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2023-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council Of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Annual Report and Accounts

For the year to 31 December 2023

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Contents

Aims, purposes and objec�ves Structure and administra�ve informa�on APCM Review of the year Churchwardens’ report Vicar’s report Deanery synod report Fabric report Safeguarding report Concerts team report Bell ringers report Financial report Financial statements Independent Examiners Report

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Aims, purposes and objec�ves

The PCC is cons�tuted under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 and the Church Representa�on Rules 1957 (as amended).

It has the legal responsibility of co-opera�ng with the incumbent in promo�ng, in the ecclesias�cal parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelis�c, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is responsible for St Leonard’s Church and its churchyard as well as God’s Acre, the burial ground on Singlet’s Lane, Flamstead.

Ecclesias�cally St Leonard’s is part of a united benefice with St John the Bap�st, Markyate Street, which is served by the same vicar and any curates who may be appointed. The two churches also share an administrator.

The respec�ve PCC’s and in par�cular their treasurers seek to share the benefits and burdens of this structure in the most effec�ve manner possible.

The PCC is commi8ed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship and makes sugges�ons for the improvement of our services and ac�vi�es. When planning our ac�vi�es throughout the year, the PCC and incumbent are mindful of the Chari�es commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in par�cular, the specific guidance on the advancement of religion.

We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith and spirituality as part of our parish community through worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.

We provide pastoral care for all and any who live in the parish, regardless of any connec�on they may or may not have with the church, and we conduct the work of mission and outreach. Equality of access is of especial importance to this PCC and is reflected in our Equali�es Policy and the prominent and broad statements of welcome displayed in the church, Facebook page and website.

Our building and land, together with God’s Acre are very important in the life of the parish and it is of importance that the PCC maintains these proper�es and makes them accessible to all.

1

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Structure and administra�ve informa�on

Charity Commission Number: 1179567

Address

St Leonard’s Church, High Street, Flamstead. AL3 8BS

St John’s Church, Church End, Markyate, Herts. AL3 8PY. Office telephone: 01582 842525

The Vicar lives at 41, Trowley Hill Road, Flamstead. AL3 8DH.

The Vicarage is currently unoccupied.

PCC members for 2023 Ex officio: The Revd Joanna Burke (incumbent) Treasurers: Karen Barton Suvro Dhu8a Secretary: Tim Crockford (from September 2023) Churchwardens: Mary Jenkin John King Elected members: Anne-Francoise Brenton Hope Clayton Clive Hayward Miranda Motley Laura Parr Clare Rudd Leslie Webster.

Mee�ngs were held every month un�l December 2023 with good or full a8endance.

2

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Statement of Trustees responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law, FRS 102 (Financial Reporting Standards) and SORP 2015 (Statement of Recommended Practice)

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act, Charity Reporting and Accounting Guidance and the relevant trust instruments. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The PCC is further responsible for employing staff to undertake key roles in the Church, mindful of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, statutory employment legislation and current Church of England Guidelines. The PCC employed a Church Administrator throughout 2023, the cost of which was shared with St John’s PCC. Remuneration is calculated and reviewed annually with reference to employee experience/qualifications, Retail Price Index, local comparators and performance, and is monitored through annual reviews conducted by the Vicar.

The review of the year is contained in the Vicar’s Report.

3

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Churchwardens’ Report

The year saw work on a number of projects.

Mary Jenkin John King

4

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Vicar’s Report

Introduc�on

2023 has been another very busy year, made so especially by the wave of Heritage Project ac�vity, the now regular concerts and also the needs of the asylum seekers at the Holiday Inn. I regard the project and concerts as part of our work ‘transforming communi�es’ and I believe that the church truly feels like the hub of its community now. I have hopes that when our new curate arrives in July 2024 and as the heritage project moves into its ‘legacy phase,’ we will be able to turn some of this ac�vity into increased interest in the other work of a church: making disciples and going deeper into God.

Welcoming asylum seekers was an unexpected part of our mission, but one impossible for Chris�ans to ignore. Put simply, when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Christ. Strangers have become friends.

Finances have improved, with the help of the concerts and community work, however our treasurers have struggled to finalise our financial informa�on for 2022. Lyn Banks has ably supported Karen with banking and other administra�ve work.

We owe a huge debt to Suvro Dhu8a for re-nego�a�ng our photocopier contract as an emergency, so making substan�al savings for us.

The joinery forming the welcome area in the west end of the south aisle was installed in March.

The bells were removed to be sent for retuning and refurbishment on 24 October. Anglia TV and the BBC covered the event.

A8endance figures show some improvement, especially at Christmas, though it should be remembered that up to a third of each ordinary Sunday congrega�on consists of asylum seekers who – though a blessing to us in many ways – are unlikely to become permanent members of our church life.

We hosted Deanery Synod on 16 November.

Worship

Worship has con�nued under the planning of the joint benefice worship commi8ee. It helps me greatly that the two churches are able to co-operate to plan and dovetail worship in this way. It also helps to make sure that the balance of my a8en�on is fairly divided.

Our organist famine has slowly resolved: it is rare now that we are without an accompanist on either piano or organ.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Vicar’s Report (cont’d)

Hymns have been chosen by volunteers from the congrega�on at six-monthly Saturday morning sessions. This system works well, involves the congrega�on with worship planning and eases pressure on me.

We have con�nued on the established worship pa8ern of:

8.00am Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays of each month 11.15am Holy Communion each Sunday, with a family friendly service and Sunday School on the first Sunday of each month.

10.00am Holy Communion each Friday with coffee, cake and fellowship aOerwards.

We celebrated Plough Sunday with a popular Plough Supper on Saturday 7 January, and a service well a8ended by local farmers on Sunday 8 January.

An Ash Wednesday service of communion with ‘Ashing’ was held on 22 February.

We celebrated Candlemas evensong on 29[th] January with the St John’s Evensong Choir; Deanery evensong on 15 October and Advent Evensong with Beechwood Park School on 3 December.

Our Lent course was ‘the Chosen’, viewed and then discussed on Saturday mornings in a mixed group of village residents and asylum seekers from the hotel.

We said Compline in the evenings of Holy Week and held a well-a8ended Passover supper in St Leonard’s on Maundy Thursday.

Easter numbers were good and I hope, show the poten�al for growth.

We held a very enjoyable Pet Service on 9 July at Trowley Bo8om Farm, kindly hosted by Gill Spragg.

Harvest Fes�val was on 1[st] October.

Chris�ngle was shared with the Methodist church on 26 November. Providing hot chocolate and doughnuts aOerwards seemed to help a8ract families and created a posi�ve party atmosphere aOerwards.

Two communion services in Farsi were held for our asylum seekers. Revd Mohammad Eghtedarian presided and preached. Our Iranian friends were overjoyed to be able to understand worship in their own language.

Christmas numbers were very good: possibly the result of adver�sing all services on Facebook.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Vicar’s Report (cont’d)

Funerals: 5

Ash burials: 3 in ‘churchwarden’s row’. The new remembrance garden should be completed in 2024.

Bap�sms: 17, of which 7 were of asylum seekers.

I do not carry out bap�sms of asylum seekers on request. I have refused to bap�se new arrivals, and have waited months to get to know the individuals concerned. They a8end Bible study regularly, and I talk to them before deciding to bap�se them, through an interpreter if needed; and seek to understand why they have taken the step of changing faith and seeking Chris�an bap�sm.

5 Asylum Seekers were confirmed by Bishop Jane of HerQord on 10 May in Kimpton.

Weddings: 6

There was one pet memorial service.

School contact

I have been to the Village School for two assemblies; the school also came into church for its Harvest Fes�val on 29 September and its Christmas service on 15 December. Beechwood Park School visited on 22 June, in part for heritage reasons.

We have also had contact with schools via the Heritage Project.

God’s Acre

A grave was accidentally dug in the wrong place on New Year’s Day, on the path on the east side of God’s Acre. This was rec�fied by the grave digger in �me for the funeral.

Care of God’s Acre passed from Tracy West and her volunteers to the Churchyard Management Team and a clear up day was held on 2 September.

We are seeking to create more grave space by removing the large laurel hedge at the statue end. This will be completed in 2024.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Vicar’s Report (cont’d)

Church use

Use for concerts and the Heritage Project is covered in other reports.

Computer Friendly have con�nued to use the St Giles Room to provide free community computer support on the first Wednesday of each month.

The church was used for a music recording on 18 February, and the piano for rehearsal for a music diploma on 11 July and 14 July. Andy Massey has been able to use the piano and church for rehearsal.

Our baby and toddler group, Li8le Leos, con�nues to thrive and be a valuable point of contact with young families.

Dungeons and Dragons con�nues to meet in the St Giles Room.

On 6 May the Corona�on of King Charles III was screened in church.

A book exchange in the St Giles room is well used.

My own training and commitments

Training:

Incumbency skills course in January for 3 days Safeguarding leadership training in January and February ‘Transforming Conversa�ons’ weekly from September to November

Commitments:

With regret, I surrendered chairmanship of the Racial Jus�ce Ac�on Group in January due to the pressure of benefice work.

I have also:

A8ended heritage programme board mee�ngs monthly and also review mee�ngs, and been present at all heritage events so far as prac�cable.

A8ended and introduced concerts.

Con�nued as Assistant Rural Dean. A8ended the Rural Deans conference on 28 February and 1 March. Carried out two deanery church inspec�ons in August.

Provided monthly cover for St Mary’s, Redbourn for Wednesday evening communion, and also covered funerals and Ash Wednesday. Their new vicar was installed on 4 September.

Provided the introduc�on each month for Church and Village News and an introduc�on for our weekly newsle8er.

Hosted an ordinand on placement during May.

Held Asylum Seeker bible study on Saturday mornings. (Bishop Jane a8ended on 28 October.) Chaired the Almshouse Trust.

Chaired the Churchyard Management Team.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Vicar’s Report (cont’d)

Cover:

It has been difficult to obtain clergy cover for my leave. On occasions, congrega�on members have stepped up to lead worship. I am very grateful to them. Revd Cath Rindl ably covered me for Remembrance Day.

I wish to thank our churchwardens, John King and Mary Jenkin for their help all year, and also the army of wonderful volunteers without whom our church life would be impossible.

Jo Burke.

4 March 2024.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Deanery Synod Report 2023

The deanery synod met on the following occasions in 2023:

Each mee�ng was chaired by Revd Dennis Stamps, Rural Dean and Jim May, Lay Chair.

17 January, St Nicholas Harpenden. Revd Charles Burch gave a presenta�on about the new system of voca�ons within the diocese.

12 July All Saints, Harpenden, with a presenta�on by Kate Ford the Diocesan Giving Adviser. 16 November, St Leonard’s Flamstead. There was a presenta�on by Tom Abraham, the diocesan Net Zero Adviser.

The deanery evensong was hosted by St Leonard’s Flamstead on 15[th] October.

Clergy movements:

Revd Rachel Wakefield was inducted as Vicar of Redbourn on 4 September 2023. Revd Linda Williams, Vicar of Kimpton, re�red in September 2023.

Dennis Stamps will re�re as Rector of Harpenden and Rural Dean in June 2024.

Jo Burke

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Fabric Report for St Leonard’s Church

Essen�ally the fabric of the building is in good repair given its age.

Several ma8ers from the last Quinquennial Inspec�on remain outstanding. In par�cular these are:

However, as these had presented no specific problems since they were iden�fied 5 years ago, it was agreed at PCC to leave them for considera�on by the new quinquennial inspec�on.

Issues during the year have been:

An adjunct to the bell project was the requirement to assess all the �mber in the tower for insect infesta�on. This was carried out by Dunrite during the Autumn and the �mbers were appropriately treated throughout the tower.

There was also a requirement from the DAC, to check the soundness of the suppor�ng Easternmost beam spanning the North/South wall of the tower, sited in the clock room. This was done both before and aOer the infesta�on treatment and was pronounced sound.

The new QI took place on 1[st] March. James Ford from Clague Partners a8ended and carried out a full inspec�on of the church internally and externally. His report is due in April. The outstanding ma8ers from the last QI were pointed out to him as were the new leaks in the two aisles.

At present, with informal support from James Ford before the QI and now following his report, building ma8ers are being dealt with by Churchwardens with advice and prac�cal assistance from Charlie Hill and Gary Clayton.

Mary Jenkin John King

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Safeguarding Report for St Leonard’s Flamstead

Training Ma4ers

The vicar has organised Safeguarding Training throughout the year as a group ac�vity for members of the PCC, and for the Li8le Leos helpers, who find on-line learning a challenge. Some members though, have been able to access and complete the training independently online.

DBS

Members of PCC whose DBS is out of date will meet on 7th March at the parish office for new DBS applica�ons.

Safeguarding Ma4ers

I have not had any reports of safeguarding issues this year. Members of the parish are reminded that if they have any concerns at all about a child or vulnerable adult they should contact me, so we can discuss and agree an appropriate way forward. Should such an issue occur, we are fortunate to have a skilled and experienced team at diocese level who will advise and support.

Mary Jenkin Safeguarding Officer.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Concerts Team report for 2023

The arrival of the new piano towards the end of 2022 s�mulated the forma�on of a team of parishioners to organise events to use it for the advantage of St Leonard’s and the en�re village.

The team arranged eight concerts in 2023 and has begun the programme for 2024. The programme included various genres of music and other entertainment presented by (predominantly) professional ar�sts as follows:

17 February Young musicians and students of Flamstead 18 March Teo Gertler (violin) and Yifan Chen (piano) 20 May Ores�s Magou (piano) 30 June Phil Hopkins (classical harmonica) and Andy Massey (piano) 5 August Jason Rebello (piano) and Tim Garland (saxophone) 7 October Jaqueline Varsey (soprano) and Claire Hayward (piano) 17 November Trio Bohémo (piano, violin and cello) 16 December Clive Hayward (actor) and Claire Hayward (piano) – A Christmas Carol 24 February Angela Henckel (soprano) and Christopher Gould (piano)

The events have all been well-a8ended, have brought many new people into St Leonard’s, from the village and from further afield, and have generated some unexpected revenue for St Leonard’s treasury.

John King

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Bell ringers APCM Report

The past twelve months have been a very interes�ng �me for the bell ringers. We have seen a very healthy rise in recruitment and now stand at twelve ringers of varying abili�es from complete beginners, to improves all the way through to experienced veterans.

The most exci�ng thing for us has been the restora�on project which has been taking place. First thought about many years ago, we finally took the plunge this year, spearheaded by two of our newer ringers (Glyn and Mary). We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the wider church community and to Friends of St Leonards in par�cular.

Whilst the bells were away for restora�on we did our best to keep the band together and to keep everyone �cking over and progressing. To do this we joined a number of local towers at their prac�ces. This included Aldbury, Berkhamsted, Great Gaddesden and Harpenden. Thanks to all for their support. We also made use of the church’s handbells for some “interes�ng” prac�ce sessions, thanks to Jo and jeff for hos�ng.

We are looking forward to the return of our bells very soon and hope to enjoy our first Sunday service ring for Mothering Sunday. We also plan to undertake a quarter peel once the bells return to celebrate their refurbishment.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesias�cal Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead

Finance Report 2023

2023 con�nued to be financially challenging for St Leonards, but we reported a surplus of in the unrestricted funds of £21,765 for the year due to ongoing improvements in financial discipline and a modest increase in voluntary income.

We benefited from con�nued generosity of church supporters and we paid the Parish Share in full (£34,302).

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the concert commi8ee who raised substan�al amounts throughout the year, which helped to improve our income compared to the previous year.

The parish magazine raised over £3,000 and one off dona�ons and collec�ons at weddings and other events also contributed to the unrestricted funds and helped us par�ally counter the infla�onary increases to our running costs.

Friends of St Leonard’s (FoSL) grants have helped us to maintain the fabric of the building and the churchyard. This included a new boiler and restora�on of the bells and we would like to thank them for their ongoing support.

Priori�es for the year ahead con�nue to be fundraising and maintaining control on expenditure, so that we don’t have to draw on our reserves. We are commi8ed to retaining the minimum reserves to help us meet our opera�ng costs.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Statement of Financial Activities

For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary income
2a)
Other voluntary incoming resources
2b)
Incoming resources from operating activities
to further the Council's objects
2c)
to generate funds
2d)
Income from investment
2e)
Total Incoming Resources
RESOURCES EXPENDED
3b)
Church management and administration
3c)
3d)
Total Resources Expended
Net Outgoing Resources before Transfers
Transfers Between Funds
Net Movement in Funds
Balances Brought Forward at 1st January
Balances at 31st December
Activities directly relating to the work of the
Expenditure relating to activities to generate		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
45,935
-
-
45,935
84,244
59,888
-
144,132
12,342
-
-
12,342
9,667
-
-
9,667
-
-
511
511
152,188
59,888
511
212,587
122,879
115,017
-
237,896
5,314
-
-
5,314
2,229
-
-
2,229
130,423
115,017
-
245,440
21,765
(55,129)
511
(32,853)
511
(511)
-
22,276
(55,129)
-
(32,853)
11,663
86,721
2,977
101,361
33,939
31,592
2,977
68,508		 2022
Total
£
36,864
153,704
8,204
3,246
561
202,579
150,137
6,028
1,853
158,018
44,561
-
44,561
56,800
101,361

The notes on pages 19 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Statement of Financial Activities

For The Year Ended 31 December 2022

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary income
2a)
Other voluntary incoming resources
2b)
Incoming resources from operating activities
to further the Council's objects
2c)
to generate funds
2d)
Income from investment
2e)
Total Incoming Resources
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Activities directly relating to the work of the church
3b)
Church management and administration
3c)
Expenditure relating to activities to generate funds
3d)
Total Resources Expended
Net Outgoing Resources before Transfers
Transfers between Funds
Net Movement in Funds
Balances Brought Forward at 1st January
Balances at 31st December		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
36,864
-
-
28,618
125,086
-
8,204
-
-
3,246
-
-
25
-
536
76,957
125,086
536
71,636
78,501
-
6,028
-
-
1,853
-
-
79,517
78,501
-
(2,560)
46,585
536
1,433
(897)
(536)
(1,127)
45,688
-
12,790
41,033
2,977
11,663
86,721
2,977		 2022
Total
£
36,864
153,704
8,204
3,246
561
202,579
150,137
6,028
1,853
158,018
44,561
-
44,561
56,800
101,361

The notes on pages 19 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
Investments
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Current asset investments
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
11
Net current assets
Total net assets
Funds:
Restricted funds:
13
Endowment fund
Restricted fund
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds		 £
20,056
3,498
142,944		 2023
£
-
1,275
166,497
(99,264)
67,233
68,508
34,569
33,939
68,508		 £
16,276
3,374
169,701		 2022
£
9,550
1,275
189,351
(98,815)
2,977
31,592		 2,977
86,721
90,536
101,361
89,698
11,663
101,361

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 31 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Rev Joanna Burke Trustee

Karen Barton

Karen Barton Trustee

The notes on pages 19 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of land and buildings and investments. The PCC is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

Going concern

The members of the PCC assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the PCC to continue as a going concern. The members of the PCC make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the PCC has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the PCC continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

Funds

Unrestricted funds represent funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for use for the general purposes of the PCC. The General Reserve holds the liquid funds which the PCC believes are necessary to run the church in the normal course of events and the Designated Fund contains unrestricted liquid funds which have been designated for specific purposes by the PCC.

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained, only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent:

The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Income

Voluntary income and activities for generating funds:

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised in the period when the donations have been confirmed and a gift aid claim is made.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds raised at social and similar events are accounted for gross.

Activities related to church work

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Investment income

Interest and dividends are accounted for when receivable.

Expenditure

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities relating to church work

The diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable.

Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10 of the Charities Act 2011. All of St Leonard's premises are consecrated.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the vicar and/or churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. Assets acquired prior to 2005 are not valued in the financial statements.

All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Other fixtures, fittings, furniture and office equipment

Equipment, valued over £1,000, used within the church premises is capitalised and depreciated on a straight line basis over 5 years. Individual items costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised but are fully written off in the year of acquisition.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks. Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

Investments

Investments have been included at cost.

20

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial instruments

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

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

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

Basic financial assets

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

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the PCC has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Basic financial liabilities

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

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

Risk Management

Financial risk is managed through budgets and regular reporting of the management accounts to the PCC.

21

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

2 Incoming Resources
Notes
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
(a) Voluntary income
Gift Aid donations & other planned giving
35,447
-
-
35,447
Income tax recoverable
-
-
-
-
5,423
-
-
5,423
Sundry donations
5,065
-
-
5,065
45,935
-
-
45,935
(b) Other voluntary incoming resources
Grants
73,801
59,528
-
133,329
Donations, appeals etc
-
360
-
360
Legacies
6,000
-
-
6,000
Sundry income
4,443
-
-
4,443
84,244
59,888
-
144,132
(c) Income from activities to further the Council's objects
Newsletter
5,002
-
-
5,002
Fees
7,340
-
-
7,340
12,342
-
-
12,342
(d) Income from activities to generate funds
Hiring of church
549
-
-
549
Fund raising events
9,118
-
-
9,118
9,667
-
-
9,667
(e) Income from investment
Dividends & interest
-
-
511
511
-
-
511
511
152,188
59,888
511
212,587*
For the year ended 31 December 2022
76,957
125,086
536
Collections (open plate & good-box) at all
services		 2022
Total
£
32,439
3,797
-
3,905
4,317
36,864
152,394
270
-
1,040
153,704
5,378
2,826
8,204
125
3,121
3,246
561
561
202,579

22

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

3 Resources Expended
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
(b) Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
Ministry:
diocesan parish share
34,302
-
-
34,302
clergy expenses
84
-
-
84
Expenses of services including organist
11,003
-
-
11,003
Sunday School & other teaching
-
-
-
-
Church running expenses
13,813
-
-
13,813
Church repairs & maintenance (Note a)
60,884
-
-
60,884
Upkeep of churchyard
1,060
-
-
1,060
Restoration costs (Note b)
-
105,467
-
105,467
Surveyors' & architects' fees
-
-
-
-
Depreciation of church equipment
-
9,550
-
9,550
Purchase of equipment
-
-
-
-
Sundry expenses
1,733
-
-
1,733
122,879
115,017
-
237,896
(c) Church management and administration
Office expenses
2,104
-
-
2,104
Wages of Parish Clerk
4
2,190
-
-
2,190
Bank charges
60
-
-
60
Governance costs
6
960
-
-
960
5,314
-
-
5,314
(d) Expenditure relating to activities to generate funds
Expenditure re parish magazine
1,653
-
-
1,653
Expenses re fund-raising events
576
-
-
576
2,229
-
-
2,229
130,423
115,017
-
245,440
For the year ended 31 December 2022
79,517
78,501
-		 2022
Total
£
31,855
50
6,422
-
9,929
1,215
2,540
68,487
1,520
9,550
-
18,569
150,137
3,725
2,221
82
-
6,028
1,853
-
1,853
158,018

Notes:

(a) Church repairs and maintenance of £60,884 includes a number of notable one off items for the year, including £31,870 for the new boiler and £6,798 for the repair of the church wall.

(b) Restoration costs of £105,467 includes a notable expense of £49,575 in relation to the construction of the Exhibition area in the Church.

23

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

**4 ** Staff Costs 2023 2022
£ £
Salaries and allowances 2,190 2,221
During the year the PCC employed a Parish Clerk, the costs of which are shared with St John Church, Markyate. The amount
shown above represents the share of costs attributable to St Leonards Church.
No member of the PCC received remuneration or reimbursement of expenses, except as referred to in Notes 5.
**5 ** Trustee Remuneration, Benefits and Expenses 2023 2022
£ £
Expenses paid to other PCC member 676 341
Number of Trustees receiving expenses 1 1
**6 ** Governance Costs 2023 2022
£ £
Fees for Independent Examiner 960 -
**7 ** Tangible Fixed Assets Furniture and
Fixtures Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost 1
 2
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 13,506 49,268 62,774
Depreciation
At 1 January 13,506 39,718 53,224
Charged in year - 9,550 9,550
At 31 December 13,506 49,268 62,774
Net Book Values
At 31 December 2023 - - -
At 31 December 2022 - 9,550 9,550

24

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

8 Fixed Asset Investments
Cost
932 Church of England Income shares
320 Church of England Income shares
Market Value
932 Church of England Income shares
320 Church of England Income shares		 2023
£
1,000
275
1,275
21,068
7,233
28,301		 2022
£
1,000
275
1,275
19,242
6,607
25,849

The St. Alban's Diocese is the Custodian Trustee for these funds and the shares are vested with them. We continue to record them at cost, consistent with prior years.

9 Debtors
Income Tax Recoverable
Other Debtors
10 Current Asset Investments
CCLA Short Term Deposits
Chancel Fund - Short Term Deposits
11 Liabilities; Amounts falling due within one year
Loan: Friends of St Leonard's
Other Creditors
Accruals		 2023
£
14,775
5,281
20,056
2023
£
2,066
1,432
3,498
2023
£
79,802
18,502
960
99,264		 2022
£
14,775
1,501
16,276
2022
£
2,001
1,373
3,374
2022
£
79,802
19,013
-
98,815

Loan

Friends of St Leonard's (charity number 1074485). The PCC received funds by way of a short-term loan to aid with the cashflow aspects of the restoration works undertaken. The loan was granted at an interest rate of 0%, with no fixed repayment date.

25

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

12 Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Current Period
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
-
-
-
Investments
-
-
1,275
Current Assets
53,401
111,394
1,702
Current Liabilities
(19,462)
(79,802)
-
33,939
31,592
2,977
Comparative Period
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
-
9,550
-
Investments
-
-
1,275
Current Assets
30,676
156,973
1,702
Current Liabilities
(19,013)
(79,802)
-
11,663
86,721
2,977
13 Funds
Balance at 1
January 2023
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Gains, Losses
and Transfers
Current Period
£
£
£
£
Endowment fund
Bennett Charity
100
-
-
-
Lamp Endowment
62
-
-
-
Flamstead Trust
100
-
-
-
Mrs Kingham Trust
100
-
-
-
Burchmore Graves Trust
250
182
-
(182)
Chancel Fund-deposit fund
1,340
17
-
(17)
Chancel Fund-income shares
25
15
-
(15)
Richard's bequest - (previously Ordination Candid
1,000
288
-
(288)
2,977
511
-
(511)
Restricted fund
Restoration Fund
73,274
59,888
(105,467)
-
Bell Fund
1,972
-
-
-
Organ Fund
9,550
-
(9,550)
-
Hearing Loop
19
-
-
-
Scott Grave
1,000
-
-
-
Alpha Course
906
-
-
-
86,721
59,888
(115,017)
-
Unrestricted funds
11,663
152,188
(130,423)
511
Total Funds
101,361
212,587
(245,440)
-		 2023
Total
£
-
1,275
166,497
(99,264)
68,508
2022
Total
£
9,550
1,275
189,351
(98,815)
101,361
Balance at 31
December
2023
£
100
62
100
100
250
1,340
25
1,000
2,977
27,695
1,972
-
19
1,000
906
31,592
33,939
68,508

26

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonard, Flamstead Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2023

13 Funds (continued)
Balance at 1
January 2022
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Gains, Losses
and Transfers
Comparative Period
£
£
£
£
Endowment fund
Bennett Charity
100
-
-
-
Lamp Endowment
62
-
-
-
Flamstead Trust
100
-
-
-
Mrs Kingham Trust
100
-
-
-
Burchmore Graves Trust
250
182
-
(182)
Chancel Fund-deposit fund
1,340
18
-
(18)
Chancel Fund-income shares
25
15
-
(15)
Richard's bequest - (previously Ordination Candid
1,000
321
-
(321)
2,977
536
-
(536)
Restricted fund
Restoration Fund
18,036
124,189
(68,951)
-
Leader Fund
-
897
-
(897)
Bell Fund
1,972
-
-
-
Organ Fund
19,100
-
(9,550)
-
Hearing Loop
19
-
-
-
Scott Grave
1,000
-
-
-
Alpha Course
906
-
-
-
41,033
125,086
(78,501)
(897)
Unrestricted funds
12,790
76,957
(79,517)
1,433
Total Funds
56,800
202,579
(158,018)
-		 Balance at 31
December
2022
£
100
62
100
100
250
1,340
25
1,000
2,977
73,274
-
1,972
9,550
19
1,000
906
86,721
11,663
101,361

14 Related Party Transactions

Owing to the nature of the operations of the Church and the composition of the PCC Board, being drawn from local area, transactions may take place with organisations in which the PCC Members have an interest. All transactions involving such organisations are conducted in accordance with normal business practice.

During the period to 31 December 2024, the following transactions were undertaken with individual and/or organisations connected to the Church:

connected to the Church:
2023 2022
£ £
Friends of St Leonard's Flamstead (Charity Number: 1074485)
Grants received 72,721 25,749

27

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST LEONARD, FLAMSTEAD

I report to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on my examination of the accounts of St Matthew’s Church PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

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

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

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

Campbell Wilson

John Wilson FCA ATII Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE

Dated: 31 July 2025

St Leonard's Church Financial Statements 2023

Final Audit Report 2025-08-01

Created: 2025-08-01 By: Campbell Wilson (campbell@howardwilson.co.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAufkzoQjb9_VqQmbnPify3iy1qKx3ymDu

"St Leonard's Church Financial Statements 2023" History

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