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2023-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

REFERENCE

The charity is called the Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge, also known as St James’ Church, Rowledge, and is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

Registered Charity Number 1128612 Registered address St James’ Church Office Church Lane Rowledge Farnham GU10 4EN

THE TRUSTEES

PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2023 Clergy Revd Russell Gant, Vicar (until October 2023) Revd Dr Russ Parker (ex officio) Associate Minister Churchwardens Karen Fewster Clive Jourdain Elected members Andrew Fewster (Treasurer) Joanna Chipperfield Jan Clark Jonathan Doland Samantha Goolding Peter Ivermee Judith Scott Ian Webb Anne Vine Tony Carpenter (to May ‘23) Russell Chipperfield (to May ‘23) Brian Capper (resigned May ‘23) Elaine Andrews (resigned May ‘23) Co-opted members Tony Carpenter (from September ‘23) Russell Chipperfield (from September ‘23) Adele Regan, Youth and Children’s Minister (resigned September ‘23) Other office holders Rebecca Porter - Safeguarding Officer David Pennington - Electoral Roll Officer Samantha Goolding - DBS Validator Amber Delves - Manager Little Fishes Nursery Karen Fewster - Deanery Synod Representative Bankers National Westminster Bank Independent Examiner Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

The trustees present their annual report with financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102.

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (registration no.1128612).

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, ecumenical and social, throughout the ecclesiastical parish.

The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the church buildings adjacent to the church, and the operation of Little Fishes’ Nursery in those buildings.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (including statement of Public Benefit)

The church was established in the village of Rowledge in 1869 and generations of Rowledge families lie in the adjacent graveyard.

Our services and activities put faith into practice and allow ordinary people to live out their faith as part of a strong community through worship and prayer.

Pastoral care is a strong part of our mission and outreach. We have a passion for youth and have invested heavily in youth and children’s work. We are also mindful of the needs of older residents in the parish, especially those who are infirm or lonely. We have created a pastoral visiting group, Parish Friends, who visit older residents.

Our vision is for a whole community where relationships are transformed by God – up, in and out (see below).

Charity’s plans for the future

The church introduced a new vision and mission a few years ago:

(see over)

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

With the arrival of a new incumbent due in Spring 2024, we will be reviewing our plans for the next exciting phase in our church journey.

The trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the public benefit requirements under the Charities Act 2011.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE, RECRUITMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge is a charity organisation registered with the Charity Commission. The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England.

The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.

The membership of the PCC at St James’ consists of clergy, churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who regularly attend church are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and are then eligible to stand for election to the PCC. PCC members are elected for a 3 year period.

The PCC members are trustees and as such are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including financial.

Trustee meetings are held 5 or 6 times a year including an Annual Parochial Church meeting in May when new trustees are elected.

MEETING ATTENDANCE AND STATISTICS

PCC meetings and committees

The full PCC met on 5 occasions in 2023. Average attendance was 76%. There were no meetings of the Standing Committee. The Annual meeting was held in May.

Church attendance

Attendance in church on Sundays has shown healthy growth at both services with new people having joined us throughout the year.

Youth attendance in church has dropped during the year but attendance at #hungry was consistently high until the Youth and Children Minister left in September. A small core of the younger youth has continued to meet on a Wednesday evening.

Year October
Attendance
(Sunday services)
9.15am 10.45am Total average online
Under 16 16+ Under 16 16+
2021 0 21 4 30 55 116
2022 0 19 11 54 84 125
2023 0 28 8 39 73 150

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Christmas and Easter attendance

Christmas and Easter attendance
Under 16 16+
Holy communion 9.15am 24/12 0 23
Family carol service 6pm 24/12 33 81
Midnight communion 11pm 24/12 0 55
Christmas Day 11 58
Total 44 217

Baptisms

There were 6 baptisms in 2023 compared with 8 in 2022.

Weddings

There were 4 weddings in 2023 compared with 8 in 2022.

Funerals

There were 7 funerals in 2023 compared to 13 funerals in 2022 and 8 services at crematoria.

Electoral Roll

The electoral roll will be reviewed in May 2024 in readiness for APCM. In May 2023 the roll stood at 165.

VICAR’S REPORT

At the time of the preparation of this report, the Parish was in vacancy, without a Vicar. The report of the activities of the church are covered in the Churchwardens’ report below.

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

WORSHIP AND PASTORAL

During 2023 we had the continued pleasure of welcoming new faces to St James’ as well as the sadness of farewells to our church leaders in the latter half of the year.

Our new AV system went fully live, streaming the 10.45 services and providing music for the 9.15 common worship services. Online Wednesday morning prayers continued on Zoom.

Our great friend and supporter Archdeacon Paul Davies visited us and found all to be in order. It was a joy to celebrate with him the news of how God is moving in our parish.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Worshipping at Waverley Abbey with other church groups on a Sunday afternoon in July ended in a defeat for St James’ in a tug of war, but was a joyful day in a beautiful setting. September saw Adele and Matt Regan’s final service at St James’ with the celebration of both five years amazing work with our youth, together with the beginning of Matt’s journey to ordination.

October saw the celebration of thanks for Revd Russ and Jenny Gant’s seven years of service to the Rowledge community and their departure to Southwold.

November saw Clare Marren move on in her journey to ordination. We are most grateful for the time she spent with us.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Archdeacon of Surrey, now Bishop of Dorking, Paul, for his tremendous support and proactive approach in the process of seeking a new incumbent, which reduced considerably the usual expected time frame. Our new Vicar starts his ministry at St James’ on 24[th] April 2024.

On the social side, ‘Cod and carols’ was a great success in December, plus bring and share lunches throughout the year, a volunteers’ social, welcome teas for new members of our church family and a very successful fundraising lunch, all of which brought us together as a church family.

We would like to thank everyone for willingly playing such an active part in all the various roles so important to running our church community. Many have volunteered and mastered vital work outside their comfort zones.

Finally, on behalf of all of us, an enormous thank you to Revd Russ Parker for leading our communal worship each week during the period of vacancy. We so appreciate his wisdom, good humour and presence, that gave us stability and continuity in uncertain times.

DEANERY SYNOD

Farnham Deanery Synod met twice in 2023, at St Luke’s Church, Grayshott and at St Peter’s Church, Wrecclesham. Both meetings started with a short act of worship and a reflection from the incumbent on the context of ministry in the parish.

The meeting in Grayshott was the first of the new synod following the triennial elections at the various Annual Parochial Church Meetings (APCMs). The Area Dean (Revd Richard Bodle) welcomed all members and introduced the Deanery Leadership Team (DLT), responsible for assisting the Area Dean and Lay Chair in the running of the Deanery.

After some housekeeping items, the Lay Chair gave a report on the Diocesan Synod in March. The most important topic had been the implementation of a new vocations training programme, which increases the range of options available to the laity.

The Area Dean provided an update on the vacancies in Churt and Tilford. In small groups the meeting discussed the Parish Needs Process (PNP).

The Wrecclesham meeting opened with a request for members to consider volunteering for the vacant appointments of Lay Chair and Treasurer, and the imminently vacant

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

appointment of Secretary. The recently retired Lay Chair updated the meeting with details of the Diocesan Synod in June, where the main item for discussion had been finance. The accounts for 2022 had shown strong recovery in parish finances in the aftermath of the pandemic and, commended by the auditors, tight control of Diocesan expenditure, which had resulted in a small surplus at year end. This had enabled Church House to assist parishes through a contribution towards increased energy bills. The draft budget for 2024 included increases of 3.5% for stipends and salaries and 3% for Parish Share.

The Area Dean then provided an update on the vacancies in Churt and Tilford (previously notified), Rowledge (imminent) and Badshot Lea & Hale (forthcoming). Discussion on the PNP noted that dates for a review in 2025 were already being arranged, but progress may be affected by the departures of Revd Richard Lloyd (Mission Enabler Team) and the Archdeacon of Surrey .

Mr Malcolm Carter from 3 Counties Money Advice in Haslemere, talked about the challenges of the ‘cost of living crisis’ and the help available through his faith-based charity at Hasleway Community Centre, and similar agencies, for example Farnham Frontline at Bethel Baptist Church and the Vineyard Centre. In small groups, the Synod discussed the challenges in their local context and their responses to the crisis, before reporting back in full session. Area Dean, Revd. Richard Bodle

BUILDING FABRIC REPORT

The new AV system went live in May and has greatly enhanced our streaming offering. It is now operating well after several teething problems, mainly due to operator inexperience

The Quinquennial inspection was carried out in October. In summary it stated “the list of matters where attention is recommended is short and no major expenditure is to be expected”.

Little Fishes fencing has been reworked by volunteers to address safeguarding concerns.

25a Broad halfpenny has been totally refurbished by volunteers and a new kitchen installed.

With much of the work undertaken by volunteers, costs were kept to a minimum. A Hive thermostat control system has been installed in both Church and Church Centre, making heating control simpler and more responsive.

The amplifier for the T-loop for hearing aids has been replaced and an additional monitor installed in the church room to allow streaming of services/events where extra capacity is required.

The lease on our printer/copier has expired and the decision was taken to apply for a grant to purchase outright a printer/copier and print the Rowledge Review off-site. This will significantly reduce our exposure to ongoing fixed costs.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

There have been three safeguarding concerns reported since the last Annual Report relating to children or vulnerable adults within the church. All concerns have been recorded and reported. These include concern about a family needing support who are involved in Little Fishes nursery. All were reported and advice actioned.

During the interregnum, there appears to have been less recruitment of volunteers, however as things pick up, PCC will continue to adopt and adhere to the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy. All those working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults will need to be recruited, checked and trained according to the policy. The policy was followed for all other recruitment. Timing of refresher training is monitored to ensure that all staff and volunteers are up to date.

Revd Russ Gant conducted a full handover with our Safeguarding Officer and a handover meeting with the new Vicar, Revd Dr Steve Green scheduled after his arrival in the parish. This will include noting any training that volunteers may need in due course.

The risks this year associated with Covid 19 have lowered and there has been no need for any further action.

LIFE GROUPS

During 2023, between 80 and 90 people attended one of the St James’ Life Groups.

Neither membership nor venues are static and we report on activities in 2023.

Each Group has a Facilitator appointed by the Vicar who oversees activities, but is not expected to lead each meeting. Whenever possible, the host and the Facilitator are not the same person, so that responsibility for the Group is spread around.

(A) The Monday Group meets fortnightly in the evenings.

B) The Alpha-Betical Life Group also meets fortnightly on Monday evenings.

It was founded from some of the attendees of the 2023 Alpha Course, with the encouragement of the vicar.

(C) The Tuesday Group, now the Anchor Fellowship, is the longest standing of the Life Groups, meeting fortnightly on a Tuesday evening, usually once a month in Rowledge and once a month in Tilford.

It also started from a St James’ Alpha Course which was held 20 years ago.

It is ecumenical, with members from a variety of churches, including Frensham and Tilford as well as Rowledge. Members ages currently range from 91 to 4.

(D) A new group started in September, meeting monthly on Tuesday evenings in Batts Corner.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

(E) On Wednesday mornings, many people find it helpful and supportive to join Morning Prayers on Zoom for about half an hour. In 2023 people were encouraged to join from their work-place, as well as from home.

The meeting is led by members of the preaching team and includes brief liturgy followed by a Bible passage.

(F) During the autumn of 2023, the "Noon to 2" Ladies Group met on Thursday lunchtimes.

The attendance was not as great as had been anticipated and meetings were suspended after Christmas. The Group may reconvene in Summer 24, with warmer weather hopefully encouraging older members of the congregation to attend.

(G) The Men's Group continues to meet monthly on Thursday evenings.

Men from St James’ congregation are joined by a few former members to produce a lively atmosphere.

YOUTH AND CHILDRENS’ MINISTRY

Our Youth Minister, Adele Regan, left St James’ Church in September 2023.

We are awaiting the arrival of the new Vicar before appointing a replacement.

Therefore, the various young people’s activities were undertaken by volunteers.

#hungry- Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm, school years 7-13

hungry has been running for 5 yrs. Since our Youth Minister left, numbers have been steady with between 8 – 12 young people attending each week. It has become a safe space where all teenagers can voice their opinions on issues and grow in their relationship with God and one another.

We have encouraged the young people to be involved in occasional church services, such as Revd Russ Gant’s leaving service on 15[th] October.

Thirsty- Thursday 6:30-7:30pm, school years 5 & 6

This was a relatively new group set up in early 2023. Unfortunately, following the departure of the Youth Minister and three members moving up into #hungry, the remaining membership was not sustainable, so this has ceased running. Once a new Youth Minister is employed, hopefully this will start up again.

Spree- Residential 23-25th June 2023 (Westpoint, Exeter)

Our annual residential, Spree, is a camp for young people aged 8-17 and was an amazing place of fun, growing and worship. The camp had around 2,000 young people and leaders and was run by South West Youth Ministries. We took a total of 14 young people from both Thirsty and #hungry.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

LITTLE FISHES NURSERY SCHOOL

Little Fishes continues to offer nurturing childcare and high-quality early education to children aged between 2 and 4 years old. The nursery is run with a distinctively Christian ethos.

The nursery currently has 43 children on roll, from various backgrounds and includes children with SEN, disadvantaged children, looked-after and bilingual children.

We enjoy strong parental support and engagement, and this means word of mouth is our best advertisement, most of our sessions are full and some have a waiting list.

The curriculum is supported by local parents and members of the community, volunteering time and resources. Fundraising support has been particularly strong this year, as we have raised funds for a new fence and to develop our outside area.

PASTORAL CARE

The Pastoral care team was set up to give pastoral support to the more vulnerable and elderly members of our Church and with the aim of helping the whole community once established. It includes members from both our Church and Rowledge Methodist Church.

Revd. Russell Gant asked Clare Marren (ordinand in training) to head up the group as part of her training. After the departure of both Revd Russell Gant and Clare, and with the requirements that those who visit others be DBS registered and attend several Diocesan courses, we have not been as active as we would have wished. But at least 8 parishioners have been regularly visited and home communion has been taken to those no longer able to attend Church.

We are still at a relatively early stage of development, but when Revd Dr. Steve Green arrives, we hope to be able to provide a more comprehensive service, to cover more age groups and the wider community.

COFFEE MUG COMMUNITY CAFÉ

The Coffee Mug Community Café at the Church Centre first opened its doors in February 2022. This was set up as a community venture after Covid, to try and get more people together again.

With a team of volunteers from across the Community, coffee and cake is served between 10 and 12 noon on the second Saturday of each month.

There is no charge for the coffee and cake - all we ask is, that if visitors are able to, that they donate to the month’s chosen charity.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Since that first February morning, we have raised over £8,500 for charities including DEC Ukraine, Samaritans, Christian Aid, Homestart Hampshire, Slupsk, Foodbank, Farnham Assist, Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, MND Association, MIND, Parkinson’s UK, Grassroots, The Fountain Centre, Air Ambulance, British Legion, Great Ormond Street, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, Prostate Cancer UK, Peaceful Heart by Network and St James’ Church.

Last June we also trialled our first Produce Show which proved very successful. It has been decided to make this an annual event every July.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The trustees acknowledge their responsibility to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

TREASURER’S REPORT

2023 was an exceptional year in financial terms. This was very unexpected as the year started with a General Fund budget anticipating a deficit of £35k - but the eventual result at the end of 2023 was a £38k surplus. Furthermore, a £20k grant was received into the AV & IT Fund which enabled the completion of the new church Audio-Visual and streaming project.

Total Income for all Funds was £344,374, an increase of £82,994 (32%) compared with 2022, whilst Total Expenditure was £309,267, an £18,189 (6%) increase. This resulted in a £35,107 surplus total for all Funds – compared with the £29,697 deficit in 2022. These excellent results were primarily brought about by approximately £55k of unexpected one-off income into the General Fund. £26k of this was from a very generous donation which was followed by a challenge from the giver for the congregation to match it – a challenge which was more than achieved.

The PCC’s Little Fishes preschool deserves a mention here for a very strong financial improvement, with income rising by £28k (10%) and their contribution to the PCC surplus rising from near zero in 2022 to £14k (albeit without any rent or utilities costs being levied by the Church).

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

The PCC has no funds in equities or bonds. All surplus cash is held in CCLA Church of England short term deposit accounts, which earn a variable interest rate.

RESERVES

The policy of the PCC is to hold sufficient unrestricted liquid funds to ensure that costs for the following six months can be paid, to have a reserve for major church fabric repairs, and a reserve for redecoration of the vicarage.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

The level of unrestricted net current assets/liabilities (£136,451) at the end of 2023 was 96% of six month’s General Fund 2023 expenditure (£142,796), so this target was only narrowly missed.

During 2023 total reserves increased from £237,892 to £272,999.

Of this £272,999, just £472 was in restricted funds (AV & IT) and £136,076 reflected in the book value of the house (25 Broad Ha’penny) which primary function is to provide accommodation for the Children and Youth Minister, though that position and the house were vacant at the end of 2023.

Andrew Fewster

19/05/2024

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge ('the charity') for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

Emphasis of matter

During the examination, it was observed that the Church had made a material investment in new audio and visual equipment. This equipment satisfied the criteria for asset recognition as stipulated in the organization's fixed asset accounting policies and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidance concerning new fixed asset acquisitions. However, contrary to the policy, the equipment items were not capitalized during the year but were expensed in the year of purchase, as detailed in note 3 of the accounts, instead of being listed on the balance sheet. [nga Le a Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA Date: 09/07/2024 Independent Examiner 125 Main Street Garforth Leeds LS25 1AF

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

FINANCIAL REPORT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Fund type:
Note no.
INCOME
Voluntary income
2a
Fundraising income
2b
Church activities
2c
Other Charitable Income(Pre-sch. & mag.)
2d
Income from investments
2e
Total Income
EXPENDITURE
Church activities
3a
Fundraising costs
3b
Other Charitable costs(Pre-sch. & mag.)
3c
Total Expenditure
NET INCOME/(EXP.)before investment gains
NET GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
10
Opening Balance
Transfers between fund types
Movement
Closing Balance
2023 2023 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total

All values are shown as as the underlying accurate ££.pp value rounded to the nearest £1.

Totals may therefore appear not to add up exactly because of the rounding.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Fund type: 2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
~~i~~
Note no. £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible 5 136,076 - 136,076 136,076
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and Prepayments 6 1,749 - 1,749 1,238
Short term deposits 121,262 - 121,262 78,738
Cash at bank and in hand 21,084 472 21,556 29,168
144,095 472 144,566 109,145
LIABILITIES
Creditors:amounts falling due <1 yr 7a 3,330 - 3,330 4,573
Deferred Income 7b 4,314 - 4,314 2,756
7,644 - 7,644 7,329
NET CURRENT ASSETS/LIABILITIES 136,451 472 136,923 101,815
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURR. LIABS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURR. LIABS 272,527 472 272,999 237,892
Creditors:amounts falling due after one year amounts falling due after one year - - - -
TOTAL NET ASSETS 272,527 472 272,999 237,892
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted
Church Fabric Sinking Fund 10,000 - 10,000 10,000
Little Fishes Solvency Fund 56,906 - 56,906 49,827
Vicarage Redecoration Fund 3,000 - 3,000 3,000
R Harvey Organ Fund 26,414 - 26,414 25,197
Vicar's Discretionary Fund (2) - - - 688
House Reserve 136,076 - 136,076 136,076
General Fund 40,131 - 40,131 10,144
Total Unrestricted 272,527 - 272,527 234,933
Restricted
Various Purposes Restr (prev.Bursary) Fund - - - -
AV & IT Fund - 472 472 2,959
Total Restricted - 472 472 2,959
TOTAL RESERVES 272,527 472 272,999 237,892

Directors' Responsibilities

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue :

Name of Trustee: Andrew Fewster
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Date of approval: 19/05/2024

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note no.

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP 2019 FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

As a consequence, the costs of the Audio-Visual system upgrade, being an upgrade to equipment fixed to a consecrated building, were expensed in the year of purchase rather than capitalised.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have set aside resources for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or the terms of a specific appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is probable that the resources will be received, and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.

• All voluntary income from members of the church are recognised as donations and are included in full, with associated Gift Aid receivable in the Statement of Financial Activities.

• Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

• Incoming resources from charitable trading activities are recognised when invoices are issued.

• Volunteer time - the value of voluntary support for the work of the church is not included in he accounts but is described in the Trustees annual report. The Church benefits greatly from the voluntary contributions of time and money by its formal members and regular attendees.

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Magazine advertising income received that relates to a future year is deferred. So for example 25% of the value of an invoice for 12 months of adverts starting 1 April is deferred to the following year.

Preschool deposit income received is deferred until contracturally returnable. This policy has changed recently in line with local authority or Early Years policy guidance: deposits for a future preschool place received during 2022 were returned when the child started, but deposits received in 2023 will be returned during the child's final term. This policy change caused the total deferred deposit income to be much higher at end-2023 than at end-2022.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Tangible fixed assets

All assets costing more than £2,000 that are not fixed to a consecrated building are capitalised and at historic cost. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is normally charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Because capitalisation is under the historic cost convention the book value of fixed assets will not necessarily reflect their market value. Indeed the market value of the house 25 Broad Ha'penny is significantly higher than the book value. For this reason the PCC ceased to charge further depreciation on it at the end of 2020.

Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, using the NEST scheme. Contributions are charged to expenditure as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
Fund type:
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Note no.
£
£
£
2
INCOME
2a VOLUNTARY GIVING
Giving and Gift-Aid
Giving
118,644
500
119,144
Gift-Aid Tax Recovered
27,771
-
27,771
146,415
500
146,915
Donations and Grants
9,006
20,000
29,006
Legacies
10,000
-
10,000
19,006
20,000
39,006
165,421
20,500
185,921
2b ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS
(excludes any gift aid collected)
Rowledge Village Fayre
867
-
867
Coffee Mug (excl. GA)
3,155
-
3,155
Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile
51
-
51
Lunches and other social events
605
-
605
Gig for Ukraine
-
-
-
Hart Male Voice Choir concert
-
-
-
Other Fundraising
30
-
30
4,708
-
4,708
2c CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Fees for Weddings and Funerals
8,376
-
8,376
Youth Activity fees
2,920
-
2,920
Miscellaneous Income
1,373
-
1,373
12,669
-
12,669
2d OTHER CHARITABLE ACTIVITY INCOME
Little Fishes Income
9
Fees & Deposits
122,917
-
122,917
Fundraising
2,293
-
2,293
Outings
577
-
577
Other
2,229
-
2,229
128,016
-
128,016
Magazine Income
Subscriptions
3,875
-
3,875
Advertisements
5,110
-
5,110
8,985
-
8,985
137,001
-
137,001
2e INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS
Interest
4,075
-
4,075
TOTAL INCOME
323,874
20,500
344,374*
2022
Total
£
96,985
24,672
121,657
4,660
6,750
11,410
133,067
1,377
4,170
116
-
3,529
1,003
-
10,195
2,238
2,707
2,868
7,813
96,522
1,534
878
955
99,889
3,754
5,627
9,380
109,270
1,035
261,380

All income in the Unrestricted column above was within the General Fund.

'Donations' refers just to donations from organisations; any from individuals are classed as Giving.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
Fund type:
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Note no.
£
£
£
3
EXPENDITURE
3a CHURCH ACTIVITIES
General Expenditure
Music
15
-
15
Gas Electricity and Water
10,091
-
10,091
Broadband and Telephone
1,344
-
1,344
IT
2,158
-
2,158
Insurance
1,355
-
1,355
Bank charges
447
-
447
Printing, Stationery, Office Equipment
1,458
-
1,458
Churchyard and Drive
7,124
-
7,124
Church Repairs and Maintenance
7,846
-
7,846
Service costs
1,169
-
1,169
Independent Examiner fees
840
-
840
Audio-Visual System Spend
-
22,987
22,987
33,848
22,987
56,835
Parochial Expenses
Administration
979
-
979
Vicar's Costs
1,806
-
1,806
Vicar Vacancy Costs
3,250
-
3,250
Mission, Ministry Costs
1,777
-
1,777
Vicarage Costs
1,214
-
1,214
Vicar's Discretionary Fund Spend
688
-
688
Bursary Fund Spend (Lee Abbey)
-
-
-
9,714
-
9,714
Youth Costs
27,286
-
27,286
House Costs (25BH)
5,092
-
5,092
Guildford Diocesan Parish Share Fee
84,903
-
84,903
Missions and Charities
8
3,943
-
3,943
TOTAL CHURCH ACTIVITIES
164,786
22,987
187,773
3b FUND RAISING COSTS
Rowledge Village Fayre costs
441
-
441
Gig for Ukraine
-
-
-
Hart Male Voice Choir Concert
-
-
-
441
-
441
3c OTHER CHARITABLE ACTIVITY COSTS
Little Fishes
9
113,812
-
113,812
Magazine Production Costs
7,240
-
7,240
121,052
-
121,052
TOTAL COSTS
286,279
22,987
309,267*
2022
Total
£
-
6,203
1,139
1,221
1,252
404
2,277
6,915
10,130
902
-
12,041
42,485
395
1,846
-
2,480
1,827
312
580
7,440
32,857
7,541
84,657
8,521
183,501
298
554
151
1,003
99,654
6,920
106,574
291,077

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note no.

4

4a STAFF COSTS

2023 2022

£ £

During the year the PCC employed a Youth and Children's Minister (up to Sept 2023). It also employed staff to run the Little Fishes pre-school.

Church Staff

Wages & salaries
16,787
Social Security
309
Pension: employer cost
363
Total Church staff
Little Fishes Preschool Staff
Wages & salaries
100,032
Social Security
538
Pension: employer cost
1,243
Total LF staff
Total staff costs
Headcount
Church
LF Preschool
Total
17,460
23,679
101,813
91,040
119,273
114,719
1
(to Sept)
1
12
9.5
13
10.5

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year.

4b PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS

Key Management Personnel

The charity considers its key management personnel to be the Vicar. Diocese meets the stipend and other employment costs of the Vicar and provides his housing. Up to his departure in October 2023 the Vicar incurred £5,678 of expenditure in 2023. This included travel and subsistence costs but the vast majority was for routine expenditure on goods and services for church activities and operations.

Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

The trustees did not receive any remuneration for their service as trustees. During 2023 5 trustees incurred out of pocket or church credit card expenses totalling £4,197 which was all incurred for the day-to-day running of the charity's activities.

The types of expenditure included payments that can only be made by card such as software subscriptions and PCC donations to some charities; and youth group activity costs, repair materials and other charitable activity expenditure. None was for personal benefit.

There were no related party transactions in the reporting period. Aggregated giving to PCC funds of all trustees in 2023 was £29,713.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 FIXED ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS
Land and Buildings
Actual Cost
Starting Balance
Disposal
Additions at Cost
Closing Balance
Depreciation
Starting Balance
Withdrawn on Disposal
Charge for the Year
Closing Balance
Closing Written Down Value
2023
£
188,810
-
-
188,810
52,734
-
-
52,734
136,076
2022
£
188,810
-
-
188,810
52,734
-
-
52,734
136,076

The Land and Buildings comprises the freehold house at 25 Broad Ha'penny, Farnham GU10 4TF The PCC decided in 2021 not to charge depreciation after 31/12/20 because the written down value is well below the current market value.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note no.
£
£
6
DEBTORS
Prepayments and accrued income
Prepayments, or refunds due from suppliers
-
HMRC (Gift Aid claims receivable)
294
CCLA Interest for Q4 2023
1,455
1,749
7
LIABILITIES
7a Amounts falling due in one year
Creditors - accounts payable
3,330
7b Deferred Income
Deferred Advertising Income
1,522
Deferred Little Fishes Deposits
2,650
LF fee income to return to HCC
-
Wedding/Funeral Fee shares to pay out
142
4,314
7,644
All items in the 31/12/22 Deferred Income total were released to income during
so 100% of the 31/12/23 total was for new items deferred during 2023.
8
CHARITABLE GIVING BY THE PCC
Christian Aid
383
Foodbank
382
MIND
300
DEC Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal
851
Grassroots
281
Parkinsons Disease Society
447
Hants, Surrey Air Ambulance
479
The Fountain Centre
261
British Legion
286
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity
272
FCCT Signposts
-
DEC Ukraine Appeal
-
Samaritans
-
HomeStart Hampshire
-
'Support for Slusk' (Ukraine)
-
Farnham Assist
-
MNDA
-
Shooting Stars
-
Bishop of Guildford's Community Fund
-
3,943
2023
2022 2022
£
265
973
1,494
300
360
602
£
1,238
4,573
2,756
2023,
7,329
321
349
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,200
4,118
379
407
224
431
597
435
60
8,521

All figures above were within the General Fund. No other Funds had amounts in these categories.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note no.

9 LITTLE FISHES PRE-SCHOOL

INCOME
Fees & Deposits
Outings income
Fundraising income, donations
Payments for photos, cards etc
Miscellaneous income
Total Income
EXPENDITURE
Staff Costs & Expenses
Rent
Insurance
Stationery & Materials
Food
Equipment
Subscriptions, Memberships
Training
Outings
Cost of school photos, cards for sale
Miscellaneous costs
Total Expenditure
Net Income/Expenditure
2023
£
122,917
577
2,293
1,826
403
103,285
-
942
1,527
543
912
612
729
604
1,564
3,095

These financial statements do not include any crosscharge to Little Fishes for rent and utilities costs.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report

Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note no.

10 CHARITABLE FUNDS

Fund Movement Summary 2023

Fund Movement Summary 2023
Fund Name
Opening
Balance
1/1/23
Income
Expenditure
Fund
Transfers
Closing
Balance
31/12/23
Unrestricted
Church Fabric Sinking Fund
10,000
0
0
0
10,000
Little Fishes Solvency Fund
49,827
0
0
7,078.79
56,906
Vicarage Redecoration Fund
3,000
0
0
0.00
3,000
R Harvey Organ Fund
25,197
0
0
1,216.79
26,414
Vicar’s Discretionary Fund
688
0
688
0
0
House Reserve Fund
136,076
0
0
0
136,076
General Fund
10,144
323,874
285,592
-8,296
40,131
Total Unrestricted
234,933
323,874
286,279
0
272,527
Restricted
Various PurposesRestr.Fund (prev. Bursary
0
0
0
0
0
AV and IT Fund (Restricted)
2,959
20,500
22,987
0
472
Total Restricted
2,959
20,500
22,987
0
472
Total Funds
237,892
344,374
309,267
0
272,999
Opening
Balance
1/1/23
Income Expenditure Fund
Transfers
Closing
Balance
31/12/23
10,000
0
0
0
10,000
49,827
0
0
7,078.79
56,906
3,000
0
0
0.00
3,000
25,197
0
0
1,216.79
26,414
688
0
688
0
0
136,076
0
0
0
136,076
10,144
323,874
285,592
-8,296
40,131

Fund Movement Summary - Prior Year (2022)

Fund Name
Opening
Balance
1/1/22
Income
Expenditure
Fund
Transfers
Closing
Balance
31/12/22
Unrestricted
Church Fabric Sinking Fund
30,000
0
0
-20,000
10,000
Little Fishes Solvency Fund
52,223
0
0
-2,396
49,827
Vicarage Redecoration Fund
3,000
0
0
0
3,000
R Harvey Organ Fund
24,853
0
0
344
25,197
Vicar’s Discretionary Fund
1,000
0
312
0
688
House Reserve Fund
136,076
0
0
0
136,076
General Fund
17,536
248,700
278,144
22,052
10,144
Total Unrestricted
264,689
248,700
278,456
0
234,933
Restricted
Bursary Fund-renamed Various Purposes Fund
400
180
580
0
0
AV and IT Fund (Restricted)
2,500
12,500
12,041
0
2,959
Total Restricted
2,900
12,680
12,621
0
2,959
Total Funds
267,589
261,380
291,077
0
237,892
Opening
Balance
1/1/22
Income Expenditure Fund
Transfers
Closing
Balance
31/12/22
30,000
0
0
-20,000
10,000
52,223
0
0
-2,396
49,827
3,000
0
0
0
3,000
24,853
0
0
344
25,197
1,000
0
312
0
688
136,076
0
0
0
136,076
17,536
248,700
278,144
22,052
10,144
2,900
12,680
12,621
0
2,959
267,589
261,380
291,077
0
237,892

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Fund Transfers 2023

At the end of 2023 the PCC decided to:

This is in line with the PCC's normal practice at year end.

Fund Descriptions

Unrestricted Funds

The Church Fabric Sinking Fund.

This fund is in theory to enable any major work to be carried out when needed, in conjunction with associated fundraising.

The Little Fishes Solvency Fund

This is to ensure PCC funds are available to sustain operation of the pre-school and is normally set to a value equivalent to six months’ of LF expenditure.

The Vicarage Redecoration Fund

This is to help cover costs for redecorating the vicarage as and when they arise.

The Russell Harvey Organ Fund

This fund derives from a legacy left by the late organist. While the funds are not restricted, the PCC has so far only used it for costs that are related to the organ, though there was no such expenditure in 2023. A £1,217 increase over the year came from interest earned on the cash on one of the deposit accounts.

The House Reserve

This represents the accounting value of the house in Broad Ha’penny - £136,076 at end2023. The market value is likely to be significantly higher.

The Vicar’s Discretionary Fund

This was set up to provide funds for the Vicar to use at his discretion if a compelling charitable need arises. £688 was spent from this fund in 2023, reducing its value to zero at year-end.

The General Fund

This is in principle the retained surplus fund for running the church operations on a dayto-day basis.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rowledge known as St James’ Church, Rowledge Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31[st] December 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Restricted Funds

The Various Purposes Restricted Fund (renamed from what was The Bursary Fund) The old Bursary Fund had been set up with donations to help fund people attend the 2022 Lee Abbey weekend. It had a zero balance at 31/12/22 and was repurposed/renamed in 2023 to use for a variety of purposes where a restricted fund was needed to meet often short-lived needs, with few transactions. This avoided cluttering up the balance sheet with multiple short-lived separate restricted funds. Categories are set up within the fund for each separate purpose so that income and expenditure within each year can be seen separately, to help ensure expenditure is for the restricted purpose.

A special group of categories is defined within the fund for 'Conduit Giving', where the PCC is paid with explicit instruction to pay on as soon as practicable to a named person or category of people. For example, where the donor asks to pay via the PCC bank accounts only to anonymise a financial assistance gift to a needy person. The PCC also use this for leaving gifts.

Conduit Giving funds can never be regarded as a PCC asset, so if any balance remained at year-end (not the case in 2023), it would be moved to Creditors on the balance sheet. And the payments out are posted as a 'repayment of income' in the PCC's ExpensePlus accounting system, so appear as negative income rather than expenditure. For these reasons the Conduit Giving component of this Fund will never have any effect on the full year Income and Expenditure totals. (This would be handled differently if a more traditional accounting system were used.)

The Audio-Visual & IT Fund

This fund was set up in 2021 to hold donations and a grant towards a new AV system for the church. A further generous donation in 2022 allowed Phase 1 of the project (4 display screens in the church) to be completed, leaving a balance of £2,959 at the end of 2022.

Another very generous donation, this time from The Marshall Charity in 2023, enabled Phase 2 (new audio system and streaming) to be completed. The Fund balance at 31/12/23 was £472, which is just sufficient to meet the final retention payment in 2024. The cost of this AV system has been expensed to this restricted Fund’s Expenditure account rather than being capitalised because the system is fixed to a consecrated building which does not appear in the financial statements, in line with the Charities Act 2011.

Income and Expenditure transactions were posted to only 4 funds during 2023: General Fund Vicar's Discretionary Fund Various Purposes Restricted Fund AV & IT Fund

Any movement in other Funds was only by inter-fund transfers.