Parochial Church Council of Brandon
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2022
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Church
St Peter’s Church, Church Road, Brandon, IP27 0JE
Rector
Reverend Canon Sharron Coburn, The Rectory, 215 London Road, Brandon, IP27 0LR
Assistant Curates Reverend Dennis Coburn Reverend Kathleen Palmer
Church Administrator and Church Institute Administrator Amanda Quinton, c/o The Rectory. 215 London Road, Brandon, IP27 0LR
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc, Leicester, LE87 2BB CCLA Investment Management Ltd, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET
Independent Examiner
Mr Christopher Garman, Springers, The Street, Coney Weston, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HG
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
Reverend Canon Sharron Coburn (Rector) Ex Officio
Reverend Dennis Coburn (Associate Priest) Ex Officio
Reverend Kathleen Palmer (Associate Priest) Ex Officio
Sophie Wilson (Deanery Representative) Elected - term ends April 2023
Susan Nutt (Deanery Representative) Elected – term ends April 2023
Paul Cleasby (Churchwarden) Elected – term ends April 2023
Amanda Quinton (Church Warden) Elected - Term ends April 2023
Adrian Wadey Elected – term ends April 2023
Paula Barnard Elected - Term ends April 2024
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Katie judge Elected - Tenn ends April 2024 Page 3
ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT
There were 48 people on the Electoral Roll 5 of which are resident outside the parish. 2 people passed away, 5 people moved away, 1 person left for another church and 2 left and it is unknown where they worship. In 2022 - 2023 7 people joined the electoral roll. There are now 45 people on the electoral roll.
COMMITTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
The PCC does not have any committees. All business is conducted through regular meetings of the PCC.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR - RECTOR’S REPORT
2022 saw a return to normal Sunday services post Covid with all the restrictions we previously had being abolished. Most of the congregation began to return to church in person apart from the children. With our Cathedral church streaming their service and so many other larger churches doing so, it was decided that we would cease to live stream services on Facebook.
As the children had not returned to church, a number of initiatives such as Beacons and Messy Church were taken and proved unfruitful. A new format will be launched in Feb 2023 within the Sunday morning services. A 9am Holy Communion was introduced before Cafe Church which is led by Revd Kath which attracts a handful of people. We saw a continued growth Weddings and Baptisms and had a wonderful Baptism in the river for Martin in the summer. In October St Peter’s hosted the Deanery Confirmations with Bishop Mike we had 8 candidates with their families, 4 of those candidates were from our congregation.
Three bible study groups took place in 2022 led by Revd Canon Sharron, Revd Kath looking at Philippians, and by Paul who continued to run his group which continued in most part online.
Visits to the Brandon Park Residential Home recommenced in September after the lifting of visiting restrictions. Although there were some limits to the number of visitors and a smaller group of residents able to join us due to continuing outbreaks of Covid and regrettable the planned Christmas Carol service was cancelled due to this. We have continued to give home communion to those that are unable to attend church.
An important part of our pastoral care has been funeral ministry and we have continued to visit bereaved individuals and families after the funeral, to continue to offer care and support to those struggling with their loss. When Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away, our volunteers manned our church for people in the community to come and sign the book of condolence and for quiet prayer. A community service was led by Revd Canon Sharron and Revd Dennis to celebrate the life of our late Queen which took place on the Remembrance Playing Fields. Revd Dennis designed and built the town’s beacon in commemoration and it was erected by the Town-keepers. The Beacon was lit to coincide with others around the commonwealth.
The church was also opened for prayer when Russia invaded Ukraine. We continued to support those marginalised and at war by flying the Pride flag and the Ukrainian flag respectfully.
During the beginning of summer, we welcomed Sarah Halls who is an ordinand at Ridley Hall, Cambridge for a 2 month placement. The summer also enabled us to hold activities such as a church picnic, a coach trip out to Old Felixstowe and a small group attended The New Wine Summer conference, New-Wine. In the Autumn we held a harvest meal and enjoyed various other social activities throughout the year.
As a church we engaged in mission and social activities to reach out and build up our community as follows:
Brandon Coffee Caravan – Revd Dennis and his volunteers continued to pitch up every Thursday March-December to serve the Market Traders and Shoppers with a hot drink, biscuits and when needed an ear. The Coffee Caravan has become an integral part of not only our ministry but also the market as a
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whole. This became apparent when our lovely little caravan started to fall apart and its days became numbered. The traders as well as individuals in our community started to donate to our new Coffee Caravan Fund. We even had a donations all the way from America from a lady that watches our Facebook pages and is impressed with all the work of St Peter’s within the community. We are now on track to purchase a new caravan for 2023.
Men’s Breakfast – Paul continues to cook a delicious Fry-up for 20-30 men once a month and has had various guest speakers come along. The focus has been to combat social isolation and tackle men’s mental health.
SPY (St Peter’s Youth) – This has seen a steady growth in numbers and currently have around 12 regular attendees who love the safe space that this offers them to ‘hang out’ with their friends, play games and spend their pocket money at the tuck shop.
Tiddlers – Tiddlers was doing very well but a change of day has seen a drop in numbers. We are hopeful that moving into 2023 numbers will be back to where they were.
Repair and Share Shop – Revd Dennis fixed a large number of bikes and other miscellaneous items throughout the year. There has been a lessening of the intensity of the RASS during Autumn but a new format will be piloted in Spring 2023 with one evening a month alongside the afternoons to see if this attracts more people to share their skills.
Community Lunch and Crafters – Continues to have steady numbers and is well received. We have a great team of volunteers. The lunch along with the coffee time beforehand and Crafters afterwards allows those who are isolated to meet new people and create friendships while tacking food poverty. St Peter’s Pantry and Foodbank - continues to support those living in hardship by handing out food parcels, vouchers and offering assistance with utilities. Giving the growing cost of living crisis, the Pantry saw an increase in need as 2022 progressed. The funding for this comes from various sources and charities.
Over 40’s Youth Club – Launched by Revd Dennis we have found this to be hugely popular and very well attended. Temporary Event Notices have been applied for which enables us to run a bar for the evening.
Schools – Revd Canon Sharron and Sue have been back into the School’s for assemblies and are building back the relationships once again post Covid. They were joined later in the year by Chris. Events – The Andy Kind Comedy night was very well received and his testimony at Café Church the next day was also very enjoyable. We had a hugely successful Mission Weekend with the Diocesan Evangelists with many activities such as the Family Games afternoon and Quiz Pie and Mash Night. St Peter’s was also involved in community events where the coffee caravan was invited to such as the Fire station’s open day and were central in the Jubilee celebrations on the Market Square, in the hall and the lighting of the beacon
Christmas 2022 - Liaising with the schools and with the help our wonderful group of regular and new volunteers we supported 62 households with Christmas hampers and 170 children received presents. Thank you to all of you that donated, shopped, wrapped gifts, filled bags and delivered. Revd Canon Sharron and Revd Dennis held a Christmas Day Lunch for those on their own, where 24 people who came together for a lovely Christmas Day meal and received gifts.
2022 was a busy year for the team and our wonderful volunteers. As we do every year we would like to thank you for all that you do to help, we could not do what we do without you. We would like to thank the individuals and organisations that continue to support us in our work through donations and funding. We continue to receive support from the following.
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Tesco, Brandon,
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Fareshare
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Suffolk Community Foundation
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Lingheath Trust
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Rotary Club
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Brandon Town Council
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Bags for Help, Tesco
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The National Lottery
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West Suffolk Council Community Chest
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FINANCE REPORT
Amanda Quinton is the treasurer and Chris Garman the independent auditor. Please see the financial report further below on this document.
BUILDING REPORT
Church - All the work that has taken place through volunteers over the last six years has paid off, the church came through the winter fairly well and getting the porch roof repaired was a great step forward.
There have been no emergency roof repairs through the winter, although there is lot’s more to do with the problem of nail rot, and the pointing which is always ongoing. Next spring there will be roof gutter cleaning, which is a priority for the coming year.
In order to fulfil our desire to become more environmentally friendly we have appointed Katie Judge as the green representative for St Peter’s.
Looking after St Peter’s as a place of worship that has served generations, so it can serve generations to come and remain as a beacon of hope is never ending. But we will do our bit to leave it better than we started for the next person to take on.
Church Institute - The maintenance of the hall remains on going and has kept Dennis very busy. The hall facilities are in fair condition and there are rarely any complaints. The flat roof was patched up again and although isn’t too bad will need replacing in the coming years. We had an electricity safety report which has thrown up various issues with the last check having been carried out in 1992. The work has been agreed with Shaun Hannon and will be taking place over Easter next year. The café area was completely re-vamped by Dennis and is working well as both a café and bar. We will continue to keep this area for our use only. The flint wall was shored up in late summer in readiness to be repaired after Easter next year. We will rely on help from our volunteers with this. The plumbing in the main kitchen has become a major issue and will also be resolved in Easter 2023 with sink changes and extra waste pipes. The door codes continue to work well and give us very little issue with hall users. Painting the hall is an ongoing task.
The car park area seems to be working well other than bad parking. We had one collision with a bench and get the occasional illegal parker. The main issue is people parking on the footpath at the entrance from London Road and often Coulson Lane. The adjacent land now has planning permission for 8 homes, We expect the work to start early in the New Year.
We have a few regular hirers currently Diabetes Group and Thursday night Line Dancers, we have another line dancing groups starting on a Monday evening in the New Year. We have had a small handful of groups try the facility but they didn’t carry on with their groups. Brandon & District Gardening Club left us in Autumn after being unable to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Namely leaving the heating on and the facilities in a poor state. They unfortunately left us disgruntled and have moved to the Methodist Church. The Lord be with them. There has been a lot of private parties and functions which are financially profitable when we provide a bar. We now have smart new chair covers and table coverings for hiring our for weddings and functions and we had our first wake in many years which went well. The hall continues to be the hub for our own church groups like Lighthouse, Community Meals, Tiddlers, Crafters, Lent groups, Avenue Café, SPY, Over 40’s Café Church and Repair and Share.
Storage at the hall continues to be an issue and we are talking about re-configuring the rest room situation to free up the current accessible toilet. We have a few groups of young people that hang around but generally they behave themselves. Dennis and Amanda meet regularly to talk through issues and ways forward for the betterment of the hall.
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
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The Deanery Synod met three times in April, July and October 2022. As usual, the members received a report from the Rural Dean and were presented with details of the financial situation at each meeting. The good news that almost 97% of the parish share for 2021 was celebrated.
Speakers at the April meeting were Matt Levett, Diocesan Youth and Young Adults Officer and Ann Leitch, Diocesan Strategic Programme Manager Lead who focused on vocation and the resources and opportunities available in the Diocese. In July, David Bonnett spoke about the Bury Drop In and Food Cooperative Food introducing colleagues who Still Good Food and Bury Rickshaw. In October, Revd David Butcher talked about his faith journey to ordination calling it ‘from Police to Priest’. As part of the business meeting, Lisa Hicks, Diocesan Safeguarding Team member, updated the synod on changes to the delivery of training in the Diocese.
Reverend Canon Sharron Coburn Rector 11th April 2023
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent Examiner’s report to the Parochial Church Council of Brandon (PCC) for the year ended 31st December 2022.
This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2022, which are set out on pages 4 to 7, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’).
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.
Basis of this report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop’s Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and
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to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Christopher Garman
7 March 2023
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Statement of Financial Activities
| UnrestrictedRestrictedEndowment TotalPrior year funds funds funds funds total funds |
UnrestrictedRestrictedEndowment TotalPrior year funds funds funds funds total funds |
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies | 34,358 22,557 — 56,915 69,709 |
| Income from charitable activities | 11,190 436 — 11,626 32,465 |
| Investments | 1,500 — — 1,500 70 |
| Other income | 30,808 — — 30,808 19,794 |
| Total income | 77,857 22,993 — 100,851 122,039 |
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raising funds | 6,151 4,868 — 11,019 12 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 67,703 10,903 — 78,606 161,159 |
| Total expenditure | 73,854 15,771 — 89,626 161,172 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer |
4,002 7,221 — 11,224 (39,132) |
| Transfers | |
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 2,370 142 — 2,512 33,660 |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (142) (2,370) — (2,512) (33,660) |
| Other recognised gains / losses | |
| Net movement in funds | 6,230 4,993 — 11,224 (39,132) |
| Total funds brought forward | 80,495 52,860 — 133,355 172,487 |
| Total funds carried forward | 86,726 57,854 — 144,580 133,355 |
| Represented by | |
| Unrestricted | |
| General fund | 34,573 — — 34,573 29,251 |
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Designated
| Designated | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Crafters | 136 | — | — | 136 | 292 |
| Car Park Project | 2,564 | — | — | 2,564 | 2,564 |
| Church Institute Bar | 1,466 | — | — | 1,466 | — |
| Church Institute | 27,780 | — | — | 27,780 | 28,386 |
| Community Lunch | 383 | — | — | 383 | — |
| Fabric | 19,520 | — | — | 19,520 | 20,000 |
| Mens Breakfast | 177 | — | — | 177 | — |
| Repair and Share | 70 | — | — | 70 | — |
| SPY | 40 | — | — | 40 | — |
| Tiddlers | 11 | — | — | 11 | — |
| Restricted | |||||
| Bells | — | 2,306 | — | 2,306 | 2,306 |
| Charitable Collections | — | 152 | — | 152 | — |
| Christmas Events | — | 2,213 | — | 2,213 | 2,115 |
| Church Institute Garden | — | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Cofee Caravan | — | 4,644 | — | 4,644 | — |
| Community Lunch Project | — | 3,663 | — | 3,663 | 802 |
| Fabric | — | 19,741 | — | 19,741 | 19,861 |
| Fees for Diocese | — | — | — | — | 218 |
| Hardship Fund | — | 7,945 | — | 7,945 | 4,853 |
| Mens Breakfast | — | 2,011 | — | 2,011 | 1,925 |
| Repair & Share Shop | — | 9,206 | — | 9,206 | 12,058 |
| St Peters Pantry | — | 5,969 | — | 5,969 | 8,513 |
| St Peters Youth Group | — | 0 | — | 0 | 48 |
| Tiddlers | — | 0 | — | 0 | 155 |
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Balance sheet
| Total funds Prior year funds |
Total funds Prior year funds |
|---|---|
| Current assets | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 144,580 133,355 |
| 144,580 133,355 |
|
| Net current assets less current liabilities | 144,580 133,355 |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 144,580 133,355 |
| Total net assets less liabilities | 144,580 133,355 |
| Represented by | |
| Unrestricted | |
| General fund | 34,573 29,251 |
| Designated | |
| Church Institute Bar | 1,466 — |
| Mens Breakfast | 177 — |
| Church Institute | 27,780 28,386 |
| Car Park Project | 2,564 2,564 |
| Community Lunch | 383 — |
| Brandon Crafters | 136 292 |
| Fabric | 19,520 20,000 |
| Repair and Share | 70 — |
| SPY | 40 — |
| Tiddlers | 11 — |
| Restricted | |
| Bells | 2,306 2,306 |
| Hardship Fund | 7,945 4,853 |
| Mens Breakfast | 2,011 1,925 |
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| St Peters Pantry | 5,969 8,513 |
|---|---|
| Repair & Share Shop | 9,206 12,058 |
| Tiddlers | 0 155 |
| St Peters Youth Group | 0 48 |
| Cofee Caravan | 4,644 — |
| Church Institute Garden | 0 0 |
| Church Institute Car Park | 0 0 |
| Church Kitchen | 0 0 |
| Charitable Collections | 152 — |
| Christmas Events | 2,213 2,115 |
| Community Lunch Project | 3,663 802 |
| Fabric | 19,741 19,861 |
| Fees for Diocese | — 218 |
| Funds of the church | 144,580 133,355 |
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Analysis of income and expenditure
Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This yearLast year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
| Service collections | 2,540 — — — 2,540 1,807 |
|---|---|
| Planned giving | 11,791 — — — 11,791 13,849 |
| Donations and grants | 7,291 10,180 22,557 — 40,029 50,610 |
| Legacies | — — — — — 500 |
| Gift Aid | 2,554 — — — 2,554 2,942 |
| Total | 24,177 10,180 22,557 — 56,915 69,709 |
Income from charitable activities
| Church Institute - lettings | — 4,827 — — 4,827 25,325 |
|---|---|
| Church Institute - other | — 560 — — 560 — |
| Fees for weddings, funerals etc. | 5,702 — — — 5,702 6,821 |
| Fees for Diocese | 100 — 436 — 536 318 |
| Total | 5,802 5,388 436 — 11,626 32,465 |
Investments
| Investments | |
|---|---|
| Interest | 1,500 — — — 1,500 70 |
| Total | 1,500 — — — 1,500 70 |
Other income
Other income 25,276 573 — — 25,849 19,794
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| CI Bar Takings | — 4,958 — — 4,958 — |
|---|---|
| Total | 25,276 5,532 — — 30,808 19,794 |
| INCOME TOTAL | 56,756 21,101 22,993 — 100,851 122,039 |
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EXPENDITURE
Raising funds
| Raising funds | |
|---|---|
| Parish magazine costs | — — — — — 12 |
| Mission | 1,425 140 4,418 — 5,984 — |
| Events | 451 4,133 450 — 5,034 — |
| Total | 1,876 4,274 4,868 — 11,019 12 |
Expenditure on charitable activities
| Parish share | 27,000 — — — 27,000 24,000 |
|---|---|
| Rector's working expenses/mileage |
2,027 — 126 — 2,154 1,195 |
| Rector's telephone | 772 — — — 772 714 |
| Church - insurance | 2,356 — — — 2,356 2,282 |
| Church - electricity | 566 — — — 566 426 |
| Church - gas | 1,560 — — — 1,560 1,173 |
| Church - general maintenance/repairs |
— 479 119 — 599 4,111 |
| Administration | 11,964 — 654 — 12,618 22,040 |
| Church Institute - electricity | — 2,387 — — 2,387 1,071 |
| Church Institute - gas | — 1,519 — — 1,519 805 |
| Church Institute - telephone | — 381 — — 381 364 |
| Church Institute - cleaning | — 366 — — 366 1,385 |
| Church Institute - administration | — 5,007 6 — 5,013 30,213 |
| Church Institute - repairs | — 4,301 106 — 4,408 10,934 |
| Upkeep of churchyard | — — — — — 955 |
| Church - water & sewerage | 64 — — — 64 47 |
| Charitable giving | 240 — 380 — 620 204 |
| Upkeep of services | 2,863 1,040 8,073 — 11,977 54,175 |
| Church Institute - equipment | — 715 122 — 838 3,402 |
| Church Institute - insurance | — 1,571 — — 1,571 1,523 |
| Church Institute - water / sewerage |
— 517 — — 517 131 |
| Community Support & Hardship | — — 1,313 — 1,313 — |
| Total | 49,415 18,288 10,903 — 78,606 161,159 |
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| EXPENDITURE TOTAL | 51,291 | 22,562 | 15,771 | — | 89,626 | 161,172 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND TOTAL | 5,464 | (1,461) | 7,221 | — | 11,224 | (39,132) |
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