WESTERHAM PARISH CHURCH, KENT
ANNUAL REPORT
and
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
of the
Parochial Chiirch Council
for the year ending 31" December 2024
Incumbent and Vicar from I. July 2024:
Reverend David Fox-Branch
The VicaTa&ye
Vicarage Hill
Westerliam, Kent
Bank
National Weslminster Bank PIC
Sevenoaks branch
67 Hi&ih Street
Sevenoaks, Keiit
Independent examiner:
Brian Downs
Downs & Co Chartered Certified Accoiintants
61 Croydon Road
Keston
BR2 6EH
15th May 2025
Registered charity number 1133994

ST MARY THE VIRGIN PARISH CHURCH
WESTERHAM. KE]Yr
Membership of the PCC 2024
The metliod of appointment of Parochial Church Council, (PCC) members is set out in the Churcli
Representatioi? Rules, with meinbers for 2024 listed below.
F.x Officio:
Incumbent
Benefice Vicar from 117124
Co-opted
Revd David Fox-Braiich
Cliair
Revd Wendy Harvey
Since 23, September 2021
Ratified at APCM
Elected May 2024 Vice Chair
Churchwarden
Deanery Synod Representatives
Mrs A Morris
Mrs C Bostoii
Mrs K Sinart
Mi. D Booker
Elected Members {12 allowed
including co-opted)
Chair of Fabric Cominittee
Mrs G Bunnester
Mr P Cambridgle
Mrs C Cusick
Mrs J Dut"field
Mrs K Jolinson
Dr A l.eatl)er
Mr B Prestoii
Mrs R Preston
Mr K Willcox
Mrs J Willer
The PCC is 8UPPOrted by the followingF oificers (not PCC meinbers) biit iii attendai)ce at Ineetiiigs)
PCC Secretary
Miss A Coughlan
lil attendance al meetings
Mrs A Perret uiitil March
2024, theii vacaiit
Due to the va¢￿]cY for a Treasiirer, a finance team coi)sisting of the Vicar, Churchwarden and PCC secretary
has overseen tlie production of these accoiiiits.
All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for electioii to
the PCC. PCC members are responsible for makingy decisions on all matters of general concen) wid
importaiice to the parisli, includiiig deciding how PCC funds are to be spent.
Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has various sub-committees- Fabric, Finance and a Standing
Coininittee which can Inake decisions reqiitred between full PCC ineetingys. Each committee has clear tenns
of reference wid report back to the full PCC. Since 2023 there has also been a less fornial, establislied to
Resigned January 2024
ResiLiiied Noveinber 2024
Parish Safeguardi Iigy Officer]
ResigFned Jwiiiary 2024
Treasurer
2024

raise fuiids througli social and commiinity events. Tliere is also an Environmental Group, wliicli is open to
th
iion-cliurch members and works especially witli regiard to the 5 Mark of Mission.
Financial Report by the PCC of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Westerham for 2024
l Aim and purpose
St Mary the Virgin Parochial Church Council {PCC) has the responsibility of cooperatingi with the Incumbent,
the Reverend David Fox-Branch, in promoting iii the ecclesiastical parish. the whole mission of the Church,
pastoral, evangyelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically respoiisible for the maiiiteiiance of
tlie Chiirch of St Mary ihe Virgiii, incluth'iig the attaclied 'Johii Frytli Room. hall and churchyard at Tlie Green,
wester11￿ll.
2 Objectives and activities
The PCC is committed to using the 5 Marks of Mission to shape the life of the church community in oiir vision
of 'Serviiig Christ, Westerliam and the Wider World" The 5 Marks of Mission express the AnLilican
Coinmiinioii's common commitinent to, and understanding of, God's holistic/iiitegirdl mission. i.e.
l. To proclaim the Good News of the Kiii&dom
2. To teach, bapti se and nurture new believers
3. To respond to hiiman need by lovingy service
4. To trai)sform unjusi structures of society, to cl)allenge violence of every kind and pursue peace aiid
recoIiciliation
5. To strive lo safeLiuard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
We seek to reach as many people as possible witli the Good News of Jesus Clirist, enabliiigi il)em to worship
at the chiirch and to become part of tlie faith community at St Mary the Virgrin. We aim to benefit ihe piiblic
locally and from fiirther afield by offerinbtr a variety of church services and by enablii)b people to live out their
faith witliin both ihe church and wider comm unity. As a parish church. we support people from Westerham,
aiid further afield, at particular points in tlieir lives by preparinL¥ them for, and taking weddings, baptisms and
fiinerals. The iiiiinber of these 'occasional oifices, held in chiirch was 29 in 2024, compared to.35 in 2023 and
30 in 2022.
Oiir s¢rvic¢s and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
To facilitate all this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of the churcli building and
churchyard.
In 2024 The Benefice Ministry Team consist¢d of.
Incumbent, Revd. David Fox-Branch
Pn'est with Pern]ission to Officiate, Revd. Wendy Harvey
Priest with Pern)ission to Officiate, Revd Alison Cooper (Westerham only)
Ordinand, Dr Susan Leather (until May 2024)
Ordinand, Jess Spickernell (from September 2024)
Director of Music, Mr Daniel Eaton, supports the ministry team's service planning, plays the organ and
piano for Sunday and other services, leads the choir and plans special events.

We also employ a parl-time Administrator, Alyson Coughlan, who additionally serves as Secretary to the
Parocliial Church Council. She is based in the Parish oifice which, since July 2024, has become the Benefice
oirice.
Achievements and performanee
Revd Fox-Branch was appointed as Priest-in-charge in 2021 with the brief to explore becoming a united
benefice with a neighbouring parish. This was achieved on July 1 2024, forniii)g the Benefice of Crockliam
Hill and Westerham, and has been the strategic focus for the year.
The parislies retain their identities and financial independence biit have resolved to share costs aiid other
resources as appropriate, and to establish fair mechanisms for so doing. In the latei autumn of 2024, tliey
resolved to Create a Joint Council to provide shape the vision of the new Benefice and provide stralegic
oversight. This was awaiting approval from the diocese on 31, December.
3.a To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
Our main vehicle for proclamation is oiir worship, as well as having the doors of the church open daily and
eiicouragiinLI the coiigyregyatioii to be confident in conversations aboui faiih. Beingi the only Angilican chiircli in
Westerham we offer a variety of worship services. includinbi traditional language 'said' Cominunion, choral
morniiig services, Evensongi and inforn]al worship. In 2024 we continued to consolidate our patteni and
numbers. A detailed discussion of attendance can be found in tlie Westerhajn PCC Report for 2024 under
'Worship'.
Miiiister5 also led MorninL> Prayer oli most Tuesdays, Wediiesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as
well as a midweek Eucl)arist. We have a reglular schools Iniijisiry shared witli ilie local CongFregyaiional
Church, plus four school services in church tliis year. These are opportunilies to bringi the Christian Inessage
lo adiilts and childreii alike who oiherwise might i)ot nonnally visit a church.
In addition. we have continued to offer a rich pro￿￿arnMe of special ai)d seasonal services.
3.b To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
In 2024 we had 5 baptisrns compared to 10 in 2023 but, as there were also 5 ii) both 2021 and 2022, this
would suggest that 2023 was an unusual year.
We also received pennission from the Bisliop to offer Communion Before Confimiation and, after a s110rt
preparation course, two young members of the congregation were Admitted to Communion.
As well as systematic Bible-based preaching in Sunday services, church members aiid the Incuinbent also
support the local Chiirch of Eiigland Scliool as governors. The school has a distinctively Christian ethos, and
the church endeavours to support tliat wlierever possible. In 2024. work continued to tie school worship
more closely to the SIAMS curriculiim. Children feel empowered to take a lead in preparing ￿]d leading
whole-school worship and class-based worship, and many of them enthusiastically volunteer to offer
spontaneous prayer duringTr worship.
In addition, during Lent we co-hosted Lent Lunches with the local Roman Catholic church which were
opportunities to discuss the week's Gospel readiiig and learn more about each other.

3.c To respond to human need by loving service
Throughout the year ihere are particular services that draw many from tlie community into the church. In
2024, at request of the British Legion, the Remembrance service was held in%ide for the second year
ninning, after ali outdoor act of Remembrance. Although this probably reduces th¢ number of people who
stay for the worsliip part of the event, it enables the Legioii to increase the value of the collection they
receive, provides an opportunity for preachingi" and many who attend appreciate the chanbie.
The cliurch is open every day for private prayer as well as for tourists (free of chargTe)" prayer requests cali
be left on the prayer board and are included in Sunday prayers.
The ministers meet and pray with individuals as requested and. on occasion, make referrals such as to the
Foodbank, adult social services and emergency housing.
The giovernors of Churchill School and the Inciimbent offer pastoral support to staff and pupils. The 14osey
Tnist continues to make individual gyrants to meet the needs of current and past pupils lip to the age of 25.
The clerLry visit the bereaved and take fiinerals - botli in the church and at local crematoria. 111 2024 we had
18 at-church funerals, memoTials w)d burials of aslies. I more than 202.3. We also conduct funerals at
crematoria and cemeteries, but tliese are iiot recorded in the service regiisters.
Tlie Pastoral Care Team has been very active, providing spiritual support, prayer and distributing
communion to those from our congvregyations who are unable to attend church services due to ill health, as
well as siipporting people iii the wider commiiiiity who are non-cliurchgoers. Silic¢ Jiily 2024 tl)is has beeii a
Beiiefice team, seeking to support people in both parishes aiid witli volunleers drawn from both. In October,
six Inembers of ihe Team completed the Caringi Concerns course delivered by the Diocesan Mission and
Minisiry Team.
Tlie Inciiinbent is, ex-officio. a trustee for the Westerham Almshouse Charity, providing accommodation for
persons iii Iieed.
The PCC supports ilie local Westerham Foodbank, with a full-time collection poini in the church and various
members, includiiig one of the ministers, actively involved. The Harvest services, for the school and parisli,
collected lots of donations for the foodbank.
The church also gives away part or all of the offering at certain services, siich as Remembrance Day,
December 2 St4nday (Christingle) and during Lent. and makes other appeals in response to events in the
wider world.
3.d To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and
reconciliation
Througyh preaching, being a Fairtrade Church and supporting charities to make the world a fairer place, we
work towards this mark. Successful fundraising concerts for Ukraine and other causes are held in the church,
organised by members of the wider community, and a fundraising event for Porchlight was organis¢d as an
ecumenical effort by members of the church.
We also hold some ethical investhients.

3.e To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew tbe life of the earth
The PCC cares for tlie chuTchyard ￿]d has undertaken re-wilding of some areas. The liturgical season of
Creationtide is celebrated annually.
The Environmental Group was less active this year, but members continued to work towards securing a
Silver Eco Churcli award and to higlliliglit environmental issues. Members of the congregations are also
involved in coiiservatioii cliarities and wildlife gyroups. Work has beeii doiie on developin&J a plan to be
carbon neutral by 2030. Our electricity is certified 'gyreen'.
An environmental handbook is in preparation.
Financial Review
Church activities are fiinded by regular giving (mainly attracting gift aid), collections, donations, fees and
investment income. Total income for 2024 decreased to £119,289 of whicli £34,897 was restricted fuiids.
This compares to total income for 2023 of £130,581 of wliich £50,517 was restricted fiinds. General fund
iiicoine in 2024 increased to £84,392 compared with £80.016 in 2023.
Overall expenditure in 2024 was £120.552 of which £.35,810 was restricted funds, compared with £189,767
in 2023. Geiieral fuiid expeiiditure was £81,783, COillpi￿Ld witli £100,962 iii 2023. This was driven rnosily
by reduction in chiirch runiiingy expenses as ligyhting project has been completed and paid in 2023.
Overall, there was a surplus oli gieneral funds of £2.608 compared with a deficit in 2023 of £26.946.
St Mary's investmeiit lioldii)gys (details in iiote 3 of the financial statements) increased in value by £16,095
diiringy the year. Of this £9,069 related to restricied funds, £3,032 to designated fiinds and £3,515 to the
yeiieral investmeiit value reserve
Reserves policy
The PCC has sei aside reserves in designated funds for the following pury)oses
Over the years the trend has been for the church's investments to have risen in valiie. This year as last
we sold some investments. This is not sustainable in il)e loiig tenn but despite not havingy a
Treasurer, the PCC has made progress towards stabilising our finances.. some reduction in overheads
and a greater focus oli fundraising, meant that we sold less than in 2023. The PCC believes it is
prudent to maintain a reserve against future falls in investment values which are likely to occur from
time to time. Accordingly, an investrnent value reserve exists.
The main church buildiiigs are of an age and type that periodically major repairs will be Tequired.
St Mary's is fortunate that the Westerham Heritage Trust, an indepeIident charity, raises funds wliicli
may be available when major repairs are required. However, the PCC recognises the need to retain a
reserve for contributing to such repairs.
Tlie PCC believes that work with children and youth is an important part of its mission. A reserve has
been established to support inajor initiatives in this field. This contributes to the Director of Music's
salary, as part of his remit is to engage younger people.

Similarly, the PCC believes outreach both within the immediate community aiid in the wider world is
part of St Mary's mission. A reserve has been established to support futur¢ initiatives in this field and
again, some of the incomes from this contribiites to the Director of Music's salary.
Administrative inforniation
St Mary's is the parish church of the Parish of Westerham, which is part of the Benefice of Crockham Hill
and Westerham. It is situated at ihe northeast corner of The Green in Weslerham, the correspondence addre&s
being Benefice OITice, Si Mary's Church, The Green, Westerham. Kent TN16 1 AS. The registered charity
number is 1133994.
Details of those who have served as members of the PCC between the 2024 Annual Parochial Church
Meetiiig ("APCM"), and the date of this report are showi on paLFe 2.
Payments to and giving by members of the PCC
Tlie total identified giving by Inembers of the PCC, while members, totalled £7,680 excluding Gift Aid
recoverable.
Other Funds
Tliese funds are separate trust funds administered by the PCC and do not appear in the accounts.
AppliLations for &Frants c￿7 be inade for specific lis¢ related to tlie purpose of the funds.
W¢sterham Church of Eiigiland Religious Education Fund exists to support activities contributinLI to reliLrioiis
ediication connected to St Mary's Churcli. Its assets at the year end totalled £.30,197.62. The Incumbent aiid
chiirch wardens are the Trustees. A gyraiit of approximately £750 was made io fund Churcliill School yr6 pupils,
trip to attend the Diocesan Leavers, Service at Rochester Cathedral.
Westerhwn Hosey Fund supports pupils and fornier pupils of Churchill Chiirch of EnLyland Pn'inary School lip
to the agve of 25. The Truslees are the Incuinbent, church wardei)s and two iioininated Trustees. Its assets at the
year-eiid were £46,962.58 aiid £1439.68 was witlidrawn by the parish io cover gFr&its Inade in tlie previoiis
financial yeaT. 111 2024 two ￿)r￿ltS were offered but only one, 01 £84.91. was claimed. This remained to b¢
drawn down at the eiid of ihe year.
The Ralph Fund exists to provide help to tliose in need in the parish. It is managed by the Incumbent and
chiirch wardens. Its assets at the year-end totalled £11,673.28. No payments were made during the year.
St Mary's inanages ilie North Dowms Guild of Music fund. Its assets at the year-end ainouiited to £155,551.
In 2024 the Guild pledged £3,000 to fund a perfomiance of Ahoy for the Mary Rose involving 100 local
schoolchildren and professional perforniers. This money was still outstanding at the end of the year.

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church Westerham
I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 ' December 2024, which are set out on subsequent
pages.
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Independent Examiner
As meinbers of the l)CC, you are respoiisible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an aiidit
is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 20 I l Act,) wid that an
independeiit examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act.
Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity
Coinmissioners under Section 145(5)(b) of the 201 l Act. and
State whether particular matters have come to my atteniion.
Basis of Independent F.xaminer's Report
My exainii)ation was carried out in accordance with the General directions given by the Charity
Commissioii.
An examination includes a review of the accountingi records kept by the charity and a comparison of the
accouiits preseiited with those records. It also includes consideration of ajiy unusiial items or disclosures in
the accounts aiid seekingF explanations from you as Trustees concerningi any such matters.
Tlie procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be reqiiired in a full aiidit, and
coiisequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In coiinection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention..
which gtrive me reasonable cause to believe that in any material aspect the requir¢mei)ts
to keep accountinbi records in accordance with section 130 of tlie 201 l Act. or
prepare accounts which accord willi ihese accounliiig records have iiot been met; or
hich, in Iny opinion. atteiition sljould be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of
counts to be reached.
to
tlie
Signed..
Brian Downs Downs & Co Chartered Certified Accountants
61 Croydon Road
Keston
BR2 6EH

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Balance sheet at 31st December 2024
General
Funds
Designated
Funds
RestrRcted
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
FIXED ASSETS
Investment assets
20.802
280,785
399,848
701,435
695.340
CURRENT ASSETS
Short tenn deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Amounts receivable
3,997
12,398
12.348
28,743
53,547
1.625
57.544
18.952
12,348
88,844
47,816
14,819
16,280
78,915
{5.071)
(5,071)
65.172
CREDITORS (due withtn l year)
Creditors
(1,904)
(137)
{ 2.041)
(848)
NETCURRENT
ASSETS
26,839
(5.071)
65,035
86,803
78.067
NET ASSETS
47,641
275,714
464,883
788238
773A07
Approved by the PCC on the
and signed
on its behalf by
Chairnian
David Fox -Branch
and
Treasurer
bru Walker

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCIL WESTERHAM
Statement of Finaneial Activities inc Income and Expenditu￿ Account
For ihe year ending 31$t De¢emb¢r 2024
General Designated Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Incoming resources - page 10
Voluntary income
Activitlcs for generating funds
Income trom invcslrnents
Church activities
54.011
8.527
16.947
4,907
26.444
80.455
8,527
25,258
5.049
95.776
8.736
22,414
3.655
8,311
142
Total incoming resources
84J92
34,897
119,289
130,581
Resources expended - page 11
Church activities
(43.687)
(2.959) (5.956)
(52,602) (64.607)
Church running expenses
(34,350)
(26.618)
(60.968) (122.957)
Fundraising expenditure
(3.747)
(3,236)
(6,983)
(2,203)
Total resources expended
(81,784)
(2,959) (35,810) {120.553) (189,767)
Net incoming resources
2,608
(2,959)
(914)
(1,264)
(59,186)
Net gain on investments
479
6,547
9.069
16.095
58.616
Net movement on funds
3,087
3,588
8,155
14,831
(570)
Balances brought forward
44,555
272,127
4.56,726
773,407
773,977
Balances carried forward
47,643
275,715
464081
788238
773,407
io

ST MARYTHE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Statements year eliding 31 December 2024
INCOMING RESOURCES
Gener
Funds
Designated Restricted Endowmenl
Funds
Funds
Funds
TotAi
2024
Total
2023
Voluntary Income
Planned gyivinglgift aid
38.848
38.848
28.118
Income tax recoverable
ColleclionslEPO
6,374
6.374
4,590
Visiiors and other giving
6,912
6.912
5.709
Grants
16.002
16.002
42,372
Donations
1,877
7.382
9,259
5,837
Le8acies
1,000
Choir and bell ringers
2.060
80,455
2,150
95.776
54.011
Activities for Generating Funds
Fundraising events
Bookstall
8,517
io
8,517
10
8,710
26
8,527
8,527
9,095
Ineome from Investments
Dividends and intere51
16,947
8Jll
8,311
25,258
22,414
16,947
21414
Church Activilies
Fees for weddings and funerals
Sundry income
2,543
2.364
142
2.685
2,364
5.049
2,778
877
4907
142
3ffiSS
Total Intoming Resource5
84,392
34.897
119,289
130,581
li

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH,
WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Statement5 year ending 3 1st December
2024
General Designated Restrieted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Endowmeni Total
Funds
2024
Toial
2023
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Church Activities
Missionary and Charitable giving
Outreach Expenses
(2.959)
(2.959)
{159)
(31.675) (45.851)
(6.249)
(4,014)
(9.890) {11,537)
(1.829)
(3.046)
Contribution to diocese
{31,675)
(6.249)
(3,93S)
(1.829)
Vicar's fAnd Vicarage expenses
Organ and Choir (incl bell funds)
Other costs
(5,956)
Church Runnin8 Expenses
Parish office
(3.327)
(305)
(10,.181)
{4,884)
(9,9.$9)
15,382)
(3,327)
(4,3511
(3.$0)
(7)
(10.381) {10.315)
{4,884)
(4,798)
(9,9S9) {15.157)
(5,382)
(8,428)
Church cleaning
Staff remuneration
Insurance
Heal and light
Repairs and
mainienance
Churchyard expenses
Repair Projects
(9,494)
(17,124)
{9,607)
(8,154)
(17,124) (71,7471
Other resources expended
Fundraisingv and booksrall
Total resources expended
IY I.-YIJI
12

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Statements For *he year ended 31, December 2024
Accounting policies
a) The fiijancial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the
Chiirch Accounting Regulations 2006 together witli FRS 102 and Statement of Recommeiided Practice
'AccountingF and ReportingF by Charities,. The statements have been prepared under the historical cost
coiivention except for the value of investrnent assets whicli are shown at fair valiie. They are prepared on
tlie going concern basis. Incoming resources are included wlien receivable. Liabilities are recognised when
the obligation arises
b) The funds held compris¢
unrestricted funds repTesentingy the remaininbF income funds of the chiwcli together with funds
desiLinated by the PCC for particular purposes. and
restricted funds Comprising eiidowment fuiids thai must be retained as church capital and income
funds which can only be spent on restricted purposes.
c) Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is not included in the financial statements in accordance
witl) Ihe Cliwities Act 2011. This includes all fixtures and fittings in the chiirch biiildings.
d) Investments are valued at market value as at 31" December 2024.
Incumbent stipend and parish offer
Tlie Iiicumbent's stipend and pension cost are paid by the Diocese of Rochester. Tlie diocese also incurs otlier
costs which are borne by parislies throiigh a chargFe traditioiially known as'parish share,. This includes a sliare
of the overall cost of ruiining the diocese and providii)gi services such as legFal advice, of supportingT Ininistry
in parishes that cannot pay the full cosi of their ministers, and of mission activity across the diocese.
From 2015 the Di¢xese of Rochester introduced a new system whereby parishes made an annual 'offer' to
cover all these costs. In 2024 the PCC felt it prudent to accept a Diocesan scheme to cap the offer for twelve
months, reducing? it from £45,775 in 2023 to £31,674 in 2024. This covered the cost of having a full-time
minister in the benefice but did not contribute towards ihc wider mission of the diocese or the support it gives
to parishes. Tlie PCC resolved to increase the offer if funds became available but they did not.
13

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31" December 2024
Investments
The main Church, Churchyard and NDG investments are held in CBF Investinent Fund shares. The gain/loss
on revaluation of the Cliurch holding has been allocated to the various funds (endowrnent, designated and
ieiieral) according to tl)e relative proportions of those funds. The investhients in M&G Charifund are all
allocated to general funds.
Even tliough some shares were withdrawn, Ihe gain in investrnent values means that the value of all
investments was £6095 higher at year end than at the start.
CBF Shares
CBF shares
North Downs
M&G
Churth
Churehyard Guild of Music
Chayifund
Total
Value on 3 1st December
2023
Sold during year
4$2.319
89,160
121,507
32.353
695J40
442,319
89.160
121.507
32,353
685J40
Gain on valuation during
2024
Value at 31 st December
2024
10.430
2,041
2,781
843
16,095
452,749
91,201
124.288
33,196
701,435
14

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31" December 2024
Funds
The inovements in individual funds in the year are ShO￿Tr below
Forward Income
2023
Expenditure
GainlLos8
Transfer
At end 2024
Restricted funds
Church endowment
Churchyard cndowment
180,111
4,247
184,358
89,161
2.041
91,202
NDG ¢ndowment
Legacie5
Bellringers
Choir
Churchyard Deposits
North Downs Guild cash
121.507
25,000
3.054
2,114
16.783
2.781
124.288
26,000
3.069
i.Ix)o
1.150
910
6.312
(1,135)
(9.494)
13,601
26,449
4.813
(3.236)
28.026
Organ repairs
Repair projects
5.386
(4.821)
565
17 4$?!
{ 17 1?$)
(9.2501
34097
l JiblLII
9,069
464,883
Designated funds
Investment value reserve
Major repairs
Children and youth
Outreach
149,076
39.909
40.287
42.854
272,126
3.515
1.021
973
1,038
6,.547
152,591
40,930
39,510
(1.750)
275,714
General Fund
44,553
84J92
480
47,641
The endowment funds represent sums held as capital for the respective purposes. The other funds comprise
income less expenditure incurred for the specified purposes. Of these, EPO funds are those collected
specifically to donate to various charities
15

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, WESTERHAM
Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Going Concern
The PCC agreed that the financial statements should be prepared on the going concern basis but it had
previously been noted that income has not returned to pre-covid levels, and a year-on-year deficit was being
run.
For most of 2024, the position of Treasurer was vacaiit which limited the PCC'S ability to respond and plan
to a challeiigingy financial situation. It was necessary to draw on investments to meet running costs once again,
althougih much less heavily th￿7 in 2023. Although there are substantial investmeiits. drawing oli these to cover
shortfalls risks reducing the financial susiaiiiability of the parish across time.
Oi) a rnore positive note, expenses were reduLed in 2024 COmP<ired to 2023. This was in part due to rediiced
capital expendittire but even wheii that was allowed-for, church runningy costs were approximately £19,400
lower than in 2023. This is thanks largely io a reduced contribution to the diocese and rediictions in enerby
costs - from lower rates and the benefits of the new lighting system - and reduced otrice expenses.
Incom¢ was also r¢duc¢d althou&yh, again, this is larbyely diic to a reduction in grants rec¢ivcd in respect of
Capital projects (gyrant income in 2024 was £16,000 compared to £42,300 in 2023). When gryants for capital
works were taken into account, income in 2024 was higiher than in 2023. Planned byiving. collections, iiiconie
from visitors and other donations were all up.
Witli all incoinc and expenditure taken into account, the deficil was reduced from just under £60,000 in 2023
to just over £l.000 in 2024.
Tlie PCC recognises tliat the financial situation will continue to be challengingF, and has resolved to continue
to seek opportiinities io enhance efficiency whilst maximisingi income gieneration opportunities througli
graiTrts providiiigT revenue fundtngy, and hibiher use of the church biiildingys for cominunity events.
16