THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
OF
ST MARK’S, BREDBURY
REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S BREDBURY
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Parish of St Mark’s Bredbury, Diocese of Chester (Church of England)
Church Office
St Mark’s Church Hall, Redhouse Lane, Bredbury, Stockport SK6 1BX Tel: 0161 4306617
Bankers
Lloyds Bank, 60/62 Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport SK1 1PL
Independent Examiner for the accounts
Julie Howard, 38 Crosland Edge, Helme, Holmfirth HD9 5RS
Legal officer
The Diocesan Registrar, Church House 5500 Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4GE
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S BREDBURY
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and as a charity is registered with the Charity Commission; charity number 1132326. The PCC has no other charities under its control.
The PCC pays Parish Share, at a level set by the Diocesan Synod, to the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (Registered Charity) to provide the stipends for the clergy, support other parishes in the diocese, pay for vicarage repairs, pay for the central work of the Chester Diocese and the national work of the Church of England.
The Parochial Church Council - (PCC)
These are either ex-officio or elected according to Church Representation rules at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The Churchwardens are chosen by the Vicar and those present at a Meeting of Parishioners, held immediately before the APCM.
Vicar: Revd Andy Bull (Chair) Churchwardens : John McNeil Les Cope Elected members: Marina Berry Victoria Cope Eric Green Richard Hall (Secretary) Simon Owen Sue Pocock Trevor Williams Christine Wrenn (Treasurer)
The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church of England Representation Rules.
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Members are elected for a term of three years after which they may not stand for re-election for one year.
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Members elected to fill casual vacancies may stand for re-election for a further term of three years at the end of their two or one year term.
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Deanery Synod members are elected for a three-year term and may stand for re-election immediately. However, in line with the updated 2020 Church Representation Rules, the 2020 APCM voted that henceforth, individuals may not serve for more than two successive terms on Deanery Synod.
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The PCC may co-opt up to two more electoral roll members if they wish to.
Standing Committee
This sub-committee is required by church law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. This is composed of the clergy licensed to the parish, the churchwardens and treasurer, and the PCC secretary, appointed at the first meeting of the PCC following the APCM.
Safeguarding
The PCC oversees safeguarding in the life of the church, along with the church’s designated Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Kevin McKeown and the deputy Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Julie Green. The PCC conducts an annual review of all its procedures, and each year approves amended safeguarding policies for work amongst children and adults. All leaders in children's and youth groups have undergone DBS checks and have signed confidential Declarations of Criminal Offences prior to taking on leadership roles. Safer recruitment procedures are carried out with regards to volunteers working with adults, in line with the church's policies.
Contact details for our Safeguarding Co-ordinator along with the Diocesan Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer are displayed prominently in the church premises. If there are any matters of concern to you, please contact them. As always, our aim is that all of the children, young people, and adults who have contact with the church should be kept safe from harm, and to this end, the most important factor that we can all contribute is to maintain a culture of informed vigilance.
Health and Safety
The PCC has delegated responsibility for Health and Safety to the churchwardens, who makes regular reports to the PCC.
Aims of the Church
The official aim of the PCC is to "cooperate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical". (PCC (Powers) Measure 1956).
Trustees’ Annual Report
1. Introduction
There has been a worshipping community meeting in St Mark’s Church ever since it was built in 1849, but in recent years things have been especially growing. Our youth and kids’ work has developed; we’ve been joined by people who had given up on God and church but have since rediscovered faith and community; we’ve welcomed new people who are brand new to faith; and we’ve welcomed people who have no faith in Jesus, but simply enjoy being part of the life of St Mark’s. Alongside this, all sorts of new ministries have begun from within the church family that seek to be a blessing to our wider community.
The journey so far has been a lot of fun — and we believe the best is yet to come. The vision of St Mark’s Church is simple: to see God loved, the Church alive, and society transformed.
Loving God : We believe that God changes lives, and we long to see others come to know that life-changing friendship with Jesus.
The Church Alive : Healthy things grow. We want to see a church that is alive, thriving, and growing — a place where people of all ages find belonging and purpose.
Society Transformed : We seek to prioritise those who are marginalised within society, creating safe spaces where people are known, loved, and valued.
This past year, we’ve seen that vision come alive across every part of church life. People have deepened their faith, served others generously, and shared hope with our local community in new and creative ways.
2. Highlights from the Year
It’s been another year of growth, community and hope at St Mark’s as we’ve seen people take steps of faith, serve their neighbours, and find belonging.
175th Anniversary Celebrations
October was a significant month in the life of St Mark’s as we celebrated 175 years of worship and witness. Over the celebration weekend, more than 400 people came through the doors to enjoy historic tours, bell ringing, crafts, a treasure hunt and quiz, refreshments and a prayer zone. The atmosphere was one of joy, gratitude and community.
On the Sunday, we re-enacted the laying of the first stone, worshipped with a specially formed choir, and gave thanks for God’s goodness and faithfulness through the generations. The evening gathering was a powerful time of worship and prayer, with a deep sense of God’s presence and a fresh expectancy for the future. It was a weekend that reminded us that the same God who has been faithful for 175 years is still at work among us today.
Growth Groups
Our Growth Groups have continued to be at the heart of church life — small gatherings where people open the Bible, pray, and share life together. Many have joined a group this year, finding encouragement, friendship and spiritual depth as they’ve grown in faith.
Schools Work
Every Friday, the children from St Mark’s School, along with some parents, come to church for their weekly Collective Worship — a joyful connection between church and school life. At Easter, we again hosted a full week of visits where each class experienced an interactive retelling of the Easter story — always one of the most memorable weeks of our year!
Alpha
Alpha continues to be one of the easiest ways for people to explore life, faith and meaning. In the spring term, around 20 people completed the ten-week course — some regulars, others brand new to church. It’s been inspiring to see faith come alive around the dinner table and in honest conversation.
Drop-In Café
Our new Tuesday Drop-In Café has become a warm and welcoming space where anyone can grab a soup or a brew and chat to others. We’re passionate not only about serving tasty refreshments, but also about creating a community where all are welcome and know that they are loved, seen and belong. As well as the free refreshments, there are games and activities for all ages. The café runs every Tuesday, 2:30–4:30pm, and continues to be a simple but powerful way of connecting with our local community.
CAP Life Skills
We’ve continued to run CAP Life Skills courses — eight-week programmes that help people gain confidence, learn practical budgeting and cooking skills, and build supportive friendships. Lives have been changed through simple acts of kindness, community and empowerment.
Foodbank
Our Foodbank continues to respond to growing local need. Open every Tuesday, it provides emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis. Behind the scenes, an incredible volunteer team keeps it all running with care, compassion and dignity.
Prayer
Prayer has remained central to all we do. Our weekly Monday Morning Prayers have become a steady rhythm of hope and worship. During Thy Kingdom Come , we transformed a space into a community prayer room — a creative, peaceful environment open for anyone to encounter God.
Graveyard Gang
Our “Graveyard Gang” has continued to be very active this year. Meeting every Monday and Tuesday, this faithful team keeps our church grounds beautiful and has become a genuine community of care. Increasingly, the group has extended its reach by responding to practical needs in the wider community too.
Toddler Group – Minis at St Mark’s
Every Thursday morning during term time, our hall is full of energy and laughter as 30– 35 children and their carers gather for “Minis.” With crafts, play, songs and refreshments, it’s become a safe and joyful space for families to connect and grow.
Youth and Children’s Ministry
This year has seen huge progress in our youth and children’s work. We now have four Sunday groups running for ages 0–18, plus a midweek kids’ club for the wider community. A major step forward was the recruitment of James and Meg as our Children and Youth Workers, joining the team in a job-share capacity. Their energy, creativity and care have already begun to shape this ministry for the future, and we’re excited about all that’s to come as we invest in the next generation.
Seniors Ministry
“Primetime” has gathered regularly to bring together those in their retirement years for fun, friendship and community. It continues to be a valued space for connection and pastoral care.
Community Hall Use
Our church hall remains a vital community resource, hosting both regular and one-off bookings. These not only support our church’s income but also strengthen our role as a welcoming hub for the wider community.
3. Occasional Offices
In 2023, it was a privilege to walk alongside many at key life moments:
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Baptisms: 22
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Weddings: 4
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Funerals: 27
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Interment of Ashes: 8
Each service represented a chance to celebrate, comfort, and share the love of Christ in real and tangible ways.
4. Looking Ahead
As we look to the year ahead, we’re full of faith and expectation. With our new youth and children’s team in place, a growing culture of prayer, and deepening community relationships, we sense that God is preparing us for more. Our heart remains to see God loved, the Church alive, and society transformed — here in our community and beyond.
I am so grateful for the church members at St Mark’s who have done so much to contribute to another amazing year.
The trustees' report was approved by the PCC on 20[th] March 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Andy Bull Vicar
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Report to the trustees St Marks Parochial Church Council On accounts for the year ended December 2024 Charity no (if any) 1132326 Set out on pages 1- 1, 1- 1, 1-2.1- 1,1-3 As attached to this report (8 pages) Iddilional sheelsl I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 3111212024 Responsibilitles and basis As the charitys trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the of report 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 carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have cornpleted my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charlties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts givo a 'true and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: IER Oct 2018
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32. Independent examination of charity acwunts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct2018
1102 Bredbury St Marks 2023 Statement of Financial Activities
For the period from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Prior year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | total funds | |
| Receipts | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 136,920.15 | 9,037.33 | - | 145,957.48 | 207,281.14 |
| Income from charitable activities | 10,211.52 | 720.00 | - | 10,931.52 | 10,059.15 |
| Other trading activities | - | - | - | - | - |
| Investments | 7,254.87 | - | - | 7,254.87 | 1,116.78 |
| Other income | 9,905.86 | - | - | 9,905.86 | - |
| Total income | 164,292.40 | 9,757.33 | - | 174,049.73 | 218,457.07 |
| Payments | |||||
| Raising funds | - | - | - | - | - |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 100,856.35 | 712.99 | - | 101,569.34 | 127,697.31 |
| Other expenditure | 28,907.93 | 1,578.39 | - | 30,486.32 | 2,682.27 |
| Total expenditure | 129,764.28 | 2,291.38 | - | 132,055.66 | 130,379.58 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | 34,528.12 | 7,465.95 | - | 41,994.07 | 88,077.49 |
| Transfers: | |||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 69,740.58 | 117,584.44 | 26.45 | 187,351.47 | - |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (95,645.25) | (91,674.77) | (31.45) | (187,351.47) | - |
| Other recognised gains / losses | |||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | 22.00 | (22.00) | - | - | - |
| Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use | - | - | - | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | 8,645.45 | 33,353.62 | (5.00) | 41,994.07 | 88,077.49 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 223,850.00 | 10,197.83 | 5.00 | 234,052.83 | 145,975.34 |
| Total funds carried forward | 232,495.45 | 43,551.45 | - | 276,046.90 | 234,052.83 |
(12 June 2025 3:19 pm) Page 1 of 1
1102 Bredbury St Marks 2023
Balance Sheet detailed
| As at 31/12/2024 As at 31/12/2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets 30101: Parish Hall 200,000.00 200,000.00 Total Fixed assets 200,000.00 200,000.00 Current assets 30201: Current Account/Lloyds TSB 10,396.96 55,012.54 30202: HMRC 9,738.60 24,127.58 30203: CBF Investment Account 175,231.56 75,718.31 30206: Petty Cash 510.52 510.19 6505: Bank deposit account 10.05 - 6510: CLOSED CCLA CLOSED account - - Total Current assets 195,887.69 155,368.62 Liabilities 6699: Agency collections 3,535.55 5,010.55 Z04: Accounts Payable 116,305.24 116,305.24 Total Liabilities 119,840.79 121,315.79 Net Asset surplus (deficit) 276,046.90 234,052.83 Reserves Excess/(deficit) to date 41,994.07 88,077.49 Z01: Starting balances 234,052.83 145,975.34 Z02: Gains/(losses) on investment assets - - Total Reserves 276,046.90 234,052.83 Represented by Funds General (Unrestricted) 229,813.42 193,687.76 Designated 2,682.03 30,162.24 Restricted 43,551.45 10,197.83 Endowment - 5.00 Total 276,046.90 234,052.83 |
200,000.00 200,000.00 |
||
| 200,000.00 200,000.00 10,396.96 55,012.54 9,738.60 24,127.58 175,231.56 75,718.31 510.52 510.19 10.05 - - - |
|||
| 195,887.69 155,368.62 3,535.55 5,010.55 116,305.24 116,305.24 |
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| 119,840.79 121,315.79 |
|||
| 276,046.90 234,052.83 |
|||
| 41,994.07 88,077.49 234,052.83 145,975.34 - - |
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| 276,046.90 234,052.83 |
|||
| Represented by Funds General (Unrestricted) 229,813.42 193,687.76 Designated 2,682.03 30,162.24 Restricted 43,551.45 10,197.83 Endowment - 5.00 Total 276,046.90 234,052.83 |
(12 June 2025 3:17 pm) Page 1 of 1
1102 Bredbury St Marks 2023
Analysis of income and expenditure Selected period: 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
| Total General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year |
|
|---|---|
| Receipts Donations and legacies 0101 - Standing Order to bank - Gift Aided 0110 - Gift Aid - Envelopes 0201 - standing orders to bank - not gift aided 0301 - Loose plate collections 0303 - Other funds generated 0304 - Christians Against Poverty 0305 - Organ Fund 0306 - Care of Church Yard 0307 - Restoration Fund 0308 - Willatts Charity 0309 - Rock Solid 0310 - Parish Hall 0311 - Church Boiler 0313 - Food Bank 0314 - Church Reordering Project 0315 - Friends of + Gift Aid 0316 - Other Restricted Funds 0317 - Votive Candles Etc 0318 - Hall Donations & Gift Aid 0410 - Giving through church boxes 0501 - One-off Gift Aid gifts 0550 - Donations appeals etc 0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid 0701 - Legacies 0801 - Recurring grants 08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants 1230 - Church hall lettings - objectives 1240 - Church hall lettings - fund raising Donations and legacies Totals Income from charitable activities 0302 - Income Collected by Sum up Machine 1101 - Fees for weddings and funerals 1102 - Funeral + Church Yard Fees 1103 - Additional Church Yard Income 1104 - Memorial Pathway Income from charitable activities Totals Other trading activities 1220 - Bookstall sales - fund raising 1250 - Magazine income - advertising 1260 - Parish magazine sales |
32,614.00 - - - 32,614.00 39,201.00 4,846.27 - - - 4,846.27 5,230.22 4,093.50 - 1,034.00 - 5,127.50 87.50 4,330.61 - - - 4,330.61 4,776.38 465.08 - - - 465.08 3,216.16 - - 600.00 - 600.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 500.00 - 500.00 100.00 9,166.63 - 833.33 - 9,999.96 6,666.64 - - - - - - 6,445.00 1,067.50 800.00 - 8,312.50 - - - - - - - 200.00 - 870.00 - 1,070.00 50.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50.00 - 1,900.00 - 1,950.00 - - - - - - - 14,932.70 - - - 14,932.70 28,023.60 460.00 - - - 460.00 5,959.09 - - - - - 27,381.11 48,939.66 - - - 48,939.66 49,933.33 - - - - - 4,603.32 4,932.20 - 2,500.00 - 7,432.20 19,247.29 - - - - - 4,858.00 3,982.00 395.00 - - 4,377.00 7,947.50 |
| 135,457.65 1,462.50 9,037.33 - 145,957.48 207,281.14 1,815.77 - - - 1,815.77 - 5,757.45 - - - 5,757.45 10,059.15 760.00 - 720.00 - 1,480.00 - - - - - - - 1,878.30 - - - 1,878.30 - |
|
| 10,211.52 - 720.00 - 10,931.52 10,059.15 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
(12 June 2025 2:20 pm) Page 1 of 3
| Total General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year |
|
|---|---|
| Other trading activities Totals Investments 1001 - Dividends 1020 - Bank and building society interest Investments Totals Other income 0312 - Other Income 0401 - Community Workers Fund 0502 - One-Off Donation NOT giftaided 1030 - Memorial Tablets 1031 - Memorial Tablet Carriage 1032 - Memorial Tablet Letters 1210 - Social Action Funds NEW 2024 1310 - Insurance claims 1320 - Surplus - sales of fixed assets Other income Totals Receipts Grand totals |
|
| - - - - - - - - - - - - 7,254.87 - - - 7,254.87 1,116.78 |
|
| 7,254.87 - - - 7,254.87 1,116.78 289.33 - - - 289.33 - 6,689.45 - - - 6,689.45 - 215.00 - - - 215.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,712.08 - - - 2,712.08 - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
| 9,905.86 - - - 9,905.86 - |
|
| 162,829.90 1,462.50 9,757.33 - 174,049.73 218,457.07 |
|
| Payments Raising funds 1750 - Memorial Pathway Costs Raising funds Totals Expenditure on charitable activities 1830 - Giving - relief and development agencies 1850 - Home mission 1910 - Ministry parish share etc 2001 - Assistant staff costs 2050 - Salary of parish administrator 2101 - Working expenses of incumbent 2120 - Council tax 2130 - Parsonage house expenses 2140 - Water rates - vicarage 2145 - Parsonage - water 2150 - Vicar's telephone 2201 - Parish training and mission 2301 - Church running - insurance 2310 - Church office - telephone 2320 - Organ / piano tuning 2330 - Church maintenance 2331 - Cleaning 2340 - Upkeep of services 2360 - Administration 2370 - Visiting speakers / locums 2401 - Church running - electric 2410 - Church running - gas |
- - - - - - |
| - - - - - - - - - - - (1,204.33) 65.00 - - - 65.00 - 63,600.00 - - - 63,600.00 60,000.00 - - 712.99 - 712.99 9,010.89 - - - - - 468.75 - - - - - 12,696.78 - - - - - 1,287.12 3,791.39 - - - 3,791.39 4,573.62 - - - - - - - - - - - - 356.00 - - - 356.00 104.00 - - - - - - 4,557.93 - - - 4,557.93 4,150.73 659.11 - - - 659.11 356.56 - - - - - - 5,969.49 - - - 5,969.49 6,225.86 - - - - - - - - - - - 841.57 2,955.31 - - - 2,955.31 3,857.86 - - - - - - 1,874.90 - - - 1,874.90 4,155.16 2,506.01 - - - 2,506.01 1,550.24 |
(12 June 2025 2:20 pm) Page 2 of 3
| Total General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year |
|
|---|---|
| 2420 - Church running - water 2430 - Church running - oil 2440 - Church running - heating and lighting 2501 - Magazine expenses 2510 - Bookstall costs 2520 - Hall running - oil 2530 - Hall running - electricity 2540 - Hall running - gas 2550 - Hall running - insurance 2560 - Hall running - maintenance 2570 - Hall running - telephone 2580 - Hall running - water 2590 - Hall running - heating and lighting 2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee 2701 - Church major repairs - structure 2710 - Church major repairs - installation 2720 - Church interior and exterior decorating 2801 - Hall + major repairs - structure 2820 - Hall + major repairs - installation 2830 - Hall + interior and exterior decorating 2840 - Other PCC property upkeep 2901 - New building parsonage house 2910 - New building house for curate 2920 - New building Church 2930 - New building Hall Expenditure on charitable activities Totals Other expenditure 1701 - Cap Subscriptions 1710 - HMRC Shipley 1720 - Staff Pension Costs 1730 - Sum Up Fees 1740 - Salary Payments 1801 - Service Expenses 1851 - Other Mission 10% Tithe 1870 - Memorial Pathway Expenses 1871 - Inscription for tablet costs 2170 - Transforming Lives for Good 2332 - General Expediture 2350 - CAP Expenditure Other expenditure Totals Payments Grand totals |
- - - - - 126.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,263.88 - - - 2,263.88 811.33 4,802.14 - - - 4,802.14 8,655.67 2,465.51 - - - 2,465.51 2,075.58 3,532.22 - - - 3,532.22 3,934.70 - - - - - - 1,457.46 - - - 1,457.46 1,869.30 - - - - - 529.92 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,620.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
| 100,856.35 - 712.99 - 101,569.34 127,697.31 480.00 - 240.00 - 720.00 60.00 2,897.64 - - - 2,897.64 - 1,782.50 - - - 1,782.50 - 28.06 - - - 28.06 - 18,305.98 - 963.39 - 19,269.37 - 1,036.93 - - - 1,036.93 2,622.27 - - - - - - 1,838.40 - - - 1,838.40 - - - - - - - 600.00 - 375.00 - 975.00 - 1,938.42 - - - 1,938.42 - - - - - - - |
|
| 28,907.93 - 1,578.39 - 30,486.32 2,682.27 |
|
| 129,764.28 - 2,291.38 - 132,055.66 130,379.58 |
(12 June 2025 2:20 pm) Page 3 of 3