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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Bushey

2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BUSHEY

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 2024

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Contents

Chairman’s Report for 2024 .................................................................................................. 2 Administrative Information .................................................................................................... 5 PCC Sub-Committees ....................................................................................................... 6 Electoral roll ..................................................................................................................... 7 Church attendance ............................................................................................................ 7 Occasional Offices ............................................................................................................. 7 Statement of Public Benefit ................................................................................................... 7 St. James’s Church ................................................................................................................. 9 Stuart Brant Churchwarden ........................................................................................... 9 St. Paul’s Church .................................................................................................................. 10 Messy Church at St. Pauls ................................................................................................. 11 Buildings Committee ............................................................................................................ 11 Watford Deanery Synod ...................................................................................................... 12 Safeguarding Report ............................................................................................................. 13 Church Membership Fund .................................................................................................... 13 St James’s Bellringers ............................................................................................................ 14 Communications .................................................................................................................. 15 Parish Website; www.busheyparish.org ............................................................................ 15 St James’s Churchyard .......................................................................................................... 16 Christian Aid ........................................................................................................................ 16 100 Club .............................................................................................................................. 17 Honorary Treasurer’s 2024 Report and Accounts ............................................................... 18 CHARITY No. 1130540 ...................................................................................................... 36 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BUSHEY (the “Charity”) ... 36 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ................................................................... 36

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Chairman’s Report for 2024

2024 Rector’s Reflection & Report

Serving God. Serving Our Community. Serving You.

This past year has been a time of taking stock—reflecting on who we are, strengthening relationships, and looking ahead to the future.

We are truly blessed with a dedicated team of volunteers who serve on the PCC and work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of our two places of worship. Without their commitment, much of what we do would not be possible, and I am deeply grateful for their service.

On a personal note, I feel much more settled in the parish and am beginning to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us. The path ahead may not be easy or what we expect, but I trust that it will be the right one. My hope is that Christ’s Church here in Bushey will continue to grow—like tender new shoots taking root for the future. Growth in service and mission can only happen when we are confident in ourselves and our faith, and that is something we continue to nurture together.

Serving God

Worship remains at the heart of our parish. Both St James and St Paul’s provide spaces where people can encounter God—whether through personal prayer or in corporate worship.

St James, as the parish church, holds a special place as the heart of our community— it is a House of Prayer. To preserve this, we limit non-religious and secular activities in the church building, ensuring that it remains a place of reverence and worship. St James is open every day from early morning until sunset, providing a peaceful space for all—including our four-legged visitors! The steady increase in candle usage at the various shrines (Our Lady, Sacred Heart, Holy Trinity, and St James) is a testament to the prayers offered here daily.

The celebration of the Sacraments has become a regular rhythm in our worship life. The liturgy is offered in canonical obedience, which has been an adjustment for some who are more accustomed to a freer style of corporate worship. However, it is a joy to witness and participate in both personal and communal expressions of faith.

Our Sunday services continue, with the Parish Eucharist at 10:00 AM at St James, followed by a Sung Eucharist at St Paul’s at 11:15 AM. As a parish, we came together for several key celebrations, including the Feasts of SS Peter & Paul, Harvest, the Triduum, and Christmas.

While our congregational numbers are still recovering post-COVID, we remain hopeful. Baptisms and weddings have declined significantly, while funerals, interments, and ashes burials have remained steady. Interestingly, even after humanist or civic

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funerals, many still seek comfort and hope from the church—reminding us of the deep and enduring need for God in people’s lives.

Serving Our Community

Both St James and St Paul’s remain open and welcoming to the wider community, striving to serve all ages and backgrounds. We firmly believe that no one is excluded from God’s love, and we seek to reflect that in our parish life.

St James is open for private prayer and reflection every day, and I hope that people see both our churches as an extension of their own homes—places of peace, refuge, and connection.

The bells of St James continue to ring out as the ‘voice of the church’ over our community. Our dedicated Tower Captain and skilled ringers keep this treasured tradition alive, training new learners in this unique act of worship, mission and art.

Our engagement with local schools has grown significantly. Last year, we welcomed pupils and teachers from Little Reddings, Attenborough Primary, Purcell School, St Margaret’s, Sacred Heart, and Falconer School. We are pleased to see these relationships continue into 2025, with two additional schools joining in their involvement with the parish.

Our churches also serve as vibrant community hubs. St Paul’s hosts a well-attended weekly coffee morning and Bargain Table, followed by a short Eucharist. John Stobbart Hall is in daily use by Bush-e-Babes Nursery, alongside a range of community and social events. Church House continues to provide a meeting space for groups, parish events, and administration. The recently redecorated Lucy KempWelch Gallery now includes a functioning kitchen, and we are optimistic about securing regular bookings for this space.

In addition, we have welcomed media productions, including the BBC and ITV, who have filmed in and around the parish. While this brings in much-appreciated income, it also increases visibility and engagement with the wider community.

Tragically, this past year saw the devastating murder of three innocent women in our parish. In the face of this heartbreak, I was deeply moved by how our community rallied together in support of those affected. St James and St Paul’s remained open for prayer and reflection, and we held a Eucharist at St James, attended by a full congregation. The tragedy resonated far beyond our community, with national and international media sharing the story. It was a reminder of how, in times of sorrow, the Church remains a beacon of comfort and hope.

Our parish also played a role in civic life, with both churches serving as polling stations for the General Election.

Finally, our churchyard continues to be a place of solace for visitors, dog walkers, and those remembering loved ones. We have begun a much-needed project to clean and restore the space after years of neglect. This is an important effort, as the

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churchyard is an extension of our sacred space—a reflection of the Heavenly home we all aspire to.

Serving You

At its heart, our parish is a welcoming place—a home for all who seek God. It has been a privilege to meet, pray, and serve alongside so many of you over the past year.

Safeguarding remains a top priority. In light of national concerns, we continue to review and strengthen our policies to ensure that our parish is a safe space for everyone.

The Parish of Bushey is a place where individuals can find their own space to connect—with God, with others, and with themselves. As we look to the year ahead, we build upon all that has been, trusting in God’s guidance for what is to come.

We move forward in faith, hope, and love.

With every blessing,

Fr David Stevenson

Rector, Parish of Bushey

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Administrative Information

The Parish of Bushey is a Registered Charity number 1130540 and has two churches.

St James's (the Parish Church) is situated in Bushey High Street, and St Paul's is situated in Bushey Hall Road (WD23 2EQ), Holy Trinity in Bushey Mill Lane (WD23 2AS) was closed in 2021.

The parish is part of the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is: the Parish Office, St James's Church House, High Street, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 IBD.

Our website is www.busheyparish.org

Rector: Fr. David Stevenson

Lay Leader of Worship: Christine Cocks

Parish Office Manager: Jacqueline Birch

Honorary Parish Treasurer: Greg Batts

Honorary PCC Secretary: Felicity Cox

Churchwarden: Salome Jayaratnam (until April 2024), from April 2024 Stuart Brant and Roy Golding.

Deanery Synod Representative: May Teague (two vacancies),

Elected PCC members: Ronke Adejolu, Peter Humphreys, Clare Humphreys, Ann White, Russ Teague, Marion Golding, Gay Butler, Ingrid Harris, Peter Clark, Felicity Cox, Greg Batts, Sue Baxter, Mia Handley, Keith Durant.

Ex-officio members of PCC: Clergy, Churchwardens, Deanery Synod reps and the Safeguarding Lead. The posts of Hon PCC secretary and Hon Treasurer do not lead to an automatic place on PCC. Those wishing to be PCC members as well as PCC secretary, Treasurer or pro-wardens must stand for election in their own right. After serving on the PCC for three years, the previous parish policy for people to take a year off before standing again was repealed at the 2021 APCM, reverting to the default position specified in the Church Representation Rules 2020 which permits immediate re-election.

Elected PCC Members during 2024 - full membership 14.

Elected at 2022 APCM: to retire at 2025 APCM: Ingrid Harris, Peter Clark, Felicity Cox, Greg Batts, Peter Humphries, Clare Humphries, Russ Teague, Marion Golding.

Elected at 2024 APCM to retire at 2027 APCM: Mia Handley, Ronke Adejolu, Keith Durant, Sue Baxter

Chair of Parish Buildings Committee: Greg Batts

Churchyard Warden: Greg Batts

Health and Safety Officer: Roy Golding

Safeguarding Officer: Gay Butler

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Parish Bankers; Santander, 52 High Street, Watford, Herts, WD 17 2AL

Independent Examiner: SJ Kinna FCCA

Architect: Mr James Ford (Clague LLP)

Day to day management control of the churches is exercised by the Incumbent and the Churchwarden(s), contactable through the Parish Office, St James's Church House, High Street, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 IBD, Telephone 020 8421 8192. During a vacancy, the Rural Dean has oversight of the Parish.

Structure, Management and Governance

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate established by the Church of England. The Ecclesiastical Parish of Bushey operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1130540.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules, 2020. All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. All members of the congregations can attend PCC meetings, but do not vote. PCC members receive information on trustee responsibilities, basic health and safety, risk management and safeguarding procedures.

The PCC held seven regular meetings with a number of decisions made under the "Business by Correspondence" provision of the Church Representation Rules 2020 and ratified at the next meeting.

Issues raised for discussion at PCC meetings included:

The PCC operates the following sub committees that report back to it as necessary, and their deliberations are discussed.

PCC SUB-COMMITTEES

Standing Committee: Fr David Stevenson. Stuart Brant, Roy Golding (from April), Salome Jayratnum (until April), PCC Vice Chair Ronke Adejolu, Marion Golding, PCC Secretary Felicity Cox in attendance.

Parish Buildings Committee: Chair: Roy Golding, Greg Batts, Baz Butcher, Keith Durant, Martyn Lambert, Fr David Stevenson (from July).

Parish Finance and Stewardship Group: Chair: Greg Batts, Stuart Brant, Roy Golding, Peter Humphries, Russ Teague, Fr. David Stevenson.

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Church Committees.

St James's Committee: Chair: Fr. David Stevenson, Stuart Brant, Bazyle Butcher Nancy Cheeseman, Ann White, Tony Osime.

St Paul's Committee: Chair: Fr. David Stevenson, Marion Golding, Clare Humphreys, May Teague (Deanery), Frances Turner, Roy Golding, Martyn Lambert.

Parish Social Committee: Felicity Cox, Ann White, Salome Jayaratnam (chair)

Comms group: Fr. David Stevenson, Jacqueline Birch (Parish Administrator), Martyn Lambert, Christine Cocks, Sue Baxter, Jane Batts, Russ Teague, Ronke Adejolu.

ELECTORAL ROLL

At the end of 2024 there were 109 persons on the electoral roll (2023 = 111). 6 people joined and 8 died. This 2019 roll will be discarded in 2025 and a new one created for the Annual Parish Meeting.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

The average attendances at normal Sunday services during 2024 were as follows: St. James: 34 adults, 3 under 16 (10:00 am); 6 adults (8.00am)

St. Paul: 24 adults, 4 under 16

The average weekday service attendances are as follows:

St James: Holy Communion 6

St. Paul: Holy Communion; 10 Messy Church 17 adults + 14 children

OCCASIONAL OFFICES

Funerals: 13 Baptisms: 16 Weddings : 1 Burial of Ashes: 17

Statement of Public Benefit

The Members of the PCC have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives of the charity and in planning future activities. In particular the PCC considers how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives set.

The Parish of Bushey demonstrates public benefit with the following activities: Regular public worship open to all.

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The provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation.

Pastoral work, including visiting the sick, frail, and bereaved.

Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses, and small groups.

Promotion of the whole mission of the church through provision of activities for senior citizens, parents, toddlers, young people, and other special needs groups.

Teaching and discussion of Christian Ethics.

Environmental/Ethical issues (unsold items recycled), supporting other charities in the UK and overseas.

Community involvement, including the support of local cultural events (music, artistic, etc.) and social action - Coffee & Chat, and providing space for the Red Trust Bushey foodbank.

Objectives and Activities

The Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC: is to co-operate with the Minister in providing in the ecclesiastical parish the whole Mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

In the Parish of Bushey, we continue to develop within the Diocesan Living God's Love programme which includes deepening spirituality, outreach to the local community, and a Mission Action Plan.

Achievements and Performance

Baptism and Marriage preparation provide opportunities for teaching, support and welcome to the church. Special Christmas services in each church welcome many families and schools to joyful celebration. A weekly "coffee, cake and chat" operates at St. Paul's which has been very well supported and some stay to share in the Eucharist afterwards.

Saturday lunchtime recitals and lunches at St James's. 'Messy Church', monthly at St. Paul's for everyone, but mostly young children, continues to thrive.

  1. Planning and development of fundraising activities

Well proven fundraising events-quiz nights, raffles, lunches, suppers, concerts and Christmas sales; all provide opportunities to assist with financial support for the parish, and assistance to charities. They also have a social function and draw in members of the local community. A programme of lunchtime recitals were good occasions and successful 'fund-raisers' as well as drawing together the wider community.

  1. Exploration of Eucharistic and Social Life in ways that lead to growth opportunities.

Special welcome services and Patronal Festivals and social events are joyful occasions and give opportunities to welcome members of other churches, and our local community.

  1. Ecumenical links

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The World Day of Prayer (originally Women's Day of Prayer) is supported within the Parish.

5. Links with other Faiths

Informal links are maintained with the Hertsmere Forum of Faith and Bushey Interfaith

Approved by the PCC on 12 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

David Stevenson

Fr David Stevenson

PCC Chair and Rector

St. James’s Church

Attendances on Sunday mornings have risen over the past 12 months. It is good to welcome back those members who have returned after a period of absence. Attendance at the two crib services was excellent with people queuing outside for the second service.

Evensong, either choral or sung, according to the Book of Common Prayer, has been reintroduced on occasions and we hope that this will continue.

St James has continued with its welcomed programme of recitals together with coffee, cake and light lunches. The varied programme and home cooked food is another way in which we build links with our community.

Work replacing rotten timbers and re-leading of the valleys has been completed and we can look forward to a dry church. Work on the tower roof has still to be done and redecoration in the church will happen when drying out of the fabric is complete.

We need to increase our giving so that we can pay our parish share in full and maintain our buildings. If you are not already signed up to the Parish Giving Scheme, please consider joining. It is the best and most efficient way of giving to the church

We thank Father David for his inspirational leadership and for his thoughtful sermons. We have all learned a great deal from his knowledge of the liturgy, the bible and church history.

Stuart Brant Churchwarden

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St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s has a small but faithful congregation whose age-profile has been high for some years. However, we have been blessed by the growth of a small group of younger worshippers who make such a welcome difference to the congregation, whilst also having the desired effect of lowering the age-profile.

St Paul’s saw a small but welcome increase in numbers during the year, both at Sunday morning worship and its Wednesday midday service. Over 30 attended on Ash Wednesday. It has been challenging for our Rector, Fr. David to reach St. Paul’s for the 11.15am service, having taken the 10.00am service at St. James’s. Fr. David endeavoured to find cover from among local retired clergy for some services, but this is obviously a worry for the future.

Fr. Tayo led a Parish Lent Course which focused on important men in the Old Testament. The Course was well-attended, and everyone enjoyed some Christian fellowship with homemade soup and bread afterwards.

In April, St. Paul’s saw its first ever triple baptism, which was a joy. Two further baptisms took place during the year.

We held the annual Chistian Aid lunch in May and the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning in September. Both events raised much-needed funds for the charities.

In June, we celebrated St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Patronal Day with a joint Parish service at St. Paul’s followed by lunch. We also enjoyed celebrating a Harvest service and lunch together in October when the church had been beautifully decorated by Fr. David.

Weekly Coffee and Chat continued to be popular with the local community. We closed for just 2 Wednesdays during the year, in May for the funeral of Jane Groushko, a much-loved and much-missed member of the St. Paul’s congregation, and Christmas Day. Although Coffee & Chat was conceived as a channel for outreach and serving, we saw a welcome rise in income, with almost £4,000 being raised for Parish funds.

Messy Church continued monthly and is the subject of a separate report. We are blessed to have an enthusiastic team from across the Parish, led by Fr. David.

In November, Fr. David held the first part of a course for potential altar servers.

Once again, St. Paul’s hosted the Parish Christmas Fair which was a great success, raising over £3,500 for Parish funds.

The Christmas Eve crib service saw a packed church with many having to stand. Following the service, we enjoyed mince pies, sherry and some Christian Fellowship with the local community.

Marion Golding – St. Paul’s Representative

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MESSY CHURCH AT ST. PAULS

Messy Church continues to flourish as an outreach of Bushey Parish. It is now 7 years since it moved to St Paul’s from Holy Trinity and is firmly rooted in the neighbourhood. We have seen many families join us for Christ centred fun and creativity, over the years.

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (except August) in St Paul’s Church from 3.30 till 5.30pm. The children do various crafts - including always popular food craft! – based on the theme for that month. The Rector leads us in a Celebration, and we then sit down to eat together.

Our attendance has held steady throughout the year at, on average, 14 Children and 17 Adults. Usually, the adult is a parent or Grandparent, sometimes, a Carer. We have new families joining us on a regular basis, sometimes they hear about Messy Church from a friend at school, others see the banner as they walk past the Church.

We are blessed by the strong support of a band of volunteers and the Rector. We meet on the 4[th] Wednesday of the month to choose a theme and plan the activities for the next meeting. Our volunteers come from inside and outside the Parish, but all have the strong desire to introduce our families to the love of God and the strength we can all gain from Christian Fellowship.

Grateful thanks to our wonderful band of volunteers without whom this valuable Ministry would not be possible! More are always welcome!

May & Ingrid, Messy Church volunteers

Buildings Committee

Our main focus during the year was on urgent repairs to the tower roof and valley gutters at St. James’s. The diocesan architect was appointed to 0versee the work, which started towards the end of September and is due to be finished by mid-February 2025. The cost is expected to be in excess of £80,000 and various fundraising events have been held to help finance the project. However, many other smaller projects had to be put on hold in order to concentrate our finances on this essential work.

Apart from general maintenance and repairs, the gallery kitchen at St. James’s was replaced, including a new boiler and the gallery itself was redecorated and recarpeted. Some improvements to the Rectory kitchen were carried out and a new noticeboard was ordered and fitted by a work party.

Some small items of general maintenance and repairs were carried out at St. Paul’s. The soffits and facia boards to the John Stobbart Hall were replaced and the noticeboard was updated and refurbished.

The Buildings Committee generally meets monthly and I would like to thank all the members for their hard work. I would also like to thank members of the various work

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parties who cheerfully turn up to help with general maintenance of the buildings, thereby helping to keep our costs down.

Roy Golding - Churchwarden

Watford Deanery Synod

All Churches in Watford and Bushey area send representatives to the Deanery meetings to discuss topics of common interest and to hear from speakers about local initiatives. We also receive news from the Diocese and General Synod. Each session begins with a period of prayer and reflection led by the host Church.

The first meeting of the year was held in Soul Survivors’ new Church and meeting rooms on the Greycaines Estate. It was opened by the Lead Pastor, Rev Jon Stevens and addressed by the Rural Dean of Watford, Rev Peter Waddell. Peter briefly summarised the 2024 Diocesan budget. Then he gave us exciting news that Watford Deanery had been chosen by the Diocese to receive a large grant to ‘increase Mission among children and young people’ in the Watford Deanery.

During the rest of the evening, we heard about the Watford Schools Trust an interdenominational Christian charity which aims to give every Primary school child a clear understanding of the Christian faith.

Our second meeting was hosted by St Luke’s, Watford where we were welcomed by Rev Michael Norman and addressed by Archdeacon Charles. The purpose of the evening was discussion about how the money being made available by the Church Commissioners to the Diocese of St Albans should be utilised focussing on ‘How to grow the Church in children and young people’ and to make the Church more diverse. Later, we discussed the report from Diocesan Secretary which proposed changes to the structure of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

At the third meeting in October we heard about ‘2025: Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing’ which will be launched in January 2025. The year is designed to offer clergy, lay ministers, congregations, schools and chaplaincies a series of enriching opportunities to deepen their spiritual life and grow in holiness and wholeness.

Later we were given an update on progress of how the Deanery were planning to spend the extra funds made available for the special project. Watford are using it for a special initiative to improve communication with children and young people. We are planning to recruit youth and children workers to support some individual Parish projects. These will be based in specific centres throughout the Deanery. I look forward to more detail soon.

I am still the sole representative of Bushey Parish at these meetings. If anyone would like to join me they would find them friendly and informative – and I would be delighted!

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May Teague - Deanery Representative

Safeguarding Report

During the current year we have managed to improve our standing on the Diocese Dashboard by signing off on a number of requirements. However, there is much to do during the forthcoming year to improve this further; not least because whilst some have to be reviewed and signed off by the PCC every 3 years, some need to be reviewed yearly! We also need to improve PCC members’ training. Once the new PCC have been established it is proposed that we arrange a meeting to help members complete the training and DBS where needed.

There were two safeguarding issued being investigated during the year. Both are currently still open, but it is hoped that they will be resolved soon, one by the Diocese Safeguarding team, the other by the Archdeacon.

Gay Butler Safeguarding Officer

Church Membership Fund

Planned Giving consists of those regular givers who participate in the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), the Church Membership Fund (CMF), Payroll Enrolment or the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

In an ideal situation, Planned Giving donations over the year would equal the Parish Share requested by the Diocese for the provision of Fr David as Rector of the Parish. Unfortunately, this has not been a normal situation for many years and although 2024 saw a small increase in giving compared with 2023, the total given was only 52.5% of the Parish Share. Unless there are new members, the amount will drop drastically in 2025.

There were 17 donors in the PGS which is the same as 2023 as although there were 2 joiners there were also 2 leavers. The CMF, CAF and Payroll combined was also stable at 17 Members.

This means there are only 34 members of Planned Giving, of course some represent more than 1 person, nevertheless it would be helpful for the Parish Finances if more people on the Electoral Roll joined the PGS.

Please could everyone on the Electoral Roll who is not in the PGS, consider joining this very effective mode of supporting your Parish, especially as several long-standing Members have died or moved away. It is everyone’s responsibility to ask themselves am I really giving to God’s work what I can truly afford?

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It is very easy to join and what you give is confidential and can be changed at any time. It is not a Direct Debit. Please contact Marion at St Paul or Greg at St James. Nobody will judge what a person gives.

Greg Batts - Hon Parish Treasurer

St James’s Bellringers

Ringing has continued at St James’ Bushey on most Sundays, generally with more ringers than in 2024, and on Thursday evenings throughout the year. Three new ringers have been taught, Theo Saunders, Neil Udall and Jake Holmes. All are making very good progress.

Ringing for special services and special events has continued throughout the year with 22 quarter peals being scored. Birthdays of several ringers provided opportunities for quarter peals. Some of the most notable events are:-

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We would like to be able to ring all 8 bells on Sunday mornings. To achieve this, we need more ringers. Recruits always welcome.

Stuart Brant - Tower Captain and Ringing Master

Communications

The parish has maintained communication with its congregations and the wider community throughout the year.

This includes the weekly parish emails, printed material, the parish website and our Facebook articles. New larger notice boards have been installed at both churches. Outreach activities have continued with schools, Messy Church and links to other faith groups.

Russ Teague

PARISH WEBSITE; WWW.BUSHEYPARISH.ORG

The Parish Website is managed with “squarespace” and we pay £204 each year for this important part of our communications within the Parish and out to the wider community.

During 2024 there were 18,343 visits to various sections of the website with noticeable peaks in July and December as in previous years. This is 45% more than the visits in 2023 (12,589).

Analysis of the sections accessed (>500) in descending order compared with 2023.-

Website Section 2024 2023
LandingPage 6,775 4,996
St James 8,576 4,139
Parish 6,764 6,775
VenueHire 1,534 1,387
Look(Pew Sheetin 2023) 1,238 1,421
Contacts 1,191 834
Parish Magazine 1,141 1,286
History ofSt James 1,069 373
Parish Recitals 1,032 1,218
StPaul 835 649
Messy Church 571 83
Churchyard 520 354

Comparing the means of access in 2024 with 2023 there has been a small increase is the use of mobile phones. In 2024 the split was Mobile Phone (55%), Desktop (41%) and Tablet (4%) compared with 49%, 46% and 4% respectively.

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Facebook is an important method of communicating news at St James and St Paul and in the last 90 days of 2024 there were 125,900 visits to the “Parish of Bushey St James & St Paul” page.

Jane Batts - Webmaster & Facebook Administrator

St James’s Churchyard

2024 has been a year of change in the Churchyard thanks to a group of regular volunteers maintaining the space plus good support from Hertsmere’s Churchyard and Cemetery’s Officer who arranged for a lot of clearing and hedge trimming throughout the year. We have been able to maintain the listed graves and many others over the year. I must also thank Peter Manhire for his energetic attention keeping the areas tidy. There have been numerous positive comments from members of the public that use the Churchyard.

Our Office Manager Jacq has given invaluable support handling queries which allows me to focus on dealing with family enquiries about their relatives’ grave across the various sections. Some enquiries are straightforward whereas others can be quite complex to resolve.

During the year there have been 2 full burials and many Burials of Ashes which Fr David has managed. Several new memorials have been placed by families where none existed previously. It is rewarding to be able to help with such enquiries.

In July we were able to instal a new Noticeboard, designed by Fr David and Jane Batts, by the Lychgate using money from the Restricted Church and Churchyard Deposit Fund. This really has been a success with many positive comments received from the Community. Also in July as part of Bushey Festival there was a Churchyard tour for about 30 local people. Fr David gave a talk on the history of St James back to 1006.

During the Autumn some trees were blown down and we lost a beautiful Plum Tree which Hertsmere cleared along with other dead trees and hedges. In the Advent season Fr David gave Bushey Festival permission to put lights along the hedge and erect a Christmas Tree by the Pond. Thanks to Hertsmere the Pond had a significant clean up. The brick wall at the back is visible again. In 2025 we hope to spend time improving the water quality and aquatic life; we are always looking for more volunteers to help maintain the whole Churchyard in partnership with Hertsmere.

Greg Batts - Churchyard Manager

Christian Aid

The Parish has always made a special effort to collect funds for the good work of Christian Aid and its’ partner organisations on the ground in many of the world’s poorest and war-torn areas. This past year we have held our ever popular Parish lunch, some Church collections and opened an e- envelope for online donations.

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As a result of hard working people and some generous donors, we were able to send over £2,200 (including Gift Aid) to this very deserving Charity. Christian Aid relies on the generosity of others to continue their lifesaving and life changing work.

Thank you to those who supported us with their time and talents and to those who have generously donated.

May Teague Christian Aid Representative

100 Club

The 100 club is a fun way to raise much needed funds for the parish.

Each person can pick a number or several numbers between 1 and 100, and payments can be made in a variety of ways, most people pay by standing order, which is preferable as once it is set up the tendency is to let it run as is the case with a few people who have left the parish but continue to support it.

Others pay by either bank transfer and a few by cheque or cash usually once or twice a year, which is the more unpleasant part of the job as I feel that I’m hounding them. The numbers are steady at the moment, but this will only be up to the end of June.

The prize money, £60, £40, £20 remains steady, and everyone that I have spoken to is happy to keep it at that rather than fluctuate by a few pounds, as the whole purpose of this endeavour is to fund the church.

The draw is usually on the last Friday of every month, I prefer to do the draw at church if possible, or failing that I do it at home but I video the draw to made sure everyone can see it is done above board.

I hope that we can advertise the club more widely, perhaps after joint services, as this did work last year.

Clare Humphreys

PAGE 17

[Type here]

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Honorary Treasurer’s 2024 Report and Accounts

There were two significant financial issues in 2024. First, our inability to pay our annual Parish Share in full for the first time ever. Over many years, successive Treasurers had warned the day would come when we had no unrestricted reserves left to pay the Parish Share; that day arrived in 2024. The Diocese requested £83,030; we managed to pay £45,000 (54%) leaving the Parish with a debt of £38,030 to carry forward. Secondly, the Tower and Roof repairs at St James required use of reserves and income, despite some generous donations and fundraising. The Parish paid a total of £53,410 in 2024 and expect to pay around £30,000 in 2025 to complete the repairs.

Financial Review

During 2024 the total income was £239,368 (£213,558, 2023). Planned Giving, a combination of the CMF (Church Membership Fund), CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) and the PGS (Parish Giving Scheme) has been rather disappointing for many years. In 2024 this was £43,489 (£45,301, 2023). It will be real challenge to even match this in 2025 as several longstanding donors have died or moved away.

Donations and Legacies totalled £81,523 (£72,941, 2023). This increase was mainly due to over £10,000 more from Sundry Donations/Appeals. Of note are the donations from Coffee & Chat at St Paul £3,994 (£2,352, 2023).

Charitable Income receipts were £16,921 (£28,052, 2023) of which £13,393 (£10,742, 2023) was from Funeral Services. Other Trading Activities produced £104,414 (£85,391) which included £78,052 (£75,332, 2023) from rent and hiring our premises to external entities. There was also £9,250 income from Filming (£12,410,2023) and £17,113 (£10,059, 2023) from Fundraising. There was welcome income from renting Holy Trinity to Margaret Howard’s School of Dance. However, we were unable to replace the £16,500 annual income from Buzykids rental of the Gallery at Church House.

Dividends and interest earned from Parish Investments were £22,880 (£15,379, 2023). In particular, the Legacy from Miss Fairfield was moved in March from a low interest-bearing deposit account at Santander to a better investment with the CCLA. This earned £1,686 in the remaining months. If this performance continues, we can expect to earn around £3,000 in 2025.

Overall expenditure in 2024 was £286,895 (£248,495, 2023). Depreciation of £10,959 was allocated to expenditure, which is less than in 2023 as there was no depreciation of Buildings assigned in 2024, whereas 1% was used in 2023.

Expenses under Charitable Activities (3a) were £270,324 (£229,526, 2023) of which £88,002 was for Ministry (£84,798, 2023) and £139,853 (£85,966, 2023) for running our churches and providing services.

PAGE 18

[Type here]

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Running costs, improvements, repairs and maintenance for our Halls, Church House Flat and the Rectory came to £8,948. Costs of fundraising and hospitality were £7,623 making a total of £16,571 expenditure (3b).

There are a few other financial items to record that differed in 2024 compared with 2023. The PCC agreed to increase the salaries of our Office Staff. We also spent more on outreach, working with families and the provision of services at St James and St Paul in 2024. These increases in expenditure are vital for improving the health and long-term future of the whole Parish and we are seeing encouraging signs of growing congregations at both churches under the leadership of Fr David.

Reserves and Policy

Our Reserves Policy is to always hold at least 3 months of Unrestricted/Non-Designated Reserves to cover any general and unexpected expenses on the assumption there was no income during the period. Over the past years the Parish has used a significant number of reserves to cover shortfalls between income and expenditure. Most of these were due to unrealistic high Parish Shares levied by the Diocese.

Funds were accessed in 2024 to pay for some costs for roof and tower repairs and maintenance at St James Church. The PCC agreed to liquidate the unrestricted investment account Church Fabric Fund (£11,998) and its associated Deposit Fund (£426), as well as the remnants from the Sale of Farm Way (£323).

The unrestricted fund “St James Deposit” with Santander had £68,271 at the end of 2023. In 2024 £60,000 was used to establish an unrestricted Fund of £60,000 with the CCLA to honour the Legacy of Miss Joan Fairfield left for St James. With PCC agreement, the remainder from Jill Bonell’s Legacy was moved to the Tower Repair Fund. Miss Fairfield’s Legacy (£59,000) is now in a deposit fund with the CCLA earning just over 4% interest which is paid into the Parish Current Account quarterly. During 2024 £1,000 was accessed to help with Parish cashflow.

Miss Fairfield’s Legacy is the only unrestricted non-designated reserves the Parish had at the end of 2024. It needs to be kept in case of financial emergencies across the Parish in accordance with our Reserves Policy. Most of our other reserves are either restricted endowments or deposit funds apart from the Falconer Hall Reserves (£321,217) which are designated by the PCC for specific purposes. There is £12,086 held in a Parish Deposit Account which is Restricted for use on the remaining tower work at St James in 2025.

Although we had to close several unrestricted funds during 2024 to help pay for the repairs at St James, we are looking to get better returns on some of our investments. During 2024 we opened Miss Fairfield’s Legacy with the CCLA which is now earning 4% interest annually. In 2025 we requested to access the interest from the Sale of Falconer Hall Reserves as an income, rather than being reinvested, i.e. as unrestricted income. It is in a deposit fund which protects the capital from decreasing; the PCC could consider switching this to an investment fund to get better rates of interest, although there is more risk the capital value could decrease.

PAGE 19

[Type here]

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Although work on repairing the box gutters at St James was completed in 2024, there is about £30,000 required to complete the work on the Tower in 2025 and at the end of 2024 the Parish held £12,086 in Restricted reserves. In addition, there will be a Quinquennial inspection at St James and St Paul in 2025 which could identify more issues for the PCC to cover financially.

A lot of people are working hard to increase fundraising and income. Rentals is an area where the PCC should focus to maximise use of these assets.

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. Over the next 12 months there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubts upon the PCC's ability to continue as a going concern. Despite the debt we owe the Diocese for the unpaid 2024 Parish Share Shortfall of £38,030, in 2025 the Parish hope to access the Falconer Hall Reserves that are currently designated and covered by a restriction from the Charities Commission as to their use.

Our current situation has been explained to the Archdeacon who has expressed his sympathy and support in the short and medium terms. We plan to discuss the setting of our future Parish Shares with the Diocese in a formal setting in 2025 following the Review of our Electoral Roll. Our aim is to get this aligned to our ability to pay via a decrease in the Share Factor, rather than an historical perception of Bushey Parish held by the Deanery and Diocese.

The Wardens, Rector and Treasurer have agreed with the Archdeacon to pay the Diocese a monthly Standing Order in 2025 of £5,502 and aim to thereby pay £66,024 in total. Although this is not as much as requested by the Diocese, it is not a legal obligation and we hope to be closer to breaking even at the end of 2025 with this contribution. We informed the Archdeacon that in 2026 we believe we will return to paying the requested Parish Share in full, providing it is set at a realistic figure.

Planned Giving remains a problem as we enter 2025. In 2023 Planned Giving totalled £45,301 which was 55% of the Parish Share. This had reduced to £43,559 in 2024 which is 52.5% of the requested amount. Fr David has recognised this issue and is actively encouraging more people on our Electoral Roll to join the Parish Giving Scheme and to ensure the Electoral Roll reflects the people who worship at St James and/or St Paul. This alignment is critical to the future of the Parish.

Although we had to close several unrestricted funds during 2024 to help pay for the repairs at St James, we are looking to get better returns on some of our investments. During 2024 we opened Miss Fairfield’s Legacy with the CCLA which is now earning 4% interest annually. In 2025 we requested to access the interest from the Sale of Falconer Hall Reserves as an income, rather than being reinvested, i.e. as unrestricted income. It is in a deposit fund which protects the capital from decreasing; the PCC could consider switching this to an investment fund to get better rates of interest, although there is more risk the capital value could decrease.

PAGE 20

[Type here]

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Although work on repairing the box gutters at St James was completed in 2024, there is about £30,000 required to complete the work on the Tower in 2025 and at the end of 2024 the Parish held £12,086 in Restricted reserves. In addition, there will be a Quinquennial inspection at St James and St Paul in 2025 which could identify more financial issues for the PCC to cover. A lot of people are working hard to increase fundraising and income.

Having considered the potential impact of the matters referred to above, the members of the PCC have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on a Going Concern basis.

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at fair value. The PCC meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the PCC.

Approved by the PCC on 30 April 2025 and signed by

Gregory Batts

David Stevenson

Dr Gregory Batts Fr David Stevenson Honorary Treasurer Rector of the Parish of Bushey

and PCC Chairman

PAGE 21

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Income and endowments
Notes
from
Donations and legacies
2a
81,223
Charitable activities
2b
16,921
Other trading activities
2c
104,415
Investments and dividends
2d
15,079
Other
2e
2,855
Tower fund raising
2f
-
Total Income
220,493
Expenditure on
Ministry
3a
258,997
Raising funds: other costs
3b
16,571
Total Expenditure
275,568
Net (Expenditure)/Income
(55,075)
before transfers
Transfers between funds
13,558
Net (Expenditure)/Income
(41,517)
after transfers
Gains (losses)
333
on investments
Net Movement in Funds
(41,184)
Balances brought forward
451,854
01/01/2024
Balances carried forward
410,670
31/12/2024		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
800
800
34,964
35,764		 2024
Restricted
Funds
£
300
-
-
7,801
10,774
18,875
11,327
-
11,327
7,548
(13,558)
(6,010)
822
(5,188)
135,226
130,038		 TOTAL
£
81,523
16,921
104,415
22,880
2,855
10,774
239,368
270,324
16,571
286,895
(47,527)
-
(47,527)
1,955
(45,572)
622,045
576,473		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
66,340
28,053
85,071
12,754
377
-
192,595
219,586
16,066
235,652
(43,057)
-
(43,056)
1,032
(42,025)
493,880
451,854		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,007
3,007
31,957
34,964		 2023
Restricted
Funds
£
6,600
-
320
2,625
-
11,448
20,993
9,939
2,903
12,842
8,151
-
8,151
3,091
11,242
123,984
135,226		 TOTAL
£
72,940
28,053
85,391
15,379
377
11,448
213,588
229,525
18,969
248,494
(34,906)
-
(34,906)
7,130
(27,776)
649,821
622,045

22

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey BALANCE SHEET for the year ended 31 December 2024: Charity Number 1130540 The PCC of Bushey BALANCE SHEET for the year ended 31 December 2024: Charity Number 1130540 The PCC of Bushey BALANCE SHEET for the year ended 31 December 2024: Charity Number 1130540 The PCC of Bushey BALANCE SHEET for the year ended 31 December 2024: Charity Number 1130540
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Fixed Assets
Buildings and land 7a 56,410 56,410
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 7a 66,760 77,719
Investment funds 9a 72,533 82,909
Total 195,703 217,038
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments
* Gift aid recoverable 2,911 2,216
* Other prepayments and accrued income 1,444 4,818
Deposit funds 9b 403,060 393,551
Cash and bank balances 11,385 19,590
Total 418,800 420,175
Liabilities
Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors (38,030) (2,557)
Taxation and social security - -
Other creditors (7,000)
Accruals and deferred grants received (5,611)
Total current liabilities (38,030) (15,168)
Net Current Assets 380,770 405,007
Net Assets 576,473 622,045
Funds
Endowment funds 13 35,764 34,964
Restricted funds 13 130,038 135,226
Unrestricted funds 13 410,671 451,855
Total Funds 576,473 622,045

Approved by the Bushey Parochial Church Council on 1st May 2025and signed on its behalf by

David Stevenson

Gregory Batts

Fr David Stevenson Rector of the Parish of Bushey and PCC Chairman

Dr Gregory Batts Hon. Parish Treasurer

23

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

1) Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at the closing value on 31[st] December 2024.

The PCC meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the PCC.

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. Over the next 12 months there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubts upon the PCC's ability to continue as a going concern. Despite the debt we owe the Diocese for the unpaid 2024 Parish Share Shortfall of £38,030, the Parish believes 2025 will be better and plans to improve cashflow by accessing income from the Falconer Hall Reserves rather than reinvesting.

Our current situation has been explained to the Archdeacon who has expressed his sympathy and support in the short and medium terms. We plan to discuss the setting of our future Parish Shares with the Diocese in a formal setting in 2025 following the Review of our Electoral Roll. Our aim is to get this aligned to our ability to pay via a decrease in the Share Factor, rather than an historical perception of Bushey Parish held by the Deanery and Diocese.

The Wardens, Rector and Treasurer have agreed with the Archdeacon to pay the Diocese a monthly Standing Order in 2025 of £5,502 and aim to thereby pay £66,024. Although this is not as much as requested by the Diocese, it is not a legal obligation and we hope to be closer to breaking even at the end of 2025 with this contribution. We informed the Archdeacon that in 2026 we believe we will return to paying the requested Parish Share in full, providing it is set at a realistic figure.

Planned Giving remains a problem as we enter 2025. In 2023 Planned Giving totalled £45,301 which was 55% of the Parish Share. This had reduced to £43,489 in 2024 which is 52.5% of the requested amount. Several long-standing generous donors either moved away or died in 2024 such that 2025 will be a struggle to even match 2024. Fr David has recognised this issue and is actively encouraging more people on our Electoral Roll to join the Parish Giving Scheme and to ensure the Electoral Roll reflects the people who worship at St James and/or St Paul. This alignment is critical to the future of the Parish.

Although we had to close several unrestricted funds during 2024 to help pay for the repairs at St James, we are looking to get better returns on some of our investments. During 2024 we opened Miss Fairfield’s Legacy with the CCLA which is now earning 4% interest annually. It is in a deposit fund which protects the capital from decreasing; the PCC could consider

24

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

switching this to an investment fund to get better rates of interest, although there is more risk the capital value could decrease.

Although work on repairing the box gutters at St James was completed in 2024, there is about £30,000 required to complete the work on the Tower in 2025 and at the end of 2024 the Parish held £12,086 in Restricted reserves. In addition, there will be a Quinquennial inspection at St James and St Paul in 2025 which could identify more issues for the PCC to cover. A lot of people are working hard to increase fundraising and income. Rentals is an area where the PCC should focus to maximise use of these assets.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC, although some of these funds are Buildings which the PCC should only sell as a last resort. Also some of the Fixtures and Fittings cannot be liquidated. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are not restricted.

Restricted deposit and endowment funds are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.

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

The PCC holds several Funds of the types mentioned above. Details are:-

Endowment Funds:-

Restricted Funds:-

Unrestricted Funds:-

PAGE 25

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

James and enable greater income generation possibilities through the provision of enhanced facilities at St James in due course, thus enabling us to develop St James more as a community focus for arts and crafts. Although this Fund is technically unrestricted, there is a Charity Commission clause applicable from the original deeds when it became a Sunday School. Consequently, there is a restriction on the PCC accessing the money and the PCC considers this money Designated.

Income

Donations and legacies

Planned giving, collections and general donations are recognised only when received.

Gift aid recoverable on donations is recognised when the donation is received.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are recognised as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is probable.

Charitable activities

Income from church fee income is recognised when the fee is due. Income from activities is accounted for gross, there is no netting off.

Other trading activities

Rental income is recognised when the rent is due. Where income is received in advance, it is recognised in the year in which the event takes place that it relates to and vice versa.

Investments

Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. Dividends are accounted for when due and payable.

Expenditure

Raising funds

Expenditure on raising funds is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Charitable activities

Expenditure on charitable activities is accounted for on an accruals basis. The diocesan common fund is accounted for when payable. Any unpaid amount on 31st December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (although not legal) liability and is shown as a creditor on the Balance Sheet.

Grants are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and moveable church furnishing Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s10(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

PAGE 26

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

No value is placed on moveable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Freehold property

Freehold property is valued at 1970 prices. Although depreciation of freehold properties has been applied in previous years, the current Treasurer did not apply any in 2024. The PCC members now carry out an annual impairment review, and in their opinion no provision is necessary in respect of the value at which freehold properties are included in the financial statements.

Other fixed assets

Other fixed assets are recognised at cost. Individual assets with a purchase price of less than £1,000 are written off when the asset is acquired.

Depreciation has been provided on other fixed assets using a straight-line basis in order to write off the cost of the assets over the following estimated useful lives:

Fixtures and fittings - 10 years Computers and equipment - 5 years

Investment Properties

The Parish does not have any Investment properties for inclusion in the balance sheet. Church House Flat is not considered an investment for accounting purposes.

Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The SOFA includes net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.

Debtors

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for any amounts that may prove uncollectable. These are recognised initially at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid, net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised when the PCC has an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at the amount that the PCC anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payment for the goods or services it must provide.

PAGE 27

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Financial instruments

The church only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. All (including debtors and creditors) are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

PAGE 28

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

2 INCOME
2a Donations and legacies
Planned Giving (CMF, CAF & PGS)
HMRC Tax Recovered & Gift Aid
Open Plate Collections
Grants, Legacies & VAT
Sundry Donations/Appeals
TOTAL 2a
2b Charitable Activities
Church Lettings
Parish Breakfast
Parish Magazine
Wedding Income
Statutory and Other Fees
Pilgrimage
TOTAL 2b
2c Other trading activities
Hall and Gallery Lettings
Parish Rentals
Fundraising Events
Filming
TOTAL 2c
2d Investments
Dividends and Interest
TOTAL 2d
2e Other
Miscellaneous
2f Tower & Roof Appeal
TOTAL 2e & 2f
TOTAL INCOME		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
43,489
14,931
7,987
5,013
9,803
81,223
790
593
485
210
13,393
1,450
16,921
36,753
41,299
17,113
9,250
104,415
15,079
15,079
2,855
-
2,855
220,493		 2024
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
300
-
300
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,801
7,801
-
10,774
10,774
18,875		 TOTAL
Funds
£
43,489
14,931
7,987
5,313
9,803
81,523
790
593
485
210
13,393
1,450
16,921
36,753
41,299
17,113
9,250
104,415
22,880
22,880
2,855
10,774
13,629
239,368		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
40,801
13,480
6,997
-
5,063
66,341
12,410
443
132
4,325
10,742
-
28,052
61,237
13,775
10,059
-
85,071
12,754
12,754
377
-
377
192,595		 2023
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
£
£
4,500
45,301
-
13,480
-
6,997
2,100
2,100
-
5,063
6,600
72,941
-
12,410
-
443
-
132
-
4,325
-
10,742
-
-
-
28,052
320
61,557
-
13,775
-
10,059
-
-
320
85,391
2,625
15,379
2,625
15,379
-
377
11,448
11,448
11,448
11,825
20,993
213,588

PAGE 29

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

3 EXPENDITURE
3a Charitable activities
Missionary and charitable giving
Secular charities
Ministry
Diocesan parish share
Clergy expenses
Clergy education and training
Work with families
Other outreach
Churches
Running expenses
Maintenance and repairs
Improvements
Music
Upkeep of services
Depreciation
Parish magazine/publications
Churchyard upkeep
Printing and stationery
Computer equipment/software
Parish office and admin
Bank charges
Professional fees leasing
Professional fees architect
Examiner of accounts
TOTAL 3a
3b Raising funds:other costs
Church halls/flat/rectory
running expenses
improvements
maintenance and repairs
Fetes, bazaars, other events
Hospitality and general expenses
TOTAL 3b
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,733
83,030
302
420
948
206
28,588
65,640
12,321
8,427
16,646
10,959
-
2,950
3,363
1,925
20,432
89
382
-
636
258,997
8,948
-
-
3,809
3,814
16,571
275,568		 2024
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
300
2,796
-
7,233
-
-
998
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,327
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,327		 TOTAL
Funds
£
1,733
83,030
302
420
1,248
3,002
28,588
72,873
12,321
8,427
17,644
10,959
-
2,950
3,363
1,925
20,432
89
382
-
636
270,324
8,948
-
-
3,809
3,814
16,571
286,895		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,067
81,606
1,088
-
676
1,428
41,010
12,108
7,060
8,348
7,501
11,754
50
1,919
2,910
18,926
41
13,665
2,714
4,716
219,587
13,331
1,092
1,643
16,066
235,653		 2023
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
2,067
-
81,606
-
1,088
-
-
-
676
-
1,428
2,100
43,110
7,739
19,847
100
7,160
-
8,348
-
7,501
-
11,754
-
50
-
1,919
-
2,910
-
18,926
-
41
-
13,665
-
2,714
-
4,716
9,939
229,526
-
13,331
-
1,092
2,903
4,546
2,903
18,969
12,842
248,495

PAGE 30

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

4) STAFF COSTS

The PCC employed 2 Part-Time Office Staff. Neither earned more than £60,000. They were paid £20,103 in 2024 compared with £16,169 in 2023; there were no pension contributions or NI payments.

5) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are 2 married couples on the PCC, none of whom receive any remuneration for their roles. Clergy expenses claimed were £302 for the whole year and a small immaterial proportion relates to their function on the PCC. Mr Stuart Brant a churchwarden was paid £3,270 by the PCC as an acting Music Director as the post remained vacant in 2024. These payments were made under the PCC Powers Measure as amended by The Church of England. Some of the PCC are members of the Parish Giving Scheme and in 2024 made unrestricted donations of £11,462.

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

6a. Charitable donations (net of any designated donations received): Raised and sent directly to Charity

Macmillan coffee mornings
Bishops harvest appeal
Christian aid
Ukraine appeal
Children's society
Cross stitch challenge
Electric umbrella
NAWT
Total		 2024
2023
£
£
324
664
238
35
890
679
-
292
40
100
-
158
236
-
5
-
1,733
1,928

6b. Related Party Transactions

  1. No Member of the PCC received payment in respect of their service on the PCC

  2. Expenses paid to Clergy may include a small immaterial proportion to their functions as a PCC Member.

  3. Donations to the Parish from some PCC Members as part of Planned Giving were £11,462.

  4. A Churchwarden was paid £3,270 as acting Music Director; the post remained vacant for the whole of 2024.

  5. A Husband of a PCC Member was paid £975 as Sexton for Burial of Ashes.

  6. During 2024 the PCC employed An Office Manager and Finance Officer; neither earned >£60,000.

  7. All above payments were made under the PCC Powers Measure as amended by The Church of England.

  8. The PCC regard the key management of the Parish as being the Incumbent plus 2 unpaid Churchwardens.

PAGE 31

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

7 Fixed assets for use by the PCC

7a
Valuation
At 1st January and 31st December 2024
Depreciation at 31st December 2023
Depreciation for 2024
Net Book Value
at 31st December 2024
Land and buildings
comprise the following:-
7b
Church House and Extension
Stockwell Hall
John Stobbart Hall		 Land and
Buildings
£
79,515
23,105
-
56,410
At Cost
£
31,003
24,512
24,000
79,515		 Fixtures, Fittings and
Equipment
£
109,590
31,871
10,959
66,760
Additions/(disposals)
£
-
-
-
-		 Total
£
189,105
54,976
10,959
123,170
Total
£
31,003
24,512
24,000
79,515

Land and Buildings shown at valuation based on 1970 figures and were not depreciated in 2024. Church House Flat is held for future use by the Church and is not treated as a long-term investment.

Fixtures and Fittings are depreciated on a straight line basis at 10% of cost per year; Computer Equipment at 25%.

8) INVESTMENT PROPERTY

The PCC does not have any properties that are considered assets for investment purposes.

PAGE 32

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

9a
Fixed Asset Investments
2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Funds Total Funds
£ £ £ £ £
Market Value at 1st January 2024 11,998 35,947 34,964 82,909 75,779
Disposal during the year (12,331) - - (12,331) -
Net gains(losses) on valuations 333 822 800 1,955 7,130
Market value at 31st December 2024 - 36,769 35,764 72,533 82,909

The principal funds of the parish are invested with the CBF (Central Board of Finance) or the SADBF (St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance) and CCLA Investment Management Limited in the form of deposit funds from which interest accrues and are considered Fixed Assets.

Investments constitute shares held with the CBF Investment Fund for which dividends are received. As with such investments, the value of these shares fluctuates up and down, as do the dividends received. They are valued at the bid (sale) price on 31st December 2024

9b
Deposit Funds (Current Assets)
Church Fabric Fund
Sale of Farm Way
St James Church and Churchyard
Ellis Grave Bequest
Falconer Hall Proceeds
St James Deposit Account
Parish Deposit Account (78501989)
Parish Deposit Bell Tower Appeal (78501984)
Miss Fairfield (formerly St James Deposit Account)
Total		 2024
2023
-

426
-

323
6,263
7,932
3,345
2,956
321,217
305,027
-
68,271
149
71
12,086
8,545
60,000
-
403,060
393,551

In 2024 the St James Deposit Account was liquidated. Funds were split between a new Deposit Account Account named Miss Fairfield and the General Parish Fund.

PAGE 33

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

12 Funds
Restricted
Endowments
Bushey Church and
Churchyard Trust
Funds (BCCTF)
Ellis Bequest (Grave
Trust Funds)
Other Restricted
Miss Mitchell Bequest
BCCTF (Deposit)
Ellis Bequest (Deposit)
Holy Trinity Legacy
St Paul Legacy
Bell Tower Appeal (1984)
Grants
St James Legacies
Miss Fairfield's Legacy
Unrestricted
Capital Reserve
Bushey St James
Trust Fund
General Fund
Falconer Hall Sale
Total Funds*		 2024
Balance
Income
Expenditure Transfers
Gains and
Balance
brought
between
losses on
carried
forward
funds
investments forward
£
£
£
£
£
£
26,690
-
-
-
611
27,301
8,273
-
-
-
189
8,462
34,963
-
-
-
800
35,763
35,947
998
(998)
-
823
36,770
7,932
1,127
(2,796)
-
-
6,263
2,955
389
-
-
-
3,344
11,576
-
-
-
-
11,576
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,545
10,774
(7,233)
-
-
12,086
-
300
(300)
-
-
-
68,271
5,287
(73,558)
-
-
-
-
-
60,000
-
60,000
135,226
18,875
(11,327)
(13,558)
823
130,039
56,410
-
-
-
-
56,410
11,998
-
(12,331)
-
333
-
78,419
204,303
(263,237)
13,558
-
33,043
305,027
16,190
-
-
-
321,217
451,854
220,493
(275,568)
13,558
333
410,670
622,043
239,368
(286,895)
-
1,956
576,473		 34
2023
Balance
Income
Expenditure Transfers
Gains and
Balance
brought
between
losses on
carried
forward
funds
investments forward
£
£
£
£
£
£
24,395
-
-
-
2,295
26,690
7,562
-
-
-
711
8,273
31,957
-
-
-
3,006
34,963
Cast
Cast
Cast
32,856
983
(983)
-
3,091
35,947
6,971
961
-
-
-
7,932
2,642
313
-
-
-
2,955
11,576
-
-
-
-
11,576
100
-
(100)
-
-
-
-
11,448
(2,903)
-
-
8,545
-
2,100
(2,100)
-
-
-
69,840
5,187
(6,756)
-
-
68,271
-
-
-
-
-
-
123,985
20,992
(12,842)
-
3,091
135,226
57,205
-
(795)
-
-
56,410
64,102
2,018
(55,154)
-
1,032
11,998
89,498
181,104
(179,703)
(12,480)
-
78,419
282,849
9,472
-
12,706
-
305,027
493,654
192,594
(235,652)
226
1,032
451,854
649,596
213,586
(248,494)
226
7,129
622,043

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC of Bushey NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024

13 Analysis of Assets and Liabilities Between Funds

Restricted Endowment Funds
The Bushey Church and Churchyard
Investment Trust Fund
Ellis Bequest (Grave Trust) Investment
Restricted Deposit Funds
Mitchell Bequest
The Bushey Church and Churchyard
Trust Deposit Fund
Ellis Bequest (Grave Trust) Deposit
Holy Trinity -Legacy Funds
Bell Tower Appeal (1984)
St James Legacy Funds
St James Legacy Funds (Miss Fairfield)
Unrestricted Funds
Falconer Hall Proceeds
Capital Reserve (Buildings)
Church Fabric Fund
Cash)/General Fund
TOTAL*		 2024
Tangible
CBF
Deposit
Net
TOTAL
Fixed
Investment
Funds
Current
Assets
Funds
Assets
£
£
£
£
£
-
27,301
-
-
27,301
-
8,463
-
-
8,463
-
35,764
-
-
35,764
-
36,770
-
-
36,770
-
-
6,263
-
6,263
-
-
3,345
-
3,345
-
-
-
11,576
11,576
-
-
12,086
-
12,086
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
60,000
-
60,000
-
36,770
81,694
11,576
130,040
-
-
321,217
-
321,217
56,410
-
-
-
56,410
-
-
-
-
-
66,760
-
149
(33,866)
33,043
123,170
-
321,366
(33,866)
410,670
123,170
72,534
403,060
(22,290)
576,474		 2023
Tangible
CBF
Deposit
Net
TOTAL
Fixed
Investment
Funds
Current
Assets
Funds
Assets
£
£
£
£
£
-
26,690
-
-
26,690
-
8,274
-
-
8,274
-
34,964
-
-
34,964
-
35,947
-
-
35,947
-
-
7,932
-
7,932
-
-
2,956
-
2,956
-
-
-
11,576
11,576
-
-
8,545
-
8,545
-
-
68,271
-
68,271
-
-
-
-
-
-
35,947
87,704
11,576
135,227
-
-
305,027
-
305,027
56,410
-
-
-
56,410
-
11,998
-
-
11,998
77,719
-
820
(118)
78,421
134,129
11,998
305,847
(118)
451,856
134,129
82,909
393,551
11,458
622,047

*Falconer Hall Proceeds are listed as Unrestricted although there is a restriction placed on their use by the Charities Commission following the sale in 2017 as a result of the original deeds for the building dating from the 19th Century. This is why the PCC couldn`t access this money to pay the Parish Share shortfall.

PAGE 35

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

CHARITY No. 1130540 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BUSHEY (the “Charity”) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I report to the members (being the trustees for the purposes of charity law) of the Parochial Church Council of Bushey on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

PAGE 36

The PCC of Bushey Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Use of my report

This report is made solely to the Charity’s trustees as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s 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’s trustees as a body for my work or this report.

Simon Kinna FCCA

Belmont Aldenham Road Bushey Hertfordshire WD23 2LU

1 May 2025

PAGE 37