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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Southbourne With West Thorney

2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report and Financial Report

OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SOUTHBOURNE WITH WEST THORNEY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1130876

Introduction.

This report fulfils our responsibility as a charity to report on our activities and finances. It is an important document to highlight how we satisfy our charitable status, positively impact our beneficiaries' lives, and appropriately use our resources.

It includes an examined copy of our annual accounts, and hard copies are available in church or electronically on our website.

This is also an opportunity to look back over the last year with thanks, and to look forward with hope and expectation for all that is in store in the years ahead. I hope you enjoy it.

Rev. Tom Robson, on behalf of the PCC.

Contents.

01 mo a INTRODUCTION www.stjohnssouthbourne.com 02

www.stjohnssouthbourne.com

Incumbent: The Revd Tom Robson The Vicarage, 271 Main Road, Southbourne, PO10 8JE

AIMS, PLANS & OBJECTIVES

mo 03 ACHIEVEMENTS

mo 06

IMPACT ON BENEFICIARIES Includes Safeguarding and Churchwardens' Fabric reports

mo 18

CHARITY GOVERNANCE

Independent examiner: Mr E Thompson Bankers: Lloyds Bank Havant Branch, 4 West St, Havant, PO9 1PE

mo 19

FINANCIAL REPORT

1

Our aims and purposes as a charity.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

How we planned to achieve our charitable objectives.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’. For 2024 we planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

2

What we achieved in 2024.

(detailed reports follow in the ‘Impact’ section)

Attendance at worship

The church welcomes members and visitors from the locality and those visiting the area. We firmly believe that the provision of services of worship is a major public benefit of our activities. During 2024, St John’s had an average Sunday congregation of 165 across our two main services at 10am and 4pm, this is an increase of 15 over 2023. St Nicholas continued to hold services and fellowship gatherings with around 12 people attending each week. We also held a midweek Communion service with an average congregation of 14, and a monthly reflective evening Communion service with an average congregation of 25.

In addition, we provided seasonal services, worship and prayer opportunities throughout the church calendar, including Taize worship, reflective services, ‘Holy Presence’ and a mix of opportunities to share the gospel at Christmas and Easter.

Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers

Across the parish we had 7 baptisms, 2 dedications and 1 confirmation. We have 8 homegroups and Bible study groups, which meet regularly to share and encourage people in their faith.

We offered a number of seasonal and one-off opportunities for people to grow in faith, including an Advent course and joint services with other local churches. Many prayer groups continue to meet throughout the week, in-person and online.

Families and Youth

Our ministry among families and youth continues to flourish, with increasing attendance at our afternoon Sunday service, with groups for toddlers and teenagers. Our fortnightly ‘Friday Fellowship‘ continued to welcome families from across our parish and our toddler group, and links with local schools were strengthened. A full report of the impact of this follows later.

3

Simon

“The 4 PM family service is a convenient time for busy families to pause, connect, and grow in faith together, while also providing parents a dedicated moment to worship and pray”

Pastoral Care

Our Pastoral team coordinates home and hospital visits as well as home communions and support to those going through difficult times. We jointly lead two regular services in two local care homes with other local churches. These services are an important benefit for those who are too frail to attend on Sundays.

Mission and Charitable Giving

The gifts from our Harvest Festival were distributed to the Food Bank; the church supports the Food Bank as a point of collection for food donations and also as an emergency distribution point for food parcels. During Advent we raised over £1,000 to provide Christmas gifts to local families going through hard times.

Our parish policy is to give a proportion of our income to Christian charities and missions, locally and globally. In 2024 we supported a wide range of organisations including: 2serve, Emmanuel International, The Mande family, Education West Africa, Concordis, Callum and Rianne Adams, Japan Christian Link, B.E.A.T.S., SIM Malawi, Christian Aid, Tearfund, and Family Support Work.

We also held collections to support the work of the British Legion, Children’s Society, and Stone Pillow.

Callum & Rianne Adams

“thanks for the visit it was great to be with you all!”

The Adams visited us to update us on their ministry in Antwerp.

4

Engaging with our local community

St. John’s Church is committed to our local community, our neighbours, schools, families and friends. Located in the centre of the village of Southbourne we are ideally placed to use our buildings and grounds to engage with the local community. Our regular activities include toddlers, children and youth groups; book, craft and film clubs and events for seniors. We hosted a significant Remembrance Day service and a special service to mark 80 years since D-Day. We now regularly host a veterans breakfast for the large contingent of ex-forces personnel who live locally.

We also contributed to our local Deanery through attendance at Synod, clergy chapter and commitment to the Deanery prayer group. Synod debate issues passed down to them from the Diocese, and pass up to the diocese matters of concern. We send four representatives who serve one or two terms of three years.

Celebrating harvest together in Church

Provision of our buildings and grounds for people to enjoy St John’s Church can be available for prayer and reflection when staff are in the centre, in 2024 that meant Tuesday to Thursday mornings. St Nicholas, Thorney Island is open all year round; and many people take up this opportunity, as seen in our visitor books.

Our outside space has also been available for Church and community events, including Remembrance Day and a Christian Aid garden party, as well as being utilised by our children’s groups. We’re grateful to all those who work hard to maintain it. St John’s welcomed Little Stars Nursery, Southbourne Infant and Junior Schools to the church for Harvest and Christmas in 2024. Thorney Island School has also made several visits to St Nicholas.

5

Impact on Beneficiaries’ lives & Group Reports.

Book Club

Over the last twelve months our membership has remained pretty much the same, we have had one new member join, but lost another to ill health. We still have 20 people on the register so we divide into two groups one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. Both groups read the same title enabling people to go to either meeting. During the last year we have read books from established writers and those whom we have never read before. It’s always exciting to discover a new author whose work promotes animated discussion.

Centre Kitchen

The Kitchen has continued to be used for various events this year. These include the monthly Lunch Club, Friday Fellowship, funeral wakes, Sunday coffee and outside events. Thank you to all the helpers for giving their time to support these and many other events. More people have had kitchen training in order to be able to help at these events. Thank you to all who are on the team who cook, serve, wash up, wash the aprons and tea towels and put everything back in place ready for the next event. Visitors from other churches continue to remind us of how blessed we are to have such a well-equipped and well-used kitchen.

Coffee Connect i

We have been very encouraged this year to see more people coming to Coffee Connect including church members and people from the wider community. We open 9am to 12noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tom is usually available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10am and 12noon to chat or pray with people. We held a MacMillan Coffee morning in September 2024 and raised £360 as a joint event with Upbeat Community Choir. Thank you to all the Coffee Connect volunteers who are so dedicated to serving our community.

Craft Club

2024 was the ‘year of the poppy’ when we made a hanging draped from the Church to mark Remembrance Sunday. Many people from the Church and community joined together to create over 6,000 poppies. We are very grateful and have already been asked about what’s next?!

6

Eco Group

This year we have focussed our attention on the grounds, planting bulbs and primroses, and repeating ‘No Mow May’ to encourage wildflowers and pollinators. Plans for renovating the Centre include making it more Eco friendly. We hope an Eco champion will help us achieve an A Rocha award for the church.

Fabric (Warden’s Report)

2024 has been a year of consolidation after several building projects in the last few years. We have continued to manage regular maintenance to keep the buildings and the grounds safe and in good condition for all who use them. The quinquennial inspection (QI) at St John’s was completed in the summer. We were pleased that our inspecting architect appreciated the work that had been carried out in recent years. Fortunately, no urgent work is required, but the architect has identified issues we need to address in the next 2 to 3 years. The Centre Refurbishment project was launched in 2024 and a consultation was held on the plans. After a pause, we are putting a fundraising campaign in place for the first phase of this project (refurbishments to the upstairs hall, installation of a toilet upstairs and updating the facilities to meet current safeguarding standards). Following the sad passing of Andrew Walkley the team are providing support to the St Nicholas congregation on building issues. Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Jane Inglis for her care of our building over many years. Gill Prosser, Church Warden

Families and Youth Ministry

Pre-schoolers

St. John’s has two designated weekly preschool groups. ‘4pm Tots’ during the Sunday 4pm service combines songs, activities, Bible stories and application, prayer, play and craft. The second is St. John’s Tots playgroup. This group meets weekly on a Thursday morning. There is a fantastic sense of belonging (community) and those who come regularly Craft Club speak highly of the ‘special atmosphere’ that exists.

Primary-school age

4K (4pm Kids) is the weekly group for Primary aged children within the Sunday 4pm service. It began in May 2024 and has four main elements: Bible, prayer, craft & praise. The Team is led by Richard Carter with a trained team of parent volunteers. 30-40 children join each week. Other initiatives that include Primary aged children are: Friday Fellowship, Alternative 31st October parties, Light the Tree Community Event (Dec), The Nativity service (Dec), and special services at Christmas and Easter.

7

Rachel

“My little one has had the opportunity to learn about God through praise, stories and play. She enjoys this and has the opportunity to engage with other children in a Christian environment”

Evie

“I like how inclusive the 4k session is, you could never feel like you weren't involved and you always feel welcome to give your input. I like how everything we learn is religious but it is made fun and never boring.”

Youth

4pm Youth Group (4YG) meets every Sunday except for the once a month all together communion service on the 3rd Sunday of the month. The group aims to enable young people to connect with God through worship, prayer, Bible study, nature and fellowship. Up to 14 young people attend this group.

4YG+ is St. John’s secondary-age discipleship group. Since its formation in May 2024 the group has steadily grown until we now have seven girls who regularly attend. 4YG+ focuses on fellowship around a meal, Bible Study, prayer & reflection. High Tide has become a staple part of St. John’s youth where we take up to eight young people each month to a fun and faith-filled youth gathering in Portsmouth Diocese.

MayCamp is the annual Youth Camp for young people in Anglican Churches across the Diocese of Chichester. Around 400 young people attend for a weekend packed full of fun, worship, teaching and friendship. St John’s joins with St Mary’s and St Nicholas’ Lavant to make a great group of young people with enough leaders to make it happen. Maycamp 2024 was the place one young person from St John’s made the decision to become a follower of Jesus.

8

High Tide is Portsmouth Diocese’s monthly Youth Worship event. St John’s takes a group of 7 young people to this, but is due to increase with the regular use of local minibus for this event. Young people enjoy food, games, team games, worship and an age appropriate talk to encourage them in their faith.

Families

Friday Fellowship (FF) is St. John’s main initiative for families. The Craft Club aspiration of FF is that we cater for families of all ages using a variety of different games and activities. The main focus of FF is friendship. Kim and Richard wanted to provide an environment where families could come, feel relaxed, welcomed and have ownership. Kim and Richard wanted to create a space where adults, children and young people could make, establish and deepen friendships with their peers. FF runs twice a month from 3 - 5:30pm and every session concludes with a healthy and nutritious meal shared together.

Helen

“I love the variety of activities, especially the tent with the fish tube and edible crafts (the caterpillar made of babybel and grapes was my favourite”

9

Film Club

Film Club meets at 2pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the upstairs room of the Centre. About twenty regulars attend, and we break at half time for tea/coffee and cake - and some socialising. Seats are moveable so a good view is guaranteed, and we use subtitles. There is no Club "membership", anyone can attend - and there is no charge. Donations go into the Church General Fund except in May and November when they go to Christian Aid and the Royal British Legion. We show selected films which we have reviewed to avoid obvious unsuitabilities, although we tolerate some bad language, providing it isn't gratuitous. This is necessary for some films which are a social commentary on subjects like homelessness or unfair working conditions.

Five-a-side Football

The weekly 5 (or 6) A-Side Football game at the Bourne Leisure centre has been going for nearly two years now! The idea is to use football as a vehicle to connect with local dads. The initiative has been successful in achieving this with seven out of the fifteen men who regularly play coming from the Southbourne, Westbourne & Emsworth area with the rest coming from Chichester and Havant.

Simon

“I really enjoy the football organised by St. John’s. It’s a great way of staying active, building friendships, and experiencing a sense of community while having fun.”

10

Te a) fat he ~~|~~ Global Mission Wee LL} MMA| =)

The Global Mission team made a conscious effort throughout 2024 to raise the profile of our supported missions, principally with our Mission of the Month (MOTM) initiative.

We support the following; Japan Christian Link, YWAM/Restore Ministry Busede (Rachel & Eric Mande), Emmanuel International, 2Serve Trust, The Lighthouse Fellowship (Callum Adams), BEATS, Chichester Family Support, Concordis (Peter Marsden), SIM (The Wheatleys) and Frontiers (Michael & Kim Marsden).

Each month (except August and May for Christian Aid) we had guest speakers or videos with supporting material most Sundays. Finances were tight in 2024 (half the previous year’s budget) due to the important drive to secure funds for the youth ministry. So we prioritised those who have close personal links and who are more financially dependent on us for funds. The missions received the following: £1071 each to Rachel & Eric, Emmanuel International, Callum & Rianne Adams; £714 to Steven & Jo Wheatley; £357 each to 2Serve, BEATS and Chichester Family Support.

The Website was revamped, and now covers all our supported Missions and the Mission board was also refreshed and aligned to the MOTM with grateful thanks to Julie. There is also a Prayer meeting on the evening of the second Sunday of the month aligned to the MOTM. JCL also holds a monthly prayer meeting in the centre. The Team thank all those who contribute through prayer and giving.

Our Christian Aid Garden Party in May 2024

11

a. Homegroups 4.

There are eight homegroups meeting throughout the week. The Nurture group continues with a small number and meets on a Wednesday morning in the Centre. There are approximately 60 people meeting together to study the Bible and to encourage and support one another. There have been changes in venue and meeting times with a couple of groups during the year. We now have no group on a Tuesday evening. During the coming year it would be good to be able to offer the choice of any day or evening, with perhaps the exception of Friday, to those wishing to join. I would ask for ongoing prayers for a growing desire among the congregation to be part of these groups where they can encourage and grow spiritually together.

Love Southbourne

Love Southbourne Group leads on all our activities out of our building and in our community. During 2024 we put on some of our own events, such as Easter Goodie bags around the village and a really enjoyable outreach event in October that saw people of all ages welcomed to the Church grounds for a range of harvest-themed activities and to promote our Harvest displays in Church. We also joined in with other local groups and events, providing a free BBQ to 250 people at the Parish Council’s D-Day event, and a locally-organised celebration of Sussex day held in the Church.

Lunch Club Pn 28a

The monthly Lunch Club, usually held on the first Monday of the month, is well into its second year. There is a regular attendance of around 40 people, welcoming people from the Church and the community. Talks after the lunch have included Sue Fallon on the work of Emmanuel International and a talk about Brent Wildlife based in West Sussex. Thank you to all the people who help with serving at the Lunch Club.

12

Men’s Socials

The vision behind the St. John’s socials is to provide a platform where men from the church can make and develop friendships as well as nonthreatening events to invite our non-Christian friends to. I have tried a number of different events on different days of the week, from a pub quiz, to a games night at Southbourne Club, pub meet ups and curry nights.

Ian

“It’s great to meet socially and encourage one another. There’s a lot of stress around in our lives today, it’s good to unwind and be real with one another.”

Pastoral Ld

_ een,

The volunteers on our pastoral team visit and phone people from our Church and parish community when there is a particular need. Some take Home Communion to those who would like to receive but aren’t able to attend services, and others offer a listening ear and the opportunity to pray, if that is requested.

Prayer Ministry

A new Acorn Training Course was completed in 2024 and we now include 4 new team members. We continue to offer confidential prayer support at the end of the morning Service, and have been greatly encouraged by the response to our Lord’s pictures and words of knowledge. We praise and thank the Lord for his great goodness and grace unto us in healing those who are hurting.

13

Schools

We continued to build good relationships with local schools in 2024. Members of our team took assemblies and supported RE lessons in Southbourne Infants and Juniors and Thorney Island. We have provided Harvest Festival services, Year 2 and Year 6 leavers assemblies, and led children around the Easter and Harvest exhibitions in church.

Safeguarding Report

This year has seen only a few DBS being completed as the majority of volunteers have registered on update service. Volunteers are renewing safeguarding training when needed so providing a safer place for our children, vulnerable adults and us all. Domestic Abuse (DA); Safer Recruitment & People Management (SRPM); Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking (MSHT) training has been accessed by all the necessary people within the church. Safe recruitment is progressing smoothly with the use of a system on churchsuite. A volunteer has been drafted in to help Family Workers with the beginning stages of recruitment. Safeguarding is a much higher priority in the UK and in all parishes since the problems in the CofE. Thankfully, all our volunteers are very responsive and proactive with completing & renewing their safeguarding training which makes my job much easier. So, a big thank you to all of you who carry out safeguarding regularly & understand the importance of making the church a much safer place for us all. The Cathedral & Diocese had their independent safeguarding report by INQEQ and received a good write up in the Church Times stating that an independent audit has concluded safeguarding in the diocese of Chichester has made “impressive progress”, and it describes the diocese’s safeguarding team as “well-led and highly professional”. This is very positive news. Please remember that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Christine Liddle

Social Team

The Social Team continues to provide great hospitality for a range of events at Church. In 2024 this included an Easter breakfast, a summer BBQ, Harvest hotdogs at our outreach event and a delicious Harvest lunch for over 100 people in Church. This hospitality is offered to those who are part of the Church and others in the community through the range of events that the Social Team run and support.

14

St Nicholas Church

Last year, much to our sorrow, we lost Andy, who was instrumental in keeping St Nicholas up and running since 2004. To begin with, it was only with the strength and help of Wendy that we managed to keep the Fellowship meetings going. We said goodbye to Padre Mike in the summer and then welcomed Padre Paul, who came to our rescue by holding Communion services every Sunday. We also held special services for Sea Sunday, Remembrance and Christmas - to which many of the island’s residents attended. I can only thank all our small, but dedicated congregation for all their help in keeping St Nicholas church on Thorney Island part of our Sunday worship. Peter Hicks, on behalf of St Nicholas

Walking Group

The walking group has continued to meet regularly and our walks have included strolls around the Chidham peninsula admiring seals and sailing, and walks in the South Downs in search of snowdrops, daffodils, orchids and round headed rampion, depending on which season we are in. We try to pick good weather but don’t always succeed! Mostly we just enjoy each other’s company and God’s beautiful creation and get a little bit fit. Between 4 and 12 people meet to walk 3-5 miles on a Saturday, and you are very welcome to join us.

In 2024 we also began a ‘Walk and Talk’ group that went for walks around the parish on a Sunday before our afternoon service. These were great opportunities to meet people from across both congregations and spend time chatting and encouraging one another.

15

Worship

Music at the weekly 10am service consists mainly of contemporary worship songs, but typically also includes one traditional hymn each week. We aim to ensure the music is relevant to the theme of each Sunday, and this involves introducing new songs from time to time where appropriate. In addition to the morning services in 2024, we sang three Taize services throughout the year (for Candlemas, Maundy Thursday and Harvest). This more reflective style of worship continues to be popular with the congregation, and this has been reflected in the numbers attending the services. We also sang two carol services in December, when the regular worship group was augmented by a number of additional singers, providing a strong lead at these annual services. Fundraising has continued for the organ refurbishment project. Unfortunately the cost has increased due to uplifts in the national living wage, nevertheless we aim to be in a position to proceed with the renovation in 2025.

At the 4pm service music is led by a mix of groups, and incorporates mostly contemporary songs alongside worship for all-ages, often involving motions. This is a key part of the time all together in the service before the young people go out to their groups and the adults remain together for a talk, reflection and another chance to sing.

Cassey

“We love attending the 4pm service on a Sunday, it's always such a peaceful and calm environment to enter into to be together and feel close to God. I appreciate the choice of songs of worship as they feel traditional but still with a catchy tune that my teenaged children can pick up and sing along. We have sometimes particularly enjoyed a certain song and then found we can go into the Church centre and actually collect a QR code to scan that will link us to that song and we can learn it better at home!”

16

Structure, governance and management of the charity.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC: Incumbent: The Revd Thomas Robson Wardens: Mrs Gillian Prosser Mrs Gillian Cruickshank

Elected Members

Mrs Jane Inglis (Until April 2024) Mrs Christine Liddle Parish Safeguarding Officer Mrs Sarah Maclennan Secretary Mrs Julie Fair (Until April 2024) Mrs Kim Carter Mr Richard Carter (Until October 2024) Mr Ian Maclennan Treasurer Mrs Sue McNeill Mrs Kylee Pearce Mrs Michelle O’Mahony Mr Dylan Dalli (From April 2024) Mrs Karen Mears (From April 2024)

Deanery Synod Mrs Carol Jones Mr Tim Marsden Mrs Anne Poulter Mrs Barbara Wilson

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members, the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and up to 12 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

17

FINANCIAL REPORT

The trustees present their financial report for the year ended 31st December 2024.

Total income for 2024 was very slightly lower than 2023 at £ 177k, due to higher donations and other income, offset by sharply lower grants received during the year. This was a relatively good result, as 2023 included a large exceptional donation which was not repeated in 2024.

Total expenditure declined sharply to £ 187k, reflecting sharply lower spending on repairs and maintenance (down £ 38k) and global mission (down £ 4k).

The resulting deficit moderated to £ 10k which continues to be unsustainable in the medium term. Following significant fundraising which took place in mid-2024, the PCC is now seeing increased regular Surfing giving and the outlook is for a smaller deficit in 2025, as income increases and expenditures continue to be under tight control. In 2024 unrestricted funds registered a significant deficit (£ 12k) while restricted funds recorded a small surplus (£ 2k).

The PCC has established a budget which anticipates a modest deficit for 2025 and hopes to be able to restore giving to support Global Mission to previous levels, as well as to maintain spending in the areas of Families & Youth and local mission. This should allow us to continue to focus resources on the PCC’s core objectives.

We are most grateful to the many church members who give sacrificially to meet the costs incurred by the PCC, the bulk of which are making Parish Share contributions to the Diocese (to meet ministry costs, salaries, housing, etc.), and to pay staff salaries.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

18

Reserves

The trustees have a policy to hold cash reserves of at least £25,000 to cover liquidity needs.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and of its income and expenditure for the year. The trustees are required to:

  1. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

  2. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

  3. State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.

  4. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. Surfing

We are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the PCC’s financial position and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

The Trustees Annual and Financial reports were approved by the Parochial Church Council on 5th April 2025 and signed on its behalf bby Rev. Thomas I. Robson, Chairman.

/signed T.I. Robson/

Rev. Thomas I. Robson, Chairman

19

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

I have examined the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 on pages 21 to 23 which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 24 and 25.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors/Trustees and Examiner

The trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of accounts; they consider that the audit requirements under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 do not apply but that an independent examination is needed. I have been appointed to conduct an Independent Examination required by section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and to report in accordance with the regulations made under section 145 of that Act. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts, without performing an audit, and to report to the trustees.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

  1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;

  2. follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011; and

  3. state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Examiner's Statement

Surfing

This report is in respect of an examination carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, and in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes a review of the accounts and making such enquiries as are necessary for the purpose of this report. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Based on my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011, or that the accounts presented do not accord with those records, or comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

No matter has come to my notice in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.

/signed E.J. Thompson/

Mr. Eric J. Thompson

12 Kingsey Avenue, Emsworth, Hampshire PO10 7HP 22nd April 2025

20

PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Registered Charity Number: 1130876

Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31st December 2024 Year ended 31st December 2024 Year ended 31st December 2024 Year ended 31st December 2023 Year ended 31st December 2023 Year ended 31st December 2023
Notes Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
Funds		 Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
Funds
Income from:
Donations
Grants
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Trading & other income
Total income
£
128,026
£
0
£
14,179
£
2,965
£
2,845
£
148,015		 £
25,302
£
1,750
£
2,064
£
139
£
0
£
29,255		 £
153,328
£
1,750
£
16,243
£
3,104
£
2,845		 £
122,280
£
0
£
10,352
£
3,988
£
1,425
£
138,045		 £
31,619
£
10,160
£
0
£
118
£
0
£
41,897		 £
153,899
£
10,160
£
10,352
£
4,106
£
1,425
£
177,270		 £
179,942
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
£
160,265
£
160,265		 £
27,147
£
27,147		 £
187,412		 £
161,059
£
161,059		 £
59,756
£
59,756		 £
220,815
£
187,412		 £
220,815
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) before
transfers and investment gains / (losses)
Transfers between funds
Unrealised investment gains / (losses)
NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 £
(12,250)
£
392
£
0
£
(11,858)		 £
2,108
£
(392)
£
1,360
£
3,076		 £
(10,142)
£
0
£
1,360		 £
(23,014)
£
0
£
0
£
(23,014)		 £
(17,859)
£
0
£
2,992
£
(14,867)		 £
(40,873)
£
0
£
2,992
£
(8,782)		 £
(37,881)
£
90,518
£
78,660		 £
40,287
£
43,363		 £
130,805		 £
113,532
£
90,518		 £
55,154
£
40,287		 £
168,686
£
122,023		 £
130,805

The notes on pages 24 to 29 form part of these accounts.

21 to 23 and the notes on pages 24 to 29 5th April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

/signed T.I. Robson/

Rev. T.I. Robson

/signed I.C. Maclennan/ Mr. I.C. Maclennan

/signed G. Prosser/ Mrs. G. Prosser

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PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Accounting Convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value. The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 as far as currently applicable, in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 (SORP 2019 (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. Under FRS 102, the PCC falls within the definition of a public benefit charity. Surfing

1.2 Income

Donations and planned giving are recognised when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when income is receivable, provided that income tax is reasonably certain to be recovered. Grants are recognised when the conditions for receipt have been met. Investment income is accounted for in the period in which it is earned and when the amount can be measured reliably. Other income is accounted for on a receipts basis.

1.3 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the PCC to that expenditure. Accordingly, accruals, creditors and provisions are recognised where the PCC has a present obligation and where the future out flow of funds is probable. Grants and donations for the financial year are accounted for when a decision has been taken to support a particular ministry. The PCC provides a contributory defined contributions pension scheme for its employees, in line with current legislation.

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1.4 Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restriction on their use. Restricted funds are funds which have been donated for specific purposes. The purpose and use of the restricted funds are set out in Note 10 below.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the financial statements in accordance with section 10(2) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on assets 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 and beneficed buildings and movable church assets, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off when incurred. Other tangible fixed assets have been written off, in view of their low value. Surfing

1.6 Current assets

Debtors represent amounts due to the PCC and prepayments. They are recognised at either the settlement or prepaid amount. Cash at bank comprises bank current accounts and cash-equivalent bank deposits.

1.7 Taxation

The PCC, as a registered charity, is generally not liable to taxation on its surplus or capital gains.

1.8 Cash flow statement

The PCC has taken advantage of the exemption provided by the FRS 102 SORP and has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year.

1.9 Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the PCC members have a reasonable expectation that the PCC has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next twelve months. For this reason the PCC has continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

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2. Grants

During 2024 the PCC received the following grants:

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Grantor Amount (£) Restricted to
The Benefact Trust 8.200 Families & Youth
The Benefact Trust 1.750 Organ refurbishment
Total 9,950
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The grant for £ 8,200 applies to the period 2025-2027 so it has been included in deferred income.

During 2023 the PCC received the following grants:

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Grantor Amount (£) Restricted to
Joseph Rank Trust 10,000 Families & Youth
Chichester Diocesan Board of Finance 160 Youth Support
Total 10,160
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3. Charitable activities

Income from charitable activities was mainly fees charged for weddings and funerals held at our churches and income from various local outreach events, including families and youth activities

4. Investments

Investment income arose from interest paid on deposit balances, mainly by CCLA.

5. Expenditure on charitable activities

The following table lists the main expenditures incurred by the PCC in the years ending 31st December 2023 and 2024, broken down by expenditure from unrestricted and restricted funds.

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----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
----- End of picture text -----

2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Diocesan Parish
Share		 81,445 0 81,445 78,795 0 78,795
Staff salaries,
NICs, pensions		 22,717 19,790 42,507 20,014 19,233 39,247
Church running
costs		 12,316 1,730 14,046 6,884 8,560 15,444
Maintenance &
repairs		 9,154 1,975 11,129 24,134 22,976 47,110
Family & Youth
work		 7,338 0 7,338 0 6,450 6,450
Office & general
administration		 6,709 0 6,709 5,923 0 5,923
Local Mission 4,761 2,188 6,949 10,743 0 10,743
Global Mission 4,998 913 5,911 10,000 0 10,000
Clergy & vicarage 4,782 0 4,782 1,943 0 1,943
Fees due to
Diocese		 2,879 0 2,879 1,679 0 1,679
Coffee Connect
expenses		 722 0 722 944 0 944
Specific gifts 360 0 360 0 2,537 2,537
Bank and payment
charges		 221 206 427 0 0 0
Other expense 1,863 345 2,208 0 0 0
Total 160,265 27,147 187,412 161,059 59,756 220,815

The PCC employs four staff. No member of staff received more than £60,000 in total salary and benefits.

6. Fixed assets

Fixed assets consist of 446.22 accumulation shares in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund. These make up the bulk of the Timothy Fund, which is a restricted fund of the PCC which exists to encourage cross cultural evangelism by church members.

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7. Debtors

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2024 2023
Gift Aid receivable from HMRC £ 11,905 £ 14,061
Outstanding collections and income £ 586 £ 989
Other £ 200 £ 0
Total £ 12,691 £ 15,050
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8. Creditors

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2024 2023
Chichester DBF £ 1,821 £ 2,657
Charitable gifts outstanding £ 994 £ 0
Expenses £ 230 £ 332
Other £ 248 £ 345
Total £ 3,293 £ 3,334
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9. Deferred income

Deferred income relates to a grant and certain one-off gifts to support Families and Youth Ministry. The grant, in the amount of £ 8,200 relates to the period 2025 - 2027.

In mid-2024 the PCC received a number of one-off gifts and associated Gift Aid. These are being allocated over a three year period (2024 to 2026). The portion relating to 2025 and 2026 has been included in deferred income.

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10. Restricted funds

The following table lists all of the PCC’s restricted funds, along with income and expenditure during the year.

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Transfers/
Balance b/f Income Expenditure Balance c/f
Gains
Timothy Fund £ 29,341 £ 139 £ 1,360 £ 0 £ 30,840
St Nicholas Repair &
£ 800 £ 303 £ 130 £ 1,233 £ 0
Renovation
Family & Youth Ministry £ 0 £ 19,943 £ 0 £ 19,943 £ 0
Mark’s Bench Fund £ 1,092 £ 0 £ 0 £ 0 £ 1,092
Organ Renovation Fund £ 0 £ 5,427 £ 6,043 £ 221 £ 11,249
Energy Fund £ 1,730 £ 0 £ 0 £ 1,730 £ 0
Other Restricted £ 7,324 £ 3,443 £ (6,556) £ 4,020 £ 182
Total Restricted £ 40,287 £ 29,255 £ 968 £ 27,147 £ 43,363
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11. Trustees’ remuneration and benefits

No trustee was remunerated for being a trustee. Expenses incurred in the normal course of the PCC’s activities were reimbursed, in particular where a trustee purchased items to be used at church activities and events.

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Some photo highlights from 2024