The Parochial Church Council the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Bartholomew, Otford Registered Charity Number 1135073 Also known as St. Bart's, Otford Vacancy until 18 May 2025 Rev. Kelly Parsons (from 19 May 2025) The Green Otford Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5PD office ci,stbartholomews.co.uk www.stbartholomews.co.uk Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December 2025 pe1 of26
Trustees The Trustees are the members of the Parochial Church Council IPCCI. Those members are either ex-officio. elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCMI or co-opted by the PCC in accordano with the Church Representatlon Rules. Trustees are not remunerated. During the year ended 31 December 2025 the followlng served as members of the PCC.. Priest-in-charge.. Rev. Kelty Parsons from 19 May 2025 Interregnum l January to 18 May 2025 Worden5.' Mrs Janet Hunt - from April 2018 and re-elected in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. 2023. 2024, 2025 Mrs. Joan Beacom - from April 2021 and reelected in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Members of the Dioceson Synod.. Mr. Derek Shilling Members of the Deanery Synod.. Mr. Mark Holmes- PCC Mlnutes Secretary Mrs. Margaret Lidbetter Mrs. Janet Hunt Elected Members.. Mr. Colin Anderson120211 Mr. Jonathan Batchelor120241 Mr. Christopher Bishop120251 Mrs. Cin(Iy Davies12025} Ms. Dawn Hallam120171 Miss Naomi Hunt (20211 Mrs. Nancy JOn550n12022} Mrs. Mags Southgate120221 Mrs. Heather Stanley120181 Mr. George Young120241 Llcensed Lay Reader Parish Safe8u4rding Officer Llcensed Lay Reader PCC TreaSur Independent Examiner Mr Tony Young 23 Pepingstraw Close, Offham. West Mallin& Kent. ME19 5PB Bankers CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue. Kings Hlll, West Mallin& Kent The CBF Church of England Deposlt Fund, One Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB GovernlnE Document The Parochial Church Coun¢N Powers Measure 1956 as amended, and Church Representation Rules. All members of the PCC are trustees of the charity. Elected member5 of the PCC are normally appointed for a period of three years and are required under the PCCS own policy to stand down for a minimum of one year followlng the three-year period. Dawn Hallam 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. Pag8 2 of 26
The Standing Committee is authorised. subject to the PCCS dlrertions, to condutt the busine55 of the PCC should decisions need to be tsken between full meetings of the PCC. Objects of the Charit¢ The PCC has the responsibility of working wlth the Priest-in-Char8e land previously, during the clerical vacancy* the Area Dean, Rev. Dr. Chris Noble) to uphold the ministry and mission of the Church in the areès of worship. the nurture of faith. service to the village of Otford and Christian witness. This is done through'.- Sunday and midweek services- baptisms, weddlng5, and funerals; youth and children's work: teaching adults through weekly home groups and occasional serles of talks and study groups,. pastoral care and involvement In the community: and supporting mlsslon partner5. To meet Its objective5, and by way of good stewardship of the property for which the Area Dean. Priest in Charge. Churchwardens and PCC are responsible, the PCC maintains the fabric of St Bartholomew's Church (which English Heritage ha5 listed as a Grade I building). the adjoining Church Centre and the Church Hall (located in the High Street). To ensure the objertives are complied with, the PCC meets regularly. There were 6 PCC meetings during 2025 with a high average attendance level. Much of the PCCS work Ss assisted by committees. Those committees report and make recommendations to the PCC. The main committees are.. - Stondlng- Ha5 the legal authority to continue the business of the PCC. subject to any direttions 8Nen by the Council. Finonce- meets on avera8e at two-monthly intervals between PCC meetings. It monitors income and expenditure, reviews budgets and reviews financial contro15 working closely with the Treasurer. Fabrlc- monitor5 the condition of the Church fabric, Church Hall, churchyard and car park and arranges maintenance and repair work as required. Fuir- plans and organises the St Bartholomew'5 Fair. normally the principal fund-raislng event of the year. Events Tecm- plans and OartIseS social and fund-raising events during the year. Ministry Team. Wordens & Porish Administrt7tor- meets to provide mutual fellowship and sUPPOrt, and the opp)rtunity to continue to look at upcomin8 Service5 and rotas. Mission. Mlnistry and Growth- communicates the work of Christian agencles supported by St. Bart's through written articles and arranging for speaker5 to vlslt (limited speakers in 2025 due to the interre8num forthe first five months of the yearl. It recommends the allocation of available funds to Christian mi551on and relief organlsations, both in the UK and oversea5. It updates and reviews the Called to Grow Artion Plan and makes recommendations to the PCC for further discussion and action as appropriate. Electoral Roll In 2025 there were 127 members on the Electoral Roll. Members of the Standlng Committee are the Vicar, the Churchwardens, the PCC Mlnutes Secretary. the Treasurer and up to two other rnembers of the PCC or the Vice Chalr of PCC and two members of the PCC. For Charity Commission PUTposes the Charity come5 Wlthin the classlficatlon of "Religious Actlvltles" to help the general publlc, partlcularly wlthln the parlsh of Otford, Kent and the surroundin8 area but also throu8h mi55i0n giving further afleld. li provides the services Ilsted In this document. Pag8 3 of 26
Clerlcal Vacancy During 2025 the Clerical Vacancy at St. Bartholomev/s was fllled by the appointment of the Rev. Kelly Par50ns thDf as Priest in Char8e with effert from the 19 May 2025. We were very pleased to welcome Kelly, her husband Michael and other members of her family to the Installation SeNice and to our Parish and continue to pray for them as they settle into their home and life in Otford. We would like to record our thanks to all the Visiting Cler8y who took service5 of Holy Communlon, Weddlngs. Baptisms and Funerals durlng the vacancy, along with our home team of Readers who enabled worship to carry on as usual. Thank you l arrived in May to a wonderful welcome at both my installation and my first seNice the followin8 Sunday. I felt truly blessed and still feel very strongly that God called me to be with you here at St Barts and it feels very Much like home. In his address at my installation. 8i5hop Simon said, 'God'5 got this ond he's oot you ond he h(Js the people 5 lives you are now entering." I have felt God's presence so closely this year. Thank you to all of you who have supported me in my first year and especially to the Church Wardens and PCC for their support and patience as 15ettled in. Thank you all for listening to me and allowing me a time to settle and the grace to start to understand the shape of my ministry here in this place with you all. Hlghlight$ 2025 Fifth Sunday5 have developed into a'try Something new event and they have been well reIVed wlth really good feedback. From Café Church to Taize services we have enjoyed a wideness in our worship that reflects the different ways we can worship God together. Relationships With the local communityi including with Otford Prlmary School, are continuin8 to bulld with the hard work of the ministry team. Dawn and I have been into Otford Primary School to celebrate Harvest, and the school came to U5 for their Christmas carol seICe. Remembrance and Christingle services provided an opportunity to reach out to those on the fringes of the church family and into the wider community. Implementlng the use of iKnowChurch between myself and Clive (Church Administratorl has streamlined some of our processes and support5 the recording of data for occasional offices. Running the Bible course was excitinB, and it was 8reat to See a range of people from different ages and 5ta8es of falth engaging with scripture in a different way. The course ran for 10 weeks. and 40 people en8aged either in person or over Zoom wlth the materials. It wa5 an absolute joy to be invited to join those on the youth weekend away for Saturday. I had some amazing discusslons about free will and what it is like to be a priest. I left the day with a number of clothes pegs (inside joke), completely dry lafter the water fight) and with a very full heart. Challenges The key challenge$15ee are". To focus on succession plannlng, ensuring that there are people trained and supported to take on roles of responsibility within the church. These include Churchwardens, the potentlal Implementstion of deputy churchwardens, Deanery Synod representative5 and PCC members. To share the workload so that no one person feels oVeheIMed. To have a congregation that represents the diversity of the communlty living in Otford. To grow a Pastoral Care Team to ensure that all feel loved and supported in times when they need that support mosl, whether through prayer, visits or more practical support. Page 4 of26
Growing a safe and healthy culture for all that come into our church. Providing opportunities for face-to- face safeguarding training and Increaslng our awareness that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Reflecting the values of righteou5ne55. peace. wholeness and fullness of life for all. To grow both spiritually and numerlcally. Growing deeper in faith together and exploring the true meaning of discipleship. To rernain relevant in our communlty, providing opportunitie5 to access church in dlfferent ways. to be accessible and open to chan8e. To work ecumenically with the other churches in Otford. To continue to grow a culture of generosity, where glving Is part of our discipleship. To use our funds responslbility to keep the buildings in good workin8 order and fit for purpose, to do misslon and OutaCh within ourcommunlty and support our mission partners. To be able to support ourdiocese by contrlbuting to the Common Fund wlth our full Indicative Offer. Vlslon I believe that it Is Important for a church to plan and to dream together.. to have a vision that we all get behind and work towards. Part of our vision will also link to that of our Diocese- to change. serve ond grow, os we seekfirst the Kingd(Nn of God with compassion, couroge ond creotiwty. Seeklng God's kingdom in thi5 woy means bringing about o Church where oll conflourish and have lift in oll itsfulne55' 05 Gl intends (John 10.'IOJ. Thavs not a bad place to start. In 20261 hope we will run a Vision Day where we can come together and think about where God is leadin8 us. But in the meantime, we continue moving forwards with belng a welcoming church that understands what It means to welcome all- To be a place where people can come at any stage of Ilfe and faith and will feel loved and safe. To be a church that doesn't remain with the walls but reache5 Out to the community and meets people where they are. l am looking fOard to 2026 and the joys and challenges that it will bring. God Is dolng some amazing things here in St Barts and in Otford and is inviting us to joln In. l Cannot wait to see wh3t God has in store for us as we continue to journey together. In faith, Rev Kelly Parson5. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE YEAR When planning our activities for the year the PCC consider the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religlon. Many of the activities and service511sted in this report are carried out by volunteers and St Bart's is very grateful for thSs. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of volunteers, but we believe that it is well over half of the number on the Electoral Roll. Many among the congregation have glven time to undertake various jobs within the Church and Churchyard, too manyto mention by name but we record ourthanksto each and everyone of you. Pastoral Care We now have just one Pastoral Assistant, Margaret Lidbetter, who is also a trained counsellor. and who serves our church in many situations, from arranging an appointment for Holy Communion at home to the impromptu chat and whatever help Is needed. We appreciate being alerted to any situation where we can help. Thi5 15 a fulfilling role within our church and one that we would very much like to expand as we move Into 2026 and beyond. Page 5 of 26
Cornerstone In 2024 we were invited to join the Cornerstone project as part of a trlal In the Diocese of Rochester. The ministry and misslon of Parlsh Churches is mostly funded through the increéible generosity of those who give to it through money, time and talents. When tlmes are tough. financial struggles can seem oveMhelmin& whith 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 8ivin8 culture and financial situation of their Parish, It aim5 to leave the Parish with clear, simple steps to grow giving. both in terms of Income and In tems of time and tslents. Liz Mullins, our Diocesan Generous Glvlng Adviser. introduced us to the platfom which uses data taken from our Annual Parish Retum along with answers to a questionnaire. This then provides a platfonn to look at what we do, how we do It and what we tould look at doin8 differentlyi in tem15 of use of time and talents as well as finance. This is very much a work in progress: there are various areas to work through, so work will continue on the Comer5tone project into 2026 and beyond. Chrlstmas Collectlons As in 2024 we were pleased to be able to give over £14CM) of additional fvnds to the Sevenoaks Loaves and Fishes project: partly from the generous giving over the Christrnas period, but also from our First Christmas Tree Festival held at the beginning of December. Choir Throughout 2025, the choir fulfilled it5 normal schedule of sln8lng three morning and two evenin8 SeIceS per month, with the usual special services to mark occasions in the church's year. I will it again, as I have said many time5 before: the cholr Is agelng and is in urgent need of new recrutts. Sadly, there has been little response from any con8regation members wishing to help by singing in the choir. so this situatlon will only become worse. We are fortunate in Otford to retain a choir, still Singing at a high standard, when so many churches have lost their5, but the lack of volunteers with the necessary level of commitment leaves us on precariousground. Some clir members have had health problems this year, as have I: nevertheless, we were able to continue normal seNlce at almost all times, including our annual Christmas Concert, which we had to forgo in 2024, and our usual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The choir has contlnued to perform a wide-ranging repertoire, and during 2025 sang music from England, France, Italyi Spain. Germany. Austria and Russla. from the 16 to the 21 century. The choir 15. as ever, fortunate to have so many dedicated and faithful rnembers. and its membership now stands at 16, followin8 the tIrement of one member ljane Donaldson. after a magnificent 46 years, seNicel and welcoming Nancy Jonsson to our fanks. Anyone interested in sin8ln& on a regular ba515. the wide range of seNice repertoire that we have, should contsct me orthe Church Office. Kevin Grofton, choim?u5terand organist Muslc Group Membership of the music 8roup Ibandl has remained stable during the year. Although some members have gone to university land some returned), they always seem keen to tske part when they are back for holldays or vlslttng home. When everyone turns up lapprox. 15 peoplel it can be quite difficutt to fit everyone plus instruments on the platform- what a great problem to havel The instruments in the band are many and varied, and of course V have our singers. We are always happy to welcome new members to the band, particularly with an instrument we don't have so as to 8ive our music arranger, to whom we are extremely grateful for his hard worK an extra challengel Page 6 of 26
The band have cOnUed to play at All Together Worshlp services each month. A particular highlight this year was playing at Rev Kelly's Licensing and Instsllation service in May. Thls was a great opportunity to show the breadth of worship styles at St Bartholomevls with choir, organ and worship band leading in the sung worship. Other extra Services during the year at which the band played included the Servlce for the Week of Prayer for Chri5tlan Unity, Chri5tin8le, the Palm Sunday ecumenical seNice on The Green, Café Church, a Taizé seNlce and Sunday Club Nativity service. Agoin. special thank5 must go to our technical wizard who, wlth all his knowhow and talent, spends tlme making it possible for the band to be heard wlth a balanced sound both in church and via the live stream. We look forward to what this year will bring as we continue to worship with God's people here at St Bart's. Bell Rlngers An amazing start to 2025 as regards our visiting ringers, with 3 January bein8 a successful full peal from the ringers, most of whom a in their 70s+. They rang a Sliced Surprise Minor. comprising about 24 different methods. Pea15 Usually take about three hours. Locally we only had one complaint from a gentleman who was cross that he had an intervlew at that time and was not able to be at home to listen to the bells. We hosted variou5 visiting rin8ers throughout the year including hosting the Young Rlngers Strlking Competltion in March. All remarked how much they enjoyed ringing St. Bart's bells. We are VERY appreciative of the huge support we are given from Fraser and Dee from Kemslng, to run our Thursday evening practices. Over time it has helped Ijs to improve Dur techniques. They show true commitment. Ringers from Kemsing, Seal and Chevening join us, which makes a vast difference to our practlces. In turn we try to support them at Kemsing. Periodically Jen Thomas also gives invaluable support. She is very busy training the Young Ringers. De5Plte only having Six ringers on a regular basis we've managed to keep going, ringing for most Sunday Services and ft)r specific occasions, namely- Ringing for VE Day In May Church Fete in June An Interment in August Christma5 Services Revd. Kelly's Licensing & Installation Ceremony A Wedding and Wedding Blessing in Ju Vlllage & St. Bart's Christmas Fair We are also happy to ring for Funeral/Memorial Services. CAMEO CAMEO- come and meet each other- has been serving a need for some of the St. Bartholomew's familyfor twenty year5. It's a sociable support group for those who live on their own. Fifteen members. our capacity. meet in Leonard's Avenue on Mondays. Fortnightly we participate in Bible Study and on the alternate Mondays we have a variety of activities and interests, including visitors to give a talk. We meet throughout the year and benefit from the social interaction and care for each other. CAMEO is proving to be a pastor31 asset for our church. Chlldren and Young People Sunday Club Sunday Club meets on Sunday Mornin85 (except for the i>t Sunday of the month when we have our'AII- Together worshlp'l. We continue to meet as an all-age group with two leaders for each se55ion. The leaders work together to plan the session and can split the group dependlng on the ages of children attendinE. We use a scheme from the Scripture Union which provides a variety of age-appropriate activities based round a bible passage, and we flnd this flexible approach allows us to play to the strengths of both the leaders and the young people attending week by week. Page 7 of 26
We welcome children of any age. Parents are welcome to come in to settle thelr chlldren orto stay for the whole session if needed. There are 7 regular leaders who work on a rota ba515 and we are blessed to have such a faithful team. We thank them all for sharlng their time. their talents, and their faith. We have also benefited from the support of young people who are volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. We had 32 children on our register. with an attendance of between S and 10 most weeks. As well as following our regular curriculum we do have occaslonal special sessions- this year that Included activities for Remembrance Sut)day and work related to our Mlsslon Partners which was part of our Patronal Sunday celebration. The year ended with our nativity play, 'Come to a Partw, using resources specially written for us by one of our leaders. This involved participatlon by the whole congregation and wa5 a Suc55fUl end to the year. EPIC- Every Person In Chrfst EPIC is the St Bartholomes Youth Club for those in School year5 5- 8. Meetings are held on the second Saturday evening of the month in the Church Centre for a range of activities. supper and bible studv. We try to offer a range of activities that meet the socials physical. creative and spiritual needs of the young people. We aim to foster a spirlt of co-operatlon and encourage working together In small groups for problem solving activities and as a whole group for discu55ion tlmes. There Is often a craft activity, as well as plenty of opportunities to let off steam. We always have a two-course supper together. hopefully wlth veB8ies or fruitl Sometimes this is provided by friends or parents: thank you to all those who have taken on this task. Sometimes we order in pizza (alway5 popularl and we also have times when we get the young people invofved in the preparatlon and the washing up. This 15 always an interesting experience with much being learnedl Grace or a prayer 15 said and there is a bible study linked to one of the artfvltles. We have three regular leaders and call on others as needed for extra or specific help. We have also had the help of Duke of Edinburgh students. There are 10 young people on the register and typically 6- 8 attend. Epic offer5 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. For the leaders it is exhaustin& enrichlng and enlightening. For the young people we hope it is a chance to meet In a safe space that is not school or home, to have a degree of freedom, to have fun and to have a Chan to consider the spiritual aspects of their lives. Thanks must go to everyone who wa5 involved in running EPIC and for being a constant in the lives of our young people when 50 much else was changing. Thls group of young people are open to bringlng their friends along and look forward to meetin8 tO8ether. We aim to support a smooth transition of these children 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 Ilots of chocolatel and friendship. Every year we see some leave to 80 off to further education and welcome new members to join in the mayhem. Number5 can vary wildly from 6 to 20, especially during exam season and university holidays. You can find us tooking Isometimes successfully), playing silly games (alway5 competitively), searching for Easter eggs lin the furthest reaches of the parish), decorating plant pots land then getting EPIC to plant Page 8 of 26
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. We are a159 qulte good at moving and cleaning whlte plastic tables and chairs used for various Church Events during the year. Our aim is to create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive commullity for all the young people associated with our church and walk with them as they mature into faith as adults. It is always a joy to welcome back students during the holiday. It was great at midnight mass this year to have three different distinct but linked groups of ex YPF members about 25 1 total sat together in the Lady Chapel to worship together as part of the service. Bonds of friendship and faith can be relgnited when our young people get together at these special services. Youth Weekend In 2025, we had another successful Youth Weekend at Kench Hill, we took 25 youn8 people away for the weekend. He theme was 'big questiong. The young people had been asked to submit que5tion5 about falth. the Bible and Christianity prior to the weekend. ¢er the course of the weekend, the youngsters attended sessions themed around the 'blg questlons.. We were delighted that Reverend Kelly wa5 able to join us and lead sessions on the Saturday, in particular she was challen8ed by some of those questlons asked by our older attendees. Whilst actlvities are strurtured, there was plenty of time to chill out, relax and get to know one another better. We are looking forward to our next Youth Weekend in July 2026. Tech team Our live streamin8 of re8ular and occasional service5 is made posslble by a very dedicated core of 2 households and 4 individuals who gNe up several hours each month to run the vldeo for our services alongside the the regular volunteers who run the sound. Our thanks goes to them for giving up their time and talents over the last year in stjpport of this much appreciated aspett of our church life. In total 53 services were streamed in 2025 including Nine Lessons and Carols. Our live streams attracted 4 regular viewers at the time of the Servi and an average of 15 viewing5 over the week, slightty lower than in previou5 years. Thls year ha5 seen the departure of three valued members of the team and our thanks go to them for all their hard work over the last few years. Thanks also go to Karen for agreeing to run subtitles on the third Sunday of the month. Despite best efforts we were unable to fill the opening on the Second Sunday of the month. and we acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond by offering their support rn0 than once a month to ensure that our live streaming hasn't been affected. We now need two people to cover a Month slot and two people to help provide occasional cover when our regulars are unavailable. We d love to hear from you if you'd like to help full tralning will be provided, with no obligation rfyou decide it's not for you. Soclal Medla The main task for the ad-hoc social media committee in 2025 wa5 to replace the exlstlng Church website with a fresh modern one. This was requlred as the detision had been made to move away from the web h05t that we had been 4Jsing as it was becoming expensive and the formatting of the web pages was getting a bit dated. After much work, this aim was achieved in early October. and thanks are partlcularly due to: The writers The photographers The Wordpress team (who had to learn how to use a complicated piece of software, do the graphic design and actually put the words and pictures into it) Page 9 of 26
Our resident IT expert. Churdi Fabric There are 8 members on the Church Fabric Committee, and we met 5 tlmes In 2025. There is much actrvlty by members between meeting5. The cyclical maintenance plan is reviewed annually. Some of the items considered in 2025 were:_ Church Pemianent installalion of new internal CCTV cameras - completed. All the Itemsfrom the Quinquennlal report of September 2022 which were recommended for immediate action have now been completed. Longer term Items have yet to be considered. To address security concerns in the car park, we are considering possible changes to the li8hting arrangements and ccrv. and plans are bein8 developed prior to an application to the Diocesan Advisory Commlttee IDACI. South door- minor repairs are planned to lift the (ioor off the metal grld In the doorway. AV equipment- stora8e solLrtions are being developed. Church Centre Cracks in walls. A report wa5 commissioned from a structural Englneer in 2021 which Suggested that the East Wall requires structural tie5, and other cracks requlre flexible fillinB and decoration. The works were put on hold at that time due to lack of funds but will be considered again in 2026. Addrtional shelving ha5 been installed In both the Centre and the vlcarage sto. Acoustics panels for the ceilin8 are bein8 investigated and quotes are being sought. Roof truss in corrldor may Quire some structural repair and quotes are being sought. Church Hall The kitchen units were all replaced in January 2025 which was a major project undertaken by a group of 10 volunteers over two weekends. A maintenance inspectlon in November 2023 identifled some short- and medium-term artlon5 for the external doors and windows. The m05t urgent window work was undertaken in 2025. The double door5 at the front require replacement. and a Planning application is in hand prior to quotes being Sought. Various works to services. roof. gutters and drains were completed. Thank you to our committee members for all their hard work and dedication. Flowers We all like tQ see fresh flowers on the two altars in our beautiful Church. The Flower Rota is on the notice board and if you can place a bunch of flowers in a vase you could be part of the team. At Christmas. Easter, Haryest and Remembrance MO elaborate arrangements are called for and our brrlliant Team each take an area in the church to decorate. We thank everyone who helps, including those who make a donation in memory of a loved one for a special occasion. Events, Church Falr and Chrlstrnas Market 2025 opened with a fascinating talk by Joss Ledward on 'Life at the criminal bar,, talkin8 about her 25 year career as a barrister and some memorable cases from The Old Bailey. Page 10of26
Fun and fellowship continued wlth a Pancakes and Quiz night at the beginning of Lent and Easter Wreath making at the end-we are8rateful to Denise Thompson for sharingwith us hertime and expertise, As alvV5. Joan did a fantsstic job organising our soup lunches throughout the year. She has set a high bar and we wish Hilary every success as she takes over the reins. Our ever-popular pop-ups ran throughout the Summer. and we again combined with the other churches in Offtsrd to h05t a coordinated pop-up in aid of Christian Ald. This was followed by a stall at the Village Fete, the first we have had for a while. and since our new Priest-in-charge, Kelly. was also Ilcensed in May. it became an athon-packed month. Our own parish BBQ in July wa5 followed by a Villa8e BBQ on the August Bank Holiday, at which the popularlty of our tea and cakes stsll proved the prowess of our many bakers- thanks to you all. September opened with a muslcal extrnvaganza as some 5010ists, our band, and Cholr combined to provlde a feast of musical entertainment before the Holmes Family a8ain set forth to conquer Kent in aid of Ride & Stride. Harvest. as always, came wlth a quiz. The year closed on a high as we launched our first ever Christmas Tree Festtval. held over a lon8 weekend at the beginnlng of December. We received incredible support and entouragementfrom the whole community and the imagination and creattvlty of some of the tree decorations was amazinE. The event proved very popular, bringing some families into the church for the fitst time and raising over £7W for Loaves & Fishes foodbank. Excludlng the Summer Fair & Christmas Market, the Events team raised £8,600 nett of expenses, from 22 events. Our annual 5t Bart's Summer Fair took place on the Green next to the church on 21 June. The Fair 15 a major community engagement event for our Church and brings many from the village and surrounding area into contact with St Bart's in friendly and fun envlronment. It was wonderful to have our new Priest in Charge Rev. Kelty avallable to meet and 8reet the people of Otford on a wonderful informal basls and start the proce55 of getting to know some of the wi(ler village community. 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 Fair again offered a wlde range of stalls and attractions to appeal to all ages. plu5 in addition we were delighted to have our very own St Bart5 Band performing through the aftemoon very popular wlth the fairgoersl Overall, a great day. enjoyed by all for which we are so grateful to our Church family and wider community for all their help and support In putting on this popular event. Chrlstmas Market In November we Jolned In with the Otford Village Fayre. We were pleased to welcome many to the Church and Church Centre to peruse the items on offer, the bacon butties went down particularly well. It was a great opportunity to catch up with many frlends In the village. We are truly grateful to all who support all our Social and Fund Raising events etther by helping, providin8 items for sale or simply coming along and supporting those on the various stalls. Soup Lunch It has been my pleasure and privilege to have been part of the team who have organised Soup Lunch since its inception in 2017. We meet bi-monthly in the church Centre to enjoy some homemade soup, bread. a small dessert and coffee and are entertained linformed by a guest speaker during coffee. Our past speakers have included several of our own congregotion who each bring their individual stories and experien5. Our numbers are regularly in the mid-twenties. Pag811 of26
Only once ha5 our guest failed to appear- she was unexpectedly in Court and just couldn't get away. I hasten to add that she was the Judgel A huge thank you to everyone who has helped over the years and a special mention to Robert Hunt who faithfully appears to Set the tables and chairs out, helps lay up and clears away afterwards. He 15 a Starl I leave the team in good heart and confidently hand over to Sam Bamett and Hilary Fothergill who will take Soup Lunch into the future. Joun Beacom Warni 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 cakel Some quotes from our regulars: e ore olwoys made very welrome. e orefrequentty chollenged by difficult jigsows. Come and join us. Churolyard worklng party Churchyard worklng partles continue to be held usually on the flrst Salurday of the month between March and November. We a 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 offed along with the usual refreshments. We could do wlth rn0 help: it can be done at any tlme to sult the individual. Safe8uardln8 Naomi Hunt continues to be our Parish Safeguarding Officer IPSOI. 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 meetlngs. There were no issues raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding team. Rernembrance Servlce and participation of Community organlsatlons The Remembrance Sunday service was well attended both in Church and then out on the Green. The unifornied organisatlons were again able to play their part in the Servlce and the laylng of Wreath5 on the Green. The Service in Church wa5 live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Deanery Synod Shoreham Deanery Synod brin8S together repre5entative5 from parishes stretchlng from Otford to Stan5ted and from Farningham to Shipbourne. St. Barf5 IS the largest benefice in the Deanery by elertoral roll. Parlshes elected representatives in 2023 to serve a 3-yearterrn. The Synod met twice in 2025, chaired by the Rural Dean, Rev. Chris Noble (Rector of Stansted with Fairseat & Vigol. The main element of a typical meeting is a talk by a relevant speaker followed by questions and answers. l am currently the Lay Chalr of the Synod, which is not an onerous responsibs11ty1 A speclal meetlng was held on 9 April 2025 at The Cloisters, St. Marys, Stansted. open to PCC members from across the Deanery, with a visit from the Bishop of Rochester. Bishop Jonathan gave a presentatlon on the dlocesan vision and strategy, Called To9ether.' chonge-serve- grow, adopted by Diocesan Synod in December 2024. The strategy focuses on the Dioce5e'5 role in supporting and sustaining parishes as the beating heart of the church. It is a nine-year programme with three key objectives- to grow missional churches wlth missional leaders and mi5sional disciples. The Bishop explalned six practical differences that the strategy hopes to realise: creating a safe and healthy culture for all. becomlng younger and more dlverse, Page 12 of26
8rowin8 spiritually and numerically, impacting communitles. releasing financial resource5 for mission, and plantlng and growing new mlsslonal churches. The Bishop recognised that there were several thallenges to address- including numbers of ordlnands, decline In attendance. finances and pressure on the sustainability of ministry in rural areas. These challenge5 were also picked up in questions & answers after hls presentation. He explained how the strategy responded to those challenges. Wlth the help of £llm in funding over 7-8 years, secured from the national Church thanks to the strategy. There are four specific streams of work- on mi55ional leadership development, children & young people. missionally healthy churches, and revltalising fragile churches. The second meeting of 2025 took place on 23 October at St. Barvs. The newly appointed DI0San Raclal Justice Officer wa5 unfortunately unwell and unable to give a talk. So instead, firstly15poke about my role as the Deanerfs lay representative on the Tonbridge Archdeaconry Mission & Pastoral Working Group. The Working Group has delegated legal authority to work with the Archdeacon and Assoclate Archdeacons and approve proposals to suspend INings11.e. replace the normal process of appointing an incumbent with the appointment of a Priest-in-charge by the Bishop for a time-limited period, as has happened In Otfordl. and to propose reorganisation of parishe5. 1 reported that I had been encouraged how prayerfully, sens1t1ve and pragmatlcally everyone approached the dlscussions: and that general dlscusslons were held by rotation about each of the six Deaneries, to understand their challenges and strengths. Afterwards, Rev. Dr, Peter Hayler (Rector of Shlpboume with Plaxtoll led a dlscussion on the strand of the Dlocesan Strategy about revitalising fragile churches, countering the risk that this could make some parishes unsustainable. He led an exercise in which small 8roups explored the ways in which our own parishes were fragile. The key themes emerging were shortage of volunteers. finances, the age range of our con8re8ations and the lack of administrators in several parishes. Mark Holmes Pollcy on Reseryes The PCC upholds a policy to maintain general reserves at a level of £35,(JJO. Th15 policy is reviewed on an annual basi5. The PCC also maintains a fund for cyclical malntenance and repair. Other fund5 held and set aside for specific purposes at the close of 2023 are dealt with in the AccoLtnts Section of this report. Page13of26
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WAIES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tru8tsesl members of St Bartholomew's Church On accounts for tho year ended 31 December 2025 Charity no (If any) 1135073 Set out on pages l(kto z I port to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust'} for the year ended 3111212025. Responslblllies 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 {Ihe Act.). 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 foll¢)wed all the applicable Directions given by the Chanty Commission under se¢Xion 145{5){b) of the Acl. Independent I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that diBclosed below ") which give8 me cause to believe that in, any material spect: the accounting records Vre not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Chartties Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records.. or the accourrts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming 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 nol a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no con¢ems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should te drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be 3¢hed. Please e the words in the brackets if they do not appty. Signed: Date: g-to2 Name: Tony ou Relevant professional quallficatlonls) or body (if any): FCMA, FCG Address: 23 Pepingstraw Close, Offliam, West Malling, ME19 5PB
Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material matters of Goncern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brlef detsils of any items Ihat the examiner wishes to dlsclose.
Statement of Flnancial Activities UTrreBtrletsd Dwi¥nated Restrlcted Endowment Totsi Prior yer funds fullds rund8 runds ¢ota] funds Income and •ndowm•nts from: DonalKnS and legades Inwmefrom Chants athiues Other tr¥•Jing acMes Investments Other incornè T¢)tal incorne £119,042 £4,( £22,143 £1,845 £8,037 £1.352 £128,W2 £5,352 £43.987 £4.711 £130,709 £7.436 £42,007 £4,643 £21.843 £2.137 £728 t147.031 £24,963 £10.117 £182,112 £1H790 Exndrir on: Raising fvnd5 ExpEndre on thartla14e a¢19$ Ott) eXprture Total éxwndilure £1,W2 £126.710 £213 £128,916 £1.W2 £176.271 £218 £178A82 £1.620 £169.128 £229 £170.978 £39,W5 £5 £39.811 £9,755 £9.755 Gains I losses on Inve51ment ass8t8 Not Incomel l•xpènditur•) re80urcas b•for• Iransfer £238 7.876 £238 £3J91 £133 £13.951 (t14Nn £382 Transfe Gross transfars b8en fvnds. In Gross transfers be88n funds- out Othor recognl8od galn8 110$08 Gairns on Valuab0n, fixed èssets. charlV8 own Use Noi M0M•t In fund$ £44,867 1£69,7261 £59,735 1£35.1801 £9,990 1£9,4871 £114.394 1£114.3941 £107,811 1£107,8111 1£7,1811 £9.707 £865 £1391 É13,9S1 Ttstsi fvnds brought forwwd £S7,868 £49ASO £217,92 £325.255 £311,303 Total fvnd$ ¢orrfgd fmvard £X.686 £6IJ.164 £218.795 £328.640 £324255 Repl1 by Unro8trlctsd Gen8ral fijnd £50,686 £s0.e86 £57.868 D19n81•d AV and IT Malntenanc8 Church Hall CydlL¥I VAlntsnan Mi$sSon Parfsh Offer Fund £32,167 £15,576 £11,419 £32.167 £15.576 £11,419 £23,329 £15,296 £9.196 £1,250 Rostrict•d Bemard Wor5w FuTrJ Cameras and IT Cthr81 Mu51G Fund Churth Hall Chureth Hall Mainlfflance Cureh Repair Exlemal Wotks Flowars Jean KeL88y Mu$1¢ FuThJ Mu51C Offic¢ Computar Rwdvtry Fund SequeslratK)n Accounl Vicatage Decorat £201,572 £327 £201,572 £327 £201,572 £15,046 £142 £15.046 £142 £594 £532 £12,540 £1rxi £2,039 £510 £532 Page 16 of26
Balance sheet GenerAI Designated Restrlcted Endowmelll This year Last ear Fix•d assets Tangl0 8ss8ts Investments £1.572 £201,572 £5,727 £207.299 f201.5T2 £5.965 £207.J37 £5,727 £4727 £201,872 Curr•nt aSSots Debtors Cash al bank and In hond £139 £59,024 £59.164 £559 £118.927 £119.487 £45,144 £45,834 £17,223 £17.222 £121.393 £122222 L5ablllll Crwllttys.. faSng du? In cw £875 £875 £875 £87S £1.770 £1.770 N•t cuYrnntass•ts curront IlabllWo$ £44959 £59.114 £17.223 £121.347 £117.717 Totsl aB80ts1•8s ¢urrerrt liabilit £JO.686 £59,1 £218.798 £328,648 £32&255 Totsl not aB88ts I$ ILgblllll £50.fj86 £59,164 £218,795 £328,648 £32&255 Roprosontsd by Unr•8trlct•d G8n8ral fvnd £50.686 £50,686 £57,868 Doslgnit•d AV and IT Mwn*nc¢ Parish Ofter Fund Chureh Hall Cydical Maintenance Mi5slon £3e3 £1,250 £23,329 £15,296 £0,196 £32.167 £15.578 £11.419 £32.1e7 £15.576 £11,419 R•Btrlet•d Bemard Wotssam Fund Choral hnusic Fund Churth Hall Churth Repair Jean K&ls8y Music Furwj Rtrordering Fund Cameras 8nd IT Office Compu Extamal Works Flowers Church Hall matanCe Mu8lC Sequestralon Ac£ount Vicarage Dacoralons £581 £581 E556 £201.572 £201.572 £201.572 £594 £2.039 £15,046 £142 £327 £532 £15.046 £142 £327 £532 £12,540 £100 £587 £510 Fvnda of th• chwch £325 55 Page 17of26
ststement of assets and liabilities Investments 258 Share8 In CBF InStMrtt Fund General nd IUnrestrict8dl- £5.727 £5,727 £5.965 £5,965 Total for Investmwrts £5.727 TangIb a8sets Churth Hall Church Hall IRestrictaJl- £201,572 £201,572 £201,572 £201,572 Total for Tanglbl• ass•ts £201,572 £201,572 Cash al nk artd in hand CAF currant account Church Hall IDgsignatedl- General fund IUnre8tr1dedl- £2.722 £664 £3.387 £6,646 £4.885 £11,531 CAF Freewlll Account Extemal Works IRe$tslcledl- General fund IUnrestrfdedl- £2.5CK) £1,2 £3.750 £9.862 £9.862 CCLA ICBF) deposlt account AV and IT maintenan {Designat8d)- Bernard Won8sarn Fund IRestricted)- C8rnera8 and IT IResthcledl- Church Hall Maintenance IRestrfctedl- Extemal Works IRestrictedl- Flowers IR8$th'¢tedl- Music IR8strict8dl- Parish Offgr Fund {Dg8unatedl- Church Hall ID8swJn8tedl- Cycl1 Mainlgnance ID8signated)- General fund IUnrestrfctsdl- Jean Kelsey Music Fund IRèslricledl- Mison (DesKJnatod}_ £383 £558 £22 £587 £10,040 £100 £510 £12 £18.303 £15.296 £45220 £2.039 £9.1 £103.508 £581 £327 £15.046 £142 £532 £29.305 £15,576 £34,481 £594 £11.419 £108.006 Ca*h In hand General hjnd IUnrgstrictsd)- £136 £136 £136 £136 Total for Ca¥h at bank and In hand £121 J93 £118,927 Debtor8 Accounts R•vlvabl• Church Hall (DesjnaIedI- Gen8rdl fijnd IVnresinctsdl- £139 £689 £829 £559 £559 T¢t¥l for Debtor• £829 £559 Credltors: Amounts falllng due In ong ar Accounts Payablo Church Hall IDesiJnatedl- General fijnd IUnrestrictedl- 1£1,620} 1£150} (£875) Total lor Cr•dltors: Amounts falllng due In one year (£8751 1£1.7701 Grand tot £328.64¢ £325.255 Page 18of26
Analysis of income and expenditure Tot1 Ettdowment Thlg 'er Unre8trReted De81 Last 'ear nated Restrleted INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and lega¢les 0101- Grft d- DtIOnS 0110- GM - Envebpes 0201 - Othgr pl8nrwl gfvirrfJ 0301- Loose pte collections 0302- Wall Safe 0501- On&off Grft Akl gffts 0510- Grfts of quoted secuiities 0550- Donab"ons 8pptrals tlc 0560- Re-ord$ring 0601- Tax r8cov8rable on Gift Ah 0610- Tax R8covary- GASDS 0701- LcleS 0801- Recurrfng grants 0811- Non.recurfng onè-off gr8nts 1270- Youth wotlo 1280- Church refreshmants 1510- Book of Rem8mbrance £70,713 £1.8CK) £7.605 £6,507 £319 £50 £70.763 £1,8((J £7.605 £7,49) £319 £6,3( £62.413 £1.365 £7.392 £7.027 £6.300 £21.1(M) £825 £9)5 £2.624 £20.150 £1.991 £6.000 £1.607 £21,757 £1,991 £6,(KM) £23.296 £2.085 £1.960 £996 £200 £1&).709 £781 Totsl £119,042 £982 £8,037 £128,062 Incomo from ¢haritablg actlvltles 1101- Fees for w&Ing5 & fvnerals- pcc 1111 - F99$ for wwJdirys & funerals- DBF 1121- F988 weddlng8 & fvngrals PTO Clèrgy 1280- Parfsh mBgazine $8188 £4,000 £4.(XlO £4.553 £1,352 £1.352 £2.883 Totsl £4,000 £1,352 £5,352 £7,4 Othèr trading activltles 01 - Other funds generatgd 0910- Church faSr 0911- Mje in Otford Webte 0912 - and Stride 0913- Christma8 market 0914- Ev8nts 1240- Churd) hall lelbngs 1250- MagazSne Income- advertising Totsl £1,182 £6.577 £555 £847 £4,167 £8,813 £1.182 £6.577 £555 £847 £4.167 £9.567 £21.09) £1.449 £7.579 £508 £561 £4.390 £7.843 £19.674 £753 £21,090 £22.143 £21.843 £43.987 £42,007 Inve8tmentg 1001 - Clvldends 1020 - Bank and building SoCty Intarast 1241- Rènt from larKts or buildings Totsl £165 £1,679 £165 £4.545 £161 £4.481 £2,137 £728 £1,845 £2.137 £728 £4,711 £4,643 Page 19of26
Other incomo 0810 - CovbJ-19 Jctj R8t8nUon Scheme 1310- In8urarKe ¢lalms 1320- Surplus- sales ofts&l a&sets Tot81 INCOME TOTAL £147,031 £24.963 £10.117 £182.112 £184.796 EXPENDITURE Ralslng funds 1730- C08ts of fijnd r8181ThJ £1.992 £1,992 £1,9w2 £1.9W2 £1,620 £1,620 Total Exp•ndituro on charltable actlvltlos 1801- MIOn G¥ving 1870- TrainiTrJ 1907- Miswon & Mlnlsty Support 1911- Fees dergy holding PTO 2001 - Salary of Carelaker 2050- Salary of parish adminkstr8tor 2051 - PenSn Contslbutions 0ffi¢o Stsff 2101- Wothng eXpeSOf Incumbent 2110- Visthng 8peakeTr l kncums 2120. Council lax 2130- Mcar89& house expen8es 2140- Walgr fates- vlcarage 2180- Youth work 2201- Fees & subs¢riplwJns 2320- Organ I piano lunirvJ 2321 - Organl$tfee8 2322- Choir parlire 2340- Upkeep of se88 2341- Allar RequIsS 2345- Church refshments 2350- Upkeep of churchyard 2360- Printiro, statiory. postag 8nd othèr 2361 - Computers aThl office equlpment 2362- PhotocOpr maintenance 2365- Churth offic4- tslephone 23fj6- Intemet & Website 2370- canIng & sanitary supplN8s 2401 - Church runnirg- electrfc 2410- Church runnlro- g89 2420- Church runniNJ- w8tar 2422- Church sound And wsion 2430- Church nJnnlrg- s&cvrlty 2450- Church runnirg- insurance 2460- Church maSnt6nance 2461- Church malntsnance- ¢ydI1 2470- Churth - perforniTrJ rights Ilcenc 2501 - Magazir* experm8 2520- Hall njnning co8ts- b1 debt off 2530- Hall running - 01th 2.089 £22.089 £10224 £74,892 £1.2 £76.143 £72.990 £4,785 £10.253 £2,659 £4,785 £10.253 £2,659 £9,9 £2.492 £808 £175 £50 £2,725 £1.388 £1,438 £2,725 £4WJ £4,183 £490 £412 £307 £3,422 £830 £2,391 £3,463 £11 £421 £254 £516 £3,023 £1.436 £381 £3,577 £531 £722 £3.237 £52 £942 £323 £612 £1,018 £1,380 £3,577 £531 £722 £3,237 £52 £1.067 £323 £612 £1,358 £1,380 £124 £341 £teo £424 £585 £148 £547 £175 £1,028 £516 £357 £896 £126 £2,938 £4.827 £184 £8,888 £1.364 £175 £1,028 £3,181 £4,411 £218 £27 £1,512 £3,394 £2,365 £3.181 £4,411 £216 £1.540 £1,512 £3,394 £4,615 £537 £735 £1,512 £2.250 £537 £2,186 £735 £714 r2.283 £2.283 £2,212 Page 20 of 26
2540- Hall running- g88 2550- HEII wnning- in8ufdnce 2560- Hall running - maintenance 2570- Hall cleanlry and malertals 2571 - Hall performing rights 2580- Hall njnning -w8ler 251- Hall runnlng - p8st ¢J)ntrol 2720- Church Interioi exterior decorating 2830- Hall 4 Intertorand exterior de[an9 £2.990 £1.151 £11,021 £3,253 £1,416 £13,413 £1,151 £5,124 £5,896 £1,704 £1,704 £1.154 Total £126.710 £9,755 £176,271 £189.128 Oth•r oxponditure 2510- Hall- Condthon Suryey & Options Appr. 2801- Examlnalionlaudit fee 2602- Bank Charges 2610- AeLountsn¢y soknre 2910- Ro-ordaring work £213 £218 f229 Total EXPENDrruRE TOTAL £213 £128 916 £218 £229 £170,978 £39,811 £9,755 GRAND TOTAL £18.115 £362 £13.817 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 25 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by= JA Hunt Mrs Janet Hunt (Churchwardenl Note5 to the Flnancial Ststsments for ear endln to 31 December 2025 The notes on the following pages fomi part of these a¢wunt5. Accountlng Pollcles The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The flnanclal statements have been prepared under the Charitie5 Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accountlng Regulations 2006 governing the indivldual accounts of PCC. and with the Regulations true and fair Vie provisions. A55ets 2.1. Consecrated and benefice In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory deflnition of 'charitV by section 1012llal and Icl of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial 5tstements. ro Pag8 21 of 26
2.2. Moveable Church Furnishin s Typically, these are capitallsed at cost and depreciated over the useful economic life other than where Insufficient cost information is available. In this case the Item is not capitallsed, 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 fIC. They are valued at cost or else. for gifts-ln-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value OD receipt. Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalised cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows: Land Flxtures & Fittlngs Computers 20 years 3 years No depreciation is provided on building5 a5the currentW estimated residual value of the properties is not le55 than their carrying value and the remalnlng useful Ilfe of these assets currently exceeds 50 years. SO that any depreclatlon charges would be imrnaterial. An impairment review is carried out each year end and any resultant 1055 identified included in expenditure for the year. 2.4. Church Hall The Church Hall is currently the subject of a consultation prtscess to determine its future use. The PCC is currently undertaking minimal maintenance to the Hall until this process is complete, with the result that the fabric of the Hall is continuin8 to deteriorate. As part of the consultation prOsS in 2019 the PCC commissioned a condition survey of the Hall, with a5SOCiated costs for repairs, from an independent firm of surveyors, whith estimated total repair costs, at the time, of £385k. A sum of £3.6k has been included within the Church Hall Budget for 2026 to cover maintenance costs needlng immedlate attention within the short term. 2.5. Investments Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives 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. ShortTerm De osits These are the cash held on deposlt either with the CCLA or at a bank. The church's assets are held in the following accounts: CAF Bank- current account Ifor general Income and payments for both church and hall) CAF Bank - freewill offering account Ifor all regular donations made by bank transfer) CCLA- deposit account lintere5t paying instant access account) Page 22 of26
Funds 3.1. Unrestricted Funds These represent the funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the 8eneral purposes of the PCC, excludlng amounts designated by the PCC for fixed a5setsfor its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reseryes, as disclosed on the trustee5' report. 3.2. Restricted Funds These are funds that must be spent on restricted purposes. Details of the restricted funds held at 31 December 2025 are shown below: Bernard Worssam Fund Church Hall (Building) Church Holl Maintenan External Work5 Flower Fund Jean Kelsey Music Fund Music Fund These Funds are primarily held in the CCLA account and Interest is added to the Funds on a quortedy ba515. A Sequestration Account 15 Instlgated when a clerical vacancy occur5. Income from statutory fees normally payable to the di0Se are retained within thls account, along with costs associated with the vacancy such as visiting curate fees. The Sequestratlon Account wa5 closed in May 2025 at the end of the clerical vacancy. The final deficit of £527 was expensed from unrestricted funds within the 2025 financial year. Restricted Income in the year was as follows, External Works Flower Fund Church Hall Maintenance Sequestratlon Account £2,250 donated for churchyard and car park CCTV £162 Donations £5.625 Kitchen Refurb & Window Replacement £1,352 Statutory fees Expenditure In the year from Restricted Funds was as follows- External Works Fund Flower Fund Church Holl Maintenan Music Fund Sequestration Account Jean Ke15ey Music Fund £341 enablin8 work for ccrv £124 Altar Flowers £5,896 Kitchen Refurb & Window Replacement £50 Loan of Music for Band use £1,878 Visiting Clergy & Vlcarage costs £1,512 Feedback speakers 3.3. Desi nated Funds These are funds that the PCC have designated for a speclflc purpose. Details of the designated funds held at 31° December 2025 are shown below: Page 23 of26
Church Hall (running costs and lettingsl Cyclical Maintenance Mission Giving These Funds are primarlly held in the CCLA account and interest is added to the Fund5 on a quarterly basis. Money transferred to designated Funds during the year was as follows.. Church Hall Cyclical Maintenance Misslon Givin8 Mlssion Givin8 Mission Giving £21,090 Hall Lettings £2,4CKJ budgeted Cyclical Maintenance for 2025 £11,069 Mission uplift from 2024 £11,050 Mission Giving for 2025 £1.753 raised from collections & events Expenditure in the year from Designated Funds was as follows: AV & IT Maintenance Cyclical Maintenance Church Hall Misslon Giving Misslon Giving £424 New laptop £2.787 Quinquennial works £13,252 Hall Runnin8 & Maintenance £20,265 Away Gtving from 2024 El.825 Mission Giving for 2025 3.4. Bellrin ers Funds The bellringers hold a separate account Into which is paid all donations from V151ting ringers, together with various monles derivin8 from wedding fees, éonated by the ringers themselves. The balaftce of bellringers account at 3151 December 2025 was £2027.95. The bellringers accounts for 2025 were independently examlned by the Church Treasurer and found to be in line with thelr stated purposes. Staff Cost$ DurSng the year the PCC employed an or8anist and office stsff lall part timel. Tax and National Insurance payments were made for relevant employees. Total staff costs amounted to £19,887 which includes £836 Employer Pension Contributions. National Insurance Contributions for the year fell below the £2,OC(I government allowance. Incumbent costs are covered by the diocese and therefore not included within these accounts. No members ofthe PCC are employed.. however, a person closely connerted to PCC member is employed within the office stsff. Donations made by PCC members durin8 the year amounted to £35,294. Page 24 of 26
4.1. Church Workers Pension Fund CWPF St Bartholomews partlcipates in the Pension Builder Scheme sectlon of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Penslons Board, which holds the CWPF as5et5 separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers. CWPF has two sections,. the Deflned Benef Scheme the Penslon Builder Scheme. which has two subsectlons; a deferred annuity section known as Penslon Bullder Classic. and. a cash balance section known as Penslon Builder 2014. Pension Builder Scheme Both sections of the Penslon Bullder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes. Pension Builder Cla55ic 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 provides a lump sum which members 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 return5 and other factors. The account. plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65. There is no sulFdivlslon of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Bullder 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 attrlbute the Pension Builder Scheme's assetsand liabilities to specificemployers and meansthat contributions a accounted for as if the Scheme were a deflned contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SOFA In the year are the contributions payable {2025'. £2,659. 2024.. £2,492). A valuation of the Pension Bullder Scheme is carried out once every three year5. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 310ecember 2022. For the Penslon Bullder Classl¢ section. the valuation revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongolng assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effectlve l January 2026, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonu5 of 10% to both penslons not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of Serv1 prlor to Aprll 1997: and a bonus on pensions in payment in respert of post Aprll 1997 seNlce $0 that the pension increase was also IO% Iwhere usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to an annual cap of 5% for pensions in Page 25 of 26
payment in respect of service prlor to Aprll 2006 and 2.5% for pensions in payment in respect of servlce post Aprll 21))61. This followed improvements In the funding posltlon over 2025. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuatlon vealed a surplus of £8.5m on the ongoing a55umptlons used. There Is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The Church of England Pensions Board has agreed that some employerscould use assets in the DBS of the CWPF in lieu of contribution5 to Pension Builder Classic and/or Perbsiof) Builder 2014. You will see this information on your DBS ststement which will be sent separately. The next valuatlon is being carried out as at 31 December 2025. The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer falls, St Bartholomews could become responsible for paying a share of the falled employerfs pension Ilabilltles. Mlssion Givin8 Current policy 15 for 75% of any unrestricted budget Surplus from the 2025 atcounts to be added to the 2025 budgeted Mission Giving and for these funds to be distributed followin8 sign-off of the 2025 accounts. As a result, the amount of 2025 budget surplus transferred to Mission amounted to £5.232. Overall Position The PCC have reviewed anticipated Income and expenditure for 2026 and set balanced budget for the year ahead. Income from the Church Hall lettings will be used to offset an anticipated deficlt In unrestritted general funds. Page 26 of 26