HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
St Mary and St Hugh, Churchgate Street, Harlow, Essex
Annual Report and Financial Statements
forthe year ended 31 December 2025
Incumbent:
Revd Sarah Swift
The Vicarage
5 Staffords
Harlow, Essex
CM17 OJR
Bankers..
Barclays Bank plc.
14 The Water Gardens Centre
Harlow, CM20 IAN
Independent Examiner:
Hentons
Chartered Accountants
Stag House
Old London Road
Hertford. SG13 7LA
Report page I

Harlow Parochial Church Council - Trustees Annual Re
ort for 2025
Administrative Information
St. Mary's Church is situated in Churchgate Street, Old Harlow. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford
within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St. Mary's Parish Office, Churchgate
Street, Old Harlow CM 17 OJT
The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, as The
Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Harlow, Registration No. 1131774,
Membership of the PCC
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the annual parochial church meeting IAPCMI in
accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
The following served as members of the PCC..
Incumbent
Revd Sarah Swift
Churchwarden
Audrey Curran
lan Woollams
(elected APCM 20251
(elected APCM 20251
lelected APCM 20231
(elected APCM 20251
lelected APCM 20241
lelerted APCM 20251
(elected APCM 20251- For a two-year place
(elected APCM 20231
(elected APCM 20231
(elected APCM 20251
(elected APCM 20231
(elected APCM 20251
(elected APCM 20251
(Co-opted 20251
IElected APCM 2025 - Nov 20251
from Nov 2025 PCC meeting
Churchwarden
Deanery Synod
John Barnes
Ron Kingsmill
Jane Fincham
Ele¢ted Members
Jane Carrington
Paul Kirkby
Tim Gibbs
Jane Bilson
Kim Higgs
Pamela Yeo
Keith Young
Jayne Platt
Co-opted Members Richard Spencer
Clerk to the PCC
Natasha Rudge
Elyse Douglas
Structure. governance and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church
attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Parish Administrator Elyse Douglas
Functions and Responsibilities of the PCC
It is the duty of the minister and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance
to the parish. The PCC co-operates with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the
Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical:
Pastoral to look after individual people
Evangelistic- to tell people the good news and invlte them to accept Christ
Social - to help poorer members of society and those sufferinE from injustice
Ecumenical- to encourage good relations with other Christians and denominations.
Report page 2

The PCC also has responsibility for the care and maintenance of the Church buildings, and property, namely:
The Church building itself, the Churchyard, the Hall & Link, the office & St. Hugh's room and the 'Clergy
houses, The churchwardens report annually on the state of properties, but the PCC ensures that they are
well maintained and suitable for facilitating the mission of the church.
Committees
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It carries out the routine work of the
PCC between each PCC meeting. It acts as a committee of the PCC not an independent body and is
accountable to the PCC for everything it does.
Mission Actlon Partners {MAPI
Responsible for promoting links between the mission partners and the members of St Mary's and
raising awareness and prayer support for mission activity. Also makes an annual recommendation to
the PCC for the distribution of its share of the mission budget.
Little Fishes Working Group ILFWGI
Responsible for the oversight of the Little Flshes Pre-school that operates five days a week (Term time
onlyl in St Mary's Hall. From September 2025 it has increased provision f rom 15 to 30 hrs week from
9am-3pm.
Mlnlstry Leadership Team IMLTI
Appointed to work alongside the incumbent in developing the mission and ministry of the church.
Review of the year
There were 110 people on the electoral role. 53 in the parish, 57 out of the parish.
The full PCC met 6 times during the year. We have continued with theological reflection and have
sought to steer the church in the direction that we believe the Lord has been leading. The PCC has
looked at different areas through the year including our welcome, Parish share, buildings, Little Fishes
and discipleship.
Following the prayer and gift day in February for a Family, Children & Youth Worker, it was clear that
the Lord was saying 'yes, go for it, l _ and we were delighted to appoint to this part-time role in
September. The role is to help us develop our work in these areas and it's great to have Jo Hargrave as
part of theteam.
After fifteen years, our administrator felt It was time to move on (but fortunately not from the church
family). We are delighted that we now have a new Administrator.
It was with mixed feelings that we saw a member of our congregation and her family leave to move to
Southend for the start of her curacy- sadness that we will miss them all and joy at reaching this new
stage in their walk with God.
It was great to have two of our mission partners with us in the autumn as they prepared at All Nations
college for their new appointment with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Uganda - lovely to have a
chance to catch up with them, to share fellowship and to be encouraged at the work the Lord is doing.
We have had thirteen baptisms over the year including three adults and it has been lovely to welcome
new families. The conf irmation service in May was a joy as we celebrated with other churches in the
deanery people's steps of faith - both young and older! It is lovely to see God bringing people into all
our services - 8.30, 10.30 and 6.30.
Sadly we have lost church members too and we give thank5 for the lives and witness of 3 of our loyal
congregation. Other events through the year have included the tower open morning, hosting the Old
Report page 3

Harlow traders, tea5 (raising funds for the old town Christmas lights), the Heritage Open Day & Ride &
Stride in September, services for the 80, anniversaries of VE day and VJ day, along with the Tearfund
quiz.
Events on Gilden Park continued as in 2024 (Easter egg trail, picnic & carol singing- wetter thon we'd hove
liked). With the opening of the community centre we hope that we will be able to build on these. We
did a hot cross bun giveaway in the High Street on Maundy Thursday and quickly gave out 2001 The co-
op was wiped clean of hot cross buns as we kept needing to get morel
We have had support from the diocese through the year- in particular with help with appointing our
family and children's worker.
Financial Review 2025
For the Financial Year ending 31, December 2025, Expenditure exceeded Income by £19,562. We
spent significant additional funds on upgrading the hall heating and making trees in the churchyard
safe. The PCC spent £324,440 to provide the Christian ministry from St. Mary's Church. This inclLJdes
the Diocesan Parish Share and Little Fishes. We continue to meet our commitments to our Mission
Partners, in our support of overseas and local Mission Org3nisation5 and our own mission activities.
Reserve5 Poli
It is the policy of the PCC to keep:
General Fund.. 3 months running costs.
Fabrit Fund: to maintain funds for necessary building projects eg, roof repairs, tech
replacement, possible porch issues & electrical upgrade etc.
Staff Redundancy Funds: To maintain sufficient funds to manage this possibility.
This is in line with PCC policy to keep adequate reserves for emergencies.
Serving One Another
Churchwardens highlight the work and responsibilities of the wardens and sides people.
hts of the
ear have included We are blessed with having a skilled and active building group
who have helped repair, install, survey and actlon many of our building needs across the church site
and our tenant houses. Major work has included.. tree work in the churchyard, fitting a new bathroom
at one of the church houses, new radiators in the hall and link,. emergency lighting in the bell tower,
repairs to the clock bell chimes.
Ministr
Leadershi
Team
MLT
The MLT'S function is to help lead St Mary's into the things God has for us. It keeps an overview of the
ministries going on and seeks to develop things and take new steps either as a result of PCC discussions
or through noticing day to day opportunities and issues.
Highlights of the year have included:
Seeing God provide f inances for a Family Worker and successful appointment to the post.
Seeing new faces in our church family who feel comfortable with us in worship and being part
of God's work in this place.
Deepening links with schools
Seeing faith growing and deepening among us
Pastoral Asslstant
The Role of Pastoral Assistant exists to serve the Lord at St Mary's and in the wider Parish and includes..
to minlster to those in needi physically, emotionally and spiritually through listening.
Report page 4

to share God's love and word, prayerfully and with wisdom.
to lead and encourage others to grow in pastoral ministry
being part of Pastoral Care and Prayer Ministry meetings within the Parish.
Highlights of the Year: Visiting those in need, coming alongside, listening, signposting and praying with
those who are sick and dying. Supporting the bereaved, those in need and sharing Gods love and word.
Distributing home communion to the sick. Coming alongside young families as part of the Baptism
preparation. Supporting the Vicar in her vision for St Marys.
Pra
er at St Mar
Prayer was vital to Jesus in his ministry. As followers of Jesus, prayer helps to bring u5 into relationship
with God through praise and worship. thanksgiving and petition, and just having the opportunity to be
still before God our Father. When we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps and guides us.
During the year, the Monday prayer meeting has continued on zoom. Training sessions on prayer have
been led by the Vicar and prayer ministry is now offered during or after the 10..30 service on Sundays
by people who have received training. As members of the church, we are all also encouraged to pray
for one another and this happens not only on Sundays, but also informally during groups throughout
the week at church and elsewhere. within home groups and as we meet each other informally.
Highlights of the year have included:
Prayers answered- in ministries, the community and for individuals.
Prayer ministry being offered frequently on Sunday mornings.
House Grou
s and Midweek Grou
House groups & midweek groups help people grow in their relationship with God and others by
sharing fellowship, studying the Bible and prayer. Groups have studied different material according to
what has been the right next step. A number of groups used the Bible Society's Bible Course to get an
overview of the Bible and how it all fits together. Our fellowship groups are an important way we have
of supporting one another as well as growing in faith.
Flower and Banner Grou
Exists to: bring joy to people Coming into church and to aid our worship.
Highlights of the year have included: seeing the new music stand banners in use and spending time
together designing future banners. We have been very thankful for extra help and support when
decorating the church at festival times especially before Christmas.
Safe
uardin
children and adult5 at risk
Exists to: Oversee, manage and support safeguarding children and adults at risk that are part of the
church family or attend the various activities held within the church facilities.
Encouragingly:
There have been no safeguarding referrals required during the year.
Church family members are raising queries and seeking support with safeguarding as appropriate.
Serving the Community
Schools Minist
Exists to:
Teach and share the love of Jesus and the good news of the gospel with pupils and staff as we are
invited to facilitate lessons.
Encourage the staff at the six schools in the parish through cards of encouragement and gifts such
as fruit, biscuits, Christian resources and teaching sessions.
Build up good working relationships with education staff.
Repoi't page 5

Highlights of the year have included:
It is exciting to see how God has gone ahead of us in so many ways and blessed this mlnistry. We
continued working with Churchgate, Harlowbury, Newhall, Fawbert and Barnards and St Nicholas
schools with a mixture of assemblies Ichurchgate and Harlowburyl,. Class teaching sessions at school
(Fawbert and Barnard and ChurchEate Schools),. schools visiting the church for pilgrimages or teaching
sessions INewhall- 3 different year groups with 60 children each time,. Harlowbury. Churchgate; St
Nicholas).
Teaching for St Nicholas School was a new development in 2025 and an additional challenge, involving
sessions for their GCSE and year 8 students as well as children in year one.
Each school that requests 3 session has their own curriculum for the year group which they ask us to
cover, so every session is different. For each visit, children are provided with Christian resources such
as comics with stickers to cover the Christmas and Easter stories or whatever is relevant for the topic.
Copies also go into school to build up their Christian resources.
Churchgate, St Nicholas School and Little Fishes have come into church for services for Festivals. There
is a pupil's assembly team at Churchgate School, who are supported to take a leadership role within
the worship time. It is very encouraging to see how God is working in the lives of some of the children,
and how the links between the schools and the church have grown.
Starfishes
Our highlights for thi5 year have been our family and children's worker joining us, for her support and
brilliant ideas, enabling us to develop our work with the Starfishes. Also, numbers attending has
increased and the help and support we receive from the parents and carers is encouraging. The
positive feedback we have been given is a tremendoLSS boost to the team who all work extremely
hard.
Mess
Church
Messy Church is an outre2th ministry to families of all ages to share the gospel in a fun and messy wav,
with crafts, games, songs, a Bible story and sharing a simple meal together. During 2025 we hosted 4
themed sessions.. March ISpring/New lifel, June (Parable of Mustard Seedl, October (Jesus is my Herol
and December IChristingle/Christmasl. March and June sessions were attended by approx. 35-40
people117 children, IS adults) with the Light Party and Christingle session usually attended by manv
more.
Hlghlights of the last year have Included:
The Family and Children's Worker's enthusiasm, creativity and experience to help grow Messy Church
through connections with families and Improve valuing the team members and growlng Confidence.
trying new structure of the session to include a welcoming activity and upfront time to set the theme in
context before starting craft5 etc.
Kin
dom Kidz and Kin
dom Youth
Exists to: Provide a nurturing environment where the children and young people of St Mary's can Eet
to know Jesus and receive 3 grounding in the Christian faith. We have expanded our team of
volunteers successfully to allow us to reorganise the KK groups. We now have:
'Climbers' which meets in the hall and includes creche provision up to age 8 (school year 51 and is
following the Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum. Parents often stay with younger children in this group.
The group fluctuates a lot between I to 8 children.
'Explorers' which also meets in the hall and is for school years 5-8 lapprox. age 9-131. We use the New
City Catechism curriculum which is grounded in the Bible and uses a series of questions and answers to
teach key truths of the Christian faith. This allows the children's learning to go beyond knowledge of
Bible 'stories'. The group has a core of 4 regular children reaching a maximum of 8 including visitors
and occasional members.
'Kingdom Youth, is currently for school year 9+114-181 and we have a stable core group of 6. KY
provide a team on the rota for post-service refreshments as part of their service to the church. KK/KY
Report pagc 6

members have also taken part in all age worship, doing readings, puppets show and dramas as well as
musical contributions.
Kidz Klub
Kldz Klub exists as a joint children's outreach ministry between Harlow Baptist Church, St Mary's &
Harefield Church. It also works to help young people's faith grow as they participate in helping and
leading.
Hlghlights of the year have been:
The main Kidz Klub Summer Festival when we had over 100 children coming to have fun and learning
about Jesus. This year we were looking at our identity Using the tagline. l am/can
because Jesus is
We looked at Jesus as the gate, the light, the shepherd, the vine and the way. A5 always, it was
great to see young leaders participating and growing in their faith as they helped the children coming
and led different parts of the week including main stage dramas etc. It was great to have some of the
young leaders lead the sung worship in the celebration service at the end of the week.
Coffee Sho
Coffee and Chat
Coffee and Chat had another successful year. As you will notice we had a name change with the
consensu5 of our guests. We started 2025 with a New Year Special with Gary singing which everyone
enjoyed along with sausage rolls and nibbles. We have continued to have a quiz the last Tuesday of the
month with full participation. During the year we started chair exercises which has been well accepted
and most people join in.
The donations at Coffee and Chat go to Streets2Homes. We also held 2 special Coffee Mornlng5 for St
Clare's Hospice and Macmillan, for which we give thanks.
We ended the year with Christmas Carols followed by 3 full Christmas Lunch which was enjoyed by all.
Thanks to our regular Volunteers for all their help and assistance in enabling Coffee and Chat to
function and for all our guests who support us. We look forward to another successful year.
Men's Breakfast
This provides an opportunity for men from the church and others to enjoy fellowship together over a
hearty breakfast. The cooking team still provide catering for family breakfasts and the summer
barbecue plus other events as and when needed.
Ladies Brunch
Afternoon Teas
This provides an opportunity for fellowship amongst women in the church and an occasion to invite
friends. We now have a solid organising team and good systems in place for the smooth running of
events. In 2025 we ran three events.. afternoon tea, brunch and, as a new venture, we introduced the
St Mary's Bake-off which was open to the whole church family and was a huge success, much enjoyed.
For some events we have a speaker, which this year included Rev Jokey making a welcome return visit.
uestions Grou
Questions Group provides opportunity for people to ask questions about the Christian faith, Bible
passages, implications for day to day living and to share food and fellowship together.
Questions Group meets once a month usually on the f irst Tuesday of the month at around 12..15,
immediately after Coffee and Chat in church over a bring and share lunch. The group is open to all.
Discussions and questions have varied and it has been encouraging to see how this has Impacted us In
our different circumstances as we've walked in faith with God throughout the year.
We have built up a trusting relationship within the group, so people have been able to share how they
are feeling about their faith, about doubts, struggles, when they haven't understood something in the
Bible, or known what it says about different issues. We also share how God has helped us and become
Report page 7

more real within our lives. No question is too small or insignif icant. The important thing is that we are
all on a faith journey and we all have something to add to the discussion and all have questionsl
Heart 4 Harlow
People from different churches meet together to pray for Harlow and the surrounding area on the 4th
Sunday evening of each month lexcept Decemberl. Meetings are held at different churches across the
town. In 2025, we also met in the Town Centre for the 'Walk with the Cross, on Good Friday, praisin&
praying and proclaiming the name of Jesus around the Town and within the Harvey Centre. We also
mot in the Harvey Centre for Carols leading up to Christmas.
There is a weekly zoom prayer meeting held for 40 minutes at 8am on Thursday mornings which prays
for the town. We encourage Christians within the Town to come together in seeking God in prayer and
in working together across the denominations.
Highlights of the year have included:
We give thanks for answers to prayer, and we continue to pray that we will have eyes to see what God
is doing in our churches and town. We give thanks to God that a variety of churches have hosted and
led the prayer meetings for the town durSng the year and for the cooperation and networking that
occurs.
Bell Rin
in
Bell Ringing exists to call the local community to worship and mark events happy and sad, as well as be
praise to God in Its own right (Psalm 1501.
We put on an open day in June which resulted in a number of new learners, two of whom are still
regularly ringing with us. While we had to hand over the trophy for the 8-bell call change competition
in March, we gained a new one at the Charlotte Parsons Memorial Trophy Plain Hunt competition at
Henham in August. We rang 9 quarter peals145-rllinute performances) on Sunday afternoons this year.
which helped our band members consolidate skills.
Little Fishes
Little Fishes is St Mary's pre-school providing education for 26 children 3 Session. We have had staff
changes with a new leader and deputy leader joining us after the previous leader retired. We are now
able to offer up to 30 hrs government funding and have increased our office support to help with the
increased demands.
Serving the World
Servin
the World includes:_
Mission Action Partners (from South America to the UK, Europe, Africa and the Far East)
several
families and individuals are supported financially - plus others and mission organisations with prayer.
We focussed on a couple of organisations in particular during Lent with prayer and donations.
We support the national Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
Approved bythe PCC on 26 May 2026 and slgned on its behalf by Sarah Swlft Ivlcar).
Signed:
Report page 8

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity number: 1131774)
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees olH8rlow PCC
I report to the TN5tees on my examination of the financial stat¢inents of 14arlow PCC ('the charity,)
for the year ended 31, Deceinber 2025 which coinprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the
Balance Sheet and related notes.
This report is inade solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the
Charities Act 20 I l. My work has been undertaken so that I Inight slate lo the charity's Trustees those
atteTS l am required to state to them in this IEPOrt and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent
pemiitted by law. I do not accept oi. assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the
charity's Trustees as a body, for Jny work, for this repor¢ or for the opiniojis I have fomied.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trllstees of ihe charity you are responsible for the prepaidtion of the financial 5tst￿nentS in
accordan¢¢ with the requireinents of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,).
I report in respect of iny exainination of the charity's fjnancial statements carried out under section 145
of the Act and in cairying ollt my examiT]ation I have followed all the applicable Dire¢tion5 giveii by
the Charity Coininission under section 145(5)(b} of the Act.
An independent exainination doe8 not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an
audit and consequently does not Cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion
on thc financial %laternents. The planning and eonduct of an audit goes beyojid the liinited assurance
that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, l expi'ess no opinion as to whether the
financial statenients present a 'true and fair, view and Iny Teport is limited to those specific matters set
out in tho independent examiner's statement.
Independent examiner'5 Statcment
I liave coinpleted Iny examination. I confirn) that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection witli the examination giysng me cause to believe that in any material respect..
accounting records were not k¢pt in respect of the charity a5 required by section 130 of the
> the financial statements do not accord with those recoTds', or
> the finaiicial statements do not cojnply with the applicable requirements concerning the forni
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 15 not a matter
considered as part of an independent exatnination.
I have no concerns and have coine across no other IDatteis in connection with the examination to which
attention should be di'awn in t]iis report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial
stateinents to be reached.
Signed
Bobby Bhogal FCA ACCA A TT
Flentons
CharteTed Accountants
Stsg House
Old London Road
Hertford. SG13 7LA
Accounts Pag¢ 9

HARLOW PAROCIIIAL CHURCll COIJNCIL
(Charity Nll￿ber 1131774)
BAlance Sheet as at 31 Decembcr 2025
2025
2024
Note
Fixed Agsets
Tangible fixed assets
tnv¢8tment8
180.000
21.048
182.000
18,8 14
201.048
200,814
Cthrrent AKets
Debtors
Short t¢tm Bank Deposit
Cayh at bat￿ and in hand
5.840
267J06
31,497
5,326
284.548
13,798
304.643
303,672
Lets
Liabilitie5
CreditOT5- due withirA on¢ year
(26,079)
(5.312)
Net Current Assets
278,564
298J60
Total Net Assets
479 612
499 174
Parlsh Funds:
UDrestrleted
General
Des1￿￿ted
34.588
259 715
37,481
io
294.303
311428
Re5trieted
li
All 11¢5tri¢ted
Property
180 000
182.000
18Q,000
182,000
dowment
Legacy
12
S309
4746
Total Funds
479 612
These Financial Statema)ts were approved by theHarlow Parochial Cknurch Coun¢ll
Onthe.
. atld si8ned on their bvhdf by:_
.. Vi¢
Sarah Swift
.. Ilon. Treasurer
Robert C*
Th¢not¢soopgcs'l* Ilfornpthotthescttoooun
Accounts Page I I

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Nufflber 1131774)
Notes to the Fin4nciaI St8lements foi. the Year Ending 31. December 2025
i)
Aeeounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgeinent5 and key source5 of estimation uncertainty in the
preparation of financial statements are as follows..
B&si5 of Preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except where otherwise stated in the
relevant notes to these accounts.
Th¢ Financial Statements have been PlEpared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, in accordance with
the second edition of the Stateineiit of Reeoinmended Practice issued in O¢tobeJ' 2019, the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of ITeland {FRS 102) and the Chai'ities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'kn￿e and fall view and have depailed froin tl)e Charities
(Accounts and Repoils) Regulatioiis 2008 only to the extenl i'equired to provide a 'ti'lle and fair view,. This
departure has involved following 'AceountiDg and Repoi'ting by Charities= Staleinent of Recoinmended Practice
applicable to charities preparing their ac¢ouiits iii accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable
in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) {SecoJid Edition) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by
Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective fi'om l April 2005 which has since beeji withdi'awtj.
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, Trustees are ieqiiired to Inake judgements, estimates,
assuinption5 about the carrying values of assets and liabilitie5 that are not readily apparcnt from othei. soui'ces.
The estiinates and iiiideJ'lying7 assuinptions are based on histoi'ical expei'ience and other fa¢tors that are considei'ed
to be relevant. Actual results inay differ froin these estiinates.
The PCC constitute5 a public benefit entity as defjned by FRS102.
Going con¢¢rn
At the tiine of appJDving the financial statements the Trustees liave a Teasonable expectation that the
PCC has adequate resouires to continue in operational existejice foT the foreseeable future. Thus, the
Trustees hav¢ adopted the going concern basis for the preparation of the financial statements.
On the date of these financial statements, approval, there is girat uncertainty surrounding the global economy and
the iinpact of the Coronavii'lls pandeinic however, the Trustees consider the PCC to be sufficiently robust that its
opei'alions will not be significantly aflected.
Funds
Non Restricted
General fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any IEstrictions regarding their use and are
available for application on the g¢neral purposes of the PCC.
Designated fund represents monie5 designated, by transfer from the Get]eral fund, as detailed in Note 10. These
fllnd5 are held for fulure support, Jnainteiiance and repairs as necessary. These funds are unrestricted and are also
available for Ihe general purposes of the PCC at their discretion.
EndoW￿ent
Endowment fund capital is invested and the intoine arising expended in accordance with the tenns of the
endowmenL
Accounts Page 12

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Nutmber 1131774)
Notes to the Fin8ncial Statements for the Year Ending 31Jt December 2025
i)
Aeeounting Polieits- eontinued
Restricted
Restricted Funds, as detailed in Note I I, represent mgnies received for 5pecifio purposes and their use is th¢r¢fore
restricted to those putposes only. They are not available for the gon¢ral use of the PCC.
Harlow St. Mary's- Miss H.E. Chalk and Drake Grave Fund5. The Capital of these Funds is held in perpetuity
with the C.D.B.F 8s Custodian Trustccs and is not in¢luded in these Financial Stat¢ments. The object of these
fi)nds is the upkeep of the churchyaixl and the dividends received are applied accordingly.
Harlow- Titlie Chancel fund. The capital of this Fund. set lip under the Tithe Act 1936, is held in perpetuity with
the C.D.B.r as Custodiai) Ti'ustees and is not included in these l. inancial Statements.
A5 at the 31$1 Deceinber 2025, the total of the accumulated incoine was £35.780 (2024 £36,236).
Tncorne Recognition
Voltiillaiy Incoine andcharilable aclivilies
Income is IEcognised when the PCC has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received
and the amount of incoine receivable can be measured reliably
Offerings are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date the money is received or the date the PCC is aware that
probat¢ has been granted and notification has been received from the exe¢Lltorls) that a distribiition will be made.
Furthermore. legacy income is only regarded as probable once any conditions to it have been met or are within
the control of the PCC.
Planned giving undei. gift aid is only re¢ognised when received.
tncome Tax recoverable on gift aid donations is accounted for when receivable.
Grants and donations to the PCC are accounted for as soon as they are received or when the PCC is entitled to the
use of the money and the amounts are reliably quantifiable.
Olhgr oi.dinL7ry income
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rent is due.
Incomefi'oin Inveslmgnls
Interest on funds held on deposit is received gross and included when receivable and the ainount can be ineasuitd
reliably by the PCC; this is nornially upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank
Dividends are recognised gross and accounted for when receivable.
Gains andlosses on invesÉiKenl
All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they ai'ise. Realised Gains and Losses on
investments aiE calculated a5 the diffei'ence between sales proceeds and opening inaTket value (oi. purchase date if
l<ltei'). Unrealised gains are calculated as the diffei'ence between the n)aTket value as at the year end and opening
Inarket value (or PUTchase date if later). Realised and Unrealised gain5 and105se5 are combined in the Statement
of Financial Act2vitie5.
Expendlture reeognltlon
Liabilities arc recognised as expenditure as soon a5 there is a legal or constructive obligation Committing the
chai'ity to that ¢xp¢nditur¢, it 15 probable that scttlcm¢nt will be requircd and thc amount of the obligation can be
measured reliably.
All exptndituir is accounted for on an accruals b8si5 2nd I￿￿Verable VAT is ¢harg¢d against the oxpenditure
hcading for which it was incurred. Support CQ5ts and governance ¢05ts ar¢ deemed to T¢late directly to the work
of the church.
Accounts Page 13

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Chgrily Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Ycar Eliding 31. Deeember 2025
i)
Accounting Polieies -eoMtinued
Fixed Assets
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(c} of the Charities Att 2011.
Except as notsd below no value i5 placed on moveable church fuimishings held by the Churchwardens on special
trust for the PCC oi. any other property which requiies a faculty for disposal or alteration.
Curate's House- this wa5 purchased in 1990 fi'om specific donations and is shown in the Balance Sheet at cost
less depi-eciatitsn {see note 5).
Parish Evan¥eli5t's House
This was PUT¢hased from specific donations and loans with loans subsequently
repaid, and is shown in the Balance Slieet at cost less depreciation (see note 5}.
All other capital equipment is written off, as incu￿ed, as ex￿nditUre in the Statement of Financial Activities.
InYe5tmenf5
Investments are a foi'jn of basic financial instruinent and are initially recognised at their transaction value and
subsequently ineasuied at their fail. value as at 31, December using the closing qiioied market price. The
Stateinent of Finai)cial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revalllation and disposals throughout
the yeai..
Current assets
Debiois
Amounts owing to the PCC as at 31 Deceinber in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtor5 les$
PTovision for ainounts that Inay prove uncollectable.
S17oYI lei'ity Bank dep0siis/C￿h ai Bank and hand
Short tei'm baiik deposits and Cash at bank and in hand includes cash held on deposit at the bank as short temi
highly liquid investments with a short Inaturity of three inonihs or less from Ihe date of acquisition or opening of
the deposlt or similar a¢¢ount.
Financial Instruments
The PCC only has f￿anCial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as ba5io financial instruments.
Basic financial instruinents are initially recognised at ts2llsaLtion value and subsequently measur¢d at their
settlement value.
Investinenls held as pai't of an investinent portfolio are held at faiT value as at the Balance Sheet date with gains
and losses being recognised through the Statement of Financial Activities. As at the Balance Sheet date the
Charily had financidl assets held at fair value through income and expenditure of £21,048 (2024.. £18,814)
Pension Costs
The PCC operate5 a der￿ed conti'ibution pension scheme. Conts'ibutions payable to the pension scheme are
chai'ged to the Statetnent of Finatjcial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Creditors and provSslons
Creditors and provisions are recognised wheiE the PCC ha5 a present obligation resulting froin a past event that
will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the ainount due to settle the obligation can be
Ineasui'ed oi. estllnated i'eliably. Ci'edit015 and provisions aiE norinally recognised at thell. settlement ainount after
allowing for any trade discounts due.
Accounts Page 14

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10

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to thc Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31st December 2025 - eont.
2025
2024
4) Staff Costs
Sdlaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
101,745
91,182
105,239
The average number of employee5 in the year wo5 10 (2024..10) comprising a Parish Administrator,
Fainily Worker and Pre-5¢hool work¢rs.
No einployee's einoluinents exceeded £60,000 in the ¢urr¢nt or preceding y¢ar.
202S
2024
5) Tan£ible Fixed Assets
Freehold Property
Cost as at 1° January 2025
240116
240 116
Depi"eciation as at 1° January 2025
Chai"ge for year
Depreciation as at 31, December 2025
58,116
2,000
60,116
56,116
2,000
58,116
Net book value as at 31" December 2025
180,000
182,000
The property value brought forward represents thc pureh3se of 134 East Pai'k, Old Harltsw, Essex
CM17 OSA acquired in 1990, and the purchase cost of 9 Long Acii, Old Harlow, Essex CMI 7 OTA
acqiiired in 2002. The charity has opted not to revalue its property, and carries all property at historical
cost less nominal depreciation of £2.000 per annum is provided and ¢hgTged to the appropriate fund.
The Title Deeds are held by the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance as Custodian Trustees
2025
2024
6) Investments
Market value as at I" January 2025
18,814
17,354
Additions in the year
Unrealised Gainl(Loss) on Inveshnents
2,234
1,460
Market Value as at 3 1st Decejnber 2025
18,814
Investments at Mark¢t Value Comprise:
UK Equity Incoine Fuiid- unit trusts
Cash lield by investment Inanagers
20,951
97
21,048
18,709
105
18,814
All investments are held in listed shaTe5 on the London Stock Exchange.
Accounts Page 17

HARLOW PAR
OCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
{Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year nding 31SI December 2025- ¢ont.
202S
2024
7) Debtors
Income Tax receivable
Other Debtors
1,153
4,687
997
5,840
5.326
2025
2024
8) Creditors- dut iyithifft one year
Trade Creditors
Othei. Creditois
Acci'uals
Deferred incoine
1,994
5,486
18,599
26,079
1.304
4.008
5,312
Accounts Page 18

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HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statemen¢s for the Year Ending 31. December 2025 - cont.
I l) Rcstricted Funds
At
01.01.25
BIFwd
Transfer
from/(to)
General Fund
Movement
At
31.12.25
C/Fwd
Incoffling
Outgoing
Audio Visual Fund
Chuith Houses Fund
Kidz Klub Fiind
Mission & Training for Mission
War Graves Maintenance Fund
182.000
(2,000)
180,000
90
(90}
182.000
90
2,090
180,000
Resirlcleil ￿lji￿S-preVIO1l3Yellr
Al
01.01.24
B/Fivd
Trfiii&fÉr
Moveiiieiil
Al
51.12.24
C/Fivd
Geiieral Fiiiid
Oiiigoliig
Aiidio Yisiiol Fupyd
Chui'ch Hoiises F￿nd
Kidz K171b FiiF7d
Mission & Tp'ainingfop. Misslon
Wai. Gravu MuEnlenance Fiind
184.000
(2.000)
J82,000
90
(90)
J84.000
90
182.000
The above ￿ndS were created either from income received for a specific purp05e or where the Trustees had entered
into 8 binding cominitment. The name of each fund indicates its purpose.
12) Endowment Fund
At
01.01.25
B/Fwd
Transfer
from
General
Fund
Movement
At
31.12.25
CIFwd
Incoming
Outgotng
G￿1￿
(L055e5)
Loder Grave
Maintenance Fund
4,746
563
SJ09
Endoivineiii Fuiid-
previoiisyellr
Ai
01.111.24
B/FJvd
Truiisfer
froiii
Geiierftl
Moveiiieiil
Al
31.12.24
C/Fivd
Jiicoiiiliig
Oiilgoiiig
(Los3es)
Lodei. Grave
Moinlevance Fiind
4,378
368
4,740
Incoine Teceived on this fund i5 applied to the upkeep of the Loder Grove
Accounts Page 20

HARLOW PAIIOCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Numbei. 1131774)
Note5 to the Finaneial StatemLnts for the Year Ei nding 315t December 2025- cont.
13) Transfers between funds
Designated Funds are established at the discretion of the Trustees and transfers between the General Fund alld
Designated Funds are also at the I'rustees, discretion. Transfers from the GeneTal Fund to a Restricted Fuiid occur
when the income of the Restricted Fund falls short of what is necessary to ineet a cominitment or cOntrac￿al
oblÈgation.
14) Contingent Li8bilily
Loder Grave Maintenance Fund £5,309- This Legacy is conditional oji the Lodej. family grave being iiiaintained by
the PCC in pei'petuity. failuie so to do entitles tl)e LodeT Trustees to reclaijn the ainount in full.
15) Transaelions with the Treasurer or Members of the PCC
No member of the PCC oi. the Treasurei. received any reilluneration during the cunEnt or prec¢ding year.
During the year a number of TiiLStee5 inade unconditional donations ainountiiig to £19,710. In addition, several
Trustees give via the plate offering. which is not quantified. (2024= Unconditional donations of £15,671 froin
Trustees)
16) Opei'ating Ita5e comrnitments receivable
As at 31 Deceinber 2025 the PCC had C0Jn￿ltmCntS to receive the following ainounts under non-cancellable
operating leases for a period of not later than one year of £1,597 (2024.. £1,265).
Accounts Page 21

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31. December 2025 - eont.
17) Donations from the Mi55ion Funds
Included within Missionary and Ch￿'[table Giving Expenditure as shown in Note 3 the following outgoing
donations frorn the Mission funds..
Donation
Note
2025
2024
Mission Partners
Simeon's Trustees
Good News for Everyone (fomially
were Gideons)
Scripture Union
Church Pastoral Aid Society
LMDC Charity (forinally were Essex
Clcrgy)
Christian Hope International
Extra Gifts at ChTlStmas
Donatson - Joint Patron of the Benefice
Donation
1,200
200
100
1,200
200
100
Donatio
Donation
Donation
200
450
200
200
450
200
Donation
150
150
Harlow Food Bank
Training
Donation
Donation
1.600
1.140
1.600
1,740
The Kitelede Village Childrens
Project Uganda
Donation
350
Mission Direct
Donation
Uganda Donation
Donation
400
250
520
Supporting Local Churchesl Schools
Boxes of Hope/ 14oliday Lunch Clubs
250
350
Total
6,410
6.790
Accounts Page 22

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31. December 2025 - cont.
18) Ag¢ncy Collections
Whcn it collects Inoney on behalf of someone else, e.g., Christian Aid, Harlow PCC has no control over the way that
tnoney is used. so it is des¢i'ibed as an 'Agency Collection,. These Inonies do not thejefore appear in the above
Accoiints, since they do not belong to Hal'low PCC. The table below lists the Inoney raised at Sl. Mary's in 2025
and 2024 as Agency Collections. As at 31" December 2025 £166 (2024.. £34) was held by the PCC as Agent.
Agency Collection
Note
202S
2024
Streets2Homes
Coffee Shop
1,347.07
1,457.04
Christian Hope
Intel￿atiOnal
Donations for Woolly Hats
Children's Society
Christingle Servic¢
Miscellaneous
Church Activity and General
Collections & Donations
Samaritans Purse
Donations foi. Litter Picking
Macmillan Coffee
Morning
Donation5
230.00
274.56
Tearfund
Donations
362.99
559.00
Total
,940.06
2290.60
Actounts Page 23

HARLOW PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
(Charity Number 1131774)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31" December 2025 - eont.
J9) Little Fislies Pre-school Fundlng Rectlved from Essex County Council
Little Fishes Pre-school receives funding froin Essex County Council under an annual Free Barly Education
Entitleinent contract. which is part of ihe Goveminent Scheine to piDvide free education for children under five.
Essex County Council has asked us tr> state the amount of this funding each year. In the year to 31" December 2025.
it caine to £111,738 (2024.. £87,279).
Accounts Page 24

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