Annual PCC report 2022
The church of St Mary the Virgin, Alveley, is a Grade II* listed building within the village conservation area. The church dates back to 1140 and is of considerable architectural beauty and historical interest. The United Benefice consists of the churches of St Mary the Virgin, Alveley, and St Andrew, Quatt. It is in the Bridgnorth Deanery within the Diocese of Hereford and situated in the county of Shropshire.
The address for correspondence is:
David & Jackie Hampson, 23 Daddlebrook Road, Alveley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 6PT Email: david.hampson2025@gmail.com and jackie.hampson@hotmail.com
Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are either ex-officio (Clergy, Readers, Church Wardens, Deanery Synod Representatives, Alveley Old Chapel Manager) – the latter because Alveley Old Chapel is under the ownership and jurisdiction of the church. Others are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with Church Representative Rules.
During 2022 the following have served as PCC members:
Incumbent: Vacant Retired Clergy: Rev Dr Wendy Rylance Reader: Mrs Sue Chidwick Church Wardens: Mr Peter Fry Mrs Jenny Sirrell Deanery Synod Reps: Mrs Kirsty Ritzenthaler (Safeguarding Officer) Vacancy Vacancy Alveley Old Chapel Manager JL/MM (caretaker manager) Elected Members: Mr Dale Chidwick (Deputy Churchwarden / Electoral Roll Officer) Mrs Julie Fry Mr David Hampson (Joint PCC Secretary) Mrs Jackie Hampson (Joint PCC Secretary) Mrs Anne Simms (PCC Treasurer/Gift Aid Officer) Mrs Penny Jenkins Mr Colin Taylor Prof Paul Rylance Mrs Carol Wall (Deputy Churchwarden)
Aims and Purposes of the PCC: St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It is now a Registered Charity.
Considerable work has been put in throughout 2022 by the PCC and others to ensure the successful appointment of our new vicar, Rev Jon Aldwinkle.
During 2022 our Retired Clergy, Rev Dr Wendy Rylance, has taken services at both Alveley and Quatt and for this we are extremely grateful to her. We are also grateful to Reader Sue
Chidwick and others who have stepped forward to lead and take part in Sunday services so that worship can take place in church each Sunday.
Following the Covid19 restrictions we have been able to reinstate the popular Wednesday Holy Communion, 20/20/20 and Family Services along with refreshment provision.
Objectives and Activities: The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship and become part of the parish community of Alveley. To facilitate this work it is important to maintain the fabric of the church. The Quinquennial Report highlighted various issues to be addressed and these continue to be attended to by the Churchwardens. This year has continued to be challenging and demanding on all levels.
Safeguarding: To ensure that all are cared for safely, we have a Safeguarding Officer, Mrs Kirsty Ritzenthaler, and any concerns over personal welfare and safety should be addressed to her.
Pastoral Care and Visiting: this has been restricted by the absence of a vicar, though members of the PCC have visited some homes in the village.
Prayer Ministry: praying with and for people at any time. People in need are considered at each PCC.
Worship and Music: Our music group plays frequently at services. Full congregational hymn singing, choir and the playing of the organ has resumed.
Children and Youth: Sunshine corner, our parent, carer, baby and toddler group continues on Monday mornings and it is hoped to reintroduce Messy Church and Youth Club provision. The Open the Book sessions at Alveley Primary School have also resumed.
Small groups: held in homes, draw adults to explore the Christian faith and lead them to learn more from Bible study and discussion.
Men’s outreach: “Breakfast in the Old Chapel” a meal and an outside speaker to present men with the message of Christ outside the church has unfortunately not yet resumed after Covid19.
Alveley Old Chapel: a church-owned and governed establishment in the redundant Methodist Chapel which continues to grow in strength and popularity with the whole village. Coffee, tea, cakes and light lunches are available on three days a week and there is a lovely garden to sit in on sunny days.
Unfortunately, JL, the AOC manager has been unable to continue due to other commitments and thankfully MM has stepped in as caretaker manager.
AOC supports itself financially and a system of joint accounting with church has been established so that the Treasurer can easily oversee finances. A joint Management Committee has been established, consisting of Jenny Sirrell, Kirsty Ritzenthaler, SP and AL. We are very grateful to the team of volunteers who work so hard for its success. Other village organisations (Chapel Crafters, Music Club, Alveley Singers) and the Be Cafe have used this as a venue as well and other social events have been held here. The PCC has held its meetings here and the Parish Administrator has used the office facilities. AOC is also available for private hire.
This has become a wonderful use of a redundant building and we continue to be grateful for the generous legacy which enabled the Chapel to be purchased by the church, thus providing the whole community with hospitality and fellowship and a continuity of life for a much-loved building. Plaques recording the legacy and giving the mission statement are on display
New Life Nepal : We continue to support this charitable trust along with supporters in Thame, Tupsley, and another parish in Hereford diocese. We receive regular news and updates at PCC meetings. We are endeavouring to strengthen the link with NLN and regular meetings are held with representatives of the supporting parishes. Penny Jenkins has continued to maintain our contact with the trust and we thank her for this, although the main management is based in Thame,
Church Attendance: The Electoral Roll is currently 83, entitling us to 3 Deanery Synod representatives. Church services averaged around 36. We continue to work with and share events at St Andrew’s, Quatt.
Fundraising and Social Events: We are very grateful to those in the congregation who have arranged to make their offering by Direct Debit thereby ensuring a regular income from these sources which has helped enormously in ensuring regular income.
Unfortunately, no additional fundraising has been arranged this year.
Many members of the congregation and PCC have continued to help with ongoing practical tasks of maintenance and caring and we would again like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who plays a part in our church life. Without everyone’s efforts in countless ways, our church would not be the spiritual, caring and loving community it is, seeking to make God’s kingdom here in Alveley. Thank you so much to you all for all that you do, especially during these difficult times.
David & Jackie Hampson May 2023
St Mary's Financial Review for Year Ended 31/12/22
Financial Review
Total receipts on unrestricted funds amounted to £66,478 of which £41,962 related to unrestricted voluntary donations. Restricted donations were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements. The freehold property, Alveley Old Chapel, continues to be used primarily as a tea room.
The planned giving through banker's orders unfortunately decreased during 2022 by 27%, primarily due to certain contributors leaving the area, together with the sad passing of others.
Total income, excluding legacy, increased by 1% compared to last year, due primarily to Alveley Old Chapel finally reopening for the whole year, along with a slight increase in church fees from weddings and funerals.
Unfortunately, the church was without an incumbent for the entire year and the wardens were therefore unable to commit to any additional services / events, so no additional fundraising events were organised.
We were very grateful for £51,770 of bequests received, including £48,395 received from Jean Link's estate. This is a restricted legacy. £57,423 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St Mary's Church, including the £40,000 contribution to the diocesan parish share, unchanged from 2021, that largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.
Even though we had reduced clergy expenses in 2022, overall unrestricted costs still represented an increase of 6% compared to 2021 due to increased church running costs caused by increased fuel costs and repairs, such as remedial tree-work. In addition Chapel running costs.
The net result for the year was an excess of payments over receipts of £5,629 on unrestricted funds, compared to an excess of receipts over payments of £2,658 in 2021. The balances carried forward at 31[st] December 2022 on unrestricted funds totalled £140,903, of which £13,232 relates to the Chapel bank.
Reserves Policy
It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to at least three months of 'usual' unrestricted payments. Currently there is nobody salaried in the church accounts, and the Chapel bank balance is still sufficient to cover the manager's salary. We also maintain a higher reserves figure to cover anything urgent that may come up on the church's quinquennial review, which looks at the condition of the buildings, as suggested by the Church of England guidance on reserves.
Anne Simms
Treasurer
May-23
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SIMaryTh•Mrykn 11thry5 69.622 69.621 69.623 15.24B 4&1Th 113.389 115 10.799 49.630 71.418 9,974 58JiO 1&24B B2,119 CtherrrodlttyS ),277 3J77 2,167 49.539 120.911 79.981 Tat41 Wthh2UCwrrrrt IlibTh 36.148 114.655 49.63U 190 149hU4 371 F1£ Fuhd St M•ro IS3 li 48.395 39$ 1fv72 4Vii 1.1531 49.630 nd4yS(bDc4 &Jnthknecorner Frbthnd Theadch 16391 17.148 11.324 J4.684 129.f 157,4231 r2.160 124,655 T• 149.f tMS13 FowdalTnJ4eesoD Y7- 2023 and behqVtr¢.'
srMARYTHE W110114 ALVtiEY PAROCHIAL CTrtURCH COUNaL CHI AfSISTMTION 14UM•EN.. JU5117 NOTES FOA THEVEAA ENIXD ai oec£M8eR 1012 Th¢ flTranrlal$t•¢ements of the P4fochtsl Chvrch Councll have been prepared In ètcordap)ce ¥tthe Church tIn& Re8uIolo 2( ind the Chrttles Aa 2011 u51n8 the Re£eipts afvj Payments basls. Theac¢ounts Indude Alvdey lyd Chapd. Ahough the tjtyto day wnnln8 15 underthe tL>ntral of a m•na8er who malnialns itsIIDindal retords, the ulUmatefewnybllllyie5ts wlih the PCC The flxed èssetsarethe freehdd premlses at Alvdeyold Chapel JtC05t Ih• ftestr((t•d Fundsare Ilsmd b•l¢)w', The Nepal New Ule Fund lsfof dortatlons re¢¢ed forthe prot whlth we 5UPPOrt In Ntpal. A s¢p•f•ie charlty now estst0Chaletth1Se Ivnds. The remalnlni bal4nce on thls lund was pald io Nèw Life Nepal durln8 the Year. Thechurch Roof Fund represents •ccumul•ted donotlons lor of thethurth rool.v4hkh an ontybe sptnr forthat purpD5e. The Sobrlc Fund represetmulfed don&tlonJ lormalntenance of the ¢hurth labrtc, whlch c oth be spent fw th8t puw. St Marf5 Iunk Boquestl was reeefved In theyear.The bequÈ5t was left to the Vlcarand Churthwafden5 of St MarVsAlv¢le¥, for use b¥the Ial thurth. Funds areto be sptslt lor thii PLWPOSe onl¥. The uttre¥trted 0¢141¢d Fund5'. AlÈ¥010 Chipel represen¢5the xcurnula¢ed Inc ewendltuie of ljveley Old £pe1. Thtse are held In * separate bank attount. but the parh141 Church Coun¢ll is the accountable ¥for them. The sund Sthool fund represents accum•11 dorotlonsforthe Sunday Schod. The Cholrfuthd represents èttumulated dDriatlorbS larthe chr. Please5Qtnote 6 below reiardlni TraAsftfS,' A balathte •moUntlt0 e2.160 was tr3n5fewrndfrom the General Fund back to the Cholr ure$l*kIed Deslin4ted Fund5 durfnB the wor. Thls wasihe balance Iransleryed OUE from Unrestrtcied Design¥ted Fund5toGeneral Funds In 2015 In respett of rhe ftholr.
Indry•nd•nt Examln•ff• Rqp•rt lo lh• m•mb•r• of St Mary th• Vlrgln. Alvahy P•mchl•l Church Councll (PCC) l T8rt M Ihe accounts ol lh• ¢harily lor tho year ended 31 Decembor 2022 vthlch ar8 sol out on the attachad pagos, comprising Ro¢aW and Payments Account. Sialemenl ol As88ls and Liabilitie5 and Notgs. R8•p•ctlv• r•4pon*lbllltlM ol Iho fflomb•r• and •x•mln•r The charty's Iruslee8. who are Iho members ol tho PCC, are responsrfole lor th& preparatlon ol tho aGGounts In accordance wlth the requirements ol Iho CharrtiE43 Acl 2011 (The 2011 Acll. You consid that an audit is not required IN this year under 144(21 ol th• Charllios Acl 2011 lthe 2011 kll and that an indwendent exannatI is requirod. It18 my respclbl1rtY lo.. examlne the aGcwnl8 under 58¢1ion 145 of the 2011 Act,. lollow Ihe procedures laid down in the General Dlrecllons glvon by Ihe Charlty Commi8slon urth 88thlon 145{51(bl ot Ihe 2011 Act; and stale whether partiGular matters have corne to my atterrtlon. B•818 of Ind•p•nd•nl •¥•mlnerf• report My examlnalion was carried oul in accordance wilh th8 General 'TactIonS gi¥en by Ihe Chadty Commission. An examlnalion inGkndes a revi8w ol thè accounling racoids kepl by Iho chartty and comparison ol lh8 ac¢ounts wesenled In Ihosa record8.li 50 Includes consideralion of any unusual Items or dis¢h)sur85 in Ihe accounts, and seeking eyplanalions Irom yw as Iruslg¢s concemlng any such matter6. The proc8dures undertakgn do nol provide all Ihg evidence that would be requlred in an audit and consequently no oplnion is oiven as to whalher Ihe accwnts prejenl a "Injts and lalr vlth and the report is Imiled lo those mattefs sel out in the 81alernenl bèlow. Ind•pwdent ex•mln•r's slal¢m•nt In conneGllon with my oxaminalion. no material matteTJ have come lo my allenlion: wthkh gives m& reasonable cau881o belleve Ihal. In any maiorial respect, the requirom8nl8'. to kofjp accounllng recor(Is In accordan¢e wlth seGtlon 130 01 the 2011 AGI. arKI lo prepare accounts whith ald wfth the accounliNJ reths arKI cornpty ¥1h Ihe accounllrvJ requirernonls ol Ihe 2011 Act have not be8n met., or 2 to whlch. in my opin1. attenlon shou b8 drawn in order to enable a proper understaTrJlng ol the accounls lo be reached. L Dhlllon FCCA 65 Charterfigld Drive Kingswnlord West Midlands DY6 7RS 19 May 2023