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Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston

Living as Christ in our community to share the love of God

ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023

ANNUAL MEETINGS 2024

Annual Parish Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Sunday 5[th] May 2024 from 12.30pm At the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston

Bank:

Barclays Bank Ltd, Town Hall Square, Leicester

Independent Examiner: Mr. Colin Wood

Contact for meeting enquiries and apologies: Darren Gartside, PCC Secretary darren.gartside@live.co.uk / 07746 326254

The Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston – Registered Charity 1193394

Annual Parish Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens Sunday 5[th] May 2024 at 12.30pm at St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston

Agenda

Election of Chair for the meeting
Opening Prayer
Apologies for absence
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held 7[th] May 2023 (page 3)
a) Approval for accuracy. b) Matters arising.
Election of Churchwardens (2 to May 2025)
Date of next Annual Parish Meeting – Sunday 4[th] May 2025 at 12.30pm

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Sunday 5[th] May 2024 immediately following the Annual Parish Meeting

Agenda

Apologies for absence
Minutes of APCM held 7[th] May 2023 (pages 4-7)
- a) Approval for accuracy. b) Matters arising.
To receive and approve Financial Report and Accounts (pages 8-26)
To receive other reports (pages 27-41)
Elections and Appointments:
a. Election of Parochial Church Councillors
- (1 to May 2025; 1 to May 2026; 3 to May 2027)
b. To resolve that Licensed Lay Minister(s) shall be ex-officio members of the PCC (Church Representation Rules 2022, M15, 1(h))
c. Election of Fosse Team Council members (2 to May 2025)
d. Appointment of Honorary Auditor / Independent Examiner
e. Appointment of Parish Safeguarding Officer (1 to May 2025)
f. Appointment of Safeguarding Independent Person (1 to May 2025)
Date of next Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Sunday 4[th] May 2025 immediately following the Annual Parish Meeting
Close of meeting with The Grace

“May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the Love of God; and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all; evermore. Amen”.

PCC members are asked to remain for a short meeting of the PCC.

Parish of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston Annual Parish Meeting – Sunday 7 May 2023

MINUTES

Held	Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels,Thurmaston	Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels,Thurmaston
Present	Sharon Bond; Sam Bone; Ann Burdett; Margaret Curtis; Elizabeth Day; Cllr Andy Dent; Joan Elliott; Stephen Gamble; Suzanne Gamble; Darren Gartside; Mandy Green; Elizabeth Grimsley; Lesley Hyam; David Lewis; Angela Taylor; John Taylor; John Tebbutt; Maureen Tebbutt;Lynn Willmore;Robert Willmore;Lita Woolley.
1.	Election of Chair for the meeting– The meeting opened at 12.30pm, and in the absence of a Vicar, Darren Gartside invited nominations for Chair. John Tebbutt was proposed by David Lewis and seconded by Suzanne Gamble, and this was agreed. John Tebbutt took the Chair.
2.	Opening Prayer– John Tebbutt welcomed all and led the meetingin Prayer.
3.	Apologies for absence– received from Ann Beck; David Beck; Michael Cleaver; Pat Cleaver; Pat Davies; Sandra Gartside; John Hewer; Julie Hewer; Sheila Langley; Gill Lewis; Brian Payne; Kate Springthorpe; Sheila Warrington.
4.	Minutes of last Annual Parish Meeting held on 8 May 2022:- minutes had been circulated in advance to everybodylisted on the Church Electoral Roll.
a.	Approval for accuracy– it was proposed by David Lewis and seconded by John Tebbutt that the minutes be approved,and this was agreed.
b.	Matters arising– there were no matters arising.
5.	Election of Churchwardens– Darren Gartside reported that nominations had been received for John Tebbutt (proposed by David Lewis and seconded by Darren Gartside) and David Lewis (proposed by Cllr Andy Dent and seconded by Darren Gartside). John Tebbutt and David Lewis were elected as Churchwardens.
6.	Date of next Annual Parish Meeting– Sunday 5 May 2024 at 12.30pm at St Michael & All Angels.
	There being no further business John Tebbutt closed the meeting at 12.45pm.

Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston MINUTES Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Sunday 7 May 2023

Held	Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels,Thurmaston	Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels,Thurmaston
Present	Sharon Bond; Sam Bone; Ann Burdett; Margaret Curtis; Elizabeth Day; Cllr Andy Dent; Joan Elliott; Stephen Gamble; Suzanne Gamble; Darren Gartside; Mandy Green; Elizabeth Grimsley; Lesley Hyam; David Lewis; Angela Taylor; John Taylor; John Tebbutt; Maureen Tebbutt; Lynn Willmore;Robert Willmore;Lita Woolley.
Chair	David Lewis,PCC Vice Chair(LayChair duringvacancy)
	David Lewis opened the meeting at 12.45pm, welcomed all, and led the meeting in Prayer.
1.	Apologies for absence– received from Ann Beck; David Beck; Michael Cleaver; Pat Cleaver; Pat Davies; Sandra Gartside; John Hewer; Julie Hewer; Sheila Langley; Gill Lewis;Brian Payne;Kate Springthorpe;Sheila Warrington.
2.	Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 8 May 2022:- Minutes had been circulated in advance to everybodylisted on the Church Electoral Roll.
a.	Approval for accuracy– it was proposed by Suzanne Gamble and seconded by Lesley Hyam that the minutes be approved,and this was agreed.
b.	Matters arising– there were none.
3.	To receive and approve Financial Report and Accounts– report and accounts had been circulated in advance to everybody listed on the Church Electoral Roll. Lesley spoke as follows: “I’d like to start off by saying thank you to everyone who has contributed to our finances in any way, whether it be by regular giving, donations or attending, supporting, or organising fundraising events. I cannot stress too strongly how important this support is in maintaining the on-going financial viability of St. Michael’s. My written report gives details of, and reasons for, the differences between income and expenditure on various items in 2022 compared to 2021, so I won’t repeat those details now. In summary however, including accruals and prepayments, the total income was £36,335 and total expenditure was £85,878, making a net deficit (loss) of £49,543. This loss was anticipated and was due in part to two conscious decisions made by the PCC, 1) to take responsibility for the total payment of the Children & Families Worker (previously shared with East Goscote),and 2)to increase the Parish

Share Contribution to £35,000 for 2022. Nevertheless, this level of deficit cannot be allowed to continue because it is easy to see that the £434,747 cash available at the end of December 2022, will only last a few years. To start to address this, the PCC decided to reduce the Parish Share contribution to £25,000 this year, but this still leads to a forecast deficit of £35,000. Added to this will be the costs of the work highlighted in the Quinquennial report, a new heating system and lighting up-grades as well as other minor works. The Investment working party will meet again in the near future with a view to actually making an investment, with the aim of maximising income, seeking capital growth, and keeping pace with inflation. It hasn’t been possible to move forward with this until we knew how much money would actually be available for investment and how much we would need to use for redevelopment and maintenance. Unfortunately, although it will help to reduce the deficit somewhat, the amount available for investment is not going to be sufficient to provide the level of income needed to eliminate it. So, we need to look at other ways of doing so. This could be by increasing regular giving, promoting the importance of leaving a legacy or organising more fundraising events. If anyone has any ideas or would like to talk to me about regular giving, I would love to have that conversation. Thank you for listening”. David Lewis invited questions and there were none. It was agreed that the financial report and accounts be approved (proposed by Stephen Gamble, seconded by Maureen Tebbutt).

To receive other reports – reports had been circulated in advance to everybody listed on the Church Electoral Roll. Elizabeth Grimsley asked when a new Vicar would be appointed. David Lewis explained that as the parish was expected to join the proposed North East Leicester Minister Community, there would not be a new Vicar in the traditional sense, but rather ministers (lay and ordained, stipendiary – paid, and non-stipendiary) would be shared across the ten churches of the new Minster Community. David Lewis went through the reports and invited comments and questions. John Tebbutt and David Lewis (Churchwardens) had nothing to add. Stephen Gamble (Lay

Minister / Reader) extended thanks from him and Sheila Langley to everybody for all that they did. Mandy Green (Children & Families Worker) extended her thanks to Lesley Hyam and Sharon Bond for their help in setting up at Bright Sparks every week during term-time. Mandy advised that nine baptisms were booked / being booked, and that she had left the Parochial Church Council, with so much else going on, to concentrate on children and families’ activities, rather than evening meetings. Mandy continued to support the work of the proposed Minster Community. Stephen Gamble (Deanery Synod Representative) advised that Deanery Synod had met less frequently than usual. Stephen advised that ahead of him and Suzanne relocating, he would step down as Deanery Synod Lay Chair and leave Deanery Synod at the end of the current term on 30 June 2023. Angela Taylor (Eco Co-ordinator) thanked everybody who brought their recycling to church and encouraged people to continue to do so. Lesley Hyam (Tower Captain) had nothing to add. Suzanne Gamble (Coffee Time Co-ordinator) had nothing to add. Angela Taylor appealed for additional people to write and lead prayers during Sunday services, advising there were only three people on the current rota, and that consequently it might be necessary to ask visiting clergy / Lay Ministers to lead prayers on occasion. Maureen Tebbutt (Food Project Co-ordinator) thanked everybody who kindly volunteered their time and / or donated food items. It was agreed that the reports be adopted (proposed by Angela Taylor and seconded by Margaret Curtis). 5. Elections and Appointments: a. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives – Stephen Gamble withdrew his nomination hence his current term would end on 30 June 2023. Darren Gartside had been proposed by Cllr Andy Dent and seconded by David Lewis. Darren Gartside was elected to serve to 30 June 2026. The PCC would seek to fill the other vacancy for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. b. Election of Parochial Church Councillors – Darren Gartside reminded those present that PCC members are elected to three-year terms, with one third retiring (and eligible for reelection) each year. Nominations had been received for David Beck (proposed by Suzanne Gamble, seconded by Angela Taylor); Suzanne Gamble (proposed by Sandra Gartside, seconded by Gill Lewis); and Julie Hewer

	(proposed by John Hewer and seconded by Sandra Gartside). David Beck, Suzanne Gamble, and Julie Hewer were elected to serve until APCM 2026.
c.	To resolve that Licensed Lay Ministers shall be ex-officio members of the PCC (Church Representation Rules 2022, M15, 1(h))– it was agreed that John Hewer as Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) be an ex-officio PCC member (proposed by Angela Taylor, seconded by Maureen Tebbutt) to APCM 2024.
d.	Election of Fosse Team Council members– it was agreed that David Lewis serve to APCM 2024. The PCC would seek to fill the other vacancyto APCM 2024.
e.	Appointment of Honorary Auditor / Independent Examiner – it was agreed that Colin Wood be appointed (proposed by Mandy Green, seconded by Suzanne Gamble) to serve until the appointment of his successor.
f.	Appointment of Parish Safeguarding Officer– it was agreed that John Hewer be appointed (proposed by Angela Taylor, seconded bySharon Bond)to serve until APCM 2024.
g.	Appointment of Safeguarding Independent Person– Cllr Brenda Seaton CC was now volunteering with Soar Valley Community Food Project at St Michael’s, Thurmaston, hence a new independent person was required. It was agreed the PCC would seek to make an appointment, possibly a local councillor, Scout & Guides leader, or Church Hill (Church of England)Junior School senior staff member.
6.	Date of next Annual Parochial Church Meeting– Sunday 5 May 2024 immediately following the Annual Parish Meeting at 12.30pm in Church.
7.	Close of meeting with The Grace– there being no further business, those present together recited The Grace, after which David Lewis closed the meetingat 1.05pm.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounting Policies

The financial statements of the Parochial Church Council of St. Michael and All Angels Thurmaston have been prepared on the Accruals basis, to show a true and fair view, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Section 132 and comply with the 2008 Regulations and have been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles set out in the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP) (FRSSE). They are consistent with accounting standards and the accounting concepts of going concern and accruals.

General Funds

General funds represent the funds of the Parochial Church Council that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the Parochial Church Council. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the Parochial Church Council.

Designated funds

Designated funds are part of the unrestricted funds, which the Parochial Church Council has earmarked for a particular project or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation may be cancelled by the Parochial Church Council if it later decides that they should not proceed or continue with the use or project for which the funds were designated.

Restricted funds

Restricted funds are established when required, where grants, donations, legacies or other income have been received that require that the funds be used in a specific way or for a specific purpose. The Parochial Church Council considers it necessary at present to maintain a balance in the “Fabric Fund” in order to fund the works required to maintain its ancient historic parish church, comply with modern legislation and enhance the facilities within the building.

The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Parochial Church Council can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other church groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church servants.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Investments are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following assets are recognised and a monetary value given as part of the description in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Amounts owing from HMRC

Any other amounts owing to the Parochial Church Council Debtors relating to goods and services where supply has been paid in advance for 2024 Closing bank balances as shown in the receipts and payments account.

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Any arrears of Diocesan parish Share

Any arrears of assigned fees or fees to church servants, or other amounts owed Creditors for goods and services where supply has been received by 31[st] December 2023

Reserves

The Parochial Church Council has created an Investment Policy and keeps under review the amount of working capital required to meet the PCC’s short term objectives and to seek professional advice from its Financial Adviser, Mr Nick Trudgill of Ashwood Law Wealth Management with regard to long term investment of any reserve funds. Savings likely to be required to meet short term objectives are held in the PCC’s own Church Board of Finance deposit accounts and its Nationwide Building Society Business Savings Account.

Assigned Fees

All assigned fees recovered are paid over to the Diocese.

“Contra” Receipts and Payments

The “Contra Charity” items are amounts collected by the church, which are subsequently paid out in full to other organisations, such as collections for charity. They do not form part of the financial statements.

Insurance

The church is insured through the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group under a discounted Long-Term Agreement. The premium is paid annually on 22[nd] August and was £3,812.94 in 2023. The sum insured is £10,400,000 for buildings and contents combined, which represents 100% of the cost of repair/restoration of the church. The cover carried for Public Liability is £5m. In addition, organisers of special and fund-raising events arrange further insurance cover where appropriate.

Risk management

The Parochial Church Council is aware of the many risks involved with the administration of the Parish and has endeavoured to minimise or reduce them, paying particular attention to health and safety and child protection issues, creating, and maintaining all the necessary policies and procedures as required by legislation.

Legal Advice

If required legal advice is obtained Leicester Diocesan Registrar.

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH THURMASTON

Background

The Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration no 1193394. It is governed by the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, as amended, and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended).

St. Michael and All Angels Parochial Church Council (PCC) has read the Commission’s guidance on public benefit (PB3 Public benefit: reporting) and is therefore aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. In regard to “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” the PCC has particular regard to this in its administration of the Parish. The PCC believes that, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together with the Area Deam in the Parish and co-operate in all matters of concern and importance for the promotion of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, it provides a benefit to the public by:

Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers;
Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church to the community, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

The PCC is responsible, inter alia, for the parochial budget and all expenditure thereunder, the care and maintenance of Church fabric, and for any action or other matter referred to it.

With the exception of the Children and Families Worker all members are unpaid volunteers.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex officio, co-opted, or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023, (the period covered by these accounts) the following served as members/ officers of the PCC:

Ex-Officio

Incumbent: Vacant Wardens: Mr. John Tebbutt Mr. David Lewis Readers: Mr. John Hewer Deanery Synod: Mr. Stephen Gamble (until 30.06.23) Mrs Sheila Langley (until 07.04.23) Diocesan Synod: Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 14.04.23) Elected Members Mr. David Beck Mr. Tier Blundell (from 07.05.23 until 04.11.23) Mr. Sam Bone (from 07.05.23) Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 25.06.23) Mr. Darren Gartside Mrs. Sandra Gartside Mrs. Julie Hewer Miss Lesley Hyam Mrs. Angela Taylor Mrs. Maureen Tebbutt

Diocesan Synod Representative (representing the Goscote Deanery)

Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 14.04.23) Mrs. Mandy Green

Deanery Synod Representatives

Mr. Stephen Gamble (until 30.06.23) Mrs. Sheila Langley (until 07.04.23) Mr. Darren Gartside (from 07.05.23) Mrs. Sandra Gartside (from 10.07.23)

Fosse Team Council Representatives

Mrs. Sheila Langley (until 07.04.24) Mr. David Lewis Mr. Sam Bone (from 12.06.23)

Local Minister

Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 25.06.23)

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The Standing Committee during 2023 was constituted of the Churchwardens, Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 25.06.23), Mr. Darren Gartside, Miss. Lesley Hyam, Mrs. Sheila Langley (until 07.04.23) and Mrs. Angela Taylor (from 07.05.23).

Investment Working Party (until dissolved)

Miss. Lesley Hyam Mr. Darren Gartside Mrs. Angela Taylor Mr. John Tebbutt Mrs. Maureen Tebbutt

PCC Chair

Vacant (previously the Vicar)

PCC Vice Chair

Mr. David Lewis (until 07.05.23) Mr. John Tebbutt (from 07.05.23)

(During a vacancy the Chair remains vacant – the PCC Vice Chair acts as ‘Lay Chair’ but is still the PCC Vice Chair. In the absence of the PCC Vice Chair, the meeting elects a lay PCC member to take the chair for the duration of the meeting).

Church Wardens

Mr. David Lewis Mr. John Tebbutt

Deputy Church Warden

Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 07.05.23)

PCC Secretary

Mr. Darren Gartside

PCC Treasurer

Miss. Lesley Hyam

Health and Safety Co-Ordinator

Mr. John Hewer

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Mr. John Hewer

Safeguarding Independent Officer:

Cllr Brenda Seaton CC (until 07.05.23) Bijal Bhagwan (from 07.05.23)

Church Electoral Roll Officer

Mrs. Julie Hewer

Head Server

Mr. David Lewis

Eco Group

Mr. Stephen Gamble (until 07.05.23) Mrs. Suzanne Gamble (until 07.05.23) Mrs. Sheila Langley (until 07.05.23) Mrs. Angela Taylor (until 07.05.23) (The Eco Group was disbanded. Mrs Angela Taylor continues to serve as “Eco Co-ordinator”)

Living Hope Church Thurmaston Project Board Representative

Mrs. Maureen Tebbutt

Church Hill Junior School Foundation Governors

Mr. Steve Hardy Mrs. Mandy Green Mrs. Maureen Tebbutt

TREASURER’S REPORT ON THE 2023 ACCOUNTS

The accounts reflect the fact that 2023 was the first full year when church activities returned to normal after Covid.

Planned giving income for 2023 continued to reduce and went down by just over 19% from £15,005 in 2022 to £12,129, due to a number regular givers leaving or reducing their contributions. Sadly attempts to increase regular giving were unsuccessful and as regular numbers in the congregation decline, so does the amount of planning giving. Happily however, there was an increase of £731 on the collection plate in 2023 and a further £527 was received via the new digital giving machine.

Gift Aid and Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme refunds were £518 lower in 2023 because as the trend for a reduction in giving continues, so does the amount which can be claimed.

Donations in 2023 increased to £1,591 from £1,487 in 2022, but no legacies were received.

Fundraising in 2023 increased again by just over 60% to £2,149. Of this amount Coffee Time raised £541, a total of £109 was received from the sale of handmade items, £473 from the Thurmaston Lights Up event and a combined total of £1,026 from a number of other specific fundraising events.

The cost of generating funds, including the costs associated with digital giving increased to £87.

There were only five funerals in church in 2023, compared to thirteen in 2022, and three weddings compared to four in 2022. Consequently the portion of fees retained by the PCC reduced from £2,845 in 2022 to £1,743 in 2023.

We benefitted considerably from the increase in interest rates during 2023 and received £6,166 compared to only £1,357 in 2022.

The amount of contra charity items going in and out rose again in 2023, due mainly to the administration of an increased amount of fuel top-up grants to Food Bank clients, which were again reimbursed by Soar Valley Community Project from grants received from Leicestershire County Council.

The PCC’s commitment to the Diocese to pay a Parish Contribution of £25,000 for the year was met in full.

Payment to organists for Sunday and other services of worship increased from £805 in 2022 to £1,820 in 2023 as we were able to return to having an organist most Sundays.

The amount of charitable donations made by the PCC in 2023 was £743. This included £327 to assist Foodbank clients, £137.55 sent to Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage as an appropriate use of the amount remaining in the restricted, and now closed, Youth Activities fund, £230 for Christian Aid Week donation and £49 spent on books for Church Hill Junior School to commemorate the Coronation.

The total cost of work with children and families in 2023, including, materials, salary, oncosts and expenses was £26,660. Subscriptions from Bright Sparks stay and play group contributed £692 and a contribution of £515 was received from East Goscote to cover the salary increase.

Church running expenses increased from £9,636 in 2022 to £11,142 in 2023. The most significant increases were £312 on insurance, and an increase of £1,202 on repairs and maintenance, the total cost being £3,762. The largest items of expense in this category were £853 spent on boiler repairs, £829 on the heat loss survey and £912 on the installation of a new induction loop amplifier.

A total of £815 was spent in 2023 on farewell gifts to three very loyal and long serving members of the ministry team.

The amount spent on gas includes an estimated figure for November and December 2023 due to the bill for that period not having been received before year end. The last bill received before year end covered the period up to 31[st] October 2023 and since then the heating has been turned on for much of the time because of the fear that if the boiler is turned off, it won’t come on again. It is therefore estimated that the total amount payable for gas in 2023 will be £2,937 compared to £2,350 in 2022.

With regard to electricity, the accounts show that we spent £1,221 during 2023, which is £608 more than for 2022. It should be noted that our reasonably beneficial fixed rate

contracts for both gas and electricity have now come to an end and new contracts have been negotiated but unfortunately at higher prices due to prevailing market conditions.

The new contract for electricity commenced on 1[st] December with British Gas Lite and the new contract for gas commences on 1[st] February 2024 with Regent.

No major building work was undertaken during 2023. The work identified in the 2022 quinquennial inspection still needs to be done and, as well as some minor work, other major projects required in the short term are work to treat the asbestos tiles, the heating system and overhauling the lighting system. These will require considerable financial resources.

Once the PCC had reached it’s decision regarding which elements of building work to progress in the short term, the Investment Working Group was able to reach a conclusion regarding how much to invest and to proceed to make arrangements with the Financial Adviser. As a result, a sum of £197,500 (plus £2,500 set up fee) was invested with Quilter on 21[st] November 2023. At 31[st] December the value of the investment was £208,771.

In summary, ignoring estimated debtors and creditors, total receipts for 2023 were £36,450, and total payments were £74,817 leaving a deficit of £38,367.

It is also important to note that the reconciled bank balance has reduced to £8,524 which means that money will have to be drawn out of one of the Church Board of Finance or Nationwide accounts and transferred into the bank account. This will mean a reduction in the amount of interest received.

In conclusion, the amount received in 2023 was under half of the amount spent, and the deficit was actually more than the amount received. Clearly this is an unsustainable situation. The investment with Quilter is an attempt to ameliorate the problem but although initial indications are that it is performing well, it is unlikely to produce a level of return which will be sufficient to cover the whole deficit. It is hard to know what other steps can be taken to address the situation, other than by seeking regular contributions from an increased and willing membership, or from legacies, as has been the case in the past.

Lesley Hyam Treasurer

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL INVESTMENT POLICY (Updated 10.07.23)

This policy has been created following receipt of the proceeds from the sale of Thurmaston Old School Church and Community Centre. However, it will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains adequate to deal with those monies and also any future income to the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Thurmaston PCC wishes to exercise its right, under the general power of investment which permits trustees to invest a charity’s funds in any asset that is specifically intended to maintain and increase its value and/or produce a financial return.

In accordance with the Parochial Church Council (Measures) Act 1956, investment decisions made by the PCC must be approved by, and vested in, Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance. The name will be “Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance acting as Custodian Trustee on behalf of Thurmaston Parochial Church Council”.

Two of four signatories, as nominated by Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance (LDBF), will be required to authorise investment transactions, but LDBF will react to instructions from the PCC which are signed by a Churchwarden and the Treasurer.

Initially the PCC delegated all investment decisions to its Investment Working Party (IWP), which consisted of five members of the PCC, including the Vicar (superceded by a Churchwarden) and Treasurer. However, as no member of the PCC had sufficient investment experience, knowledge or skills the PCC approved the appointment of a suitably qualified and regulated Financial Adviser, as selected by the IWP. At its meeting on 10[th] July 2023, the PCC resolved that once the initial investment was made, the IWP would be disolved and future investment decisions would be dealt with by the PCC itself.

The investment objective continues to be to maximise income, seek capital growth and keep pace with inflation, while at the same time taking into account the need to spend on mission and ministry as well as maintenance and possible development of the church building.

When determining the amount to invest, the IWP took into account immediate financial needs, missional objectives, future spending commitments and longer-term organisational objectives as well as past patterns and potential for unforeseen future circumstances. The aim was to identify funds which need to be available on instant access, those which are available for short term investment and those which can be tied up for longer periods of time, ensuring at the same time that it will be possible to respond to unplanned events. Any future investment decisions by the PCC will be made on a similar basis.

The IWP satisfied itself that the initial investment was appropriate for Thurmaston PCC and with the help of the Financial Adviser the PCC will keep this under review and consider whether there is a need to change or diversify those investments. The Financial Adviser will make appropriate asset and investment selections in accordance with the

PCC’s investment policy and will report on, and evaluate, investment performance. Fees will be paid out of the capital in order to easily identify net performance.

Returns generated by investment are either to be paid into the PCC’s current account or to be re-invested, as deemed most appropriate by the PCC, on an annual basis.

The PCC intends to exercise its powers to make ethical investments, including Environmental, Social and Governance, using a Christian approach to investment in alignment with the Church of England’s teaching and values, to ensure that investments do not conflict with its aims. This may include both negative and positive screening. Initially the PCC does not intend to engage in stakeholder activism, although this is not precluded, should it be considered appropriate to do so at some future date. It is acknowledged that it is possible this approach could lead to a lower return on investments, but it is considered it would be inappropriate for the charity to make investments which conflict with its values.

Whilst the PCC wishes to invest in funds with the highest possible ethical considerations, it has agreed that the PRIMARY ethical criterion for selecting suitable funds for investment are those which:

Positively promote : Animal Welfare Climate Change Reduction Human Rights

Whilst also definitely avoiding those funds which invest in organisations involved in Animal Welfare – Fur Armaments Pornography

Where it is possible the PCC would also wish to select funds which positively promote health and avoid any involved in Animal Testing for Non-Medical purposes or have negative Human Rights or Climate Change/Fossil Fuel impacts.

Recognising the need to obtain as high a return as reasonably possible, and anticipating that the investment will be long term, the PCC considers that a “moderate” level of risk is appropriate and most likely to contribute more towards the long term goals.

The PCC recognises that with all investments there is a level of risk. In order to mitigate capital risk it will invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, which will be selected and regularly monitored by the Financial Adviser. Day to day decisions concerning the contents of the investment portfolio will be delegated to the financial adviser, acting in a discretionary capacity in line with the Investment Policy.

Fund Managers will make decisions regarding the day-to-day management of the investment, but the Financial Adviser may make recommendations from time to time upon which the PCC will decide.

The Financial Adviser:

must not appoint a substitute or select his or her own successor.
must exercise normal duty of care and has a liability for breach of contract.
must not act in situations which might give rise to a conflict of interest

The functions delegated to the Financial Adviser must be carried out in the PCC’s best interests and he or she must ensure that he or she only invests in funds that are within the remit of the PCC’s investment policy.

The Financial Adviser will be required to provide valuation statements at least quarterly to the PCC.

The PCC will review at least annually, in conjunction with the Financial Adviser, how investments are performing. The evaluation will also take into account the cost of management.

The PCC will review, at least annually, the performance of the Financial Adviser. This will be carried out independently of the Financial Adviser and may involve independent expert assistance if felt appropriate. Consideration will include whether the terms under which he or she is acting remain suitable, how well he or she is performing, and whether he or she is complying with the policy statement.

The PCC will monitor and review, on an annual basis, its internal arrangements for managing its investments.

INVESTMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL AND ASHWOOD LAW WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD

The investment manager agrees to follow an investment policy in line with the investment policy of Thurmaston Parochial Church Council, as set out above.

The policy sets out Thurmaston Parochial Church Council’s investment objectives, how it intends to achieve them, the remit and responsibilities of the investment manager and the principles that the investment manager must follow when taking any investment decisions on behalf of Thurmaston Parochial Church Council. All investment must be within the remit of the Investment Policy.

This agreement is to be reviewed on an annual basis and can be terminated, in writing, at any time by either side.

CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ANO WAIES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Sectson A Inknndent Examinerfs Report R•port to th• iNst••sl On aceounts for tht y•ar nd•d 31. D•c•mb•r 207J Charity no Irf anyl 1193394 S•t out on pa9•5 T) S)r tr y•w •nd•(I R•sponslbiliti•s and basis of rport A4 th• chaWJ INst••%. you •1 rJponsb• for th• rK•p•rntion of lh• •¢¢4)¥nts m •x¢rtl•nc• ith lh• r•quw•m•nts olth• Ch•rrts Aa 2011 urd•r J•¢kn 145 of IM 201 l A¢t •rKI out my •x•min•bM. I und•r J•¢w 144¥Xb) ol th• A Independent examlnefs •latement I h•T4 •Jmpt•d my •X•br. I cwlmi bw fio m•tw4•l m•llvs h• I h•¥• r)tr t¢M5 •Dd eom• •CfJM no oth•r m•tt•rn in COM•Cllon ith th• •x•fflb to tt•ntx Jhoukj dr•n in tlyj r•port pj. Oat•: 18" Fa 2024 Sigr••d.. N•m•: R•l•vant prof•ssional qualification(%l or body Irf any)". Addr•s•: Lwhbtyou9h IER Oct 2018 18

SEebon 8 Disclosuie nly =orF e:e Il the ex9p-Irer n<&?= i) 9I1,a'. m3ter131 ry.&er5 cl =)rcerr 15ee CC32. Indepen¢Jent •xwnin•lw of ¢hwty •ccounlJ." th•ctions •nd guidance for ex8miTrEr51 Give h 71 detsils of any itèms that the ¥Jminw wish•s to di5cIos•. IER Oct 2018 19

LAKt WEET AS AT IiSI 1•21 (&524.Jl L51J74. CJi.969 9$ Ci.)n C)9 Ji tJr/ i? (&J•4.J4 flo2 17.99 £439 tJ?o.ty) E4QJ.aY 19 (139,4 J5 73 U7JM4.73 É417JA46 £0. fO.rf+ JI 19 É4Jg 20


BANK RECONCILLIATION

DECEMBER 2023					2023 TOTALS

Balance Brought Forward from Previous Reconcilliation			£13,577.71			£13,577.71
Receipts			£2,624.09			£2,624.09
Payments			£7,677.43			£7,677.43
Balance at month end				£8,524.37			£8,524.37


Bank Statement Balance at end of December 2023			£9,158.98			£9,158.98




Less Unpresented Cheques	Number	Amount
	104977	£50.00
	104983	£300.00
	104988	£35.00
	104989	£35.00
	104892	£94.98
	104893	£50.00
	104894	£35.00
	104995	£10.35
	104995	£24.72
	104995	£10.28
	104996	£13.50
	104997	£35.00
	104998	£100.00
	104999	£18.00






			£811.83			£811.83
Add Uncleared Deposits
29.12.23		£55.00
31.12.23		£122.22






			£177.22			£177.22


Reconcilled Balance at month end				£8,524.37			£8,524.37

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS

INCOMING RESOURCES	TOTAL TO 31ST DECEMBER 2023				TOTAL TO 31.12.23		TOTAL TO 31.12.22
	RESTRICTED		UNRESTRICTED		ALL		ALL

VOLUNTARY INCOME
Tax efficient planned giving		£0.00		£12,128.93		£12,128.93		£15,005.06

Collections of loose cash at services		£0.00		£1,647.32		£1,647.32		£916.38
Sunday services	£0.00		£1,289.10		£1,289.10		£661.07
Funerals	£0.00		£199.59		£199.59		£126.51
Weddings	£0.00		£25.00		£25.00		£7.30
Other special services	£0.00		£133.63		£133.63		£121.50

Other recurring giving / donations		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

Digital Giving		£0.00		£527.00		£527.00

Non-recurring giving / donations (inc Special Appeals)		£0.00		£1,590.69		£1,590.69		£1,486.87

Tax recovered through gift aid		£0.00		£3,297.86		£3,297.86		£3,815.90

Legacies received (capital value)		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

Recurring grants		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

Non-recurring or one-off grants		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£1,291.00

ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS
Fund raising		£0.00		£2,148.94		£2,148.94		£1,336.98

INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS
Dividends, interest, income from property etc		£992.79		£5,173.68		£6,166.47		£1,357.47

CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Parochial fees		£0.00		£3,399.80		£3,399.80		£4,940.00
Running Costs(Weddings)	£0.00		£905.00		£905.00		£786.00
Running Costs(Banns)	£0.00		£68.00		£68.00		£96.00
Running Costs(Funerals)	£0.00		£770.00		£770.00		£1,963.00
(Running Costs(Certificates)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Minister(unpaid) (funerals)	£0.00		£820.40		£820.40		£1,200.00
Organist(funerals)	£0.00		£70.00		£70.00		£350.00
Organist(weddings)	£0.00		£160.00		£160.00		£80.00
Choir(funerals)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Choir(weddings)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Bellringers(funerals)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Bellringers(weddings)	£0.00		£90.00		£90.00		£180.00
Verger(funerals)	£0.00		£75.00		£75.00		£210.00
Verger(weddings)	£0.00		£75.00		£75.00		£75.00
Minister(unpaid)(weddings)	£0.00		£366.40		£366.40		£0.00

Bookstall, magazine advertising & sales etc		£0.00		£45.72		£45.72		£41.19
Candles	£0.00		£45.72		£45.72		£41.19
Other	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES								£371.66
Income from Children & Youth Activities		£1,207.35		£0.00		£1,207.35

ASSIGNED FEES		£0.00		£529.20		£529.20		£2,490.00
Weddings	£0.00		£331.60		£331.60		£654.00
Banns	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Funerals	£0.00		£197.60		£197.60		£1,836.00
Certificates	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

CONTRA
Contra Charity		£0.00		£3,527.69		£3,527.69		£3,041.03
Christian Aid	£0.00		£132.69	£0.00	£132.69		£581.81
Foodbank	£0.00		£3,195.00	£0.00	£3,195.00		£2,040.00
Childrens Society	£0.00		£0.00	£0.00	£0.00		£0.00
Every Penny Counts	£0.00		£0.00	£0.00	£0.00		£0.00
Other	£0.00		£200.00	£0.00	£200.00		£419.22

Contra Non Charity		£0.00		£232.62		£232.62		£241.32

TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES		£2,200.14		£34,249.45		£36,449.59		£36,334.86

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - ACTUALS ADJUSTED TO REMOVE 2022 & INCLUDE 2023 DEBTORS & PRE-PAYMENTS AND CREDIT0RS & ACCRUALS

RESOURCES EXPENDED	TOTAL TO 31ST DECEMBER 2023				TOTAL TO 31.12.23		TOTAL TO 31.12.22
	RESTRICTED		UNRESTRICTED		ALL		ALL

COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS
Costs of generating funds (fundraising costs etc)		£0.00		£87.05		£87.05		£0.00

MISSION GIVING & CHARITABLE GRANTS & DONATIONS
Mission giving and charitable grants & donations		£227.00		£516.27		£743.27		£4,250.00

CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Parish share paid to diocese		£0.00		£25,000.00		£25,000.00		£35,000.00

Salaries / honoraria (organist etc)		£25,258.59		£3,485.80		£28,744.39		£27,725.69
Organist(services)	£0.00		£1,820.00		£1,820.00		£805.00
Organist(funerals)	£0.00		£70.00		£70.00		£280.00
Organist(weddings)	£0.00		£160.00		£160.00		£80.00
verger(funerals)	£0.00		£75.00		£75.00		£195.00
verger(weddings)	£0.00		£75.00		£75.00		£100.00
Bellringers(funerals)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Bellringers(weddings)	£0.00		£90.00		£90.00		£270.00
Choir(funerals)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Choir(weddings)	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Minister(unpaid) (funerals)	£0.00		£820.40		£820.40		£1,200.00
Minister(unpaid) (weddings)	£0.00		£375.40		£375.40		£0.00
Children & Families Worker	£25,258.59		£0.00		£25,258.59		£24,795.69

Expenses (of clergy, pastoral staff etc)		£160.64		£138.73		£299.37		£363.79
Mileage	£88.88		£66.73		£155.61		£260.34
Hospitality	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Telephone	£0.00		£72.00		£72.00		£96.25
Other	£71.76		£0.00		£71.76		£7.20

Church running expenses		£1,434.36		£9,707.38		£11,141.74		£9,636.33
Insurance	£0.00		£3,687.71		£3,687.71		£3,376.12
Repairs & Maintenance	£0.00		£3,761.57		£3,761.57		£2,559.29
Cleaning, Hygiene & Hospitality	£0.00		£123.85		£123.85		£396.90
Altar Supplies	£0.00		£405.06		£405.06		£286.55
Printing & Stationery	£0.00		£178.09		£178.09		£157.79
Books	£0.00		£221.69		£221.69		£215.79
Advertising and Communication	£100.00		£46.50		£146.50		£0.00
Gifts	£0.00		£815.00		£815.00		£0.00
Licences and Subscriptions	£0.00		£277.53		£277.53		£477.85
Resourcesfor Children/Youth Work	£1,334.36		£0.00		£1,334.36		£1,187.07
Other	£0.00		£190.38		£190.38		£978.97

Church utility bills		£0.00		£4,232.47		£4,232.47		£3,038.19
Gas	£0.00		£2,937.08		£2,937.08		£2,349.90
Electricity	£0.00		£1,221.12		£1,221.12		£612.90
Water	£0.00		£74.27		£74.27		£75.39
Other	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

Costs of trading (candles,bookstall etc)		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

GOVERNANCE COSTS
Governance costs (examination or audit fee etc)		£0.00		£279.53		£279.53		£210.13

MAJOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Major repairs to the church building inc redecoration		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

Major repairs to other PCC property inc redecoration		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

New building work to church or PCC property		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

ASSIGNED FEES		£0.00		£529.20		£529.20		£2,372.00
Weddings	£0.00		£331.60		£331.60		£872.00
Banns	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Funerals	£0.00		£197.60		£197.60		£1,500.00
Certificates	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00

CONTRA
Contra Charity		£0.00		£3,527.69		£3,527.69		£3,041.03
Christian Aid	£0.00		£132.69		£132.69		£581.81
Foodbank	£0.00		£3,195.00		£3,195.00		£2,040.00
Childrens Society	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Every Penny Counts	£0.00		£0.00		£0.00		£0.00
Other	£0.00		£200.00		£200.00		£419.22

Contra Non Charity						£232.62		£241.32

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED		£27,080.59		£47,504.12		£74,817.33		£85,878.48

SURPLUS/ DEFICIT		-£24,880.45		-£13,254.67		-£38,367.74		-£49,543.62

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL	THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
RESTRICTED FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
31ST DECEMBER 2018 - 2023

Totals excluding
Non Restricted Legacy
	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Receipts
Interest	£992.80	£402.14	£4.38	£2.41	£4.24	£2.79
Donations or grants (previously included contribution &grants to salary& on-costs)	£692.25	£159.75	£30,000.00	£43,515.00	£17,162.00	£18,000.00
Contribution to Salary& On-Costs	£0.00	£0.00	£6,184.21	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Special Events	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£6,896.80	£4,759.27	£4,118.59
VAT Refund on BuildingWork	£0.00	£371.20	£13,456.19	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Transfers from Another Fund	£51,000.00	£20,023.25	£12,500.00	£11,000.00	£10,597.46	£3,380.97
Closure of Account	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£65.12	£0.00	£0.00
Gift Aid Refund from HMRC	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
	£52,685.05	£20,956.34	£62,144.78	£61,479.33	£32,522.97	£25,502.35

Payments
Repairs	£0.00	£0.00	£1,224.00	£0.00	£0.00	£469.64
Salary& On-Costs	£25,419.23	£24,851.05	£24,734.79	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Return of Unused Grant	£0.00	£0.00	£500.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Architect's Fees	£0.00	£0.00	£1,655.75	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
BuildingWork	£0.00	£0.00	£35,824.40	£20,782.80	£0.00	£0.00
Sundries (previously included payment of salary & on-costs)	£1,947.74	£720.67	£406.18	£28,034.65	£25,461.34	£29,660.99
Transfer to Another Fund	£1,214.17	£0.00	£500.00	£7,900.00	£1,474.25	£0.00
	£28,581.14	£25,571.72	£64,845.12	£56,717.45	£26,935.59	£30,130.63


Excess of Receipts over Payments	£24,103.91	£0.00	£0.00	£4,761.88	£5,587.38	£0.00

Excess of Payments over Receipts	£0.00	£4,615.38	£2,700.34	£0.00	£0.00	£4,628.28


Bank Current and Deposit Accounts at Start of Year	£12,110.27	£16,725.66	£19,425.99	£14,664.11	£9,076.73	£13,705.01
		Shown as £17,205.42 in 2021 due to accruals accounting
Pre-paid vat on Fabric	£0.00	£0.00	£479.77
Bank Current and Deposit Accounts at year end	£36,214.18	£12,110.27	£17,205.42	£19,425.99	£14,664.11	£9,076.73
			Figure shown is due to accruals accounting


THURMA	STON PAROCHIAL CHURC			H COUNCIL
RESTRICTED FUND RECEIPTS	& PAYMENTS FOR THE YE			AR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
	Decorating	Toilet	Fabric	Flood	Sunday	Youth	Heating
				lights	School/Young People	Activities
	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023
Receipts
Interest	£0.00	£0.00	£151.72	£4.54	£808.86	£0.00	£0.00
Donations orgrants	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£692.25	£0.00	£0.00
Contribution to Salary& On-Costs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Special Events	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
VAT Refund on BuildingWork	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Transfers from Another Fund	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£50,000.00	£0.00	£0.00
Closure of Account	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Gift Aid Refund from HMRC	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
	£0.00	£0.00	£151.72	£4.54	£51,501.11	£0.00	£0.00
Payments
Repairs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Salary& On-Costs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£25,419.23	£0.00	£0.00
Return of Unused Grant	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Architect's Fees	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
BuildingWork	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Sundries	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£1,383.19	£137.55	£0.00
Transfer to Another Fund	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£26,802.42	£137.55	£0.00

Excess of Receipts over Payments	£0.00	£0.00	£151.72	£4.54	£24,698.69	£0.00	£0.00

Excess of Payments over Receipts	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£137.55	£0.00

Bank Current and Deposit Accounts	£0.00	£0.00	£7,180.91	£214.72	£3,241.99	£137.55	£0.00
at Start of Year

Bank Current and Deposit Accounts	£0.00	£0.00	£7,332.63	£219.26	£27,940.68	£0.00	£0.00
at End of Year

						New Non	Totalsexc non restricted legacy
	The Poor	Choir	Windows & General	In Memory	Restricted Legacy	Restricted Legacyexc from totals
	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023
Receipts
Interest	£20.80	£0.00	£0.00	£6.88	£0.00	£0.00	£992.80
Donations orgrants	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£692.25
Contribution to Salary& On-Costs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Special Events	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
VAT Refund on BuildingWork	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Transfers from Another Fund	£1,000.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£51,000.00
Closure of Account	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Gift Aid Refund from HMRC	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
	£1,020.80	£0.00	£0.00	£6.88	£0.00	£0.00	£52,685.05
Payments
Repairs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Salary& On-Costs	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£25,419.23
Return of Unused Grant	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Architect's Fees	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
BuildingWork	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Sundries	£427.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£1,947.74
Transfer to Another Fund	£0.00	£0.00	£881.61	£332.56	£0.00	£0.00	£1,214.17
	£427.00	£0.00	£881.61	£332.56	£0.00	£0.00	£28,581.14

Excess of Receipts over Payments	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£24,854.95

Excess of Payments over Receipts	£593.80	£0.00	£881.61	£325.68	£0.00	£0.00	£1,938.64

Bank Current and Deposit Accounts at start of Year	£127.81	£0.00	£881.61	£325.68	£0.00	£0.00	£12,110.27


Bank Current and Deposit Accounts	£721.61	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£36,214.18
at End of Year


THURMASTON PAROCH	IAL CHURCH COUNCIL
AS AT 31ST DE	CEMBER 2023


DEBTORS & CREDITORS

CREDITORS
Gas(Estimated)	£1,390.00

Electricity (Estimated)	£360.00
	£1,750.00
DEBTORS
Gift Aid & GASDS Refund from HMRC for 2023	£1,589.17
Children & Families Worker salaryincrease 01.08.23- 31.12.23	£515.10
Insurance 01.01.23 - 21.08.23	£2,437.78
Water 01.01.24 - 31.03.24	£24.75
Church Music Licences 01.01.24 - 30.04.24	£138.77
Sim Card for Digital GivingMachine 01.01.24-31.10.24	£47.63
Garden Bin Scheme 01.01.24-29.02.24	£8.33
Estimated Interest from Nationwide Savings Account	£2,269.53
OutstandingInterest on CCLA a/c no CB3027581	£924.54
OutstandingInterest on CCLA a/c no CB3027582	£428.74
	£8,384.34



MONETARY ASSETS	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL
	AT 31.12.23	AT 31.12.22	AT 31.12.21	AT 31.12.20	AT 31.12.19

CBF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 3027581(Previously002)	£31,969.96	£1,379.02	£1,361.12	£1,360.42	£1,354.67

CBF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 3027582(Previously003)	£68,939.32	£30,977.17	£30,575.03	£570.65	£568.24

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY ACCOUNT	£85,000.00	£350,115.55	£350,000.00	£0.00	£0.00

QUILTER INVESTMENT	£208,770.90	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00

RECONCILED BANK ACCOUNT	£8,524.37	£52,274.99	£100,060.07	£94,568.53	£100,131.34

TOTAL AVAILABLE CASH	£403,204.55	£434,746.73	£481,996.22	£96,499.60	£102,054.25

ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS:

Non Restricted
General(Non Designated)	£373,624.71	£422,636.46	£464,339.80	£45,288.59	£83,341.64

Designated	£0.00	£0.00	£930.77	£31,785.03	£4,035.49

Legacy (unrestricted)	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£13.00

Restricted
Legacy (restricted)	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£3,002.26
Decorating	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£19.33	£19.33
Toilet	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£12,550.49	£4,793.67
Fabric	£7,332.63	£7,180.91	£6,612.36	£3,859.95	£3,859.42
Window	£0.00	£881.61	£857.38	£857.17	£857.05
In Memory	£0.00	£325.68	£316.73	£316.65	£316.61
Floodlights	£219.25	£214.72	£208.82	£208.76	£208.74
SundaySchool/Children & YoungPeople	£27,940.69	£3,241.99	£8,472.29	£355.63	£349.07
Youth Activities	£0.00	£137.55	£133.77	£133.73	£133.72
Choir	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Poor	£721.60	£127.81	£124.30	£124.27	£124.25
In Memoryof TerryHarley	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£500.00	£500.00
Clock	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£500.00	£500.00

OTHER ASSETS	NON MONETARY ASSETS
	As listed in the church terrier and inventory,
Nil	held bythe churchwardens on special trust
	for the Parochial Church Council,and which
	require a facultyfor disposal.


THURMASTON PAROCH	IAL CHURCH COUNCIL
AS AT 31ST DE	CEMBER 2023


DEBTORS & CREDITORS

CREDITORS
Gas(Estimated)	£1,390.00

Electricity (Estimated)	£360.00
	£1,750.00
DEBTORS
Gift Aid & GASDS Refund from HMRC for 2023	£1,589.17
Children & Families Worker salaryincrease 01.08.23- 31.12.23	£515.10
Insurance 01.01.23 - 21.08.23	£2,437.78
Water 01.01.24 - 31.03.24	£24.75
Church Music Licences 01.01.24 - 30.04.24	£138.77
Sim Card for Digital GivingMachine 01.01.24-31.10.24	£47.63
Garden Bin Scheme 01.01.24-29.02.24	£8.33
Estimated Interest from Nationwide Savings Account	£2,269.53
OutstandingInterest on CCLA a/c no CB3027581	£924.54
OutstandingInterest on CCLA a/c no CB3027582	£428.74
	£8,384.34



MONETARY ASSETS	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL	TOTAL
	AT 31.12.23	AT 31.12.22	AT 31.12.21	AT 31.12.20	AT 31.12.19

CBF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 3027581(Previously002)	£31,969.96	£1,379.02	£1,361.12	£1,360.42	£1,354.67

CBF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 3027582(Previously003)	£68,939.32	£30,977.17	£30,575.03	£570.65	£568.24

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY ACCOUNT	£85,000.00	£350,115.55	£350,000.00	£0.00	£0.00

QUILTER INVESTMENT	£208,770.90	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00

RECONCILED BANK ACCOUNT	£8,524.37	£52,274.99	£100,060.07	£94,568.53	£100,131.34

TOTAL AVAILABLE CASH	£403,204.55	£434,746.73	£481,996.22	£96,499.60	£102,054.25

ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS:

Non Restricted
General(Non Designated)	£373,624.71	£422,636.46	£464,339.80	£45,288.59	£83,341.64

Designated	£0.00	£0.00	£930.77	£31,785.03	£4,035.49

Legacy (unrestricted)	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£13.00

Restricted
Legacy (restricted)	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£3,002.26
Decorating	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£19.33	£19.33
Toilet	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£12,550.49	£4,793.67
Fabric	£7,332.63	£7,180.91	£6,612.36	£3,859.95	£3,859.42
Window	£0.00	£881.61	£857.38	£857.17	£857.05
In Memory	£0.00	£325.68	£316.73	£316.65	£316.61
Floodlights	£219.25	£214.72	£208.82	£208.76	£208.74
SundaySchool/Children & YoungPeople	£27,940.69	£3,241.99	£8,472.29	£355.63	£349.07
Youth Activities	£0.00	£137.55	£133.77	£133.73	£133.72
Choir	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Poor	£721.60	£127.81	£124.30	£124.27	£124.25
In Memoryof TerryHarley	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£500.00	£500.00
Clock	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£500.00	£500.00

OTHER ASSETS	NON MONETARY ASSETS
	As listed in the church terrier and inventory,
Nil	held bythe churchwardens on special trust
	for the Parochial Church Council,and which
	require a facultyfor disposal.

VICAR’S REPORT

Time flies and moving on…

The Rev Tim Day moved to his new parish of Thorpe Acre with Dishley, Loughborough, in September 2022, and in September 2024, we will have been in vacancy, and without a Vicar for two years. During this time, other ministers have also moved on – Andrea Day, Licensed Lay Minister, September 2022; Sheila Langley, Lay Minister (PTO), March 2023; Stephen Gamble, Lay Minister (PTO), June 2023; and Suzanne Gamble, Locally Authorised Minister, June 2023. We are very grateful to them all for their ministry in Thurmaston and beyond. Our thanks to Sheila Langley, who whilst worshipping elsewhere, continues to assist with Home Communion when required, and remains one of the volunteers at Bright Sparks, and the Soar Valley Community Food Project at St Michael’s, Thurmaston.

Ministry

We were pleased to celebrate the licensing of the Rev Biddy Saunders as Associate Priest for Barkby on Sunday 20[th] August 2023 at St Mary’s, Barkby, and of the Rev Ros Harper as Team Vicar for Syston and East Goscote on 7[th] September 2023 at St Hilda’s, East Goscote. We wish our friends in Barkby, East Goscote, and Syston well for the future.

We are grateful to John Hewer, our Associate Minister, who has increased his commitment and now leads Morning Worship twice each month, and to Mandy Green, our employed Children & Families Worker, for her ministry with children and families, and particularly with preparation for baptism. Thanks also to David Beck, exploring Locally Authorised Ministry, and who has continued to preach for us, and to Sam Bone, beginning to explore Locally Authorised Ministry.

Our thanks to the Rev Canon Rob Gladstone, our Area Dean, and to the Ven Richard Worsfold, Archdeacon of Leicester, who have been particularly supportive during our vacancy, as have their diocesan colleagues.

Our regular pattern of Sunday worship has continued, thanks to visiting clergy and lay ministers. We are grateful to all those who have presided, preached, and led services for us, diocesan clergy without a parish of their own – including Bishops and Archdeacons, retired clergy, and self-supporting ministers. We have maintained our special services during Advent and Christmas, and Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, and we know that our congregation and wider community appreciate that we are still able to worship in our own church on these special occasions.

We are delighted that Bishop Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, will be with us on Sunday 8[th] September 2024 at 3pm to confirm, and to preside and preach at a special Confirmation and Celebration of Ministry Service, to which all visiting clergy and lay

ministers who have assisted us during our vacancy will be invited to attend. Please make every effort to attend what will be a joyful occasion – and will be followed by cake!

We are grateful also to our fellow church officers – Lesley Hyam, PCC Treasurer, and Darren Gartside, PCC Secretary. Both have been very busy, with much of their work done behind the scenes. We are fortunate to have a full team of PCC members and thank them all, recognising the significant responsibilities of modern-day charity trustees, and that meetings have been frequent, and long on occasion – David Beck, Sam Bone, Darren Gartside, Sandra Gartside, John Hewer, Julie Hewer, Lesley Hyam, David Lewis, Angela Taylor, John Tebbutt, Maureen Tebbutt.

Our next Vicar

We are frequently asked by members of the congregation and wider community – “when will we get a new Vicar?”.

In November 2023, the PCC advised Archdeacon Richard Worsfold that the PCC felt that the proposed Northeast Leicester Minster Community (which Thurmaston had been invited to explore) was the wrong group for Thurmaston and asked instead to be invited to join an alternative group, centered on the existing Fosse Team. The PCC’s comments have been noted by the diocese, and Archdeacon Richard will continue to involve Thurmaston in discussions concerning Northeast Leicester until that process has been completed. A draft proposal is anticipated late May 2024, with a final proposal some months later.

Thurmaston will not receive a new Vicar in the traditional understanding of the term. Instead, Thurmaston and other parishes within a Minster Community will be served by several ministers, lay, and ordained, stipendiary (paid) and non-stipendiary. One will likely be designated ‘Focal Minister’ and will take the lead within our parish. Another will be designated ‘Oversight Minister’ and will lead the ministry team. We hope to have further information to share with church members in the coming months. We encourage you to pray for all involved in this process of considerable change affecting every parish in the diocese.

Special events

It was a pleasure to welcome back the Ven Javaid Iqbal, Archdeacon of Doncaster, and former Vicar of Thurmaston, when he presided and preached for us on Sunday 4[th] June 2023, and to host the Leicestershire & Rutland County Royal British Legion on Sunday 11[th] June 2023, when they held their Annual Standard Bearers’ Service at St Michael’s. We were pleased to participate at the Annual Remembrance Sunday Parade Service arranged by Thurmaston Parish Council and supported by Thurmaston Branch Royal British Legion, Thurmaston Scouts & Guides, and many other village organisations and individuals. Our

thanks to the Rev Steve Sweet of Living Hope Church Thurmaston for officiating. We were delighted to welcome so many people into church at Thurmaston Lights Up on Sunday 26[th] November 2023. Thurmaston Scout & Guide Band / Thurmaston Marching Brass again held their Annual Christmas Concert in church, this year on Sunday 10[th] December 2023, and we thank them for choosing to hold their event at St Michael’s. Our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was held on Sunday 17[th] December 2023 in partnership with Living Hope Church Thurmaston and we thank the Rev Steve Sweet for leading and preaching. Our thanks to the Ven Richard Worsfold, Archdeacon of Leicester for presiding and preaching at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Whilst attendance was low, it was good to see several new faces in the congregation, including a young family.

Living Hope Church Thurmaston

We have continued to work in partnership with The Cornerstone Team (Thurnby, Houghton on the Hill, and Stoughton) at Living Hope Church Thurmaston and are grateful to the Rev Steve Sweet, Yvonne Potterton, and others, for their ministry at Church Hill (Church of England) Junior School, and at Bright Sparks, our ‘stay and play’ baby and toddler group, held at Thurmaston Scout & Guide HQ, and at services and events within the parish.

The Rev Steve Sweet, Church Planting Curate at Living Hope Church Thurmaston, will be moving to a new role later this year, and we extend our best wishes and prayers for his future ministry, with thanks for his ministry in Thurmaston.

Church Electoral Roll

The Church Electoral Roll was revised by the Parochial Church Council from 1[st] April 2024 to 15[th] April 2024. Four names were removed from the roll (people who had moved away) and three names were added to the roll. Membership of the Electoral Roll now stands at 60 people.

We are grateful to Julie Hewer, who serves as Church Electoral Roll Officer.

Safeguarding

The Parochial Church Council has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

We are grateful to John Hewer, who serves as Parish Safeguarding Officer, and to Bijal Bhagwan, known to many as Editor of the Thurmaston Times and as Charnwood District Commissioner and Leicestershire County Commissioner for the Scout Association, who serves in a personal capacity as our Safeguarding Independent Person.

With best wishes and prayers.

John Tebbutt and David Lewis

Churchwardens

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

At the beginning of last year Dave Lewis was Lay Chair and after the AGM last May, John Tebbutt became Lay Chair. The both of us would like to thank all the PCC members and the congregation for their help over the last twelve months. We would also like to thank the attending Clergy who have helped us to keep our services going. Also, thank you to Mandy Green our Children & Families Worker for all her hard work with Messy Church and sorting out our Baptisms.

We are working through the Quinquennial, and we are now at the stage of submitting our requests to obtain faculties for the work which needs to be completed. These include removing the choir stalls, removal of the stone plinth attached to the font and replacing the lighting to LED emergency lighting.

At the end of last year, we had a service done on our boilers and one of them has been condemned, we are now running our heating system on one boiler to keep the Church fully heated, and we are in the process of replacing the heating system.

A Prayer

Thank you, God, for all your blessings to us and our family; for the strength you give us each day and for all the people around us who make life more meaningful. Amen.

John Tebbutt and David Lewis Churchwardens

ASSOCIATE MINISTER’S REPORT

John Hewer is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) who serves as our Associate Minister, usually leading Morning Worship on two Sundays each month. This has been particularly appreciated during our vacancy. John preaches regularly and serves as our Parish Safeguarding Officer. John accepted an invitation from Thurmaston Branch Royal British Legion to serve as their Associate Branch Chaplain (the Branch Chaplain role being reserved to ordained clergy). In addition to his service in Thurmaston, John also regularly leads worship at St Mary’s, Barkby; St Hilda’s, East Goscote, and elsewhere by invitation.

AFTER CHURCH REFRESHMENTS

We continue to offer tea / coffee and biscuits – and on special occasions, cake – to those attending our Sunday morning worship. This is an important aspect of our hospitality and welcome and enables church members and visitors to gather informally and enjoy fellowship. I understand that many visitors, and particularly visiting clergy, have commented on the warm welcome and hospitality they experience at St Michael’s, Thurmaston.

Whilst tea and coffee are provided from church funds, milk and biscuits are provided by our volunteers, to whom we are very grateful. Volunteering involves a commitment of one Sunday per month, though would be less frequently if more people volunteer. If you would like to join the team, please do let me know.

Sandra Gartside

BELLRINGING REPORT FOR 2023

During 2023 the ringers continued to play an active role in the life of the church. We were able to ring before the service on most Sunday mornings and we also rang for special occasions, such as Thurmaston Lights Up, the carol service and Midnight Mass. We decorated a window for harvest and a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival.

On Saturday 6[th] May we were excited to ring for the King’s Coronation and were also joined by other local ringers. Some band members went on to ring at other towers in the area on the same day.

At the end of May a visiting band from Hugglescote successfully rang a quarter peal and in November we were pleased to host a district practice which was attended by a total of 22 ringers from around this area.

In September the bells received their annual service and inspection by David Pygott from Taylor’s Bell Foundry. He found them to be in good order, and as he came on practice night, he stayed to ring with us.

Regular practices continued on Monday evenings with numbers attending gradually increasing and thus allowing more progress to be made. Visitors were welcomed as and when they came and we continue to encourage people to come and see what we do and to have a go if they feel so inclined.

Lesley Hyam Tower Captain

CHILDREN & FAMILIES REPORT

It’s always hard to remember events from the previous year, I really must start this report as the year goes on. Anyway, here’s a whistle stop tour for 2023.

Bright Sparks

Bright Sparks has continued to have steady numbers, between 10 – 20 children and 1015 adults. The summer term always dips slightly in number as families take early holidays and days out, but they always recover in the autumn where numbers peak. Sheila Langly and David Beck have been amazing in continually supporting this group and Lesley comes along to help set up and pack away the shed, without her support we would really struggle, it is also great to have Steve Sweet and Yvonne Potterton from Living Hope Church support us.

At the beginning of 2023 we increased the price to £2 per family to help cover the hire cost of the Scout HQ. We were concerned this may put some families off, but everyone was very understanding, and the numbers have stayed steady throughout the year.

In the summer when we don’t meet at the Scout HQ we had “park meet ups” which had a few families attend. The weather was kind to us, with the sun shining most weeks.

We have covered themes of God’s creation, Easter, Parables and obviously Christmas among others. We have end of term parties and had a pony visit us in September which the children loved. In November we were fortunate to have Bishop Saju visit us, he even sat at the craft tables with children and decorated a star for our Christmas Tree.

Our shed which stores all our toys was broken into in June, but nothing was stolen just damage to the door, which was kindly fixed for us at no cost to the group. Thank you to all involved in this repair job.

Baptisms

Over the year we have had a total of 17 baptisms, including adults, teenagers, children, and babies. Each one will be followed up with an anniversary of their baptism card in 2024.

Messy Church Events

We held Messy Church Events in school holidays, February, April, May, July, and October. Attendance varied from 10 (children and adults) in February to 38 (children and adults) at Easter. At each event we looked at a Bible story with around 8 different craft activities

which both adults and children got involved with. Everyone took home lots of craft, sweets or chocolate eggs and some form of leaflet or booklet on the Bible story.

Schools

I continue to be a Foundation Governor at Church Hill C of E Junior School, being vice chair for the full governing body and chair for the curriculum and pastoral committee. I have completed some online training including Safeguarding in Schools.

Buzz Club continues on Wednesdays, Steve Sweet and I alternate weeks and we take the themes from the school’s collective worship to ensure continuity. We have between 10 and 18 (maximum allowed in room) children attend weekly. Along with the Christian based craft, we have some good conversations around the theme and general faith questions.

I continue to run the chess cub at lunchtime on a Thursday. Numbers vary from 6-12 children; they are all improving, and I have to be careful they don’t beat me!

For the first half of the year, I volunteered to hear some children read on a weekly basis, then after the summer the head asked if I would support a child and small group in a Maths class on a Thursday afternoon.

I have had the privilege of taking various collective worship assemblies including their Christingle service, and welcoming the school into the church for visits where they either have a service that the children lead or groups that come for a look round and a quiz.

I have been able to meet with the school council to hold some discussion groups for the Bishops Children and Youth Council with some interesting results and assist in invigilating for SATs in May.

The school regularly sends prayers or poems for us to display in the church, please see the board at the back of church for the most recent poems on Fairtrade.

Church Hill Infant School have also been into the church for visits, and I have been in to the school to take their assemblies. It is good to keep contact with them and the children recognise me too.

I have been trying to contact the head at Eastfield Junior School for many months and finally had a reply in the autumn term, which resulted in dates in the diary for 2024 including a Christingle assembly in January, we also have a date for January 2025 in the diary!

Sunday School

I prepare a craft activity for any children that may attend our services although this is rare, despite promoting them at Bright Parks and Messy Church events.

General

I have taken a couple of family services over the year including the Christingle Service in December. The Light Up event was another big attraction with lots of children enjoying the craft activities in the church.

I continue to be on Diocesan Synod, the Diocesan Board of Education and the subcommittee, Supporting Church Schools, which involves about 9 meetings a year.

I attended the Ladies Christian Conference on Saturday 23[rd] September entitled “By His Grace” which was very uplifting, and I hope to attend again in 2024.

I have supported the Summer Club at Living Hope Church in August, we had lots of fun playing games, doing craft, and following the book of Luke in the Detective Training Agency, searching for the certainty about Jesus.

I continue to support the NE Leicester Minster Community throughout the year on the co-ordinating group. After St Michael’s decision to pull out of the process I was asked to continue to support this group in an advisory role to keep the voice of children and families heard, this I continue to do in my own time.

To continue my professional development, at the end of the year I signed on a course with Ridley Hall in Cambridge called Catalyst 30K, to equip children, family, and youth workers in the church of England, this is mainly an online self-study course with support from our local mentor, funded by the National church and will result in an accreditation and a graduation in October 2024.

I continue to put reports into the Thurmaston Times and send Birthday cards to the children we have contact with to ensure that they remember we are here for them.

Thank you to everyone who supports me, whether it be in prayer, personally or at events. Without the support of individuals this work would not be possible. So, a very BIG thank you to you all.

Mandy Green Children & Families Worker

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The Goscote Deanery Synod comprises two houses – the House of Clergy, and the House of Laity – with clergy and lay representatives from the parishes of Barkby; Birstall and Wanlip; Cossington; East Goscote; Queniborough; Rearsby; Rothley; Seagrave; Sileby; Syston; Thrussington with Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake; and Thurmaston. The current Deanery Synod was elected in 2023 to serve for the triennium 1[st] July 2023 to 30[th] June 2026, with Thurmaston currently represented by Darren Gartside and Sandra Gartside. The Co-Chairs are the Rev Canon Rob Gladstone, Area Dean; and Corinne Aldis, Lay Chair, elected at the end of the previous triennium when the former Lay Chair, Stephen Gamble, moved away. Thurmaston’s two representatives during 2023 were at different times Stephen Gamble, Darren Gartside, Sandra Gartside, and Sheila Langley. Mandy Green is an ex-officio member by virtue of her membership of Diocesan Synod, as was Suzanne Gamble, until she moved away.

Deanery Synod meets at various churches across the Deanery. Whilst voting is restricted to members of Deanery Synod, all church members are very welcome to attend, and future dates will be published in the church newsletter. Deanery Synod met on Thursday 11[th] May 2023 (Rothley) (finance meeting); Thursday 26[th] June 2023 (Thurmaston) (presentation on a new church plant in Loughborough); Wednesday 15[th] November 2023 (Birstall) (presentation by Bishop Saju on missional discipleship); and held a Deanery Ascension Day Service on Thursday 18[th] May 2023 (Birstall). We were particularly pleased that we were able to host Deanery Synod at Thurmaston on a beautiful spring evening, and thank church members who attended, particularly those who offered hospitality serving refreshments.

The members of Deanery Synod form the electoral college for elections to Diocesan Synod and General Synod, and a new Diocesan Synod will be elected this summer to serve for the triennium 1[st] August 2024 to 31[st] July 2027. Details will be published in the church newsletter as they become available.

The Deanery has decided not to hold a Deanery Ascension Service this year, hence the Rev Sue Frost has kindly accepted the Churchwardens invitation to preside and preach at an Ascension Day Eucharist at St Michael’s, Thurmaston on Thursday 9[th] May 2024 at 12noon, immediately following Coffee Time (10.30am-12noon). All are welcome to attend. It is hoped that a daytime service might appeal to those who are reluctant to venture out in the evenings.

Darren Gartside and Sandra Gartside Deanery Synod Representatives

ECO CHURCH REPORT

Nearly 3 years St Michael & All Angels was awarded a Bronze Eco Church Certificate from an organisation called A Rocha UK recommended and encouraged by the Leicester Diocese and whose main aim is to Care for God’s Earth. This was achieved by introducing new and different ways of doing things at church. Here are just a few examples of the 150 different elements we had to look at:

Not to print unnecessary paperwork, use recycled printer paper where possible, change all light bulbs to LED ones, encourage the congregation to recycle as much as possible to prevent it going into landfill, recycling church candles by making new ones from the remains of the old candles, buy eco-friendly cleaning products and fairtrade refreshments i.e tea and coffee where possible.

Outside in the church yard we created a wildflower area, placed bird boxes and bird feeders in various trees plus a bug hotel. These are all different ways to encourage more insects, birds and other creatures into the churchyard and surrounding areas. Obviously, this is an ongoing project, and I am always looking at new ways to try and achieve the Silver Eco Church Certificate and hopefully after the lighting/bulbs have been changed inside church to LED ones and a new heating system has been installed this might be possible as we only needed to tick a few more boxes to achieve this next award.

Angela Taylor Eco Church Co-Ordinator

EVENTS TEAM

The Events Team comprises Sandra Gartside, Lesley Hyam, Gill Lewis, Angela Taylor, and Maureen Tebbutt.

Firstly, a huge thankyou to everyone for their individual help and support.

Over the last year, we have arranged and supported various events to raise money for St Michael’s church funds and other charities.

Arming the Knight (Saturday 22[nd] April 2023) – Arming the Knight and the death of a King. A very informative talk and demonstration by Andrew Hyam.

Christian Aid (Saturday 13[th] May 2023) – raising money for this worthy cause with help from the U3A Singers.

Loughborough Carillon (Saturday 10[th] June 2023) – a talk by Caroline Sharp on the iconic landmark and the use of the beautiful bells.

Quiz Night and Fish & Chip Supper (Saturday 15[th] April 2023) – arranged and hosted by John Tebbutt and Dave Lewis. A fun night with church members and guests, held at Thurmaston Scout & Guide HQ.

Ride and Stride (Saturday 9[th] September 2023) – arranged by Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, with church members Lesley Hyam and Maureen Tebbutt riding the bus and striding to raise funds for St Michael’s and the Trust (split 50:50). Our thanks to those who volunteered as stewards to offer hospitality and welcome to those visiting St Michael’s during the day.

Christmas Tree Festival and Nativity Procession (Sunday 26[th] November 2023) – the church’s contribution to Thurmaston Lights Up, a popular annual village event. The nativity procession started at the Memorial Hall and finished in church with the Choir of Church Hill (Church of England) Junior School performing in church. The school choir is always very popular within the church and village community.

All these events take place with a small group of volunteers and help to keep St Michael’s at the heart of the Thurmaston community, as well as enabling us to raise essential funds for the church, and to contribute to charities, including the Bishop’s Appeal.

The Events Team

FLOWER ARRANGERS

We are very grateful to all those who contribute flowers or donate money for flowers to decorate our church each week.

Apart from the weeks in both Lent and Advent it is nice to see a pedestal of flowers at the front of church. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to have a fresh flower arrangement every week and we thank those responsible for donating artificial arrangements which we can use when necessary. We thank all those who give so much of their time to decorate the church throughout the year and particularly at both Easter and Christmas.

If any member of the congregation would like to provide flowers in memory of a loved one or in celebration of an event, please speak to Maureen Tebbutt.

Maureen Tebbutt

Flower Arranging Co-ordinator

INTERCESSIONS’ TEAM REPORT

First of all, a big thankyou to all those who lead our intercessions. I managed to produce a rota and people have been very faithful to it.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask for more people to consider joining the prayer rota it’s easier than you may think, and you will be given all the help you need.

Apart from a list of topics that are usually covered each person compiles their prayers in their own inimitable style after that they learn on the job.

Yours in Christ

David Beck

Intercessions Team Co-Ordinator

SOAR VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT REPORT

Our Food Bank is part of the above project which has its headquarters at Mountsorrel Baptist Church, and we have fourteen regular volunteers from both the church and the wider community who help run it.

We have a designated mobile phone. Anyone from Thurmaston who is in need of a food parcel can text or call on 07789 250529 before 6.00pm on a Sunday giving details of their family make up. The information is sent by email anonymously to Mountsorrel on Sunday night and an army of people at Mountsorrel Baptist Church make up the food parcels. We have nine of our volunteers, who work on a rota, who go to Mountsorrel on Monday morning to collect all the food parcels for Thurmaston. Those who have requested a food parcel collect it from St Michael & All Angels Church on Mondays between 1.00pm and 2.00pm. Each week we have five or six of our volunteers who help at the Food Bank, talking to the clients, making tea and coffee, and generally making them feel welcome. We are fortunate to have the services of a Financial Coach from the Project who can give financial advice to anyone who feels they would benefit from this service.

During 2023 we have provided food parcels for approximately sixty-five individuals and families.

We are very grateful to all our volunteers who give up so much of their time to this Outreach Project and thank them for all their hard work and commitment. There is a basket at the back of church for any donations and we thank all those who have given generously during the year to the Food Bank.

Maureen Tebbutt

Food Project Co-Ordinator

ST MICHAEL’S ONLINE

In 2011, a colleague said, “If you can’t Google it, it might as well not exist”, and this encouraged me to create the church’s website and get involved with social media. We currently promote church services and events via the following online platforms, with figures providing an idea of the number of people reached. Imagine how we’d feel if this many people came into the church building!

www.achurchnearyou.com (Church of England website) Visits in the twelve months to April 2024: 23,474 (figures for Thurmaston only)

www.stmichaelsthurmaston.org (Local church website) Visits for the full calendar year - 2023: 2,821.

www.facebook.com

Page: 400 followers (Women: 73% / Men: 27%) (figures: April 2024) Post reach (28 days to late April 2024): 2,843 (by way of example) Group: 266 members Views: 13,648 (Twelve months May 2023 to April 2024)

Facebook is particularly useful at reaching local people, with the vast majority of those engaging with us identified as Leicester, Thurmaston, Syston, Loughborough, and Birstall. Whilst there is some anecdotal evidence that people have attended services and events because of seeing them advertised online, our online presence seems to ‘inform’ many more people than subsequently go on to attend an in-person service or event. It is, however, an important part of our ministry.

Darren Gartside PCC Secretary

THURSDAY COFFEE TIME

Thursday Coffee Time meets every Thursday from 10.30am to 12noon at the back of church, usually even during holidays, though obviously not if Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Thursday! We enjoy tea / coffee, biscuits, chat – and sometimes cake!

Coffee Time is not a fund-raising event – it is an outreach project which enables those who might not otherwise come into the church building to do so in an informal environment. Whilst not a fund-raising event, donations of £1.50 are invited, and as milk and cake are paid for by volunteers, the full donation is paid into church funds. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided from church funds.

Coffee Time is not a group – it’s an informal ‘drop in’ to which all are welcome. We regularly have twelve or so people attend, with regular visitors and occasional walking groups. People regularly comment on the beautiful church building when they visit for the first time. We are grateful to the Churchwardens for ensuring that the church is always properly heated during cold weather, to ensure we can honestly claim to be ‘warm and welcoming’.

In the past year, four regular volunteers have left the team, including Suzanne Gamble, who was the Coffee Time Co-Ordinator. There are always two volunteers on duty, and we would always welcome new people to join the volunteer team, which usually involves a commitment of one Thursday each month, though the frequency would obviously be less often if more people come forward.

Coffee Time is very informal – people drop in between 10.30am and 12noon – they don’t need to stay for the duration. People collect a drink and biscuits, and occasionally cake, from the counter, and sit where they like. Around 11.30am, we always have a very short prayer, lasting for around a minute, usually themed around the church calendar, or some topical event. Various volunteers read the prayer from one of the two books we have for this purpose. Nobody else is asked to pray out loud.

Do pop into Thursday Coffee Time when you’re able, and if you would like to take your turn once per month, or less often, as one of our team of volunteers, please do get in touch. Remember, Thursday Coffee Time is not just for church members, so please do bring family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, etc. when you visit!

We had a special themed Thursday Coffee Time on Thursday 4[th] May 2023 for the Coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen, with bunting, and cake made specially for the occasion.

We plan to have a special themed Thursday Coffee Time on Thursday 6[th] June 2024 for the 80[th] Anniversary of D Day, when the tables will be decorated, and where background music will be played specially for the occasion.

Finally, thank you to our volunteer team – we quite literally couldn’t do it without you!

Sandra Gartside

Coffee Time Co-Ordinator

Baptism / Confirmation / Weddings / Funerals / Pastoral assistance / Home Communion Speak with the Churchwardens, call 07599 505133 or email services@stmichaelsthurmaston.org

Soar Valley Community Food Project at St Michael’s, Thurmaston Call 07789 250529 before 6pm on Sunday to collect from church on Monday 1pm-2pm

The Parochial Church Council of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston Registered Charity 1193394

2023-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels, Thurmaston

Living as Christ in our community to share the love of God

ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2023

ANNUAL MEETINGS 2024

Annual Parish Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Agenda

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

Sunday 5[th] May 2024 immediately following the Annual Parish Meeting

Agenda

PCC members are asked to remain for a short meeting of the PCC.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounting Policies

General Funds

Designated funds

Restricted funds

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Amounts owing from HMRC

Reserves

Assigned Fees

“Contra” Receipts and Payments

Insurance

Risk management

Legal Advice

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH THURMASTON

Background

Membership

Ex-Officio

Deanery Synod Representatives

Fosse Team Council Representatives

Local Minister

Standing Committee

Investment Working Party (until dissolved)

PCC Chair

PCC Vice Chair

Church Wardens

Deputy Church Warden

PCC Secretary

PCC Treasurer

Health and Safety Co-Ordinator

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding Independent Officer:

Church Electoral Roll Officer

Head Server

Eco Group

Living Hope Church Thurmaston Project Board Representative

Church Hill Junior School Foundation Governors

TREASURER’S REPORT ON THE 2023 ACCOUNTS

THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL INVESTMENT POLICY (Updated 10.07.23)

INVESTMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THURMASTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL AND ASHWOOD LAW WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD

VICAR’S REPORT

Time flies and moving on…

Ministry

Our next Vicar

Special events

Living Hope Church Thurmaston

Church Electoral Roll

Safeguarding

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

A Prayer

ASSOCIATE MINISTER’S REPORT

AFTER CHURCH REFRESHMENTS

BELLRINGING REPORT FOR 2023

CHILDREN & FAMILIES REPORT

Bright Sparks

Baptisms

Messy Church Events

Schools

Sunday School

General

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

ECO CHURCH REPORT

EVENTS TEAM

FLOWER ARRANGERS

INTERCESSIONS’ TEAM REPORT

SOAR VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT REPORT

ST MICHAEL’S ONLINE

www.facebook.com

THURSDAY COFFEE TIME