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2024-12-31-accounts

Parish of South Crawley

Trustees Annual Report for 2024

Our aims and purposes as a charity

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent* and team vicars in:

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent* and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The parish covers three of the neighbourhoods of Crawley and has a church in each area, namely St Mary’s Southgate, Holy Trinity Tilgate (HT), and Christ the Lord, Broadfield (CtL). The PCC has oversight of the whole parish. Much of the day-to-day decision-making is delegated to the District Church Council (DCC) of each church. Each DCC has representatives on the PCC.

*Please note that the incumbent the Rev. Tim Wilson retired on November 5[th] 2024. Henceforth Mark Hales the St. Mary’s Parish Church Warden became the main legal officer and chair of the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

We enable as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part of our parish community:

We offer services of worship to God:

i

We promote the gospel and pray that the unchurched may find life in Jesus Christ:

We engage in evangelism and outreach to the parish in various ways:

We provide three buildings for people to enjoy:

We provide tangible pastoral and financial support to the poor and needy:

ii

families who have emergency needs. The parish supports the Diocesan Family Support Worker (FSW) based in Broadfield.

We consider the needs of people served by other charities and overseas:

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

Attendance at worship

The parish has the privilege of serving parts of Crawley which are relatively needy. Deprivation indices put the area in the lowest quarter of the country as a whole and parts of Broadfield are in the lowest ten percent. While we have people who attend from all parts of the town, most of our attenders are from the parish itself. This is a fulfilment of our aim to serve the whole community of the parish. The churches and their activities are open to everyone, and we are pleased that the racially mixed population of Crawley is well represented in our congregations.

We believe that voluntary attendance to worship the Lord Jesus Christ is a major demonstration of the public benefit of our activities.

An online presence is maintained through our three websites, which amongst other things, give access to recorded sermons.

A place to learn to accept others just as they are, as they accept me.

Holy Trinity member

The average regular weekly attendance for the parish as a whole was 117 adults and 13 children. The worshipping community figure for the whole parish is 232. Included in this figure are those who attend our occasional ‘Messy Church’ event which is run as a combined event for the whole parish.

We are keen to encourage the involvement of all ages. The churches at Southgate and Broadfield

hold regular children’s groups on Sundays as well as some midweek activities. ‘First Friday Fun Club’ at St Mary’s attracts a good number of children who do not normally come on Sundays.

A place to belong and link with others in the local neighbourhood.

Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers.

St Mary’s member

We regularly run the Alpha course in our parish

and it is always encouraging to see people coming to faith. We also ran two Lent courses, one in person at Holy Trinity and one via Zoom with Bishop Ruth of Horsham. During the year we have baptised six people and have held one wedding and six funeral services. Some of these were church members, but often we take funeral services for people who have not attended but who have requested a Church of England funeral.

iii

During the year, many of our members meet in small groups (home groups) for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. These groups are mainly lay-led and form a very important part of our support structure. ‘Barnabas’ by Christian music ministries and ‘Micah: What Does God Require of Us?’ by Stephen Um, the Good Book Company are examples of home group materials used this year.

Evangelism and outreach

We have a number of ways in which we seek to reach out to and serve our communities: Our cafes at St Mary’s and our Communion and coffee at Holy Trinity prove popular. We have a group for older people at St Mary’s (Cake and Company) which includes both church attenders and nonattenders. The group is dementia friendly, and is growing.

Our Toddler groups, First Friday Fun Club (FFFC) and occasional Messy Church all cater for children and families. FFFC in particular attracts children who do not attend Sunday events. Many are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact with our local schools is strong. We are in touch with most primary schools in the parish. In many we take regular assemblies and/or welcome the school communities into our churches for special festivals. Carol services, Harvest Festival, and Easter events took place in our churches this year.

Provision of the church building for people to enjoy.

All three of our churches are multi-purpose buildings and are widely used during the week for both church and community activities. The Church of Christ the Lord in Broadfield is physically linked to Broadfield Community Centre and works closely with it.

‘Cake and Co’ is the most friendly group of people I have ever been with.

New member of the group

Community users of our buildings include Songbirds Choir (St M); Choir & Ko, a drum teacher and U3A painting and craft group (HT). Christ the Lord Broadfield has become home to regular performances by the excellent ‘Ensemble Reza’ which offers concerts and other services to the community free of charge. St Mary’s and Holy Trinity are also used as polling stations.

In addition, Holy Trinity is home to the Romanian Orthodox Church on Sunday afternoons.

In each of our churches, a lot of work goes on to make our buildings safe and weatherproof places for the congregation and community to enjoy. Major work was done at St Mary’s in replacing all remaining windows that were not double glazed. Holy Trinity had two external doors replaced. All three churches have ongoing problems with roof leaks that are being investigated and attended to.

Non-judgmental, accepting, patient and kind. I have been welcomed since I took my first tentative steps through the door.

St Mary’s member

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

Pastoral care is offered by all the clergy, ably assisted by many of the laity. Hospital visits, home visits to the housebound and services in residential homes are regularly

undertaken. Our Parish Nurse resigned in August and as of yet there are no plans to replace her.

iv

A number of our members volunteer with Open House (working with the homeless) Crawley Food bank Partnership, Oasis (Crisis pregnancy centre) and Christians Against Poverty Life Skills.

Provision of tangible support to the poor and needy

All year round, and especially at harvest time, we collect food to be given to the Crawley Foodbank Partnership (which includes The Easter Team). At Christmas, we collect gifts which can be given to the residents at Open House.

The Gate Café makes such lovely coffee! Café customer

We have also been able to help families in particular need.

Other charitable giving

The churches each give a percentage of their income to charities including Mercy Ships, CPAS, TEAR Fund, Kids Alive, Open House, Christians Against Poverty, Easter Team, New Life Africa International, Home Start, Mission Aviation Fellowship.

We help to raise funds for the Diocesan Family Support Worker who is based in Broadfield.

v

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2024

The financial statements

These are the statutory financial statements for the whole parish, bringing together the results for each church and the central PCC funds. The law largely prescribes the format, in particular the separate accounting for unrestricted funds, available for any purpose, and restricted funds which must be used for a specific purpose.

Review of 2024

Unrestricted Funds

The combined results for the three churches plus the Parish Office were:

Total income increased by 2.3% within which gift income showed an increase of 1.9%. The underlying trend in regular giving is flat or decreasing. It was the 7.8% increase in expenses that resulted in a deficit that was significantly higher than 2023 and just under the budget for the year.

The deficit of £20,262 was offset by the gain on investments of £17,267 (2023: £33,784). This amount, plus a transfer from restricted funds, resulted in an increase in unrestricted funds of £1,125 (2023: £19,393).

Restricted Funds

The total of restricted funds decreased by £6,830 in 2024 and stood at £128,800 at the year-end, of which £121,911 is held in Building Funds. Note 10 provides details of the movements of the restricted and designated funds.

Contribution to the Diocese

The contribution from the parish was £100,704 (2023: £100,704). Income from the Arnold Trust which pays for a part of our contribution was £11,436 (2023: £11,142).

Balance Sheet and Reserves

Our net assets on the balance sheet decreased by £5,706 to £419,834 (2023: £425,540). The total deficit from our General and Restricted Funds (£22,973) was reduced by the gain on investments which appears in the Statement of Financial Activities under "Gains/(Losses) on Investments".

Investment Policy

Funds are held in immediate access deposits with Barclays Bank and Church of England Funds at CCLA. Interest received from the bank accounts is minimal and exceeded by charges. Since 2019 the PCC has invested £180,000 in equal amounts of shares in two Church of England Investment Funds: £120,000 on behalf of St.Mary’s and £60,000 of PCC Funds.

The investments are realisable in whole or in part without delay and so form part of our liquid reserves. As at 31 December 2024 their market value was £281,273. The current value represents a gain of £101,272 or 56% on the original investments of £180,000.

Outlook for 2025

In 2024, the PCC fulfilled its pledged contribution to the diocese of £107,000 and has maintained its pledge for 2025 at the same level, which reflects the PCC’s commitment to continue to play its part in supporting the wider work of the diocese. It should however be noted that compared to the other parishes in the deanery, the PCC’s contribution represents one of the highest in terms of the percentage of unrestricted total income.

As was the case in 2023, 2024 was a challenging one in terms of ministry resources as a result of the vacancy at Christ the Lord Broadfield and then the retirement of the team rector/St. Mary’s vicar. The support of both clergy and laity ensured that the financial consequences for the church were minimised, though the cost of renovating the vicarage increased the expenses for 2024 and will do so again for the rectory in 2025.

In setting a 2025 budget for General Funds the PCC relied on the continuance of pledged giving without considering unplanned generosity. Hence it estimates a budget deficit of £11,200 for 2025 which will most likely be exceeded once the full costs of the rectory re-decoration are known.

The building fund reserves of £116,353 will help towards the cost of major work to our infrastructure at Holy Trinity and St. Mary’s, though it is likely that this will not be sufficient. Depending on fundraising for these projects the extent to which General Funds may be required to cover shortfalls is as yet unknown. In order to provide a framework to determine the amounts that could be provided towards these shortfalls the PCC embarked on a process to determine the allocation of total resources between working capital, strategic mission opportunities and major building works. The results of this will be considered by the PCC in 2025.

In the midst of these financial uncertainties the PCC will continue to review the financial situation as the year unfolds, though it is a matter of concern that we are unable to cover our normal expenses as costs continue to rise and regular income is flat. However, with unrestricted funds (including investment gains) standing at £291,036 plus Building Funds of £121,911 at the end of 2024, the trustees have concluded that there are no material uncertainties about the PCC’s ability to continue as a going concern.

From the start of 2022 we implemented financial management software which enabled the production of the reports which are attached, and appointed a new Independent Examiner. These changes required extra work but their benefits are now fully realised. Therefore on behalf of the PCC, I would like to thank Suzette Downs, the church treasurers, and all those who help in any way in the processes that result in the preparation of the financial records.

Peter Wigglesworth April 2025

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLANO AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees The Parochial Church Council of thè Parlsh of South Crawley On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity no 1136132 Set out on pages 14 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 3111212024 Respective responsibilities of rL"trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act.). The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the act and that an independent examination is needed. Independent examiner's ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view., and the report is limited to those matters set out in the ststement below. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect". the accounting records were not kept 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 ￿qUirementS conceming the fomi 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 considered 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. Itatp Signed: Date: 20éJ- Name:

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): cA¢>p￿S) Address: Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of con￿rn (see CC32, Independent examinatson of charity accounts.. directions and guidan￿ for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.

Parish of South Crawley 2024

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Notes
Income from:
Donatons and legacies
Church actvites
Other fundraising actvites
Investments
Other receipts
£
166,559
4,778
13,292
1,268
£
31,019
145
-
-
-
£
197,578
4,923
13,292
1,268
-
£
207,078
2,430
11,799
1,107
6,677
Total income 185,897 31,164 217,061 229,091 2
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
Missionary & Charitable Grants
Ministry Costs
Other Church Actvity Costs
Governance
-
11,780
114,646
79,233
500
-
4,559
5,071
24,245
-
-
16,339
119,717
103,478
500
-
16,375
113,634
127,211
500
Total expenditure 206,159 33,875 240,034 257,720 3
Net income/(expenditure)
Gains/ (losses) on investments
Transfers between funds
(20,262)
17,267
4,120
(2,710)
-
(4,120)
(22,973)
17,267
-
(28,629)
33,783
Net movement in funds 1,125 (6,830) (5,706) 5,154
Total funds brought forward 289,911 135,630 425,540 420,386
Total funds carried forward 291,036 128,800 419,834 425,540

1

Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Notes
Intangible assets
Equipment
£
-
12,685
£
-
15,385
Total fxed assets 12,685 15,385 4
Stocks
Debtors, prepayments, accrued income
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
-
11,814
281,273
134,880
-
10,855
264,006
150,223
6
5
Current Assets 427,967 425,084
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (20,819) (14,929) 7
Net current assets or (liabilites) 407,149 410,155
Total assets less current liabilites 419,834 425,540
NET ASSETS 419,834 425,540
Unrestricted funds
Designated Funds
General Funds
Restricted Funds
11,309
279,727
11,190
278,721
291,036
128,798
289,911
135,629
Total charity funds 419,834 425,540

2

2: Analysis of income Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Regular Giving
Unplanned giving at services
Ad-Hoc giving Special Appeals, Grants
Gif Aid recoverable
£
117,392
211
21,266
27,689
-
£
17,535
409
7,407
5,669
-
£
134,927
620
28,674
33,358
-
£
125,676
15,886
31,614
33,902
-
Donatons and legacies 166,559 31,019 197,578 207,078
Fees for weddings & funerals
Church events/groups with charges
1,349
3,429
-
-
145
-
1,349
3,574
-
2,330
100
-
Church actvites 4,778 145 4,923 2,430
Church Hall Rental, non-church hirers
Other Fundraising Actvites
13,292
-
-
-
13,292
-
8,787
3,012
Other Fundraising Actvites 13,292 0 13,292 11,799
Bank interest 1,268
-
~~-~~
-
~~-~~
1,268
-
1,107
-
Investments 1,268 0 1,268 1,107
Other income - - - 6,677
Total income on all funds 185,897 31,164 217,061 229,091

3

3: Analysis of expenses Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Obtaining Grants and other funding £
-
£
-
£
-
-
Cost of raising funds - - - 0
Overseas Mission
Christan Relief & Development
Home mission & church societes
Secular charites & relief of the poor
810
5,584
3,986
1,400
-
4,330
-
229
810
9,914
3,986
1,629
574
7,361
4,030
4,410
Missionary & Charitable Grants
~~5 Investments~~
11,780 4,559 16,339 16,375

Diocesan Contributon
Clergy Housing
Other clergy/ministry costs
Parish Nurse (Christ the Lord)
100,704
11,529
2,413
-
-
-
-
5,071
100,704
11,529
2,413
5,071
100,704
4,113
1,863
6,954
Ministry Costs 114,646 5,071 119,717 113,634
Building running & maintenance
Building, Equipment & Furnishing over £500
Services & worship
Evangelism, educaton & training
Church Actvity Costs
Bank charges
Bookstall & ofce service costs
PCC Ofce Support
38,123
17,709
3,966
15
5,226
390
1,357
12,448
-
22,284
790
-
1,171
-
-
38,123
39,993
4,756
15
6,397
390
1,357
12,448
41,233
58,951
3,445
601
7,935
309
3,397
11,340
Church Actvity Costs 79,233 24,245 103,478 127,211
Independent Examinaton 500 - 500 500
Governance 500 0 500 500
Total expended on all funds 206,159 33,875 240,034 257,720

4

4 Tangible fxed assets Freehold land
and buildings
Audio visual
equipment
Ofce
equipment
Total fxed
assets
Cost or valuaton
At 1 January 2024
Additons: Holy Trinity: Cooker; Christ the Lord: Projector
Additons: Christ the Lord: Projector
Additons: St Marys: AV System
Disposals/Adjustment
Depreciaton
£
-
-
-
-
-
£
15,383
-
-
-
-
(4,043)
£
1,681
-
-
-
-
(336)
£
17,064
-
-
-
-
(4,379)
At 31 December 2024 - 11,340 1,345 12,685
5 Investments Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Endowed
Fund/s
Total Funds
2024
Market value 1 January 2024
Disposals at carrying value
Purchases at cost
Net gains and revaluaton
£
264,006
-
-
17,267
£
-
-
-
-
£
-
-
-
-
£
264,006
-
-
17,267
Market value 31 December 2024 281,273 0 0 281,273
6 Debtors Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Gif Aid recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
£
7,566
600
2,546
£
1,102
0
0
£
8,668
600
2,546
£
9,555
1,267
33
10,712 1,102 11,814 10,855
7 Creditors: amounts due within one year Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Deferred income
Accruals for utlites and other costs
Governance Costs
£
0
5,379
500
£
0
14,940
0
£
0
20,319
500
£
0
14,929
5,879 14,940 20,819 14,929
8 Analysis of net assets by fund Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Fixed assets for church use
Investments
Current assets (except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilites
Long term liabilites
£
12,685
281,273
11,814
6,082
-20,819
£
0
0
0
128,798
0
£
12,685
281,273
11,814
134,880
-20,819
£
15,385
264,006
10,776
150,164
-14,791
0
291,036 128,798 419,834 425,540

5

9 Statement of funds Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan 2024
Income Expenditure Transfers,
other gains
and losses
Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2024
Designated Funds:
St. Mary’s: Gate Café
St. Mary’s: Ballard Legacy
Total: Designated Funds
Restricted Funds: (over £2,000)
St. Mary’s: Building Fund
St. Mary’s: Pot of Grace
St. Mary’s: Wriggle & Roll
Holy Trinity: Building Fund
CtL: Parish Nurse
All Others
£
3,549
7,640
£
2,299
0
£
2,180
0
£
0
0
£
3,668
7,640
11,189 2,299 2,180 0 11,308
94,909
5,108
2,088
21,444
7,234
4,846
22,548
-
115
7,222
917
362
24,212
3,349
-
-
5,071
1,243
-
-
(1,000)
-
(3,080)
(40)
93,245
1,759
1,203
28,666
0
3,925
Total: Restricted Funds 135,629 31,164 33,875 (4,120) 128,798
General fund
Designated Funds
278,721
11,190
292,667
2,299
313,049
2,180
21,388
-
279,727
11,309
Total of all unrestricted funds 289,911 294,966 315,229 21,388 291,036
Total funds 425,540 326,130 349,104 17,268 419,834
Notes:
Transfers, Other Gains & Losses 2024: Balance of Transfers is £0; £17,268 is gain on Investments in PCC and St Mary’s.
10 Prior year Statement of Financial
Actvites for 2023
Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
31 Dec2023
INCOME FROM:
Donatons and legacies
Church actvites
Other Fundraising actvites
Investments
Other Income
£
163,415
1,126
11,779
1,107
4,248
£
43,663
1,304
20
-
2,429
£
207,078
2,430
11,799
1,107
6,677
Total incoming resources 181,675 47,416 229,091
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
Missionary & Charitable Grants
Ministry Costs
Other Church Actvity Costs
Governance
-
11,207
106,651
72,921
500
-
5,168
6,984
54,289
-
16,375
113,635
127,210
500
Total resources used 191,279 66,441 257,720
Gains/(losses) on investments 33,784 - 33,784
Net income/(expenditure) 24,180 (19,025) 5,155
Transfers between funds
Net Movement on Funds
Balances B/fwd at 1 Jan. 2024
(4,806) 4,806 -
19,374 (14,219) 5,155
270,537 149,849 420,386
Balances C/fwd at 31 Dec. 2024 289,911 135,630 425,541
10 Prior year Statement of Financial
Actvites for 2023
Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
31 Dec2023
INCOME FROM: £ £ £
Donatons and legacies 163,415 43,663 207,078
Church actvites 1,126 1,304 2,430
Other Fundraising actvites 11,779 20 11,799
Investments 1,107 - 1,107
Other Income 4,248 2,429 6,677
Total incoming resources 181,675 47,416 229,091
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds - - -
Missionary & Charitable Grants 11,207 5,168 16,375
Ministry Costs 106,651 6,984 113,635
Other Church Actvity Costs 72,921 54,289 127,210
Governance 500 500
Total resources used 191,279 66,441 257,720
Gains/(losses) on investments 33,784 - 33,784
Net income/(expenditure) 24,180 (19,025) 5,155
Transfers between funds (4,806) 4,806 -
Net Movement on Funds 19,374 (14,219) 5,155
Balances B/fwd at 1 Jan. 2024 270,537 149,849 420,386
Balances C/fwd at 31 Dec. 2024 289,911 135,630 425,541

6