THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, THEYDON BOIS ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2024
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council, along with the Incumbent, has the responsibility for promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish of Theydon Bois, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The Parochial Church Council also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building (including the Parish Centre), Churchyard and Church Hall.
Membership of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC: Incumbent Rev John Fry Associate Priest Rev Carol Newnham Church Wardens Mary Gill & Andrew Crook Deputy Wardens Liz Hannibal, Alan & Rita Bishop & Linda Biggs Deanery Synod Representatives Lisa Debenham, Robyn Marsh & Diana Meteyard Elected Members John Philip, Douglas Pleasant, Samantha Spencer, Hugh Meteyard, Kerry Ells, Elizabeth Hannibal, Andrew Tunks, (Treasurer), William Bennett, Liz Douglass, Helen Fox, Gemma Groves & Suzie Fogarty.
Rosalyn Philip co-opted as Secretary
Parochial Church Council Meetings
In 2024 the PCC met on 6 occasions, with an average attendance of 77%. Copies of the minutes of PCC meetings were made available to all by request to the Benefice Office.
The parish continues to work towards the shared Benefice Vision of The Theydon Parishes which is expressed in this way:-
Core values: Faith, love and community .
We seek to live these values by welcoming all, caring and teaching so that we may change lives through sharing the love of God in Christ.
Rev. John Fry continued to serve the Benefice until his last Sunday in the parish on 20[th] October and was subsequently installed on 26[th] November as Team Rector at St. John’s, Epping. Rev. Carol Newnham also left the Benefice on 25[th] February to take up the role of Rector of Therfield with Kelshall.
After completing 3 years of study, John Philip was Licensed as Reader in Chelmsford Cathedral on 13[th] July.
During the period of interregnum, services have been led by many visiting priests. Andrea Crombie continued to serve as Parish Safeguarding Officer until November 2024, when Mia Beales took up the role. Safeguarding continues to be a standing item at all meetings. Safeguarding contact details are displayed in the church and
on the Benefice website. The PCC has complied with its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Guidance. During 2024, St Mary’s Theydon Bois worked towards attaining the Silver Eco Church Award.
Sub committees
Finance Committee considers financial matters and makes recommendations to PCC. Meets as necessary.
Stewardship Working Group considered the ways in which church members could be encouraged to give financially to St Mary’s, and made recommendations to PCC and coordinates a yearly fundraising campaign. This group was chaired by Andrew Tunks.
Standing Committee : has power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings. John Philip, Andrew Tunks, Rosalyn Philip as Secretary, the Vicar, Rev. Carol Newnham and the Churchwardens meet as necessary.
Mission Committee : Supports the work of Christian Mission at home and abroad, particularly of CMS, IPASC in D.R.Congo and Alison and Mozi Kotroci in Albania and promotes awareness of the wider mission of the Church. Chaired by Robyn Marsh. Events Committee : Organises social and fund-raising events to support the Church, chaired jointly by Philip and Amanda Simmance
Churchyard Committee : Meets as necessary; under the leadership of Trevor Brough. The PCC is grateful to the team of volunteers who meet each Thursday morning to work in the churchyard.
Church Hall Committee : manages the business of the Church Hall on behalf of the PCC. Ross Penman, Eleanor Isaac, Philip Crombie, Mary Gill, Andrew Tunks, Lisa Debenham and Linda Hammond served during the year.
A/V Working Group : continues to work to develop proposals to bring to the PCC for final approval for the installation of an audio-visual system in the church. Liz Douglass, Rosalyn Philip and John Philip served during the year. It was agreed that this was in abeyance until a new incumbent was in place.
Employees
The mission and ministry of St Mary’s Theydon Bois is supported by a part-time Benefice Administrator, and the PCC supports 64% of her salary, although her employer is the PCC of All Saints Theydon Garnon. During 2024, Daria Emery was employed in this role, until taking maternity leave in May 2024 when this was covered by Rebecca Rotteveel.
Church Services
The regular pattern of services in the church building was as follows: Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30am 6pm First Sunday All Age Worship Sung Communion Second Sunday Family Communion Sung Evensong (BCP) Third Sunday Family Communion Sung Compline Fourth Sunday Morning Worship Sung Evensong (BCP) Fifth Sunday Joint Benefice Service at 10am, rotating between churches in the Benefice.
The organ was played by visiting organists on a rota arrangement.
Wednesday 10am Morning Prayer /Holy Communion with the Mothers’ Union on the second Wednesday of the month (available on Zoom) Thursday Midday Holy Communion
Children’s groups took place during the 10.30am Sunday service in the church hall and Parish Centre. All children’s ministry is provided by local volunteers led by Sarah Twitchett from the Red Balloon Family Foundation. Unfortunately, Red Balloon ceased trading in September, so Junior Church provision lapsed. On average, 5 children attended each week.
Church Attendance
As of April 2024, there were 153 people on the Church Electoral Register; average Sunday attendance was 80 unique adults and 12 children each Sunday. As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services, friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's keeping. In 2024, 19 baptisms took place, 5 weddings were celebrated and 6 funerals were held in St. Mary’s.
Key events in 2024.
14th February Sung communion service for Ash Wednesday 25[th] February Farewell lunch for Carol & Gary Newnham February to March Lent Soup lunches in aid of charities selected by the Mission Committee 28[th] March Sung communion service for Maundy Thursday 31[st] March Easter Day services 9[th] May Sung communion service for Ascension Day 18[th] May The church choir sang in the Festival Service at St. Paul’s 10[th] June Archdeacon’s visitation for the Deanery of Epping Forest 30[th] June Open Gardens 14[th] July Church Stalls at the Donkey Derby 22nd September Mission Sunday 6[th] October Harvest service 13[th] October Confirmation service at Waltham Abbey 20[th] October Rev. John Fry’s last Sunday in the parish. Farewell lunch for the Benefice in the Church Hall. November Soup Lunches 3[rd] November Service for Those we have Loved 16[th] November Quiz Night 10[th] November Annual service of Remembrance at the War Memorial 17[th] November Choral Evensong to celebrate St. Cecilia’s Day
1st December All Age Advent Service
22nd December Traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols 24[th] December Christingle Services with collection to support the Children’s Society and First Communion of Christmas 25[th] December Christmas Day service
ST MARY'S CHURCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Desi8nated funds Restrirted funds Total funds Note General fund R£CEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church repai¥s PCC Fees Events income Rent Churchyard AV Fund Interest 59,359 18,433 5,OCK) 14.634 59,359 18.433 5,000 14.634 18,164 3,276 5,904 1,867 1,660 774 1,555 3,506 134.132 18,164 3,276 5.904 1.867 1.660 774 1,555 3.506 110.363 18.938 4,831 PAYMENTS Family Purse Church repalrs Church Hall Parish Givin8 Insurance and utllltles Music and Organ Assigned Fees Church Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure junior Church Churchyard AV Fund 74,864 74,864 5.067 11.247 5.121 7,563 6.235 2,507 17,703 1,782 607 3,530 421 162 136,809 5,067 11.247 5,121 7,563 6,235 2,507 17.703 1.782 607 3,530 421 162 5,229 119.912 11,668 Net rètèlptsl Ipaymentsl Cash balance b'f Cash balance c'f 7,270 29,853 37,123 13981 21.811 21,413 12,G771 138,113 135,436 86.449 76.900 2023 Oesl8nated funds Restr5rted funds Total funds General fund RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall PCC Fees Churchyard Events income Rent 67.140 16,754 12,5¢XI 13.670 67.140 16.754 12.500 13.670 17,786 4.451 754 2,353 820 3.008 2,750 141,986 17,786 4.451 754 2,353 820 Interest Church Maintenance Reserve 2,750 2.750 120.697 18.540
ST MARY'S CHURCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 PAYMENT5 Family Purse Church Hall Parish Givin8 Insurance and utilities Music and Organ AV Fund Church Maintenance Aeserve Assigned Fees Church Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure Churchyard Junior Church 64.520 64,520 13.327 6.474 5,310 6,ThJ3 348 S.660 2.S93 12.081 1,838 439 1.220 3.285 123,097 13,327 6.474 5,310 6.C(J3 348 5,660 2,593 12,081 1,838 439 1.220 3,285 102.542 14,547 6,Crf)8 Net rKelpisl Ipaymentsl Cash balance b'l Cash balance c't 18.154 68,295 86,449 3.993 25,860 29.853 13,2581 25,069 21,811 18,889 119,224 138,113 At 310etember 2024 Deslgnated Re5trlcted funds funds Total funds General fund TATEMENT OF ASSET ASSETS Cash at bank Cash In hand Total cash Gift aid receivable Other debtors Current assets Assets retained for the Church's use- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall contents Fixed assets TOTAL ASSETS AND LIA8IUTIE 76,9(Kl 13 76.913 37.123 46 37,169 21.413 135,436 59 135,495 21,413 76.913 37,169 21,413 135,495 140.CO) 140.ts)0 747,475 32,482 919,957 1,037,808 747,475 32,482 779,957 789.535 140.CQO 201,462 21.811 LIABILITIES NET ASSETS 278.375 826,704 43,224 1,173,302
ST MARVS CHURCH. THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 At 31 Dècember 2023 Designated Restricted funds funds Total funds General fund ASSETS Cash at bank Cash in hand Total cash Gift aid receivable Other debtors Current assets Assets retained lor the Church's use- Church contents Churth Hall Church Hall contents Foxed assets TOTAL ASSETS 86.449 13 86A62 29.853 46 29.899 21,811 138.113 59 138.172 21,811 86,462 29,899 21,811 138,172 6n 140,OC 140,000 729.250 30.386 899,636 1.037,808 729,2SO 30,386 759,636 789.535 115,C 201,462 21.811 LIABILITIES NET ASSETS 201,462 789,535 21,811 1,037,808 TES TO THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS Under current legislation the PCC may report on a Aecelpts and Payments basis with a Statement of Assets and Llabi1itie5 and it has elècted io do so. The financial statements are prepared on an historlc cost basis. Re5tri¢ted funds may be e¥pended only on objects specified by the trust. bequest or donation. Unrestricted funds may be used for the PCC'S general purposes. The PCC hold5 no endowment funds. Events receipts were as follows. 2024 Recelpt5 2023 Recelpts Christmas Fayre Cfofton Singers Open Gardens Qu12 Wreath making Donkèy Derby Safarl 700 102 445 779 263 461 612 378 2.353 1,867 Parish giving payments were as follows- 2024 Payments 2023 Payment5 Donations up to and including £250 Brittsh Leglon Poppy Appeal Church Army CMS Embrace ME F/IpASC 649 425 393 220 432 493 411 441 294 373 294 /Continued...
ST MARY'S CHURCH. THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEMBER 2024 Parish glvlng payments- Conttinued Koininia Kotrocl/LOGOS Manna Centre Mercy Ships Mission for Seafareis Salvation Army St Clare's Syrla-Turkey The Childrens Societv Teams4u Wycliffe Bible Trust 171 294 410 312 362 290 314 353 353 345 350 383 353 270 375 723 357 714 147 294 5.121 6,474 Fixed assets are included in the Statement ol A55ets and Liabilities at their insured value. Consecrated and benefice property is excluded from the accounts by vtrtue of $10121 of the Charities Act 2011. No payments were rnade to Trustees other than to reirnbufse them lor expenses they incurred. No wages. salaries or remuneration were paid to Trustees or any persons connected to the Trustees in respect ol 2024 R¢teipts 10. Fund cash balances Balance b'f Payments Balance c'f Restrlcted funds Wild Bursary AV fund Church Maintenance reserve 1,494 14,363 5,953 21.810 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,555 3.276 4,831 11621 15.0671 15,2291 Desl8nated unreStrIrt funds Churchyard Church Hall 1.759 28,094 29.853 774 18,164 18.938 14211 111,2471 111,6681 2.112 35.011 37,123 Unrestrlrted 8eneral fund 86.450 138,113 110.363 134,132 1119,9121 1136,8091 76,901 135,436 2023 Recelpts B•lan¢e b'f Payments 8alanc• c'f Restrlrted lunds Wild Bursary AV fund Church Mabntenance reserve 1,494 14.711 8,863 25,068 1,494 14,363 5,953 21.810 13481 15,6601 16,LK)81 2,750 2,750 De518nated unrestrlcted funds Churchyard Church Hall 2.226 23,635 25,861 754 17,786 18,540 11.2211 113.3271 114.5481 1,759 28.094 29,853 Unrestrl¢ted 8eneral fund 68,295 119,224 120,697 141,987 1102,5421 1123,0981 86,449 138,113
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S, THEYDON BOIS On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Charity no lif any) 1128901 Set out on pages 4,5.6,and7 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above harity ('the Trust'l for the year ended 31" December 2022 Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts 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 14515){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that discloséd below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties Act, or the accounts did nol a¢cord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulalions 2008 other than any requirement thal the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is nol a matter considered as part of an independent examinalion. 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Slgned: Date: 28° February 2025 Name: Michael John COGGINS Relevant professional , FCA qualification{sl or body {if any): Address: 7 Green Trees Epping, Essex CM16 4QT
ST MARY'S CHURCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Desi8nated funds Restrirted funds Total funds Note General fund R£CEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church repai¥s PCC Fees Events income Rent Churchyard AV Fund Interest 59,359 18,433 5,OCK) 14.634 59,359 18.433 5,000 14.634 18,164 3,276 5,904 1,867 1,660 774 1,555 3,506 134.132 18,164 3,276 5.904 1.867 1.660 774 1,555 3.506 110.363 18.938 4,831 PAYMENTS Family Purse Church repalrs Church Hall Parish Givin8 Insurance and utllltles Music and Organ Assigned Fees Church Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure junior Church Churchyard AV Fund 74,864 74,864 5.067 11.247 5.121 7,563 6.235 2,507 17,703 1,782 607 3,530 421 162 136,809 5,067 11.247 5,121 7,563 6,235 2,507 17.703 1.782 607 3,530 421 162 5,229 119.912 11,668 Net rètèlptsl Ipaymentsl Cash balance b'f Cash balance c'f 7,270 29,853 37,123 13981 21.811 21,413 12,G771 138,113 135,436 86.449 76.900 2023 Oesl8nated funds Restr5rted funds Total funds General fund RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall PCC Fees Churchyard Events income Rent 67.140 16,754 12,5¢XI 13.670 67.140 16.754 12.500 13.670 17,786 4.451 754 2,353 820 3.008 2,750 141,986 17,786 4.451 754 2,353 820 Interest Church Maintenance Reserve 2,750 2.750 120.697 18.540
ST MARY'S CHURCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 PAYMENT5 Family Purse Church Hall Parish Givin8 Insurance and utilities Music and Organ AV Fund Church Maintenance Aeserve Assigned Fees Church Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure Churchyard Junior Church 64.520 64,520 13.327 6.474 5,310 6,ThJ3 348 S.660 2.S93 12.081 1,838 439 1.220 3.285 123,097 13,327 6.474 5,310 6.C(J3 348 5,660 2,593 12,081 1,838 439 1.220 3,285 102.542 14,547 6,Crf)8 Net rKelpisl Ipaymentsl Cash balance b'l Cash balance c't 18.154 68,295 86,449 3.993 25,860 29.853 13,2581 25,069 21,811 18,889 119,224 138,113 At 310etember 2024 Deslgnated Re5trlcted funds funds Total funds General fund TATEMENT OF ASSET ASSETS Cash at bank Cash In hand Total cash Gift aid receivable Other debtors Current assets Assets retained for the Church's use- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall contents Fixed assets TOTAL ASSETS AND LIA8IUTIE 76,9(Kl 13 76.913 37.123 46 37,169 21.413 135,436 59 135,495 21,413 76.913 37,169 21,413 135,495 140.CO) 140.ts)0 747,475 32,482 919,957 1,037,808 747,475 32,482 779,957 789.535 140.CQO 201,462 21.811 LIABILITIES NET ASSETS 278.375 826,704 43,224 1,173,302
ST MARVS CHURCH. THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 At 31 Dècember 2023 Designated Restricted funds funds Total funds General fund ASSETS Cash at bank Cash in hand Total cash Gift aid receivable Other debtors Current assets Assets retained lor the Church's use- Church contents Churth Hall Church Hall contents Foxed assets TOTAL ASSETS 86.449 13 86A62 29.853 46 29.899 21,811 138.113 59 138.172 21,811 86,462 29,899 21,811 138,172 6n 140,OC 140,000 729.250 30.386 899,636 1.037,808 729,2SO 30,386 759,636 789.535 115,C 201,462 21.811 LIABILITIES NET ASSETS 201,462 789,535 21,811 1,037,808 TES TO THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS Under current legislation the PCC may report on a Aecelpts and Payments basis with a Statement of Assets and Llabi1itie5 and it has elècted io do so. The financial statements are prepared on an historlc cost basis. Re5tri¢ted funds may be e¥pended only on objects specified by the trust. bequest or donation. Unrestricted funds may be used for the PCC'S general purposes. The PCC hold5 no endowment funds. Events receipts were as follows. 2024 Recelpt5 2023 Recelpts Christmas Fayre Cfofton Singers Open Gardens Qu12 Wreath making Donkèy Derby Safarl 700 102 445 779 263 461 612 378 2.353 1,867 Parish giving payments were as follows- 2024 Payments 2023 Payment5 Donations up to and including £250 Brittsh Leglon Poppy Appeal Church Army CMS Embrace ME F/IpASC 649 425 393 220 432 493 411 441 294 373 294 /Continued...
ST MARY'S CHURCH. THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEMBER 2024 Parish glvlng payments- Conttinued Koininia Kotrocl/LOGOS Manna Centre Mercy Ships Mission for Seafareis Salvation Army St Clare's Syrla-Turkey The Childrens Societv Teams4u Wycliffe Bible Trust 171 294 410 312 362 290 314 353 353 345 350 383 353 270 375 723 357 714 147 294 5.121 6,474 Fixed assets are included in the Statement ol A55ets and Liabilities at their insured value. Consecrated and benefice property is excluded from the accounts by vtrtue of $10121 of the Charities Act 2011. No payments were rnade to Trustees other than to reirnbufse them lor expenses they incurred. No wages. salaries or remuneration were paid to Trustees or any persons connected to the Trustees in respect ol 2024 R¢teipts 10. Fund cash balances Balance b'f Payments Balance c'f Restrlcted funds Wild Bursary AV fund Church Maintenance reserve 1,494 14,363 5,953 21.810 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,555 3.276 4,831 11621 15.0671 15,2291 Desl8nated unreStrIrt funds Churchyard Church Hall 1.759 28,094 29.853 774 18,164 18.938 14211 111,2471 111,6681 2.112 35.011 37,123 Unrestrlrted 8eneral fund 86.450 138,113 110.363 134,132 1119,9121 1136,8091 76,901 135,436 2023 Recelpts B•lan¢e b'f Payments 8alanc• c'f Restrlrted lunds Wild Bursary AV fund Church Mabntenance reserve 1,494 14.711 8,863 25,068 1,494 14,363 5,953 21.810 13481 15,6601 16,LK)81 2,750 2,750 De518nated unrestrlcted funds Churchyard Church Hall 2.226 23,635 25,861 754 17,786 18,540 11.2211 113.3271 114.5481 1,759 28.094 29,853 Unrestrl¢ted 8eneral fund 68,295 119,224 120,697 141,987 1102,5421 1123,0981 86,449 138,113
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S, THEYDON BOIS On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Charity no lif any) 1128901 Set out on pages 4,5.6,and7 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above harity ('the Trust'l for the year ended 31" December 2022 Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts 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 14515){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that discloséd below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties Act, or the accounts did nol a¢cord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulalions 2008 other than any requirement thal the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is nol a matter considered as part of an independent examinalion. 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Slgned: Date: 28° February 2025 Name: Michael John COGGINS Relevant professional , FCA qualification{sl or body {if any): Address: 7 Green Trees Epping, Essex CM16 4QT