The Parochial Church Council the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Bartholomew, Otford Registered Charity Number 1135073 Also l(nown as St. Bart's, Otford Vacancy for the whole of 2024 The Green Otford Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5PD office costbartholomews.co.uk www.stbartholomews.co.uk Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December 2024 Poge l of 24
Trustses The Trustees are the members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Those members are either ex-officio. elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or co-opted by the PCC in accordan with the Church Representation Rules. Trustees are not rernunerated. During the year ended 31 December 2024 the following served as members of the PCC: Vlcar Interregnum 2024 Wardens Mrs Janet Hunt - from April 2018 and re-elected in 2019,2024 and 2021,2022.2023,2024 - from April 2021,2022,2023 and re-elected in 2024 Mrs. Joan Beacom Members of the Diocesan Synod Mr. Derek ShillinB Members of the Deanery Synod Mr. Mark Holmes- PCC MinLrtes se¢tary Mrs. Margaret Lidbetter Mrs. Janet Hunt Elected Members Mr. CollD. Anderson120211 Mr. Jonathan Batchelor Elected 2024 Mrs. Lorna Coulson Resigned 23 September 2024 Stood down APCM 2024 Mr. Russell Edwards Ms. Dawn Hallam120171 Mrs. Jocelyn Hart Miss. Naomi Hunt (20211 Mrs. Nancy Jonsson {2022) Mrs. Emma Peters {20191 Mrs. Mags Southgate120221 Mrs. Heather Stanley (2018) Mr. George Young Independent Examiner Mr F. W. Salmond Stood down APCM 2024 Stood down APCM 2024 PCC Treasurer Elected 2024 10 Eden Hall, Stick Hill, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5QQ Bankers CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund, One Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB Governing Document The Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 as amended. and Church Representation Rules prevlously exempted from registration. All members of the PCC are trustees of the charity. Elected members of the PCC are normally appointed for a period of three years and are required under the PCC'S own policy to stsnd down for a minimum of one year followlng the three- year period. Dawn Hallam as a Reader was requested by the PCC to remain on the PCC as a Lay Reader. The PCC meets every two months to transact the buslness of the Church. Po9e 2 of 24
In between meetings of the full Council the Standing Committee is authorfsed, subject to the PCC'S directions, to conduct the business of the PCC should decisions need to be taken between full meetings of the PCC Objects of the Charit¢ The PCC has the responsibility of working with the Area Dean (Rev. Dr. Chris Noble) to uphold the ministry and mission of the Church in the areas of worship, the nurture of faith, service to the village of Otford and Christian witness. This is done through: _ Sunday and midweek seniices: baptisms, weddings, and funerals; youth and children's work; teaching adults through weekly home groups and occasional series of talks; pastoral care and involvement in the community. and supporting mission partners. To meet our objectives, and by way of good stewardship of the property for which the Area Dean, Churchwardens and PCC are responsible, we maintain the fabric of St BartholomeS Church (which English Heritage has listed as a Grade I building}, the adjoining Church Centre and the Church Hall (located in the High Street). To ensure the objectives are complied with the PCC meets regularly. There were 8 PCC meetings during the year with a high average attendance level. Much of the PCC'S work is assisted by committees. Those committees report and make commendations to the PCC. The main committees are: . Standing- Has the legal authority to continue the business of the PCC, subject to any directions given by the Council. Flnonce- meets on average at two-monthly intervals between PCC meetings. It monitors income and expenditure, views budgets and reviews financlal controls working closely with the Treasurer. Fabric- monitors the condition of the Church fabric, Church Hall, churchyard and car park and arranges malntenance and repair work as required. Fair- plans and organises the St Bartholomes Fair, normally the prlncipal fund-raising event of the year. Events Teorn- plans and organises social and fund-raising events during the year. Ministry Team, Wardens & Parish Administrator- meets to provide mutual fellowship and 5UPPOrt, and the opportunlty to continue to look at upcoming Seniices and rota's in the absence of an Incumbent. Mission Ministry and Growth- communlcates the work of Christian agencies supported by St. Bart's through written articles and arranging for speakers to visit (limited speakers in 2024 due to the interregnum). It recomniends the allocation of available fund5 to Christian mission and relief organisations. both in the UK and overseas. It updates and reviews the Called to Grow Action Plan and makes recommendations to the PCC for further discussion and action as appropriate. Electoral Roll In 2024 there were 171 members on the Electoral Roll. Members of the Standln8 Committee are the Vicar, the Churchwardens, the PCC Minutes Secretary, the Treasurer and up to ttvo other rnembers of the PCC or the Vice Chair of PCC and two members of the PCC. For Charity Commlsslon purposes the Charity comes within the classification of "Rellglous Artivities" to help the general public partlcularly within the parish of Otford, Kent and the surroundlng area but also through mission giving further afield. It provides the Services listed in this document. Page 3 of 24
Clerlcal Vacancy During 2024 the Clerical Vacancy at St. BartholOmeS was advertised twice in July and September. Whilst applications for the post were received and various candidates were Snterviewed the Panel were unable to recommend an appointment to the Bishop. The vacancy was therefore, readvertised in November with a closing date of 6 January 2025. We await the outcome of this application period. When the position is filled in Otford It will be that of a Priest in Charge as there is still much uncertainty about the shape of Shoreham Deanery going forward, with a number of Clergy due to retire and therefore some changes to format of the Deanery appear likely. We would like to record our thanks to all our Visiting Clergy who have taken our Services of Holy Communion, Weddings. Baptisms and Funerals. along wlth our home team of Readers who have enabled Worship to carry on as usual during the vacancy. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE YEAR When planning our actlvlties for the year the PCC consider the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and the specific guidance on charitie5 for the advancement of religion. Many of the activities and servlces listed in this report are carried out by volunteers and St Bart's is very grateful for thls. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of volunteers, but we belleve that it is well over half of the number on the Electoral Roll. Many among the congregation have given time to undertake various jobs within the Church and Churchyard, too many to mention by name but we record our thanks to each and every one of you. Pastoral Care We now have just one Pastoral Assistant Margaret Lidbetter, who is also a trained counsellor, and who serve5 our church in many situations, from an arrange appointment and Holy Communion at home to the impromptu chat and whatever help is needed. We appreciate being alerted to any situation where we can help. This Is a fulfllllng role within our church and look forward to bein8 joined by others who may be willlng to undertake this role. Cornerstone In 2024 we were invited to join the Cornerstone project as part of a trial in the Diocese of Rochester. The ministry and mission of Parish Churches is mostly funded through the incredible generosity of those who give to it through money, time and talents. When times are tough, financial struggles can seem overwhelming, which is why Cornerstone has been developed, by the National Giving Team, with the aim that it will take each Parish on a Journey to understand the giving culture and financial situation of their Parish. It alms to leave the Parish with clear, simple steps to grow gNing, both in terms of Income, time and talents. Liz Mullins our Diocesan Generous Giving Adviser introduced us to the platform which uses data taken from our Annual Parish Return along with answers to a questionnaire. This then provides a platform to look at what we do and how we do it, what we could look at doing differently. In terms of use of tlme and talents and finance. This 15 very much a work in progress and will continue to develop over time. This led to us taking the decision to advertise that half of the collections taken at Services over the Chrfstmas Period would be donated to Loaves and Fishes. Amount to £539.00. This extra funding allowed Loaves and Fishes to purchase items they might be short of in term5 of good5 available to hand out to those in need. Cornerstone has various areas to work through. Work on the Cornerstone projert will continue in 2025. Cholr Throughout 2024, the choir fulfilled its normal schedule of singing three morning and two evening senilS per month, with the usual special services to mark particular occaslons in the church's year. As I have said on previou5 Occasions, the choir is ageing and is in urgent need of new recruits. Sadly, there has been no response from any congregation members wishing to help by singing in the choir, so thls situation will only become worse. Some choir members have had health problems this year, and this resulted, unfortunately, in the cancellation of our annual Christmas Concert, for the first time (other than when Covid interened) in over 40 years. Thankfully we were still able to have our usual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The choir has nevertheless continued to perform a wide-ranging repertoire, and during 2024 sang music from England, th France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Russia and Norway, from the 16 to the 21 century. Poge 4 of 24
A new venture in 2024 was a service of evensong on a Saturday in November, Jolntly with members of Kent County Organists, Association. The resulting choir of 26 produced a joyful sound, much appreciated by a small congregation of Association and church members. The choir is. as ever, fortunate to have so many dedicated and faithful members, and its membership now continues to stand at 16. Anyone interested in singin& on a regular basis, the wide range of Service repertoire that we have, should contact me or the Church Offi. Music Group Membership of the music group {band) has remained reasonably stable during the year. Although some members have gone to university, they always seem keen to join in when they return for holiday or visiting home. When everyone turns up (approx. 15 people) it can be quite difficult to fit everyone plus instruments on the platform - what a great problem to have! The instruments in the band include cello, violin, various representations from the brass and woodwind sections, guitars, bass guitar, mandolin, percussion and of course our singers. We are always happy to welcome new members to the band particularly with an instrument we don't have so as to give our music arranger, to whom we are extremely grateful for his hard work, an extra challenge! The band have continued to play at All Together Worship services each month and at some extra services during the year including the Mothering Sunday communion, one of our quarterly healing seices, Christingle, the Palm Sunday ecumenical SeiCe (held in St Bart's due to bad weather) and Sunday Club Nativity service. Two particular highlights in 2024 were the band being asked to play at two weddings: the one in May being that of a band member, and the one in July being that of a member of our AV team. These were very special occasions for the band and will be long remembered. Again, special thanks must go to our technical wizard who, with all his knowhow and talent, spends time making it possible for the band to be heard with a balanced sound both in church and via the live stream. We look forward to what thi5 year will bring as we continue to worship with God's people here at St Barvs. Bell Ringers We've managed to keep going throughout 2024 despite only having six bell ringers. There have been occasions when we haven't been able to ring on Sundays because of insufficient numbers. We have had ringers from other towers who have offered to support us but unfortunately their Church services clash with St Bart5. Our Thursday practices have continued to be very well supported by Fraser and Dee from Kemsing and attended regularly by some of the Kemsing ringers. We also have two or three other more experience ringers who support us periodically. Without a significant number of rn0 able ringers. it is difficult to progress beyond a certain point. During the year we rang ft)r four weddings-may, June, July and December. We had no requests to rin8 for any Memorial services but are always happy to do so. We had a number of visitrng rlngers throughout the year, covering January, April, May and July. Also hosted training sessions in October and November. All visitors showed their appreciation of the bells. We managed to ring for Remembrance Sunday but were not able to ring for the opening of the Church Fayre. Although we were not able to ring for Christmas Day, we did ring for the Nine Lessons and Carols service. We were in the process of training an Otford resident to ring but unfortunately due to an unforeseen medical condition he is unable to continue. We would welcome anyone who would like to take up this challenge and at present could provide trainin8. It is a good physical and mental challenge. As regards the condition of the bell ropes, we have managed to make temporary repalrs to the ropes to extend their lives but now It has become necessary to arrange a full plaCernent. Poge 5 of 24
Cameo Fourteen members of our church family and who live alone have met regularly on Monday afternoons. The group is called CAMEO (come and meet each other) and is open to those who would appreciate a regular sociable inter-action with those similarly placed. Fortnightly we engage in Bible Study and on the alternate Mondays we have a varied programme of activities and Visitors who come to give a talk on their chosen subject. This year some of our members went away together to Weston Super Mare, visiting Cheddar, Bath, Bristol and Wells. Highlights of our activities are the Summer and Christmas Afternoon Teas, which always involve fun time. We are pleased to meet together in this Pastoral Ministry. Chlldren and Young People Sunday Club Sunday Club meets on Sunday Mornings (except for the I Sunday of the month when we have our'AII-Togetherf worship}. We continue to meet as an all-age group with two leaders for each session. The leaders work together to plan the session and can split the group depending on the ages of children attending each week. We use a scheme from the Scripture Union which provides a variety of age appropriate activities based round a bible passage, and we find this flexible approach allows us to play to the strengths of both the leaders and the young people attending week by week. We also work on producing displays for the notice board in the church centre- often sharing the project with Epic or Messy Church. These displays may be seasonal or related to a particular bible story. These creatNe sessions are always popular and allow us to give something back to the congregation. Our Christmas display this year was on the theme of The Star of Bethlehem and included stars created by our different youth activities. There are 7 regular leaders who work on a rota basis and we are blessed to have such a faithful team. We thank them all for sharing their time, thelr talents, and their faith. We have alw benefited from the support of young people who are following the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, and work with us as volunteers. Currently we have 20 children on our register, with an attendance of between 5 and 10 most weeks. It has become a tradition that Sunday Club has a special project during August. This year we took the theme of Caring for God's Creation and built up a display on the board covering different elements including recyclin8, trees and rainbows. The year ended with our nativity play, Yhe Advent Calendar Puzzle, using resources especially written for us by one of our leaders. This involved participation by the whole congregation and was a successful end to the year. EPIC- Every Person In Chrlst Epic is the St Bartholomew's Youth Club for those In school years S- 8. Meetings are held on the second Saturday evening of the month in the Church Centre for a range of activities, supper, and bible study. We try to offer a range of activities that meet the social, physical and splrltual needs of young people. We aim to foster a spirit of co-operatlon and encourage working together in small groups for problem sofving activities and as a whole group for discussion times. There is often a craft activity, as well as plenty of opportunities to let off steam. We always have supper together- always two courses and hopefully with veggies or fruit! Sometimes this is provided by parents, thank you to all those who have taken on this task. Sometimes we order in Pizza (always popular) and we also have times when we get the young people involved in the preparation and the washlng up. This is always an interesting experience with much being learnedl Grace is said before supper and there is always a bible study linked to one of the pviouS activities and a prayer. We have three regular leaders and call on others as needed for extra or specific help. There are 16 young people on the reglster and typically 12 - 14 attend. Epic offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the needs of this age group and their families and to reach out to families who are not regular church attenders. Poge 6 of 24
For the leaders it is exhaustin& enriching and enlightening. For the young people we hope it is a chance to meet in a safe Spa that is not school or home. to have a degree of freedom, to have fun and to have a chance to consider the spiritual aspects of their lives. Thanks must go to everyone who was involved in running Epic and for being a constant in the lives of our young people when so much else was changing. This group of young people are open to bringing their friends along and look forward to meeting together. We aim to SUPPOrt a smooth transition of these chIldn from primary to senior school and from EPIC to YPF. YPF- Young People's Fellowship YPF is our group for young people in year 9 and above, we meet every Sunday evening in term time and our meetings involve fun, food (lots of chocolate) and friendship. Every year we see some leave to go off to further education and welcome new members to join in the mayhem. Numbers can vary wildly from 6 to 20, especially during exam season and university holidays. You can find us cooking (sometimes successfully), playing silly games {always competitively), searching for Easter eggs {in the furthest reaches of the pari5h}, decorating plant pots land then getting EPIC to plant them upl- Our young people also take an active part in church life, many of them are involved in the worship band and the tech team wouldn't run without them. Our aim is to create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community for all the young people associated with our church and walk wlth them as they mature into faith as adults. It is always a joy to welcome back students durin8 the holiday. This year I have been reminded of the long term impact of such a group twice. We had a coffee and cake gathering for'ancient, YPF- those of us who were part of the group 40 years ago, it was great to see nearly 30 of us gather and catch up and reminisce. The other occasion was at midnight mass this year where about 25 young people, current and student YPF and recent members gather in the traditional YPF pews at the back of the lady chapel to worship together as part of the seNice. Bonds of friendship and faith can have eternal consequences Youth Weekend The month of July every year means it's time for the children and young people, of our church family, to go away for a weekend {with a few oldies) and give their parents a weekend of peace and quiet! Kench Hill has now been our destination for severdl years and we do all love going there. Although it is in a lovely, peaceful area there is not a lot of quiet during our weekend there. We do such a range of activities from art and crafts to water fights there is always something to do. Our theme in 2024 was 'Hopes and Dreams, based on the wonderful Bible promise from God: "For I know the plans I have for you" Our sessions focussed on different ideas such as being open to God, when God challenges us, when things go wrong and the older generation sharing their life experiences of God, related to hopes and dreams. Each session was linked to a different Bible story. A new activity this year, after watching film, was to have a campfire in which we toasted marshmallows and enjoyed eating them between biscuits. So, 27 young adults and children ranging from the age of 8 to 21+, and about 12 adults met with God, enjoyed lots of fellowship and came home pretty exhausted but having loved another weekend together. Te¢tearn Our Live streaming of regular and occasional Services is made possible by a very dedicated core of 3 households and 4 individuals who give up several hours each month to run the video for our services alongside the three regular volunteers who run the sound. Many thanks to all who use their time and talents in support of this much appreciated aspect of our church life. In total 57 services were streamed in 2024 including Nine Lessons and Carols, 3 Funerals and I Wedding outside of the normal Sunday schedule. This year has seen the introduction of new software for managing the subtitles. This was funded by a generous donation from a member of the church and our thanks go to them for that. This year also saw the introduction of the dedicated AV cabinet within the church removing the need for the weekly set up and pack down. Thanks goes to Sam. the Cabinet Builder, and to the Fabric Committee for their hard vA)rk in making thi5 happen. Whlle not reaching the same heights as during the COIVD Pandemic our live streams attract 4 regular viewers at the time of the service and an average of 20 viewings over the week. Page 7 of 24
Despite the eventful year the team are really feeling the effect of a key members moving away in previous years. We are now at the point where every person is assigned a week and thus unavailability has a major impact. We now need a person to cover a monthly slot and two people to help provide occasional cover when our re8ulars are unavailable. We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to help and full training will be provided with no obligation. Social Medla Overview The church utilises various channels to communicate our events, mission activities, key services and prayer diary. We have a closed Facebook Group {170 followers) and an open Facebook Church page1240 followers). A small number of administrators manage content and respond to queries on behalf of the church and are on standby to moderate (although this hasn't been necessary, thankfully!). Our Instagram page (250 followers) synchronises with our Facebook account, and the same content is usually uploaded to all these channels. In December 2023, we decided to focus efforts on Facebook and Instagram, we no longer post on our X (formally Twitter) account. Our church WhatsApp Group currently consists of around 80 church members and invitations to the group is managed in an orderly way. Content A small group prepare our daily prayer diary, in advan. on a 3-month rotation. This is shared with the office along with suitable images. Another small group prepares an adVand monthly communications schedule of our events, key Services and mission activities. A couple of nominated people then pre-load social media posts in a streamlined way, whilst information is loaded manually onto WhatsApp on an as needed basis. Community engagement Some Facebook posts from our Church Account are shared on the Otford Village Hub Facebook Group, to adverti our various events, pop-up stalls and activities to the local community. Our approach is to be helpful and positive when engaging with comments from village residents, for example when concerns were raised about controlling ivy around the hall or tidying our flower beds. After each pop-up, one of the comms team will usually post a "thank you" on the village hub to show our appreciation. Our posts about the Church Falr reiVed our highest engagement yet. Website and Emalls During 2024, a team prepared for the closure of 0tford.net and migrating our dornain and our emails to a new host. We are now busily working on re-vamplng the church website, which we hope to launch in 2025. Thank you We would like to give a very big "thank you" to everyone In1ved in preparing, uploading and managing our various social media communications, our email system and our website. Your assistance and 5UPPOrt in 2024 was very much appreciated. Church Fabric There are 8 members on the Church Fabric Committee and we met 5 times in 2024 face to face and on Zoom there is much activity by members between meetings. Church AV Cabinet, designed, built installed and up and running. The preliminary works have been completed in relation to moving the cameras to their final agreed position. Quinquennial recommend works are in hand with longer term works currently on hold. The South door repairs are in hand in order to make access through this door easier. The dangerous tree at the East end of the Church has been removed, and permission requested to remove small trees near fire exit to Vestry. Issues in relation to lighting and securlty in the Church Car Park have also been discussed and work is in progress In relation to creating a workable scheme following damage to vehlcles and li8htin8 in the Car Park. Poge 8 of 24
Church Centre Cracks in walls. Following a report from a structural Engineer it was noted that the East Wall requires structural ties. Other cracks require filling with a flexlble medium and decoration. This work is currently on hold. The installation of acoustic panels is also currently on hold pending PCC work on use of the Church Buildings. A new Contractor has been appointed to manage and maintain the alarm system in the Centre and Church. Church Hall A new boiler has been Installed providing heat and hot water to the building. fin has been replaced on the slde hall roof. An Electrlcal Inspection had been completed with resultlng items undertaken. Maintenance inspection 17 Nov 2023 recommended short and medium term actions, to windows, doors, roof, gutters and drains and external finishes. Some or all kitchen unlts are in urgent need of replacement. The water tank on the store roof was drained and remove. Cycllcal Maintenance This is reviewed annually to ensure all is on track and items are appropriately maintalned. An Energy Saving review was also undertaken with quotes being obtained for underfloor insulation under pew staging. This proved to be not economically viable. Finally, a big thank you to our committee member5 for all their hard work and dedication! Flowers The Flower Team continues to place flowers each week on the two altars in our beautiful church to enhance the experience of everyone attending services or visiting. We also work as a team for Special Festivals where more elaborate arrangements are needed. You do not need to be a flower arranger to help our depleted team. Some of our congregation use the opportunity to remember loved ones on specific dates and the signup sheet is at the back of the church. Can you put a bunch of flowers in a vase? Would you like to remember a loved one with church flowers? If you feel unable to physically help, a monetary contribution would be gratefully received. Events. Church Falr and Christmas Market The Events team again put together an interesting and varied programme of activitie5 to enliven the church year, both to support church finances and provide fun and fellowship. We started the year with a Burns Nlght Supper, which we are grateful to Wickie Howie for organising, and followed this up with a fascinating talk by Ed Thompson on the history of Otford shops. Over the summer we again ran a series of pop-ups, including one supporting Christian Aid in a co-ordinated event between ourselves. the Methodists, Catholics and Evangelicals- a first for Otford. Other events included a beetle drive, the annual parish BBQ and a sponsored litter pick. The autumn saw the arrlval of a French Bistro in the church centre, followed by an ever popular Harvest Supper & Quiz before the arrival of the Christmas Festivities and annual 'StrictlV evenlng. The Holmes family again did sterling service in visiting as many parlshes as possible during Ride & Stride. Our annual St Bart's Summer Fair took place on the Green next to the church on 22nd June. The Fair is a major community engagement event for our Church and brings many from the village and surrounding area into contact with St Barts in friendly and fun environment. Our prayers were answered in terms of the weather and we were blessed with a sunny afternoon that helped draw a good crowd. This year the Falr again offered a wide range of stalls and attractions to appeal to all ages, plus in additlon we were delighted to have our very own St Barts Band performing through the aftemoon very popular with the fairgoers! Overall, a great day, enjoyed by all for which we are so grateful to our Church famlly and wider community for all their help and support in puttlng on this popular event. Poge 9 of 24
In November we joined in with the Otford Vlllage Fayre on a very wet and windy Saturday in November. We were pleased to welcome many to the Church and Church Centre to peruse the items on offer, the bacon butties went down particularfy well. It was a great opportunity to catch up with many friends in the village. We are truly grateful to all who sUPPOrt all our Social and Fund Raising events either by helping, providing items for sale or simply coming along and supporting those on the various stalls. Soup Lunch We are grateful to Joan Beacom for her work in organising and running soup lunches throughout the year and for initiating a bridge afternoon in August. which we hope to repeat again in 2025. We meet bimonthly in the church centre any one is welcome to attend. We attract some 30 people who come to enjoy homemade soup with bread, a small dessert and coffee with a guest speaker who will chat about their life and interests. We have recently welcomed our new Otford Methodist Minister, a representative from Demelza House and a supporter of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Come and join us- there will be a sign up list in the church lobby two weeks before each lunch. Warm Welcome We continue our Warm Welcome initiative every Friday afternoon 2-5pm in the Church Centre. We are a very friendly group who meet for a chat, to knit, sew or work on a jigsaw and of course drink tea and eat cake! Some quotes from our regulars 'We are always made very welcome" We are frequently challenged by difficultjigsaws" Come and join us. Churchyard working party Churchyard working partles contlnue to be held usually on the first Saturday between March and November. We are very grateful to all the volunteers of all ages, who help to keep our Churchyard looking clean and tidy. Extra working groups were held during the year in order to have the Churchyard looking clean and tidy. Cake is now regularly offered along with the usual refreshments, We could do with more help; it can be done at any time to Sult the individual. Safeguarding Miss Naomi Hunt continues to be our Parish Safeguarding Officer {PSO) The PSO and Lead Safeguarding Warden {Janet Huntl have also been working through the year to identify all of the volunteers within the congregation who should complete Basic Awareness and Foundation training. Safeguarding appears as an Agenda item on all PCC and Standing Committee meetings. There were no issues raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding team. Wider Community The Annual Civic Service was replaced by a Celebration Servi to mark the Coronation of King Charles111 followed by refreshments in the Church Centre. The Remembrance Sunday service was well attended both in Church and then out on the Green. The unifomied organisations were agaln able to play their part in the Service and the laying of Wreaths on the Green. The SeNice in Church was live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Deanery Synod Shoreham Deanery Synod brings together representatives from parishes SttChing from Otford to Stan5ted and from Farningham to Shipbourne. St. Bart's is the largest benefice in the Deanery by electoral roll. Members are elected at Annual Parochial Church Meetings to serve a 3-yearterm. The Synod met twice in 2024, chaired by the Rural Dean, Rev. Chris Noble (Rector of Stansted with Fairseat & Vigo). At typlcal meeting, the first half consists of a presentation by a relevant speaker followed by questions and answer5. The second part consists of routine Synod business. l am the Lay Chair of the Synod, but that does not involve very much at Poge 10 of 24
The first meeting of the year was held on 22 February 2023 at St. Peterfs Church Centre,18htham. The speaker was Rev. Trudi Oliver. Rector of Eynsford with Farningham and Lullingstone. She has experience of chaplaincy work in secondary schools and spoke on work with young people, in particular championing young vocations, among people aged up to about 32 (including parents of young children). She emphasised the importance of role models and mentors and of avoiding assumptions about the nature of vocation. There was a table exercise on ways to encourage young vocations in our own parishes. The second meeting took place on 17 October at St. Marfs, Stsnsted. The speaker was Rev. Wil North, recentty appointed as an Associate Archdeacon while continuing part-time as Rector of Barmin8 Wlth Teston. He grew up in Woolwich and started as a naval architect befo being called to ministry as a youth and community worker in Norfolk, then ordained ministry in London. He had not expected to find himself in rural rnini5try but was loving it. and had ended up as diocesan 5POrts ambassador, lead vocation advisor for the Diocese and {until becomlng Assoclate Archdeacon) Area Dean for Malling. He explained that the two Associate Archdeacon roles had been created to add capacity, since it was very hard for one Archdeacon to deal with 21 vacancies at the same time (out of about 168 clergy posts) across the six Deaneries making up the Tonbridge Archdeaconry. The role involved working with parishes on plans for reorganisation and changing the shape of ministry, as well as selection processes. He explained the need for reorgani5ation: that traditional parish boundaries were no longer working in some places, and experience was that, done well, reorganisation could prove really positive even if the proces5 was sometime5 painful or slow. For Shoreham Deanery, the largest In the archdeaconry in square miles, no decisions had been taken but some change was likely to be needed. Any plans involved time and prayer and were always discussed at the Archdeaconry Mlsslon and Pastoral Working Group before decisions were taken. As the lay representative for Shoreham Deanery on the Worklng Group, I commented how heartened I had been by the open, honest, sensitive and constructive splrlt In discussions at the meetings. He mentioned the clerical vacancy in Otford. He surprised that we had received so few applicants in response to the first two adverts, but the pattern had been similar across the whole country land more extreme in other parts of the ar¢hdeaconryl. Representatives from Wrotham and Ightham talked about the positive experience of their recent reorganisation. In the business part of the meeting, the Area Dean was elected to a casual clerical vacancy on Diocesan Synod but there were no candidates to fill the casual lay vacancy. l usually take my own notes of Deanery Synod meetings and circulate them to PCC members. If others would like a copy of my notes from previous or future meetings, I would be happy to share them. Pollcy on Reserves The PCC upholds a pollcy to maintain general reserves at a level of £35,000. Thls pollcy Is revlewed on an annual basis. The PCC also maintains a fund for cyclical maintenance and repair. Other funds held and set aside for specific purposes at the close of 2023 are dealt with in the Accounts Section of this report. Poge 11 of 24
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees 'iart5 a-,.io St. Bartholomew's Church, Offord On accounts for the year ended 31" Dember 2024 Charity no (if any) 1135073 Set out on pages 14to24 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 3111212024. Responslbilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Acf,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's 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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examlnerfs statement come to my attention in connection wilh the examination (other than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kepl in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records," or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning th8 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 fairf view which is not a matter onsidered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems 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. . Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Mr F W (Bill) Salmond Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Address: 10 Eden Hall, Stick Hill Edenbridge Kent TN8 5QQ Page 12 of24
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of conrn (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief detalls of any items that the examiner wlshos to disclose. Poge 13 of 24
St Bartholomevs Church Otford - 1135073 Statement of Financial Actlvltlos - summary For the period from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 Unr¢stsi¢t•tl funds Doslgnated lunds Totsl fund5 Prioryear totsllunds lunds fund5 Tot•1 tn¢ome 141636 10A73 1H796 170,110 T¢*al upendttwe 110.676 15,426 170.978 14V11 Gains I losst$ on Inve5tmentasse 133 N1n¢¢th l{expendlturel r•sour¢o5 bofor8 transfer 121189) 1,047 13151 21201 Gr055tr8nsfS behveen funds- in Gr¢%5tran5f5 bettveen ftJnds- ¢xrt Af2367 164,4431 58,5n (28.5121 8.870 14,8551 107.811 1107,8111 71.1(Lfj (71.1051 Netmpvemoni in fvvKIs 14m8 {&129) 11951 21J01 Tal fvnds brought foThvwd 43150 211867 311J03 29Q002 T1 fvnds ¢trrI forvmrd 88 49A56 217.929 325255 311.303 UrY85trictaJ Gener8lfuThJ DesKJnated AV and IT MaintBnarre Church Hall CytlirAI M8inknanc MissiDn Parlsh Offer Fund 57,866 57.868 43,850 1.207 24,124 9,137 7.764 12,351 23,329 15,296 9.196 1,250 152 9.196 Bernardworssam Fd Cameras ?rbJ Choral Music Fthd Church H811 Church Fkll NlalntenawK External Work5 RcAsef5 Jean Kelsey M¢Jsic FuTrY Mus Sgque¥tratkn Acojunt 1527 1992 201572 201,572 S97 12.540 201.$72 587 12MI 1LKI 2.039 510 31 2.039 510 11,8191 Poge 14 of 24
SL Bartholomew's Church Otford - 1135073 Balance Sheet (Separate funds) As at: 31 December 2024 As at 3111212024 As at 3111W2023 FIX asets Tangible assets Investments 201.572 201.572 207,537 207,404 Currant assots 559 118.927 1.410 105.e Cash al bank and In 119,487 107.070 Liabilitios Creditors: Amounts f8111ng due in one y 3.171 Nel current a880ts185s currnnt Ilabililie5 117.717 101899 Tolal a88Ots l•$¥ currgnt Ilablllllos 325,255 311.303 Total net assets Igss Ilab1151Fo8 325,255 311JOa Represented by Unr•strlcted Unre¥trfcted- General fijnd 57,868 43,850 De5ignted Designated- AV and IT Maintenance Designated- Parish Offer Fund Designate(l- Church Hdl Designated- Cydical Maintenance Designated- Mission 1.207 12,351 24.124 9,137 7,764 1250 23,329 15296 9,196 Re$trfC - Bemard Vvorssam Fund Restrioted- Choral Muslc Fund Restricted- Church Hall Rèsthcted- Churth Repair Restrlcted- Jean Kelsey Music Fund Restricted- Re-ordering Fund Restricted - Cameras and Restricted- Office Computer Restricted - Extemal Works Restricted. Flowers Restricted- Church Hall Maintsnance RestriCt- Musl Restr1¢1 - Sequestration Ac¥xunl Restsic*ed - Mcarage DrationS 529 5,992 201,572 201,572 2.039 3,527 12 100 587 510 31 533 {1,819) Funds of tht ehurth 311J03 Poge 15 of 24
st. Bartholomew's Church Otford - 1135073 Statement of Assets and Llabilities (by fund) As at: 31 Dacember 2024 Balance Previous Balance Investments 6432: 238 Shares In CBF Inv•stmont Fund. Asset General fijnd Unrestricted 5.965 5.832 5.832 Investments 5,965 5,832 Tanglblo assets 6431: Church Hall - Asset Church Hall Restricted 201,572 201,572 201,572 201.572 Tangible assets 201,572 201,572 Cash at bank and in hand 6500: CAF current ac¢ount- Asset FIow8rs Restrfcled Sequestrdtlon Attount Restricted Church Hall DesSgnat& General fund untrIcted 11,8241 6,646 4.885 6,592 11.531 6507: CAF Freewill Account- Assot Extemal Works Restricted General fund Unrestricted 2.5CKJ 1,2¥ 6,440 3.750 6510,. CCLA (CBF) d•poslt a¢¢ount- Asset AV and IT Designated Maintenance Bemard Worssam Fund Cameras and IT Church Hall Malntenance Extemal Worky Flowers Music Parish Offer Fund Choral Music Fund Church Hall Cydical Maintenance General fund Jean Kelsey Music Fund Mission 383 1.207 Restricted 556 529 Restricted Restricted 22 587 3.527 559 Restricted Restricted Restricted Designaled Restricted Designated Designated Unrestricted Restricted 10.040 100 510 1,250 21 533 12,351 18.303 15.296 45.220 2.039 23.Iy22 9.137 23.859 Deslgnated 9.196 103.508 91A17 0590: Cash In hand - As30t General lund Unrostrlcl8d 136 140 136 140 Cash at bank and In hand 118,927 105,680 Page 16of 24
Oebtors Z05: Accounts R•c01vatsle . A88Ot Sequestratlon Awount RestrKled General fund Unr88trided 55 1.354 559 559 1,410 Debtors 559 1,410 Credltors: Amounts falllng duo In one year Z04: Accounts Payablg- Llablllty Sgqu8slration AOUnt Restdcbj Church Hall Deslgnated General fund Unrestrlcted Ission Deslgnatwj 50 1,782 369 1.620 150 1,770 3,171 Crndltors: Amounts falllng due in one year 1.TlO 3.171 Grand Total 325.255 311.303 Poge 17of 24
St. Bartholomews Church Otford- 1135073 Analysis of income and expendlture 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 Income and ondowments Total Donatlons and legacles Unrestricted Deslgnated Restricted Endowment Thls y8ar Last year 0101- GfftAkl- Donabons 0110- Gift Ald - Envelope5 0201 Other planned gSving 0301- L005e plate eollections 0302- Wall Safe 0501- One-off Gift Aid gifts 0550- Donations appeals etc 0601- Tax recoverable on Gift 0610- Tax R)very- GASDS 0701- Legacie5 0811- Norpre(yJthng onevoff grants 1270- Youth work 1280- Church refreshments 1510- Bookof Remembrance 2,413 1,365 7.392 7.002 62.413 1.365 7.392 7.027 65,671 8.949 6.123 250 2.630 719 19.064 2269 11.000 196 1,935 25 11.100 1.969 20.751 2.085 10.( 21,100 2.24 23.296 2,085 1,960 996 200 996 25 Donadons and legacles Totals 117.484 13,225 130.709 122,152 Income from charitable actlvltles 1101- Fees for w&ddlng8 & fijnerals - pcc 1111- Fees for w19$ & fvnerals - DBF 4.553 3,(K17 1,531 Income fmm eharltable actlvltles Totals 4.553 7,436 Other trndlng activltles 0901 - Otherfijnds generdted 0910- iJurch falr 0911- Made In Otford website 0912- Ride and stride 0913- ristMaS market 0914- Events 1.449 7.579 508 561 4.390 7.843 7.579 7,188 918 875 4,106 9,535 15,755 561 4.390 7,843 19.674 1240- Church hall letbngs 19.674 Other trading aCtitIeS Totals 22.333 19.674 42.007 39,730 Investments 1001- Dlvidends 1020- Bank and building Soty Intgrest 161 2.104 161 4,481 159 3,530 2,011 Investments Totals 2.266 2.011 365 4.643 3,690 Income and endowments Grand totals 146.636 21,685 16,473 184.796 170,110 Page 18 of 24
Total Endowment This year Expendlture Unre8trthd D8signat& R8thded Last year RaIng funds 1730- Costs of fund raising 1.570 1,620 1,974 R8lslng fimds Totals 1.570 1.620 1,974 Expenditure on charftable 8Ctivltles 1801- Mission Giving 1907- Mission & Ministry SuppDrt 2001- Salary of Caretakor 2050- Salary of parish administrator 2051- Pension Contributions Offi Staff 2101- Working expenses of incumbent 2110- Vislting speakers I locums 2120- Council tsx 2130- Wicarage house expenses 2140- Water rates- virAra9e 2180 - Youth work 2201- Fees & subscrfptSons 2320- Organ I piano tunln9 2321- Organist fee5 2322- Choir exPendIre 2340- Upkeep of $8rvices 2341- Atar Rquisites 2345- Churth refreshments 2350- Upkeèp of Ghurchyard 2360- Printing. ststionery, postage 8nd other 2361- Computers and Offi equlpm8nl 2362 - Photocopier maintenance 2365- Church office- telephone 2366- Intemot & Websitè 2370- aeaning & sanitsry supplies 2401- Church running - electric 2410- Church njnning - gas 2420- Churth rnnning- water 2422- Churth sound and vision 2430- Churth running- security 2450- Churth running - insuranr 2460- Churc* maintenance 2470- Church - performing rights licence 2530- Hall running - electricity 2540- Hall njnning - gas 2550- Hall running - insuran 2560- Hall running - maintenance 2570- Hall deaning and materials 2580- Hall running - water 10.224 12,351 10.224 72. 4.484 9.609 2.492 9,698 57.316 4,211 9.023 2,343 60,639 4,484 9,609 2.492 175 4,183 175 4.183 412 307 412 307 3.422 203 3.422 476 638 3.071 1,710 2.391 3.463 11 389 254 516 2,391 11 421 254 516 3,023 1,436 31 100 510 632 557 516 357 896 126 2.936 4,¥27 516 357 236 875 126 2,936 4.827 114 850 7.923 8,888 1.364 3.216 3.899 2.166 714 3.813 3.418 679 2,166 714 2.212 3.253 1,416 13.413 2.212 3.253 1,416 13,413 2,553 4.680 1.385 8.825 2.222 1.511 1,154 1.154 Expenditure on charftable activities Totsls 108.877 44.875 15,376 169,128 147,085 Other expenditure 2602- Bank Charges 229 229 251 Other expendhurn Totals 229 229 251 Poge 19 of 24
Unrestricted Designabj Restricted Endowm8nt This year Last year Exp•ndlture Grand totals 110,676 44,875 15,426 170,978 149,311 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Mrs. Janet Hunt Mrs. Joan Beacom Lay Chair of PCC & Churchwarden Churchwarden Notes to the Financial Statements for ar endln to 31 December 2024 The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts. Accounting Policies The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial Statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulation5 2006 governing the individual account5 of PCC, and with the Regulations true and fair viev/' provisions. Assets 2.1. Consecrated and benefice ro ert In 50 far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of 'CharIt by section 10{2)lal and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. 2.2. Moveable Church Furnishin Typically, these are capitali5ed at cost and depreciated over the useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church's inventory. 2.3. Tan ible Fixed Assets for use b the charit These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £IOOO. They are valued at cost or else, for gifts-in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreclation is calculated to write off the capitalised cost of fixed assets less thelr currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows: Land Fixtures & Fittings Computers 20 years 3 years Page 20 of 24
No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful Ilfe of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterlal. An impairment review is carried out each year end and any resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year. 2.4. Church Hall The Church Hall is currently the subject of a consultation prO5S to deterrnine its future use. The PCC has Suspended all non-essential maintenance to the Hall until this process is complete, with the result that the fabric of the Hall is continuing to deteriorate. As part of the consultation process in 2019 the PCC commissioned a condition survey of the Hall, with associated costs for repairs, from an independent firm of surveyors, which estimated total repair costs, at the time, of £385k. A sum of £9k ha5 been included within the Church Hall Budget for 2023 to cover maintenance costs needing immediate attention within the short term. 2.5. Investments Investments quoted on a recogni5ed stock exchange or whose value derlves from that are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at PCC'S best estimate of market value. 2.6. Short Term De oslts These are the cash held on deposit either with the CCLA or at a bank. The church's assets are held in the following accounts: CAF Bank- current account (for general income and payments for both church and hall) CAF Bank- freewill offering account (for all regular donations made by bank transfer) CCLA-deposit account (interest paying instant access account) Funds 3.1. Unrestricted Funds These represent the funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, excluding amounts designated by the PCC for red assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reserves, as disclosed on the trustees, report. 3.2. Restricted Funds These are funds that must be spent on restrScted purposes. Details of the restricted funds held are shown below: Bernard Worssam Fund Church Hall {Building) External Works Jean Kelsey Music Fund Sequestration Account Cameras & IT Fund Church Hall Maintenance Flower Fund Music Fund These Funds are primarily held in the CCLA account and interest Is added to the Funds on a quarterly basis. Page 21 of 24
The Choral Music Fund, which held monies donated speclfically for fvrtherance of Choral Music, was closed within the financial year, with the majority of the monies transferred to The Royal School of Church Music. A Sequestration Account is instigated when a clerical vacancy occurs. Income from statutory fees normally payable to the diocese are retained wlthin this account, along with costs associated with the vacancy such as visiting curate fees. The account was showing a deficit of £4,015 as at31 December 2024, which has been expensed within the 2024 financial year. The Sequestration Account will be closed when a new priest is appointed. Any positive balance within the account at the time is payable to the diocese; a negative balance must be covered from church funds. Restricted Income in the year was as follows: External Works Flower Fund Sequestration Account £10,600 donated for churchyard and car park lighting £80 Donations £2,883 Statutory fees Expenditure in the year from Restricted Funds was as follows: Cameras & IT Fund E)rternal Works Fund Flower Fund Muslc Fund Sequestration Account £3,563 New Sound Desk & Associated camera works £632 Tree works £31 Altar Flowers £50 Loan of Music for Band use £5,078 Visiting Clergy & Vicarage costs 3.3. Desi nated Funds These are funds that the PCC have designated for a specific purpose. Detsils of the designated funds current held are shown below: AV & IT Maintenance Cyclical Maintenance Parish Offer Fund Church Hall Irunning costs and lettingsl Mission Giving These Funds are primarily held in the CCLA account and interest is added to the Funds on 3 quarterly basis. Money transferred to designated Funds during the year was as follows: Church Hall Cyclical Maintenance Mission Giving Parish Offer Fund £19,674 Hall Lettings £5,500 budgeted Cyclical Maintenance for 2024 £8,800 budgeted Mission Giving for 2024 £1,250 towards 2025 Parish Offer Expenditure in the year from Designated Funds was as follows: AV & IT Maintenance Church Hall Mission Giving Parish Offer Fund £850 New Amplifier £21,449 Hall Running & Maintenance £10,224 Away Giving from 2023 £12,351 Towards 2024 Parish Offer Page 22 of 24
Staff Costs During the yearthe PCC employed an organist and office staff (all part time). Tax and National Insurance payments were made for relevant employees. Total staff costs amounted to £19,565 which includes £783 Employer Pension Contributions. National Insurance Contributions for the year fell below the £2,000 government allowance. Incumbent costs are covered by the diocese and therefore not included within these accounts. No members of the PCC are employed, however a person closely connected to a PCC member is employed within the office staff. Donations made by PCC members during the year amounted to £28,825. 4.1. Church Worker5 Pension Fund CWPF St Bartholomew's participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other partlcipating employers. CWPF has two sections: the Defined Benefits Scheme the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections; a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and, a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014. Pension Builder Scherne Both sections of the Penslon Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes. Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors. Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provide5 a lump sum which member5 use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment retums and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65. There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme. The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Bullder Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SOFA in the year are the contributions payable (2024: £2,493, 2023: £2,343). Page 23 of 24
A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2022. For the Pension Builder Cla55ic section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effective l January 2025. the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 6.7% to both pen5i0ns not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of service prior to April 1997; and a bonus on pension5 in payment in respect of post April 2006 service so that the pension increase was 2.7% {where usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to 2.5%). This followed improvements in the funding position over 2024. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2025. For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £8.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, St Bartholomew's could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employerfs pension liabilities. Misslon Givin8 Current policy is for 75% of any unrestricted budget surplus from the 2023 accounts to be added to the 2023 budgeted Mission Giving and for these funds to be distributed following sign-off of the 2023 accounts. However. an exception to this policy was agreed by the PCC at its meeting in Dec 23, in that £12,531 of budget surplus from 2023 was set aside to fund the parish offer in 2024. As a result, the amount of 2023 budget surplus transferred to Mission amounted to £1,921. A total of £10,224 was distributed in line with instructions from the Mission Committee. Overall Position The church is currently in a clerical vacancy, which is in general detrimental financially. We anticipate this will be resolved within the coming financial year. With this assumption in place, the PCC have reviewed antlclpated income and expenditure for 2025 and set balanced budget for the year ahead. Page 24 of 24