pcc ANNUAL REPORT 2024 TE CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
A View from the Team Rector
As I write this, we have just celebrated the church festival of Candlemas, which is more usually known as the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. It is a “hinge” time, partly looking back to Jesus’ birth and partly ahead to his Passion.
Annual Reports, by their nature, are in the business of looking back – back over the life and activity of our churches during the previous year. It is right that they do so, as it reminds us just how much has been undertaken by so many people! It shows us how we have built on our endeavours of previous years, and it demonstrates our worked-out love of God, and of each other, in myriad ways.
As a record of all that has been, we do not forget that prayer is at the heart of it – from flower arranging to financial accounts; bric-a-brac stalls to celebration worship; coffee and cake to safeguarding courses. There must be few – if any – areas of secular life which cover the variety of service and outreach undertaken by people of faith and as you read through this report you will see that demonstrated hugely by our churches of St Mary’s, St Michael’s and St Thomas’s.
But I started by mentioning a “hinge” time and so we also look forward to all that 2025 will bring and not least to welcoming Lloyd Davis as Team Vicar at St Thomas’. By the time you read this report, Lloyd and his wife Emily will be with us and, together, we will all be on our way into a new chapter of God’s life in Beaconsfield – which we will be able to read about in next year’s report!
As ever, we have said sad goodbyes to old friends but also cheery hellos to new ones. Jesus Christ may be the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) but we his people journey on - be that with excitement or courage, joy or sadness - but with every assurance of God’s grace and goodness. So thank you to everyone who is mentioned in this report - and everyone who is not - as we follow our quest to grow in love and understanding, and to build God’s Kingdom in this place.
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BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
St Michael’s
2024 saw another year of steady progress in building our relationships, and in maintaining our buildings. We have welcomed several newcomers to our church family and journeyed on in our faith life through the introduction of "Get the Gospel", (when we share our thoughts on the reading of the day) and, especially, through the joyous Confirmation Service held at St Michael's in May for young people and adults from across the Team.
St Michael’s District Church Council held 2 Away Half days in 2024, with discussions including: relationships with local schools and nurseries; updating the Mission Action Plan and planning its implementation, how to engage with children and young people and increasing use of the church building. 6 meetings of the District Church Council took place over the year and the Standing Committee usually met a couple of weeks before the DCC to plan the agenda. The Standing Committee comprises the Vicar, Churchwardens, the Assistant Churchwardens and the Hon Treasurer. Safeguarding is on the agenda of each DCC meeting. We follow the Diocesan recommendations for our Safeguarding policy, and it is reviewed annually. Ann-Marie Davis from St Mary’s has agreed to be the Safeguarding Officer for all 3 churches. Kristel will continue with the administration at St Michael’s.
Music and other events. After a successful Come and Sing at the Carol Service in 2023, Helen Baker brought a Community Choir together in the summer to sing songs from The Sound of Music; in December Helen led a similar event singing Christmas songs and carols. Alan Lewis, our organist, with his Jazz group, gave a popular Jazz concert and at the end of the year a Brass Band Concert took place in the church in aid of Rennie Grove. Alan also composed some lovely music for the Carol Service, where much of it received its premier. Ruth Long produced bookmarks to leave on seats in church, signposting the church website and activities going on in our churches.
St Michael’s Ministry team are much appreciated, and we are all grateful also for support from Xandie in involving young people in the 2gether services. In addition, through her contact with mothers who make bouquets for Mothering Sunday and decorate the oranges for Christingle Xandie has encouraged teenagers to operate the AV system as their volunteering element for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Thanks to those who train and support them.
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St Mary’s School held their Easter Service at St Michael’s as usual. Sharon has an ongoing relationship with High March School and visits regularly for Harvest assemblies and other special events. The Team Ministry involves all the congregations. Team Services are held in each church in turn and some special services such as Midnight Mass at Christmas are held only in St Mary’s. The church Electoral Roll is due for renewal in 2025 and it was proposed to include a welcome letter to those on the present roll who had not returned regularly after Covid. To encourage wider use of the church building so people become more familiar with our church it is planned to have more anchor events like the Plant Sale and hiring the building out for events such as Bucks Art Week.
Buildings : Mary Bischoff takes care of the building for the churchwarden team and reports to the DCC. Thanks are due to Martyn Fuller for his exploration of the drains outside the East End of the church. Nigel Roberts and a few helpers including Mary, Ruth Long and Hamish Broom decorated the hall. Nigel also replaced the barres used in some of the ballet classes. We are grateful for all church members who contribute to decoration and maintenance projects and we would always welcome more helpers. Mary arranged for insulation in the hall walls and some of the roof space. LED lights were fitted in the hall. There are still issues with the church boiler and it requires regular maintenance.
The major project of 2024 was planning for the replacement of our church lighting, which was failing fast and growing ever more dim. Careful discernment x x ~ was required to find the best way forward and this took many months. A further shock – at a late stage – was the discovery that the lighting wiring would require replacement too, significantly increasing the cost of the project. So, having ape gained PCC approval for the work to go ahead, we launched = an appeal for £50,000 in November – with an ambitious target date of Christmas. Thanks to some very generous grants and donation - from individuals, St Mary’s and the St Michael and All Angels (Beaconsfield) Charitable Trust - we reached our goal ahead of target and, working with church lighting specialists Anthony J Smith (Glos) Limited, a Faculty was sought and, at the time of writing, has just been agreed. With
thanks to everyone for their very generous contributions, we look forward to a brighter future in spring 2025.
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Finances: Craig Dreyer became our Honorary Treasurer at our AGM in April 2023. We are fortunate that our much-valued administrator, Christine Adali, is also able to do the bookkeeping. Craig is also Honorary Treasurer to our other 2 Team churches and the Beaconsfield Team PCC.
St Michael’s Hall : In August Alison Harper, St Michael’s Hall Manager, left the role as she was moving away from the area. She had implemented an online booking system and was extremely efficient with processing invoices. We are very grateful to her for her work. Helen Sheahan started as Hall Manager in August and r Bm Aw lye there was a smooth handover. Helen placed an advert in one of We the local magazines and encouraged hall users to pay £10 ROSA F SEES towards the cost in return for having their names on the advert. SO RR
The beautiful angel mosaic on the church hall wall was formally opened together with those on the Post Office and Waitrose.
After purchasing 8 eco-friendly recycled plastic chairs for the hall and finding them satisfactory, 100 more were purchased. The old wooden chairs were unsafe and unfortunately couldn’t be sold or given away.
Eco church is being led for the Beaconsfield Team Churches by Lucy, Team Vicar at St Mary’s. Members of St Michael’s congregation have attended meetings and reported back.
The members of the DCC are essential to the running of the church but many more people of all ages from our congregation also do work that contributes to the church – both to the building, and the people who are our church.
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PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
St Thomas’ and the Dove Cafe
2024 was a year of vacancy, of prayer and discernment, creating a Parish Profile, working together, and a time of hope and looking to the future.
It can always be a telling time in any church when their vicar is called to another parish. We met, we prayed, people said what they were looking for in our next vicar. Ideas were given, notes made and the Parish Profile started by Tony Griffiths. His work was continued by Alison Hart before Tamara Reading (from St Mary’s Church) kindly offered to bring it all together. We advertised, interviewed and appointed Revd. Lloyd Davis. His licensing takes place in 2025 and we very much look forward to having him and his wife Emily join us.
We have always benefitted from being part of the Beaconsfield Team and no more so than in this past year of vacancy. Our immense thanks go to all who have supported us with our services, both clergy and laity. Our pattern of services remained as Communion services on the first and third Sundays at 9.30am. On the fourth Sunday, David and Lorraine Izzard continued to bring us the joys of Café Church. We have been blessed that this has attracted a few new faces to worship with us at those services. Our remaining services are a mix of Morning Prayer and Songs of Praise.
We continue to look at how we can best use the resources that we have: our buildings and our garden spaces. There is an area behind our hall that is currently unused. We want to develop this area, initially to grow produce that can be used in the Dove Café. The area is due to be fenced off from the vicarage garden to allow for privacy to the vicarage.
We are fortunate that our buildings, in the terms of other churches, are not that old. Yet there is work that needs to be done. The repeated rainy weather highlighted the work needed on our south facing windows and doors.
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PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
The stained glass door and all the surrounding windows need to be replaced, with the stained glass to be transferred into new windows.
Additionally, and far more expensively, we would like to install solar panels on the south facing church roof. This would need the roof to be replaced as it will be coming to the end of its life in the next few years. This is a longer term proposal. We will look to fund-raising for both the replacement door and window, and the solar panels and roof.
Our annual events were held once again.
St Thomas’ Day in July was a celebration enjoyed by many with games and our popular BBQ, with a strategically placed gazebo to keep things cooking in the rain.
Summer also saw the Scarecrow Trail come to Holtspur, with St Thomas’ having its own Where’s Spot ‘scarecrow’ much to the delight of our younger and older visitors. The trail brought in many who would not usually come to the area with the week being one of the busiest for the Dove Café.
Christmas brought children and parents into St Thomas’ to celebrate with us and get involved in events. Children were given the opportunity to buy presents for mums and dads without their parents knowing what they were choosing. All the gifts were donated by our generous congregation and café users. We were once again grateful to High March School for donating to us their large Christmas tree when the school broke up for Christmas.
The Dove Café continued to thrive and grow. We have a great many volunteers from churches, the community and beyond but are always happy to welcome fresh faces. We had our first internship funded by Green Futures Internships. This was extremely successful and our intern Ella has joined our paid staff as a part-time supervisor alongside Natalie our full-time supervisor and Jodie our café manager. Additional paid staff support the team at weekends and holidays where necessary.
As a registered warm space, we are somewhere for people to feel safe where they can just spend their day whether or not they want to have a drink or food. Our large rail of donated warm coats, scarves and blankets
are well used and are free to anyone who needs them. Our Pay It Forward board has a range of meals and drinks that have already been paid for by others. No-one should go hungry and the meals are there for anyone who may need one. We are also able to refer families to the One Can Trust, our local food bank or one of the support groups that come to the Dove Café.
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We are blessed and grateful that we continue to be able to offer free food for all children during every school holidays. Our continued and heartfelt thanks goes to Helping Hand and the Clare Foundation who provide the funding to make this possible.
The Proud of Bucks Awards 2024 celebrate Buckinghamshire’s communities and individuals that have demonstrated care, creativity and commitment towards their local areas. The Dove Café was highly commended for their work within the community, creating social change and providing a diverse safe environment for so many. Ruth Moores was given the Good Neighbour Award for her tireless work supporting the community over the years.
St Thomas’ Hall has seen a continued demand use. We have our regular church-run groups, Tom’s Tots, Senior Citizens, and Film Shows. These have attracted not only new attendees but also new volunteers.
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There are a wide variety of regular private hirings from exercise classes and Tae Kwondo to Muslim prayers and baby groups. In addition the One Can Trust uses our hall every week as a base from which food parcels are delivered to local families. The number of families can vary but this is such an important group helping to tackle food poverty which we are pleased to support.
There are so many people that contribute to the daily life of St Thomas’ Church and the Dove Café that in trying to thank them all there are always those that are missed. Importantly God knows who they are and we are grateful to all who have supported us in any way. We can all support each other through prayer and we must not forget that we are God’s people, sent to do His work for His people.
As we read in Ephesians 6v10 -
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
,
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PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
St Mary’s
It’s not easy to fit a year of St Mary’s Church life into a couple of pages of text. Church happens not just in Sunday worship or in the committee meetings. Often just as important are the brunch after the service, the housegroup meetings, social events, and many other gatherings that happen in the name of St Mary’s Church.
Worship and Services: In this past year, what we value as St Mary’s tradition has continued, while new initiatives have begun. In our traditional Sunday services of Holy Communion, we follow the Church calendar, celebrating Church times and seasons. Regular Book of Common Prayer services, both clergy and lay-led take place alongside Common Worship Holy Communion services and services of the word. We have welcomed visiting preachers from the Diocese of Oxford, as well as speakers from our Mission Partners, bringing muchappreciated news and updates.
The pattern of our regular services continued unchanged during the year alongside special events and services where we are happy to be joined by others the town and wider community. Highlights include the popular and busy Christmas services, services through Holy week and at Easter, Remembrance, Harvest and the Annual Memorial service. We are also delighted to join with the visiting school Christmas Carol Services varied and joyous. We have this year had the joy of many baptisms and celebrating together at the Baptism Thanksgiving service.
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The fellowship and care of our congregation is an integral part of who we are as a church. Our pastoral work is the natural extension of congregational fellowship; our individual awareness of those who we sit with and beside in church; fellowship that includes finding out how people are. Fellowship and pastoral care go together and we all seek to be more aware, to notice and pass on concerns. The pastoral care team visit those who are unable to get to church, including taking Holy Communion to them at home, providing support to the bereaved and those who are sick and praying with and for our church members.
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Housegroups provide invaluable support to their members through prayer, study and fellowship. The groups study using a range of resources including past sermons, study books, articles from the news and creative activities. With six established house groups it became obvious over the course of the year that growing one or more new house groups was a priority for early 2025.
With a celebration of fellowship, though, comes also the sadness of losing those of our church family who died during the year and mourning their loss with friends and family
Ministry to Children and Young People : St Mary’s monthly All age services continue with a loyal congregation of all different ages who enjoy a time of informal worship and fellowship. Children join adults in leading parts of the services, and they allow for creativity and accessibility for a broader congregation. The shared fellowship at brunch afterwards does much to grow our church family in fellowship and commitment.
The new Uscape group is aimed at young teenagers, a safe space for our young people to make friends, gain confidence and have a safe space to chat and learn. Quinn who enjoys Uscape writes: "I’m constantly looking forward to Uscape as it is a fun and calm hour and a half where I can play games and discuss stuff with others. It also helps that it is with people who are year seven and up as I feel that I can talk about what to do in the future without feeling like I’m too old to be there. It’s also very fun as I get to learn more about Christianity”.
In October 2024, we invited the Bible Society to run an Open the Book training session and we have joined with other Beaconsfield churches in taking the Bible stories into our local primary schools in a fun and engaging way.
Eco church : 2024 has seen St Mary’s embark on the Eco church journey. Members of St Mary’s and the churches Team have joined in planning meetings and plans are now turning into action. At St Mary’s we have completed building audits related to energy consumption, planned a wildlife survey, set up a collection point to recycle blister packs and Junior Church became involved raising funds to twin toilets in Africa with the Tear fund toilet twinning scheme and we are planning to plant : a wildflower area in our church yard.
Katie from Junior Church writes: We do eco-friendly things, for example we once made a hedgehog house out of a cardboard box. We put some hedgehog-friendly
ink by the entrances to the box so we could see the footprints as the hedgehogs walked in and out of the box for the food! We also made and decorated a box to collect empty medicine packets for recycling, currently in the Fitzwilliams Centre.
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Music: our worship is increasingly enhanced by choral music with new voices joining the choir and new anthems. In November the choir with other voices from the Team churches sang Faure’s Requiem in a full communion setting. Musical outreach to the local community continues with our monthly recitals and regular concerts where we welcome a wide variety of talented musicians.
A Wyvern organ is now installed and gives us time to progress repair and renovation of the pipe organ. Following a helpful meeting in July 2023, quotes were obtained by two companies, and following discussion at a DCC meeting in April 24 it was agreed to develop full specifications and quotations. This proposal was submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Council for consultation and feedback.
Buildings and churchyard: The Church, churchyard and Fitzwilliams Centre continue to be well maintained. Activities during the year have included the installation of the second lightning conductor on the church tower, a new church sign in the churchyard entrance, the removal of the old gas cooker and replacement with an induction cooker in the Fitzwilliams Centre, a new Lincat hot water boiler, trimming of the yew trees to 3.5m and removal of leylandii that have overgrown gravestones. More has been done on the 2020 quinquennial report this year, as we have completed a lot of the stonework repairs, including stone replacement and the stabilising of stone carvings. The stained-glass windows which had been broken were repaired and the 20 cracked quarrels on various clear-glass windows. Huge thanks to our dedicated buildings team.
We record also thanks to those who created the moving series of displays in the British Legion window commemorating the 80-year anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
We have continued to flourish as part of the Beaconsfield Team ministering alongside and together with St Michael’s and St Thomas’. All these things have only been possible thanks to the many who give their time and generosity to serve the community and the church, and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment. We give thanks for the dedication and commitment of Lucy, our Vicar and Margot, our Associate Priest. As a church community we pray for them both and all who support them in their ministry and we acknowledge with gratitude all that they bring to our church family.
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Outside Giving
The Outside Giving committee met to discuss and pray for the charities supported by the Team.
Renewal Programme Newham
St Mary’s continues to support a range of Newham Renewal Porgramme activities, For housing with single bedding and other household items which people kindly donate – thank you downsizing! Colin who looks after the moves into independent living told us that it costs £2,000 to set up one person.
Peter Laing, Newham’s CEO attended St Mary’s Harvest Festival in October and Peter spoke about the work of the Newham Renewal Programme.
The following Tuesday we took up our and URC’s harvest donations—a full car load.
We also learnt more about The Manor Park Oasis which is a multi-use community space on High Street North managed by the Renewal Programme. They offer a range of activities from community gardening, creative workshops and games, such as chess and table tennis! They recently introduced bike hire with the support of a local business. Manor Park Oasis is also a space to rest, with plenty of seating to take a break from the busy high street!
The Film Night raised funds for Christmas presents and was very successful with around 90 people attending. The money raised was shared with Wycombe Homeless Connection. It was a great team effort to put it on particularly the food which drew great praise from those who had never sampled St Mary’s catering before!
Sharon International Ministries (SIM)
At present the number of pupils attending school is just over 900 with 55% boys and 45% girls. Children start at the age of 4 years in Nursery, then progress each year through Lower Kindergarten, Upper Kindergarten and then spend the following 10 years in the main school in classes from 1 to 10. In the last year (10) they study for the School Leaving Certificate which with a good result enables them to further their education or qualify them for an apprenticeship. There are 48 children in Year 10 who will take the School Leaving Certificate exam in April 2025 and there are 40 teachers.
We continue to pray for Dr. Sam, the headmaster, Venga Gobi, and the Head Mistress, Namburi Savithri and all the other teachers and staff. For all the pupils, especially those who are in their final year studying for the School Leaving Certificate exam to be held in April next year.
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Sadly, in 2024 UK donors have been unable to transfer funds to Sharon International Ministries (SIM) as the Indian Government has paused renewal of Foreign Currency Regulation Authority Certificates (which enable the transfer of funds in foreign currencies) to all charities such as SIM who do not have a Hindu connection.
There is hope that this Certificate will be issued in future but with no date in prospect the decision was taken in September, at the request of Tom Holyer, to suspend our giving to SIM this year and redirect the Team element of Outside Giving funds to an alternative charity of St Michael’s choice. At its DCC meeting in November, after consideration of charities meeting our Outside Giving criteria, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) was chosen as the most suitable replacement charity for support in 2024.
HART, a Christian charity whose Founder President, Baroness Cox, has visited St Michael’s, will therefore receive the funds which would ordinarily have been donated to SIM during 2024. St Michael’s will support SIM in 2025 if a change in the Indian Government’s policy allows.
New Generation Burundi
Many countries experience fuel shortages from time to time. Burundi has been in the grip of one for over half a year. Queues at fuel stations can be over two miles long. Those with smaller queues are charging grossly inflated prices. This means that many rural communities can’t get their crops to market, losing out on much needed income. This in turn means that families cannot afford to feed all their children, so the older ones have to leave school to find work in towns, Bujumbura being a destination where many of them head to. Sadly, as there are not enough secure jobs for these children many end up on the street.
We pray that the fuel shortages will end so that parents can afford to feed their children and keep them in school.
Funds are still being raised to build and establish the Street Children Centre, which be a safe space and education centre in Bujumbura. There are many street children who NGB have yet to reach. This centre will allow them to have a positive impact on those children. We pray that sufficient funds will be found for this much needed building and for all the children who have no choice but to live on the streets.
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Mission Aviation Fellowship
We continue to praise God for all those who have committed their lives to pursuing peace. In South Sudan MAF staff trained in reconciliation have held “Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations” workshops in more than ten communities this year. Pray there will be continued healing within and between communities, especially now, as the world’s newest nation is preparing for its first elections since independence.
In northern Kenya, access to clean water is a daily struggle and water sources are often contaminated. The risk of waterborne diseases like cholera is ever-present, and the people there have endured several outbreaks due to the scarcity of safe drinking water. The situation is made worse by conflicts over these limited water sources and the worsening effects of climate change. Pilot Daniel Loewen-Rudgers flew a team from Water Matters Sweden to Loglogo with water filters. As the team demonstrated how to use the water filters, the villagers watched in awe as murky, dirty water was transformed into crystal-clear, drinkable water.
Marcus, who led the team, expressed what they were all feeling: ‘MAF’s commitment to reaching the most remote locations makes all the difference. Together, we’re not just delivering filters; we’re delivering life.’
We pray for MAF staff and the people they fly so that peace and the essentials for life bring help, hope and healing to more isolated communities.
Embrace the Middle East
Lebanon has had a troubled history of wars and occupations, this recent conflict and strikes from Israel has resulted in many people becoming displaced; the Palestinian and Syrian refugees who were living in Lebanon are once again uprooted.
EMBRACE have launched an appeal this winter for Lebanon; many thousands of people and communities are affected by recent strikes and attacks from Israel as they target Hezbollah terrorists in the South of Lebanon and Beirut the capital.
As civilian casualties and destruction increase the humanitarian crisis becomes critical.
EMBRACE Christian partners are working to provide emergency relief and support to families caught up in the war. They are expanding programmes to assist children with their education and support them in their trauma and suffering.
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At the end of October Israel voted to ban UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency). This is catastrophic for Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank who depend on essential provisions. Organisations have signed a statement demanding world leaders prevent this legislation from advancing. The war continues in Gaza, one piece of good news to note is the polio vaccination programme for children was carried out in the Gaza strip this autumn.
A quote from an EMBRACE partner in Lebanon ‘in this moment of despair, we turn towards our neighbours, extend our hands, and let the light of Christ shine through’. We pray for a peaceful end to the war in the Middle East, mindful that negotiations need to resume on all sides to stop the conflict and release the hostages. So much work, help and training will be needed in the future to rebuild communities, and trust between all sides when people are allowed to return to their home lands.
Beaconsfield Advisory Centre:
The Beaconsfield Team churches also support the Beaconsfield Advisory Centre with annual funding, The BAC was set up initially by Churches Together and staffed by volunteers from across the churches and the town. BAC Advisors provide information and practical assistance to anyone in any kind of need by means of an enquiry centre.
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The Community Magazine As ever we are very grateful to our loyal subscribers, distributors, deliverers and advertisers who continue to support the magazine.
We are very fortunate that Hazel Chow has continued with her introductory note from the Churches Together Town Chaplain, on the opening page of the magazine. We thank her very much for this regular contribution.
From an editorial point of view, we covered several major news stories in 2024. The first issue of the year recorded the fond farewell given to The Revd Michael Johnson, his wife Yulia and their family as they left Beaconsfield ready for the next chapter in their lives. With an early Easter the Lent lunches began at the end of February and were well supported. We continued to follow the amazing progress of the Dove café, which extended its hours and had an influx of external groups using the café. The café was recognised by Bucks Council in December for its outstanding community contribution. Rhiannon Scott who regularly contributes to the magazine also received an award for all the work she has done on the Mosaics project, and we followed progress on this throughout the year. We also covered the launch of U-Scape in June and Eco Church.
The Beaconsfield Community Festival, incorporating the annual Country Fair and including music concerts, a literary fair and art exhibition was a major event. While a continuing feature was the rolling display of the 80-year anniversary of WWII.
We look forward to featuring The Revd Lloyd Davis when he assumes his role as Team Vicar at St Thomas' and to publishing a contribution from The Revd Peterson Feital. In addition, the Beaconsfield Advisory Centre will be a particular feature in 2025 as it celebrates 60 years of service to the town.
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Advertising
It was another difficult year for advertising. Sadly, we lost a major customer who in previous years had accoun22% and the adver t ed for £1,360 in annualising picked up with the income from this source rising by . However, after approaching several care homov e s in and around Beaconsfield we managed to get an annual booking to replace r 16%. However, the accounts for 2023 will not reflect the actual most of that income. One feature of 2024 was the frequency of one-off adverts where the improvement in advertising as the figures for 2022 were submitted income doubled over the previous year. We hope at least some of these advertisers may consider booking for a longer period in 2025.
As mentioned below encouraging new advertisers is becoming more difficult in the face of the falling number of subscriptions. Naturally, circulation is a key number for advertisers.
Subscriptions
We have seen another fall in subscribers mainly as some long-standing readers are no longer with us, while others have moved away, and some did not renew. Although we get very positive feedback from our long-standing readers it is not easy to recruit new subscribers, and the committee would very much welcome ideas for how this might be achieved. Currently the deliverers are very conscientious about approaching potential new readers when they see a change in homeowner.
Financial Position
Although, we managed to maintain the level of advertising income and reduce our expenses, the fall in income from subscribers of 12% meant there was an overall deficit for the year of £1,943. To help finances, can we find a way of getting payment for the 90 or so copies of the magazine distributed through the churches?
At the year-end, our bank balance was £10.8k which includes a deposit account of £6.3k. We are very grateful to our treasurer, Sarah Ainsworth for preparing the accounts and to Sally Masters for her continuing efforts as subscriptions manager.
Finally, very grateful thanks to Margaret Mardall as Editor for her expertise, hard work and commitment.
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The Beaconsfield Team Ministry
The Team Ministry comprises the Parish Churches of St Mary and All Saints, St Michael and All Angels and St Thomas’, Holtspur within the Benefice of Beaconsfield. The Parochial Church Council has assigned to the District Church Councils (DCCs) all the functions of the Parochial Church Council of the parish except for the holding of real estate, the provision of youth activities and Team activities including the Community Magazine, the Alpha course and Marriage Preparation.
The total number on the Electoral Roll, in April 2025 following a full revision was 316 (2024 523)
The address for PCC correspondence is:
The Fitzwilliams Centre Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2JW Telephone number: 01494 676690 Email: info@stmarysbeaconsfield.org.uk
Independent Examiners JCS Accountants Limited 5 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton Surrey SM1 2SW
Bankers Legal Advisers Lloyds plc Winckworth Sherwood 16 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LZ
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PCC Members (Trustees) 2024
The Revd Sharon Roberts Team Rector, St Michael’s
The Revd Lucy Fyfe-Jamieson, Team Vicar, St Mary’s
The Revd Margot Suter, Associate Priest, St Mary’s
Mrs Hazel Chow Licensed Lay Minister, St Michael’s Deanery Synod member
Mrs Wendy Godrich, Churchwarden, St Mary’s
Mrs Harriet Baldwin, Churchwarden, St Mary’s (from May 2024) PCC Secretary
Mr Craig Dreyer, St Mary’s PCC rep, Team Treasurer
Mr Peter Middleton, St Mary’s PCC rep (from May 2024)
Mrs Fiona Collins Churchwarden, St Thomas’
Mr Trevor Sharkey St Thomas’ Deanery Synod representative
Mr David Knowles, St Mary’s Deanery Synod representative
Professor Derek Portwood, St Mary’s Deanery Synod representative
Mr Eddie Weiss St. Mary’s Deanery Synod representative
Dr Daphne Scott, Churchwarden, St Michael’s
Mrs Lynn Johnson, Churchwarden, St Michael’s
Mrs Mary Bischoff St Michael’s PCC representative
Mrs Annie Bennett, St Michael’s PCC representative
Page 19
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Structure, governance and management
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission under registered no: 1132259. The PCC confirms that Members have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion, when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. The PCC carries out these objectives by activities conducted under its direct control and through those activities assigned by it to the individual churches within the team ministry. Such activities are described in more detail in the report.
The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. The PCC has a Standing Committee whose members are the Rector (Chair), the Team Vicars and Churchwardens from each church (Co-Vice Chairs), the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer.
The PCC holds 5 meetings a year with a Standing Committee meeting prior to each PCC meeting. There is a standing item of business at the first PCC meeting following the APCM in which existing trustees are reminded of, and new trustees are instructed of, their responsibilities as trustees. All three DCCs provide representatives on the PCC and report regularly to the PCC on major topics and issues in the individual churches. The PCC prepares consolidated financial statements incorporating the accounts of the PCC and the three churches. A firm of Accountants is appointed as Independent Examiners.
The PCC held scheduled meetings in February, April, June, September and November 2024. The Section 11 PCC meeting to progress the recruitment of a Team Vicar for St Thomas’ Church was held in February 2024 and the Section 12 PCC meeting was held in July 2024. The PCC Standing Committee met in January, May, September and November in preparations for PCC meetings.
The APCM was held at St Mary’s church in May 2024.
Page 20
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PCC discussions
Regular items for the Standing Committee and for the PCC included:
-
DCC reports from the churches: including worship & services, buildings and working with the wider community
-
Outside Giving reports of working with mission partners
-
Collaboration and team working within the Team and with the wider community
-
Appointment of Governors to St Mary’s School (at meetings and by email
-
circulation)
-
Buildings & property matters: the Church house at 26 Candlemas Mead which has been let commercially during 2024.
Financial matters:
-
Regular quarterly reporting of income and expenditure against budget from the 3 churches and from the Team account with the Team Treasurer taking a strategic overview of finances across the Team as well as working with the 3 church DCCs
-
The Team budget for 2024/25 including the allocation of the Parish share and expenses amounts for the 3 churches
-
The appointment of JCS Accountants to conduct an independent examination of the finances of the Team churches
Special agenda items for the PCC included:
-
The oversight of the vacancy process for St Thomas’, communication with the congregations and the preparation of Parish profiles and job descriptions
-
The Dove Café at St Thomas’, regular updates throughout the year
-
The Vision for Music, and the music project at St Mary’s, communications, community outreach and working with local schools
-
Proposals for the repair and refurbishment of St Mary’s church organ
-
The Eco Church project, which was launched in the Team Churches in 2025
-
The Annual Report from the Community Magazine for 2024, this report was received in February 2025
-
GDPR and Data Protection matters for the Team, with the PCC taking oversight in this area
Page 21
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Risk
The major risks to which the PCC is exposed are identified in risk control registers maintained by the three Team churches and are regularly reviewed and systems or procedures have been established to manage those risks. Risks such as health & safety, lone working and safeguarding are mitigated by regular checks/reviews and ensuring that appropriate controls and insurances are in place. St Mary’s manages its investments as part of a balanced portfolio, so that it is protected in the event of those investments losing value.
Related charities
The PCC has the following related charities:
The Beaconsfield Church Educational Trust (BCET) is registered charity no.1048607. The Trustees of the BCET are the Team Rector, Team Vicars of St Thomas’ and St Mary’s and Churchwardens of the 3 Team churches in the Parish of Beaconsfield. The PCC received grants to support the work of the Beaconsfield Team Ministry during the year.
St Mary and All Saints Beaconsfield Development Fund (The Friends of St. Mary’s) is a registered charity No.1094574 whose trustees are appointed by the District Church Council of St. Mary & All Saints Church. The object of the charity is to broaden the support of St. Mary’s beyond the immediate congregation and to use funds raised for the fabric of the Church and Churchyard as well as to assist the wider mission of the Church.
Property
Within the Parish there are 2 church houses. The PCC owns a house at 26 Candlemas Mead which has been let out commercially from August 2020. The BCET owns a house at 27 Crossways, which has been rented out commercially from August 2020.
Each of the Team churches is responsible for the management and maintenance of its church centre or hall: the Fitzwilliams Centre, St Michael’s hall and Church & Community Resource Centre and St Thomas’ Hall.
Reports on the church halls are included in the DCC reports to the PCC.
Page 22
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PCC Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the PCC to have unrestricted cash reserves in each DCC (after setting aside funds earmarked for specific projects, invested in fixed assets or restricted for particular purposes) of at least six months normal recurring unrestricted expenditure in line with prudent practice.
At 31 December 2024 the unrestricted cash reserves totalled £1,134,679 and represented 24.4 months of normal recurring expenditure (2023: £534,479 - 9.3 months). This is a consolidation of 3 individual churches and the Team Ministry each with varying levels of cash cover and future spending requirements. Depreciation, investment income and building costs associated with the Dove Café, a designated project, have been excluded. The large increase in cash reserves is attributable to large legacies received by St Mary’s.
PCC Financial Review
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the three DCCs and the Team Ministry which records the expenditure by the PCC on those activities for which it assumes responsibility and to which the three churches contribute funds. The Dove Café was moved to its own new legal entity with effect from January 2023.
Income in 2024 totalled £727,016 (2023: £1,190,326) and includes income from designated and restricted funds (Excluding restricted and designated funds, total income for 2024 was £725,816 (2023: £1,189,924). In 2024 Legacy income was £114,873 (2023: £662,694 of which £442,791 was accrued). Regular Giving, including the associated tax recoverable, accounts for around 30% of all unrestricted income and is £350,815, which is higher than the prior year (2023: £285,497).
Expenditure in 2024 totalled £583,461 (2023: £592,418). Depreciation on unrestricted / designated assets for 2024 was £30,714. Unrestricted total expenditure for 2024 was £583,071 (2023: £590,840). Parish share and staff costs totalled £335,577 and account for 57% of all unrestricted expenditure (2023: £337,132 – 57%).
Page 23
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
In 2024 there was an unrealised gain on Investments of £2,293 (2023: gain £8,480) and Dividends of £25,434 (2023: £2,674) were received. The total surplus for the year was £145,849 (2023: surplus £606,388) with unrestricted income and expenditure showing a surplus of £146,239 (2023: surplus £607,763). Excluding depreciation, the total surplus for the year was £176,563.
The total funds on the Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 was £2,028,750 (2023: £1,882,901) of which £3,810 was Restricted and £600,732 was Designated. Unrestricted funds at 31 December 2024 stood at £2,024,940.
The unrestricted cash at bank at 31 December 2024 was £1,134,679 (2023: £534,479).
Page 24
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Statement of the responsibilities of the members of the PCC
The members of the Parochial Church Council are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the PCC's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the members should follow best practice and:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the PCC will continue in operation.
Members of the PCC are responsible for keeping accounting records which both disclose with reasonable accuracy and enable them to ascertain the financial position of the PCC and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in 2019 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Chair
Page 25
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Independent Examination Report to the Parochial Church Council of Beaconsfield Team Ministry
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Beaconsfield Parochial Church Council (the Church) for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 1 to 12.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Church’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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 that in any material respect::
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Church as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
Page 26
BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
PCC ANNUAL REPORT 2024 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordan with the methods and principles of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reporcing Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connettlon 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. Miriam Hickson CTA FCA JCS Accountants Limited 5 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SMI 2SW I tszs Page 27 BEACONSFIELD TEAM CHURCHES
Beaconsfield Team Ministry
End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending 31st December 2024
Prepared by: Gillian McAlister (FCMA) McAlister & Co Ltd
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes INCOME Voluntary income 2.1 Activities for generating funds 2.2 Investment income 2.3 Income from charitable activities 2.4 Total Income EXPENDITURE Fundraising 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Governance costs 3.3 Total Expenditure 6.1 Net Income / (Expenditure) before transfers Transfers between funds Other recognised gains / losses Net movement in funds 12 Prior year adjustment 12 Total funds carried forward Total funds bought forward as restated Total funds bought forward as previously reported Unrealised gains/losses on investments |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Restated Total funds funds funds 2024 funds funds funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 511,473 1,200 - 512,673 987,112 200 203 987,514 54,449 - - 54,449 54,059 - - 54,059 34,202 - - 34,202 9,605 - - 9,605 125,692 - - 125,692 139,148 - - 139,148 725,816 1,200 - 727,016 1,189,924 200 203 1,190,326 52,667 4,140 - 56,807 32,693 3,556 - 36,249 506,840 14,924 390 522,154 533,291 15,900 1,578 550,769 4,500 - - 4,500 5,400 - - 5,400 564,006 19,065 390 583,461 571,384 19,456 1,578 592,418 2,293 - - 2,293 8,480 - - 8,480 164,103 (17,865) (390) 145,849 627,020 (19,256) (1,375) 606,389 - - 164,103 (17,865) (390) 145,849 627,019 (19,256) (1,375) 606,388 817,312 618,597 4,200 1,440,109 633,085 637,853 5,575 1,276,513 442,792 442,792 1,260,104 618,597 4,200 1,882,901 1,424,208 600,732 3,810 2,028,750 1,260,104 618,597 4,200 1,882,901 |
|---|---|
All the PCC's operations are classed as continuing. The PCC has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year. Notes 1 to 12 form part of the financial statements.
Page 1
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259 BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Restated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | funds | funds | funds | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 5 | 183,312 | 598,387 | - | 781,699 | 812,413 |
| Investments | 6 | 122,506 | - | - | 122,506 | 120,213 |
| 305,818 | 598,387 | - | 904,205 | 932,626 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | 7 | 20,704 | - | - | 20,704 | 462,047 |
| Cash in hand and at bank | 173,661 | 2,347 | 3,810 | 179,819 | 277,122 | |
| Short term deposits | 958,671 | - | - | 958,671 | 261,557 | |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 1,153,036 | 2,347 | 3,810 | 1,159,193 | 1,000,726 | |
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within | ||||||
| one year | 8 | (34,647) | - | - | (34,647) | (50,450) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 1,118,389 | 2,347 | 3,810 | 1,124,546 | 950,276 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS less | ||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 1,424,208 | 600,732 | 3,810 | 2,028,750 | 1,882,901 | |
| CREDITORS : | ||||||
| Amounts falling due after more | ||||||
| than one year | - | - | - | - | - | |
| NET ASSETS | 1,424,208 | 600,732 | 3,810 | 2,028,750 | 1,882,901 | |
| FUNDS | 9 | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 1,424,208 | - | - | 1,424,208 | 1,260,104 | |
| Designated funds | 9.1 | - | 600,732 | - | 600,732 | 618,597 |
| Restricted funds | 9.2 | 1,424,208 - |
600,732 - |
- 3,810 |
2,024,940 3,810 |
1,878,701 4,200 |
| 1,424,208 | 600,732 | 3,810 | 2,028,750 | 1,882,901 |
Notes 1 to 12 form part of the financial statements.
APPROVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ON 9th APRIL 2025 AND SIGNED ON THEIR BEHALF BY :
Rev. Sharon Roberts (Chairman) Mrs Wendy Godrich (Senior Churchwarden)
Page 2
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Net movement in funds Adjustments for: Depreciation 5 Investment income 2.3 Unrealised investment gains 6.1 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables Net cash from operating activities Investing activities (Purchase)/Disposal of fixed assets 5 Movement in investments 6.1 Investment income 2.3 Cash flow from investing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Cash and cash equivalents consists of: Cash at bank and in hand Short Term Deposits Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December |
2024 £ 145,849 30,714 (34,202) (2,293) 441,343 (15,803) 565,609 - - 34,202 34,202 599,811 538,679 1,138,490 2024 £ 179,819 958,671 1,138,490 |
Restated 2023 £ 606,389 33,693 (9,605) (8,480) (437,081) (53,521) 131,395 - (22,385) 9,605 (12,780) 118,614 420,065 538,679 2023 £ 277,122 261,557 538,679 |
|---|---|---|
Page 3
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These accounting policies apply to the financial statements of the Beaconsfield Team Ministry comprising the Team Parochial Church Council and the District Church Councils of St Mary and All Saints, St. Thomas and St Michael and All Angels, a charity with registration number 1132259 and registered office address Windsor End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JW.
The figures include the activities of the PCC and the DCCs. Where the PCC is referred to in these policies, it is to be understood that this includes a DCC and any sub account as appropriate. The Dove financial results are not consolidated (see note 6) as the trustees believe they are not material and if consolidated they would bring in non church income and expenditure which would distort the results. Any Dove surplus income is included in income.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost of transaction value except for investment assets, which are show at fair value.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice. The financial statements are prepared in pounds and rounded to the nearest pound.
The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that due to sufficient reserves being held there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Funds
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
Restricted funds may only be used for the purposes for which they have been given.
Income
Voluntary income and capital sources : Collections are recognised when received by, or on behalf of, the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received.
Income Tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Legacies are accounted for as soon as the Church is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the Church is more likely than not.
Funds raised by the events held during the year are accounted for gross.
Sales of books and magazines are accounted for gross.
Other ordinary income
Rental income from the letting of Church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
Income from investments
Dividends and interest are accounted for when received. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year. Gains and losses on investments
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for annually on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, inclusive of the VAT which cannot be recovered. Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been allocated to those cost categories. Where these costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned to the individual activities on the basis of the time spent by staff on matters related to those activities. Central support costs have been allocated on the basis of resources used and have been apportioned to centres of fundraising, publicity, individual projects within charitable activities and governance costs. Parish Share is paid direct to the Diocese from the PCC. Governance costs comprise all costs relating to the public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulatory and good practice. These costs consist of those relating to the statutory audit and are included in management costs.
Page 4
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Grants
Grants and donations are recognised when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these financial statements as an operational (although not legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.
Pension
Pension costs consist of payments made by the PCC to employees' personal pension schemes. These costs are charged against the results of the year in which they are made.
Fixed Assets
Consecrated property and moveable Church furnishings
Consecrated land and beneficed property is excluded from the financial statements by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.
Moveable church furnishings held by the clergy and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a special faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the churches' inventories which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2001 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Items acquired since 1 January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the financial statements over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight line basis.
All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable Church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.
Other property
Other property is included in the financial statements at cost.
Depreciation on the Fitzwilliams Centre is provided at 2% p.a. of its cost. Depreciation on 26 Candlemas Mead is provided at 2% p.a. of the cost of the building which is taken to be two thirds of the cost of the property. Depreciation on St Michael's Church Community & Resource Centre is provided at 2% of its cost.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment
Equipment used within Church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 5 years. Individual items with a purchase price of £2,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Computer equipment and software is written off when acquired.
Investments
Investments are valued annually at fair (market) value as 31 December.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for any amounts that may prove uncollectable. Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the Bank.
Page 5
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Restated | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. ANALYSIS OF INCOME | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Total | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| 2.1 Voluntary income | ||||||
| Planned giving | ||||||
| Tax efficient giving | 216,065 | - | - | 216,065 | 194,982 | |
| Tax recoverable | 59,214 | - | - | 59,214 | 38,061 | |
| Other planned giving | 58,949 | 800 | - | 59,749 | 41,392 | |
| Collections at services | 15,787 | - | - | 15,787 | 11,062 | |
| Other voluntary income | 350,015 | 800 | - | 350,815 | 285,497 | |
| BCET | 11.1 | 33,500 | - | - | 33,500 | 33,500 |
| Donations, appeals etc | 13,085 | 400 | - | 13,485 | 5,823 | |
| Legacies | 114,873 | - | - | 114,873 | 662,694 | |
| 161,458 | 400 | - | 161,858 | 702,017 | ||
| 511,473 | 1,200 | - | 512,673 | 987,514 | ||
| 2.2 Activities for generating funds | ||||||
| Church house/land lettings | 27,968 | - | - | 27,968 | 25,305 | |
| Beaconsfield Community Mag | 18,724 | - | - | 18,724 | 19,617 | |
| Social activities | 2,124 | - | - | 2,124 | 2,775 | |
| Other fundraising | 5,633 | - | - | 5,633 | 6,362 | |
| 54,449 | - | - | 54,449 | 54,059 | ||
| 2.3 Investment income | ||||||
| Interest | 8,768 | - | - | 8,768 | 6,931 | |
| Dividends | 25,434 | - | - | 25,434 | 2,674 | |
| 34,202 | - | - | 34,202 | 9,605 | ||
| 2.4 Income from charitable activities | ||||||
| Fees | 10,598 | - | - | 10,598 | 15,324 | |
| Church hall lettings | 115,094 | - | - | 115,094 | 123,824 | |
| 125,692 | - | - | 125,692 | 139,148 | ||
| Total Income | 725,816 | 1,200 | - | 727,016 | 1,190,326 |
Page 6
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| 3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE 3.1 Fundraising Church hall and other property running costs Community magazine Charitable activities/Fees-Weddings Social activities 3.2 Charitable activities Parish Share Clergy Expenses Ordinand/Curate/Family Worker Church running costs Salaries & honoraria Church running expenses Church maintenance Depreciation furniture & fittings Church halls Running expenses/maintenance Depreciation Church management & administration Parish Office Printing, stationery & telephone Bank charges Other team costs 3.2 Expenditure on charitable activities carried forward |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2024 2023 Funds Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ £ 610 2,566 - 3,176 3,156 20,831 - - 20,831 21,419 2,646 - - 2,646 4,293 28,580 1,574 - 30,154 7,380 52,667 4,140 - 56,807 36,249 224,074 - - 224,074 223,556 499 - - 499 3,213 4,359 - - 4,359 4,495 4,857 - - 4,857 7,708 57,906 - - 57,906 58,004 36,248 - 390 36,638 48,672 23,873 - - 23,873 27,382 13,224 - - 13,224 16,200 131,251 - 390 131,641 150,257 65,021 - - 65,021 62,202 - 14,924 - 14,924 14,924 65,021 14,924 - 79,945 77,127 42,214 - - 42,214 49,637 5,624 - - 5,624 5,404 1,028 - - 1,028 1,057 2,440 - - 2,440 4,028 51,306 - - 51,306 60,126 476,509 14,924 390 491,824 518,773 |
|---|---|
Page 7
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024
3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE (Continued)
| 3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE (Continued) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Designated Restricted |
2024 | 2023 | |
| Funds | Funds Funds |
Total | Total | |
| £ | £ £ |
£ | £ | |
| 3.2 Expenditure on charitable activities | 476,509 | 14,924 390 491,824 |
518,773 | |
| Brought forward Grants Church overseas Missionary societies Relief and development agencies Home missions & Church societies DCC Outside Giving |
4,425 8,850 7,125 9,930 |
- - - - |
- 4,425 - 8,850 - 7,125 - 9,930 |
4,812 9,625 5,996 11,563 |
| 30,330 | - | - 30,330 |
31,995 | |
| Total Charitable activities | 506,840 | 14,924 390 522,154 |
550,769 | |
| 3.3 Expenditure on governance Independent Examination |
4,500 | - | - 4,500 |
5,400 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 564,006 | 19,065 390 583,461 |
592,418 | |
| 4. STAFF COSTS Staff Salaries & Honoraria Employers NIC Pension |
2024 £ 105,649 4,906 947 |
2023 £ 110,878 1,368 1,330 |
||
| 111,503 | 113,576 | |||
| No clergy (who are considered key management) or trustees received remuneration in the year from the DCCs or PCC. None of the employees were paid at a rate of £60,000 per annum or more. Team members were not reimbursed travelling expenses in 2024 (2023: £512). |
and other |
| St Thomas' Clergy | 2024 2023 £ £ 0 512 0 512 |
|---|---|
There were no other disclosable expenses in respect of Team members or persons closely connected with the PCC. In accordance with the practice of the Church of England, the clergy is remunerated by the Diocese of Oxford and the costs are included in the Diocesan quota in note 3.2.
The average number of key staff employed during the year was 8 (2023 : 7)
The year ended with 3 Clergy, 1 Associate Priest, 0 Youth & Outreach Worker, 1 Licenced Lay Minister. 7 part time office and buildings managers and hall administrators were also employed.
Reverend Sharon Roberts licensed as Team Rector 3rd May 2023. Reverend Lucy Fyfe-Jamieson licensed as vicar for St Mary's 6th September 2023. Reverend Lloyd Davis will be licensed as vicar for St Thomas' on 23rd April 2025.
There are also number of other posts e.g. Cleaner, Community Magazine Editor who receive payments / honoraria.
Page 8
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| 5. FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets for use by the Team Cost as at 1 January 2024 Addition Cost as at 31 December 2024 Depreciation as at 1 January 2024 Charge for the year Depreciation as at 31 December 2024 Net book value at 1 January 2024 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
Freehold Fixtures Property & fittings £ £ 976,975 436,379 - - 976,975 436,379 378,223 222,718 17,490 13,224 395,714 235,942 598,752 213,661 581,262 200,437 |
Total £ 1,413,354 - 1,413,354 600,941 30,714 631,656 812,412 781,699 |
|---|---|---|
Freehold property
Freehold land and buildings at 26 Candlemas Mead, Beaconsfield
This property, used by the Curate/Families Worker when in post, was acquired with the aid of a mortgage from the Beaconsfield Church Educational Trust together with interest free loans all of which have now been fully repaid. The property was insured for £371,050 in 2024. Depreciation is charged at 2% p.a. on the cost of the buildings which is taken to be 2/3 of the total cost of the property.
The Old Rectory
The Parochial Church Council sold a 199 year lease on the Old Rectory in 1994 and at the end of this period, its use returns to St. Mary's. The proceeds of the sale formed part of the financing of the construction of the Fitzwilliams Centre.
St. Thomas' Church Hall
Under the provisions of Financial Reporting Standard 15, the Church Hall was revalued at £nil, and the PCC is of the opinion that this valuation continues to be appropriate under FRS102.
The Fitzwilliams Centre, Beaconsfield
The Fitzwillams Centre is vested in Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Limited on behalf of the PCC. The District Church Council of St. Mary's is responsible for the maintenance of the Centre and receives the income from lettings. The property is insured for £2,132,140. Depreciation is charged at 2% p.a. on the cost of the building.
St Michael's Church Community & Resource Centre
The Church Hall which is over 50 years old and the Community and Resource Centre (CCRC) plus contents are insured for £3,300,000 in total. Depreciation is being charged on the CCRC only at 2% p.a.
Page 9
BEACONSFIELD PCC Registered charity no : 1132259 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024
6
| INVESTMENTS St Mary's CofE Investment Fund St Thomas' Café |
2024 2023 £ £ 100,121 97,828 22,385 22,385 122,506 120,213 |
|---|---|
6.1 St Mary's CofE Investment Fund
We invested £100k in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund in July 2014. In 2018 we sold part of the investment releasing £60k cash and realising £15,120 surplus. The remaining investment is now valued at £100,121. An unrealised gain of £2,293 is reported in the year.
| Sale Realised Gain Unrealised gain / (loss) Initial Investment at July 2014 Sale Realised Gain Unrealised Gain Investment at 31 December 2024 Investment value at 1 January 2024 Investment at 31 December 2024 |
2024 2023 £ £ 97,828 89,348 2,293 8,480 100,121 97,828 100,000 100,000 ( 60,000) ( 60,000) 15,120 15,120 45,001 42,708 100,121 97,828 |
|---|---|
6.2 St Thomas' Café
The Dove Café Ltd was registered on the 20th January 2023 (Company number 14606882) and immediately commenced trading. The Company has been set up as a trading subsidiary of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Beaconsfield. The Charity holds 100% of the share capital in the Dove Café.
The investment is valued at £22,385 being the surplus donations brought forward £1,385 plus £20,000 donated by St Mary's and £1,000 donated by St Michaels. In 2024 Dove Café recorded a defecit £2,187 (2023: surplus of £808).
7
| Summary of Dove Café Accounts: Income Profit (Loss) in the year Cash at Bank Other Net Current Assets (Liabilities) Capital and Reserves DEBTORS Sundry debtors Income tax recoverable Prepayments Sundry creditors and accruals Income in advance community magazine Outside giving LIABILITIES : amounts falling due in less than one year |
2024 2023 £ £ 187,693 169,662 (2,187) 808 45,454 47,488 (24,346) (24,194) 21,108 23,294 Restated 2024 2023 £ £ 434 442,792 18,103 19,143 2,167 112 20,704 462,047 2024 2023 £ £ 25,017 41,961 7,434 8,489 2,196 - 34,647 50,450 |
|---|---|
8
Page 10
BEACONSFIELD PCC
Registered charity no : 1132259
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024
9
9.1 Designated funds
Fund names Fitzwilliams Centre 26 Candlemas Mead St Michael's Fixed Assets Fund St Thomas Café Fund
Purpose
A meeting centre for the Parish and community Accommodation for youth & outreach worker/curate To hold the remaining fixed assets of the churches Development of Community Café
| Fund names St Mary's Fitzwilliams Centre PCC 26 Candlemas Mead St Michael's Fixed Asset Fund Designated Fixed Assets Fund St Thomas' Café Fund St Thomas' Holtspur Senior Citizens Designated Funds Fund names St Mary's Fitzwilliams Centre PCC 26 Candlemas Mead St Michael's Fixed Asset Fund Designated Fixed Assets Fund St Thomas' Café Fund St Thomas' Holtspur Senior Citizens Designated Funds |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance b/forward c/forward 01/01/2023 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ £ 314,000 - (11,000) - 303,000 143,075 - (2,566) - 140,509 177,268 - (4,900) - 172,368 634,343 - (18,466) - 615,877 1,385 - - 1,385 2,126 200 (990) - 1,336 3,512 200 (990) - 2,721 637,855 200 (19,456) - 618,597 Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance b/forward c/forward 01/01/2024 31/12/2024 £ £ £ £ £ 303,000 - (11,000) - 292,000 140,509 - (2,566) - 137,943 172,368 - (3,924) - 168,444 615,877 - (17,490) - 598,387 1,385 - - 1,385 1,336 1,200 (1,574) - 962 2,721 1,200 (1,574) - 2,347 618,597 1,200 (19,065) - 600,732 |
|---|---|
9.2 Restricted funds
Fund names
St Michael's - Bulrushes St Michael's - Garden of Remembrance
Purpose
For Toddler Group / Youth Work For Remembrance Garden upkeep
| St Michael's - Bulrushes St Michael's - Garden of Remembrance Restricted Funds Restricted funds Fund name St Michael's - Bulrushes St Michael's - Garden of Remembrance |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance b/forward c/forward 01/01/2023 31/12/2023 £ £ £ £ £ 3,153 - (830) - 2,323 2,422 203 (748) - 1,877 5,575 203 (1,578) 0 4,200 Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance b/forward c/forward 01/01/2024 31/12/2024 £ £ £ £ £ 2,323 - - - 2,323 1,877 - (390) - 1,487 4,200 - (390) - 3,810 |
|---|---|
Page 11
BEACONSFIELD PCC Registered charity no : 1132259 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024
10 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
There were no contingent liabilities in the Team or the PCC at the year end (2023: £nil)
11 CONNECTED PERSONS
-
11.1 The Beaconsfield Church Education Trust is a registered charity no: 1048607. The Trust gave grants of £33,500 (2023: £33,500) to the Beaconsfield PCC during the year. The Rector and Churchwardens of St Mary's, St Michael's and St. Thomas' are Trustees of the Trust.
-
11.2 The Friends of St. Mary's is a registered charity no: 1094574, whose trustees are appointed by the District Church Council of St.Mary's. The object of the charity is to broaden the support of St Mary's beyond the immediate congregation and to use funds raised for the fabric of the Church and Churchyard as well as to assist the wider mission of the Church. No donations from The Friends of St. Mary's were received in 2024.
-
11.3 Some Trustees made regular giving donations during the year totalling £23,485 (2023: £19,322). There are no conditions attached to these donations.
12 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT
The PCC was entitled to legacies relating to deaths in 2022 for which reliable estimates had been received in the first quarter of 2024. A debtor and income for these legacies were omitted from the 2023 financial statements in error. The prior year adjustment corrects this error as follows:
| 2023 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| As previously | |||
| stated | Adjustment | Restated | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Statement of financial activities | |||
| Unrestricted funds: Voluntary income | 544,320 | 442,792 | 987,112 |
| Unrestricted funds: Net Movement in funds | 184,227 | 442,792 | 627,019 |
| Balance sheet | |||
| Unrestricted funds: Debtors | 19,255 | 442,792 | 462,047 |
| Unrestricted funds | 817,312 | 442,792 | 1,260,104 |
Page 12