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2025-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025

Administrative information

Holy Trinity Church is situated in Logmore Lane, Westcott. It is part of the Diocese of Guildford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Parish Office, St John's, Furlong Road, Westcott, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 3PP.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (charity registration number: 1132869).

PCC members who have served from 1 January 2025 until the date this report was approved (unless noted otherwise) are:

Chairman, Ex-officio: The Rev’d Tim Armstrong, incumbent Wardens: Mark Shakespeare: Elected at APCMs 23.4.23, 19.5.24 and 15.4.25. Nicola Smetham: Elected at APCMs 23.4.23, 19.5.24 and 15.4.25.

Representatives on the Deanery Synod:

Vacant

Elected members:

Kay Meldrum, Treasurer First elected for three years at 2009 APCM, then for three years every third APCM, up to and including from 19.5.24. Jan Way, Secretary Co-opted at PCC meeting 8.5.17. Elected for three years at 2018 APCM, then for three years every third APCM, up to and including from 19.5.24. Murray Stephen* Elected for three years 11.10.20, for one year 23.4.23 and for three years 19.5.24, served until July 2025. Richard Packer Elected for three years 11.10.20 and 23.4.23. Hannah Mayo Elected for three years 23.4.23. Elizabeth Mair Elected for three years 23.4.23, resigned November 2025. Louise Scillitoe-Brown Elected for three years 23.4.23. Becky Auton Elected for three years 19.5.24.

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Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and activities

Holy Trinity's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the building of St John's, Furlong Road, Westcott.

Church attendance

There are 123 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll (2021 – 185). The average weekly attendance on a “normal Sunday” was 70 – comprising 59 adults and 11 children (2021 figures: 72; 70 adults and 2 children).

The “worshipping community” (ie attend worship at least monthly) is 150 (2021 – 104) - adults, children in congregational worship/activities, plus home communions and services taken at Bramley House and Westcott House.

Review of the year

The full PCC met five times during the year.

SAFEGUARDING – Jan Way, Safeguarding Officer

Jan Way is the Safeguarding Officer and since October 2025 the DBS Validator for this period following the resignation of Helen Hughes.

Activities

a) Safeguarding incidents

There have been no safeguarding incidents during the period from January 2025 to December 2025. There have been areas of concern in relation to families which have led to discussions between the Vicar and PSO and also the Vicar and Diocese.

b) New policies and procedures

No new policies have been issued by the Diocese.

The Safeguarding officer continues to monitor the Safeguarding Parish Dashboard - an online platform that outlines what the duties and responsibilities of each Parish regarding safeguarding,

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covering training, adoption of policies, activities etc. There are 76 actions as you move through the platform. Outstanding items at present include:

In addition the Diocese introduced a new aspect of the Hub which monitors and records:

All volunteers must:

There are two implications to this approach; firstly it requires real commitment from volunteers in the church and secondly managing what is effectively an HR department and system is time consuming for the PSO.

c) Training

All training is now online. Members of the church have been diligent in undertaking safeguarding training for roles and I am very aware that everyone is a volunteer and therefore that training can be an additional burden placed upon us by the Diocese. Of 20 individuals on the Hub system 16 are still required to complete training and technically should not be undertaking tasks without having completed the training.

It is planned to run a domestic abuse training workshop in January 2026 in church rather than request that individuals undertake the training online which will reduce the numbers with outstanding training needs.

The Vicar and PSO also led an input on safeguarding during the Safe-guarding Sunday service to increase general awareness. The PSO has also inputted to Sunday services in relation to safer recruitment and why and how this has to be undertaken.

d) DBS Validations

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There was a serious and significant breach of confidentiality reported to the churches in summer 2025 due to a data breach at the main DBS provider ACPS. This led to certain members of both our church and others having their data stolen.

The Diocese put in place measures to support those affected and also sought a new provider. Matrix has been appointed and will now undertake DBS checks through an online portal.

Helen Hughes, who had been undertaking the DBS validation role stepped down in October and currently the PSO is undertaking that role also. Many thanks to Helen for her work in undertaking the validation role very efficiently.

e) Safeguarding meetings and inspections

The PSO and Vicar hold quarterly safeguarding meetings and safeguarding is a key item on each PCC agenda.

The PSO undertakes periodic drop in at both Sunday Club and Cookie Club, the churches’ two prescribed activities.

Conclusion

Safeguarding has become an increasingly important part of church and with the development of the HR hub is increasingly onerous both in terms of time commitment and responsibility. Some churches are now choosing to separate the HR/DBS validation aspect from the general role and this may be something that needs to be considered moving forward once the current incumbent leaves the role.

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GENERAL REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2025 – Nicola Smetham & Mark Shakespeare, Churchwardens

There’s a definite rhythm to life as a Church Warden. Over our tenure so far, we’ve gained greater insight into the church’s role in village life. Easter, Remembrance, Christmas, funerals, memorials and weddings - all of life’s seasons pass through the doors. All the usual meetings have taken place: leadership, PCC, wardens meet ups - the ‘process’ you would expect with a vibrant busy church.

There’s a strong feeling that we simply ‘carry on’, following in the footsteps of the many that have gone before us, ensuring the church continues to thrive and prosper in Westcott. And yet, we take nothing for granted. It is the many volunteers generous with their time, (some active church members, many not), who in their service make it all possible. We begin with our thanks to each and every one of them for their support, service and constancy. As we attend Diocesan wide events, we know this isn’t always the case.

It has been another busy year of community events when the church has extended a warm welcome. We’ve had truly exceptional music concerts with the King’s Men returning, along with Maiastra , with HTW’s space and acoustics accommodating them so well. Our first Organ Celebration looks set to be repeated in 2026 as a regular free event, (thanks to its local village sponsors), for all to come and hear live classical music. Choral evensong has also taken place and will continue in 2026 on a ‘pop-up’ basis, (keep an eye out for service details).

The church has also hosted many community social events such as the Pancake Party , (now an established highlight in the church calendar), for young families in the village/ school. This proved to be a sticky and joyous occasion with record numbers of pancakes, along with PBs (personal bests) by our team of pancake flippers. Our building has also been the setting for The Gardeners’ Club Horse Racing Night and, of course, WestFestivity where, as often at these events, the church was crammed with people. On that occasion the crowd was hushed and stilled (not by Tim this time), but by the Rock Choir sallying forth with a rousing rock anthem. Mulled wine after our Christmas Carol Service provided a wonderful opportunity to extend hospitality not only to the village but many visitors too. All these events were well attended with a strong sense of community engagement. The church was once again beautifully decorated by our floral team throughout the festive season.

Church partnership with our village school, All Saints Surrey Hills, continues to flourish as a result of regular input by volunteers: ‘Open the Book’ assemblies, TLG mentoring (both covered separately in this report), a Bible study class, Easter Pause Day which precedes the school’s Easter service , and of course the school Harvest Festival held in church.

Our increasing involvement with the school is reflected in the growing numbers at our monthly ’20-20-20’ service , where the informal, all-age setting has helped to build relationships with young families in the village. This innovative service format has been enabled by the reconfigured church space, which morphs from church in the round to church in groups to messy church

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with different creative zones/activities. It is an exciting area of growth for HTW, and we once again extend our thanks to the church family for their understanding and willingness to try something new to ensure the church lives on for future generations.

Alongside this, there have also been more reflective occasions, such as the Maundy Thursday Supper when the church family comes together for a meal and communion service, providing a deep sense of fellowship during Holy Week. The gentle and compassionate Service of Remembering continues to be well received by all those who attend and have a common bond of loss and grief. Sadly, 2025 has been a poignant year with many long-standing members of the church family passing away. Their counsel, participation and service in the life of Holy Trinity continue to be greatly missed.

Recognising the importance of prayer, underpinning our life as a church, 2025 saw us initiate a prayer meeting on the first Tuesday evening of each month. All are welcome to join us in this reflective hour where we pray not only for local concerns but also for the wider world. We have already witnessed some quite extraordinary answers to prayer.

It has been a busy year for village groups dealing with matters of local significance and governance. From discussions about the new village hall development to the wider Westcott Neighbourhood Development Plan (WNDP), we are pleased to host their meetings in church and show our support. We are grateful to the many volunteers who give of their time and energy to ensure the village’s character and identity is preserved in the years to come.

There have been several highlights this year, the first of which was the Ordination of Hannah Mayo , which took place on 29 June at Guildford Cathedral. The service was followed by a celebratory lunch held at HTW for all to attend. Not only was this the culmination of her curacy training, but also of a journey which had begun at least ten years before when she first began to consider whether God was calling her to ordained ministry. It was a joyous occasion shared with her family, the church family and the village community which she serves.

Hannah’s presence in church leadership, her counsel and fellowship, and her gifting are so warmly and gratefully received by all at Holy Trinity. She joins several of our members who have entered ordained ministry in recent years, creating a strong sense of continuity.

Another highlight was the church weekend away when Wychcroft was full to capacity as we shared fun and fellowship during this extended time together. Initially off to a rocky start with a power cut, what followed was a remarkable and memorable weekend.

One final highlight was the inaugural village ‘Open Gardens’ event which was a great success, with significant funds raised and record attendance on what thankfully was a beautiful sunny day. The church, working with various village groups, came alongside the host gardeners, cake bakers and tea makers. It was a glorious day for Westcott, bringing the village together for a common cause. The Hub also stepped up to provide wonderful catering.

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There has been much going on at The Hub this year, (reported separately here), so suffice to say we have seen such incredible blessing poured out over the building and all those that work within it. We continue to hold all their activities in prayer and wish them well on their expanding opening hours and programming. There is much more that could be said about the church’s role in village life, which can’t be effectively pinned down in a report. Comments in our church visitors book often capture those moments of need for prayer, solace and peace, in a place of God. This reflects the fact that Holy Trinity is much more than our church buildings and even what we have written of here. And so we complete 2025 with much to be thankful for and look forward to what 2026 holds for us.

ORDINATION - Hannah Mayo

After 3 years study on the diocesan Local Ministry Programme (now called St Martha’s College), I was ordained deacon on 29th June 2025 at Guildford Cathedral...a joyful and amazing day, supported by family and so many friends, from the parish and further afield, both for the service and a fabulous celebratory lunch at Holy Trinity afterwards (thank you Liz Bradley and team!)

At that point I officially became Westcott’s Asst Curate, very part-time, ostensibly Wednesdays and Sundays, though that’s flexible depending on what’s happening work wise in any given week. In this new role I’ve been enjoying getting to know more people in the village, and to understand more about the Westcott Community (though we’ve been coming to church here for 22+ years, we live in Dorking, and I’m amazed how many people I don’t know in Westcott!), as well as helping Tim lead and plan services. I’m finding it so interesting being a ‘collared’ presence around the village, leading to some encounters and conversations I don’t think would happen otherwise. I’m constantly learning, and very grateful for your patience and prayers along the way.

The next official stage, subject to the Bishop’s approval, is another ordination! It’s on Saturday 27th June, and this is when I’m ordained priest, one of the extraordinary consequences of which being that I’ll be able to preside at Communion, which I’ll be doing at the 8.30 and 10.15 services on Sunday 28th June.

I continue to be humbled and awed by the road I’m on. It’s not always straightforward, and I need to get better at managing my time and energy in the very real juggle of life, work, family and ministry, but I frequently get a reassuring sense that I am just where I should be, doing what I’ve been called to do…not perfectly by any means, but knowing it’s all in the strength, and by the grace, of God.

SUNDAY CLUB – Jenny Armstrong

Where we are

Holy Trinity Westcott regularly welcomes 8- 10 children and their parents to Sunday Club; there are often also 2 to 3 under 18's in the back room of church.

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Sunday Club is run every Sunday except 20/20/20 weeks and the four Sundays of August. During 20/20/20 there is a mixed provision for Under 18's and their families. In August the Chapel remains open with a selection of toys and colouring for families to use.

Since the last APCM Sunday Club has had regular interaction with at least 12 separate family groups. Our families range from those with no previous interaction with Church or faith to those who may label themselves as church going Christians.

Sunday Club does not exist in a vacuum and the brilliant work of the Open the Book and Pause Day team, the TLG teams and the Cookie club team all feeds into Sunday Club. As well as Pancake Party, Christingle, Crib Service and Forest Church

How we got here

In some format Holy Trinity Westcott has been running a regular Sunday Club since November 2022. It is built on the outstanding legacy of Ellie Lister and the team of volunteers who supported what was a multi room set up in the years prior to Covid.

Since 2022 Sunday Club has been led by Julie Badman and Jenny Armstrong supported by the parents, greatly appreciated volunteers and the Church leadership. We also specifically want to mention and thank the incredible work and dedication of Jan Way our Parish Safeguarding Officer, her willingness to support, advice, chase up training and DBS is foundational to our work on a Sunday. Holy Trinity is committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable adults. As part of this all our leaders are DBS check and undergo a cycle of training.

Where we'd like to go

Our age range now spans 0 - 9 years. With adaption, and very gracious older children, our group still works well together. This year we have expanded our activities to try and meet our range of ages. We are however aware that if we are to continue to grow in number and depth in our primary age range as well as our preschooler age range, we need a new plan. We are working through and dreaming about what this might look like, but it needs people like you to come and be part of the journey. Do talk to Jenny or Julie to find out more – there are so many opportunities to be alongside and disciple the children and young people of the parish if we can resource them.

For your prayers

Finally

If working with Under 18'd feels you with a small sense of dread, can we assure you that Praying and just saying hello to the children and parents plays a huge part in this work. Families, like all of

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us, just want to be welcomed and feel part of this community and saying Hi plays a massive part in that.

COOKIE CLUB – Ali Mabley, co-ordinator

Cookie Club meets on Thursday mornings between 9 and 11am at St Johns Chapel. It is a thriving little community! We have a wonderful team of volunteers to help put out toys, do coffee and biscuits, provide fantastic craft activities and get to know the young families in the village. We now have between 8 and 15 families coming regularly each week. The families are also meeting with each other outside of Cookie Club which is wonderful to see. They often go the The Hub for lunch after Cookie Club and they also arrange to meet in each other’s houses during the holiday time when Cookie club takes a holiday. The baby meals link up with Cookie Club - Liz Bradley takes a meal and tells families with newborns about Cookie Club - again providing support and friendship.

At Christmas we had a visit from Father Christmas – the children and families love this! We had pancakes together just after Shrove Tuesday - Natalie bought her wonderful little pancake maker – the children thoroughly enjoyed this.

I would like to thank all the team. Natalie Akenzua for being there every week, always thinking of new and lovely things to do with the children, Liz Bradley for planning the most beautiful craft activities, Libby Witt for faithfully going over and above her rota to cover illness and being lovely with the families, Liz Cronshey for faithfully coming each week and developing relationships with the families. Jen Jordan -Moss has had extra work commitments this year, but we love it when she is able to come. She keeps an eye on social media and often thinks about things that I have not considered! And, last but not least, Peter Yates who comes each week to help us set up and do the “heavy work”.

I always come home from Cookie club and announce “What a wonderful team we have in Cookie club”.

OPEN THE BOOK – Liz Bradley, co-ordinator

Open the Book (OTB) is an exciting storytelling project where Bible stories are shared with children in a way that is fun, interactive and memorable. The OTB team take a weekly Assembly in Surrey Hills All Saints on Wednesday afternoons. The stories are scripted and the children (from a different year group each week) enjoy dressing up as the characters alongside the adults. After the storytelling there is a structured time of Reflection with prayer.

The team has grown this year to 5 leaders and 3 helpers. There is always space for more to be involved so please consider joining the team! Training in person and online is available through the Bible Society.

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TRANSFORMING LIVES FOR GOOD (TLG) – Libby Witt, co-ordinator

In the past year, Holy Trinity has continued partnering successfully with ‘Transforming Lives for Good’ (TLG) and Surrey Hills All Saints School to run an Early Intervention programme with children from the school. TLG is a Christian charity which partners with local churches to give emotional support to vulnerable children and young people through a year-long coaching programme, designed to help the child make the very best of their time in education.

In 2025, our volunteer coach team numbered 3 coaches (Karen Ratzke, Grant Smetham and Libby Witt) who between them coached 6 different children during the year.

We continue to be blessed in having great support from the Senior Leadership Team and staff at Surrey Hills and to have a good working relationship with our School Key Contact, which has helped with the smooth running of the project. Our annual review in May 2025 with our TLG Regional Coordinator (held this year on Teams), meant we were able to hear from the school of the positive change they have seen in the coached children. The school were able to pass on some feedback from the children too. One said “(TLG) helps you live a better life. It just helps me out”. Another said “It just made me feel more happy and excited. Makes me feel nice”.

TLG continue to be a huge support to our coaching team: providing resources, training and encouragement through termly online regional forum meetings, and contact with our Regional Coordinator.

We are always ready to welcome more coaches to the team so if anyone is interested in coaching and would like to know more about what it involves, I’d love to hear from you!

RESOURCES TEAM

Financial Review – Kay Meldrum, Treasurer

Holy Trinity’s finances remain stable, notwithstanding a greater increase in expenditure than in income, largely arising from costs associated with St Johns.

Total receipts on ordinary Unrestricted Funds were £149,905 and are detailed in the Financial Statements. This represents an increase in Unrestricted income of approx. 4%. There was an increase in covenanted donations, but other income has declined, reflecting the first full year of the new contract for the mast, lower investment income, and a drop in income from St Johns.

The field next to the churchyard was let on an annual basis, and gross income of £1,000 from it is included in these accounts. Rental was also received in respect of a mobile telephone mast on church premises, and gross income of £4,000 from it is shown in these accounts. In addition there was a contribution from the mast operators towards electricity costs.

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£163,749 was spent to provide the Christian ministry from Holy Trinity Church, an increase of approx. 9%. The main item, 54% of total expenditure, (last year 56%), is the contribution to the Diocesan Parish Share, which largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.

The PCC continues to own the former St John’s church, which was used by various organisations and individuals. The net deficit on the premises was £7,962, compared with net deficit of £3,351 in 2024. The deficit is due to maintenance costs, particularly on the heating and electrical systems, and a drop in income.

The net result for the year on Unrestricted Funds was an excess of expenditure over income of £13,844. (2024 deficit £7,104). This was largely due to legal costs associated with a new lease for The Hub, and the deficit on St John’s. Against this £5,873 was received from the Village Magazine (2024 £5,806) leaving an overall deficit of £7,971 (2024 deficit £1,298).

The balances carried forward at 31st December for Unrestricted funds totalled £98,941 (2024 £106,912).

Looking forward, our contribution to Diocesan Parish Share has increased by over £200 per month, and work is needed on the windows and cupola of St John’s, though grants will cover most of this. 2026 will be another challenging year.

Reserves policy

It is PCC policy to accumulate a balance on Unrestricted Funds of £50,000, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. The balance of £98,941 on Unrestricted Funds at the year-end exceeds this target. Cash reserves also exceed this target.

The balance of £262,961 in the Restricted Funds represents £4,640 in the General Support Fund, £8,834 for Youth Work, £221,361 net cost of St John’s, £2,040 grant for the churchyard at St John’s, £3,521 for work on St John’s building, £1,221 for the Peace Garden, £4,003 relating to the Touche Fund, £4,593 in the Organ Fund, and £12,748 in the Magazine Fund.

It is our policy to invest our Restricted and Unrestricted Funds balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund. Permanent Endowment funds are invested primarily in income generating Funds.

BUILDINGS AND MAINTENANCE – Louise Scillitoe-Brown

Stonework, Roof & Churchyard:

Last year’s report mentioned how water ingress to the stonework surrounding the Chancel window near the altar had caused significant deterioration. It was identified that the existing gutters were not designed to cope with the intense rain which now falls. Additionally, during the

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exterior stonework repairs it became apparent that inadequate surface water drainage, plus rainwater pouring through the BT cable conduit, were causing flooding around the south side of the church.

The stonework around the chancel window was repaired by Chris Anstey. To prevent the damage re-occurring, it was deemed necessary to clear moss from the south facing (& shaded) roofs, install wider and deeper gutters, run a CCTV through the surface water drains to ascertain the condition and identify any necessary repairs. Thanks to receipt of a grant of £5,000 from the Buildings for Mission Team, secured through the Diocese of Guildford towards the costs of the £11k project, we were able to commission the roof and guttering work.

This work was completed, apart from one small snag, before the end of the year by Steve Giles – delayed by several weeks by a nesting pigeon. The completion of the snag is being chased. During the works it was discovered that the downpipes were completely blocked and Steve rodded these. Richard, who normally carries out the annual clearing of leaves from the gutters, has been asked to rod the downpipes annually too. They are all clear currently.

An application was made to The National Churches Trust for a grant to fund the CCTV survey and drains repairs, but this was unsuccessful. Further applications will be made.

Anna Hummell, the appointed Architect, chased BT after initial attempts to request that they stop the water ingress in the churchyard from rainwater entering their inspection chambers in Logmore Lane, had failed. She successfully arranged an appointment from Graham Brown, CoE Principal Project Manager for NET Coverage Solutions Ltd, who manage logistics for BT and EE. With him all inspection chambers within the churchyard near the control boxes for the aerials were opened. All were found to be filled with spoils from the rainwater ingress. BT have reported back that all boxes are now sealed and this work will be inspected using an endoscope by NET Senior Build Manager, Brian Gateley, on Thursday 9th April at 2:00pm. The architect and the maintenance volunteer will be present too.

A new aerial will be fitted in the steeple later in 2026. The scaffolding for this work will be left in place to allow us to carry out any necessary repairs. Drone footage will be taken of the church in advance of this to ascertain the condition of the cedar shingles, one was found on the grass recently, and any other maintenance issues. It is hoped that quotes for repairs and funding can be arranged in time for this work to be completed whilst the scaffolding is in place, thereby saving significant expense.

Cesspit Cover:

The cesspit cover was broken by a tractor when cutting John’s Meadow. Chris Dale kindly agreed to purchase the necessary parts and repair the lid, which is now complete. The aim is to fit bollards either side of the cover to prevent further damage.

Boiler:

Cowleys’ serviced and tested the boiler and provided a gas safe certificate.

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ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE – Simon Mabley

2025 has been a year of transition for St John’s, as the vision has been realised of operating the Wescott Village Hub as a Community Interest Company from the building.

It has been very encouraging to see how this has all developed, and the new life it has brought. There has been a lovely synergy develop between the Hub, activities in the Chapel and the Community Garden, and it has also been wonderful to see the physical improvements that The Hub team have implemented in the building.

A number of practical things have been done to support this initiative:

Aside from the Hub, many other activities have continued in St John’s, including for example: Cookie Club; Midweek Communion; The Community Fridge; Yoga; Writing for Wellbeing Workshops; Open Mic Nights; and casual hire for parties and events. The Community Gardeners also meet regularly and their skills in the grounds are much admired and enjoyed. We are also very grateful to Tony Winch for his gift of time and expertise, working his magic on the front doors, and restoring them from their previous dilapidated state.

Financially there has been some significant expenditure, particularly the electrical upgrade, which has meant expenditure exceeded income. However, with the changes now in place, and opportunities to increase hire of the Chapel, the expectation is that the Community Centre will be self-sustaining in the future.

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WESTCOTT VILLAGE HUB – Jon Mears

The past year has been a period of significant transition and growth as the Hub continues to establish itself as a vital community center.

Strategic Growth & Governance

Facility & Resource Improvements

Community Services & Programming

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The whole team are looking forward to 2026 and have other projects in the pipeline.

WESTCOTT COMMUNITY GARDEN – Jakki Phillips

The community garden is now well established, and we have settled into our routine of seasonal jobs. During winter, our beds were mulched in preparation for the crops ahead and the broad beans sown in the autumn have stood against the varied weather and are doing well. Last year, to help insects over winter we didn’t cut back plants in one of our flowerbeds to provide shelter, in line with being a wildlife friendly garden.

We are excitedly awaiting the emergence of our yellow rattle seedlings, which were carefully sown in our wildflower meadow area. Once growing they will start to weaken the grass so that other wildflowers have the chance to thrive. Lately we have been busy preparing for the year ahead and have sowed seeds for our summer crops and flowers, we’ve also enjoyed the first harvests of rhubarb. Following a generous donation of bird seed our feeders are regularly topped up and the food enjoyed by many birds.

We continue to welcome new faces to our volunteer community and had lots of visitors to the community garden as part of Westcott Open Gardens, which we are looking forward to being part of again this year.

WESTCOTT VILLAGE MAGAZINE – Cath Friend, Editor

The Westcott Village Magazine has continued to be a high-quality colour magazine. We are keeping it to 64pp each month, as this is the most cost-effective number of pages to print. The magazine is distributed free of charge to each household 11 times a year and edited by Cath Friend. The content is provided by local contributors who are encouraged to send in interesting local information with photographs where possible.

Advertising pays for all magazine costs of which printing is by far the biggest factor. Our advertising year runs from 1st November and will end on 31 October 2025. Our advertising income for 25/26 as at March 2026 is very similar to the previous year and stands at £14,004. Print costs are dependent on the size of each issue and inflationary print costs, the second of which particularly is out of our control. We have not been advised of an increase in print yet

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this year, but that may change. If the issue sizes remain at 64pp and print costs don’t rise, then a similar surplus to last year of around £5,000 is possible.

Danny and Sally Clark continue to be the advertising co-ordinators (with occasional support from Hugh Parry). Moira Fenwick is the delivery coordinator, with the help of Jane Holford and Sue Evans, organising a team of distributors who deliver to every household in the village. The number of Magazine Distributors is down to 40, as 2 people who had a very small number to deliver, have taken on an additional round each. Many thanks to all the distributors for promptly delivering each month’s edition in all weathers, and coming to grips with the new technology of the keypad entry system! Additionally in June, we fulfilled the request by Judith Packer and Jo Astor of the Westcott Village Forum – Communications Working Group, to distribute the Neighbourhood Development Plan Input Survey flyer which was launched at WestFest on 22nd June, to every household, including outlying farms and properties. If anyone is interested in helping to distribute magazines, please contact Moira on distribution@westcottmag.com as there is sometimes a turnover of people and it would be good to have willing names on a list she could call on.

MISSION & SOCIAL JUSTICE

The following was donated by way of Outward Giving in 2025 for outside agencies in direct giving to Holy Trinity or from general funds:

Royal British Legion £170.96 Papua Partners £504,27

PAPUA PARTNERS – Naomi Sosa

During 2024/25 we continued to support our partners through training, accompaniment and organisational strengthening, enabling them to deliver effective programmes that are transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities. This investment helped partners secure at least £400,000 GBP from other donors, and together their work directly impacted over 40,000 people, with a further 150,000 people reached indirectly through education, health, livelihoods, gender justice initiatives, environmental stewardship and peacebuilding efforts.

Over the past year, our implementing partner IWaTaLi and other partners have brought hope and practical support across Papua. Small business development with Eruwok has strengthened women led enterprises in ten communities, expanding cooperatives and a fair trade coffee initiative that now supports more than 20 family networks. Our Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme trained 60 youth and women leaders, with 20 new facilitators established, while support for internally displaced children in Wamena provided learning materials and water tanks for 150 students. Peacebuilding and paralegal training have continued to grow, equipping activists, new lawyers and church networks to document violations,

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accompany victims and advocate for justice. The Church and Community Transformation (CCT) programme expanded to more than 100 congregations, reaching 8,000 people, while environmental stewardship progressed forest certification efforts for the Momuna tribe and rural education work with Yasumat ensured access to quality schooling in one of Papua’s most remote regions.

A major focus this year was responding to the ongoing crisis of internally displaced communities in Sorong, Wamena and Sentani. This work centred on strengthening livelihoods through green business initiatives, savings groups and environmental management; training 30 youth and women leaders as Change Agents to document displacement and raise awareness on climate and environmental issues; and building bridges with host communities to prevent conflict and promote peace. In Wamena, land has been purchased for displaced families, while in Sorong, agreements with host villages have enabled the construction of homes and small farms. Our partnership with SKPC has also ensured trauma healing support remains available for affected families.

We are deeply thankful for the faithful generosity of our long term supporters, whose partnership continues to make such wide reaching transformation possible in lives, families and communities across Papua.

CLOSING REFLECTIONS – Tim Armstrong, Vicar

Rather than repeat the excellent general summary from our Church Wardens, I want to stop and give thanks for all the ways in which God used us – as His church in this place –over the course of 2025. Through your praying, giving and serving, the hungry were fed, young people were mentored, children filled our Sunday Club room to overflowing, our village community had opportunities to come together, and God was glorified amidst the Surry Hills. Thank you.

I want to thank all of you – and especially those who have written the above reports which demonstrate the many and varied ways we seek to love God, love our neighbours, and love our world. I especially want to thank Nicky and Mark, who do so much that goes unseen in their role as Church Wardens – and do it all with wisdom, patience and grace. I also want to especially thank Jan Way, who holds not one, but two, challenging roles as both our Parish Safeguarding Officer and the PCC secretary, without which we would not be able to operate as an organisation. I could of course go on – because 2025 was a reminder of that obvious, and yet deeply profound truth that the Church is not a building, or an organisation, but a gathering of ordinary people who come with our questions, uncertainties, hopes, hurts, gifts and mistakes, and seek to live out the hope and grace that we have glimpsed in Jesus. As we gather for our APCM it is 175 years since the construction of our beautiful church building began. I hope and pray that in another 175 years (unless Jesus returns before then) it will still be standing as a sign of the presence of the living God over our community and a living Church active in its midst. May our prayers, actions, understanding, giving and vision continue to build for those who are to call this village home in the decades to come. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13.14 ).

17

Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS For the year ended 31 December 2025 Unrestrided Restricted Endowrn'nt TOTAL TOTAL Nole Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Activitios for gonèrating in¢om• Investment incoma Incoming resourcès from charitable activities Other incomin resourc TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2(a) 2(b) 2{c) 122.567 10,640 6,820 6.527 14,204 359 0 129,094 136,307 24,844 35,252 7,179 7.572 2(d) 4,337 5,541 149,905 4.337 5.541 0 170,995 183.931 4,527 21.090 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities Other resources expended Governance Costs TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Gains on investment assets - on revaluation 3{b) 31c) 136,887 26,862 9.387 0 146,274 163,835 27,321 19,473 163.749 9.847 0 173,596 183.308 -13.844 11,243 -2,601 623 5(b) 6.245.00 6,245 8,996 Transfers NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Balan￿$ blf 1 Jan 2025 Balances clf 31 December 2025 5.873 -7.971 ll￿.912 98,941 -5.873 6.245 9,616 101,786 466,289 456,670 108.031 469,933 466.289 257,591 262.961 The notes on pages 2 to 7 fomi part of these a¢￿Unts

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2025 Note Unrestricted Restricted En￿7Wment TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL 2024 FIXED ASSETS Tangible Investments 5{a) 5(b) 22.344 221.361 243,705 88,084 88,084 331.788 247, 100 81.839 328,939 22,344 221.361 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Short term deposits Accounts receivable Prepayrnents 4(a) 4(b} 6(a) 61b) 32,280 42,400 12.749 28.851 45,029 91,198 3,983 901 141,111 48,864 85,379 4, 758 810 139,811 19.947 79.564 41,600 19.947 CURRENT LIABIUTIES Creditors and Accruals 2,%7 2.967 2,461 NET CURRENT ASSETS 76,597 41,600 19,947 138.144 137,350 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 98.941 262.961 108.031 469.333 466,289 TOTAL NET ASSETS 98.941 262.961 108,031 469,333 466.289 PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 98,941 98,941 106,912 262,961 257,591 108,031 101,786 469.933 466,289 9(a) 262.961 108,031 108,031 98,941 262,961 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 11 Feb￿￿ry 2026 and signed on its behalf by The Rev Timothy S Armstrong (PCC Chaimian) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ondad 31 Decomber 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 2. INCOMING RESOURCES 2{a) Voluntary Income Planned giving- covenanted Income tax recoverable Listed Churches grant Other giving Sundry donations Collections Grants Legacies Donations for restricted purposes 80,092 15,940 2,184 6.793 4,560 3,198 9.800 765 80,857 66.678 15,940 18.958 2,184 6,793 1,010 4,560 11,439 3,198 3.593 14,500 24,689 10,000 4.700 1,062 6.527 1,062 0 129,094 136,307 122,567

2{b) Aetiviti08 for gemrating income St Johns Floodlights Mast Rental Sale of pews Parish magazine adverts 6,240 400 6,240 400 4,000 12.041 120 14.204 14,873 24,844 35.525 7,891 14.204 14,204 10.640 2(c) Inv8stmont incomè Dividends and interest Church fpld renl 5.820 1.000 6.820 359 6,179 1,000 7.179 6,572 1.000 7.5T2 359 2(d) Incoming resources from charitable activities Church and churchyard fees 4.337 4,337 4,337 4.337 4.527 4.527 2(0) Other incoming resources Weekend Away 5,541 5,541 5,541 5,541 Total Incoming resources 149.905 21,090 0 170,996 183,931 3 RESOURCES EXPENDED 3{b)Charitable activities Grants made in furtherance of PCC'S objectives Missions and church societi￿o￿an18atson5 Churches Together in Dorking 120 Papua Partners 120 120 178 Ministry Parish Share Parish ministry Parish officE & secretsrial Vicarfs expenses Assistant staff Cornmunicabons Church running expenses Utilities Insurance Cleaning Altar Organists Minor repairs Organ and pkqno repairs & maintenance Expenditure on Parish magazine Professional servios Upkeep of Chu¥thyard Lay Training Youth Work 88.144 5,054 5.933 130 4,540 88.144 85,735 5,054 2,468 5,933 8,452 130 170 4,540 4,247 3,493 3.232 3,493 5,222 3,232 3,101 1,961 3,293 423 192 80 586 13,188 34,151 423 13.188 994 994 961 8,387 8,387 3,709 5.438 760 7,719 648 5,546 720 325 0 146,274 163.835 3,709 4.438 76Q 1,000 136.887 9,387

3( c) Other resources expanded St Johns costs Weekend away DepreCiat￿n 14.202 5.129 7.531 26.862 14,202 11,442 5.129 500 7,991 7,531 27.321 f9,473 460 Total rosourcès èxpended 163,749 9.847 0 173,696 183,308 2025 2024 41b) Cash at bank and in hand Current account Curacy House Tnjst current account Magazine account Co-op account 29,648 50 12,749 2,582 45,029 32,842 50 12,804 3, 168 48,864 Total 4(c) Short terni deposits C of E Deposit Fund Curacy House deposit account Curacy House Trust C of E Deposit Fund 57,380 13.872 19.947 91,198 54,896 10.536 79,947 85.379 Total 136,227 134.243 5 FIXED ASSETS Freehoky St Johns Land and Church Equipment Buikjings Equipment 5(a) Tangibl• At 1st January 2025 Additions at cost At 310ecember 2025 12.123 4.5 16,719 217.224 75.3( 304,654 4,5 309.250 217.224 75.306 Depreciat*Jn At 1st January 2025 Charge for the year At 31 December 202S 12,123 45.430 7.531 52,961 22.344 57,553 7,991 65.544 243.706 12,583 4,137 Net 217.224 4b> Investments Endowment Fund 6904 CBF Church of England Short Duratmm Bond Fund Income Shares- Touche Bequest Markét valu8 adjustment At 31 December 2025 10,295 252 10,547 9,994 301 10,295 9750 Ordinary Shares Mercantile Investrnent Trust- Curacy House Trust Market value adjustment At 31 December 2025 23,205 1,853 25,058 21.596 1,609 23,205

13605 Class I Incomè Shares M & G Global DivKlend Stsding I Income Fund - Curacy House Trust Market value adjustment At 31 De￿mber 2025 48,339 4.141 52.480 41.253 7,086 48,339 88,084 81,839 Total Endowment Fund Total Investments 88.084 81,839 6(a) Accounts receivable (unrostrictod) Tax rewverable WVA 3,983 4,267 491 4, 758 3.983 6(b) Prapayménts (Unrestrictad) st Johns insurance Octopus Bullimores wage account 407 59 435 901 373 59 378 810 Liabilities 7. Sundry Creditors amounts falling due in one year Unrestricted funds -field rent Other ¢reditors - utilities HT St Johns 750 642 414 1,162 1967 750 363 703 285 2. 101 other Restricted funds Outward gNing 270 1(a) Accounting Policies The financial ststements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the Church Ac4>)unting RegulatK)ns 2006 together with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the United Kingdom {FRS102) and wrth the Charities Act 2011. The charity conslitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102 The accounts present a true and fair view and the accounting policies adopted are those outlined below. No changesfjo accounting estimates have oCcU￿ed in the rep)rts"ng period. The Wiliage Magazine account has been reclassified as Restricted, and an adjustment made to Reserves brought forward to reflect this. The financial statements have been prepared under the historitsl C4)St convention except for the valuation of investment assets, wh￿h are shown at market value. The financFal statements include all transadions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They th) not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Funds Endowmont fund8 are funds. the capttal of whth must be maintained: onty incorne arising from investrnenl of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established

Restrict8d funds represent a) income from trusts or èndo%Thnts which may be expended onty on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and b) donations or grants received for a specific obje¢t or invited by the PCC for a sp￿lf￿ object. The funds may only bè expended on the specific object for which they were received. Any balan￿ remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried fonvard as a balan￿ on that fufbd. The PCC doès not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment. interest is apwrtiOn8d to individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are general funds wh￿h be used by the PCC for any PUTpose Incoming resourc08: Planned giving. colledions arKI donations are recognised when recetved. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming rescIJr￿ to whtch they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is alty entitled to the amount due. Dividends are acwunted for when receivable, interest is accrued. Rents recerved are accrued over the period to which they relate. All other inwne is recognised vthen it is receDiable. All inc￿nIng resources are accounted for gross. Resources expendad: Grants and donalions are accounted for when paid ovei or when awarded rf that award creates a binding or constructive obl￿atIon on the PCC. The dicKesan parish shar8 is accounted for when due. Insurance is accrued over the pertod to which tt relates. All other expendiiure generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Fixed Assets- Consecrated and benef￿ property ts not included in the arxounts by S10(2) of the Charities Act 2011 Moveable church furnishings hebd by the Vur and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property. listed in the church's inventory, wh￿h can be inspected {at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient ¢ost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Any individual item costing less than £1,CAIO is written off when incurred. Equi)ment used within Holy Trinty church or St John's premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 10 years. Individual items wilh a purthase Pri￿ of less than £500 are written off when the asset is acquired Invèstmonts are valued al market value at 31 December. They are held by the Dwjcese of Guildford as Custodian Trustee. The PCC xts as managing Trustee Restricted and unrestrl￿ed funds are mingled in the PCC'S Current bank accounl and short tenn deposi( accounts The PCC'S maintenance polw in respect of its consecrated and benefice property and land and buildings is to recognise repair liabilrties when they are contracted for rathei than when they are discovered. staff costs Salaries and wages Socral Security costs Pension costs Other benefrts Total This year Last year 11.166 13.854 11.166 13,854 Number of employees No empfoyee recewed benefts for the reporting per￿ of nK)re than £60,(MX) No Trustee expenses have bn incurred. There have been no related party tranSact￿n$ in the reporting per

ov)tt) 000 OOOfO ¢0 Thi ¢r¢ (boo 000m 000 ￿￿00 0> ¢0 rj) (o a)￿clo 000 UIW oooc) 0000

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL I report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 $1 December 2025 which are set out on pages to . Respective responsibilities of th• Trustees and Independent Examiner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The truslees consider that an audit is not required for this year by Church Accounting Regulations and section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to examine the accounts urthr the Church Accounting Regulations and 58Ctii of the 2011 Act" follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners in section 145(5}{b) of the 2011 Act" and to sLqle whether partiGular matter5 have come to my attention. Basls of Independent EXamine￿S State￿￿nt My examination was ¢a¥ried out in accordan￿ wrth the General Direct￿n$ given by the Charity Commission and in the Churth GuKlance. 2006 edition. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also i￿ludeS conSi￿ratIOn of any unusual rtems or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the management committee conceming any such matters. The procedures undertakon do not provKle all the evmjence thal would be required in a full audit, and consequenlly no opinion is given as to whether the accotjnts present a Irue and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement bekm. Indopondont Examiners Statement In connection with my 8xamination. no matters have come to my attent￿n 1. which give me reasonable cause lo believe that in any mate¥ial respect the requirements to keep a¢￿UntIng records in accordanr£ with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or to prepare accounts wh￿h accord with these accounting records and com[ the accvunting requirements of the 2011 Acl have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion. attent￿￿ should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. F D M George ACA Leith Cottage The Hiklens Westcott RH4 3JX

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL I report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 st December 2025 which are set out on pages to . Respective rnsponsibilitles of the Trustees and Independ￿t Examiner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year by Church Accounting RegUlat￿S and section 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under the Church Accounting Regulations and sectii of the 2011 Act: follow the procedures laid d(xYn in the General Directions gtven by the Charity Commissioners in seciK)n 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act", and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerf$ Statemen¢ My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commisson and in the Church Guidance. 2006 edit￿n. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the awounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or dI￿10$￿reS in the accounts. and seeking explanat￿nS from the fflanagement committee concerning any such Matters. The procedures undertaken do not provKle all the eviden￿ that would be required in a full audit, and consequentty no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a Irue and fair vie￿, and the report is limited to those matters set ¢)ut in the ststement bek>w. Indepondont E¥aminers Statement In connection with my examination, no matters have ￿rne to my attentK)n 1. whiGh give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act,. or to prepare accounts wh￿h accord with these accounting records and com[ the accounting requirements of the 2011 A have rlot been met.. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. F D M George ACA Lerth Cottage The Hildens Westcott RH4 3JX