2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Mary The Virgin, Goldington

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THE PARISH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

The Churchwardens’ Report on the Fabric & Ornaments of the Church and the Deanery Synod Report

The Minutes of the Annual Church Meetings held on 23rd March 2025

Incumbent:

Rev’d Simon Dommett (Until February 2025) Rev’d Christopher Scott (From September 2025)

Bank:

National Westminster Bank 81 High Street, Bedford

Independent Examiner:

Amy Eyles 44 Wellington Road, Raunds

stmarysgoldington.uk

Registered Charity No: 1131568

THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31st DECEMBER 2025

Administrative Information

St. Mary’s Church is situated in Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford. It is part of the Diocese of St. Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St. Mary’s Parish Office, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0AP.

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1131568.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following have served as members of the Council:

Ex-Officio Members

Vicar: Rev’d Simon Dommett (until February 2025) Rev’d Christopher Scott (from September 2025) Assistant Curate: Rev’d Joss Sanders Churchwardens: Colin Last Nesta Gedrych Licensed Readers: Michael Furlong Cathy Sanderson Susan Lane Ceri-Anne Ashby Deanery Synod Representatives: Susan Lane

Elected Members

Sarah Collinson (elected in 2024 for three years) (Secretary)

Sue Lennon (elected in 2024 for three years) (Parish Safeguarding Officer) D-J Alino-Wilcockson (elected in 2024 for three years)

Debbie Richardson (elected in 2025 for three years) (Minutes Secretary) Joy Jones (elected in 2025 for three years)

Jeff Alino-Abbott (elected in 2025 for one year) (Treasurer) Alan Bates (elected in 2025 for one year) - resigned December 2025

Committees and Working Groups

The PCC operates through a series of committees in order to carry out its aims and objectives. All these Committees have the power to make recommendations but all spiritual, pastoral and financial decisions are made by the full PCC. All Committees have agreed Terms of Reference ratified by the PCC in 2025.

Standing Committee

The only Committee required by law. It has the power to transact business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The Committee must comprise the Incumbent, each Churchwarden and at least two other members of the PCC.

The Committee of St. Mary’s comprises the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Secretary, Treasurer and at least one ordinary member. Members of the congregation wishing matters to be raised at the PCC should bring them, in the first instance, to this Committee for consideration. In general, it meets two weeks before a full Council meeting to prepare the Agenda for PCC meetings and to consider financial and property reports and other matters.

Finance Committee

The Committee comprises the Vicar, Treasurer, a Churchwarden and the Planned Giving Officer. It supervises budgets and maintains an overview of the parish finances.

Pastoral Committee

The Committee prepares Services of Thanksgiving for the bereaved and supports the sick and housebound with prayer and anniversary or other greetings cards. It also organises a Christmas tree bauble scheme in aid of St John’s hospice, Moggerhanger. During 2025 it was reorganised as a Pastoral Team and ceased to be a formal PCC Committee.

Property Committee

The Committee is responsible for all aspects of the church fabric and the Church Hall.

Publicity Committee

This Committee is currently in abeyance therefore publicity is jointly shared by PCC members by arranging advertising and publicity using multiple media, and tries to ensure that all activities and events at St. Mary’s are well promoted.

Worship Committee

All service planning is considered under the aegis of this Committee which regularly reviews our worship. The members meet two or three times a year to check that all scheduling is in hand and that services are running smoothly .

Fund-finding Committee

The Committee meets occasionally to discuss and apply for available grants. Grants are for projects both capital and social outreach initiatives. This group was recognised as a full PCC Committee and reports directly to the PCC.

The Health & Safety Officer (currently vacant) reports directly to the Standing Committee of the PCC.

The Environmental Officer, North Bedford Churches Together and Deanery Synod Representatives report directly to the PCC.

Objectives and Achievements

The PCC co-operates with the Churchwardens in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, coordinating and inspiring the congregation in its pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical mission. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St. Mary’s Church and the Church Hall in Church Lane, Goldington.

St. Mary’s PCC is dedicated to helping all those living in Goldington and beyond to worship at St. Mary’s without discrimination, to engage with its activities, to develop their spiritual lives and to become part of the family of God through our Lord’s unconditional love. It is constantly reviewing and developing new ways of involving those who have no background of church life.

We aim to do this by providing services and facilities which will support our work of outreach in the community, by maintaining a framework of church services where worship, praise and prayer can be offered; by hosting courses where people may learn about the Christian message and be encouraged to live it and grow spiritually in a Christian environment and by the pastoral care of our parishioners at focal times in their lives.

The PCC under the chairmanship of the Vicar has complied with its duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

The PCC has complied with their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.)

In March 2025 there were 103 (119) names registered on the Electoral Roll.

Attendance numbers for 2025 have dipped slightly in comparison to 2024 as often occurs during a Vacancy. Messy Church continues to maintain good attendance and we have a good core of online worshippers.

4 (8) marriages were celebrated during the year and 6 (12) baptisms. There were 5 (16) funerals in church and 17 (14) funerals at Norse Road Chapel. There were also 4 (2) Admissions to Communion before Confirmation and 2 (1) Confirmations.

Following the departure of the Rev’d Simon Dommett, Vicar, in February the parish entered into Vacancy which was ably managed by our two Churchwardens with essential support from the Assistant Curate, the PCC and congregation. The Vacancy only lasted seven months and in September we were delighted to welcome the Rev’d Christopher Scott as our new Incumbent.

SAFEGUARDING

St. Mary’s has been very blessed in having a dedicated, diligent Safeguarding Officer who has ensured that all relevant parochial safeguarding training is always up to date. Safeguarding is at the forefront of all our work as a PCC and training ensures that we always act out our faith in a caring, safe and compassionate environment. All mandatory requirements have been fulfilled in such areas as safer recruitment and at each PCC meeting we have been kept abreast of any changes in Diocesan or Church of England strategies. We have also ensured that

all users of St. Mary’s are kept safe in other ways by accessing First Aid and Fire Safety training renewal sessions. We are currently without a designated Health & Safety Officer but this area is undertaken by the Property Committee and a member of the PCC temporarily acts to make sure risk assessments are kept up to date. Our PSO will retire at the next annual meeting and a new PSO has been appointed and is in training to take over from this date together with a new DBS Officer following the retirement of the previous holder.

WORSHIP

During any Vacancy there can be no major changes to the pattern of worship and we have continued our regular 9:30 am Parish Communion on all but the first Sunday of the month when a non-Eucharistic Family Service encourages attendance from young families and newcomers. The attendance at BCP Services on the first Sunday of the month at 8:00 am and Wednesdays at 10:00 am has remained steady indicating that this style of worship is still appreciated and needed. There are also regular lay-led monthly evening services with a reflective Taizé service and Praise is Rising which encourages us to learn and worship using newer music styles. Additional services are held for major feasts and commemorations which occur in the calendar including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas - which, like all our services - are well advertised in the community and help us reach those who do not regularly attend. In addition, we have held a Christingle, a Blue Christmas Service for those who find Christmas difficult and a Pet Service. As well as these there is the popular monthly Messy Church congregation run by dedicated Lay Leaders and volunteers which attracts large numbers of families - both old and young.

Most of our main services are live-streamed by our skilled Tech Team to an appreciative community of those who for various reasons cannot attend in person. Some services also benefit from some parts being signed. The Choir continues to lead the musical worship of the church at all regular Eucharistic services and we welcome the presence of a visiting Organist once a month to enhance our music. The music at our First Sunday Service is led by guitar and piano. Our teams of Flower Arrangers, Lesson Readers and Prayer Leaders all contribute to make worship at St. Mary’s a joyful, organised and worthy experience. Each week the bells ring out reminding the community that St. Mary’s is open and ready to share God’s love and our Welcomers and Wardens extend a warm welcome to all those coming into St. Mary’s. None of this worship could take place without our hardworking Ministry Team comprising our three Priests and four Licensed Readers who receive willingly given support from committed lay members of St. Mary’s.

PASTORAL CARE

Our Pastoral Care Team organises home communions and keeps in touch - by prayer, ’phone calls or visits - with past members of St. Mary’s and those experiencing particular needs be they mental, spiritual or physical. Greetings cards are regularly sent out to those in care homes and the team is responsible for planning the Service of Remembrance for those departed and Blue Christmas. The team is ably supported by members of the congregation. Pastoral Care lies at the heart of everything we do at St. Mary’s.

PROPERTY

Although the focus of our Christian life is on the people of the church, having a wonderful ancient building to maintain brings many challenges and costs. Throughout the year the Property Committee has maintained the fabric of this church in excellent condition and also that of the adjacent more modern Church Hall.

The Committee has concentrated on completing the work required in the 2024 Quinquennial Inspection. It has co-operated with Bedford Pilgrim Housing Association in the repair and rebuilding of the boundary between

the car park and Bury Court flats. Minor repair works have been carried out and general upkeep maintained. The restoration and major overhaul of the church organ are now being considered and will become a focus next year.

As a 21[st] century establishment the church now has a complex array of technical equipment which is part of the Property Committee’s portfolio. During the Vacancy the age and deterioration of some of the equipment has become obvious and considerable time has been spent on interim measures to keep the systems operating until they can be replaced.

The Hall continues to be an important part of St. Mary’s as a venue for church events but more importantly for community events for which it is very well used. This not only ensures that our neighbours are welcomed at St. Mary’s but also serves as a necessary source of income for the church.

Our long-serving Hall Manager retired at the end of the year and we thank him wholeheartedly for the brilliant way in which he managed to promote the building and encourage hirers. A new Manager has now been appointed and the booking system will shortly be managed online.

MISSION, CHARITY AND OUTREACH

As a PCC part of our vision is to find “ways to express our faith within our local community”. It is here that the Church Hall comes into its own. Each week it hosts Warm Spaces - an initiative set up to provide a warm place with refreshments and activities for vulnerable and lonely members of our society. The sessions are run by leaders and a team of volunteers and this year a second session was started on Thursdays to provide a light lunch. These gatherings also give access to health support and local council and police advisers. Another initiative run from St. Mary’s is Dwell Well Support which provides essential living packs for those moving for homelessness to new housing. Last year over 65 packs (over 250 since commencing in 2021) containing bedding, kitchen equipment and other necessities were prepared. This is supported in money and goods by donations from the church congregation and PCC. Both Warm Spaces and Dwell Well have benefitted for grant awards which are vital in ensuring that this outreach can continue.

Combining mission, worship, school and community engagement the unstinting work and exciting initiatives, such as Family Drop-Ins of, our Family and Children’s Minister has underpinned our outreach to local families and is starting to bear fruit. Another new venture this year set up by our Family and Children’s Minister is occasional breakfast before the Sunday morning service. Refreshments are also served after the morning services and at festivals and other events. These are provided by a superb Catering Team.

All our activities are open to the wider community and these include Short Mat Bowls, a Walking Group, and Knit & Natter.

The Summer Fête and Autumn Fair also attract a large attendance from the locality.

Publicity takes the form of locally distributed handbills, a website, Facebook page, a weekly online notice sheet Pews News and the monthly online and print publication Parish & People which reaches a wide audience. At the end of the year a new website was created. A work in progress we look forward to this being useful access to all the happenings that make St. Mary’s an exciting place to explore.

St. Mary’s continued to support The Children’s Society through its collecting boxes scheme and the Christingle Service and events such as the Lent Lunches raise funds for Christian Aid. The PCC again allocated a proportion of its income to local charities.

Links with our CMS Missionary Partner were maintained and we were pleased to welcome her to St. Mary’s in December and hear of the work being carried out by Rehema - a women’s co-operative in Tanzania.

ECUMENISM

St. Mary’s is represented on the North Bedford Churches Together Group which organised our annual Lent Course and an Autumn Away Day as well as joint Remembrance Day Services and Community Carol Singing for the local Foodbank.

ECO CHURCH

Under the guidance of our Environmental Officer, St. Mary’s PCC has edged closer to gaining the Eco Church Silver Award. Throughout the year community events have been held focussing on local nature environmental topics. This summer we again had large numbers of swifts in the vicinity and it is hoped that in coming years they will make use of our swift nesting boxes installed in the tower. Regular work parties have maintained the churchyard ensuring that tidiness does not hinder the abundance of wildlife to be found there. As we strive to lower our carbon footprint and aim for Net Zero Carbon we have accepted that some compromises must be made. However, all our property work takes the impact of global warming into account and the congregation is continually urged to recognise that personal as well as corporate action is vital.

The PCC continued to review and re-invigorate our Mission Action Plan. This tool allows us to advance our ministry and mission with clear goals in mind. Our mission statement has remained the same but continuing and new goals were prepared and priorities identified. The PCC endeavours to engage the congregation to take ownership of our MAP.

As a parish we worked through the Vacancy with prayer at the heart of our mission and action and thanks are due to all those who assisted in any way during the year to ensure that St. Mary’s is a vibrant and active presence in Goldington sharing Christ’s love in the community and seeking to help everyone through the power of that love.

Financial Review for the year 2025 (figures are rounded to nearest ‘000 for ease of understanding)

Throughout 2025, the PCC closely monitored its finances, aware of rising inflation affecting both its income sources and direct church costs. These effects were evident during the year. Income declined, where voluntary contributions fell by 9% and fees from weddings and funerals by 61%, with fewer funerals mainly due to the Vacancy period described elsewhere in this report. However, income from Church Hall lettings slightly increased, continuing the trend first seen in 2024.

Expenditure also increased, primarily because of higher salary costs (£10,000), although this was partially balanced by a reduction in the Parish Share (£7,000). Utility expenses remained at the elevated levels seen in 2024.

As in the previous year, grants covered the Family and Children’s Minister's salary costs in 2025. These grants are now almost fully applied and future funding for this position will need consideration.

Overall, these financial impacts resulted in an excess of payments over receipts of £18,000, across all funds. The PCC continues to monitor this situation closely and is initiating actions to boost income and reduce spending.

The Parish Giving Scheme remains successful, largely replacing regular cash donations, though around 20 members still use standing orders and envelopes. The scheme uses direct debits for regular donations, which simplifies record-keeping for gift aid tax claims.

Both the Summer Fête and Autumn Fair were successful again in 2025, along with several other social events.

Long-term investments’ market value dropped by £400, mainly due to falling interest rates. As with the gains seen in 2024, such losses do not predict future results.

The PCC allocated 4.3% of stewardship income, plate collections, and Gift Aid tax recovery to missionary support — split between CMS Mission Partner Heather Johnstone at Tanzania’s Rehema Project (three-fourths) and WaterAid (one-fourth). Donation amounts for CMS and WaterAid matched last year's figures, with full details listed in Note 9 of the Financial Statements.

Reserves Policy

Due to the church's historic status and associated repair costs, modern materials and methods are usually not allowed. The PCC maintains balances on unrestricted and relevant restricted funds to cover major maintenance identified in the Quinquennial Survey. A similar policy applies to the Church Hall, though it isn’t professionally surveyed. No major work has been done recently, but significant repairs are planned for 2026.

In line with the Church of England’s Zero-Carbon Energy Initiative, the Property Committee is also exploring energy-saving options.

By year-end, £84,000 had been set aside for building repairs. Designated funds for future spending can be used for other needs if necessary. For legacy donations without specified purposes, PCC consults with families and aims to honour donors' interests. Several legacies remain unspent, totalling £90,000, providing a significant portion of general church funds. PCC also keeps enough unrestricted reserves to cover any expected deficit for the following year and to manage cash flow issues, requiring £20,000 for 2025.

At the end of the year, unrestricted and relevant restricted funds totalled £155,000; £84,000 is held as cash, sufficient for regular needs and upcoming repairs over the next two years. Both cash funds and long-term investments are considered to be adequate for repairs and improvement projects. Reserve levels for repairs and cash flow are reviewed annually. PCC invests some reserves in CBF Church of England Investment Funds for long-term growth, with the rest kept as cash with Virgin Money and the CBF Deposit Fund.

Annual Report approved by the PCC on 24[th] March 2026 and signed on their behalf by the Rev’d Christopher Scott, Vicar.

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Members of St. Mary the Virgin, Goldington

I report on the Accounts of the PCC of St. Mary the Virgin, Goldington for the year ended 31st December 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 15

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Independent Examiner

The PCC’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts.

The PCC’s trustees 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: -

examine the Accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

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 PCC 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 a full 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 matters have come to my attention:

which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: -
- to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the Charities Act; and
- to prepare Accounts which accord with these accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached.

Amy Eyles- CPFA, BA (Hons) 44 Wellington Road, Raunds 13[th] February 2026

PARIXHIAL CHURCH COUNaL OF ST. MARY TME VIRGIN. GOLDINGTON STATEMEpif OF FINANaAL ACTIVrnES For tho yw •nd•d 31 D•cMknr 2025 Unrestrlcted Restrlrted Endowment Funds Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 Note INCOME Voluntsry Income Artivitles for generatin8 funds Income from investments Church activitles TOTAL INCOMING RESOUR 2{a) 21bl 21cl 21dl 68.366 21,201 2.324 70.690 21,201 5,798 6.965 104.654 77.341 20,819 5,816 17.830 121.806 112 6.965 102.218 2.324 112 EXPENDITURE Church actNitles Costs of generatlon of Income Major repalrs and depreclavon Support costs TOTAL RESOURCES USED 31a) 31bl 31¢) 31dl 99.460 276 139 17.938 117.398 276 139 4,380 122,193 112.128 207 5,359 2,938 120,632 104,255 17,938 NET INCOMVIEXPENOITUREI GainllLossl on revaluation of Investments NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS 8ROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 12.037) 115,614) {390) 12.427) 115.614) 145,741 30,775 143,314 15,161 112 117.5391 1.174 51bl 112 4,286 4,398 117,9291 180,802 162,873 178,314 180.802 Tangiblé flxed assets Investments 51a) 51bl 3,945 70.758 74.703 68,815 72.621 1,554 1.554 70,369 74.175 CURREKfASSm Stock of goods for sale Debtors & prepayments Short temi deposlts Bank & cash balances 6.943 74.436 17.259) 74.120 13,4261 70.694 6,943 2,083 84.280 93.482 902 14,225 92,125 109,790 13,4261 13,6911 88,699 106,099 8.161 15,161 UABIUYIES: Amounts fallln8 due wlthln one year 7 NET CURRÉNT AssErs IS,161 TOTAL MET ASSErs 143.314 15.161 4,398 162,873 180,802 PARISH FUNDS Unrestrlrted Restrlcted Endowment 143.314 143,314 15.161 4,398 162,873 145.741 30,775 4,286 180,802 15.161 4,398 4,398 143.314 15,161 Approved by the Parothlal Church Countll 24th Marth and si8ned on its behalf bv.. The Iwd C S(4)tt CQ[Llh S E oqfin50n Th• noies pays 12 to IS forni p•rt of i1*s• Acw¥nts.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The Accounts have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and is in compliance with accounting standard FRS102.

The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at a fair value. The Accounts 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 main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (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 each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average basis.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for ordinary PCC purposes. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC, such as the church repair fund, are also unrestricted.

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the income to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable; interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable.

Gifts in kind for the PCC’s own use are included in the SOFA as incoming resources at their fair value when receivable, and expensed as and when consumed in use. Gifts of fixed assets, if material, are included in the balance sheet at their fair value and expensed over the asset’s useful economic life.

All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Amounts generated specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. Amounts received for mission in which the PCC acts only as an intermediary are not shown as income of the PCC, except where the PCC is involved in the fund-raising process.

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31st December. The value of any donated services or voluntary help received are not included in the Accounts but are described in the trustees’ annual report.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share unpaid at 31st 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. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements in accordance with S.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. All expenditure on consecrated or benefice buildings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Accounts in the year in which it is incurred.

Land and buildings held for the functional use of the PCC are valued at original cost, less provision for depreciation. Buildings are depreciated over a period of 50 years; pre-fabricated buildings are assumed to have a useful life of 25 years. Additions to existing buildings, which do not substantially extend the life of the asset, are written off over the remaining life of the original building. Land is not depreciated.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property. They are listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For anything acquired prior to the year 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the Accounts. Subsequent to this date no individual item has cost more than £1,000, so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

Fixtures & fittings and equipment used within the church premises, including moveable church furnishings, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items with a purchase price of less than £1,000 are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments are valued at a fair value, which is deemed to be the market value at 31st December.

Current assets

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

Short-term deposits comprise cash held on deposit with Virgin Money plc and the CBF Church of England Funds.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS For theyear ended 31 December 2025 INCOME U nrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 21al Voluntary income Planned giving.. Gift Aid donations Tax recoverable on gift aid donations Other planned giving Collections at all services Donations and appeals Donations for missions and charities Legacies Grant5 received 44,707 4,229 10,828 1,167 1,992 1,049 44,707 4,229 10,828 1,167 1.992 3.373 47,007 3,348 11,480 2,375 3,722 3,130 2.324 4,394 68,366 4,394 70,690 6,279 77,341 2,324 21bl Activities for 8eneratin8 fund5 Fetes, bazaars, and other fund raising events Church hall lettings 4,269 16,932 21,201 4,269 16,932 21,201 5,141 15,678 20,819 21cl Incorne from investments Dividends and interest 5,686 112 5,798 5,816 21dl Income from Church activities Magazine Social events Church fees io 909 6,046 io 909 6,046 295 1,650 15,884 6,965 6,965 17,830 TOTAL INCOME 102,219 2,324 112 104,654 121,806 12

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARYTHE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Forthe year ended 31 December 2025 EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 31al Church artivitie$ Missionary & charitable giving.. Church overseas.. missionary societies relief and development agencies Secular charities 1,371 1,371 585 2,057 1,480 1,109 4,646 585 468 1,053 456 1,827 924 2,880 Ministry: Diocesan parish share Other ministry costs Parish training and mission Church running & maintenance expenses Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard and grounds Church hall running costs 62,449 2,779 3,787 12,963 2,060 499 13,096 97,633 62,449 19,664 3,787 12,963 11,324 2,060 1,853 499 263 13,096 13,526 114,518 107,482 69,396 10,076 16,885 16,885 99,460 17,938 117,398 112,128 31bl Costs of fvnd raising artivities Cost of fetes, fairs and social activities 276 276 276 276 207 207 3 {cl Major repairs and depreciation Church repairs & furnishings Church hall equipment & furnishings Depreciation of buildings 1,020 4,200 139 5,359 139 139 139 139 31dl Support costs Office equipment & computer software Parish off ice telephone and WiFi Other costs 2,663 598 1,119 4,380 2,663 598 1,119 4,380 2,298 328 313 2,938 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 104,255 17,938 122,193 120,632 13

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF . MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 4 lal STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 22,434 14,345 During the year the PCC employed a Families and Children minister, a verger and a hall caretaker. All positions are part-time. Ibl PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS & RELATED PARTIES No transactions have taken place with related parties. No trustee has received payment for services provided or expenses incurred as a trustee. No other payments were made to any PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related parties except for the reimbursemerbt of purchases made on behalf of the PCC. FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC Freehold Land & Buildings Hall Fitting5 Hall Equipment Totsl lal Tangible fixed assets lall unrestricted) AcfuAL/DEEMED COST at l January 2025 additions disposals at 31 December 2025 108,414 39,453 3,910 151,777 108,414 39,453 3,910 151,777 DEPRECIATION at l January 2025 charge for the year withdrawn on disposals at 31 Detember 2025 104,469 139 39,453 3,910 147,832 139 104,608 39,453 3,910 147,971 WRIThEN-DOWN VALUE at 310ecember 2025 at 310ecember 2024 3,806 3,945 3,8(6 3,945 The freehold land and buildings comprise the church hall and Dilworth Room and are shown at their original cost, less provision for buildings amortisation. Land is not amortised. The hall and contents are valued for insurance purposes at £2,900,0(J) and this is considered to be a fair estimate of the cuent value in use of the property. Ibl Investments 2025 2024 Fair value at l January Revaluation gainlllossl Fair value at 31 December 70,758 69,444 13881 1,314 70,369 70,758 The following investments are held and are shown at fairvalue as at 31 December . 2025 2Q24 10,872 units CBF Fixed Interest Securitie5 Fund - historical cost £18,650 18,408 tjnits CBF Property Fund- historical cost £25,000 1,378 units CBF Investment Fund - historical cost £15,072 16,609 16,213 23,165 22,677 30,595 31,868 70,369 70,758 14

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF 5T. MARY THEVIRGIN. GOLDINGTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 6 DEBTORS 2025 2024 Prepayments for goods and services and accrued interest Other debtors 2,788 4,155 6,943 2,083 2,083 7 UABILITIES Amounts falling due in one year.. Creditors for goods and services Missionary giving Accrued expenses and deferred income 2025 2024 2,296 1,131 3,426 3,691 3,691 8 FUND DETAILS Unrestrirted Restricted Endowment Funds Fund5 Funds 2025 Total 2024 Total The PCC funds comprise the following-. General Church repairs Chancel repairs Church hall repairs Others 68,722 48,902 68,722 48,902 4,398 25,690 15,161 162,873 71,149 48,902 4,286 25,690 30,775 180,802 4,398 25,690 15,161 15,161 143,314 4,398 The Chancel Repair Fund is a permanent endowment which permits only the income to be spent. Designated funds are unrestricted and rnay be used for other purposes. Restrirted Funds owrnent Summary of Fund Movement5 Unrestricted Designated Funds church hall repairs Fund chance repairs 2025 general fund church repair5 others Total 831ance at I lanu3ry 2025 Incoming resources Resources expended/AmortisatTron Investment anS losses Balance at 31 December 2025 71,149 670 12,7221 1375 68,722 48,902 25,690 30,775 2,324 117,9381 4,286 126 180,802 3,120 120,6601 389 162,873 14 4,398 48,902 25,690 15,161 9 CHARITABLE GIVING FOR THE YEAR From PCC resources.. CMS Ifor our Mission Partner) WaterAid From other donations & events.. Bishop's harvest appeal Christian Aid 1,371 457 585 From Christmas donation5'. SMART Prebend Day Centre Families First Bedfordshire 585 234 234 468 Total Charitable Giving 2,881 15

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT ON FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS

Over the past year we have completed most of the works recommended by our Architect in the Quinquennial Survey Report on the state of the church. We employed specialist contractors to attend to the stonework and leadwork on the church. Richard Cope finished resealing the flat roof over the vestry and had been working on fixing the roof timbers in the South Porch. His untimely loss will be keenly felt. Thanks to his hard work, and to others who have helped with maintenance jobs, we can report that the church is now in a good state of repair.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the ageing gas boiler which has finally broken down completely. It is a major headache to us to find a solution which can heat the church sufficiently and satisfies our desire to get to net zero carbon.

The Log Book and Terrier (inventory of all church possessions) has been kept up to date. Additions include the TV screen and stand used particularly in the First Sunday Service.

We are grateful (relieved?) that we have a new Vicar in Christopher. We would like to extend huge thanks to all who helped us during the time of Vacancy. To all who wrote the Parish Profile and advert, who came to the interview day. To the Ministry Team who kept our services going. To everyone who helped us in whatever way, and to those who prayed that everything would work out. It has. We have optimism for the future direction of our church.

Colin and Nesta 2026

BEDFORD DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The Church of England has three Synods – General, Diocesan and Deanery. Bedford Deanery Synod consists of 23 parishes. Representatives from each parish meet to exchange ideas and pool strengths, so that no church in the Deanery feels on their own. Bedford Deanery Synod met three times in 2025, in various churches around the Deanery.

At the March meeting, Rev’d Oliver Blease spoke about 2025 being the Diocesan Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing. Everyone was encouraged to engage with this initiative, which offered a variety of retreats, quiet days and pilgrimages organised by the Diocese.

The June meeting included a presentation by Rev’d Ben Williams from Christ Church on disability and neurodiversity inclusion. Speaking from both personal experience and research, he focussed on four key elements: defining additional needs and neurodiversity, enabling belonging, why listening is so important and what practical steps might we take moving forward. Also, Dr Nicola Vollenhoven gave an insightful update on the Neurodiversity café which is held at Transfiguration Church, Kempston, on a regular basis.

At the October meeting, Rev’d Canon Tim Bull gave a presentation on 'Being the church in a changing world'. It was thought-provoking to hear how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming and reshaping areas such as ethics, truth, privacy, creativity, and what it means to be made in the image of God. Tim explored how we should live as Christians in a world increasingly shaped by AI, and the ways AI might inform or challenge our faith. There was much to absorb and consider.

I enjoy attending the meetings as it’s interesting to find out what’s happening in other parishes within the Deanery. We also find out what support is available for parishes and how to access it. There were some interesting talks this year, alongside the more formal business part of the meetings.

St. Mary’s can have three Deanery Synod Representatives, so if you feel that God is calling you to this, please come and speak with me. I’ll be happy to chat about it further.

Susan Lane Deanery Synod Rep. susan.lane@stmarysgoldington.uk

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Another year gone by, another Annual Report to write for the APCM, and this will be the last one I write as I hand over the PSO reins to Rev’d Jennie Cappleman. I can again assure you that the PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidelines. As part of this compliance, safeguarding is a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting, and safeguarding policies and procedures are regularly reviewed.

Also to comply with these Guidelines, Leaders and Helpers of our children’s groups, and those for young people and vulnerable adults, have to receive safeguarding training as laid down by the Church of England. Some roles also require DBS clearance. Last January, it became mandatory for volunteer Helpers for these groups to take a third training course. I was so impressed that the volunteers involved took this in their stride with little complaint. I thank them all for their positive attitude and willing co-operation. I believe that across the five years that I’ve held the role of PSO, there’s been a real shift in how safeguarding is regarded by those in the roles requiring it. We were initially, I think, rather intimidated by it, and some felt a little upset at having to do it. But as we have become accustomed to taking the courses (and as the content has improved!), most of us seem to have gradually relaxed into a comfortable acceptance that this is a necessary part of keeping our church community safe.

Currently, there are 19 roles in the church that require safeguarding training. These roles are being covered by 38 church members, some of them clergy or Readers. This is a good percentage of our church membership, but with some people covering two, or in some cases three, roles, we need more of you to volunteer, particularly Helpers for Sunday Seekers, Messy Church and the Thursday Warm Spaces. Please don’t be put off by the training required – talk to our volunteers about the training, and I think they’ll encourage you to approach it without trepidation.

As I bow out, I must give my thanks to the PCC, and especially to Nesta, Debbie and Cathy for all the additional support they gave me during the vacancy; and again, to all of you who have co-operated so willingly with the safeguarding requirements, and worked towards that part of St. Mary’s Mission, “…….to be a place of joy and peace for the whole community.” That can only be achieved where people feel safe. I know that you’ll be giving Christopher, Jennie and Michael Barker (our new DBS Administrator) all the support they need to lead us on in our safeguarding endeavours.

Sue Lennon Parish Safeguarding Officer, St. Mary’s

ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON Sunday, 23[rd] March 2025

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PARISHIONERS – 11:00am in the Church Hall

The Meeting of Parishioners was attended by 39 people.

The Rev’d Joss Sanders opened the meeting with an introductory welcome and prayer.

2. Apologies for absence

Jennie Cappleman, Geoff and Yvonne Sowerby, Antony Collinson, Christopher Chapman, Andy Evans

3. Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners – Sunday 28[th] April 2024

The Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting. With no amendments identified it was agreed that they be adopted.

Proposer: Alan Bates

Seconder: Liz Bonham

Accepted Nem Con

4. Election of Churchwardens for 2025/2026

There were two nominations for the two posts:

Colin Last Proposer: Jeff Alino-Abbott Seconder: Sue Barker Nesta Gedrych Proposer: Jeff Alino-Abbott Seconder: Sue Barker

There being no other nominations, these two were appointed to serve as Churchwardens for 2025/2026 and the meeting showed its appreciation. The two Wardens were welcomed to the new term of office and thanked for their contribution during the previous year.

There being no other business, the Meeting was closed at 11:03am.

DR 24.03.2025

ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GOLDINGTON

Sunday, 23[rd] March 2025

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - 11:05am in the Church Hall

1. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Sunday, 28[th] April 2024

The Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting. With no amendments identified it was agreed that they be adopted.

Proposer: Alan Bates

Seconder: Liz Bonham Accepted Nem Con

2. Presentation of the Electoral Roll

Jenny Thompson, the Electoral Roll Officer, announced that the new roll has 103 names. She was thanked for her work on this after taking on the role from John Sheffield. It was proposed this new roll was adopted and Jenny would keep it up to date.

Proposer: Jenny Thompson Seconder: Andy Richardson Accepted Nem Con

3. Presentation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC

The Report was circulated and available to parishioners before the meeting. Treasurer, Jeff Alino-Abbott highlighted various points. (See Addendum 1 for full speech.)

Reassuring that despite impacts of rising inflation, our income sources such as voluntary giving, social activities, grants has risen.
Income from Church Hall lettings alone have risen from £12,000 to £16,000.
The Summer Fête and Autumn Fair raised over £5,000.
Considering the unrestricted and restricted funds together, we have a surplus of £2,500.
Employment of a Family & Children’s Minister in 2023 saw grants and one of funding pledges with activities into 2025 using these funds. Significant efforts need to be made this year to fund this roll and activities.
Our Diocesan Parish Share has increased as has our church and Hall running costs including newly negotiated utility contracts.
Need to be cautious even though we have a small surplus which the PCC will continue to review all aspects of income and expenditure.
Electronic contactless giving point in the church and has seen an increase in use.
The Funding Finding Committee coordinate our approach towards grant applications.
The Accounts reflect the PCC Policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted and relevant restricted funds to mitigate future major maintenance work.
At the end of the year the available unrestricted and relevant restricted funds totalled £164,000 with £93,000 of this represented in cash. This is expected to be sufficient to meet regular cash requirements and repair expenditure for the next two years.

No questions or amendments were raised.

It was proposed that the Financial Statements, as approved by the PCC, be adopted and the final version for submitted to the Diocese and Charity Commission.

Proposer: Cathy Sanderson

Seconder: Christine Chapman

Accepted Nem Con

4. Churchwardens’ Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church

Report on page 19. Colin Last explained the requirement for the Report and noted that the continued diligence of the Property Committee in always ensuring that work on the church building is carried out makes the wardens’ role much easier. As of last year, the Inventory and Terrier was now all recorded digitally as well as a hard copy. This includes itemisation of all the church property - plate, furniture etc - and photographs of all the objects. Colin Last thanked Richard Cope for all his work in maintaining the building. No major works were outstanding from the previous the Quinquennial Inspection with the next due in May 2025. Both he and Nesta Gedrych were thanked and applauded for their hard work as wardens. The only new item to add was a portrait of His Majesty.

5. Group Reports 2024

The reports were circulated before the meeting. It was noted that there are many groups and activities going on at St Mary’s and for our community. It was commented that a prospective new Incumbent would be impressed.

6. Deanery Synod Report

Report on page 19 and 20 and taken as read. It was noted that the Bishop of St Alban’s final service before retirement was scheduled for 18[th] May. This will be advertised in Pews News and Parish & People.

7. Safeguarding Report showing PCC Compliance with the House of Bishops’ Guidance on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Report on page 20. Sue Lennon, Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), confirmed that the PCC is compliant with the House of Bishops’ Guidance. She said that the Diocese reminded all members of the congregation, regardless of whether they hold specific roles, to take the basic online safeguarding course and let her know if they intend to so that she can guide them through the process. Renewal of training is always ongoing.

Sue Lennon explained the action of a letter referenced in the Main Report that the PCC wrote to express their concerns re failings by failures by senior members of the clergy to take effective action when allegations of serious abuse within the Church were brought to their attention. The letter submitted to the General Synod asked a question for reassurances and the actions to be taken to address these failings. She then reported that our question was not aired at General Synod but read. We have received a response letter from the Lead Bishop on Safeguarding.

8. a. Election of Parochial Church Councillors

There were 2 nominations for the three-year vacancies Debbie Richardson Proposer: Sue Lennon Seconder: Joy Jones Joy Jones Proposer: Colin Last Seconder: Nesta Gedrych There were 2 nominations for the one-year vacancies Alan Bates Proposer: Colin Last Seconder: Wendy Watmough Jeff Alino-Abbott Proposer: Debbie Richardson Seconder: Susan Lane

There were no nominations for the two-year vacancy.

There being no other nominations, the above were declared appointed.

b. Appointment of Readers to the PCC

It was proposed that Michael Furlong, Cathy Sanderson, Susan Lane and Ceri-Anne Anne Ashby, as a Licensed Readers, be appointed to the Parochial Church Council.

Proposer: Christine Chapman Seconder: Janet Fowlds

Accepted unanimously

9. Appointment of Independent Examiner

Amy Eyles has agreed to stand as Independent Examiner for next year and on the recommendation of the PCC her appointment was proposed.

Proposer: Jeff Alino-Abbott Seconder: DJ Alino-Wilcockson

Accepted unanimously

10. Any other business

Chris Hjelt expressed his desire to resign from the role of DBS Administrator from June 2025.

Rev’d Joss Sanders thanked all those who contribute to life at St Mary’s. He then led thanks to both Churchwardens and a round of applause.

11. Prayers and Blessing

There being no other business the Meeting closed at 11:33am with the Grace.

DR 24.03.2025

Addendum 1: Treasurer’s Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The accounts for 2024 are presented within the Annual Report, as analysed within the standard accounts format required by recommended accounting practice.

While I do not intend to consider every aspect of the accounts that have been presented to you, I will draw out key highlights. Please raise any questions or concerns as they arise – alternatively, there will be time at the end.

I am sure that you will all recall the details of my presentation for the 2023 accounts, where I noted the concerns we had about the impacts of rising inflation on our financial position. Although the impacts of those concerns are very clear within the 2024 accounts, it is reassuring to note that our income, arising from sources such as voluntary giving, letting the church hall, social activities and grants, has also risen and provides a stronger financial position than might have been the case.

The income from church hall lettings alone rose from £12,000 to £16,000. The success of the various social activities that took place in 2023 should also be mentioned. The summer and autumn fetes in 2024 alone provided a contribution of over £5,000.

At the highest level, when we consider unrestricted and relevant restricted funds together, the financial statements show that we enjoyed a small surplus of nearly £2,500. Within this overall figure, we can see that there is a surplus on unrestricted funds of over £7,000.

One of the key changes within 2024 has been the employment of the Family and Children Minister, and this has made some of the comparisons between the 2023 and 2024 accounts a little more difficult. The funding for this position was largely received during 2023, and the costs incurred during 2024 have been funded through applying the grants, set aside as restricted funds. This is the source of the reduction shown in the value of restricted funds in 2024. Significant effort is being applied to ensure that the ongoing funding of this post will continue into 2025.

Of course, the warnings about the increases in costs that would be incurred during 2024 have been born out, but the increases in income noted above have helped to manage this situation.

Turning to our expenditure, the accounts show increases in the Diocesan Parish Share and increases in both church and hall running costs, where 2024 brought need to negotiate new energy contracts, which delivered an inevitable increase in costs.

Although we are reporting a small surplus, we need to carefully consider how we should manage this overall situation, with one off funding being applied to fund some of our costs. The PCC will continue to review all aspects of our income and expenditure and consider ways in which additional income can be achieved.

During 2024, for example, we brought our electronic contactless giving point into use and the use of this gadget is clearly increasing as people become more used to seeing them in use in churches and cathedrals.

Additionally, a sub-group of the PCC is working to coordinate our approach towards grant applications, where we will seek to obtain grant funding in support of our general activities, including building maintenance. Again,

other churches have been highly successful in obtaining additional funding in this way, and we now also have some useful experience.

Another important aspect of the accounts reflects the PCC policy to maintain a balance between unrestricted and relevant restricted funds to mitigate the costs of future major maintenance work.

At the end of the year the available unrestricted and relevant restricted funds totalled £164,000. Cash represents £93,000 of this amount and is sufficient to meet the regular cash requirements and the repair expenditure likely to be required in the next two years.

It is PCC policy to invest a proportion of reserve funds in CBF Church of England Investment Funds for long-term growth and income. The remainder in the form of cash is held by Virgin Money and the CBF Deposit Fund.

Any Questions?