St Jamesi l Thorley 2025 REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. JAMES THE GREAT THORLEY REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1130506
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accountsfor the year ended 31st December 2025 Aims and Purposes of the PCC Thorley Parochial Church Council IPCCI works With the incumbent to pr¢ynote the ecclesiastical parish in association with the Church's mtssion, as set out in the church's Mission Action Plan, which encompasses pastoral, evangelistic, scKial. and ecumenical initiatr¥es. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance and use of the buildings we are blessed with. The PCC continued to work toward renewing our Mission Action Plan IMAP), whith we expect to complete in early 2026 and will cover our mission and ministry for S years. We continue to organlse ond evaluate our mission and mlnlstry agalnst the followin8 VIOn. Mlssion and Values.. Vlslon Statement: "To see lives that are changed by the transforniing power of God's Spirit as people come to know, experience, love and follow Jesus." Mlsslon Statement: "Making jesus known, in our communities and networks. to the disadvantaged and in the wlder world, through words and by actlon." Our Values: Communlty: by being together we know that we can build hope, which we find in Jesus. noi only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. We accept and respect one another for who we are, as we live out our lives in the community of the Church. Dlsclpleshlp: followin8 in Christ's footStep5 50 that we can hear what He is sayin8 to us and live out His teachlry. Outward focused: we have been entrusted with the Good News of Christ, and we reallse that we must share that Gcwxl News with others. Intlmary: in rel3tlonship with God. in our worshlp. In the awopriate closeness of our relationships with, and support for. one anoiher. Inte8rlty'. in our actions, in our openness, in our honesty about ourselves and others, in our pursuit of makin8 Jesus known and 5eeln8 God's transfO1n8 presence at work in our lives and those around us. Couraie: to follow God wherever He leads. making faith-based decisions in all areas of our individual lives and the life of the Church. GenerosFty: we realise that for those to whom muth is given, much will be experted and we alway5 seek to use our time. talents and resourtes in servin8 Christ and others. To organise our mission and ministry across the whde church, we use three words.. Gather,Gmw. Go. They serve to underline some of the thin8S that we see as important in living Christian lives of community. mission and ministry together. They also provide a strategic framework for developing our Mission Artion Plan IMAP). This is how we con see, in each area of mission and ministry within St James, key areas of growth, development, and planning for all that we do. This will be a foundational building block to allow for the strategic development and growth of St james over the coming years. We need a strategy that we can gather around, and our lea¢Jers can lealously guard, and a framework that wlll contlnue to release mlnlstry and mlsslon in desired areas and ways.
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Parochlal Church Council ("PCU) Members (Trurteesl: G31 Tracey (Rector) Emma White Ichurchwardenl Emma Collins IChurchwardeTrl Chris Carr (Licensed Lay Minlster (Reader) to July 20251 Katharine Roper (Licensed Lay Ministef IReaderll (Deanery Synod until 20261 Kirsty Pettln8er (Treasurer until 30 September 20251 IPCC until 30 September 20251 Robbie Ward-Booth IPCC until 20271 Alison Somers (Deanery Synod until 20261 Chris Collins IPCC until 20281 Daniel Daniells-smith IPCC until 20281 Sue Carr IPCC until 20261 Philippa Roy-chowdhury IPCC until 20261 Sue Sembhi IPCC until 20261 Paul Dean (Deanery s0d until 20261 Clive Weir (Deanery Synod until March 20251 Phll Davis IPCC until 20271 Louise Olley (Treasurer from l Ortober 20251 Ic04)pled until September 2025, PCC until 20281 Debbie Hoy IPCC until March 20281 PCC Secretary.. Des Conridie Prlnclpal Office: Church Office The St 8amabas Centre Church Lane Thorley Bishop's Stortford CM23 48E Bankers: 8arclays Bank Plc. 10 North Street, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2LH The Charity Bank Limited Fosse House. 182 High Street Tonbndge TN9 IBE Independent Examlners: Suzanne Goldsmith FCA Price 8ailey LLP Causeway House l Dane Street 8ishop's Stortford CM23 38T Insurers: EIO (Ecclesiastical lftsurance Office) PIC
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accountsfor the year ended 31st December 2025 Overvlew, Oblectives and Actlvities The PCC is committed to reaching as many people as possible through worship at St. James and vla its Out ach opportunities throu8hout the year. A5 we reflert on 2025, we are filled wlth gratltude for God's blessings upon His church in Thorley. Thls year has been one of growth. transition. and continsJin8 commitment to our mission. Below. we outiine key developments and achievements across our church lrfe and ministry. Key Highlights of 2025 Connert Groups Relaunth In January 2025, we successfully relaunched our Horne Groups under the new banner of Connect Groups. These groups aim to deepen discipleship, foster stronger relationships, and create spaces for mutual encouragement and support. The relaunch has been received, and many members have expressed how these Groups have enriched their spiritual lives and provided a greater sense of belon8lng wlthln our church communty. Second Growlng Leaders Cohort Bulldlng on the 5ucce55 of our flrst Growln8 Leaders tourse In 2024. we are pleased to report that our second cohort is nearing completion. This year-long pro8ramme, developed by CPAS. continues to develop leaders both within the Church and in wider contexts. The growth and development we have wftnessed In our leaders has been encouraelng and demonstrates our on8oln8 commltment to le3dershlp development as J key stratellc prlorlty. Govemance Revlew and Restrurture In 2025, the PCC began a significant governance rewew to ensufe our structures remaln fit for purpose and 5UPPOrt effectNe mission and ministry. Key changes will include the reworking of the Premises Committee to better serve our buildings and facilities needs. the disbanding of the Flnance Sub-committee, w¢th Its functions now Inte8rated into the Standlng Committee. and the establlshment of a new Safe8uarding sUCOMMittee to reflert our deepenlng commltment to reatln8 safe envlronments tor all. Tralnlng the Next Generatlon d aerzy We are deeply commltted to training the nexi 8eneratbDn of Cle and investin8 in those discerning God's call to ordained rninistry. In September 2025. we were deli8hted to welcome Jade Harrison. an ordinand. who joined us for a twtryear full-time placement as part of her tralnin8 for ordalnèd minlstry. Jade has quickly bètome an inte8ral part of our team, wlth an Inltlal focus an youth work. contrlbutlng to our growlw mlnlstry amon8 chlldren and young people. Additionally. we are excfted that Lunette Oppem)an. an exlstlng member of our congregatlon. has joined our team for one day a week as she explores her calling to ordained ministry. Lunette's initial focus is also on youth vrk, and she has taken over the management of our social media marketing and website development. bringing fresh energy and vision to these vital areas of communication and oirtreach. This commitment to tralning and developing future clergy rellects our values of discipleship and gener051ty, as we Invest in those whom God is callin8 to serve His Church. We are 8rateful for the opportunlty to partner wfth the Diocese in this ts1 work and look forward to seeing how God wlll use Jade and Lunette In the years to corne.
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 MAP Development Throughout 2025. we have experlenced sfisnlfieant growth in our con8regation, bringin8 both joy an(1 challenges. Over the last 18 months. we have seen a notable Increase in attendance across our services. This growth has highlighted our capacty constralnts In several key a3$. Impactln8 most teams. To Snfom the development of our renewed Mission Artion Plan. we undertook a comprehensive whole church surwey during the year, alongside a focused Natural Church Development INCDI survey. These surveys have prowded valuable insights into the health and vitality of our church communlty, Identifwn8 both our strengths and areas where we need to focus our attention and resources. The findlngs from these surveys have fomied the foundatlon for our renewed MAP, and we are currently in a period of discernment surroundin8 the next steps. The NCO survey, in particular, has helped us understand the key characteristics of a healthy. 8rowin8 church and prowded a clear framework for strategic plannin8. As we look ahead to implementing our renewed MAP. we are committed to addressin8 our capacity challenges while contlnuSn8 to foster the grovrth and development that God has blessed us wlth over recent months. Sayln8 Goodbye to Dear Frlends Thls year. we said goodbye to some dear frlends from church farnlly as they passed away. We partlcularty remember and give thanks for the Ilves of e Welr and Chrls Carr, both PCC members at the time of their passin& whose funerals we held durin8 2025. Their faithful witness and contrlbutlon to our church comrnunlty w511 be fondly remembered. and we continue to hold thelr famllles In our prayers. Bulldlnis The PCC has responsibility for fNe buildings.. St. James the Great Church which dates from ihe 13th century The Church Room, orl8lnally the old Thorley sthoolroom. rebullt In 1994 The St Barnabas Centre ISBCI. a restored 16th century tlthe barn. opene(I In Aprll 1996 The Emmaus Centre, a former Dutch barn, rebuilt then opened In 23 The Thorley Chrlst5an Centre ITCCI. Vlcerons Place. Thorley. orl8lnally a 'Local Ecumenlcal Project, it was taken over the PCC in 21XJI at the request of the other churches. In addition, the PCC has joint responsibility with the Diocese of St Albans for a further 2 bulldlnos.. The Rectory. Vicerons Place. Thodey Park. The Curate's house, 7 Elmbrook Drlve, Thorley Park We continued to work hard in 2025 to maintain and develop the buildings entrusted to our care. We have begun planning the next phases of our Capital Spend strate8y. We have spent 518nificant tlme thls year engaged In the nece55ary work to malntaln our hlstorlc bulldln8s and essential 8rounds malntenance. In 2025. we commissioned an architert-led quinquennialthstyle rewew of our non-parlsh church buildings. (The TCC inspection is planned for ear 2026.1 The results of this comprehensive inspection have Informed our renewal and restoration strate.eS for these important buildings. We have completed significant remedlal to the wood panelllng on the bam and successfully restored the road-facing side of the Cow Shed Rooms. Ensurfng our work dellvers our alms We review our aims, objectives and outcomes each year. This review examines the success of each key activity and the benefits it has brought to the groups of people we help and support. The review also enables us to ensure our alms, objectfves and artivitie5 remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefi't when reviewlng our alms and objertives and planning our future activities. In particular, the PCC considers how planned actmtles wlll contrlbute to the alms and goals they have ser.
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Rep)rt and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Structure, governance and management At the Annual Meetin8 of Parishioners IAMPI. held in May 2025. all those Ilvlng in the parlsh or vtho are on the Elertoral Roll of St James the Great. are entrtled to elect two Churchwardens who are elected annually and can hokl office for slx successive years. following which they must step down for a period of 2 year5 in accordance wr¢h the Churchwardens Measure12001, No. 11 and agreed by resolution of the AMP in 2020. As a consequence of this meetin& two Churchwardens were appointed. The PCC of St James the Greatls a reg15tered charlty. and all members. Includlng ex offlclo and co-opted member5, are Trustees named on the Charity Comrnission re8lSter. The structure and governance of the PCC are lald out In the Church Representatlon Rules120221 and are made up of several categories of members as follows.. The Rertor Ichalrl The curate lif in postl Up to three Readers (by resolutlon of the APCM In 2017) 2 elected Churchwardens 3 elected Oeanery Synod representtves 9 elected lay representatives (by a fesolution pa$5ed at the APCM in 20161 I treasurer I non-voting secretary Other members of the con8re8ation may be ((opted as required. but not exceedin8 in number one- fifth of the elected lay members, or two persons. whichever shall be the greater. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCMI elerts the lay and deanery representatives. Voting at the APCM Is re5trlcted to members on the Elertoral Aoll only. Elerted13y representlves setve for a three- year term. wlth one-thlrd standin8 down each year and one-thlrd being elected or reelerted. Members must Stand down after two consecutlve 3-year terms and may not be re*lected for at least I year. Deanery Synod representatlves are elected every three years and remain in offlce for the full term. Should any representative resi8n, a replacement will be elected at the next APCM for the remainder of the term. The Rector las Chairl is responsible for the indurtion of new members. explainin8 thelr responslbilitles and dutles, as well as the admlnlstratlve prtxedures. and phllosophlcal and theological approach of the PCC. All new members receive copies of the previous year's annual report and accounts. In the absence of the Rector, this responslbllity falls to the Churchwardens. The PCC Secretary advises members of their duties as charrty Trustees. At the first meeting of the PCC followlng the APCM. the lay Chair {artin8 in the absence of the Rertorl and PCC representatlves for the Standing Commlttee are appolnttd. Two members lThe Rector plus an elected member) are also èppolnted to the Frlends of St Jarnes, Commlttee as requlred by the Frlends, constltutlon. The PCC Treasurer. together with the Stsndln8 Cthnmrttee and other profe10n?11Y qualified volunteers, prepares the quarterly and annual accounts and budgets. The PCC operates In association with several SU0mMittee$ that report to it. These include.. The Standing Committee. This is the onty committee required by law and has the power to transart the PCC'S business between its meetings, subjeci to any directions and lim¢ts given by the PCC. The Finance Committee. This presefrts proposals. reports. procedures, accounts and budgets for PCC approval Ivntil Nov 2025. when this funrtion was woven into the work of the Standing Committee). The Premises Group, which attends to all matters relatin8 to land and buildings, induding the churchyard. and the car parks. The Safeguarding SuEtrCommittee, which was fonned in November 2025, and its terms of reference and membership are currently being decided.
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Rlsk Management and Safe8uardln8 Each year, the PCC reviews the risks that St James faces. To date. these have maillly related to the maintenance of St. James Church, whlch Historic England has classlfTrtd as a Grade One listed bulldln& the SBC. which Is a Grade Two listed buildin& and the other bulldin8s mana8ed by the PCC. These rlsk5 have been mitl8ated by a regular programme of inspectlon and malntenante. as well as (pIlance with anv recommendations made by the Diocesan Archstect during his Quinquennlal InsF*dions. (As we are mi(We. we are still progre55in8 some actions highlighted by these inspections.} There are also mlnor areas of risk relating to staff employment, whlch are covered by approprlate procedures. pollcies and insurance. The PCC is also aware of the risks aOCiated with makin8 charitable grants and generally controls them throulh detailed local knowledge of potentlal beneficlarles. Payments to other charltles account for a relatlvely small share of the PCC'S annual expenditure. We take our safe8uardin8 responsibilities very serlously. We are commltted to ensurlng that St James Is a place of welcome, safety. compasslon, and accountabi15ty. We work hard at cre3tlng an envlronment In which all feel secure. and valued . where we are wgilant. yet carin& so that all who come to worshlp may do so in safety and in the knowled8e of God's endurin8 love. For all activities where it is required, Dlsclosure and Barrlni Sepilce IDBSI checks have been carrled out on each responslble per50n and others working wlth chlldren. youn8 people and vulnerable adults. In accordance wlth the recommendatlons of the House of Bishops and diocesan policy. PCC members make a safeguarding declaration that they are aware of their responsibility to promote a safer enwionment within the Churth. Achlevements and performance A Warni Welcome for All St James Is committed to providin8 a warm and welcomin8 space for all se8ments of our community. Our Welcomin8 team has a pastoral responsibility on a Sunday morning to offer a warm welcome to all who come through our doors and offer a Ilstenln8 ear. especlalty to neWmerS. Pastornl Care and Prayer Mlnlstry The members of our Pastoral Care team contlnue to Ilalse wlth one another to IdentKy the needs of speciflc parishioners. Inc1{n8 through home vislts and home wmmunions. The Prayer Ministry team remalned avallable for personal prayer durin8 and after every 10:30 am seNice. Worshlp & Prayer 2025 95 2024 97 Total Sunday Servfjces Weddings & 8lessin85 Funerals & Interlments Total Usual Sunday Attendance (Adults) Total Usual Sunda Attendance (Children & Youth) Electoral Roll 29 134 19 151 io 168
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Chlldren •nd Youth mlnlstry Our Sunday morning youth and chlldren's work contlnued to develop throughout 2025. We rebranded our Sunday mornin8 8roups as 'Life Builders," uslng Lego as a creative medium for dlscipleshlp. Thls approach has proven particulath p)sitive for neurodiversity, providing hands- on, visual learnlng opportunities that engage children with different learning styles. The restrutturin8 enabled us to launch a dedicated VOLrth meeting on Sunday mornings. which has already reached double-di8lt attendance las this is a l*fryear shift, this is not yet reflected In our average yearly flguresl. Our sunday evening youth group continued to meet throughout the year. Little Stars. our parent and toddler group. has continued to 8row and flourlsh. though we face seasonal capacity challen8es during peak periods and are explorlng additlonal meetln8 spaces across our buildings to accommodate demand. Use and Development of Bulldln8s The Thorley Chrlstian Centre ITCCI. the St. Bamaba5 Centre ISBCI. and the Emmaus Centre IECI continued to be used by a wide variety of people. including members of the St James Church family. The Friends of St James continue to raise funds for work needed in the Church and curtilaae area. The PCC is very grateful to the 'Friends' and all those who support it. Mlsslon and Evangellsm Several members of the St James church famlly remaln actlvely Involved as Street Pastor5, wlth our Rector Currently arting as their Chairof Trustee5. We also have our lon8-standin8 commitment to Holiday 8ible Week. Our recent Natur31 Church Development INCDI sur¥ey has prded valuable InsS8hrs Into the strength5 and areas for 8rovrth wlthSn our church communlty. Whlle we cdebrated many posltive flndin85, the sur4ey identlfled needs4riven evan8e115rn as ? key area requlrlng focused attention and development. Needs-driven evan8eli5m is the Pfartice of identifying and respondlng to the practical and splritual needs of people In our community as a mean5 of sharin8 the Gospel. The survey results indicate that we have an opportunity to stren8then our outreach by being more Intentlonal about understandlng the needs of those around us and developing ministrles that addre55 these needs whlle polntlni people to Chrlst. In response to these findings. the PCC is committed to: Developing a deeper understanding of the needs present In our l¢xal communSty through Ilstenlng and engagement Creatin8 Opportunities for church members to build authentlc relationships Vlryth ttrKJse oude the church Equipping our congregation wlth the confidence and tools to share their faith naturally in everyday contexts Revlewlng and potentially developin8 new ministries that serve community needs while creatin8 spaces for swritual conversations This area of development will be incorporated Snto our revised Mission Action Plan for 2026- 2031, ensuring that needs¥riven evangelism becomes a tentral focus of our mission and mlnlstry In the years ahead.
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Shared Mlnlstry and Ecumenlcal Relatlonshlps The PCC is committed to the very strong Churches Together in 8tshop's Stortfofd. Where ssible. our clerey attend the Iy-monthly ecumenical Bishop's Stortford Ministers, Fellowship meeting and the monthly Bishop's Stortford Deanery Chapter meeting. Three members of the PCC also srt on the Deanery Synod, providing the PCC with an important Ilnk between the parlsh ènd the wider 5trurtures of the church. both locally and natlonally. In June 2025. our Rector ceased to be the Area Dean for 8lshop's Stortford. Our Vlslon for 2026 and beyond As Outllned earller in thls report, our Mlsslon Actlon Plan contlnues to gulde our work across worship, pastoral care, children and famllles mlnlstry. hytrKld engagement. and communlty outreach. Looking ahead to 2026. we are flnallsing a new five-year MAP that will build on these foundations while addressin8 key areas identified throu8h our Natural Church Oevelopment suThey, particularly focusire on needs4riven evangelsm.
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Financial review Thanks to our congregation's generous giving. pwdent financial management and God's graciousness, our flnancial position remains Stable despite another challenging year for the economy. Overall, our assets increased over the year, with our bank balance, including amounts on deposit. standing at approximately £l56.((2024.. £128,(KM)I. The majority of our unrestricted income was from planned givin8 by the church family. whlch amounted to £115.(KXI, including regular funds given via Charities Aid Foundation or equivalent vouchers12024.' £117.IXIOI. Donations for use of our church premises is growin8 and amounted to £56,(l2024. £53,(KK)l. We are 8ratelul to Edward and Ann Mlller for organising a very successful summer musltal evenlng that raised £1.040 for the church. Major expenditure included our Diocesan Parish Share of £96.(. which is slightly down on the previous year12024.' £97.(KKJI. Stafl costs were £53,()(2024= £49,0) and unrestricted running costs for our buildings were £42,C12024. £42,(KKJI,' even though market rates for utility costs had increased significantly. we beneffted a8ain from our fixed prlte contract5. Charltable BSvlng was £8,(KX)12024-. EII,(wI. We end 2025 with finances secure. We are 8ratefvl for the falthfvl support of the church family and the abundant provision of God. Reserves The PCC'S task is to manage the funds available to it carefvlly. Our reseffts target is to hold at least three rnonths of c05ts, based on an avera8e of the unrestrfcted expenditure for the last three years, whSch thls year amounts to É216,(XKI. At the end of the year (after transfers between funds), our unrestr6rted, undes18nated funds amount to É93.55212024.. £87,9351. So, our reserves represent just over 5.2 months, worth of annual expenditure. In addltion. we hold £25,35912024- £10.8751 of restricted funds. £40.OCKI12024: £40,(xxII of funds designated for the repalr and maintenance of our buildings. and a danated fund representing the capital to purchase new computer equipment. After depreciation. this deSnated fund amounts to £3,59212024.. £5,248). The remalnln8 £2,471,776 In deslgnated funds to8ether wlth the re¥aluatSon reseThe of £104,941 represents our freehold land and property fixed assets. The endOrnenl fund has decreased to £10,167 as a result of a decrease in the underlying investment value of the fund held by the Diocese12024.. £10.5901 and this represents the end¢ywment capital of the Patten Bequest. Our budget for 2026 shows a break*ven posltlon, whith encourages us to contlnue our missional activities during 2026. With tontinued careful financial mana8ernent and reliance on God's provislon. we are hopeful for the future. Flnal comment We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone in our thurth community who has contributed time. energy. and resources to our shared ministry. From clergy and lay leaders to volunteers and supporter5, your faithfulness is deeply appreciated. Together. we are advancing God's kingdom In our parish and beyond. On behaw of the Parochial Church Council G P Tracey Ichalrl Louise Olley ITreasurerl Oate: 6th 2026
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Statement of Flnanclal Activities 2024 Dottatlons and grants oihw volunt4rylncome Income from tharite and anclllarytradlw= Income from Investmts 21al 21bl 21el Im957 SA168 7.357 7.928 186,885 56,168 7.357 194,tx)8 58,261 3,756 dl 4,774 2473S7 2x925 Ewdllur• GTrnti Charltable actlvltles Fund-ralsn8 and put4k 10.675 222.478 10.963 ¥bl Jlcl 21&509 5.612 224,121 4,268 4.268 &611 23S,919 244.116 N•t In¢om•ll•wfiknl lor the year 21.147 15.6UI 19.1% N•t Ilossllpln Inv•%tm*nts 14231 14131 237 Trander tetsveen funds 10.824 5.617 Total fvnds brouthi forward li l January IRevaluatlon resep IrKhJded wtth de5ted11KISj 103 17.935 1.621.215 10,875 2,730,615 2,715,569 Tolal furth urwl•dlrnrd at 31 OKamb•r 2015 J59 2.749,317 17ao.615 All income and expenditure have arisen frorn continuing activities. The notes to the accounts are shown on pa8es 12 to 22 and form part of these financial statements. io
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Balance Sheet 2024 T•nÉibl¢ fix¢d •ssrfs Investments 2.579.401 10.167 2.587,812 10.590 2,591402 Debtor5 Cash at ban and ITh hand Investments 12,245 102.793 53,459 12,633 77,268 51,205 168M97 1,106 8.6n 8,893 IS9J19 132.113 1749J17 2,730,615 1749y7 2,730,615 Funds io Unrestrfcted Genef•l Oesl8n•ted Rev•lu•tlon reser Toial Unresirl¢ted 93.552 1.515.368 104.941 2,713,861 87,93S 3.516.274 104,941 2,709.150 Restrirted Enoowment 2S.3S9 10,167 10.87S 10.590 Yrtsl Funds 1749.J17 2.730.615 The financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council on behalf by.. and signed on its G P Tracev IChaSrl Louise Olley ILay mernberl The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of accounts. ZcL6 li
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Rert and Accountsfor the year ended 31st December 2025 Accouniln8 polldes Thorley PCC is a Parochial Church Council in England. The address of the re8iStered office is given in the charity information on page l of these financial ststemen Basls of preparatlon The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared In accordance wlth Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practlce applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance wfth the Flnancial Reporting Standard appllcable Sn the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191- Icharitles SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reportin8 Standard applitable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a PU benefrt entity FRS 102. Assets ènd Itabllitles are reco8nised at hlstorlcal cost or transactlon value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fairf View and have departed from the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2LX6 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair vlew,. This departure has in¥ol¥ed following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prartice appIable to charities preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appllcable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued In Ortober 2019 rather than the Accountlng and Reporting by Chèritles: Statement of Recommended Practlce effectfve from l Aprll 2CK)5 whlch has slnte been wlthdrawn. The financial ststements are prepared on a 8oin8 ¢oncem basis under the historical cost convention. modified to include certain Items at falr value. The finandal statements are presented in sterlin8 which is the funttional curreficy of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1. The signiflcant accounting pollcles applled In the preparation of these financial statements are sel out below. These policies have been conslstently applied to all years presented unless othern¥ise stated. Golng concem The financial statements have been prepared on a 8oln8 concern basis asthe trustees belleve that no materlal uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorisin8 these financlal ststements. The budgeted Income and expendlturels sufflclent wtth the level of reserves for the charify to be able to contlnue as a golng concern. Llke many charities. at this time, the charity has been grapplin8 With the issues caused by the current difficult economic environment. Income has decreased s118ht. particularly planned giving and property income. So, the trustees have considered the level of current reseNes and belieNE reserves are sufficient for activities to be maintained for 12 morrths. A detailed commentary on the reser¥e5 posr(ion 15 included in the Trustees report on pa8e 9. Judgements and key wurces of estlmatlon uncerta5nty In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, which are destribed above. the trustees are required to make jud8ements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying arnounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factor5 that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from those estlmates. The Trustees do not conslder that there are any critical Jud8ments or sources of estlmatlon uncertainty in the financial statements. 12
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Funds Unrestrlcted fund$ are general fvnds which can be used for PCC ordinary purp)ses. Designated fund5 are unrestricted funds that due to their nature are not readily realisable and cannot therefore be considered to be general funds available for PCC ordinary purposes or have been designated for a particular purpose. The PCC'S fixed assets are included in such designated funds. Restrkted funds represent a} income from trusts or endowments whlch may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the temis of the trust or bequest, and bl donations or grants receNed for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may onty be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Endwnent fvnds are funds, the capltal of which must be maintained,. only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restrirted or unrestrirted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established. The PCCS On Endowment Fulld is the Patten Bequest and provide5 an income to be used for the upkeep of the Church. The fund value 15 increased in line with the value of the related investment. Income recqnltlon Planned glvln& collectlons and donatlons are recognlsed when recelved. Tax refunds are recognlsed when receivable. Grants and Legacles are accounted for when the PCC Is legalty entltled to the amounts due. All other Income Is recognlsed when It Is recefvable. All Income Is accounted for 8r+XS. Empendlture recognltlon Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded. if that award creates a bindin or constructive obli8ation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts recelved specfflcally for mlsslon are deèlt wlth as restrlcted fund5. All other expenditure, including support Costs are 8eneralfy recognlsed when Incurred and accounted for gross. Expenditure Is staled gross of Irrecoverable VA7 and has been classified under headlngs that aggregate all costs related to the c*e80ry. Flxed assets Consecrated and benefice property Is not Included In the accounts by sectlon 10 of the Charllles Art 2011. Moveable church furnishlngs held by the Rertor and Churchwardens on speclal trust for the PCC and whlch require a faculty for disposal ore Inalienable property, listed in the Church's Inventory. whlch can be inspected lat any reasonable timel. For anything acquired prior to 2(XKI there 15 insufficient cost information avoilable and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Fixtures, fittin8s and equipment are tapitalised at cost. DepreciatK>n is calculated to write off the capitalised cost over an estimated useful life of 3 years. The trustees have concluded that all land and bulldlngs are held for the PCCS use and as such none are Investment propertles. The PCC has applied the transkn'onal afraements of sectlon 35 of FRS 102 and rneasured its freehold property at deemed cost at the date of transltlon. belng l January 2015. Since the residual Value is so hlgh, any depreclation char8e would be negligible. An impairnient review Is carrled out at each year end and anv resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year. 13
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Flnanclal Instruments The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date. All financial instruments of the chartty are measured at cost with the exception of the fimed asset land and buildings which are held at their revalued carrying amount. The value of land and buildin8s Is ststed Sn note 5. Financial assets include the bènk balances. trade debtors and other debtors but exclude prepayments and taxation. Financial liabilities include trade creditors. other creditors. accruals and deferred Income but exclude social security and other taxes due. Debtors Trade and other debtors are reco8nbsed at the settlement atn¢yJrt due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Accrued Income is included at the best estlmate of the amounts, recefvable at the balance sheet date. Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash. bank deposits and short-tem highly liquid investment5 Wth a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. opening of the deposit or similar account. Current asset Invertments Current asset Investments includes balances placed on deposit with maturlty of three months or more from the date of acquisition or openin8 of the deposlt or similar account. Credltor$ Creditors are reto8n15ed where the charfty has a present obllgatlon resultln8 from a past event that VAII probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estlmated rellably. Credltors are normally reco8nlsed at their settlement amount after allowln8 for any trade discounts due. Accrued expenditure is included at the best estimate of the amourts payable at the balance sheet date, after allowin8 for any trade discounts due. Penslons The Chartty provldes a defined contribution pensbon scheme, whereby the Charlty and Its staff each fund the scheme, managed by a third-party provlder. the assets of which are held by the provider separately from the a55ets of the Charity. The pension char8e in the financlal sLitements represents the am(wnts Payab by the Charlty to the fund in respett of the year. Taxatlon The charlty Is exempt from ¢orporntlon tax on its Income applled for charltable actlvltles. 14
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 2 Income Tatl Funds 21al Don•tlons•d y•n¢s'. Planned 8Mn8 Incorne tax reco¥erètit LE8aCy Grants CAFI St¢w•rdshlpVourhers Frlends of StjarneSrtylbUtlnSto thurth repAlr IL%tÈd platts Of warsNp yant sclYmE Sundrydonatlons 1(8.153 109,153 33.445 113.628 30.750 15,253 5.730 3.780 240 232 Z8,125 194,riJ8 2.871 165 4.852 7,928 2A71 165 35,511 186.88S YJ.629 957 21bl Other Kome. Oonaiions lor use of Churth weft Fetes. ba2aar% ottrr fund.r•Wryqevents 56.168 56.168 52,761 5,500 58,261 S6.168 56.168 21£) Incomefrom char4table and an£lllary tAdlni'. PCC, fvneral Ind weddin8 fee5 7.357 7.357 7.357 3.756 21dl Income from In¥ertmentk" 8ank Interest 4.4 TOTAL IPICW41t 247J57 255.IlS 258,925 2 Income 2024 comparatlve r•t•l Funds Fund5 2023 21al DOnatknand 8r&its.' Planned Ineomt tax re¢ovwkJ• 113.628 1,750 15.2S3 113,628 30.7SO 15,253 106,523 29.243 Grants CAF I Stewardthlp ¥• Fdend5 01 St James (C1bVInS to thurth w•lr Llsted a(S Of wor5hlp8r•nt
Jndry donatlons 3.780 240 232 28,125 194,CrfJ8 3,255 210 232 7.433 20,692 116,103 21.935 160.956 21bl OtherwIurf•rylKty'. Donatlon5for use ol Chwth prem15es Fetts. ba214rs, tsthErlun&r¥lsin8 e¥ents 52.761 52,761 47,137 4,956 52,093 52.761 58,261 Ineorne from tharltabl¢ •nd •ti¢ill•rytrndir*: sea Dean irKome PCC. funernl •nd w¢ddlrytses 2,279 6.894 9,173 3,756 3.7S6 3.756 21dl In¢ome from Iiivesimeiits: Bank SntÉr¢tt 1,490 TOTAL INCOME 245520 13 25BS25 21J,712 Is
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Rewrt and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Expenditure R•5trlct•d hds Total Funds 2024 3181 Outreach Olhef 2.9B9 10,675 Ministry: dlo¢egn qwt Cler8y exFenses Mithlstry.. curaie txpert UF&eep ol Chur£h SeThl£es Llghthouse kkls. youthyoups& feknvsNp 8roups R•rtw and liSh House repalrs Parlsh HtyJse- loan Inttr¢tt Church runnlnl expenses arrtl repairs St 8amabas Centre expEnses Ernmaus Centre nbrthlry2xpeffjes Thodry Christvén (ele TeXpe5 repalrs Support ¢QSts INote 3ldll 9S.623 95,623 96,976 3.691 1.139 2,442 1,681 778 210 10.117 18.254 6.036 7.438 10,117 18,254 6,C136 7,438 19.443 7,178 6.847 71.8n 5.611 77,485 74,173 218.5(8 5,612 214121 221.478 Custs offetes•nd othw fun&nlslr4 rts 4.268 4,268 4.268 4.268 10,963 10,963 22QiOg 42 135,989 244.116 31dl Staff costs (Note 41 mln15tr*lon and Office suppl couTrtsrKy W•b5it• rnalni•nant• Telephone and MSsceMarbeous Depreclatlon 53.477 4.976 53,477 4,976 48,527 S,B94 2,568 1.145 1,145 3.sgj 11.650 77,485 3.190 13,(K16 74,173 6.038 71.871 5.612 5.612 16
Thorlwi Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 3 Expendlture 2024 Comparative Totsl Funds 2023 Funds 3131 rant Outreath Other 81 1.489 1.772 3,261 2,989 1.600 7,316 8.916 5.914 7.414 10,675 31bl Mlnlstry.. 4knesan quota C1er8y expenses MlnSstry'. £urattexper&es Upkeep of Church Serylces Uihthouse klds. ¥outh &fdrAsNpiroLY>S Cost of the music fdkn¥shlp R¢¢tory and P•th Houw Padsh louse- loan Interest Chuvch runn1 e¥pen5e5 and repair5 St Barnabas Centre runnine exper6•s Emmaus Centre expeeS Thorky Chrlsthln Centye txper repalrs Support costs (Note 3ldll 976 3.691 1.139 2.442 L422 96.976 3,691 1,139 2,442 1.681 93,389 4,256 1.431 2,369 1,099 159 210 210 iio 17 5,630 19,082 3,748 5,362 7,976 19.443 7.178 6J4? 19.443 7,178 6,847 68.926 S.247 74,173 74,S22 216.284 5,247 947 222.478 111,015 31cl Costsofknes and other fun&r•blrp•e*rrts 10.963 10.%3 10,963 10,963 4.261 4.761 213.691 15,171 244,116 224.192 31dl Staff costs INote 41 Almlnlstratlon and Offl¢¢swJpllM 48,527 48,527 s91 46,737 6,365 Website m•lfit•n•rK• Telephone and Mlsceli4neous Depre¢l•tlon 1,055 3,249 14,172 74.522 3.1 7.759 68.926 3,190 ia,oJ6 74,173 5.247 5,247 Staff Costs Ufftstrfcted ftestrfaed Total funds Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 W4es and saknrfts 52.6 877 53A77 SI,6) 877 SJJ77 47,331 1,196 48,527 Durlng the year the charity em<e an average of 3 empWes 1x124.. 31. No employees received total employee benefits in emcess of £fil,l2024. Nill. The PCC considers Its key rnanagement personnel to comprise the Rector. Chur£hwardLYTrS and appointed offickils Isee pa8e 11. No key management personnel rece4¥ed remuneration nor benefits in the year12024 .. Nill. 17
Thorley Parochial Church Council Annual Rep)rt and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 5 Fixed Assets TnbIl•d •%•ts The St 8arnabas Centre Ernffl3us Contre The ThodeyChrtstKan Certrt 110% PCC irteresil 7 Elmbrook DrNe115.04% PCC interestl L989,927 478.335 49.748 58,957 2.576,967 1.989,927 478,335 49,748 5B.957 2.576.967 1574967 2.576,967 Cost brourtht forwitd Additlons Dlsposals Cost cathed fonard 45.366 3.239 45,366 45,366 kc¥rnuloted depre(0#n brou4htforwwd DeCiatth char8efor ¥ear Dyeekitlon ellrninated on dlswsal rurnuhted depreclatkn forward 34.521 11.6SO 21,51S 13,W6 34,S21 Net bookvalue brouiht forward Net b¢Jokvlue trri¢d tovward 10.845 23,851 10,845 Tot•1 Ilx•d •AWts S79 12 The PCC owns two freehold bulldln85, the St Bamabas Centre and the Emmaus Centre both In Church Lane, Thorley. The Dloce5e owns the Thorley Chrfstian Centre at Vicerons Place, Thorley Park. wlth the PCC holdin8 a IO% interest. The Parish House is a residential property owned by the Llocese. in which the PCC holds a 15.04% interest. The PCC has applied the transltional arrangements of sertlon 35 of FRS 102 and measured its freehold property as noted above and used those valuations as its deemed cost at the date of transition. beln8 1 January 2015. 6 Investments 2015 At l January IL055118ain on ¥ae al InsInnts At 31 De¢zml)er 10.59J 423 10.167 10,353 237 ,$90 This investment relates to the Patten Bequest endowment held by the St Albans Diocesan Board of Flnance. 18
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 7 Debtors 2024 A¢¢ounts recelvble Incorne tsx recoVerale Prepaymentsand accrued income 1.320 6.950 3.976 1,800 6,758 4,075 12.633 8 Current asset Investments 1024 Depos3¢CountS S3.459 $1,205 sJAs 51.205 9 Llabllltles: Amounts Falllng Due Wlthln One Year 21QS 2014 DBFNocancy LlabllMf Depostts held Aetrutd Creditors foraoods and sef Weddlh8 lee l Funtr41 fee dlstsJrsems Tax and NatIC31 Insurance Penslon li•biMt5es DIoCes loan re 7 Elmbrookl 563 551 2,876 376 451 2,S68 3,897 214 387 228 &6n 19
Thodey Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 10 Movement on Funds G•tnsl Tr•r4fws J•nu•ry 2ro5 Unrestyirted fvnd& Get)eral uTrdeswated De518nated Rlatron reserè 247.257 226.109 5.612 115.5301 93,552 I15,)6@ 104.941 1,713,061 1516J74 104.9 709.150 247.257 231.721 10,B24 Restricted lunds.. Churth yard Growin8 leader5 P•rfsh events Speclal colle(tk• Church repalrfund Beverley Cheeseman worship fiThl Archdeacon 5eThk ¢treaCh grani Kltchen fund 216 736 2.925 73 SS3 2.744 2,871 473 215 165 2.871 2.307 21S 175 10.280 io 24 7.928 4.268 Endowm)t 423 10.167 Totsllunth 1730h15 255.185 255.989 42Y Z,749,387 10 Movement on Funds 2024 comparatfve At31 2024 fjen¢ral und¢slan•ted Desl8Thèted Re¥lutlofi rexef¥t 84.1 2,503.521 104.941 2.692 575 145.520 223.698 5,247 I,COJ) 87.935 2,S16,274 104,941 245 52 Restrlcted funds: Church yard Growlky leaders rlsh events Spe¢tsl ¢dle¢tions Church repairlund Beverfey Chee5eman worsh*fvnd Phase$11 and111 t¢thnolw fvnd Bell Tower Fund DreaCh 8rant Kftchen fund 499 1.075 3.261 59) 1.075 3.033 sg) 428 411 18> 1,371 1117 &260 259 3,129 15,171 617 6212 12.641 358 8,583 IOJ75 13,405 Endowment 10.3S3 237 iO.S90 244,116 237 2,730,615 20
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 General unrestrfrted lund- The general unrestrirted fund is used for PCC ordinary purposes. Deslgnated fund - The designated fund5 comprise Freehold land and property. net of loans, the designated property repair fund £25,(KKI12024.. £25.LKK)l. the St. 8arnabus Centre services upgrade fund £15,COJ12024'. Nil), and an additional fund for fixed assets acquired usin8 restricted funds wlth a balance on the fund of £3,59212024.. £5,247). Rertrlrted funds- The restrlcted funds represent donatlons OT grants receNed for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specrfic object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. Revaluatl¢)n reser¥e - The revaluatbon reser4e Is In relation to the property valuation undertaken on tran51tion to FRSIO2. Endowment fund-The endowment fund represents the Patten Bequest and provides an Income to be used for the upkeep of the Church which is shown as restricted. 11 Analy51s of Net Assets by Fund T¢t•l 2015 Funds Flxed Assets Investmenls P4et Current A55ets Low Temi Llablllues Fund balance 2.473,118 I,941 2,S79,401 10.167 ISg,819 10,167 92.110 41250 25.359 XO,167 93 2,5ISa61 104,941 25351 2,749.387 11 Analysis of Net Assets by Fund 2024 comparative Totil 2014 Fwds FundA Flxed Assets Investments Net Current *5sets Low Tem Uibllldes Fund balanc¢ 5.597 1477.274 104,941 1587A12 lo) 13ZJI3 10.590 lQ,B75 iQ590 87J35 1516274 I941 iOJ75 Z.730,615 12 Independent Examlnatlon Fees Accountancy expendlture Includes £2.646 fees pald to the Independent Examiners for carrying Out the Independent Examination {2024 £2,568). 21
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 13 Trustees Remuneration and Expenses The trustee5 neither received nor waived any remuneration or beneflts during the year12024 . £NIII. Durin8 the year I trustee12024 - 2 trustees) had the following expenses paid for by the chartty.. Travel Tnlnl Intemrt ¢ommunl¢aiions Other costs 2.551 2.736 918 597 1,048 14 Related Party Transartions There were no related party transactbns In the year12024 .. NIII. 22
Thorley Parothial Church Council Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of St. James The Great Thorley. I report on the accounts of the charlty for the year ended 31 Decernber 2025 which are set OLrt on pages 10 to 22. Res nslb1lleS and basl of r As the tharity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charitles Act 2011 llhe ACVI. I report In respect of my examlnatlon of the charitvs accounts carrled out under sertlon 145 of the Art and In carryln8 Out my examlnation I have followed all the appllcable DITectlons glven by the Charlty Commlsslon un(ler sectlon 1451511bl of the Act. Inde ndent examin tement Slnce the charivs gross Income exceeded £250.L your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have come to my attentlon In connection with the examination 8ivin8 me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l. accountlng records were not kept In respect of the chath as requlred by se¢tlon 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord wlth those records.. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charbtles (Accounts and Reports) Regulatlons 21J)8 other than any requlrement that the accounts 8lve a'true and falr vlev/ whlch Is not a matter consldered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinatlon to whlch attention should be drawn In thls report In order to enable a proper understandln8 of the accounts to be reached. Suzanne Goldsmith FCA PrSce Balley LLP Causeway House l Dane Street Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 3BT Date.. 8 May 2026 23