Parish of WROUGHTON and WICHELSTOWE |
2024
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WROUGHTON AND WICHELSTOWE
www.wroughton.com
Diocesan Parish Number 57/160
CONTENTS
| Trustees’ annual report | 3 |
|---|---|
| Aims and purpose | 3 |
| Objectives and activities | 3 |
| Achievements and performance | 4 |
| Financial Review | 8 |
| Plans for 2025 | 10 |
| Structure, governance and management | 11 |
| Administrative information | 14 |
| List of trustees | 15 |
| Financial Statements | 16 |
| Statement of financial activities | 16 |
| Balance sheet | 17 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 18 |
| Independent examiner's report | 27 |
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
AIMS AND PURPOSE
The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The trustees consider they have acted in the public benefit.
The PCC is responsible for cooperating with the vicar in promoting, within the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The PCC is legally responsible for the care, maintenance, preservation and insurance of the fabric of the church building and its contents. It is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the church hall as administrative trustee. The custodian trustee of the church hall is the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Anglican Church worldwide has defined the mission of the Church as the mission of Christ:
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To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
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To teach, baptise and nurture new believers.
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To respond to human need by loving service.
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To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
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To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
In November 2021, the PCC set the following three goals for 2022 and beyond:
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a) Children and families - We seek to engage with and support people under 40 with the aspiration that we will bring the proportion of the congregation who are under 40 into line with the wider community.
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b) Pastoral care - People at the heart of church and those on the periphery will feel known and appropriately valued and supported by the whole church community. Most of those who belong to the Sunday congregation will also belong to a small group, in which they are connected with and supported by other Christians and learning together to be disciples of Jesus.
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- c) Authentic visibility of Christians in the wider community - It will be normal (i.e. most people do it without thinking) for church members to witness to their faith to friends, family, colleagues and others they encounter in the wider community. In addition to Sunday services and small groups, the church provides ways for members to reach out to these friends to encounter the church fellowship and hear a gospel message.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES FOR 2024
In February 2024 the PCC agreed to the following priorities in 2024.
Younger generations
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Build on our links with the Wroughton Pre School, who meet in the Church Hall.
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Look for opportunities to maintain links with Wroughton Junior School and the other Primary Schools in the Parish.
Pastoral care
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To further develop our network of pastoral care.
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To develop confidence in pastoral care.
Authentic visibility in wider community
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Look for ways to better minister to the people who visit the church building and the churchyard, and equip our people for those conversations. Finding ways to use the church more effectively to make it more welcoming and prayerful.
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To have a visible presence at the main village events throughout the year.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
CHURCH LIFE IN 2024
The Church Community
The numbers of people in our church community grew by 8% continuing a steady growth from 122 in 2022 to 159 in 2024; moving slowly back towards pre-pandemic numbers of 190 in 2019.
It is estimated that 7.5% are under the age of 10, 2% between 11 and 17, 45% between 18 and 69 and 45% over 70. Compared to 2019 there has been an increase of 7% in the older age group, but there has been reduction of 30% in the 18 to 69 age group and a 17% reduction in the under 18 age group. We know that these figures are not representative of the wider community in our parish, and we also know that our church is not as diverse as the wider community in other ways. We continue to aim to be a welcoming community open to all and our particular priority is to increase the number of younger people who are part of our worshipping community. There have also been further signs of recovery in early 2025.
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Proclaiming the good news
During 2024 we ran services at 8 am and 10 am each week with a monthly evensong service at 6 pm; the 10 am service being live streamed on YouTube each week. There was continued growth in average attendance; weekly attendance grew by 17% from 89 in 2023 to 104 in 2024. Additionally, around 9 people still join us each Sunday morning on You Tube live with videos receiving a further 19 views during the following week. These new ways of worshipping were much appreciated by church members and allowed us to reach a wider congregation, including some of those who are no longer able to attend by reason of age or infirmity.
We concentrate our children’s and families work at the 10 am service with Sunday Club on two Sundays a month, and a monthly all-age service, and we have seen attendance of under 17’s grow to 10 each week.
During 2023 we were able to go into Wroughton Infants School and East Wichel Primary School for ‘Open the book’ sessions where we act out Bible stories in school assemblies. Despite loosing Revd Chris Hunter in June, we have been able to keep links with Wroughton Junior School.
We aim to join in village events in Wroughton and put on events mostly aimed at engaging children and families, though we have tried to involve the whole congregation in these events. In 2024 we had several events, in February pancake races, the duck race in May, a summer holiday cub in August, a pumpkin party (Halloween alternative) at the end of October and a Christmas activity morning in December. These events are building positive relationships with many in the village. We are aware that Wichelstowe does not get much attention from us, but we are limited by the availability of people to support work in Wichelstowe.
Teaching and nurture
We have five small groups meeting for bible study, prayer and fellowship. A total of 41 members (26%) of our church community are now regularly involved in small groups. These groups provide valuable opportunities for teaching, fellowship and pastoral support. We also provided financial and prayer support to the Bible Society (Charity No. 232759) for its teaching work nationally and internationally.
Responding to human need
Our clergy and lay ministers took 15 funerals in 2024, providing bereavement support to families as necessary. We provide pastoral support to members of the church community and in the wider community. Clergy and other members of our pastoral support team also visited housebound members of the our church community. Our lay ministers visit a number of the nursing and residential homes in the parish and the clergy visit the Prospect Hospice to see patients who had requested support. Our healing ministry continued during the year with our monthly healing services in church.
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Members of our church community volunteer with the Little Lambs Playgroup, the monthly Memory Café, the Filling Station, (Charity No. 1072429) which provides food and provisions to those in need on the streets of Swindon, and also with the Swindon Food Collective (Charity No. 1180603) which runs foodbank services in the Swindon area including Wroughton and Wichelstowe.
We also provided financial and prayer support to Swindon Youth for Christ (Charity No. 274402) and the Children's Society (Charity No. 221124) who provide support locally and nationally. Internationally we also provided financial support and prayer support to Tearfund (Reg Charity No. 265464), and the Church Mission Society (Charity No. 1131655 ) for their work with those in need overseas.
Justice and reconciliation
We renewed our registration as a Fairtrade church during 2024 and we try to purchase ethically where possible. Our longer term investments are ethically managed by CCLA in a pooled Church of England fund which does not invest in fossil fuels. The PCC is registered with the Living Wage Foundation (Charity No. 1107264) as a living wage employer and it is committed to paying its employees a minimum of the real living wage as set by the foundation.
We provide financial and prayer support to Tearfund (Charity No. 265464) who campaign on a number of global justice issues.
Environment
The PCC aims to equip our church to care for creation as an integral part of loving our neighbours and following God faithfully. We are committed to achieve net zero carbon by 2030.
In February we welcomed Deborah Tompkins from ‘Green Christian’ as our speaker at the 10am service who spoke passionately about climate injustice and our role as a church. The ‘Season of Creationtide’ in September/October – and our Climate Sunday service focussed on all aspects of care for Creation – both celebration and lament.
Litter picks, Book & Jigsaw swaps and a Fairtrade stall were organised throughout the year. We also asked our church community to complete a ‘Personal Lifestyle Audit’. Over 40 people responded and demonstrated that many in our church have made changes to respect and restore creation, and live gently on this earth. The results of the survey were shared later in the year. We report our energy use through the Church of England carbon foot-printing tool and we had an external energy audit on our buildings undertaken in March 2024 funded by the Diocese. This is being used to develop a carbon net zero plan for our buildings.
We receive support through the Diocesan ‘Eco Champions Meetings’ which helps to inform and inspire us, and we helped set up the Eco Church Deanery network where
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churches in the Swindon Deanery get together to share ideas, advice and support each other. We currently hold the Eco Church Silver Award.
We provide financial and prayer support to Tearfund who campaign on a number of environmental issues (Charity No.265464) and A Rocha UK (Charity No. 1089276) run the Eco Church scheme.
LAND & BUILDINGS
The Church Building
The work on the replastering, which had commenced in November 2023 came to a halt at the end of January as the damp problems in the wall of the baptistry meant that the lime plaster there would not harden. This area remained incomplete while an alternative solution and the funds to complete it were identified. The cost of the replastering work in 2024 was £13389
Repairs to the organ were undertaken towards the end of the year at a cost of £7,115. This was to address problems with the pedal mechanism and to improve the function of the swell box.
The costs quoted above are net of VAT, which was recovered from the government through the listed places of worship grant scheme run by DCMS.
The Church Hall
Wroughton Pre-School continue to be our primary user. We continued to have a large number of bookings for childrens’ parties during the year and other weekend bookings continue to rise.
The Churchyard
The maintenance of the churchyard is officially the responsibility of Swindon Borough Council. However, practically it falls on our Churchyard Committee and volunteers to manage and maintain it. The Lower Churchyard continues to be looked after by a local community group – though small in number, they have done a sterling job in ensuring the area is tended and well cared for – and we truly appreciate their involvement and dedication.
The Upper Churchyard now has designated ‘wild’ areas with signage. These areas are only cut once a year, to enable wildlife and species of plants to flourish. The rest of the upper churchyard has been mainly looked after by our church community volunteers.
Swindon Borough Council have done tree work and some minor repairs to the path as well as undertaking a single cut of the churchyard each year. Wroughton Parish Council also help with emptying bins.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
A summary of the income and expenditure for each of the funds is shown on page 24. The total funds at 31 December 2024 were £109,295 of which £12,674 were held in restricted funds.
GENERAL FUND
At the end of 2023 the PCC set a budget, on the basis of pledges received after a consultation with the congregation, and a plan for an autumn stewardship campaign to increase giving through the year. The actual and budget figures for the general fund are summarised below.
General Fund Income
| Planned giving and tax recovered Other giving Funerals & weddings Fundraising Interest Total* |
2024 2023 Increase 2023 to 2024 Budget Actual Actual 111,030 108,903 110,981 -2% 10,500 12,813 15,024 -15% 4,918 5,798 5,122 13% 0 0 0 50 2,309 332 596% |
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| 126,498 129,823 131,459 -1% |
* Net of direct costs and transfer to churchyard fund
General Fund Expenditure
| Support to wider church & charities Parish share Ministry & mission Utilities Church running Support costs Transfer to Fabric fund Other Transfers Total |
2024 2023 Increase 2023 to 2024 Budget Actual Actual 9,660 5,835 8,520 -32% 80,000 80,000 80,000 0.0% 11,800 10,747 11,634 -8% 5,915 5,944 6,216 -4% 3,873 4,165 3,973 5% 19,118 20,629 18,452 12% 0 0 0 0 0 0 130,366 127,320 128,794 -1% |
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Although our general fund income was above budget the increase was not sufficient to close the deficit, and in the autumn the PCC took the difficult decision to reduce the amount of grants to outside bodies. As a result our expenditure was below budget.
OTHER FUNDS
A summary of the income and expenditure for the other funds can be found on page 24 of this report.
Church Hall - Rental income was slightly higher than in 2023 but still below expectations. A further loss of regular evening bookings has been balanced by a significant increase in bookings for children’s parties. There were also some one-off costs and as a result of this, the fund made a deficit of £1,609 on the year.
Churchyard - The responsibility for maintenance of the churchyard now lies with the local authority. Churchyard fees income are not declining as fast as expected and so we were able to transfer £3,500 to the designated fund from the General fund. These funds cover the costs relating to the volunteers who maintain the upper churchyard and related expenditure.
Building funds - The restricted building funds contain some funds that are only to be used for the church or the Church Hall and some funds that may only be used for maintenance. The designated funds supplement the restricted giving by some unrestricted gifts and legacies to ensure that provision is made for future repairs and for improvements to the church and the church hall. The principal activities on these funds relate to the replastering work in church described on page 7.
Organ fund - The organ fund is held against expected need for major refurbishment of the organ every 20 years and will be due in the next 5 to 10 years. The expenditure on the fund related to the repairs to the organ described on page 7.
Gift and Legacy - The Gift and Legacy funds are used for legacies and specific restricted donations. Two unrestricted legacies were received during the year; £2,500 from the estate of the late Ann Richards and £3,490 from the estate of the late Malcolm Morrison.
Equipment fund - The equipment fund was set up in 2022 with an annual transfer of £1,000 from general fund to provide for the replacement of office and other electronic equipment as required. Much of this equipment is approaching its expected life and a number of replacements are anticipated in the next couple of years
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RESERVES POLICY
The PCC aims to retain sufficient for at least 3 months of salaries and utilities, 12 months insurance and an emergency repairs contingency of £15,000. An equipment fund is also held for the replacement of office and other electronic equipment. In addition a reserve of £40,000 is maintained to cover periodic and other repairs to the organ due in the next 5 to 10 years. Reserves held at 31 December 2024 were 109,295 of which £12,674 are held as restricted funds. The PCC considers that these are sufficient.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The PCC reviews its financial management procedures from time to time. They were last amended in November 2019.
GRANT MAKING POLICY
In addition to our support for the mission work of the Diocese through our parish share, the PCC makes grants of up to 10% of its general fund income to organisations whose aims are in accordance with the aims and doctrine of the Church of England. Given our major support to home mission through diocesan share, the majority of this support is given to a small number of organisations, with a substantial part of this support being designated to the work of the church overseas in mission development. Support is also given to home mission both nationally and locally.
PLANS FOR 2025
In line with the PCC’s goals for 2022 and beyond, which are shown on page 3-4 in 2025 the PCC proposes to
Younger generations
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i) Build on the success of Sunday Club so it becomes an established part of our church life.
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ii) Strengthen our existing relationships with preschools and primary schools in the Parish.
Pastoral care
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i) To provide an environment where new members of the congregation can feel part of the family of the church
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ii) To provide opportunities for all members of our congregations to meet
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outside the context of our Sunday services.
Authentic visibility in the wider community
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i) To find opportunities to minister to the people who visit the church building and the churchyard. Finding ways to make the building more welcoming and prayerful.
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ii) To have a visible presence at the main village events throughout the year including Ellendune 1200.
Additionally we will to look for ways to sustainably balance our finances.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission. The members of the PCC are the trustees of the charity. The method of appointment of the trustees is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those attending church are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and may stand for election to the PCC. The trustees who served during the year are shown on page 15.
The PCC operates through a number of committees, which have specific delegated responsibilities agreed by the PCC, and groups which organise, discuss and make recommendations to the full Council.
Standing Committee is required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. It is responsible for planning agendas for PCC meetings and oversees the financial and administrative work of the PCC and provides support to the PCC officers and Parish Administrator.
Buildings Committee oversees the maintenance of the church building and ensures compliance with the quinquennial report. It also oversees the maintenance and operation of the Parish Church Hall.
Churchyard Committee has oversight of the churchyard and administers its funds; representatives from the Wroughton Parish Council, and the churchyard volunteers group sit on this committee.
Community Engagement Group discusses matters concerning our engagement with the wider community in Wroughton and Wichelstowe.
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Eco Church Group reviews the church’s environmental impact and is working to produce an Action Plan and achieve Eco Church Gold Award.
The PCC met six times in 2024. In January, the Goals that had been set in 2023 were reviewed and updated for 2024. Priorities were set to move forward on these in 2024, with progress being reported as the year progressed.
At the April meeting, the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023 were reviewed and approved, prior to their presentation at the APCM in May. As a result of the Church of England People Management and Safer Recruiting Policy and Guidelines 2022, it was agreed that, as recommended by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, the parish should have role descriptions and volunteer agreements for all volunteers who fit the criteria of having “substantial contact with children or with vulnerable adults who are at risk of abuse or neglect”. The Safeguarding Officer started the process of creating role descriptions and volunteer agreements. These were approved by Revd Phill and gradually rolled out as the year proceeded. Progress was closely monitored by the PCC throughout the year.
At the July meeting, the PCC discussed the training needs that accompany the role descriptions and volunteer agreements. It was agreed that training should be easily accessible, with in person training available locally when requested.
In November, the Risk Register was discussed and updated. The Health and Safety Review and Annual Report was discussed and noted.
The church finances were monitored throughout the year, and a budget for 2025 approved in November.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
We all interact with each other and may become aware of something that is not quite right or a little odd. There is a very fine line between caring and unnecessary interfering. A fine line between thoughtlessness compared to abuse and neglect. Knowing what to do can make all the difference to someone’s else’s life. Safeguarding, means protecting a person’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
To this end Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish are committed to having as safe an environment as possible. Our policies and procedures are all designed to make this possible.
It is a collective responsibility with Mark Tubey, as the Parish Safeguarding Officer, taking the lead on behalf of the Vicar Rev Phil Harrison.
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Policies
The Safeguarding policy, originally written in 2017 and with minor amendments each year since, was completely revised and rewritten in 2024. This was approved by The PCC. Version 1.8
Activities
The PCC oversees the following activities for Children / Young People or for Vulnerable Adults; including Holiday club, messy Church type activities and Sunday Club.
Safer Recruitment
Volunteers have or are being issued with role descriptions and a process is in place for ensuring the volunteer is suitable for their role or roles.
DBS Checks
As part of the safer recruitment process, where eligible, volunteers working with vulnerable groups and children have been DBS checked at the level appropriate to the role. Because the parish provides activities for vulnerable groups, the PCC members are also eligible for an enhanced DBS Check. These are all up to date.
Training
Safeguarding training at different levels is a requirement for all roles,
Clergy and Lay Ministers can have up to 6 levels of training and Lay Roles, depending upon what they are, can have a combination of these modules. Three being the average. Now job descriptions are in circulation, volunteers are understanding the need for training and I am pleased that compliance is increasing at a faster rate than before and it is hoped by the time of the APCM everyone would have done at least the basic level. Several members have completed, or refreshed, the higher levels as appropriate for role. The PCC has Safeguarding as a standing item on the Agenda and there are no current issues. A safeguarding Agreement is reviewed with the Diocese every year and continues to work well.
Action Plan
The PCC has an action plan created by the Parish Dashboard. Progress is reported to the PCC meetings and current progress on our Parish Dashboard is 93% as of 25th February 2025.
Mark Tubey (Parish Safeguarding officer)
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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Ecclesiastical Parish of Wroughton and Wichelstowe is in the Diocese of Bristol within the Church of England. The parish lies within the Deanery of Swindon. The parish church of St John the Baptist and St Helen is situated in Church Hill, Wroughton.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wroughton and Wichelstowe (Wroughton & Wichelstowe PCC) is a registered charity. Charity Registration Number 1131158.
The PCC’s correspondence address is: The Parish Office, Church Hall, Priors Hill, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 0RT.
The PCC’s Bank is: Lloyds Bank, Old Town Swindon Branch, 5 High Street, Swindon SN1 3EN.
The PCC also holds funds on deposit at CBF Church Of England Funds managed by: CCLA, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4ET.
The PCC’s Independent Examiner is: Mr James Gare, Monahans, Hermes House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2GA .
The PCC’s Legal Advisers are: Stone King LLP, 13 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HJ.
Day to day management of the Parochial Church Council is delegated to the Vicar.
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PCC MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES 2024
The following served as PCC members and trustees during the period from 1 January 2024 to the date this report was approved (unless otherwise shown).
| Ex-officio members Clergy The Revd Dr Phillip Harrison The Revd Barbara Abrey The Revd Christopher Hunter |
Vicar (Chair) Associate Priest Assistant Curate |
To June 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Churchwardens Mr Peter Ferguson Mrs Marlyn Hezlett |
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| Licenced Lay Ministers | |||
| Mr Mark Tubey Mrs Tracy Mason |
Also Parish Safeguarding Officer Also Deanery Synod |
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| Elected Members Mrs Louise Bessent Mr Bryan Jones Mr Andrew Kirk Mr Michael Mason Mrs Susan Offord Mrs Joan Orman Canon Nicholas Orman Mrs Lorna Robinson Mrs Helena Thomas Mr Tim Winter Ms Hannah Wrixon |
Deanery Synod Deanery Synod & Treasurer Secretary |
From May 2024 To Sept 2024 To Nov 2024 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9th April 2025 and signed on its behalf by the Mr Peter Ferguson (PCC Vice Chairman).
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WROUGHTON AND WICHELSTOWE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ending 31 December 2024
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies 2(a) Income from charitable activities 2(b) Other trading activities 2(c) Investments 2(d) Other income Total Income EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 3(a) Expenditure on charitable activities 3(b) Other expenditure Total Expenditure Net Incoming (Outgoing) Resources Transfers between funds In Out Gains and losses on investment assets Gains and losses on assets for own use Net movement in funds Balance brought forward at 01/01/2024 Balance carried forward at 31/12/2024 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total General Designated 2024 2023 FROM: 121,844 9,903 3,266 135,014 149,480 12,853 130 388 13,371 13,310 32 12,665 - 12,697 12,169 2,209 1 1,975 4,185 4,522 - - - - - 136,938 22,699 5,630 165,267 179,480 170 - - 170 164 126,466 25,898 18,035 170,399 193,099 - - - - - 126,636 25,898 18,035 170,568 193,263 10,302 - 3,199 - 12,405 - 5,301 - 13,783 - 8,000 - 8,000 14,500 - 8,000 - - - 8,000 - 14,500 2,302 4,801 - 12,405 - 5,301 - 13,783 - - - - - - - - - - 2,302 4,801 - 12,405 - 5,301 - 13,783 18,885 70,632 25,079 114,596 128,379 21,187 75,433 12,674 109,295 114,596 |
|---|---|
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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2024
| Note | Unrestricted Funds | Restricted | Total Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Designated |
Funds | 2024 2023 |
||
| fund Funds |
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| Fixed Assets | ||||
| Tangible Assets | 6 | - 5,920 | - | 5,920 5,920 |
| Current Assets | ||||
| Debtors | 7 | 8,002 1,869 | 573 | 10,444 16,400 |
| Short Term Deposits | 8,245 31,260 | 37,409 | 76,914 77,711 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 8,039 37,116 | - 25,308 | 19,847 18,117 | |
| Total Current Assets | 24,286 70,244 | 12,674 | 107,205 112,227 | |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Amounts falling due within | 8a | 3,099 731 | - | 3,830 3,551 |
| one year | ||||
| Net Current Assets | 21,187 69,513 | 12,674 | 103,375 108,676 | |
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Amounts falling due after | 8b | - - | - | - - |
| more than one year | ||||
| Total Net Assets | 21,187 75,433 | 12,674 | 109,295 114,596 | |
| Funds | 9 | |||
| Unrestricted | ||||
| General | 21,187 - | - | 21,187 18,885 | |
| Designated | - 75,433 | - | 75,433 70,632 | |
| Restricted | - - | 12,674 | 12,674 25,079 | |
| Total Funds | 21,187 75,433 | 12,674 | 109,295 114,596 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9[th] April 2025 and signed on its behalf by the Mr Peter Ferguson (PCC Vice Chairman).
The notes on pages 18 to 26 form part of these accounts.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The registered office and nature of the charity’s operations and its principal activities are given in the trustees report.
Basis of preparation
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £0.
There are no significant areas of judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charity has taken exemption from preparing a cash flow statement under the charities SORP (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, as the charity constitutes a small charity.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted Funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC’s general purposes. Designated funds are general funds set aside by the PCC for use in the future. Designated funds remain unrestricted and the PCC will move any surplus to
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other general funds. Restricted Funds are those where donors have specified their use.
Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty or receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. All income is accounted for gross.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of, the date on which the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made; or when a distribution is received from the estate.
Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial activities. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Fixed Assets
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed
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in the church’s inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off.
Other land and buildings
Other land and buildings held on behalf of the PCC for its own purposes is valued at historic cost. The buildings are subject to regular inspection and repair and are therefore considered to have an indefinite life. The PCC is confident that the residual value of the asset is greater than the carrying amount. Therefore depreciation is therefore charged against such properties but any expenditure on maintenance or improvement is written off as incurred.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment
Equipment used within church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 5 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31[st] December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less any provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
Current liabilities
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Pensions
Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution scheme. The Church’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 4.
Legal status
The PCC is a body corporate with perpetual succession without a seal established under section 3 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. Its governing documents are Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. (as amended) and the Church Representation Rules (Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 (as amended)).
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2 INCOME
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Total |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Designated | Funds 2024 |
2023 | |
| 2(a) Donations and Legacies | |||
| Planned Giving: | |||
| - Gift Aid donations | 69,507 - | 100 69,607 | 71,779 |
| - Income Tax recoverable | 18,625 - | - 18,625 | 18,339 |
| - Other planned giving | 20,772 - | - 20,772 | 20,962 |
| Collections (open plate) | 10,649 - | 35 10,684 | 12,916 |
| Gift Days | - - | - - | - |
| Sundry Donations | 2,292 2,478 | 454 5,223 | 19,579 |
| Grants | - 1,435 | 2,678 4,113 | 4,903 |
| Legacies | - 5,990 | - 5,990 | 1,000 |
| 121,844 9,903 | 3,266 135,014 | 149,480 | |
| 2(b) Income from Church Activities | |||
| Bookstall etc. | 60 - | - 60 | - |
| Trips outings etc. | 550 - | - 550 | - |
| Statutory Fees | 8,759 - | - 8,759 | 9,639 |
| Other income from use of church | 3,484 130 | 388 4,002 | 3,671 |
| facilities | |||
| 12,853 130 | 388 13,371 | 13,310 | |
| 2(c) Other trading income | |||
| Fundraising | 32 - | - 32 | - |
| Church Hall Lettings | - 12,665 | - 12,665 | 12,169 |
| 32 12,665 | - 12,697 | 12,169 | |
| 2(d) Income from Investments | |||
| Dividends and interest including any | 2,209 1 | 1,975 4,185 | 4,522 |
| reclaimed tax | |||
| 2,209 1 | 1,975 4,185 | 4,522 | |
| 2(e) Other income | |||
| Other income | - - | - - | - |
| TOTAL INCOME | 136,938 22,699 | 5,630 165,267 | 179,480 |
| Previous year | 139,023 17,869 | 22,588 179,480 |
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3 EXPENDITURE
| 3(a) Expenditure on raising Cost of fund-raising Stewardship costs 3(b) Expenditure on Church Missionary and charitable giving Church Overseas - missionary societies - relief and development - home missions etc - secular charities etc Ministry: - Diocesan Share - Clergy Expenses Church running expenses Church maintenance Upkeep of services Churchyard Expenditure on bookstall etc. Expenditure on trips etc. Church Hall running costs Church Hall major repairs Salaries Youth and children’s work Training Mission Support costs Printing & Stationery Postage & telephone Office equipment Bank charges Other support costs Governance costs Independent examination Other TOTAL EXPENDITUE Previous year |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total General Designated 2024 2023 funds - - - - - 170 - - 170 164 170 - - 170 164 Activities 2,660 - - 2,660 4,290 1,125 - - 1,125 2,115 2,050 - - 2,050 2,115 - - 60 60 - 80,000 - - 80,000 80,000 2,887 - - 2,887 4,218 10,132 - 199 10,331 10,188 - 10,976 16,541 27,518 31,769 4,576 - - 4,576 3,274 - 548 862 1,410 8,102 60 - - 60 - 495 - - 495 - - 14,273 - 14,273 14,049 - - - - 11,808 15,247 100 276 15,623 15,015 234 - - 234 300 250 - - 250 - 729 - - 729 614 906 - - 906 1,125 1,146 - - 1,146 651 1,757 - - 1,757 1,362 418 - - 418 410 395 - 96 491 558 1,399 - - 1,399 1,137 - - - - - 126,466 25,898 18,035 170,399 193,099 126,636 25,898 18,035 170,568 193,263 126,852 24,131 42,281 193,263 |
|---|---|
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4. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension costs |
2024 2023 18,947 23,740 - - 210 174 19,157 23,914 |
|---|---|
The PCC employs a parish administrator, and a church hall cleaner (both part time). Vergers, clerks and organists are also employed on a casual basis for weddings and funerals. The average number of employees during the year was five (2023 five).
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Payments to PCC Members
No trustees received any remuneration or were reimbursed expenses for their role as trustees.
Donations from PCC Members
Total donations of £36,738 were received from trustees including £2,000 to restricted funds. Trustees also donate via church plate collections. These amounts are not recorded separately.
6. FIXED ASSETS
| Church Hall Cost at 01:01:2024 Cost at 31:12:2024 |
Freehold Land and Building Total 5,920 5920 5,920 5,920 |
|---|---|
| 5,920 5,920 |
The church hall was purchased from the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance in 1964 under a trust deed which includes a clause allowing the seller to buy back the hall at cost in the event of a sale by the PCC. It is considered highly unlikely that they would exercise this option; nevertheless the church hall is valued in the accounts at historic cost.
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7. DEBTORS
| Prepayments and accrued interest Other debtors |
2024 2023 272 141 10,172 16,259 10,444 16,400 |
|---|---|
8. LIABILITIES (FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR)
| Deferred income Accruals of utility and other costs |
2024 2023 193 383 3,637 3,168 3,830 3,551 |
|---|---|
Deferred income represents income received in advance for post year-end events.
9. FUNDS
| Unrestricted Funds General Fund Church Hall Churchyard Buildings Organ Fund Gift and Legacy Other designated funds Grants Equipment Sub Total Restricted Funds Church Hall Churchyard Buildings Gift and Legacy Other restricted funds Grants Sub Total Total |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance 01/01/2024 31/12/2024 18,885 136,938 126,636 - 8,000 21,187 3,224 12,665 14,273 - 1,616 3,344 828 548 3,500 7,124 1,828 51 2,366 - - 488 50,857 1,435 8,610 3,500 47,182 7,676 7,590 - - 15,266 1,657 130 100 - 1,687 - - - - - 2,046 - - 1,000 3,046 89,517 159,637 152,534 - 96,620 - - - - - 842 20 862 - - 19,636 4,528 16,541 - 7,623 1,043 427 232 - 1,238 3,558 654 400 - 3,813 - - - - - 25,079 5,630 18,035 - 12,674 114,596 165,267 170,568 - 109,295 |
|---|---|
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The comparative figures for 2023 are set out below
| Unrestricted Funds General Fund Church Hall Churchyard Buildings Organ Fund Gift and Legacy Other designated funds Grants Equipment Sub Total Restricted Funds Church Hall Churchyard Buildings Gift and Legacy Other restricted funds Grants Sub Total Total |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance 01/01/2023 31/12/2023 16,214 139,023 126,852 - 9,500 18,885 82 12,192 14,049 5,000 3,224 6,299 147 8,102 5,000 3,344 3,464 111 1,747 - 1,828 45,661 1,696 - 3,500 50,857 9,251 3,425 - - 5,000 7,676 1,637 252 232 - 1,657 - - - - - 1,000 46 - 1,000 2,046 83,608 156,892 150,983 - 89,517 - - - - - 824 18 - - 842 39,746 21,719 41,830 - 19,636 812 230 - - 1,043 3,389 620 451 - 3,558 - - - - - 44,772 22,588 42,281 - 25,079 128,379 179,480 193,263 - 114,596 |
|---|---|
The buildings funds contain funds for the maintenance and/or improvements of the church and/or church hall. The gift and legacy funds are used to monitor small oneoff donations. Donations for the churchyard, fabric and church hall are allocated to the appropriate funds. The other funds are small funds associated with various church activities including the bellringers and the choir.
Transfers have been made from the general fund to the churchyard and organist funds as part of the plan to provide for maintenance of churchyard and organ respectively. More details are given in the financial review on pages 7 to 9.
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10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| Fixed Assets for Church use Current Assets Current Liabilities Fund Balance |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Total 2024 2023 5,920 0 0 5,920 5,920 94,530 12,674 0 107,205 112,227 -3,830 0 0 -3,830 -3,551 |
|---|---|
| 96,620 12,674 0 109,295 114,596 |
The comparative figures for 2023 are set out below
| Fixed Assets for Church use Current Assets Current Liabilities Fund Balance |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Total 2023 2022 5,920 0 0 5,920 5,920 87,148 25,079 0 112,227 128,928 -3,551 0 0 -3,551 -6,468 |
|---|---|
| 89,517 25,079 0 114,596 128,379 |
11. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The charity has minimal exposure to customer credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Please refer to the financial management section of the trustees annual report on page 9 for information on how risks are managed. The charity does not have any non basic financial instruments.
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WROUGHTON AND WICHELSTOWE.
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 16 to 26.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
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’).
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. 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
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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I 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.
James Gare
Monahans, Chartered Accountants, Hermes House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2GA
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