St Nicholas, Church, Godstone St Stephen's Church, South Godstone St John's Church, Blindley Heath ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of the UNITED BENEFICE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL St For the year ended 31 December 2024 IIYCUMBENT Revd Peter O'connell The Reelorv, 17 Mill Lane, Godstolle. Surrey Rry.ered Clwiry- 1143975
ANNUAL REPORT THE BENEFICE AND PARISH OF GODSTONE & BLINDLEY HEATH For Ihe year end¢d 31 Deeember 2024 The Parish Church of St Nicholas s¢rving th¢ community of Godslone. Sl Stephen's Church serving the community of South Godstone as a Parish Centre of Worship The Parish Church of Sl John serving the community of Blindley Heath Parochial boundaries are compatible with the civic authority ofGodstone Parish Council and within the Tandridge District Council responsible for East Surrey. Correspondence addresses for the Benefice are:. IncumEKnt Revd Peter O'connell The Rectory.. 17 Ivy Mill Lane Surrey RH9 8NH Godstone, PCC Secretary: Karen Jackson Benefice Otyice: Email - beneficecili odstone.nel Telephone 074?8 348651 Benefice Structure and Organisation As set out in the Pastoral Measure signed by the Bishop of Southwark on the 3 May 1997. the Benefice structure is as follows.. An overall PCC is the legal entity for the three churches. This PCC has devolved its powers. as appropriate, for the running of the individual churches to an elected body known as a District Church Council (LKC). These councils are, however, responsible lo the overall PCC. Each DCC and the PCC io forni such sulFcommittees. and a standing committee, as are required for the smooth running of the particular church. The PCC membership is elected by the DCC members. themselves elected at the Annual General Meeling of each church. Ministerial Co-operation The PCC and each DCC 15 required. as stated in the Paffhla1 Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, to co-operate with the Incumbent and the ministr>. team. in promoting in the Benefice and parish the whole ministry of the Church. pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Members of the PCC and LKCS Thcsc arc as 5Ct out on pa8c 7.
Church Electoral Rolls Following the annual meetings in 2024 the Electoral Roll fjgures are as follows: St Nicholas, Church 102 Sr Stephen's Church 15 St John's Church 16 Mission Aims and Objectives The following summarises our Mission Statement and these are to be achieved through church services. the occasional children's, youth and general outreach and the community iT]volvement of the ministerial team and congregation members. Each church belongs to and serves its respective villag¢. STATEMENT OF MISSION We seek to fulfill Christ's challenging MMandMent that we love God and our fellow human beings as ourselves. throu8h: Commitment to the nurture of our spiritual life by: regular private prayer being receptive io (he Word of God sharing in corporale worship • using opportunities to learn from each other ' an openness in worship, embracing both the fonnal and infornial. Being a Christian pr¢sen¢e and engaging with our l(Kal and wider communities by: being a welcoming church famity serving all within our community ac¢epting and valuing the diver8e gifts and trddilions of others valuing opportunilies for outreach. including recognizing the significance of our church school and aiming io ensure that our buildings are welcoming environments for use by others ' widespread and effective communication witnessing and sharing our faith being aware of opportunities for prayerful and practical responses to challenges in the community, world and church • valuing opportunities for growth and being willin8 to embrace change.
Activities in the Year During the last year the three Churches of the Parish. St Nicholas. in Godstone, St Stephen's in South Godstone and St John's in Blindley Heath have ¢onlinued with their primary function ofproviding a faith and worship centre in each community. This is in accordance with the traditional parochial and pastoral minis(ry of the Church of England. Worship and other activities have taken place during the year as nom]al. The number of regular worshippers has remained stsble over the last year but continues to be on the low side so we are doing everything we can to atlracl more people lo attend our services and other events. Weddings and funerals. study groups. social func(ions and Community events have all taken place but sadly none of the churches are able to sustsin a junior church. The churches celebrated major festivals and events such as Lenl. Easter. Whitsun. Harvest. Remembrance Day, Christingle and Christmas with relatively gix)d atkndance. Collections from some of these events were given to various charilies. An on-line service continued to be streamed each week from Si Stephen's church as people unable to attend a church tn peN)n benefit from this. The involvemcnL as governor& of clergy and parishioners with si Stephen's Church School has continued and the school auended St Siephen's Church on severnl occasions. Maintenance of our ancient but beauiiful buildings is an imN)rtant part of ministry and our ability for the church to be visible in each communiry is very relevant to people who live here. Use of the buildings by parishioners and the wider community is key to our visibility and many people conlinued lo play their part in the looking after of each church. notably in the cleaning and decoration. A sense ofioving care is evident which is complemented by the welcome and friendly almospheres which prevails in all three churches. St Nicholas and St Stephen's were subjecl to a Quinquennial Inspection during 2021 and St John's 2022. The reports confirnied that the churches remain in generally good condition. Any urgent matters have already been deali with and som¢ minor it¢ms r¢quiring attention will be acled upon in due course. Some progr¢55 on lh¢ building proj¢cls al St Nicholas. where a projecl leader has now been appointed. and St John's ha5 been made and it is hoped that these can now be moved forward subjecl lo sutTicienl funds. At St John's a grdnt was received from Surrey County CoLmciI for £27.000 towards insialling a soil pipe for the proposed toilets in the church but a faculty is still awaited. The St Nicholas. Hospitality Project continues to be hampered by the lamentably slow response from the diocesan DAC. the body thal scrutinises all historic building projects. Some £60.000 has been saved mainly within the Friends of St Nicholas. The real value of this decreases every month because of rising projecled Costs. We also continued to share our witness with Godstone Baptist Church. with a number of joint activities in Godstone. The link that was set up in 2016 with the parish of St John's ID Rutendo in Zimbabwe continued throughout the year but was severed in 2015.
The Youth Centre in Godstone, St Stephen's Jubilee RrnS and St John's Church Hall are available for church and non-church organisations in each village. They are much appreciated meeting places and il is hoped that the level of activities they are used for can continue and be increased. Socially we ty to be an active Benefice. There is a monthly Café Connect in Godstone at which money is rdised for various charities and a w'eekly coffee morning kn South Godslone. St N icholas held a Christmas chocolate tombola and there wa5 a summer fayre at St Stephen's. There were various activities at St John's including an Easter egg hunl cream teas. quizzes, a barn dance and skittles. St Nicholas is grateful for the support of the Friends of St Nichol&8 which funds many of the fabric projects either directly or via donations and is holding money iowanls the hospitality project. We are grat¢ful for the ministy and support provided by Revd Peter O'connell and the 8SSiStance of our Assistant Priest, Revd Evelyn Randall. reader Liz Windridge, Wendy Hewitt from Hurst Green and Nick Smiih from Lingfield during this year. We also extend our thanks to the Churchwardens. oificers and members of the DCC'S and PCC who continued to work hard over the last year to ensure that we continued to promote God's Kingdom tn this place. We remain Optimistic aboui the coming year. li is hoped that some of the big projects to upgrade th¢ facilities within St Nicholas and Si John's churches will come to fruition. We are hopeful of a good and progressive year and thank everyone for their faiihful support. We ask for God's blessing on u& and our work undertaken in his name.
Finance Report Net funds of the whole Benefice increased overall by £9.729 prior to the revaluation of investments. The value of the investmenl Portfolio at Si Stephen's IDcreas¢d by £2,540. This has r¢sulted in an overall increase in reserves of £12,269 for the Benefice as a whole. The level of donations. which included £6.038 from the Friends of Si Nicholas (registered charity no. 278948). showed an overall increase which is mainly due io a significani grant of £27.000 io St John's towards replacing a soil pipe. St John's also received a grant of £5.(KIO to replace the floor in the hall. Numbers in the congregalions at both St Nicholas and St Stephen's in particular. have remained low which continues to have an impact on income. Overall. the Benefice Incrsed its pledge tr) the Diocesan Parish Supw)rt Fund for 2024 resulting in an increase of 1.30/0. All the churches con(inue to seek savings on their day-lovday running expenses, even so these still increased during the year. particularly utility costs. In addition. St John's spent £19,nfio on replacing the fl(x)r in the hall. Although income at Si John's. excluding the grants. exceeded its nonnal costs by a small amount both St Nicholas and St Stephen's churches ran at a deficil which is causing concem about generdting sufficient income in both cases. External giving, which includes donations to both secular and non-secular charities. has continued. These mainly come from the monthly Cafe Conneci ai Si Nicholas. The planned inlemal refurbishment ai both Si John's and St Nicholas has not yel commenced but funds are continuing ¢0 be sel aside. Quinquennial inspections at St Nicholas and St Stephen were Carried out in 2021 and in 2022 at Sl John's resulting in expendiiure on the fabric at all three churches. These will be due again in 2026 and 2027. Our net assets of £239.148 at the end of the year include investments of £107.023 which are funds restricted for use at Si. Siephen's Church. The investments are currenily held under the Custody of the Diocese of Southwark but the responsibiliry for the managemenl of all investrnents rest with the PC.C. aq Trustees. Although there are cumulative c&sh balances of £1351,446 across ihe Renefice, cash flow conlinues to be a key concern with each church endeavouring to increase income from boih donations and fund raising and to keep costs under control, both of which continue to present difficulties. Approved by the PCC on 14 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by Revd Peter O'connell (PCC Chairman) Janet MacKinnon (PCC Treaswer)
UNITED BENEFtCE PCC and DCC STRucfuRE at 31 De¢embtr 2024 Chair: PetLY O'co[ClI Vice Chair. 'frcvor Nightingale Cipopled Members Revd EN'el}'n Randall Liz Windridgc Churth Wardens St Siephens Karl Jackson St Nichol Grdh Mi114 Vacant St Johns TrLwor Nightinga]e Helen Mcliobert Treasurnr: Jand MacKinnon Seeretry: Karen Jackson ST NICHOLAS ST STEPHENS ST JOHNS Delltry Synod Members: also Ex4)IfKio DCC'$ Karen Jackson Louise C&sc Vacant Vacant Elected Membera from DCCI Carvl Lry'LY MacKinnon Margaret Shelley Vaiant Vacant Vacant Vacant DISTlu CHURCH COUIYCILS Rector Churchwardens Vlce Chair l.ay.' Graham Mi118r Fi04n¢i41 Administrntor l.ouisL. C&5¢ 5ecretsry Alison MLComiick Rector Churehwrdtn¥ Viee Cbair IAY.. Karcn jkSOn Redor Churchwardens Vice Chair IAv= .1 rcvor Nightingul¢ Treasurer '] rLwor Nightingal¢ Secretary Kristic MuTnbi Ndun8'U Janet MacKinnon Secretary Jiiikson Jenny Benham J¢ncfLY ljull Di Gr(krye l)ianL Hoy JCe Brown Carol Carey Elaine C'hilds Carol Cryer Jand MacKinnon Cath). Sn¢ll Annthll A8kew Ann Ikll Pauline Ciinner Joan Wall Rcvd l..vctyn Rand411 Mo18aret Shelley Ekctorl Roll oifKers Janet MacKinnon Di Grose Helen McRobert Gift Aid RerderS Janei MacKinnon Vac4nl Vacant
Uttited Bettere ofGodstODe attd Biitidlry Heatb BALAI%CE SHEET as *t 31 Deeember 21124 2023 2024 102.924 Jnvestsnents 107.023 CurreTJi Assds Deor5 455 3,621 133,515 133,970 Cash At Bank and In Hand 138.446 142,&57 Curmt Liabilities 10,015 Creditors l)ue Within One Year 9.942 123.955 Net Current Assets 132.125 226.879 Totsl Assets less Curreni l.babilitie5 239.148 226.879 NET A&SETS 239,148 RepreAeTrted by Fundj Unrestricted 68.384 St Nicho1&8' furn 12.950 St SteF4Kn'5 fund5 37.788 St Johti'y fut 4,833 Ilnited Iknefice 123.955 Totsl UnStrICted funds 59.353 13.922 54,084 4.7()6 132.125 Restricted FU[S 102.924 St SiephLTh investment CoUnt 102.924 Totsl restricted funds 107.023 107.023 226J79 TOTAL FUNDS 2.19.1 Approved by thc PCC on 15 April 2026 Jnd 5i8n¢d on its haIr by Revd Peter O'connell (PCC Chairn) Janet MacKinrK)n (PCC Tr¢&swer}
United Benefiee ofGod$tone and Blithdley He#th
St*temtDt of Finaneial Acti)"itits
For ¢b¢ year ended 31 December 21)24
2023
2024
Unrestricted Restricied
Funds Funds
Funds
Fw)ds
Incomin% reAour¢es
64.182 Donated income
O Rccurring grants
5.705 Inv¢stsn¢nt income
23.386 Aclivities lor ge]ng
O Nok¢Curring1
United Benefice of G(Mlston¢ and Blindley Heath Accounts for the yeAr ending 31 Dttember 2024 Iyotes to the Aeeounts l. A¢tounting Policies The PCC is a public benefit entlty within the meaning of FRS102. The fllwicial statements have been prepared under the Charilies Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and wilh the Regulations Irue and fair view provisions, together w'ith FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statemenl of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)). 'rhe financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assety which are shown at markel value. The financial statement includes all transactions. assets and liabililies for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main atTiliation to another body, nor those that are inforn]al gatherings of church members. Funds Res¢ricled Funds reprent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the temis of the trust or bequesL and (b) donations or grants received for a spectfic object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be csrried forward as a balance on the fund. Unreslricled F&nds are general fimds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. There is one trusi fund held for the churches which relates to St Stephen's. The capital of St Stephen's trust fund is restricted and can be applied for the mainlenance of the church building. The dividends and inlerest from the fund are accumulated in a separate fund and is unrestricted. Resourees and Expenditure Planned givin& interesL collections. legacies and donations are recognized when received. Tax refunds submitted as annual claims are recogniz£d in the year in which the claim is made. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred and is a¢¢ounted for gross. Fixed Assets Moveable church furnishings held by the rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and whtch require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory. which can be inspected (at any re&sonable time).
Any furnishing or equipment used within the Church premises of less than £5,000 is written off when acquired. The PCC has not acquired any asset in excess of £5.000 since moving from a receipts and payments basis. Investments are valued at market value as at 31 December 2024. Investments 2024 2023 St Stephen - Trust fund (income) St Stephen - Tt fund (capital) 14.149 12.590 107023 102924 These are invested as follows: M&G Charifund Accumulation Units CBF Investment Fund Income shares CBF Dwsit Account 42.858 59.176 39316 57.852 107023 102924 Debtors 2024 2023 Sundry debtors 445 445 4. Current Liabilities 2024 2023 Assignment of fees A¢cruals Prepaid wedding and funeral fees Other prepayments 3.714 4968 1235 3.481 5.464 90U 170
- Uorestricted funds St Nicholas. funds include £9.413 set aside towards new hospitslity facilities. St John's funds represent £53.272 in respect of the church, which includes funds for toilei facilities, the organ and the car park totalling £42,065, and £813 in respect of the church hall. The United Benefice funds include £16 carried forward in respect of monies received to assist the needy in th¢ parish. Staff Costs The Benefice has one employee who is the parish administrator. Payments to individuals were made at two churches for organists. 12
Independent Eiaminer's Report To the United Ben¢fi¢e of Godstone and Blindley Heath PCC I report on the financial statements of the PCC for the vear ended 31 December 2024 as set out on pages I to 12. Respective respon$ibiliti¢8 of trusttts and examiner The members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. They consider thal an audit is not required for this year, under Section 144(2} of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the financial slatements under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act to follow the predureS laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 201 l Act: and to state whether particular matters have Com¢ to my attention Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried oui in a¢cordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC. covering St Nicholas, church, St Stephen's Church and St John's church. and comparison of those accounts with the records. It also included considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertsken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an 8udit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view. and the rert is limited to the matters set out on the nexl slalement. Independent exAmiDer'g statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: (i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material resm the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 201 l Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements ofthe 201 l Act have not been met. or to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. (2) Signed: 'L Name: K Christmas Qualification: AC.A Addres5: White Cottage The Enterdent Godstone Surrey RH9 8EG Date: 13