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2020-12-31-accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT for 2020

J A N U A R Y -

D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 0

This report has been printed in monochrome to save valuable parish funds. A colour copy will be on our website.

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Once again, from all of us at The Parish of Three Saints, we wish to say a very huge, warm ‘thank you’ to you all for giving of your time and talents, especially during this difficult year.

These include;-

Churchwardens

PCC Members

Worship Leaders

Stewards/Welcomers

Readers

Musicians

Chalice Assistants

Scripture Readers

Intercessors

Refreshment Providers

Finance Team

Fundraisers

Bell Ringers

Group Helpers

Flower Arrangers

Church openers/closers

Cleaners

Brass Cleaners

Clock Winders

Churchyard Grounds supporters

Coffee Morning helpers

We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful people that we cannot name you all, but together you combine to keep our three churches, office and grounds ship-shape and make our sacred spaces welcoming, friendly and inspiring.

If you feel that you can give some of your time, however small, or talents and you wish to be a part of the Church Family, please contact any of the Church Wardens or Church Office.

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One Parish One Benefice

The Parish of Three Saints

Reopening the Churches after Lockdown 1

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Rector’s reflections on 2020

There is no denying the fact that 2020 will go down in history as a unique year. Little did we know in January that we would be unable to worship in the churches for many weeks and our face-to-face fellowship and events would be curtailed so abruptly.

On a positive note, early in the year the suspension of the parish was lifted, so in all respects we are finally one parish, one benefice and I was licensed as Rector in the Archdeacon’s study (as opposed to the Priest-in-Charge). This gives a slightly more secure future for this parish to remain as it is for ministry as the diocese inevitably reorganises stipendiary posts.

That said, there is a strong Church Family here, which has been able to withstand the ravages of the virus in more ways than one. While not perhaps enjoying the journey, the fellowship has continued to be strong and learnt how to be “church” in different ways. When not in the buildings we have had weekly recorded services online, mainly Eucharistic, with laity involved in reading, interceding and sometimes other activities such as choosing hymns or being interviewed. Nikki Burns, our Reader, contributed sermons. We have also had less formal worship, other reflections and continued Café Church in recorded form using ZOOM and a small group sharing informally over tea and cake led by our LWAs, Chris Wright and Kate Wilford. In all during 2020 alone we made approaching 40 recordings. It was a challenge and a joy to learn new technical skills, not only for me, but for many who readily adapted to using ZOOM for meetings and to record readings and prayers for services. There was some investment by me personally in equipment, which I am happy to bear, but, if we wish to maintain a long-term online presence, the church may have to consider what is needed for the parish and a team of volunteers will have to learn the skills necessary to commit to this.

Early on for Easter Sunday 2020 many people stood out in their gardens or on their drives and sang along with the national church – it was a very emotional time. We also collected photos and made a video of people’s Easter Gardens. We had begun a very popular Lent Group at The Rectory based on the film ‘Chocolat’, but it was unable to continue after lockdown. However, the Advent Course, ‘Living in Hope’, was successful using ZOOM – a timely topic.

After the first period of lockdown, we celebrated a return to the buildings with a parish pilgrimage. Chris and I walked from home calling at the three village churches symbolically unlocking the doors and saying prayers. We were joined by dozens of people for different parts of the route. Again, we did not know it would all happen again and in November we were not allowed in again. In the interim we did manage a harvest celebration; with no singing allowed, recorded folk songs were used instead bringing a fresh approach. There was also an outdoor Evening Prayer in St Mary’s Churchyard. Even while we were able to use the church buildings for a main Eucharist or Morning Prayer, we continued recorded reflections and prayers online for those who felt unable to attend.

Christmas was unplannable much in advance, as it was clear that further restrictions were inevitable. But we were able at the end of the year to have a Carol Service live on ZOOM (with technical help from my daughter, Joanna) and a Eucharist (Midnight, Christmas morning and Sunday after Christmas) in person in each of the churches. We even manged to sing a few carols in the open air and made a video of photos of domestic crib sets.

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It’s all been very creative and, in some ways, an exciting learning experience. However, I took very little leave during the year, it was busy for me, and have become increasingly tired during this New Year. I will be ensuring my full compliment of days off and leave during 2021 and I thank you for your support in this.

I am indebted to the worship leadership team, Reader Nikki Burns and LWAs, Kate Wilford and Chris Wright, for their commitment, and especially to the Wardens and Assistants, for facilitating the necessary safe practices in the churches and supporting me as decisions were made about services, often at short notice. I must also mention Pauline Chadwick, who has continued to play the organs, even when we are not there and often in cold churches, to keep them in a good state. There are also the teams who have kept an eye on often-empty churches, cleaning, winding clocks and simply “doing” as necessary.

I have emphasised all the time the irony that by socially distancing, minimising our social interactions, and sanitising we show our love for each other. A lesson perhaps to think about for the future. Thank God no one seems to have contracted the virus through church at the time of writing, although members of the church community have had it. We praise God for their recovery and pray about the continuing long-term effects for some.

The pastoral care team were actively supporting people at home during the lockdown and while people felt unable to attend church. Leaflets were distributed offering help, and a number of the team were involved in delivering papers, groceries, prescriptions and checking people were well. A phone network was set up to make sure that particularly people on their own would receive a phone call at intervals. This was greatly appreciated. My thanks especially go to them, as I found making many personal telephone calls was enjoyable, but very time consuming. (See separate Pastoral Team report). Other members of the church family also provided help in different ways.

Of course, the finances are a critical part of maintaining our ministry here. Firstly, Jim Hanmer has been a tremendous support and excellent Treasurer for many years and, as he hands over to Victoria Daintree the essential tasks, we all, and The Finance Team for the most part, must consider how to cover the various other roles he has developed and fulfilled. A matter for your prayers and perhaps for your skills. Our sincere heartfelt thanks go to Jim for all he has done.

One of Jim’s targets while Treasurer was for the regular giving to fulfil our obligation to the diocese for the Common Fund. This has been achieved and, despite the unprecedented dire situation for many churches across the country which have relied on collections and/or fundraising to pay their parish share, our Church Life Fund has remained solvent. We are blessed in this respect with a very generous committed congregation for which I am deeply thankful, and so as long as regular committed giving keeps pace with increasing costs, the ministry here is secure for the foreseeable future.

However, the same cannot be said of the Heritage Funds. Even before this crisis, these funds were running at a loss. It is essential in my view, that a good level of regular giving to pay the bills is called for from people who may not attend church often, but would like the church buildings to remain open. It seems that many villagers are still of the impression that the central church or some government fund pays for the buildings. We need to address this misconception during 2021 as, although very grateful for all that people give in time, talents and money, we must not rely on fundraising that is unpredictable. It is a responsibility of all of us to talk about this with friends and neighbours – they can only help if they know the facts.

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In addition, there are the maintenance and repair costs for three buildings, which are considerable, and the possibilities of developing the buildings for wider uses, which makes them more viable. I am again grateful to Ged Keele, particularly, and the local Brent Knoll team for all they have done to ensure the repair work on St Michael’s is being completed, while redecorating and some minor works are in hand. St Christopher’s is being imaginatively reordered, thanks again to a local team led by Robin Leveridge. At the end of 2020 the major essential repair work at St Mary’s is looking more imminent, thanks to Tim Hannah investigating grants and working closely with Carole Carter and a small team to get applications in. A project team is forming for this major work, but a local buildings team for St Mary’s also needs to be convened to oversee what needs doing day-to-day. (See separate reports).

Of course, the relationship with the schools has been harder to maintain, but Chris Wright and I have produced some recorded Collective Worship sessions, which have been well-received, and I have been in regular touch with the school Heads to offer our prayers and support. It has been great that, through seeing us on video, they have still recognised us in the street and said hello.

Mission, in the sense of drawing people into the faith of the church, has been of a more practical nature, supporting people as mentioned above. But there has also been an initiative of delivering welcome booklets to all newcomers to the villages. This is the responsibility of us all, as we see ‘SOLD’ signs going up. The booklets are available from Carole in the Church Office.

Ride and Stride was a highlight as a couple of groups of intrepid cyclists set off around the area visiting churches and soliciting sponsorship money. 50% of the proceeds go to The Somerset Churches Trust and 50% to us – in total £624 was raised. At the beginning of September 2021, let’s see more folk out and about walking and riding.

At the time of writing, 2021 remains a year with some uncertainty, which prevents even mid-term plans being in place. This means we must learn from our experience this last year and live by faith. Living by faith is not irresponsible - sensible pragmatic decisions need to be taken regarding funding and maintenance - but often we can wait a while on the Lord and solutions do appear. It is part of faith to recognise that and exercise patience with watchfulness. I like to imagine sitting in the boat with Jesus after he calmed the storm (Matthew 4:35-41). We do have a Curate coming, who will be in-training and develop his skills, but in time he will be able to contribute to the ministry of the parish. We pray that others, maybe from our existing numbers, maybe someone moving here (into new housing?), will be able to offer their gifts to the mission of the churches here.

Please join this prayer and seek God’s guidance for yourself and the parish.

Bless you all and thank you for your love and support for Chris and me.

The Revd. Kevin Wright (Rector)

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The Revd. Stanley Price

During my first year here, I was delighted to get to know Stanley and Eva.

Stanley’s very essence spoke of a deep love of Our Lord and his life reflected Jesus’ love. I have heard many stories about his gentle ministry, out of retirement, both pastoral and liturgical. He clearly loved and was greatly loved by many.

Just as the pandemic started, it was a privilege to be able to go to the hospital and bless him and anoint him with holy oil only moments before he died and say final prayers with him, Eva and his wonderful faithful family.

His grave near St Christopher’s Church door is, as he was, very modest. I have no doubt that this humble man was quite simply a gift to us for a while and that Stanley now resides in peace, joy and love with the God he served.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory, Amen.

Kevin

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Celebrating the year:

A summary of what the church has achieved as a whole throughout the year

Support Groups for Our Parish

All groups have had to adapt during 2020 & we are hoping that they will resume during the coming months of 2021

Pastoral Care Support Groups will normally meet monthly.

The Bereavement Group meet in an informal environment with lovely homemade cakes and a welcome cup of tea. This gives people the opportunity to chat and share their experiences in a safe non-threatening way, in as much or as little as they feel comfortable.

The Alzheimers and Dementia Carers Group meet at the home of one of the leaders. The village agent, Kim Wilcox, attends when she can. Her welcome input provides very useful and helpful information about the support available for carers in the area.

The group is usually very well attended and provides carers with much needed emotional and practical support.

The COM-For-Tea is available for those with a long term and /or life- threatening illness. The members of the group provide commitment and dedication in trusting God to provide for people to meet in a supportive way. This continues to be the group’s focus.

The Prayer Group continues to meet. As a Healthy Church we aim for prayer to be central to our Christian life. In confidence, the group pray for those who are sick and in need.

The Toddler Group is a joint venture between The Parish of Three Saints and the Brent Knoll Methodist Church. The group has been running for over 20 years and is well supported.

Unfortunately as the Methodist Church has not yet reopened this is not able to resume. See separate report on page 12.

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Information Leaflets

There are leaflets which give information about the different pastoral care groups, activities and of the work the teams are involved in to support those in need.

These can be obtained in any church building or on our website & also at the church office in East Brent.

They will be updated with the latest information in due course.

01278 769082

www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk

Follow us on :-

Facebook: TPOTS

or

Twitter: @TPOTS6

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Pastoral Care Team

What a year! This time last year the team was planning to reach out to people locally by delivering a Pastoral Care leaflet to every home in the parish. The leaflets had been printed and willing volunteers were standing by to deliver them, together with an Easter Card. But, sadly, all this had to be shelved as the whole country went into lockdown at the end of March 2020.

Pastoral care is, by its nature, often “up close and personal”; social contact, visiting people, meeting up, hugs, inviting people into our homes for a coffee. All this was suddenly not possible due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

So we have kept in contact by phone, email, WhatsApp and over garden fences. We have offered to shop, pick up prescriptions, deliver newspapers and run errands. We have delivered cards to those we know who are ill, have suffered bereavement or are recovering from operations. Lately we have dropped off daffodils on doorsteps, to bring people a little taste of Spring and let our neighbours know we have not forgotten about them.

At the start of the first lockdown we identified a number of people on the Church Electoral Roll, who lived on their own. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty around then, especially in the media and we felt people might value a little regular contact by phone if they were on their own, confined to their house and unable to go out. Each member of the PCT was responsible for 2 or 3 people who they rang or emailed once a week, or more or less often by mutual agreement. A couple of people said they were “fine thank you” and didn’t need contacting again, but many others have said how they really appreciated the calls.

All members of the Pastoral Care team started looking out for people in their neighbourhoods. Jane kept in contact with all the Toddler mums and Margaret had a long list of people she looked out for. Gwen continued to forward prayer requests, Dot rang her Comfort Group people and Carla kept in touch with all the members of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Carers Group and has more recently been hosting Zoom meetings once a month.

We set up the East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth TPOTS Support Group, similar to Brent Knoll and Lympsham’s Helping Hands groups, so people had somewhere to turn to locally if they needed help and hopefully no one would fall through the cracks. Thanks to some very kind volunteers, every house received a Coronavirus Prayer card, downloaded from the Diocese website, with the added offer of shopping and prescription collection to those who were self isolating. Kim Wilcox was very good at referring people needing help.

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As things slowly start to open up over the coming months we hope to be able to meet up again in person and resume our support groups. But for the time being we continue to stay in touch with people by phone and email, seeking to be Jesus’ hands and feet, His ears and eyes as we reach out to those in our parish.

If you would like to know more about the team, feel God is calling you to this ministry, or are in need and would like us to visit, please contact us by e-mail or telephone:

lpacare@tpots.gmail.com 07701 081077

office.tpots@gmail.com 01278 769082

We continue to praise God for the blessings He bestows on us as a Parish and are so thankful to all the Pastoral Care Team who contribute their time and energy so readily and with such enthusiasm.

A big ‘thank you’ to Carole who helps us administratively and to all those who support the team in prayer.

Anthony Barkle Pastoral Care Team Co-ordinator.

Ginnie Soffe Pastoral Care Team Co-ordinator and Baptism Co-ordinator

Tim and Jane Hannah LPA (Lay Pastoral Assistants)

Gwen Hatton LPA Carla Searle LPA Dot Cole LPA Kevin Wright Rector Margaret Smith LPA Sarah McClean LPA Sarah Cole LPA

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Toddlers

This report has been kindly submitted by the Teddies on behalf of Toddlers:

2020 started off quite normally in January with us welcoming some new members to the group including a baby who was only a few days old. In February we talked about Pancake Day and the start of Lent. The children coloured pancake themed pictures, we all thought about the different fillings we liked and lots of the teddies chose honey.

March is always full of fun things to do at Toddlers with World Book Day, Mothering Sunday and the start of spring. For World Book Day the children were all given special Book Day vouchers and had the opportunity to dress up as one of their favourite book characters including William from Just William, Snow White, the Gruffalo, a Flower Fairy, Captain America and even a reindeer from the poem The Night before Christmas. For Mothering Sunday we all made pretty cards which we filled with colourful kisses. We also talked about God’s Creation that can be seen in the signs of spring. Our wall display showed daffodils, bees and butterflies as well as a teddy rowing his boat on the river.

We started to think about Easter and were looking forward to seeing our vicar Kevin and the Methodist Minister Steve, on their Easter visit. However, that was not to be as Coronavirus dictated otherwise and the decision was made to suspend Toddler gatherings with our last meeting taking place on 10[th] March 2020.

But we have found all sorts of ways to keep in touch with the families from Toddlers. Phone calls have been made to every family; birthday cards are sent to all the children (and helpers); cards were also sent to those due to leave last summer as well as to those starting school in the September and of course Christmas cards went to all the children.

We, the Teddies (with a little adult help), write an article every month for The Brent Knoll News. We talk about ways to keep fit, we tell the toddlers about our daily walks and suggest things to look out for in the beautiful countryside around us. In December we reminded our readers about the Christmas Story and that we were practising ‘Away in a Manger’ to greet the baby Jesus on Christmas Day. We keep them informed about the wellbeing of the toys and how important it is to show care for each other. We always put in birthdays of the month and let the members of the group know how much we are missing them.

Back in March we had twenty-one families on the register with twenty-nine children coming from the surrounding villages of Brent Knoll and East Brent as well as from Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, West Huntspill and Weston-super-Mare. We would usually meet every Tuesday during term time but since March 2020 our meeting place, the Methodist Church, has remained closed.

We would like to thank everyone who helps and supports Toddlers and one day, when it is safe to do so, we will be together again; there will be painting and playdough, songs and story time, fun and friendship.

We know that the toddlers and their families are in our thoughts and prayed for.

The Teddies .

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Bellringers

The ringing of church bells is one of those quintessential British sounds that we often take for granted. The unique English style of ringing evolved over 400 years ago and has been part of our heritage.

All three towers in The Parish of Three Saints have six bells, though their tone and characteristics are very different.

St Michael’s bells at Brent Knoll are heavy and majestic (tenor 21cwt) and ringers come from all over the country to ring them.

St Mary’s at East Brent are lighter (tenor 16cwt) and can be rung more quickly which makes them sound bright.

St Christopher’s at Lympsham are lighter still (tenor 11cwt) and produce a higher pitched merry sound.

You are welcome to visit us during our normal Tuesday practice between 7.30 and 9pm. When this is able to resume.

For more information please contact our

Tower Captain

Mr Melvyn Freeman 01278 641214

Carols in the churchyard

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Easter Gardens 2020

Axbridge Deanery Synod Review 2020

Our first meeting of 2020 was on Saturday 25[th] January at Blackford Village Hall where Revd Kevin led the opening worship session. The Area Dean, Lay Dean and members of the DMPG (Deanery Mission & Pastoral Group) presented suggestions for updating each section of the Deanery Mission Plan. This was duly updated and circulated to all. Further meetings were planned for May - the Churchwardens’ Supper, June - on Tourism, to be held at Warren Farm, Brean & October - on Education.

Sadly, Deanery Synod gatherings were then hit by the Covid pandemic.

On 7[th] October our meeting was held via Zoom. Key topics at this meeting were on Ministry in Schools – some thoughts from the Deanery ‘Schools Champion’ Revd Kevin. There followed a series of small breakout groups on Thanksgiving, Lament & Growth.

We reflected in small groups on what we have learned about our church and local communities over the past months. What were the Red Letter Days - what stood out during the last months that had been good and for which we would give thanks. Blue Days – what in our context did we lament. Finally, the Green Shoots – where had we noticed God at work in our context bringing some green shoots of growth.

The first meeting of 2021 was planned for 9[th] February, again via Zoom to hear from our MP and ask questions and focus on the great challenge of tackling climate change.

Deanery Synod meetings are open to all so please come along, or “zoom in” to future gatherings. The Parish of Three Saints Deanery Synod representatives are currently Maxine Bashford & Dot Coles. Revd Kevin is an elected member of the DMPG & Chris Wright is the elected lay representative for our Deanery at the Diocesan Synod.

Maxine Bashford

Deanery Synod Representative

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St Christopher’s Annual Church Wardens’ Report

2020 was a very challenging year for us all due to the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid 19). As a result St. Christopher’s Church was closed during the National Lockdown. There followed a gradual easing and we were able to open the church for private prayer for an hour a week. Thanks must go to the volunteers who opened the church on those occasions. Although there was a good response from passing pedestrians, very few visited the church. During this time services were broadcast online, with many members of the congregation contributing from their own homes. Kevin, our rector, did an amazing job of coordinating this and produced some excellent YouTube videos for us to join in and enjoy.

In the summer the situation improved and we were able to open the church again for socially distanced services. Thanks go to everyone who made this possible. However, as winter approached the virus took its hold again and once more the church building had to be closed and worship reverted to online again.

Despite everything, 2020 saw the start of a very exciting time for St Christopher's. After much discussion, work began to start the reordering process. Thanks go to Robin Leveridge who is taking a lead. The plans are to create a more informal worship space, fit a kitchen and a toilet with access for the disabled.

Work on the leaking roof was completed and we are pleased to report that the church is now water-tight.

St Christopher’s Heritage fund suffered this year due to fundraising events having to be cancelled. However, the village rallied round to support a Christmas Hamper Raffle which raised just over a thousand pounds. Many thanks to everyone who made this happen.

Thanks go to Pauline for playing the organ so beautifully (when she was permitted!), to Robin Hoare for looking after the grounds, clock and flag, and to the bell ringers.

Finally thank you to Carole for all her hard work in the office.

It is a privilege to serve God in our journey together.

Gwen Hatton & Victoria Daintree

Church Wardens

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St Mary’s Annual Church Wardens’ Report

As Church Wardens we are responsible for the buildings and grounds within our Parish. Thankfully, as wardens, we do not have to do all the work required ourselves. We have the responsibility of overseeing St Mary’s as God’s servants and we try to do our best for Him. Without your ongoing support this would not be possible: ‘Thank you’.

This year saw the resignation of Church Warden, Kathy Quinnell, in April after many years’ service to St Mary’s and the Parish for which we are very thankful. Kathy still leads the grounds team looking after the Churchyard with a team of volunteers. Also she is a regular supporter with our fundraising efforts for the building.

Anthony Barkle also resigned as a Church Warden in October this year and is still a member of the PCC and is on the Pastoral Care Team. He also supports fundraising for St Mary’s.

St Mary’s is currently in desperate need of repairs which have been identified through the Quinquennial Inspection. At the beginning of 2020 we launched a ‘roof appeal’ which unfortunately came to a halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was restarted later in the year as much as was possible with the regulations that had been put in place. However, with the support of Tim Hannah obtaining grants for St Mary’s and also some local people joining our small team we are planning to start the roof refurbishment in May 2021. We were also fortunate to have enlisted the help of Emma Brown, Church Buildings Adviser, from The Diocese.

Also during 2021 it is hoped to launch a ‘Supporter’s Group’ for St Mary’s which will help with funding for day to day running etc.

We would like to thank all our supporters: floral arrangers, cleaners, bell ringers, church openers, and closers and the churchyard team. Our Church family is so helpful with reading, praying and chalice assisting. We honour our faith together.

This has been a difficult year for us all & we are looking forward to a brighter future in 2021.

Pilgrimage reopening the churches in July 2020

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St Michael’s Annual Church Wardens’ Report

As we look back on 2020 we are especially grateful to Kevin, Chris and the worship team for adapting to services during the covid pandemic. We have been able to continue to worship together either under covid safe condition in church or during home recorded services.

January - Joined in celebrations for ‘One Parish Benefice’.

Kate and Chris commended as lay worship assistants.

February - School able to hold one service.

Valentines meal at Woodlands

Service for those we have loved and see no more.

March - First café church at St. Michael’s.

Churchyard clean-up day

Covid closure of churches but had home recorded services

June - Church open for private prayer.

July - Reopening of churches with service at St. Michael’s

every 3 weeks plus online services

October - North roof was renewed and work finished this month.

November - British Legion Remembrance service in churchyard

Zoom Advent course ‘Living in hope’.

December - Christmas Day service at St. Michael’s.

Thanks go to all who help both towards services and with the maintenance and fundraising.

We look forward to a time when we can worship in person together with no covid restrictions.

I am extremely grateful to Miss Frances James for all she does for St. Michael’s. She is now a Churchwarden Emeritus as recognition of all the work she has done.

Mike Smith, Churchwarden

&

Frances James, Warden Emeritus

Café Church Online

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Origami Palm Crosses Online

Online Services

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Financial Review of 2020

Firstly, may I thank the Finance Team for their support during this year. In particular, may I thank Robin Leveridge for his advice, guidance and support as Donation and banking Coordinator. Also, my appreciation to Carole Carter, our Administrator, for keeping me on track, as usual.

You will be aware we manage our finances through two funds. Our Church Life fund, which contributes to God’s mission and ministry across our Parish, and our Heritage Fund, which manages our three church buildings, as Heritage Assets, for the whole neighbourhood.

Thanks, largely, to a positive response to the Stewardship Appeal our Church Life Fund finished 2020 with a healthy £10,413 surplus and a bank balance of £30,588. Our income was affected by lower fees from weddings etc. but was boosted by strong planned giving and gift aid. Due to the current strength in our Church Life balances the PCC took the decision that, in 2020, for all fundraising receipts, generated by our three fundraising teams, would benefit our Heritage accounts.

Income to the Heritage Fund is generously supported through fund raising activities across the Parish. Each church building has a small fundraising team who work extremely hard to ensure the buildings can be retained at the heart of our communities. Regrettably, due the COVID-19 virus very little activity was possible during 2020. All three fundraising teams did carry out one activity in December and the results are shown on the attached figures, although some of the receipts were not banked until January 2021.

Café Church—before Lockdown

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Financial Review of 2020 (Continued)

The excellent local appeal in Brent Knoll, together with successful grant applications, meant the urgent roof repairs were completed.

In East Brent we have a similar urgent need to repair the roof. We have received some generous, one-off, donations to start an appeal fund and much more work will need to be done on this in 2021.

In Lympsham work continues to identify how we can use the remaining legacy funds to improve the basic facilities within the building.

As can be seen from the attached figures, with all the appeal income and repair expenditure, the Heritage account had an overall deficit of £4,368.

It is vital the PCC maintains a tight budgetary control on the normal Heritage expenditure, required to maintain the running of the buildings, until normal fundraising activities can begin again.

The overall surplus across all accounts is £6,045 with overall closing balances of £282,354. As can be seen from the Balance Sheet, £278,746 is reserved for overheads, repairs and improvements to our buildings. This includes the Unit Trust investments held by St Michael’s Trust.

We enter 2021 in a strong financial position and we pray that our Church Family will review their support to God’s mission and ministry and our three fundraising teams will continue to have your support as they struggle to meet the financial demands of our three beautiful church buildings.

We registered as a stand-alone Charity in 2020 and the PCC will need to pay close attention to the Governance requirements this brings to them, as Trustees of the new Charity.

Jim Hanmer

Treasurer

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The Parish of Three Saints Cornbined figures Recelpts and payments- 2020 Church Life Heritage Total 2020 Recelpts 2019 Planned Givin8 Collection5 Other giving & Donations Legacies Gift Aid Grants Fund Raising Parochial Fees Ref und of Ministers Fees Other PEACH 29279 3888 5314 34593 38&8 30627.96 4815.46 1325 1652 | 2977 9834.21 9276 2969 | 12731 | 1530 12245 7832.42 12731 12705 1120 4624 26 4624 12464 5378 839.1 2459 5100 511X) Insurdnce Claim Appeal Funding Interest Totsl 15750 75084 | 1483 105863 75084 87631 1483 155375 3262 193598.2 49512 Payments Parish Share 25744 25744 34￿7 Adm inistration Church Runnin RPOT Mission Repai rs & Maintenance Sundries Visiting Mini stercosts Cost of Fundraisi ng Churchyard Mtce Quinquennial Report Donations PEACH 11699 11693 10261 11294 24988 20705 enses 9373 540 217.2 55 55 714 228 165 393 3435 837.75 200 3390 200 33 15T37 409 QI Work Major Repairs Totsl 255 96384 | i￿231 | 255 96384 68389 13138 3917J9 149330 194570 Exce55 of Income over Expenditure 10413 -4368 | -971. Opening Bank Balance Opening Invesknent Balance Totsl Opening Balance Closing Bank Balance Closing Investments Balan Totsl C105ing Balonce 20175 136135 156310 T282 149N3 285178 I49￿13 305353 20175 277282 30588 131766 162354 6310 146980 146980 14W3 30588 278746 3(YJ334 305353 22

The Parish of Three Saints Church Life Receipts and Payments Year Ending 31st December 2020 2020 2019 Income Total Total Planned Giving Collections Other giving & Donations Legacies Gift Aid Grants 29279 25298 4815 1325 8652 9276 7630 Fund Raising Parochial Fees Refund of Ministers Fees Other Total 1120 4624 3688 5378 839 2397 58698 49512 Expenditure Parish Share Salaries Clergy & Reader Expenses Administration Church Running Expenses Mission Music Sundries Visiting Minister Costs Total 25744 34647 7196 1985 7696 1381 2203 2216 2026 540 315 217 196 628 838 228 39(YJ8 Excess of Income over Expenditure 10413 Opening Bank Balance Closing Bank Balance 20175 305881 I￿23 20175 23

The Parish of Three Saints Heritage Receipts & Payments Year ending 31st December 2020 2019 RECEIPTS St Christopher's St Mary's St Michael's Total Totsl Collections & Other Giving Gilt Aid 1518 150 1150 2135 5314 2969 5330 203 Friend5 250 1402 1652 1182 Grdnts & Donations 11526 1205 12731 12705 Legaoes Interest 537 1483 1530 | 3262 Fundraisin8 Events Other IrA)4 526 11628 PEACH | 51fA) Insurancè Claim 15750 Appeal Funding Totsl 12609 17626 61974 n753 1 7 105863 87631 137751 PAYMENTS Heat & Light Church Running Expenses Cost of Fund￿1$1ng CL share of Fundraising Minor Repairs SundrieslGrant expenditure Churchyard Mt Quinquennial Report Donations RPOT QI Work PEACH 1423 2977 153 2017 -1634 3338 ICAI 8332 14876 7890 2rKI 2CIJ 2850 714 55 55 165 33￿1 55 55 55 1950 12&J 15737 20705 255 255 Major Repairs Appeal Fundingwork Tolal 1588 1108 162 13138 8761 78328 94797 110232 147575 Exce>s of Receipts over payments -725 -7923 Opening Bank Balance Opening Investment Balance Total Opening Balance Closing Bank Balance Investments Closing Balance Total C105ing Balance 283 78718 136135 115959 150L 148391 276E6 78718 82997 285178 131765 265959 136135 21102 12COJ) 147E46 146980 278745 149LH3 285178 82997 24

The Parish of Three Saints Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2020 Assets Legacyl Bank Investsnents Total UnreseNed Appeal Funding ReseNed Investment Totsl O ￿)588 01 30588 120LXX) 1476f6 0 82997 26W 4￿82 Churth Life St Christopher's St Mary's St Mithael's 27 829J7 21102 121Xll1 147666 0 82997 26W 48￿[ 2n&5 68854 14143 63 5639 Total 162353 146980.42 3LB333.4 84817 46948 I46￿ 3C6333 The Parish of Three Saints Fundraising for 2020 Heritage Church Life Event St Christopher Income Costs St Mary Income |Costs 501.4, 170 Oi St Mithael Income |Costs Totsl Costs Gross Nett ol s)1.4' 170 Gross Quiz Coffee Mornings Christmas Fayre Ride & Stride Easyfundrdising Masks Raff le 01 50L4 170 28Q7 20 336 330 28).7 Oi 130 ol Iwi Totals 6n.4 28).7 195&1 .111456.2 NB 1st Michael's Chri5tma5 Fayre money banked in 2(F21 £145 of St Vary's coffee mornin banked in 2021 25

St. Christopher’s Church, Lympsham.

Fundraising Report 2020

The year’s fundraising has been severely curtailed, of course – no fete, no open gardens and very little that we have been able to do. Despite that, Victoria raised just over £1,000 out of the Christmas raffle, a fantastic achievement – thanks to all who helped to sell tickets, especially Mikhael at the shop.

We very much hope that will be back to a full programme of events from this summer and have pencilled in the following dates:

We still hope to hold the much postponed ‘Night on the Tiles Ball’ and have a provisional date at Batch Country House Hotel for that. We will reveal details when we can.

In the meantime, here is what to look forward to when we are past this pandemic.

----- Start of picture text -----
James Counsell
February 2021
----- End of picture text -----

26

St Mary's Church Monthly Pub Quizzes at Brent Knoll Inn, East Brent

Unfortunately due to the pandemic these have not taken place this year. It is hoped that when permitted quizzes will return.

To keep you updated we started the quiz in 2011 and, since then, we have raised £14,746. So we intend to carry on as long as we can!

St Mary’s Churchyard Team

We are a ten strong group who meet on a Saturday morning when the weather allows and the spirit is keen. Some of us wander up for the odd hour in the week as well !

Our activities stretch as follows....

Laurel lopping Hedge and bramble control Weeding, digging and planting Rockery maintenance Path clearing and edging

Oh and when needed and the wind is in a northerly direction we make bonfires......

Yes. It’s good exercise with plenty of space for social distancing...... So why not come along and join the fun.?..?

Kathy Quinnell

Note from The Rector……………

Several people have expressed an interest in ‘Greening our Churchyards’. This is an initiative we will explore and develop parish wide.

27

St Mary’s Church, East Brent, Fundraising 2020 Review

The St. Mary’s fundraising team aims to support the ongoing running costs incurred each year.

The team are very thankful to people who have resigned after many years of valuable commitment, but have agreed to continue helping at events.

We started the year, excited to be introducing some new fundraising events for 2020.

These included ;

Get to know your church, with cheese and wine evening.

Spring coffee morning events.

3 day summer wedding dress exhibition.

Christmas tree exhibition, by local charities, community organisations and businesses.

As you will appreciate, we have not been able to hold these events owing to the Coronavirus pandemic.

We have held an online coffee morning, and received donations that people would have given had they been able to attend events. Also we considered an online auction, raffle and murder mystery evening. As our team membership is small, with other personal and Parish commitments, we have not been able to plan and hold these alternative ideas yet, but we will consider them for the future.

St Mary’s fundraising team need people to help in order to secure funds for the running of St Mary’s. Please help by praying for new members to join, consider if you may be that person, and consider if you can become a regular donor. If so please contact the Church Office.

Without the support of the local community, we will not be able to meet the ongoing yearly costs to keep St. Mary’s church open. Please contact Carole in the Church Office if you feel you are able to support the team.

During a challenging year many churches Nationally have been adversely affected.

We remember how patient and loving God is towards us and that He will provide so that His will be done.

Anthony Barkle

28

St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll

Save Our Special Ceiling Building Project

Releading of the north aisle roof was our major project at St Michael’s Church in 2020. The final planning stage fell under the shadow of the first Covid lockdown and was completed when restrictions were eased during the late summer and early autumn.

During the latter part of 2019 our appeal to Save Our Special Ceiling was successfully completed. Somerset Churches Trust had agreed to support the project and the Nuttall Trust gave us a generous grant in January. Our application for National Lottery Heritage Fund was submitted in March and in May we heard that we were successful in our bid. Garfield Weston and Wolfson ChurchCare completed the match funding so we were all set to go.

Preparing for the roof work on June 29[th] 2020

Our architect had advised that a day should be set aside for West Country Tiling, our contractors, to do some exploratory work on the roof to establish the condition of the underlying timber work. Lifting roof boards at selected sites on the roof revealed the surprising finding that steel girders were present. Work had been done on the roof in 1978 when death watch beetle was discovered, and it was thought that the roof structure was strengthened then. The general conclusion was that the timber work was sound and that the work could progress without significant changes in plans. But it was noted that the lead guttering was resting on concrete…

Start of the roof work and a change of plan…

When roof work began on 20[th] July the foreman of building work reported a potential issue with lead replacement covering the guttering draining the roof. In essence the original plan to re-lead the roof could potentially cause problems years ahead because the lengths of lead required to replace the established guttering were too long. Overlong lengths of lead can split as a result of expansion and contraction with temperature variations. Due to the concrete base to the gutter it could not be lowered, so, instead, it would have to be raised, which would then create problems with the inclination of the main roof. The proposed solution was to introduce a step into the roof which would avoid the need to overlap rolls of lead. The downside of this solution was that it would mean a considerable amount of preparatory timberwork before the lead was to be laid.

The Parish accepted this solution and work began in earnest later that week…

29

St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll

Save Our Special Ceiling Building Project

The actual building work……

It was fascinating to watch the whole process of releading the roof. Following erection of scaffolding the stripping out of the timber began. This was a slightly painful process to watch because we had hoped that it would not be necessary! WCT use their own recycled lead which is produced on site at their works in Frome, and in their normal production process lead from the roof would have been stripped, recast and returned to the roof as work progressed. Because our roof lead had been stolen this was not possible for our project, and WCT had to buy in their lead. Lead is heavy but much of the work getting it up to the roof has to be done by hand. Once it is at the base of the scaffold it is hauled up by a winch, and then manhandled: really heavy work.

Guttering was the first part of the roof to be installed. Water must flow and there have to be collecting points for the water to run out clear of the building. These were constructed off site and winched up. Under the revised roofing plan the gutter had to be raised and stepped to ensure proper drainage. The general covering of the roof is achieved by installing bays in sections. The lead is first painted with a chalk emulsion to protect the undersurface after it has been laid. It is then fashioned into a ‘bay box' on the roof and is laid in position. This box is hammered into shape with an overlap to the roll that covers a wooden stick (the mopstick). This method of laying lead is known as ‘closed roll’. It is important that the roof space below the lead is ventilated and the final step was to introduce ventilators that were cut through the lead that had been laid.

Repair work was completed by repointing parts of the parapet and turret . For repairs to Grade 1 listed buildings it is essential to use lime mortar, which, unlike modern mortars, does not contain cement. This mortar takes weeks to set and months to finally ‘cure’.

This is a summary account of the building work that took place. Under our NLHF Project, Promoting Education About Church Heritage (PEACH), we have set up a website to describe our work. A full illustrated account of the building work can be found on a downloadable pdf file that can be accessed at the foot of the webpage -

St Michaels Church Brent Knoll | SOS Ceiling

Ged Keele, Coordinator,

Friends of St Michael’s Church

30

Buildings and Grounds Teams

This year the Buildings and Grounds, Quinquennial Works & Re-Pitching our Tent (RPOT) group has been reviewed by the PCC and reformed as Individual Building and Grounds Teams, IBG’s. These teams report into the Standing Committee, which reports to the PCC.

The main function of these teams is to identify and maintain our Church buildings. Every five years an inspection report is required by the Diocese, (Quinquennial Inspection) QI.

Quinquennial work is work that is identified as needing to be completed in this report.

These Building and Grounds Teams now consist of a minimum of one church warden, representing a church building, the Incumbent, and a representative/s from each village.

Church wardens have the responsibility of the upkeep of the buildings and grounds, but are not required to complete the work themselves. The team is accountable to the PCC. Each church building is encouraged to have a working group which can use the skills of people to help with specific events, works and projects for the Parish church building as is required.

31

Safeguarding Report 2020

Safeguarding in the Church community, that is, making our churches a safe haven for children, young people and vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility. Safeguarding is all about protection from abuse, neglect, harm or being exploited.

Our policy for our three churches and the office is in accordance with the Church of England House of Bishop’s Document & Diocesan Guidelines. The PCC also review our policy regularly as it is included on our meeting Agenda.

As always it just remains for us all to remain aware and, if anyone is concerned about anything, they need to let me or a representative of the PCC know.

Our main aim, because we are all God's children, is to provide a safe environment especially in each of our churches, but also in our communities. Our Pastoral Care Teams have all completed training for this and the register is regularly updated when changes are necessary: this means that each church and all our activities are well covered.

A Safeguarding display is available in each building and explanatory pages are included.

Our Safeguarding Officer for 2020 was Victoria Daintree and for 2021 will be Ginnie Soffe. In the meantime, if you have any concerns contact the Church Office or Reverend Kevin Wright.

Socially Distanced Services in 2020

2020 Ride and Stride Event

32

Administration, Structure and Data

Administrative information

Geographically the Parish of Three Saints:

Correspondence address

The Church Office, Church Road, East Brent, Somerset TA9 4HZ office.tpots@gmail.com 01278 769082

Parish Staff

Incumbent (Rector)

The Reverend Kevin Wright

Churchwardens

St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll Frances James (Warden Emeritus) Mike Smith

St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church, East Brent Post now vacant

St Christopher’s Church, Lympsham Gwen Hatton

Victoria Daintree

Reader

Parish Administrator

PCC Treasurer PCC Secretary

Organist Safeguarding Officer

Nikki Burns ( Now left our Parish March 2021) Carole Carter Jim Hanmer (Resigned December 2020) Carole Carter Pauline Chadwick Victoria Daintree Resigned Dec 2020

External Organisations

Inspecting Architect:

George Chedburn Chedburn Codd Design & Conservation, Bath Brewery, Toll Bridge Road, Bath, BA1 7DE

Financial Organisations specific to the Parish:

CHURCH LIFE HERITAGE

CAF Bank Ltd

25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ

St Christopher’s Church CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. St Mary’s Church CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. St Michael’s Church CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. Friends of St Michael’s CCLA, Senator House,85 Queen Trust Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET

Friends of St Michael’s Trust

33

Charity Commission

The PCC , The Parish Of Three Saints is now a Registered Charity with the Charity Commission. Registration Number 1188593

PCC Membership as at December 2020

Ex-officio Position Term/Expiry
Incumbent Reverend Kevin Wright Chairperson
Churchwardens
Brent Knoll Frances James Warden Emeritus
Mike Smith Annual
East Brent Anthony Barkle Resigned
October 2020
Lympsham Gwen Hatton Annual
Victoria Daintree
Reader Nikki Burns Until March 2021
Deanery Synod Maxine Bashford
Representatives Dot Coles 3 year term /2023
Sarah McClean
Elected
Anthony Barkle 3 year term / 2023
Nick Bashford 3 year term / 2022
Pauline Chadwick 3 year term / 2023
Sarah Cole 3 year term / 2021
Dot Coles 3 year term / 2023
James Counsell 3 year term / 2023
Tim Hannah 3 year term / 2022
Chris Hussey 3 year term / 2022
Ged Keele 3 year term / 2023
Sarah McClean 3 year term / 2023
Ginnie Soffe 3 year term / 2023
Sally Wingate 3 year term / 2023
Jim Hanmer Treasurer Resigned Dec 2020
Co-opted Carole Carter Parish Administrator Annual
& PCC Secretary
Christine Hussey Electoral Roll Officer Annual
Robin Leveridge Donations Coordinator Annual

34

Structure, Governance and Management

Objectives and Activities

Changes to the Parish Electoral Roll in 2020:

The Electoral Roll at the end of the 2019 = 107 Total at the end of 2020 = 107

Number of Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals for the Parish

Parish Total for 2020
Baptisms 2
Weddings 2
Funerals 15

35

Who’s Who as at December 2020

Rector Reverend Kevin Wright

The Rectory, 3 Ash Trees, East Brent, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4DQ

01278 760844 07764 170463 priest.tpots@gmail.com

Reader Nikki Burns

PCC Teams

Worship, Mission and Evangelism

Reverend Kevin Wright and Reader, Nikki Burns

Lay Worship Assistants: Chris Wright and Kate Wilford

Prayer Group

Gwen Hatton, Eva Price, Viv Freeman, Ginnie Soffe,

Sarah McLean, Anthony Barkle, Pauline Chadwick

Deanery Synod:

Maxine Bashford, Dot Coles, Sarah McClean

Pastoral Care Team

Carla Searle, Sarah McLean. Sarah Cole.

Lay Pastoral Assistants

Anthony Barkle, Ginnie Soffe, Dot Coles, Tim and Jane Hannah, Margaret Smith,

Gwen Hatton, Carla Searle , Sarah McClean, Sarah Cole,

- Buildings and Grounds / Quinquennial Works & Re Pitching our Tent project (QPOT)

Anthony Barkle, Gwen Hatton, Victoria Daintree, Mike Smith,

Robin Leveridge, Ged Keele, Barbara Foti & Reverend Kevin Wright

Finance Team:

Jim Hanmer, Robin Leveridge, Ged Keele, Carole Carter & Reverend Kevin Wright

Fundraising Chair of Teams as at end of 2020

St Christopher’s: James Counsell St Mary’s: Carole Carter / Anthony Barkle St Michael’s: Ged Keele

Friends of St Michael’s Ged Keele

Organist: Pauline Chadwick

Website: www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk E-Mail: office.tpots@gmail.com

Church Office, Church Road, East Brent, Somerset, TA9 4HZ 01278 769082 Facebook: TPOTS Twitter: @TPOTS6

36

The Parish of Three Saints
Combined figures
Receipts andpayments - 2020
Church Life Heritage Total
Receipts 2020 2019
£
Planned Giving 29279 5314 34593 30627.96
Collections 3888 0 3888 4815.46
Othergiving& Donations 1325 1652 2977 9834.21
Legacies 0 0 0 0
Gift Aid 9276 2969 12245 7832.42
Grants 0 12731 12731 12705
Fund Raising 1120 1530 2650 12464
Parochial Fees 4624 0 4624 5378
Refund of Ministers Fees 0 0 0 839.1
Other 0 0 0 2459
PEACH 0 5100 5100 0
Insurance Claim 0 0 0 15750
Appeal Funding 0 75084 75084 87631
Interest 0 1483 1483 3262
Total 49512 105863 155375 193598.2
Payments
Parish Share 25744 0 25744 34647
Administration 11699 0 11699 11294
Church RunningExpenses 888 9373 10261 24988
RPOT 0 0 0 20705
Mission 540 0 540 217.2
Repairs & Maintenance 0 55 55 714
Sundries 228 165 393 3435
VisitingMinister Costs 0 0 0 837.75
Cost of Fundraising 0 200 200 468
Churchyard Mtce 0 3390 3390 15737
Quinquennial Report 0 0 0 0
Donations 0 0 0 0
PEACH 0 409 409 0
QI Work 0 255 255 68389
Major Repairs 0 96384 96384 13138
Total 39099 110231 149330 194570
Excess of Income over Expenditure 10413 -4368 6045 -971.8
Opening Bank Balance 20175 136135 156310 127282
Opening Investment Balance 0 149043 149043 150000
Total Opening Balance 20175 285178 305353 277282
Closing Bank Balance 30588 131766 162354 156310
Closing Investments Balance 0 146980 146980 149043
Total Closing Balance 30588 278746 309334 305353

The Parish of Three Saints Church Life Receipts and Payments Year Ending 31st December 2020

The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints
Church Life Receipts and Payments
Year Ending 31st December 2020
2020 2019
Income Total Total
Planned Giving 29279 25298
Collections 3888 4815
Othergiving& Donations 1325 8652
Legacies 0 0
Gift Aid 9276 7630
Grants 0 0
Fund Raising 1120 3688
Parochial Fees 4624 5378
Refund of Ministers Fees 0 839
Other 0 2397
Total 49512 58698
Expenditure
Parish Share 25744 34647
Salaries 7196 7696
Clergy& Reader Expenses 1985 1381
Administration 2203 2216
Church RunningExpenses 888 2026
Mission 540 217
Music 315 196
Sundries 228 628
VisitingMinister Costs 0 838
Total 39098 49846
Excess of Income over Expenditure 10413 8852
Opening Bank Balance 20175 11323
Closing Bank Balance 30588 20175

The Parish of Three Saints

Heritage Receipts & Payments Year ending 31st December 2020

The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints The Parish of Three Saints
Heritage Receipts & Payments
Year ending 31st December 2020
2020 2019
RECEIPTS St Christopher's St Mary's St Michael's Total Total
£ £ £ £
Collections & Other Giving 1518 1150 2646 5314 5330
Gift Aid 150 2135 684 2969 203
Friends 250 0 1402 1652 1182
Grants & Donations 11526 1205 0 12731 12705
Legacies 0 0 0 0 0
Interest 537 0 946 1483 3262
FundraisingEvents 1004 526 0 1530 11628
Other 0 0 0 0 60
PEACH 0 0 5100 5100
Insurance Claim 0 0 0 0 15750
Appeal Funding 500 12609 61974 75084 87631
Total 15485 17626 72753 105863 137751
PAYMENTS
Heat & Light 1423 1253 -1634 1041 14876
Church RunningExpenses 2977 2017 3338 8332 7890
Cost of Fundraising 200 0 0 200 468
CL share of Fundraising 0 0 0 0 2850
Minor Repairs 55 0 0 55 714
Sundries/Grant expenditure 55 55 55 165 2807
Churchyard Mtce 1950 1260 180 3390 15737
Quinquennial Report 0 0 0 0 0
Donations 0 0 0 0 0
RPOT 0 0 0 0 20705
QI Work 255 0 0 255 68389
PEACH 0 0 409 409 0
Major Repairs 1588 0 0 1588 13138
Appeal FundingWork 7708 8761 78328 94797 0
Total 16210 13346 80676 110232 147575
Excess of Receipts overpayments -725 4280 -7923 -4369 -9824
Opening Bank Balance 28391 78718 29026 136135 115959
Opening Investment Balance 120000 0 29043 149043 150000
Total Opening Balance 148391 78718 58069 285178 265959
Closing Bank Balance 27666 82997 21102 131765 136135
Investments Closing Balance 120000 0 26980 146980 149043
Total Closing Balance 147666 82997 48082 278745 285178

The Parish of Three Saints

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2020

----- Start of picture text -----
Assets
Legacy/
Bank Investments Total Unreserved Appeal Funding Reserved Investment Total
Church Life 30588 0 30588 30588 0 0 0 30588
St Christopher's 27666 120000 147666 0 500 27166 120000 147666
St Mary's 82997 0 82997 0 68854 14143 0 82997
St Michael's 21102 26980 48082 0 15463 5639 26980 48082
Total 162353 146980.42 309333.4 30588 84817 46948 146980 309333
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
The Parish of Three Saints
Fundraising for 2020
Heritage Church
Life
Event St Christopher St Mary St Michael Total
Income Costs Income Costs Income Costs Gross Costs Nett Gross
Quiz 0 0 501.4 0 0 0 501.4 0 501.4 0
Coffee Mornings 0 0 170 0 0 0 170 0 170 20
Christmas Fayre 0 0 0 0 280.7 0 280.7 0 280.7 336
Ride & Stride 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 330
Easyfundraising 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 640.2
Masks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 130
Raffle 1004 0 0 0 0 0 1004 0 1004 0
Totals 1004 0 671.4 0 280.7 0 1956.1 0 1956.1 1456.2
NB St Michael's Christmas Fayre money banked in 2021
£145 of St Mary's coffee morning banked in 2021
----- End of picture text -----

Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2020 Annual Accounts

Prepared by John Leddy

19 February 2021

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2020 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Document Title: Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2020
Annual Accounts
Report Version No: 1
Reference: Leddy/IE/TPOTS
Produced by: John Leddy
5 Cedarn Court
Manor Gardens
Kewstoke
Weston super Mare
North Somerset
BS22 9XU
Telephone: 07863554902
Email: John_leddy@btinternet.com
Distribution Action: Trustees of The Parish of Three Saints,WorkingPapers

DOCUMENT AUTHORISATION

Document Authoriser: John Leddy
Date Authorised: 19 February 2021
Document Author: John Leddy Independent Examiner
Report Quality Review
Panel:

ii

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2020 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

Table of Contents

Subject Page Paragraph
Introduction 1 1
Background 1 2 – 7
Aim 1 8
Approach 1 - 2 9 - 11
Findings 2 12 - 14
Recommendations 2 15
Conclusion 2 16

iii

Intentionally Blank iv

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2020 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

Introduction

  1. This report has been prepared by John Leddy on behalf of the Trustees of The Parish of Three Saints who are the sponsor, and to whom any queries should be addressed.

Background

  1. In the medieval period there were three separate parishes for the villages of South Brent, Brentmarshe and Lymplesham, and each had a significant church. By the end of the nineteenth century the villages became known as Brent Knoll, East Brent and Lympsham respectively. During the 1970's the Parishes were brought together to operate as a Benefice served by a single priest. In 2011 a decision was made to form a single Parish and The Parish of Three Saints came into being in 2012.

  2. The Parish includes the churches of St Mary’s East Brent, St Michael’s, Brent Knoll and St Christopher’s in Lympsham. The new Parish has a population of 3,400, which is concentrated in the villages of Brent Knoll, East Brent, Lympsham and Rooksbridge. Since the days of the Benefice Sunday services have been held in rotation at the three Parish churches. This practice continues in The Parish of Three Saints.

  3. Brent Knoll, formerly known as South Brent, is a village and civil parish in the Sedgemoor district of the county of Somerset, in the south west of England. It is an attractive village which clings round the western slopes of the Knoll, a hill that dominates the low surrounding landscape of the Somerset levels.

  4. East Brent is a village and civil parish, on the eastern edge of Brent Knoll, close to the M5 motorway, 5 miles (8 km) west of Axbridge, in the Sedgemoor district of the county of Somerset, in the south-west of England. The parish includes the hamlets of Rooksbridge, where the A38 road crosses the Mark Yeo and Edingworth.

  5. Lympsham is a village and civil parish six miles west of Axbridge and six miles south-east of Weston-super-Mare, close to the River Axe in Somerset, England. The parish includes the hamlet of Wick.

  6. The Parish of Three Saints presently has a church membership of 47 and the parish in 2020 was rated category D for the purposes of Parish Share of the Common Fund. For 2021 this will change to Category C. The Parish comes under the Axbridge Deanery and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. As its combined income is above £100,000 the Parish has registered as a Charity[1] with the Charity Commission.

Aim

  1. John Leddy is to conduct the Independent Examination (IE) of The Parish of Three Saints accounts for the year ending 31 December 2020.

Approach

  1. Eligibility to examine the accounts and conduct an IE was confirmed.

  2. The Parish of Three Saints Annual Accounts for the period 1[st] January to 31[st ] December 2020 were examined in accordance with Charity Commission (CC) guidance, details are at Annex

1 Charity Registration Number: 1188593

1

A. Additional investigations were conducted where necessary and supporting documentation for the operation of the funds requested if required.

  1. As part of the examination discussions were held with the Parish Treasurer to ascertain answers to the CC Directions.

Findings

  1. Examination of the annual report confirmed that the gross income of The Parish of Three Saints did not exceed £1 million[2] and the aggregate value of assets (before deduction of liabilities) did not exceed £3.26 million. In addition to the upper threshold, the Gross Income was above the £25,000[3] lower threshold set for an IE rather, than Audit, to be carried out. Fund Balances are:

Table 1 – The Parish of Three Saints Account Balances

Serial Fund Gross Income (£) Gross Assets (£)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
1 The Parish of Three Saints 155,431 282,354

  1. The Gross Income of the Charity is below £250,000 which means that the accounts could be prepared on a Receipts and Payment basis. On inspection of the Charity accounts the Trustees have elected to prepare their Accounts using this method. The Bath & Wells DBF R&P Cashbook is utilised.

  2. Points from Last Year’s Review . Last year’s IE Report was reviewed. On inspection of that Report no observations were outstanding.

Additional Observations. The Independent Examiners report is a statement to confirm that the Charity is operating within the accounting and governance tolerances set by the CC. In conducting the IE I have the following observations to report.

Recommendations

  1. It is recommended that;

a. The Parish investigate producing a Trustees Annual Report incorporating the Annual Accounts. An example Trustees Annual Report can be found on the CC website.

Conclusion

  1. The Parish of Three Saints has received an unqualified report which can be found at Enclosure 1.

Annex:

A. The Charity Commission’s Directions on the IE of Charity Accounts.

Enclosure:

  1. IE Report for 1 Jan to 31 Dec 20 – The Parish of Three Saints.

2 Charities Act 2011 Chapter 3 Section 144(1).

3 Charities Act 2011 Chapter 3 Section 145(1).

2

Annex A to Leddy/IE/TPOTS Dated 19 February 21

THE CHARITY COMMISSIONS DIRECTIONS ON INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF CHARITY ACCOUNTS

  1. The CC produce an examiners’ guide to IE of Charity Accounts. It is specifically written for independent examiners and explains their role and duties in examining the accounts of a charity. In accordance with Section E of the guidance the 13 specific directions and how they were addressed are as follows:

  2. a. Examination and accounting thresholds . The annual report for the period 1 Jan – 31 Dec 20 was examined to confirm IE thresholds[4] had not been breached.

b. Conflicts of Interest . The examiner was not influenced or perceived to be influenced in any way as he did not have any close personal relationships with the Trustees, was not a major donor to the Trust, did not have any control of funds and was not involved in the day to day running of the Trust.

c. Documentation . Working papers were examined and evident. All procedures carried out and any matters arising to support conclusions reached or statements provided in the report have been documented.

d. Understanding the charity . Detailed briefs and free access to all charity documentation ensured a full understanding of the charity’s constitution, organisation, accounting systems, activities and nature of its assets, liabilities, incoming resources and application of resources.

e. Accounting records . The charity accounting records have been subject to a review and appear complete and consistent with statutory requirements.

f. Comparison with accounting records . A comparison of the charity’s accounts with the accounting records in sufficient detail was carried out which provides a reasonable basis to decide that the accounts are consistent.

g. Accruals Basis Checks . As the Accounts of The Parish of Three Saints are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis this section is not relevant.

h. Accounting policies, estimates and judgements . Reviewed the accounting policies adopted and consider their consistency with the SORP and their appropriateness to the activities of the charity.

i. Financial circumstances and Going Concern . The examiner checked whether the Trustees have considered the financial circumstances of the Charity at the end of the reporting period and have made an assessment of the Charities position as a going concern when approving the Accounts.

j. Form and Content of the Accounts . The examiner carried out procedures as considered necessary to provide a reasonable basis on which to conclude whether or not the accounts have been properly prepared. The examiner checked that they can lawfully prepare Receipts and Payments Accounts, that all accounting statements are present, and the funds of the Charity can be correctly identified.

4 Gross income greater than £0.025 and not to exceed £0.25M for receipts and payments, gross income not to exceed £1.0M and the aggregate value of assets should not exceed £3.26M otherwise a full audit is required.

A-1

k. Analytical Review . The examiner carried out an analytical review of the current accounts to identify if any entries required further explanation or evidence. The 2020 Accounts were compared with the 2019 Accounts to see if any material changes could be identified.

l. Compare the Trustees Annual Report with the Accounts . The Trustees have not prepared a Trustees Annual Report, which incorporates their Accounts. The Treasurer has prepared a Financial Report for the APCM.

m. Examiner’s report . The IE report can be found at Enclosures 1.

A-2

Enclosure 1 to Leddy/IE/TPOTS Dated 19 February 21

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S UNQUALIFIED REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS

I report on the accounts of The Parish of Three Saints for the 12 months ended 31[st] December 2020, which are set on pages 1 to 2.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner

As trustees of the charity, the members of The Parish of Three Saints are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an IE is needed. The Charity is preparing Receipts and Payments Accounts, and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for IE, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the CC. 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 seeking 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 unqualified statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below) in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

John Leddy FCMA CGMA CPFA 5 Cedarn Court Manor Gardens Kewstoke Weston super Mare BS22 9XU

John Leddy

John Leddy 19 February 2021