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2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Report

Of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

St Mary’s Church, Walberton

Church Lane, Walberton, Arundel BN18 0UD

Church Office: Unit G William Booker Yard, The Street, Walberton BN18 0PF Registered charity no. 1175197

For the year ended 31st December 2023

CONTENTS

Page

Website: stmaryswalberton.org.uk

The Revd TJC Ward Incumbent: The Vicarage, The Street Walberton Arundel BN18 0PQ Independent Mrs A Bestente examiner: Sunny Bank, Walberton, Arundel BN18 0PT

Bankers: NatWest Bank - Rustington (B) Branch 154 The Street Rustington West Sussex BN16 3ZZ

1

St Mary’s Walberton

Trustees Annual Report for 2023

Our aims and purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Rev’d Timothy Ward, in

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, particularly, the specific guidance on “charities for the advancement of religion”.

For 2023 we planned to reach the new housing developments at Avisford Grange and Fontwell Meadows and to continue the new initiatives under our New Beginnings banner (See below). We also planned to repair our tiled roof line.

2023 was the first year when we were more or less back to normal after the pandemic Accordingly:

The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England

We offer services of worship to God

As a village church we seek to provide services at which people from all church traditions, or none, will feel comfortable. On Sunday mornings the usual pattern has been for there to be both a service using traditional liturgy, and a less formal service which appeals particularly to those with young families. The clergy and readers team also provide a service in the evening on Sundays. This can be Holy Communion or Evensong or, on the first Sunday of the month, a new service for children called Families at 5 which began in 2022.

2

We enable as many people as possible to worship at our church

We aim to ensure that our church is a safe and welcoming space for all age groups, and for those who have disabilities of some kind. The PCC makes every effort at all times to comply with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, following the guidance of the House of Bishops.

The church is the hub for formal teaching through sermons, some of which are also available on our website in written form. Young people are involved in services especially Families at 5 and also offered structured teaching when they separate into their age groups for Sunday School

In 2023 the median attendance in church on a normal Sunday was 66 adults, and 9 children including house communions. There is a monthly Communion service held at the Walberton Place care Home The average attendance for the whole benefice was 75 Adults per week and 11 children. On Easter Day 115 people attended and 215 people attended services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All these figures showed a healthy increase on the previous year although not back to 2019 pre pandemic levels.

Three weddings and 4 funerals were held in church. The vicar conducted 10 further funeral services or burial of ashes elsewhere, in the churchyard or a crematorium. There were 6 baptisms of children and 8 confirmations. We opened the church to watch and celebrate The Coronation Service of King Chales III which was very memorable and attracted a variety of people. Other special services included a joint service with the Baptist Church for the Coronation of King Charles at the Village Hall the next day and activities for the children in the afternoon, Remembrance Sunday when the Earl of Woolton was commemorated; an All Souls Service of Remembrance for the bereaved; a Christingle Service to which the Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School children were invited and took part. The crib service this year was well attended.

About 10 people participated in a weekly prayer meeting online. Three Home Groups continue to meet weekly for Bible study on Wednesdays one of which is now a daytime group. There is also a Dad’s Bible study which meets once a fortnight which studied John’s gospel throughout the year.

We conduct monthly visits to Walberton Place Care Home for a time of singing hymns and songs, readings and memories. About 10, including pianist Gaye Reynolds, usually go and about 20 residents are pleased to see us.

3

Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical and knowing Jesus Christ better and making him better known

In 2023 we continued the initiatives that began under our Mission action Plan in 2022 and added some more

More open in worship:

Families at 5. This has been a considerable success a small team of laity and clergy prepare a service each month aimed directly at children. It involves children reading and acting out bible stories doing craft work and godly play activities. It attracts 10 -20 children each month.

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine Each month until September 2023 we met opposite the shops under the leadership of Kevin Durban Jackson (a Reader) to pray for Ukraine and witness to our village. People from other churches have become involved as we sing and share our concerns for Ukraine and its refugees. About 8 people usually attended.

iSingWorship services We have begun in 2023 using the iSingWorship digital programme which projects words and music allowing us to learn new songs. We have also begun to offer prayers after the 10.30am service.

More converted:

Listening to God group This group involves half a dozen people under lay leadership meeting once a month to spend time in silence before God. Their thoughts are recorded and relayed to the congregation at the next 10.30am service.

Barnabas Discipleship Groups There are two groups, one of men led by the vicar and one of women led by a reader, who meet about 6 times a year to be accountable to each other spiritually. Each person is able confidentially to say how they are doing in each four areas: prayer, fellowship, witness and bible. They then share whatever issues may be arising in their life and whatever opposition they may be experiencing for prayer.

New Wine a group of 15 attended in 2023 for the first time in many years for five days at the Kent Show ground. Rev Simon Ponsonby from St Aldates, Oxford gave the main addresses focusing us back on the Lord Jesus Christ.

More engaged:

Little Lambs This is a morning of storytelling singing and craft organised by one of our mums and supported by other laity. It is supported by Community Playcentre at Walberton who bring over a small group. There are usually 6-10 children present. It is valued by those who come but doesn’t yet have a core group.

Games night. This attracts about 4 men who have enjoyed the camaraderie of playing various new games with each other and have deepened their friendships

Offering practical and spiritual support and care for people in the parish , from the youngest to the eldest

Our existing action groups met regularly to follow up and reinforce these aims as well as the Mission Action plan:

The Communications Group aimed to keep members of the church and the parish more connected with each other through the Pew Sheet and the Parish News: eg to keep the congregation informed about PCC business. It looked for ways to make better use of the media, eg Facebook and our website, to promote the Parish News, and to stimulate the various action groups. It updated the Welcome Packs for the Outreach Group.

The Outreach Group started to deliver Welcome Packs to each new resident as they settled into the new housing developments in Fontwell and at Avisford Grange. Groups went carol singing to these new estates and were well received. The packs now also contain flyers from a number of the village social groups who were delighted to seize the opportunity to make themselves known to newcomers.

The weekly Friday Coffee Stop enables church members to keep in touch in the midst of the village and to mix with other villagers during the weekly Post Office in the pavilion.

In late August we held a Golf and swimming afternoon at the Avisford Park Hotel which was well attended. Our thanks go to Isabel Sandieson who acted as our lifeguard.

In the autumn we held an Alpha at Fontwell course for the first time since 2020 which attracted 18 people to its first meeting at The Old Stables in Fontwell. We door knocked every house in Fontwell. Thereafter, 13 of us met at the Sewell’s house in Fontwell for two months. We joined with St Wilfrid’s Bognor for the Holy Spirit Day and enjoyed their hospitality.

In November there was families’ fireworks and bonfire at the Sewell’s house to whom our thanks are again due.

In December we went carol singing again handing out invitations to our Christmas services to the new housing in Avisford Grange. This was a very happy occasion and much appreciated by the residents

Members of our church family are to be found in virtually every local group and activity, and as such are known as ambassadors for godly living within our community. The church nominates a trustee to the Village Hall Trustee Board, the Community Play

5

Centre (CPAWS) and has three foundation governors at Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School.

Providing financial support for those in need and to other organisations with similar objectives

As well as the individuals helped by pastoral visiting , charitable and Christian organisations were supported by special collections made in church. The PCC also approved a number of specific donations. A list is included in the Supplementary Report.

St Mary’s provides trustees for the Walberton, Binsted and West Barnham Support Fund which does the main work of meeting peoples physical and financial needs in the parish and supports Bognor Food bank.

Looking after our Grade 1 Listed church building

The main work of the year was the repair of the roof line which had been disturbed by a storm in February 2022. We were grateful to our builder who liaised with the insurance company on our behalf so that of the £20,000 spent all we needed to pay was the excess of £250, the work being done in early 2023 when the bats were absent.

The PCC has been exploring with the DAC replacing our wooden chairs with upholstered stackable chairs, removing the dais in the North aisle to create more space for Little Lambs and replacing our 50 year old heating system with a more efficient infrared system. After a meeting with congregation in September it was decided not to include removal of the organ. [The DAC has since been approached for formal advice enabling a faculty application to be made to the Chancellor which if successful we hope will enable work to begin in summer 2024 after a notice period.]

Financial Review

For 2023, the financial report follows the format specified by the Charities Commission (CC16a), for charities with an income of less than £250,000 and using receipts and payments accounting. The accounts are in three parts.

Part A - The Profit and Loss Account (Receipts and Payments)

Part B - The Balance Sheet showing our Assets and Liabilities

Appendix – Notes on the accounts

6

Part A - The Profit and Loss Account (Receipts and Payments)

The 2023 accounts show an overall deficit on the year of £5,395. We did, however, receive income of £9,997 restricted to work on the church fabric (including some outstanding gift aid tax recoverable on the Bell Tower repair gift and a legacy). Some, £6,683 was spent from this fund (including final Bell Tower repair costs and Quinquennial inspections).

In addition, the Bell Ringers Fund of £435 was brough under the governance of the PCC. The remaining £80 in the Churchyard Benches Fund (as at the start of 2023) was spent on Churchyard activities. Taking these into account, our General Fund (representing our day-to-day activities) saw an overall deficit of £9,199.

Part B - Balance Sheet (Statement of Assets & Liabilities)

As a result of this deficit, our current account balance (just over £1,000 at year end) meant we have very little in the way of contingency. We do, however, have just over £20,000 in our General Reserve Account, which can be accessed, if required.

Appendix - Notes on the Accounts

A detailed breakdown is available of receipts and expenditure, including all outward giving from plate collections and from the PCC.

Why we hold some money in reserve

We aim to hold reserves to maintain a balance on the general unrestricted funds (excluding property) which equates to at least two/three months’ worth of unrestricted payments as contingency against unforeseen situations. The closing balance of £1205 at Nat West at the end of 2023 does not meet this criteria. We also hold reserves to invest temporarily surplus funds with the CBF Church of England deposit fund, returning proportionately these funds to our current account, as they are needed, to pay day-today bills. At the end of 2023, £25,684 was invested in this way. As well as holding the above general reserves, from time to time the PCC receives restricted legacies for expenditure on restricted purposes, defined by the donor. We aim to expend such money as soon as possible after receiving the gift, depending on the specific objectives of the donor.

1.

Structure, governance and management of the charity

The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Reg No. 1175197. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC is elected at the APCM by Church Members. There were 122 people on the Electoral Roll at the end of December 2023.

7

The PCC is supported by a Standing Committee and oversees the work of three sub committees, the Outreach Action Group, the Communications Group, and the Worship Action Group which report to the PCC. The PCC met 7 times during the year.

During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:

Ex officio members:

Incumbent: The Revd Timothy Ward Licensed Reader: Julie Allday Churchwardens: Jean Strickland, Steven Phillips Deanery Synod Representatives: Julie Allday (Electoral Roll Officer) Elected Membership: Kevin Durban Jackson (Reader with PTO) Peter Brown Tom Evans (Hon. Treasurer) Graham Thrussell (PCC Secretary) Brendan Amesbury Emmie Huxtable Martin Sewell

Other officers with rights of attendance, but not trustees Minutes Secretary Alison Surrell Safeguarding Officer Kasia Nicholls

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priest in charge, curate, readers licensed to officiate in the parish), the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 9 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and serve for three years. Church members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Revd. Timothy Ward, PCC Chairman

Signed

Date: 18 May 2024

8

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations & Legacies
2a
Activites for Generating Funds
2b
Investment Income
2c
Charitable Actvities
2d
Other Incoming Resources
2e
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Cost of Charitable Activities
3a
Activities for Generating Funds
3b
Governance Costs
3c
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Balances Brought Forward
Transfer Between Funds
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Designated Restricted TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
87,517
-
9,997
97,514
143,641
117
-
-
117
-
663
135
-
798
322
13,894
-
-
13,894
14,161

425
-
435
860
88
102,615
135
10,432
113,182
158,212
109,051
-
6,763
115,814
157,357
437
-
-
437
633
2,326
-
-
2,326
1,718
111,814
-
6,763
118,577
159,708
-9,199
135
3,668
-5,395
-1,495
-9,199
135
3,668
-5,395
-1,495
26,436
4,161
2,343
32,939
34,434
-
-
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939

9

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
1
Current Assets
Debtors & Prepayments
5
Cash at bank and in hand
4
Total Current Assets
Creditors: Due within one year
6
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities
Creditors: Due within one year
7
NET ASSETS
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
8
Restricted Funds
9		 Unrestricted
Designated Restricted 31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939
-
-
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939
-
-
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939
17,237
17,237
27,782
4,296
4,296
4,161
6,011
6,011
997
17,237
4,296
6,011
27,544
32,939

This Financial Report for the year ended 31st December 2023, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by The Revd. Timothy Ward, PCC Chairman:

Signed Date: 18 May 2024

10

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2. Incoming Resources

Notes
a) Donations and Legacies
Gift Aid Donation
Gift Aid Tax Recoverable
Gifts & Donations
Collections Plate
Grants
Legacies
Visitors Box
b) Activities for Generating Funds
Outreach
c) Investment Income
Bank Interest
5
d) Charitable Activities
Parish Magazine
Churchyard and Service Fees
3) Other Incoming Resources
Sundry Income		 Unrestricted
Designated Restricted TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
46,970
-
-
46,970
72,587
11,713
-
5,039
16,752
20,267
12,572
-
-
12,572
40,844
7,289
-
-
7,289
5,424
8,878
-
-
8,878
4,435
-
-
4,958
4,958
-
96
-
-
96
84
87,517
-
9,997
97,514
143,641
£
£
£
£
£
117
-
-
117
-
117
-
-
117
-
£
£
£
£
£
663
135
-
798
322
663
135
-
798
322
£
£
£
£
£
6,745
-
-
6,745
7,468
7,149
-
-
7,149
6,693
13,894
-
-
13,894
14,161
£
£
£
£
£
425
-
435
860
88
425
-
435
860
88

11

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023

3. Resources Expended

Notes
a) Cost of Charitable Activities
AudioVisual Costs
Charitable Giving
Church Layout & Modernisation
Church Running Costs
Churchyard Expenses
Clergy Expenses
Communication Costs
Diocese Quota
Junior Church
Music Costs
Office Costs
Office Rent
Organist Fees
Parish Magazine Costs
Photocopiers Costs
Quinquennial Costs
Repairs and Maintenance
Salary Costs
10
Service Fees
Telephone & Internet Costs
Utility Costs
Vicarage Expenses
Visiting Speakers Expenses
b) Cost of Generating Funds
Outreach
c) Governance Costs
PCC Governance
Bank Charges
Insurance		 Unrestricted
Designated Restricted TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
14
-
-
14
17
6,983
-
-
6,983
6,520
1,629
-
-
1,629
-
1,555
-
-
1,555
1,543
784
-
80
864
917
852
-
-
852
995
2,774
-
-
2,774
368
63,797
-
-
63,797
62,344
158
-
-
158
215
420
-
-
420
389
683
-
-
683
190
3,520
-
-
3,520
2,640
218
-
-
218
340
50
-
-
50
-
6,137
-
-
6,137
6,756
1,830
-
6,683
8,513
54,737
250
-
-
250
233
1,762
-
-
1,762
6,210
2,396
-
-
2,396
2,351
1,054
-
-
1,054
2,029
8,346
-
-
8,346
4,791
3,738
-
-
3,738
3,648
101
-
-
101
123
109,051
-
6,763
115,814
157,357
£
£
£
£
£
437
-
-
437
633
437
-
-
437
633
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
76
266
-
-
266
-
2,060
-
-
2,060
1,642
2,326
-
-
2,326
1,718

12

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023

4. Cash at bank and in-hand

4. Cash at bank and in-hand
Cash at bank and in hand 31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
£
£
27,544
32,939
27,544
32,939

5.Debtors & Prepayments

The PCC held no debtors during this or the previous financial period.

6. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

There were no short term liabilities held during this or the previous financial period.

7. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In More Than One Year

There were no long term liabilities held during this or the previous financial period.

13

THE PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S WALBERTON DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023

8.Designated Funds
Quinquennial Fund		 Balance
Balance
31-Dec-22
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
4,161
135
-
-
4,296
4,161
135
-
-
4,296

The churches designated funds are wholly represented by cash reserves held and are to be expended as described above

9. Restricted Funds
Bell Tower
Bell Ringers Fund
Churchyard Benches		 Balance
Balance
31-Dec-22
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
2,263
9,997
6,683
-
5,576
-
435
-
-
435
80
-
80
-
-
2,343
10,432
6,763
-
6,011

The churches restricted funds are wholly represented by cash reserves held and are to be expended as described above

10. Analysis of Net Assets By
Fund
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
Fixed Assets and Investments
-
-
-
Current Assets
17,237
4,296
6,011
Liabilities (due in more than one
year)
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
11. Staff Costs and Numbers
Gross Wages and Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
Pension Contributions
Employees Who Were Engaged in each of the following actives:
Activities in furtherance of organisations objectives:		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
-
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011
-
-
-		 31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
Total
Total
£
£
-
-
27,544
32,939
-
-
17,237
4,296
6,011		 27,544
32,939
2023
2022
£
£
1,528
6,210
-
-
-
-
1,528
6,210
2023
2022
2
2

The organisation operates a PAYE scheme to pay all employed members of staff and the organisation also employs members of staff on a self employed basis. No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. (2022: None)

14

Independent Examinerfs Report to the PCC of St Marvs Church, Walberton for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023 Section A This 15 my report to the Parochial Church CouTrcil of the Ecclesiastical Parish IPCCI of St Mary. Walberton, on the annual report for the yearendeLI 31" December 2023 set out on this and the following pase Respe¢tive responsibilitie5 of trustees and examiner The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required forthi5 year under section 144 of the Charities Act 20111"the Charities Art~l and that an independent examinatlDn IS needed. It15 my responsiblllty to: examSne the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to followthe procedures lald down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under sectson 14515llbl of the Charities Att, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent examlnevs statemerrt My examlnation was carried out in accordance wSth general Directions 8iven by the Charity Comrni55ion. Ar& examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also include5 consideration of any unusual items or di5closure5 in the accounts. and seeking explanatioT¥s from the trustees concerning any such rnatters. The procedure5 undertakeTTr do not provide all the evidence that would be required in arn audit. and nsequently no opinion is given a5 to whether the accounts present a'true and fairf vlew and the report is limited to those matters set out in the st3tement below. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no rnatÈrial matters have come to my attention '] which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Art or the accounts do not aecord with the accountln8 recoTds I have corne across no other matters in connection with the examination to whlch attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Ple*e delete the words in the Ibrackets? rftheydo not opply Examlnerfs sl8nature ExamIne￿$ name CAP￿￿5 ALISON B ST NTE CeFA CeMAP CeRER DipFA Date Relevant profes51onal quallfl¢atlonlsl or body Independent Financial Adviser FRN755733 Examlnerf5 addre55 Box 147 Arundel BN18 8DL 15

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Mary's Church, Walberton for the Year Ended 31st December, 2023 Sèction B Disclosure Qnly complete if the examiner needs to highlight rnatters of concern15ee CC32, Independent examlnatlon of charity ac¢ounts: direction5 and guldance for examiners) Glve here brlef detsi15 of any items thal the examiner wlshes to disclose 16