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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Cuckfield

2023-12-31-accounts

Joyfully Serving Jesus

The Parochial Church Council of the

Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity Cuckfield UK Registered Charity No. 1131432

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Holy Trinity Church The Church Office The Old School Church Street Cuckfield West Sussex RH17 5JZ

Email: office@holytrinitycuckfield.org Tel: 01444-456461

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Benefice of Cuckfield & Bolney The Parochial Church Council Holy Trinity Cuckfield

UK Registered Charity No. 1131432

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Contents

Page
Annual Report 2
Statement of Financial Activities 11
Balance Sheet 12
Notes to the Accounts 13
Independent Examiner’s Report 22
Incumbent: The Revd Daniel Valentine (from 22nd November 2023)
The Vicarage
5 Barrowfield, Cuckfield
West Sussex RG17 5ER
Independent Examiner: Amy Beecroft FCA
19 Newton Road
Lindfield
West Sussex RH16 2NB
PCC Bankers: Santander UK PLC
BBAM, Bridle Road, Bootle
Merseyside GIR 0AA
Barclays Bank PLC
South Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 4ND
Old School Board CCLA
Bankers: Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4ET
HSBC Bank PLC
37-39 South Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 4LQ
Friends of HSBC Bank PLC
Holy Trinity Bankers: 37-39 South Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 4LQ
Correspondence: The PCC Secretary (pccsecretary@holytrinitycuckfield.org)
The Church Office
The Old School
Church Street, Cuckfield
West Sussex RH17 5JZ

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Annual Report

1. Status

The Parochial Church Council ( PCC ) is a Registered Charity (No. 1131432) under the formal description of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Cuckfield . Two alternative short-form names have been registered with the Charity Commission: Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield and Holy Trinity Cuckfield PCC . During the year under review, following the joining of the parishes of Bolney and Cuckfield, the Diocese confirmed the new entity’s name as the Benefice of Cuckfield and Bolney , each parish retaining its own PCC.

The PCC is responsible for the assets and statutory duties of The Old School , adjacent to the Church, and the accounts for that activity are incorporated within this report. The PCC has appointed an Old School Board to assist it in the fulfilment of its obligations and effective management of the building.

The Friends of Holy Trinity is a PCC subsidiary organisation, conceived to assist in raising funds for the upkeep of the fabric of the Church, whose accounts are incorporated within those of the PCC. To maximize its effectiveness, the Friends have their own Board, and operate within terms of reference set by the PCC.

This Annual Report is prepared in accordance with the Church Representation Rule M5(1), revised January 2020, which requires the PCC to provide the Annual Meeting with the following: (a) a report on the changes to the roll since the last annual meeting; (b) an annual report on the proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish generally; (c) the financial statements of the PCC for the year ending 31[st] December preceding the meeting; (d) the annual fabric report under section 50 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018 ; and (e) a report of the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.

2. Purpose & Objectives

The primary objective of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.

In pursuit of this purpose, the PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the parish priest in the promotion within the parish of the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical.

The PCC’s aim in doing this is to make Christ better known, and to make a difference to the lives of those with whom we come in touch – whether or not members of the Church of England – in the form of:

3. Supporting Strategies

The strategy by which the objectives are currently achieved is joyfully serving Jesus in all we do, by which we mean:

We do this by enabling as many people as possible: to worship at church; to become part of our parish community through the teaching, baptising and nurturing of new and existing believers; by considering how services can involve the many groups that live within the parish. We put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament, and provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish. These strategies are informed by and consistent with The Bishop’s Charge to the clergy of the Diocese in the form of the Diocese’s current strategy which is based on three strands: (i) growing in depth, holiness, then numbers; (ii) re-imagining the forms of ministry needed going forward; and (iii) engaging with local communities in pursuit of the Common Good.

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

4. Public Benefit

While English Law historically recognised the provision of religion as charitable work, that presumption no longer holds. Under the latest Charities Acts, the PCC needs to be aware that the provision of religion, education or relief of poverty must pass the public benefit test, and not be solely for the private benefit of its members or adherents . In reviewing activities over the year, the incumbent and PCC have taken account of the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and of the more specific guidance for the advancement of religion ( Reg. 40 2.c.iii ). While Section (7) sets out a more general Review of the Year , Section (5) below focuses on the performance and achievements which most impact our delivered public benefit and make a tangible difference to our beneficiaries; conversely, the PCC is not aware of any activities that have caused detriment, harm or private benefit from their carrying out.

5. Performance & Achievements Review

Performance Review: the statistics in the table below are drawn from the required Diocesan return of attendance at regular services, baptisms, confirmations, etc. ‘Weekly average attendance’ is calculated for a week in October. The methodology’s emphasis on physical attendance and ‘actual’ communicants means its year to year comparisons are limited where periods of lockdown were necessitated. The numbers for participation in services via Zoom ( following the chart below ) show that peak Zoom value has passed but continues to be of value for those at home.

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Attendances:
Christmas
Communion
Services		 292 374 313 153 517 538 514 594 487 391
of which
Communicants		 246 182 222 121 366 378 379 348 339 259
Christmas
Crib/Stable/Nativity		 505 509 290 80 729 727 707 1012 1005 740
Easter Services 294 229 227 Closed 400 414 416 309 332 318
of which
Communicants		 204 196 140 284 299 268 198 236 225
Weekly Average
Attendance		 140 160 160 80 200 200 193 190 190 180
of which
Communicants		 110
120
120
160
155		 150 158 160 135
Electoral Roll: 241 255 255 255 248 343 339 279 273 273
Weddings: 7 14 5 4 12 10 15 9 18 28
Baptisms: 21 22 26 8 22 31 35 43 40 33
Confirmation
Candidates:		 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 3 0 9
Funerals: 20 31 33 35 28 29 43 26 30 23

Over 2023, in parallel to physical attendance, 127 services (down from last year’s 138) were live streamed from church. Together these services facilitated 1,400 virtual attendances over the year (down from 2,000 in 2022), an average of 11 (14 in 2022) at each. Looking at 09.45 Sunday services shows the 52 Sunday services available via Zoom each reached an average of 20 virtual participants (down from 26 in 2022), but conceals a 50% decline from 30 every Sunday at the start of the year to 15-20 by year end. Midweek and Evensong Zoom attendance shows an equivalent rate of decline.

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Public Benefit:

Charitable Giving

6. Structure, Governance & Management

i. Membership of the PCC during the year 2023

The full PCC between 1[st] January and 31[st] December 2023 was as follows:

Clergy: Lay members of the PCC *:
Revd Daniel Valentine (from 22nd November) Philip Richings (2023)
Revd Stephen Caple (Co-opted) Kate Berry (2024)
Licensed Reader: Jonathan Berry (2024)
Vicky Peattie David Thunder (2024)
Clive Simmonds Hilary Turner-King (2024)
Churchwardens: Jacqui Allcock (2025)
Jane Coan Terry Bevan (2025)
Brian Cutler_(Lay Vice Chairman of the PCC)_ Janice Brinley Codd (2025)
Deanery Synod Representatives *: Margaret Somers (2025)
Jill Brotherton (2026) Roger Edmonston (2026)
Rod Montague (2026) Paul Johnson (2026)
Mary Pape (2026) Carolyn Ponder (2026)
Isobel Simmonds (2026) Dick Whidborne (2026)
Vacancy(2026)

*** elected until the APCM of the year in brackets**

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

ii. Officers of the PCC 2023

The PCC is required by its constitution to appoint a Standing Committee with the power to transact business between PCC meetings, subject to any directions given it by the PCC. Comprising the Incumbent, Churchwardens and at least two others, the Standing Committee and other PCC Statutory Officers were appointed at the short PCC meeting immediately following the May 2023 APCM:

Standing Committee : Revd Daniel Valentine ( from 22[nd] November 2023), Jane Coan, Brian Cutler, Isobel Simmonds, David Thunder

PCC Officers: David Thunder ( Honorary PCC Secretary ), Isobel Simmonds ( Honorary PCC Treasurer ), Rod Montague ( Parish Safeguarding Coordinator ), Paul Johnson ( Electoral Roll Officer )

The PCC met on seven occasions during 2023, all bar one of which were able to be face to face. This facilitated a reduction in the number of e-motions carried under Rule M29 to two.

iii.

Committees of the PCC

The PCC is supported by and considers reports and recommendations from its committees whose roles are described below. The committees may only transact business set out in their individual terms of reference from the PCC and as contained in the PCC Handbook.

In 2023, in addition to the Standing Committee , there were five committees of the PCC:

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for advising the PCC on all matters relating to its financial responsibilities, for ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls exist, and for maintaining and producing accounts in accordance with the prescribed regulations. The Committee is responsible for the routine management of the financial affairs of the PCC.

Pastoral Committee

The Pastoral Committee is responsible to the PCC for focusing on both the community of the Church and all who come into contact with it. Its role is to develop and maintain ways of welcoming, encouraging, nurturing and caring for people so that the parish can fulfil both its pastoral mission and public benefit.

Outreach Committee

The PCC’s Outreach Committee is responsible for preparing and submitting for PCC approval recommendations regarding the allocation of funds to missions and charities, for maintaining links with those recipients, and for keeping the congregation informed of its activities.

The Roof Group

The role of the Roof Group is to deliver the conservation of the church roof and other outstanding major fabric projects in association with the wardens and PCC; to deliver related specific funding initiatives (e.g., National Lottery Heritage Fund) in support of these objectives; and to deliver the required associated public benefit, community engagement, and heritage development objectives.

The Old School Board

The Old School Board is responsible to the PCC for the routine operation and management of the PCC’s property adjacent to the Church, within the remit to provide the means to assist the outreach of the church to the local community, through the activities within the Old School.

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

iv. Holy Trinity Church of England (Aided) Primary School

The PCC has important governance responsibilities in connection with its Church School: the governing body of Holy Trinity CE (Aided) Primary School, in addition to the incumbent as Ex Officio Governor, has a majority of Foundation Governors, recommended by PCC decision but approved and appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education.

All are appointed for four years (renewable on application by the PCC at the discretion of the DBoE), dates of retirement in brackets below. At the end of 2023 the PCC Foundation Governors were:

Revd Daniel Valentine Ex-Officio Governor , from 22[nd] November 2023 Fiona Halsey (2024) Vice Chair Mark Andrews (2025) Rebecca Anderson (2026) Chair Zoe Humphrey (2026)

The following PCC Foundation Governors stood down in 2023: Maddy Hammersley and Lindsay Smith, leaving two vacancies for the PCC to fill.

v.

Governance Regulation

From January 2020, the power of the PCC to pass decisions by e-mail became automatic under the new Church Representation Rules , and this Rule M29 power covers the right of the PCC to meet electronically and for decisions reached via that medium to be fully valid. The PCC’s meeting held on Zoom during 2023 and the motions passed by email were validly held under this regulation.

vi.

Parish Personnel

Revd Daniel Valentine has been the Vicar of Cuckfield from 22[nd] November 2023. The parish has continued to be served by two retired priests, Revd Stephen Caple and Revd Canon David Tickner, supported by two Licensed Readers (Vicky Peattie and Clive Simmonds). Charlotte Tayler continued as Children’s and Families’ Lay Minister, and Jonathan Berry as a Lay Preacher. Gill Squires served as Parish Administrator until her retirement in August, and was succeeded by Emma-Jane Adamson. Richard Jenkinson was Organist and Choir Master until his retirement in August.

vii.

Safeguarding

The PCC has complied with its duty under Section 5, The Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure (2016) to have regard to the House of Bishops’ Guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Safeguarding Coordinator makes a full report to the APCM and reports to every PCC meeting. The parish Safeguarding Policy (reviewed and approved annually) can be seen in the Church Porch and on the Church website; a further copy is lodged with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

Everyone working with children or vulnerable adults through Holy Trinity has a current DBS Certificate. In addition to the three Clergy with PTO and our two Licensed Readers, along with Charlotte Tayler, the Children’s and Families Minister, and Jonathan Berry, Licensed Preacher, there are some 67 active DBS Certificates in place for current Volunteers (some having been checked through the Update Service); this includes all PCC and Old School Board members. The Diocesan Safeguarding training requirements of these personnel are regularly monitored and updated as need be.

The Parish committed itself to the Diocesan Simple Quality Protects safeguarding programme on its launch and achieved Level 1 in April 2018. The Compliance Certificate issued by the Diocese is displayed in the Church and the Porch. Maintenance of the standards of the scheme are kept under regular review. The current Safeguarding Policies, Guides, associated documentation and contact information for third party assistance are posted on the church website. Hard copies of these papers are also available for inspection in a folder kept in the Church Office and another placed in the Church Vestry

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

7. Review of the Year

Joyfully serving Jesus

For most of 2023 we were in vacancy, waiting for an appointment to be made and for our new incumbent to arrive. Fortunately, we were blessed during this time by our team of associate priests, readers and lay ministers, through whom we were able to maintain our full range of services and activities. We are particularly grateful to the Revd Stephen Caple, The Revd Stephen Terry and the Revd Canon David Tickner for their priestly ministry, and to our readers, Vicky Peattie and Clive Simmonds, and Authorised Lay Minister Jonathan Berry for the contributions that they each made to the worship and life of Holy Trinity during this time.

In November the waiting was finally over, and we were delighted to welcome the Revd Daniel Valentine as Vicar of the United Benefice of Cuckfield and Bolney. It was with great joy that we were able to celebrate his collation by the Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Revd Martin Warner and induction by the Archdeacon of Horsham, the Ven Angela Martin.

Our services continued to follow the pattern set by our previous incumbent at the end of the pandemic, with the main Sunday services and the Wednesday morning Eucharist being streamed. Although the numbers joining on Zoom have slowly fallen the service continues to be appreciated by those who have difficulty in getting to church and those who are temporarily away from home, and we are grateful to the technical team that continues to make this possible.

Music continues to be an important feature of the life of Holy Trinity, both in our services and the various concerts that take place in the church. Sadly, our Director of Music, Richard Jenkinson, retired at the end of October. Fortunately, a very able team has now stepped up to sustain the choir whilst we seek a new Director of Music.

We also had to say goodbye to Gill Squires during the year, after 23 years as our parish administrator. Gill provided outstanding support to the whole parish and will be very much missed. We were delighted that our proposal that Gill be awarded the Order of St Richard was accepted and Gill was duly inducted to the Order at a ceremony during Evensong in the Cathedral one Saturday in September. We were fortunate to be able to recruit Emma-Jane Adamson as Gill’s replacement before Gill retired.

Our work with children and families has continued in the primary school, through our holiday activities and through the choir club. We are particularly grateful to Charlotte Tayler and Hilary Turner-King for their leadership in this work and to all the volunteers who help to sustain these activities. Our financial and food donations for families experiencing hardship channelled through the Primary Schol and Family Support Work have continued to be co-ordinated by Jane Coan.

The Christmas Tree Festival was again very successful raising £6,125 for our partner charity, the Cuckfield Communication Group, a part of the Stroke Association. The success of the festival was in no small measure due to the enthusiastic leadership of Alastair McPherson as chairman of the organising committee. Unfortunately, Alistair has now stepped down from this role, and we are grateful for the contribution that he has made. We are also very grateful for the work of Alison Milford in organising the Festival Café in recent years, and Alison too has now retired.

Like most churches, Holy Trinity Cuckfield relies heavily on the work of volunteers. During the year Vicky Peattie, on behalf of the PCC, undertook a survey of the church community to explore the hidden talents that we might tap into need for volunteers arises. This resource is already proving extremely helpful.

Fabric repairs during the year were minimal, although some work was necessary on the underfloor heating and boiler to maintain the heating system. The major fabric challenge, reflected in the church’s ‘heritage at risk’ status, remains relaying the Horsham Stone Roof, the objectives and timing of which continue under close review and development by the PCC. The Reserves in the accounts include £312,049 designated primarily for this purpose, and include two significant legacies in the year of £350,000 and £60,000 from the Anthony Burbidge Estate. As the year closed, the PCC were additionally delighted to be offered and approved receipt of two restricted fund donations from the Kempe Trust, the first of which (received in December 2023) is £10,000 towards the creation of a Kempe digital display and interpretation resource. The second will be for £50,000 (to be donated in 2024)

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

towards the restoration of the roof to help preserve the Kempe ceiling. Notes (2) and (13) to the accounts identify the £10,000 to fulfil our reporting obligation to the Kemp Trust.

Once again, the churchwardens would like to place on record their thanks to the many people who have helped to make our passage through the vacancy possible. As mentioned, we are particularly grateful to our associate priests, The Revd Stephen Caple, The Revd Stephen Terry and the Revd Canon David Tickner, our Readers, Vicky Peattie and Clive Simmonds, and our Authorised Lay Minister, Jonathan Berry. Others who have played an important role during the vacancy include our PCC Secretary, David Thunder, and our Treasurer, Isobel Simmonds, supported by our church accountant, Zoë Richings, and our Safeguarding Officer, Rod Montague.

8. Financial Review

Introduction

The preparation of this year’s accounts has been done with the guidance of our Independent Examiner. We have built on the changes introduced last year, and continue to ensure that we are working to the latest advice on standards and good practice.

Incoming and outgoing resources

Total income for the year is £591,115, compared to £372,105 for 2022. This includes all the funds over which the PCC has control, unrestricted, designated and restricted.

The main activity of the church is covered by the unrestricted fund, and the income for this fund was £243,512 (2022: £226,750) , which encouragingly was both above our budget and the income for last year due mainly to a significant legacy received during 2023. Our main source of income is regular giving, and we have been encouraged during 2023 that this has continued to remain broadly consistent with the prior year.

In 2023, we received £500 of grants (2022: £10,867) which came from the Mid-Sussex Community Fund. The large decrease reflects grants received in 2022 from Listed Places of Worship relating to significant stonework improvements paid for during 2021 and 2022.

Total expenditure for the year is £251,496 compared to £288,930 for 2022. This includes all the funds over which the PCC has control, unrestricted, designated and restricted. Expenditures in 2023 were lower than 2022 due to the completion of stonework improvements during 2022, partially offset by higher other costs primarily driven by general inflation.

The main operating expenditures of the church are covered by the unrestricted fund and expenditure for this fund was £190,306 (2022: £163,721) . Spend was higher than last year due to continued inflation, but broadly consistent with budget. Whilst the PCC has worked hard to control costs, we continue to see rising costs in most areas, especially with respect to utilities.

Further details of the breakdown of this year’s income and expenditure are provided in the notes to the accounts.

Related Parties

Payments to PCC member, persons closely connected to them, or related parties are allowed under the Charities Act 2011 by the following provision: charity trustees may, provided certain conditions are met, pay for the provision of services to the charity by a ‘connected person’ [falling within the definition contained in Section 118 of the 2011 Act] where the PCC is satisfied the relevant conditions are met, the required process has been transparently followed, and safeguards are in place.

The PCC at its March 2017 meeting appointed Zoë Richings, daughter of a PCC Member, to the salaried position of Church Accountant and made payments to her by that resolution. The PCC also approved the reimbursement of expenses to the parish’s technical operators (two of whom are members of the PCC, viz. , Jonathan Berry and Paul Johnson) for the Zooming of weddings and funerals, where requested by the families.

The PCC supported the clergy by paying £1,280 (2022: £970) , which includes Council Tax and water rates, for

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

the Vicarage, plus other annual costs towards travel, hospitality, telephone, postage and broadband.

Parish Share

The Diocesan Parish Contribution is the allocation set by our Deanery as this parish’s contribution to the wider church’s activities and costs of the Diocese and is accounted for on an annual basis. While any parish contribution unpaid on 31[st] December in a given year would be an operational (though not legal) liability, Holy Trinity Cuckfield paid its parish contribution for 2023 in full.

Staff costs

The PCC pays for the Parish Administrator, Church Accountant, the Children’s and Families’ Lay Minister and contributes to The Old School’s staff costs through its overall contribution to the running of that building. Further details are provided in the notes to the accounts.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to seek to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds of approximately three months’ worth of unrestricted general fund payments as a contingency against unforeseen situations (approximately £48,000 in 2023).

The PCC is also mindful of major continuing expenditures in relation to the roof following the 2019 Church Architect’s Quinquennial Inspection of the building, and has accordingly decided to hold an additional approximately £55,000 in reserves.

The total of the funds at the discretion of the PCC to utilise at the year-end was £463,916 including an amount of £46,130 designated for use for the management and operation of the Old School Property; and an amount of £312,049 designated for fabric improvements, primarily for relaying the Horsham Stone Roof, the objectives and timing of which continue under close review and development by the PCC. The remaining amount £105,737 (£463,916 less £46,130 less £312,049) broadly meets the Reserves Policy

The PCC have also committed to allocate any further funds required in the future for these long-term fabric improvement projects.

It is PCC policy to invest funds balances with the CBF Church of England Investment Fund, the CBF Church of England Fixed Interest Securities Fund and the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.

9. The Old School Board

The Old School Board reported a consistent year as recovery from the impact of lockdown continued. Income for the year was £51,516 compared to £50,818 in 2022, with the small increase largely due to higher interest received on cash deposits.

Expenditure for 2023 was £50,875 compared to £45,872 in 2022 as a result of the artificially low previous couple of years as pandemic kept projects on hold: increased expenditure in 2023 related to renewal and refurbishment of the upstairs toilets, and gutter cleaning (normally required every two years).

A transfer of £9,500 was made during the year from the General Fund to the Old School Designated Fund as a contribution towards the running and maintenance costs of The Old School.

A net surplus of £10,036 was recorded for the year with total funds carried forward of £46,130.

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

10. The Friends of Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield

The Friends exists to raise funds for the church building and its principal artefacts by engaging with all in the Cuckfield community. Its funds arise from subscriptions, donations (including legacies) and event activities. 2023 was a record year for the Friends: the biggest increase in members, in numbers of events and in people – both members and general public – attending its events and in charitable funds which ultimately will support major Church building, conservation and restoration projects.

New members in 2023 accounted for an 11.5% increase on 2022, due both to regular encouragement and marketing at an increased volume of events. This increase was depleted by 5.6% resulting from the sad passing and infirmity of members, and those moving away.

As at 31.12.22 Additions Losses As at 31.12.23
LifeMembers 98 11 3 106
Annual Members 222 26 16 232
**Total ** 320 37 19 338

A total of 11 events were mounted for the Friends in 2023 – up from three in 2022, and in addition to the membership fees these added substantially to the increased income in the year. The events included two big concerts, one filling the Church with an audience of 250, two events at Cuckfield Park, a big charity art auction, two well-attended talks on the story of Holy Trinity and other more minor events. Over 1,000 people participated in the year’s events.

Accounting also for donations, legacies and Gift Aid, the net surplus/(deficit) in 2023 was £16,212 (2022: £13,040). Total reserves at the 31 December 2023 were £69,381 ( 2022: £53,169).

The Friends membership is kept well aware that the Friends’ primary ambition is to support the Church by contributing to its major conservation and restoration projects, particularly the Horsham stone roof. This is involving building reserves year-on-year. However, in 2023 the Friends did fund a small project for providing a new organ table to match the Chancel furniture, used for choir practice sessions.

11. Approval

The Annual Report for the ended Year 31[st ] December 2023 was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Revd Daniel Valentine ( Chair of the PCC ):

Date: 24[th] April 2024

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Fund		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022		 Notes
2
3
14
13
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other receipts		 £
220,531
6,701
16,115
165
-		 258,241
-
46,987
1,288
-		 £
19,917
-
20,983
187
-		 £
-
-
-
-
-		 £
498,689
6,701
84,085
1,640
-		 £
287,736
9,197
73,442
1,730
-
Total income 243,512 306,516 41,087 - 591,115 372,105
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Other expenditure		 1,574
188,732
-
-		 320
51,426
-
-		 6,655
2,789
-
-		 -
-
-
-		 -
8,549
242,947
-
-		 4,779
284,151
-
-
Total expenditure 190,306 51,746 9,444 - 251,496 288,930
Net gains (or losses) on investments
Net income or (net expenditure) 53,206 254,770 31,643 - 339,619 83,175
Transfers between funds
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Other gains/(losses)
Reconciliation of funds:		 (62,500) 62,500 - - - -
(9,294)
-
-		 317,270
-
-		 31,643
-
-		 -
-
-		 339,619
-
-		 83,175
-
-
Net movement in funds (9,294) 317,270 31,643 - 339,619 83,175
Total funds brought forward 115,031 40,909 66,042 375,000 596,982 513,807
Total funds carried forward 105,737 358,179 97,685 375,000 936,601 596,982

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Balance Sheet

Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022		 Total Funds
2022		 Notes
9
11
12
10
13
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Heritage assets
Endowed investments		 £
-		 £
-
375,000
-
-
375,000
-
-
Total fixed assets 375,000 375,000
Stocks
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand		 231 -
4,312
25,515
212,245
4,954
44,001
534,073
Total current assets 583,259 242,072
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (21,658) (20,180)
Net current assets or (liabilities) 561,601 221,892
Total assets less current liabilities
Provisions for liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year		 936,601
-		 596,892
-
-
-
Total net assets or (liabilities) 936,601 596,892
The funds of the charity:
Endowment funds
Designated funds
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted funds		 375,000
358,179
97,685
105,737		 375,000
40,909
66,042
115,031
Total charity funds 936,601 596,982

This Annual Financial Report, for the year ended 31st December 2023, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Revd Daniel Valentine (Chair of the PCC)

Date: 24th April 2024

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Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report

1 Accounting policies

a 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 (2016) 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.

b 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. This reflects the accounts for the Old School.

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 remaing 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.

c 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.

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

Sales of magazines are recognised when received.

Rents from property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable. Fees for weddings and funerals are accounted for on an event basis.

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 question, irrespective of date of receipt. Advance bookings are included in creditors until the concert has taken place.

Investment income

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

Page | 13

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

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.

d 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.

e Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets

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

Other land and buildings held on behalf of the PCC for its own purpose is valued at market value. No depreciation is charged but any expenditure on maintenance or improvement is written-off as incurred.

The market value of The Old School was estimated in 1997 at £375,000 by Weber Brown Estate Agents. It is not considered to be economic to revalue the building, since the PCC has no plans for its disposal.

Depreciation

From 2011, expenditure on equipment used within the church premises and The Old School will be writtenoff as incurred.

No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC's policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual 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.

f Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as 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.

Page | 14

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

2 Analysis of income and endowments

2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments		 2
Analysis of income and endowments
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds
Total Funds
Fund Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
Planned giving
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
Loose cash collections
Gift Aid recovered
Other donations
Legacies		 £
111,227
2,198
4,683
28,251
606
73,066		 £
-
-
-
-
3,241
255,000		 £
-
13,091
-
193
6,633
-		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-		 £
111,227
15,289
4,683
28,444
10,480
328,066
£
115,306
10,994
7,469
30,853
8,247
104,000
Grants (see also note below)
Mid Sussex District Council Community Fu
Listed Places of Worship
500
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 500
-		 -
10,867
Donations and legacies 220,531 258,241 19,917 - 498,689 287,736
Fees for weddings and funerals 6,701 - - - 6,701 9,197
Charitable activities 6,701 - - - 6,701 9,197
Christmas tree festival
Parish magazine subscriptions
Other subscriptions
Coffee functions
Concerts and events
Venue hire		 13,889
-
-
482
36
1,708		 -
-
-
-
-
46,987		 -
-
5,370
-
15,613
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 13,889
-
5,370
482
15,649
48,695		 10,985
-
7,400
461
6,060
48,536
Other trading activities 16,115 46,987 20,983 - 84,085 73,442
Interest on cash deposits 165 1,288 187 - 1,640 1,730
Investments 165 1,288 187 - 1,640 1,730
Total income and endowments on all funds 243,512 306,516 41,087 - 591,115 372,105 13

The grant from the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme was given as a contribution to the cost of stonework improvements. The grant from Mid Sussex District Council Community Fund was given as contribution to the church following the King's Coronation. A restricted donation of £10,000 was received from the Kempe Trust towards the creation of a Kempe digital display and interpretation resource.

Page | 15

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

----- Start of picture text -----
3 Analysis of expenditure on:
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds Total Funds
Fund Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
£ £ £ £ £
Christmas tree festival costs 1,574 - - - 1,574 1,542
Music events and costs - 320 6,655 - 6,975 3,237
- - - - - -
Raising funds - other costs
Cost of raising funds 1,574 320 6,655 - 8,549 4,779
Missionary and charitable giving 17,258 - - - 17,258 14,725 4
- - -
Diocesan parish share 85,400 85,400 80,000
Staff 33,017 19,187 - - 52,204 47,367 5
- - -
Clergy and other people's expenses 3,066 3,066 1,790
Upkeep of services 8,478 551 - - 9,029 10,968
Youth and children's work 2,891 - - - 2,891 336
Honorariums 9,367 - - - 9,367 8,364
- -
Water, gas and electricity 8,064 12,265 20,329 15,687
-
Church maintenance and repair 8,430 14,277 2,310 25,017 84,464
Insurance 4,175 2,860 - - 7,035 9,267
Printing, photocopying and other office costs 5,645 1,741 479 - 7,865 7,784
Accounting software and examiner fees 1,296 - - - 1,296 1,179 8
Advertising 1,645 545 - - 2,190 2,220
Cost of charitable activities 188,732 51,426 2,789 - 242,947 284,151
Total expended on all funds 190,306 51,746 9,444 - 251,496 288,930 13
----- End of picture text -----

Page | 16

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

4 Missionary and charitable giving

Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued) Notes to the financial report (continued)
4 Missionary and charitablegiving
Unrestricted
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Fund		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022		 Notes
Overseas:
Samara's Aid
Vision Rescue
Mary's Meals
Tariro
Domestic:
Crawley Open House
Refugees Welcome Crawley
FSW
Golden Lions
Stroke Association
Warm Welcome
Holy Trinity CofE School, Cuckfield		 £
1,250
-
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
-
6,125
2,133
1,500		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 £
1,250
-
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,250
-
6,125
2,133
1,500		 £
1,583
1,085
-
1,083
1,083
1,083
1,083
6,225
-
-
1,500
17,258 - - - 17,258 14,725
5 Staff costs 5 Staff costs 5 Staff costs 5 Staff costs 5 Staff costs 5 Staff costs
Unrestricted
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Fund		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022		 Notes
Remuneration
Wages and salaries
Social Security costs (NIC)		 £
33,017
-		 19,187
-		 £
-
-		 £
-
-		 £
52,204
-		 £
47,367
-
33,017 19,187 - - 52,204 47,367
In 2023, the General Fund includes the salaries of 3 members of staff_(2022: 3)and the Designated Fund includes 2 members of staff
(2022: 2)_.

6 Payments to PCC members and transactions with related charities

During 2019, a member of the PCC, Hilary Turner-King was appointed to the paid role of Children’s and Families’ Lay Minister, for a term of two years renewed by the PCC in April 2021 for a further two years. Hilary Turner-King left her role in May 2022. During 2023, she was paid £nil (2022: £1,121) , to perform this role. No amounts were outstanding at 31 December 2023.

The PCC supported the clergy by paying £1,280 (2022: £970) which includes Council Tax and water rates for the Vicarage plus other annual costs towards travel, hospitality, telephone, postage and broadband.

7 Transactions with persons related to PCC members

During 2022, a family member of a PCC member was employed on a part time basis during the year. Their salary did not exceed £5,000. The PCC member concerned resigned from the PCC at the end of 2022.

8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance 8 Governance
Unrestricted
Funds		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowed
Fund		 Total Funds
2023		 Total Funds
2022		 Notes
Independent examination £
1,080		 - £
-		 £
-		 £
1,080		 £
935
Software fees 216 - - - 216 244
1,296 - - - 1,296 1,179

Page | 17

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

9 Tangible fixed assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Freehold land Designated Restricted Endowed Total fixed
and buildings Funds Funds Fund assets Notes
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 375,000 - - - 375,000
Additions - - - - -
Disposals - - - - -
Revaluation -
At 31 December 2023 375,000 - - - 375,000
Charge for impairment
At 1 January 2023 - - - - -
Additions - - - - -
Disposals - - - - -
Revaluation - - - - -
At 31 December 2023 - - - - -
Net book amounts
At 31 December 2023 375,000 - - - 375,000
At 31 December 2022 375,000 - - - 375,000
----- End of picture text -----

The Freehold Land and Building comprises the Old School building. The market value was estimated in 1997 at £375,000 by Weber Brown, Estate Agents. It is not considered to be economic to revalue the building, since the PCC has no plans for its disposal.

Page | 18

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

10 Analysis of net assets by fund

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
Fixed assets for church use
Current assets (except cash)		 £
-
3,320		 -
-		 £
-
1,865		 £
375,000
-		 £
375,000
5,185		 £
375,000
4,402
Cash at bank and on deposit 123,611 358,623 95,840 - 578,074 237,760
Current liabilities (21,194) (444) (20) - (21,658) (20,180)
105,737 358,179 97,685 375,000 936,601 596,982

11 Debtors

**11 ** Debtors
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
£ £ £ £ £
Gift Aid 1,830 - 1,584 - 3,414 4,307
Prepayments 1,485 - - - 1,485 -
Other Debtors 5 - 50 - 55 5
3,320 - 1,634 - 4,954 4,312
**12 ** Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11 Debtors
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
Gift Aid
Prepayments
Other Debtors		 £
1,830
1,485
5		 -
-
-		 £
1,584
-
50		 £
-
-
-		 £
3,414
1,485
55		 £
4,307
-
5
3,320 - 1,634 - 4,954 4,312
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowed Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Fund 2023 2022 Notes
Mission Giving
Deferred Income
Governance Costs		 £
9,469
25
1,080		 -
339
-		 £
-
20
-		 £
-
-
-		 £
9,469
384
1,080		 £
6,969
345
935
Giving to Charities 7,778 - - - 7,778 7,690
Accruals
Retentions due
Other		 1,756
-
1,086		 -
-
105		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 1,756
-
1,191		 -
3,836
405
21,194 444 20 - 21,658 20,180

Page | 19

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the financial report (continued)

Explanation of funds

Endowed funds are required by the donors to be invested and the income spent on specific objectives The endowed fund comprises the land and buildings.

Restricted funds are not invested permanently but are to be spent within reasonable timescales The Friends of Holy Trinity Fund holds funds raised by members of the Friends of Holy Trinity who hold fundraising events during the year.

The Music Fund holds funds donated to further the music ministry of the Church. The Warm Welcome Fund holds funds to support Syrian refugee families.

The Aumbry Fund holds funds donated to purchase an Aumbry.

The Roof Fund holds funds donated to repair and restore the Church fabric and includes the restricted donation of £10,000 received from the Kempe Trust towards the creation of a Kempe digital display and interpretation resource.

The Gifts Fund holds holds funds donated specifically for the repair and maintenance of small items. Designated funds comprise the Old School Designated Fund which manages and operates the Old School property and the Fabric Repair and Improvement Fund, which is used for fabric improvements that are not covered by specific donations or restricted funds.

Unrestricted funds comprise the General Fund. Both the Designated and 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 Jan 2023		 Income Expenditure Transfers,
other gains
and losses		 Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Land & Buildings 375,000 - - - 375,000
Total of allendowed funds 375,000 - - - 375,000
Friends of Holy Trinity Fund
Music Fund
Warm Welcome Fund
Aumbry Fund
Gifts Fund
Roof Fund		 53,169
1,519
146
59
-
11,149		 23,171
1,383
33
-
-
16,500		 (6,959)
(325)
-
-
-
(2,160)		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 69,381
2,577
179
59
-
25,489
Total of all restricted funds 66,042 41,087 (9,444) - 97,685
Old School Operating Fund
Fabric Repair and Improvement Fund		 36,094
4,815		 51,516
255,000		 (50,980)
(766)		 9,500
53,000		 46,130
312,049
Total of all designated funds 40,909 306,516 (51,746) 62,500 358,179
General Fund 115,031 243,512 (190,306) (62,500) 105,737
Total of all Unrestricted Funds 115,031 243,512 (190,306) (62,500) 105,737
Total funds 596,982 591,115 (251,496) - 936,601
**14 ** Transfers between funds
A transfer of £9,500_(2022: £8,580)was made during the year from the General Fund to the Old School Designated Fund as
a contribution towards the running costs of The Old School. A transfer of £53,000(2022: £nil)_was made during the year
from the General Fund to the Fabric Repair and Improvement Fund to set aside part of a recent legacy for future works and
improvements.

Page | 20

Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield: Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY CUCKFIELD [Registered Charity No.1131432]

I report on the accounts of Holy Trinity Church Cuckfield for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 which are set out on pages 11-21.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees 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 needed. Having satisfied myself that the church is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

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 you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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

Signed by:

Amy Beecroft FCA 19 Newton Road Lindfield West Sussex RH16 2NB

Date:

Page | 21