The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of
Southbourne with West Thorney
St John’s Church, Stein Road, Southbourne, Emsworth PO10 8LB
Registered Charity no. 1130876
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 2 - 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 - 11 |
Website: https://stjohnssouthbourne.com/ Incumbent: Rev. Thomas I. Robson Independent examiner: Mrs. Carol Groves Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc
PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025
Our aims and purposes as a charity
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, Rev. Thomas Robson in:
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[The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and ] practices of the Church of England;
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[Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and ] ecumenical;
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[Working together to make Christ known;]
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[Practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the eldest, ] irrespective of level of need or ability to pay;
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[Providing financial support to those in need and supporting those in the mission field in the ] UK and overseas.
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.
What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objects
When planning our activities, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on 'charities for the advancement of religion'.
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[Providing accessible worship, to enable as many people as possible to participate. ]
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[Providing Christian teaching to all age groups through Sunday services and mid-week small ] group activities.
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[Developing our Families and Youth Ministry within the Parish. ]
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[Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish. ]
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[Giving to Christian mission organisations. ]
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[Positively engaging with our community through our coffee shop, Love Southbourne ] community events, clubs, groups and local events.
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[Maintaining the church and grounds as a focus of village life. ]
Attendance at worship
believe that the provision of services of worship is a major public benefit of our activities. During 2025, the parish had an average weekly congregation of 191 across St John’s and St. Nicholas, this is an increase of 11 over 2024.
St Nicholas continued to hold services and fellowship gatherings with around 16 people attending each week. We also held a midweek communion service with an average congregation of 17, 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 Taizé 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 16 baptisms and dedications, and 6 confirmations. We have added an additional homegroup, all of which meet regularly to share and encourage people in their faith.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
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PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025
We offered a number of seasonal and one-off opportunities for people to grow in faith, including a Lent course and joint services with other local churches. In February we hosted a Deanery service with Ruth Bushyager, the Bishop of Horsham. Many prayer groups continue to meet throughout the week, in-person and online.
Mission and outreach
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 2025 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 for the work of the British Legion, Children's Society and Stone Pillow.
We ran a ‘Hope Explored’ course to give people a chance to hear and explore about the Christian faith, and a self-produced course for church members to help equip people to be able to answer questions people might have about the Christian faith, gently and confidently.
Families and Youth
Our ministry among families and youth continues to flourish, with high attendance at our afternoon Sunday service, with a new group for primary-school age children alongside our existing groups for toddlers and teenagers. The number of young people choosing to stay on for additional Bible study, fellowship and fun at our monthly ‘4YG+’ meeting increased over the course of the year. Our fortnightly 'Friday Fellowship' continued to welcome families from across our parish and our toddler group, and links with local schools through assemblies, church visits and support of RE lessons continued to be mutually beneficial.
Community Events and Service
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 a monthly lunch for seniors. We hosted a significant Remembrance Day service and continue to 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 debates issues passed down to them from the Diocese, and passes up to the diocese matters of concern.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Page of 3 11
PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025
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: | Rev. Thomas Robson | |
|---|---|---|
| Wardens: | Mrs. Carol Jones Mrs. Gillian Cruickshank |
|
| Elected Members: | Mrs. Christine Liddle Mrs. Sarah Maclennan Mrs Kim Carter Mr Ian Maclennan Mrs Sue McNeill Mrs Kylee Pearce Mrs Michelle O’Mahony Mr Dylan Dalli Mrs. Maria Carvajal-Neal |
Parish Safeguarding Ofcer Secretary Treasurer |
| Deanery Synod: | 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.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Page of 4 11
PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025
Financial Report
[st] December 2025.
Total income for 2025 was very significantly higher than 2024 at £ 242k, due to higher donations and income from charitable activities. This was an excellent result, as donors responded generously to the opportunity to participate in giving to support the core gospel work of the PCC.
Total expenditure also increased to £ 201k, reflecting higher spending on maintenance and repairs and global mission, offset by slightly lower salary costs, following the retirement of a member of staff.
As a result a surplus of £41k was generated. While most of this relates to restricted funds (mainly in connection with the planned redevelopment of the church centre), there was also a surplus of £ 11k on unrestricted funds, which was encouraging.
The PCC has established a budget which anticipates a small surplus for 2026 and hopes to be able to maintain spending in the areas of Families & Youth, global mission 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.
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:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.
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Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
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.
This report was approved by the Parochial Church Council on 19[th] April 2026 and signed on its behalf by Rev. Thomas I. Robson, Chairman.
/ signed: Thomas I. Robson /
Rev. Thomas I. Robson, Chairman
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
Page of 5 11
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
I have examined the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 on pages 7 to 11 which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on page 9.
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:
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(1) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;
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(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
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(3) state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Examiner's Statement
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: Mrs. Carol Groves /
Mrs. Carol Groves 1 Seafield Close Rustington West Sussex BN16 2JL
23[rd] April 2026
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
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PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney
Statement of Financial Activities
| Year ended 31st December 2025 | Year ended 31st December 2025 | Year ended 31st December 2025 | Year ended 31st December 2024 | Year ended 31st December 2024 | Year ended 31st December 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
||||||
| £ 139,355 £ 0 £ 12,138 £ 2,551 £ 3,237 £ 157,281 |
£ 74,572 £ 2,983 £ 7,088 £ 123 £ 680 £ 85,446 |
£ 213,927 £ 2,983 £ 19,226 £ 2,674 £ 3,917 |
£ 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 |
|
| £ 242,727 |
£ 177,270 |
|||||
| Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure |
||||||
| £ 145,873 £ 145,873 |
£ 55,501 £ 55,501 |
£ 201,374 |
£ 160,265 £ 160,265 |
£ 27,147 £ 27,147 |
£ 187,412 |
|
| £ 201,374 |
£ 187,412 |
|||||
| 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 |
£ 11,408 £ (25) £ 0 £ 11,383 |
£ 29,945 £ 25 £ (327) £ 29,643 |
£ 41,353 £ 0 £ (327) |
£ (12,250) £ 392 £ 0 £ (11,858) |
£ 2,108 £ (392) £ 1,360 £ 3,076 |
£ (10,142) £ 0 £ 1,360 |
| £ 41,026 |
£ (8,782) |
|||||
| £ 78,660 £ 90,043 |
£ 43,363 £ 73,006 |
£ 122,023 |
£ 90,518 £ 78,660 |
£ 40,287 £ 43,363 |
£ 130,805 |
|
| £ 163,049 |
£ 122,023 |
The notes on pages 9 to 11 form part of these accounts.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
Page 7 of 11
PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Balance Sheet At 31[st] December 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS 6 |
Unrestricted funds 0 £ 0 |
Restricted funds 27,679 £ 27,679 |
31/12/2025 Total Funds 27,679 £ 27,679 |
31/12/2024 Total Funds 28,006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ 28,006 |
||||
| CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash at bank Total current assets |
||||
| £ 1,707 £ 91,924 £ 93,631 |
£ 462 £ 66,732 £ 67,194 |
£ 2,169 £ 158,656 £ 160,825 |
£ 12,691 £ 103,531 |
|
| £ 116,222 |
||||
| CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 Deferred income 9 |
||||
| £ 1,425 £ 2,163 |
£ 1,183 £ 20,684 |
£ 2,608 £ 22,847 |
£ 3,293 £ 18,912 |
|
| NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) | £ 90,043 |
£ 45,327 |
£ 135,370 |
£ 94,017 |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | £ 90,043 |
£ 73,006 |
£ 163,049 |
£ 122,023 |
| FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 10 TOTAL FUNDS |
||||
| £ 90,043 £ 73,006 £ 163,049 |
£ 78,660 £ 43,363 |
|||
| £ 122,023 |
In accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 the accounts have been examined by an independent examiner whose report forms part of this document.
The financial statements on pages 7 and 8 and the notes on pages 9 to 11 were approved by the Parochial Church Council on 19[th] April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Rev. T.I. Robson / signed: Thomas I. Robson / Chairman Mr. I.C. Maclennan / signed: Ian C. Maclennan / Treasurer Mrs. G. Cruickshank / signed: G Cruickshank / Churchwarden
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
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PCC of Southbourne with West Thorney Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025
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.
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 outflow 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 scheme for its employees, in line with current legislation.
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
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.
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 cashequivalent 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
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.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Page of 9 11
2. Grants
During 2024 the PCC received one grant from the Benefact Trust in the amount of £ 8,200 to be used to support Families & Youth ministry. This grant applies to the period 2025 - 2027 so one third has been recognised in 2025. The remaining part of this grant has been included in deferred income. In 2024, the following grant was received. It was restricted to the use indicated.
| Grantor | Amount (£) | Restricted to | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefact Trust | 1,750 | Organ Renovation Fund | |
| Total | 1,750 |
3. Other activities
Income from other activities was mainly fees charged for weddings and funerals held at our churches, hire charges from other users of our premises and income from certain social events.
4. Investments
Investment income arose from interest paid on deposit balances, mainly by CCLA.
5. Expenditure on charitable activities
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| Diocesan Parish Share | 81,445 | 0 | 81,445 | 81,445 | 0 | 81,445 |
| Staf salaries, NICs, pensions | 8,365 | 26,736 | 35,101 | 22,717 | 19,790 | 42,507 |
| Maintenance & repairs | 9,998 | 16,331 | 26,329 | 7,713 | 1,777 | 9,490 |
| Church running costs | 13,842 | 0 | 13,842 | 11,814 | 1,730 | 13,544 |
| Local Mission | 5,862 | 1,531 | 7,393 | 5,483 | 2,188 | 7,671 |
| Global Mission | 10,000 | 407 | 10,407 | 4,998 | 913 | 5,911 |
| Ofce & general administration | 7,181 | 0 | 7,181 | 6,996 | 0 | 6,996 |
| Family & Youth work | 0 | 7,046 | 7,046 | 4,984 | 0 | 4,984 |
| Clergy and other expenses | 5,489 | 0 | 5,489 | 4,782 | 0 | 4,782 |
| Specifc gifts | 99 | 0 | 99 | 360 | 156 | 516 |
| Cofee Connect expenses | 890 | 0 | 890 | 722 | 0 | 722 |
| Other expense | 2,702 | 3,450 | 6,152 | 8,251 | 593 | 8,844 |
| Total | 145,873 | 55,501 | 201,374 | 160,265 | 27,147 | 187,412 |
During the year the PCC employed 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.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876 Page 10 of 11
7. Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Aid receivable from HMRC | £ 1,271 |
£ 11,905 |
| Outstanding collections and income | £ 898 |
£ 586 |
| Other | £ 0 |
£ 200 |
| TOTAL | £ 2,169 |
£ 12,691 |
8. Creditors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chichester DBF | £ 0 |
£ 1,821 |
| Charitable gifts outstanding | £ 994 |
£ 994 |
| Expenses | £ 1,414 |
£ 230 |
| Independent examiner fee | £ 200 |
£ 0 |
| Other | £ 0 |
£ 248 |
| TOTAL | £ 2,608 |
£ 3,293 |
9. Deferred Income
Deferred income relates to a grant and certain one-off gifts to support Families and Youth Ministry which is being allocated over a three year period (2025 to 2027), a portion of the match funding donation in connection with the planned redevelopment of the Church Centre and certain collections payable to charities which were outstanding at year end.
10. Restricted funds
The following table lists the PCC’s restricted funds, along with income and expenditure during the year.
| Balance b/f | Income | Transfers/ Gains/ (Losses) |
Expenditure |
Balance c/f | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy Fund | £ 30,840 |
£ 123 |
£ (327) |
£ 0 |
£ 30,636 |
| St. Nicholas Repair & Renovation | £ 0 |
£ 733 |
£ 0 |
£ 1 |
£ 732 |
| Family & Youth Ministry Fund | £ 0 |
£ 39,535 |
£ 0 |
£ 35,275 |
£ 4,260 |
| Mark’s Bench Fund | £ 1,092 |
£ 0 |
£ (1,092) |
£ 0 |
£ 0 |
| Organ Renovation Fund | £ 11,249 |
£ 15,295 |
£ 1,092 |
£ 16,332 |
£ 11,304 |
| Redevelopment Fund | £ 0 |
£ 28,564 |
£ 0 |
£ 2,634 |
£ 25,930 |
| Other Restricted | £ 182 |
£ 3,577 |
£ 25 |
£ 3,640 |
£ 144 |
| Total Restricted | £ 43,363 |
£ 87,827 |
£ (302) |
£ 57,882 |
£ 73,006 |
11.
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.
Registered Charity Number: 1130876
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