on behalf of the entire parish,
please list below the churches included:
~~|~~|| |||||Receipts and payments [ X ]||Account basis: on which basis are your accounts prepared (indicate ONE)|Investments as at 31 Dec 2024
~~i~~|Cash and deposit balance as at 31 Dec 2024
~~i~~|Cash and Investment Balances
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
~~i~~|F TOTAL
~~i~~|E Restricted
~~i~~|D Unrestricted
~~i~~|TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED (FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)
~~i~~|Other outgoing resources/ payments
~~i~~|Governance costs
~~i~~|SUB-TOTAL for Church activities & expenses
~~i~~|New building work to the church, church hall, clergy
housing or other PCC property
SUB-TOTAL for Church activities & expenses
~~i~~|Major repairs to church hall or other PCC property,
including redecoration
~~i~~|Major repairs to the church building
~~i~~|Major capital expenditure
~~i~~|Cost of trading|Church utility bills|Church running expenses
Church utility bills|Church expenses: Mission and evangelism costs|Church expenses|Clergy and staff expenses|Salaries, wages and honararia
Clergy and staff expenses|Diocesan parish share contribution|Mission giving and donations|Church activities
Mission giving and donations|Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)
Church activities|Costs of generating income
Fund-raising activites (costs and payments)||||| |||||Accruals
[ ]
_produced using the Diocesan Cashbook v5_|||-
£
~~i~~|12,179
£
~~i~~||11,315
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|11,315
£
~~i~~||-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|11,315
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|~~i~~|-
£|1,432
£|3,509
£|-
£||480
£|80
£|5,814
£|-
£||-
£||Diocese:
~~|~~||Deanery:
~~|~~|| ||||||||-
£
~~i~~|14,879
£
~~i~~||~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~||-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~|-
£
~~i~~||-
£|-
£|-
£|-
£||-
£|-
£|-
£|-
£||-
£||Bath & Wells
~~|~~||Locking*
~~|~~|| ||||||||~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~|~~i~~||||||||||||||~~|~~|~~|~~|~~|~~||

Independent examiner’s report to the Parochial Church Council of Winscombe & Sandford (“The PCC”)

I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024 as set out in the Receipts and Payments and Financial Return reports.

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and examiner

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Independent examiner’s qualified statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.

There are no other matters to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed Independent Examiner

Date: 26 March 2025

2024-12-31-accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD

Church of England

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford

Annual Parishioners Meeting 2025

Election of Churchwardens

AGENDA

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford Annual Parishioners’ Meeting Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.30am The Church Centre, Winscombe Minutes

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Apologies for Absence

3. Minutes of the APCM 2024 (with respect to 2023)

4. Reports

5. Electoral Roll – The revised Electoral Rolls for St James’s Church and All Saints Church

6. Elections and Appointments

7. Closing Remarks and Prayers

Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Monday 21st April 2024 at 11.30am The Church Centre, Winscombe

Minutes

REPORTS FOR ST JAMES THE GREAT, WINSCOMBE AND ALL SAINTS, SANDFORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

1. CHURCHWARDENS’ FABRIC REPORTS FOR 2024

St James’s Churchwardens’ Report

St James’s

Fabric Report 2024.

All Saints Church Wardens’ and Fabric Report 2024

3. FRESH FOUNDATIONS (CHURCH CENTRE DEVELOPMENT TEAM) REPORT

PROJECT OUTPUTS

BIRCH COTTAGE – MAIN OUTPUTS

PROJECT OUTPUT 6

PCC DECISION FOLLOWING OPTION APPRAISIAL CONSULTATION RESULTS

To pursue OPTION 2C as the preferred way forward.

Next Steps

PROJECT OUTPUT 8

BIRCH COTTAGE PROJECT OUTPUT 6

SUMMING UP

3. OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS

a. Pastoral Team 2024

b. Collective Worship in Winscombe Primary school

c. Signpost (Parish Magazine)

d. Events Team – St James’s

Background

Events

e. Music and Choir – St James’s

f. Church Cleaning – St James’s

g. Flower Arranging – St James’s (verbal report at the APCM)

h. Bellringers – St James’s (verbal report at the APCM)

5. THE PCC 2024

Report from the Secretary

6. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2024

7. CHURCH SUPPORT FOR CHARITIES in 2024

8. SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2024

1. Introduction

2. Formal Obligation

3. Safeguarding Roles

4. DBS Checks

5. Safeguarding Policy, Guidance and Documentation

6. Safeguarding Learning and Development

7. Safer Recruitment and People Management

8. Safeguarding Concerns

9. Safeguarding Sunday

9. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT 2024

10. CHURCH LOG BOOKS, INVENTORIES AND TERRIERS

St James’s Church

All Saints

11. FRIENDS OF ST JAMES THE GREAT CHURCH

12. SERIOUS INCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE CHARITY COMMISSIONERS

13. STEWARDS in 2024

All Saints Stewards

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD

1. Introduction

2. Financial governance

3. Brief overview Parish/Benefice Share - the largest expenditure item for both Churches

Independent Examiner’s

Report to the Parochial Church Council of Winscombe & Sandford (“The PCC”)

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and examiner

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Independent examiner’s qualified statement

Winscombe & Sandford - St James the Great Winscombe's Receipts &

Payments Account

St James The Great Winscombe 2024 Annual Accounts Notes on Receipts and Payments Page (numbers correspond with column Accounts List Code)