## **The Ecumenical Church Council** 

## **of** 

## **Sturry and District United Church** 

## **within the parish of** 

**Sturry with Fordwich and Westbere with Hersden Charity Commission reg no: 1181753** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT** 

**for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **STURRY & DISTRICT UNITED CHURCH** 




St. Mary’s Fordwich 

St. Nicholas’ Sturry 

All Saints Westbere 



## **The Ecumenical Church Council of Sturry and District United Church** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024** 

|**Contents**||
|---|---|
|**Trustees' Annual Report**|**Pages 2 – 11**|
|**Financial Review and Reserves Policy**|**Page 12**|
|**Independent Examiner’s Report**|**Page 13**|
|**Receipts and Payments Summary**|**Page 14**|
|**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**|**Page 15**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**Page 16**|





P a g e | **2** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024** 

## **The Ecumenical Church Council of Sturry and District United Church** 

This **Annual Report,** accompanying  the parish and partnership annual accounts, is compiled in line with the requirements of the Charities Act 2006, the requirements of the Charity Commission and the public benefit reporting requirements that now apply to all charities. 

Following the formal adoption of the new constitution on 20 February 2013, the responsibilities and the membership of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Anglican Parish of Sturry with Fordwich and Westbere with Hersden and those of the Ecumenical Church Council (ECC) of Sturry and District United Church are inevitably closely linked, and accordingly the following is a joint report approved by both councils. 

## **Administrative information** 

Sturry and District United Church is a joint Anglican-Methodist Church serving the above-named parish. The Local Ecumenical Partnership in this parish was set up in September 1970 and its Sponsoring Body is Churches Together in Kent. It meets in two parish buildings, St Nicholas’ church in Sturry, and All Saints’ church in Westbere, both Anglican-owned but the subject of sharing agreements signed in 1988. (The church building of St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich was declared redundant in 1996 and is vested in the Churches Conservation Trust.) 

As an Anglican-Methodist partnership, Sturry and District United Church is part both of the Diocese of Canterbury and Deanery of Canterbury within the Church of England and also part of The Canterbury and East Kent Circuit of The Methodist Church. The correspondence address is: 

C/O The ECC Secretary,  88, Sweechgate, Broad Oak, Canterbury, CT2 0QU 

The Ecumenical Church Council which was set up alongside the new Parochial Church Council from 20 February 2013 fulfils within this parish and partnership the roles normally carried out by a Parochial Church Council and a Methodist Church Council, and is therefore a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006). Sturry and District United Church was registered as a charity in January 2019. 

The PCC has complied with the requirements imposed by the code under section 5A of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. 

Given the suspension of the right of Presentation dated 18 May 2021 which is still in force,  Revd Preb. Gillean Craig  was licensed as interim 0.2 part time priest in charge rather than incumbent in September 2022. Revd Catherine Wagstaff was welcomed to the LEP as interim part tine methodist minister also on 0.2 in September 2022. Both had been in conversation with the church in the months leading up to their joining us. Revd Gillean Craig and Rev Catherine Wagstaff both left the parish and partnership in 2024. In 2024 Revd Danny Wheadon joined us.  Revd Danny is also the Methodist Circuit Superintendent for the Canterbury and East Kent Methodist Circuit 



P a g e  | **3** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2023  (continued).** 

## (1) **PCC members who served during the period 1 January – 31 December 2024 were:** 

Part time interim Anglican Priest Revd Preb Gillean Craig    (until June 2024) Part time interim Methodist Minister Revd Catherine Wagstaff  (until September 2024) Part time interim Methodist Minister          Revd Danny Wheadon       (from September 2024) Retired minister with Permission to Officiate  Revd Peter Freeman Churchwardens Mr Martin Pilgrim Mrs Jane Freeman Representatives on the Deanery Synod Mrs Georgina Glover Elected members Mr Paul Haines Mr Gavin Kennett (secretary) Mrs Angela Pilgrim Mrs Pauline Louch Mr Philip Lewis 

## **(2) ECC members who served during the period 1 January – 31 December 2023 were:** 

Part time interim Anglican Priest Revd Preb Gillean Craig    (until June 2024) Part time interim Methodist Minister Revd Catherine Wagstaff  (until September 2024) Part time interim Methodist Minister          Revd Danny Wheadon       (from September 2024) 

Retired minister with Permission to Officiate Revd Peter Freeman 

(The Circuit Superintendent minister, together with other ministers who have pastoral responsibility within the circuit, and the Bishop of Dover or her appointed representative, may also attend meetings) 

Church Stewards & Churchwardens             Mr Martin Pilgrim 

Mrs Jane Freeman Representatives on the Deanery Synod Mrs Georgina Glover. 

Members of the Circuit Meeting Mr Martin Pilgrim (As Church Steward_ Mrs Angela Pilgrim (ex officio as circuit steward) 

Elected Members Mr Gavin Kennett Mr Paul Haines Mrs Pauline Louch Mr Philip Lewis 

In attendance Mr Peter Bartlett 



P a g e  | **4** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

## _**Structure, governance and management**_ 

Since 20 February 2013 the method of appointment of PCC members and ECC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules of the Church of England, the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church and the constitution of the Sturry and District United Church within the parish of Sturry with Fordwich and Westbere with Hersden, with the exception that in this parish and partnership those whose names are on the Methodist membership list enjoy the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as those whose names are on the Anglican electoral roll. 

There is no pre-determined ‘quota’ governing the balance between Anglican and Methodist members on the church councils; candidates are elected without regard to their formal denominational allegiance. All who attend worship regularly in our churches are invited to register on the electoral roll or Methodist membership list and stand for election to the PCC and ECC. 

In 2007 a Joint Membership List was created, consisting of those who had registered on the electoral roll or Methodist membership list, and it is noteworthy that since that date all such church members have wished to regard themselves as joint members of both denominations. At the Joint Church Council (JCC) meeting of 30 March 2009 it was resolved that following the Annual General Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting the numbers reported to our parent denominations would each be one-half of the total figure for the Joint Membership List. 

Under the new constitution which came into force from 20 February 2013, the maximum number of elected representatives on each of the PCC and the ECC is nine. Elected representatives are elected to serve for three years. At the end of their first period of three years they are eligible for election for a further three years, but after a service of six consecutive years there must be a gap of at least one year before they can stand again for election. 

## **Objectives and activities** 

As laid down by the PCC (Powers) Measure 1956, the PCC and ECC of Sturry and District United Church have the responsibility of co-operating with the Anglican and Methodist minister(s) in promoting in the parish and partnership the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for the church buildings of St Nicholas, Sturry, and All Saints, Westbere, and the churchyard only (not the church building) of St Mary the Virgin, Fordwich, and also exercises functions with respect to the Church of England Primary School in the parish. 

The PCC and ECC met in person seven times during the year, including a brief meeting after the 2023 AGM and APCM. The PCC and ECC generally have joint meetings, at which the business of each council is handled separately, and a similar principle applies with respect to the AGM and APCM. The Standing and Finance Committee has met five times, generally between ECC / PCC meetings, and minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and ECC and discussed where necessary. The pastoral committee has met twice this year. We are pleased that our many visitors comment on the friendly atmosphere and warm welcome that they receive at Sturry. We would like to develop our work further, particularly with the young people who join us for Sunday worship. 



P a g e  | **5** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

## **The purpose of Sturry and District United Church as a charity** 

The purpose of the Sturry and District United Church as a charity is to advance the Christian Faith in the area of benefit in accordance with the principles and practices of both The Methodist and The Anglican Church. The charity identifies its work as a charity in six areas; 

**The celebration of public worship** – this included regular Sunday worship at Sturry, a return to regular monthly services at Westbere and special services at Fordwich. 

**The Teaching of the Christian Faith** has been carried out through services, work in our local schools, and articles in the church magazine  “Link Up”. 

**Mission and Evangelism** has been reviewed and a plan of action drawn up. 

**Pastoral Work** is carried out by our Ministers and others such as by members of the Pastoral Committee which includes phone calls / visits to those who need support. 

**The provision of facilities within a Christian Ethos for the local community:** We encourage the use of the church by all members of the community and amongst other things hold weekly coffee morning, a warm space during the winter months, children’s activities during the school holidays, craft afternoons and hosting Sturry Singers. Sturry Church is also open on Wednesdays and Sundays all day for people to come and visit and the building to pray and find out about its history. 

**Support of Other Charities in the UK and Overseas.** The church has supported other charities through raising recognition of their work, praying for them and raising money during special services and events. We have regularly donated money to the Church Army and have collected money for Action for Children, The Children’s Society, The Kajokeji Educational Trust Africa, The World Methodist Mission Fund amongst others. More details of how we meet our objectives as a charity are given in the different sections of this report. 

## **Achievements and performance** 

## **Worship** 

The table below gives a summary of key numbers reported annually with the previous year’s figures given by way of comparison. Following the pandemic, a few members of the congregation continued to ‘worship at home’, through the provision of printed or emailed worship resources, a live Zoom service held by the Methodist Circuit, pre-recorded services from other churches or broadcast worship on the BBC. 

The figure for funerals included those conducted were held by parish ministers either in one of the church buildings, at a local cemetery or at a crematorium. 

||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|**Number on the Joint Membership List**|47|<br>43|
|**Anglican Electoral Roll**|24|<br>21|
|**Methodist Membership**|23|<br>22|
|**Usual Sunday figure reported as part of the Anglican Statistics for Mission**|23|<br>25|
|**Baptisms**|2|6|
|**Weddings**|4|5|
|**Funerals**|8|11|





P a g e  | **6** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

## **A year in the Life of Sturry & District United Church** 

## **Introduction** 

2024 was for Sturry and District United Church a year of change and innovation. We do not take for granted the work that goes into our regular events – the worship, weekly coffee mornings, the monthly Soup on Saturday, the production and distribution of our monthly magazine, Link Up with a print run of 450 copies, the work of our bellringers, the regular groups, such as Crafty Allsorts and Sturry Singer; the bereavement group – we could go on. 

## **January** 

We began 2024 by making it easier to give money to the church.  We installed a machine which enables donors to use their debit or credit cards.  Regular churchgoers and visitors have used this.  We are also encouraging more people to give regularly using the Church of England centralised system, which helps with Gift Aid and enables giving to be updated in line with the rise in prices. 


Winter 2024 was dominated by a crisis about the cost of heating.  Sturry Church responded to this by running a “Warm Wednesday” programme from the end of January until the spring.  Films, activities, refreshments and a warm welcome were on offer, enabling people to save the cost of an afternoon’s heating at home. 

## **February** 

We began Lent with a service for Ash Wednesday, 14 February. 

Then, on 22 February, Revd Gillean Craig began a weekly five-session course on Mark’s Gospel, in which 10 or 12 people studied and discussed the gospel. 

In Fordwich, Philip Lewis organised a series of themed displays in the Church of St Mary the Virgin.  This included passages to read and activities to do.  The programme ended with a service on Holy Saturday, 30 March. 

## **March** 

On Saturday, 16 March, there was a Celebration of Spring in Sturry Church, featuring games, refreshments and crafts. 

Sturry Church organised a deep, spring clean the morning of Saturday, 30 March, followed by a fish and chip lunch. 


Also in March, Stephen Marsh of the bellringers was able to get the clock on the north face of Sturry Church tower working again.  In his poem, “The Old Vicarage, Grantchester”, Rupert Brooke asked whether the church clock still stood at ten to three.  In Sturry, the church clock no longer still stands at seven minutes past five. 



P a g e  | **7** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

Sturry Church was recognised as an Eco-Church in March, with Bronze status.  This was based on our work in: worship and teaching about the environment; the management of our buildings and land; our community and global engagement; and, lifestyle. 


## **April** 

As part of our eco-church mission, we recorded 14 varieties of birdsong in Sturry churchyard and the Milner Ground.  We also noted the appearance of beavers on the River Stour, only a hundred yards from the church. 


On 18 April, we were represented at the Licensing Service for the Reverend Lucy Sullivan as an Associate Chaplain at The King’s School, Canterbury.  Revd Lucy has particular responsibility for the Junior King’s School and we have been pleased to welcome Lucy to lead occasional Sunday worship at Sturry and Westbere in addition to her responsibilities at the school. 

## **May** 


Sturry Church received a new wall hanging.  The Craft Allsorts Group, which meets in the church each week, with others in our village have produced a banner celebrating many facets of life in our town and villages. 

On 29 May, during the Spring Bank Holiday half term week, we ran an activity afternoon in Sturry Church for 23 children and helpers.  As one of the organisers said, “Children were happy, parents were happy, church people were happy – we have a good team.”. 

## **June** 


On 9 June we said “farewell and thank you” to Revd Prebendary Gillean Craig and his wife, Linda.  For two years, Gillean had been the Anglican part of our “ecumenical team ministry”, along with the Methodist Revd Catherine Wagstaff. He had made a great impression and worked tirelessly – far beyond his nominal 0.2 full time equivalent. 

We held our Annual Strawberry Tea on 23 June.  This is a fundraising event but also a great summer social occasion for the whole community. 



P a g e  | **8** 

## **Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 


At the end of June, we finally signed off the National Lottery Heritage Fund Project.  This had begun in 2017 when the Quinquennial Inspection had identified the need for major repairs to Sturry Church.  With funding from the NLHF, donations from individuals, fundraising activities and volunteers time valued at £27,000, we delivered a £317,000 project.  Along the way we had COVID lockdowns, a liquidated main contractor and three church treasurers. However, the building was repaired, kitchen facilities were improved and we became able to share the building and its heritage with the wider community. 


June also saw the ordination at Ripon Cathedral of Rebecca Mathen as Deacon in the Church of England.  Rebecca’s, parents are part of our local worshipping community. Rebecca worshipped at Sturry when her studies at Cambridge made it possible.  Revd Rebecca began her ministry as Curate in the Bradford area. Pic of Rebecca. 

## A **ugust** 



In August, Revd Catherine Wagstaff stood down as our Methodist minister after two years.  In her place we welcomed the Revd Danny Wheadon, who is also our Circuit Superintendent Minister.  Like her Anglican counterpart at Sturry, Revd Gillean Craig – to whom we said farewell in June – Catherine was nominally 0.2 of a full time equivalent, but also like Gillean we were pleased to have more than that effort from Catherine. 

Discussions continue with our parent denominations about the future of ministry in Sturry and District but our clergy resources are – at least for the time being – much less than we have been used to.  We have welcomed ordained and lay people from the Methodist and Anglican Churches to lead our worship, and we are grateful for that support.  But quite often our local church family has been left to organise and lead worship ourselves.  In Methodism, this is known as a Local Arrangement.  Local Arrangement services make real the statement, “ _Worship is the work of the whole people of God: a congregation is not an audience or a group of spectators_ ” (Methodist Worship Book).  One of the innovations using this freedom has been “Café Church”, which combines Sunday worship and breakfast. 

## S **eptember** 

On 14 September, the annual Ride + Stride event took place.  This is a fundraising event in which participants are sponsored to visit as many Kent churches as possible in a day. Half of the money raised goes to the participants’ local church and half goes to help repair and maintain Kent churches.  In Sturry, our local efforts raised a total of £764. Some Sturry folk did their bit by being sponsored for completing circuits of Sturry church with their mobility aids. 


Also in September, we began monthly visits to Sturry Church of England Primary School.  Using resources from “Open the Book”, a few of our team give short dramatizations of Bible stories at school assemblies.  We 



P a g e  | **9** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

were pleased to improve the links with the school in this way and we feel it has helped to encourage children and their parents to participate in church events and services too. 

## **October** 


At the autumn half term, we ran another activity afternoon in the church for children of all ages.  During this event we launched a project as part of our work as an Eco Church, we set up bird feeding stations in the churchyard. 

## **November** 

We recognised the problems faced by those suffering bereavement or other life changing loss by inaugurating our monthly “Butterflies” group.  People can share their experiences and be listened to.  The group welcomes people of all faiths and none. 


## **December** 

Advent and Christmas was an exciting and busy time.  As well as traditional services and events, we had a “Blue Christmas” service to meet the needs of those for whom – for one reason or another – were not in a position to have a happy Christmas.  Our 2024 Christmas Tree Festival attracted 36 entries from a wide range of church and community groups and schools. Insert Christmas Tree Word Cloud.  St Mary’s Church, Fordwich hosted a Carol Concert with readings, reflections, carols, hot punch and mince pies. 




P a g e  | **10** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

## **Property Report for Annual Report from the Church stewards / Churchwardens** 

At Westbere we organised repairs to masonry at All Saints’ Church , replacing fallen coping stones etc. This was a c £1600 project. 

At Sturry, we are grateful for continued support from Community Payback and the Junior King’s School for maintenance of the Milner Ground between the churchyard at the A28 road. We have also engaged contractors to deal with Japanese knotweed in the southeast corner of the Milner Ground, as we have a legal obligation to stop it spreading. The contractors visit three times a year as part of the management plan for dealing with the knotweed. 

We thank Stephen Marsh of the bellringers for his expertise in repairing the clock on the tower. 

In 2024, we began to investigate the possibility of installing a glass door to the north entrance of St Nicholas’ Church, Sturry, in addition to the existing wooden door. This would improve the impression of the church and be much more welcoming. At the time of writing, we are seeking the necessary permissions and consulting interested parties but we hope to go ahead with the project later in 2025 

At Fordwich churchyard, Community Payback began extensive clearance of undergrowth, etc. in 2024. We also commissioned a professional survey of the need for more extensive work on the larger trees, including the removal of some, with the aims of: improving safety and access; preventing damage to walls and the church building; and, improving biodiversity. We are still waiting for permission from the diocese for the work to take place. After we have this, we can begin fundraising for the estimated cost of £5,000. 

Finally, we need to recognise the tireless work of our cleaning teams at Westbere and Fordwich Churches Martin Pilgrim 

28 April 2025 

## **Synod Report 2025** 

Synod has met 3 times since our last APCMs. 

· In June 2024 we met at Canterbury Cathedral Studio and discussed Revitalisation, one of the three bold outcomes of the Diocesan strategy. Following an introduction from Archdeacon Will Adams there were group discussions focussing on what revitalisation could look like in the parishes. 

· In October 2024 at St Paul’s we focussed on another of the bold outcomes, New Worshipping Communities. After a presentation by Shiela Porter on the work of Myriad (a national organisation which helps lay leaders to form new communities) there was a short video on three such communities. After a lively period for questions there were group discussions. 

· In February 2025 at All Saints, Synod was an entirely open meeting which focussed on the Deanery Mission Plan. Revd Nick White gave a short presentation outlining the structure and main elements of the plan followed by opportunities for discussion around six tables each led by a facilitator. These covered the main elements of the Plan: Ignite, Youth, Housing estates, University students, Buildings and Eco church. Everyone had the opportunity to discuss each topic for 10 minutes during the hour-long session. Each facilitator gave a brief summary of the main issues raised and these comments will be taken back for further consideration by the Deanery Mission and Ministry Committee (DMMC). The Plan will be brought back for formal approval at the June meeting of Synod. 



P a g e  | **11** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

The Deanery Eco group continues to flourish, although Caroline Blamey is stepping back from the coordinating role, the Deanery is grateful for all the effort she has put into the group. 

The Care in a Crisis initiative, networking local agencies working against poverty and disadvantage, was merged with the similar activity led by the Canterbury Society, to avoid unnecessary duplication. Communication: The Deanery Facebook page www.facebook.com/CanterburyDeanery/ provides current news of the huge range of activities among our Deanery parishes and Christians Together in Canterbury. 

During the year: the Deanery welcomed back Revd Jo Richards after a period of illness. Revd Brian McHenry was appointed as Assistant Area Dean. Liz Morrison (Lay Chair) and John Morrison (Treasurer) stepped down from their roles. Professor Roger Vickerman was elected as Lay Chair and Canon Treasurer Andrew Dodds as Treasurer 

Thanks to all members of the DMMC for their hard work on the Deanery Mission Plan and for their continuing dedication to the needs of the Deanery, and to Harry Macdonald, our Administrator, for his efficient work in serving the Deanery 

Roger Vickerman 

## **Methodist Circuit Report** 

Sturry Church is a Local Ecumenical Partnership between the Anglican and Methodist Churches and as such plays an active part of the Canterbury and East Kent Methodist Circuit. Our Circuit stretches from Faversham to Dover and across to Thanet. Our Superintendent minister, Danny Wheadon, has been looking after our church this year. Danny has taken many services and played an active part in supporting us as we seek to find a way forward for our church. Danny will be leaving us in July to go to work in a North London circuit. He will be replaced by Rev Dr Peggy Kabonde, who comes from Wiltshire but with extensive experience of church and circuit development in Zambia. Peggy will lead a team ministry of Methodist ministers across the whole circuit who will work together to support all churches. Peggy has already visited our church and was very impressed with all the work we do. 

Our minister, Danny Wheadon, our two churchwardens and church stewards, Jane Freeman and Martin Pilgrim, all attend the Circuit Meeting along with Angela Pilgrim, who is currently Senior Circuit Steward. 

The Circuit Meeting is the local decision-making body for finances and the deployment of staff including ministers. Methodist ministers move churches regularly and this year we are faced with the challenge of seeing how our human (ministerial and lay) and financial resources can support God’s work across East Kent including Sturry. 

Angela Pilgrim (Senior Circuit Steward) 



Page 112
Joint A Thnual Report of the Ecutnenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (contiThued}.
Financial review We are grateful to those church members who reviewed their giving through the church
over the year, and to all who have organised and supported fundraising events. However, we need to
increase our income if we are to become truly sustainable. In 2024, the ECC signed up to the Parish Giving
Scheme. This will allow for people to pay by direct debit rather than standing order and to review their giving
more easily each year with the possibility of indexing their regular giving in line with inflation. Details of our
receipts and expenditure, including our parish share and circuit assessment by which we contribute to
ministry costs not only in this parish but in the wider churches, will be available in the financial accounts.
At the end of 2022 Liz Morrison stepped down as Treasurer. Gavin Kennett agreed to temporarily take on
the role of "book keeper" with the guidance of Martin Pilgrim and help of Pauline Louch.
We are very grateful for those who give generously both in terms of time and of money.
Rese￿eS policy The PCC has reviewed the church's needs for reserves in line with the Operational Guidance
No 43 (Charity Income Reserves) issued by the Charity Commission. The income of the Parish, as well as its
financial demands, are subject to fluctuation. Maintainirlg two listed buildings can be costly and in order to
meet the cost of major repairs and other calls upon parish funds, the PCC consider it prudent to maintain
substantial reserves.
Report approved by the Par
signed on its behalf by Revd D
I ChLfrch Council and the Ecumenical Church Council on 30 April 2025 and
nny Wheadon
.Name ..........................

Page 113
Joint A Thnual Report of the Ecutnenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (contiThued}.
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independ8nl Examlngr's Report
Report to the trusteès
STURRY AND DISTRICT UNITED CHURCH
On accounts for the year
ended
31$1 December 2024
Charity no
Irf any)
1181753
Set out on pages
14- 16
I report lo the Iruslees on my axaminalion of the accounts of the ats)ve
charity I"Ihe Trusl'l for the year end￿ 31112 12024.
Rgsponsibilities and
basis of report
AS the charity's trustees, you ar8 responsible for the preparation ol the
accounls in accordance wilh the r￿uIrements of the Charities Act 2011
11he Act-i.
I report in respect of my examinalion ol the Trusl's accounts carried oul
under sec(ion 145 01 Ihe 2011 Acl and in carrying out my examination. I
have followed all Ihe applicable Difections given by Ihe Charity Commission
under sgcIKJn 14515}Ibl of the Acl.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no malenal mallers have
examlner's statement come to my allenlion in connectK)n with the examinalK)n le+hr￿1
diWI*￿') which gives me cau$e io believe Ihal in. any malecial
resp¢¢l'.
the a￿o￿ntIng iecords were N)1 kfjpt in accordance with $8¢lion 130
of Ihe Charities Act., or
thè accounts did not accord wilh th8 aceounling records.. or
the accounts did not comply wilh Ihe applicable requirements
con¢erning the form and conlenl of accoLsnls sèt out in Ihe Charslies
(Accounts and Reporlsl Regulalions 2008 other Ihan any fequirement
Ihal the accounts give a 'lrue and fair viow which is not a matter
onsiderod as part of an independenl examinalion.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matt•rs in connection
wilh thè •xaminai¢on lo which allonlton should be drawn in this repori in
der lo enable a ploper undersianding of the accounts lo be reached.
' Please delete Ihe ￿rdS in the brackets ifthey do not apply.
Slgned: | C£ulQiff
Dat•:
[17 Ik.2b25.
Nome:
CLA￿.Su[CLtffe.
Relevant profèssional
quallficationlsl or body
lif any):
Address:
11s.sh￿￿ICrf Kjhb, IqtriiToeu), boYeL, KthT CTI6 3If .
IER
Oct 2018

P a g e  | **14** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

|**Sturry & District United Church**||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||||
|**Receipts and Payments Summary 2024**||||||**2024**|**2023**|
||||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total funds**|**Total funds**|
|**RECEIPTS**||||||||
|**Voluntary receipts**|||£|£|£||£|
|Plannedgiving||12825.00<br>-<br>-<br>2558.1<br>-<br>-<br>KSC<br>5,040.00<br>-<br>-<br>Donations(general)<br>3,902.04<br>-<br>-<br>Fees to PCC<br>1,801.00<br>-<br>-<br> Fees due to DBF<br>1,352.00<br>-<br> Weddingstagedpayments<br>1,792.00<br>627.00<br>-<br> Gift Aid(plannedgiving)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>VAT(NLHFproject)<br>-<br>-<br>-||||12,825.00|12111.00|
|Givingat services||||||2,558.10|2640.68|
|All othergiving /voluntaryreceipts||||||5,040.00|5040.00|
|||||||3,902.04|4214.45|
|||||||1,801.00|1912.00|
||1|||||1,352.00|2430.00|
||2|||||2,419.00|2650.00|
|||||||-||
|**Tax Recovered**|3|||||-|11024.20|
|||||||-|0.00|
|||||||-||
|||27,918.14<br>1,979.00<br>-<br>Coffee<br>631.58<br>-<br>Fundraisingevents<br>1,525.83<br>-<br>-<br> Souplunches<br>907.25<br>-<br>-<br> Warm Space<br>1,251.81<br>-<br>-<br> Sundries<br>13,489.91<br>-<br>-<br>4,093.44<br>-<br>-<br>Magazine<br>1,642.00<br>-<br>-<br>CharityCollections<br>589.00<br>-<br>-||||29,897.14|42022.33|
|||||||-||
|**Activities forgenerating funds**||||||631.58|589.95|
|||||||1,525.83|1368.83|
||4|||||907.25|166.50|
||5|||||1,251.81|1422.26|
||6|||||13,489.91|3428.15|
|||||||-||
|**Investment Income**||||||4,093.44|3919.17|
|||||||-||
|**Church Activities**||||||1,642.00|1911.50|
|||||||589.00|633.50|
|||||||-||
|**Total Receipts**||54,027.96<br>-<br>-||||54,027.96|55462.19|
|||21,310.22<br>-<br>-<br> MinistryCosts<br>771.80<br>-<br>-<br> Heat,light,water,insurance<br>11,792.72<br>-<br>-<br>Upkeepof services<br>395.38<br>-<br>-<br> Bells,organists,virgers<br>1,435.00<br>-<br>-<br> Minor repairs,organ tuning<br>4,700.01<br>-<br>-<br> Churchyard maintenance<br>1,924.50<br>-<br>-<br> Admin<br>458.19<br>-<br>-<br> Magazine<br>2,875.80<br>-<br>-<br>Deposits<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> to Diocese<br>958.20<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>660.40<br>-<br>860.76<br>-||||-||
|||||||-||
|||||||-||
|**PAYMENTS**||||||-||
|**Church Activities**||||||-||
|Stipend contribution/share/assessment||||||21,310.22|24299.00|
|Clergyand staffingcosts|7|||||771.80|1277.50|
|||||||-|0.00|
|Church runningexpenses|8|||||11,792.72|14727.83|
|||||||395.38|198.10|
||9|||||1,435.00|2365.00|
||10|||||4,700.01|2344.08|
||11|||||1,924.50|2761.72|
||12|||||458.19|1191.22|
||13|||||2,875.80|3689.33|
|||||||-|0.00|
|Fees returned||||||-|0.00|
||14|||||958.20|1655.40|
|||||||-|0.00|
|Hall runningcosts||||||-|0.00|
|Mission Givingand donations||||||660.40|950.50|
|Sundries|15|||||860.76|1387.92|
|||||||-|0.00|
|**NLHF Project**||||||-|0.00|
|||||||-||
|||48,142.98<br>-<br>309.92<br>-||||48,142.98|56847.60|
|**Costs ofgenerating funds**||||||309.92|240.19|
|||48,452.90||||-|0.00|
|**Total Payments**|||||-|48,452.90|57087.79|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|**Difference between receipts andpayments**||||||**5575.06**|1625.60|
|||**37,196.49**<br>**£**||||||
|Cash in bank and at hand at 1 January2024||||||||
|Cash in bank and at hand at 31 December 2024|||**42,771.55**<br>**£**|||||





P a g e  | **15** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Sturry & District United Church<br>Statements of Assets and Liabilities TOTAL FUNDS<br>Unrestricted  Restricted     Endowment<br>Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023<br>£ £ £ £ £<br>Cash Funds<br>Lloyds Bank Current Account 33,998.54 8773.01 42,771.55 37,196.49<br>Lloyds Magazine Account 434.42 434.42 434.42<br>Cash in hand -<br>Other Monetary assets<br>Gift Aid Recoverable work in progress<br>Investment Assets at 31/12/24<br>CCLA 1          CB3021299-001  Development Fund 21,258.95 21,258.95 20,187.44<br>CCLA 2          CB3021230-001  Sale of Rectory Site 29,586.05 29,586.05 28,719.02<br>CCLA 3          CB3021231-001  Mission Room Recoupment Order 19,829.10 19,829.10 19,385.40<br>CCLA CBF     CB3003637-001 103,666.69 103,666.69 101,347.02<br>CFB                Deposit 06982010 1,578.32 1,578.32 1,501.78<br>Totals 22,837.27 153,081.84 175,919.11 171,140.66<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




P a g e  | **16** 

**Joint Annual Report of the Ecumenical Church Council and of the Parochial Church Council for 2024 (continued).** 

## **Notes to the accounts** 

- 1 Includes fees paid to PCC for payment to Diocesan Board of Finance for funerals. From Jan 2024, Diocesan Board of Finance required PCC to pay 70% directly to non-stipendiary ministers. 

- 2 Wedding Fees may be paid in total or as part of staged payments. The PCC is no longer allowed to take a deposit. Some of this money is restricted to pay to the DBF, Organist, Vergers and Bells. 

- 3 The church is moving to a new Parish Giving  Scheme from Gift Aid claims  made through Canterbury Diocese, the Gift Aid in the  intervening period is due to be claimed directly from HMRC by the church 

- 4 2024 saw a full year of Soup on Saturday. 2023 - kitchen had work on it to comply with Food Hygiene regulations to allow serving of food. 

- 5 Warm space receipts included a grant of £1000 from the Methodist Church. The scheme was not run by the church in the Autumn of 2024. 

- 6 Includes a refund from the National Lottery Heritage Fund of £12,998.86 , coffee machine £191.98 paid for by a donor. 

- 7 Includes fees paid by PCC to non-stipendiary ministers for occasional offices, paid by PCC acting as an agent for DBF. Lower than 2023 as fewer weddings / funerals. 

- 8 2023 accounts included a fee for examination of accounts by accountancy firm  (£570), Savings also on fuel bills with new one year contracts. 

- 9 Fewer weddings / funerals. 

- 10 Includes boiler repair at Westbere £287.99, Organ tuning at both churches £468, Westbere repairs £1668.00,  Gutter clearing at Sturry £550 

- 11 2023 included quinquennial architect's fees 

- 12 2023 included ministerial expenses and accountant's fees for 2022 accounts £570.00 

- 13 Different printers used to produce Link Up Magazine. 

- 14 Fewer weddings / funerals. 

- 15 Includes leaving gifts for Revd Gillean Craig  £356.45, payment of coffee machine 191.98, 2023 included payment for Payaz Card Machine £461.15