The Church of
St James the Greater
Parochial Church Council
Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
Year ended December 31, 2023
Registered Charity l 180188

Incumbent:
The Reverend Andrew Quigley
st Jomes the Greater Viccxage
216 London Rood
Leicesler, LE2 1 NE
Banks:
Nalional Westminsler Bank plc
Evinglon Road
Leicester
Sanlander Bank p
Independent Examln•r.
Jordon Denni5
TC Grovp
Homilton Office Park
31 High View Close
Leicester, LE4 9LJ

CONTENTS
Page
Annual Report
Independenl Examiner's Report
16
Slolemenl of Finoncial Activilie5
17
Bobnce Sheel
18
Noles lo Ihe Financial Statements
19-24

THE MISSION OF ST JAMES THE GREATER
is to welcome all people,
to share with them the knowledge of God.
to encourage them to follow the Chrlstian way
to celebrate the joys of life and to support each other through its sorrows,
to serve those amongst whom we live.
and to address the needs of others In the world.
WE ENDEAVOUR TO FULFIL OUR MISSION BY:
. welcoming people regardless of age. race or 50cial status.
2. worshipping in ways both old and new. combining words and music. movement
5tillne55 with skill and imagination to glorify God and to inspire people in their life and work
3. belonging to the Church of England and taking an 3C¢ive par¢ in the life of the Diocese of
Leicester.
4. listening to different points of view to discern God's will for the church and the world.
5. preaching and teaching a thoughrful response to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the light
ol the Spirit for today.
studylng the Bible and Christian life ir) groups and linking with Diocesan courses.
7. praying for the well-being of one another, for those who ask for our prayers, and for
the church and the world.
8. caring pastorally for the need5 of the congregation and of the parish and contributing
to charitable caus¢s.
. conducting services at special moments for people - including baptisms, weddings and
funera15 - and for organisations.
l O. providing opporwnities for people of all 3ges to meet socially and as members of
organisations.
I l. promoting cultural excellence by making available space and facilioes for concert
perforn)ances.
12. raising the money needed to maintain and improve our buildings. and to meet
Ihe costs of our church's ministry and mission.

St James. Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the
incumbent In promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral,
evangelistic, social, educational and ecumenical. The PCC also represents those who, akhough
living outside the small parish, ch005e to be a55ociared with the worship and witne55 of this
church.
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at St James the
Greater and co be part of our community. Our seryices and worship put faith into practice
throush prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. including learning about the Gospel and
developing a trust in Jesus. We are a welcoming community with members from a variety of
backgrounds from both within the parish and beyond.
Membership of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) at November 2023
Ex Officio Ministry team
Revd. Andrew Quigley
Ex Officio Church Wardens Simon Edwards (first elected 2019)
April Rule (first elected 2021)
Ex Officio Deanery Synod 2020- 2023 William Woolley
Ex Officio Deanery Synod 2021- 2024 Sheila Roberts
Elected Member5 retire 2023
Caroline Beardsmore
Vicky Roe
Elected Members retire 2024
Mike Rule
Mike Bull
Elected Member5 retire 2025
Graham Jagger (Resigned February 2023)
COMMIThEES
The PCC operates through a select number of sub committees which meet belween full
meeting5 Of the PCC to work towards achieving the mission and objectives of the Church.
Reports on their work follow later in this documenL
Standing Committee
This is the only Commit￿ required by law. It has ￿Wer to transact the business of the PCC
between meetings, subject to any directions y'ven by the PCC.
Worship & Mission Committee
Reviews the pattern and content of services and advises on education and mission.

The year at St. James 2023
This was generally a year of growth after the difficult pandemic years. We saw attendance
increase at most services, most notably at the Sunday 8.30 service, where the congregation has
almost doubled in number, and is also our "youngest" congregation. with more children present
than any other regular service.
Festival services at Easter, Christmas and other time5 also saw larger number5, as well as the
chance for our excellent choir to offer some outstanding music. with our Director of Music now
firmly established. We once again hosted the Diocesan Chrism Eucharis[ as well as a very
popular Community Carol service {raising significant sums for LOROS), organised by David
Andrews and Emma Trounson. We also hosted a memorial service for members of
Leicestershire constabulary who had passed away during the pandemic. a5 well as a number of
funera15. among them David Brunning's. after many years as an invaluable and much-loved
rnember of OLtr community.
Music at St James. has been both an attraction and an offering for the surrounding community. In
addition ro our weekly choral services. concerts organised by Paul Jenkins continued, as well as
those by many local choirs and orchestras (many of whom also use our building for their regular
rehearsa15). Of particular note was a stunnin8 concert by combined German youth choirs during
the summer.
We welcomed James Gutceridge as parish administrator, with experience in that role at a
nearby church. as well as musical expertise (always useful here!) as a director of music in Melton
Mowbray. His appointment has allowed Vicky Roe to focus once more on her important roles
as Pastoral Assistant and Safeguarding coordinacor.
The Lent course. home group and ￿￿klY Bible study continued by Zoom, while in-person
fellowship took place at the choir youth group. meeting weekly in the undercroft (and for a
miraculously dry barbecue in the vicarage 83rden!). News of the church was shared in the
weekly bulletin. our websice, facebook page and noticeboards, as well as in the monthly
magazine, The Shell, still in the hands of Paul Jenkins.
Compline on Zoom has been held each Wednesday, and Communion followed by refreshments
has continued on Thursdays, in addition to our nomial three Sunday services. varied with a
ouple of service5 of Mattin5 and the innovation of Taize setvices, which proved a significant
draw beyond the parish.
Rev. Andr•w Quigley
Vicar

Churchwardens Report 2023
April and I wish to thank the Warden Team for all their voluntary work at our SeThices during
the last year. Paul ac 08..30 am. and Janet at l 0..30 a.m., David has had a period of'leave. to
complete other community work and is soon to return to dury.
During the last twelve months, April and I have, again, ntst only continued our Churthwarden
duties, for example being alive to and reatting to any health and safery situations during services
while regularly leaving site at 12:40 p.m. and 21:00 p.m. after completing post service duties, we
have also been joint treasurer. fabric leads and perfomed comprehensive line manager duties
for 3 of our 6 employee5.' we also pay wages. each month. to 6 employee5 and make paymen¢5
to our Organ and Choral Scholars.
April is in full time worl and I have ocher long sonding community commitments. Rdeciing on
the last 12 months and all the duties above, the first thought that comes to mind is one of
constant interruption. A St James the Geater workn'ng day often starts just after 06:00 a.m. with
questitsn5 and or urgenc informarion. via mobile phone apps. which needs an immediate
response and can end with April or myself unexpectedly performing an end of day full site
lockup. the very mundane. checking taps are turned off. heaters are switched off. windows are
closed. all lights are off and all doors are locked, all this. finishing the day at gone I l o'clock at
night- maintaining the requirements of our insurance policy. Each day, we keep each other fully
informed of the day's events. with many electronic messages. Sharing this information is crlticalty
important to effectively support our Six employees and contractors. Over a year there are many
times when an ins(ant decision is required, and we are not both available.
Our duries are many and varied, for example. meeting a scaffolder outside the hall and pausing
our enjoyment and fellowship with the Choir during their E3Ster Day brealdaso so how do we
maintain our spirituality. well. by contact with each of you. It 15 worth Saying again, it is an
undoubted privilege greeting, talking to and wishing you a good week ahead.
We Still try to spend some time on the forecourt before and just after a service starts, name
badge proudly displayed and holding the weekly bulletin, to engage with passers-by, some of
whom are now e5tabli5hed member5 of our congrezation. we regard this as part of our personal
outreach into the communiry.

City of Leicester Deanery Synod Report 2023
Deanery Synod met twice during 2023
Monday 27thMarch 2023 - Meeting at St. Andrews Church. Aylestone. This WdS an
Open Meeting given on the weighry theme of"The need to 501ve the funding gap between
parish contributions and clergy costs in the Diocese." A presentation was given by Diocesan
officers from the Diocesan Board of Finance: David Palmer, Jonathan Kerry, Claire Bampton,
Philip Leech and Simon Wilson. in which they outlined the difficult financial position facing the
Diocese at this present time. They gave sugge5tion5 and p055ible proposa15 of how we can all
contribute to the long rerni funding of local ministry, as a Diocese. They were also very explicit
in the consequences facing the Diocese rf we did nothing to solve the present situation.
In brief we were told that the Diocese is £2.4 million in deficit and that our main source of
income The Parish Gift- formerly the Parish Share. where each Parish contributes funding to
the Diocese 15 5eriou51y going down. Expenditure on day to day operations is greater than the
income and is subject to inflation. It Yns pointed OUE that 80% of the falling income goes into
expenditure on clergy. Therefore, a strong possible solution to this could be found in having
Minster Communities, with an emphasis on a reduction of the number of paid clergy acros5 (he
Diocese. They said, it wa5 through a greater expression of mission through the building up of
discipleship and communities. that the Diocese could become a more outward facing, rather
than being inward looking church.
At this meeting The Deanery Synod Accounts were presented by the Lay Chair and Assistanc
Area Dean on behalf of the Deanery Treasurer.
The meeting closed with A Parish Profile ol SL Andrew5 given by it5 Vicar Revd. Rowena 8ass.
Wednesday 5th July 2023 - All Saints Church, Scraptoft. The theme of this Synod was
Climate Crisis and the Church. It began with a an illustrated powerpoint presentation given by
Revd. Andrew Quigley in which he introduced background to the theme explaining the work
that the Church of England wa5 currently engaged upon to achieve a promised carbon net zero
target by 2030. He then went on to explain our Diocesan Strategy in helping to Contribu￿ to
this ambitious but necessary rargeL He introduced three city churches which were examples of
quick win5 in how we a5 church communities can help to combat the Climate Crisis. These
were frorn Revd. Martin Court from All Saints, Revd. Anne Scott from SL Peters Belgrave and
Revd Sharon Plant from SL Paul's with St. Augustines who gave case studies on lit￿r picking,
Muddy Church. and the Outdoor Worship Leaders (OWL) ne￿ork and the Allotment Church.
The Climate Crisis theme was completed with a presentation from Zina Zelte from Climate
Action Leicester and Leicestershire who explained their current campaign asking Leicestershire
Counry Council ro divest their pension scheme from fossil fue15 - notably as Andrew had told
U5, in the light that the Church of England Commi55ioners and The Church of England Pensions
Board announcement to independently disinvest from fossil fuels. Zina asked synod what we as
churches could do locally ourselves with the aim to support local initiative5 to divest from fossil
fue15. Synod agreed to propose a motion to support her network group in their current
campaign to ask Leicestershire County Council to divest their pension scheme from fossil fuels.
Synod voted to join Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire and also support the Pension
Divest campaign. The motion vtas carried unanimously in both houses: clergy and laity.
Sheila Roberts
Deanery Synod Representative

Electoral Roll Report
The electoral roll to date stands at135 of which 14 live in the parish. Since la5¢ year 2023, 3
members of our fellowship have been removed and 8 new members have been added.
Members can be added to the roll at any polnt. so If you. or anyone you know still wishes w be
added to the roll. please fill in a forni and pass it on to me. Thank you.
April Rule
(Electoral Roll Officer)
May 2024
Fabric Report 2023
Fabric Report APCM 2024
The fabric of the Church is in very good condition.
Urgent repairs are required to the extension roof & flood damaged lower walls, plus a small
repair to parts of the Lady Chapel apse roof
Main fabric expenditure in 2023
The largest single expense during 2023 was a repair to the flat boiler at £1,081
Asbestos report £660. The electricity 3 phase electrical boxes no longer need replacing
• Two thirds North Outside path tleared of overgrown plants, particularly in the 'path pit, &
plants cleared from north east outside church wall around organ blower air trunking. £750
All drain5 cleared and annual contact es¢abli5hed £288
Broken gas heater in choir vestry replaced with electric heater £365.47
Fabric damage
The organ was flooded on the 2nd May 2023 due to a humidifier faulL
The extension was Ilooded. particularly around the boctom of the lifE in the lift mechanism
room and che disability toile(s area on 22nd June 2023 due to exceptionally heavy rainfall within
30 minures. crashing down to ground off the high roof and south ai51e roof.
Simon and April

Finance Report 2024
Please see the Financial Statements of the PCC year ending 31 st December 2023
Urgent financial commitments in the coming 12 months are repairs to the eX￿nsIOn
roof and flood damaged lower vAlls, a small repair to parts of the Lady Chapel apse roof and
replacing the Church amplification system.
I would suggest we cannot meet the cost of these repair5 from our monthly income and
rdising funds may be necessary.
Balances
We ended 2022 with total funds of £144.179
We ended 2023 with total funds of £116.913
Largest individual expenditure item5 2023
Parish Gift £31,367
Music department wages £18,984
Expected notable expenditure wlthin next 8 years
Replacement of organ console stops - internal electrical mechinism £20,000 plus
Simon and April
FLOWER GUILD ANNUAL REPORT
The three members of the Guild find much satisfaction and a prNilege in arranging
Commemorative flowers. weekly for you in church. We know they give such hope, consolauon,
and peace of mind in remembrance.
The Porch flowers are a mission call to the passing public. the positive feedback from v¥alker5
by. and those travelling on the buses is most welcome.
The raisinz of funds to enable us to continue decorating the church for Festivals, like Easter.
Christma5, HarvesE and the giving of Mothering Sunday daffodils is a concern to the Guild, in
these difficult times.
Julia Walker
co.ordinator

Lectors Report
Our team of 26 lectors continue to read each Sunday's bible readings with expert clarity and
our thanks go out to all for their continued commitment to this integr21 part of our worship. It
has been a joy to add new members to the team. especialty younger member5 of the choir. We
are always interested in hearing from new lectors, ple3se contact Mike Rule if you wish to
discuss becoming part of the team.
Mike Rule
Music Report
Special Services and Events
Early in the year we performed and recorded the première of a piece for SATB and organ which
had been y￿l￿en especially for us by local composer Simon Mold. The piece is now published
with a dedicauon to our choir.
In March, we saw the first big Spring workshop and performance day for St James Chor31
Project a5 pupils from Oyerdale School and Stoneygate School came together in 50n&
We hosted the Royal School of Church Music Leicester Area Diocesan Fe5tNal in July.
Choristers from all three our choirs sang with singers from churches from around the Diocese
for a seNice of Choral Evensong. The choir was conducted by Emma Trounson accompanied by
Guy Steed on the organ. We were incredibly proud of our young Senior Choristers as 5 Gold
candidates (Adelii Annabel, Cuthber¢ Oliver & Ram) I Silver {Emily) and 2 Bronze (Harriet &
Regina) were awarded thelr RSCM medals at this service.
The Junior Choristers and Senior Sopranos and Altos performed in the Summer Concert of the
Leicester Philharmonic Choir.
The Senior Choir enjoyed a Summer Tour to Bristol where we performed a lunchtime recital at
Clifton Cathedral and sang Mattins. Eucharist and Even50ng 5ervice5 at St Mary Redcliffe.
Members of the Senior Choir visited Newark Parish Church to sing Choral Evensong with their
choir. which has kIcksta￿d a continuing relationship between the choir5.
Our All Souls Service included the Duruflé Requiem and our Senior Choir joined forces with
the Cathedral's Senior Choir. Emma Trounson and Chris Ouvry-johns both condutted and sang
the solos. and the organ playing was shared by Guy Steed and David Cowen.
The junior and Senior Choirs took part in a 'Festival of Remembrance. organised by Ratby Band
and through the St James Choral Project enabled the Hazel Primary School Choir to sing
alongside our Junior Choir.
In addition to our regular special Services, our new Communiry Carol Service returned, entitled
'Caring at Chri5tma5'. We raised money for LOROS and involved ensembles and soloists, many
of whom are professional musicians. from the wider community. Readers included the Lord_
Lieutenant of Leicestershire, the Lord Mayor of Leicester & the High Sherrff of Leicestershi
alongside local celebrities.

Choirs
Senior Cholr
In 2023 we had 6 Sopranos (and lor a time 7). 6 Altos, 3 Tenors. Although 3 basses have gone
away to study we have gained I bass, so there are 6 Ba55es. (At the time of writing, the total
membership is 24.>
The Senior Choir have continued to progress in terms of blend. balance. tone. expression and
intonation. They have expanded their repertoire by introducing brand new music or
reintroducing music from the library which ha5 not been sung at St James for a while. In the
'Chorister Training. sessions, the school age members have been working on sight reading and
singing one to a part.
Junior Choir
The Junior Choir had on average 7 members across 2023, (At the rime of writing there are I I
members. with a mix of genders, aged 4-9.) The choir meets for an hour on Fridays and sings
fun songs. play mu5icLI games, practise accessible pieces from the Senior Choir repertoire and
learn music reading skills. They sing in Sunday services or events roughly once a month. My
thanks go to regular chaperone Caroline Beardsmore and young helpers Regina and Emily from
the Senior Choir for their invaluable supporL Recruitment has been ongoing through the 'St
James Choral Project,. with workshops. concerts, and in school assemblies taking place over the
year.
Organists
Our organists have continued to be a wonderful asset to us= Mike Rule (Associate Director of
Music and Church Organist), Guy Steed (Assistant Organist). Nicholas Friedesdorff (Orgin
Scholar) are all such dedicated and consummate musicians. Under Guy'5 Watchful Èye, Nicholas.
confidence has developed throughout the year and is now very capable of playing for a whole
service at St James. We are fortunate to have such an excellent team.
Thanks
I'd like to record my appreciation for all that the organists and Senior & Junior choristers do to
produce the very high standards they produce week in week out. I would also like to thank the
hgir chaperones. choir parents, the work of the clergy, the wardens. administration and also to
the congregation for their supporL Thank you to the St James Singer5 and Mike too, who
continue to ensure that beautiful musical worship conts'nues year round.
Emma Trounson
St James Singer5
We continue to be gratefijl to St Jame5 Singers who enhance our musical worship with their
own repertoire which is delivered with energy and style. We are lucky to have such an able and
committed choir w lead our musical worship during holiday periods which ensures St James the
Greater has musical leadership all year round. At present the choir consists of 5 sopr2nos, 2
altos, 2 tenors and 3 basses. Stjames Singers rehearse ￿lce a month and sing for one service
each month and during holiday periods. We are always lookl-ng to welcome new singers who
may be interested in joining. please come and have a chat with Mike Rule of one of the 5inger5 rf
this may be of interesL
Mike Rule

Houselzoom Groups
At Stjames, we have continued to find that online meetings have proved very useful, especially
as many find 1¢ difficult to travel into the centre of the ciry for mid-week se55ions. For some too
online meetings have proved liberating, as it makes it realistic to attend a group and meet
others, which might otherwise not have been possible.
Currently we have one 'Hou5e Group, meeting in this way. Although the group is very willing to
choose a new format for discussion. it has continued to look at hymns and their meaning. This
has proved 10 be such a fascinating area of study and fits so well with the approach of St James,
church to worship that interest has been maintained. This group meets on Monday afternoons.
the artual date5 depending on the member5, commitment5.
Similarly. a Bible Study group led by the vicar has been meeting. as well a5 a Lent group both
also online.
Anyone is welcoffle and it is a good way of getting to know some other members of the
congrega¢ion. Perhaps the best way of starting a group, either online or in person, is to do so
spontaneously, so you might think of setting up your own. If you would like to do this then
members of the Ministry Team would be willing to suggest resource5. so do get in touch.
Angela Jagger
Pastoral A55i5tant'5 Report for 2023
For the first eight months of 2023, in the absence of a paid Administrator. I wa5 re5pon5ible for
doing the administration work. preparing the weekly Bulletin and administering the hall and
church bookings in the office. This took l 0-20 hours per week on average, leaving little time for
other pastoral duties. although I VAS able to respond to some pastoral requests during that
period and more in the last quarter of the year.
l am grateful to Sheila Roberc5, who took on doing Home Communions and Jennifer Smith, who
helped with preparing the weekly Bulletin. until the paid Administrator started work on 1st
September 2023, for whom I prepared a folder with detailed information about the church, the
hirers and administration tasks.
I continued to provide information about the church to those living locally who are not on the
InterneL through delivering the weekly Bulletin. as well as by printing and posting 'The Shell.
magazine to them.
I have attended the regular monthly Mlnlstry Team Meetings and typed the mlnutes. These
meetings were conducted via Zoom or face-to-face.
I have continued to prepare the Eucharistic Assistant's Rota each quarter and am grateful to the
faithful team who serve in this ministry.
io

I continued to represent St. James ar the World Day of Prayer group meetings. I took part in
the 2023 service. which had been prepared by Christian women of Taiwan. Julia Walker
provided a flower display for i( which was much admired.
l attended the Bishops, Study Day at St. Martins House on 17th May 2023.
I was relicenced as a Pastoral Assisrant at the 'Called Together, service in St. Margaret's Church
on 20th May 2023. prior to which I had undergone a DBS check and completed the Leadership
Level Safeguarding Training Course.
l attended an organised retreat at Marygate House on the Hoty Island of Lindisfame at the start
of Oc(ober 2023.
I continued to c￿Ordinate the schools visits team. but no schools visited in 2023.
Vicky Roe
Safeguarding Co-ordinatorfs Report for 2023
At the end of 2019. the Diocese adopted the National Safeguarding Team's 'Safeguarding
Handbook,. with some of the Guidelines from the previoLbS Diocese of Leicester document
added to i[ covering both child and adulc safeguarding.
A specific St. James the Greater Policy and Procedures documenL cross-referencing the
Handbook throughou( was also developed. Both of these documents were adopted by the PCC
at its meeting on 14th November 2019.
Both documents have been updated and are available through the church web5ire, which has a
Safeguarding statement on i¢s fron¢ page. They were adopted at the PCC meeting on Thursday
8th June, following the APCM on Sunday l 4th May 2023. Thereafter, the Annual Report to the
PCC and Diocese was duly submitted.
The Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement, the 'Promoting a Safer Church, and posters giving
help.line numbers have been displayed throughout the church in public and private areas, as
required by C of E policy. for the benefit of anyone using our faciliries or looking in the front
porch.
I continued to oversee the Disclosure and Barring Service checks for PCC members and those
in contact with children andlor vulnerable adults, a process which is now done online through
'thir¢yone:eighr'. formerly known as CCPAS (Churches Child Protection Advisory Service>.
I keep a record of Safeguarding Training undertaken by any employees and PCC members. This
is mostly done online now through the C of E training portal
httPs:Ilsafeguardingtrnining.cofeportal.orgl but some face-to-face training i% now also available.
A folder with information about Safeguarding, policies. guidelines. form5. etc.. is Stored in the
office cupboard for easy reference. There is also a 'Safeguarding' folder on the office computer.
ontaining electronic versions of the documents in the physical folder. Information about
Seriou5 Incident Reporting and the Retention of Records is included in IL

In the first quarter of the year. I completed the Leadership Level Safeguarding Course in
preparation for being relicensed as a Pastoral Assistant in May 2023.
l attended the Safeguarding Co-ordinator's Conference via Zoom on Saturday 4th November
2023. The subject was 'Empowering Children and Young People to t21k about abuse and
wellbeing and the presentation slides were circulated to the Ministry Team and Youth Leaders
alter the event. Further updates were also given about procedural matters and the Parish
Safeguarding Dashboard. on which St. James the Greater is registered and that produces reports
for PCC meetings. l also attended a Safeguarding Co-ordinator's Bi-monthty meeting on Zoom
on the evening of Wednesday 6th December 2023.
As l am no longer on the PCC, I prepare Safeguarding reports in advance of the meetings and
circulate them to the PCC members. The Vicar is now the Safeguarding Representative on the
pcc.
Vicky Roe
Refreshments Report 2022
Coffeeltea 15 provided after the service on Thursdays and Sundays. Sheila now is provKling
CoffeelTea from 'Tr2def3ir" and biscuitslbirthday cake always welcome 2nd paper cups are
ordered from Mike. Last year £600 was received which wns very acceptable- all went into the
church funds. When the sun is shining chairs and tables are taken onto the Church forecour
which 15 enjoyed by all - but we do need help from younger hands to bring it all back into the
church. Help is also needed to cover holidayslsickness etc.
Janet Burton
Servers Report 2023
Another year completed during which the talented and Yer52tile team V￿ are blessed with have
risen to all the challenges presented to them both in Ordinary Time and on Festivals. The
second chalice has been restored, the offertory procession reinstated and for Che Easter season
we had 'worship in the round. After 53 years, including a time as Head Server. Angela Finn
decided to retire with our thanks and best wishes. Lydia Doughty joined us from SL Mary de
Castro but has since moved on. Advent Sunday marked 60 years since David Kibert and I made
our debuts ￿ servers and we were rewarded with personal letters from the Bishop. The PCC
agreed to incense being added to the Candlemas and All Saints services so Lucy Hutchinson 2nd
Hazel Carlin have begun their training in its use. I mu5r also pay tribute to the work done by
Sheila Roberts and her team in the provision and maintenance of ceremonial requisites. If
anyone feels that they can contribute to these necessary and rewarding aspecrs of our worship,
come and olk to us - you will be most welcome.
William A. Woolley B.Sc.
Head Server
12

Stswardshlp and Magazlne Co-ordlnatovs Report for 2023
By the end of 2023. there were 15 people using the weekly numbered envelopes for regular
giving, which is down from 16 in 2022. This was a result of trio people leaving and one person
joining fhe scheme.
Baskets for donations continue to be placed on the back tables at church, with the gifts being
taken up to the high altar during che Offertory.
From mid-December 2022 to mid-February 2023. a CollecTin.com card reader machine was
loaned to SL Jame5 from the Diocese Generous Giving Team for a trial period to assess its
effectiveness. In that period it raised enough money to purchase a machine for the church, so
from the last Sunday of April 2023 the church's own CollecTin.com machine has been in use
each week. The donation suggestions set on the screen fall within the limit5 of the Gift Aid Small
Donations Scheme, meaning that Grft Aid can be claimed on all offerings of those amounts given
through the machine, irrespective of the tax status of the donor.
Information packs aboui the Parish Giving Scheme are available on the table at the back of
church for those who wish to give through their bank using this method. for which Gift Ald is
processed for the church.
The Shell magazine. with Paul Jenkins as Editor, was issued in Spring, Summer, Autumn and
Winter 2023. It was put on the church website, delivered electronically to people on the church
E-mail list and posced or delivered co those not on the Internet. Print copies were on Sale in
church.
The Summer 2023 edition commeMora￿d the coronation of King Charles111 with feature
articles and the sermon preached by Rev. Andrew Quigley at a special Evensong on Sunday 7th
May 2023.
Vicky Roe
'The Shell. Editor'5 Review, 2023
It is again a great pleasure to give credit to Vicky Roe who has organised me very well to
produce each issue of the Shell in 2023.
In the first issue of 20231 was very pleased to have an article from Tom Clifford the plumber
who has done excellent work at St James 2nd a committed Christian. Tom used to work at
Bentle15 luxury cars and had the task of servicing the top of the range mode15 owned by Jamie
Vardy and Princess Ann. Mary Campbell co-chair of the University Botanic Garden gave us a
fascinating account of the history of The Knoll. Musical Director Emma Trounson is now firmly
established at St James and an account of the ac¢ivities of the choir appears in each issue of the
Shell.
The May issue focused on the Coronation of King Charles. There were also articles about Choir
Alumni Philomena Holladay and her fascination with steam engines and a progress report on
the Youth Group by Chiara Steed. Emma proudly announced that the St James Organ Scholar
Nicholas Friedesdorff won the Gold Medal at the Leicester MusicFest in the Advanced Organ
and Piano classes.
13

In August I reported on the fascinating group of people who were given HOr￿rary Degree5 at
the Universiry of Leicester degree ceremonies. A musical friend of mine Jude Richardson gave an
account of his life story sr2rting in Bermuda via Bloomington Indiana and arriving in Leicester.
Emma gave an account of the choir visit to Bristol Cathedral.
In November Vicky reported on an excellent concert by Cantus Juvenum Karlruhe and her visit
to Holy Island. I was delighted that Professor Martin Barstow wrote about his life as an
astrophysicist and a member of the Church of England. Martin's article contained a specracular
picture from the James Webb Space Telescope. Finally. I gave an account of a visit we made to
Frankfurc and Mainz to see a Leicester University Aumni who is taking the opera world by
storm.
Everyone l asked to contribute did so with great enthu5ia5m especially when I sent them the
previous edition. At this moment several people are hard at work writing article5 for the next
edition of the Shell. The Shell re3ches past and present members of St James and so it should be
seen as part of our outreach activities. Interesting articles from people with wide range of
backgrounds clearly helps ro show that Stjames the Greater is lively Church.
Paul Jenkin5, Editor of the Shell
Friends of SL James the Greater Report. 2024
The Friends of St James the Greater was launched by our former Vicar, the Very Reverend Dr
Derek Hole, Provost Emeritus of Leicester Cathedral. Its main aims are to preserve and
enhance the fabric of the Church of St James the Greater and to support its work and ministry.
by a variety of means:
Keeping in touch with former members of the congregation who remain interested in the
Church's wellbeing, but are no longer able to worship regularly. due to relocation, infirmity or
other changed circumstances-
Canvassing for financial support via subscription or legacy..
Providing inforn)ation about and invitations to special evens including the Patronal Festival,
festivals in the Church calendar, concerts 2nd exhibitions, not forgettinz social occasions.
The FOSJ 15 an independent charity. its activitie5 stalled during the pandemic and the protrdcted
illness of Derek Hole. However. in 2022. the Trustees regrouped under the chairnianship of
Mrs Tricia Dean. who worshipped and Served in the Church for 40 years, before moving to
Lutterworth. The death of the Honourable David Brunning deprived them of a valued colleague.
but they have welcomed Dr Caroline Beardsmore and Mrs April Rule ro their ranks.
It is the Trustees. aspiration to revive the FOSJ, to build up its membership and to play a more
prominent part in the affairs of the Church, with particular reference to the upkeep of its
buildings. An Annual General Meeting, to which all members of the congregation were invited,
was held after the morning service on the 2023 Patronal Festival. Thi will be repeated in 2024.
hoping for a better attendance from 311 interested parties.
14

At the AGM, the Chairman will report on the outcomes of a mailsho¢ which will have informed
the Trustees, proposals for the future role of the FOSJ, including the disposition of existing
funds.
Information about the FOSJ and its actNlties should be available in Church and published in its
weekly Newsletter or quarterly magazine. The Shell.
Tricia Dean
Chairman. Friends of St Jame5 the Greater
Concerts. Church and Hall Letting5 from January to August 2023
I continued to do the administration of church and hall bookings on a Voluntary basis, but after
the efforts and excessive hours required to cover the events at the end of 2022 brought me to
the point of exhaustion. I gave notice in January that I was no longer prepared to coyer mid-
week evening hire5 and wanted to finish working at the end of August 2023, over two year5
fter I 'stepped into the breach,. I recommended that someone be appointed in good time to be
trained on the systems in place in an extended hand-over period before 31 st August. The PCC
agreed to the appointment of a paid administrator on 20th April. but the advertisemen¢ was not
placed in Diomail until 17th July. In mid-AuguSL James Gutreridge was appointed as par¢-rime
paid Administrator to start working on weekday afternoons from I st September 2023.
The bookings recording systems I had worked hard to set up in January 2022 helped keep track
of enquiries, bookings and Invoices from one-off hall hirers, regular hire groups 2nd those hiring
the church for concert5 or event5. The in5trUCtion5 On it5 operarion were updated when
necessary.
From January to August 2023. there were 5 one-off hall hire events. 6 regular groups who hired
the halls on a weekly or monthly basis, 15 concerts, including a choral workshop for schools and
a concert by St. James Choristers. There w￿re also funerdls and other special services. including
the Dioce53n Chrisffl EucharisL
The Building Seryices Co-ordinator was onty available to cover Saturday bookings. due to other
employment on weekdays. The Churchwarden, who had offered to coyer mid_week hire5, was
unable to do any of the dates requested by those wanting to book the halls, so they had to be
given an apology and a list of other halls for hire in the area. For two Eid parry bookings on
Wednesday 28th June, Tony Chizema had to take a day off from his other work to be able to
cover the hires, as I was on holiday and no one else was available.
This situation means that one-off hall hires 2nd concercs can only be accepted for Saturdays,
limifing the potential income lor the church, as 1¢ is necessary to have an SJG represenrative on-
51* for all Such letcings.
From September. the Administration and bookings will not be my responsibiliry. but I have
prepared a folder of inforniation for the new person with detailed insrructions on the
administration sys£em5. weekly and monthly tasks. Bulletin preparation. Bo0￿.n&5 System. tarrffs
and forms, along with a 'Who's Who at SL James, contacts list.
Vicky Roe

ST JAMES THE GREAIER CHURCH LElCtSTER
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE PAROCHIAL CHUIECH COUNCII
We report on the accounts of 51 James the Greoter Church Leicester for the yeor end8d 31 December 2023.
which ore Sel oul on page5 17 to 24.
This reFJOrt is made soleW lo th8 Iruslees, 0$ a body. in accordance with the regulation5 mcKle under SectK)n
154 of Ihe Choiilies Act 2011. Ojr work ha5 been Lmdertoken so that we might slate to the chority's truslees
those motters w• required lo slate lo Ihem in an Ind8p8ndenl ExanNnerfs report and lor no other PUTPOSe.
To the lu11È5t èxtenl p&rmitt&d by lew. we do not acc&pl cx ossum& responsibility lo anyone other than the
charitY'S trustees. os o body. for our wtJk. Icx this report, or lor th& opinions we hove lomed.
Respectlve respon51blllMes ollhe PCC ond the exumlner
Ihe charity's trustees are responsible loi Ihe preporalion of the accounls. The chariW5 tru5tee5 consider thot an
aucfil Li not required for this year Under Section 144121 ol the Charitie5 Act 2011 Ilhe ACtI orKJ Ihot on
independenl examination is needed. We are qualified to undertoke the exominotion by being o mamber of
the Inslitvle of Chartered AccoLMltanls in Englond and Wales.
It responsib￿rtY to..
exomine th¢ occounts Under secllon 145 01 the Act
lo lolow the procedures laid down in the general D¥eclions given by the
Charity Commission vnder section 14515llbl ol the Act.
Bas1$ of Independent txamkner's st0￿m•h1
Our examiTh)tion was cO￿￿d wt in occe(dthee wtth thè Génèral D￿ettiOnS gwèn by lh8 Charity CommissK)n.
An exominotion v)cludÈs o TÈVi&W ol thè accounting records kept by the charity ard a compC￿50n ol Ihe
¢xcounts prèsèntéd with thosè recordg. It also inck)des consideration ol any unusual items or disclosures in Ihe
cKcounts. ond 5éékg èxplontslions from you 0$ Irustees conceming any such motlets. The yocedures
undèrtaken do not promde oll the emdence Ihot w0￿d be required in on oudrt. and consequently no oFxnw)n
is given 0$ lo whether the occ<)vntS Fxesent o'tfue foif. view on(J the report is ITmlted to Ihose matters set
out n the stotemenl below.
Indèp•nd•nt ExamhWs slalemenl
We hove completed our exomination. We confim Ihot m moteiial motters hove come to our ottenlKJn in
eonneclnn with the eyominoti¢y) giving ￿ cav5e lo beI￿ve that in ony moteriol re5pecl'.
accounting records were not kept In respect of the Chority as reqvlred by sedion 130 of the Act.. or
• the accounts do nol occord those records.
We hove no concerns ond hove come across no other motters in connection with Ihe examination to which
Ilenlion should be drown in this report in order to enoble o proper understanding of thè oeeounts to be
oched.
Jor¢Jon Dennis
TC Group
31 HwJh View Close
Leicesler
LE4 9LJ
29 October 2024
16

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For Ihe year ended 31 December 2Q22
Unreslrfeled Restrfcted
Fund5
Fund5
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
Nole
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income
21al
64,384
64,384
77,634
Activities for Generaling Funds
21bl
Inveslmenl Income
21cl
11.061
5,152
Income from Church Activities
21dl
25,146
25,146
31.542
Grants and transfers
21el
l.(k87
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
100,591
l(K1,591
115,415
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Tolol Church Activities
3101
127,562
295
127.857
97,122
TOYAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
127,562
295
127.857
97.122
NET OUTGOING RESOURCES
BEFORE TRANSFERS
126,9711
12951
127.2661
18,293
Gro$$ Tronslers
239
12391
NET INCOMING/IOUTGOING} RESOURCES
AFIER TRANSFERS
126,7321
15341
127.2661
18.293
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AI
I JANUARY 2023
131.538
12.641
144.179
125,886
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AI
31 Decembor 2023
104.806
12,lQ7
116.913
144,179
The noles on F)ages 19 to 24 form parl of these occounls.
17

PAROCHIAI CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH IEICESTER
BALANCÈ SHEET AT 31 Decembef2023
2023
2022
Note
FIXED ASSErs
Tonglbl8 flxed o¥ets
1.188
CVRRENf ASSEts
Debtor5
Sh(rt lem clepDsits
81.416
79.956
Cosh ot bonk ond In hond
34a84
64.207
115.90)
144.263
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALIING DLIE WJTHIN ONE YEAI
NEfciiRIENT ASSETS
15,725
144.179
ASSETS
144.179
FUNDS
Urnestricted
104,806
131.538
Restrlcted
12.107
12.641
144.179
Approved by the Parcthlal Church Council on 29 October 2024 c￿d shJned on Sts beholf by:
Reverend Andrew QU￿
A￿1 Ru
Sknon Ecknrds
The notes on poges 19 to 24 form parl ol these accounls
18

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For tho y¢or ended 31 December 2023
l Accounllng pollchs
Basls ol occountlng
The finonciol slalemenls hove been prepoTed in occordonce wlh the Chvrch Accounling
Regulolions 2006 logether wth applicoble accounting slondards ond the Chorities SORP.
The financial slalemenls have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Funds
Genera1 funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any reslriclions
regording their Use and ore ovailoble lor opplicolion on Ihe general purpose5 Of the PCC.
Funds designaled for a particular purpose by the PCC ￿e atso unreslricled.
The purp05e5 01 the ieslricted fvnds ore 05 lolbws:
Holyooke Trust Fund
lo moke 9ranls in coses of need ol the d￿cretIOn
ol Ihe Vicar
Organ Fund
lo repair and renovale Ihe Church organ
Youlh Fund
- lo conlribule to youth work wlhin the Chvrch
Fabric ond Furnishing Fund - lo iepaii and ienovale Church builclings and furnishings
incorporoling the Disobled Access Fund.
lo develop ond enhonce all ospecls of music within
the Church
*0 provide support lor the choir ond it's project5
- to provide hymn books lor the Church
to provide rer￿VatIOn works for the west front and
Ihe church ioof
Music Development Fund
Choir Fvnd
Hymn Book Fund
Renovolion Fund
These account5 include all transaclion5. a5sels and liabililies lor which the PCC 15
responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of Church groups thal owe their
main allilialion lo anolher l)ody or those that are informal golherings of ChuTch members.
Incomlng rn$our¢es
Voluntary Income and capllal sources
Collections are recognised when received by or on beholl of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.
Income lox recoverable on Gifl AKI donations i5 recognised when the income
recognised.
Granls and legacies to the PCC are recognised when receNed.
Funds raised by lundraising ond social events are accounted for gloss.
oth•r Income
Rentol income from letting of Ihe church premises, ond ossocialed charges. are
occounled for when eamed.
Parochial fees due lo the PCC for weddings. funerals elc are accounted lor on an
event by event basis
19

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For th• y•ar •nded 31 December 2023
l Accounting pollcies corrtlnued
Income from investments
Interest from shorl lerm deposils with the Central Board of Finance of the Chvrch of
Englond. received gross, is occounted lor when received.
Rosovrces used
Gronts
Grants ond donations are accounted lor when paid over. or when awarded. if that award
create5 a binding obligotion on the PCC,
A¢ffvilios dlreclly relallng lo the work of the Church
The dioceson porish contribution is occounled for when paid.
Flx•d assets
Consecioted property and movoble church furnlshlngs
Consecrated and beneficed property ol any kind is excluded from the accounts by
S l 0121 lol ond Icl of the Charitie5 Act 2011.
Movable church fumishings held by the Vicor and Churchwordens on speciol trust for the
PCC. and which require a loculty for disposal. are accounted for as inolienable properly
unless consecrated. They are listed in the Church's Inventory which can be inspected lal
any reasonable limel. For inolienoble property ocquired prior lo l Januory 2002 Ihere is
insvlficient cost information ovailoble and therefore such assets ore nol valved in the
account5. Inclividual items acquired aller l January 2002, and with a purchase pice of
£I,OOD or more. wll be copitolised and deprecioted in Ihe occounts over Iheir currently
anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis.
All expenditure Incurred in the year on consecraled or beneficed bulldings or movable
church furnishings. individual items under £1,000. or on the repair of movable church
fvmishing5 acquired before l Jonuary 2002, over Ihal value. is writlen off.
OlhLv Flxtures IIHlngs and offfce equlpmenl
Office equipment used within the Church premise5 15 deprec￿ted on a straight-line basis
over 4 yeors.
Current assets
Amounls owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees. renls or other income are
shown as deblors less provision for amounls thal may prove uncollectable.
Short-lerm deposits include cash held on deposit at the CBF Church ol England Funds.
20

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the yeai ended 31 December 2023
2 INCOMING RESOURCES
Unie$lTkted Restrfcted
Funds
Fund5
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
2101 Volunlary Income
Plate Collections
Casvol Gifl Aid Donalion5
Envelope Scheme
Slonding orders- Sonlonder income
Income Tax Recloimed
Donalions
Voltive
Flower Donotions
Porish Giving Scheme
Slewardship
Wall sale
5,112
2.667
5,112
2,667
2,496
2,604
2,960
.699
20,894
20,894
12,604
279
12,604
279
11.991
20,147
2.360
321
20,147
2.360
321
22.723
64.384
64,384
77,634
21bl Acllvllle5 for Generallng Funds
21cl Investment Income
Interest Received
Renl from Church Flot
Rent orreors
2,776
7,270
1.015
11.061
2.776
7,270
1,015
11,061
752
4.400
5.152
21dl Income from Church A¢tMlles
Wedding & Funeral Fees
Church Renla15 and undercroft
Holl Renlals and Ashmon room hire
Concerts- Poul Jenkins
Misc. Income
Coffee ond bor tokings
Choir money
719
6,917
13.410
2,817
195
719
6.917
13.410
2,817
195
788
300
12,481
14,218
3.127
1,412
25,146
25.146
31,542
21el Grants and Transfors
Transfer from Flower Guild
Donations & Grants
1,087
1,087
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
I CK),591
IIyJ.591
115.415
21

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the ended 31 December 2023
3 RESOURCES EXPENDED
UnTe$lrfcl
Funds
Reslrlcled
Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
21x23
2022
3101 CHURCH EXPENSES
Ger￿￿1 Church Expenses
Careloking, Cleoning, Security
Pension
Repoirs & Renewols
Light. Heal. PoweT.Watei
InssJronce
Bank charges
Clergy Expenses
Fines
Holl rent refund
Ftower owanging
other Expenses
10,764
10.764
8.422
238
21,642
19,381
8.102
237
213
7,617
24,370
8,658
349
174
7,617
24,370
8,658
349
174
450
1,422
2,245
63.152
10
2.146
54.088
10
2,146
54.088
Chuvch Admlnlslrollon Expenses
Adminislialoi
Prinling & Stationery
Telephones
Acoun15 fees
Cord machine rentals
Sub5criplion5
Other Expenses- add £2 roundin9
2413
4.745
2.513
3.150
2,413
4,745
2,513
3,150
3,349
2,245
267
13,978
267
13,978
2,199
7,793
Cholr & Orgon Expènses
Director ol Music
ganis15
Choir
Cygan & Piano Mainlenonce
Music & Subscriptions
Sloging cr6w
Other Expen5e5
12,038
9,903
1.792
2,446
12.038
9,903
1,792
2.446
19.129
2,432
3,513
1.150
1,150
éQ3
25,677
27.329
27,329
Church wganlKthons
Chullabl• Glvlng
P￿tsh Contrlbvllon
31,367
31,367
Expenses on Operallng Accounts
Hotyooke Fund
Organ Fund
Youth Fund
FO￿.¢ & Furnishing Fund
Choir Fund
Flower Guild Fund
Cor)certS
Garden Parly
Hymn Books & Music
5LX)
295
295
295
1,095
500
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
127,562
295
127,857
97.122
22

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH LEICESTE6
NOTES 10 TrIE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2023
4 STAFF COSTS
2023
2022
Wage5 and salories
Penssion costs
32,880
27,215
32,880
27,453
During Ihe year Ihe PCC employed the 5ervice5 of a Direclor of Music, Orgonisl / Associole
Direclor of Music, on Administrator, a Building Services Co-ordinolor and o cleaner.
There were no other disclosoble Ironsoctions in respect of PCC members, persons closely
reloled with them or other related parties.
5 FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC
Flxtur•$
& Flttlngs
Church
Hall
Total
Cost
ot l Jonuory 2023
odditions
28,010.(K)
,187.96
41,308
69,318
1,188
al 31 December 2023
29.197.96
41,308
70,506
Dèprèclalion
at l January %)23
charge fof the year
28.010.00
41.308
69.318
ot 31 December 2023
28,010.00
41,308
69,318
Net Book Volvo
al 31 December 2023
,187.96
1,188
al 31 December 2022
Frxlures and Fittings comprises both office and church equipmenl.
LIABILITIES: AMOUNIS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEA
2023
2022
other creditors
175
630
175
630
23

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2023
7 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUNO
Unreslricled
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Tot
Fixed asset5
Current 05sels
Current liobilities
1,188
103,793
11751
1,188
115.900
11751
12,107
Fund balance
104.806
12,107
116.913
8 RESTRICTED FUNDS
2023
2022
Youth Group
Hymn Books
Choir
Holyoake
Orgon Fund
Flower Guild
Fabric
Music Development
1,408
612
1,438
1.408
612
1,438
1.653
1.077
528
4.705
1.653
1,316
528
12,107
12,641
24