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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Langham St Mary With Boxted St Peter

2023-12-31-accounts

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF LANGHAM WITH BOXTED

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENT for the year ended 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

Aim and purposes ..................................................................... 3
Objectives and activities of the PCC and the parish ................. 3
Clergy and Staff ………………………………………………. 3
Worship, prayer and Bible study……………….……………. 4
Music and bells ………………………………………………. 4-5
Engagement with schools …………………………………… 5
Community activities ………………………………………… 5-6
Volunteers and helpers ………………………………………. 6
Safeguarding ……….………………………….………………. 6
Deanery of Colchester ……………………………………….. 6
Fabric and churchyards ............................................................. 7-8
Financial review and reserves policy........................................... 8
Structure, governance and management .................................... 9
Appendix I: church attendance figures ...................................... 10
Appendix II: financial accounts ................................................. 11-12
Appendix III: examiner's statement ............................................ 13
Further information and contact details ...................................... back cover

LANGHAM WITH BOXTED PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Trustees Annual Report for year ended 31[st] December 2023

Aim and purposes

The Langham with Boxted Parochial Church Council (the PCC) is a body corporate with its functions and powers contained in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended by the Synodical Government Measure 1969.

The PCC is charged with co-operating with the parish priest in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It has responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric of the two parish Churches, St Mary's and St Peter’s, and the maintenance of their respective churchyards.

In accordance with guidance issued by the Archbishops’ Council, the activities of the PCC are declared as:

  1. Regular public worship open to everyone.

  2. The provision of sacred space for prayer and reflection.

  3. Pastoral work, especially visiting the sick and bereaved.

  4. Teaching the Christian doctrine by sermon, short courses and study groups.

  5. Conducting religious assemblies in local schools.

  6. The provision of activities with a Christian ethos for young people.

  7. The promotion of Christianity by meetings and the distributing of literature.

  8. Furthering the mission of the church through a network offering practical assistance and friendship to the elderly and less mobile people of the parish.

  9. Supporting other charities in the United Kingdom and overseas within the rules of the Charity Commission.

  10. The consideration and discussions of matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest.

Objectives and activities of the PCC and the parish

The objective of the council is the promotion of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England, sharing the good news of Christ with all people of all ages, especially the young who are the future of the Christian church. We aspire to develop in the following five priority areas: to grow in our personal faith: to increase our Sunday attendance; to engage with our young people; to help our community in practical ways and to keep our finances on a secure footing.

Clergy and staff

Revd Heather has continued to be a visible presence in the parish. As well as preaching and leading services, she is a regular attendee at fundraising and other events. Heather contributes to the Parish Magazine each month, updates our new website and frequently holds open house events at the vicarage in West Bergholt. In June she preached at evensong in St Paul’s Cathedral at the invitation of the Dean and was accompanied there by a number of people from the ‘6 parishes’.

Having been licensed as Associate Priest to the six parishes in January, Revd Anne Mason’s main commitment is to the church in Great Horkesley. However she regularly visits to lead services of Holy Communion and also continues to arrange training events for all those invited to preach within the six parishes. Having completed her training Revd Emma Barr was ordained Deacon in September. She has become a welcome visitor to the parish, attending community events, volunteering at Langham Community Shop, as well as preaching and leading church services.

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Heather and other clergy continue to be proactive in pastoral care, taking time to support the bereaved through home visits and the annual All Souls service as well as taking communion to the housebound in their own homes.

After a period of adoption leave Jo Rassell returned part time to the role of parish administrator, a position which she now shares with Donna Luxton who had been covering for her.

Having been accepted for ordination training, Dominic Sheil resigned as churchwarden at St Peter’s following the APCM. Jos Carter kindly volunteered to replace him. We are most grateful to them and to our churchwardens at St Mary’s, Stephen Garner and Denise Hobday, for their contribution to the smooth running of services and other events held at our churches. We particularly wish to thank our many sidesmen for their important work in welcoming everyone to services and for supporting the clergy and churchwardens. Finally special thanks to Graham Pullen who resigned from the PCC after many years of service.

Worship, prayer and Bible study

It became evident that the pattern of services, as rearranged in the previous year, would benefit from further revision. While the 9.30am services of Holy Communion held on the 2[nd] , 3[rd] and 4[th] Sundays have been more popular, there was limited attendance at the 6.30pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s and the 4pm Tea Time Family Worship at St Peter’s on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays respectively. Families and young people were not attracted to the 9.30am Morning Worship in St Peter’s on the 1st Sunday of each month despite a revision of the liturgy to include opportunities for more child friendly activities.

Forest Church started in the summer and meets in St Peter’s churchyard on the 2[nd] Saturday afternoon of each month, offering a combination of outdoor activities and worship. This has proved to be more attractive to families, in particular those with young people in our two youth groups. As before, on 5[th] Sundays joint Holy Communion services have been held at different churches within the 6 parishes. We remain most grateful to the clergy and to all who support and contribute to the various services.

In December it was decided that there should no longer be any afternoon services on Sundays and that on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays a 9.30am said Holy Communion Service would be followed at 10.30am by a Morning Worship Service. The interval between the two services should provide a better opportunity for clergy to meet informally with the congregation over refreshments.

The fortnightly morning prayer meeting alternating with a study of the book ‘How Village Churches Thrive’ continued until the Lent Course, after which it was overtaken by other events. It is hoped that it can be revived in 2024. The monthly Beer and Bible at the Shepherd and Dog continued throughout the year with four regular attendees.

’ ’ At Easter there was a sunrise service at St Mary s followed by the usual Holy Communion at St Peter s.

In the lead up to Christmas, a Carol Service was held in St Peter ’ s church and Boxted St Peter ’ s School used the church for their reception class Nativity Play. Langham School held a well attended end of term Carol Service at St Mary’s. A more informal gathering for carol singing was held at the pub in Langham, led by Dominic Sheil and Denise Hobday with musical accompaniment by the Boxted ’ Methodist Silver Band. There was a large congregation at the Christingle Service in St Mary s on Christmas Eve. The Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services took place as usual.

Music and Bells

The council is grateful to our organist, Mark Fogg-Elliot, for his continued commitment to the parish. For the few occasions when he has been unable to attend a substitute organist has been found. A faculty petition is in process to complete the rebuilding of the organ at St Mary’s begun in 1997 (see

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fabric report). Boxted Methodist Silver Band was welcomed at the Easter Day service, at Harvest Festival and at the Carol Service in December. At the latter we heard a performance from a “scratch choir” trained by the Reverend Heather. There has been no requirement for bells for weddings during the year and, with only two local bellringers active, St Mary’s bells have been largely silent. A technical problem with the chiming for St Peter’s bells led to interruption for a while to the usual pattern of two bells chimed for services and the daily striking of the hours.

Engagement with schools

Revd Heather has regularly visited Boxted School to lead Collective Worship as well as making occasional visits to Langham School. Patsy Ann Maggs has continued to make weekly visits to Boxted School, leading the children’s Faith Discussion Group and carrying out monitoring visits in her role as a School Governor responsible for Religious Education and Collective Worship. Jo Rankin has kindly agreed to take on the role of Foundation Governor at the school.

The Open the Book team visited Boxted School each term and was very well received. Sadly Jenny Tadman was obliged to retire from the team in December. Her short but enthusiastic participation has been much appreciated. Thankfully we expect her to be replaced by a parent who is also a member of Freedom Church meeting in Great Horkesley. As before the group in West Bergholt borrows our costumes and props from time to time.

It was not possible to hold the Year 6 school leavers’ Retreat at the end of the summer term but a date has been booked for 2024.

Community activities

Youth Groups

The Edge (6-11 year olds) and The Zone (11-18 year olds) were well attended with 22 young people on the register. They met every other Friday evening during term time at St Peter ’ s with an average attendance of eight per group. Most of the young people were from Boxted, a few from North Colchester but none from Langham. It is hoped to address this by sending invitations to both Langham ’ and Boxted schools. The evening includes activities and games, some of which relate to the evening s Bible passage. This is read during tuck time and the evening ends with a topical prayer. Six of the young people have attended Forest Church bringing their families with them. We are grateful to Linda Sheil for taking over the running of these groups which aim to introduce young people in our village communities to the Christian faith.

Open Door Café

At Boxted Village Hall on Friday mornings Open Door Café is timed to suit parents dropping off their children at school but is open to everyone. There are usually around 6 ladies with 3 to 4 pre-school children. The Council is grateful to Don and Carola Markham for continuing to run the café so faithfully and for their dedication and support in many aspects of church activities.

Parish News

The PCC is the publisher of St Mary’s and St Peter’s free newsletter distributed monthly throughout the parish and which has editorial independence. The Council is grateful to Steve Pollington, editor, and Paul Armstrong, advertising manager, for their ongoing hard work in producing such a useful resource.

Events and fundraising

Several community events took place during the year many of which contributed towards church funds: a Quiz night in March; Family Food and Fun in the Easter holiday; a Big Breakfast in the Shepherd and Dog in April; Beer and Hymns at St Peter’s in September; a Ceilidh and a Jazz Night in November. The Council remains grateful to Don and Carola Markham, Jos Carter and Dominic Sheil for their considerable efforts in making these events such a success.

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Coronation celebration

The Coronation village event in Boxted, organised by Jos and Dominic together with others from the local community including the Methodist Silver Band, saw the church play a key role in hosting a very successful event for the whole community.

Good Neighbours scheme

Good Neighbours provides assistance with lifts to medical appointments or collection of prescription and friendly visits to residents in Langham and Boxted who may be housebound or without transport. The scheme has operated with decreased levels of activity this year, completing 32 jobs. 12 clients were helped, and one needed help on 15 occasions over a six week period. The number of telephone operators and responders has also decreased but there are enough volunteers to match the current level of demand. Arabella Brentnall resigned at year end as organiser. We much appreciate all the hard work she has put into running the scheme so efficiently. The appointment of a new organiser is underway.

Volunteers and Helpers

Thanks are due to all the diligent, enthusiastic volunteers who contribute in many ways to our parish.

The PCC continues to be most grateful for the efforts of all those who work to keep our church buildings clean and tidy and to provide flower arrangements. The flower teams are led by Annette Whybrow in Boxted and Suzanne Dawson in Langham and the work of their skilled teams is much appreciated. St Peter’s has a group of 8 led by Jenny Tadman who provide weekly cleaning. Patsy Ann Maggs leads the smaller team which cleans fortnightly at St Mary’s. This year we have been particularly grateful to Daphne Peachey and Kate Gifford who generously give their time to clean St Mary’s church each month in spite of not being members of the regular congregation.

Safeguarding

In her role as Parish Safeguarding Officer, Patsy Ann Maggs continues to ensure that DBS checks and safeguarding training for all PCC members, Open the Book and Good Neighbours volunteers are kept up to date. All necessary personal information is stored securely and this year our office administrators, Jo Russell and Donna Luxton, have jointly undertaken the role of data protection officer.

In September, our policy documents, risk assessments and activity plans were reviewed, updated where necessary and approved. Policy documents are available on our Church Near You website. In addition, a procedures file containing our policy documents, risk assessments, activity plans and safety check forms as well as guidance for sidesmen, vergers and intercessors is available in each of our church buildings. It is thought this will be useful if anyone is asked to step into a role at short notice.

We have also updated our procedures for the safety checks in both buildings and are grateful to Roger Hobday for agreeing to undertake these each quarter.

Deanery of Colchester

The deanery synod met three times throughout the year with the Rector and newly elected parish deanery synod members at all the meetings. There was an additional meeting for treasurers and clergy, to discuss the 2025 parish share calculations. During the year, Heather was elected at deanery synod to be on the house of clergy at diocesan synod. She has also become a member of the deanery chapter standing committee.

Having successfully applied for Mission Opportunities Funding, the deanery had £18,000 of funding awarded for parishes to access support towards running a parish 'Vision Day'. For the '6 Parishes' this was applied for collectively, rather than having to arrange 6 vision days within an already busy schedule for the coming year. Having secured just under £1,000 in funding to cover venue, food and a facilitator for the day, the vision day is booked for 27[th] July 2024 at Elmstead Market Church Rooms. This event is open to all members of the church.

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Fabric and churchyards

St Mary’s Church

Maintenance and repairs. All annual inspections were completed by the end of the year. Re-painting of door ironwork remains to be done in 2024 as soon as weather permits. The architect’s Quinquennial Report is due in 2024.

Interior works . Following a resolution of the PCC the faculty petition procedure has commenced to add a pedal-organ of four stops to the existing organ as was planned in the initial grant of faculty in 1994. The greater part of the funding for the project will come from a legacy including the expressed wish to enhance the music in church. The PCC will seek grant funding and the Langham Church Support Trust welcomes donations to help complete the project within a year. The same legacy also includes the expressed wish to improve the interior decoration of St Mary’s church and the architect’s advice has been sought.

Churchyard . The section of the West wall of the churchyard damaged by a vehicle was repaired in January, the cost being met by the Church’s insurers. The grass of old and new churchyards has been maintained as previously under contract with Tree and Lawn Company. The churchyard shed, while weathertight, is structurally in a poor state and needs replacing. The eventual cost will be met in part from a grant.

Terrier and inventory. The Churchwardens maintained the Inventory (Church Property Register).

St Peter ’ s Church

Maintenance and repairs. The recent Quinquennial included a recommendation for urgent action on two weather proofing issues one being the replacement of damaged tiles particularly on the ‘Dormer Window’ on the south elevation and the other the repair of damaged and blocked rainwater gutters and drains. This work was completed at the end of last year at a cost of £7,467.60 (inc. VAT). Inevitably the work proved more extensive than we hoped because of the need to excavate a blocked soakaway, incorporating a silt basket to avoid future blockages and entirely re-felting and re-tiling the dormer window. We are grateful to the Friends of St Peter’s Boxted Trust for contributing £4,000 to this cost .

Goods ornaments . The additional plaque to the World War Two memorial which was put up a few years ago has been replaced by a new one after recent research has identified some more village residents who lost their lives in the conflict. The cost was covered by a donation.

Churchyard and Graveyard. Work on clearing the churchyard with volunteer working parties has continued for a second year. The new wildlife friendly hedge on the north boundary was completed and is thriving. The focus then shifted to clearing the south boundary and thereby uncovering a number of previously concealed tombstones. Whilst the intention is to make the area wildlife friendly it is not to rewild it in total. Our plan is to strike a balance so that the churchyard will feel well tended and loved with wildlife-friendly hedges and clearly defined wildflower areas which will be managed as such. St Peter’s achieved the ‘Bronze Eco Church Award’ on 9[th] October after work on our submission by Dominic Sheil and Laura Benns. Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Dedham Vale Society have advised on a 3 year ‘Wildlife Habitat Plan’ and will support a grant application in this respect in 2024.

The churchyard and the graveyard are subject to regulations which are aimed at achieving a degree of conformity in their use. The PCC has been concerned for some time that these regulations are not being followed to the detriment of all. This is a sensitive issue and the Rector and Churchwarden plan to speak on a one-to-one basis with those who may inadvertently be breaching the regulations to explain our concerns and seek their compliance. A notice detailing the regulations has also been posted on the porch notice board.

The shed near the north boundary of the churchyard is collapsing and needs to be replaced. In addition the shed near the east door should have been removed pursuant to the faculty for the not so recent north side extension. Plans are advancing for the replacement of both sheds by a slightly larger more robust shed. The cost will be financed in part by a grant and in part by other donations.

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There has been concern for some time as to the ‘unfriendly’ nature of the boards surrounding the area for cremated remains. We sought advice from the Diocese who visited to inspect the site and discuss our concerns. It has been decided to lower the boards which we are convinced will improve the position.

Terrier and inventory. The Churchwardens maintained the Inventory (Church Property Register).

Financial review and reserves policy: Treasurers' report

Despite the ravages of inflation and the other challenges which we and all parishes face, our accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023 show a reasonably satisfactory position. Some highlights and comments are:

Finally many thanks are due to Mark Fogg Elliot who has not only managed the intricacies of our day to day book keeping and accounts but also continued to digitise and otherwise update our accounting systems.

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Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members was conducted in accordance with Rule 14 of the Church Representation Rules 2017 (Rule M15 of the Church Representation Rules 2020). Langham with Boxted PCC is a registered charity. PCC members are the charity trustees and accept responsibility as such, being accountable to the Charity Commission. Thus PCC members must comply with both charity law and with church (ecclesiastical) law, being clear about the PCC's purposes, procedures and governance.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. During 2023 there were no additions to the Electoral Roll, five removals and 3 address changes. This brings the current listing to 74 of which 60 are parish residents and 14 are non-resident.

The full PCC met seven times during the year. The Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting were held at St Peter’s Church in May. Members of the PCC and its Officers and committees for 2022-23 are listed below.

Members of the PCC during 2023:

Ex officio : The Revd Heather Wilcox Rector, Priest in Charge and Chairman The Revd Anne Mason Associate Priest Denise Hobday Lay Minister, Churchwarden, St Mary's, Deanery Synod Representative Stephen Garner Churchwarden, St Mary’s Dominic Sheil Churchwarden, St Peter’s (January - May 2023) Jocelyn Carter Churchwarden, St Peter’s (June - December 2023) Elected from the Laity : Jacqueline Budenberg (elected 2022 retiring 2025) Emma Fowler (elected 2022 retiring 2025) Patsy Ann Maggs (elected 2023 retiring 2026) Stephen Whybrow (elected 2021 retiring 2024) Graham Pullen (elected 2020 retired May 2023)

The PCC appointed the following Officers:

The PCC appointed the following Officers:
Vice-chair: Patsy Ann Maggs
Secretary: Emma Fowler
Joint Treasurers: Stephen Whybrow, Mark Fogg Elliot
Electoral Roll Officer: Tim Clarke
Gift Aid Secretary: Michelle Percival
Fabric Officer, St Mary’s: Brian Flack
Fabric Officer, St Peter’s: Graham Pullen and Stephen Whybrow
Good Neighbours organiser: Arabella Brentnall
Zone and Edge groups leader: Linda Sheil
Safeguarding Officer: Patsy Ann Maggs
Safety Officer: Roger Hobday
Tree Officer, St Mary’s: Stephen Garner
Tree Officer, St Peter’s: Graham Pullen
Tree Warden: Roger Hobday
Newsletter Editor: Stephen Pollington
Advertising Manager: Paul Armstrong
Langham Community Council Representative: Denise Hobday
Boxted Village Hall Committee: Jocelyn Carter

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APPENDIX I: attendance at services

Attendance (all ages) at church services excluding school services, weddings and funerals:

Year: 2023 2022 2021 2020
St Mary's St Peter's Parish Parish Parish
January 35 50 137 nil(1) 175
February 34 69 93 173
March 56 54 127 92
April 94 nil(1)
62 129 167
May 86
29 38 117
June 67
28 70 92
July 67
31 52 150
August 28 60 116 145 32
September 38 54 161 96 26
October(2) 61 148 113 74 39
November(3) 36 94 138 157 99
December(4) 184 234 345 204 168
Totals by church 622 1052
Parish totals 1674 1756 991(5) 804(5)

NOTES:

(1) Church buildings closed, virtual services held for 3 parishes.

(2) The Silver Band played at Harvest and Carol Services in October and December.

(3) The Remembrance service for Langham was at the village war memorial and not at St Mary’s.

(4) This includes the Christingle at St Mary’s and a particularly well attended carol service at St Peter’s including the Silver Band.

(5) The Parish Totals for 2021 and 2020 are not comparable with previous years due to the pandemic. It is noted also that during 2021 the parish was without a Priest-in-Charge until late November.

There were 16 funeral services, one blessing of a civil marriage and eight baptisms. The baptisms took place either as an extra service or as part of a usual service with an increased congregation as a result.

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APPENDIX II: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Langham with Boxted PCC

Receipts and Payments Account

For the period from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds
Prior year
total funds
Receipts
Covenants &GA donations
Collections and donations
Gift Aid recovered
Weddings and funerals
Legacies
Grant
Interest
Magazine contribution
Youth Worker
Good Neighbours
Planned Giving
Total receipts
Payments
Parish share
Organist
Verger
Bell ringers
Clergy expenses and fees
Electricity
Insurance
Oil
Salary
Office costs
Bank charges
Churchyard maintenance
Repairs and renewals
Donations
Grants to Friends of St Peters
Total payments
Excess of receipts over payments before transfer		 32,259.70
32,259.70
35,885.28
8,432.57
8,432.57
8,572.02
5,472.33
5,472.33
6,823.76
9,494.00
9,494.00
7,635.00
0.00
0.00
7,000.00
2,862.36
2,862.36
3,601.00
1,076.27
1,076.27
323.27
866.30
866.30
1,591.82
1,437.52
1,437.52
0.21
260.00
260.00
300.00
62,161.05
0.00
0.00
0.00
62,161.05
71,732.36
21,584.04
21,584.04
34,999.98
2,827.25
2,827.25
3,007.20
450.00
450.00
650.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,133.57
1,133.57
789.31
1,129.83
1,129.83
696.00
4,728.47
4,728.47
4,512.14
2,335.47
2,335.47
2,668.63
4,445.84
4,445.84
4,461.92
2,538.86
2,538.86
978.11
109.30
109.30
5.25
6,358.64
6,358.64
2,530.58
2,845.44
2,845.44
3,927.13
0
0.00
292.25
538.6
538.60
1,500.00
51,025.31
0.00
0.00
0.00
51,025.31
61,018.50
11,135.74
0.00
0.00
0.00
11,135.74
10,713.86
Transfers
Reserves at 31st Dec 2022
Youth Worker surplus/(deficit) to reserves
Transfer of current year surplus/(deficit)
Prior Year Adjustments to Reserves
Reserves at 31st Dec 2023		 20,771.77
478.45
28,900.22
0.00
50,150.44
35,692.93
903.37
-903.37
0.00
-903.37
11,135.74
0.00
0.00
0.00
11,135.74
10,713.86
0.00
0.00
4,647.02
32,810.88
478.45
27,996.85
0.00
61,286.18
50,150.44

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APPENDIX II: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Langham with Boxted PCC Balance Sheet detailed

Current Assets
NatWest Current account - General
NatWest payments account - General
NatWest account - Youth Worker
NatWest account - Good Neighbours
CCLA deposit
Tithe Chancel Fund
Sundry Debtors
Total Current Assets
Liabilities
West Bergholt Current Account
Sundry Creditors
PCC held funds
Total Current Liabilities
Net Assets
Represented by Reserves:
Unrestricted Funds
Brought forward
Prior Year Adjustment (LwB West Bergholt )
Prior year adjustment
Surplus/(Deficit)
Youth Worker Surplus/(Deficit)
Carried Forward
Restricted Funds
Brought forward
Prior year adjustment
Surplus/(Deficit)
Carried Forward
Designated Funds
Brought forward
Surplus/(Deficit)
Carried Forward
Total Reserves:		 as at:
as at:
31/12/2023
31/12/2022
82,540.95
76,746.10
4,291.16
2,133.26
5,552.34
1,991.44
1,890.14
1,766.19
13,498.04
13,078.87
11,137.10
11,137.10
118,909.73
106,852.96
0.00
118,909.73
106,852.96
161.17
-509.86
250.00
0.00
57,212.38
57,212.38
57,623.55
56,702.52
61,286.18
50,150.44
20,771.77
11,314.26
0.00
4,515.33
903.37
131.69
11,135.74
5,713.86
-903.37
32,810.88
20,771.77
28,900.22
23,900.22
-903.37
5,000.00
27,996.85
28,900.22
478.45
478.45
0.00
0.00
478.45
478.45
61,286.18
50,150.44

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APPENDIX III

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Langham with Boxted Parochial Church Council (charity registration number 1131211)

I report to the trustees of Langham with Boxted Parochial Church Council (“the Trust”) on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31/12/2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner’s statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts did not accord with those records.

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

Signed:

STEPHEN FOWLER

Pond House, Church Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5TQ

Date: 10/03/24

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Further information and contact details

The Parish of Langham with Boxted is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England.

Parish office: Church Office, Church Close, West Bergholt CO6 3JF telephone: 01206 243683 email: lwb.wb.gh.parishes@gmail.com

St Mary's Church: Langham Hall, Langham CO4 5PS

St Peter's Church: Church Street, Boxted CO4 5SU

Parish websites:

www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6458/ and www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6459/

Charity registration number: 1131211