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2024-12-31-accounts

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

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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:

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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:

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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:

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

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

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report. Signed: Dated: 9 May 2025

Detlev Anderson

FCA

Kinnair Associates Limited

Chartered Accountants Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1NB

Page 9

Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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.

Page 10

Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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Docusign Envelope ID: 9B95BF07-BD3C-4106-916E-5B2BD36ED587

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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ST GEORGE'S CHURCH FATFIELD

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

Page 30

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Parishioner Meeting & APCM

Sunday 18[TH] MAY 2025

AGENDA

Annual Meeting of Parishioners (formerly known as Vestry Meeting)

  1. Opening prayer and worship

  2. Minutes of the last meeting on Sunday 19[th] May 2024

  3. Matters arising

  4. Election of Wardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Opening prayer

  2. Apologies

  3. Minutes of the last annual meeting on Sunday 19[th] May 2024

  4. Matters arising

  5. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

  6. Presentation of Reports (circulated previously)

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

Safeguarding

Deanery Synod report

Treasurer's report, including acceptance of accounts.

  1. Elections

PCC (4 persons for 3 years)

  1. Appointment of External Examiner

  2. Chairman's report.

  3. Any other business

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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:

Pray for:

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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:

Pray for:

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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:

Pray for:

World Giving

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

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:

We pray for:

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:

We pray for:

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:

We pray for:

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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We pray for:

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.

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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