## **Annual Report 2025-2026**
**Prepared for distribution in advance of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 19 April 2026**
As Christ Church approaches its 150th anniversary, it’s time for us to celebrate the past while looking to the future together.
Our church on the Common is rooted in faith. We remember Epsom’s long history as a spa town and place of healing.
Our shared vision is to build on this legacy by growing in hope and healing together, and to be a hub of hope for our community as an inclusive church going forward in love and compassion.
This report offers a review of the past year, looking at the steps we have taken so far on our shared journey.
Rooted in **Faith** Growing in **Hope** Nurturing **Healing**
## Annual Report 2025-2026
**Prepared for distribution in advance of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 19 April 2026**
**Christ Church Epsom Common APCM - Area Dean Report..................................4 Church Wardens’ Report, David Blacoe and Fay Wedlake.................................. 5** Announcements and Highlights of 2025-6......................................................... 5 Christ Church Parish Profile...................................................................................8 Communications - Tricia Crawford................................................................... 14 Eco Church.......................................................................................................... 16 Outreach..............................................................................................................17 Social Committee - Michal Keefe..................................................................... 18 Christ Church Epsom Common Mothers’ Union..............................................19 **Discipleship - Revd Sue Curtis................................................................................ 20 Children and Youth Worker’s Report - Sofia Welsby............................................ 22** Christ Church Kids................................................................................................22 Christ Church Youth............................................................................................ 23 Bubble Church.....................................................................................................24 Schools..................................................................................................................24 Uniformed Organisations....................................................................................24 Christ Church United Football Club...................................................................25 Other Activities.................................................................................................... 25 **Pastoral Care - Sue Matthews and Jo Woolfe...................................................... 27 Missions - David Blacoe..........................................................................................27 Safeguarding - Leslie King, Parish Safeguarding Officer..................................... 28 Church Governance - PCC Secretary Caroline Daniels..................................... 31** PCC membership during 2025-2026..................................................................31 Ex-officio PCC members and BRC members..............................................31 Elected PCC members..................................................................................32 Annual Report for 2025 -2026.............................................................................33 Review of PCC Business from May 2025 - Caroline Daniels............................33
Composition and Changes within the PCC............................................... 33 Committee Structure and Activities............................................................ 33 **Report on the Fabric of the Church and its other Properties............................... 35** Main Church........................................................................................................ 36 Anticipated repairs: Stonework....................................................................36 Heating system and Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Church..................36 Solar power.....................................................................................................38 Hospitality and accessible toilet project.....................................................38 Other Items..................................................................................................... 38 The Hall................................................................................................................. 39 The Grounds.........................................................................................................39 278 The Greenway (The Curate’s House).........................................................39 **Report on the Goods and Ornaments 2025 -2026 David Blacoe and Fay Wedlake............................................................................ 40 Deanery Synod Report - Gill Glasspool................................................................40 Statement of Financial Activities............................................................................46 Financial Report – Nigel Daniels.............................................................................49** Planned Giving and Other Income ................................................................. 50 Expenditure.......................................................................................................... 51 Missions ............................................................................................................... 51 Funds.....................................................................................................................51 Investments.......................................................................................................... 51 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) ......................................................... 52 Accounting Policies............................................................................................ 52 Funds ....................................................................................................................52 Incoming Resources ...........................................................................................53 Resources expended..........................................................................................53 Fixed Assets ......................................................................................................... 53 Payments to Trustees...........................................................................................53 **Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common UPDATE NEEDED.......................................................................................................54 Minutes of the Combined Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings ......55**
3
## **Christ Church Epsom Common APCM - Area Dean Report**
Dear friends, as we reflect on the joy of Easter, we remember the greatest victory in history, when death was defeated and hope was restored through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is not just a day we celebrate; it is a truth we must live from every day. It calls us to be **deeply rooted in faith** . I love that this is part of who you are as a church and part of your Mission Statement.
The Bible reminds us in Colossians 2:7, _“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong.”_ After Easter, our faith should not remain shallow. The resurrection proves that God’s power is greater than any fear, failure, or even death itself.
When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, He gave us a **living hope** . Our faith is not rooted in tradition or feelings; it is rooted in our **living Saviour** who conquered the grave. That means no matter what storms we face, loss, uncertainty, or trials, we stand firm because our roots are planted in the truth of the resurrection.
In 1 Peter 1:3 it says that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have been given a **living hope** . Hope that does not fade a hope that does not fail.
I just wanted to encourage you to keep going. I’m hugely excited about Christ Church’s future under the leadership of Rev Tom Hill, but I want to thank you for your faithfulness in the time of vacancy. So my encouragement for you all in this post Easter period is to keep going, is to stay rooted in prayer. Stay rooted in God’s Word. Stay rooted in the victory Christ has already won.
Because when your faith is rooted in the risen Lord, your life will stand strong, grow deep, and bear fruit for God.
Wishing you all every blessing and praying for you all as a church,
In His name,
## **Revd John Marrow Epsom Area Dean**
5
## **Church Wardens’ Report, David Blacoe and Fay Wedlake**
## **Announcements and Highlights of 2025-6**
Christ Church has seen many changes this year.
After 14 years as Vicar of Christ Church on 6 July 2025 the following announcement was made:
“The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that Rev’d Canon Rosemary Donovan, Vicar of the benefice of Christ Church Epsom Common and Area Dean of Epsom, Diocese of Guildford, has been appointed Vicar of the benefice of Melbourne, Ticknall, Smisby and Stanton by Bridge, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.”
In the autumn Christ Church showed their appreciation and made a fond farewell.
A formal Church Warden’s duty is to ‘handover the vicar’ at the collation service in the new parish, which took place on 4 October 2025. Many travelled to Rosemary’s new benefice, everyone wishing Rosemary and Craig every blessing in Derbyshire.
6
Revd Esther Holley Hunt completed her curacy with Christ Church and on 28 September 2025 the announcement was made that Esther had been appointed as Associate Minister at St Mary’s and St John’s in Walton on Thames. The role has a specific focus on children and young people, families’ ministry and discipleship. Esther started her new role in May 2026.
Rev’d Sue Curtis and our Lay Reader Berwick Curtis continue to lead worship; Sofia Welsby our children, youth and families ministry. Andy Hards, sacristan, verger, also balancing premises, projects and eco duties. Tricia Crawford co-ordinating all our church administration and communications.
Much thanks and appreciation goes to the PCC and every supporting team; worship, pastoral, prayer, music, tech, finance, missions, premises, heating, grounds, cleaning, Mothers’ Union, flower arrangers, hospitality, social and our newly created 150[th] Anniversary Team.
We continue to give thanks to the many faithful and dedicated members of our congregation who do so much to facilitate meaningful acts of worship to the glory of God, we are blessed to be part of such a committed and generous community.
During this interregnum Christ Church is positively journeying forward, as a demonstrator net zero carbon and Gold Award Eco Church, and as a welcoming community in every season, with our broad range of inclusive worship and services. One body, many parts working together!
7
A further announcement took place at Christ Church Epsom Common and Leatherhead at the main morning services on Sunday 8 February 2026:-
“The Bishop of Guildford is delighted to announce that Rev Tom Hill has been appointed as Vicar at Christ Church, Epsom Common, subject to DBS and medical clearance. He is currently Associate Minister at Leatherhead and we are hoping that Tom and his family might be able to move in late summer, but details are yet to be confirmed”.
Tom says:-
“Megan and I are so excited to join with you in God’s vision and purpose for Christ Church. Having grown up in Epsom, I gave my life to Jesus when I was 18, because someone at this church invited me to hear the gospel. Our hope and prayer for the coming years is that we see many more lives transformed by the love of Jesus in the same way, as we work together to share the good news. We can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to do in this new season and look forward to meeting you all soon!”
Please pray for Tom and his family as they prepare to move. Tom will be licensed on 27 August 2026 at 7.30pm in Christ Church by Bishop Paul.
8
## **Christ Church Parish Profile**
## **What Can Christ Church Celebrate?**
Christ Church draws together people of many different ages, backgrounds and Christian traditions. It was established as a place of sanctuary for all the population on the Common and over the years, the church has built a reputation as a friendly, open, family-oriented community.
At its heart, above the chancel, is this Scripture from Matthew 11:28-29:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls".
As we celebrate 150 years of ministry at Christ Church, we are focussed on three facets of Christ’s teaching and these are:
1. Rooted in Faith
2. Growing in Hope
3. Nurturing Healing
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe that Christ Church can expand its outreach as a focal community hub. For this purpose, we offer opportunities in many different formats, in addition to our traditional services:
- Bubble Church for young children and their
- Kids Church and youth activities
- Outreach to schools
- Kingswood House
- Rosebery School
- Southfield Park
- Stamford Green
- Links to Christ Church United Football Club and Uniformed Organisations
- Courses for enquirers and new Christians including Alpha
- House and small groups for bible study, prayer and support
- Mothers’ Union (celebrating its 135th anniversary) offering:
- regular meetings and walks
9
- the inclusive Wheels & Squeals toddler group (embracing cohabiting and blended families)
- Mothers’ Union membership and family support
- Tea Club offering activities for older people
- Bell tower and bell ringers
- Creative arts - celebrating the musical talents of the choir, band and local artists
- Gold Award Eco Church respecting creation and care for our environment
- Outside, the forest chapel attracts walkers and their dogs, who are welcome in church services
- Church and Hall use, including hire for approved community and social events
- Initiatives with Churches Together in Epsom e.g. World Prayer Day Service
- Dedicated volunteer teams, practically ensuring the witness of Christ Church
## **What Are Our Challenges?**
We recognise these aspirations need further nurturing and they present new challenges:
- Enhancing our programme for children and young people
- Developing our outreach to the expanding local community
- Developing our wide range of music and creative arts
- Improvement in our facilities to be more open and accessible
- Financial background and look ahead:
- During the year ending 31 December 2024, Christ Church received income, including legacies, of £199,000 whilst expenditure totalled £184,724 giving a surplus over the course of the year of £14,276.
10
However, very little was spent on property refurbishment which resulted in this small surplus of income over expenditure, after several years of deficit.
During 2025 we have invested in renovating the Church Hall and are proposing to update facilities within the Church with the installation of the Pod. There will also be repairs and maintenance work on the fabric of the Church building. These capital expenditures will result in a reduction in our reserves, which have largely come from legacies. These reserves currently stand at around £500,000. Hence the need for:
- Ambitious capital fundraising for major projects, such as Net Carbon Zero Demonstrator Church, in order to future proof the Grade II listed building in the 21[st] Century.
## **Parish considerations in the recruitment and selection of a vicar**
From October 2025, the Church Wardens and PCC have been working with the Bishop, Arch Deacon and newly appointed Area Dean to prayerfully recruit and appoint a new vicar.
For this exciting post, we were seeking an ordained, energetic and visionary leader who is gifted with God’s calling and a limitless compassion for God’s people and with the following gifts, knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Deep personal commitment to Christ. Be a person of prayer, lively faith and spiritual maturity
- Passion to share the Gospel. An engaging teacher and strong preacher who shows humour and sensitivity
- Pastoral heart, a shepherd to foster a church culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to contribute
- Good communicator with all ages whatever their nature and situation
- Ready to lead and develop our broad spectrum of worship, liturgy, choral, band music and technical support, holding together the best of the different traditions
11
- Adherence to safeguarding policies and practices, creating a safe space, to protect all from abuse and to support survivors
- Committed to welcome and guide all who ask for baptism, weddings and funerals
- Driven in developing partnerships with our local schools, uniformed organisations and community groups
- A leader to seek out and engage families and to develop and enable youth ministry
- Able to encourage and guide others to develop their personal and spiritual growth, vocation and ministry
- Enthusiastic in relating our faith to everyday lives and in encouraging collective events such as Parish Weekends/Retreats and Christian festivals
- Making opportunities to promote a culture of generous giving. Building resources, motivating and engaging people and increasing funding (with the financial team) to support our ministry
- Take interest in the ‘project management’ of day-to-day maintenance, grounds work and building projects (with the premises/Net Carbon Zero Demonstrator project leads). The current focus is: accessible toilet and servery in church; restoring stonemasonry; and achieving sustainable heating solutions.
- Competent and collaborative in managing Parish Administration and leading the staff team currently of Associate Minister, Licensed Lay Minister, Children and Youth Worker, Office Manager, and Verger, in close liaison with the Churchwardens and PCC leadership and our teams of volunteers.
- Committed to respect the following statement adopted by the PCC in January 2021:
_“Christ Church seeks to welcome, affirm, and celebrate every person and show no discrimination._
_We ensure that disability, socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning difficulties, mental health, neurodiversity, age, or sexuality_
12
_have no bearing on full membership, participation or involvement in the worship and witness, as part of our church community._
_We welcome those who are looking for a safe space and those who are exploring the Christian faith._
_We take the Bible seriously, proclaiming the Gospel in our contemporary context._
_We rejoice in the breadth and depth of the love of God in the sacrifice of Jesus and affirm God with us in the indwelling Holy Spirit.”_
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
## **We considered what Christ Church can offer a new Vicar**
Welcoming, supporting and nurturing a Vicar adhering to the Clergy Well Being Covenant. Welcoming any family members with a balanced respect for privacy and community life.
Five-bedroom detached vicarage in its own grounds, with outbuildings. Set on Epsom Common. Good public transport links to London, Surrey Hills and the seaside. Within walking distance of the town centre. Excellent reputable schools for all ages and local sport, leisure and creative art facilities.
Working together with the vicar and staff team and employed children and youth worker are a talented congregation and committed teams for ministry, missions, pastoral care and music. Also with the highly capable financial, technical, premises and Merry Mowers teams.
A generous congregation - donations to equip Bubble Church and refurbish the Hall, and social event fund raising. Looking to initiate capital fund raising for major projects.
## **We considered Christ Church’s Hopes and Needs for the New Season**
As we look forward, our hopes and needs are:
Appointment of Vicar, to ensure a high standard of worship, pastoral care, and to advance the Kingdom of God through leadership and collaboration.
13
Growing in numbers - we are witnessing the ‘Quiet Revival’ with an increasing number of younger people (under 20 and 30) being baptised, confirmed and offering resources as they journey in Christ Church. Helping to balance the effects of demographics and an aging population.
Building on our Discipleship Groups - In the power of the spirit, we offer a variety of small discipleship groups all different from each other giving opportunities for people to meet for prayer, bible study, mutual support and social activities.
Supporting the vicar in the training of a curate. Christ Church offers a recently modernised family home for a curate.
Deepening relationships with God, supporting new Christians. Achieving shared visions of the Kingdom of God delivering good news for all – seen in Transforming Church and Transforming Lives.
For Christ Church to be a living community hub. Our journey is summarised below:
- Christ Church as a Living Well and Living Well
- Transforming - Growing Knowing Going
- Growing Disciples Growing Diversity Growing Community
- Celebrating Christ Church 150th Anniversary and MU 135th Anniversary
- Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope and Nurturing Healing
14
## **Communications - Tricia Crawford**
Throughout the year, we have continued to reach out to our local community through digital and print media and also continued the process of refreshing the look and feel of both internal and internal communications.
Our new look
Having adopted a new strapline for our 150th year,
## **Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope and Nurturing Healing,**
we created refreshed logos and graphics to demonstrate this
This has been reflected in the new powerpoint displays for our Sunday services, which still use the colours of the church’s year but which have been redesigned to be more engaging and offer more clarity.
We offer huge thanks to Paul Cutmore for being so generous with his time and professional services to create this fantastic new look and also for his creation of our stunning Christmas card and our Christmas and Easter posters
15
## Newsletter and website
Our next steps are to redesign the weekly email newsletter, to make it more visually engaging and a quicker and easier read, and to finish the content for the new website (now only a few pages left to go) and then to look at ways to bring in more images and make the site as engaging and eye-catching as we can.
Huge thanks to Fred Campbell-Hollis for giving his time and professional expertise to create the new website.
## Social media
We continue to use social media to reach the wider community in Epsom.
Our goal is ‘brand awareness’ - in other words, we want as many people as possible to see a little of who we are and what we do.
How successful is this?
In the year from 9 March 2025 - 8 March 2006:
Our Facebook posts were seen 29,693 times by 13,573 different people, e.g.:
_Lenten purple 1,855 people_
_Jazz Festival 1,541 people_
_Carol service 1,297 people_
What does help us reach more people is if you like, comment and share - this tells Facebook and Instagram that the post is interesting, and that means they will show it more widely.
16
Why is this important?
In today’s busy world, on average people are exposed to a brand, product or organisation 22 times before they take action. (In the pre-digital age, it was 7 times.)
Our posters, social media posts, website, Christmas cards and sharing in neighbours’ WhatsApp groups all have a part to play in this.
Over the last year, our publicity has brought newcomers to the carol service, to the Jazz Night and to Wheels & Squeals - so it is possible to make a difference.
Sharing posts, putting up posters and distributing cards is really a gentle form of evangelism - so please take part in telling the wider community about Christ Church if you can.
## **Eco Church**
In July, we were delighted to be awarded Gold Eco Church status. This was a fantastic recognition of the time, work and care our whole congregation and of course our amazing Eco Team have put into our many green initiatives and ensuring creation care is embedded in the day to life of Christ Church.
Throughout the Season of Creation members of the congregation shared eco initiatives to promote and encourage our on-going commitment to creation care such as water butts and composting, water for dogs and bee water
17
garden as well as supporting community initiatives such as the Epsom Repair Cafe. Building on our current practice of outdoor acts of worship we continued to host the 4 seasonal sessions of Forest Church namely Spring: Dawn service; Summer: Outdoor Sunday parish Communion Services and 5@5; Autumn: Creation tide and Winter: Open Chapel. We are pleased to be identified as one of five churches in Guildford Diocese as a national demonstrator church able to access advice and grants to assist our commitment to Net Carbon Zero. To this end we have continued to make improvements to draft-proofing the church and insulating the hall as well as upgrading to double glazing, working towards installing solar panels and researching sustainable heating.
## **Outreach**
Christ Church has continued to be more visible in our local community, particularly at town centre commemorations of the anniversary of VJ Day and Armistice Day and Civic Community Events where Rev’d Sue and Berwick Curtis, Michal Keefe and Sofia Welsby have specifically represented Christ Church.
Churches Together in Epsom, in which we play a very active part, continues to host an open-air service on Good Friday in the marketplace as well as other seasonal activities in Rosebery Park and the town centre that are a great way of demonstrating our faith.
We have vibrant links with local schools and the Epsom Common Association, Association and regular hall hirers including Alpine Gardens Association, a dance school, and children’s Kung Fu classes. New hall hirers include baby music and movement and Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Age Concern annual Christmas Concert has become a regular opportunity to reach out to many people who don’t often attend church alongside the annual memorial service in conjunction with Longhurst funeral directors. Both these events saw the church packed and many commented on the warm welcome and spiritual atmosphere to be found here.
18
## **Social Committee - Michal Keefe**
A very small but dedicated team provided a variety of social activities for our congregation to enjoy, made outreach opportunities and welcomed the wider community. Midway through the year, we merged with the 150CC committee (some members of which were on both committees) to arrange celebrations of Christ Church 150th Anniversary in October 2026. We also entered a period of vacancy after Rev’d Rosemary Donovan (previous chair of the committee) moved to a new parish.
Our emphasis changed to ensure we provided events to draw parishioners closer together, and to raise the Christ Church heritage profile in the wider community and promote the 150th Anniversary. As a committee, we have always been mindful that we want enjoyable community events but that it would also be useful to raise church funds. To this end, as a community we have raised £6,127.
At the Autumn Fair, many enjoyed our refreshments, the uniformed organisations’ sausage sizzle, bell tower tours and puppet shows alongside the many stalls and games. We held an 80s Disco (thanks in particular to Claire, Tilly and Tom), a plant sale (thank you Marilyn and Jenny), Macrame Workshop, Jazz Night (thank you Dan) and last but not least the wonderful recently held quiz night fun by Sue Matthews and Marilyn. The amazing Art Festival organised by Lucy and Jenny P showed what talented people we have in our community.
19
Our committee is small and we are always looking for people who would like to join us and come up with some new ideas for events. We usually meet 3 or 4 times a year and in the autumn put a schedule of events together. So if you have some spare time please do contact Michal Keefe who can talk you through what we do. We would love to expand our team. Please also sign up for events ASAP as it makes it much easier to organise events and catering.
Last but not least, a lot of what goes on does so behind the scenes so this year I would particularly like to thank our committee: Sue Matthews, Sue Ellinor, Caroline Daniels, Lucy Healy, Liz Pullinger, and our wardens Fay and David and Trish in the office who have given particular support, and everyone who has helped.
## **Christ Church Epsom Common Mothers’ Union**
We currently meet on the 2[nd] Tuesday of each month in the lower hall from 10.30am. Meetings will start with a prayer and usually evolve around the aims of the Mothers’ Union at strengthening families and communities worldwide. However, we also enjoy craft mornings, social evenings and occasional speakers who will talk to us about other objectives such as the Away From It All Holidays or our links with Christ Church Freetown Sierra Leone. We also enjoy a monthly walk on the 4[th] Thursday of the month. Usually meeting at Christ Church at 9.45am to leave at 10.00am. More recently we have helped support the Mothering Sunday service on the 15[th] March and a group of us visited the cathedral on the 17[th] March to celebrate the **Mothers’ Union 150 celebration** with other diocesan branches.
_Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union - and the 75th Anniversary of our link branch in Sierra Leone._
20
Our members support Christ Church in many ways. Running Wheels & Squeals toddler group, members of the Baptism team, help with Bubble Church, are sidespeople, members of the choir, on the social committee and members of the PCC. You do not need to be a mother or female to join our group. All we ask is that you support our aims. If you are interested in joining us, our details are on the notice board at the back of the church, or contact Michal, Kate, Avril or Sarah Chorley.
## **Discipleship - Revd Sue Curtis**
At Christ Church, we are negotiating the vacancy aware of the work of Rosemary, Craig, Esther, Jane, David who have moved on to serve God in new places. It has also been a year when other faithful disciples have moved away, become unwell or have died and we build on the legacy that we have been blessed with through their endeavours.
We are grateful to those who currently have taken on more responsibility to keep us not only in maintenance mode but able to thrive and nurture new disciples and help many in the congregation mature and deepen their faith. Amongst them are PCC secretary, wardens, verger, Youth and Families Worker, the office manager, Ruth organising organists and choir music and Dan leading the band and organising the band music and musicians. Christ Church is a community and those who worship with us in church or online and then live out their faith in their personal prayer life, in their work or their relationships have an important part in our communal life. Hopefully the church can resource disciples of Christ in their daily lives and in their particular circumstances.
Small groups are a good way for faith to be nurtured and there are seven groups that meet in different ways: in homes, in church, online, weekly or monthly. These groups discuss, pray, study, socialise together and offer mutual pastoral support. Other groups such as MU, choir, band, cleaners, tech team, sidespeople, bell ringers, readers, intercessors, the social team and the pastoral team share their discipleship as they work to support worship and our communal life.
In August we had adults from our Alpha Course being baptised by immersion as part of our Summer Series. Their passion for Christ and their enthusiasm were inspiring.
21
This was followed by Confirmation in December. Our nine candidates, adults and children, were joined by candidates from St Mary’s Ewell in a joyful service led by Bishop Andrew. It was good to have him with us so recently and we join with the Diocese in giving thanks for his ministry and in mourning his death.
We also ran a prayer ministry training course this year with thanks to Sue Matthews for her leadership and Tricia Coleman for adapting and producing course materials based on the resources of The Acorn Christian Healing Foundation We are pleased that a good number came to the training and were able to share their ideas on praying for others and growing in faith. Three individuals have joined our Prayer Ministry Team and we are also pleased that we have someone undertaking a diocesan-led Lay Visitors Course and another signed up for the next course.
Sofia, our Children and Youth Worker, is planning to run a new Alpha Course after Easter. We also are thinking of looking at evangelism in our contemporary context as a theme of our summer series.
Christ Church ‘disciples’ can be seen sharing their time, their talents and their faith in all that supports our worship, our outreach to our local community, our concern for the planet and the world beyond our nation and continent.
Our vision is to be rooted in faith, growing in hope and nurturing healing. Discipleship is fostered in casual and serious conversations, in the liturgy, songs, hymns, readings, sermons and in fostering private prayer, Bible study and reflection on how we engage with our contemporary society in a way that honours Christ.
Discipleship is relational; courses and programmes can support this, but it is in essence more than that. Our discipleship should inform our identity and our relations with others, seeing all as loved children of God. The Anglican Church roots its beliefs and practices in Biblical understanding, tradition and reason.
22
_“Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine.” Oswald Chambers_
In this year, leading up to our 150[th] Anniversary, we have been delighted to welcome former curates and ordains who have shared with us something of how Christ Church was instrumental in their ongoing discipleship. We have valued their fresh insights and learning of the wide range of Christian work they have undertaken since being with us. Later in the year when we welcome our Vicar Designate Tom Hill, we can reflect that Christ Church was a formative part of his discipleship journey too.
It has been good to access an increasing programme of courses run by Diocese and Deanery, which have been attended by church members; and people from Christ Church attended New Wine and Green Belt last Summer
We look forward to our new Vicar Tom, his wife Megan and their family joining us later in the year. Discipleship may look different under new leadership, but I am sure we can all work together with renewed enthusiasm and vision to grow in numbers and depth of faith here at Christ Church. We need to remain a place of welcome and inclusion, where questions can be asked freely and ideas shared honestly. This is the responsibility of us all, as we learn and share together, joining in all that fosters breadth and depth within our church life. There is so much on offer through which we can share and learn together. We need to be committed to participating where we can. Our Christian calling is to embrace the transforming work of God in all we are, and all we do.
## **Children and Youth Worker’s Report - Sofia Welsby**
## **Christ Church Kids**
Christ Church Kids is our Sunday school during the 10am Sunday morning Services. We leave church during the first hymn for the upper church hall. There we have a mini crèche if needed, with a carpet and toys for little ones, and tables and chairs for children of all ages. We return to church and the parents, before the communion starts.
23
During the first half of 2025 we had very good attendance, including a number of teenagers. Some Sundays we could be up to 17 children and young people. We considered splitting the group into two in the autumn, to cater for more age specific teachings and a chance for the young people to bond more with each other.
However, after the big changes our church faced after September, attendance has been patchier and there has not been a need for the group to split into two. We will consider again, when numbers bounce back after the new vicar arrives with his family. We have used a mixture of Roots and Bible stories material.
## **Christ Church Youth**
As mentioned above, during the first half of 2025, most of our young people came to church on Sunday mornings with their families. We stopped doing Sunday evening youth group as many of the young people were in their GCSE year, and completing homework on Sunday evenings.
From September we re-started the Youth group on every first and third Friday of the month, 7-8.30pm, so that it would not clash with Bubble Church on the second and fourth Sunday of the month (if they were helping with that).
During the autumn, we made a harvest loaf for our church harvest festival, and carved pumpkins amongst other things. The young people also helped to lead our 5@5 Christingle Service on the 1[st] Sunday in Advent, together with our newest ex-alpha homegroup. It was lovely to see everyone doing such a good job, being brave and working together.
Four of our young people were confirmed in December, by our late Bishop Andrew, together with the same ex-alpha congregation members who helped at 5@5. Another very special day.
24
## **Bubble Church**
From June 2025, with Rev Esther’s looming maternity leave and completion of her curacy, I took over the running of Bubble Church. I had always assisted with it, but now I took over the running of it.
Bubble Church has continued to be a blessing to us, and the numbers of families visiting it remains strong most Sundays. Some outgrow it but new ones come along.
A bubble church session generally looks like 15 min of refreshments, a bubble machine and mingle, followed by 30min ‘carpet time’ with puppets, bible story and action songs.
Bubble Church requires a team of 8-10 volunteers per session. There is a mixture of local families as well as families from outside of Epsom attending. Some attend other churches on Sundays but come to us for Bubble Church. On average we have about 7-10 families per session.
For our crib service on Christmas eve, we used the Bubble Church Angel puppets service. Both services were well attended and appreciated by the congregations.
## **Schools**
We are grateful for having good relationships with our local schools; we are keen to continue to develop our relationships with local schools.
We had both Stamford Green and South Field Park school classes visiting the church in November. Both had their end of term services and also their Christmas Carol services with us, and all the parents were invited too.
Kingswood House School also had their Christmas Concert, with us, as well as regular assemblies at church. We were invited to take part in their Remembrance commemoration at school that I attended and said a prayer.
## **Uniformed Organisations**
After a slightly bumpy start to the year 2025, a new lease got signed with the scouts. We were very pleased to welcome them to take part in our Autumn fair, providing the sausage sizzle and table activities. The thriving uniformed
25
organisations have been able to parade at key services including the November Remembrance Day Service. We are looking forward to more joint events soon, such as the summer family fun day, with good relationships continuing.
## **Christ Church United Football Club**
As part of the Christ Church 150th celebration, Revd Clive Potter, who, as a curate, founded Christ Church United Football Club in1992, preached and shared his sporting experiences. Thirty-four years onwards Christ Church United is a live, affordable, church linked, community focused football club affiliated to the Football Association. Developing individual and team skills, providing training for young players on Saturdays. David Wedlake is the church link, or for bookings via web for christchurchunited.co.uk. They are always looking for more members so please get in touch if you are interested. We are hoping that they will also be able to take part in the Summer Fun day.
## **Other Activities**
## **New Wine**
A small group of us from Christ Church Epsom Common went to the New Wine church festival at the beginning of August 2025, for the first time in many years. It is a good way of going away as a church family and bond and have fun whilst further deepening our faith. Some of us camped and stayed all six days, whilst others stayed in B&Bs or just came for day trips.
26
It was fun and we hope to see more Christ Church people joining us this year. Please contact Sofia and look on the New Wine Website if you want to know more. All ages, all abilities welcome.
## **The Posada**
Mary, Joseph and the Donkey from our church nativity set went for a journey again this Advent and found shelter for 24hours at different
congregation members or local institutions. They visited all three local schools as well as the scouts. Their journey ended at the Crib service in church on Christmas eve, when they reached the stable. Thank you to everyone who took part!
## **Ex ALPHA New Home Group**
Since September 2025 we started a new homegroup with the members from the second Alpha course. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month in the upper room in the church hall, 7.30-9pm.
It’s a lively group that has tried a few different materials from videos to studying bible passages relating to the time of the year, like Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. The bible sessions tend to be the more popular sessions. New members are welcome.
**Finally** a **BIG THANK YOU** to all the wonderful volunteers that I have to help me and to make this work possible!
Gill, Katherine, Olivia, Will, Sarah C, Anne S, Susie, Rosie, Lucy, Tom, Andy, Charle, Tilly, June, Sue M, Vanessa, Loic, Sacha, Zaccary, Ebba, Freja, Rochell, Reiner Aveah and all our cake makers!
27
## **Pastoral Care - Sue Matthews and Jo Woolfe**
Despite the interregnum and departure of Esther, and Jane Williams in 2025, and Tricia Coleman’s imminent move away this year, we hope the care of the Pastoral Team continues to respond to the needs of the congregation. We’re delighted that Leanne Cutmore has been accepted for the Diocesan Visitor Training Course starting this spring.
It is also encouraging that new members of the Prayer Ministry Team have been recruited recently to bring it up to full strength. The confidential Prayer Chain is much valued for immediate prayer support and is well-used. Thank you to all who volunteer to pray and email messages round.
Tea Club continued with four events last year. Many thanks to all who have supported the team in supplying sandwiches and cakes and providing practical help setting up and serving on these much-appreciated afternoons.
Before Christmas we distributed nearly 30 small, mainly homemade cakes to those who had been bereaved during the past year or been unwell. These were much appreciated, but we may have to make adjustments this year due to a lack of ‘bakers’.
We continue to receive positive feedback about the welcome newcomers find at Christ Church and are delighted that some become regular attenders. We very much look forward to working with and supporting our new Vicar Revd Tom Hill when he joins us later in the year.
## **Missions - David Blacoe**
Christ Church continues its budgeted Missions Giving through five funded charities, which are supported for a five year period and have a dedicated Mission Champion. These are:
- The Children’s Society
- Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
- Spinnaker
- UNiViDA
- Vision Peoples in Mission (VPM)
28
We are encouraged and grateful for dedicated sermon slots to promote the work and needs of our Mission Partnerships. During the year representatives from CSW featured a video ‘The Disappeared People’ and Marc and Ruth from Univida sent a personal video, thanking the church for our support and prayers, also with a video made by the staff about a day at the project.
Additionally one of the functions of the Missions Committee is to identify and request PCC approval to support charities requiring urgent funding from the Mission Emergency Fund. This year we distributed the following payments:
- £200 – Myanmar Earthquake appeal
- £200 – Afghanistan Earthquake appeal
This year’s collections at our nominated services (Harvest & Christmas) for specific charities were:
- At the Harvest service, £125 was collected for the Farming Community Network.
- At the Christmas Crib services, £471 was collected for Crisis.
- Following the Christingle service, £120 was collected for The Children’s Society.
- A collection of £238 from the Confirmation Service on 14[th] December was donated to the Bishop of Guildford’s Community Fund.
Once again, we thank Christ Church PCC and congregation for their continued support for the Missions Group.
The Missions Group Champions
29
## **Safeguarding - Leslie King, Parish Safeguarding Officer**
We are pleased to state there have been no safeguarding incidents in the period covered by this APCM report.
During the year there was a data breach that affected the company to which Christ Church submitted our DBS checks, and so everything was put on hold for a few months to check impact and sort out a new DBS provider. Christ Church was fortunate that only six members were slightly affected and the impact for us was very limited. There was support provided to those affected and it became apparent that none of their data was misused.
We have now opened an account with a Diocesan recommended DBS checking service provided by Matrix Security Watchdog (MSW) and we trust that all future checks and personal data should now be fully secure.
Due to the circumstances mentioned above there is a slight backlog of DBS checks to be submitted and that is underway. Safeguarding training continues, and it is important that there is full compliance with the three yearly requirement to redo training in the required courses. Reminders continue to be sent out.
So, we are happy to report that Christ Church remains fully committed to ensuring our vigilance: processes, training, commitments, transparency and encouragement are all in place and are all effective.
The PCC takes its responsibility to oversee safeguarding most seriously and safeguarding is always a standing agenda item on each PCC meeting.
We continue to emphasise that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in our church, and we must all remain vigilant about what may be going on around us, particularly in relation to older and vulnerable adults, and all youngsters, and report any concerns.
30
On Safeguarding Sunday in November the congregation was shown a helpful safeguarding video.
Several safeguarding information booklets on a range of subjects, including domestic violence that are published by our Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) are readily available to all in the lobby at the church entrance.
We continue to encourage anyone who is aware of a safeguarding issue relating to themselves or others, or who witnesses anything, or has any safeguarding concerns to come and speak to the PSOs (Les and Maureen King) and/or the church leadership. They will be listened to with empathy, patience and compassion, and confidentiality will be fully respected wherever possible.
Christ Church's ‘Safeguarding Pledge’ is strong and is published in a leaflet also found in the church entrance lobby, and we can assure Church members that we will remain vigilant on all safeguarding matters during the coming year.
## **Church Governance - PCC Secretary Caroline Daniels**
Christ Church, Epsom Common, is an Anglican Church in the Diocese of Guildford. The postal address is: Christ Church, Christ Church Road, Epsom KT19 8NE. Registered Charity number: 1127945.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC): Under Church of England legislation, the PCC is responsible for collaborating with the incumbent in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Worship matters are for the incumbent. The PCC is responsible for these premises: Christ Church, its Church Hall and the Curate’s house at 278 The Greenway, Epsom.
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
31
**PCC membership during 2025-2026**
## **Ex-officio PCC members and BRC members**
|Clergy||Vicar|Revd Canon Rosemary
Donovan|Chair till Oct
2025|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Curate|Revd Esther Holley Hunt (NB
Training/MaternityLeavex2)|From 07/22 till
August 2026|
|||Associate Minister,
OLM|Revd Sue Curtis||
|||Reader;LLM|Berwick Curtis||
|Church
Wardens||PCC Designated CW
for Premises. Missions|David Blacoe yr 1|Lay Vice
Chair
Sequestrators
in vacancy|
|||PCC Designated CW
for Safeguarding|Fay Wedlake yr 4||
32
## **Elected PCC members**
|**Name**|**Year**
**appointed**|**Additional Roles**|
|---|---|---|
|Jane Williams|2020, 3 yr
2024|PCC Sec, BRC, Pastoral Team *Moved
August|
|Caroline Daniels|Sept 2025|PCC Sec,BRC casual Vacancy|
|Andy Hards|2025, 3 yr|BRC
Premises/Heat/NZC/Proj/Verger/Sacrosant
NZSacrosanct|
|David Wedlake|2022, 3 yr,
2024|Christ Church United Rep, Tech|
|Gill Glasspool|2022,3yr|DeanerySynod,Children and Families|
|Leslie King|2023,3yr|DeanerySynod,SafeguardingOfficer|
|ShirleyAnnDartnell|2023,3yr|DeanerySynod|
|Sofia Welsby|2024 August|CFW,DeanerySynod Elected Rep|
|Nigel Daniels|2021, 3 yr,
2024|Finance committee, Treasurer|
|Tom Ellinor|2023, 3 yr,
2024|Premises, Heating Team and NZC project|
|Tricia Crawford|2024, 3yr|Administration, Website, Publicity|
33
## **Annual Report for 2025 -2026**
Together with: The statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31st December 2025; The balance sheet as at 31st of December 2025.
## **Review of PCC Business from May 2025 - Caroline Daniels**
## **Composition and Changes within the PCC**
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is composed of a total of sixteen members, which includes both the Incumbent and the Curate as well as two other ex-officio PCC members and the two Church Wardens. This year, however, saw significant changes in the council's structure due to personnel movements. Both the Vicar and the Curate moved on to new parishes, with the July meeting marking the final session chaired by the Revd Rosemary Donovan. Meanwhile, our Curate, Revd Esther Holley Hunt, was on Maternity Leave until May 2026 but has now left, to take up a new position, having completed her three-year extended Curacy at Christ Church. The PCC wish to express their sincere gratitude to Revd Rosemary Donovan for her vision, inspiration and leadership over the past 14 years, making Christ Church the vibrant and outward-looking community that it is now.
Andy Hards stood down as Church Warden having completed his six-year term and David Blacoe was appointed as the Second Church Warden in his place. Andy Hards was later co-opted onto the PCC considering his in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Church.
As PCC chairperson, the vicar nominated the vice-chairs, the two church wardens to alternate as Chair of the PCC meetings until a new incumbent was appointed. Furthermore, in September, the Hon Secretary, Jane Williams, resigned as she and her husband were relocating to the South Coast to be nearer family. Sincere and grateful thanks are extended to Jane for her dedication and efficiency as Hon Secretary over the past few years; she leaves a significant gap to be filled. Caroline Daniels kindly agreed to take on the role for the time being and was unanimously co-opted onto the PCC.
34
## **Committee Structure and Activities**
The Committee convened five times throughout the past year, achieving an average attendance rate of 88%.
In addition, extra meetings were held specifically to address the Vacancy, each attended by the Archdeacon, where the council was presented with the option to ‘Explore the Preferred Candidate Route, which could significantly expedite the appointment process for a new Vicar. After unanimous approval, the Church Wardens drafted a ‘Statement of Needs’ endorsed by the PCC and sent to the Archdeacon. The PCC then nominated two Church Wardens and one non-voting member to the interview panel with the Patron (The Bishop), Archdeacon, and Area Dean. The Interview was held in January, and the new Vicar was announced on February 8[th] 2026. The Diocese is carrying out building work on the vicarage, completion expected in the summer for the licensing of Revds Tom Hill on 27[th] August 2026 at Christ Church.
The PCC receives support from the Business and Resources Committee, which convened four times during the year. In addition to this, other groups met regularly, each comprising both PCC and non-PCC members. These groups focus on key areas such as Finance, Premises, Heating and the Net Zero Carbon Project, Missions and Giving, Evangelism and Outreach, Environmental/Eco matters, and the Children and Youth Support Team. All groups report to the PCC at regular intervals, ensuring seamless communication and oversight. Each group is chaired by a PCC member, promoting accountability and effective management of church staff.
Seven days in advance of each PCC meeting, the agenda is displayed on the church noticeboard (mandatory). To keep the congregation informed, the draft minutes of each meeting are also displayed on the PCC noticeboard.
Safeguarding is an agenda item at every PCC meeting. The whole church community is responsible for safeguarding. Les and Maureen King, Parish Safeguarding Officers and DBS Validators, have worked diligently to keep up to date with new developments and requirements. Fay Wedlake is the designated CW for oversight of safeguarding.
We spent time discussing the necessary maintenance to the church fabric.
The Scout Hall lease expires 31/12/2026 and discussions will shortly take place with the Scouts for the renewal of the Lease.
35
Considerable time was devoted to exploring development of the Church Pod, providing a servery and accessible toilet. This discussion is still ongoing.
Many discussions also took place regarding the cost feasibility and installation of Solar Panels on the roof of the Church. Andy Hards has spent a significant amount of time researching this and reports on this in more detail elsewhere in the report. We have also been researching alternative methods of heating the Church bearing in mind our current boiler is over 90 years old and is literally on its last legs.
## **Report on the Fabric of the Church and its other Properties**
2025 – 2026, as at 4 March 2026
## **Prepared by Andrew Hards (premises committee chair) on behalf of David Blacoe and Fay Wedlake: Church Wardens.**
Generally, the Church is in good condition but aging and deterioration of some of the construction elements mainly of the high level stonework and the heating system means that significant costly works are anticipated within the next few years. This is consistent with the age and construction of the church building, its services and boundary walls.
The periodic Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in August 2024 as in previous years by Robert Shaw, an architect approved by the diocese and registered in Conservation Architecture and Historic Buildings Consultancy. Robert commended the church on its devotion to upkeep and stated that on the whole the building and curtilage are in good order for its age and situation but did draw attention to the condition of the stonework and boundary walls.
The upkeep of the church, hall, grounds and 278 The Greenway (the Curate’s house) are overseen by the small but dedicated Premises Committee. The Committee manages a planned maintenance programme to ensure that the small things are dealt with in a timely manner and record when everything has been completed. This includes routine items such as servicing and safety checks of heating installations, fire extinguishers, electrical installations and equipment, fire alarms, organ and woodworm checks. These are an important element of the Health and Safety of the church and hall.
36
As in previous years, many checks and repairs continued to be carried out in-house, saving considerable expenditure. The wardens would like church members to note the continued hard work, advice and dedication of Richard Martin, Roger Wedlake and Tom Ellinor who have helped with several technical problems.
Thanks must again go to the teams of volunteers who work hard and often unseen with the upkeep including the church cleaners, the flower team and the Merry Mowers who have evolved into a connected gardening group. At the time of writing, a spring clean-up day is planned for 21[st] March. Thanks to all who are taking part.
Thanks also to Martin Shipton for continuing to deal with insurance issues. The church building is insured by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group in the sum of £18.2M with a £ 500 excess. The hall is similarly insured for £ 3.66M with a £ 250 excess. EIG normally applies an inflation-indexed increase to these sums at this time of year. During the year there were no claims.
## **Main Church**
## **Anticipated repairs: Stonework**
As reported at the last APCM, parts of the stonework are clearly spalling, due to weathering and frost damage over the years mainly the high level gable end copings plus some more recent damage to lower areas most obviously the decorative moulding over the hall facing doors. The Quinquennial Report recommended that the PCC should organise remedial work within five years (from 2024).
The previous fabric report outlined and discussed the various repair options and confirmed PCC agreement to follow Robert Shaw’s (the quinquennial architect) advice of a phased course of action.
Robert Shaw and Andrew Hards (premises committee chair) carried out an inspection on 4[th] . March to reassess the condition. They will draft a Statement of Need for inclusion in an application for DAC approval, discuss the works with and obtain quotations from suitable contractors who have already been identified. To quote Robert, we will then need to “draw breath” to explore funding and grant applications
37
## **Heating system and Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Church**
The previous report advised that the heating system is known to be of limited life, inefficient by more modern standards and sourcing boiler spares is problematic.
It went on to comment about Christ Church having been chosen as Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Church and the ‘stage one’ funding made available towards professional fees relating to Net Zero project technical advice.
Several consultants were asked to submit fee proposals and the PCC chose Sure Consulting, a Leatherhead based team of engineering experts, who were approved by the Church of England NZC grants team.
With help from the NZC and heating team, Sure Consulting developed a plan for new non fossil fuel burning church and hall heating systems and a solar panel installation which together with already completed hall double glazing, formed the basis of our NZC Demonstrator Church award. The plan included investigation into the power requirement for electric based heating, the existing power supply and required upgrade.
Sure Consulting concluded that with intermittent use of the church, a ‘heat the people not the building’ approach is the most appropriate option and developed a proposal using overhead infrared (non-glowing) heaters. They advised that the existing hall heating could be adapted to work with an air sourced heat pump.
The existing power supply was found to be inadequate.
Sure Consulting asked UK Power Network to provide details and cost for the required new 3 phase supply. Unfortunately, the closest connection point is at Manor Green Road requiring extensive excavation and road works with a quoted cost of almost £290,000 (with VAT) The alternative would be a substation to pick up a high voltage cable under the car park but the cost is still over £180,000.
This has been taken up with the national NZC team and enquiries made to determine whether any grants might be available. The NZC team are still being supportive and have not excluded the church from the stage one grant award scheme.
38
Sure Consulting indicated that a lower capacity upgraded power supply suitable for a hall heat pump should be simpler and less costly so this will be investigated and the possibility of a less power demanding church heat pump revisited.
Development of a replacement church heating system is work in progress and possibly a hybrid NZC project will be required, a gas fired boiler with new heat pump ready plumbing might be one possibility, although gas fired boiler replacement now requires a full faculty application.
## **Solar power**
Sure Consulting have obtained a proposal for solar panels along the south aisle roof from Titan Eco.
They are a local company who installed solar power at St. Georges Church Ashtead. The cost is in the region of £16,000, or £19,000 with battery storage. Grants should be available in addition to any NZC Demonstrator Church stage 2 funding.
Planning permission is required in addition to a faculty. Sure Consulting have quoted for a planning application submission. Our quinquennial architect has visited and will also provide a quote. These will be submitted to the NZC Demonstrator Church grant team for a stage one grant. If and when planning permission is obtained, a faculty application can be submitted, further quotations obtained and grants investigated.
The NZC Demonstrator Church stage one grant has funded Sure Consulting fees so far both for heating and solar power
## **Hospitality and accessible toilet project**
A faculty application was made for the proposal prepared by Brendan Tracy architect.
Two formal objections were made. The Chancellor, who decides whether or not to approve applications, has agreed a 3 month stay on the application during which plans can be revised, objections discussed and DAC consulted.
39
A draft revised plan has been produced (by passing the original architect) of smaller dimensions so less intrusion into the worship area and not enclosing the stained glass windows. Hopefully this will address the objections.
When some further refinement and elevations have been completed, this will be presented to the church members.
## **Other Items**
Regular servicing of the heating system, organ and organ blower plus safety checks of fire extinguishers were carried out, as normal.
The 5 yearly ECIR electrical safety check has been made.
## **The Hall**
The previous report described the improvement scheme and thanked James Hunt for all his work.
There is little to report, although the flat roof and gutters over the covered patio have deteriorated and quotations are being obtained for replacement.
A new projector and screen are being installed, thanks to David Blacoe and Richard Martin.
## **The Grounds**
The condition of the flint boundary walls was mentioned at the previous meeting and has been flagged up in the quinquennial report. Since the report, the condition of the leaning section with the brick buttresses has deteriorated to the point where it is unstable and needs to be rebuilt. Other sections require overhauling.
Quotations were obtained from Louis Stanley of Flintstones who has carried out previous repairs and were approved by PCC. The DAC gave approval. The planning department was consulted and the conservation officer has decided that a full planning application is required including architect plans, elevations and heritage statement. This has delayed the works, the quinquennial architect will process the application as the process is quite
40
complex and Jim Smith (a previous church member and a land surveyor) has offered to help with plans.
## **278 The Greenway (The Curate’s House)**
The alterations were detailed in the last two reports.
The house is now vacant and could be let, landlord gas safety and electrical ECIR certificates have been obtained, thanks to James Hunt for arranging this and making good the decorations. Some further decorative work has been carried out with help from church member Gerald Wisden.
A letting agent has visited, given a rental assessment and is ready to start marketing.
At the time of writing, the Wardens were awaiting further guidance and approval from the archdeacon on whether or not to start the letting process, bearing in mind the appointment of Tom Hill as the new incumbent.
It should be noted that the new Renters Rights Act prevents short term letting.
As a clergy house, notice can be served if there is a requirement by the owner to house a minister, however the minimum tenancy is still 12 months followed by 4 months to work through the notice procedure.
## **Report on the Goods and Ornaments 2025 -2026 David Blacoe and Fay Wedlake**
The previous report mentioned the loan and disposal of some items.
Otherwise, there is nothing to report.
## **Deanery Synod Report - Gill Glasspool**
Deanery Synod has met four times this year, sharing productive fellowship and ideas for the benefit of churches Deanery-wide. The first two meetings (May and July) were chaired by Revd Canon Rosemary Donovan. Following Rosemary’s departure for Melbourne, Derbyshire, Revd John Marrow of All
41
Saints, West Ewell was elected Area Dean and two further meetings were held under John’s chairmanship (October and January).
Christ Church was represented by our elected Synod members: Shirleyann Dartnell, Leslie King, Gill Glasspool and Sofia Welsby, with Revd Esther Hunt also in attendance before her maternity leave commenced.
The meetings consisted of a time of prayer and worship together, general Deanery notices, an update from the vicar hosting the meeting, and a topic for discussion/learning and feedback.
Via Zoom on Wednesday 21st May 2025 _Worship and Introduction from Revd Canon Rosemary Donovan, Area Dean and Vicar of Christ Church, Epsom Common._
This was a shorter meeting to **set the scene for the coming year** . Churches were invited to provide a brief update about an initiative in their church they were thankful for and the meeting concluded with prayer for each of these.
The Christ Church Team reported that its children’s work was growing, especially Bubble Church, and that the church was seeking to increase depth in discipleship. Topics from other churches included new members of all ages coming to faith (St. Mary’s, Chessington), some congregational growth (St. Martin’s, Epsom) and 19 nationalities regularly attending (Ruxley, Epsom).
Christ Church, Epsom Common on Tuesday 15th July 2025 Worship and Introduction from Revd. Canon Rosemary Donovan, Area Dean and Vicar of Christ Church, Epsom Common.
Led by Mat Ineson, Interim Director of Mission and Ministry, Guildford Diocese, the Synod focused on **the Parish Needs Process (PNP) and our churches’ responses to this** . The goal of the PNP is to support parishes in identifying their top priorities for mission and growth over the next two years and to support the implementation of their plans. Bishop Paul attended to listen and help. He noted how encouraging it was that the focus on discipleship was being embraced around the diocese and praised the Deanery for its positivity and collaboration.
42
Mat summarised the individual church development plans (CDP) received. There were nine plans and 224 actions in total, focusing on the following areas of church life in particular: discipleship; children; communications; and generous giving. Clearly there was much synergy across the Deanery.
Synod members split into focus groups to discuss approaches for:
- Growing children’s and family’s ministry.
- Growing discipleship (including new leaders).
- Growing engagement with our communities (how we are serving them and inviting them into next steps for exploring faith).
A taste of the feedback:
Growing children’s and family’s ministry:
- All churches making a strong welcome.
- Some café-style, relaxed family worship (St. Mary’s, Cuddington)
- Older children taking part in services by reading lessons/assisting (St. Martin’s, Epsom)
- Connections with schools (St. Martins, Epsom; Christ Church, Epsom Common)
- Youth café (All Saints, Ewell)
- Toddler Group, Bubble Church and relaunching a Youth Group, meeting every other Friday (Christ Church, Epsom Common)
Growing discipleship (including new leaders):
- Churches to be expectant, looking for change and rejoicing in it.
- Overall desire for ‘depth’ and awareness of different learning styles.
- Setting up ‘stepping stones’ to go deeper e.g. home groups, study groups, prayer groups, hoping to establish a Christian book club. (St. John’s, Stoneleigh)
- Talking Jesus course and knitted angel bombing! (St. Mary’s, Headley/St. Andrew’s, Box Hill)
43
- Running The Bible Project Course and Alpha which has led to new groups forming. (Christ Church, Epsom Common)
Growing engagement with our communities (how we are serving them and inviting them into next steps for exploring faith):
- Build as a music and choral venue (St. Martin’s, Epsom)
- Community Choir (St. Mary’s, Headley)
- Annual lecture on racial and social justice (St. Martin’s, Epsom)
- Heighten visibility via website and at local events (All Saints, Banstead)
- Social Media outreach (St. John’s, Stoneleigh)
- Communicating Church vision better and wider (new logo, banners, more active on social media) in advance of 150[th] Anniversary events (Christ Church, Epsom Common)
- Bereavement café (St. Mary’s, Ewell)
- Accessible church for neuro-diverse kids (St. Paul’s, Howell Hill)
Overall:
- go out to the community (media, building relationships, litter picking – be practical)
- provide a welcoming hub (café brand, comfortable space, everyone to feel included, music as an attraction, open church)
All Saint’s, Banstead on Thursday 9th October 2025
_Worship and Introduction from Revd. Kate Blake, Vicar of All Saints, Banstead._
Mat Ineson joined us again and shared a presentation on **discipling the middle-aged** .
Main messages:
From 2018 to 2024 statistics have shown an increase in people who say they believe in God with the exception of those aged between 45-63.
44
Those present discussed a myriad of possible reasons for why middle-aged people are participating less than other age groups in the current ‘Quiet Revival’ generally being seen in churches, e.g. care of children AND ageing parents; busy work life; people being set in their ways; distractions of modern living; media negativity about Christianity; experience of RE when at school. As a church, we expect people to come to us but this may not be practical for people with other pressing demands on their time.
Synod members suggested some positives of Christian faith for this group of adults: Christian ‘Good News’; church can meet a need for people looking to belong; the opportunity for a new start and moving on; Christian life is a journey with a future; God has a plan for you no matter what age you are; being loved; authenticity.
It was agreed that our personal stories are really important when sharing the ‘Good News’.
We reflected on the difference being a Christian makes to our own lives and representatives were encouraged to think about next steps for the middle-aged in our churches.
St. Mary’s, Ewell on Tuesday 27th January 2026 _Worship and Introduction from Revd Mark Stafford, Vicar of St. Mary’s, Ewell._
John Simon, Treasurer, reported that each Parish would shortly be asked to contribute £75 to top up the Deanery bank account, currently holding £500 and used for expenses. This was the first funding request in six years.
Rachel Tooze, Head of Communications, Guildford Diocese addressed the Synod on **Communications in the Digital Age** . Her presentation considered the platforms churches are currently using – top three are Facebook (70% of churches are using this); YouTube (55%) and Instagram (40%).
Rachel provided information on the audiences using these platforms and suggested the type of content which worked most effectively on each e.g.
Facebook: faces; real moments captured; ‘this week at church’ round-ups; quotes/clips of sermons; live videos; adverts for key events/activities.
45
Instagram: behind the scenes of church life; pictures of people not buildings; stories – ‘what’s coming up today?’; reels (15-90 seconds).
Whatever we do needs to be done really well. It’s best to focus on one channel.
## **Tips:**
- Set achievable goals
- Set a routine
- Use templates
- Use a scheduler
- Try to experiment and explore
Rachel encouraged churches to experiment with Canva (a web-based graphic design platform) which offers easy-to-use templates and free features suitable for church communications. She also highlighted the benefits of using AI to refine written content and recommended promoting events through the website _A Church Near You_ .
46
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
## **Christ Church Epsom Common**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025**
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**
**Total**
**funds**
**Prior year**
**total**
**funds**|
|---|---|
|**Incoming resources**
Incoming resources from generated funds
-
-
-
-
-
Voluntary income
£131,223
-
-
£131,223
£134,274
Activities for generating funds
£7,045
-
-
£7,045
£3,941
Investment income
£19,456
-
-
£19,456
£23,909
Incoming resources from charitable activities
£26,182
-
-
£26,182
£32,020
Other incoming resources
£2,869
-
-
£2,869
£4,856
**Total income**
**£186,776**
**-**
**-**
**£186,776**
**£199,000**
**Resources used**
Cost of generating funds
£619
-
-
£619
£508
Cost of generating voluntary income
-
-
-
-
-
Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other
costs
-
-
-
-
-
Investment management costs
-
-
-
-
-
Charitable activities
£231,839
-
-
£231,839
£184,119
Governance costs
£123
-
-
£123
£97
Other resources used
-
-
-
-
-
**Total expenditure**
**£232,581**
**-**
**-**
**£232,581**
**£184,724**
**Net income / (expenditure) resources before**
**transfer**
**(£45,805)**
**-**
**- (£45,805)**
**£14,276**
**Transfers**
Gross transfers between funds - in
£44,551
-
-
£44,551
£12,092
Gross transfers between funds - out
(£44,551)
-
-
(£44,551) (£12,092)|-
-
-
-
-
£131,223
-
-
£131,223
£134,274
£7,045
-
-
£7,045
£3,941
£19,456
-
-
£19,456
£23,909
£26,182
-
-
£26,182
£32,020
£2,869
-
-
£2,869
£4,856|
||**£232,581**
**-**
**-**
**£232,581**
**£184,724**|
||**(£45,805)**
**-**
**- (£45,805)**
**£14,276**
£44,551
-
-
£44,551
£12,092
(£44,551)
-
-
(£44,551) (£12,092)|
47
## **Other recognised gains / losses**
|Gains/losses on investment assets||(£1,030)||-||-|(£1,030)||£2,547|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own||||||||||
||-||-||-||-|-||
|use||||||||||
|**Net movement in funds**||**(£46,835)**||**-**||**- **|**(£46,835)**||**£16,823**|
|**Total funds brought forward**||**£577,167**||**-**||**-**|**£577,167**||**£560,344**|
|**Total funds carried forward**||**£530,332**||**-**||**-**|**£530,332**||**£577,167**|
|**Represented by**||||||||||
|**Unrestricted**||||||||||
|General fund||£102,946||-||-|£102,946||£110,160|
|**Designated**||||||||||
|Church & Hall Fund||-||-||-|-||-|
|Curate's House Fund||-||-||-|-||-|
|Fixed Assets||£2,935||-||-|£2,935||£2,935|
|Living Well Fund||£424,002||-||-|£424,002||£463,423|
|Missions Appeals Fund||£449||-||-|£449||£649|
|Property Reserve||-||-||-|-||-|
|Vestments||-||-||-|-||-|
|Wells Fund||-||-||-|-||-|
|**Restricted**||||||||||
|Agency collection||-||-||-|-||-|
|Holiday Fund||-||-||-|-||-|
|**Total funds**||**£530,332**||**-**||**-**|**£530,332**||**£577,167**|
48
## **Christ Church Epsom Common Balance Sheet detailed**
|**Class and code**
**Description**|**As at**
**31/12/2025**
**As at**
**31/12/2024**|
|---|---|
|**Fixed assets**
1000
278 The Greenway
1100
Equipment
1200
Audio,Visual,Lighting
**Total Fixed assets**
**Current assets**
3200
Nat West Current account
3205
Nat West Reserve account
3220
Lloyds Bank Fees Account
3230
CBF Deposit Fund
3240
Investments
3260
Floats
3270
Sundry Debtors
Z05
Accounts Receivable
ZZZ08
Prepayments
**Total Current assets**
**Liabilities**
0
.
3650
Uncleared Cheques
3670
Hall Deposits
3680
Utilities Creditor
3690
Sundry Creditors
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
ZZZ09
Accruals
**Total Liabilities**
**Net Asset surplus (deficit)**|£2,935
£2,935
-
-
-
-|
||**£2,935**
**£2,935**
£100
£100
£25,244
£49,917
£1,839
£1,839
£446,456
£446,356
£46,289
£47,319
£100
£100
£9,428
£29,550
-
-
-
-|
||**£529,455**
**£575,181**
-
-
-
-
£1,000
-
-
-
-
-
£1,058
£949
-
-
-
-|
||**£2,058**
**£949**|
||**£530,332**
**£577,167**|
49
## **Reserves**
|Excess/(deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Z02
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
**Total Reserves**
**Represented by Funds**
General (Unrestricted)
Designated
Restricted
**Total**|(£45,805)
£14,276
£577,167
£560,344
(£1,030)
£2,547|
|---|---|
||**£530,332**
**£577,167**
£102,946
£110,160
£427,386
£467,007
-
-|
||**£530,332**
**£577,167**|
50
## **Financial Report – Nigel Daniels**
During the year ending 31 December 2025, Christ Church received income, including legacies, of £186,776 (versus £199,000 in 2024) whilst expenditure totalled £232,581 (versus £184,724 in 2024). This resulted in a deficit of £45,805 (versus a surplus of £14,276 in 2024).
Analysis of the deficit shows that there was the investment in improving the Church Hall at a cost of £62,085 and a legacy of £24,837.
If the above 2 items are excluded, then the deficit becomes £8,557.
This shows that regular standing order donations and trading income from the Church Hall are insufficient to cover normal every day running costs. Therefore, we are using our reserves to cover the deficits as well as to fund the larger, irregular maintenance and improvement costs.
In 2026, it is anticipated that there will be necessary and costly repairs to the Church stonework.
The balance sheet at the end of 2024 records the total net worth of Christ Church as £530,332 compared with £577,167 at the end of 2024.
## **Planned Giving and Other Income**
Christ Church is heavily dependent on voluntary financial contributions from our members, most of whom donate via standing orders through their bank, for which we are eternally grateful. Standing orders generated £72,064 (£77,568 in 2024). We were able to claim from HMRC a total of £19,168 in gift aid (£22,071 in 2024).
Planned Giving forms a major source of our income. If you have not already done so, please consider joining our Planned Giving Scheme.
One off donations totalled £8,019 (£26,220 in 2024), some of which was gift aided.
Income generated from Church Hall hire was £22,421 (£20,930 in 2024). In 2024 £10,096 was received from Little Hands Nursery for 2 terms. Hall improvements in conjunction with the efforts of our Office Administrator in promoting and managing the Hall hire, have effectively replaced much of the income lost from the Nursery.
51
Income from Church hire was £508 (£883 in 2024).
The Scouts have continued to pay rent of £2000 for the Scout Hut.
Investment interest on cash balances held with NatWest and Churches, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Limited (CCLA) amounted to £19,456 (£23,909 in 2024).
No rent was received for The Greenway as we had a Curate in residence until recently but hopefully we will be receiving rent during 2026.
Legacy income of £24,837 was gratefully received (£2,008 in 2024).
Legacy income has been vital in keeping our Church solvent during and following the covid crisis.
As mentioned above, our day to day spending and expenditure is in deficit so we need to utilise our reserves.
These reserves have largely been built up by legacy income and are steadily reducing. We ask you to kindly consider leaving a legacy in your will.
A gift to the Church is normally deducted from the value of an estate when inheritance tax is calculated thereby reducing the amount of inheritance tax payable.
There are some leaflets on legacy giving at the back of the Church. More information is available at www.churchlegacy.org.uk or by phoning the information line on 08445 870875.
It is always important to take independent advice over such matters.
## **Expenditure**
Our Parish Share was £90,153 ( £89,155 in 2024). This supports our clergy and ministry, as well as being part of the support to those parishes in the Diocese who are suffering from reduced income and are less well blessed with funds than ourselves. The Parish Share is expected to rise to £93,597 this year.
Salary costs were £26,309 for the Office Administrators and Youth and Families Worker (£19,841 in 2024).
52
## **Missions**
Donations and emergency appeals to our Missions partners amounted to £5,200.
## **Funds**
The General Fund at the year-end is £102,946 and the Living Well Fund (intended for repairs and capital projects) is £427,386. These will decrease after any expenditure on Church repairs and the Pod.
## **Investments**
In November 2018, £30,000 was invested in the Charities Ethical Investment Fund (COIF) managed by Churches, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Limited (CCLA). This was valued at £46,289 at the end of 2025 (£47,319 at the end of 2024). Although this was an unrealised loss over the year of £1,030, overall we have seen an unrealised gain of £16,280 on the original investment, since 2018.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities based on the market value at the year end.
## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)**
These financial statements were approved by the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common on 16[th] March 2025 and signed on its behalf by the Vicar appointed PCC Vice Chair Church Warden David Blacoe as Christ Church was in vacancy.
The Income and Expenditure Analysis for 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and proposed budget have not been included in this report. A print out or email copy of this report is available on request from PCC Secretary Caroline Daniels pcc@christchurchepsom.org.uk.
The accounts also do not incorporate the financial statements of the Vicar and Churchwardens' Trust, which handles the legacies from Eden and Dennis King and also Mildred Freeman.
53
## **Accounting Policies**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2015. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 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, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Funds**
Designated Funds are part of the unrestricted funds which the PCC has earmarked for a particular project or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation may be cancelled by the PCC if it later decides not to proceed or continue with the use or project for which the funds were designated.
Unrestricted Funds are General funds, which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
## **Incoming Resources**
Voluntary income, including donations, gifts, legacies and grants are recognised when there is an entitlement certainty of receipt, and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. Income derived from events is recognised as earned and is accounted for gross.
## **Resources expended**
Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC.
The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due.
54
## **Fixed Assets**
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96 (2) (a) of the Charities Act 1993. The curate's house is included at the original cost. No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens held in special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment and individual items costing £5000 or less are not capitalised.
## **Payments to Trustees**
There were no Payments to Trustees during the year other than for goods or services purchased by Trustees in the course of their duty on behalf of Christ Church.
55
## **Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common UPDATE NEEDED**
56
## **PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH EPSOM COMMON**
Registered Charity No 1127945
## **Minutes of the Combined Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings**
## **Held at 10am on Sunday 11 May 2025. Chaired by the Vicar, the Revd**
**Rosemary Donovan** Notes: The Annual Meetings were integrated with Parish Communion held publicly in church and live-streamed on Zoom (as approved by the Diocese).
## **Vestry Meeting Minutes for 11 May 2025**
## **Election of Churchwardens**
**There were two nominations for the role of Churchwardens. Both were appointed.**
|**appointed.**
||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Role|Nominee|Proposer|Seconder|
|Churchwarden 1st
term|David
Blacoe|Jane
Williams|Gill
Glasspool|
|Churchwarden 4th
term|Fay
Wedlake|Nigel
Daniels|Jane
Williams|
Thanks were expressed and a gift was presented to Andy Hards for his diligence and hard work as Churchwarden over the past 6 years. Fay was thanked for her work and willingness to continue as Churchwarden. David Blacoe was congratulated on his appointment as Churchwarden and thanked for his willingness to serve.
57
**Annual Meeting Minutes for May 11 2025**
## **1. Attendance**
The service was held in Church and live-streamed. 54 adults (age over 16) were present in Church, all were eligible to vote. 9 adults were present via zoom. Apologies were received from Jenny Breese, Shirleyann Dartnell and Jane Hards
## **2. Minutes of the Vestry and APCM, 21 April 2024** , included in the 2025
annual report as circulated via website, weekly newsletter and hardcopy in church were approved.
## **3. Election of PCC members**
The following nominee was appointed to this role:
|Role|Nominee|Proposer|Seconder|
|---|---|---|---|
|PCC member (2nd
3yr-term)|David
Wedlake|Nigel
Daniels|Jane
Williams|
Thanks were extended to those willing to continue their PCC membership.
## **3. Appointment of other Key Roles**
Douglas Slade, retired Chartered Accountant, was reappointed as Independent Examiner of the financial accounts for year ending December 2025.
Leslie and Maureen King were reappointed as Parish Safeguarding Officers and DBS validators. Martin Shipton was reappointed as Electoral Role Officer.
All were thanked for their work and willingness to serve
## **4. Vicar’s Review Sunday 11 May 2025** _John 10:22-30_
The main themes to Rosemary’s address were:
- Christ Church as a team working together
- Seeking to exercise Ministry personally in all aspects of our lives
- Growing in depth of faith as a congregation and personally
58
- Hoping for growth in numbers attending Church services and activities ∙ Reflecting on Outreach in terms of Care and Service
- How are we responding to God’s calling?
- We know that God will do amazing things through us
- in the coming year. Link to the full sermon in report.
## **5. Electoral Roll: Report by the Electoral Roll Officer, Martin Shipton.**
The Church Electoral Roll is the foundation of the structure of synodical government in the Church of England and is governed by a set of rules passed by parliament known as the Church Representation Rules. They cover a lot more than just the ER.
Like its national counterpart The ER confers certain voting rights and it lists the names and addresses of all members, although only the names are publicly available. Only those who names are on the Electoral Roll are eligible for election to the PCC and Synods. Every 6 years these rules require the old roll to be scrapped and a new roll prepared. The process has to be completed a set time before the Annual Meeting and published. That exercise has been completed and we now have our new Electoral Roll.
Back in the year 2000 the Church of England started collecting good numerical data, buried within it are the electoral roll numbers for each Diocese, the figure below compares the total Diocesan ER numbers against our own church numbers.
This highlights that over the last 10 or 15 years the slopes of the two curves are very similar which indicates that the changes in Christ Church numbers broadly match the wider Diocesan trend. The second is to look at the blue
59
upward pointing arrows. These are the years where the ER has been totally renewed, as this year. Note the upward trend in numbers for the following year where folk have realised that they have not completed a form and joined the new ER before the deadline. There are a number who may have missed the deadline. It is not too late to join; you may join any time in the year. Forms are available at the back of the Church. The total membership for this year to 128; in the 2024 APCM the number was 137. 24 new people join the roll this year but in this past year several people have moved or just not yet signed up.
There have also been several deaths of members and former members of our Church Family and from our Electoral Roll:
Ron Byer, Mike Reeves, Ann Chandler, Pam Vonburg, Joan Stephenson, Devorah Burns All have been ER members for many years and made positive contributions to the good of Christ Church.
During the year we have heard of the death of several former members: Thelma Hearn, Eve Tovell, Joan Strickland, Vi Williams and Lindsey Collard. As has been our tradition the congregation was invited to stand to remember them. All are sadly missed and we thank God for our memories of them and all that they gave to us and the church.
## **6. Verbal Finance Report: Treasurer Nigel Daniels.**
Nigel thanked the Finance team for their support and on-going work, mentioning Malcolm Channing, Assistant Treasurer, June Skinner, Chair of the Finance Team and Anne Sturton. Nigel also thanked Douglas Slade, Chartered Accountant, for his _pro bono_ work as Independent Examiner. Nigel also thanked former Treasurer Alan Frame for his mentorship, friendship and guidance in succeeding to the role.
In summary Nigel stressed capital projects reduce the reserve funds from previous generous legacies. Funding repairs highlighted in the Quinquennial report on the building in summer 2025, expenses incurred in the necessary hall refurbishment will lead to a deficit in the region of £200,000, greatly impacting the financial reserves in the Living Well Fund. Nigel encouraged us to review our giving as the current giving barely covers the running costs of the church and hall and encouraged us to consider legacy giving. Leaflets available at the back of the Church. **Income** year ending Dec 31 2024, including legacies, **£199,000** (versus £273,156 in 2023) **Expenditure £184,724** (versus £345,206 in 2023): a surplus over the course of the year of £14,276 versus a deficit of £72,050 in 2023. **Total net worth £577,167** (compared with £560,344 at the end of 2023)
60
**7. Deanery Synod Report:** included in Annual report
**8. PCC Report:** included in Annual Report
## **9. Annual Report on the Fabric of the Church and other Properties, and**
## **on the Church Goods and Ornaments:** included in the Annual Report
## **10. Questions from the Congregation sent in advance**
## **Question from Martin Shipton**
I am grappling with the PCC membership for the year 2024 – 2025, Annual Report Page 14. The table shows 6 Ex-officio members and 10 elected PCC Members. My understanding is that elected Deanery Synod members are ex-officio members of the PCC, not elected members, thus leaving just 6 elected PCC members. For an electoral Roll size of 100 – 150 the Church Representation Rules indicative number is 12 elected lay members. During the year what steps has the PCC taken to co-op to fill the space in PCC membership?
## **Answer from Rosemary**
Whilst this is technically correct the BRC some time ago felt that to have a PCC membership of 12 elected members plus 3 Deanery Synod Plus Ministry team currently 4 + CW so 6 totalling 20/122 people was too much, that's nearly 1/3 of our ER. It's too unwieldy for decision majfgking (which is bad enough as it is!)
Consequently, we made the decision to count our DS members as part of the 12 thus reducing membership by 3 to make it slightly more manageable.
We are blessed to have 3 clergy so ratio of clergy to lay is 1:4 which feels ok and will obviously reduce when Esther moves on next year.
Thus our 12 elected lay members is made up of
- 2 CW (Fay/David) elected by this meeting
- 3 DS (Shirleyann / Les / Gill) again elected by this meeting _(Sofia was also co-opted to Deanery at a Deanery Bi election as she technically lost her seat moving from Banstead to us – this will iron out next year when the Deanery members are elected for 3 years)_
- 5 more elected members (Jane, Nigel, Tom, Trisha, David W, ), co-opting Andy
In previous years we have co-opted people to PCC for a year to fill vacancies such as Gill, Tom and David were. If more candidates had come forward, we could have had a vote as also experienced in recent years. Alternatively, we could also decide to reduce PCC membership by
61
asking PTO MT members to step down which the PCC didn’t feel was right. I am satisfied we have good lay representation on our PCC, and we shouldn’t be beating ourselves up about this.
_Rosemary offered to address any other questions relating to the annual report or church activities in a future ‘talk-about’ session in a couple of weeks, if there is a need. Please email Rosemary with your questions._
**Jane Williams PCC Secretary 17/05/2025** _**RAD 21/04/25**_
## **hhht**
62
888"
1 111"8-g8
00
Iia"£"ai
8g% *
OL
-ut)v
Eg88"2-8ss-8%88-
g88"%811g-
-88{"{81-g"
Finance: Nigel Daniels Treasurer
Introduction:
During the year ending 31 December 2025, Christ Church received income, including
legacies, of £186,776 (versus £199,000 in 2024) whilst expenditure totalled £232,581
(versus £184,724 in 2024). This resulted in a deficit of £45,805 (versus a surplus of
£14,276 in 2024).
Analysis of the deficit shows that there was the investment in improving the Church Hall at a
cost of £62,085 and a legacy of £24,837.
If the above 2 items are excluded, then the deficit becomes £8,557.
This shows that regular standing order donations and trading income from the Church Hall
are insufficient to cover normal every day running costs. Therefore, we are using our
reserves to cover the deficits as well as to fund the larger, irregular maintenance and
improvement costs.
In 2026, it is anticipated that there will be necessary and costly repairs to the Church
stonework.
The balance sheet at the end of 2024 records the total net worth of Christ Church as
£530,332 compared with £577,167 at the end of 2024.
Planned Giving and Other Income
Christ Church is heavily dependent on voluntary financial contributions from our members,
most of whom donate via standing orders through their bank, for which we are eternally
grateful. Standing orders generated £72,064 {£77,568 in 2024) . We were able to claim from
HMRC a total of £19,168 in gift aid1£22,071 in 2024).
Planned Giving forms a major Sour of our income. If you have not already done so,
please considerjoining our Planned Giving Scheme.
One off donations totalled £8,0191£26,220 in 20241, some of which was gift aided.
Income generated from Church Hall hire was £22,421 (£20,930 in 2024). In 2024 £10.096
was reiVed from Little Hands Nursery for 2 lerms. Hall improvements in conjunction with
the efforts
of our Office Administrator in promoting and managing the Hall hire, have effectively
replad much of the income lost from the Nursery.
Income from Church hire was £508 {£883 in 20241.
The Scouts have continued to pay rent of £2000 for the Scout Hut.
Investment interest on cash balances held with Natwest and Churches, Charities and Local
Authorities Investment Management Limited ICCLAI amounted to £19,456 (£23,909 in
2024).
No rent was received for The Greenway as we had a Curate in residence until recently but
hopefully we will be receiving rent during 2026.
Legacy income of £24,837 was gratefully received {£2,008 in 20241.
Legacy income has been vital in keeping our Church solvent during and following the covid
crisis.
As mentioned above, our day to day spending and expenditure is in deficit so we need to
utilise our reserves.
These reserves have largely been built up by legacy income and are st&adily reducing . We
ask you to kindly consider leaving a legacy in your will.
A gifl to the Church is normally deducted from the value of an estate when inheritance tax is
calculated thereby reducing the amount of inheritance tax payable.
There are some leaflets on legacy giving at the back of the Church. More infomiation is
available at
or
or by phoning the infomiation line on 08445 870875.
Finance: Nigel Daniels Treasurer
Introduction:
During ihe year ending 31 December 2025, Christ Church received income, including
legacies, of £186,776 (versus £199,000 in 2024) whilst expenditure totalled £232,581
(versus £184,724 in 2024). This resulted in a deficit of £45,805 (versus a surplus of
£14,276 in 2024).
Analysis of the deficit shows that there was the investment in improving the Church Hall at
cost of £62,085 and a legacy of £24 837.
If the above 2 items are excluded, then the deficit becomes £8,557.
This shows that regular standing order donation8 and trading income from the Church Hall
are insufficient to cover nomal every day running costs. Therefore, we are using our
reserves lo cover the deficits as well as to fund the larger, irregular maintenan¢8 and
improvement costs.
In 2026, it is anticipated that there will be ne¢e88ary and costly pairS to the Church
slonework.
The balance sheet at the end of 2024 records the total net worth of Christ Church a8
£530,332 compared with £577,167 at the end of 2024.
Planned Glving and Other Income
Christ Church is heavily dependent on voluntary financial contributions from our members,
most of whom donate via standing orders through their bank, for whiGh we are eternally
grateful. Standing orders generated £72,064 (£77,568 in 2024) . We were able to claim from
HMRC a total of £19,168 in gift aid (£22,071 in 2024).
Planned Giving forms a major source of our income.
please considerjoining our Planned Giving Scheme.
If you have not already done so,
One off donations lotalled £8,019 {£26,220 in 2024), some of which was gift aided.
Income generated from Church Hall hire was £22,421 (£20,930 in 2024). In 2024 £10,096
was received from Little Hands Nursery for 2 terms. Hall improvements in conjunction with
the efforts
of our Offio Administrator in promoting and managing the Hall hire, have effectively
replaced much of the income lost from the Nursery.
Income from Church hire was £508 (£883 in 2024).
The Scouts have continued lo pay rent of £2000 for the Scout Hut.
Investment interest on cash balances held with Natwest and Churches, Charities and Local
Authorities Investment Management Limited (CCiA) amounted to £19,456 {£23,909 in
2024).
No rent was reiVed for The Greenway as we had a Curate in residence until recently but
hopefully we will be receiving rent during 2026.
Legacy income of £24,837 was gratefully reived (£2,008 in 2024).
Legacy income has been vital in keeping our Church solvent during and following the covid
crisis.
As mentioned above. our day to day spending and expenditure is in deficit so we need to
utilise our reserves.
These reseeS have largely been built UP by legacy income and are steadily reducing . We
ask you to kindly consider leaving a legacy in your will.
A gift to the Church is nomially deducted from the value of an estate when inheritance tax is
calculated thoreby reducing the amount of inheritance tax payable.
There are some leaflets on legacy giving at the back of the Church. More infomiation is
available at
hle
or by phoning the information line on 08445 870875.
It is always important to take independent advi over such matters.
Expenditure.
Our Parish Share was £90,153 ( £89,155 in 20241. This supports our clergy and ministry, as
well as being part of the support to those parishes in the Diocese who are suffering from
reduced income and are less well blessed with funds than ourselves. The Parish Share is
expected to rise to £93,597 this year.
Salary costs were £26,309 for the offi Administrators and Youth and Families Worker
{£19,841 in 2024).
Missions
Donations and emergency appeals to our Missions partners amounted to £5,200.
Funds
The General Fund at the year-end is £102.946 and the Living Well Fund {intended for
repairs and capital projects) is £427,386 . These will decrease after any expenditure on
Church repairs and the Pod.
Investments
In November 2018, £30,000 was invested in the Charities Ethical Investment Fund (COIF}
managed by Churches, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Limited
{CCLA}. This was valued at £46,289 at the end of 2025 {£47,319 at the end of 2024).
Although this was an unrealised loss over the year of £1,030, overall we have seen an
unrealised gain of £16,280 on the original investmerrt, since 2018.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in mathet values during the year and
are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities based on the market value at
the year end.
StatenTent of Financial Activities (SOFA)
These financial slatements were approved by the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common
on XXXX 2025 and signed on its behalf by the
The Income and Expenditure Analysis for 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and
proposed budget have not been included in this report. A print out or email copy of this
report is available on request from PCC Secretary Caroline Daniels
The accounts also do not incorporate the financial statements of the Vicar and
Churchwardens, Trust, which handles the legacies from Eden and Dennis King and also
Mildred Freeman.
Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Church Accounting
Regulations 2006. together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2015. The
financial statements have been prepared under the histortcal cost convention. The financial
statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in
law.
They do not include the aGcounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another
body, northose that are inlomial gatherings of church members.
It is always important to take independent advi over such matters.
Expenditure.
Our Partsh Share was £90,153 ( £89,155 in 2024). This supports our clergy and ministry, as
well as being part of the support to those parishes in the Diocese who are suffering from
reduced income and are less well blessed with funds than ourselves. The Parish Share is
expected to rise to £93,597 this year.
Salary costs were £26,309 for the Office Administralors and Youth and Families Worker
(£19,841 in 2024)
Mis3ion8
Donations and emergency appeals to our Missions partners amounted to £5,200.
Funds
The General Fund at the year-end is £102,946 and the Living Well Fund (intended for
repairs and capital projects) is £427,386 . These will decrease after any expenditure on
Church repairs and the Pod.
Investments
In November 2018, £30,000 was invested in the Charities Ethical Investment Fund (COIF)
managed by Churches, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Limited
(CCLAI. This was valued al £46,289 at the end of 2025 (£47,319 at Ihe end of 2024).
Although this was an unrealised loss over the year of £1,030, overall we have seen an
unrealised gain of £16,280 on the original investment, since 2018.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market valuas during ihe year and
are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities based on the market value at
the year end.
StatenTent of Financial Activitie8 (SOFA)
These financial statements were approved by the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common
on XXXX 2025 and signed on its behalf by the.
The Income and Expenditure Analysis for 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and
proposed budget have not been included in this report. A pnnt out or email copy ofthis
port is available on request from PCC Secretary Caroline Daniels
The accounts also do not incorporate the financial statements of the Vicar and
Churchwardens, Trust, which handles the legacies from Eden and Dennis King and also
Mildred Freeman.
Accounting Policles
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Church Accounting
Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2015. The
financial statements have been prepared under Ihe historical cost Convention. The financial
statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in
law.
They do not include the accounts of chur¢h group$ that owe their main affiliation to another
body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
Funds
Designated Funds are part of the unrestricted funds which the PCC has earmarked for a
particular project or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation
may be cancelled by the PCC if it later decides not to proed or continue with the use or
project for which the funds were designated.
Unrestricted Funds are General funds. which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Incoming Resources
Voluntary income, including donations, gifts, legacies and grants are recognised when there
IS an entitlement certainty of reIPt, and the amount can be measured with sufficient
reliability. Inveslment income is recognised on a receivable basis. Income derived from
events is recognised as eamed and is accounted for gross.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Grants and donations are accounted
for when paid over or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive
obligation on the PCC.
The Di0san Parish Share is accounted forwhen due.
Fixed Assots
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church fumishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96 (21 {a} of the
Charities Act 1993. The curate's house is included at the onginal cost. No value is placed on
movable church fumishings held by the churchwardens held in special trust for the PCC and
which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property.
All expenditure incurred during the ye8r on consecrated or benefi buildings and movable
church furnishings, whether rnaIn1enan or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the
SOFA.
Other fixtures, fittings and offi equipment and individual items costing £5000 or less are
nol capitalised.
Payments to Trustees
There were no Payments to Trustees during the year other than for goods or servi$
purchased by Trustees in the course of their duty on behalf of Christ Church.
Funds
Designated Funds are part of the unrestricted funds which the PCC has earmarked for a
particular project or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation
may be cancelled by the PCC if it later decides not to proceed or continue with the use or
projecl for which the funds were designated.
Unrestricted Funds are General funds, which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Incoming Resources
Voluntary income, including donations, gtfts, legacies and grants are recognised when there
Is an entitlement certainty of receipt, and the amount can be measured with sufficient
reliability. Inveslm&nt in¢om8 is recognised on a receivable basis. Income derived from
evenls is recognised as earned and is accounted for gross.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Grants and donations ar8 accounted
for when paid over or when awarded if that award Creates a binding or constructive
obligation on the PCC.
The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due.
Fixed As80ts
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church fumishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96 12) (a) of the
Charilies Act 1993. The curate's house is included at the original cost. No value is placed on
movable church fumishings held by the churchwardens held in special trust for the PCC and
which require a faculty for disposal, Since the PCC considers this lo be inalienable propety.
All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable
church fumishings. whether maintenants or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the
SOFA.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment and individual items Costing £50Ck) or less are
not capitalised
Payments to Trustees
The were no Payments to Trustees during the year other than for goods or servic8S
purchased by Trustees in the course of their duty on behalf of Christ Church,
Chrt Church Epsom ComTrn
BalaTh sheetdetaId
4at
3111212025
sat
3111212024
Flxèd aB88ts
1..278ce
110D..
1xK)..kn.sU4,LIghtir#j
Totsl FFxed assets
2.935
2,935
Curront a$%ts
1(Kl
1(
49917
1.839
25244
1.839
a..cDe[KJ5rtFU
47J19
100
3270.. &JrKtyfkbkn¥
9,428
To¢al Curr•nt assets
$29A55
575,181
Ltabilities
3670". Fkll tbrxeits
36W..
).. ndry&ty5
ptle
Total knablltlles
2.058
949
Net surplu$ Id*ficltl
530,332
577.167
Reserv•s
145.8051
571.167
11.0301
530.332
14278
Zo2"&itlSs$IrXI lnie5frnen1ety
2.547
Totsl Re50rves
$77,167
Rèw8swtsd by Fundy
ILknresknc*YI
1ff26
427.386
110.160
EIgnI
467,(7
571,167
4..(S 1 Lf1
Christ Church Epsom Common
Statement of Financial Activities
For the perlod from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
Prlryspar
tr*alknvJs
WuttsryirKyyn8
131,723
131223
134274
3,941
23,
htr1rme
Inwmiry resour fromrtoitaU8ac*thes
CtherlrKxJming
19.
26.1&2
19.4
2&182
T¢lal
86,7T6
18In6
C4siot£*r*RINJfiJr
lJ)antaNeacthties
619
t31.&
123
619
231039
123
184,119
97
232¥1
IM724
14W31
I455)
14276
l>(ss trarsfws tEtsEenfvr5-in
QDsstr8r6tss tetents.(xrt
44.551
144.5511
4451
144,6511
12.W2
112.0921
l&nsftossesty)intrneutas5ets
r*ins onrtholuaion.Wassets.c*anVs
11.OX)I
11.fL))I
2547
146th)
16023
STT.167
sn.1V
530J32
53OJ32
5TT,167
Uryesthctsy
rerBItyj
L[gnad
1Q.946
101946
110,1eo
2P36
463.423
uryw¥41
ms$n*taLl Futvj
424.cxr2
4241Mr2
T(*alftvK*
51T,187
Th•r• mayb• Minor(tsep4n¢1eS ift the totats iFihepencoarn notbwngshown
(27Jallffj 4..2) pynl 1 dl
Ind•nd9nt examinorfs r•port to the PCC of Chrfst Chur¢h, Epsom C(xnmon
I report to the PCC (the tNstees of Regisiered Charity 1127945) on my examination the
acUnts of the charity for the yw ended 31 Deber 2025. as set out on the pages
Responslbllltios and basis of report
As the charitwstrustees, you are responsibleforthe preparation accounts in aGcordance
with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe Acf.).
I report in respe my examination ot the Trusfs %)Unts carried out under 5eGtion 145 of
the 2011 Ad and in carrying out my examination, I have foll(74Yed all the applirable Diredions
given by the Charity Commission under Sed1( 145(5)(b) the Act.
Ind•pendent examlnerfs statamont
I have ¢xJmpteted my examination. l nfi[rn that material matters ha come to my
attention in connection with the examin*ion which gtves me cause to believe that in, any
material resFect:
the a¢untIng records ere rK)t kept in a(X0rdan ryth s8dion 130 (f the Charities
Ihe accounts did rKrt accord with the accounling records., or
the accounts did not comply wilh the aPICale requireffEnts corwning the forn and
ntent of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008
other than any requirement that the aco)unts give a ITue arKI faiff view which is nol a
matter (x)nsidered as part of an independent examination.
I have no conc8ms have come across no (ther matters in connection with Ihe examination
to which attention should be drawn in Ihis rewrt in orderlo enable a proper understanding of
the amnts to be reached.
kc,
Douglas
33 Pine Walk. Banstead, Surr8y
2nd April 2026