## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL**
## **OF**
## **ST. MARY THE VIRGIN**
**ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **Registered Charity Number: 1134776**
## **The Parish Office**
**9 Swan Street**
**Ashwell**
## **Baldock, Hertfordshire**
**SG7 5NY**
## **Bankers:**
Barclays Bank plc
Leicester LE87 2BB
## **Independent Examiner:**
Jackie Pritchard
6 Mill Street
Ashwell SG7 5LY
jpritchard1001@gmail.com
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Contents
Page
Independent Examiners Report 2
Annual Report 3-7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Accounting Policies 10-11
Supporting Notes and Break Outs 12-21
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Pages 1 to 9 form the formal statutory Accounts for the PCC.
Pages 10 to 21 are supporting notes which provide the detail supporting the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet.
1
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF sr. MARY THE VIRGIN. ASHWELL HERTS.
Independent Examinerfs report to the PCC of SL Mary the v5ryI AshwelL Hert&
Report to the PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of SL Marfs Ashwell on the financial 5tstements for the year
ended 31 St December 2024 which are set out on pages 3 to 21.
Respective responslbllltles of the PCC and the Independent Examiner
The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required
for this year under section 144 of the Charltles Act 2011 (the Charities Actl and that an independent
examiners report is needed.
It is my responsibility
To examine the financial statements under sectlon 145 of the Charltle5 ACL
To follow the procedure laid down in the annual direction gwen by the Charities Commission (under
section 145(5)9b) of the Charities ACL and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attentlon
Basls of the Independent Examln•rfs Statement
My examlnation was carried out In accordance wlth the general dlrectlons glven by the Charlty
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a
comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of
any unusual items or disclosures in the financial ststements and seeking explanations from the PCC
concerning any such matter5. 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 financial statements
provide a "true and fair vievf and the report 15 limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examln•rfs Statement
In connection with my examination no matfflal matters have come to my attention which give me cause
to believe that in any material respect
Accounting records were not kept In accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or
The financial 5tateffnts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be
drawn in order to enable a proper urKlerstandlng of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Jackie Pritchard Bcomm ACMA
6 Mill Street
Ashwell
Hertfordshire
## **PROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024**
## **Administrative Information**
St Mary's Church is situated in Mill Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Hertfordshire. It is part of the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: The Parish Office, 9 Swan Street, Ashwell, Hertfordshire. SG7 5NY
## **The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Ashwell, became a registered charity on 10 March 2010.**
**During the 12 months to 31 December 2024, the following served as members of the PCC.**
**Rector The Revd Chris Campbell (Chair) Vice Chair Ruth ten Hove Churchwardens Julia Mitchell John Chilton Reader Dr Mark Eaton** Treasurer and Asst **Representatives to the Dr Mark Eaton** Churchwarden **Buntingford Deanery** Asst. Church Warden and **Synod Jo Adams** Safeguarding Officer **Elected members Stephen ten Hove John Hare Gaye Rowlands Melanie Dawson-Dew Jonathan Fisher** from 28/4/2024 **Neil Inskip** to 28/4/2024 **Sarah Talks** to 28/4/2024 **Chere Hunter** to 28/4/2024 **In attendance Bernard Allen** Secretary
In June 2023 we welcomed the Rev Paulet Brown-Wilshire into the benefice as a curate. She was priested in June 2024.
## **Donations by the Trustees**
Total donations by the trustees and those closely connected to them in 2024 amounted to £18,062.
## **Reimbursement of Personal Expenditure**
No trustees received any reimbursement of personal expenditure in 2024. The PCC pays the telephone and broadband costs for the Rectory directly.
## **Payment to a Connected Person for Services**
A relative of a trustee was paid £1,440 for work on design, and compilation for Ashwell Village News.
3
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024 - Continued**
## **Structure, governance and management**
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2022 part 9. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
## **Objectives and activities**
St Mary's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St Mary's Church and 8 Swan Street and management responsibility for the separate trust covering the Parish Church Room.
## **Achievements and performance**
## **Church attendance**
There were 96 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll in April 2024, the same as in 2023. Average weekly attendance was 64 similar to 2023, but the number of children is gradually increasing. Services continued to be available on Zoom to those who are unable to get to church, with around 5 people regularly making use of this facility. These numbers increased significantly at Easter, Christmas and other Festival services, and this year over 500 people attended the various Christmas services and 190 people over Easter, both up from last year.
## **PCC Meetings**
The full PCC met 10 times during 2024. The meetings were chaired by the Revd Chris Campbell.
These Accounts were approved by the PCC on 20 March 2025 and signed by the Revd Chris Campbell as Chair.
Sub Committees have met between meetings and notes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary. The Rector is an ex officio member of each committee or group.
## **Standing Committee**
The Parish has a Standing Committee comprising the Rector, The Vice Chair, the Churchwardens, and the Safeguarding Officer.
## **Mission Action Planning**
The PCC remain committed to Mission Action Planning, as a tool to help the church grow spiritually, numerically and in its presence and witness in the community. In the Summer of 2022, we held an away day, in which we agreed a vision of being a welcoming community, sharing God’s love, and a number of goals to help us achieve this. This plan has been reviewed regularly and promoted by the Mission and Discipleship Committee, and looking ahead to summer 2025, we hope to have a full review of how the last three years have been.
4
## **Sub Groups and Committees**
## Music Committee
Looks creatively at ways to maintain and develop the tradition of music at St Mary’s to support worship and to encourage wider participation by the community. The membership comprises the Rector, Bene’t Coldstream (Director of Music, co-opted). Peter Eaglesfield (Organist, co-opted), Juliette Shackleton (co-opted), Ruth ten Hove (Chair) and Ann Mallinson (co-opted). In October 2024, they organised a second successful Hymnathon which raised £2,784 for the Music Development Fund.
## Finance Committee
Provides financial oversight for the PCC, though responsibility for the PCR Trust’s and PCC’s finances is shared by all members of the PCC. The membership comprises the Rector, Mark Eaton, John Chilton, and John Rowlands (co-opted).
## Employment Committee
Provides oversight of the terms of employment of staff who are paid by the PCC for various services and ensure compliance with Employment Law, Charity Commission and Church of England guidelines. The membership comprises the Rector, Mark Eaton, Stephen ten Hove (Chair) and Julia Mitchell.
## 8 Swan Street /Miss Simms Cottage Committee
Addressed the need for and progression of refurbishment work on this property left to the Parish in the 1980s by the late Miss Phyllis Simms. The membership comprises Stephen ten Hove (Chair), Julia Michell, and Graham Chandler (co-opted).
## Children, Youth
Deals with all matters relating to the young people of the parish. The membership comprises the Rector, Jo Adams, Sarah Talks and Paulet Brown Wilsher.
## Fabric Committee
Considers repairs and improvements which need to be carried out to the church property, including health & safety requirements. The membership comprises David Richards John Chilton (Chair) Mark Eaton, Graham Chandler (Health and Safety Officer, co-opted), David Richards (co-opted) and Julia Mitchell.
## Mission and Discipleship Committee
Champions the sharing the love and life of Christ through our outreach teaching. The Group has been progressing the Mission Action Plan and oversees House Groups and the Advent and Lent Courses. The membership comprises The Rector (Chair), Mark Eaton, Rose Cooper (co-opted), Jo Adams and Guy Mackenzie (co-opted) and Paulet Brown-Wilsher (curate).
## Communications Group
Champions the effective communication of the parish’s mission and activities and the promotion of outreach though various media. It also oversees the Parish Website and the production and distribution of Ashwell Village News. The membership comprises The Rector, Guy Mackenzie (coopted), Mark Eaton, Julia Mitchell (Chair), Sarah Talks (AVN Editor, co-opted) and Jo Adams.
## Safeguarding
This is handled by the Rector and Jo Adams.
## Social & Events
Melanie Dawson-Dew oversees these occasions with Ruth ten Hove and Gaye Rowlands
5
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS** .
## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024 - Continued**
## **Financial Review**
In the year ending 31st December 2024, on restricted and designated funds there was a deficit of £29,554. This deficit was expected, mostly due to planned works being carried out on 8 Swan Street (see below).
Compared to last year, income was stable. The large proportion of our incoming resources was from our regular donors, to whom we are very grateful and who together contributed over £80,000 to the church. We also benefited from a range of fundraising events such as the Music Festival, Ashwell at Home, the Flea Market, and the Christmas Fair. As well as this, the Gift and Card stall run by Marjorie Fitt and Sheelagh Bennett brought in some very useful incremental income as did the Sale of Ashwell Bags (organised by Julia Mitchell) and Christmas Cards (organised by Mark Eaton).
We were grateful to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Ashwell Show Committee in 2023 which was used to fund the refurbishment of the Parish Room, principally the installation of a more practical wood effect floor and redecoration. We also received an anonymous donation of £1,500 towards the purchase of new chairs, which we hope to progress in 2025. We hope this will make the venue more attractive to hirers and increase hire income in 2025.
Finally in terms of donations, we were also very grateful to receive an anonymous donation of £27,500 towards the replacement of the choir stalls with more elegant, flexible, and easily movable modern oak furniture. Given this we were able to place the order with the chosen supplier (Treske) and pay the deposit of 50% of the cost (£19,303). This donation, coupled to others, pledges we have received and the proceeds from the two Hymnathons will mean this project is self -financing.
Sadly, we lost a number of long-standing members of the congregation and community, which resulted in a rise in funeral fees and Special Collections from their services (the majority of which was passed, at the relatives’ request, to other charities).
Rental income from 8 Swan Street remained restricted as the previous tenant moved out at the end of October 2023 and we commenced an extensive programme of refurbishment work including a new Kitchen and Bathroom. The PCC agreed to fund this (£46,521) from the Bequest Fund (principally the legacy from the late Margaret Waide). This work was completed in April 2024 enabling us to let the property again from May 2024.
The Parish Share remains the Church's most significant item of expenditure. This pays for our priest, and all employment, housing and training costs, including training costs for new priests and Readers. It pays for the support the church receives from the diocese and helps to support those parishes in the diocese in need. The Diocesan Board of Finance is conscious of the financial pressures on parishes and working to contain costs and minimise increased in Parish Share. We are commended by the Diocese for the fact that all three parishes in the benefice have regularly paid their Share in full.
Other expenditure was well contained and despite some second half year increases in electricity prices and in gas for the Parish Church Room, we benefitted significantly from our 4- year fixed price gas contract for the church and the fact the weather was mild. Efforts continue to contain utility costs, shopping around for the best deals on gas and electricity. The 2023 purchase of blankets to offer to members of the congregation to help them keep warm in church has been much appreciated and this has enabled us lower the thermostat by 1-2 degrees.
6
A total of £16,369 was spent on repairs and restoration work in the church. Much of this was routine but we paid £6,372 in final (retention) invoices with respect to the North West Corner Re-ordering and £6,287 in fees for the Quinquennial Inspection, undertaken in 2023.
Because of the ongoing pressures on the General Fund, the PCC continues to focus donations to external charities on funds specially collected for such purposes, for example by the "Charity of the Month" approach. We have also processed donations through the church card reader for a charity event for Jimmys, which provides accommodation and support to the homeless in Cambridge. The PCC continues to keep its approach to external giving under review.
We continue to consider our own fundraising strategy for how we maintain this medieval building and having been advised that the criteria for applications for large projects has changed, the PCC will focus now on a smaller application for up to £250,000 where the criteria are more straightforward. The Architect has recently completed the Quinquennial Inspection, in which he has indicated that there is urgent work required to re-roof the tower and the north side aisle. The PCC has decided to make the latter its priority so the we can fully reopen that area internally, and once the full costs are known we will set about fund-raising for this. Other largerscale building projects that we are expected to commence soon will include work on accessibility to the church, which we are hoping will be funded by a generous donation we received in 2022.
The Parish Church Room (PCR) is set up as a separate trust with members of the PCC as the managing trustees. It is considered as a separate restricted fund, with the PCC retaining responsibility it’s financial operation. In 2024 we undertook a significant refurbishment project, redecorating the room and replacing the carpet tiles with a much more practical wood effect floor. Much of this was funded by a generous grant of £5,000 from Ashwell Show (received in late 2023). We have also received an anonymous donation towards replacing the present chairs, which we hope to progress in 2025. On its current account the PCR continued to operate at a deficit. We hope the refurbishment might attract more hirers. As a service to the local community, the PCC continues to provide accommodation for the mobile post office in the Parish Room. Regrettably Post Office Ltd has decided to restrict the hours it will subsidise for the mobile post office service and has a result this will be reduced from three sessions per week to two. The Parish Council currently contributes £1,000 to support this service.
Taking the above into account the available (unrestricted) funds at 31 December 2024 stand at £78,877 compared with £116,120 at the close of 2023.
The Church remains heavily dependent on the services of the many people who offer their time voluntarily to support and facilitate its mission and activities. Likewise, with annual costs averaging £105,000 we know we could not operate without the very generous support of all our donors, to whom we are very grateful and the PCC would like to thank all those who offer their service and time in so many ways.
The PCC has a safeguarding officer (Jo Adams) and maintains a safeguarding policy in line with the recommendation of the Church of England. No incidents were reported in 2024. All Church Officers and PCC members have a DBS check as required by the Church of England.
7
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
8
PAROCHIAL CTrWRCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN. ASHWELL. HERTS.
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31•t tECEh18ER
N¢)ts
2024
2023
FIXED ASSETS
T•yll• fix•d •M•ts
85 IXXI
85.lJOO
194 434
194.434
4b}
17 763
17.365
297 197
CURREIIT ASSETS
Shtyt i•mi
1.015
263.311
CIIRREMT ASSETS
264 367
294.308
IIET ASSETS
561 $63
591108
Istt pap 181
FUld)S
273.31150
310.554
R•tht•d
265x1
257.959
22.595
561 $63
591108
WE4*
CHA
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP. Accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
## **Funds**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose 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 or those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **Incoming Resources**
_Voluntary income and capital sources._
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.
Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Funds raised by social and fund raising events are accounted for gross.
Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for net.
_Gains and losses on investments_
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31st December.
10
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)**
## **Resources expended**
_Grants_
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid.
_Activities directly relating to the work of the Church_
The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid.
## **Fixed Assets**
_Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings_
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Movable church furnishings held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore, such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis.
_Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment_
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 5 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
_Investments_
Investments are valued at market value at 31st December.
_Current assets_
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
11
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
12
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
13
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **4. FIXED ASSETS**
14
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## Note 4 Continued
15
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **6 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - UNRESTRICTED FUND ANALYSIS 2024**
16
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **Note 6 Continued**
## **FUND DETAILS**
## **The Unrestricted Funds comprise the following funds:-**
## _The General Fund_
The General Fund represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Other funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
## _The Bequests Fund (Designated)_
To set apart sums left to the church be beneficiaries in their wills to be reserved for special projects at the PCC's discretion.
## _The Hardship Fund (Designated)_
To set apart sums given the PCC specifically to support the vulnerable and those in need. Sums (up to £100) to be paid to appropriate recipients at the discretion of the Rector. Larger payments may be made with the agreement of the standing committee. Fund for the relief of hardship using funds donated to the PCC.
## _The Swan Street Fund (Designated)_
To set apart sums retained from rental income for future use by the PCC for major repairs to the Swan Street property.
## _Choir & Music Fund (Designated)_
To set apart sums retained by the PCC from income from fees received for the provision of choirs at services
17
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **7. GENERAL FUND**
18
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
## **8 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - RESTRICTED FUND ANALYSIS 2024**
19
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024**
20
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, ASHWELL, HERTS.**
21