St Mary's Church, Dymock| The Church in the World |
| Faith / Church |
| Things Past |
| People & Features |
Activities Review 2013
.
A discussion was held on ‘Looking to the Future’ thinking about what and how we do things and how to involve others. Reports and initiatives of the Ministry Focus Group were received and their plans supported, including changing the days of the church Services to accommodate Rev'd Michael Bennett’s retirement. Reports on events at Ann Cam School kept the Council informed of our work there, including the new after-school club for years 5 and 6 who helped prepare ‘Experience Easter’ displays in church, and the music group with over 30% of pupils attending, which supports our own junior choir. (Return to top)
Our architect retired and a replacement was appointed – due to his pressure of work, the quinquennial inspection due in 2013 was delayed and we still await his visit. The Health and Safety Policy was revised and the need to update the Children’s Protection Policy identified. Fund-raising and social events were regularly considered and a major ‘Mid-Summer Festival’ supported, along with other fund-raising and charity events, and a village-wide WWI commemoration in 2014 was inaugurated. (Return to top)
Repairs to the church roofs became necessary on more than one occasion. Replacement of the Chancel Roof had not been planned but became necessary and was done at our expense although the consequent damage to the organ was repaired and covered by insurance. Repairs to the bells were supervised by the Tower Captain, Tony Reese, who arranged a grant towards the cost. The new Hearing Loop amplifier failed and was eventually replaced at no cost to us. Creation of a ‘wild garden’ in the churchyard promoted by Jean Eversham had been on hold during her illness but was taken over by her son, Peter Eversham supported by Barbara Davis, and this will become the ‘Jean Eversham Memorial Garden’. (Return to top)
Income: Overall, total income was at the same level as 2012, while giving remained steady but charitable alms were reduced because of the absence of any grant income, albeit offset by a major donation from a parishioner. As a result of a lot of hard work, fund-raising was highly effective in raising £5,944, the majority of which came from the Daffodil Teas and Lent Lunches, considerably supplemented by fund-raising functions. Finally, gift-aid income was high with half claimed on 31 August before the new system was introduced. (Return to top)
Expenditure. Expenditure was considerably increased because of the Improvement Project works, while Parish Share was inflated by the agreed 5% and was paid in full. Electricity costs fell back to a more normal £2,048 but the insurance premiums rose to £3,168. (Return to top)
The organ repair costs were fully offset by an insurance claim but the stonework repairs were funded from reserves as were the costs of the Lavatory/Store project. Finally, “Sundry” costs were very high because of Consistory Court fees of £2,574 arising from late objection to the Lavatory from two parishioners (their objection was over-ruled by the court). During the year, grants to charities totalled £2,225. (Return to top)
Turnover. Turnover was, again, very high but not high enough to warrant registration with the Charity Commission. Full details were given in the ‘Notes to the Accounts’. (Return to top)
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects a reduction of £7,135 during the year. The CBF Share Account increased because of rising equity prices but the Deposit account decreased to cover Improvement Project expenditure. A policy decision was taken to maintain the CBF Share Account as high as possible, while it remains such a good investment. (Return to top)
Overall, 2013 was a year of much achievement, with a better end-year financial position than expected. However, the planned major project expenditure further depleted our reserves and, again, it had been impossible to adhere to our stated reserves and investment policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds equating to about 12 months’ unrestricted running-cost payments, to cover emergency situations. We hope to complete the second section of the stonework repairs in 2014 and fund-raising efforts will have to be maintained in 2014 to achieve this and to replenish our Deposit Account. (Return to top)
The risks to the financial position remain fivefold: unforeseen structural problems, downward fluctuations in the equity market, energy and insurance costs, variations in unpredictable income and unforeseen costs in our project works. No payments were made to any member of the PCC or its committees except for payment of the clergy’s expenses and the Organist’s honorarium. (Return to top)
Organisation. The Finance & Fabric Committee met 6 times during the year to discuss and action the various ongoing works and projects. Mr Jonathan Saunders, of Caroe Partners remains our architect and has been active during the year in helping us achieve one of our objectives. (Return to top)
Mandatory Checks. The mandatory annual checks covering the fire extinguishers and the lightning conductor were completed and appropriate safety certificates issued. The annual Inventory check (‘Terrier’) was completed and there were no deficiencies. (Return to top)
Quinquennial Review. We have made further progress towards completing the required work consequent upon the 2008 Quinquennial Review and only one major item remains. All the items which required urgent attention within 6 months have been completed. Much of the essential work to be completed within the quinquennium is complete. This includes the repair and painting of the barge boards and soffit’s, removal of bushes and ivy round the churchyard, improvement of the rainwater goods, relaying the paving in the lych gate, repair of the back vestry plaster and rectification of damp ingress to that vestry, repair of the tower roof and the repair of the crossing floor. Furthermore, we have now completed the first section of the repairs to the stonework and pointing and hope to complete the second and final section during 2014, as soon as funds are available. The stonework repairs have been completed under the supervision of the Church Architect. The repair and painting of the ‘ferrimenta’ (ie: the metal items such as gutters) round the church is the only item which has still not been addressed. The next Quinquennial Review is due in 2014 and the Architect has been approached but we await a date. (Return to top)
Improvement Project. The ambitious Improvement Project, started in 2008, is nearing completion. The repaired and re-gilded altar cloth was returned during 2010 after 2 and 1/2 years renovation work. The back vestry was reinstated and is in use, the north transept renovated, the new nave altar built and installed and the lighting at the crossing and in the chancel upgraded. Additionally, the building of the Lavatory/Store is now complete after a 7-year gestation. The remaining Improvement Projects are the repainting of the nave ceiling and upgrading of the information displays. (Return to top)
Churchyard. Work continues in the churchyard. The mowing was carried out very effectively by local volunteers. Any potentially dangerous monuments have been made safe or cordoned off. In order to prevent damp problems inside the church, the gutters are cleared regularly. This was carried out in spring and again while the roof was being repaired. At the same time, down-pipes were cleared. (Return to top)
Church Interior. The organ was tuned and maintained as required and a careful watch is being maintained for any recurrence of the woodworm infestation. Following the leak in the chancel roof, the wind-box was rebuilt. Additionally, the bell-hangers have been repaired and the bells re hung, with much assistance from members of our bell-ringers. (Return to top)
Insurance Matters. Fortunately, the organ repair was covered by the insurance policy. However, the annual premium has increased by 73% to £3,183. (Return to top)
Conclusion. The church fabric is in satisfactory condition, as far as can be ascertained, and work is underway to rectify any outstanding problems. Funding is in place to complete much of the required work but more will continue to be sought to complete the rest. (Return to top)
