2023-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST, HILLMORTON

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

To be held at St John the Baptist, Hillmorton Sunday 21[st] April 2024 at 10.30am

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THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Agenda

2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

1. Election of Church Wardens

2024 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Apologies for absence

2. Approval of the minutes of the 2023 APCM

3. Electoral Roll Report

4. PCC Report

5. Vicar’s report – with opportunity for questions

6. Financial Report and Accounts

7. Building and Fabric Report

8. Deanery Synod Report

9. Safeguarding Report

10. Worship Team Report

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Elections to Deanery Synod

2. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

3. Appointment of Independent Examiner

4. Any other business

5. Closing prayers

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2024 APCM

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Approval of the minutes of the 2023 APCM

REPORTS

3. Electoral Roll Report – to be provided by Val Aspeling

4. PCC Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Vicar Rev’d Steve Gold, Houlton Vicarage, 2 Maxwell Road, Houlton CV23 1AH

Curates Rev’d Anne-Marie Marsh Rev’d April Gold (from 2[nd] July 2023) Rev’d Helen Merrigan (from 2[nd] July 2023) Independent examiner Mr Malcolm Harrison of 14a Percival Road, Rugby, CV22 5JS

Bank HSBC, Church Street, Rugby

St. John the Baptist PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Vicar in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church buildings and churchyard.

Membership of the Parochial Church Council from April 2023

PCC members are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The PCC has the power to co-opt if necessary. During the year, the following served as members of the PCC.

Ex-officio members:

Vicar/Chairperson Rev’d Steve Gold Curates Rev’d Anne-Marie Marsh Rev’d April Gold (from 2[nd] July 2023) Rev’d Helen Merrigan (from 2[nd] July 2023) Churchwardens Judith Clucas John Merrigan Patricia Lole (deputy churchwarden) Deanery Synod Representatives : Claire Hughes (until resignation on 17[th] Sept), (4 due to size of Electoral Roll) Judith Clucas Office runs to July 2026 Louise Bradshaw Hilary Mitchell Elected members: Helen Merrigan (2[nd] year – until 2[nd] July 23, after which ex-officio) Joanne Isley (2[nd] year) Bruno Hughes (2[nd] year) Anne Tippett (2[nd] year – until resignation on 25[th] Sept 23) Pat Lole (1[st] year) David Bradford (1[st] year)

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The PCC met 10 times in 2023, with focus meetings on 4 of those occasions, 6 business meetings, and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 4[th] April 2022.

In 2023 there were 120 names on the Electoral Roll. The Electoral Roll Officer was Val Aspeling.

Committees and Administration :

The PCC is required by law to appoint a Standing Committee that is responsible, subject to any rulings by the PCC, for dealing with urgent matters of PCC business that may arise between regular meetings of the Council. The Standing Committee consists of the Vicar, Associate minister (when in post), Curates, Churchwardens, and one other member of the PCC elected by the Council (elected member for 2023 Claire Hughes)

The PCC provides for sub-committees to deal with particular areas of activity or concern. The subcommittees at present are: Buildings team incorporating both the Rogers Hall and the Fabric and Churchyard teams.

5. Vicar’s review of 2023. Rev’d Steve Gold

St John’s and St Gabriel’s have continued in 2023 to seek to grow in many ways; in terms of the size of our worshipping community, in terms of the depth of our knowledge and love of God, and in terms of the way our church blesses the community around us.

In 2023 we saw our worshipping community and numbers of people attending our worship services remaining broadly stable, but are pleased that the number of young people in our Sunday congregations continues to grow, and we have seen an increase in new joiners. Our midweek services within the community continue to flourish.

Our missional activities within the community continue to be a blessing. Hillmorton Hub attracted a growing group who find welcome & support - and has offered a ‘warm hub’ during the winter months. Our baby & toddler groups in Hillmorton (Playhouse) and Houlton (Dollman Dots) continue to be very popular with young families and provide a very effective way of building relationships with young people in our community. Our coffee mornings continue to be popular monthly events.

Looking beyond our parish, we have been blessed by our ongoing relationship with the parish of St Andrew’s Chebilat in the Kenyan Diocese of Kapsabet. We were able to make a sizeable gift to St Andrew’s in 2023 through the generosity of our church members, and have delighted in seeing the construction of a parish kitchen in Chebilat using our gift. We are delighted that this will make such a difference in the life of the parish community in Chebilat.

I continue to be hugely grateful for the way in which ministry and mission in our churches is shared so widely across our parish. In particular I would like to take the opportunity to thank our churchwardens Judith Clucas, John Merrigan and Pat Lole ; our treasurer Claire Hughes, our Parish Safeguarding Officer Jo Isley, the headteacher of St Gabriel’s Andy Taylor (and his staff) and our administrator, Paula Mayfield – for all their contributions to the life of our church communities. We have a fantastic team to work amongst, bringing positivity and collaboration to all aspects of church and school life.

Can I also thank everyone who contributed to preaching and leading our services in 2023; in particular Rev’d Ted Lyons, Claire Hughes, John Merrigan and Peter Webb for their preaching, and Helen & John Merrigan, Pat Lole, Hilary Mitchell, Claire Hughes, Tassy Gundel and April Gold for offering their musical gifts. We look forward to encouraging our community to continue growing in their gifts in preaching and leading worship.

I’d also like to thank our PCC-appointed foundation governors at St Gabriel’s CofE Academy; Steve, AnneMarie, Funmi Ikuomola, Rex Pogson and Georgina Newton. Rex Pogson sadly stepped down during 2023, but we were delighted that Judith Clucas was willing to take on the role. Our foundation governors are primarily responsible for helping the school to establish & maintain its Christian (and Anglican) identity and supporting the life of the school community, which is now around 400 people.

Supporting all this our ministry team has continued to evolve. We are thankful for Anne-Marie’s ministry among us as she continued with her curacy. In July we welcomed April Gold and Helen Merrigan as curates after their ordination as deacons at Coventry Cathedral – and look forward to their continued ministry in the parish alongside their full-time jobs. Disappointingly we have not been successful in appointing an associate minister, and are now reviewing our plans for ministry resources in the parish.

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The finances of the parish are challenging. The costs of ministry and of running our buildings has continued to increase significantly more quickly than our income, and our underlying deficit in 2023 (allowing for the Rogers Hall toilet refurbishment project) was around £18,000. Although this compares favourably with our budgeted deficit of £30,000 our reserves will not allow us to operate with this level of deficit for long. We will need to focus in 2024 on how we return our finances to sustainable levels, with a challenge to both reduce our costs and also find ways to continue to grow our income.

So – there is much to be thankful for in the life of our community in 2023. Looking to the future we will continue to seek to find ways to grow our relationship with our community and encourage them to become followers of Jesus and to be part of our church community. We have begun working with Thrive Youth ministries and we look forward to them helping us to develop our work with young people. We will need to continue to focus on growing our community – and in particular grow our income if we are to continue to be sustainable. If that cannot be achieved we will have to look for ways to reduce our costs which would likely involve some difficult decisions.

Finally, thank you for your enduring love for each other. Thank you for your enduring patience with my many weaknesses. Thank you for your love of God and the parish he’s called us to serve and bless together. I look forward to what God will do among us on the year ahead.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

6. Presentation of the Financial Report and Accounts

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Income Statement for the year ending 31st December 2023

GENERAL FUND INCOME Income from Donors Planned Giving Collections Contactless giving - church Gift Aid Claimed Income from Children and Family Wedding and Funerals Fees (net) Donations at services Other Newsletter Advertising Donations Legacies Other Bank Interest and Dividends Deposit account at CCLA COIF Dividends & Langton income Grants received Grants received Grant for Jubilee Bench TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS INCOME ROGERS HALL TOTAL GENERAL FUND INCOME RESTRICTED FUND INCOME Redevelopment/heating Other TOTAL INCOME	47,213 4,428 621 10,049 62,311 5,885 5,885 5,289 5,289 1,790 9,356 300 2,336 13,782 1,197 441 1,639 5,000 0 5,000 93,906 22,841 22,841 116,747 0 280 280 117,027 2023	44,162 4,856 2,087 14,701 65,806 2,761 2,761 5,689 5,689 2,810 4,427 40,000 1,199 48,436 661 491 1,152 1,000 0 1,000 124,844 17,663 17,663 142,507 8,785 575 9,360 151,867 2022

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Expenditure Statement for the year ending 31st December 2022

Activities directly connected to the church Parish Share 70,620 Clergy expenses 1,305 Lighting, heating and water 7,424 Insurance 4,525 Upkeep of services (incl licences) 2,971 Newsletter printing 5,045 Mission 3,102 Church Maintenance 10,682 105,674 Children and Family Salary Materials etc 0 Administration Salaries 10,709 Stationery, postage etc 880 11,589 Donations 8,302 Deanery Expenses -1,254 Other 1,002 8,051 St Gabriel's 0 Organ and Piano 0 TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS EXPENDITURE 125,314 ROGERS HALL 33,231 33,231 TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE 158,544 RESTRICTED FUND EXPENDITURE Redevelopment Other 0 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 158,544 2023

64,999 1,785 4,027 4,794 3,738 2,381 2,954 2,336 87,014 0 9,172 2,136 11,308 4,743 419 1,959 7,121 0 0 105,443 4,334 4,334 109,777 764 507 1,271 111,048 2022

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st December 2022

Cash and bank HSBC CCLA Cash Funds General Redevelopment Rogers Hall Other Connected Charities - Langton Bequest Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2022 Interest received Balance carried forward 31st December 2022 Money held as follows CCLA Deposit account CCLA Investment fund Connected Charities - Hillmorton Church Lands Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2022 Dividends received Transferred to PCC general income Balance carried forward 31st December 2022	2022 58,355 50,886 149 109,389 70,813 13,562 21,433 3,581 109,389 1,968 57 2,025 725 1,300 2,025 10,675 491 -491 10,675	2021 18,205 50,226 140	68,571 68,571 1,922 46
	70,813 13,562 21,433 3,581	51,413 5,541 8,104 3,513
			1,968
			668 1,300
			1,968
			10,675 467 -467
			10,675

[The investment is held with CCLA and valued on 31st December 2022 at £15,736.82 ]

The Accounts were presented to and approved by the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Hillmorton

[Reverend Steve Gold, Chairperson ] …............................

[Claire Hughes, Honorary Treasurer ] …............................

[Date ]

…............................

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7. Presentation of the Building and Fabric Report – Judith Clucas

It has been a busy year yet again, keeping our buildings in a safe and good order. It can be quite testing at times especially as the price of materials has rocketed significantly. Our administrator does a sterling job securing estimates and arranging businesses to come onto site so we can receive the best value for the job either at the Hall or at Church.

Ecclesiastical Insurance visited us in the Autumn, to make a detailed inspection of both the church and Rogers Hall and we await the outcome.

We give thanks for the cleaning and access teams, for their hard work and often going out in unsociable hours to close and secure the hall, ensuring the hall is in a presentable state for the next set of hirers.

Rogers Hall

I’m sure most of us will agree that the refurbishment of the new washrooms and new kitchen floor covering at Rogers Hall are a great asset and a pleasure to use. Albeit we had to close the Hall’s usage for three weeks, Symonds Builders fulfilled their promise of it being for no longer.

Sadly, we had a roof leak in the ladies washroom, this has now been repaired and at the same time the guttering were also cleared. The ceiling will be re-plastered and painted shortly.

During the year, the fire doors have been refurbished and the rear office door replaced.

The old flue from the boiler has been replaced.

The hall continues to be used on a very regular basis and plans are afoot to obtain new feet replacing the missing ones on the hall’s chairs to prevent the scratching of the floor. Once this has happened, we hope to get the floor re-sealed by the fitters.

St John the Baptist Church

What an amazing building we are blessed to be in our care.

Over the last year we have met with a heating company, you’ll be pleased to hear, and are awaiting their quote. This is to replace the present under pew system with a more efficient one. Ryton Church have this system and they are extremely pleased with it.

Our roof on the south side has had some leaks, so again we are awaiting quotes.

The drains have been overflowing regularly and although we have attempted and been successful in emptying the baskets beneath of debris and tried to clear the pipes with rods this is to no avail. We met with the final company last week and await this quote, before we decide who will do the job.

The bell tower has some loose masonry, Harborough Stone have been in and quoted for the job and it is hopefully commencing in April. The east window gives cause for concern and Harborough Stone gave a detailed quote for this job, however they have warned that, when they begin work, they may discover other significant problems. This job will involve the Diocese as we’ll have to apply for a faculty and also involve their architect and planning officer for advice.

Our church building is visited by so many people who just love being there, a haven for all. We are always looking for people to get involved with the care and maintenance of both buildings, so if you can help in any small way please contact one of the Church Wardens, we would so love to chat with you.

8. Deanery Synod Report - Judith Clucas

Meetings are held quarterly across the Deanery.

March 2022 . We were pleased to welcome Deanery Synod to St John’s where Reverend Edmund Newey shared the vision for the Rugby Mission Hub, based at St Andrews i.e. worshipping God, making new disciples and transforming communities

As Christians we are bearers, bringers and agents of life, to restore health, new growth and renew relationships. Hub churches will work with other nearby churches to facilitate growth within their context. To share gifts and experiences, identifying needs and opportunities and to respond on the areas needing support.

This will be funded from strategic funding from central resources, not Parish Share. An associate minister will be recruited for a 5-year term with the anticipation of them spending 25% of their time working in their host church and 75% of their time resourcing other churches in the area.

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New growth can take many forms.

1. Church Plants, replanting mini replicas.

2. Muddy/messy/café Church providing new ways of evangelising.

3. Fresh Expression eg to take a seed and plant, find out how it will grow, breaking life into it and watching what comes up.

Tim Cockell announced at this meeting that he was finishing his 5-year term as Area Dean – the Synod wished him well as he was able then to return full time to his Parish of St Marks, Bilton.

June 2022 . Hosted by All Saints Church, Leamington Hastings where newly installed Reverend Phil Price introduced the Synod to Hollywood Style Bible study. Newly appointed Area Dean Reverend Steve Gold chaired the meeting which included reports from Diocesan Synod and Bishops Council as well as a Finance update identifying a 7% increase in Deanery ministry costs which would be included in the budget to be proposed at the November meeting. Dick Withington spoke about Creation Care and as Creation Care Champion he encouraged delegates to share news or planned events about creation care/green issues with him

November 2022 . St Andrew’s Church hosted synod where, Steve, as Area Dean, welcomed everyone.

Reverend Mary Gregory, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at the Cathedral, spoke about aspects of her work. There was interactive discussion on how artefacts and different art forms can enhance teaching and learning about our faith as well as that of children.

The proposed budget and Parish Share figures were presented by Reverend Steve Gold on behalf of the Diocesan Board of Finance, and Dick Withington spoke briefly about ‘Creation Care’, explaining there would be opportunities to learn more on how, as churches, we may consider new approaches that are more ecofriendly than perhaps we have considered in the past.

February 2023 . Hosted by St Georges Church, Rugby. The Reverend Rob Harrison, Diocesan Director of Ministry and Leadership spoke to the Synod about the proposed changes to Lay Ministry training for 2023 using a cheese triangle as a prop. The vision is to equip and empower more lay ministers in our parishes to invert the usual triangle which has the clergy at the top point of the triangle and lay ministers forming the layers beneath. Lay people will be encouraged to minister and be commissioned via a series of courses but mostly through experience in their parishes in whatever ministry they feel called to.

9. Safeguarding – Jo Isley, Parish Safeguarding Officer

I am pleased to note that the profile of safeguarding within our parish, the Coventry diocese, the Church of England, and indeed society generally, continues to increase. However, every single one of us is on a learning journey regarding safeguarding. Indeed, even the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, apologised at the time of his confirmation as Archbishop of York, for failing to follow correct reporting and documenting procedures in a domestic abuse case that he became aware of, whilst serving as Area Bishop of Reading. He acknowledged that a lack of training and understanding, which he has since addressed, along with time constraints, compromised his ability to fully recognise and respond to concerns raised with him. He chose to go public with the story, as he wanted to help change the narrative for the C of E on safeguarding, by being open and transparent so that failures may be investigated and lessons learned.

As Parish Safeguarding Officer, I am due to renew my own Safeguarding Leadership Pathway training in March. Since my initial training when new to the role three years ago, the Pathway has evolved significantly. Previously, it simply required me to attend an in-person presentation, with some audience participation, and answer a sheet of multiple-choice questions. It now includes pre-course preparation - extensive reading and written reflection on questions to be discussed during the two 90-minute virtual seminars held via Zoom a week apart – and a post-course written reflection, upon what I have learned and changes I have implemented, to be submitted within six weeks of the course for my training certificate to be issued.

Within our parish, as throughout the world, safeguarding issues need to be identified and addressed. This means that every member of our church community has a duty to be alert to any concerns and report them, however insignificant they might seem. It is better to pass on an individual piece of information, than withhold it and later regret doing so. The onus is simply on passing on information, which may contribute to a larger picture, rather than launching an investigation. Concerns will be addressed with discretion, and on a strictly need-to-know basis. The diocesan safeguarding team are always consulted about actions required, and they have links with multiple other agencies.

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Training is available to anyone who would like to learn more about how to spot concerns and who to raise them with. Certain roles require three-yearly refresher training at the relevant level required for that role. I am very grateful to those who undertake the training when requested, and I am happy to provide any support needed to complete the training.

Safeguarding continues to be included as a standing item on the agenda at every PCC business meeting. Meetings between the Parish Safeguarding Officer and clergy are held regularly in the interim to review the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and thus to identify any required actions. I am well supported in my role as PSO and responsibility is shared between us to comply with the increasing demands of this important area of ministry.

The PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

10. Elections to Deanery Synod

11. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

12. Appointment of Independent Examiner

13. Any Other Business

14. Closing Prayer

APPENDIX 1 : Minutes of 2023 APCM

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Wednesday 4[th] April 2023 at Rogers Hall

Present: Steve Gold (Vicar), Anne-Marie Marsh, Claire Hughes, Judith Clucas, Phil Clucas, Peter Webb, Linda Webb, Louise Bradshaw, Trevor Benjamin, Shirley Webb, David Bradford, Val Aspeling, Georgina Lenton, Ray Lenton, Bill Sewell, Rae Ogden, Pat Lole, Heather Lyons, Bruno Hughes, Min Yang (20 attendees)

Opening Prayers & reflection. The meeting opened with the first half of evening prayer. John 12 v 20-26. It might seem a strange thing to have APCM in Holy Week, but it feels very appropriate because we find ourselves between 2 different markers in the year of the church. Palm Sunday, when the amazing message of Jesus being announced as The Messiah, who will set the propel of Israel free. A crescendo of joy and celebration. And then in 2 days time we end up at the cross – remind us powerfully of the gruesome physicality of what happened on Good Friday. Appropriate for us as a church as we live in between 2 similar moments all of the time. Our job as a church is to proclaim Jesus as King and who shows is he king by what he does on the cross. Good Friday is God’s ultimate demonstration of his love for us – the greatest single demonstration of love. Jesus told his disciples between Palm Sunday and Good Friday to love one another as I have loved you. Difficult thing to do and yet that is our call. We recognise that we do not do this perfectly, but that doesn’t mean we stop trying. It means we continue to resolve what we can to demonstrate our small version of God’s love and what he demonstrated on the cross.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

1. Election of Church Wardens. PW has decided to step down after 6 years, and on one level, we are very sad about that as we appreciate Pete’s amazing contribution to the community, but on the other we recognise that it gives him an opportunity to focus what he has to offer in a slightly different way. SG presented PW with a gift in recognition for his service. PW responded by saying it has been hard work, but enjoyable because it is the Lord’s work, and stepping down means he can concentrate on other areas of ministry. He thanked everyone for their help and prayers over the years. Nominations for Church Warden have been received from Judith Clucas and John Merrigan and Pat Lole has been nominated as Deputy CW. No voting required as the number of nominations do not exceed the

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number of posts, but a show of hands was offered in support of the nominations. Thanks were offered to John, Judith and Pat for offering their services and joining the team.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Apologies: Hilary Mitchell, Helen and John Merrigan, Anne Tippett, Chris and Janet Addison, Margaret Caygill, Audrey Carpenter, Marie Haydock, Jo Isley, Ted Lyons, April Gold, Craig Marsh, Margaret Harris

2. The minutes of the meeting held on 6[th] April 2022 were accepted and signed as a true record.

3. Electoral Roll Report – prepared by Val Aspeling. We had 2 deaths last year, Phyllis Burt died on 2[nd] May, and then on 5[th] August both David Simmons and Rita Atkins. 5 new members, Cyril and Jane Franklin, Hayley Bradshaw, Andreana Glendenning and Eileen Tempany. Net gain of 2 members, increasing our electoral roll to 120. 2 members have moved away but remain on the roll. SG offered thanks to Val for taking on the role, it has been great to see such enthusiasm for the role. SG added that we are a much poorer community with the sad loss of our long standing faithful church family members and think of the families as they still grieve their loved ones.

4. PCC Annual Report. Nothing to add and no questions raised.

5. Vicar’s reports with opportunities for questions. SG thought very important to recognise that the extent to which our church life community is affected by those who continue to make contributions. The impact is more than you probably think it is. Thanks to all those who contribute their gifts, the church community would be much the poorer without those contributions. Thank you for loving each other as best we can. God is doing good things among us, seeing exciting, good and fruitful things happenings, not only in the church building, but at RH, at the Barn, at St Gabriel’s and in the community generally. Community engagement, gives a flavour of so many things we have been doing. New things introduced throughout the year, new people have visited and hopefully the seeds have been planted. Thanks to AMM for Meet the Nativity, bring the Christmas story characters to life, including real sheep. A lot of people visited and engaged with the story and gave such positive feedback and it helped build relationships in a different way with many more families.

6. Financial Report and Accounts. Nothing to add. Trevor Benjamin asked if the favourable accounts compared to 2022 was all due to the legacy. SG confirmed yes, if the legacy was taken out the figures would be very similar to those of 2022. Heather Lyons asked if there was a plan for the heating. SG confirmed that the PCC are continuing to try and find a solution that will give us the improvement in comfort that we want at a cost that is sensible and achievable. The previous approved heating was cancelled, the Diocesan heating advisor identified it would not do what we wanted, and with the energy cost increases the running costs would be prohibitive. We have removed the radiant heaters as they were using nearly half of the electricity but generating little benefit, so we have been able to run the under pew heating more. Now looking at other options that are affordable and efficient, and having identified a possible system, the plan is to visit churches with the same systems in, seek further guidance form Diocese, and make a decision prior to the next heating season. Ongoing project. Rae Ogden shared that a baptism visitor was expressed how lovely it was to have cosy loo. Trevor Benjamin asked about the gas main that is poking out of the ground at the back of church. SG confirmed that it will need to be capped off and made good and safe. Ray Lenton asked if the legacy received was restricted? SG confirmed it was not restricted, but the PCC had agreed that the money should be used to fund the heating. Ray suggested a recognition of the person donating the money somehow, spending it line with their wishes in their memory. SG confirmed that the family would be included in discussions as to how the money would be utilised. Bruno Hughes asked about the increase in salaries. Claire advised that we had employed a cleaner and that Paula’s hours had increased as she took on more responsibilities. Stationery costs have increased but Claire suggested that with the new system in place, it may be that we are not comparing like with like, as 2022 figures may have apportioned costs slightly differently. David Bradford asked if HSBC paid any interest on the current account and if not should the money not be transferred to CCLA. CH confirmed this was in the process of being actioned. CG offered thanks to the continuing support of our regular givers, especially as domestic finances are a considerable challenge currently. We have a challenge this year too, with a

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deficit budget being set again. Trevor Benjamin asked if bank charges have been increased by HSBC. CH confirmed that we are paying charges based on our Charitable status and there are no cheaper alternatives available to us, if we still need to use the facilities available to us, such as banking cash on a regular basis. Our income is too high for other high street banks that offer free banking. AMM offered thanks to CH for her hard work in maintaining the accounts.

1. Building and Fabric Report. PW added that a CW responsibility to ensure a safe building for the congregation. Grade II* listed making it more difficult to look after. Quinquennial report adds complications too, with the required work needing to be done within a 5 year period. We are finally going to have the RH toilets refurbished, along with new flooring in the kitchen. So many people want to use the hall so its great that it is self supporting, but the more people use it the more minor damage occurs. Trevor Benjamin asked if heating could be added to the toilet areas when they are refurbished. PW confirmed heaters have been included in the project. Rae Ogden asked about the ongoing problem with the car park. PW advised it would be thousands of pounds to repair it properly. SG advised that we have been in conversation with Urban & Civic for some time. They are selling The White House – once they have sold the White House, they have indicated that they will use some of the proceeds of that to properly sort the car park out. It is a commitment they have had for a while, but hopeful that once the sale completes, it will be actioned. The car park is owned by the church, the White House and the land around it is owned by U&C. David Bradford asked if the PCC could consider doing something about the gateway when it floods. Judith Clucas suggested it could be something that could be done when the footpath is completed in the next month or so. Bruno Hughes asked if the strip of land between the church and the road is being sold with the White House – SG advised no, U&C will keep the title to that. Planning only allows the White House is to be redeveloped as a single home, and not knocked down for multiple properties to be built. The back car park is owned by U&C, nobody owns the barn. U&C have put a claim on the barn, that process takes 10 years. We are grateful to U&C for use of car park. David Bradford asked if the white house access was from the road or though the car park – unknown currently. U&C recognise they need to help sort out the car park as the farm land around the church is also accessed through the car park. Ray Lenton advised that there is a public right of way through the car park, the strip nearest the house. Pete Webb offered thanks to everyone who has done jobs down at church and RH whenever needed, their help is vital to the upkeep of the buildings.

2. Deanery Synod Report. Lovely to be one of the few churches who manages to elect the appropriate number of synod reps and be in full attendance each meeting.

3. Safeguarding Report. Phil Clucas asked if there have been any Safeguarding issues throughout the year. SG confirmed that there have and they have been dealt with appropriately and are ongoing. Thanks to Jo for her ongoing support in these situations.

10. Worship Team Report.

1. Prayer Ministry Team Report. Heather Lyons added that there is tremendous enthusiasm and expectations of what God is able to do for individuals and our church, but it would be great if we had testimonies of answers to prayer to enrich the team and the church. Ephesians CH1 v18-22, Paul is praying for the church and he is saying that they will know Him better and that they will realise the great power that is at work in us all as disciples – it is the same power that rose Christ from the dead – quite a showstopper! Pat Lole asked if it would be helpful for prayer team/worship team if as a church we had a training/learning day on the Holy Spirit. SG to pick that up and consider how that might be best offered. SG offered thanks to Heather and the team for their ministry.

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

1. Elections to Deanery Synod. Elections work on a 3-year term after which the synod is dissolved and a new synod elected. The number of representatives is based on electoral roll numbers of the parish and the next 3-year terms starts on 1[st] July 2023 running to 30[th] June 2026. 5 nominations have been received for the 4 posts available so a ballot to be conducted. Thanks to all those who wish to be nominated – a wonderful sign for the healthy of the church, that people are prepared to be nominated

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into roles in the wider deanery. The votes were cast, collected and Pete Webb and Phil Clucas collated the votes. The elected candidates are Judith Clucas, Louise Bradshaw, Claire Hughes and Hilary Mitchell. Thank you to all for being nominated.

1. Elections to Parochial Church Council . There are 9 elected members to the PCC each of whom serves 3 years. Louise, Hilary and Claire now become ex officio members as the Deanery Synod representatives. Judith and John are ex-officio as Church Warden. Louise and Hilary are already on PCC so that creates 2 spaces on PCC as they are now ex-officio. There are 2 existing members are at the end of the 3 year term, David Bradford and Linda Webb, David is re-standing, but Linda is stepping down. SG offered thanks to LW for being on PCC for the last 3 years, for her support and contributions during that time. PCC nominations had been received from David Bradford, Anne Tippett and Pat Lole and as there are 3 nominations for 4 posts, all candidates were elected. Jo Isley, Helen Merrigan and Bruno Hughes are the other PCC members in their second year of office. There is still one more vacancy.

2. Appointment of Independent Examiner. Claire Hughes confirmed that Malcolm Harrison is happy to continue as independent examiner. MH does not charge a fee, but PCC make a donation to a charity of his choice.

3. Any other business. Pat Lole asked if there could be a meeting of the worship group. SG happy to facilitate that. Louise Bradshaw asked if we could have another Sanctuary Day in the future. SG to consider how best to the do that – we used Resource last time. Heather remined the meeting that Helen Merrigan is proceeding at great pace through her training, on the Caleb stream, for those who are experienced in lay ministry, through St Mellitus college. Training will be finished in June, that does not necessarily mean that she will be ordained, she is following a discernment process to determine whether she will be ordained deacon in July. April will be ordained Deacon in July and will serve her curacy with us. Linda Webb asked if that would affect AMM, but SG confirmed that it will not and that AMM will remain with us until summer 2024. Conversations will start for AMM as to her next steps, and the end date of her curacy will be flexible. David Bradford asked how the Associate Minister recruitment was going – SG confirmed that there had been no applicants so the PCC reflecting on what we do next. Phil Clucas asked about the £500 donation to Foodbank, as opposed to Hope 4, as one of the charities is more financially stable than the other. SG confirmed that the 2023 mission giving is currently under review and this has been addressed in that conversation.

4. The second half of evening prayer concluded the meeting.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm

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