St Francis Church
you're welcome here
HE ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH VALLEY PARK
SINGLE CONGREGATION
LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP,
& THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
OF THE PARISH OF VALLEYPARK
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31ST DECEMBER2024.
ST FRANCIS, CHURCH:
PILGRIM'S CLOSE, VALLEY PARK, CHANDLER'S FORD.
EASTLEIGH, HANTS, S053 4ST.
Tel.. 023 8027 1152,, E-mail.. admln@stf ran¢ls-valleypark.oig.uk
Website.. Fa¢¢book..
BANK:
THE NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK, EASTLEIGH BRANCH,
34 SOUTHAMPTON ROAD, EASTLEIGH S050 9XN.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: MR. CHRIS. GOODHEAD FCA, KNIGHT GOODHEAD LTD.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, 7 BOURNEMOUTH ROAD,
CHANDLER'S FORD, EASTLEIGH. HANTS. S053 3DA.
INSPECTING ARCHITECT: MS. SARAH HARLOW BA IHONSI DIPARCH RIBA,
SEYMOUR AND BAINBRIDGE ARCHITECTS,
9 CHARLECOTE MEWS. STAPLE GARDENS, WINCHESTER. HANTS. S023 8SR.
REGISTERED AS A CHARITY IN ENGLAND AND WALES; CHARITY NUMBER: 1165677

Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council of the
Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership of
St Francis, Valley Park
and the Parochial Church Councll of the Parish of Valley Park
Annual Report 2024
Aims and purposes
The aims and purposes of St Francis, Church, Valley Park Single Congregation Local Ecumenical
Partnership (SC-LEP) remain unchanged from previous years. The Church and Charity exists to
advance th8 Christian faith within the Ecclesiastical Parish of Valley Park and elsewhere, in
accordance with th8 rites and pra¢li¢8s of the participaling denominations in the LEP.. Church of
England, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church.
Oversight and management of the work of St Francis, Church is vested in an Anglican Parochial
Church Council IPCC), and an E¢um8nical Church Council {ECC). which normally meet
concurrently, and are collectively known as 'The Church Council,. The Church Council has
r8sponsibility, in co-operation with the Incumbenl minister, the designatèd Ministers of the othèr
Participating Churches and the Church Wardens for promoling the Christian faith and enabling the
whole mission of th8 Christian Church.
Objectives
The Charity's objectives continue lo focus on Christian Mission and Ministry. Sl Francis, Church
Council works to promote the whole mission of the church through the following objectives. Th8S8
will be expanded with reports from ministry leads to follow.
Public benefit
St Francis, Church delivers public beneflt through engaging in a range of activities. Including, but not
r8slricled to..
The celebration of public worship.
Th8 leaching of the Christian faith.,
Mission and ev8ngelism',
P8Storal work, including visiting and supporting the sick and the bereaved-,
The provision of facilities with a Christian ethos for the local community, including, but not
restricted to, GP Chaplaincy, Community café, activities lo support health and wellbeing
The support of other ch8rities in the UK and overseas.
The extent to which public benefit has been delivered is described in the following pages of this
Report.
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St Franci5, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Index to reports
Worship and prayer
Pago 4 Children's & Families report
Page 4 Creche
Page 5 Junior Church
Page 5 Messy Church
Page 6 Sung Worship
Page 6 Worship & Prayer
Page 7 Youth Group
Pastoral Care
Page 7 Men's Ministry Pastoral Team
Page 8 Pastoral Team
Page 8 SFVP Home groups
Mlsslon and Communlty Outr•ach, & building the corporato life of the Church famlly..
Page 8 Café
Page 9 Footprints
Page 9 Mission Giving Partner8
Page 11 Mission Partner board
Page 11 Through the Roof
Page 13 Valley Park Life Festival
Page 13 Working with the neighbouring St Francis C of E (Aided) Primary School.
Page 13 Governors at st Francis School
H•allng and Wholeness
Page 14 The GP Chaplaincy
Page 16 Take Time
Structure, governance and management
Page 16 Electoral Roll
Page 16 Safeguarding
Page 17 Holding St Francis, Church and its land and building in trust,
via the Parochial Church Council, for future generations
Financlal overvlew
Page 20 Treasure report
Page 21 Financial Statement
Page 26 Gift aid report
St Franci5, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
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Worshi
and Pra
er
Chlldren and Families
2024 was a busy but happy year for Chiléran and Families Ministry at st Franics! Junior Church and
Messy Church Continued to run regularly, and both of these groups are a joy to lead. It has been
deeply satisfying lo witness and contribute to the 8Stablishmenl and growth of Footprints this past
year.
Steve and I, and Sarah before her departure, had a wonderful year collaborating wlth St. Francis
School, jointly leading whole-school collective worship twice 88ch half term. We also Celebrated
Easter and Christmas with special seNI￿S, featuring enthusiastic participation from 811 the children,
particularly the Chrislian Voice groupl In addition, I had the pleasure of giving a talk at the Year 6
Leavers, Assembly in July.
In Oclober and November, I was inviled into Knightwood School, firstly to speak lo the Year 3
children about the Bible, and secondly to take part in their Inler-Faith Day. During the latter, we
brought The Prodigal Son to life with th8 children acting out the story and creating related crafts. We
also explored tha theme of love within the Christian faith. It was brilliant to visit the school and
represent the Church. The school have been very supportive in sharing promotion for all of our
Messy Church Services, th8 F8Stival and Footprints.
We celebrated Christmas wilh two special services.. a festlV8 Messy Church In mid-December and
our Crib Service on Chrislmas Eve. During the Crib Service. we r8told the Nativity story through
rhyming narrative, thank5 to the wonderful assistance of Liz Frisby and enthusiastic children from
Junior Church and Youth Groupl
Throughout the year I was involved in18ading a book group which developed with some of the
Wednesday Café allendees following the January 2024 Alpha Course. We read 'But is it Real, by
Amy Orr-Ewing over the course of 8 months and enjoyed lively discussion with th8 group following
each chapter.
It is an absolute loy to work in Children and Families Ministry at St Franics! I love working with all the
different teams, famili8s and of course the Ghildrenl Thank you all for supporting me so w811.
Please pray that this ministry will continue to be a blessing to the families of Valley Park, and that we
can continue to share God's lov8 within the community.
Hannah Hl8cock- Chlldren and Famlllos Mlnistor
Crèche
2024 was another quiet year for the crèche team, primarily due to the church family having no young
children at th8 present lime. We have, however, welcomed sever81 visiting families, all of whom
settled quickly and enjoyed the activilies and toys.
We have a very enthusiastic and willing team who are always ready and Prepared each week with a
fun morning of games. crafts, songs and Bible stories planned.
We have a wonderful array of age-appropriate toys in our cheery crèche room. The Wednesday
coffee morning children particularly enjoy these facilities.
The Crèche team enjoy each other's company al occasSonal Cleveland Bay evenings, giving us an
opportunity to reflect and to discuss our inspirations for the crèche in the
future.
Our crèche leam is Sue Bowles, Di Smith, Jan Southem, Debbie Reeves, Carolyn Covey and Jan
Stretch.
We ask for continuing prayers, that we may have new families that come to the church. and young
children who are happy lo come into crèche to play and enjoy our Bible stories and craft. Thank you.
Sue Bowles
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St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Junlor Church
Thanks to the commitment of the fantastic volunteer team, Junior Church met weekly during 2024
(except the firsl Sunday of the month when il's an All-Age Servicel) and we welcomed between 6
and 15 children to each session.
In Septemb8r we said goodbye to three of our young people who moved into Year 7 at School and
therefore moved across to St Francis Youth Group.
In the Spring Term we followed a programm8 aboul the foundations of Christianity. leaming what it
means to be a follower of Jesus. During this lemi we held a special Junior Church on Good Friday
where we reflected on the sadness of that day, bul the hope that Jesus brings. The children made
individual Easter Gardens to lake home.
During the Summer Term we followed a programme about Christian Lifestyle and discovering how
wonderful it is lo live like Jesus and covered topics like Faith, Hope, Courag8 and Making a
Difference.
We finished th8 year with a series on Parab18s in the Autumn Term and ran a supersized Junior
Church on Remembrance Sunday for our regular children and children from Sl Francis School who
were performing in the choir during the s8rvi¢e.
Sessions follow a simi18r pattern each week. opening with free play from the activity box, then
games. stories and activities to understand the theme, Bible study lo delve in further and crafts to
help rem8mber what we've b88n learning aboul. The children bring excellent discussion and energy
to each session, il's a joy.
We ask for prayers that Junior Church will flourish, enabling the children to truly discover an(1
embrace their faith.
Hannah Hiscock
Messy Church
M8ssy Church.. It s a place ol celebration and creativity, where conversation and18ughter fill Ihe aK,
nd food, fun and faith 8re sh8red. BRF 2025
In 2024, Messy Church continued to thrive with fun and excitement during 10 lively sessions. Each
month had a different theme including Epiphany, Templalion, Resurrection, Breakfast on the Shore,
The Olympi¢s and fixing our eyes on God, Jesu5 the Light of the World and Chrislmasl
While most services were held on a Sunday at 3pm, special Wednesday services wer8 held al 10am
in the school holidays and these, along with the SLsmmer Party {fe8tUfing a bouncy castlell were
particularly popular.
We begin each M8ssy Church with a them8d hour of creative crafts and activities, which are
prepared and led by volunteers who encourage interaction and discussion. Hands-on activities,
especially those involving food, competition, or washi-tape, are always a hlt!
Following this, we mov8 to worship, Whe￿ the da￿S message is presented through 8ngaging
methods like videos, storytelling from the Storyteller Bible, or interactive science experiments. Our
prayer lime is equally creative using paperchains, paper airplanes and fingerprints. We conclude the
worship with familiar worship songs, such as 'My Lighthouse, and 'Our God is a Great Big God., and
often feature perfomances by the Hand in Hand Puppet Team. Finally. there is ALWAYS cake to
enjoy with drinks and chat before everyone goes home.
The Calm Zone. which we Introduced in September 2023, is available every Messy Church service
8nd has proved lo be a popular space. The small meeting room is cleared and transformed into a
peaceful retreat for those who need some quiet time or enjoy the sensory stimulation, wilh fibre optic
lights, sensory toys, soft beanbags and cushions.
A dedicated team of volunteers makes Messy Church possible, from the creativ8 minds behind the
activities and the bakers who promde delicious treats, lo the tech-sawvy AV operators ané Ihe strong
hands that rearrange the fumiture. We're especially g￿teful for the lidy-up crew who ensure
everything is spotless after the fun. Thank you to each and every volunteer for your invaluable
contribution.
St Francls, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
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We ask for prayers that Messy Church strengthens families, Gonnections with God, and that it opens
doors for others to begin their personal joumey with Jesus.
Hannah Hiscock
Sung Worship
W8 have had another year where our sung worship has been enhanced by many talented
musicians. Suzanne, RaGhael and I continued to help io choose appropriale songs and hymns for
services and lead during 10am and other special services during the year. We were éelighled to
have Dunni join us this year. Another 8 are on the regular rota and 4 help out as they're able. It's a
joy to play and sing alongside them, and judging by comments, th8 congregation also 8njoyed the
variety the band brought from week lo week. We continLAed to introduce new songs every so often,
as they fell appropriat8 to the way God was18ading us as a church.
Chrislmas was a very busy lime as it always is, especially without a lead minister last year. It was
great to have sufficient musicians to provide live music for all Christmas services (except for the
8=30 services) including at Brendoncare and also carols in the pub, expertly led by Elliott for the first
time.
We have also been involved In the festival once again and provided music for funerals, both on the
Plano and organ as required.
Please pray for us lo hear your leading. especially with regards lo new songs and song choices
week by weak.
Stephanio Barlow
Worship and Prayer
Over 2024 we have maintained our established pattern of opportunit188 for worship and group
prayer, focussed on Sundays but exlending across the week.
Regular services include..
Said communion weekly on Sundays at 8.30am
Morning Worship weekly on Sundays at 1 Oam, wilh
o All-age service monthly on the 191 Sunday
o Youth Group, Junior Church and Creche on the & 3rd Sunday
Communion service with Junior Church and Creche on the last Sunday
Messy Church monthly on 3rd Sundays at 3pm
Morning communion monthly on the 2nd Monday
Service with Communion at Brendon Care residential home monthly on 4th Monday
Home groups throughoLrt Ihe week (see separate reporti
These are led by the Lead Ministar, Chlldren and Families Minisler, Curate, ordained and retired
minister's who are Members of the congregation and lay members of the church. When thè lead
minister moved to a new post in October others in the team continued this work without needing
support from outside Ihe church. The Children and Families Minister laads 3 dedicated teams for
conducting these servic8s, one for Sunday All Age Services, one for Messy Church and one for
Junior Church and Cr8che. A separate team leads the Youth Group, both on Sunday mornings and
Monday evenings.
Sunday 10am servi￿5 are broadcast live on Zoom, and about monthly by Outreach
Radio. Recordings of the service are made available on Facebook and the church websile, except
All Age services. About 6-10 join each week on zoom, but infomiation is not available on Outreach
listening rates.
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St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

At times throughout the year our mission partners have pr8senled about their work in the 10am
service. and on a few oGGasions St Francis School choir and orchestra have joined in.
Prayer takes pla￿ before Sunday 10am services and around all these events, 8nd prayer for
individuals is available after every 1 Oam s6rvi¢e in a safeguarding-compliant manner. Whilst prayer
is also a key feature of house groups and servI￿s, we recognise there is scopè for a more regular
corporate prayer opportunity.
Beyond the regular services the following occasional sarvi¢e take place across th8 year'.-
1st Sunda
of Janua
Ash Wednesda
7,00
Maund Thursda
evenin
Good Frida
10.00am
Easter Sunda
1st Sunda
of Autumn Term
All Souls 6.00
1st Sunda of Advent 6.00
2nd Sunda
of Advent 6.00
Christmas Eve 3.00
Christmas Eve 11.30
Christmas D8
10.00am
10.00am
Methodist Covenant Service
Service of
enitence with ashes
Shared su
er and communion
Communion, and Junior church & Crgche
All-A e Communion
School welcome servlce, led b Children & Familias Minister
Service for rememberin
those who have died
Advent Service of Li
ht
Carol Service
Crib service, led b Children & Families Minister
Midni
hl Communion
Momin
worshi
Flona Grovo & Peter Rhodo8 - Churchwardon8
Youth Group
The youth group has continued lo grow in number, with 15 young people aged be￿een 11 and 18
meeting regularly on Monday evenings and 2nd and 3rd Sunday mornings of the month.
As leaders we enjoy 8ngaging with them while playing champ {do ask how il worksll), chatting,
learning about and discovering Jesus, and living out our faith. In December we joined with St
Boniface youth group for a Christmas party and hop8 to invite them to us during 2025.
We mostly us8 Energize material for our sessions and are planning lo start Youlh Alpha al the
beginning of 2025. Please pray for th8 young people as they grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Flona, Lou, Phil and Sam
Pastoral Care
Men's Ministry
Our work specifically focussed on men in the church, or associated with It, Is focussed around our
rnonthly Men's Breakfasts. This is a time of fellowship catalysed round a good breakfast, with a
short Bible tslk relevant for Ihe group and the season.
Attendance ranges between 6-12, and although not large the event is important to those who
attend. Most years we also hold a walking weekend away, again focussed around fellowship and as
an opportunity to Introduce friends and neighbours to the church, but with a short talk and a service
during the lime.
We did not hold a weekend away in 2024, however one is booked and planned for March 2025.
Peter Rhodes - Mon's Ministry Lead
St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
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Pastoral
The pastoral leam is made up of 9 people who hava the privilege lo get alongside anyone who may
need emotional or practical support. In addition to this there is the Prayer Chain which has 85
members of the congregation who commit to pray for anyone who asks. Dunng 2024 there We￿ 59
prayer requests. Please pray for the pastoral team and those they support. Thank you
Fiona
SFVP Homegroup
There are around 70 people in 7 Homegroups,. 2 meet in the morning and 5 in the evening. Each
meets togelher physically on a regular basis Iw8ekly or fortnightlyl and some make greater or lesser
use of Zoom. Each group has a different feel bul all balance connecting wilh God I'up'l,
encouraging one anoth8r to grow as disciples I'in'l, and supporting the mission of each person
I'oul'l.
Highlights from this year:
Most groups tracked the sermon series early in the year on the 5 Mark5 of Mission tTell, Teach,
Tend. Transfomi, Treasurel
Several groups have followed-up other Sunday semion series in greater depth.
Other themes have included
studying 8 book of the Bib18 le.g. John'5 Gospel, Matl<'s Gospel, Psalmsl.
O exploring a Bible character le.g. Elisha, Women in the Old Testamantl,
rf exploring a theme or subject lJ.John's Jusl 10, the Influence Course from Christians in
Politics, Living in Love and Faithl.
The leaders rneet together three times a year to share how their groups are golng and to exchange
id8as. Ils notable how often we talk about the pastoral ¢halleng8s and blessings within our groups.
Those who lead Homegroups do an amazing job week-in and week-oul, for which l am extremely
thankful.
If you would like lo join a group or have a suggestion for a new group Ilhere's always scope for other
types of groupsl please talk with Nick.
Nlck Grow
Mlsslon and Communit Outreach & buildln
th• cor
orate life of the Church famll
Cafe rnport
Another good year for the Cafe, which is thriving on Monday and Wednesday mornlngs. providing
great opportunity to welcome thos8 from the community into the building.
Fairly tr8ded tea and coffee 8re served, plus biscuits and somelimes Cake. One visitor ￿gUlarlY
requests a bacon roll. bul we aren't offering that as yet, and another young man produces a weekly
quiz which is very much enjoyed!11
As well as refreshmenls, the cafe offers a meeting place for friends and those looking for company
or who want to meet new people. The volunteers ensure that no-one is left on their own and as well
as serving, they sit and chat with the visitors.
On W8dnesday morning Margaret provides a craft activity for th8 pre-school children who come with
their mumslcarers, which is very popular. During the school holidays this continues and so there is
opportunity for the older childrgn lo meet their friends and play games while the adults sit and chat.
There have been some new volunt88rs during the year which is great, bul others to join the leam
would be very welcome.
Fiona Grove
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St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Footprints
Following 2 pilot sessions at Ihe end of 2023, Footprints was launched weekly in January 20241
Over the year we held 50 sèssions, met 22 new families with 24 childr8n with additional needs along
with 9 of their siblings. W8'V8 SUPPOrted Murns, Dads, Grandparents and Carers with chat, drinks
and cakel
We have 8 fabulous volunteers who run Ihe group...setting up the resources, supporting thè children
in play. providing a listening ear to the families, making drinks, crafting, reading stories. singing
songs and operating the bubble machinel
Footprints offer a safe and supportive environment where children with additional needs can play
freely while their families connect with others in similar situations. This shared 8XP8ri8nce fosters a
powerful sense of community which we are delightad to have seen develop over the past year. The
gular families have sel up their own WhatsApp group, they share resources with each other and
ènjoy meeting up with each other throughout the week outside of Footprints.
Whilst Footprints isn't a specrfically faith-based activity, its core values are rooted in love, support
and care.
We can't wail to see what the second year of Foolprinls has in storel Please pray that our group
continues to thrive, and that those seeking support will easily find us.
Hannah H18cock
Misslon Glvlng partners
During 2023, the Mission Partners leam (Caroline Gough. Christine Grew, David Gurr, Rogerio
Ramos, Lou Sutton and Katie Warner) met several limes lo consider which Christian charities would
be our mission partners, supported both financially and through prayer by our church for the next 3
years, 2024 - 2027. Their recommendations wer8 presented to and approved by the Church
Council in February 2024. This update will touch on how these mlsslon partners were selected, who
they are and how we are building our partnership with them,
How we selected our mission partners?
We wanted lo honour the relationships and passion the church family have for different Issues and
organisations, especially our heart for those in slavery and poverty. Also, w8 wanted to choose
partners who align8d with God's mission, with different partnerships ¢onneGting us to different
aspects of that mission and parts of the wodd. We used a grid of the 5 Marks of Mission to help us
create a balanced list of partners, as shown below. This helped us ensure a range of int8rnalional,
national and local charities, who addressed different needs by responding to the S marks of mission,
which are..
TELL- share the Good News of Jesus
TEACH- baplise, nurture in the faith
TEND- to practical human need
TRANSFORM- unjust structures
TREASURE - safeguard creation
The mission grid is shown on the nexl page:
Strong- Dark Green
Lesser= Llght Green
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5 Marks of Mission
Location
N•th)nal
NUR*
UK
Fledge
CAP
Through ihe
Rool
E45tlei8h
6a5ics Bank
1.1>.
Overseas
LJM
A Roch
P￿
We aim lo have a m8aningful connection and 2-way partnership with these 6 charities through local
Sl Francis représèntatives, financial gifts, speaker visits, Connect prayer evening5 {1 2 x a yearl
and information via the Mission Partners Board (see later in this updalel.
Additional giving, for example lo The Children's Society at the Christingle Service is decided on an
evenl-by-evenl basis for Easter, HaNe5t, and Chrislm8S.
Our mlssion partnor8
1. Fledge is a local charity nurturing vuln8rable and homeless young people by providing
home environment, offering long-term support and encouraging healthy r81ationships.
2. Chrlstians Agalnst Poverty (CAPI is a UK based charity specialising in debt counselling for
people in financial difficulty.11 also provides job ¢lub$ for those seeking employment, life
skills groups lo h81p people live well on a low income, and money coaching workshops to
equip people with essential budgeting skills.
3. Eastlolgh 8asles Bank was Set up some years ago by the churches of Eastleigh to support
those experiencing financial difficulty and needing short term support through the provision of
food and other ess8ntials such as toilelries. Several people from SFVP volunteer their time
to help at Eastleigh Basics Bank.
4. Through Iho Roof (ThRI is a Christian charity for disabled people. 11 supports churches to
be more aware and inclusiv8 of those with disabilities Ihrough their Roofbreaker programmg
{which we are part of. l. They have overseas missions dislribuling reconditioned wheelchairs
to developing ¢ountries and also take their inclusivity training to churches abroad.
5 Internatlonal Justice Mission {IJM) is a global organis81ion thai protects people in poverty
from human trafficking, modern-day slavery, violence and police abuse of power. They work
with local justice systems and social services around the world to rescue victims. bring
criminals to justice, support survivors, and build safe communities.
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St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

6. A Rocha is a global family of conservation organisations working together to live out God's
calling to care for creation and equip others to do likewise. It's starting point is to help us
examine how we are doing as a church in Garing for creation and how we can improve.
Growing our partnerships
As well as supporting our mission partners financially, we wanted to build relationships with them
and support them in prayer. To help us do this we invited our mission partners lo speak al the 10am
church service to share information about the charities, work and the people they help.
Speakers:
EBB- Dave Kealing (May 2024)
TTR- Carol Dyer {Sep 2024)
A Rocha- Nick Baker {Nov 20241
IJM- Jonny Good¢hild (Jan 20251
Speakers from Fledg8 and CAP spoke in 2023, and our intention Is to invite them back again in
2025. Where possible, where charities are equipped to do so, we would like to give semion tim8 to
the speakers, so w8 intégrate the aims of the mission partners with God's wider purpose.
A Connect evening was held on 3 July 2024 focusing on 3 of our mission partners,. aft8r information
was shared about their reGenl work and challenges, we broke into small groups to pray for EBB, IJM
8nd TTR. The evening went well and was very encouraging.
Caroline Gough
Mlssion Partner Board
The board by th8 kitchen halch has had a makeovar in 20241 It was agreed by Sarah Mcclelland I
Church Council that thi5 board be designed to our Mission Partners. The intention would be three-
fold..
1. To infom the church about each MP and ils main purpose.
2. To show the area of each MP'S focus relating to the 5 marks of mission: Telling, Teaching,
Tending, Transforming, and Treasuring.
3. To hav8 information and focus of each MP around the time of the upcomlng Sp8aker from
that organisation.
Since March these have been the toplcs..
Sumrnary of each of the 6 Mission Partners, March- June 2024
Focus on Fledge, June- September 2024
Focus on Through the Roof l Roofbreakers, September- December 2024
Focus on International Justice Mission, December 2024- March 2025
It is hoped that church members will use the coffee queue and other occasions to be better infomied
and add the MPS to their prayers. Feedback would be wel¢omed.
Christine Grew
Through tho Roof Misslon Partner
We are a 'Roofbrnaker Church. meaning we try lo pay altenlion lo the needs of people with
disabilities. We ar8 SUPPOrted by the Christian Disability Charity.. Through the Roof (TTR). Check
out the Bible Story these titles come from if you don'l already know! (Mark Ch 2)
St Francls. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
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2024 has been another positive year in terms of diversity and inclusiwty. The weekly Footprints
group continues to Ihrive and gives support lo children with additional needs and their carers. L8d by
Hannah Hiscock, Childrèn & Families Minister, it is support6d by a great team of people week by
We8k. Cake features strongly in the welcome that is giv6n to all who come!
Regarding publicising our 'Roofbreakerf status in Chrysalis (the central pages of Valley Park Voice,
which goes out to all homes in Valley Park) the description has been updaled to read.. °St Francis
Church is positive about disability inclusivily. The building's on one level, accessible for wheelchairs
and there is a Disabled loo. We may not know everything about all disabilities but do talk to Us if you
have any concerns 8nd we will do our best to accommodate you..
In September 2024 at the beginning of Disability Awareness week, the church was visited by Carol
Dyer, ThR rep for our area. She gave a vivid and infomialive description of all that TTR does
spending about 20 minutes with main church and going on lo talk lo Youth Group where lively
discussion took plac81 Besides Roofbreakers, Carol spoke about other aspects of ThR's work:
Wheelchair Distributions to developing courstries
Accessible, supported group holidays in the UK, offering times of fellowship
Individual Pastoral Support I Couns811ing
Online fèllowship groups, retreats. ¢ours8s eg Makaton
Bookshop.. books. Removing Barriers Audit and other resources
Further Info online www.Ihrou
htheroof.or
or email info
Ihrou
hlheroof.or
The following highlighted paragraphs refer back to Aims from last year's report.
A lomatic doors.. Eady in the year, ihe Access Door (by the kitchen) was mad8 Automatic and this
has improved ease of access for those with a physical disability. The project was funded by the
church. A few weeks later th8 Disabled Toilet was fitted with an Automatic door, funded by lh8 Local
Council, proposed by CounGillor Alan Dowden for which the church is very grateful.
Linda King, one of our Foolprints team, attended a Makalon course this year and there ar8 other
Makalon users in the church family. Our All-Age Service on the first Sunday of the month is a good
time for using Makaton. The whole church is encouraged to sign certain phrases from familiar
Christian songs. This is a learning experience for us alll
Christine updated the Mission Partners noticeboard to highlight the work of TTR (July - Septémber.)
Members of the AV team have been making progress wlth larger font and spaclng on overhead
slides.
One other thing worth mentioning is Ihat we were abl8 to request a second Disabled Parking Bay in
the church carpark when the lines were repainted Sast October which is helpful Since we often have
more than one wheelchair user attending St Francis.
Looking ahead, we will take a fresh look at the"Removing Barri8rs' Audit that was undertaken in
2022 and revisited in 2023 and see if there are other ways we Gan be making our church rnor8
accessible to those with disabilities.
Part of a letter received Jan 2025, from the Tim Wood, CEO at Through the Roof.. Thank you so
muGh for thg very kind and gen8rous gift of £1700 towards the Ministry and Mission of Through the
Roof. Please
. pass on our grateful thanks to everyone at church
The full letter is on the Mission Partners Board by the kitchen hatch.
Christinè Grew
12of33
St Francis. Church, Valley Park: Annual Report 2024

Valley Park Life Festival
This family-friendly music festival was hald for the third year running in June this year. The main
purpose is to offer a gift to our communily, and to raise awareness and 'brand value, for our church
the extent of advertising and promotion achieves this even for those who don't come to the event,
and for those who do they find 8 welcoming and fun group of people.
Attendance from across Valley Park was excellent {estimated at around 1000 across the afternoon
and evening), and it would have been difficult to accommodate many more- all seemed to have a
good time.
Again, we had musicians from the church perfomiin9, including Suzanne Butler and Elliott Frisby,
and the day conclud8d with Peter Rhodes, band The Kazbaas. Outreach Radio broadcast live from
the event and featured much of the perfomiances, and the local Boozy Bar served drinks throughout
the event.
Many from the church were involved in some way {baking, refreshments, BBQ, face painting, crafts,
security, first aid.. .), and the event went wilhoul any mishap. Due to the weather, it was held inside,
but that didn't detract. Because costs are low, refreshments such as BBQ can be sold at cost and
no entry is charged. Any costs incurred are recovered through the teas and Cakes sold,. again, the
Performing Rights Society did not charge a Iic8n¢e fee for the event, although this cannot be relied
on should the event run again, so overall the event was no nel cost or profit to the church.
Pgtor Rhodos - Foslival Load
Worklng wlth the nelghbouring St Francis C of E (Alded) Prlmary School.
Work with St Francis CE Primary School, with which the church shares a campus site, has
continued with the lead minister and children and families minister providing weekly Collective
worship for Key stage 2 up until July. From September, we off8r8d co118Ctive worship for both KS 1
& 2, tWiC8 Per half term and with festival services al Easter and Christmas, as well as a leaver's
assembly in July. There's a150 been the opportunity to join classes in person. St Francis Church
continues lo provide Foundation Governors who take a very 8clive role in govemance at the school.
Governors at St Francls School - Ofstod and SIAMS
The church provides up to seven Foundation Governors for St Francis School. The following 8Ct8d
as governors during the year Brian King (co-chair then Chair), Nick Grew {co-chair th8n Vice-chair),
Andrew Grove, Alison Rhod8s. Jan Southern. Sarah McClell8nd was a governor until her departure.
Jeremey Bennett has been appointed as a governor and will take up the position in April 2025.
There is pres8ntly one vaGancy, which we expect lo be filled by the new minister when they are
appointed. The school completed two inspections during the year. Ofsted in April 2024, and SIAMS
in February 2025. The Ofsled report can be found here..
hll s.'Ilre
orts.ofsled.
ov.ukl
rovider1211116402.
The overall Ofstod outcome was 'Good', with Earty years provision, Behavfjour and attltudes and
Personal developm8nt all rated as 'Outstanding'. In the previous Cysted inspection, in 2011, the
school was rated Outstsnding overall. Bear in mind. however, thal the grading thresholds have been
raised significantly since then. In 2011. about 25P/o of schools were graded Oulslanding overall.
Und8r currenl grading criteria, only around 10¢/0 are graded outstanding in each of the assessment
Categories. To have been grad8d Outsianding in three categories is therefore an excellenl
achievement, and in no way suggests a drop in what the Head Teacher and dedI￿ted teaching staff
are delivering to ihe pupils.
Our second inspection was a SIAMS inspection, a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist
Schools. SIAMS inspections assess the exlenl to which a school meets its expectations as a church
school.
5t Francis, Church. Valley Park: Annual Report 2024
13of33

The SIAMS report can be found here: htt s.'Ilwww.churchofen
land.or
laboutleducalion-and-
schoolslchurch-schools-and-academieslsiams-ins
ectionslsiams-ins
ection-re
orts by searching for
116402 in the search box. SIAMS reports are not graded, but the opening Senten￿ oflhe insp8Ction
findings capture the inspector's conclusion: 'Pupils and adults thrive in this school due lo the clear
focus on the well-established Christian vision. Rooted in the Bible, the chosen three values are
deeply embedded and permeate through every aspect of school life."
It has been a privilege to18ad the governing body for the past year, and to be able to express here
my appreciation of the dedication that the governors bring to their role.
Brian King
Hèalln
and Wholeness
The GP Chaplalncy
The GP Chaplaincy service provided for St Francis Surgery on behalf of the Church continues and Is
now In its sixth year!
Why ar8 we doing it?
Because it's such a fantastic opportunity for our church to be a tangible link between people in our
community and the unconditional love of God. I see il very much as part of the vital "Healing and
Wholeness minist￿, of Jesus through the church. Il's also a brilliant way for us as a church to meet
people "where they are. s88ing God already at work in peop16's lives and connecting with that.
What sort of things do people come with?
There's a whole range of issu8S People of different ages bring, including loss through
bereavement, redundancy or retirement, long term illness, life-threatening diagnosis, or end of life,
as w811 as addiction, depression, anxiety, isolation or loneliness and loss of wellbeing...... and so
often an underlying searching for meaning and purpose or hope......or people just wondering
whelher'there must be more to life than this?.
What do you actually do?
A lot of listeningl Listening without judgement
Walking alongside peop18 in limes of change or distress. Carrying hope. Sometimes some
signposting. I'm trying to offer care for the "whole person" which always includes their spiritual
needs, in whatever way p8op18 perceive those needs themselves. 11 very often includes the offer to
pray. I remember a lady this year with no faith background at all saying, close to tears, that this was
the first lime someone had ever offered to pray for her.
Who does it?
Al the moment just me (but see belowl) on a voluntary basis, supported by Diane in the office and
by prayers from our housegroup and others in the church, following the inilial authorisation by the
Church Council back in 2020.1 also have supervision by a v8ry experienced GP Chaplain in
Glasgt)w, via Zoom Calls with her every four lo six weeks, and support from a fantastic organisation
called ACGP (Association of Chaplaincy in General Praclice).
How do people get to GP Chaplaincy?
Patients from St Francis Surgery are referred by the GPS, the Social Prescriber and the Surgery's
Mental Heallh team. It's available to everyone, people of all faiths and none.
14of33
St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Where do you see people?
Mainly in the chapel at the back of the church, due to lack of flexible space at the Surgery, and
sometimes in the adja¢ent garden in the summ8r, or over the phone for housebound elderly people.
Il's often the first time that people will have come into the church, or even realised that it existed,
and they're often struck by the light and space and friendly atmosphere, and by other things going
on such as the Café sessions.
Are there any other link-ups with the Church?
Yes, lotsl Connections have developed between GP Chaplaincy and Monday Café and the pastoral
team, with a number of p80pI8 who have come via GP Chaplaincy still attending the Monday Café.
As wall as the regular listening sessions, I've helped someone who wanted the of us lo have
short tim8 of prayer and lighting a candle at the front of the church. to remember a loss in very
difficult circumslanc8s many years before. Sarah Mcclelland, our previous Vicar, and I were able to
help 8 family, at their request, with a funeral service for a young man who died in tragic
circumstances and who had felt that the GP Chaplaincy had been his main support prior to his
death.
Do you link up with other people further afield?
Yes! Earlier this year I was asked to make a short video about the GP Chaplaincy set-up here,
which was included in a presentation in January 2025 al the national conference of the ACGP in
Birmingham. l attended along with around a hundred GP Chaplains and other interested people
from all over the UK, some working on a volun18ry basis like me and some paid by their health
organisations or supported by charities. l also regularly attend m881ings organised for chaplains by
Winch8sl8r Diocese, along with people from chaplaincies in schools, university, prison and 'Anna
Chaplaincies" for older people.
What are you feeling about th& futur8?
A mixture of hopeful, 8xcit8d, thankful, challenged, and sometlmes a bit lonely in the chaplaincy role.
How do you think we could be part of GP Chaplaincy?
I currently do around six hours 8 week in GP Chaplaincy, We could make contact with many more
P80ple ifwe had a bigger team.GP Chaplains don't have lo have a medical background, many have
pastoral or listening or counselling backgrounds, and the training provided by the ACGP is excellent.
So here's a couple of questlons from me to you.
Could the GP Chaplaincy team include you, or someone you know, or might you like to find out
more?
Maybe you feel you could be someon8 l Could ask occasionally to pray speclfically (anonymously of
course) for people and situations?
And for everyone reading this.. What could we pray at)out?
For the individuals I'm seeing and listening to currently, and those in our community I hope
I'll be in contact with in th8 coming year.
For me to keep listening, learning, loving, hoping.
For ways I could support the staff at Sl Francis Surgery, as well as the patients, and for all
the staff as they continue working there in very challenging tim8S.
For a new minister to be supportive of the GP Chaplaincy here al our church and its potential
for the future.
For people to want to know more and for more pray-ers" and potential GP chaplains to join
the team.
Thank you!
Katie Warner
St Francis, Church, Vallèy Park.. Annual Report 2024
15of33

TakeTime
Our Bible meditation has continued monthly on Wednesdays after Cafè. It is a small group, but we
love the opportunity it gives lo rest in God's pres8nc8 and listen to his voice. The people who come
are often in need of time and space, sometimes coming following ac￿SsIng chaplaincy.
I was delighted when Christine Grew did the training lo become a TakeTime practitioner towards the
end of last year.
We are hoping to extend TakeTime back to an evening slot and would appreciate pray8r to know
when the time is right to do this.
st8phanla Barlow
Structure
overnance and mana
ement
Elactoral Roll Report
The Electoral Roll of Sl Francis Church has been renewed, with renew81 completed on April 6th. On
that date the Electoral Roll had 132 members.
86 people are resident in the parish, and 46 Iivg outside the parish.
27 people did not renew their membership of the roll. Of these, we know thal 3 have moved away, 1
has sadly died, 15 are not regular worshippers and 1 has become 8 curate. 31 extra people have
loin8d the roll.
Llnda Klng Electoral Roll Offlcer
Safeguardlng
As required by Winchester Diocese I can report that the Church Council has complied with the duty
lo have due regard lo the House of Bishops Safeguarding Pollcy and Practice guidance. We renew
our safeguarding policies annually.
We have 59 volunteers from the congregation and 2 employees who have up to dale DBS checks,
and required Safeguarding training has béen completed and is constantly monitored.
Risk assessments and Role Description5 are in place for all activities where ne¢8ssary and the
council continues lo work on safer recruitment processes for our volunteers. All volunteers have
been encouraged to read sections of the Church of England Safeguarding Handbook that are
relevant to their role. We have improved our practice regarding the use of filming and photographs
during the last year and the website has an improved and mor8 prominent link to our safeguarding
policies and practices.
Thanks to all our volunteers for their willing compliance.
Linda King Safeguardlng officer
16of33
St Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Holding St Francls, Church and its land and building in trust,
via the Parochial Church Council. for future generations:
Th8 responsibility for maintaining th8 Church building and premises has continued as an important
background task for our Churchwaréens and supporting volunteers.
Legal form: The Church ol England Parish of Valley Park was established in 1991.
Simultaneously, a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership (SC-LEP) was formed by Tha
Church of England, The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church, under a fomal
Constilulion agreed on 41h October 1991. A new Model Constitution was adopted in October 2015,
and St Francis,, Valley Park Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership is registered as
Charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The members of the Ecumeni¢al
Church Council are the Trustees of the registèred Charity.
Church bulldlng.. St Francis, Church is the Parish Church of the Anglican Parish of Valley Park.
It is also the centre of worship for the SC-LEP, under the terms of a Sharing Agreement, established
on 30, August 1995 under the provisions of th8 Sharing of Church Buildings Act, 1969. Th8 Church
building was dedicated rather than ¢onsecraled, and il is not subj8¢t lo Faculty Jurisdiction.
Joint Council: In 1991, formal ov8rsighl of the operation of the SC-LEP was vested in Churches
Together in Hampshire and Ihe Isle of Wight, and is administered via a Joint Council, comprising
governing r8presenlalives of the participating denominations, together with represenlalives of the
Church Council. Presently the oversight body is not functioning, bul Ihere have been no matters
which have required escalation to a Joint Council during the year, which consequently has not met.
Clergy and Church Councll: sin￿ ils founding in 1987, St Francis, Church has b8en led by a
resident Church of England minister (the Vicar of Valley Parkl. This ministry has been
complemented by designated Ministers from local Melhodisl and United Reformed Churches,
Working in co-operation these designated clergy are ex-officio members of Sl Francis, Ecumenical
Church Council.
In accordance with Anglican Canon Law, two Churchwardens are 818cled annually at an Annual
Meeting of Parishioners {Annual Vestry Meeting) which also elects two Pro- (Depulyl wardens. St
Francis, Annual Parochial Church Mèeting also elects members to a Parochial Church Council
(PCC). of which the Vicar, Churchwardens and Pro-wardens are ex-officio members. Our annual
Church meeting took place in March, and at that meeting 2 church wardens w8r8 8lected.
The Ecumenical Church Council (ECC} comprises ex-officio and elected members of the Anglican
pcc, together with ex officio members representing the olher participating churches in th8 SC-LEP.
The PCC and ECC nomially me81 concurrently under the tille of"Th8 Church Councif,, for the day to
day management of the Church and its affairs, but with appropriate attention to the relative
responsibilities of the two bodies. However, there is a requirement for the Anglican PCC to be able
lo meet independently of, and without conflict of interest with, the ECC, and so the annually elected
Pro-wardens, the Anglican Deanery Synod Represenlalives, and al least one elected PCC member
are not members of the ECC or Trustees of the reglstered Charity.
The Electoral Roll of the SC-LEP operating in 2024 comprised 128 members.
The whole Church congregalion mgt to conduct business once during 2024- in March at the Annual
Meeting of Parishioners and the Annual Parochial Church l Ecumenical Congregational Meetings,.
the latter held concurrently.
St Francis. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
17of33

Denominational activities and ecumenlcal relationships.. St. Francis Church lies within
Anglican Deanery of Eastleigh in Ihe Diocese of Winchester.
The Deanery broadly covers the area from Valley Park in the wèst to Hamble in the southeast.
Deanery Synod Meetings are held 3 times a year, with the Standing Committe8 (attended by a sub-
group of Synod m8mbersl meetin9 more frequently for more strategic and organisational decision-
making. Our minister, Sarah McC1811and is part of thai group, having become Assistanl Area Dean in
July 2020. Sh8 resigned in October to move to a parish in Jersey
The Winchesler, E8Stleigh and Romsey Circuit ol the Methodist Church ha5 contlnued to meet on
quartedy basis through 2024. St Francis is no longer represénted at these meetings due to a lack of
volunteers.
Sl. Francis, Church was represented in person at the Wessex Synod of the United Relormed Church
(URCI this year. at ils meetings by our rep Michael Flack.
St Francis continues to be an active member of Churches Together in Ch8ndler's Ford. in
partnership with the other local Christian Denominations. A member of St Francis s8rved as
treasurer and another as secretary, bul they have slepp8d down during the year. Fiona Grove is
now our represenlalive.
Fabric and assets.. Vested in Ihe WinGhester Diocesan Board of Finance, The Incumbent,
Church Wardens, and Church Council (through the PCC), collectively hold Sl Francis, Church and
its fixtures, fillings and property, in trust on b8half of past, present and future generations of
worshippers, and the lorAI community.
The Church Terrier, recording the Church's furniture, fittlngs, and assets, and the Log Sook
containing records of 811 alleralions, maintenance, repair and disposals, wère kept up to date in
2024, complying with Canon Law.
Safgguardlng: All of our Church family life, mission and ministry is underpinned by a strong
commitm8nl to Safeguarding. We hav8 a Safeguarding Policy which is regularly r8viewed and
updated and is easily accessed via the church website and on the Church Notice board.
Linda King has continued in this position, having been appointed in March 2022, and oversees the
development and implementation of appropriate Church Policies and Practices, and the regular DBS
checking of volunteers.
The Church Council confinTrs that il has complied with th8 duly under section 5 of the Safeguarding
and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duly lo have regard lo House of Bishops, guidance on
safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
Volunteers: Sl Francis, Church relies on the voluntary support and as5iStanc8 of its members who
take on a range of roles from the legal dulles of Church Warden, to assisting In the organisation and
presentation of worship, music. administration, preparing plans, papers and financi81 reports. and
undertaking the rouline care and Maintenan￿ duties of the building. The Church Council is
indebted to members who have stepped forward to take an active role in Ihe life of the Church, and
to contribute financially towards it, without whom the ministry and mission of St Francis, Church
could not be progressed.
18of33
St Francls. Church. Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

Administrative information:
Names
Notes
From
Incumbent
Rev Sarah
Mcclelland
Resigned
Dec 2018
October 2024
Church Wardens
pcc
pcc
Fiona Grove
Peter Rhodes
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2025
APCM 2025
Deanery Synod Reprosentatives
pcc
Brian Kin
pcc
Peter Rhodes
pcc
Steven Williams
Electod PIECC Members18 +1 PCC)
ACCM 2023
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2026
APCM 2027
June 2024
ECC
ECC
ECC
pcc
ECC
ECC
Jon Eslabrook
Mike Flack
Liz Frisb
Andrew Grove
Katie Waterman
Elliot Frisb
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2024
APCM 2022
ACCM 2027
ACCM 2027
ACCM 2027
APCM 2027
ACCM 2027
June 2024
URC r8
Resi
ned
ECC
ECC
Olula
o Akinbobu
Caroline Gou
ACCM 2023
ACCM 2023
ACCM 2026
ACCM 2026
ECC
ECC
Kate Dean
Dunni A'a
ACCM 2022
ACCM 2022
ACCM 2025
ACCM 2025
Ecumenical Church Council
In addltion to thoso In bold above
Ex-officio PCC
Steve Williams
Curate
June 2024
Vacant Position
Melhodisl re
Vac8nt Position
Methodist re
ointe
nnu
lional M
ncil
Mr. Chris. Goodhead FCA
Mrs Linda King
Andrew Grove
120241 Independent Examiner.
120241 Electoral Roll Officer
120241 Gift Aid Secretary
Re-appointod." ACCM 2024
Re-aprKJinle(J.. ACCM 2024
Ro-appoinled.. ACCM 2024
Sl Francis, Churth, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
19of33

Financial Overview
Treasurer's Report
Whilst our overall income in 2024 was £172,275 this was £705 below our budget. This is again
cause for concern as our costs continue to rise so will need a prayerful response from the whole
church family in 2025.
On a positive note, we have roceived another substantial donation specifically towards Sustainability
Projects. particularly the installation of Solar Panels. As such this sum plus the associated Gift Aid
has been placed in a restricted fund The capital is not shown in the Financial Statement as it does
not fom part of the General Fund bul is shown in the Fund Statements further down the Financial
Statement pages. This fund now slands at over £26.000 and it is hoped that W8 can finally progress
the installation of solar panels in 2025. This will be of great benefit lo Ihe church as our electricity
costs are Gonsiderable.
As a result of income received. we have been 8bl8 to titho a lotal of £13,886 thls year. This is
comprised of £453 from our Benevolent Fund to people in n8ad in the local area, £10,200 shared
be￿een our Six designated charities and the remainder to the Methodist and URC churches, our
LEP partners. The lines in the Financial Slalement to which the tithe relates are identified with an X
for clanty. The other incomè lines are excluded as they relate to incom8 lines matched by
expanditure such as verger or musician's fees at funerals. In these instances we are merely
collecting a charge which we then pay out. It would not be appropriate to lithe this income as It
would generate a nel expense lo the church each time.
As we have always done, we have béen able to pay our Common Mission Fund request in full which
15 greatly appreciated by the Diocese. For 2024 the Common Mission Fund increased by £583 to
£71,205.
There are a coupl8 of areas where expenditure has exceeded the budget figure, and our overall
operational expenditure is down over £1,100 on 2023. General maintenance is over in large part to
several one-off items. More than £4,700 was spent the two automatic door openers to make our
building more accessible lo less able people. Th8S8 costs were partly offset by rèceipt of grants
lotallSng £2,550. We also had lo pay to have Ihe moss removed Irom the church roof. This was
something specified in the last Quinquennial Report.
Utility bills are still an area of concern. The gas is now on track with payments covering exp8ndilure.
However, the electricity is still in arrears, although rnuch reduced following a one-off payment lo
them.
Unfortunately, due to lower gen8ral giving and higher expenses we have been unable lo transfer
8nything lo the Maintenance Reserv8 Fund again in 2024. In fact, w8 had to draw on this fund to
cover the end of year shorlf811. Because of this, along wilh some depreciation, the Maintenance fund
has reduced lo £33,564. All the fund statements are shown below the Financial Statement.
I would like to give thanks for the generosity of all the church family. Without you the church could
not function. We are grateful to everyone who responded to the Generous June Campaign.
Andy Grove Church Troasuror
20of33
Sl Francis, Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024

statement of Trustoos. R08pon8lbilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial slatemenls in accordance
wilh applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountsng Practice. Law applicable to
Gharities in England and Wales requires the Trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial
yaar, which give a true and fair view of the Charily's financial activities during the year and of its
financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a tru8 and fair view
the Trustees should follow best practice and..
select suitablè accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP and make judgements and
8slimates thal are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommènded practice have
been followed, SLtbject to any departures disclosed and explain8d in the financial statements., and
prèpare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropnale to
presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
Th8 Tru51ees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose. with reasonable
accuracy the financial position of the Charity. and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements
comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They
are a150 responsib18 for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and h8nce for taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Charity's trustees confirm they h8V8 complied with the duly in sèction 4 of the 2011 Charities Act
lo have due regard lo guidance published by the Chanty Cofflrnission relating lo public benefit
disclosures.
This report and the Financial Statements hav8 been prepared in accordance with Accounting and
Reporting by Charities,, Slatemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing th8ir
accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of
Ireland (FRS1021 (effective 1 January 2019)- (Charities SORP (FRS 102))
Approved by the Trustees on 27 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by..
Trustee
A. GftoKJ
St Francls. Church, Valley Park.. Annual Report 2024
21of33

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE
UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK
I report lo the Iruslees on my examination of the aGcounls of Sl Francis,, Val￿Y Park Single Congregation
Lttal Ecumenical Partnership for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are sel out on pages 2310 33.
Re8ponsibilities and basis of report
As the Iruslees Df the Charity you are responsible for the p￿paration of the accounts in ￿cOrdan￿ with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe '2011 ACVI.
I report in respect of my examination of the trustee's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act
and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity
Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act.
Independent examinor'8 Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my allentson in connection
with the examination giving me cause lo believe thai in any material respect..
111 anxounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or
121 the accounts do not accord with those records, or
131 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requioments conceming the form and content of
accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that
the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, which is not a malleT considered as part of an independent
examination,
I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection with Ihe examination lo which
attention should be drawn in Ihis report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be
reached.
C J Goodhead FCA
Knight Goodhead Limited
Chartered Accountants
7 Bournemouth Road
Chandler's Ford, Easlleigh
Hampshire, S053 30A
22

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
21124
Total
2023
Notes
INCOME
Donat￿￿8 legacies
Charitable ￿￿'vIlle$
Investment incom8
other income
125,474
18,260
2,092
26,299
151,773
18,260
2,092
150
148,814
18,304
1,592
Totsl Incom•
145,978
26,299
172,275
166,760
EXPENDITURE
Charitsble actiMti88
149,055
16,659
165,714
167,349
Totsl •xpendlture
149,055
16,659
165,714
167,349
NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITUREI BEFORE TRANSFERS
(3,Q79}
9,040
6,561
1,411
Transfers betw￿n funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
13,0791
9,640
6,561
1,411
FUND BALANCES AT I JANUARY 2024
FUND BALANCES AT 31 DECEM8ER 2024
52,865
49,786
42,194
51,834
95,059
101,620
93,648
95,059
23

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
Charfty number:1165677
21124
2023
FIXED ASSETS
TangiNe assets
2,629
CURRENT ASSETS
Dèbtors
Cash at bank and in hand
2,111
101.556
103,667
3,448
90,639
94,087
CREDITORS.. amounts falliThJ
due vithin one year.
10
(2,0471
11,6571
NET CURRENT ASSETS
101,620
92,430
TOTAL ASSESTS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
101,620
95,059
FUNDS
UnrestrKted
D88ignaled
Restricted
14.443
35.343
51,834
12,593
40,272
42,194
11
TOTAL FUNDS
101,620
95,059
Signed on behalfofthe PCC by..
Tru￿e¢
DBte. /i/1/15
24

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
lal Basis ol accounting
Thè financial stslements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounliw standards, IIE Charities Act
2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their aGcounls in accordance wlh
FRS 102 leffectsve January 20191
The accounts have ken prepa￿d on the going concern basis. There are no matèrial uncèrtainles aly)ul the Gharitvs
ability lo contsnue. The charity 15 a public benefit organisation.
{bl Fund 8ccounkn.ng
General funds reprnsent thè funds ol the PCC that are not Subject to any restr￿tKInS as to their use and are available for
applicatK)n on the general purposes of th8 PCC. Funds dèsignated for a particular purpose by the PCC ar8 also
unreslricled.
ReSt￿ted ftsnds are those fvnds that musl sp8nl on restricted purp)se8 and the details of the lunds held and
reslriclion5 are provided in noi8 11.
Icl Incorne
The financial statements include all transactions, 8ssets and l*bililies for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do
TrJl include the financial statemen15 of church groups that owe their main affiliation lo another bDJy nor those th81 are
inlomal 9athering5 01 church members.
Donationi and l•ga¢l
Collections are recognised when received by or on behaTf ofthe PCC.
Planned giving receivable under pledge is recognised only when r8ceived.
IrKome lax recoverabb on gift aid donations is recognised when the Income is fecognised.
Grant and legacies lo the PCC are ￿cOunted for as soon as the PCC is notiffied of its legal entiuement and the
amount due.
Charftable Income
Funds raised from church events are accountsd for when reCe￿lable.
Incom8 is deferred when received for the purpose of fvnding missions lo te carried out in the future.
Investment Income
Dividends and interest are ￿oUnted for when receivable.
Other income
Other income is accounted forwhen receivable.
25

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (contlnued)
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Iconbnued)
Id} Expenditure
Expendrture is T6wgnised on an accruals basis a5 a liability is incurr8d. 11 includes any VAT which cannot be fully
recovered, and is althaled to the activity for which it relates.
Charitable AGtNiti¢i
The 0￿Cesan Parish Shar8 is accounted lor when payable.
Grants and donations arè accounted for when paKI over.
All cosis are allocated b8fv￿en the expendf(ure ¢alegories of the Statement of Financial Actiwl*s on a basis designed to
rell8cI th8 use of the resource Costs relating to 8 particular activity arè alIC￿ated directly, others are apF4Jfboned
n &tiwth8s in line with their respective proporbon of income received,
{81 Tangible Fixed a55ets
Depreciation is provKled on all tangible fixed a8s8ts 81 rates cakulatgj to h￿te off th8 Cost or valuattr)n, less estimated
residual value of each asset over its expecled useful life as follow3..
Websits
Straight line over 5 years
Fittings and Equipment
Straight line over 3 years
Ifj OFerating Leases
Payments underoperating lea8es a￿ charged to the profit and loss account as they are I￿Urred.
Igl Pensions
The charity part￿1pa￿S in a defined contribution pension $¢heme. Contributions in respect of this scheme are charged to
the Stalèmenl of Financial A¢bvib'es for the year in whKh they are payable. Timing diff8rences be￿en contributions
payable and Contribut￿n$ actually paid in the year a￿ shown as ef(her accruals or prepayments al the year end.
Ihl Basic financial instruments
The church onty &nlers into basic financial instrument transac1K)￿ that ￿sU11 in the re¢ognilion of ffinancial assets and
liabilities like trade and other debtors, cash al bank and creditors. These basic financial instruments ate measured and
transaCt￿n price. Financial assets and liaknlilies classified as due wlhin one year are not amortised.
2 ADMINISTRAT1VE INFORMATION
Tle charity is unincorp)rated and was registered on 14 October 2009 wth ￿ Charity Commission in ErrtJlarKI and
Wales. The ￿l$ler8d nUM￿r is1165677.
Th8 registered oftice ol the charity is St FTarKis Church, Pilgrims C1os8, Chandkns Ford, Valley Park, East￿Igh, S053
4ST.
26

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued}
3 INCOME
UnrKtri¢t¢d Restricted
funds
funds
Total
2024
Totsl
2023
DONATION AND LEGACIES
Gift aided planned giving
Non gift aid planned giving
Collections al SeNice5
Children and families minister donations
Other donations
Income tax recoverable
74,55MJ
8,632
12,690
4,946
79,536
8,632
12,690
20,117
2,550
28,130
151,655
85,915
4,340
7,171
24,409
733
26,178
148,746
20,117
2,550
26,894
125,358
1,236
26,299
F￿ndraisIng
Funding sources (Easy Fundraisèr)
118
118
68
Total Incom• from donorn
125,474
26,299
151,773
148,814
INCOME FROM CHARITA8LE ACTIVITIES
Income from Out￿￿h events
Slalutory f88S
Income from use of church building
Income from café
2,376
1,248
13,719
917
18,260
2,376
1,248
13,719
917
1,996
1,423
14,112
773
18,304
14260
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest received
2,092
2,092
2,092
2,092
1,592
1,592
OTHER INCOME
Charges lor oxasionai offices
150
150
150
150
50
TOTAL IMCOME
145,976
26,299
1n,275
168,760
27

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
4 EXPENDITURE
Unrestricted Rfjstrithd
funds
fundi
Total
2024
Total
2023
Fundral8lng co•ts
Costs of generating donations (card fees}
45
45
49
49
45
DIRECT CHURCH ACTMTIES
Mission and charitsble giving
Charitable giving- I￿al benevolent
Charitable giving- home
Charitable giving . overseas
453
8,525
1,700
10,678
453
8,525
1,700
10,678
268
7,500
5,000
12,768
Parfih 8haro
Parish share- Anglican
Parish share- Melhodisl
Parish share- URC
71,206
2,389
819
74,414
71,206
2,389
819
74,414
70,623
2,370
819
73,812
Salarlm •nd honornrfi
Parish administrator
Organists and musicians
Children and families minister
Cleaners
10,536
10,536
10,511
16,454
18,454
2,243
29,233
14,528
2,114
27,153
2,243
12,779
16,454
P•ople.rol•iod expen8e•
Recruitsnent expenses
Milea9e, telephone and other expenses
Education and training of staff and Laity
34
13
1,363
1,254
2,630
964
1,267
2.264
205
205
1,472
2,469
Mllslon and wangeliim colts
Young people's Church
Outreach activities
Teaching and nurturing
Pastoral activities
876
3,299
857
40
5,073
876
3,299
857
40
5,073
1,016
3,959
11
141
5,127
Church runnlng expenses
Upkeep ol services and worship
Hospillity & calenng lincludiThJ Gafèl
Insurance
Maintenance, cleanI￿j and SeN￿ing
Furniture and equiprnent purchases
Administration costs
Software and training
New work5
Church magazine printing
1,199
1,092
1,240
14,664
1,199
1,092
1,240
14,664
1,306
854
1.193
12.091
970
4,895
122
12,622
1,100
35,152
5,814
5,814
1,100
25,593
1,100
25,593
28

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 {contlnued)
4 EXPENDITURE Iconbnuedl
Unreitricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Church utlllty bllls
EleclnGity
Gas
Water rdtes
8,408
6,856
577
15,841
8,408
6,856
577
15,841
4,347
4,484
505
9,336
Gov•rnance cots
Bank charges
Accountancy
449
1.920
2,369
337
1,920
2,369
1,321
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
149,055
16,859
165,714
167,349
Included within ￿)UntanCY abovè are amounts due lo the indeFendenl examinèrn in reLqtion to independent
examination of £1,00012023.' £9841.
5 GRANTS
Grants and donations lotalled £10,67812023.. £12,768). Donations lotalling more than £1,000 We￿ made io the folloying
institutions..
Fledge Youth Support
Christians Against Poverty
A RLrha UK
Through the Roof
EasllewJh Basics Bank
International Justice Mission
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,700
10,200
29

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
6 STAFF COSTS
2024
2023
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension
28,715
26.730
518
29.233
423
27,153
The average number ol staff empbyed during the year was 312023.. 41. No employee received emluments of £60,OC4J
or morè during this year or the pnor year.
No members of key manajemenl ￿rsOnnel ￿re paid on an employed basis during this, or the prior. year, The role of
Vicar is not paid direclly by the church, and the Church Wardens 1x21 are unpaid posts.
During th8 year or the prior year no tsusteès recèived any emolument, were paid any expenses 01 vffjo ￿1MbUrsed for
exFendf(ure incurred on behalf of the charity.
Total pension conlribub'ons of £51812023.. £4231 We￿ paid by the charity and are included in the SOFA. There no
outstanding conlribulion5 payable al the end of this year or the prior year.
7 TANGIBLE ASSETS
Chur¢h
Org•n
Dl$h¥Asher AV Upgrad• W•hite
Total
COST
Al b8ginning and end ol year
5,846
2,820
9,239
5,447
23,352
DEPRECIATION
At beginning ol year
Charge lor year
Al end of year
5,846
2,820
7,700
1,539
9,239
4,357
1,090
5,447
20,723
2,629
23,352
5,846
2,820
NET BOOKVALUE
Al end of year
Al teginning of ytar
1,539
1,090
2,629
8 DEBTORS
2024
2023
Other debtor5
2,111
2,111
3,448
9 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
2024
2023
Cash at bank and in hand
Deposit accounts
17,873
83,683
101,556
9,048
81.591
90,639
30

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
10 CREOITORS. amounts f811ing due within one year
2024
2023
Other creditors
2,047
2,047
1,657
1,657
11 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Balance at
1Jan
2024
Transfers Balance at
between
31 Dec
lunds
2024
Income Expendlture
R•itricted funds
Chihjren and families vuker fund
Sustainability fund
21,850
20,344
20,117
6,182
116,6591
25,308
26,526
42,194
26,299
116,659}
51,834
D•SIgnat￿ lund•
Church maintenance & repair reserve lund
Youth aclivilies fund
Benevolent fund
38,193
685
1.394
40,272
12,6291
13001
12,0001
33,564
38S
1,394
35,343
12,9291
{2,0001
Other Unr￿t￿Cl8d fund8
12,593
146,496
1146,6461
2,000
14,443
Total funds
95,059
172,795
1160,2341
101,620
The restricted fund5 are established for the following purpjses..
Chlldren and famllle8
To fund the expenditure of the children and families ￿fjrker.
w0￿er fund
Su•tslnablllty fund
For expenditure on sustainability projects, for example the installation of solar
panels. This was previously known as Spe¢ial appeals fvnd,
The designated fvnds are e5tablishgJ for followng purposes..
Church maintenance &
To fuThJ the resources lor repair and mainienance ol the church building and grouTh
repalr re¥or¥e fund
and larrJer one off exFendilure as agreed by the Church Council. This has replaced
ihe Church Repair & Maintenance Fund and The Church R￿1 Resloralion Fund.
Youth •ctivitles lund
Benèvolent fund
Represents the closed SOS53 Youth Club Bank Account.
Sel up to enable the ￿ar to make small hardship payments to people in thè
community.11 has teen used in the past for things such as paying towards a child's
school trip, helping rePl￿e a stolen knke and buying a bed.
31

ST FRANCIS., VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (contlnued)
12 ANALYSIS OF FUNDS
Unre￿1¢tod Rèstrlcted
funds
funds
Total
2024
Fund balar￿8$ as at 31 CÈcember2024 8Tr reprès8nted by..
Tangible fixed ass&ts
cUT￿nt assèts
Current liabilitEs
51,833
12,047}
49,786
51,834
103,667
12,0471
101,620
51.834
Unr•8trict•d RMtrictsd
fundi
funds
Totsl
2023
Fund b&l8nces as 8t 31 D8C8mber 2023 are represented by..
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liaknlities
2,629
51,893
11,6571
52,885
2,629
94,087
11,6571
95,059
42,194
42,194
13 PRIOR YEAR MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BalanrA at
1Jan
2023
Trnnsfern Balance at
between
31 Dec
nds
2023
Incom• Exp•ndltur•
R•strictsd lyn
Chiklren and families M)tker lund
Special appeals fund
7,444
10,195
17,639
29,962
10,149
40,111
115,5561
21,850
20,344
42.194
115,5561
DMlgnat8d fundi
Church maintenance & repair reserve fund
Youth ￿lIvrtIeS
Benevolent fund
53,444
985
1,662
56.091
115,2511
13001
(2681
{15,8191
38,193
685
1,394
40,272
Other unrestrlcted funds
19.918
128,649
1135,9741
12,593
Total funds
93,648
168,760
1167,349)
95,059
32

ST FRANCIS,, VALLEY PARK SINGLE CONGREGATION LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (continued)
14 PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unr•strlctsd R•8tri¢ted
fvnd•
fund•
Total
2023
Notes
INCOME
Donab'ons and legacies
Charitable activities
Inv8slmenl income
Other income
108,703
18,304
1,592
40,111
148,814
18,304
1,592
50
Totsl Incom•
128,649
40,111
168,760
EXPENDITURE
Charitsble activities
151,793
15,556
167,349
Total exwndltur•
151,793
15,556
167,349
NET INCOME BEFORE TRANSFERS
123,144}
24,555
1,411
Transfers between funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
123,1441
24,555
FUND 8ALANCES AT1 JANUARY 2023
76,ClJ9
17,639
93,648
FUND BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2123
52,805
42,194
95,059
33