ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD (Charity No. 1134815) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD THE PRIEST IN CHARGE The Reverend Dr David Miell The Vicarage 65 Southampton Road Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1HE BANKERS: The National Westminster Bank 11 High Street Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1BA CCLA Investment Management Ltd The CBF Church of England Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: K J O Neill BA FCCA Chartered Certified Accountant Fairmile Whitsbury Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1NQ
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, RINGWOOD The Church of St Peter and St Paul Market Place Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1AW St John the Baptist Church Linford Road, Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1TY St Paul s Church Ringwood Road, Bisterne Hampshire BH24 3BN CHURCHWARDENS Mrs Jacqueline Brown and Mr Stephen Wood All Correspondence to: The Parish Office, St John s Church Hall, Linford Road, Poulner, Ringwood BH24 1TY Tel: 01425 489898 Email: office@ringwoodparish.org.uk Website: www.ringwoodparish.org.uk
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, RINGWOOD ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2015 BACKGROUND The parish of Ringwood is on the western edge of the New Forest and on the South Western border of Hampshire. It is part of the Diocese of Winchester, in the Deanery of Christchurch, within the Church of England. The parish has a population of some 15,000. Its boundary and socioeconomic profile is available online (www.cuf.org.uk/2013f-410215). The PCC shares responsibility with the Churchwardens and Priest in Charge for three Church of England churches within the parish: the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, and two daughter churches, namely St John the Baptist Church, Poulner, and St Paul s Church at Bisterne. The parish website (www.ringwoodparish.org.uk) describes the churches. The formal registered name of the PCC is THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD. The registered number of the Charity is 1134815, and statutory information regarding the Parish may be found on the Charity Commission website (www.charitycommission.gov.uk), which it is the responsibility of the PCC to update, particularly following the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. AIMS & PURPOSES In pursuance of its charitable objects (particularly the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit) and in accordance with the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Synodical Government Measure 1969: It shall be the duty of the Incumbent and the Parochial Church Council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish. The functions of the PCC shall include: Co-operation with the Incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical; the consideration and discussions of matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest, but not the declaration of the doctrine of the Church on any question; making known and putting into effect any provision made by the Diocesan/ Deanery Synod, but without prejudice to the powers of the Council on any particular matter; giving advice to the Diocesan / Deanery Synod on any matter referred to the Council; raising such matters as the Council consider appropriate with the Diocesan / Deanery Synod. In the exercise of its functions, the PCC shall take into consideration any expression of opinion by any Parochial Church Meeting. When planning objectives and activities for the year, the Priest in Charge, the Churchwardens and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. 1
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Ringwood PCC fulfils its aims and purposes through activities associated with six main Objectives Ringwood PCC provides: 1. Regular public worship open to all. We make our services (as required, authorised or allowed by Canon), accessible to as many parishioners as possible, by offering options at various times and across the wide range of styles and traditions to be found within the Church of England. To facilitate this objective, a. the principal service in each church is held at the same time every Sunday b. we celebrate Holy Communion on all principal feasts, holy days and festivals c. parishioners may request baptisms, marriages and funerals in any of our churches d. we say Morning Prayer publicly in the Parish Church every weekday at 8.30am. e. some services are targeted at specific needs and groups (eg healing, children etc) f. we provide for special occasions (eg local and national civic commemorations) 2. Sacred space for personal prayer & contemplation. Ringwood PCC ensures: a. our churches and grounds are well-kept, safe and welcoming for everyone b. the Parish Church is open to members of the public every day (9am - 4pm) 3. Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved. Ringwood PCC supports the Clergy, Visitors, Licensed Lay Ministers and Administrator in ensuring a. all who desire our pastoral services receive a ministry of care and welcome b. baptism of children involves full preparation, a warm welcome and ongoing care c. couples marrying in church receive full preparation and are prayed for in church d. Holy Communion is taken to anyone sick at home or in rest homes who desires it e. the clergy are notified and parishioners are visited when in hospital or housebound f. the bereaved are visited prior to every funeral and their loved ones remembered 4. Teaching through sermons, courses and small groups. Ringwood PCC supports the Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers in providing at least 5 sermons every Sunday. Ringwood PCC also provides learning opportunities for discipleship and mission, for example: a. (seasonally): Study Groups, Confirmation Groups, Alpha Course, Pilgrim Course b. (monthly): Julian Group; Mothers Union; Men s Group; Messy Church c. (fortnightly): Bible Study Group, Reboot Room (youth group) d. (weekly): Beacons (Sunday school), Toddler Group, Parish Choir, Guitar Club 5. Taking of religious assemblies ( Collective Worship ) in schools. Ringwood PCC supports the Parish Clergy, Foundation Governors and others in a. leading Collective Worship weekly in Ringwood Infants and occasionally in other schools b. promoting our special relationship with Ringwood (CofE) Infant School c. welcoming all our local schools to special services in church (eg carol services) 6. Promotion of Christianity through events, meetings, and the distribution of literature. a. The PCC encourages outreach through meals, coffee mornings, concerts, fairs, etc b. The PCC promotes the full range of its activities through a monthly magazine, a weekly notice sheet, a website, social media, church noticeboards and occasional press releases. 2
REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE It shall be the duty of the Incumbent and the Parochial Church Council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish. The PCC met 6 times during the year. Overall the average attendance was 13 (72%). The Standing Committee has met only once during 2015, (convening to interview and recommend appointing Mr Clive Tuckett as the PCC Treasurer) but made other decisions by email consultation, these being related to faculty applications and salary reviews. Decisions made in this way were ratified by the PCC at its subsequent meeting. Church Committees, for each of our three churches, met regularly to conduct business under their own terms of reference and reports were received by the full PCC and discussed when necessary. All three committees keep full minutes of all their meetings and of all their subcommittees. In 2015 subcommittees included St John s Hall Committee, St John s Social & Fellowship Committee, Parish Rooms Committee, Parish Church Reordering Committee. In addition, the Priest-in-Charge met monthly with the other Licensed Ministers of the parish, fortnightly with the Churchwardens, and weekly with the Assistant Curate, and with the Parish Administrator to implement PCC policy, to fulfil their statutory obligations, and to identify matters of general concern and importance to the parish to be brought to the attention of the PCC. Mission Committees of the PCC, set up in 2013 as part of a three-year plan to engage with the Diocesan Vision, continued to meet throughout the year and reported to the full PCC meetings. A specially convened Action Group met several times during 2015 to help the PCC develop a new Parish Mission Action Plan (pmap), as part of the Diocesan Strategy and Deanery Mission Action Plan (as detailed in our 2014 Annual Report). The pmap is intended to supplant the Three Year Plan due to expire in April 2016. The pmap, agreed by the PCC in September 2015, is summarised below under our Plans for Future Periods Group Council Delegated and ex-officio members of the PCC and licenced clergy also attended 4 meetings of the Group Council of the Ringwood and St Leonards & St Ives Group Ministry, whose constitution was revised during its quinquennial in 2015. 3
Co-operation with the Incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical 1. Regular public worship open to all. a. We have been able to continue 5 services every Sunday, in spite of Jim Hogg, one of our Licensed Lay Ministers, moving away during 2015. The Revd Lerys Campbell s ordination to the priesthood in June 2015 has allowed us to maintain at least 1 BCP and 1 Common Worship service of Holy Communion every Sunday, in addition to at least three Services of the Word and 1 service of BCP Evensong every Sunday. Average Sunday attendance in 2015, totalled across all 5 Sunday services, was 188 adults (166 in 2014) and 15 children (9 in 2014), an increase of 13% and 66% respectively compared to 2014. b. Communicants on Christmas Day and Easter Day combined were 423 (331 in 2014). Combined attendance for these two days across the parish came to 607 (649 in 2014) However, numbers of communicants attending Holy Days and Festivals continues to decline. c. 45 baptisms were conducted in the parish in 2015 (48 in 2014). There were 18 weddings in our churches (13 in 2014), and 27 church funerals (25 in 2014). d. Morning Prayer remains poorly attended, but is offered every weekday by the clergy. e. With support and funding from the PCC, we have been very pleased to welcome, from 1 September 2015, into the newly-created role of Temporary Youth, Children & Families Worker for our parish, Chris Newman, now in the final year of his training at Moorlands College. As well as working pastorally with YCF groups and events, Chris has been involved in leading worship as any other LLM and has initiated The Reboot Room, Sunday evening worship for youth, meeting fortnightly. Messy Church has continued monthly throughout the year, thus completing its third successful year in December. Together with the weekly Toddler Group and seasonal Faith @Home these activities are continually evolving in order to reach out to young families, thanks to the hard work of a committed group of helpers and leaders. The Junior Choir and Guitar Club meeting each week have increased in attendances with both groups helping to lead worship the Junior Choir on Sunday mornings and the Guitar Club at the Parish Camp. In November 2015 the PCC agreed to reschedule the monthly 10am service of Holy Communion at St John s to enhance parish-wide provision for children on Sunday mornings. In December we held a service for the staff and service users of Stable Family Home Trust in St Paul s. The ministry of healing continues to develop in Sunday worship. f. A new initiative in 2015 was to introduce services at Bisterne for the agricultural year. A Lammastide service celebrated the first fruits of the barley harvest and our October Harvest service included a talk from members of the local farming community. The Remembrance Sunday Service was again attended by a congregation of 450 with representation from local uniformed youth organisations. December saw well-attended carol concerts and services by Ringwood schools and other community organisations including the Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society, and a Christingle service attended by 352 and the ever popular Candlelight Carols at Bisterne. Combined attendances across the parish at special seasonal services and concerts during December came to over 4000. Worship was also taken out into the community with carols being sung at St Elmo s Care Home and at the Fish Inn. 4
2. Sacred space for personal prayer & contemplation. a. The PCC and Churchwardens are grateful to the Deputy Churchwardens, Vergers and Cleaners who ensure the buildings are safe and welcoming to visitors and the churches well looked after. Maintenance and repairs have been carried out in all churches in line with Quinquennial Reports. Successful grant applications made early in 2015 to the Government s Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund and to King s College, Cambridge, enabled urgent repairs to the chancel roof of the Parish Church to commence in November 2015, work which will continue into 2016 and beyond. The Parish Church Reordering Group has continued to meet monthly to plan improvements to the parish church. The Lady Chapel was reordered in July with a new layout and carpeting enhancing its use as a multifunctional space. St John s Church has been enhanced for worship with the introduction of a permanent fixed projector and screen. b. The Visitors Book of the Parish Church testifies to the many people who discover the beauty and tranquillity of this sacred space through it being open to the public every day. On four special occasions during the year we have been delighted to welcome many hundreds into the parish church by offering hospitality during large scale town centre events (Fanfare for Spring in May, Ringwood Carnival in September, the Christmas lights switch-on in December, and Carols in the Market Place on Christmas Eve). While these have been primarily aimed at attracting people to the building to experience the beauty of holiness to be found here, funds were raised (often through donations rather than charging) for the Mothers Union Holiday Scheme, Christian Aid, the Mayor s Charity and the church. 3. Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved. a. Many members of the parish continue active support for Ringwood Foodbank and the ecumenical Carers Group and help has been provided to homeless people and those with drug/alcohol problems who frequent the church porch. b. Bring the Family has evolved to become primarily an opportunity for families to be welcomed into church and be better prepared prior to the baptism of their children. All baptism families from the past 4 years were invited to a special Candlemas service. Another Messy Church baptism took place in 2015. The successful weekly Toddler Group introduced in 2014, and a seasonal Faith @Home series introduced in 2015, both led by Lerys and Kate Campbell, have both continued to grow, with those attending receiving both pastoral care and nurture in the faith. c. In February 2015 we held another Wedding Information Day for couples seeking to be married in the parish. It was well-attended and supported by the Mothers Union. Couples then receive three further meetings with the clergy prior to their marriage. d. The Ministry Team have continued to take services (with the distribution of Holy Communion where requested) at three of the local Rest Homes on a monthly basis. e. All those sick and bereaved who request it are prayed for in weekly intercessions and the sick and housebound visited by clergy and Pastoral Visitors both at home and in hospital. f. Our annual service for the Commemoration of the Departed attracted a good attendance. A new national church initiative in 2015 called Gravetalk, designed to provide an accessible way for people to discuss questions around death and bereavement, was introduced in the parish church on a Saturday morning in November. 5
4. Teaching through sermons, courses and small groups. a. The Alpha course ran for 11 weeks from January to March and two 12-week Pilgrim courses were offered, the first in May and the second in October. The Diocesan Lent Course on Developing a Rule of Life, ran alongside the local ecumenical Lent Groups. A Confirmation Course began in November with 4 young candidates. A new group specially convened throughout the autumn studied the writings of Thomas Merton whose centenary was being celebrated in 2015. b. The Julian Group and the evening Mothers Union groups have both continued their monthly programmes, but sadly the afternoon MU group, having had a dwindling membership, ceased to meet after its last AGM in and its remaining members have now been warmly welcomed into the evening group. The Revd Terry Roberts has kindly continued running the monthly Men s Group and an active programme of speakers has included a talk on Myanmar thus strengthening our mission partnership with that Anglican province. Messy Church leaders and helpers continue to meet monthly for prayer, planning and reflection and thereby grow in their ministry and discipleship. c. The Bible Study Group continues to thrive under Canon Michael Anderson s care. At the Reboot Room, also meeting fortnightly, young people learn about the faith in new ways. d. The Beacons Club has continued under the leadership of Paul Gray and Penny Headlam. Attendance is up with 12 regular children. The other initiatives are beginning to bear fruit with new children starting to join. Family activities were substantially increased in 2015 with two major initiatives: a parish family camp over a weekend in July, for children and their families across the parish which was attended by eight families with children. In addition it brought helpers of all ages from the Men s Group, Mothers Union, clergy and laity. It finished with an outdoor service. At the start of Advent, families slept out in a barn in Bisterne fundraising for the Church Urban fund. Cross-parish involvement included a Compline service in St Paul s, Bisterne to start (also attended by parishioners). Guitar Club has grown and had attracted six weekly attenders by the end of the year. 5. Taking of religious assemblies ( Collective Worship ) in schools. a. With leadership now coming from three of our ministry team, including our Youth Children and Families Worker, we significantly increased our provision in 2015 for Collective Worship at Ringwood Church of England Infant School & Poulner Junior School. b. Ringwood Infant School and parents once again attended the Parish Church for special Thanksgiving Services for Mothers, Leavers, Harvest and Christmas, benefitting from the provision of a crèche in the Parish Rooms, led by Lerys and Kate Campbell. In 2015 a new link was fostered with Kihiihi Primary school in the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Uganda. c. In December we hosted special services for Moyles Court, Waldorf School, Ringwood Infants and Ringwood Juniors, the latter with the support of our own Director of Music. 6. Promotion of Christianity through events, meetings, and the distribution of literature. a. Supported by the PCC and the Friends of Ringwood Parish Church, our Director of Music has actively promoted the great works of the sacred choral repertoire for the benefit of the wider community. In 2015 the parish church hosted Allegri s Miserere, Victoria s Requiem, Handel s Messiah, and A Concert of Advent Music. The PCC also dedicated funds to support the ecumenical Family Fun Day organised by Churches Together in Ringwood. Harvest Supper at St John s raised money for Foodbank, St John s Carols 6
raised money for New Forest Nightstop and the Christmas Messy Church for Hope School, Bethlehem. b. The Raising our Profile Committee have successfully introduced a new logo and house style for publicity. During 2015 Committee members received training in editing the website. Again in 2015 the PCC sponsored the publication of 4 pages in the December edition of the Ringwood & Fordingbridge News promoting all our Christmas Services, listing all our regular services and flagging up Messy Church and the Alpha Course. With advice from the Raising our Profile Committee the PCC purchased a new printer for the Parish Office which is now more economically and attractively producing the Parish News and other documents. 7
making known and putting into effect any provision made by the Diocesan/Deanery Synod Recent initiatives of the synods of the Diocese of Winchester and the Deanery of Christchurch throughout 2015 have continued to shape the context within which the PCC carries out its functions. The deanery Mission Action Plan had asked every parish to do the following in 2015-16: Identify at least one specific area in which lay people can contribute more towards the leadership of the mission of the Parish, and identify and train a group of leaders to meet that need. In 2015 Ringwood PCC identified Baptism as a mission priority and agreed a new Baptism strategy which involves training more lay people to support Baptism families. Find at least one opportunity during the year to lay on an event supporting Adult Discipleship, In 2015 Ringwood PCC has provided the Alpha Course, the Pilgrim course, and the Diocesan Lent Course to support adult discipleship. Identify (at least) one hard to-reach group, and arrange events designed to reach them with the Gospel In 2015 Ringwood PCC identified the 11-18 year old group as underrepresented in our churches and as a result employed a Youth, Children & Families Worker from 1 September, arranged a summer Youth Camp and an Advent sleep-out to support the Church Urban Fund. Bearing in mind our position in the New Forest and along the coast, take one action during the year to preserve or enhance the local environment. In 2015 Ringwood PCC improved the churchyard at the parish church with significant tree works and the installation of bird feeders and bat and bee nesting boxes. COMMON MISSION FUND (PARISH SHARE) Parishioners were provided in 2014 and 2015 with explanatory publications from the Diocese about the new Diocesan Parish Share Scheme, the Common Mission Fund, which was introduced in 2014 to implement the Fourth Strategic Priority of the Diocesan Mission Strategy belonging together in Christ, practising sacrificial living and good stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us. Ringwood PCC was able to pay its share 87,492 to the Common Mission Fund in full and on time in 2015. The same sum has been requested as the contribution for 2016. KINKIIZI ACTION GROUP A significant part of Deanery Synod business in 2015 involved reporting back on visits to the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Uganda. Ringwood PCC has supported the Kinkiizi Deanery Fund in 2015 by making a grant of 1000 to support sustainable small businesses in Kinkiizi and by a grant of 1204 to build up the recently established partnership between Ringwood CE Infant School and Kihiihi Primary School. 8
FINANCIAL REVIEW The Parish Giving Scheme which was launched in 2012 is now our primary way of receiving regular donations within the Parish and we are most grateful to everyone who has switched to using this efficient way of giving. In addition to our focus on Regular Planned Giving, we have been fortunate to receive other donations, grants and legacies during the year. Historically, we have tended to receive Restricted legacies, but during the year we have received an Unrestricted legacy of 100,000. A grant of 16,800 from the Listed Places of Worship together with some of the Bursey Funds enabled the start of the first part of the major works on the Parish Church roof. These works will continue into 2016. Our thanks to the Friends of Bisterne Church for their donation of 2,000 which was used to pay for the repairs to the West Door step and towards various other maintenance costs at St Paul s. We have seen a small increase in our investment income and try to maximise the amount of funds placed with the CBF Church of England Deposit Funds operated through CCLA Investment Management Ltd. Once again the social committees at each church have continued to work extremely hard behind the scenes with planning a vast array of events our thanks to everyone involved in making these events so successful throughout the year. As part of our Mission Giving commitment we made payments of 1,208 each to Winchester Diocesan Myanmar Appeal, Diocese of Kinkiizi and Hope School Bethlehem (via Embrace the Middle East ). Our Parish Share of 87,492 has been paid in full and remains unchanged for 2016. The majority of maintenance costs has been met by careful use of existing Restricted funds with planned maintenance works at all three of our churches both internal and external together with a replacement photocopier in our Parish Office. Continued use of the Parish Buying Scheme, together with close monitoring of all our costs in general, ensured that we kept control on our expenditure. The majority of maintenance costs has been met by careful use of existing Restricted funds with planned maintenance works at all three of our churches both internal and external. The total Accumulated Fund (see Note 12) now stands at 594,284; of which 362,583 is Restricted as to its use. 9
INVESTMENT AND RESERVES POLICY Investment Policy: Certain long term funds of the PCC are invested in Central Board of Finance Equity Funds, with a view to obtaining long-term capital and income growth. Full details of investments held at 31 December 2015, may be found in Note 5 of this Report. Reserves Policy: The PCC seeks to maintain adequate reserves so as to ensure that all reasonable day-to-day running costs can be met as and when they fall due, recognising the basic financial principle that the PCC is responsible for ensuring that solvency is maintained. Whilst the PCC follows a policy of designating certain reserves whereby sums are held to assist with specific future expenditure, such decisions may be rescinded at any time prior to the reserve being expended. At present, the PCC does not yet have a formally agreed policy of setting reserve targets for each church in the Parish, preferring to allow each reasonable autonomy in managing its financial resources, subject to the absolute rule that all contractual matters must first be approved by the PCC, prior to signature. Reserves (Accumulated Funds) within the Parish at 31 December 2015 are stated in Note 12 of this Report. 10
RISK MANAGEMENT Risk is defined in The Charities Act 1993 and The PCC (3rd edition, 2006) as the threat that an event or action will adversely affect an organisation s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies. The major risks to which the PCC is exposed have been reviewed and systems or procedures have been designed or improved during the year to manage those risks. Operational risks to health and safety; upkeep of buildings; employment The PCC is grateful to all those who raise concerns through their various committees and show vigilance. A PCC designated officer, Paul Gray, has advised all three churches on implementation of the PCC Health & Safety Policy which was revised in 2015. Risk to the fabric of buildings has been minimised in 2015 through schedules of repairs and maintenance which follow the recommendations of recent Quinquennial Reports under the watchful eye of the Church Committees, the Churchwardens and their deputies. Employment Risk has been minimised in 2015 through ensuring employees of the PCC work under Contracts of Employment, with designated line managers, and are being paid at or above the Living Wage. Financial risks to reserves, cashflow, income stability, investments, and fraud. The PCC is committed to reviewing Income and Expenditure to ensure that the Parish is to remain solvent. Costs are minimised through the Church of England s Parish Buying Scheme wherever possible. When we said farewell to Sylvia Hogg in May 2015, we were left with a vacancy for a Stewardship Promoter, yet to be filled. However, Clive Tuckett as PCC Treasurer has been active in encouraging more people to join the Parish Giving Scheme, which aids financial planning and cash flow. The Parish Accounts have been prepared in 2015 with the aid of Finance Coordinator, an accounting software package. External risks Risk to the reputation of the PCC can be minimised by encouraging Best Practice in all aspects of the Parish s management, thereby reducing the risk of inappropriate actions which would have a damaging effect on the Parish. This extends both to Staff and Volunteers, all of whom need to be familiar with their duties, trained as required and adhere to laid down procedures where given. The PCC has taken Diocesan advice on procedures for working with volunteers and paid staff and issues a Staff Handbook. Regulatory risks The PCC minutes reveal the extent to which we have ensured compliance with Church of England guidelines, Canon Law, Charity Commission regulations, SORP accountancy procedures, Health and Safety requirements, Safeguarding and all other legislation relating to the conduct of its affairs. The PCC regularly updates its policies on Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Lone Workers, Mission Giving, Use of Legacies, Collections at Pastoral Services, Parish Investments, Levels of Financial Reserves, Environmental Protection, and Risk Assessment. Governance risks The PCC relies on a large circle of volunteers without whom the effectiveness of the church would be greatly compromised and the PCC continues to encourage the development of personal discipleship, and the offering of individuals prayers, time and talents, in support of the mission of the parish, whatever form that may take. Significant risk arises from the fact that the availability of volunteers is decreasing at a time when legal, financial and other obligations on PCCs are increasing. For this reason, the PCC decided in 2015 that from 2016 we should pay for our bookkeeping to be done professionally. 11
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS In the forthcoming year we will, as a direct result of our Parish Mission Action Plan implementation: make Baptism a key mission priority for the parish identify and train more people to provide support to Baptism families. identify, contact and arrange training for a group to visit baptism families review current baptism application process and services identify pathways through which different families can engage with the church review material given to baptism families in light of the above help one another to deepen and to share our faith run an Alpha course after Easter 2016 run a series of Pilgrim Course groups as necessary throughout the year use ordinary time (Summer/Autumn 2016) to have readings/sermons linking to one of the Pilgrim course modules and simultaneously offer a variety of Pilgrim groups. prioritise and promote work with youth, children and families employ and support a Youth, Children and Family Worker identify with them, the needs and attitudes to church amongst 11-18 s identify and establish new groups/activities or services for 11-18 s and their families engage with local secondary schools & youth projects identify and train as required people to help run /resource activities appropriate for this age group. review activities which need ending or refreshing to sustain our mission review and renew our services in line with our missional priorities identify how our worship can be more accessible to visitors and those unused to church build closer relationships with our mission partners engage missionally with major town and countryside events re-order our churches to enhance our worship and enable mission care for God s creation by the way we use our buildings and grounds continue using and actively promoting the Parish Giving Scheme continue to review our outward giving hold an annual stewardship programme 12
VOLUNTEERS The PCC is always mindful that our most significant resource is the large number of able and willing volunteers we rely on, including those who have been elected to serve as Churchwardens (and their deputies), as PCC officers (and their assistants in the church committees), as committee members, as Members of Deanery Synod, as Foundation Governors of Ringwood Church of England Infant School, as representatives on other bodies (eg Bible Society, Churches Together, Christian Aid), and those who monitor our statutory responsibilities (eg for Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection). In addition there are a number of specially appointed personnel, both paid and voluntary, who work on behalf of the PCC - our Parish Administrator, our Director of Music, our Youth Children & Families Worker, our vergers, cleaners, welcomers and sidesmen, musicians, readers, intercessors, pastoral visitors and persons authorised to assist in the administration of Holy Communion. The PCC would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to the smooth running of the Parish by giving of their time and by their support and prayers in 2015. As the burden of this work continues to fall on a small pool of volunteers we hope and pray that new people will be called to offer their gifts in the Lord s service. EMPLOYEES OF THE PCC In 2015, the following were working as (part time) paid employees of the PCC: 1 Parish Administrator 1 Director of Music 1 Verger 3 Cleaners and (from 1 September 2015) 1 Youth Children & Families Worker The PCC is aware of its obligations for automatic enrolment under the Workplace Pensions Scheme. THE PARISH OF RINGWOOD CHURCHYARDS The Parish Churchyard is closed to further burials and, by reason of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, it is the responsibility of Ringwood Town Council to maintain the Church s grounds, paths, etc. We are grateful to our Local Authority for their time and expertise in this respect. St Paul s Churchyard is currently open and in the care of the PCC. 13
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT A. PCC Membership Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. By decision of the APCM there are 15 elected members, of whom one third retire annually but are eligible for re-election. As from the 2011 APCM, there should be fifteen elected members of the PCC, of whom not less than four should represent the Parish Church, not less than three should represent St John s Church and not less than one should represent St Paul s Church. All are elected for a period of three years. The Licenced Lay Ministers serve on the PCC by annual decision of the APCM. At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 21 April 2015, it was agreed by the members present to suspend the six-year rule in the Churchwardens Measure 2001. This decision is reviewed annually at the APCM. During 2015, the following have served as members of the PCC: EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Priest in Charge The Reverend Dr David Miell Licensed 5.09.11 Assistant Curate Licensed Lay Ministers The Reverend Lerys Campbell Mr James Hogg Mr Peter Jackson Ms Elizabeth Loving Mr Stephen Wood Licensed 29.06.14 (Until July 2015) Churchwardens Mrs Jacqueline Brown Re-elected 21.04.15 Mr Stephen Wood Re-elected 21.04.15 Deputy Churchwardens Mr Mark Loader (St John s) Re-elected 21.04.15 Dr Peter Goodwin (St Peter & St Paul) Re-elected 21.04.15 Mr Kevin Jones (St Peter & St Paul) Re-elected 21.04.15 Mr Thomas Glasson (St John s) Re-elected 21.04.15 Diocesan Synod Representatives - to serve for three years Mrs Jacqueline Brown Until June 2015 Mrs Joy Snell Until June 2015 Mr Walter Snell Until June 2015 Deanery Synod Representatives - to serve for three years. (Deanery Synod Representatives are ex-officio members of the PCC) Mr Paul Gray 2014-17 Mrs Margaret Groves 2014-17 Ms Elizabeth Loving 2015-17 Mrs Sylvia Hogg Until June 2015 14
ELECTED MEMBERS - St Peter and St Paul Mr Paul Gray Elected 17.04.13 to 2016 Mrs Gwen Henson Until April 2015 Mrs Dorothy Moore Until April 2015 Dr Peter Goodwin Elected 17.04.13 to 2016 (Deputy Churchwarden) Elected 21.04.15 to 2016 Mr Alistair Stokes Until September 2015 St John s Church Mr Thomas Glasson Elected 23.04.14 to 2017 (Deputy Churchwarden) Elected 21.04.15 to 2016 Mr Walter Snell Elected 21.04.15 to 2018 Mrs Joy Snell Elected 21.04.15 to 2018 St Paul s Bisterne Mrs Alison Mills Elected 23.04.14 to 2017 Mr Hallam Mills Elected 21.04.15 to 2018 CO-OPTED MEMBERS St Peter and St Paul Mr Clive Tuckett Co-opted 6.05.15 Resigned 13.01.2016 St John s Church Mrs Sara Jackson Co-opted 6.05.15 B. PCC Committees The Parochial Church Council: operates through a number of committees which meet between full meetings of the PCC. The Standing Committee: this is the only committee required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the Council and comprises: From 13.05.14 From 6.05.15 Mrs Jacqueline Brown Mrs Margaret Groves Mr Jim Hogg Revd Dr David Miell Mr Hallam Mills Mr Stephen Wood Mrs Jacqueline Brown Mrs Margaret Groves Mr Kevin Jones Miss Elizabeth Loving Revd Dr David Miell Mr Hallam Mills Mr Clive Tuckett (Resigned 13.01.2016) Mr Stephen Wood Other Committees operate with functions delegated from and reporting to the PCC: Church Committees which oversee the day-to-day management of the affairs of each Church are drawn from, and elected by, members of the congregations who habitually worship in each of the three Churches. These in turn have power to appoint subcommittees as required. Mission Committees, are appointed by the PCC annually from among its own members with power to co-opt outside the PCC membership to draw in necessary expertise. The mission committees, currently dealing with Music, Small Groups, Raising our Profile, Buildings, and Offering for Life, report directly to the full PCC. 15
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Contact details THE PRIEST IN CHARGE: The Reverend Dr David Miell The Vicarage 65 Southampton Road Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1HE CHURCHWARDENS Mrs Jacqueline Brown Mr Stephen Wood All Correspondence to: The Parish Office, St John s Church Hall, Linford Road, Poulner, Ringwood BH24 1TY Tel: 01425 489898 Email: office@ringwoodparish.org.uk BANKERS: The National Westminster Bank 11 High Street Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1BA CCLA Investment Management Ltd The CBF Church of England Funds 80 Cheapside London EC2V 6DZ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: K J O Neill BA FCCA Chartered Certified Accountant Fairmile Whitsbury Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1NQ Website: www.ringwoodparish.org.uk Electoral roll and church attendance The Electoral Roll was revised on 29th March 2015 and there were 221 people on the Roll, of whom 28 were extra-parochial. Average Sunday attendance in 2015, totalled across all 5 Sunday services, was 188 adults and 15 children (an increase of 13% and 66% respectively from 2014). Independent Trusts Friends of Ringwood Parish Church (Charity Commission Registered Number 1074996) Friends of Bisterne Church (Charity Commission Registered Number 1126261) Donations to or payments on behalf of the respective Churches from either of the above are fully reflected within the Financial Statements, in compliance with Church Accounting Regulations. Controlled Trusts In certain circumstances it is considered appropriate for the PCC to hold particular funds by way of a formal charitable trust, these Trustees being the PCC itself or being drawn from PCC members and acting under the guidance of the PCC. At present, there are no such Controlled Trusts. Reverend Dr David Miell April 2016 Priest-in-Charge and Chairman of the PCC 16
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (the Charities SORP); state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 17
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD INDEPENDENT EXAMINER S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD (Charity No: 1134815) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2015, which are set out on pages 19 to 30, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ( the Regulations ) and s145 of the Charities Act 2011 ( the Act ). RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PCC AND THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and s144 of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under s145 of the Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under s145(5)(b) of the Act) and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER S REPORT My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER S STATEMENT In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations 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. Date: April 2016 Fairmile Whitsbury Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1NQ K J O NEILL BA FCCA CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT 18
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS Note Funds Funds Funds 2015 2014 Voluntary income 2(a) 210,725 9,281 0 220,006 126,019 Activities for generating funds 2(b) 7,652 23,897 0 31,549 36,550 Investment income 2(c) 514 1,707 283 2,504 2,391 Church activities 2(d) 10,481 0 0 10,481 7,328 Other income 2(e) (115) 21,845 0 21,730 0 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 229,257 56,730 283 286,270 172,288 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church activities 3(a) 127,031 60,301 283 187,615 158,735 Costs of generating funds 3(b) 2,652 177 0 2,829 2,775 Governance costs 3(c) 626 2,986 0 3,612 3,960 Other 3(d) 13,220 1,479 0 14,699 13,335 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 143,529 64,943 283 208,755 178,805 NET MOVEMENT IN RESOURCES 85,728 (8,213) 0 77,515 (6,517) Unrealised revaluation gains 5 0 0 100 100 370 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 85,728 (8,213) 100 77,615 (6,147) Balances at 1 January 2015 145,973 363,384 7,312 516,669 522,816 BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 12 231,701 355,171 7,412 594,284 516,669 The notes on pages 21 to 30 form part of these Financial Statements. 19
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 FIXED ASSETS Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS Note Funds Funds Funds 2015 2014 Tangible - Fixtures and equipment 4 0 0 0 0 0 Investments 5 0 0 7,412 7,412 7,312 TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 0 0 7,412 7,412 7,312 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and prepayments 6 4,775 7,419 0 12,194 7,519 Bank and cash balances 230,088 350,311 0 580,399 510,219 LIABILITIES 234,863 357,730 0 592,593 517,738 Creditors and accruals 7 3,162 2,559 0 5,721 8,381 NET CURRENT ASSETS 231,701 355,171 0 586,872 509,357 NET ASSETS 231,701 355,171 7,412 594,284 516,669 REPRESENTED BY Accumulated funds 12 Unrestricted 231,701 0 0 231,701 145,973 Restricted 0 355,171 0 355,171 363,384 Endowment 0 0 7,412 7,412 7,312 231,701 355,171 7,412 594,284 516,669 Approved by the PCC of The Parish of St Peter and St Paul Ringwood and signed on its behalf by: Reverend Dr David Miell Priest-in-Charge and Chairman of the PCC April 2016 The notes on pages 21 to 30 form part of these Financial Statements. 20
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP (FRSSE) 2015. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the financial statements of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Funds General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Restricted funds are those that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions are provided in Note 12. Endowment funds, where the capital must be retained, are also explained in Note 12. Incoming Resources Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by the social committees and all other incoming resources are accounted for gross. Other income Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Income from investments Dividends are accounted for when due and payable, and interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year. Gains and losses on investments Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December. 21
THE PCC OF THE PARISH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL RINGWOOD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Resources expended Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. All other expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Activities directly relating to the work of the Church The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these financial statements as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Fixed assets Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings: Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by s.10(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011, and this policy has been extended to the dedicated property at St John s. Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Churches Inventories, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2001 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the financial statements over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis. All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under 3,000 or on the repair of moveable church furnishings acquired after 1 January 2001 is written off. Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of 3,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments: Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Current assets: Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable. Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank. 22