OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-12-31-accounts

St. John's Church - Folkestone

Charity Registration Number: 1134652

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council Year ended 31 December 2025

Incumbent:

The Revd Adam Denley The Vicarage 4 Cornwallis Avenue Folkestone CT19 5JA

Bank:

Lloyds Plc 43 Sandgate Road Folkestone CT20 1RZ

Independent Examiner:

Dan Payne FCCA Beresfords 1-2 Rhodium Point, Spindle Close Hawkinge, Folkestone CT18 7TQ

Page (s) Index

1 – 9 Annual report to the PCC 10 Independent Examiner’s report 11 Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance Sheet 13 – 17 Notes to financial activities

Background

St. John’s PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent, The Reverend Adam Denley (from 27 January 2021), in promoting in the parish of St. John’s, the whole mission of the church, worship, teaching, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical.

It has the responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric of the church and the furniture, furnishings etc., within it. St. John’s Church is part of the Diocese of Canterbury within the Church of England.

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Membership

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

2025 Church Attendance and Electoral Roll

The numbers registered on the electoral roll at the 2025 APCM on 14th May was 100, in comparison to 108 on the electoral roll in 2024.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charities Commission, including the public benefit guidance.

We continue to have regular Sunday Services, including All Age and communion once a month, as well as fortnightly Sunday Evening prayer meetings.

St. John’s Church Vision

Vision: We are passionate about knowing and sharing Jesus.

2

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

2025 OVERVIEW

1. Church Wardens

Steve Hyde and Vani Nadarajah continue to serve faithfully as Church Wardens, providing wise leadership, spiritual oversight, and practical guidance to the parish. Their steady commitment has been instrumental in supporting the church’s mission and ensuring good governance throughout the year.

2. Youth & Children’s Ministry

Richard Heywood, our full-time Youth Minister, continues to lead and develop the discipleship of young people within our church family. His work focuses on nurturing faith, building strong relationships, and equipping young people to follow Jesus confidently. This role is part-funded by the Diocese on a five-year sliding scale.

Emily Barden, our part-time Children and Families Minister, has taken on leadership from Debra Lewis. Emily is committed to helping children grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus, while also equipping and encouraging parents in the discipleship of their families. She works closely with families and plays a key role in overseeing our primary school ministry at Mundella School.

Together, these ministries are helping to build firm spiritual foundations in the next generation.

3. Church Administration

The Church Administrator role continues to be shared by Jim Taylor and Melanie Denley.

Jim oversees the end-to-end hall hire process, which has seen significant growth again in 2025, increasing both community engagement and income. Melanie manages general church administration, ensuring the smooth and effective day-to-day running of church life.

Their combined work underpins much of the church’s operational stability and growth.

4. Life Groups

Life Groups remain a cornerstone of fellowship and spiritual growth at St John’s. Meeting both in homes and online, these small groups provide space for Bible study, prayer, pastoral care, and deeper relationships.

Currently, around 70 members of the church family participate in Life Groups across the parish and church hall. These gatherings continue to strengthen unity and support discipleship within the church.

3

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

5. Re-ordering Project

During 2025, we continued our church re-ordering project. The floors have been sanded and the fixed pews replaced with chairs, creating a more flexible and versatile worship space.

This transformation enables us to use the building more effectively for worship, outreach, and community events, supporting our vision of knowing and sharing Jesus.

6. Outreach

Napier Barracks Outreach

St John’s has been part of the Welcome Churches network, offering support, hospitality, and practical care to asylum seekers and refugees based at Napier Barracks.

This ministry concluded at the end of 2025 following the closure of the barracks. We give thanks for the opportunity to serve many individuals during this season and pray that the seeds of the gospel sown will continue to bear fruit.

Rainbow Centre Winter Shelter

We continue to support the Rainbow Centre’s Winter Shelter, providing practical help and partnership in caring for those experiencing homelessness during the colder months. This ministry remains a vital expression of Christ’s compassion in our town.

Connect

“Connect” is a thriving weekly gathering for women, offering coffee, cake, and conversation in a welcoming and relaxed setting. With a dedicated play area for children under five, it provides both community and support for local families. Many women from the surrounding community attend regularly, and some have begun attending church, deepening relationships and exploring faith.

Discipleship and evangelism

We used various film based courses designed to help people explore the Christian faith in an accessible and engaging way e.g. Christianity Explored, Discipleship Explored, 321. These courses remain well attended and have fostered thoughtful discussion, spiritual growth, and a greater sense of unity among participants. They provide a clear and welcoming pathway for those wanting to understand what the Bible teaches about Jesus.

4

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

WARDENS REPORT

126 Lucy Avenue

During 2025, Richard Heywood and his family continued to reside at 126 Lucy Avenue. Their presence has been a reassurance to the Church and a valuable support to the day-to-day life of Grace Taylor Hall. In addition to being good neighbours, they kindly provided a Wi-Fi extension to improve connectivity for Hall users.

The monthly rent increased to £940 per calendar month, in line with the agreed rent review mechanism. There were no major maintenance works required during the year, and the property has been well cared for.

Grace Taylor Hall

Volunteers continue to support weekly cleaning efforts in the Hall, as larger Church groups and new hall hire groups use the property throughout the week. The two electric heaters continue to provide warmth as needed during winter.

Church Grounds

The Church was greatly blessed during 2025 by the support of a local Probation Community Service team, who undertook extensive garden clearance and maintenance of the church grounds at no cost. The team carried out an exceptional amount of work, including cutting back hedges and clearing significant overgrowth around the rear car park area, greatly improving both access and appearance.

Sincere thanks are also due to our own volunteer gardeners, who continue to maintain the garden beds throughout the year, faithfully weeding and watering as needed. Their ongoing commitment remains an invaluable part of the care and presentation of the Church grounds.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2026, per the Fabric Report below, our plan is to continue to move forward with the re-ordering project as funds, resources and time allow. The focus will remain on the careful stewardship of Church property and resources, seeking to balance ongoing maintenance needs with the growth of the Church family and with financial sustainability.

We remain grateful for the generosity of our congregation, volunteers and partner organisations who support St John's Church and we continue to trust in God’s provision and direction as we plan for the future.

5

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Fabric Team Report

The Fabric Team consists of Steve Hyde (Chair and Warden), Adam Denley (Incumbent), Vani Nadarajah (Warden), Peter Edwards (Treasurer), and Bill Wright. Acknowledgement is also be given to the many people who have contributed to the many jobs carried out during the year to keep the church, hall and Grace Taylor Hall looking good.

In 2025 we carried out many repairs and maintenance jobs. A few of the more significant jobs are listed below:

Re-ordering project

During 2025 we have:

The team continues to work on re-ordering the church in consultation with the architect and Diocesan Advisory Committee. Plans are being developed for the following: addition of a kitchen and café area; more space for the band and singers; and storage areas.

6

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total income for the year of £287,750 was £32,262 more than last year (2024: £255,487), see Note 2. Grants, fund raising for the church re-ordering and Church Hall lettings being the main differences.

Total expenditure of £278,987 was £44,226 more than last year (2024: £234,761) see Note 3. The main areas of increase were:

Parish Share £7.5K Personnel £10.0K Vision £40.9K There were savings to: Repairs and Renewals £4.4K Heat, Light & water £3.5K

The full financial statements accompany this report.

Reserves policy

The PCC has decided that a free reserve equal in the range of three to six month’s expenditure should be maintained to enable cash flow (total unrestricted monthly expenditure averaged £17131.92 in 2025). At 31 December 2025 free reserves stood at £68,921 (2024: £56,791) or 4.02 months of working capital (2024: 3.27 months).

Investment policy

Any funds not needed for immediate use are placed on deposit.

Governance

The PCC welcomes the new Charity Governance Code and plans to use it to help the PCC further improve its governance arrangements.

7

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (PCC) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

8

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Administrative information

The PCC met 10 times. During the year the following were members of the PCC:-

Ex-officio members:

Incumbent The Revd Adam Denley Curate Revd Tim Gosden Wardens: Vani Nadarajah Stephen Hyde Deanery Synod Reps: Jill O'Neill Chrissy Forrest Honorary Secretary: Chrissy Forrest

Elected members:

Peter Edwards Honorary Treasurer Linda Grieve Resigned July 2025 Peter Mascall Resigned Nov 2025 Richard Heywood Youth Minister Jenny Hubbard Until May 2025 Heather Brazier Jim Taylor John Burgess Mrs Jo Bradford Mr Bill Wright

Approved by the trustees of the charity on .................... and signed on its behalf by:

………………………………………………………………… CHAIRMAN

9

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of St. John's Church – Folkestone

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St. John's Church - Folkestone for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of St. John's Church - Folkestone you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ('the Regulations') and the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the St. John's Church - Folkestone accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of St. John's Church - Folkestone as required by section 130 of the Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

...................................... D Payne FCCA Beresfords Chartered Certified Accountants 1-2 Rhodium Point Spindle Close Hawkinge Folkestone Kent CT18 7TQ

Date:.............................

10

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Notes Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
funds		 Prior year
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2a 127,298 80,053 207,351 197,753
Income from charitable activities 2b 6,260 - 6,260 13,465
Other trading activities 2c 49,506 - 49,506 36,850
Investments 2d 2,488 - 2,488 2,791
Other income 2e 20,129 2,016 22,145 4,629
Total income 205,681 82,069 287,750 255,488
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities 3a 204,833 73,404 278,237 234,011
Governance 3b 750 - 750 750
Total expenditure 205,583 73,404 278,987 234,761
Net income / (expenditure) 98 8,665 8,763 20,727
Transfers:
Gross transfers between funds - in 9a 1,160 109 1,269 25,139
Gross transfers between funds - out 9a (1,145) (124) (1,269) (25,139)
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets - - - -
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,
charity's own use
- - - -
Net movement in funds 113 8,650 8,763 20,727
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 9b 162,260 51,322 213,582 192,854
Total funds carried forward 9b 162,373 59,972 222,345 213,581

Continuing operations

None of the PCC’s operations were acquired or discontinued during the above two financial years.

Total recognised Gains or Losses

The PCC has no recognised gains or losses other than the income and expenditure for the above two years.

11

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Balance Sheet

General Restricted At end 2025 At end /2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible Assets 92400 - 92,400 92,400
92,400 - 92,400 92,400
Current assets
Debtors 1,467 3,445 4,912 5,452
Cash At Bank And In Hand 76,093 54,174 130,267 118,910
77,560 57,619 135,179 124,362
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts
Falling Due In One Year 7,587 (2,353) 5,234 3,182
7,587 (2,353) 5,234 3,182
Net current assets less
current liabilities 69,973 59,972 129,945 121,180
Total assets less current
liabilities 162,373 59,972 222,345 213,580
Represented by
Unrestricted - general fund 68,921 - 68,921 56,624
Designated 93,452 - 93,452 106,559
Restricted - 59,972 59,972 50,397
Fund Totals 162,373 59,972 222,345 213,580

Approved by the PCC on ……………………….

And signed on its behalf by: ………………………………………..

12

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes to the financial statements

1 Accounting Policies

a) Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102).

St. John's Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for land and buildings which is carried at deemed cost under the transitional provisions of FRS 102.

b) Funds

"General funds” represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any regulations regarding their use and are available for the application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular use by the PCC are also unrestricted.

The accounts 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.

c) Incoming Resources Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under covenant is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds raised by fetes, garden parties and other similar events are accounted for gross. Sale of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.

Other ordinary income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable.

d) Resources used Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The Diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.

e) Fixed Assets Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by Section 10 (2) (a) of the Charities Act 2011.

No value is placed on movable furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

13

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 1 e) Fixed Assets (continued)

Other assets with a purchase price in excess of £1,000 with an estimated life of more than one year are capitalised and written off over their estimated useful life using the following method and rate: Class: Equipment Method: straight line Rate: 25%

No depreciation is charged on freehold property land and buildings as the PCC members believe that the market value is in excess of the valuation provided by the Diocese in 2001.

Notes
2
2a
2b
2c		 2025
2024

General
Restricted
Total 2025
Total
Income from:
Voluntary income
Standing orders, PGS & Envelopes
86,346
722
87,068
92,140
CAF
12,459
1,000
13,459
10,848
Income tax recovered
21,306
4,466
25,772
13,344
Planned GivingTotal
120,111
6,188
126,299
116,332
Church collections
4,644
4,644
5,080
Special Appeal
2,443
31,709
34,152
24,555
Legacies
100
-
100
28,213
In Memory
-
-
-
435
Grants received
-
42,156
42,156
23,138
Donations and legacies Totals
127,298
80,053
207,351
197,753
Fees - weddings etc
4,399
-
4,399
6,405
Social & Catering
1,861
-
1,861
7,060
charitable activities Totals
6,260
-
6,260
13,465
Lucy Avenue Rent
11,097
-
11,097
9,739
Hall lettings
38,409
-
38,409
27,111
Other trading activities Totals
49,506
-
49,506
36,850
2d Interest received
2,488
-
2,488
2,791
Investments Totals
2,488
-
2,488
2,791
2e Miscellaneous
20,129
2,016
22,145
1,254
Insurance claim received
-
-
-
3,375
Other income Totals
20,129
2,016
22,145
4,629
Income Grand totals
205,681
82,069
287,750
255,488

14

St. John's Church - Folkestone Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2025 Z71fj 1&7J4 17.187 •Z242 11410 Ins ZB78 Zts33 7J87 7.IS1 I&IV24 2711 ZX761

St. John’s Church – Folkestone

Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

16

St. John's Church - Folkestone Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2025 Fwwj 56A19 44210 1•1f62 {1.•211 113 182ri 8.138 110M21 21744 7.IW 21217 41239 14 419 {120} 915 7Jll 17 T*X¥b 213.42 217.7• 133