The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Chrlst Church wlth St
Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul, St Leonards on Sea
Registered Charity No. 1170031
For thg year ended 31 December 2024
CONTENTS
Trustees Annual Report
Ito17
Statement of FlnanclalActlvltles
18
Balance Sheot
19
Notes To The Accounts
20to28
Report ofThe Independent Examlner
29

Christ Church St Leonards
Annual Re
Ort 2024
Contents
AIMS AND PURPOSE
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
FUNDRAISING AND FELLOWSHIP
FINANCIAL REVIEW
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MAINfENANCE
CHRIST CHURCH ST LEONARDS ON SEA HOUSE IMPROVEMENT
SOCIETY LTD
ST MARY MAGDALEN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY
SARAH BRISCO CHARITY
CHRIST CHURCH OLD BUILDINGS TRUST
RISK ASSESSMEI
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
FABRIC
SAFEGUARDING
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
DEANERY SYNOD
YOUTH GROUPS
SACRISTY
CHOIR
WEBMASTER

l. Airns & Purpose
Our aims and purposes as a charity
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Tncumbent in:
The provision and maintenance of the fabric of Christ Church, St
Leonards on Sea and its associated buildings.
Conducting regular Christian worship;
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, on a daily basis at Christ Church;
baptisms, marriages and funerals.
LeavinkChFlSt-Chureh-open-to-the-public40-entetrand-benefitrfrom
personal spiritl￿1 contemplation;
Promoting the study of Christian teathing, praCtI￿S and ScriP￿reS.
The provision of means and encouragement to promote fellowship within
the membership of the Churches and the wider community.
In addition to the above, avistian devotional acts and outreach work is
carried out, including..
Visiting the sick;
Administering the Sacraments to those unable to attend resular acts
of Worship, to the sick and dyins;
Supportins pastoral work;
Fostering
ecumenical links
denominations.
Supporting the work of other local charities.
between
differing Christian
Achievin
our charitable ob ectives
When planning our activities for the year, our incLllnbent and the PCC have
considered the Charity Commission's guidan￿ on public benefit and, in
particular, the specific guidance on 'charities for the advancement of religion,.
In 2024/5 we have continued to pursue the following objectives and activities
to fulfil our aims:
Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church. The
Church is now open from 7.30 - 7pm every dayi except in exceptional
circumstances.
Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish
community;
Teachingi baptizing and confirming new and existins believers;
Considering how Servi￿S can involve the many groups that exist within
the parish;

Putting faith into practi￿, through prayer and scripture, music and
sacrament.
Offering worship and prayer
Assisting people from all walks of life to develop theii knowledse of, and
trust in, Jesus.
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish;
Providing assistan￿ to the poor and needy of the parish.
Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a historic centre and focus
of life in the Parish.
The Rector, Wardens and PCC are committed to developing a long tenn Action Plan
for the next five years.
Christ Church reniains open daily for private prayer and publAc worship: there are
is a Daily Low Mass offered either in the daytime (1030am) or evening (7pm) to
allow both retired and working people to attend. On Sundays, there is a Low
Mass at 8am, followed by a time of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and
Morning Prayer at 915. The main Sunday Sung Mass then follows at 1030, which
is supplemented by Sunday School. There are also ocGasional seasonal evening
services, usually Evensong, offered by either our choir, a visiting choir or a
combination of the two.
As well as the continued offering of the daily Mass, additional opportunities for
worship include the Rosary led by the Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham, the
celebrations of major feasts and solemnities and
since Lent 2024
reintroduction of public daily Morning & Evening Prayer. Christ Church now
offers 11 hours of regular public worship per week, 572 hours per year - the
equivalent of almost 24 solid days! This doesn't include additional major feasts
and solemnities, or the extra programmes of Worship offered over Advent,
Christmas, Lent & Easter. We can see this has borne fruit as our ASA (Average
Sunday Attendance) exduding Christmas & Easter is 100.
Baptisrns continue to be ￿lebrated throughout the year plus confirmations. We
conduct a sniall number of funerals, mainly of former parishioners.
Christian teaching occurs weekly in the preaching at weekday and Sunday
Masses, as well as in Lent & Advent Courses from the Rector. Visiting dergy have
also come to speak and teach on particular topics. There have also been courses
over the past year to allow parishioners to explore their faith and what happens at
Christ Church..

The Rector also leads Christian worship at Christ Church Acaderny at least every
week, as well as other additional seasonal services and continues to develop a
growing programme of visits from the school and to the school in conjunction
with the staff and governors.
Pastoral care is offered to members of our parish and congregation not just by the
clergy (both stipendiary and retired) but also by the Eucharistic Ministers of the
church, in the forni of home visits, home communions and pastoral calls.
Christ Church continues to grow its wider ministry and visibility in the local
community as well in a variety of ways induding hosting concerts and events.
2. Serving the Community.
This year we have continued, as much as we can, to continue looking outward in our
niission and outreach.
The church is open daily for members of the public to corne and prayi light a candle,
reflect and find peace. It continues to be used resularly by mernbers of the public in
this respect and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity.
We have still been able to su
ort the local communi
in these wa
The Seaview l)roject (for the poor and needy) providinsy iterns of requirement
when needed.
Serving as local governors at our parish school.
Serving as trustees of the Christ Church Old Buildinss Trust (CCOBT), Sarah
Brisco Trust and the St Mary Magdalen Educational Charity.
Serving as Board members of Christ Church House Improvement Society Ltd
Installing a Defibrillator on London Road entrance to the Coutyard
Hosting weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Members of the sewing group has been contributins knitted items of dothing
to charities suth as Surviving the Streets and Warming Up The Homeless.
Regular contact and support is maintained with Surviving the Streets and
some fundin8 has been given to them via the Sarah Brisco charity and
weekly food contributions from the congregation.
Other Initiatives
The food bank continues to serve the local community and is in regular use. This is
run by Surviving the Streets.
Cosy Crypt continues on Thursdays. It has been a great suc￿Ss, open from 10am to
4pm a￿d staffed by Christ Church Volunteers. There has b￿n a constant go(Kl foot
fall. Cosy Crypt offers a warni safe space, friendly faces and an opportunity to chat,
rest and have hot drinks and snacks.

A representative from Citizen's Advice Bureau is in regular attendance to give
advi￿.
Church members continue to volunteer to lead our local Scout Group and serve as
members of the Scout Group Conunittee
The Parish Hall and Crypt have continued to be used by vulnerable groups such as
AA and a variety of exercise and well beins groups. and both rooms are open to the
wider public for bookings.
The 'Book Room, in the Parish Centre is open twice a week and continues to raise a
profitable amount of money as well as providing a reading resource for the
consregation and wider public.
A good link has been established between the local festival A Town Explores A
Book. The churth is used as a venue for their events and displays. This is a complete
conununity project involving shops, local open spaces, school and community
groups of all ages.
The church continues to host a variety of music con￿rts run by Hastings
Phi]haTmonic and Max Bailey as well as other individual choirs and drama groups.
It is also continuing to be used as a rehearsal venue by Hastings Philharmonic choir
and their children's choir Songbirds.
3. FundTaising and Fellowship
Apart from the rector Christ Church is run by volunteers.
Without this faithful, diligent band of people it would not as smoothly.
A massive vote of thanks is extended to all who help in so many ways:
Cleaning team, finan￿, sacristy, office, web master, sales, coffees and catering,
flowers, Cosy Crypt, Sunday School and others that help in many ways. You are all
an asset and important to the running of our church.
The Church has been able to continue to host some concerts this year and has a good
ongoing relationship with Hastings Phi]harmonic Choir and Chamber Choir. We
have been able to benefit from a variety of recitals by various people in church and
several concerts have taken place with full bookings. The concerts run by Hastings
Philharmonic have become an extremely well known and popular feature in our
outreach to the wider community,
The children's choir groupfft Songbirds, set up by Hastings Philharmonic Choir is
continuing to take place in church.
The church has also been used by other musical and arts groups which have put on
performances for the public and catering for a wide ranse of ases.
A good relationship continues with Citizens Advice Bureau housed in Christ Church
Old Buildings Trust in the courtyard.
The churth became involved in the St Leonards on Sea community Frost Fair and
parade with participants dressing up as angels and promoting Christmas activities
in the church as part of our general outreach.
Open days and guided tours continue to be held and are popular with members of
the public.
Monthly Sales act as an important point of interaction with the local commurrity.

4. Financial Review
Throushout 2024 the PCC continued to highlight different ways in which people can
financially contribute to the Mission and ministry of the Church in this Parish. Whilst
there was no specific Stewardship campaign this year the Parish Giving Scheme
(PGS) was promoted, enabling a more direct means of reclaiming Gift Aid from
givers, thus helping with our cash flow. Although this brought about a small uptake
in numbers of sivers, the overall level of resular giving has not increased, since sorne
givers continue to be lost.
Throughout the year Christ Church continued to engage the fundraising consultancy
Craigmyle as professional support to advise on capital campaigns to raise the sums
required to take our Tower and Clock plans forward.
The urgent fabric restoration repairs to the external fabric were finally completed in
2024. Although subject to a grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has
covered a large part of the costs, but has still required us to utilise over £44,500 of
our reserves. As the NLHF require ongoing Interpretation as part of their award this
increased costs, but has provided much improvement to the welcome to visitors and
ParishAoners including the Tours of the Church as mentioned elsewhere.
Additionally the gas boilers in the Parish Centre had to be replaced at a cost of
£8,250 partially covered by a srant.
During 2024 donation income was £5,100 greater than in 2023. However this
disguises a reduction in Pla[￿ed Giving of more than £1,000, with the majority of the
increase in income arising from Monthly Table Sales income, and a one-off Gift Aid
receipt. Income from the use of the Church Hall and Crypt together with concerts in
the Church, was £3,200 greater than in 2023, with the income from Concerts in the
Church being the majority of this and a valuable contribution to Church funds, The
PCC continue, where possible, to keep expenditure under tight control. However the
day-to-day deficit, although continuing to benefit from the negotiated 3 year
reduction in our Parish Share payments to the Diocese, was £1,710. The value of our
investment holdings, in line with market trends in 2024, increased by £7,566. The
overall effect has been to decrease our Reserves by £42.973.
The PCC continues to address this unsustainable finanaal position through its
Financial Sustainabi]ity Sub-comniittee, tasked with achievins a balaTh￿ of income
over expenditure over a five-year period. It has not been possible durins 2024 to
make the progress desired, and it remains essential that we make further progress on
increasing oux Income in 2025.
Why we hold some money in resen7e

The PCC discussed the following factors in arriving at their reserves policy:
Money should only be kept in reserve for specific reasons - whilst the Bible clearly
indicates that we should not hoard, it is also clear that sensible plannins for known
events and a contingency for emersencies are important.
In 2024 there was an eX￿sS of expenditure over income of £49,000 before the
eX￿ptiOnal increase in the value of our Investments is taken into Account the
majority of which relates to fabric costs.
The ongoing income is insufficient to meet the ongoing costs of the Church, the
largest item of cost beins the Parish Share. Whilst the reduction in Parish Share for
the next two years helps address this, there is no immediate cause for con￿rn, given
the current levels of cash and other reserves, it remains prudent to make reserves for
both ongoing costs and special repair and n￿intenan￿ costs, for the Church and
Church Hall.
Policy: It is the policy of the Churdi to keep-six months. running costs (£70,000
before the special short-term reduction in Parish Share costs), to cover any
unforeseen emergencies. The PCC will also keep in reserve sufficient funds to enable
the Church, and Churth Hall to be kept in a good and substantial state of repair.
Currently an arnount of £42,000 is considered to be a reasonable estimate. This
policy is reviewed annually.
5. Strncture Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Conimission as
required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governins document is the Parochial Church
Counals (Powers) Measure 1956.
Durins the year the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:
Ex Officio members
Rector
The Rev'd Thomas Crowley
Assistant Curate:
The Revd Dr Richard Ralph (Stipendiary, NSM and voluntary)

Authorised Lay Ministers
Jane Hart
Julie Gidlow
Wardens:
Susan Shaw PCC Vice Chairman
Maureen Harman
Elected Members:
William Baker
Jane Read
David Smith
Liz Mackay
Anne Hanney
Julie Gidlow
lack Carwardine
Deanery Synod Representatives
Julie Gidlow
Anne Hanney
Elizabeth Mackay.

6. Christ Church St Leonards on Sea House Improvement Society Ltd
The Board of Directors is chaired by the Rector. The other Directors are, Sue
Parsons, Heidi Ralph and Melanie Clark. The Company Secretary is Trevor Davies
and the Managing agents continue to be FPE. Fr Richard Ralph is in attendance at
Directorfs meetings. The Directors have the responsibility of administering and
aintaining St Richard's House, Pevensey Road, St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex.
During 2024, the Board of Directors continued to improve the standard of housing
and leveIs of comfort for our tenants, with flat improvements being made to
existing tenants also. Costs continue to increase, and after a gap of three years
rents had to be increased. This still did not eliminate the deficit. Whilst the Society
has ample reserves to meet this, it remains necessary to address this and Tenants
were advised that rents will be increased again An April 2025, but still to a level
well below current market rentals. This will also help fund the 5 year plan of
improvements with the replacement of all windows one floor at a time, that began
in 2024 and also with building now more than 70 years old Pointing rePla￿rnent.
The registered address is Christ Churdi Parish Offi￿, 2 Christ Church Courtyard,
London Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6GL.
7. St Mary Magdalen Educational Charity
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission (306495). The charity offers
cash grants to individuals and organisations that will tend to faci]itate education
An accordan￿ with the principles of the Church of England, and provides grants
to Christ Church School in particular. The charity mainly operates within the
parish of Christ Church and St Mary Masdalen, St Leonards-on-sea or in the
wider Borough of Hastings. Other areas where this Charity could offcr support
are being examined. The Trustees are thaired by the Ilector. There are 4 other
Trustees including Mithael Hart a member of the PCC and Trevor Davies as
Treasurer.
8. Sarah Brisco Charity
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission {211554). The Trustees are
The Rector and the Church Wardens and Treasurer. The charity exists for the relie
of the poor of the Parish which it does throush the niaking of grants to individuals,
and organisations within the Parish of Christ Churdb St Leonards-on-sea, at the
absolute and uncontrolled discretion of the Trustees.
In 2024 this included grants to Christ Church School for part of the costs of the needy
school-children's Walsingham Pilgrimase, as well as a further contribution to
Surviving The Streets for their provision to the needy, and urgent small grants to
three other families in need.

9. Christ Church St. Leonards Old Building Trnst
The charity is registered with the Charity Conunission (1087321)
The Trust owns and manages the buildings parallel to Christ Church known as the
Old School Buildings and the land upon which the Christ Church CE Primary and
Nursery Academy stands.
The objects of the Trust are:
l. The advancement and promotion of theological education and training for lay
and ordained persons in the Church of England.
2. Meeting rooms for the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church and St Mary
Magdalen, St Peter and St PauL St Leonards-on-sea.
3. Accommodation for dergy and their families within the Church of England,
4. For other charitable purposes connected with the Church of Ensland
The Rector of Christ Church, Rev.d Thomas Crowley, Bishop Peter Wheatley
(until January 2025), Mrs Maureen Harman, Bishop Nicholas Reade, Mrs Susan
Parsons, Mr Paul Lewis, Mr Peter King (from March 2024) and Mr Andrew Knight
serve as Trustees. Mr Andrew Knight was also Clerk to the Trustees until April
2024 with Mr Peter Knight appointed from then.
The Tn￿teeS met on six occasions during 2024
Highlights for 2024 have been:
- Amended composition of Trust Board membership.
- Discussed the appointment of a joint Christ Church and Old Building Trust Site
Manager.
- Accounts for year 2023124 approved by independent financial adviser,
- Replacement of iron gate and electronic locks in passageway between Alfred Street
and London Road.
- Investigation of reported damp concerns in walls.
- Gas safety and fire alarm test inspections carried out.
- Received Community Audit report to Mother Agnes Trust presented by Rev.d
Thomas Crowley.

10. Risk Assessment
The risks facing the PCC include the state of repair of the church, and the financial
requirements to meet its stated activities, including pay￿ent of its Annual Parish
Share. The structure of the church is continually rnonitored by the Church Architect
reporting regularly to the Standing Committee and PCC. The finances are controlled
by careful budgeting and dose attention to fundraisingi particularly with the
employment of professional fLmdraisers and an ongoing tnulti-year stewardship
campaign.
There have been no serious inadents or other matters relating to this charity over the
previous financial year that should have been brought to the attention of the Charity
Commissioners but have not.
There is a Church Risk Assessment booklet. It is strongly recommended that all who
work in the church read it and abide by it. There is a copy in the Outer Sacristy and
more copies are now available for groups who hire the church and for school visits.
11. Organisational Structure
The PCC is responsible inter alia Eor promoting the mission of the Church, the
parochial budget, and all expenditure thereunder, and the care and maintenan
of the fabric of the church. All menibers of the PCC are volunteers.
New representatives are told of their responsibilities and of the issues facing the
Church by existing representatives, and receive such additional training as
required. OffI￿S of the PCC, including the Secretary and Treasurer are appointed
at the first meeting of the PCC after the Vestry Meeting. The PCC approved a set
of Terms of Reference in November 2022 which outlined the expected conduct of
members, to which all new members are required to assent. These have Sin￿ been
updated.
As indicate(L members of the PCC also serve as representatives on the Deanery
Synod.
The church is run entirely by volunteers, as the one stipendiary dergyman is
remunerated by the Church Commissioners. Without the work of these
volunteers, Christ Church would not function.

12. Fabric
* Boilers - at present the Church heating is being supplied by only one of the
two industrial boilers. The other boiler needs another part to get it working. We
have a quote of £21000 two new boilers. This is obviously expensive. Sadly, our
present boilers are obsolete and our engineer has had difficulty getting parts.
The concern is as one boiler has broken down, the other may well do at any
time. Fortunately as summer is coming, hopefully, heating will not be
necessary, but a decision has to be niade well before September.
* Locks and Keys - the keypad on the Crypt door has been replaced. More
keys are needed for the Parish Centre. Costb are being explored.
' Organ - the organ has been tuned and the de-humidifier servI￿d.
' Sanctuary Lamps - as you will all have noticed, one of our lamps had to
be removed as it had fallen. A decision has yet to be readied as to whether
other lamps should be removed. At present it is considered unsafe to
lower them to light them.
' Annual Servicins - the font liftins mechanism has been serviced, as have
the fire extinguishers in both Church and Parish Centre. Electrical items in
both buildings have been PAT tested, The Parish Centre has had a fire
safety check.
* Electrics - Hannington Gilbert re￿Thtly carried out an electrica] survey of
the Church. (This is supposed to happen every five years). At time of
writing the report has not been received. Security light faults in the
courtyard have been rectified. Several lights in the Church are not
working. As a cherry picker and/or scaffolding will be needed, it is wise
to wait until more need doins. Wall lishts at the top of the stairs in the
Crypt are to be replaced.
' Gutters and Downpipes in both the Church and the whole of the Parish
building are in urgent need of clearing. The cost will be shared with
CCOBT. I have a quote of £5994.00 from George Stone. l am awaiting
further quotes.
' Defibrillator - this has been erected on the courtyard gatepost facing
London Road. I understand we are awaiting training.
' Finally - the Churth is indebted to Terry Knight who has carried out
painting in the Crypt and other repairs in the Church.
John Read.
13. Safeguarding
Anne Hanney is the Safeguarding Offi￿, There were no Safeguarding issues that
have arisen since the last Amual Report

14. Children's Ministry
I took over the rLLnning of PALS in May 2024 and it was rebranded to Christ Church
Sunday School. Due the numbers of adults it was trialled at the back of the church. I
am extremely happy with this and the clLildren seem to like this. They can always
see their parents, and I feel it's important for them to use all their senses during the
service. We are able to hear the reading and prayers. We come out to hear the Gospel
readinss, are able to see baptisms and receive the holy waters.
The number of children has increased and we do various different activities.
The children stay for the full Servi￿ rather than returning at the offertory.
I follow the weekly Gospel as much as possible but have also intrOdU￿a learning
about Saints, church festivals, the old testament, I have also introduced Acts, our
drama productions where we act of the Gospel stories. These are very popular with
the children and congregation and I have many wanting to join in.
Sunday sthool has also increased its community involvement, we took part in the St
Leonards Festival last July and have been asked to join this year
We took part in our second Frost fair, held our second Chrisknas eve Nativity play,
and this year held our first Easter play. To promote this we took the cross out into
the streets which has given me idea for next year!
Id like to say how many incredibly proud I am of all the Sunday school childre
their behaviour is remarkable and their knowledge and want to learn, develop and
promote Christian values. Christ church are very blessed to have them.
Krystyne Walsgrove
15. Deanery Synod
Christ Church is represented by Anne Hanneyi Julie Gidlow and Elizabeth Mackay

16. Youth Groups: Group Scout Leaders Report 2023
Many thanks to all section leaders, assistant leaders, occasional/parent helpers and
young leaders for all the sreat work they do. Without them we wouldn't be able to
run our sections each week and all the activities in-between.
17. Sacristy
Like last year, I am writing this immediately post Easter when it's always hard to
think what the Sacristy Team has been up to over the whole year, not just the last
couple of weeks. Was Maundy Thursday really only one week ago? Jt feels like it
was years ago and Palm Sunday seems like a distant memory.1 We certainly pack
quite a lot into a very short Spa￿ of time - this year including Compline by
Candlelight for the first time, as well as a low Latin Mass on Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday of Holy Week.
The tearn is muth as it was last year, with resular help from my co-sacristans Mark
and Tin￿ and Gail who still covers Wednesdays and 8.00am Sunday. Sue Edwards
still washes the small altar linens and we have been joined by Sarah Salsbury who
has valiantly undertaken to launder and press the large altar linens, alons with
Rev.d Thomas's Alb and Arni￿. Having at times tried to deal with the large linens
myself I know that this is no small task. The timing is crucial- the linens have to be
pressed at an optimum point in the process of drying so that they come out crisp.
Too wet and the linen will stick and burn, too dry and you will not get the crumples
out. Being able to devote a solid two days to the task is essential - just ironing the
large altar cloths can take half a day, and a Sacristan trying to do this late at night
when up against the time pressure of Christmas or Easter loomins is not something
anyone should ever have to witness Oust ask Chris!)
Re-dressing the altars for the major Feasts also takes some tinie because there are so
many of them - we have six altars (seven induding C￿75t the King) that require
three doths each for Christmas and Easter. We are halfway through the project we
started last year of labellins each linen so it is easy to find the right one for a
particular altar - when thi5 is complete, it will dramatically redu￿ the time it takes
to do this job. Tina has "adopted" the altar of SS Peter and Paul meaning that she
will now take responsibility for dressing that one at Christmas attd Easter, for which
l am immensely grateful. I wonder if anyone else would like to adopt one of the
remaining altars for the same purpose? It would entail joining us on a few days each
year (Christmas Eve, Holy Saknrday, Advent) simply to reset that one, which would
take no more than an hour. It really is a wonderful way in which to serve the church,
and is extremely satisfying to see when done. Do please let me know if you feel able
to help in this way.

Another project with regard to altars this year is to measure each one in order to
have new linens made. Many of the doths we have are wom through, or spoiled
with age and are no longer usable. We also need new purificators and Corporals as
well as larse altar linens, especially at busy times of the year when we have a
succession of elaborate services back to back.
You Might thitth that in all this we have no time to relax or enjoy ourselves. This
year, however, as well as enjoying our first Sacristy meal at Fortes, I was able to take
two whole months off in the summer. I am extremely grateful to Mark, Tina and Gail
for keeping it all going while I was not around - it was wonderful to have some
Saturdays off. And, as always, thanks are due to everyone who was drafted in to
help with the heavy lifting when the church was reset at Easter and Christmas -
Philip Mackay, Harry Walssrove, John Zachariah, Will Baker, Graeme Monk and
Terry Knight.
Lastly, let me mention my favourite subject - candles! This year we decided on a
new Paschal Candle design. Having whittled down the options in the Charles Farris
catalogue to just a few we decided to put it to the vote - Mark, Tina, Rev.d Thomas
and l unanimously chose the &ime one! Hopefully you all like it as much as we did.
Some of you will have nOti￿a that we are using real flowers to decorate it with this
year, This was a very happy outcome to what could have been disastrous when we
went to dust the artifiaal flower wreath on Wednesday of Holy Week to discover
that it is missing. After an initial panic, Maureen came to the rescue and ordered the
flowers from La Collina, something we hope to repeat next year too. Also new this
year is an investment in lonser hand-held candles for the people at the Easter Vigl
and Christmas. I felt that the smaller ones we have previously used become quite
difficult to handle and these new ones, which are twice as long, will be easier to
hold. The sight from the Sanctuary on Holy Saturday was ￿rtainlY very inipressive,
a sea of beautiful light.
I wilI end with my particular favourite sight of the year, again related to candles.
Rev.d Thomas decided to hold a dawn Rorate Mass just before Christmas which,
because it was stheduled to start at 6.30am, initially caused my heart to sink. He
promised, however, that he would do all the ne￿SSary work to get it ready and I
could just turn up at the start time. Walking in to the church at that time in the
morning to see all the candles alight, and everything set up perfectly was wonderful.
I know how long it takes to put all this together, and it was amazins to be able to just
come along and worship without the extra worry of making it happen. Thank you
Rev.d Thomas!
Julie Gidlow - Sacristan

18. Christ Church Parish Church Choir
The choir currently consists of 3 Sopranos, which includes one occasional, l Alto, 2
Tenors (one of whom is the organist) and l Bass. We have had quite a busy year
which has involved some changes. The choir continues to lead the congregational
singing from the Chan￿1, a position they occupied when the church was first built. It
is a much better position to sing from and the acoustic in that position helps the
singers produce a good sound. The climbing of the stairs to the gallery often left
individuals out of breath in the past. Now that they are singing in the chan￿1 they
are able to process in and out with the servers and clergy, as well as taking part in
the prayers before and after the service making them muth more part of the servi￿.
The choir works hard each week preparing the music so that they can lead the
congregation in worship Sunday by Sunday. They are a very comrnitted group of
individuals and over the week leading up to Easter were singing servitrs on a daily
basis, which included the introduction of Sung Compline on the Mondayi Tuesday
and Wednesday evenings of Holy Week. These services were very well attended and
were sun8 by candlelisht whith made them the perfect "ending of the day."
On Saturday I" June, our dioir set off to travel to Bury St Edmunds to sing Evensong
at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, together with the choir of St Neots. I had the great
privilege of playing the magnifi￿Tht Cathedral organ. The service was streamed on
their website.
It was a joy to welcome the thoir of St Matys Parish Church, St Neots in
Cambridgeshire to sing Evensong with us on 29 September 2024, They enjoy
coming to Christ Church as Charles Lyndhurst-vaughan was their Rector before he
came to Christ Churth. Our choir went to sing Evensong at St Neots on 28 July 2024
as part of their organist's 40 years of service at that church.
On Saturday 4 January, our choir set off again to travel to Bury St Edmunds to sing
Evensong at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, together with the choir of St Neots, I had
the great privilege of playing the Magnifi￿nt Cathedral organ for the second time
this year. The Servi￿ was again streamed on their website.
We are looking forward to our 150 ￿lebratiOnS and our choir will be joined by the
choirs of St Neots and St Saviours Eastbourne to sing choral Evensong at 5:00 pm on
Sunday 18° May.
Future dates include:
Saturday 10 January - Evensong at Southwark Cathedral, London. There is also a
possibility that the choir may go to Rothester Cathedral as well next year
If there are any that feel that they could sing as part of our choir they should initially
have an irrformal conversation with me during coffee after a service.
David Smith
Director of Music

19. Webmaster
The role of Parish Webmaster entails me to design, register, arranse paynent of and
regularly update our parish website. In addition to this main role I have a number of
side roles which are all IT related; • To be on hand as IT support to the wardens
resolving minor issues with the parish computer. • On an ad-hoc basis setup new
computers in the parish offi￿ linkin& establishing &/or registerins accounts of any
type as needed and arranging payment of those accounts or servI￿s. • Designing,
printing and refreshing regular event and direclional posters on Church premises.
Setting up and linking email addresses for Parish officers as and when needed &
resolvins problems with email accounts for existing addresses. • Ensuring that the
Weekly Parish Booklets & notices are printed. This year, as part of my contribution
to mark the 150th Anniversary year of the opening 0£ the second Christ Church, I've
desisned a new Parish Website enabling Parishioners and Volunteers better insight
and communication externallylinternally. The new Parish website has been launched
as well as the new Parish adrnin system. This new admin system means double
booking for our spaces and rooms is a thing of the past as the booking process itself
is now digital, so users arelwill be able to request a booking online as well as being
able to call into the office in person as before or phone up. Please bear with us all as
the system is bound to have teething problems initiatly. Our new site has exactly the
same internet address www.christchurchstleonards.co.uk. Please take time to have a
look and explore the site there are new layouts and much new content on every
page. As our site is a Parish not solely Church site I invite organisations from within
St Leonard's to send me details of events as part of their advertising which I'll
display in good time on the site.
Philip Mackay
The Trustees, Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf
by:
Revd. Thomas Crowley PCC Chairman
q.d.2S

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peterand St Paul St
Leonards-on-sea
Registered Charity no. 1170031
Statement of Financial Activities for the 12 months ended 31" December 2024
Unrestrkted
Restrlcted
Endowment
Fund
nds
Total Funds
Total Fund5
2023
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacles
Charltable actlvlties
Other trading artlvltles
Investments
Other recelpts
Total Income
78,017
162
78,266
11,128
78,017
162
84,648
11,606
72,920
291
242,629
13,277
6,383
478
167,S73
6,861
174.434
329,117
Expendlture on:
Raislng funds
Charltable actSvltles
Other trading activities
other expendlture
Total expendlture
Net galn5 lor losses? on Investments
Net Income or (net expendlture)
Transfers between funds
2,778
188,608
26,463
2,778
189,086
33,109
4,671
350,560
22,291
478
6,646
217,849
7,164
413,111
7,124
388
224,973
7,566
-42.973
377,521
15,131
-33.273
14
14
124
-43,111
124
14
42,973
-33,273
Other reco8nlsed 8alns/(loss•$):
Reconciliation D
Net movement In funds
Total funds brou8ht forward 31.12,2023
Total funds ¢arrfed forward
-£43.111
£342.128
£299.016
£124
£0
£124
£14
£0
-£42,973
£342,128
£299.155
-£33,273
£14
Page 18

Christ Church with St Mary Magdalen and St Peter and St Paul St
Leonards-on-sea
Registered Charity no. 1170031
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
Totsl Funds
2024
Totol Fund5
2023
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments
337,7a9
476
330,157
462
Note 9
Note 9
Endowed Investments
Total flxed assets
338,185
330,619
Stocks
Debtor5
Cash at bank and In hand
6,120
46,073
52,193
149.1511
3,042
341.227
25,921
77,078
102,995
(49,418)
S3,581
384,200
Note 10
Note 15
Total currenl assets
Crèditors., Amounts fallln8 due wlthln one year
Net current os$6ts or (Ilabllltlesl
Total asskts14ss eurrent Ilabllltles
Credltors,, Amounts fallln8 due after mole than one year
Prov151ons for Ilabllltles
Note 11
Note 12
Note 13
142,072)
299,155
(42,072)
342,128
Tolal net a550ts or (Ilabllltlesl
The funds of th• chaTIty:
Endowment fund$
Restricted Income funds
Unrestrlcted funds
Revaluatlon reserve
476
461
18,987
279,692
18,830
323.837
Total unrestrl¢ted fvnd5
279,692
322,837
Total tharlty funds
Analy51s af Funds
Endowment funds
299,155
Expendlture
342,128
Balances c/f
476
Balgnces blf
462
Income
14
Restrl¢ted Funds
YACC
577
577
Walslngham Pll8rlma8•
Sunday school
Trollopes Charlty
Total Re5trl¢ted Funds
971
6,383
6.646
-34
708
120
154
17,161
18,829
322.837
342,128
865
478
17,548
18,987
279,692
299.155
7,248
174,738
182,000
7,090
217,883
224.973
Gener•1 Fund- Unre5tritted
Total charlty funds
This Annual Financial Report, for the year ended 31st December 2024, IncSudlng the note5 following, was
Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by
Revd.
as Cro
y Chairman
th
Date 7 May 2025
Page 19

ot s to the financial report
Accountlng pollcles
Accounting ¢onventlon
The financial statements have been prepared underthe Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with
appllcable accounting Standards and the current120151 staternent Of Recommended Prartice, Accountlng and
Reporting by Charities SORP {FRS 1021.
The flnanclal statements have been prepared under the hlstorlcal cost conventlon as modified by the incluslon of
investments at market value and the revaluation of fixed a55ets. The financial statemerrts include all transactions,
assets and Ilabllltles for which the PCC Is responsible in law. They do not indude the accounts of church groups
that owe their affiltation to another body, northose which are informal gatherings of church members.
Funds accounting
Funds held by the PCC are..
Unrestrirtedfunds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purpose5
De5ignatedfunds - monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted fund5 for specific future purposes cr pmjects.
Restrlctedfvnds - al income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects
provlded In the terms of the trust or bequest,. b} donatlons or grants received for a specfflc object or Invlted by the
PCC for a speclflc object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were glven. Any
balance remaining unspent at the end ofthe year Is carrled forward as a balance on thatfund.
Endowmentfunds - funds the capital of which must be malntalned. only income arising from the investment of
the endowment rnay be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds, dependin8 on the purpose set out in the
terms of the orlglnal endowment
Income and endowments
All income and endowments are accounted for wfthout deductlon for any costs of recelvablllty, are reco8nised
when there is evidence of entitlement, re￿[pt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donatlons and legacies
Collections are recognised when received.
Planned glvlng recelvable is recognlsed when there Is evidence of entltlement, receipt Is probable, and the
amount accords with the Gift Aid declaration or other record of intention todonate.
Glft aid recovered Is recognlsed when the income to which it is attached Is recognlsed.
Gmnts ond legocles are recognlsed when the fom)al offer In wrltlng of the funding. is recelved by the PCC.
Charitable actlvitles
Sales of magazlnes and study notes are recognised when recelved.
Rentsfrom property are recognised in accordance with the rental agreements, when receipt is probable.
Other tradlng actlvltles
Tradlno actlvitie5 are where income is receivable in return for selling goods or providing servlces. Income from
trading is recogni5ed either- a - when received, or b - in the cease of concerts: for the year in question.
Irrespective of date of recelpt. Advance bookinBS are Included In creditors until the concert has taken place.
Investment Income
Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entltlements are accounted for a5 they accrue.
Page 20

Notes to the financial report (continued)
All other Income
All other income is recognised in accordance with the above overall policy.
Gain5 and1055e5 on Inveslments
Realised Bains are recognised when the investments are sold
Unreali5ed 8ain5 and1055e5 are accounted for on revaluatlon at 31 December.
Expenditure
Expenditure Is accounted for on an accruals basls and accounted for gross.
Gmnts
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award ¢￿ateS a bindtng
obllgatlon on the PCC.
Church Artlvltle5
The dlocesan parish contribution is accounted for on an annual basis, reflectlng the allocatlon set by our Deanery.
Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 Decernber is provided for in these accounts as an operational Ithough not a
legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.
Fixed Assets
Tanqlbleflxed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10(21 of the Charitles Act 2011.
Movable churth furnishing held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trustfoi the PCC and which requlre a
faculty for disposal, are accounted a5 inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed In the church's
inventory which can be inspected but are not Included In the financlal statements. For other property 3cqulred
prior to Idatel there is insufficient cost information avallable and therefore the c05t of such assets is not stated in
the financlal statements.
All expendlture on consecrated or beneflced bulldlngs and Individual items costlng under £1,000 are wrltten off In
the year they were incurred.
Oepreciution
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tan8ible fixed assets, excluding freehold
properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generdlly applicable a￿-
U Fixtures and fitting5
20%
n Audio visual equipment
U Offlce equipment
25%
No depretSation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC'5 policy to rnaintain these assets In a contlnual
state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual value5 so high that any
depreclatlon would not be material. These assets wlll be sublett to annual impairment reviews. Provision wlll be
made ifthere has been any permanent diminution in value.
Investments
33%
Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.
Current Assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees. rents or otherincome are shown a debtors less
provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Churth of England Funds, or at the bank
Page21

Notes to the financial report (continued)
Analysis of income and endowments 12 months to 31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Funds
ndowment
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Planned giving (excl. Gift Ald
Planned Givlng Ilncl Gift Ald
Donatlons
Loose cash collectlons
Fund Raisln8 Events
Speclal Appeals (not Incl. Glft Ald)
Cosy Cryptl
Table Sales
Gift Aid recoverable
Legacies
Onllne and Contactless Donatlons
12,247
13,160
22,250
6,595
2,377
12,247
13,160
22.250
6,595
2,377
12,817
13,887
18,878
5,961
2,357
516
7,069
10,235
22
3,547
516
7,069
10,235
22
3,547
1,551
5,531
8,881
3,057
Donatlons and legacles
£78,017
£78,017
£72,920
Fees for weddin8s & funerals
162
162
291
Charltable actlvltles
£162
£16Z
£291
Coffee and Candle5
Rent from lettln8 of St Peters Hall
Church Hall and Office Letting
Grants
Walsingham Pilgrimages
3,397
3,397
4,292
22,361
52,507
22,361
52,507
6,383
19,140
214,315
4882
6,383
Other tradlns activltles
£78,266
£6,383
£84,648
£242,629
Bank & CBF deposlt Interest
CBF investment fund dividend
HMRC Interest re Gift Aid
2,373
8,688
67
2,373
9,166
67
4,220
9,027
30
478
Investments
£11.128
E478
£11,606
£13,277
Totsl income and endowments on al
£167.573
£6.861
£174,434
£329,117
Page 22

Notes to the f inancial report (continued)
Analysis of expenditure 12 months to 31, December 2024
Unrestrlcted
Fund
nr8strlctad
Funds
ndowment
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Cosy Crypt |
Summer fete & Chrlstmas bazaar costs
Planned Glvlng Costs
Stewardship costs le.g. printlng envelopes)
Grants costs le.g. maklng E/Herltage appllcatlonl
Other fundralsln8 Inon-tradin81 costs
63
988
2,715
2,715
3663
20
Cost of ralslnu fund$
£1778
£2.778
£4,671
Mlsslonary and charltable glvlng
Mini5trv:
dlocesan parlsh shore
other clergy costs
35,600
5,363
12,085
3,944
23,997
34
7,678
90,106
35,600
5,640
12,085
4,145
23,997
34,550
6,182
9￿45
1587
15.323
175
277
Staff
Upkeep of serylces
Church runnln8
Sunday school
Church rnalntenance and repalr
Fabrlc Repalrs
Speclal Appeals costs IClock/Organ/Legacies}
Insurance of Church Bulldlng
Grants
201
7,678
90.106
10.073
260.736
7,697
7,697
7,529
265
Archltect5 Fees
Bank char8es
Rectory Costs
Governance
1,234
241
251
251
1,920
1,920
1020
Cost of charltablo actlvltles
£188,608
£478
£189,086
£350.560
Summer fete & Chrlstmas bazaar costs
St Peter$ Hall costs
Church Hall and Crypt runnlng costs
Curate costs
26,463
26,463
17,756
Parish magazlne costs
Bookstall costs
Walsln8ham Pi18rimages
Sundry Expense5
6,646
6,646
4,535
Cast of other tradlng actlvltles
£26,463
£6,646
E33,109
£22,291
Total expended on all funds
£217.849
£7,124
£224,973
£377,521
Pag¢ 23

Notes to the financial report (continued)
Mlsslonary and charltable givlng
Unrestrlcted
Fund
Restrlcted
Fund
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Totol Funds
2023
Overseas:
Home:
Staff costs
Unrestrlcted
und
Restrlcted
Fund
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Total Fund5
2023
Remuneration
Woges and salaries
Soclal Security costs
12,085
12,085
9,845
£12,085
£12,085
£9,845
Governance
Unrnstrl¢ted
Restrlcted
Endowed
Total Funds
Total Funds
Independent examinatlon
Accounts productlon
Bookkeeplng
1,920
1,920
1,820
£1,920
£1,920
£1,820
Analysis of transfers between funds
Unre$tr5cted
Funds
Reslrlcted
Endowed
Total Funds
024
Total Funds
Tronsftrs betweenfvnds
Page 24

otes to the financial report (contunued)
Fixed Assets
Investments
Unrestrlcted
Fund
Restrlcted
Fund
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
Alotes
Market value l January 2024
312,995
17,162
462
330,619
Net Ilosses}/galns and revaluation
Market value 31 December 2024
7,164
£320,159
388
14
7,566
£338,18S
£17,550
£476
Tangible fixed a55et5
Freehold land
and bulldln8$
Audlo vlsual
equlpment
Offlce
equlpment
Total flxed
assets
Cost oy valuatlon
At l January 2022
Addltlons
Dlsposals
Revaluatlon
At 31 December 2022
Char8e for Impalmient
At l January 2022
Addltlons
Dlsposals
Revaluation
At 31 December 2022
Net book amounts
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021
Page 25

Notes to the financial rep rt (continued)
Analysis of net assets by fund
Unresirtcted
Funds
Restrlcted
Fund
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Totol Fund5
2023
Notes
Investment flxed assets
Current assets {except cash)
Cash at bank and on deposit
Current liabilltles
Provlslons for Liabilitles
320.159
6,120
45,001
(49,151)
(42,0721
£280,057
17,550
476
338,185
6,120
46,073
(49,1511
(42.0721
£299,155
330,617
25,921
77,078
(49,418J
(42,072)
£342,226
1.072
£18,622
£476
10
Debtors
Unrestrleted
Restrlcted
Fun
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
024
Totol Funds
20
Notes
Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued Income
Other debtors
3,355
2.765
3,355
2,765
3,747
2,401
19, 773
£25,921
£6,120
£6,120
11
Credltors: amounts falling due wlthln one year
Unrestrf¢ted
Restrlcted
Funds
Fund
Endowed
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Notes
Deferred Income
Accru31s for utlllties and other costs
Other creditors
49,151
49,151
49,418
£49.151
£49,151
£49,418
12
Credltors: amounts falllng due after more than one year
Unrestrlrted
Restrlcted
Endowed
Funds
Fund
Fund
Total Funds
2024
Totol Funds
023
Notes
Other creditors
Page 26

Notes to the f inancial report (continued)
13
Provlslons for Llabllltles
Vnrostrl¢ted
Re5trlcted
Fund
Endowed
Fun
Total Funds
rotol Funds
2023
Provlsion for Church Hall Maintenance
Provision for Church Maintenance
42,072
£42.072
42.072
£42,072
42,072
£42,072
The Board of Trustees have deemed the valuation of the provision for Church Maintenance as reasonable
based on the report of the Architect followln8 the Qulnquennlal Inspectlon of the structure of the Church
and the recommendations included in the ReporL
14 Ststement of fund5
Bèlances
bllwd
l Jan 2024
Transfers,
other 8alns
and losses
Bolan¢e$
c/fv•d
31 Dec 2024
In¢ome
Expendtture
DBF Funds
462
14
476
Total of all endowed funds
Rector & Churchwardens
YACC
Walslngham PIIErimage Fund
Sunday School
Trollopes Charlty
Total of all restricted fund5
462
14
476
577
971
120
577
708
6,383
6,646
(34)
478
154
17,549
18,988
17,161
18,829
478
6061
388
7.090
388
General fund
Total of all unrestrlcted fund5
322,837
322,837
167,573
167,573
217,883
217,885
7,164
7.164
279,691
279,691
Total funds
£342,128
£174N34
£224,973
£7,566
£299,155
The endowed fund comprises an historlc bequest
The restricted fund5 are as set out above. The YACC balance is considered to be a designated account.
Re5trlcted funds are not invested permanently, but arc to be spent withln rea50nable timescales.
The unrestricted fund intludes a designated sum £42,072 which has PCC has set aside towards the cost of
future fabric repairs to the Church
Within the unrestricted funds are balances totalling £350,835 that can be utilised for expenditure by the
authority of the Rector and Churchwardens only.
Page 27

Notes to the financial report (continued)
15
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Notes
Cash in hand including non-notice deposlts
Notice deposits (less than 3 months)
Overdraft facillty repayable on demand
Total cash and cash equlvalents
46,073
77.078
£46,073
£77,078
16
Related parties and transactlons
Certain members of the PCC are also trustees of tertain other Charities.
No member of the PCC has any financlal transactlons wlth any ofthese Charities.
Page 28

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE
PCC OF CHRIST CHURCH WITH sr MARY P4AGDALEN AND ST PETER AND sr PAUL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31- DECEMBER 2024
I report to the trustEes on my examlnatlon of the accounts of the above charlty for the year ended
315t Decemtkr 2024 set out on pages I to 29.
Responsibllitias and basls of report
As the charity trustees of the Tnjst you are responsible for the p￿paration of the account in
accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charites Act 2011 ('the Acn.
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 Charlty Commlssion under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examlnerfs statsment
Since your charlty's gross Income ex￿eded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body
listed in section 145 of the Act. I can conflrm that I am quallfied to undertake the examlnation
because I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respett:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act: or
2. the accounts do not accord wlth those records. or
3. the accounts do not comply with the appllcable requirements Con￿rning the form and content of
accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any
requirement that the accounts give a *rue and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part
of an independent examination.
I have no cOn￿rnS and have come across no other matters In connertion wth the examlnatlon to
whlch attentlon should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Mr S Rosling FCCA
For and on behalf of A5hdown Hurrey Audltors Limited
Accountsnts and Business Advisors
20 Havelock Road
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 IBP
Page 29