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Reports On Church Activities and Organisations 2014
Contents
As is required every five years, the Roll was renewed last year when there were 58 members. The only change this year was the death of one person, so the Roll now stands at 57. (Return to top)
The PCC met four times during the year in February, May, July and November. More frequent management of the ‘Improvement Projects’ was undertaken by the ‘Finance and Fabric Sub-Group’, including the new lavatory and repairs to the stonework and this was fully reported at each PCC meeting. The PCC Treasurer, Mike Poulter also made full reports to each meeting of the financial status of the church accounts, and regular reports were received on Deanery and Diocesan Synods business. (Return to top)
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 the retirement of our Associate Priest Rev'd Michel Bennett. 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 quinquenial 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. Fundraising and social events were regularly considered and a major ‘Mid-summer Festival’ supported, along with other fundraising events 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 significant 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 our previous Churchwarden Jean Eversham, had been on hold during her illness but on her death was taken over by her son, Peter Eversham supported by Barbara Davis, and this will become the ‘Jean Eversham Memorial Garden’. (Return to top)
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 the retirement of our Associate Priest Rev'd Michel Bennett. 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 quinquenial 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. Fundraising and social events were regularly considered and a major ‘Mid-summer Festival’ supported, along with other fundraising events 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 significant 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 our previous Churchwarden Jean Eversham, had been on hold during her illness but on her death was taken over by her son, Peter Eversham supported by Barbara Davis, and this will become the ‘Jean Eversham Memorial Garden’. (Return to top)
The Financial Statements for the year from 1 January - 31 December 2013 have been prepared in accordance with the guidance issued by the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance. As such they comply with all appropriate regulations. The accounts have been subject to independent audit and displayed on the Church Notice board for 3 weeks prior to the APCM and for 2 weeks afterwards. (Return to top)
The Receipts and Payments Account shows a net deficit of £10,082, made up of a General Fund surplus of £7,762 and a Restricted Fund deficit of £17,844, the latter caused by planned project expenditure. (Return to top)
a. 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 of £7,000 from a parishioner. As a result of a lot of hard work, fundraising was highly effective in raising £5,944, the majority of which came from the Daffodil Teas and Lent Lunches, considerably supplemented by fundraising functions. Finally, gift-aid income was high at £6,747, with half claimed on 31 August before the new system was introduced. (Return to top)
b. Expenditure. Expenditure was considerably increased because of the project works while Parish Share was inflated by the agreed 5% to £16,944 and was paid in full. Electricity costs fell back to a more normal £2,048 but the insurance premiums rose to £3,168. The organ repair costs were fully offset by the insurance but the stonework repairs costing £9,267 were funded from reserves as were the costs of the Lavatory/Store project, shown in the Accounts under “Improvements”. Finally, the “Sundry” costs were very high because of the Consistory Court fees of £2,574. During the year, grants to charities totalled £2,225. (Return to top)
c. Turnover. Turnover was, again, very high at £129,720 but not high enough to warrant registration with the Charity Commission. Full details are given in the Notes to the Accounts. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects net assets of £21,155, a reduction of £7,135 during the year. The CBF Share Account increased by £2,947 because of rising equity prices but the Deposit account decreased by £10,122 to £2,199 to cover project expenditure. A policy decision was taken to maintain the CBF Share Account as high as possible, while it remains such a good investment. At the end of the year, the Current Account was apparently overdrawn by £2,110. This was caused by an invoice, received in January for £2,608, which accrued to the 2013 Accounts but which was unaffordable without drawing from the Share Account. By agreement with the payee, payment was postponed, pending funds being available from reclamation of Gift-Aid and VAT (£3,778). The invoice has now been paid. The current account was never actually overdrawn. (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 has been impossible to adhere to our stated reserves and investment policy, which is to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds equating to about 12 months’ unrestricted running-cost payments, approximately £25,000, to cover emergency situations. Furthermore, we endeavour to invest 60% of our reserves in the CBF Deposit Account and 40% in the CBF Growth (Share) Account, but, because of the considerable expenditure and the effort to maintain our CBF Share Account as high as possible, this spread has not been achieved. We hope to complete the second section of the stonework repairs this year and fundraising efforts will have to be maintained in 2013 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)
The Receipts and Payments Account shows a net deficit of £10,082, made up of a General Fund surplus of £7,762 and a Restricted Fund deficit of £17,844, the latter caused by planned project expenditure. (Return to top)
a. 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 of £7,000 from a parishioner. As a result of a lot of hard work, fundraising was highly effective in raising £5,944, the majority of which came from the Daffodil Teas and Lent Lunches, considerably supplemented by fundraising functions. Finally, gift-aid income was high at £6,747, with half claimed on 31 August before the new system was introduced. (Return to top)
b. Expenditure. Expenditure was considerably increased because of the project works while Parish Share was inflated by the agreed 5% to £16,944 and was paid in full. Electricity costs fell back to a more normal £2,048 but the insurance premiums rose to £3,168. The organ repair costs were fully offset by the insurance but the stonework repairs costing £9,267 were funded from reserves as were the costs of the Lavatory/Store project, shown in the Accounts under “Improvements”. Finally, the “Sundry” costs were very high because of the Consistory Court fees of £2,574. During the year, grants to charities totalled £2,225. (Return to top)
c. Turnover. Turnover was, again, very high at £129,720 but not high enough to warrant registration with the Charity Commission. Full details are given in the Notes to the Accounts. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects net assets of £21,155, a reduction of £7,135 during the year. The CBF Share Account increased by £2,947 because of rising equity prices but the Deposit account decreased by £10,122 to £2,199 to cover project expenditure. A policy decision was taken to maintain the CBF Share Account as high as possible, while it remains such a good investment. At the end of the year, the Current Account was apparently overdrawn by £2,110. This was caused by an invoice, received in January for £2,608, which accrued to the 2013 Accounts but which was unaffordable without drawing from the Share Account. By agreement with the payee, payment was postponed, pending funds being available from reclamation of Gift-Aid and VAT (£3,778). The invoice has now been paid. The current account was never actually overdrawn. (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 has been impossible to adhere to our stated reserves and investment policy, which is to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds equating to about 12 months’ unrestricted running-cost payments, approximately £25,000, to cover emergency situations. Furthermore, we endeavour to invest 60% of our reserves in the CBF Deposit Account and 40% in the CBF Growth (Share) Account, but, because of the considerable expenditure and the effort to maintain our CBF Share Account as high as possible, this spread has not been achieved. We hope to complete the second section of the stonework repairs this year and fundraising efforts will have to be maintained in 2013 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)
The Fabric Report covers the year from 1 January - 31 December 2013.
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 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. (Return to top)
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 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 21/2 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 Project items 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, downpipes 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 roof the wind-box was rebuilt. Additionally, the bell-hangers have been repaired and the bells rehung, 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)
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 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. (Return to top)
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 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 21/2 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 Project items 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, downpipes 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 roof the wind-box was rebuilt. Additionally, the bell-hangers have been repaired and the bells rehung, 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)
Deanery Synod
Bishop Michael gave a major presentation on the new Diocesan Strategy ‘Journeying Together’ including ‘Effective Ministry in Every Parish’, plus others on Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults, Vocation & Discipleship, a Youth Work Project, the restructured Diocesan Mission & Ministry Dept. and the Healing Ministry (which was given by Bishop Michael’s wife). Regular reports included Parish Share and parishes’ progress in implementing ‘Journeying Together’. (Return to top)
Diocesan Synod
As well as routine admin topics, presentations covered progress on Women in the Episcopate, Self-Supporting Ministry, Diocesan Central Services Review (which led to redundancies and re-organisation in Church House), the Accounts & Budget for 2014 (still showing a substantial deficit), the closure of the Diocesan Retreat House, and examples of Pioneer Ministry in the Diocese. (Return to top)