## **The Parish of Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys Hill**
Change, Grow, Serve
## APCM ANNUAL REPORT 2025
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025**|**3**|
|**CHURCHWARDENS’ FABRIC REPORTS FOR THE PARISH 2025**|**8**|
|**DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2025**||
|**9**||
|**SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2025**|**10**|
|**OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS REPORT 2025**|**10**|
|**FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S CHURCH SUNDRIDGE REPORT 2025**|**11**|
|**ST MARY’S CHURCH BELLRINGERS REPORT 2025**|**12**|
|**FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S CHURCH IDE HILL REPORT 2025**|**13**|
|**THE FLORENCE HARDING FUND - TREASURER’S REPORT 2025**|**14**|
|**DIOCESAN SYNOD REPORT FOR 2025**||
|**15**||
|**SUMMARY ACCOUNTS 2025 FOR SUNDRIDGE WITH IDE HILL AND TOYS HILL PCC 17**||
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025**
## **PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)**
The proposal to create a joint Benefice with the two parishes of Brasted and Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys Hill was carried forward during the year. A draft Benefice Proposal incorporating the decisions made in 2024 was delivered to the PCC by the diocese in early summer and agreed by the PCC after some discussion in June. In September, the final version of the Benefice Proposal was issued by the diocese, along with official public notices, announcements in the churches, and a period of three months (to December) for any objections to be raised. This period passed without objections, and the legal creation of the joint Benefice was promulgated in January 2026, with an effective date of February 1st 2026. This marked a new era in the Benefice of Brasted and Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys Hill.
Having guided the parish through this period of change, The Reverend Lynette Leithead completed her period of service in the parish on January 4th 2026. In anticipation of this, in March the PCC agreed that a joint ‘working group’ should be formed with Brasted parish to prepare a Benefice Profile, a key component in the future recruitment of a new minister for the benefice. The working group members from the parish were Jane Belle, Lynne Rutherford, Jo Rutter (churchwardens) and Althea Chapman (churchwarden until May and PCC member). The group met six times and developed an excellent working relationship with the Brasted churchwardens. The group produced a draft Benefice Profile which was discussed by the PCC in September. The PCC broadly approved the draft and asked that an additional phrase be added to include the need for a positive at ude to diversity and inclusivity from any new incumbent. The Church of England rules mean that further steps in the recruitment of a new minister could not be taken until after the official departure of the current incumbent.
Safeguarding work continued, with Safeguarding Sunday in November, an emphasis on training for PCC members and the re-adoption of Safeguarding statements and policy. See the separate Safeguarding Report.
The PCC continued the project to use the Glebe field at Ide Hill as an extension to the Churchyard for future burials. Frustrating contacts with the National Trust and their lawyers all year finally resulted in a legal Deed establishing access rights over a small strip of land between the access road and the graveyard extension, signed in December. However, the parish are still awaiting Land Registry registration before the Churchyard extension can be consecrated by a Bishop.
In January, The PCC officially approved the ‘Flushing Hill’ project at Ide Hill, to build a toilet and tea station at the back of the church in the choir vestry. The PCC was kept informed of the project stages and snags (don’t mention locating the stopcock) through the year and the work started in midNovember. See the Churchwardens’ Fabric Report and the Ide Hill friends report for more information.
The PCC has continued to review and establish a number of formal policies. These include:
Safeguarding Policies – renewed and displayed Lone Working Policy Complaints Policy Privacy Policy and Consent Form (GDPR) Conflict of Interest Policy Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
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These policies are available in the churches or by application to the PCC Secretary
## **PARISH ACTIVITIES**
## **Churches, Services and Meetings**
The PCC oversees three centres of worship; St Mary’s Sundridge, St Mary’s Ide Hill and the Toys Hill Chancel. The year also saw closer cooperation with Brasted parish and St Martin’s church For most of the year, parish services were held on the first and third Sundays of the month at St Mary’s Sundridge and on the second and fourth Sundays at Ide Hill. A Holy Communion service was held at Toys Hill on the first Sunday of the month. St Mary’s Ide Hill was closed in late October to allow extensive building works to begin. During the closure, all services were held at St Mary’s Sundridge, and Toys Hill continued in the usual pattern
There have been three baptisms, no weddings, seven funerals and ten burials of ashes in the parish during the year.
A rota from the Friends has continued to open and close St Mary’s Sundridge every day until dusk, with over a hundred visitors recorded in the visitors’ book. St Mary's Ide Hill has been open every day until the temporary closure, thanks to a dedicated team of openers and closers.
The Rev Lynette and her team of a LLM, Readers and supporting ministers have maintained a full programme of services and celebrations across the parish, including some joint services with St Martin’s Brasted. The major festivals brought a sunrise service at Easter and at Christmas a candle-lit carol service, and a Crib service, which were all well attended. There have been special services for ringing in the New Year, a special bellringing for the 80[th] anniversary of VE-Day, the Flower Festival, an open-air service with animal friends, Harvest festivals, an Advent hymn service, Remembrance Sunday services and a joint ‘Time to Remember’ with Brasted, for those who have been bereaved. Under the leadership of Joanna Campbell and the valued training of Mary Byers, organist, the ‘High Days and Holidays’ parish choir performed at seven services and events in the parish and one with the Brasted choir.
Prayers for the Parish meetings, open to all, met regularly. Some informal ‘Café Church’ gatherings were held at Sundridge church in the early part of the year.
## **Friends of the Churches**
We are grateful for the hard work of church members and both the Sundridge and Ide Hill “Friends of St Mary’s” who have organised fundraising activities which have been open to community and church alike. See separate reports).
## **Work with Children and Schools**
Rev Lynette and Barbara Lockey continued to take the lead in working with our local schools, Sundridge & Brasted CoE Primary School, and Ide Hill CoE Primary School. See the separate Local Schools report.
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Led by Diana Pickard and Jane Rosam, Forest Church was embedded within the Morning Worship service at Ide Hill (and Sundridge while Ide Hill church was closed). Forest Church met on the second Sunday of the month, usually outdoors. Thank you to the Page Family for a lovely visit to Scords Farm in December. Thank you also to Lynne Rutherford and Jane Belle for their help.
## **People**
**Reverend Lynette Leithead** came back to us in 2023 after a difficult time for the parish and completed her service for us at the end of 2025. Her gift for healing and bringing people together was evident from the beginning, and under her leadership a dedicated and cohesive team was built. The sign of great leadership is when the leader is no longer there, but the team carries on as effectively as before. This is so true and is a legacy for which Lynette will be remembered. Her spiritual and practical guidance is much appreciated by us all.
**Ruth Barrow** formally retired from her role as Reader to the parish. In January she was honoured by Bishop Jonathan in a commendatory letter and certificate appointing her Reader Emeritus. The service at Ide Hill on 23[rd] February was dedicated to Ruth, where she spoke movingly of her 62 years of service to the parish, and received the universal approbation of those gathered for the celebration. Ruth always ran such lovely services where the children of the parish were involved, and her contributions were much appreciated by us all.
We are grateful for the work and dedication that our Deacon, **Rev Angela Baker** so willingly gives to our Parish. Rev Angela was very much involved with church services until she had an operation in the Autumn. We look forward to having her up at the front of the church again soon.
Our thanks and appreciation go to **Jane Rosam** , LLM, for all the services she has run in Ide Hill, Sundridge, and Toys Hill over the past year, including funerals. Jane is an essential part of Forest Church and always makes sure that the themes for the service and the activities for the children are aligned.
**Barbara Lockey** was awarded the Bishop’s Certificate in March and continued her studies and practical work towards becoming a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) in 2026.
Many thanks are due to the many volunteers and helpers who contribute massively to the mission and running of the churches – the readers, the intercessors, the caterers, the flowers team, the bellringers, the organists, the locker-uppers, the cleaners, the working parties, the path sweepers, the churchyard volunteers, the donations collectors and bankers, and the maintenance teams.
## **Charities Supported**
The PCC again decided that the collections on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day would be shared between three chosen charities: Porchlight, Open Doors and the Sharp Memorial School for the blind. The total amount distributed was £900.
**Porchlight** are a lifeline to people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental ill health, and social exclusion. They provide housing, education, and personal development to support the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities.
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**Open Doors** is a charity that distributes bibles and resources, so that Christian believers can be nourished by God’s word. It supports victims of violence and disaster so that they can live independent and fulfilled lives and brings hope to the Middle East so that Christians can live with dignity and hope.
**Sharp Memorial School for the Blind** lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is the oldest school for the blind in India. It is a Christian Mission school for girls and boys of all casts and creeds. In both Ide Hill and Sundridge church you will see the recent report from the Sharp School. Please do take time to read it and get to know the school better.
The Remembrance Day donations of £562 was passed to the **Royal British Legion.**
‘Ride and Stride’ raised almost £2000 in sponsorship, shared 50/50 by the **local churches** and the **Friends of Kent Churches.**
## **FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025**
The accounts have been independently examined and are summarised in the accompanying statement that has been approved by the Independent Examiner.
At the end of 2025 there was a loss of £13789 on day to day expenditure which was reduced to £10802 as a result of investment income. This compares with a surplus of £4405 in 2024. Investments reduced in value by £4318. Total reserves reduced by £12000 to £279,854.
Planned Giving remained substantially unchanged from 2024 but collections and donations were significantly reduced on 2024 as were fees from weddings and funerals.
Gift Aid from HMRC and VAT from the LPWG Scheme has been claimed for the year and is included in the accounts. This included claiming back VAT on expenditure on the Flushing Hill Project at Ide Hill. Unfortunately, the LPWG scheme will cease at the end of March 2026 due to new government policy. However, Ide Hill Friends have confirmed that they will pay any VAT due on Flushing Hill invoices so the PCC will not be out of pocket on any Flushing Hill expenditure.
We were again pleased and grateful to receive a grant of £2000 from the Parish Council towards the cost of grass cutting in Sundridge Churchyard.
We paid a small sum in connection with the IH graveyard extension in 2025 but the bulk of the costs have been paid in January 2026 out of the IH Churchyard Fund.
Since we are sharing the Parish Office in Sundridge with Brasted parish, it has been agreed that the two parishes will share equally the costs of the office, and also those costs of the clergy that relate to both parishes. This has resulted in a payment to us of £1053 from Brasted in 2025.
The PCC’s offer to the Diocese of Rochester was £25,000 (up from £20000 in 2024), and the nominated charities by the PCC received £2088.
We are grateful to the Churchwardens and others who have made sure that our funds are utilised sensibly and prudently. We especially wish to thank Fiona Parkin, Simon Pickard, Ed Dixon and Phil Chapman for managing & banking the weekly collections and providing the Treasurer with detailed
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documentation. Finally, on behalf of the PCC, thank you to Gary Davison, our Independent Examiner, who has kindly examined the PCC’s accounts at no cost to the Parish
## **GOVERNANCE**
## **The Parochial Church Council (PCC) in 2025 consisted of**
|Chair:
|Reverend Lynete Leithead (Priest in Charge)|
|---|---|
|Vice-Chair and Churchwarden,||
|Deanery and Diocesan Synod:|Jane Belle|
|Churchwardens:|Althea Chapman (to May), Jo Ruter (from May),|
||Lynne Rutherford|
|Deacon:
|Rev Angela Baker|
|Licensed Lay Minister:
|Jane Rosam|
|Treasurer:
|Robert Skone-James|
|Secretary:
|Terry Corbet|
|Elected Members
|Simon Pickard, Barbara Lockey, Robert Skone James|
||Althea Chapman (from May),|
||Lynne Rutherford (untl January), Marilyn Page, Ginny Ashworth,|
||Terry Corbet (from May), Prue Seddon (untl October)|
|Co-opted Member
|Sue Armstrong (from November}|
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) meets every two months and has met six times this year. Reports from the Treasurer, Churchwardens and Parish Safeguarding Officer have been received at every meeting.
The Electoral Roll was completely renewed in May 2025, with our Roll now standing at 71. Thank you to Althea Chapman, our ERO, for completing this considerable task. After Althea stepped down from this role, Wendy Fallon was elected as the Electoral Roll Officer.
After many years as a dedicated churchwarden for the parish, Althea was given the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of the parish and the PCC when she stepped down from the role in May. She continued as an elected member of the PCC.
## **Standing Committee**
This is a statutory PCC committee that may carry out some of the work of the PCC between meetings (e.g. if an urgent matter arises for which a full PCC Meeting cannot be called). The Standing Committee reports to the PCC. The size of a Standing Committee is dependent on the size of the parish Electoral Roll. The Minister is always an ex-officio member, and the PCC must appoint others from its own lay membership.
The Standing Committee in 2025 consisted of four PCC members: Lynette Leithead, Althea Chapman, Lynne Rutherford and Simon Pickard. The Secretary may attend for Minutes. The Standing Committee did not meet in 2025. A number of smaller but urgent decisions were made by email consultation with the PCC.
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## **CHURCHWARDENS’ FABRIC REPORTS FOR THE PARISH IN 2025**
## **ST MARY’S SUNDRIDGE**
We are most grateful to all who help to keep the Church well maintained, clean and polished, and to those who keep the building open 365 days a year! We have many visitors who come in to pray, light a candle, write a prayer or just sit quietly. Having the church open is much appreciated by many.
We are also very grateful to the bellringers who keep the bells and the ringing chamber in good order. In particular our thanks to Paul Brown who has done a lot of work helping to dismantle and reinstall the Tenor Bell Headstock which was cracked and needed repairing at the bell foundry. Paul is monitoring the repaired crack monthly. He has also done a large amount of work cleaning and repairing in the bell chamber.
We are grateful to our small band of Flower Arrangers under the leadership of Beryl Norman who make the church beautiful all year round. Nigel Belle has repaired several items in the church, Andy Cook climbs the ladder to change the light bulbs, John Banbrook has repaired and sorted out problems – we are very grateful to them and other volunteers who keep our beautiful church in such good order.
The Fabric Committee continues to look for funding/grants to complete phase 3 of the WaterLoo project (to install a tea station to improve Café Sundridge facilities). Other current projects are to improve the lighting in the Tower Room, move the sound system into the Nave, repair the northside lychgate and put in a handrail on the slope leading to the War Memorial.
The Churchyard is in good order and many thanks to those who help to keep this large space looking beautiful. Special thanks to Andy Cook who has taken apart the compost area and removed all the plastics that had been left there. He has cleaned and cleared the whole area and made a considerable difference. The southside lychgate has been expertly repaired funded by The Friends.
The Memorial Stone engravings are up to date.
My thanks also go to my co-warden, Jo Rutter; and to Althea Chapman for her work and help, particularly with the churchyard, the organ and organists. Also our grateful thanks to Barbara Lockey who looks after the heating, the sound, the WiFi and so many other things.
_Jane Belle_
## **ST MARY’S IDE HILL**
2025 was a busy year with the Faculty application for the toilet and tea station and the preparation of the inside of the church for the works to take place. The faculty was granted and we have worked closely with Thomas Ford and Partners to select contractors, get the required building permissions and work with Thames Water on drainage and water supply. The church has been closed since the end of October and building work started on November 10[th] . Although the project was completed in February 2026, and not in the scope of this APCM, we are delighted to report that we now have a beautiful tea station and disabled toilet in our church. The path has also been restored as part of the project.
As part of the preparation for the contractors to come in, we had a “declutter” and the beautiful Campbell family screen at the back of the church is now completely visible. It has made a huge difference to the interior look and feel of the church.
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Our four memorial stones in the Memorial Garden have been cleaned and the names repainted. We have had positive feedback and thanks from family members. Our faculty for a fifth memorial stone was successful, and this has been installed.
All required inspections have been undertaken and the Logbook is up to date.
The graveyard extension project is ongoing, and at last, thanks to the perseverance of Jane Belle, it is now with Land Registry.
Thanks go to PJ Rutherford and Paul Meredith, who ensure that the Churchyard is mowed and decluttered on a regular basis, to the team of openers and closers who ensure that the church is open every day all year round, and the church cleaning team and the flowers team who keep our lovely church looking its best at all times.
To Peter Duke who manages the heating and the sound system, we also say thank you.
_Lynne Rutherford_
## **DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2025**
_Area Dean_ : Rev Tim Edwards (Rector Knockholt & Halstead)
_Lay Chairman_ : Brig. Ian Dobbie
_Secretary_ : _Vacant_
_Treasurer:_ Fr Robin Jones
_Standing Committee_ : John Colyer, Lela Weavers, Jane Belle.
There were two Synod meetings: one on 13[th] January at St Luke’s Sevenoaks when the Bishop of Rochester visited. However, there was only four days’ notice of this meeting, so few attended, and as I was unable to attend at such short notice and no minutes were circulated, I cannot report what the meeting discussed. There was a second meeting held in June at St Margaret’s Underriver when the Archdeacon, Ven Nick Cornell spoke about his Christian life. Unfortunately, there is still no Deanery Secretary, so information and communications about the Deanery are sketchy.
_Jane Belle (Standing Committee member Deanery Synod)_
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## **SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2025**
Safeguarding Sunday was marked in church services in November with prayers and reflections. Positive feedback I received after the service was appreciated.
## **Training has remained a priority**
Safeguarding training for PCC members remains a priority. The commitment shown by the PCC members and Churchwardens to complete this is to be commended. ‘Awareness of Domestic Abuse’ training is being renewed.
## **Policies and Safeguarding statements**
The House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement’was re-adopted. The parish Safeguarding Policy was reviewed.
_Diana Pickard – Parish Safeguarding Officer, St Mary’s Sundridge and Ide Hill with Toys Hill_
## **OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS REPORT 2025**
Fortnightly worship in both Ide Hill and Sundridge & Brasted schools continued until the summer break with the worship in Sundridge church being extended to parents and carers. Because we couldn’t fit all the children from Ide Hill school into the church, we offered a few sessions of ‘Godly Play’ to the younger children. This is an imaginative, educational way of teaching children through hands-on play to explore bible stories and parables.
The Easter service for Sundridge & Brasted was held at Brasted church with the whole school using the church in the morning, with the service being well attended by parents and carers in the afternoon. Special thanks must go to the Stanhope Arms for allowing us to use their facilities and to Muriel and David Edgar for being on hand to mop up spillages and return the church to its ‘Sunday’ state afterwards.
We’ve attended biscuit making with hedgehog class and taken part in the regular termly sessions where villagers from the community are invited to ‘fun and games sessions’ where the pupils entertain us. These are fantastic opportunities for pupils to converse with people they don’t know, ask questions, and learn from each other. We now have a core team of villagers from both Brasted and Sundridge who make these days happen.
Lynette and I ran a stall at the highly successful FOSBS (Friends of Sundridge & Brasted School) in the summer. This was a great community outreach and many people attended. Both schools held leavers’ services in July and Sundridge held their harvest festival and Christingle service with parents and carers invited.
Sundridge & Brasted’s Nativity service was held in Brasted church and Lynette was presented with some gifts and lovely cards from each of the classes as it was her last service with them. Lynette and I appreciate the Churchwardens who have given up their time to attend the church services and assemblies.
_Barbara Lockey_
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## **FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S SUNDRIDGE REPORT 2025**
As has become a tradition, the Friends were pleased to offer mulled wine and mince pies to those attending the Ringing In event at noon on 1[st] January 2025. Bad weather was the order of the day, with gale force wind and driving rain, but those brave enough to venture out listened to the magnificent bells ringing out over the village of Sundridge, making it a memorable start to the New Year.
The 21[st] Annual General Meeting took place on Monday 24[th] March, followed by a talk from Bob Ogley on his latest book “The Story of Sundridge”. There was an excellent turnout to listen to Bob’s introduction to his very comprehensive book and he sold many copies which he also signed. The first draw of the 2025 Friends’ 100 Club also took place, drawn by our Honorary President, Sir Michael Fallon. The event was successful in recruiting six new members to the Friends. Bob very generously offered to donate the profits from the book, after the expenses of publication, to The Friends of St Mary’s Church and subsequently handed over a cheque for £1,100. The Friends are extremely grateful to him for this huge contribution to our funds.
On 12[th] May The Friends of St Mary’s Church Sundridge and The Friends of Ide Hill Church collaborated in setting up gazebos, chairs and tables and providing refreshments for an Open Garden generously hosted by Bob and Fern Ogley in their magnificent garden at Brasted Chart. The event raised over £1000 which was split between the two churches.
A group of 15 members and friends travelled up to the City of London Guildhall on 11[th] September. We were given a very informative tour of different areas of the magnificent Great Hall and our guide gave us a fascinating insight into the history of the building, interspersed with anecdotes about some of the famous people who have been associated with the City of London from time immemorial. The group dispersed for coffee, lunch, exploring old haunts and, for one pair, visiting 7 City churches. A most enjoyable and illuminating visit enjoyed by all.
All those attending the Friends’ Christmas Social on Monday 8[th] December enjoyed a very convivial evening. The raffle was extremely popular due to a fine selection of prizes and raised £200. Bob Ogley gave a short talk about his latest fascinating book – The Story of Knole Park – and he was happy to sign copies afterwards. The final draw of the year took place for the Friends’ 100 Club and five lucky winners took away prizes of £200, £120, £80 and two of £50.
At their regular meetings, the Executive Committee plan future events and consider requests for support from the Rector and PCC. The Friends’ are pleased to have met the cost of the repair to one of the church lychgates and are committed to paying for the repair of the second one in due course.
## _Kenneth Ludlam_
_Honorary Chairman - The Friends of St Mary’s Church Sundridge_
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## **ST MARY’S CHURCH BELLRINGERS REPORT 2025**
Our year started with ringing in the New Year at midday. Mince pies and mulled wine supplied by the Friends of St Mary’s were enjoyed whilst the bells were rung, followed by a short service to celebrate the bells.
During the refitting of the clappers on the number 5 and 6 bells in 2024 a crack was found in the headstock of the number 6 bell. During September 2025 Whites of Oxford came and removed the headstock and took it away for repair. This involved the opening of the trap door in the tower and lowering the headstock on chains. This was returned the following week and refitted by Whites. We received a grant towards the cost of this from KCACR.
Jo Rutter completed the ART (Association of Ringing Teachers) training to train new bellringers and is hoping to get a new recruit to join the team.
Maggie Amos who has rung for over twenty years at Sundridge and has been the Secretary/Treasurer for many years has moved away to join her family. The bellringers thank her for all of her hard work and dedication and wish her all the best for the next chapter in her life.
We continue to practice on Thursday evenings and ring for Sunday services when we are able. Anyone interested in visiting the tower or learning to ring please contact:
Rita Cox (Captain) 01732 750324 Joanne Rutter. 07738782135 joruter@hotmail.co.uk
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## **FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S IDE HILL REPORT 2025**
_The purpose of The Friends is to strengthen the role of Ide Hill Church as an asset for the Church and the Community of Ide Hill for all to enjoy for generations to come._
This report covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
I would like to start by paying tribute to Anne Beasley who passed away in July 2025. Anne was our founding secretary and played a big role in getting the Faculty through for our project to install a toilet and tea station in the church. She also produced the beautiful booklets available in the church tracing the history of our lovely windows. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and his family. Anne is sadly missed by us all.
In February we held a Love Concert in collaboration with the Ide Hill Book Club. This brought a different audience into the church, raising more awareness of The Friends and the work we do. Music ranged from Adele’s ‘Make you feel my Love’ to Puccini’s ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’. The music was interspersed with extracts from books that the Book Club had read, such as The Alchemist, Captain Corelli’s Mandarin, Wolf Den and Still Life. The concert raised £1200 towards our project (known as Flushing Hill).
We held a garden party jointly with The Friends of St Mary’s Sundridge, and thanks to the generosity of Fern and Bob Ogley who opened their beautiful garden to visitors we added to the funds of both Friends’ charity accounts.
Once again we hosted a MacMillan Coffee morning in September, which brought many visitors into the church, most of whom stayed for the whole event, enjoying the coffee, cake and fellowship. We were pleased to be able to give £224 to MacMillan and this will be an annual event.
Ride and Stride, which raises money for Friends of Kent Churches was supported by The Friends in the form of providing refreshments for visitors to the church. Thanks to the efforts of our Riders and Striders, they raised almost £2000, of which 50% comes back to us. It was lovely to see the Toys Hill striders join in.
Thank you to the Ide Hill Community Shop who made a donation of £4250 towards project Flushing Hill. And to the Village Hall Trust who donated £600. We had very generous donations from members of our congregation who wish to remain anonymous and we really appreciate them.
We are grateful to Jane Wiltshire who managed to obtain grants from The Friends of Kent Churches and The Benefact Trust. So much work goes into the applications. Thank you Jane.
The church was closed from November 10[th] for the building works to take place, and I am delighted to say that the completion date of February 27[th] was achieved.
Thank you to Lynette for her support and trust in us. The support from the community and the members is also truly appreciated.
We have had 2 new Trustees join us – a warm welcome to Sarah Fribbens and Tom Niven. Thanks and appreciation go to Sally Bawn who has resigned as Trustee as she has moved away.
_Lynne Rutherford (Chairman)_
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## **THE FLORENCE HARDING FUND - TREASURER’S REPORT 2025**
Income for the year increased to £5,897 (2024: £5,639) as a result of higher interest rates. Payments of £571 were made for Bibles. In addition, a donation of £30,000 was made to the Ide Hill Flushing Hill project and £1,000 to the Sundridge & Brasted Primary School Voluntary Fund.
The Balance Sheet shows that General Fund has decreased to £173,235 (2024: £178,442) due to lower returns in the global stock markets.
The Accumulated Income Fund, available for distribution at the discretion of the Rector, Churchwardens and PCC, (comprising cash held in commercial bank accounts and in Diocesan loan accounts) has a balance of £19,268 (2024: £45,041) following £31,000 of significant 2025 donations.
The year-end valuation of the Florence Harding Fund has cash and investments to the value £192,604 as at the 31 December 2025 (2024: £223,485).
At the Florence Harding Trustees Committee meeting, following the Parish AGM, in April 2025 the Rector and Churchwardens were confirmed as Trustees. Mr Terry Corbett was appointed as Secretary, and Mr Julian Parkin was appointed Treasurer for 2025 but has requested to be replaced for the 2026 year and a new Treasurer is being identified
## _Julian Parkin - Treasurer_
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## **DIOCESAN SYNOD REPORT 2025**
There were four synod meetings: March, July and two in November.
In March Bishop Jonathan welcomed new members, expressed gratitude to clergy and lay members for their efforts supporting the Church's mission during challenging years. He acknowledged the Church of England's failures in safeguarding and apologized for the impact on parish workers. He highlighted the encouraging increase in church attendance during Christmas and the growing interest among younger generations.
The Diocese's bid for £11.1 million from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board was approved, enabling the implementation of the Diocesan Vision and Strategy, which focuses on growing missional churches, leaders, disciples, and revitalizing fragile churches. There are plans to seek further funding in 3 years. Recruitment for a Racial Justice Officer is planned to address diversity and racial justice issues.
**Safeguarding:** Bishop Jonathan reported on the Archbishops' Council and National Safeguarding Team discussions regarding concerns raised in December 2024. The Bishop encouraged prayers for wisdom, openness, and support for those affected by safeguarding failures. A new working group will define "safe and healthy culture," and create an action plan. The Diocese now has the Safeguarding Hub to assist parishes. The Parish Safeguarding Handbook is being updated and Parish Safeguarding Officers are being sought for a working group. A new safeguarding officer has been appointed.
**Environment and Sustainability:** The newly established Net Zero Team aims to help parishes achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and promote eco-friendly practices. A Net Zero Action Plan has been actioned. Churches are encouraged to complete the Energy Footprint Tool. Boiler hardship grants are available for parishes. Future projects like solar panels, energy efficiency, and environmental awareness were discussed.
In July the Bishop reported on his June Zimbabwe visit, including participation in Bernard Mizeki Commemoration with 20,000 attendees. He highlighted Zimbabwe's challenges: poverty, underexploited land, limited natural resources benefits. The importance of partnership with Diocese of Harare and Rochester was emphasised. The Bishop praised Zimbabwean faith, and resilience during political exile (2007-2012)and advocated learning from ubuntu concepts, contrasting Western individualism, especially in debates like assisted dying.
**Financial Reports for Diocese:** 2024 results showed a surplus of £1.3m, with reserves of £82.15m. It was noted that a £1.4m deficit before investment gains and parish offers fell below budget (£705k shortfall). Clergy vacancies (18%) stipends (62%), ageing clergy, and the impact on parish life was reported. Other major costs are for parish support, and property maintenance (£1m for clergy housing). The need for increased parish contributions was emphasized for sustainability. Diocesan finances have been reviewed, including investments (£26.2m), assets (£82.15m. Highlighted was the importance of maintaining clergy numbers, rural ministry, and mission growth.
The November synod was held in the newly renovated church of St John’s Chatham which has been totally transformed. It was closed for many years, but local people fought to have the church back in action. Grants were obtained, advice from the DAC given, and it has risen like a phoenix! It is amazing – go and have a look. A special synod about “Living in Love and Faith” took place also in November at St John’s.
_Jane Belle – Diocesan Synod Member, and Diocesan Advisory Committee Member_
15
SUMMARY ACCOUNTS 2025
17
Section B
Balance sheet
UnTr8triGt8d In¢om• Endowm*rt Total th18
funds
lund$
funds
Total last
y¥
Fixed assets
Tanglble assets
CRF
F01
F02
F03
F04
FOS
INok8 5&61
412
Inveslmenls
IN0*51
Tot fv•das%ts
111957
111957
112.957
195.369
117.275
81412
CuThent assets
Stock and work in pmgress
Debtors
(Note 7)
Ishort temil InNwtm8nts
Cash at bank and in hand INote 91
71.532
17,837
17.&37
89,469
It7,817
67,161
Crèthors: amounts falling duewithln
one year
(Note 81
wo
N81 cuTh•nt ass•t¥liab•lttles)
67.548
16.937
84.485
91786
Totalass•ts less cunvntlmbllftles
67,548
112.957
279.854
291870
Cr•(Mors: amountsfalUn# due afterone
year
Provlslons lor liabiliti88 and cham05
81
Pletassets
67,548
99.349
111957
279.854
291870
Funds of tho Charity
Unr8Strict8d fund$
Blo
817
R*stri¢ted income lunds
Endowrnent funds 111
99.349
112.95T
11
957
117275
Totalfvnd5
99,349
112.957
291 870
Jned ty orthhy) thtstees on baltsldal
the trusts8S
SUre
Print Name
Dat8 of
roval
trsPJFBale
18.05.2
18
|St Marys Sundridge with Ide Hill & Toys Hill PCC
Annual accounts for theperiod
Period start date
**01.01.2025**
**To**
Charity No
(if any)
Period end
date
~~==~~||
|---|---|
|**Section A Statement of financial activities**||
|**Restricted**||
|Note
**Recommended**
**categories by activity**
**Details of own**
**analysis**
**Unrestricte**
**d funds**
**income**
**funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**|**Endowment**|
|**£**
**£**
**£**||
|**Incoming resources (Note 3)**
F01
F02
F03||
|- - -
Voluntary income
ivings&giftaid,grants, gifts f S01 45,949 5,882
Activities for generating funds
ete,flower fes &Ride & Strid S02 1,549
Investment income
S03 894
2,987
church activities
S04 3,275 5,043
**Other incoming resources**
FlushingHillgrants
S05
40,875
**_Total incoming resources_**
S06 51,667 51,800 2,987
**Incoming resources from**
**generated funds**
**Fees weddings and**
**funerals and extras**
~~===~~||
|**Resources expended (Notes 4-8)**||
|**Costs of Generating Funds**
- - -
Church activities
Offer,clergycosts,DBF
S07 25,898 2,030
fund raising/admin costs
Mag,admin, presents for Ly S08 1,560 1,765
Church running costs
iInsurance,heatingetc
S09 19,361
**Charitable activities**
Missiongivingdonations
S10 30 2,058
**Repair and maintenance**
includingmajor work
S11 7,453 44,135
**Other resources expended**
Churchyard
S12 10,966 2,000
**_Total resources expended_**
S13 65,268 51,988 -
S14 - 13,601 - 188 2,987
S15 5,739 - 2,752 - 2,987
S16 - 7,862 - 2,940 -
**_Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before_**
**_transfers_**
**Gross transfers between funds(church**
**repair fund)**
**_Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before_**
**_other recognised gains/(losses)_**
~~Se~~||
|S17 - - -
S18 750 2,355 - 4,318
**_Net movement in funds_**
S19 - 7,112 - 585 - 4,318
**Total funds brought forward**
S20 74,660 99,934 117,275
**_Total funds carried forward_**
S21 67,548 99,349 112,957
**Other recognised** **gains/(losses)**
Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets
for the charity’s own use
Gains and losses on investment assets/Refunds
~~===~~||
**----- Start of picture text -----**
1173206
CC17a
31.12.2025
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**£**
**£**
F04
F05
**Total this**
**year**
**Total last**
**year**|**£**
**£**
F04
F05
**Total this**
**year**
**Total last**
**year**|
|---|---|
|-|-|
|51,831|54,871|
|1,549|1,556|
|3,881|3,889|
|8,318|11,383|
|40,875|1|
|106,454|71,700|
|||
|-|-|
|27,928|25,597|
|3,325|142|
|19,361|18,258|
|2,088|1,692|
|51,588|11,657|
|12,966|9,949|
|117,256|67,295|
|- 10,802|4,405|
||-|
|- 10,802|4,405|
|||
|-|-|
|- 1,213|6,029|
|- 12,015|10,434|
|291,869||
|279,854|291,869|
## **Section B Balance sheet**
|Note
**Fixed assets**
B01
**CRF**
B02
**Investments (Note 5 )**
B03
**_Total fixed assets_**
B04
**Current assets**
**Stock and work in progress**
B05
**Debtors (Note 7)**
B06
**(Short term) investments**
B07
**Cash at bank and in hand (Note 9)**
B08
**_Total current assets_**
B09
B10
**_Net current assets/(liabilities)_**
B11
**_Total assets less current liabilities_**
B12
B13
**Provisions for liabilities and charges**
B14
**_Net assets_**
B15
**Funds of the Charity**
**Unrestricted funds**
B16
B17
B18
B19
**_Total funds_**
B20
**Tangible assets(Notes 5&6)**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year (Note 8)**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after**
**one year**
**Restricted income funds**
**Endowment funds(Note 11)**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf
of all the trustees|Note
**Fixed assets**
B01
**CRF**
B02
**Investments (Note 5 )**
B03
**_Total fixed assets_**
B04
**Current assets**
**Stock and work in progress**
B05
**Debtors (Note 7)**
B06
**(Short term) investments**
B07
**Cash at bank and in hand (Note 9)**
B08
**_Total current assets_**
B09
B10
**_Net current assets/(liabilities)_**
B11
**_Total assets less current liabilities_**
B12
B13
**Provisions for liabilities and charges**
B14
**_Net assets_**
B15
**Funds of the Charity**
**Unrestricted funds**
B16
B17
B18
B19
**_Total funds_**
B20
**Tangible assets(Notes 5&6)**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year (Note 8)**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after**
**one year**
**Restricted income funds**
**Endowment funds(Note 11)**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf
of all the trustees|**£**
**£**
F01
F02
**Unrestrict**
**ed funds**
**Restricte**
**d income**
**funds**|**£**
**£**
F01
F02
**Unrestrict**
**ed funds**
**Restricte**
**d income**
**funds**|**£**
F03
-
112,957
112,957
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
112,957
-
-
112,957
112,957
112,957
Print N
Mrs P J
**Endowme**
**nt funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||-|-|-|
|||-|82,412||
|||-||112,957|
|||-|82,412|112,957|
||||||
|||-|-|-|
|||12,598||-|
|||15,750||-|
|||71,632|17,837|-|
|||99,980|17,837|-|
||||||
|||32,432|900|-|
||||||
|||67,548|16,937|-|
||||||
|||67,548|99,349|112,957|
||||||
|||-|-|-|
|||-|-|-|
||||||
|||67,548|99,349|112,957|
||||||
|||67,548|||
||||||
||||99,349||
|||||112,957|
||||||
|||67,548|99,349|112,957|
|||Signature|||
|||||Mrs P J|
||||||
|**£**
F04
**Total this**
**year**|**£**
F05
**Total last**
**year**|
|---|---|
|-|-|
|82,412|82,809|
|112,957|117,275|
|195,369|200,084|
|||
|-|-|
|12,598|10,946|
|15,750|15,000|
|89,469|67,161|
|117,817|93,107|
|||
|33,332|1,321|
|||
|84,485|91,786|
|||
|279,854|291,870|
|||
|-|-|
|-|-|
|||
|279,854|291,870|
|67,548
99,349
112,957||
||74,661|
||-|
||99,934|
||117,275|
|||
|279,854|291,870|
|||
|Name|Date of
approval|
|F Belle||
|||
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of
Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys Hill PCC
I report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council (PCC} for the year ended 31 December
2025, which are set out on pages 1 and 2.
Respertive responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The PCC'S trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC'S trustees
consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011
(the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act."
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity
Commission under section 145(5)(bl of the 2011 Act,. and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It a150 includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees
concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that
would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
present a true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement
below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention which gives me
reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act- or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.. or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements of the 2011 Act.
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 accounts to be reached.
Name of Examiner..
Gary Davison
Signed
Poplars. Church Road, Sundridge, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6AU
251h February 2026
Address:
Date..