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2025-12-31-accounts

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Knowing Christ

Growing Community, Renewing Heritage

Charity number: 1164439

This Report contains:

The Annual Report of Church Activities for 2025 The Financial Statement for 2025 (the signed copy is available for inspection) The Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Ministry Team

Rev. James Ashton Team Rector Rev. David Weightman Assistant Priest Rev. Liz Lane Assistant Priest Rev. Judith Brooks Assistant Priest Sue Mallinson Reader Rev. Ken Robinson Assistant Priest Mary Cook Pastoral Visitor

PCC Members

Rev. James Ashton Team Rector (Chairman) – from 7 January 2020 Robin Hickson Churchwarden - 2025 Edward Kyte Churchwarden – from 2024

Deanery Synod Representatives

Sue Mallinson * Diocesan and Deanery Synod Catharina Hickson Diocesan and Deanery Synod Valerie Adamson Edward Kyte

*Sue Mallinson represents St. Peter’s Tandridge on Deanery Synod and is on the electoral roll of St. Mary’s , also representing Tandridge Deanery on Diocesan Synod.

Diocesan Synod Representative

Catharina Hickson

Licensed Readers

Sue Mallinson

Parish Administrator

Natasha Copp

Co-opted members

Robin Hickson (Churchwarden) Rev. David Weightman

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Rev. Ken Robinson Rev. Judith Brooks (Clergy) Marian Dalton (PCC Secretary) Rev. Liz Lane (Clergy) Katharine Nockles (Safeguarding Officer)

Ex-officio

Catharina Hickson (Diocesan Synod) Valerie Adamson (Deanery Synod)

Elected Members

Martin Fisher 2020 Treasurer and Vice Chairman Richard Adamson (2023 - 2026) Natasha Copp (2023 - 2026) Katy Aspinwall (2023 - 2026) Alison Murden (2023 - 2026) Emma Church (2023 - 2026) Caroline Horsford (2023 - 2026) Len Muir (2023 - 2026) Norman Maynard (2024 - 2027) Adele Forrest (2024 - 2027) Michele Fisher (2025 - 2028) Stuart Murden (2025 - 2028)

Standing Committee

Rev. James Ashton Robin Hickson Martin Fisher Rev. David Weightman Marian Dalton Edward Kyte

Members of the Standing Committee are agreed at the PCC meeting after the APCM. It conducts the business on behalf of the PCC (as directed by the PCC) in between PCC meetings and also sets the agenda for meetings.

Electoral Roll Officer

Paul Shillito

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Treasurer

Martin Fisher

Churches Together in Oxted and District

David Cook

Bank Details

Barclays Bank : 20-76-55 PCC St.Mary’s Oxted : 10688967 (General Account Number) 00688746 (Regular Giving Only Account Number)

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Introduction from Rev. James Ashton

2025 was a wonderful year for us at St Mary’s. We have grown in faith, and welcomed many newcomers with joy. There is much to celebrate and be thankful for; and I warmly commend this annual report to you - please take the time to read it, and see what is God is doing in our lives.

Each Sunday we continue to welcome 90-100 people of all ages to our different services, alongside many other opportunities for fellowship, friendship and faith. Thank you to everyone who is part of our church family.

Our church building continues to stand firm, and we are grateful to all those who contribute to its care. The stone, bricks, wood and slate reflect God’s permanence in our community. May we continue to treasure this special place, and all it represents.

I am enormously grateful to our clergy team; Revd David, Revd Judith, and Sue our reader, for their commitment and skill in leading worship and events. We are also thankful for Sam Baker, our ordinand, who has explored further experiences and opportunities with us at in our team, and for the support we share with Rev Sue and Rev Mary from St John’s, Hurst Green.

Our Parish Office is expertly managed by Natash, and we are greatly blessed to have her in our team. My thanks go out to all who support her through volunteering for events and services. I am deeply grateful to our PCC, who faithfully steward our shared life, and to our Churchwardens, Robin and Ed have been our wardens, and kept us safe, organised and inspired – thank you both!

We thank Martin, our treasurer, for guiding our finances towards greater stability and Katharine, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, for her faithful and diligent leadership in this vital area.

Our musical life has flourished this year as we welcomed Ian as our organist and choir leader. The choir has grown, and their leadership in our sung worship is much appreciated.

Our value of ‘ Growing Community ’ is clearly seen in The_Space, where a wider range of initiatives continues to bring people together. ‘The Bible Course’ was a particular highlight in the Autumn.

We also continue to serve our wider community through visits to St Mary’s School, Tandridge Heights Care Home, Ridgeway Manor and Sycamore Court. These opportunities enable us to show God’s low in practical ways.

I commend this Annual Report to you. May we continue to pray and work together as a church, bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit and following the example of Christ in all we do.

Rev. James Ashton Team Rector

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Churchwardens report

2025 has been another busy and encouraging year in the life of St. Mary’s. We have continued to draw people into our community through a wide range of social, pastoral and worship activities, helping the church remain a visible and welcoming presence in Oxted.

Throughout the year, St. Mary’s has hosted a number of well-attended events, including Bring and Share meals on International Day, a Seder Supper, trivia quizzes, musical events within the church and a return of our whisky tasting evening. Meeting Place continues to be popular, boosted by Here Here hearing aid servicing for between 20 and 50 people each month. Baby Space remains a valued opportunity for parents of babies to share both stresses and triumphs with their peers. Our small flock of sheep – now reduced to only five including a lamb born in March – continues to keep the churchyard grass down in an environmentally friendly way and remains a source of interest for visitors to Oxted and beyond.

In early 2025 our attentiveness to environmental matters was recognised through the achievement of a Silver Eco Church award from the national A Rocha Eco Church Programme, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the parish to care for God’s creation.

Taken together, these activities reflect a church that is well-used, outward-facing and embedded in the life of the community. While patterns of attendance continue to evolve, St. Marys remains a place where worship, learning, community and welcome are clearly visible to all who come through its doors.

As in any year, 2025 also brought challenges related to our buildings. Required repairs to the tower did not progress during the year, and we still need to raise approximately £100,000 to complete this relatively urgent work. Katy Aspinall is working on grant applications to allow this work to restart in 2026. Work on the porch was completed in early 2025. Jock Muir masterminded repairs to the organ and led fundraising to pay for these works. We also purchased an electric piano, with the cost generously met by a benefactor.

We continue to leave the church open during daylight hours and are pleased to find people regularly looking around the church or using the space for private prayer and contemplation. Unfortunately, over the summer there were three attempts to break into the Vestry, where we lock away our brassware and communion wine. On one occasion the break-in was successful, although the items taken were of minimal value. Repairs have since been made to improve security, and a camera has been installed to monitor the approach to the Vestry outside service hours. We continue to balance the desire to keep the church open and welcoming with the need to protect the building and its contents.

Inspired by Norman Maynard, St Mary’s continued to offer educational opportunities! The Bible Course ran over ten weeks in the autumn, followed by a shorter Advent course. This initiative continues into 2026 with a further ten-week course focusing on Paul’s letter to the Romans.

In 2025, our Vicar James led the development of Vision 2030. We now have clear targets for actions to be achieved by the ends of 2026, 2028 and 2030 across the themes of “Knowing Christ”, “Growing Community” and “Renewing our Heritage”. We encourage anyone to look out for ways they can become involved as shared effort will be essential to achieving these goals.

At the 2025 APCM, Austin Copp stepped down from his role as Churchwarden after four years of service. We thank Austin warmly for his leadership, commitment and hard work during that time, and we are grateful for his continued support in a number of areas. We also

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

note the appointment of Ian Skipper as Director of Music in 2025 and we are thankful for the refreshed leadership he has brought to the choir, as well as for his playing in our services.

Safeguarding remains a priority at St. Marys. We continue to follow diocesan guidance, ensure that appropriate training is kept up to date, and work to maintain a culture in which the church is a safe place for all.

None of the life of the church described above would be possible without the faithful service of a large number of volunteers, many of whom work quietly behind the scenes. From welcoming, to cleaning and flower arranging, to sound, music, refreshments, administration and pastoral support. We are deeply grateful for the time and commitment so freely given.

Finally, we commend the work of our Treasurer, Martin Fisher. Although our recurring income remains lower than our recurring expenditure, this gap has been reducing over the past three years through careful management and the generosity of the congregation. Continued prayer, financial support and active involvement will be essential as we maintain the fabric of the building and pursue the work we believe God is calling St. Marys to do.

We give thanks for God’s faithfulness to St. Mary’s and trust that, with prayer discernment and shared commitment, the church will continue to serve the people of Oxted for generations to come.

The Churchwardens

TANDRIDGE DEANERY SYNOD

Area Dean Rev Michelle Assistant Area Dean Rev James Ashton Lay Chair Susan Gibbin

The Deanery Synod met throughout the year via Zoom, aligning with the Diocesan vision: Christ-centred and outward-focused . Meetings provided opportunities to share ideas, resources, and parish initiatives.

Key themes included:

Highlights included:

Parishes shared innovative work including prison ministry, wellbeing gardens, and support for Ukrainian communities.

Safeguarding remained an important consideration as churches expanded outreach.

Sue Mallinson

Deanery Synod Representative

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

St Mary’s Oxted Bellringers

The year of 2025 was very successful for the bellringers. We rang for the majority of Sunday services as well as other special events, including the Church ‘Open Day’ and provided a demonstration of bell ringing.

On a couple of occasions, we supplemented the ringers at Limpsfield Chart by ringing simultaneously for Sunday services at both St Mary’s and St Andrews churches. The year ended with a Ringers Social Gathering in The_Space where ringers, their ‘other halves’, and some church officers were invited.

The band of ringers is now strong following many years of trying to recruit new ringers. We are most fortunate to have several young ringers who, I hope will continue to ring for many years to come. The band now includes three generations from one family: a very rare occurrence. All new ringers are following an accredited training programme (Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) scheme). All have reached Level 1, most have reached Level 2 and are making good progress towards Level 3. Three young ringers, Dominic, James and Emily received Surrey Bellringers awards for ringing their first quarter peals. They were presented with certificates and gift card by the Association Master at the Ringers Gathering in The_Space: see photograph.

We ended the year with some focussed training sessions with help from the Surrey Association of Bellringers. This has enabled the ringers to significantly improve their ringing ability.

St. Mary’s has now got an excellent ringing teaching facility fully equipped with computers which are connected to the bells. This enables individual and group learning to be done without making a noise outside. We have had donated some newer computers and screens which has allowed me to upgrade our system and pass on older but fully functioning equipment to others.

We look forward to an equally successful 2026.

Ian Griffiths

St Mary’s School 2025

Confidently me’, ‘Belonging together’, ‘Challenged to contribute ’

St Mary’s School continues to thrive as a cohesive and joyful learning community.

This year marked the retirement of Sarah Lewis which and the appointment of Tim Samuel, whose leadership continues to strengthen partnerships across local schools (St Mary’s Primary School, Oxted and Limpsfield Infant School).

Pupils demonstrated growth in confidence, collaboration, and contribution through academic, sporting, and creative activities.

The school continues to work closely with the Diocese and engage in inclusion initiatives such as the Hemisphere project.

Catharina Hickson Foundation Governor

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Safeguarding

The role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is to work with the clergy, churchwardens, PCC and members of the church community to make sure we create a safe environment for the activities that we undertake with children and vulnerable adults. A summary of the safeguarding principles adopted by your PCC can be found on the church porch noticeboard and the noticeboard inside church.

I have worked for a number of years with Fay Prater, the PSO from St Peter's, so that together we can consider and support each other with safeguarding planning and any issues. Last year’s activity was out of the ordinary for two reasons; we completed a safeguarding audit and continued working on the outcomes of that and secondly there was a hiatus in our safeguarding processes due to a national level data breach at the DBS checking service provider. This impacted a number of our volunteers at St Mary’s and information was shared to support those affected. The DBS provider has since been changed.

At any time, if any member of the congregation has a concern, please speak to me, James or David, or Fay the Safeguarding Officer at St Peter's. Even if it isn't clear whether there is a safeguarding issue or not, it is always better to talk it through at an early stage so that a potential issue can be averted or if our safeguarding arrangements or understanding don't seem to be covering a particular activity or scenario we can respond.

Please contact me by email on safeguardingstmarysoxted@gmail.com or on 07778 539664 (please note that my phone goes straight to voicemail for any unrecognised numbers so do leave a message and I can call you back).

Katharine Nockles

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Flower Arranging

St Mary's has a small team who arrange flowers to beautify our church. Our focus is on creating displays for the key festivals of Easter, Christmas and Harvest though arrangements are created for other occasions too.

Every arrangement is different and reflects us as individuals; the common theme is that we enjoy creating something that we hope is enjoyed by others and visually enhances our worship. Our most recent activity was the creation of small posies for Mothering Sunday.

We were delighted to be supported by several ladies at the Friday morning Meeting Place and we enjoyed making the posies together. If anyone would like to come and join the team please do contact me on flowers.stmarysoxted@gmail.com.

Katharine Nockles

Flower Team

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Fellowship and Social Events

2025 was a busy year with a variety of events being organised between The_Space and the main hall of OCH or in church. These events combined a mix of social and worship, with some specifically for fundraising. 2025 was a particularly successful year, raising more money for church funds, including:

These events strengthened community life and contributed significantly to church funds.

More volunteers for hospitality are always welcome.

Valerie Adamson

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Missions and Charities

The PCC agreed to support two charities: Release International and the Umoyo Community Project, with each of these charities being given £500.00 from PCC funds along with offers to help them in other ways.

Release International helps Christians in the UK and Ireland to engage actively with their persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, praying with them, helping them and learning lessons of true Christian discipleship with them. In support of this in December a new prayer meeting was started on the 2[nd] Thursday of the month to pray for the persecuted church. (https://releaseinternational.org/)

The Umoyo Community Project supports the people of Njebwa in Malawi who have suffered from the spread of AIDS. The project has supported local AIDS orphans – providing 400 meals a day, built classrooms, toilets, and teacher’s houses at the local primary school, and a clinic as well as water bore holes. They have further plans to build more facilities and repair some of the existing ones. (https://www.umoyocommunityproject.org/)

In December two wreath making sessions were held in The Space raising nearly £500 which went directly to the Umoyo project.

At £1,120 direct giving to Missions and Charities was less than usual however it was considered that letting charities use The Space free of charge should be considered part of our away giving.

During Christian Aid Week in May, 23 church members along with 3 members from the other Oxted Churches were involved in collecting and/or delivering Christian Aid envelopes. A total of £1,589 was raised. As this money was collected in Christian Aid envelopes and £742 of it was Gift Aided by individuals it did not go through Church Accounts and was sent off directly to Christian Aid.

Valerie Adamson

Publicity

Communication continues through:

Changes to local media have reduced available space, but outreach continues.

If you would like to write an article for the magazine about a church matter please speak to Valerie Adamson or to our Rev James.

Valerie Adamson

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Eco Church

In May 2024 the PCC agreed that the Church should work towards becoming an active Eco Church. It appointed Dr. Catharina Stibe-Hickson as its Eco champion assisted by a small team of volunteers with different skills and experiences covering the different areas of church life. The Eco church scheme equips churches to care for God’s creation in a wide variety of ways.

In order to receive an award a church must demonstrate environmental engagement in five areas – 1) worship and teaching, 2) the management of church buildings, 3) the management of church land, 4) community and 5) global engagement and individual life styles.

Even before the idea of becoming an Eco Church had been agreed St. Mary’s had been fulfilling some of the requirements. It had been taking part in no mow May, encouraging wildlife such as butterflies and moths. To keep the rest of the grass under control St. Mary’s has a flock of hardy sheep who graze the grass all year round in three fenced off areas of the churchyards, looked after by a team of 6 volunteers who feed the sheep daily in winter, keep their water clean and topped up, maintain fences and gates and remove any poisonous weeds. The sheep also add as a great attraction for younger members of the community.

Once the PCC had signed on further efforts were made to become Eco-friendly. More parts of the churchyard were left unmown for ‘Let it Bloom in June’ and members of Junior Church assisted by their leaders took part in the Churches Count of Nature 2025 when species of plant and nature in the main churchyard were counted. St Mary’s also took part in The Great Big Green Week when a series of talks on nature in graveyards was laid on, followed by a simple lunch, all on Church premises.

For many years there has been a group of swifts that return every year to nest in the eaves of the church building and whenever building work is being undertaken the builders are always asked to take the swifts into consideration. Last year to encourage the swifts even more one of our dedicated swift watchers donated two purpose built nesting stations that were installed under the eaves of the Community Hall.

On the theme of taking care of the environment some members have joined the local Friends of the River Eden Ecosystem which flows through our area and they have been trained to undertake monthly water sampling and testing.

Keen to encourage recycling one of the Eco team undertook a survey of all the people and places locally that collect items for re-cycling -ones that would not go into the local Council’s kerbside re-cycling bins. A list emerged of over forty organisations or individuals who collect niche items that can be re-cycled and this has been shared with all the church communities of Churches Together in Oxted and District and through the Council to all businesses and has been put up on noticeboards in church premises. In addition recycling bins for paper, glass, cans and cardboard have been placed in Church and in The Space and food recycling bins placed in all areas where food is served.

Responsible use of heating has been considered as a result of which the late afternoon Café service has been moved to The Space to save heating a large church building all day long whilst we have focused on heating the Church building to a comfortable level ready for the morning services.

On a smaller scale table tops in The Space have been upcycled to save replacing them and ferrules put on the chair legs in the Tower Vestry where there are vented central heating channels rather than having to replace the chairs.

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

More recently an Eco church leaflet has been produced which gives hints on how to live sustainably without causing too much harm to the planet.

As a result of all these efforts an Eco Silver Award was awarded to St. Mary’s Church in January 2025. The church is now working towards Gold !

Dr. Catharina Stibe-Hickson

Churches together in Oxted and District 2025

The more informal style sought by CTOD member Churches has enabled us to continue Christian sharing as we move forward together. Under the joint leadership of Rev James Ashton and Matthew Griffiths (from the URC) we celebrated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at various local Churches

The World Day of Prayer services were held at St Mary’s Oxted and at St John’s and had been devised by the women of The Cook Islands with the theme “I made you wonderful”. Participants dressed up in suitable Pacific attire.

Our 2025, Lent Groups were centred on the theme of Modern Slavery which was linked to the Stations of the Cross and the suffering of Our Lord on His way to Calvary. This course was well attended by several different local groups. The course booklets were funded by CTOD and Lent course donations were gifted to our Charity St Catherine’s Hospice.

The Good Friday walk of Witness took place on Good Friday as usual. Daffodils were handed out to people on the way.

GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) has continued to meet on Monday mornings at various locations.

It had been decided back in 2024 to run down our bank account and the office of Treasurer. Subsequently our bankers decided to close our account so we have used our residual funds to invest £500 in a second issue of A Celebration in Story and Image – thanks to Nadeem Qureshi – and to donate £150 to local homelessness charities. A small cash balance of £651 remains available for future needs.

David Cook

(CTOD Treasurer) Feb 2026

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Visiting and Pastoral

Visiting in the Parish is not of course limited to those on the volunteers list! Our team tries its best to ensure everyone feels supported and loved, and that no-one is forgotten. The Ministry Team and I are happy to be contacted if anyone senses a need or wish for support. We have had a couple of opportunities to enhance our awareness of care giving:

“Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world.” Teresa of Avila

Mary Cook

St. Mary’s Choir

Following the retirement of the long-serving organist, Ian Skipper took on the role of Director of Music.

In May the choir began to meet weekly to rehearse. Friday evenings turned out to be an unpopular choice with Thursday being the new selected day. Regular rehearsal enables us to explore some more complex choral music in our important role of leading worship - as well as our goal of inspiring worship - and I hope that both choir and congregation benefit.

Monthly ‘Come and Sing’ events effectively became obsolete with weekly choir practices. I discovered this at my first one in June which was attended by two people; one of them was me! A campaign to encourage children from St. Mary’s Primary School into the choir to join our lone treble, James F, bore no long-term fruit but James remains and his contribution and presence is a lesson to us all.

In October, we introduced a new setting of the Eucharist liturgy – Gloria, Sanctus et al. The Mass of St. Thomas was chosen for its recurring section of the Gloria which allows members of the congregation to engage with it from the outset. On the Sunday it was introduced, there was a short teaching session for the congregation before the service started.

I was, of course, hopeful that people would enjoy the music and the opportunity to raise their voice and sing of God’s glory at the beginning of the service but I understand that this is something of a Marmite issue at St Mary’s so we have arrived at an Anglican compromise and use the setting on alternate Sundays.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

We are delighted that Adele, Francesca and Paul have become regular choristers this year. Thanks also to our ‘irregulars’ who joined us for a splendid carol service. Needless to say we welcome all to the choir. Music-reading is not a requirement; the ability to sing in tune and to love singing is all that is needed. Even with weekly rehearsal, we accept that everyone has busy lives and we are flexible enough to accommodate. Anyone can come along on a Thursday at 7:00 pm to try us out without commitment.

I’m very grateful to the choir for their hard work, support and attendance. Special thanks to Jock who continues to co-ordinate the repairs to the organ with patience and fortitude; also to Mary Cook upon whose wisdom and local knowledge I continually call.

Thank you to Jock for being the tour de force, and overseeing the work. Ed Dove (the organ repairer), was able to make the organ function for Sunday services.

Ian Skipper (and Mary Cook )

St. Mary’s PCC

The PCC for St. Mary’s bi-monthly.

The PCC meetings are always well attended and any matters regarding the church are up for discussion. There is always a finance update from Martin Fisher and a Safeguarding update from Katharine Nockles.The upkeep of the fabric of the church building is an ongoing concern for PCC. PCC members usually join for a 3 year period and anyone who would like to have a voice in the running of the church is welcome to join.

Marian Dalton

PCC Secretary

Community Groups:

Meeting Place ( Natasha Copp )

A thriving coffee morning welcoming all.

The Hear Here champions continue to be busy at their clinic on the first Friday of every month, and a number of their visitors enjoy coffee & cake too!

Meeting Place - for coffee, cake and conversation, Friday mornings 9:30-11:30. All welcome.

Wobble ( Natasha Copp )

Another joyful morning in The_Space is on Tuesdays with Sarah Goldsack running Wobble classes followed by coffee & cake served by Valerie and Sue K. We are now welcoming over 30 guests each week for seated exercise followed by social time over coffee and homemade cake.

Thank you to the Wobble refreshments team and Sarah.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

St Mary’s Monkeys Playgroup ( Penny Kirk )

In April 2026, we look forward to celebrating St Mary’s Monkeys playgroup 20-year anniversary with members of our team, past and present.

Our playgroup is aimed at children from newborn to under five years of age and their carers and we have maintained the price per adult guest since May 2021 with children coming in free…

We are blessed to have a very strong team of 16 lovely volunteers (with all new volunteers welcome). Every member of the team offers something different and we discuss and collaborate on an ongoing basis which means that we continue to develop and improve this jewel in the Oxted crown.

In 2025, we were lucky to have five Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students (3 Silver and 2 Bronze) who all baked for playgroup. The standard of baking from Charlie, Eva, Grace, Harvey and Zac was outstanding and our guests were delighted and so grateful. As this was donated, we are able to offer more donations to local charities and we place less reliance on Shelley Miller (who has been supporting this playgroup for nearly two decades with her amazing cakes).

St Mary’s Monkeys Playgroup allows families to enjoy an hour and a half of “stay and play” with a wide selection of toys and equipment. Families are also able to make an unlimited number of visits to our kitchen hatch to enjoy a wide selection of homemade cakes and savoury produce, as well as fresh tea and coffee, with fresh fruits, mini breadsticks and biscuits for children.

High guest numbers have resulted in the booking system (set up post Covid, so we could get the doors open as quickly as possible) remaining in place.

We continued to be greatly blessed with Alice Dalziel’s wonderfully creative mind and her design of age appropriate varied art and craft creations which we now offer most weeks and which the children thoroughly enjoy.

Fiona Waddon-James reintroduced singing and musical instruments for the families at the end of the session towards the end of 2024 and for many children, this is their favourite part of playgroup. It also makes light work for the helpers at “tidy up” time as we sing along to the children’s favourite tunes...one of the little boys insisted that we sing “Jingle Bells” throughout the year!

Thanks once again this year to strong support from St Mary's Church, as well as playgroup parents and carers, we continue with our promise of “families helping families”. Sadly, demand for essential toiletries and equipment is higher than ever but the playgroup continued to make charitable donations each and every week we were open across 2025.

During 2025 – we donated in targeted aid, at the lowest prices I could procure, items of toiletries and equipment, with the equivalent monetary value as follows:

Stripey Stork - £2,335.72

Their Voice - £441.00

Hygiene Bank - £180 donation from our Easter raffle and £150 from our Christmas receipts.

We also supported Children’s Hospital Pyjamas again, as well as our own playgroup Mummy, Stephanie Howe, who worked tirelessly on the local campaign, with a donation of £268.50 in nightwear.

We continue to collect milk bottle tops to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

As we move into 2026, we have over 150 members of our playgroup social media page, a membership base which I review every quarter. We sometimes have tears when we lose our Monkeys families to the next stage and we miss them but each week we welcome new families to the setting.

HearHere ( Catharina Hickson )

HearHere supports those with hearing aids by cleaning, retubing, checking, supplying batteries and advising on Hearing aid use and problem solving for the users and their family members.

In 2025 HearHere had 270 visitors to our clinic cared for by 5 trained volunteers. It ran on the first Friday of the month 10-11am alongside Friday coffee mornings’ ‘Meeting Place’ in The Space, Oxted Community Hall. In the last year many people who we have first met as hearing aid users have become regular Meeting Place friends. Some are also coming to church.

Two yearly retraining of HearHere volunteers was hosted by St Mary’s Oxted for East Surrey volunteers. This was led by Siri Joy-George, Audiology Team Leader, and a colleague from Crawley Audiology on 3[rd] December 2025. Crawley Audiology provide our supplies. All volunteers are DBS checked.

Hearing Champions for St Mary’s, Oxted are now Roger Hewitt, Dudley Withers, Hazel Showler and Catharina and Robin Hickson. Many thanks to this lovely team who so willingly share their time, expertise, skills and smiles. From April 2026 we will be joined by Hillary Vale from Tatsfield. Angela Hewitt has become our amazing welcomer and battery distributer. Our clinics are building quickly with 52 people visiting the March 2026 clinic and we have extended our hours to 9.30-11am to meet local needs.

Baby Space ( Catharina Hickson )

Baby Space continued to run every Thursday morning for parents (with some grandparents) with under one-year olds.

St Mary’s run this group to enable parents with little ones to have some time with others in the same position, to enjoy without the cost of a club, to make friends and meet with friends, and be encouraged with hot/cold drinks and cake. The group is especially useful, now that most parents work till late in the pregnancy and return to work within a year, to enable natural support networks to form quickly. Those interested in faith-initiated conversation with the leaders, some now attend church, predominantly our church. The numbers attending varied from the high teens to two babies, as some go back to work and others join with their tiny ones. It is a joy and privilege for those of us running it. We are very grateful to Natasha for co-ordinating volunteers and cake!

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

St Mary’s Soay Sheep 2025

The sheep continue to delight our parishioners and visitors. They are kept to crop the graveyards where we were unable to lawnmow or strim effectively. This year Chocolate, our ewe, gave birth to a lovely, lively lamb at the end of April.

The sheep are predominantly looked after by a team of 5 volunteers: Roger Hewitt, Hazel and Paul Showler, Catharina and Robin Hickson; many others bring them joy in the form of handfuls of longer grass. They mainly look after themselves when the have food and water and live outdoors throughout the year. They are self-shedding so look rather scruffy in later spring. They do need daily feeding through winter when the hedges and grass stop growing – We are very grateful to those who turn out, whatever the weather, to feed them.

The fencing is a constant source of rotten posts that need replacing – the team kindly also do this. The team also collect rubbish, rake up leaves, pull up bracken, nettles, ragwort and foxgloves, and keep the yews and willows cut back. This is time consuming and we are very grateful to the team.

Catharina Hickson

Conclusion

St Mary’s continues to flourish as a place of worship, community, and service. This report reflects a year of growth, generosity, and faithful ministry.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary's Church Oxted Annual Report 2025 Parochial Church Council of St. Mary's, Oxted Financial Review For the year 1 January - 31 December 2025 St. Mary's Financial Review Surplus on the Unrestricted Fund 2025 £37,874 2024 £4,192 The general (unrestricted) fund achieved a surplus of £37,874 compared to a surplus last year of £4,192. This improvement includes a legacy of £34,000. Allowing for this, there is a surplus of £3.874 compared to a loss last year before legacy of £11,542. which is significantly better than recent trends. Voluntary giving at £93,175 is up 12.10k on last year. with digital collections up by 22.70A. Gift aid has significantly increased due to increased voluntary giving and a prior year adjustment on general claims following HMRC acceptance that the Church and the Oxted Community Hall are two community buildings. Huge thanks are due to those 64 members who give regularly by standing order orthrough Stewardship UK which averages at £67.84 monthly per member12024'. 65 members average £68.64] Income from fundraising events raised £9,754 compared to £4,015 last year including the British Legion Welsh Choir£2,630, Oxted sessions £2.463, St Mary's May fayre £2,000 and Burns Night £1,368. Investment ir¢come of £5,000 is the ground rent from the Oxted Community Hall. PCC income from weddings, baptisms and funerals was up 1wo-fold at £7.435. St. Peter's PCC contributed 28.0% Ilast year 27.90hl to shared administration costs. This is based on the relative Parish Support Fund payment. The Parish Support Fund payment increased to £67,000, 1.50kn, which together with St. Peterfs payment of £26,000 ensures that the United Benefice's combined contribution of£93,000 exceedsthe requirement forfunding a stipendiary minister. Mission giving was reduced this year to £1,120. The PCC SLbPPOrted Mo charities that are connected to church members. The restricted fund. The churth ￿k11r￿j lncws￿j by £20,7fy1 in 1he year wth an extremety gerErous indivijual donati￿ of £25,CtK). The Comp*￿ ofthe r4Birs cTht £19,057. Togetherwih a tsnsfer of£5,(X)O blere is £36,8¥2 ￿ in Ihe eanrerked fiy na￿irrj twworks target￿ for in 2026. Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 11 March 20{6 and signed on its behalf by. James Ashton {Rector) Martin Fisher {PCC Treasurer) PCC Accounts 2025 Pagel of7 10 03 2026

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes
Incoming resources
Planned giving
Collections in church
Collections in The_Space
Digitalcollections
All other giving
Gift Aid recoverable
Voluntary giving
Legacies
Grants
1
Fundraising events
Investment income
PCC Fees retained
Church groups
St Peter’s PCC
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Church activities
Fundraising costs
Mission giving
2
Parish Support Fund
3
Salaries, fees, and honoraria
4
Clergy expenses
Church expenses
Evangelism, The_Space
Insurance
Maintenance & minor repairs
Church running costs
Light, heat & water
Church groups
Major expenditure
Church building repairs
Organ repair
Church pew cushions
Depreciation
Total Resources Expended
Net Surplus/(Deficit)
Transfer between funds
9
Net movementin Funds
Balances brought forward 1 Jan
Balances carried forward 31 Dec		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024

£
£
£
£
52,100
-
52,100
53,536
4,757
-
4,757
4,737
2,364
-
2,364
2,579
6,753
1,000
7,753
6,317
1,981
29,045
31,026
14,286
25,220
-
25,220
15,056
93,175
30,045
123,220
96,511
34,000
-
34,000
15,734
-
15,030
15,030
750
9,754
493
8,247
4,015
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
7,435
-
7,435
3,395
-
-
-
122
4,835
-
4,835
3,405
154,199
45,568
199,767
128,932
1,204
-
1,204
384
1,120
-
1,120
2,329
67,000
-
67,000
66,000
15,816
-
15,816
9,972
3,868
-
3,868
2,530
89,008
-
89,008
81,215
5,413
3,000
8,413
7.065
4,864
-
4,864
4,751
3,861
509
4,370
2,901
9,863
-
9,863
8,210
3,101
-
3,101
2,300
215
-
215
233
27,317
3,509
~~30,826~~
~~25,460~~
-
18,548
18,548
7,075
-
17,268
17,268
-
-
6,120
6,120
-
15,137
15,137
15,137
-
57,073
57,073
22,212
116,325
60,582
176,907
128,887
37,874
(15,014)
22,860
45
(7,873)
7,873
-
-
30,001
(7,141)
22,860
45
48,425
486,223
534,648
534,603
78,426
479,082
557,508
534,648

The policies and notes on pages 4 to 7 form part of these accounts

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary's Church Oxted Annual Report 2025 Parochial Chts￿h Council of St. Mary's, Oxted BALANCE SHEET at 31 DECEMBER 2025 Unre$trleted Re8trl¢t•d Total Funds Notes Fund8 Funds 2025 2024 Tanglblfr flxed assets 442,190 442,190 457.327 Curront assets Oeblors Cash at bank 5.883 76.032 1,915 5,883 112,924 .807 7.192 81.894 36.892 6,892 Currefit Ilablltlles Creditors 13.4891 13,4891 111.7651 Net current a$s0ts 78,4 115. 77,3 Totsl net a8$ets 78.42 479.082 557,5 Parfsh funds UnrestnLle Re$tricted - Church Reslncted - Organ Restritled - Oxted Com Hall 9 78.426 78,426 36,8¥2 48.425 16.188 12,710 457.325 36.892 442.190 442.1 78.42 .082 557. 534,648 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 11 Ma rch 2026 and signed on its behalf by James Ashton {Rector) Martin Fisher {Treasurerl Charity Number.. 1164439 Parish Office 53 Church Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9LU The pol icies a nd notes on page5 4 to 7 form part of these accounts PCC Ac£ounts 2025 Page3of7 10.03 2026 Knowing Christ l Growing Community li Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation of accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the FRS 102 (SORP). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and include all transactions, assets, and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law.

Funds

Restricted funds represent donations or grants received for a 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 balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Interest receivable is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan parish support fund payment is recorded on a monthly basis during the year to which the payments relate. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

The Community Hall is built on land vested in the Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance and held in trust on behalf of the PCC.

The construction cost of the Community Hall is being depreciated over 50 years at 2% per annum on a straightline basis, apart from the equipment and fittings which are depreciated at 10% per annum on a straight-line basis over 10 years.

Movable church furnishings held by the Rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). Expenditure to renew, improve or add to them is written off as an expense in the financial year in which it occurs.

Equipment used within the church premises and parish office is depreciated at 20% per annum on a straightline basis, unless the individual items cost £1,000 or less in which case they are expensed when acquired.

RELATED PARTIES

The PCC has a close relationship with Oxted Community Hall Management Limited, a "benefit of the community" Industrial and Provident Society and exempt charity. There are PCC appointees to the governing bodies of both charities.

Oxted Community Hall Management Limited has leased the majority of the Community Hall from the PCC for a period of 25 years from October 2007 for a ground rent of £5,000 per annum. The company collects the rentals and funds the maintenance of the Community Hall. The_Space formerly occupied by Crossroads was purchased by St Mary's Church in 2022 for £60,000 plus fees of £10,455.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GRANTS RECEIVED

Restricted Funds
Diocese donation to support outreach
Preservation trust/Oxted Parish Council Churchyard grant
Heritage Trust donation to support church tower
Oxted Rotary Club to support Space
HMRC Listed Places of Worship Scheme (VAT reclaim)		 2025
2024
£
£
2,000
-
80
750
4,860
-
1,000
-
7,090
-
15,030
750

2. DONATIONS TO MISSIONS AND CHARITIES

The PCC supported two charities that are connected to church members, Release International and Umoyo Community Project. In addition to donations of £500 each The_ Space was made available for fundraising. The Bishops lent appeal received £100.

3. PARISH SUPPORT FUND

Every year the diocese invites the PCC to review its Parish Support Fund (PSF) payment. This fund is expended on salaries for clergy, bishops and lay staff such as the safeguarding team and advisory staff on church properties. It also covers pension payments and expenditure on maintaining the various rectories and vicarages in the diocese.

The diocese estimates that the cost in 2025 of maintaining a full-time stipendiary minister (including overheads as outlined above) is £89,300 (Cost of Ministry). Although voluntary, failure of the united benefices to meet this target would put at risk future clergy full time provision. Our ‘Cost of Ministry’ contribution to the PSF is effectively shared with St Peter’s Tandridge.

While the PCC sets the annual amount there is a guideline increase expected each year by the diocese. For 2025 an increase of 5.7% was suggested. but the PCC chose an increase of £1,000, 1.52% which was acceptable to the diocese.

4. STAFF COSTS AND PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS

As the Parish Administrator, Mrs N. Copp, who is a member of the PCC, was paid £9,567 (2024: £7,732) reflecting additional hours worked. St. Mary's PCC was reimbursed 28% of these costs together with Parish Office expenses by St. Peter's, Tandridge PCC. The PCC also made ex-gratia payment to the organist and incidental small vergers fees to various church members. The total paid was £5,838 (2024: £2,240). No other payments were made.

5. FIXED ASSETS (RESTRICTED FUND)

Cost or Valuation
Oxted Community Hall
1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025
Accumulated Depreciation
1 January 2025
Charge in the year
31 December 2025
Net Book value
31 December2025
31 December 2024		 Building
£
Fittings
£
Total
£
640,000
43,367
683,367
200.800
25,240
226,040
12,800
2,337
15,137
213,600
27,577
241,177
426,400
15,790
442,190
439,200
18,127
457,327

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

6. DEBTORS

Unrestricted fund
Tax recoverable under Gift Aid
St Peter’s Tandridge
Other
7. CASH AT BANK
Unrestricted fund
Restricted fund -
Organ Fund
Restricted fund-
Church Fund		 2025
2024
£
£
3,858
3,914
1,401
2,236
624
1,042
5,883
7,192
2025
2024
£
£
76,032
44,613
-
12,710
36,892
24,571
112,924
66,872

Unrestricted fund cash represents 34 weeks (last year 22 weeks) of ordinary expenditure.

8. CREDITORS

Unrestricted fund
Oxted Community Hall deferred income
Accruals
Restricted fund
Church Fund		 2025
2024
£
£
1,250
1,250
2,239
2,130
-
8,385
3,489
11,765

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

9. RESTRICTED FUNDS

10.
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
2025
2024
£
£
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources
22,860
45
LessBuilding&Equipment
-
(4,846)
Adddepreciation
15,137
15,136
Movement in workingcapital
(6,967)
4,687
Net Cash Flow
31,030
15,022
Cash andshort-termdeposits as at 1Jan 25
81,894
66,872
Cash and short-termdeposits asat 31Dec 25
112,924
81,894
Church
Building
Fund
Organ
Fund
Pew
Cushions
Oxted
Community
Hall
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Opening balance 1 Jan 25
16,188
12,710
-
457,325
486,22
3
Incoming resources
34,761
5,012
2,795
3,000
45,568
Resources expended
(19,057)
(17,268)
(6,120)
(3,000)
(45,445
)
Depreciation
-
-
-
(15,137)
(15,137
)
From/(To) unrestricted
fund
5,000
(454)
3,325
2
7,873
Closing Balance 31 Dec
25
36,892
-
-
442,190
479,08
2		 Church
Building
Fund
Organ
Fund
Pew
Cushions
Oxted
Community
Hall
Total
£
£
£
£
£
16,188
12,710
-
457,325
486,22
3
34,761
5,012
2,795
3,000
45,568
(19,057)
(17,268)
(6,120)
(3,000)
(45,445
)
-
-
-
(15,137)
(15,137
)
5,000
(454)
3,325
2
7,873		 Church
Building
Fund
Organ
Fund
Pew
Cushions
Oxted
Community
Hall
Total
£
£
£
£
£
16,188
12,710
-
457,325
486,22
3
34,761
5,012
2,795
3,000
45,568
(19,057)
(17,268)
(6,120)
(3,000)
(45,445
)
-
-
-
(15,137)
(15,137
)
5,000
(454)
3,325
2
7,873
36,892
-		 -
442,190
479,08
2
2025
2024
£
£
22,860
45
-
(4,846)
15,137
15,136
(6,967)
4,687
31,030
15,022
81,894
66,872
112,924
81,894

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary's Church Oxted Annual Report 2025 Parochial Church Councll of SL Mary's. Oxted INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THEPAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARYS, OXTED. l ￿port on tt)e accounts for the year ended 31* December 2024 which are Set out on pages 1 to 7. Re¥poCtive Mponsibilit￿ of th• PCC and Independ¢nt Examlner The rne￿be[s of the PCC consider that an audit Is not Nu1￿1 for thi$ year under se¢lion 144121 of the Charitie$ Act 2011 (the 2011 A¢tl b u t that an independent exarnination is n￿ed. It 15 tny responsibility to exarnine th8 accounts under $8ction 145 of the 2011 Act follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions givèn by the Charity Comffli55ioners section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. antl state bvhether particuL4r rnattets have come to ry attentK)n Basis of Independent Examinèrfs Statsment My examination was Carr￿ out in ￿rda[￿8 with the General Oirections given by the Charity Co[nm￿s1oll. An exarninat￿￿ includes a review of the a¢¢ountin9 ￿(X)rdS kept by the PCC and a comparison of the a¢￿Vnts presented with those records It also includes consideration of any unusual rterns or disc105ures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the managementcornmittee concerning any such matters. The PrO￿u[e5 undertaken do not provicse all the evidence that would be reouired In a fvll audit. and Consequenuy I do not express an audit Opin￿Tr on the accounts Ind•p•nd¢nl Examlnerf8 Statement In connects.on With my examinaton. no matters have to my attentKJn which give me reasonable rAuse to believe that in any material respect the rtguirements to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act". ( to prepare accounts which accoid wrth these accountsng records have not been met, ¢y to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in ordef to enable a proper unt5erstanding of the accounts to be reached. JTrfe JUl￿TaY10r 11 March 2026 PCC Accounts 2025 Page7of7 10.03.2026 Knowing Christ l Growing Community li Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Minutes from the Annual Vestry Meeting 2025

St. Mary’s Church Oxted

Held on Sunday 4[th] May 2025 in The_Space Oxted Community Hall

Present: The Revd James Ashton chaired the meeting attended by 41 parishioners.

The Meeting opened with a prayer led by Revd James Ashton

2. Apologies for absence:

Richard Adamson, Emma Church, Austin Copp, John Kempton and Xavier Copp

3. Approval of Minutes of 2024 APCM

The minutes of the 2024 APCM were approved by all those present.

Proposed by Martin Fisher and Seconded by Catharina Hickson

4. Election of Churchwardens

Revd. James Ashton informed those present that Austin Copp was standing down from his role as Churchwarden and he thanked Austin for the vital role he has played within the church over the last 4 years.

Robin Hickson has agreed to stand as a Churchwarden.

Proposed by Roger Hewitt and seconded by Joyce Forde-Hill.

James thanked Robin for agreeing to be Churchwarden.

Ed Kyte continues to stand for a second year as Churchwarden.

End of Annual Vestry Meeting

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 4[th] May 2025

Held in The_Space Oxted Community Hall

  1. Matters Arising from 2024 minutes.

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

There were no matters arising from the minutes taken in 2024 and these were agreed by all those present and duly signed by Revd. James Ashton.

2. Elections

The following people stepped down from the PCC for 2025 Austin Copp (Churchwarden) Joyce Forde-Hill Xavier Copp

The following person was duly elected onto the PCC Stuart Murden Proposed by Jock Muir Seconded by Valerie Adamson

Sidespeople/welcomers

Valerie Adamson, Martin Fisher, Catharina Hickson, Stuart Murden, Alison Murden, Austin Copp, Robin Hickson, Ed Kyte, Sue Mallinson, Elizabeth Richards and Paul Showler

Verger – Natasha Copp

The above names were read out to those present and all were duly elected, Proposed by Stuart Murden Seconded by Joyce Ford- Hill

3. Team Rector’s Comments

The Revd James Ashton said that in addition to his comments in the Annual Report, he would like to reiterate his thanks to everyone who helps in any with church life and in particular Natasha Copp, who in her role as parish administrator, works extremely hard and goes above and beyond merging everything she does with also being also a church member.

JA thanked Katharine Nockles for all her work as safeguarding officer especially in what has been a difficult year in the Church of England. KN has led us through with diligence and care.

JA then went on to talk of the 5 Marks of Mission of the wider church – Tell, Teach, Tend, Transfer and Treasure and how we can embody these principals in our church and wider community.

JA expressed his thanks to his lovely family and especially his wife Chloe who is always supportive.

Knowing Christ ¦ Growing Community ¦ Renewing Heritage

St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

Jock Muir then gave those present an update on the organ repairs assuring everyone that the organ builder had a very good pedigree and because of that a heavy workload and was endeavouring to fit the organ repairs in around is other commitments. It is hoped that work will be completed by the summer.

At this point JA informed those present that Ian Skipper had accepted the role of Musical Director for St. Mary’s.

Rod Hudson had come to the end of his time with St. Mary’s at the beginning of 2025 and it was hoped that an opportunity would arise to thank him for his 50 years of service.

4.1 Elector Roll Report

Paul Shillito informed everyone present that there were 87 currently on the Electoral Roll.

4.2 Treasurer’s Report

Martin Fisher opened his comments with his grateful thanks to James and Chloe reiterating what others have said and adding that he has never know such a dedicated and supportive couple in all his time in the church.

MF then went on to note that the deficit has been reduced and we have halved the rate of loss but this hasn’t got us in the clear. The 3 year predication is that we will still run out of money and currently it is the legacies that are keeping us in the black. He thanked everyone who gives regularly via standing order and also thanked Robin Hickson who stood in at the last minute as an independent auditor for the church accounts this year. However, having taken on the role of churchwarden this would then rule him out for next year. MF noted his

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St. Mary’s Church Oxted Annual Report 2025

first priority for giving was always the Parish Support Fund as although this is voluntary it ensures that we still have our clergy.

Questions – When asked how short we were on the cushion fund, MF said we were approximately half way there.

Easy Fundraising take up had received approximately £200. JF-H suggested maybe we need to remind people.

JA thanked MF for all his work as church Treasurer.

Any other business:

PS asked when the church was open and if there was any concern over possible vandalism. JA said he has always been very keen to keep the church open, anything of value has been put away and also that ecclesiastical insurance actually encourages churches to be kept open as this discouraged break-ins which can actually sometimes cause more damage.

The meeting then closed with The Grace

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