_**Serving the local community**_ **Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council Year ended 31 December 2025** 

## _Diocese of Winchester_ 


_(Photos by kind permission of Michael Wright)_ 

Church Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 7DJ 

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_**Large print copies available on request**_ 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PCC, 2025** 

## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England.  The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. In 2010 this PCC became an independent charity number 1136606 

## **Membership of the PCC during the 12 months January-December 2025 was** 

_Incumbent_ The Rev Jo Mulliner (Chair) _(until July 2025) Curate_ The Rev Helen Holley _Churchwardens & Vice Chairs_ Jeanette Edwards Robert Jackson 

_Representatives_ Joanna Jarrett-Kerr _on Deanery Synod_ Paul Skinner Rebecca Aldridge 

_Elected members_ Debbie Filer _(until April 2025)_ Mark Holley _(from April 2025)_ Nicky Jackson (Treasurer) Mike Leaming Andree McLean _(until April 2025)_ Penny Potter Sue Smith David Stevens 

_Co-opted members_ Debbie Filer _(from April 2025)_ Andree McLean _(from April 2025)_ 

## **Bank:** 

The National Westminster Bank plc, 3 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire 

## **Independent Examiner:** 

Mr Colin Bezant 

3 Up Fallow, Lychpit, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8YW 

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## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **The Governing Document** 

The Parochial Church Council is a charity established under the Parochial Church Powers Measure (1956) as amended and the Church Representation Rules.  Its activities are to provide a ministry of presence and engagement with God through sacramental worship, mission and hospitality. 

## **a) Methods Adopted for Recruitment and Appointment of New Members** 

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.  The new regulations now apply, as stated in the Annual Report 2012. 

All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

## **Members** 

The Churchwardens, Treasurer, PCC Secretary and Parish Administrator are offered formal training through the Diocese and elsewhere.  Courses in general church governance are also held that are recommended to all PCC members and other inhouse steps are taken to ensure PCC members understand fully their role and responsibilities on the Council. Additionally, mandatory training in safeguarding also takes place (see below). 

## **c) Organisational Structure** 

In 2025 the PCC met in January, March, May, July, September and November. These meetings were in person with some members joining via Zoom if unable to attend upon occasion. 

## **d) Committees:** 

The following report to the PCC: 

_**di)** During 2025 the_ _**Standing and Finance Committee** met in person in January, March, May, July, September and November and comprised:_ 

Vicar - The Rev’d Jo Mulliner (until July 2025), Churchwardens: Jeanette Edwards, Robert Jackson, PCC Secretary: Debbie Filer, PCC Treasurer: Nicky Jackson; PCC Elected Members: Andree McLean and Penny Potter. 

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## _**dii)** The_ _**Building Group** (Fabric Group)_ 

_The Vicar (_ until July 2025), Mark Holley _(from April 2025)_ , Jeanette Edwards, Robert Jackson, Mike Leaming,  David Stevens and Nicky Jackson comprise this group, which meets according to need to discuss matters concerning the Church Building and Fabric. 

## **e) Risk Management** 

The major risks to which the Church is exposed relate to financial instability, fraud, failure to comply with legal obligations and commitments in relation to the church building. 

Reserves in the general fund at 31[st] December 2025 £96,802.20, this is £11,104.77 less than at 31[st] December 2024. 

Total reserves as at 31[st] December 2025 £206,073.80, this is £6,408.57 less than at 31[st] December 2024. 

The PCC ensures that any minor, non-routine, expenditure has to be approved by the Vicar and Churchwardens.  Major expenditure has to be approved by the PCC.  The Treasurer monitors payments requested, and any payments made require the approval of two signatories authorised by the PCC.  All expenditure is assigned to a cost code and budgets are set and agreed for each of these.  These budgets are regularly monitored. 

The PCC considers carefully its legal obligations and has policies in force to ensure they are met. 

The Churchwardens and David Stevens, the PCC appointed Health and Safety Officer, monitor and manage fire and health and safety matters connected with the use of the church premises and report back to the PCC. A Health and Safety Policy, a Lone Workers’ Policy, a Child Protection Policy and a Vulnerable Adult Policy are in place and reviewed annually. 

The Parish is registered for the purposes of the Data Protection Act with the Administrator as the Data Controller.  All information is held and used in a manner which complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).  UK GDPR is a standing agenda item and PCC members, staff and volunteers are encouraged to complete and review training. 

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We are fortunate in having such a beautiful church building, but this does impose considerable obligations.  The condition of the building is monitored regularly by the Churchwardens and the PCC appointed architect.  Reports of concerns are made to the PCC who determine what action should be taken and how any expenditure should be financed. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Objectives** 

The chief role of the Parochial Church Council is, together with the Incumbent and clergy, to promote the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.  The PCC represents parishioners and, on their behalf, considers and agrees appropriate action on matters relating to St Mary’s Church, its fabric, finances, daily life and future direction.  The Incumbent is the Chair of the PCC and Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson (Churchwardens) are joint Vice Chairs.  The business of the PCC is conducted through discussion, review and liaison with other interested groups and individuals, any of whom may, in this way, raise concerns or topics for consideration. 

The members of the Parochial Church Council of Old Basing and Lychpit follow the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” and have had regard to it in their work for and in the Parish. The Council Members believe that promoting the work of the Church of England in this Parish helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively in the Parish as a whole and so provides a benefit to the public by: 

- providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for all who wish to benefit from what the Church offers; 

- promoting Christian values, and by service by members of the Church in and to their communities and for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. 

## **Church Attendance** 

In 2025 there were 4 weddings; 17 funerals (10 in the Church, 6 at the Crematorium, 1 at the graveside) and 18 baptisms. 

There were 123 Christmas communicants. 

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## **ELECTORAL ROLL** 

On 31[st] December 2025 the Electoral Roll stood at 101 of whom 81 were resident in the Parish and 20 non-resident. 

## **CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT (in lieu of Vicar’s Report)– 2025** 

As we come to the end of 2025, St Mary’s is once again in vacancy. It is not for the churchwardens’ report to set out the reasons why Reverend Jo decided that she would be more at home in the Methodist Church. All we can say is that we miss her presence in the community and church and wish her God’s blessing as she continues her new role in and around Crewe. 

In the early summer a working group drew up a new Parish Profile setting out what the community of St Mary’s Old Basing and Lychpit is like and a round of advertising and interviewing was held. Unfortunately, we were unable to appoint a new vicar, so as we start 2026 the advertising has commenced again, and we pray that we will soon be blessed by a new vicar. 

Before Revered Jo departed, however, there was much taking place in the community and church, and we continue to continue to endeavour to show God’s love here. 

As mentioned in last year’s report, Reverend Jo’s mother, Cindy, died just before Christmas 2024, meaning that Reverend Jo has some, very understandable time off on leave. In this period, we were very ably served by Reverend Helen, who was continuing her diaconal year, and Colin our Licensed Lay Minister. We are also deeply indebted to Revered Cannon Michael Kenning has helped us so much over the whole of 2025. 

It is also appropriate to note the translation (upwards) of Bishop David Williams, the former Bishop of Basingstoke, to the role of diocesan bishop in Truro. We thank him for all that he has done for us and the community of Old Basing and Lychpit, and we look forward to working with the new Bishop of Basingstoke, the Right Reverend Kelly Betteridge as we go forward. 

Our Ash Wednesday service was led by Reverend Rachel Hartland, who had previously been a curate at St Mary’s and is now located in Yateley. We thank her for this, helping us out on a couple of Sundays including Mothering Sunday, and at our Pet Service in October. 

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After the pain of Holy Week and the joyous celebration of Easter, we moved into better weather, and in May had our Spring Festival. Here the church was filled with displays on the theme of ‘Parish Life’ and it was wonderful to see how many of the groups and organisations were represented. 

The Saturday after Reverend Jo’s departure, there was a great celebration at Winchester Cathedral with Reverend Helen being ordained to the priesthood. The first communion service she celebrated was, rightly, the 8.00 a.m. service the following day, as it was this service where Helen had joined us for many years before her training. 

During the year, we have had a number of talks, with special mention to those by Alan Turton on the history of St Mary’s from 800 AD to 1800 AD, and by Mary Oliver for the period before that. (We know that this is not chronological order, but rather the order of the talks.) 

In the Remembrance Season we all appreciated the display of knitted and crocheted poppies as brought together by the Women’s Institute. They flowed down the altar frontal and the southern side of the church either side of the southern door, meaning that the latter provided a suitable backdrop to the Act of Remembrance around the War Memorial. We also had a talk, lead by the War Graves Commission, Rick Bourne from the Royal British Legion and our own Mike Leaming on the work of the Commission and how the St Mary’s Graveyards and War Memorial fit into a remembrance structure. 

In the lead up to Christmas we enjoyed our Christmas Tree Festival, on the theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ with the schools’ choirs, Old Basing Royal British Legion Band and Basing Singers all being part. We also had our carol and nativity services, and we are pleased to note that more people attended with us to the Midnight Mass. 

In preparing our Parish Profile, we asked everyone to provide two words of how they felt our community at St Mary’s Old Basing and Lychpit should be described. By far and away the most frequently cited word was ‘Inclusive’. We hope that all who come to St Mary’s find a welcome and are included within our community. 

We should thank everyone who has helped St Mary’s to be a welcoming place to all who pass across the threshold, those both in public facing roles and those quietly helping behind the scenes. Thank You. If we start a list we would inevitably miss someone, but we would particularly like to thank our wonderful Parish Administrator, Debbie Filer, who not only keeps us on the straight and narrow, but keeps the parish organised and helps, seemingly, with most things. 

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We pray that God will bless us as we go forward in our search for a new vicar and look forward to welcoming them soon. 

Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson Churchwardens 

## **Safeguarding at St Mary’s 2025** 

Safeguarding remains a clear and active priority at St Mary’s. The PCC continues to fully adopt and follow the Church of England’s safeguarding policy _Promoting a Safer Church_ , meeting its legal responsibilities under Section 5 of the Safeguarding & Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. We are pleased to report that there were **no Serious Safeguarding Incidents** during the year that required reporting to the Charity Commission. 

Jeanette Edwards continues in her role as **Parish Safeguarding Officer** , and safeguarding is a standing item at every PCC meeting, ensuring it remains central to our life and decision-making as a church. Up-to-date contact details for the Parish and Diocesan Safeguarding Officers, are clearly displayed in church. 

## **Safeguarding Dashboard Progress** 

The Church of England’s Safeguarding Dashboard, originally launched in 2018, was significantly upgraded in 2024 to reflect the latest safeguarding expectations. This enhanced dashboard allows parishes to assess their safeguarding practice against **five national standards** , highlighting both mandatory requirements and good practice. St Mary’s, Old Basing & Lychpit continues to perform strongly and is currently assessed at **Level 3 (the highest level)** across all standards. **Mandatory Requirements** currently **98%; Safeguarding Standards** achieving **100% compliance in four areas** , with _Learning, Supervision and Support_ currently at **90%** : 

- **Standard 1** – Culture, Leadership and Capacity 

- **Standard 2** – Prevention 

- **Standard 3** – Recognising, Assessing and Managing Risk 

- **Standard 4** – Victims and Survivors 

- **Standard 5** – Learning, Supervision and Support 

Work continues to strengthen our prevention measures so that all standards reach full compliance. 

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## **Safer Recruitment, Training and Checks New Diocesan Safeguarding Systems** 

During **2025** , the Diocese introduced three important new safeguarding tools designed to strengthen safer recruitment, oversight and support across parishes: 

- **The Safeguarding Hub** – providing a central, secure system for managing safeguarding records and processes 

- **Role Creator** – ensuring all church roles have clear, consistent role descriptions aligned with safeguarding requirements 

- **People Manager** – supporting the effective management of those serving in roles across the parish 

At St Mary’s, these systems are now actively in use, with **39 defined roles** recorded and **75 active people** serving within them. This provides improved clarity, accountability and safeguarding assurance for everyone involved. 

## **Safer Recruitment, Training and DBS Checks** 

All staff and volunteers have clear role descriptions and are recruited in line with the **House of Bishops’ Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance** . Safeguarding training for all relevant roles is an **ongoing requirement** and continues to be completed and refreshed in accordance with current Church of England guidance. 

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are also managed as an **ongoing rolling programme** , with renewals undertaken 3 yearly in line with national requirements to ensure safeguarding checks remain current. 

At the beginning of **2025** , APCS (the online DBS provider) experienced a data breach, with notification received later in **August 2025** . In response, the Diocese placed a temporary hold on the use of APCS for online DBS applications while the incident is investigated and appropriate action determined. The Diocese has confirmed that it will not be returning to APCS, and details of a new approved provider will be issued in due course. 

In the interim, DBS applications are being processed using a **paper-based system** , ensuring that recruitment and renewals can continue without interruption. 

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## **Keeping Our Buildings Safe** 

Risk assessments throughout the year have focused on ensuring that everyone who visits St Mary’s — whether for worship, events, or community activities — can do so safely within our church and associated buildings. 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we remain committed to providing a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for all. 

Jeanette Edwards Parish Safeguarding Officer 

## **Eco Church** 

St Mary’s continues its Eco Church journey with **A Rocha UK** , whose Eco Church award scheme supports churches in England and Wales in showing that _the gospel is_ . _good news for God’s earth_ 

Since joining Eco Church in **December 2022** , St Mary’s has proudly achieved both the **Bronze and Silver Eco Church Awards** . Reaching Silver marked a significant step forward and reflects the shared commitment of our congregation and parishioners to care for creation in practical, meaningful ways — from reducing waste and conserving energy to raising awareness and encouraging greener lifestyles. 

## **Holding Silver, Aiming High** 

We are currently **maintaining our Silver Eco Church Award** . Progression to Gold is not yet possible due to one key factor: as a **Grade I listed building** , St Mary’s cannot achieve the required level without sustainable heating. Until funding can be achieved for the new heating solution, Gold remains just out of reach. 

However, maintaining Silver is not a holding pattern — it requires continued action, reflection and improvement, and we remain fully committed to this. 

## **Our Ongoing Focus Areas** 

With the support of the congregation, our work continues across several key themes: 

## • **Renewable Energy** 

Exploring future opportunities for renewable energy, including solar power, where heritage and planning constraints allow. 

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- **Biodiversity** 

Continuing to enhance the natural environment around the church, alongside ongoing involvement with **St Mary’s CoE Junior School** and **Basing Infant School** to encourage care for nature from an early age. 

- **Sustainable Practices** 

Promoting sustainable choices and identifying ways to further reduce our carbon footprint across church life. 

- **Community Outreach** 

Expanding environmental engagement and working with local organisations to extend our impact beyond the church walls. 

- **Environmental Lifestyle Audit** 

The annual audit to track progress and identify new opportunities for improvement was not completed during 2025 due to additional workload with being in vacancy. 

- **Lifestyle and Learning** 

Continuing regular Eco Church articles in the parish bulletin, alongside monthly practical tips to support everyday environmental action. 

## **Looking Ahead** 

While achieving Gold remains an ambitious long-term aim, our current focus is on **faithful stewardship, consistency and progress** . Caring for creation is not a oneoff achievement but an ongoing expression of our faith — and every step taken helps make a difference. 

Jeanette Edwards Eco Church Lead 

## **Events and Community Life at St Mary’s – 2025 Review** 

Throughout 2025, St Mary’s Church has continued to play a central role in the life of Old Basing and Lychpit, offering a wide range of events that have brought together worshippers, residents, visitors, and local organisations. These occasions have strengthened our sense of community, raised valuable funds, and opened our church to many who might not otherwise cross its threshold. 

The year began with a strong emphasis on fellowship and creativity, with seasonal services and gatherings that welcomed people of all ages. Our Spring Festival provided a joyful celebration of parish life, combining displays, activities, refreshments, and entertainment. It was particularly encouraging to see so many volunteers involved, alongside visitors from across the parish and beyond. 

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Heritage and education continued to be a key theme in 2025. Church and Tower Tours welcomed visitors keen to learn more about the history of St Mary’s and to enjoy views from the tower. These events not only celebrated our remarkable building but also helped raise funds for its ongoing care and maintenance. 

Family-friendly and community-focused events remained popular. The Pet Service and Pet-Themed Fayre in October was a highlight, offering a joyful blessing of animals and welcoming Helping Dogs & Cats Rescue UK as our Charity of the Month. This event reflected St Mary’s commitment to caring for all God’s creatures and supporting local charities. 

We were also pleased to host a War Graves and Memorial Talk in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday, led by representatives from the Royal British Legion. This thoughtful and well-attended evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the servicemen connected to Old Basing and to remember their sacrifice. 

Creative and social activities continued through the autumn, including workshops and talks that encouraged participation from across the community. These events reinforced St Mary’s role not only as a place of worship but as a welcoming space for learning, creativity, and conversation. 

The year concluded with our much-loved Christmas programme. The Christmas SingAlong brought together families and friends for an evening of music and festive joy, while the Christmas Fayre and Christmas Tree Festival once again transformed the church into a place of colour, light, and imagination. With the theme _A Christmas Carol_ , the festival showcased the creativity of individuals, groups, and organisations, and provided a fitting end to a busy and successful year. 

None of these events would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of local businesses and supporters, and the commitment of those who planned, organised, and helped on the day. Together, these events have helped St Mary’s continue its mission of welcome, worship, and service within the parish. 

As we look ahead, we give thanks for all that has been achieved during 2025 and pray that our events and activities will continue to reflect God’s love at work in our community. 

Preparations for future events are already underway including The Flower Festival & Open Gardens over the weekend of 15-17 May with the annual Christmas Tree Festival 4-6 December. 

Jeanette Edwards Events Planning Lead 

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## **St. Mary’s Choir** 

We still function pretty well considering our numbers are steady at eight regular members. However, we are set to welcome a new member just in time for our contribution to the worship on Good Friday which is very encouraging. On Good Friday, several good singers are joining us and as a result, I am confident that we will do justice to a shortened version of Stainer’s Crucifixion…….. Many thanks to them and especially to Paul and Marilyn without whom the music at St. Mary’s would not be the same. 

Personally, I should like to give special thanks to Myrna, still a very good administrator, and to Trish who fills in for me when I play the organ. 

Jo Jarrett-Kerr Choir Director 

## **Flower Arranging Team** 

For 2025 St Mary’s Church had 14 volunteer arrangers which meant we each did six or seven arrangements. 

There continues to be an arrangement at the Altar, Chancel Steps, Organ Steps, Paschal Candle and in the Lobby which are changed fortnightly apart from the Lent period which has no flower arrangements. 

We add extra arrangements for Easter and the Harvest Festival, and at Christmas we now have 1 or sometimes 2 arrangements at the Altar and for this year, one in the lobby instead of a Christmas tree. 

The practice of only using white or cream flowers if there is to be a wedding, continues and occasionally we may put in an extra arrangement for a funeral. 

In 2025, five arrangers contributed to the Church Festival with completely foraged flowers. We also put buckets of Spring flowers in the Bolton Chapel for Maundy Thursday. 

As in the past, arrangers may claim up to £20 per arrangement, which may need to be reviewed as the cost of flowers has increased. However, we also continue to practice using locally grown seasonal flowers whenever possible and some arrangers do not claim from the Church. 

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Our AGM was held in November. We agreed to provide extra arrangements for Armistice as the Church was very well attended this year. 

New volunteers are very welcome in order to keep down the number of arrangements we each do annually. 

Lorna Guthrie 

## **Pilgrim Group 2025** 

The Pilgrim Group consists of around half a dozen members who meet on a Friday evening at various members’ homes for fellowship and bible study. 

Our bible study tends to be focussed from a study guide, which introduces the text and then asks questions which we discuss. In the last year the books we have studied have included Paula Gooder’s ‘Women of Holy Week’, a study of Jesus’ ‘I Am’ sayings in the Gospel of St John, and a book on Isaiah. 

We find these a good way to develop the understanding of our faith, as well as the opportunity for cake! If anyone would like to consider joining the group, please talk to one of us. 

Pen Potter and Robert Jackson 

## **Men’s Breakfast Club** 

I think it’s fair to say that after some 17 very successful years we can now call the breakfast club “an institution”. It has become the “go to” place on the first Saturday of each month for not only our regular guests but increasingly for new guests as well so much so in Dember we had a record 27 people sitting down to breakfast. Fortunately, the catering was adequate, just about, for everyone. 

Back in July we had a visit from the Basingstoke Council, Food Standards Agency checking among other things our cleanliness, preparation and cooking of food, dress code of those in the kitchen, safe methods and food allergy notices and I’m pleased to say we came out with a top 5 out of 5 star rating. 

As members of the breakfast club we were more than happy to help out again with the various events organised by St Marys, making the Mothering Sunday posies, organising the catering when required and generally being available to help out as and when asked to do so. 

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As I’ve said in the past whilst we meet in the parish room of St Mary’s Church are not a “church group” as such and all men and boys are welcome. Vegetarian and allergy colleagues are catered for (but please let us know in advance) so, if you’ve nothing to do on the first Saturday of the month and you’re at a loose end, come along between 8.30 and 9pm you’ll be most welcome. 

Chris Beadle, (on behalf of the Men’s Breakfast Club) 

## **Ploughman’s Lunch Club** 

The Ploughman’s team, a group of 8 long standing volunteers, have continued to successfully run our lunch club during the past year. We are pleased to say that it remains very well supported and welcomed by the parish with new faces joining us and some sadly some departing. 

The team offer a waitressed table service for a pre booked limited number of lunchers, who book from the 1st monthly for that month’s lunch. 

For our Christmas lunch we also provide a free raffle, provided by the team,  and offer wine or a non-alcoholic alternative courtesy of a local firm of Chartered Accountants, LMW Ltd, who have their office in Old Basing. Any donations for the wine are given to St Mary’s for the advent appeal. 

Our price remains at £4.50 for three courses. Lunchers only pay for the number of courses they have. We continue to make a profit, which remains ringed fenced in the church accounts for the upkeep of the kitchen and parish room. This year I am delighted to say we added £850 to the balance. 

Denise Lane 

## **The Welcome Tea Room** 

The Welcome Tea Room 

During 2025 The Welcome Tea Room has continued to flourish, offering a socially relaxed atmosphere for people to come together on the first and third Friday afternoons of the month. 

The Welcome Tea Room is a joint venture between St Mary’s and the Methodist Church and is fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteer bakers and baristas from across the parish and continues to operate on a “pay what you can afford” basis. 

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The Welcome Tea Room was particularly delighted to host The Children’s Society Coffee Afternoon in October, which, with the sale of Christmas cards, raised in excess of £1,000 for the work of the charity. 

All profits are shared equally between St Mary’s and Old Basing Methodist Chapel to fund church initiatives and in particular The Tea Room is looking to support costs in relation to the Youth Hub (see below) 

## Debbie Filer 

## **The Youth Hub** 

The Youth Hub is a joint venture between St Mary’s and Old Basing Methodist Church. The hub began in July, when pastries _(supplied free of charge by the Community Food Link)_ were offered to children returning home from school on a Tuesday afternoon. The original intention was to offer a regular meeting point for Year 6/7 children, however this soon proved impractical with pastries offered to all ages. 

The Hub has been well received by both parents and children and the intention is to hopefully develop it further by offering an indoor space for older children to meet regularly. 

Debbie Filer 

## **Churchyard Conservation Group (PIOCC)** 

2025 started with the Big Garden Birdwatch in January.  We had a good turn-out and we counted 13 different bird species (Wood Pigeons, Great Tits, Robins, Jackdaws, Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Magpies, a Wren, a Coal Tit, a Nuthatch and a Crow) plus Grey Squirrels in our allotted hour. 

Our conservation working parties continued as usual through the winter months, this is when we do the heavy structural work in the churchyard before the birds start to nest. This year we were continuing our work of removing dead and dying elms with the hope of encouraging the hazel to spread through the churchyard, which seems to be working. Adrian Stanley kindly felled an Elder tree that was leaning out into Church Lane and provided a good pile of chipping for the paths. The WI seat was suffering with soiling from the Pigeons roosting in the Ash tree above it so the group agreed to move it onto the edge of the Central Glade where it would still have some shade and a view of the church. This has been a success. 

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In April we switch to our maintenance working parties where the focus is more on grass mowing to encourage wild flowers, weeding the paths and keeping them clear of overhanging vegetation and also discouraging vigorous weeds which might otherwise out-compete the flowers we are trying to encourage. We lost a couple of working parties for various reasons, but when those lost fell on a Saturday, we continued to meet to enjoy coffee and a catch up in St Mary’s Parish Room. 

Nest boxes in the Churchyard continue to be well used with an average occupancy in excess of 50%. 

In April we held our AGM where those who came were treated to a presentation and talk by Tim Carr on his trip 2010 to Antarctica. 

For St Mary’s Summer Festival in May we created a Nature Trail based on “Bugs and Grubs” found in the Churchyard. 

At the end of September we had our Kick Off Meeting to introduce the management plan for the season followed by an excellent talk by Geoff Sharp on the “Deserts and Canyons of Arizona” which was fascinating. 

The PCC arranged for Tree Surgeons to fell or pollard a number of trees in the Churchyard and Conservation area in October. This exercise produced a large amount of chippings some of which we used to resurface the path round the Central Glade. They also removed a large amount of scrub growth between the path down to the Street and the compost bins which had been overhanging the path leaving the composting area open to access from the path. We filled the gap with a substantial dead hedge which not only prevents access but also, we hope, presents a pleasanter view for those visiting the church. 

In December we created a Nature Trail for St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival on bats that are found in the UK. Unfortunately it rained so only a few followed it. 

Tim Carr 

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## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## **Independent Examiners Report to the PCC of St Mary’s Parish Church, Old Basing & Lychpit** 

This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out hereafter, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations and the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustee and Examiner** 

The PCC, which is responsible for the preparation of the accounts, considers that the audit requirements of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) do not apply. 

## **Basis of the independent examiner’s report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. That examination includes a review of the accounting record kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those accounting records.  It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion of the view given by the accounts. 

## **Independent Examiner’s statement** 

In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention: 

1. Which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements 

   - To keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or 

   - To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met or; 

2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 


Mr Colin Bezant March 2026 

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## **PCC HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2025** 

This has been my third year as PCC Treasurer, and you might think that I know what I am doing by now. In many ways that is true, but there is always more to learn or some unexpected challenge to overcome. I would like to thank the support team at Data Developments for being available to answer random questions along the lines of “How do I make the accounting packing do…?” and Colin for being available when a specialist opinion is needed. 

So, what about the 2025 accounts? 

2025 has been less successful year financially than 2024 for St Mary’s, with an overall deficit of £6,350. Our overall income for the year was £135,976, a reduction of £13,151 compared to last year. Regular giving was slightly down, as were donations made through the PayAz machine. The main reasons for the reduction in income were a combination of not receiving the sizeable one-off donations that we saw in 2024, and the fact that our summer festival was not a full flower festival. 

Expenditure for the year was £142,327, an increase of £18,714 compared to last year. Most of this was due to drainage works in the churchyard (kindly covered by a donation from the Friends of St Mary’s) and extensive tree works following a long overdue tree survey. 

Looking ahead it is very important that we continue to support our church in whatever ways we can and encourage our friends and neighbours to do the same. Please ensure that you complete a gift aid declaration if you have not already done so, we can then claim an additional 25% any donation that you make at no cost to you. 

For a number of years we relied on our restricted funds to help us cover some of our expenses and these became depleted. During 2025 we covered all our regular expenses from our General fund. We are very fortunate to have the ongoing support of the Friends of St Mary’s to help with the costs of any repairs to the fabric of the building, but they cannot help us with our other costs. There are more tree works that we need to undertake, and we are actively looking at replacing our heating system with a more environmentally sustainable one. These will require significant fundraising efforts. 

The fundraising team are looking to diversify our activities so that they appeal to a broader cross section of our community. Please support as many events as you can, and encourage family and friends to come along as well. 

19 



Another way that I would encourage you to consider supporting us is by using ‘Easy Fundraising’ and selecting St Mary’s as the charity that you would like to support. This does not cost you anything but raises a small donation for the church each time you shop online with many retailers. Please contact me for further information if this is something that you are not familiar with. 

Nicky Jackson February 2026 

20 



## **PCC of St Mary's Old Basing & Lychpit** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

## **For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total**|**Prior year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|**Funds**|**funds**|**total funds**|
|Incoming resources||||||
|Incoming resources from generated funds||||||
|Voluntary income|91,197.95||-|91,197.95|103,904.84|
|Activities for generating funds|7,548.10|-|-|7,548.10|12,458.05|
|Investment income|937.13|3,677.31||4,614.44|6,182.81|
|Incoming resources from charitable activities|22,008.85|-||22,008.85|23,302.07|
|Other incoming resources|10,606.90|-||10,606.90|3,279.79|
|Total income|132,298.93|3,677.31||135,976.24|149,127.56|
|Resources used||||||
|Cost of generating funds:|||||-|
|Cost of generating voluntary income|-|||-|-|
|Fundraising trading cost of goods sold & other||||||
|costs|1,743.99|||1,743.99|2,406.93|
|Investment management costs|-|||-||
|Charitable activities|137,828.58|-|-|137,828.58|121,205.78|
|Governance costs|-||-|-|-|
|Other resources used|2,754.00|-|-|2,754.00|-|
|**Total expenditure**|**142,326.57**|**-**||**142,326.57**|**123,612.71**|
|Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer|-10,027.64|3,677.31||-6,350.33|25,514.85|
|Transfers:||||||
|Gross transfers between funds - in|-|-|||1,257.60|
|Gross transfers between funds - out|-|-||-|-1,257.60|
|**Other recognised gains / losses**||||||
|Gains/losses on investment assets|-|-58.24|-|-58.24|32.60|
|Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use|-|-|-|-|-|
|Net movement in funds|-10,027.64|3,619.07|-|-6,408.57|25,547.45|
|Reconciliation of funds||||||
|Total funds brought forward|120,658.67|91,823.70||212,482.37|186,934.92|
|**Total funds carried forward**|**110,631.03**|**95,442.77**||**206,073.80**|**212,482.37**|



21 



## **PCC of St Mary’s Old Basing & Lychpit** 

## **Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024** 

||**As at**<br>**31/12/2025**<br>**£**<br>1,398.49<br>-<br>**1,398.49**<br>21,192.54<br>18,698.13<br>-<br>1,000.00<br>35,668.43<br>66,408.55<br>70,194.85<br>1,406.21<br>**214,568.71**<br>-<br>100.00<br>3,531.29<br>-<br>5,915.85<br>346.26<br>**9.893.40**<br>**9.893.40**<br> <br>-6,350.33<br>212,482.37<br>-58.24<br>-<br>**206,073.80**<br>96,802.20<br>13,828.83<br>95,442.77<br>**206,073.80**|**As at**<br>**31/12/2025**|**As at**<br>**31/12/2025**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**|
|**Fixed assets**||||
|||||
|||||
|6425: Kemp Legacy Investment Fund|||1,456.73|
|6450: Church Heating System|||-|
|||||
||||**1,456.73**|
|||||
|**Current assets**||||
|||||
|6501: Nat West current account||20,574.08||
|6505: Nat West Business Reserve Account||28,389.01||
|6510: CCLA General PCC V Account||-||
|6511: CCLA Hoare Gift Account||1,000.00||
|6512: CCLA Bequests Account||34,124.13||
|6530: Virgin Charity Deposit Account||65,573.12||
|6550: CCLA RBL Bond Proceeds||67,155.68||
|Z05 Accounts Receivable||1,525.58||
|||||
|**Total Current Assets**||**218,341.60**||
|||||
|**Liabilities**||||
|||||
|6602: Wedding Deposits for this year’s weddings||-||
|6603: Wedding Deposits for future year’s weddings||100.00||
|6610: Accruals||125.00||
|6611: Accruals over 1 year||-||
|6699: Agency Collections||3,695.17||
|Z04 Accounts Payable||3,395.79||
|||||
|**Total Liabilities**||**7,315.96**||
|<br>**Net Asset Surplus (Deficit)**||**212,482.37**||
|||||
|**Reserves**<br>Excess/(deficit) to date||25,514.85||
|Z01 Starting Balances||186,934.92||
|Z02 Other gains/(losses)||32.60||
|Z03 Gains and Losses own use||-||
|**Total Reserves**||**212,482.37**||
|**REPRESENTED BY**<br>**FUNDS:**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>General Fund||107,906.97||
|||||
|**Designated**||12,751.70||
|||||
|**Restricted**||91,823.70||
|**Funds of the Church**||**212,482.37**||
|||||



_There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown._ 

The accounts are a summary of the Financial Statements which have been reviewed by the Independent Examiner. A copy of the full financial statements, including relevant notes to the accounts, is available from the Administrator, Debbie Filer. 

22 



## **Churchwardens’ Report on The Fabric of St. Mary’s Church 2025** 

In the spring we installed a new soakaway to the east end of the church. The old one, installed many years ago, and sited under the cremated remains area had silted up. Consequently, the decision was taken to install a new one in the area between the east elevation of the church and the cremated remains. Because of the sensitivity of the area, we were required to have an archaeological watching brief. We would like to thank The Friends of St Mary’s Church for funding this. 

Towards the end of the year, movement was noted in the wooden floor section of the Bolton Chapel. Upon investigation with the appointed architect, it was discovered that there was damp leading to failure of a number of joists and the plywood covering. In 2026 will be looking to have this repaired. 

For the medium term, we commissioned a heating engineer during 2025 to look at the heating system. Too often the current gas boiler fails meaning that we are unable to heat the building. We have now a potential solution and will be looking to raise funds to implement this. Unfortunately, we were not successful in our grant application to Old Basing and Lychpit Parish Council. 

Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson Churchwardens 

## **Terrier & Inventory Report** 

The only change in 2025 was the installation of a long-term wifi solution into the church. For the last couple of years this had been using a ‘Powerline’ solution through the electricity mains, but this resulted in low speeds in the nave. The current solution involves an ‘access point’ in the Tower, with a new, permanent, spur to provide power. This means we have good download, and importantly, upload speeds to allow us to reliably stream services. 

We have also been given a ride-on lawnmower for the area around the church. This provides an excellent way of ensuring the grass around the church is well maintained. 

Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson Churchwardens 

23 



## **Report on the Churchyard** 

During 2025 we had a tree survey undertaken of the trees in the churchyard around the church which indicated that significant works were required to some of the trees, including a number of fellings. Consent having been given by both the Diocese and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council these works were undertaken in October, after the bird nesting season. 

The cremated remains are now well tended by Tom Allen Gardening, and he also ensures the banks and similar areas are kept under control. 

The grass is maintained by the mowing team organised by Matt Jarrett, who we thank for their continuing work. In this regard we were given a ride-on lawnmower and are now looking for a new shed in the churchyard to house it. 

Finally, but very much not least, we thank the PIOCC group who maintain the area to the south of the church as an ecological resource. Their activities are recorded elsewhere in this report, but we thank them for all that they continue to do. 

Jeanette Edwards and Robert Jackson Churchwardens 

## **REPORT FROM THE BASINGTOKE DEANERY SYNOD, 2025** 

Over three meetings, plus one social gathering, Basingstoke Deanery Synod navigated through a time of change in 2025. We received news and guidance from the Diocese, took part in workshops and had discussions with fellow representatives, both laity and clergy, to share experiences from our different settings. 

There was a change from the planned agenda for the first meeting in February. Following the stepping-down of Archbishop Justin in late-2024 and the announcement that David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke, would be leaving us to be appointed as Bishop of Truro, The Venerable Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester, was invited to give his thoughts on !Through a Season of Transition and Change". He reflected on the Benedictine vows of Obedience, Stability, and _Conversatio Morum_ , and how in Christ all things are made new. Our call is not everyone for themselves but to listen to God"s calling. #Turn the ear of your heart to the voice of a loving father” – Rule of St Benedict. He noted that there was no guarantee that the post of Bishop of Basingstoke would continue, but the case was successfully put and we were able to welcome Bishop Kelly later in the year. 

24 



A second major item of business for this meeting was to receive a briefing on diocesan finance from David Collier of the Diocesan Finance Committee and Colin Harbidge, Diocesan Secretary. As for all Dioceses, Winchester is facing challenges, in particular increasing income from the Common Mission Fund to meet expenditure. 

At the second meeting of the year in May, the main focus was on ‘Growing Younger: Towards a Multigenerational Church’. The Area Dean, Ben Kautzer, explained that it is one of the objectives of the Archbishop"s Council to double the numbers of children and active young disciples in the Church of England by 2030. He was hopeful that members would leave the meeting feeling equipped to go forward with that mission. 

Ben introduced Sochi Ezeanowai, youth worker from Oakley, who had brought together youth workers from the diocese and beyond to share good practice. Synod members and guests were invited to choose three workshops from the six offered: 

- $ Understanding Youth Culture: Vibes and Trends – Sochi Ezeanowai 

- $ Innovative Discipleship Models for Youth Ministry – James Wood 

- $ Launching a Youth Group from Scratch: Step-by-Step Strategies – Andy Poole 

- $ Managing Small and Large Youth Groups Effectively – Jordan Cousins 

- $ Recruiting, Equipping and Empowering Volunteer Teams – Ola Olanipekun 

- $ Engaging Students: Secondary School Ministry and Youth Café Outreach – Beth Gomm. 

The workshops offered practical strategies and scenarios for discussion. Good resources cited included Scripture Union, Launchpad and Youthscape. 

The final meeting of 2025 was held in October, focusing on ‘Cultivating a Deeper Faith’. Despite the different contexts across the Deanery, all churches share the mission to cultivate deeper faith within our congregations and parishes. Ben Kautzer used the metaphor of a growing oak seed to illustrate faith. The roots are growing downwards to our spiritual insight and core. Are we being tethered to the stream of living water? The lateral roots grow sideways, spreading God's love to twice the size of its canopy. 

25 



Synod members broke into small groups, mixing with others from different contexts to explore spiritual questions around discipleship: 

- $ Theology/ Starting with Why: Returning to Our First Love. How can we love God with our mind? (Deuteronomy 6.4-5; Mark 12:30) 

- $ Spirituality/Returning to Holy Ground. How can the study of Scripture be reclaimed as a spiritual discipline? 

- $ Mission/ Planting Roots: Encounter to Spiritual Depth. What are we noticing about those who are approaching our churches with spiritual longing and deep questions? How can we be encouraged to respond? 

- $ Discipleship/Cultivating Diverse Ecosystems of Growing Faith. How can we actively encourage discipleship in diverse groups and places? 

These were some of the points shared by the groups: 

- $ Depth looks different for each of us. Some people find an informal setting an easier place to encounter God and others will find it through more traditional services; we should be open to finding different ways of worshipping. 

- $ Important to have a diverse offering, where possible. 

- $ Value in home groups and courses. Having honest discussions with differing opinions enables growth. 

- $ Preparing sermons encourages reading and study, which promotes a deepening of faith: consider giving others the opportunity to preach and minister. 

- $ Consider sharing resources across deanery, especially considering any benefice in vacancy. 

- $ Reminder to think about the whole parish and not just the congregations. 

- $ Encouraging children and adolescents to serve in church gives a sense of belonging and cultivates church family. 

If this has whetted your appetite to find out more, now is the ideal time to stand for election as a lay representative on Deanery Synod, as a new three-year term (triennium) begins in the summer. It is worth noting that Deanery Synod members also elect members of the Diocesan Synod and the General Synod. 

Rebecca Aldridge & Paul Skinner 

26 



**ANNUAL REPORT Approved by the PCC on 26[th] March 2026** Signed by the Vice Chairs: 


Jeanette Edwards 


Robert Jackson 

27