Parochial Church Council Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Reference Information | 1 |
| The Parochial Church Council | 2 |
| The Parochial Church Council’s Annual Report | 3 |
| Financial Statements | |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 15 |
| Statement of financial activities | 16 |
| Balance Sheet | 17 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 18 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities with comparatives | 29 |
Reference Information
| Name of Charity | THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN PCC (Working name) |
|---|---|
| Incumbent | Revd Francis Blight |
| Correspondence Address | All Saints Church Office John Owen Barn Church Road Fordham CO6 3NL 01206 243261 www.fordhamchurch.org.uk |
| Charity Number | 1131590 |
| Bankers | Barclays Bank 9 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DA |
| CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ |
|
| Independent Examiner | Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship, 1 Lamb’s Passage, London, EC1Y 8AB |
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Parochial Church Council
| Parochial Church | Council | |
|---|---|---|
| Up to APCM on 11th May 2025 | From the APCM on 11th May 2025 | |
| Rector | Francis Blight (Chair) | Francis Blight (Chair) |
| Church Wardens | Nicholas Durlacher (Vice-chair) | Nicholas Durlacher (Vice-chair) |
| Roger Miles | Roger Miles | |
| General Synod | Mary Durlacher | Mary Durlacher |
| Deanery Synod | John Bradley | John Bradley |
| Irene Bale | Irene Bale | |
| Elected Members | Alistair Grote | Taiwo Olajumoke |
| Grace Lee (Secretary) | Grace Lee (Secretary, Electoral Roll Officer) | |
| Victoria Rolfe (Treasurer) | Victoria Rolfe (Treasurer) | |
| Co-opted Non-Voting Members |
Linda Stenner (Parish Safeguarding Officer) |
Alistair Grote (Fabric Chair) |
PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the Parish, including how the funds of the PCC are spent.
Committees
| Committees | Committees |
|---|---|
| PCC Standing Committee | |
| Chair | Rev’d Francis Blight (Rector) |
| Members | Nicholas Durlacher (Warden) Roger Miles (Warden) Grace Lee (Secretary) Victoria Rolfe(Treasurer) |
| Finance Sub-Committee | |
|---|---|
| Chair | Victoria Rolfe |
| Members | Francis Blight Nicholas Durlacher John Bradley |
| Fabric Sub-Committee | |
| Chair | Alistair Grote |
| Members | Mary Durlacher |
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The Parochial Church Council’s Annual Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
The Rector and members of the Parochial Church Council (the 'PCC') have pleasure in presenting their report together with the financial statements for the year. The PCC are the charity's trustees for the purposes of charity law.
A Message from the Rector (PCC chair)
During 2025 we invested in preaching and teaching, outreach services, prayer, the church ministries, staff team and links to the wider church. The Eleven Decisions guided the PCC in our priorities. We saw an encouraging uptake in the number of people who attend Sunday worship at least monthly, up from 85 in 2024 to 102 in 2025. Our mid-week church ministries continued to thrive with encouraging attendance and new people joining and participating across the age spectrum. The challenge continues to be the need for sufficient leaders and team members to run the ministries. In 2025 we continued the programme of quarterly Explore Sunday outreach services that began in 2024. In October a small team lead by Grace Lee began a monthly women’s breakfast, adding a new ministry to the life of our church.
| Church Ministries Jan – Dec 2025 | Leader | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Saints SundayClub | Georgina Blight | Weeklyduringterm time |
| Babies and Toddlers Group | Janette Miller / Georgina Blight |
Until July - Janette Miller From September - Georgina Blight |
| Women’s DayTime Growth Group | Irene Bale | Tuesdaymornings |
| Schools Work | Georgina Blight | Weeklycollective worshipassemblies |
| Prayer Focus | Francis Blight | Thursdays monthly |
| CommunityHub Café & Post Office | Jacqui Griffiths | Fridaymornings |
| Lexden Growth Group | John Bradley | Thursdayevening |
| Fordham Growth Group | Nick & Mary Durlacher |
Thursday evening |
| Eight Ash Green Growth Group | John Bennion | Thursdayevening |
| 421 Youth Groupfor 11-18s | Georgina Blight | Fridayevenings duringterm time |
| Women’s Breakfast | Grace Lee | Saturdaymonthly |
| Care Team | Mim Jelfs |
Our thanks go to the ministry leaders and teams who have invested and often gone above and beyond, in order to deliver the different groups and activities. You can read more about the individual ministries further on in this report.
The PCC invite you to pray for the FEAG church community, that we can remain faithful to Jesus and grow in our fruitfulness, seeking to please God, in our homes, neighbourhoods and places of work. You will find several prayer requests as you read through the report. Please pray for the PCC to have wisdom from God for the direction and priorities of the church and that I can keep Bible teaching, discipleship, evangelism and pastoral care at the top of our church’s agenda. I hope you find this report helpful in giving a picture of FEAG church life through 2025.
Reverend Francis Blight
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Our Vision
Our stated aim is “To know Jesus Christ and make him known”. We seek to work out this vision through the guiding principles set out in the Eleven Decisions which were endorsed by the PCC at the April 2000 APCM.
The Eleven Decisions
Why we do what we do
- In all that we do, we shall remember that our aim is to please and honour God and to receive his approval of our work on the last day.
What we will do
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We shall try to bring people to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour and to join our church family, not distracted from this activity which we alone and no other organisation can accomplish.
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We shall try to make the Christians in our church people who have a firm grasp of the Christian message and are making steady progress in living it out.
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We shall encourage each member of the church to find and use the gifts that God has given them. 5. We shall make spending on gospel workers a top priority and encourage suitably gifted people within the congregation to consider ‘full time’ Christian work.
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We shall do what we can lovingly to help people, especially within the congregation but also outside it, who are in physical, emotional, social or material need.
How we do what we do
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We shall rely on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in all that we do.
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Believing that the Bible is what God says to the church today we will make every effort to understand its message and teach it to one another.
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We shall make plans prayerfully and be sensitive to the Lord’s leading looking for a common mind on the way forward and events conspiring to make it possible.
For whom we do what we do
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We shall consider not only the villages of Fordham and Eight Ash Green but also the tens of thousands of people in our area who have no meaningful contact with a biblically based gospel ministry to be our mission field, and will use the network of contacts, acquaintances, friends and colleagues, in order to spread the word of the gospel.
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We shall have specific ministries to the people of different age groups whom God is drawing to our congregation.
Teaching and Preaching
From the Eleven Decisions: Believing that the Bible is what God says to the church today we will make every effort to understand its message and teach it to one another.
The Apostle Paul wrote: ’All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ (2 Timothy 3:16). We therefore prioritise teaching and learning from God’s word, both Old and New Testaments, to equip Christian individuals, families and our church community. Across 2025, the Sunday and Growth Group programmes included the following teaching series:
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Mark’s Gospel Chapters 1-16 (January – Easter)
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Passages from the book of Acts (April – June)
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Fruitfulness on the Frontline (June – August)
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Joseph and the Providence of God Genesis chapters 37-50 (September – December)
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Four quarterly Explore Sunday services (30[th] March, 22[nd] June, 28[th] September and 30[th] October)
Three evening Growth Groups and a daytime group for women met in church members’ homes across the year to study God’s Word and to pray together. We give thanks for our dedicated Growth Group Leaders who invest in teaching and pastoral care month by month.
The weekly preaching was primarily carried by the Rector with periodic support from Rev’d Paul Southern (retired, permission to officiate) and Rev’d Aëlla Gage (permission to officiate). Guest speakers during the year were: Philip Stewart, Duncan Breckels, Guy Thorburn, Sandy Russell, David Banting and Lee Gatiss. We are grateful for their ministry to the congregation and their different giftings. During 2025 we livestreamed Sunday services and published recordings of teaching sermons as podcasts and videos on YouTube.
The monthly All Age Services in the John Owen Barn were opportunities for the church family to worship and learn together across the age spectrum. Organising the seating around tables along with the community time before and after the service has encouraged a warm sense of togetherness.
Explore Sundays and Explore Courses
From the Eleven Decisions: We shall try to bring people to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour and to join our church family, not distracted from this activity which we alone and no other organisation can accomplish.
Explore Sundays began in 2024 and continued in 2025 with four Explore Sunday outreach services across the year. These give a quarterly focus for church members to invite friends, neighbours and colleagues to come to church with them. We are endeavouring to develop a culture of invitation in our church community, so that we can share the good news of Jesus’ gospel.
Spring - Mothering Sunday, There's No Place Like Home (March) - Aëlla Gage Summer - An Astonishing Love! (June) – Aëlla Gage Autumn - At the Heart of the Bible… (September) – Francis Blight Winter - The Day is Coming (November) - Lee Gatiss (Director of Church Society)
During 2025 one Explore course ran: Hope Explored (June-July). This combined hospitality, weekly teaching videos, Bible study and discussion to help adults to engage with the Christian message. The course ran at the John Owen Barn during the Community Hub and was led by Aëlla Gage, with Christine Bradley, Andy and Mim Jelfs. Explore courses are open to all (18+) and free of charge.
Prayer
From the Eleven Decisions: We shall rely on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in all that we do.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
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During 2025 we held monthly Prayer Focus meetings at the John Owen Barn to pray for the needs and growth of our church community, our church ministries and our mission partners. We continued with the pattern of running some prayer focus meetings at lunchtime and some in the evening, in order to enable a wider group of church members to join in.
During 2025 the church staff team met to pray together on Tuesday mornings and Growth Group members prayed together during their regular small group meetings. In addition, our young people are encouraged to pray at the Friday night 421 youth group and Sunday morning All Saints Club. We publish a bi-monthly prayer diary through the year which encourages the church family to pray for different members of the church community day by day.
Church Staff Team
In July Ruth Wheeler left the staff team in her role as Church Administrator, Rector’s PA and Families Worker. We are grateful for her faithful and committed work across her two and a half years in the post, along with her friendly presence in the church office. The PCC recruited Karen van den Broek who took over from Ruth in September. She has already made a great contribution to church life across the autumn and Christmas season.
| Church Staff Team January – August 2025 | From September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Mrs Ruth Wheeler, Church Administrator, Rector’s PA & Families Worker. (part-time) |
Mrs Karen van den Broek, Office Administrator and Rector’s PA. including Babies & Toddlers Assistant Leader(part-time) |
| Mrs Linda Stenner, Administrative Assistant (part-time) |
Mrs Linda Stenner, Administrative Assistant (part-time) |
| Mrs Georgina Blight, Youth, Children & Schools Worker(part-time) |
Mrs Georgina Blight, Youth & Children’s Leader (part-time) |
| Rev’d Francis Blight,Rector | Rev’d Francis Blight,Rector |
Youth, Children & Families
From the Eleven Decisions: We shall have specific ministries to the people of different age groups whom God is drawing to our congregation.
During 2025, the All Saints Sunday Club, the Friday 421 Youth Group and the School collective worship assemblies were led by GB (Youth and Children’s Leader). In September 2025 GB took the additional responsibility for delivering the weekly Babies & Toddler group. This ministry aims to grow faith in a personal relationship with Jesus by teaching children & teenagers God’s Word and helping them grow in confidence to pray. It also aims to reach the parents of Babies & Toddlers with the good news of Jesus.
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Babies & Toddlers (0-4s)
The autumn went very well and was much appreciated by the parents and children who came. There was a regular strong team of five for which we give thanks to God. We had an average of 18 adults and their little ones attending each week.
Prayer : For God to grow faith in the hearts of the adults and children who attend as the weekly Bible story is taught.
All Saints Sunday Club (ASC) 0-16 years
Beginning with God (0-4s) This group became a parent led play creche with the service livestreamed for parents to watch. There are three families who have or could use this facility.
Luke Group (4-11s) This group has four regular children attending. We have used the Mustard Seed teaching materials as well as teaching materials produced by Faith in Kids. As well as teaching the Bible, we pray, sing and make crafts which help us to retell the bible story for that day. We have also learnt memory verses. Many thanks to the two teachers and three helpers who enabled this ministry to run.
Matthew Group (11-16s) There were five children who attended throughout 2025. Again, many thanks to the team of Matthew group leaders (two teachers and three helpers) who gave time, prayer and preparation to enable this group to run. This group uses teaching materials from Mustard Seed.
Prayer: Give thanks for the children and young people who are part of All Saints Church. Please pray that they will grow in knowing and loving God and in their friendships with one another. Pray for God to bring in new families to strengthen our church community, and for new leaders to help with this important work, especially those willing to prepare teaching sessions.
Friday 421 Youth Group 11- 18 years
421 Youth Group runs for 90 minutes on Fridays during term time. The evening begins with 30 minutes of free time (table games, craft table & tuckshop). This is followed by half an hour of Christian teaching, discussion and prayer. The evening ends with an ‘All in Game’ for the whole group together. The format is proving popular. During 2025 the group’s average weekly attendance stayed around 26 with a total of 36 individuals attending across the year. Some of the young people come from our church and several other local churches. Others have no church affiliation. At the end of the summer term, we said farewell to four of our older attendees who have finished sixth form. In November a trip was organised to the annual Sorted event in central London run by Capital Youth Workers. Six 14-18 year olds and three leaders attended. In December we held a 421-reunion event for those aged 18+ who had left and their friends, thirteen young adults attended.
Our thanks go to the small team of leaders who enabled this group to run each week. By the end of 2025 we had a team of seven leaders. We give thanks to God for this provision.
Prayer: Give thanks to God that 421 is thriving. Please pray for God to strengthen the faith of the Christian youngsters who come along. Pray for God to give faith to the youngsters who come who don’t yet know him.
The Community Hub
The ‘Third Space’- a physical location that is neither home nor work, vital for community health.
The community hub is now in its fourth year and has made significant strides in fostering social engagement, supporting local initiatives, and providing essential services (post office) over the past year.
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It has strengthened relationships within the church family and the volunteer team. This report highlights key achievements, challenges, and future plans to enhance the hub’s impact.
Introduction
The community hub serves as a vital resource for residents, offering a café, delicious cakes made every week by our volunteers, post office and events for charity fundraising. The report provides an overview of the year’s past operations and community engagement efforts.
Project Objectives
Establish a warm welcoming space for community to engage. Create a sustainable and inclusive environment accessible to all. Strengthen local partnerships. Fund raising and talks to promote resident participation.
Our ‘front door’ to faith in all the conversations the volunteers have on a weekly basis, bridging the gap between community and church.
Community Impact
Strengthened partnership with the local Parish Council Increased community participation since launch by 80%
Increased friendships between local residents, combating loneliness through consistent connections. Access made easier for residents having the post office.
Operational stress
Maintaining a reliable volunteer base. Capacity limits due to volunteer numbers.
Ageing volunteering group facing challenges to maintain this project going forward and as such we need to make provision for this project to continue to thrive as it would be a great disappointment if we were unable to sustain this porous edge project going forward.
Volunteer input
Huge thanks to those who step in at the last minute to help cover sickness, but we still need younger folk to help out.
Café acts as a ‘front door’ to faith and this is shown by the support felt by all team members for each other and it’s a testament to our deepest bond to each other through our service to the Lord.
Conclusion
The community hub continues to be a cornerstone of the community, promoting inclusivity and wellbeing. Despite challenges with volunteering health, the hub remains committed to growth and sustainability, ensuring that it serves the community effectively for years to come.
Parish Schools (Holy Trinity Eight Ash Green and Fordham All Saints Primary Schools)
The strong links with the two parish schools continued during 2025 with:
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A weekly collective worship assembly in each school led by our schools’ worker.
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School church services at Christmas, Harvest and Easter.
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Participation in the Year-Six School Leavers’ events including the gift of a Bible to each leaver.
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• The Rector serving as a member of the local governance committee.
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New for 2025 was the Year 6 Retreat Day for both schools together, which was greatly appreciated by children and staff.
Both schools are now part of the Life Education Trust. https://lifeeducationtrust.com/
The Life Trust does not have a specifically Christian foundation, but contains a number of Church of England schools. Life Trust schools believe in Courageous Optimism, Heartfelt Compassion and Boundless Creativity. There are about 100 children in each school.
In April, Mrs Carla Dale was appointed as the head of All Saints Fordham school. Mrs Katie Welsh remains head of Holy Trinity school. At the end of the summer term Mrs Ceri Daniels finished as executive head of the two schools and from September, Mrs Sarah Stevenson was appointed as the new executive head. She is executive head of four schools: Holy Trinity, Fordham, Chappel and Langenhoe Community Primary School.
Both parish schools updated their websites and now include a positive piece about the relationship between the church and the schools. The two schools have a joint Local Governance Committee (LGC). The Rector is a member of the LGC and there is an opening for another governor which needs filling.
Georgina Blight is in her second year as schools’ worker. Each week she teaches a Bible story to about 200 children in the school collective worship assemblies. During the year, we invited pupils and their families to church services and events which were advertised in the schools.
Prayer: Please pray that the two schools can continue to prosper in the Life Trust and that we can continue to support them in maintaining and growing their Christian ethos and distinctiveness. Please pray for Georgina to have an effective ministry as Schools worker; that she does the role faithfully and that God uses this work to bring faith in Jesus to many children and their teachers.
PCC Proceedings
2025 was another busy and significant year for the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Recruitment was a regular item on the PCC agenda. During the year we appointed a new Church Administrator and Rector’s PA, Karen van den Broek, following our farewell to Ruth Wheeler. A new self-employed cleaner was recruited in the autumn, and our thanks go to Amanda Britton who did such a good job as church cleaner over eleven years. The PCC gave time to planning future recruitment for 2026.
The PCC was pleased to continue its support for the Community Hub and is very grateful to Jacqui Griffiths for her leadership and commitment to this important ministry. We were delighted to be able to sustain our Youth and Children’s Ministries, which remain central to the life and future of our church. The PCC is particularly thankful to Georgina Blight for continuing to lead the All-Saints Club and 421 youth group, and for taking on leadership responsibility for Schools Work and the Babies and Toddlers ministry.
After consultation with the bishop of Ebbsfleet, the PCC voted to make some pastoral accommodations in our Holy Communion practice. These changes are especially for individuals who have received medical advice to avoid something:
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Individual cups of wine for those who are vulnerable due to having a compromised immune system.
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Grape juice for those who for medical/health reasons need to avoid alcohol.
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Gluten free bread made available for celiacs.
During a year of turbulence within the Church of England caused by the House of Bishops Living in Love and Faith Campaign (LLF), the PCC remained actively engaged with the Alliance Campaign and the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC). Because of the LLF programme, the PCC continued its position in relation to Parish Share. Parish Share was paid through the Ephesian Fund (https://www.ephesianfund.org.uk/) withholding a proportion of the contribution and paying only those elements related to the incumbent and safeguarding administrative costs.
The condition and maintenance of our church buildings remained a key priority throughout the year. Amongst other works, the PCC commissioned a new noticeboard for Fordham Church and arranged repairs to some church windows. The porch mat at Fordham Church was replaced to improve safety and accessibility. The PCC is grateful to Julian Griffiths, who continues to oversee the church and John Owen Barn IT systems, and to Graham Owens (Technovations) for reorganising the audio-visual equipment in Fordham Church.
The PCC continued its established practice of meeting off-site every six months to allow for more in-depth discussion and prayer. PCC breakfasts provide valuable space to step back from routine business and to reflect prayerfully on our governance and trusteeship of Fordham and Eight Ash Green (FEAG). The most recent PCC breakfast took place in October 2025 and focused on ministry and mission, as well as recruitment and staffing.
Safeguarding remains a standing priority for the PCC. During the year, the PCC continued to review and implement the Church of England’s Safeguarding Standards. Actions were identified to promote a safe, compassionate and healthy culture within our church: the rollout of clear role descriptions across volunteer positions and maintaining investment in the PCC Link structure. This structure ensures that each staff member and ministry leader has a named PCC member as a direct and supportive point of contact.
Links to the Wider Church
During 2025 PCC members served on Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod with one member on General Synod and the Bishop of Chelmsford’s Council. We are part of the Ebbsfleet network, having passed a resolution requesting the extended spiritual and pastoral care of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Rt Rev Dr Rob Munro. Bishop Rob supports churches who have requested their Diocesan Bishop to provide for their evangelical and complementarian convictions - that is their commitment to the authority of the Bible, to direct the life of the Church and express the equal but different roles of men and women in family and Church. https://www.bishopofebbsfleet.org/
The PCC continued to support links with like-minded churches, through the Chelmsford ReNew Regional Group made up of churches in Essex and East London. https://www.renewconference.org.uk/ . We are connected nationally with churches as part of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet’s Network and our partnership with Church Society, ‘a fellowship contending to reform and renew the Church of England in biblical faith’ https://www.churchsociety.org/. In addition, the PCC supports engagement with the Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Network (CDEN) which comes under the national Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC).
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The PCC continued with its established pattern of giving away a portion of church funds to support mission partners. The 12 mission partners for 2025 are listed in the accounts section of this report. Although our church has been involved in the Chelmsford ReNew group for many years, the PCC formally adopted ReNew (www.renewconference.org.uk) as a mission partner in 2025 and hosted a Chelmsford ReNew Synod at the John Owen Barn in January. UCCF appointed a new staff worker for Essex University, Ayay Akol. We engaged with the ministry of Open Doors UK (adopted as a mission partner in 2024) with the promotion of and participation in two online prayer events and the Rector attended an Open Doors UK ‘Arise Africa’ seminar at the houses of parliament in June. To strengthen our mission partnership with Church Society, we invited their director Rev’d Dr Lee Gatiss to a Church Society Partnership Weekend at the end of November. Lee met with members of the PCC, spoke at an evening titled ‘Living to Please God’ and preached at the November Explore Sunday.
Prayer: Please pray that we can be a blessing to others in our varied connections to the wider church, particularly in the current difficult context of false teaching on sexual ethics which is causing division in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
Safeguarding
Since stepping down from role of Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) at the 2025 APCM, Linda Stenner has been acting as the PSO until such time as a new person can be safely recruited into the role. Our Christian community continues to be actively engaged in safeguarding measures and strives to uphold the safeguarding policy annually adopted by the PCC. We are currently progressing at 100% on our Safeguarding Dashboard at Level 3 with the PCC currently reviewing our Level 3 Safeguarding Action Plan.
We currently have thirty-one volunteers involved in our church ministries, who are fully recruited with appropriate and up to date DBS certificates and safeguarding training applicable to their role. We have one person currently addressing the renewal of their safeguarding training.
We have continued to struggle in moving forward with the implementation of Standards 4 - Victims & Survivors and 5 - Learning, Supervision & Support, due to changes in staff and volunteers. This is something that we need to engage with more positively in the coming months.
With regard to the PCC’s obligations to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, the members of the PCC confirm that they have complied with their duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.
Financial Review
Income for the year was £176,797 (2024: £170,698), which included grant income of £40,000 (2024: £20,000) from the Fordham Trust.
Expenditure for the year was £182,777 (2024: £163,299) including mission partner giving of £15,000. The net movement in funds showed a deficit for the year of £5,943 (2024: £7,438 surplus) leaving total funds at the end of the year of £58,554 (2024: £64,497).
At the year end the charity held unrestricted funds of £54,636 (2024: £55,421) and restricted funds of £3,918 (2023: £9,076). Restricted funds comprise principally monies held to support mission projects as well as monies held in The Benevolent Fund (the latter is available to support members of the church family who have encountered financial hardship). Full details of all funds are set out in the financial statements.
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Reserves Policy
The trustees closely monitor reserves, income and expenditure, which are discussed regularly at PCC meetings. In previous years, the trustees have considered that reserves (unrestricted net current assets) should be maintained at a level equivalent to 3 months budgeted operating costs (approx. £50,000).
At the year end the PCC held unrestricted net current assets of £47,426, which is within £1,500 of the 3 months budgeted operational expense target for 2026. Whilst this is slightly under the policy level required, the trustees remain confident that given the relationship with the Fordham Trust, additional funds would be made available if required.
The PCC’s forecasts for the coming year have been reviewed, alongside measures that could be taken to increase income and reduce expenditure. The trustees are satisfied that the charity can operate with this level of reserves for the time being and will be reviewing their reserves policy during 2026.
Key Risks and Uncertainties
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The PCC review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.
Fabric Report
Eight Ash Green Church
The latest quinquennial inspection was carried out on 12[th] July 2024. The building is in generally good condition, but nothing has been done about significant cracks at the west end of the building, in the kitchen, toilet, cleaners’ cupboard and the floor. This part of the building has already been under pinned, but this has not solved the problem and we need further advice.
Regular maintenance is taking place on gutters, downpipes and groundwater gulleys, to prevent dampness and internal plaster ‘blowing’. Any areas of ‘blown’ plaster have been repaired. Trees and shrubs are overgrown at the front of the church and hide the building from the road. We have a quote of £600 for clearing some of this but nothing has been done about this yet.
In the kitchen, cracks around the ceiling have been covered by means of coving.
The front fence is rotting. Fred Campbell has done a temporary repair which makes the fence serviceable. Cost to replace it would be £4,000. There is provision in the budget but needs discussion and authorisation from the PCC. Roger Miles kindly pressure washed the fence in the Spring of 2025, and the front path was also pressure washed to remove all the thick moss.
With the hot, dry summer weather, the path around the SW corner of the building became a serious trip hazard and the slabs were all lifted and re-laid.
A new notice board has been installed at the entrance path to the church. The churchyard grass is maintained by a contractor, and the church office has received compliments from village people visiting graves.
Fordham Church
The latest quinquennial inspection was carried out on 30[th] March 2022, and the building is in generally good condition. The report states that several windows need attention. The large N.E. nave window and
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smaller East window by the communion table were repaired at a cost of £1,459 and £1,070. Remaining windows are all watertight. Roger Barrell of Quinlan Terry, Architects was consulted again and agreed the quinquennial was too pessimistic and all the main windows are in good enough condition. The only windows that do need repair are small broken windows in the porch, together with large cracks.
A small piece of fallen masonry was noted on the south stairs in July 2025. After the collapse of a fairly large section of the nave ceiling in October 2022, Roger Barrell was asked to look and see if there were any significant cracks which could potentially cause a further fall of masonry. Fordham church has some significant historic cracks, particularly in the chancel and south porch. None of these have significantly changed, although the long dry summer may have helped with this.
The churchyard is steadily being improved by tackling the overgrown areas. Neighbours are concerned about overhanging branches and the safety of a large tree in the churchyard close to their boundary. This is being attended to.
The ivy on the church tower has been cut and the remaining areas higher up treated with a chemical to kill any more growth.
A new notice board was installed at Fordham Church on 9[th] September 2025.
John Owen Barn
The John Owen Barn is not a C of E building, and only 20 years old. It has no structural problems. Money is included in the budget to cover repairs to the technological aspects and internal maintenance of the building. The exterior appearance of the building needs some attention which is planned for 2026.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission and operates under the Charities Act 2011. The governing documents for the charity are the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended) and the Church Representation Rules.
The charity’s objects, as set out in the governing document, are to co-operate with the incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church be it pastoral, evangelistic, social or ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for maintaining certain church property situated within the parish.
The appointment of PCC members is governed by, and set out in, the Church Representation Rules. The PCC comprises ex-officio members (which includes clergy and churchwardens), elected members and coopted members. The PCC organise elections annually at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) to fill vacancies.
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rests with the PCC who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity.
Trustee Responsibilities
The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Page 13
Charity law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the PCC are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
APPROVAL
This report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by:
Name: Revd Francis Blight Signed: Francis Blight (Apr 30, 2026 10:55:58 GMT+1) Francis Blight Date: Apr 30, 2026 Name: Nicholas Durlacher Signed: Nick Durlacher Date: Apr 30, 2026 Nick Durlacher (Apr 30, 2026 11:28:41 GMT+1)
Page 14
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN ('the Charity')
I report to the members of the PCC (who are also the charity's trustees) on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 on pages 16 to 29 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 18 to 20.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Lisa Darby
Lisa Darby (May 1, 2026 09:16:06 GMT+1)
Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
Date: May 1, 2026
Page 15
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 15 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 15 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 142,748 11,096 124 153,969 164,005 164,005 38 (9,998) 9,213 (786) 55,422 54,636 |
Restricted Funds £ 22,828 - - 22,828 18,772 18,772 - 4,056 (9,213) (5,157) 9,076 3,918 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 165,576 11,096 124 176,797 182,777 182,777 38 (5,943) - (5,943) 64,497 58,554 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 161,887 8,576 236 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170,698 | ||||
| 163,299 | ||||
| 163,299 | ||||
| 39 | ||||
| 7,438 - |
||||
| 7,438 57,059 |
||||
| 64,497 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.
The notes on page 18-28 form part of these accounts.
Page 16
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 Investments 10 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand 12 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets / (liabilities) TOTAL NET ASSETS FUND BALANCES 15 Unrestricted Funds General funds Designated funds Restricted Funds |
Unrestricted Funds £ 7,210 - 7,210 7,128 47,099 54,226 (6,801) 47,426 54,636 54,636 - 54,636 - 54,636 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 535 3,383 3,918 - 3,918 3,918 - - - 3,918 3,918 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 7,210 - 7,210 7,663 50,482 58,145 (6,801) 51,344 58,554 54,636 - 54,636 3,918 58,554 |
Total Funds 2024 £ - 1,332 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,332 | ||||
| 27,835 41,299 |
||||
| 69,134 (5,968) |
||||
| 63,165 | ||||
| 64,497 | ||||
| 55,421 - |
||||
| 55,421 9,076 |
||||
| 64,497 |
The financial statements were approved by the members of the PCC and were signed on its behalf by:
Francis Blight Francis Blight (Apr 30, 2026 10:55:58 GMT+1) --------------------------------------Rev'd Francis Blight Apr 30, 2026 Date: ____
Charity number: 1131590
The notes on page 18-28 form part of these accounts.
Page 17
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Statutory Information
The Parochial Church Council of Fordham and Eight Ash Green is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The charity's registered number is 1131590 and its registered office and principal address is at John Owen Barn, Church Road, Fordham, CO6 3NL.
2 Accounting Policies
These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain assets, which are measured at fair value through the Statement of Financial Activities. The financial statements include all activities for which the PCC is legally responsible; the activities of informal gatherings of church members and groups that owe their main affiliation to another body are excluded.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with The Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the 'Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)' ("the Charities SORP"), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.
The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (the '2008 Regulations') requires charities to prepare their accounts in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005' but this accounting standard has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by the Charities SORP mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The charity has prepared these financial statements in accordance with the new Charities SORP; this departure from the 2008 Regulations is believed to be necessary for these financial statements to give a 'true and fair view'.
The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.
a) Going concern
The PCC have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The PCC have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the PCC have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The PCC have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
b) Income
Income (which includes planned giving, collections and other donations) is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part income is generally recognised when it is received by, or on behalf of, the PCC. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
Income from donations and legacies includes:
-
i) Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.
-
ii) Donated facilities, services and goods. Goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries are recognised as income when receivable at fair value (being an estimate of the amount it would cost to purchase those items). Facilities, services and goods donated for the charity's own use are recognised as income when receivable at their value to the charity.
The charity relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities. However, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured.
When donated goods, services and facilities are distributed or consumed, an expense in respect of those items is included in the Statement of Financial Activities. At the year end any goods that have not been distributed or consumed are recognised as stock; donated fixed assets are capitalised.
- iii) Legacies. Income from legacies is recognised when a distribution is received from the estate or, if earlier, when the charity has been notified that a distribution will be made and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
Page 18
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2 Accounting Policies (continued)
Income from charitable activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from fees for weddings, baptisms and funerals, other church activities and the
Investment income represents income generated by the charity's assets and includes income from bank interest.
c) Expenditure
Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Contributions in respect of the diocesan parish share are included in the Statement of Financial Activities for all amounts agreed to being payable for the financial year. Any contributions that have not been paid over by the year end are included as a creditor.
The charity makes grants to other institutions and individuals to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity.
The cost of raising funds is not significant and has not been separately disclosed.
Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity.
d) Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
e) Tangible fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in these financial statements by virtue of s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011. All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings is written off in the year in which it is incurred.
Movable church furnishings held by the incumbent and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are capitalised in accordance with the policy set out below. These items are regarded as inalienable property and are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. Inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 has not been capitalised as there is insufficient cost information available.
The church halls and certain clergy accommodation are held in trust by the Diocese on behalf of the PCC. These properties are essential for the mission of the church and have been in use for many years but they have not been included in these financial statements as there is insufficient cost information and their depreciated cost is unlikely to be material.
Expenditure on maintaining facilities donated to the PCC (namely the John Owen Barn) are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they are incurred.
Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £1,000 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following rates of depreciation are charged:
Equipment
Over 3 to 7 years
The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Page 19
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2 Accounting Policies (continued)
f) Investments
Fixed asset investments are held to generate income and / or for their investment potential. Current asset investments are investments that are held specifically for sale or are investments that the charity expects to sell by the next balance sheet date. Investments are valued as follows:
i) Investment property and listed investments are valued at their market value (fair value) at the balance sheet date.
ii) Unlisted investments are measured at cost less impairment where it becomes apparent that the amount that could be realised is less than cost.
Gains and losses on investment assets are included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the heading 'Net gains / (losses) on investments'.
g) Pension scheme arrangements
The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.
h) Taxation
The charity has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.
i) Financial instruments The charity's financial assets and financial liabilities all qualify as basic financial instruments, as defined by FRS102. Except for loans, creditors and debtors are measured at their expected settlement value (normally the amount of cash that the charity expects to pay or receive). The charity recognises liabilities for the principal of those loans that remains outstanding at the year end (i.e. the liabilities exclude any interest chargeable on the loans in future years).
j) Exemption from preparing a cashflow statement
The charity has taken advantage of an exemption conferred by the Charities SORP and has not prepared a cash flow statement.
k) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
The members of the PCC do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.
Page 20
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
3 Donations and legacies
| ations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations of cash and similar Donations in kind (note 3a) Grants receivable The Fordham Trust Gift aid recoverable |
2025 £ 98,087 5,000 40,000 22,489 165,576 |
2024 £ 111,441 5,000 20,000 25,446 |
| 161,887 |
The Fordham Trust is an independent charity with Christian objectives registered in the UK. It has supported the gospel ministry of All Saints Fordham and Eight Ash Green for some time. The PCC and the Fordham Trust do not have any trustees in common however one of the Trust's six trustees is closely related to a member of the PCC.
a Donations in kind comprise:
| ations in kind comprise: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donated facilities | 2025 £ 5,000 5,000 |
2024 £ 5,000 |
| 5,000 |
Donated facilities comprise the John Owen Barn, which has been let to the charity rent free by a close relative of a member of the PCC (see note 16).
4 Income from charitable activities
| Fees from weddings, funerals, baptisms and similar Church activities including book sales Letting of facilities for community benefit Other income Investment income Interest on bank and investment accounts |
2025 £ 5,473 3,265 1,835 524 11,096 2025 £ 124 124 |
2024 £ 5,902 1,883 791 - |
|---|---|---|
| 8,576 | ||
| 2024 £ 236 |
||
| 236 |
5 Investment income
Page 21
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 6 Charitable expenditure a Costs incurred directly on specific activities Ministry expenses: Parish share The Ephesian Fund Diocesan fees Staff costs Clergy expenses Other ministry expenses Community hub Property expenses: Operational costs for church Operational costs for rectory John Owen Barn donated facility expensed Operational costs for John Owen Barn Upkeep of churchyard Grants payable (note 6c) b Costs incurred on support & administration Governance costs Independent examiner's fee Other Office and administration costs Payroll processing Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Insurance Total expenditure |
2025 £ 48,200 780 43,029 2,404 10,675 2,496 107,584 10,928 780 5,000 20,211 3,444 40,363 16,000 163,947 2,520 - 2,520 7,102 674 1,803 6,732 18,830 182,777 |
2024 £ 46,200 1,397 40,048 1,233 10,641 2,893 |
|---|---|---|
| 102,412 11,423 980 5,000 10,856 4,416 |
||
| 32,674 15,000 |
||
| 150,086 | ||
| 2,280 - |
||
| 2,280 5,540 666 - 4,726 |
||
| 13,212 | ||
| 163,299 |
The fee payable to the independent examiner for preparing and examining the accounts was £2,520 (2024: £2,280; in addition the charity paid £674 (2024: £666) to Stewardship for payroll bureau services.
Page 22
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
6 Charitable expenditure (continued)
c Grants payable
| Grants for UK and overseas mission Grants for the relief of poverty The comparatives for the previous year are as follows: Grants for UK and overseas mission The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised: Serving in Mission Oak Hill College Open Doors UK True Freedom Trust Church Society ReNew Christian Institute UCCF Christianity Explored Video Bible Talks Bridgeway Mission A Passion For Life Open Door Colchester |
Institutions £ 15,000 - 15,000 Institutions £ 15,000 15,000 |
Individuals £ - 1,000 1,000 Individuals £ - - 2025 £ 7,000 2,000 1,000 700 700 700 650 550 500 500 450 250 - 15,000 |
2025 £ 15,000 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | |||
| 2024 £ 15,000 |
|||
| 15,000 | |||
| 2024 £ 7,100 2,000 1,000 800 700 - 700 600 500 500 500 300 300 |
|||
| 15,000 |
7 Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 3 (2025: 3). Most of the charity's activities are carried out by volunteers.
No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.
The charity's key management comprise the members of the PCC and the key staff named on the Charity Information page. Total employment benefits payable to key management for the year were as follows:
Rev. Francis Blight (who is a clergy member of the PCC) receives a stipend from the Diocese and so is not an employee; some of the Parish Share paid to the Diocese via the Ephesian Fund is used to help meet the cost of this stipend. Rev. Francis Blight was provided with accommodation (which is customary for clergy) and the cost of this accommodation to the PCC is disclosed in note 6 'Charitable Expenditure'. The charity also reimbursed expenses to Rev. Francis Blight; again these costs are disclosed in note 6 'Charitable Expenditure' under the heading 'Clergy expenses'.
Page 23
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
8 Acting as agent
On occasion the charity receives money on behalf of other charities, which it banks and then pays out to these charities. This income is received as agent for these other charities and the income, and the related payments, are excluded from the Statement of Financial Activities; any money that has not been distributed by the year end is recognised as a creditor.
During the year the charity acted as agent for Great Ormond Street Hospital and, in that capacity: a) received £1,094 (2024: £nil) and paid £1,094 (2024: £nil)
9 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions At 31 December 2025 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year At 31 December 2025 Net book value At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 Fixed asset investments Cost or fair value brought forward Disposals during the year Change in value of investments Cost or fair value carried forward Debtors Gift aid recoverable Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Cash at Bank and in Hand Cash at bank with immediate access Petty cash |
Fixed interest securities 1,332 (1,369) 38 - |
Fixtures, fittings and equipment £ - 9,013 9,013 - 1,803 1,803 7,210 - 2025 £ 1,332 (1,369) 38 - 2025 £ 7,663 - - 7,663 2025 £ 50,472 11 50,482 |
Total 2025 £ - 9,013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,013 | |||
| - 1,803 |
|||
| 1,803 | |||
| 7,210 | |||
| - | |||
| 2024 £ 1,293 - 39 |
|||
| 1,332 | |||
| 2024 £ 13,002 13,118 1,716 |
|||
| 27,835 | |||
| 2024 £ 41,253 45 |
|||
| 41,299 |
10 Fixed asset investments
11 Debtors
12 Cash at Bank and in Hand
Page 24
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
13 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year
| Other creditors Accruals Deferred income |
2025 £ 4,281 2,520 - 6,801 |
2024 £ 2,429 2,280 1,259 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,968 |
Deferred income in the prior year comprised fees received before the year end for a church retreat that took place in 2025 and have been recognised in these financial statements.
14 Pension commitments
During the year employer’s pension contributions totalling £675 (2024: £649) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. At the balance sheet date pension contributions totalling £109 (2024: £139) were owed.
15 Funds
During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| Designated Funds Community Hub General Unrestricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Youth and Children's Worker fund Mission fund John Owen Barn fund Benevolent fund Church maintenance fund Aggregate of funds |
Opening balance 2025 £ - - 55,422 55,422 - 5,046 - 2,537 1,493 9,076 64,497 |
Incoming resources 2025 £ 2,496 2,496 151,473 153,969 1,730 5,463 5,000 - 10,635 22,828 176,797 |
Outgoing resources 2025 £ (2,496) (2,496) (161,509) (164,005) (1,655) (9,751) (5,000) (1,000) (1,366) (18,772) (182,777) |
Transfers in the year 2025 £ - - 9,213 9,213 - (200) - - (9,013) (9,213) - |
Gains and losses 2025 £ - - 38 38 - 38 |
Closing balance 2025 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 54,636 |
||||||
| 54,636 | ||||||
| 75 558 - 1,537 1,749 |
||||||
| 3,918 | ||||||
| 58,554 |
The transfers referred to above were made for the following reasons:
a) Transfer of £9,013 from the Church Maintenance Fund to the General Fund represents the capitalisation of fixed assets purchased using funds raised within the former fund.
- b) Transfer of £200 from the Mission Fund to the General Fund to refund expenditure incurred.
Page 25
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
15 Funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets by fund
The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| ysis of net assets by fund assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows: |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 7,210 - 7,128 - 47,099 - (6,801) - 54,636 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ - 535 3,383 - 3,918 |
2025 £ 7,210 7,663 50,482 (6,801) |
|
| General funds £ 7,210 7,128 47,099 (6,801) 54,636 |
||||
| 58,554 |
In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| Designated Funds Community Hub General Unrestricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Youth and Children's Worker fund Mission fund John Owen Barn fund Benevolent fund Community fund Church maintenance fund Aggregate of funds |
Opening balance 2024 £ - - 40,881 40,881 5,001 8,389 - 2,537 250 - 16,177 57,059 |
Incoming resources 2024 £ 2,643 2,643 146,227 148,871 8,165 4,638 5,000 - - 4,025 21,828 170,698 |
Outgoing resources 2024 £ (2,643) (2,643) (128,202) (130,845) (16,690) (7,981) (5,000) - (250) (2,532) (32,453) (163,299) |
Transfers in the year 2024 £ - - (3,524) (3,524) 3,524 - - - - - 3,524 - |
Gains and losses 2024 £ - - 39 39 - - - - - - - 39 |
Closing balance 2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 55,422 |
||||||
| 55,422 | ||||||
| - 5,046 - 2,537 - 1,493 |
||||||
| 9,076 | ||||||
| 64,497 |
Page 26
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
15 Funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets by fund
In the previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Fixed asset investments Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 1,332 - 27,405 - 32,253 - (5,569) - 55,421 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ - 430 9,045 (400) 9,076 |
2024 £ 1,332 27,835 41,299 (5,968) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 1,332 27,405 32,253 (5,569) 55,421 |
||||
| 64,497 |
Designated funds
The Community Hub fund represents donations and other income received to help meet the cost of operating a hub that seeks to serve the local community.
Restricted funds
The Youth and Children's Worker fund represents donations received to help meet the cost of employing a Youth and Children's worker.
The Mission fund represents donations received by the charity to help fund specific mission projects.
The John Owen Barn fund represents the estimated value to the charity of the rent free use of a property.
The Benevolent fund was created from donations received to help members of the church family facing financial hardship.
The Community fund was created from grants and donations received to help meet the cost of operating a hub that seeks to serve the local community.
The Church Maintenance fund was created from donations received for a variety of small projects. This year it included donations for new notice boards and for maintaining churchyards.
Page 27
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
-
16 Transactions with related parties During the year the charity:
-
a) received donations totalling £58,720 (2024: £37,775 from related parties (which includes members of the PCC, any other members of key management and anyone closely connected to them). This includes the value of the donated facilities at the John Owen Barn (note 3).
-
b) paid no expenses (2024: £nil) for / to non-clergy members of the PCC for carrying out duties associated with being PCC members; reimbursements for expenses incurred when acting as agent for the charity or incurred when undertaking employment duties not connected with serving as a PCC member are not included in this disclosure.
During the year the charity also made the following payments to, or for, related parties:
- a) Georgina Blight, who is closely related to Rev Francis Blight, who is a clergy member of the PCC, received employment benefits totalling £15,772 (2024: £15,268) in her role as Youth and Children's Leader
Except as disclosed in note 7 'Analysis of staff costs', there have been no other transactions with related parties during the year.
Page 28
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDHAM & EIGHT ASH GREEN
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities: 6 Total Expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 15 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 15 |
General Designated 2025 2025 £ £ 140,252 2,496 11,096 - 124 - 151,473 2,496 161,509 2,496 161,509 2,496 38 - (9,998) - 9,213 - (786) - 55,422 - 54,636 - Unrestricted funds |
Restricted 2025 £ 22,828 - - 22,828 18,772 18,772 - 4,056 (9,213) (5,157) 9,076 3,918 |
Total 2025 £ 165,576 11,096 124 176,797 182,777 182,777 38 (5,943) - (5,943) 64,497 58,554 |
General Designated 2024 2024 £ £ 137,416 2,643 8,576 - 236 - 146,227 2,643 128,202 2,643 128,202 2,643 39 - 18,064 - (3,524) - 14,540 - 40,881 - 55,422 - Unrestricted funds |
Restricted 2024 £ 21,828 - - 21,828 32,453 32,453 - (10,626) 3,524 (7,102) 16,177 9,076 |
Total 2024 £ 161,887 8,576 236 170,698 163,299 163,299 39 7,438 - 7,438 57,059 64,497 |
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