OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-12-31-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 2025

Charity number: 1165322

St Mary's PCC Report and Financial Statements Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1 - 2
Annual report 3 - 11
Report of the Independent Examiner 12
Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balance sheet 14
Cash flow statement 15
Notes forming part of the financial statements 16 - 22
Additional information 23 - 24
(does not form part of the financial statements)

St Mary's PCC Legal and administrative information

Rector Revd Canon P H Gerard MSc BA The Rectory
Church Lane
Lapworth
(Tel: 01564 782098) B94 5NX
Churchwarden 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
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
Bellringers' - Tower Mr J Cranmer Jubilee Cottages
Captain 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

1

St Mary's PCC Legal and administrative information

Independent examiner Dr J R Ayling BSc (Hons) 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 2025

The Parochial Church Council presents its report and financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2025.

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 Canon 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:

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

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

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 three end of term services in church. For all three occasions the PCC paid for the coaches that brought the children from and returned them back to the school.

The Parish Magazine is delivered to almost every property in the three parishes of the Oversight Area.

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, which 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.

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

The 8th of June saw 4 candidates from St. Mary’s confirmed at the cathedral.

Occasional Offices (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals)

During 2025 we had 5 infant baptisms, 10 weddings, 6 funerals in church, and 5 interments of ashes.

3

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Recording of services

A recorded service was made available for nearly every Sunday throughout 2025. This has usually been the 11am choral service. The viewing numbers for recorded services on YouTube have averaged 48 per service over the last 12 months.

Rector

Congratulations to the Rector for his appointment as a Canon by the Bishop.

Autumn 2025 (26th August - 25th November), saw the Rector take a well-earned sabbatical. Thanks to Rev Lynda Carter and Clare Kimpton for their work during the Rector’s sabbatical. Also, the visiting clergy and lay readers who covered services.

Electoral Roll

The electoral roll was totally redone in 2025 and now stands at 83 people (110 in 2024), of which 43 are residents and 40 live outside the parish.

Music and Choir

Our tradition of Anglican music continues to thrive at St Mary’s Lapworth, thanks in no small part to our Organist and Choirmaster, Ron Binnie, and our choristers. In addition to singing standard repertoire, by way of our contribution to the worship of the church, the choir continues to learn considerable amounts of new music. One of the most memorable moments of the year was the rendition of Risen Today! on Easter Sunday, with our organ scholar, Polly Rumble firmly in charge.

In July we were sorry to say goodbye to Polly Rumble, but delighted that she had secured the position of organ scholar at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. In September we welcomed two new organ scholars, Phillip and Alex Mitroi. While at an early stage in their organ journeys, they are already making a considerable contribution to our worship.

Church Bells

The bells were serviced in March by Taylors Bell Foundry, Loughborough. The Belfry and Steeple are free from pigeons, and all the bells are in fine working order.

There are four regular ringers at Lapworth to ring our six bells. We rely heavily, as do most country churches, on support from other teams to make up numbers. Our ringers also help out at other churches.

In 2025 the bells were rung for 8 weddings and by 4 groups of visitors. One group rang a quarter peal, which lasts for about 45 mins. The Girl Guides had a guided tour of the belfry, ringing chamber, and the Church.

Remembrance Sunday, through a joint effort with some of St. Giles Packwood’s ringers, had some muffled ringing at St Giles and St Mary’s.

We would like to thank our Tower Captain John Cranmer and all the campanologists who enable our bells ring out.

Flowers

Despite a reducing number of members of the Flower Guild, under the continuing leadership of Margaret Bradnock, St Mary’s has been beautifully decorated with floral arrangements throughout the year including all the major festivals of Easter, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday and Christmastide. In 2025 there were ten weddings at St Mary’s where the Flower Guild decorated the church. The PCC would like to record its thanks for the dedication of the team.

4

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Social Events

Five Parish lunches have been held during 2025. These included the Lent lunch in March, where all the food was donated and £160 was raised for the Marie Cure foundation. The Patronal lunch was in September and at the Remembrance Sunday lunch in November, where a number of visitors were invited, including the Buglers who played at the Remembrance Service.

A Harvest Supper was held in October, for which some members of the choir provided the entertainment.

Throughout the year coffee has been served in Church after the Family Service on the first Sunday of the month and also after the 10am Service on the first Wednesday of the month, to which a number of the Packwood congregation are welcomed.

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

Our thanks to all teams who help to organise and run these events all year.

The annual Christmas Fayre was held in the Village Hall on 22nd November 2025. The fayre was very well attended and the proceeds totalled £1,622. Thanks to Sally and Mike Parkes for organising the event, the many stallholders and all those who attended this successful event.

The PCC

The PCC met seven times in 2025.

- Safeguarding

Thank you to those people who have been keeping their Safeguarding training up to date.

The Annual day for Parish Safguarding officers had an emphasis on the awareness of Domestic Abuse and examples of good practice in addition to information about various helplines.

We now have one Safeguarding Officer for the Oversight area. She attended at least one meeting at each of the three PCCs in 2025.

A Safeguarding Survey was completed in December. Feedback from the Birmingham Safeguarding Team is that they are pleased with the response.

The PCC has complied with its duty under Section 5 of Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishops Guidance on Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Our thanks to Sophie Mathieson, Parish Identity Checker, for the DBS checks, the Rector for keeping the PCC informed of its position on the Safeguarding Dashboard and Claire Hill, our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator/Officer.

5

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

The PCC (continued)

- Deanery Synod and Chapter

The Synod met three times in March, June and October 2025.

In March the Synod met at St. Laurence, Northfield. The Topic for discussion was Strategies for Mission. The five aims of Practice, Serve, Teach, Transform and Sustain. Diocesan Secretary, Dr. Jan Smart and Andy Winmill, Director of Mission Support, discussed strategy and interplay between the diocese and churches. Based on John 15 v1-4, the Bishop holds as very important that everything starts with prayer – sharing the life of God with love.

The meeting in June was held at Holy Trinity Church, Lickey. This meeting discussed roles of members of the church. The Synod also discussed the Environment and Climate Change and our Christian Response. General Synod in February 2020 committed to reach net zero by 2030. With reference to John 3 v.16, Col.1v 19-20, and Matt.25v14-30 in order to reflect God’s special care for the poor, weak and vulnerable. They urged the churches to do what they can to achieve this aim to become an ECO church. Grants were available to help churches achieve these goals.

The October meeting was held at St. Paul’s, Balsall Heath. At this meeting Laura Barker from Packwood was co-opted for the lay vacancy of the diocesan synod. Bishop Michael addressed the assembly. He quoted Psalm 127v1 “unless the Lord build the house, the builder labours in vain.” The vision he inherited was “Growing Churches at the heart of the community”. He suggested the four pillars on which the strategy rests are: Sustainability, Leadership, Parish Growth, Church Planting and Revitalisation. We are fortunate to have some funding and are in a place of hope and opportunity. Over 3 to 4 years support workers will come to parishes to see what help is needed and to work with you (us).

- Transforming Church Action Planning (TCAP)

There has been no further progress since a joint meeting with Packwood PCC in February 2024.

- Developing Ministry

Michele Twelftree RIP was licenced as a Lay reader at Birmingham Cathedral on the 8th February 2025. Sadly Michele, who was not only one of our Lay readers, but verger, PCC member and a Deanery Synod representative, died on 27 January 2026.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Claydon who completed her Birmingham Diocese Growing Gifts training, and has preached in all three churches in the Oversight Area. She also led one of the Lent discussion group meetings. We would like to thank Elizabeth for her input into the life and Worship of the Oversight Area.

Thanks to Clare Kimpton, who was licensed a Lay reader at Birmingham Cathedral in 2019, for taking services across the Oversight Area. In particular, leading and organising St Mary’s Baby & Toddler Praise services, many of the Together@9.30 services and the much appreciated Held in the Light service, which was to remember short precious lives shared.

- Church Organ

In January 2025, the PCC received a Faculty for the rebuild of the organ. On 20 January 2025 the PCC unanimously approved entering a contract with Bishops of London for the organ rebuild.

Due to circumstances outside of the PCC's control, the contract for the organ with Bishops was not signed until November 2025, which has required an extended Faculty to be put in place until February 2027.

The project’s design works took place in December 2025, followed by the commencement of manufacturing of new parts. The plan is for the organ to be removed from the church around April/May 2026, with reassembly back in church commencing around August/September 2026.

We would like to thank all those who have arranged fund raising events specifically for the organ rebuild and all those who have contributed. Fundraising for the organ is ongoing. As at 31 December 2025 expected remaining expenditure stood at £272,520, with the PCC having £179,336 specifically for work on the organ and an additional designated amount of £94,582.

6

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) The PCC (continued)

- Church Building

Most of the attention has been with the ongoing organ rebuild project, so little has been done with regard to building projects. As reported in last year’s report, the next major project to be carried out will be repair to the stonework around the window on the Eastern aspect of the South wall of the church and the maintenance & repair of the boundary wall between the old churchyard and Church Lane. Before this work can be carried out, a faculty will need to be granted by the Diocese. We have met with architects who are in the process of working out a specification for the work and sending out invitations to tender from various appropriate companies. The faculty process tends to be a long and process, so progress with the project is likely to be slow.

- Church Clock

The church clock remained temperamental although predominantly working in 2025.

- Churchyard

Churchyard working parties, complete with lunch and refreshments were held in March and October when much good work was done.

- Eco church

There has been little progress with Eco matters in the 12 months following the attainment of the silver award.

- 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.

7

St Mary's PCC

Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary

Total income decreased in 2025. The decreased income was largely because of higher restricted donations specifically for the organ in 2023 and 2024. Total expenditure increased, reflecting commencement of the organ rebuild contract.

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 £88,461 (2024: £88,685) with expenditure of £82,671 (2024: £89,201), giving a surplus of £5,790 (2024: deficit of £516).

Fabric Maintenance saw no expenditure in 2025. This means, based on the 2023 quinquennial report, future fabric maintenance expenditure needed to be completed by May 2028 remains budgeted at £67,000.

Other Activities income, which includes the restricted donations specifically for the organ, was £51,034 (2024: £69,179). Expenditure was £30,872 (2024: £11,329) giving a surplus of £20,162 (2024: surplus of £57,850).

Financial statements

Total receipts to unrestricted funds were £92,359 (2024: £88,685) of which £31,500 (2024: £33,132) arose from Christian stewardship, £5,225 (2024: £4,232) was made from loose plate collections and £25,997 (2024: £27,125) was from donations and appeals. Total restricted income was £48,445 (2024: £69,246) of which £42,625 (2024: £62,980) was from donations and appeals. Included within the total reported income above was Gift Aid income of £16,081 (2024: £8,618).

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. To aid this and recognising the reduced use of cash, the PCC has introduced online giving using a QR code, which is displayed at a number of points around the church.

Church running and maintenance costs were £23,885 (2024: £28,043).

The contribution to the Diocesan parish share of £37,000 (2024: £41,028) 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. 2025 was the first year the churches in the Diocese were 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 part of an Oversight Area.

The net movement on unrestricted funds was an increase of £9,246 (2024: £249 decrease).

During the year, the total fund balances increased from £420,175 to £445,911, of which £201,158 (2024 £191,912) is unrestricted.

Through donations received from the congregation and giving at the PCC's discretion, donations totalling £3,774 (2024: £3,979) were made. Of this, two (2024: one) donations were over £1,000. These were for the hire of buses to transport Lapworth School’s pupils to and from St Mary’s for the end of term services and donations to the Children’s Society. The PCC is grateful to Bill and Kay Baily for organising The Children's Society collection, which was mainly through members of the congregation having collection boxes throughout the year and the Christingle Service collection.

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.

8

St Mary's PCC

Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Reserves policy

Free reserves exclude restricted income funds, endowment funds, and contractual commitments that have not already been provided for as a liability in the accounts. For 2026, the PCC has estimated this to be a target minimum of £22,000 (2024 for 2025: £22,000). It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the yearend was £81,679 (2024: £119,964), which is greater than the target minimum balance of £22,000. However, the PCC estimates it has quinquennial work, needing to be completed before May 2028, of £67,000. The £67,000 is expected to be incurred as £45,000 in 2026, £15,000 in 2027 and £7,000 in 2028. The PCC will not enter into contracts for quinquennial work that takes its free reserves below the target.

The PCC will continue to manage its fixed asset investments so that it has sufficient cash at bank and in hand to meet all contractual commitments, expected new contractual commitments to be entered into within 12 months, together with the target minimum free reserves.

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

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 2025 totalled five (2024: five).

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 Mrs Kenny, who stood down from being a churchwarden in April 2025 and Mr Parkes, our only churchwarden since April 2025, for their tirelessly work on our behalf. Thanks are also due to Mrs Aslin, Electoral Roll Officer & Envelope Scheme Secretary, Mrs Baines PCC Secretary and Mr Jackson PCC Treasurer.

9

St Mary's PCC

Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

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.

St Mary’s, is one of the three parishes that form the Baddesley Clinton, Lapworth and Packwood Oversight Area. Within the Oversight Area the Rector is Incumbent at Baddesley Clinton: St Michael and Lapworth: St Mary the Virgin and Priest-in-Charge at Packwood: St Giles. All three parishes are independent members of the Diocese of Birmingham Deanery of Kings Norton, Moseley & Shirley.

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 that 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 9 of the financial statements.

10

St Mary's PCC Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025

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 2025 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex Officio members:

Revd Canon P H Gerard Rector and Deanery Synod Representative Mr M E T Parkes Churchwarden Mrs E M Kenny Churchwarden Resigned 29 April 2025 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 Mrs E M Kenny Appointed 29 April 2025 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 RIP Deanery Synod Representative Died 27 January 2026 Mrs D Waldron Deanery Synod Representative

Approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by:

The Revd Canon P H Gerard

Date

11

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 2025 which are set out on pages 13 to 22.

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 (Hons) FCA

17 March 2026

Date

Fellow of the ICAEW 8 Troutbeck Avenue Leamington Spa CV32 6NE

12

St Mary's PCC Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes
Income and endowments
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
Total income
Expenditure
4a
4b
Total expenditure
Net gains / (losses) on investments
7, 10
Net income
Gross transfers between funds
10
Net movement in funds
Balance at 1 January
10
Balance at 31 December
10
Voluntary income
Activities for generating funds
Income from investments
Church activities
Church activities
Raising funds
Other
Net income before investment gains /
(losses)		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
62,722
14,527
4,830
10,280
-
92,359
82,376
105
82,481
9,878
(684)
9,194
52
9,246
191,912
201,158		 Restricted
Funds
£
42,625
-
5,820
-
-
48,445
31,062
-
31,062
17,383
(841)
16,542
(52)
16,490
228,263
244,753		 Total
2025
£
105,347
14,527
10,650
10,280
-
140,804
113,438
105
113,543
27,261
(1,525)
25,736
-
25,736
420,175
445,911		 Total
2024
£
127,469
10,675
12,275
7,309
203
157,931
101,089
658
101,747
56,184
3,054
59,238
-
59,238
360,937
420,175

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.

13

St Mary's PCC Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
7
Current assets
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
9
Net current assets
Funds
10
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total charity funds
Total assets less current liabilities
being total net assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year		 31 December 2025
31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
161,965
167,676
14,516
12,124
444,791
413,293
459,307
425,417
(175,361)
(172,918)
283,946
252,499
445,911
420,175
244,753
228,263
201,158
191,912
445,911
420,175		 31 December 2025
31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
161,965
167,676
14,516
12,124
444,791
413,293
459,307
425,417
(175,361)
(172,918)
283,946
252,499
445,911
420,175
244,753
228,263
201,158
191,912
445,911
420,175
420,175
228,263
191,912
420,175

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

Revd Canon P H Gerard

Date

14

St Mary's PCC Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2025

Year ended 31 Year ended 31
December 2025 December 2024
Notes £ £
Cashflows from operating activities
Net income before investment gains / losses 27,261 56,184
Adjustments for:
Dividends, interest and income from investments 3c (10,650) (12,275)
Investment loss / (gain) allocated to WMT & LOST 7 4,186 (1,278)
Increase in debtors 8 (2,392) (992)
Increase / (decrease) in creditors 9 2,443 (103,385)
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities 20,848 (61,746)
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and income from investments 3c 10,650 12,275
Net cash provided by investing activities 10,650 12,275
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 31,498 (49,471)
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 413,293 462,764
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 444,791 413,293
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand 444,791 413,293
Analysis of changes in net debt and cash balances At start of
year Cash flows At end of year
£ £ £
Cash 413,293 31,498 444,791

15

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

1 Accounting policies

{a} Recognition of income and endowments

{b} Recognition of expenditure and liabilities

{c} Assets

{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

16

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

St Mary's PCC
Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
3
Income and endowments
Unrestricted
Funds
3a
Voluntary income
£
Planned giving
Christian stewardship
25,703
31,500
Collections
Loose plate collections
4,410
815
5,225
Donations and appeals
Lapworth Charity
20,000
Willson Memorial Trust
3,603
Flowers
-
Organ restoration
-
Other donations
1,334
25,997
62,722
3b
Activities for generating funds
Parish magazine advertising
8,505
Christmas Fayre
1,727
Flower Guild
4,221
Other fundraising activities
74
14,527
3c
Income from investments
Bank interest
4,235
Dividends received
595
4,830
3d
Church activities
Fees for weddings and funerals
6,928
Parish magazine sales
3,352
10,280
3e
Other
VAT refund
-
Total income and endowments
92,359
1,060
Tax recoverable on donations
and appeals
Tax recoverable on collections
5,797
Tax recoverable on planned
giving		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
75
34,141
-
42,625
42,625
-
-
-
-
-
5,103
717
5,820
-
-
-
-
48,445
-
8,409		 Total
2025
£
25,703
31,500
4,410
815
5,225
20,000
3,603
75
34,141
1,334
68,622
105,347
8,505
1,727
4,221
74
14,527
9,338
1,312
10,650
6,928
3,352
10,280
-
140,804
5,797
9,469		 Total
2024
£
26,411
6,721
33,132
3,480
752
4,232
20,000
3,757
2,630
58,180
4,393
1,145
90,105
127,469
9,060
1,539
-
76
10,675
8,723
3,552
12,275
4,376
2,933
7,309
203
157,931

17

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

St Mary's PCC
Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
4
Expenditure
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Missionary and charitable giving
2,189
Ministry: Diocesan parish care
Common fund request
32,000
Common fund gift
5,000
37,000
Other ministry costs
Clergy expenses
662
Clergy housing
296
Other direct church costs
1,692
2,650
Church running & maintenance
General repairs
5,125
Church running costs
9,333
Organists and choir
5,183
Flower fund expenses
3,856
23,497
Major repairs
Organ restoration
-
Fabric repairs
-
-
Parish magazine costs
12,503
Churchyard upkeep
2,262
Cost of independent examination
2,275
Sundry expenses
-
82,376
4b
Christmas Fayre expenses
105
Other
-
105
82,481
4a Church activities
Raising funds
Total resources expended		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
334
-
-
334
198
-
96
94
388
27,589
-
27,589
-
2,751
-
-
31,062
-
-
-
31,062		 Total
2025
£
2,189
32,000
5,000
37,000
996
296
1,692
2,984
5,323
9,333
5,279
3,950
23,885
27,589
-
27,589
12,503
5,013
2,275
-
113,438
105
-
105
113,543		 Total
2024
£
2,168
34,866
6,162
41,028
1,035
438
1,230
2,703
10,043
9,477
5,899
2,624
28,043
3,291
1,166
4,457
12,577
7,913
2,200
-
101,089
113
545
658
101,747

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:

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Clergy expenses
662
Clergy housing
296
Governance costs
2,275
3,233
Other ministry costs		 Restricted
Funds
£
334
-
-
334		 Total
2025
£
996
296
2,275
3,567		 Total
2024
£
1,035
438
2,200
3,673

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 2025 (2024: £nil).

18

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

6 Staff

During the year the PCC had no employees (2024: none).

7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments Year ended
31 December 2025
£
Carrying value at beginning of year 167,676
Additions to investments at cost 29,852
Less disposals at carrying value (29,852)
Net gain / (loss) on revaluation (5,711)
Carrying value at the end of the year 161,965

The investments comprise common investment funds, of which 34% (2024: 50%) are based in the UK, and 66% (2024: 50%) 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 2025 31 December 2024
£ £
St Mary's PCC 43,235 118,212
Lapworth Old School Trust - -
The Willson Memorial Trust 118,730 49,464
161,965 167,676

The net (loss) / 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 2025 31 December 2024
£ £
St Mary's PCC (1,525) 3,054
Lapworth Old School Trust - -
The Willson Memorial Trust (4,186) 1,278
(5,711) 4,332

19

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

8 Debtors 31 December 2025 31 December 2024
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 13,327 10,884
Other debtors 1,189 1,240
14,516 12,124
9 Creditors: amounts falling due 31 December 2025 31 December 2024
within one year £ £
Funds held in capacity as custodian trustee:
Lapworth Old School Trust 57,248 47,296
The Willson Memorial Trust 115,105 119,291
172,353 166,587
Trade creditors - 2,458
Accruals and deferred income 3,008 3,873
175,361 172,918

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		 2025
2024
£
£
47,296
155,373
27,726
14,402
(17,774)
(122,479)
-
-
57,248
47,296
Lapworth Old School
Trust		 2025
2024
£
£
119,291
118,013
3,603
3,757
(3,603)
(3,757)
(4,186)
1,278
115,105
119,291
The Willson Memorial
Trust		 2025
2024
£
£
119,291
118,013
3,603
3,757
(3,603)
(3,757)
(4,186)
1,278
115,105
119,291
The Willson Memorial
Trust
119,291

20

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

10 Summary of fund movements

Unrestricted funds
General
Fabric
Flower Guild
Junior choir
Organ restoration (1)
Magazine
Restricted funds
Clock restoration
Car
Edith Mary Hudson
New churchyard
Junior choir
Flower
Organ restoration (2)
Organ restoration (3)		 Fund
balance
b/f
£
24,270
52,677
550
1,396
110,226
2,793		 £
72,118
1,309
4,238
34
2,741
11,919
Income &
endowments		 Expenditure
£
(66,122)
-
(3,856)
-
-
(12,503)		 Investment
gain / (loss)
£
(99)
(184)
(3)
(5)
(385)
(8)		 Fund
transfers
£
52
18,000
-
-
(18,000)
-		 £
30,219
71,802
929
1,425
94,582
2,201
Fund
balance
c/f
191,912 92,359 (82,481) (684) 52 201,158
5,077
2,214
2,107
57,751
289
-
153,991
6,834		 124
51
52
1,402
6
94
3,829
42,887		 (198)
(334)
-
(2,751)
(96)
(94)
-
(27,589)		 (17)
(7)
(7)
(193)
(1)
-
(539)
(77)		 -
-
(52)
-
-
-
-
-		 4,986
1,924
2,100
56,209
198
-
157,281
22,055
228,263 48,445 (31,062) (841) (52) 244,753
420,175 140,804 (113,543) (1,525) - 445,911

The restricted funds are held for the following purposes:

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

21

St Mary's PCC Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

11 Analysis of net assets by fund

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Fixed assets
145,025
Current assets
231,390
Current liabilities
(175,257)
Fund balance
201,158		 Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
16,940
161,965
227,917
459,307
(104)
(175,361)
244,753
445,911

12 Trustees and related parties

Revd Canon P H Gerard (Rector) received expenses of £516 (2024: £566) in respect of mileage charges, travel costs and other miscellaneous expenditure. £155 (2204: £291) was outstanding to him at the yearend in respect of these costs. Mrs M Twelftree RIP, in carrying out the duties of Verger, had the use of the Clerk’s House and received payments from third parties. With the exception of the Rector and Mrs M Twelftree RIP, none of the members of the PCC, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses in the year to 31 December 2025 (2024: £nil).

During the year ended 31 December 2025 related party donations of £16,600 (2024: £250) were made to the restricted organ restoration fund 3, and £75 (2024: £nil) to the restricted flower fund. Other unrestricted gifts of £9,635 (2024: £7,652) 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 9 of these financial statements.

13 Capital commitments

In December 2025 the Trustees signed a contract for the refurbishment of the church organ. A deposit of £27,480 was paid in the year ended 31 December 2025, with the balance of £272,520 to be invoiced in the year ending 31 December 2026. No provision has been made in these accounts for the uninvoiced charge.

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.

22

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
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
Go Beyond
Total giving through donations from the congregation
Total Parish donations
External Giving		 £
100
200
100
400
1,460
129
100
100
1,789
2,189
1,064
-
1,064
361
160
521
1,585
3,774
Year ended
31 Dec 2025		 Year ended
31 Dec 2024
£
100
200
100
400
1,440
128
100
100
1,768
2,168
932
141
1,073
283
455
738
1,811
3,979

23

St Mary's PCC Additional information

2 Free reserves

Free reserves have been calculated as follows:

31 Dec 2025
£
Total unrestricted funds (note 10)
Less unrestricted investments:
Committed cost of organ at 31.12.25
272,520
Less organ fund 2 balance
(157,281)
Less organ fund 3 balance
(22,055)
To be funded from unrestricted funds		 31 Dec 2025
31 Dec 2024
31 Dec 2024
£
£
£
201,158
191,912
(26,295)
(71,948)
174,863
119,964
-
-
-
(93,184)
-
81,679
119,964
3
Summary of the net expenditure
Income from regular church activities
Expenditure for regular church activities
Surplus / (deficit) on regular church activities
Income for fabric maintenance
Expenditure for fabric maintenance
Surplus on fabric maintenance
Income from other activities
Expenditure on other activities
Surplus from other activities
Net income before investment gains		 Year ended
31 Dec 2025
£
88,461
(82,671)
5,790
1,309
-
1,309
51,034
(30,872)
20,162
27,261		 Year ended
31 Dec 2024
£
88,685
(89,201)
(516)
67
(1,217)
(1,150)
69,179
(11,329)
57,850
56,184

24