GORING PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY CHURCH GORING ON THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE st Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Registered Charity Number: 1152514 This parish is a part of the Benefice of Goring and Streatley with South Stoke
Overview of Parish activi St Thomas of Canterbury Church is situated in Goring village near the banks of the river Thames. It has been a place of worship since before the 11 th Century. It is one of three parishes fomiing the Benefi of Goring and Streatley with South Stoke, the other parishes being St Mary's, Streatley and St Andrew's, South Stoke, and part ofthe Henley Deanery within the Diocese of Oxford. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission Sin 20th June 2013. Charity number 1152514. Church members who have served on the PCC in 2024". 2024 Clergy: ViGar Curate Associate Priest Permission to Officiate Revd Ben Phillips Revd Jo Allen (until 14th January when she moved to the Dorchester Ministry Team) Revd Wendy Middleton Revd Liz Dowding Licensed Lay Ministers Mrs Judith Aguda Mrs Judith Hogg Electoral Roll Officer Deanery Synod rep Wardens Brenda Kerr Muir Rob Howard Lay Vic&Chainnan, Deanery Synod rep Elected members Bridget Braham Alison Gray Simon Merritt Elizabeth Parkinson Don Shrimpton Christopher Tassell Melissa Walker Matthew Walker Safeguarding Officer Honorary Treasurer Mr Henry Parklnson continued as non-voting Honorary Secretary The structure, govemance and adivity ofthe PCC is regulated under the Church Repres8ntation Rules 2022. Members ofthe Church community are encouraged to join the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. Responsibility for the compilation of the Electoral Roll was held by Judith Aguda. The number on the Electoral Roll reported by Judith al the 2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting was 116. The Parish Mission Statement is.. To understand morE fully the Good News of our f8lth and to be n} active dls¢iples of Christ in our own community. To make our chuftvh 8 welcoming and levant place in the life of the vi118ge and to take seriously our responsibilities to the wider wortd. The nomial pattem of services was: first Sunday - Family Servi and Choral BCP evensong: second and fourth Sundays - Sung Holy Communion Common Worship., and third Sunday - Good News, Servio of the Word format. The 8am BCP Holy Communion on Sundays continued weekly, alternating wilh St Mary's. Holy Communion Ihroughout the year was administered with the presiding priest intincting the wafer before presenting it to the recipient. The monthly Prayer Breakfast continued throughout the year. The PCC met on 4 occasions during the year under the chaimanship of Revd Ben Phillips. There was ajoint meeting ofthe Benefice PCCS on Wednesday 9th October when every parish was represented, and it was good to be together. The Vicar and Wardens of the Benefice also met approximately 8very 8 weeks. In beeen Ihese meelings the Vicar, Churchwardens. PCC Treasurer and Simon Merritt corresponded as a Standing Committee, mostly by email, to consider urgent business and formulate the PCC agenda. The Vicar and Wardens of the Benefice also met approximately every 8 weeks. The APCM on 11am on 28th April was conducted with church members present. The life of the parish and group activities run to enhance and further the aims of the Mission Statemenl and Digging Deeper- Exploring God together Gourse starting in January and Gontinuing in June. Followed by the Story of Scripture on alternate Tuesday momings starting in September. We begin a course giving an overview of the story of God's loving Purposes revealed in Scripture to help us see the big arcs of narrative amid the trees. Page 1
During Christian Aid Week, we planned lo deliver envelopes to people's homes with a note asking them to take their donations to Jack's Of Inspiration for Goring and Streatley. or the Village Shop in South Stoke. It seemed to work well raising a total of £2.040. The 4th of July - General Election had a speually prepared booklet following the run-up to the actual day. Also, in June, we supported the Great Big Green Day held in the Village Hall and Rectory gardens with all sorts of stalls offering bicycle repairs, Re-wild your garden. Local produce stall, Bird Box making etc. We were part ofthe Goring Gap Festival with the Papagena concert in the Church. How to make Fabric baskets, Japanese woodblock Printing, Pen and wash Watercolour painting and Acrylic Landscapes workshop all in the Canterbury Room. Clare Stephenson joined us for the final year of her training, and she was ordained as deacon in Ely Cathedral on Sunday 30th June. Ordination marks the end of her 3-year training at Ripon College, Cuddesdon. and the beginning of ordained ministry in the Church of England. She will be moving from Oxfordshire in June to stsrt a new role as curate at the University Church in Cambridge on July 1 st, 2024. She said it was an absolute delight to worship with you in all three of the churches of Goring, Streatley and South Stoke during the last 9 months of her training for the ministry. Her last servio at the benefice was on Sunday June 2nd. She will always remember the very warm welcome she had reiVed and your encouragement when she took part in services. She will keep the Benefice in her prayers knowing you will continue to be a greal blessing to each other and the parish communities which you have been called in Christ to serve. We held a Churchyard working paty at St Thomas, on Saturday 5th October. The weekly newsletter ¢onlinued to be a vrtal support and communication channel to church members throughout the year. We are most grateful to Jill Kirby for putting it togethér and to all those who prepared the intercessions - we now used Roots prayers alternate weeks. People continued lo be added to the circulation list and a paper copy was delivered to homes for those without intemet. The PCC is indebted to the small band of people who faithfully unlock and lock the thurch door each day so that the building may be a place of welcome, solace and refuge for those who are passing and choose to enter. Statistics in the SeNice Register during 2024 sadly continued to show reduced attendance throughout the year- pr&p8ndemic 8& 90, post-pandemic 45-50. There was success at the services at Easter and Christmas with a lot of people attending. Over the year, we celebrated 2 Baptisms, Bishop Gavin conducted a Confirmation service in July at which Bill Bird and Enrique Dubovicky were confirmed, there were 3 Weddings and 14 Funerals or Thanksgiving seprfices, and 4 funerals held at the Crematorium as well as 4 burials of ashes. Brenda Korr Mulr & Rob Howard Page 2
FINANCIAL REVIEW for 2024 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds consist of the General Fund and a legacy known as the Vicar and Wardens Fund Income for the two funds in 2024 was £131,240 which was similar to the previous year (£132,741 in2023). The PCC is extremely grateful for the on-going support from its regular and occasional donors. Running costs were lower in 2023 - £134,257 compared to £167,164. This was principally due to a decrease in the cost of major repairs ft)Ilowing the last quinquennial report (some £24,000 including VAT in 2024 compared to nearly £64,000 in 2023). This decrease was offset by general repairs to the church drive, the lightning conductor and a new consumer resulting in an overall decrease in costs of some £33,000 (£134,257 compared to £167,164) As a result, Unrestricted Funds reduced by £3,017 to end the year at £209,334. These results are summarised below. 2024 Net 2023 Net In Out Out Church Income & Running Costs 131,240 (134,25n 13,017) 132,741 {167,164) (34,423) Transfers (to) I from other funds 131,240 (134,257) (3,017) 212,334 209 317 132,741 (167,164) (34,423) Opening Reserves Jan 1 Closing Reserves Dec 31 Page 3
Restricted and Endowment Funds Restricted Funds are held for specific purposes and nn0t be used for general running expenses. They increased slightly during the yearfrom £59,435 at the end of2023 to £66,126 on 31$1 Dernber2o24. We now have our first organ scholar who is supported out of the Organ Scholarship Fund. The Music Outreach Fund is funded by donation and fund- raising events to promote music outside the church community using the newly furnished organ and the community piano. Opening In Out Transfers Closing General Repair Fund Church Room Trust Bell Ringers Fund Choir Fund Organ Scholarship Fund Piano Fund Music Outreach Fund Mission Giving 5.782 20,585 5,967 3,282 20,082 1.678 2,059 6,246 25,099 6,387 2,954 21,328 1.678 2,434 4.514 570 423 1,506 {150) (751) {260J 1,451 (1,076) 2,219 4,456 59,435 11,147 The General Repair Fund and Church Room Trust can only be used for major repairs and renovations and the Choir Fund is for choir expenses only. Mission I Charity Giving raises money for CMS to support the work done by Steve Poulson and other charities including Sue Ryder, DEC, Royal British Legion and The Children's Society. Endowment Funds During 2024 endowment funds increased in value from £185,567 to £189,814 reflecting changes in the stock market generally. There are three endowments funds.. The Smallbone Bequest and Church Room Trust are endowments which are held in perpetuity. Goring PCC Income Fund was estsblished from the PCC'S share of the prOedS of sale of the curate's house in WeSay, Goring and the income is paid into the General Fund. The Audited Accounts are attached on es5to9 ILOP Signed: D Shrimpton Treasurer Date Page 4
Parochlal Church Councll of St Thomas of Canterbury, Goring on Thames Statement of Financial Activities For the year ending 31 December 2024 Income & Expenses for the Year unreStried Funds Restricted Funds End¢)wmenl Funds Totsl 2024 Total 2023 Notes Incoming Resourcas Voluntary Income Activities for generating funds Income from investments Total Incoming Resources 2{al 21bl 2(cl 109,418 15,164 6,658 131,240 3,850 1,948 5,349 11,147 113,268 17.112 12,CK)7 142,387 178,354 13.024 10072 201450 Rosources Expendad Parish share & Deanery exs Charitable giving Church activrties Church project costs Governance costs Total Resources Exponded 31a) 31b) 31c) 31d} 31e) 59,786 59.786 2,219 76.148 59.637 1,930 108.816 33.315 540 204 238 2.219 2,217 73.931 540 134.257 20 4,456 560 138,713 I Incoming resourc05 rJeTore excèptlonal items, gains and losses on investmènts and transfers {3.017} 6.691 3,674 12.7881 Excepli¢nal Items 31gl {Lossl l Gains on inv8stmenl$ during the year Transfers been funds 4.247 4,247 15,958 Net Movement In Fund• 13,0171 6,691 4,247 7,921 13.170 8alances brought forward 1 January 212,334 59,435 185,567 457.336 444.166 Balances carrlod forward 31 Decembor 209,317 66,126 189,814 465,257 457 336 Balance Sheet at 31st December 2024 unstrICted Funds Restricted Funds End¢)wmonl Funds 12024 Total 2023 Notes Flxed Assots Office Equipment Investments 189,814 189,814 189,814 189,814 185.567 185.567 Current Assets Debtors CAF & CCLA Deposit Fund$ Cash al bank 3.928 118,924 89,345 212 197 3,928 151,666 122,729 278 323 32,742 33,384 165.830 106.741 276.235 Current Llabllltl•s Creditors Loan5 91al 91bl 12,8801 12,880) (4.4661 2.880 2,880 4.466 TOTAL NET ASSETS 209.317 189814 465,257 457.336 Funds of the Chur¢h Unre$trlctsd Fund General Fund Vicar & Warden$ Fund 10lb} 122,988 86,329 122,988 86,329 106.787 105.547 Restrlctgd Funds Repair Fund ChUh Room Trust Bell Ringors Choir Fund Organ Scholarship {fomerfy Organ Repair) Fund Piano Fund Musi¢ Outreach Fund Mission Giving Investment Funds 10{al 6,246 25,099 6,387 2,954 21,328 2,434 1,678 6,246 25,099 6,387 2,954 21,328 2,434 1,678 5,782 20,585 5,967 3,282 20,082 2,059 1.678 189,814 189,814 185,567 TOTAL FUNDS OF THE CHURCH 209.317 66,126 189.814 465,257 457 336 The not05 on es6to8fomi art of these accounts. Approved In draft by the Parochlal Church Councll on 8th January 2025 and in final forni by the Standing Committee of the PCC on 8th February. The accounts are sign9d on bghalf of the PCC by: Ben Phllllps Brenda Kgrr Muir Page 5
Parochial Church Council of St Thomas of Canterbury. Goring on Thames Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 1.1) Accounting Policios The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the Charities Act 1993, applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (revised 2005) The Financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilties for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of chuch groups that owe their main affiliation to Snother body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. 1.2) Funds Per 8tual Endowment Funds are funds. the capital of which must be maintained in perpetuity,. only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established Restricted Funds represent (a) income from trusts of endowments which may be expended only on those resticted obj6ctives provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for the specific 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 balan remaining unspent at the end of each year must nomally be carried fOard as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, the interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for the PCC ordinary purposes In¢omlng Resources Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Granls and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Resources expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for goods or services. Grants and charitable giving are accountable for when paid over or when awarded, if the award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred 8nd is accounted for gross. Flxed Assets Consecrated and benefice propety is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. No value is placed on movable church fumishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a facultyfor disposal since the PCC considers this inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA. Equipment used within church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over five years. Individual items with a purchase of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Page 6
Parochial Church Council of St Thomas of Canterbury, Goring on Thames Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Notes to the Accounts continued Unrestiicted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Totsl 2024 Tota 202 2. INCOMING RESOURCES 21al Voluntary Income Rgcurrlng Incom8 Grft Aid Giving Tax recovar8d I reroverable Collè¢tions lopen platel Parish GSving 25,871 18,463 3,777 46,950 95,061 25.871 18,463 5,997 46.950 97,2e1 27,751 18,417 4.955 45.416 96.539 2,220 2.220 Nonwrecurrlng Inetsmo Donations and Ia&S Loan repayment waived T8x r8covered Bell ringers pgal fee8 Grants Church Flowers Pick a Flick Non recurring coll&ctlon8 Oth8r income VAT recoverfjd Rld8 & Stride Seat Sal8s 6.330 1.129 7.459 33,967 24,669 456 153 80 499 500 162 1,815 78,134 241 260 241 260 80 317 400 291 2.429 4,317 193 80 317 400 291 2,429 4,317 193 1,300 B1.815 14.357 1,630 15.987 2{*} Total voluntsry Income 109,418 3,850 113.268 178,354 21bl ActlvltlgJ for gen•ratlng lund$ Fees- weddings, lunerdls elc Canterbury room feès Social evènts, Concerts & Singlng Wortshops Sunday coffee contrfbutlong 6,249 8,556 351 663 6.912 8,556 1.636 5,239 5,901 1,880 1,285 15,164 17,112 13,024 21cl Inv•stmont Incom• Dividends 08posII fund Inlarest 2,017 4,641 6,658 3,541 1.8Q8 5,349 5,558 6,449 12,007 7,430 2,642 10.072 TOTAL INCOMING REOURCES 131,240 11,147 142 387 201,450 3. RESOURCES ExpeNOED 31al Parlsh Shar• Deanery expenses 59,277 509 59,277 509 59,189 448 3Ibl Mls$lonary & Charltsbl• Glving 2.219 2,219 1,930 3cl Chur¢h Activltie8 Church njnnlng costs Maintenance of Church and Churchyard Service costs Incl orggTrisl and choir Support, Adminlslratlon & Misc. Costs Curate s house- councll lax and water Parish Admini51ralofs salary Clergy gxpenses Charilable Donth'on Music Schol8hlp Social events. Concerts & Singing Workshops 13,770 43.292 6.965 3,714 13,770 43,292 7,446 4,134 17,203 74,121 5,893 4,208 1,551 5,119 221 500 481 420 5.526 289 375 5,526 289 375 260 1,056 76,148 260 1,056 2,217 73,931 108.816 3{dl Church Project Costs Architect and professional fees Organ resloralion costs 33.315 33.315 3101 GorManCe Costs Audit & bank f 540 20 560 540 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENOED 134.257 4,466 138,713 204.238 3191 Excoptlonal It¢m Rent Creditor no longer rèquirèd 11.408 Page 7
P¥rochlal Church Council of St Thomas of Canterbury. Goring on Thames Financial Statements for thè year 8ndgd 31 Dember 2024 Notes to the Accounts eontinuad 24 5 AUD FEE Audit fè8 for rewtiry on the 540 540 O. TRUSTEE REMUI4ERATh)N AND EXPENSES r40 members oflhe PC recewed gny remuneration for th8irwoth un the PCC. The ¢lergywho are ex fflemLr8do relvo a t1 are Th)1 rOrner8tsd forihgirservice5 on the PCC. No m8mbBrs daitn8d expeeS 2024 202 7 FiXED ASSETS Gfrnvral Fund. Office EquSpttwt)t Cost Jan 1 Flxuie5 & Fitbn95 Disw$als- Photocwer Cost OeG 31- Fixtures & FlIr¥S Depredabon Jen 1 DI56315- Phot(Kopbr DspreIl D¢ 31 -5..fj44 Nal BOokVa 31 Small BdqLwI Endo¥Thnl Churr Ruom Ttust Endowmenl Goring pcc EndoYmnt Fund•- th¥•4trnt• P&tU RoBlrktod RetsirKtad Unrostrlcl8d Opfjninp cardtAI g March 1967 Openin9 f2pital 23 Awl 1965 UrnaBIL%od galn prk)rye4 At I J8ThL48ry2024 2DO 17.885 104 071 121,956 58.W5 185,567 Unre&18•d galnl Ibs8loJrrèntye•r 128 2.791 1,328 4,247 At 31 D•C•mr2024 124 747 59.333 189814 The Smalyco B8qu88t and th& ¢hur¢h RtyynTnJs1 EWn$nI8re perKtual funds, thp c•pital ofwhkh mu81 bè mblntolnod h p•IVIty. Th& Church RoDrnTrus1 k8 a chafity r8uterpd underlha Ch&rn¥ A¢1 and calrt Erdosla51k•l CharttylnL¥nbèr 2508031. Ilwa• aSt8bli8h rArt tyflhe KYoc8•Js ol $818 kn 1985 buwdlni f¢ertY kno¥¥n a6 lh8 Churth Room la1 krw as GcdngVIILy Hdll. The IncoN la r6$irfthd and can onty t Used forth6 r8p8lrof Ihè fat¢ of the ChuT¢h aThJ thg upk88p&l rgpDSr ofany clvjrch hall by ihè parfth. Tho PCC IKem8 Fund Ihb PCtrB ofthe rAI)Ce frrth th8 8el8 oflh&eurbtg'8 In W8sNvay. Aestdeted Fund8 e. OEBTORS AND PRepAYMÈNT8 T8¥ rafuno due Grants suTry Debr 1,840 1.840 . CREDoR$ ANO LOM48 911) Prof88sbnd fobs Grgdlk Eneroy credliof8 ExwD$8 credterS Audtt fee 1,600 530 550 1,600 530 sso 1.935 1.981 550 g(bl Loon to $upt4)rt Org8n rebld Opènlng 88l•nr¥ Rèceivad 79,000 154,3311 Rep8yTrni Closing b818rt8 Thp kian h•5 been lulty repo orw•8d and the nll 10. FiIND ALYSIs Fund bakrtes br(xJghlf(ward Incon0 Resourc5 Re50ufcB oxp8nd6d Fund TrnnBf4rn FU b&no5 ¢8nlod fofvAr Iolal Restilctod Fund6 Rèpair Fund CMr¢h Room Tru81 Bel Rints FutKJ Cholr Fur¥1 Organ S¢h)thhip Iformerfy Oryan Rep&lrl Fund Piry Fund Mvsl¢ Othreach Fund ML4sion Glvi 5,782 20,585 5,967 3,282 20,082 1.678 2.059 6.246 25,099 6.387 2.954 21.328 1.678 2A34 4.514 670 423 1.808 1260) 1,451 2,219 11,0761 59.435 Iolbl Unrestrlclgd Fund$ GerEral Fund vr& Wen9 Fund Total Unr8Stri¢l8d Funds Flxed Assats Bank BBbrus Debtors 107,589 3.664 105,547 213.13fj Unrg$trfctsd Fun¢J88t1 Janu• 2024 InGomiro resources Resources expendgd E¥¢¢ptlonal Item Unres¢rf¢tsd Fund$ at 31 De¢ember2024 106,787 124.319 105,547 6.921 126.1391 212,334 131,240 1134.2571 86,329 209.317 Page 8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY GORING-ON-THAMES PCC I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are allached lo Ihis report. Respective respon$lbllltles of trustees and examiner As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts," you consider that an audit is not required under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed It is my responsibilty lo.. Examine the accounts under s145 of the 2011 Act, To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commisioners (under S14515lb of the 2011 Act), and To slate whether particular mallers have come lo my attention Basls of Indopondent exarnlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any Lsnusual items or disclusures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidenTr that would be reqUId in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is lirnited lo the matters in the slalement below. Ind¢pendent exarninerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come lo my allention., which gives me rea80nable cause lo believe that in any material respect the quirementS to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act., and lo ppare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply ¥Mth the requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met., or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. A Churchill Stone Mercer Lewin Ltd Chartered Accountants 6-7 Citibase, New Barclay House 234 Oxford Road OXFORD OX2 OHP Date '. 2K25 Page g