OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1190509

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 - 27
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements:

Appendix I 28 - 45

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees Rev Nick Barr-Hamilton, Chair
Mrs Christine Hope, Warden
Mr Maurice Taylor, Reader
Mrs Patricia Hampton Mattews, Reader
Mrs Eve Winstanley, APA
Mr George Len Adams, Elected member
Mr Douglas Green, Treasurer
Ms Tarahneh Etemadi, Elected member
Mr Ross Kendall, Elected member (appointed 9 May 2023)
Mrs Andrea Pritchard, Elected member
Mrs Anna Snell, Elected member (appointed 9 May 2023)
Mrs Leslie Stevens, Elected member
Mrs Gail Watson, Elected member
Mr Peter Watson, Elected member
Mrs Lynn Wyatt, Elected member (resigned 9 May 2023)
Mrs Lucy Barr-Hamilton, Deanery Synod Representative
Charity registered
number
1190509
Principal office
Vigo Lane
Harraton
Washington
Tyne & Wear
NE38 9AH
Secretary
Mrs Ruth Forster
Accountants
Kinnair Associates Limited
Chartered Accountants
Aston House
Redburn Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE5 1NB
Bankers
CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
The Co-operative Bank plc
P.O. Box 250
Skelmersdale
WN8 6WT

Page 1

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Aim and purposes

St George's Church Fatfield, Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Nick Barr-Hamilton, promoting in the ecclesiastical parish (and beyond) the whole mission and gospel of Christ in His church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

The PCC is committed to the Charity Commission guidance to exist for the public benefit as it carries out its aims and purposes. Within this document is a broad selection of the many activities that take place within the church carried out by volunteers and open to all people inside the parish and beyond.

The PCC works to enable as many people as possible to worship at St George's and become part of our living community. The PCC takes responsibility for important policies, including Safeguarding, Data Protection, Health and Safety as well as others required by either the law or the diocese. The PCC aims to support the incumbent with suggestions on how to reach people across the parish from many different backgrounds as well as help guide the vision for the future and ensure good financial management of the resources available through:

To facilitate this, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church building and have facilities fit for use in the 21st Century. During the year work began to construct an annexe onto the church building to better enable us to achieve this given the limitations of the existing building and its facilities.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

b. Volunteers

None of what takes place would occur without the dozens of volunteers that give of their time and effort each week. Over 50 people are involved in volunteering at St George’s. There are too many people who give sacrificially to mention them all by name, but you work in service of Christ and we thank you for making St George's a vibrant and Christ centred church that serves so many different people.

Page 2

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Objectives and activities (continued)

c. Safeguarding

Mr Doug Green served as the elected Safeguarding Officer through 2023 with Mrs Leslie Stevens serving as deputy.

The PCC of St George’s have adopted and pay due regard to safeguarding guidance given by the Church of England, the House of Bishops and Durham Diocese. The Safeguarding policy is available on the church website, on the internal notice board and in the church office, along with contact details for relevant officers.

Achievements and performance

a. Main achievements of the Charity

Within this document are some of the many ministries and services that the PCC supports the local community with. On top of these regular activities, there are numerous one-off events that take place to enrich our community, including a cream tea, community meals, a summer ‘Holiday Hunger’ week and Easter & Christmas craft cafes.

All are welcome to our regular services. Weekly we have three services to which on average over 90 people attend. There is a monthly 8am communion service. There are 117 parishioners on the electoral roll. We welcome visitors on most Sundays of the year and to all of our activities.

In addition to our regular services and groups, we conduct baptisms and occasional weddings, as well as various one-off services such as our annual memorial service and our healing service. Through Lent, we read ‘Planetwise’ to help people think through creation care from a Biblical perspective. Over 30 people attended the two six week courses, some of whom were not church members, but just people with a passion for the environment.

Our Easter and Christmas services returned to a more normal pattern in 2023, but there remain some changes later in the year due to construction work onsite. The church continued to hold many funerals and burials in 2023 and the churchyard now only has a few new plots remaining.

The church looks beyond its immediate needs in its world giving, where 10% of our free income is tithed to charities suggested by church members that also fit with our mission and vision.

Through the autumn and winter, the church again functioned as a Warm Space several days a week supporting dozens of people with a warm place to meet and socialise. We are grateful for support from Sunderland Council and The Coalfields Trust to support this initiative.

During the year, the Trustees voted to become members of the Real Living Wage Foundation.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Page 3

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

b. Reserves policy

It is the aim of the PCC to maintain free reserves that cover three months of fixed costs to ensure essential bills can be paid in the event of an unexpected drop in income or unexpected costs. This Policy was ratified by the PCC on November 6th 2018.

For year end 2023 there was a significant restricted fund of £764,110 that will be spent in 2024 on the new annexe building project.

c. Risk management

The Trustees are responsible for risk management within the church.

A general risk assessment of the building is in place for all users. Each group that operates within the church is expected to have considered risk in how they operate and risk assessments are expected where significant risks are identified.

Given its scale and cost, a substantial Risk Management document for the Community Annexe Project was produced with support from the professional team and risk is regularly discussed at Trustee meetings. This has been used through the project.

Our regular ongoing operations are predominantly funded through regular local giving by church members with no one individual being substantial enough to present a significant risk to church finances. Whilst highly unlikely, if income were to fall dramatically, there is significant flexibility in the parish share system to ensure no short term existential risk to the viability of the church exists. No external funder represent more that 10% of ongoing costs.

Safeguarding risk is managed through paying due regard to the guidance from the Church of England and ensuring all relevant volunteers are safeguarding trained and DBS checked.

Risk assessments of activities are carried out, the church ensures its insurance is fit for purpose and a Health and Safety policy is in place and reviewed annually. External users are expected to follow our policies or have their own suitable policies in places for risk and safeguarding.

Page 4

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

d. Financial review for the year

The Financial review produced by our Treasurer and independently examined is available later in this document. The PCC and incumbent are incredibly grateful to all who give financially to support the ministry and mission in the parish.

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £79,862 of which £53,626 was unrestricted voluntary donations, and a further £10,825 was from Gift Aid. Restricted donations of £108,480 were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements.

The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders increased and it was good to see the use of Gift Aid increasing.

Total income, including tax recovered but excluding the annexe funds, went up by 11% compared with last year.

We were grateful for substantial grants of £416,500 towards our annexe project and thank God for his faithfulness in providing sufficient funding for the bulk of the project – after Value Engineering – to go ahead. The details of these grants can be found in the accounts.

£78,714 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St. George’s Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share that largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy. Inflation and fuel costs had significant impact on our building running costs and are grateful to Sunderland Council for further Warm Space grants that enabled us to continue as a ‘Warm Space’ in 2023.

The sum that the churches in the deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based on size of church, income and deprivation index.

The net result for the year was an excess of receipts over payments of £1,148 on unrestricted funds.

Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December on unrestricted funds totalled £33,137 of which £15,000 has been set aside to meet final costs of the community annexe project and is carried forward as a designated fund.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity no. 1190509).

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the standing orders of the church (available from the church office or the incumbent) and complies with the Church Representation rules. The PCC includes the Incumbent, the wardens, the readers and APAs, any members of CofE Synods on the electoral role along with those members elected at the APCM and those co-opted by the PCC.

Page 5

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The full PCC (Trustees) meets nine times a year and makes decisions on matters of importance to the parish, agrees and implements required policies, sets the budget and monitors how funds are spent. New members receive an induction into the role of trusteeship and the functioning of the PCC.

The Buildings Group is an authorised committee empowered to implement decisions of the PCC regarding works to the fabric of the church.

The Standing Committee has authorisation to transact urgent decisions between PCC meetings and report back at the next meeting.

The Church office holds copies of approved policies, including Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Health & Safety, Lone Working, Social Media, Recruitment of Ex-offenders, Whistle Blowing, Anti-Fraud, Domestic Abuse, GDPR compliant Privacy Notices and Staff Handbook with grievance procedures.

d. Financial risk management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

e. Administration

The day to day management of church activities is delegated to the Incumbent and the Church Wardens supported by the church administrator Mrs Lorraine Cook, who we thank for her diligent and effective work in keeping the organisation of everything running smoothly.

Plans for future periods

Our separate vision document contains plans for where we feel God calling us, but 2024 will see us continue to take the church forward in a very changed world. Heating cost remain high, but with the construction of the new annexe due for completion in May 2024, much of our work will take place in a modern well insulated and efficient building. Worship will continue in our Victorian church building. As funds are raised we plan to add PV panels and generate our own electricity enabling us to move off electrification of our heating.

2024 will see the beginnings of a step chain in how we achieve our aims and purpose. The setting up of a community café and employing a Café Manager will open up further opportunities to work with partners in supporting our community, where there are many isolated, lonely and vulnerable people. These changes will bring a level of uncertainty, but we will work with others, including the social enterprise support team of the BIC (Business and Innovation Centre) Sunderland to help deliver the business plan. Funding is in place for the first year of the Café Manager. The plan is that it will become self sufficient over time.

While the annexe construction project has been all encompassing, we must also keep focussed on the primary objectives of the church that this new annexe would enable. We will continue to work with partners, including Washington Community Food Project and Active Families North-East to serve and support people in our community.

Page 6

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Independent examination

Owing to the substantial capital grants received for the annexe building project our income has risen above the threshold where we can report on a receipts and payments basis. These accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis and the PCC appointed Kinnair Associates Limited as our Independent Examiner for 2023 and 2024.

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 7 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Rev. Nick Barr-Hamilton

Page 7

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St George's Church Fatfield ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institution of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed:

Signed: Dated: 10 May 2024 Detlev Anderson FCA

Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1NB

Page 8

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income and
endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
Community and church
groups
Interest and dividends
Other church activities
Total income and
endowments
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income before
net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net income
Transfers between
funds
12
Net movement in
funds
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried
forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
64,451
6,926
-
8,485
79,862
78,714
78,714
1,148
-
1,148
-
1,148
31,989
1,148
33,137		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
540,681
-
6,313
-
546,994
9,702
9,702
537,292
-
537,292
33,537
570,829
201,903
570,829
772,732		 Endowment
funds
2023
£
-
-
533
-
533
-
-
533
1,093
1,626
(33,537)
(31,911)
31,911
(31,911)
-		 Total
funds
2023
£
605,132
6,926
6,846
8,485
627,389
88,416
88,416
538,973
1,093
540,066
-
540,066
265,803
540,066
805,869		 Total
funds
2022
£
119,792
4,572
1,418
11,182
136,964
81,568
81,568
55,396
(2,050)
53,346
-
53,346
212,457
53,346
265,803

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 12 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
11
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension asset
Total net assets
Charity funds
Endowment funds
12
Restricted funds
12
Unrestricted funds
12
Total funds		 3,900
542,466
546,366
(74,458)		 2023
£
333,961
-
333,961
471,908
805,869
805,869
805,869
-
772,732
33,137
805,869		 1,295
218,132
219,427
(7,054)		 2022
£
21,519
31,911
53,430
212,373
265,803
265,803
265,803
31,911
201,903
31,989
265,803

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 07 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Rev Nick Barr- Hamilton

The notes on pages 12 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of investments
Net cash inflow in respect of endowment capital
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 12 to 27 form part of these financial statements		 2023
£
597,702
6,070
(312,442)
(533)
33,537
(273,368)
-
324,334
218,132
542,466		 2022
£
59,737
1,418
(21,519)
(672)
-
(20,773)
-
38,964
179,168
218,132

Page 11

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. General information

St George's Church Fatfield is a charity registered in England and Wales (charity number 1190509). The registered office is St George's Church, Vigo Lane, Harraton, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 9AH.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

St George's Church Fatfield meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

This is the first year that the accounts have been prepared using the accruals accounting method.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

2.2 Going concern

The Trustees assess whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Trust to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period one year from the date of authorisation of issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the trust's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Page 12

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Voluntary income is recognised in the financial statements when it is received, or on an accruals basis where it can be assured with reasonable certainty and is receivable by the balance sheet date. Income tax recoverable on voluntary donations is recognised in the financial statements when it is receivable from HM Revenue and Customs.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

All other incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities on a cash received basis or on an accruals basis where they are assured with reasonable certainty and receivable by the balance sheet date.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and support costs involved in undertaking each activity.

Direct costs are those costs that are capable of being allocated directly to a charitable activity.

Support costs are those costs which cannot be attributed to a single activity, such as the administration staff roles. The Charities Statement of Recommended Practice requires that support costs are separately identified and then allocated between the Charity's activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. In practice, all support costs are allocated against ministry activities.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Page 13

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property - 2%

2.8 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.

2.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

Page 14

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.12 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.13 Fund accounting

Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Donations
Planned Giving
9,285
Collections at services
2,824
Other voluntary income
41,517
Gift Aid recovered
10,825
Grants
Sunderland City Council
-
Community Lottery Fund
-
The Community Ownership Fund
-
Other Annexe grants
-
Subtotal detailed disclosure
64,451		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
11,050
-
10,471
5,431
10,000
55,000
250,000
111,500
453,452		 Total
funds
2023
£
20,335
2,824
51,988
16,256
10,000
55,000
250,000
111,500
517,903

Page 15

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. Income from donations and legacies (continued)

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Other donations
-
Subtotal
-
Total 2023
64,451
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Donations
Planned giving
9,557
Collections at services
2,788
Other voluntary income
37,982
Gift Aid recovered
9,612
Grants
Warm Spaces
-
Annexe
-
Subtotal detailed disclosure
59,939
Total 2022
59,939		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
87,229
87,229
540,681
Restricted
funds
2022
£
11,595
-
16,206
16,342
10,711
4,999
59,853
59,853		 Total
funds
2023
£
87,229
87,229
605,132
Total
funds
2022
£
21,152
2,788
54,188
25,954
10,711
4,999
119,792
119,792

Page 16

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Ministry
Building and Grounds
Community and Mission
Diocesan and similar costs
Total 2023		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
9,844
13,082
9,062
42,091
74,079		 Support
costs
2023
£
14,337
-
-
-
14,337		 Total
funds
2023
£
24,181
13,082
9,062
42,091
88,416
Ministry
Building and Grounds
Community and Mission
Diocesan and similar costs
Total 2022		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
5,831
11,031
8,619
44,744
70,225		 Support
costs
2022
£
11,337
6
-
-
11,343		 Total
funds
2022
£
17,168
11,037
8,619
44,744
81,568

Page 17

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Parish share
Service and other ministry costs
Clergy expenses
Insurance
Heat, light and water
Building and grounds
maintenance
Overseas giving
Donations paid on
Community groups
Other costs
Total 2023
Parish share
Service and other ministry costs
Clergy expenses
Insurance
Heat, light and water
Building and grounds
maintenance
Overseas giving
Donations paid on
Community groups
Other costs
Total 2022		 Ministry
2023
£
-
2,417
353
6,280
-
-
-
-
-
794
9,844
Ministry
2022
£
-
2,222
190
2,487
-
-
-
-
-
932
5,831		 Building
and
Grounds
2023
Community
and Mission
2023
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,872
-
3,937
-
-
5,539
-
334
-
3,189
273
-
13,082
9,062
Building and
Grounds
2022
Community
and Mission
2022
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,901
-
2,130
-
-
5,516
-
744
-
2,359
-
-
11,031
8,619		 Diocesan
2023
£
40,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,091
42,091
Diocesan
2022
£
41,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,744
44,744		 Total
funds
2023
£
40,000
2,417
353
6,280
8,872
3,937
5,539
334
3,189
3,158
74,079
Total
funds
2022
£
41,000
2,222
190
2,487
8,901
2,130
5,516
744
2,359
4,676
70,225

Page 18

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Ministry
2023
£
Staff costs
10,951
Education and training
229
Telephone, website and internet
733
Printing, postage and stationery
459
Other costs
365
Independent examination
1,600
Total 2023
14,337
Ministry
2022
£
Staff costs
9,819
Service and other ministry costs
30
Clergy expenses
26
Telephone, website and internet
380
Printing, postage and stationery
529
Annexe project
-
Other costs
553
Total 2022
11,337
5.
Independent examiner's remuneration
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Charity's annual accounts		 Building
and
Grounds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Building and
Grounds
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
6
2023
£
1,600		 Total
funds
2023
£
10,951
229
733
459
365
1,600
14,337
Total
funds
2022
£
9,819
30
26
380
529
6
553
11,343
2022
£
-

Page 19

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Staff costs

Wages and salaries 2023
£
10,951
10,951		 2022
£
9,819
9,819

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
No. No.
Administration 1 1

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The PCC employees an administrator to assist with the administration of church activities. There were no employee benefits paid to key management personnel or Trustees in the current or previous years.

7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

In the normal course of the Charity's activities some of the Trustees, while acting as volunteers, incur expenditure on behalf of the Charity for which they are reimbursed.

No other payments or expenses were paid to any other Trustees, persons closely connected with them or other related parties.

The Trustees, as members of the church, may make voluntary contributions to support church activities. No individual Trustee's contribution was material during the current or previous year.

8. Tangible fixed assets

Assets
under
construction
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 21,519
Additions 312,442
At 31 December 2023 333,961

Page 20

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Assets
under
construction
£
Net book value
At 31 December 2023 333,961
At 31 December 2022 21,519

At the year end the church annexe, to be used by community groups and for other church activities on completion, was under construction. No depreciation has been charged as the building was not in use at the year end, but depreciation will be charged at 2% per annum once the building is in use.

9. Fixed asset investments

At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Unlisted
investments
£
31,911
533
(33,537)
1,093
-
-
31,911

The investment was the Fatfield 7/1 Church Hall Trust Fund, held by the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance as Custodian Trustee. The Fund could be used for ecclesiastical purposes and was closed on 30 November 2023, the funds being transferred to St George's Fatfield.

Page 21

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. Debtors

Due within one year
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
3,900
3,900		 2022
£
1,295
1,295

11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Creditors
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
58,217
150
16,091
74,458		 2022
£
3,396
20
3,638
7,054

Page 22

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Designated
Fund
15,000
General funds
General Fund
16,989
Endowment
funds
Fatfield
31,911
Restricted
funds
Annexe
194,954
Warm Spaces
6,949
201,903
Total of funds
265,803		 Income
£
Expenditure
£
-
-
79,862
(78,714)
533
-
536,889
(1,270)
10,105
(8,432)
546,994
(9,702)
627,389
(88,416)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
-
(33,537)
33,537
-
33,537
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
1,093
-
-
-
1,093		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
15,000
18,137
-
764,110
8,622
772,732
805,869

Page 23

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Fund
General funds
General Fund
Total Unrestricted funds
Endowment funds
Fatfield
Restricted funds
Annexe
Warm Spaces
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
15,000
18,941
33,941
33,290
Balance at
1 January
2022
£
145,226
-
145,226
212,457		 Income
£
-
75,848
75,848
671
Income
£
49,734
10,711
60,445
136,964		 Expenditure
£
-
(77,800)
(77,800)
-
Expenditure
£
(6)
(3,762)
(3,768)
(81,568)		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
(2,050)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
(2,050)		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
15,000
16,989
31,989
31,911
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
194,954
6,949
201,903
265,803

Page 24

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. Statement of funds (continued)

The designated fund was allocated at the discretion of the Trustees to set aside funds for any shortfall in funding the new building.

The endowment fund is the Fatfield 7/1 Church Hall Trust Fund. It was held in investment and deposit funds by the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance as Custodian Trustee but was closed during the year following approval of the Board and the monies transferred to the PCC to use for the annexe building project. The fund arose from the sale of church assets and was held for ecclesiastical purposes.

The restricted funds comprise the following:

Annexe Fund - for the building of a church annexe for use by the community and for church activities. Warm Spaces - donations and grants received for the provision of warm spaces in the winter for the benefit of the community.

13. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Current assets
39,295
Creditors due within one year
(6,158)
Total
33,137		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
333,961
507,071
(68,300)
772,732		 Total
funds
2023
£
333,961
546,366
(74,458)
805,869

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
-
-
34,256
(2,267)
31,989		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
21,519
-
185,171
(4,787)
201,903		 Endowment
funds
2022
£
-
31,911
-
-
31,911		 Total
funds
2022
£
21,519
31,911
219,427
(7,054)
265,803

Page 25

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
(Gains) losses on investments
Dividends and interest received
Decrease (increase) in debtors
Increase (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
15.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
16.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
January
2023
£
Cash at bank and in hand
218,132
218,132		 2023
£
540,066
(1,093)
(6,070)
(2,605)
67,404
597,702
2023
£
542,466
542,466
Cash flows
£
324,334
324,334		 2022
£
53,346
2,050
(1,418)
(1,295)
7,054
59,737
2022
£
218,132
218,132
At 31
December
2023
£
542,466
542,466

Page 26

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. Capital commitments

2023 2022
£ £
Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements
Acquisition of tangible fixed assets 679,105 846,916

The capital commitments contracted but not provided for are for the church annexe, under construction at the year end.

At the year end, to help with building costs of the annexe, grants have been awarded but not yet received of £266,133.

Page 27

Appendix 1 to the Report and Accounts of St George’s Church Fatfield

Index

Page number

Page 28

Parishioner Meeting & APCM

Sunday 19th May 2024

AGENDA

Annual Meeting of Parishioners (formerly known as Vestry Meeting)

  1. Opening prayer and worship

  2. Minutes of the last meeting on 9[th] May 2023

  3. Matters arising

  4. Election of Wardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Opening prayer

  2. Apologies

  3. Minutes of the last annual meeting on 9[th] May 2023

  4. Matters arising

  5. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

  6. Presentation of Reports (circulated previously)

Wardens' report (including comment on fabric of the church)

Safeguarding

Deanery Synod report

Treasurer's report, including acceptance of accounts.

  1. Elections

PCC (4 persons for 3 years)

  1. Appointment of External Examiner

  2. Chairman's report.

  3. Any other business – Church representation rules.

Page 29

Vicar’s Report

2023 has been a year of upheaval and progress, with no shortage of difficulties and interesting experiences. The world itself has continued to become more fractious and the fear of wider war has grown, not least with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s extreme response to Hamas’ slaughtering over 1000 Israeli civilians in a brutal attack. Russia continues to terrorise Ukraine and threaten NATO with Nuclear War. Propaganda and misinformation are so rife, they are succeeding in making it very hard to know what is true in global events any more. Climate change continues to become a bigger and bigger issue for nations, with extreme flooding events and fires in numerous places.

In all this uncertainty and fear, The Church has something of greater worth than Gold. Our message of faith and hope is one that should increasingly resonate in a broken world where everything else seem so transient and uncertain.

While our church plans for a Ukrainian lounge and safe space were never needed, as a family, our offer to host Ukrainians actually came to fruition. Katya and her 5 year old son, Roma, living with us in the vicarage through the year. It has been an interesting experience, difficult at times, but a great opportunity to show the love of Christ in practical action.

At Church, our activities and worship continued to flourish. I give thanks to God for everyone who serves and makes St George’s such a Christ focussed, mission filled place. There is too much to mention here, but in this booklet everyone’s hard work and generosity is evident.

Our schools’ work blossomed and new contacts with Harry Watts Academy in Harraton were formed. Our youth work grew, our community outreach flourished and we built further relationships with the NHS liaison and SHARP, on top of WCFP, (food bank) and Active Families running a group each week. We continue to be a part of the local VCS and Sunderland Connect network (connecting churches across the city together).

It has been a year of both excitement and sadness. We have hosted over a dozen funerals, but this year we have lost three stalwart members of our church family. Liz, Kate and Ann are greatly missed by us all, but we know they are with the Lord in eternity. They had all become good personal friends over my 11 years here, and I certainly miss their wise counsel.

The most stressful and exciting part of 2023 was, without doubt, our annexe project. At the start of the year we were awaiting tender prices. We had raised a huge amount of money, far more than we had originally set out to raise, although we knew inflation was going to dramatically affect the prices. However, when the tenders came back in February, literally twice the price originally provided by the Quantity Surveyor, we were left in a quandary to know what to do. With almost £800,000 available to spend, surely we could build the heart of the project and set up the community café.

The professional team set out on a significant value engineering process to cut costs. We set out to find additional funding and between all of this and phasing the project, we were enabled to sign the main contract in July with works starting in late September, once the bat maternity season had ended and all planning conditions discharged.

Page 30

Thanks to substantial awards from other sources, by the end of the year it looked like we might be able to complete the second phase as well. As at time of writing (April 2024), while budget is very tight, with the small loan from the diocese we need just a few thousand pounds more to ensure it is all built. Without a doubt, the building works have disrupted church life, but we kept everything going despite horrendous mud during the (very wet) ground works phase.

We are thankful to God for enabling this vision, one that begun right back in the 1970’s, to now come to fruition. It is a miracle of the Lord that we have been provided with so much funding. Had we set out at the start knowing we would need a million pounds, I doubt any of us would have believed it possible, but every step of the way, the PCC has stepped out in faith and trusted that the Lord would provide – and He has. Praise be to God.

I believe he has honoured our faith and faithfulness to defending and proclaiming the full gospel of Christ. Looking forward we must ensure this new building continues to honour him through gospel ministry, serving the community and also looking after the planet better. I would love to see us further develop our ecological credentials and put PV panels on the church to cut our carbon footprint even more as we move into an efficient new building.

I want to finish by thanking God for all the volunteers, especially our church warden Chris and treasurer Doug, who have worked so hard to enable so much to take place this year past. Thank you for your support, advice and service.

Give thanks for:

Pray for:

Page 31

Biddick Academy & School Ministry

During 2023, school assemblies were taken in two local primary schools and both schools brought pupils to the church for lessons on Baptisms, Weddings, Easter and the Christian Church. Christmas services were held for Fatfield Academy, Biddick Academy and Harry Watts Academy. We began to develop our relationship with the Harry Watts Academy that works with young people with ASD. Their young people regularly come to our coffee morning to help develop their skills in meeting and talking with other people. A weekly lunch club at Biddick Academy is run by our Vicar focusing on ecology from a Christian ethos.

Give thanks for:

Pray for:

World Giving

We give 10% of our freewill giving to support wider mission in the world, locally and internationally, supporting our three-year partners and to the charities put forward for oneyear gifts. This year we were able to support:

Page 32

We are so thankful that God has put us in a position here we could again support these organisations.

In Christ’s Name, Doug Green – Treasurer

Administrator’s Report

I have been in my role as parish administrator at St George’s Church now for 5 years, it is a role which has brought me so much joy and yes it can be challenging at times but also very rewarding in so many ways.

Every day in the office can be very different, I deal with emails, telephone calls and visitors to the office.

We are also a foodbank outlet supporting our community I meet those in need of a food parcel and the collate the paperwork for the Washington Community Foodbank Project.

We have a wonderful pastoral team here at St George’s which I am a member of also.

A large part of my role is to make sure everything is in place for baptisms and funerals and burials. I work closely with funeral directors and can at times be in contact with families at such a difficult time.

Another part of my role is dealing with headstone applications that come into the office then are sent on to the Durham Diocese for approval. Most of the applications are straight forward others may need a faculty which brings with it a lot of work.

One particular faculty was for a headstone for a young boy which was very challenging and very emotional to deal with. I worked closely with the family throughout the whole process which took 16 months before the headstone was finally approved and placed in our churchyard.

I am supported in my role by Nick, Chris, Doug and Joanne for which I am truly grateful.

I am so thankful to God for bringing me to St George’s Church, and give thanks for our wonderful team of volunteers.

I pray for Nick and Lucy and all our church family.

I pray that as our community space is coming nearer to completion those who walk through our doors will come to know Jesus.

Lorraine Cook, Parish Administrator

Electoral Roll

The electoral roll has been updated and there are 117 names on the new roll (revised on the 13[th] April 2024).

One new name added during the year and following the posting of the public notices no

Page 33

further names were added and no-one has requested to be removed.

Sadly 4 names have been removed: reason-deceased.

A copy of the new electoral roll is available in the church office.

Eve Winstanley - Electoral Roll Officer

Pastoral Team Report & Prayers For The Sick

Our Pastoral Team has settled into a regular routine where we now meet on the 3[rd] Wednesday every other month, meeting 6 times a year. We devised a plan of identifying church members and the wider community who may need our support. We use our meetings to feedback how our support is going and identify any further needs.

All of the pastoral team help in other rolls within the church, i.e., Cuppa, Cake, and Company, Toddlers, Bereavement Support Group and Ukulele music group.

We continue to provide Home Communion to those who are unable to get to church. We also have a strong relationship with St George’s Care Home, where Pat continues to provide a service once a month at the home, as well as welcoming their residents to our 10pm service, our Monday and Friday Cuppa, Cake & Company mornings and any special services we hold.

During 2023 we organised bus day trips, using Lee’s of Durham coaches. The 1[st] trip was to Holy Island, followed by a further 2 trips, to Heartbeat Country – “Goathland & Whitby”, and Castle Howard for their Christmas display. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them. Now in planning for 2024.

Bereavement Support Group - The warm space grant was greatly appreciated in 2023 as it meant our Bereavement Support Group was able to continue meeting in church. We are a small group but each one of us finds great support in our meetings, welcoming new people who come to join.

Prayers for the Sick - is prayer ministry that has been running for over 40 years. We are a small dedicated group who pray individually each day for many people, covering all kinds of illnesses and situations. We come together once a month to pray collectively for each person who is in need of our prayers. This is such a lovely ministry, please continue to pass on people for us to pray for. You are also welcome to come and join us.

Memorial Service of Thanksgiving & St Luke’s Day Service - Because of the changes to the church service times, it was decided to hold both The Memorial Service of Thanksgiving and the St Luke’s Day Service of Healing at the 4pm services in the future.

The Memorial Service of Thanksgiving was held on the 14[th] May. During the service the names of loved ones are read out, many people said they felt it was such a moving and meaningful service.

Page 34

St Luke’s Day Service of Healing was held on the 15[th] October. During the service people are invited to be blessed and anointed. Again, this service was greatly appreciated, reflecting on many types of healing.

Mothers’ Union

We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at 1:15 pm. Our membership here at St George’s is down to 6. We try to do our bit promoting MU values, especially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life.

We support AFIA — ‘Away From It All’ holidays for families going through difficult times and toilet bags for emergency admissions to hospitals.

We hold a short service every month here at St George’s.

We give thanks for:

We pray for:

Brenda Ridley (secretary)

Church Wardens’ Report 2023-2024

It seems hard to hard to believe, but March 23rd marked the fourth anniversary of the first covid lockdown. Whist we are living in a weird world – I doubt if it will ever be the same again! Praise God, as a Church, we are continuing to serve Him and our community. This, of course, is due to the leadership Nick brings to us, and the willingness of the splendid family who worship at St. George’s Church. The outreach ministry to our local community has continued. On Monday and Friday mornings, we have coffee/tea and cake groups, which are well attended. There is also Wednesday lunches or snacks, the Tuesday morning Toddler Group, afternoon Ukulele Group, and the Monday afternoon Bereavement Support Group, bringing in regular members. All of these are able to continue thanks to a dedicated number of volunteers.

Currently a keep fit class run by Sunderland council gathers on Thursday mornings. Roughly sixty percent of the people who attend belong to the Church family, but it also brings in a regular number of local people. So, as well as maintaining the health of some of the congregation (myself included) it too is a source of outreach. The Church itself is adequate for this group, but it is not ideal, and everyone is looking forward to having more space once the annexe is completed and formally opened.

Speaking of the annexe - God is so amazing. In spite of the ghastly weather, building work has continued. Amid the clutter of cabins, machinery, and men bustling around wearing

Page 35

hard hats, it has been a source of joy to survey the new building steadily taking shape, and a good rapport has been forged with the workmen. Somehow, up to the time of writing, the ministry of the Church has mostly continued as usual, although changes have had to be made regarding the Wednesday luncheon group as currently we no longer have a kitchen. But that shall be rectified once the annexe with its bright new kitchen is completed.

During the past twelve months, the services have continued much the same as they always did. The 8am service is held monthly, and consists of a small but devoted group, faithfully supported by Robert Purvis. The 10am and 4pm services are well attended, and praise God, we also have welcomed new people too. As Warden I have much to thank God and the congregation at St. George’s for. I am well supported, and cannot adequately thank everyone for their kindness and generosity. We have a marvellous Christian fellowship – the congregation at St. George’s are truly wonderful people, and I am grateful to all of you. Also, as warden, I praise God for the helpfulness and support of Eileen Fletcher and Terry Wyatt. As a congregation, admittedly we’re far from perfect, but we can – and do – pull together, recognizing that only one person is in charge, and that is God Himself.

There are a number of points for prayer and praise:

Thanks be to God for Nick’s faith and dedication. May he and Lucy be blessed in their work.

We shall need a manager/manageress for the annexe, and we pray that God will send the appropriate person to fulfil this role. We also need to commit to prayer the need for more volunteers, to make this outreach venture possible.

For our local community – praise God that we have strong local support.

Praise God that the ministry and outreach of this Church is continuing, including the groups mentioned above. We ask for His blessing upon those who faithfully give their time. May this work continue.

We thank God for the dedication of Maurice Taylor, who has served as a Lay Reader for many years - he has now decided to retire, but intends to remain faithful and obedient to the voice of God. We pray that God’s hand shall be upon him and his wife, Elizabeth, and wait and see what purpose God has now in his life.

May God bless us in our work, and guide us as our fellowship and outreach continue through the coming year. As the letter to Galatians (6 v9) instructs us – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Chris Hope

Building Group

2023 was a year of two parts, the earlier part of the year, was normal with the building group doing small jobs in and around the church, with the latter part, from mid-September, being the start of the Annexe Project, which has provided new challenges.

Page 36

We give thanks for:

Please pray for:

St. George’s Building Group

Washington Community Food Project Working With St. George’s Church

We have had another busy year at WCFP. However, thanks to the continued support from the extremely generous residents of Washington, Springwell Village and local businesses, with both monetary and food donations, we have been able to continue to meet the need for food parcels.

This generosity also enabled us to continue our tradition of 'The Christmas Giveaway', where donated toys, presents, Christmas goodies and gift vouchers were given to families.

We manned a fundraising stall at a wet Washington Carnival in the summer and at the Christmas Fayre in The Village.

We would like to thank students and staff of Sunderland University who installed a new computer system which makes the referral process and reporting so much easier and efficient.

It would be wonderful if our services at WCFP were no longer needed and we can only hope that one day this could be the case.

Susan Laws, Chair of WCFP

Page 37

Meet and Eat

Meet and Eat has continued to offer a homemade meal twice a month (either a 2-course meal or a light lunch) to both the church family and the wider community.

We have been blessed to have a rota of volunteers who cook and help share the load.

On average about 15 people have come to Meet and Eat, however, at date of writing (2024), due to the current building works, we have now temporarily had to stop. When complete, we pray that people will come to the new community cafe and continue to be part of the church.

Keira Batchelor

Coffee, Cake and Company

The ‘coffee’ mornings have been running for 3 years (starting in April 2021) and continue to flourish. We attract 30 to over 50 visitors. Together with our link to St. George’s Nursing Home we have regular visits from the carers, residents and relatives plus some of the staff and pupils at Harry Watts Academy in Harraton.

Cakes and scones are either homemade or donated from surplus stock from businesses (eg WCFP). Monetary donations help towards the purchase of tea, coffee and the running costs, with the main focus on fellowship and community.

The new annexe work including a café started at the end of 2023 (challenging times ahead) and on completion mid 2024 will aid our outreach ministry in the community and beyond.

We give thanks for:

We pray for:

Gail Watson and the CCC Teams

Safeguarding

At St George’s we take safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults seriously and we have the relevant polices in place, which are reviewed and updated on a yearly basis.

We give thanks for:

Page 38

We pray for:

Doug Green

Children’s Christmas Gift-Giving

This year, children attending the Christmas Eve Craft Cafe were invited to delve deep into a decorated basket or make-shift bran tub - each one crammed with tinsel, shredded paper and individually wrapped gifts. Whilst the very youngest received a soft toy, more than 50 children aged 2-11 took away an age-appropriate gift and a Christmas story book. There were plenty of additional goodies to give away, and for an extra treat, they could also guess the identity of six Christmas-themed items hidden inside six dangling socks!

Andrea Pritchard

Cleaning Team

The Cleaning Team meets after Coffee Mornings on Fridays approximately 11:30 am and consists of Len and Betty, Avril, Brenda and Arthur, and when time allows Donna and Oona.

During building work it is difficult to keep dust at bay, but we hoover, clean toilets, brasses and generally make church tidy for services and Coffee Mornings. To do this we appeal for anyone with time and energy to join us for a couple of hours. Your help would be appreciated.

We give thanks for:

We pray for:

Page 39

From the Team.

Toddlers

The Church Toddler Group continues to run in the church with the team setting up and trying to ensure the engagement and safety of all who we welcome into church.

It has been a challenging year with only four of us operating the group (this isn’t counting the two gentlemen who come along each week to help get out and put away the toys). We sadly lost Ann Moss last year. Her family bought the Toddlers a beautiful children’s kitchen – “Auntie Ann’s Kitchen’ which the children love. We still miss her company and ideas of what we can do to engage the children and the support she gave to the adults who attend.

The group is well attended and the children, parents and grandparents who come appreciate all that we do. We currently have 20+ children on our list but are always ready to welcome others.

We look forward to moving into the new building where we can store our toys safely and look forward to the opportunities this move will give us to enhance our service to the community and build upon what we already offer.

We give thanks for:

We pray for:

God Bless St George’s Church Family who serves this community so well.

Lynn Green

Children’s Group Sunday 10 am Service

Lucy and I continue to lead the two small groups of children who attend the service each Sunday morning. Although we give thanks for the support and prayers of Nick and the church family, we continue to pray for others to come along and support the children as they explore their own understanding of the Bible and their own growing faith.

The children of our church are a blessing, and they will one day be at the centre of our church congregation. They already both challenge and cause Lucy and I to reflect on our relationship with Jesus and how we can keep our hearts and eyes focused on Him – think what they can do for you!

Page 40

We currently are using the floor at the top of the building but hope to use the new building in the not-so-distant future.

We give thanks for:

We pray for:

Lynn Green

Youth Group

Lucy and Nick run the weekly youth group that has grown to 12 members aged 11-18. We also join with other youth groups at diocesan events in the Cathedral and put on our own occasional activities.

Give thanks for:

Pray for:

Page 41

Minutes of the Annual Report to Parishioners Meeting held on Tuesday 9[th] May 2023 at 19.30 pm ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS (formerly known as the Vestry Meeting)

1. Opening Prayer & Worship

NBH opened by welcoming all attending to the meeting & read a passage from Luke 5, which was a passage set for this evening’s Evening Prayer, & he thought it particularly apt telling us that church should remain rooted in the Gospel NBH asked that 2 or 3 people prayed for our meetings & the decisions to be taken. He also asked that we prayed for Chris Hope our church warden in particular. Prayers were offered that we raise up & build our church, & blessings for CH.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

Commenting that he hoped all there had received the minutes from the last meeting & that he did not intend to go through the whole report, only taking the meeting through any essential business, NBH asked if there were any queries about the minutes from last year. There was nothing raised, & the 2022 minutes were accepted as correct, this being proposed by CH & seconded by GW, with 16 votes for & 2 Abstentions.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Election of Wardens

NBH offered huge thanks to CH, especially for her friendship as well as advice, commenting that he knew how hard she was working & thanked those supporting her. He believes it is wonderful that people step forward to serve with her. As no-one else was standing, CH was appointed as Church Warden with no need for an election. PM prayed for her.

The meeting closed at 19.45 p.m.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Opening Prayer

NBH opened the new meeting in prayer, asking that we would be guided through the business.

2. Apologies

NBH read the apologies which had been received from:- Betty Adams, Elspeth Baird, Andrew Batchelor, Keira Batchelor, Margaret Bianchi, Rob Bianchi, Ken Brown, Jo-Anne Cohrs, Pat Davis, Mary Gorog, Lynn Green, Davy Ford, Maureen Nevitt, Audrey Rayner, Arthur Ridley, Brenda Ridley, Lynne Sadler, Brian Tait, Catherine Tait, John Thomas, Trish Thomas, Avril Winship, Lynn Wyatt &Terry Wyatt.

Attendees at meeting were:- Len Adams (LA), Lucy Barr-Hamilton (LBH), Nick Barr-Hamilton (NBH), Harry Ellis (HE), Tarahneh Etemadi (TE), Eileen Fletcher (EF), Ruth Forster (RF), Doug Green (DG), Christine Hope (CH), Jenny Hughes (JH), Lucille Hutchinson (LH), Heather Livingstone (HL), Pat Matthews (PM), Andrea Pritchard (AP), Leslie Stevens (LS), Maurice Taylor (MT), Gail Watson (GW) & Peter Watson (PW).

Page 42

3. Minutes of the Last Annual Meeting on 10[th] May 2022

The minutes of the 2022 meeting had been published and were accepted as correct; proposed by EF, seconded by GW with 16 votes for & 2 abstentions.

4. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

5. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

EW, our Electoral Roll Officer, commented on the details given to her by Lorraine Cook, our Administrator, advising that a copy of the Roll is available in the Office. We now have 120 names on the Electoral Roll, having lost 2 because of deaths, with 2 new names added. There were no questions for EW.

6. Presentation of Reports (as circulated previously)

NBH reminded the meeting that as these had been circulated previously, he did not intend to talk to each one as he hoped that everyone had had the opportunity to read through these but asked if people wanted to comment further on their reports. He remarked that it was a wonderful privilege to serve in the church where so many people give & are doing so much. Following Covid we have continued our important outreach into the community, which he felt was testament to the Gospel being lived out.

Page 43

heating & lighting bills could be three times last years budgeted figure. He also commented that we should praise God for the grants we have been given. There were no questions of DG from the meeting. NBH thanked DG for his work through the year & Lynn Wyatt (LW) for supporting him. LW intends to step back from this so she can spend more time in her worshipping & less time ‘doing’. NBH commented that LW had been a real blessing to us all, especially with all the work she has done in reclaiming our Gift Aid. He asked for the meeting to give prayer& thanks to God for DG & LW & of course the generous sacrificial giving from all which has supported our mission financially for us to keep going. A few members prayed, giving thanks to God. DG mentioned in closing that it was wonderful that we had been able to pay our Parish Share again this year & we should give thanks that we had achieved this. NBH asked for a proposal that the 2022 Church Accounts were accepted which was made by AP, seconded by EF & carried unanimously.

7. Elections

PCC – (4 persons for 3 years)

NBH thanked those who have stood as PCC members for the last year. RF continues to remain in role as a non-elected officer and 2 proposals had been received for Anna Snell, proposed by PM, seconded by RF & Ross Kendall, proposed by LBH, seconded by LH respectively. NBH reminded people that proposals could be accepted from the floor, although no-one volunteered & both proposals were carried unanimously. LS & AP have agreed to continue to serve & will be co-opted back on at the next PCC meeting. There are 3 outstanding places to be filled. LBH was also proposed to stand & serve as one of 3 Deanery Synod representatives by Maureen Nevitt, seconded by Lynn Green which was also carried unanimously. Thanking those that had stood this year NBH reminded PCC members that as the church is now a Registered Charity they are classed as Trustees. Prayer was offered for the new PCC & Trustees.

8. Appointment of External Examiner

NBH thanked Charlie Forster (CF) for his work this year; he knew he had also been offering support to DG, & told us he had sent him an official letter and a gift, confirmed by RF. Whilst CF had indicated he was happy to continue to serve in this capacity, NBH advised the meeting that if income continues to increase due to the Annexe proposals & work goes ahead this coming year, our income will rise above £250,000. CF will be unable to examine the accounts as they would need to be examined in accordance with Charity Commission rules by a professional accountant so we would have to seek a new independent examiner. It may mean we would have to pay someone, & he is discussing with the Diocese the way forward. NBH advised that income would need to be above £1M before we would require a full audit. He also mentioned the intention of church to purchase some software which would enable the accounting procedures to be done in a different way as income & expenditure becomes more complex. DG remarked that it would become challenging, but NBH said he would ensure that DG got all the support he needed.

9. Chairman’s Report

NBH commented that again he hoped people had had the opportunity to read his comments in the Report booklet & did not have much to add but mentioned that the family felt privileged last year to have their sabbatical & felt blessed by it & continue to be blessed from it. Coming back, he felt it had been non-stop since Christmas. The Annexe Project was progressing, in 2 or 3 weeks he had hoped to share good news, but one process was taking longer than he had hoped. He is thankful to

Page 44

God for so many people that serve within this church & feels blessed with serving people who do so much. NBH mentioned the physiotherapy he has been receiving over the last few months which he is finding beneficial, as he has realised the impact that getting Covid, getting older & spending 32 years in a wheelchair has had on his body. He spoke of the uncertainty in life that people are experiencing & believes that what we need is to see the church as a source of hope for each other. He is incredibly grateful to the Pastoral Team as he cannot deal with it all by himself & is thankful for all that goes on behind the scenes. NBH opened the floor for any questions, although there were none. He commented that he had wondered whether it may be an idea to hold the Annual Meeting after Sunday worship, as other churches are doing, & making it a part of Sunday worship to encourage more people to come & be better representative of all congregations & the church family. There was general agreement with the idea. PM thanked the Barr-Hamilton family for all that they did & their hard work for the church.

10. Any Other Business

There was no further business & NBH thanked all who were in attendance for coming. The meeting closed with prayer committing everything discussed into His hands, & the Grace was said at 20.18 pm.

Page 45