2020-12-31-accounts

Chorley Parish Church of St. Laurence

In the Church of England Diocese of Blackburn

2020 Annual Report

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Rector’s Reflections

Annual Report 2020

If the Prime Minister can have a ‘roadmap’ then so can the Rector. Since the Prime Minister made his announcement on the evening of February 22nd many people have been asking about how the coming months will see the return of some activities at St. Laurence’s. The quick answer is that there is still so much that is unknown, but we eagerly await developments as they arrive. The Annual Report for 2020 may be a bit slimmer than that for previous years, but we know that despite the challenges of 2020, the church came alive as the building closed its doors for worship. So that we do not get tempted to go down a ‘pre-Covid’ versus ‘post-Covid’ tug of war, it is perhaps important to stand back and reflect on the much bigger picture of the mission of this parish. The Parish Profile in 2017 effectively gave me my role description and started very clearly what the parish expected of me. It contains your priorities – not mine. As you know, I refer to this document often for in it you expressed your hopes and dreams for the years ahead, way before I was on the scene! So how have the events of 2020 helped these areas of church life to develop and grow?

Let’s be reminded of what the 2017 Parish Profile said.

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Astley Village and new housing developments.

Although we do not have a specific ‘new’ area of ministry connected to this aspiration, from the early days of the Pandemic we have made connections with individuals who live on Astley Village and have ministered to them through providing resources for shopping, emergency food parcel delivery and general support. There has been an initial conversation about whether our hot food provision might extend to the Community Centre on Astley Village but it’s not a conversation that has developed. It is a fact that the most pressing area of social need within our parish boundary is on the opposite side of the park to where our church building is situated so there is scope for developing this area of ministry at some point.

Open to change and new ideas and look forward to working with an incumbent who can drive change forward.

Continuing to explore how we develop our Monday – Saturday ministry, and building on the work of Open Table begun under my predecessor, has led us to the new Taste Café initiative (pay what you can) which opened in August 2020 and we look forward to re-exploring other activities (art gallery etc) as and when the lifting of restrictions allow. Most significantly is the support given by the PCC recently to the proposals for looking at how we might redevelop our church building for more missional and community use. We are hoping from Easter to return to Taste serving 4 days a week and with gazebos, chairs and tables returning to the outside sometime in May. Placing our work ‘outside’ has definitely brought more opportunities for people to see what is going on – something that is lost if the activity happens within a building. Many donations have come as a result of passersby seeing what is physically going on. Outreach has been publicly evidenced in a way we could never have previously imagined.

Our work with CAP is growing at a pace and our emergency food parcel provision likewise. At the time of writing, for example, we saw a 266% increase in emergency food parcel demand from one week to the next.

Mission Action Plan and networking scheme.

With moving from 2 Sunday congregations to 3 in 2020 (Saturday evening being Sunday) it has given more of an opportunity for people to see who is there and who isn’t. As we re-open for public worship the pastoral team has spoken about how we might develop new systems of pastoral care, one system for each of the Sunday congregations. Somewhat smaller gatherings will help this be more effective. In 2019 our Parish Vision Day focussed on our mission priorities for 2020 but, alas, our initial plans in this area were shelved because of lockdown.

More involvement of children and young people in our services.

Prior to Covid, our model for developing the spirituality of younger people was to send them out during the liturgy, whilst the “grown-ups” were permitted to stay in church for their learning. A combination of negative attitudes whenever new musical developments (and new people) were introduced in 2018 led to some painful conflicts which resulted in people either leaving the church completely or feeling that their contribution was unwelcome. Sadly, not for the first time. Add to that the people who stayed away on the 2nd Sunday when we had an ‘all age’ service and we see how difficult it has been to really move this area of church life forward. Inclusion and diversity are not universally welcomed. Where divisions find their expression in worship, the devil is given a place of honour at the table.

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However, during the 2020 pandemic our worship patterns changed. With the provision of two allage eucharists at the weekend we now offer younger people the same chance to learn about Jesus within the same context as the grown-ups, and not just monthly, but weekly! With a positive offering of ‘contemporary and classical’ over the weekend as a whole, we have been able to develop worship in different styles (neither of which are mutually exclusive) and it has brought a refreshing diversity to how we worship. We have moved on from ‘trying to be all things to all people’ and people have been able to select the service that most suits their spiritual needs. And with the introduction of the Saturday Vigil Eucharist we are no longer saying to young people they have to chose between football and God on a Sunday morning! All are welcome now means all are welcome.

Our financial position is quite tight.

Before the Covid pandemic hit us, St. Laurence’s was already a church struggling to play catch-up. A pattern of financial decline over, roughly, the ten years to 2018 saw a build-up of work needing to be done on the building which would cost somewhere in the region of £360k (as of the 2nd November 2019).

One of the outcomes of the discussion which took place in December 2020 with the Rector, Curate and Treasurer of St. Laurence’s, with the Archdeacon of Blackburn and other diocesan officials was to acknowledge the fact that 2021 had to be the year where we faced the tough question of whether we are financially viable or not.

Exploring new technology.

What a journey! We have moved from printing large volumes of single use paper service sheets to being much more environmentally friendly. Technology has made its mark in church giving us much greener credentials. A year ago we were not offering any online worship, now we have a YouTube channel with nearly 5K subscribers! (The YT channel of Westminster Abbey has 3.4K subscribers, York Minster 1.6k , Blackburn Cathedral 245 and the Diocese of Blackburn 1.56K). It’s not a race or competition, but this data is simply to show what has happened to us here over the past 12 months. Something I, for one, would never have imagined. But people are engaging with what we have offered using the technology available. Our worship is now shared in by people from, quite literally, all over the world. With different worship styles, and a re-imagining of our worship space, it will be possible in the future to have some services where we can develop the use of digital technology even further.

Bible Study and more courses.

Building upon the work of the Bible Book Club, a Zoom Bible Study was established from the early days of Covid. This is still happening although in a slightly different format and adapting to include Advent and Lent study courses within it. It is possible for people to join this by telephone if they do not have internet access. Whilst numbers remain low this is still a priority area.

Young people were prepared for their First Holy Communion via Zoom. An Alpha course began in January 2020 and another Alpha course is planned as is a Start! course for enquirers.

Fellowship comes in many forms and is something that people have valued in the past. It is an integral part of discipleship. Once restrictions are lifted and circumstances change, we hope to develop this area of spiritual growth further by encouraging groups of people to meet together in one another’s homes for prayer, study and fellowship. This is the pattern given by the early Church as described in the book of Acts. The Ministry Team will be on hand to help any groups with resources and ideas.

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Proactive in implementing strategies.

Watch this space! A strategy is never too far away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as I reflect upon 2020 and look to the opportunities of 2021, I remain grateful to so many people who enable all aspects of worship and ministry here at St. Laurence’s not just to happen, but to flourish.

Fr. Neil Kelley, PCC Chairman, Lent 2021

The 2020 Vestry Meeting and APCM (The 2019 Annual Report)

Vestry meeting – 21[st] September 2020

The evening opened in prayer.

Election of Two Churchwardens

There being no other nominations, Bernard Oakley will serve another year in this role.

Minutes of the APCM held on 21[st] September 2020

The Meeting opened with prayer.

Attending:

Kathie Bentley, Bob Berry, Chris Berry, Sally Calley, Eric Crompton, Tarnia Crompton, Joyce Fielding, Claire Hale, Linda Hall, Philip Hall, Joan Hayward (Notes), Fr Neil Kelley (Chair), Betty Kelly, Rob Kelly, Dorothy Klemm, James Laidler, Darren Nicholson, Bernard Oakley, Karen Pemberton, Margaret Shackleton, Anne Watts, Alan Winstanley, Rev. Mo. Baldwin.

In attendance:

Sue Boult (Church Administrator)

Apologies for absence:

Tony Checker, Paul Lengden, Sandra Lengden, Michelle Wareham.

Minutes of the previous APCM 2019 :

The meeting were asked if they had any questions or corrections regarding these minutes. There were none; it was therefore proposed by Darren Nicholson, seconded by Joyce Fielding, that the minutes be accepted as a true record of the meeting – all were in favour. The acceptance and signing of last year’s minutes took place.

Reports:

The PCC The Electoral Roll

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

The Financial Statements of the PCC

Fabric

Deanery Synod

There were no questions raised on any of these reports.

The Treasurer, James Laidler, explained the financial position of the church in that toward the end of June 2020 we were between £4000 & £5000 in debt and thanked the church for continuing to give. Fr Neil thanked the Treasurer and Finance Team and re-echoed thanks to the church for financial giving

Approval of 2019 Annual Report: Proposer: Karen Pemberton Seconder: Darren Nicholson

Elections and Appointments:

2 deputy wardens: 0 nominations therefore 0 appointments

6 PCC members: 5 names were put forward and accepted:

Tony Checker, Phil Hall, Fiona Pattison, Caroline Walmsley, Fay Winstanley Sides-people (to serve the forthcoming year) Will be dealt with at next PCC meeting Appointment of Independent Examiner: John Scholfield has agreed to do this Proposing Independent Examiner: Proposer: James Laidler Seconder: Darren Nicholson

Fr Neil asked that that John Schofield be thanked for his generosity on fulfilling this role again.

Chairman’s Remarks

Included in the Annual Report

Any Other Business

There was no other business raised

Date of next meeting (APCM) 01.03.2021

The meeting closed with prayer.

James Laidler asked that the church’s thanks to Fr Neil be recorded particularly mentioning his care, leadership and vision .

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Administrative Information

The Parish of Chorley St Laurence is a Registered Charity number 1175130 The Parish is part of the Diocese of Blackburn within the Church of England The correspondence address is: St Laurence Parish Office, Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1EB Website: www.stlaurencechorley.co.uk

Rector: Fr Neil Kelley (PCC Chairman) Curate: Rev Mo Baldwin Assisting Clergy: Canon Ken Barrett, Rev. Martin Wray Reader: Joan Hayward (ex-officio PCC) Pastoral Assistants: Phil Hall; Dodie Jones Parish Administrator: Jackie Gemson – until March 2020 Susan Boult appointed March 2020 Rector’s PA: Jackie Gemson – until October 2020. Position currently vacant CAP Debt Centre Manager: Susan Boult PCC Treasurer: James Laidler PCC Secretary: Michelle Wareham Church Wardens: Bernard Oakley (ex-officio PCC) Deputy Church Wardens: Currently Vacant Deanery Synod Reps: Kathie Bentley, Tony Checker, Paul Lengden Chris Pryor since December 2020 Elected PCC members: Alan Winstanley (2021), Carol Gaskell (2021), Claire Hale (2021), Darren Nicholson (2021), James Laidler (2021), Justin Stretch (2021), Karen Pemberton (2021), Michelle Wareham (2021), Peter Beardmore (2021) Tony Checker (2023), Phil Hall (2023), Fiona Pattison (2023), Caroline Walmsley (2023), Fay Winstanley (2023) Chair of Parish Fabric Group: Chris Pryor Chair of the Finance Group: James Laidler Health and Safety Officers: Neal Bennett- Williams, John Handforth Paris Safeguarding Officer: Mark Wilkinson Parish Bankers: Yorkshire Bank, Preston Independent Examiner: Mr John Schofield, BA (Oxon). ACA, 126 Deerfold, Chorley, PR7 1UH Architect: John Coward Architects Ltd, No 3 Unsworth’s Yard, Ford Road, Cartmel, LA11 6PG

Day to day management control of the church is exercised by the Incumbent, Fr Neil Kelley and the Churchwarden, Bernard Oakley, contactable through St Laurence Parish Office, Union Street, Chorley PR7 1EB, Tel: [phone]

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

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Structure, Management and Governance

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate established by the Church of England.

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chorley St Laurence operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1175130.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. All PCC meetings are public meetings and all members of the congregation are invited to attend (though only PCC members have a vote). The PCC held meetings during the year, via Zoom.

Reports from PCC sub committees have been received and considered regularly at PCC meetings.

The PCC has a Safeguarding Policy in place.

In 2020 the PCC operated the following sub-committees that report back to it as necessary and their deliberations are discussed.

Parish Fabric Committee: Rector (ex-officio), Tony Checker (Chair), David Thistlethwaite, Julian Garstang, Mark Briggs, Bernard Oakley, Chris Pryor, David Jones

Parish Finance Group: Rector (ex-officio), James Laidler (Chair), Phil Hall, Alan Fishwick, Sally Calley, Joy Barrack

Prayer and Spirituality Group: Rector (ex-officio), Martin Wray (Chair), Joan Hayward, Rev. Mo Baldwin, Paul Lengden, Phil Hall, Dodie Jones

Hospitality Group: Rector (ex-officio), Rev. Mo (Chair), Jean Fishwick, Phil Hall, Betty Kelly, Phil Staziker, Alan Winstanley, Ena Yates

Safeguarding Group: Rector (ex-officio), Mark Wilkinson (Chair & PSO), Joan Hayward, Fiona Pattison, Michelle Wareham

Policies Group: in abeyance

PCC members receive information on trustee responsibilities, basic health and safety, risk management and safeguarding procedures.

Church Attendance

The average Sunday service attendances in 2020 were as follows: 09.00 Eucharist: 29 (18 in 2019) 11.00 Eucharist: 31 (152 in 2019)

The average Saturday evening service attendance was 40. The average weekly mid-week services attendance is 9 (15 in 2019) The average private prayer attendance is 6 Bookings taken via Eventbrite or telephone for Services. Services were limited in numbers due to maintaining social distancing. Started at 45 per service. Increased to 60 to accommodate family bubbles.

Electoral Roll: there were 194 people on the Electoral Roll at the end of 2020.

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Occasional Offices Funerals: 21 Weddings: 1 Baptisms: 7

Burial of Ashes: 1

Statement of Public Benefit

The Parish of Chorley Saint Laurence demonstrates public benefit with the following activities

• Regular public worship open to all.

• The provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation.

• Pastoral work, including visiting the sick, frail and bereaved.

• Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

• Taking of religious assemblies in schools.

• Promotion of Christianity through staging of events and meetings and the distribution of literature.

• Promotion of the whole mission of the church through provision of activities for senior citizens, parents, toddlers, young people and other special needs groups.

• Teaching and discussion of Christian Ethics.

• Environmental/Ethical issues e.g. supporting other charities in the UK and overseas.

• Community involvement, including the support of local cultural events (music, artistic, Chorley Live etc) and social action (CAP, Open Table, Taste, foodbank, supporting the homeless and street pastors).

Objectives and Activities

• The Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC: is to co-operate with the Minister in providing in the ecclesiastical parish the whole Mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

• We continue to develop within the Diocesan Vision 2026 programme which focusses on making disciples of Jesus Christ, being witnesses to Jesus Christ and growing leaders for Jesus Christ

• Our mission continues to be to proclaim the Gospel according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and assists in the involvement of the many groups that that live within the parish.

Achievements and Performance see Churchwardens Report

Approved by the PCC by email on 30[th] April

signed on their behalf by

Fr. Neil Kelley, Rector and PCC Chair

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2020 Reports

Ministry and Worship

Churchwardens Report

This report is made available to the PCC and all members of the Parish Church of St Laurence, Chorley under Section 5 of the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991.

As people are aware this year has been very difficult due to the Covid pandemic which has completely altered the way the church has had to operate. The Rector, Father Neil, and Rev Mo have worked very hard to keep things running, along with the help of many people.

General

Online services have been made available and the Eventbrite online guide has helped people to stay connected while staying at home. For people not able to do online services a postal service has been used.

The Pastoral Team and the Parish Office have been there to offer support to people struggling and offered to pick up supplies and prescriptions.

The Bible Study Group have been able to meet online at 6 pm on Sunday evenings.

The Taste Café was started in the summer and gazebos were purchased for people to sit outside to comply with the restrictions imposed; however, this has had to be re-organised due to further restrictions and food is now served from the porch doorway between 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm, Tuesdays and Fridays.

The PCC were informed that the Rector’s PA was having to step down; however, it was agreed to wait until March to undertake the recruitment process for the PA to be replaced.

A proposal was put forward to increase parochial fees for 2021; this was unanimously accepted by the PCC.

The PCC also supported that the trees in front of the church to be taken down on the advice of 2 architects who said that they would contribute to the damage at the south wall of the church.

In June the church had a burglary which resulted in a window being smashed just above the alter which needed complete replacement; the work was carried out in October by Pendle Glass. The burglary was reported to the Police and to date no arrests have been made.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) was launched on 15th August and to date we have 8 clients and things are going well.

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Points of Interest

I have made a list of things that have taken place in the past year:

14th January Alpha Course 11th January Food Safety Hygiene Course training

10th January The Hygiene Inspector undertook a spot check on our kitchen facilities which received a 5 star rating

15th February First Aid Course CANCELLED Easter Fair cancelled due to Covid CANCELLED May Ball cancelled due to Covid CANCELLED Art Gallery opening cancelled due to Covid 15th August CAP commissioning service 26th September Rev Mo’s ordination --Shop moved online

New Appointments

2 Health and Safety Officers: Neil Bennett Williams and John Handforth - endorsed by the PCC

Digital Content Manager: Justin Stretch

• online service, promotion and live streams

The Fabric Committee have been working hard during the past 12 months, clearing gutters and doing repair work. I would like to thank them for the support they have given, not only to myself, but to the church in general.

Tony Checker has now stepped down from being Chairman of the Committee to enable him to concentrate on his new role in Authorised Lay Ministry (ALM); this has been authorised by the PCC.

Christopher Pryor has taken over the role of Chairman of the Fabric Committee.

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

During the past year we have witnessed several valued members of the church pass away. I would like to pass on my deep sorrow and offer my condolences to all the families concerned.

We have now come to the time when some members of the PCC will have completed their time and will therefore be stepping down to allow other people to fill their places. Thank you to all of the people concerned for their work and support, and welcome to those new members to the PCC.

I would like to thank our accountant, James Laidler, for his help and support during a very difficult year.

There are many people who have helped me so much this year and I am forever grateful to them, not to mention Ann Watts and Margaret Shackleton, who stepped down from being Assistant Wardens for personal reasons.

There have been a lot of positives and the profile of St Laurence’s has been raised within the local community with outreach offered through Open Table, Taste Café, emergency food parcels, Christmas Day meals and CAP and good links between Watch Us Grow.

We must now adjust our sights for the year ahead and prepare ourselves for any changes we may need to make, and go ahead with a positive mind.

Prayers and blessings for you all and our Parish.

Church Warden: Bernard Oakley

Annual Deanery Synod Report 2020 APCM

Deanery Synod met once during 2020, with a Zoom meeting on 6 October at 7.30 pm. Bishop Julian, Archdeacon Mark and Carolyn Barton introduced and consulted on the updated Vision 2026 Implementation Plan. The draft proposals were circulated prior to the meeting. The Plan is the result of the consultation process that has been ongoing during 2020 beginning with the Parish Vision Survey completed by each Parish at the beginning of the year.

Vision 2026 is an agenda for growth and change to see ‘Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’ across the Diocese of Blackburn in the centenary year of 2026. The Vision was launched in 2015 when the Diocese of Blackburn made a bold strategic decision to change and to grow through the priorities of:

• Making Disciples for Jesus Christ

• Being Witnesses for Jesus Christ

• Growing Leaders for Jesus Christ

• Prioritising Work Among Children, Young People and Schools

All that the Diocese do is focussed on the delivery of Vision 2026. They long to see a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit across Lancashire, to see communities and lives transformed. Over the course of 2020 the Diocese has engaged in a ‘Vision Update’ through which they have

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

sought to identify what is going well and where the challenges are as we seek to realise our Vision of seeing Healthy Churches Transforming Communities.

This Vision Update has encompassed extensive feedback from parishes and representative groups, such as Areas Deans and Bishop’s Council, in order that future plans focus on what will really make a difference to realising the Vision.

The Vision Update began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented additional challenges, whilst also opening up new opportunities, which are factored into the proposed Plan, for what is intended to happen between 2021 and 2024, to build on the encouraging aspects and address the challenges in order to enable and realise the Diocesan Vision.

It is important to note that healthy churches will be nurtured within parishes and accordingly parish leadership teams will discern how to develop in a way that is right for their context and community. The document will set out how the Diocese intends to support and enable parishes in their planning and activities.

The most important thing is that we pray faithfully, repent, seek God’s face and ask that He would pour out His Spirit across the Diocese of Blackburn. Accordingly, one of the opening sections of Plan update relates to the ‘Foundations’ of Vision 2026 recognising that all our plans and activities will be futile if we lose sight of Jesus whom we are serving and that it is He who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.

The Plan will be finalised following feedback from all of the Autumn Deanery Synods.

Below is the summary of what is hoped to be achieved during 2021 – 2024 of Vision 2026: ‘Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’

The Vision will be realised through -

Making disciples of Jesus Christ.

• Knowing the Scriptures better through reading, teaching, preaching and study

• Praying with greater depth and urgency for the Kingdom of God to come

• Offering worship in spirit and truth through the ministry of word and sacrament

• Giving generously of our time, talents and money to the cause of Christ

Being witnesses to Jesus Christ.

• Sharing the Gospel of salvation with confidence

• Meeting human need: actions as well as words

• Planting 10 Strategic Church Plants and 200 New Local Congregations

• Caring for God’s creation

Growing leaders for Jesus Christ.

• Developing a diocesan-wide culture of vocational discernment for all God’s people

• Forming theologically literate Christ-centred lay and ordained leaders

• Nurturing healthy partnerships between clergy and laity by fully implementing the Lay Majority Ministry framework

• Generating a pipeline of highly motivated deacons and priests to enable the Diocese’s clergy deployment strategy

Inspiring Children and Young People for Jesus Christ.

• Nurturing children and young people in their faith and supporting them as disciples of Jesus Christ

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• Holding regular worship that is accessible and appealing to children, young people and their families

• Enabling growth in the numbers of leaders of children and young people

• Pursuing a step change in ministry with those aged 11-16

• Facilitating effective partnerships between churches and schools

2020 Reports Buildings and Fabric

Annual Fabric Committee Report 2020 Calendar Year Overview

I am sure that this has been a difficult year for many people, both practically and emotionally. The practical aspect of maintaining the church building, in a safe manner, has been the main priority for the fabric team this year. Work has been kept to a minimum unless it was deemed essential.

In line with Government instruction, the church building was closed at the end of March. The Diocese and insurers issued advice on closing the building regarding services drain down and isolation. The advice was followed with a concession to maintain some services for heating the church to avoid possible freezing and damp conditions arising. With hindsight, I would advice against a water system drain down in the future (with the Dioceses/insurers agreement). Rather adopt a regular visit by a designated person(s) to run taps and loos, etc.

After the reinstatement of the water system three hot water boilers failed. Two were replaced and one was repaired. The failure, in my opinion, was due to the lack of heat and water acting on the boilers’ gaskets. During shut down this absence of heat and water allowed the gaskets to shrink.

As of writing this report (February 2021) I am no longer the Chair of the Fabric group. I would like to thank the team and the PCC for their support over the past years. I will remain a member of the team and continue to support the PCC and Chris Pryor as the new Chair of the Fabric group.

Minor Works

• Spring and autumn clearance of leaf litter from roof/drains.

• Boiler servicing.

• Boiler ‘B’ leaking pressure valve replaced.

• Flat roof leak above cloister entrance repaired.

• Water sample testing after re-opening. Testing for legionnaires disease etc. No positive results found.

• External bench removed, repaired and re-fitted.

• New hot water heater in ladies’ toilet.

• New hot water heater in creche.

• Repair of leak to water boiler in kitchen.

• Repair to banner frame after storm damage.

• Fit and commissioned manufacture of new Alter top.

• Roof repairs to Park Road property.

• Mobile signpost construction for Covid19 secure environment.

Major Works

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

• East Nave, stained glass repair after damage due to vandalism.

• 1[st] floor meeting room redecorated. Refectory and cloister area redecorated. Creche redecorated (generously provided by Luke Tate).

• Commissioning of Church architect to draw up specification and design for south and nave valley gutter repairs/rebuild.

• Faculty application/approval from the DAC for the above work.

On a personal note, I would like to thank the Fabric team and others (in alphabetical order): Neal Bennet-Williams, Julian Garside, David Jones, Rob Kelly, Bernard Oakley, Chris Pryor, Luke Tate (and his work team) and David Thistlethwaite.

Tony Checker

Fabric Chair for 2020

2020 Reports Finance and Fundraising

Statement of Financial Activities 2020

Summary

The accounts for the year show a surplus on the general fund of £974. Total income for the year was £134,115 down £33,000 on 2019.

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Highlights

Stewardship income held up very well which is most encouraging. Many parishioners have transferred from envelopes to giving by standing order. We received some very generous donations.

Non recurring grant income was substantial. We received a grant of £4,300 in respect of VAT incurred on fabric repairs in 2019. The Diocese gave us a grant of £2,000 towards our on line costs.

Recurring grant income is from the Diocese to support the CAP project.

The hardship fund made a contribution of £5,600 to the general Church overheads at a session rate of £40 to contribute to heat, light, power, insurance and health and safety (PPE) costs incurred by the Church in providing services.

The Parish Shop has continued to trade through the pandemic thanks to the efforts of Anne Wray and her team. Stock in the shop as at the 8th January 2020 was valued at cost at £680.

Our costs totalled £132,441.

Highlights

Parish share payments fell £20,000 short of our Diocesan assessment. The DBF awarded a grant of £20,000 in December to enable us to meet our commitment. This grant was not received through the bank account.

The costs of the CAP project were met through the Diocese grant (see above) and funds drawn from a restricted deposit account held at the Diocese. This account was funded to the tune of £30,000 from the sale of restricted investments with the agreement of the Charity Commission.

We incurred substantial repair costs on Park Road to repair the roof in the last quarter.

Liabilities not provided for in the accounts.

A new altar frontal, purple cope and acolyte candles had been ordered in December at a total cost of £2,435.00. These costs were covered by a private donation received in the financial year.

Changes in the structure of the accounts

During the year the following funds were established:

1. Hardship fund was set up to finance the Taste Café and the provision of emergency food parcels through the pandemic. The fund has also been used to grant emergency funds to those in critical need by the Rector’s discretionary fund.

2. The talents fund was established following the generous gift of a parishioner to fund project in line with the Parable of the Talents. £3,000 of the fund was used to purchase computer

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equipment to improve on line productions through the St Laurence You Tube channel and Facebook channel.

1. The CAP fund was established to start a fund towards the continuation of CAP services when current funding is exhausted in June 2023.

2. The fabric fund was put in place using held by the Diocese surplus to the day to day needs of the PCC. The designation of these funds is not binding on the PCC and may be used for any general purpose in case of need.

3. The Park Road fund simply shows the value of the Curates House as a non cash asset. The property is not designated.

Provision has been made in the accounts for the following:

£58 was collected from sales of the Church history book produced by the Friends of St Laurence. These monies were paid to the Friends in January 2021

Balance sheet

The revaluation of investments (restricted funds) has produced a surplus of £9,850 as at the year end. £30,000 of the investments were sold during the year to fund the CAP project.

Appreciation

I would like to record my thanks to John Schofield, Hon Examiner of our accounts for his work and continued commitment to this task over many years.

James Laidler Parish Treasurer April 2021

Annual Report of the Finance Group 2020

.

The Finance Group held one meeting in February due to the constraints of the Corona Virus pandemic. The guidelines, below, agreed by the PCC, were met as far as possible with quarterly accounts circulated to the Group. The finance function of the PCC was maintained over the year namely:

• Oversee the work of the Treasurer and review financial information on a quarterly basis

• Oversee the arrangements for cash handling and banking

• Oversee the arrangements for gift aid claims from HMRC

17

St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

• Review quotations for significant expenditure.

• Be permitted to agree expenditure outside to normal day to day running expenses of up to

• £500 without reference to the PCC

• Advise the PCC on the Churches financial position both short and long term

• Prepare and recommend an annual budget to the PCC

• Prepare and recommend communications to the Parishioners and Diocese in matters

• relating to Parish finances.

• Oversee stewardship and agree action required.

My thanks go to all members of the Group for their contribution to the work of the Church and especially to Alan and Sally for maintaining cash reconciliation and banking during the year.

James Laidler Parish Treasurer

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St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

The Reserves Policy THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST LAURENCE. CHORLEY In setting the following policy it should be understood: All charities need to develop a policy on reserves which establishes a level of reseNes that is right for the Church and clearly explains to its parishioners and other stakeholders why holding these reserves is necessary. Charity trustees (The PCC) have a general legal duty to spend income within a reasonable time of re￿ipt. Trustees may spend this income to fund charitable activities, in acquiring assets to use in the Church's work, and in meekn'ng the day to day runninq costs of the Church. To hold income in reserve rather than spendinq it, trustees rely on an explicit or implicit power to hold reserves and they must use that power in the Church's best interests. The reserves policy explains how reserves are used to manage short term uncertainty and in respect of longer term projects it will explain how and when the reserves will be spent. The reserves policies provide assuran￿ that the finances of the Church are actively managed and its activities are sustainable. Reserves exclude funds within the Church's accounts which hav8 particular restrictions on how they can be used. eratin Reserve The Operats'ng ReSe￿e is intended to provide an intemal source of funds to meet unforeseen or unbudgeted expenses connected with the day to day running expenses of the Church which should include the Parish Share to the Diocese of Blackburn which comprises 54 % of the Parish's budgeted expenses. It is the policy of the PCC that giving through stewardship and envelope collections coupled with sustainable income from other income streams such as the refectory, room hire and property income should meet the day to day expenses of the PCC in the maintenance of the Ministy. Therefore, the maintenance of an operating reserves of a maximum of £15,000 should be the objective going forward. As at the date of this policy statement, the PCC is forecasting an operating deficit of £48,000 for the year commencing January 2021. St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

It is therefore recommended that operating reserves of £50,000 should be available as at 3151 December 2020 to ensure that the PCC can meet its commitments in 2021. This may vary if the Diocese is agreeable to provide grant support to enable the Parish to meet its share in the year. Useofo eratin reserve In terns of unbudgeted expenses all sums in excess of £500 for an individual item require the agreement of PCC either at a meeting or by circular email. Items under £500 may be approved by the Rector and Churchwardens with the support of the Treasurer. Review of o eratin reserve The policy will nomially be reviewable annually when the PCC sets its budget. However interim reviews may be warranted in light of changes in the pattern of income or expenses. Changes to the policy will be recommended to the PCC by the Finance Committee. Pro ect Reserve The Church buildings by the nature of its age and construction has heavy maintenance and renewal needs. The same consideration may apply to the organ. The Church also owns the Curate's House in Park Avenue and major expenditure may be required to maintain the propety from time to time. It is recommended that a Project Reserve be established and funds raised outside the regular income of the Church to build up resources to meet the capital needs of the Church on a 5 year rolling basis as identified by the Fabric Committee. Use of Pro'ect ReSe￿e The Fabric Committee should plan a schedule of works to coincide with the annual budget for agreement by the PCC. This plan may exceed the resources currently available and stretch forward beyond the cuffent financial year but they should identify the level and timing of fvndraising required. All use of Project Reserve funds should be agreed by PCC before commitment of fijnds. Treasurer January 2021 20 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

PCC 8¢ Lwr•fi￿ R•¢•lpl• and p•ym•nts 8•b•ct•d pwlod: 01 January 2020 kn 31 D•£•mb•r 2ts20 J•M•ry 2020 01 j￿￿ry 201• To 31 O•r•mbv 2020 31 D•¢•rrdw2Q19 CAP. CAP Fund Ilknlgnthdl Fuftd 710 TIO 710 710 Flbtt. Falwk Fund lowl￿1￿t0d} 20Jww2021 P•p I 21 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

To 21 D•rAMlwl•X 11 Xll1 17AI* 11A7• 5,gJ7 310 38 P4p 3 22 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

From 01 J￿￿ry 2020 To 31 O•c•n4>•r 2020 01 J•nuiry 2019 31 O•¢•Mo•r 2019 54 11.1rk8 3.501 676 11ts23 7324 7.B47 Fu￿# Wrwj. cts FuTrJ knr¥J Sundoy Rara 1.733 2.181 Rkna. ChnBthw Fow¥al Furpjrn9￿￿. 8•12020 1105) 1#.016 141 pa￿mIla 374 In kl•morium 351 Y1&1trYJ 8annJ Fea& 132 FeeBfrfiJrw815 3.87T 87 Churth frxxn Iqlty. lur￿ rnithg urth ar•A r¥ 9212 42 Z749 10.814 5.128 and ts￿ding wrdo1•11 470 7015 7.479 12798 11640 139.715 167,10T Rnikng fuTr IB J•nLllYtr2ts21 Pw3 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

From 01 Januwy 2020 To 31 2020 01 Jathmry 2019 31 D•c•mb•r 2019 41 Vwger 5220 4.593 5.507 4.952 1.J32 2291 495 2.021 Chutch èxpbn 1216 434 5.074 5.074 416 837 1.8lS 32fl3 urth 14 2.315 212 570 1247 Ssr VBthng spem l ￿mI 247 2.512 3.154 1.￿1 Curch HNh & Curth g 5.426 6.•JT 1f 1240 1.917 3.174 2B.110 2.789 441 131140 178. .574 263.75k 1244.ODUI ghi 261.T52 2￿1 P*p4 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

Fmm To 01 2020 01 J•xwy X119 31 Oet•mb•r 2019 31 Ott•mb#r 2020 lQ•th¢. R••trkt•d Fund {RaW Fw 10 10 10 167.655 11023•1 157A28 Tranthr•Wlranl xfj P•3• S St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

ts2• fth 49165 T fAS 52 1510 I7.￿ 1.4F&15 S6 7121 14.(th74 6161*31 172M 0217.14 633 61 9&9)13 2r4b1• 7.91&• .51 Pwg• I St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

.AHI)C HI.11. C'III IIC'H C'I)I NC'II. ()F' ST I..11111,'NC-I.' C 111)111.I-I INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST LAURENCE'S I report on the accounts of th¢ PCC for the year end￿ 31# December 2ff20 as set out on p48es 21-26 iti the Annual R¢FMxt of the Parod)ial Chll￿h Council. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The ¢harity'5 trus¢¢es are reswible for the preparation of the ac(>)unts. The charity's trusteas nsider that an audit is not required for this Ye￿ (under SectiTh1 144 (2) of the Cbarities Act 2011 (1 201 l Act) and that 8n indytht ¢xaminalioll is requir¢d. BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT My examination was Corried out ID accordance with the Genelal Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination i￿l￿deS Yd review of the accounttDg recor(Lg kept by the charity a comparison of th¢ accounts presend with those records. It also incI￿JeS considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accowits and $￿kIng explanatiOfLS from you a5 trust¢¢s concerning any such matters. The procedures Unde￿en do not provid¢ all the eviden¢¢ that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the &counts present a 'true aNI fair view, and the re￿)rt is limited to those matters set out ir) the slatements below. INDEPENDENT EXAMtNER'S STATEMENT In Connecti￿ with my examinatio￿ matter h&s corne to my attention: (l) which give$ me re&mablc cause to beli¢v¢ thaL in atty material resprt the r¢quirements tty - ke¢p accounting reciyds in with Sertton 130 of the 2011 Act - to Prepare aCCOUDts which ￿Trrd with th¢ a(wuntiTrg records and to ¢ompty with the accouniing requirements of th¢ 2011 Act have not been theL or (2) to whic14 in my opinion. atteniion 5houkl be drawn in onler to enable a proper understanding of the a¢￿[￿)￿ ts) be ref*hed. Mr John Schoficld BA (Oxon) ACA 126 Deerfold Chorley April 2021 St. Laurence's Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130