ANNUAL REPOR TFOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 2025 LEGAL & ADMINISTRA TIVE INFORMA TION ciitrRCH LOCATION: High StreeL Needham MarkeL Ipswicl Suffolk in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich CORRESPOI¥DENCE The Rectory 10 Meadoiv View Iyeedham Market Ipswieh IP6 8RH Thefollowing served on the PCC during 2025 Revd Tracey James CHURCHWARDENS Mr David Sewell and Mr lan Jeffreys DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVE Mr Philip Pitt PCC MEMBERS ELEcfED PCC MEMBERS ELECTED Margaret Brown Tony Leigh-Pollitt Bernadette Pitt May 2025 May2025 (resigned} April 2023 Kate Dines April 2023 April 2018 {resignedl April 2023 David Long Michael Tumer TrEASURER Mr R Brown appointed Treasurer Inon-voting PCC Member) commenced January 2000 PCC SECRETARY Mrs K. Dines appointed Minutes Secretary, commenced May 2025. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr Hugh S Wolley A.C.A, AIMSAND OBJECTIVES The PCC IPower51 Measure 1956 states the PCC"is to CtFoperate with the minister in promoting in the parish, the whole mission of the Church. pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical- The PCC consist5 of the incumbent. Revd Traceyjames. two churchwardens, a maximum of nine elected PCC members plus two Deanery Synod Representatives. The Treasurer is a non-voting member. The PCC meets regularly to oversee finance. preparation for worship and social event5/tunction5. the fabric and
contents of the Church, discuss future ministry/ mission work and as representatives of the congregation. while sUPPOrting the incumbent in her work in our parish. The PCC is supported by the Standing Committee which cons1Sts of the incumbent plus Offir$ of the PCC and meets between PCC meetings to deal with smaller issues and put together the initial framework for larger projects which neèd to be discussed by the whole PCC. The Ministry Team has included Revd Aileen Mortimer and Kate Holmes. Lay Reader. Seven Elders were commissioned in autumn 2025. We have a regular 10.00am Eucharist as well as Wednesday Morning Prayer and monthly Messy Church. A Home Group has also met monthly. We have a very active Mothers. Union and well-established Tuesday Tots. A variety of tasks from the leading of worship and preparing for services to flower arranging and involvement in general administration continue to be undertaken by many members of the congregation, without whose input the church would be much the poorer. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The total number of people reported as being on the Elertoral Roll ofour parish wa5 60 members at the APCM in April 2025. The usual number of Sunday attendees is about 45- 50 people. Messy church has an average attendance of 15 children plus parents and carers. During the yearto 31 December 2025 the quarterly fee retums completed for Diocese, included the following fees: Marriage5 2 Baptisms Funeral Services in Church 10 Funeral Services at Crematorium 4 Graveside Funeral O Churchyard Burials 10 Burial of Cremated Remains in Churchyard 15 The incumbent continues as a governor at Bosmere Primary school and is working closelywith the head teacher and staff, supporting their work and taking assemblies, and her expertlse is used as a basi5 for lessons at different times. The group taking Open the Book into school are welcomed at least once a term. This year, Foundation. Key Stage l & 2 have again all been to church for Chri5tingle seNices. The town'5 Civic Service was held duringjanuary. The All Sou15' Service, a memorial service when we remember those of the community who have died. wa5 also held and very well attended. Revd Tracey has continued to mentor curacy training for Revd Alison Roberts during the vacancy in her own Haughley. Stowupland & Wetherden benefi and this ha5 also been of great benefit to our own ministry team. Our main fund-raising activities this year continued to be the monthly produce stalls over the summer and Christmas Bazaar in December. We also enjoyed concert5 given by Castleton Bras5 and by local talent. As part of our fundraising for overseas mission we again held Lent Soup Lunches for the Bishops, Kagera fund and the collection of dry goods donated for Harvest were taken to Stjohn's Pantry. We also received harvest goods from Bosmere Primary School Harvest Festival. We continue to collect food items from the congregation. We also held a concert to raise funds for Christian Aid. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE We will be starting our monthly All Ages Eucharist at Epiphany 2026. In 2027 it will be 700 years since the first name appears on our vicars, board, so we are planning a festival to celebrate at St John's and hoping to join in with the re-development plans of St Edmund's Abbey in Buryst Edmunds.
Due to our rotting floor, we have a major building project in the pipeline. Our aim is to create a level floor as far as possible and to provide an accessible toilet. Other considerations include replacing the organ, installing a seNery at the back of church and possibly installing glass entry doors and re-locating the Font. Thi5 is all subject to obtaining approval by the Diocesan Advisory Committee and raising sufficient funds. During this yearthe Diocesan Advisory Committee IDACI visited the church and were very enthusiastic about our plans. Particular thanks to David Long for presenting a clear vision of our hopes for how this will go forward. We hope to re-establi5h our previous ecumenical connettions within the town. FINANCIAL REVIEW Total receipt5 on unrestricted funds totalled £61,498 and £58,881 was Spent providing Christian ministry from St John the Baptist church as detailed in the financial statemenL The largest element of this expenditure wa5 £46,000 contribution towards our diocesan parish share. which largely provides the stipends & housing of the clergy and the cost of ministry support & training. The net result of income over expenditure on unrestricted funds was a 5urplu5 of £2,723 and after a small transfer from a restrirted reserve. this was added to the reserves accumulated in previous years, resulting in a balance carried forward on unrestricted reserves of £33. 537. The restricted funds Saw a nett outflow of £2.927. The balance on restricted funds atthe year end amounted to £93,467, most of which are held forthe purposes of maintenance and enhancement of the church fabric. RESERVE POLICY It is PCC policy to maintain a positive balan on each of the restricted and unrestricted funds. Ideally. the balance on the general fund should be sufficient to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. Sadly thi5 ha5 not proved feasible in recent years and this year was not sufficient to cover day to day expenditure including our full commitment to the diocesan parish share. With such low reserves, any failure in income levels to increase in line with inflation or major non-routine expenditure would leave PCC finances severely stretched and increasingly unable to meet annual diocesan parish share commitments. It is our policy to invest our longer term funds in an interest bearing account with COIF Charities Funds, whilst bank accounts are maintained wtth Santander UK plc and Barclays bank for dayto day requirements. Signed on behalf of the PCC Revd Tracey James {Vicarl Mr R Brown (Treasurer) Mrs K Dines IPCC Secretary) The master copy will be signed during the meeting.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, NEEDHAM M.4RKET PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL I report on the accounts for the year end¢d J l December 2025, which are set out on pages l 10 6. Respective responsibiIities of the PCC and Independent Examiner As trustees of the charity, the rneTnbers of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consid¢r thai an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Chartties 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 Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.. and stale whether particular matters have come lo 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 examinalion includes a revieH' of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of an}, unusual ilerns or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the managemeni committee of any such Tnatters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all th¢ evidence that would be required in a full audil, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the a¢¢ounts. Independenl Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no matter ha5 corne lo my attention: which give me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act. or to prepare a¢¢ounts ivhich accord with these accounting records have not been mel= or 2. 10 ivhich, in my OPiDion, aiiention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Name Ilij 114 IU, trtsL-ry IILA Address
Parochial Church Council of St John The Baptist. Needham Market Statement of Financial Activities For the year endlng 31 Decembgr 2025 Unrestricted Funds Reslricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 Note INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary incorne Activities for generating fvnds Income from investments Church activities 2(a) 2(b) 2{¢) 21dl 39,892 3,188 1.110 17,308 4,760 4.768 1.079 44,652 7,958 2,189 17,308 51,408 8,451 2,439 14,657 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 61,498 10,607 72.105 76,955 RESOURCES EXPENDED Fund-raising cost5 Church a¢livilies 31bl 31al 58,881 13.428 72,309 81,118 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 58,881 13,428 72,309 81,118 NET INCOMINGIIOUTGOING} RESOURCES 2,617 -2.821 -204 4,163 TRANSFER BETWEEN UNRESTRICTED AND RESTRICTED FUNDS -106 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 2,723 -2,927 -204 -4,163 BALANCES BIFWD 1 JANUARY 30.814 96.394 127,208 131,371 BALANCES CIFWD 31 DECEMBER 33.537 93,467 127,004 127.208 The notes on pages 3 to 6 lomi part of this account
Parochial Church Council of St John The BaptisL Needham Market Balance Sheet at 31 December 2025 Note 2025 2024 FIXED ASSET Investment asset Central Board Of Finance 1,043 1,062 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 1,665 1.248 Short term deposits 26.490 26,489 Cash al bank and in hand 100.492 99,765 128.647 127,502 LIABILITIES AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other ¢dItorS 2,686 1,356 NET CURRENT ASSETS 125,961 126,146 NET ASSETS 127,004 127,208 FUNDS Unrestricted 33.537 30,814 Reslricled 93.467 96.394 127.004 127,208 R J Brown (Hon Treasurer) Approved by the Parochial Church Counol on 10 Mareh 2026 and signed on ts behaK by= PPitt The notes on pages 3 10 6 fomi part of these accounts
Parochial Church Council of St John The Baptist. Needham Market Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ending 31 December 2025 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared iri accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting Standards and the SORP 2005. The financial slalements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial slalements include all transactions. assets and liabilitie5 for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation lo another body, nor those that are informal 9alherings of church members. Funds Restricted Funds represent donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent al the end of each year musl be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. Incoming resources Planned giving, collections, donations and interest are recognized when received. Tax refunds are CogniZed when the incoming resource lo which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled lo the amounts due. All other income is recognyzed when it is receivable. Al incoming iesources are accounted for gross. Resources expended Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The diocesan parish Sha is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as reslricled funds. All other expenditure is generally recognried when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Fixed assets Consecrated and beneficed propety is not included in the accounts in accordance with s 9612llal of the Charities Act 1993. Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal a inalienable propety, Iisled in the church's inventory, which ean be inspected lat any reasonable limel. For inalienable propety there is insufticienl cost infomalion available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. The Church Hall and Cottage are in the custody of the Diocesan Board of Finan, although managed by Needham Market Parochial Church Council. Therefore. they have not been valued as one of the PCC'S assets in these statements. Equiprnent Used wrf(hin the church premises or purchased for use by the PCC or its officers is written off Ihrough the Slalemenl of Finaneial Acts'vilies in the year of purchase. Investments Investments are held in the balance sheet at valuation.
Parochial Church Council of St John The Baptis( Needham Market Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ending 31 December 2025 INCOMING RESOURCES unre5th.cted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 21al Voluntary income Planned giving Gift Aid donations Tax recoverable Parish Giving & Other Schemes Other Collections al seNices Tax Recoverable- GASDS Grants Donations, appeals,etc Gift Aid donations Tax recoverable othei Legacies 24.029 6,170 933 2 2.537 1.659 755 189 24.784 6.359 933 23.314 5.723 877 1,150 2,132 1,542 800 88 2,625 1,659 2.566 203 42 3.357 609 298 255 812 340 3,612 537 109 10,424 5,000 39,892 4.760 44,652 51.408 21bl Activities forgenerating funds Fund-raising 3,188 4.768 7.956 8,451 3.188 4,768 7.956 8,451 21cl Inconye from inve51ments Interest and Other 1.110 1,079 2.189 2.439 21dl Income from church activities Church hall leltings Church hall contribution towards costs Cottage rent Fees Relreshmenls 723 950 5,520 9.772 343 723 950 5,520 9,772 343 362 900 6.600 6.554 241 17.308 17.308 14,657 Total incoming resources 61.498 10.607 72.105 76,955
Parochial Church Council of St John The BaptisL Needham Market Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ending 31 December 2025 RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2025 2024 31al Church activities Missionary and charitable gwing Overseas Kagera Fund DEC Myanmar Earthquake Home The Childrens Society Relief of Hardship in Parish Sl John's Pantry Christian Aid Stjffolk Historic Churches Trust 809 200 5,708 200 73 73 89 6.267 280 25 7,654 6,267 280 25 7,654 4,693 387 10.877 Ministry.. Diocesan parish share Other ministry costs Church running and maintenan Church hall running costs Church cottage running costs Church office Church Building Reordering Proiect Church Building Quinquennial Repairs Sundry other 46,000 954 6.691 2.577 709 1,701 46,000 954 11,840 2,577 709 1.701 625 44,000 1,029 10,737 8.708 3.900 1,330 375 5.149 625 249 249 164 58.881 13.428 72.309 81,118 31bl Fund-ralslng costs Bazaars and other fund raising events TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 58,881 13.428 72.309 81,118 PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS There were no disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members.
Parochial Church ¢oun¢il of St John The Bapts( Needham Market Notss to the Finanoial Statements Fortho yoar endlng 31 D8¢8mbor2025 2025 2024 5 DE8TORS Tax recovefable Prepayments and accrued income 1.070 178 822 1.665 1.248 6 LIABILITIES Amounts falling due in one 81 Acctua15 for ulililf&S. parish Share and olher c0515 2.686 1.356 2.666 1.356 7 FUNDS Balan al 1 Jan 225 Transfers Balan at 31 Dec 2025 Unrestrtcted Funds General Fund Ark FunLf Church Cottage Fund Fi0[ Fu Legacy Fund 53.378 54,970 1.900 1.644 36 5.026 289 26.542 2.215 709 -2.LX)O 610 28.Y2 30.814 61.498 58.881 106 33.537 Restricted Funds Capi131 Reset¥e FurK1 Fabric FurKJ Oigan Fund SpecRI Collecbons Fund Roof Repair and Churth 8uk1irg FuThJ Chair FurKJ lar Frwlal I Chuch FumKshws FWHI Café Church Fund Rector ano Curate's Fund Sl Johrb5 Pantry Fund Ark Cooker Fu Me55y Church FuThJ l.l2 48.748 387 599 38.055 1.500 165 100 2.400 2220 -19 2.763 1.043 51.486 165 501 32.912 1.500 185 100 2.385 2.220 182 828 1264 5.143 6.267 6.267 -106 1.158 374 96.394 10.607 13.428 -106 93.467 8 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Lknreslrided Funds Re5thded Funds Total Invesiffnl Fixed A5se15 Current Assets 1.043 92.653 -229 1.043 128.647 -2.686 -2.457 Fund balance 33.537 93.467 127.004