Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Report and Finantial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Registered Charlty no: 1127839
barley hill
church

B3rley Hill Parochial Church Councll
Contents
Page
Annual report of the PCC
Independent examiner's report
Statement of financial activities
Balance sheet
Notes to the accounts
10-17
Page I

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Annual report ofthe Pccfor the year ended 31 December 2023
Achievements and Performance
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Barley Hill Church has worshiped with St Mary s Thame and St Catherine's
Towersey, initially online and then after lockdown at St Mary's Church. A trial process of working together
continues. Whilst the PCC remains the legal governing body for Barley Hill Church, most of the ministry is now
run jointly with St Mary's and St Catherine's. This report therefore combine5 details for the combined ministry.
GOVERNANCE & IDENTITY
The new governance structure, providing an informal Joint Church Council IJCCI and a Standing Committee. was
agreed at the PCCS for St Mary's, Badey Hill and St Catherine's churches early in 2023. This structure has been
successfully managing the running and finances of the combined churches, whilst retaining the legal structures
of the existing Pccs. This has reduied the number of PCC meetings and helped decision making and
communication across the three leadership groups, although improved communication from the ICC back to the
PCCS is required. A major project to combine the finances and financial systems has also been undertaken.
During 2023 the name 'Thame Church. was endorsed by the JCC to refer to the combined congregations of the
three churches. The communications team developed options for a new logo, and a final design was selected by
the three PCCS. The new branding includes Thame Church at St Mary's, Thame Church at Towersey etc. to
acknowledge times when the location is important.
It is hoped to recruit a part-time Operations Manager during 2024 to support the clergy in the effective planning
and organising of church ministries and events.
WORSHIP & PRAYER
At the start of 2023 a weekly contemporary service was introduced for Sunday evenings and Evensong and Quiet
Services were moved to 3pm. The evening service provided a valuable gathering and re-gathering of people who
were on the fringes who preferred this style of service. The Evensong and Quiet SeNices suffered from being too
eady in the afternoon.
With the Team Rector Mike's operation and prolonged recovery, a review of the service pattern was conducted
to try and create a sustainable pattern given reduced availability of clergy and retired clergy. In September the
JCC proposed moving from 4 services each Sunday18am BCP, 10.15 Morning Setvice / Holy Communion with
Kids Church, 3pm Evensong/Quiet Service, 6.30pm Contemporary Service) to 219am Holy Communion and 11 am
Informal Service with Kids Church) with shared coffee between the seNices. This was introduced in October, with
the intention of reviewin9 after Easter 2024.
This new pattern has significantly reduced the burden of running so many services, which has been essential i
Mike's absence, and also with our Curate Emma, on placement irs Chinnor. It has also brought greater clarity and
consistency to service styles. A further benefit has been bringing the church congregation closer together, rather
than being spread across multiple services, with refreshments between the services bringing the whole church
together (although the gap between services is proving too great for this to be effectivel. The new pattern has
meant a loss to those who appreciated the BCP, Evensong and Quiet Services as well as a service in the evening.
This will be considered at the review.
Weekly church attendance is typically 170 adults, 15 children and with around 20 watching online between the
two services. During the year there have been 22 baptism5 and birth thanksgivings12022.' 221, 12 weddings12022.'
191, 23 funerals12022.. 301 in St. Mary's and 7 setvices at the crematorium12022.. 91. There were also 33 committal
of ashes services during the year12022.. 291.
Page 2

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Annual report ofthe Pccfor the year ended 31 December 2023
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
We were delighted to appoint Hannah Smith to our team in September as our new, full-time, Children & Families
Ministry Leader, with the support of a grant frotn the Diocese. Hannah has brought experience and leadership to
this ministry. She has already developed our links with local primary schools Barley Hill and John Hampden,
starting assemblies at both and re-starting our presence at the Barley Hill Carol Service. There are many plans for
2024 including Outdoor Church events and a Parenting Group.
Baptisms have continued to be held regularly, mainly during the 10.1 Sam service and the new 11am service, and
the midweek Sparklers service meets weekly with around 70 people, ensuring that families and carers have a
regular, predictable pattern of activity.
YOUTH
Our volunteer youth leader stepped down and the weekly discipleship group for around 8 now meets fortnightly.
However, we plan to start a new Sunday morning group in 2024 to support youth at the I lam Service. We are
prayerfully considering what other support we can provide to grow this important ministry.
SMALL GROUPS & PASTORAL CARE
We have encouraged participation of Small Groups during the year, with two new groups staiting, taking the total
to 14, with over 100 people attending. These include missional groups such as the Choir and EcoAction Group.
The Small Group Leaders now meet termly for encouragement, training and to facilitate communication. Our
Small Group structure is the main form of pastoral care in the church and 15 complemented by our clergy for
those not in groups. We hope to establish a more formal Pastoral Care team for home visits in the coming year.
MISSION & EVANGELISM
We serve the town of Thame through our toddler and carer group Sparklers, our monthly lunch and talk for older
people155+l as well as through the involvement by members of the church in numerous aspects of service within
the town - e.g. as school governors. councillors, housing authority representatives and in supporting charities.
We further support care of the elderly through our Anna Chaplain, services in Care Homes and regular home
Vlslting done by many member5 of the church.
The PCC allocates at least 10% of general giving to mission support, (both in the UK and overseas). The allocation
of this support is reviewed by the Mission Group each year. This group, like several others, has begun the process
of amalgamating with similar groups at the other churches. This wider group is enabling effective communication
and strategy to be made for all the mission partners.
We have seen a good riumber of people returning to the church following the changes to service structure. We
have also welcomed many more newcomers. A leaflet drop across Thame facilitated many new people to come
to our Christmas services this year. It was decided not to run Alpha or similar courses this year, but we plan to do
so in 2024.
Page 3

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Anrbual report of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023
COMMUNICATIONS
Significant developments have been made to the systems this year, including the implementation of Churchsuite
and SharePoint as the primary administrative, communication and archiving systems. An Interim Church
Administrator was appointed for 3 months to help implement these systems. Whilst resolving teething problems
and buy-in from all the congregation is ongoing, we now have comprehensive and robust tools to provide a
plarform for effective data management and communicatiori.
We have also developed a new Thame Church website, which will gradually take over from the individual church
websites.
ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS
Impact Thame Iformedy known as Lighthouse) is an ecumenical charity se¥ving children, young people and
families in Thame and surrounding villages. It has run several successful events during 2023 including a Big Church
Family Fun Day in July and a Lighten Up Party on 30th October. These were successful and there are plans to
develop them further in 2024. Thame in Prayer has continued to meet regularly and the Team Vicar continues to
meet with the other church leaders monthly.
All this ministry is only possible with the incredible generosity of many in our community who faithfully serve and
give their time and money. For this we give God thanks.
Andy Mcculloch
Team Vicar, Thame Church
Page 4

Barley Hill Parochlal Church Council
Annual report ofthe PCC for the yearended 31 December 2023
Financial Review
Income on the unrestricted fund totalled £65,266 12022= £68,579). Income from all funds totalled £65,266
12022.. £68,579).
There was restricted income of £0 in 2023.12022.. £01.
The PCC received no goods or seNices (other than the time of volunteers) free of charge or at a discounted
level.
There was restricted expenditure of £0 in 202312022: £01. There was net expenditure in the year of £50412022
net expenditure.. £14,204). Monthly income from individuals declined sliEhtly durinE the year.
Overall costs were contained, and our Parish share was reduced as this is now shared across the 3 churches.
The cash balance on the unrestricted fund at 31 December 2023 is £76,08012022'. £74,699).
The PCC feel it is prudent to continue to hold reserves at the current level in order to allow the Church to fully
resume its normal activities during next year.
The PCC is aware of its obligation to operate for the public benefit and the Trustees have had regard to the
Charity Commission public benefit guidance IPB31. The PCC considers it fulfils thi5 requirement by contributing
to the spiritual life of the parish it serves as well as offering tanEible support to activities designed to aid
hardship and provide help to those in need in the local and global community.
Reserves
The PCC'S policy is to maintain reserves at a minimum of three month's operating expensesl£19,0831.The
charity's assets are both available and adequate to meet its obligations, with urbrestricted reserves of £73,930.
Strurture. governante and management
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial
Church Council Powers Measure 1956. Appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation
Rules 2006. The charity is administered by its trustees, the PCC members.
Admlnlstrative information
Since the lifting of Covid 19 restrictions Barley Hill Church continue to meet online and in person at St Marfs
Church Thame, together with the congregations from St Mary's and St Catherine's Church Towersey. The
Church forms part of the Thame Benefice in the Diocese of Oxford. At 31 December 2023 there were 80
parishioners after revision of the electoral roll12022.. 831.
During 2009 Barley Hill Parochial Church Council IPCCI reElStered with the Charity Commission for England and
Wales under the name of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Barley Hill Ire8lStered
number 11278391. Until then the PCC was a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission.
The charity's correspondence address is..
Barley Hill Chuich, clo Thame Barns Centre, Church Road OX9 3AJ
Page 5

Barley Hill Parochial Church Councll
Annual report of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023
Administratlve information (Continued)
The PCC acknowledges that the operation of the Church is heavily dependent on the commitment of the
volunteers within the congregation in order to fulfil its activities.
PCC members who have served between l January 2023 and 31 December 2023 are..
Ex-officio:
Andy Mcculloch
Sharon Bond
Team Vicar (Chairman)
Safeguarding Officer
Deanery Synod Representatives:
Bridget Trueman
Richard Shearwood
Elected members:
Al French
Carrie Priestnall
Natasha Challoner
Richard Potts
Andrew Newton
Judith Harper
Janette Dixon
Donna Maddock
Deborah Salisbury
Andrew Clamp
Andrew Sweet
Margaret Robinson
(Churchwardenl
Appointed 18.04.2023
Appointed 18.04.2023
Appointed 18.04.2023
Appointed 18.04.2023
Resigned 18.04.2023
Election to the PCC follows the Church representation rules published by the Church of England and a conscious
effort is made to ensure it is both balanced and inclusive of the larger congregation.
Other relevant organisations.
Bank
Lloyds Bank plc, 13 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2BN
This report was approved by the PCC on
and signed on their behalf by..
Natasha Challoner
(Treasurer)
Page 6

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Barley Hill Parochial Church Council (the Trust) for
the year ended 31 December 2Q23, which are set out on pages 8 to 17.
Responsibilities and bosls of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
the requirements of the Charities Acl 20111'the Act,).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and
irs carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection
with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect..
111 accounting record5 were not kept in respect of the Trust a5 required by section 130 of the Act,. or
121 the accounts do not accord with those records., or
131 the accounts do 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 no concerns and 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.
Date=
Robert Kirtland, FCA
Critchleys Audit LLP, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford
Page 7

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023
2023
Unrestricted
2023
Restricted
2023
Total
2022
All fund5
Notes
Incoming resources
Incoming resources from donors
Interest income
64.723
543
64,723
543
67,992
37
Grants
550
Total Incoming resources
65,266
65,266
68,579
Resources expended
Mission and Charity Giving
10.086
10,086
9,768
Charitable artivities undertaken directly
54.184
54,184
72.165
Governance costs
1.500
1,500
850
Totsl resources expended
65,770
65,770
82,783
Net outgoing resources
15041
1504)
114,2041
Fund balances at l January
74,434
74,434
88,638
Fund balances at 31 December
73,930
73,930
74,434
All of the above results are derlved from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are
included above.
All resources throughout the year related to unrestricted funds.
Note 13 provides an analysis of the 2022 comparative information.
Page 8

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023
Notes
2023
2022
Fixed 3ssetS
Tangible assets
228
Current assets
Debtors
792
1,335
74,699
Cash at bank and in hand
io
76,080
76,872
76,034
Creditors: amounts falling due withln one year
li
12.942}
11,8281
Net current assets
73,930
74,206
Total assets/{liabilities1
73.930
74,434
Funds
Unrestricted funds IGenerall
Unrestricted funds (Designated)
72,815
1,115
72,113
12
2,321
Total funds
73,930
74,434
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on
2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Natasha Challoner
Treasurer
Al French
Churchwarden
The note5 on page5 10 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 9

l. Accounting policies
1.1 Statement of Compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006
together with applicable accounting standards and Charity Law in England.
The PCC has adopted the requirements of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice SORP IFRS 1021 in
preparing these accounts. The date of transition was l January 2015.
The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity incorporated in the UK.
The charity's correspondence address is..
Barley Hill Church, c/0 Thame Barns Centre. Church Road, OX9 3AJ.
1.2 Golng Concern
There are no material uncertainties regarding the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.
1.3 Accounting convention
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.
1.4 Fund accountlng
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance
of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for any other purposes.
Designated fijnds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.
The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or
which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. There were no restricted funds during the year or
at the year end.
1.5 Incoming resources
Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities ISOFAI when the charity is legally
entitled to the income and the amount can be measured reliably. For legacies, entitlement is recognised on the
charity being notified by the executors that a payment will be made.
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are received.
Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. No amounts are included in the financial
statements for services donated by volunteers.
1.6 Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure 15 recognised when a present legal or
constructive obligation exists at the reporting date as a result of a past event,. and it is more likely than not that
a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement. and the amount of the obligation can be measured
or estimated reliably.
Expenditure has been tlassified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs
cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent
with Ltse of the resources.
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Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 310ecember 2023
1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
It is the policy of the Charity to capitalise new assets costing or valued at more than £l,O(X).
Depreciation is provided on a systematic basis over the economic life of an asset to reflect its use and
consumption of the economic benefits or service potential provided by the asset. Depreciation is provided on a
monthly basis at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each a55et over its expected useful
life, as follows..
Office equipment
Fixtures and fittings
33.33% straight line
20.00% straight line
2. Incoming resources from donors
All Funds
2023
Total
2022
Total
UNRESTRicfED FUNDS
Planned giving
Covenanted, Gift Aid
Tax recoverable
40,700
10,290
13,733
39,437
9,859
18,696
67,992
Other planned giving, tax not recoverable
64,723
Unplanned glving
Cash collections
Total Unrestricted Giving
64,723
67,992
RESTRICTED FUNDS
TOTAL
64,723
67,992
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Barley Hlll Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
3. Grant Funding of Artivities- Missionary & charity givlng
All Funds
2023
2022
Missionary societies/individuals
10,086
9,768
The above totals include the following grants totalling £500 or more..
Grants to organisatlons
New Life House - Nepali orphanage
Wycliffe Bible Translators (Sweets)
3.000
2.280
3,300
2,508
Grants to persons
Steven & Dr Catherine McGoldrick
4,500
3,960
9,780
9,768
Page 12

Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
4. Charitable adivities directly relating to the work of the church
2023
Total
2022
Total
All funds
All funds
Church Family
Sunday morning general expenditure
Youth work and related costs
Interparish Transfers
1,989
511
1,091
2,913
4,313
6,813
4,004
Interregnum
Interregnum costs
488
Social Action
Mission for Thame
677
590
Leadership
Training and Ministry Development
Employee costs
Insurance and licences
Legal and bank fees
Admin and communications
Miscellaneous Costs
Parish share
50
4,837
730
545
84
886
192
84
3,069
453
44,930
57
57,633
227
Depreciation
46.694
54,184
67,083
72,165
Total
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Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
5. Governance costs
2023
2022
Total
Total
Independent examiner's honorarium
1,500
850
6. Related party transactions
The trustees neither received nor waived any emoluments from the charity during the period. Ordained
members of the clergy receive their stipends directly from the Church of England.
Related party transactions are as follows..
2023
2022
Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to trustees and connected persons
969
1,352
Number
Number
Number of trustees and connected parties paid
7. stsff costs
2023
2022
Wages & salaries paid to staff
Employerfs National Insurance
Pension
4,611
226
Total
4,837
No employee had emoluments of over £60,(XKI in the year. The average number of employees, calculated on
full-time equivalent basis, analysed by function was..
2023
2022
Number
Number
Administrator
Total
0.15
0.15
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Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
8. Tangible Fixed Assets
Storage shed
Computer
Equipment
Total
Cost or valuatlon
At l January 2023
Disposals during the year
At 31 December 2023
1,136
11,1361
1,459
1,459)
2.595
12,595
Depreciation
At l January 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals during the year
At 31 December 2023
908
57
965
1,459
2,367
57
12.4241
11,4591
Net book value
At lJanuary2023
At 31 December 2023
228
228
9. Debtors
2023
Total
2022
Total
All Funds
All Funds
Tax recoverable (Unrestricted)
Prepayments
958
377
792
792
1,335
10. Cash at bank and in hand
2023
Total
All funds
2022
Total
All funds
Deposit account
Current accounts
40,212
35,868
76,080
41.216
33,483
74,699
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Barley Hill Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
11. Creditors: amount5 falling due wlthln one year
2023
Total
All Funds
2022
Total
All Funds
Creditors
Accruals
592
2,350
2,942
1,828
1,828
12. Designated fund5
The movement on designated Funds during the year was..
Men'5 Ministry
'58
Fund,
2023
Total
All funds
2022
Total
All funds
Balance at l January
321
2,000
2,321
2,321
Resources received
200
Resources expended
{1.206}
{1,206}
12001
Transfer to Undesignated
funds
321
794
1115
2,321
Men's Minlstry Supports men's social events.
"58" Fund Supports people who are facing hardship.
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Barley Hill Parochlal Church Council
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
13. Comparative Statement of Financial Activity
As required by FRS102 the SOFA set out below is the full analysis for the 2022 comparative.
2022
Unrestricted
2022
Total
2022 Restricted
Intoming resources
Incoming resources from donors
Interest income
Grant
67,992
37
67,992
37
550
550
Total incoming resourtes
68,579
68,579
Resources expended
Mission and Charity Giving
Charitable activities undertaken
directly
Governance costs
Total resources expended
9,768
72,165
9.768
72.165
850
850
82,783
82,783
Net (outgoingllincoming resources
114,204)
114,2041
Fund balances at I january
88,638
88,638
Fund balances at 31 December
74,434
74,434
Page 17