January 2023 |
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Welcome to the January edition of Property Matters with If you have any feedback, please email the Property Support Team. |
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Energy Basket Questionnaire |
 As winter sets in, the Connexional Property Team have been receiving an increased number of enquiries from managing trustees concerned at the rising gas and electricity costs for their buildings, especially when contracts come to an end. We are aware that some churches would be interested in joining a collective group called an energy basket, which may open up opportunities for more competitive gas and electricity rates due to buying in bulk. The Connexional Property Support team would like to support churches in facilitating an energy basket but we would need to know how many churches would be interested and at what timescales. Thus, this short survey has been developed so that we can ascertain the appetite for exploring this scheme further. Please click here to fill in the short survey. |
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Update on the Energy Bills Discount Scheme |
 At present, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic consumers charities and businesses. The discount is automatically applied by the suppliers and the current scheme will run until 31 March 2023. More information can be found here. However, the government has announced a new scheme that will only apply a discount once the wholesale prices are above a certain price threshold. The discount will be automatically applied to those who qualify and this scheme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 More information about the new scheme can be found here. In addition, certain non-domestic energy users, including historic sites, who are vulnerable to higher prices can apply for a further discount called the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries scheme. The application form is not yet on the government website but further information can be found here. |
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Methodist Insurance Updates |
 Warm Spaces In response to the fuel crisis, many churches from all faiths are opening their buildings to provide a warm space to people experiencing fuel poverty. Here is some simple guidance to help you keep everyone warm and safe this winter. |
 Frozen pipes and heating systems An escape of water can cause extensive and lasting damage. Check that your water pipes are lagged, the stopcock is clearly labelled, and your heating system has been serviced by a registered engineer. |
 Risk Calendar Poster You can download our monthly risk reminders in a yearly calendar to put up at your church. The calendar highlights seasonal risk guidance that’s specific to churches, with links to more details on our website. |
 Community Outreach From Messy Church to running a foodbank, churches are well known for the amazing work they do in the community. If you’re new to these activities, it is important to be aware of the insurance implications and when you might need to contact us. |
 Making Home Insurance Count New customers – we donate 20% of your first year’s premium to your church or favourite charity. Terms and conditions apply You can also save 10% off your premium if you buy your contents and home insurance together. Just call our team on 0345 606 1331 to find out more and to get a quote. |
 New year, new project? Kick-start the New Year with funding towards your Methodist project. The Methodist Grants Programme provides funding to Methodist churches to run building development projects that focus on church growth, community engagement and improving accessibility. In a recent update to the programme criteria, Methodist Grants are available for repair and maintenance projects that are essential for the ongoing mission and ministry of an organisation. |
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HSE Update |
Make sure you are working safely with DSE All employers must protect workers from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE). Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in necks, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists and hands, as well as fatigue and eye strain. HSE has guidance on working safely DSE:
In addition, there is guidance on what employers and workers need to know about working with DSE from home.
Cold weather working: Helping workers stay safe and warm HSE is reminding employers to keep workers safe as cold weather continues. All employers are expected to ensure indoor workplaces are kept at a reasonable temperature so that workers are safe and warm. The HSE website has recently been refreshed to make it easier to find and understand advice on how to protect workers in low temperatures. |
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A Big Well-come in Derbyshire |
 Wellspring Wirksworth is one of four places of worship in Wirksworth, a small town situated within the Derbyshire Dales. In 2014, it was inaugurated as a Methodist/Baptist LEP and after a few years of planning and consultation, a design emerged that made really good use of the small space, offering a commercial standard kitchen, coffee bar area, a refurbished community hall, better access to the worship area and meetings rooms. There were a few ups and downs during the build but the end result has been a success! |
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Warm Spaces Updates |
 Support for Cost of Living Crisis If your church is working to help those affected by the cost of living crisis, it may be eligible for a grant. In addition to this list, The Benefact Trust has announced funding to support charities responding to the crisis. Click here to view the details. Lastly, funding has been made available from the Connexional Priority Fund to support churches that are unable to access funding locally. Click here to apply. There has also been some inspirational stories from the Warm Spaces initiative. |
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A Brief History of Community Centres in England |
 Historic England has published an article on A Brief History of Community Centres in England. It gives an interesting account of how community centres have developed over the years. The Methodist Church has a rich history of being the hub for a community. Here are a few examples: For more resources in engaging with your local community, you can look at: |
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New Toolkit Launched to Help Preserve Church Buildings |
 The Diocese of Lincoln has launched a new online toolkit to help preserve and maintain church buildings that might otherwise fall into disrepair. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund [Alliance member], the Volunteers’ Project and Resources Toolkit is a set of seven videos that cover a range of topics including project management, grant funding tips, masonry, heating and environmental advice for church buildings and churchyards. |
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Documentary film about the loss of pipe organs |
 Organ Stops is a new documentary film about the loss of pipe organs Narrated by Huw Edwards and directed by James Dawson. The film uses the loss of pipe organs to explore the impact this transformation has had on our society, in particular those most affected – the generations brought up in a musical tradition that is now fading along with the instrument that played its "soundtrack" for hundreds of years. It was broadcast at 9pm on Christmas Eve on BBC 4, and is available to watch on BBC i-player. Pipe Up for Organs is a new organisation that seeks to put an end to this situation by rescuing threatened organs, offering grants and advice to local organisations and promoting the whole culture associated with this instrument. Read more in an article featured on the Future for Religious Heritage website |
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Ecclesiastical's 2022 Heritage Risk Barometer |
 This sets out the results of research carried out with over 500 heritage organisations on challenges facing the sector. The Risk Barometer is a major research-based report that aims to understand the risks the sector faces and what it can do to manage and mitigate those threats. Much of it is relevant for places of worship. |
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Webinar on Measuring Your Church's Carbon Footprint |
 Does your church want to know it's carbon footprint? Find out how, and why it's important. The Church of England are hosting this practical webinar. The speakers include:
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Listed Building Advisory Committee (LBAC) Meeting Dates:
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Supporting the Methodist Connexion Methodist Insurance has been protecting the property of the Methodist Church since 1872. We are a Public Limited Company owned by shareholders and independent of the Methodist Church. The company operates like a mutual by returning most of our profits back to our community in the form of a significant financial contribution to the Methodist Connexion. Find out more.  |
Property Matters is a monthly newsletter focused on giving updates on property related guidance and legalisation as well as providing information and links to related subjects. To view the most current content, please refer to the Property pages on the website. We cannot know about everything that’s going on, so please do email us if you have any feedback or ideas for items to include. |
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