St. Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the Year ended 31st December 2024 Administrative Information St. Mary's Church is situated off Church Road in Stotfold. It is part of the Diocese of St. Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: The Vicarage, 61 Church Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, SG5 4NE. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, No. 1131275 PCC members who served since the APCM in 2024 were: The Incumbent Rev Bill Britt* Associate Minister with Rev Graham Clark special responsibility as chaplain to schools Curate Rev Emma-Jane Wilkinson The Churchwardens Mrs. Jenny Bennett * (Vice Chairperson) Mr. Paddy Harris* Representatives on Mrs. Alison Collis* (Secretary/Treasurer) the Deanery Synod. Mrs Carolyn Bleach Elected PCC Members: Mr. Derek Blyth Mrs Sara Clark Mr. Steven Fletcher Mr Steve Hardman Mrs. Jane Hyde Mrs. Doreen Paterson Mrs. Carole Taylor Mrs. Maureen Winters Those asterisked* are members of the Standing Committee. Service on the PCC is usually for three years at a time; with a break of at least one year after six consecutive years. ## COMMITTEES The PCC operates through committees which make recommendations to the PCC. ## **Standing Committee** This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PСС between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. ## **Finance and Stewardship Committee** This committee has an overview of the general finances of the work of St. Mary's by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and coordinating the Annual Review of the Christian Stewardship of money through planned giving. ## **Social and Fundraising Committee** Encourages fellowship within the family of the Church by organizing social events and the raising of money for the General Fund. ## **Hall Committee** Organizes the letting of the hall and is responsible for keeping the building in repair. ## **Building Committee** Oversees the repair and maintenance of the Church building and the churchyard in consultation with the Church Architect. ## **Charities** The Ecclesiastical Charity of William Field, No. 254218 The Vicar and churchwardens are trustees of the following charities: The Eleemosynary Charity, No. 25419 The Roe's Charity for the Parish Clerk, No. 217126 The Roe's Almshouses Charity, No. 217125 The Roe's Education Charity, No. 307485 H.O. Roe Charity, No. 1190706 St. Mary's Church banks with Barclays PLC. It holds a portfolio of shares via CCLA relating to the Ecclesiastical Charity of William Field and two deposit accounts with the same organization. It has an account with the Churches Mutual Credit Union and money and shares held by the Diocese for the chancel. The Independent examiner is Sue Matejtschuk of SCM Accountancy Services. The church's legal advisers are the Joint Diocesan Registrars, Matthew Chinery and Sarah Clemenson of Winckworth Sherwood. The Church Architectural advisers are Barker Associates LLP. Electoral Roll During 2024 the Electoral Roll decreased by two to 87. ## **Ministerial Team** Rev Bill Britt is the Rector of St Mary's the Virgin, Stotfold. Rev Graham Clark is licensed to the parish as Associate Minister with special responsibility as chaplain to schools. This is a locally-funded post. Rev Emma-Jane Wilkinson is the Curate. Rev Jane Wheatley is a Priest Associate. Mr. Steve Hardman is a Lay Leader of Worship. ## **Performance and achievements** Following a £256,000 refurbishment of the Roecroft Centre which included the addition of a catering kitchen, the church began offering hospitality as part of its mission and outreach. During the year we held a six-evening seekers’ course, it has been used by our youth group and we hosted 10 fellowship meals for different groups within our Church. The PCC spent £48,000 on the resurfacing of the Church car park, making it safer and more welcoming During 2024 our Usual Sunday Attendance (USA}, excluding Christmas and Easter, was 55. During the month of October, the average weekly attendance of all services was 117 adults and 8 children. Our Easter Eve & Day attendance was 98. Attendance at Advent services for the congregation, community and schools totalled 384. Christmas Eve and Day services was 467. During 2024 we held 13 Christenings, 2 weddings and 22 funerals. Among our new initiatives, the monthly youth gatherings begun in 2022 continued to grow, as did our monthly afternoon Tea Time Praise and quarterly Families at Four service. Financial Review During 2024 our expenditure exceeded our income by £8,467, but that is because of a one-off net cost of £10,296 after grants for installing a new heating in the Church Hall. The operating deficit was covered by reserves. The year end balance in the Unrestricted General Fund was £61,964 and the Designated Fund is £25,189. Total giving on Sunday mornings (including the Parish Giving Scheme, cash collections in services and the envelope scheme and Gift Aid) was £37,339, compared to £35,107 in 2023, a 6.5% increase. {This included a 15% increase in the Parish Giving Scheme.) The 2024 Diocesan Parish Share for St Mary's Church was £54,957, which largely provides the stipends, pension and housing for clergy and training of future ministers. Reserves Policy It is PCC policy to maintain a balance, if possible, on unrestricted funds that equates to approximately three months unrestricted payments to cover emergency situations which may arise from time to time. Approved at the PCC on 17 March 2025 Signed by PCC Chairman Approved at the APCM on 11 May 2025 Signed by the APCM Chairman Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 Note 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Investment assets 834.736 865,676 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5.309 2,825 Cash at bank and in hand 91,242 96,551 100,081 102.906 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities -3,548 4,499 NET CURRENT ASSETS 93,003 98,407 TOTAL NET ASSETS 927,739 964,083 FUNDS Unrestricted 61,964 70,431 Designated 25,189 25.126 Restricted 4.731 1,994 Endowment 835.855 866,532 927,739 964,083 The notes on pages 3 to 9 form part of these accounts. Approved by the Parochial Church Council on and signed on its behalf by.. The Rev'd. Bill Britt Jennifer Bennett Churchwarden Registered Charty No. 1131275 1of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold ststement of Financial Activities For the year ending 31 December 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Income from church acti¥ib05 Income Imrn acbvitses to IiM•rate fvndg Incorne trorn inv•Jtm8nls Other incomlno sourc•s 28 42,689 2b 16.917 2c 7.112 2d 2.501 2e 24 992 8,376 263 51.C65 17.180 7.112 2,827 42,857 17.593 9,493 3,659 63 263 TOTAL INCOMING RESOLIR¢E$ 263 104963 101857 RE80URCES EXPENDeD Charitsble GSvlno Chur¢h activits'• Church m•n#gernenl and ad￿￿nI1￿•t10n FundraliSng eJ)#ts Other ¥x￿nd11ure TOTAL Re8ouRCES EXPENDeD 57 3b 101.266 1.051 158 146 102678 57 110.955 1,051 158 208 93.635 1.429 202 9,689 NET INCOMINGIIOUTGOINGI RESOURCES -8,467 63 47.283 263 -55.404 4,992 TRANSFER 8ETWEEN FUNDS s0,c￿ .SO.(X)o GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTKIENTS 19,060 19,￿0 74.442 ET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS ,467 2.737 -30,677 46,344 79.434 BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 January 2024 70,431 25,126 1.994 866.532 964,083 884,649 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARDAT 31 O•c8rnW 2024 61964 25 189 4 731 835 855 927 739 964 083 The not•• on pag05 3 to 9 lom) p•rt of th•M OLwnl• 2of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the year end 31 December 2024 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of financial ststem•nts. The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting R8gulalion$ 20LkS In accordance wilh applicable acLounb"ng stsndards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice Accountsng and Reporting by Chan1￿ ISORP 2019). The financial $tstements have been prepared undef ts hisioncal cost ¢onventK¥n except for investment assets, which are Shown al market value. The financial slalements indude all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is respons￿18 in law. do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliatKJn to another body. nor those that are inforynal 9atherings of church members. Fund accountlng General lund$ r•pr8senl the fvnds of the PCC that ate not subpd to any r8Stricbons regarding their use and are availablo for application on the general purposes ol the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unreslri¢ted. Restricted Funds are those funds that musl b8 spent on specifK restricted purpo8e$ ag intended by the donors. Detsils of the funds hekl and ieslrith'ons are provided in note 9. Endowment Funds, where the capital must be ratsined, are explained in note 9. Incomlng rn8ourc•i Voluntsry Incomfr •nd cipltal 8our¢•8 Collections are fecognized when received by or on behall of Iho PCC. Planned giving r•ceNab under Gift Aid is recognoed only when received. Income lax recoverable on Grft Aid donations is re¢ognized when the Income is recogn¢ed. Grants and legaaes lo thè PCC are accounted for as Soon as Ihe PCC 1$ notif￿ of its legal enknllemenl, the amount due is quanlifiable and ils ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by the fete. Jigsaw Festivals and similar events are accounled for gross. Other incom• Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognized ￿en the rentsl is du8. Incomg Irom Snvestmgnts Dividends are accounted for when due and payab￿. Interest enlrtlements afe 8c¢ounted for as they accrue. Tax recoverable on Such income is recogntted in the same accounting year. G8ln¥ and 108se8 on inve8tm•nts Rgalized gains or losses ale recognized when investrnents are sokl. Unrealized gain$ or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investrnents al market value al 31 December. 3of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the year end 31 December 2024 Re80ur¢es u80d Grants and donations Grants and donations a￿ accounted for when pahl over, or when aw•rd8d, rf that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Activlt5e8 directty relatlng to th• work of tho Church The dio¢esan parish share is accounted for when pa￿. Any parish share unpaKI al 31 December is provided lor in these accounts as an operalional (though not a18gal} liability and . shown as a ¢redilor in the Balance Sheet. Flxed assets Consecratsd proporty and movabl• Church fuml•hlng• Consecrated and benefice property 18 not included in the accounts in accordance vrilh $.10(2)(a) and 1¢) of the Charities Acl 2011. Movable church furntshings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on speu'al trust for th8 PCC, and which require a la¢ully for disposal. are ac￿￿nted as Inal￿nable propety. They are listed in the church's Inventory which Can be inspoctod lat any rea$onabl8 lime). Such assets are not valued in the accounts. All expenditure incurred in tho year on consecrated or bener￿e buildings or on the repair of movable church fumishings * written off. Oth•r flxtures. Ilttlng¥ and offic• •qulpm•nt Equipment used within the church prem￿$ is depreaated on a Stra￿h1 line basis over 4 years. Individu81 items of equipment with a purchase price of £5.Cth or1888 are written off wthen the asset Is 8oquired, Inve8tm•nts Investments are valL￿d al market value at 31 Detsmber. Current assets Amounts owing lo the PCC al 31 December in respecl of fees. rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove unc01￿ble. Short-lemi deposits include cash hgkl on deposrt either the CCLA Churth of England Funds. Churches Mutual Cr8dil Union or at th8 bank. 4of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the vear end 31 December 2024 2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2a Voluntsry income Planned giving Gift Aid giving Other planned giving Income tax recoverable Collections (open plate} al all services Income tax recoverable Grants Donations Donations Wall safe Income tax recoverable 20,228 3,206 5,032 6,940 1.933 20.228 18,981 3,206 2,547 5,032 4,746 6,940 7,077 1,933 1,756 6,717 1.015 6,111 4.363 165 218 42,689 1.903 6,266 6.162 165 42 578 531 51.Cfj5 42,857 8.376 2b Income from church actlvltles Church hall lettings Wedding and funeral fees Wedding Flowers Magazine Income Tax Recoverable Outreach Income Tax Recoverable 9,322 9,322 11,527 3,SYIO 3,832 60 1,377 60 737 1,193 180 83 1,373 83 2,383 139 17.180 17 593 2.363 139 16,917 263 2¢ Income from actlvltles to generats funds Social & fundraising events before expenses Income Tax Recoverable 7.078 7,078 9.391 102 9,493 7,112 7,112 2d Income from Investments Dividends and interest 2.501 2.501 63 63 263 263 2.827 2,827 3,659 3,659 2e Other Incomlng re8ource8 William Field Charity Listed Places Grant Scheme VAT repayment Contribution towards churchyard costs Contribution towards assistant vicar expenses Hire of Church Loyally rewards Sundry Income 23,456 23,456 23.440 239 239 1,787 205 1,498 1.407 1,440 267 1.787 1,160 137 1,160 137 24,992 1,787 26,779 28,255 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 94.211 63 10,426 263 104.963 101,857 5of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the vear end 31 December 2024 3 RESOURCES EXPENDED 3a Charitable Giving Donations 57 57 57 57 208 208 3b Church activities Ministry Diocesan pansh share Vicar expenses Curate Expenses Assistant Vicar Expenses Contribution lo Assistanl Vicar Church running expenses Church maintenance & renewals Childrens, activities Youth Work Church yard Church hall running costs Discipleship Organist fees Service expenses Magazine costs Outreach and Publicity Wedding Flowers 54.957 54,957 53.125 848 1,257 250 1,178 1,407 2,000 2,000 8,340 11.915 7,138 4,926 1.176 2,000 8,340 6.138 263 3.304 18.677 139 180 1,737 1.289 2,328 263 5,091 22,177 139 180 3,250 1,552 2,778 87 4.051 8.356 157 320 2,173 1,550 2,001 1,787 3.500 1,513 263 450 101.266 9,689 110,955 93,635 3c Church management and admlnS8tratlon Administration.. Postage and stationery Bank charges Sundry Expenses 542 441 68 1,051 542 441 68 1,051 513 630 286 1,429 3d Fundraising costs Social and Fundraising events 158 158 158 158 202 202 3e Othèr Expèndlture Purchase of Projector and Screen Purchase of Giving Machine Car Park 930 461 146 146 48.000 48,146 48.CM)O 48.000 146 1,391 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 102.678 57,689 180,367 96,865 6of9 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the vear end 31 December 2024 4 FIXED ASSETS Investments Movements in the year.. Market value- 1 January 2024 Disposal proceeds Revaluation Gain Market value - 31 December 2024 865.676 -50.000 19,060 834,736 S ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Investment Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities Fund balance 834,736 834,736 1.119 96.551 3,548 4,731 835 855 927,739 65.512 25,189 3.548 61,964 25 189 4.731 DEBTORS 2024 2023 Income tax recoverable Prepayments Other debtors 1,651 130 3.528 5,309 1,115 111 1,599 2,82S LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Creditors Accruals and Deferred Income 2.030 1,518 3,548 3,046 1,453 8 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 2024 Transferred from Endowment Funds to Restricted Fund for Car Park. 50,OC During Ihe year investments totalling £50,0(MJ held in the William Field Endowment Fund were sold to finance the cost of major repairs lo the Church ¢ar park. 7019 Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Stotfold Notes to the Financial Statements For the vear end 31 December 2024 FUND DETAILS 2024 2023 The Restricted Funds at the year end a￿.. Youth Work Grant Albs Bike 'n Hike Those in Need Nativity Car Park Flower Fund 574 40 1,178 677 204 2,000 58 324 40 993 637 The Designated Fund at the year end is.. Special Reserve Emergency Fund 25,189 25,126 25 189 25 126 The Endowment Funds at the year end are.. Chancel Fund for the repairs and insurance of the Chancel. Ecclesiastical Charity of William Field 9.443 826,412 857,538 835 855 886 532 The Parochial Church Council is the managing trustee of the Ecclesiastical Chanty of William Field and therefore. as the Charity is under the control of the Parochial Church CouneAI. the funds of the charity musl be shown on the Balance Sheet as an Endowment Fund. The market value of the ca￿tal of the trust of £826,412 is included in Flxed Asset Investments. 8019 Independent Examiner's Report to the trustses of St Mary's Church, Stoffold, Parochial Church Council. I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 8. Respective responsibilitle8 of the Trustses and the independent examiner As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to ' examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; . follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145 {5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and ' state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba818 of Independent Examlner'8 Ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audrt opinion on the accounts. Ind&p8nd8nt Examlner's Statement In connection with my examination. no matters have come to my attention: which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with s. 130 of the 2011 Act; or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ¢>8_03-25 Sue Matejtschuk FCA 39 Silverbirch Avenue Stoffold SG5 4AS 9of9 Independent Examinevs Report to the tru8tse8 of St Mary's Church, Stotfold, Parochlal Church Council. I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 8. Respectlve respon8ibilities of the Trustse8 and the Independent examiner As trustees of the charty, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acl) and that an independent examination is required It Is my ￿SpOnsIbl11ty to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: • follow the procedures laid down In the General Directions given by the Charty Commissioners section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act,. and state whether particular matters have come to my attents'on. 8a818 of Independent Examiner'8 Ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions gNen by the Charity Commission . An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented vthh those record8. It 8180 includes con8iderats.on of any unu8ual Item8 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the managemenl committee conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not expres8 an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examln8rf8 Ststement In connection with my examinatlon, no matters have come to my attention. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requlrements to keep accounting records in accordance with 8. 130 of the 2011 Act,. or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. C)8-CJ5 2 ) Sue Matejtschuk FCA 39 Silverbirch Avenue Stotfold SG5 4AS gof9