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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No: 1200922

ST. HELEN’S CHURCH ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended

31 December 2023

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch INDEX TO THE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Page
PCC Reference and Administrative Details 3
PCC Annual Report 4 - 22
Independent Examiners Report 23
Receipts and Payments Account 24
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 25
Notes to the Accounts 26 – 27
Detailed Income & Expenditure Accounts 28 - 29
Restricted Funds Analysis 30 - 31

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PCC Name:

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Charity Registration No: 1200922 Address: St Helen’s Church 3 Lower Church Street Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicester LE65 1AA

Parochial Church Council Members:

Ex-officio member – Team Rector Rev’d Susan Field Appointed 10 May 2023 Ex-officio member – Churchwarden Judith Lewis Ex-officio member - Churchwarden Anne Heaton Appointed 18 April 2023 Co-opted onto the PCC - Treasurer Catalina Chan Appointed 16 January 2024 Safeguarding Officer Elizabeth Smith Lay Chair Steph Whiten Resigned 1 August 2023 Vice Chair Lynda Price PCC Secretary Christopher Lewis Appointed 18 April 2023 Deanery Synod Rep & Electoral Roll Officer Eileen Coombs Giving Officer Cornelia Wright Alison Cross Resigned 18 April 2023 John Dennis Resigned 18 April 2023 Caroline Essex Resigned 18 April 2023 Sam Blatherwick Caroline Millward Peter Rose Resigned 18 April 2023 PCC Secretary to 18 April 2023 Malcolm Salter Shan Dyer Appointed 17 January 2023 Emily Darlington Appointed 18 April 2023

All the PCC are also Trustees of the charity. The PCC are supported in their work by Andy Smith as Bookkeeper.

Independent Examiner:

Bankers:

Richard Vann 9 Saxon Way Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2JR CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent MR19 4TA

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The PCC are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity Commission’s Receipts and Payments basis.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC registered with the Charity Commission on 7 November 2022. The PCC operates under 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). The members of the PCC are the charity’s trustees under charity law.

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.

PCC Membership

Appointment of PCC members are governed by the Church Representation Rules. The Vicar, other clergy licensed to serve in the Parish and the churchwardens are automatically members. Other members are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting by church members who are on the Electoral Roll of the Parish. We encourage everyone (aged 16 and over) who attends church regularly to register on the Electoral Roll.

Churchwardens are elected each year at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, which is open to all residents of the Parish. They serve from the date they are subsequently admitted to office by the Bishop and continue in office until their successor is admitted by the Bishop following election.

Elected members of the PCC serve for a term of 3 years from the date of election. They may stand to be re-elected for a further 3-year term.

Under the Church Representation Rules, the PCC has the power to co-opt additional members to fill casual vacancies. Co-opted members serve until the next Annual Parochial Church Meeting when they may stand for election.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC has the responsibility of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC undertakes their mission through prayer, worship, learning and action. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the church building and the Community Heritage Centre and its associated grounds.

When planning our activities, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a Charity (PB2)'. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our community.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (continued)

Our objectives are to:

To facilitate this work, it is vital that we maintain the fabric of the Church, the Churchyard, and the Heritage Centre and its associated grounds.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

PCC Secretary Report

Becoming PCC Secretary at last year’s APCM seemed initially quite a daunting task unaware as I was of all the complex minutiae of the Church of England. However, one year on I have to say I am getting more familiar with how it works and am quite enjoying the administrative role of being PCC Secretary.

This year the PCC has met a total of 11 times since the 2023 APCM. Attendance has been good with few absences from our meetings. As well as updates from the various areas of the life of St Helen’s we have given special consideration throughout the year to the Minster Community project, at the time of writing the final outcome of this remains unknown.

We have also considered various new initiatives including:

Last but by no means least the PCC has been regularly updated by Andy Smith and Catalina Chan on the state of our finances. We are grateful to you both for all your detailed hard work on both our finances and our budgets.

The minutes of our meetings (held on the 3[rd] Tuesday of each month) at 7pm in The Heritage Centre are made available on the PCC notice board near the St Michael’s Chapel. I would encourage people to read these and let me know if you have any queries. Chris Lewis

PCC Secretary

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Team Rector’s Report

I want to begin by thanking all who took on new responsibilities and bore the brunt of the extra tasks during the clergy vacancy. I am genuinely amazed at what you managed to sustain during that time and I am very grateful.

I also want to thank you all for your very warm welcome as I arrived in the Flagstaff Team with not a lot of notice, and for your patience as I have tried to get to grips with the way you do things here. It is really good to be working as part of such an able, faithful and willing team of people.

During the year a number of people have changed roles. Having offered valuable ministry during the vacancy, Rev’d Margaret Jacques decided to fully retire and we said goodbye to her in December. Also in December, Andrew Chapman stepped back from being Director of Music after many years of service but thankfully remains our organist. Caroline Essex and Anna Haines are sharing the role of leading our choir going forwards. Steph Whiten and Carol Eyley decided not to renew their licences as Pastoral Assistant and Reader respectively and Steph stood down from the PCC. We are hugely grateful for the ministry of all of these people.

As I arrived, I was very keen to be as present as possible across the five churches I serve most closely, and I was grateful to the people of All Saints, Isley Walton who were prepared to move their monthly service to the second Sunday of the month, allowing me to be at St Helen’s for Evensong. We consulted on further changes in the villages to enable me to be at St Helen’s for two mornings a month and this new pattern of services began on 1 January 2024. Again, I am very grateful to those in our village churches for accommodating this request.

In addition to the regular meetings, the PCC held a special Saturday meeting In September to learn more of our responsibilities as charity trustees, to have a heritage tour of the Church building and to identify some priorities for future work. These included discipleship, outreach, pastoral care and developing more informal worship in addition to our current worship.

Pastoral care was soon flagged up as an area that needed attention and, out of a PCC working group, has come a Pastoral Care team. We are in the process of safely recruiting them and we hope to authorize them very soon.

One of the missional opportunities we have as a Church of England congregation arises out of our contact with those who come for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Liz Smith and Eileen Coombs both work with me to connect with baptism families and to maintain that connection through our activities and services for families and young children. During the year we had two large funerals of younger people and I was hugely grateful for the support and welcome provided by a team of people from St Helen’s on both of those occasions. We hope to develop this and our ministry to wedding couples during the coming year.

Contacts with schools and other groups in the town are another means of connection and mission. Liz Smith has built a really good relationship with Willesley school, and groups of children regularly visit St Helen’s. Liz has been supported by a team from church in this. Tim Phillips and I have visited all the Headteachers of schools in Ashby and we hope to develop a stronger connection with all the schools between us.

During the year, we received the news that our area would be the next to form Minster Communities and our PCC was tasked with doing some preparation work for this process. We will learn more in 2024 about what that will mean for us and for future mission and ministry in Ashby.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Team Rector’s Report (continued)

I want to end as I began by thanking all those who offer so much time and energy to the building, the life of the congregation and the mission and ministry of St Helen’s. You are all so much valued and appreciated as together we live out our life as part of the Body of Christ in Ashby. Sue Field

Team Rector

Fabric Report

The Buildings Group are pleased to report on the fabric of the church and works done during 2023. Yet again we say a huge thank you to those who freely give their time and skill to help care for our Grade 1 listed church and modern Community Heritage Centre and to the PCC for making funds available for maintenance and repair.

All the annual safety checks have been carried out to keep both buildings compliant and in good order including servicing of the boiler, security alarm, roof alarm, and fire alarm in the Heritage Centre. The fire extinguishers, portable appliances, and lightening conductors for both buildings have also been tested and any issues resolved so we are up to standard.

It’s been a busy year on the roof. In addition to the routine clearing of leaves and weeds from the gullies and gutters we had to clear a significant blockage of silt in one of the drains which was causing water to leak through the roof near the pillars on the south aisle. And in October we discovered that one of the downpipes was failing to capture the rapid run off from the roof causing a cascade of water over the boiler room. A temporary solution is currently being trailed and if successful will be installed permanently by our roofers. A huge thank you to our team who have a good head for heights and look after the roof for us.

Water ingress and damp present a serious issue for St Helen’s and as part of an ongoing programme to alleviate this we have had three of the cast iron downpipes restored by a local welding company experienced in heritage work. The pipes in the worse condition were removed in February, and temporary drainage installed while cracks were repaired, joints made good, and a thorough clean and repaint carried out. The refurbished pipes were returned in May and we plan to work through the remaining 10 downpipes as funding allows.

Also in May B and J Blacksmiths carried out some urgent repairs to the boiler room door and have refurbished the gate so the access to the boiler room is more secure. There have also been some repairs to the boiler and remedial electrical works following last year’s electrical installation inspection.

Also following on from last year’s report Skillingtons carried out their conservation inspection of the safety of the wall mounted memorials (and removed cobwebs!); the condition of the Nundi Slab; and Hastings Chapel memorials. We are hoping to receive their conservation condition report very soon and have secured an extension to the ChurchCare grant which will pay for some of this work. The work on the Selina slate slab in the Chancel is still outstanding and so we are discouraging people from walking over the area as it does present a trip hazard. We have so far been unsuccessful in securing grant funding for this work but have another couple of applications submitted. And the final update from last year’s report is that the insurers are happy with the repairs carried out to the fixings of the Sanctuary Lamp in the Lady Chapel so we are pleased to see that area back in use.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Fabric Report (continued)

The exterior paintwork of the Heritage Centre was redone last autumn which should protect the timber for a few more years. Volunteers from our congregation are always busy carrying out repairs such as replacing the guttering on the Heritage Centre and fixing the gate lock; as well as routine maintenance painting, gardening, and fixing.

The buildings group have an ongoing list of issues – large and small – to work on but if you do spot anything unusual with either of our buildings, please do let us know. The priority for 2024 will be electrical works which will improve safety and energy efficiency, but there will be other work going on too as we continue to be good custodians of our lovely buildings. Helen Smith Fabric Officer

Churchwardens’ Report

The year started with the APCM on April 18[th] 2023, following which we were rapidly plunged into preparations for the Service of Welcome for our new Rector, Rev’d Canon Sue Field, on May 10[th] . Never having done this before, and with just three weeks ahead of us, we were dependent on the knowledge and help of others to make sure that everything was put in place. The service went well, with a full church from across the Diocese and further afield, with refreshments afterwards. Many thanks to everyone who was involved in any way.

Thanks, are also due to the many assistants at services, especially the stewards and assistant wardens and those who count the donations every week. We couldn’t manage without you.

In addition to the weekly services and monthly meetings (‘Vestry’ when we meet with Sue; Standing Committee, a sub-committee of the PCC who deal largely with financial matters and the PCC agenda; and the PCC meeting itself), we have dealt with a number of building-related matters, which include:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Churchwardens’ Report (continued)

St Helen’s Bellringers

In 2023, the 3 bells were rung for 6 weddings thanks to the support of ringers from neighbouring churches as there are currently only 4 St. Helen’s ringers.

The roof continues to be inspected periodically and maintenance such as weeding and sweeping carried out as necessary by local ringers who also put up the flags. The roof has minor leaks that could be repaired with tar by the ringers.

The bells were rung on Saturday 6[th] May to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

Since November, we have rung for Evensong with support from ringers from other towers who also support with ringing for the Sunday morning services.

A gallery would make ringing the bells much easier for all the ringers, but especially inexperienced ringers or teaching new ringers.

Catherine Baker

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Children and Young People

Stepping Stones – children’s group

After the PCC "away day" in September 2023 a group of us started to explore rekindling the Lanterns children's group that existed pre-pandemic within the church. We eventually got this off the ground in the New Year with Sam, Caroline and Cornelia running the first two sessions, which are happening on the second Sunday of each month. We have had 8 children in total across the first two sessions and hope to grow from there. Children are exploring Christianity and their place in the world around them through stories and crafts. At the end of each session, they feedback to the congregation, and the response from the church community has been fantastic. Sam Blatherwick

Priest Room Gang (PRG)

Hospitality and supporting and serving others.

There are now 12 young people who are members of the PRG. The young people now meet on Thursday evenings 5.00-6.30pm twice a month in the St Helen’s Community Heritage Centre, and more often by arrangement.

We are currently using the materials provided by Roots Resources for churches, to support thinking about faith, the life of Christ and living in today’s world.

The group still wishes to keep a focus on issues and concerns of poor mental health and the impact it has on people’s lives and in particular young people.

During the summer the group reviewed the children’s area inside St Helens Church and provided some ideas for improvement, making it more welcome for children and young people.

The group enjoyed a trip to Melbourne in the summer travelling on the public bus. A great day was spent visiting the church, the village and Melbourne pool.

PRG continue to provide the after-service refreshments on the first Sunday of every month after the All- Age services.

Thank you to the young people and thank you to Emily Darlington and the adults who have supported me during the year The PRG really is a star group. Watch out for next year’s activities. Elizabeth Smith

Deanery Synod

Deanery Synod meetings were held in March and June, including a Fish and Chip dinner, and in October at various venues in the Deanery. The issues discussed or identified included how to live out our everyday faith in and among our families, friends and colleagues; the Parish Contributions which had seen a slight increase overall; the Deanery Tour by the Area Dean, Noreen and Avril which collected comments and suggestions from various parishes; an update from the Pilot Minster Community.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Deanery Synod (continued)

Foremost on people’s minds are two questions: Will Minster Communities affect Parish commitment in the future? Will there still be a Deanery? But then, these are still unresolved and unanswered. Eileen Coombs

Deanery Synod Lay Representative

Eco-Initiative Group

A Green Survey Questionnaire was completed and returned by 25 church members. This has been assessed by the Group: in summary - respondents favour ‘special’ Sunday eco-themed service but do not want to be a ‘single-issue’ church. They are aware of the issues and implications surrounding climate change and are actively addressing ways of making a difference. They would like to know more about renewable energy. Catherine Jacques has completed an environment audit – to be reviewed and assessed.

LED lighting is now in use in church and Heritage Centre. Fewer paper pew sheets are being printed. Environmentally-friendly cleaning products, obtained from Fairtrade shop, are used. We are avoiding single-use plastic wherever possible. Recycling of packaging and food scraps in the kitchen. Composting facilities have been installed in the HC garden for gardening waste. Churchyard and HC gardens are well-stocked with nature- and wildlife-friendly plants. 500 Spring bulbs, obtained from the Town Council, have been planted in the churchyard and HC gardens.

Lent Sermons and TeamTalks for Easter 2023 followed eco-themed topics, using Tearfund material. Environmentally-aware books are now in the children’s corner. Intercessionary prayers have regularly been including reflection on our responsibility to stewardship of the planet.

A plant-based Lunch was held on 26/02/23 which was well supported; 40 appreciative diners. Although no charge was requested, generous donations were made to church funds. A vegetarian/organic/locally-sourced produce Brunch was held on 10/09/23. More than 30 people attended and expressed their gratitude and enjoyment of the event. Over £80 was donated towards church funds.

The Group met in December 2023 to discuss plans for a Fairtrade Promotion Event, to be held in 2024. Caroline Millward

Friends Fellowship and Faith Group

Jenny Hedges kindly invites anyone who wants to come to an afternoon twice a month in her home for Friendship, Fellowship and Faith.

We gather together to get to know one another and share our lives and faith in a spirit of friendship and respect. Now one of the main features however is tea and cake! Lots of cake!!

As time has gone on, the group has evolved and included people who previously did not have contact with church. We have been blessed by coming together and just allowing the Holy Spirit to be amongst us, in a gentle quiet way.

Mo Clarke, a member of the group

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Sew it don’t throw it

This project was developed by three retired textile tutors who are involved with the ‘We’re In Stitches’ group working with the EAT team. It was made possible by a Leicestershire County Council Shire’s Environmental Grant which we were awarded in January 2023, and aligns with our Eco Church initiative.

The project was introduced via an exhibition in the Community Heritage Centre of vintage sewing equipment alongside a set of posters challenging people to think about textile waste, recycling, and sustainability. The formal launch in March was an event with displays, demonstrations, meet the makers, have a go, and a garment swap rail. Attended by 50 people the event generated a lot of excitement about the project, which people felt has been needed in Ashby for a long time, and some great conversation about recycling and repurposing textiles.

Throughout the summer our tutors delivered a total of 22 workshops each with eight places available. These included sessions on how to use a sewing machine, garment repair, visible mending, and alterations. The aim was to give people the skills to repair and recycle different textiles. In addition, there was a series of workshops repurposing fabrics – from making patchwork out of fabric scraps to using redundant material to make useful items such as aprons and bags. Towards the end of the programme people brought in items of clothing to repair, alter or repurpose. The sessions were engaging, and people really enjoyed learning new skills, making new friends, and improving their wellbeing through creativity, social activity, saving money and being more sustainable.

We hosted two talks in July.

‘Making with Waste A Conversation’ when Di Kendall and Alice Burnhope talked about clothing and sustainability and the use of pre-loved textiles and natural dyes. The audience of 30 joined the challenging conversation about the environmental impact of textile manufacture, care, and disposal and what changes we can make to our behaviours and purchasing decisions such as the benefits of buying natural fibres, having fewer items that will be worn for longer, preloved clothing, and rejuvenating garments from our wardrobe. These conversations are still going on. For instance, in ‘How Learning to Sew Changed My Life’ when Great British Sewing Bee contestant Gill Thomas shared her inspirational story with an appreciative audience of 76 people.

In September 10 experienced dressmakers from around the country came together for a sewing day to create the most surprising textile transformations. On October 7[th] the project finale was a pop-up fashion show in church featuring the reused, repurposed, and recycled garments made by our talented team and supported by project participants who acted as models and dressers. The Fashion Show was part of Ashby’s annual Ashby Fabulous and also the national Sustainable Fashion Week.

Our 11 models wowed audiences as they brought 22 different looks to the catwalk - the 90 people who saw the show commented that they were impressed and inspired.

And for our younger people we used fabric scraps from the project, old wooden curtain rings and ribbon offcuts to create 35 rag wreath kits for Loughborough City of Sanctuary, who support refugee families living in hotels, as an autumn half term craft activity – each kit was in a paper carrier with full pictorial instructions. Volunteers also ran a customising denim workshop with teenagers giving a new lease of life to pre loved garments with fabric paints and lots of imagination.

We were able to deliver the workshops for free due to generous support including the grant paying for equipment, suppliers offering discounts, the tutors giving their time and the PCC supporting with

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Sew it don’t throw it (continued)

the use the room. In addition, Julie Starkey, Jill Chapman and Helen Smith did a huge amount of ‘admin’ behind the scenes to help the project run smoothly and engage as many people as possible.

Participants are keen to continue their sewing journey and we have plans to run paid for courses and workshops, to offer use of the machines and to run more events in Sustainable Fashion Week to keep the recycling and repurposing conversation going.

Helen Smith

Flower Arranging

As communion has started to be distributed from the High Altar, flower arrangements now adorn the High Altar and the Choir Stall. At Christmas and Easter, there were flower pedestals at the entrance, St Michael’s Chapel, the High Altar, Lady Chapel and by the Choir stalls. Carol Eyley even dressed all the window shelves with foliage.

Margaret Lawrence has continued to do the Advent wreath and Pastoral Candle for us and we are truly grateful. A big Thank You to all the faithful and willing flower arrangers who, week by week, creatively and lovingly, arrange flowers to adorn the church, making it warm, beautiful and welcoming to visitors.

If you are interested and feel this is a ministry you can help with, please do not hesitate to contact me. Eileen Coombs

Flower Co-ordinator

St Helen’s Community Heritage Centre Garden Project (SHCHCGP)

Work has progressed on the garden throughout 2023. Thanks are due to the volunteers especially Peter M, Martin V, Caroline & Rob M.

Andrew Chapman

Little Fishes

Little Fishes continued to thrive during 2023 with an average of 25 children attending each week with their parent or carer. We enjoyed seeing a nice mix of newcomers, old faces and returning mums with new babies. Our cohort of grandparents has also continued to attend enjoying spending time together.

It has been a privilege for us as volunteers to support some of our adult attendees during times of illness or difficulty and a pleasure to see the support and friendship they have built up between themselves too.

In July we said goodbye to 5 Little Fishes who were moving up to school, celebrating this as is our usual custom with small gifts and prayers for both them and their mums.

During the year we invested in some new books and toys and replaced some worn out ones. We continue to make a weekly donation to PCC funds and have agreed to cap our restricted fund at an amount that would cover replacement of larger items of equipment such as tables and chairs, with anything over the cap diverting to the PCC general fund.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Little Fishes (continued)

Little Fishes continues to run with five main volunteers plus three occasional volunteers to help cover absences and we are very grateful to them all for their time. Caroline Essex

Mothers’ Union

The year commenced with our 2022 AGM in January. In February we had a very happy occasion at our Pancake Lunch which was held in aid of our Bible Fund. Our grateful thanks to Barry Heath once again for providing the pancakes and fillings to his usual excellent standard.

In March, Rev Linda Foot gave us a Lenten Reflection on Holy Week, referring in some parts to Julian of Norwich. Our April meeting provided us with a very interesting and enlightening insight into the Ashby Food Bank. This was given by one of our own members, Adrienne Sedgman who works with the Food Bank.

The speaker for our May meeting had to cancel due to ill health, but we still met together and had a good time generally chatting with each other over refreshments. June was our open meeting – our usual cream tea. No meetings were held in July and August.

In September we welcomed Margaret Rouse as our speaker and she gave us a most interesting history of ecclesiastical embroidery with many superb illustrations. October saw our second Open Coffee Morning.

In November we welcomed Eileen Page who was the intended speaker for the May meeting, which she had to cancel. She gave us a most interesting insight into AFIA holiday groups (Away From It All). These provide holidays for families who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a break.

Our December meeting was our usual Christmas Lunch though we had fewer people attending this. We were also asked to make posies for Mothering Sunday and make Christingles for the annual Christmas Service.

Margaret Worrall

Branch Secretary

Sadly, in January this year, at our 2023 AGM it became necessary for us to consider our way forward because we had lost so many of our Members due to various reasons and it was not viable to invite speakers to address so few people. It was therefore agreed that after over 100 years, the St Helen’s Mothers’ Union Branch be closed. Members were urged to become Diocesan Members where they would still receive the magazines and information on what was happening in the MU. The Members will still provide Bibles for wedding couples at St Helen’s and are happy to continue providing useful services as requested in the past. Eileen Coombs was happy to be a point of contact. Eileen Barradell

Diocesan Member

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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Director of Music

Full Choir

There were 4 regular ‘young’ trebles, plus Liz, Michelle & Anna. In the altos, Emily D (former head chorister & ‘extra’ treble) joined the two Carolines & Adrienne. We welcomed Anne back to the altos and Caroline S is now a regular evensong chorister. Keith retired from the tenors in October. 3 tenors and 1 bass.

Annabel has continued her loyal and committed role as head chorister – leading the trebles, developing her musical and vocal skills, and always relishing the opportunity to keep us amused!!

We had another special Advent Carol service and a further outing to Staunton Harold for Christmas Carols. There was a lovely atmosphere and a very appreciative congregation for our Christmas Carol service. As is our custom we welcomed back former choristers - Phil C & Jenny, as well as recruiting extras – Chris L, David E, & Caroline S. Thank you all.

Junior Choir

Lead the worship for Mothering Sunday, Harvest & Christingle services;

Older singers move on, and younger ones join in, Ruth B is doing a great job

Valued support from Anna, Caroline E & Liz

Summer Concert

Our full choir, junior choir, dads n lads, 2 Carolines & Anna trio, Jenny solo & Chapmen duet, supported Great Wood choir & instrumentalists at Tean, in North Staffs.

Many of us enjoyed a day walking & exploring Dimmingsdale before turning our attention to the music!

Music Group

Continues to play for the All Age Service on the first Sunday of the month.

a valuable additional resource to the music at St Helen’s

our numbers reduced during 2023 - Pete H (guitar) and myself (piano), being the regulars.

Organ & Pianos

The organ continues to be tuned twice a year, - and is generally in pretty good order – I continue to liaise with the tuners – Cousans Organs (based in Coalville) – there are a few more age-related issues that will need addressing in the not too distant future.

The piano keeps in tune well, but some work on the case of the piano still needs undertaking.

The digital piano jointly owned with Concordia Choir continues to be securely stored in the Heritage Centre - it was used quite a few times during 2023.

I wish to acknowledge the support of Howard Marriott and Laurence Rodgers who have played the organ on occasions when I have been on leave.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Director of Music (continued)

Moving on

During the latter part of the year, Caroline E, Anna and myself, in conjunction with Rev Sue, discussed a change in the leadership of the music at St Helen’s.

After 16 years in the ‘Director’s’ role, it was time to step down from some of my responsibilities. From 1[st] January 2024, Caroline E became Choral Director and Anna her Choral Assistant, with me continuing as organist.

Andy Smith gave a ‘special speech’ during our traditional choir tea before the Christmas Carol service, which was very much appreciated. A ‘photo shoot’ followed the carol service; then there were the ‘official presentations’ in January – cards, pressies, thank you’s, cakes and, of course Judith’s version of Billy Joel’s ‘The Piano Man’. It was quite an emotional occasion. Thank you all so much.

Caroline E, Anna and Andy have been particularly supportive over the last few years. I’m very grateful.

Andrew Chapman Director of Music (2023)

Prior Park Ministry

A line or two about Communion at Prior Park

I’m not sure when the monthly communion service started, but certainly since Mary Gregory’s day, it has been the practice to combine the Wednesday Holy Communion service at St Helen’s with Prior Park’s monthly service on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.30 am. This has several advantages.

It means that the Prior Park residents who, with some exceptions, are not able to attend Sunday services in a local church, have a regular opportunity to join a Communion service on site. It is such an encouragement to younger ones attending to worship with those who have walked with the Lord for many years. It also facilitates fellowship between the regular Wednesday congregation of St Helen’s and residents of Prior Park. And of course, it strengthens links and enables prayer and pastoral concern to flourish.

The service is simple: Margaret Worrall plays the hymn tunes; Sue Field and the other Sue share the leadership of the service, and ‘the two Eileens’ (you’ll know who I mean) assist in various ways. Usually there are 15-20 people there, representing different church traditions, so although the service follows the Anglican liturgy, all are welcome – and in the best Prior Park tradition, there’s often time for tea, coffee and chat afterwards.

Sue Brown

Lay Reader

And talking of tea.....

Another couple of lines about TEA TIME

Page 15

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Prior Park Ministry (continued)

Tea Time was held eight times in the Prior Park big Community Centre in the past year. Sadly, a few residents passed away and some moved to care/ nursing homes. However, a few new residents have started to join us on these Saturday afternoon social gatherings and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, not only each other’s company but also all the delicious homemade cakes.

A special thank you to George, a 6th Former at Ashby School, who volunteered to help out on many Saturdays and was a real asset chatting to the residents. We wish him all the best as he takes his A Levels this summer, hoping to go into medical school.

Thank you again to the faithful team who bake delicious cakes, make and serve tea, and of course wash up. Without their invaluable support, our church’s outreach to the community will not be possible.

Eileen Coombs

Organiser

Safeguarding Report

‘Safeguarding’ means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture in all our churches.

In 2023 there were no concerns reported. A number of DBS checks have been renewed, and new DBS certificates obtained for new volunteers and PCC members across the Flagstaff Family of Churches.

As the DBS administrator I complete checks for the Flagstaff Family of Churches and it is now required for all DBS certificates to be renewed every 3 years.

Online Safeguarding training has been offered and accessed for new volunteers and PCC members. In 2023 all members of St Helens PCC completed all the Safeguarding training to the required standard.

We are working with the Parish Handbook and the Leicester Diocesan requirements which set out the Church’s approach to Safeguarding. This supports the day to day work of Safeguarding and those that have a role with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.

Information about Safeguarding and reporting concerns /seeking help and advice is displayed in the church and the St Helen’s Community Heritage Centre.

Safeguarding contact details appear on the church website and in the Parish magazine.

St Helen’s Church is registered with the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard which ensures that we receive up to date information and provides a plan of any actions required.

The St Helen’s Safeguarding policies for both children and vulnerable adults are in place and will be reviewed annually.

The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults at St Helen’s Church and the Flagstaff Family of Churches must be a thread which runs through everything we do and the policies and practices we put in place for our church and church community.

The safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults is “everyone’s business” Elizabeth Smith

Safeguarding Officer

Page 16

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Open Bible Discussion Group (Monday House Group)

We have continued to meet each Monday evening and have discussed various different topics based on different selected books of the Bible. However, we are now very depleted in numbers and I am wondering whether we can continue with the group. Margaret Worrall

“ ” – Pilgrim Learning together to be disciples.

Since mid-October 2023, a group numbering up to 10 when everyone is present, have been meeting on Monday nights to pray, read and discuss aspects of our discipleship as followers of Jesus. We started with the first book in the Pilgrim course published by The Church of England – “Turning to Christ”, which explores the basics of the Christian faith. Although the course is designed primarily for people starting out in their journey of exploring Christianity, the content is relevant however long someone has been a Christian or been coming to church. Future plans include using a broader range of resources as we seek to grow in our relationship with God. Judith Lewis

Servers

Sadly, we are so few in numbers (Sue Evans, Greg Wells and myself with Lyn Price) it has not always been possible to have a full complement. However, we do our best and I would like to express my appreciation to every one of our team for their loyalty. New Servers would be most welcome – just have a word with me.

We do desperately require a Sacristan as I am having to undertake those duties myself with some help from Laura Tucker, but it is becoming more and more difficult.

Although strictly speaking they do not come under the heading of servers but we do have some members of the congregation who have been approved by the PCC to administer the sacraments, namely Shan Dyer, Eileen Coombs, Peter Maunder, Lyn Price and Adrienne Sedgman. These are all very valuable members of our team.

Eileen Mary Barradell

Head Server

St Helen’s Sound Team

Over the past 12 months the sound team have attempted to provide an operator for all the major services in the church. We believe this is an essential part of the church life ensuring the services can be clearly heard by all listeners.

We are still keen to get others involved in this part of the churches work. We would like to extend coverage to include Evensong. It’s not difficult; training and support will be given. For more information please contact Simon (simon.starkey@gmail.com) or any member of the sound team. Simon Starkey

Page 17

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Ashby Street Pastors

Overview of the last year

We managed 54 patrols in 2023 and I am extremely grateful to our dedicated and committed team that made this possible. In addition to our Saturday patrols (50 of a possible 52) we went out on 4 of the Sundays immediately prior to a Bank Holiday (9[th] and 30[th] April, 7[th] and 28[th] May) as well as the Friday before Christmas (otherwise known as ‘Mad Friday’).

Street and Prayer Pastors

1 Street Pastor stepped down at the end of 2023 after 5 years faithful service – my thanks go to Catherine Henderson for her patrolling over the last 5 years. In January we commissioned two new street pastors (Emily Roberts and Lucy Yewlett) as well as recommissioning 9 so we have a total of 11 going forward into 2024.

We currently have 3 Prayer Pastors and I am really grateful to Frank, Joan and Steph who faithfully support us each week they are on duty, either present with us in The Heritage Centre or supporting us by phone. This work is not possible without you so a big thank you from all the Street Pastors.

Vital Statistics

Below are the statistics for 2023 with 2022 in brackets which give some idea of our effectiveness on the streets

PEOPLE HELPED 2023
Anti Social
Incidents		 4 (1) Calming
Aggressive		 1 (5) Support
Vulnerable		 16 (19)
ITEMS GIVEN OUT
Bottled Water 15(13) FlipFlops 2(7) Wet Wipes 2(0)
MAKING THE STREETS SAFER
Bottles removed 225 (250) Glasses
removed		 120 (107) Broken Glass 29 (19)
Drinking on the
Street		 46 (43)
Note 2022 figures in brackets

My thanks go to our Management Committee for all their support and especially to Adrienne for taking on the role of Secretary, Dorothy for taking on the role of Treasurer and Liz our every faithful and much needed Vice Chair.

Page 18

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Ashby Street Pastors (continued)

My thanks also go to St Helen’s for allowing us to use the Heritage Centre as our base every Saturday night and for supporting the Street Pastor initiative with both prayer and finance. Chris Lewis

Coordinator 07828 463368 ashby@streetpastors.org.uk

St Helen’s Website

Jill Chapman updates all church events, notice sheets and parish magazines. Julie Starkey updates heritage related events and our ‘what’s on’ pages. We work together to cover each other’s times of unavailability and we endeavour to keep the website up to date at all times.

During 2023 we used our website extensively to enable booking of our ‘Sew It Don’t Throw It’ events. Setting up the information pages for the events and the booking pages and, where necessary, payment pages was a huge learning curve, but has built our expertise and given us confidence to use the website for bookings in the future.

The website has been revised slightly to try to make the headings clearer and more intuitive. We have also added a tab at the top so that visitors to the website can immediately find our Safeguarding information. We’ve also added a monthly table of services, so website users can see at a glance what’s happening.

The Heritage pages continue to develop, with new research articles added regularly, creating an online resource for visitors and researchers.

Jill Chapman & Julie Starkey

Welcome and Hospitality

The church is open every day during daylight hours, welcoming everyone who wishes to come in, sit quietly, pray, or enjoy the tranquillity of our beautiful and historic building. Many visited from afar, with parents or grandparents married in our church or they themselves baptised here years ago. So for centuries, people from all walks of life have come and worship, give thanks and be blessed. This tradition is very important to us and we want to keep it going.

Flower arrangements adorn various areas of the church, lovely to behold and an aid to worship. Colourful notice boards displaying posters and notices keep the congregation and visitors updated of upcoming events and services.

Tea lights are always available by St Michael’s Chapel to remember loved ones. There are also vases by the Book of Remembrance area for people to put flowers in to remember loved ones on anniversaries.

Eileen Coombs

Deputy Churchwarden for Welcome and Hospitality

Page 19

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Warm Hearted Spaces

This initiative, suggested by the EATS Team, approved by the PCC, was launched on Friday 14th April, 2023.

Its objective is to provide a warm, safe and welcoming space for anyone who wishes to drop in for a cup of tea/coffee and cakes, chat and enjoy each other’s company. It is both adult and child friendly with board games, jigsaws, soft toys and much more. There is no charge and it is an excellent way to meet new people, socialise and have a good time.

We are at the Heritage Community Centre EVERY Friday, from 1-4pm. Please come and visit us. Eileen Coombs & Liz Smith

Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre is a fantastic multi-purpose building which is put to very good use by all the different church groups who use it. It houses the church office and it hosts church events such as Little Fishes, the monthly ‘Knit & Natter’ group, ‘Warm Space,’ Priest Room Gang and Messy Church as well as after-church coffee and occasional church events such as the Haggis Supper and is a base for the Ashby Street Pastors.

We have lots of regular paid bookings, such as NHS clinics, Civic Society meetings and language and exercise classes and there have been several private hires over the course of the year.

In 2023 we welcomed a new audience to take part in our ‘Sew It, Don’t Throw It’ beginners’ sewing sessions, which also involved two highly successful and popular talks, including one by a former Great British Sewing Bee contestant.

We also use the Heritage Centre to showcase the fascinating heritage of our site, with a regular winter programme of talks plus an additional heritage talk and a children’s archaeology workshop during the July Festival of Archaeology.

It is a very useful multi-purpose space which is well used by both church and community. Julie Starkey

Page 20

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

Treasurer’s Report – Financial Year 2023

At,31[st] December 2023, St. Helen’s funds totalled £121,723, a decrease of £4,398 across the course of 2023. The key points to note from the enclosed accounts are:

Although the church spent nearly £4,400 more than it received in the year, this is not in itself a cause for concern. The church still has well over £30,000 in its general fund, and the PCC policy is to keep £14,000 of that “in reserve” in case of an unexpected event or set of circumstances.

In addition, as you can see from the Funds Analysis at the end of the accounts, we have £70,000 in the legacy fund – though PCC policy is to use this for major works on our buildings.

So, St. Helen’s finances remain on a sound footing. But the PCC wishes to embody the spirit of living generously and to continue to invest he fabric of the ancient monument that has been entrusted to our care (the church) and so the budget for 2024 includes:

As a result, the PCC has budgeted for a deficit of £9,745. The church’s funds can sustain deficits like this for another year or two, but if we are to continue to invest in our mission and our heritage, we need to continue to increase our income, both from activities from generating funds, but also from our own individual giving. Hence the recent appeal to review the amount we give to St. Helen’s.

This is my last report to you as Treasurer as I prepare to hand over the abacus to Catalina Chan who has kindly volunteered to take on the role of Treasurer. I am immensely grateful to her and have enjoyed working alongside her for the last few months, I am sure she will enjoy your support, and I wish her good luck as I look forward to spending time on ministry, rather than money!!

Yours In Christ

Andy Smith Treasurer

Page 21

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch PCC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The members of the PCC, who are also trustees of the charity, are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The trustees are required to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the PCC during the year.

In preparing those financial statements, the PCC is required to:

The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the PCC and to enable the PCC to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements referred to above. The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Church Representation Rules and applicable UK Accounting Standards

Approved by the PCC on 19 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
S. E. Field
----- End of picture text -----

S. E. Field (Apr 21, 2024 07:05 GMT+1)

Rev’d Canon Sue Field PCC Chair

Page 22

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Helen, Ashby-de-la-Zouch INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE PCC/TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

I report to the PCC on my examination of the Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 24 to 31.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts as required under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

(2) that accounts do not accord with those records; or

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

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

Richard Vann 9 Saxon Way Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2JR

R P Vann

R P Vann (May 1, 2024 23:07 GMT+1)

Dated: ………………………….

Page 23

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Receipts & Payments Account for the year ended 31 December 2023

Receipts & Payments Account
for the year ended
31 December 2023		 Receipts & Payments Account
for the year ended
31 December 2023
RECEIPTS
Note Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
Donations & Legacies
Planned Giving
55,728
-
55,728
Loose Plate Collections
& Donations
3,771
-
3,771
Legacies
-
2,216
2,216
Other giving
5
4,801
-
4,801
Gift aid
14,404
-
14,404
Total Donations & legacies
78,704
2,216
80,920
Grants
6
1,087
3,223
4,310
Other income
Activities for generating funds
7
20,681
569
21,250
Fees - Weddings & Funerals
10,135
-
10,135
Bank interest
2,124
-
2,124
Collections funds
-
1,478
1,478
Sundry income
447
-
447
Total receipts
113,178
7,486
120,664
PAYMENTS
Charitable Activities
Parish Contribution
40,600
-
40,600
Charitable Donations
3,250
-
3,250
Employment Costs
14,205
2,994
17,199
Running Costs
37,509
2,659
40,168
Fees - Weddings & Funerals
6,090
-
6,090
Building Maintenance &
Development
766
15,219
15,985
Cultural Recovery Fund Grant 2
-
-
-
Collections funds
-
1,770
1,770
Total payments
102,420
22,642
125,062
Net receipts/ (payments)
10,758
(15,156)
(4,398)
Transfers
between funds
(12,292)
12,292
-
Cash funds
@ 31.12.2022
39,369
86,752
126,121
Cash funds
@ 31.12.2023
37,835
83,888
121,723
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2022
55,728
-
55,728
3,771
-
3,771
-
2,216
2,216
4,801
-
4,801
14,404
-
14,404		 55,335
-
55,335
4,312
5,469
9,781
-
14,146
14,146
1,331
30
1,361
9,148
-
9,148
78,704
2,216
80,920		 70,126
19,645
89,771
1,087
3,223
4,310
20,681
569
21,250
10,135
-
10,135
2,124
-
2,124
-
1,478
1,478
447
-
447		 -
-
-
12,853
-
12,853
13,566
-
13,566
414
-
414
-
2,936
2,936
-
-
-
113,178
7,486
120,664		 96,959
22,581
119,540
40,600
-
40,600
3,250
-
3,250
14,205
2,994
17,199
37,509
2,659
40,168
6,090
-
6,090
766
15,219
15,985
-
-
-
-
1,770
1,770		 37,100
-
37,100
4,700
4,700
10,478
5,217
15,695
23,264
-
23,264
9,921
-
9,921
1,586
2,330
3,916
-
-
-
-
2,846
2,846
102,420
22,642
125,062		 87,049
10,393
97,442
10,758
(15,156)
(4,398)
(12,292)
12,292
-
39,369
86,752
126,121		 9,910
12,188
22,098
(14,344)
14,344
-
43,803
60,220
104,023
37,835
83,888
121,723		 39,369
86,752
126,121

Page 24

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2023

CASH FUNDS
Note Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
Bank Current Account
3,906
237
4,143
Bank Deposit Account
33,929
83,651
117,580
Total cash funds
37,835
83,888
121,723
INCOME NOT YET BANKED
Cash
3
11,406
-
11,406
11,406
-
11,406
LIABILITIES
Suppliers
4
3,156
1,203
4,359
3,156
1,203
4,359
REPRESENTED BY
Funds
13/14
37,835
83,888
121,723
37,835
83,888
121,723
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
3,906
237
4,143
33,929
83,651
117,580		 5,031
528
5,559
34,338
86,224
120,562
37,835
83,888
121,723		 39,369
86,752
126,121
3,652
-
3,652
11,406
-
11,406		 3,652
-
3,652
3,156
1,203
4,359		 2,884
737
3,621
3,156
1,203
4,359		 2,884
737
3,621
37,835
83,888
121,723		 39,369
86,752
126,121
37,835
83,888
121,723		 39,369
86,752
126,121

The receipts & payments accounts were approved by the PCC on 19th March 2024 and were signed on their behalf by:

S. E. Field

S. E. Field (Apr 21, 2024 07:05 GMT+1)

Rev'd Canon Sue Field PCC Chair

Page 25

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations using the Receipts and Payments basis.

2 Third Party Fundraising

All funds passing through the PCC accounts are shown as income and expenditure, including specific "Collections Funds" that are collected on behalf of, and then forwarded on to, third parties.

3 Income invoiced/received not yet banked

At the end of the financial year the following income had been invoiced or received but not yet banked:

Wall safe & Loose plate collections
Collections - Rainbows Hospice (restricted)
Midnight Mass
Concert
Sum Up - CollectTin church donations
Gift aid - claimed January
Room Hire - NHS		 2023
2022
114
-
-
209
-
62
-
72
450
-
1,195
3,309
9,647
-
11,406
3,652

4 Expenditure not yet paid

At the end of the financial year the following expenditure related to 2022 but was paid in 2023:

Payroll Services
Telephone
Gas
Electric
Expenses
Building repairs
Photocopier rental
Occasional Office Disbursements
Collections to be paid (restricted)
Bank charges		 2023
2022
75
150
49
58
621
1,722
860
2,002
1,022
600
921
2,126
310
310
265
-
236
737
-
-
4,359
7,705
5
Other Giving
Rector's Discretionary Fund
Choir Fund
Little Fishes
Building Fund
General Fund		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2022
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,801
-
4,801		 300
-
300
-
-
-
105
-
105
-
30
30
926
-
926
4,801
-
4,801		 1,331
30
1,361

Page 26

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

6
Grants
Leicester Diocese - Grant
towards increased energy
costs
Leicestershire County Council
- Sew it, don't throw it project
Listed Place of Worship
scheme		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2022
1,087
-
1,087

- 1,798 1,798
-
1,425
1,425		 -
-
-
- - -
-
-
-
1,087
3,223
4,310		 -
-
-
7
Activities for Generating
Funds
Events and Activities
Room Hire
Magazine		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2023		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2022
5,236
569
5,805
14,841
-
14,841
604
-
604		 1,529
-
1,529
10,967
-
10,967
357
-
357
20,681
569
21,250		 12,853
-
12,853

8 Building Maintenance and Development

Building Maintenance refers to maintenance or repair works carried out on a planned or emergency basis to maintain or repair the buildings to allow the ongoing use of the buildings.

Building Development refers to (mainly) larger projects which improve and enhance the buildings or enable such improvements.

9 Building Fund

Given the historic nature of the church buildings, and a general lack of investment in recent times, it is important that funds are regularly transferred to the Buildings Fund to enable repairs and improvements to continue and keep the buildings in use.

10 Legacy Fund

The legacy fund is where significant sums given to the church are held. The PCC policy is for such funds to be used solely for the development of the buildings and grounds of St Helen's i.e. not for building maintenance or for day to day operating costs (unless specified by the donor).

Page 27

11

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Receipts & Payments Account - Church for the year ended 31 December 2023

RECEIPTS
Planned giving
Loose Plate collection
Donations
Legacies
Gift Aid
Other income
Occasional Offices
Charity Collections
Grants
Events
Parish Magazine
Bank interest
Other income
Total receipts
PAYMENTS
Parish Contribution
Services
Choir/Music
Salaries
Occasional Offices
Events
Refreshments
Expenses
PCC Donations & Grants
Donations Given
Charity Collections
Utilities
Office
Insurance
Building - planned
Building - repairs
Total payments
Gross receipts/(payments)
Transfers
Net receipts/(payments)		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Total
2023
55,728
-
55,728
3,002
-
3,002
5,570
-
5,570
-
2,216
2,216
14,404
-
14,404
78,704
2,216
80,920
10,135
-
10,135
-
1,478
1,478
1,087
1,425
2,512
2,154
-
2,154
604
-
604
2,124
-
2,124
447
-
447
95,255
5,119
100,374
40,600
-
40,600
2,229
-
2,229
1,519
-
1,519
11,619
-
11,619
6,090
-
6,090
16
-
16
375
-
375
1,517
-
1,517
3,200
-
3,200
50
-
50
-
1,770
1,770
7,615
-
7,615
8,120
-
8,120
6,091
-
6,091
597
1,762
2,359
71
11,266
11,337
89,709
14,798
104,507
5,546
(9,679)
(4,133)
(12,000)
12,000
-
(6,454)
2,321
(4,133)

Page 28

12

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Receipts & Payments Account - Heritage Centre for the year ended 31 December 2023

RECEIPTS
Events
Room Hire
Other income
Grants
Total receipts
PAYMENTS
Salaries
Events
General Expenses
Utilities
Office
Insurance
Building - cleaning
Building - maintenance
Building - Repairs
Sew it don't throw it
Total payments
Gross receipts/(payments)
Transfers
Net receipts/(payments)		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Total
2023
3,082
569
3,651
14,841
-
14,841
-
-
-
-
1,798
1,798
17,923
2,367
20,290
2,586
2,994
5,580
580
-
580
51
-
51
7,978
-
7,978
80
25
105
1,217
-
1,217
38
-
38
-
1,667
1,667
60
524
584
121
2,634
2,755
12,711
7,844
20,555
5,212
(5,477)
(265)
(292)
292
-
4,920
(5,185)
(265)

Page 29

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Restricted Funds Analysis for the year ended 31 December 2023

13
Restricted Funds
Building Fund
Heritage Fund
Legacy Fund
Garden Fund
Team
Sew it, Don't Throw it
COLLECTIONS
Phoenix Childrens Charity
Childrens Society
Christian Aid
M Greg Gift
Toilet twinning
Mayors Collection
Bishops Appeal
Rainbow Hospice
Designated Funds (unrestricted)
Rector's Discretionary Fund
Choir
PCC Charity Donations
Little Fishes
General Funds
Free reserves
Total Funds 31.12.2023		 Balance @
1.1.2023
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
Balance @
31.12.2023
14,277
1,425
15,219
12,000
12,483
2,995
-
2,995
-
-
68,205
2,216
-
-
70,421
314
-
-
-
314
433
-
-
-
433
-
2,367
2,659
292
-
-
-
-
-
-
137
13
-
124
145
112
144
-
113
-
434
434
-
-
53
-
53
-
-
330
-
330
-
-
-
236
236
-
-
-
350
350
-
-
-
209
209
-
86,752
7,486
22,642
12,292
83,888
2,050
-
-
(2,050)
-
1,955
350
684
600
2,221
1,950
-
3,200
2,050
800
868
-
-
-
868
6,823
350
3,884
600
3,889
32,546
112,828
98,536
(12,892)
33,946
126,121
120,664
125,062
-
121,723

Page 30

ST HELEN'S CHURCH, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Restricted Funds Analysis for the year ended 31 December 2022

14
Restricted Funds
Building Fund
Heritage Fund
Legacy Fund
Garden Fund
Team
Weddings
COLLECTIONS
Phoenix Foundation
Childrens Society
Christian Aid
Designated Funds (unrestricted)
Rector's Discretionary Fund
Choir
PCC Charity Donations
General Funds
Free reserves
Total Funds 31.12.2022		 Balance @
1.1.2022
Receipts
Payments
Transfers
Balance @
31.12.2022
1,504
30
2,257
15,000
14,277
8,212
-
5,217
-
2,995
48,809
19,396
-
-
68,205
386
-
72
-
314
303
130
-
-
433
646
-
-
(646)
-
-
-
-
89
89
-
-
359
278
482
(10)
145
-
487
487
-
-
1,750
300
-
-
2,050
2,176
-
221
-
1,955
-
-
3,050
5,000
1,950
-
-
-
39,115
96,554
83,779
(19,344)
32,546
104,023
119,540
97,442
-
126,121

Page 31