Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587
Charity number: 1190509
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 8 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 - 29 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements: | |
| Appendix I | 30 - 50 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Trustees | Rev Nick Barr-Hamilton, Chair |
|---|---|
| Mrs Christine Hope, Warden | |
| Mr Terry Wyatt, Warden (appointed 19 May 2024) | |
| Mr Maurice Taylor, Reader | |
| Mrs Patricia Hampton Mattews, Reader | |
| Mrs Eve Winstanley, APA | |
| Mr Douglas Green, Treasurer | |
| Mr George Len Adams, Elected member | |
| Mrs Lucy Barr-Hamilton, Deanery Synod Representative | |
| Mr Clive Bowman, Elected member (appointed 19 May 2024) | |
| Ms Tarahneh Etemadi, Elected member (resigned 19 May 2024) | |
| Mrs Eileen Fletcher, Elected member (appointed 19 May 2024) | |
| Mrs Ruth Forster, Elected member (appointed 19 May 2024) | |
| Mr Ross Kendall, Elected member | |
| Mrs Andrea Pritchard, Elected member | |
| Mrs Anna Snell, Elected member | |
| Mrs Leslie Stevens, Elected member | |
| Mrs Gail Watson, Elected member | |
| Mr Peter Watson, Elected member (resigned 19 May 2024) | |
| 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 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
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
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:
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worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel and deepening faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. To this end there are both study and home groups;
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provision of pastoral and practical care for people living in the parish. This includes supporting and serving as a food bank outpost, offering bereavement support, providing activities for young people, families and elderly people, including (but not limited to) community drop in coffee mornings, a lunch club, a toddler group, a youth group, a warm space initiative and a number of other community groups; and
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Missionary and outreach work.
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 to construct a new community annexe onto the church building was completed (bar snagging and some minor works). It was opened formally in December, but began serving the community in October. This will better enable us to achieve the objectives of the charity and help us become more sustainable.
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)'.
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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Objectives and activities (continued)
Safeguarding
Mr Doug Green served as the elected Safeguarding Officer through 2024 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
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 100 people attend, including over 10 young people. There is a monthly 8am communion service. There are 104 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.
Our Easter and Christmas services returned to a normal pattern in 2024, along with some new activities thanks to the new annexe and terrace, including an outdoor ‘Carols on the Terrace’ event where we formally opened the new annexe. The church continued to hold many funerals and burials in 2024 and the churchyard is now all but full.
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.
In October our community café was launched. This community café has been named ‘The Table’. A café manager has been employed, but the café is volunteer run.
Vision : ‘The Table’ will bless people in Jesus' name by providing a welcoming, inclusive community space that serves God through its Christian ethos.
Mission : We are a community café, providing a warm welcome and safe space for all, serving God’s food, love & prayer at ‘The Table’. We aim to show love & grace to everyone and open our doors to the local community and its needs.
It aims to provide sustainable, healthy and affordable food to people in the local community and support the vision for the Annexe as a whole to become a ‘hub’ for the community.
Through the autumn and winter, the church continued to offer a ‘warm space’, but with the community café open in October, this ran six days a week. In the first three months of operation we welcomed almost 3,000 visitors, providing a warm place to meet and socialise, along with affordable, high quality drinks and food. We are grateful for support from Sunderland City council and The Community Foundation to support this initiative.
During the year, funding was also received to install a photovoltaic/battery system to cut our carbon footprint as well as reduce costs of the kitchen.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Financial review
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.
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 2024 there remained a significant restricted fund for the Annexe Project that will be spent in 2025 on the final bills for the new annexe building project and the retention due in 2026.
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 represents 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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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 £87,344 of which £51,867 was unrestricted voluntary donations, and a further £9,519 was from Gift Aid. Restricted donations of £31,875 were also received and are detailed in the financial statements.
The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders increased by 10% and it was good to see the use of Gift Aid continuing.
Total income, including tax recovered but excluding the Annexe funds, went up by 6% compared with last year.
We were grateful for substantial grants of £316,820 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 financial statements.
£78,996 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St. George’s Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share that decreased by 17.5% in the year and largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.
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 payments over receipts of £8,348 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 £41,485 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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Structure, governance and management
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).
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 authorised pastoral assistants (APAs), any members of CofE Synods on the electoral role along with those members elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and those co-opted by the PCC.
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.
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.
Administration
St George's Church is found at Vigo Lane, Harraton, Washington NE38 9AH. It is an Anglican Church of England church within the diocese of Durham. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006).
PCC members who have served from the APCM 2024 (19th May 2024) are listed on page 1 of the financial statements.
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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Plans for future periods
Our separate vision document contains plans for where we feel God calling us, but 2025 will see us continue to take the church forward in a very changed world. Heating costs remain high, but with the new Community Annexe completed, much of our work will take place in a modern well insulated and efficient building. Worship will continue in our Victorian church building.
2025 will see a continuing step chain in how we achieve our aims and purpose. The launch of a community café has opened many new opportunities and employing a café manager will further grow the opportunities to work with partners in supporting our community, where there are many isolated, lonely and vulnerable people. These changes bring a level of uncertainty as further funding will be needed, but we will work with others, including the VCS (Voluntary Community Sector) and the social enterprise support team of the BIC (Business and Innovation Centre) Sunderland to help deliver the business plan. At time of writing some funding is in place for 2025 for the café manager and café reserves/income should cover the rest if no further grants are awarded. The plan is that it will become self sufficient over time.
While the annexe construction project was all encompassing for most of 2024 and the final snagging is still creating a lot of work, we must also keep focussed on the primary objectives of the church that the new annexe is enabling. 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.
The Pastoral team has grown and plans to develop its mission and ministry further in 2025. There are also plans to launch a monthly youth club and a men’s hub in the new annexe.
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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 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 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:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
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 6 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Rev. Nick Barr-Hamilton
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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 2024.
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 Institute 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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: Dated: 9 May 2025
Detlev Anderson
FCA
Kinnair Associates Limited
Chartered Accountants Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1NB
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 Other church activities 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income before net gains on investments Net gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 61,386 16,302 - 9,656 87,344 4,658 74,338 78,996 8,348 - 8,348 33,137 8,348 41,485 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 415,839 - 5,645 - 421,484 16,091 26,648 42,739 378,745 - 378,745 772,732 378,745 1,151,477 |
Total funds 2024 £ 477,225 16,302 5,645 9,656 508,828 20,749 100,986 121,735 387,093 - 387,093 805,869 387,093 1,192,962 |
Total funds 2023 £ 605,132 6,926 6,846 8,485 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 627,389 | ||||
| - 88,416 |
||||
| 88,416 | ||||
| 538,973 1,093 |
||||
| 540,066 | ||||
| 265,803 540,066 |
||||
| 805,869 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 15 Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 16 Unrestricted funds 16 Total funds |
14,780 125,212 139,992 (92,675) |
2024 £ 1,171,933 1,171,933 47,317 1,219,250 (26,288) 1,192,962 1,192,962 1,151,477 41,485 1,192,962 |
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 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 06 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Rev Nick Barr- Hamilton
The notes on pages 13 to 29 form part of these financial statements.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 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 13 to 29 form part of these financial statements |
2024 £ 420,651 5,645 (843,550) - - (837,905) - (417,254) 542,466 125,212 |
2023 £ 597,702 6,070 (312,442) (533) 33,537 (273,368) - 324,334 218,132 542,466 |
|---|---|---|
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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 £.
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 Charity 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 Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
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.
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 bases:
Freehold property - 2% Plant and machinery - 4% to 10%
2.8 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.
2.9 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.
2.10 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.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.11 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.
2.12 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 2024 £ Donations Planned Giving 10,169 Collections at services 2,446 Other voluntary income 39,252 Gift Aid recovered 9,519 Grants Sunderland City Council - Community Lottery Fund - Other grants - Other Annexe grants - Subtotal detailed disclosure 61,386 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 31,875 5,010 127,902 87,500 34,642 128,910 415,839 |
Total funds 2024 £ 10,169 2,446 71,127 14,529 127,902 87,500 34,642 128,910 |
|---|---|---|
| 477,225 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. Income from donations and legacies (continued)
| Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 £ £ Total 2024 61,386 415,839 Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 £ £ Donations Planned giving 9,285 11,050 Collections at services 2,824 - Other voluntary income 41,517 97,700 Gift Aid recovered 10,825 5,431 Grants Sunderland City Council - 10,000 Community Lottery Fund - 55,000 The Community Ownership Fund - 250,000 Other Annexe grants - 111,500 Subtotal detailed disclosure 64,451 540,681 Total 2023 64,451 540,681 4. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Church and community groups 6,422 Other income 1,247 7,669 |
Total funds 2024 £ |
|---|---|
| 477,225 | |
| Total funds 2023 £ 20,335 2,824 139,217 16,256 10,000 55,000 250,000 111,500 |
|
| 605,132 | |
| 605,132 | |
| Total funds 2024 £ 6,422 1,247 |
|
| 7,669 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. Income from other trading activities (continued)
Income from fundraising events (continued)
| Church and community groups Other income |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 6,841 85 6,926 |
Total funds 2023 £ 6,841 85 |
|---|---|---|
| 6,926 |
Income from non charitable trading activities
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| The Table community café | 8,633 | 8,633 | - |
5. Investment income
| Investment income Restricted funds 2023 £ Investment income 6,313 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 5,645 Endowment funds 2023 £ 533 |
Total funds 2024 £ 5,645 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 6,846 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Other incoming resources
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Other church activities 9,656 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Other church activities 8,485 |
Total funds 2024 £ 9,656 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 8,485 |
7. Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising trading expenses
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Cafe food purchases 3,667 Cafe other direct expenses 319 Kitchen and café equipment 133 Cafe card expenses 62 Cafe cleaning 54 Cafe other general expenses 328 Fundraising trading expenses - wages and salaries 95 4,658 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - - - - - 16,091 16,091 |
Total funds 2024 £ 3,667 319 133 62 54 328 16,186 20,749 |
Total funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - |
The community cafe (The Table at St Georges) raises funds to support the activities of St George's Church. However, the contribution The Table makes is much more than that, providing a meeting place for mission and community outreach work.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Ministry Building and Grounds Community and Mission Diocesan and similar costs Total 2024 Ministry Building and Grounds Community and Mission Diocesan and similar costs Total 2023 |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 9,633 21,595 9,266 36,478 76,972 Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 9,844 13,082 9,062 42,091 74,079 |
Support costs 2024 £ 24,014 - - - 24,014 Support costs 2023 £ 14,337 - - - 14,337 |
Total funds 2024 £ 33,647 21,595 9,266 36,478 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100,986 | |||
| Total funds 2023 £ 24,181 13,082 9,062 42,091 |
|||
| 88,416 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. 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 World giving Donations paid on Community groups Annexe project Other costs Total 2024 Parish share Service and other ministry costs Clergy expenses Insurance Heat, light and water Building and grounds maintenance World giving Donations paid on Community groups Other costs Total 2023 |
Ministry 2024 £ - 1,614 375 5,772 - - - - - - 1,872 9,633 Ministry 2023 £ - 2,417 353 6,280 - - - - - 794 9,844 |
Building and Grounds 2024 Community and Mission 2024 £ £ - - - - - - - - 12,774 - 2,097 - - 7,091 - 638 - 1,537 6,443 - 281 - 21,595 9,266 Building and Grounds 2023 Community and Mission 2023 £ £ - - - - - - - - 8,872 - 3,937 - - 5,539 - 334 - 3,189 273 - 13,082 9,062 |
Diocesan 2024 £ 33,000 - - - - - - - - - 3,478 36,478 Diocesan 2023 £ 40,000 - - - - - - - - 2,091 42,091 |
Total funds 2024 £ 33,000 1,614 375 5,772 12,774 2,097 7,091 638 1,537 6,443 5,631 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76,972 | ||||
| Total funds 2023 £ 40,000 2,417 353 6,280 8,872 3,937 5,539 334 3,189 3,158 |
||||
| 74,079 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Education and training Telephone, website and internet Printing, postage and stationery Depreciation Other costs Independent examination Total 2024 Staff costs Education and training Telephone, website and internet Printing, postage and stationery Other costs Independent examination Total 2023 9. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts |
Ministry 2024 £ 12,622 608 769 669 5,578 1,408 2,360 24,014 Ministry 2023 £ 10,951 229 733 459 365 1,600 14,337 2024 £ 1,712 |
Total funds 2024 £ 12,622 608 769 669 5,578 1,408 2,360 |
|---|---|---|
| 24,014 | ||
| Total funds 2023 £ 10,951 229 733 459 365 1,600 |
||
| 14,337 | ||
| 2023 £ 1,600 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries | 2024 £ 28,808 28,808 |
2023 £ 10,951 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,951 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| Administration Community café manager and missional lead |
2024 No. 1 1 2 |
2023 No. 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. A cafe manager was also employed during the year, whose role includes missional lead and other management. There were no employee benefits paid to key management personnel in the current or previous years.
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, one or more Trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment with the Charity. Employment was short term and temporary, filling in between a change of permanent staff. The value of Trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Mrs Lucy Barr-Hamilton | Remuneration | 2,140 | - |
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.
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
12. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Additions Transfers between classes At 31 December 2024 Depreciation Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Freehold property £ - 111,307 1,024,429 1,135,736 5,122 5,122 1,130,614 - |
Plant and machinery Assets under construction £ £ - 333,961 41,775 690,468 - (1,024,429) 41,775 - 456 - 456 - 41,319 - - 333,961 |
Total £ 333,961 843,550 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,177,511 | |||
| 5,578 | |||
| 5,578 | |||
| 1,171,933 | |||
| 333,961 |
During the year the church annexe, under construction at 31 December 2023, was brought into use.
13. Debtors
| Prepayments and accrued income | 2024 £ 14,780 14,780 |
2023 £ 3,900 3,900 |
|---|---|---|
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 59,614 1,839 31,222 92,675 |
2023 £ 58,217 150 16,091 |
|---|---|---|
| 74,458 |
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 26,288 | - |
16. Statement of funds
| Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Fund 15,000 General funds General Fund 18,137 Restricted funds Annexe Fund 764,110 Warm Spaces 8,622 Solar PV System Fund - Christmas 2024 Project - The Table Fund - 772,732 |
Income £ Expenditure £ - - 87,344 (78,996) 363,468 (14,722) - (8,622) 38,943 (322) 2,982 (2,982) 16,091 (16,091) 421,484 (42,739) |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 15,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 26,485 | ||
| 1,112,856 - 38,621 - - |
||
| 1,151,477 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16. Statement of funds (continued)
| Total of funds Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Fund 15,000 - General funds General Fund 16,989 79,862 Total Unrestricted funds 31,989 79,862 Endowment funds Fatfield 31,911 533 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Income £ Restricted funds Annexe Fund 194,954 536,889 Warm Spaces 6,949 10,105 201,903 546,994 Total of funds 265,803 627,389 |
Total of funds Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Fund 15,000 - General funds General Fund 16,989 79,862 Total Unrestricted funds 31,989 79,862 Endowment funds Fatfield 31,911 533 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Income £ Restricted funds Annexe Fund 194,954 536,889 Warm Spaces 6,949 10,105 201,903 546,994 Total of funds 265,803 627,389 |
805,869 Expenditure £ - (78,714) (78,714) - Expenditure £ (1,270) (8,432) (9,702) (88,416) |
508,828 Transfers in/out £ - - - (33,537) Transfers in/out £ 33,537 - 33,537 - |
(121,735) Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - 1,093 Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - 1,093 |
1,192,962 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 15,000 |
|||||
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Fund General funds General Fund Total Unrestricted funds Endowment funds Fatfield Restricted funds Annexe Fund Warm Spaces Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 15,000 16,989 31,989 31,911 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 194,954 6,949 201,903 265,803 |
||||
| 18,137 | |||||
| 33,137 | |||||
| - | |||||
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 764,110 8,622 |
|||||
| 772,732 | |||||
| 805,869 |
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16. 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 was the Fatfield 7/1 Church Hall Trust Fund held in investment and deposit funds by the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance as Custodian Trustee. The account was closed during 2023 and monies transferred to the PCC for the annexe building project.
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.
Solar PV System Fund - grants received for the purchase and installation of a solar PV system.
Christmas 2024 Project - grants and donations received for church and community activities in December 2024.
The Table Fund - grant received from Sunderland City council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for revenue costs relating to the community cafe operating in the Annexe.
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets - Current assets 49,141 Creditors due within one year (7,656) Creditors due in more than one year - Total 41,485 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,171,933 90,851 (85,019) (26,288) 1,151,477 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,171,933 139,992 (92,675) (26,288) 1,192,962 |
|---|---|---|
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
17. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
| Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 £ £ Tangible fixed assets - 333,961 Current assets 39,295 507,071 Creditors due within one year (6,158) (68,300) Total 33,137 772,732 18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 £ Net income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) 387,093 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 5,578 (Gains) losses on investments - Dividends and interest received (5,645) Decrease (increase) in debtors (10,880) Increase (decrease) in creditors 44,505 Net cash provided by operating activities 420,651 19. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2024 £ Cash in hand 125,212 Total cash and cash equivalents 125,212 |
Total funds 2023 £ 333,961 546,366 (74,458) 805,869 2023 £ 540,066 - (1,093) (6,070) (2,605) 67,404 597,702 2023 £ 542,466 542,466 |
|---|---|
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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
20. Analysis of changes in net debt
| At 1 January 2024 £ Cash at bank and in hand 542,466 542,466 Capital commitments Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements Acquisition of tangible fixed assets |
Cash flows £ (417,254) (417,254) 2024 £ 25,464 |
At 31 December 2024 £ 125,212 |
|---|---|---|
| 125,212 | ||
| 2023 £ 679,105 |
21. Capital commitments
The capital commitments contracted but not provided for are for the church annexe, brought into use during the year, with some contract costs still due 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 £19,213.
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Annexe to the Report and Accounts of St George’s Church Fatfield
Index
Page number
-
31 AGENDA
-
32 Vicar’s Report
-
34 Schools’ Ministry
-
35 Youth Group
-
35 World Giving
-
36 Administrator’s Report
-
37 Electoral Roll
-
38 Pastoral Team Report & Prayers For The Sick
-
38 Mothers’ Union
-
39 Church Wardens’ Report 2024-2025
-
40 Building Group
-
41 Washington Community Food Project
-
41 Meet & Eat
-
42 Coffee, Cake & Company
-
43 Safeguarding Report
-
43 Cleaning Team
-
44 Toddlers’ Report
-
45 Children's Group Sunday 10 am Service
-
47 Minutes Of The APCM Meeting
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Parishioner Meeting & APCM
Sunday 18[TH] MAY 2025
AGENDA
Annual Meeting of Parishioners (formerly known as Vestry Meeting)
-
Opening prayer and worship
-
Minutes of the last meeting on Sunday 19[th] May 2024
-
Matters arising
-
Election of Wardens
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
-
Opening prayer
-
Apologies
-
Minutes of the last annual meeting on Sunday 19[th] May 2024
-
Matters arising
-
Presentation of the Electoral Roll
-
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.
- Elections
PCC (4 persons for 3 years)
-
Appointment of External Examiner
-
Chairman's report.
-
Any other business
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Vicar's report – Rev Nick Barr-Hamilton
2024 was another year of geopolitical upheaval, conflict and nationalism, culminating in the election of Donald Trump in the US. Russia continued to wage war against Ukraine, Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas all continue to be engaged in conflict in the Middle East, much of central and Western Africa has insurgencies and Sudan’s conflict is ongoing. Climate Change, politics and a shift in global power are all creating concerns.
The world is unstable, but as a Christian church we look to one who brings certainty. We also have to recognise that in the chaos, God is at work. We may not be able to see it, but what if the Lord is using this chaos to rebuke our squandering of our Christian heritage in the West? What if it is a rebuke to the ‘comfort’ we have taken for granted the past 60 years. It is certainly true that there is a renewed interest in the Christian faith, especially from young people who do not carry the baggage of the historic church
Church begun the year as a muddy building site after work began on the new annexe in September 2023. Thanks to additional funding, the whole project was brought to fruition and the bulk of the construction work was completed in June 2024, but due to a late order for the new power supply, we only were able to begin using it at the end of September and even by year end the cladding had still not been completed after many mistakes were made by the subcontractor. However, that was mainly cosmetic and in just 3 months it had already begun to transform our mission and ministry as well as make us more eco friendly. In November 2024 a substantial PV solar array and battery system was installed that should cut our energy costs and help our shift to net zero in 2025.
Church 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 and our new annexe has opened so many doors.
The long planned community café, named ‘The Table’ opened its doors in November and in just 8 weeks we saw nearly 2000 visitors, including nearly 400 at an Eco Day put on by Climate Action Sunderland. Through 2025 the community café should continue to draw in people of all ages and walks of life, but the positive comments about quality of space and food makes us confident that it was not only a good idea given the needs of this community, it has come from the Lord and is being blessed by Him.
For 2025 we must continue to walk by faith. I remain convinced that the reason the Lord has answered our prayers is that every step of the way we have stepped out in faith and taken risks for the Lord. He has shown himself faithful and always provided, even when at the times when serious cost overruns meant we did not know where all the money would come from. It has taken its toll on me personally as it has not been without some serious issues. Thankfully all but one are now resolved and everything is working well. Praise be to God for his goodness and sustaining power.
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Our schools work thrived, contacts with Harry Watts Academy in Harraton and Lambton School developed, our youth work flourished and our community outreach took off. We continued our 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 an incredible year, but not without sadness. We have hosted over 16 funerals and we have lost a number of longstanding members of our church family. Mary, Ken, Margaret and Maureen are all greatly missed by us all, but we know they are with the Lord in eternity.
In early 2025 it was announced that I (Nick) had been appointed as the new Rector of St Pancras Chichester. There are many reasons why it felt like the Lord’s time to move on, but the driving factor was without doubt Lucy’s need to be closer to her aging parents as her mum comes to the end of her life.
I want to finish by thanking God for all the volunteers, especially our church wardens Chris and Terry and treasurer Doug, the PCC, Eve Winstanley and Rob and Margaret Bianchi, who have worked so hard to enable so much to take place this year past. Thank you for your support, advice and service and I pray you are blessed as you continue. I know you will have a lot to do as Lucy and I move on later in the year.
Give thanks for:
-
The Lord Jesus Christ, who is at the centre of our ministries, mission and people.
-
Our volunteers and teams who do so much to serve others and sacrifice time, effort and money to support Christ’s church and his ministry here.
-
That the Community Annexe and new entrance that came into use in late 2024 as well as the funding for the PV solar system.
-
Finances and people’s generosity
-
Many answered prayers through the year, including the successful launch and growth of ‘The Table’, our new community café.
-
God’s sustaining strength through a very difficult year.
Pray for:
-
Our mission and evangelism through the year.
-
That ‘The Table’ would flourish under Nadine’s leadership and become an incredible missional tool. More volunteers. Development of its offer.
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A good PCC to work together to sustain and grow the church through the interregnum.
-
Unity and vision from God as Rob and Margaret help lead the church.
-
Ongoing church growth in number and in depth of faith.
-
Church finances to remain solid and further grants/funding to help complete the vision for the churchyard and grounds, including a community garden and moving the headstones to create a new level outdoor space for activities.
-
Nick, Lucy, Elisheba and Raph to thrive as they move on and healing after a difficult few years.
-
That all of us would continue to fix our eyes on Jesus and live for Him.
Schools’ Ministry
During 2024, 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 and Biddick Academy. We continued our work 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. We also took lessons for classes from Lambton Primary. The weekly lunch club at Biddick Academy focusing on ecology from a Christian ethos came to an end as the teachers involved moved on to other schools. Biddick Academy joined a MAT and changed everything in the summer which brought an end to the governing board.
Give thanks for:
-
All our work with young people and staff at the local schools we serve.
-
Ongoing Assemblies, Christmas Services and lessons.
-
Christian staff and pupils in our schools.
Pray for:
-
Further opportunities to share the gospel and deepen relationships with schools.
-
That relationships with Biddick Academy would not come to and end, rather develop and grow, especially with the community café and young people volunteering.
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The Christian faith to be seen as a good thing for young people and opportunities to share the gospel more widely with staff and students.
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Teachers, pupils and their families might come to salvation.
Youth Group
Lucy and Nick run the weekly youth group that has 11 members aged 11-18. We also join with other youth groups at diocesan events in the Cathedral and put on our own occasional activities. There are plans to launch a monthly youth club for the community in the new annexe.
Give thanks for:
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Regular group of young people who seem to enjoy looking at God’s word and sharing time together.
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The growth in faith in many of the young people
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Young people standing up for their faith in schools and at home.
Pray for:
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Continued growth in number and depth of faith and understanding
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Leaders to grow the new youth club in 2025
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New leaders to take on the youth group as Nick and Lucy move on.
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Those young people who struggle at school and in life, especially with anxiety and mental health
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:
1 year cycle
Leprosy Mission
CARE Christian Action Research and Education
UFM
Sunderland Connect Network
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ARCA Moldova
Release International
Samaritans Purse (Operation Christmas Child)
Each to received £332.80
3 year cycle
Nightingales
Book and Bread
IMC
Durham Lesotho
Rock of Ages
Gipsy Ministry
Each received £665.60
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
Parish Administrator’s Report
The ending of my report for the APCM 2023 was for hope that the new annex and café would come to fruition and for our church family and community to share the space and that is now a reality which is truly an answer to prayer.
I moved into the new church office in September 2024 it is so more welcoming and has windows I can see out of and open !
As part of my role we have spaces we can hire out in the annex and I get a lot of enquiry’s
from different groups and people wishing to know more about the spaces we have and it’s my job to ensure all the paperwork is filled out and correct, and invoices are sent out and payments received.
I am also a part of the pastoral team which is very important to me and being in the office gives me the opportunity when the occasion arises to listen and to help where I can.
The daily running of the office is very busy and can be challenging, and very rewarding at the same time.
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I am so thankful for the support I have in the office from Nick, Chris, Terry and Doug.
I am thankful and so grateful for the support from my church family.
I pray that now we have our wonderful community café and the annex that those who walk through our doors will come to know Jesus, and to give us that know Jesus, the courage to sow that seed and He will do the rest.
Lorraine Cook
Parish Administrator
Electoral Roll
The Application form for Enrolment on the Church Electoral Roll of the “Parish for St Georges Church Fatfield” has to be renewed every 6 years.
Therefore, we have carried out this process, inviting all persons who wish to have their names entered on the new Roll, whether their names are entered on the present Roll or not.
On completion of this process there are (106) people now on the 2025 Electoral Roll.
Pastoral Team Report & Prayers For The Sick
Our Pastoral Team: continue to meet on the 3[rd] Wednesday every other month, meeting 6 times a year. We use our meetings to feedback how our support is going and identify any further needs.
We also look to develop the team finding appropriate training. September 2024, a few of us attended “Spiritual care and well-being of older people, in particular with dementia”. October 2024, Kathy from Washington MIND came to our church to deliver a course “A Life Worth Living” suicide prevention, to most of the pastoral team and a few church family. This was challenging but everyone thought it was very worthwhile.
Making links with our contact to Age-UK.
We continue to provide Home Communion to those who are unable to get to church.
We also continue our strong relationship with St Georges Care Home, where Pat strives to provide a service once a month at the home. Welcoming the residents to our 10pm service, our Monday and Friday Cuppa, Cake & Company mornings and any special services we hold. During 2024 we organised day bus trips, using Lee’s of Durham coaches.
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Bereavement Support Group – during 2024 our BSG were able to continue meeting in church, even while the building work was being carried out. We find great support in our meetings and welcoming new people who come to join.
Prayers for the Sick: Our group continues to 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 and we continue to receive the prayers for those in need.
The Memorial Service of Thanksgiving: was held on the 16[th] June 2024, this was later than normal, due to the building work being carried out. During the service the names of loved ones are read out and many people said they felt it was such a moving and meaningful service.
St Luke’s Day service of Healing: was held on the 20[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.
We thank God for his calling and the love that He has for us all, we ask that He will continue to bless our team in their ministry.
Mothers’ Union
Fatfield Branch of Mother’s Union has had a challenging year.
After losing dear Mary Gorog a faithful member for many years, our membership went down to 5.
We also lost 2 past members Margaret Reed & Peggy Pestell who resided in St George’s Care Home.
Owing to ill health, transport difficulties and caring duties we as a committee feel that the time is right to temporary suspend our meetings.
We thank Audrey for opening up her home for meetings last year.
We give thanks for everyone who has been part of Mothers Union here at St George’s, past and present all the fun and friendships we have experienced. We pray that someone will come along and feel able to start us up again in the future.
Brenda, Audrey, Margaret, Elspeth and Edith
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Church Wardens’ Report 2024-2025
As always, we give a huge thanks to give to the wonderful congregation at St. George’s. We are truly blessed the willingness of our Church family. He graveyard looks lovely, thanks to the volunteers who faithfully tend it. Ditto the inside of the building, it too is looked after by a dedicated group of volunteers. We are also grateful for the good will and support of all who worship here, at the three weekly services.
Sunday 10am service – it continues to bring the largest congregation, being a mixture of adults and children. This past year we have welcomed some newcomers, and as always, we optimistically hope this next year will bring more newcomers with whom we may share the word of God.
Sunday 4pm. Sadly we have lost some well loved members of the congregation, but a steady faithful group are still sharing worship regularly. For this service and the 10am service our worship is enhanced by musicians plus a small but enthusiastic choir. We praise God for their dedication.
Wednesday 9.30. Several regular members of this group are now missing; some have died whilst others have health problems. However, a faithful group remains, and enjoys sharing fellowship following the service.
Speaking of sharing fellowship – we rejoice that the annex is completed and is no longer referred to as The Annex. It is now The Table, and thus far it is bringing local people into the building. Our aim has always been to serve the community, and we pray that we shall continue to do so. It is early days of course, but we serve an amazing God, and are optimistic this will be a remarkable outreach.
Some weeks ago we were both saddened to hear that Nick is leaving us – as is the entire congregation. Naturally we had hoped he would remain with us for years to come. However, we must continue with God’s work, and focus upon sharing the word of God and reaching out to the community.
So – we have serious issues to lift up in prayer.
We need to give ongoing prayer support to Nick, Lucy, Elisheba and Raph, asking God to assist and guide them as they settle into a new home and a new parish. Of course it will not be easy after being here for such a long time, but we ask that by God’s grace they will be made welcome and settle there quickly.
Pray for the congregation at St. George’s, that we remain close and supportive of one another. We do have a wonderful fellowship, but we mustn’t become complacent.
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Pray for the PCC, that they will have unity and wisdom.
Pray for The Table, that it will prosper spiritually and financially. Prayer support is also needed for Nadine and the volunteers, without whom it cannot continue.
As always, we are thankful for the love and support of our Christian family, and also to Eileen and Rob for their dedicated and very welcome assistance.
God bless all of you – Terry and Chris.
St George’s Building Group
2024 was a difficult time for the Group. Most of the year the Annexe building was being progressed and work on our existing building was done on an ad hoc basis.
During the year there were modifications done to lighting and heating, sanitary appliances were upgraded or repaired, the broken wooden backs to the chairs were removed and refitted with stronger adhesive.
By far the biggest task was undertaken by Peter Watson and Roger Thornhill when they took the units which had previously been in our Servery and they transformed them into one very smart and accessible storage unit situated in the meeting room on the first floor. It is a work of art and is worth taking a look at when you have the opportunity.
Once more we are indebted to Peter, Roger, Nigel Heppell, Brian Pritchard and Norman Fatherley for the tremendous work they do in the graveyard and surrounding areas. This part of our church is kept in pristine condition and is a credit to those who maintain it.
We now have a new Annexe with all its added problems so it is important that we keep up the good work as we have done in the past.
We give thanks for:
The volunteers and their skills who have completed many tasks throughout the year
We pray for:
The health of the group members who are all over 70
More volunteers to join us, particularly younger ones, as our building is now about twice its size and therefore has a greater workload maintaining it.
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Washington Community Food Project
Working with St George’s Church
2024 was another busy year for the Washington Community Food Project as a relentless battering of affordability issues- housing, fuel, food and inflation- continued to hit people’s pockets hard.
Yet, amid these hardships, we have witnessed the extraordinary generosity of our community. The overwhelming support we receive from local people is what keeps our doors open. St George’s Church has always been a staunch supporter of the project and your contributions make a real difference.
We simply couldn’t do what we do without you. YOU provide the funds and food for us to distribute. Our clients do not eat without YOUR help. Struggling households don’t have to choose between heating & eating thanks to YOUR gifts and vulnerable people have a lifeline to reach out to in their darkest times because of YOUR kindness.
Your donations in 2024 enabled us to provide almost 1900 food parcels to over 4000 people in need, offer free lunches to all school children during each and every holiday and to sponsor healthy snacks within two local primary schools.
As we move ahead in 2025, the need for food banks is projected to remain high, potentially increasing due to factors like the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing social and economic challenges. Reviews to Universal Credit and disability payments, such as PIP, is pushing more families towards food poverty. But with the continued support of our friends at St George’s Church, the WCFP will rise to meet the challenge and provide help and hope for all those who need it.
Nicola Jobson- Interim Chair
Meet and Eat
Meet and Eat only ran for a few months at the start of 2024 , as once the servery was removed for the building work , we no longer had a kitchen. We restarted with the Christmas meal in the annexe, which was very well attended.
We are thankful we still have enough volunteers and that the new kitchen has made food preparation and cooking easier.
We pray the lunch club will continue to grow and that everyone, especially newcomers, will enjoy the company and fellowship of others.
Keira Batchelor
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Cuppa, cake and company (CCC)
The ‘coffee’ mornings have been running for nearly 4 years (starting in April 2021) and continue to flourish. We attract around 30 to 50 people new and old. The new annex opened at the end of 2024 which means more people are aware of CCC. Together with our link to St. George’s nursing home we have regular visits from the carers and residents plus some of the staff and pupils at Harry Watts Academy in Harraton.
Pastries, cakes and scones are either homemade or donated from surplus stock from businesses. Monetary donations help towards the purchase of tea, coffee etc and the running costs, with the main focus on fellowship and community.
2024 was a year of many structural changes and challenges for the CCC teams. The porch was knocked down and the storage units moved into church, the servery (proposed new entrance) was removed later in the year which meant we had to ‘set up camp’ in church (no washing up facilities or water supply on tap). Visitors were offered take away style cups or they could bring their own ‘mug’. But CCC appeared to continue ‘as normal’ as our volunteers rose to the challenge, ferrying water etc. At the end of the year, we ‘moved’ into the Community room (still setting up from the coffee point and moving tables from the storage room) as this room is hired out for various events during the week. However, we now have use of the dishwasher and are helped by the café volunteers when they aren’t busy.
The new annexe including The Table café (which ‘opened’ early Dec 2024) will also aid our outreach and ministry in the community and beyond.
We give thanks for:
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The volunteers who give their time using their gifts on a Monday and Friday
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The people from the community who come to CCC
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The new café, opening more opportunities for fellowship and pastoral work within the parish
We pray for:
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Continued faith and strength for ALL volunteers, that they know how much they are appreciated
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More volunteers to help spread the work load and provide cover for holiday periods
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The new Table café venture, its volunteers and Nadine our café manager starting 2025.
Gail Watson and the CCC Teams
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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:
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No issues regarding Safeguarding
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St George’s being a safe place for those that seek peace.
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The continued support of Leslie Stevens as deputy designated safeguarding officer.
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PCC members and other volunteers who have undertaken safeguarding training and accreditation.
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Access to the Safeguarding hub provided by the Diocese.
We pray for:
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The Diocesan Safeguarding team – who continue to support us.
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Continues vigilance by the St George’s community in being aware of safeguarding issues.
Doug Green
Cleaning Team
The cleaning team meets after coffee morning on Fridays at approximately 11.30am and consists of Avril, Betty, Sharon and Len.
We concentrate on getting the Sunday worshipping area (nave) of the church clean and tidy for the services and this involves cleaning the disabled toilet ab, the chairs, all the brasswork and the chairs and vacuuming the carpet.
We also clean the new lobby area leading to the Admin office and the area which previously held the servery. We keep the upstairs toilets and staircase clean as the first-floor kitchen is used on a regular basis.
If anyone feels that they have time and would like to assist us in our chores, it would be greatly appreciated.
We give thanks for:
We are thankful to God that we are able and willing to serve Him
We pray for:
We pray that more people come forward to help us in our labours.
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Toddlers
After some consideration the decision to continue to use the main church building for Toddlers on a Tuesday was taken rather than move into the café building and frightening the customers – only joking! The team set up on a Monday afternoon ready for Tuesday morning with the toys safely stored in the corner.
We continue to be a team of four (and two trusty gentlemen) but whenever we need extra hands the parents/grandparents, including Ruth and Charlie Forster are always ready to help.
The group continues to be very well supported, we currently have 25 children on our register and a waiting list. Both adults and children appreciate the time they spend with us at Toddlers and it has been lovely to see many of them coming into the café during the week, as well as the parents/grandparents of children who have now gone to school/nursery.
We offer the children time to play and learn alongside each other, share a story and craft as well as juice and a biscuit. The children really enjoy both our Christmas party and end of year party. When the children finally leave us, each child receives a Bible which we hope will draw them back to Church one day and we can help them grow in faith.
We also try to make time for the adults who bring children/grandchildren. We talk to them and are ready to answer questions about our faith and the church. Sometimes they just need a listening ear about something at home that is worrying them – we have established good and trusting relationships with them.
We give thanks for:
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Our volunteers who give up their time so readily to serve the community.
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The opportunities this ministry gives us to bring both adults and children to faith.
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The blessings we receive in serving God in this way.
We pray for:
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Each person who comes through the church doors each Tuesday morning
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The volunteers, that their commitment and strength to serve in this way is maintained and indeed that others offer to join us.
God Bless St George’s Church Family who serves this community so well.
Lynn Green
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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. Lucy uses the main body of the church café for the older group (key Stage 2) and I use the small meeting room with the younger children. (Nursery and Key Stage 1)
The younger group use ‘CLICK’ – a bible centred teaching material that gives the children the opportunity to discuss Bible stories and themes relating them to their own lives and experiences. We always plan a craft alongside this and something the children can take home to remind them of their teaching time - this can be used to discuss with parents/carers.
The older group read the Bible together and explore and discuss each reading, asking challenging questions and offering their own thoughts and ideas, as they continue to grow in faith and their knowledge and understanding of Jesus and what he can do for them. They all participate in retelling the story in a very practical way using the medium of construction and drawing.
Last Christmas the two groups joined together to share a retelling of the birth of Jesus with the church family. Those children who attend youth group took responsibility for the readings and music.
As Nick and the family will be leaving us this summer to take on new challenges and move south, the implications for our Sunday School will be great and we need the prayers and support of all to help us continue this crucial and important ministry – these children are the future of our church family.
The children and I will really miss Lucy, and we thank her for all her hard work, her faith and friendship. I am sure that the young people in the new parish they go to will benefit from her commitment, trust and belief in Jesus
We have had four members of the church family who are considering helping on a Sunday, please pray for them, that they will feel God’s calling and he will speak into their hearts.
The children of our church are a blessing and working with them is a deeply rewarding experience both spiritually and personally.
We give thanks for:
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The children who regularly attend St George’s church
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The many blessings children’s ministry brings.
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The parents/grandparents and other adults who bring children to church where they can meet with Jesus.
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Lucy and Nick and everything they have done for the young people in our community, particularly within our own church family.
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We pray for:
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The volunteers who are considering being part of children’s ministry
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The children who come to St George’s – that they will carry the message of Jesus into all aspects of their lives.
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Lucy, Nick, Elishiba and Raph and their new life in Chichester.
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More young families to come to St George’s Church so that our group can grow and with it our hopes for the future of our church family.
Lynn Green
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Minutes of the Annual Report to Parishioners Meeting held on Sunday 19[th] May 2024
after the 10am service
ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, FATFIELD
ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS (formerly known as the Vestry Meeting)
1. Opening Prayer & Worship
NBH opened by welcoming all attending the meeting commenting that he felt any business in the Vestry meeting would also be covered in the APCM itself & had no separate report. He offered prayer, asking God to bring us under His sovereignty, joined in prayer by some attendees.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Commenting that he hoped all there had received their minutes from the previous meeting & that he again did not intend to go through the whole report, only taking parishioners through any essential business, NBH asked if there were any queries about the minutes from last year. There was nothing raised, & the 2023 minutes having been published previously for all to read were accepted as correct, this being proposed by Chris Hope (CH) & seconded by Ruth Forster (RF), with 32 votes for & 2 Abstentions.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising not to be addressed in the following meeting.
4. Election of Wardens
NBH offered further thanks to CH, especially for her friendly advice, commenting that he knew how hard she was working & thanked those supporting her. He believes it is wonderful that people had also stepped forward to serve with her. CH confirmed that she was willing to stand for a further year, & Terry Wyatt (TW) had indicated he was happy to step forward & become our other Warden, proposed by CH, seconded by DG & carried unanimously. Several members prayed for both CH & TW, asking for His blessings on them both, & asking for His protection & wisdom as the Bishop’s representatives.
The Vestry Meeting was closed.
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ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
1. Opening Prayer
NBH opened this meeting by reading from the Gospel & in prayer, asking that we would be guided through the business by the Lord.
2. Apologies
Apologies had been received from:- Sheila Beale, Margaret Birrell, Jo-Anne Cohrs, Jean Greener, Lucille Hutchinson, Jo Lawson, Tom Lawson, Heather Livingstone, Audrey Rayner, Louise Singleton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maurice Taylor, John Thomas, Trish Thomas, Lynn Wyatt, Denise Young.
Attendees at meeting were:- Betty Adams (BA), Len Adams (LA), Elspeth Baird (EB), Lucy Barr-Hamilton (LBH), Nick Barr-Hamilton (NBH), Clive Bowman (CB), Maureen Bowman (MB), Pat Davis (PD), Harry Ellis (HE), Norman Fatherley (NF), Sheila Fatherley (SF), Eileen Fletcher (EF), David Ford (DF), Ruth Forster (RF), Doug Green (DG), Lynn Green (LG), Maurice Hepworth (MH), Christine Hope (CH), Jenny Hughes (JH), Heather Livingstone (HL), David Owen (DO), Norma Owen (NO), Andrea Pritchard (AP), Laura Rear (LR), Jeff Robertshaw (JR), Anna Snell (AS), Leslie Stevens (LS), Ellen Tizzard (ET), Gail Watson (GW), Peter Watson (PW), Betty Weddell (BW), Tom Weddell (TW), Avril Winship (AW), & Eve Winstanley (EW).
3. Minutes of the Last Annual Meeting on 9[th] May 2023
The minutes of the 2023 meeting had been published and were accepted as correct being proposed by GW, seconded by EF with 13 votes for & 20 abstentions.
4. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Presentation of the Electoral Roll
EW, our Electoral Roll Officer, remarked on details given to her by Lorraine Cook, our Administrator, also advising that a copy of the Roll is available in the Office for anybody who wished to view it. We now have 117 names on the Electoral Roll, having lost 4 because of deaths, with 1 new name added & no-one removed. There were no questions for EW.
6. Presentation of Reports (as circulated previously)
NBH reminded the meeting that as these had been circulated previously for members to read, he did not intend to talk to each one as he hoped that everyone had had the opportunity to read through these but would ask if people wanted to comment further on their reports. He remarked that it personally was a wonderful privilege to serve Christ in church. Thanking all for the time & effort they have given to help the community he
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commented that it was a blessing to be vicar at St Georges, to give worshipful service. He commented on the relationships built with the local schools, especially through the weekly contact at the Coffee, Cake & Chat coffee morning with Harry Watt Academy. He gave blessings that the Lord had kept us safe.
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Wardens ’Report: NBH asked CH if she wished to add anything to her report previously published, & she thanked all for their support over the past year. There were no questions of CH.
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Safeguarding: NBH confirmed that there had been no incidents to report on, & gave thanks that the Lord has continued to keep us all safe. He thanked both DG & LS for their work as our Safeguarding Officer & his deputy.
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Deanery Synod: NBH advised that little of any note had happened on Deanery Synod & it continued to seem that since Covid not a great deal had happened within the Deanery.
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Treasurer’s Report: DG apologised for the size of his report in the Report Booklet but things have changed slightly due the accounts being dealt with by a firm of Accountants (of which more would be said later). He advised that this firm are very used to dealing with churches but their reporting period runs over a different time to what we have previously being used to. He was sure our church community would have read everything in detail! He commented about the grants we have continued to receive & have been able to use for various events in the annexe. He told the meeting that he praised & thanked the Lord that we continue to remain in credit, explaining various figures to the congregation, & what they meant. In closing DG commented that it was again wonderful that we were able to pay our Parish Share again this year but pointed out how challenging it will be this coming year to achieve this. Thanking DG for all his work & advising of his own thanks that generous giving had kept the lights on & church going NBH asked for continued prayer for the year to come. We have a generous God that we serve & we should honour Him. NBH asked for a proposal that the 2023 Church Accounts were accepted which was made by LA, seconded by AP & carried unanimously.
7. Elections
PCC – (4 persons for 3 years)
NBH thanked those who have stood as PCC members for the last year & any standing down this year. NBH reminded people that proposals could be accepted from the floor, although no-one did volunteer, & the nominations of Clive Bowman, proposed by GW, seconded by LBH, Ruth Forster, proposed by TW & seconded by EF, & Eileen Fletcher, proposed by LG, seconded by TW , & all proposals were 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, asking for His wisdom & grace for them all in their discussions, giving them insight & humility.
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8. Appointment of External Examiner
NBH officially thanked our external auditors, KL Accountants, suggesting that we reappointed them for the coming year which was carried.
9. Chairman’s Report
NBH remarked that he hoped people had all had the opportunity to read his comments in the Report booklet & did not have much to add but mentioned that it had been wonderful to welcome our new café manager LR, & that there had been a huge response to requests for volunteers. The café will go ‘live’ on 3[rd] June with a plan to start gently & with Gods grace many would enjoy the hospitality offered.
10. Any Other Business
The only further business NBH was aware of was that we formally need to confirm a change to our standing orders regarding church representation and revert to the standard rules of the Church of
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