2021-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Registered Charity Number – 1179567

Annual Report and Accounts

For the Calendar Year to 31[st] December 2021

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Introduction

2021 was another year of challenges and successes. The major challenge was, of course, the fact that St Leonard’s and our sister church St John’s in Markyate were without a vicar until October. St Leonard’s in particular had been closed from September 2020 until November 2021 for repairs to the roof and south clerestory, reopening on 19 December 2021. During that closure, St Leonard’s parishioners were welcomed at St John’s, as they had been during the last quarter of 2020.

The wardens of both churches were sworn in after morning service at St John’s on 16[th] May 2021 by Archdeacon Jane who was the visiting priest. The four wardens conferred closely during the early months of the year to produce a Parish Profile used in our search for an incumbent. The Benefice is grateful to Archdeacon Jane, Bishop Michael and the clergy of the Wheathampstead deanery for their work, using E-mail and Zoom, to guide and instruct is in the search process which culminated in the installation, in St John’s, of our new vicar, Jo Burke on 3 October 2021. Jo’s first service in St Leonard’s was on 24 December 2021.

Aims, Purposes and Objectives

The PCC is, in common with other such bodies, constituted under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules 1957 (as amended). As such, it has the legal responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for St Leonard’s Church and its churchyard, together with the burial ground at God’s Acre.

Ecclesiastically, Flamstead is part of a United Benefice with St John’s Church in Markyate, which is served by the same Vicar. The respective PCCs (and in particular their Treasurers) seek to share the benefits and burdens of this structure in the most effective manner possible.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship and makes suggestions for the improvement of our services and activities. When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC are mindful of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith and spirituality as part of our parish community through worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. We provide

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pastoral care for all and any who live in the parish, regardless of any connection they may or may not have with the worshipping life of the church; and we conduct work of mission and outreach. Equality of access is of especial importance to this PCC and is reflected in the Equality Policy which was approved during the course of 2018 and the very prominent and broad statements of welcome which are displayed in our church and on our website. We are a member of the Inclusive Church network.

Our buildings and land, St Leonard’s Church and Churchyard, together with God’s Acre, are very important in the life of the parish, and it is of particular importance that the PCC maintains these properties and makes them accessible to all.

Structure and administrative information

St Leonard’s Church is situated in the centre of Flamstead. Its correspondence address is either 41, Trowley Hill Road (the vicar’s address) or via the Administrator, Mrs Pandora Abel Smith, at the parish office, St John’s Church, Church End, Markyate.

The PCC is a body corporate by virtue of the PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules (as amended). It is a charity registered with the Charity Commission.

During the year, the following served as members of the PCC: Ex-officio The Rev. Joanna Burke, Incumbent (Chair) (from 3 October 2021) Wardens Mary Jenkin, John King Elected Greg Parsons Laura Parr Clare Rudd Miranda Motley Karen Barton -Treasurer

The PCC met each month during 2021 and averaged over 80% attendance.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law, FRS 102 (Financial Reporting Standards) and SORP FRS102 (Statement of Recommended Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the trustees are required to:

a) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.

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b) Observe the methods and principles in the current SORP. c) Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

d) State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements.

e) Prepare the Financial Statements on an accruals basis.

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act, Charity Reporting and Accounting Guidance, and the relevant trust instruments. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The PCC are further responsible for employing staff to undertake key roles in the Church, mindful of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, statutory employment legislation and current Church of England Guidelines. The PCC employed a Church Administrator throughout 2021, the cost of which was shared with St John’s Markyate PCC. Remuneration is calculated and reviewed annually with reference to employee experience/qualifications, Retail Price Index, local comparators and performance, and is monitored through annual reviews conducted by the Vicar.

Financial Report

Reference is made to the financial statements attached to this Annual Report.

St Leonard’s closure during most of 2021 left only two weeks of the financial year, so unrestricted funds (money available for general use approved by the PCC) from collections and fundraising events were substantially reduced. However, we incurred significant costs, including gas, electric and increased insurance bills, while the renovation works were completed. Unfortunately, these costs are not covered by the National Heritage Lottery Fund grant. In addition the PCC was responsible for the utilities charges for the empty Vicarage; Diocese policy meant that we were unable to raise any income for the church from short term rent of the building.

Planned giving and donations from church supporters enabled us to meet a large part of the costs throughout the year, and we extend heartfelt thanks for their continued generosity.

As we had no vicar for a large part of 2021, we received a small reduction in the Parish Share, which supports the work of the Diocese and the national church. Unfortunately, we were unable to meet the full charge of £31,104 and the outstanding amount will be paid with the Parish Share for 2022.

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FoSL grants and loans enabled completion of additional works to the fabric of the church building, which included electrical work and wifi system. (Thanks to Mark Jenkin for his input and organisational skills). A substantial donation has also been received towards the new sound system.

In 2022 the PCC will consider its own financial and administrative position, and will continue to review its financial controls.

by: Karen Barton, treasurer

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the PCC to maintain (where possible) a balance on unrestricted reserve which equates to at least 3 months’ unrestricted payments, to cover the PCC’s necessary outgoings in the event of unexpected loss of income. At present this sum is estimated in the amount of £15,000. The balance held on unrestricted funds this year complied with this policy. It is our policy to invest our fund balances with the CBF Church of England accounts.

Achievements in 2021

Worship

Until November, worshippers from St Leonard’s joined the congregation at St John’s either for morning communion or evensong. Unfortunately, the weekly 8.00 am service at St Leonard’s had to be suspended.

Smaller groups of parishioners which had been stimulated by the lockdowns of 2020, continued to meet for prayers on Zoom, as well as being involved in regular virtual communion services on Wednesdays and Compline on Fridays.

NLHF Grant commitments

A Programme Board responsible for ensuring the successful completion of capital works and the “St Leonard’s Flamstead Heritage” Interpretation plan has been in place. This board works in close consultation with the PCC. The completion of the main capital works to the church was finally achieved on 22 November 2021, having been delayed by Covid.

Completed capital works are:

• Strengthening the nave roof timbers, ridge beam and wall plate.

• Renewing the copper roof.

• Raking out and repointing the external flint work of the south clerestory in lime mortar and lime wash internally.

• Glazing repairs to the south clerestory windows.

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• Masonry repairs to the window heads.

• Supplying and fitting four new windows.

• Overhauling the rainwater goods and improving drainage.

• Extending the roof alarm system to the nave roof.

Capital works that remain outstanding are: repairs to the south aisle roof tiling, vestry buttress repair, south porch buttress repairs, coating to the walls of the tower staircase, and repairs to the vestry roof. These are scheduled for the summer of 2022 when related bat licences and faculties will be managed by James Mellish.

The National Heritage Project Interpretation Plan will begin with the installation of display/storage furniture and a Young Person’s Puppet Theatre (The Spirit of St Leonard’s) telling the story of a young girl travelling through nine centuries of church and village history.

Sacristy team

The last year has been very quiet because our team as St. Leonard's has been either closed for services due to Covid restrictions or, latterly, sealed off entirely so that the Heritage Restoration works could begin in earnest. As a team, with a great deal of help from family and friends, we have helped to keep our food bank well stocked, cleaned and prepared the church for services when they could take place and supported our community in various ways during the pandemic crisis. We have been deeply touched by the support we have received from our Wardens, Mary Jenkin and John King, our PCC, the wider St. Leonard's family and from across our village.

After the church closed at the end of August 2020, we decided that we would try to keep some of the community projects going, such as our Christmas Memory Tree, and once again have been delighted by the community response. In partnership with our Methodist friends we delivered one or two interesting things to do over the Easter holidays, all with a Christian message, and they too were very well received.

While St. Leonard's has been closed, we have been able to worship at our fellow benefice church of St. John's, where we have received a very warm welcome. Members of our Sacristy Team have been invited to join their Vestry Team until we return to celebrate our worship in St. Leonard's. This has been patchy because of lockdown restrictions, but we are truly enjoying working with our opposite numbers and seeing the roles from an entirely different perspective.

by: Miranda Motley on behalf of the St. Leonard's Sacristy Team

Occasional Offices

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There were no weddings or Baptisms this year.

Two funerals were conducted; one for a long-standing parishioner, ex-member of the PCC and regular server on the Altar and one for a relatively new member of the parish.

Church Wardens’ report for year April 2021 - March 2022

Safeguarding matters

Both CWs have attended the first two safeguarding courses. Further courses have been delayed as a result of Covid. These, which are not on-line, will be taken as soon as they are available.

There have been no safeguarding issues reported this year.

Churchyard matters

The trees along the boundary with Church Road have given rise to some correspondence from the neighbouring properties. As a result, a safety survey was commissioned from an arboriculturist who pronounced them safe but in need of some cosmetic tidying. This will be done shortly.

A request was received from a parishioner, formerly on the ‘Living Churchyard’ group, to allow the children to plant wild flower seeds in a corner of the churchyard. This was readily granted and the seeds flourished during the summer. Sadly, no-one has continued this initiative and the space is now sorely in need of clearing.

The CWs are aware of the need to carry out repairs to the boundary wall with Trowley Hill Road but pressure of other business and lack of funds has prevented this so far. It will be addressed as soon as possible.

It is planned to have a new memorial garden in the North East corner of the churchyard. Site and dimensions have been agreed and the old bonfire site cleared. Parishioners have been asked to stop throwing their garden waste onto this site so it can be prepared properly.

A large section of the churchyard was taken up throughout the year with building materials and the site compound. As a result, the grass suffered considerably but much of the damage has been repaired and some areas reseeded.

Training matters

Training this year for CWs has included: Safeguarding (see above), Unconscious Bias (in preparation for shortlisting and interviewing for

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vicar); Church cleaning where bats are present; Drains, Gutters and Other Things of the Kingdom.

Bell ringing

The last 12 months have been difficult for the bell ringers, as for everyone else. However, since the church re-opening after covid and construction works, we have seen a nice return to ringing. We have lost very few of our numbers over this long break, and everyone who has returned has made excellent progress in the last few months, and are all ringing to a much higher standard than they were before the closure. In addition, we have also gained several new learners from the local area and further afield, all of whom are doing exceptionally well. Our Sunday service ringing is also improving as several of our learners have moved on to being able to ring on a Sunday. We of course are always open to new people coming along to join us (as long as they are reasonably physically able, and over 10 years old), whether they want to join us long term, or just try it out. We look forward to a better year than the last, and hope that we can continue to improve our ability to call the parish to worship on a Sunday morning, whilst still having the great time that we do.

by: William Tudway, Tower Captain

BMT/Fabric matters

Church wardens attended BMT/Fabric committee meetings throughout the year but were not invited to attend the building project site meetings until July.

The major part of the works, the roof, is complete and we are back in our wonderful building. However, there is still much to do, as listed under NHLF grant commitments above. During the year, aside from the heritage work, we have also replaced the vestry windows, repaired the spire, re-seated and secured one of the vestry safes, attended to the alarm system, commissioned a major expert conservation clean after the builders had left, accepted the keys when the builders handed the church back to us. Then we started on the internal projects: the new sound system, installation of WiFi, better lighting and replacing the organ, once unpacked, into the west end of the Nave. We also held a tremendously successful parish clean-up to prepare the church for re-opening and to welcome Bishop Michael. We lost count of the number present but it was in excess of twenty adults and young people all of whom worked so hard all afternoon to wash and polish the chairs, hoover the hassocks, clean carpets, attend to the altar and reassemble the church as it should be. All much helped by the provision of tea and cake by Miranda and her sacristy team.

Finally, a ten-year strategic plan of building maintenance and responsibilities was drawn up based on the Architects Quinquennial

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report in order to maintain the building and prioritise repairs that were identified for the future.

Archives

During the closure we gathered church archives from their many hiding places and, under the expert guidance of Leslie Webster and her team, they are now catalogued and temporarily stored at Beryl Wright’s house, in Malcolm’s Den. As soon as the new cabinetry in church is ready they will be returned to church, properly boxed and ready to be used as appropriate for the heritage project delivery.

Vicarage

Since January 3rd 2021, we have been in vacancy so the vicarage has not been lived in; it proved a valuable resource for the Archive project (see above) as the archivists were able to spread the materials out on trestle tables (thanks to Miranda and Chris) but CWs needed to visit the vicarage regularly and make sure it was safe. Our new vicar Jo Burke already lives in the village so has no need of the vicarage; thus it is now the home of another vicar who has a parish in Luton.

Electoral Roll

Since the last APCM the Electoral Roll has lost four deceased and gained one new communicant. There are now 67 communicants listed, of which 22 are not resident in Flamstead. A copy of the electoral roll is posted in the St Giles room and is also available from the church wardens.

God’s Acre

The burial ground has benefited from some significant tidying and a future development will be to remove the laurel hedge to provide space for a further 50 graves.

Ecumenical Relationships

We are delighted to be able to continue our friendship with the Madinah Mosque in Luton. Although we have remained in contact, mainly via email and through Reverend Jo Burke when she was assistant priest in Luton, our planned joint events had to be shelved because of the pandemic crisis but they will resume in earnest as soon as it is safe and practical so to do.

Wheathampstead Deanery Synod

Three meetings were held - two via Zoom in March and July and one in person in November.

Deanery services were held on Ascension Day and in October.

March meeting: The Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust – a presentation was given by Madeline and Archie Russell, both

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trustees. The most important fundraising event is the annual Bike and Hike : The Trust is really grateful to all the churches that open their doors to enable registration, and in some cases, refreshments. Last year, despite restrictions, a total of £112,808 was raised across the diocese. £6,995 came from Wheathampstead Deanery, of which £4,100 was raised by St Nicholas, Harpenden! Madeline stressed the importance of encouraging people from your church to take part – not only to help to raise money for the trust, but also for the opportunity to have half the money raised to spend in your own church.

G rants: The aim is to offer grants for the care and repair of the fabric of the building. The process is very straightforward. The Trust offers a quick turn round of response in times of emergency, and can even offer a loan in order to facilitate speed of action. In terms of roof alarms, applications can be turned around as quickly as overnight. Application forms are available from the website https://bedshertshct.org.uk/ , by email [e-mail] or by phoning Archie(01767 31 2966).

July meeting: ‘Living in Love and Faith’ - A presentation by Revd Will Gibbs

‘’Living in Love and Faith’ sets out to inspire people to think more deeply about what it means to be human and to live in love and faith with each other. It tackles the tough questions and the divisions among Christians about what it means to be holy, in a society in which understandings and practices of gender, sexuality and marriage continue to change.’’ After the environmental crisis, this is the 2[nd] most important issue that we must face up to! There is a five- week course which every parish in the Diocese is being encouraged to run. Full details at https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/living-love-and-faith/

‘ ’ November meeting: Living Hopefully – A presentation by Rachel Johnston, the Diocesan Environment Officer.

COP 26 has highlighted the urgent need for everyone to reduce carbon emissions, and climate change is only a symptom of what humanity is doing to harm our planet. We are undergoing a scientific, moral and spiritual crisis, and it is part of our Christian witness to acknowledge our responsibility. We have a sacred duty to protect creation! The Church has the aim of achieving a net zero carbon footprint by the year 2030. The pathway to this is set out in the ‘Church of England Environmental Programme’. Looking at our carbon footprint is one challenge. More difficult is the examination of church lifestyle – identifying all the ways in which a church can make changes for good. As well as practical responses, we need, as Christians, to be prepared to speak out for climate justice! More information at

https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/faith/environment/ and https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/how-eco-church-works/

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Volunteers

The incumbent and PCC would like to record their thanks to all those who have worked so hard this year to make our church the lively and successful community that it is. We have refrained from singling out individuals or groups in this report, lest we forget some. We would also like to thank St John’s for making us so welcome. The joint service at 10.15 has strengthened our mutual relationship, for the benefit of all.

Approval

With the exception of the opening paragraphs before the Financial Report which have been ratified by email, this Report was approved by the PCC on 6[th] October and signed on their behalf by Rev Jo Burke - Vicar

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Page 10 Indepe￿dent Euminer's Report to the Parocknial Church Couneii of FlaEllstead This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year eDded Jl" Decernber 2021 which are set out on pages I I to 19 is in resFd of an examination carried out in accorthce with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). Respeetiye respo￿sIbilItieS of the PCC alld the e￿￿]ller As membets of the PCC you are res￿nSi71e for the P•ion of the financial staternents. you consider that thc audit requirement of secti¢yt 144(2) of the Act do Dot apply. It is my reswjrtsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Actr, follow the procedure5 laid dowll in the General Di￿￿10n$ given by the Charity CommissÈon¢rs s¢rtion 145(5)(b) of the ACL alld state whether ally particular roatters have come to my attention. Basis of this ttport My examinatioD WAS (rried out in aecordallce with the GeneTrl Directions given by the Charity Cornmission. That examinatton includes a review of the accounting records kepi by the PCC and a compartson of the ￿coUnts with these records. It a]so includes considering any wjusual items or disclosures in the accounts and Seeking &xplantitions from you Ls ttwtees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not Provide all the evidence that would be required in all audiL and consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's ststement In ¢ODnectioll with Tny examinatio￿ no h&5 come to rny attellti0￿. (l) which gives me Teasonable cause to ￿lieVe that in any material respect the reqUIre￿ents to keep accountingrecords in accordance with section 130 of the Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accowjting records and ¢ompty with the r¢quir¢ments of the Act have not been tneL or (2) to whicty in my opillio￿ attentton should be drawn In orderto enable a proper￿lders￿nding of the finallcial statements to be reach&t Angela M. B&erACA IB. Singlets ian Flamstea HertfordshiTe, AL3 8EN 4 October 2022