Stoulton with Drakes Broughton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code) As at: 31 December 2020
Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment Total Last year
Fixed assets - Fixed assets
6000: 1511 CBF lnvestment Fund 30,956.31 30,956.31 28,964.51 shares 600't : 3186 CBF Fixed Intt Secs Fd 5,404.09 5,404.09 5,219.94 Shares
Totals 36,360.40 36,360.40 34,184.45
Current assets - Current assets
A1502 : Cooperative Bank (83e.1 7) 7,777.52 5,808.65 12,747.00 8,217.33 Directplus Account 41505 : CBF Deposit Accounts 11,500.00 12,404.60 26,071.98 49,976.58 73,195.50 A1515 : National Savings lncome 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Bond
A1550: Cash in Hand 10.16 10.16 10- 16 205 : Accounts Receivable
Totals 1 5,670.99 20,182.12 31,880.63 67,733.74 86,422.99
Liabilities - Liabilities
5000 : Uncleared transactions at year end 6699 : Agency collections 61.50 61 .50 37.62
Totals 61.50 61.50 37.62
Represented by
Unrestricted - General 15,670.99 15,670.99 16,268.29 Designated - Stnfabric 8,723.15 8,723.1s 16,763.29 Designated - DBfabric 11,458.97 11,458.97 20,530.16 Restricted - Stnchyd 3,572.77 3,572.77 3,014.18 Restricted - Stnfabric 52,063.1 3 52,063.13 50,417.03 Restricted - DBfabric 12,543.63 12,543-63 13,576.87 Restricted - None
Totals 1 5,670.99 20,182.12 68,1 79.53 104,032.64 '120,569.82
02February2021 Page 1 Stoulton with Drakes Broughton PCC
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2O2A
Previous Balance balance
Fixed assets 6000: 1511 CBF lnvestment Fund shares Stoulton Fabric Fund Restricted 30,9s6.31 28,964.5'l
30,956.31 28,964.51
6001: 3186 CBF Fixed lntt Secs Fd Shares Stoulton Fabric Fund Restricted 5.404,09 5,219.94 5,404.09 5,219.94
Fixed assets 36,360.40 34,184.45 Current assets A1502: Cooperative Bank Directplus Account
General fund Unrestricted (83e. 1 7 ) (241 .87) Stoulton Churchyard Restricted 3,572.77 3,0.14.1 B Fund Stoulton Fabric Fund Designated 6,197.62 1,786.41 Stoulton Fabric Fund Restricted 1,132.71 773.93 Drakes Broughton Designated 1.579 90 2.218.84 Fabric Fund Drakes Broughton Restricted 1,041 .67 628.22 Fabric Fund Agency collection Restricted 61.50 37.62
12,7 47 .00 8,217.33
A1505: CBF Deposit Accounts General fund Unrestricted 1 1,500.00 '1 '1 ,500.00 Stoulton Fabric Fund Designated ? qa( qa 14,976.88 Stoulton Fabric Fund Restricted 14,574.02 15,458,65 Drakes Broughton Designated 9,879,07 18,311.32 Fabric Fund 1a oa Drakes Broughton Restricted ^nt 12,948.65 Fabric Fund
49,976.58 73,'195.50
41515: National Savings lncome Bond General fund Unrestricted 5,000.00 5,000.00
5,000.00 5,000.00
41550: Cash in Hand General fund Unrestricted 10.16 10,16
10.16 't 0.16
Current assets 67,733.74 86,422.99 Liabilities 6699: AgencY collections A 1 (n 37.62 AgencY collection Restricted 61.50 37.62
Liabilities 61.s0 37.62
Grand Total 104,032.64 120,56S.82 Stoulton with Drakes Broughton PCC Receipts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2020
From 01 January 2020 01 January 2019
Note To 31 December 2020 31 December 2019
General - General fund (Unrestricted) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts lncoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Gift Aid Bank STN 4,326.00 3,079.00 Gift Aid Bank DB 12.432.00 12,015.00 Non Gift Aid Bank DB 1,000.00 900.00 Gift Aid Envelopes STN 910.00 2,513.50 Gift Aid Envelopes DB 1,667.00 2,842.10 Tax Recoverable Gift Aid STN 1,690.44 1,649.09 Tax Recoverable Gift Aid DB 3,966.63 3,976.36 Loose plate collections STN 448.00 679.95 Loose plate collections DB 470.60 1,258.45 Donations appeals etc STN 400.00 248.00 Donations appeals etc DB 378.71 81 .60 Non Gift Aid Bank STN 280.00 240.O0 Non Gift Aid Envelopes STN 15.00 60.00 Total Voluntary income 27,984.38 29,543_05 Activlties for generating funds Church Lettings DB 990.00 Total Activities for generating funds 990.00 lnvestment income Dividends DB 55.93 57.49 Bank lnterest DB 64.00 83.93
Total lnvestment income 1 19.93 141.42 lncoming resources from charitable activities Fees Weddings and Funerals STN 841.35 945.75 Fees Weddings and Funerals DB 206.00 30.00 Total lncoming resources from charitable activities 1,047.35 975.75
Total receipts 29,151.66 31,650.22
Payments Cost of generating funds Cost of generating voluntary income Cost of Fundraising events DB 149.60 Total Cost of generating voluntary income 149.60 Charitable activities Ministry Parish Share STN 8,599.61 8,431.00 N/inistry Parish Share DB 17,199.25 16,862.00 Working Expenses of lncumbent STN 493.93 321.24 Working Expenses of lncumbent DB 643.11 383.89 Church running expenses oil STN 214.80 Church running expenses gas DB 258.43 976.73 Church running expenses elec STN 372.49 266.46 Church running expenses elec DB 245.94 407.25 Church running expenses water STN 52.76 65.83 Church running expenses water DB 171.11 237.03 Church maintenance STN 423.29 621.80 Church maintenance DB 276.45 291.20 Upkeep of Services STN 50.94 64.95
02February2021 Page 1 From 01 January 2020 01 January 2019 Note To 31 December2020 31 December 2019
Upkeep of Services DB 501.89 654.23 Upkeep ofchurchyard DB 27.76 Parish training and mission DB 25.00 137.75 Childrens & youth work expenditure DB 12.O0 90.00 Grants Overseas mission DB 340.00 360.00 Grants Secular charities STN 15.00 65.00
T ota I Ch arita bl e activ itie s 29,748.96 30,451.16 Governance costs Administration DB 61.85 Total Govemance cosfs o,.t,c
Total payments 29,748.96 30,662.61
Excess of lncoming resources over Resources used (5s7.30) 987.61 Brought foruvard balance 16,268.29 '15,280.68 Total carried forward balance 15,670.99 16,268.29
Stnchyd - Stoulton Ghurchyard Fund (Restricted) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts lncoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Gift Aid Bank STN 120.00 120.00 Tax Recoverable Gift Aid STN 30.00 30.00 Grants received STN 15.00
Total Voluntary income 150.00 165.00 lnvestment income Bank lnterest STN 408.59 396.70 Total lnvestment income 396.70
Total receipts 558.59 561.70
Payments Charitable activities Upkeep of churchyard STN 850.00
Tota I Ch a rita bl e a ctiv itie s 850.00
Total payments 850.00
Excess of Incoming resources over Resources used 558.59 (288.30) Brought forward balance 3,014.18 3,302.48 Total carried forward balance 3,572.77 3,014.18
02February2021 Page2 From 01 January 2020 01 January 2019 To Note 31 December2020 31 December 2019
Stnfabric - Stoulton Fabric Fund (Designated) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Tax Recoverable Gift Aid STN 2,323.75 2,936.84 Loose plate collections STN 240.50 Donations appeals etc STN '11,858.81 1,760.00 Grants received STN 1,300.00 8,472.68 Total Voluntary income 15,482.56 13,410.02 Activities for generating funds Fundraising events recerpts STN ,aa aa Total Activities for generating funds 477.38 lnvestment income Bank lnterest STN 20,048.65 106.80
Total lnvestment income 20,048.65 106.80
Total receipts 35,531.21 13,994.20
Payments Cost of generating funds Cost of generating voluntary ineome Cost of Fundraising events STN 132.00 Total Cost of generating voluntary income 132.00 Charitable activities Church running expenses oil STN 401.22 Church running expenses elec STN 180.00 Church maintenance STN 1,860.00 Vision 2020 43,391.35 17,224.82 Total Charitable actlvities 43,571 .35 19,486.04
Total payments 43,571.35 19,618.04
Excess of lncoming resources over Resources used (8,040.1 4) (5,623.84) Brought forward balance 16,763.29 22,387.13 Total carried forward balance 8,723.15 16,763.29
Stnfabric - Stoulton Fabric Fund (Restricted) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts lncoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Donations appeals etc STN 230.92 Total Voluntary income 230.92 lnvestment income
Bank lnterest STN 1 ,11 1 .37 1,161.49 lncome from LR Fds for chancel insce STN 537.75 522.10
Total I nve stme nt i ncome 1,649.12 1,683.59
Total receipts 1,649.12 1,5',t4.51
Payments Charitable activities Church running expenses insce STN 1,764.97 1,810.24 Church maintenance STN 414.00 283.80 Total Charitable activities 2,178.97 2,094.04
O2February 2021 Page 3 From 01 January 2020 01 January 2019 Note To 31 December 2020 31 December 2019
Total payments 2,178.97 2,094.04
Excess of lncoming resources over Resources used (52e.8s) (17e.53) Brought forward balance 50,417.03 45,918.06 Adjustments 2,175.95 4,678.50 Total carried forward balance
DBfabric - Drakes Broughton Fabric Fund (Designated) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts lncoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Tax Recoverable Gift Aid DB 60.00 Donations appeals etc DB 919.00 Grants received DB 250.00 Total Voluntary income 1,229.00 Activities for generating funds Fundraising events receipts DB 216.05 1,391.10 Total Activities for generating funds 216.05 1,391.10 lnvestment income Bank lnterest DB 67.75 136.62
Total lnvestment income 67.75 1s6.62
Total receipts 1,512.80 1,527.72
Payments Cost of generating funds Cost of generating voluntary income Cost of Fundraising events DB 257.64
Total Cost of generating voluntary income 257"64 Charitable activities
Church maintenance DB 1 0,583.99 341.25 Upkeep of Services DB 263.64 Upkeep of churchyard DB 41.96
Total C h a rita bl e a ctiv iti e s 10,583.99 646-85
Total payments 10,583.99 904.49
Excess of Incoming resources over Resources used (9,071 .1 9) 623.23 Brought forward balance 20,530.1 6 19,906.93 Transfers to/(from) 1,500.00 Transfers to/(from) (1 500 00) Total carried forward balance 11,458.97 20,530.16
02February2021 Page4 From 01 January 2020 01 January 2019 Note To 31 December2o2O 31 December 2019
DBfabric - Drakes Broughton Fabric Fund (Restricted) Fund lncoming resources and Resources used
Receipts lncoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Gift Aid Bank DB 960.00 960.00 Tax Recoverable Gift Aid DB 240.00 240.00 Donations appeals etc DB 8.00 22.O0
Total Voluntary income 1,208.00 1,222.00 lnvestment income
Bank lnterest DB JJ.5 I 96.60
Total lnvestment income 53.31 96.60
Total receipts 1,261.31 1 ,318.60
Payments Charitable activities
Church running expenses insce DB 1,074.55 1 ,010.30 Church maintenance DB 1,220.00 1,176.79
Tota I C h a ritab I e activ iti e s 2,294.55 2,187-09
Total payments 2,294.55 2,187.09
Excess of lncoming resources over Resources used (1,033.24) (868.4e) Brought forward balance 13,576.87 't4,445.36 Transfers to/(from) (1,s00.00) Transfers to/(from) 1,500.00 Total carried forward balance
02February2021 Page5 Stoulton with Drakes Broughton PCC
Accounts for the Year ended 31't December 2020 Statement of Endowments held in Trust by the Diocese
2020 2019 2018 For Stoulton Churchyard Maintenance
i) Curtler Bequest: a/c no. 142001354S 406 Shares CBF lnvestment Fund market varue 8317.84 7782.65 6556.29
ii) Hetherington Bequest. a/c no. 1420014295 306 Shares CBF lnvestment Fund market value 6269.1.L 5865.74 4941.44
lncome from i) & ii) paid to i 232.99 226.21 220.75 Stoulton Churchyard Fund ii 77s.60 170.49 '166.30
For Stoulton Church Chancel lnsurance (Lay Rectors' Funds)
a/c no. 142001465S 937 Shares CBF lnvestment Fund market value 1_91e6.60 17961.45 15131.14
Income paid to Fabric Fund 537.7s 522.14 509.26
3 For Stoulton Church Chancel (Lay Rectors' Funds)
a/c no. 1420014855 2565.49 Shares CBF lnvestment Fund market vatue s2sse.e6 49178.13 41428.82
lncome paid to CBF Deposit alc no. 142001188D L472.33 1429.49 1394.34
4 For Stoulton Church Ghancel (Lay Rectors' Funds)
CBF Deposit Fund a/c no. 142001188D Balance at 1 January 21,542.76 19958.34 18468.54 lncome from a/c no. 1420014855 1472.33 1429.49 1394.34 lnterest 53.09 154.93 95.46 23058.18 21542.76 19958.34 Paid out to PCC -20000.00 0.00 0.00 Balance at 3'1 December 2021 3068.18 21542.76 19958 34 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year to 31 December 2O2O
The financiol stotements ol the PCC have been prepored in occordance with the Church Accounting Regulations using the Receipts & Payments basis. (The PCC funds are well below the f250,000 gross income threshold for accruals accounting) lncoming resources are generally recognised when received. Expenditure is generally recognised when payment is made.
IJnrestricted ond Restricted funds are shown separately in the financial statements in accordance with Charity Accounting rules. lnterest is apportioned between the Designated and Restricted parts of the fabric funds on an 'average balance' basis. llnrestricted funds are those given with no specific directions and available for general expenditure. The whole of the General Fund is unrestricted. Designated funds are also unrestricted - they are funds nominally set aside by the PCC for specific purposes, but they can be redirected as necessary. Restricted funds are monies (including income from endowments, donations and grants) given by donors for specific purposes and cannot be used for anything else. The Stoulton Churchyard fund and the two Fabric Funds hold such restricted funds. lnvestments The PCC's shareholding in CBF lnvestment and CBF Fixed lnterest Securities Funds is valued at f36,360.40 at 31,112/20 (a gain of f2175.95 over 2019). This represents a permanent Fab- ric Fund for Stoulton church. Endowment Funds held by the diocese in trust for Stoulton church are detailed in a separate statement. As with the investments, the capital value of these funds is not normally available to the PCC. However, of the Chancel Lay Rector's Funds the CBF Deposit Account represents accumulated interest on the lnvestment Account and may be used to meet certain repair costs in consultation with the Diocesan Trustees - as witness the new heating installation at Stou lton.
Tax reclaim For the last quarter of 2O2O f 1160.85 was reclaimed through the Gift Aid scheme and the Small Donations scheme and duly received in January IOZL. The amounts attributed to the various funds are as follows: - General - Stoulton f25O.25, Drakes Broughton f787.OO; Fabric - Drakes Broughton f60.00, Stoulton Churchyard - f7.50; small donations (DB) f56.10.
The above Notes form port of the finonciol stotements on the preceding pages,
Approved by the PCC ot their meeting on 23'd Februory 2027 and signed on their hehalf by Revd Emma Goldby {PCC Chair) ond Mrs Kathy Steele (Treosurer)
Revd E Goldby K A R Steele Chair Treasurer J#&s**u* lndependent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of Stoulton with Erakes Broughton
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31't December 2020 showing the Receipts and Payments for the year and pages 1 and 2 f or the Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the year.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and lndependent Examiner
As trustees of the clrarity the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 1. AQ) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to-
a Examine the accounts under section 145 ofthe 2017 Act; a Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 1a5(5)(b)of the 2011 Act; and State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of lndependent Examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission,
An examination inciudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records .lt also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts ,and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence ihat would be requireci in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. lndependent Examiner's Statement ln connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention,
t. Which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements e To keep accounting records in accordance with s 130 of the 2011Act: or a To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records, have not been met; or 2. To which, in my opinion,attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. i/ Gg*^ t&{t* Allan Brorrun F.C.A.
Woodville Walcot Lane Drakes Eroughton Pershore,Worcs
18th February 2021 Parochial Church Council of Stoulton with Drakes Broughton Annual Report 2020
Aim and Purposes
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical - in the ecclesiastical parish of Stoulton with Drakes Broughton. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the two churches of St Edmund King & Martyr Stoulton, and St Barnabas Drakes Broughton.
Objectives and Activities
We want to be at the heart of the community: -
• Growing the numbers at Sunday Worship, while nurturing the development in faith of our core congregation. • Worshipping and working together as parish and benefice, as well as forging links with neighbouring benefices. • Building on our work with the pupils of St Barnabas School. • Involving families through our activities for young people. • Promoting social activities to encourage community involvement. • Making good use of our buildings and resources.
Achievement and Performance 2020
Revd Emma writes . . . This past year has been one of trials and tribulations but one thing that has been clear to me is that the Holy Spirit of God has shone throughout. I have been constantly amazed and pleasantly surprised by how our communities have pulled together by caring and supporting those in need. As always, I am very thankful to God for all those who contribute their time and energy which creates the vibrant Christian fellowship of our churches as they seek to grow God’s kingdom through their ministry Emma leads a service from her study in front of a and mission. picture of St Edmund’s Chancel
Despite the restrictions brought on by the pandemic, both St Edmund’s and St Barnabas now have new heating installed. The frontage of St Barnabas has been improved now that the Yew trees have been attended to.
Social events, activities and services this past year have taken the brunt of the Covid-19 national lockdown rules as most have been cancelled or changed in order to be safe. The effect has been a reduction in the number of people attending services in church. However, we have developed online streaming of services which have been appreciated not only by our communities but by those across our country and even beyond our shores! I hope that more viewers make use of the online giving system now running.
Sadly, all weddings and baptisms were cancelled or postponed. At the time of writing, I do not yet know if the re-booked weddings and baptisms for 2021 will happen, due to the continued restrictions. Financial worries are still at the forefront of most minds. The financial status of the Diocese was worrying before the pandemic and now, due to the tremendous drop in giving, is looking even more bleak. Hard decisions have been made by the Diocese in consultation with both clergy and lay alike which have resulted in a reduction in the number of stipendiary clergy, fewer administrative staff at the Old Palace and the merger of deaneries. Rethinking of service patterns and increased lay leadership are still being considered. Further deliberation on the viability of church buildings in the Deanery is inevitable.
Last year I pointed to the generosity of God and how our response should reflect His generosity. I still believe this is the key to staying positive amidst the gloom as well as focussing on what we do well to spread the Gospel of Christ. If we truly believe in what we are doing as followers of Christ, our belief will be reflected in both our support and financial giving. This has been reflected, as I said previously, in the way our communities have supported each other during the ongoing pandemic crisis.
In January I was licensed as curate-in-charge for the parishes of Abberton, the Flyfords and Naunton Beauchamp in addition to my current license for Stoulton with Drakes Broughton and Pirton, as well as continuing to be associate minister to the rest of North Pershore. This has brought new challenges as well as opportunities which will no doubt develop more as restrictions are eventually lifted.
I would personally like to thank all who contribute to making and creating the life of the churches of St Edmund and St Barnabas. I attempt to list those who take part (this list is not exhaustive, and any omissions are my errors). Our Churchwardens (Tim at Stoulton and Brian at Drakes Broughton); deputy wardens (Sandy at Stoulton; Roy, Lewis, and Corinna at Drakes Broughton together with Sidesman Robert); Jennie for all she does behind the scenes; Reader Mary; ALMs Lynette and Lewis; invaluable PCC treasurer and PCC secretary Kathy and Lewis; our music group - Ray, Jennie, Moira and Peter (together with his much-appreciated video skills!).
Also, every person offers their time and energy! I deeply appreciate, and am grateful for, everyone’s support, care and attention over the past year. You are all in my prayers and hope that this coming year will be better than 2020.
God bless, Revd Emma Goldby
St Edmund 2020 . . .. As in previous years, services during January and February were held in the comfort of the village hall. Our return to worship in St Edmund’s in March was short-lived as the country went into its first lockdown on 23rd March and all services were cancelled. This resulted in no Easter services. Indeed, there were no services in St Edmund’s until a joint service with Drakes Broughton on 4th October to celebrate Harvest and enjoy the effects of the new heating system. 33 worshippers enjoyed this event. Sadly, worship in St Edmund’s was, again short- lived with just two further services and a cancellation of Remembrance Sunday and Christmas celebrations. However, it was not all doom and gloom! We continue to bask in the glory that is the new south door and whenever possible enjoy warm worship following the installation of the new heating system and the pew heaters, which not only will warm our bottoms but add a wonderful splash of colour to the nave. One of the great sadness’s of the pandemic has been the cancellation of all the Vision 2020 celebrations - the pageant, the feast and the dedication of the south door by the bishop. On the rare occasions that we have been able to hold services in the church, the congregation has been small as the ‘Pershore contingent’ has stayed away. A loyal band have not only worshipped but cleared the church ahead of building work and then cleaned and set the church up again for worship once building work had finished. Indeed, this rich vein of loyalty and commitment is a great comfort to us all at St Edmund’s and is a great comfort to the life of the church in Stoulton in uncertain and worrying times for the future. Tim, Churchwarden Extract from the Stoulton Bellringers’ report for 2020
Covid-19 has inevitably halted bellringing at Stoulton for the time being. Even when government rules and the guidance of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers allowed for resumption at some towers, it was decided that Stoulton did not fall into this category, the ropes hanging too close together to enable the recommended 2 meters social distance. In addition, most of our ringers are in the over-70 (and therefore vulnerable) category of the population, ruling them out of participation. The only service-ringing we have been able to provide for many years (as most of our ringers are committed elsewhere in the mornings) - for the monthly evening service - was discontinued at the end of 2019. So the last services we rang for were Harvest (October), Remembrance (November) and Carols (December). We still hope in future to be able to ring for special services and occasions. We were able to hold our AGM in February, and at this meeting our Tower Captain of 19 years - Doreen Jopp – stepped down from her duties, the steep steps up to the ringing chamber now proving too difficult to negotiate. Although Doreen has been Tower Captain at Stoulton for many years, her association with the Tower goes back far, far longer. She was taught to ring at Kempsey by Arthur Jopp and moved to Stoulton when she married, taking up ringing the Stoulton bells around 1953 – an impressive record. The following had indicated they were willing to stand for posts and were unanimously elected: - Tower Captain and PCC liaison: Jennie Kimberley; Deputy Tower Captain: Ray Roberts; Secretary: Denis Wager; Treasurer: Peter Moreton; Steeple Keeper: Roy Williams Many ringing events have had to be cancelled but we should perhaps dwell on what we have to be thankful for, that so far as we know none of our ringers was affected by Covid-19 in 2020, and there is hope that in 2021 the bells will ring again.
Jennie, Tower Captain, Stoulton Bellringers
St Barnabas 2020. . .
Worship & Witness
• The impact on our worship in church in 2020 has been unprecedented, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Worship in church ended on 15th March, when the church was closed at the start of the first national lockdown. Services continued online thanks to Emma’s superior knowledge of IT as she broadcast services of Holy Communion live from her study onto our church Facebook page. Those reading and leading prayers took part in the service through Skype. It was encouraging to note the increased number of people who logged in to participate, either live or later as a video. This first lockdown ended on 31st July but the church remained closed as new heating was being installed. • Ally and Jayne stepped down as leaders of Xpression due to family and work commitments. A huge thank you to them for all their commitment to our young people. • It was very sad that Roy’s wife, Gwen passed away in August. However, it is good that her ashes are buried in the churchyard Garden of Remembrance, so she continues to be in the village near her family. • We returned to worship in church on 13th September, but we closed once again after the service on 1st November as the second lockdown commenced on 5th November. Services continued online until the end of Lockdown 2 on 2nd December. Thanks go to Lynette for continuing to keep everyone informed as well as encouraging readers and intercessors. • The advantages of reaching a wider public by broadcasting the service were realised and so Emma continued to stream the service live to our Facebook page from church, using her own equipment. She did very well juggling leading the service alongside controlling the technology. • Huge thanks are due to our music group of Moira, Peter, Ray and Jennie who have provided live music in church and recorded songs to be played during our online services. We are very fortunate to have their music to enjoy (see separate report). • Lynette was inspired to suggest creating our own Advent Calendar by asking people to read a bible passage or favourite reading, with a new posting each day at 10am on our Facebook page. Many members of the church family either videoed themselves or were videoed at their front door or in their garden. The videos were very well received, and some viewings were in the hundreds! It was all made possible due to Moira and Peter’s commitment and their IT wizardry to receive, edit, blend and post the videos. Thank you. • We held four services in church in December, including on Christmas Day, when we welcomed the Revd. Janet Robbins from Pershore Abbey to lead our Holy Communion. It was agreed not to hold a crib service or carol service to avoid large numbers in church so instead Emma led an online Carol Service on Christmas Eve. • We tried to make Christmas as enjoyable and engaging for the community as possible, starting with a stable scene in the churchyard, and continuing with a procession round the village, and an evening of socially-distanced carol singing outdoors (see separate report).
• We were pleased to welcome four new members during the year, whilst one member left for university and another moved to live with family.
Fabric
• We finally received a faculty from the Diocese enabling our contractors to remove one Yew Tree and significantly prune others in the churchyard, so allowing the church to be seen more clearly from Stonebow Road and generally allowing in more light. However, the Diocese declined to allow us to remove the sprawling Yew Tree near the vestry. • We are thrilled to have new heating in the church, installed during the summer, following the disappointing unrepairable breakdown of our wall-mounted gas heaters after only a relatively short lifetime. Our installation contractor was excellent. We now have seven radiators in the church, one in the vestry and one in the WC. Cosy! • To provide a better online viewing and participating experience when services are broadcast from church, BT are installing fast broadband. • Thanks to Ray for making and donating a new internal noticeboard, mounted near the main door. Many people offer their time and expertise to maintain the building and churchyard. So, thank you to Hazel and Jennie for cleaning; to Ian for cutting the grass; to Robert for cutting the hedge; to Julie for managing the flower rota; to Linda for producing a welcome pack for people moving into the new houses; to Ray for managing the new heating; to Colin for repairing the gate. Finally, thanks to Emma, our Reader Mary and ALMs Lewis and Lynette for leading services. And to the deputy churchwardens - Corinna, Lewis and Roy - and Sidesman Robert. Brian, Churchwarden Contact Coffee
The contact coffee group usually meet once a month in different participants' homes, as advertised in The Villager. This outreach project is supported by church-goers but open to all, particularly as a welcome to newcomers to the area. Sadly, due to Covid-19, our meetings have had to be suspended but hopefully will be restarted once Government guidelines make this possible. Leslie Collective Worship
Unfortunately, Covid-19 restrictions In March 2020 closed our schools, and even when they returned the staff and children have not been able to come back into church for Collective Worship (following Government safety guidelines). We have been working together to provide short videos, continuing to share God’s love through stories, drama, music, and prayers - always based on the School’s Core Value for the term. We have been greatly encouraged by the feedback from staff, enthusiasm from children and comments we have received from parents. We will do our very best to continue to maintain this vital link between St Barnabas Church and School, and look forward to the time when we are able to once again see the children face to face.
Corinna and Dot Community
Community shopping was set up at the onset of lockdown. We provided a delivery service, in conjunction with the village shop in Drakes Broughton, for over 50 residents in Drakes Broughton, Stoulton and Peopleton. We estimate we delivered over 1000 food orders during the height of the lockdown. Over the VE Day weekend we put together an afternoon tea consisting of homemade scones, farm-made jam and clotted cream. These were packaged up and delivered to residents in the vulnerable groups in the villages.
Corinna (Thank You Corinna for masterminding this)
Christmas
STABLE SCENE - An idea becomes reality!
On a rainy Saturday morning a few volunteers (thank you Dot, Colin and Ray) gathered outside Church with some old timber, odd fence panels and a bit of fence paint and began to make a stable.
We were pleasantly surprised at the result that emerged from scrap materials! Mary, Joseph, and Baby, along with some animals and lots of straw, were carefully placed inside and then the whole construction was sealed with a sheet of Perspex. Some solar lights were added, and the Stable Scene was complete.
A Christmas tree was placed nearby, and everyone was invited to contribute decorations.
We were pleased to see that lots of people came along and brought decorations and many families walked up to spend a short time at the Crib Scene. Dot and Corinna
ROUND THE VILLAGE
A conversation between friends! Should we walk around the village in Nativity costumes? Could we get a tractor and trailer? and then ……….
A tractor driven by Santa, a beautifully decorated trailer, Mary and Joseph (otherwise known as Sophie and George) sitting on a bale of hay, and a special Baby in a manger. Add to that two shepherds (looking a bit like Dot & Corinna) and so many supporters from St Barnabas Church Family and we had created an opportunity to bring the Christmas message to the Community of Drakes Broughton. From the beginning we were encouraged by the enthusiasm of all who stood on the footpaths, waved from their doors, came out from the shops and smiled, or joined in with the carol singing. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to make another idea become reality! A truly memorable afternoon.
CAROL SINGING
It was a cold but clear night, and the lights were on in church giving a great view of the stained-glass window over the car park. Candles were lit and people (about 40 of us!) began to arrive for an evening of carol singing with music by Moira and Peter. Families stood together in groups and areas were marked to ensure safety. A Carol evening OUTSIDE the Church brought a new atmosphere to our more traditional events and encouraged many different people to gather together. Dot and Corinna Music and More
It seems a long time ago now that Emma started her online services. From the start we thought it would give a sense of continuity and familiarity if we could join in. But how were we to do it? We had a simple free computer program that would combine sounds, so we started using a hand-held recorder to pick up the fiddle, guitar and voice separately, then struggled to synchronise them. It got even more difficult when we sent Jennie and Ray backing tracks for them to perform to, sending us the result. It was tricky at first working out how to listen to one device and record on another while playing an instrument and without the earpieces falling out!
After a while we came across another program, Reaper, which made the whole job much simpler. We started getting more ambitious, with Jennie sending multiple fiddle and voice tracks to add to ours. By now we had converted a bedroom to a studio, with the equipment permanently set up. We would send a sound file to Emma, who added the onscreen words. We had been involved in making a video for the charity ‘Music in Hospitals and Care’ that we work for, so thought about adding that experience to what we could do for the church services. Another program, and another learning curve. So now we could add the words, together with a suitable picture. These are either copyright-free from an internet site, or local ones we have taken ourselves. You may have spotted Pershore Abbey from various angles. A further complication emerged when we looked into copyright rules. We have to acknowledge each song we use. This involves looking up the various licence numbers and adding them to the video. We thought if every other contributor has a credit and logo, then we would too, hence the little blue JMP image. Then – suddenly - we found that Emma was having a well-deserved holiday. We felt we could make a service video and put it up on Facebook. More things to learn - how to put things on Facebook, and how to put the various clips together. The main problem was that we only had a week to recruit a team of contributors, explain to them how to video themselves on phones and send us the result. For some of them, we went to their houses to record them. What next? “I have an idea”, said Lynette “How about a video ’advent calendar’?”. More recruitment, more experimenting with how to send these fairly large files to our computer, and how to set our Facebook posts to become live at 10 am each day. We think it was a success. It included several well-known faces, and the village’s contributions to Christmas. Well done Lynette for the idea. The most recent ‘lay service’ video was a lot easier, as by now everyone involved was more proficient – although some still needed reminding that landscape was better than portrait. Don’t think that this has been all altruistic, though. From our point of view it has given us projects to work on, when our other activities had been curtailed; it has given us a reason to arrange and play music when other reasons have dried up; and it has given us a chance to sing, when singing in company has not been allowed.
Moira and Peter Financial Review
2020 has been a roller-coaster of a year, with churches closed, open, closed again. However, work at both churches to instal new heating systems was able to go ahead – with clear effects on our finances as set out below. But first the General Fund.
• It will be no surprise that our gross income fell in 2020 by nearly 8%. Perhaps the surprise is that the fall was not greater, and for this our sincere thanks go to all our regular donors – would you consider becoming one of them? Altogether our total general fund income for 2020 amounted to £29,152 (2019 £31,650), of which by far the greatest part was paid in Parish Share to the Diocese. • The ‘Parish Share’ is our share of Worcester’s central expenses, helping to pay for clergy stipends and accommodation (including, importantly, Emma’s!). In January 2020, pre-Covid19, we had estimated we would be able to contribute £25,799, just a 2% increase on 2019 rather than the 5% increase suggested by the DBF, but still £9,836 short of the total we had been asked for. As 2020 advanced and nation’s finances fell apart, the Diocese’ deficit of £1,000.000 grew, so we were pleased that we managed to keep to our plan, even though it left us with only just enough for all our other running costs. For 2021 we are asked to try to contribute the same amount as for 2020 (ideally £35,635), while a fair method of distribution across the parishes is once again being debated at Diocesan level.
Assets & Liabilities: Overall our assets at the end of December 2020 totalled £104,032.64 (including investments – see notes). This is 13.72% down on 2019, after funding new heating systems for both churches. General Fund: We were able to meet running costs, routine expenses and maintenance throughout the year, leaving us at the end of December with about £600 less overall than the end of 2019. We should note that at Stoulton we once again paid out more (£1,097) than we received. The General Fund at year- end totalled £15,671, much of which is necessarily held in reserve. Insurance costs for the two churches continue to be met from their respective fabric funds, with the cost of insuring Stoulton’s chancel coming from the interest on the fund held by the Diocese for this purpose. Stoulton Churchyard Fund: The Balance carried forward on this fund at 31/12/2020 is £3,572.77, thanks to some long-standing bequests attracting a small amount of interest each year. There was no expenditure in 2020. Stoulton Fabric Fund: is divided into Investments (£36,360.40), Restricted (£15,702.73) and Designated (£8,723.15 - 2019 £16,763). We have used the Designated Fund extensively in 2020 for the new heating installation. There is still a bill for £9,579.60 to come. Some of the vat can be reclaimed through the Listed Places of Worship scheme, but you can see that for now all our ‘improvement’ money is spent. We have also drawn heavily on the deposit account held for us by the Diocesan Board of Finance. This account receives interest from the Lay Rectors’ funds which are administered centrally for us (see separate schedule). Drakes Broughton Fabric Fund: is divided into Restricted (£12,543.63) and Designated (£11,458.97 - 2019 £20,530). The designated funds are available for planned improvements to the building and have been accessed to pay for the new heating system.
Reserves Policy In accordance with accountability advice to PCCs, a balance equating to at least three months unrestricted payments is maintained against fluctuations in cash flow and/or emergencies. For 2020 this would work out at about £8,000. The £5,000 National Savings Investment Bond is maintained to this end, with the rest being held in the General Fund deposit account (currently just over £10,000).
Kathy, Treasurer
Structure, Governance and Management
A corporate body established by the Church of England, the PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Electoral Roll:
As at 31st December 2020, the numbers were as follows: - Drakes Broughton 44 (10 Non Resident) Stoulton 15 (4 Non Resident) Total 59 (14 Non Resident) The numbers on the roll appear to be diminishing, but do not, I believe, truly reflect the number of people who are or would consider themselves to be part of our worshipping community. As always, anyone who lives within the Parish or lives further afield but regularly attends our services is eligible and welcome to join the Electoral Roll. We would especially welcome those who have been participating online during 2020, when Revd Emma’s midweek prayers and Sunday services have brought comfort in unusual times. Please contact Jennie if you would like your name to be added or to make sure you are still listed. Why join? Membership allows us (and the Diocese) to understand the extent of our worshipping community for administrative and planning purposes, but it is also an acknowledgement of belonging to our ‘church family’, just as you may hold membership of other groups. Membership is free, although we are always grateful for anyone able to sign up to regular giving. Just to reassure you: being a member does not mean you will be roped into taking on any kind of duties - unless you would like to!
Jennie, Electoral Roll Officer
PCC members:
The PCC members are the church’s charity trustees and are therefore responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including decisions on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. At December 2020 there were 5 ex-officio members, a Lay Reader, and 9 elected members.
The PCC met only three times face to face – a main meeting in January and special meetings concerning the heating at Drakes Broughton (February) and the potential reopening of the churches following lockdown (August). Other business, in the form of sub-committee meetings, proposals for our votes and reports for our information had to move online. The APCM (Annual Meeting) could not take place in March and was eventually held via Zoom in October.
Lewis, Secretary Deanery Synod:
There was just one meeting early in 2020 with an update by the Director of Education. She talked about the setting up of academies within the diocese, the relationship between the Diocese and church schools and the difficulties of recruiting Governors (Thank You Brian for stepping into this role). The PCC’s new representatives to the Synod took office following the APCM in October. From the Pershore Abbey Magazine: - “After a period of consultation, the Bishop has approved that there will be a reduction in the number of deaneries in the diocese. So, from 1st February 2021 Pershore Deanery will cease to exist as we join with Evesham Deanery to become Pershore and Evesham Deanery. This is an exciting development and means that as a larger deanery there will be more resources to call upon as we work towards being a healthy and sustainable gathering of churches. A new Area Dean and Lay Chair are to be appointed.”
Jennie and Hazel, Deanery Synod representatives Safeguarding:
Now that we are using the Parish Dashboard we no longer have to complete the Toolkit. However we do still have to complete the Appendices and these are regularly updated. All PCC members (apart from the Churchwardens) and other church volunteers are up to date with their C1 training and DBS checks. The Diocese now provides C2 training for Churchwardens and ALMs. Our two ALMs completed their online training in 2020. The Churchwardens will be attending the C2 training in 2021. The most recent PCC Policy on Safeguarding both Children and Adults was signed on 1st April 2020. The PCC is compliant with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.
Leslie, Safeguarding Officer
Administration
The Parish is within the Church of England Diocese of Worcester and sits within the Pershore Deanery, forming a Benefice with the parish of Pirton.
The Parish Church of St Edmund King & Martyr stands in Church Lane, Stoulton St Barnabas Church stands in Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Manor Farm, Stoulton, Worcester WR7 4RS
PCC members at December 2020 (with their re-election date indicated)
Ex officio: Revd Emma Goldby Priest in Charge and Chair Mr T Daniel 2021 (Churchwarden) Mr Brian Wardle 2021 (Churchwarden) Mrs Hazel Bugbird 2023 (Deanery Synod Representative) Mrs Jennie Kimberley 2023 (Deanery Synod Representative) Lay Reader: Dr Mary Kenchington 2021 (Safeguarding Advocate) Elected: Mrs Leslie Bryant 2023 (Safeguarding Officer) Mrs Jayne Earle 2023 Mrs Julie Lloyd 2023 Mrs Sandy Marchant 2022 (Deputy Churchwarden, Stoulton) Mr Roy Small 2022 (Deputy Churchwarden, Drakes Broughton) Mr Lewis Steele 2021 (Secretary) Mrs Katharine Steele 2021 (Treasurer) Mrs Corinna Wilcox 2021 (Deputy Churchwarden, Drakes Broughton) Mrs A Yelland 2023
Approved by the PCC at their meeting on 23rd February 2021, and signed on their behalf by Revd Emma Goldby.
Signed Dated: 23rd February 2021