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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Itchen Valley, Winchester

2024-12-31-accounts

THE PARISH OF THE ITCHEN VALLEY 2024 Annual Report

Incorporating the Parish Churches of St Mary’s Avington, St Mary’s Easton, St John’s Itchen Abbas and St Swithun’s Martyr Worthy

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Table of contents

  1. Administrative information - 4

  2. Structure, governance and management - 4

  3. Aims and purposes - 4

  4. Objects and activities - 4

  5. Achievements and performance - 4

  6. Electoral Roll - 4

  7. Rector’s report - 5

  8. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches - 11

  9. Churchwardens’ report - 13

  10. Deanery Synod report - 15

  11. Further reports - 16

Section 2 – Financial Reports - 20

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1. Administrative information

The Parish of the Itchen Valley is part of the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: Itchen Valley Parish Office, St John’s Church, Itchen Abbas, Winchester SO21 1BJ (01962)779845. The office is open from 9 am to 1pm on weekdays. The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Itchen Valley is a Registered Charity No: 1133110.

The Churches of the Parish are St Mary's at Avington, St Mary's at Easton, St John the Baptist's at Itchen Abbas and St Swithun's at Martyr Worthy.

Ministry team:

Rector - The Revd Peter Walker Licensed Lay Minister - Gerry Stacey Ministry team – John Barber, Nicky Barber, Tim Clapp, Simon Ffennell, Sarah Noble, Lavinia Owen.

Churchwardens:

St Mary’s Avington Vacant St Mary’s Easton Chris Ellis Elaine Labram St John’s Itchen Abbas Sarah Hunt St Swithun’s Martyr Worthy Sara Mason Malcolm Hogg

St John’s Itchen Abbas St Swithun’s Martyr Worthy

3. Aims and purposes

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector, to promote the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical - in the Ecclesiastical Parish and the area of the Itchen Valley. It is the duty of the Rector and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish.

4. Objects and activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part of our parish community. The PCC and Ministry Team all acknowledge the need to consider public benefit in planning activities and guidance on the advancement of religion.

5. Achievements and performance

The report from the churchwardens sets out some of the highlights of the parish’s achievements and performance in 2024.

Deanery Synod Representatives (elected in 2023 for 3 years) - Gerry Stacey, Chris Ellis, Mary Hogg

Elected members of the PCC : Sonia Cragg (Avington – appointed during year), Jill Croft (Easton), Olivia Cox (Itchen Abbas – stood down during year), John Barber (Martyr Worthy). Secretary : Beccy Clark (appointed during the year) Hon Treasurer: David Anderson

~~E~~ 2. Structure, governance and management e

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the Parish of the Itchen Valley is the governing body for the Parish. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules and the Parish Scheme. The PCC met six times during 2024. The PCC was supported by a Standing Committee and a Finance Committee.

The Constitution of the Parish of the Itchen Valley and the supporting Policy Guidance document can both be found on the parish website.

There are four District Church Councils (DCCs), one for each District centred on the churches of the Parish. All the DCCs met regularly during 2024.

All regular Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC and DCCs.

6. Electoral roll

There are 108 names on the 2025 Electoral Roll for the Parish, of whom 10 live outside the parish. This is a decrease of 31 on 2024.

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7. Rector’s Report

I turned round to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned. I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man’. … His head and hair were white like wool, … and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. (Revelation 1:12-15)

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Christ standing in our midst

These words, which describe the vision of Jesus given to St John the Divine on the island of Patmos, may initially seem a ‘far cry’ from the Itchen Valley. John was being given a powerful, even frightening, vision of the Risen Lord, which caused him to fall to his knees in worship; but Jesus assured him: “Do not be afraid. … I AM the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!”

This assurance of Jesus’ resurrection stands at the very centre of our Christian faith. In all the uncertainties of life that confront us as individuals, this anchor holds firm and gives us hope. For myself, to witness the quite sudden death of my sister, Jen, in Holy Week, was acutely painful, but it also embedded in me a yet stronger hope in the truth of Jesus as the Risen Lord—something which enabled me to preach with much stronger conviction a few days later on Easter Sunday.

This annual report is thus, at one level, a story of what the Risen Lord has been doing among us here in the Valley. He is indeed standing in the midst of us. Yet, it seems to me, there is a further application of John’s vision to us in this parish. For, just as the Risen Christ stood surrounded by seven lampstands, which were a picture of the seven churches of Asia Minor, so one can think of the parish of the Itchen Valley as being a Christian community which has the Risen Christ standing at the centre—surrounded, not by seven, but by four churches.

of Jesus standing as the central flame, surrounded by the four flames of the four churches. Let’s ensure that the flame in each of our four churches continues to burn brightly! For we are one parish, worshipping in four locations, focused on the unique person of the Risen Jesus.

Going around the four churches

So, as we tell the story of Christ’s work in our parish in 2024, let’s begin by noting briefly the story of what’s been happening in each village.

In Avington we have continued to have a service at least once a quarter, enjoying a ‘Songs of Praise’ evening service at both Easter and Harvest; and also holding a 10.00am Parish Communion on one or two occasions. The Quinquennium Report eventually came back, with the good news that nothing major was required on the building. And there were two good village events at the end of the year—when a high proportion of the local residents stood round the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday and joined in the Carol Singing event in the Old Dairy on 23 December.

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Hence the power I felt this year, as we went round each of the four churches for our main 10.00am service in the four Sundays of Advent. For, each Sunday, we were lighting another one of the four candles, in preparation for lighting the central candle on Christmas Day. So, when all the five candles had been lit, we had built up a beautiful picture of the church community in the Itchen Valley: the presence

In Easton the year was somewhat coloured by the urgent need to repair the damage caused by the ingress of water from the roof (in the corner above the baptismal font). After the lovely village wedding of Harry and Rachel at the end of May, St Mary’s was effectively closed till the end of August. The necessary work was all done successfully, but a further problem with the roof was discovered— namely that the decorative coping stones around the chancel were starting to fall away. So a protective

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fence was placed around the east end of the church, and the year ended with an awareness that there would need to be some major fund-raising to rectify this issue for the long-term. In this connection it was great, in November, to have a fund-raising event, when St Mary’s was filled with people coming to hear the Gospel Collective Alresford perform their energetic music under the dynamic leadership of Tim Uffindell.

And the whole occasion was adorned by one extra feature this year: Caroline Coleman allowed us to display her own-created Icon of the Nativity in the lych-gate before the service and then brought it in to the church before the start of ‘Once in Royal’: many people commented on its exquisite beauty. All this helped the year at St Mary’s, despite some of its earlier difficulties, to end on a high note.

Martyr Worthy continued to have its normal range of services. In the Parish Communion we reintroduced the singing of the Sanctus and, on occasions, we had the joy of Henry Barda singing a solo during the administration of communion. Meanwhile, the tradition of Choral Evensong continued unabated, with a small choir coming together each month and thereby expanding the repertoire of hymns and anthems we can enjoy.

A big ‘thank you’ must go to Chris Ellis and Elaine Labram, who as wardens were overseeing all this uncertainty relating to the fabric of St Mary’s. Yet good things were continuing to go on through the rest of the year in our Sunday services and, at the end of the year, the Crib Service was an occasion of great joy. Again, Chris and Elaine were key to its success: Chris, at the back on the technical desk, was ensuring all those located in the chancel could ‘see the action’ as it was being projected on the screen; whilst Elaine’s words of welcome from the front had the effect of allowing a calm atmosphere of expectation to fall across the congregation, as we prepared to hear the Nativity story once again.

One of our main goals was that this would be a special occasion for younger children to have space to feel the wonder of Christmas; and we sense this indeed happened. It was certainly great to see over 40 children coming forward to place their small sheep in the ‘Shepherds’ Fields’ below Bethlehem!

In particular, two evensongs were particularly well attended—the Patronal Evensong in July (when Revd Andrew Micklefield came back as our Guest preacher) and the Ecumenical Service in November (when Tim Tyler conducted an augmented choir in the singing of Stanford’s setting, and we welcomed Deacon Tony Darlison from St Peter’s Roman Catholic church in Winchester). On this second occasion, it was special that Fr Mark Hogan and I were able to talk briefly about our different ministries and then pray for each other as brothers in Christ.

There was also one significant addition to the services in St Swithun’s—with its becoming the place for the twice-quarterly Valley Worship service.

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Because this service is integrally combined with the ‘Ark’ Sunday School for younger children, the nearby location of the Martyr Worthy Village Hall has made St Swithun’s the best location—at least for the time being—for this informal service. It was so lovely throughout the year to see the Ark (led by Verity Greig) to be so often full of children and activity; and also to sense how this beautiful ancient church could also be the venue of some more informal worship. A big ‘thank you’ to John and Nicky Barber for leading this service for us with such dedication and care, as well as to Simon Ffennell and all those who have so graciously welcomed this differently-styled service into St Swithun’s.

Finally, St John’s, Itchen Abbas has continued to fulfil its vital role as our central ‘hub’ church for so many of our parish-wide events, such as CAMEO and Little Rainbows etc (towards the end of the year, the church heating system was causing a problem with some of these events, but we hope this issue will soon be satisfactorily resolved). Yet, within its own village-context, there were also some special occasions to remember too: in June there was the wedding of Rachel and Ryan and then, the next day, a special farewell to Vernon Tottle, when we expressed our profound thanks for his many years as the St John’s verger (all that chair-moving was certainly a ‘labour of love’!); and, over the year, a series of great events when Itchen Abbas Primary School (under the new head teacher, Rob Bogan) were able to fill the church with some great youthful energy and dynamism. Sarah Hunt and I were able to welcome them on numerous occasions (not just for their Easter and Harvest Services, but also for their Christmas Nativity and Christmas Concert), and each one was a vibrant and really enjoyable occasion. Meanwhile, our CAMEO guests will not easily forget the times when the IAPS children have arrived at the end of lunch, to perform a song and then have gone around talking to them: its so good to see conversations going on between the generations!

It’s good in this way, as we go round the four churches, to sense how the flame of Christ’s presence, is very much in evidence in each church, and to see how they are each making a distinctive contribution to the life of our parish as whole. Quite a

rich and varied ‘tapestry’ of Christian life and community is indeed being created in the Valley! For, it goes without saying that everything we do in any one of these churches is always, simultaneously, something which is done in the name of the whole parish. And the end result is that the ‘sum is greater than its parts’. At the same time, if one of our churches is facing some particular struggles, our commitment to each other and to the parish as a whole means we should be eager to support them; for, as St Paul would remind us in 1 Corinthians 12, we are all ‘belong to each other’ and are all ‘members of one body’—the ‘body of Christ’ Himself here in the Valley.

Parish-wide events

So let’s now turn to take a look at some of our more obviously parish-wide activities.

In January and February we enjoyed the continuation of the 2023/4 Martyr Worthy Lectures. An enormous ‘thank you’ must go to Gilly Greenwood and her team (especially Verity Coleman, Lucinda Ffennell and Sophie Parry) for all their planning and preparation, as well as to the many who help on the night. These continue to be top-quality events—professional, educational and hugely enjoyable! And, of course, they play a vital and indispensable part in our necessary fund-raising activities for the life of our parish.

Easter fell very early in 2024, so it was not long before we were enjoying some ‘Lent Lunches’ in various people’s homes. Although not strictly a church-event, these continue to be a great opportunity to meet and mingle as a Valley community, and we are so grateful to Jude Mezger and Verity Coleman for their part in organising them.

The early dates meant that this year, unusually, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday fell in schools’ half-term; so we thought that our Pancake Party might be undersubscribed. Instead—helped perhaps by some torrential rain on the day—Easton Village

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Hall was packed out ‘to the gills’. Parents and grandparents had obviously decided that this was the best wet-weather activity available that day; and, with Theo, Gerry and Jenny Crowther producing over 200 pancakes in a few hours, they were not disappointed!

Saturday, the weather was brilliant, giving us a golden and hot autumnal day; so a good number of us spilled outside, to sit on some hay bales by a tent close to the car park, whilst others enjoyed the great spread of sandwiches and cakes in the church.

It was also cold and damp on Good Friday, but that did not prevent a good number of people coming out for the traditional Way of the Cross in Church Lane, Martyr Worthy. A big Thank you to Jenny Crowther and her team for all they did to pull this together. It was certainly very moving, to be in a packed St Swithun’s and to sing ‘When I survey the Wondrous Cross’.

Six weeks later, the main Royal British Legion service on Remembrance Sunday was also in St John’s. This year, one of our main themes was based on the painting called ‘The White Comrade’, painted by a member of David Swinstead’s family in 1915. David and I had visited the Museum of Military Medicine a few days before, when we were able to see the original painting (which is over 7 feet high); and David had kindly bought some postcards back so that those gathered in church could appreciate its powerful message—of the Risen Christ standing by those who were in the trenches.

We celebrated Easter Sunday with a packed service in St John’s, Itchen Abbas, and then, a few weeks later, celebrated the ’50 days that changed the world’ (the period between Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and his eventual departure at the time of his Ascension) with a visit from Bishop David Williams. He spoke movingly about Jesus’ words at the Last Supper at a communion service in the Itchen Abbas Village Hall and then returned to St Mary’s, Easton for a celebration of the Ascension in company with singers from around the Valley and from Prince’s Mead school.

And then we soon found ourselves racing towards Christmas. Once again, individuals were able to access the daily devotional resources in the Advent Calendar (created by Sarah Noble in 2023).

And, in addition to our regular morning Advent services, we could also enjoy a lovely Christingle service (led by Kate Mezger and James Greig in St John’s) and a traditional service of Six Lessons and Carols in St Swithun’s on the last Sunday before Christmas.

In the autumn, each of the churches had its own Harvest Service, but we also had a parish-wide Harvest Tea in St John’s, Itchen Abbas. That

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Numbers are by no means the most important criterion, but at that service there were 120 in the congregation. And in the next 48 hours (if, in addition to our three main services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we include the two outdoor carolsinging events: in Avington on the Monday and outside the Cricketers’ Inn in Easton on the Tuesday), there were a further 475 people who joined us from the Valley to celebrate in different ways the Good News of our Saviour’s birth. That represents over a third of the number of residents in the parish.

The main theme I felt called to focus on in the Christmas season was that of Jesus’ being the ‘Light of the World’: just as the sun in the sky sends forth light within our natural world, so the Risen Jesus is there to radiate outwards both heat and light in the spiritual world. It’s good to think that so many people in the Valley may have heard that message, and we can pray that it continues to be a source of encouragement to us all as we go forwards into 2025.

All our parish life is dependent on people giving so much of their time and energy ‘for the common good’ and in a voluntary capacity; and this report must rightly close with me expressing my profound thanks to everyone for all that you do.

Many people will be mentioned in the Churchwarden’s Report (page 13), and I fully endorse all they have written; but may I take this opportunity to express my thanks to three special groups of people who do so much that is close to the heart of our church community: the 13 members of the PCC; those who lead the groups mentioned on page 14 and the Ministry Team (Gerry Stacey, Simon Ffennell, Lavinia Owen, John & Nicky Barber, James Greig, and Sarah Noble). Everyone in these groups goes way beyond the call of duty and makes it possible for our church to go forwards in Christ’s name—developing our worship, ministry and mission in ways that we hope will increasingly bless the wider community. Yet, perhaps above all, we all owe Beccy Clark a huge debt of gratitude for the way she helps smooth all our communication with both her administrative efficiency and pastoral wisdom. Her personal presence, combined with her professional standards, makes my life, and indeed all our church life, so much easier—thank you, Beccy!

The idea of Christ as Light is, obviously, very much what we also were seeing in that opening passage that I quoted from Revelation 1. If there we applied it to each of our churches being called to be a beacon of Christ’s Light in their own location, here we are being reminded that that that can only happen if we too, as individuals, are receiving Christ’s Light into our own lives, and are then ‘walking in the light’.

Looking back with thanks

When we look back over 2024, we evidently have much to give thanks for. In addition to what has been mentioned above, we can also be immensely grateful that, despite some predictions to the contrary, we effectively ‘broke even’ at the end of the financial year. Whilst there is a significant deficit anticipated for 2025, which will need our attention in the coming months, it’s good here to pause and for me to thank everyone—and especially those who give regularly on a monthly or quarterly basis—who have enabled us to end 2024 in this way. ‘Every little helps’, and we’re indeed ‘all in this together’.

Please know your Rector is deeply grateful: the parish might grind to a halt without each one of you playing your particular part! Yet let’s also remember, and be encouraged by the fact, that this is not our church and not our ministry, but it is Jesus’ church, and he is the one who is really at work amongst us. ‘Without me you can do nothing”, he tells us in John 15:5, but with him and in his strength we can do whatever he calls us to do. We are a community focused on the Risen Christ, the Light of the World, and we are sharing in his Light.

Revd Peter

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Church Reports

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12

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8. Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the churches

St Mary’s Avington

Work arising from the quinquennial inspection has now been completed where possible, including both the internal and external electrics , and is on-going in other areas, such as guttering, roofing and overhanging trees. The church is in a good state of repair and continues to be visited by many visitors, as well as locals. We have held a number of lovely services over the year including Songs of Praise services for Easter and Harvest.

Georgie Krone coordinated the organisation of a car boot sale, held on Yavington Farm, thanks to Robert Stent, which despite challenging weather made over £1000 to be put towards village projects including those at St Mary’s, Avington.

Grateful thanks go Jacqui Squires as she steps down after many years taking the lead in keeping the churchyard looking so beautiful, she has been an enormously valuable of the team.

Thanks too to all in the village who help with the flower rota, the locking and unlocking rota, the gardening and the flag-raising.

becoming detached, so a temporary fence was erected to stop members of the public accessing the area. A rough estimate from Jeremy Poll suggested repairs could cost in the region of £100 - 105,000 so a grant has just been applied for holding measures to ensure the safe continuation of the use of the Church whilst funds are raised.

Fund raising in 2024 included a very successful gospel choir evening which was well received.

There was some concern about one of the graves which is being attended to. The heating was serviced, and the thermostat batteries were replaced.

St Mary’s Development Project:

Due to the fabric of the Church needing such attention there has been no further progress on the development project though the Rector is keen to progress the car parking issue.

St John’s, Itchen Abbas

The use of St. John’s continues to be many and varied. Regular midweek events include Little Rainbows, CAMEO, Wednesday Night Worship, PCC and other midweek parish meetings. Groups of pilgrim walkers were welcomed after arrangements made in advance; they have always been grateful for this hospitality. Itchen Abbas School has had several services and events in St. John’s thanks to a greater involvement initiated by the Head Mr. Bogan.

In late February various overhanging trees, mainly yews, were trimmed in the churchyard and the oak tree in the church field was given a tidy re-shaping, £100 having been donated by Patrick Daniell who gave the tree in the first place.

St Mary’s, Easton

2024 was a year with quite a few structural issues concerning the fabric of the Church. The Church was closed in April following the discovery of falling plaster which had to be stabilised following an emergency faculty in time for a wedding. The external repairs referred to in last year’s report finally began in July 2024 and again the Church was closed as; to save money, welfare facilities were provided in the church. The repairs, scheduled to take six weeks, ended up lasting until early September but the Church reopened with a service to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of the Mezgers.

Churchyard tidying under John Bouldin’s guidance with generous help from Rodney Dartnall continued roughly once a month, various others helping and all contributing to maintain a tidy and welcoming environment. The fence round the church field needed some repair after a car had gone into one section; this was done by Patrick Appleby with John Bouldin, necessitating careful re-attachment of the outside electric lighting system. The state of the surface of the church field, although very muddy at times, seemed to recover as spring advanced and Tim Clapp’s seed sowing proved worthwhile.

However, it was as the work on the roof began that a coping stone fell from the chancel wall. Closer inspection revealed that all the stones appeared to be

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On 12[th] May there was a different format to the Sunday services with Itchen Abbas Village Hall being the venue for an extended Passover meal with participants joining in an extended enactment of Holy Week inside and out, followed by a shared lunch. The village hall is used for Café church once a month, organised by people from throughout the parish.

trying to maintain a warm, light, dry church, even though the solution is still elusive.

Sarah Hunt resigned from being church warden at the end of 2024, although she will continue to be part of the team who provide the preparation and putting away before and after services.

St Swithun’s, Martyr Worthy

After 13 years as verger Vernon Tottle resigned due to the demands of the ever-changing needs of St. John’s, particularly chair moving. His work in looking after the interior from carpet cleaning to every aspect of caring for St. John’s, as well as his attention to detail, has been exemplary and the whole parish has benefitted from his sterling work. In June the parish gave him and Arminel tickets for Glyndebourne Opera and a sum in cash in addition.

As part of Harvest celebrations there was a tea in St John’s when people from all over the valley contributed. About 50 people came and because of children possibly playing in the churchyard David Swinstead inspected the state of the gravestones. Around 12 were found to be unsafe and Blackwell and Moody repaired and made safe the majority. Two have remained in a horizontal position as the safest option. Although most of the inscriptions are legible it has not been possible to contact the relevant families in case they were able to provide a contribution towards the cost of repair.

Fortunately, no major repairs were needed to the fabric of the building during last year. However, further work was required on the boiler which, we fear, will probably need replacing in the not-toodistant future. The Faculty for our proposed Memorial West Window came through in August. There followed several months of planning, and consultation with the PCC, where approval was given in principle subject to fundraising. (The Appeal was launched in January 2025). Stain removal on internal plasterwork was successfully completed. Asbestos has been found in the ceiling at the west end. It has good integrity with no risks posed at present.

In the Autumn the heating system failed and Anchor were unable to fix it; it was repaired in time for Christmas but subsequently has failed again and spare parts for the boiler are awaited. Extra blow heaters were hired for all services and other events to provide sufficient warmth.

The water flow in the kitchen tap was adjusted by a separate plumber as well as repairing the toilet cistern. The septic tank had to be emptied at two very short intervals.

The contributions by various people has enabled St John’s to be welcoming and well cared for – Elizabeth Bouldin in organising the flower rota with Arminel Tottle asking enough people to provide extra arrangements for festival occasions. Joan Dartnall continues to open and close the church every day. Elizabeth Bouldin, Joan Dartnall and Jean Taylor provide coffee and biscuits after services. Jean Taylor changes the altar frontals as well as being a welcomer along with Lavinia and Nick Owen. Charlotte Appleby organises and coordinates CAMEO each month. John Bouldin brings together the regular Churchyard tidying team. Gavin Edgerley Harris is on hand to arrange an appropriate space in the churchyard for a burial, Stephen Mead is on call as our health and safety person. Brigid McManus takes notes for minutes from meetings which are short and to the point. Patrick Appleby has given more time, energy and expertise than all of us in

All gravestones have been surveyed for risks posed; only one, in the auxiliary graveyard, requires attention. This is in hand.

Our lightning conductors have been re-certified successfully.

9. Churchwardens’ report

As always, we warmly welcome all of those who are new to the parish including young families, and those from further afield who choose to worship with us and so be part of our family.

Our sincere thanks are due to the many people who, under Revd Peter’s leadership, help to make the Parish a very special community. These include:

• Gerry Stacey, our Licensed Lay Minister, who continues to contribute so much, leading many of the non-communion services particularly when Revd Peter is not available. Gerry both leads and assists with the widest range of services and makes a huge contribution to very many other parish activities.

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• Our seven Licensed BCMs: Tim Clapp, Simon Ffennell, Sarah Noble, Nicky Barber, John Barber, James Greig and Lavinia Owen. Each has their own individual interests and strengths. Every one of them makes an enormous contribution to our routine services, special services and activities for all ages.

• The Greig family, who make a special creative contribution towards the Ark and activities for the young.

• Those from the Diocese and Arle Deanery who support us throughout the year, particularly Bishop David, Archdeacon Richard Brand, Revd Andrew Micklefield (Area Dean) and the officers of the DAC.

• The officers of our parish, who give so much of their time managing the parish and our churches.

• The Parochial Church Council, its committees and our District Church Councils and their Secretaries.

• David Anderson, our Honorary Treasurer and Janet Denyer, who so professionally manages our bookkeeping.

• Our Deanery Synod Representatives; and our Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Data Protection Officers.

that, without the exceptional support of these generous people, our parish could not be so active and effectively run. They make a substantial contribution towards the welfare of the parish and our Valley.

There are others who take on more particular, yet much valued, roles to whom we express great thanks:

We are hugely indebted to Beccy Clark, our Parish Administrator, whose sensitivity, discretion, helpfulness, creativity, skills, efficiency and hard work are so essential for the smooth running of our parish. In addition to her regular administrative function, she has also taken on the function of PCC Secretary for which we are so grateful. We are truly blessed to have Beccy supporting all of us and we owe her a great debt of thanks.

The success and smooth running of our parish also depends upon a veritable army of volunteers who perform various key roles and duties; without their selfless commitment of time, energy and sheer hard work and enthusiasm, we would not be able to operate at our continuing level. They serve in so many ways:

We are most grateful to all those mentioned above for all of their enormous contributions to our parish; and we are truly blessed to have them working so diligently for us. Let us remind ourselves that the Rector is working only on a half-stipendiary basis and

• At services whether as sides persons, lessonreaders, intercessors, chalice or eucharistic assistants, bell-ringers, members of the band, helping with young children and those who make and serve coffee;

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• As members of our informal choir, those who sing and play other instruments, plus those who provide technical support;

• Help with church-cleaning, flower-arranging, polishing the brass, opening and closing the churches every day;

It has always been and remains one ‘big team effort’ and we are truly appreciative of all that you have done. The Churchwardens wish to thank you all individually and collectively.

Churchwarden in the Parish in 2025. This is not an ideal situation, rendering the good governance of the PCC (a Registered Charity) more difficult. It is to be hoped that volunteers can be found to fill the gaps for what can be a satisfying role.

Our warmest thanks to those Churchwardens retiring at the end of the year, Sarah Hunt, Chris Ellis, Elaine Labram and Sara Mason. They have put in many years of great service.

en—“CSSCSCSCSCs 10. Deanery Synod report

A significant change this year is that we have joined in partnership with Alton Deanery, held joint meetings and are actively looking for ways to share resources and join in partnership activities. In the immediate future we will remain separate deaneries but share meetings, experience, activities, worship and prayer.

We received the Diocesan environmental and net zero carbon action plan and all parishes are encouraged to work towards net zero.

Such initiatives include Café Church, held once a month in Itchen Abbas Village Hall, the Pancake Party held last year in Easton Village Hall, The Lent Lunches, The Way of the Cross held down Church Lane, Martyr Worthy on Good Friday, the Crib Service in St Mary’s Easton on Christmas Eve and the Harvest tea.

Further, through the Rector we seek to build closer relationships with the two schools in the Valley. Also, our Valley Visitors’ activities very much reach out to all parts of the Valley population, as does CAMEO which continues to attract those older members of the community.

Our July meeting focused on education with talks from a primary school head teacher, an adviser on religious education and a member of Open the Book. It was exciting to see the breadth and depth of religious education in the deanery and learn of the benefits it can bring. With a primary school in our parish, we should be looking to further our already good links to promote outreach.

Our final meeting of the year included a talk from a children’s worker from Southampton showing the church growth that can come from having a strong vision for children’s work, developing effective links with schools and with support for parents. The meeting discussed the wide range of children’s activities available around the deaneries and is encouraging all to work across parishes to benefit from these.

Our external charitable activities have again been to Winchester Beacon (formerly called Winchester Night Shelter), Winchester Basics Bank, Trinity Centre in Winchester, the Children’s Society and the Royal British Legion.

Our own fundraising activity still needs to grow - given the forecast deficit. Historically, fundraising events for the General Fund have made a major contribution to our financial position and a major push will need to be made if fundraising income is to achieve the necessary level. Fundraising events also provide a social dimension to our life as a parish and demonstrate that the congregation is active in the local community. We are once again grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of fundraising teams but are always looking out for new ideas and helpers.

Finally, a more concerning note. it is likely that, following retirements, there might be but one

Finally, we had a report from Rwanda. The government has strengthened the requirements for both church leaders and buildings. While probably beneficial in the long run this has unfortunately led to a reduction in the number of priests and many church buildings have had to be closed as they are of substandard construction. We continue to explore our relationship for the future.

LLM Gerry Stacey

15

~~ee~~ 11. Reports

CAMEO

CAMEO continues! We averaged 38.5 people in 2024, ranging from a low of 32 in January 2024 (we were notably short of helpers, but we managed!) to 52 for our Christmas lunch. We always have room (and food) for more so if you, or anyone over 65 you know, would enjoy a companiable lunch once a month do please give me a call on 779778 and come along.

for the residents of the Itchen Valley”. Age is a small but meaningful word that is becoming more and more relevant both to our visitors and those they visit. Therefore it becomes increasingly imperative to recruit some younger Visitors. Let 2025 be the year in which we achieve this, so that we can also be there to help some of the younger residents too. The role is not one of nurse or counsellor but a friend in times of need who can bring relief from boredom or depression and occasionally a link to more formal health services. In the last year we have been active in visiting, enjoying a close relationship with CAMEO and sometimes following up on the Rector’s extensive visiting. We are a significant link to the outside world for many of the elderly, frail and lonely of whom there are increasing numbers in our aging community. Lavinia Owen

Café Church

Café Church has continued to thrive over the past year. It meets on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm in Itchen Abbas Village Hall and occasionally in the summer holidays beside the Barbers’ pool in Martyr Worthy. These venues offer flexible space and are ideal for our purposes.

We are delighted to have gained quite a number of new guests, and, sadly lost a few who are no longer able to come out to lunch. However, we do a nice line in takeaways for some who are still living nearby; and Gail Mann continues to do an amazing job remembering birthdays for helpers, guests and former guests.

We are also glad to have welcomed several new helpers – some of the team were (dare I say it?) old enough to have been guests even when CAMEO first started and are now old enough to be President of the US, but are still cooking with skill and dedication. Menu planning meetings are a riot.

The main change has been the retirement of Vernon the Verger, who nobly put out and away the tables and chairs each month. CAMEO organised a retirement party for him – we chose a rose wine to avoid any staining of the lovingly cleaned carpet in the church. However, this being the Itchen Valley, a team of volunteers have stepped up to fill the vacancy and each month one or more of them are available to do the work.

The purpose of cafe church is to gather to encourage one another to serve and glorify God, both in our worship together and also as we leave into the outside world. A collaborative approach aims to enable contributions that might not naturally sit in other service settings, and the informality is ideal for inviting people along.

During the year we have explored many passages of scripture together, meditating on the practical applications in our lives. focusing on how the word of God is alive and active, and has the ability to transform our hearts and minds, and can be the living water that keeps us truly alive. Each month the reflections and contributions on scripture from the children are disarmingly sharp, and it has been a joy to encourage these young ones in their early walk with God.

Our happy connection with IA School continues and we look forward to their visits. One of our guests was a pupil at the school many years ago and was delighted to hear of the 150[th] anniversary celebrations planned for the summer. She has been looking out family records to give to the school.

Charlotte Appleby

Valley Visitors

I would like to start by thanking the wonderful team of Valley Visitors who, as one experienced visitor, said they have all been quietly busy, beavering away, doing what they all do so well, looking after and out

16

Meanwhile, the range of those contributing to the services becomes ever greater, including both adults and children. There are many established sub-teams including those that setup for the occasion and dissemble the hall: those that organise sport, mostly outside: craft work, quieter games, reading, prayer and other more contemplative activities. Then there are those that play and sing so joyously, leading us in worship and others who share Bible-based, imaginatively presented, teaching. Further manna is provided in the form of delicious savoury and sweet treats and lastly there is our most dedicated ‘kitchen’ team that remind us of that living water we are there to receive and share. We are very grateful to the large number of people that so excellently make this relatively complex service such flexible and creative space for worship.

Numbers continue to grow and whilst attendance is lowest in the summer holidays, when families are away, we usually approach 60 in number. The congregation is ‘all age’, made up of younger families with some of the older generation also enjoying this less formal, simpler style of service.

This is a good opportunity to thank the church family for their time, creative contributions and support for cafe church. We will continue to pray together that God will show us how to use this service to encourage one another and build one another up as we walk together with Christ, fixing our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith.

with testimonies to share. A significant part of the evening is then left open to continued worship and prayer ministry. Our desire is to give the Holy Spirit free rein to lead our time, to meet with all who are hungry to be filled by Him, and to offer prayer ministry to all who would like to receive.

The evenings are very much open to all who are keen to worship, to pray, and to be encouraged in their faith, in an informal setting. Julia Wright

Little Rainbows

Little Rainbows continues to be a happy gathering of parents on Monday mornings. The group has evolved quite a bit from last year, with many of our former rainbows graduating onto primary school.

Thankfully we’ve had the blessing of seven new baby rainbows born this past year, bringing our average age right down to primarily newborns and very young toddlers. This natural shift has created a gentle space that is more focused on fellowship and support for the tired mothers (and a few fathers!). We provide snacks for the older children and come together for circle time with songs and dances.

Wednesday Night Worship

Wednesday Night Worship continues to take place once a month at St John’s, Itchen Abbas.

Our purpose is to provide a space for people to meet with God and meet with each other through worship; prayer; and sharing testimonies of what God is doing in our lives and communities.

There are usually 20-30 people who gather on these evenings, some from within the parish, and others travelling from further afield.

We follow a loose structure of enjoying a few minutes of fellowship over tea and brownies whilst people arrive. We then move into a time of worship, followed by one of the group sharing a testimony and message of faith-building encouragement, rooted in Scripture. Sometimes there are numerous people

We are always so grateful for our rainbow helpers, organised by Verity Coleman, as they graciously serve tea, coffee and treats. This lovely group is always a highlight of our week!

Katherine Nevin

17

The Ark

The Ark is our Parish Sunday School that runs for all children of any age on a Sunday during Valley Worship.

We follow the theme of Valley Worship and play fungames, read stories and make craft activities to help the children understand the message.

UTX (Under the Cross)

2024 was a year of change for UTX. Our regular members numbered six (Alfie, Fraser, George, Isla, Olive and Connie) and it has been lovely to see them gel together as a group. In 2024 we started meeting twice monthly – which I am so thrilled that the young ones want to do.

We were joined in January by Jo Donaldson, to help lead our group. She brings several years’ experience of heading up the youth ministry and youth group at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winchester. She has been amazing at leading us, both in discussion, and in team games, some of which have been quite hilarious. We also have the odd taskmaster challenge and fun food preparation in the kitchen.

We have looked at a few Youth Alpha sessions together and will continue with some more up to Easter 2025. We love the family swim and BBQ at the beginning and end of the summer holidays, and sometimes the Rector is reluctantly asked to attend for his more theological input!

This year some of the topics we have looked at include what it means to be a living sacrifice, gifts we can offer to God, the Holy Spirit and treasures in heaven. We have had lots of fun making collages, painting canvases, stamping zines, making wooden superheros and hiding treasures in Angel Delight.

I thank God for each family represented here. This is time set aside for the young ones, and my prayer is that they will grow in love for God and for each other. Georgie Walker

The Ark is well attended by 10+ children ranging from age 2 to 12, many of whom come every month. Highlights have been:

In 2025 we are looking forward to seeing the children grow deeply in their relationship with God and really knowing they are loved by Him. Verity Greig

Rectory Prayer Meetings

We started meeting in September 2023 and have continued through most months in 2024. We will do likewise in 2025, setting aside 3 months out of four. We pray together for our parish, our wider community, and for issues affecting our world. We also make time to pray for each other when there are particular burdens we want to share.

We are still small in number – usually 6-8 friends; but however many or few there are, it is always good to know that there is a nucleus of faithful prayers coming together. Please do join us! Georgie Walker

18

Safeguarding

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is a team effort, and I wish to thank David Swinstead, Malcom Hogg and all the members of the PCC and others, who have helped in developing risk assessments over the past year. Thank you to churchwardens, Chris Ellis and Elaine Labram who, with the help of David Swinstead have designed a safe system of work for the chancel roof at St Mary’s, Easton. This is a long-term project, and I thank them all for continually monitoring the situation to keep the buildings and graveyard safe. The cordon around the font has been removed following the plaster containment.

Safeguarding

Thanks are given to Jessica Helgesen who stood down as Safeguarding Officer at the end of 2024. A new Safeguarding Officer is actively being sought (at the time of the APCM, LLM Gerry Stacey has been appointed, and policies and procedures have been updated) There were no incidents or confidential matters which have raised concern during 2024.

Thank you to David Swinstead for conducting a survey of the graveyards to check for tombstone movement. Some tombstones identified have been repaired where required.

The PCC continue to monitor outside events and approval risk-assessments often at short notice, for which I am very thankful.

It is a team effort, and I am very thankful for all the support across the Valley for continuing to make our churches, grounds and events safe and fun places for our congregants.

Sara Mason

19

Financial Report

Pay to all what is due to them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law

Romans 13:7-8

20

The PCC of Itchen Valley Winchester

(registered charity number 1133110)

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2024

21

Financial Review

This report shows the financial performance of the Itchen Valley Parish for 2024.

When looking at these accounts the most important column is ‘Unrestricted funds’ which shows the receipts and payments related to the running of our church activities.

Total unrestricted receipts for the year at £141,634 were lower than 2023 (£150,241) and this led to a small deficit of £159 (2023 £6,625 surplus). The total deficit for the year (including both unrestricted and restricted funds) was £32,110 and the equivalent figure for 2023 was a surplus of £6,778.

There was significant expenditure on buildings during the year principally on the roof at St Mary’s Easton where £56,197 has so far been spent.

Total funds at 31st December 2024 were £205,557 (2023 £237,667).

The Parishes’ contribution to the Common Mission Fund (CMF) was £70,521 a reduction from the £74,580 paid in 2023. Across the diocese contributions to CMF have increased and the figure for 2025 is £76,601.

Planned giving (unrestricted) and associated Gift Aid recovered totalled around £106,000 (2023 - approximately £103,000). Efforts continue to be made to increase planned giving and these have had some impact, but our planned giving is not yet at a level that will allow the Parish to know at the beginning of the year that it is operating with a surplus. We need to increase planned giving to around £120,000 and will be working during the current year to seek to achieve that.

As ever thanks are due to all those who contributed to the running and financing of the Parish. David Anderson continued as Treasurer. Janet Denyer continues to carry out the roles of Bookkeeper and Gift Aid Secretary expertly.

Reserves policy

As required by Charities legislation the PCC reviews regularly the financial risks associated with the operations of the Church. The main financial risk to income would be a change in the giving profile of parishioners and the main financial risk to costs would be a requirement for significant expenditure on the buildings.

The PCC’s policy is to maintain liquid funds (not designated for other purposes) to cover 9 months expenditure of unrestricted funds. At 31st December this would have been £106,225. Free reserves at this date were £115,853, so the PCC is achieving its policy for 2024.

Approved by the Itchen Valley PCC on 11[th] March 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Sara Mason - Lay Chair of PCC on behalf of the PCC

Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts for year ended 31st December 2024

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Examiner

The PCC members acting as the charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider than an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission and the guidance published in ‘PCC Accountability’ (The Charities Act 2011 and the PCC, 5th Edition). An examination includes a review of the accounting records held by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination no material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or that the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date : 14[th] March 2025

Signed

Stephen Hendy Data Developments

First Floor, The Chubb Building, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT

23

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and SORP 2005. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets which are shown at market value. 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.

Funds

Restricted funds represent donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for expenditure on a specific purpose agreed by the PCC. The designation has no legal status and can be changed.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes in accordance with its constitution.

Incoming resources

All income is generally recognised when received.

Resources expended

Expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. In certain cases where significant liabilities have been incurred but not paid for these are accounted for on an accruals basis.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.92(a) of the Charities Act 1993. Movable church furnishings held by the rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected on request.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value as at 31st December and are shown under current assets. Investments sold are revalued immediately prior to disposal. Investment income is allocated across funds in proportion to their average balance during the year.

24

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Note Unrestricted
funds		 Designated
funds		 Restricted
funds		 This year
total funds		 Last year
total
funds
Receipts
Planned giving 1 88,437 — — 88,437 84,548
Collections and other giving 2 8,516 — 1,320 9,836 21,674
Other voluntary receipts 3 5,852 — 15,271 21,123 9,856
Gift Aid recovered 4 19,430 — 467 19,897 21,469
Other receipts 5 1,107 — 6,181 7,288 5,399
Activities for generating funds 6 9,283 — 4,987 14,269 9,149
Investment Income 7 4,810 1,012 3,371 9,193 6,579
Receipts from church activities 8 4,199 — — 4,199 8,391
Total receipts 141,634 1,012 31,596 174,242 167,065
Payments
Cost of generating funds 9 843 — — 843 1,248
Common Mission Fund 10 70,521 — — 70,521 74,580
Clergy and Staffing costs 11 31,296 — — 31,296 29,223
Church running expenses 12 39,133 2,738 1,360 43,230 39,193
Church repairs & maintenance 13 — — 58,965 58,965 10,629
New building work 14 — — 1,497 1,497 5,414
Total payments 141,793 2,738 61,822 206,352 160,287
Net incoming / outgoing resources before transfer (159) (1,726) (30,225) (32,110) 6,778
Transfers — — — — —
Net incoming / outgoing before other gains / losses (159) (1,726) (30,225) (32,110) 6,778
Other recognised gains / losses — — — — —
Net movement in funds (159) (1,726) (30,225) (32,110) 6,778
Total funds brought forward 116,012 25,260 96,395 237,667 230,889
Total funds carried forward 115,853 23,535 66,169 205,557 237,667
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund 115,853 — — 115,853 116,012
Designated
Itchen Abbas Designated Fabric — 23,535 — 23,535 25,260
Restricted
Avington Fabric — — 4,844 4,844 7,774
Easton Fabric — — 29,214 29,214 47,252
Martyr Worthy Fabric — — 18,507 18,507 17,744
Were Fabric Fund — — 13,605 13,605 23,625
Total funds 115,853 23,535 66,169 205,557 237,667

25

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024

Current assets
Debtors
Investments (incl. Flagstone CAF Deposit)
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund
Designated
Itchen Abbas Designated Fabric
Restricted
Avington Fabric
Easton Fabric
Martyr Worthy Fabric
Were Fabric Fund
Funds of the church		 This year
total funds
Prior year
total funds
6,025
8,638
169,656
178,471
40,718
67,898
216,400
255,008
10,843
17,341
10,843
17,341
205,557
237,667
205,557
237,667
205,557
237,667
115,853
116,012
23,535
25,260
4,844
7,774
29,214
47,252
18,507
17,744
13,605
23,625
205,557
237,667

Statement of assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
This year
total funds
Last year
total funds
Current assets
CAF current account
CAF Gold bank account
Nat West current account
CCLA (CBF) deposit account
Flagstone CAF Deposit
Accounts Receivable
Totals
Liabilities
Agency collections
Accounts payable
Prepayments
Totals
Grand total		 3,628
750
7,178
11,555
36,891
14,639
3,025
7,947
25,611
26,141
1,011
209
1,321
2,540
4,867
578
119
313
1,011
—
96,975
20,039
52,643
169,656
178,471
1,523
38
4,464
6,025
8,638
118,354
24,180
73,865
216,400
255,008
—
—
6,707
6,707
8,435
2,101
646
989
3,735
3,915
400
—
—
400
4,991
2,501
646
7,696
10,843
17,341
115,853
23,535
66,169
205,557
**237,667 **

26

Fund movement by type - 2024

Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Closing
General fund
Designated - Itchen Abbas
Restricted - Easton
Restricted - Martyr Worthy
Restricted - Avington
Restricted - Were
Grand total		 116,012
141,634
141,793
115,853
25,260
1,012
2,738
23,535
47,252
28,684
57,722
11,000
29,214
17,744
1,338
575
18,507
7,774
574
3,505
4,844
23,625
1,000
20
(11,000)
13,605
237,667
174,242
206,352
-
205,557

27

Analysis of income and expenditure

1. Planned giving

Planned giving - GAE donations
Planned giving - non GAE donations
Planned giving - GA inclusive donations
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
67,922
—
—
67,922
63,938
6,865
—
—
6,865
7,410
13,650
—
—
13,650
13,200
88,437
—
—
88,437
84,548

2. Collections and other giving

GASDS Avington
GASDS Martyr Worthy
GASDS Itchen Abbas
GASDS Easton
One-off GAE gifts
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
—
—
—
—
298
3,422
—
298
3,720
4,816
2,297
—
—
2,297
909
1,556
—
612
2,168
2,424
1,241
—
410
1,651
13,227
8,516
—
1,320
9,836
21,674

3. Other voluntary receipts

Church wall boxes
Donations for specific purposes
Legacies
Other donations Non GAE & one-off
grants
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
177
—
—
177
465
300
—
—
300
1,126
500
—
4,958
5,458
—
4,875
—
10,313
15,188
8,265
5,852
—
15,271
21,123
9,856

4. Gift Aid recovered

Gift aid tax reclaim
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
19,430
—
467
19,897
21,469
19,430
—
467
19,897
21,469

5. Other receipts

Other funds generated
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
1,107
—
6,181
7,288
5,399
1,107
—
6,181
7,288
5,399

28

6. Activities for generating funds

Fund raising events
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
9,283
—
4,987
14,269
9,149
9,283
—
4,987
14,269
9,149

7. Investment Income

Bank interest
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
4,810
1,012
3,371
9,193
6,579
4,810
1,012
3,371
9,193
6,579

8. Receipts from church activities

Wedding & funeral fees
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
4,199
—
—
4,199
8,391
4,199
—
—
4,199
8,391

9. Cost of generating funds

Costs of fund raising events
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
843
—
—
843
1,248
843
—
—
843
1,248

10. Common Mission Fund

10. Common Mission Fund
Common mission fund
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
70,521
—
—
70,521
74,580
70,521
—
—
70,521
74,580

11. Clergy and staffing costs

Assistant ministry expenses
Parish administrator & bookkeeper
costs
Youth work
Rector's expenses
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
167
—
—
167
583
24,878
—
—
24,878
23,294
427
—
—
427
—
5,824
—
—
5,824
5,347
31,296
—
—
31,296
29,223

29

12. Church running expenses

Bank charges
Deanery Synod
Wedding and funeral expenses
Stationery, printing, computing
Sacristy
Training courses
Children's activities
Parish entertainment and hospitality
Church running - insurance
Organ tuning
Church maintenance
Service: fire, heating, safety
Worship and music
Upkeep of churchyard
Administration
Church running - electric
Church running - gas
Church running - water
Church running - annual maint.
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
159
21
69
248
385
75
—
—
75
75
1,340
—
—
1,340
2,164
7,023
—
—
7,023
5,062
167
—
—
167
44
275
—
—
275
147
534
—
—
534
784
828
—
—
828
419
7,040
—
—
7,040
6,782
508
—
—
508
2,343
3,021
—
—
3,021
2,362
964
646
1,291
2,901
1,874
3,204
—
—
3,204
3,018
5,530
2,071
—
7,601
5,125
835
—
—
835
670
2,811
—
—
2,811
2,437
3,660
—
—
3,660
5,042
1,159
—
—
1,159
230
—
—
—
—
230
39,133
2,738
1,360
43,230
39,193

13. Church repairs & maintenance

Quinquennial inspection - Avington
Church & graveyard major repairs
Easton major repairs
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
—
—
2,768
2,768
737
—
—
—
—
4,672
—
—
56,197
56,197
5,219
—
—
58,965
58,965
10,629

14. New building work

14. New building work
Easton extension
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
This year
total
Last year
total
—
—
1,497
1,497
5,414
—
—
1,497
1,497
5,414

30

15. Additional Notes

Details of fund-raising activities

Details of fund-raising activities
Event Unrestricted
Fund		 Restricted
Fund		 Net sum raised
for
the parish
Martyr Worthy Lectures 2024
Southwood Players bedroom farce
Christmas carols 2023
Bridge party Easton
Safari supper
Gospel choir concert		 7,876
975		 1,420
1,205
260
2,089
Total 8,851 4,974 13,825

In many cases, fund raising expenses are not reported to IVPCC and only net funds have been received. Although this is relatively common practice, it is not strictly in compliance with generally accepted accounting practice.

Collections for other charities

During 2024 there were the following collections for other charities (not including special collections at weddings and funerals). As these collections are for third parties, they are not counted as part of the funds of the Parish. Collections include donations via CAF Donate, SumUp and Goodbox.


include donations via CAF Donate, SumUp and Goodbox.
Harvest Festival collections for:
Trinity Winchester
Winchester Basics Bank
Winchester Beacon		 317
317
318
Remembrance service collection for:
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal		 420
Christingle service collection for:
The Children’s Society		 168
Christmas collections 2024 split between:
Trinity Winchester
Winchester Basics Bank
Winchester Beacon		 640
640
641
Total collections for other charities **3,461 **

Gifts and fund raising for the Ukraine appeal fund

Ukraine appeal fund at 31.12.23
Gifts including contribution from fund raising :
Ukraine Appeal Fund at 31.12.24		 4,120
--
4,120

There were no payments from the Ukraine appeal fund during the year.

Donations for Specific Purposes

Donations for Specific Purposes
Contribution to Café Church hall hire cost 300
Total donations for specific purposes 300

Donations from Trustees

The total donations from the Trustees in the reporting period was £29,521 and no conditions were attached to any of these donations.

31

Prior Year Comparative

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Note Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
This year
total funds
Last year
total funds
Receipts
Planned giving
1
Collections and other giving
2
Other voluntary receipts
3
Gift Aid recovered
4
Other receipts
5
Activities for generating funds
6
Investment Income
7
Receipts from church activities
8
Total receipts
Payments
Cost of generating funds
9
Common Mission Fund
10
Clergy and staffing costs
11
Church running expenses
12
Church repairs & maintenance
13
New building work
14
Total payments
Net incoming / outgoing resources before transfer		 84,548
—
—
84,548
73,046
21,644
—
30
21,674
9,542
7,495
—
2,361
9,856
5,058
21,305
—
164
21,469
16,846
649
—
4,750
5,399
4,596
3,045
—
6,105
9,149
16,391
3,165
739
2,675
6,579
273
8,391
—
—
8,391
8,870
150,241
739
16,085
167,065
134,622
1,022
—
226
1,248
2,205
74,580
—
—
74,580
45,000
29,223
—
—
29,223
26,590
38,791
269
132
39,193
41,982
—
2,610
8,019
10,629
4,447
—
—
5,414
5,414
—
143,616
2,879
13,791
160,287
120,224
6,625
(2,140)
2,294
6,778
14,398

32