PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT for 2024
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 or talents, however small, and you wish to be a part of the Church Family, please contact any of the Church Wardens or Church Office. 01278 769082
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As a Parish we are very blessed and grateful for the care and time our Associate Priest, Neil, has given us and keeps on giving during the vacancy here.
As a Self Supporting Minister, this is above and beyond his normal duty.
We wish to thank the Reverend Eric Petrie for officiating at services and also funerals, weddings & baptisms in our parish.
We are fortunate to also have support from other visiting ministers who help out. We also have a Lay Worship Assistant, Kate Wilford, who takes a Worship of The Word Service when we do not have an ordained minister available.
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Associate Priest’s Report for 2024
It is a privilege to be licensed in the parish of Three Saints. In January 2024 I was ‘signed off’ from my curacy, though I remained licensed as curate throughout the year. Being signed-off is a big thing for curates, particularly stipendiary ones who are then able to apply for their next roles.
For me it meant that the Diocese was satisfied with the progress I had made as a curate and were happy for me to move on from that stage of ministry development.
The failure to appoint a new Rector was a disappointment as without this full-time person we are missing opportunities for mission. I believe that our worship provision remains strong, meeting the congregation’s spiritual needs, and I would like to particularly thank Kate Wilford and Revd Eric Petrie for their support in leading worship services, and to Eric for being the first port of call for funerals.
My thanks go to all those who help with our worship services – putting rotas together, reading, intercessions and administering the chalice, this is a wonderful way of involving the congregation in the services.
My thanks also go to those who do the refreshments after the services, helping us to share time together, and to those who prepare flowers, clean the church and so on.
I would also like to thank Carole Carter for her energy and commitment in the church office and Ginnie Soffe for coordinating safeguarding, a very important role.
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I am aware that, having changed my paid job in April 2024, I found that the time available for pastoral care reduced to almost zero, so I would like to thank the pastoral care team for their work.
Regarding our vacancy, I believe that the right person for the parish, the person that God wants to place with us, God has not yet made aware of us, or made ready to move to us. It could be that God is also saying to us that there is more that we need to do without a vicar - a chance for our congregation to increase their closeness to God through service to the parish in various ways that a vicar might have undertaken. And if we look at the vacancy as a longer-term proposition, what does the parish want to do that an incumbent might not want to do? It is an opportunity for us now to move forward in a way that the parish wants to, not the way that an incoming incumbent might. This is the continuation of the opportunity for the parish to truly develop its identity ourselves, to become more self-sustaining, with individuals developing to become more involved in roles and leadership as there will be things that need doing that a Rector would have done. The parish isn't going to fall apart. It would be nice to have another church warden though.
I am really pleased that the book groups and singing group that we started in 2024 are still going. They seem to have met a need for developing our faith and having a bit of a social get together. I have noticed that the singing in church is getting better too, which is great.
I was delighted that the PCC agreed for us to sign up to Inclusive Church, a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate, showing that we believe that God loves everyone and that we are willing to reflect this in our church life. Our initial practical changes around this included better microphones and larger print orders of service.
The future of the parish almost certainly involves the creation of a Benefice with the parishes of Berrow and Brean. Little seems to have happened in this regard in 2024, but should we have a new Rector appointed in 2025 no doubt this will move forward.
My licence as a curate continued into 2025 and would be followed by licensing as an associate priest. Unless God calls me elsewhere, I plan to remain in Three Saints leading worship and supporting the parish throughout the next year and hopefully at least until the new Rector is appointed.
It remains a privilege to serve in the Parish and I thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement.
Reverend Neil Biddiscombe
Associate Priest
The Parish Of Three Saints
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As we move onwards into a new way of being, albeit a slow process, coming together as one church community with Berrow & Brean, as the Benefice of Berrow, Brean and The Parish of Three Saints, we can only pray that we will listen to one another and be thoughtful, caring and prayerful.
Easter
always a special time in the Christian calendar
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Candlemas — St Christopher’s
Harvest Service in the Barn
at the Cider Farm in Brent Knoll
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St Michael’s Annual Church Warden’s Report
As we look back on 2024, we are grateful to our Associate Priest, Rev Neil Biddiscombe and to the worship team and to Rev Eric Petrie who have continued to lead our worship as we continue in our vacancy since Rev Kevin Wright retired in 2023.
We are also thankful to the local ministers who have taken Funerals and Weddings when we haven’t had a minister to do so.
The church has continued to be well looked after thanks to all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes including the cleaners and brass cleaners, also to the Bell Ringers and to our flower arrangers who have brightened up the church throughout the year. Unfortunately, the flower arranging group has dwindled and sadly with the loss of Marion Vining we are desperately short of people to help with this.
Thanks also to those who quietly tend the churchyard.
Sunday services wouldn’t be the same without the team of people who welcome us and serve refreshments thank you.
We met with the congregations of Berrow and Brean in an informal get together in Brent Knoll in the summer and some of our congregation continue to join in their Wednesday morning prayers.
During the earlier part of the year we held prayers in St. Michael’s for the vacancy with some of Berrow and Brean joining us. Also we were able to join in their harvest celebrations and some of their members joined us for our Harvest service at the cider farm in Brent Knoll.
In May we held the Christian Aid service at St. Michael’s.
The school has joined us on several occasions through the year, for Candlemas, Easter, Leavers and Harvest services and the Nativity and Christingle Services.
In November we held the Annual Service of Remembrance led by the Royal
British Legion.
During the year several projects have taken place, In February we held a Churchyard clear up and cleaned gulleys. We also oiled some of the pews.
We had a meeting with the Diocesan Advisory Committee about the ongoing North Aisle pew removal project.
The Sue Boss Memorial Path was constructed and a new sound system installed thanks to legacies and a grant.
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Brent Knoll Scarecrow Competition
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In October the friends of St. Michael’s held a model railway exhibition with models, paintings and photos on display. Thanks to all those involved.
The Fun in Fundraising Group have been busy. In May we held a successful May Fayre at Woodlands, many thanks to Paul and Sarah McClean for the use of their house and garden.
Again, we had a presence at the village fete with a plant and cake stall together with the bbq.
In September we held a fun lunch launching the new village cookbook we had produced.
In December a craft fayre was organised but due to bad weather it had to be cancelled. Fortunately, we were able to host some of the stalls at the Christmas Tree Festival in St. Michael’s the following week.
Thank you to all the helpers and to all those who attend our events.
I would like to thank Neil and also Carole in the office for keeping us informed and looking after the churchwardens, to Victoria and the finance team who keep us in order and to Frances for her devotion of unlocking the church daily and to the countless other people who do jobs for us like putting the bins out and keeping an eye out on the building.
Mike Smith - Churchwarden
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Support Groups for our Parish
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.
Going through a tough time ? Need someone to talk to ?
Sometimes people need practical help such as lifts to hospital or church, meals prepared 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 McClean and Ginnie and we regularly place an article in the village magazines. All the team have appropriate accreditation.
We must give thanks for the Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs) and our Lay Worship Assistant (LWA) and pray that all our visiting and caring for people will be done in God’s strength not our own.
The team meets on a regular basis 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.
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.
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Lri11 IJIWI 1111 Christmastime in St Michael's L'LY TIIE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS
St Christopher’s Annual Church Warden’s Report
Despite the exciting plans for the reordering of St Christopher’s having been approved by the Diocese, progress has been disappointingly slow.
This is partly due to the extensive work required to access necessary grants to support the project. Robin Leveridge has recruited a team of village residents to assist him with the work. There was a pleasing response from a village survey to ascertain local opinions.
Fundraising for the Heritage Fund at St Christopher’s was very successful during 2024, including the fete held in the Manor Gardens, and the Open Gardens, where receipts from the plant sale and refreshments went to St Christopher’s. Rosemary and Andy Carr have coordinated the fete for many years and have decided that they would like to step down from this role. We are very grateful for all the hard work and dedication that they have given over the years. We also wish to
thank James and Lisa Counsell for generously sharing their gardens with us.
St Christopher’s Church has looked beautiful this year, due to the hard work of the cleaners and flower arrangers. Many thanks to those people who have volunteered to help. We have continued to make the flower arrangements more sustainable, without the use of oasis. The
churchyard rewilding project has seen an increase in wildflowers since its inception. Thank you to Robin Hoare for maintaining the grass and hedges.
St Christopher’s Church remains open for meditation and private prayer during daylight hours. We now have a team of 4 church openers and our thanks go to them.
On Christmas Eve we saw more than 190 people attending the
live Nativity service. Thankfully, this year we had a local baby to play the role of Jesus. 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 Report
St Mary’s has undergone considerable repairs over the last couple of years, including ensuring that the roof is watertight. Our grateful thanks must go to Tim Hannah who has invested a considerable amount of time supporting this project, liaising with the Diocese, Architect & many of the Contractors.
Whilst Dot Coles is no longer officially our Churchwarden, she has still carried out many duties for St Mary’s including assisting at services with the help of Jane Watkins and many others.
During the year with the coordinated help of Geoff Adams, a team of people tidied the beds/flowers & our contractor Jason Mayo keeps the churchyard grass cut regularly throughout the season.
St Mary’s is still regularly used by East Brent Church of England First School (70 children) also used from time to time for Christingle, Easter, Harvest, End of Term leavers etc.
St Mary’s is still in need of valuable support from the parishioners of East Brent & Rooksbridge and Eastertown to ensure that this valuable village asset is here for use in the future.
If you think you can support St Mary’s in anyway please contact Carole in the Church Office.
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Financial Review of 2024
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.
Throughout the year donors have been encouraged to make their donations via the Parish Giving Scheme. This simplifies the way donations are recorded, and gift aid is automatically transferred to the relevant bank accounts. The campaign to encourage more people to donate in this manner will continue in 2025.
The Church Life fund is supported by regular church goers and members of the wider community. As predicted last year, this account will fall into deficit by the end of 2025 if we continue current levels of expenditure, without attracting significantly more regular donations. It is highly likely that we will be unable to pay the Parish Share in full during 2025.
The current end-of-year balance is £8142. We still need to pay DBS fees of £666.00 .
The Heritage funds for St Christopher’s and St Michael’s remain in a healthy state due to generous monthly contributors and some very successful fund raising events. It would be fantastic if we could rely entirely on regular donations but sadly this is not the case. The Heritage fund for St Mary’s is reaching a critical level. Whilst we should be able to meet commitments for 2025 it is essential that fundraising events are held during the coming year. It is fortunate that building works are now completed at St Mary’s which should stand it in good stead for the years to come.
All three churches were fortunate enough to benefit from grants from the Nuttall Trust.
St Christopher’s was £2500 which will be used for the reordering project and £250 for gazebos for the fete. St Michael’s received £2000 for audio visual equipment and St Mary’s received £2000 which was used for porch repairs.
The closing balances for each church are as follows
St Mary’s: £9030.07 St Christopher’s: £25.455.94 St Michael’s: £31377.78
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!
Victoria Daintree
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TPOTS'S Fleceipts & Payments Account Year 2024 2023 Receipt5 D•ty¢i•n * L•g¢l••: Fknned 18.1 10 1142 6.430 18.664 32.68 1 1 5.30) 7.608 6.500 20.806 Oth•r Trading aGtivities Annual Fetdevents 610 10.208 10.818 10.037 R•c•ipts frtsm Inil•tm•nts: InteYE5t & dNidends Receipts from Charitable activities: ParEK feE5 Oth•r R•c•ipts Insu rance Cm5 39 3,233 3.233 13.810 1,729 1.729 189 TotaLI R•e•lpts 25.947 50.948 76 M95 137.700 Payments Charltsble actlvltles: (30> 190 (29334) 1676) (1 343) 30 f30, Mission & Eva Parish (29.334) (676} (13.800) 15.036) Q 5.50R Church ru nning ePenSeS churchya rrnvitenance C05t of r ful5 112X)$71 (1SJ)361 <1345) f22.4 751 1535, (IP96) 13.2(K) {60) 1178) (1.096) 13.200 <60) 7.788) 196ui Administrntson cost5 Irthc. slaff costs) (7ts101 (1 1.758, Rewr& to church buildfft (Jl2Jl) (31331) f3 2.2 00 Total {46.507) (67.279) { 1 1 3.786) (1 1 1.657) SurplusJ(Deficit) of Receipts over payments (20.560) (16.331) (36.891) f22.3071 l i-aris(ep 5 eTI ffiiT70s (20560) 28.71XJ 116J3 11 202.194 33.891 230.894 f22.3071 253.20 1 sh IX andin hand at l Jan IA rtud -U5Fi clrifl ITi IiLlf?d 3 1 Cie4 f.4GCiJE71' SLJIQ7te r 185863 230 894 15
St Michael’s Church also has a Trust Fund run separately from the PCC by three Trustees. Trust Fund Balance as at 31 December 2024 is £27,619.71
We need your help………………..
To maintain three Church buildings, and Church Office we have to provide these costs through The Parish of Three Saints, 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 by the parishioners.
Use and support 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 important to you.
Thank you
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St Christopher's Buildings & Grounds Committee
Following approval of the faculty for the re-ordering of St Christopher’s, which will enhance the building to make it a more useable space for worship and other community activities, the project will be starting to take shape in 2025. Major fundraising will be needed, including applications for grants, etc.
This has taken several years to get to this stage with hours of research, meetings and contractors doing various surveys required for alterations to a listed building. This is being done with the help of The Diocese and our architects, Chedburn Codd. We now have a group of PCC members & parishioners making up the team.
Whilst this project is starting to progress, all the small minor maintenance still needs to be carried out to maintain this and all our buildings for future generations. This has included repairs on the pinnacles. We are fortunate to have a small band of willing volunteers to help monitor and maintain the general appearance of the church.
Robin Leveridge,
Leader of St. Christopher's Church Buildings & Grounds Committee
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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 p.m.
For more information please contact:
Tower Captain
Mr Melvyn Freeman 01278 641214
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The Singing Group
Started recently, this group has been a source of fun to us all. A regular attendance of 8 or 9 meets at St Mary’s, East Brent in summer and my house in Brent Knoll when it gets cold, on Monday afternoons once a fortnight.
We are not a choir, just a group of people who like singing and socialising. Our main aim is to sing through the hymns for the Sunday Services and to help the singing in the church to be a little more confident.
We also learn new hymns/songs so that Neil is able to expand the repertoire of the congregation.
We would be happy to welcome anybody who would like to join us, lifts can be arranged for people who do not drive. Just contact me.
Pauline Chadwick Organist 01278 760224
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St Christopher’s Church, Lympsham
Fundraising Report 2024
We had another very successful year here in Lympsham with our fundraising events and thank you to all who gave their time to help organise and all who came to the events.
In June, we held our annual garden fete and vintage car show in the grounds of the Manor. As the photos show, the fete was incredibly popular as ever, attracting a large number of locals, together with those who come from further afield every year. Amongst the star attractions were the ever-popular tombola, the tea and cake stall and the barbecue. We comfortably exceeded our target of £5,000 and also last year’s total. Minute by minute the fete took £38!
Huge thanks to the organising committee and all the stallholders but particularly to Rosemary and Andy Carr, who lead the team every year, and to Graeme Hale for his fantastic work in the garden.
Rosemary and Andy have said that they wish to hand over the baton of leading the organising of the fete to others after 17 years. They are happy to continue helping and we have put together a group of volunteers to share the work.
If you would like to join the team or help out on the day with one of our stalls or activities or just find out what is involved, do let us know.
We would be delighted to welcome volunteers either from Lympsham, East Brent, Brent Knoll or any of the neighbouring villages.
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Some of the classic cars on display at the fete.
A quiet corner in one of our Open Gardens
A week before the fete was the Open Gardens event, held in aid of the National Garden Scheme with a contribution to St Christopher’s. Three gardens in the village opened over the course of a weekend. Attendance at this event is hugely weather-dependent and this year, we were lucky enough to be blessed with good weather on both days and 422 visitors came, far exceeding previous years and nearly 4 times as many in a rainy 2022. We managed to raise £1,222 for the church (and over £1,600 for the NGS).
Dates to pencil into your diary in 2025:
the fete will be on 21 June ;
there will not be an Open Gardens this year as the garden owners are taking a much-needed break for a year but we will be back in 2026.
- Instead, we are holding, for the fourth time, the ‘Night on the Tiles’ Ball at Batch Country House on 17 October . Previous versions have been great fun and really popular, so do look out for notices about how you can get either individual tickets or a table. Besides the dinner, there is an auction and a raffle and the Lipinski Band will perform for us. This is an event definitely not be missed. In previous years, we have raised five-figure sums and, this year, the money will go to the planned re-ordering of St Christopher’s.
Finally, on a more personal note, we were deeply saddened recently to lose Gwen Hatton, who passed away after a long illness which she bore with huge courage and fortitude. Gwen was a stalwart of the church, not only as churchwarden and PCC member, for many years, but also as an enthusiastic fund-raiser and a good friend to us all in the Benefice.
We will remember, in particular, her and Ron’s coffee mornings every December, where they welcomed us all to their home and raised much needed funds.
We send our love and very best wishes to Ron and all the Hatton family.
Victoria Daintree & James Counsell
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St Michael's Christmas Tree Festival 22
Our Local Schools
Brent Knoll Primary School
East Brent C of E Academy
Lympsham C of E Academy
The pupils at all three local schools continue to attend Services over the year, with the schools devising and leading some of their own services, which allowed the children to really participate.
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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 Bishops’ 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 board is available in each building with explanatory pages.
Our Safeguarding Officer is Ginnie Soffe. Email …… safeguarding.tpots@gmail.com
If you have any concerns, contact Ginnie on email above or through the Church Office
“The Bath and Wells Diocese are now using a Christian organisation called
‘Thirtyone:eight’, which specialises in the safeguarding needs of churches and
charities, to process all DBS checks, organise training and provide advice, guidance and support”.
This is taken from their website;
“Safeguarding literally means ‘to protect from harm’, a principle frequently seen in the Bible. Our name - ‘Thirtyone:eight’ - is taken from Proverbs 31:8
“Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of vulnerable people.”
Beyond this verse, caring for vulnerable people is at the heart of the Scriptures. As Christians we’re encouraged to remember the orphans, widows, strangers, and children. In fact, there are over 2,000 references to matters of justice and injustice; of which the principles of safeguarding are included.”
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Administration and Structure
Geographically the Parish of Three Saints:
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is constituted of the following villages and hamlets: Brent Knoll, East Brent, Eastertown, Edingworth, Lympsham and Rooksbridge in Somerset
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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
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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 Website www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk TA9 4HZ
Parish Staff Incumbent (Rector)
Associate Priest
In Vacancy since September 2023
Reverend Neil Biddiscombe
Churchwardens
St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll
St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church, East Brent
St Christopher’s Church, Lympsham
Mike Smith Frances James (Warden Emeritus) Vacant from April 2024
Victoria Daintree
Parish Administrator
PCC Treasurer PCC Secretary Safeguarding Officer Electoral Roll Officer
Carole Carter Victoria Daintree Carole Carter Ginnie Soffe Carole Carter
External Support
Inspecting Architect: George Chedburn, Chedburn Codd Ltd Independent Examiner John Leddy
Charity Commission
The Parish Of Three Saints is a Registered Charity with the Charity Commission.
Registration Number 1188593
Financial Organisations specific to the Parish:
The Parish of Three Saints Bank
CAF Bank Ltd The Parish of Three Saints St Christopher’s Church 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, St Mary’s Church Kent, ME19 4JQ St Michael’s Church
Friends of St Michael’s Trust
CCLA, Senator House,85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET
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PCC Membership as at December 2024
| Ex-officio | Position | Term/Expiry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rector | Retired October 2023 | ||
| In Jan 25 Neil | |||
| Curate / | Reverend | became our | |
| Associate Priest | Neil Biddiscombe | Associate Priest | |
| Churchwardens | |||
| Brent Knoll | Mike Smith | Annual | |
| Frances James | Warden Emeritus | ||
| East Brent | Dot Coles | Resigned April 2024 | |
| Lympsham |
Victoria Daintree | Annual | |
| Deanery Synod | Sarah McClean | 3 year term /2026 | |
| Representatives | Dot Coles | ||
| Elected | |||
| Lay Members | |||
| Pauline Chadwick | 3 year term / 2026 | ||
| Sarah Cole | 3 year term / 2025 | ||
| James Counsell | Vice-Chair | 3 year term / 2026 | |
| Tony Gilbert | 3 year term / 2027 | ||
| Tim Hannah | 3 year term / 2026 | ||
| Sarah McClean | 3 year term / 2026 | ||
| Peter Spalton | 3 year term / 2026 | ||
| ……………………. | …………………………. | ………………………. | |
| ……………………... | |||
| Co-opted | Victoria Daintree | Treasurer | Annual |
| Carole Carter | Parish Administrator | Employed | |
| & PCC Secretary | Annual | ||
| Carole Carter | Electoral Roll Officer | Annual | |
| Robin Leveridge | Donations & Gift Aid | Annual | |
| Coordinator |
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Structure, Governance and Management
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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 2024;
The Electoral Roll at the end of the 2023 105
Total at the end of 2024 106
A new electoral roll will be compiled and published in 2025
| Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals Parish Total for 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| Baptisms | 4 |
| Weddings | 3 |
| Funerals | 34 |
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Who’s Who during 2024
The Parish has been in Vacancy throughout 2024
Associate Priest— Reverend Neil Biddiscombe
associatepriest.tpots@outlook.com
01278 769082
Worship, Mission and Evangelism
Associate Priest Reverend Neil Biddiscombe,
Lay Worship Assistant Kate Wilford
Deanery Synod:
Dot Coles & Sarah McClean
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
Each building has it’s own team, support by members of the PCC and parishioners
Finance Team:
Victoria Daintree, Robin Leveridge, Mike Smith and Carole Carter
Fundraising Chair of Teams
| Fundraising Chair of Teams | |
|---|---|
| St Christopher’s: | James Counsell/Victoria Daintree |
| St Mary’s: | Dot Coles/ Carole Carter |
| St Michael’s: |
Mike Smith |
| _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
28
Account Balances and Bank Reconciliation screen
Bank Reconciliation
| Account | Account Name/Description | Opening ACTUAL Balance |
|---|---|---|
| £230,894.04 | ||
| A | The Parish of Three Saints(Cash) | £28,699.87 |
| B | St Mary's Church(Cash) | £13,972.99 |
| C | St Christopher's Church(Cash) | £42,382.50 |
| D | St Michael's Church(Cash) | £25,838.68 |
| E | St C Teachers(Cash) | £75,000.00 |
| F | St C CAF(Cash) | £45,000.00 |
Reconciliation of Transactions (please note: Reconciliations of Standing Orders/Direct Debits happens automatically. Transfe
Date Account Details Amount
Unreconciled Transactions = £0.00 Unreconciled Transfers = £0.00
| Unreconciled Transactions = £0.00 Unreconciled Transfers = £0.00 |
|
|---|---|
| Transactions In ACTUAL Balance £90,547.42 £194,005.42 £35,895.19 £8,141.63 £8,499.99 £9,030.07 £17,517.05 £25,455.94 £28,635.19 £31,377.78 - £75,000.00 - £45,000.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - (£56,453.43) (£13,442.91) (£34,443.61) Transactions Out (£127,436.04) (£23,096.09) - - |
Opening STATEMENT Balance Money In Money Out |
| £230,894.04 £90,547.42 (£127,436.04) |
|
| £28,699.87 £35,895.19 (£56,453.43) |
|
| £13,972.99 £8,499.99 (£13,442.91) |
|
| £42,382.50 £17,517.05 (£34,443.61) |
|
| £25,838.68 £28,635.19 (£23,096.09) |
|
| £75,000.00 - - |
|
| £45,000.00 - - |
|
| - - - |
|
| - - - |
|
| - - - |
|
| - - - |
|
ers need to be reconciled on the Transfers page)
Paying-in slip B/St Number /Cheq number
Before Clicking the "Reconcile" button, please make s above are correct. Note: Transfers need to be rec
YEAR-END Balances Split
| YEAR-END Balances Split | ||
|---|---|---|
| STATEMENT Balance Date last Reconciled |
Closing Unrestricted Closing Designated |
|
| £194,005.42 | £8,141.63 - |
|
| £8,141.63 11/01/2025 |
£8,141.63 - |
|
| £9,030.07 10/01/2025 |
- - |
|
| £25,455.94 10/01/2025 |
- - |
|
| £31,377.78 14/03/2025 |
- - |
|
| £75,000.00 17/02/2024 |
- - |
|
| £45,000.00 17/02/2024 |
- - |
|
| - | - - |
|
| - | - - |
|
| - | - - |
|
| - | - - |
sure that the Statement Balances conciled on the Transfers tab
| Closing Restricted | Cash Cash Cash Cash Cash Cash |
|---|---|
| £185,863.79 | |
| - | |
| £9,030.07 | |
| £25,455.94 | |
| £31,377.78 | |
| £75,000.00 | |
| £45,000.00 | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - |
Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2024 Annual Accounts
18[th] March 2025
Prepared by John Leddy
INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2024 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
| Document Title: | Independent Examination of The Parish of Three Saints 2024 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: | 18thMarch 2025 | |
| Document Author: | John Leddy | Independent Examiner |
| Report Quality Review Panel: |
ii
INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION OF THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS 2024 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 2024 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Parish of Three Saints presently has a church membership of 106 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 2024.
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 2024 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 | 76,895 | 194,005 |
-
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 investigates 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 24 – 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 18 March 2025
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 24 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 2024 Accounts were compared with the 2023 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 18 March 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S 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 2024, 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:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Charities Act;
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the CC under section
-
145(5)(b) of the 2011 Charities Act; and
-
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 in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
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.
-
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 18[th] March 2025