COMMENTARY

During 2016 expenditure on the church building was higher than in recent years.  The illuminated cross which was erected on the front elevation of the church, I believe in the 1990s, suffered a number of faults.  Firstly the electrical lighting ceased to work and then, in a winter storm, part of its frame became detached and it was decided that it was essential to remove it and replace it with a new one incorporating an LED lighting system that would be cheaper to run.  After some difficulty in finding a firm able to meet our requirements, eventually this work was carried out by J D Plastics of Garston, a business recommended to us by the Synod Property Officer.  The cost of manufacture and erection of the cross, including the hire of a “cherry picker” to lift the very heavy structure into place was £2,620.80.  However, it does mean that our church, hidden behind the hedge on the service road of Northway, is visible to all who pass as it shines out across the dual carriageway!

To fulfil a plan which we had considered for some time the area to the rear of the church was transformed into a meeting area by removal of two pews, the reversal of two others and by new carpeting.  This area provides space for people to gather for tea and conversation after services, as well as giving us a place for meetings, including those for Elders, Bible study, Fellowship groups, Lent study and the whole membership of the church.  The cost was partly met by the sale of a number of unwanted items, including the long disused old light fittings and umbrella stand.

In August exterior painting of the church windows and doors was carried out, followed shortly after by the painting of the inside of both porches, along with engraving of the brass plaque in the entrance porch to bring it up to date.

We are obliged to have a range of tests carried out on our buildings and equipment each year.  This includes annual PAT tests on electrical appliances, gas appliance checks and checks on fire equipment, signs, etc. These checks were carried out as usual.

The church’s receipts from freewill and cash offerings during 2016 were almost the same as those in 2015. The overall receipts were up by over £5,600 due to a number of factors including several generous donations, an additional ~ £600 in charitable collections and over £4,000 extra in hall rents.  As has been the case for some time, our income from hall lettings plays a vital role in maintaining the financial viability of the church.  We would be a very long way from being able to pay our way if it were not for this income.

Utility bills decreased by £1,919.28 in 2016 compared with 2015. This is due to a number of factors.  We were obliged to pay United Utilities a considerable sum for the water lost from the burst underground mains pipe in 2015, SSE billed us for both gas and electricity for the fourth quarter of 2015 during December although we are usually billed in the following January and United Utilities did not charge us for water supply and sewage removal for nine months even though it was agreed with them that we would pay by direct debit every three months, so the bills for these months were  sent in February 2017 and will be included in the 2017 accounts.

Our Gift Aid and GASDS tax refund from HMRC was £3,004.71 in 2016, £251.12 of which was in respect of donations made to Commitment for Life and was sent to them together with the donations. 

The church’s contributions which were sent to charities in 2016 were £5,682.71, including contributions to CfL donated during both 2015 and 2016.  We are especially grateful to Jennie Howe for the splendid fund raising lunches that she and Geoff have provided, to Ann Byron and Joan Howe for their annual garden party and cakes and scones for all sorts of occasions, to Joan and Ron Fazackerley for the Bring and Buy afternoon at their home, to Margaret Blair for all the delicious chutneys, preserves, and cakes that she makes throughout the year and for all the other contributors of goods, services and monetary donations that bring about the raising of this sum.

We are grateful to Brenda Tinniswood for managing and updating the church’s website, but she is only able to do so effectively if she is provided with items which can be included.  Please let Brenda have any items, accounts of events, photographs, etc. to keep the website interesting and topical.

I would again wish to thank all those who carry out vital roles in the financial management of the church, including Margaret Blair who handles, banks and records the weekly collections as well as taking over the task of recording the freewill and CfL offerings, vital data for applications to HMRC for GiftAid refunds, Kath Oakley who deals with the hall rents and the organisations which use our halls, Maurice Parry who issues the freewill envelopes and, again this year, to Mrs Betty Jones who carried out the onerous job of the independent examination of the accounts.  This is in line with Charity Commission and Synod requirements that a person independent of the Church is required to audit the accounts.  May I record my thanks to Joan Howe who, for so many years, carried out the task of recording the data for GiftAid refunds.

A new venture started in September last year is the introduction of the Dragon’s Club, a monthly meeting, held on the second Thursday of each month, originally intended for local people who may be lonely or restricted in what they are able to do, but which has proved to be popular with a wider range of people who enjoy various activities and each other’s company.  This is the brainchild of Jennie Howe who works extremely hard each month to set up, bake, serve refreshments and come up with ideas for activities.  All who attend are very grateful for all that she does.

On 14^th February 2017 the church buildings had their Quinquennial survey carried out by a surveyor appointed by the Synod.  The Elders and Managers will give due attention to the recommendations laid out in the report when it is received.

Amongst other maintenance tasks it is planned to have the exterior of windows, facias and soffits of the Scout HQ painted this summer.  We have requested an estimate for consideration from J. Schofield who painted the church windows and doors.

The coming year will no doubt see a number of changes and initiatives, the most significant being that in May our minister, Robert, is to retire.  We wish him a healthy, happy and satisfying retirement.  He will be greatly missed for the leadership and friendship which he has provided.  We are still not certain of any plans that the Synod may have for our future and that of our two sister churches and would hope that Synod will provide support, information and advice.  However, we realise that we will need to work together to continue the fellowship that we have in St George’s and which we value so much.

Sheila Nelson

March 2017