## **Annual Report** ## **of the** ## **Parochial Church Council** for the year ended 31 December 2025 ## **Team Rector:** The Revd. Glen Mansfield Parish Office: Rectory Garth, Rayleigh, SS6 8BB ## **Bankers:** Barclays Bank UK PLC Rayleigh Branch Leicester, LE87 2BB ## **Independent Examiners:** Venthams Limited Millhouse 32-38 East Street Rochford, SS4 1DB > The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rayleigh, Rayleigh Parish Centre, Rectory Garth, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 8BB _-_ Registered Charity Number 1129561 https://www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk Page **1** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **CONTENTS** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ||**Page**| |---|---| |**Reference & Administrative Details**|**3**| |**Annual Report of the PCC**|**4**| |**Statement of Trustees Responsibilities**|**12**| |**Independent**
**Report**|**13**| |**Statement of Financial Activities**|**14**| |**Balance Sheet**|**15**| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**16**| Page **2** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** ## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **Membership** Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by Annual Parochial Church Meetings (APCMs) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Members of the PCC are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and those who served from 1 January 2025 to the date of this report are: - **----- Start of picture text -----**
Revd. Glen Mansfield Team Rector Ex officio
Revd. Tracy Nutter Associate Priest Ex officio
Revd. Jackie Turner Pioneer Minister Co-opted; appointed 08 September 2025
Janet Carter PCC Until APCM 2026
Steve Davey Churchwarden / PCC PCC until APCM 2027; Churchwarden 2023-26
Paul Falvey PCC Until APCM 2027
Hiranthi Fernando PCC Until APCM 2027; PCC Treasurer
Maggi Gale Churchwarden / DS Churchwarden 2022-26; Deanery Synod until 2026
Ann Jolly PCC Until APCM 2028
Chris Parker PCC Until APCM 2028
Wayne Prankard DS Deanery Synod until 2026
Robert Robinson PCC Until APCM 2028
Gordon Simmonds Vice Chair/ DS Deanery Synod until 2026
Emily Buckley
PCC Until APCM 2026
(née St Ledger)
Andrew White PCC Until APCM 2026
Jacky Wragg DS Deanery Synod until 2026
**----- End of picture text -----**
DS deanery synod member **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF RAYLEIGH** is a registered Charity, registration number 1129561. Main Office: Rayleigh Parish Office, Rayleigh Parish Centre, Rectory Garth, SS6 8BB Independent Examiners: Venthams Limited, Millhouse, 32-38 East Street, Rochford, SS4 1DB Bankers: Barclays Bank UK PLC, Rayleigh Branch, Leicester LE87 2BB The Parish of Rayleigh is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Steve Davey. Our website contains information about who to report any concerns to and how to make contact, as well as having posters on display within both churches. We also ensure that any roles performed within the church that require a DBS check have a valid certificate and complete the relevant safeguarding training for that role. Page **3** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rayleigh (PCC) submits its annual report and financial statements for the year end 31 December 2025. ## **1. Aims and purposes** The PCC is responsible for co-operating with the Team Rector, clergy and lay ministers in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in the ecclesiastical parish of Rayleigh. It also has responsibilities to maintain the buildings and facilities of Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Rayleigh and St. Michael and All Angels Church Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh. ## **2. Objectives and activities** The PCC is committed to encouraging and enabling as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part of our church family. The PCC oversees worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can include the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities for the year we have considered the Charity guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Specifically, we enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: - worship and prayer; learning about the gospel; developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus - provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish - ministry and outreach work To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the two church buildings and facilities. We aim to keep our premises in a good state, providing high quality facilities to community groups for significant civic support within our parish. ## **3. Achievements and performance** **Worship:** At Holy Trinity, the pattern of services was as shown below. **----- Start of picture text -----**
1 [st] / 3 [rd] Sunday 8am Said Holy Communion - BCP
Sunday 9:15am Morning Worship or Holy Communion (Traditional)
Sunday 11am Morning Worship or Holy Communion (Contemporary)
5 [th] Sunday 10am All-age Morning Worship
1 [st] / 3 [rd] Sunday 9:45am/ Café Worship in the Main Hall
9.30am (start time changed in October 2025)
4 [th] Sunday 6:30pm Fourth Sunday Praise
Wednesday 10am Holy Communion
**----- End of picture text -----**
A revised service pattern had been introduced in January 2024. Some of the Baden-Powell groups attend occasional Parade services; Café Worship services have continued to be very well attended. Café Worship midweek is paused, but the Sunday offering will be extended in 2026 to include 5[th] Sundays. Page **4** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** At St there is a café-style service every week at 11am, with Holy Communion celebrated once a month, increasing to twice a month in 2026. Worship at both churches is led by a team of clergy and lay helpers. Sermon series for the year included loving God and our neighbour, Mission on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Acts chapters 2-7, the theme of Joy in letter to the Philippians and the books of Judges and Ruth. Morning Prayer has continued to be published on the Parish YouTube channel on Fridays and alternate Mondays, with an online Bible study in gospel led by the Rector on the other Mondays. Outside formal worship, many visitors appreciate being able to use the Alen Chapel for prayer and quiet contemplation throughout the week during Church Open. Special services during the year have included choral evensong for Palm Sunday, Trinity Sunday and Harvest, a hymn festival, a service at the lych gate on Easter Day, RRAVS carol service, Thanksgiving and Remembering, Remembrance services, Service of Light, Parish Carol Services, Nativity, Christingle and other family Christmas Eve services, and Christmas Holy Communion services. A carol service was offered on a Wednesday morning in December. This was a new venture that was very well received; we hope to repeat it in 2026. Our ministers officiated at 21 baptisms, 11 weddings, 25 funerals and 5 interments of cremated remains. Three members of our congregations were confirmed in the autumn by the Bishop of Bradwell, the Right Reverend Adam Atkinson at a service hosted by St Peter and St Paul, Hockley. Our thanks go to the clergy team and to the many others, members of the laity and retired clergy, who plan, organise, lead and preach at all our services. ## **Pastoral Care:** The Pastoral Care Team aims to meet once a month. We can be in touch with each other if there is something urgent between meetings via our Team WhatsApp Group, or by phone or text. We continue to visit those who request visits and take Home Communion to those who request this. We share names of those we are particularly concerned about, people who might need extra help, or a visit. Each week there is a notice in the news sheet, letting people know who to contact if they want or need help. We continue to run Being Here, our Bereavement Café every first and third Thursday afternoon. It is widely supported (numbers have increased) and people who come are inviting others. On fifth Thursdays, Jacky Wragg and the Outreach team have started the group with the inclusion of games if people would like to play. We continue to take services in three residential homes each month, as well as supporting a service which is run by one of the residents at Rosedale. The services are well received and generally go well. Early in the year, we organised a session on Dementia Awareness, and feedback said it was very helpful. We were approached by the Care Coordination Service (part of the NHS), who can organise or access different help for people who want to continue living at home but are finding it more difficult. We organised a visit to the team by their lead, Ashley, who was able to leave us pamphlets, and explain how their team might be able to help. At one of our meetings, the Rector, Revd Glen Mansfield, had asked if we did anything when someone the Our answer had been No, not anything but this has now been raised for discussion in our most recent meetings, to see if we can do more about this. We planned, organised and ran the and service, this year in order to remember those we have lost. It was much appreciated by those who came. We are now considering planning a welcome tea for newcomers on a Sunday afternoon. Page **5** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **Families, Children and Youth; Outreach** ## Café Worship The thriving Café Worship congregation meets at Holy Trinity twice a month and from October 2025 the start time was brought forward to 9:30am. Numbers at these services are around 50, mainly comprising multi-generation families, families considering baptism, and those continuing their journey with God after baptism. We were especially delighted that Bishop Adam visited Café Worship on 6[th] April and that three members of the Café family were baptised by the Rector in Sue swimming pool in the summer. The PCC has allowed Café Worship to extend to run on the fifth Sunday of the month during 2026, and we look forward to continuing to grow in faith, commitment and number through the year, supported by the wonderful team. We have had to stop monthly Café Midweek services as we cannot resource this but continue to maintain contact with the families that came. At Christmas, the Café Worship Nativity reminded us at Christmas, with many families attending who we do not see regularly at Sunday services. Similarly, the three Christmas Eve services saw Dora the Explorer telling the Christmas story, aided by Diego and Boots the monkey (who is still on his perch at church at time of writing!). Thanks to everyone who helped over this very busy period. ## Other events focused on children and families The Easter Trail in which children were invited to follow a set of clues that led them around the church to find the answers was popular and attracted some families who had not entered the church building before. The Church Open team were present to talk to the families. For the Trinity Fair, games that families could enjoy free of charge were set up on the grass area by the lych gate, while inside the church, there were crafts and prayer-based activities for children. These were greatly enjoyed by the children. On the opening night of the TreeFest, free games for children were again set up outside, with craft activities inside the church on the Saturday. There was also an opportunity to hand out leaflets advertising our Christmas services to passers-by. The parish hosted a number of local school visits throughout the year, as well as concerts and services for Christmas. The Rector also took some lessons in local schools. A highlight of the year was being able to re-start the Summer Holiday Club, which ran Sea for a week in August. Over 31 young people, aged 4 to 11 and four toddlers; supported by 32 volunteers and four young helpers from across the parish and beyond spent the week exploring the ocean and learning about baptism, healing, walking on water, the pearl, death and resurrection. The club could not have run without an amazing team of volunteers, especially the craft team led by Helen, Nicola as production designer, Ann in the Kitchen, Mark on AV, Chris and Paul on games, and in particular Rachel, Cara and Ellie for keeping us all organised. ## Tots Toys and Chat There are two sessions during term time: Thursday afternoons at Holy Trinity and Friday mornings at St each supported by amazing volunteers. We are grateful to Jacky Wragg and Jackie Turner for taking on the St group now that Cara Parker has commenced her studies at St College. Both groups are popular, with approximately 20-30 families attending each week across the two sessions. With the government now offering free childcare to babies from 9 months, we have found that the children attending are now younger than in previous years. The average age of the children is 12-18 months and we are adapting our sessions to cater for this age range. The sessions are popular with mothers on maternity leave and grandparents who have taken on the role of carer whilst the parents are working. Each session gives the children the opportunity to play, do crafts, hear a Christian based story, sing and play musical instruments. The sessions also give the parents/carers time to socialise and discuss topics centred around the children. Refreshments are available for adults and children. As helpers we offer a listening ear, encouragement and, if relevant, signpost to other organisations. The adults are made aware of services and events within the church both verbally and through readily available flyers. Both groups are reliant on volunteers to be able to continue this vital community ministry, which provides a low-cost friendly alternative to the many commercial offerings available to young families in the area. We are grateful to the team that set up as new group aimed at young people in school years five and above, filling a gap in the offering for the age group. This was initially well attended, but the new school year and changing circumstances for some families is leading us to re-think how best to serve this important group. 2026 promises an opportunity to deepen our relationships with the families we know, and to share love with more families. We are grateful to God for the Good News to share, and to the Holy Spirit for empowering us all in this important ministry. Page **6** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## Stop and Chat This ministry takes place in the warmer months, generally April October. Our role is be a visible welcoming presence to those who pass by our church; to chat and listen to those who stop; to signpost people to a Christian Listener or relevant local This year the team has welcomed and talked to people of all ages from all walks of life. Some people have just enjoyed the chance to take a rest, have a hot drink and chat about everyday life. Others have shared very personal stories and thanked us for the opportunity to do so. One such lady now attends church services and has helped at an outreach event. There are several homeless gentlemen who sit on the benches outside the church. As well as chatting to them and offering hot drinks and food, we make sure they have sleeping bags and suitable clothing for the time of year. In colder months we have experimented with an afternoon Games and Chat session. The vision for this started as a place for people to enjoy company and a warm welcome, especially for this struggling to heat their own homes. However, the warm hub concept was not well attended therefore we trialled a games and chat approach. We had a few more people but again this was not well attended. Therefore, we have teamed up with the Being Here group and now run Still Here on months with a fifth Thursday so there is a group running for the isolated and bereaved at least fortnightly. The first session in October provided valuable opportunities to listen to the people that came. ## Carols This was a new service, taking place on market day the week before Christmas. It proved to be popular with very positive feedback. The congregation of just over 60 people was a mixture of and church family. We hope this will become part of the Christmas calendar. ## **Prayer:** The underlying principle of prayer behind all our church activities remains the same, seeking guidance and wisdom, that our fellowship should walk in the way God would have us go. Prayer activities include:prayer times for specific topics by the Rector online morning prayers printed Prayer cards and box in the Alen Chapel as well as a prayer box at St. Weekly House of Prayer meeting quarterly Saturday morning quiet reflections weekly dial-in prayer time prayer chain membership of the World Day of Prayer This year we added bookmark prayers given to everyone on the four Sundays during advent, as well as a Christmas prayer tree in the Alen Chapel. ## **Mission Partners:** Our parish continues to support external mission partners. During the year the working group has been asking those leading intercessions at services to include prayer for the partner of the Members of the group made international visits to two of our mission partners - Clive Lewis visited St Obiya, and Wayne Prankard visited a partner in India (we note that the Vision School has closed). Hopeworx visited us and spoke at Holy Trinity services in May; Sharon Wilcox from CMS did the same in July. The information posters at both churches have been updated. The parish annual outward giving payments to mission partners were distributed as usual. Four new organisations were added to our list of partners this year: Society, SCAFT (Young Carers), Leprosy Mission, and Purse. The remainder are: St Obiya, CPAS, CMS, Hopeworx, Open Doors, Bar N Bus, BEST (Crosslinks), and Teen Challenge. In December we hosted a carol service for Bar Bus. In 2026 we will have visits from Open Doors and Bar N Bus. ## **Discipleship:** The Discipleship working group oversees homegroups and encourages spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study and other resources. More than 60 people are involved in homegroups that meet either in homes or at the Parish Centre for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Early in 2025 homegroups completed a series of studies on Prayer. The Lent course, led by the Rector, was _Good News in Bad Times Stories of Grace in WWII_ . After Easter there was a series of studies on the letter of James, and in the autumn term we offered The Bible Course, an overview of the Bible narrative in 8 sessions, produced by The Bible Society. For Advent, 100 copies of Bear book, _The Greatest Story Ever Told_ were distributed to members of the congregations and their families. Feedback on the content indicated that it was very moving and thought provoking. St now hosts a gathering twice a month at which is an discussion group with childcare offered. In 2026 we will become a venue for the Chelmsford Course in Christian Studies with a volunteer tutor team We are very grateful to Revd John Townsend and Clive Lewis for their dedication in creating bespoke study materials, to Glen for his oversight of the homegroups and excellent Lent courses and to all those who lead, host and care for our homegroups. Page **7** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **4. Financial review** ## _Incoming resources_ Income for the year ended 31 December 2025 was £350,453 (2024 - £417,026). The PCC has three main sources of income: (1) planned giving and tax recovery on gift aid which funds parish share; (2) grants from the Friends of Holy Trinity, Rayleigh which funds the maintenance and repair of Holy Trinity Church, a grade II* listed building; and (3) income on hall lettings which funds all other expenditure. Voluntary income from planned giving, donations and tax on gift aid was £159,762 (2024 - £154,252) and we are grateful to God for resourcing mission and ministry in our parish and elsewhere through our mission partners. In 2024 income was boosted by a grant of £125,500 from the Friends of Holy Trinity, whereas in 2025 this grant was £24,000. Legacies of £5,000 (2024 - £1,303) were due at the end of the financial year and received in 2026. Interest income increased to £24,423 (2024 - £14,310). A new finance system implemented at the beginning of 2025 has improved billing and collection of hall lettings and fees for occasional services. Consequently, hall lettings income increased to £108,997 (2024 - £97,991) and fees for occasional services of £21,094 (2024 - £14,058) were received. ## _Resources expended_ We paid our 2025 parish share of £105,392 (2024 - £102,191) in full to the Diocese of Chelmsford as well as fees of £4,702 for occasional services. Staff costs decreased to £30,232 (2024 - £43,690) as the post of pioneer minister was vacant for eight months. Grants of £15,154 (2024 - £28,178) were disbursed in keeping with the policy to tithe 10% of its voluntary income to mission partners. The cost of utilities was stable at £19,742 (2024 - £19,115) as fixed price supply contracts were renegotiated. The electricity supply to St Church site was upgraded at a cost of £6,892 and the PCC approved a budget of £15,000 to refurbish toilets on this site. The refurbishment is due for completion in February 2026 although there were no capital commitments at the end of the financial year. ## _Result for the year_ The outturn for the year is a surplus of £110,521 (2024 - £166,423). The PCC is endowed with significant cash balances of £702,819 at 31 December 2025 (2024 - £582,595), the majority held in interest earning deposits at CCLA. ## _Reserves policy_ The PCC aspires to maintain at least 6 months operating expenditure in unrestricted reserves which equates to c£126,000. At 31 December 2025, unrestricted reserves of £320,912 (2024 - £249,925) were held, comfortably exceeding the minimum reserve requirement. ## _Risk management_ All significant insurable risks associated with buildings, public liability and liabilities are covered through an insurance policy. Risk assessments are carried out on activities such as the summer Holiday Club and other events to which the public is invited. ## _Public benefit_ The PCC confirms that they have complied with the duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit in planning activities and priorities for the year ahead. ## _Independent examination_ A motion will be put to the APCM to re-appoint Venthams Limited as independent examiner. Page **8** of **24** **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **5. Structure, governance and management** ## **5.1. PCC** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity. The membership of the PCC and method of appointment along with other administrative information is set out on page 3. The PCC met on 9 occasions in 2025. The February and October meetings were primarily non-business meetings focusing on ministry strategy and exploring the role of the PCC. The principal groups which work with the PCC to discharge its responsibilities are: - **Standing Committee** which has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. - **Working Groups** appointed by the PCC to act on their behalf. Much of the detailed work of the PCC is undertaken by these groups which meet in between PCC meetings and report back to the PCC. The extensive work of maintaining the church fabric is undertaken by the Facilities and Parish Centres groups who assist the Churchwardens in this part of their traditional responsibilities. ## **5.2. Church Membership** The Electoral Roll was renewed in 2025. At the 2025 APCM there were 182 members on the Electoral Roll. Of these 136 were resident and 46 were not resident in the Parish. The approximate average attendance at Sunday services (excluding additional services and special events) was: **----- Start of picture text -----**
St 11am 20
HT 8am 10
HT 9:15am 60
HT 11am 60
HT Café Worship 50
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **5.3. Personnel** Our Rector Revd Glen Mansfield leads and supports the staff team of clergy and laity which meets weekly for Bible study and diary planning and review. Together with the other clergy, he undertakes a significant portion of the leading and preaching at services and devotes time to fostering lay leadership of services where appropriate. Alongside her role as Associate priest, Revd Tracy Nutter exercises a valuable ministry supporting the pastoral needs of our community with phone calls, visits and Home Communion, leading the pastoral care team and Tracy also, together with Marée Gaskin, leads monthly services at the local residential care homes. Revd Jackie Turner joined us in September 2025, as Pioneer Minister, taking primary responsibility for worship at St . We hope that in due course she will be formally licensed to the parish. Cara Parker, Pastoral Care Assistant for Families and Children, began ordination training in September 2025. Our Licensed Lay Ministers Jacky Wragg and Anton Machacek, together with Authorised Local Preacher Wayne Prankard and a number of other lay preachers continue to lead and preach at services. Marée Gaskin serves the parish as Authorised Lay Funeral Minister. Lynn Lee is our Baptism Coordinator, supported by a Baptism Team. Music for services at Holy Trinity is provided by our organists Joe and Abby and the choir. The music group, led by Rachel and Helen, supports contemporary worship and 4[th] Sunday Praise. St enjoys occasional live music but mostly uses backing tracks to aid sung worship. Our Parish Administrator, Janet Thompson, manages the office and welcome desk, bookings, invoicing and telephone queries as well as providing a warm welcome to the Parish Centre, and our Parish Centres Assistant, Jenny Crane, provides practical support, ensuring our premises are clean and tidy. The welcome desk at Holy Trinity parish centre is ably staffed by a team of volunteers, and many other volunteers are involved in the day to day running and activities of our churches. We are grateful to them all. Page **9** of **24** **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **6. Fabric Report** ## **Holy Trinity Church** We reviewed the revised listing of actions listed in the last Quinquennial Report. All the shorter-term items are complete, including the repair of the Sanctuary step and rail. We have also replaced three bespoke bricks on the south porch. After contacting many firms we have at last received a quote for the repair of one of the metal straps holding the weathervane and are considering it. We received a C of E funded report on possible steps toward Net Zero and are waiting for the DAC to comment on it for us. However, we are in contact with a new Diocesan Support Group and are gradually working toward further reducing our carbon footprint. For example, we replaced more lighting in the Parish Centre with LEDs when some failures occurred. We are also very aware that the scheme to recover VAT on some repairs is being phased out. So, we considered re-covering the south aisle roof, adding significant insulation and making provision for PV panels. But at an estimated cost of at least £77,400, it was judged that this is not the time to do it. However, we are still interested in improving our performance and hopefully reducing running costs, perhaps with heat pumps, smart valves, PV panels and batteries. A major issue is finding a good source of advice at a reasonable price. We have continued with our regular servicing and maintenance. This not only involves specialist contractors we are also indebted to our regular teams of volunteers. If you could help at all with this, please contact the Parish Office, as there is more work to be done than we can at present handle. ## **Parish Centre** During the Autumn, once again the Main Hall Floor arched up, causing significant disruption and cost. It coincided with a spell of wet weather, and it seems most likely this is due to water getting under the floor boarding. It now seems probable that the water entered from the SE corner of the hall. The rainwater drain in that region is in the lowest part of the car park and tends to get blocked by leaves at this time of the year. We will keep a close observation on this drain, especially while the leaves are falling. We make every endeavour to keep our Centre in excellent condition, for example we regularly clean the carpets using internal resources and this year cleaned the upholstery on all the folding chairs. This work is appreciated by our many users, who collectively contribute a great deal to the wellbeing of our local community, as well as contributing around £110,000 to Church finances. We have updated our booking form and terms of hire and in view of recent experience, have introduced late cancellation fees. Our list of users remains quite stable. We plan to replace the exterior doors to the Main Hall; unfortunately the supplier of the main doors has become bankrupt. We are delighted to report that 2026 marks 50[th] anniversary of the Main Hall ## **St Michaels** We have installed three phase power to the site; this will give us three times the capacity and overcome the long-standing issue of limited power on the site. It also protects the possible future switch to electrical heating in the main building. Significant other improvements to the toilets, kitchens and site paths are planned for 2026. The Quinquennial work is up to date and the garden behind the Annex is now complete and was open for the Garden Trail. Unfortunately, we have had too many notifications that the defibrillator has been used by members of the public or has gone missing. ## **Holy Trinity Churchyard** During the summer, we received an unwelcome surprise from the Rochford District Council Arboricultural Adviser, who is responsible for overseeing the trees in the churchyard. He gave us a report on the health of the much-loved large cedar tree. The Council has been monitoring that tree for a few years and the recent survey showed that the fungus damage is at or slightly above the level at which felling is normally advised. Their advice is that some work could be done to improve the situation for about four years, but that would not guarantee safety. We are very aware of the tragic death of a child in Southend during the summer, caused by the collapse of a similar tree. So, we sought our own advice and this concurred with the advice already given. We much regret the loss of such a fine and well-loved tree but believe safety must be paramount. So we have petitioned for a Faculty to remove the cedar tree and will work with the RDC officers. The RDC is now looking into other possibilities, so we hope this precaution will not be necessary, but we do not know yet. Page **10** of **24** PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 7. Rochford Deanery Synod Report Three meetings of the Rochford Deanery Synod took place during 2025. They were wrapped around with opening and closing worship and i ncluded updates on the churches, activities, Deanery finance, clergy deployment and reports from General and Diocesan Synods as appropriate. Each meeting also had a special item andlor vlatlna soeaker. 25 February 2025 - meeting held at St Mary'5, Hawkwell The Speaker was Bellnda Ramsey who leads the Diocesan Mustard Seed team and also works with matters of mental health and wellbein9. The Mustard Seed team consist5 of four members who are very keen to work alongside churches, offering hclp and training for work with children, families and young people from birth up to the age of 25, including those W￿th additional needs. More information can be found on the Dlocesan website https.. //www.chelmsford.anglican.org/children-famllies-young-people/mustard-seed-tearn It had been confirmed that Rev'd Sharon Guest, who had left the Pearl Cluster to take up a post elsewhere, would not be replaced, but that in due cour£e Rev'd Ernie CILlPSt waijld bp_ replaced. Bishop Gull arid the CEO of the Diocese had met with the Area Deans to discus5 the issues of Pari sh share and clergy numbers. It was noted that in future when vacancies occurred, parishes might be allocated clergy according to their ability/willingness to pay Iheir parish share. The deficit in the Diocesan budget wag currently bping rnpt hy rpsprves. 24th June 2025 - meetlng held at st Nlcholas, Great Wakering The speaker was the newly appolnted Archdeacon of Southend, the Venerable Dr Sue Lucas. She spoke about her own faith journey and her hobby of running. She gave an outline of what the duties of an arctr)aeacon Involve, empnasising Ihe probleni-sL>lvliiy dsyeLL uf Ll 1¢ juij. Ddy-tu-day 5iei" vvoi-K involve5 supporting parishes and ensuring the churches in her area are In good order. Lay members of Deanery Synod were invited to consider standlng for election to Diocesan Synod. It was reported that clergy would be receiving an Increase in thelr stipends. There 1> d teaiii of Deaiiei'y Envii-onmental Advocate5, but Rochford docs not yet hove one. [Holy Trlnityi Rayleigh hosted the Deanery Songs of Praise on Sunday 291h June 2025] 16th November 2025 - meeting held at St Thomas, Hullbridge The Blshop of Bradwell, the Rlght Reverend Adari i Alki115011, led a d15CU551on and meditation on Psalm 8. We were encouraged to 'look up and out., not 'in and down,. The psalmist declares God's praises first and sees His fingerprints in Creation {'Hands that flung star5 into space..,,). The Westminster catech ism states that we are made to 'worshlp God and enjoy Him forever,. To worship God involves singing songs to Him, IIVL dL)uuL HIIii. We should gain perspectlve as sons and daughters of the King of klngs and not experience a 'hardening of the oughteries,. We should pray out of a sense of wonder, not of worry. The Bishop explained that there w33 a plan to have 100 days of prayer and 100 days of listening in 2026. He talked about evangeli" tr3ying it wa5 the 'show and tell, of Jesus and that if we could 'be faithfLII with the one, (new disciple) then God would send us more. He encouraged us to identify with 'the last, the least and the lost,. th Further details of Deanery Synod activities may be obtained from any of our Deanery Synod representatives. General Synod activities can be followed via the Church of England website. 8. Approval The annual report was approved by the PCC on 13th April 2026 and signed on its behalf by: The Revd. Glen Mansfield Team Rector Lalini Hiranthi Fernando BA FCA Treasurer Page 11 uf 24 ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ## **Statement of** ## **responsibilities** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); - make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any - material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume - that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Royal Charter. 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. Page **12** of **24** PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Independent Examiner's Report to the Parochial Church Council of Rayleigh I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements the Parochial Church Council of Rayleigh ('the charity,) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. 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 sertion 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. An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover 311 the matters th3t an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit go beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, l express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fair, view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement. Independent examiner's statement Since the trust's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner rnust be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011. 1 confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of 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 connettion with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: > accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. or > the financial statements do not accord with those records; or > the financial statements do not cornply 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 financial statements to be reached. Stuart Harrison Venthams Limited Millhouse 32-38 East Street Rochford, SS4 IDB Date: l* April 2026 Page 13 of 24 ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **14** of **24** PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 Restricted income funds Unrestrict•d funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 366,000 366,000 366,000 Total fixed assets 366 000 366 000 366,000 Current assets Debtors Cash In bank and In hand 15,743 355,605 25 347,214 15,768 702,819 20,418 582, 595 Total current assets 371,348 347,239 718, 587 603,012 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year io 50,436 200 50,636 45,583 Net assets 320,912 713,039 1,033,951 923,429 Represented by: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 320,912 320,912 713,039 249,925 673,505 713.039 Total funds li 320 912 713.039 1,033,951 923,430 Analysbs of 2024 fund balances is provided in note 14 The financial statements and notes on pages 16-24 were approved by the PCC on 13 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by.. The Revd. Glen Mansfield Team Rector Lalini Hiranthi Fernando BA FCA Treasurer The notes on pages 16-24 form part of these financial statements. Page 15 of 24 ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ## **1. Basis of Preparation** ## **Basis of Accounting** The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the and view provisions, together in accordance with and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice as amended for bulletin 1 & 2 applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are an informal gathering of church members. The financial statements are prepared in pounds sterling which is the functional currency. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. ## **Going concern** The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the ability to continue its activities and accordingly these financial statements have been prepared as a going concern. ## **2. Accounting Policies** ## **Incoming resources** - a. Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the PCC is entitled to the benefit of the resources, the inflow of economic benefit is probable and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. - b. Gift aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor, is included in the period to which the relevant donation is received and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the donation. - c. Voluntary income which is collected on behalf of other charities is not included as PCC income. - d. Legacies are recognised on a case-by-case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor of the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. - e. Grants and specific donations are recognised in the SOFA when all criteria for their award has been satisfied. - f. Income from charitable activities is gross of associated costs. - g. Income from the use of premises and facilities is recognised when due. - h. Fees for weddings and funerals represents the total fee to which the PCC is entitled; fees payable to other parties are recognised as expenditure. - i. Investment income is recognised when received. Page **16** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ## **Resources expended** Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the objects. These are recognised when an award has been made and all criteria for the grant to be disbursed have been met. Governance costs include costs of the independent examination of financial statements. ## **Fixed Assets** Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the financial statements in accordance with s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishings held by the Team Rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the inventory, which can be inspected on provision of reasonable notice. All expenditure on church furnishings is written off when incurred. Buildings consisting of the Parish Centre complex at Holy Trinity Church and the Annexe at St. Church are included at cost. Equipment used in the church buildings and complexes are written off on acquisition. ## **Debtors** Debtors are stated at amounts due and subsequently at cash or other consideration due. Other debtors include prepayments which are stated at the amount of prepaid expenditure at balance sheet date. ## **Creditors** Creditors are included at amounts due at settlement. ## **Funds** _Restricted funds_ represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific purpose or invited by the PCC for a specific purpose. The funds may only be expended on the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. _Unrestricted funds_ are general funds which can be used for the charitable activities of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Page **17** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **18** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **19** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **20** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **21** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **22** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page **23** of **24** ## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ## **16. Capital commitments** There were no capital commitments at 31 December 2025 (2024 - None). Page **24** of **24**