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2020-12-31-accounts

St George’s Church, Wrotham Sevenoaks, Kent

Annual Report and Financial Statements Of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Charity Registration Number: 1177875
Rector: The Revd Edward Wright
The Rectory
Borough Green Road
Wrotham
Sevenoaks
Kent. TN15 7RA
Churchwardens: Mrs Sandy Chapman
Mrs Pauline Smith
Treasurer: Mrs Linda Read
Bank: CAF
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent ME19 4TA
Independent Examiner: John Francis FCA DChA
The Vicarage, The Close
Corseley Road
Groombridge, TN3 9SE

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, WROTHAM, ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020

Administrative information

St George’s Church is situated in the Square, Wrotham, Kent. It is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Borough Green Road, Wrotham, Kent TN15 7RA.

PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2020 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex-officio: Rector: The Revd Edward Wright Wardens: Mrs Sandy Chapman Mrs Pauline Smith Lay Minister Mrs Sue Smith Reader Mrs Gill Johnson Representatives on Mrs Marleen Harvey Kelly (reappointed APCM 11.10.20) Deanery Synod: Mrs Kathy Wiffen (reappointed APCM 11.10.20) Elected Members: Mrs Carolyn Beach Mrs Trish Bradshaw Mr Greg Forsyth Mrs Margaret Garlinge Mrs Marleen Harvey-Kelly Mr Mike Hodder (stood down for health reasons 17.03.20) Mrs Diana Knox Mrs Linda Read (treasurer) Mrs Lynn Whitham (resigned APCM 11.10.20) Mrs Kathy Wiffen Safeguarding officer: Mrs Sue Smith (stood down 28.07.20) Dr Stephanie Munn (appointed 17.08.20)

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Powers Measure. PCC members are elected under the provisions of the Church Representation Rules. Members of the PCC are either appointed ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) from Church attendees registered on the Electoral Roll.

The PCC was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 10[th] April 2018.

The full name of the charity is The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wrotham, but it is generally known as St. George’s Church, Wrotham, or as St. George’s PCC, Wrotham.

The full PCC met eight times during the year, including two Extraordinary Meetings: one after the APCM to appoint the treasurer; and one to discuss services and broadband installation issues. The first two meetings in the year were in person but because of coronavirus restrictions all meetings since 17.03.20 have been via zoom. The standing committee met between PCC meetings as necessary to prepare the agendas for the PCC meetings and discuss operational issues that arose with the pandemic. The standing committee comprised the Rector, churchwardens and treasurer and since June two additional PCC members.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, which sets out the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The incumbent and two members of the PCC sit on the Deanery Synod, which allows a connection to be maintained with the wider structures of the Anglican Church.

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, WROTHAM, ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020

Objectives and Activities

St George’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the rector, the Revd. Edward Wright, to continue promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the Church.

The PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Looking to the future, the PCC has been working with Ightham parish with a view to the possibility of becoming a United Benefice. A draft proposal was put to the Tonbridge Archdeaconry Steering Committee in September, and no questions or issues were raised. The Churchwardens and Standing Committee members of both PCCs have met to explore what the proposal will entail. In addition, a dedicated working party has worked towards developing St George’s Called to Grow Plan, identifying a vision and the steps required to fulfil that vision.

Achievements and Performance

Worship & prayer

The PCC aims to provide a range of services for regular worship and for special occasions in order to offer as much opportunity as possible for participation for those in the parish and beyond in ways that relate to varying spiritual experience and levels of faith.

Up until March, the weekly Breakfast Church had been sustained, with a core who attend nearly every week, and a wider number who come occasionally. It is not only for those with young families, as others who appreciate the informal style come regularly. The main 10.30am Worship service took place every Sunday, and in addition, on the first week of the month, communion following the 1662 Book of Common Prayer was held at 8.00am.

The requirements of the government in relation to the Coronavirus Pandemic entailed the church being closed between 23[rd] March and 4[th] July. This meant a shift of Sunday worship from the Church Building onto Zoom, and a regular 10:30am Service has been hosted each week. For a few months, when Lockdown restrictions were eased during the Summer, and prior to the second lock down, a weekly Sunday service took place at 9am, observing the strictest of safety protocols, followed by the 10:30am Service on Zoom. For a short while, this pattern changed to a fortnightly one with alternate Sundays having a 10.30am service in church which went out on Zoom as long as the signal held. This highlighted the need for a telephone wire to be installed for broadband. An outdoor teatime service took place in September, aimed at our Breakfast Church families, which was well attended.

After the restrictions were lifted on 4th July the Church has remained open for daily prayer, with procedures in place to restrict movement around the Church and ensure proper sanitisation of areas used.

In addition, a weekly prayer meeting and a fortnightly study group have continued to meet via Zoom.

On 22[nd] December, due to the sharply increasing rates of Covid infection in the area, the parish sought and obtained a dispensation from the Bishop relating to the suspension of public worship extending into the New Year.

The deferred APCM was held in the Church after the main Service on Sunday 11[th] October, with some accessing it via Zoom. A Remembrance Sunday service took place outside around the memorial, with all safety protocols observed.

There were 73 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll. During the Restrictions, the usual Sunday attendance in Church was 10 adults and on Zoom 37 adults and 8 children.

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, WROTHAM, ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020

Mission, Outreach and Pastoral Care

Since March, the Community Choir, the Sisterhood, the Friday morning Parent and Toddler group and Tuesday Coffee Mornings have, regrettably, been suspended. During the summer, a weekly catch up coffee morning did take place outside, observing all the safety protocols. This moved inside the building in September, again with all safeguards in place, and continued until the November lockdown.

Links with the local Church of England Primary School have continued, enabling the Church to have significant input into the life of the school. The Rector, Sandy Chapman and Sue Smith sit on the Governing Body of the school; Sandy chairs the Worship, Ethos and Safeguarding Committee as well as being the Safeguarding Governor, whilst Sue is the RE Governor. Full Governing Body meetings have taken place online. When all the children had returned to school in September, the Rector was delivering a Collective Worship to the whole school via Zoom until the second lockdown. In addition, Church members have again contributed generously to the purchase of Bibles for each of the Year 5 Pupils.

The Pastoral Visiting Team, which includes the Rector, the Lay Minister and two other church members, have continued to provide pastoral care of the community, particularly where these is sickness or bereavement and have been vigilant in keeping in touch with the members of the congregation who have not been able to access the Zoom meetings to ensure their wellbeing. There has been a regular flow of food from the parish to the Foodbank run by The Church of the Good Shepherd in Borough Green, and co-ordination with them concerning cases of need in Wrotham. Some shopping was undertaken for persons shielding during the first lockdown. The Hardship Fund has been used to meet urgent need, and to apply a generous donation to vouchers for families at Christmastime.

An on-line Alpha Course, run jointly with Ightham parish, was started in October, attended by five from Wrotham and four from Ightham. This attendance was sustained throughout the course.

The usual fundraising events and concerts were not able to take place during the year. The Rector did a sponsored walk along the Pilgrims’ Way from Wrotham to Rochester which raised £2,369.

The Church Building

The November 2017 Quinquennial Inspection has raised a number of minor issues that need to be resolved, which will be gradually dealt with as funds allow.

The clock was serviced in accordance with the terms of the grant obtained from the Pilgrims’ Trust. The carillon overhaul will be a future project when finance allows.

Having obtained the necessary faculty in 2020, the iron balustrade in the ringing chamber has been successfully installed and many thanks to the Bell ringers who funded this, in January 2021.

The leadwork in one of the stained glass windows had decayed causing the window to buckle. This has now been repaired in February 2021.

The lightning conductor has been inspected and a quote to extend it to the top of the flagpole is awaited.

The provision of Disabled access into the Church has been considered over many years, as it presents a considerable challenge. Before we can progress this project further, we await comment by the DAC on the redrafted proposal, concerning the lighting of the pathway, drafted by the Church architects, Thomas Ford & Partners.

A faculty for the installation of broadband is currently being progressed and remains a priority.

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, WROTHAM, ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020

We are again indebted to Malcolm Wiffen for all his hard work and commitment to these projects, including the handling of the considerable administration and project management that is needed.

We appreciate too the efforts of parishioners who have kept the church clean and properly sanitised, during the Pandemic.

Financial Review

The accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis. Income exceeded expenditure by £15,404 (2019 £3,881). The balance on the General Fund carried forward was £19,674 at 31 December 2020.

The incidence of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns restricted the usual services and events held through most of the year. This resulted in a decrease in “cash” giving and event income. The online giving button on the church website has helped facilitate giving. The Diocesan emergency Covid 19 grant of £5,000, plus a one off donation of £6,500, and sales of the second hand roof tiles for £1,538 improved our general fund position in 2020 but will not be repeated in 2021. During the year only essential maintenance was carried out on the church, which was funded by the Friends of St George’s Church, but urgent repairs have already been required in 2021. With the uncertainty of the ability for events in 2021, the budget is predicting a deficit.

Ways to increase general income will continue to be reviewed to enable the work of the Church to continue and develop. Grants and fundraising efforts will be needed to enable the installation of Broadband in the Church as a priority and then the access for the Disabled plan to be taken forward from the planning stage to any start of implementation.

Reserves Policy

The policy is to hold general reserves equivalent to three months’ running costs, which is in the region of £15,000. This objective was reached this year, but only because of the one off income in the year, and is not likely to be sustained in 2021.

Management of risks and their mitigation

The PCC considers that the principal risks and uncertainties for the church in Wrotham are:

Ways to grow the church and enable those in volunteer position are being considered in a 3 year Called to Grow plan. The PCC is reliant on fund-raising and grants from grant making bodies including the Friends of St George’s Church Wrotham for further repairs and an appeal will need to be launched when the plans for the access for the disabled are finally agreed.

Approved by the PCC on 16 March 2021 and signed on its behalf

Chairperson: Revd Edward Wright

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. GEORGE'S, WROTHAM FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of St George, Wrotham, on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2020, comprising a Receipts and Payments Account and supporting notes.

Respective responsibilities 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 for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

  1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

  2. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

  3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the trustees 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 statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

John Francis, FCA DChA 16 March 2021 The Vicarage, The Close, Corseley Road, Groombridge, TN3 9SE

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT General Designated Restricted
Totals Fund Funds Funds Totals
2020 2020 2020 2020 2019
RECEIPTS Note £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 57,239 54,962 203 2,074 70,872
Charitable activities 2,362 1,448 - 914 5,217
Trading and fund-raising 12,843 12,843 - - 21,390
Investment income 18 18 - - 18
Total receipts 3 72,462 69,271 203 2,988 97,497
PAYMENTS
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Diocesan Parish contribution 32,841 32,841 - - 32,841
Clergy and staffing costs 1,055 1,055 - - 1,618
Church running expenses 9,491 9,128 - 363 12,473
Cost of services 6,150 5,201 394 555 9,663
Buildings maintenance 2,097 40 - 2,057 22,935
Mission giving and donations 5 3,435 2,157 - 1,278 2,851
Total charitable activities 55,069 50,422 394 4,253 82,381
Trading and fund-raising 1,989 1,989 - - 3,235
Other expenditure:
Loan repayment - - - - 8,000
Total payments 4 57,058 52,411 394 4,253 93,616
Excess surplus/(deficit) of receipts 15,404 16,860 ( 191) ( 1,265) 3,881
Transfer between funds - 237 ( 242) 5 -
Balances at 1st January 2020 15,569 2,577 3,791 9,201 11,688
Balances at 31st December 2020 30,973 19,674 3,358 7,941 15,569
represented by:
Cash Funds 6 30,973 19,674 3,358 7,941 15,569

The attached notes form part of these financial statements

Approved by the PCC on 16 March 2021 and signed on their behalf

Chairperson: Revd Edward Wright Treasurer: Linda Read

Page 1

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis.

a Incoming resources:

Income, including tax recoveries on Gift Aid and VAT reclaims, is recognised when received. Funds raised by special events are accounted for gross, and related expenditure recorded separately.

b Fixed assets:

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts. Other inalienable property is not recorded in these accounts but the church's Inventory may be inspected at any reasonable time.

2 DESIGNATED AND RESTRICTED FUNDS

Designated funds are under the control of the PCC. Restricted funds may only be expended by the PCC for purposes specified by the donor.

The movements in designated and restricted funds during the year were:

Restricted:
Roof repairs
Access for the disabled
Other building repairs
All building repairs
Education fund
for education of children
Discretionary Fund - Hardship
Special collections for charity
DBF fees (Agent)
Designated:
Diocesan repair fund
Embroidery fund
Choir fund
Flower fund
Balance
brought
forward
Receipts
Payments
Transfer
Balance
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
£
1,509
-
-
-
1,509
5,740
-
( 1,835)
-
3,905
-
964
(964)
-
-
7,249
964
( 2,799)
-
5,414
1,802
-
( 176)
-
1,626
150
745
( 396)
-
499
-
365
( 370)
5
-
-
914
( 512)
-
402
9,201
2,988
(4,253)
5
7,941
Balance
brought
forward
Receipts
Payments
Transfer
Balance
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
£
47
-
-
-
47
353
-
-
-
353
3,141
120
( 303)
-
2,958
250
83
( 91)
( 242)
-
3,791
203
(394)
(242)
3,358

Page 2

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

3
RECEIPTS
Donations and legacies
Planned giving
Collections at services
Donations
Gift aid recovered
Grants building repairs
Diocesan Grant
Grants clock repairs
VAT reclaim clock repairs
VAT reclaim building repairs
Grants access for the disabled
Charitable activities
Fees for weddings and funerals
Trading and fund-raising
Sponsored Walk
Arts Festival
Christmas Concert
Christmas stall/Wrotham Lights
Lenten events
Wrotham Music Festival
Friends of Kent Churches
bike ride
Charity coffee morning
Easy Fund-raising
Magazine income
Rent re Church Hall
Sale of roof tiles
Investment income
Interest
TOTAL RECEIPTS
General
Designated
Restricted
Totals
Fund
Funds
Funds
Totals
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
25,331
25,331
-
-
22,748
550
550
-
-
2,586
10,124
8,811
203
1,110
9,289
15,270
15,270
-
-
12,126
964
-
-
964
4,340
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13,530
-
-
-
-
2,706
-
-
-
-
2,083
-
-
-
-
1,464
57,239
54,962
203
2,074
70,872
2,362
1,448
-
914
5,217
2,362
1,448
-
914
5,217
2,369
2,369
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,490
-
-
-
-
1,155
-
-
-
-
1,116
-
-
-
-
143
-
-
-
-
1,365
592
592
-
-
163
1,881
1,881
-
-
5,907
55
55
-
-
78
6,408
6,408
-
-
6,953
-
-
-
-
20
1,538
1,538
-
-
-
12,843
12,843
-
-
21,390
18
18
-
-
18
18
18
-
-
18
72,462
69,271
203
2,988
97,497

Page 3

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

4
PAYMENTS
Diocesan parish contribution
Clergy and staffing costs
Mileage, postage, stationery, etc
Telephone
Rectory: Water Rates
Visiting preachers
Church running costs
Gas
Electricity
Boiler & Toilet maintenance
Water rates
Church insurance
Security - Fire prevention
Rent of Parish Room
Electricity - Parish Room
Hall Hire
Cleaning & Keys
Bank charges
Cost of Services
Altar requisites
Organ and piano maintenance
Sundries including candles
Refreshment & hospitality
Music, books & orders of service
Organists' and choir fees
Flowers
Photocopier lease & running costs
Retirement gifts
Copyright & streaming licence
Buildings maintenance
Clock repair
Access for the disabled fees
Electrical repair
Floor tile repairs
Organ repairs
Flag Pole repairs
Plaster repairs
Cross repairs
Mission giving and donations
Trading and fund-raising
Magazine printing
Fund raising events expenses
Loan repayment
Total Payments
General
Designated
Restricted
Totals
Fund
Funds
Funds
Totals
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
32,841
32,841
-
-
32,841
175
175
-
-
379
559
559
-
-
554
256
256
-
-
413
65
65
-
-
272
1,055
1,055
-
-
1,618
2,832
2,832
-
-
3,327
780
780
-
-
967
321
141
-
180
2,343
100
100
-
-
100
4,210
4,210
-
-
4,119
393
210
-
183
318
50
50
-
-
76
221
221
-
-
289
287
287
-
-
834
215
215
-
-
35
82
82
-
-
65
9,491
9,128
-
363
12,473
-
-
-
-
134
379
-
-
379
550
80
80
-
-
185
37
37
-
-
262
322
146
-
176
592
4,273
3,970
303
-
5,720
91
-
91
-
1,120
673
673
-
-
880
-
-
-
-
26
295
295
-
-
194
6,150
5,201
394
555
9,663
222
-
-
222
16,236
1,835
-
-
1,835
1,464
40
40
-
-
144
-
-
-
-
885
-
-
-
-
510
-
-
-
-
1,410
-
-
-
-
2,136
-
-
-
-
150
2,097
40
-
2,057
22,935
3,435
2,157
-
1,278
2,851
1,911
1,911
-
-
2,620
78
78
-
-
615
1,989
1,989
-
-
3,235
-
-
-
-
8,000
57,058
52,411
394
4,253
93,616

Page 4

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

5
MISSION GIVING AND DONATIONS
Poverty and Hope Appeal
Friends of Kent Churches
Friends of Rochester Cathedral
Open Doors
Heart of Kent Hospice-Dementia
Education for all Morocco Ltd
Children's Air Ambulance
Barnabus Fund
Sense
Médecins Sans Frontieres
Spadework
Tearfund
Porchlight
Crisis
Royal British Legion
Practical Action
Children's society
Shelter
Rainbow Trust
Mercy Ships
Fields of Life
MAF
Hospice in the Weald
Sightsavers
Leonard Cheshire Disability
ShelterBox Trust
Bradbourne RDA
Church Good Shepherd - Food bank
Caring Hands
Freedom from Torture
Hardship Fund
Diocesan DBF fees
Training
General
Designated
Restricted
Totals
Fund
Funds
Funds
Totals
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
117
10
10
-
-
10
20
20
-
-
20
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
150
150
150
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
198
-
-
-
-
150
220
150
-
70
396
-
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
232
-
-
-
228
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
150
-
-
-
150
-
-
150
-
150
-
-
150
-
150
150
-
-
-
396
-
-
396
-
512
-
-
512
327
327
-
-
-
3,435
2,157
-
1,278
2,851

Page 5

ST. GEORGE'S PCC, WROTHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020

6
Cash Funds
CAF Bank
Cash in Hand
Diocesan Church Repair Fund
Cash funds
Other monetary assets
Gift aid recoverable
Hall Hire paid credit held
Total assets
Liabilities
Architects bill
Clergy expenses
Fees in advance refundable
Net assets
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES
General
Designated
Restricted
Totals
Fund
Funds
Funds
Totals
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
30,845
19,594
3,310
7,941
15,251
80
80
-
-
270
48
-
48
-
48
30,973
19,674
3,358
7,941
15,569
5,700
5,700
-
-
9,300
64
64
-
-
36,737
25,438
3,358
7,941
24,869
-
-
-
( 720)
( 115)
( 115)
( 239)
( 184)
-
( 55)
-
36,383
25,139
3,358
7,886
24,149

Page 6