2025-12-31-accounts

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL REPORT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC)

of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

Sutton with Seaford.

St. Leonard’s Church, Church Street, Seaford, &

St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road, Seaford.

Registered Charity Number: 1121402

December 2025

Contents

1. Trustees Annual Report

2. Statement of Financial Activities

3. Note to the Accounts

4. Report of the Independent Examiner.

Website: seafordparish.org.uk

Incumbent: Rev’d James Hollingsworth, MA

The Vicarage, 46 Sutton Road, Seaford, BN25 1SH

Independent Examiner: C.R. Tyler (FCA DChA), F1 CRT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court, Laine Close, Brighton, BN1 6TD.

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Our Aims and Purposes as a Charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Rev’d James Hollingsworth, in:

1. The promotion of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England

2. Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and, ecumenical

3. To know Jesus better and make Him better known

4. Practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the eldest, irrespective of level of need or, ability to pay

5. Providing financial support to those in need and, to other organisations with similar objectives.

6. Providing Christian worship, teaching, and preaching.

7. The parish has previously noted that ‘We aspire to glorify God through worshipping him, preaching the gospel, caring for others, and being witnesses to Christ’s love.’

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have borne in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

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

The aims and focus for the PCC and Parish could be summarised as below.

1. To continue to give attention to our Safeguarding Procedures, and risk assessment management

2. To grow our connection and support of Children, Youth, and Families.

3. To continue to review our worship to enable all people to connect to God.

4. To reach a balanced budget, through generosity of giving, applying for grants, and sensible stewardship of our assets and various fundraising activities.

5. To grow in discipleship and mutual support, by opening St Leonard’s Church throughout the week for prayer and by welcoming new people into the Church through worship, Homegroups, Alpha and other groups within the Church family.

6. To continue to maintain our Church buildings and to develop them so that they may more helpfully meet the needs of the Church and the community, particularly through the reordering of St Leonard’s.

7. To explore how we can reduce our carbon footprint.

A huge thank you for teaching Archery to families of FSW. The children really enjoyed it.

What we achieved and how we afected benefciaries’ lives

At the time of the APCM, the Church Electoral Roll numbered 235 (compared 303 in 2024, 295 in 2021)

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The PCC mostly met in person in St Leonard’s a total of six times. The Standing Committee met by zoom between meetings and their deliberations were reported to the PCC.

Leadership

The following sub-committees (some known as teams) are appointed by and report to PCC:

The Standing Committee, which is required by law, and is chaired by the Incumbent (or in his absence the Churchwardens), has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the full PCC. The Safeguarding Team, chaired by Ms Ruth Saunders, has met to review and further develop the safeguarding training for all those working with children and adults at risk. The team continues to consider good practice and prepare papers for parish use and to consider the directives received from the Thirtyone:Eight and the Diocese. The Mission Team, chaired by Mrs Elizabeth Morgan-Jones, co-ordinates parish support for overseas and local Christian mission agencies and activities, and recommends grants to be paid by the PCC.

The Parish Fabric Committee oversees maintenance and refurbishment of both churches and hall buildings. PCC appointed Michael Holmes as the chairperson. The Communications Team, chaired by Mr Malcolm Anderson, oversees the use of computer, audio and visual equipment, and manages the production of worship and promotional material for the parish, together with the parish magazine.

The Pastoral Care Team, led by a variety of people including Mr Brian Millar in conjunction with the vicar. The team has continued to meet regularly to review pastoral care offered and to determine how best to meet the pastoral needs of parish members and those drawn to attention whom we may be able to assist.

The Children, Family and Youth Team is led by the Parish Children and Youth Family Pastor, Mr Stefan Bracher along with Ms Kim Cuthbert, our additional Children, Youth and Family Minister. The team continues to review our provision for children, youth and families and to pray for and encourage all our volunteers in these areas. Home Group Champions David and Pat Farey.

Other designated responsibilities are given to various members of the Council or to ad hoc Task Groups, who then report back to the Council.

I watched your service this morning online. Please pass on my thanks for the excellent sermon and service this morning.

Overview of the Year.

Serving the Community, the Vicar’s Report – James Hollingsworth.

This report contains a fabulous litany of the very many things that the local Community have been involved in with the Church Family. Further below you can read more details of how we have gone about that.

We hope that by the APCM meeting itself we will have begun the work of reordering St Leonard’s with the building of an accessible toilet and two other toilets, a kitchen and a

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ramp leading to a contained meeting space which will help the Church be a useful blessing at the centre of our community.

We had the joys of baptising five children and eight adults; three people got confirmed (with thanks from one candidate for Bishop Will coming to St Luke’s); we took five weddings; and had the privilege of taking 39 funerals. St Luke’s hired a baptistry from Trinity Church Lewes for 3 of these adult full immersion baptisms.

Our Children and Youth work ran Messy Church, a free Holiday Club, two Toddler groups, Friday clubs ‘Sparks’ (Primary school), ‘Ignite’ (Secondary school), and Glow on Sundays, Beach Church in August, Sparks Summer camp, Parish camp, and a new Teenage Sunday evening group ‘Fuelled’. See below for a fuller report from Stefan Bracher but note the addition of Kim Cuthbert from April 2025 who joined as an additional full-time member of the team.

We have continued to work with local schools either by going into support their RE teaching (eg Cradle Hill yr3 & yr4 Why ‘Good’ Friday?; yr5 Grill-a-Christian!; Chyngton yr6 on Suffering and Faith; Seaford Learning Trust on Christingles) or through being on their governing bodies (Cradle Hill, Seaford Head, Seaford Learning Trust), or through them coming into Church (Hopscotch Nursery, Seaford Primary School years 3&4) We have gone out to The Wellington Inn with Pub Carols and “Men’s Group Meals” and they have been very supportive by fundraising for our Holiday Club. The local Scout Cubs & Beavers came to explore their ‘Faith’ badge.

A small group has helped Family Support Work, one of the charities that the Church supports, by giving participants a taste of archery at Dalesdown and Ashburnham, and also over the May Bank Holiday at Plumpton Racecourse to over 300 teenagers at the Diocese’ May Camp as well as Sparks Summer camp and Parish camp.

We have continued to visit three care homes to bring Holy Communion, prayer, carols, to residents with faith to remind them that they are not forgotten by us or by God’s love. The fortnightly pastoral letter has continued being posted to over forty-five local people. We continued to support Family Support Work with a foodbank.

Our Sunday services have continued to be on YouTube averaging 70 across October for example (161 Carol service) and helping those unable to come into church to remain connected. Likewise, Evening Prayer and Thought-for-the-days have been available on Facebook throughout the year.

Our Website and ChurchSuite and our Facebook page and YouTube channel have continued to keep people informed of our activities as has the Magazine. We print 200 copies and have an electronic version. (for links see: - https://seafordparish.org.uk/social media/)

A local undertaker again organised an annual memorial service in St Leonard’s.

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The Church has continued in its care of God’s Own Acre through conversations with Lewes District Council who asked for a flora and fauna study. St Luke’s garden has been renovated.

Different community groups have used St Leonard’s such as the Town Market, Seaford Magic, Seaford Choral Society, Intergen Opera, the Mayor’s carol concert, photographic exhibition. We held a special service on St George’s day, and Remembrance Sunday.

The wonderful monthly Saturday Concerts have continued to be free and of the highest quality. The monthly Open Cafés have continued to welcome people in for free cake coffee and chat. St Leonard’s has continued to be open daily from 10am to 1pm for friendship or a game of chess on Friday mornings or for a quiet prayer and to light a candle or to write a prayer for the memorial prayer tree that was put up over Advent. It was also there for the week when Seaford suffered a tragic death of a young person enabling the St Leonard’s to be a place of tears and prayer and support for all.

St Luke’s has continued to be hired to a variety of groups for example: Scouts, Dance, Natural History Society, sundry birthday parties, the election, and Pilates. The financial generosity of locals has enabled the Church to use its Discretionary Fund to help some families with their particular personal struggles.

Another lovely service joined online this morning, thank you so much.

Worship and Discipleship in the Church

Volunteers throughout the church have continued to have their DBS checks and safeguarding training.

Prayer undergirds all that we do with a Saturday prayer zoom, Sunday personal prayer ministry in both Churches, the Prayer at 7 monthly service hosted by different churches across town, the Wednesday pastoral prayer zoom, an email prayer chain, and a WhatsApp prayer group.

Our worship has continued to be on-line as well as in person. In St Leonards we continue to worship on Wednesdays at 11am, and on Sundays at 8am, 9.30am and, on first and third Sunday at 11.30 The Meeting Place and the occasional evening service (eg Ash Wednesday, Holy Saturday etc). Messy Church has been on the first Saturday of the month.

In St Luke’s, our worship has been on Tuesdays twice a month, Sundays 9.30, with a children’s Sunday group Glow between the family services, and on two evenings in the month Prayers at 7 and St Lukes at 7. Over August we had Beach Church again. Over 200 Christians for the Churches Together Good Friday Walk of Witness started in St Leonards and processed to the sea front and to Seaford Life Church with prayers and hymns along the way.

Using our October attendance statistics excluding those worshipping with us on-line: Average Sunday attendance was 174. and average Wednesday attendance 8. At the

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close of 2025 our Church Electoral Roll was at 235. This was after a complete renewal of the ER which in 2024 had been 303.

We have received visiting speakers broadening our perspectives with their talks on the Church Army, Homelink, Sarah Chhin from Cambodia, Stopover, and Shoeboxes for Romania. Rev Andrew Smith spoke about the blessings of leaving a financial legacy.

2025 was the year of the Creed being 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea and the writing of the Nicene Creed. A commemorative bookmark was created for this and liberally given out. The Deanery held a celebration service reflecting on many local churches that have persisted in showing God’s love in Christ Jesus through plagues, invasion, and famines.

The creed was unpacked in sermons from Rev Derreck Lee-Philpot and the Vicar in the Thought-for-the-day series. Rev Carole Darling was ordained Priest in June and has continued leading services, preaching, visiting, helping with Toddler group, Sparks and Ignite and so on.

We ran another Alpha course in January which resulted in another Alpha emerging from some mums in the Toddler group. Home Groups met to support each other’s faith through prayer and pastoral care.

A new service, a Calm Christmas service was tried to connect to those seeking a quieter way to celebrate the incarnation.

At the beginning of August, a group of people went camping at New Wine. At the end of August, Stefan organised another Parish Camp and over the August Bank Holiday some went to Big Church Day Out for worship and resources. The Vicar hosted a community Harvest Picnic.

The Fundraising Committee have done a great job in preparing to write to lots of grant making bodies many of whom want to see the actual Faculty which we should have by early 2026.

The Order of St Richard was awarded to Eric Doherty for his many years of service to the church. Hazel and David Bramley received a presentation from the Church for their many years of service including over fifteen years for the Shoebox Appeal amongst many other roles.

Midweek Wednesday worship has continued with grateful thanks to Rev’ds Chris Hadfield, Chris Collison, Colin Rudge, Colin Pritchard. Through a varied team including amongst others Revs Simon Foster, David Farey, Lucy Hollingsworth, we supported worship in East Blatchington, Laughton, Ripe, Chalvington, Deanland, East Dean, Friston, Jevington, Kingston and Southease.

Rev Lucy Hollingsworth continued her work as Advisor to the Bishop for Self-Supporting Ministry including hosting a cream tea for other SSMs with Bishop Will.

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The Vicar has continued to teach Church History to first year trainee clergy and done the usual Rural Dean work including leading a retreat with the Chapter to Penhurst again and another cream tea for the splendidly supportive local retired clergy. The Vicarage had its radiators entirely ripped out as a Diocesan experiment, and solar panels added to support Air source heat pump.

Perhaps as you read of the busyness of this Church community, you might be curious enough to join in with some of our groups and ministries. Perhaps also you will understand why our finances are both so blessed and so stretched.

I really cannot thank you enough for Daddy’s [funeral] service.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding has continued to be at the forefront of all we do in mission, pastoral care, and youthwork. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Ruth Saunders, sent reports to each PCC. The Safeguarding committee (Ruth, Stefan, Kim, Sue, Revs Carole, Derreck, James) have met four times through the year.

The Diocese launched The Parish Dashboard which is a new tool providing each parish with Policies and Procedures to make sure that each parish remains on course for keeping everyone safe. DBS checks are made and renewed every three years. Stefan and Kim have taken this role on.

The PCC in May again agreed to the follow the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy which is displayed in each church. New members of the PCC have completed their online safeguarding training ‘C0, Basic Awareness’ and ‘C1 Foundation’. These courses are available for anyone in our Church to do. The link to this can be found here - https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/trainingintroduction/ . We recognise that not everyone finds online training simple to do so in June we hosted Foundation Safeguarding Training led by Ruth and Stefan.

Safeguarding gets mentioned throughout the year in Church services but especially on Safeguarding Sunday in November particularly with the reminder that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Ruth Saunders has been our Parish Safeguarding Officer for the last fifteen years. She retired at the end of this year. The Congregations thanked her. We are hopeful for Martin Waite being the new PSO in 2026 when all the safer recruitment process has been completed.

Should anyone have any safeguarding concerns or questions please do email: [e-mail]

Thank you again for supporting Intergenerational Opera and the work we do.

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PCC report by Stephanie Baker, PCC secretary

In 2025 PCC met 6 times in person in January, March, May, July, September and November for regular meetings and twice for extraordinary meetings in September. There was 1 proposal decided by email between meetings. Standing committee met 5 times by Zoom in February, April, June, August, and October.

Thank you for the sermon today - it was so full of love and hope.[online]

Children, Youth and Family Report – Stefan Bracher & Kim Cuthbert

What a year it has been! As we look back over 2025, we can do so with deep gratitude and real joy at all that God has been doing among our children, young people and families.

Tots’ Treats at both St Our regular groups have continued to grow, develop and flourish. Leonard’s and St Luke’s have been full of life, laughter and meaningful conversation. With around 30 attending at St Leonard’s and strong numbers at St Luke’s, we’ve seen not only creative crafts, sand trays, outdoor play and storytelling, but also a growing openness among parents and carers to talk about faith. Several have joined family services, explored Alpha, and asked about baptism. It has been wonderful to witness a gentle but clear movement of God’s Spirit among families.

Sparks has had its ups and downs numerically, but what has stood out most this year is the depth of faith conversations. At times numbers have dipped, yet enthusiasm has remained high, and by the autumn term we were back up to 25. The children’s questions about God, Jesus and the Bible have been thoughtful and heartfelt. Summer Camp at Generations Christian Camps in Chiddingly was a particular highlight, with five children attending and returning full of stories, joy and fresh curiosity about faith.

Ignite continues to provide a vital safe space for our young people. With regular attendance averaging between 35 and 50 earlier in the year, it remains a place of belonging, friendship and fun – basketball, dodgeball, pool, games and crafts all playing their part. While Ignite is primarily relational and activity-focused, we have responded to young people who want to explore faith more deeply by launching Fuelled , a new group with a clearer faith focus. What began with just two has grown to seven young people. As we run Alpha in January we have 17 young people who will be hearing of the good news of Jesus as they ponder what that means for them and their life.

Thank you so much for coming in. The Year 5 children found it really interesting grilling you about your work and faith.

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We were delighted to appoint Kim Cuthbert as our Assistant Children, Youth & Family Missioner. Her arrival has enabled us to launch new initiatives including Glow Gardening and Fuelled, while strengthening our existing ministry. We are grateful to the PCC for their support in resourcing this role, and for the generosity of grant funders including The Benefact Trust and the Diocesan Mission Development Fund and of course to our local grant funders too at Seaford Lions, Seaford Rotary, The Wellington Hotel, Morrisons and many more local businesses who continue to encourage and support us..

Messy Church has gone from strength to strength, regularly welcoming between 40 and 60 people. Getting hands on with faith-based activities, jumping into a load of different crafts, cakes, praise music, dancing, games and of course our Messy message.

Holiday Club is reaching even further. Our October “Jungle Jamboree” Holiday Club was oversubscribed and saw daily attendance figures of up to 77 children. The week was filled with parables, music, drama, crafts, prayer and joy – as well as free packed lunches to support families over half term. We are deeply thankful to the army of volunteers who made this possible and to those who supported through the Quiz Night and other fundraising.

One of the most significant moments of the year was Parish Camp . Over 60 people gathered in Chiddingly for worship, workshops, shared meals and real community. Not only is this faith strengthening for those already familiar with faith, but it is evangelism at its finest with those on the fringes of faith too. Families from Tots joined us, some later attending Sunday services and describing it as “coming back to family.” Camp truly felt like church as it should be: relaxed, welcoming, prayerful and fun.

This year has not been without its challenges. The tragic death of Joshua Ingram deeply affected many of our young people. Our churches became places of prayer, candlelight and quiet support. We are grateful that our youth spaces were able to provide calm, compassion and time for reflection during such a painful moment for our town.

We have also strengthened our links with local schools, leading assemblies and continuing to build relationships that open doors for future ministry.

As we look ahead, our heart remains the same: to create spaces where children and young people feel safe, valued and able to explore faith at their own pace. We long to see more volunteers feel the invitation to join the team and be part of this steady movement of faith, as more families feel at home, and more young people discover the life-changing love of Jesus.

Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement and your generosity. Please continue to journey with us — there is so much more to come.

That was the best baptism I’ve ever been to!

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Home Groups - David & Pat Farey

At the time of writing, we have approximately ten groups meeting around the town. Many have been stable for a number of years, but others have shrunk, while some have grown and even subdivided to meet the needs of those in the group. Some groups meet for short periods as well, so the picture is constantly moving. And there is natural movement of people as some members move on and new people move into the area seeking to join a group.

The groups meet different needs. Some follow a study book, others simple Bible studies, while others focus on support or seeking the Holy Spirit’s touch. A wide variety. They meet through the week; Tuesday - afternoon, and two in the evening; Wednesday – three in the evening; Thursday – in the morning and in the evening; Friday – two in the afternoon. Some monthly, every two weeks, twice a month or weekly in term time – all variations!

The most important thing about our groups is that the members decide themselves when and where to meet and what they will do within those groups. Occasionally we are asked to make suggestions or to help or support with any situations that may be developing within a group. The groups provide a support and encouragement to their members in learning and growing in faith, and in walking with Jesus every day. They function as an integral part of parish life. Sunday services are essential for the Body of Christ as we meet to worship, hear God’s word and pray for the world and individual’s needs. But our home groups are also essential to help the faithful to continue to learn and mature and become more Christlike as beacons in the world. For anyone interested in joining a group please email David or Pat on [e-mail].

– Ministry to Care Homes Brian Millar

In December we had a round of informal Christmas Carol concerts in the care homes that we serve. These are joyful occasions with the emphasis on traditional carols. In the proceeding 11months we have held regular Holy Communion services for congregations that stretch from 20 at Nova house to as little as 3 at Westerleigh. Ably assisted by an amazing team of volunteers this has been a privilege and a blessing with many of our ex congregation members in the care homes that we visit. Our focus has been on trying to re-create a Holy space often within situations where people are unwell and perhaps nearing the end of their lives. We have seen an increase in offering Holy Communion to those that are bedridden and prayers for the dying have been administered when asked for. We are focused primarily on three care homes but are we always open to others when asked. A welcome development this year has been the attendance to the services by some of the residential care staff. We have been several instances where we know that faith has been restored or renewed.

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“I haven’t seen so and so at church for a few weeks” is a comment that we may sometimes make or hear in passing. Keeping an eye on our own congregation particularly where folk fall ill or are unable to attend church is a task which we all share as Christian brothers and sisters This year when names have been put forward either to the clergy or the members of the pastoral care team we have been able to make contact and make people realise that they are not forgotten. Simple phone calls or a cup of tea with those that are away from church can often restore connections and get people back to worship with our help. The gratitude that we’ve encountered when contact has been made with those that have been away for a while is evidence that this an important ministry. Recently the pastoral care team has developed a lone working safeguarding policy and procedure to ensure those that visit and those that are visited are safe. We have also put together a list of contact details for the congregation and this can be used when someone has been missing for a while . We cannot emphasise enough that pastoral care for our fellow congregation members is a collective endeavour. We all need to ensure that those that are out of sight are not out of mind.

Please consider volunteering to help with the monthly services in care homes or being part of the pastoral care team.

At a Care Home, A lady thanked us for coming in to take the service. She told me she used to be a Christian some years ago and by us going into the home and holding a service there it had brought her back to Christ

Parish Mission Support Team – Liz Morgan Jones

We have organised several events to raise awareness of the seven missions (Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, Cambodia Action, Church Army, Family Support Work, Homelink, LAMA - in the Philippines, Samara’s Aid - in Syria) we support as a parish on a regular basis.

In February, team members Bob Carrington and Diana Dixon spoke about the work of Church Army and Homelink and a month later, there was a talk with video from the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team at St Luke’s.

In March we held a Rich Person’s Poor Person’s Lunch, everyone paying the same price but not knowing which kind of meal they would receive. We had information displayed about each mission and reps gave a short resume of their work.

Later in May the team spent an afternoon reflecting and reviewing the best way to raise awareness and support in the future. We have simplified the display on the Mission Table in St Leonard’s and also arranged for basic information to be on the welcome screen by the main door, we requested updates to the missions on the parish website . We displayed information at the Parish Camp in the Prayer Tent, but this was of limited use. There is work to do on the display at St Luke’s.

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As a parish we deliver envelopes for the Annual Christian Aid Appeal in May and host the churn for their return.

We are hoping that the Youth Groups will be able to hold a project to support LAMA House in the Philippines with their outreach work to young people especially those in the Detention Centres, but we probably need to offer more encouragement to get this off the ground.

At the end of July Bob Carrington celebrated his 60[th] Anniversary of serving with Church Army.

Brian Millar filled the sermon slot on 3[rd] August at St Leonard’s with a talk about his recent pilgrimage and work with the YMCA.

August saw the start of the Shoe Box Appeal and eventual collection of boxes being blessed in the October before being taken to the Link to Hope Depot in Ferring. Our grateful thanks to David and Hazel Bramley who have stepped down this year after some twenty years of organising this appeal.

Homelink, organised by the local churches, (working with the homeless in the Lewes District to provide loans to cover a deposit and first month’s rent with repayment tailored to individual needs and now includes mentored ex-offenders released from Lewes Prison) – has been looking for new trustees. As one of the largest churches in the area, it would be good if we could find someone to fill this role.

As a parish we retain 10% of our regular income to support our Mission partners and some going to the Vicars’ Discretionary Fund. Half of that amount goes to our own Children’s Youth and Family Work so thank you for all your help in enabling the parish to reach out to those in need both in the UK and overseas. Above all we urge you please, to continue to pray for this work.

Keeping St Leonard’s Open – Janet Kent

During 2025 we were able with the help of a group of volunteers to keep St Leonards open for three hours a day, five days a week.

Visitors range from tourists from all over the world, to people with historic connections to St Leonards. Including one couple who came with a copy of their Great, Great, Great, Great Grandparents marriage certificate from 1860.

Some visitors call in for silent prayer, many light a candle in remembrance. Some are in distress, some celebrating prayer answered. Some just because the door is open and they have never been inside before.

Our Church Sitters meet their varied needs with a smile, a kind word or chat, a listening ear and when needed a shared time of prayer.

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Should you doubt the importance of this ministry, one casual visitor thanks to the relationship he has build up with one pair of our Church Sitters is now attending Alpha and checking into church weekly.

If you can give one morning a month or be on our emergency sitters rota or would just like to find our more please have a word with either Janet Kent or Julia Lawson.

Mother’s Union – Janet Kent

During 2025 we held a variety of monthly meetings, ranging from exploring the Bible with the Revd. Brigid Hadfield and The Revd. James H. To fundraising Quizzes and Desert Island Discs featuring Rev Carole Darling.

Many Meetings involved tea and cake, with a visit to Arlington Church and tea Rooms, a fundraising Cream Tea at Stephanies and our annual Ecumenical Service and Tea.

Our Friendship lunch which grew from a simple soup and roll to a Feast was very successful and set us up for an afternoon of wrapping 20 parcels for YMCA Eastbourne.

We ended the year joining the Women’s Group at the annual Stop Over Service in St Leonards. Giving gifts for the young women they support.

During 2025 we attended eight Baptisms, welcoming and presenting the children with Bible Story Books. Our Members also supported families and children by helping with TOTS refreshments and helping at the Holiday Club . Monthly Citizenship Ceremonies (more tea and cake) but also welcoming and conversation. As a Branch we raised money for Wolo and the YMCA we gave socks for the people detained at Gatwick and wrote Christmas cards for distribution at Lewes and Ford Prisons.

As supporters of Mothers Union one of the most important action we can all take is to pray for our local families and children and for the wider M.U. initiatives ,such as action against Gender based violence, modern day slavery and working to empower women world wide.

Seaford Parish Women’s Group – SPWG – Julia Lawson

Seaford Parish Women’s Group usually meet in St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road Chyngton, on the 3[rd] Monday of the month starting at 7.30pm.

We began the year with an AGM, upside down raffle and discussed the next year’s programme. The meetings are varied with speakers and social evenings. We particularly enjoyed an informative talk by Rev Chris Collison about his work with the Mission to Seafarers and how they support men and women working at sea and in ports and centres worldwide. We enjoy social evenings of fellowship together playing board games, quizzes, crafts and talking about our favourite books. The annual dinner at The Boot is also a highlight and in August we meet for a sumptuous tea in Arlington Tea

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Garden. In December, we held a combined service for Stopover with the Mother’s Union in St Leonard’s Church led by Carole Darling. Stopover Enterprise care for young women in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, providing accommodation, respite, counselling, and rehabilitation. This was an opportunity to reflect upon how fortunate we are and the pleasure in helping others during challenging times. Tina O’Connell Stopover Deputy Head of Supported Houses gave an update on the charity and was delighted to receive the donated Christmas gifts on behalf of Stopover, co-ordinated by Connie Hughes the Seaford representative. We closed the year with an evening of our favourite Carols and readings. We especially enjoy sharing companionship together and are always pleased to welcome new members to join our evenings, sharing fellowship and a varied programme. We close our evening with prayers and reflections.

St Leonard’s & St Luke’s Parish Lunch – Julia Lawson

Parish Lunch produced over 250 meals this year. We meet on the 1[st] Wednesday of the month in St Luke’s Hall at 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity to socialise in a warm environment and enjoy home cooking. We cater for all dietary requirements and 4/5 volunteers work hard with limited time to get the lunch ready on time. We serve a hot main meal and dessert, followed by tea or coffee for just £6.00. You’d be welcome to join the team or come for lunch.

Men’s Meal – Rev Derreck Lee-Philpot

What has become popularly known as the ‘Men’s Meal’ meets six times a year to share a meal together, chat and catch-up with what is happening with each other, and to hear a guest speaker(s). This past year it has met at The Wellington PH where we have been warmly welcomed by the landlord Simon. The evening is open to all and there is a balanced mixture of both church and non-church folk of varying denominations. This year we have had a wide variety of speakers from Michael Holmes giving us his testimony and story, Fred Bass leading us through the intricacies of Portuguese wine and its tasting. In the middle of the year was a brilliant BBQ held at the Vicarage, no speaker but loads of chat and fellowship in the garden.

A personal disappointment was being on holiday and missing for Kevin Gordon’s ‘History of St Leonard’s Church’, those of you that know Kevin will appreciate what an interesting evening it was. The Autumn brought Mark Brunet speaking about his delight in mathematics and how reassuring he finds it. A strange topic you may think but was enlivened by Mark’s enthusiasm and some practical experiments. We closed the year with the ‘Darlings’, not Peter Pan’s family but our own Rev Carole and husband Brian doing a double-act on the subject of ‘Near Misses’.

A big ‘thank you’ to Lloyd Thompson who co-ordinates our gatherings and organises speakers. He is assisted by a willing cohort who welcome and divest us of our subs as we enter the room. A second ‘thank you’ to all those that have attended and contributed to the Men’s Meal this year, it would not work without you. If you would like to be a part of Men’s Meal please do contact Lloyd at [e-mail] and he will

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add you to the contact list to keep you informed about our gatherings, to which you will be most welcome.

The Bell Tower

Currently there are about 20 signed up members of the bell ringing team and Sunday numbers range between 6 and 14 ringers. As well as ringing for the 9.30 service on a Sunday and practising on a Tuesday evenings, in 2025 we have rung for weddings, funerals, civic occasions, numerous carol services and seen in the New Year. On Open Church Saturdays we welcome ringers from other churches, many of whom come because we are an 8 bell tower rather than having the more common 6 and of course there is the enticement of delicious coffee and cake.

The band is ably lead by Tower Captain Debbie Evans and bell maintenance is overseen by Steeper Keeper, Roger Murray. This year he had to deal with a major problem. One practice night we heard an almighty thump directly overhead. On investigation Roger found that the clapper of the Six Bell had sheered off at the top of the shaft, near the pivot and dropped to the floor. Luckily the bells are hung 2 floors up from the ringing chamber so there was no danger of it falling on our heads and killing one of us. Roger contacted the Loughborough Bell Foundry who sent someone to inspect all the bells as a safety precaution. They took away the damaged clapper, cast a new one and fitted it for us. Our Treasurer, Carole Josey, reported that the cost of £492 was paid from the Bell Fund held by the Church, so thank you.

As well as ringing in Seaford some of our band ring in other towers. At present we have a regular link with Piddinghoe church where the bells have recently been restored. Many of their ringers are novices so welcome practising with other ringers. In the summer we had a ringing outing to 4 other Sussex towers; Danehill, Ardingly, West Hoathly and Barcombe.

Although only about half the band are churchgoers everyone recognises that our job is to call people to worship. So whenever you hear St Leonard’s bells join with us in remembering the inscription on our largest, Tenor bell: ‘Peace and Prosperity to this Parish’.

Lunch Time Concerts in St. Leonard’s – John Baker

There were 9 concerts between February and November in 2025 (Easter Saturday fell on the third Saturday in April so there was no concert then). There was piano (twice), organ (twice), flute and accordion, piano duet, piano and violin, harmonica and piano and finally a flute group. Our audiences ranged from 53 to 98, averaging 83. As usual the final concert, which was by Sussex Flutes, was dedicated to St Cecilia, patron saint of music and the retiring collection for Christian Aid raised £670. There was also almost £1247 left at the end of the year for Church funds. We are hugely grateful to our loyal audiences who support us so well.

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The aim of the concerts is to enable people to hear talented, usually professional musicians and provide the musicians with performing opportunities especially at the start of their career. We aim to provide a friendly welcome for people from all walks of life to our beautiful church, some who might not otherwise come through the door.

The concerts are on the third Saturday of the month from February to November, have free admission and remain self-supporting thanks to the generosity of our audience. There is a brochure listing the concerts planned for 2026 available at both Churches.

St. Leonard’s Choir Report – John Baker

During 2025 the choir continued leading the singing at the 9.30 am service each week at St Leonard’s usually including an anthem. We have also supported a few other services such as funerals and Thanksgiving services. At Christmas there was the Christmas Lessons and Carols, First Communion of Christmas and Christmas Day. Apart from the people who sing on Sundays we have a loyal group of singers who join us for special services to augment the choir.

We’ve been pleased to welcome a new member and one of our augmenters to the Sunday choir during the year. Most of the choir once again joined other choirs in the Deanery for Choral Evensong at St Mary’s Church Ringmer in June. More informally we enjoyed our annual garden party in July and once again the weather was very kind to us.

I am very grateful to all the choir members for their support and loyalty throughout the year. We are always pleased to welcome new members who would like to join our four part choir and sing at services. Do contact me via [e-mail] or find me at coffee after a 9.30 service if you think you may be interested in joining the choir.

We meet on a Thursday evening from 7 – 8.30pm in St Leonard’s Church, it’s not all hard work though, there is often chocolate involved!

Flowers – Liz Morgan Jones

Thanks are due to those who donate and those who arrange our flowers on a regular basis and especially to Jenny Miller who took overall responsibility at St Luke’s and to Margaret Smith who took overall responsibility at St Leonard’ during 2025.

It has been more of a challenge at St Luke’s during this time as the use of the building has increased and so the opportunities to gain access to arrange flowers for the festivals has decreased, but each time the team produced some lovely displays.

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Decorating St Leonard’s the week before Christmas included the scaffolding which had been erected to repair the rose window only for the scaffolders to arrive the following day to dismantle it after repeated requests to take it away before the festival! Daffodils were also bunched and distributed at both churches for Mothering Sunday.

We pray we will be able to continue to enhance our regular worship with flower displays for the during 2026 but with decorators at St Luke’s and builders at St Leonard’s there may some interruptions to our previous routines.

Fabric Report – Mike Holmes

St Leonard’s Church

Good Shepherd Window: The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) insisted that the repair to this vandalised window must be done by an Accredited Conservator of Glass in Listed Buildings, a PACR member of the Institute of Conservators. A detailed check showed that there were only 25 people in the country with this qualification recommend by the DAC. We appointed Clifford Durrant to repair this window. Clifford had the necessary qualifications and he operated out of Horsham. The actual glass in the window was provided from a firm that went out of business in 1992. Fortunately Clifford brought all their glass from the company, when they went out of business. This meant he had exactly the glass we required. There was substantial damage to many decorative panes, at least 12 visible broken panes, resulting in much lost of original detail. Fortunately, along with a few fragments there was a photographic record to base new pieces on. Emphasis was on the advantages / disadvantages of an in situ or external repair. Clifford recommended external repair. The damaged window parts were taken to his studio and the damaged areas were tapped up. Following the completion and repair of the damaged parts at his studio, Clifford returned and fitted the repair back to the Good Shepherd window. As the window was vandalised, this was an insurance job and a vast majority of the cost was covered by our Insurance Company.

We were pleased to note that there were many excellent comments on the outcome of the repaired window.

Rose and Lancet Windows: There were leaks from the Rose and Lancet windows, situated on the right side as you look down towards the altar. We appointed Tilley Stonemasons to fix these leaks. This involved setting up scaffolding to both the internal and external parts of the church.

The work involved:-External Works to South Circular Window

1. Erect a fixed scaffold (with hoarding) to allow access to all of the south circular window (

2. Range over the stonework and brush back any loose to the surface

3. Carefully remove the window guards and set aside

4. Point open joints to the stonework and stonework to flint work

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1. Make good to failing/failed areas of stonework

2. Upon completion of repairs gently clean the glass with a lint free cloth

3. Securely refix the window guards to their original positions

Internal Works to South Circular Window and RHS Lancet window

1. Erect a fixed scaffold to allow access to all of the south circular window and RHS lancet

2. window

3. Provide protection to the windows, church furniture and floor as necessary

4. Range over the stonework and brush back any loose to the surface

5. Point open joints to the stonework

6. Make good to failing/failed areas of stonework

7. Upon completion of repairs gently clean the glass with a lint free cloth

This work was started very late in November and we are pleased to say that, following a number of requests, following completion, the contractor was able to remove the internal scaffolding before the important church Christmas services. As of mid / late January the external scaffolding is still with us. No doubt this will be fully removed, when the scaffolding is urgently needed for another job.

Church Wall (to your left, as you look at the altar) this was listed to be done this year (2025). However, it was suggested that this work be delayed, until the proposed new slope has been installed. Recent investigation suggests the fixing of this wall could be a big job. The left side wall, as you look to the altar, shows distinct signs of paint peeling and this will need repair. Our architect has advised that we should not use modern paints, as they will seal the damp in which will force the plaster or render off. We need a vapour-permeable paint; Keim Optil would be suitable and would need to be applied - strictly according to manufacturer’s recommendations. https://www.keim.com/en - gb/products/interior paints/optil/ Note if there are salts visible or if the paint surface is flaking, as it is, then the paint and contaminated plaster/render should be removed first and suitably repaired. The quote request will need to clearly define the requirements and preferably agreed with the architect. This may require a Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) paper.

It is clear the bottom half of the wall has been repainted and, it is very likely, with the wrong paint, which may have caused the wall to hold in the damp and damage the surface. The whole bottom half of the wall would need to be sanded back and checked for any other affected areas, potentially needing the inside render/plaster all removed and redone. This would also need the heating to be disconnected and removed from the wall while the work is being done.

As the new major church building project requires the radiator to be removed for a new slope to be installed, the proposed work on the wall will be incorporated within the new building project.

Lightning Conductor: In November this was successfully checked, tested and visually inspected and a test certificate has been made available which covers us for another year. This certification is a legal

requirement.

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Church Door: this slipped and grated the ground. Charles Painter with a couple of younger friends fixed this and we took the opportunity to thank him.

Fire Extinguishers: these have been fully checked and successfully tested, as per safety requirements. Again this is a legal requirement.

St Luke’s Church

Altar: this has been boxed in on 3 sides with oak wood, we are pleased to note the many favourable comments that have been made. Our carpenter has also created a cupboard (left wall from looking at the altar) to match the cupboard on the right.

Fire Extinguishers: as per St Leonard’s Church, these have been fully checked and successfully tested, a safety requirement. Again this is also a legal requirement. Hall Painting we have appointed a maintenance / painter / decorator to redecorate the whole of St Luke’s.

Unfortunately the initial timescales have been delayed, as the hall bookings have been extensive The schedule for this work, to be completed in 2026, is now as follows:-

1. January 19th-23rd: Main hall, lower areas

2. February 16th-20th: Main hall, high areas

3. March 23rd-27th: Altar and room next to the altar

4. April 20th-24th: Tower

5. June 22nd-26th: Tower and external windows

6. July 27th-31st: External windows

This means that the actual painting of the church hall will not be completed, until end of March. The Tower area with the water leak will not be completed, until late April with all external windows being completed by end July.

We now have a Fabric Committee consisting of 6 people.

Report to the APCM for the Financial year ending the 31 December 2025

The year that ended on the 31st December was once again a year where one large transaction overpowered all the day to day activity which rather skews one’s view of the whole year’s activity. I talk of course of the receipt of the funds for the sale of the Church Hall which at £375,001 gave us a profit of £235 001 over, the Balance Sheet value, which had stood at £140, 000. The funds finally materialised on the 24 April after many years and much hard work. We had fees for the sale of £13,009 so the net profit was £361,992

This inflow of funds meant we have been in surplus throughout the remainder of the year and finally ended up with just £15 short of £85000 at £84985. This being after Income of £564,227 and expenditure of £479,242.

So leaving aside the hall funds how did the Parish manage through the year.

Our regular giving income from Standing Orders into our Deposit bank account: our Parish Giving Funds by Direct Debit; collections in Church both in cash and Electronically and the gift aid of £28,616 we reclaim from HMRC were in total a little down year on year.

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We did well on Grants at £26737 and Donations which enabled us to take on special projects such as the sound System and Painting of the entire building at St Luke’s, which is still on going but what is done looks lovely. Also employing Kim Cuthbert our Assistant Children Youth and Family Missioner.

Our special activities are referred to as Charitable and include the Weddings and Funerals taken by our clergy who are robustly supported by the retired clergy. The services raise income though use of the Choir and Tech Team Broadcasts and the ringing of the Bells. All the members of these bands of workers freely giving their time.

The letting of the Churches is proving to provide an increasing level of income after the trouble caused by Covid and produce £13,236 which is overseen by our Bookings Officer. Please contact Charleen if you want to book an event.

The Saturday concerts made a healthy contribution of £1235 and also raised £670 for Christian Aid at the year end concert.well done to all who enjoy and attend these musical master pieces.

The Investment income at £46708 is most pleasing being up £17400 due to the Church Hall proceeds invested in the CCLA (Churches, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Company). Our property rental income remained the same as last year.

Other Income which is a significant figure this year at £268427 is in the main due to the Hall net sale proceeds £235001, an Insurance claim for the repair of the Good Shepherd Stained Glass window £5250 and an astonishing level of donations to the work of the Children and Family Mission team who raised over £11187 to fund the Camps and Garden open day as well as the new St Luke’s Christmas festival. All of which brought great enjoyment to the attendees and shows how much our Youth team are adding to the church family.

A thank must go to our on line shoppers who via easyfundingraising.com raised a £106. Please join if you shop on line.

In total we received income of £564,227

This is how we spent the money!

Raising funds at £5596 is all down to the costs of hiring out the hall and being paid electronically, we are very modern and high tech in our operations.

Under the heading of Charitable Activities we cover all the exciting items like Parish Share, Missionary Giving, Salaries, repairs to the buildings all the utilities costs for our buildings right down to our smallest cost of Flowers and Display Materials.

Taking these in that order. We met our commitment to give the Diocese £12000 a month as our Parish Contribution, this slightly exceeded what we were asked to give by the Deanery, but your PCC is a generous body and felt that we should contribute a little over the calculated amount to ease the burden on the smaller parishes of the Deanery. A discipline we are continuing in 2026.

In line with our previous commitment to our Mission Partners, please learn all about them elsewhere in this report, we give 10% of our weekly gifts so we allocated £12750 to be shared out as shown in Note 4. We do give to our in-house Mission Team of Stefan

Page 20 of 34

and Kim £6800. We hold in reserve one sixteen of the allocation as an emergency fund should the need arise during the year.

Staffing costs almost matched our Parish Share at £140,823. This is to some extent caused by the appointment of Kim to the ACFYW post, but this has been covered in the first year by grant income. Nonetheless it swells the total. We handed the work of supporting the Fitzgerald Trust back to that Trust and thus had surplus of labour in the office admin area. It was thus agreed that we should offer a redundancy package and sadly part with the services of Charlie Christie after her ten years tenure of the Parish Assistant roll. Thank you Charlie.

Looking forward, I estimate that the present year’s staffing costs will show a reduction of some £20000 over that of 2025.

We have spent just over £26000 in running the CYFW part of the church in addition to the salaries but much of this has been raised by the team and I would recommend to you that we get excellent value for our money in the work that takes place.

Our buildings costs are, I hope , well controlled Gas and Electricity tariffs have been reduced and the closure of the Hall is saving us money. The insurance is provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance and the premium have remained almost static as we have been on a there year contract, which has sadly ended so higher costs in 2026. This insurance company in the guise of it’s owner the Benefact Trust is the main financial support for the Assistant CYFM, so please support this organisation if you can.

The repairs that have been written about in the Fabric report have put St Leonard’s, with it’s window renovations and St Likes with it’s overall painting. In good state of repair. Our interest income from the Hall sale has enabled us to be prepared as we take on the building project which has been a long term ambition to have Toilets and Kitchen facilities in St Leonard’s and a great improve Holy Spirit Chapel which will allow us to invite more users in into our beautiful Church and see the Holy Spirit at work in Seaford.

2026’s big number will be the half a million pounds that will have been spent on the Building Project which begins on the 6th of February.

Lastly, I have to inform you that this will be my last act as your treasurer as Rachel and I are moving back to Essex to be near our son and his family. Thank you for your generosity and support over the last five years.

Paul Waller.

The PCC encourages employees to join the Church Workers Pension Fund, which is a defined benefit pension scheme. The PCC matches contributions made by the employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the PCC. The contributions payable by the PCC are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they are incurred.

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Structure, governance and management of the Charity.

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

PCC for the year January 2025 – December 2025

Ex Oficio members
Incumbent:	The Rev’d. James Hollingsworth	Chairman
Associate Clergy:	The Rev’d. Derreck Lee-Philpot
	The Rev’d Lucy Hollingsworth
	The Rev’d Carole Darling
Churchwardens	Fred Bass
	Elizabeth Morgan-Jones
Deputy Wardens	Joanne Lalla
for St Luke’s	Paul Bloxham
Deputy Wardens:	Janet Kent	Vice Chairman
for St Leonard’s	Paul Waller	Treasurer
Elected PCC Members
Sue Topp	(from APCM April 2023)
Sally Thompson	(from APCM April 2023)
Lizzie Jackson	(from APCM April 2023)
Ann Richards	(from APCM April 2024)
Diana Dixon	(from APCM April 2024)
Paul Bloxham	(from APCM April 2024)
Elaine Day	(from APCM April 2024)
Sam Fowler	(from APCM April 2025)
Mike Holmes	(from APCM April 2025)
David Robertson	(from APCM April 2025)
Geof Thomas	(from APCM April 2025)
Co-opted
Stefan Bracher
Stephanie Baker

PCC Secretary Stephanie Baker

Elected Deanery Synod Members (from APCM April 2023) Julia Lawson Bob Carrington Carole Kay

Page 22 of 34

Mark Gill (from July 2024)

Deanery Representatives on Diocesan Synod: Mark Gill (from September 2024) Revd James Hollingsworth, Rev’d Lucy Hollingsworth

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members (the incumbent/priest-in-charge, curate, lay readers licensed to officiate in the church), the churchwardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods and 18 members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Revd. James Hollingsworth, PCC Chairman

Date……26[th] April 2026………………………

Seaford Parochial Church Council - 1131402

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Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

The financial effect of our activities during the year can be summarised as follows:

Income and endowments from:	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Prior Year
Donations and legacies	181,023	40,217	-	221,241	269,748
Income from charitable activities	23,475	2,495	-	26,240	23,280
Other trading activities	1,610		-	1,610,	1,870
Investments	46,708		-	46,708	29,148
Other income	250,526	17,900	-	268,427	21,518
Total income	503,615	60,612	-	564,227	345,565
Expenditure on:			-
Raising funds	5,427	168	-	5,596	5,148
Expenditure on charitable activities	339,100	85,768	-	424,868	336,607
Other expenditure	39,439	9,337	-	48,776	16,858
Total expenditure	383,967	95,274	-	479,242	358,613
Gains/Losses on investment assets			-		-
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer	119,647	(34,661)	-	84,985	(13,048)
Transfers			-
Gross transfers between funds - in	77,650	7,308	-	84,985	7,515
Gross transfers between funds - out	(77,650)	(7,308)	-	(84,985)	(7,515)
Other recognised gains / losses			-
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use			-		-
Net movement in funds	119,647	34,661	-	84,985	(13,048)
Reconciliation of funds			-
Total funds brought forward	810,021	262,109	-	1,072,131	1,085,179
Total funds carried forward	929,669	227,447	-	1,157,117	1,072,131

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Balance Sheet detailed

Balance Sheet detailed	Balance Sheet detailed	Balance Sheet detailed
As at As at . 31/12/2025 31/12/2024
Fixed assets 6430: St Luke's House 280,000.00 280,000.00 6431: St Leonard's Church Hall 140,000.00 6432: 35% of 2 Benenden Close 91,000.00 91,000.00 Total Fixed assets 371,000.00 511,000.00 Current assets 6501: Bank current account 1,242.18 5,151.87 6505: Bank Saver Account (Premium) 18,882.15 16,767.57 6506: Bank Saver Account (Reserve) 3,363.88 10,008.63 6510: CCLA (CBF) deposit account 732,058.68 295,636.66 6591: Office Cash Card — 362.70 6592: CYFW Cash Card 576.23 180.10 6594: Legacies Receivable 24,231.25 234,731.25 6597: Gift Aid Due 2,360,76 485.63 Z05: Accounts Receivable 9,194.65 5,074.35 Total Current assets 791,909.78 568,398.76 Liabilities— 6606: PAYE — — 6607: Net Wages — — 6608: Pensions Creditor 384.96 204.94 6699: Agency collections 932.70 112.00 Z04:Accounts Payable 4,475.05 6,950.14 Total Liabilities 5,792.71 7,267.08 Net Asset surplus (deficit) 1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68 Reserves Excess / (deficit) to date 84,985.39 (13,048.17) Z01:Starting balances 1,072,131.68 1,085,179.85 Total Reserves 1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68 Represented by Funds Unrestricted 720,068.69 666,833.42 Designated 209,600.48 143,188.37 Restricted 227,447.90 262,109.89 Endowment — — Total 1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68
		5,792.71 7,267.08 1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68 84,985.39 (13,048.17) 1,072,131.68 1,085,179.85
		1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68 720,068.69 666,833.42 209,600.48 143,188.37 227,447.90 262,109.89 — —
	Total	1,157,117.07 1,072,131.68

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1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities, (SORP (FRS 102)).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention \as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value \and the revaluation of fixed assets. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members

Funds accounting

Funds held by the PCC are:

Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes

Designated funds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects

Restricted funds - a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund

Endowment funds - funds for which the capital must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment

Income and endowments

All income and endowments, accounted for without deduction for any costs of receivability, are recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Donations and legacies

Collections are recognised when received.

Planned giving receivable is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention to donate

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Gift aid recovered is recognised when the income to which it is attached is recognised Grants and legacies are recognised when the formal offer in writing of the funding, is received by the PCC.

Charitable activities

Statutory fees for weddings and funerals are recognised when the office occurs

Other trading activities

Trading activities are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing services. Income from trading is recognised either: a - when received, or b - in the case of concerts: for the year in which the event occurs, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place.

Sales of magazines and study notes are recognised when received

Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable.

Investment income

Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.

All other income

All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold

Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation at 31 December

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, payment is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Church activities

The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflecting the allocation set by our Deanery. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.

Fixed assets

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Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected but are not included in the financial statements. For other property acquired prior to ( date ) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore the cost of such assets is stated at a nominal £1 in the financial statements.

All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under (put in limit, say £1,000) are written off in the year they were incurred

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:

Land	Nil
Buildings	Nil
Fixtures and fttings	20%
Audio visual equipment	33%
Ofice equipment	25%

No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings as the useful economic life of these assets exceeds 50 years and residual values so high that potential depreciation would be immaterial. It is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. Resulting from regular impairment reviews, provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank.

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4. Missionary and Charitable Giving

Overseas: Cambodia Action, LAMA, Mission Direct, Samaras Aid, Home: Children Youth and Family Missioner Diocesan Family Support Work, Homelink, Beachy Head Chaplaincy, Church Army, Caring and Sharing, Waves	Unrestricted 2,555 6,800 3,400	Restricted - -	Endowed - -	Total Funds 2025 2,555 6,800 3,400	Total Funds 2024 2,505 6,680 3,340	Notes
	12,750	-	-	12,750	12,525

5.Staf Costs

5.StafCosts	12,750	-	-	12,750	12,525
Remuneration Wages and salaries Employer social security costs Employer pension costs	Unrestricted 107,874 8,540 417	Restricted 20,210 2,468 1,314	Endowed - - -	Total Funds 2025 128,082 11,009 1,732	Total Funds 2024 94,263 5,471 1,337	Notes
	116,831	23,992	-	140,823	101,071

6. Payment to PCC members

Clergy and Youthworkers were paid out of pocket expenses

7. Transactions with persons related to PCC members

None.

8. Transactions with related charities

None.

9. Governance

None. 9. Governance
Independent examination and professional advice Accounts production Bookkeeping	Unrestricted 1,725 1,353 5,976	Restricted - - -	Endowed - - -	Total Funds 2025 1,725 1,353 5,976	Total Funds 2024 1,825 784 5,640	Notes
	9,064	-	-	9,064	8,249

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10. Transfer between Funds

		Unrestricted -		Restricted		Endowed		Total Funds 2025		Total Funds 2024		Notes
11. Fixed Assets and Investments
Market value 1 January 2022 Disposals at carrying value Purchases at cost Net gains and revaluation			Unrestricted - - - -			Restricted - - - -		Endowed		Total Funds 2025 511,000 140,000			Notes
Market value 31 December 2024			-			-				371,000
11a Tangible Fixed Assets.
Cost or valuation At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Revaluation			Freehold land and buildings 511,000 140,000			Audio visual		Ofice Equipment		Total fxed assets 511,000 140,000			Notes
At 31 December 2025			371,000							371,000
Charge for impairment At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Revaluation
At 31 December 2025
Net book amounts At 31 December 2025			371,000							371,000
13.Net Assets by Fund
Fixed assets for church use Investment fxed assets Current assets (except cash)	Unrestricted -			Restricted 371,000 -			Endowed		Total Funds 2025 371,000		Total Funds 2024 511,000

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Cash at bank and on deposit Current liabilities Long term liabilities	(5,793)	-	-	755,547 (5,793)	328,107 (7267)
				1,120,754	831,840

14. Debtors

14. Debtors				1,120,754	831,840
Income tax recoverable Legacies Other debtors	Unrestricted 2,360 24,231 9,195	Restricted	Endowed - - -	Total Funds 2025 2,360 24,231 9,195	Total Funds 2024 486 - 239,806	Notes
	35,786		-	35,786	240,292

15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Deferred income Accruals for utilities and other costs Archdeacon's loan Other creditors	Unrestricted 5,792		Restricted - - - -	Endowed - - - -			Total Funds 2025 5,792		Total Funds 2024 7,267 -	Notes
			-	-
16. Creditors: amounts falling due			after one year
Deferred income Accruals for utilities and other costs Archdeacon's loan Other creditors	Unrestricted - - - -		Restricted - - - -		Endowed - - - -		Total Funds 2025 - - - -		Total Funds 2024 - - - -		Notes
	-		-		-		-		-

16. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

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Notes to the Financial Report

18. Statement of Funds

Explanation of Funds

Endowed funds are required by the donors to be invested and the income spent on specific objectives

Restricted funds are not invested permanently but are to be spent within reasonable timescales

Unrestricted funds are not subject to any donor restrictions and can be spent as the PCC decides

Summary of all funds

Fund income and expenditure and final balances are as follows

	Balances b/fwd 1 Jan2025	Income	Expenditure	Transfers, other gains and losses	Balances c/fwd 31 Dec 2025
	£	£	£	£ -	£ -
Total of all endowed funds				-
				- -	- -
Total of all restricted funds	262,109	60,612	(95,274)
General fund Designated Revaluation reserve	666,833 143,188	503,615	(383,967)
Total of all unrestricted funds	810,021	503,615	(383,967)
Total funds	1,072,131	564,227	(479,242)

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Independent Examiner’s Report

to the PCC of Sutton with Seaford for the Year Ended 31st December, 2025

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish (PCC) of St Leonard’s and St Luke’s, Seaford, on the annual report for the year ended 31st December 2025 set out on pages 24 to 32

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner		The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: 1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, 2. 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 3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement		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 matter has come to my attention~~(other than~~ ~~that disclosed below in Section B )~~ 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 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. _ Please delete the words in the(brackets) if they do not apply_
Examiner’s signature
Examiner’s name CAPITALS		CHRIS TYLER FCA DChA FCIE
Date Relevant professional qualification(s) or body_if any_
Examiner’s address		F1 CRT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court Laine Close BRIGHTON BN1 6TD

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Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems for example:

• accounting records have not been kept in accordance with s132 of the Charities ’Act 2011 and those accounts do not comply with the requirements of the 2008 Regulations setting out the form and content of charity accounts;

• any material expenditure or action which appears not to be in accordance with the trusts of the charity;

• any failure to be provided with information and explanations by any past or present trustee, officer or employee; and

• any material inconsistency between the accounts and the trustees ’annual report.

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose

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