Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
2025 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Crofton, Stubbington Charity number 1128473
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................................... 3 Aim and Purposes ....................................................................................................... 3 Vicar’s Report ............................................................................................................. 4 Administration ........................................................................................................... 5 Alpha ......................................................................................................................... 5 Deanery, Diocese & Wider Church ................................................................................ 5 Environmental Group .................................................................................................. 6 Fabric Reports ............................................................................................................ 6 Mission Giving ............................................................................................................ 8 Parochial Church Council ............................................................................................. 9 Pastoral Care .............................................................................................................10 St Edmund’s ..............................................................................................................10 Safeguarding .............................................................................................................11 Staff and Volunteers ..................................................................................................12 Worship and Sound Team ...........................................................................................12 Young at Heart ..........................................................................................................13 Youth, Children and Families ......................................................................................14 Structure, Governance and Management .....................................................................15 Worship ....................................................................................................................19 Annual Accounts ........................................................................................................20
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Preface
This document has been produced by the Parochial Church Council of Crofton Parish to fulfil two legal requirements:
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1) The Church Representation Rules (Rule 9(1) (b)) require ‘an annual report on the proceedings of the parochial church council and the activities of the parish generally’ to be received by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The meeting is then free to discuss it.
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2) As a registered charity Crofton Parish receives certain financial benefits from the government. The PCC members are trustees of this charity. The charity must provide an annual report and accounts to the Charity Commission to show responsible management and use of its funds. To qualify as a charity, it is also required to demonstrate that its aims are for the public benefit.
Those are the legal requirements; however, it is also an opportunity for the church to see just how much God has done throughout the year and to celebrate all the work that is done by clergy and volunteers.
As ever it is encouraging to see God at work in the pages of this report through the faith and commitment of so many who get involved. In addition, thanks are due as always to the many contributors to this report without whom we would know much less of what is going on.
Aim and Purposes
The Parochial Church Council [PCC] of Crofton Parish has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The PCC has responsibility for the parish church of Holy Rood and the church of St Edmund the Martyr. It also has maintenance responsibilities for Holy Rood Church Centre and 7 Darren Close (a residential house).
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Vicar’s Report
2025 felt like a ‘changing of the seasons’. When the PCC met for a morning together in September, we discussed how much of our parish seemed to have moved from winter to spring. The post-pandemic years were a season of praying and walking together. But the unexpected growth we started to experience in late 2024, which has continued into 2026, has marked a new chapter in parish life.
Listening to others around the country, we are not the only church experiencing a surge in attendance. While the data behind the ‘Quiet Revival’, as it’s called, may not be that reliable, there is certainly something happening in our society. There seems to be a greater openness and curiosity to Christian faith, with many people reporting spiritual experiences that are leading them to explore Christianity.
What matters, of course, is how we respond. All of our congregations are places of welcome, where someone can start their own faith journey. This is something we work hard at and long may it continue. This year, why not make time to get to know some of the people who have joined Crofton since 2024? The Lord is wonderfully at work in many people’s lives, and I know you’ll be encouraged.
The challenge this growth brings is in finding places for people to belong within our Community Groups. Please do continue to pray for us this year as we try to respond well.
Our staff team looked a little different at the end of 2025, too. We said goodbye to Dan Greenfield, who was appointed Vicar of St Margaret’s in Southsea. I’m pleased to report that Dan, Jude and Thea are enjoying life in Portsmouth and excited for what the future holds for St Mag’s. We also welcomed Vicki Holmes onto the staff team, who brings a real passion for children discovering faith and discipleship for themselves.
Of course, Crofton Parish wouldn’t be what it is without the contribution YOU make. Thank you for all you do – big or small, obvious or unseen – to help our parish thrive. May we continue to be a place where all can take the next step in their faith journey, wherever they’re starting from.
Yours
Richard England
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Administration
The Parish Office team, consisting of Vicki Edwards and Gill Nolan, was joined in January by Melanie Little, who took on the role of Area Dean Admin Assistant & PA to Richard England. From the beginning of December this was expanded to include Pastoral & Community Ministry Administration.
2025 saw a reduction in the number of Weddings and Funerals held at St Edmund’s and Holy Rood.
We saw one new regular Parish Centre booking, Language for Fun, which teaches French & Spanish. We were also used for Diocesan meetings and training throughout the year, as part of our Resourcing Church role.
We have continued to make use of ChurchSuite for online bookings and payments which has made events much easier to organise and manage.
In 2025 we produced a brand-new Electoral Roll and were able to make use of the electronic form on ChurchSuite which dramatically reduced the time required to enter the required information.
Vicki Edwards
Alpha
In 2025, we ran an Alpha course in the summer term. Over the course of last year our congregations grew substantially and this was reflected in the course, with the overwhelming majority of those attending being new to the church. This marked a return to the normal ‘evening’ format of Alpha after incorporating the talks into morning services in 2024. For several years now our evening courses have started with a drink and pudding rather than a full meal. This approach has been found to be well received. By the end of the year demand was building for another course which was being planned for early 2026.
Beth Yeandle
Deanery, Diocese & Wider Church
I’m pleased to report that Fareham Deanery is in good heart! We have been blessed to make some excellent clergy appointments over the last 2-3 years and by the end of 2025 only St Peter and Paul, Fareham was without its own Vicar.
As you may know, P&P is the site of a major church planting project, aimed at revitalising mission and ministry across Fareham town centre. By the time of this APCM, I hope a Mission Priest will have been appointed to lead this project.
By the APCM, I will be halfway through my term as Area Dean and it’s wonderful to see Fareham Deanery thriving in lots of ways. There are new initiatives starting in many parishes and new growth, including among families with children at churches that have not been used to having younger people involved. The entire Deanery also paid 100% of our Parish Share in 2025 – no mean feat!
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Portsmouth Diocese also has an excellent central team under the leadership of Bishop Jonathan. Notably, there is a capable Mission and Discipleship team led by Andrew Hargreaves, who support parishes to grow and serve their communities. There is also a substantial Safeguarding Team, who offer a wide range of support to clergy, PSOs and PCCs.
In the wider Church, we also celebrated the nomination of the first ever woman as Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullaly – a wonderful, historic moment. Nationally, however, the Church of England continues to deal with inadequate standards arounds safeguarding and the reality of continued decline. As you may know, Beth Yeandle continues to be part of national safeguarding decision-making in the CofE.
As a Parish, we are blessed to be in the top 5% of parishes in the country in terms of weekly attendance and involvement of under 16s. This is a privilege but also comes with a responsibility to support ministry beyond our parish. We can all be proud of the ways Crofton is engaged with our Deanery, Diocese and the wider Church of England.
Richard England
Environmental Group
The Environmental Group was formed in March 2023 with the aim to enable Crofton Parish to reduce its Carbon Footprint in line with the Church of England’s desire to be Net Zero by 2030. It is a sub-committee of the PCC and has at present five members, Vicki Edwards, Gill Nolan, Stuart Foster, Ady Elston and Anne Le Fevre who joined during 2025. Following recommendations in the Energy Audit for Holy Rood Church, the last of the lighting was changed to LEDs during 2025. This was largely funded by grants from several charities, including the Hammond Hall Trust.
An ECO Notice board giving advice to households and the monthly Eco tips for our Parish Update has been established. Holy Rood Church has been awarded a Bronze Eco Award by Rocha UK and continues to work towards the Silver Eco Award. Following an enjoyable visit to the Sustainable Centre in East Meon in the summer, it is planned to create several wild garden patches in the ground of Holy Rood in 2026.
Ady Elston
Fabric Reports
Holy Rood Church and Parish Centre
The project to upgrade all of the lights in the church and centre with LED lighting continued in 2025 and was completed with the installation of new and better lighting in the church, the centre having been completed in 2024.
The South Porch was refurbished in the summer months. Some restorative work was needed, and all of the woodwork was repainted. The porch now looks much better and will be safer and protected for the future.
The white lines in the carpark were all repainted during the year.
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
The picket fence on the north-east corner of the Church Centre was replaced as the previous one had rotted.
The Hall carpet was replaced during autumn half term. It replaces the previous one which had lasted incredibly well.
The cleaning contract for Holy Rood and the Parish Centre came to an end in February. Cleaning is currently covered by an outside company on a month-by-month basis.
Our much-loved church boiler continues to keep us warm, but it is appreciated that it will need replacing before long. A project was started in 2023 and then paused after it was decided to repair and keep the existing system going for a while longer. However, this project was revived in the second half of 2025 and it is hoped to install a new system by the end of 2027 with plans being developed to finance its replacement.
The Fabric Maintenance group meet regularly throughout the year, coordinating the work between the Eco, Project and Fabric task groups with help from the Finance team. This is helping to prioritise work and balance the needs of the different groups.
The major project in 2025 was the replacement of the guttering on the whole church. A fundraising campaign – Save our Gutters (SOG) – took place in early spring with highlights such as Rich and Dan’s Round the Island walk and a spring fair. This campaign covered the £15k funding shortfall and the work was completed by Easter. This was a big project which will help to ensure the integrity of the church for many years to come. We are very grateful to all who contributed. Our huge thanks go to Malcolm Lewis for heading up this project with the utmost skill and care.
Men’s Shed
2025 was a good year for the Men’s Shed:
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The new building was fitted out internally and an electricity supply organised enabling a formal opening in May 2025.
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Membership rose to 28 during the year.
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A full programme of activities was organised including talks, quizzes and excursions.
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The Shed took a stall at the Stubbington Fayre and also supported other churches in the area on their open days.
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A website was developed to attract new membership during the coming year.
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Landscaping work is planned for 2026.
7 Darren Close
The Curate’s house continued to be let commercially all year as it was not required. The property is managed by Bernards (taking over from Eckersley White in February 2025). Minor maintenance jobs continued throughout the year. The current tenants renewed their lease in December on a rolling monthly basis.
Finally…
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to the care and development of our buildings. In particular, I am deeply grateful to Vicki Edwards, our exceptional Parish Manager, whose dedication keeps everything running smoothly and who puts an enormous amount of effort into supporting our buildings. Jim and Gill Nolan also
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
deserve special recognition for their tireless work – quite simply, we would be lost without them. My thanks also go to Ady Elston for leading the Eco Group, to Malcolm Lewis for his expertise as our project specialist, and to Morton Du Preez, who oversees the maintenance schedules and helps keep me on track. Finally, we are very grateful for the support of our wonderful Treasurer, Steve Lazell, whose careful management ensures that all the bills are paid.
Martin Yeandle
Mission Giving
Crofton Parish is passionate about its commitment to Mission Giving and sets 8% of its income aside to support Christian and Christian focused charities. The Crofton Mission Giving Support Team is made up of members of the congregation each with a heart for mission both locally and overseas.
Funds Available
Based on Crofton’s income in 2024 our funds available for distribution during 2025 totalled £20,000. The role of the Mission Giving Support Group is to review applications from members of our congregations who act as advocates for the individual Christian or Christian Ethos charities and to present them to the PCC for scrutiny and approval. In addition, a small sum is withheld to provide flexibility for unexpected emergencies and disasters.
During 2025 the PCC agreed five long term mission partners, listed below, totalling £7,000:
| Charity A Rocha Gosport & Fareham School Pastors New Wine Open Doors Tearfund |
Crofton Advocate | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julie Mizen | UK | £500 | |
| Karyl Lewis | Local | £2000 | |
| Rev Richard England | UK | £500 | |
| Barbara & Tony Scurr | Worldwide | £2000 | |
| Gill Nolan | Worldwide | £2000 |
Note: these long-term mission partners are reviewed annually and once they have received between 3–5 years support may be replaced. For any charity that is no longer in the top group the congregational advocate will need to apply for a grant of up to £1,000 once applications are called through the weekly Parish Update early in the year.
Wider Distribution
An invitation for advocates to apply for a mission grant was made in early 2025. The following nine Christian charities were approved and received a total of £8,300:
| Charity | Crofton Advocate | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| CedarOak | Dr Melita Lazel/Lisa Samways | UK | £1000 |
| Church MissionSociety | RobinGreen | Cambodia | £1000 |
| Europe 2 Europe | Dr Graham Giles | Romania | £1000 |
| Good News for Everyone | Iain Windebank | SE Hants, UK | £500 |
| Hope Now | Rev Richard England | Ukraine | £1000 |
| Mustard Seeds | Ken Shearsmith | UK/Africa | £1000 |
| Schoolof Ministries | JeffGennings | Africa | £1000 |
| Tears of Hope Orphanage | Doreen Matthews | Namibia | £800 |
| Youth Encouragement Services | Emily Horne | Uganda | £1000 |
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
The reserve we keep each year for any additional emergencies or disasters amounted to £4,700. At the PCC Meeting in November, it was decided to share the balance equally amongst the fourteen recipients after giving Growing Hope, Fareham & Gosport Basics Bank and The Children’s Society £500 each and the Rowans £400.
Total Mission Donations = £20,000
Additionally, Crofton is committed to supporting charities through different ‘giving’ routes. We are a drop off for non-perishable food, snacks and other small items for both Sophie’s Legacy and the Fareham and Gosport food bank.
Vicki Edwards
Parochial Church Council
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has met seven times in 2025 to oversee the governance, finance, and mission of Crofton Parish. Our Vicar, Rev Richard England, has chaired all the meetings. The seventh, additional, meeting in July was to approve the job descriptions and person specifications for the posts of Crofton Children’s Team Leader and Crofton Youth Leader. Disappointingly we were unable to recruit to the latter position. Having said that, it has been a year of faithful service and remarkable growth in our church community often characterised as ‘quiet revival’.
We welcomed Pam Ridgeway to the PCC, newly elected in 2025 as well as Mal Lewis and Emily Horne returning after re-election. We have also said farewell to various members: Ethel Brokenshire, Carla Grant, Chris Willis, Sue Elgie and Julie Mizen, and also to Associate Vicar Rev Dan Greenfield moving on to be Priest in Charge of St Margaret in Southsea last October.
Amongst other items this year, PCC has considered our responsibilities as a corporate body; we received training on “the PCC as Employer”, covering legal status, staff management, and charity trustee duties. We also worked to refine our administrative processes, including a review of the Staff Handbook and the adoption of a Code of Conduct for staff.
On matters of fabric, finance, and the environment, PCC and various working groups have spent time this year on overseeing church building investment:
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At Holy Rood, the major guttering project was successfully closed after raising £16,000 and new carpeting has been installed in the Hall.
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At St Edmund’s the refurbishment of the South Porch was completed and a memorial bench installed.
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The heating project has been an ongoing consideration and various possibilities for the future explored.
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As part of the EcoChurch initiative, the LED lighting upgrade has been completed.
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• And on the subject of finance , although we had had a forecast deficit, the end-ofyear position was positive due to youth and children’s positions not being filled and increased giving and careful management of the Parish Share despite the Share’s increasing burden. PCC has disbursed £20,000 in mission giving to various partners.
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
It has not all been about practicalities, however. The parish has experienced what Richard described as a “gentle wave” of the Holy Spirit and noted that 60 new Connect cards had been received in a single year which was a record in the Vicar’s experience! In addition, attendance at Christmas services grew significantly, with, for example, 430 people attending Christingle. To support this growth, the PCC has discussed transitioning our Community Groups into a pastorate model to ensure everyone finds a welcoming community. New initiatives such as the Man Cave have also been launched to support men’s mental health and fellowship. Perhaps two of the most spiritually helpful PCC moments have been in January when, in groups, we spent time thinking about hallmarks of a church that is open to the Holy Spirit and in September spent a Saturday morning led by Rev Andrew Axon considering depth, health and growth in church life.
Timothy Collinson
Pastoral Care
Throughout 2025, caring for the pastoral needs of those within our communities remained central to the life and ministry of Crofton Parish. Much of this care continued to take place through our community groups, the Young at Heart hub, and the First Steps midweek gathering.
Prayer ministry was available at every Sunday morning service during the year. In addition, a welcome event was held at the end of January to help introduce newcomers to the life of the church and support them in getting connected.
Pastoral visiting also continued, including home communion for those unable to attend church and visits to local nursing homes. Monthly services were again held at Glamis Court.
Bereavement support was offered to families whose funerals were conducted by members of the parish clergy team. Our annual memorial service in October provided an opportunity for remembrance and reflection and was well attended.
As a parish, we remain conscious of the importance of nurturing mental health and wellbeing within the context of God’s love and grace. In March 2025, we devoted a week to focusing particularly on these themes as part of our Graceland teaching series.
We are deeply thankful for all those who contribute to pastoral care across the parish. Much of this ministry takes place naturally and quietly in everyday interactions as we seek to reflect Christ’s compassion and love to one another and to those around us.
Beth Yeandle
St Edmund’s
No new building projects were undertaken during the year.
In November the five yearly Quinquennial (QQI) and Electrical Inspections took place. While the formal QQI report is awaited, the only item giving some real concern was the state of the external rendering of the west wall. This will require re-pointing by specialist tradesmen competent in working with lime. Besides this there will be some general decorative plaster
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
work, a little internal brickwork, the replacement of an internal roof timber strut as well some painting. As with all the work on a Grade II* building, this will be an expensive exercise, but the PCC is fortunate in having the Friends of Crofton Old Church (FOCOC) working hard to ensure that the costs can be covered without any expense by the PCC.
During last year an investigation into the state of the trees in the Churchyard highlighted that the big lime tree to the right of the main gate needed sympathetic pollarding to avoid overloading the main trunk. The work was successfully carried out in July.
The necessary inspections and maintenance (Central Heating, Portable Appliance Testing etc.) and other routine maintenance tasks (e.g. lightbulb changing – most of the lighting in St Edmund’s is now LED, grass cutting, clearing rainwater gutters/drainpipes, cleaning, flower arranging etc.) were successfully undertaken.
Gary Willcocks
Safeguarding
The PCC recognises its responsibility to provide a safe environment for everyone within the parish and is committed to upholding this at all times. The PCC has established a Safeguarding Team consisting of Rev Richard England, Lois Gouldstone and Vicki Edwards. The safeguarding team meets regularly, both in person and virtually, alongside the clergy to review and discuss any safeguarding concerns. They report back to the PCC and aim not only to respond effectively to issues as they arise, but also to take a proactive role in protecting and supporting individuals within the parish.
The Church of England introduced significant safeguarding changes in 2025 as part of a wider effort to rebuild trust and improve accountability. A key development has been the move toward greater independence in safeguarding, with General Synod agreeing that safeguarding functions should no longer sit entirely within internal Church structures. This has led to the creation of a Safeguarding Structures Programme, moving toward a more externally scrutinised model to reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen oversight. At the same time, new safeguarding Codes of Practice were introduced, replacing previous guidance with clearer and more formal requirements around reporting concerns and managing allegations. These changes aim to ensure consistency across dioceses, with a stronger emphasis on timely reporting and appropriate procedures. The PCC, clergy, and safeguarding team remain up-to-date with these developments and fully support their implementation, continuing to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect.
The Safeguarding Team continues to support the PCC in ensuring that all appropriate safeguarding measures and checks are in place for volunteers. Safer recruitment processes are followed for all new volunteers before they begin their roles, led by Vicki Edwards. In addition, all volunteers are required to complete the Portsmouth Diocese safeguarding training programme at the level appropriate to their role.
This year has presented particular challenges for the parish, with a number of confidential safeguarding and pastoral concerns arising, often with complex and overlapping elements. With the support of the diocesan safeguarding team, these have been addressed in a timely, appropriate, and holistic manner. While the confidential nature of safeguarding prevents full
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
transparency within this report, a secure record of all concerns, including outcomes for both closed and ongoing cases, is maintained via the Parish’s confidential safeguarding account.
Lois Gouldstone
Staff and Volunteers
The operation of Crofton Parish involves numerous volunteers in a variety of roles working alongside and supporting the staff and leadership teams. Thank you to everyone involved who gave generously of their time and skills to serve God within our Parish.
Each year, one volunteer is recognised for their work at the Annual Meeting by presenting them with the Charlie Crane Cross. In 2025 Peter Gladwell received the award for his work as Chair of FOCOC for nine years.
Crofton Parish benefits from a committed staff team made up of paid and volunteer roles. During the year the following changes took place:
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Sue Elgie stood down from her role as Richard’s PA;
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Claire Willis stood down from her role as Youth & Children’s Team Leader;
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Melanie Little started her role as Area Dean Admin Assistant & Richard’s PA;
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Vicki Holmes started her role as Children’s Team Leader.
We would like to thank Sue and Claire for all their hard work and support.
We are aware that there are people within our congregations with a wide range of gifts and skills. If you feel that God is calling you to use your talents in a particular area, please chat with someone or contact the Parish Office.
Vicki Edwards
Worship and Sound Team
The worship team has continued to grow over the last year. We’ve been blessed to have a number of people join who have significant experience in leading worship at other churches. This has enabled us to move to using two worship leaders for most Sundays, sharing the responsibility of choosing and leading the songs.
Worship Nights
We have continued to host Worship Nights over the year, every four months. We have seen a consistent number of people coming along, and many joining us from the wider area. The aim of Worship Nights continues to be to provide space for people to grow as worshippers through song, scripture and prayer. We are now switching to hosting them every three months, in response to the many requests we’ve had to hold them more often.
Christmas
We had more people join the choir for last year’s Carols by Candlelight events, and people enjoyed the simplicity of the vocal accompaniments to the carols.
What’s Coming?
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Our PA system – the mixing desk and speakers – is reaching a stage where we will need to make significant changes to ensure that the quality and level of sound throughout our church building is comfortable, clear and helping people to engage in worship. Some work has already been done by Brian Masters to the settings on the mixing desk but we are aware that the desk itself is reaching ‘end of life’, with some noticeable occasional malfunctions. We also need to give thought to the quality and positioning of our current speakers, as the difference in perceived sound levels at various points in the church is markedly different.
Matt Lockwood
Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Hub continues on the first Monday of each month, providing valuable connections for older people in our community. Numbers each month are around 60 to 70 and those that come enjoy a variety of spaces which are more than ably served by the faithful team. We are treated to homemade cakes with tea and coffee. These accommodate those who have dietary needs such as gluten free. The cafe is always buzzing with conversation!
The arts and crafts space run by Heather Brown and Margaret Quirk is a particularly special space where we see folks talk more openly where they may not normally. The creative activities vary from month to month following a theme relevant to the time of year e.g. spring/Easter, Remembrance Day or Christmas. Myself, Heather and Margaret have given thought as to how to expand this area to encompass other crafts and as an example we will be joined by Rev Jenny Ellis in May to provide a calligraphy/word art session.
Friendships new and not so new continue to thrive over games or a jigsaw. We see new faces on a monthly basis with people coming along on recommendation of family and friends. They are welcomed by the team and made comfortable whilst also ensuring we have their contact details for admin purposes.
I can confirm that work was carried out in 2025 to ensure that all volunteers were up to speed with training and safer recruitment. My thanks to Vicki Edwards for her support with this. During 2025 the volunteer team got together to hear about supporting those with dementia from one of the Admiral Nurses. We found it a hugely beneficial time! I hope to do more with our volunteers in building them up in this way.
The Young at Heart Hub has been and remains a space where people are listened to and cared for. As well as myself we have another Anna Chaplain from the local Methodist church in attendance most months and we have people from within the Crofton parish on hand to listen.
We had visits from pupils from Crofton and Baycroft schools offering valuable intergenerational connections and opportunities for pupils to see how the church contributes to the community. At Remembrance we were delighted to be able to provide cards with handmade poppies to the Veterans’ Outreach Society, building a valuable connection between us and our veteran community. We will continue to build on these relationships through 2026.
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Under the Young at Heart banner we held a three-day life-lab in August 2025. The content was based around the Omega Course which I discovered via the charity Faith in Later Life. My passion along with that of the leadership team is to see discipleship for older people given more intentionality across the Church and this was a great start on that journey. The real value of the three days for those who came was the time in groups talking about the subject for each session. Feedback includes that many have found the opportunity to share openly about their lived experience of retirement, grief, illness truly freeing. They no longer felt alone in their thoughts. As a church we have an opportunity to build on this. As always those that hosted groups proved worth their weight in gold!
My priorities in 2026 in my role as Young at Heart Coordinator are to:
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seek ways for all serving at the Hub to intentionally share God's love and where possible the gospel (gently, gently!);
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build up those who serve within our Young at Heart community. This is their ministry and I see huge potential for them to all grow in this;
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seek opportunities for Crofton Parish, in collaboration with the leadership team, in providing a meaningful and age-appropriate discipleship pathway for older people that gives everyone a chance to flourish in their older years.
Emma Sneddon
Youth, Children and Families
We give thanks to God for another full and exciting year in our youth, children and families ministry.
We continued our family’s outreach, holding a Pancake Party as well as Easter, Summer, Harvest and Christingle Family Funs. In June, for the third year running we held Wolf Camp, a weekend away for dads and male carers and their children in the New Forest. First Steps, our mid-week parent, carer and toddler group continued to attract a community of families and provides the opportunity for further connection with God and church.
Different members of the team attended seasonal assemblies at our local primary schools.
For the second year running we ran the Easter Experience. This involves Year 5 children moving in groups between different stations, each station an interactive experience of an event in Jesus’ life in the lead up to Easter Weekend. Both Crofton Anne Dale and Crofton Hammond joined us for this experience and there was an opportunity for families to come after school too.
On Sundays we continued to have three 0 to 11 year-old groups: Wrigglers (0 to 2 years 9 months), Scramblers (2 years 9 months to pre-school age), and Crofton United (4 to 11 years old, i.e. Reception to Year 6). Crofton United combines all primary aged children and has breakout groups for Reception to Year 1, Years 2 to 3, and Years 4 to 6 – all in the Hall. As from September, Youth Year 7–9 met every Sunday morning. Youth Year 7–13 met on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday evenings.
Vicki Edwards
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
Administrative Information
Holy Rood Church and Parish Centre is situated on Gosport Road, Stubbington. St Edmund’s Church is situated on Lychgate Green, Stubbington.
The correspondence address for the Parish is The Parish Office, Holy Rood Church, Gosport Road, Stubbington, Hampshire, PO14 2AS.
The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2017) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission as charity number 1128473. The members of the PCC are the trustees of the charity.
PCC Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, co-opted, elected to Deanery Synod or PCC by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or elected to Diocesan Synod in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Members of the congregations are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and to consider standing for election to the PCC or Deanery Synod.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.
The maximum size of the PCC and number of Deanery Synod members are determined by the size of the parish’s electoral roll. In 2013 the APCM agreed to limit the number of PCC representatives to twelve. Each member’s elected period is for three years; four members are elected for the full term each year. Crofton Parish has up to five elected members on Deanery Synod.
The scheme, approved at the 2019 APCM, to appoint two deputy churchwardens for St Edmund’s continues. Sue Johnson and Gary Willcocks were appointed and have ex-officio places on the PCC.
PCC members who have served at any time during 2025:
Ex-officio PCC Members
Incumbent & PCC Chair Rev Richard England Assistant Minister Rev Colin Prestidge Associate Vicar Rev Dan Greenfield (until September 2025) Curate Rev Beth Yeandle (until June 2025) Associate Vicar Rev Beth Yeandle (from June 2025) Churchwardens Nichola Sampford Martin Yeandle Deputy Church Wardens (St Edmunds) Gary Willcocks Sue Johnson
Elected PCC Members
Elected Members of Diocesan Synod
Rev Richard England Stuart Forster Rev Beth Yeandle Kathryn England
Elected Members of Deanery Synod
Dave Brown (from APCM 2023)
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Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Sue Elgie (from APCM 2023) Stuart Forster (from APCM 2023) Jim Nolan (from APCM 2023) Simon Swindells (from APCM 2023) (also: all ordained clergy)
Elected Members of the PCC
Ethel Brokenshire (from APCM 2022) Ady Elston (from APCM 2023) Steve Lazell (from APCM 2023) Chris Willis (from APCM 2023) Timothy Collinson (from APCM 2023) Timothy Crowhurst (from APCM 2024) Peter Jeffs (from APCM 2024) Ali Lockwood (from APCM 2024) Julie Mizen (from APCM 2024) Emily Horne (from APCM 2025) Malcolm Lewis (from APCM 2025) Pam Ridgeway (from APCM 2025)
Co-opted Members
n/a
Roles and Committees assigned by PCC
PCC Chair Rev Richard England Vice Chair Martin Yeandle Secretary Timothy Collinson Treasurer Steve Lazell Electoral Roll Officer Vicki Edwards Standing Committee Rev Richard England, Timothy Collinson, Steve Lazell, Nichola Sampford, Martin Yeandle Beth Yeandle Finance Committee Steve Lazell, Rev Richard England, Martin Yeandle, Nichola Sampford, Simon Swindells, Vicki Edwards, Beth Yeandle Safeguarding Committee Rev Richard England, Lois Gouldstone, Vicki Edwards St Edmund’s Deputy Churchwardens Gary Willcocks, Sue Johnson Data Compliance Officer Vicki Edwards Accessibility Awareness Simon Swindells Safeguarding Representative Lois Gouldstone Health & Safety Vicki Edwards
St Edmund’s Deputy Churchwardens Data Compliance Officer Accessibility Awareness Safeguarding Representative Health & Safety
Page 16 of 20
Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
PCC Working Groups
HR Fabric (Maintenance) HR Fabric (Projects) Mission Giving
Eco Church
Staffing
Martin Yeandle, Morton du Preez, Jim Nolan Mal Lewis, Ady Elston, Jim Nolan Sue Elgie (until March 2025), Emily Horne, Rev Richard England, Nichola Sampford Ethel Brokenshire (until April 2025), Timothy Crowhurst Ady Elston, Vicki Edwards, Stuart Foster, John Elgie (until March 2025), Anne Le Fevre, Julie Mizen (until September 2025), Gill Nolan Vicki Edwards, Nichola Sampford
Clergy and other licensed ministers
At the end of 2025 the following are licensed to officiate at services in the Parish: Vicar Rev Richard England Associate Vicar Rev Beth Yeandle Assistant Minister Rev Colin Prestidge Retired Clergy Rev Ted Goodyer, Rev Hugh Ellis, Rev Jenny Ellis, Rev Ian Scott-Thompson Readers and Permission to Officiate Gary Willcocks, Karen Wainwright Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) Lindsey Crowhurst, Kathryn England, Matt Lockwood
Staff Team
At the end of 2025, the Parish leadership team which comprises paid and volunteer members was:
Vicar Vicar’s PA Worship Team Leader Parish Manager Assistant Minister Associate Vicar St Edmund’s Young at Heart Coordinator Children & Families
Rev Richard England Melanie Little Matt Lockwood Vicki Edwards Rev Colin Prestidge Rev Beth Yeandle Gary Willcocks Emma Sneddon Vicki Holmes
Staff Employed by the PCC in 2025
Children, Youth & Families Team Lead Vicki Holmes Parish Manager Vicki Edwards Young at Heart Coordinator Emma Sneddon Vicar’s PA & Area Dean Admin Assistant Melanie Little Youth, Children’s & Families Team Leader Claire Willis (until February 2025)
Contract Positions working for PCC in 2025
Occasions Administration Gill Nolan Cleaner Kerena Ferris (contract ended February 2025)
Payments to PCC Members or people Connected to PCC Members
The PCC are aware of several cases where PCC members, or others closely connected to PCC members, are either employed or receive payments from the PCC. The PCC ensure that these
Page 17 of 20
Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
PCC members are not involved in discussion or decisions involving their payment or the connected person’s payments.
Employed PCC members in 2025
- n/a
PCC members with Connected Persons receiving payments in 2025
-
Jim Nolan connected to Gill Nolan
-
Sue Elgie connected to Claire Willis
-
Christopher Willis connected to Claire Willis
Page 18 of 20
Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Worship
During 2025 St Edmund’s held a 0930 service each week.
At Holy Rood there was a 1000 morning service each week which was livestreamed to Facebook. An evening service was held at 1900 on all but the first Sunday of the month apart from during July and August. There was also each week 0915 Morning Prayer every Tuesday and 1000 service every Thursday.
Attendance Statistics
The Parish’s statistics were reported to the Diocese as normal and show an accurate representation of the Parish. The numbers shown in parentheses are the figures for 2024.
| Holy Rood | St. Edmund’s | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electoral Roll at APCM | 266 (359) | ||
| Average Sunday Attendance Adults | 155 (139) | 48 (48) | 203 |
| Average Sunday Attendance under 16s | 37 (30) | 1 (1) | 38 |
| Easter Day Attendance | 256 (264) | 75 (71) | 331 |
| Advent special service in-person attendance | 1058 (919) | 195 (159) | 1253 |
| Christmas Eve & Day in-person attendance | 322 (328) | 191 (204) | 513 |
| Worshipping Community | 468 (434) | 122 (126) | 590 |
| Children baptised | 7 (7) | 0 (0) | 7 |
| Children brought for thanksgiving | 0 (3) | 0 (0) | 0 |
| Youth & adults baptised | 5 (4) | 0 (0) | 5 |
| Number of couples married or blessed | 0 (1) | 1 (3) | 1 |
| Funerals in church or conducted by minister | 22 (20) | 11 (20) | 33 |
Page 19 of 20
Crofton Parish Annual Report 2025
Annual Accounts
Page 20 of 20
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON, STUBBINGTON
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Registered Charity Number 1128473
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON, STUBBINGTON
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PCC of the Ecclesiatical Parish of Crofton for the year ended 31st December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Ecclestiatical Parish of Crofton (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Ecclestiatical Parish of Crofton are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Crofton Parish's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name: Mr Richard Kendall ACMA Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Address: 65, Garstons Close, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4EP Date: 16/02/2026
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 2 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Note – throughout the financial report, there may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown due to rounding
Crofton PCC Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Prior year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | total funds | ||
| Incoming resources | |||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | - | - | - | - | |
| Voluntary income | 296,353 | 7,268 | 303,621 | 292,326 | |
| Activities for generating funds | - | - | - | - | |
| Investment income | 31,725 | 2,705 | 34,430 | 35,602 | |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 27,350 | 3,830 | 31,180 | 29,091 | |
| Other incoming resources | 3,423 | 144 | 3,567 | 6,076 | |
| Total income | 358,851 | 13,948 | 372,799 | 363,094 | |
| Resources used | |||||
| Cost of generating funds | - | - | - | - | |
| Cost of generating voluntary income | - | - | - | - | |
| Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other costs | - | - | - | - | |
| Investment management costs | - | - | - | - | |
| Charitable activities | 391,431 | 9,445 | 400,876 | 371,411 | |
| Governance costs | 347 | 60 | 407 | 293 | |
| Other resources used | - | - | - | - | |
| Total expenditure | 391,778 | 9,505 | 401,283 | 371,704 | |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | (32,927) | 4,442 | (28,485) | (8,609) | |
| Transfers: | |||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 13,084 | - | 13,084 | 50,525 | |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (13,084) | - | (13,084) | (50,525) | |
| Other recognised | gains / losses | ||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | - | (3,765) | (3,765) | 15,666 | |
| Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use | - | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in | funds | (32,927) | 677 | (32,250) | 7,057 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 640,048 | 496,433 | 1,136,481 | 1,129,424 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 607,121 | 497,110 | 1,104,231 | 1,136,481 |
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 3 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
Crofton PCC Balance Sheet (Summary)
| As at | As at | |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | 31/12/2024 | |
| Fixed assets | ||
| Tangible Assets | 523,273 | 528,760 |
| Investments | 318,783 | 322,548 |
| 842,055 | 851,307 | |
| Current assets | ||
| Debtors | 11,635 | 19,527 |
| Cash At Bank And In Hand | 276,889 | 292,526 |
| 288,523 | 312,052 | |
| Liabilities | ||
| Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year | 26,347 | 26,878 |
| 26,347 | 26,878 | |
| Net current assets less current liabilities | 262,176 | 285,174 |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 1,104,231 | 1,136,481 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Total net assets less liabilities | 1,104,231 | 1,136,481 |
| Represented by | ||
| Unrestricted | ||
| Unrestricted - General Funds | 529,924 | 562,516 |
| Designated | ||
| Designated - AV & IT | 3,774 | 3,564 |
| Designated - Church Heating Fund | 10,000 | - |
| Designated - Community Mission Fund | 2,049 | 12,049 |
| Designated - Gift Day 2022 Hardship | 3,215 | 3,815 |
| Designated - Gift Day 2022 Staffing | 3,110 | 6,194 |
| Designated - LED Lighting | 145 | 145 |
| Designated - Mens Shed | 39,862 | 36,499 |
| Designated - OPEN | 4,961 | 4,961 |
| Designated - Seniors Worker | 4,543 | 4,543 |
| Designated - Staff Wellbeing | 5,539 | 5,763 |
| Restricted | ||
| Restricted - Agency collection | 1,683 | 1,683 |
| Restricted - Audio Visual Fund | 825 | 825 |
| Restricted - Bible Reading Notes - End of Year | 62 | 56 |
| Restricted - Church Gable Reserve Fund | 2,681 | 2,681 |
| Restricted - Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | 26,977 | 28,178 |
| Restricted - Flower Fund - End Of Year | 537 | 537 |
| Restricted - FOCOC - End of Year | 441,801 | 438,032 |
| Restricted - Organ Fund | 12,358 | 11,951 |
| Restricted - St Edmund's Upkeep Legacy Higgins Wilson | 10,185 | 12,489 |
| Fund Totals | 1,104,231 | 1,136,481 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 4 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
The accounts 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.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005
1.2 Funds
Restricted funds represent:
(a) income which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the bequest, and
(b) donations or grants received for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.
Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
1.3 Incoming resources
Voluntary income and capital sources
Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
Other ordinary income
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
Income from investments
Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Tax recoverable on such income is recognized in the same accounting year.
Gains and losses on investments
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.
Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December. This applies to the CBF Investment Fund (restricted, FOCOC).
1.4 Resources expended
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. All other expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 5 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1.5 Fixed assets
Consecrated property and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life.
All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £500 or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2000 is written off.
Other fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Freehold land is not depreciated Freehold buildings 2% straight line Equipment 20% reducing balance Fixtures, fittings & equipment 15% reducing balance Men’s Shed building (all items) Straight line over remaining duration of lease (9 / 10 years)
Individual items of capital expenditure with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
1.6 Investments
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December 2025
1.7 Current assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December 2025 in respect of all income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
1.8 Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.9 Pensions
The PCC operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. From 1 February 2017 the PCC has been operating a Workplace Pension scheme with Nest pensions in accordance with legislation and direction from the Diocese.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 6 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Crofton PCC Analysis of income and expenditure Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | This year | Last year | ||
| Incoming resources | ||||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||||
| 0101 - Gift Aid - Bank S/O | 21,938 | - | 360 | 22,298 | 24,318 | |
| 0102 - Gift Aid - Bank S/O Specific Income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0110 - Parish Giving Scheme Income | 127,263 | - | - | 127,263 | 120,662 | |
| 0120 - Non Gift Aid Envelope Scheme | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0201 - Other Planned Giving (inc CAF chq) | 20,000 | - | - | 20,000 | 13,607 | |
| 0301 - Loose Plate Collections | 13,569 | - | 1,171 | 14,740 | 13,366 | |
| 0501 - Gift Aid - One Offs | 18,676 | - | 4,521 | 23,197 | 13,258 | |
| 0502 - Gift Aid - One Offs Specific Income | 9,942 | - | - | 9,942 | 14,792 | |
| 0550 - Non Gift Aid - One Offs | 3,948 | - | - | 3,948 | 3,641 | |
| 0551 - Non Gift Aid - One Offs Specific Income | 6,137 | - | - | 6,137 | 5,833 | |
| 0560 - Specific Project Income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0601 - Tax Recoverable on Gift Aid | 17,723 | - | 852 | 18,576 | 16,715 | |
| 0602 - Tax Recoverable on PGS Giving | 29,837 | - | - | 29,837 | 28,257 | |
| 0701 - Legacy - Whole Parish | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0702 - Legacy - Holy Rood | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0703 - Legacy - St Edmunds | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0704 - Grant - Income | 12,330 | 11,800 | - | 24,130 | 36,320 | |
| 0705 - CK Grant Income | - | - | - | - | 30 | |
| 0706 - Crofton 2020 Income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0801 - Specific Donation Income (2010 only) | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0901 - Sundry Donations | 1,451 | 1,739 | 364 | 3,553 | 1,528 | |
| 1020 - Bank Interest | 4,503 | - | 2,705 | 7,208 | 8,568 | |
| 1021 - Dividend Income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1030 - Rent - Property | 16,222 | - | - | 16,222 | 16,033 | |
| 1031 - Rent - Mast | 11,000 | - | - | 11,000 | 11,000 | |
| Incoming resources from generated funds Totals | 314,539 | 13,539 | 9,974 | 338,051 | 327,927 | |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | ||||||
| 1230 - Hall Hire | 21,408 | - | - | 21,408 | 18,650 | |
| 1232 - Office Income | 609 | - | - | 609 | 857 | |
| 1234 - Other Income (First Steps) | 966 | - | - | 966 | 1,056 | |
| 1235 - Other Income (Incl New Wine) | - | 225 | 3,830 | 4,055 | 3,580 | |
| 1236 - Other Income (Alpha, Yng at Hrt) | 1,839 | - | - | 1,839 | 1,353 | |
| 1237 - CK Ongoing Income | 412 | - | - | 412 | 130 | |
| 1238 - Other Income (Other) | 1,866 | 25 | - | 1,891 | 3,466 | |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities Totals | 27,100 | 250 | 3,830 | 31,180 | 29,091 | |
| Other incoming resources | ||||||
| 1101 - Other Incoming Resources | 3,238 | 185 | 144 | 3,567 | 6,076 | |
| Other incoming resources Totals | 3,238 | 185 | 144 | 3,567 | 6,076 | |
| Incoming resources Grand totals | 344,877 | 13,974 | 13,948 | 372,799 | 363,094 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 7 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON
STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | This year | Last year | ||
| Resources used | ||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| 1801 - Missionary Tithes | 20,000 | - | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | |
| 1901 - Diocesan Parish Share | 181,027 | - | - | 181,027 | 172,404 | |
| XXXX - Staff Costs Total | 41,039 | - | - | 41,039 | 61,705 | |
| 2101 - Working Exp of Clergy | 2,708 | 120 | - | 2,828 | 2,486 | |
| 2102 - Working Exp of Youth Worker | 64 | - | - | 64 | 95 | |
| 2104 - Working Exp - Worship | 242 | - | - | 242 | - | |
| 2130 - Parsonage House Exp (Vicarage only) | 710 | - | - | 710 | 845 | |
| 2170 - Education & Training Budget | 1,569 | - | - | 1,569 | 1,338 | |
| 2180 - Alpha Costs | 161 | - | - | 161 | 32 | |
| 2202 - Youthwork Costs | 275 | - | - | 275 | 163 | |
| 2203 - Children and Youth Ministry Resource Mat | 317 | - | - | 317 | 443 | |
| 2301 - Church Running - Insurance | 5,069 | 306 | - | 5,375 | 5,258 | |
| 2310 - Church Running - Office Costs | 4,166 | - | - | 4,166 | 4,041 | |
| 2320 - Church Running - Coffee Costs | 740 | - | - | 740 | 955 | |
| 2330 - Holy Rood Church Maintenance Exc: QQ | 3,444 | - | - | 3,444 | 8,428 | |
| 2331 - Cleaning - Church Centre & Other | 5,720 | - | 255 | 5,975 | 6,306 | |
| 2332 - HR Church QQ Maintenance | 4,434 | - | - | 4,434 | 405 | |
| 2333 - Centre Consumables | 1,324 | - | - | 1,324 | 929 | |
| 2334 - Structural Projects | 54,529 | - | - | 54,529 | 27,149 | |
| 2335 - Maintenance Projects | 9,716 | - | 2,164 | 11,881 | 1,033 | |
| 2340 - Upkeep of Services | 1,242 | - | - | 1,242 | 795 | |
| 2345 - Flowers | 1,110 | - | - | 1,110 | 1,204 | |
| 2350 - Upkeep of Churchyard | 76 | - | 2,304 | 2,380 | 821 | |
| 2362 - Licence Fees | 1,561 | - | - | 1,561 | 1,721 | |
| 2363 - Publicity | 401 | - | - | 401 | 245 | |
| 2365 - Other Expenses | 6,308 | 6,753 | 3,521 | 16,582 | 12,141 | |
| 2370 - Outreach - First Steps | 361 | - | - | 361 | 139 | |
| 2371 - Outreach - Oldr Prsns Wrkr / Yng at Hrt | 624 | - | - | 624 | 110 | |
| 2376 - CK Ongoing Exp | 1,217 | - | - | 1,217 | 1,168 | |
| 2379 - Leadership Team Exp Worship | 118 | - | - | 118 | 260 | |
| 2401 - Church Utility - Electric | 5,389 | - | - | 5,389 | 6,269 | |
| 2410 - Church Utility - Gas | 10,137 | - | - | 10,137 | 9,409 | |
| 2420 - Church Utility - Water | 460 | - | - | 460 | 429 | |
| 2450 - AV / PA System Expenses | 566 | - | - | 566 | 1,717 | |
| 2501 - General Depreciation | 12,220 | 4,046 | - | 16,266 | 16,558 | |
| 2502 - Restricted Depreciation | - | - | 1,201 | 1,201 | 1,244 | |
| 2561 - Waste Contract | 1,049 | - | - | 1,049 | 953 | |
| 2841 - Darren Close Costs | 114 | - | - | 114 | 2,211 | |
| Charitable activities Totals | 380,206 | 11,225 | 9,445 | 400,876 | 371,411 | |
| Governance costs | ||||||
| 2601 - Governance Costs & Audit Fee | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2602 - Governance Costs (Bank Charges) | 347 | - | 60 | 407 | 293 | |
| Governance costs Totals | 347 | - | 60 | 407 | 293 | |
| Resources used Grand totals | 380,553 | 11,225 | 9,505 | 401,283 | 371,704 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 8 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
4. Analysis of Fund Movements
Crofton PCC Fund movement summary Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Fund balances Incoming Outgoing Gains and Fund balances
Fund Transfers Journal Entries
brought forward Resources Resources Losses Carried forward
AV - Audio Visual Fund 825 - - - - - 825
AVIT - AV & IT 3,564 210 - - - - 3,774
BRN - Bible Reading Notes - End of Year 56 144 138 - - - 62
Cr2020 - Community Mission Fund 12,049 - - (10,000) - - 2,049
FArest - Fixed Asset Restricted Fund 28,178 - 1,201 - - - 26,977
Flower - Flower Fund - End Of Year 537 - - - - - 537
FOCOC - FOCOC - End of Year 438,032 13,396 5,862 - (3,765) - 441,801
GDHARD - Gift Day 2022 Hardship 3,815 - 600 - - - 3,215
GDSTAFF - Gift Day 2022 Staffing 6,194 - - (3,084) - - 3,110
Heat - Church Heating Fund - - - 10,000 - - 10,000
HigginsWil - St Edmund's Upkeep Legacy Higgins Wilson 12,489 - 2,304 - - - 10,185
HRR - Church Gable Reserve Fund 2,681 - - - - - 2,681
LED - LED Lighting 145 - - - - - 145
MensShed - Mens Shed 36,499 13,764 10,400 - - - 39,862
OPEN - OPEN 4,961 - - - - - 4,961
Organ - Organ Fund 11,951 408 - - - - 12,358
SnrWkr - Seniors Worker 4,543 - - - - - 4,543
StaffWell - Staff Wellbeing 5,763 - 224 - - - 5,539
General - General fund 562,516 344,877 380,553 3,084 - - 529,924
Totals 1,134,798 372,799 401,283 - (3,765) - 1,102,548
----- End of picture text -----
including agency fund, total is shown below:
Total Above £1,102,548 Agency Collection & Other £ 1,683[1] TOTAL balance sheet £1,104,231
1 Rounded value – note that agency collection movements in the table above should be ignored as they are incorrectly included in the report by the accounting software. The total fund balance above needs to be adjusted by the Agency collection and other value, which was £1,683 at the end of 2025, and which is shown on page 4. This value represents the total of agency balances within nominals 6501 and on 6699, plus other minor fund adjustments. Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 9 of 20
PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
5. Employees
Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 Number |
2024 Number |
|
|---|---|---|
| Parish Manager | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Child and Youth Team Leader | 0.1 |
1.0 |
| Total | 1.1 | 2.0 |
In addition to the above, the PCC used Gift Day 2022 resources to fund a part time role for the Young at Heart Coordinator (c.0.1 FTE in total). A part time administrator role also started at the very end of 2025.
Staff Costs
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 37,001 | 56,835 |
| Social security costs | - | - |
| Other pension costs | 954 | 1,718 |
| Total | 37,955 | 58,553 |
| YAH* | 3,084 | 3,152 |
| TOTAL | 41,039 | 61,705 |
- using designated funds from the 2022 Gift Day for Young at Heart Co-ordinator role, and in 2024, Comms and Worship roles
There were no employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more.
The staff numbers reflect the number of people employed and not the hours they work.
There was one full time employee in 2025.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
6. Tangible fixed assets for use by the PCC
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions At 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year At 31 December 2025 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2025 |
Land and Men’s Equipment Fixtures & TOTAL Buildings Shed Fittings 540,010 28,240 51,630 94,369 714,249 - 11,980 - - 11,980 |
|---|---|
540,010 40,220 51,630 94,369 726,229 51,429 2,824 45,764 85,472 185,489 10,800 4,046 1,281 1,340 17,467 62,229 6,870 47,045 86,812 202,956 488,581 25,416 5,866 8,897 528,760 477,781 33,350 4,585 7,557 523,273 |
7. Fixed asset investments for use by the PCC
CBF Investment Fund
Value at 1[st] January 2025 Increase in market value Reduction in market value Value at 31[st] December 2025
£322,548
£ -
(£3,765) £318,783
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
8. Debtors and Prepayments
| Deposit paid for rainwater goods (guttering) Deposits for staff training and income received in arrears Income tax (Gift aid) recoverable (incl. Parish Giving Scheme) TOTAL 9. Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Charitable giving Agency accounts Accruals and deferred income TOTAL |
2025 £ - 757 10,878 11,635 2025 £ 20,000 (1,211) 7.558 26,347 |
2024 £ 11,471 1,473 6,583 19,527 2024 £ 20,000 (775) 7,653 26,878 |
|---|---|---|
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Fund
Crofton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025
| As at: 31 | December 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous | ||||
| Balance | ||||
| balance | ||||
| Investments | ||||
| 6461: CBF Investment Fund | ||||
| FOCOC - End of Year | Restricted | 318,783 | 322,548 | |
| Investments | 318,783 | 322,548 | ||
| Tangible Assets | ||||
| 6430: Freehold Property Cost b/f | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | 50,010 | 50,010 | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 490,000 | 490,000 | |
| 540,010 | 540,010 | |||
| 6434: Freehold Property Depreciation b/f | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (23,029) | (22,029) | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (39,200) | (29,400) | |
| (62,229) | (51,429) | |||
| 6440: Equipment Cost b/f | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | 25,761 | 25,761 | |
| Mens Shed | Designated | 28,240 | - | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 39,085 | 39,085 | |
| 93,086 | 64,846 | |||
| 6441: Equipment Additions | ||||
| Audio Visual Fund | Restricted | 825 | 825 | |
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (825) | (825) | |
| Mens Shed | Designated | 9,816 | 28,240 | |
| 9,816 | 28,240 | |||
| 6442: Equipment Disposals | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (12,147) | (12,147) | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (1,069) | (1,069) | |
| (13,216) | (13,216) | |||
| 6444: Equipment Depreciation b/f | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (23,205) | (23,133) | |
| Mens Shed | Designated | (2,824) | - | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (33,453) | (30,923) | |
| (59,481) | (54,055) | |||
| 6445: Equipment Depreciation in year | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (57) | (72) | |
| Mens Shed | Designated | (3,806) | (2,824) | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (1,224) | (2,530) | |
| (5,087) | (5,426) | |||
| 6446: Equipment Depreciation Disposal | ||||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | 9,877 | 9,877 | |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 1,017 | 1,017 | |
| 10,893 | 10,893 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Fund (contd)
Crofton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Previous
Balance
balance
----- End of picture text -----
| 6450: Fixtures & Fittings Cost b/f | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | 46,479 | 46,479 |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 51,444 | 33,282 |
| 97,923 | 79,761 | ||
| 6451: Fixtures and Fittings Additions | |||
| Mens Shed | Designated | 2,165 | - |
| General fund | Unrestricted | - | 18,162 |
| 2,165 | 18,162 | ||
| 6452: Fixtures and Fittings Disposals | |||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (2,544) | (2,544) |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (1,010) | (1,010) |
| (3,554) | (3,554) | ||
| 6454: Fixtures & Fittings Depreciation b/f | |||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (44,743) | (44,571) |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (43,330) | (41,926) |
| (88,073) | (86,497) | ||
| 6455: Fixtures and Fittings Depreciation in yr | |||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | (144) | (172) |
| Mens Shed | Designated | (241) | - |
| General fund | Unrestricted | (1,196) | (1,404) |
| (1,581) | (1,576) | ||
| 6456: Fixtures and Fittings Deprec'n Disposals | |||
| Fixed Asset Restricted Fund | Restricted | 1,770 | 1,770 |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 831 | 831 |
| 2,601 | 2,601 | ||
| Tangible Assets | 523,273 | 528,760 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON
STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Fund (contd)
Crofton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Previous
Balance
balance
----- End of picture text -----
| Cash At Bank And In Hand | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6501: CAF Bank Crofton PCC | |||
| AV & IT | Designated | 3,774 | 3,564 |
| Flower Fund - End Of Year | Restricted | 537 | 537 |
| Church Gable Reserve Fund | Restricted | 2,681 | 2,681 |
| LED Lighting | Designated | 145 | 145 |
| Men of GOD Ministry | Designated | (40) | (40) |
| Organ Fund | Restricted | 11,211 | 10,851 |
| Staff Wellbeing | Designated | 5,539 | 5,763 |
| Youthwork Fund | Restricted | 280 | 280 |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 21,161 | 23,709 |
| Agency collection | Restricted | (410) | 26 |
| 44,877 | 47,516 | ||
| 6503: CBF General Fund | |||
| Community Mission Fund | Designated | 2,049 | 12,049 |
| Gift Day 2022 Hardship | Designated | 3,215 | 3,815 |
| Gift Day 2022 Staffing | Designated | 3,110 | 6,194 |
| Church Heating Fund | Designated | 10,000 | - |
| St Edmund's Upkeep Legacy Higgins Wilson | Restricted | 10,185 | 12,489 |
| OPEN | Designated | 4,961 | 4,961 |
| Seniors Worker | Designated | 4,543 | 4,543 |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 59,064 | 48,871 |
| 97,127 | 92,921 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Fund (cont’d)
Crofton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Previous
Balance
balance
----- End of picture text -----
| Cash At Bank And In Hand | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6505: FOCOC CAF | |||
| FOCOC - End of Year | Restricted | 63,339 | 58,920 |
| 63,339 | 58,920 | ||
| 6506: CBF Organ Fund | |||
| Organ Fund | Restricted | 1,102 | 1,054 |
| 1,102 | 1,054 | ||
| 6509: FOCOC CBF | |||
| FOCOC - End of Year | Restricted | 58,613 | 56,075 |
| 58,613 | 56,075 | ||
| 6511: Bible Reading | |||
| Bible Reading Notes - End of Year | Restricted | 62 | 56 |
| 62 | 56 | ||
| 6513: Charity Bank | |||
| General fund | Unrestricted | 4,946 | 24,752 |
| 4,946 | 24,752 | ||
| 6516: Mens Shed | |||
| Mens Shed | Designated | 6,512 | 11,083 |
| 6,512 | 11,083 | ||
| 6590: CASH - Crofton PCC | |||
| General fund | Unrestricted | 90 | 90 |
| 90 | 90 | ||
| 6591: FoCOC CASH A/c | |||
| FOCOC - End of Year | Restricted | 220 | 57 |
| 220 | 57 | ||
| Cash At Bank And In Hand | 276,889 | 292,526 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Fund (contd)
Crofton PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Previous
Balance
balance
----- End of picture text -----
| Balance | Previous balance |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debtors | |||
| 6480: Debtor - Gift Aid & Other | |||
| FOCOC - End of Year | Restricted | 846 | 433 |
| Organ Fund | Restricted | 45 | 45 |
| General fund | Unrestricted | 10,743 | 19,049 |
| 11,635 | 19,527 | ||
| Debtors | 11,635 | 19,527 | |
| Agency Accounts | |||
| 6699: Agency collections | |||
| General fund | Unrestricted | (13) | (13) |
| Agency collection | Restricted | (1,198) | (762) |
| (1,211) | (775) | ||
| Agency Accounts | (1,211) | (775) | |
| Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year | |||
| 6690: Charitable Giving Provision | |||
| General fund | Unrestricted | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| 20,000 | 20,000 | ||
| 6695: Accruals Other | |||
| General fund | Unrestricted | 7,558 | 7,653 |
| 7,558 | 7,653 | ||
| Creditors: Amounts | Falling Due In One Year | 27,558 | 27,653 |
| Grand Total | 1,104,231 | 1,136,481 |
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
11. Breakdown of Cash and Bank Accounts by Fund Type at December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total
6501 : CAF Bank Crofton PCC 30,578 14,299 44,877
6505 : FOCOC CAF - 63,339 63,339
6511 : Bible Reading Bank Account - 62 62
6513 : Charity Bank 4,946 - 4,946
6516 : Men's Shed 6,512 - 6,512
6590 : CASH - Crofton PCC 90 - 90
6591 : FoCOC CASH A/c - 220 220
TOTAL Current Accounts and Cash 42,127 77,920 120,047
6503 : CBF General Fund 86,943 10,184 97,127
6506 : CBF Organ Fund - 1,102 1,102
6509 : CBF FOCOC - 58,613 58,613
Total Deposit Accounts 86,943 69,899 156,842
Total Bank and Cash in hand 129,070 147,819 276,889
Memo:
-
6461 : CBF Investment Fund (FOCOC) 318,783 318,783
Grand Total Including Investments 129,070 466,602 595,671
----- End of picture text -----
Balance as at 31/12/24 was £615,074. Cash and investment value has reduced by £19,403.
Of the c. £129,000 unrestricted balance, £42,000 relates to designated funds, with £87,000 of funds remaining for general purposes.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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PCC OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CROFTON STUBBINGTON
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Financial Summary
General Fund reserves maintained, designated funds used to complete major projects
During 2025 the level of cash reserves on our general fund (the key measure that the PCC monitors very closely) remained the same as the previous year, at £87k. Income grew by around 3% compared to 2024, and costs were slightly (2%) lower. The reduction in cost reflected savings from staff vacancies, partially offset by higher parish share and higher maintenance costs than the previous year. The PCC was pleased that the general fund balance could be maintained.
During 2025 we continued to spend our designated reserves, including legacies. The main area of expenditure was £34,000 (net of VAT which was reclaimed) on the guttering project (this was in addition to £13,000 spent in 2024). This was funded by a combination of using the remaining Langworthy legacy, raising some grant income, and a very generous response of our congregation to the ‘Save Our Gutters’ campaign. We also spent £11,000 (net of VAT reclaimed) to complete the LED lighting project, funded mainly by grant income. In addition, £3,000 of the £19,000 that was received in response to the 2022 Gift Day was spent to fund the part time Young at Heart coordinator role.
The Men’s Shed initiative, which is also designated PCC activity, started the year with £11,000 of reserves. Nearly £14,000 of new income was raised, including a £9,800 grant from the national lottery, and £18,000 of cost was incurred, mainly to pay for remaining groundworks, electricity, flooring and other expenditure. This leaves the cash balance on the Men’s shed reserve at just under £7,000.
At the end of 2025, the PCC agreed that £10,000 of our funds should be designated to be used towards a new church heating project. In total, the cash reserve balance on the general fund, including designated funds, now stands at £129,000. This includes the following designated cash balances (rounded): £10,000 for church heating, £2,000 for community mission activities, £4,000 for seniors’ ministry, £3,000 for AV and IT equipment, £5,000 for staff wellbeing, £5,000 for our OPEN ministry (or similar activities), £6,000 from the 2022 Gift Day, £7,000 for the Men’s Shed initiative. The remaining cash balance of £87,000 (which remained at the same level as the previous year) represents just over 3 months of expenditure and meets the level that we target in our reserves policy (see below).
Looking ahead to 2026, our plan is to retain c. £80,000 in our general fund at the end of the year, but this will require a c. 10% increase in income as result of higher costs – mainly a £9k increase in parish share and a rise in the cost of staffing (which was much lower than normal in 2025 due to vacancies). We trust that the level of income from new joiners to our parish, from one off donations, and from giving from existing members will grow slightly. It may be necessary to run a Gift Day at the end of the year.
Total position including restricted funds
Our total cash fund balance, including restricted funds, reduced by £19,000 the year. General funds (including those designated for specific purposes) reduced by £20,000 (due mainly to costs associated with the guttering project which was partly funded by using the remaining legacy balance of £13,000, as well as a £5,000 reduction in the Men’s shed reserves), whilst restricted funds grew by £1,000. The £1,000 increase in the restricted cash balance was mainly due to a small increase in FOCOC funds, despite a £4,000 reduction in the value of the FOCOC Annie [Nancy] Price investment fund (this now has a value of just under £319,000, which is significantly higher than the £144,000 initial donation in 2016).
In total, our accounting income in 2025 was £373,000. This is £10,000 higher than in 2024, mainly due to increases in regular income, additional grant income and growth of hall hire, as well as amounts raised for the Save our Gutters campaign, partially offset by not having a Gift Day, which took place in 2024. Total accounting costs in 2025 were £401,000, which was £29,000 higher than in 2024. This increase mainly reflects additional costs associated with the guttering project. In total this meant that we had a £28,000 accounting deficit in 2025 for both general and restricted activities combined, including non-cash movements such as depreciation and provisions. Once the £4,000 negative revaluation in our restricted investment is added, this results in a £32,000 overall reduction in funds.
Legacy Policy
The PCC has a policy to use legacies for specific projects and not to ‘lose’ them in general funds. The legacies we receive are hugely helpful to the parish and we hope that more parishioners will consider leaving a legacy in the coming years.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
Page 19 of 20
Reserves Policy
In 2011 the PCC agreed that three months’ running costs should be retained as reserves. As our costs for day-to-day activities, excluding projects, are typically around £320,000 each year, this means that approximately £80,000 should be held in reserve. As described above, excluding legacies and amounts earmarked for specific initiatives (e.g. church heating, seniors, AV and IT, staff wellbeing), our remaining general fund cash balance at the end of 2025, which is £87,000, meets this policy.
As is often the case, the PCC recognise that it may be necessary, during 2026, to use some of our designated funds to support general reserves, in order to maintain this level of provision, but we hope that increases in giving and other income growth will mean this is not necessary. The PCC carefully and regularly monitor reserves and we aim to strike the right balance between being good stewards of the resources we have, but also being generous supporters of the work that God is doing in our parish.
Crofton Parish PCC - 2025 Annual Accounts
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