## St Mary the Virgin Horsell The Annual Parishioners Meeting And the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 26[th] April 2026, at 11:30am St Mary’s Church, Horsell ## **Index to Book 1** ## **Annual meeting of parishioners and annual parochial church meeting** Agenda for 2026 meetings 3 Minutes of 2025 meetings 4 **Annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 Annual review** Membership 11 Electoral Roll, PCC, and Church attendance 12 PCC Review of the Year 12 Review of the Deanery Synod Year 13 Safeguarding & DBS Report 14 ## **Financial Statements** |Outward Giving|16| |---|---| |Financial Review|17| |Independent Examiner’s report|20| |Statement of Financial Activities|21| 21 2 ## **Agendas for the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the** ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Mary the Virgin, Horsell** ## **11.30am on Sunday 26th April 2026 in St Mary's Church** ## **Annual Meeting of Parishioners** You are entitled to vote in the election of Churchwardens if you are either on the Church Electoral Roll or on a register of Local Government Electors because you live in the ecclesiastical parish. - 1 Prayers - 2 Apologies - 3 Minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Parishioners - 4 Election of Churchwardens for 2026 – 2027 ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** You are entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) if you are on the Church Electoral Roll. - 1 Minutes of 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting - 2 Annual Report for 2025 - a) Electoral Roll - b) Report on the fabric, goods, and ornament - c) PCC Review of the Year - Sarah Lockhart - d) Financial Statements – David Leach - 3 Appointment of the Independent Examiner - 4 Elections - a) Deanery Synod - b) Parochial Church Council - 5 Annual Reports from Church Organisations (Book 2) - 6 Vicar’s report for 2025 - 7 Update on St. Andrew’s Room extension – Brian Sheriff - 8 Safeguarding Update – Sandra Bayliss-Hare - 9 Any Other Business 3 ## **Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held at 11:30 am on Sunday 27 April 2025 in St Mary’s Church, Horsell.** _You are entitled to vote in the election of Churchwardens if you are either on the Church Electoral Roll or on a register of Local Government Electors because you live in the ecclesiastical parish._ ## **Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners.** ## 1. Prayer Revd Dmitry Lutsenko opened the meeting and said a prayer. ## 2. Apologies No apologies received. 61 people were in attendance. ## 3. Minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Parishioners Proposer – Lesley Templeman, Seconder – Adrian Harvey, approved by a majority. ## 4. Election of Churchwardens for 2025 – 2026 Revd Lutsenko thanked Brian Sheriff and Mark McMurtrie for their support and for doing a good job as churchwardens and confirmed that both wish to stay on. They will each be in their 5[th] and 3[rd] years respectively. The parishioners showed their appreciation with applause. Brian Sheriff and Mark McMurtrie were re-elected as Churchwardens by a clear majority. Many thanks were offered to them both for their continued and dedicated service. ## **Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting** _You are entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) if you are on the Church Electoral Roll._ ## 1. Minutes of the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Proposed by Tony Bicknell and Seconded by Roy Wernham and approved by a clear majority. 2. Annual Report for 2024 a) _Electoral Roll_ – 156 parishioners are listed on the Electoral Roll (156 at the end of 2023). The roll has been redone recently in 2025. b) _Report on the fabric, goods, and ornaments_ – The Church Wardens report that everything is in good order. c) _PCC Review of the Year_ – Sarah Lockhart (PCC Secretary) gave a summary (attached to these Minutes). Thanks, with applause were given to the PCC Secretary. The Chair of the meeting thanked the PCC secretary for all her hard work and contributions since being elected. d) _Financial Statements_ – David Leach (PCC Treasurer) gave a presentation of the financial statements with slides. David confirmed that it cost £171,000 to run St Mary’s Church for one year. £97,000 was received in regular giving, which amounts to a £74,000 gap. Last year we received a further £57,000 in investment income, with another £6,000 being received in fees for hire of the St Andrews Room and funeral fees. This leaves an overall deficit of £11,000. David advised that this deficit may grow as we are currently benefiting from higher interest rates. David also detailed what we receive for our Parish share allocation and also, the associated shared costs. 4 David explained that the planned giving per person had been maintained. David offered thanks to all who had responded to the 2024 Giving campaign. Thanks, were also given to Brian Sheriff for counting and banking the monetary remittance received each week. Thanks, with applause were then given to the PCC Treasurer. ## 3. Appointment of the Independent Examiner David Weller would like to continue as the Independent Examiner. Proposer – James Connolly, Seconder– Helen Edwards, approved by majority. ## 4. Elections a) _Deanery Synod._ The vicar thanked David Leach for his continued service as Deanery Synod representative. There are currently also 2 Deanery Synod vacancies. b) _Parochial Church Council._ The vicar thanked everyone who served on the PCC during the year. Tim Jordan is not seeking re-election and both Vanessa McMurtrie and Helen Edwards wish to be re-elected as their terms have ended. There are 3 other nominees for election, namely Sandra Bayliss-Hare, Ian Hare and Sarah Lockhart (Sarah Lockhart has been a co-opted member of the PCC since May 2024). All 5 nominees were elected by a majority with no abstentions or oppositions. ## 5. Annual Reports from Church Organisations (Book 2) The vicar thanked all contributors to Book 2. If there are any questions, then please speak to the author of the specific report. ## 6. Vicar’s Report for 2024 This year’s report is a different, visionary report. 2024 was a promising and special year as we had shared understanding of the change that was needed. We assessed the potential changes that were to be made under three phases. - Phase 1 (Shared understanding) - Phase 2 (Listen and Learn) - Phase 3 (The way ahead) We asked all church groups for their feedback and 135 people responded to the survey. We are faced with a situation where Planned Giving has been reducing, the average age of parishioners is increasing and services including communion are no longer encouraging new people to the church. We have been in a period of decline for the last 20 years and whilst the Covid-19 Pandemic had an impact, other churches have seen a faster recovery since the end of the Pandemic. When Sarah Hayes was the Vicar of St Mary’s she asked if parish Communion should remain as main type of service. The PCC at that time discussed and agreed that this should be the case. At the beginning of 2025, the PCC agreed that more informal services were required, which indicates that the shift in patterns has been acknowledged. 74% of those who responded to the survey agreed that change was needed. Thank you to the PCC for agreeing to implement a number of changes, these were not easy decisions to have made but they were necessary. We should be thinking of others and what we can do to bring new people into the church as we have not got this right in the past. Change requires an open-minded attitude and for us all to walk in faith. We need to be respectful, be united, be prayerful and be faithful. 5 ## 7. Vision for the children and families’ work Rebecca Connolly (Children and Families Worker) thanked everyone who helped with children and families work during 2024. The mission for children and families work is ‘Taking the light of the Gospel to the younger generation’ There are a number of initiatives that run within the church which are as follows: - _Jesus and Me (JaM)._ For the ages of 3 years upwards held during selected 10am Sunday service to grow children in faith. - _Messy Church_ . An all-age fresh expression of church to help children and families encounter Jesus. - _Tiny Treasures_ . A baby and toddler group held on a Tuesday. Parents and carers can meet together, and the children can play in a safe space. - _Open The Book._ Bible stories are shared with children in primary schools. - _All Age Worship._ Takes place on the 1[st] Sunday of every month. The ethos of each group was explained, and we were remined that more people are needed to help with all of the service provisions offered, so please do contact Rebecca if you are able to help. ## 8. Update on the St Andrew’s room extension. Brian Sheriff advised that since all of the relevant planning permission had been granted in relation to the St Andrews Room extension, costs have increased. It has therefore become clear that the original plans are now unaffordable and that there needs to be some modifications. The funding received for the extension has come from a legacy, with the purpose of being used for a capital project. We have received advice from the Venerable Martin Beardmore (Archdeacon of Dorking) who has said that the original design plans should be kept but managed in phases. Phase 1 is therefore the affordable option at this stage and will include extending the St Andrews Room to the East (to the yew tree) and move the kitchen to accommodate a larger kitchen with additional accessories such as two sinks and a dishwasher. There will also be three toilets (including one accessible toilet) together with additional meeting space and improved access to the loft storage area. Thanks, with applause were offered to Brian and the team responsible for this project. ## 9. Safeguarding An update was provided by Ian Hare on behalf of Sandra Bayliss-Hare (Parish Safeguarding Officer). Sandra was absent from her role during 2024 but wanted to offer her thanks to Lesley Templeman and Helen Gravette for standing in during her absence. Sandra was happy to be resuming her role as Parish Safeguarding Officer and reported that the church was up to date in terms of our Diocesan safeguarding requirements. Training sessions will be offered in the Autumn. Revd Lutsenko also offered thanks to Lesley and Helen for their assistance during 2024 and also reiterated that all Safeguarding matters had been proactively managed during 2024, as this was a priority for the PCC. ## 10. Consultation Phase 3: Announcement of changes Mark McMurtrie said that changes were needed and as previously detailed by the PCC Treasurer, if change does not happen, we will very likely have to share resources with other parishes. Changes have been discussed over the last year and some of the changes have already been happening, based on the results of the recent survey. These include: - Services starting on time. - Not having long periods of silence. - Adaptations to the length and relevance of sermons. - Overall length of service. 6 - Alter cloth removed from the table. - The Vicar not robing during some services. - The collection not being taken up during the services. - A new location in Church for the choir. - Sharing the children’s learnings with the larger congregation. - A bigger focus on music (including a repurposed Music Band and a new Organist who will join the team of existing pianists). - A better resourced Church library. - Experimenting with how Communion can be better distributed. - Investment in bean bags for the children to sit on. - Confirming where the congregation can find the Bible readings read during the services in the Church Bibles. - Increasing the Engine Room of Prayer to twice a month, to now include the 1[st] Friday of each month at 10am. - The PCC have considered how the space within the Church can be better used. It has been decided that the pews that were removed a number of years ago from the North Aisle of the Church should be permanently removed. Their removal had been very helpful in providing much more flexibility with use of the space (e.g. this is where Messy Church is held) It had also been agreed that some of the pews at the back of the South Aisle could also be removed to allow further flexibility. The removal of the pews would also help make the Church warmer. _(One parishioner did comment that this might create some difficulties for people who wish to explore church by sitting quietly at the back of church)._ - Improvement with external communications and use of social media. A new committee has been formed to focus on this aspect. There are also some further changes that would be taking place, that were agreed by the PCC at the meeting in January 2025. A summary is as follows: - There will be more informal services on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of the month, that will be led by the Music Band. This will start from the beginning of May 2025. - 8am Sunday Communion services will take place on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of the month and will either use the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or Common Worship (CW) with the choice to be made by the 8am congregants. This will commence from June 2025. (This means there will be one service of Communion every Sunday morning, either at 8am or at 10am). - There will be no changes to the current scheduling of Peaceful Prayer and Praise and Meditation on Sunday evenings. - Jesus and Me (JaM) will continue on the 2[nd] , 3[rd] and 4[th] Sundays of the month. - Additional Bible study courses are being explored (the first course was recently offered during the period of Lent). Trend analysis of the services offered by other local Churches shows that we are not in line, in terms of the number of services offering Holy Communion. At St Mary’s we have been having more Holy Communion services than most. The Diocesan Misson Enablement Team have been engaged as part of the consultation and the changes that are being made are in line with best practice. There have been a number of Vision Sundays, highlighting where we were and also presentations and addresses to both the 8am and 10am congregations. For more than 18 months, there have been regular updates during which it has been clearly advised that change is necessary, and we also have the support of the Diocese. We are therefore experimenting with changes as we move forward, as there can be no doubt that we need to attract more people to the Church in order for St Mary’s to function effectively in the future. 7 ## 11. Any Other Business (prior agreed with the PCC secretary) There was a general discussion in relation to the changes that are taking place to the 8am Sunday services with effect from June 2025 and many members of the 8am congregation took the opportunity to raise their views. One parishioner asked for a general resolution to be moved to continue with the 8am Communion Service until a full analysis of the effect of the proposed change has been undertaken and a clear rationale based on the analysis supports the proposed change. They were advised to bring their concerns to the PCC secretary for discussion at the next PCC meeting, if deemed appropriate. The parishioner requested that their objection be included in the Minutes _Other Questions and Observations made during Any Other Business_ What will happen with services on the 5[th] Sunday of the month (where this is applicable)? Revd. Lutsenko advised that a decision was still to be made in this regard but that it would be discussed at the next PCC meeting in May. Can a simplified communion be included in the more informal services? Revd. Lutsenko advised that these services may grow and be adapted in the future. Given the Engine Room of Prayer is now also taking place on the 1[st] Friday of the month, can the flower arranging still take place on the same day? Yes, this will not be an issue and has already taken place for the last couple of months. ## 12. Meeting Close The meeting closed at 13.20 with the Revd. Lutsenko leading a prayer. Revd Lutsenko also thanked everyone for attending the meeting. 8 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** Church of St Mary the Virgin Horsell PCC Annual Report for 2025 ## **Directory** - www.stmarys horsell.org.uk **Incumbent** : Reverend Dmitry Lutsenko Tel: 07365 356228 The Vicarage, Wilson Way, Horsell, Woking, Surrey Email: vicar@stmarys-horsell.org.uk ## **Children & Families’ Worker** : Rebecca Connolly Tel: 07388 931904 Email: childrenandfamiliesstmarys@gmail.com ## **Parish Administrator** : Helen Gravette 01483 772134 Email: stmaryshorsell@btinternet.com Parish Office, The Vicarage, Wilson Way, Horsell, Woking, Surrey (Tues 9am-4pm, Wed, Fri 9am-I pm) **Wardens:** Brian Sheriff, Barcroft House, Littlewick Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey Tel: 01483 474975 Mark McMurtrie, 6 Bedford Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey Tel: 07815 635609 **Secretary** : Sarah Lockhart **Treasurer** : David Leach **Bank** : CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 ATA **Independent Examiner** : David Weller **Charity registration number** : 1128175 10 ## **Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of Horsell the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibility for the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Horsell and its grounds. ## **PCC Membership** The incumbent, churchwardens and synod representatives are automatically members of the PCC. Other members are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules or are co-opted by the PCC. During the year, the following served as members of the PCC: **Incumbent** : Reverend Dmitry Lutsenko **Wardens** : Mark McMurtrie Brian Sheriff ## **Representatives on the Deanery Synod** : David Leach ## **Elected members:** Sarah Lockhart (PCC Secretary) (from APCM 2025 – previously co-opted from May 2024) Elaine Davies Helen Teresa Edwards Vanessa McMurtrie Lesley Templeman Michael Templeman Adrian Harvey Nick Duncan-Jones Carmen Duncan-Jones Sandra Bayliss-Hare (from APCM 2025) Ian Hare (from APCM 2025) 11 ## **1 Electoral Roll** At the end of the year there were 128 on the Church Electoral Roll (reduced from 156 at the end of 2024). ## **2 Church Attendance** The usual Sunday attendance, counted during October, was 65 (71 in October 2024) Easter Sunday attendance was 156 (186 in 2024), Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was 68 (93 in 2024), and on Christmas Day 105 (120 in 2024 ). ## **3 Fabric, Goods and Ornaments** The Churchwardens have undertaken the annual inventory of the goods and fabric of the Church and report that all are on good order. ## **4 PCC Review of the Year 2025** There were 15 members of the PCC, who met 6 times in 2025, and the average attendance was 80%. Safeguarding was discussed at each PCC meeting and there were no major concerns raised that required further action. At the PCC meeting in **January** , we discussed the visit to St Mary’s by the Archdeacon of Dorking on Thursday 11[th] February 2025, during which the primary objective was to discuss the Church Development Plan and how the Church was planning on growing with a focus on growing discipleship, community and diversity. We also discussed that consultation process and survey that began on the 11[th of] November 2024. The process would culminate in a review of the data with options for potential change then being considered. In **March** , we approved the Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] December 2024 We also discussed the results the recent survey of parishioners, relating to ways in which we could move forward, with a particular focus on growing our Church. The PCC agreed to moving to informal services on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of the month at 10am and reducing the number of 8am services held to the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of the months ( with services having Holy Communion continuing on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays of the month) It was also agreed that we would remove some of pews at the back of both the North and the South Aisles. We also discussed the proposed changes to the Horsell Church of England Junior Schools admissions criteria. In **May** , we welcomed two new members to the PCC and said farewell to one other. At this PCC meeting the appointment of PCC officers and members of the various subcommittees were approved. We also discussed and agreed that we would trial a new Breakfast Church service on the fifth Sunday of each month, commencing on the 29[th of] June 2025. Discussions also continued in relation to the Church Development Plan, with particular focus on ‘Developing the Community of People’ and ‘Reaching out to the Crowd’. 12 At the **July** meeting a new Social Media Policy was agreed by the PCC. In addition the PCC also agreed to further progression of the plans for the St Andrews Room. In **September** the PCC discussed the data breach that occurred within Access Personal Checking Services (APCS) systems for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks that had affected many Church of England Dioceses and other organisations. The PCC unanimously agreed to continue with Breakfast Church on the fifth Sunday of each month and it also approved a new Messy Church risk assessment. Children and families ministry was also discussed in light of the happy news that our incumbent Children and Families Worker was expecting her first child. Also discussed were the plans for the Remembrance Day Service and the services planned over the Christmas period. At the meeting in **November** , the PCC agreed a new mission statement which was _‘Be rooted in God’s word - Be immersed in prayer - Be led by the Holy Spirit - Share Jesus’ love in our community._ In addition to the usual Safeguarding update, we also discussed the format for ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ which was due to take place on the 23[rd of] November. We also discussed the Church Development Plan, in particular, the focus on evangelism over the last year within the church, which has involved a preaching series, faith conversations, dwelling in the word and praying for five. ## **5 Review of the Deanery Synod Year** Representatives from St Mary’s attended three meetings of Woking Deanery Synod during 2025, alongside clergy and lay members from across the deanery and visitors from the Diocese of Guildford. ## **March Meeting** The March synod focused on Church Development Plans (CDPs), with three common themes emerging across the deanery: - Growing discipleship - Developing lay leaders - Ministry with children, young people and families Synod members divided into groups to explore each theme. With three representatives present, St Mary’s contributed to all discussions. - **Children’s ministry:** strengthening links with schools, connecting toddler groups to worshipping life, involving children in services, and ensuring spaces feel welcoming and “theirs”. - **Growing discipleship:** the role of home groups, shared youth ministry, and developing after-school activities and café-style gatherings. - **Developing leaders:** encouraging potential leaders, offering opportunities to try new roles, and making good use of training and development pathways. 13 Updates were also received from Diocesan Synod, including: - Introduction of the new Dean of Guildford Cathedral, Bob Cooper, and plans to reinstate Easter pilgrimages. - The Diocesan Board of Education’s annual report, highlighting the importance of school vision, the commitment required of governors, and the benefits of shared resources. - Progress toward Net Carbon Zero, focusing on high-emission buildings and churches with end-of-life boilers. - Safeguarding developments, including the move toward fully independent safeguarding structures nationally and ongoing work on diocesan independence. - Youth Catalyst initiatives, including hub leaders in secondary schools, a youth worship team, and Launchpad support for churches beginning youth ministry. ## **June Meeting** The June synod, hosted by Woodhill Church, centred on Net Zero and Eco Church. Speakers from St Nicolas Great Bookham, Woodhill Church and the diocesan Net Zero team shared practical experiences, from long-term cultural change to grant-funded building projects. Key themes included: - Taking small, achievable steps and building community engagement. - Eco Church as a bridge to local communities, especially young people. - Navigating listed-building constraints and limited budgets through grants and diocesan support. The session closed with encouragement to focus on what inspires each parish, make a plan, and enjoy the journey. ## **October Meeting** The October synod noted some clergy changes: - Revd Naomi Ngururi was installed as Vicar of St Paul’s on 14 October. - Revd Scott Smith (St Andrew’s) became Assistant Area Dean, with Revd Mark Wallace continuing as Area Dean. A Diocesan Synod update highlighted the growth of the new parish of Deepcut, serving the developing community of Mindenhurst under the leadership of Revd Daniel Natnael, formerly a curate at St Andrew’s. ## **6 Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service Checks** Sandra Bayliss-Hare continued in her position as Parish Safeguarding Officer. Brian Sherriff continued as DBS validator. The PCC has continued to give due regard during the year to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy, which adopts the C of E’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy statement, the House of Bishops’ practice guidance and the 14 supporting diocesan safeguarding protocols. The PCC agreed to the policy statement at the PCC meeting held on Monday, 15th September 2025. DBS checks continue via a new provider, Matrix Security watchdog. The parish dashboard continued at level 3, with which we continue to be fully compliant. Safeguarding Sunday was held on Sunday, 23[rd] November to raise the awareness of Safeguarding as the responsibility of everyone in the congregation. The new Diocesan Safeguarding campaign, ‘See it, Hear it, Report it’ was introduced and explained. Safeguarding training and Safer Recruitment of volunteers have continued to be a focus within the congregation. No safeguarding concerns requiring investigation or action were reported during the year. 15 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ## Annual Parochial Church Meeting ## **Financial Statements of Horsell Parochial Church Council** ## **For the year ending 31[st] December 2025** **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ## **OUTWARD GIVING 2025** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Outward Giving 2025
From church Special Direct giving Totals
funds collections
Locally
York Road Project 1,500
York Road Project (Sunday Coffee) 100 1,600
Engage Woking Schools 1,207 1,207
Woking Hospice (Pop In Coffee) 100 100
Horsell Church of England Junior School 2,700 2,700
Young Carers - Junior School (Pop In Coffee) 100 100
Young Carers - Woking High (Pop In Coffee) 360 360
Nationally
Great Ormond Street (Nativity Collection) 500 815 1,315
Children's Society (Pop In Coffee) 100 100
The Bible Reading Fellowship 2,500 2,500
A Rocha 1,000 1,000
MacMillan (Pop In Coffee) 100
MacMillan (Sunday Coffee) 100
Globally
Bible Society 2,000 2,000
Five Talents 1,500 1,500
Christian Aid 500
Christian Aid (Christian Aid week Collection) 3,315
Christian Aid (Sunday Coffee) 100 3,915
13,407 4,130 960 18,497
**----- End of picture text -----**
16 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ## **Financial Review** ## _Income and Expenditure_ Planned and voluntary giving with associated gift aid is our primary source of income. In autumn 2024, we ran a planned giving campaign. The campaign led to both increased giving and giving in a more planned, regular way. Overall, giving in 2025 was £10,000 higher than 2024. Investment income totalled £56,386 in 2025. Investment income totalled £78,897 in 2024 and included upfront rent of £22,341 for 6 Waldens Park Road. Excluding the upfront rent, investment income in 2024 totalled £56,556 which is in line with 2025. The PCC continues to benefit from higher bank interest returns on our reserves. Income totalled £173,884 overall in 2025. We continue to donate 10% of our unrestricted income to key mission partners as we believe it is a joy to give from what God has so generously given to us and share Jesus' love in our world. The Parish Share is our most significant outgoing at £98,053. Other significant areas of expense are children’s & families work and running the parish office. Church maintenance costs were £2,000 higher in 2025 due to the costs of our quinquennial survey of the fabric. £32,273 was spent in 2025 on the structural and technical design drawings that will allow us to commence the extension and refurbishment of St Andrew’s Room in 2026. Overall, unrestricted expenditure and income are broadly in line. Restricted and designated expenditure exceeded income by £43k which represents expending a previously received legacy on capital improvements (£32k on St Andrew’s room extension project and £11k depreciation charge on the lighting installed in 2023) ## _Investments_ The PCC holds a mix of cash deposits and investment funds. Investment values decreased £8,625 for the year to 31 December 2025. The PCC have elected to invest ethically through CCLA’s Church of England funds. A £10,634 depreciation charge was taken against the church lighting. ## **Risk Management** In line with best practice the PCC is aware of the risks to which it is exposed in the following categories:- - Financial risks - Reputational risk - Statutory and legal requirements - Operational risk - Safeguarding 17 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** There is a robust structure of various sub-committees reporting to the PCC and independent financial management. The PCC reviews its risk register at least annually and, having given consideration to the major risks to which the PCC is exposed, are satisfied that systems and procedures are established in order to manage those risks. ## **Reserves Policy** It is the long term policy of the PCC for annual income to cover annual budgeted expenditure. The PCC have accrued reserves from investment gains and are utilising these funds to support growth of our church over the short to medium term. Legacies are excluded from the annual budgeted income. The PCC’s policy on reserves is to have sufficient in order to fund known future expenditure with an appropriate contingency. The unrestricted reserves at 31 December 2025 were £148,063. ## **Related Charities** _Parish Institute_ - The Trustees of the Parish Institute are the Incumbent of St Mary’s and the Bishop of Winchester. The PCC assists the Incumbent in carrying out their role. There were no financial transactions between the Parish Institute and the PCC during 2024. ## **Structure of the Financial Statements** The PCC accounts consist of the following including comparative figures for the previous year: - Statement of financial activities showing all resources available and all expenditure incurred and reconciling all changes in funds. - Balance sheet setting out the assets, liabilities and funds of the PCC - Notes to the financial statements explaining the accounting policies adopted and explanations of information contained in the accounting statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with statutory requirements, the Statement of Recommended Practice _Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 (SORP)_ and the Church Accounting Regulations. ## **Responsibilities of the PCC** Under charity law, the PCC is required to prepare financial statements for this financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net movement in funds. In preparing the financial statements, generally accepted practice requires the PCC to: - Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. - State whether applicable accounting standards and Statements of Recommended Practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the PCC will continue in business. 18 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the PCC and enable them to ensure that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (SORP 2015), issued in July 2014, UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 2011. The PCC has general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably available to safeguard its assets and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. The PCC confirms that its assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations. ## **Adoption of report and financial statements** Adopted and signed on behalf of the PCC. Dmitry Lutsenko **Chairman** **Date 16 March 2026** 19 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ## **Report of the Independent Examiner to Horsell Parochial Church Council** This report is on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 16 and is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’). ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The Church Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Church Trustees consider that an audit is not required as set out in Section 144(2) of the Act and Regulations and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts and ensure that they are kept in accordance with section 145 of the Act - to report if the accounts do not accord with the accounting records or do not comply with the General Directions given by the Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the Act (other than in respect of the requirements for a true and fair view) and - state whether particular matters have come to my attention ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission and as contained in the Church guidance. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the regulations, as also contained in the Church Accounting Regulations 2008 have not been met: or 2. To which in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Signed : David Weller DMA, ONC/HNC 19 February 2026 20 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 21 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 22 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 23 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council** ## **Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 24 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council** ## **Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 25 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 26 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 27 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** 28 **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** ## **Notes to the funds** ## Unrestricted general funds This is the main reserve of the PCC. The general surplus or deficit from the Statement of Financial Activities is transferred to this fund at the end of each year. Part of the general fund is invested in CBF investment accounts and a further part in a deposit account. ## Designated Funds A Designated fund for Church Growth was created in 2014 to receive monies from the net rental of 6 Waldens Park Road. This fund is used to promote Church Growth in the coming years. A designated fund for the organ was created in 2018 to receive donations from organ concerts and is used to cover maintenance costs of the organ. A designated fund for repairing the clock and a designated fund for church flowers were created in 2023. £75,000 was set aside in 2018 as seed money for a potential extension to St Andrew's Room. A further £400,000 was added to the fund in 2021 from Daphne McConnell’s legacy. £78,221 has been spent to date for architectural plans, surveys and costings. ## Endowment Funds In accordance with the directions given by Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance all Endowment funds were redesignated as Restricted funds. In order to accommodate this, a Restricted Fund called Restricted-Endowment was created and all Endowment monies were transferred to this fund. ## Restricted funds A Restricted fund, Family Worker, was created in 2014 to receive donations for funding the Children and Families Worker. _Churchyard bequests -_ These are bequests to the PCC of sums of money, with a particular request that the interest be used towards the maintenance of the Churchyard. The churchyard is expected to become full and be closed to new burials in the near future, at which point maintenance will transfer to Woking Borough Council. With future maintenance costs likely to be lower, six small bequests were wound up in 2017 with the capital used for minor repairs. Two further bequests were closed in 2022 to meet the costs of remedial work required prior to closing the churchyard to new burials and transferring maintenance responsibility to Woking Borough Council. £26,915 has been spent making safe walls and trees. A balance of £1,871 remains. 29 ## **Horsell Parochial Church Council Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** One final bequest with a balance of less than £1,000 remains. The PCC are required to pay the fund over to the RSPCA upon winding up the bequest. _St Andrew’s Recoupment Fund –_ In 2008 a new order was made by the Charity Commission creating a permanent endowment, the income from which is allocated to the general funds of the PCC. This fund is now known as St Andrew’s Recoupment Fund. In 1965 a fund known as “the St Andrew’s Mission Church Fund” was created from the sale of donated land. After further research, this fund was reclassified as restricted capital fund. _Current assets for charity use -_ These funds represent the value to the PCC of functional assets held by the PCC. New lighting was installed in 2023 at a total cost of £53,171 and will be depreciated over five years on a straight line basis. 30