2023-12-31-accounts

2023

Annual Report of the PCC

Didcot All Saints’ Church

Prepared for All Saints’ APCM April 2024

Introduction

Open to God

Open to Everyone

Open to Change

This report provides a reflection of life at All Saints’ and outlines the wonderful activities that all its members undertake in order to sustain our life of faith, prayer and fellowship. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes All Saints’ a warm and welcoming community.

All Saints’ Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility for working with the incumbent, Revd Dr Andy Lord, in promoting the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has responsibility for maintaining the church of Didcot All Saints’, the churchyard and the Youth and Community Hall.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at All Saints’. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and, through our Mission Action Plan, aims to witness to the love of God within the local community and the wider world. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable

everyone to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship and prayer; learning about the gospel and encountering God.

• Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.

• Mission and outreach work.

Overview

This introduction provides a brief overview of the year and more detail can be found under separate headings in the following pages.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to ensure the smooth running of our church – its services, community outreach, the building itself, the hall and the churchyard.

Achievements and

Performance

Throughout 2023, the church community continued to build on the vision set out in the Mission Action Plan, reflected in our PCC subgroups. The four areas of focus are:

• Worship, prayer and faith development

• Mission and outreach

• Sustaining the work of the church

• Maintenance and development of the church buildings and environment

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Worship, prayer and faith development

Last year we celebrated 6 baptisms and 3 weddings. Also, we conducted 8 funerals and 8 burial of ashes. In addition, All Saints’ hosts occasional offices for the Ladygrove and Great Western Park churches.

The Electoral Roll, as presented to the 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting, contained 62 members.

On average we had 37 people attending our normal Sunday morning services and 17 our Second Sunday services.

All Saints’ Choir

We have for many years had the benefit of our Choirmaster Dr Paul Hedley leading us for Sunday worship and all the major festivals throughout the year. This year Paul took three and a half months sabbatical during the summer and returned to us in September refreshed. However after Christmas Paul made the decision to leave this role due to the demands of his job and other choir commitments. This we fully understood and in January we as a congregation said a big thank you to Paul and also Gail for all that they had both done over the last 9 years to develop our worship here at All Saints. Paul is a talented vocal coach and the choir has grown in technique and delivery due to his tutorship. He also introduced different settings for us to work on and modern festival pieces that stretched us. He helped develop the choir in so many ways and gave us a very professional sound. As an organist myself I had the benefit of one to one

instruction as my sense of timing had to be worked on! Paul was always very positive and encouraging and we are all very grateful for all the time he spent with us. He has given a lasting legacy that resounds in our weekly worship. We hope to continue with the a cappella style of worship which gave the congregation a very special atmosphere to Sunday worship – just pure voices in an old church – something that took us back to the ancient times and sounds of worship here at All Saints.

We are lucky to have dedicated members of the choir and are also using the resources of local organists so that we can fulfil our commitment to worship.

Brenda Andrews

Prayer

Quiet Space

Quiet Space is a small group of usually no more than 5 people who meet roughly twice a month in the Clements Room in the church hall. It is led by one of four regulars, in turn, who guide us in meditation. The starting point may be a passage from scripture, but can also be on passages from Christian books. We have explored some on different styles of contemplation and varied ideas on whatever the leader thinks will be helpful. The artistic and literary skills of one of the regulars are used frequently. Much of each session is spent in silence, which can be very therapeutic.

We would welcome anyone who’d like to join us, from 7.45 pm on Wednesday evenings as advertised in the newssheet.

Nick Hards

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The Healing Group

The group meet to pray for those who are on the Intercession List and for others who have asked for confidential prayers. We always finish our meetings with Compline. If you would like our prayers please let Andy or Jennifer know.

Jennifer

Faith development

We appreciated the course on Seeing God in Everyday Life in the autumn. This drew on Ignatian spirituality for ways of living with Jesus in the challenging times of life.

Fellowship groups

Natter Knitters

Thanks to Madeleine for co-ordinating this group through the year. They continue to gather and attract new people as well as making things for good causes.

Young at Heart

The Young at Heart continue to meet together, in the Church Hall every month. Thanks to Betty for coordinating and pastoral care.

alongside those of further years has grown!

Mission and

outreach

Over the year, the Mission and Outreach Sub-committee continued it focus on:

• Mission in the community.

• Mission exploring faith.

• Mission in the world.

In addressing mission in the world, we had to live with the reality of the financial challenges facing All Saints’. We continued to provide financial support to the TRAIN youth work project but not to other charities as we have in the past.

This year the money given in our Christmas collections was donated to Asylum Welcome and Homeless Oxfordshire. Throughout the year we supported many missions and charities in prayer. During the year we had speakers from Mission to Seafarers and Novi Most.

Flowers

Brenda co-ordinates the flower rota and we are grateful for all those who help out to make our church such a colourful and welcoming place through the year.

Sunday School

We have not been able to run a Sunday School since the pandemic and the numbers of children attending our 10am worship has reduced. At the same time, the number of children and families attending Second Sunday

The sub-committee would be delighted to welcome new members willing to engage with the work it does.

Schools

We continue our links with Manor School, welcoming classes in for Christmas and occasional assemblies and events. Andy has been covering All Saints’ School coming into our building since Hugh’s retirement. It was been good to continue the positive links there.

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Bell Ringing

With two ringers (Peter and Andrew Jones) we have continued ringing for occasional offices and special occasions as people's availability allowed.

Care Homes

Andy has been visiting the Meadows Care Home every month through the year, marking the seasons with services of hymns and readings which the residents have taken part in. Ministers have also visited individuals in their rooms when requested. This is a lovely community of appreciative people who are a delight to share life and worship with.

This last year has also seen Andy visit the new Valerian Court each month as the number of residents increases. They are a very welcoming crowd that appreciate the music, prayers and time together.

Christian Aid

Christian Aid Week 2023: In the whole district, £383.50 including Gift Aid. With £1,415 from Chilton's plant sale

Christian Aid Sponsored Walk in October: In the whole district, £889 was raised, with £331.25 from All Saints' including Gift Aid.

Didcot Garden Town

Work behind the scenes continues to be undertaken by the councils with latest news to be found at - https://www.southoxon.gov.uk/didcot - - - garden town latest news/

A number of local charities have benefitted from the Didcot Powerhouse

Grant scheme. Andy visited the open day for the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Project which has a longer time-frame on it.

2[nd] Sundays

As I remember and think about the gathering that 2[nd] Sundays has become, I am full of gratitude and thanksgiving. Two years ago a step forward was made, a bit of an experiment based on the growing sense that people in our locality were looking for ‘something more’… were beginning to explore faith. 2[nd] Sundays has grown more creative and gone a bit deeper in its journey this last year. We are enriched by a wonderful teamNatalie, Emma, David and Jo- who contribute generously and are at the heart of things. It is a privilege and a joy to be sharing this.

In January 2023 we had our New Year party, complete with delicious pizzas from Dave R’s portable oven, and a lively percussion game. When I asked if anyone would like to help prepare for our 1[st] Birthday celebration three adult hands went up. So in February, this new team enthusiastically prepared a huge pass-the-parcel complete with forfeits! Everyone enjoyed this gameand especially the moment when sweets had to be retrieved without hands from jelly! There was also party hat and crispy cake decorating, some beautiful ones. And our theme was the great banquet that God invites us all to. Archdeacon David joined us and shared a lively thought for the day. In

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March there was also a celebratory theme as we thought about Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. As usual there were songs to join in with and percussion to play, and some of our youngest members read the Bible story for us all in an up to date translation. 2[nd] Sundays is an all-age gathering where we share our gifts.

In the run up to Easter it was clear that the newly formed team were ever enthusiastic and together we prayed and planned for a Palm Sunday Special - making Easter gardens outside, watching Miracle Maker with packed tea and extras in the hall. We had a wonderful time. There was an abundance of turf, cress, chicks, bunnies, eggs, flowers and pebbles to use! Some of our creations are below.

It was also very moving to watch the full story of Jesus in Miracle Maker; 2[nd] Sundays exploring the heart of Christian faith together in a special way. I recall conversations that showed children and adults were engaged with the message. As a minister this is what I long and pray for. All the fun and creativity helps people to discover that they are welcomed. And as they return each time, they begin to think more about who Jesus is, and what he might be saying today.

In May the creativity continued as we built boats from large cardboard boxes, went fishing in a paddling pool, and ate fishfingers and pitta bread. There was plenty of hard work designing and cutting out the cardboard, and we were so happy to see a fleet of boats coming in and out of church! We thought about the time in the Easter story when Jesus appeared to his disciples on a beach and cooked breakfast for them. The kindness of God, and the ways Jesus helped his followers inspires us.

Another outdoor session included a wildlife trail, but we held our July BBQ indoors as the weather was dodgy! We were so glad that lots of people from the 10am congregation were able to join in. It was good to share time and food together.

In September we heard about Tabitha who shared her creative gifts (in Acts 9) and blessed others. So we learnt how to knit (I still have L plates on!) -and some of us have since contributed squares and blankets to help people find warmth during the colder months. In our October Harvest celebration we played an in-person O’s and X’s game, enjoyed pizzas again, and for the first time had an informal ‘breaking of bread’ at the meal table. This was poignant, and we thought more about Jesus, and what he means to us personally. As we gather monthly in 2[nd] Sundays we are growing in friendship and exploring the Christian faith. Often this happens as

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one person discovers something new about God, and talks about it. As we take time to reflect together, faith becomes more real.

Earlier in the summer, Emma, one of the team, had asked about being Confirmed and so during the autumn a few of us met on weekday evenings to explore this and pray. It is remarkable that one person asking that question has opened up the opportunity for more of us to go deeper with God and each other. Our themes have included ‘being known by God’ ‘reading the Bible’, ‘prayer’, ‘serving God and helping others’, ’breaking bread’, ‘resisting evil and seeking justice’. Learning to read the Bible and think about its meaning together has been enriching, a shared adventure for us.

And as the days shortened we began to prepare for our Christmas season, especially the ‘Christmas Songs & Carols’ event on December 10th. There was a new Handbells group, led by Kelly and Simeon. We learnt how to read the music chart numbers and enjoyed ringing together. It was fun, and for most of us, a new activity. Several singing groups, soloists and a clarinet duo also prepared for this wonderful celebration. The church was packed full of local people all wanting to join in. Thanks to Dave’s creative gifts we had large bells decorating church, and we are so grateful for the many beautiful lights loaned to us which added extra sparkle and ambience. Mulled wine, mince pies, cakes and other treats were generously shared, and I want to thank all those who contributed in any way to this musical Christmas delight. Along with our Christmas Eve Crib Service, when we

unwrapped the Christmas story items, this was a holy moment. We celebrated that God’s wonderful love was given for all; Jesus, the real reason for the season!

So I conclude with deep appreciation: I will remember 2023 as the year when faith, hope and love were shared creatively and generously at 2[nd] Sundays because a new team formed. This brought us closer to God and each other. Huge Thanks Team, it wouldn’t be possible without you! And special thanks also to our helpers - Ryan, Andy, Anne, Sarah and Robin, and to everyone who comes to 2[nd] Sundays - it really wouldn’t be the same without you.

Blessings,

Debbie

(Community Minister)

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Sustaining the work of All Saints’

All Saints’ Church General

Fund (Unrestricted)

Income

Excluding legacies, we saw an income to the General Fund of £84,635.77. Of this giving on the Parish Giving Scheme increased slightly as did cash on the collection plate. However, income from Standing Orders and particularly Envelopes fell.

A £15,540.00 grant was received relating to the curates housing, this is offset by the rental expenditure.

CCLA Investment interest has improved significantly which we are grateful for.

A very generous legacy of £200,000 was given. The wish was for this not to be used for the general running costs of the parish but for particular use for church and hall buildings. It has been transferred to the Legacy Reserve Fund and the PCC is exploring options later in 2024.

Expenditure

The expenditure this year was £91,321.05. We are running at a deficit even though we paid £10,000 less than allocated for the Parish Share – a total deficit of £17,685.28 on the General Fund.

This is obviously a cause for concern as the low payment of Parish Share will affect our chance of having a full-time minister in the future. We can manage the current yearly deficit for another 8 years from the General Fund balance.

The Youth and Community Hall Fund

Income

Total income received was £38,963.02 which was up from £31,014.37 last year which represents a greater use of the hall by the local community, notably on regular bookings. This is great to see.

Expenditure

The expenditure totals £33,890.50 which is similar to last year. We note that the cost of utility bills has increased and significant maintenance work was required.

Overall we had a surplus of £5,072.52. Note that funds are built up so any major expenditure can be planned for.

Great Western Park Church Fund

We received final donations into this account during 2023. After transferring the balance of £6,873.07 to GWP Church this Fund is no longer in use.

Accounts & Reserves

We hold main accounts with Barclays and old accounts with NatWest. The end of year balance in these accounts is £41,686.64. This is lower than the £91,425.41 of the previous year as the PCC agreed to transfer money into the CCLA Investment Funds to take advantage of the higher interest rates.

We have liabilities of £1,424.19 which are unpaid fees for occasional offices, to be paid in 2024.

The balance at the end of year for the three CCLA Investment Funds is £372,006.13 which includes the legacy given in 2023.

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Total Net Assets = £412,268.58

It is the PCC policy to try to maintain a balance of bank reserves to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow to meet any emergencies that could arise.

It is our policy to invest with the CCLA Church of England Deposit Funds to help increase the value of Funds.

In 2024, for transparency the PCC expects to open a CCLA Fund to store legacy money given since the Joyce Kneller legacy kept separately in the CCLA Joyce Kneller Fund.

The Independent Examiner is Haines and Co. of Wallingford.

Andy Lord, Rector, with Anne Phillips, Treasurer

Maintaining and developing the church building and

churchyard

The Maintenance and Development Committee continues to look after the fabric of the church building and churchyards, alongside the Church Wardens. Thanks to Julia Buckel for the following reports.

Church

The church building is in generally good repair and the Quinquennial Report received later in the year commented favourably on the amount of work that had been completed. The Maintenance & Development committee will be meeting in the early part of 2024 to identify the work that needs to be done as per the new report. We will then create a ‘priority’ schedule to work to.

There are always regular maintenance tasks such as clearing gulleys, drains and guttering which are completed by the churchyard working party / committee.

Churchyard

Memorial gates to the new churchyard - One of the memorial gates was removed last year due to large cracks and blockwork movement in the wall that supports the gate. The work to fix this is ongoing.

New cremations area - A landscaping company was employed to regrade the bank on the far east end of the new churchyard. The result is that we now have a level area that has been seeded, and can start planning the new

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cremation area with memorial garden. A faculty will be applied for in 2024 so that work can soon commence.

Lych gate - Work has started to progress the repairs of the lych gate, which you may have noticed is leaning considerably. Quotes have been received and a faculty applied for.

Churchyard Working Party

Our very small band of dedicated volunteers has continued to do sterling work around the churchyard, meeting on the first and generally third Saturdays of the month, 10am - 1pm.

As always, much of our time is spent on mowing and tidying the churchyards as well as the field. It’s been encouraging to see the field being used as a venue for church events throughout the year and so we endeavour to keep the grass in good order. We have continued to leave an area of long grass and wildflowers around the perimeter of the field for wildlife.

The bulb planting that was completed in 2022 has given the front churchyard a welcome burst of colour in spring and we can look forward to those bulbs multiplying.

that we have been able to focus on the new churchyard and field.

The Big Tidy Up was held on 15 July and was as well attended as we could expect. We were able to catch up on the boundaries and ivy growth plus various other jobs that can’t be managed at normal working parties.

The project to remove grave edgings and chippings in the new churchyard is almost complete. The next phase of the churchyard renovations commenced in November and will continue in 2024. This involves the removal of grave ‘gardens’. Families who have shrubs on graves will have the opportunity to allow the planting to be relocated to the new memorial garden within the new cremation area.

We continue to keep spending to an absolute minimum but our biggest expense is the servicing of mowers which are now quite tired and battered.

We’re always in need of volunteers so if you have any time, even if not a regular commitment please contact the working party.

Julia Buckel

Following the closure of the front, west (side) and north (back) churchyards we very much appreciate the care and attention of the team from SODC who have been cutting the grass once a month in these areas. They have demonstrated considerable care and attention, and we would like to acknowledge the enormous help this has been to us. As such a small team we would not have been able to keep the grounds as tidy and it has meant

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All Saints’ Youth and Community Hall

Overall Hall activity seems to have returned to pre-pandemic levels during 2023.

Finance

We saw our income increase from £31,014.37 to £38,963.02 and our spending remain stable at £33,890.50 against £33,181.73 the previous year. Hence a credit of £5,072.52 for the year which adds to our Fund balance (now at £73,588.47) which is maintained to cover future larger costs on the building.

Larger items of expenditure included £2,250 to overcome problems with the groundsource heat pump; £1,730 to survey the Hall to confirm that the visible cracks do not pose a risk to the structure; and electricity bill of just over £6,000. We also made repairs to the main hall floor and the car park drainage.

Maintenance

Paul Smith continues to take care of the small jobs around the hall on an ‘ad hoc’ basis and a variety of other tradespeople are used for specific repairs.

Decorating: This was again skipped in 2023 due to reduced wear and tear during the pandemic but will need some attention in 2024, so we expect 2024 expenditure figures to be higher than 2023.

Cracks: A cool and damp summer meant that cracks opened less than in previous years and in some case gave the best ‘end of summer‘ readings since regular monitoring was started. However a floor crack appeared in the main Hall in front of the ‘Table Cupboard’ that required professional repair.

Heating: Heelas Heating (approved Worcester Bosch service engineers) have been doing all the servicing and repairs since 2022 and the system seems to be running smoothly at the end of 2023 compared to the start of the year.

Fire Extinguishers: Following the expiration of the contract with Chubb we are now using Red Box (based in Didcot) as suppliers instead.

Office and admin

The office computer was semi retired in 2023 and replaced with a new Laptop connected to an external screen and keyboard providing an improved working environment for the administrator. The old computer still manages the guest wifi access as the original software is no longer available to install elsewhere.

Website

Occasional updating of the Terms and Conditions continued during 2023.

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Staff

Anne Phillips remains as Hall Administrator and we are grateful for her commitment. In addition she took on the role of Finance Officer at the end of 2023. Nicky Tarling is still employed as the cleaner and Julia Buckel (a member of the management committee) works on a contract basis to maintain the Hall grounds.

Miscellaneous

The former store cupboard used by the Scouts (known as room 2) was hired on a monthly basis to a lady offering beauty treatments.

As usual I would like to thank all the members of the committee for their hard work and support throughout this year.

Alastair Adams

Sub-committee Chair, March 10th 2024

Vicar’s Report

This has been a year that has seen us enjoy regular worship and reaching out into our community. We continue to be stretched for volunteers and finance but there is much to be thankful for.

Reflecting on 2023 I’m reminded of Jesus saying he is the Good Shepherd who cares for his flock and speaks to them (John 10). It is less about measuring our achievements and more about a greater awareness of being held by God. John’s Gospel speaks of Jesus’ desire that we be with him, knowing his glory and love (17:24). To know in our hearts that we are held in the heart of God is the most precious thing that enables us to shine the attractive light of Jesus out to others. An image of this, as we are held together at Communion, is below. May we receive a greater awareness of the overflowing love of God, poured out through the Holy Spirit and holding us together in Christ.

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This love is at the heart of the vision we explored near the start of our time here. It is a love nourished by our worship, prayer and faith development together and which flows outwards in mission and outreach. We continue to be a welcoming place that has seen new people join both our 10am and 2[nd] Sunday congregations.

I am grateful for all those that help enable our worship together – our ministers, choir, readers, intercessors, deputy wardens, sidespeople, tea and coffee servers. Our valued choir continue to lead our 10am worship and special services at Easter and Christmas. Paul Hedley took sabbatical time during 2023 and sadly decided to step down at the end of the year due to other commitments. We are so grateful to him, Gail, Esther and Adam for all they have contributed and we were able to say goodbye at a service in January 2024.

As always, Brenda has been the quiet support behind the scenes in not just playing the organ but also setting up on Sundays and cleaning during the week. It has been good to welcome Conrad and David to help on the organ.

Our faith has been deepened through the autumn short course on “Seeing God in Everyday Life” and regular Quiet

Space times together. We also marked the Season of Creation with a special sermon series.

All Saints’ continues its generous heart for the community here in Didcot. Debbie has written about 2[nd] Sundays above which has seen a growth in its leadership and in exploring faith in creative ways. The important ministry of Natter Knitters and Young at Heart continues to draw people into welcoming communities of care and gentle faith. I continue to be blessed by visits to both the Meadows and now Valerian Court care homes each month. The latter are now regularly joining us online for Sunday mornings. We have hosted Manor School as well as taking occasional assemblies there, as well as hosting All Saints’ school for festivals. Two concerts have also taken place at All Saints involving Ella Bodeker and Simeon Lord, with many coming into All Saints’ for the first time.

We remain grateful to our Churchyard Working Party who maintain the new churchyard for the benefit of the wider community. They always need more volunteers! We also thank South Oxfordshire District Council who continue good maintenance of the old churchyards.

There were a number of changes in ministry last year. In line with the aim of reaching out to the new Valley Park estate when it is built, Sasha moved to be curate in the Harwell & Chilton Benefice in September. We are grateful for her contributions here at All Saints’. Brenda stepped down as Church Warden after great service in this role! We have managed since without any Wardens and I’m grateful for all who

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help out with the fabric and different aspects of the ministry here. All Saints’ has benefitted from Sharon’s work as Treasurer again this year as the new system has settled into a pattern of working. She stepped down at the end of the year to do more with CAB and Anne is taking over in addition to her great work as our Administrator – key roles in our life together as a church for which I’m very grateful.

pray that together we may be led deeper into the love of Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Andy Lord

Hugh retired as minister at The Ladygrove church in October after the many years he and Lindsey have put into the church and community. Whilst the church looks for a new house-forduty priest Josie and I are helping cover some services. They are a great church and we pray for the right person as they move forwards.

Towards the end of the year the legal “Suspension of living” of All Saints’ and St Peter’s was lifted and I became your Rector – an affirmation of ministry here rather than a change of role! I have continued my responsibilities as Area Dean and we saw new ministers starting in the Benefices of Cholsey & Moulsford and Harwell & Chilton. Deanery Synod explored evangelism and environmental concerns which were much appreciated. We also had plenty of financial figures to look through and to plan forward given the pressures on church finances generally.

We remember those who found the year difficult and those who have died. I am grateful for the support All Saints’ have given since my dad died in January 2023 and your care for us all. We value your friendship, prayer and encouragement through the year and

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Structure, Governance and

Management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At All Saints’, the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, the curate, licensed lay ministers, churchwardens, Deanery Synod representatives and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the Electoral Roll. All those who are members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC.

Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has a number of sub-committees each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees, which include worship and faith development, mission and outreach, fundraising, building development and the Youth and Community Hall management committee, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it. Apart from the Standing Committee, which is the only committee required by law and has

power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings as directed by the PCC, the sub-committees are advisory and do not have executive powers.

The PCC met for six scheduled meetings through the year.

Annual Parochial Church Meetings are normally held just before or just after Easter.

The Ladygrove Church

The Ladygrove Church, which is an Anglican/Baptist Local Ecumenical Partnership, is a parish in its own right. It is still, however, a part of the All Saints’ Benefice. Their long-time minister, Hugh Boorman, retired at the end of October with much thanksgiving for his ministry. The church is now looking for a house-for-duty minister.

Great Western Park Church

GWP Church is now a Conventional District spanning four parishes. It now arranges its own APCM and reports. This year saw GWP take control of all its finances. Mark Bodeker, remains a member of All Saints’ PCC as Associate Minister for GWP Church.

Deanery Synod

The Deanery Synod provides PCCs with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. Meetings are jointly chaired by the Area Dean (Revd Dr Andy Lord) and the Lay Chair (Gordon Gill). The Deanery includes parishes in Didcot, Great Western Park, Harwell, Chilton, Cholsey, Moulsford, Hagbourne, Blewbury, Upton, the Moretons, the Astons, Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

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Four Deanery Synod meetings were held in 2023, with three meetings of the Standing Committee. Meetings continued to focus on the Wallingford Deanery Mission Action Plan (MAP) which has four key focus areas:

1. Development of ministry to children, young people & families 2. Developing our outreach to new & settled communities

2. Development of appropriate patterns of worship

3. Development of the Ministry in the Greater Didcot Garden Town area, both financially & structurally.

The first Deanery Synod meeting in February focussed on the third area – worship. Representatives from across the Deanery spoke about different forms of worship that incorporate music to inspire potential ideas for other parishes. Information was shared about choirs, organs, orchestras, ‘2[nd] Sundays’, worship services led by guitar and keyboards, family services, ‘open mike’ sessions, contemporary music, recorded music, intergenerational services, videos, etc. Feedback from subsequent group discussions included recommendations for the use of worship in outdoor situations and care homes, and that bellringing should also be seen as part of worship.

Items of business included thanks to Wendy Muggeridge who was standing down as Deanery Synod Secretary. Ali Adams was elected to take over the role. Jason St John Nicolle was elected to the role of Clergy Rep. The Area Dean asked for a volunteer as Deanery Treasurer. Malcolm Edge and Nigel White had accepted roles as Deanery Environmental Leads.

The second Deanery Synod meeting in June started with the re-election of Gordon Gill as Lay Chair. Revd

Rebecca Peters was introduced as new Vicar of Cholsey & Moulford, and Revd Jeremy Parsons as the new Vicar of St Matthew’s Harwell & All Saints’ Chilton. Debbie Lord was elected as the PTO Rep to Synod. A report was received from Professor Helen King, the deanery’s linked General Synod Rep.

The meeting was about sharpening our focus towards intentional mission, and led to thoughts about relationships, invitations, small group sessions, going out into the community, baptisms/marriages/funerals drawing people into church, initiatives outside of Sunday morning services, and the need for prayer and theology. It was also noted that we need to rethink our ideas of what church is, given our changing times. Our finances are set up to bring people into existing church, but mission requires us to go out. This particular area of thought will be followed up at the February 2024 Synod.

There was discussion about future financial planning, based on the discussions at Synod the previous April. Votes were held on The Future Financial Plan and the Share Allocation for 2024 and were carried.

The third Synod in July was focussed on the Environment, with Bishop Olivia attending as the lead speaker. It started with a video clip from the April 2023 Climate Action march in London. Bishop Olivia’s keynote talk covered pollution and loss of biodiversity, and she showed a scarf knitted for the diocese with different coloured stripes showing temperatures for Reading 1863-2022, reflecting the impact of El Nino and global heating. The Church of England is aiming for net zero across all activities by 2030. Much of the problem is due to our actions, but there is still time for us to help, with the years to 2030 seen as crucial. For individuals, consume in moderation (need rather than want), recycle-reclaim-refill). Be

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far-sighted and see this as a thing of faith, discipleship, duty…

The focus moved to local examples – Wallingford’s Wildlife Discovery Programme, Cholsey’s Forest Church, CHURN Churches Climate Action Group, the Diocese’s Ecochurch programme.

Professor Helen King gave an update on her role/time at the latest General Synod.

The fourth Synod was in November . Yvonne Morris, the Discipleship Enabler for the Dorchester and Oxford Archdeaconries, gave a follow-up talk to a previous one on Children, Young People and Familes, asking ‘where are we now?’ post-pandemic. The Church of England intention is to double the number of active young disciples in the church by 2030. The diocese is looking at a transformational increase – from existing small numbers via a series of shifts. How will the national church enable new volunteers? (27,000 needed nationally, with 3000 new staff). We need to explore options locally with churches where there is currently no children’s work, through to churches where children’s work has continued from pre-Covid.

Yvonne’s talk was followed by local examples of working with children and youth, eg. invitations to non-church children to decorate Christmas trees, various different styles of services in schools, the ECHO youth project, prayer spaces in the local library. This was followed by Yvonne reminding everyone that working in 1:1s or 1:2s brings excellent results: we should not be concerned about small numbers.

Revd Mark Bodeker was on sabbatical, and the Area Dean would be taking a sabbatical from April 2024. Revd Hugh Boorman had just retired from his time at the Ladygrove church (which coincided with its 30[th] anniversary):

recruitment is for a House for Duty role. Deanery Synod members were invited to join a group discussing ideas for the Diocese’s ‘Youth bid’ for national funding.

Outside of the meetings, a Deanery Pilgrimage took place in July.

Ali Adams, Deanery Secretary (and All Saints’ Deanery Synod Rep)

Ecumenical relationships

The church is a member of Churches Together in Didcot and District (CTDD).

For the 2023 Good Friday 'Act of Witness' we were able to meet outside Cornerstone for a successful time together, rather than at the Amphitheatre as on previous occasions.

In December, we coordinated some carols in the Orchard Centre, for the opening of the new Dunelm store, with thanks to Debbie Lord.

Andrew Jones

Safeguarding

We seek to be a church that provides a safe and secure environment for the most vulnerable in our church and in the wider community and, therefore, place major importance on the implementation of all safeguarding policies to enable this. We are working towards a vision where every member of the church sees themselves as a part of providing this environment for the most vulnerable.

17

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

All members of the PCC have a current Enhanced DBS, in line with Church of England requirements for Parochial Church Councils sponsoring activities for adults at risk or children. Renewal is now required for all DBS certificate holders after 3 years, in line with the general practice for registered charities. During the year Revd Sasha Reeves acted as verifier (viewing applicants documents to confirm their identity) until the transfer of her curacy; we are very grateful for her work. Revd Andy Lord took over the role on a temporary basis.

A number of additional people received DBS clearance for work with children, young people and adults at risk. The clearance provider for the Diocese is Access Personal Checking Services Ltd. as recommended by the Church of England.

Safeguarding Policies and Training

The recommendations in the Safeguarding Policy are adhered to in all activities relating to safeguarding and recruitment. The PCC has an ongoing Promoting a Safer Church Action Plan which was reviewed during the year.

A copy of the Safeguarding Handbook is available in the Vicar's vestry and online. We follow its procedures for dealing with any safeguarding concern or allegation. We recognise the importance of being sensitive to any issues that may be raised and responding appropriately.

Training continues to be offered on-line, with some face-to-face, for those in the relevant roles; the highest level of training for each individual must be renewed after 3 years.

The Church of England from time to time also provides Safeguarding learning reviews arising from serious situations elsewhere.

Safeguarding issues

There were no major pastoral situations during 2023 which raised safeguarding issues.

Revd Andy Lord and the Parish Safeguarding Officer received one enquiry about an incident related to the church precincts going back to the 1990s. The PSO made discreet enquiries of those who might have some knowledge of it, with no result. Revd Andy Lord took advice from the safeguarding team at the diocese and signposted the enquirer to sources of support.

In November Rob Bennie took over from Eleanor Hards as PSO.

Eleanor Hards, outgoing Parish Safeguarding Officer

Policies

The PCC has in place a number of policies, some of which are updated each year and some every three years.

This last year we reviewed many of our policies, catching up with reviews missed during the pandemic: Risk Assessment, GDPR, Disability Access Audit, Complaints Procedure, Serious Incident Reporting, Communion Assistants, Safeguarding, Lone Working, Legacies, Reserves, Fire Risk Assessment, Health & Safety, Baptism, Working at Height, Conflict of Interest & Staff Handbook.

18

Administrative

Signed:

information

All Saints’ Church is situated in Lydalls Road, Didcot. It is part of the Dorchester Episcopal Area in the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England. The correspondence address for the church is: The Administrator, All Saints’ Youth and Community Hall, Roman Place, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7ER.

............................................................. Revd. Dr Andy Lord

Date:

21[st] April 2024

.............................................................

The website address is: www.didcotallsaints.org.uk

The Didcot All Saints’ Church Community Page can be found on Facebook.

PCC members who have served at any time during 2023 are:

Ex-Officio members:

Incumbent: The Revd. Dr Andy Lord Curate (until Sept 2023): Revd Sasha Reeves Associate Minister, GWP Church: The Revd. Mark Bodeker Wardens: (none) Licensed Lay Ministers: Dr Nick Hards Deanery Synod Representative: Mrs. Alison Adams

Elected members:

Mrs Eleanor Hards Mr Bertie Doy Mr Andrew Jones Mrs Julia Buckel Mr Bruce Charles Mrs Sandra Pickworth Mr Rob Bennie

Deputy Church Wardens:

Mr Andrew Jones Mr Bertie Doy

19

All Saints’ Didcot Parochial

Church Council

Annual Financial Statements 2023

as presented to the APCM in April 2024

Chair of PCC: Revd Dr Andy Lord PCC Treasurer: Anne Phillips

Independent Examiner of Accounts: Haines & Company Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors Rear of 81 High Street, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0BX

Consisting of the following: Report of the Independent Examiner Fund details for General, Hall and GWP Funds All Fund Movement Summaries Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SoAL) Notes

11/04/2024

te Ax Marie Didcot

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF DIDCOT ALL SAINTS

| report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 2 to 9.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

• to follow procedures laid down in General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

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

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements;

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

B R Haines FCCA

for and on behalf of Haines & Company

Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors

Rear of 81 High Street Wallingford

Oxfordshire, 0X10 0BX

All Saints' Didcot

Receipts and payments

Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

					From	01-Jan-23	01-Jan-22
			Note		To	31-Dec-23	31-Dec-22
General - General			Fund	(Unrestricted) Fund
Income	and endowments
Donations and legacies
Parish Giving Scheme						£26,413.95	£26,194.61
Stewardship Standing		Orders				£4.810.00	£5,035.00
Stewardship Envelopes						£1,579.00	£2.875.00
Gift Aid Envelopes						£90.00	£615.00
Collections						£2,448.44	£1,965.96
Gift Aid Recovery						£11,910.73	£8,207.94
Donations						£5215.24	£6,517.44
Total Donations and		legacies				£52,467.36	£51,410.95
Other income
Interest						£1,496.17	£1,304.70
PCC Fees (CofE)						£5,642.00	£9,434.00
Legacy						£16,342.24	£34,000.00
Other						£200,000.00	£17,715.50
Grants						£8,688.00	£576.00
Total Other income						£232,168.41	£63,030.20
Total Income and endowments						£284,635.77	£114,441.15
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable				activities
Salaries						£5,617.75	£4,333.30
Grants						£2,266.25	£2,757.69
Parish Share						£42,000.00	£50,701.86
Clergy Expenses						£16,793.62	£17,517.96
Church Running Costs						£4,358.91	£3,993.53
Photocopier						£2 463.53	£1,477.85
Honoraria						£1,050.00	£1,999.92
Utilities						£3,807.34	£2,079.76
Repairs to Building						£6,035.00	£360.00
General Repairs & Churchyard						£3,443.62	£902.92
Training & Support						£308.24	£45.00
Insurance						£3,098.79	£2,817.06
Miscellaneous						£178.00	£621.86
Total Expenditure	on	charitable		activities		£91,321.05	£89,608.71
Total Expenditure						£91,321.05	£89,608.71
Excess of Income		and endowments over
Expenditure						£193,314.72	£24,832.44
Brought forward balance						£76,375.35	£85,542.91
Adjustments						-£201,000.00	-£34,000.00
Total carried forward			balance			£68,690.07	£76,375.35

All Saints’ Didcot

Receipts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

				From	01-Jan-23	01-Jan-22
Note				To	31-Dec-23	31-Dec-22
ASYCH - All Saints Youth		And Community
Income and endowments
Income from charitable	activities
ASYCH Regular Bookings					£28,879.82	£21,301.41
ASYCH One off Bookings					£3,602.05	£3,020.63
ASYCH Deposits					£4,290.00	£3,575.00
ASYCH Other & Donations					-	£2,687.73
ASYCH Interest					£2,191.15	£429.60
Total Income from charitable	activities				£38,963.02	£31,014.37
Total Income and endowments					£38,963.02	£31,014.37
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable	activities
ASYCH Salaries					£12,355.97	£12,135.99
ASYCH Contract Cover					£221.31	£224.56
ASYCH Utilities					£6,144 .55	£4,335.58
ASYCH Insurance					£874.09	£794.54
ASYCH Phone / Internet					£827.78	£866.92
ASYCH Music licences					£744.34	£265.52
ASYCH Grounds Maintenance					£648.45	£1,875.54
ASYCH Building Maintenance					£7,110.11	£7,817.43
ASYCH General Resources					£914.42	£421.55
ASYCH Administraton Resources					£202.98	£278.10
Total Expenditure on charitable		activities			£30,044.00	£29,015.73
Other expenditure
ASYCH Deposits Returned					£3,830.00	£3,751.00
ASYCH Bookings Returned					£16.00	£415.00
Total Other expenditure					£3,846.00	£4,166.00
Total Expenditure					£33,890.00	£33,181.73
Excess of Income and endowments			over
Expenditure					£5,072.52	-£2,167.36
Brought forward balance					£68,515.95	£70,683.31
Adjustments					£0.00	£0.00
Total carried forward balance					£73,588.47	£68,515.95

All Saints' Didcot

Receipts and payments

Selected period: 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

			From		01-Jan-23	01-Jan-22
	Note		To		31-Dec-23	31-Dec-22
GWP - GWP (Restricted) Fund
Income and	endowments
Donations and		legacies
GWP Regular Giving					£3,097.14		£21,791.90
GWP Donations				-			£1,023.90
GWPGift Aid					£2 217.50		£4,789.51
Total Donations and legacies					£5,314.64		£27,605.31
Other income
GWP Other Income					£0.00		£0.00
Total Other income					£453.56		£0.00
Total Income and endowments					£5,768.20		£27,605.31
Expenditure
Expenditure	on charitable activities
GWP Gen Admin					~		£1,588.84
GWP Telephone					-		£644.29
GWP Cost of being Church					-		£5,959.57
GWP Printing and Advertising					-		£294.13
GWP Milage and Parking					-		£447.70
GWP Equipment					-		£460.00
GWP Food for Services					-		£155.25
GWP Hire of Buildings					=		£2,150.00
GWP Activities for services					-		£121.31
GWP Grants					=		£2,800.00
GWP Activities - Summer					-		£380.50
GWP Children & Family Worker					-		£3,765.33
GWP Equipment for C&F Worker					-		£5.00
GWP Other Costs for C&F	Worker				-		£337.93
GWP Café Equipment					-		£59.18
GWP Cafe Hall Hire					=		£630.00
GWP Transfer to new account					£6,873.07		£90,254.85
Total Expenditure on charitable		activities			£6,873.07		£110,053.88
Total Expenditure					£6,873.07		£110,053.88
Excess of Income and endowments		over Expenditure			-£1,104.87		-£82,448.57
Brought forward balance					£1,104.87		£83,553.44
Adjustments					=
Total carried forward balance					£0.00		£1,104.87

2023

All Saints’ Church Didcot

Fund Movements

Fun	d Movements					2023
		Starting Balance	Income	Transfer	Expenditure	Final Balance
General	Fund	£76,375.35	£284 635.77	-£201,000.00	£91,321.05	£68,690.07
ASYCH		£68,515.95	£38,963.02		£33,890.50	£73,588.47
Legacy	Reserve	£66,352.65	£953.45	£200,000.00	£3,000.00	£264,306.10
Restricted Funds:
GWP		£1,104.87	£5,768.20		£6,873.07	£0.00
Building		£5,195.48	£0.00		£1,445.00	£3,750.48
Churchyard		£436.51	£315.00	£1,000.00	£1,218.31	£533.20
Bell Maintenance		£478.09	£0.00		£0.00	£478.09
Service	Book Replacement	£293.27	£0.00		£0.00	£293.27
Knitters	and Natters	£320.00	£0.00		£0.00	£320.00
Little Saints		£112.43	£0.00		£0.00	£112.43
Choir		£614.63	£0.00		£83.50	£531.13
Flower		£0.00	£50.00		£384.66	-£334.66
TOTALS		£219,799.23	£330,685.44	£0.00	£138,216.09	£412,268.58

Overall movement over year £192,469.35

Summary of Fund Movements

Taking the Legacy and GWP movements out of the totals then the overall movement of Funds was: -£4,379.23 This compares with the figure for 2022 which was: -£13,224.60 (excluding Share underpayment) The General Fund (usual church running costs) movement was: -£7,685.28 With the underpayment of Parish Share (£10,000) the total is: -£17,685.28

Fund Notes

See Notes on Page 7 for more details.

PCC Approval

These accounts have been approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on their behalf on:

—

Revd Dr A Lord Chair of All Saints’ Church Didcot PCC

“ owe. LC | 4

All Saints’ Didcot

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code) As at: 31 December 2023

Class	and nominal code	General	(Unrestricted)	Designated	Restricted	Endowment		Total	Last year
Current Asset - Cash At Bank		And In Hand
	100: Barclays Church Account		(189,306.76)	197,829.89	7,988.36		-	16,511.49	51,233.75
	110: Barclays Hall Account		(24,034.82)	41,445.17	(209.79)		-	17,200.56	31,679.32
	120: Nat West Church		4,788.37	(851.80)	2,057.73		-	5,994.30	4,828.66
	130: Nat West Hall		782.79	71423	156.90		-	1,653.92	3,537.31
	180: Hall Petty Cash		130.53	15.84	-		-	146.37	146.37
		Total	(207,639.89)	239,153.33	9,993.20		-	41,506.64	91,425.41
Current Asset -Investments
	150: CCLA Church		261,329.96	37,699.93	(7,348.75)		-	291,681.14	69,231.52
	160: CCLAHall		15,000.00	31,935.46	-		-	46,935.46	30,781.19
	170: CCLAJoyce Kneller		-	33,389.53	-		-	33,389.53	32,352.65
		Total	276,329.96	103,024.92	(7,348.75)		-	372,006.13	132,365.36
Liability - Agency Accounts
	6699: Agency collections		-	-	1,244.19		-	1244.19	3,991.54
		Total	-	-	1,244.19		-	1,244.19	3,991.54
	Net total assets		68,690.07	342,178.25	1,400.26		-	412,268.58	219,799.23
Represented by
	General (Unrestricted)		68,690.07	-	-		-	68,690.07	76,375.35
	Designated -ASYCH		-	73,588.47	-		-	73,588.47	68,515.95
	Designated - Build		-	3,750.48	-		-	3,750.48	5,195.48
	Designated -Churchyard		-	533.20	-		-	533.20	436.51
	Designated -Legacies -		-	264,306.10	-		-	264,306.10	66,352.65
	Restricted - Bell		-	-	478.09		-	478.09	478.09
	Restricted - Choir		-	-	531.13		-	531.13	614.63
	Restricted - Flower		-	-	(334.66)		-	(334.66)	-
	Restricted - GWP		-	-	-		-	-	1,104.87
	Restricted - Knitters		-	-	320.00		-	320.00	320.00
	Restricted - Little		-	-	11243		-	11243	11243
	Restricted - Senice		-	-	293.27		-	293.27	293.27
		Total	68,690.07	342,178.25	1,400.26		-	412,268.58	219,799.23

(11 April 2024 7:31 pm) Page 1 of 1

All Saints’ Church Didcot

2023

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities (SoAL)

Gift Aid

Amount due from HMRC £555.18

All Saints’ Youth & Community Hall

All Saints’ Youth & Community Hall	All Saints’ Youth & Community Hall	All Saints’ Youth & Community Hall
Tangible fixed assets of Hall with its Fixtures and Fittings
Initial Value		£525,991.19
Additions		£0.00
Disposals		£0.00
Accumulated	Depreciation	£104,986.52
Depreciation	in year	£10,519.83
Net Book Value		£410,484.84

Agency Fees

The following Agency fees have been paid this year or remain to be paid next year

	Opening Balance	Debit (paid)	Credit (received)	Balance to pay
Occasional Offices
Staff costs	-£913.00	£3,350.00	£2,653.00	-£216.00
Oxford DBF	-£2,334.00	£4,616.00	£3,093.00	-£811.00
Grants
Novi Most	£0.00	£150.10	£150.10	£0.00
Homeless Oxfordshire	-£294.26	£294.26	£198.60	-£198.60
Asylum Welcome	£0.00	£0.00	£198.59	-£198.59
Didcot Refugee Charity	-£294.28	£294.28	£0.00	£0.00

Grants to Charities

The following were paid by cheque or BACS: TRAIN £2,000.00

Money Collected for Christian Aid

The following was collected and passed on to Christian Aid from All Saints’ as part of wider collections Christian Aid Week £195.00 Christian Aid Sponsored Walk £331.25

All Saints’ Church Didcot

2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

We continue to use the Data Developments Software to record our accounts using the Payments & Receipts model.

Fund Updates

Details records are presented in these accounts for our General and Hall (ASYCH) Funds with totals for the other Funds. For these funds the following are worth noting for 2023

» The Building Fund was used to pay for the repairs to the Stained Glass Window for which insurance money covered the window but not the new protective mesh.

e \We have started the process of repairing the Lych Gate, in line with the Quinquennial report. Money has been generously given for this and the initial Structural Engineers report costs of £240 are recorded under the Churchyard Fund. The Churchyard Fund received no other income this year apart from a transfer of £1,000 from the General Fund.

e The Great Western Park (GWP) Fund has been transferred to GWP Church so the final Fund total is now zero. This was possible once those who gave to GWP via All Saints’ had transferred their payments across to be direct to GWP. e Two initial payments totalling £200,000 from a very generous donation, kept in our Legacy Reserve Fund. This was given for general use by All Saints’ but with a list of wishes as to how it would be spent, notably not on the general running costs of All Saints’. The Legacy Reserve Fund is an unrestricted Fund that is a Reserve to the General Fund. It enables All Saints’ to keep easy and transparent track of spending from money given as legacies. e Legacy money has been used to purchase a new PA System for the church for which there are £3,000 costs in 2023.

e The Flower Fund received a donation of £50 with total costs of £384.66 which leaves it with a negative balance. Usually this is topped up from the General Fund. e There has been no income into the Choir Fund but spending of £83.50.

¢ No money has been spent from the Bell Maintenance, the Service Book Replacement, the Knitters & Natters nor the Little Saints Funds.

CCLA Funds

We have three Church of England Deposit Fund accounts with the CCLA that provide a good rate of interest. These are:

e Church

e ASYCH (Hall)

e Joyce Kneller Bequest We are seeking in 2024 to apply for an additional CCLA Deposit Fund to more clearly distinguish the General Fund and the Legacy Reserve Fund money that are currently both stored in the Church CCLA Deposit Fund. Interest from the ASYCH Deposit Fund is accounted as part of the ASYCH Fund; interest from the Joyce Kneller Deposit Fund is accounted as part of the Legacy Reserve Fund; interest from the Church Deposit Fund is split between the General and Legacy Reserve Funds.

Agencies

The Data Developments software handles Agencies as money that passes through our accounts but is given for the purpose of the Agency and therefore does not appear on the Fund summary. This covers Occasional Office costs and also the special collections for charities. Separate details are given as part of the SoAL.

Parish Share

The Parish Share for parishes in the deanery are calculated using the Diocesan Share Formula, capped to limit yearly changes after a new formula was introduced. All Saints’ PCC aims to pay the Share out of its general running costs (the General Fund) and so has, with sadness, made the decision to pay £10,000 less than the figure asked for in 2023 and 2024. We do have finances in the General Fund that allows us to run this fund at a loss, as have been the case for a number of years. We need to keep losses manageable as we have less than 9 years left of money in the Fund to cover the current yearly losses of £7,748. This will have an impact on our ability to retain a full-time minister in the future and so remains a challenge. 7

ASYCH Deposits

The ASYCH Fund Report clarifies how much income and expenditure there were on deposits for Hall bookings and returned booking fees (eg for those bookings cancelled within the time limit). Deposits to be repaid next year (ASYCH Deposits — ASYCH Deposits Returned) = £460

Paid Staff

All Saints’ employs an administrator / treasurer and a Hall cleaner. Contractors are paid for specific tasks that maintain our buildings and grounds. One of our contractors is a trustee of All Saints’ and is employed on the basis of their skills. During 2023 an honorarium was paid to our Director of Music.

Significant Receipts and Payments Outstanding

The following will come under the 2024 accounts: Control Sound £3,036 New PA System remaining balance Oxford DBF £811 Occasional Office Fees Lych Gate Paid for by generous donation

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF DIDCOT ALL SAINTS I report on the accounts of the Parochial chU￿h Council for the year ended 31 DeGember 2023 which are sel out on pages 2 to 9. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees Consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act} and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act., lo follow procedures laid down in General Dire¢tion$ 9iven by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act- and to state whether partiGular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General directions given by the Charrty Commission. An examination includes a review ofthe accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'lrue and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters sel out in the statement below. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements., to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act.. and to prepare aGGounts which accord with the accounting records and to Comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met., or 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. B R Haines FCCA for and on behalf of Haine5 & Company Chartered Certlfled Accountants and Statutory Auditors Rear of 81 High Street Wallingford Oxfordshire, OX10 OBX