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2025-12-31-accounts

St Christopher’s Church, Hinchley Wood Charit Re istration No. 1147737 y g

Annual Re ort and p Unaudited Financial Statements

2025

Contents

Legal and Administrative Information ........................................................................ 2 Parochial Church Council ..................................................................................... 2 Charity Number.................................................................................................... 2 Independent examiner .......................................................................................... 2 Bankers ............................................................................................................... 2 St Christopher’s PCC ............................................................................................... 3 Overview of 2025 ..................................................................................................... 4 Ministry and Mission ................................................................................................ 6 Baptisms ............................................................................................................. 6 Together@Ten........................................................................................................ 6 Tea & Hymns ........................................................................................................ 7 Hearing Clinics..................................................................................................... 7 Safeguarding ........................................................................................................... 7 Electoral Roll ........................................................................................................... 8 Church Musicians .................................................................................................... 9 Deanery Synod ...................................................................................................... 10 Fabric of the Church............................................................................................... 10 Eco Church ........................................................................................................... 13 Prayer Chain .......................................................................................................... 13 Men’s Group .......................................................................................................... 14 Mothers’ Union ...................................................................................................... 14 Treasurer’s Report.................................................................................................. 15 Independent Examiner’s Report…………………………………………………………………………17 Statement of Financial Activities………………………………………………………………………..18 Balance Sheet…………………………………………………………………………………………………20 Notes to the Financial Statements……………………………………………………………………..21

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Legal and Administrative Informatio

Parochial Church Council

Priest in Charge: Revd. Joshua Baines (from 10th May 2025) Associate Minister: Revd. Caroline Mullins

Churchwardens: Mrs Jane Barnett (from APCM 2022) Ms Julia Bowden (from APCM 2024. Resigned June 2025) Deanery Synod Representatives: Ms Liz Hammond (from APCM 2024) Mrs Jean Hoseason (from APCM 2020)

Elected Members:

Mrs Hilary Lach (from APCM 2024. Resigned APCM 2025) Mr Kwan Ng (from APCM 2024)

Miss Stephanie Post Mrs Rebecca Willis (from APCM 2024)

- Co opted members

Imina Wylde (From September 2025)

Charit Number 1147737 y

Independent examiner Frances Wilde FCCA DChA Warner Wilde Chartered Certified Accountants 4 Marigold Drive Bisley Surrey GU24 4QS

Bankers

Co-operative Bank Plc P.O. Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

Lloyds Bank plc Surbiton Branch 1 Claremont Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 4QS

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’ St Christo her s PCC p

Aim and Purpose

St Christopher’s Parochial Church Council (the PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Joshua Baines, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. As well as the Church itself, the PCC is also responsible for maintaining the Church Hall.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Church, and to become part of our parish family. When planning our activities, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish family, through:

To facilitate this work, it is vital that we maintain the fabric of both the Church and the Hall.

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, a Churchwarden, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. Members of the congregation are always encouraged to join the Electoral Roll, and to consider standing for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The full PCC met six times during the year and we also have a Finance Committee and the Standing Committee that report to the PCC and whose decisions are minuted.

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Overview of 2025

The year started with the selection and interviews of two candidates who had applied to be our Priest in Charge. Introductions, a tour of Hinchley Wood Schools and the local area followed by an informal gathering and then the formal interviews took place over two days. An appointment was made and work started on the vicarage, soon to be the home of Revd Josh Baines, his wife Daisy and their three children.

Sunday morning services continued in hybrid format until September when this was discontinued as so few people made use of the option of being able to join in the worship on Zoom from their home. In addition to services based on the liturgical calendar, we have celebrated Mothering Sunday, Eco Sunday and Safeguarding Sunday.

There have been extra services to the Sunday Eucharist on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, All Souls ’Sunday, Remembrance Sunday, the Nine Lessons and Carols Service, the Christmas Eve Crib Service, and a Eucharist Service on Christmas Day. Together at Ten services continued on first Sundays until May, celebrating Epiphany and Candlemas.

A big thank you to Caroline for presiding over the majority of the services until Josh joined us in May. Worship at St Christopher’s would be sadly lacking without the tremendous amount of time and effort that she gives. We are also very grateful to the many clergy who gave their time to preside at our 10am Eucharist during the vacancy. Special thanks to Stuart Sadler who covered a service every month.

A big event of the year was the licensing service for our newly appointed Priest in Charge, Joshua Baines. Invitations had been sent to Josh’s family and friends, clergy from Emly Deanery, local traders and youth leaders. Bishop Paul and Archdeacon Martin presided. Refreshments followed the service and a wonderful time was had by all that attended.

Since May, following Josh’s licensing, the format and timing of Sunday morning services were reviewed. Attendance increased during this period, and a decision was taken to gather as one congregation at 10am each week. The aim has been to shape a single service that brings together different styles and traditions, helping us grow not as separate preferences, but as one church family.

It has been encouraging to see an increase in families and children attending. We now have approximately 10 children and young people regularly present on Sundays. This growth has highlighted the need to appoint a dedicated children’s worker and to develop a wider volunteer team to support this ministry as it continues to grow.

Through the generosity of parish friends at Georgie’s Café, fresh café treats are provided free of charge each week. This has enhanced our hospitality after services and has encouraged people to stay and talk together. The congregation have expressed their appreciation for this kindness, and

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members are regularly encouraged to thank Debbie and her team for their ongoing support.

A grant from the Diocese of Guildford enabled the replacement of the church sound system. The previous system had become unreliable, including the hearing aid loop. The new installation has improved sound quality and accessibility within services.

In worship, there has been a developing collaboration between existing musicians and choir members, alongside new musicians who have joined since May. This has led to a broader musical expression within services. As with any change, responses have been mixed. Many have welcomed the development, while others have found the adjustment more challenging. This continues to be approached thoughtfully as we seek to honour both heritage and growth.

Investment has been made in children and youth provision, including the purchase of board games, seating, soft furnishings, artwork materials, baby equipment and play mats, helping to create a welcoming and comfortable space for younger members of the church community.

The church website has been updated and is now overseen more consistently. Church Suite has been introduced to support administration, event signups, rotas and the Parish Giving Scheme. A weekly WhatsApp communication has also been established to share notices and information. These systems have improved organisation and communication, although further development is planned to ensure information reaches everyone clearly.

Overall, this year has been one of transition and early growth. Longstanding members have continued to show deep commitment and faithfulness, while also warmly welcoming new people into the life of the church. There is a growing sense of friendship and connection, and a shared readiness to step forward together.

On our events calendar there were two very successful Quiz Nights, organised by Derek and Jane Barnett, that were both attended by over one hundred happy people and raised a large sum of money on both occasions. We are grateful to Richard, our quizmaster, for producing a great range of challenging and interesting questions. Thank you to Tracey who supports us by marking all the answer papers and recording the scores on a screen for everyone to keep track of how they are doing.

A Doorstep Coffee van has used our car park on Monday and Thursday mornings during term time. A percentage of the takings is paid to the church and this has also provided us with the opportunity to engage with the community and offer them a dry, warmer space to chat with friends. Thank you to Imina and Mindy for hosting this new venture.

Our Christmas Lunch, held at The Angel Pub, was very successful, a great meal and no washing up for any of us. Thank you to Simon Crome for organising the event again this year. A group from our congregation went

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along to Gibson Court and to Hinchley Manor, retirement housing complexes, to sing carols with the people who live there. Two festive occasions with refreshments provided for us after the singing.

Parish life depends on many more people than just the clergy, churchwarden and PCC. There are those who help out on the various rotas for readers and intercessors, chalice assistants and welcomers, and for serving refreshments after services. Thank you to Jean Hoseason for making sure the altar linen is washed and ironed. There are a number of areas of parish life that other people organise and which they can describe better than us, and we are grateful to them for all the time they give and for their reports below: Tea and Hymns, Together at Ten, Safeguarding, Baptisms, Fabric of the Church and Maintenance, our Musicians, a Hearing Clinic, Prayer Chain, the Mothers ’Union, Deanery Synod, the Men’s Group and Eco Church. Ann Ellis continues to maintain the electoral roll. As we look back over the last year, there is the unfortunate certainty that we will have overlooked others whose contributions deserve particular appreciation.

Joshua Baines, Priest in Charge Jane Barnett, Church Warden

Mini ission stry and M

Baptisms

There was just one baptism in 2025, numbers having not really picked up after Covid. Caroline continued to send out cards from the St Christopher’s Church family on the anniversary of each child’s baptism, which we do for 4 years, and at the end of 2025 passed that role on to Rosemary Coath.

Rev. Caroline Mullins, Associate Minister

Together@Ten

Together@Ten began in October 2023 and had grown over the course of 2024. We continued to hold monthly services until the arrival of Josh, our new Priest in Charge.

The idea was to join together in worship at a relaxed more informal communion service - as single people, families, children, and older people. The congregation sat at tables forming a wide circle around the altar, and there were plenty of activities to join in with. Everyone stayed in the circle to receive either communion or a blessing. Caroline is grateful for everyone who was involved helping with these services.

Rev. Caroline Mullins, Associate Minister

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Tea & Hymns

Tea & Hymns continued to be popular, not only with St Christopher’s regulars but with others who have heard about it and those who weren’t able to get to the 10 (and later 9) am service. Tea & Hymns was on the 4[th ] - Sunday of each month, 4-5pm, with familiar, well loved hymns, tea and homemade cake. The services included a bit of gentle explanation of the theology behind the hymns, and finished with the Lord’s Prayer in the traditional version and a blessing. The service was intentionally dementiafriendly, but open to everyone. The hymns were usually a mix of those chosen by Caroline and those requested by people who came. Caroline is extremely grateful to all those who have helped with these services, baking cakes, welcoming, serving teas – and of course to those who came to enjoy the services. The final Tea & Hymns was at the end of November 2025.

Rev. Caroline Mullins, Associate Minister

Hearing Clinics

The Hearing Clinics are a partnership between Guildford Diocese and Kingston Hospital NHS Trust. This is a FREE service for people with NHS hearing aids and includes basic maintenance, battery supply, cleaning and re-tubing, trouble-shooting, and advice. Caroline holds these clinics on the first Sunday of each month, in the church, from 2.30-3.30pm and they seem to be much appreciated. Liz Hammond comes along and offers tea and biscuits. Sometimes people come as much because we have time to chat and listen to them as they do for hearing aid maintenance.

Rev. Caroline Mullins, Associate Minister

Safeguarding

Safeguarding training and practices continue to be regularly updated at St Christopher’s. The PCC has complied with the duty to have “due regard” to the House of Bishops’ guidance in relation to safeguarding. All members of our PCC are aware of our safeguarding policy/guidance and are offered – and have completed - appropriate training for their roles. The House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy statement continues to be adopted as the Parish Safeguarding Policy.

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To help keep St Christopher’s a safe space for all, risk assessments, including consideration of safeguarding risks, are completed and agreed for all church activities. DBS checks are also applied for, or renewed, using an online platform.

St Christopher’s marked the national Safeguarding Sunday event on 23rd November 2025

Guildford Diocese continues to use a safeguarding dashboard, an online tool to assist each parish to maintain a record of all safeguarding issues and it automatically keeps us up to date with local and national changes in safeguarding requirements.

Jane Barnett, Parish Safeguarding Lead

Electoral Roll

At the beginning of 2025, the number on the Electoral Roll was 67

Usually, in the month leading up to the APCM, a formal revision of the roll takes place. This is undertaken to ensure that all those who have requested to join the Electoral Roll during the year have been added. Also, that anyone who has requested to leave the roll, has moved out of the area, or who has died, is removed.

However, this year, 2025, was the 6[th ] year in the Electoral Roll ‘cycle’. This meant that instead of a revision a completely new roll had to be compiled. Everyone on the current roll was individually contacted and asked to complete a new application if they wished to remain on the roll.

At the end of this process, we had received 2 new applications. 5 advised that they wished to be removed and 18 did not reply and so were also removed. Sadly, 1 of our parishioners had died.

So, at the APCM on 6[th ] April I was able to report that the number on the Electoral Roll of St. Christopher’s Church is now 45.

If you are recently new to St. Christophers’, please consider joining the Electoral Roll. It enables you to have a ‘voice’ in the life of our church in Hinchley Wood, by voting at the APCM and by joining the PCC (Parochial Church Council) if you wish.

Ann Ellis, Electoral Roll Officer

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Church Musicians

The Choir (aka The Music Group) continued to give stalwart support for services throughout 2025. We are grateful for the leadership shown by Mandy Ali, who, as well as keeping us in order, teamed up with the Revd. Caroline Mullins and Den Tinson to organize, in advance, the hymns we would be singing each Sunday and for special services e.g. at Christmas and Easter. We also continued to benefit from the input of our musicians, Dave Ellis, who accompanied us on the guitar, and Anthony Cairns, our organist. Both were also very welcome additions to the singing group, when they were not “on instrumentals”.

On days when we did not have instrumental accompaniment, and as a regular feature of Tea and Hymns, we relied on recordings on i-tunes, which Caroline worked very efficiently. We as a congregation certainly enjoyed singing along with them.

When Josh arrived at St Christopher’s in May he made it clear that he was very interested in developing the music scene, introducing additional musicians, and enhancing the auditory quality. While making a few improvements to the current sound system, he undertook to secure a completely new one for 2026. Meanwhile we carried on with the familiar enjoyable mix of traditional hymns, more modern ones and Taize chants.

We, as a Choir, were pleased to take part in special services such as the licensing and installation of Josh our Priest-in-Charge, the All Souls Service, the Remembrance Service in Hinchley Wood Memorial Garden and the Crib Service. We are grateful to Dave’s daughter, Nicola, who again accompanied us on the piano for the Crib Service. We also took part in the Carol Singing at Gibson Court and Hinchley Manor respectively, which was very enjoyable with welcome refreshments afterwards. Sadly, Anthony informed us towards the end of the year that he could no longer be able to commit to playing the organ on alternative Sundays. His wife, Anne, would also leave the choir. Anthony promised that he would make himself available for special services, as, to our relief, he did for the Carol Service and Evensong for the All Souls Service.

We are very grateful for everyone’s contribution towards keeping music going at St Christopher’s and we await exciting developments to come.

Stephanie Post, Choir Member

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Deaner S nod y y

In July 2024, it was announced that Rev. Andrew Cowie would end his period of office as Area Dean and the Rev. Jacqui Richardson, Vicar of Hersham, would succeed Andrew in the role with effect from 2025.

Deanery Synod met three times, as usual, during 2025 in March, June and October.

In March we met at Holy Trinity, Claygate where Associate Priest, Rev. Stuart Sadler, gave a very interesting talk on Evangelism, which he assured us was for everyone and not only the Priesthood!

Synod next met at StMary’s, East Molesey on 17[th ] June when the Speaker was Beth Collingridge on the topic of “Single Friendly Church Network”, closely connected to being an inclusive Church!

Our last Meeting of the year was again at St Mary’s, East Molesey, when Nate, the Vicar chaired proceedings, introducing the new Vicar of Hinchley Wood, Josh Baines. Nate told us of the new, exciting activities in his parish which it was hoped would increase the number of young people attending church. We were also introduced to the latest, new stacking chairs for use in churches, which come on a rail for ease of moving the chairs around the venue. Grants were available to help with the cost of replacing outdated chairs.

Jean Hoseason & Liz Hammond, Deanery Synod Reps

Fabric of the Church

A. Inspecting, testing and servicing

The routine annual tests, inspections and servicing were carried out. So far as any remedial works were identified by those tests, etc., they were addressed in the course of those tests, etc.

As was anticipated in last year’s report, the fire extinguisher inspection resulted in a peak in expenditure because several extinguishers were due for replacement.

There were no other periodic inspections due in 2025.

The usual tuning and servicing was conducted on the organ. The hot water dispenser in the church kitchenette was serviced.

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B. Matters arising from inspecting, testing and servicing

No major matters have arisen from inspecting, testing and servicing. Any minor matter have been addressed.

C. Matters arising in the course of 2024

There were further problems with the large shed in the area at the back of the church near the hall. John did further substantial work on it to ensure its soundness and stability.

There had been a general concern about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) being used in public buildings around the time the church was built. There was a risk that panels so made might fail. For a number of reasons it was unlikely that it would have been used in our church, not the least being that its use was mostly after the time our church was built. Nevertheless, we conducted a spot (non-penetrating) check for it on a section of the roofing of the aisle, the most likely place for it had it been used, and it was clear that the roofing slab was normal concrete, not RAAC.

The fence at the rear of the hall was dilapidated and has been replaced.

The notice board in the church porch fell down upon our new priest, breaking on contact, and has been replaced. The Revd. Josh has not blamed it for any of his ills. He has, though, tidied away most of the other notice boards.

The old hall boiler failed, but our plumber and heating engineer, Jason Amendt, was able to source the parts to repair it.

The door closer on the south door of the church failed and was replaced. The aluminium doors in the hall were in need of servicing, and the handle of one of the inner doors had broken off. A locksmith was employed to rectify all of these problems.

There was a very unpleasant soil drain blockage from the hall, resulting in an overflow into the car park and playground at the rear of the church. Jason recommended a couple of specialists, one of whom came promptly and swiftly cleared the problem and cleaned up the area.

Light bulbs have been replaced as they failed, with LED bulbs wherever possible. Older fluorescent type energy saving bulbs have been replaced with LED bulbs.

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John O’Neill has continued to repair points of leakage in the flat roof of the church as they have arisen.

D. Gardening

Once more, many thanks are due to Derek Barnett for his labours in keeping the Garden of Remembrance mown, and to him and Jane for keeping the Garden of Remembrance in a respectable state. Chris Beaney continues to be employed to keep the general vegetation around the church in check once a month.

E. A general appreciation of the fabric of the church at the end of 2024

As reported in previous years, the church remains wind and watertight. It is still completely usable, but it does need work to make it look as though it was thriving. Despite bits feeling their age, the general structure is sound. One problem we have at the moment is that whilst we can see plenty of things that it would be desirable to do, we do not know which would cost hundreds of pounds, which thousands and which tens of thousands.

Under the lead of Imina Wilde, we are reviewing all the outstanding work needed or desirable for the church, with a view to costing everything that we could reasonably want done to repair, redecorate or renovate the church, with a view to doing so eco-efficiently. That includes, but is not limited to, replacing the flat roofs, replacing the guttering, improving the glazing, improving the electrics and redecorating. From that work we can assess the due sequence of works, decide what is (or can be made) affordable, produce a programme of works and seek any necessary permissions.

The problem with the water to the church’s boilers occasionally losing pressure (as reported last year) persists, with no obvious cause. We continue to check the water pressure in the heating system from time to time and top it up when necessary.

We remain very grateful to John O’Neill for all the work he does for the church, much of it without any recompense, and especially for his guidance as to what is sufficient to fix a problem. Thanks should also go to Jason Amendt for the kindness and attentiveness with which he deals with our plumbing and heating problems.

Simon Crome

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Eco Church

Eco Church has continued in the following ways:

Liz Hammond

Pra er Chain y

St Christopher’s prayer chain has a confidential arrangement whereby people are prayed for by the members and no information about requests for prayer are divulged to anyone outside the membership. Members have met approximately once every three months to review people’s needs and to respond to requests for prayer.

Liz retired from leading the prayer chain at the end of the year and is grateful to Sherry Secker for being willing to take on leadership from 2026. So please get in touch with her if you receive a request for prayer from anyone in the congregation.

Liz Hammond, Prayer Chain co-ordinator

Pastoral Assistants

Liz formally retired as a Pastoral Assistant at the APCM in 2025. Her responsibilities had lessened during the year, as there were fewer people needing home communion.

Other pastoral responsibilities have been generally being aware of people’s needs and getting in touch if someone is in distress of any kind. This of course has to be sensitively done, and awareness of safeguarding is very important in this area. But you don’t need to be a Pastoral Assistant to look out for other people.

Liz Hammond

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Men’s Grou p

The Men’s Group has continued meeting regularly at 8pm on the first Monday of each month, at The Angel on Giggs Green, to discuss the incidents of life and enjoy each other’s company.

The heat of the summer rather put paid to the Pudding Club - steak and kidney puddings were not enticing during a heatwave – but winter cold and rain should breathe new life into it.

In December we returned to Panshi in the village for our Christmas dinner. The location was convenient, the food warming and the company good.

As with any group, our membership will always need replenishing. We have been happy to welcome Josh and Craig to our group and remain eager for more. We are not an exclusive organisation; we are delighted to welcome new members so, if you are interested in joining, do make contact with John O’Neill or myself.

Simon Crome

Mothers’ Union

We started the year with our annual MU Eucharist Service year followed by our AGM. During 2025 members attended the Lady Service in Guildford Cathedral on 22[nd ] March and contributed to, and attended, the Emly and Runnymede Deaneries’ Pilgrimage of Prayers service on 3[rd ] September. We were also delighted to be invited to Willow Grange, the Bishop’s residence, for a wonderful MU garden party on 7[th ] June. In September some members attended the Canterbury Provincial Meeting in Oxford where they joined members from across the province to worship, share stories and an amazing amount of fellowship.

Other meetings included discussion of the MU magazine Connected; a pub lunch and a Christmas lunch hosted by Antonia, where we enjoyed ourselves but thought and prayed for those particularly in need at this time. Our November meeting was spent putting together the Christmas Bags for ladies in the refuges. The MU members and local supporters, along with members of St. Christopher’s congregation were extremely generous enabling the group to put together 50 bags full of personal and Christmas gifts leaving a small surplus of £200 to kick start the 2026 fund raising.

Jean Hoseason (Branch Leader)

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Treasurer’s Report

Key figures:

Unrestricted Funds £15,980 (as at 31/12/2025)

Restricted Funds £25,192 (From HWF, Vicars Community Projects Fund) Designated Funds £34,593 (Legacy Projects Fund)

Jan to Dec 2024 – Budgeted Income & Expenditure: deficit of £11,107 Jan to Dec 2025 – Unbudgeted Expenditure (Reserves): deficit of £17,219

Report

The final Income and Expenditure report for 2025 indicates we were in profit for the year of £12,811. Overall, our income was up on 2024 by 24.5% and we received grants in the year that helped balance some of our expenditure.

Parish Giving remains steady for the church and is the second highest revenue generator behind the hiring costs for the buildings, which are driven from the Hall and Nursery. The continued support of both the Nursery and After School club generated over £28,000 for the year which is down on 2024 due to the loss of Fridays from the Nursery school. This is allowing the hall to be hired out more for weekends which is balancing the position. The PCC decided to hold the hall hire costs for all hirers except the Nursery and After School club as it was felt we had reached a threshold. This has proven successful with the number of ad hoc bookings increasing towards the end of 2025 and into 2 0 2 6 . Overall, however, the church is still very reliant on hirings to meeting Parish Share commitments and other expenditure. We received a grant to update the Audio equipment and replace the chairs from the Diocese with has helped ease the costs of replacing these from the church funds. As a result, we have only had to use savings in the year to cover the costs of preparing the vicarage and to cover the quiet month of August when very little income is realised.

Church maintenance has increased year on year for key works to be undertaken, however this has been balanced by reducing the hall maintenance from prior years. This will often be the case as the PCC balances routine and planned maintenance across the year.

Summing up

We continue to be reliant on hirings and increasing prices again in 2026 will be key to covering other rising costs but must be done sensitively as costs continue to rise for all.

Parish Share increase for 2026 is lower than the anticipated 5% which is a benefit for us as we enter the new year.

Tracey Warren, Treasurer

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Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by:

………………………… Joshua Baines, Priest-in-Charge Date ……………….[22nd March 2026 ]

………………………… Jane Barnett, Church Warden Date………………..[22nd March 2026 ]

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ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

I report to the Parochial Church Council on my examination of the financial statements of St Christopher's Church, Hinchley Wood (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Parochial Church Council of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns 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 financial statements to be reached.

Frances Wilde FCCA DChA

Warner Wilde Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 4 Marigold Drive Bisley Surrey GU24 9SF

Date: 27 March 2026

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Current financial year
Notes
Unrestricted
funds
general
2025
£
Unrestricted
funds
designated
2025
£
Restricted
funds
2025
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
52,324
Charitable activities
41,361
Other trading activities
53,523
Investments
6
52,161
Other income
7
237
-
20,000
- -
- -
- -
-
-
Total income
109,606
-
20,000
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
8
992
9
115,803
-
-
-
-
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2025
Fund balances at 31 December
2025
116,795
-
(7,189)
-
23,169
34,593
15,980
34,593
-
20,000
5,192
25,192		 Total
2025
£
72,324
1,361
3,523
52,161
237
129,606
992
115,803
116,795
12,811
62,954
75,765		 Total
2024
£
47,723
693
3,401
51,877
346
104,040
1,120
106,248
107,368
(3,328)
66,282
62,954

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

18 -

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Prior financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2024 2024 2024 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 47,723 - - 47,723
Charitable activities 4 693 - - 693
Other trading activities 5 3,401 - - 3,401
Investments 6 51,877 - - 51,877
Other income 7 346 - - 346
Total income 104,040 - - 104,040
Expenditure on: 8 1,120 - -
Raising funds 9 106,248 - 1,120
Charitable activities - 106,248
Total expenditure 107,368 - - 107,368
Net income and movement in funds (3,328) - - (3,328)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024 26,497 34,593 5,192 66,282
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 23,169 34,593 5,192 62,954

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Notes
16
Current assets
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
18
one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds20
Unrestricted funds - general22
Unrestricted funds - designated
21		 2025
£
450
83,261
83,711
(9,908)		 2024
£
£
1,962
5,750
66,330
72,080
(11,433)
73,803
~~75,765~~
25,192
15,980
34,593
75,765		 £
2,307
60,647
~~62,954~~
5,192
23,169
34,593
62,954

22nd March

22nd March The financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council on .........................[2026 ]

.............................. .............................. Mrs Jane Barnett Rev J Baines Church Warden Priest in Charge

~~- 20 -~~

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

St Christopher's Church, Hinchley Wood is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, constituted under the PCC Powers Measure Act 1956, Church Representation rules 2006.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Parochial Church Council have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Parochial Church Council continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Parochial Church Council in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised when the PCC becomes entitled to them, this is usually on receipt of notification from the executor.

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Irrecoverable VAT is allocated in the same manner as the expenditure to which it relates.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2) Charities Act 1993. Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed on the church inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time. Individual items of equipment with a purchase prive of £100 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Plant and machinery 15% straight line Fixtures, fittings & equipment 25% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

22 -

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Parochial Church Council are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
Restricted
funds
2025
£
Donations and gifts
Legacies
52,324
20,000
-
-
52,324
20,000		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Restricted
funds
2024
£
72,324
45,223
-
2,500
-
-
72,324
47,723
-		 Total
2024
£
45,223
2,500
47,723

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable activities
Other income 780 733
Charitable activities
Sale of goods 581 (40)
1,361 693

5 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising events 3,523 3,401

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Rental income 51,099 50,959
Interest receivable 1,062 918
52,161 51,877

7 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Solar energy credits 237 346
8 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events 992 1,120

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

9 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Staff costs
Depreciation and
impairment
Diocesan Parish Share
Clergy and Vicarage
expenses
Church running expenses
Church maintenance
Church services
Church Equipment cost
Hall running expenses
Statutory Fees paid to
DBF
Bank Charges
Ministry Church
2025 2025
£
£
-
826
346 -
77,167
-
4,054 -
1,229 12,320
- 5,565
- 2,816
1,524 -
700 5,899
(247)
35
-
~~-~~
84,808
27,426
Grant funding of activities
(see note 10)
-
-
Share of support and governance costs (see note 11)
Support
Governance
2,141
-
1,428
-
88,377
27,426
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds -
general
88,377
27,426
Total
2025
£
826
346
77,167
4,054
13,549
5,565
2,816
1,524
6,599
(247)
35
112,234
-
2,141
1,428
115,803
115,803		 Ministry
2024
£
-
408
77,204
1,561
-
-
250
-
-
-
-
79,423
18
3,147
1,374
83,962
83,962		 Church
2024
£
911
-
158
-
9,997
3,823
949
-
6,448
-
-
22,286
-
-
-
22,286
22,286		 Total
2024
£
911
408
77,362
1,561
9,997
3,823
1,199
-
6,448
-
-
101,709
18
3,147
1,374
106,248
106,248

10 Grants payable

Grants to institutions: Other

Ministry 2024 £ 18

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

11 Support costs allocated to activities

General expenses inclluding copier lease and ICT
Printing and stationery
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Ministry
Governance costs comprise:
Independent Examination fees
12
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
2,023
118
1,428
3,569
3,569

2025
£
1,428
1,428
2025
£
-
346		 2024
£
2,151
996
1,374
4,521
4,521
2024
£
1,374
1,374
2024
£
-
408

13 Parochial Church Council

None of the Parochial Church Council (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration. In 2025, four were reimbursed travel, subsistence, telephone, books and journals and attending events expenditure of £1893.

14 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Caretaking 1 1
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 826 9

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

14 Employees

(Continued)

There were caretaking staff during the year who equated to less than one full time member of staff.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

15 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

16 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2025
Plant and
machinery
£
13,034
Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
£
1,500
At 31 December 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 December 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2024
13,034
1,500
10,734 1,492
344 2
11,078
1,494
1,956
6
2,300
7
17
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
2025
£
Other debtors
450
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
2025
£
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
19
917
1,463
1,500
6,028
9,908		 Total
£
14,534
14,534
12,226
346
12,572
1,962
2,307
2024
£
5,750
2024
£
4,641
2,530
2,870
1,392
11,433

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

19 Deferred income

Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 January 2025
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 December 2025		 2025
£
917
2025
£
917
4,641
917
(4,641)
917		 2024
£
4,641
2024
£
4,641
-
-
4,641
4,641

20 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes, funds in deficit only exist where spending is in advance of restricted grant income received:

At 1 January Incoming At 31
2025 resources December
2025
£ £ £
4,207 - 4,207
Eco Fund 100 - 100
Vicar's Community Fund 885 - 885
Hinchley Wood Fellowship - 20,000 20,000
Cofe Guildford
5,192 20,000 25,192
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming At 31
2024 resources December
2024
£ £ £
Eco Fund 4,207 - 4,207
Vicar's Community Fund 100 - 100
Hinchley Wood Fellowship 885 - 885
5,192 - 5,192

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

20 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The Ecofund provides for fabric improvements to increase the efficiency of the church buildings.

Agency Collections are donations for specific charities.

Hinchley Wood Fellowship is a sub group of the church which provides social interaction and fellowship for its members.

21 Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1
Legacy projects fund
Previous year:
At 1		 January
2025
£
At 31
December
2025
£
34,593
January
2024
£
34,593
34,593
At 31
December
2024
£
34,593

Legacy projects fund

The Legacy Projects find ring fences legacy gifts to be used in specific projects rather than absorbed into the day to day running costs of the Church.

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
2025 resources expended December
2025
£ £ £ £
23,169 109,606 (116,795) 15,980
General funds
At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
Previous year: 2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £
26,497 104,040 (107,368) 23,169

General funds

30 -

ST CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HINCHLEY WOOD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

At 31 December 2025:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)
Unrestricted
funds
general
2025
£
1,962
14,018
15,980
Unrestricted
funds
general
2024
£
2,307
20,862
Unrestricted
funds
designated
2025
£
-
34,593
34,593
Unrestricted
funds
designated
2024
£
-
34,593
Restricted
funds
2025
£
-
25,192
25,192
Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
5,192
23,169
34,593
5,192		 Total
2025
£
1,962
73,803
75,765
Total
2024
£
2,307
60,647
62,954