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2024-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Lapworth (St Mary's PCC)

Report and Financial Statements

31 December 2024

Charity number: 1165322

St Mary's PCC Report and Financial Statements Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1 - 2
Annual report 3 - 10
Report of the Independent Examiner 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Cash flow statement 14
Notes forming part of the financial statements 15 - 21
Additional information 22 - 24
(does not form part of the financial statements)

St Mary's PCC Legal and administrative information

Rector Revd P H Gerard MSc BA The Rectory
Church Lane
Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 782098) B94 5NX
Churchwardens Mrs E M Kenny 8 Heyford Grove
Solihull
West Midlands
(Tel: 0121 704 3784) B91 3XX
Mr M E T Parkes The Crofts
Netherwood Lane
Chadwick End
(Tel: 01564 783189) B93 0BD
Secretary Mrs K Baines GradDipPhys MCSP 18 Kingswood Close
Lapworth
(Tel: 07976 969146) B94 6JQ
Treasurer Mr A I Jackson 175 Station Lane
BEng MBA CEng FSOE FIPlantE Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 783028) B94 6JG
Electoral Roll Officer & Mrs N Aslin Tapster Way
Envelope Scheme Church Lane
Secretary (Tel: 01564 783107) Lapworth
B94 5NX
Verger/Sexton Mrs M Twelftree The Clerks House
Church Lane
Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 784465) B94 5NX
Parish Safeguarding Mrs D A C Hill BEd, NPQH, BA 168 Station Lane
Co-ordinator Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 782218) B94 6JH
Magazine Editor and Mr D Bush parishmagnews@hotmail.com
Production Officer
Magazine Mrs V Davies Vdavies1@hotmail.co.uk
Advertisements

1

St Mary's PCC Legal and administrative information

Bellringers' Captain Mr J Cranmer Jubilee Cottages
Old Warwick Road
Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 782425) B94 6AZ
Organist and Mr R Binnie Dip. Mus. Ed. R.S.A.M. 17 Warmington Grove
Choirmaster Warwick
(Tel: 01926 408778) CV34 5RZ
Independent examiner Dr J R Ayling BSc FCA 8 Troutbeck Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV32 6NE
Principal Office The Rectory
Church Lane
Lapworth
B94 5NX
Bankers HSBC Bank Plc Lloyds Bank Plc
PO Box 68 PO Box 1000
130 New Street Andover
Birmingham, B2 4JU BX1 1LT
CCLA Investment Management Limited Virgin Money
The CBF Church of England Funds Jubilee House
Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne
London, EC4V 4ET NE3 4PL
Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide House
Pipers Way
Swindon, SN38 1NW

2

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

The Parochial Church Council presents its report and financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2024.

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Lapworth (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Revd P H Gerard, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin Lapworth (St Mary's).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Mary's. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

l Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

l Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.

l Missionary and outreach work.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Mary's Lapworth.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Congregation

Congregation numbers continue to be lower than before the covid pandemic. In particularly the church’s relationship with young families is weaker than before the pandemic.

The pattern of services is now typically one Sunday service at 11 am, a midweek morning eucharist at 10 am on Wednesday, with the Rector saying Morning and Evening Prayer at 8:30 am and 5 pm respectively Monday to Thursday. There is also an informal service on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 9:30am and a Toddler Praise service on the last Friday of the month.

Recording of services

A recorded service was made available for nearly every Sunday throughout 2024. This has usually been the 11am choral service. The viewing numbers for recorded services on YouTube have been between 20 and 80.

Music and Choir

The centuries-old Anglican choral tradition continues to thrive at St. Mary’s, Lapworth. Throughout the year the choir has made a strong contribution to the worship of the church, and under the direction of, Ron Binnie. It has been gratifying that so many members of the congregation regularly say how much they appreciate the music. The choir would like to take this opportunity to thank the congregation and, in particular, the Rector for their continued support. Thanks to the choir members should be recorded for coping with the demands made upon them. The choir has continued to learn new music, including some specially composed for the choir.

This year we welcomed our new Organ Scholar, Polly Rumble. One of the joys for the organist at St Mary’s is being able to spend time coaching Organ Scholars and watching them develop their musicianship skills.

Our junior choir, though small, continues to flourish and the young voices have certainly brightened up many an anthem throughout the year.

3

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Church Organ

January 2024 saw prolonged PCC discussions into the two tenders submitted for a full rebuild and if a full rebuild was the appropriate course of action. These discussions resulted in a majority decision by the PCC to pursue a full rebuild carried out by the Bishops of London. A resolution was passed to seek a faculty for the organ rebuild according to the Bishops’ specification. After a difficult application process the faculty was finally approved in December. Fund-raising for the organ has continued, with the PCC receiving a second substantial donation. By 31 December 2024 the PCC had £160,825 specifically for work on the organ, and an additional designated amount of £110,226.

Following a review of likely financial expenditure and the reserves policy, January 2025 saw the PCC agree to commence rebuilding of the organ with a target completion date of December 2025.

Church Bells

We continue to enjoy the church bells being rung before our main services by our bell ringers ably led by John Cranmer. We would also like to thank John and his team for installing our new set of bell ropes.

Flower Guild

Under the leadership and guidance of Margaret Braddock, the Flower Guild has organised fresh flowers each week for the church. Displays for Easter, Remembrance, Christmas and four weddings were carefully arranged. Flower arrangements were supplied for the parish lunches and the Christmas Fayre. Thanks to the whole team.

Outreach

St Mary’s offers several services which should be readily accessible to newcomers. These include:

The Rector takes Monday morning assemblies at Lapworth CofE Primary School.

The school held two end of term services in church. The PCC pays for the coaches that bring children to and from the school.

The Parish Magazine is delivered to almost every property in the parish. Connections into the community are built through baptisms, weddings and funerals. Social events, such as Parish Lunches and churchyard working parties, contribute to outreach. It is expected that the rebuilt church organ will make the church significantly more attractive to church musicians, who in turn will attract choir members and junior choir members.

A social media presence would help the church to better engage with adults of working age.

Occasional Offices (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals)

During 2024 we had six infant baptisms, four weddings and two funerals in church, and five interments of ashes

Electoral Roll

The electoral roll stands at 110 people, about half of whom live outside the parish

4

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Social Events

Well attended parish lunches were held on 4th February 2024, 3rd March 2024 (Lenten lunch), 12th May 2024, 8th September 2024 and 10th November 2024 (Remembrance Day). The Lenten Lunch raised £455 for the Go Beyond Charity. Our thanks to Di Williams and her team for organising and serving excellent food.

On 9th May 2024 an Ascension Day service was held at St Mary’s with the cluster churches. This was followed by wine and nibbles after the service, which provided an excellent opportunity for members of the cluster churches to socialise.

Afternoon tea was organised for the 13th July, which raised £500 plus an additional £71 from plant sales. All of this was for the organ fund.

Lorraine Tobin and her team organised a successful Harvest Supper in the Old School on 5th October 2024. All proceeds were for the organ fund.

Refreshments were served in church after the family service on the first Sunday of the month and prior to each parish lunch. Refreshments and Simnel cake were served in the Old School after the Mothering Sunday service, the Hot Cross bun family service on Good Friday and the Easter Day service.

Mulled wine and mince pies were served in the Old School after the Carol Service.

The annual Christmas Fayre was held in the Village Hall on 23rd November 2024. The fayre was very well attended and the proceeds totalled £1,539. Thanks were due to Sally and Mike Parkes who organised the event, the many stallholders and all those who contributed to such a successful event.

The PCC

The PCC now has fourteen members with Mr Joel Whitehouse resigning in December due to work commitments. The PCC met eight times in 2024 including two joint meetings with Baddesley Clinton and Packwood PCCs as part of the new Oversight Area.

Transforming Church Action Planning (TCAP)

A joint meeting with Packwood PCC in February 2024 facilitated by the Diocesan facilitators took place to reactivate the TCAP process for both PCCs, but there has been no further progress since.

Developing Ministry

In March 2024 the Rector presented to the PCC the Growing Gifts diocesan programme for training lay people to lead worship or to preach, but not both. Elizabeth Clayden was proposed as a suitable candidate. In May 2024. the PCC passed a resolution for the support of Elizabeth to be put forward for training. A job description for Elizabeth’s role was proposed and agreed by the PCC in September 2024. The Rector authorised Elizabeth as a Lay Preacher in the Christingle Service on 1st December 2024.

Michele Twelftree finalised her Reader training in 2024. She was licenced at Birmingham Cathedral on the 8th February 2025.

Linda Carter (retired Vicar) moved to the area in late 2024. She will take some services, initially at Packwood and Baddesley and later at Lapworth.

People and Places

The first joint PCC meeting of the Oversight Area was completed in January 2024 and saw an agreement for the new name to be the Baddesley Clinton, Lapworth and Packwood Oversight Area to recognise all three parishes and no loss of identity.

The Rector was licenced as Priest-in-Charge for Packwood on 29th September 2024. This was preceded by a three parish walk completed by approximately 26 parishioners walking from Baddesley Clinton to St Mary’s Lapworth and then on to St Giles at Packwood. Following the service, 70 parishioners of all three parishes enjoyed a buffet meal at Lapworth Old School. Thanks to Norma Aslin and team for organising this.

5

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Parish Magazine

From February 2024, the magazine has been published for the three parishes of the Oversight Area. It is now larger in volume, with more content covering all three parishes. Our thanks to Derek Bush who edits the magazine, Val Davies who arranges advertising and Norma Aslin who bills all the advertising.

The circulation is now approximately 1220.

Churchyard

Churchyard working parties, complete with lunch and refreshments were held in March and October when much good work was done. A leaf clearing day took place in December.

Eco church

There has been little progress with Eco matters in the 12 months following the attainment of the silver award. Mike Parkes is considering the idea of setting up an “Eco Group” between the three parishes of the Oversight Area.

Church Clock

The church clock remains temperamental although predominantly working in 2024.

Safeguarding

The Rector and Parish Safeguarding-Co-ordinator continue to use the Safeguarding Dashboard to monitor safeguarding across the parish. Our thanks to Sophie Mathieson, Parish Identity Checker, for the DBS checks. The Rector has kept the PCC informed of its position on the Safeguarding Dashboard.

Deanery Synod and Chapter

On 24th February, the first session focused on the overview of the Birmingham diocese by the Director of Finance. The general overview was that the Diocese was experiencing the aftereffects of COVID, with lower church attendances and financial contributions. Parishes were asked to ensure their contributions were made on time. An update on the Net Zero and Environment programme was experienced. Ben Smith is now the full-time person appointed to help churches to decarbonise and to be able to cut fuel bills.

On 25th March at Holy Trinity Church, the Growing Gifts Programme was presented to the Synod. This is an opportunity for the Lay people who are identified as having particular gifts to lead public worship or preach. This programme aims to empower and enable lay people to share with licenced colleagues the ministry of leading worship or preaching. A nine week course will equip lay people to support licenced colleagues.

On June 12th, members of the Bishops Youth Synod visited and spoke about how to encourage youth to join and share in church sessions and events. Many youngsters were involved in sports and other activities, which caused them to miss church.

On 17th October, the Synod met at St James the Great, Shirley. The Growing Gifts programme was discussed and some use of the programme mentioned. Tom Spicer – children and family ECO church enabler for the Deanery- spoke about his role. Catherine Egan, the Diocesan Environmental Advisor, updated the Synod on ECP matters. 87% had completed the energy footprint. ECO church questions and structures have changed to be in line with church aims. St James the Great have been invited to apply for Net Zero funding in regard to their infra-red Chandeliers.

Clerk's House

The PCC is grateful to the Lapworth Charity, which makes the Clerk's House available to the PCC for the verger’s accommodation. This is on a lease, which runs until 20th October 2041 at a peppercorn rent.

6

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Church Building

Following the Quinquennial report in 2023, a project has been completed to refit the grills in the windows in the tower steeple. This has successfully stopped pigeons from roosting in the steeple so there is no longer a problem of the mess produced by the birds. Our thanks go particularly to John and Lynda Cranmer who carried out the work, with the assistance of Mike Parkes who held the bottom of the ladder.

A structural survey of the boundary wall has been completed. This has shown the need for maintenance and repair between the old churchyard and Church Lane. Part of the wall is grade 1 listed and therefore a faculty must be applied for from the Diocese. This tends to be a long and drawn-out process, so progress with the project is likely to be slow.

Remaining necessary work, where completion is desirable by May 2028, is stonework repairs on the North and South outer aspects of the building. Architects have been instructed to project manage this. This is in the early stage, with an initial meeting to discuss the project planned for late March 2025.

The installation of a new sound system in St Mary’s was finally completed in December 2024, happily in time for the Christmas services. This involved new high-quality microphones by the lectern and the pulpit, a new lapel microphone for the priest in charge of services and a new roaming microphone. Sound is transmitted through a new amplifier to new high-quality speakers located two in each of the North and South aisles and on in the choir area. It also involved an update in the loop hearing system. This has proved to be a great success much improving the sound in the church, especially for members of the congregation who are hard of hearing. It also includes a Bluetooth receiver through which music can be played and will be especially useful for special services such as weddings and funerals.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary

Both total income and expenditure decreased in 2024. The decreased income was largely because of higher restricted donations specifically for the organ in 2023. Excluding restricted income specifically for the organ, income increased by around 2%. The decrease in expenditure was around 7%.

The PCC considers it has three categories of income and expenditure. These are the day to day running of St Mary’s (“Regular Church Activities”), the maintenance of the church building’s fabric (“Fabric Maintenance”) and “Other Activities”, the income for which is mostly donations received that have specific restrictions as to how the money is used.

Regular Church Activities income was £88,685 (2023: £91,893) with expenditure of £89,201 (2023: £95,912), giving a deficit of £516 (2023: deficit of £4,019).

Fabric Maintenance saw a deficit of £1,150 (2023: deficit of £619). Based on the 2023 quinquennial report, future fabric maintenance expenditure needed to be completed by May 2028 is now budgeted at £67,000, which means the PCC has sufficient reserves available for such work.

Other Activities income, which includes the restricted donations specifically for the organ, was £69,179 (2023: £108,133). Expenditure was £11,329 (2023: £12,738) giving a surplus of £57,850 (2023: surplus of £95,395).

Financial statements

Total receipts to unrestricted funds were £88,685 (2023: £91,893) of which £26,411 (2023: £28,135) arose from Christian stewardship, £3,480 (2023: £3,277) was made from loose plate collections and £27,125 (2023: £26,897) was from donations and appeals. Total restricted income was £69,246 (2023: £108,234) of which £62,980 (2023: £105,384) was from donations and appeals. Included within the total reported income was Gift Aid income of £8,618 (2023: £8,321).

The PCC envisages that it will have to continue financing its activities through the existing sources of income; giving by the congregation, fees, donations from outside bodies and the income received from its financial reserves. The PCC is grateful for the ongoing support it receives from the Lapworth Charity and the Willson Memorial Trust.

Church running and maintenance costs were £28,043 (2023: £28,870).

7

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Financial statements (continued)

The contribution to the Diocesan parish share of £41,028 (2023: £49,015) largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy. The sum that the churches in the Diocese have to find is shared between the churches to a formula.

The Diocese has reviewed its methodologies for calculating the sum that the churches in the Diocese are to be asked to find. Starting in 2025, the churches in the Diocese are being asked to contribute an amount based on the number of clergy in the parish. For St Mary’s the number of clergy has been set at 0.4 reflecting that it is now part of an oversight area.

The net movement on unrestricted funds was a decrease of £249 (2023: decrease of £480).

During the year, the total fund balances increased from £360,937 to £420,175, of which £191,912 (2023: £192,161) is unrestricted.

Through donations received from the congregation and giving at the PCC's discretion, donations totalling £3,979 (2023: £3,937) were made. Of this, one (2023: no) donation was over £1,000. This was for the hire of buses to transport Lapworth School’s pupils to and from St Mary’s for the end of term services. The PCC is grateful to Bill and Kay Baily for organising The Children's Society collection, which was through members of the congregation having collection boxes throughout the year.

The principal financial management policies of the PCC continue to be the prompt banking of offertories and other income, the timely payment of invoices and regular monitoring of the cash flow position.

Reserves policy

Free reserves exclude restricted income funds, endowment funds, and designated funds already committed for essential future spending. For 2025, the PCC has estimated this to be a minimum of £22,000 (2023 for 2024: £27,000). It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the yearend was £119,964 (2023: £143,754), which is greater than the minimum balance.

Where the balance has been sufficiently higher than the minimum balance, the PCC has tried to further assist the Diocese by making its full Diocesan parish share contribution in January of the particular financial year. Full payment for the 2024 financial year was made in January 2024. The PCC has informed the Diocese that for 2025 payment will be made on a monthly basis.

In 2024 The Willson Memorial Trust requested that, on 1 January 2025 the carrying value of investments be all of the Willson Memorial Trust funds held by the PCC. This increased the balance of the PCC’s free reserves on 1 January 2025 to £162,832 (31 December 2024: £119,964).

No minimum balance is set for any of the restricted funds, other than none of the individual funds being in deficit.

In January 2025 the PCC received a further £8,000 restricted for the organ rebuild, giving a total of £168,825. With a remaining estimated total cost of £270,000, the PCC agreed to ring fence £101,000 of its unrestricted funds for the organ rebuild and £67,000 for the remaining quinquennial needing to be completed before May 2028, together with having free reserves of £22,000. A total requirement of £190,000. Total unrestricted reserves on 31 December 2024 were £191,912.

The PCC's main approach to managing risk, associated with holding reserves, is to spread the holding across a number of financial institutions, which at 31 December 2024 totalled five (2023: five).

8

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

VOLUNTEERS

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is. We would like to thank our churchwardens, Mrs Kenny and Mr Parkes who have worked so tirelessly on our behalf. Thanks are also due to Mrs Aslin, Mrs Baines and Mr Jackson who work hard as our Electoral Roll Officer & Envelope Scheme Secretary, PCC Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 and is a registered charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Synodical Government Measure 1969 Schedule III - Church Representation Rules, as amended. At St Mary's the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our rector), churchwardens, the deanery synod representatives and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral role of the church. All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC.

The full PCC met eight times during the year.

Lapworth PCC has two related trusts, which are:

The charitable objects of this trust are for the benefit of St Mary’s Church, Lapworth and the community without distinction of political, religious or other opinion including use for meetings, lectures and classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupations with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said community. Members of the Lapworth Parochial Church Council who are also Trustees of the Old School Trust are Mrs K Baines, Revd P H Gerard, Mr A I Jackson, Mrs E M Kenny Mr M E T Parkes, and Mr H O Roberts

On the 31st December 1998 the PCC donated funds of £75,411 to the above Trust. The objects of the Trust are for the benefit of St. Mary’s Church, Lapworth, Warwickshire and the community. Members of the Lapworth Parochial Church Council who are also Trustees of the Willson Memorial Trust are Mrs K Baines, Revd P H Gerard, Mr A I Jackson, Mrs E M Kenny and Mr M E T Parkes.

On the 6th September 1999 the objects of the Trust were amended to read “The furtherance of the religious and other charitable purposes of the Church of England in the Parish of Lapworth”. Since 2004 all income received by the Trust has been given to the PCC.

The PCC holds cash and investments, as custodian Trustee, on behalf of the Lapworth Old School Trust (LOST) and the Willson Memorial Trust (WMT). The procedures employed by the PCC to safeguard its own assets are extended to those funds belonging to the LOST and the WMT. Separate accounting records are maintained for each of these Trusts which may be used to indicate, when required, the amount of funds in the PCC's bank accounts which belong to the LOST and the WMT respectively. Details of the amounts held at the yearend for each of these funds are given in note 10 of the financial statements.

9

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Saint Mary The Virgin Lapworth (St. Mary’s) is the Church of England church serving the local communities in and around the village of Lapworth, Warwickshire. It is part of the Diocese of Birmingham within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Church Lane, Lapworth, Solihull, B94 5NX. Registered charity number 1165322.

PCC members who have served from 1 January 2024 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex Officio members:

Revd P H Gerard Rector and Deanery Synod Representative Mr M E T Parkes Churchwarden Mrs E M Kenny Churchwarden Mrs N Aslin Electoral Roll Officer Mrs K Baines Secretary

Elected members:

Mrs N Aslin Electoral Roll Officer Mrs K Baines Secretary Mrs J S Barnfield Mr L A Carver Mr A I Jackson Treasurer Mr I T Knowles Deanery Synod Representative Miss E Pinnells PCC Vice Chair Mr H O Roberts Deanery Synod Representative Mrs J Tookey Mrs M Twelftree Deanery Synod Representative Mrs D Waldron Deanery Synod Representative Mr J Whitehouse (resigned December 2024)

Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by:

The Revd P H Gerard

Date

10

Independent examiner's report To the Trustees of St Mary's PCC

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 12 to 21.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Dr J R Ayling BSc FCA Fellow of the ICAEW 8 Troutbeck Avenue Leamington Spa CV32 6NE

18th March 2025

Date

11

St Mary's PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
Total income
EXPENDITURE
4a
4b
Total expenditure
Net gains on investments
8, 11
Gross transfers between funds
11
Net movement in funds
Balance at 1 January
11
Balance at 31 December
11
Voluntary income
Activities for generating funds
Income from investments
Church activities
Church activities
Raising funds
Other
Net income / (expenditure) before investment
gains		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
64,489
10,675
6,009
7,309
203
88,685
89,954
413
90,367
(1,682)
1,376
57
(249)
192,161
191,912		 Restricted
Funds
£
62,980
-
6,266
-
-
69,246
11,135
245
11,380
57,866
1,678
(57)
59,487
168,776
228,263		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
127,469
172,887
10,675
11,269
12,275
7,425
7,309
8,546
203
-
157,931
200,127
101,089
107,978
658
1,392
101,747
109,370
56,184
90,757
3,054
8,015
-
-
59,238
98,772
360,937
262,165
420,175
360,937

There are no gains or losses for this or the prior year other than those disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities. All income and expenditure arises from continuing activities.

12

St Mary's PCC Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
10
Net current assets
Funds
11
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total charity funds
Total assets less current liabilities
being total net assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year		 31 December 2024
31 December 2023
£
£
£
£
167,676
163,344
12,124
11,132
413,293
462,764
425,417
473,896
(172,918)
(276,303)
252,499
197,593
420,175
360,937
228,263
168,776
191,912
192,161
420,175
360,937
425,417
(172,918)

Approved by St Mary's PCC and signed on their behalf by:

Revd P H Gerard

Date

13

St Mary's PCC Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2024

Cashflows from operating activities
Net income before investment gains
Adjustments for:
Dividends, interest and income from investments
Investment gain allocated to WMT & LOST
Increase in debtors
(Decrease) / increase in creditors
Net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and income from investments
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Analysis of changes in net debt and cash balances
Cash		 Notes
£
£
56,184
90,757
3c
(12,275)
(7,425)
8
(1,278)
(6,165)
9
(992)
(334)
10
(103,385)
3,878
(61,746)
80,711
3c
12,275
7,425
12,275
7,425
(49,471)
88,136
462,764
374,628
413,293
462,764
413,293
462,764
At start of
year
Cash flows
At end of year
£
£
£
462,764
(49,471)
413,293
Year ended 31
December 2023
Year ended 31
December 2024

14

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations' "true and fair view" provisions, together with FRS102 (2019) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2019 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS102)). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at fair value.

{a} Recognition of income and endowments

Income and endowments are recognised when the PCC becomes legally entitled to the use of the resources; and the inflow of economic benefit is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Grants and donations are included in the SOFA when any preconditions preventing their use by the PCC have been met. For collections and planned giving this is when the funds are received. Gift aid and other tax claims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable. Investment gains and losses include any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised.

{b} Recognition of expenditure and liabilities

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Governance costs include the costs of preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the cost of PCC meetings and the cost of any legal advice to the PCC on governance or constitutional matters.

{c} Assets

In so far as consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of "charity" by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements. Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange, or whose value derives from them, are valued at market value at the yearend. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove un-collectable.

{d} Funds

Restricted funds are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts. Unrestricted funds represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for spending on a future project.

2 Going concern

To assess the ability of the charity to operate as a going concern, the Trustees must consider the period ending 12 months after the date the financial statements are signed. In doing this, the Trustees have taken into account the following: the plan to rebuild the organ at an estimated total cost of £270,000; the estimated cost of the remaining necessary quinquennial works of £67,000; maintaining sufficient free reserves to support the ongoing day-to-day operations of the PCC (estimated as £22,000). Shortly after the 31 December 2024 yearend, the PCC acquired a donation of £8,000 ensuring that it had adequate funds to meet these financial demands in the short term. Furthermore, the remaining quinquennial works have a desirable completion date of May 2028, with expected costs of only £13,000 being incurred in the next 12 months. Fundraising projects to further boost the reserves are ongoing. As a consequence, the Trustees believe that at 31 December 2024 there are no material uncertainties as to the PCC's ability to continue as a going concern.

15

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

3
Income and endowments
3a
Voluntary income
Planned giving
Christian stewardship
Collections
Loose plate collections
Donations and appeals
Lapworth Charity
Willson Memorial Trust
Flower fund
Organ restoration
Other donations
Legacies
3b
Activities for generating funds
Parish magazine advertising
Christmas Fayre
Other fundraising activities
3c
Income from investments
Bank interest
Dividends received
3d
Church activities
Fees for weddings and funerals
Parish magazine sales
3e
Other
VAT refund
Total income and endowments
Tax recoverable on collections
Tax recoverable on planned
giving
Tax recoverable on donations
and appeals		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
26,411
33,132
3,480
4,232
20,000
3,757
2,630
-
738
27,125
-
64,489
9,060
1,539
76
10,675
4,270
1,739
6,009
4,376
2,933
7,309
203
88,685
6,721
752
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
58,180
3,655
62,980
-
62,980
-
-
-
-
4,453
1,813
6,266
-
-
-
-
69,246
-
1,145
-		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
26,411
28,135
33,132
35,307
3,480
3,277
4,232
4,090
20,000
20,000
3,757
2,709
2,630
2,822
58,180
102,401
4,393
4,013
90,105
132,281
-
1,209
127,469
172,887
9,060
6,901
1,539
1,700
76
2,668
10,675
11,269
8,723
4,706
3,552
2,719
12,275
7,425
4,376
4,993
2,933
3,553
7,309
8,546
203
-
157,931
200,127
752
1,145
336
813
7,172
6,721

16

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

4
Expenditure
Missionary and charitable giving
Ministry: Diocesan parish care
Common fund request
Common fund gift
Other ministry costs
Clergy expenses
Clergy housing
Other direct church costs
Church running & maintenance
General repairs
Church running costs
Organists and choir
Flower fund expenses
Major repairs
Stonework repairs
Organ restoration
Fabric repairs
Parish magazine costs
Churchyard upkeep
Cost of independent examination
Sundry expenses
4b
Christmas Fayre expenses
Other
Raising funds
Total resources expended
4a Church activities		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,168
34,866
6,162
559
438
1,230
5,225
9,477
5,736
2,624
-
-
1,166
12,577
5,526
2,200
-
89,954
113
300
413
90,367		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
476
-
-
4,818
-
163
-
-
3,291
-
-
2,387
-
-
11,135
-
245
245
11,380		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
2,168
1,794
34,866
38,080
6,162
10,935
1,035
1,266
438
733
1,230
1,102
10,043
10,864
9,477
9,306
5,899
6,096
2,624
2,604
-
719
3,291
6,937
1,166
-
12,577
10,060
7,913
5,464
2,200
2,015
-
3
101,089
107,978
113
100
545
1,292
658
1,392
101,747
109,370

5 Support costs

All support costs have been allocated to expenditure on church activities. As the sole charitable activity of the PCC is the promotion in the parish of the whole mission of the church, no further apportionment of support costs has been undertaken. The support costs have been allocated between the restricted and unrestricted funds as follows:

Clergy expenses
Clergy housing
Governance costs
Other ministry costs		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
559
438
2,200
3,197		 Restricted
Funds
£
476
-
-
476		 Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
1,035
1,266
438
733
2,200
2,015
3,673
4,014

Governance costs comprise the charge for the independent examination of the financial statements. No other remuneration was payable to the independent examiner in the year to 31 December 2024 (2023: £nil).

6 Staff

During the year the PCC had no employees (2023: none).

17

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

7 Trustees and related parties

Revd P H Gerard (Rector) received expenses of £566 (2023: £1,082) in respect of mileage charges, travel costs and other miscellaneous expenditure. £291 (2023: £178) was outstanding to him at the yearend in respect of these costs. Mrs M Twelftree, in carrying out the duties of Verger, has the use of the Clerk’s House and receives payments from third parties. With the exception of Revd P H Gerard and Mrs M Twelftree, none of the members of the PCC, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses in the year to 31 December 2024 (2023: £nil).

During the year ended 31 December 2024 restricted party donations of £250 were made to organ restoration fund 3 on the same basis as other donors to this fund. (In the year ended 31 December 2023 a donation of £200 was made by Mrs N Aslin (Trustee) for the purpose of printing service sheets.) Other unrestricted gifts of £7,652 (year ended 31 December 2023: £10,005) were made by the Trustees, or their immediate family.

All income earned in the year by The Willson Memorial Trust (WMT) has been donated to the Lapworth Parochial Church Council (LPCC). Amounts are shown in note 3 of these financial statements.

Lapworth Old School Trust (LOST) and WMT are each a party related to the LPCC by virtue of common Trustees. Members of the LPCC who are also Trustees of LOST and / or WMT are: Revd P H Gerard, Mr M E T Parkes, Mr H O Roberts, Mrs K Baines, Mrs E M Kenney and Mr A I Jackson.

The LPCC also acts as a custodian Trustee for LOST and WMT. Details of funds held in cash on behalf of LOST and WMT at the yearend are given in note 10 of these financial statements.

8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments Year ended
31 December 2024
£
Carrying value at beginning of year 163,344
Net gain on revaluation 4,332
Carrying value at the end of the year 167,676

The investments comprise common investment funds, of which 50% (2023: 49%) are based in the UK, and 50% (2023: 51%) overseas. The carrying value of investments at the year end is allocated between the PCC, Lapworth Old School Trust and the Willson Memorial Trust as follows:

31 December 2024 31 December 2023
£ £
St Mary's PCC 118,212 92,328
Lapworth Old School Trust - 39,961
The Willson Memorial Trust 49,464 31,055
167,676 163,344

The net gain on revaluation of investments is allocated between the PCC, Lapworth Old School Trust and the Willson Memorial Trust in accordance with each entity's share of the investments as follows:

Year ended Year ended
31 December 2024 31 December 2023
£ £
St Mary's PCC 3,054 8,015
Lapworth Old School Trust - 3,469
The Willson Memorial Trust 1,278 2,696
4,332 14,180

18

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024


for
the year ended 31 December 2024
9 Debtors 31 December 2024 31 December 2023
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 10,884 10,345
Other debtors 1,240 787
12,124 11,132
10 Creditors: amounts falling due 31 December 2024 31 December 2023
within one year £ £
Funds held in capacity as custodian trustee:
Lapworth Old School Trust 47,296 155,373
The Willson Memorial Trust 119,291 118,013
166,587 273,386
Trade creditors 2,458 -
Accruals and deferred income 3,873 2,917
172,918 276,303

The amounts shown above as owing to the Lapworth Old School Trust, and the Willson Memorial Trust represent the cash balances belonging to these funds which are held within its own bank accounts by the PCC in its capacity as custodian Trustee.

The movement in the funds of Lapworth Old School Trust and The Willson Memorial Trust held by the PCC are as follows:

Balance at the start of the year
Receipts
Payments
Investment gain / (loss)
Balance at the end of the year		 2024
2023
£
£
155,373
152,736
14,402
26,682
(122,479)
(27,514)
-
3,469
47,296
155,373
Lapworth Old School
Trust		 2024
2023
£
£
118,013
115,317
3,757
2,709
(3,757)
(2,709)
1,278
2,696
119,291
118,013
The Willson Memorial
Trust

19

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Summary of fund movements

Unrestricted funds
General
Fabric
Flower
Junior choir
Organ restoration (1)
Magazine
Restricted funds
Clock restoration
Car
Edith Mary Hudson
New churchyard
Junior choir
Fabric
Sound system
Organ
Organ restoration (2)
Organ restoration (3)		 Fund
balance
b/f
£
49,418
125,859
523
1,342
11,758
3,261		 £
69,491
4,035
2,647
44
379
12,089
Income &
endowments		 Expenditure
£
(74,000)
(1,166)
(2,624)
-
-
(12,577)		 Investment
gain
£
304
949
4
10
89
20		 Fund
transfers
£
£
(20,943)
24,270
(77,000)
52,677
-
550
-
1,396
98,000
110,226
-
2,793
57
191,912
-
5,077
-
2,214
(57)
2,107
-
57,751
-
289
-
-
-
-
(1,773)
-
-
153,991
1,773
6,834
(57)
228,263
-
420,175
Fund
balance
c/f
192,161 88,685 (90,367) 1,376
5,078
2,598
2,081
57,888
439
51
-
1,773
98,868
-		 160
76
67
1,827
11
-
4,569
-
53,990
8,546		 (198)
(476)
-
(2,387)
(163)
(51)
(4,569)
-
-
(3,536)		 37
16
16
423
2
-
-
-
1,133
51
168,776 69,246 (11,380) 1,678
360,937 157,931 (101,747) 3,054

The restricted funds are held for the following purposes:

20

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Summary of fund movements (continued)

Sufficient resources are held in an appropriate form to enable each fund to be applied in accordance with any restrictions.

12 Analysis of net assets by fund

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Fund balance		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
118,212
243,948
(170,248)
191,912		 Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
49,464
167,676
181,469
425,417
(2,670)
(172,918)
228,263
420,175

13 Post balance sheet event

On 20 January 2025 the PCC unanimously approved entering a contract with Bishops for the organ rebuild.

14 Controlling party and ultimate controlling party

The controlling party and ultimate controlling party of the Charity is the Board of Members of St Mary's PCC.

21

St Mary's PCC Additional information

This information does not form part of the financial statements of the Lapworth Parochial Church Council and has not been subject to an independent examiner's review.

1
Giving at the PCC's discretion:
Christian relief and development agencies
CMS
Birmingham Diocese Malawi Fund
Church Urban Fund
Additional Curates Society
Other
Lapworth School
Lapworth School Leavers
A Rocha UK
Crisis UK
Total giving at the PCC's discretion
Giving through donations from the congregation:
Christian relief and development agencies
Children's Society
Christian Aid
Other
Royal British Legion
Ukrainefest
Go Beyond
Total giving through donations from the congregation
Total Parish donations
External Giving		 £
100
200
100
-
400
1,440
128
100
100
1,768
2,168
932
141
1,073
283
-
455
738
1,811
3,979
Year ended
31 Dec 2024		 Year ended
31 Dec 2023
£
100
200
100
50
450
960
159
125
100
1,344
1,794
864
-
864
377
902
-
1,279
2,143
3,937

22

St Mary's PCC Additional information

2 Free reserves

Free reserves (page 8) have been calculated as follows:

Total unrestricted funds (note 11)
Less unrestricted investments:
St Mary's total share of
investments (note 8)
Less St Mary's restricted
investments (note 12)		 31 Dec 2024
£
118,212
(46,264)		 31 Dec 2024
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2023
£
£
£
191,912
192,161
92,328
(43,921)
(71,948)
(48,407)
119,964
143,754
3
Summary of the net expenditure
Income from regular church activities
Expenditure for regular church activities
Deficit on regular church activities
Income for fabric maintenance
Expenditure for fabric maintenance
Deficit on fabric maintenance
Income from other activities
Expenditure on other activities
Surplus from other activities
Net income before investment gains		 Year ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Dec 2023
£
£
88,685
91,893
(89,201)
(95,912)
(516)
(4,019)
67
101
(1,217)
(720)
(1,150)
(619)
69,179
108,133
(11,329)
(12,738)
57,850
95,395
56,184
90,757

23

St Mary's PCC Additional information

4 Budget for organ rebuild and quinquennial work

Budget for organ rebuild and quinquennial work
Organ rebuild £
Fund balance at 31 December 2024 of designated organ restoration fund (1) 110,226
Fund balance at 31 December 2024 of restricted organ restoration fund (2) 153,991
Fund balance at 31 December 2024 of restricted organ restoration fund (3) 6,834
Dedicated organ rebuild funds at 31 December 2024 271,051
Estimated cost of organ rebuild 270,000
Sufficient funds available
Free reserves £
Minimum target figure 22,000
General fund balance at 31 December 2024 24,270
General fund balance available for other uses 2,270
Sufficient funds available
Quinquennial work £
Unrestricted fabric fund balance at 31 December 2024 52,677
Other designated fund balances at 31 December 2024
(flower, junior choir and magazine funds)		 4,739
Additional organ rebuild donation received January 2025 allowing the release of
£8,000 from the designated organ fund (1) balance above.		 8,000
General fund available (see "free reserves" above) 2,270
Available quinquennial work funds at 31 December 2024 67,686
Estimated remaining quinquennial work to be completed by May 2028 67,000

Sufficient funds available

Cash reserves

To avoid exposure to investment risk, the Trustees require sufficient cash reserves available to cover free reserves (£22,000), quinquennial work (£67,000) and the organ rebuild (£270,000), giving a total of £359,000.

Following a request by the Willson Memorial Trust in 2024, on 1 January 2025 the carrying value of investments allocated to the Willson Memorial Trust became £119,291 (31 December 2024: £49,464), making the carrying value of investments allocated to the PCC £48,385 (31 December 2024: £118,212). This made the balance of the PCC’s cash reserves on 1 January 2025 £363,539 (31 December 2024: £293,712), which was sufficient to cover the £359,000 requirement. Calculations below.

Investments
Cash
Investments
Debtors
Cash
Creditors		 WMT
31.12.24
£
49,464
69,827
119,291
PCC
31.12.24
£
118,212
12,124
293,712
(3,873)
420,175		 Adjustment
£
69,827
(69,827)
-
Adjustment
£
(69,827)
-
69,827
-
-		 WMT
01.01.25
£
119,291
-
119,291
PCC
01.01.25
£
48,385
12,124
363,539
(3,873)
420,175

24