APCM Church Information Pack 2011 St James Finchampstead

ST JAMES’ CHURCH FINCHAMPSTEAD

“Information Pack 2011” for

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held in the Church Centre

on Sunday 10th April 2011 at 12 noon approx (after shortened 11am service

Containing: (i) Agendas for the 2011 Vestry Meeting & APCM (ii) Minutes of 2010 Annual Vestry & Parochial Church Meetings (iii) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial

Church Council for the year ended 31st December 2010 including a statement from the examiner.

(iv) Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish

Church (v) Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod (vi) Report on the revised Church Electoral Roll (vii) Reports from the PCC committees and Working Groups (viii) Reports from the Church’s organisations and groups (ix) Duties, Responsibilities and term of office of a Churchwarden (x) Information from Canon (Church) Law about sidespeople (xi) Roles and responsibilities of Deanery Synod members (xii) Profile of a PCC Member/ Charity Trustee (xiii) Legal Responsibilities of a Charity Trustee (xiv) Notes on the composition of the PCC

ST JAMES’ CHURCH, FINCHAMPSTEAD ANNUAL VESTRY AND PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETINGS

to be held in the Church Centre, Finchampstead on Sunday 10th April 2011 at 12 noon approx (after shortened 11am service

AGENDA

Part One (for those on the Church Electoral Roll and residents of the parish whose names are on the civil Electoral Roll, all of whom may vote for churchwardens) 1. Opening Prayers 2. Apologies

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

3. Minutes of the 2010 vestry meeting 4. Election of two Churchwardens (Written nominations only before the meeting) Part Two (for those on the newly revised Church Electoral Roll)

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING For information: (Please use the opportunity, having read the reports, to make any comments, ask questions or raise any issues.) 1. Approval of minutes of 2010 Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2. Approval of the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Parochial Church

Council up to the 31st December 2010 3. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Parish Church 4. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod 5. Report on the new Electoral Roll for this APCM 6. Reports from the PCC committees (Social & Fundraising; Pastoral; Finance &

Stewardship; Fabric & Property; Mission & Charitable Giving; Outreach & Discipleship; Worship & Liturgy; Communications, IT & Publicity) & Working Groups (Conservation Project Group, Conservation Appeal Group and Good Practice Advisory Group)

7. Reports from the Church’s organisations and groups and linked groups: Fledgelings; Sunday Club; Youth Group; Mothers’ Union & Women’s Fellowship; Churches Together in Crowthorne (CTC); Bell Ringers; Ladies’ Breakfasts; Housegroups; Churchyard Trust; Church Choir/Music; Church School; Churches in Finchampstead Praying Together; Tuesday Working Party; St James’ Football Club; Altar servers; Breastfeeding Network.

For decision: 1. Election of four (4) representatives to the Deanery Synod 2. Election of four (4) representatives to the Parochial Church Council and any

others needed to fill casual vacancies. 3. Appointment of Sidespeople 4. Appointment of an Auditor/ Examiner

Any Other Business An opportunity for anyone eligible to vote to ask questions about the Parish and its activities At this point, PCC members will be asked to confirm by a show of hands that the previous officers (Treasurer & Secretary) and Standing Committee members will remain in post until the next PCC meeting (16th May 2011) Closing prayers

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PLEASE REPLY TO: Secretary Carolyn Fox 19 Gorse Ride North

Finchampstead Berkshire RG40 4ES

Tel: 0118 973 2262 [email protected]

Given that God comes first in everything, make ourselves and others Better Disciples of Christ.

Minutes of the Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meetings

The Church Centre, on Sunday 11 April 2010 at 6pm.

Present 53 parishioners, whose names are on the Electoral Roll, signed the Register of Attendance. Both meetings were chaired by Rev Dr Richard Warden. 1 Opening Prayers & Welcome Rev Richard welcomed everyone to the meeting. He opened in prayer using the Bishop of Oxford’s Living Faith Prayer from the sheet Living Faith in the Diocese of Oxford. 2 Apologies Apologies were received from David Booth, Hugh Dempster, Ann & Roger Jeater, Beth Peat, Andrew Powell, Hazel Sutherland-Pilch, Ian & Nicola Woolston, Felicity Borham, Jodie Widman, Roy & Doreen Townend, Keith Hunt, Audrey Metcalfe, Dorothy Taylor, Brian Hamblin, Gill Myall, Maurice & Hazel Levy, David Bedser, Anita Andrews and Marg Andrews

3 Rector’s Remarks Rev Richard checked that everyone had a pack of papers for the meetings. He referred to the Living Faith document that had been handed out and explained that a new Deanery Mission Plan was being drawn up in line with the 5 aims of this document:

• Sustaining the sacred centre • Making disciples • Making a difference in the world (At this point he spoke to Sharon Block on a speaker phone. As headteacher

of the pre-school in Kimberley, she told enthusiastically of the 5 pupils who will start at the school tomorrow as a result of our sponsorship. She explained how our money would be used.)

• Creating vibrant Christian communities and • Shaping confident, collaborative leadership (He noted that he and Rev John see and encourage this.)

Rev Richard explained that there are two meetings, the first, the Vestry Meeting to elect churchwardens, for everyone on the Church Electoral Roll and anyone living in the parish who is on the civil electoral roll. At the second meeting, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for the rest of the business, only those on the Church Electoral Roll may vote.

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

4 Minutes of the 2009 Meeting The 2009 Vestry Meeting Minutes were approved, after proposal by Maurice Driver and seconding by Paul Arscott and then duly signed by Rev Richard as a true record. 5 Election of Churchwardens There were two nominations in writing before the meeting as required for Churchwarden ! Nicky Alder and Ed Sampson. There being no other nominations, they were duly elected. Rev Richard invited them to sit at the front. He thanked them for their unstinting support and great time commitment over the past year and particularly thanked their spouses. Rev Richard declared the meeting closed. Approval

ST JAMES’ PARISH FINCHAMPSTEAD The Church Centre, Manor House, Church Lane

Finchampstead RG40 4LU Tel/Fax: 0118 973 0133

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ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING The Church Wardens, Nicky Alder and Ed Sampson, joined the platform. Rev Richard congratulated them and they were applauded. FOR INFORMATION 1 Approval of Minutes of 2009 Annual Parochial Church Meeting There being no amendments, they were proposed by John Brain, Seconded by Richard Peat, agreed and duly signed by Rev. Richard as a true record. 2 Annual Report and Financial Statement of the PCC up to 31 December 2009 Rev Richard explained that the Public Benefit section had to be included as the church is now a charity in its own right. He pointed out that attendance had stayed good when services had transferred to the Church Centre. He was also pleased to draw attention to the continuing work ‘Towards a Healthy Church’ at the same time as the major conservation project. Rev Richard expressed his personal thanks to Andy Witting, to the ‘treasury team’ of Keith Hunt, Marion Row and, more recently, Debbie Watthey, and to the rest of the Finance & Stewardship Committee for their hard work during the year in keeping the accounts, to Robert Alder for his work on Regular Giving and Gift Aid and for his work with Rev John to encourage Standing Orders. He particularly thanked Andy, sadly now standing down, for his rigorous treasurership. The meeting showed its appreciation with applause. Andy responded that it had been a tough year and the church was not immune from the economic climate. The challenge remained to increase giving. Rev Richard thanked Carolyn Fox for putting together the report in collaboration with Andy. He expressed thanks to Ian Clements who was standing down as Health & Safety Advisor after 5 years and to John Dewhurst, standing down as Head Sidesperson but still willing to remain on the Worship & Liturgy Committee. He thanked Carolyn Fox for filling the complex role of Parish Administrator for 17 months till January and also Karen Remmington who has now taken on the job. He echoed the ‘special thanks’ section of the report – that all the gifts of time, talent or money are very much valued. Rev Richard spoke of the Deanery Mission Plan which proposed joining together St James’ with St Mary & St John’s retaining two paid clergy posts. This would be discussed by the PCCs in due course. He also drew attention to the Arborfield Housing Plan. Richard Peat explained that this could result in 2000 extra houses in St James’ parish. The PCC has written to the council pointing out the absence of a worship centre in the development and offering to be involved in finding a solution. It was proposed (Rebecca Head), seconded (John Dewhurst) and unanimously approved that the examined report and financial statements be accepted. 3 Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish Church Rev Richard thanked the Churchwardens for their work in being responsible for the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments and for checking the inventory, particularly during the ‘conservation period. He thanked Ed Sampson for writing the report. He also thanked Maurice Driver and Richard Owen for overseeing the Tuesday Working Party and the small band of people who had cleaned and cleared the church prior to the contractors taking over in August as well as those who had moved us back into church for 21st March. There was warm applause of appreciation. It was proposed (Richard Peat), seconded (Richard Widman) and unanimously approved that the report be accepted. 4 Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod Rev Richard pointed out that a new Lay Chair has now been appointed. He himself has now stood down as the Deanery Governor at Ranelagh and the Deanery Synod will be looking for a replacement. Julia Arscott and Carolyn Fox were thanked for preparing the report and for producing a report of each Synod meeting for the PCC. The other Deanery Synod representatives (Paul Arscott and Gill Myall, who has now decided to stand down) were also thanked. It was proposed (Sue Sampson), seconded (Julie Morley) and unanimously approved that the Deanery Synod report be accepted 5 Report on the Electoral Roll for this APCM Sarah Booth was thanked for her work as Electoral Roll Officer and for preparing the report for this meeting and for each PCC meeting. He advised that it is a revised Electoral Roll; we take its maintenance seriously and more names may again be added after the APCM. There are now 397 members, up on last year’s 376. It was proposed (Robert Alder), seconded (Chris Driver) and unanimously approved that the revised Electoral Roll be accepted. 6 Report from the PCC Committees & Working Groups Rev. Richard thanked all those who chair, run and contribute to the Committees. Eight PCC Committee reports and three Working Group reports had been prepared as follows:

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Social & Fundraising Team Sue Sampson. Pastoral Team Paul Arscott. Finance & Stewardship Committee Julie Morley. Fabric & Property Committee Maurice Driver. Mission & Charitable Giving Committee Julia Arscott. Outreach & Discipleship Team Janet Clements. Worship & Liturgy Committee Carolyn Fox. Communications, IT & Publicity Committee Richard Peat. Conservation Project Working Group Carolyn Fox, (supplemented by information in the Fabric

Goods and Ornaments Report and the detailed sheet prepared by Rev Richard). Conservation Appeal Group Carolyn Fox. Good Practice Advisory Group Carolyn Fox.

Rev Richard explained that the Committees and Working Groups do the practical work of the PCC and are accountable to the PCC. He went through each of the reports and thanked the Committee leaders. Each was warmly applauded. Paul Arscott spoke of the good practice document that was being prepared with advice from the Diocese for the pastoral team to protect vulnerable people, the team and the church. He was thanked for his work as Lay Eucharistic Minister. Rev John advised that a Friends of St James scheme was being developed to give non-regulars a chance to keep in touch and for those who wished to give for the building only. It was hoped to launch this later in the year. Maurice Driver drew attention to the need for maintenance work on the Manor House. As landlords and to produce good income from our properties it behoved us to ensure good maintenance. Car parking continued to need attention. Attention was drawn to the targeted Mission Giving mainly to four charities and also to the Lent sermons. The congregational vote for a CUF project to support was the one in Hull. Attention was drawn to the ‘What’s it all about’ course and Kate Meads explained the work of the Family Connexions team who are around to talk to people at and after the Family services. Olive Butchart was thanked for her work with baptism families, dealing with the registers and sending out anniversary cards. Sally Hamblin was thanked for her work producing and selling the calendars and Christmas cards which had raised a great profit for the Conservation Fund. Rev John was thanked for all he does in the parish and the meeting supported this with huge applause. Ed Sampson gave a verbal update on the Conservation Project. There were a few outstanding issues for the Working Party to resolve and see completed. The appeal had raised £566K over 4 years and costs had been £649K including VAT, a large amount of which was hoped to be recovered under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. There was expected to be a shortfall of about £4K. Maurice Driver commented that the results of the project were to be seen in the church now. He proposed a vote of thanks to the whole team (Rev Richard, Ed Sampson, Nicky Alder, Carolyn Fox and Wally Chapman). Rev Richard extended the thanks to past members, Maurice Driver, Paul Arscott and Ian Gibb. It was proposed (Julia Arscott), seconded (John Brain) and unanimously agreed that the reports be accepted en bloc.

7 Reports from the Church’s Organisations and Groups Sixteen reports had been prepared for the pack as follows:

Fledgelings Karen Remmington. Sunday Club Karen Remmington. Youth Group Cathy Clayton. Mothers’ Union and Women’s Fellowship Sarah Owen. Churches Together In Crowthorne (CTC) Sarah Owen, Suzie Kitcher and Richard Owen. HOPE (linked to CTC) Suzie Kitcher and Sarah Owen Tower Bellringers Trish Amos. Ladies Breakfast Cathy Clayton Housegroups Carolyn Fox Helen Taylor Churchyard Trust Richard Owen. Choir & Music Andrew Bosley. Church School Brian Remmington on behalf of Governors. Churches in Finchampstead Praying Together Carolyn Fox. Tuesday Working Party Richard Owen. Altar Servers Paul Arscott Breastfeeding Network Kate Meads

Rev Richard commented on each report. The group leaders and helpers were all thanked for their commitment which was greatly valued. He drew attention to the new Sunday Club team and the fact that Youth Group were just back from the Iona trip which Cathy Clayton described as ‘life-changing’. Julia Arscott thanked Cathy & Steve Clayton and Elisabeth Tracey for organising the trip. Paul Arscott thanked the Mothers’ Union for the great amount of Pastoral work done unsung by that group. Rebecca Head expressed thanks to the CTC Hope as her children had enjoyed the

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activities. It was good to have the bellringers back after the church closure and they were glad to be back. Rev Richard was indebted to Andrew Bosley for Stainer’s Crucifixion on the first Sunday back in church. He also thanked the school governors for representing the church at the school. He congratulated Finchampstead Baptist Church on the amazing facility that they have built. It was proposed (Mary Dewhurst), seconded (Richard Owen) and unanimously agreed that the reports be accepted en bloc. The final piece of information was an announcement that Rev Richard will be leaving the Parish towards the end of the summer. He read out his prepared statement (see attachment 2) as he found the announcement very difficult and was very emotional. Ed Sampson spoke of the amazing job that Rev Richard has done for 6 years and how difficult it was for him to go as he was ‘part of the family’. Cathy Clayton also expressed thanks to Penny Warden and there was warm applause for Rev Richard and Penny. FOR DECISION 8 Election of One Representatives to the Deanery Synod As Gill Myall wished to stand down, a representative was required to fill the remainder of the term to 31st May 2011. Julie Morley had been nominated. There were no further nominations so Julie Morley was duly elected. 9 Election of Five Representatives to the Parochial Church Council Rev Richard brought the meeting’s attention to a document at the back of the Information Pack that sets out the profile of a PCC member, the constitution of the PCC and a list of those continuing to be members of PCC.

a) 4 are elected until 2010: Sarah Booth, Julie Morley, Daphne-Lucan Wilson and Andy Witting. b) 4 are elected until 2011: Mary Dewhurst, Kate Meads, Jonathan Marshall and Richard Owen. c) 4 are elected until 2012: Maurice Driver, John Brain, Rebecca Head and Richard Peat.

The first group had come to the end of their term. Andy Witting did not wish to stand again. The nomination sheet contained five names now that Julie Morley had been elected to Deanery Synod, namely, Sarah Booth, Daphne Lucan-Wilson, Gill Myall, Ian Woolston and Barbara Brice. A vote was therefore needed and the secretary gave out voting sheets. Rev John agreed to act as teller and, when he had counted the votes, he declared that Sarah Booth, Gill Myall, Ian Woolston and Barbara Brice were duly elected. Rev Richard thanked all those who had served on PCC and Standing Committee and particularly Daphne Lucan-Wilson for her work over the years. They were applauded. 10 Appointment of Sidespeople The names on the list of Sidespeople appointed at last APCM and by the PCC during the year were read out (see attachment 1). Rev Richard referred to the ‘duties’ sheet in the Information Pack and said how important this role is. There were no other volunteers from the meeting. They were declared as appointed for the coming Church year.

Rev Richard also thanked the servers, intercessors, chalice administrators, coffee rota volunteers, flower arrangers, vergers, and those who cleaned the communion vessels and the altar linen. In addition he thanked all those who had set up the Church Centre for services during the conservation work. 11 Appointment of an Auditor / Examiner Karen Symons, a member of St Michael's, Sandhurst, was again willing to serve us as examiner this year. Andy Witting reminded how important it was to have an independent view on the finances. He had received great guidance from Karen, including our responsibilities to the Charity Commissioners. He therefore proposed Karen Symons, seconded (Paul Arscott) and unanimously approved. 12 Any Other Business Ian Clements asked how confident the treasurer was about the VAT claim and when any refund might be received. Andy Witting explained that the claim would be submitted when all the amounts had been paid out and the project completed. A claim of £76K seemed to fit the current published guidelines. He noted that the Listed Places of

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Worship Grant Scheme was threatened to end in March 2011 and encouraged support for the petition for it to be retained. 13 Conclusion Finally, Rev. Richard referred to the proposal that the Treasurer (Andy Witting), Secretary (Carolyn Fox), Churchwardens (Nicky Alder and Ed Sampson) and the two appointed members of the Standing Committee (Mary Dewhurst and John Brain) stay in office until the next PCC meeting on 24 May. Maurice Driver proposed this to PCC members, seconded by Julie Morley and unanimously agreed by the PCC members present. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8pm with the Living Faith prayer and the Grace. Approval Attachments: • 1. List of Sidespeople ! 2010 • 2. Announcement from Rev Richard Attachment 1

List of Sidespeople ! agreed at 2010 APCM

Andrews, Anita Arscott, Julia

Coombs, John Dewhurst, Mary Driver, Maurice Fox, Carolyn Gray, Denise Hamblin, Brian Hamblin, Sally Harris, Beverley Hitti, Julie Hossack, Rosemary Judge, Fiona Kitcher, Suzy Lardner, Sheila Laurent, Miriam Lawrence, Jackie Meads, Kate Morris, Bill Murray, Kim Myall, Gill Norman, Sue Owen, Richard Payne, Jackie Pearce, Norman Ray, Keith Sampson, Sue Van den Burg, Lindsay Westphalen, Flemming Westphalen, Louise Workman, Felicity

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Attachment 2 Announcement from Rev Richard to APCM 2010

Having already spoken to our two bishops, the Archdeacon and our two churchwardens Nicky Alder and Ed Sampson, I have a rather difficult announcement to make which is that, with a very heavy heart, I shall be moving on from St James’ towards the end of the summer. I know this will come as something of a shock to many people, but to others it may not be too much of a surprise. I will have served for six wonderful years at St James, and during that time we have come a very long way together – as all the reports to this APCM testify. We can be rightly proud of all that we have achieved as a healthy church and vibrant Christian community. It will be incredibly difficult to leave this behind and say goodbye to so many people with whom I feel such an immense bond of friendship. To my mind, and I think with good reason, this must be one of the most impressive parishes and congregations in the land. The commitment to the service of others, the quality of our worship of God, our willingness to grow under Christ, and the vibrant Spirit of welcome, friendliness and love are of a very high order indeed. Being Priest-in-Charge here has been a most remarkable privilege in my life and whoever is appointed after me will be incredibly fortunate. However, I have been offered a challenging opportunity to re-engage with my chaplaincy work, among 1300 young people – aged 3 to 18 – as Chaplain and Head of Religious Studies to three schools in Mill Hill, north London. Being at the somewhat advanced age of 53 for being offered such jobs, it was an opportunity I could not realistically turn down. If parish work is ministry at the “front line”, then school chaplaincy is ministry “behind enemy lines” as I seek to bring the good news of God’s love to this current generation of young people, who will be the next generation of adult Christians in the pews. As Bishop John commented to me, strategically, schools ministry – which I had been in for 15 years before coming to St James’ – is crucially important. From experience I know that this ministry is often carried out in the face of indifference, ignorance and hostility to the concept of God and faith. The stark contrast between parish life and schools ministry can best be encapsulated in the fact that when people attend church at St James, they do so because they want to, but schools have compulsory chapel attendance and the pupils would sooner be somewhere else! I will be called upon to be an evangelist and a teacher, as well as a pastor and preacher. My departure from St James has come a few years earlier than I had originally anticipated. This is partly because of the rather difficult year I have experienced. Within my wider family there has been a great deal of serious illness, as well as tragic bereavement, and a move out of parish ministry will allow me to spend more time addressing these wider family issues, something which is of fundamental importance to me. It has not been easy finding time for seeing family with just the one day off during midweek. In addition, and for the first time in our 26 years of married life, the move will allow Penny and me to live in our own home together, nearer Penny’s family, albeit during school holidays. Looking forward, the bishops and the Archdeacon are very aware that St James has become one of the largest congregations in the Oxford diocese, and that it will be important to move swiftly to find a suitable person to lead St James into the next phase of its growth and development. To this end the Archdeacon has offered to come and meet with the churchwardens and the PCC in the near future. Although the process will take place independently of me, I want to re-assure everyone that I will do all that I can to ease the process. I care passionately about the future of St James’. All this means that I will not be going on sabbatical as planned, and so I will give my full energies to St James’ over the next 4! months. I have particular concerns for the pressure all this will bring for a number of people, especially for John Edwards as he takes the lead in our services, and the churchwardens as they carry the responsibility of administration and for finding my successor. I know they will get huge support from the congregation. When I arrived, Bishop Stephen said that I should aim to become dispensable! By that he meant that I should seek to build sound structures and strong teams that would survive in my absence, and I have worked hard to achieve this. St James’ is in very robust shape, and in incredibly capable hands, with people exercising their leadership and gifts throughout the whole of its life. I firmly believe that St James’ will go from strength to strength during the forthcoming vacancy and under new leadership. I know they will receive the same love and support that I have had during my time here, and for this, I thank God.

St James’ Church

Parish of Finchampstead

Deanery of Sonning

Diocese of Oxford The Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010. St James’ Church Church Office Manor House Church Lane Finchampstead Berkshire RG40 4LU Tel: 0118 973 0133 [email protected] Registered Charity (No 1130075)

CONTENTS 1. Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council (Trustees’ Report) Page 2 - 7 2. Independent Examiner’s Report Page 8 3. Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) Page 9 4. Balance Sheet Page 10 5. Notes to Financial Statements Page 11 - 16

St James’ Church Finchampstead Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2010

Charity Number: 1130075 Page: 2 21-Mar-11

1. Trustees’ Annual Report Administrative Information Finchampstead Parochial Church Council is the governing body for St. James’ Church, Finchampstead. The church is situated at Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 4LU and is in Sonning Deanery in the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England. The PCC’s principal bankers are CAF Bank Ltd. The independent examiner is Karen Symons FCA, Willow Corner, 7 Ackrells Mead, Little Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8JJ The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a registered charity. – no 1130075 and all its members (elected, ex officio and co-opted) are now Charity Trustees registered with the Charity Commission. Members of the PCC are generally either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Under the Synodical Government Amendment Measure 2003, the elected places come up for election on a three year cycle and members may stand for re-election. If anyone stands down early, a replacement fills the remainder of the three year term, to maintain the three year rotation. Three groups have been established, with those to replace members standing down early being decided by lot after the required total number have been elected. The three groups are now designated A, B & C below as follows: Group A - elected to APCM 2011. Group B - elected to APCM 2012 Group C - elected to APCM 2010 and 2013. Deanery Synod representatives are elected for 3 years (at present to 31/05/2011) and become ex officio members of the PCC. The Churchwardens are elected annually at the ‘Vestry Meeting’ preceding the APCM and, under the Churchwardens Measure 2001, may be re-elected up to a maximum of six consecutive years served. The churchwardens are admitted to office by the bishop between the APCM and 31st July each year but take up their place on PCC immediately after election. A retiring churchwarden continues in office until the successor is admitted to office. The Associate Priest is automatically part of the PCC. Licensed Lay Ministers may be part of the PCC but Dr Keith Atton does not wish to be so. During the year the following served as members of the PCC (Trustees):- Incumbent: Rev. Dr Richard Warden – (Chairman) to 31 July 10 then Vacancy Associate Priest: Rev. John Edwards (NSM) Churchwardens: Mrs Nicky Alder (served continuously since APCM 2008) Mr Ed Sampson (served continuously from APCM 2009) Representatives on the Deanery Synod: Mr. Paul Arscott (Licensed Lay Eucharistic Minister) Mrs Julia Arscott Mrs Carolyn Fox (PCC Secretary) Mrs Gill Myall to APCM 10 Mrs Julie Morley from APCM 10 Elected Member: Mrs. Sarah Booth (C) Mr. John Brain (B) Mrs Barbara Brice (C) Mrs. Mary Dewhurst (A) Mr. Maurice Driver (B) Mrs Rebecca Head (B) Mrs. Daphne Lucan-Wilson (C) to APCM 2010 Mr Jonathan Marshall (A) Mrs Kate Meads (A) Mrs. Julie Morley (C) to APCM 2010 Mrs. Gill Myall (C ) from APCM 10 Mr Richard Owen (A) Mr Richard Peat (B) (Lay Vice Chair)



Mr Andy Witting (Treasurer from 18/05/09 to 24/5/10) (C) to APCM 10 Mr Ian Woolston (C) from APCM 2010 Co-opted Member Mr Don Monk (to APCM 2010 & then from 24/05/10) Mr John Slingsby (from 24/5/10) (Treasurer from 24/5/10) Structure, governance and management The PCC is a corporate body formed under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended. The PCC makes all decisions corporately except that the Standing Committee has delegated powers to make decisions between PCC meetings subject to keeping the PCC informed as fully as necessary. The practical work of the PCC is largely devolved to committees and working groups which report back regularly and bring recommendations for decision to the PCC: (Church Conservation Working Group; Communications, IT and Publicity committee; Conservation Appeal Group; Outreach and Discipleship committee; Fabric & Property; Finance & Stewardship; Good Practice Advisory Group, Worship & Liturgy; Mission & Charity; Pastoral; Social & Fundraising.) The PCC is responsible for all parish finance, including the appointment of a treasurer, and is required to ensure that the financial statements are examined by an independent examiner prior to presentation to the APCM. Objectives and activities Finchampstead PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Dr Richard Warden until summer 2010, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical and for maintaining this work during the interregnum. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the Church, Churchyard, Manor House Flats, Church Centre, Hall and associated grounds and 43, McCarthy Way. The mission statement is ‘Given that God comes first in everything, make ourselves and others better disciples of Christ’. The PCC has, when planning activities, considered the Charity Commissioner’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. A key feature of the charity registration was the benefits that St James' provides to the members of the local and wider community. These include: ! A focus for the Christian spiritual life of the local community. ! The provision of religious services throughout the Christian calendar and on key occasions in the nation's life. These are supplemented by Baptisms, Marriage services, Funeral services and Burials. Such services of the established Church of England are open to everyone. ! A sacred place of tranquillity, peace or solitude for spiritual refreshment or personal meditation. ! Pastoral care for those not able to visit St James'. ! An enhanced venue for the provision of music and concerts, both religious and secular. ! Complementary venues for Church related clubs and activities as well as private functions. ! Support to the village school, and other non-denominational schools within the local area. ! A local 'Living Museum' preserving local history for local people and those beyond. ! Physical access for both the able and the disabled. The parish aims to give 10% of its unrestricted income each year to other organisations involved in mission in the UK and overseas or involved in humanitarian relief and development work. Charity Trustee Induction and Training The previous process was, pre-election, to remind candidates in the APCM Information Pack that they would be required to “take the role of Charity Trustee seriously” and to highlight in the nomination sheets that they should not be “disqualified from being a Charity Trustee.” The implications of the role of Charity Trustee were not then explained more fully until those elected were asked to sign the registration forms. The process has now been considerably strengthened and, pre-election, a full page paper setting out 7 Primary Responsibilities of Charity Trustees has been added to the 2011 APCM Information Pack with additional reference to the Charity Commission publication ‘The Essential



Trustee: What you need to know.’ The nomination sheets all remind candidates that they will become Charity Trustees and refer them to this ‘Legal Responsibilities’ paper. Further induction and training will continue to be given when registration forms are completed for new PCC members. Achievements and performance Church attendance The Church Electoral Roll revised for the 2010 APCM saw an increase of numbers to 397 parishioners (2009, 376). The average weekly Sunday attendance, counted during October 2010, was 225 (2009, 248). A further 207, mainly children, attended midweek school and Fledgelings harvest services in early October. The number increased at festivals (Easter Day 2010, 505 (2009, 463)); Christmas Day 2010 attendance was 204 after many had attended the Wellington College Chapel midnight service and 648 attended the one Christingle service on Christmas Eve which we held at Wellington College Chapel. The short 9.30am Family Services twice monthly are lively and well attended and continue to be a particular growth area within the church community. A service for the local Church of England Primary school is held each half term, either in the church or the school. During the year there were 37 baptisms, 4 weddings and 7 funerals, of which 3 were followed by burials in the churchyard. A further 9 interments of ashes took place in the churchyard during the year. Risk Management The PCC recognises its responsibility to assess and manage the various risks to which it is exposed: a) Financial The Financial Management software enables the Treasurer to make regular reports to the PCC and to track and analyse trends much more effectively. The PCC asks the Finance & Stewardship Committee to assess the income/expenditure situation and takes appropriate action to ensure its financial stability regularly. Control is maintained over cash receipts and cheques over £1000 drawn on the CAFcash account require two signatures from a short designated list. All payments via online banking require to be authorized by a ‘second signatory’. 2010 saw the introduction of increased recording of invoices received and paid in order that there is a full audit trail from receiving the invoice to being able to identify where the invoice is posted in the accounts. All financial data on computer is backed up regularly so that records can be recreated if necessary. Fund balances are in good interest bearing accounts mainly with the Diocese and CAF. b) Reputational The PCC and its committees oversee all activities that impact on the local population as appropriate. c) Statutory The PCC and Church members in general have a wide range of expertise that is called upon to ensure that the PCC complies with its legal and statutory duties. One PCC member updates Charity Trustee details with the Charity Commission and submits accounts and reports. The Health and Safety advisor, Ian Clements of Quadriga Ltd, appointed in March 05, ended his contract in April 2010 and on 20 September 2010 a new contract was signed with Flemming Westphalen of qsuk ltd to supply Health & Safety advice. He is currently reviewing the PCC’s documents and processes in order to give up to date advice. In line with the Licensing Of Premises Act, the Church Centre has an Entertainment Licence. Fire Protection advice has been given by RES, resulting in a review and renewal of fire protection devices to meet statutory guidelines. A Data Protection Officer has been appointed. d) Operational The PCC takes responsibility for maintaining the fabric of our building, particularly this year through the completion of a major conservation project. Trustee Indemnity Insurance is in place for PCC members. Our Insurance policies with Ecclesiastical Insurance are reviewed annually, thanks to the expertise of Peter McBrien. Contractors on Church premises are asked to sign up to a code of conduct, ‘Guidelines for the Safety of Contractors on Church Premises’(copy in Church Office)and a Policy and Principles document for the safety of volunteers working on the premises is being reviewed by the new Health & Safety Advisor. Its contents had been shared with the Tuesday Working Party. The PCC has a Serious Incident Reporting Procedure for use by its groups (copy in Church Office). The Pastoral Team now has a Pastoral Care Guidelines document. Non-PCC members with access to parish records now sign a confidentiality statement.



Review of the Year General In 2010 the full PCC met 9 times, three times as extra meetings to transact a particular item of business (purchase of photocopier, preparation for joint PCC meeting with St Mary & St John and review of the Parish Profile). The average attendance over the 9 meetings was very good. The PCC met with the Archdeacon in July to be advised about the coming interregnum, the implications of the Deanery Mission Plan and the processes leading to the appointment of a Rector/Rector Designate and an Associate Priest. A joint PCC Away Day with St Mary & St John’s PCC in September began the process of formulating a joint vision for the two parishes. The Standing Committee met 6 times, once for an ‘Away Morning’ on Leadership & Management, and their minutes were distributed to the whole PCC. The PCC committees/teams (Social & Fundraising; Fabric & Property; Finance & Stewardship; Mission & Charity; Communications, IT & Publicity; Pastoral; Worship & Liturgy; Outreach & Discipleship) met regularly during the year and submitted written reports to each full PCC meeting. These were discussed where necessary, particularly where a decision was required. The Conservation Working Group also reported to PCC. The Conservation Appeal Group and Good Practice Advisory Group are held in abeyance pending being asked by PCC to undertake tasks. Major items for 2010 The early part of the year was focused on arrangements for taking back the church building from the contractors following the conservation work, including ordering new hymn books with a bigger range of hymns and purchasing a clavinova to provide more musical styles. In March the Bishop of Oxford re-dedicated the church building at a service largely for the church community. In July a civic service with the Bishop of Reading started a ‘Festival Week and Flower Festival’ to invite in the local community, particularly those who had contributed to the Conservation Fund, to see the refurbished building. Rev Richard Warden who had announced at the APCM that he was to leave the parish was given a fitting ‘send-off’ in July. The 2010 Deanery Mission Plan, agreed in the early part of the year, proposed re-uniting St James’ parish with St Mary & St John. The process of finding a replacement incumbent and associate priest therefore involves both PCCs working together. A joint team was set up to produce a Parish Profile by the end of the year to enable the advertising process to begin. The PCC appointed two Parish Representatives and resolved not to pursue Resolutions A & B (On women priests). A Friends of St James scheme was agreed by PCC and launched during Festival Week. The decision at the end of 2009 to give the majority of our mission giving to support four charities for three years and engage the congregation with these charities has resulted in several speakers bringing news to the congregation and a congregational vote to choose a Church Urban Fund project to support. The PCC has contributed to the consultation on the Arborfield Housing Plan and offered to work with the Council on the provision of church facilities at present lacking. The parish sponsorship of five children’s education in Kimberley, South Africa is on a good financial footing with oversight of the funds by the Kimberley Diocese. However to strengthen the personal link with St Matthew’s Kimberley the PCC has agreed to send two people to visit in 2011. The Planned Giving Campaign in the autumn was biblically based and during the year there has been a focus on Prayer with a Quiet Day and setting up of a Parents’ Prayer Group at the Church School.

Financial Review 1 Summary of results for the year 1.1 Total incoming resources during 2010 were £208,100 (2009: £224,871), the drop is represented by a reduction in the restricted funds. The financial year 2010 saw a drop off in the conservation income which accounted for a majority of the difference from 2009 (£62,953) v 2010 (£24,507). The increase in unrestricted funds, 2010 (£183,591) v 2009 (£161,918), was principally as a result of the continued efforts to convert planned giving from envelopes to standing orders together with a further increase in the value of donations where we are able to re-claim the Gift Aid which lead to a £3,335 increase in the value of Income Tax claimed over the year. The middle of the year also saw us able to offer wedding and funeral services again following the conservation work on the church and this generated additional income over the 2009 figures. 1.2 Total expenditure in 2010 was £471,307 (2009: £449,226), a majority of the 2010 expenditure continued to be from the conservation project (2010: £288,175) and represents over 50% of the total conservation expenditure. The unrestricted expenditure during the year was £8,083 higher than 2009, mainly from the increase in the parish share (+£2,500) along with increases in the running costs of the



church centre which included the cost of a new PC that was too immaterial to capitalise. Staff costs were higher during the year as there was an overlap in salary costs for the parish administrator role and the Director of Music was also awarded an increase of 5% during the year. Our church groups have generated the same level of income as previous years but have done so while incurring lower costs. 1.3 Unrestricted funds as at the year ending 31st December were £867,754 (2009: £847,335), this increase was mainly driven by the revaluation of the PCC Equity Investment (£33,000 gain) and the revaluation of 43 McCarthy Way (£23,000 gain). The overall gain in investments was mainly offset by the transfer from PCC General funds to the conservation fund for reasons covered in section 1.4 of this Finance report. Income from the investment properties continued to supplement the planned giving from our generous congregation but there is an immediate need to allocate funds to reinvest into the investment properties. To this end the PCC agreed that two designated funds are established to recognise and allow the Fabric & Property committee a fund from which they can draw down for their maintenance program and list of key priorities. During 2010 one of our tenants has fallen behind with their rental payments, we have not recognised any provision for this in the accounts. Dividend income in the year was £2,500 higher than the previous year. 1.4 The tail end of our Conservation project warrants separate disclosure in this report as there are still some challenges that exist before the project is fully completed. Following the handing over of the site from Farr & Roberts the PCC made a claim to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPW) for the recovery of VAT on “Repair” work that fell within the project. The claim that was submitted to LPW was for £23,422 and is still subject to review due to a backlog of processing at the administrators of the LPW grant scheme. The final cost of the project has been recognised in the accounts with the inclusion of the 2.5% retention that is due for payment at the end of March, this accrual for retention cost is £10,624 (incl VAT). Due to the nature of the project and the complex work involved in certain areas the conservation project was in a deficit position of £58,982 (including the retention but excluding the VAT reclaim from LPW) as at 31st December. The PCC have decided that the deficit will be reduced by allocating social funds from future events, including net income generated from the Summer Fete. A transfer of funds from General PCC Funds to Conservation took place on 31st December, meaning the conservation fund is shown at a small surplus in the year end accounts. The intention is to reverse this transfer as further conservation income is received. 1.5 In summary the income position has developed well over the year and the expenses have been kept under control. The additional costs on the conservation project represent a challenge and it is important to finalise the VAT position. The series of Sermons on Christian Giving during October have generated an uplift in Income in the tail end of 2010 and the start of 2011. 2 Organisation 2.1 Treasury Team – Thanks are extended to the Treasury Team who have continued to work hard during the 2010 financial year. The final stages of the conservation project led to additional work and often difficult bookings within the accounts yet these were managed well. A new system was implemented during the year that made it easier to trace invoices through the system, this has reduced queries and enabled the Treasury Team to understand the monthly financial postings. Special thanks are due to Keith Hunt, Debbie Watthey and Marion Row who continue to support the Treasurer in his duties. 2.2 Finance & Stewardship Committee (F&S) – The Committee continued to meet regularly during the year. Financial responsibility is designated from the PCC to the F&S committee and the committee continues to be active in all aspects of church life. Thanks go to all members of the F&S committee who work hard during the year to provide input into the key financial decisions in respect of our Church. Special thanks should be extended to Robert Alder, our Giving and Gift Aid co-ordinator, who continues to identify opportunities for planned giving in the church and whose hard work has seen a growth in Income over the year. 3 Processes 3.1 Donation Processes - Robert Alder deserves much credit for the way in which he has run the whole of our Gift Aid & Giving system. Together with Rev. John Edwards, Robert has encouraged members of the congregation to move to direct donations through standing order which has reduced the amount of administrative work required in relation to the counting and banking of cash and cheques. The principal routes for planned giving are:- • Standing Order direct to the CAF Bank account for Church and Parish general funds;



• Purple Envelopes for regular Giving to Church and Parish general funds; • White Envelopes for general ad hoc donations to Church and Parish general funds;

Automation of the donation & giving processes has given us the ability to make more regular gift aid claims from HMRC, with associated cash flow benefits. A series of sermons were used in late 2010 to communicate the financial challenges at St James, and this has seen good early results from our congregation. 3.2 CAF Banking / CCLA - Improvements made in 2009 have meant that banking arrangements have remained largely unchanged in 2010 with ever increasing movement away from the use of cheques to online payment origination to suppliers and for salary and expenses payments. Online banking, through CAF Bank’s secure website remains a key element of our day-to-day treasury activities. We can view and download information about all CAF Bank accounts, view statements, set up ad hoc and regular payments. This has also contributed to our ability to produce timely month end financial accounts. 3.3 Reserves Policy An appropriate Reserves Policy is at present under consideration. 4 Outlook to 2011 4.1 Parish Share – The parish has been advised that the Parish Share for 2011 has increased above inflation (+6.58%), taking our overall contribution to the Diocese from £81k to £85k. This is a significant challenge to manage during 2011. The higher Parish Share, in addition to the VAT increase mean the cost base of the Parish has increased significantly before any additional costs are incurred from the ever expanding work of our Church. 4.2 Manor House works – The F&P committee have effected some minor works during 2010 which are aimed at reducing the work list on the Manor House and the investment properties. There remain some challenges in identifying the key aspects of work that need to be completed and the F&S committee continues to work closely with the F&P committee to ensure that cash is available for the highest priority elements of work. The two designated funds that have been set aside for F&P works will help the F&P committee to plan the work that can be conducted in 2011. 4.3 VAT Claim & conservation – As previously discussed the LPW VAT claim has not yet been finalised. There are likely to be further queries from the scheme’s administrators. There remains a risk that the PCC do not receive the full value of the original claim. At the moment any reduction in the claim value would increase the deficit on the Conservation Fund. 4.4 Merger of the parishes – During 2011 the formal process of merging the parishes of St James’ and St Mary and St John will continue. There are likely to be financial implications as the two parishes merge and these will require close co-ordination with representatives from St Mary and St John. Special Thanks Thank you to all who support the work of the parish with their time, talents and money. Every gift however large or small is very much appreciated. The PCC is particularly thankful to all those who contribute to the running of the church community here at St James’ week by week, either with individual responsibilities or as part of a group, team or committee. An amazing amount of time and talent is gifted to the church regularly, supporting church services, organizing social events, administration, pastoral care, practical skills etc. The PCC wishes to thank everyone who contributes in these many ways.

Signed on behalf of the PCC Richard Peat Vice Chairman



2. EXAMINER’S REPORT

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2010

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the PCC of St. James’ Finchampstead This report on the Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2010, which are set out on pages 9 to 16, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ('the Regulations') and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 ('the Act'). Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those Financial Statements in accordance with the terms of Regulations. Basis of this report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the Financial Statements with those records. It also includes considering 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Financial Statements. 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 41 of the Act; and • to prepare Financial Statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply

with the accounting 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 Financial Statements to be reached.

Mrs. K. Symons, FCA, Willow Corner 7, Ackrells Mead, Little Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 8JJ

Finchampstead Parochial Church Council of St. James' Church, FinchampsteadSOFA - Statement of Financial ActivitiesFor Year Ending 31st December 2010Page 9

Note Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds Total 2010 2009

INCOMING RESOURCESVoluntary Income 1(b) & 2(a) 107,232£ 10,957£ 118,190£ 133,023£ Activities for Generating Funds 1(b) & 2(b) 33,391£ 2,323£ 35,714£ 37,991£ Receipts from Church activities 2(c) 15,442£ -£ 15,442£ 14,100£ Income from Investments 1(b) & 2(d) 27,527£ 1,814£ 29,341£ 28,716£ Other Incoming Resources 2(e) -£ 9,413£ 9,413£ 11,041£ TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 183,592£ 24,508£ 208,100£ 224,871£

RESOURCES EXPENDEDMissionary and charitable giving 1(c) & 3(a) 8,974£ -£ 8,974£ 12,406£ Ministry - The Work of the Church 1(c),3(b) & 4(a) 134,177£ -£ 134,177£ 127,151£ Church Conservation and Organ Restoration 3(c) 202£ 288,175£ 288,377£ 272,909£ Church Centre and Grounds 3(d) 20,703£ 80£ 20,783£ 18,514£ Manor House Flats 3(f) 5,707£ -£ 5,707£ 6,041£ Fund-raising and Donation costs 3(g) 1,031£ 823£ 1,854£ 1,109£ Churchyard Trust (Helen Taylor) 3(e) -£ 10,896£ 10,896£ 10,060£ Investment Costs 3(h) 540£ -£ 540£ 1,037£ TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 171,334£ 299,973£ 471,307£ 449,226£

12,258£ 275,465-£ 263,207-£ 224,355-£

Transfer of Funds 8(b) 59,768-£ 59,768£ -£ -Gains/(losses) on investment assets

Capitalisation of assets -£ -£ -£ -On revaluation 5(b) 67,929£ 9,361£ 77,290£ 46,106£ On disposal of investments -£ -£ -£

NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 20,419£ 206,336-£ 185,917-£ 178,249-£

BALANCES B/FWD 1ST JANUARY 2010 847,335£ 479,468£ 1,326,803£ 1,505,052£

BALANCES C/FWD 31 DECEMBER 2010 867,754£ 273,132£ 1,140,886£ 1,326,803£

NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES

Finchampstead Parochial Church Council of St. James' Church, FinchampsteadBalance sheet at 31st December 2010

Page 10Note 2010 2009

FIXED ASSETSTangible 1(d) & 5(a) 183,638£ 180,570£ Investments 1(e) & 5(b) 863,545£ 798,255£

1,047,183£ 978,826£

CURRENT ASSETSGift Aid Tax Recoverable 6 6,611£ 4,617£ Debtors 6 3,331£ 3,523£ Cash at Bank and in Hand 106,736£ 352,864£

116,678£ 361,004£

Creditors - amounts falling due in one year 7 22,975£ 13,026£

NET CURRENT ASSETS / (LIABILITIES) 93,703£ 347,978£

Total assets less current liabilities 1,140,886£ 1,326,803£

TOTAL NET ASSETS 1,140,886£ 1,326,803£

PARISH FUNDSUnrestricted 8 867,754£ 847,335£ Restricted 8 273,132£ 479,468£

1,140,886£ 1,326,803£

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21st March 2011 and signed on its behalf by: Richard Peat (Vice Chairman of the PCC)

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts

Page 111 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(b) Incoming Resources

Other Ordinary Income

Gains and losses on investments

Intangible Income

(c) Resources used

During the year the PCC undertakes work / projects that will be funded out of Restricted or Unrestricted funds. From time to time it is necessary to transfer funds from Unrestricted PCC General Funds to restricted funds to make provision for any projected overspend. A full analysis of fund movements is available in Note 8. Restricted funds are always used for the purpose identifid at the formation

Funds raised by the Fete / Patronal Festival are accounted for gross as are Funds raised by other social events.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.(a) Funds

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

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.

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Notes to the Financial Statement for the Year ended 31 December 2010Finchampstead Parochial Church Council

Other freehold land and buildings held primarily or exclusively for charity use are included at the cost of acquisition or, where such cost is not available, at the estimated value at the time of acquisition. Such assets are not depreciated (on grounds of materiality) but they are subject to an annual impairment review.

Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Dividends are accounted when due & payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as an accrual. Interest on endowment funds are shared appropriately.

Sales of goods and books are accounted for gross.

Voluntary Income and capital sources

Income from Investments

Rental income from the letting of church properties is recognised when the rental is due. No bad debt write-off / provision is recognised until formal proceedings are started

The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when paid.

Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

The Church School was purchased in 1925 and is held under trusts ‘for ecclesiastical purposes in Finchampstead Parish’. Under the terms of the conveyance of the property the Custodian Trustees are Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Limited and the Administrative Trustees are the PCC. The PCC’s interest is included at the cost of original acquisition.

The Manor House; Centre, flats & grounds were given for ‘ecclesiastical purposes’. The Custodian Trustees are the DTOL and the Administrative Trustees and part of the property is let with income treated as tangible fixed assets. The PCC has a formal interest in the property and bears the cost of all repair & maintenance.

The Church, its furniture and fittings, and the churchyard are not included in the Balance Sheet.

(d) Tangible Fixed Assets

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.

The PCC receives substantial practical assistance from individual Church members, but the financial value is mainly unquantifiable and no attempt is made to reflect this in these accounts

Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid is recognised when the income is recognised.

(f) Transfer of Funds

Equipment used within the church premises is written off as expenditure in the SOFA. Office equipment is depreciated over 4 years and the handbells over 5 years

Depreciation is not provided on Land / Buildings.

The PCC considers that the market value of its interests in land and buildings is likely to be considerably in excess of their carrying value & considers it not practicable to quantify the difference in view of the nature of the properties, that any attempt at such quantification would not assist users of the Accounts.

Investments are valued at Market Value. Investment Freehold property has been valued by the Treasurer as an estimate of the current market value.

(e) Investments

Finchampstead Parochial Church Council of St. James' Church, FinchampsteadNotes to Financial StatementsFor Year Ending 31st December 2010

Page 12

2. INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds Total 2010 Total 2009

2(a) Voluntary IncomeGift Aid donations 68,456£ 4,783£ 73,238£ 67,466£ Tax Recoverable 19,295£ 1,563£ 20,857£ 19,201£ Collections 7,617£ 4,612£ 12,229£ 36,576£ Bequests, Grants and Donations 11,865£ -£ 11,865£ 9,780£

107,232£ 10,957£ 118,190£ 133,023£

2(b) Activities for generating fundsPatronal Festival/Fete -£ 2,323£ 2,323£ 5,283£ Other Social Events 2,591£ -£ 2,591£ 1,321£ Manor House Flats - rental income 30,799£ -£ 30,799£ 31,387£

33,391£ 2,323£ 35,714£ 37,991£

2(c) Receipts from Church activitiesChurch Groups 4,397£ -£ 4,397£ 4,863£ Service Fees - Weddings & Funerals 8,997£ -£ 8,997£ 6,532£ Donations for Church hall 2,048£ -£ 2,048£ 2,705£

15,442£ -£ 15,442£ 14,100£

2(d) Income from investmentsBank Interest 381£ -£ 381£ 2,232£ CBF Investment - Dividends 15,446£ 1,814£ 17,260£ 14,783£ Rental Income - McCarthy Way 11,700£ -£ 11,700£ 11,700£

27,527£ 1,814£ 29,341£ 28,716£

2(e) Other incoming resourcesChurchyard Trust (Helen Taylor) -£ 8,395£ 8,395£ 8,048£ SMK - St Matthews Kimberley -£ 1,019£ 1,019£ 2,993£

-£ 9,413£ 9,413£ 11,041£

Total Incoming resources 183,592£ 24,508£ 208,100£ 224,871£


Page 13

3. RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds


Church Activities3(a) Missionary and charitable giving

Overseas 1,500£ -£ 1,500£ 2,300£ Home 7,474£ 7,474£ 4,600£ St Matthew's - Kimberley -£ -£ -£ 5,506£

8,974£ -£ 8,974£ 12,406£

3(b) Ministry - The Work of the ChurchParish Share 80,182£ 80,182£ 77,608£ Priest-In-Charge Expenses 832£ 832£ 1,723£ Associate-Priest Expenses 1,243£ 1,243£ 1,212£ Church Services 6,375£ 6,375£ 6,071£ Church Groups 4,907£ 4,907£ 7,081£ Church running and maintenance 6,805£ 6,805£ 4,574£ Parish administration costs 6,600£ 6,600£ 5,203£ Independent Examiner 1,838£ 1,838£ 1,725£ Staff Costs & Professional Fees 17,244£ 17,244£ 14,795£ Diocesan (Clergy Duty) Fees - Weddings & Funerals 1,316£ 1,316£ 1,116£ Church Insurance 2,744£ 2,744£ 2,834£ Equipment Depreciation 4,091£ 4,091£ 3,210£ Bank Charges -£ -£ -£

134,177£ -£ 134,177£ 127,151£

3(c) Church Conservation and Organ RestorationConsultants & Contractor Fees -£ 283,140£ 283,140£ 272,909£ Organ restoration 202£ 5,035£ 5,237£ -£

202£ 288,175£ 288,377£ 272,909£

3(d) Church Centre and GroundsRepairs and Maintenance 8,989£ -£ 8,989£ 9,369£ Utilities 6,348£ -£ 6,348£ 2,169£ Ground Maintenance 2,380£ 80£ 2,460£ 4,756£ Manor House - Insurance 2,154£ -£ 2,154£ 2,180£ Equipment -£ -£ -£ -£ Other 832£ -£ 832£ 40£

20,703£ 80£ 20,783£ 18,514£

3(e) Churchyard Trust (Helen Taylor)Churchyard Maintenance -£ 9,936£ 9,936£ 7,830£ Stationery and Supplies -£ -£ -£ 37£ Printing -£ -£ -£ -£ Social Events -£ -£ -£ -£ Sundry -£ -£ -£ -£ Repairs and Maintenance -£ 960£ 960£ 2,193£

-£ 10,896£ 10,896£ 10,060£


Page 14

Resources Expended (continued) Unrestricted Funds


Activities for generating funds3(f) Manor House Flats

Repairs and Maintenance 845£ -£ 845£ 1,152£ Management Fees 2,905£ -£ 2,905£ 2,940£ Ground Maintenance -£ -£ -£ 58£ Manor House Flats - Insurance 1,957£ -£ 1,957£ 1,892£ Other -£ -£ -£ -£

5,707£ -£ 5,707£ 6,041£

3(g) Fund-raising and Donation costsPatronal Festival -£ 823£ 823£ -£ Fete -£ -£ -£ 163£ Other Social Events 71£ -£ 71£ 404£ Gift aid and Donation costs 960£ -£ 960£ 542£

1,031£ 823£ 1,854£ 1,109£

3(h) Investment CostsManagement costs 538£ -£ 538£ 1,037£ Investment charges 3£ -£ 3£ -£

540£ -£ 540£ 1,037£

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 171,334£ 299,973£ 471,307£ 449,226£

4. (a) STAFF COSTS2010 2009

Parish Office - Staff Costs 9,354£ 7,416£ Director of Music - Professional Fees: -£ Employer's National Insurance 261£ 177£

9,615£ 7,593£

Parish Office Staff Costs includes the cost of 1 part time employeeThe PCC pays a retainer to the Director of Music, this amount is not included in the above note as the Director of Music is not an employee of the PCC

(b) PAYMENTS to PCC MEMBERSThere were no payments made to PCC members other than costs incurred by them as part of the general costs related to running the PCC. All payments made were receipted and approved via the PCC expenses policy


Page 15

5. FIXED ASSETS Freehold land and buildings

Church and PCC Equipment

Total 2010 Tangible

(a) Tangible

ACTUAL / DEEMED COST At 1st January 2010 170,400£ 31,941£ 202,341£ Disposal -£ -£ -£ Additions at cost -£ 7,159£ 7,159£ At 31st December 2010 170,400£ 39,100£ 209,500£

DEPRECIATION At 1st January 2010 -£ 21,771£ 21,771£ Withdrawn on disposal -£ -£ -£ Charge for the year -£ 4,091£ 4,091£ At 31st December 2010 -£ 25,862£ 25,862£

Net Book Value at 31 December 2009 170,400£ 13,238£ 183,638£

(b) Investments PCC Trust Property

PCC Equity Investments H.T. Trust Equity H.T. Trust

DepositTotal 2010

InvestmentsTotal 2010 Fixed

Assets

Market value at 1st January 2010 £ 227,153 £ 317,964 £ 130,139 £ 123,000 £ 798,255 Tangible Purchases at cost £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - plus Disposal at carrying value £ - £ - £ - -£ 12,000 -£ 12,000 Investments surplus on revaluation £ 22,847 £ 45,082 £ 9,361 £ - £ 77,290 loss on disposal £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - Market value at 31 December 2010 £ 250,000 £ 363,046 £ 139,500 £ 111,000 £ 863,545 £ 1,047,183

2010 2009Unrestricted funds 796,684£ 725,687£ Restricted funds 250,500£ 253,139£

1,047,183£ 978,826£ The equity investments are in the CBF Church of England UK Equity fund.

6. DEBTORS 2010 2009

Gift Aid recoverable 6,611£ 4,617£ Prepayments and accrued interest 3,331£ 3,523£

9,942£ 8,140£ 7. LIABILITIES

Accruals for costs 22,975£ 13,026£ 22,975£ 13,026£

(all unrestricted)


Page 168. FUND MOVEMENTS

PCC Funds St Matt's Kimberley

Manor House Maintenance

Inv Prop Maintenance Fledgelings LongTerm

Investments - - Total PCC Funds

Balance at 1January 2010 297,999£ 4,000£ -£ -£ 220£ 545,116£ -£ -£ 847,335£ 2010 Incoming resources 183,034£ -£ -£ -£ 557£ -£ -£ -£ 183,592£ 2010 Resources expended 170,959£ -£ -£ -£ 374£ -£ -£ -£ 171,334£ Transfer of Funds 77,768-£ -£ 10,000£ 8,000£ -£ -£ -£ -£ 59,768-£ Investment gains/(losses) -£ -£ -£ -£ -£ 67,929£ -£ -£ 67,929£

Balance at 31 December 2010 232,306£ 4,000£ 10,000£ 8,000£ 403£ 613,045£ -£ -£ 867,754£

Restricted Funds Helen Taylor St Matt's Kimberley

Church Conservation

Church Fabric Furnishings

Other Restricted Funds - - - Total Restricted

FundsBalance at 1 January 2010 260,633£ 6,714£ 174,288£ 28,000£ 9,835£ -£ -£ -£ 479,469£ 2010 Incoming resources 10,209£ 1,019£ 13,280£ -£ -£ -£ -£ -£ 24,508£ 2010 Resources expended 10,896£ -£ 288,998£ -£ 80£ -£ -£ -£ 299,973£ Transfer of Funds 12,505-£ -£ 103,715£ 28,000-£ 3,442-£ -£ -£ -£ 59,768£ Investment gains 9,361£ -£ -£ -£ -£ -£ -£ -£ 9,361£

Balance at 31 December 2010 256,802£ 7,732£ 2,285£ -£ 6,313£ -£ -£ -£ 273,132£

Total Funds 1,140,886£

(8.a.) Total unrestricted funds at the end of 2010 were £867,753. During the year the PCC set up two new designated funds to allow investment in the properties held for income generation purposesand secondly to make a provision for work that is needed on the Manor House, both funds were funding from PCC General Funds. During the year the Helen Taylor trust transferred £12,505 to the conservation project to pay for work to the pathways, gates and churchyard boundaries.

(8.b.) The conservation project was completed during March 2010 but further invoices continue to be received up until the final retention becomes due in March 2011. During the year there were several transfers into the conservation fund, namely; transfer from PCC funds to finalise work on the project, the use of £26,500 from Church Fabric and Furnishings for elements of the conservation work, a final transfer from the organ fund for the cost of works to the organ

(8.c.) Other restricted funds is represented by; Memorial Garden (£679.84), Organ Restoration (2,693.99), Bell Restoration (860.28) and Church Hall Curtains (£2079.43)

(8.d.) The conservation project was completed during the year but shows an overall deficit while awaiting the outcome of the Listed Place of Worship Grant Application (LPW), which allows for the refunding of VAT on certain repair works carried out during the conservation. For the purposes of these accounts a transfer is made from PCC funds to the conservation project to reflect a small surplus position. During December a final claim was made to the LPW scheme which had a value of £23,422.68, due to the contingent nature of this claim it is not recognised in the annual accounts as accrued income

9. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS

by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2010 Total 2009

Tangible fixed assets 180,944£ 2,694£ 183,638£ 180,570£ Investments fixed assets 613,046£ 250,500£ 863,545£ 798,255£ Current Assets

Debtors 9,592£ 350£ 9,942£ 8,140£ Bank Accounts 76,522£ 30,214£ 106,736£ 352,864£

LiabilitiesAmounts falling due in one year 12,350-£ 10,625-£ 22,975-£ 13,026-£ Amounts falling due after one year

867,754£ 273,132£ 1,140,886£ 1,326,803£

PCC Designated FundsPCC

Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

St James Church Finchampstead For Year Ending December 2010

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 Overview

The security and long term maintenance of all our Fabric, our Goods and our Ornaments is an important ongoing task for the Church. The Church of England oversees this by requiring each Church to produce a FGO Report and also by requiring the Area Dean, on behalf of the Diocese, to undertake an annual inspection where the Churchwardens are mandated to provide documented evidence of all properties and assets together with all the key Church and service registers, logs and various statistics, insurance certificates, etc. to show that St James’ Church is being run efficiently and effectively from year to year.

This FGO statutory report is required to be presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which provides details of the basic fabric of the Church building, and of any significant additions, disposals or other changes during the year. It should be read together with the reports of the Fabric and Property Committee and the Conservation Working Group.

The Churchwardens are mandated to keep the Church and its contents under regular review and there is an item by item annual audit carried out. Two formal pre-structured ‘Green Folders’ are now issued by the Diocese and are regularly maintained;

• CHURCH PROPERTY REGISTER – This contains a complete ‘Terrier and Inventory’ of all Church property, which includes both, buildings, fixtures and fittings entrusted by the PCC and within the Church campus.

• THE CHURCH LOG BOOK - This contains a comprehensive ‘Log & Record’ of all alterations, additions, removals, and repairs to fabric, fixtures & fittings of both the Church and the Churchyard.

The Conservation Project

2010 has been particularly busy in the maintenance of the Terrier & Inventory with many of the fixtures & fittings having been removed from the Church, carefully listed, packed and stored and subsequently returned to their related locations after the project was completed. The ‘old’ pews were finally sold to local members of the congregation and residents and only a small number remain in storage.

The Conservation Project is now complete and we are coming to the end of the retention period for the identification of any ‘snags’ to the contractors work. In this regard the work undertaken by Farr & Roberts was of such a good standard that only a minimal level of snags are being experienced.

The church building was finally re-dedicated by the Bishop of Oxford in March 2010 and by the Bishop of Reading with a ‘civil’ service in July 2010.

The final project included; relaying of the red & black aisle tiles, laying new floorboards, removal and re-plastering of all loose wall plaster, re-wiring of all the electrical power and lighting circuits, installation of new heating and lighting and AV system to extend the sound and vision to the North Aisle congregation, the Ringing Chamber and also ducted over to the Manor House. This enabled us to install 4x integrated CCTV cameras streaming a video recording directly to the AV system improving our security capability. Conservationists carefully cleaned much of the worst stonework and new ‘Portland’ flagstones were laid in the Sanctuary area. New pews and chairs were included and new cabinet joinery work encloses the electrical equipment and provides new storage for Altar frontals.

Much unplanned work also took place concerned with:

• the North Aisle ceiling which in the end required to be totally removed and new lathe & hair-plaster ceiling created together with completely new external roof battens and re-tiling of the roof with the added protection of roofing felt.

• the re-pointing of the Tower, especially the upper levels and weather courses which had been on Quinquennial reports for some time, which was a golden opportunity to do this whilst all the scaffolding was on site.

(Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report 2011, continued)

• the 15th century east window stonework was also repaired by the conservationists and now only requires some minor work to a few small glass panels.

• the conservationists also restored both the prayer boards in the Vestry and the 1660 Royal Hatchment newly placed on the wall of the North Aisle.

New pews and chairs were added at this time and new cupboards were built to encase electrical equipment, provide storage for our altar frontals in the North Aisle and beautifully built robe cupboards in the Vestry.

We took advantage during the project to install an additional fire alert/alarm system which is now connected directly to the emergency on-line services desk via the control panel in the Manor House This work was undertaken by RES our current fire services contractors.

Outside the Church, we acknowledge the contribution from the Churchyard Trust who provided the funding for the new, but re-cycled York Stone pathways and the renovation of the main gate to the car park.

Churchyard Monuments

The Fabric & Property Committee has developed an ongoing plan which is reviewed at the F & P meetings. General maintenance of grass and hedges are undertaken regularly both in the Manor House grounds and the Churchyard and the memorials and monuments are surveyed from time to time to ensure that they don’t become a health hazard. Cleaning and tidying of the memorials is a time-consuming task but we are gradually improving the condition of those which are suffering from overgrown flora, ivies and lichens, etc.

Many thanks go to the Churchyard Trust members who have diligently raised funds for the maintenance work to the Churchyard and its gates & fences and funding the regular grass cutting contracts. The churchyard is visited regularly by both local and past residents and it is a very important part of the role of the Church at this time. The space for burials is getting very short but the interment of Ashes adjacent to the southern boundary wall has proved to be a successful location.

Local Crime

Over past months there has been a spate of break-ins associated with many Churches in surrounding Parishes. The reasons for the break-ins seem to have been variously looking for re-sellable valuables and other items and some of course seeking roofing lead, etc. The break-in here at St James in January 2011 unexpectedly only removed the small leaded window in the porch, but there had been several occasions where the 1590 door bolt appeared to have been withdrawn with the purpose of returning later and gaining easy entry.

Our current CCTV has proved very useful but we are currently reviewing the need to add further cameras and increasing the capacity of the CCTV recording media enabling us to extend the period of ‘look back’. We have also taken the precautions of putting away out of sight much of the silverware, etc.

Thanks

We have received two new Kneelers within the past year and also a generous gift enabling a new altar frontal to be made to our own design. Also the visiting Vermont Choir in October 2010 presented us with a ceramic communion chalice set as a ‘thank-you’ for hosting and accommodating them during their time with us.

Conserving a 12th Century Grade-1 listed Church building, the Manor House, the surrounding grounds, the wider campus fencing, walls and boundaries, etc. is a massive task which takes a lot of time and talents. Huge thanks go to all those who support this effort and a special thanks to the Tuesday Working Party who toil through rain or sunshine. There is also a significant amount of regular work involved with; cleaning the Church, cleaning the silverware, washing altar linen, etc and we are immensely grateful to all those folks who help us to keep the life of the Church moving. Ed Sampson, Churchwarden, March 2011

Deanery Synod Report for 2011 APCM 1

Arborfield with Barkham, Bearwood, California, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Hurst, Owlsmoor, Ruscombe and Twyford, Sandhurst, Sonning with Charvil, Wargrave with Knowl Hill, Church

at White House, Winnersh, Wokingham All Saints, Wokingham St Paul with Emmbrook, Wokingham St Sebastian, Woosehill

www.webjam.com/sonningdeanery

Sonning Deanery Synod Report for 2011 APCM

The Deanery Synod is made up of clergy and elected lay representatives from the above churches. Your lay parish representatives on the Deanery Synod during 2010 have been Julia and Paul Arscott and Carolyn Fox throughout the year, Gill Myall till the 2010 APCM and then Julie Morley. Rev Richard was a clergy member and Rev John continues to be an active clergy part of the Synod. The present term runs until 31st May 2011.

One of Synod members’ involvements in 2010 was to nominate and vote for ‘8 members of the House of Laity to represent the Diocese in the General Synod of the Church of England for 2010 – 2015’ following the dissolution of the 2005 – 2010 General Synod in July 2010.

Other business when clergy and elected lay members of the Deanery Synod came together 5 times during the year (January, March, May, September and November) was largely focussed on activity within the 16 parishes/church groupings that make up Sonning Deanery.

After a long search the January meeting held in our Church Centre was presented with two candidates for Lay Chair of the Synod and Martin Hughes from California was elected. A working group was formed by the Area Dean to put together and consult on a draft Deanery Mission Plan for 2010 – 2015. At this stage, the main proposal was for a parish re-organisation involving Hurst, Bearwood, Winnersh, Woosehill and St Paul’s Wokingham. The other business at that meeting was to set the contribution from parishes to the Deanery for 2010 at £20 per allocated place and to fix the Quinquennial Levy at £120 per church building. The intention is to collect enough money to pay for every church to have an Inspection every five years.

The March meeting at St Mary’s Twyford continued the process of producing a Deanery Mission Plan. It also voted grants to St Mary & St John towards the Holy Week labrynth, to Sandhurst for a secondary school worker and to St John’s Crowthorne towards the Hopezone Youth Work. (Any parish in the Deanery can apply to the Synod for funding for initiatives or for help at times of financial difficulty. The Synod has funds by virtue of a small levy on each parish in line with the number of representatives each is entitled to elect (see previous paragraph) and also from the Diocesan rebate received each year when all parish shares in the Deanery have been paid to the Diocese on time.)

Deanery Synod Report for 2011 APCM 2

At the May meeting at St Andrew’s Sonning the revised Deanery Mission Plan including the proposal to re-unite Finchamptead and Califirnia was adopted. It included responding to the Wokingham Borough Core Strategy on housing development which will affect several parishes besides our own if and when large numbers of extra houses are built. The Deanery Synod Plan includes collaborating with parishes in pushing for worship facilities and provision for baptisms, weddings and funerals for these new communities. Grants were approved to St George’s Owlsmoor for a feasibility study on a building extension.and to the Stagefright Theatre Group to maintain and extend its work with a Christian ethos in the area of Youth Theatre and after-school clubs. Stagefright’s work comes under the heading of ‘Fresh Expressions of Church’ as it is out in the community encouraging young people, some from churches around the Deanery and many from none, to explore their faith development through drama. (They are now running an After School Drama Group at Finchampstead C of E Primary School. They have a play at the Oxford Playhouse on 11 April, performances at South Hill Park and are taking over a shop in Peach Street Wokingham in Holy Week to encourage young people to prepare for activities in the town centre on Good Friday.)

The September meeting at All Saints’ Wokingham heard that the Deanery Mission Plan had been considered by the Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee in June. The Diocese had insufficient resources to provide a requested extra priest so the Deanery will have to think of other ways to support the Winnersh part of the Plan. A debate began about how the growing Deanery Reserve Fund should be used, whether used for this purpose or whether some or most should be allocated to the parishes.

A proposal was then brought to the November Synod at St John’s Crowthorne and agreed that £20,000 of the Deanery Reserve Fund should be retained for commitments already made, £30,000 should be kept to cover cash flow timing issues and £12,000 for other grants, £50,000 should be available if needed for support of ministry in the new parish of Winnersh and £50,000 should be given to the parishes pro rata to the 2010 Parish Share. (Our repayment was calculated to be £3738.) At the same meeting it was agreed to request the Diocese ‘to consider reducing its own expenditure in view of the strong possibility that the parish share level is unsustainable.’ A reply from the Diocese this week advised that the Deanery resolution has been passed to the Diocesan Planning Committee. At the November Deanery Synod meeting it was agreed to waive the membership levy for 2011 but to increase the Quinquennial Inspection Levy to £200 per church building in view of the rising cost of Inspections (now about £1000 each.) There was also a talk from a Sub-Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford about its ministry in education, evangelism, pastoral care, regular and special services of worship, work with tourists and the complementary relationship it offered to parishes.

The term of office of present Deanery Synod members comes to an end on 31 May 2011 and new representatives are to be elected at APCMs this year for the coming three years.

Carolyn Fox March 2011

PARISH OF FINCHAMPSTEAD

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - 10th APRIL 2011

REVISED ELECTORAL ROLL - 2011 The aim of the Electoral Roll is to be an accurate reflection of the membership of the church. The Electoral Roll Officer would therefore welcome any information that will assist her with keeping the records up to date (e.g. if people have started attending the church, moved away or no longer attend regularly). The next completely new Electoral Roll will be in 2013 (and every 6th year thereafter). In the interim the Roll is revised with additions and deletions as they become known to the Electoral Roll Officer Sarah Booth. Amendments can take place at any time, except between 25th March and the APCM on 10th April 2011. The formal notice of revision prior to this year’s APCM was displayed as required during the weeks prior to the 24th March deadline. During the year 11 new applications have been received and 13 names were deleted because of death, moving away or no longer worshipping regularly. The revised roll is now on display in the Church and Church Centre. No more names can be added until after the APCM. There are now 395 names on the Roll entitled to vote at the 2011 APCM.

SUMMARY RESIDENT 143

NON-RESIDENT 252

TOTAL NUMBER ON ROLL 395

PREVIOUS ROLL 397 NET DECREASE 2

Sarah Booth (Electoral Roll Officer). 25th March 2011

Additions Charlotte Owen Sandy Godfrey Sam Leadsom Louis Ramsay Stephanie Ramsay Clarissa Kershaw Selby Kershaw Kate Parsons Oliver Parsons Anita Cole Peter Cole

Deletions

Deceased Eric Cox Norman Morris Frances Plaisted Christine Brett Frances Bradley

Moved away/Attends elsewhere Penny Warden David Rice Valerie Rice Jeanette McLellan John McLellan

Out of Parish & No longer fulfilling ‘regular worship’ criteria

Michael Johnstone Petra Johnstone Sarah Johnstone

PCC Committee and Working Group Reports for APCM 2011 1

Reports from the PCC Committees and Working Groups for APCM 2011

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Since last April the Social and Fundraising Team have had another active and productive year. The total amount raised during the year is around £8,000 – with the profits going towards the Conservation Fund, Church Flower Fund, Local Charities and General Church Funds. Events have included: A Social and Musical Supper, Afternoon Tea with Bishop John to rededicate the Church at the completion of the conversation work, Trio Treats Classical Concert with Buffet, Rev. Richard’s Leaving Party with Hog Roast and Live Music, Patronal Festival & Flower Festival Week, Cream Teas with Trips up the Tower, Harvest Supper and Musical Evening with visiting choir from Vermont USA, Bring and Buy Sale, Christmas Hamper Raffle, Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical Evening with Fish & Chip Supper, Jumble Sale. We also support and co-ordinate the bring and share meal on Maundy Thursday, provide hot cross buns on Good Friday, offer refreshments after special services and Lent Lectures and continue to provide a rota for coffee after Sunday Services. During the next year we have various events planned, both social and fundraising: Musical Supper Evening with “Enigma”, Church Family Barbeque, Church Bi-Annual Fete in the Memorial Park, Church Tower Open with Cream Teas for Patronal Festival Day, Harvest Supper etc. etc. Thank you for continuing to support the social and fundraising events throughout the year, and in particular many thanks to those who often bake or donate food, take home boxes of washing up, buy and provide raffle tickets, help at the Church fete etc., your help and support is very much appreciated and invaluable. Social and Fundraising Committee: Sue Sampson, Mary Dewhurst, Olive Butchart, Gill Myall, Chris Driver, Nicky Alder, Sarah Owen, Sue Robinson, Chris Widman. March 2011

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Finance and Stewardship Report for APCM April 2011 Members: John Slingsby (Treasurer), Ed Sampson (Churchwarden), Nicky Alder (Churchwarden), Andy Witting (Chair), Rev John, Keith Hunt, Marion Row, Julie Morley (Secretary), Jonathan Marshall, Debbie Watthey, Robert Alder (Gift Aid Administrator). The Finance and Stewardship committee have met 8 times since the last APCM. The Treasury team have met more regularly, particularly in the run up to the Year End. The Church finances are subject to regular financial review and the committee look at a detailed analysis of the accounts at every meeting. All such financial information is passed to the PCC for their scrutiny and The Treasurer has attended and supplied data for PCC and Standing Committee meetings. The F&S committee have worked closely over the year with the Fabric and Property and Mission Committees in respect of projects they are involved with at home and abroad. We have also made recommendations to PCC regarding matters of income and expenditure. Some of the major projects we have worked on this year are:

• Planned Giving – Robert Alder has worked tirelessly on our behalf to keep this subject at the forefront of people’s minds, particularly following Rev John’s sermon series about voluntary giving. Robert has also made the Gift Aid tax claims throughout the year.

• The insurances have been reviewed in consultation with Peter McBrien. • The ‘Friends of St James’ was launched last summer. • The investment portfolio has been carefully tracked and data fed back to PCC quarterly. • The Conservation project has continued to be a regular item on the agenda and there has been considerable

thought given to the handling of the residual deficit; a proposal regarding this matter has recently been made to PCC.

• A claim under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has been submitted after a considerable amount of work from those charged with this task. Julie Morley (Secretary)

Fabric & Property Committee

The F&P Committee is responsible to the PCC for managing the upkeep of the whole of the St James Church domain. This includes the church itself and its surrounding churchyard, the Manor House Church Centre and all the enclosing grounds together with access footpaths and roads. Also, it is responsible for the day-to-day landlord’s duties with respect to the four flats and the house in McCarthy Way which comprise our income producing properties. Messrs. Mortimers, Bracknell, are retained as managing agents for these on our behalf. The committee meets formally some six times a year, but much business is carried out “informally” as and when the demand arises. Currently, the committee comprises both Churchwardens, Rosemary Hossack, Richard Owen (as chairman of the Churchyard Trust), Maurice Driver (PCC appointed chairman), Peter McBrien (“Temporary” secretary for the past several years) Norman Pearce and Bob Brooks; these two latter members being representatives of the Tuesday Working Party which contributes much to the upkeep of the property, and with which the F&P Committee maintains a close link. The committee is in the process of establishing a three-year schedule of necessary works to be agreed with the Finance and Stewardship Committee for funding support. Meantime, those most urgent tasks having a safety or economic reason for their early completion are being undertaken.

Maurice Driver. March 2011

Mission & Charitable Giving Team I would like to begin with a very big thank you to our congregation for their huge generosity during this year of very unsettled economic conditions. We have been able to support a number of charities throughout the year and we have endeavoured to keep a balance between ‘home’ and ’away’ organisations. We continue to support our 4 major charities through our Annual giving process, which are - Church Urban Fund (UK), Bible Society (specifically overseas), Churches in Reading Drop in Centre, with £2000 each and for 2010 only The Hope for Living project in our Link Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman in South Africa with an amount of £1500. Also, from our annual giving we have supported Hope youth project run by Churches together In Crowthorne and Mothers Union Overseas Fund with £625.00 each. During Christian Aid week we helped St Mary & St John with the door to door collection, and also supported Christian Aid at Christmas with our ‘one card on the tree’ – Many thanks go to Chris Driver for arranging this. Donations were also made via Christian Aid for the Haiti earthquake appeal. Our Harvest collections were given to ‘Send a Cow’ and our Harvest Supper collection raised a magnificent sum of over £900 for Yeldall Manor – a Christian rehabilitation Centre near Wargrave. Thanks go to the ladies of the Social & Fund raising team for making this event so successful. During our Harvest services we also had very generous donations of tinned goods etc. from church members and the children from our village school, which were distributed between Churches in Reading Drop in Centre and its associated Reading Women’s Centre. In early


December we held our annual Gift Day at which we collected new toys, books etc which were well received by Pact (Parents & Children Together) who work on behalf of the (Anglican) Diocese of Oxford in the area of nurturing family life. Those who came to our Christingle Service at Wellington College on Christmas Eve were very generous in their support of The Children’s Society raising over £1200. We continue to nurture our link with St Matthew’s Kimberley, supporting five children at the local pre-school. Julia Arscott and Becky Head are travelling out to Kimberley on 11th April and will be spending time at St Matthew’s and also hope to visit the HIV Peer Training Centre to which we gave a donation in 2009 and Hope for Living project which we supported in 2010. Lastly I would like to thank my team members for their hard work & support throughout the year - Sarah Booth, Ian Woolston, Becky Head, and also Chris Driver (for her work particularly on Christian Aid) Julia Arscott OUTREACH & DISCIPLESHIP TEAM REPORT FOR ST JAMES’ APCM 2011 The Outreach & Discipleship Team at St James’ (comprising Neil Bidston, Cathy Clayton, Janet Clements, Rev John Edwards, Katherine Li and Kate Meads) supports and develops the ongoing work of sharing, nurturing, and deepening faith. This includes oversight and enabling of nurture courses, Bible study, work with families, children and young people, and in addition, encouraging and promoting prayer.

• ‘Monday Morning With Jesus’ Bible study – has continued to meet regularly throughout the year. During Lent an additional group met on Monday evenings. The group has recently changed to a Wednesday afternoon slot to enable more people to attend.

• ‘The Passion’ – Four 30min instalments of the BBC’s ‘The Passion’ DVDs covering events in Holy Week (up to and including Maundy Thursday) were shown prior to Easter 2010 followed by a final session post - Easter showing the crucifixion and resurrection.

• ‘What’s it all About?’ – a seven week course based on selected Nooma DVDs and looking at issues of life and faith, took place from 27th April – 15th June. Members of the O & D team shared in facilitating the sessions. Eight participants attended on a regular basis and feedback following the course was generally positive.

• ‘Christianity Explored’ - a seven week follow-up course based on Mark’s gospel and looking at the life and teaching of Jesus and its significance for us today, took place in the autumn from 30th Sept – 18 Nov. The course was led by Neil Bidston, Janet Clements & Kate Meads. Nine participants attended regularly. Feedback following the course was very encouraging.

• Parenting courses - two nine week courses started in January, led by Claire Prevost-Snell. Six people attended the lunchtime course with a further eight coming in the evening. The course was well received with helpful and positive comments from course members.

• Family ConneXions – The team has supported families at the 9.30 Family Service throughout the year. Katherine Li took over as team leader from Kate Meads in November. Kate continues to produce the monthly family E-news.

• 5-a-side football – a new initiative, run by Kev Li, started in Jan meeting fortnightly initially, then weekly on Wed evenings. Numbers increased rapidly to approx 30 adults plus 4 teenagers. Various social events have taken place including a curry evening on 24th March and a family BBQ in the summer.

• St James Quiet Half Day – our first St James Quiet Day was held at Sonning on 7th August and we were delighted to welcome members of St Mary & St John’s Church to join us.

• ‘Holy Listening’ – two opportunities to hear about the ministry of Spiritual Direction, took place at St James Church Centre on 23rd Sept. 11 people attended in the morning and 18 in the evening.

• Prayer Labyrinths - Kathy Sandy and Pam Smith from St Mary & St John’s Church gave an inspiring presentation about the use of labyrinths, including how they have adapted the concept for their own church and then for the children, parents, teachers and the wider community at Gorse Ride School.

• School Prayer Group - for parents, staff & governors, held its first meeting in November, attended by Mums from 4-5 different churches. The group hopes to meet each half term.

• Youth Group, Sunday Club & Fledgelings – see separate reports. Plans for 2011

• Provision for families, children & young people - We are currently undertaking a family survey at St James to see how we might best provide for the changing needs of families, children and young people.

• NEW! ‘Glad You Asked’ – a relaxed, non-judgemental, contemporary course which uses short DVD clips and discussion to explore the ‘big questions’ of life and faith. The course will run for seven weeks from 19th May – 7th July.

• Quiet Day 2011 – for members at St James and St Mary & St John on Sat 11th June at Hurley Parish Church. Janet Clements (on behalf of the O&D team)


Worship & Liturgy Committee Report This committee brings together representatives of the different groups that contribute to worship at St James’ (clergy, sidespeople, musicians, servers, congregation) about 4 times a year to review what has just taken place and to plan for the future. The committee now aims to meet just before each new quarterly service rota is put together and to view the arrangements from all angles to try to ensure that the services run as smoothly and well as possible for all concerned. The committee members through 2010 have been Rev Richard for the first half of the year and then Rev John, Nicky Alder, Paul Arscott, Andrew Bosley, John Dewhurst, Carolyn Fox and Richard Peat. More recently Keith Atton has joined the committee. The 2010 planning, besides the usual weekly services and festivals, also included arrangements for the move back into the newly conserved church building with new hymnbooks and the purchase of a clavinova to broaden the musical range. Sidespeople had to be re-trained in the new arrangements including the lighting, heating and sound system controls. Then there were the special services with Bishop John and Bishop Stephen and a farewell service for Rev Richard. Wellington College was once again booked for our Nine Lessons & Carols and Christingle service and we decided to join their Christmas Eve Midnight service because of our reduced ‘clergy power’ An application system for Christingle service tickets was tried and seemed to make the point about not wasting the tickets. Everyone who applied got tickets so there was no need for a second service. We decided to arrange our own Confirmation Service on 3 July 2011 at a more convenient time (3pm) as All Saints were again to have a midweek evening service. Carolyn Fox March 2011. Communications, IT and Publicity Report The Communications and IT team have had another busy year supporting the communications of the growing community at St James’. During the year we were pleased to welcome another team member to our ranks as David Booth joined to help with the extensive work revamping and rebuilding our website, and also latterly supporting an on-going project to bring our membership into the same integrated suite of software we use to manage our finances and gift aid.

There were a number of significant upgrades this year. Firstly the aging PC in the office was replaced with a brand new Dell model, which included facilities for continuous backup. At the same time the unreliable phone currently in use in the office was replaced by an up to date pair of Panasonic handsets. In addition the decision was taken to use the BT 1571 service rather than an answerphone.

In addition, our previous photocopier was replaced with an up to date colour Canon Copier. Although for most users this is configured to behave as a black and white copier as before, the unit is much more powerful and is networked into the office PC. It also includes a stapler and booklet fold finisher that makes the production of service sheets and newsletters something we can do in house, rather than needing to go to outside printers. Whilst this has certainly been a steep learning curve, and in particular takes a lot more time than just dropping off and collecting from the printer, it saves us a good deal of money, and gives us flexibility as we move forward.

This brings us onto the newsletter. As mentioned in the report last year we continue to look at options for this. In particular as we move towards a united parish with St Mary and St John, the previous model of distributing a newsletter to every house in the parish seems like it will be logistically impossible. Printing newsletters even for our smaller parish is a time consuming undertaking.

In terms of our conventional media we continue to be grateful for all the hard work Ann Pask our press officer puts in behind the scenes making sure that our events get press coverage. A selection of press clippings can be seen in a folder that is kept in the foyer of the parish centre, with a selection also highlighted on our web site.

Over the course of the year the website was rebuilt completely from the ground up. Whilst this was a job that had been on the cards for a while, the need was galvanised by Rev’d Richard’s departure, as one of the key aspects of any recruitment process for a new Rector/Priest-in-Charge is having an up to date website, indeed many applicants will make their first judgements having looked a church up on the web.

The new site is up and running, and whilst it retains a good deal of content from the old site, has a completely new look, and a good deal of new content. The site is also integrated in with our Twitter and Facebook pages with new notices posted to the site automatically going to our Twitter and Facebook followers. We also have Google Analytics installed that allow us a remarkable level of detailed analysis of our site visitors, what they are looking at and where they are coming from. Special thanks must go to Jan Van Den Burg and David Booth for their many hours of hard work on the site. Following a crisis with their site, we also offered our services, and our server space to St Mary and St John to ensure they too met the website requirements from the Archdeacon, and at time of writing we are also hosting their site. Our site can be found at http://st-james.finchampstead.co.uk and St Mary and St John’s at http://smsj.finchampstead.co.uk please take a look.

Once again I must thank all the team – Jan Van Den Burg, Derrick Sequeira, Carolyn Fox, Ann Pask, Sally Hamblin and David Booth for all their hard work during the year.

Richard Peat, March 2011


……………………………………………………………………………………

Church Conservation Working Group Report for 2011 APCM. The Group was most active in the first half of the year particularly in the frantic weeks leading up to the church being handed back by the contractors in March with lots of last minute decisions. This was followed by an initial snagging period checking the outstanding matters were resolved and sorting anything that was giving problems/not working as expected. There has been another flurry of activity recently doing the final snagging prior to release after 12 months of the retention money. A Working Group by definition is set up to do a particular task and then disband when the task is complete. As soon as all outstanding items are resolved on the Conservation work, the PCC will be asked formally to disband the Working Group and any ongoing work on the church will be followed up by the Fabric & Property Committee. Carolyn Fox March 2011

Church Conservation Fund Appeal Working Group:

It had been thought that this group could be disbanded as all the funds for the Church Conservation appeared to be in place. When it became clear that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme for refund of certain VAT amounts might not pay back as much as first thought, the PCC decided to retain the group in case further major fundraising was needed. In the meantime the Group assisted Rev John in formulating the Terms and Conditions of a Friends of St James Scheme. A decision on the VAT refund has still not yet been received but, once it is, the PCC will be in a better position to decide whether the Group needs to pursue a further fundraising appeal or whether it can be disbanded. In the meantime, likely shortfall is being steadily reduced by continued generous gifts and allocating most profit from social functions etc including the forthcoming Fete to the Conservation Fund. Carolyn Fox

Good Practice Advisory Group The Group was set up to “assist the PCC in planning and developing good practices for the effective, efficient, legal and ethical management of its business in accordance with Christian Principles and the requirements of the Church of England, Charities Commission and general legal obligations.” The early work of the Group has helped to make the PCC itself far more aware of good practice and therefore the PCC has decided that the Group will only be called upon to meet in future if there is a specific issue which the PCC feels cannot easily be dealt with by the PCC or Standing Committee. Carolyn Fox

Reports from Church Groups and Linked Organisations APCM 2011 1

Reports from St James’ Groups and Linked Organisations for 2011 APCM Fledgelings Annual Report 2010 We have a strong committee of 6, 4 leaders for story and worship time and 4 people responsible for craft. Refreshments are supplied by the MU and the Working Party often help to put out the mats and toys. We are extremely grateful to everybody for helping us each week. At the end of 2010 the register was updated with all those who had not attended for a year were deleted. This left us with 70 families on the register, who have attended at some point during the previous year. As predicted the opening of the new FBC had an adverse effect on our Fledgelings numbers with a very variable attendance, some weeks it has been almost exclusively the families of the committee who were at the session. Despite marketing, the web presence, being listed on the Wokingham Borough website and all the usual promotional efforts we’ve traditionally used, our numbers remained very low. In the summer we decided to organise a big community push (see below) which may have been responsible in part for the increase towards the end of 2010, when a succession of new families with younger children and babies joined Fledgelings. Most of these have gone on to attend regularly with our weekly attendance being about 15 to 25 families. We held the following events during 2010: Easter Service and Egg Hunt, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Sports Day, Harvest Festival and Christmas Nativity and Party. The weather as usual for the Easter event was terrible so we were yet again forced to hold the event indoors. Our number of attendees were lower than previous years. We moved the Sports Day to September when the weather is normally better and were rewarded with a fine day and a good turnout. For the Teddy Bears’ Picnic we decided to advertise widely, hire a children’s entertainer, book a police car and fire engine and essentially use the event as a loss-leader to see if we could increase our weekly attendance. It had a huge turnout, the entertainer ran out of balloon animals and had pre-prepared 80 animals. In total we probably had over 120 people picnicking on the green and enjoying the sunshine. We decided for 2011 to charge more so that we can break even but continue the format, and not be so specific with the time the fire engine is booked to arrive as they were an hour late! The Harvest Festival had an average turn out but the children enjoyed the Harvest Hat Parade very much particularly with Rev. John also wearing his hat. The Nativity and Party was a well supported event with lots of new families attending and the feedback was very positive. We are continuing to set aside 50% of our weekly takings for the Kimberley project, or any other worthy children related charity and all the money raised at our raffles has been donated to the Mothers’ Union charity Away From it All. We have not updated or replaced any toys this year apart from a new town mat, but have continued to allocate funds to produce exciting and challenging crafts for the children, and make sure we have plenty of literature available for the storytellers to inspire the children with stories from the Bible. Initiatives for 2011: Our prime concern for 2011 is to maintain a strong committee presence of 6 as several of the committee have children starting full time school at the end of the year and will be leaving Fledgelings. We have already had 1 new volunteer starting after Easter. A priority is to find a replacement for the Fledgelings Leader and church liaison contact (Karen Remmington) who will also leave at the end of 2011. Committee: Kate Hembra, Sam Khan, Charlotte Owen, Karen Remmington, Sarah Verdin and Jayne Yeo. Karen Remmington

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St James’ Youth Group (Contrast)

Our trip to Iona in April 2010 was a great success. A party of 20 travelled from Wokingham to The Abbey. We lived in community and fellowship for three days and came back different people. We truly did encounter God in this thin place. In the summer time some of our group attended Yellow Braces the Oxford Diocese youth event, plenty of outdoor fun and worship. In September we began preparing our panto. We raised over £500 over two performances of Hook's Revenge. Our young people sang, danced and acted their way through the two acts, thanks to the directing of Julie Morley and choreography of our very own Barbara Brice. Jan Van den berg spent hours with help from his family making and painting the magnificent scenery. He really was a star. Elisabeth Tracey was catering manager supreme and the food sold in the interval raised £150!! With the proceeds raised in donations at the performances we have been able to buy new equipment for youth group and send a large donation for Great Ormond Street. Over the past few months our youth have led two services and this is now a regular feature with our young people taking the sermon, reading, intercessing and even drumming at the 11am service. In January some of our group contributed during the Rodgers and Hammerstein evening. A special mention for the rock band who were managed and assisted by the brilliant David Booth. We now have 30 Members at Youth Group. We have welcomed some new members from St Mary and St John. Our Easter vigil in 2011 will take place as usual this year. Where would we be without our amazing leaders and helpers: Julie Morley, Cathy and Steve Clayton, Katherine and Kevin Li, Elisabeth Tracey and Nigel Kennington. God bless and a great big thank you to the PCC for funding resource materials from Urban Saints. We have also welcomed guest speakers this year including a member of the Orthodox Jewish Community in Reading, Simon Guilleband a missionary and a climate change action group. God Bless, Cathy Clayton

Mothers’ Union & Women’s Fellowship Report for the Church APCM 2011 Our theme for 2010 was “Relationships on Rules” encouraging us to focus on two principle commandments ~ to love God and to love our neighbour. In order to carry these out we should then concentrate on establishing good relationships with all. During the year we enjoyed hearing a good variety of speakers. Rev’d John gave us further information and experiences of his visit to Ethiopia. We all enjoyed Daphne Payne’s visit with her dog Goldie and hearing about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. We were pleased to support the Yeldall Manor Rehabilitation Centre with our Epiphany Gifts, providing a variety of foods for their residents. We observed the Women’s World Day of Prayer in March and the Wave of Prayer in June. In August we enjoyed our Mary Sumner Birthday Lunch raising funds for our Overseas Fund. Our other social


event was our enjoyable Christmas Tea with members, visitors and friends after the Christmas Carol Service. Throughout the year we have supported the Fledglings by preparing refreshments at their weekly sessions. We provided the usual buffet lunch for parents and carers at the Fledglings Christmas Party ~ a very happy occasion. We held 3 evening meetings for those members who work or have school age children. We will continue with these during 2011. We still maintain a membership of 35. However we do miss our dear friend and late treasurer Chris Brett. We give thanks for her huge contribution and commitment to our branch over the past 10 years. We gratefully acknowledge the very generous donation of £600 to our overseas fund from the mission committee at St James. We would like to extend a warm welcome to any men and women who would like to join us. Sarah Owen, Branch Leader

Churches Together in Crowthorne (CTC) St James has been regularly represented at meetings throughout the year. Once again volunteers from St James assisted with the Summer Holiday playscheme in Crowthorne funded by Thames Valley Police, which was very popular. The Hopezone project continues to grow now 100 young people with 12 regulars using the drop in facility at the Baptist Church. These sessions run from 3.30 - 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening. Numbers attending are increasing and the project is outgrowing the space available. The organisers are keen to extend the sessions and would welcome more volunteers. Plans are advancing to establish a purpose built building on the Morgan Recreation Ground. The organisers gratefully acknowledge the very generous donation from the Mission Committee at St James of £600 which will enable the project to move forward.

Suzy Kitcher, Sarah & Richard Owen.

St James’ Belfry We were all very pleased to get back into the belfry in March. It is a great pleasure to ring our lovely bells again and enjoy the new sound and video relay from the church which will help us know when to start the ringing for weddings and to see what is going on in the church. We have welcomed another new member to the Tower, Debbie Blamire, who lives in Crowthorne and who has been ringing regularly for Sunday service. We have enjoyed the company of a few ringers who have been visiting the area and it has been especially nice to have Eversley Tower practise with us on a few occasions when they have been short of ringers as they had extended a warm welcome to us during the church renovations. There was an infestation of ladybirds in the Tower which lasted several months. They were something of a nuisance flying around as we were ringing but they disappeared eventually. There were only a few weddings during the year but various groups of ringers came to ring as part of a Ringing Outing, including groups from Putney and another of ex-Berkshire ringers and the Bradfield Ringing Course used our tower again in August. The Open Tower for the Patronal Festival was once again a very successful event. We really should have kept count of the number of visitors. There were certainly an awful lot. We enjoyed showing them the bells and the view from the Tower and explaining a little about the bells and bell-ringing. In October Debbie Blamire and Chris Markham attended a course on Ringing Up and Ringing Down in Peal run by the Branch and held at Finchampstead. We have continued meeting for our regular Wednesday night practice and ringing for Sunday services and, after a few months of very low numbers our numbers have picked up again and we are able to give more help to the beginners and have a chance to practise more complicated ringing methods. This is due in part to regular attendance on practice nights by Derek Palmer, the Sandhurst Tower Captain and we appreciate his company and assistance. Our Tower Captain, Hugh Dempster, and Mary Ede have, in turn, been able to help out Sandhurst Tower on Monday nights with the training of a number


of learners there. We have also been joined from time to time on practice nights by ringers from Rotherwick, Eversley, Sandhurst, Swallowfield, Sonning and Binfield. In the last few weeks Liz Harris has been travelling across from Binfield to practise with us as there are currently too few ringers at their tower to sustain a practice. We enjoyed a lovely Christmas Meal at the Queen’s Oak and we are now looking forward to a year full of weddings and the opportunity to keep ringing. Patricia Amos

Ladies’ Breakfast We meet once every half term. Ladies of all ages. We laugh, chat, munch and pray together. All of us value and look forward to our times of fellowship together. Relaxed, pampered and refreshed we are ready to re-engage with our busy hectic lives. Do join us even if only occasionally. We meet one Saturday per half term between 8-45 and 10-15 am in the church centre. Contact Cathy Clayton for more information.

Housegroups a) Housegroups run by Francis Moore. These housegroups are ecumenical and attract members from churches across the CTC area, including all three Finchampstead Churches. Our activities are reported in the Finchampstead Magazine each month. We focus mainly on bible studies and issues affecting Christian life in the world today, using DVDs of lectures by famous international speakers to stimulate our full and frank discussions. This year we have studied the ‘book of Proverbs’, and ‘Battles Christian Face’ with Revd. Vaughan Roberts, and ‘Matthew’s gospel with Prof. Don Carson. Once a year we have a summer outing, and this year we were blessed with a lovely sunny day for a very enjoyable visit to Waverly Abbey House. You are welcome to attend any of our advertised meetings; just give us a ring on 0118 973 2592 for details. Audrey and Francis Moore b) Housegroups run by Neil Bidston B#+"R+0')*,"(-*1"/1-&&"%*)4;/"-*+");+2"')"-2,)2+"$2"'#+"0#4*0#"-/"-"1+-2/"')"%)"5++;+*".$'#"'#+$*"(-$'#"-25"0)22+0'".$'#")'#+*/"$2"'#+"0)1142$',="B#+"-$1")(")4*"%*)4;"'$1+/"$/"')"0*+-'+"-";&-0+".#+*+"-2,)2+".$'#"-2,"D4+/'$)2"$/".+&0)1+5"-25A"-&/)A"')"%+'"/'40?"$2')"'#+"\$7&+"-25"-&&).";+);&+"')"5++;+2"'#+$*"425+*/'-25$2%")("Y+/4/"in his own words."I-/'",+-*".+"&))?+5"-'"!0'/A"X-4&b/"&+''+*"')"'#+"X#$&$;;$-2/"-25"'#+2"-"6#*$/'$-2"()425-'$)2/"/+*$+/="L11-"/4;;&$+5"4/".$'#"%*+-'"0-?+="J420-2"-25"_+@"-'+"1)/'")("$'"-25".+"/-."/)1+"%*+-'"(*$+25/#$;/"7+%$2"-25"5++;+2c">"'#$2?"+@+*,)2+".)4&5"'+/'$(,"')"'#+"5$((+*+20+"'#+"%*)4;"'$1+/"1-5+"')"'#+$*"(-$'#"-25"'#+$*"&$(+="3)1+")("'#+"#$%#&$%#'/")("'#+",+-*".+*+"+@+2$2%"&+0'4*+/".+"*-2"-'"'#+"(-*1"()*"'#+"%*)4;";&4/"$2'+*+/'+5")'#+*/"')"0)1+"')="!*)425"9U";+);&+"0-1+"-&)2%"')"#+-*"-7)4'"');$0/"/40#"-/"b>".-2'"')"7+&$+@+A"74'"1,"/0$+2'$($0"7*-$2".)2b'"&+'"1+cbA"b6-2".+"'*4/'"'#+"\$7&+db"-25"bB#+";*)7&+1")("/4((+*$2%b= " " " " " " 6$07&809:-5.& &e0118 9731105)&

The Helen Taylor Trust for the Churchyard

Members of the Committee: Mr D Monk (Treasurer and PCC representative) Mrs A Pask (Secretary) Mr E Sampson (PCC representative) Mrs A Brett, Mrs C Collins, Mrs W Rockett, Mrs L Seed, Mr P Stephenson, and Mrs L Tanner. Mr R Owen (Chairman and PCC representative). The graveyard is ecumenical (open to all churches) and its members reflect the views of different churches in Finchampstead. The committee organises the maintenance of the churchyard. As part of the continuous maintenance of the graves the stone mason conserved some of the oldest recorded graves. Some trees on land adjoining to the South were trimmed. Sadly a 600 year old oak tree was rotting badly and needed a large prune, after obtaining permission. We also erected a notice-board to give information to visitors. During the conservation two paths North and West of the Church door were paved with old York


stone. Some other paths had small stones laid. The cost of this, the attention to a gate and the work on the tree, was considerable. Income, at present, is down due to the financial situation, which made us concentrate on our fund-raising activity. Our two fund raising events will take place as usual; the Spring Tea Party is on Wednesday 11th May. Please make a note of the date and come and enjoy an excellent tea, starting at 2.30pm. The Autumn Tea Party is usually in late October. Both are held in the Memorial Hall Sports Club. Our thanks to the Sports Club Committee for the use of their facilities. Richard Owen.

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The Church School (Finchampstead Church of England (Aided) Primary School) As the village church school, we are very aware that our role in the lives of our children extends beyond what would normally be expected of a school. Our role in developing the children’s understanding and appreciation of Christian values is one that we spend an enormous amount of time on, and we thought it would be useful to highlight in this report just some of the recent activities that we’ve done with the children with this goal in mind. A few weeks ago, Class 3 (Years 3 and 4) were learning about the Sermon on the Mount. They climbed “the mount” from the school to the church to hear the sermon. It was a beautiful Spring day, and the children sat on the grass in the church garden while their teacher, Mrs Miccoli read to them from the Bible. Afterwards the children prayed to God to thank Him for all he has given us. Class 4 (Years 5 and 6) went on a pilgrimage to the church. On the way up the hill the children walked in silence, thinking about their own private prayers and admiring the beauty around them. Once at the church they shared their prayers with one another. Each year, children from the school deliver parcels from the Harvest to elderly members of our community. The children are encouraged to think about people’s needs and to develop a desire to care for and help those who may be less fortunate than themselves. The school runs a scheme called the “Heart of the Community” that rewards children’s acts of kindness in the wider community with recognition and a special badge. The threads of tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness run through the daily life of the school, and the children are encouraged to pray regularly – both together and individually. This year we have started a prayer group for the children, which is very well-attended. In the week immediately following the earthquake in Japan a particularly large number of children came to the prayer group – completely spontaneously – to pray for those affected by the disaster. This group complements the prayer group set up by the parents that meets regularly at the school. Finally, it’s worth sharing with you a new vision statement that the school community has been working on. It is still in a draft form, but we feel that it helps to illustrate what our hopes are for the children: Our Vision is for our children to

• feel cared for unconditionally and valued as unique creation made in the image of God • become enthusiastic self-motivated learners with a thirst for life-long learning • have learnt from, and aspired to excellence in, a wide range of academic, sporting, musical,

artistic and social activities • have a strong set of Christian values, including respect and care for the planet, self and others,

honesty and sincerity, kindness and friendship, love and forgiveness, justice and personal responsibility

so that our pupils can create their place, and have an influence, in tomorrow’s world. Hopefully this gives a flavour of how the school helps encourage Christian values in all the children at the school. Naturally, it is just a flavour – there are far too many initiatives and activities to describe in such a small space. The governors of the school are immensely proud of the efforts of all the staff at the school. They truly do a fantastic job. Brian Remmington School Governor

Three Churches in Finchampstead Praying Together During the year, the feedback from clergy and individual churches was that it was good to work together but that the format of this particular activity was due for review. As Rev Richard and Rev Carol were leaving the two Anglican churches and the Baptist minister is to leave in May 2011, it has been decided to leave this in abeyance until new clergy are in post. In the meantime it was great that about 25 people from St Mary & St John’s and St James’ came together to pray on the eve of the recent interviews for Rector/Rector Designate. Carolyn Fox

Tuesday Working Party The Working Party does Do-it-Yourself jobs that are needed in the Church, Church Centre and grounds. We have had another good year with many varied jobs. Thanks go to the people who come and share their skills with the group (in some cases it is rarely more than just chat!) If you are available on a Tuesday morning and want something to do, please come along. Richard Owen.


St. James' Church Football Club , We've had great success in 2010. There is a squad of approx 40 dads (still waiting for any mums that may wish to play too :-) ) however, due to everyone’s busy schedules there is a strong turn out of approx 16 every Wednesday evening. In 2010, we managed to make a profit of £200 (after all football costs had been deducted), which the dad's decided to 'gift' to 'Contrast,' the St. James' Church Youth Group. Also, during the year the dads met up every quarter for a social catch up, which included two curries (once at Xenuks and the other time at Chillies) and a family event in the summer at the Bidston's house, which consisted of a BBQ, bouncy castle for the kids and sports games for all the families - it was a great success! Kevin Li - [email protected]

Altar Servers

At St James we have a group of some 15 Altar Servers – boys and girls. Led by three adults, they assist at all main Holy Communion Services. Their purpose is to ensure the smooth running of the services which includes setting up the church and clearing up afterwards. Whilst the main intent is to help the congregation participate in the service by example, it is also a way of personally developing their spirituality and their Christian faith.

Full training is given to the roles that the individuals have which includes an understanding of the Churches Year, the meaning of Liturgy and the various artefacts used in services. Usually the minimum age is nine. There is no requirement for the individual to have been confirmed although this ministry is a good starting point for that commitment.

Normally two junior servers, together with two adults, are required for a Holy Communion service. This will be an adult to assist the priest, and adult to carry the processional cross and two juniors as acolytes. The acolytes, with the crucifer, lead the procession in and out of services; form a “guard of honour” for the reading of the gospel and leading the procession of the gifts. On average a junior server is require for a service every 5/6 weeks. It is therefore a commitment that is not onerous but very valuable to the church. Paul Arscott, Senior Server

Breastfeeding Network annual report to St James' Church ( This is a separate organisation but PCC supports it by providing the facilities of the Church Centre each week free of charge) The Breastfeeding Network would like to thank the PCC and all those at St James' who have continued to so kindly support the Breastfeeding Drop-in Group by allowing us to use a room each week. Here is how we make use of the centre each week;

• 184 visits in total • 25% of babies brought in were under 2 weeks old and 50% under 6 weeks old. • 65% of those who came to the group were referred by their Midwife or Health Visitor. • 80% of those visiting were from our area (RG40 postcode) • about 50% of mothers visit for specific breastfeeding help and information • the other 50% of mothers come along for social support

Many women feel a sense of isolation and lack of support in the early postnatal days. This may be due to a combination of a reduction in NHS postnatal care, social expectations of self- reliance and that many do not have the benefit of an extended family locally. Our Centre at St James’ Finchampstead continues to be an important source of help to local mothers.

Aims of the Breastfeeding Network The Breastfeeding Centre aims to help local women breastfeed for as long as they wish by providing sustained support, education, and specialist help should they face difficulties. Women visit us for practical help and information around feeding their babies and also for social/emotional support. Some of the women that have come along to the group for a while now would like to train as Breastfeeding Network Helpers. We are planning to do some fundraising to help towards the costs. We shall be splitting the proceeds between the Breastfeeding Network and St James' Church funds. Please do come and support us! Thursday 23rd June between 1 pm – 4 pm. Cream tea (scones, cream and strawberry jam!). A play area for pre-school children, toy and baby/toddler clothes sale and of course the chance for all the community to come together for a chat! Heartfelt thanks once again. Kate Meads

EXTRACT FROM WWW.CHURCHCARE.CO.UK - A FASCINATING SITE WITH LOTS OF OTHER ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ABOUT CHURCH LIFE AND ADMINISTRATION

THE ROLE OF A CHURCHWARDEN Introduction The role of a churchwarden is extremely varied but is best described as management, maintenance, and ministry. Management refers to the churchwarden's relationship with the clergy, the PCC and the members of the congregation; maintenance refers to his or her responsibilities to look after the church building; and ministry refers to their pastoral role with regard to the parish priest and to the congregation. It is a shared leadership, but it is leadership rather than management. The churchwarden should be someone who the congregation respects as a leader and who can take charge when needed. A churchwarden may have to take a service at ten minutes notice, or deal with the press when some scandal occurs. He or she needs to guide the PCC to make the right decisions. Churchwardens should be wise and, if needed, firm. They should not be frightened when dealing with senior clergy. They should maintain their own Christian faith, and not let it become stale. Many of the churchwarden's responsibilities are connected with maintenance. But there are also responsibilities in connection with the Sunday services, for keeping order in the church, and for collecting the church offerings. Churchwardens have to make various reports each year to the annual parochial meeting and to the archdeacon. They may be trustees of some charitable trust connected with the church. They have to go to all the meetings of the PCC and the standing committees, and should meet and pray regularly with the parish priest. Their work is not just the maintenance of the church building, but helping the smooth running of the church. Their third and most important role is on a personal level. A churchwarden cares for the parish priest and the parish priest's family. A churchwarden should also care for the congregation, to encourage its members in their Christian faith, and to help heal any quarrels or disagreements that arise between them or between the congregation and the parish priest.

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Duties and responsibilities of Churchwardens are stated briefly in Canon E1. They may be summarised as: • Churchwardens, when admitted, are officers of the bishop. They shall discharge such duties as are by law and custom

assigned to them; they shall be foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent; they shall use their best endeavours by example and precept to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them. They shall also maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service.

• They are the legal owners, on behalf of the parishioners, of the plate, ornaments, furniture and furnishings and other articles belonging to the church - they are responsible for ensuring that none of those articles is disposed of without a faculty, and that valuable items, alms boxes, etc. are secure against theft.

• In consultation with the incumbent, they must compile and keep up to date an inventory of all the articles belonging to the church, a "terrier" of the lands belonging to the church. and a logbook of all alterations, additions and repairs to the church, its lands and articles and to other events affecting any of them and keep the PCC informed to enable it to carry out its functions in relation to the fabric of the church.

• Again, in consultation with the incumbent, churchwardens must in every year carry out or arrange for an inspection of the fabric of the church and the articles belonging to it, and make a report on these to the Parochial Church Council, which then delivers the report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

• They should try to ensure that the PCC carries out its responsibilities for the care, maintenance and insurance of the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church and the care and maintenance of the churchyard. In particular it is the duty of the churchwardens to ensure that the necessary faculty is obtained before any works are carried out.

• Churchwardens should try to ensure that the incumbent is relieved of administrative work, particularly in connection with such matters as the insurance, heating, lighting, cleaning and maintenance of the church and other parish buildings, and the repair or replacement of such things as hassocks, hymn and prayer books, noticeboards and the like.

• They should try to ensure that the PCC meets its financial obligations, including contributions to diocesan funds and the payment in full of the working expenses of the clergy in the parish.

• A churchwarden may hold the office of treasurer of the PCC, and if no one else is willing to act in that capacity, the churchwardens who are members of the PCC must do so.

• Churchwardens are responsible for taking any offerings or collections in church (helped by the sidesmen). • The churchwardens are also responsible for arranging provision of the bread and the wine for the Holy Communion.. • They are responsible for the seating of the congregation in the church, and for the maintenance of good order and

behaviour, especially during services, assisted in these duties by the sidesmen. The churchwardens should arrange the sidesmen's rota, and ensure that the sidesmen know what their duties are. Churchwardens have power to eject anyone creating a disturbance during a service, so long as they do not use unnecessary violence; they may also arrest a person guilty of riotous, violent or indecent behaviour in the church or churchyard and bring that person before a magistrate.

• During a vacancy in the benefice, the churchwardens will normally be the "sequestrators", together with the Area Dean and any other person appointed by the bishop, and must carry our the duties required of them by the bishop. At other times when the incumbent is absent, the churchwardens are responsible for ensuring that church services are maintained and the needs of any visiting clergy are adequately provided for.

• As lay officers of the bishop, the churchwardens ought, when necessary, to report to him or to the archdeacon as to the state of the parish and any neglect or default by the incumbent in discharging his or her duties. They must also make accurate replies (their "presentments") to the "articles of enquiry" put to them on the occasion of each visitation.

• On going out of office they shall duly deliver to their successors any goods of the church remaining in their hands together with the inventory which shall be checked by their successors

Term of office - all churchwardens must be 'admitted to office' by making the necessary declarations before their Archdeacon (or another appointed by the Bishop) by 31 July in the year of their election. They are appointed for a one year term of office which commences on the date on which they are formally admitted to office, and continues until they or their successors are again duly admitted, or until 31 July in the year following their election at the latest. However, churchwardens become ex-officio members of their church council from the actual date of their election. Once in office, a churchwarden may resign his office by written notice to the bishop by post and shall take effect two months after the notice is served or at an earlier date agreed by the bishop in consultation with the minister and other churchwardens. After six successive periods of office a person cannot be re-appointed as churchwarden unless the meeting of parishioners positively and exceptionally passes a resolution to allow this to happen. Such a resolution can be revoked at any subsequent meeting of parishioners. Any person who has served six successive years as churchwarden cannot be re-appointed for another two years (again, unless the meeting resolves otherwise). The year from which this provision takes effect is 2002. Churchwardens automatically vacate their office if they cease to have their name entered on the church electoral roll, and a casual vacancy arises. A casual vacancy also arises if a person elected to be a churchwarden fails to be admitted to office by 31 July in the year in which they were elected. In the event of a casual vacancy during the year of office, the vacant place may be filled in the same manner as the person being replaced had originally been appointed (i.e. election or Incumbent's nomination) except where, in the case of nomination by the minister and that minister has ceased to hold office in the parish, the casual vacancy shall be filled by election by a meeting of the parishioners. A person elected to fill a casual vacancy must be admitted to office within three months of the election or before the next Annual Meeting of Parishioners if earlier. ……

Canon (Church) Law E 2 Of sidesmen or assistants to the churchwardens 1. The sidesmen of the parish shall be appointed by the annual parochial church meeting or, if need arises between annual parochial church meetings, by the parochial church council. 2. No person whose name is not on the church electoral roll is eligible as a sidesman, but all persons whose names are on the roll are so eligible. 3. It shall be the duty of the sidesmen to promote the cause of true religion in the parish and to assist the churchwardens in the discharge of their duties in maintaining order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service.

www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/complete.pdf

The role of sidespeople at St James’ Sidespeople are often the first people you meet as you come through the door. Although part of their role is to welcome people to the service their main function seems to be to give out the right books and papers! With such a variety of services that isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Along with the ‘books’ you should receive a Pew Sheet which contains the readings for the Sunday and includes notices for the week ahead. Fortunately part of the design of the new pews is to have room for the hymn books to be left in them, but the other papers and service sheets still have to be handed out correctly. In practice sidespeople do much more than give out books. They are responsible under the direction of the Churchwardens for making sure that all the practical jobs in preparation for worship are done (everything from putting out the brass collection plate to lighting altar candles, from finding people to take up the bread and wine for communion to making sure the ‘Band Box’ is available for Family Service) and that everything in the body of the church goes smoothly during the service, including finding seats for latecomers, offering ‘Happy Bags’ to small children and directing people up for Communion. They take the collection and deal with it after the service, recording the different colour envelopes and counting the loose cash. They also count carefully so that we know exactly how many people under and over 16 are in church. The Church of England loves statistics and so do we. It is very helpful to look back in the service register where numbers of those attending and receiving communion (when it is a communion service) are recorded and see how many people we might expect on any given Sunday. This is especially important at festival times, not only the major times of the church’s year such as Easter and Christmas but at times when we have our own major events and services. Sidespeople are the smiling, helpful and welcoming face of St James’. They are among the first to arrive for a service so that they can prepare the church to greet you and they are generally among the last to leave, after making sure that everything is correctly put away and the church is left tidily and safely for the next people to come in. Although they may have their own favourite service, we rather hope that they’ll be willing to take a turn at any of our services from time to time as needed. CarolynFox

Roles and responsibilities of Deanery Synod members

by Alan Wilson (now Bishop of Buckingham) 1st April 2002

A working hand list People serve on Deanery Synods as parish delegates, or as licensed or beneficed clergy or as members of other synodical bodies. Their other work brings its own responsibilities but, as members of the Deanery Synod, they are there to work in collaboration with the Bishop, diocesan officers, other members, rural/area dean and officers of the Deanery to forward the mission of the Church. This involves a commitment to:

I. Live and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, sustained by word and sacrament within the fellowship of the worshipping Church;

2. Represent the best interests of the parish on the Deanery Synod, by all means available, including turning up to meetings! Be a point of contact between deanery and parish, participating fully in the life of the PCC, and remembering that a prime purpose of the deanery is to support and enable work in parishes, but not to direct it.

3. Help develop forward looking deanery projects to support the parishes in their local mission and ministry

4. Collaborate in the development, monitoring and implementation of deanery mission plans, including discerning the appropriate level at which work can most effectively be undertaken.

5. Take an interest in the healthy and effective functioning of sector ministries within the deanery

6. Elect and support the officers of the deanery, treasurer, lay chair, secretary and Standing Committee, and to contribute to the shaping of deanery synod agendas

7. Support the mission of the Church by prayer and personal example; to seek out and support good practice in collaboration between parishes and ecumenically. To promote honest and harmonious working relationships throughout the Church in the deanery.

8. Seek out ways of linking into the structures of society within which the deanery is set, including local government. To participate fully in the corporate life of the area in Christ’s name, seeking new ways of understanding and communicating with its communities and people.

9. Inform themselves of issues under discussion at diocesan and national levels

10. Act as electors to diocesan and general synods

11. Work to grow cultures of generosity and genuine stewardship within the Church, which honour and develop the gifts and ministry resources of all

12. Take an interest in relationships which link what is going on locally into the diocese and the world church

PROFILE OF A PCC MEMBER/CHARITY TRUSTEE Qualities • A person of faith and a regular worshipper at St Jamesʼ [on the church electoral roll for at

least 6 months (except under 18s who may have been on for less time), at least sixteen years of age and an actual communicant (i.e. having received communion according to the use of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with the Church of England at least three times in the preceding twelve months).]

• An ability to think, reflect and pray about the life of the Church in this place and

the wider Church • A sense of humour • In sympathy with the aims of St Jamesʼ Church

Job Specification • To be willing to give priority to attendance at meetings • To serve on one of the sub-committees • Able to make a positive contribution to the life of the Church • To be willing to maintain the confidentiality of the meeting as and when necessary • To keep in touch with the Church members you represent • To pre-read the agenda and papers and to give thought and prayer to them • To be willing to share and take responsibility • To take the role of Charity Trustee seriously, keeping as informed as possible of

the rules of church, charity and state and acting responsibly The role of St Jamesʼ PCC (as decided by the members in May 1999) is “to act collaboratively with responsibility and vision to further the work of the Holy Spirit in our Parish and the world”.

Legal Responsibilities of Charity Trustees

(extracts from a guide by solicitors Bates Wells and Braithwaite)

Charity trustees are the people who have the general control and management of a charity’s administration: in short, they are ultimately responsible for the charity.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHARITY TRUSTEES The overriding duty of all charity trustees is to advance the purposes of their charity. In doing so they have several basic responsibilities.

1. Trustees are responsible for the proper administration of the charity Trustees must make sure that the charity’s assets and resources are used only for the purposes of the charity. They must make sure that the charity is run in accordance with its constitution, charity law and all other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

2. Trustees must accept ultimate responsibility for everything the charity does The trustees are responsible for the vision, mission and management of the charity. They are accountable if things go wrong.

3. Trustees have to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to their charity The law imposes a duty of care on the trustees of charities. This is sometimes expressed as a duty ‘to exercise such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances’. The duty will be greater if a trustee has (or claims to have) any special knowledge or experience, or if their business or profession means they can reasonably be expected to have special knowledge or experience. In matters where trustees are not expert, they will be expected to take appropriate advice. This duty is very significant. Essentially, provided trustees can show that they are acting reasonably, in a way which furthers the legal objectives of the charity, it is unlikely that they can be criticised under charity law.

4. Trustees must safeguard and protect the assets of the charity A charity’s assets include its investments, cash, land, intellectual property, staff and reputation.

5. Trustees have a duty to act collectively Decisions and responsibilities are shared, so all trustees should take an active role. Trustees can act by majority (unless the constitution says otherwise), but all the trustees are collectively responsible for decisions made by the trustees (unless they make it clear that they disagree with a particular decision, but they are overruled). Some trustees will have particular roles. For instance, the chair is likely to be a figurehead for the organisation, and to have a special relationship with senior members of staff. The treasurer will be responsible for explaining the financial situation to the rest of the trustees. But responsibility for decision-making still lies with the board as a whole.

6. Trustees must act in the best interests of their charity The interests of the charity are paramount. Trustees should not allow their personal interests or views to override this: they must exercise independent judgement.

7. Trustees must avoid any conflict between their personal interests and those of the charity The main implication of this is that, unless there is specific legal authority, charity trustees cannot receive any benefit from the charity. The law is very strict about ensuring that trustees cannot influence decisions in their favour. Conflict of interest is a very wide term and also includes a duty of loyalty to another organisation. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. See also Charity Commission guidance: CC3 – The Essential Trustee: What you need to know. www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publications/cc3.aspx

Notes for the APCM 2011 on the composition of the PCC

According to the rules of the Church of England as they apply to this parish, the PCC shall consist of: • All clerks in Holy Orders licensed to the parish; i.e. our Rector/Rector Designate once

licensed, Rev John Edwards as our associate priest and our expected non stipendiary associate curate once ordained. (3)

• The churchwardens; (2) • Such, if any, of the lay ministers (readers) who are licensed to the parish and whose

names are on the roll of the parish, as the annual meeting may determine; (0) (A previous APCM determined that licensed lay ministers here were not required to be on PCC, in line with Dr Keith Attonʼs wishes. If the APCM wish to change that it would require a resolution at this APCM effective from the next APCM.) • All persons on the roll of the parish who are lay members of Deanery, Diocesan or

General Synod. (Julia Arscott, Paul Arscott, Carolyn Fox and Julie Morley are the present representatives on Deanery Synod until 31st May 2011. New representatives will be elected at APCM 2011 to serve from 1st June 2011) (4)

• Such number of representatives of the laity as prescribed. From 2005, the prescribed

formula is to be based on Electoral Roll numbers (6 for Rolls of up to 50, 9 for 51-100, 12 for 101-200 and 15 for 201 and above) unless the 2004 APCM made some other arrangement (which it did, by determining that this number should not exceed 12, as a PCC of 20 people in total was felt to be quite big enough.) (12)

• Under Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 2003 which came into effect on 1 January 2004, the ʻdefaultʼ tenure of office for elected lay members of the PCC is three years, with one third retiring by rotation each year. The present representatives are:; Mary Dewhurst, Kate Meads, Jonathan Marshall and Richard Owen elected to 2011; Maurice Driver, John Brain, Rebecca Head and Richard Peat elected until 2012; Sarah Booth, Gill Myall, Ian Woolston and Barbara Brice elected to 2013. [If anyone else stands down out of turn, it is our custom to fill the total number of places and then, after they are elected, to choose by lot who of this total will fill the shorter term vacancy(ies) and who will be for three years.] Under the Synodical Government Measure a person must also now have been on the Electoral Roll for 6 months to qualify for election to the PCC or Deanery Synod and must be an actual communicant.

Documents

APCM Church Information Pack 2011 St James Finchampstead