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2025-12-31-accounts

St Mark’s Church Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31 December 2025

ST MARK'S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS CHARITY INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Members of the Parochial Church Council

The Rev'd Claire Allwood Vicar and Chair of PCC Louise Garner Churchwarden & Deputy Chair of PCC to 11 May 2025 Julia Hutchinson Churchwarden (& Deputy Chair of PCC from 11 May 2025) Anna-Maria Taylor PCC Secretary Catherine R Clayton Deputy Warden David Robertson (Deputy Warden from 27 February 2025) Debbie Marsden Parish Safeguarding Officer and Deanery Synod Keith Root PCC Treasurer To 11 May 2025 Carol Nicholson PCC Treasurer From 11 May 2025 Elaine Cole To 30 October 2025 Ed Peltor Rosina Robinson (Deanery Synod from 11 May 2025) Katie Trowsdale

Charity Commission Number: 1131775

Principal Address The Church Office
St Mark's Road
Tunbridge Wells
TN2 5LU
Telephone number 01892 526069
Website www.stmarkschurch.org.uk
Email
 office@stmarkschurch.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer Debbie Marsden
Safeguarding Lead Recruiter Nicky Fisken
Independent Examiner Alan Lockie BSc. FIA
Bankers Barclays Bank
Calverley Road Branch
Tunbridge Wells
Contents Page
Charity Information 1
Annual Report of the Members of the Parochial Church Council 2 -10
Independent Examiner's Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Accounts 14-26
Last years SOFA 27

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ST MARK'S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The Members of the Parochial Church Council (the PCC), who are the church’s trustees for the purposes of charity law, present their report together with the financial statements for the year.

Objects of the Charity

The PCC is responsible for co-operating with the Vicar in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, be it pastoral, evangelistic, social or ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for maintaining certain church property situated within the parish, namely the two church halls and also two houses purchased for the use of church workers, but at present let to tenants.

Achievement and Performance

2025 was a year of consolidation in many ways. Monthly evenings of silent prayer were introduced from February and whilst attendance is small, these opportunities for quiet reflection in church are much valued. A Lent course on hope encouraged listening to diverse voices of all-ages from around the world. Seeking to listen, adapt and broaden participation in all our activities has been a theme this year. This has included building our volunteer base. We were delighted to support Amanda Willmont as she was ordained deacon in the summer, whilst sad to bid her farewell as she had to move on to her curacy church, St Luke’s. Similarly, this year saw some significant changes as both our Churchwarden Louise Garner and our long-standing Treasurer, Keith Root, stepped back from these roles. This was an opportunity to recognise and give thanks for their tremendous service to the church and community. It was also a joy to welcome others, as Carol Nicholson, took up the role of Treasurer and a new Warden Team was created, as David Robertson joined Catherine Clayton as Deputy Wardens.

As PCC reflected together on welcome, the value of teamwork and our desire to offer everyone in our growing community of all ages, the opportunity to build deeper relationships, to use and develop their skills, gifts and individual vocations, a new all-age Stewards Team emerged. This has involved change and some challenge as we adjust to an online rota and recruit sufficient volunteers. However, it has also been met with enthusiasm and delight.

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A very popular shared Curry Night (popular with young people as well as adults) in the spring encouraged experimentation with a wider variety of events. With deep thanks to St Mark’s Social Committee for the many social gatherings they have hosted over the years, a new Events Team was formed (with some of the same members but inviting new members also). The Team organised some familiar events (shared lunches and quiz night) and initiated some new activities; a Christmas wreathmaking evening and a Christmas bazaar, led by Sunday Club (St Mark’s group for children of primary-school age).

Both Sunday Club and Fire Circle (St Mark’s monthly youth group) continue to flourish, as does the relationship with St Mark’s school. Over the year, Claire has been a regular presence at school, taking and evaluating collective worship, reflecting with various classes on the school story (the feeding of the five thousand) and other stories of faith, leading craft activities at the PTA fairs and serving with St Mark’s other Foundation governors (Elaine Cole and Hester Gudmunsen) on the school Board. Four school services also took place in church over the year. Claire was invited by the Diocese to join a national leadership development programme aimed at incumbents of mid-sized churches with a flourishing children, youth and family ministry in the autumn. As part of this, the ‘Growing Together’ group started meeting at church in October. This is an all-age group, looking at the mission of the church and how we might engage further with others, particularly children and families. We look forward to hearing more from them next year.

St Mark’s has been glad to partner with Lumos Live, who have hired the church building for four concerts this year. We are seeking to increase usage of our buildings for the community and are increasingly mindful of environmental impacts. This year we were awarded an Eco Audit of our buildings and have subsequently switched to green electricity and to greener gas tariffs.

Attendance at worship services remained positive over the year, with numbers at Christmas in excess of previous years; around 300 attending both the popular Carols by Candlelight service, led again by a scratch community Choir and the Christmas Eve Christingle service. A new “Baby Carols” service for babies, toddlers and their carers was trialled this year and very well-received.

Social action and pastoral care remains at the heart of our mission; particularly seen in the work of the weekly Community Larder (run in partnership with King Charles the Martyr Church), of St Mark’s monthly bereavement support group (which has steadily grown over the year) and of the pastoral visiting team. Sadly, there were a number of bereavements within the congregation in December. The year ended however with a wedding on New Year’s Eve.

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Community Larder

The Community Larder continues to provide essential food and hygiene supplies to local households weekly. Throughout 2025 visitor numbers remained relatively static at around 25 families per week. Whilst Fareshare provide food to the Larder at reduced cost, costs have still increased. Tesco donate groceries on their “best before” date and Gails Bakery donate products at closing time weekly, which are all much appreciated. In addition to this, we purchase bread, fruit, vegetables and meat from supermarkets. This year donations from the Hygiene Bank have been sparse due to the Bank’s issues with storage and supply of donations, but we hope this is changing as we move into 2026. We are thankful to have received donations from the WI, St Mark’s school and St Mark’s parishioners, which along with the incredible volunteer support, have enabled this important work to continue.

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and the Electoral Roll

There was a lower number of Baptisms this year (five in total) and only one Confirmation (following high numbers in 2024). There was a rise in weddings (six in 2025). Four funerals took place in church and four at the crematorium. Four children were admitted to Holy Communion in 2025.

At the time of the APCM on 11 May 2025 there were 104 people on the revised Electoral Roll, of whom 40 were not resident in the Parish.

The PCC

Over the past year, the PCC met 9 times including the Vision Day in September. Our APCM was held on 11[th] May 2025 in the main body of the church after the 10am service and we offered grateful thanks to Louise as she completed her three years as Churchwarden and to our very experienced and long-serving Treasurer Keith who retired at this time. He continued to work alongside our new treasurer, thus ensuring a smooth handover. We are very pleased to welcome Carol to the PCC as our new treasurer, bringing her knowledge and fresh approach to lead us into the future. A few months later Elaine was also thanked for her service as she left her position on PCC. The electoral roll was completely revised and we are very grateful to Jean Root, electoral officer, for her care and diligence in working on this essential, time-consuming project.

The PCC continued to closely monitor the financial situation throughout the year. With this in mind and to maintain the strength of our charitable giving, a series of one-off fundraising events were undertaken throughout the year. Notably the breakfast to highlight Christian Aid in May, (the week raised £1,250, including gift aid), the toy service at the beginning of Advent produced a generous pile of toys for

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the Mayor’s Toy Appeal, and a new venture, the Christmas coffee morning and bazaar covered the cost of oranges for the Christingle service. Lumos Live used the Church as a concert venue providing a welcome income stream, in addition to a valued community event and we continue to consider opportunities to increase use of our buildings.

Debbie, Parish safeguarding officer, continued to keep us up to date on changes in safeguarding policy and best practice and safeguarding/safer recruitment is a standing item on all PCC meeting agendas. PCC adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy in June and reviewed the Safeguarding Action Plan in October. St Mark’s joined the Safeguarding Hub this year, which we anticipate will increase efficiency in several areas of safeguarding, in particular safer recruitment.

In September, the PCC Vision Day undertook a reassessment of church from the perspective of a first-time visitor, helping to identify areas for improvement in terms of layout, signage and overall welcome. Changes implemented so far include the new stewards’ team with volunteers of all ages. The busy autumn continued with the popular pet service held outside in the church garden and the Inclusive Church service, both welcome reminders of our commitment to welcoming everyone. Generosity week combined with Harvest Festival included the highlighting of opportunities for giving and volunteering, and led to a small increase in the number of planned givers.

Christmas services were well-attended with Christingle again, our most popular service of the year. The generous giving at our Christmas services raised very nearly £2,000, including gift aid – an increase from last year of around 25%, our chosen charities Amos Trust, the Children’s Society and Community Larder all benefitting. The purchase of a second contactless giving device and publicising of QR codes appeared to assist with this.

Financial Oversight and Public Benefit

As above, the PCC continued to monitor the financial situation throughout the year and in planning its activities, it has applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Fabric

After 2024’s extensive electrical work (changing to LED lighting in the church building) and roof renovation and redecoration of 2 Tudor Court, this year’s fabric

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work has been more minor, ongoing maintenance work such as;

Looking ahead, mindful of both the age of our church boiler and its carbon impact, we are investigating alternative renewable heating sources for the church. We continue to work hard at ensuring our buildings are all well-maintained, safe and accessible for all.

Volunteers

The PCC sincerely thanks all the volunteers who have helped take forward church activities, including; sidespeople and stewards, the music group, Bible readers and intercessors, the youth and children's teams, sacristan team, the finance team, the flower guild, gardeners, the pastoral visiting team, the bereavement support team, the social committee and events team, the volunteers from both St Mark's and King Charles the Martyr who support the joint Community Larder and our many other volunteers who perform countless vital and much-appreciated tasks and support in myriad ways.

Developing St Mark’s Vision and Mission

As we enter a new year, we look forward to finding new opportunities to explore and share faith with others. A course exploring the sacred stories and sacraments of the Christian Faith is planned to take place in Lent with a view to offering baptisms at Easter (as well as at other times throughout the year). The Events Team have scheduled a film evening for Racial Justice month in February; in which the film “After the Flood; the Church, slavery and reconciliation” will be shown, followed by discussion. As we listen to new voices, we hope to be changed and together to reflect better the God in whose image we are made and whom we follow.

As more musicians have joined the church this year and offered their musical gifts, there are plans to put together scratch choirs of all-ages at Candlemas and at Easter. We hope these will offer creative spaces to build community and compassionate connection; as we hope all our activities will continue to do. In like manner, we plan to continue on our net zero carbon journey, progressing towards renewable heating in our church building, adopting an environmental policy and seeking to become an Eco church in 2026.

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Financial Review

The only significant increase to expenditure in 2025 related to various works that needed to be completed at 11 Ramslye Road after the previous tenant left and before and in the early stages of the new tenancy.

The PCC received some generous one-off restricted donations towards ministry costs. In addition, two Sundays around Harvest were used to draw the congregation’s attention to the planned giving scheme and the effect of inflation on this income. The outcome resulted in new standing orders and increases to existing gifts as well as some generous one-off donations. Nevertheless, the General Fund at the end of the year showed a deficit of about £5,500, which we have covered by our General Fund reserves.

Unfortunately, at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 some of our older generous monthly donors died which means that our monthly planned giving income has reduced, but this is being monitored as the year progresses.

The PCC is also looking at reducing some of our expenditure as a number of contracts have come up for renewal at the end of 2025 and the start of 2026 so we are trying to cut costs where we can.

The Joint Community Larder with King Charles the Martyr received seven monthly standing orders, amounting to just under £4,500 in the year. It also received grants from the Borough Council and from Churches for Tunbridge Wells totalling £983. Further financial details are given in Notes 4 and 7 to the Financial Statements.

Pension Liabilities

The PCC has a fully funded pension scheme for its part-time Parish Administrator through NEST.

Reserves Policy

The PCC has determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £40,000 in its General Fund. Unfortunately, at the end of 2025 the general fund cash reserves were slightly lower than £40,000 but the PCC are aware of this and will be correcting the situation as soon as is practical in 2026.

Each year, the PCC sets aside provision into designated funds for repairs to the Church and two houses, at rates advised by the Diocese. These funds are kept in separate Diocesan deposit accounts. It has also set up some designated funds as provision for future significant costs such as the replacement of the church heating system.

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The remaining Designated, Restricted and Endowment funds are either associated with the Birling Road Hall, or are set aside for particular non-fabric purposes, such as the Restricted Ministry Fund, and these are reviewed on a regular basis.

Risk Management

The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The PCC reviews the church's activities to identify significant risks and, where possible, it takes appropriate measures to mitigate those risks. The churchwardens and PCC team leaders are responsible for preparing or reviewing existing risk assessments for services and activities.

Vulnerable Persons - The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a safer Church for all. The PCC has adopted the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy - 'Promoting a Safer Church' -which sets out the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults' policy of the Church of England. The implementation of the policy is under constant review to ensure that the church adheres to good safeguarding practices. The PCC follows the House of Bishops Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance. The PCC has considered and agreed which posts within the Church (both voluntary or otherwise), require a DBS check and an appropriate level of safeguarding training for each role.

The post of Parish Safeguarding Officer is held by Debbie Marsden who is the link between the PCC and the Diocese regarding safeguarding matters. Debbie supports the PCC to ensure that the Diocesan Safeguarding Policies are carried out in the parish.

The Parish Lead Recruiter is Nicky Fisken who is responsible for coordinating the Disclosure and Barring (DBS) process.

Finance - as indicated above, with the current level of planned giving, the General Fund budget for 2026 is forecast to be in deficit, but can be accommodated in the short term by our reserves. The need for additional funds to expand ministry staff resources and training will be brought to the congregation’s attention during the year.

The PCC will continue to monitor the future requirements for upkeeping the major components of the church fabric.

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

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Representation Rules.

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 co-opted members. The PCC organises elections annually at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) to fill vacancies. New members are provided with various documents outlining their responsibilities as trustees.

Responsibility for setting policy and for determining the parameters within which the charity should operate, and for making major operating decisions rests with the PCC, which meets regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. Responsibility for the day to day operation of the charity has been delegated to the Incumbent and the churchwardens.

Statement of Safeguarding Responsibilities of Members of the PCC

The PCC has complied with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Disciplinary Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Statement of Financial Responsibilities of the Members of the PCC

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).

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 is required to:

  1. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

  2. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

  3. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

  4. state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

  5. prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

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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. It is 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 on 23[rd] April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

The Rev’d Claire Allwood Chair of the PCC and Vicar

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF

ST MARK'S CHURCH TUNBRIDGE WELLS (The PCC)

I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2025 on pages 12 to 26 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in Note 1 on pages 14 to 17.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As trustees of St Mark's Church Tunbridge Wells you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act, and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently my opinion as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those set out in the statement below.

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:

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.

Alan Lockie BSc. FIA 21 Byng Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8EG Date 24[th] April 2026

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ST MARK'S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Unrestricted Funds

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
2
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Income from lettings
Bank interest
Other Income
Grants
4
Total Income and endowments
EXPENDITURE
3
Charitable activities
Governance costs
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Gross transfers between funds in
5
Gross transfers between funds
out
5
Pension Creditor written back
16
Net transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
18
Funds brought forward
Funds carried forward		 General
Fund
£
71,667
3,233
38,034
1,969
114,903
114,146
114,146
757
(6,190)
(6,190)
(5,433)
45,878
40,445		 Designated
Fund
£
1,534
0
1,534
0
1,534
6,190
9,341
15,531
17,065
108,650
125,715		 Total
£
71,667
3,233
38,034
3,503
0
116,437
114,146
114,146
2,291
6,190
(6,190)
9,341
9,341
11,632
154,528
166,160		 Restricted
Funds
£
23,861
3,803
2,515
983
31,162
16,991
16,991
14,171
0
14,171
77,509
91,680		 Endowment
Funds
£
26,312
1,649
27,961
19,983
19,983
7,978
0
7,978
290,700
298,678		 Total
Funds
2025
£
95,528
7,036
64,346
7,667
0
983
175,560
151,120
151,120
24,440
6,190
(6,190)
9,341
9,341
33,781
522,737
556,518		 Total
Funds
2024
£
84,270
5,645
55,791
8,582
100
5,147
159,535
161,036
108
161,144
(1,609)
0
0
0
(1,609)
524,346
522,737

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these accounts

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ST MARK'S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
12
Deposit Accounts
14,15
Cash at bank and in hand
14,15
Current Assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUND BALANCES
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
Designated Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Endowment Funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted Funds
General
Designated
Fund
Fund
£
£
40,000
14,517
41,710
58,565
(9,463)
27,150
46,764
85,715
(6,319)
0
40,445
85,715
40,445
125,715
40,445
125,715
40,445
125,715		 Total
£
40,000
14,517
100,275
17,687
132,479
(6,319)
126,160
166,160
166,160
166,160		 Restricted
Funds
£
5,784
87,859
20
93,663
(1,983)
91,680
91,680
91,680
91,680		 Endowment
Funds
£
229,174
1,520
44,078
26,496
72,094
(2,590)
69,504
298,678
298,678
298,678		 Total
Funds
2025
£
269,174
21,821
232,212
44,203
298,236
(10,892)
287,344
556,518
556,518
556,518		 Total
Funds
2024
£
269,174
15,955
218,084
35,266
269,305
(15,742)
253,563
522,737
522,737
45,878
108,650
154,528
77,509
290,700
522,737

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these accounts

The financial statements were approved by the PCC on 23[rd] April 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

The Rev'd Claire Allwood Carol Nicholson Chair of PCC and Vicar PCC Treasurer

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ST MARK’S TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 1 Accounting Policies

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Mark, Tunbridge Wells, in the Diocese of Rochester, is a PCC registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The PCC's registered number and principal address can be found on the PCC Information page.

The PCC is a public benefit entity as set out in Financial Reporting Standard 105 (SORP 105).

These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis under the Charities Act 2011, in accordance with The Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, with the Regulations "true and fair" provisions, and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)', ("the Charities SORP").

In the preparation of these Financial Statements and the Annual Report due regard has also been given to the guidelines in "PCC Accountability - The Charity Act 2011 and the PCC", 5th Edition incorporating SORP 2015, published in 2017 for the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of England.

The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

a. Going Concern

The PCC has 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 church to continue as a going concern. It has made its assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the PCC has considered its 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 it has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The PCC 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 PCC 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 PCC has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a

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future period.

i. Recoverable Gift Aid including Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) - 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. 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.

Income from charitable activities represents income from parochial fees receivable by the PCC and the payments made by users of the Community Larder.

Investment income represents income generated by the PCC's assets and includes income from bank interest and letting the PCC's property.

The PCC relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities. In accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured.

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 offer are included in the Statement of Financial Activities for all amounts agreed to being payable for the financial year.

The PCC 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 PCC 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 PCC.

The cost of raising funds is not significant and has not been separately disclosed.

d. Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds that are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the PCC.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes .

Restricted funds are donations that are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects .

Endowment funds are donations that are retained as capital in accordance with the donor’s wishes. The nature of the restriction determines whether the endowments represent permanent endowments or expendable endowments.

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Further details of the funds are set out in notes 17 and 18.

e. Tangible Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings vested in the Churchwardens and held on special trust on behalf of the PCC. Such furnishings, which are listed in the church inventory, are regarded as “inalienable” property, intended to be held indefinitely for the PCC’s own use and would, by law, require external consent to be given by the Diocese prior to disposal. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed, where material. The building and contents of the Church and Broadwater Hall are currently insured to the value of £19,250,000.

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. Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation on freehold buildings has not been provided in these financial statements as any charge is considered not material on the basis that the assets have a residual value, based on their current value, which is above their carrying value. In the opinion of the PCC the residual values of the freehold buildings as represented by their estimated current market values are significantly in excess of their carrying values.

Items purchased or donated for the PCC's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £4,000 and the item is expected to benefit the PCC 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.

f. Short term deposits accounts

These are cash held on deposit with the bank or the Diocese.

g. Financial instruments

The PCC’s financial assets and financial liabilities all qualify as basic financial instruments, as defined by FRS102. Creditors and debtors are measured at their expected settlement value (normally the amount of cash that the PCC expects to pay or receive).

~ 16 ~

h. Pension scheme arrangements

The PCC has a National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme for its parttime member of staff.

i. Exemption from preparing a cashflow statement

There are no non-cash flow changes during the year, and as it is not required to prepare a cash flow statement by the Charities SORP, such a statement has not been included.

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 apart from work identified in the 2022 Quinquennial Report, which the PCC expect to be largely borne by designated and restricted funds.

~ 17 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 2 Incoming Resources
Notes
Planned Giving
Gift Aid donations
Tax recoverable
CAF PG
Other PG
Subtotal Planned Giving
Other Voluntary Giving
Collections
Cashless
Gift Aided Donations
Other tax recoverable
Other donations
Subtotal Other
Subtotal Voluntary Giving
Income from charitable activities
Fees PCC
Voluntary larder receipts
7
Other receipts
Subtotal
Lettings of houses and Hall hirings
Broadwater Hall
Birling Road Hall
8
2 Tudor Court
11 Ramslye Road
Subtotal
Interest
Other Income
Grants
Total Income		 2025
GF
Designated
Total
UR
Restricted
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
39,998
39,998
6,155
46,153
10,624
10,624
10,624
1,525
1,525
50
1,575
11,401
11,401
11,401
63,548
0
63,548
6,205
0
69,753
1,014
1,014
2,018
3,032
2,494
2,494
252
2,746
2,500
2,500
10,000
12,500
980
980
4,408
5,388
1,131
1,131
978
2,109
8,119
0
8,119
17,656
0
25,775
71,667
0
71,667
23,861
0
95,528
3,233
3,233
3,233
3,803
3,803
0
3,233
0
3,233
3,803
0
7,036
4,670
4,670
4,670
26,312
26,312
17,123
17,123
17,123
16,241
16,241
16,241
38,034
0
38,034
0
26,312
64,346
1,969
1,534
3,503
2,515
1,649
7,667
0
0
983
983
114,903
1,534
116,437
31,162
27,961
175,560		 2024
Total
£
39,981
10,055
1,500
12,006
63,542
2,750
2,638
10,541
4,129
670
20,728
84,270
1,655
3,698
292
5,645
3,750
25,744
12,586
13,711
55,791
8,582
100
5,147
159,535

~ 18 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 3 Resources Expended
Notes
Away Giving
Overseas
6
Home
6
St Mark's School
6
Community Larder
7
Total Away Giving
Ministry and Mission
Parish Offer
Incumbent Expenses and Vicarage
Children's Work
Training
Local Mission and Outreach
Total Ministry
Church running expenditure
Upkeep of services
Music, organ & copyright
Insurance
Utilities
Cleaning
Regular Maintenance
Major repairs & redecoration
Garden
Management and Admin:
Staff
9
Photocopier
Bank charges
Accounting Software
Other costs
Miscellaneous
Total Church running expenditure
Halls and Property
Broadwater Hall
Birling Road Hall
8
2 Tudor Court
11 Ramslye Road
Total Halls and Property
Total Church Activity
PCC Expenses
Total Expenditure		 2025
GF
Designated
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,000
2,000
1,265
3,265
0
1,983
1,983
0
381
381
0
12,610
12,610
2,000
0
2,000
16,239
0
18,239
42,848
42,848
42,848
4,982
4,982
4,982
0
165
165
0
0
0
0
47,830
0
47,830
165
0
47,995
2,266
2,266
381
2,647
740
740
740
6,328
6,328
6,328
10,719
10,719
10,719
5,495
5,495
5,495
4,949
4,949
200
5,149
0
0
555
555
555
13,942
13,942
13,942
1,092
1,092
1,092
159
159
159
75
75
75
1,787
1,787
6
1,793
163
163
163
48,270
0
48,270
587
0
48,857
1,326
1,326
1,326
0
19,983
19,983
3,472
3,472
3,472
11,248
11,248
11,248
16,046
0
16,046
0
19,983
36,029
114,146
0
114,146
16,991
19,983
151,120
0
0
114,146
0
114,146
16,991
19,983
151,120		 2024
Total
£
4,018
1,325
263
15,295
20,901
42,848
5,376
291
527
1,345
50,387
1,349
895
6,133
12,181
5,072
2,999
6,181
140
13,205
2,690
241
150
2,458
1,601
55,295
1,739
13,979
14,545
4,190
34,453
161,036
108
161,144

~ 19 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 4 Grants Received
2025
FABRIC
General Fabric
£
LPWS grant for VAT on church electrical work
General
Fund
LPWS grant for VAT on church lighting
Designated
COMMUNITY LARDER
i
TW Borough Council Grant for Community Larder
833
ii Churches for Tunbridge Wells
150
TOTAL GRANTS
983
Note 5 Details of Fund Transfers from General Fund to Designated Funds
Provisions for:
General
Fund
Designated
£
£
Major Church Repairs
(5,000)
5,000
11 RR Major Repairs
(670)
670
2TC Major Repairs
(520)
520
Total transfers in
6,190
Total transfers out
(6,190)
Note 6 Grants Payable
2025
In 2025 the PCC made the following payments over £200:
£
From General Funds
Church Mission Society (CMS) - support for our Mission Partners
2,000
From Collections at services (Restricted)
Christian Aid
1,265
St Marks School Yr 6 leaver bibles
381
Diocesan Companion Dioceses Fund (Licencing service)
Christmas Charities:
Children's Society
816
Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services
Amos Trust
584
Community Larder
583
Total payments
5,629		 2024
£
383
1,030
3,334
400
5,147
2024
£
2,000
702
263
781
790
535
535
5,606

~ 20 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 7 Community Larder run jointly with King Charles the Martyr PCC

In August 2020 the PCC established a Community Larder jointly with the PCC of King Charles the Martyr in St Mark's Broadwater Hall, with all funds being processed through St Mark's accounts and included in these Financial Statements.

Income
Donations SO
General Donations
Gift Aid and GASDS
Customer payments
Interest
Grants (note 4)
Total Income
Surplus/(Deficit)
Brought Forward
Carried Forward		 2025
£
4,470
276
1,186
3,803
182
983
10,900
(1,711)
5,973
4,263		 2024
£
Expenditure
4,295
Training
940
Food Supplies
1,246
3,698
236
3,734
14,149
Total Expenditure
(1,146)
7,119
5,973		 2025
£
12,610
12,610		 2024
£
24
15,271
15,295

Note 8 Birling Road Hall Account

Income
Regular Hire
Ad hoc Hire
Interest
Total Income
Surplus/(Deficit)
Brought Forward
Carried Forward		 2025
£
24,400
1,912
1,649
27,961
7,978
161,526
169,504		 2024
£
Expenditure
24,564
Gas and Electric
1,180
Water
1,797
Waste Disposal
Insurance
Cleaning
Fabric & Maintenance
Admin & Legal Fees
27,541
Total Expenditure
12,463
149,063
161,526		 2025
£
9,068
514
2,949
607
221
4,766
1,858
19,983		 2024
£
5,670
4,172
2,797
767
572
1,100
15,078

Note 9 Employers and Staff Costs
te 9 Employers and Staff Costs
Gross Salaries
Employer Pension contribution
Total		 2025
£
13,537
405
13,942		 2024
£
12,819
386
13,205

No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum

~ 21 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 10 Key Management and Financial Transactions with Members of the PCC and related parties

No payments have been made to members of the PCC other than the refund of expenditure on purchases made on behalf of the PCC and expenses to the Vicar for items unrelated to being chair of the PCC

Note 11 Tangible fixed assets for use by the PCC

Book value as at 1 January 2025
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Book value as at 31 December 2025		 Freehold
Land and
Buildings
2025
£
269,174
269,174

The house at 11 Ramslye Road is insured for £196,000 and the house at 2 Tudor Court for £246,000

Note 12 Debtors falling due within one year

Tax recoverable inc GASDS
Prepayments
Other debtors
Total Debtors		 2025
GF
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
11,442
4,408
15,850
2,157
301
2,458
918
1,376
1,219
3,513
14,517
0
5,784
1,520
21,821		 2024
Total
£
14,368
1,587
15,955

~ 22 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 13 Creditors: Liabilities falling due within one year

Accruals
Other creditors
Grant obligations
Total Debtors		 2025
GF
Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
3,084
3,084
3,235
1,983
2,590
7,808
0
6,319
0
1,983
2,590
10,892		 2024
Total
£
3,913
9,969
1,860
15,742

Note 14 Bank and Deposit Accounts

The Birling Road Fund cash is held in current and deposit accounts at Barclays and in a Deposit account with the Diocese.

The three Repair Funds are held in deposit accounts with the Diocese.

All other funds are held in current and deposit accounts a Barclays Bank, a deposit account with the Diocese and in the Church Office and Community Larder Petty Cash.

Kings Estate Agents manage the properties on behalf of the PCC and hold a float balance of £335 for each of 2 Tudor Court and 11 Ramslye Road.

Note 15 Notice Deposits, Cash at Bank and in Hand

Notice deposits (with a term of one month or less)
Cash at bank with immediate access
Petty cash (PCC and Larder)		 2025
£
232,212
44,146
57
276,415		 2024
£
218,084
35,212
54
253,350

Note 16 Pension Contributions

The PCC has established an account with the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) and pays an employer contribution to NEST each month for its part time employee.

For a number of years a pension contribution to an ex-employee has been carried forward as a creditor in the accounts but the PCC have now made the decision to move this to a designated ministry fund. The amount is £9,341 which has been written back to the designated ministry account.

~ 23 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 17 Funds

The Unrestricted Funds comprise the General Fund for day-to-day church expenditure, and the following designated funds:

Designated Funds:

The Designated Accommodation Fund contains unrestricted funds tied up in the two houses amounting to £40,000.

Designated Repair Funds – held with the Diocese for the church and the two houses, which received a total transfer of £6,190 in 2025 from the General Fund, the rates recommended by the Diocese.

Three Designated funds for the repair of the church, the internal refurbishment of the church and Broadwater Hall.

The Heating Design Fund - provision to fund the design of a new heating system. The Ministry Fund – the pension from the ex-employee which will be used to aid future stipend payments or for people training to go into the ministry.

The Restricted Funds comprise:

The Children and Family Fund transferred from the Miscellaneous Restricted Funds.

Heating Fund , established by a donation towards the replacement of the current heating system.

Flowers, which was a specific donation to be used for flowers within the church building.

The Organ Fund , which consists of funds donated by individuals for the purpose of major repairs to or renovation of the Church Organ.

The Pastoral Fund , established from a number of relevant sub funds previously held in the Miscellaneous Restricted Fund.

The Parish Weekend Fund , which consists of funds subscribed or donated to meet the costs of Parish Weekends or off-site parish events.

The Refurbishment Fund , which originated in 1991, and consists of funds raised to provide for the refurbishment and redecoration of the church. Any donations to the church at weddings and funerals are posted to this fund.

The Utility Fund was established to hold donations to aid with the major increase in electricity and gas prices.

~ 24 ~

Miscellaneous Restricted Funds , which consist of amounts donated for a variety of specific purposes, where either the residual amounts are small or the funds are expected to be used within the current year. Legacy funds of £4,501 are included within this fund and these will be spent during 2026.

The Endowment Funds comprise:-

The Birling Road Hall Fund . This is considered to be a permanent endowment, resulting from the revised Deed of Gift of the land for the Birling Road Hall in 1939, the income from which is required to be used for the purposes defined in the original Deed of Gift.

The Accommodation Fund. This originated with the Gerda Wardill bequest of a house for a Curate at 18 Hargate Close. In 1992 the PCC spent £20,000 out of its General Funds on improving this property. The house was sold in 1997 and the proceeds, supplemented by donations of £15,000 from the Birling Road Hall Fund and £15,455 from individuals, were used to purchase houses at 2 Tudor Court and 11 Ramslye Road for use by the Curate and Youth Minister. The amount of £20,000 invested by the PCC, together with a further £10,000 representing a proportionate share of the profit on the sale of 18 Hargate Close, and a total of £10,000 of capitalised refurbishments at 2 Tudor Court and 11 Ramslye Road in 2009 and 2013, continue to be treated as part of the PCC’s unrestricted designated funds. The original bequest and the contribution from the Birling Road Hall Fund, including a further £9,000 for long term improvements to 2 Tudor Court in 2005, are considered to be permanent endowments: the funds contributed by individuals are regarded as an expendable endowment.

~ 25 ~

ST MARK’S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 18 Fund Movement Summary

General Fund
Designated Funds
Accommodation Fund PCC
Church Repair Fund - Diocese
2 Tudor Court - Diocese
11 Ramslye Road – Diocese
Church Repair Fund
Broadwater Hall Refurb
Church Internal Refurb
Heating Design Fund
Ministry Fund
Total Designated
Total Unrestricted
Restricted
Children and Families Fund
Community Larder
Flowers Restricted
Heating Fund
Ministry Fund
Organ Fund
Parish Weekend Fund
Pastoral Fund
Refurbishment Fund
Utility Fund
Miscellaneous Restricted
Total Restricted
Endowment Funds
Accommodation Fund
Birling Road Hall Fund
Total Endowment
Total Funds		 Brought
forward
£
45,878
40,000
44,934
2,628
2,609
3,092
1,948
7,967
5,472
108,650
154,528
771
5,973
4,783
8,633
29,279
1,747
1,174
14,995
4,088
6,066
77,509
129,174
161,526
290,700
522,737		 Incoming
£
114,903
1,366
83
85
1,534
116,437
26
10,900
642
163
12,794
995
1,785
139
3,718
31,162
27,961
27,961
175,560		 Outgoing
£
(114,146)
0
(114,146)
(365)
(12,610)
(381)
(3,635)
(16,991)
(19,983)
(19,983)
(151,120)		 Pension
Creditor
£
9,341
9,341
9,341
0
0
9,341		 Transfer
£
(6,190)
5,000
520
670
6,190
0
0
0
0		 Carried
forward
£
40,445
40,000
51,300
3,231
3,364
3,092
1,948
7,967
5,472
9,341
125,715
166,160
432
4,263
261
4,946
21,427
30,274
1,747
1,174
16,780
4,227
6,149
91,680
129,174
169,504
298,678
556,518

~ 26 ~

ST MARK'S CHURCH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted Funds

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Income from lettings
Bank interest
Other Income
Grants
Total Income and endowments
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Governance costs
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Gross transfers between funds in
Gross transfers between funds
out
Net transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Funds brought forward
Funds carried forward		 General
Fund
£
61,044
1,655
30,047
1,798
100
383
95,027
98,676
108
98,784
(3,757)
(6,190)
(6,190)
(9,947)
55,825
45,878		 Designated
Fund
£
2,340
1,030
3,370
21,606
21,606
(18,236)
6,190
6,190
(12,046)
120,696
108,650		 Total
£
61,044
1,655
30,047
4,138
100
1,413
98,397
120,282
108
120,390
(21,993)
6,190
(6,190)
0
(21,993)
176,521
154,528		 Restricted
Funds
£
23,226
3,990
2,647
3,734
33,597
25,677
25,677
7,920
0
7,920
69,589
77,509		 Endowment
Funds
£
25,744
1,797
27,541
15,079
15,079
12,462
0
12,462
278,238
290,700		 Total
Funds
2024
£
84,270
5,645
55,791
8,582
100
5,147
159,535
161,038
108
161,146
(1,611)
6,190
(6,190)
0
(1,611)
524,348
522,737

~ 27 ~