East Dean and Friston Churches
Registered Charity Number 1131638
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
CONTENTS
| Church Information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees Report | 2 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 3 |
| Receipts & Payments Account | 4 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 5 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 |
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 1
CHURCH INFORMATION
| Address | The Rectory |
|---|---|
| Gilbert's Drive | |
| East Dean | |
| BN20 0DL | |
| Members of the PCC | Rev David Baker |
| Rev Andrew Spear | |
| Mr Peter Hewitt | |
| Mr Phillip Hill | |
| Mr Charles Collins | |
| Mr David George | |
| Mrs Stephanie Carter | |
| Mr Harry Parke | |
| Mrs Jodene Street | |
| Miss Sheila MacNicol | |
| Miss Carol Hyatt | |
| Mrs Gail Huggett | |
| Mrs Dawn Baker | |
| Mr David Linsell | |
| Bankers | Barclays Bank Plc |
| 63/67 Terminus Road | |
| Eastbourne | |
| BN21 3NE | |
| Independent Examiner | C J Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA |
| Caladine Limited | |
| Chartered Certified Accountants | |
| Chantry House | |
| 22 Upperton Road | |
| Eastbourne | |
| BN21 1BF |
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees
Page 2 A
The Trustees present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.
1 Objectives and activities
The primary objective of the Churches is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. To this end the PCC have the responsibility of cooperating with the Rector in promoting the ecclesiastical parish in order to advance the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.
At the heart of all we do is the gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” (1 Timothy 1:15).
There is nothing more important than the gospel. All that we do as churches must relate to this and reflect it. Our main challenge as churches is to see the urgency and imperative of the gospel and to be outwardlooking in making it known clearly.
To this end we want people to hear the invitation of Jesus – “Come and see” (John 1v39), finding out who he is and what it means to repent and believe; to “Come and grow” – to grow into maturity as believers rather than remaining as infant Christians; and to “Come and care” – both for those inside and outside the church.
2 Public Benefit
We have considered the Charity Commission's advice on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on "charities for the advancement of religion". We aim to engage with the local community through a number of initiatives, examples of which are spelt out in the spiritual and nurture and social and mission sections of this report.
3 Structure, Governance and Management
The Church is a registered charity, number 1131638, registered on 15 September 2009 and governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) and Church Representation Rules.
The Trustees (Members of the PCC) who served during the year were:
Mrs Gail Huggett Miss Sheila MacNicol Miss Carol Hyatt Mrs Dawn Baker Mr Andrew Pelczarski (Resigned May 2024) Ms Gill Carstens (Resigned May 2024) Rev David Baker Mrs Stephanie Carter Rev Andrew Spear Mr Phillip Hill Mr David George Mr Harry Parke Mr Peter Hewitt Mr Carl Fillery (Resigned May 2024) Mr Charles Collins Mr David Linsell Mrs Jodene Street (Appointed May 2024)
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees (Continued)
Page 2 B
4 Review of Activities
Review of the Year January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2024
(a) Introduction
As ever we were indebted to our Churchwardens; Gail Huggett and David Linsell at East Dean and David George at Friston also to Peter Hewitt as Treasurer, and Becca Parke as Administrator and Benefice Secretary.
Grateful thanks are also due to so many others who give freely of their time; our AV Team, Musicians, Hospitality Team, Stewards, Readers the list goes on! We are truly grateful
The PCC met on six occasions throughout the year and the Standing Committee also met on six occasions.
A special word for our Assistant Minister Andrew Spear, his unstinting support is hugely appreciated
“His grace has brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home.”
(b) Spiritual & Nurture
Services Sunday by Sunday continued to be encouraging. The congregation at Friston continued to grow. At East Dean numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels. Our children’s activities through the Lighthouse continue to grow and we are so grateful to the leaders for their love and nurturing.
The Sunday evening Zoom prayer time continued to be well attended. It is good that we also now have alternative Prayer Times on Thursday 9.00 - 9.30 am every Thursday lead by Phill & Jill Hill and on Tuesdays 5.00 - 5.30pm lead by Annie Crees and Anne Mudd.
Home groups continued to meet regularly, both in person and on Zoom.
The Parish Magazine continued to be ably edited by Christine and Peter Jeffery, assisted by a strong team of volunteers, to whom many thanks are owed.
We continue to be grateful to Steph Carter for her work as Pastoral Care Co-ordinator.
(c) Social and mission
We continued to support our former Assistant Minister Rev. Kip Chelashaw in his ministry in Nairobi, Kenya, and former Ministry Associate Freddie Strong, now serving a curacy in rural Herefordshire.
We also supported Joe & Sarah, CMS mission partners working in Egypt however sadly their mission in that country has now come to an end.
More locally we supported the Beachy Head Chaplaincy, the Spinnaker schools work trust, People Matter and Mission to Seafarers.
It is also encouraging that so many members of our church family are actively involved in the community, for example serving as members of the Parish Council, the Residents’ Association and the Village Hall Trust.
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees (Continued)
Page 2 C
4 Review of Activities (Cont'd)
(d) Wardens Reports
St Simon & St Jude East Dean
Average numbers attending services have increased by 10 to between 70-80, with 5 to 10 children attending regularly.
We welcome an increase in attendance at family services and family-based activities such as a craft day and the now annual light service.
In respect of the fabric the most significant works this year was the building of a low stone wall around the Garden of Remembrance. This was fraught with administrative challenges, but all credit to Peter Hewitt for his persistence and perseverance.
We took the decision to engage Kevin Cownley to maintain the church yard, he has made a significant improvement to the church grounds.
For the first time this year we conducted a survey to measure Church Health, whilst there were some issues around the completing of the survey, it was generally positive and gave us a useful steer.
The Quinquennial report identified need for some significant repairs and remedial works. Necessary electrical works, and repairs to the stonework have already been undertaken. In 2025 we shall undertake refurbishment of the leaded light window adjacent to the pulpit an overhaul of all rainwater, drainage and guttering and also repairs to the boundary wall.
The smooth running of the church is based on a partnership between the Clergy and an army of volunteers providing a complex but well-coordinated range of support. This includes, the readers, prayer leaders (in church and beyond), the sides people, the refreshment team (with the exquisite homemade cakes) – the after service “togethering” is an important part of church life, “dads army” valuable maintenance work always done with a smile, the AV team more greats than geeks, Becca Parkes for her excellent children and administration works and the Parochial Church Council for their Godly support and challenge.
St Mary the Virgin
Our 11 am Sunday services have continued to enjoy good attendance. Our recent stats report to the Diocese has confirmed a Friston church family of circa 45, with weekly attendance averaging in the midthirties. Our recent Carol service attracted 65 attendees, many of whom remained after the service to enjoy refreshments and to chat with others.
We were sorry to lose one of our church wardens last May, having moved with his family into another parish. We wish him well and are grateful for his support in the past. We are currently operating with a single warden, now close to completing 5 years service . We do need a second warden to come forward and stand for election at the next APCM and to find a successor for our current warden next year. We are so grateful to members of the congregation for helping to fill in “the gaps”, and, especially, to two former wardens, who have stepped forward again to help cover services during holiday periods and who have provided support at funerals and weddings.
It has been quite a busy year, with no less than 4 weddings at Friston last summer over a 7 week period. All of them joyful occasions - so wonderful to host weddings at our church.
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees (Continued)
Page 2 D
4 Review of Activities (Cont'd)
As ever we are very grateful to the following: the Ministry team for their leadership , the efficient support of the Admin team , those who assist with sides duties, those who provide cakes and snacks for our coffee Sundays and those who assist in preparing serving hot drinks, our readers, the flower team whose members decorate the church so beautifully, the hard working gardening and maintenance team and our excellent organists, all of whom who have continued to give so freely and willingly of their time throughout the year. In our thanks we do not overlook those who work behind the scenes providing support for the wardens in their duties.
The report would not be complete without reference to our Benefice’s dear lay minister Tony Rogers, whom passed away before Christmas. He led services at Friston and Jevington on a regular basis and was extremely active and supportive on so many fronts. He will be greatly missed.
St. Mary’s Fabric report
A meeting was held with the church architect last year when he inspected the church and considered it to have been well maintained. He has since issued a quinquennial report. Not unexpectedly, significant ongoing maintenance works will be required over the next 5 years, and these will be in hand following usual discussion at PCC meetings. In accordance the architect’s recommendations (1) the church timbers have been inspected by a specialist firm and no evidence of active infestation has been found. There will be a follow up inspection in the first half of this year (2) stone masons have inspected the church, estimates have been obtained to carry out some minor works of restoration.
Works completed during the past 12 months include refurbishment of the memorial boards and overhaul of the tiling of the church roof.
5 Finance Review
1. Unrestricted & Designated Funds
It is pleasing to be able to report that our financial position has performed strongly in 2024. In no small part this is due to the increased income we have received on the substantial legacy we received last year. However, it is also particularly encouraging to report a marked increase in the level of Giving.
Our Income was significantly ahead of budget. Giving from cash offerings increased to £10,645 [£7,506 in 2023] and giving through the Parish Giving Scheme increased to £52,331 [£48,069 in 2023]. Income from Parish Fees increased to £7,873 [£5,788] as a result of a higher than usual number of Weddings. The Parish Magazine contribution also increased to £2,087.
Our Expenditure in some areas was ahead of Budget primarily as a result of inflationary pressures.
Overall we showed a surplus on Unrestricted Funds of £13,455. Our Investment Income included Bank Interest of £9,500 which will fall as and when legacy funds are spent on new projects.
2. Restricted Funds
The PCC holds funds that can only be used for specific purposes, these funds emanate principally from legacies or monies donated for specific purposes.
There was a net outflow of funds of £20,691. This was due to significant major expenditure on our Churchyards £9,765; and significant expenditure on repairs to the boilers at East Dean & Friston. The Quinquennial Reports were received on both churches; necessitating immediate works which have been undertaken with further significant expenditure require in 2025.
The cost of our Administrator [£6,575] is also met from Restricted Funds.
Page 2 E
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees (Continued)
5 Finance Review (Cont'd)
3. Mission and Charitable Giving
Overseas we continued to support the ministry of Kip Chelashaw in Kenya and our CMS Partners in Egypt At home we continued to support the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, Spinnaker Trust, & the Royal British Legion with Special Collections raising an increased amount £2,933 [£1,771]
4. Parish Contribution
The Parish Contribution [PC], the annual amount we pay to the Diocese, represents our biggest expense. The payment covers the cost of the Rector’s Stipend, Pension Contribution & Housing together with a significant contribution to Diocese and CofE central costs.
Historically we have paid the full amount of the PC requested. Not all parishes have the resources to pay their requested contribution in full. In 2024 we were again one of only six Parishes in the Deanery, out of a total of 19 who paid more than 80% of the request contribution.
The amount of the requested PC has increased inexorably year on year. It is the view of the PCC and indeed many others nationally, that the Church of England’s financial model and organisational structure is unsustainable and places the Parish structure as we know it at risk.
In 2024 with the Diocese agreement, we paid £54,441 being 82% of the requested contribution. In the light of our improved financial position in 2025 we propose to pay £58,000 [88%]to support an anticipated increase in clergy remuneration.
5. Budget 2025
Unrestricted Funds
We achieved some unusually high levels of income in 2024 which are unlikely to be repeated. We plan to achieve a small surplus in 2025. We shall be heavily dependent on our Interest Income which may decline as and when funds are used for specific purposes. Nevertheless, we proceed with confidence and in faith.
Restricted Funds
Necessary refurbishment and remedial works at East Dean [Drainage and Guttering; Leaded Light Window; Stonework and to complete the Redecoration] are likely to cost in the region of £25,000. This will take all of our reserves in the East Dean Fabric Fund.
At Friston ongoing cost of repairs resulting from the Quinquennial [circa £5,000] can be met from the Friston Fabric Fund. The PCC will need to consider redecoration at some point in the future and how that may be funded.
6 Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy was reviewed in February 2024. It is the policy of the PCC to maintain a balance on general unrestricted funds equating to a minimum of two months’ worth of unrestricted payments as a contingency. The policy is met.
The PCC invests surplus funds in either CBF Church of England Income shares or M&G Charifund Units. In 2024 the value of our investments increased by £2,408 to a total of £101,302.
7 Risk Management
The PCC regularly assess the likely risks associated with running Church activities. A formal Health & Safety & Risk Management policy was approved together with a review of the strategic risk register.
A policy review was undertaken during 2023 and on-going regular reviews of the risks facing the PCC remain essential so that action can be taken in a timely manner to address them.
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Report of the Trustees (Continued)
Page 2 F
7 Independent Examination
The PCC’s Accountant is Mr C J Dadswell of Caladine Limited, Chartered Accountants of Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne BN21 1BF who has carried out the Independent Examination.
On behalf of the members of the PCC of East Dean and Friston Churches.
Mrs Stephanie Carter (Vice Chair)
Date: 15th April 2025
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of East Dean and Friston Churches
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of East Dean and Friston Churches ('the Charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 4 to 6.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Charity 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 2011 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 material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.
-
(3) 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.
C J Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA
Caladine Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne, BN21 1BF
Date: 16th April 2025
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 4
| Receipts and Payments Account Receipts Offerings at services Planned giving Special collections Gift aid recoveries Donations and legacies Parish fees Parish magazine Investment income Other income Total receipts Payments Mission and charitable giving Diocesan parish contribution Rector and Rector expenses Assistant clergy costs Upkeep of services Light and heat Church running Organist fees Equipment Repairs and maintenance Professional fees Books Outreach, website and teaching Youth work Independent Examination Parish magazine cost Miscellaneous Total payments Net receipts/(payments) Transfers between funds Cash funds at 1 January 2024 Cash funds at 31 December 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds 10,645 52,331 - 15,130 1,873 7,874 8,317 11,412 1,861 |
Unrestricted Funds 10,645 52,331 - 15,130 1,873 7,874 8,317 11,412 1,861 |
Restricted Funds 2,933 3,000 2,153 224 |
Restricted Funds 2,933 3,000 2,153 224 |
Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ 10,645 7,506 52,331 48,069 2,933 1,771 15,130 12,371 4,873 311,843 7,874 5,788 8,317 7,520 13,565 4,628 2,085 3,663 - 117,753 403,159 6,433 4,176 54,441 52,670 7,722 6,609 - 300 2,307 3,271 6,226 6,354 13,993 9,328 1,550 703 151 2,153 18,033 14,879 2,297 6,309 1,434 826 956 1,238 232 251 1,986 714 6,230 6,537 998 492 124,989 116,810 (7,236) 286,349 - - 334,279 47,930 327,043 334,279 |
Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||||||||
| 109,443 | 8,310 | |||||||
| 3,500 54,441 7,722 - 2,307 6,226 7,418 1,550 151 837 - 1,434 956 232 1,986 6,230 998 |
2,933 6,575 17,196 2,297 |
|||||||
| 95,988 | 29,001 | |||||||
| 13,455 (291,005) 308,620 |
(20,691) 291,005 25,659 |
|||||||
| 31,070 | 295,973 |
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 5
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
| Cash funds Cash at bank and in hand Other monetary assets CCLA Income shares (General unrestricted) M&G - Income shares (General unrestricted) M&G - Income shares (Organ fund restricted) Diocese - Income shares (Churchyard fund restricted) Diocese - Fixed interest (Churchyard fund restricted) M&G - Income shares (Churchyard fund restricted) Other assets Gift aid receivable Liabilities Accountancy and Independent Examination fee |
31-Dec-24 £ 327,043 327,043 36,302 15,129 3,107 22,898 3,252 20,614 101,302 888 900 |
31-Dec-23 £ 334,279 |
|---|---|---|
| 334,279 | ||
| 35,490 14,743 3,028 22,386 3,157 20,090 |
||
| 98,894 | ||
| 1,774 | ||
| 1,440 |
Approved by the Trustees on 15th April 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Mrs Stephanie Carter Mr Peter Hewitt Vice Chair Trustee
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 6A
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 Accounting Policies
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with Section 133 of the Charities Act 2011.
2 Funds
The Church operates a general fund for its regular activities. When monies are given for specific purposes, these are held in restricted funds. Designated funds are monies set aside from general funds for particular purposes set out by the trustees.
3 Missionary and charitable giving
| Overseas CMS United for Mission Home People Matter Diocesan Family Support Beachy Head Chaplaincy Royal British Legion Spinnaker Trust TOTAL |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 1,000 1981,198 1,364 2,000 4972,497 2,000 391391 - - - - 505 500 1,1761,676 999 138138 238 - 532532 75 |
|---|---|
| 3,500 2,932 6,432 5,181 |
4 Trustees
During the year the Rev. David Baker was reimbursed expenses of £2,458 (2023: £1,835)
5 Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year.
6 Restricted Funds
| General Mantle Legacy TOTAL Represented by: Cash and cash equivalents Investments Organ Fund Fabric Fund Friston Fabric Fund East Dean Churchyard Fund Gospel Ministry Fund |
Balance b/fwd Income Expenses Transfers Gains / (Losses) Balance c/fwd 45,320 1,963 (10,092) - 1,131 38,322 9,766 - (4,244) - - 5,522 15,208 224 (3,153) - - 12,279 1,337 190 (264) - 79 1,342 - 2,933 (2,933) - - - 2,689 3,000 (2,811) 122 - 3,000 - - (5,504) 290,883 - 285,379 |
|---|---|
| 74,320 8,310 (29,001) 291,005 1,210 345,844 |
|
| 25,659 8,310 (29,001) 291,005 - 295,973 48,661 - - - 1,210 49,871 |
|
| 74,320 8,310 (29,001) 291,005 1,210 345,844 |
East Dean and Friston Churches For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 6B
Notes to the Financial Statements (Cont'd)
7 Unrestricted and Designated Funds
| TOTAL Represented by: Cash and cash equivalents Investments General Unrestricted Fund Lois Hurter legacy Parish Magazine Fabric Fund East Dean |
Balance b/fwd Income Expenses Transfers Gains / (Losses) Balance c/fwd 344,322 101,126 (89,758) (291,005) 1,198 65,883 - - - 10,000 - 10,000 10,000 - - (10,000) - - 4,531 8,317 (6,230) - - 6,618 |
|---|---|
| 358,853 109,443 (95,988) (291,005) 1,198 82,501 |
|
| 308,620 109,443 (95,988) (291,005) - 31,070 50,233 - - - 1,198 51,431 |
|
| 358,853 109,443 (95,988) (291,005) 1,198 82,501 |