## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MARK, BROMLEY Agenda of the meeting of the Annual Parishioners Meeting, 8[th] Annual Parochial Church Council held at 11:30 on 17[th] May 2026 in the Church.**
**Meeting Start at 11:30**
## **1. Opening Prayer and Welcome**
## **2. Confirmation of the Purpose of the Meeting**
To confirm that the meeting has been convened as the Annual Meeting of Parishioners for the purpose of electing churchwardens in accordance with the applicable Church Representation Rules and Churchwardens Measure requirements.
## **3. Attendance and Eligibility to Participate**
To note those present and confirm that the meeting may be attended by:
- persons whose names are entered on the church electoral roll of the parish; and
- persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on the local government register of electors.
## **4. Apologies for Absence**
## **5. Minutes of the Previous Annual Meeting of Parishioners**
To receive, approve and sign the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting of Parishioners held on 18[th] May 2025. Placed on Church Website on 22 May 2025 and 01 May 2026, under new Agenda for 17[th] May 2026.
## **6. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes**
To consider any matters arising from the previous minutes which are not otherwise included on the agenda.
## **7. Election of Churchwardens**
To receive nominations for the office of churchwarden.
To confirm that nominees are eligible, willing to serve, and have completed the required nomination process.
To elect churchwarden(s) for the parish for the forthcoming year 2026/2027
## **8. Declaration Following Election**
To note that elected churchwardens will be admitted to office at the Archdeacon’s Visitation or other appointed service and will be required to make the required declaration before undertaking the full legal duties of office.
## **9. Vote of Thanks**
To record thanks to the outgoing churchwarden(s), continuing churchwarden(s), and all those who have supported the governance, worship, mission, safeguarding, fabric and administration of the parish during the preceding year.
## **10. Any Other Business**
To receive any other business relevant to the Annual Meeting of Parishioners.
## **11. Closing Prayer**
**The meeting closes with prayer.**
Signed:
**– Chair of Meeting Rev Michael Gentry**
Date:
## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
## **Agenda**
## **1. Opening Prayer and Welcome**
To open the Annual Parochial Church Meeting with prayer and welcome members of the church electoral roll.
## **2. Confirmation of the Meeting**
To confirm that the meeting has been properly convened as the **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
The APCM must be held between **1 January and 31 May** each year.
## **3. Attendance and Apologies**
To record those present and receive apologies for absence.
Only those whose names are entered on the church electoral roll are entitled to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
## **4. Minutes of the Previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
To receive, approve and sign the minutes of the previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on **18[th] May 2025**
## **5. Matters Arising**
To consider matters arising from the previous minutes not otherwise included on the agenda.
## **6. Reports**
## **6,1 Vicar Report**
## **6.2 Electoral Roll**
To receive the Electoral Roll Officer’s report.
To note the number of persons entered on the church electoral roll at the time of the meeting.
Where applicable, to note whether the electoral roll has been revised or newly prepared in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
## **6.3 Annual Report on the Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council**
To receive the report on the proceedings of the PCC and the activities of the parish during the previous year.
## **6.4 Church Warden Report (Fabric & Maintenance)**
## **6.5 Financial Statements and Treasurer’s Report**
To receive the independently examined or audited financial statements for the year ending31 December 2025
To receive the Treasurer’s report.
To note the financial position of the parish and any key matters arising from the accounts.
## **6.6 Deanery Synod Report**
To receive the report from the parish’s deanery synod representatives.
To note key matters considered by the deanery synod during the previous year.
## **6.7. Safeguarding Report**
To receive the parish safeguarding report.
To note safeguarding arrangements, safer recruitment practice, training compliance, policy review, parish safeguarding dashboard or audit activity, and any relevant actions for the coming year.
## **7.. Appointment of Independent Examiner or Auditor**
To appoint the independent examiner or auditor for the coming financial year.
**Proposed:** That **[** appointed as Independent Examiner/Auditor for the parish accounts for the year ending **2026.**
## **8.. Elections to the Parochial Church Council**
To receive nominations for elected lay members of the PCC.
To confirm eligibility and willingness to serve.
To elect **l** ay members to the PCC.
## 9. **. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives**
To receive nominations for deanery synod representatives, where vacancies arise or where a new triennium requires election.
To elect **2** deanery synod representative(s).
## **10.. Appointment or Election of Sidespersons**
To appoint or elect sidespersons for the coming year, according to the parish’s usual practice and any applicable local arrangements.
## **11. Questions on Reports and Parish Life**
To receive questions from members of the church electoral roll on the reports presented and matters concerning the life and work of the parish.
## **12. Motions or Resolutions**
To consider any motions or resolutions properly brought before the meeting.
Any motions should be recorded clearly, including proposer, seconder, voting outcome, and any agreed action.
## **13. Any Other Business**
To consider any other business relevant to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
## **14. Votes of Thanks**
## **15. Closing Prayer and Blessing**
To close the Annual Parochial Church Meeting with prayer.
**Signed:** ___________________________ **Chair of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
**Date:** ___________________________
## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MARK, BROMLEY Minutes of the meeting of the APM and Annual Parochial Church Council held at 11:30 on 18 May 2025 in the Church.**
## **Meeting Start at 11:30**
## **Apologies**
Shiela Parker Jannet Dewey Pam Priesly Lousie Bonter Julia Orford
## **Review minutes of Last APM Richard Collins (RC) asks if there are any questions. None.**
## **Election of Church warden**
- RC to step down and asks if anyone steps forward? No response.
- - Unianimous Approval for E-AD.
## **APCM Closed**
## **11:35**
**---**
## **APCM**
## **Apologies**
Shiela Parker Jannet Jury Pam Priesly Lousie Bonter Julia Orford
## **Review Minutes from 7[th] APCM.**
- Approved
- No Matters arising from Minutes.
## **Electoral Roll Report**
- Has been a reduction in Electoral Roll. Reduction due to relocation or deceased. 151 to 83.
- RC asks if there are any objections.
- None Noted and offered.
## **Safeguarding**
- No concerns and matters arising.
- Parish has adopted Safeguarding Plan.
## **Search for Vicar (Sec 11 Update)**
- Larger than Number of applicants.
- Parish Profile to updated to St marks website.
- Shortlisting has been concluded, and Interviewing will be done on 18 June 2025, hopeful to have a new Vicar by September.
## **School has maintained links.**
## **Choral Scholars growing and consistent.**
**– Carol queries Bright Sparks No Volunteers, however, it will be brought to the attention of the new Vicar.**
## **Finance**
- RC invites DT to speak to the accounts.
- DC thanks all those handling money and finance processes. Thank you to Florina for Gift-Aid. Steven Stringer who has examined accounts.
- Accounts and records are maintained by David Thomas and examined by Stephen Stringer. The accounts have been then approved by the PCC. They are presented to the APCM and Parishioners may comment on the approved documents.
- DT highlights that Income and Expenses have increased together in main accounts, this is due to roof renovations matched by release of legacy funds from accounts which is then recorded as income.
- Additionally, taxman paid monies extra from previous year’s deficit, due to timing difference.
- Unrestricted giving has increased by 7000 and in 2024 we gave 4000 less to the diocese. We have moved from a deficit to surplus from 2023 to 2024.
- Question from Congregation: Electoral Roll gone down, but funds have increased. Is there a trend available? DT highlights that a small portion of the congregation have increased their personal contributions. Additionally previous church roll was from a six-year change.
- DT highlights that last year we spoke about finances and there has been a gradual increase. Tithing is pastoral and under the care of the Vicar and this would need to be addressed by the new incumbent.
- The APCM last year took comfort from knowing that a significant part of 2023’s deficit was attributable to this, so in relation to 2024 we must remind ourselves the financial improvement is not as great as it appears.
## **Fabric Report**
- Matfield now has occupancy with Market Rent; unlikely to have a curate within the next three to four years.
- Question: Who will look after Matfield Close whilst we have no Vicar? Answer: Property Rental Agency is being used as they managed the property previously to the incumbent Lizzie Longhurst.
Bromley Deanery Synod Report
- Thanks to CR and PP to being representatives.
- No Questions.
Election of 3 Lay Persons
- RR invited to speak.
- RR highlights that Philip Hood, Thersea Langdon and Gaye … have stepped down after serving three years. Barbara was appointed to a 1-year casual vacancy but may stand for a now full three year term, who has accepted.
- At the first PCC Meeting Theresea will be co-opted as safeguarding officer.
- Election of 4 new members to the PCC not 3.
- Members standing down: Philip Hood, Theresa Weller and Gaye Blagden
- Incorrect spelling - Pam Prisley
- New members:
- Ryan - proposed by Ronelle Michaelis and seconded by SCW
- Gillian Beach - proposed by Ted Jackson & seconded by RR
- Helen Cooper - proposed by Ruth Liddon & seconded by Ted Jackson
- Edward Tomalin - proposed by EAD & seconded by Richard Sutton.
- PCC now fully established with no vacancies.
Phil will continue doing IT duties.
## RC thanks Ruth.
Appointment of Independent Examiner. Stephen Stringer accepts, and congregation approves unanimously.
## AOB
- Pat shares that Roger and Pat served as Church warden previously, although Pat was not on PCC they supported Richard with running of the church.
- Invites anyone who would like to support anyone who wants to learn.
- Question why the church is more locked of late; RC highlights that is the result of there no current Vicar. The Diocese had additionally advised to close the church during the week due to vandalism.
## **RC Closes Meeting 12:06**
## St Mark’s Bromley
## Vicar’s Annual Report for 2025
As you are all aware, I arrived in the Parish in February this year; well at least I started my ministry here then! We only finally moved to the vicarage just after Easter. Consequently, I was not here in 2025 the period this report covers so my comments will be brief. I know that 2025 was a challenging year for the parish as it was spent entirely in a period of interregnum. I would like to express thanks to all those here who contributed to helping run the church and parish during that time, especially our Churchwarden Emile who spent most of the year as the only warden. That is particularly challenging in both time commitment and leadership during an interregnum, and I am sure he was glad to see my arrival in February. It is 13 weeks since I arrived and it has flown past in all honesty. I would like to thank you all for the welcome that we received as a family, and I can honestly say I feel at home here already. There are many opportunities for mission and ministry here at St Mark’s and I hope to be able to use them to build up the church, both numerically but more important Spiritually as well. At Easter, you were all sent a survey to complete describing your own contributions to church life both Past, Present and Future and we will be using these when the opportunity arises. The survey was very encouraging both in discovering what has happened here in the past and also to identify what things we may be able to do in the future. We have already begun recruiting more sides people/welcomers and we also have enough people to think about starting a rota for intercessions and Sunday School. It will be really positive if these aspects of our worship were to return. Outside of Sunday we have people willing to form a Social Committee to strengthen our fellowship and build relationships and there are those with the skills to help lead bible study and discussion groups. In terms of our worship, we are reintroducing the Weekly Midweek Communion from 27[th] May, and we will be marking some Principal Festivals with High Mass beginning with Trinity Sunday. This will be an opportunity to add to our worship on some of the most important Christian festivals of the year and will involve a full team of servers, bells and incense. There may be some in the congregation who would prefer a less ritualistic service on those days and so I will be leading an 8am BCP Said Eucharist on Sundays where we have High Mass. I have
mentioned Sunday School and I also hope we can strengthen the relationship with St Mark’s Primary School. I have met the Head Teacher and visited the classes already and I have also joined their Advisory Council which is sort of like a Governing Body for an Academy.
Only last week we announced the Appointment of our new Choral and Family Outreach Manager. For those not here last week, that person is our own choir member, Eleanor Franzen and I look forward to working with her in the future. Eleanor will also be working with Richard our Director of Music and I would like to thank him and the choir for their commitment, particularly over Holy Week with so many additional services. I do have many ideas and plans for the future, but it is important that we do not try and do too much too soon. A few things done well is far more effective than lots of things done in a mediocre way.
I look forward to working with you all at S t Mark’s for the coming year and beyond and I pray that God will bless all that we do in his name.
Thank you
2026 ELECTORAL ROLL
In line with Church Repr88entalion Rules 8 revision of the Church Electoral Roll has tsken
place this year with a closing dale for 8ppli¢alion8 of 26th April 2026.
There are 89 people on the new Church Electoral Rotl compared to 83 rn 2025. 8 new
names were added during thè preparation of the new roll and 2 people wère removed.
Ruth Ru$8ell- Elgcaoral Roll Officer
## **St Mark’s Parish Church, Bromley**
## **PCC Secretary’s Report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
## **Prepared by Sherwyn Cupido-Weaich, PCC Secretary**
This report is presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules, which require the APCM to receive an annual report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and the activities of the parish generally. The APCM also receives reports on the Electoral Roll, financial statements, fabric, safeguarding and Deanery Synod representation. The Church Representation Rules provide the representative framework through which the parish elects churchwardens, lay representatives to the PCC, and lay representatives to Deanery Synod.
The year under review has been one of continuity, stewardship and renewal in the life of St Mark’s. The PCC continued to discharge its responsibilities during the vacancy, maintaining oversight of worship, finance, safeguarding, fabric, property, parish administration, communications and the Section 11 process. The appointment and licensing of The Revd Michael John Gentry as Vicar marks a significant new chapter for the parish. The PCC now continues into the 2026 calendar year under his stewardship, supporting his ministry and the shared life of worship, mission and pastoral care at St Mark’s.
The Electoral Roll has been maintained in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The 2026 Electoral Roll Report confirms that the revised roll contains 89 people, compared with 83 in 2025, with eight new names added and two removed following the revision process, which closed on 26 April 2026. This growth is encouraging and reflects a parish that continues to draw people into its worshipping and representative life.
The PCC’s governance has remained active and structured. Following the 2025 APCM, trustee documentation was completed and the Standing Committee was appointed, with Emile Akabi-Davis as Churchwarden, Sherwyn Cupido-Weaich as Secretary, David Thomas as Treasurer, Theresa Weller overseeing safeguarding, Ruth Russell supporting human resources, and Helen Cooper serving as a PCC member. The PCC met throughout the year, approved minutes, received Standing Committee updates and worked through a regular agenda covering worship, ministry, mission, finance, fabric, safeguarding, communications and parish business.
The vacancy and Section 11 process were central to the year. The PCC supported the Parish Profile, the interview process and the appointment of Revd Michael Gentry. The parish is now moving from vacancy management into renewed ministry. This is reflected in the 2026 pew leaflet, which invited parishioners to consider service as Churchwarden, PCC representatives, Deanery Synod representatives, altar servers, sidespeople and in
the newly approved Choral and Family Outreach Manager role. These invitations demonstrate the PCC’s commitment to widening lay participation and strengthening shared responsibility across the parish.
Worship and mission continued throughout the year. Regular services were maintained, Evensong continued, school and nursery links remained active, and the parish continued supporting Bromley Food Bank. Music remained a valued part of the worshipping life of St Mark’s, with Richard Sutton serving as Honorary Director of Music and the PCC supporting choral scholarships, junior chorister arrangements and the development of the Choral and Family Outreach Manager role.
The PCC also exercised careful financial stewardship. The 2025 Annual Accounts were independently examined, with no material concerns raised, and the examiner recorded that PCC and Finance Sub-Committee governance was appropriate for the oversight of the church’s financial management. The accounts were approved by the PCC on 15 April 2026.
The Fabric Report records substantial completed work, including replacement taps in the Church Hall, replacement of the church light switch, replacement of the heating pump by Stevenson Heating Limited, installation of a new lightning conductor by The Bacon Group, tree works at Matfield Close, and repairs to the Vicarage in preparation for the new Vicar’s occupancy. PAT testing was completed on 9 January 2026, with all appliances passing. The PCC also engaged with the Church of England’s Net Zero commitment through a completed diocesan-funded energy audit and the formation of a subcommittee to support St Mark’s response.
Safeguarding remains robust and embedded within PCC governance. The PCC maintained safeguarding as a standing item, adopted photo consent arrangements, monitored training and DBS administration, and continued oversight of safer practice across parish activities. The PCC confirms that it has had due regard to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding guidance, as required for APCM reporting.
The PCC records its thanks to Carol Robins and Pam Prisley for their service as Deanery Synod representatives. Both will be stepping down in 2026, and new representatives will be elected in accordance with the Church Representation Rules as part of the new Deanery Synod triennium.
The PCC gives thanks to all who have served St Mark’s during the year: the Vicar, Churchwarden, Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer, PCC members, Deanery representatives, Director of Music, choir, visiting clergy, servers, sidespeople, volunteers, parish officers and all who have contributed to worship, mission, pastoral care, finance, fabric and administration. As St Mark’s continues through 2026 under the stewardship of Revd Michael Gentry, the PCC remains committed to faithful governance, shared ministry and the flourishing of the parish.
## **Fabric Report 2025/26**
This year has been marked by progress and continued maintenance. It has also been challenging due to St Mark’s being in an interregnum. Various repairs were undertaken including these (in no specific order):
- Replacing the taps in the Church Hall.
- Replacing the middle light switch in the Church.
- Replacing the heating pump in the cellar under the Vicar’s vestry. This work was carried out by Stevenson Heating Limited. Stevenson is also contracted to do the annual maintenance.
- Installing a new lightning conductor in the church to bring St Mark’s Church up to standard. This work was carried out by The Bacon Group.
- Matfield Close needed some trees trimmed. This work was contracted out to South East Forestry & Tree Services and has been completed.
- The vicarage had various repairs done in preparation for the occupancy of our new Vicar. These repairs were part funded by St Mark’s and the Diocese of Rochester.
- There have been several electricity outages to the organ and some lights in the church. Electricians have been called in to inspect and make recommendations on fixing the issue. St Mark’s has been advised to replace the fuse box with one that can isolate and identify the circuit where the fault occurs. This is still in progress.
The PAT testing of our portable appliances was carried out on Friday 9[th] January 2026. All appliances passed and the certificate is on the notice board.
The other annual or periodic reviews of the intruder alarm, church clock, boiler and gas safety, lightning protection, fire extinguishers and fire alarm have been or are about to be completed.
There are outside lights which do not work and need to be inspected and repaired. We hope to carry out this soon.
The garden continues to be maintained professionally. Parishioners also help out by pruning plants and regular litter clearance.
## Net Zero
As part of the Church of England Net Zero commitment, the Diocese of Rochester funded an energy audit of St Mark’s. This has been completed and discussed by the PCC. A subcommittee has been set up to investigate ways St Mark’s can fulfil its obligation to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030. This sub-committee is currently carrying out this task. The pipes in the boiler room need to be lagged to reduce heat waste.
I would like to thank all those who give up their time to let in the professionals or carry out the odd task themselves. Their help is greatly appreciated. I would especially like to thank Helen, Pat, Phil, Louise, and Ed. Most of all, my thanks to Roger who continues to do a splendid job.
## N. Emile Akabi-Davis
Churchwarden
## **BROMLEY DEANERY SYNOD**
Pam Prisley and Carol Robins have been St Mark’s representatives on Bromley Deanery Synod, which is the representative body chaired by our Area Dean, Rev Andrew McClellan. There are three meetings a year. Each meeting consists of four elements: worship, fellowship, encouragement and enabling discussions.
In July the Area Dean outlined plans for future meetings and representatives of four parishes shared their experiences of mission in their own localities.
In November there were updates on the Diocesan Strategy, the Diocesan website and mission initiatives from around the Deanery. There was a facilitated group discussion on the subject of ‘Working with Volunteers’. Points arising from this were carried forward to determine areas of additional support needed.
In February the Area Dean welcomed our vicar Rev Michael Gentry to the Synod. He contributed to the mission section of the meeting outlining his experience of running a Repair Café. There was a guest speaker, Canon Matthew Girt, Rochester Diocesan Secretary, who gave a presentation on ‘How the Diocesan Office can support you’. This was followed by questions and discussions.
St Mark’s Deanery Synod Reps: Pam Prisley and Carol Robins
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## St Mark’s Church
## Financial Statements and Report
2025
_Year ended 31[st] December, 2025_
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mark, Bromley – Charity No. 1163095
## Independent Examiner’s Report for 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31[st] December, 2025.
As the Charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
I have sought and been assured that the governance undertaken by the PCC and Finance Sub Committee is commensurate and appropriate for the oversight of the financial management of the church.
> 2[nd] April, 2026
1
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
Parish Church of St Mark, Bromley – Financial Statements and Report for 2025
## **Notes and explanation**
## Accounting Policies
The financial statements cover all transactions assets and liabilities for which the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible.
The financial statements are prepared on a cash basis, also known as receipts and payments accounts, and not by accruals accounting. This is consistent with Charities Commission guidance (latest published version effective November 2016) and the Charities Act 2011, for an unincorporated charitable body with an annual turnover of less than £250,000.
Cash accounts are a simpler form of accounting than accounts prepared on an accruals basis. Therefore, the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (Second edition, effective 1[st] January, 2019, revised version published October 2025 and due to become effective in 2026), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), does not apply to their preparation.
## Timing and recognition of income and expenditure
Income is recognised when received, including income tax recoverable by St Mark’s church on gifts received.
Expenditure is recognised when valid invoices are received or when expenditure by the PCC is paid. Commitments to charities not yet paid are noted but not included in expenditure or liabilities.
Short term assets and liabilities are included in the accounts at the beginning and end of each year where timing of payments leads to differences between the recognition of income and expenditure in accordance with this policy, and bank and cash balances held.
Capital receipts are recognised in accordance with the policy described in Note L to the accounts and are not included in income. Any capital amount released by PCC decision, to be spent, will then be recognised as income at the relevant time of the expenditure.
## Assets and liabilities
Consecrated and beneficed property (the Church and its grounds) is excluded from the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Assets and liabilities which are included are accounted for using the historical cost convention except that investment assets are shown at estimated current market value.
2
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
The value of property (25 Matfield Close) has been estimated based on market information from local house sales.
No value is placed in these accounts on moveable church furnishings held by the Churchwardens and the PCC because a faculty would be required for any disposal and these items are considered inalienable.
All expenditure during the year on:
- maintenance, repair and improvement of consecrated and beneficed property and moveable church furnishings; and
- all other property repairs, fixtures, fittings, moveable assets and equipment;
is written off as expenditure is made. No other depreciation of fixed assets or properties is provided for.
All trading stock and consumable items for day-to-day operations (for example, items intended to be given away or sold, cleaning materials, office supplies) are written off as purchased and attributed no value as assets in the accounts.
## Explanation of Funds
Funds held by the PCC are divided between:
- Restricted Funds, given for specific and limited purposes (Note K to the accounts provides details)
- Permanent Endowments, which are restricted funds with limitations placed by the original donor on spending capital (see also Note K); and
- Unrestricted Funds are all other funds available for the general purposes of St Mark’s church.
_David Thomas_
_PCC Treasurer_
3
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Income and expenditure
This table summarises income and expenditure in three main categories, and compares the results for the year ended 31[st] December, 2025 to last year.
In NOTES at the back of these accounts more details are given of individual categories of income and expenditure.
Note A provides a more detailed breakdown of income and expenditure.
||2025||2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|Church, worship and congregation||||
|Income|79,269||133,005|
|Costs|(94,408)||(110,266)|
|Net result, Church and worship (deficit)|(15,139)||22,739|
|||||
|Trading activities||||
|Income|30,930||13,089|
|Expenditure|(15,701)||(11,966)|
|Net result, Trading surplus|15,229||1,123|
|||||
|Charities, mission, outreach, projects and
initiatives||||
|Income (includes any income ‘Restricted’ for these
purposes)|1,460||3,939|
|Expenditure|(3,304)||(3,797)|
|Net unspent (Call on Funds held), Charities,
initiatives and projects|(1,844)||142|
|||||
|TOTAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)|(1,754)||24,004|
4
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Assets and liabilities
This table summarises assets and liabilities as at 31[st] December, 2025 and compares them to those at 31[st] December, 2024. Further details are given in Notes as indicated.
|||2025|NOTES|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Freehold property (25 Matfield Close)||530,000|H|470,000|
|Fixed Asset||530,000||470,000|
||||||
|Deposits and bank balances –
general||45,882|I|43,087|
|Cash and uncleared cheques in hand||994|J|2,479|
|Deposits and bank balances –
representing unrestricted capital
receipts||213,320|L|215,366|
|Current Assets||260,195||260,932|
||||||
|Invoices received not yet paid, and
payments made not yet cleared||4,429|J|1,943|
|Current Liabilities||4,429||1,943|
||||||
|TOTAL of the above –
Net Worth||785,766||728,989|
|_made up of:_|||||
|Restricted and Endowment funds||18,208|G, K|19,418|
|Unrestricted funds||767,558||709,571|
These financial accounts were approved by the PCC on 15[th] April, 2026 and include the Independent Examiner’s report dated 2[nd] April, 2026.
Rev. Michael Gentry, Vicar and Chair of PCC
5
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Details, notes and explanation
## NOTE A – details of income and expenditure
This table sets out the statement of income and expenditure in the categories we use in our annual financial report to Rochester Diocese. The summary table of income and expenditure on page 4 is based on this information.
||2025|NOTES|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|1. Tax efficient planned giving income|45,380||53,385|
|2. Other planned giving income|1,084||973|
|3A. Collections at Services income|8,574||8,870|
|4B. All Other Giving -- UNRESTRICTED|20||861|
|6. Gift Aid recovered (from HMRC)|12,826|B, K|27,796|
|7. Legacies received (as unrestricted income)|2,046|L|22,260|
|9. Fundraising events income|-||-|
|10A. Property income|-|H|7,362|
|10B. Dividends, interest income|7,872||9,080|
|11. Statutory Fees charged by PCC|1,467||2,418|
|14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)|-|C, K|-|
|Income, Church and worship|79,269||133,005|
|17. Fundraising costs|-||-|
|19. Diocesan Parish Share expenditure|(48,340)||(47,735)|
|19B. Statutory fees paid to Diocese|(30)||(839)|
|20. Salaries, wages and honoraria expenditure|(5,952)|D|(6,999)|
|21A. Clergy and staff expenses|(455)||(2,872)|
|21B. Clergy & staff expenses: housing + bills|(9,076)|E, H|(5,470)|
|23A. Church buildings maintenance + repair|(9,923)|F|(6,065)|
|23B. Church Room maint. + repair costs|(198)|F|(24,796)|
|23C. Churchyard + Prayer Garden gardening|(1,908)|K|(2,214)|
|23D. Insurance|(6,127)||(5,971)|
|23E. PCC and Church office costs|(3,403)||(1,793)|
|23F. Choir and organ costs (from general funds)|(3,611)|C, D, K|(2,187)|
|23G. Sanctuary costs|(479)||(304)|
|24A. Church Heat/Light/Utilities paid|(4,906)|F|(3,021)|
|Costs, Church and worship|(94,408)||(110,266)|
|NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Church & worship|(15,139)||22,739|
|||||
6
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
|2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley||||
|---|---|---|---|
|12A. TRADING: Church lettings income|1,315||2,255|
|12B. TRADING: Church Room lettings income|11,615||10,834|
|12C. TRADING: Marksman advertising income|-||-|
|12D. TRADING: Traidcraft sales income|-||-|
|12E. TRADING: Congregation catering sales
cash surplus|-||-|
|12F. TRADING: Income from other property
(non-clergy)|18,000|H|-|
|Income, Trading|30,930||13,089|
|24B. Church Room utilities costs|(5,790)|F|(5,720)|
|25A. TRADING: Church lettings direct costs|-||-|
|25B. TRADING: Ch.Room lettings direct costs|-||-|
|25C. TRADING: Marksman costs|-||-|
|25D. TRADING: Traidcraft cost of sales|-||-|
|25E. TRADING: Congregation catering costs|-||-|
|25F. TRADING: Costs of other property|(9,911)|H|(6,246)|
|Costs, Trading|(15,701)||(11,966)|
|NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Trading|15,229||1,123|
|||||
|3B. Collections for charities/ initiatives|-|G|-|
|4A. All Other Giving and voluntary receipts --
RESTRICTED|-|K|15|
|Choir income (restricted)|1,460|K|3,924|
|Income raised for Charities, initiatives and
projects|1,460||3,939|
|||||
|18. Mission Giving and donations expenditure|(384)|G|(384)|
|22. Mission and evangelism costs|-||-|
|Choir and church music expenditure from
restricted funds|(2,920)|K|(3,413)|
|Expenditure on Charities, initiatives and
projects|(3,304)||(3,797)|
|NET UNSPENT (CALL ON FUNDS HELD),
Charities, initiatives and projects|(1,844)||142|
|||||
|TOTAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)|(1,754)||24,004|
7
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE B – Treatment of Gift Aid tax recovery from HMRC
Donors including members of the congregation are encouraged to make Gift Aid declarations so that St Mark’s can recover basic-rate tax on amounts received. Not all donors are able to do this. However, we are able to recover tax on the great majority of our donated income.
Where gifts are received for restricted purposes, we aim to allocate associated Gift Aid recoveries to the same purposes. Estimated amounts of expected Gift Aid tax recovery are attributed to Restricted Funds (see Note K) when restricted gifts are received, but no current asset is recognised at year end for any gift aid tax recoveries not yet received.
## NOTE C – Choir income, donations and costs
Unrestricted income or donations related to choir activity would appear at “14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)” and expenditure on Choir and church music from general unrestricted funds at “23F. Choir and organ costs". For restricted income and expenditure from choir-related restricted funds, see Note K.
## NOTE D – Salaries, wages and honoraria expenditure
Starting with the 2018 accounts, categories of income and expenditure have been aligned to the categories required for our annual financial report to Rochester diocese. One result is that the costs of music staff (Director of Music) are not included as “23F. Choir and organ costs” but are identified separately.
## NOTE E – Clergy and staff expenses: housing and bills
This category includes some utility bills, Council Tax and other costs in relation to the Vicarage and to 25 Matfield Close when occupied by clergy (see Note H).
## NOTE F – Church maintenance costs and Church Room utilities and operating costs
Some bills and expenses are wholly attributable to the Church Room and to lettings and activities in it. For example, the Church Room is supplied by a separate electricity meter.
Other costs are shared between the main church building and the Church Room. In these accounts certain costs of cleaning contractors, water supply and janitorial supplies have been allocated as to 80% to the Church Room and as to 20% to the operating and maintenance costs of the Church. The 80% amounts to some £3,275. In addition, one third of overall gas costs for heating has been allocated to the Church Room, amounting to some £1,936. These amounts are stated in the accounts as costs of Church Room trading activities, and excluded from cost lines “23A.” and “24A.” for Church operating and energy costs respectively.
8
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE G – Charities, initiatives and projects
Funds are sometimes received for specific purposes, as charitable donations or raised for stated projects and initiatives. All such funds and those raised through projects and initiatives are treated as “Restricted” funds not to be used for other purposes (see Note K which also describes Restricted funds).
## NOTE H – valuation of freehold property; property income and costs
St Mark’s owns a house at 25 Matfield Close. An estimated valuation has been based on local house sales data.
Public information shows that in 2025, eight comparable houses were sold within one quarter to one half of a mile of 25 Matfield Close. The eight sales took place between February and September 2025. For the purposes of valuation for these accounts, the prices of those sales have been analysed as £/M[2] of internal house area, and a range of market value identified. The range would put the value of 25 Matfield Close in 2025 around £530,000 (within a range of uncertainty).
The valuation adopted in these accounts attempts to reflect these market conditions and is higher than the valuation used in 2024 by £60,000.
The treatment in these accounts of income and costs relating to 25 Matfield Close depends on the occupancy of the property. When the property is occupied by clergy, some income and costs appear within Church and Worship, but when it is commercially let they are treated as Trading. Costs of ownership (rather than occupancy) are treated as Trading costs.
During 2025, there was no occupancy by clergy but for part of 2025 costs which continued as a result of previous clergy occupancy continued to be treated as “21B. Clergy & staff expenses: housing + bills”, within Church and Worship.
For most of 2025 the house has had a commercial tenant. Rents received, costs of letting and costs of ownership such as repairs and insurance, appear in “12F. TRADING: Income from other property (non-clergy)” and “25F. TRADING: Costs of other property”, both as part of Trading.
## NOTE I – deposits and bank balances
Bank balances are held at Santander Bank, and certain funds, including particularly capital, Restricted and Endowment funds, are deposited with Rochester diocese and with the Church of England Central Board of Finance, including through a deposit account with CCLA (a charity fund manager).
## NOTE J – current assets and liabilities
Because these financial statements are prepared on a cash basis and not accruals accounting, current assets and liabilities are only cash in hand, cheques received but not cleared, and valid invoices received and specific payment commitments made but
9
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
where payment has not yet been made or has not cleared. No accruals are made for costs incurred but for which we were yet to be invoiced at the end of the year.
## NOTE K – Restricted and Endowment funds
The table below summarises balances of Restricted funds as at 31[st] December, 2024, movements during 2025, and Restricted funds held at 31[st] December, 2025.
When donations are received to Restricted funds with Gift Aid elections (see Note B), tax recovery is assumed for the purpose of identifying Restricted funds even though it may only be received from HMRC by St Mark’s in a following year.
|||Net change||
|---|---|---|---|
|||2025||
||Funds 31st|(added to,|Funds 31st|
||December, 2025|
_less_spent)|December, 2024|
|Reeve endowment|10,000|-|10,000|
|Clark endowment|3,581|-|3,581|
||13,581||13,581|
|Organ fund|439|-|439|
|Choir Trip fund|868|-|868|
|Church Music and Choir fund|3,132|(1,210)|4,342|
|Flowers Fund|188|-|188|
|sub-total Restricted (not Endowments)|
4,627||5,837|
|TOTAL (Restricted plus
Endowments)|18,208||19,418|
|Church Music and Choir|||
|---|---|---|
|income and expenditure|||
||2025|2024|
|14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)|-|-|
|Music and Choir income (restricted,
inc. attributed Gift Aid)|1,710|4,106|
|23F. Choir and organ costs (unrestricted)|(3,611)|(2,187)|
|Music and Choir expenditure (restricted)|(2,920)|(3,413)|
|_of which_|||
|Expenditure from Choir Trip fund|-|-|
|Expenditure from Church Music and Choir fund|(2,920)|(3,413)|
|Expenditure from Organ fund|-|-|
10
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE L – Capital receipts and bequests
The PCC treats gifts and donations as capital receipts in St Mark’s accounts, if received from a single source in the amount of £5,000 or more in an accounting year (before any Gift Aid attributable to it). This does not affect the purposes for which any such gifts may be used (whether Unrestricted or Restricted), which is typically determined by the context of the gift and by any stipulations by donors.
Other sums of £5,000 or more received in the ordinary course of St Mark’s affairs (for example, an HMRC Gift Aid refund) are treated as income.
Any capital amount released by PCC decision, to be spent, will then be recognised as legacy or general income as applicable, at the relevant time of the expenditure.
During 2019, St Mark’s received a substantial bequest under the Will of the late Joan Olley. The bequest was identified by her Will as being for the general purposes of St Mark’s church as a charity. No other restrictions are placed on how we may spend the money.
During 2023, St Mark's received a payment of £7,000 from the trustees of Trinity United Reformed Church (URC) representing part of distribution by those trustees to other churches following closure of Trinity URC. No restrictions are placed on how we may spend the money.
During 2024, St Mark's received a gift of £5,000 from a living member of the congregation without restrictions on how we may spend the money.
All of the amounts described above have been accordingly treated in the acounts as Unrestricted capital receipts (see “Timing and recognition of income and expenditure” on page 2 of these accounts).
In 2025 some capital funds have been released by PCC to be spent on renewal of the Church lightning conductors. This expenditure has been accounted for as a release of funds from the Olley bequest and accordingly as “7. Legacies received” as well as “23A. Church buildings maintenance + repair, operating costs”.
_ENDS_
11
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## St Mark’s Church
## Financial Statements and Report
2025
_Year ended 31[st] December, 2025_
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mark, Bromley – Charity No. 1163095
## Independent Examiner’s Report for 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31[st] December, 2025.
As the Charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
I have sought and been assured that the governance undertaken by the PCC and Finance Sub Committee is commensurate and appropriate for the oversight of the financial management of the church.
> 2[nd] April, 2026
1
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
Parish Church of St Mark, Bromley – Financial Statements and Report for 2025
## **Notes and explanation**
## Accounting Policies
The financial statements cover all transactions assets and liabilities for which the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible.
The financial statements are prepared on a cash basis, also known as receipts and payments accounts, and not by accruals accounting. This is consistent with Charities Commission guidance (latest published version effective November 2016) and the Charities Act 2011, for an unincorporated charitable body with an annual turnover of less than £250,000.
Cash accounts are a simpler form of accounting than accounts prepared on an accruals basis. Therefore, the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (Second edition, effective 1[st] January, 2019, revised version published October 2025 and due to become effective in 2026), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), does not apply to their preparation.
## Timing and recognition of income and expenditure
Income is recognised when received, including income tax recoverable by St Mark’s church on gifts received.
Expenditure is recognised when valid invoices are received or when expenditure by the PCC is paid. Commitments to charities not yet paid are noted but not included in expenditure or liabilities.
Short term assets and liabilities are included in the accounts at the beginning and end of each year where timing of payments leads to differences between the recognition of income and expenditure in accordance with this policy, and bank and cash balances held.
Capital receipts are recognised in accordance with the policy described in Note L to the accounts and are not included in income. Any capital amount released by PCC decision, to be spent, will then be recognised as income at the relevant time of the expenditure.
## Assets and liabilities
Consecrated and beneficed property (the Church and its grounds) is excluded from the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Assets and liabilities which are included are accounted for using the historical cost convention except that investment assets are shown at estimated current market value.
2
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
The value of property (25 Matfield Close) has been estimated based on market information from local house sales.
No value is placed in these accounts on moveable church furnishings held by the Churchwardens and the PCC because a faculty would be required for any disposal and these items are considered inalienable.
All expenditure during the year on:
- maintenance, repair and improvement of consecrated and beneficed property and moveable church furnishings; and
- all other property repairs, fixtures, fittings, moveable assets and equipment;
is written off as expenditure is made. No other depreciation of fixed assets or properties is provided for.
All trading stock and consumable items for day-to-day operations (for example, items intended to be given away or sold, cleaning materials, office supplies) are written off as purchased and attributed no value as assets in the accounts.
## Explanation of Funds
Funds held by the PCC are divided between:
- Restricted Funds, given for specific and limited purposes (Note K to the accounts provides details)
- Permanent Endowments, which are restricted funds with limitations placed by the original donor on spending capital (see also Note K); and
- Unrestricted Funds are all other funds available for the general purposes of St Mark’s church.
_David Thomas_
_PCC Treasurer_
3
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Income and expenditure
This table summarises income and expenditure in three main categories, and compares the results for the year ended 31[st] December, 2025 to last year.
In NOTES at the back of these accounts more details are given of individual categories of income and expenditure.
Note A provides a more detailed breakdown of income and expenditure.
||2025||2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|Church, worship and congregation||||
|Income|79,269||133,005|
|Costs|(94,408)||(110,266)|
|Net result, Church and worship (deficit)|(15,139)||22,739|
|||||
|Trading activities||||
|Income|30,930||13,089|
|Expenditure|(15,701)||(11,966)|
|Net result, Trading surplus|15,229||1,123|
|||||
|Charities, mission, outreach, projects and
initiatives||||
|Income (includes any income ‘Restricted’ for these
purposes)|1,460||3,939|
|Expenditure|(3,304)||(3,797)|
|Net unspent (Call on Funds held), Charities,
initiatives and projects|(1,844)||142|
|||||
|TOTAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)|(1,754)||24,004|
4
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Assets and liabilities
This table summarises assets and liabilities as at 31[st] December, 2025 and compares them to those at 31[st] December, 2024. Further details are given in Notes as indicated.
|||2025|NOTES|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Freehold property (25 Matfield Close)||530,000|H|470,000|
|Fixed Asset||530,000||470,000|
||||||
|Deposits and bank balances –
general||45,882|I|43,087|
|Cash and uncleared cheques in hand||994|J|2,479|
|Deposits and bank balances –
representing unrestricted capital
receipts||213,320|L|215,366|
|Current Assets||260,195||260,932|
||||||
|Invoices received not yet paid, and
payments made not yet cleared||4,429|J|1,943|
|Current Liabilities||4,429||1,943|
||||||
|TOTAL of the above –
Net Worth||785,766||728,989|
|_made up of:_|||||
|Restricted and Endowment funds||18,208|G, K|19,418|
|Unrestricted funds||767,558||709,571|
These financial accounts were approved by the PCC on 15[th] April, 2026 and include the Independent Examiner’s report dated 2[nd] April, 2026.
Rev. Michael Gentry, Vicar and Chair of PCC
5
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## Details, notes and explanation
## NOTE A – details of income and expenditure
This table sets out the statement of income and expenditure in the categories we use in our annual financial report to Rochester Diocese. The summary table of income and expenditure on page 4 is based on this information.
||2025|NOTES|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|1. Tax efficient planned giving income|45,380||53,385|
|2. Other planned giving income|1,084||973|
|3A. Collections at Services income|8,574||8,870|
|4B. All Other Giving -- UNRESTRICTED|20||861|
|6. Gift Aid recovered (from HMRC)|12,826|B, K|27,796|
|7. Legacies received (as unrestricted income)|2,046|L|22,260|
|9. Fundraising events income|-||-|
|10A. Property income|-|H|7,362|
|10B. Dividends, interest income|7,872||9,080|
|11. Statutory Fees charged by PCC|1,467||2,418|
|14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)|-|C, K|-|
|Income, Church and worship|79,269||133,005|
|17. Fundraising costs|-||-|
|19. Diocesan Parish Share expenditure|(48,340)||(47,735)|
|19B. Statutory fees paid to Diocese|(30)||(839)|
|20. Salaries, wages and honoraria expenditure|(5,952)|D|(6,999)|
|21A. Clergy and staff expenses|(455)||(2,872)|
|21B. Clergy & staff expenses: housing + bills|(9,076)|E, H|(5,470)|
|23A. Church buildings maintenance + repair|(9,923)|F|(6,065)|
|23B. Church Room maint. + repair costs|(198)|F|(24,796)|
|23C. Churchyard + Prayer Garden gardening|(1,908)|K|(2,214)|
|23D. Insurance|(6,127)||(5,971)|
|23E. PCC and Church office costs|(3,403)||(1,793)|
|23F. Choir and organ costs (from general funds)|(3,611)|C, D, K|(2,187)|
|23G. Sanctuary costs|(479)||(304)|
|24A. Church Heat/Light/Utilities paid|(4,906)|F|(3,021)|
|Costs, Church and worship|(94,408)||(110,266)|
|NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Church & worship|(15,139)||22,739|
|||||
6
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
|2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley||||
|---|---|---|---|
|12A. TRADING: Church lettings income|1,315||2,255|
|12B. TRADING: Church Room lettings income|11,615||10,834|
|12C. TRADING: Marksman advertising income|-||-|
|12D. TRADING: Traidcraft sales income|-||-|
|12E. TRADING: Congregation catering sales
cash surplus|-||-|
|12F. TRADING: Income from other property
(non-clergy)|18,000|H|-|
|Income, Trading|30,930||13,089|
|24B. Church Room utilities costs|(5,790)|F|(5,720)|
|25A. TRADING: Church lettings direct costs|-||-|
|25B. TRADING: Ch.Room lettings direct costs|-||-|
|25C. TRADING: Marksman costs|-||-|
|25D. TRADING: Traidcraft cost of sales|-||-|
|25E. TRADING: Congregation catering costs|-||-|
|25F. TRADING: Costs of other property|(9,911)|H|(6,246)|
|Costs, Trading|(15,701)||(11,966)|
|NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Trading|15,229||1,123|
|||||
|3B. Collections for charities/ initiatives|-|G|-|
|4A. All Other Giving and voluntary receipts --
RESTRICTED|-|K|15|
|Choir income (restricted)|1,460|K|3,924|
|Income raised for Charities, initiatives and
projects|1,460||3,939|
|||||
|18. Mission Giving and donations expenditure|(384)|G|(384)|
|22. Mission and evangelism costs|-||-|
|Choir and church music expenditure from
restricted funds|(2,920)|K|(3,413)|
|Expenditure on Charities, initiatives and
projects|(3,304)||(3,797)|
|NET UNSPENT (CALL ON FUNDS HELD),
Charities, initiatives and projects|(1,844)||142|
|||||
|TOTAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)|(1,754)||24,004|
7
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE B – Treatment of Gift Aid tax recovery from HMRC
Donors including members of the congregation are encouraged to make Gift Aid declarations so that St Mark’s can recover basic-rate tax on amounts received. Not all donors are able to do this. However, we are able to recover tax on the great majority of our donated income.
Where gifts are received for restricted purposes, we aim to allocate associated Gift Aid recoveries to the same purposes. Estimated amounts of expected Gift Aid tax recovery are attributed to Restricted Funds (see Note K) when restricted gifts are received, but no current asset is recognised at year end for any gift aid tax recoveries not yet received.
## NOTE C – Choir income, donations and costs
Unrestricted income or donations related to choir activity would appear at “14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)” and expenditure on Choir and church music from general unrestricted funds at “23F. Choir and organ costs". For restricted income and expenditure from choir-related restricted funds, see Note K.
## NOTE D – Salaries, wages and honoraria expenditure
Starting with the 2018 accounts, categories of income and expenditure have been aligned to the categories required for our annual financial report to Rochester diocese. One result is that the costs of music staff (Director of Music) are not included as “23F. Choir and organ costs” but are identified separately.
## NOTE E – Clergy and staff expenses: housing and bills
This category includes some utility bills, Council Tax and other costs in relation to the Vicarage and to 25 Matfield Close when occupied by clergy (see Note H).
## NOTE F – Church maintenance costs and Church Room utilities and operating costs
Some bills and expenses are wholly attributable to the Church Room and to lettings and activities in it. For example, the Church Room is supplied by a separate electricity meter.
Other costs are shared between the main church building and the Church Room. In these accounts certain costs of cleaning contractors, water supply and janitorial supplies have been allocated as to 80% to the Church Room and as to 20% to the operating and maintenance costs of the Church. The 80% amounts to some £3,275. In addition, one third of overall gas costs for heating has been allocated to the Church Room, amounting to some £1,936. These amounts are stated in the accounts as costs of Church Room trading activities, and excluded from cost lines “23A.” and “24A.” for Church operating and energy costs respectively.
8
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE G – Charities, initiatives and projects
Funds are sometimes received for specific purposes, as charitable donations or raised for stated projects and initiatives. All such funds and those raised through projects and initiatives are treated as “Restricted” funds not to be used for other purposes (see Note K which also describes Restricted funds).
## NOTE H – valuation of freehold property; property income and costs
St Mark’s owns a house at 25 Matfield Close. An estimated valuation has been based on local house sales data.
Public information shows that in 2025, eight comparable houses were sold within one quarter to one half of a mile of 25 Matfield Close. The eight sales took place between February and September 2025. For the purposes of valuation for these accounts, the prices of those sales have been analysed as £/M[2] of internal house area, and a range of market value identified. The range would put the value of 25 Matfield Close in 2025 around £530,000 (within a range of uncertainty).
The valuation adopted in these accounts attempts to reflect these market conditions and is higher than the valuation used in 2024 by £60,000.
The treatment in these accounts of income and costs relating to 25 Matfield Close depends on the occupancy of the property. When the property is occupied by clergy, some income and costs appear within Church and Worship, but when it is commercially let they are treated as Trading. Costs of ownership (rather than occupancy) are treated as Trading costs.
During 2025, there was no occupancy by clergy but for part of 2025 costs which continued as a result of previous clergy occupancy continued to be treated as “21B. Clergy & staff expenses: housing + bills”, within Church and Worship.
For most of 2025 the house has had a commercial tenant. Rents received, costs of letting and costs of ownership such as repairs and insurance, appear in “12F. TRADING: Income from other property (non-clergy)” and “25F. TRADING: Costs of other property”, both as part of Trading.
## NOTE I – deposits and bank balances
Bank balances are held at Santander Bank, and certain funds, including particularly capital, Restricted and Endowment funds, are deposited with Rochester diocese and with the Church of England Central Board of Finance, including through a deposit account with CCLA (a charity fund manager).
## NOTE J – current assets and liabilities
Because these financial statements are prepared on a cash basis and not accruals accounting, current assets and liabilities are only cash in hand, cheques received but not cleared, and valid invoices received and specific payment commitments made but
9
2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
where payment has not yet been made or has not cleared. No accruals are made for costs incurred but for which we were yet to be invoiced at the end of the year.
## NOTE K – Restricted and Endowment funds
The table below summarises balances of Restricted funds as at 31[st] December, 2024, movements during 2025, and Restricted funds held at 31[st] December, 2025.
When donations are received to Restricted funds with Gift Aid elections (see Note B), tax recovery is assumed for the purpose of identifying Restricted funds even though it may only be received from HMRC by St Mark’s in a following year.
|||Net change||
|---|---|---|---|
|||2025||
||Funds 31st|(added to,|Funds 31st|
||December, 2025|
_less_spent)|December, 2024|
|Reeve endowment|10,000|-|10,000|
|Clark endowment|3,581|-|3,581|
||13,581||13,581|
|Organ fund|439|-|439|
|Choir Trip fund|868|-|868|
|Church Music and Choir fund|3,132|(1,210)|4,342|
|Flowers Fund|188|-|188|
|sub-total Restricted (not Endowments)|
4,627||5,837|
|TOTAL (Restricted plus
Endowments)|18,208||19,418|
|Church Music and Choir|||
|---|---|---|
|income and expenditure|||
||2025|2024|
|14. Choir income, donations (unrestricted)|-|-|
|Music and Choir income (restricted,
inc. attributed Gift Aid)|1,710|4,106|
|23F. Choir and organ costs (unrestricted)|(3,611)|(2,187)|
|Music and Choir expenditure (restricted)|(2,920)|(3,413)|
|_of which_|||
|Expenditure from Choir Trip fund|-|-|
|Expenditure from Church Music and Choir fund|(2,920)|(3,413)|
|Expenditure from Organ fund|-|-|
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2025 Annual Accounts – St Mark’s Bromley
## NOTE L – Capital receipts and bequests
The PCC treats gifts and donations as capital receipts in St Mark’s accounts, if received from a single source in the amount of £5,000 or more in an accounting year (before any Gift Aid attributable to it). This does not affect the purposes for which any such gifts may be used (whether Unrestricted or Restricted), which is typically determined by the context of the gift and by any stipulations by donors.
Other sums of £5,000 or more received in the ordinary course of St Mark’s affairs (for example, an HMRC Gift Aid refund) are treated as income.
Any capital amount released by PCC decision, to be spent, will then be recognised as legacy or general income as applicable, at the relevant time of the expenditure.
During 2019, St Mark’s received a substantial bequest under the Will of the late Joan Olley. The bequest was identified by her Will as being for the general purposes of St Mark’s church as a charity. No other restrictions are placed on how we may spend the money.
During 2023, St Mark's received a payment of £7,000 from the trustees of Trinity United Reformed Church (URC) representing part of distribution by those trustees to other churches following closure of Trinity URC. No restrictions are placed on how we may spend the money.
During 2024, St Mark's received a gift of £5,000 from a living member of the congregation without restrictions on how we may spend the money.
All of the amounts described above have been accordingly treated in the acounts as Unrestricted capital receipts (see “Timing and recognition of income and expenditure” on page 2 of these accounts).
In 2025 some capital funds have been released by PCC to be spent on renewal of the Church lightning conductors. This expenditure has been accounted for as a release of funds from the Olley bequest and accordingly as “7. Legacies received” as well as “23A. Church buildings maintenance + repair, operating costs”.
_ENDS_
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