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2025-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St John the Apostle and Evangelist

Sutton Road, Watford, WD17 2QQ Registered Charity Number 1166071

Annual Report – 2025

Presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 26th April 2026

Charity registration number 1166071

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Rev Corniel Quak David Beesley Clive Bennett Jill Bennett Meg Murphy Jennifer Nickson Robert Wildmore Charity number 1166071 Principal address Sutton Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 2QQ Independent examiner Gary Howard FCA Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5 - 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 20

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The Parochial Church Council members present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are promoting the whole Mission of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Apostle and Evangelist, Watford.

The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of St John’s the Apostle & Evangelist, Watford (PCC) and the Churchwardens have the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent to promote pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical activities within the ecclesiastical parish.

These activities are broadly defined by the Five Marks of Mission, as articulated by the Anglican Communion:

  1. Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

  2. Teach, baptise and nurture new believers.

  3. Respond to human need by loving service.

  4. Transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.

  5. Strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

In short St John’s Church exists to TELL, TEACH, TEND, TRANSFORM and TREASURE.

The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St. John’s Church and Church Hall, Watford.

The PCC members have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the PCC should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Fr Corniel Quak continued to serve as Vicar of St John’s. In addition to being the Vicar of St John’s Church (75%), Fr Corniel also continued to work as Chaplain at our Primary School (25%). The latter is funded separately.

The Vicar and the PCC wish to express their gratitude to Jill Bennett and Tom Cockburn, who finished their first year as Churchwardens. Both were re-elected to serve for another year at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners held on the 18[th] May 2025. Tom Cockburn subsequently resigned on 18[th] September.

We are also very grateful to David Beesley, who took over as treasurer at the end of 2024. Throughout 2025, David worked hard to improve accounting policies and procedures, and bring accounts up to date. This allowed the PCC to have more regular opportunities to accurately review its financial position throughout the year.

After becoming the Vicar of St John’s in June 2024, Fr Corniel was appointed as interim Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). In November the PCC appointed Frances Pyatt as the permanent PSO, and we are very grateful for her work since then.

In addition to the Sunday services, there were special services for Holy Week, Easter and Christmas, as well as other major festivals. We welcomed several guest preachers throughout the year for special services, including Bishop Stephen Venner for our patronal, and Bishop Rob Wickham, CEO of the Church Urban Fund for Christ the King.

We welcomed the choir, clergy and members of the congregation from St Saviour’s in St Albans for a Choral Mass on Ascension Day. A month later, members of St John’s joined St Saviour’s in St Albans for the celebration of Corpus Christi.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

We are grateful to Richard Bond (piano) and Daniel Tonks (organ) for their musical contributions to our Sunday worship. We also had the Brass Foundry enrich our worship for Remembrance Sunday and for Carols by Candlelight.

Our regular midweek services continue to be well attended, and these provide opportunities for regular prayer for the church, the world and the parish, outside of the Sunday services. In February a service of Exposition and Benediction was introduced on the 2nd Thursday evening of the month. Rosary prayers were also said on a monthly basis.

Throughout the year we baptized several children, and we hosted a Deanery Confirmation service in October, where 2 young people were baptised and 7 were confirmed.

In May the church was used as a polling station, and in June we hosted a three-day beer festival. These things, in addition to the church being used by local councillors for activities such as litter-picking and community meetings, contributed to the church being more visible within the community.

Faith & a Pint, which meets monthly in a local pub for an informal discussion about a topic of faith or community life, continued to grow. People from several other local churches regularly attend and enrich the meetings. A big thank you to Claire Murphy and Meg Murphy for their leadership of this group.

Financial review

The income for the year was £108,992, up by £10,121 on the previous year (2024: £98,871). Expenditure was down by £21,566 at £92,393 (2024: £113,959). This resulted in a surplus for the year of £15,196 compared to a deficit of £14,303 in 2024. The deficit in 2024 was attributable to one-off expenditure on the Church Hall with an additional spend on major repairs of some £10,000, plus £5,000 of legal and professional fees associated with the Hall lease.

The reserves carried forward at the year end were £696,401, of which £21,264 related to restricted funds and £2,437 related to endowment funds. The unrestricted funds includes an amount of £604,137 held as tangible fixed assets at the year end.

It is the policy of the PCC that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level between £55,000 and £65,000. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the PCC's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the PCC is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The constitution of the PCC is set out in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended).

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Rev Corniel Quak

David Beesley Clive Bennett Jill Bennett Thomas Cockburn (resigned 18 September 2025) Alex Evans (appointed 18 May 2025, resigned 07 December 2025) Brian Handley (resigned 25 April 2025) Jannice Mordue (resigned 19 August 2025) Meg Murphy (appointed 18 May 2025) Jennifer Nickson Robert Wildmore

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Members of the PCC are appointed at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and serve for a period of three years.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) Report has been approved and is signed on its behalf by:

Corniel Quak

Rev Corniel Quak Vicar and PCC Chair

10 March 2026

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the PCC’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the PCC has prepared accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Gary Howard FCA

Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE 22 April 2026

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
32,239
9,695
-
Charitable activities
4
1,124
4,463
-
Investments
5
61,471
-
-
Total income
94,834
14,158
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
16,587
-
-
Charitable activities
7
63,261
12,545
-
Total expenditure
79,848
12,545
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
12
(1,301)
-
(102)
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
13,685
1,613
(102)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2025
659,015
19,651
2,539
Fund balances at 31 December
2025
672,700
21,264
2,437		 Total
2025
£
41,934
5,587
61,471
108,992
16,587
75,806
92,393
(1,403)
15,196
681,205
696,401		 Total
2024
£
28,526
6,193
64,152
98,871
25,337
88,622
113,959
785
(14,303)
695,508
681,205

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
28,526
-
-
Charitable activities
4
6,193
-
-
Investments
5
64,152
-
-
Total income
98,871
-
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
25,337
-
-
Charitable activities
7
88,622
-
-
Total expenditure
113,959
-
-
Net gains/(losses) on investments
12
728
-
57
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(14,360)
-
57
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
673,375
19,651
2,482
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
659,015
19,651
2,539		 Total
2024
£
28,526
6,193
64,152
98,871
25,337
88,622
113,959
785
(14,303)
695,508
681,205

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Debtors
17
Investments
18
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
19
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
21
Restricted income funds
22
Unrestricted funds
23		 2025
£
3,523
31,343
58,474
93,340
(3,513)		 £
604,137
2,437
606,574
89,827
696,401
2,437
21,264
672,700
696,401		 2024
£
333
32,645
63,491
96,469
(21,052)		 £
603,249
2,539
605,788
75,417
681,205
2,539
19,651
659,015
681,205

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 10 March 2026

D. Beesley

Corniel Quak D. Beesley Rev Corniel Quak David Beesley Vicar and PCC Chair Hon. Treasurer and PCC Lay Vice-Chair

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John the Apostle & Evangelist, Watford is a charity registered in England and Wales, registered number 1166071.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings Nil Furniture, fixtures, fittings and vestments 33% on reducing balance Computer & electrical equipment 50% on reducing balance Church items of beauty 10% on reducing balance

Freehold land and buildings are not depreciated as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that depreciation charges would be immaterial.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
32,089
3,625
Legacies
150
-
Grants
-
6,070
32,239
9,695
Donations and gifts
Tax efficient planned
giving
26,074
-
Collections at services
4,119
-
Other planned giving
480
-
All other giving and
voluntary receipts
1,266
3,625
Mission donations
150
-
32,089
3,625
Grants
Hertfordshire County
Council
-
750
Diocese of St Albans
-
5,320
-
6,070		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
35,714
27,658
-
150
868
-
6,070
-
-
41,934
28,526
-
26,074
21,149
-
4,119
3,906
-
480
254
-
4,891
518
-
150
1,831
-
35,714
27,658
-
750
-
-
5,320
-
-
6,070
-
-		 Total
2024
£
27,658
868
-
28,526
21,149
3,906
254
518
1,831
27,658
-
-
-

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Statutory fees
491
-
Pilgrimage income
633
4,463
1,124
4,463		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
491
105
-
5,096
6,088
-
5,587
6,193
-		 Total
2024
£
105
6,088
6,193

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Rental income 58,288 61,205
Interest receivable and dividends 3,183 2,947
61,471 64,152

6 Raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Raising funds
Rent collection, property repairs & maintenance charges 16,587 25,337

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 8,134 8,109
Depreciation and impairment 1,544 1,622
Clergy and staff training 725 2,139
Diocesan Parish Share 40,406 37,024
Major repairs and renewals 5,640 5,390
Mission and evangelism 463 756
Running costs 7,656 9,878
Sacristy and service costs 879 4,218
Utilities 3,385 5,195
Pilgrimmage costs 3,963 4,604
Legal and professional costs 361 6,140
Governance costs 1,380 3,180
74,536 88,255
Grant funding of activities (see note 8) 1,270 367
75,806 88,622
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 63,261 88,622
Restricted funds 12,545 -
75,806 88,622
8 Grants payable
Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Watford Schools Trust 119 -
Watford Women's Centre 143 -
Shrine of Our Lady Walsingham 40 -
St John's CofE Primary School 850 -
RSPCA - 265
The Childrens Society - 38
Other 118 -
1,270 303
Grants to individuals - 64
1,270 367

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

9 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner:
- for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements 1,380 1,800
- for other financial services - 1,380
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 1,544 1,622

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Parish Administrator (part time) 1 1
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 7,233 7,208
Other pension costs 901 901
8,134 8,109

The part-time Parish Administrator represents less than half of a full time equivalent.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Net gains/(losses) on investments

**Unrestricted ** Endowment Total Unrestricted Endowment Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Gain/(loss) on sale of
investments (1,301) (102) (1,403) 728 57 785

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

14 Tangible fixed assets

Furniture
Freehold
fixtures Computer &
land and fittings and
electrical
buildings
vestments
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
600,000
33,579
4,776
Additions
-
562
1,871
At 31 December 2025
600,000
34,141
6,647
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
-
30,378
4,729
Depreciation charged in the year
-
852
692
At 31 December 2025
-
31,230
5,421
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
600,000
2,911
1,226
At 31 December 2024
600,000
3,201
48		 Total
£
638,355
2,433
640,788
35,107
1,544
36,651
604,137
603,249

The PCC are of the opinion that the market value of the freehold land and buildings is not materially different to the figure shown in these accounts.

15 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2025 2,539
Valuation changes (102)
At 31 December 2025 2,437
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025 2,437
At 31 December 2024 2,539
16 Financial instruments
2025 2024
£ £
Carrying amount of financial assets
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss 31,343 32,645

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

17
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Current asset investments
Unlisted investments
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
20
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2025
£
-
3,335
188
3,523
2025
£
31,343
2025
£
836
-
2,677
3,513
2025
£
901		 2024
£
19
314
-
333
2024
£
32,645
2024
£
5,037
360
15,655
21,052
2024
£
901

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

21 Endowment funds

Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.

At 1 January Gains and At 31
2025 losses December
2025
£ £ £
Permanent endowments
Florence Harriet Forest Bequest 2,539 (102) 2,437

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

21 Endowment funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 January Gains and At 31
2024 losses December
2024
£ £ £
Permanent endowments
Florence Harriet Forest Bequest 2,482 57 2,539

Florence Harriet Forest Bequest - A bequest; capital is to be maintained and income used for the church.

22 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
2025 resources expended December
2025
£ £ £ £
Organ 16,081 - - 16,081
Pentecost Gift 2,338 - - 2,338
Church roof repairs fund - 5,320 (5,320) -
Defibrillator Grant - 750 (750) -
Walsingham Pilgrimage 2025 - 4,463 (4,463) -
Godley Play (School) 684 - - 684
Community Garden - 700 - 700
The Enhancement of Worship and Fabric Fund - 1,000 - 1,000
School ADHD appeal - 815 (815) -
Miscellaneous Funds 548 1,110 (1,197) 461
19,651 14,158 (12,545) 21,264
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources At 31
2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £
Organ 16,081 - - 16,081
Pentecost Gift 2,338 - - 2,338
Godley Play (School) 684 - - 684
Miscellaneous Funds 548 - - 548
19,651 - - 19,651

Organ

Monies donated for maintenance and repair of the Organ.

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

22 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Pentecost Gift

Monies given at Pentecost for specific items or purposes.

Church Roof Repairs Fund

Funds to go towards roof repairs

Defibrillator Grant

Grant to fund defibrillator

Walsingham Pilgrimage 2025

Funds collected and paid for the Walsingham pilgrimage

Godley Play School

Funds raised to be spent on Godley Play in School

Community Garden

Funds received from Watford Borough Council towards a community garden.

The Enhancement of Worship and Fabric fund

Funds received to be spent on the enhancement of worship and the fabric of the Church.

School ADHD appeal

Funds raised to be spent on ADHD resources for St John's School.

Miscellaneous Funds

These are smaller funds with balances or movements of less than £500 during the period.

23 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
Choir Fund
Hall and House
Valuation
General funds		 January
2025
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
8,590
-
-
(8,590)
-
-
600,000
-
-
-
-
600,000
50,425
94,834
(79,848)
8,590
(1,301)
72,700
659,015
94,834
(79,848)
-
(1,301)
672,700

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

23
Unrestricted funds
Previous year:
At 1
Choir Fund
Vicar's
Discretionary
Fund
Hall and House
Valuation
General funds		 (Continued)
January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
8,590
-
-
-
-
8,590
63
-
(63)
-
-
-
600,000
-
-
-
-
600,000
64,722
98,871
(113,896)
-
728
50,425
673,375
98,871
(113,959)
-
728
659,015		 (Continued)
January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
8,590
-
-
-
-
8,590
63
-
(63)
-
-
-
600,000
-
-
-
-
600,000
64,722
98,871
(113,896)
-
728
50,425
673,375
98,871
(113,959)
-
728
659,015
659,015

Choir Fund

Funds to support music and a Choir at St Johns.

Vicar's Discretionary Fund

Funds to be used to support charitable giving and meeting pastoral needs.

Hall and House Valuation

This fund is the amount of reserves represented by the Hall and House.

24 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 December 2025:
Tangible assets
604,137
-
-
Investments
-
-
2,437
Current assets/(liabilities)
68,563
21,264
-
672,700
21,264
2,437
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
603,249
-
-
Investments
-
-
2,539
Current assets/(liabilities)
55,766
19,651
-
659,015
19,651
2,539		 Total
2025
£
604,137
2,437
89,827
696,401
Total
2024
£
603,249
2,539
75,417
681,205

PCC OF ST JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, WATFORD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

25 Contingent Liability

The PCC has received two invoices which are in dispute in respect of services provided by managing agents in connection with the properties rented to tenants by the PCC.

The first invoice is for £3,840 (including VAT) in respect of arranging a new lease on the property. The PCC believe that the amount is not due because the tenant was not introduced by the agents and the PCC has no evidence that an agreement was entered into with the managing agent to be paid for this service. One of the PCC members is also a partner in the managing agent.

The second invoice raised by the managing agent is in respect of the period 10 May 2022 to 9 September 2023. The PCC has reference to a fee of 8% being agreed in March 2023 as a management fee but no indication that it would be applied retrospectively to a period. The PCC believed the service was being provided by the PCC member who is a partner in the managing agents for no charge. The PCC calculates that the management fees charged in 2024 are incorrect and that it has overpaid by £1,300. The PCC also calculates that a management fee payable from March to December 2023, less the amount already paid would give rise to an underpayment of £1,410 which is mostly covered by the overpayment of £1,300 leaving an immaterial due. The period between May 2022 and March 2023 is disputed and the PCC believes that no amount is due in respect of that period. If subsequently any evidence were to be provided to establish a liability back to May 2022 the additional amount due would be £3,000 (including VAT).

26 Related party transactions

The Vicar (who is also a Trustee) receives a 0.75 stipend for his role at St. John's, this is paid by the Diocese of St Albans.

Vicar’s Report for the APCM | 26[th] April 2026

Presented during the “sermon slot”.

After our service today, we will hold our two annual meetings. In a way these two meetings deal with a lot of what could be considered “business items”: the election of office holders; the presentation of the accounts; and reports on other important items such as Safeguarding.

Most of these are statutory requirements, not just set out for us by the Church of England, but indeed by the government. Many people do not realise that every parish church is a registered charity in its own right. PCC members are trustees with legal responsibilities and duties under laws set out by the Charity Commission. And so, for that reason alone these two meetings are important.

But for us as a church, beyond our legal status and responsibilities - for us as a church as the local expression of the “People of God” here in this parish, these meetings are also important in another way. That is because they give us an opportunity to come together to look back and reflect, as well as then to look forward, to think about vision, about mission, perhaps even to dream about what may lie ahead, and to what God may be calling us to do very specifically here in this community.

As we look back there is a lot to be grateful for, and we will think about that in a few moments time. But I think it is important to acknowledge that there were a few difficult months in 2025 as well. Some people who had been part of this community for years felt it was time to move on, and underlying that there was a sense of hurt and disappointment for all involved. And that includes me, I have found things hard at times. I think it is only right to acknowledge that: there was hurt and disappointment – and that is always something to lament.

But as I said, there is lots to be grateful for. Let me start with exactly those things I mentioned earlier, those things we consider “business” or perhaps “material”, but that are actually so important for us as a church to function, and to then engage in mission.

The first are three major areas of any church. Finance, Safeguarding and Administration. I will start with the latter. I know I am speaking on behalf of all the PCC when I say how fortunate we are to have Sophia as our Parish Administrator. Much of what she does is unseen, but it is all so very important. So, on behalf of

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the PCC but with a personal note of gratitude for the good working relationship: thank you Sophia for all you do, not just as our parish administrator, but also as PCC secretary.

Secondly: Safeguarding. Although we made very good progress with our Safeguarding policies, procedures, DBS checks and training in 2024, the fact that I was interim Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) was not an appropriate long-term arrangement. It was therefore a real blessing when after some conversations I had with Frances, she agreed to take on this important role at the end of 2025. Thank you Frances for your commitment and your enthusiasm. I know with your professional experience and your insight, we are in safe hands and that is so important to know.

And finally, Finance. Please know that I am not exaggerating when I say that David has transformed our finances. David retired last year, but he has found himself almost as busy bringing the church accounts up-to-date, and allowing the PCC to better understand its financial position. When David presents the accounts later, I think you will all see for yourselves why I am so grateful, and indeed why the PCC is so grateful to David.

David: the fact that our financial position has improved during 2025, is not just because of the generosity of our congregation and the good management of church resources, such as the hall, but also because of your diligence, commitment and careful management – thank you!

Those are three major areas where we can give thanks, but as I said there is a lot to be thankful for, and a lot of people to thank.

Like it or loathe it, social media is now a major part of our lives. I am very grateful to Meg for managing our church social media accounts so well. I know that behind all the pretty pictures and posts, there is first and foremost a vision that Meg developed, which was about welcome and engaging people within our community, many of whom may not otherwise engage with the church. And it has worked, it has led to baptism enquiries, wedding enquiries and when I speak to people in the community, they know about what we are doing at St John’s because they have seen it on either Facebook or Instagram. So, thank you Meg for all your hard work on that.

And related, our website. I am grateful to Simon for his continued IT support to St John’s, despite him living in Stafford.

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Tea. I said before there were three major areas to any church, I was wrong. There are of course four major areas, and the fourth is tea. And by my conservative calculations, taking into account the pre-service rounds of tea served by Jill behind the scenes, the Wednesday morning tea served by Barbara, and of course our Sunday morning cups of tea, we are looking at around 2200 cups of tea (and coffee) served during 2025.

So, thank you to all who serve and provide our refreshments - tea, coffee, biscuits, homemade cake. But I think a particular thank you is in order to Debbie and Eira for serving our main refreshments diligently every Sunday. Often one of the first here to prepare, and certainly the last to leave!

But it wasn’t just coffee, tea and cake we enjoyed together. We are very blessed to have Bill, who not only cooks very delicious food, but who also manages to then serve this for up to 20-30 people, without seemingly breaking a sweat! Thank you Bill - and also Tomasz, and all those who from time-to-time complement Bill’s offerings with vegetarian options, or indeed desserts!

At the heart of what we do as a church, is of course our worship. And it is worship that we offer together. So, in many ways a big thank you to all of you for faithfully gathering here to worship God and to bear witness. For those who take particular roles in our worship, thank you. Thank you to those who welcome people, those who read and lead intercessions, and those who administer chalices.

A special thank you to our altar servers: Bill, Meg and David - collegially known as “the purveyors smells and bells”. And thank you for the joy that you do it with, and your commitment to being here pretty much every Sunday, as well as for special services. And again, you are often some of the first here, as well as the last to leave on a Sunday.

Our worship is enriched as well by our musicians. Richard on piano and Dan on the organ – thank you both for what you bring to our services. We also had the Brass Foundry lead our worship for Remembrance Sunday and for Carols by Candlelight, filling this space with glorious sounds.

As we think about our worship and give thanks, a reminder of some of the special services we had in 2025. There were of course special services for Holy Week, Easter and Christmas, as well as other major festivals. We welcomed several guest preachers for some of our special services, including Bishop Stephen

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Venner for our patronal, and Bishop Rob Wickham, CEO of the Church Urban Fund for Christ the King. We welcomed the choir, clergy and members of the congregation from St Saviour’s in St Albans for a Choral Mass on Ascension Day. In June we invited Lucy Martin from the Watford Women’s Centre to speak for a special Mary Magdalene Sunday.

Our regular midweek services continue to be well attended, and these provide opportunities for regular prayer for the church, the world and the parish, outside of the Sunday services. In February a new service of Exposition and Benediction was introduced on the 2nd Thursday evening of the month. Rosary prayers were also said on a monthly basis until August.

Throughout the year we baptized several children, and we hosted a Deanery Confirmation service in October, where 2 young people were baptised and 7 were confirmed.

Faith & a Pint, which meets monthly in a local pub for an informal discussion about a topic of faith or community life, continued to grow. People from several other local churches regularly attend and enrich the meetings. A big thank you to Claire and Meg for their leadership of this group.

We applied for a community grant to install a defibrillator for use by the community. In May the church was used as a polling station, and in June we hosted a three-day beer festival. These things, in addition to the church being used by local councillors for activities such as litter-picking and community meetings, contributed to the church being more visible within the community. A big thank you to Clive for his bridge building work between the church, the local councillors and the community.

Another way we became more visible was through our collaboration with Ilario Ferrari on a Jazz concert series called “Conversations in Jazz”. This has brought both local and international Jazz performers to St John’s. We kept ticket prices affordable and allowed children to attend for free, thus giving all those within our community access to beautiful music. Many people who came along commented on the beauty of the church, and how they felt welcomed in to the space.

And there were other ways that we have become more visible and more outward looking as a church during 2025. I have made links with various interfaith groups

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and other churches, not least St Mary’s, and it has been great to see several members of both our congregations engage across our “parish boundaries”.

As Chaplain, I have enjoyed leading worship in the school, as well as getting to know staff and children and supporting them either practically in class, or through one-to-one chaplaincy. I am very grateful for the commitment of headteacher Anna to the link between our church and the school. It has meant that there are weekly opportunities to share the good news of God’s love with over 400 pupils and their teachers, parents and carers, in the school, as well as in the church during special so-called “retreat days”. I also worked with the Diocese to deliver a new program for the year 6 pupils called “The Alban Way” looking at spiritual practices and how to build resilience.

There is so much to be thankful for, and a lot of people -you all- to thank. I of course am grateful to our PCC members, giving up their time and contributing their skills. Those who served a whole year: Clive, David, Jenny, Jill, Meg and Robert, as well as those who resigned from PCC early: Alex and Tom. Thank you all.

There is one person in particular who I want to thank as I come to the end of this report. And that is Jill. For the last part of 2025 and up until now, Jill has served as our only Churchwarden. I have one frustration with Jill and that is that she consistently underestimates herself, and what she means to those around her.

Jill: you have an incredible gift of supporting anyone and everyone, no one is excluded and no one is ever judged. You make people feel heard, listened to and welcomed. You show care and compassion to all, including me and you really have been a support to me personally.

A Churchwarden -as the Archdeacon reminds us of every year- is crucial to the welcome that a church provides, to new people but also to those who come every week. This is you full stop: you welcome people, everyone equally. I am so grateful that you have agreed to serve for another year as Churchwarden – thank you Jill. And I am really pleased that Jenny has agreed to join Jill as Churchwarden – thank you Jenny!

So, as we reflect on the year that has been, as we give thanks for the things we have achieved and for the people who have made it happen, I want to end this report by looking ahead. We are a third way into 2026 now, and we have a lot to look forward to still. Over the next few weeks several people will be baptised,

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there are weddings planned, we have a special 4-hour “Conversations in Jazz” happening in May in collaboration with Watford Jazz Junction. The beer festival will return and this year we are planning a community fun day as part of that, working with the mayor and our local councillors. In July Lesley will join us as our curate, and I for one am very much looking forward to working with Lesley and what she will bring to our community, as well as what we together can bring to her as she prepares to be priested in 2027, and ministry beyond that. And there will be other exciting things no doubt, opportunities for outreach and for service within the community.

But at the heart of all of that, we will always first and foremost be a worshipping community. That is what we are rooted in: the worship of the living Triune God. As I said last week, as we reflected on the Emmaus story: we first and foremost are called to open the Scriptures and to break bread. And as we commit to that for the year ahead, we can be confident that God will continue to open our eyes to see him working amongst us, and to help us see where we can be working with him to build St John’s together as a church rooted in this parish: to the glory of God and for the good of our community.

Fr Corniel, April 2026

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