ST MARY'S CHURCH, FETCHAM
(Registered Charity No. 1128915)
ANNUAL REPORT
and
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
of the
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
INCUMBENT
THE REV'D LEAH BATES
THE RECTORY 10a THE RIDGEWAY FETCHAM KT22 9AZ
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024
Administrative information
St Mary’s is the Church of England’s Parish Church of Fetcham. It is situated in The Ridgeway, Fetcham and is part of the Diocese of Guildford. 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 PCC is a registered Charity. It has no other related trusts or charities.
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:
Ex officio members:
Rector The Rev’d Leah Bates (from 17[th] April 2024) Assistant Minister The Rev’d Julie Partridge (Community Worker) Licensed Youth Minister Mr Nathan Ghinn (to 27[th] October 2024) Honorary Secretary Mr Iain Whitlam (Licensed Lay Minister) Church Wardens: Mr Richard Furze Licensed Lay Minister Mrs Corinne Braid (to 25[th] April 2025)
Elected members:
Diocesan Synod Representative: Mr William King Deanery Synod Representatives: Mr Christopher Rickard (Hon. Treasurer) Mr Nigel Hunt Mr Clive Meek (from 19[th] May 2024)
Elected PCC members: Dr Caroline Salmon Mr Martin Roberts (to 19[th] May 2024) Mrs Meg Frost (to 19[th] May 2024) Mr Dean Beaumont (to 19[th] May 2024) Mr Graham Rosser Mrs Teresa Trewinnard Mrs Susan McKinlay Dr Geoffrey Gaskill Mr Bruce Callander Mrs Anita Hunt Mrs Valerie Hammond Mr David Eric Martin (from 19[th] May 2024) Mr Frederick Bramwell (from 19[th] May 2024)
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Structure, governance and management.
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
The PCC meets on a bimonthly basis.
A standing committee, consisting of the incumbent, assistant minister, churchwardens, secretary and treasurer meet if business needs to be transacted between PCC meetings.
A premises team meeting headed by the wardens and operations manager meets monthly to deal with the maintenance of the properties.
A staff team meets weekly to deal with routine matters.
Objectives and activities
The Incumbent and PCC have the responsibility of promoting the pastoral, evangelistic, ecumenical and social mission of the church. St Mary’s aims to be a growing community of Christian people who desire to know Jesus better, to share our faith confidently with those around us and to demonstrate this in giving loving service to all.
Our vision incorporates the following three key activities:
Knowing Jesus - This is about strengthening our relationship with God, empowered by the bible and enabled by individual and communal prayer.
Sharing Faith - This is about communicating our faith with our Church family, and others we meet each day.
Loving Service - This is about taking actions which demonstrate Jesus’ love for us. Through these actions, we aim to make a positive difference to people’s lives in our village community and beyond.
Achievements and performance
Church attendance
There are 238 (2023: 232) parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, a few of whom are not resident within the parish.
The church mainly runs three services on Sunday at 8am, 9.30am and 11.15am with a 10am service one Thursday a month.
The weekly average attendance in 2024 was 115 (2023:120) adults and 14 (2023 :17) children and young persons.
Review of the year
2024 was a year of change with our new rector, The Reverend Leah Bates, being installed on 17[th] April 2024, bringing fresh direction and energy to the parish. Our part time roles of Children and Families Worker and Pioneer Community Worker, created in 2023, have continued to have an enormous impact on our outreach to the community. Our Operations Manager post, also created in 2023, has been extremely helpful for both the management of our premises and for health and safety enhancements.
Community Work
The weekly Community Fridge and Coffee Shop are now in their fourth year, running
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in the church hall. The Community Fridge is run in partnership with a local charity, The Meeting Place. Surplus food was collected from nine local supermarkets and 23 volunteers were involved. In 2024 the Community Fridge received 2872 visitors and the coffee shop 1227 visitors.
Sadly, the Coffee Shop at the Village Hall closed in October due to low attendance, but the Toy Library has been relocated to the church hall and will operate out of the Community Fridge and Footprints.
We held our annual LoveFetcham week at the beginning of April. During the week we supported both our village schools by helping in playground and gardening projects. We organised an afternoon tea for older members of the community and a local litter pick. Our youth team held an afternoon of games and free hot chocolate at a local recreation ground and we provided a family fun morning at the church hall which included planting Blue Hearts and new plants in the memorial garden.
In February 2024 St Mary’s Church and Bookham and Horsley Rotary Club partnered together to create a new community initiative - the FaB Repair Café. 750 visitors have attended the Repair Café in its first year. There are 60 volunteers on the team and 500 items have been repaired and saved from going into landfill.
Our Community Worker works closely with Fetcham Residents Association and there have been opportunities to partner together for community events in the heart of Fetcham Village. One such event was at Halloween, when a small team from St Mary’s provided free hot chocolate, sweets and lanterns to go on the Autumn Tree in the centre of the village. Another was the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On when St Mary’s provided a choir to lead the carol singing, an inflatable Nativity and free hot chocolate.
St Mary’s also held its annual ‘Carols at The Bell’, our local pub, in late December. This event is now so popular, it is at full capacity. We held two sell-out Women’s Breakfasts during the year and the monthly Afternoon Teas continued to provide a popular place for older folk to meet together.
The Community Worker supported families at our local Junior School holding fortnightly drop-in sessions to meet with the SENco for advice and signposting. Both our Rector and Associate Minister/Community Worker began to offer chaplaincy ministry to local charity, The Meeting Room, in late 2024 and will continue to visit their drop-in sessions on a monthly basis.
In August a defibrillator, paid for by a grant from Surrey County Council, was installed outside the hall to be available to the community.
Youth Work
We continued to run five regular groups/gatherings for young people. These included two community-focused groups: a weekly after school Drop-In and a monthly Board Game Café. We also had three faith-based groups: Sunday Youth (running weekly alongside our 11.15 service), Youth Night (fortnightly in term time) and Youth Band (monthly). There were also a variety of socials during the year, including a Car Wash & BBQ, and a Youth Weekend Away in October.
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The Youth Minister continued to develop links with our local schools, visiting them for assemblies, RE lessons, Year 6 Transition lessons and helping with visits to the church. The Youth Minister was also a joint lead for the Christian Union at the Howard of Effingham School. Sadly, after six years in the post, the Youth Minster departed in October to take up a new opportunity in an area where homes are more affordable. We are currently seeking to recruit a replacement.
Children’s and Families Team
In 2024 we continued to provide support and connections for families through our Family Fun sessions (organised during school holidays), Activ8 (weekly Sunday morning sessions for children), Messy Church (a monthly gathering for the whole family), and Footprints (weekly carer, baby and toddler sessions).
The number of families attending Footprints and Messy Church has grown following our outreach through schools, social media and presence at community events. Footprints now has an average attendance of 20 children and 15 adults and Messy Church an average of 26 children and 18 adults.
Activ8 continues to provide a space for children to creatively explore Jesus and the bible. The numbers are still small, but we have spent time reviewing our resources, ensuring we can communicate to families clearly what the children have been exploring to enable conversations at home. We introduced a regular, monthly All Age Sunday service so the families can be together.
Family Fun sessions have consisted of walks, play sessions and film afternoons.
Schools work has been developed throughout the year with us supporting the enrichment of the curriculum and community links with 16 assemblies, 5-year groups receiving RE lesson support for around 300 children, school special services including Easter, Harvest and Christmas with 596 children attending special Christmas services in church. We also run a special session for 2-year groups re-telling the Easter Story at St Mary’s, reaching around 120 children each year.
Other Services and Activities
In addition to our regular weekly Sunday worship services, we also had a monthly Thursday morning said Communion service, followed by coffee, with a Hear Here clinic to service hearing aids.
We continued to provide pastoral support to the church and wider community through our clergy, LLMs and our Pastoral Team of two pastoral assistants and four pastoral visitors. The team also regularly led worship services in Bellsgrove, the local residential care home. The monthly Bereavement Café continued to offer vital bereavement support.
Home groups are growing and we currently have 12. For our Lent Course in 2024 we ran Pete Greig’s Prayer Course II, exploring unanswered prayer. We also held an Advent Quiet Day led by local Spiritual Director, Sharon Seal.
In June, our Curate Julie was relicensed in a special service led by Archdeacon Martin Breamore, and Julie’s title was formally changed to Associate Minister in recognition of the responsibility she held, particularly while the parish was in vacancy. Julie’s relicensing service was a cause for much celebration as a church family.
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In December we held a Jazz Concert performed by The Tim Boniface Quartet to raise funds. This was partially financed by a pre-covid grant from Surrey County Council.
Eco Church
St Mary’s has a bronze accreditation within the A Rocha Eco Church scheme. Our Eco Church group continues to work towards progressing the church to silver, a level we hope to attain in 2025. Current focus areas are:
-
improving the energy performance of the church and hall.
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implementing a churchyard management plan.
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an education campaign helping individuals to take actions that have a positive impact on the environment. This is done through an annual Eco Sunday, regular tips in the monthly church bulletin and displays and leaflets in the church hall.
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• developing a plan for St Mary's to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Charles II’s Royal Coat of Arms
The appeal to restore the painting of Charles II’s Royal Arms, dated 1660, enabled the conservation work to be completed in April 2024, to wide acclaim. £2,800 was collected from donations and grants of £5,000 and £2,000 were received from Mole Valley District Council and the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust respectively.
Safeguarding
With regard to the PCC's obligation to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, members of the PCC confirm that they have complied with their duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. We are most grateful for the work done by our safeguarding officers Caroline Salmon (Children and Youth) and Margaret Davidson (Vulnerable Adults).
When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.
The PCC met 9 times during 2024 to oversee these and other matters .
Financial review
Income for the year was £331,300 (£291,700 – 2023). Expenditure was £323,300 (£279,700 – 2023). Overall, there was a Surplus for the year of £8,000 (£12,000 – 2023).
Income,
Income was up £39,600 on 2023. There was an additional £15,600 income from the grant received to support the role of the Operations Manager as they were in place for a full year. Single donation income increased by £9,400 and hall lettings by £2,300. We also received grants of £5,000 and £2,000 from Mole Valley District Council and Surrey Churches Preservation Trust for the appeal to restore the Charles II coat of arms painting. In addition we received a grant of £6,800 from Surrey County Council to support our community activities to provide a defibrillator and storage shed. There was a small drop of £3,700 in income from regular giving. The stewardship campaign was delayed until February 2025.
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Expenditure
The overall expenditure was up £43,500 on 2023. Staff costs increased by £16,800 largely due to the full year employment of the Operations Manager. Redecorating and carpeting in the rectory increased costs by £6,500. Payments to the diocese for parish share increased by £5,600. There were more major repairs and projects in 2024 with £9,100 spent on restoring the Charles II coat of arms, £8,200 on fire risk works and £8,900 on church repairs.
Capital expenditure of £8,800 was incurred to install a shed, defibrillator and a projector. The PCC made unrestricted donations of £21,500 (£24,000 – 2023) to home and overseas missions.
Reserves policy
Unrestricted and designated reserves were £198,800 (£180,600 – 2023) at the year end.
The unrestricted reserves have been allocated as follows:
-
£70,000 being three month’s expenditures to cover cash flow requirements.
-
£21,200 for major maintenance and projects.
-
£15,700 for supporting church initiatives.
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£11,700 for supporting community outreach activities.
-
£4,100 for unallocated tithed charitable giving.
-
£400 for women’s ministry.
-
£22,300 is represented by the net book value of fixed assets.
-
£53,400 to cover the planned deficit for 2025 and future years and contingencies.
The restricted reserves were £46,300 (£56,500 – 2023) at the year end and were as follows:
-
£42,000 for upkeep of church & churchyard.
-
£2,400 for choir fund.
-
£1,000 for youth equipment.
-
£600 for Royal Coat of Arms restoration.
-
£300 for charities.
We ended the year in a reasonably sound financial position although we delayed our Stewardship campaign until February 2025. In 2025 the challenge will be to increase regular giving and build up reserves to cover the cost of our three part time employees when the current grant funding starts to run out in December 2025. We also face the challenge of replacing our ageing boilers with a more eco friendly heating systems.
L. M. Bates Signed: L. M. Bates (May 13, 2025 08:39 GMT+1) Reverend Leah Bates Date: 7th May 2025 Chairman
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Statement of Responsibilities of the Members of the Parochial Church Council
The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the PCC are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S FETCHAM BALANCE SHEET 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| NOTE FIXED ASSETS Tangible 7 Total Fixed Assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 Bank Balances: Current Account C B F deposit Total Current Assets CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year In respect of usual operating expenses 9 Deferred income 10 Net Current Assets NET ASSETS FUNDS 11 Unrestricted Designated: Major Repairs & Projects Future Initiatives Community Mission & Charity Giving Women's Ministry Restricted: Church & Churchyard Upkeep Choir Youth Charities Royal Coat of Arms |
2024 £ 22,301 22,301 21,685 5,497 219,729 246,911 7,258 16,799 222,854 245,155 145,751 21,157 15,697 11,737 4,097 399 41,963 2,406 984 281 683 245,155 |
2023 £ 16,073 |
|---|---|---|
| 16,073 | ||
| 38,202 18,927 193,729 |
||
| 250,858 11,515 18,301 |
||
| 221,042 | ||
| 237,115 | ||
| 117,867 28,541 24,651 6,561 2,609 399 50,643 1,834 934 1,126 1,950 |
||
| 237,115 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 7th May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
L. M. Bates
L. M. Bates (May 13, 2025 08:39 GMT+1) Reverend Leah Bates Chairman
CCRickard
CCRickard (May 9, 2025 11:31 GMT+1) Christopher Rickard Treasurer
The notes on pages 10 to 18 form part of these accounts
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S FETCHAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| NOTE INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Voluntary Income 1a Other trading activities 1b Income from charitable activities 1c Income from investments 1d EXPENDITURE Church Activities 2a Raising Funds 2b NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1.01.2024 Total funds carried forward 31.12.2024 |
UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 217,158 4,867 75,548 297,573 14,717 80 - 14,797 5,652 1,234 - 6,886 7,056 2,368 2,594 12,018 2024 |
UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 218,721 4,602 37,678 261,001 11,148 616 808 12,572 5,816 907 - 6,723 6,084 2,818 2,558 11,460 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 244,583 8,549 78,142 331,274 |
241,769 8,943 41,044 291,756 |
|
| 228,555 12,211 81,512 322,278 956 - - 956 |
228,130 16,352 35,269 279,751 - - - - |
|
| 229,511 12,211 81,512 323,234 |
228,130 16,352 35,269 279,751 |
|
| 15,072 (3,662) (3,370) 8,040 12,812 (6,012) (6,800) - |
13,639 (7,409) 5,775 12,005 15,878 (6,875) (9,003) - |
|
| 27,884 (9,674) (10,170) 8,040 117,867 62,761 56,487 237,115 |
29,517 (14,284) (3,228) 12,005 88,350 77,045 59,715 225,110 |
|
| 145,751 53,087 46,317 245,155 |
117,867 62,761 56,487 237,115 |
The notes on pages 10 to 18 form part of these accounts
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| 1. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS NOTE a) Voluntary Income 4 Planned Giving Open plate collections Appeals & Specific Donations Charitable appeals Royal Coat of Arms Appeal Sundry donations Outreach Activities Gift Aid receivable Grants Legacies b) Other trading activities Church Hall lettings - local community use Sale of Assets Fund raising events c) Income from charitable activities Fees for weddings and funerals Outreach Activities - Coffee Shop d) Income from investments Bank interest TOTAL INCOME |
UNRESTRICTED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS £ £ £ £ 157,794 - - 157,794 5,368 - - 5,368 7,707 - 7,500 15,207 - - 1,027 1,027 - - 731 731 2,959 - 474 3,433 578 4,420 - 4,998 40,052 447 2,016 42,515 700 - 63,800 64,500 2,000 - - 2,000 2024 |
2023 TOTAL FUNDS £ 161,599 4,456 7,230 1,353 1,590 3,299 4,762 40,837 34,375 1,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 217,158 4,867 75,548 297,573 |
261,001 | |
| 13,058 - - 13,058 - 80 - 80 1,659 - - 1,659 |
10,730 616 1,226 |
|
| 14,717 80 - 14,797 |
12,572 | |
| 5,652 - - 5,652 - 1,234 - 1,234 |
5,856 867 |
|
| 5,652 1,234 - 6,886 |
6,723 | |
| 7,056 2,368 2,594 12,018 |
11,460 | |
| 244,583 8,549 78,142 331,274 |
291,756 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY'S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| 2. EXPENDITURE UNRE NOTE a) Church activities Missionary and charitable giving 5 Overseas -Missionary societies -Relief agencies Home -Church societies -Relief agencies Ministry -Diocesan parish share -Youth ministry costs -Other ministry costs -Families Work -Rectory expenses -Upkeep of services -Church Music Church -Running expenses -Building maintenance -Royal Coat of Arms restoration -Other maintenance Hall -Running expenses -Fire Safety refurbishments Community Work & Outreach Upkeep of churchyard Publicity Administration b) Raising funds Cost of fundraising activities TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED |
STRICTEDDESIGNATED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS £ £ £ £ 7,000 - 106 7,106 2,000 - 157 2,157 2,000 1,500 732 4,232 8,000 1,000 877 9,877 2024 |
2023 TOTAL FUNDS £ 7,000 3,303 3,500 10,724 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,000 2,500 1,872 23,372 107,630 - - 107,630 17,184 - 9,375 26,559 1,772 - - 1,772 2,050 12,500 14,550 7,520 - - 7,520 2,088 - - 2,088 4,213 - - 4,213 9,551 - - 9,551 - - 11,126 11,126 - - 9,139 9,139 2,705 600 3,305 11,130 - - 11,130 - 8,186 - 8,186 1,855 925 12,500 15,280 3,991 - - 3,991 254 - - 254 37,612 - 25,000 62,612 |
24,527 101,982 30,720 3,111 14,437 1,018 1,704 4,437 9,559 - - 7,507 10,939 5,693 14,645 3,335 500 45,637 |
|
| 228,555 12,211 81,512 322,278 279,751 |
||
| 956 - - 956 |
- | |
| 956 - - 956 |
- | |
| 229,511 12,211 81,512 323,234 |
279,751 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
3 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all activities for which the PCC is legally responsible; the activities of informal gatherings of church members and groups that owe their main affiliation to another body are excluded.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with The Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the 'Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)' ("the Charities SORP"), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.
The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (the '2008 Regulations') requires charities to prepare their accounts in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005' but this accounting standard has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by the Charities SORP mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The charity has prepared these financial statements in accordance with the new Charities SORP; this departure from the 2008 Regulations is believed to be necessary for these financial statements to give a 'true and fair view'.
The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.
a) Going concern
The PCC have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The PCC have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements and have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
b) Income
Income (which includes planned giving, collections and other donations) is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part income is generally recognised when it is received by, or on behalf of, the PCC. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
Income from donations and legacies includes:
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i) Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.
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ii) Legacies. Income from legacies is recognised when a distribution is received from the estate or, if earlier, when the charity has been notified that a distribution will be made and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
Income from other trading activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied to generate funds. It includes income from letting the facilities to the local community.
Income from charitable activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from fees for weddings and funerals.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
3 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
c) Expenditure
Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Contributions in respect of the diocesan parish share are included in the Statement of Financial Activities for all amounts agreed to be payable for the financial year. Any contributions that have not been paid over by the year end are included as a creditor.
The charity makes grants to other institutions and individuals to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity. The PCC generally seeks to tithe about 10% of the previous year's unrestricted income to charitable causes outside of the church. When the whole 10% has not been distributed in the year, the left over amount is set aside in a designated fund for distribution in the following year.
d) Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
e) Tangible fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in these financial statements by virtue of s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011. All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings is written off in the year in which it is incurred.
Movable church furnishings held by the incumbent and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are capitalised in accordance with the policy set out below. These items are regarded as inalienable property and are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. Inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 has not been capitalised as there is insufficient cost information available.
Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £1,000 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective, equipment is depreciated over periods that range from 4 to 10 years.
f) Pension scheme arrangements
The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.
g) Taxation
The charity has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
4. INCOME
Income was £39,518 higher in 2024. With the Operations Manager working a full year the grant income relating to this role increased by £15,625. Income from single donations (including gift aid) increased by £9,442. A grant of £6,800 was received from Surrey County Council to cover the installation of a defibrillator and a shed to support our community work. The appeal for the restoration of the Royal Coat of Arms resulted in grants of £5,000 and £2,000 being received from Mole Valley District Council and Surrey Preservation Trust respectively.
5. MISSIONARY & CHARITABLE GIVING
| Oversea Oversea Home M Home R |
UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS £ £ £ s Mission AMADET - Centre for Urban Mission Kibera 7,000 106 7,106 s Relief Tear Fund 1,000 - 1,000 Open Doors 1,000 - 1,000 Friends of the Holy Land - - DEC - Middle East Appeal - 157 157 ission Christians Against Poverty 3000 - 3,000 Prison Fellowship 1000 - 1,000 Community Bible Study 300 200 500 A Rocha 200 - 200 elief Oakfield School 500 - 500 B@titude 1,500 - 1,500 The Meeting Room 1,500 - 1,500 Epsom & Ewell Foodbank 1,500 - 1,500 Leatherhead Community Hub 1,500 - 1,500 1st Fetcham Scouts. 1,000 - 1,000 Sight for Surrey 500 74 574 Bishop of Guildford Foundation - 532 532 Epson & Ewell Refuge Network - 484 484 TAG Youth Club for Disabled Young People - - - British Legion - Remembrance Service - 94 94 Children's Society - 135 135 Princess Alice Hospice - 90 90 2024 |
2023 TOTAL FUNDS £ 7,000 1,000 - 2,000 303 3,000 - 500 - 2,000 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,000 1,000 - - 500 224 - - |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL 21,500 1,872 23,372 |
24,527 |
A further £4,097 (£2,609 - 2023) is going to be distributed as part of our tithed giving from our 2024 income and this amount has been set aside by the trustees in the designated Mission & Charity Giving fund (see note 11).
Related Parties
Trustees which are also trustees of the receiving charities are: The Meeting Room Richard Furze Leatherhead Community Hub Richard Furze Oakfield School Teresa Trewinnard (Governor)
During the year the PCC received donations totalling £59,110 (£44,370 - 2023) from related parties (which includes members of the PCC, any other members of key management and anyone closely connected to them).
Except for the reimbursement of expenses incurred when acting as agent for the charity, or incurred when undertaking clergy duties, no expenses were paid to (or for) the members of the PCC.
14
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
6. STAFF COSTS
| STAFF COSTS | |
|---|---|
| Gross Salaries Social Security Pension Costs |
2024 2023 £ £ 100,708 86,908 2,634 41 1,910 1,548 |
| 105,252 88,497 |
The church employs a full time administrator and it also employed a full time youth minister until the end of October 2024 (the PCC is currently looking to fill this vacant post).
It also employs a part time community worker, families worker and operations manager. The community worker is also the assistant minister.
The youth minister, Nathan Ghinn, received salary and pension benefits totalling £24,544 (£29,065- 2023) and the pioneer community worker, Julie Partridge received a salary of £13,125 (£12,540- 2023). Both are ex officio member of the PCC. These payments are permitted by the PCC's governing document.
Reverend Leah Bates (who is a clergy member of the PCC) received a stipend from the Diocese and so she was not an employee; some of the Diocesan parish share is used to help meet the cost of her stipend. Reverend Leah Bates was provided with accommodation (which is customary for clergy) and the cost of this accommodation to the PCC was £7,520 (£1,019 - 2023).
Most of the PCC's activities are carried out by volunteers; in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured.
| 7. 8. 9. |
2024 Average no. of employees 5 FIXED ASSETS 2024 2023 Tangible £ £ Cost Balance at 1/1/2024 18,214 5434 Additions 8,779 12,780 Balance at 31/12/2024 26,993 18,214 Depreciation Balance at 1/1/2024 2,141 517 Charge for the year 2551 1624 Balance at 31/12/2024 4,692 2,141 Net Balance at 31/12/2024 22,301 16,073 DEBTORS 2024 £ Gift Aid Receivable 15,077 PCC Fees 999 Interest Receivable 2,847 Grants Receivable (Re VAT) 687 Sundry 1,075 Legacy 1,000 Advance Event Funding - 21,685 CREDITORS 2024 £ Payroll 1,374 PAYE 409 Social Security 767 Services 3,912 Other 796 7,258 |
2024 5 2024 2023 £ £ 18,214 5434 8,779 12,780 |
2024 5 2024 2023 £ £ 18,214 5434 8,779 12,780 |
2023 4 2024 2023 £ £ Net Book Value 31/12/2024 Church Equipment 1,238 Hall Furniture 10,654 11,932 Equipment 5,115 4,141 Shed 5,294 22,301 16,073 2023 £ 33,947 2,213 2,613 - 219 - (790) 38,202 2023 £ 1,236 775 510 7,967 1,027 11,515 |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,238 10,654 11,932 5,115 4,141 5,294 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26,993 18,214 |
|||||
| 2,141 517 2551 1624 |
|||||
| 4,692 2,141 |
|||||
| 4 22,301 16,073 |
22,301 16,073 |
||||
| 2024 £ 15,077 999 2,847 687 1,075 1,000 - |
|||||
| 21,685 | |||||
| 2024 £ 1,374 409 767 3,912 796 |
|||||
| 7,258 |
15
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
10. DEFERRED INCOME
| DEFERRED INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Balance at 1/1/2024 Income received Amount released to income Balance at 31/12/2024 |
Grant Advanced Lettings Total Grant Advanced Lettings Total £ £ £ £ 15,625 2,676 18,301 - 374 374 50,000 1174 51,174 50,000 2,676 52,676 (50,000) (2,676) (52,676) (34,375) (374) (34,749) 2024 2023 |
| 15,625 1,174 16,799 15,625 2,676 18,301 |
The PCC is receiving a grant of £50,000 each year from Peaceful Streams to support the funding of the employment of the Community Worker, Family Worker and Operations Manager during the first three years of their employment. The income received for one of these posts is intended to fund their employment in 2025 and this portion has been deferred.
11. UNRESTRICTED, DESIGNATED and RESTRICTED FUNDS
| FUNDS Unrestricted Designated: - Major Repairs & Projects - Future Initiatives - Community - Mission & Charity Giving - Women's Ministry Restricted: - Church & Churchyard Upkeep - Future Initiatives - Choir - Youth - Charities - Royal Coat of Arms - Shed & Defibrillator |
Opening Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance £ £ £ £ £ 117,867 244,583 (229,511) 12,812 145,751 28,541 1,402 (8,786) - 21,157 24,651 1,046 - (10,000) 15,697 6,561 6,101 (925) - 11,737 2,609 - (2,500) 3,988 4,097 399 - - - 399 50,643 2,446 (11,126) - 41,963 - 50,000 (50,000) - - 1,834 572 - - 2,406 934 9,425 (9,375) - 984 1,126 1,027 (1,872) - 281 1,950 7,872 (9,139) - 683 - 6,800 - (6,800) - |
|---|---|
| 237,115 331,274 (323,234) - 245,155 |
During the year the PCC received a grant of £6,800 to purchase a shed and defibrillator. Consequently £6,800 was transferred from the restricted fund created to the unrestricted general funds when the items were capitalised. In addition the PCC released £10,000 from the designated Future Initiatives fund to unrestricted general funds for the PCC's share of the cost of the Community Worker, Families Worker and Operations Manager.
| Analysis of Net Assets by Fund FUNDS Unrestricted Designated: - Major Repairs & Projects - Future Initiatives - Community - Mission & Charity Giving - Women's Ministry Restricted: - Church & Churchyard Upkeep - Future Initiatives - Choir - Youth - Charities - Royal Coat of Arms |
Assets Liabilities Fund Balance £ £ £ 154,183 (8,432) 145,751 21,157 - 21,157 15,697 - 15,697 11,737 - 11,737 4,097 - 4,097 399 - 399 41,963 - 41,963 15,625 (15,625) - 2,406 - 2,406 984 - 984 281 - 281 683 - 683 |
|---|---|
| 269,212 (24,057) 245,155 |
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
11. UNRESTRICTED, DESIGNATED and RESTRICTED FUNDS continued
In the previous year the movements in the PCC's funds were as follows:
| FUNDS Unrestricted Designated: - Major Repairs & Projects - Future Initiatives - Community - Mission & Charity Giving - Women's Ministry - Churchyard Restricted: - Church & Churchyard Upkeep - Future Initiatives - Hall Project - Choir - Youth - Charities - Royal Coat of Arms - Creche |
Opening Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance £ £ £ £ £ 88,350 241,769 (228,130) 15,878 117,867 35,450 2,105 (9,014) - 28,541 30,197 1,329 - (6,875) 24,651 2,859 5,070 (1,368) - 6,561 8,539 - (5,930) - 2,609 - 399 - - 399 - 40 (40) - - 48,291 2,352 - - 50,643 - 34,375 (34,375) - - 8,121 882 - (9,003) - 1,749 85 - - 1,834 975 47 (88) - 934 300 1,353 (527) - 1,126 - 1,950 - - 1,950 279 - (279) - 0 |
|---|---|
| 225,110 291,756 (279,751) - 237,115 |
During 2023 the PCC purchased some fixed assets that satisfied the restriction on the restricted Hall Project fund and the balance on the Hall Project fund (£9,003) has been transferred to unrestricted general funds. In addition the PCC released £6,875 from the designated Future Initiatives fund to unrestricted general funds to cover the PCC's share of the cost of the Community Worker, Families Worker and Operations Manager.
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
| FUNDS Unrestricted Designated: - Major Repairs & Projects - Future Initiatives - Community - Mission & Charity Giving - Women's Ministry - Churchyard Restricted: - Church & Churchyard Upkeep - Future Initiatives - Hall Project - Choir - Youth - Charities - Royal Coat of Arms - Creche |
Assets Liabilities Fund Balance £ £ £ 132,058 (14,191) 117,867 28,541 - 28,541 24,651 - 24,651 6,561 - 6,561 2,609 - 2,609 399 - 399 - - - 50,643 - 50,643 15,625 (15,625) - - - - 1,834 - 1,834 934 - 934 1,126 - 1,126 1,950 - 1,950 - - - |
|---|---|
| 266,931 (29,816) 237,115 |
17
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY’S FETCHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
11. UNRESTRICTED, DESIGNATED and RESTRICTED FUNDS continued
FUNDS
Unrestricted general funds
It is policy to hold reserves to cover three months expenditure (£70,000).
The unrestricted fund (£145,751) provides this cover plus additional cover for any planned shortfall between income and expenditure in future years.
Furthermore £22,301 of this fund is represented by fixed assets and therefore is not available to spend.
Unrestricted designated funds
The Major Repairs & Projects Fund (£21,157) covers maintenance and projects to improve facilities.
The Future Initiatives Fund (£15,697) has been set up from legacy income to cover St Mary's contribution to the cost of the Pioneer Community Worker, Families Worker and Operations Manager for the three year period when the majority of the cost is being funded by another charity (Peaceful Streams) .
The Community Fund (£11,737) resulted from donations received from community activities such as the community fridge and coffee shop and will be used to support the community activities.
The Mission & Charity Giving Fund (£4,097) represents the balance of funds set aside from a tithing of income that hadn't been distributed by the year end.
These funds will be distributed in 2025.
The Women's Ministry Fund (£399)arose from donations received at the Women's Breakfast events and will be used to promote women's ministry.
Restricted funds
The Church and Churchyard Upkeep Fund (£41,963) is set up from a legacy to be used for the upkeep of the church and churchyard.
The Future Initiatives Fund was created from a grant received from another charity (Peaceful Streams) to help fund the employment of a Pioner Community Worker, Families Worker and Operations Manager.
The Choir fund (£2,406) resulted from specific donations given to help meet choir expenses.
The Youth Fund (£984) is the balance of funds donated to support youth work. The Charities Fund (£281) is balance of funds generated from collections for appeals. The Royal Coat of Arms Fund (£683) arose from an appeal for the restoration of the Charles II coat of arms presented to the church in the 16th century.
The Shed and Defibrillator Fund was created from a grant received to help construct a storage shed for the PCC's community activities and for a defibrillator.
12. POST YEAR END EVENTS
A legacy of £100,915 was received in 2025.This will be recognised as income in 2025 as the executors were only able to determine the amounts payable to the beneficiaries in April 2025.
18
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S FETCHAM
('the Charity')
I report to the members of the PCC (who are also the charity's trustees) on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 on pages 8 to 18, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 12 and 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As members of the PCC 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 Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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
Since the Charity’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 Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners, 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 Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts 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.
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.
Ajay Rajani
Ajay Rajani (May 14, 2025 15:12 GMT+1)
Ajay Rajani Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB Date: May 14, 2025
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