## VEC= = a : BWHAVEis : Ae TJ) ## St Mary’s, Camberley Year ended 31st December 2025 Incumbent: Revd Andrew Knowles Church Wardens: Mrs L. Hall Independent Examiner: Fuller Spurling Chartered Accountants Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## Table of Contents Introduction Letter .................................................................................................................................. 3 Administrative Information .................................................................................................................... 5 PCC Members: ..................................................................................................................................... 5 PCC Structure, Management and Governance ....................................................................................... 7 Standing Committee (Operations Team) ............................................................................................ 7 People Team ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Building Team ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Finance Team ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Ministry Leadership Team .................................................................................................................. 8 The PCC as an employer ...................................................................................................................... 8 The PCC oversees those who volunteer ............................................................................................. 8 Objectives ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Vision: Our shared vision and mission strategy across the Guildford Diocese ..................................... 10 St Mary’s Vision and Mission ................................................................................................................ 12 Achievements and Performance ........................................................................................................... 17 Leadership: PCC and Deanery Synod ................................................................................................ 17 Worship @ St Mary’s ........................................................................................................................ 21 Pastoral ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Discipleship ....................................................................................................................................... 30 Outreach ........................................................................................................................................... 35 A Safer Church....................................................................................................................................... 36 Safeguarding ..................................................................................................................................... 36 Health and Safety .............................................................................................................................. 37 Data Protection ................................................................................................................................. 38 Technology ........................................................................................................................................ 39 Church Centre (The Well at St Mary’s) ............................................................................................. 39 Building ............................................................................................................................................. 40 Financial Review .................................................................................................................................... 44 Income: ............................................................................................................................................. 44 Expenditure: ...................................................................................................................................... 44 Net Result:......................................................................................................................................... 44 Accounting Policies ........................................................................................................................... 47 Assets ................................................................................................................................................ 47 Funds Policies .................................................................................................................................... 48 1 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley Reserves policy .................................................................................................................................. 48 Independent Examiner’s Report ....................................................................................................... 52 ## **PLEASE NOTE:** This report is the sum of many contributors, their words are incorporated to form this single report about the Life and Ministry of St Mary’s, Camberley. 2 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## Introduction Letter ## **Letter from Reverend Andrew Knowles, Vicar of St Mary’s Camberley** ## **Passing on the Mantle – Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2)** As we reflect on the past year at St Mary’s, I find myself drawn to the story of Elijah and Elisha. It is a story of faithful service, trust, and God’s work continuing from one season to the next. After years of faithful ministry, Elijah was called to pass on the mantle to Elisha, trusting that the Lord who had led him so faithfully would continue His work through another. This image speaks powerfully to our life together at St Mary’s in this season. We give thanks for all that God has done among us, and we look ahead with confidence, knowing that His purposes for this church continue far beyond any one person or chapter in its life. St Mary’s continues to express its unique identity through the life of the Church, the Nursery (which is a separate charity), and The Well. Each has its own character and ministry, yet together they share the same calling: to serve our community, nurture faith, and glorify God. Increasingly, we are seeing the connections between these parts of our life deepen, creating pathways through which people encounter welcome, belonging, and, ultimately, God Himself. ## **A Season of Transition and Trust** This has been a significant year of transition as we continue to build on the foundations laid in recent years and prayerfully prepare for the future. As many of you know, I will be stepping down as Vicar in the coming year, with **August bringing to a close this season of my ministry at St Mary’s** . At such moments, the story of Elijah and Elisha offers both comfort and perspective. Elijah was called to serve faithfully in the season entrusted to him and then to pass on the mantle, trusting that God’s work would continue through another. The mantle did not represent Elijah’s work alone, but the ongoing mission of God. In the same way, the life and witness of St Mary’s has never rested on one individual, but on the faithfulness of God and the shared calling of His people. We move forward with confidence, trusting that the Lord who has guided us through every season will continue to lead St Mary’s into the next chapter of its life and ministry. ## **Growing Connections, Deepening Faith** Our Church Development Plan continues to shape the life of St Mary’s—not simply as a strategy, but as a vision for connection and growth. We are seeing encouraging signs of people finding their way into the life of the church through worship, community events, The Well, the Nursery, and pastoral care. This year has reminded us that growth often happens through faithful presence, simple acts of welcome, and prayerful attentiveness to where God is already at work. We are learning to keep things simple, to focus on what matters most, and to create spaces where people can encounter Christ. ## **Faithfulness in the Everyday** This report reflects the faithfulness of so many people. It is seen in those who serve week by week, often unseen; in those who pray; in those who welcome, care, organise, lead, and give. The life of St Mary’s is sustained not by a few, but by many, each playing their part. At the same time, we continue to face real challenges. The care of our buildings remains a significant responsibility, alongside our commitment to environmental stewardship and financial sustainability. 3 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley These are not small matters—but neither are they new to us. Time and again, we have seen God provide what we need, often in unexpected ways. As a registered charity, we remain committed to acting with transparency, integrity, and careful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. We seek to uphold the highest standards of governance, ensuring that St Mary’s continues to be a place of worship, support, and outreach for generations to come. ## **Moments That Matter** There have been many moments this year that remind us why St Mary’s is here. We become a place of connection, remembrance, or comfort. These are often not the loudest moments, but they are the ones —the conversations, the prayers, the quiet reassurances that people are not alone. We continue to be called to be a visible and faithful presence in our community—to be salt and light in ways that are both practical and prayerful. ## **Looking Ahead with Hope** As Elijah’s mantle fell to Elisha, so we trust that God is already preparing the next season for St Mary’s. Leadership changes, seasons come and go, but the mission remains the same: to worship God, serve our community, and make Christ known. It has been a profound privilege to serve as your Vicar. I am deeply thankful for all that we have shared together and for the faithfulness, generosity, and love of this church family. We look to the future not with anxiety, but with hope and expectation, trusting in the God who always goes before us. With every blessing, ## **Reverend Andrew Knowles** Vicar, St Mary’s Camberley 4 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## Administrative Information St. Mary’s Church is situated in Camberley, Surrey. It is a part of the Diocese of Guildford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: St Mary’s Church Centre, Park Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2SR. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Number 1127459. ## **PCC Members:** Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. PCC members for 2025 are listed below. PCC members serve for three years, (shown in brackets). Church Wardens are elected each year. Ex Officio members: Incumbent: Reverend Andrew Knowles* (Chairperson) Associate Minister: Reverend Sue Duplock (July 2024) Elected members: Church Wardens: Mrs Lesley Hall* (first elected: 2022) Representatives on the Deanery Synod: Mrs Lesley Hall* (2023 – 2026) Mr Darren Duplock (2023 -2026) Representative on the PCC: There are five vacancies on the PCC. Mrs Rosie Jones (2023 – 2026) resigned in January 2026 Mr Mike Emery (2023 – 2026)* Mr Yovan Devadoss (2024 – 2027) Ms Tyrrell Brett (2025 – 2028)* Mr Rodney Bates (2025 – 2028) *Members of the Standing Committee from April 2025 5 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley Officers to the PCC (non-PCC members): each officer was invited to report to the PCC over the last 12 months. Mrs Lesley Hall (Electoral Roll Officer) Mrs Tyrrell Brett (Safeguarding Officer from May 2024) Mrs Rosie Jones (Designated Safeguarding Lead – stepped down January 2026) Mr Melvyn Hayward (Data Controller) Revd Andrew Knowles (Health and Safety Officer) Consultants to the PCC (non-PCC members) **HR Consultant** - Mrs Karen Liddington People In Focus Ltd, Aspect House, Pattenden Lane, Marden, Kent, TN12 9QJ ## **Health and Safety Consultant** - Mr John Bradstreet Just Safety Ltd, Market House, 21 Lenten Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HG **Architect – Purcell UK** - Mrs Ellie Atherton (Oxford Office) 15 Bermondsey Square, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3UN Purcell Architects were appointed on 18[th] October 2014 as St Mary’s Architect to advise on all building work and to complete the Quinquennial Report. - Jonathan Deeming (Oct 2014 to Feb 2025), Partner at Purcell and our Principal Architect, supported by: - Alex Marlow (Jan 2022 to Dec 2023) - Kayleigh Buttigieg (Dec 2023 to Jan 2024) - Ellie Atherton (Jan 2024 onwards) - Ellie Atherton (Feb 2025), Associate Architect at Purcell with specialism in historic buildings and in February 2025, Jonathan Deeming stepped down and Ellie Atherton became our Architect. ## **External Examiner:** Mrs Susanne Keane Fuller Spurling Chartered Accountants, 90 High Street, Sandhurst, GU47 8EE 6 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **PCC Structure, Management and Governance** The Parochial Church Council's membership includes the ordained Minister (Vicar), Associate Minister, and those elected, the Church Wardens, two Deanery Synod representatives, and seven PCC members. All those who attend our services and are members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training in the workings of the PCC. The PCC operates throughout the year with the full council meetings (every other month) and the subgroups called ‘Teams’ that meet regularly and report to the full PCC meetings. The PCC Officers report to each PCC meeting to ensure good communication. In 2025, there were six full PCC meetings held, plus the Vestry meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. ## **Standing Committee (Operations Team)** The Standing Committee is a statutory PCC Committee. It carries out the work of the PCC between meetings. The Incumbent and Church Wardens are ex-officio members (of all teams), and the PCC appoints at least two of its members. ## **People Team** Overseeing the resources of people, those employed by St Mary's or volunteering for St Mary's, to ensure that we support them and fulfil our legal obligations. The safeguarding team has met, but the People Team didn’t meet in 2025. - Incumbent (ex officio) - Associate Minister - Church Wardens (ex officio) - Parish Safeguarding Officer - PCC Member - Advisers: HR Consultant, Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), Data Protection Officer. ## **Building Team** Overseeing the resources of our buildings to ensure they are appropriately cared for and fit for the mission and ministry of St Mary's. - Incumbent (ex officio) - Church Wardens (ex officio) - Lay members ## **Finance Team** Overseeing the resources of our finances to ensure they are appropriately managed and support the mission and ministry of St Mary's. 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - PCC Treasurer (ex officio) - Finance Officer - Incumbent (ex officio) - Church Wardens (ex officio) - Advisers: Diocese and Charity Commission Officers ## **Ministry Leadership Team** The Ministry Leadership Team oversees the ministry at St Mary's, and it is accountable to the PCC. The core team is those who have been called by God, affirmed by the Church and are exercising licensed ministry. Additional team members are invited to join by the MLT team and the Incumbent. The MLT is responsible to the PCC, reporting regularly, and making proposals for the PCC to approve. The Ministry Leadership Team oversees the many ministries at St Mary's to offer leadership and support. Each ministry within St Mary's must be approved by the PCC, along with the necessary paperwork, so we fulfil our legal requirements. **This diagram shows how St Mary’s operates.** ## **The PCC as an employer** Welcome and Bookings Officer: Mrs Gwen Mullins (15 hours per week) started in September 2023 Administrative Support Officer with an emphasis on communications: Mrs Modupe Adegbaji-Pain (10 hours per week term time only) started in November 2024 Finance Officer: Mrs Esther Westwood (6 hours per week) started in November 2021 Cleaner: Mrs Patricia Chavarria (10 hours per week) started in February 2025 The PCC is grateful for the commitment of its staff, their work and ministry at St. Mary’s. Every year has its challenges at St Mary’s and we are indebted for their dedication. We would like to thank Mr Mike Emery for maintaining our IT equipment for the Church. St Mary’s Nursery now outsources its IT support. St. Mary’s Camberley website is managed by Mr Ian Robson with the help of the Administrative Support Officer. We thank them for their hard work. 8 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley We rely on our staff and volunteers who work behind the scenes as well as up front to keep the church running. We are very grateful for their hard work from locking up each evening, keeping the garden beautiful, washing the linen etc. There can never be enough volunteers and we would love it if many more people would be willing to join the team – there is a job available for all ages and all capabilities! ## **The PCC oversees those who volunteer** Like most charities, St Mary’s has seen a change in its volunteering, we are grateful for all who have given their time, and work for the benefit of us all. 80 volunteers are covering 49 different roles. We are aware of the need for more people to serve to share the workload. We are continually reshaping the way we work and looking to build up teams and team leads. We have created a Ministry Handbook, which was completed in 2024. This is called the St Mary's Ministry Handbook rather than a Volunteers Handbook because our approach to serving is rooted in Christ’s model of ministry. Jesus demonstrated servant-hearted leadership, calling His followers to serve others in love. As He said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Our HR Counsultant keeps us up to date on changes we need to be aware of. This reflects our belief that serving in the church is more than just volunteering—it is a ministry, a calling to serve God and His people. At the same time, as a registered charity, St Mary’s aligns with the Charity Commission’s requirements, ensuring that all who serve are equipped, supported, and accountable within a well-structured framework. By calling it a Ministry Handbook, we highlight both our spiritual foundation and our practical responsibilities. ## **Objectives** ## **Spiritual Objectives:** At St Mary’s, **we continue to seek to be a church shaped by Jesus’ call to worship the Father “in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).** For over forty years, this has been a defining focus of our life together: to be a people rooted in God’s Word and open to the renewing and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Rather than being defined by cultural labels such as “Evangelical” or “Charismatic,” our desire has simply been to follow Christ faithfully as a church formed by Scripture and alive to the work of the Spirit. We seek not only the Spirit’s leading in worship and prayer, but also the growth of the Spirit’s gifts in ministry and the Spirit’s fruit in our common life — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This enduring tradition continues to shape our worship, discipleship, prayer, and mission as we seek to serve our community in the name of Jesus. ## **Governance Objectives:** Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) are charities and are governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures. These are: 9 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley The Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended. This defines the principal function, or purpose, of the PCC as "promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church". The Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended) - - - https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/clergy resources/pcc accountability guide St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Andrew Knowles, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical as set out in the Church Representation Rules. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church and the Church Centre Complex of St. Mary’s (now called The Well), Park Road, Camberley, GU15 2SR. St. Mary’s House is the responsibility of Guildford Diocese, and the parish is responsible for internal decorating. St Mary’s PCC therefore shares with the Incumbent the responsibility for: - a) The promotion of the whole mission of the church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical – within the ecclesiastical parish of St Mary’s, Camberley. - b) The efficient administration of the parish and its funds. The PCC is responsible for funding the maintenance and repair of the Church Centre (which includes the Church). The PCC has considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and believes the guidelines have been met as the activities of the church are open to the public at large and are for public benefit. **Vision: Our shared vision and mission strategy across the Guildford Diocese** The diocesan leadership and community are committed to the vision of Transforming Church, Transforming Lives and have been since September 2016. The Diocesan vision is one of a diverse, growing, intergenerational church at the heart of each community, working alongside our chaplaincies and schools in living and proclaiming the Good News of God in Jesus Christ. ## **A refreshed focus** Following a second prayerful listening exercise and looking at the National Church’s focus of ‘Simpler, Bolder, Humbler’. The Diocesan Senior Staff have opted for three related priorities that refresh and evolve our original vision: 10 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Growing Disciples** brings together: - Encountering God through worship, prayer, retreat and learning. - Everyday Faith – sharing and expressing our faith in daily life and exploring vocation. - Meeting with our Church family in all sorts of contexts for Christian encouragement, friendship and support. **Growing Diversity** will mean for many Parishes increasing the number of younger people and also growing our diversity in every way to ensure we better reflect the communities we serve. It means continuing the great work our schools are doing. It means having the courage to experiment with new ways of being Church, physically and digitally. **Growing Community** builds on the community partnerships of our parishes, chaplaincies, and schools – many of which were developed during the pandemic. It also draws in the critical work across our communities to care for the Earth and reduce carbon emissions. Alongside the three priorities, they also created a refreshed set of 'Imagine' statements: ## **Imagine statements:** **Imagine a Church** that is rooted in prayer, daily recognising our dependence on the God who saves, guides, strengthens and grows the Kingdom. **Imagine a Church** where people of all ages reach their full potential as disciples and leaders, cheering one another on in the adventure of following Jesus. **Imagine a Church** that worships in many ways and places, building diverse, holy, attractive communities of faith that are nourished through word and sacrament, alive in the Spirit, and accessible in every way. **Imagine a Church** at the heart of the communities we serve, reaching out to the poor and marginalised with compassion and purpose, challenging injustice, and bearing gospel fruit around the world. ## **In 2024, Surrey Heath Deanery and its parishes started a Deanery, and a Parish Needs Process.** The Deanery Leadership Team, the Deanery Synod and Chapter, and the Parochial Church Councils collaborated to explore ways to grow disciples, enhance diversity, and strengthen community. This discernment process occurs every two years and resulted in the creation of a Deanery Plan, and a Church Development Plan (CDP) for each parish. We are in the early stages of planning the third stage of CDP. 11 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **St Mary’s Vision and Mission** ## **Our Vision:** ## To see all people living the best life in Jesus Christ ## **Our Mission** : ## To do what we need to do to make this vision a reality ## **Our Values -** why we do what we do. We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God has revealed himself through the Bible. God has revealed himself most clearly through the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. God makes himself known personally to each believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. Whilst these statements are true for us, the following seven values have been important to St Mary’s over the years and help us to follow Jesus all the year round. 1. **Prayer** - Connecting with God in new ways, to new depths. Cultivating prayer for lifelong and everyday faith. 2. **Worship** - Calling people to a holistic life of devotion as they grow in knowledge of God’s infinite love. 3. **Family** - Inviting participation in God’s magnificent, global, gifted, flawed, historyspanning family: the Church. 4. **Power** - True transformation – becoming like Jesus – is only possible through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. 5. **Justice** - Seeking Jesus’ redemptive Kingdom on Earth, we join a physical, spiritual battle against injustice both personal and systemic. 6. **Evangelism** - Good news is worth sharing. We want to help people be able to talk naturally about life-changing faith with their friends. 7. **Creativity** - Discovering how creativity can serve the renewing and repainting of the world, learning from the God who is “making all things new”. 12 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **UP, IN and OUT** The UP, IN and OUT is a simple tool to help remember and understand our vision, mission and values. ## **Church Development Plan 2024 to 2026 -** strategy This new Church Development Plan was created by the PCC, in partnership with the Church family, the Deanery and the Diocese. It was approved by the Archdeacon of Surrey in September 2024 and forms part of the Deanery and Diocesan Mission Plan for the next three years. It was shared with the Church family at our Vision Day in October 2024. We have three key priorities, and the fourth is moving towards Net Zero Carbon 13 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Priority One** is to increase our engagement with families, children and young people to give them an amazing experience and build new Christian communities. (Be Fun) **Priority Two** is to increase our engagement with the wider community to reach out and become a church that our community can not live without (Be there) 14 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Priority Three** is for the church, ordained and lay together, to enable God’s people to grow in their capacity to live out the Good News of Jesus in all of life – in service in the church and in the world. (Be confident) **Priority Four** is to improve our environmental footprint and moving towards Net Zero Carbon (NZC) (Be Responsible) **----- Start of picture text -----**
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15 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## What we have done in 2025. Last year (2024), the PCC and church family went through the process of creating a new Church Development Plan. This year we have been working to implement this plan, under its 4 key points. This is our progress: Children & Youth - Continue to run a Monday Night Youth Group for our teens and a Tots and Dots group for toddlers and their carers. - All our services are inclusive of all ages, with craft and colouring materials and toys available. - Sofas and small tables allow parents to sit comfortably while allowing children to move around. ## Community Engagement - We have been running monthly community cafes in aid of charity since March. Each month, a charity is invited to provide cakes and invite their supporters to help with their fundraising. St Mary’s provides the venue, and helpers for setting/clearing up and serving coffee/tea. It has proved popular and has so far been used by the Ezra Foundation, local Scouts for their hut roof fund, Shifa Network (for a swimming project for ethnically diverse women), for St Mary’s (us!) roof fund, McMillan, Phyllis Tuckwell hospice. - We continued with special services intended to be popular and more accessible to the local community – an outside Remembrance Service, a Pizza and Carols service (in addition to the popular Christingle service). - School lessons in the church ## Church Growth - From June, Breakfast Church restarted to make church more accessible, especially for visitors and non-church goers, and to allow us to get to know each other better. - Five members of St Mary’s attended a Leading Evangelism Course. - Pray-for-5 initiative started (to encourage people to pray for those they would like to know Jesus). - Being bolder – making speaking about Jesus more natural – members of the church family giving testimonies. ## Eco/Net Zero - Church cleaning products evaluated and eco-safe products sourced where possible. - Eco values and processes written into our church room-hire policy. - Garden Waste service subscribed to. - Further hedging ordered to provide to improve the eco-friendliness of the car park. 16 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - Efforts made to reduce the amount of waste produced by the church. - LED lights, and motion sensors to automate light switch-off installed. - Continued changing single glazed windows in the Church Centre to double glazed windows and upgraded electric heaters to four rooms. ## **Achievements and Performance** ## **Leadership: PCC and Deanery Synod** ## **Electoral Roll Report** A new Electoral roll was prepared in spring 2024, and approved at the APCM, There are currently 56 members of the Electoral Roll (down from 68, due to moves, deaths, etc). Being a member of the electoral roll shows that people consider themselves part of the St Mary’s family. Like the civil electoral roll, it allows people to stand for election to church offices (e.g.: PCC) and vote in elections at the APCM. The number is also used cumulatively with those from other churches in the Deanery to determine how many Clergy and Lay representatives for the Deanery can attend the Diocesan Synod. There will be a revision of the electoral roll in spring 2026, to allow for new church members, or anyone who missed it last year, to be added. This will be approved in the 2026 APCM. ## **PCC review of 2025** Andrew Knowles The Parochial Church Council met regularly throughout 2025, providing governance, strategic oversight, and prayerful leadership for the life and mission of St Mary’s Church, Camberley. The year has seen continued progress in governance, safeguarding, ministry development, financial stewardship, and future planning. ## **Governance and Leadership** The PCC continued to meet bi-monthly, supported by regular meetings of the Standing Committee. During the year, the Council strengthened its governance arrangements through improved action tracking, the timely approval and publication of minutes, and the introduction of updated governance policies, including a revised conflicts of interest policy and updated terms and conditions for hire. A revised PCC Handbook was introduced, and work progressed on role descriptions for officers, trustees, and volunteer teams to provide greater clarity of responsibilities and support good governance practice. The PCC also confirmed the structure and membership of key subgroups, including the Standing Committee, Finance Team, Buildings Team, People Team, Ministry Team, and Communications and IT Team. 17 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Safeguarding** Safeguarding remained a principal priority throughout the year. The PCC received regular reports on the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and formally approved an updated action plan to support ongoing compliance and best practice. Progress has been made in DBS compliance, volunteer training, safer recruitment, induction processes, and safeguarding arrangements for hirers and external users of the premises. The PCC also reviewed learning arising from national safeguarding reports and approved an updated Complaints Procedure. The Council records its sincere thanks to Tyrrell Brett for her diligent and faithful leadership in this area. ## **Mission and Ministry** The PCC continued to oversee the Church Development Plan (2024–2026), with particular focus on evangelism, discipleship, and ministry among children, young people, and families. Encouraging progress was noted in youth ministry, baptism preparation, community outreach, and seasonal events. The Well Pop-Up Café has provided a valuable point of contact with the wider community and supported charitable fundraising. The PCC also engaged with diocesan evangelism and church growth initiatives to help shape future mission priorities. ## **Buildings, Health and Safety** The PCC continued to oversee essential work relating to the church buildings, accessibility, and statutory compliance. This included fire alarm upgrades, fire warden training, health and safety inspections, and ongoing maintenance planning. During the year, preparatory work began for significant roof repairs and improved accessibility at the main entrance, alongside water system and legionella checks. ## **Finance and Stewardship** Financial sustainability remained a key concern throughout 2025. The PCC has continued to address the challenge of meeting the full Parish Share and has engaged with diocesan stewardship and financial recovery support processes. The Council remains committed to careful stewardship of resources while supporting the mission and ministry priorities of the parish. ## **Partnership with St Michael’s** A significant development during the year was the discernment of a pilot partnership with St Michael’s Church, Camberley. Following a joint meeting of both PCCs in November, St Mary’s PCC voted unanimously to enter into this partnership from January 2026. This partnership is intended to strengthen shared ministry, support mutual mission, and assist with future clergy transition planning. ## **Looking Forward** Looking ahead, the PCC’s priorities include strengthening safeguarding culture, improving financial resilience, supporting church growth, implementing the St Michael’s partnership, and preparing well for the forthcoming leadership transition. The PCC gives thanks for God’s faithfulness and guidance throughout a year of challenge, change, and opportunity. 18 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Standing Committee 2025** Andrew Knowles During 2025 the Standing Committee met regularly to make decisions on behalf of, and in preparation for, the PCC. Key decisions included: ## **Governance and APCM** - Approved PCC minutes for circulation and publication - Set key deadlines and timetable for the APCM, Annual Report, and financial statement preparation - Oversaw electoral roll completion and APCM preparations - Agreed the preparation of updated role descriptions for PCC officers, churchwardens, trustees, and ministry leaders - Agreed the development of Assistant / Deputy Churchwarden roles ## **Safeguarding and Compliance** - Determined the safeguarding items to be escalated to PCC from the Parish Dashboard - Approved updated safeguarding policies and practice guidance - Approved updated complaints procedures and safeguarding arrangements for hirers - Agreed actions in response to the national APCS / DBS data breach, including communication and pastoral follow-up with affected individuals - Agreed website and documentation updates to improve safeguarding visibility and compliance ## **Buildings and Health & Safety** - Agreed revisions to Terms and Conditions of Hire, including safeguarding, accident reporting, and legal compliance matters - Approved actions relating to fire safety, signage, and evacuation arrangements - Agreed legionella risk assessments and wider H&S file reorganisation - Agreed work parties and building maintenance priorities, including lighting audit, storage, grounds, and roof issues ## **Mission and Ministry** - Agreed to make the Church Development Plan a major PCC agenda item for review and next steps - Agreed development of ministry displays and volunteer sign-up initiatives to encourage wider service across the church family - Supported planning for children and youth ministry following staffing changes - Agreed autumn worship patterns, including coordination with St Michael’s ## **Finance and Future Planning** - Agreed the need for a financial recovery plan and parish share discussions to be brought to PCC - Agreed priorities for grant applications and community benefit documentation - Discussed strategic questions regarding the future partnership with St Michael’s and clergy provision 19 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Surrey Heath Deanery Synod 2025** Lesley Hall What does a Deanery Synod do? - It is a representative body which makes decisions at a deanery level with its main priorities being mission action planning and determining the parish share allocation from the deanery to the parishes. - It acts as an intermediary between its parish PCCs and its Diocesan Synod: Under the Synodical Government Measure 1969, deaneries have the power to bring proposals and motions to Diocesan Synod for debate by contacting the Diocesan Secretary, and it also receives actions from Diocesan Synod or General Synod to carry out in its deanery. - Deanery synod members also act as the electorate for elections to Diocesan Synod and General Synod ## **Deanery Synod Report 2025** Clergy: Revd Andrew Knowles, Revd Sue Duplock, Lay representatives: Mr Darren Duplock (2023 -2026) and Mrs Lesley Hall (2023 -2026) Deanery Synod meetings were held on the following dates: 26[th] February 2025, 21[st] May 2025 and 15[th] October 2025 A typical format of meetings is: - Update from Area Dean and Lay Chair - Report from Diocesan Synod – including Diocesan finance, and Parish Needs initiatives - Parish News (optional but can report good news or challenges) - Parish Needs Process and Support - Deanery Mapping (working together) - **February 2025** : at St John the Baptist, Windlesham, attended by 8 clergy and 16 lay members. At this meeting representatives from the new parish of Deepcut were welcomed. The meeting focus was Communications Strategy and Opportunities, and Diocesan Comms team Officer, Rachel Tooze, was the guest speaker. She described how the team was working to refresh the Diocesan strategy and their capacity to promote messages. They invited Parishes to share their success stories which they could help share within the Diocese; offered bespoke training, recommended promotions through local MPS, and use of social media; and highlights available material (e.g.: newsletters, safe filming of events, etc). A round-up of news and successful events from the deanery included: - Christmas events (Pizza and Carols at St Mary’s, Camberley), a Christmas Tree service in aid of Connect at St Anne’s, Bagshot, and Carols and Nativity at The Frog pub in Deepcut which attracted over 200 people. - Concert with Military Wives choir at St Anne’s, and Public Speaking Event (e.g.: County Lines, NSPCC) at All Saints, Lightwater - Discipleship course at All Saints, Lightwater, and Insights into Prayer course at Deepcut 20 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - Future plans for pancake services, Easter Wreaths (St Peter’s, Frimley), Lent groups (Bisley & West End), a bereavement course (St Anne’s, Bagshot), a dementia café (All Saints, Lightwater), a Community Café in aid of local charities (St Mary’s, Camberley) **May 2025** : at St Mary’s, Camberley, attended by 8 clergy and 21 lay members. Parishes highlighted encouraging events including an Easter donkey and baby lamb (with help from a local farm) at Bisley & West End; the new vicar, Men’s Breakfast and Speakers Corner events (St Paul’s); ‘Stay and Play’ sessions at Heatherside attracting 30-40 children; ‘Open the Book’ sessions at 2 local schools, and a Makaton Course (St Peter, St Francis, Frimley); plans for outreach at the Windlesham fete (St John’s); Messy Church leading to baptisms, and a new men’s group (St Anne’s, Bagshot); breakfast church working well (St Mary’s, Camberley); weekly café growing, and messy church building links with schools (St Martin’s, Camberley); praise from several churches where new wardens stepped up. Parishes were encouraged to contact the Deanery with their event announcements so that they could be distributed to other Synod members. The progress on the Deanery Development plan was presented. The exercise to map schools and youth engagement had been completed; there were plans to convene meetings on safeguarding and NetZero topics; the Borough Dean (Sean Bagley) was engaged with the discussions in the formation of Unitary Authorities in Surrey. An item from the Diocesan Synod report was that in a report on the General Synod decision on independent safeguarding, the Diocese had been found compliant. **October 2025** : at St Paul’s, Camberley, attended by 7 clergy and 12 lay members. John Peddie (Heatherside) presented the plans and strategy for Camberley Youth for Christ. As he was now the sole staff resource, and there are no longer any paid youth workers in the Deanery, so the focus is changing from face-to-face interaction in schools, to providing opportunities and resources for churches to engage with young people. Also, The Point events have stopped as there are no team members available. Churches would need to focus on sending teams into schools. The Area Dean recommended ways to engage youth in churches, and the Synod recognised how this aligned with their aim to fill the youth gap in churches. Parishes highlighted their plans and events, including a Light Trail (in lieu of Halloween) in Deepcut; new prayer trees and a prayer bench installed at Windlesham; a monthly café for the elderly and their carers in Lightwater; successful school sessions in the church at St Mary’s; Chobham festival based around church; Youth Alpha at Bagshot. The Deanery reported there were plans to develop a policy directory; and that safeguarding and NetZero events were now being offered by the Diocese. ## **Worship @ St Mary’s** We continue to lead St Mary’s worship with flexibility and imagination. We are focussing on including all learning styles to engage with our diverse congregation. We provide access to our main Sunday service via zoom and YouTube, as well as meeting in person. - Wednesday Holy Communion: 10.00 am. 21 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - Sunday Services: `o` 9.00 BCP Holy Communion (said) `o` 10.30 am Morning Worship/Holy Communion - Prayer Stream: faithfully praying for those in need. Those responsible for our rotas: Leaders/Preachers: Andrew Knowles Musicians/Singers: Ruth Walker Tech Team: Mike Emery Welcome Team: Melvyn Hayward Bible readers/Intercessions: Paul Crossley Prayer Ministry: Sally Robson and Val Goddard Coffee/Hospitality: Kathryn Knowles Children: Kathryn Knowles Youth: Andrew Knowles and others We continue to write and update our role descriptions, and we have identified the need for team leaders, this work continues with the introduction of the Safeguarding Parish Dashboard, which links roles descriptions with people and ensures that training and DBS checks are completed. In 2025, we welcomed many new people to St Mary’s Church Family. We continue to work on making it easier for people to transition from visitors to church family members. 2025 Statistics Return to the Church of England: Funeral x 1 at St Mary’s and 1 taken elsewhere (such as Crematorium) Baptisms x 3 Confirmations x 5 Weddings x 1 Thanksgiving for the Marriage x 0 The number on the electoral roll at APCM in April 2025 was 56 (down from 68 in 2024) Church attendance 2025 – weekly Sunday attendance based on the October count is 61 adults and 7.5 children/young people, and people online. **Teaching Series Report** Andrew Knowles The teaching programme has made a significant contribution to the spiritual life and mission of St Mary’s during 2025. The series-based approach has provided continuity across the year, enabling the congregation to engage more deeply with Scripture and to grow in confidence in prayer, discipleship, and witness. This has supported: - the development of small groups and shared discussion resources - • the growth of prayer ministry and healing ministry - increased confidence in evangelism and welcome 22 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - stronger engagement from children, young people, and families through linked teaching themes - clearer alignment between preaching, worship, and the Church Development Plan The focus on prayer and the Holy Spirit particularly strengthened the church’s participation in **Thy Kingdom Come** , while the autumn vision series helped shape the congregation’s understanding of St Mary’s identity and future direction. Taken together, the teaching through 2025 has helped nurture a church community that is growing in faith, deepening in prayer, and becoming more confident in its calling to serve the wider community and share the hope of the gospel. ## **Spring Term – Spiritual Formation and Prayer** The spring term focused on **spiritual formation and the practices of Christian living** , helping the congregation grow in prayer, holiness, community, and welcome. Teaching explored themes including: - spiritual practices - generosity of spirit - suffering and faith - healing and repentance - rule of life - life together - welcome and reconciliation - prayer and talking to God A particular emphasis was placed on forming habits of prayer and discipleship, including teaching on spiritual practices and creating a rule of life. Lent and Holy Week invited reflection on meeting God in pain and suffering, repentance, restoration, and Christ’s journey to the cross. Mothering Sunday and Easter brought a strong emphasis on life together and resurrection hope, reinforcing the church’s vision of being an intergenerational and welcoming community. This term laid important foundations for the later series on prayer and the Holy Spirit. ## **Summer Term – Prayer, the Holy Spirit, and Discipleship** The summer term built intentionally on the spring focus on spiritual formation, moving the congregation into a deeper exploration of **prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, and discipleship in everyday life** . The series **Prayer – Being with God** invited the church family to reflect on prayer as relationship with God, with themes including talking with God, listening to God, and abiding in God’s presence. This was followed by a major series on **The Holy Spirit** , running from Pentecost through to mid-summer. Teaching explored the Spirit’s work across Scripture, in the life of Jesus, in the early Church, and in the life of believers today. This strongly reinforced the church’s focus on renewal, healing ministry, and evangelism. 23 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley Later in the summer, the **Walking with the Saints** series drew on the lives of Christian witnesses such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie ten Boom, William Wilberforce, Fanny Crosby, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jim Elliot and Elisabeth Elliot. These examples helped the congregation reflect on costly discipleship, justice, forgiveness, perseverance, and faithful witness. ## **Autumn Term – Vision, Welcome, and Mission** The autumn term centred on **vision, identity, welcome, and mission** , helping the congregation reflect on what kind of church God is calling St Mary’s to be in this season. The main autumn series, **God’s Vision for This Church** , explored the life and calling of the local church through themes including: - a caring church - a learning church - a worshipping church - an evangelising church - peace and flourishing in the community This teaching strongly supported the Church Development Plan and encouraged the congregation to reflect on St Mary’s identity as a church shaped by love, Scripture, worship, and outward mission. During Advent and Christmas, the series **Radical Hospitality** focused on God’s welcome through the incarnation, exploring themes of hope, inclusion, welcome, and Christ as the Light of the World. This reinforced the church’s commitment to hospitality and community outreach during the Christmas season. ## **Summary** Across the year, the teaching programme has provided a clear and intentional journey: - **spring – formation and prayer** - **summer – renewal and discipleship** - **autumn – vision and mission** Together these series have supported the growth of the church family in faith, prayer, worship, and confident witness. **Leading Worship** Sue Duplock Our services for 2025 have mainly been led by Andrew, Sue and Mike. We have had a wide array of services ranging from BCP Communion, Morning Prayer and Breakfast Church on the 1[st] Sunday of the month, the first of which was in January. We are always exploring ways to make our services suitable for all ages and abilities. Each service has provisions for the younger people amongst us as well as our Special Needs group who love to colour while they are listening and singing. In January we introduced ‘Hymns We Love’ on a Wednesday which took place once a month. We covered a variety of hymns, focussing on a particular one each month and 24 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley finished with the December Christmas special. These services, although not very well attended were enjoyed by all those that did come. ## **Bible Reading and Intercessions** Paul Crossley We are thankful for the faithful ministry of those who lead our intercessions and read the Scriptures in our services each week. Hearing a range of voices from across our church family is both encouraging and enriching, and the thoughtful, imaginative, and prayerful contributions offered each week continue to deepen our worship and help us pray together as one body. ## **Musicians and Singers Ministry Report** Ruth Walker I would like to say a big 'thank you' to our regular musicians and singers (and not forgetting those who join us from time to time) for their commitment and willingness to help lead this crucial part of our church life. We continue to explore new ways of expressing worship so that it is accessible for all in our church family. Gathering for prayer before the service gives us all the opportunity to offer it up to God, to listen, and prepare ourselves to properly engage as worshippers also. It has been a joy to welcome new singers (especially the younger ones), and our 'Nigerian choir'! The next few months will be challenging as we effectively lose one of our lead musicians, and this will place added pressure on the existing team. I'm sure that there are some closet pianists out there and I would strongly encourage you to consider joining the worship team. **Prayer Ministry Report** Sally Robson Every Sunday after the 10.30 morning service we offer prayer ministry at the front, for anyone and everyone who would like and value prayers, however big or small, whatever their request, we hand them to God then we are able to give them Words of Knowledge through words or pictures before praying into their situation. Almost every Sunday we have people coming forward for prayer which always feels an honour that we are trusted with their requests. It is wonderful when we hear back from people we have prayed for; with news of how God has answered their prayers. There are 7 members of the team and we are always looking for more people to join this wonderful ministry We give thanks to Val Goddard who does a commendable job creating our team rota every four months. 25 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Prayer Stream Report** Kathleen Nelson and Sue Dunn The Prayer Stream is a very vital ministry within St Mary’s church. We support one another by sharing and praying for situations that arise within our lives or the lives of our families, friends and church community. This ministry is always confidential within the Stream and it is important that the person or persons who has asked for prayer or been invited to be prayed for gives their permission as requests can be personal , private and sensitive . We pray for the Lord to intervene —to bless—heal —strengthen and provide whatever the person is seeking from Him. This is an expression of our love and care for all as the Body of Christ . It is important too that the requests are always sent to both Sue and Kathleen so that the prayer can be put on via email to all on the Stream ASAP ( as coordinators it means that whoever sees the request first would then send out, remembering too that some requests may be urgent ) We are always encouraged by any updates we receive and it reminds us that those answers to prayers can be a powerful witness to others ( esp to those who maybe don’t know the Lord as yet ) as we pray through perhaps some difficult times for them entrusting and acknowledging that the Lord is in charge. We would love to invite more friends to join us in the Prayer Stream ( there are around 30 of us) and if anyone feels in the coming days or weeks that they would like to find out more about this ministry please ask either Sue or Kathleen as we have copies of the guidelines for you to look over and ask the Lord if this is what He may be calling you to do now or in the future. We are privileged and thankful that the Lord allows us to serve Him in this way. ## **Communion Assistants Co-ordinator Report** Grace Bates We continue to the distribution of bread and wine separately. We have trained members of the PCC who have become part of our Communion Assistants team. **Flower Report** Hazel Hassall We welcome offers from all members of the Church family to provide flowers in church. Whether it is a vase of flowers from your garden or a bunch from the supermarket it doesn’t matter. Both are inexpensive but are a delight with their variety of colour and cheerfulness. Please speak to the Parish Office if you would like to provide flowers for a particular week, either as a one off or on a more regular basis. If the flowers you are providing are in memory 26 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley of a loved one or for a special occasion, we would be happy to mention this in our church newsletter. Thanks go to Pat Colegate and Hazel Hassall and their team of volunteers for the special flower arrangements in church for festivals such as Easter, Remembrance and Christmas. **St Mary’s Garden Report** Clare Crossley Our four lead-look planters at the front of the church are on their second spring planting and are looking bright and promising, planted with tete a tete narcissi, polyanthas and some later flowering tulips. Forgetme-nots have also been planted, and I am planning to introduce erigeron (Fleabane) a trusty perennial in the hope that like the forget-me-nots it will seed itself in nooks and crannies. It is very pretty plant that seems to like dusty dry conditions which we certainly get in the front of the church in summertime. The flower beds continue to be carefully tended by Andy and Hazel, and they keep the perennial weeds at bay. We also have an additional ‘green’ space at the east side of the church; depending on how well the monstrous mares’ tails are kept away it could be reclaimed in the future as an additional part of St Mary’s Garden. **Hospitality Report** Kathryn Knowles The hospitality team prepares and serves coffee, tea and refreshments every Sunday before and after our 10:30 service. We work in pairs to share the task and make it more sociable. We are grateful to the extra people that help serve at the special services at Christmas and other festivals and events. Generally, on Sundays, people serve once a month, but Jenny likes to help every week, getting out the biscuits and squash and serving drinks. This year the dishwasher has been replaced in the kitchen with one that cleans the cups more effectively, and so we have stopped using disposable cups and are now using our church mugs again. We are still keen to encourage people to bring their mugs or travel cups and take them home to wash. We have 6 people on the team and several who are willing to help occasionally, but we really need 2 more pairs of helpers to run the team smoothly. It’s a great way to get to know people in the church and there is plenty of support and training available. Please speak to Kathryn Knowles or email the church office if you are interested in joining the team. Many thanks. 27 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Pastoral Care Report** Sue Duplock ## **Pastoral** Pastoral care continues to be at the heart of the life and ministry of St Mary’s. Caring for one another, particularly those who are vulnerable, unwell, isolated, or going through difficult times, remains a central priority for our church family. During 2025, we have continued to strengthen our pastoral support through the development of a wider team approach, recognising that pastoral care is shared across the whole church community. We continue to encourage volunteers to be involved in pastoral visiting and in supporting those within our congregation who may need regular contact, prayer, or practical help. Alongside this, pastoral care is increasingly being lived out through our wider church groups and ministry teams, including Life Groups, children and family ministry, the Welcome Team, and community groups meeting in The Well. Our aim remains that every member of the St Mary’s family is known, cared for, and supported by others within the church community. As also happened last year, the number of people who have required Home Communion has sadly diminished due to a number of deaths. We continued to offer support to those people who were unable to attend church in person due to illness or disability and offered them Home Communion, prayer and a listening ear. Cambridge House sadly closed down in August due to redevelopment but we went into them once a month up until that point and really enjoyed a time of fellowship with their residents. We have continued to go into Kingsclear Nursing Home once a month when we first offer Home Communion and then a short, themed service for all. At Christmas we took our usual nativity story with props to them and this was really well received. Much of pastoral care continues to take place quietly behind the scenes through phone calls, visits, conversations in church, and support offered through the Church Centre. Whether responding to illness, bereavement, distress, or practical need, it remains a privilege to be able to offer a listening ear, prayer, and timely support. During the year, we have shared both joyful and difficult moments together as a church family, celebrating weddings, baptisms, and significant life events, while also walking alongside those who have been bereaved or facing loss. Caring for one another remains central to the life of St Mary’s, and we continue to seek to show the love of Christ to all who come into the church and centre, whether members of the congregation, visitors, hirers, or members of the wider community. There are a small group of people who are able to support with this and we would love to have some new volunteers. 28 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Welcome Team Report** Melvyn Hayward Welcomers support Sunday services and special events by providing a friendly and practical point of contact. Typically, two welcomers are on duty: one positioned outside the porch to assist with parking and late arrivals, and one in the foyer to help attendees find their way around St Mary’s. Additional welcomers may be required for larger services, such as Remembrance Day or services following a bereavement. Welcomers are responsible for greeting all attendees, assisting those who require step-free access to the sanctuary, and supporting the exit of those leaving via the porch after the service. They also take time to engage with newcomers and gather information that helps St Mary’s respond to their needs and interests. The rota requires welcomers to serve one Sunday per month, with an additional duty on one of the fifth Sundays when applicable. All welcomers have completed Basic Awareness Safeguarding training and wear name badges identifying them as members of the welcome team. Some have also completed fire safety training and are able to assist with evacuation procedures if required. This year, we welcomed a new team member, Maria. Additional volunteers would be appreciated to provide resilience within the rota and cover when existing members are unavailable. Feedback from new attendees continues to highlight how being greeted in the car park and foyer contributes positively to their experience **St Mary’s Cricket Club Report** Following a period in which no fixtures have taken place and dwindling members, the Cricket Club has now formally closed. The PCC records its gratitude for the many years in which the Club contributed to the life and fellowship of St Mary’s and the wider community. We especially remember with thanksgiving Cyril Pavey, whose dedication and commitment were central to the Club from its first fixture in 1980 and whose loss continues to be deeply felt. The Club’s 40th anniversary match remains a joyful and fitting celebration of its long history and fellowship, and now stands as an appropriate and positive conclusion to this chapter of church life. Remaining equipment has been distributed to local good causes, ensuring that the legacy of the Club continues to serve the wider community. 29 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley **Discipleship** **Children Report** Kathryn Knowles During 2025 we have continued to gather as a whole church family for Sunday morning worship, with themed activities available on tables and a dedicated area for younger children around the sofas. Our services regularly include action songs and interactive elements, helping those who enjoy signing, movement, or more active participation in worship to engage fully. This continues to support our vision of worship that is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all ages. We remain committed to growing as an intergenerational church and would love to welcome more families to attend regularly and become part of our church family. Everyone is welcome and included, whatever age or stage of life. Each person is a child of God and a valued member of our church community. **Youth Report** Andrew Knowles This year has been one of both challenge and encouragement for the youth ministry at St Mary’s. Following the departure of Katy from her role as Youth Worker, the ministry entered a season of transition. Yet it has also been a year in which the strength of the church family has been clearly seen, as volunteers, leaders, and helpers came together to ensure that our young people continued to experience a safe, welcoming, and flourishing environment. We give thanks for the commitment, creativity, and pastoral care shown by the many adults who have sustained this work. The continued presence of a regular youth programme has offered much-needed continuity and stability for our young people. ## **Programme Highlights Across the Year** ## **Spring Term** The spring programme offered a varied mix of social, reflective, and creative activities, including: - Board games and shared meals - Games tournaments - Pancakes and pizza made from scratch - Film and pamper evenings - Family heritage and identity discussions - Nature walks and café trips - Regular visits to The Point at St Paul’s - Weekly Sunday Youth Hub gatherings 30 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley These sessions helped build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. ## **Summer Term** The summer term rota reflected a rich and imaginative programme, with a strong emphasis on culture, service, discussion, and celebration. Highlights included: - Debate Night - Volunteer opportunities with Ezra Trust and RSPCA Chobham - Chill evenings led by Joan - Indian Culture Night with sari exploration and shared curry meal - Book Club Night - Jazz / Nigerian Night - Games in the Park and end-of-year BBQ thanksgiving for leaders and helpers A particular strength this term was the balance between fun and formation: young people were invited not only to socialise, but to think, discuss, serve, and encounter cultures and ideas beyond themselves. ## **Autumn Term** The autumn term continued this creative and relational approach with activities such as: - Pop art portraits - Paper folding - Social media teaching - Cake decorating - Yoga and wellbeing sessions - Costume design and film nights - Pumpkin carving and toffee apples - Christmas decorating and Safari Supper This broad programme enabled the youth work to remain engaging and accessible to young people with differing interests and personalities. ## **Leadership and Volunteers** The youth work has only been possible because of the extraordinary generosity of our volunteer team. Special thanks go to all those who have led and supported sessions during the year, including: Joan, Sue, Rodney, Mike, Hazel, Kathryn, Darren, Val, Lesley, Carol, Yovan and family, Lydia, Ruby, Rosie, Matilda, Al, Andrew, and many others. 31 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley Their willingness to give time, energy, hospitality, and care has been central to the flourishing of this ministry. ## **Safeguarding and Pastoral Care** Throughout the year, safeguarding has remained central to the ministry. Careful rotas, DBS oversight, appropriate supervision, and clear leadership structures have helped maintain a secure and nurturing environment for our young people. This has enabled the youth group to remain a place where young people feel safe, listened to, and valued. ## **Looking Ahead** As we look forward, we hope to continue building on the momentum of this year by: - strengthening volunteer leadership teams - deepening discipleship opportunities - developing more outreach-focused activities - building stronger links with local schools and youth organisations - discerning longer-term leadership for the ministry The year has shown that even in times of transition, God continues to sustain and grow this work. **St Mary’s Nursery Report** Sue Gauntlett, Manager We give thanks for another encouraging year in the life of St Mary’s Nursery, which continues to be a significant ministry to children and families in our community. This has been a particularly positive year, marked by the wonderful achievement of an **Outstanding Ofsted judgement** , recognising the exceptional quality of care, safeguarding, and staff development. The Nursery is a separate charity, governed by its own Board of Trustees, and continues to work in close partnership with St Mary’s Church. The **incumbent of St Mary’s serves as Chair of Trustees** , and **St Mary’s PCC appoints trustees** to the Board, helping to ensure strong links between the life of the church and the Nursery’s ministry and governance. The Nursery continues to provide a thriving early years setting, with increasing demand for places, particularly following the expansion of funded two-year-old provision. During the year, the indoor two-year-old area was reconfigured, increasing capacity from **8 places per session to 12 places per session** . Financially, the Nursery has remained strong and sustainable: - **Total income:** £276,275 - **Annual surplus:** £11,011h - **93% of income** from Surrey County Council funding 32 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - **5% of income** from parent session fees - **73% of expenditure** invested in staff salaries - **7% of expenditure** on rent and premises These figures reflect both careful stewardship and the priority given to maintaining highquality staffing and provision. This year has also seen significant investment in the Nursery environment, including: - a new outdoor shelter - a new mud kitchen - resurfaced outdoor play areas - greenhouse and allotment development The Nursery continues to support a high number of children with **special educational needs and disabilities** , including some with Education, Health and Care Plans, with close work between the SENCO team, families, and local schools to ensure strong support and smooth transition into school. Staff training remains a major strength, with all practitioners holding Paediatric First Aid certification, all staff trained in food hygiene, and all trustees having completed safeguarding training. The leadership team includes **three Designated Safeguarding Leads** , reflecting the Nursery’s strong commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing. The Nursery continues to be a significant expression of St Mary’s mission to local families, helping children to grow, flourish, and live life in all its fullness. We give thanks to the Nursery leadership team, staff, volunteers, and trustees for their faithful and highly valued service. Please note that the Nursery’s governance and financial year is from August to August. **Schools** Andrew Knowles We continue to work within our local primary school, with a couple of assemblies and RE lessons. We are delighted to have had various classes visit St Mary’s to learn more about Christianity. **Adult Small Groups Report** Kathryn and Andrew Knowles Report from Reset: Tuesday@2 Life Group At the beginning of 2025 it became obvious that the weekly Tuesday afternoon Life Group was dying with just four semi-regular members. There was talk of closing it but God had other plans! After meeting together and with much prayer it was agreed to relaunch the group under a new name and setup. Those four members agreed to become the Hosts and in March 25 an invitation was given to church members to come for coffee, cake and a chance to discover more of what being part of a Life Group entailed. From that initial 33 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley meeting eight or so ladies regularly came together on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 2.00pm in the Oasis Lounge starting with drinks, cake and catch-up, shortly followed by a time of quiet reflection, some music, our topic of the day (following the Sunday series), and sharing and praying together - though not necessarily in that order! The 5th Tuesday being set aside for a Bring & Share Lunch which gives the chance to fully relax together and deepen relationships. Throughout the rest of 2025 Reset:Tuesday@2 began to grow in friendship, trust, depth and numbers. The ladies being encouraged to take an active part in running the group, whether that be setting up the room, choosing music, bringing cake (very important!), reading the Bible passage, leading the session or facilitating the prayers – group members have also been very active over the year in inviting others to join us and numbers have almost doubled not including the odd baby who come and gurgle along We look forward to all that the coming year brings and look back with thankfulness for God’s prompting and provision. Although currently all ladies we also welcome men, and all are welcome to join us. Hosts: Kathryn Knowles, Sue Dunn, Kathleen Nelson, Grace Bates. Wednesday Evening Group Meeting every two weeks, the group provides a welcoming space for fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and mutual support. Members encourage one another in faith and in daily life, sharing both joys and challenges and seeking to walk together as disciples of Christ. During 2025, the group has continued to follow the Sunday sermon series, using the themes and passages from our preaching programme as the basis for discussion, reflection, and prayer. This has helped members engage more deeply with Scripture and has strengthened the connection between Sunday worship and midweek discipleship. The group greatly values the opportunity to listen to one another, pray together, and support each other pastorally, reflecting the caring and prayerful heart of St Mary’s. The group shares meals together on occasions and sometimes go to the local pub/restaurant. We welcome new people to the group. **Bookstall and Library Report** Carol Carter The bookstall is working well, with Cards, Bibles and Free Booklets. The bookstall monies go straight into St Mary’s Account, and all invoices are paid from that account, which has made things much easier. The Open Mind Club gives us some of the handmade cards that they make to sell and for the money to go to St Mary’s funds. We are delighted that the Library continues to be used. 34 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Outreach** ## **Food Poverty** We work in partnership with Besom by our Besom Sunday (3[rd] Sunday of the month) food donations and by referring clients to them. We have a small emergency fund if needed. ## **Tots and Dots Report** Kathryn Knowles Tots & Dots is our Monday morning toddler group which meets in the hall during school term time from 9:30-11:00. Part way through the session we stop for a story and some songs and celebrate birthdays and other events. In Spring 2024 the group got bigger and bigger until it began to feel unsafe as people couldn’t see their children or have proper conversations. We decided to limit the group to just parents and grandparents with their children and invited the childminders to meet on a different day. They now meet on a Tuesday morning. St Mary’s Nursery came to join us for a summer and Christmas special and we had an Easter happening which was open to the whole community. We have recently re organised all the toys and equipment in the store cupboard at the end of the hall and have new shelving which makes set up and put away much easier. We are very grateful to those who help to get out the toys and equipment every Sunday after church, it makes a huge difference to us all. We have a great team of people who welcome and serve the families every week and if you enjoy spending time with young children and being supportive and encouraging why not come along on a Monday morning to see Tots & Dots in action and think about joining the team. Please pray for the families that attend, for friendships to grow and that we will have opportunities to share our faith. Thank you ## **Mission Partners** Andrew Knowles During 2025, **Besom Sunday** , held on the third Sunday of each month, has continued to be an important part of our shared life and witness, encouraging regular food donations for those in need within our local community. We are pleased that this initiative continues to be well supported, with a steady and generous flow of donations throughout the year. Our Christmas collections once again supported the important work of The Children's Society, helping to care for vulnerable children and young people. We have also continued to maintain links with our Church Mission Society mission partners, supporting them through prayer and regular interest in their ministry and witness. During the year, we have continued to make use of resources from Bible Society, which has supported the church’s ongoing teaching, discipleship, and spiritual growth. 35 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley We also continue to support the work of Tearfund as one of the Disaster Emergency Committee charities and value the faith-based resources and encouragement they provide, which continue to enrich our worship and response to global need. ## **A Safer Church** ## **Safeguarding** **Parish Safeguarding Officer:** Tyrrell Brett **Deputy Safeguarding Officer:** Vacant following the resignation of Rosie Jones. We thank her very much for her service and wish her the best in her new role as a mother. **Clergy Safeguarding Lead:** Andrew Knowles **Churchwarden** : Lesley Hall St. Mary’s continues to strive to make Safeguarding central to our core, ensuring we are safe and welcoming to all attending church and our other activities. We are continuing to ensure safeguarding is seen as central and best practises are shared with our facilities users and in our community. We continue to adhere to the procedures set out by the Church of England, though as these have gone through some updates and changes this has posed a bit more of a challenge. We continue to use the Safeguarding Hub and Dashboard to help manage our volunteering roles and the required training and DBS checking. These tools are dynamic and under regular improvement and increase in scope. Safeguarding is reported at every PCC meeting and the PCC approve all polices and procedures, Church and non-church activities. Safeguarding Sunday was well received by the congregation and very positive. Following the Data Breach of the DBS checking company APCS last year, there have been some challenges and DBS checks have been paused. We are pleased to say now, that as of early March 26 we are now signed up with the new CofE recommended DBS checking company and check will resume shortly. Full role descriptions and risk assessments for all volunteers’ roles are progressing to ensure everyone is clear of their roles and feels supported. We are committed to ensuring everyone, including vulnerable adults are enabled to serve safely. The Church Centre Hire terms and conditions have be thoroughly reviewed and updated including stronger and clearly stated safeguarding requirements. No serious incidents have been reported. Smaller concerns and queries have been raised and handled within the recommended format and with the suitable contacts. It has been good to see concerns highlighted appropriately and that appropriate support and advice is there. ## **Going forward our priorities are:** 36 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - Completing the role descriptions and ensuring all volunteers fully understand their responsibilities and where to find support. - Recruit a deputy safeguarding officer. - Handover from the vicar as he is retiring of the contacts of vulnerable people – carers, supportive family, social workers et al. - Complete the outstanding DBS checks and renewals now the new service is available. - - Run group training sessions for the 3 main Safeguarding Training courses again as we have some new volunteers, and those requiring refresh training after the courses we ran 3 years ago. ## **Health and Safety** (By Andrew Knowles) ## **Consultant:** Mr. John Bradstreet (Health and Safety Consultant) **Last Inspection:** April 2024 **Next Inspection:** March 2025 ## **Introduction:** At St Mary’s, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all staff, visitors, and members of our community. Health and safety is a top priority, not only to comply with legal requirements but also to ensure that everyone who interacts with our church and its facilities is protected from potential risks. Regular inspections and updates are essential to maintaining a safe space for all. ## **Completed Actions:** 1. **Fire Alarm Upgrade & Emergency Lighting Replacement** – Both systems have been fully upgraded to ensure compliance and safety. 2. **First Aid Training** – Additional staff members have received first aid training to increase on-site safety. 3. **Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)** – Quotation received and testing for 2025 has been completed, following the disposal of outdated equipment. 4. **Safety Data Sheet** – All relevant safety data sheets have been updated to reflect current materials and equipment. 5. **Fire Aid Boxes** – These have been replaced and relocated to more accessible and visible positions throughout the premises. 6. **Asbestos Register** – The asbestos register has been updated in compliance with safety regulations. 7. **Gas & Electrical Safety Checks** – Both checks have been completed successfully, ensuring all systems meet current safety standards. 8. **Fire Door Installation (Kitchen)** – A new fire door will be installed in 2025 to enhance fire safety in the kitchen area. 9. **Shed Repairs** – Necessary repairs to the shed are scheduled for 2025 to ensure structural integrity. 10. **Back Gate Security** – A security number has been added to the back gate for emergency exit accessibility. 37 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all visitors and staff at St Mary’s, and we will continue to monitor and improve our safety standards. Regular inspections and updates are vital in maintaining a safe environment for everyone who uses our facilities. ## **Data Protection** (By Melvyn Hayward) The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Camberley St Mary is the organisation registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. The Registration reference is ZA065046; the registration commenced on 11 July 2014 and is renewed each year. St Mary’s has a Data Protection Policy and this is signed by employees. It also has a consent form which has been signed by those whose data is held by the church. In the autumn 2023 the Diocese of Guildford issued new guidelines on Data Protection; the Diocese recommends that Data Protection is on the PCC agenda at least once a year. A Privacy Notice was drawn up and was agreed by the PCC. As part of this examination, an audit of what information St Mary’s holds, who has access to it, and what safeguards are in place has been carried out. This is being proof read and will be discussed with the vicar. In addition, an examination of the data held about individuals has been carried out to ensure that what is held is still required. All historical material is archived as arranged by Guildford Diocese with Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND. The Data Protection implications for the Prayer Stream were strengthened during the year. There have been no data breaches reported during the year by St Mary’s and no requests from individuals for information about the data held about them. However, the Diocese reported a data breach in August 2025 affecting DBS checker APCS. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is a process in England and Wales to review an individual’s criminal record to help employers assess their suitability for a role. APCS worked with around 19,000 organisations including at least 17 dioceses, including Guildford so it was a widespread data breach. St Mary’s DBS checks were processed by APCS. As a result, those affected were contacted and warned to be aware of the breach which would have affected data they had provided during their application. The CofE provided a safeguard for those likely to have been affected by working with Experian and offering free 'ExperianPlus' No effects from the breach have been reported to the Safeguarding Officer, Tyrrell Brett. The Diocese now uses a different company to process its DBS applications. 38 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Technology** (By Mike Emery) Technology supports the life of St Mary’s – in worship, administration and social activities. We use sound and video equipment during services and around the building, we rely on office computing and phone facilities, and we reach out to members and outsiders via the church’s website. ## 2025 Highlights Our **new website launched** – with a fresh look, and focussed around the needs of its users. The website is a resource for church members and a shop window, especially for enquirers and people moving into the area We took advantage of **Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 10** , allowing us to retain our otherwise serviceable office computers. Introduced trolley-mounted **portable video** equipment – allowing the use of video (including video conferencing) by centre users in any of the downstairs rooms. ## 2026 Plans We will eventually have to **replace our office PCs,** as these will not run Windows 11. The **presentation software** which we use for worship services is no longer being updated, so we will evaluate alternative products. We will **build relationships with our opposite numbers at St Michael’s.** ## Special Thanks to **Braid** and **Ian** for their work on the website **.** Our Sunday worship team: **Ian, Sandy, Judith, Geraldine and Mike** ## Please pray … that we make good use of the resources – both human and technical – that God has given us, and that technology is our servant, and not our master. ## **Church Centre (The Well at St Mary’s)** ## (by Gwen Mullins) St Mary’s started the year 2025 off to a great start with our newly refurbished Oasis Lounge being completed and ready to use. This has been a huge success and has gained such great compliments from our groups that visit us. It really is like having your own ‘living room at home’ with new chairs, wall heaters, flooring, and a new kitchen with all new crockery. We also had new doors and windows fitted which completed our ‘new modern’ look. I personally, could not wait to start showing it off and welcome our existing groups in, and new groups that have joined us in the coming year. 39 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley Along with the Oasis Lounge being completed and ready to use, we also had new windows installed in the admin office and the office upstairs. During the year, we had new wall heaters installed in the rooms upstairs and our office. Andrew has worked tirelessly donning his work overalls and painting throughout the building. Once the painting was finished, we had new signage put up throughout, which included signs on the walls, doors and new boards for information. This has really brightened up our entrance in the centre. New plants were put in place adding a touch of warmth. Andrew managed to buy a new wooden bookcase and some café style tables and chairs. We also had a new door fitted to our kitchen. Later in the year, new LED lights were installed in The Sanctuary, making it a lot brighter and welcoming. In addition to the new wall heaters installed upstairs and in the office, we decided our entrance foyer was in much need of some warmth and so we had a wall heater installed to help with this. We were PAT tested in December which makes all of our electrical equipment compliant. It is always a pleasure to welcome our usual groups into The Well, as well as some new groups that have joined over the course of the year. We had several birthday parties over the year and one big new event that started in March was our ‘Community Café’, which is proving to be a great success. This is held every 2[nd] Saturday of the month in our Davison Hall, and has grown month by month. We have been able to support several charities along the way, as well as opening our doors to the wider community and not just our Church families. It really is a lovely event and lots of families and friends look forward to meeting together for a tea/coffee and some cake and biscuits. Some of the charities we have been able to support are, Phyllis Tuckwell, Ezra, Shifa Network, CSSEF (which is a charity for deaf children), Home Start, Macmillan, REDZ Performing Academy and Home Start. The Community café is all down to the hard work and commitment of our Minister Sue Duplock and endless help from volunteers across the board. In May, we celebrated along with the rest of the country, 80 years for VE day. We have also continued celebrations throughout the year, not only our worshipping days of celebration, but events like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Remembrance Sunday, which is always very well attended come rain or shine, Breakfast Sunday every 1[st] Sunday of the month and lots of other exciting events. The hard work that is put in place to run these events is forever gratefully received and acknowledged. We look forward to 2026 with lots of changes happening. ## **Building** Fabric Report – Lesley and Andrew In 2025, we continued progressing our master plan developed with architects Purcell with Ellie Atherton, based in Oxford, as our lead architect. The building team met several times, and there was a productive Work Party in July. ## **Key Areas of Focus** 40 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## 1. Repairs - Roof and gulley repairs (partly funded by Diocese) to address issues identified in Quinquennial report, and fix leak identified in late 2024. This work included broken roof and ridge tiles, including on gable end, for the church, porch and foyer roofs. Also, the repair of the lead downpipe, and repair of felt water tank housing. Examination of the roof structure (which dates from when the church was built in the 1930s) identified that the church roof potentially has only 2 years of life left (as the nails holding the tiles on are rusting). - Main entrance/Foyer Ramp repairs - Replacement of doors to become fire doors (e.g.: for kitchen). - Various repairs and redecorating (water damage in toilet beneath hand dryer, housing around kitchen stopcock, replacement toilet seat in ladies, drains blockages due to toilets cleared). - Completion of gravelling around church walls to allow foundations to breathe (delayed by water leak to side of building). - An old shed behind the hall was removed and disposed of. - Water boiler repair - Emergency Light remedial works. - Legionella Risk Assessment and Testing (new) (H&S requirement). - Services and testing for compliance (Boilers, Oven, Gas appliances, PAT testing) ## 2. Renewals - New Sanctuary chairs (funded by chair sponsorship) – lighter, stackable, and easier to rearrange. Old chairs donated to other charitable groups. - New pictures/ frames and plants for foyer, Oasis lounge, etc. - Replacement heaters in church offices, upper rooms, and new heater in foyer. - Replacement of H&S Signage (Fire exits etc) to make compliant. 3. Net Zero Carbon - Single glazed windows in the lounge, offices and upper rooms replaced with double glazing. - Replacement of some lights with LEDs, and fitting of motion sensors to control lights in toilets, and front stairs. - Garden Waste disposal service subscribed to, and refuse disposal switched from commercial to domestic (i.e.: smaller bins, and we reduce our waste footprint. Centre users are required to remove all their garbage). 4. Other 41 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley - Church leadership and staff participated in Fire Warden training. - Patricia accepted the post of cleaner (to replace Gregorz who resigned due to family responsibilities). - Church Lock Up process put in place to ensure building checked for security every night. - Whatsapp maintenance group to field small/emergency repairs ## **Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond.** Key priorities include: · Repairs: Replace the church roof and two boilers. · Renewals: Complete the internal reordering of the church, replace the entrance ramp (as it is non-compliant) and replace and automate the foyer doors, landscape and refresh the patio area to make a community garden for relaxation, reflection and to aid wellbeing for church and centre users. A gift has been received for the door replacement. · Net Zero Carbon: Transition to full LED lighting and replace remaining single-glazed windows in the centre with double glazing. We have the vision and the plans — now we need to secure the necessary funding to make all this a reality. Some grants have been identified which we intend to apply for. ## **Cleaning** Cleaning is primarily undertaken by our cleaner Patricia, along with a small team of helpers. Tyrrell has worked to ensure we are using Ecofriendly products that clean well. If you can help once a month, please come and have a chat with Gwen in the Parish Office. ## **Fabric (building) costs for 2025:** ||**Description**
Architect fees|**Amount**|**sub category**
Architect|**Total**
3,291.00| |---|---|---|---|---| ||New Chairs for Church and Oasis Lounge||Chairs|10,002.00| ||Electrical work and PAT Testing||Electrical|6,956.90| ||Heaters supplyand fit Upper/Watchetts/Entrance||Heating|2,496.00| ||Oasis Lounge refurbishment||Lounge|24,172.86| ||Six Monthly Fire Alarm Maintenance
Gas appliance service
Oven service
Legionella Risk Assessment
Kitchen Boiler Service
Wood BoringInsects Insurance||Maintenance|1,628.24| ||Repair Water Heater in Kitchen
Toilet Seat|108.00
36.00|Repairs
Repairs|| 42 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley |Foyer plants|93.94 Repairs|| |---|---|---| |Replacement items for Kitchen|270.00 Repairs|| |Roof Leak Repair|374.40 Repairs|| |Water Boiler Repair|326.16 Repairs|| |Hot Water Boiler Service and Repair|243.24 Repairs|| |Complete Gravelling|200.00 Repairs|| |Decorating|780.00 Repairs|| |Fire Doors replaced|1,560.00 Repairs|| |Fire signage|259.92 Repairs|| |Fire safety|681.60 Repairs|| |Merlynns Room lock replacement|316.80 Repairs|| |Shed removal and skip hire|1,250.00 Repairs|| |Manual Callpoint Keys|16.80 Repairs|| |water samplingand testing|144.00 Repairs|6,660.86| |Decoratingand RampRepairs|Decorating|1,880.00| |New Signage|Signage|3,089.64| |Roof repairs(part funded byDiocese)|ROOF|11,354.40| |Supplyand fit windows for the Offices/Watchetts View|Windows|7,838.32| 79,370.22 43 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Financial Review** (Figures in brackets denote amounts for the previous year.) ## **Income:** Total incoming resources for 2025 increased by 26.2% from the previous year and amounted to £200,950 (£159,223). This income is held in unrestricted general funds, £172,471 (£159,223), and in designated funds, £28,479 (£0). Planned giving remains a vital part of our income £61,950 (£59,317), and without the regular financial commitment of church family and friends, we would not be able to function. Where a donor is a taxpayer and has signed a Gift Aid declaration, we are able to reclaim Gift Aid from HMRC, and this has contributed an additional £17,357 (£13,915) The best way to give financially to the ongoing life and work of St Mary's is through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), which is a Church of England scheme funded by the diocese, whereby the gift aid is claimed by them and paid over to the church every month. This simply requires the setting up of a direct debit with the scheme, and it has the benefit of offering an annual review of giving with the option to allow an inflationary increase. The income from the Church Centre in 2025 increased by 5.9% to £62,126 (£58,664). This is due to an increase in the number of groups which are renting rooms within the centre. We are expecting a similar level of income during 2026. ## **Expenditure:** Total expenditure from unrestricted funds of £191,199 (£153,520) was used as follows: Ministry: £49,911 (£51,756), which includes Parish Share of £42,000 (£42,000) – see additional note below on Parish Share expenditure. Staffing, Administration, Building maintenance and Utilities: £141,288 (£101,484). Total expenditure from restricted funds was £3,780 (£0) on fabric costs, £100 (£866) on outreach and £0 (£280) on grants. Parish Share is the money given by the parish to the diocese, which is used to pay for our incumbent and central church costs. Parish Share for the full year increased by 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, and the amount requested by the Diocese from St Mary’s was £83,702.88. However, due to cash flow constraints, the need for essential fabric work and an increase in costs, we have been unable to donate the amount requested by the Diocese in 2025. We have aimed to contribute an amount equivalent to the costs associated with having our own incumbent (salary, pension, housing), but have fallen short of contributing to some of the central costs of the Church of England. ## **Net Result:** 2025 has seen us end the financial year with a small surplus of £5,871 (£5,703). 44 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## St Mary’s Church, Camberley ## Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025 |**Note**
**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Incoming Resources**
Voluntary Income
2 (a)
108,352
28,479
136,831
Income from church activities
2 (b)
63,057
63,057
Investment Income
2(c)
1,062
1,062|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
96,625
60,813
1,785| |---|---| |**Total Incoming Resources**
172,471
28,479
200,950|159,223| |**Resources Expended**
Grants
3 (a)
Ministry
3 (b)
49,911
100
50,011
Staff,Buildingand Admin
3(c)
141,288
3,780
145,068|280
51,756
101,484| |**Total Resources Expended**
191,199
3,780
100 195,079|153,520| ||| |**Net Incoming/(Outgoing)**
**Resources**
(18,728)
24,699
(100)
5,871|5,703| |Balances brought forward
55,718
516
56,234
Transfers between funds
**Balances carried forward**
36,990
24,699
416
62,105|50,531| ||56,234| 45 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## St Mary’s Church, Camberley ## Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025 |**Note**
**Current Assets**
Bank and Cash
Deposit Accounts
Bookstall stock
Other Debtors|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Funds**
**£**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2025**
**£**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
13,084
13,084
13,684
28,093
24,699
416
53,208
39,190
328
328
277
3,602
3,600
19,640| |---|---| |Total Current Assets|45,108
24,699
416
70,221
72,791| |**Current Liabilities**
Accruals & Deferred Income|(8,117)
(8,117)
(16,557)| |**Net Current Assets**|**36,991**
**24,699**
**416**
**62,105**
**56,234**| |**Analysis of Net Assets by Fund**
4
Current Assets
Liabilities (falling due within 1 year)|45,107
24,699
416
70,222
72,791
(8117)
(8117)
(16,557)| ||**61,833**
**416**
**62,249**
**56,234**| Approved by the PCC on: Revd Andrew Knowles 46 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **St Mary’s Church, Camberley** ## **Notes to Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025** ## **Accounting Policies** The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Parochial Church Council's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (effective 1 January 2019). The Parochial Church Council is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The Parochial Church Council has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations, but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements 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. Bank Accounts: National Westminster Bank, 45 Park Street, Camberley, GU15 3PA. CAF Bank Account, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ ## **Assets** ## **Fixed Assets** Consecrated and Benefice Property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. ## **Current Assets** Cash on deposit is held in an interest-earning account with CAF Bank. ## **Consecrated and benefice property** In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of ‘charity’ by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. ## **Movable church furnishings** These are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church’s inventory. 47 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Tangible fixed assets for use by charity** These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or else, for gifts-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalised cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows: - Land Nil - Fixtures and Fittings 20 years - Computers 3 years No depreciation is provided on the buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out at each year-end and any resultant loss identified in expenditure for the year. ## **Investments** St Mary’s receives the dividends from Astra Zeneca shares, but it does not own the shares. ## **Short term deposits** These are the cash held on deposit with the CAF Bank. ## **Funds Policies** **Restricted Funds** represent donations or grants received with a specified purpose attached to them. These funds can be used only for the specific purposes for which they were given. Any balances remaining unspent at the end of the year are carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not invest separately for each fund. **Unrestricted Funds** are general funds, which are used by the PCC for everyday running costs which includes ministry, upkeep of the building, staffing and administration. The PCC may choose to consider some income as designated for a particular project. **Designated Funds** are unrestricted money that the trustees have chosen to set aside for a specific purpose. **Endowment Funds,** St Mary’s does not have any Endowment Funds **St. Mary’s Nursery** is a separate registered charity and its accounts are reported separately. ## **Reserves policy** It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance of 10% of annual expenditure as an operational margin, and to cover emergencies. This is included in the balance of £55,719 (£48,869) unrestricted funds at the end of year (see Note 4.) There is a need to build up reserves to cover on-going maintenance and unforeseen events and expenditure. A quinquennial inspection took place in 2023. 48 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025** |**Notes**
2
**Incoming Resources**
2(a)
**Voluntary Income**
Planned Giving:
Gift aid donations
Other planned giving
Gift Aid tax recovered
Collections (open plate)
Other income and donations
Donations for Door/Ramp
replacement in 2026
Donations for Roof repairs in
2026
Grants & Legacies
2(b)
**Income from Church Activities**
Church Centre Rents
Children’s activities
Bookstall
Fees received
2 c
**Investment Income**
Bank interest
Dividends
**Total Incoming Resources**|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2025**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
59,513
59,513
57,720
2,437
2,437
1,597
17,357
17,357
13,915
2,843
2,843
3,964
9,243
9,243
5,969
18,750
18,750
9,729
9,729
16,959
16,959
13,460| |---|---| ||108,352
28,479
136,831
96,625| ||62,126
62,126
58,664
501
501
798
195
195
462
234
234
890| ||63,057
63,057
60,814| ||737
737
1,474
325
325
311| ||1,062
1,062
1,785| ||| ||**172,471**
**28,479**
**200,950**
**159,224**| 49 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley |**Notes**
3
3(a)
3(b)
3 (c)|**Resources Expended**
**Grants**
Community Outreach
**Ministry**
Diocesan Parish Share
Children and Youth
Discipleship
Outreach
Pastoral
Worship
Bookstall
**Staff, Building and Admin**
Staff Costs
Utilities
Insurance
Cleaning and Waste Disposal
Fabric Costs
Consultancy and Accountancy
Communications, IT and
Overheads
Photocopier and Office Supplies
**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Funds 2025**
**Total**
**Funds 2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
280| |---|---|---| |||280| |||42,000
42,000
42,000
765
765
2,045
1,264
1,264
1,539
4,063
100
4,163
3,477
1,162
1,162
1,100
430
430
1,301
227
227
294| |||49,911
100
50,011
51,756| |||28,878
28,878
26,315
16,096
16,096
15,468
2,157
2,157
2,061
3,427
3,427
2,561
79,424
3,780
83,204
45,301
4,497
4,497
4,677
3,641
3,641
2,463
3,168
3,168
2,639| |||141,288
3,780
145,068
101,484| |||| |||**191,199**
**3,780**
**100**
**195,079**
**153,520**| |||| ||**Net Incoming/(Outgoing)**
**Resources**|**(18,727)**
**24,699**
**(100)**
**5,872**
**5,703**| 50 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley |**Notes**
4
**Movements in Funds**
**Unrestricted Funds**
General Fund
Designated - Roof, Door &
Ramp
Designated - Vicars
Discretionary
**Restricted Funds**
Community Outreach Fund
Community Food Fund|**Balance at**
**1st Jan**
**2025**
**Incoming**
**Resources**
**Resources**
**Expended**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**31st Dec**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
54,858
172,471
(191,199)
36,130
28,479
(3,780)
24,699
861
861| |---|---| ||55,718
200,950
(194,979)
61,689| ||250
250
266
(100)
166| ||516
(100)
416| ||| ||**56,234**
**200,950**
(195,079)
**62,105**| 51 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO ST MARY’S CHURCH CAMBERLEY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025** I report on the Accounts of St Mary’s Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** St Mary’s Church is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. St Mary’s Church consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; - Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act and ; - State whether particular matters have come to my attention ## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and the seeking of explanations from you as St Mary’s Church concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Susan Keane FCA Fuller Spurling Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors Mill House, 58 Guildford Street Chertsey Surrey KT16 9BE 52 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 for PCC of St Mary’s, Camberley ## **LIVING THE BEST LIFE** **discover it - live it - give it away** **www.stmaryscamberley.org.uk** 53