2023-12-31-accounts

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St. Francis of Assisi Links Road Radford Coventry

Diocese of Coventry

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Francis presents its annual report and accounts in respect of the year to 31st December 2023

The PCC is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commissioners.

Background

The PCC of St Francis has responsibility with the Vicar for promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, in the Church of England parish, within the Deanery of Coventry North and Diocese of Coventry, together with the oversight of the Church Building of St. Francis, its two halls and grounds.

The new parish (pastoral scheme) will consist of a population of almost 20,000 people once it comes into place when the sale of St Nicholas is completed.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the APCM in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

Vicar:	Revd Aggy Palairet	(Serving from 24thJanuary 2023)
Wardens:	Sue Williams
Representatives on	the Deanery Synod(serving until APCM 2026)
	Sue Williams (Ex officio, Diocesan Synod, Bishops Council)
	Kate Hughes (PCC Secretary) (Licensed to Preach)
	David Brightwell	(Electoral Roll Officer)
	Ogechi Ngemegwa	(Treasurer) (Also Diocesan Synod, Bishops
		Council)
Elected Members(serving until APCM 2024)
	Lawrencia Asare
	Patience Okojie
	Nkem Nwokeocha
	Penny Phillips
	Joanna Gerrard (co-opted)
	Sascha Eley
	Natasha Church
	Yousif Muma
	Maria Prue
	Stacey Fennell (Safeguarding Officer) (co-opted)

The PCC met 5 times during the year (either by Zoom or in church) including an Away Afternoon on 25th June at St Thomas’s Church Hall. Keresley.

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Standing Committee

The Standing Committee of the PCC consists of the Vicar, Sue Williams (Churchwarden), Kate Hughes (PCC Secretary), Ogechi Ngemegwai (Church Treasurer), David Brightwell and Joanna Gerrard, and meets when needed during the year.

Church Membership (Electoral Roll)

There are 51 members on the Electoral Roll as at the Annual Meeting, 17 resident and 34 not resident within the parish.

Officers

Sue Williams has continued to serve as Warden. Kate Hughes, David Brightwell and Ogechi Ngemegwai have been the church’s Deanery Synod Representatives. Sue Williams has also continued as our Diocesan Synod Representive, along with Ogechi Negemwe. Kate Hughes acts as Parish Information Officer . Sue and Ogechi have also continued sitting on Bishop’s Council .

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

The great event of this year was the Induction of our new vicar, Revd Aggy Palairet, on 24th January 2023. Aggy, her husband Edward and children Kaleb and Luke were given the warmest of welcomes to St Francis,

Aggy and the congregation gave time and care to getting to know each other, and discerning where God is leading us. We did what we could to maintain our ailing building and had a garden workday in August. After the interregnum our usual activities have been continued or resumed: a bring and share lunch at Pentecost (with plenty of red garments in evidence); our annual St Francistide pet service on 3rd October; a Harvest Supper on 8th October, to which we welcomed several of our Methodist friends; a very successful Christmas Fayre on 2nd December, which made over £1,000; and an Advent Bible study course on the theme of time. We also enjoyed joining with Employability for their Christmas Singalong on 15th September. On 16th September some of the PCC and members of the congregation spent a day at St Mary’s Walsgrave, with Revd Clive Hicks helping us to discern the gifts that God gives to St Francis through us. We have also continued with our monthly “Dining Out” club, sampling the delights of local pubs and restaurants.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are all flourishing and enjoying lots of activities. And as you will see from their own report, the St Francis Employability Project has been busier than ever. Many people comment on the friendliness of the people at St Francis, and we are grateful for God’s help that enables us, priest and people together, to continue to show the love and care of Jesus to the people of Radford. We know that God will continue to go with us as we move into the future with Aggy, our parish priest.

Vicar’s Report

On the evening of Tuesday 24[th] January 2023, I was licensed as the vicar of St Francis, Radford! It was truly wonderful to be surrounded by people who are important to me; the St Francis congregation, members of St Francis Employability (STFE), representatives from the wider community, my colleagues of various denominations, my family and the congregation of St Mary Redcliffe, my curacy church. What an exciting beginning (and who can forget that fire on Jubilee Crescent that evening)!

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Relationships

My first day was full of excitement. After taking my children to their schools, I talked with local people over breakfast at the Jubilee Junction. After that, I had conversations and prayed with STFE at St Francis and then I visited every shop at Jubilee Crescent. Some people were chatty, some were more reserved, but all took a keen interest in the possible cause of the fire the evening before.

Over the next few months, I had many wonderful conversations over a cuppa with the people of the parish and also with new colleagues. It is true that vicars drink a lot of tea and are blessed with delightful bakery treats. Sharing good food with good conversations continued to feature in all that we do, including at the PCC away day in June and the St Francis Family Away Day in September.

Repair

I could not help but notice the number of building issues at St Francis Church. My conversation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and other diocesan staff helped me to discover our 2019 quinquennial report and paperwork. As the vicar of St Francis and the chair of trustee of STFE, I wanted to provide not only a safe space, but a space that is warm, welcoming and fit for purpose for all who come through our doors. It would take careful planning and time to repair everything. Since more recent deterioration was noticeable (buckets to catch rainwater, plaster falling from ceilings, lights no longer lighting), the PCC requested a new quinquennial report, which we are now using as an action list. Based on the new report, we have made some urgent repairs and sought quotes and advice from our architect, the DAC, heating, boiler, concrete, plumbing, roof, doors, electrical, pipe and environmental experts; I have probably missed a few others!

Much effort was put into funding applications and faculty requests to make these possible, and we installed a contactless giving point, as the current income would not be sufficient to do everything that has been identified as important and urgent.

Rejoicing

In mid-February, St Francis vicarage was finally ready for my family to move into and so we say our fond farewell to the vicarage at St Mary’s, Fillongley. Since then, school runs became much shorter and I gained more time to talk with parents and to connect with the schools in North Radford.

Our various child-friendly services are well attended by all ages. At our pet service, many children came with their many different pets. There were dogs of many different breeds, and the volume of their joyful tunes was certainly hard for the vicar to compete with.

In addition to our regular services, St Francis Church continues to work closely with St Francis Employability. We attended each other’s events and hosted several joyful events together such as the Christmas Fayre and the Christmas Singalong.

It is also wonderful to worship and share life with our Methodist brothers and sisters: we had Harvest supper together and invited them to join in with various events, including our Advent and Lent courses.

Once a month, I celebrate Holy Communion at Coundon Manor Care Home. The staff and residents really enjoyed singing carols with the St Francis choir on Christmas Eve.

Rebuild

This year, St Francis re-started the pastoral team, where the team actively pray and care for the people in the parish. Those who are in hospital are visited and those who cannot attend church due to mobility were given home communion.

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The St Francis church family would love to see our children and families properly nurtured and grow in faith. There was no Sunday school and little provision for them back in January 2023 so one of our priorities was to rebuild the ministry for our families and youth. Throughout this year, special focus was given to including and inviting families to join in with the work and life of the church and we have seen an increase not only in numbers, but people growing in their faith with eight candidates confirmed at Coventry Cathedral this November.

In December, after much research and many conversations, surveys and working group meetings throughout the year, St Francis was granted £39k from Coventry Diocese to hire a Growing Faith Families Minister for a duration of three years.

To Conclude

It has been a remarkable year, full of challenges, blessings and a sense that God is working in our midst. There is so much to be thankful for, I would like to thank God, the PCC, STFE, the pastoral team, the St Francis church family, my family, and my new colleagues for journeying with me and the people of Radford this year. May we see even more fruit in 2024 and may we continue to deepen our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Aggy

Employability Report

Throughout 2023, St. Francis Employability maintained its dedication to delivering vital services to Coventry residents.

Our array of services, which includes a community café, foodbank, and social supermarket, has been instrumental in providing essential food support to those facing food poverty. Additionally, our focus on income maximisation has been particularly critical amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the rising cost of living.

In addition to these core services, we have provided various forms of assistance, such as bus passes, SIM cards, fuel vouchers, food vouchers, and essential heating and cooking appliances, to individuals in need. Furthermore, our commitment extends to supporting newly arrived communities through migration-related projects.

We have also fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders and corporate organisations in Coventry, including Coventry Building Society, Orbit Housing, and Cadent Gas. These partnerships enhance our ability to serve the community professionally and effectively, advancing our mission of empowerment and support for all.

Selina Read (CEO)

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Fabric Report and Church Warden’s Report

Church

Fire Extinguishers and Church Alarm System have both been serviced. Toilet was blocked a couple of times Plus a few minor repairs New Church Notice Board Doors stained

We also have had the usual problems with the church roof.

Hall

A new fence panel was fitted in June General wear and tear and blockages in toilets Nothing major just a few minor repairs.

Grounds have been maintained with volunteers during the week and a grounds working day. Concrete paths filled in Steps painted with White Strip Outside Light fitted.

Church Warden’s Comments

My thanks to Richard Tarver for playing the organ Sunday by Sunday, and for the opportunity for me to play the clarinet during Holy Week.

Many thanks to Ogechi the Treasurer, Altar servers, those who have helped with flower arranging and decorating the church for Easter, Harvest and Christmas, Also to Kate, PCC Secretary, for all her assistance, David the Sacristan and Electoral Roll Officer, Recky and team for her help with refreshments on Sunday mornings, and those who have assisted me in various other ways when needed.

I look forward this coming year in welcoming a fellow churchwarden to help share the load as St Francis moves into an exciting new phase of its life.

Thanks be to God and to all who have supported us throughout the year.

Sue Williams, Church Warden

Deanery Synod

In the past year Coventry North Deanery Synod has met 3 times. David Brightwell and Kate Hughes are the elected representatives from St Francis, and Sue Williams and Ogechi Ngemegwa are ex officio members as members of Diocesan Synod A lot of every meeting is taken up with business, especially setting the Parish Share for each year, which is each parish’s contribution towards paying the clergy. Coventry North is one of the poorest deaneries in the diocese, so although all the parishes pay their Share, we are subsidised by wealthier parishes in the diocese, and limited as to how many clergy posts we can afford to have. We meet each time at a different church in the Deanery (this year at St Thomas, Keresley, St George, Coundon, and Holy Trinity; the Area Dean is Gareth Irvine, Vicar of St Laurence’s Foleshill.

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As well as business, we usually have a talk or discussion at each meeting. In the past year we have had presentations on Eco-Living and sustainability in churches and communities; engaging with Children, Youth and Families and in Schools, and feedback from a clergy retreat and its effect on mutual understanding of different traditions.

We also receive reports from Diocesan Synod and General Synod and get regular updates from the parishes about what is happening and what they are doing. The meetings are a chance to get to know clergy and laity from other parishes, which is one of the parts of being a Deanery Synod representative that I particularly value.

Kate Hughes

The PCC of the Ecclesiasticol Parish ol Radlord Coventry .' FIr￿ncl01 Statements for 2023 Chority No. 1174496 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Radford, Coventry (St Francis of Assisi Church) Financial Statements 31 December 2023

The PCC ol the Ecclesiastical Parish of Radford Coventry ". Finoncial Statements for 2023 Charity No. 1174496 The PCC of the Eccleslastlcal Parish of Radford. Coventry (St Francls of Asslsl Church) Accounts for the year ended 31" December, 2023 Contents Page Independent Examiners Report Statement of Finanoal Activities ststement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Flnandal Ststements

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rodford Coventry . Financiol Statements lor 2023 Charity No. l Y 74496 Independent examlner's report to the PCC of the Ecdeslastlcal Parlsh of Radford, Coventry I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 4 to 7. Respectlve responslbllltles of the PCC and the e￿Miner The PCC consider that an aLTrdit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It Is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act. follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Act- 8nd state whether particular matters have Cofne to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnef's Statement My examination was carried OLbt in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting record5 kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also inclLbdes considering any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the PCC concerning any such matters. The Procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in g full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examlnees slatement In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention= iii which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with settion 130 of the 2011 Act; or to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and complywith the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been rnet- or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Gavin Kibble l Kineton Road, Coventry, CV2 3NR I" May, 2024

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of R¢7dford Coventry ". Financial Statements for 2023 CIx7rity No. 1174496 ststement of Flnanclal Activities For the year ended 31 December 2023 Unrestrirted Restricted Funds Funds 2023 2023 Totsl Funds 2023 Unrestri¢t•d Restricted Funds Funds 2022 Totsl Funds 2022 Note 2022 Recelpts Incorning Resources from Donors In¢orne from Church Activilies 24,720 25,740 24,720 25.740 15.061 21.072 36.133 15,061 21,072 36.133 Total Recelpts Payments Fundraisin8 costs Artivities Directly Relatirvd tothe Work dthe Church 427 427 47.870 47,870 48297 32.189 32.189 32,189 32.189 Total Payments Exo55 of Recelpts over Payments 1163 Cash at bank and In hand at 1st January 31.254 3L254 27.310 27.310 Cash at bank and In hand at 31st Decernber 33.417 33.417 31254 31.254

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rodford Coventry ." Financial Statements lor 2023 Charity No. 1174496 Statement of Assets and Llabilities As at 31, December 2023 Unrestricted R•stricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 Monetary Assets Cash ot bank 33,417 33,417 33,417 33.417 31,254 31.254 Total Mon•t•ry Assets OtherA$￿ts Un¢l•lrn•d glft aid 1,083 1,083 Ll•bllltSes Sundry cr•dltors 300 Approved by the Paroehlal Church Council on rK f The notes on page 6 and 7 form part of these financial statements

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Radford Coventry ." Financial Statements for 2023 Chority No. 1174496 Notes to the Flnanclal Ststements For the year ended 31. December, 2023 I . Accountlng Pollcies al Financial Statements The financial ststernents have been prepared In x¢ordar)ce with the Church Accountirvd Regulations 2006 t￿ether Wlth applicable accounting standards. The financial ststements have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis under the historical cost Conventi￿). bl Funds Unrestricted18eneral fund51 represent the lunds of the PCC that are ntx subject to any restrietion5 re8ardin8 their use arKI arè available for application on the ieneral purposes of the PCC. Aestricted lunds are funds subject to specific restrlrted ¢￿ditionS imposed by donors. The accounts Include all of the tran5a¢tlons for whKh the PCC Is responslble In law. They do not Include the accounts of church groups that owe their maln affiliation to another bcAly or those that are informal gatherlngs of church members. 2: Incomlni Resourcejlrom Don4 UN￿51r{ct￿ A•strl¢ted Funds Fund5 Totsl Total Funds Funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 Plann•d ¢lvlrv4 It•x rKov•rnbl•l Oth•rilvl Gifts and don•tiQn5 7,169 7,169 4,449 985 Grants Receiv•d Glft Ald r•cov•r•d 991 991 4,928 .061 24.720 14.710 3: Incomefrom Churth Actlvltles Unrestri¢t•d R•strl¢ted Funds Funds Tot•1 Total FuThJs Fur￿$ 2023 2023 2023 2022 Hall hir• 24.452 1,161 127 24,452 1.161 127 20,527 545 Fees to PCC h•r r•c•lpts 25.740 25.740 21,072

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Radford Coventry . Financiol Statements for 2023 Charity No. 1174496 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Forthe year ended 31 December, 2023 4: Churth Runn1￿ Expens•5 UnrestrKted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 Parlsh share 18.226 18,226 669 18,21 Cler8y and stafflnB costs Chur¢h repairs and maintenance Cleaning Utlllty Costs Insurance 6.056 6.056 3,630 654 18,431 2.876 18.431 2.876 4,492 2,834 539 Small value equlpment Worshlp Other ordlnary expendlture Food 433 433 312 292 292 41 256 Events 315 315 950 Publlcoty Subscrlptions Banklng 296 296 276 276 275 47.870 47,870 32,189 S . Employe There were no employee5 during the year12022.' nil). 6: Related Party Transartlons There were no related party transattions during the year {2022: nlll.

The PCC of the Ecclesiosticol Parish of Radford Coventry . Financial Statements for 2023 Charity No. 1174496 Flnanclal Re¥lew and ReseNe5 Pollcy A5 detailed in the Stotement of FinancialArtivities, totolincomefvr the yeor w05 £50.460 (2022 .' £36.133J. Durlng the year the charity received major donotions oA-- • E8,500from the Dioceson Board of Finan￿ toword5 Utility costs Expenditure in the year of £48,297 (2022.. £32.189J resufted in o net surplus of £2.16312022.' £3,944). The closing unrestrirtedfunds were £33,417 (2022.. E31.254). The PCC wish to mointoin reserves of ot leost 6 month5 of operating costs in order to cover signrfKont onticipoted building renovotion c05t5. At the end of 2023 the chority held 8 months of reser¥es12022.. 10 months).