BLURTON+ DRESDEN Annual Report 2023 ## **VICAR’S REPORT** For me, the highlights of 2023 have been: - finalising our God-given vision and values for the next season of our life as a church - the gradual increase in numbers of people coming to Sunday worship - the strides forward in our welcome to newcomers and visitors - a fireside sunrise service to greet the dawn on Easter Sunday - the many moments of joy and laughter in each other’s company as a church family - a successful grant application to the lottery’s Community Fund to staff St Alban’s/The Hive for five years and enable all the positive community engagement that happens there - the recommendation from the national church that Christian B be trained for ordained ministry - a fabulous week at The Hive with 16 young people creating a mural for the community garden - a new venture with 3 other local churches to offer a Christmas event for all ages in Longton Park Funerals 32 (27 at St Bart’s, 5 just at the crematorium, 22 taken by Angela) Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child 1 Baptisms 7 Weddings 7 Wedding Blessings 1 Rev’d Angela ## **PASTORAL CARE TEAM** Home Communions continue to be taken to the sick and housebound and we continue to go to Bradwell Nursing Home. The ministry at Willow Barnes continues to flourish with our monthly Communion Service with hymns, readings, intercessions and a talk. Approximately 6 people attend although the numbers do fluctuate. My thanks go to Brian and Julia for their tremendous help. The bereavement team have been busy contacting the bereaved. Over the year there have been 31 funerals which is slightly down on last year and most of them have been contacted by telephone. Getting in touch with the bereaved is as important as visiting them as it shows that the church cares. Everything is treated with the utmost confidentiality. At the moment there are 3 of us on the bereavement team. In the past we have had 2 Annual Memorial Services at 4pm and 6pm where the latter was not well attended. The PCC decided to hold just one service, and it was held at 5-00pm on Sun 5th November and this was very well attended. Baptism anniversary cards continue to go out, there were not so many last year as there were fewer Baptisms in 2022 which may be due to Covid. As this will be my final report on Pastoral Care, as Ali will be taking the lead on this important work, I hope you will support her as you have me over the years. Finally I would like to thank all those past and present who have helped and supported me. I am not giving up entirely as I will continue to do what I can for the Lord and the church. Please hold Ali and the pastoral team in your prayers. Peter Walker, Pastoral Team Leader **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com ## **CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE** ## _**Blurton & Dresden Kids**_ During the last 12 months our numbers have diminished slightly. However we have a strong team of leaders offering teaching and activities. As we are not currently following a particular scheme we are tending to follow either the readings or Gospel for that particular week. We have bags with books/jigsaws for the smaller children who may attend church. Our BDK children are upper keystage primary school / high school age. Hopefully our children's group will grow in this coming year if we have new families attending our services. Julie Wood ## _**Blurton & Dresden Youth**_ Whilst we have not run a regular youth group this year, we engaged with 16 local young people aged 8-15 when we ran a half-term Mural Project through The Hive, which was a great success. Rev’d Angela ## **SCHOOLS** Angela has continued to lead worship weekly at Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy, in addition to advising on their RE curriculum, and helping them with a re-visioning process earlier in the year. The school has experienced change over the last couple of years, with the headteacher moving on in the summer of 2022. The two vice-principals were appointed co-principals, but then one of the two was recruited to be principal at another school in the multi-academy trust, meaning that since Easter 2023 there has once again been a single principal. Towards the end of the Summer term the parish were represented at Belgrave’s summer fayre with a stall manned by several church members. In the final week of the summer term 2023, Ofsted arrived to do an ungraded (interim) inspection, which was stressful for the staff team, but from which the school on the Sussex Place site emerged very positively. A full Ofsted inspection will be due within two years. We welcomed all Belgrave pupils in years 5 and 6 for Experience Lent at St Bart’s, and two classes from The Meadows Primary Academy. In May Belgrave’s reception children came to explore the church building, and year 4 came for mock weddings. Then in October Belgrave’s year 1 and 2 classes came for Experience Harvest. We have also had some contact with Kemball school and OSSMA. Rev’d Angela ## **FOODBANK** In May/June and Oct/Nov we were quieter because those on certain benefits received the £301 cost of living payments. This year instead of listing the above figures I have broken the count into the picking lists. _2023 Picking lists:_ Single (one person) 158 Family (parent/s and up to 3 children) 128 Couple (2 people or adult & child) 85 Large family (parent/s and 4+ children) 34 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com In November 2023 the foodbank brought out a 24 hour Emergency Picking list for those who come to any Centre without an E-voucher number, giving them time to get a voucher and go to a Centre the next day. We have given 3 of these out to date. In September we changed our opening day and time from Thursday 2.30pm - 4.30pm to Tuesday mornings 10.30am – 12.30pm. Working alongside the Council run Community Lounge and Salt Box Money Matters. The slight decrease in vouchers is probably due to the change of day and opening time. During the year the Foodbank office decided to revert back to the issuing of voucher the way it had done before the pandemic. Anyone requiring a food voucher has to apply to any of the numerous agencies not through the foodbank office. The Hive is only one of 15 distribution Centres across this city. If you multiply The Hive figures by the number of Centres you can see the need in this city. People are struggling and the foodbank needs all our support. City schools have donated food to the Foodbank over the years. They asked Foodbank what happens to food once it’s left the school. Caroline who works at Food bank arranged for a group of the children from each school expressing interest to visit the Foodbank Warehouse/Office and a distribution centre. At the warehouse they see the donations arriving, they help to sort/date and crate items. How deliveries for distribution centres are sorted. As we are the nearest distribution centre they then walk up to the Hive and we explain how we meet and greet guests, the voucher system and how we pick and pack the food. So the children leave with the knowledge of what happens to the item of food they take to their school. We have had three visits during the year and more are expected this year. During 2023 people could redeem up to 5 vouchers per crisis in six months and because of the demand for food the amount given out is far more than the amount of food donated. Because of this in 2024 the foodbank office have regrettably decided to revert back to before pandemic and cost of living increase issuing only 3 vouchers per crisis in six months. This will be reviewed as time goes on or a change in government policy. I would like to thank all the volunteers at The Hive Foodbank for their support and dedication to this worthy cause: Joan, Peter, Helen, Georgina, Jo, Janet, Jean, Ann, Lesley & Sasha. Sheila Plant, Lead Volunteer ## **HOUSE GROUP** The home group has continued to meet regularly on a Wednesday evening. We are a growing and enthusiastic group and we have enjoyed being together and growing in our relationships. Over the year we have explored a number of different courses including 2 on Prayer and Hearing from God. We also took a deeper dive into the book of Romans with the help of course material produced by the Bible Society. Many of our number had never experienced the Alpha Course before and so Ali joined us over the summer and autumn to help us explore it. The course runs over 13 sessions, although it took us much longer one way or another, it poses and tries to answer common question asked by people who are exploring faith for the first time, questions like: Does God exist? Why did Jesus die? Who is the Holy Spirit? What about the Church? Does God heal today? We found the course both challenged and stimulated us. It asked us to think more deeply about what we believe and also why we believe it. It’s probably fair to say that it also raised lots of questions for us and stirred up one or two heated discussions. Over the year we sadly said goodbye to Christian who has been a valued member and leader of the group since it started 8 years ago. We miss him being among us, but to those of us who have shared these years with him, he will always feel part of the group and we proudly watch to see how his ministry develops. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com We are a welcoming group who love being together, laughing a lot, eating cake and what’s the other thing? Oh yes, growing in our understanding of the Bible. So, if you are free on a Wednesday night and you fancy any of these things do come and gives a go. ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)** The PCC have undertaken significant pieces of work through the year, including: - Finalising the plans for, and supervising installation of, a new AV system in St Bart’s - Leading on the completion of the process of discerning a new vision together as a parish - Renewing the parish branding in line with the new vision - Revised our parish baptism policy - Introduced a monthly Prayer & Praise at St Alban’s - Decided to become a Living Wage Employer - Planning, implementing and reviewing Easter and Christmas worship & events - Organising two fundraising fayres - Carefully monitoring parish finances, and organising two weekends of prayer, fasting & giving during the year - Decided to take both buildings into the Parish Buying scheme for gas and electricity - Begun the process of drafting a Mission Action Plan, flowing from the vision ## **DEANERY SYNOD** Only one of the three Deanery Synod meetings were attended this year, in December, by Julia Rushton, Brian Rushton & Dave Stockley (non-elected observers). The Synod enjoyed presentations related to Lichfield Diocese’ Strengthening Communities project, on Dementia-Friendly Churches & Schools, Enabling All and Places of Welcome. The PCC will consider how some of these initiatives might complement our emerging Mission Action Plan. ## **PRAYER & WORSHIP** Early in the year, our voluntary organist stepped back from playing for us, so we have used predominantly recorded music since then, with some live music from church members. Also early in the year, the PCC decided to place a stronger emphasis on praying together, and decided to offer a second regular opportunity to gather for prayer, by starting a Prayer & Praise monthly on Sunday evenings. Attendance has been low, but the prayer it has enabled has been encouraging nevertheless. The weekly prayer meeting on Saturday mornings continues with a faithful few. Our main Sunday worship, combined from the morning services at St Alban’s and St Bart’s from the summer of 2022, has continued to grow gradually in numbers attending, which seems to vindicate the decision to come together for worship for a season. Church members have (on the whole) responded well to the combination of styles of liturgy and music which bringing the two congregations together has necessitated, as well as the monthly all-age service. A Celtic-style liturgy has become part of our worship repertoire, along with occasional Services of the Word, and a wider range of the Church of England’s Common Worship liturgy. During Lent we focused on different ways of understanding Jesus’ death on the cross, and on Easter Sunday we held the parish’s first sunrise service, around a fire outside St Bart’s, followed by the **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com Easter communion outside St Alban’s. After Easter, we focused on the lectionary Acts readings in our preaching, and in the Autumn there was a sermon series unpacking our new parish vision and values. For Advent, we explored the history and theology of three popular carols to help us prepare to sing them at Christmas. A change in the baptism policy has meant that we now baptise children during the main Sunday service, replacing the communion section with the baptism. This allows us to welcome the whole family into the church, rather than doing baptisms at another time of day when the church family are absent. The first one of these services took place in September, and was well received by guests and regulars. Rev’d Angela ## **FABRIC** St Alban’s (The Hive) building continues to be managed on a day-to-day basis by Clare, with support from the Wardens where necessary. 2023 has been a very busy year at St Bart’s, having to tackle the jobs that needed doing around the building. February: - Boiler Serviced March - Quote for survey on radiators - New Audio-Visual system installed May - Radiators drained and flushed - Expansion vessel fitted - New controller for heating installed - Drains behind St Bart’s unblocked July - Painted inside St Bart’s (north aisle) August - New lights fitted in north aisle - Timer switch replaced for lychgate light September - Organ Tuned - Wasps removed from bell tower November - Camera checked condition of drains - Toilet fixed in meeting room - Toilet cubicle inner doors removed ## December - Drone checked condition of the roof Thank you to all the many volunteers who have helped throughout the year looking after our wonderful buildings and the garden at St Bart’s. Joan, Peter, Brian & Veronica, Churchwardens **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com ## **SAFEGUARDING** I can confirm that for 2023 we had no incidences or reports of safeguarding issues, which we are very thankful for. We had one query in the summer, but as this was with regard to something that was outside of one of our church buildings, and after seeking further advice, it was deemed not to be a safeguarding issue for us. We continued to be able to hold more events and activities, both inside and outside of both our church buildings. This enabled us to engage with our local community, and those further afield. At all events we paid regard to our church safeguarding policy. Our church services and events such as, experience Easter/harvest, spring/Christmas fayre, lent and harvest supper. Memorial and carol services were, with the help of our ministry team, wardens, activity coordinator, and volunteers, a great success. Where I believe our community has felt safe, welcomed and respected. All parties have therefore been able to enjoy the hospitality that we have been able to offer as a parish. We welcomed two new members onto our PCC this year. As all members must complete a basic and foundation course in safeguarding, I can at this time confirm that one new member has completed their certificate. Our second member will have completed theirs in the near future. All other members have a valid certificate. With regard to all other safeguarding policies and procedures, I believe that we are currently up to date, and working within the guidelines as set out by the Diocese of Lichfield. Su Wilshaw, Safeguarding Officer **----- Start of picture text -----**
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www.blurtonparish.com Annual Report 2023 BLURTON+ DRESDEN ## **CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT** It feels like 2023 has been a transitional year for The Hive. We started the year with a cafe partnership with Grocott Centre, and several user groups that did not end 2023 with us. But we started the year with a part-time Cleaner and part-time Activities Coordinator, and ended it with a part-time Cleaner and Full Time Manager, thanks to a successful lottery bid (huge thanks to Peter Teggin for all his hard work). Having re-named as The Hive in 2022, the Committee worked on a fresh Mission Statement in 2023, as it had not been given any attention since plans for the redevelopment in 2009, and the result is below. This helps us to be clear about what we stand for, and where we are heading. Having Clare full time has made a huge difference, and we have been able to move forward with the redesign of the cafe space, as well as exploring some (not yet successful, but watch this space) possibilities for reducing use of our limited car park space by people not using The Hive. Clare has been able to solve all sorts of building problems and set a great foundation of relationships with Vast and countless local agencies. It has been great to welcome new committee members this year, including ward councillor Lorraine Beardmore and the Burton family. Considering the financial climate, and the replacement of a boiler in 2023, the end of year figures are encouraging. However, this was largely to do with the percentage sharing of the gas and electricity bills between us, Little Learners and Grocott Centre, a measure introduced to share the risk between major renters while the energy market was volatile, but perhaps less appropriate when it is more stable. The perpetual balancing act that we work within is ensuring that our costs are covered - difficult in a world of constantly increasing costs - whilst providing a welcoming, inclusive, safe and collaborative place for our community. We are hopeful that we can continue to do so into the future. Angela **Mission Statement The Hive will be:** _**WELCOMING**_ – to anyone & everyone, comfortable, relaxed, homely, affordable, community-focussed _**INCLUSIVE**_ – of anyone & everyone, where acceptance is found, with all sorts of opportunities to get involved in activities, volunteering or join the committee _**SAFE**_ – a haven to return to, a place to seek sanctuary, where caring people are found _**COLLABORATIVE**_ – evolving & changing as our people do, working with other local groups & organisations **9** www.blurtonparish.com ## **THE HIVE MANAGER’S REPORT** I have now been in post officially as Hive Manager from November 2023 and will combine this year as the Activities Coordinator and Manager role as that has been my remit for most of 2023. During 2023 the Committee worked up a new Mission Statement, which was followed by re-naming from St Alban’s Centre to The Hive, in the hope of reducing local perception of our building as “just a church”, and re-branding with a new logo and colour scheme (see right). ## _**Hall bookings**_ The decision was made to stop late hires, due to the trouble we have had with past bookings. Although this has impacted on the amount of hires we have received, it certainly has been plainer sailing with the respect shown for the Hive, people sticking to hire times, and the amount of children’s parties we host is now steadily growing. We have retained the buddhist temple and they as ever have been perfect hirers. We still get regular booking requests for later hires and this can be reviewed when a Community Worker (funded by the Lottery) is appointed. We are maintaining good rates of bookings considering that we have 4 venues within a 3 mile area that offer free room hire with bar facilities. Part of the cafe moving forward will be the interest in a catering offering and hall hire. I'm hoping to encourage the use of the hall for baptism parties and funeral wakes. I feel this is an area that can be expanded on with the christenings and funerals currently taking place at St Bart’s and are all going elsewhere for refreshments. The set up and clean downs will also be easier with the appointment of the Community Worker. ## _**Renters**_ Unfortunately we lost Wayne Walker this year due to the economic downturn, but relations are still good with them and we are hopeful they will return in future. Soccer Lions are struggling for the same reasons but after a negotiation in the rent over the quite Christmas period they are now giving it until Easter to see if numbers go up. We will continue to support them in advertising and word of mouth. Monday Club are struggling to gain members despite the hard work of Karen and Christine, but have made a plan for the future which we all hope will be fruitful. I am helping to reimagine it as an activities club and encourage new membership with facebook adverts and signposting with local primary care directives to increase numbers. Little Learners Pre-School relationships remain strong. We are in the process of regular meetings with the newly established rental committee. I try to give them every support they require and we are flexible in accommodating social work meetings that take place in the cafe or my office. They are very accommodating in the hiccups of day to day running like the recent lack of hot water. Things are easily communicated and resolved. Tweedale Academy of Dancing have amended some of their times to keep rent as low as possible. They are quick to sort out any issues as we are with them. Their change in storage at the beginning of last year has helped streamline the storage and hirers table and chairs more accessible. They were flexible in the movement of their class to accommodate the tabletop sale. Lastly we gained a great new group and renter. They are a newly established club four hours a week in the coffee club. With our help they are established in their own right and now welcome 18-20 members each session. They have had talks from the primary care network on weight, menopause, alcohol and diabetes. They have had debt advisors visit as well as being a test group for a levelling up workshop. They are good at paying their rent ahead of time and have a strong sense of togetherness with The Hive and will help with community afternoons and will look forward to the cafe reopening in due course to support it with this strong customer base. **10** www.blurtonparish.com All users are now aware we now have a communication book for maintenance issues so they are logged and resolved. Everyone is helping with the waste and cleaning of areas whilst in their use. All issues are dealt with swiftly and I hope all groups still feel supported by my assistance. ## _**The Hive Cafe**_ Grocott Centre ran the cafe until August, but then did not renew their contract because of the lack of profit in running the cafe. This was a financial blow as well as a sadness that once again the shutters are down. On the plus side this has given us carte blanche to move forward with the lottery grant for the redesign and branding. We have several measures happening by the end of February to improve and reimagine the space making it more homely, inviting and acoustically a whole lot more comfortable a space to be in. New flooring, furniture, and tenting of the roof are all in the pipeline. The idea of a community day was rolled out with the foodbank move of dates we now run alongside the community lounge a welcoming space for all. This now benefits the community with free food, advice and a warm place to spend their Tuesdays as we have a hot drink, toast and a free lunch cooked by myself or Angela. This joins forces in the afternoon with flick film club or coffee club which are both pay as you feel so not turning anyone away from accessing our services. Each month we gain more diverse advisors and are seeing a steady rise in the amount of people dropping in. We are now advertised on local public services and radio stations raising the profile of who we are and what we do that in turn helps get the rebranded “The Hive" out there without the cost of a radio advert. We have made a bold choice to ask people or companies to sponsor our Community Lounge. Each week will advertise the day was donated by them in exchange for a £25 donation to cover the costs of the free lunch and drinks. This might be an oatcake shop providing free food, a company paying the bill for the day, even an individual that wishes to sponsor the day in their own right, or in the name of a loved one. This is sponsorship on an affordable level and they can see the direct impact of the money on the services provided. ## _**Volunteers**_ We have taken on a young lady doing her Duke of Edinburgh Award. We have a new volunteer agreement that will be signed by all our current members of the team. We hosted a parish social for Harvest Festival, with a pea and pie supper, entertainment and games. We have managed to retain a space for Christopher who helped in the cafe with Strathmore and once a week with Grocott, we have found him a volunteering opportunity in the community lounge, he's a member of the coffee Club and Monday Club. I love that we can offer volunteering opportunities to those who don’t find positions easy to access because of additional needs, and this has helped us get our excellence in volunteering with VAST. ## _**Car Park**_ The remarking has taken place in the carpark. More spaces have been created and a slight jiggle in space has given us a second disabled space near the front door. Creative Car Park monitoring has certainly had its teething issues, however we will see how this now moves forward with strong negotiations. This has cleared up the division of space between us and the council and relationships with them are now very positive. They know more about what we do and are themselves signposting people to us for assistance. ## _**Networking and Relationships**_ Now I’m acting and not reacting to just keep us above water, I feel we have had a very strong year with our engagements with outside agencies and local schools. My additional hours have given me the ability to focus my energies into forging new and past relationships. After a steady stream of closed doors that I experienced when first appointed as Activities Coordinator. We now are regularly talking with Kemball school, who joined us for 2 lantern workshops and cafe experience. Strathmore House has had a change of management and are now open to engagement with us. They are sending two members to Monday Club and we have been able to gain advice for one of their clients **11** www.blurtonparish.com after the loss of a parent. Sutherland School and Ormiston academy have also opened lines of communication through the children's half term project, lantern-making workshops and assistance in benefiting from child poverty actions as part of levelling up . They haven’t in the past wanted to communicate or participate in the centre's activities and I hope to grow on this moving forward. We have great links with the Police & Crime Commissioner and were heavily involved in securing better CCTV for the square local businesses. A new direct radio communication system has been put in The Hive. We can now speak with CCTV, Police and retailers in the square to improve the past reputation for anti-social behaviour. This helped to secure us a grant working with 22 local children for a very successful half term activities club, including the creation of a mural for the community garden, litter picking, craft, games, crime-prevention talks and good food. The 100% feedback was a really positive sign that more of this is needed and the report from the crime commission acknowledged the “what great value the project was, not only monetarily compared to past space schemes in the area.” VAST have been a huge support in the training opportunities I've gained and the networking sessions I’ve attended alongside Angela to hear about bids and funding. These have been an excellent way of raising the profile of The Hive as well as striving for excellence in what we are doing for the community. We have gained a Gold Standard charity award to show how we respect our volunteers and our commitment to the values required to the VAST charter. Social workers and schools are now approaching us for help with local families. We seem to be the first point of call for many things and approach it with a can-do attitude that gets the results, even if it's something that doesn’t necessarily come under our remit. However the local people are the ones benefitting, after being turned away from several other agencies. These include sourcing beds and bedding for children, feeding families with hot food who are in a local hostel without cooking facilities, and collecting and distributing 600 meals to other local charities when they were struggling to get them logistically to get them to centres, earning us a great deal of praise from foodbank. We then serviced 52 of our local food bank users and elderly clients with Christmas dinners with less than 24 hours notice we had been allotted them. Going above and beyond by all of our team of volunteers is why we are gaining not only praise but also raising our profile. ## _**Building**_ Whilst we have to acknowledge the building is now starting to show its age, I have been keen to resolve the teething issues as soon as they start. Adrian has supported me greatly in tackling the smaller jobs that can easily become costly. We have managed to do many things for a few pounds or just time and effort. The floors throughout the halls and cafe were deep cleaned, stripped back, resurfaced and polished over the summer. This will need repeating now regularly and we must stay on top of the floors as they are a huge investment we can’t afford again. This was done after the repair was carried out on hall 3 floor. Little Learners made an insurance claim. This was carried out with minimal disruption and was seamless in its repair. Unfortunately one of the jobs we couldn’t do ourselves was the boiler we needed to replace. With some foresight we saved the old boiler and this has now helped fix two more issues without the cost of parts. We now also undertake regular scheduled servicing to keep our warranty up to date as the previous boiler was under guarantee if we have had it serviced. I am now in the process of applying for funding to replace the second boiler and thermostats to help us in the future. These also will be added with the routine schedule of maintenance and repair meaning we shouldn’t have to worry about a huge cost arising again for a long time. ## _**Administration**_ - Records and files updated & compliance attended to - Necessary training undertaken, eg First Aid, Fire Marshalls - Suppliers switched for value for money, eg waste removal, water provider **12** www.blurtonparish.com - Replacements undertaken with a focus on sustainability eg hand dryers, socket replacements - Committee decision for Fair Trade products & no single-use plastic - Additional recycling facilities in the pipeline - Old office appliances donated for re-use ## _**Finally…**_ Things aren’t ever going to change overnight but this report definitely shows things are shifting despite the pressures we still feel from Covid and the economic challenges we are all experiencing. Clare Hand, The Hive Manager ## **ST ALBAN’S LITTLE LEARNERS PRE-SCHOOL** During the last 12 months the nursery has continued to open 5 days a week 7am until 6pm. We currently have 52 children who are attending the setting but obviously the 3-year-olds will leave us at the end of September as they will be going to School, so this is always a difficult time financially for the nursery. We will still have some babies and children under two who will still be attending through the summer holidays who are paying for their nursery fees. The nursery will be open for the first 5 weeks but as always, we will be closed the last week so that the staff can have a well-deserved break. We had our Early years Health check visit on Wednesday the 22nd of November 2023. This went really well, and they were really pleased with what they observed and could not praise us enough. The Health check is there to get us ready for an Ofsted inspection so we will be very busy getting ready for this over the coming months. During the last week of December, we held a parent’s open day where the parents came into the nursery and did activities with their children. This was very successful, and we were surprised by how many parents came. This gave us a great opportunity to spend time getting to know our parents and for them to spend time doing fun things with their children. We even had a visit from Santa which the children loved, thanks Santa. Finance report. St Alban’s Little Learners Nursery’s finances are low at the moment, we have now got a debt recovery team collecting our outstanding debts who can go back 6 years so we are hoping that this will help. We are still struggling to source funding for the outside area as this is an area that needs developing to get it to a standard that is a better environment for the children. Any volunteers for ideas or help would be welcome. We had a rent increase in January 2024 which was agreed by both parties. We felt that this was a reasonable and fair amount, but we would really struggle financially if it increased any further as our budget is stretched to its limit. We feel that we now have a better working relationship with the Centre and are working well together to improve any situations that arise. We have regular meetings with them and we will do our best to attend The Hive committee meetings either in person or via Teams/Zoom in the future. May we thank Clare Hand and her partner for all their help mending and fixing things for us that were not even a part of their job description. Kind regards, Lisa Bromley and St Albans Little Learners Staff **13** www.blurtonparish.com ## **TWEEDALE ACADEMY OF DANCING** Over the last 12 months we have seen a decrease in our older Saturday pupils, this is due to natural progression as they have left for college or Saturday jobs. Thankfully we have seen an increase in our youngest beginners’ classes and even a couple of previous pupils have returned after they left to pursue other hobbies. Tuesday and Wednesday evening classes continue to be consistently attended. We currently have 80 pupils between 2.5 years and 80 yrs. An increase of 15 pupils from last year. We are in the process of rehearsing for our show Fusion which will be performed at The Rep Theatre from March 20th to 23rd. This is always a very stressful time for us but once the show is running it is also the most enjoyable. We have had two external IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) examination sessions both with 100% pass rates. We are grateful to have the facilities of The Hive and the support from Clare that we receive. Julie Wood ## **A CUP OF COFFEE** We run the group a cup of coffee, we started the group 17 months ago, 3 of us on a carpark after us breaking free from something else and been nagged by others to please sort them a new start, the rest is thankfully now history. We started meeting in my living room and soon out grew that, so then moved to the cafe, We were soon taking over a great deal of the space in there. Clare kindly approached us and offered us the chance to use the hall for a meeting space, after a discussion with our members we decided to take her up on her kind offer, almost a year later we are still here, insurance, health and safety certificate in place more to follow, first aid training done, Lunch club in place on a Tuesday, knit and natter on a Thursday. We are self funding from our generous members by raffles, lunch club, tea and toast sales, donations and craft sales. We have around 175 members on facebook and this active daily with jokes, uplifting quotes and general banter. Weekly we have anywhere between 16 and 22 members attending. Clare has been amazing in helping us with getting extra help, We are register with VAST I have done a couple of courses, all thanks to Clare, she has helped with advertising as well, helping us to get a local lecture in on health matters, Helen she is amazing, group has had talks now on alcohol depression diabetes, how to access local go services, we are still looking for more people to do talks. We wouldn’t be the group we are today without Clare’s help and the Hive. A Cup of Coffee is open to everyone. Paula E Sherratt & Liz Jackson ## **GENTLE EXERCISE** The Group started 2022 with 8/10 members. 2023 the members I am pleased to say have increased to 17 members. We meet every Monday afternoon except Bank Holidays. In May because of the King’s Coronation there were 3 Bank Holiday Mondays, so one of the weeks we met on a Tuesday instead. The Group are a lively bunch of women and men and enjoy a good chat with their cup of tea after session and if it’s someone’s birthday there are cakes as well. All members had lunch (paid for out of funds) in The Hive Café on a Tuesday before Jane left which everyone enjoyed. In December our last session before Christmas, we had a Festive Lunch at the Toby Carvery in Trentham, which we all enjoyed. I am thankful for my long standing and loyal members and the increase in new members. Sheila Plant **14** www.blurtonparish.com ## **MONDAY CLUB** It's been a hard 12 months due to a decline in numbers. Unfortunately Janice passed away and Rosie's husband also passed so can no longer attend. Then other members have been very hit and miss due to health problems. Thanks to the Hive for the understanding about not being able to cover rent or we would have had to fold before the end of last year. Despite advertising and trying to increase numbers we have been unsuccessful in obtaining new membership. We have come to the sad realisation that we are going to have to cease. We can't carry on this way. It's been a very tough decision to say we won't be carrying on any longer. As of today 29th of January 2024. We have decided this will be the last meeting. We will review in time to come if things change or improve with the cafe reopening. We would like to thank the Hive for their support but understand we can't continue not paying rent and meeting with such few numbers is soul destroying not to have our formerly busy little club supported. Karen Harrison **15** www.blurtonparish.com PARISH OF BLURTON & DRESDEN PCC (Churches of St BarthOlOn￿ and St Alban ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1191827 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomew and St Alban) Contents Page Trustees Annual Report Independent Examiners Report Statomant of Financial Aclivitios Balance Sheet Notss to the Financial Statements Independent examinerfs report to tha members ofthe PCC of Blurton and Dresden I report on the accounts for the year erKled 31st D8cember 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to11. Respective ￿SpOnsIbl1ft1os of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparatrm of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an indeFendent examination needed. tt is my responsibilty to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act", follow Ihe prO￿￿ur@S laid dovrfn in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Ac( and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the awunts presented wrth th)se records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committe8 conceming any such matters. Thè procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audii. and consequently no orAnion is given to whether the a¢¢ounts present a Irue and fair view and th8 report is limited to those matters set oui in the statement bek)w. Independent Examinerfs Statemenl In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attents"on.' 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements". . to kéèp accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 A¢t', and . to prepare accounts which accord with these a￿ountIng records and to compty with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met. 2. to which, in my opinion. attention should be dravm in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Claire Slater FCCA Slaters & Co Accountants Lymore Villa, 162a London Road Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme staffs ST5 7JB 25 March 2024 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomow and St Alban) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivrnES TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Total 2022 Funds Funts INCOMING RESOURCES INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donab'on5 and Le￿]eS 34.126 30.234 56,904 Activities for generating fvnds 2b 36.1C 36,106 27.101 Income from investrments 1.007 I,NJ7 217 Church Activities 9.514 9,514 9,815 TOTAL 80,753 30,234 140,987 94.037 RESOURCES EXPENDED Raising Funds Church Acts'vities 76,424 27.644 104,068 90.787 76A24 104,068 90,787 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 4J29 6,919 3,250 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 730 1 730) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 6.919 3,250 Total funds brought foThvard 41.235 693.839 7￿,074 Y31024 Total fund8 carri•d forward 46.294 695.699 741.993 735.074 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN {Churches ot St Bartholomew and St Alban) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 FIXED ASSErs Fixed Assets 660,W5 660,605 CURRENT ASSETS stock Debtors Tax Recoverable Prepayments Other Short Temi Deposits Cash at Bank Cash In Hand 13,318 1,478 745 17N96 79,708 139 14,289 1,154 1,035 17,125 57,966 139 111914 91.738 CURRENT LIABIUTIES (falling due WEthin one year) 31.212 17.269 NET CURRENT ASs￿s 81,702 74,469 NET ASSErs 741.707 735 074 Represented by: FUNDS Unreslrthd Funds 41,235 Restricted Funds 694699 693,839 735.074 Approved by the Parochial Church c¢￿n¢11 on and signed on ts behalf by.. PCC Chaimi8n The attached notes fomi part of these finanThal ststemenis. PARISH OF 8LURTON AND DRESDEN {Churches ol St Bartholomow and St Alban) Notes to the Flnancial Statements For Th8 Year End•d 31 December 2023 Accountln PollGi8s The PCC is a public benefrt entrty wthin the meaning ol FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in acwdance with the Chur¢h Accounting Regutations 2006 goveming the individual *ccMJnts of PCCS. and w•h the Regulakn"ons Inje and fair view, provisions. They have also been prepared in aL)))rdance with the Charitie5 SORP (FRS 102). The finan¢ial statements have prepared urthjer the historical cost ¢onventon with items recogni5ed at cost or transaction value unles$ othemise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The finan¢ial statements include all transactions, assets and fk4bilities which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include Ihe arzounts of thurch groups that their main affiliation to another body nor those that a￿ infomial gatheruy of Church rTwnbers. Cashflow Statgmont The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requlrement to produce Cash flow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500,000. Goln Concern There are m material uncertainties related to or conditions that cast signlficanl doubt on the charity's ability to continue as 8 going cor Accountln E3timal08 and Pflor Year ETror8 No changes lo accounting estimates have occurred in the rer*JtrKJ perÈcé. No material prhy year errcys have been #Jentified in the reportirg perK)d. Descrl ton of Funds Unre8lrlcted funds are income fvnds of the PCC that are ayailabk for sperKling on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by PCC for fixed assets for its ovm use ￿ for spending on a future project and which a￿ the￿fore not included in ts 'free reserves" as disclosed in the trustses, annL￿1 re R￿traCtsd fund8 comprise of elements :_ a} income fr￿￿ trusts or endQY￿nents whith may be eX￿ded onty those restrioted objects provided in the lèmis of the tnjsl or bequest b} donations or grants received for a speuk oi¥ect or invrted by the PCC for a spocrfic obie¢t. The funds may only be expended on the S￿ifiC object for they ￿ere given. Any bakgnce remaining unspent al the end of each year must be carr￿d fcrfward as a balan￿ on that fund. The PCC does not usualty invest separately for exh fvnd. INhere there is no separate investrnen( interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust r•tsl elther p8rwonenlly or Subject to a disrxelionary pol￿ lo spend caprtal as income. and ￿ere the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be reSt￿ted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are Sho￿ in the notes to the ac¢xJunls. PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN Ichurches of St Bartholomow and St Alban) Notes to the Flnan¢lal Statsments For The Ygar Ended 31 December 2023 Accountln Incom• Policies con Inued Planned giving, o)Ileclkns and donatK)ns are reCogn￿d when r￿eNed or vthen the PCC becomes enti￿ed to the resource and the monetary v81ue ￿n be measured sufficient ￿liabIlity. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to whth they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is *ally entitled to the amunts due and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliaEMlity. Dwidends are ￿lUnted for when receivable, interest is xcrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming r850urc8s are account8J for gross. gnditurg Grants and donations are accounled fw vthen pa￿1 over. or when awarded. rf that award creates 8 binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The d￿(eSan parish share is acLDunbJ ts when du8. Amounts re￿IVed specificalty for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. AJI other expendrture is generally rec(NJni5ed then it is incurred and 15 ar£ounted for gross. Governance and S Support costs should be allocat8d bebveen govemance costs and other support. Governan￿ Costs comprise all costs involving public accounlabilty of the PCC and its comtsnce with regulati[￿ and good practice. Support Costs indude central fvnciions and have teen allcKated to acbwty cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by albcating slaff costs by spent and other costs by their usage. Flxed Assets Consecfaled 8nd bene￿ property 15 not from the ar￿)Unts by $.10(2)(al&{Cl of Ihe Charities Act 2011. Moveable church furntshings held by Ihe VTrr and ChuTchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienaue proFety, listed in the Chw¢h's inventsy, which Can be inspeGted lat any reasonable lime). For anything acquired prior to 2000 th8re ￿ insUff￿t cost uiformation available and therefore suGh assets are Th)t valued in the financial statements. No depreaalion is provided on buildirwJs as the currentty eskn"mated resNJual value of th8 properties is not less than their carrying value and the remianing useful life of these assets exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immatsTBI. Other tangible fixed assets are valued at D)sL Tr deprecaakn rates meth￿S used are disclosed in note5. Investments Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and ymilar investsnents are valued initialty at cost and subsequentty at market value at thè year end. Investments hdd ￿ re4ale are treated as current asset investments. Debtors Debtors are measuRd on initial re¢￿3￿rtM)n at setuement amoutn. Subsequently they are measured at cash expected to be received. Crgditors and rua Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any tr* discounts. A(wls ar8 measured on best estimate of the amount required to settle the oblwjation at Ihe retmyb'ng date. PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomew and StAlban) NotOS to the Flnancial Ststements For Thé Yoar Ended 31 Decemb8r 2023 Totsl Unrestflcw Restrictèd Totsl Funds Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and Legacles Voluntary Incomo Tax effictent planned giving Other planned giving Collections at seM¢es All other giving and voluntary receipts including speual appeals Gift Aid RecoveratAe Grants 14,219 6.718 14,219 6,718 2022 15,767 7.227 2.481 6,768 3.599 8A72 3W9 28,430 16,798 3,995 10,636 28,430 34,126 30,234 64,360 56,904 Charhable A¢tiviti•s Actlvlties for Generatlng Funds Lettings Community Cafe Income Sale ofAssets 36,11 36,106 24,639 2,432 30 36.106 36.106 27,101 Income from Invos¢monts Bank Interest 1.007 1,007 217 1,007 1,007 217 Income from chur¢h actlvttles Statutory fees (retained by PCCI Fundraising activities 7,258 2.256 8,431 1,384 2.256 9,514 9,514 9.815 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN {Churches of St Bartholom8w and St Albanl Notss to th8 Financial Statwnents For The Y•ar Ended 31 Decembèr 2023 Unre8tr1cted Rostrfctsd Totsl Funds Total Funds Funds 2023 2022 EXPENDITURE Ralslng Funds Cost of g￿￿TatIng income Fund raising costs Charitsblg Actrlll Church Actlvltl MI￿On yiving donations DID￿San Parish shar8 Employment costs- The Hive Pension- Thè Hive Redund8n¢y Clergy and staff expenses Church Exp9nses Church runnirvJ expenses - St Barthokffiv*s The HNe 2,094 25.421 18,273 112 2.311 32,481 17,BS7 25.421 5.878 12,395 112 1,959 1.441 1.441 9,258 10.354 122 1,688 16229 9,258 10,435 168 3,938 18.474 4,217 6,762 81 Church Expenses Churth utilty Ixlls- St Bartholcrfnthvs The Hive 2250 2245 1,920 13,938 1.816 1,555 8fyJ 504 974 851 Eq￿pment Cost of trading ActNIty Costs Office Expenses St Barts The Hive 1,915 352 755 765 590 352 755 765 590 Teleph(￿e Training Ck)natpJn5. gffts and partiès Professional fees MiscEllaneous Depreo81ion 210 350 78 600 310 310 6￿) rmor Capltsl EXp9ndl￿rg Audio Visual 475 8,600 9.075 76,424 104,068 90.n7 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Church8s ol St Bartholom&w and St Alban) Notes to the Financlal Statements For The Year Ended 31 De¢emb8r 2023 4a Staff Costs 2023 2022 Salaries Avér4e nun*er d wnpknyegs £18.385 £19,616 During the year the PCC employad a dear*r and xtbvths coordinator. 4b PCC Costs Mrs V Mountford, a m8mber d the PCC. r￿[￿￿1 8 salwy of £5271 (2021. £4.￿>. 6a Flxed Assets Developmenl Communty Communlty Furnlturo, of St Alban Centre Kll¢hen Centre Flttings and Property Equipmont Equlpment Totsl At Cost or ValuatKJn At 1 January 2023 25.LK11 17.529 717.311 Additions At 31 D￿mbar 2023 658.829 9.943 25.001 17.529 717.311 Dopreclatlon At 1 January 2023 25,001 4.233 17.529 56,7C6 DepwatiM for the Year 6twJ 600 At 31 December 2023 2&001 4.833 17,529 57.3 Net Book V•lu• 31 D8C@mber 2023 658,829 1,176 660.005 31 D￿ember 2U22 658.829 1,776 660,605 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN {Church8s of St Bartholomgw and St Alban) Notes to the Financlal Statement8 For The Ygar Ended 31 December 2023 6 Llabllltles Amounts falllng du• in one year All unrestrt¢t&d 2023 2022 Aecruals Taxation and Socid Security Creditors 5.592 771 24,649 2,929 14,278 31.212 17,269 7 Analysis of Net A8*6t by Fund Flx•d Deposits Total AGsets Stock¥ 0￿>t0￿ &Bank Cr•dltorn Funds Unr08tr1cted Fund Generas Fund 9,619 15.541 52,030 1 31,212) 46,008 9.619 15,541 52.030 1 31,212 46.008 Restrlctod Funds Building Sl Alban's Development.. Coaifselds The BIG LOtt￿Y CO-OP Church Urban Staffordshire Environmental Trust st Mo¢tsen Trust &O-T Cty Council St Aban's development fund general Grant- Lichft8kl Dbjcese Gravoyard Children's Work Youth Work Social Survey Fl(Mers Deeoralion fund Mural The National Lottery- ActNty Coordinator Big Lottery- COVKI 19 Famity & Communty Big lottery- c￿￿j 19 Recovery 3,265 95.2 433,( 95.2C 433,000 30.OCK) 10,OCWJ 29.973 25,0(X) 25.OCrf) 2,213 116 2,333 334 3.457 25 10,C 29.973 25,0 25.Ll 2,213 116 2,333 3.457 25 120 120 806 28.378 3,843 2,552 28,378 3.843 2,552 650.386 45,313 695,699 TOTAL 660.005 15.541 97.343 31.212) 741.707 10 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churchos of St Bartholom•w and St Alban) Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year ErKled 31 December 2013 Movemgnt In Funds Unrnstslcted Fund• At 1st IncomlNJ Resou￿0& Tramfvr January Expwd•d At 31st Dgcember General Fund The Hive 29.759 11.476 39.741 41.012 (37,867) ( 38.557) 730.00 32,363 13.931 41235 76.424) 730 46,294 Restrlctsd Funds BUild￿g Sl ￿ban,$ Devetopment: Coaffidds The BIG Lottery Ccrop Church Urban Staffvrdshye Envnnmenta TN8t Sl Mochven Twst S-CkT Cty Counol Sl Alban'$ d¢velopmw)t fu￿1 Grant- Li¢hfiekl Dio¢ese Graveyan Children's W¢Jrk Youth Work Soci81 SurNey Thè Bally Thom88 Chgrilable Fund The National Lottgry- Advty Coordinalc Lottery- Covid 19 Famity & Communty S-I>T GcwncAI- Gentle exeruse Big lottery. Cowd 19 Recovery Ekntrical Repairs A V System Toy Appeal LDBF Gran towards Ccst of Enorgy Flower8 Wam) Space grant Decoration Fund Mural 3.265 95200 433.fxlo 30.000 10.CNXI 29.973 95.20D 433,OQO 30.000 10.000 29,973 25.000 25.000 2.213 116 2,333 334 3.457 25 25.000 2213 116 2,333 25 15.502 3.843 25,555 ( 11679) 28,378 3,843 2,552 2.552 8.OCrfJ 730 600 { 8.600 > 730) 1.000 { 2,250) ( 2.500) 120 2.375 120 806 ( 1.569) 693.839 30.234 ( 27,844) { 730 695.699 TOTAL 736,074 110,987 (104.068) 741,993 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Barthokjmgw and St Alban) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivrriES TOTAL FUNDS Unrostri¢t•d Fund8 2021 Funds Totsl INCOMING RESOURCES INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and Lega¢*s 21.416 06.904 78.976 Actiwties for generating fvnds 27.101 27,101 37.467 Income from investments 217 217 22 Church Acbvitses 9.815 9￿15 9.174 TOTAL 72,621 21,416 94,037 125,639 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activitses Raising Fund$ 81.074 9.713 90.787 109,691 81,074 9,713 90,787 109,691 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 15,948 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 8h53) 11,703 3.250 15,948 Total funds brought forward 49,688 682,136 731,824 716.876 Total funds carrled forward 41,235 693.839 735.074 731.824 Indopendont examine￿5 report to the members of the PCC of Blurton and Dresden I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 $1 December 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 11. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The ¢harity's trust88s are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's Iruslees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2} of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Ad: follow Ihe procedures laid down in the General Diredions gNen by the Charty Commissioners section 145(51{b) of the 2011 A¢t,' and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs Statsment My examination was camed oul in accordance wrth the General Directions gNen by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by ihe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wth those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual tlems or disclosures in the a¢¢ounts, and seeking explanations from the management commrttee concerning any such matters The prtjcedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required In an audit, and consequently no opinion is given to whelher the a¢¢ounls present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlnerfs Statsment In connection wrth my examination, no matters have come to my attention.. 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. • to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act,. and . to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records and to comply ¥Mth the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Claire Slater FCCA Slaters & Co Accountants Lymore Villa, 162a London Road Chesterton, NevKastie-und8r-Lyme Staffs ST5 7JB 25 March 2024