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2024-12-31-accounts

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD

(STMARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024.

Incumbent: Reverend Dom Turner (resigned February 2025)

Independent Examiner: Mrs. Hilary Powell 1 Ash Grove Great Bromley Colchester CO7 7UQ Banks: Barclays Bank Leicester LE87 2BB

Central Board of Finance

of the Church of England CCLA

One Angel Lane

London

EC4R 3BA

Registered Charity Number: 133132

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD

(ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD)

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

CONTENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
Front Cover 1
Contents 2
Annual Report 3-7
Statement of Financial Activity 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Accounts 10-13
Independent Examiners Report 14
----- End of picture text -----

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) as trustees is pleased to present their report together with the independently examined Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Legal, Administrative and Governance Information

St Mary’s Church Lawford is a charity registered with the Chairty Commission of England and Wales and is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956).

The rules for electing PCC members are set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC.

PCC members who served during 2024

Curate in Charge: Rev Dom Turner (resigned February 2025) Curate: Rev Nicky Young Licenced Lay Minister: Margaret Southgate Church Warden: Megan Howes Deanery Synod: Karen Crowhurst Elected Members: Betsy Edwards Francis Franks Moira French Richard Heath (resigned April 2024) Elisabeth Humphries Chris Monckton-Rickett Sue Monckton-Rickett Mary Nunn Tim Parker Rev Paul Greenland (Treasurer) Karen Greenland Ian Dunlop Caroline Dunlop

In April 2024, Rev Paul Greenland was appointed the Honorary Treasurer.

St. Mary’s Lawford has worked within an informal group CrossReach Churches with the two other parishes for which Rev. Dom Turner is incumbent; St. Mary with St. Michael Mistley and St. Lawrence, Bradfield. Rev. Dom Turner informed the parish of his resignation in December 2024 and left the parish in February 2025. At the time of writing this report the parish in an interregnum.

Committees

The only PCC appointed committee is the Standing Committee, which has delegated power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings subject to directions given by the PCC.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Church Attendance

The number of people on the Electoral Roll as at 31 December 2024 was 108, (75 residents and 33 nonresidents. However, since the year end the 2024 the revision of the Electoral Roll that takes place every five years has been completed and following this revision, the Electoral Roll as at 11 April 2025 stands at 69 (47 residents and 22 non-residents).

The average Sunday Service attendance excluding special services, but including baptisms and both services on Sundays 40.2(3.5 children and 36.7 adults) (34.8 in 2023 including 2.9 children and 29.5). The average attendance statistics excluding baptism services for the last 3 years are below, showing minimal growth 1.6 (0.2 children and 1.4 adults) in the attendance at 11.00am service from 2023 to 2024 and still below 2022 figures, a decrease in attendance at the monthly 9.15am service from 2023 to 2024 and a minimal increase in the attendance at the monthly midweek communion from 2023 to 2024.

Aims and Purpose

The aim of St Mary’s as with all Church of England Churches is ‘To promote the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical’. In fulfilling this aim the PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Dom Turner, in promoting within the parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church, Churchyard and Church Hall.

Objectives and Activities

The objectives of St. Mary’s are to provide the community with a place of and opportunities for worship and to develop and enable activities that will both grow the family of the church and provide public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Our thanks to everyone who has helped to make these events happen for your generosity in time, skills, resources and finances.

Public Benefit

The purposes and activities, as listed above are in accordance with the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Risk Awareness and Management

The PCC regularly reviews the major strategic, business and operational risks, that the church faces and the mitigating factors.

Safeguarding

The PCC is very aware of its responsibilities with regard to safeguarding and follows the House of Bishops guidance in implementing policies and procedures.

Our appreciation

In addition to those mentioned above our appreciation goes to:

We thank God for everyone who gives so generously of their finances time and skills.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

We especially want to thank two members of the St. Mary’s team, who stepped down from their roles this year: Rosina Porter, who has cleaned the church for over fourteen years and Beck Jones, who has been PCC secretary. We thank them for their commitment. As they both stepped down, we welcomed Margaret Steed and Jenny Hartland who took over from Rosina and Beck respectively.

Financial Review

Statement of Trustee’s Responsibilities

Charity law requires the PCC as trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and of its income and expenditure for the year, and to:

Financial Position for 2024

The accounts as set out in pages 7 to 13

The General Fund had a Surplus of £3,044 for the year.

General Fund Income £63,503 in 2024 compared to £56,039 in 2023, the main variances being

General Fund Expenditure has increased from £53,574 in 2023 to £60,458 in 2024, with the main variances being:

The General Fund has a surplus at the end of 2024 of £3,044 and a balance of £10,532. However, it should be emphasised that this has only been achieved by the church not meeting its Parish Share target by £13K. If the Parish Share had been paid in full the Church would have had a deficit for 2024 of over £9K. The Parish Share in 2023 also not met by a similar amount.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Designated and Restricted Funds had a Surplus of £54,217 for the year

Income of £131,312 in 2024 compared to £23,990 in 2023 the main sources of additional income were:

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

We are immensely thankful for the provision of funds for the installation of the ASHP and to all of those who enabled this to happen.

Expenditure of £77,095 in 2024 compared to £27,499 in 2023 with main variances being:

Reserves Policy

The financial position of St. Mary’s is such that it is not possible to meet all of the financial commitments of the day-to-day activities of the Church, and to maintain an unrestricted general fund reserve. The PCC however, acknowledge the guidance of the Charity Commission to maintain a reserve of at least three months expenditure, and will seek to move towards this, as the financial position allows.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FROM
Donations and Legacies
1.3
Charitable Activities
Other Trading Activities
Investment Income
Other Income
Total Income
EXPENDITURE ON
1.4
Fund Raising
Charitable Activities
Governance
Total Expenditure
Net Income / (Expenditure)
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
Transfer Between Funds
Total Funds Carried Forward		 Unre-
stricted
Funds 2024
Designated
Funds 2024
Restricted
&Endowment
Funds 2024
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
£
62,044
10,721
119,275
192,040
77,656
0
0
0
0
36
895
0
0
895
814
563
11
1,305
1,879
1,529
0
0
0
0
0
63,503
10,732
120,580
194,814
80,035
25,743
5,357
71,380
102,477
52,578
34,715
0
0
34,715
28,496
0
0
0
0
0
60,458
5,357
71,380
137,192
81,074
3,043
5,375
49,201
57,626
-1,040
7,129
8,984
31,403
47,518
48,559
359
-488
129
0
0
10,533
13,871
80,736
105,137
47,518

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Funds 2024		 Designated
Funds 2024		 Restricted
Funds &
Endowments
2024		 Total Funds
2024		 Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
Note £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS ~~4~~
Tangible Assets 1.6 0 0 0 0
~~4~~		 0
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments and Accrued Income 1.8 3,668 0 0 3,668 7,377
Cash at Bank - -
Barclays Current Account 1.10 7,523 0 0 7,523 5,327
Barlcays Savings Account 161 13,871 55,678 69,710 14,427
CFB/CCLA Savings Account 0 0 25,056 25,056 23,796
PettyCash 34 0 0 34 0
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 11,385 13,871 80,734 105,990 50,927
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors fallingdue within oneyear 1.9 -853 0 0 -853 -3,409
NET CURRENT ASSETS 10,532 13,871 80,734 105,137 47,518
~~4~~
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILIIES 10,532 13,871 80,735
~~4~~		 105,137 47,518
FUND BALANCES
Unrestricted Funds 10,532 7,129
Designated 13,871 8,984
Restricted Funds 80,735 31,403
105,137 47,518

Other Funds

In addition to the funds held in the name of the Parochial Church Council of Lawford (St. Mary’s Lawford) there are two trusts held in separate charities that are for the benefit of the church.

  1. John Edes Trust Fund Charity Number 213987, which has the following Charitable objects: For promoting aiding and furthering the objects and work of the Church of England by: -

A. Maintenance and upkeep of Lawford churchyard,

B. Repair, maintenance and upkeep of the fabric of Lawford church,

C. Repair, maintenance and upkeep of the Lawford rectory. As at 31 December 2024 the value of this fund was £8,069.82

  1. Charity Of Emma Aggatha Ogilvie Charity Number 239477, which has the following Charitable objects For the maintenance and support of those in need in the parish of Manningtree. As at 31 December 2024 the value of this fund was £971.15

Signed on behalf of PCC

Rev P Greenland Treasurer 06/05/2025

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) applicable to charities and the Charities Act 2011, and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

The PCC have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate, and have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the Financial Statements. In particular, the PCC have considered forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and/or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the church has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The church, therefore, continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its Financial Statements, and meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.

1.2 Funds

1.3 Incoming resources

Income, including investment income, is recognised in the period in which the church becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part, income is generally recognised when it is received. Income is only deferred when the church has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it, or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is apportioned between Raising Funds and Charitable Activities according to the purpose for the expenditure.

1.5 Depreciation

The church holds no fixed assets on which depreciation needs to be calculated.

1.6 Irrecoverable VAT

The church is unable to recover VAT other than under the Listed Places of Worship Grant. Any VAT, which cannot be recovered is charged in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Taxation

The church is a registered charity and is exempt from taxation under the Income & Corporation Taxes Acts.

1.8 Debtors, Prepayments and Accrued Income

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount; prepayments are valued at the calculated amount prepaid, and accrued income is recognised at the known value of income that relates to the current year, but was not received until the next financial year.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.9 Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the church has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.10 Financial Instruments

The church only has financial assets of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. The church has no financial liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments.

1.11 Cashflow statement

The church has taken advantage of the exemption provided by the FRS 102 SORP and has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year.

1.12 Rounding

Minor variances between the SOFA, Balance Sheet and Tables contained within the Notes to the Accounts are due only to rounding issues.

2.2 Fund Movement Summary

The transfer between funds included:

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3.0 GENERAL ACCOUNT Detailed Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2024

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF LAWFORD (ST MARY'S CHURCH, LAWFORD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF LAWFORD

I report the church trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 13

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

As the Independent Examiner it is my responsibility to:

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented within those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the PCC concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that:

  1. accounting records were not kept as required by the Charities Act 2011: or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records with the accounting requirements; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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