The Ecclesiastical Parish of
Shiplake with Dunsden
Charity number 1138065
Report and Accounts for the
31st December 2024

The Ecclesiastical parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
Treasurer's Report 2024
Openlng comments.
I was asked by the Rector Rev Robert Thewsey to be the Treasurer of thls parish in August
2024. In October 2024 the Rertor left the parish for pastures new. In order to prepare for the
creation of the accounts for the year ended 31" December 20241 reviewed the accounts for
the previous year and dlscovered a mysterious write off of approximately £29,000. This
amount did not have any explanation in the accounts. Furthermore, it transpired that the
analysis of the figures were not as would have been expected in a set of accounts p￿pared
under the regulations stipulating the creation of accounts. As a resul¢ I had to re-create the
accounts for 2023. 1 discovered that amounts transferred from deposit account to current
account had been treated as income and an amount had been included in the accounts for
profit on sale of investments when no investments had been sold during the yearl
This Is the reason why the comparative figures for 2023 are described as "Re-ststed".
Flnanclal performance for 2024
The net assets at 31st December 2024 were £23,269 higher than at the start of the year. This
represents an operating loss of £13,649 offset by an unrealised gain on investments of
£36,963.
During the year, the parish hall at Shiplake was demolished following a flood which brought
the roof down. When investigation took place asbestos was discovered and a decision was
taken to demolish the building. An insurance claim was settled by a payment from the
insurers of £60,788. The cost of demolition was £37,285. These figures are included in the
operating loss of £13,649. If these extraordinary items had not been included the loss would
have been £37,152.
The value of the site left after clearance has been included at £250,000 which the Trustees
believe to be below market value but without a formal valuation, they believe the sum
ststed is acceptsble.
The overall picture is that the finances of the parish depend upon the value of the
investments that the parish owns.
Parlsh share
It was decided that the parish would pay 95% of the parish share in 2024. This amounted to
£51,264. During 2025 the parish wlll endeavour to pay 100% of the parish share. The only
way that the parish can pay this sum is by taking the money from investments. These
investments represent monies left to the churches in the parish by parishioners in their wills.
The Diocese of Oxford to whtch the parish belongs, has net assets of over £500rn including

cash balances of £15m and investrnents of £17m. It increased its net assets in 2023 by
approximately £2m. The voracious greed of this diocese cannot be underststed. They
determlne what they want in their budget without any regard to what the parishes can
afft)rd. They are perfectly happy to plunder the reserves of the parish to satisfy their greed.
During the current interregnum the Diocese are graciously giving the parish a discount on
the parish share of IO%. This represents a reduction of £5,591. The discount for our sister
parish of Harpsden is £3,724. The incremental cost of employing a priest is in the region of
£35.000 which means that the Diocese will save that amount. On top of that, the Diocese
rent out the Rectory while there is no priest in place. This should generate a further £36,000
per annum. This would indicate that the Diocese is profiting by about £60k per annum while
there is an interregnum.
In prior years, Shiplake with Dunsden have not paid their parish share in full. The Diocese
have indicated that they will not be seeking the parish to make up the shorifall.
Operatlng actlvltles
Excluding the income from the insurance claim, the income for the year was £65,418.
Expenses excluding cost of demolition and the parish share were £67,737 giving an
operating loss before parish share of £2,319. Funds were received for the proposed
extension at Dunsden church amounting to £7,898 which must be treated as restricted
funds. The energy bills represented a major cost of £18,483 of which over £IO,(KKI
represented the cost of gas for heating Shiplake church.
A very generous parlshloner has offered Dunsden church £200,000 towards an extension for
a toilet and a kitchen. There is a stipulation in the gift that the building of this project must
be commenced by 31" December 2025. The progression of this project has been delayed by
the failure of the donor's attorneys to deal with this in a timely manner and thus there is
doubt that the project will fulfil the requirements of the donor. Furthermore up-dated
estFmates indicate that the cost of this extension will be considerably more that the
£200,0(M) on offer. There will be a requirement forthe parishioners of Dunsden church to
find the shortfall.
Flnanclal situation
The finances of this parish are further confused by the fact that there are two churches in
the parish. These two churches have funds allocated to them by donors. The funds are
restricted to the churches to which they have been given. Shiplake church has significant
assets and a very low congregation. Dunsden has a larger congregation but much smaller
assets.
The current financial performance is unsustsinable. This parish is operating at a loss and has
a cash outflow in the region of £40k each year. Unless things change, there will come a stage
fairly soon where Shiplake's assets will be needed to sustsin Dunsden church.

To be clear, the Parish is solvent and is not in danger of bankruptcy, butthe financial position
will not currently support the full parish share.
Nigel L Smith FCA
Treasurer
From the Churchwardens of All Saints. Dunsden.
We are pleased to report that most of the members of the congregation are
now on the Parish Giving Scheme. The plate is passed around at a Sunday
service when it is a comblned Benefi￿ Sunday.
We know that vlsltors to the church do use the Card Reader/Good box to make
the odd donation. Many of these visitors are attending a talk about the
Wilfred Owen stsined-glass window then walking the Owen Trail.
Thanks to the generoslty of our members a few things have been paid for
without a call on the church funds. For instsnce, the outside toilet was re-
decorated, and the toilet bowl and fittings replaced. A micro-wave and a
fridge were also donated to the catering department.
The one major expense this year was the construction of a new soakaway
dealing with the excess rainwater at the northeast end of the church.
A new sanrtuary light was paid for by a member of the congregation and has
been put in place.
There have been fundraising events during this year. Notsbly the Harvest
Supper, Snowdrop Sunday and the Pancake Supper and Beetle Drive. These
were all well-attended and successful and raised substsntial funds towards
the proposed building project.
Rosemary Jones and John Bodman
Churchwardens, All Saints Church

Independent Examinerfs Report to the
Eccleslastical Parish of Shiplake wlth Dunsden
This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2024, which are set
out on pages 2 to 7, is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3(3) of the Church
Accounting Regulations 1997 to 2LXII (the Regulations) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act).
Respective Responsibilites of the PCC and the Examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts," you consider that
the audit requirement of Regulation 3{31 and 5.43 of the charities Act do not apply. It is my
responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of Regulation 25.
Basis of my Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Dirertions given by the
Charity Commission under sec.43(7}(b) of the Act and to be found in the guidance, 2001 edition,
issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop's Council.That examination includes a review
of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records.
It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking
explanations from you as Trustees concerning any 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 on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
l.) which 8ives me to believe that in any material respect the requirements
a. to keep proper accounting records in accordance with s 41 of the Act; and
b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
requirements of the Act and the Regulations
have not been met
2.) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding
of the accounts to be reached.
Signed... .Richard Parker FCA... ...............................................
Address.....Cromwell Cottage, Cromwell Gardens, Marlow SL7 IBE................................................
Qualification......Chartered Accountant (FCA)
page I

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Unrestrfrted
Restricted
Total funds
funds 2024 £
funds 2024 £
2024 £
Total funds
2023 £
RE-stated
Note
INCOME & ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations & legacies:
Donations
Insurance claim
Charitable activities
Investments
TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS
£ 42,819.00
£ 60,788.00
£ 22,599.00
3,861.00
£ 130,067.00
7,898.00
£ 50,717.00
£ 60,788.00
£ 22.599.
£ 70,409.00
£ 28,989.00
6,793.
£ 106,191.00
4,627.00
£ 12,525.00
£ 142.592.00
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Other expenditure
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
£ 46,839.00
£ 67,535.00
£ 37,285.00
£ 151,659.00
4,627.00
£ 51,466.CK)
£ 67,535.00
£ 37,285.00
£ 156.286.00
£ 94,003.00
£ 52,552,00
4,627.00
£ 146.555.00
NET INCOME j (EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS
(LOSSES)
Net gains / {losses> on investments
21,592.00
£ 34,632.00
£ 7.898.00
2,331.00
-£ 13,694.00
£ 36,963.00
-£ 40,364.00
£ 32,072.tx)
NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE TRANSFERS
£ 13.040.00
£ 10.229.00
£ 23,269.00
8.292.00
RECONauATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
£ 446,682.00
£ 351,545.(K)
£ 798,227.00
£ 806,519.00
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
£ 459,722.00
£ 361.774.00
£ 821,496.00
£ 798,227.00
page 2

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
BALANCE SHEEf AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2024
Note
2024 £
2023 £
Re-stated
FIXED ASSErs
Tangible assets
Heritage assets
Investments
10
11
£ 250,000.00
£ 460,420.00
£ 710,420.00
£ 250,000.00
£ 538,749.00
£ 788,749.00
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank & in hand
12
£ 11,015.00
£ 100,061.00
CREDITORS: amounts falling due
within one year
NET CURREKfASSETS
£ 111.076.00
9,478.00
NEf ASSETS
£ 821,496.00
£ 798.227.00
CHARITY FUNDS
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£ 361,774.00
£ 459,722.00
£ 351.545.00
£ 446,682.00
TOTAL FUNDS
£ 821.496.00
£ 798,227.00
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 7R April 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Mrjohn Bodman
Churchwarden
Mr Nigel Smlth FCA
Treasurer
page 3

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
STATEMENTOF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Note
2024 £
Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles
Income less debtors
less: Expenditure
Net ouffiow from operating activities
£ 70,789.00
£ 119,122.00
-£ 48,333.00
Cash from exceptional items
Insurance claim
Less: Demolition costs
£ 60,788.00
£ 37,285.00
£ 23,503.00
Cash flows from Investments:
Sale of investments
£ 115.415.00
Net cash inflow
Cash at start of the year
£ 90,585.00
9,478.00
Cash at end of the year
£ 100,063.00
page 4

Shiplake with Dunsden Parochial Church Council
Notes to the financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024
l. Accounting Policles
a. The financial statements have been prepared on the accruals basis in accordance with the
Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment)
Regulations 2001 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Statement of
Recommended Practice
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention
b. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Parochial Church Council {PCC)
is responsible in law.
c. Incoming resources are recognised as follow:
Collections - when received
Planned giving - when received
Fund raising events- when carried out
Church fees - when due
Investment income- when due
d. Consecrated and beneficed property has been excluded by law from the accounts
e. No value has been placed in the accounts on moveable church furnishings held by churchwardens
on trust for the PCC. Other fixtures, furniture and equipment are written off in the year of purchase
unless they exceed £2,000
f. Short term deposits include cash held on deposit at the banks or CBF of the Church of England
g. Debtors include amounts due from activities during the year and prepaid expenditure
h. Income tax refunds on voluntary income have been allocated in the accounts to the appropriate
revenue items.
i. Funds are analysed and reported on in a variety of classes, the principal distinction being between
Unrestricted and Restricted Funds. Restricted Funds consist of money which has been given by the donor
for a specifsc purpose. Unrestricted Funds may include Designated Funds which have been set aside by
the PCC to be used for a particular purpose in the future. The PCC has the power to reallocate these
funds.
page 5

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
NOTES TO FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3tst DECEMBER 2024
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS & LEGACIES
Unrestrlrted
funds 2024 £
£ 28,217.00
6,864.00
Re-stated
Total funds
2023 £
£ 36,737.00
£ 10,116.00
Total funds
2024 £
£ 28,217.00
6,864.00
funds 2024 £
Parish giving
Tax recoverable on gift aid
Loose plate collections & other
planned giving
Appeals & donations
Good Box
Dun5den extenslon
Dun5den Window
Legacies
4,249.00
2,452.00
1,037.00
4,249.00
2.452.00
1.037.00
7,898.00
£ 12,817.00
1,090.00
1,252.00
7,898.00
8,397.00
£ 42,819.(10
£ 7098.00
£ 50,717.00
£ 70,409.00
3. OThER INCOME
Insurance claim
£ 60.788.00
£ 60,788.00
4. CHARITABLE ACnVinES INCOME
Re•Stated
Total funds
2023 £
Unrestrlcted
funds 2024 £
Tolal funds
2024 £
1,647.00
7,912.00
£ 13,040.00
funds 2024 £
Fund raisin8 events
Fees for weddings & funerals
Shiplake College Donation
Shiplake cholr fund
7,912.00
£ 13.040.00
£ 14,907.00
£ 14,082.00
£ 22,599.00
£ 22,599.00
£ 28.989.00
Total 2024
£ 126,206.00
£ 7￿98.00
£ 134.104.00
£ 99.398.00
5. INVESTMENT INCOME
Re-stated
Total funds
2023 £
229.1)0
6,564.00
6.793.00
Unrestrirted
funds 2024 £
1,785.00
2,076.00
3A61.00
Restrfcted
funds 2024 £
Total funds
2024 £
1,785.00
6,703.00
8,488.00
Bank & CBF deposit inte￿t
Dividend5
£ 4.627.00
£ 4W7.00
Total Income 2024
130,067.00
£ 12.525.00
£ 142,592.1)0
£ 106,191.00
page 6

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Shiplake with Dunsden
6. COSTS OF RAISING FUNDS
Re-stated
Total funds
2023 £
£ 10,397.00
7,761.00
£ 16,927.00
£ 13.368.00
7,020.00
1,523.00
4,080.00
2,858.00
UnrestriLted
funds 2024 £
18,483.00
7,606.00
6,746.00
RestriLted
funds 2024 £
Totsl lunds
2024 £
£ 18,483.00
7,606.00
£ 10,243.00
1,130.00
7,060.00
2,663.00
1,806.00
2,475.00
Light, heat. water & cleaning
Insurances - churches
Property maintenance- Shiplake
Property maintenance- Dunsden
Organist fees & expenses
Upkeep of services
Churchyard maintenance- Shiplake
Churchyard maintenance- Dunsden
3,497.00
1,130.00
7,060.00
2,663.00
1,806.00
2.475.00
£ 46,839.00
£ 4.627.00
£ 51,466.00
£ 63,934.00
7.Church hall demolltlon
Dunsden Window
£ 37,285.00
£ 37,285.00
£ 30.069.00
8, EXPENDITURE ON CHARYfABLE AcfiviTIES
Unrestrlrted
fvnds 2024 £
225.00
51,264.00
4,491.00
3,176.00
6,756.00
1,139.00
Re-stated
Unre5tritted
funds 2023 £
142.00
£ 15,000.00
5,770.00
£ 11.180.00
5,141.00
4,941.00
9,971.00
Restrlrted
fvnd$ 2024 £
Unrestrlcted
funds 2024 £
225.00
£ 51,264,00
4,491.00
3,176.00
6,756.00
Giving to agreed charitles
Parish share
Parish share weddings & funerals
Share of Benefice Clergy expenses
Share of Benefice office costs
Admin. post. printin8 & stationery
Church Hall Development
Henley Deanery Synod Levy
484.00
£ 67,535.00
£ 67,535.00
£ 52,552.00
9.TOTAL EXPENSE
£ 151,659.00
£ 4,627.00
£ 156.286.00
£ 116.486.00
10. CHARITY HERITAGE ASSETS
lerltage asset
Total £
Market value
At 01.01.24
£ 250,000.00
£ 250,000.00
At 31.12.24
£ 250,000.00
£ 250,01)0.00
In 2013 It was establlshed thatthe freehold land comprlsln8 the Church Hall were in frdtt
conveyed to the Parochlal Church Coundl from the Dlocese in 1977. The Church Hall has been
demollshed but the trustees conslder that the land value Is stlll valid.
11. FIXED ASSEf INVESTMENTS
Usted
Se￿rItIeS £
2024
£ 538.749.00
-£ 114,453.00
£ 36,124.00
£ 460,420.(10
Llsted
securities £
Market value
At Istjanuary
Less: Realised
Revaluations
At 31st December
£ 506,677.00
£ 32,072.00
£ 538.749.00
Restricted
Unrestricted
£ 103.037.00
£ 357,383.00
É 460A20.00
£ 101,545.00
£ 437,204.00
£ 538,749.00
12. DEBTORS
2024 £
£ 11.015.00
Other debtors
pa8e 7