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2023-12-31-annual-report

Groomsport Parish Annual General Vestry April 2024

www.groomsportparishchurch.org NIC103258 CLI1075909

~~Agenda~~

Appointing a secretary of the meeting.

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~~Ministers Refectons~~

“Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.”

What is the difference between a church family and a social club? I think David J. Evans’ words in the hymn, written in 1986, that has been called by some ‘our church anthem’, “Be still for the presence of the Lord”, encapsulates the answer to this excellently. The difference is the presence of the Lord! We are a family of people who not only meet together with one another, but with the God who is present with us, around us, within us, by His wondrous Spirit. He is more real than our own bodily existence. And without His reality our existence as a church family is utterly meaningless… but with Him we are caught up together in the eternal story of the Infinite One! Everything else - finance, events, Select Vestry, buildings, services - are simply instruments for this purpose in the hands of our great Musician.

How have we known the presence, the glory, and the power of the Lord moving in this place over the past year? This presence of God can be so breathtaking, so awe-inspiring that all we want to do is be still in His majesty. Each spring we see the gradual coming up of little green shoots of seeds and bulbs in the springtime warmth. Where are the ‘green shoots’ of new life that we see God beautifully growing among us?

Yet like the iceberg hidden beneath the deep ocean, there is always vastly more to what God is doing than what we directly perceive. We can see the tip of the iceberg!

We see the presence of the Lord in the way that we shine out to our community! Our Lord teaches us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) And here in Groomsport Parish Church, thanks to the way you so wonderfully spread the word and invite others to be part of things that we are doing together, the way you show such warm and generous hospitality and kindness towards newcomers, the way you have a reputation for being welcoming - all these show the light of God’s presence shining through us. We see this through the joy-filled events of so many kinds, from Raving Micks to breakfasts, to quiz nights, to soup and scones, to Tuesday club, to the bereavement group, to the little groups for scrabble, knitting, art, to shopping trips, to craft stalls, ballots, to the Christmas lights… and that’s absolutely not an exhaustive list as there is much, much, much more! (Both Santa and Elvis visited this year which is quite something!)

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Our little church family is, in these outreaches, becoming a glimpse of what our Lord speaks of as this ‘city set on a hill’... or perhaps I should say we’re like Donaghadee Lighthouse, shining out into the dark ocean of the struggles of life, drawing people in by the welcoming glow of His light into the safe harbour. It’s perhaps fitting that the very name ‘Groomsport’ comes from the Irish Port an Ghiolla Ghruama - ‘port of the gloomy servant’ - a place where the gloomy and destitute and lonely can come and find family, belonging and invitation into the life of Jesus that endures even beyond death. This is what we proclaim to the whole community, both Groomsport, Bangor and beyond, “To this you belong!” I cannot thank you enough for the way you have invited others into this belonging and I long to see even more reaching out into this next year together.

We see the presence of the Lord at work in the way we follow the one who said to the little children, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) Our Lord loves to reach out to all ages, and values every age group, both the oldest and the youngest amongst us, in a way our society often dismisses. I have loved to see the way we have been reaching out to those groups we have previously seen much less connection with, namely parents/carers with primary-aged children, as well as teenagers. I am incredibly thankful for the way we have seen new faces and loads of joy and laughter at the Sunday Fun Club which is a joy to be part of each week - I cannot thank Maggie, Terri, Lorna, and young leaders Shaun, Caoimhe and Zara, enough for your enthusiasm! The Diocese has been very affirmative and supportive in this too which has been amazing and shows us why it is wonderful to be part of a wider group. I have also loved so much meeting the little group of teenagers that has started to grow here in the Youth Pizza & Games nights - I have a real tangible sense of the love of God for each one of them and the great value every moment spent with them has. Please pray we would see even more come into this, and most of all that every one of them would know the wondrous life of Jesus, and be captivated forever by the beautiful glory of the Lord as He shines all around!

We see the presence of the Lord at work in each one of His people individually - that is each one of you! When we put our trust in, and give over our lives to Jesus Christ, He gives us new life, and we each individually receive His Spirit of life, and become like a fruitful tree - and the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). Whenever we see these qualities amongst one another, we see the fruit of God working amongst us. I have firsthand

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seen the way that each of you have had great forbearance with one another in love, even after bitter disagreements, relational clashes, hard Select Vestry meetings, and even times where we have outright wronged one another. Instead of abandoning ship, we come back and renew precious friendships. The way we love and reconcile rather than ostracising, accusing and separating from one another is a sure sign of the work of the God of reconciliation! Every time we forgive one another as we would like to be forgiven, following our Lord’s prayer we pray just about every time we meet to worship, we see the beautiful work of God’s Spirit. We see the presence of the Lord when we sing together in worship not out of cold duty, but from the depths of our hearts with joy. It is so fitting that our wonderful singing group Jubilate (Latin for ‘Rejoice!’) has its name!

We see the presence of the Lord in one of these most precious of His Spirit’s fruit, the fruit of love. Jesus’ words in John 13:35 challenge us to the core as He says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Here is where I am also so thankful for you all, however, as this means every time you show concern for one another when struggling with illness, deep disappointment or loss of many kinds, whether it be loved ones, or the ability to do the same things we used to. The love that you show one another in hard times - shown for instance at funerals and memorial services - is truly beautiful and a powerful sign of the work of the One who spent His time on earth healing and comforting those who suffered. I see you bringing healing to one another in the way you faithfully love those who aren’t able to join us on a Sunday, the way you notice the struggles of one another, and the way you hold nothing back in caring with both words and prayerful deeds. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, siblings as children of the same heavenly Father, connected as branches of the same Vine, to the same life source of His Spirit… and the more we see one another treating each other like true, eternal family, the more we see the presence of God moving in our midst! We see this beautifully shown also in the growing relationships with our true family in Christ in Groomsport Presbyterian and Evangelical Presbyterian churches, and other church groups across the area, of every denomination, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, free church, Pentecostal and any other branch of our one worldwide family. Jesus prayed for our oneness in John 17, and the way we see this fulfilled in coming together rather than cynical distance or bitter separation, shows Him fulfilling His own prayer amongst us - the work of the presence of the Lord!

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We see the presence of the Lord in the way we pray! As the wonderful Duncan, whom I have had the joy of connecting with in my time here, said in his report in a previous year, “Every project we have undertaken, everyone we have supported, everything, EVERYTHING, has been rooted in prayer.” This delights my heart! Prayer is not primarily something a service leader does when standing at the Eagle… it is something that must be for all of us. That’s why the Holy Week prayer room is so exciting for instance. And all year round, there is so much possibility here - I cannot emphasise enough how life-transforming this adventure of communicating with the Infinite One, the Living God, when we make this a part of our daily lives. God has so much more He longs to do… what we see so far are the first little green daffodil stems just peeping through the soil, as though to say, ‘Hello world!’ But if they stayed there just as tiny seedlings, we would not know the glory of golden daffodil trumpets! God has growth, luscious leaves, and beautiful flourishing ahead of us, if we are willing to connect ourselves to His life in prayer. This is part of a wider movement of people longing to see widespread revival in our land, many of whom I have met from other churches, and in special Belfast prayer gatherings, and in which we join in Spirit during each little ‘Prayer for Revival’ meeting on Wednesday mornings. We are part of something so much bigger than ourselves, and the surest sign of God’s presence connecting us into this is seeing these early stirrings of prayer become even stronger! Prayer is the way we water, add compost and nurture these little seedlings of new life with what they need most - the presence of the Creator of life itself, our Lord Jesus!

“Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around…how awesome is the sight- our radiant King of light!” And how wonderful it is to see Him in our very midst, in all these ways and so many more! Let me thank each and every person reading this for being part of this beautiful tapestry. And we long for so much more of His presence into this next year!

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~~Rector’s Warden - Bert Smith~~

They say a year in politics is a lifetime. Well, try a year as the Rector’s Warden. I had an outstanding handover from Mae Burke, who left me rather big boots to be filled. In the absence of a Rector, Mae, the outgoing Rector’s Warden, appointed me. I took over in the Interregnum without a Rector and took over to be line manager of administrator Amanda, who had done so much to get us through lockdown. Amanda has since resigned due to being offered a better employment option. Our heartfelt thanks to Amanda and best wishes for the future, you really did us proud.

This left Susan McNair and Zandra Sloan to publish our pew leaflets and keep everyone informed about upcoming events for which we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Then, our prayers were answered with the appointment of Ashley Rogan to Parish Administrator. She has settled very quickly into her role, and again, my heartfelt thanks to her for all she has done for the Parish and myself since she arrived.

I have outstanding support by Zandra the People’s Warden, the vestry members, and a huge thank you to Gary Keenan and Ken Boyd who have had to stand in for me sometimes at short notice to allow me time to visit our family in England. It was humbling, interesting and a delight to assist so many clergy who were on a rota as directed by the Diocese to deliver our services and communion. Yet again our Parish was blessed to have Faith Cully and Tim Wright who were part of our congregation who took the brunt of most of the services and funerals. We are all deeply indebted to them and those who were also on the rota. It was a great honour and privilege to have been of service to them all.

Then in September the day arrived “the eagle had landed” in the form of Elliot and Nomi Swattridge, the answer to our prayers, and boy what a landing with graceful energy to burn and who immediately started building the pillars that will support our parish for years to come. He has been a joy to meet, a joy to assist and a joy to observe his dedication and enthusiasm for this Parish and every single member in it.

Finally, it has been a great privilege to meet everyone at the 8.30, 10.30 and 6 pm service on Sunday and the Thursday morning congregation. Thank you for all your support during my time as Rector’s Warden.

My very best wishes, yours ever,

Bert.

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~~People~~ ’ ~~s Warden - Zandra Sloan~~

The past year has passed so quickly and what a lot has happened!

When I was asked to consider taking on the role of Warden, it was the last thing that had been on my mind. However after much thought and prayer, I decided to stand and was duly appointed People’s Warden. Sadly Bert was ill and was unable to be there for the first few Sundays. On my first Sunday morning service, we received the long awaited and welcome news of Elliot’s appointment as our new Minister.

I clearly remember Tony walking to the lectern to make the announcement. What a lot of excitement this caused! However Elliot was involved in a project in Croydon and was unable to join us until August. In the meantime it was a privilege to work along side our stand-in Ministers. Faith and Tim worked tirelessly to keep our Church running smoothly. During the summer Simon Doogan was instrumental in arranging to have our evening service broadcast on BBC Radio Songs of Praise. It was a fascinating and uplifting experience to be able to share our worship with so many unseen but present listeners.

Our big day arrived on 21st August, with Elliot’s Service of Introduction, led by Bishop David and joined by many local clergy, family and friends. What a rewarding time it has been since then, welcoming Elliot, Nomi and Wesley to Groomsport.

The past year has been a pleasure and joy working with Elliot. Bert and I have been educating him with all our little local ways and idiosyncrasies. He learns quickly!! In return Elliot has been refreshing us with his new ideas. He enjoyed his first Parish event with the Quiz in October. And he joined Bert’s amazing Raving Micks with their version of Whiskey in the Jar at their concert in February.

I would like to thank Bert for all his help throughout the year. He has been a tower of strength and always offers sensible advice. Life would have been much more difficult without his wise counsel. So very many thanks Bert. I hope and pray that with God’s help, we will have a great year ahead.

Zandra

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~~Select Vestry Report~~

Since the publication of the last full annual Report in 2021, much has happened in the life of Groomsport Parish. It has been an extremely busy period for your Select Vestry who has had to make many very important decisions on your behalf.

First we learned at the Easter Vestry in 2022, that our Rector of 22 years, Duncan Pollock had decided to retire in the month of June. This took many people by surprise, but a lot of hard work by Select Vestry members was put into arranging an elaborate Farewell Event to acknowledge the incredible contribution Duncan had made to GPC. Parishioners were very generous in their donations to his leaving gift and at a very special sit-down dinner, following his final service, Duncan was presented with a variety of very personal thank you presents, culminating in his fairly recent trip to New York, flying back Club class – an experience I know Janice and he thoroughly enjoyed!!

During the Interregnum, Select Vestry meetings were ably chaired by the Area Dean, Simon Doogan from Ballyholme Parish. At his final meeting he was thanked by Bert and given a bespoke present. This was a very busy time for the Select Vestry, mainly because of the sale of the old Rectory - a property which needed so much work done to it, it was decided to sell it. It is all credit to you, the parishioners, that church services were attended so well at this time.

However, this became a rather stressful time for your Select Vestry, as it was soon obvious that we were not and continue not to be in the financial position to purchase a property which meets RCB (Representative Church Body) essential criteria for a property which can be classed as a Rectory. Even properties of £600,000 in the area did not match the essential criteria. Indeed, it is only right at this point that I mention our gratitude to Roy Lawther, Diocesan Secretary for all his support during this difficult time. Therefore, we were most grateful when Bishop David came up with the idea of appointing a Priest in Charge for 5 years – a term most of us had never heard of. As this situation cannot last for ever, the Select Vestry has had to give much thought about how we can plan for the long-term future. Just round this time, Bishop David invited Select Vestry members in the local area to attend a large meeting in Newtownards where the main theme was about the lack of youth in the

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of the Church of Ireland. So after much prayer and many, many drafts of letters, the Select Vestry decided to write to you, the Parishioners, to inform you about our new Projects Fund. This is specifically to be used to eventually purchase a new Rectory, but has been set up in such a way that a percentage of it can be used for children and youth projects. As I write, I can confirm it is growing, but it is growing very slowly, so we must leave this project in God’s hands. If anyone wishes to discuss it with me, please feel free.

At last year’s Easter Vestry, the Trustee Body had hoped to announce the name of our new minister, but a few more details had to be sorted. However, a week after the Easter Vestry, Tony Anderson, Senior Trustee was able to tell us the wonderful news we had a new minister – Rev Elliot Swattridge from Croydon in London. Of course, the internet nearly crashed with people googling to find out all about him!! Not quite what we were expecting – but how lucky have we been.

What we have in Elliot is a young man who is truly a man of God. He is the sincerest individual you will ever meet. Yes, he is trying to get all kind of projects off the ground for young people, because otherwise GPC will not be in existence in 20 years’ time!! BUT he is so genuine about also caring for and respecting of the older people in our parish.

Elliot, Nomi and Wesley – Welcome! We are thrilled to have you in our midst with you Elliot as our spiritual leader. We hope you enjoy your lovely home in Cove Avenue and we look forward to all you have to teach us and share with us in the months and years that lie ahead.

----- Start of picture text -----
Heather Pentland
Vestry Secretary
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~~Club Informaton~~

Groomsport Art Club

The Art Club continues to meet, now on a Monday afternoon at 2pm. We have missed Stuart’s guidance in recent months but have continued to meet and support each other. We are hoping to contribute to the Parish Art Exhibition this year. Everyone, whatever your ability, is welcome to join us.

Elaine Lester

Mother’s Union

Mothers’ Union is a world wide organisation for women of all ages to show Christian care for families. In our Parish we have over forty members who meet together monthly for friendship and fellowship. There have been a range of interesting speakers over the last year including Duncan Pollock, Bert Smith and Elliot!

This year started with the AGM chaired by Elliot. He thanked the outgoing committee and paid special tribute to Faith Cully who was Branch Leader for several years.

The Diocesan Treasurer, Lynda Bremner, gave a very interesting overview of how MU funds are used for a range of projects at home. This included prison visits, and books distributed to children and their parents in prison, to help maintain a relationship by having something to talk about during prison visits. Also there is ongoing support for local refugees.She talked about Worldwide Parenting Programmes and Literacy and Financial Education.

Our MU Branch supports Women’s Aid, and the Ulster Hospital, by providing toiletries, knitted clothes for babies and handmade bags for syringe drivers. The Mothers’ Union usually meet on the third Monday of each month from September to May at 7.30 in the Church hall, and attend the Monday Holy Week service as a group.

All ladies are very welcome to attend any of the meetings without any obligation, and there will always be a cup of tea!

Sally Mckee MU Branch Leader

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The Tuesday Club

The Tuesday Club was formed in October 2017, for people in the community who live alone or are single, (for example brothers or sisters who live together,) to try and overcome the problems of isolation and loneliness.

After forming a temporary committee to organise a programme of speakers and events the numbers began to increase. Now we have fifty+ members who enjoy meeting and chatting to others in the same situation as themselves. We are a non-denominational group, and our catchment area is within ten miles of Groomsport, which includes Millisle, Donaghadee, Newtownards and Bangor. There is no age limit either way! Our programme is enjoyed by all, and we have a cup of tea at every meeting which allows the members to catch up with news, and to make new friendships……

People do not stop being lonely at any time of the year, so we meet every month on the first Tuesday all year round. Our December meeting is usually a fun meeting/party with entertainers, a sing song, and a party with small treats. All meetings start at 2 pm and finish any time after 3.30 so that members can return home before dark.

We had a 3-day short break last September at the Burrendale Hotel near Newcastle. Those who went on the break are eagerly looking forward to this year’s treat!!

For more details contact me, Mary Cargill on 028 91474098 or email marycargill3955@gmail.com

Mojos Club

Mojos was set up when the slimming group disbanded a few years ago. We were lucky to have been left with the scales! So the group continued to meet every Wednesday morning. Numbers have dwindled in recent times but there is still a small group of us who meet at 9.30am, weigh ourselves, have a coffee and chat. We pay our subs and every so often, as well as donating to the church, we are able to donate to local charities. This last year we gave to the Air Ambulance, RNLI and SANDS.

Elaine Lester

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Scrabble Club

This year our Scrabble Club celebrates 15 years of fun on a Wednesday afternoon! We still have some of our original members. There are now a faithful group of 10 players who regularly attend. Everyone is welcome to join us in the hall on Wednesdays at 2pm.

Elaine Lester

Silver Spurs Line Dancing Club

Silver spurs Linedancing Club has been running for 29 years. We have still a lot of the original dancers still dancing on a Wednesday night. It’s a fun class and it’s good for exercising our brains learning a new dance every night.

We do run charity dances 3 times a year and so far have raised over £30,000 over the years. It has been a great way to make friends and keep fit. The class is from 8pm to 9pm on a Wednesday night.

Gillian Quinn

Chess Club

Now running for 58 years, our Chess Club meets on Thursday nights at the Canon Tyney Hall (at this location since 1998). We have expanded to 67 members over this past year, with almost half the members under 18. Our weekly sessions also support many chess players with disabilities, both physical and mental, ranging from members with Schizophrenia to about 15 members with ASD. We offer the club as a safe social space for people to play a game without social awkwardness. We work very hard to make every member feel special and project a happy positive atmosphere.

Brendan Jamison, Club President

Walking for Softies

It’s a bit of a misnomer really. We don’t “walk” as such. Not like our more serious friends locally, who make one out of breath just by reading about their energetic exploits around the Province.

No. We are more like “strollers”. Relaxed, even laid back in our general approach to exercise, yet serious about the good coffee and scones afterwards, and the great craic that comes from enjoying each others’ company in friendly surroundings.

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During 2023 we visited some great places, such as Hillsborough Forest Park, Antrim Castle Gardens, the Quoile Pondage and Finnebrogue Estate near Downpatrick, and the spectacular Montalto Estate outside Ballynahinch.

Our numbers have grown because we always welcome new friends. If you’d like to consider joining us at any time, whether to stroll or simply for the refreshments afterwards, just speak to us and we’ll be delighted to help you. No car or worried about driving? Don’t worry, lifts are easily arranged.

Ian + Zandra

Crafty Stitchers

Crafty Stitchers is a small, informal group that meets most Wednesdays from 2 to 4pm in the Maxwell Hall. We have quilters, knitters and crocheters, but members are free to do whatever they want, sewing or stitching related.

Although we do not offer formal tuition, most of us have attended quilting/ sewing classes and are very happy to share our knowledge and experience with members. Some of us knit, crochet or sew for charities.

We are very keen to welcome new members. This is a very friendly, supportive group and of course tea, coffee and snacks are always provided. For more information contact Susan on 07867 782 395.

Safeguarding Trust

It is the policy of Groomsport church to protect young people and vulnerable adults from harm or abuse, whether mental or physical, while on our Church premises, and to ensure a safe secure environment for all who use our halls.

We adopt the Church of Ireland code of good practice for ministry.

Our Safeguarding Panel were appointed in 2023 and comprise three lay people and our Minister. Kate Murray, Stephen McCullough and Christine Dellar were appointed by the Vestry and have undergone training from the diocesan team. All have access clearance. Their photos and contact details are displayed on the notice boards in Church and in our halls. Any incident or accident, whether deemed to be small or not must be reported to a panel member where it will be investigated and dealt with, in total confidence.

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~~The Parish Archives~~

The Parish of Groomsport Archives are a full record of the Parish from its creation as a Chapel of Ease in 1842. In addition, items pertaining to the village and district are also included.

Any archive should be supplied with every document, photograph or otherwise formatted item which pertains to the organisation which it represents. This should happen as a matter of course. The Parish Archives are no different.

The Parish Archives Catalogue presently numbers over 500 entries, many of which contain multiple items. Amongst these can be found:

  1. Select Vestry Minutes from 1871 to 2022. There are earlier volumes from 1842, presently held in Dublin.

  2. Baptismal Registers from 1876 to 2004 and Marriage Registers from 1869 to 1982. These Registers have all been digitised and are available for enquiries.

  3. A Photographic Archive of Groomsport heritage from 1800’s to the present. This includes photos of the contents of Cockle Row.

  4. A collection of Bibles and Prayer Books from 1796 to the present. These include lectern Bibles presented by parishioners and some special editions. The theological library in the Parish Halls is part of this collection.

  5. The Visitors Book in the Church Porch. This is part of the Archive collection. Since it was installed in 2016 it has been signed by visitors from every continent on Earth.

  6. A full photographic record of all major events/features which have taken place in the Parish since 2014, together with numerous earlier items. Photographs are a vital part of any archive. Please supply them or ask for them to be taken at events.

The Archives can provide the present with information and support but it must also ensure that generations yet unborn will know from where they have come and to what they belong. That’s where every one of us comes in – the young, the middling and the . . . . beyond middling !!

Let us record the past, preserve the present and thus guide the future.

D.B.G.

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Accounts Gre0￿s[C￿ Par sh :hur:h Irinua *. uns'c':he bear rfid ri.- 3. i". JE:ETber'. trKome Ex 2023 2022 Freewill OfferinE SubKripiions t)Merrory Income Tax Relunds Invesifflent Income Sundry Incoffle Pr￿resSive B S iniertst Donaiions to Church Hall Inote 21 Donations to Church linc le¥aciesl 37.616 Y).399 2.240 15,235 1.611 7.174 1.819 7,112 12.515 39.837 Y).221 2.798 14.592 16.423 311 9.023 115,721 120,661 Salaries Allowan￿ & Pensions Insurance5 Church Elettricity Church Gas Printin¥, Stationery & Post¥e Telephone Choir Sunday khool DIDcesan Charges Bank Char¥es Water Rires Incidental Expenses Rettory aicount Repair5 & renewa15 Hall EleaTiiity Hall Gas Hall Repaifs 49.885 3.324 1.658 8,528 51.443 3.154 1.331 1483 1.174 158 367 113 456 551 13.143 331 7.472 13.CQl ll.981 2.129 1.2 2,150 124537 123,374 Gross SU￿lUSIDef1Clt -8,816 Cb) -2,711 Net Donations to Chariry (Trote 31 Fund Ra151n¥ InueaselDecrease in Value of Inbtstr)ents Net Surplus (Delicitl -2,723.C(I 4,414.¢)J -284.cpj -718 3,627 2,329 2,526 Page 16

Groom5POrt Parish Church Innual kcounts for the year ending 315t Ccernber 2023 larKe Sheet at 31st tlecember 202 2023 2022 Fixed Assets Rectory Nl Cost 395,￿7 395,( Currentk5ets Bank kcount 7.340 15.703 Term Issets C of i Unit Trust Fund share Investments ProgTe55ive B S 12,988 15.295 54.053 12,714 15,853 52,233 82.336 484.676 491,503 Church Bank Balance Sundry Credilof (note 11 Net Current LiJbilitie5 1,224 -1,224 -642 Total assets less current 483,452 490,861 Represented fv.. General Re5erye Fund 483,452 49J,861 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORTTO GROOMSPORT p￿lsH CHURCH Year Ended 315t Ccernber 2023 We hove examined the financial recofds of Church of Ireland. Groomsport Parish Church. On the bas15 of the information prrNided lo us ￿ have found that the attaihed accounts to be an Bccurote reflertion of the financial p05ition of the parish a5 at 3tst C*cemter 2023. An audit has not been carried out Stephen Bowman fAJA FFA Page 17

Groofflsport Parish Church Annual Accounts for the ￿al ending 31st Decernber 2023 2023 2022 Incorne Net Rent ReCeI￿d Transfer from Church Ainricity refund 13.COJ 9,740 13,C 9,740 enditur Landlord R Repairs Ground Rent Rates Bank Charyes SurVe￿r fees Russell and Co Boilerservice and repair Elearic istrati 35 153 9,958 416 49 527 216 Grass cuttine Boiler service East Down Construction Gas and repairs Floorin8 Painting Inspection rep Sundry Expenses 18,729 720 922 27,578 12,952 Net Income Opening Balance .14,488 15,494 -3,212 18,661 15,449 Balance on Bank Account Progressice BS Bonds Progressive BS Savings Account pa￿￿ent to Chufch Account 15,449 Page 18

Groomsport Parish Church Imnual kcounts for the year ending 31st December 2023 Notes To The Accounts 2023 2022 l. Sund Credito Accountan 210 HMRCIPAYE 1014 613 1,224 1,097 2. Hall Donation5 Gardening Club Groomsport Ma50nic Lod8t Chattering Needles Line Dancer5 250 2C 2￿ 185 130 1.150 813 iio Orlock residents Scrabble Club Chess Club Bangor Chess Club Bangor Art Club Mojo Club Bridle Club Big Sale Groomsport Art Club Tuesday Club SewinE Club Crafty Club Thai Chi Pilates 270 770 190 385 295 85 50 70 Irj) 170 552 340 255 Long Story TV Rising Stars Groomsport residents Birthday Party Ashley Medical Centre 260 1.370 7,112 5,948 Page 19

  1. Charitable Activities ecial Collections Donations Christmas Appeal Christingle 838 121 OMA Uganda Ukraine Bishops Appeal CMSI 1.519 122 756 2.749 2.833
  2. Charitable Donations Christingle SOS Nl Alzheimers Society JDRF OMA Foundation RNLI 1,522 CMSI Combat Stress 1.1 MNO Ass¢xiation Nl Childrens Hospice Nl Hospice ukraine Bishops Appeal Those in Need 21X) 2C 751 5,472 3.551 Page 20

Groomsport Parish Church Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023 Buildin Fund Account Danske Ban 2023 2022 In Opening Balance Transferred from Church Account Bank interest Transfer from Pro¥re55ilt Ex enditure Transferred to Church account Interest and Fees Plans for New Store Sur¥eyor f ees 292 In Book Fair Quiz Xmas Hiih Tea 88Q Fun Oay Christmas Fundraisin{ Ladie5 Breakfa51 Coronation Tea Easter e¥¥ Sale Mothefs Doy Christmas Sale 255 y)1 2.276 1,050 1,824 515 26 17 1,174 4,414 3.62 Buildi Fund- re55i¥e B5 Balance at 1st January 2023 Monthl¥ Subsuiptions Interest 24.110 23,747 4.771 174 23 29.055 24.110 Withdrawals to Building Fund Balance 29.055 24.110 Page 21