PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT for 2022
J A N U A R Y -
D E C E M B E R
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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. 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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Rector’s Annual Report on 2022
worshipping week by week, supporting each other by simply being there to share in praise of God and fellowship, irrespective of the type of service or which building we are in that week. This is vital. Without this praying worshipping community focussing on Jesus, there is no church, for that is what the church started out as two thousand years ago. The church buildings provide a focus for that worship, and they are a testimony to the devotion and sacrifices made by previous generations for their faith. That level of devotion may not be as evident today. The critical number needed for each building to continue to be sustainable is only possible, because of that generosity of heart of the travelling pilgrims from across the villages. Thank you.
There are many others too who support the ministry of the parish, not necessarily by being in church, but by contributing to the needs of the parish, mainly financially and practically, for example with fundraising, maintenance, or administrative work. With the responsibility that we have here of three buildings and their associated environs, it is essential that anyone in the villages who expects their church building to be open in 5 or 10 years’ time accepts that these extraordinary and beautiful assets do not run themselves and committed reliable help is always needed. To those who help in this way, thank you.
The aftermath of Covid has left a depleted church family and band of helpers. We are all that bit older, more tired, perhaps more frail, and some folks are no longer able to attend or help so often. Coffers are also dwindling to the critical level, as the cost of everything rises and incomes are squeezed. There is no reason to lose heart though, God is faithful and so hope abides in all things. There are many joys to be celebrated and I hope this report will err on the side of optimism and celebration.
Corporate prayer, praise and worship of Our Lord are the foundations of a church. Gathering to share round his table in Communion is what Jesus told us to do in scripture. Our regular liturgical worship on a Sunday has regained some of its former joyful energy and we can now praise God together freely. Having started to distribute the bread at Communion earlier in the year, it was September before we offered the shared chalice and, interestingly, this period has given people “permission” to be themselves. For example, it has encouraged people to make their own decisions about whether they feel able to receive the wine or not. It has reduced stress at the slightly awkward time during The Peace, when to shake hands with or to hug everybody was causing some anxiety.
As seemed popular in a questionnaire I sent out, which solicited a good range of responses, we have also experimented with more outdoor worship in the better weather – most notably the Harvest in a barn at Wick Farm, which I hope will become a regular event.
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As the nights drew in, the 4 p.m. tea-time outdoor worship re-entered the church buildings and became a quiet reflective time. Attendances have been disappointingly modest, after a significant number of people had said they valued this kind of contemplative worship in the survey.
Again, following the encouragement from the survey, it is hoped during 2023 to relaunch Café Church for all-ages once a month on Sunday afternoon, as we had early in 2020. It is an accessible, informal, but structured service for people who would not necessarily find a Eucharist comprehensible. I would urge anyone who longs for a growing church to support this venture as much as possible and to invite neighbours and friends along. A significant number responded to say they would attend regularly – I hope to see that number there. It is more fun and more welcoming with more people!
Prayer Book Evening Prayer was not reintroduced, with little numerical support in the survey, and little likelihood of growth. The 8 a.m. BCP Communion was reduced to once a month and attendances have generally held up so far.
We celebrated the Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II with a Eucharist, and then sadly, a short time later, marked the day after her death with a special evening tribute service.
Christmas was celebrated with special joy. Many of the usual activities, Carols in The Red Cow, an accessible relaxed Carol Service, Midnight Mass, and a celebratory Christmas morning All-Age Eucharist, all took place. The revitalised Nativity with Carols in Lympsham proved popular and shows what a potential field for mission is around us – people who know about the baby Jesus, but do not necessarily know his love in their hearts. The potential here is notable.
May I say how indebted I am to Kate Wilford and Chris Wright. As Lay Worship Assistants they play a crucial role in the non-Eucharistic Worship we can provide, offering contemplative reflections and activities, and curating and leading worship. The part played by laity in worship is going to increase, as there will be fewer ordained clergy across the Diocese. To maintain the integrity of the church, it is important that people who lead worship are trained and accredited. I hope more people will get involved.
A special mention must go the Pauline Chadwick for her determination to keep playing the organ or keyboard while suffering considerable pain and discomfort. We are looking forward to her return to full health.
Regarding liturgy and the church seasons, the two-sided service sheets I began producing in 2019, but were only in draft form, are being edited, corrected, and printed on card for use and reuse now things have settled down. I hope they provided structure, ease of use and flexibility to anyone leading or taking part in services.
One highlight of the year was the ordination as Priest of our training Curate, Neil Biddiscombe. This means that Neil is able to administer the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Immediately after the ordination Neil was ‘in at he deep end’ because I contracted Covid. We must remember Neil is also a Self-Supporting Minister, meaning that he has a day-job and is not paid by the church. His contribution especially to the worship has been really appreciated and the ZOOM Night Prayer he started has a regular, excellent following, quietly grounding ourselves and praying together every Wednesday evening. This arose from the survey in which mid-week corporate prayer was popular.
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Our liaison with the three schools has continued to thrive and they all use the church buildings for regular and seasonal services, as well as welcoming Chris and me into school to take collective worship. It would be good if this area could be developed, perhaps with church family members visiting to help in appropriate ways (after proper checks have been carried out).
The Pastoral Care Team have continued their support of those in need in our community and, as mentioned in a previous report, Ginnie Soffe and Sarah McLean have establish a regular coffee morning with some baptism families, where they not only play and chat, but also have a Bible story time and prayer. Ginnie, as Parish Safeguarding Officer, has also this year ensured that all the training and checks are in place for people who work on behalf of the church for the mutual well-being and protection of the vulnerable and all of us who work for the church. This is an essential, legally required and important role.
During Lent 2022 we hosted a deanery-wide ZOOM Lent course using the Living in Love and Faith materials, exploring sexuality, faith, and human relationships. The course was well attended, and the participants agreed very worthwhile. The Church of England has made an historic decision at the time of writing (February 2023) to bless same-sex marriages. I expressed my views on this clearly in sermons and, although I will of course abide by the C of E policies, I will continue to value any loving relationship, between people of any gender or sexuality, as, scripture tells us, all love is a gift from God.
Returning to the subject of buildings, we have had only two Wardens since the last APCM, Dot Coles and Victoria Daintree. They have been exemplary in their hard work and dedication to the whole parish, but notably to St Mary’s, East Brent, and St Christopher’s, Lympsham, respectively. I could not function as incumbent without them and am deeply indebted to them – they are my eyes and ears in the villages and manage all issues relating to the fabric. Victoria is also the TPOTS Treasurer. With significant administrative help and support from our loyal Parish Administrator and PCC Secretary, Carole Carter, Victoria has continued to manage the responsibility of the complex parish accounts and present them for audit: I admire and appreciate people who take on these essential tasks in the background – thank you.
The reordering project of St Christopher’s, with a huge input from Robin Leveridge, after many obstacles caused by a lack of vision from bodies we must consult (such as The Victorian Society and The Society for the Protection of Ancient Building), has slowly moved forward to the point of almost crossing the starting line. This has been a source of frustration for me, Robin and others. Generations of people have modified, rebuilt, and re-ordered the church buildings to be fit for purpose – that prime purpose is mission and worship. Mission means using the buildings, being inclusive and making them accessible for all, not keeping monuments to the past. We should be welcoming all types of activity for the community and schools. Whatever their historical value, pews are about as exclusive as you can get – they prevent access for people with mobility issues and babies’ buggies, they make an inflexible space (originally the churches had no pews at all), and they are extremely uncomfortable.
St Mary’s now has a water-tight roof and is awaiting redecoration. At this point I will acknowledge one key person, who is self-effacing, but who has played a vital role across the parish in securing funding for various projects, dealing with complex paperwork. It is Tim Hannah, to whom we all owe great gratitude.
It is also good that members of the local community have joined with the remnants of the fundraising team to help find funds for the upkeep of the church.
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Although there are several projects in hand at St Michael’s Church, it has not had a Warden during 2022. I am indebted to Mike Smith for continuing with many of the administrative tasks of the roll and pushing to get essential Audio-Visual equipment installed; to Frances James, as Warden Emeritus, for her knowledge of the village, and her commitment and love of the church; to Ged Keele for his passion and concern, together with Rosemary he has seen through the PEACH project which secured funding and has opened up many possibilities of St Michael’s as a cultural heritage attraction and wildlife special habitat, and Tony Gilbert for advice on the Buildings and Grounds Group. Other people have also quietly carried out maintenance and repairs – your help is really appreciated.
The ringers, who during 2022 rang at a number of special events, including the Queen’s Jubilee and also her death, have been a faithful reliable band. It is quintessentially an English tradition and one we are lucky to hear so well executed in these towers.
I note that many others kindly assist with some of the associated tasks of being Warden and this is greatly appreciated, but to have legally responsible people in post is essential to run the parish, and to secure the future of these buildings keeping them open for generations to come.
I also am aware of all the many other people, cleaners, flower arrangers, folk who tend areas of the churchyard, people who welcome people or take part in worship, leading prayers and reading the Bible, and more. You are part of a lineage of love for these buildings, the environs, and the praise of God. Thank you.
Finally, we live in challenging times. There are going to be fewer stipendiary clergy. I am retiring from paid ministry later in 2023. We don’t know at the time of writing what the deanery deployment of clergy will look like and the implications for this parish. The cost of running three buildings will continue to rise. Rather than focussing on what we have lost, what it used to be like, or worrying about tomorrow, think, what have we got here now that is good? What resources have we got and how best can we use them – think Feeding of the 5000? Give thanks and offer these resources to God in prayer, asking God to show us the way to new life and abundance in Christ together.
To maintain three buildings, please spread the word that the national C of E is asset rich, not cash rich, and, if people want to have children baptised here, get married here or have a funeral here, then annual running and maintenance costs must be realistically met in each village by the villagers.
Use your church, or lose it.
More importantly, to grow the church family, focus on Jesus, support each other in attending regular public worship, sharing in the Eucharist, and being diligent in your private prayer. Show your friends, family, and neighbours that your faith is more important than anything else.
The Revd Kevin Wright
(Rector)
March 2023
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A message from our Curate
2022 was another big year for me in my life of ministry.
Having been ordained as a deacon in September 2021 I was ordained as a priest at Bath Abbey on the 25[th] of June. Whereas the deacon role as explained in the Ordinal concentrates on service, the priest has responsibility for leadership too. This leadership includes, as you will have noticed, presiding at the Eucharist and declaring in Christ’s name the absolution and forgiveness of sins as well as God’s blessing. As a priest I can now con-
duct weddings and baptisms, and have done so during the year. Along with funerals these ‘pastoral services’ are a great privilege in which to be involved and each is an opportunity to reflect Christ to the world.
Often after ordination as a priest the curate has a gentle introduction to presiding at the Eucharist. For our church tradition in the Three Saints the Eucharist is usually the focal point of our Sunday worship. My introduction to presiding was more intense than expected as Kevin got Covid the week after my Ordination. For me this was a blessing (though it wasn’t for Kevin!) as I was able to lead the next few weeks’ worship which helped me to start to develop my own way of presiding.
Introducing the Wednesday Night Prayer was something I was keen to do. It is ideal to use Zoom for this type of short and contemplative service, something that we probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing pre-Covid. For those who want a more frequent Night Prayer there is a smartphone app that includes the spoken words.
As a Self Supporting Minister I have a limited time in the Parish each week. Though I am a full-time priest, I am a part-time curate. I remain conscious that it is difficult for me to spend as much time on pastoral visits and funeral ministry as I would like. Some of you know that I work in the Social Housing sector. My ministry in this sector in this almost post-Covid world has been primarily incarnational – as a visible representative of our Lord. To that end I always wear my clerical collar for meetings whether in person or on the computer and this has prompted conversations about faith that would not have otherwise happened.
It remains a privilege to serve in the Parish. I would like again to thank you (and especially Kevin) for the warm welcome that Jayne and I have received, for understanding that I am not a full-time curate, and for all the encouragement that you have shown.
Peace and blessings, Neil
Reverend Neil Biddiscombe
Curate
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The Reverend Neil Biddiscombe takes his first Baptism
St Michael’s Church
The Burden-Hughes wedding August 2022
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The Parish of Three Saints team of Lay Pastoral Assistants and Lay Worship Assistants
Left to Right
Carla Searle, Jane Hannah, Tim Hannah, Margaret Smith, Sarah McClean, Ginnie Soffe, Dot Coles, Kate Wilford, Chris Wright and Reverend Kevin Wright
Ninebarrow in concert at St Michael’s Church
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Support Groups for Our Parish
Pastoral Care Team will normally meet monthly. This group aims to support Parishioners who have a need for help, advice, friendship or comfort.
The Village Agent scheme. This was created in response to the fact that many people living in rural communities have difficulty in accessing key services and support agencies that help maintain well being and quality of life. All advice is free and completely confidential. The village agent, Kim Wilcox , provides very useful and helpful information about the support available for parishioners and carers in the area. Kim can be contacted on 07943 555519 or by email – kim@somersetrcc.org.uk or through the Pastoral Care Team.
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.
01278 769082 www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk
Follow us on :- Facebook: TPOTS or Twitter: @TPOTS6
After a two year break the crosses are erected on The Knoll
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Pastoral Care Team
Jesus said “A new commandment I give to you: love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you must love one another.”
This is the aim of the Pastoral Care Team at TPOTS – to meet people where they are, to show love, care and support unconditionally and without judgement.
Sometimes people need practical help such as lifts to hospital or church, meals for the freezer while they recover from their operation, help with shopping and library books or someone to collect their prescription. Sometimes it’s company they need, someone to have a cup of coffee and a chat with or a friendly telephone call. Sometimes it’s an encouraging card put through their letterbox. Sometimes it can just be a friendly wave or a smile or a willingness to listen.
The current team comprises Carla, Jane, Tim, Dot, Margaret, Sarah M and Ginnie and we have recently put the article on page 13 in the village magazines.
Last July some of us attended the Celebration of Lay Ministries Day at Wells Cathedral. It was a lovely day, with stalls and stands beforehand followed by a celebratory service in the cathedral. There was dance, a wonderful youth band, great hymns, a creative activity and a chance to chat and get to know people in the Diocese and what was on offer. We all really enjoyed it.
In December we were all re-accredited as LPAs, having completed all the relevant Safeguarding training and submitting our reflections. Kevin celebrated by giving thanks for the LPAs and LWAs and praying that all our visiting and caring for people would be done in God’s strength not our own.
The Baptism Families Coffee and Chat group is now eighteen months old and over this time we have got to know 5 mums and their children very well. It has been such a blessing to see the children grow up and the mums grow in friendship and fellowship with each other.
We recently had our photos taken with a view to displaying them in the three church buildings so people know who to approach if help is needed.
The team meets every 8 weeks for prayer, reflection and discernment, training and sharing ideas and experiences. We trust God to show us the way forward and feel very privileged to be His 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: office.tpots@gmail.com 01278 769082.
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The Baptism Group
The Baptism Mums’ group has been meeting for over a year.
We continue to meet once a month in Sarah’s home. The group was set up to encourage young Mums (and Dads although none come) to get to know one another, form friendships and support each other in a Christian environment.
We have coffee and biscuits, juice and the healthy option of fruit for the children, play time, a short Bible story and, as the children are getting older, we set up a very simple craft activity.
We know God is at work in the lives of those who come each time. Many of them have become friends with each other which is lovely, with invitations to birthday parties and offers of help, etc.
Ginnie and I feel very blessed to be able to host this group.
Sarah McClean
Children at the monthly coffee and play morning for baptism families
Held at Woodlands House,
Brent Knoll
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St Christopher’s Annual Church Warden’s Report
Finally, at the end of 2022, the long-awaited Quinquennial Inspection report arrived. We must express our thanks to Robin Leveridge for his patience and perseverance in pursuing this. Thankfully, St Christopher’s Church appears to be in good order and there are no immediate actions required. However, progress towards the reordering of the church is still on-going although we remain hopeful that in 2023 we may see some action! We understand that the faculty process is very nearly complete. We anticipate that much of the suggested works in the Q I report will be covered in the reordering. We are lucky to have investments, as shown in the accounts, from a past legacy to fund the first phase of this project.
Fundraising for the Heritage Fund at St Christopher’s was very successful during 2022. Events included the Fete held in the Manor gardens, the Open Gardens weekend and the Autumn Ball at Batch. We are extremely grateful for the support of the villagers and local businesses with these events.
Support with the day-to-day management of the church is proving difficult. At present we only have one Church Warden and I am grateful for the support of the church family, who are always willing to help me, however we currently have no regular cleaners.
Flowers in the church have been beautiful this year, especially at Christmas. I am very grateful to Rita Joliffe, Tracy Twining and Sue Twining for their help with this. Thanks go to Pauline for playing the organ so beautifully, to Robin Hoare for looking after the grounds, to those who open and close the church daily and to the bell ringers. Management of the clock and flag have now been taken over by Richard Daintree as the tower steps were becoming too much of a challenge for Robin. Finally thank you to Carole for all her hard work in the office.
2022 concluded at St Christopher’s with the return of the hugely popular live crib service on Christmas Eve where we saw in excess of 170 people attending. The children were amazing and the support from their parents was greatly appreciated.
It is a privilege to serve God in our journey together in this beautiful village.
Victoria Daintree
Church Warden
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St Mary’s Annual Church Warden’s Report
Last year we were able to finish the roof work at St Mary’s thanks to generous local donations and funding from grants. I must thank Tim Hannah for his sterling work applying for grant funding and all the local benefactors that have helped to ensure the South and Porch roofs are watertight.
After the ingress of water, due to the past leaky roofs, the plasterwork and wall paint in quite a few areas of the church have been damaged. Now the roofs are sealed, and hopefully the internal walls have dried out, we are hoping that redecoration of the church will begin in either late May or June 2023. What a joy it will be to have this work done so that St Mary’s will be even more inviting to worshippers and visitors alike!
Last Christmas the Village Hall Committee held a Craft Fair in the Village Hall to raise funds for St Mary’s Church. It was a wonderful occasion and a showcase for craft work in the local area: St Mary’s received the fantastic amount of just over £1,000.
The Easter Service was celebrated here this year: a lovely and joyous worship shared with a large congregation. Cafe Church has restarted now and is enjoyed by all who join in with that time of fun and worship.
Finally I would like to express my gratitude to our Rector Kevin and Neil, our Curate, for leading us in worship and caring for our Parish, and to Chris and Kate, our Lay Worship Assistants.
As Church Warden I am blessed to be helped by so many people working in the church and churchyard in different ways: thank you for what you do and for giving your time and skills in many ways.
Dot Coles
Church Warden
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Work on St Mary’s Roof during 2022
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Financial Review of 2022
The Parish finances are managed through two different funds, Church Life and Heritage. The Church Life fund contributes to God’s mission and ministry across the Parish and the Heritage fund supports our three buildings.
Currently the Church Life fund is well supported by regular church goers and members of the wider community. The current end of year balance shows £32,136.16 which is about £8,000.00 less than the final balance last year. Whilst I am confident that we will be able to pay our Parish Share in 2023, we must be mindful of the fact that our reserves are diminishing. We have a small number of very generous givers, to whom we are very grateful.
Our three Heritage funds have recovered this year, due to generous monthly contributors and some very successful fund raisings events. It would be fantastic if we could rely entirely on regular donations but sadly this is not the case. Significant building work has taken place at St Mary’s this year. I am very grateful for the work that Tim Hannah has done in achieving several grants that have made this work possible. All three churches were fortunate enough to benefit from grants from the Nuttall Trust again in 2022. St Christopher’s was £1,150, St Michael’s received £2,000 and St Mary’s received £5,000.
The closing balances for each church are as follows:
St Mary’s: £32,017.42 St Christopher’s: £37,675.09 St Michael’s: £31,322.58
I would like to thank Robin Leveridge for his help and support with the banking and gift aid and Carole Carter for her support and encouragement with this job!
It is important that we continue to recruit regular donors to the Heritage funds in order to maintain our beautiful churches.
Victoria Daintree (Treasurer)
January 2023
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TPOTS'S Receipts & Payments Account
for the year ended 3 1 December 2022
Year
2022
2021
Receipts
DonTh tlons LevCles.
Planned wvinz
26.133
753
12.600
32,12 1
7.802
20,002
38.733
32.874
7.802
20.002
41.270
31.398
1 1.552
Other TrTh dinkN Ctivities
Income Irom other Properties
Annual Frte/events
737
27.475
28.212
9.995
Recelpts fron) Investments:
Interest & drwidends
33
2.162
2.195
1.891
Receipts from ble rfTrCtivitDes=
fee
7.727
7.727
8.324
Other Receipts
Insurnnce
Parochial Fees Note
The PCC received parochial fees as detailed below during the year. Part is made up of statutory fees due to the PCC or the DBF, as prepared by the Archbishops’ Council under the Ecclesiastical Fees Measure 1986. The balance relates to charges as fixed by the PCC, for extras such as bells, flowers and special heating, or paid to visiting ministers, Readers or Non-Stipendiary Ministers as set out in the DBF's Parochial Fees policy
Of these fees only the amount due to the PCC (statutory & non-statutory) is shown above as legally the amount due to the DBF and other ministers (as set out in the DBF policy) should not be treated as PCC income.
| Of these fees only the amount due to the PCC (statutory & non-statutory) is shown above as legally the amount due to the DBF and other ministers (as set out in the DBF policy) should not be treated as PCC income. |
Of these fees only the amount due to the PCC (statutory & non-statutory) is shown above as legally the amount due to the DBF and other ministers (as set out in the DBF policy) should not be treated as PCC income. |
|---|---|
| During the year, the PCC received parochial fees totalling £14,598.00 |
|
| Statutory Fees due to the PCC totalled |
£7,627.00 |
| Statutory Fees due to the DBF totalled |
£4,131.00 |
| Statutory Fees received on behalf of a third party | £2,740.00 |
| Non-Statutory Extras due to the PCC totalled | £0.00 |
| Non-Statutory Extras due to a third party totalled | £0.00 |
| The PCC also received Deposits for the following year totalling £100.00 |
|
| In total the PCC repaid the following Fees during the year | |
| Payment to DBF of Statutory Fees | £4,131.00 |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £0.00 |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £2,740.00 |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £0.00 |
| (This excludes fees for Sunday Services) | |
| Statement Of Assets |
| Account | Account Name/Description |
Type | Balance 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
The Parish of Three Saints | cash | £32,186.16 |
| B |
St Mary's Church | cash | £32,017.42 |
| C |
St Christopher's Church | cash | £37,675.09 |
| D |
St Michael's Church | cash | £31,322.58 |
| E |
St Christopher’s (Teachers) | cash (Legacy) | £75,000.00 |
| F |
St Christopher’s (CAF Bank) | cash (Legacy) | £45,000.00 |
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Outdoor Worship THÉ PARISH 20
St Christopher’s Church, Lympsham Fundraising Report 2022
It was great to be back holding events without the fear of short notice cancellation or all the other restrictions which went with the dark days of Covid : 2022 was a really successful year in terms of fundraising – our best yet.
In June we held the annual garden fete and vintage car show and, once again, it was wonderful to see so many people coming to enjoy a traditional village event and being able to mix together on a lovely summer’s day.
Last year we broke the £5,000 ceiling for the very first time and, this year, we did just as well, only falling £9 short of last year’s total, raising £5,407 in just two and a half hours!
Many thanks to the organising committee and all the stall-holders but particularly to Rosemary and Andy Carr who led the team and to Graeme Hale for his fantastic work in the garden.
Also in June, four gardens in the village opened their gates to the public for two days over a weekend, raising over £580 for the Church, together with over £1,250 for the National Garden Scheme charity, with 216 visitors enjoying the weekend. Once again, we definitely benefitted from having four gardens open at the same time and grateful thanks go to Rosemary and Andy, Victoria and Robin and Claire and Martin Sleight for allowing their gardens to feature in addition to the Manor – they all looked fantastic. A huge amount of work goes into the task of getting the gardens ready for the opening and we're really grateful to them for allowing this to happen.
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The highlight of the year, though, was the much delayed ‘Night on the Tiles Ball’ at Batch Country House Hotel in October. What an evening it was with a three-course dinner, live music from the Lipinski Band, an auction and raffle with a bar open until late.
Thanks to the generosity of all, the hard work of the committee and some pretty lively bidding on the auction, we managed to raise an incredible £11,447 for our church!
A special thank you goes to those who generously donated prizes for the auction: although it is invidious to pick out one, the generosity of Rachael and Nigel Holland in donating a week in their villa in Mallorca for the third time is amazing.
This year the fete is to take place on Saturday 1 July , so don’t miss it.
Victoria Daintree James Counsell February 2023
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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 is part of our heritage.
All three church 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 9 pm.
For more information please contact our
Tower Captain
Mr Melvyn Freeman 01278 641214
23
St Christopher's Buildings & Grounds Committee
Much of the year has been spent working with our Architects to modify proposals for the Re-ordering of our St. Christopher's to gain the approval of the Diocese and various historical associations that have to be consulted.
However, whilst basically the building remains in good order, ready for some timely redecoration and refurbishment during the above project, a few items had to be tackled during the year.
The dying wych elm at the front of the Church was felled and wild flower seed, sourced by the Parish Council, was sown in various parts of the churchyard.
During the year an eagle-eyed resident spotted one of the tower pinnacles leaning at a dangerous angle: this precipitated an examination of the tower by a specialist company, abseiling the tower walls and checking all the remaining pinnacles on the roofs.
Then, in August, one of the inner ceiling panels disintegrated with a small pile of plaster and old wood being found on the carpet near the door. The building had to be closed for several days whilst a temporary panel was put in place. Luckily the surrounding panels were found to be solid, but we look forward to the planned redecoration as part of the Re-ordering process to tie in with the installation of a cloakroom and refreshment area, which also will include some flooring renewal and updating of the heating.
Thank you to our Rector and Church Wardens and families for their encouragement and support. It should be noted that despite Barbara Foti and Jim Hanmer having 'escaped' to other counties / countries, they still take an interest in our progress.
Robin Leveridge,
Team Leader
Abseiling the tower
24
Repairs to a ceiling panel
Felling of the wych elm in the Churchyard
Spring in the churchyard
25
St Mary’s Churchyard Team
We are a ten-strong group who meet regularly 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 cover the following:
laurel lopping, hedge and bramble control, weeding, digging and planting, rockery maintenance, path clearing and edging,
and when needed, when 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?
Please contact Carole in the Church Office if you can help in any way.
01278 769082
26
St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll
Report on St Michael’s Church project work during 2022
This report covers project work undertaken for the National Lottery Heritage Fund at St Michael’s Church, fundraising and building work in the church and churchyard.
Promoting Education About Church Heritage (PEACH) Project
PEACH followed the re-leading work undertaken on the North Aisle roof in August 2019. Owing to Covid restrictions the project got off to a slow start with lockdown preventing significant gatherings at St Michael’s until the beginning of 2022. Most of 2020 and 2021 was spent setting up our website and doing survey work in the churchyard (lichens, moths and spiders). We also developed a number of nature trails..
The major work in 2022 was preparing for, and staging, our Arts and Crafts Festival in May. This involved many craft groups and people around the area. Rosemary Keele played a big part in PEACH by working with Guides who looked at the church and churchyard. They enjoyed their sessions learning about St Michael’s heritage.
Rosemary’s role as a School Governor prepared the way for another significant highlight when Paula Baker, a teacher at the school, set up a History Project linked to St Michael’s Church in September. The children started by exploring the church via a Treasure Trail and built on their discoveries to develop their skills as history detectives looking into the facts about the St Michael’s heritage.
27
We have both enjoyed setting up our website to promote our church’s heritage. During 2022 John Page revised and updated his Millennium History, and this has now been incorporated into the website. We are hoping that our QR codes to access sections of the website directly will be discreetly displayed around the church and churchyard in 2023.
Judith Champion’s sketchbook of our church timeline – a lovely gift at £5 is available in the church.
Fundraising
Whilst we were virtually free of Covid restrictions in 2022, the Platinum Jubilee celebrations meant that there would be no Brent Knoll fete. To compensate for the loss of the fete plant sale we switched to selling daffodils in February and plants in the spring through the Village Community Shop. The Arts and Crafts Festival and the Platinum Jubilee fully made up for the lack of fundraising opportunities at the fete. At the former we raised £1,272 through sale of craft objects, donations and selling squares for our Community Quilt. At the Platinum Jubilee we raised a further £124 for the Community Quilt, but the highlight was £610 raised on the barbecue in the evening. August Teas raised a respectable £250. Finally the year ended on a positive note when the Christmas Fair raised £600.
Thanks to all who have participated in and contributed to these events over 2022.
Legacies
We are very fortunate to have received three legacies over the summer and autumn totaling £25k from Chris Callow, Sue Boss and Reginald Austin. Sue Boss lived locally and was very enthusiastic about managing the churchyard as a natural feature. Chris Callow and Reginald Austin both had childhood memories of St Michael’s.
28
Building work at St Michael’s in 2022 and development projects for the future
Symes Tomb Project completed September 2022
St Michael’s Friends have supported this project, which was completed at the end of September. Parts of the inscriptions on the tomb had becoming unreadable and there was movement of the tomb, making it unsafe. The project involved removing the top of the tomb by winch and taking the it apart before it was rebuilt on a sound base. The work was undertaken by Glynwoods and Plint, a Glastonbury firm that specialises in masonry repairs. After reconstructing the tomb, new panels were inserted on the north side with fresh inscriptions that matched the originals. Their skill and craftsmanship was an essential part of the final success of the project. We must thank George Brown for his valuable project support.
Repairs to lychgate and repainting completed in October
Repairs to the woodwork were completed during the summer by Paul Dixon, a local craftsman. The whole structure was repainted in October.
The work was supported by a grant from the Nuttall Trust.
29
Future development projects for St Michael’s
The St Michael’s Building and Grounds Team are in the advanced stages of setting up a permanent projector/screen in the Chancel, which will allow direct projection of audio visual material without prior set up. We are also at the tender stage of constructing a path from the west door to the Remembrance Garden by the oak tree. This is essential to allow funeral parties access to burials and interment of ashes. Unfortunately we have a leak in the tower roof: our architect has advised us that a ‘hot lead repair’ needs to be done to part of the roof, which we hope will cure the problem.
There will be other work that will require funding, including completion of the space left by removal of the pews for the North Aisle. We have a year to decide what we can do: one option would be to construct a floor over the North Aisle to create a larger level space. The Diocesan Advisory Committee, that oversees church building work, will be visiting to provide advice. Finally, the year ended with the discovery of a leaking pipe in the back of the church. The ‘penalty’ for this will be an expensive repair.
All this work will require significant resources and there will continue to be a need for regular financial support by way of fundraising.
Ged Keele,
Coordinator Friends of St Michael’s Church,
Fundraising Team and Secretary to Building and Grounds Team
30
Our Local Schools
Brent Knoll Primary School
The children at Brent Knoll continued to attend St. Michael's over the year, with the school devising and leading its own services, which allowed the children to really participate in the services. This happened at harvest and Christmas, to much success.
The other great success this year was the school's involvement with the PEACH project, that was organised and led by Rosemary and Jed Keele. This enabled the school to visit the church on several occasions, undertaking art work (with local artist Judith Champion) and a great history project using lots of the resources found in the church. This project really helped the children to develop their history skills.
During the Autumn, members of Pegasus Class, as part of their local history studies, have been undertaking trips to St. Michael’s church. Tours of the church included the discovery of some interesting graffiti on the woodwork up in the organ loft, including a well-drawn picture of a WW2 fighter plane.
Chris Burman,
Head teacher
East Brent C of E Academy
The children at East Brent continue to use St Mary’s and have regular visits from Reverend Kevin Wright and Chris Wright for collective worship.
s e ee e e s e e e e ess es e e e e
Fiona Robertson Executive Headteacher
31
Safeguarding
Safeguarding in the Church community, i.e. 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.
The 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 reviews our policy regularly as it is included on our meeting Agenda. Regular training is given to PCC members.
As always it is important for us all to remain alert and, if anyone is concerned about anything, they need to let the Safeguarding Officer or a representative of the PCC know.
Our main aim, because we are all God's children, is to provide a safe environment not only 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 with explanatory pages.
Our Safeguarding Officer is Ginnie Soffe.
If you have any concerns, contact Ginnie or Reverend Kevin Wright.
‘The Church of England is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.
The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, with a particular regard for those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is affirmed and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy.
Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.’
From ‘Promoting a Safer Church’,
The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement
32
Administration and Structure
Geographically the Parish of Three Saints:
-
is constituted of the following villages and hamlets: Brent Knoll, East Brent, Eastertown, Edingworth, Lympsham and Rooksbridge in Somerset
-
has three parish church buildings: St Michael’s Church in Brent Knoll, St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in East Brent and St Christopher’s Church in Lympsham plus a Church Office in East Brent
-
is in the Diocese of Bath & Wells, a member of the Church of England
Correspondence address
The Church Office, Church Road, East Brent, office.tpots@gmail.com 01278 769082 Somerset TA9 4HZ
Parish Staff
Incumbent (Rector) Curate
Reverend Kevin Wright Reverend Neil Biddiscombe
Churchwardens
St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll
VACANT Post Frances James (Warden Emeritus)
St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church, East Brent
St Christopher’s Church, Lympsham
Dot Coles Victoria Daintree
Parish Administrator
PCC Treasurer PCC Secretary Safeguarding Officer
Carole Carter Victoria Daintree Carole Carter Ginnie Soffe
External Organisations Inspecting Architect:
George Chedburn Chedburn Codd Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire BA14 6RL
Charity Commission
The PCC , The Parish Of Three Saints is now a Registered Charity with the Charity Commission. Registration Number 1188593 Financial Organisations specific to the Parish:
CHURCH LIFE
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
HERITAGE
St Christopher’s Church CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Ave, St Mary’s Church Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent. St Michael’s Church Friends of St Michael’s CCLA, Senator House,85 Queen Trust Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET
33
PCC Membership as at December 2022
| Ex-officio | Position | Term/Expiry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rector | Reverend Kevin Wright | Chairperson | |
| Curate | Reverend | ||
| Neil Biddiscombe | |||
| Churchwardens | |||
| Annual | |||
| Brent Knoll | Vacant Post | ||
| Frances James | Warden Emeritus | ||
| Annual | |||
| East Brent | Dot Coles | ||
| Annual | |||
| Lympsham | Victoria Daintree | ||
Deanery Synod |
|||
| Representatives | Dot Coles | 3 year term /2023 | |
| Elected Members | |||
| Pauline Chadwick | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| Sarah Cole | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| Dot Coles | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| James Counsell | Vice-Chair | 3 year term / 2023 | |
| Gwen Hatton | 3 year term / 2024 | ||
| Ged Keele | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| Sarah McClean | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| Ginnie Soffe | 3 year term / 2023 | ||
| ……………………... | |||
| ………………………. | …………………………. | ………………………. | |
| Co-opted | Victoria Daintree | Treasurer | Annual |
| Carole Carter | Parish Administrator | Employed | |
| PCC Secretary | Annual | ||
| Christine Hussey | Electoral Roll Officer | Annual | |
| Robin Leveridge | Donations Coordinator | Annual |
34
Structure, Governance and Management
-
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
-
Each elected PCC member is encouraged to be a member of one of the PCC Teams. Ex-officio members (excluding Deanery Synod Representatives) may sit on any Team.
-
Non-PCC members invited to join PCC Teams are co-opted members. They are invited to join because of the gifts and expertise they have. Their term on a Team might be short-term (for example, the duration of a particular project) or long-term.
Objectives and Activities
-
The Parish of Three Saints PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical (as expressed in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 No.3 4 and 5 Eliz 2).
-
It also has maintenance responsibilities for the three church buildings, St Christopher’s, Lympsham, St Mary the Blessed Virgin, East Brent, St Michael’s, Brent Knoll and also for the Church Office in East Brent.
Changes to the Parish Electoral Roll in 2022;
The Electoral Roll at the end of the 2021 105 Total at the end of 2022 103
Number of Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals for the Parish
| Parish Total for 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Baptisms | 11 |
| Weddings | 8 |
| Funerals | 26 |
35
Who’s Who as at December 2022
Rector- Reverend Kevin Wright
The Rectory, 3 Ash Trees, East Brent, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4DQ
01278 760844 07764 170463 priest.tpots@gmail.com
Curate- Reverend Neil Biddiscombe curate.tpots@gmail.com
Worship, Mission and Evangelism
Rector, Reverend Kevin Wright and Curate, Reverend Neil Biddiscombe,
Lay Worship Assistants: Chris Wright , Kate Wilford,
Deanery Synod:
Dot Coles Diocesan Synod: Chris Wright
Pastoral Care Team
Ginnie Soffe, Dot Coles, Tim Hannah, Jane Hannah, Margaret Smith, Carla Searle, Sarah McClean.
Lay Pastoral Assistants
Ginnie Soffe, Dot Coles, Tim Hannah, Jane Hannah, Margaret Smith, Carla Searle , Sarah McClean.
Buildings and Grounds Teams
Robin Leveridge, Victoria Daintree, Robin Hoare, Dot Coles, Carole Carter,
(Project help, Tim Hannah) Ged Keele, Mike Smith, Tony Gilbert, and Reverend Kevin Wright
Finance Team:
Victoria Daintree Robin Leveridge, Ged Keele, Carole Carter and Reverend Kevin Wright
Fundraising Chair of Teams
St Christopher’s: James Counsell St Mary’s: Dot Coles/ Carole Carter 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
| TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account | TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account | TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account | TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account | TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account | TPOTS's Receipts & Payments Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| for theyear ended 31 December 2022 | |||||
| Church Life Fund |
Heritage Fund |
Year | |||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Receipts | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Do | nations and Legacies: | ||||
| Plannedgiving | 26,133 | 12,600 | 38,733 | 41,270 | |
| Collections, donations & othergiving | 753 | 32,121 | 32,874 | 31,398 | |
| Income tax recovered | - | 7,802 | 7,802 | 11,552 | |
| Legacies | - | 20,002 | 20,002 | - | |
| Ot | her Trading activities | ||||
| Magazine/Bookstall sales/Hall Lettings etc | - | 5 | 5 | - | |
| Income from other Properties | - | - | - | - | |
| Annual Fete/events | 737 | 27,475 | 28,212 | 9,995 | |
| Re | ceipts from Investments: | ||||
| Interest & dividends | 33 | 2,162 | 2,195 | 1,891 | |
| Re | ceipts from Charitable activities: | ||||
| Parochial fees | 7,727 | - | 7,727 | 8,324 |
| Ot | her Receipts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance claims | - | - | - | - | |
| Saleproceeds from fxed assets | - | - | - | - | |
| Loans received | - | - | - | - | |
| Other | 70 | 80 | 150 | 200 | |
| To | tal Receipts | 35,453 | 102,247 | 137,700 | 104,630 |
| 0 | |||||
| Pa | yments | ||||
| Ch | aritable activities: | ||||
| Donations/Grants to charities | (30) | - | (30) | ||
| Mission & Evangelism | (463) | - | (463) | (317) | |
| Parish Share | (27,376) | - | (27,376) | (25,008) | |
| Clergyexpenses | (2,746) | - | (2,746) | (1,891) | |
| Church runningexpenses | (587) | (16,901) | (17,488) | (19,048) | |
| Churchyard maintenance | (5,742) | (5,742) | (2,692) | ||
| Cost of raisingfunds | (9,211) | (9,211) | (300) | ||
| Support costs | - | - | (180) | ||
| Administration costs (inc. staf costs) | (10,006) | (893) | (10,899) | (9,040) | |
| Governance Costs | (55) | - | (55) | (80) | |
| Other | (2,143) | (5,895) | (8,038) | (7,079) | |
| Ma | jor expenditure | ||||
| Repairs to church buildings | - | (51,702) | (51,702) | (72,098) | |
| Repairs to otherproperty | - | - | - | - | |
| Capitalpurchases/additions | - | - | - | - |
| Loan repayments | Loan repayments | - | - | - | - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To | tal payments | (43,406) | (90,344) | (133,750) | (137,733) |
| Su | rplus/(Defcit) of Receipts over pay | (7,953) | 11,903 | 3,950 | (33,103) |
| Tra | nsfers between funds | (196) | 196 | - | - |
| (8,149) | 12,099 | 3,950 | (33,103) | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand at 1Jan (Actual Bala | 40,334 | 208,917 | 249,251 | 282,354 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec (Actual Ba | 32,185 |
221,016 | 253,201 | 249,251 |
*produced using the Diocesan Cashbook v5
Parochial Fees Note
| The PCC received parochial fees as detailed below during the year. Part is made up of |
|---|
| statutory fees due to the PCC or the DBF, as prepared by the Archbishops’ Council under the |
| Ecclesiastical Fees Measure 1986. The balance relates to charges as fxed by the PCC, for extras such as bells, fowers and special heating, or paid to visiting ministers, Readers or |
| Non-Stipendiary Ministers as set out in the DBF's Parochial Fees policy |
| Of these fees only the amount due to the PCC (statutory & non-statutory) is shown above as |
| legally the amount due to the DBF and other ministers (as set out in the DBF policy) should |
| not be treated as PCC income. |
| During the year, the PCC received parochial fees totalling £14,598.00 |
| Statutory Fees due to the PCC totalled £7,627.00 |
| Statutory Fees due to the DBF totalled £4,131.00 |
| Statutory Fees received on behalf of a third party | £2,740.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Statutory Extras due to the PCC totalled | £0.00 | |
| Non-Statutory Extras due to a third party totalled | £0.00 | |
| The PCC also received Deposits for the following year totalling | £100.00 | |
| Balance owed at year- | ||
| In total the PCC repaid the following Fees during the year | end (inc. in Creditors) | |
| Payment to DBF of Statutory Fees | £4,131.00 | £0.00 |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £0.00 | |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £2,740.00 | |
| Payment to visiting ministers/Readers/NSMs | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| (This excludes fees for Sunday Services) |
Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2022 Annual Accounts
Prepared by John Leddy
24 February 2023
INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2022 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
| Document Title: | Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2022 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: | 24 February 2023 | |
| Document Author: | John Leddy | Independent Examiner |
| Report Quality Review Panel: |
ii
INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2022 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 2022 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
Introduction
- 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Parish of Three Saints presently has a church membership of 107 and is rated category C for the purposes of Parish Share of the Common Fund. The Parish comes under the Axbridge Deanery and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. As its combined income is above £100,000 the Parish is registered as a Charity[1] with the Charity Commission.
Aim
- John Leddy is to conduct the Independent Examination (IE) of The Parish of Three Saints accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022.
Approach
-
Eligibility to examine the accounts and conduct an IE was confirmed.
-
The Parish of Three Saints Annual Accounts for the period 1[st] January to 31[st ] December 2022 were examined in accordance with Charity Commission (CC) guidance, details are at Annex A. Additional investigations were conducted where necessary and supporting documentation for the operation of the funds requested if required.
1 Charity Registration Number: 1188593
1
- As part of the examination discussions were held with the Parish Treasurer to ascertain answers to the CC Directions.
Findings
- 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 | TheParishof Three Saints | 137,700 | 253,201 |
-
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.
-
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.
a. The Parish does not produce a Trustees Annual Report in line with CC Direction 12. However, a Treasurer’s Financial Review has been completed and evidenced.
Recommendations
- 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 Charity Commission website.
Conclusion
- 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:
- IE Report for 1 Jan to 31 Dec 22 – 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 24 February 23
THE CHARITY COMMISSIONS DIRECTIONS ON INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF CHARITY ACCOUNTS
-
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:
-
a. Examination and accounting thresholds . The annual report for the period 1 Jan – 31 Dec 22 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.
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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 2021 Accounts were compared with the 2020 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.
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Enclosure 1 to Leddy/IE/TPOTS Dated 24 February 23
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 2022, 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:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Charities Act;
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To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the CC under section
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145(5)(b) of the 2011 Charities Act; and
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
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:
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a. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Parish as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or b. The accounts do not accord with those records.
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I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
John Leddy FCMA CGMA CPFA 5 Cedarn Court
Manor Gardens Kewstoke Weston super Mare BS22 9XU
John Leddy
John Leddy 24 February 2023