21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 1 of 7
ST JOHN & ST LEONARD BEDFORD
2017
Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
of the
Parochial Church Council
(PCC)
For the year ended 31st December 2017
Incumbent
The Reverend Noel Cooper
The Rectory
36, St John’s Street
Bedford MK42 0DH
St John’s Parish Office
38 St John’s Street
Bedford MK42 0DL
Banks
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 15-19 Mill Street
Bedford MK40 3EU
Independent Examiner
Mr Barrie Frost
13, The Furlong,
Bedford MK41 8EE
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 2 of 7
St John & St Leonard Bedford – Annual Report 2017
Background (Aims and Purposes)
St John & St Leonard PCC (The PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent of
the parish in promoting, within the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church. Its
mission is to be “Showing Christ’s Love, Giving Hope and Bringing Peace” both inside and outside
the church.
It has responsibilities for maintaining two worship centres in south Bedford together with
associated land and buildings. The Church of St John the Baptist stands to the east of St John’s
Street, Bedford, and the St Leonard’s Church Centre lies on the north side of Victoria Road,
Bedford.
The PCC is a body corporate [PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended, Church Representation
Rules (Synodical Government) Measure 1969 as amended] and is a charity registered with the
Charities Commission. Registration number 1131545. The members of the PCC are the trustees.
Until 2009 the PCC was an exempt organisation, being part of the Church of England.
The Charitable aims are described in the registration. In carrying out its activities, the PCC are able
to confirm that there are clear benefits to the public and specific sections thereof, in accordance
with the public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission. The activities carried out
to further its purposes for the public benefit are described in this report. Two separate charitable
funds, the Gertrude Day and Welbourne Charities, are managed by the Rector and wardens who are
jointly the sole trustees. These charities are independent of the PCC.
Structure, Governance and Management
PCC Membership
Incumbent: The Revd Noel Cooper* Rector
Assistant Curate: Vacant
Wardens: Miss Valerie Swanborough* (to April 2017)
Mr Ian Williams *
Mr Mark Whalan* (from April 2017)
Representatives Mr Alan Ledwick (re-elected April 2017)
On Deanery Synod: Mrs Delyth Arrowsmith (re-elected April 2017)
Mr David Lambert (from April 2017)
Reader : Mr David Lambert* Treasurer
Elected Members:
Mr Neeraj (Mickie) Benjamin (from April 2017)
Mrs Rosemary Dolamore
Suraj Gill (from April 2017)
Mrs Sylvia King (from April 2017)
Mrs Sylvia Linderman (from April 2017)
Mrs Angela Locke (to May 2017)
Mr Josh Matu (from April 2017)
Mrs Deborah Nicholls Community Youth Worker & Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Mr John Paintin (from April 2017)
Mrs Sue Patrick (to April 2017)
Mrs Pat Rolfe (to April 2017)
Mrs Hilary Searle* (standing committee from May 2016)
Mrs Teresa Stone (to April 2017)
Ms Val Swanborough* (from April 2017)
Mr Mark Whalan (to April 2017)
Mrs Sue Williams* Lay Vice Chair
PCC Secretary: Ms Tracey Oliver
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 3 of 7
Not on PCC: Deputy Warden: Mr Eddie King (St Leonards)
The full PCC met 6 times during the year with an overall 80% attendance. Committees met
between meetings and reports of their meetings were received by the PCC and discussed
where necessary.
Committees
Standing: Sets agendas and transacts the business of the PCC between meetings subject to
any directions given by the PCC. Members identified as above*.
Stewardship: The giving aspect of Stewardship, principally organising Stewardship Sunday, the
distribution of the Freewill Offering envelopes and other information on regular
giving, are managed by the treasury team.
The allocation of money to missions is undertaken by the PCC
The role of Missionary Co-ordinator has been vacant since June 2015. Co-
ordination is carried out on an ad-hoc basis by a combination of people.
Treasury: Sets operating budgets, provides regular updates to the PCC, manages the
stewardship scheme, reclaims tax on gift aid donations, keeps books, manages cash
flow, maintains appropriate financial controls and produces annual reports. The
team consists of the Chair (Treasurer), Angela Locke (Bookkeeper), Chris Moss
(Gift Aid), Peter Williams (Salaries), and a churchwarden. Jill Thomas manages
the Weekly Planned Envelope Scheme.
Buildings and Land: Manages the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and associated land
under the Church Wardens and invites others on an ad-hoc basis depending on
skills required.
Staff and volunteers Accredited Lay Minister: Miss Jill Thomas (P.T.O.)
The Community Youth Worker (Deborah Nicholls) continued and expanded her work in the local
schools as well as within the wider community. Tracey Oliver continued as Administrator. The
cleaners (Andrew Williams and then Tracey Oliver) kept the St John’s Hall in excellent condition.
We are grateful to Simon Brocklehurst who has continued his responsibilities as music director and
plays for most of our services at St. John’s. In addition Richard Crane continues as the regular
non-stipendiary organist at St. Leonard’s. Our thanks go to the Rector and all the staff for their
unstinting effort for the work of Christ in our midst.
In addition to those specifically mentioned above, the enormous amount of unpaid work
done by a large number of people in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord is acknowledged. This
enables the buildings, the church activities, the outreach and the church itself as a fellowship to
function and grow.
Safeguarding St John’s and St Leonard’s have a documented safeguarding policy for children and
vulnerable adults, which is in line with the Diocesan policy and thereby pays due regard to
the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding. Appropriate procedures are followed and
relevant appointments made. The PCC includes safeguarding as a standing agenda item
and receives reports on safeguarding from the Parish Safeguarding Officer as appropriate.
The policy is reviewed annually by the PCC
Church attendance At the 2017 APCM the Electoral Roll stood at 114, a rise from 110 in 2016. Of those on the roll 24
live in the parish, although a higher proportion live within close proximity of the Parish. We have
3 places on Deanery Synod (from 2017). The attendance at St John’s on Sunday mornings was
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 4 of 7
typically 36, at St Leonard’s 53 (including those under 16) the pattern of evening services at St
John’s continued to the pattern established in 2009. There was a Sunday evening service on the
second (informal), fourth (Holy Communion) and fifth (Evening prayer) Sundays at St John’s,
whose attendance averaged 14, and a discussion throughout Lent attracting similar numbers. Easter
and Harvest Songs of Praise at St John’s attracted 27 and 17 people, with 83 at the St Leonard’s
Harvest service. The monthly Songs of Praise (Yesu Ke Pyase) in Punjabi, a “Fresh Expression of
Church” running since September 2014, attracted between 35 and 50 people. A small group
associated with the Church of South India meet occasionally on Sunday evenings. Services over the
Easter and Christmas periods were well attended at both worship centres, attracting 45 and 68 to
the carol services at the two centres and 58 to the Christingle. Other occasional services and
informal worship occur during the week. There were 3 funerals, 3 thanksgivings, 4 baptisms, 2
confirmations and 1 wedding. During the year, in addition to regular leaders and preachers, the
congregations benefitted from the ministries of the Revd Paul Boulter. The Revd Brian Underwood,
and the Bishop of Bedford.
Buildings
General: The care and use of the buildings and land is considered to be an important
aspect of the church’s stewardship of resources in its care. This is achieved
through regular cleaning, maintenance and upkeep; also the appropriate
use of the buildings.
St John’s Church: Routine maintenance was carried out during the year, including gutter
clearance by a Diocesan contractor and repair to the West window. A
quinquennial inspection undertaken. Ecclesiastical insurance carried out a
re-valuation and inspection. The Diocese and English Heritage undertook a
detailed listed buildings inspection.
St John’s Hall: During 2017 Regular maintenance has been carried out, working parties
carrying out wider cleaning and maintenance on the hall and grounds.
St Leonard’s Church Centre: Appropriate maintenance was undertaken, blinds were replaced
and several working parties were held. A complete external decoration
along with associated roof repairs was commenced in 2017.
53 Hillesden Avenue: Since June 2013 this has been rented out on a commercial basis on a
formal short-term tenancy managed by a local agent. The net income is
shared between the Diocese and the PCC proportionate to the equity share
(approx. 70/30). The PCC has continued to request that the Diocese
engage to share maintenance, or open negotiations to “buy-out” the PCC
from the Equity.
Achievements and Performance Outreach and Service within the Local Community A weekly “Toddlers” group continues meeting and providing support to those in the local
community, led by Alison Clarke of “Praise and Play”. The coffee morning held every two weeks
at St Leonard’s continues to thrive. Various social events are organised, including craft afternoons,
which attract those without established connections to the church. At St Leonards a fun-day was
run for the local community in the summer and various open events for young people at St
Leonards including the “House of Light” party on All Hallows eve and a Christmas party for local
children. In the street outside St John’s Church, at Easter and Christmas, we handed out Hot Cross
Buns and Mince pies, as an expression of generosity along with the opportunity to talk, and
provided Bibles in conjunction with local members of the Gideons. At Christmas we were invited
to take the Puppet ministry to Morrison’s Supermarket and led carol singing. The Puppet
ministry also participated in a service at Renhold, and visited the Addison Centre (Kempston). On
Christmas Day we went to the Jubilee Centre at the invitation of All Nations Church (North), in
support of the Christmas Day lunch for vulnerable people. We also went carol singing around St.
Leonard’s, handing out mince pies to local houses. The leasing of St Leonard’s Land enabling an
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 5 of 7
established surgery to continue in the immediate community continued until July when it was
transferred to Bedford Hospital buildings. At Bedford Hospital (South Wing) a group from the
Church runs services bi-monthly and provides other support.. In addition, the St John’s Hall and St
Leonard’s Hall are made available to local community groups including, among others, antenatal
classes, baby massage, NCT meetings, Bedford Pipe Band, Locomotive Club of Great Britain
(Bedford Branch), Bedford Hospital Cardiac re-habilitation and a local school. The Borough
Council and Mid Beds Council use the Church hall as a centre from which to run family groups
(reconciliation sessions). “Bedford Carers”, providing support to carers, meet at both St John’s
and St Leonard’s. Car Parking is provided free of charge for the staff and clients of a local Alcohol
services centre and SMART support workers. We continue to participate in “Open the Book”,
taking it into our local schools, Caudwell and Shackleton, with some members of the congregation
also going into other schools. In December 2017 the Caudwell School Christmas Tableau with
carols and readings (year 6 pupils and parents/carers) was hosted at St John’s.
Mission 2017 saw the continuation of support for our home and overseas mission partners. Support for
home mission continued through the work of the Community Youth Worker, with gifts to
support the work of Alison Clark with “Praise and Play”, IMPACT, HOPE Bedfordshire,
BECHAR, The Railway Mission, and Farming Link. Support was given by members of the
congregation for furnishing homes and welcoming Syrian refugees locally. Overseas we continued
to support work in South America and Malawi, and the organisations FEBA, TEAR Fund (East
Africa), the provision and filling of shoeboxes (120 in 2017) to Romania and Eastern Europe
and those supporting the persecuted church. The Harvest offering went to the work of a school
community in Sierra Leonne, previously visited by the Community Youth Worker. The coffee
morning at St Leonard’s has provided funding for a range of activities from providing additional
support to the established work and mission partners to sending Bibles to Syria and relief appeals.
Most support continues to be associated with an active or historic connection through church
members.
Home activities In addition to services held at St John’s and St Leonard’s centres, a wide variety of activities were
undertaken to support the Church Family. A small number of Network (Home) groups meet
weekly or fortnightly to worship, study the Bible, provide mutual support and offer acts of service
to our local community within the parish and across Bedford. Regular daytime prayer meetings
took place at both centres. At St Leonard’s there is a weekly prayer meeting and a monthly service
in Punjabi (Yesu Ke Pyase). Groups such as Women’s Fellowship met twice a month, Just for
Men met monthly, alternating visits out (including walks along the Bunyan Trail) with “food and
thought”. Monthly walks organised from St Leonard’s have attracted a variety of participants.
Vocations, Deanery, Diocese and wider Anglican Communion Debbie Nicholls (the Community Youth Worker) continued her studies on the CMS Pioneer
Ministry Course.
Although no longer based at St John’s, Katie Franks continued her ordination training with EMRC
In the Deanery, representatives participated in Deanery Synod meetings.
The Bedford Good Friday Act of Witness was supported once again. The congregations continue to
be kept up to date with developments across the Anglican communion, both through local
information, teaching and through wider missionary contacts.
Financial Review and Stewardship
Finance: During 2017 we continued to use the PAXTON accounting package (for the seventh year), the
software accords with the accounting regulations, SORP 2015. David Lambert was re-appointed by
the PCC as “Treasurer” in May. Angela Locke very capably manages the book-keeping. A full
counting team of 6 regulars manages the weekly receipts, and the administrator deals with
invoicing, receipt of payments and payment for bills.
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 6 of 7
Total incoming resources for 2017 were £135,529, up from £126,186 in 2016. This is a significant
improvement on budget (£121,364), however it does include additional gifts of £8,400 (10% to
mission) and unbudgeted legacies (£1,100) and dedicated gifts (£1730 for home and £2100 for
mission including appeals). £1,100 recorded as income is the result of Ecclesiastical Insurance re-
funded as part of the rationalisation of insurances which started in 2016, with a transition to regular
monthly payments. £8,212 income from the rental of 53, Hillesden Avenue is included, of which
£5,453 remains to be passed to the Diocese after deduction and apportionment of expenses such as
insurance and maintenance. The income from St Leonard’s Land (the surgery) contributed £4,032
(10% to mission). A new lease agreement was in the process of preparation with the aim to extend
the lease until 2027, however the local Clinical Commissioning Group decided not to proceed, and
gave notice of closure. As at 31st December outstanding payments amounted to £4,032 We have
been assured that these payments will be made, and payments will continue until the land is
returned to the PCC in 2018
All giving is treated as “open giving”, unless specifically designated otherwise by the donor, which
is to say that donors leave the allocation of use of the giving to the discretion of the PCC. In
response to the changing patterns of individual mission support, and economic circumstances, the
PCC continued the pattern set in 2010 with the proportion being taken from all income (except
specific gifts, grants and restricted income), set initially at 10% subject to frequent review. This
principle was followed during 2017. Unrestricted Income (income excluding restricted giving such as to Fabric and Harvest).
Overall this increased to £124,096 from £120,939 in 2016 (including the exceptional gifts).
Separating out Mission giving (including the 10% tithe on income), this approximates to the
previous “home” giving category, and is the backbone of the budgeted items. It should be noted, as
above, that this income included the “additional exceptional gifts” in excess of £8,400 (including
Gift Aid), and the £8,212 from 53 Hillesden Avenue (£2,548 being retained). The budget for 2017
was set at a deficit of £7,878, in the knowledge that this was sustainable from reserves to the end of
2017, but not far beyond. Anticipated late income from 2016 was secured as allowed for in the
budget, however NHS property owe £4,032 as explained above, and envelope giving was £6,800
below budget, although largely offset by direct giving. St John’s car park income contributed over
£6,000.
Gift Aid tax income amounted to £14,524. The Small Donations Gift Aid Scheme (SDGAS)
introduced in April 2013 contributed a further £1,121. This included £275 received from 2016.
2017 SDGAS income not reclaimed in 2017 has been included as an accrual.
Missionary income was made up of 10% of total giving through gift aid, envelope scheme, cash
offerings, lettings and general donations plus special appeals and donations. These included a
harvest appeal raising £2266 for the work of a school community in Sierra Leonne, previously
visited by the Community Youth Worker, and £1142 towards East Africa famine relief.
Donations to the Mchinji Orphanage were enhanced through a variety of methods, including card
making.
Total Expenditure for 2017 £150,234 was compared with £128,317 in 2016. Whilst this was
significantly above the £129,240 budget by £20,960, this included expenditure of restricted gifts in
excess of £5,000 (balanced by income such as for mission or specific needs), and agreed
expenditure from reserves. The largest single expenditure was for the work at St Leonard’s Church
Centre. The major re-decoration, co-incided with a deterioration in some roof flashings and
waterproofing, in addition to which, during preparation for decoration, significant elements of
damage and deterioration were uncovered (including a collapsing dormer), requiring extensive
work. During the year £15,800 was expended on the work, which is substantially complete.
The transfer of Gas and Electricity supply in 2015 to a provider sourced through a
Diocesan purchase scheme continues to have late and erratic billing making reconciliation difficult,
however we do now have clarity as to what has been charged. The transfer of non-domestic water
bills to an “open market” has also caused some problems, with Anglian Water failing to draw direct
debits, and an associated under expenditure against budget. HMRC have confirmed that there are
no outstanding amounts in respect of PAYE. Staff are paid at rates based on the “Real” living wage
21st March 2018 Final Examined Page 7 of 7
– in accordance with the recommendations of the “Living Wage Foundation”. Pension
arrangements were agreed by the PCC and have been made with the Church of England Pension
Fund, who have provided an appropriate “disclosure notice” in accordance with the requirements of
FRS 102.
General Expenditure (expenditure excluding restricted expenditure such as to Mission and Projects)
increased significantly to £132,276 from £114,476 in 2016, as explained above. In addition £26,740 is now held for passing to the Diocesan Board of Finance from the rental
(£2,606 from 2013, £6,585 from 2014, £6,077 from 2015, £6,019 from 2016 and £5,453 from
2017), based on sharing net income on an equity share basis. This is held within the unreserved
funds for payment in 2018. We still await the outcome of the approach to the Diocese over the
future of the property including possible sale of the equity to the Diocese.
Mission Giving increased in 2017 to £16,349 from £14,272 in 2016. The 2017 figure includes
£2680 (£1435 in 2016) given directly from St Leonard’s coffee morning of which £1270 is
included within the main accounts (see notes to accounts page 2)
Reserves Policy
In 2014 the PCC adopted the following Reserves policy:
“It is the policy of the PCC to maintain a balance of 2 months of utility expenditure, insurance
and contractual commitments, including salaries. It is considered that a catastrophic event
would require the use of such a reserve, and that on-going gifts would cover Parish Share and other expenses.” This requires £800 pm + £1,900 pm for salaries, a total of £5,400 reserve.
Unrestricted Available Reserves at 31st December 2017 stood at £2043 significantly down from
the available reserves of £15,686 at the end of 2016 after allowing for payment to the Diocese in
respect of £53, Hillesden Avenue (£26,740), reduced retention on St John’s Hall works (£2,000),
outstanding HMRC Gift Aid Payments and the above Reserves policy. This is a matter of concern.
Stewardship:
St John’s and St Leonard’s has always taken seriously its approach to Christian Stewardship, in its
widest sense, and has a high level of planned and tax-efficient giving. The annual Stewardship
Sundays took place in May, with sermons preached and encouragement given to review our giving.
During 2017 there continued to be changes in patterns of giving, with deaths, changes in
circumstances and movements out of the Parish. Once again, during the year several members of
the church suffered from loss or reduction in paid employment with the consequent effect on their
financial circumstances. The continuing commitment of donors as their financial circumstances
change demonstrates the seriousness with which people treat giving. This, however, brings a
continuing and increasing challenge to all to continually review their level and method of giving.
Conclusion
We give thanks that once again God has provided our every need; indeed has provided beyond our
expectations, yet again. We continue to pray that we, as Christ’s Body, the Church in this part of
Bedford, will be envisioned and empowered to face the challenges of all that lies ahead as we seek
to bear witness to our Lord Jesus Christ, and live out His Kingdom in our Parish and Town, and
more widely throughout the world.
Signed on behalf of the PCC
Mrs S. Williams
Lay Chair, St John’s and St Leonards PCC
Please note that this report should be read in conjunction with the following documents:
• Statement of Financial Activities as at 31/12/2017 (SOFA) ~ 1 page
• Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2017 ~ 1 page
• 2 pages of Notes to the accounts
Approved at the PCC on 21st March 2018 along with the associated statements of accounts listed above and
Budget Comparison, SOFA detail, Balance Sheet Detail and FRS102 pension disclosure statement.
Client: Church WorkersScheme: PB 2014Level:PaylocationRef: 4779
Mr D Lambert
St Johns Parish Office38 St Johns StreetBedfordMK42 0DL
ChairmanJonathan Spencer CB
Your Ref: CWPF/4779
8th March 2018
Dear Mr Lambert
Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF)St Johns and St Leonards (Bedford) PCC (PB 2014)FRS102 Disclosure Notice
I am pleased to enclose a copy of the suggested FRS102 disclosure notice for your section of CWPF, for theyear ending 31 December 2017. You should discuss the final wording with your Auditor before you decidewhat to include in your annual report and accounts.
You will receive further notices if St Johns and St Leonards (Bedford) PCC (PB 2014) participates in othersections of CWPF, or in the Church of England Funded Pension Scheme.
The note has been produced on a calendar year accounting basis.
If you report under FRS105 or the "receipts and payments" approach, this note may not be appropriate andyou should consider your requirements with your Auditor.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Richard HallamHead of Customer Service & Delivery
The Church of England Pensions Board, PO Box 2026, Pershore, WR10 9BWHelpline: 020 7898 1802 Email: [email protected]
Registered Charity No 236627
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF)Draft FRS102 Wording - December 2017 Year End
St Johns and St Leonards (Bedford) PCC (PB 2014) participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section ofCWPF for lay staff. The Scheme is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds theassets of the schemes separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.
The Church Workers Pension Fund has a section known as the Defined Benefits Scheme, a deferred annuitysection known as Pension Builder Classic and a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.
Pension Builder Scheme
The Pension Builder Scheme of the Church Workers Pension Fund is made up of two sections, PensionBuilder Classic and Pension Builder 2014, both of which are classed as defined benefit schemes.
Pension Builder Classic provides a pension for members for payment from retirement, accumulated fromcontributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set andreviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Bonuses may also be declared,depending upon the investment returns and other factors.
Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum that members use to providebenefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. This accountmay have bonuses added by the Board before retirement. The bonuses depend on investment experienceand other factors. There is no requirement for the Board to grant any bonuses. The account, plus anybonuses declared, is payable from members’ Normal Pension Age.
There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.
The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This isbecause it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specificemployers and that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme.The pensions costs charged to the SoFA in the year are contributions payable (2017: £XXXX, 2016: £XXXX).
A valuation of the scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent scheme valuationcompleted was carried out as at 31 December 2013. This revealed, on the ongoing assumptions used, asurplus of £0.5m. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.
Pension Builder 2014 will be valued in relation to the lump sum payable to members at normal pension age.There are no annual pension benefits. Pension Builder 2014 commenced in February 2014 so the first fullvaluation of that section will be carried out at the next CWPF valuation date, 31 December 2016.
ST. JOHN AND ST. LEONARD P.C.C. BEDFORD."Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2017"
1
(a)
(b) Funds
(c)
Voluntary income and capital sources
Other income
Gains and losses on investments
(d) Resources used
(e) Fixed assets
Consecrated land and buildings and moveable church furnishings
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment
Investments and current assets
Valuation of Buildings
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
Incoming resources
From 2016 Ecclesiastical Insurance has amended its insurance approach from being based on a given asset value (which has been used as
the current asset value in the accounts, to a "limit of claim", which does not provide a defined asset value. From 2016, therefore, the asset
value used in these acounts will be based on the latest available valuation, which will be reviewed every 3 years and adjusted in accordance
with recognised valuation increase/decrease criteria. 2016 values are available for all buildings except the St John's Church Building, on
which the insurance claim limit has been raised from £5M in 2016 to £7.5M at the end of 2017. Ecclesiatical Insurance have advised that the
Archdeacons have been made aware of the change in the basis of insurance. The figures used for valuation for 2017 accounts are those
given for St John's Hall by Ecclesiastical Insurance on 30th November 2017, with a similar increase for St Leonard's Church Centre (pro-rata
on the figures used for 2016 valuations). Both buildings are insured for a limit of claim of £2.5M
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other
income such as Gift Aid are shown as debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable (including rents not secured). In
practice only Gift Aid is included in line with 1(c) above Cash at bank and in hand includes funds on short term deposit.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997, together with applicable
accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2015. They follow the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets,
which are shown at market value.
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 that are designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are still unrestricted. Restricted funds are
from income that has been accepted subject to conditions about how it may be used. The restricted funds are given names that indicate their
purpose and restrictions.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. However, they do not include any
accounts of church groups that are simply informal gatherings of church members.
Collections are recognised as income when they are received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving, under Gift Aid or otherwise, is also
only recognised when it is received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised at the same time as the gift itself. Grants
and legacies are accounted for as soon as the PCC has been notified of its legal entitlement and the amount is quantifiable and the PCC is
reasonably certain of receiving it in due course.
The Church of St Johns and St Leonards does not usually engage in fund-raising activities. Some social activities are undertaken for which
an admission charge is made (for example Harvest Supper) but these are regarded as part of the Church's outreach. In these circumstances
proceeds are sometimes netted off against expenses where it is not reasonably practicable to separate some expenses and receipts (for
example occassional refreshments and receipts) and the net cost is charged as a running cost under "Work of the Parish".
Rental income from letting of Church premises is recognised when the rental is due, although in 2017 income has only been recognised when
paid. Bank deposit interest is accounted for as it accrues. Other investment income is accounted for when it is due and payable.
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on a revaluation every
31st December.
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if the awarding creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The
diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable: any amount unpaid at 31 December would be provided for as an operational liability,
but St Johns and St Leonards pays it monthly and it was confirmed as paid in full before 31st December 2017.
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. No value is placed on movable
church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers
this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church
furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and disclosed at 3c)
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over a period not exceeding four years. Individual items
with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Page 1 2017 Notes to accounts.xlsx
ST. JOHN AND ST. LEONARD P.C.C. BEDFORD
2 Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2017
SORP 2015 references 2017 Direct 2017 2016 Direct 2016 2015
B2 Missionary Societies Supported
St Leonards
Coffee
Morning
St Leonards
Coffee
Morning
£ £ £ £ £
Hope (Beds) 100 100 100
Bible Exhibition (Renhold Chapel) *150 150
Bishops Harvest Appeal (Water aid-Madagascar) O/Seas 1355
Bedford Street Angels 50
Churches Together inc inc inc
Carers in Cheltenham 175
BECHAR 100 75
Children's Society (inc Christingle) 50 direct direct direct
Barnabas Fund O/Seas 100 100
Ben Nicholls (London) O/Seas 200
Joseph Nicholls (Bristol) 200
Embrace (Gaza) O/Seas 160
Crosslinks (Harvest offering to Ethiopia) O/Seas 150 1419
FEBA O/Seas 150 150 200
Impact (BASCST) 4200 4200 4000
Malawi Orphan Fund(inc £313 famine relief 2016) O/Seas 100* + 450 1481 200* +500 1830 820
Tear Fund (East Africa Famine) 420* 1142
Operation Mobilisation O/Seas 400 350
Railway Mission 100 200 200
Release International (Suffering church) O/Seas 200 250 230
CMS (South American Miss Society) O/Seas 1600 1600 1500
Sierra Leone - work of Pastor Theo (Harvest Gift) O/Seas 2266 0
Praise and Play (Alison Clark Support) 1600 1600 1600
Gideons 150
Romania Shoebox appeal O/Seas 100 + 200 100*+ £232 100
TEARFund O/Seas 150 100 0
Farming Christian Link 150 150 100* 150
Bible Society (Bibles for Syria) O/Seas 300* 300 100* 100
Salvation Army (Bedford) 135 214
Zambesi Mission O/Seas 300* 1350 850 700
2,680 14,939 1,756 13,385 11,544
Fixed Assets 2017 2016 2015
53 Hillesden Ave, Elstow buildings 79,377 76,643 73,696
D1 St. John's Hall building & contents 850,000 621,275 612,096
a St. Leonard's Church Centre building & contents 1,075,213 785,886 774,278
b Fabric Fund CBF Investment 67,508 61,731 55,564
c 2,072,098 1,545,535 1,515,634
A4
The funding of 53 Hillesden Ave is on an Equity Sharing Loan made up as follows: -
Share % 2017 2016 2015
a St. Alban's DBF Pastoral Account 68.97% 176,431 170,355 163,804
St. John and St. Leonard P.C.C. 31.03% 79,377 76,643 73,696
255,808 246,998 237,500
The Fabric Fund capital, of which only the income can be used for the fabric of St. John's Church, comprises 4,128 shares in the
of the Church of England. The value shown is the bid price at 31st December 2017
The property values shown for St. John's Church Hall and St. Leonard's Church Centre are taken from figues provided by The St John's Church building is insured in a similar manner with a limit of loss of £7.5M , with minimum insured amounts of
£4,470,000 and a further £100,000 contents but not included in the statement of assets, which is in accordance with SORP
The "Direct" amounts are outwith these accounts, provided in kind or due to expediamcy (to meet immediate need), but included for the benefit of
transparancy. Those identified* are included in accounts.
Page 2
The Fabric Fund capital, of which only the income can be used for the fabric of St. John's Church, comprises 4,128 shares in the
Page 2
Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2017
Unrestricted
FundsRestricted
Income Funds
Endowment
FundsTotal this year Total last year
Printed: 26/03/2018
Paxton Page 1 of 1
St Johns & St Leanords
Fixed assets
2,004,590 1,483,804Tangible assets 2,030,259 0 -25,669Investments -25,669 0 93,177 67,508 61,731
Total fixed assets 2,004,590 0 67,508 2,072,098 1,545,535
Current assets
Debtors 9,567 8,580 0 18,147 15,913
Cash at bank and in hand 29,218 -14,267 21,117 36,068 52,438
Total current assets 38,785 -5,687 21,117 54,215 68,351
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year2,601 0 0 2,601 2,032
Net current assets/(liabilities) 36,183 -5,687 21,117 51,614 66,319
Total assets less current
liabilities2,040,774 -5,687 88,625 2,123,711 1,611,853
Total net assets or liabilities 2,040,774 -5,687 88,625 2,123,711 1,611,853
The funds of the charity:
Endowment funds 0 0 88,625 88,625 82,388
Restricted income funds 0 -5,687 0 -5,687 1,299
0 0 2,040,774 1,528,167Unrestricted funds 2,040,774
Total charity funds 2,040,774 -5,687 88,625 2,123,711 1,611,853
Statement of Financial Activities as at 31/12/2017
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
FundsTotal funds Prior period
total funds
Printed: 23/03/2018
Paxton Page 1 of 1
St Johns & St Leanords
£ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 85,778 6,600 0 92,378 90,412
Charitable activites 22,950 0 0 22,950 15,899
Other trading activities 1,135 248 0 1,383 1,216
26 0Investments 2,196 2,222 2,083
Other 14,207 2,388 0 16,595 16,577
Total 135,529 126,1862,1969,236124,096
Expenditure on:98 0 0 98 1,033Raising funds
127,28416,222 1,736 150,136132,178Charitable activities
Total 132,276 16,222 1,736 150,234 128,317
0 0 5,777 5,777 6,167Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure) -8,179 -6,985 6,237 -8,928 4,037
Transfers between funds 0 0 0 0 0
Other recognised gains/(losses)
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of
fixed assets520,786 0 0 520,786 23,734
6,237-6,985512,607 511,858 27,771Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of Funds
1,528,167 1,299Total funds brought forward 82,388 1,611,853
Total funds carried forward 2,123,7112,040,774 -5,687 88,625