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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Whitchurch With Tufton And Litchfield In The Diocese Of Winchester

2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report for 2024 2024 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT ÉNEFICE WHITCHURCH WITH TUFTON AND LITCHFIELD fr Io uz nty Num . 1133750

Annual Report for 2024

Parish of Whitchurch with Tufton and Litchfield

Part of the Brightwaters Benefice

Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 21 April 2024 We invite and encourage all parishioners to attend this meeting.

Agenda

  1. Welcome and Opening Prayer

  2. Apologies

Annual Vestry Meeting

  1. Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 27 April 2025

  2. Election of Churchwardens for 2025-26

Annual Parochial Church meeting

  1. Minutes of meeting held on Sunday 27 April 2025

  2. Matters arising

  3. Annual Report

  4. Date of next Annual Meeting

  5. Any other business – items to be notified to the Chair before item 3

3 Annual Report 3 Annual Report 3 Annual Report
1 Objectives 1 Objectives................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Electoral Roll – Caroline Barber 2 Electoral Roll – Caroline Barber........................................................................................................................... 3
4 Report on Activities 4 Report on Activities................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.1 PCC Report – Andrew Hobley....................................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Churchwarden Report – Gill Bilton and Nigel Scarfe................................................................................. 3
4.3 Choir - Stephen Preece.................................................................................................................................. 4
4.4 Bell Ringers Report – Jenny James............................................................................................................. 5
4.5 Parish Magazine – Gill Knappett................................................................................................................... 5
4.6 Children’s Ministry (Sunday School) – Ann Simmonds and Sarah Smart.............................................. 5
4.7 Youth of God– Tim Fisher.............................................................................................................................. 6
4.8 Chatter Café –Revd Chris Theobald............................................................................................................ 6
4.9 Women’s Retreat 2024................................................................................................................................... 6
4.10 Small Group – Catherine Geddes............................................................................................................... 6
4.11 Safeguarding – Revd Rus Smart and Gill Bilton....................................................................................... 7
4.12 Deanery Synod – Sue Bailey....................................................................................................................... 8
5 Rector’s report on the year – Reverend David Roche.................................................................................. 8
6 Financial Statement 6 Financial Statement.............................................................................................................................................. 10
6.1 All Hallows Whitchurch and St Mary's Tufton Financial summary for 2023......................................... 10
6.2 Independent Examiner’s Report.................................................................................................................. 13
7 Elections........................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.1 PCC members.................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Independent Examiner.................................................................................................................................. 14
Minutes of the 2024 Annual Vestry Meeting.................................................................................................... 15

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Annual Report for 2024

Minutes of the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting ................................................................................. 16

1 Objectives

The 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 has maintenance responsibilities for All Hallows, St Mary’s and St James the Less.

2 Electoral Roll – Caroline Barber

The number on the electoral roll for 2024 was 165, three less than the previous year. The number on roll for 2024 will be reported at the APCM.

4 Report on Activities

4.1 PCC Report – Andrew Hobley

The PCC is the body which governs our decisions as a community. Between April 2024 and March 2025 PCC met six times. PCC Standing Committee also met six times. We sadly lost two members when John Wall and John Mariner were called to glory.

All members of PCC are Charity Trustees and as such have legal responsibility for the decisions we make. One major subject of discussion was how much the parish should be contributing the Diocesan Common Mission Fund.

We continued to support CMS and the work of Anna and Chris Hembury in Hull, the Whitchurch Welfare Trust andt Medical Aid for Palestine. We considered installing CCTV, but decided to pause this. We have continued to discuss our vision for the parish, and welcome signs of growth.

PCC has also kept abreast of safeguarding developments, kept an eye on health and safety, received regular reports from the Treasurer and Church Wardens, as well as debated a range of issues brought by members of the PCC on their own behalf or that of members of the congregation. We have approved various works of repair and refurbishment.

Throughout this time PCC members expressed not only their views, but the views of those who they were elected to serve - the wider parish. I am grateful for members ability to agree - or to agree to disagree politely, and for the time and effort they have put into meetings.

PCC members in 2024/25 were –

Clergy - Revd David Roche - Priest in Charge; Rus Smart, Assistant Priest, Nicky Smallwood Licenced Lay Ministers –Carolyn Jay, Philip Geddes Church Wardens - Nigel Scarfe, Gillian Bilton

Deanery Synod members - Susan Bailey, John Wall (to September 2024), Andrew Hobley (from November 2024) Ordinary members - Dorrie Bilson, Tim Fisher, Andrew Cope (Treasurer), Andrew Hobley (Secretary) (Ordinary member to November 2024), Ann Simmonds John Mariner (to April 2025), Peter Taylor, Paul Barber, Louise Martin, Valerie Swayne-Bradshaw.

4.2 Churchwarden Report – Gill Bilton and Nigel Scarfe

It is with great sadness that we start this report reporting the passing of John Mariner this week, one of our deputy wardens. John worked tirelessly for our churches, planning upkeep and maintenance tasks on a rolling cycle, liaising with contractors, revising the electoral roll, welcoming everyone by name at the door and serving as a foundation governor at Whitchurch Primary School. He will be sorely missed. The church community also lost John Wall, a PCC member for many years, former Church Warden, Treasurer and Deanery Synod member.

I had written previously that the last year has been, as ever, a busy one for the wardens and deputy wardens. John, Dorrie and Peter devoted much time and energy to the upkeep of All Hallows and St Mary’s. This year has seen painting in All Hallows, wall repair at St Mary’s, electrical safety testing of all equipment and a total clearout/reorganisation of the office, to name just a few of the tasks tackled. As a whole team, this enabled us to keep on top of the complex work of looking after our churches – buildings and people alike. As a team, we will be much the poorer for John’s passing.

Our finances are on a stable footing, although taking on bigger projects requires fundraising, not least for our organ, which has had the initial phase of a programme of work completed lately, and for the chancel lighting project. This is now moving forward, with (eventual) approval from the Diocesan Advisory Committee; we arenow waiting for the approval of the Diocesan Chancellor. As always, the parish magazine, fete and charity shop bolstered our accounts

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Annual Report for 2024

alongside the generosity of our congregations, and we are thankful to those who work so hard, with energy and commitment. It would be impossible to name you all here, but please be assured of our heartfelt thanks. The PCC is pivotal to the life of our churches, and we are thankful to have such a strong team, with a wide range of skills. The Treasurer and Secretary in particular take on a large workload, with talent and grace.

We have begun to consider succession planning for key roles in the church and thoughts turn to the Fisher family’s departure for Rome later this year. We rejoice with them in their new challenge, but will miss them from the choir, reading rota, leadership of young people and more. So we also encourage all members of our congregations to consider what roles they may be able to contribute to in the church, whether for a short period or in the longer term.

As we reach the end of a year of stability in the ministry team, we are very aware of David’s forthcoming departure. We wish him well in his new role and will miss his energy and commitment. We are thankful for the whole ministry team, ordained and lay, stipendiary and non-stipendiary. The existence of such a strong group will make our Benefice much more attractive to potential candidates.

In thinking back with joy to the large services which brought people into our churches who don’t usually attend – from Remembrance Sunday to GOATivity and more - we look forward to ever more engagement with our community, and to being an outward looking and welcoming church. Alongside looking outward, small groups meeting for prayer and bible study strengthen our spiritual life as a congregation.

At the forthcoming APCM, a new church warden will be elected, as Gill steps back (for now), although she intends to stay on as a member of PCC and join the team of sides persons. We are extremely blessed that Catherine has agreed to stand for election, and she will be supported by Nigel, Dorrie and Peter in taking on this role.

This report is dedicated to John Mariner, much loved deputy warden, long-standing member of our congregations at St Mary’s and All Hallows and of course husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

4.3 Choir - Stephen Preece

The choir has continued faithfully through last year and remains committed to leading our Sunday worship with joy, enthusiasm and love, and it has been my privilege to serve with them.

Looking back over the year, we have tried a few new things. In April when All Hallows had a Morning Praise, we took the choir on tour to St Mary Bourne for their Sunday morning Holy Communion. I would like to have been able to do more of this, and to build the Benefice choir when times allow.

The Primary School choir joined us on the 13th October for our Harvest Festival, and we sang Rutter's All Things Bright and Beautiful. This was very well received and they were keen to join us again on the 15th December for the Goativity!

Our Christmas carol service was on the 22nd December and the choir were wonderful as always, performing three new things for the first time – the Pearsall In Dulci Jubilo in 8 parts that I have wanted to include for some time, as well as new compositions by Joanna Forbes Le Strange of Love came down at Christmas, and the hauntingly beautiful Walking Carol by Bob Chilcott.

We did then manage to assemble the “Benefice Choir”; at somewhat short notice to mark Bishop David's leaving for Truro and his farewell service in the Deanery on the 9th February. The massed voices of Barton Stacey Chamber Choir and the Singing for Fun group joined us filling the chancel with over 40 singers, and filling the church with 3 anthems, 4 hymns and 2 descants.

Some particular thanks to be noted: first to Andrew for your skill and patience accompanying us for every choir practice, to Robert for working with me to make it all happen, to Sophie for sharing the load, and to David for your prayers and support.

I close with my deep gratitude to you all for letting me know your appreciation of my efforts, and that I know our musical contribution is valued.

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Annual Report for 2024

4.4 Bell Ringers Report – Jenny James

This year we celebrated 25 years since we augmented to 10 bells. The new Central Council Mobile Belfry was hired for the Parish Fete, where it proved very popular. Special thanks must go to the Guild members who came and helped with the event.

A series of articles on bells and bellringing appeared each month in the Parish Magazine , ending with a special 4- page supplement containing pictures of the augmentation work being done. We’ve rung half muffled for two funerals and helped celebrate five weddings. We also rang for the D-Day Anniversary and for a church concert (by request!) We attempted a quarter peal to open the revived Whitchurch Folk Festival, but a District quarter the following week was more successful.

The Cubs came to visit one evening. They climbed the cob-webby stairs to see the bells and tried our handbells, so lots to organise. We also had a visit from our Churchwardens to see what we do in the belfry and ringing chamber, and in between all this we had six different outings come to ring on outings.

4.5 Parish Magazine – Gill Knappett

The magazine year runs from April to March. Twelve copies a year continue to be produced. The cost to buy a magazine remains at £1, or it is just £10 for the whole year to subscribers, including local delivery which is great value.

In 2024 advertising rates increased slightly in line with the printing cost increase.

The magazine generated approximately £8,000 profit for the church in 2024 (£9,000 in 2023); income is reducing year on year as it becomes more difficult to attract advertisers and subscribers. The use of free social media and people choosing to seek information on line continues to see the numbers of advertisers and subscribers reduce, and also the number of people who think to use the parish magazine to advertise up-coming local events. However, we rely on the income from advertisers to cover the cost of printing the magazine.

Subscribers: Printed copies are now purchased by around 630 subscribers; additional copies are sold in the paper shop and 4 are purchased by on-line subscribers.

The PCC agreed to fund the printing of extra copies for a month with a view to increasing subscribers. This resulted in a free copy being put in school bags of the children at Whitchurch Primary School in October 2024, with a relevant note for their parents. The following month there were two new subscribers, one of which was out of the parish so not linked to the primary school initiative.

Advertising: We are grateful that Mary Cope took on the role of administering the advertising in 2024, and has agreed to do it for two more years. In early 2026 a new person will need to come on board to shadow her and take over the role.

Vicky Jennings in the Admin Office helped with some following up of advertising contacts but Mary would be grateful for additional support with things like cold calling.

Despite best efforts to drum up interest, fewer people were willing to advertise which resulted in fewer adverts being printed in 2024 (equivalent to four sides of A5).

More hands still needed: As reported last year, in April 2023 Andrew Hobley presented a report to the PCC outlining various issues with the magazine, many of which are still ongoing. These included ideas and a request for help in increasing subscriptions (though see above re the Primary School), a request for a third news editor and a third layout editor, and the request for someone to lead a strategic review of the magazine – the current magazine team do not have the capacity to take this on.

4.6 Children’s Ministry (Sunday School) – Ann Simmonds and Sarah Smart

This year we have moved our regular activities back into the Church Rooms and been able to incorporate a wider range of crafts, drama, worship, teaching etc which have given our children the opportunity to reflect on what they think God is saying to them. We are particularly grateful to the PCC who have provided us with some lockable cupboards to store our resources and we have been really encouraged and delighted by the ways our children have explored their own spiritual journeys through words, images, modelling and construction. Our team has grown as several new helpers have joined us and given invaluable assistance.

In addition to the weekly activities there have been special events including the Good Friday event, a Light Party at the end of October and the unforgettable Goativity.

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Annual Report for 2024

We asked the children what they particularly loved about church and their answers included praying, friends, the people and the activities. It has been such a joy to see the children and young people continue to build relationships with each other and to welcome some new families too. Thanks so much for all of your continued support.

4.7 Youth of God– Tim Fisher

It has been another busy year for Youth of God (YoG). Highlights of the year included visits to Winchester and Our Youth Group for 11 – 16 year olds, Youth of God (YoG) has been meeting fortnightly throughout term times over the past year. We have 8 -10 regulars attending each week, not all from All Hallows. Each term the young people in YoG lead one of the all age services and we also aim to have a trip out or special event during the term. Each year, and term, has a theme. Last summer term we completed our theme of the year of being a Christian in the community by looking at sharing our faith. This included our annual pilgrimage around Whitchurch and a day out at Hengistbury Head. This academic year we have been looking at the elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water) and how they are used in the Bible. Most of the young people looked at water during their summer camp. During the Winter term, for earth, we have considered creation, destruction, and a new creation including planting bulbs behind the Church Rooms kitchen. For the Spring term we have been thinking about air, wind and Spirit and enjoyed a day out on the Isle of Wight, travelling by hovercraft and flying kites. We look forward to exploring fire and Pentecost for the summer term.

YoG leaders Tim Fisher and Sophie Lloyd are grateful all those who have supported YoG through the year including parents and those who have spent time helping us with different activities or accompanying us and hosting us on our travels and also for those faithful in prayer for the young people of the church. It continues to be a blessing and an honour to work with our young people as we journey in faith together. Finally, we are looking for a replacement leader for Tim who will be leaving us for a few years in September. Anyone interested is welcome to talk to Tim or Sophie about what it involves.”

4.8 Chatter Café –Revd Chris Theobald

This last year has seen ups and downs in the attendance numbers for the Chatter café. The group meets on the First Tuesday of the month in the White Hart , Whitchurch, unless this coincides with a bank holiday or a Church festival. By and large the numbers have slowly risen and at the moment are steady at around eight to twelve on each occasion.

The attendees all participate with varying degrees of engagement but all agree that they enjoy the very real presence of friends old and new.

We have had cake for birthday celebrations, we have had singing at Christmas and most importantly the health and well being of attendees is communicated within the group, so that if needed, visits or phone calls of support can be made. This is vital, as many times I in particular do not know what is happening amongst our group as I do not live in the village.

It would be impertinent of me to comment on the age ranges of our attendees but suffice it to say they are spread far and wide and in all cases the group is vibrant and a joy to lead.

We hope the coming spring and summer will encourage more friends to call in chat.

4.9 Women’s Retreat 2024 – Margaret Taylor

Last April 24 ladies from the Benefice spent a weekend at St. Columba’s House, Woking.

The retreat was entitled, “Conversations on the Road,” and we were introduced to “Lectio divina” (sacred reading), an ancient way of reading the Bible, which is used in many Christian circles these days. This was a challenge, but very worthwhile.

Our able team of musicians led us beautifully in worship throughout, and Rev. Chris Theobald (our Chaplain for the weekend) led us in a very memorable communion service on Sunday.

4.10 Small Group – Catherine Geddes

Small groups remain an important part of our spiritual life together.

During Lent 2024 groups across the benefice set out to study the whole bible in 10 sessions using The Bible Course resources. This was challenging, engaging and enlightening! We particularly liked the visual aid of the books of the bible being gradually added to a large wooden structure to illustrate the way the bible is organised.

Throughout the last year a variety of small groups have continued to meet, some focusing on prayer for Whitchurch such as the monthly prayer meeting hosted by Dorrie and the weekly morning prayer gathering at All Hallows on

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Annual Report for 2024

Friday mornings. There are three other groups that meet for bible study and mutual encouragement. Several prayer triplets also meet either weekly, monthly or on an ad hoc basis. None of these groups have been set up by the Rector, the PCC or any official organisation. They have simply evolved by individuals organising themselves and setting aside time to meet regularly. Two of the prayer triplets were set up during our last vacancy to support the church wardens at the time. Both have continued to meet ever since.

What does your small group mean to you?

It’s meant the world to me since I joined eight years ago; the spiritual nourishment and friendship is so special. I love it! I have learnt so much.

Being part of a prayer triplet has given me true friends and a safe place where we can encourage and challenge one another, secure in the knowledge that we have God in common. We have laughed together and cried together and I hope we have “spurred one another up to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Bible study is the best thing I look forward too every week.

I have learnt so much about the Bible and we pray for each other.

It is a privilege to be able to gather amongst friends in a loving, lively group to study the bible and learn about the word of God.

If you are feeling inspired but don’t know where to start please contact myself, Rev Russ or any member of the ministry team.

4.11 Safeguarding – Revd Rus Smart and Gill Bilton

Over the last year the Safeguarding Team at All Hallows has been working hard to improve our processes and procedures. Revd Russell has been working with Vicky Jennings (Benefice Safeguarding Administrator) and Paul Barber (Parish Safeguarding Officer) to ensure all concerns and questions are followed up, and we are compliant with the guidance from the Diocese and National Safeguarding Team.

It has been encouraging to see how many people have completed their safeguarding training and DBS checks now. We understand this has been a lot of work for some people, but we hope it will help to make our church a safer place. Good awareness of safeguarding is critical in identifying issues that may arise, and knowing how to deal with them is crucial. Please encourage everyone to respond to communications from Vicky and ensure training and DBS checks are completed as soon as possible.

The Safeguarding Team continues to oversee the safer recruitment of volunteers working with children, young people and vulnerable adults both at All Hallows and across our benefice. We appreciate the time taken for volunteers to complete the paperwork and arrange references for these roles.

Our wider safeguarding team also includes our youth and children’s champions: Tim Fisher, Ann Simmonds, and Sarah Smart. Our vulnerable adults’ champions are Marilyn Berridge, Dorrie Bilson, and Peter Taylor. Anyone in the church can speak to these people if they have any safeguarding questions or concerns. We are very grateful to them for serving us in this way.

We continue to follow all the directives from the online safeguarding dashboard that checks the status of our safeguarding processes and procedures across our benefice. This is a time-consuming job, particularly for Vicky and Revd Russell, but we hope this will improve our safeguarding culture in the church and keep us compliant with all that we are being asked to do.

Each year in November we highlight Safeguarding Sunday in the church and remind people of the importance of safeguarding for everyone. We hope this annual reminder will reinforce all that we are doing and highlight any changes to our congregation.

Our PCC and Standing Committee have safeguarding as a regular agenda item at our meetings and we continue to discuss our progress, holding ourselves accountable to them. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact Paul, Russ, or Vicky and we will be happy to help.

Thank you again for the part that you play in keeping our church a safe place for everyone.

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Annual Report for 2024

4.12 Deanery Synod – Sue Bailey

Whitchurch Deanery comprises the parishes that lie between A303 and the Berkshire border from Longparish/East Woodhay in the west to Ashford Hill/ North Waltham in the east.

The population is around 25,000 and the size of the individual parishes vary considerably. Responsibilities include the co-ordination of the CMF, training of lay-led services, strategic development and growth of congregations and ministry within the Deanery.

  1. Three meetings have been held during 2024 in February, June & November – two via Zoom and one in person 2. We bid an affectionate adieu to Rev. Mark Christian, Rev. Rupert Shelley, Rev. Anthony Smith and to Dr. John Wall (deceased)

  2. We welcomed the following guest speakers:

  3. Dr Amy Roche who spoke about vocational training and mission

  4. Rt Rev. Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester

  5. The Reverend Sam Scott, Winchester Diocesan Environment Officer

  6. Winchester Diocese undertook its own review of Common Mission Fund which was published in March 2024 – Parish Share Report.

.

Members Dr Andrew Hobley, Mrs Sue Bailey (Secretary)

5 Rector’s report on the year – Reverend David Roche

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day

Dear Friends,

As I write my final Vicar’s Report, I do so with gratitude, reflection, and hope, knowing that the work we do is God’s, and He will sustain and guide us especially through change as we trust in his goodness and plans for the future.

I want to express my deep thanks to our PCC for their dedication to our church life and governance, especially Wardens Nigel and Gill, Deputy Wardens Dorrie, Peter, and John, our long-standing Secretary Andrew Hobley, and our Treasurer Andrew Cope. Your hard work is truly appreciated.

A heartfelt thanks to our ministry team for their commitment and care, Revd. Russ as Associate Priest (his leadership, creativity and the mountains of work he does to support me personally), Revd. Nicky Smallwood, Revd. Canon Dodie, Revd. John, Revd. Richard (especially for his administrative skills and online services), Revd. Gordon, and Revd. Sue Hart, our new House for Duty Priest at St. James the Less Litchfield and St’ James the Greater in Woodcott. Congratulations to Revd. Chris on her ordination as Priest last year and to Georgi, who will be priested this year at Winchester Cathedral.

I am also deeply grateful to our Licensed Lay Ministers, volunteers, and all who serve; Carolyn, Philip, Andrew, Alison, Tim, Sophie, Ann, Lettie, Steve, and Sarah, our newly licensed Lay Worker and to many others, thank you for your dedication. This year, at All Hallows, St Mary’s, and St James the Less, we recorded 12 baptisms, 7 weddings, and 15 funerals.

My thanks continue to all who enrich our worship and serve in various capacities, sides-persons, bell ringers, choir directors and members, organists, worship band, prayer leaders, parish visitors, eco-champions, social justice champions, A/V technicians, servers, Holy Dusters, hospitality teams, safeguarding leaders, magazine makers, and our administrators, and those leading our children’s and youth ministries THANK YOU!

Our parish has a large footprint in the community, from Hymns & Pimms to the dedication of our Fête committee (thank you, Steve Court!), our animal service, an evening with Sir Terry Waite and the Bishop of Winchester, and our thriving men’s and women’s ministries, along with Forest Church. These events reflect our calling to be the body of Christ in action.

Serving as a governor at Whitchurch Primary School has been a joy, especially accompanying Year 6 to Calshot. My goal has always been to strengthen ties between the church and school. I want to thank former our foundation

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Annual Report for 2024

governors Jo Fisher and David Simmonds, and welcome their successors, John Mariner and Steve Court. Revd. Russ continues to serve as governor at Longparish and Barton Stacey. My wider commitments have included serving as Area Dean, on Diocesan and Deanery Synods, Deanery Standing Committee, Whitchurch Welfare Trust, and as Hampshire County Chaplain to the Royal British Legion.

When we do not change, we do not grow. When we do not grow, we are not really living.

Gail Sheehy

As I prepare to move on my new appointment, I want to encourage you to keep at the fore that the Church is always called to renewal and mission, St. Augustine said “We must always walk the narrow path, for we are always in pilgrimage”, and indeed, as a Benefice we remain on that pilgrimage together. The future of our churches depends on the whole body of Christ (ordained and lay) stepping up together in faith. Change is never easy, yet as the old dictum says ‘change is the only constant’ and is natural of God’s plan for us all. My prayer is that we embrace this transition with faith and courage, knowing that God is already preparing the next season of ministry.

While my time as Rector is coming to an end, Amy and I would like to say we have been truly blessed by the friendships we have formed, the warmth and kindness of this wonderful community, and the privilege of serving for the last seven years alongside such dedicated colleagues who work tirelessly to keep our churches thriving, we will miss you all more than words can express. Thank you all for the love, support, and shared faith that have made this time so special.

May the Lord bless you and keep you now and in the days ahead

Yours in Christ

David

The Reverend David Roche, Rector

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Annual Report for 2024

6 Financial Statement

6.1 All Hallows Whitchurch and St Mary's Tufton Financial summary for 2024

Description Year 2024 Year 2023 Note
INCOME
Gift Aid Giving 57,956
60,424
Tax Refunds 15,249
15,852
Other Planned Giving 24
24
Other Donations 4,154
3,485
Fete Income 6,048
7,355		 Event shared with PrimarySchool
Magazine Income 20,734
22,249
Dividends and Income 694
55
Collections at Services 4,235
3,201
Miscellaneous Income 100 -
Fees from weddings, funerals,
baptisms		 2,827
6,439		 2023 included £2,890 adjustment
LegacyIncome 52,000 -
100 Club Income 4,285
2,875
Grants received - 600
Church Room hire 5,898
21,092		 Reduced with loss of income from
Montessori
Fabric Fund - -
Fund raising 3,168 2,438
Charityshop 2,479
2,060
Retreat income 9,383
444		 Both Men’s and Women’s Retreats
in 2024
Parish Office Income 5,199
3,569
Total 194,471
152,161
EXPENDITURE
Common Mission Fund 40,697
42,762
MinistryExpenses 4,208
2,938
Utilities - All Hallows 10,073
13,515		 Much lower than expected
Insurances 4,546
4,366
Organ Upkeep 5,995
1,433		 Unplanned essential repairs,
continued in 2025
Repairs & Maintenance - All
Hallows		 14,480
10,635
Cost of Services 2,208
2,514
Fete Costs 1,927 2,505
Magazine Costs 12,113
13,236
Staff Costs 13,181 10,953 Wage increases and cleaner costs
Mission Evangelism 8,453 4,599 Parish retreats
Rector’s Discretionaryfund 150
465
Charities and Donations 6,947 6,075
Miscellaneous expenditure 1,153 - Church Rooms furniture
Tufton repairs and
maintenance		 3,071 932 Final payment for wall repairs
Utilities - Tufton 772 532
Insurance - Tufton 1,126 1,092
Parish Hospitality 70 29
Expenses for 100 Club 1,584 2,184
CR Maintenance Cleaning 4,066 1,385 Previouslycovered byMontessori

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Annual Report for 2024

Annual Report for 2024
Expenses from fund raising 2,152
2,677		 Includes purchase of the donation
station £1,290
Bank charges 187 182
Parish Office Admin Costs 1,968 1,187
Parish Office Staff Costs 8,092 6,032 Hours for Richard Sutcliffe
increased
Total
Total of Income less
Expenditure		 149,188 132,226
45,188
19,935
Balance Sheet
Description As at
31/12/2024		 As at
31/12/2023
CURRENT ASSETS 2,086
1,940 Used to hold organ fund
12,439
11,254
100,636
-Opened in 2024
11,328
41,324
2,650
12,074
4,774
1,427
6,086
7,574
1,8888
11,425
146
23,124
2,707
470
144,743
110,612
485
-
-
2,165
-
697
200
645
170
9,291
6,093
6,632
6,948
19,430
137,795
91,182
45,282
19,935
91,182
(27,961)
1,331
743
-
98,464
137,795
91,182
CCLA CB3036737 General
Investment		 2,086 1,940
CCLA CB3036736 Tufton
Account		 12,439 11,254
NatWest Business Savings
Account		 100,636 -
NW1 OperatingAccount 11,328 41,324
HSBC1 Main Operating
Account		 2,650 12,074
HSBC2 Current Account 4,774 1,427
HSBC3 100 Club Account 6,086 7,574
NW2 Church Room Account 1,8888 11,425
CoopBank Fabric Account 146 23,124
Accounts Receivable 2,707 470
Total Current Assets 144,743 110,612
LIABILITIES
100 Club Deferred Income 485 -
Retreat Deferred Income - 2,165
Church Room Deferred
Income		 - 697
Wedding deposits Deferred
Income		 200 645
Agencycollections 170 9,291
Accounts Payable 6,093 6,632
Total Liabilities 6,948 19,430
Net Asset Surplus/(Deficit)
RESERVES
Excess /(deficit)to date 45,282
19,935
Startingbalance 91,182 (27,961)
Othergains/(losses) 1,331 743
Gains and losses own use - 98,464
Total Reserves 137,795 91,182

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Annual Report for 2024

Annual Report for 2024
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted 13,794
12,675
Designated 81,985 36,783
Restricted 42,016 41,724
Endowment - -
Total 137,795 91,182
Detail of Funds
12,675
36,783
-
Includes accumulated interest
36,783
Fund raising in progress to cover
this
-
Fund raising in progress to cover
this
(892)
17,186
41,724
91,182
Unrestricted
General fund 13,794
12,675
Designated
FabricReserve 31,645 36,783
October 24 Legacy 50,341 -
81,985 36,783
Restricted
AH Choir Lighting (536)
Benefice Office (571)
All HallowsHeritageFund 28,673
ChristmasDinner 74 -
Organ Maintenance (1,637)
Parish Retreats 2,557 (892)
Tufton Repairs & Maintenance 13,455 17,186
Total 42,016 41,724
137,795 91,182

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Annual Report for 2024

6.2 Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the Trustees of Whitchurch with Tufton PCC

On accounts for the year ending December 31[st] 2024 Charity no 1133750 set out in The Financial Summary for 2023 (pages 1 and 2) which includes Income and Expenditure for the year and the balance sheet at year end.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner.

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

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in 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 matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name : Sandra J Smith, ACMA

Address : 21 Lynch Hill Park, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7NF

Date:[14 March 2025 ]

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Annual Report for 2024

7 Elections

7.1 PCC members

PCC members are elected to serve for three years. At the Annual Meeting normally three PCC members retire each year. This year Dorrie Bilson and Ann Simmonds must stand down. We also have vacancies for ordinary members due to the death of John Mariner and Andrew Hibley’s moved to be a Deaner Synod representative. So we have four ordinary PCC vacancies, three to serve for three years and one to serve for two years. We have a vacancy for a member of Deanery Synod to serve for one years. All those who must stand down may stand again for re-election.

If there are more nominees than vacancies, an election will be held. If you would like to know more, please speak with any PCC member. If you would like a nomination form please contact the PCC Secretary, Andrew Hobley at hobleymeads@btinternet.com.

7.2 Independent Examiner

Sandra Smith has indicated that she is happy to serve again.

Thanks and acknowledgements

Throughout the year many people normally serve within our churches, including clergy, lay ministers, church wardens, deanery synod representatives, members of the PCC, sidespeople, servers, chalice bearers, intercessors, readers, those who clean the church and tidy the churchyards, coffee makers, those who prepare and organise food, those who assist at weddings, funerals and baptisms, choir, musicians, sound people, bell ringers, those who lead and help at Sunday School and YOG, parish visitors, the verger, our parish administrators, the parish magazine team and the magazine distributors, and those who look after our finances. We thank them all and look forward to finding out how God wishes us to serve His people in Whitchurch in 2025

If you would like to serve the church in any way, or no longer wish to perform your role, please let Andrew Hobley know at –hobleymeads@btinternet.com

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Annual Report for 2024

Parish of Whitchurch with Tufton and Litchfield

Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meeting Held in All Hallows Church Rooms, Whitchurch

Sunday 21 April 2024at 12:00 noon

Minutes of the 2024 Annual Vestry Meeting

Rev'd David Roche chaired the meeting. 35 Parishioners were present, as well as Revd Russell Smart (Associate

Priest) and Revd John Dawson (Assistant Priest)

Andrew Hobley Nigel Scarfe Gill Bilton Andrew Cope Cara Scarfe Susan Bailey John Allen Roland Carolyn Jay K Donaldson Beverly Vaughan Timothy Fisher Kevin Griffith Valerie Swayne Joan Clarke Bradshaw Mary Cope David Simmonds Ann Simmonds Pat Cooper Sallye Musselwhite Louise Martin Amy Roche Cindy Dunlop Jane Lewis Marilyn Berridge Peter Taylor Margaret Taylor Alison Ricketts Andrew Ricketts Philip Geddes Joanne Fisher Sarah Smart Steve Court Christine Goodwin Catherine Geddes

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from: Andrew Smith, Revd Nicky Smallwood, Robin Smallwood and, Alan Vaughan

2. Minutes

4. Election of Church Wardens

Nominee Proposer Seconder
a.
Gillian Bilton		 Lynda Frith Chris Goodwin
b.
Nigel Scarfe		 John Mariner Tim Fisher

These being the only nominations received the Chair declared them duly elected

David Roche said that John Mariner, Dorrie Bilson and Peter Taylor continued with their informal roles as Deputy Wardens and thanked them for their work.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 12:05 pm.

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Annual Report for 2024

Minutes of the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting

There was no change to the meeting attendees or apologies from the Annual Vestry Meeting.

1. Minutes

2. Matters Arising

3. Annual Report

“It has been a quiet quarter. Chatter Café is going well meeting on the First Tuesday of the month. We tried some Carol singing in December but our numbers were few.

The visiting team is now down in numbers due to retirement requests and a couple of people we do not seem able to contact. I have not been made aware of any new referrals but we are meeting in July for a catch up and training session on Safeguarding so that people are current in their practice. My especially thanks to Andrew and Alison Ricketts who having run this part of our parish live for some years have now handed it over.”

4. Elections

4.1 PCC (3 Three year vacancies)

Nominee Proposer Seconder
Andrew Hobley LyndaFrith Chris Goodwin
TimothyFisher Roger Knight Stephen Preece
Peter Taylor Kevin Griffith Simon Woodman

These being the only nominations received the Chair declared them duly elected.

4.2 Deanery Synod (1 Two year vacancy)

No nomination was received for this post so it remains vacant.

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Annual Report for 2024

Sandra Smith, the current examiner, was proposed by Andrew Cope and seconded by John Mariner . There being no other nominations Ms Smith was duly appointed.

6.2 The first meeting of Standing Committee will be 30 April 2024 2024 7:30pm in All Hallows Church Office.

Gill Bilton thank all who were involved in the running of the church in any way, especially our Verger. Nigel Scarfe thanked all the clergy team on behalf of the parish.

There being no further business the meeting closed with the Grace at 12:21 pm

17