2023-12-31-accounts - Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary Magdalene & St Denis (Midhurst)

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Trustees Annual Report and

Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

of The Parochial Church Council of

St. Mary Magdalene & St. Denys Church Church Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9PB Registered Charity No.1194217

OUR AIMS AND PURPOSES AS A CHARITY

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in:

The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.
Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and, ecumenical.
Knowing Jesus better and making Him better known.
Practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the oldest, irrespective of level of need or, ability to pay.
Providing support to those in need and by giving financial support to other organisations with similar objectives.

The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst as well as the interior of St Ann’s Hall, the parish room which is rented from the Cowdray Estate.

WHAT WE PLANNED TO DO TO ACHIEVE OUR CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For this year we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church.
Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community.
Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers.
Diversifying our programme of worship to enable more people to attend services in the parish.

Putting faith into practice, through prayer and worship, and by acts of kindness in our community.
Offering prayer, learning about scripture, and fellowship in small group situations.
Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of Christianity and their trust in Jesus.
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
Raising money and food for other charities.
Reaching out to young people and families through groups and regular services and activities aimed at them.
Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a historic centre and focus of life in the town.
Keeping the church building open to receive those who come in to find quiet and prayer and provide resources for them.

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

It is a joy to be able to write my first report for the church on how God has been working among us during the past year. As I arrived in late July, I must first thank the Revd. Jane Roberts, for her support of the parish church during the vacancy – and for giving me information about the high points of the year from the time before I got here!

Now is also the most appropriate time to recognise the efforts of so many who have worked incredibly hard during the past few years to sustain not just our worship but also the many other activities with which the church community is involved: thank you!

2023 started in typical Midhurst fashion: with cake and Prosecco in a combined service with All Hallows where both communities renewed our shared commitment to serve as disciples of Christ.

Our pattern of worship had been maintained, with Revd. Jane and Mike Abbott covering the vast majority of our services with occasional support from other clergy in the diocese. Through this period our prayers for growth have been heard: it is remarkable that the average Sunday attendance actually grew during a vacancy!

2023 was a year of significant change for the town and the church. The church hosted a prayer vigil for the people of the Ukraine on the first anniversary of the war with Russia in February. The wider community had gathered around to support Ukrainian families who had fled the warzone, several of whom had been offered accommodation locally, particularly in the Angel Hotel. The fire which destroyed the Angel Hotel in March did more than destroy a business and interim refugee accommodation – it changed the town much as COVID 19 had changed the world in the years beforehand. A year where we were all hoping for growth and recovery from the challenges of COVID featured chaos in traffic management and a loss of regular footfall in the town – with knock-on effects for the businesses based here.

The church community also felt this, with a number of families who we were just getting to know being rehomed elsewhere and I have heard several people speak of how we all seemed to share in the losses somehow.

One of the joys of the Christian calendar is that no matter what is going on in the wider world, the rhythm of faith keeps us moving on…last year was no different: the usual patterns took over and we entered into the season of Lent with a poignant Ash Wednesday service and two well-attended (and delicious!) Lent Lunches – thanks again to those who volunteered their time and energy into their production.

It was a joy for several of us to support Easebourne parish in hosting the World Day of Prayer in March, ahead of the start of Holy Week with a return of a triumphant procession from the Market Square to the Church on Palm Sunday.

With Palm Sunday and the entry into Passiontide, our regular pattern of living through Holy Week began, incorporating our remembrance of the Last Supper at the Maundy Thursday Eucharist where Revd. Jane led us through remembering Jesus’ example of humility in washing the feet of his disciples, waiting with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane and the service of the Cross, culminating in the joy of the resurrection with our dawn service at St Ann’s Hill and subsequent Easter celebrations.

Recognising the number of people who had started worshipping with us during the past year, we celebrated this sign of God’s answer to our prayers with an evening of wine and canapes, where we got to know the newer members of our church family and cement some of the relationships we had begun to form.

Regrettably, our children and youth worker’s contract with us was coming to an end and the church was unable to extend the contract further. Beth has been a blessing to us and the children she has been able to support since she has been with us and it was with great sorrow that we could not continue her role within the church.

The development of two church youth groups, Sunday school, Messy Church, the prayer room at MRC, the regular assemblies and other spiritual explorations at Midhurst Primary School have been a positive testament to her efforts in the four years she has led these ministries. We share her joy in the birth of a beautiful daughter. I am sure I speak for us all when I say: “Thank you Beth, and we wish you and your family every success in the future”.

It is with some personal thanks that I now turn my attentions to the team of volunteers from both Midhurst and All Hallows who took on the responsibility of advising Bishop Ruth as to what we were looking for in our next vicar.

Those thanks are truly heartfelt, and not just because of that process I ended up being installed as our new vicar in July: albeit I am personally delighted to be here!

I know from personal experience how difficult trying to discern God’s will for a church can be – and thank those involved for the time and effort they put into the process.

Having been appointed in March, the necessary vetting procedures took an unexpectedly long time to complete, such that it was not until June that we could finally announce my impending installation in July which proved to be a wonderful night and celebration of the ministries we share together. And, of course, there was Prosecco. And Cake!

My arrival coincided with another departure: The Revd. Jane Roberts retired from licensed ministry in late July having skilfully and lovingly supported the parish during the previous several years, not least during the interregnum. I am sure I need not reiterate the profound impact Revd. Jane has had upon our parish, and I am sure I speak for all of us when I express our deep gratitude for her licensed ministry amongst us. Her last Sunday in licensed ministry gave us an excuse – again – to celebrate. Yes, with bubbles and cake!

It is perhaps inevitable that with such considerable change in a ministry team within one year that some things would change – and the second half of our year was no exception.

Our worship pattern has broadly been sustained, with a few changes, such as the re-incorporation of a Eucharist into our 2[nd] Sunday’s worship, our Licensed Lay Minister Mike Abbott taking a more prominent leadership role in that same service and, a little later in the year, the movement of the Reflective Eucharist from the 2[nd] to 3[rd] Sunday in the month.

Sparks (our Sunday school, which takes place at the same time as the Sunday Eucharist) has been sustained as before on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sunday services.

Messy Church has continued, now with Jenny Dennett taking the lead in organising and supporting this important ministry as our programme of support for children and young people in the parish has adapted to the changing circumstances in the parish.

A certain Chris and Sarah Lavender again agreed to host the Barbecue at our Messy Halloween (otherwise known as the Light Party) and to subsequently reprise this most excellent of catering choices at our Messy Advent service, both services being well attended and popular staples of the Messy Church calendar.

The Reverend Chris Lavender joined us as a minister in October, having retired from ordained ministry in Canterbury diocese. Canterbury’s loss is Midhurst’s gain and we have been delighted to have Rev Chris and Sarah join us in the life of the town in so many ways.

We were able to celebrate Revd Chris’ first service with us in typical Midhurst fashion. He commented afterwards that he had never had to cut into a cake with his face on it before coming here!

Another day of great joy was shared at Chichester Cathedral, where Mike and Chrissy Abbott were both invested into the Order of St Richard, a diocesan award given to recognise the exceptional work over many years that they have made to both the life of the church, but also the wider community. The service was a true celebration and you

only have to look at those smiles to know everyone enjoyed a wonderful day out!

The drumbeat of time keeps on going, of course, and the annual patterns soon reasserted themselves: our support for Ride & Stride with my joining a small team in visiting a number of local churches and raising funds for the Sussex Historic Churches Trust, Remembrance season was upon us before we knew it with well-attended and poignant services for both Armistice and Remembrance Days. A new service was undertaken during this season, with Midhurst Primary School inviting members of the Royal British Legion to support them in their own Remembrance event. The contrast of having the very young along with those riper in years commemorate the service of those who have gone before was very moving. We anticipate this being a permanent new addition to the variety of worship that we support at Midhurst.

With the arrival of Advent, a very busy season for the church got started with our hosting, as we have every year, a ‘Come and Sing’ carol service as part of the Christmas Street Party celebrations. We were very blessed to be supported not only by the church choir, but by a number of the Midhurst Community Choir – the night proved to be highly enjoyable, despite the vicar’s decidedly dodgy choice of Christmas jumper!

The following week featured another new service, with our first ‘Candles of Remembrance’ event. This was again very well attended and supported by both firms of local funeral directors. Christmas is a time which can be particularly difficult for the newly

bereaved and so an opportunity to remember those who had died seemed both appropriate and well-received.

It was a joy to again welcome the children and families of Little Laura’s nursery school, Midhurst Primary School and then Midhurst Rother College for their series of carol concerts and it was a joy to support the pupils and staff at each of them in helping to tell the Christmas story afresh to a new

generation.

Midhurst Primary School again featured in our Christingle service, with the bible readings being read by pupils from the school, and some members of the school choir coming to support us in song – given that this was in the middle of the school holidays we were very grateful!

Midhurst Primary School has also undergone significant change in the past year, with their former headteacher, Mrs Clarke retiring in the summer after many years serving the school community in her capacity as teacher and, subsequently, the headteacher. Via our foundation governor, the church had a significant role in the recruitment of Mrs Clarke’s successor, Mr Jefferson, who was in place ready for the start of the school year.

With a new vicar and new headteacher, it was perhaps inevitable that there would be change in how the school and church support each other. I serve alongside the other governors as a foundation governor, but Mr Jefferson and I have felt that the most helpful support I can personally offer is that of a chaplain to the school community – pupils, staff and parents alike. The school have introduced a new reward mechanism and the top award is ‘the Vicar’s award’, where the pupils reaching this pinnacle of good behaviour

and demonstration of the refreshed school values are rewarded with a morning out of regular class and a visit to the Forest School – roasted marshmallows, singing, games and an obligatory hot chocolate all normally feature!

The school and church are in the process of drafting a new covenant – to refresh and renew our mutual support. With academisation a constant pressure for our local schools, I know that the practical support the church offers our school community is both welcome and necessary.

Our call to support the community has, similarly developed and grown over the past year. Members of our community continue to support the Midhurst Foodbank, which has also managed considerable change in the past year. Similarly, I am aware of church members supporting a wide range of local

ventures, not least the Midhurst Community Hub, which was launched in Spring 2023.

We continue to support the Mother’s Union branch, and Family Support Work, both locally with collections and services in support of them but also as part of the collection of churches around us known as ‘the deanery’. We have donated £4,500 (with our brothers and sisters from All Hallows) in past years to this valuable project that provides support to children and families in need of support across both Midhurst and Petworth areas, and the massive collections of toys at the ‘Toy Service’ on the first Sunday of Advent is a testament to our support of this charity.

Similarly, the collections of food we generously supply at Harvest tide in support of the local Foodbank is a joy to behold and I pass on the thanks of their staff for our ongoing support.

Another key means by which we serve our community is by way of the Friendship Teas, which are held 10 months in the year at the church. Each time we gather I am amazed at firstly the talent and quality of our baking teams – no wonder cake is so popular here! I am heartened by how many people support these events and look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength as we strive to support those in our community who might otherwise be isolated.

From a personal perspective, 2023 was a year of settling in. Linda, Ellie, William and I have been made to feel very welcome here and we look forward to serving here for many years to come.

There have been so many acts of kindness and consideration extended to us that I could not possibly thank all the people involved by name but thank you all for the love you have shown us as a family.

And so now on … to the rest of the report and then 2024!

Revd. Marcus Collie, Vicar

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

During 2023 the Deanery Synod met three times and so did the Deanery Standing Committee.

The year opened with a new Rural Dean in place Revd Trish Bancroft. The former Rural Dean Revd Canon Derek Welsman had completed 13 years as the Rural Dean and was thanked and congratulated on all that he had achieved. The Revd Trish Bancroft was welcomed in her new position at the First Standing Committee meeting of the year, and then more formally at her first Deanery Synod meeting.

The Deanery was reminded that there would be elections to the Deanery Synod at all the Annual Parish Meeting in the Spring. There were a possible 42 places on the Deanery for the Laity, of which 28 were elected. The Laity are elected for a 3-year term. All serving clergy in the Deanery are members of the Synod, plus a representative of the retired clergy in the Deanery.

A further election took place towards the ends of the year. With the departure of Revd Harriet Neale-Stevens. Revd Trish Bancroft was elected to the Diocesan Synod to represent the Clergy in the Midhurst Deanery. Eric Bounton retired from the Diocesan Synod and as the Deanery Treasurer. He was congratulated for all his service, 20 years on the Deanery Synod (continuing) and 10 Years as its Treasurer. He was presented with a gift with

thanks for all his work as the Treasurer. Kevin Edgeley was elected as the Deanery Treasurer and also as a Laity representative to the Diocesan Synod for the Deanery.

Family Social Work

2023 has been a very successful year. All benefices managed to contribute the encouraged amount to the project. Kirsty, the FSW Practitioner for 2 Deaneries (Petworth and Midhurst Deaneries), has made a considerable difference to many in our area. FSW now has a waiting list of families to be dealt with. We now have an individual from most benefices who acts as a contact that ensures that the information between FSW and the benefices goes in both directions. Some have been able to provide extra help for Kirsty. In one case it was the provision of children’s clothes for a family who could not keep up with growing children. The Deanery synod Awayday in 2023 had a presentation from FSW. Kirsty indicated all the activities that she had run in the Midhurst area.

The Deanery has agreed to try to provide finance for a further 2 years for this much needed service, aiming at £800 per benefice per year.

Deanery Mission Action Plan

This Deanery action plan has been in place since 2020. It has been amended during that time and there are now reviews taking place on “More converted to Jesus Christ” and the mission focus.

Diocesan Net Carbon Zero by 2030 Project.

Some of the details of this project were made known to the Deanery in the report from the November Diocesan Synod meeting. It is a far reaching, complicated and expensive project. It effects every aspect of church life from the Diocese to the Deanery and on the parishes. With in our Deanery some of the things it incudes are Churches, Clergy housing, and church Schools. Some of our Benefices are already involved with looking at our churches with a view of working towards the 2030 aim. This project is a 6- year project starting in 2024 through to 2030. It has been indicated that 2024 will be primarily a planning year, and not least in the process is how it will be paid for!

Roger Bricknell, Deanery Secretary

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

Though our role on the day was purely ceremonial, the installation of the Reverend Marcus Collie as Vicar of Midhurst and Rector of Woolbeding on 27[th] July 2023 was the highlight of your churchwardens’ year. It marked the end of a twelve month interregnum during which our PCCs, supported by our congregations, had come together, ensuring continuity of worship (in our case thanks largely to Revd. Jane Roberts and Mike Abbott) and were able to face the future with confidence, having welcomed Marcus and his family to our community. Thanks be to God!

In our report a year ago, we noted that a tender process had been initiated to re-roof and re-tile significant areas of our building as well as to repair and re-point much of the exterior stonework. The need for this work followed the ingress of water into our building on three separate occasions and a potential danger to the public from falling masonry. Specifications were drawn up by our architect, Andy Burrell, who had also flagged the need for this work during the 2022 Quinquennial Inspection. The contract was eventually awarded to Nutbourne Construction Ltd. Total project cost was £40,000, inclusive of architects’ fees, making this the largest single project undertaken by the church for many years. So a further highlight of our year was the successful completion of this project, on time and on budget, in June 2023. The Friends of Midhurst Parish Church made a significant contribution, funding £12,000 of the total cost, and we are all very grateful to them.

Among recurring tasks, church gutters were cleaned, fire extinguishers tested, and the boilers were serviced. Bi-annual PAT testing of all electrical equipment was also completed. The outmoded control panel for our church lighting was replaced, but a more extensive review of our lighting requirements is to be carried out in 2024.

Helped by the Assistant Churchwardens Margaret Langridge and Dominic Singleton, as well as by a willing team of Welcomers, all of whom we wish to thank, we fulfilled our obligation to help ensure that services and events were conducted in a welcoming and safe environment.

As noted in previous reports, the churchwardens are ex-officio members of the Parochial Church Council, through which we seek to support the

ministry team and our colleagues by contributing to the wider life of the church beyond our specific areas of responsibility.

Gerry Randall Barry Semark

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORK REPORT

There have been some changes during the year as the Youth and Children’s Minister role came to an end in August due to funding running out. We are so grateful to Beth for her work in this capacity over four years and that so many children and young people have had the opportunity to explore the Christian faith with her.

Sparks

This group, mainly for Primary School children, meets on a Sunday morning, starting in church then going to St Ann’s Hall for activities linked to the morning service reading/s as well as craft and games. Sparks is held twice a month on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays. Although numbers have been small it is an enriching time for the children and adults.

Ignite – older youth group

For the first seven months of the year this group met weekly with Beth and other volunteer helpers. This comprised refreshments, discussion on a Christian theme and games. The young people have been together for some time and become a close group really valuing their time together. We continued to meet until Christmas and then very reluctantly had to stop meeting due to a shortage of volunteers.

Ignite – younger youth group

For the first half of the year the children met weekly partly in St Ann’s Hall and then the church. This group was growing in numbers. In July some of them had the wonderful opportunity to travel by minibus to Upminster to spend the Saturday at SOLID, an annual festival for 8-17 year olds to discover and worship Jesus while taking part in all kinds of adventure and creative and sporting activities.

During August we were hoping to continue the group, met to discuss possibilities in September then sadly had to cease meeting.

Messy Church

This was usually held on a Sunday afternoon. Families gathered for a short introduction to the Christian theme before moving on to linked craft activities, coming together to revisit the theme and then enjoy tea. A number of the themes were linked to Christian festivals: Messy Easter, Harvest and Advent or Biblical characters such as Jonah. The Summer Party involved quite a lot of water based games! This and the Light Party were both occasions for a barbecue.

Midhurst Primary School

Beth made regular visits to the school to take assemblies and spent time especially with Year 5. The Prayer Days in the summer enabled every class in the school to engage in a range of prayer activities.

Rev Marcus maintains contact with the school, each class coming to the church to explore a Christian theme.

Services held in church – e.g. Carol, Leavers

Midhurst Rother College

Weekly lunchtime opportunities to meet were offered by Beth and these were becoming oversubscribed. It was also a good opportunity to support some individuals.

Services held in church - Gilbert Hannam Day, Carol Services

Special services like Christingle were a great opportunity for families to worship together.

We provided activities for children alongside the community events for the Coronation and Christmas Shopping evening.

Thank you to all the volunteer helpers supporting this valuable work.

Jenny Dennett

PASTORAL CARE REPORT

We are greatly blessed by the caring people who make up our church family, caring for one another as well as neighbours and friends.

Throughout the year members of the Pastoral Care team have visited people in their homes , taking communion when appropriate. Recently the

visiting team has increased in number. The members of the team are willing and able to offer support as requested. Opportunities for pastoral conversations come through phone calls, emails or other forms of messaging. Meeting to talk after regular services is a valued time of friendship and fellowship, with the opportunity to talk quietly, in confidence, when appropriate.

Reverend Marcus introduced a new service ‘Candles for Remembrance’ enabling many in the church and community to leave their messages written on star shapes and hung on one of the Christmas Trees. These were then offered up at a subsequent service.

The church is open each day for private prayer - a place to sit, pray, and/or light a candle. This is appreciated by regular worshippers as well as people in the community and visitors to the town. A prayer board is accessible for anyone wishing to leave a prayer.

Baptisms, weddings and funerals are important times to share joy or sadness, special times when the church cares pastorally for those involved. Sharing our joy is a wonderful part of our life together as well as supporting and sharing the difficult times especially serious illness or bereavement. Our close relationship with the funeral directors in the town can help to ease the pressure at a particularly challenging time.

We are pleased to maintain a close relationship with other groups in the community such as the Food Bank, Midhurst Community Hub and Family Support Work. Each year we receive an update on the valuable work of FSW with the families in our area and across the Diocese. As has become our practice we collected toys and gift cards for Family Support Work as Christmas gifts for the children.

With many thanks to all who care for and support our church family and community.

Jenny Dennett, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Authorised Lay Minister – Pastoral

FRIENDSHIP TEAS

We resumed the monthly Friendship Teas (free cream tea) in March and held them to December. The numbers attending were up on last year with an average of around 34 guests, which, with perhaps 10 volunteers at each event, meant attendance of around 44. Attendances in November and December were higher yet. This was probably because of a wider awareness of the opportunity the Teas provide for fellowship and friendly contact, and this is now well known to members of Midhurst MIND, Sussex Carers and the Social Prescriber at the Riverbank Health Centre.

More important than numbers is the friendly and safe atmosphere we try to convey, and this is the achievement of all the volunteers.

The Teas could not happen without the brilliant baking of scones and cakes, nor the “fetching and carrying” of the drivers and servers, and the piano tinkling in the background creates the atmosphere we all value.

We particularly welcome the presence of the Year 6 children from Midhurst Primary School and the support provided by the new Headteacher, Mark Jefferson who has also revealed his talent on occasion as an accomplished pianist! Lucy Quail in the Parish Office produces the posters and promotes the Teas.

The Teas were first started in 2017, and Mike Abbott has indicated that 2024 will be his last year as organiser, so if someone would like to take this worthwhile role forward from 2025, please speak to either him or Rev’d Marcus.

Mike Abbott

MIDHURST COMMUNITY HUB

The Hub is an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission(no.1199385). The Hub is therefore not a church project as such, but most of the trustees are active members of this church and is strongly supported by it.

The volunteer advisers work in four teams, and so are on duty one week in every four in the Library at the Grange Centre.

Midhurst Community Hub completed its first year of operation in 2023 and assisted some 80 clients with their often complex problems. The assistance provided, with the support of our partner organisations, has included advice and action on issues such as: eviction, debt, benefits, Blue Badge (disabled parking) and PIP (Personal Independence Plan) and other forms, energy costs, damp/mould in social housing, job search, transport, need for furniture and white goods etc.

The first ever Midhurst Community Forum was held in May bringing together some 50 people from over 30 local organisations to discuss what were the key issues facing people in the Midhurst area. Loneliness and isolation was the top issue.

Two projects are in progress to address this concern. “Midhurst Community Lunches” are a weekly free cooked lunch to provide opportunity for contact and fellowship (already underway from January 2024) and (Keeping) “In Touch” will be a dedicated number of volunteer phone callers undertaking to phone up to 3 people a week needing to have a friendly chat.

The Midhurst Community Hub could not operate without its wonderful volunteers and is grateful too for grant aid from the National Lottery, the Boltini Trust and Hyde Charitable Trust.

Chrissie Abbott, Chair of Trustees

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The safety and protection of children (aged under 18) and vulnerable adults is a core concern and responsibility for the PCC with the topic of safeguarding on the agenda of every PCC meeting. The Safeguarding Officer, Kirstin Bosley, is responsible for keeping the safer recruitment process and safeguarding training flows on church suite up to date including collecting correct document evidence.

The principal tasks are firstly to keep the PCC up to date with new policies and practices relating to safeguarding nationally and within the diocese. Secondly ensuring that the PCC members and all those working with children, particularly in the various youth groups including Sparks, Ignite and Messy Church, are DBS cleared and trained as necessary. Finally, to ensure a culture of awareness and vigilance, which is based around the right policies and procedures in place and is not based on assumptions. All this is in place to a considerable degree where vigilance is key and with the support from all the members of the church.

Kirstin Bosley - Parish Safeguarding Officer

CHURCH MUSIC REPORT

Throughout the year the choir has continued to support the worship and once again, the Christmas Carol Service was a highlight for which we welcomed a number of additional singers. For the Carol singing that took place at the Christmas Street Party, members of the church choir were joined by the Midhurst Community Choir.

I am grateful to Richard Allum and Tracy Carr who help with the organ playing throughout the year. I will step down as Director of Music at Easter 2024 after nearly 20 years in the role. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the many musicians with whom I have worked at Midhurst in that time, and particularly the members of the choir, both past and present. They have faithfully contributed to the worship, they have constantly been prepared to explore new styles of music and they have always worked so hard to ensure that the musical offering is performed to as high a standard as possible.

I would also like to thank Geraldine Thomson, who as choir librarian, wardrobe mistress, and general all-round choir administrator, quietly works tirelessly in the background to ensure that everything runs efficiently.

Paul Legrave Director of Music

BELL RINGERS’ REPORT

Integration of our new ringers into the team has continued. As is inevitable some have not stayed, but we have retained enough to be able to ring all six bells on a regular basis for Sunday services.

We normally alternate both our practices and our Sunday ringing with Easebourne since we have insufficient ringers to ring both towers simultaneously. There were several months when, due to the closure of North Street as a result of The Angel fire we rang mainly in Midhurst because most of our ringers live south of the road closure. Re-opening of the road more or less coincided with the start of works on Easebourne tower, so we were still not able to ring there. So, Midhurst has continued to have the bulk of our practices and Sunday ringing. Easebourne tower is now back in use, so we have reverted to alternating our ringing (both practices and Sunday ringing) between Midhurst and Easebourne. Our young ringers continue to be enthusiastic participants in quarter-peals (about 45 minutes of ringing, usually of high quality, with the order of striking changing continuously) and have organised such ringing on a regular basis in Midhurst (about every 3 months) throughout the year. It was particularly nice to ring such a quarter-peal to welcome Marcus to the parish.

Maintenance of the bells has been attended to as necessary. No major problems have arisen, so maintenance has been largely limited to periodically checking over the fittings for soundness and adjusting the ropes when required.

Nigel Goodenough

MOTHERS’ UNION REPORT – MIDHURST & EASEBOURNE

2023 was a very successful year for the group. During the year there were some very interesting speakers: Tania Pons spoke about ‘A Midhurst Flying Field’ and a member from the 4Sight charity told us about their work with Blind and Partially Sighted People. We celebrated the Coronation with a party all dressed in red, white and blue and wearing crowns! Several members attended a Quiet Day at Harting Church hosted by Harting

Mothers’ Union and a Festival Eucharist at St. Wilfred’s Church hosted by Chichester Mother’s Union.

Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion was celebrated in February and September followed by coffee and Bring and Buy Stalls which raised money for Mothers’ Union projects in this country and Worldwide. We also held raffles at several meetings to raise funds.

Several social events were held - tea at St. Ann’s Hall, afternoon tea at Lorraine’s, a Garden Party in Chrissie and Mike’s beautiful garden and a coffee morning in Jane’s garden to celebrate Mary Sumner Day. In December an enjoyable Christmas lunch was held at The Unicorn, Heyshott. Members made posies for the Mothering Sunday Service. Many members serve the church in numerous other roles.

The group plays an active part in the District and Diocesan Meetings. Two members sit on the Chichester District Committee. Members take an active part in M.U. Diocesan Prayer Chain. We hold a Wave of Prayer each year for the link countries we are connected with worldwide, every day of the year somewhere in the world a Mothers’ Union group is offering up prayers.

Our biggest achievement this year was the enrolment of 8 new members and 2 previous members joining us again. Our Diocesan President, Karen Hill came and enrolled 5 of the new members at the Wednesday Morning Communion Service. A big thank you to Marcus for his support in the enrolment of all our new members, which started from personal invitations being sent to certain members of the congregation to invite them to drinks and nibbles at the Royal Oak one evening in May. We welcome them all to our branch.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the year so rewarding and may our prayers help us to journey forward into 2024 and for the group to grow in commitment and service to the work of the Mothers’ Union and its 4 million members worldwide.

Jane Simpson

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

At Midhurst Parish Church the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (the vicar), the assistant curate, churchwardens, the reader and members elected by those of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met seven times during the year, with an average level of attendance of 77%. This included two special meetings to discuss the Parish Profile document to advertise the incumbent vacancy. Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of committees (teams) each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life.

During 2023 these teams were:

Finance and Fabric
Pastoral
Friends of Midhurst Parish Church
Health and Safety

Teams meet as necessary and report back to the PCC with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Midhurst Parish Church is situated in Church Hill, Midhurst. It is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is:

The Parish Office, St Ann’s Hall, St Ann’s Hill, Midhurst, GU29 9NN.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and has the charity number 1194217. PCC members who have served at any time from 1st January 2023:

Ex Officio members:

Incumbent
The Revd. Marcus Collie (Chair since July 2023)
Assistant Curate The Revd. Jane Roberts (until July 2023)
Reader Mr Mike Abbott
Churchwardens Mr Gerry Randall (Vice Chair)
Mr Barry Semark

Elected members:

Mrs Lorraine Graham
Mrs Kirstin Bosley (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs Jenny Dennett (Deanery Synod Rep. & ALM)
Mr Kevin Jones
Mrs Barbara Moss
Mr Martin Roberts (PCC Secretary & Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr Dominic Singleton
Mr Edward Symonds (Treasurer)
Mrs Margaret Langridge
Mrs Geraldine Thomson
Mr James Yeates
Ms Lillian Zwarts
Mrs Alison Windle
Mrs Nikki Myles (Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr George Myles
Mr David Masters
Mrs Glynis Masters
Mrs Kate Cox

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ACCOUNTS

The Financial Review and Accounts are provided in a separate document available alongside this report. Approved by the PCC on 14[th] March 2024, and signed on their behalf by Revd. Marcus Collie (Chair)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS Page General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account 2/3 Other (Restricted and Designated) Funds 4/5 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 6 Notes to the Financial Statements 7 Report of the Independent Examiner 8 Financial Review 9 St. Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst Incumbent: Rev. Marcus Collie Hon Treasurer: Mr E J Symonds Assistant Treasurer: Mrs L Graham Independent Examiner: Mr A Mardle, Goodale Mardle Ltd Midhurst GU29 9NQ Bankers: National Westminster Bank Plc 4 High Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3JF Lloyds Bank Plc 7 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8HD Lloyds Bank Plc 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HZ

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account

Year Ended 31 December

Receipts Voluntary Receipts Planned Giving Collections and Other Giving Total Giving Gift Aid Received Sundry Income Envoy Legacies & Large Donations Receipts from activities for generating funds Fundraising Income (Gross) Less: Fundraising Expenses Receipts from church activities Fees Hire of Church Receipts from investments Interest & Dividends TOTAL INCOME	Note 5 1,131 230 1,768 250	2023 £ 40,351 9,186 49,537 11,523 20 - 2,500 63,580 950 901 - 901 1,198 2,018 - 3,039 69,538	2022 £ 40,603 10,724 51,327 12,574 - 3,310 10,386 77,596 950 950 1,198 1,351 81,095

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts & Payments Account (contd.)

Year Ended 31 December Note Payments Church Activities Diocesan Contribution ("Parish Share") Honoraria Utilities 6,827 Less :VAT Recovered 2,023 Transfer from Reserve 3,200 5,223 Clergy Costs 6 Service Expenses Maintenance Quinquennial Inspection Printing and Stationery Office Equipment Telephone & Broadband Website Insurances Professional Fees All other expenses TOTAL EXPENDITURE Surplus/(Deficit) of Income over Expenditure Fund brought forward Transfers to Reserves Fund carried forward	2023 £ 51,000 11,148 1,604 6,527 1,129 4,493 - 2,345 450 744 1,113 3,009 384 3,354 87,300 (17,762) 121,035 - 103,273	2022 £ 59,549 7,197 2,492 3,793 2,375 3,537 1,793 3,543 640 320 2,254 2,794 372 2,455 93,114 (12,019) 173,054 (40,000) 121,035

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

Restricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Year Ended 31 December Note *Building Fund* Designated Bank Account at 1 January Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve Restricted Donations Friends Grant Major Expenditure (Net of VAT Reclaim) Designated Bank Account 31 December *Youth and Children Funds* Restricted/Designated Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Receipts Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve Expenses - per Schedule attached Restricted/Designated Bank Account 31 December *Bell Tower Fund* Restricted Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Donations Expenditure Restricted Bank Account 31 December *Friends of Midhurst Parish Church* Restricted Bank Account 1 January Restricted Donations Gift Aid Received Interest Received Contributions towards major repairs Restricted Bank Account 31 December	Accounts 2023 £ 30,265 - 2,500 12,000 (36,747) 8,018 31,608 - - (24,435) 7,173 1,594 - - 1,594 15,486 2,525 - 134 (12,000) 6,145	2022 £ 30,265 5,000 - - (5,000) 30,265 18,860 15,217 30,000 (32,469) 31,608 1,609 200 (215) 1,594 11,992 2,825 634 36 - 15,486

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Restricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Accounts - continued

Note *Charitable Giving* Restricted Bank Account 1 January Receipts - Appeals and collections Payments - Appeals and collections Restricted Bank Account 31 December Parish Hall Fund Designated Bank Account 1 January Income Expenses Utilities Insurance Repairs Rent and Rates Designated Bank Account 31 December Youth Worker Fund Expenses for the Year ended 31 December Salary and Redundancy Pay Pension Contributions Telephone & Broadband Summer Camp General Expenses Restricted Energy Grant Fund at 1 January Transfer to Unrestricted Reserve Designated Bank Account 31 December Designated Equipment Funds at 1 January Deposit on Altar Table Paid AV Equipment Purchased Designated Bank Account 31 December 7	2023 £ - 3,120 (3,120) - 4,446 814 5,260 (1,222) (163) - (1,635) 2,240 21,862 585 446 - 1,541 24,434 9,550 3,200 6,350 6,500 (500) (489) 5,511	2022 £ 1,616 5,033 (6,649) - 6,128 886 7,014 (645) (158) (102) (1,663) 4,446 27,313 812 731 1,516 2,097 32,470 9,550 - 9,550 1,500 - 5,000 6,500

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December

Bank Balances National Westminster (Ac. No. 69055378) National Westminster (Ac. No. 55011403) Lloyds Bank (Ac. No. 17819460) Lloyds Bank (Ac. MIPSCCMGB) Sundry Debtors Current Assets Current Liabilities - Creditors Net Current Assets Relating to: Unrestricted General Fund Restricted Building Fund Restricted Energy Grant Designated Equipment Funds Restricted Youth and Children Funds Restricted Bell Tower Fund Designated Parish Hall Fund Restricted Friends of Midhurst Church	2023 £ 7,645 16,246 22,865 94,033 2,737 143,526 3,221 140,305 103,273 8,018 6,350 5,511 7,174 1,594 2,240 6,145 140,305	2022 £ 61,796 16,986 42,028 101,988 - 222,798 2,315 220,484 121,035 30,265 9,550 6,500 31,608 1,594 4,446 15,486 220,484

Notes to the Financial Statements

The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Income and Expenditure basis.
No payments to members of the PCC or connected persons have been made, other than honorariums to the Director of Music and part-time administrators. There were no other disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members or persons closely connected to them. 3.Restricted and Designated Reserves as at 31 December 2023 are detailed on pages 4 and 5.

The PCC believes it necessary to hold this level of unrestricted reserves in order to cover expected deficits on income and expenditure account over the next two years.

Certain restricted (legacy) funds are held by Chichester Diocese on behalf of Midhurst parish but (as the capital is not available to the PCC except for the restricted purposes) these have been excluded from these accounts. They are (i) CBF Investment Fund shares with a market value of £29,341 at 31 December 2023 for the housing of a curate and (ii) CBF Fixed Income Security shares with a market value of £8,103 for the provision of a new parish room.
Legacy and exceptional income in 2023 was from the estate of the late Mrs Joyce Smith. 6. This is the net cost to the PCC. The sum of £1,268 was recovered from Woolbeding after the year end.
During the year Charitable appeals raised £3119.50, including Gift Aid where applicable. These were disbursed forward, as follows:

Bishop of Chichester's Charity Cancer Research Christian Aid Midhurst Community Hub National Trust for Scotland Red Balloon Royal British Legion Stonepillow Sussex Historic Churches Trust Tangmere Museum	458.00 20.00 467.00 46.00 194.00 480.00 540.00 252.00 632.50 30.00 £3,119.50

Approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on its behalf

M Collie

Chairman, Date 14 March 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

To the Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Midhurst.

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023, which are set out on pages 1-7

Respective responsibilities of the Parochial Church Council and the Independent Examiner

As members of the Parochial Church Council, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (CC32 updated 4 September 2018).

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Council and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the Parochial Church Council concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit: consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

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

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

Signed A Mardle Date 4 April 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

FINANCIAL REVIEW

I am pleased to present the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £69,538, of which £11,523 was from Gift Aid. Restricted donations were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements. The CBF investments yielded £977 and £2,062 was received in interest on the deposits with Lloyds Bank. The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders decreased by only £252. Irregular giving also reduced considerably. Total income, including tax recovered but excluding the legacies and other one off receipts decreased by £173 compared with last year.

The contribution to the diocesan parish share was restricted to £51,000. The PCC felt that we could not meet the full amount suggested. This largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.

The sum that the churches in the deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based mainly on the duties and stipends of each clergy person employed in the individual parishes.

Our everyday expenditure continues to outstrip income and the Unrestricted fund will continue to be depleted. Major costs to maintain the Church Building were met during the year. However there are still some major items that will need to be addressed in the near future.

We have already applied to Diocese for help meeting the current “Parish Share” and expect to pay a similar amount to last year during the present year.

The statement of assets and liabilities details the cash balances and where they are allocated to the various unrestricted and restricted funds.

Finally, I would like to add my thanks to Lorraine Graham for her continuing unstinting assistance in running the day to day management of the PCC finances.

Ted Symonds – Treasurer to the Parochial Church Council

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account

Year Ended 31 December

Receipts Voluntary Receipts Planned Giving Collections and Other Giving Total Giving Gift Aid Received Sundry Income Envoy Legacies & Large Donations Receipts from activities for generating funds Fundraising Income (Gross) Less: Fundraising Expenses Receipts from church activities Fees Hire of Church Receipts from investments Interest & Dividends TOTAL INCOME	Note 5 1,131 230 1,768 250	2023 £ 40,351 9,186 49,537 11,523 20 - 2,500 63,580 950 901 - 901 1,198 2,018 - 3,039 69,538	2022 £ 40,603 10,724 51,327 12,574 - 3,310 10,386 77,596 950 950 1,198 1,351 81,095

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts & Payments Account (contd.)

Year Ended 31 December Note Payments Church Activities Diocesan Contribution ("Parish Share") Honoraria Utilities 6,827 Less :VAT Recovered 2,023 Transfer from Reserve 3,200 5,223 Clergy Costs 6 Service Expenses Maintenance Quinquennial Inspection Printing and Stationery Office Equipment Telephone & Broadband Website Insurances Professional Fees All other expenses TOTAL EXPENDITURE Surplus/(Deficit) of Income over Expenditure Fund brought forward Transfers to Reserves Fund carried forward	2023 £ 51,000 11,148 1,604 6,527 1,129 4,493 - 2,345 450 744 1,113 3,009 384 3,354 87,300 (17,762) 121,035 - 103,273	2022 £ 59,549 7,197 2,492 3,793 2,375 3,537 1,793 3,543 640 320 2,254 2,794 372 2,455 93,114 (12,019) 173,054 (40,000) 121,035

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

Restricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Year Ended 31 December Note *Building Fund* Designated Bank Account at 1 January Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve Restricted Donations Friends Grant Major Expenditure (Net of VAT Reclaim) Designated Bank Account 31 December *Youth and Children Funds* Restricted/Designated Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Receipts Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve Expenses - per Schedule attached Restricted/Designated Bank Account 31 December *Bell Tower Fund* Restricted Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Donations Expenditure Restricted Bank Account 31 December *Friends of Midhurst Parish Church* Restricted Bank Account 1 January Restricted Donations Gift Aid Received Interest Received Contributions towards major repairs Restricted Bank Account 31 December	Accounts 2023 £ 30,265 - 2,500 12,000 (36,747) 8,018 31,608 - - (24,435) 7,173 1,594 - - 1,594 15,486 2,525 - 134 (12,000) 6,145	2022 £ 30,265 5,000 - - (5,000) 30,265 18,860 15,217 30,000 (32,469) 31,608 1,609 200 (215) 1,594 11,992 2,825 634 36 - 15,486

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Restricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Accounts - continued

Note *Charitable Giving* Restricted Bank Account 1 January Receipts - Appeals and collections Payments - Appeals and collections Restricted Bank Account 31 December Parish Hall Fund Designated Bank Account 1 January Income Expenses Utilities Insurance Repairs Rent and Rates Designated Bank Account 31 December Youth Worker Fund Expenses for the Year ended 31 December Salary and Redundancy Pay Pension Contributions Telephone & Broadband Summer Camp General Expenses Restricted Energy Grant Fund at 1 January Transfer to Unrestricted Reserve Designated Bank Account 31 December Designated Equipment Funds at 1 January Deposit on Altar Table Paid AV Equipment Purchased Designated Bank Account 31 December 7	2023 £ - 3,120 (3,120) - 4,446 814 5,260 (1,222) (163) - (1,635) 2,240 21,862 585 446 - 1,541 24,434 9,550 3,200 6,350 6,500 (500) (489) 5,511	2022 £ 1,616 5,033 (6,649) - 6,128 886 7,014 (645) (158) (102) (1,663) 4,446 27,313 812 731 1,516 2,097 32,470 9,550 - 9,550 1,500 - 5,000 6,500

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December

Bank Balances National Westminster (Ac. No. 69055378) National Westminster (Ac. No. 55011403) Lloyds Bank (Ac. No. 17819460) Lloyds Bank (Ac. MIPSCCMGB) Sundry Debtors Current Assets Current Liabilities - Creditors Net Current Assets Relating to: Unrestricted General Fund Restricted Building Fund Restricted Energy Grant Designated Equipment Funds Restricted Youth and Children Funds Restricted Bell Tower Fund Designated Parish Hall Fund Restricted Friends of Midhurst Church	2023 £ 7,645 16,246 22,865 94,033 2,737 143,526 3,221 140,305 103,273 8,018 6,350 5,511 7,174 1,594 2,240 6,145 140,305	2022 £ 61,796 16,986 42,028 101,988 - 222,798 2,315 220,484 121,035 30,265 9,550 6,500 31,608 1,594 4,446 15,486 220,484

Notes to the Financial Statements

The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Income and Expenditure basis.
No payments to members of the PCC or connected persons have been made, other than honorariums to the Director of Music and part-time administrators. There were no other disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members or persons closely connected to them. 3.Restricted and Designated Reserves as at 31 December 2023 are detailed on pages 4 and 5.

The PCC believes it necessary to hold this level of unrestricted reserves in order to cover expected deficits on income and expenditure account over the next two years.

Certain restricted (legacy) funds are held by Chichester Diocese on behalf of Midhurst parish but (as the capital is not available to the PCC except for the restricted purposes) these have been excluded from these accounts. They are (i) CBF Investment Fund shares with a market value of £29,341 at 31 December 2023 for the housing of a curate and (ii) CBF Fixed Income Security shares with a market value of £8,103 for the provision of a new parish room.
Legacy and exceptional income in 2023 was from the estate of the late Mrs Joyce Smith. 6. This is the net cost to the PCC. The sum of £1,268 was recovered from Woolbeding after the year end.
During the year Charitable appeals raised £3119.50, including Gift Aid where applicable. These were disbursed forward, as follows:

Bishop of Chichester's Charity Cancer Research Christian Aid Midhurst Community Hub National Trust for Scotland Red Balloon Royal British Legion Stonepillow Sussex Historic Churches Trust Tangmere Museum	458.00 20.00 467.00 46.00 194.00 480.00 540.00 252.00 632.50 30.00 £3,119.50

Approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on its behalf

M Collie

Chairman, Date 14 March 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

To the Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Midhurst.

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023, which are set out on pages 1-7

Respective responsibilities of the Parochial Church Council and the Independent Examiner

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (CC32 updated 4 September 2018).

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

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

Signed A Mardle Date 4 April 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST

FINANCIAL REVIEW

I am pleased to present the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The contribution to the diocesan parish share was restricted to £51,000. The PCC felt that we could not meet the full amount suggested. This largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.

We have already applied to Diocese for help meeting the current “Parish Share” and expect to pay a similar amount to last year during the present year.

The statement of assets and liabilities details the cash balances and where they are allocated to the various unrestricted and restricted funds.

Finally, I would like to add my thanks to Lorraine Graham for her continuing unstinting assistance in running the day to day management of the PCC finances.

Ted Symonds – Treasurer to the Parochial Church Council