_**The Parish of St Barnabas and St Paul with St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford**_
## ANNUAL **REPORT** and Financial Statement **2025**
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## **AIMS AND OBJECTIVES**
An Annual Report is an attempt to provide a wide-scope view of the past year’s work in the parish and to account for our activities and finances. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the churches of St Barnabas, Jericho and St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford. The Vicar is committed to both churches being places of mission through encouragement and compassion. As a parish we take our ethos from St Barnabas himself who is known as the _‘beacon of encouragement’_ . We aim to enable as many people as possible to come into our church and to become part of our parish community. Our worship aims to put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music, and sacraments. We strive for excellence in liturgy and music, welcome and hospitality, and in preaching. We try to enable people of the parish to live out their faith through encouraging them to worship together and engage in a life of prayer and reflection; we aim to nurture the faith of others through teaching and learning and through pastoral care; and we aim to be a place of love through outreach work by supporting local and national charities. The majority of this work requires maintenance of the fabric of the Churches and other properties which we own.
## **MISSION AND MINISTRY**
We serve a dispersed and gathered community of people who live both near and far. But we are first and foremost a local parish for all of Jericho. The fact that St Barnabas Church is open daily from 9.00am means that many pilgrims and tourists alike discover the peace, beauty and history of the place and ask many questions of faith and heritage alike.
## **Electoral roll**
At the APCM in May 2026, the Electoral Roll stood at 94.
## **Deanery Synod**
David Pittaway and Birte Feix who were elected in 2023 continued as our representatives on Deanery synod for the current Triennium, and Fr Christopher continued as Associate Area Dean. Deanery Synod decided on a new model for the calculation of the parish share this year and discussed various missional and community opportunities and initiatives. This demonstrates the commitment of the Parish to the wider life of the Church in Oxford and provides the PCC with an important link between the Parish and the administrative structures of the Church and diocese.
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## **Buildings**
The PCC owns properties aside from the two historic Church buildings, including one terraced house and the St Barnabas Institute (Community Centre) in Jericho, John Combe’s House at St Thomas the Martyr and The Galilee Room at St Thomas the Martyr. At St Thomas the Martyr, the sale of the St Thomas Nursery site is gradually moving towards completion. In the interim, no further decisions have been made on the future of John Combe’s House or the derelict Galilee Room.
## **St Barnabas Jericho**
The main Sunday services are held at St Barnabas Church which is the primary place of worship in the parish. The building is Grade 1 listed and is a place of historic interest as well as a place of spiritual pilgrimage. We must be ready to address repair and improvement over the next 10-15 years, but much of the building remains in good repair. The Church is open daily 9am-6pm and this attracts a large number of visitors. Two weekday Masses are currently held in St Barnabas and two Masses on a Sunday. Daily Morning Prayer is said in St Barnabas and Evening Prayer on Sundays.
## **St Thomas the Martyr Church (The Chapel-of-Ease)**
One Mass per week has been held in St Thomas the Martyr during 2025, as well as termly candle-lit Vigil Masses on Saturdays, which have been well attended. The Romanian Orthodox Parish of St John Cassian uses St Thomas Church for its services and operates under a Licence-under-Faculty. The negotiation for the renewal of this is currently ongoing. The impact of the road and rail construction work has a hugely negative impact on the Church in Becket Street.
## **Pastoral Care**
Our ministry team meets weekly to discuss the needs of all those who receive our pastoral care. The team currently consists of three clergy (two priests and one deacon), and one LLM as well as occasional ordinands from Oxford theological colleges. All in the team engage in pastoral ministry and take communion to the sick and house bound.
## **Safeguarding**
The Ministry Team and PCC of St Barnabas Church remain committed to following the Safeguarding Guidance of the Church of England and the Diocese of Oxford, and we welcome the new Parish Safeguarding Toolkit which will replace guidance retired in 2025. Alexander Taylor continues as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), appointed at the end of 2024, and has completed the required training to support the parish in following agreed procedures.
Safeguarding is a standing item at every PCC meeting, with updates provided through a written PSO brief. Phil Gardner, Parish Administrator, has served as Safeguarding Coordinator and Evidence Checker, ensuring DBS checks and
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safeguarding training are up to date for all those in positions of responsibility; we are grateful for his careful work. Since the last APCM, the Diocese of Oxford’s DBS provider experienced a data breach; the Diocese responded in line with policy, arranged interim cover and appointed a new provider in early 2026.
The PSO, Director of Music and Vicar have produced a safeguarding policy for the St Barnabas Young Choristers, adopted by the PCC and available on the church website. A rota coordinated by the Director of Music and Parish Administrator ensures at least two DBS-checked responsible adults are present at rehearsals. The PSO monitors the online Parish Dashboard, aiming for 100% compliance (‘green’), and brings any ‘red’ or ‘amber’ items to the PCC at the earliest opportunity, with thanks to the Ministry Team, PCC, Parish Administrator and congregation for their ongoing support.
## **Sunday School / St Barnabas Children’s Church**
While we continue to lack regular volunteers to lead a weekly Children, Young People and Families session, we maintain a rhythm of Godly Play and All-Age Services throughout the year. St Barnabas remains an active member of the Deanery Youth and Children's Forum, and we look forward to further collaboration with neighbouring churches.
The generous donation towards new furniture has transformed the Children's Area, and the addition of a further pinboard has created a dedicated space for reflection on the liturgical seasons. Regular families continue to worship with us, and visiting families often comment positively on how well-resourced the area is, with materials that reflect the week's theme and Gospel reading. The Christmas Crib service again drew a large congregation, including many children with no prior church connection.
Two young people now regularly assist with sidesperson duties and clearing the Sanctuary after Mass; one has joined the Serving Team and is to be baptised in May 2026. This speaks powerfully to the ministry of welcome and inclusion at the heart of the St Barnabas community, and to the conditions it creates for faith and belonging to flourish.
## **Staffing**
Paid lay staff members at St Barnabas remained constant during 2025. We continue to be grateful to Ms Esther Bersweden, the Director of Music, Mr Phil Gardner, the Parish Operations Manager, and Miss Aleksandra Stardelova, the Finance Administrator for their dedication and commitment.
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## **Volunteers**
The church would not function without those who offer their time, skills and enthusiasm. We would like to thank all of those volunteers who have contributed to the life of the Parish throughout the year. New volunteers are always sought and welcomed into the team.
## **FABRIC**
During the year there was the usual regular maintenance for both churches. This includes fire safety checks and fire extinguisher replacements, gutter and downpipe cleaning, and decorating.
At **St Barnabas** this also includes flagpole maintenance and repair and maintenance of the CCTV system and alarm to prevent lead theft on the flat roof. Following a survey and quotes, the boundary wall at St Barnabas which collapsed in January 2025 is to repaired in April 2026. Some repairs have been undertaken in preparation for the new organ, with more to do in the coming months. Further work was done on the north aisle roof early in the year due to continued Leaks.
At the **St Thomas the Martyr** entrance to the church the railings and stonework were extensively repaired. The two main entrance doors to St Thomas church were repaired and repainted, with cleaning of the stonework planned.
## **MUSIC AT ST BARNABAS**
## **The Parish Choir: Choristers**
The choristers have continued to rehearse once a week for their monthly contribution to a Sunday service at St Barnabas. In November they joined many other young people from schools and churches in Oxford at the Olivier Hall in St Edward’s School, taking part in Music at Oxford's performance of Arvo Pärt's Our Garden. They sang at both the Advent and Christmas Carol Services in December.
## **The Parish Choir: The Schola Cantorum**
While very occasionally struggling in numbers, for the most part the Schola Cantorum has been going from strength to strength. They both enjoy singing familiar repertoire and are open-minded to learning new pieces, sometimes singing a piece for the first time only an hour or so before singing it as part of the service. In September, the Schola enjoyed an ‘Away Day’ at Matthew Rice’s house, enjoying exploring the grounds amongst rehearsals, singing lessons and wonderful food! There is a new Alto Choral Scholar, whose attendance is very much valued.
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Saralynn Culpepper has continued to be a great asset as the Organ Scholar. We are very grateful to the Schola Cantorum, including all the Choral Scholars, for everything they do to enrich the services at St Barnabas.
## **Jericho Youth Choir**
The past year has been a period of significant development for the Jericho Youth Choir (JYC), led by Caius Lee. Operating as a partnership between Worcester College and St Barnabas, the initiative has successfully ensured the continuity of this vital community project. The choir’s membership numbers remain healthy, supported by active collaborations with both local primary schools: SS Philip and James’ (Phil & Jim’s) and St Barnabas Primary School.
The choir’s performance calendar featured several high-profile engagements, notably a successful Christmas Concert and a major collaboration with the Worcester College Choir for a performance of _The Girl from Aleppo_ . This work, which documents the extraordinary journey of Nujeen Mustafa, was highly acclaimed and attended by the composer, Cecilia McDowall.
Looking ahead to the summer term of 2026, the JYC will participate in a recording project alongside the Worcester College Choristers and the College Choir. This premiere CD will feature Bob Chilcott’s _Rainbow_ and seven new commissions inspired by the gardens of the Bible. These works include contributions from distinguished contemporary composers such as Cecilia McDowall, Paul Mealor, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, John Barber, Deborah Pritchard, and Joanna Forbes L’Estrange.
## **Organ Campaign**
The campaign to replace the organ has now reached its final stages. During 2025 the Nicholson organ was removed under an interim faculty permission. Inspection of the woodwork showed that it was not suitable for re-use, so new woodwork had to be designed and agreed. The Diocesan Advisory Committee has now approved a final design for the casework and we are in the last stage of the faculty permission process. The organ is being constructed in the factory in Liverpool, after which it will be disassembled and packed ready for installation in church. Subject to final faculty permission, installation is planned to take place over a nine week period between late July and late September 2026. For at least the first half of this period there will be substantial disruption to regular use of the church. If all goes well, we will bring the organ into use for services in the course of the Autumn and then plan some celebratory events.
We are very grateful for the continued fund-raising efforts by the parish in 2025, particularly the memorable revival of St Barnabas Wine Club on which we look back fondly recalling Hanneke Wilson’s long-standing support for this campaign. Financially, there will be some additional costs arising from the revised casework plan and the consequent delay. These are likely to amount to between 5 and 10% on top of the £425k total project cost estimated last year.
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There is contingency within the finances for the project to cover most of this, however we recommend continuing fund-raising at the present level not least so that any surplus can be used towards opening events and future maintenance costs.
## **THE CHURCH IN THE COMMUNITY**
## **Inter-Church/Faith relationships**
The church is a member of Churches Together in Central Oxford. CTCO projects include providing home-made soup to the Gatehouse (a local day care centre) during the winter and meeting regularly to pray for the homeless in Oxford. We also join in with the Inter-Faith Walk each year which begins at the Synagogue in Jericho
## **The Jericho Wharf Trust**
We are pleased to see the City Council resolve to take proactive steps to bring forward the redevelopment of the derelict canal-side site, following the expiry of the most recent previous planning permission. This may lead to a compulsory purchase order as a last resort.
The parish is no longer a member of the Jericho Wharf Trust but continues to work in partnership with it, and is also willing to engage with the Council and future developer on their plans. Our priorities for the new development are that it provides new, suitably sized community facilities and a much needed range of housing; whilst ensuring a high quality design and layout that enhances the setting of the church.
## **St Barnabas Primary School**
Those interested in the present and future fortunes of the school should look at **https://st-barnabas.oxon.sch.uk/.** Our Governing Board continues to be strong and pro-active. In 2025, David Hall-Matthews stood down as Chair, and was replaced by Charlie Arbuthnott as Interim Chair. Of the seventeen members, four are foundation governors, appointed by the PCC, and two are foundation governors, appointed by the Diocese and the VIcar is ex-officio. Collective worship, either with single classes or the entire school, continues weekly on Thursdays and is led by the Church ministry team. In 2025 SpaceMakers was used as a reflective model of engagement. In June 2025, the Church and school collaborated with BeSpace to bring Prayer Spaces into the school for two days. Prayer Spaces is a spiritual space, where classes are invited to engage in gentle, reflective and contemplative activities in a specially decorated classroom space. RE continues with an inter-faith and inter-cultural syllabus, but with a specifically Christian emphasis. The atmosphere is inclusive with a shared understanding of this different but vital dimension to community life.
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In March 2025, the School achieved a ‘Good’ rating from OFSTED, which was due to the continued hard work of Beccy Harris and the staff and pupils of the school. SIAMS had been anticipated throughout 2025, but is due to happen in early 2026. The school continues to rely on community support and funds to flourish.
## **My Jericho**
St Barnabas Church continues to host gatherings of the popular My Jericho talks and events. These have been very successful and huge thanks must be given to Mr John Mair and the My Jericho audiences for raising so much money towards the Parish Pantry and Church funds.
## **Concerts and community events**
Many groups and ensembles continue to rehearse and perform in St Barnabas Church. It is much sought after as a venue and over the year has increased in popularity and usage year over year. As well as our regular local groups including The Jericho Singers and Jericho Youth Choir using the space for rehearsals and performances; we also welcome the Oxford University Orchestra, the Oxford University Press Choir and Orchestra, the Oxford Folk Festival Ceilidh and others during the course of the year.
## **Jericho Street Fair**
The Street Fair was held in June 2025 and was combined with a Jericho Fest Weekend, with Run Jericho on the Sunday morning and a Festival Mass on the Sunday afternoon.
## **GOVERNANCE**
The Parochial Church Council is a body corporate established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (UK Law). The PCC has status as a charity. The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Barnabas and St Paul with St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford is registered with the Charity Commission and its number is 1185150.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Barnabas, the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent, Licensed Assistant Clergy, Church Wardens, Licensed Lay Minister, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.
PCC members who have served from the date of the April 2025 APCM _until the date of the approval of this report_ are included below:
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Ex Officio Members:
Incumbent: The Reverend Christopher Woods* Deacon: The Reverend Canon Professor Susan Gillingham Curate Assistant: The Revd Lucie Spiers Licensed Lay Minister (PTO): Mrs Jenny Pittaway Churchwardens: Mr Paul South* Mrs Claire Herbertson*
Elected Members: Dr Birte Feix, _Deanery Synod representative_ Mr David Pittaway _Deanery Synod representative_ Mr Benjamin Smith _Treasurer*_ Mr Paul South _Vice-Chair*_ Dr Hanneke Wilson _Secretary*_ Mrs Mary Louise Culpepper Ms Helen Leung Mrs Priscilla-Ann Dewar Ms Rosemary Newman Dr Hana Navratilova
Co-opted Members: Mr Christopher Pownall* The Revd Rachel Weir (Clergy with Permission to Officiate)
* _denotes appointment to the PCC Standing Committee_
Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC currently operates the following sub-committees:
- **Standing Committee:**
- Membership is Incumbent, Church Wardens, Lay Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary ex officio; and additionally, at present, one other ordinary member.
- **Organ Committee:** The Incumbent and Churchwardens are members ex officio. Co-opted members are Esther Bersweden (Director of Music), Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary-Louise Culpepper. Martin Payne acts as advisor. Paul Hale is an external consultant.
- **Financial Scrutiny Committee:** This group was revived in 2024 to assist with strategic financial planning. Members are: Incumbent, one or other Churchwarden, Christopher Pownall, The Honorary Treasurer and Mrs Hilary Coyne Barr.
- **Music Sub-Committee** : Members are Mary Louise Culpepper, Helen Leung, Rosemary Newman, The Director of Music and the Vicar.
- All sub-committees are responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly. Decisions are only made within sub-committees if a specific delegation has been agreed by the full PCC. All other decisions are referred back to the full PCC for agreement. Members of the congregation who are not elected to the PCC can be co-opted to sub-committees.
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## **FINANCIAL REVIEW – year ended 31 December 2025**
## Overview
The financial results for 2025 mark a year of stability following the exceptional events of 2023 and 2024, most notably the sale of 47 Cardigan Street and the formal commencement of the Organ Project. Unlike the previous year, 2025 contains no transformational capital receipts, and as such provides a clearer view of the parish’s underlying financial position. These accounts do show, however, a tightening operating position that is characterised by falling unrestricted income and rising expenses.
Across all funds, the PCC recorded a net increase in total funds of approximately £12,000, bringing total funds at year end to £3.94m. However, this headline surplus masks materially different movements between unrestricted and restricted funds, and a degree of pressure being exerted on unrestricted finances.
## Income
Total incoming resources were £240,133, compared with £278,020 in 2024, a reduction of £37,887.
At the level of the SOFA headings, the year‑on‑year movement reflects the combined effect of:
- Voluntary income decreasing from £145,972 to £63,958 (a reduction of £82,014);
- Investment income increasing from £44,431 to £56,066 (an increase of £11,635);
- Incoming resources from charitable activities decreasing from £4,250 to £2,590 (a reduction of £1,660); and
- Other incoming resources increasing from £83,367 to £117,519 (an increase of £34,152).
The principal driver of the reduction in total income was the fall in voluntary income, which was lower in 2025 because grants and donations were lower than in the prior year. Within voluntary income, the larger movements were:
- Grants of £11,000 in 2025 compared with £37,333 in 2024;
- Sundry donations of £7,452 in 2025 compared with £26,528 in 2024; and
- Other planned giving of £7,223 in 2025 compared with £26,908 in 2024.
Investment income increased in 2025. As described in the prior year annual report, funds arising from the sale of 47 Cardigan Street were invested, and the resulting interest and investment returns are reflected in the higher investment income recorded in 2025. This usefully helps to cushion the falls seen elsewhere, and it is critical that the church makes good use of these funds going forward.
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Fundraising event income was higher in 2025 than in 2024 (£4,239 compared with £695), while some other individual lines within Other incoming resources were lower (for example, rent from St Thomas’ Day Nursery, and sales of product income).
Total incoming resources include restricted fundraising, so year‑on‑year totals are affected by the timing and scale of receipts into restricted funds. In particular, Organ Fund income was £74,690 in 2024 (as shown in Note 10 of the prior year’s accounts) and £32,840 in 2025. This is helpful and appears to demonstrate a capacity to raise resource when needed in a restricted area.
‑ The five year income context is as follows:
|**Year ended**|**Total incoming resources (£)**|
|---|---|
|2021|370,327|
|2022|258,995|
|2023|387,689|
|2024|278,020|
|2025|240,133|
‑ Five year average: £307,033.
While regular planned giving remains the backbone of unrestricted income, the SOFA shows that overall voluntary income, previously the largest single income stream, failed to offset rising costs. Overall, the figures point to pressure on the parish’s giving base.
## Expenditure
Total resources expended were £228,180, compared with £187,294 in 2024, an increase of £40,886. This increase is particularly significant given the decline in income and appears to reflect upward pressure on core costs.
‑ The 2024 comparative figures are restated; the notes explain that organ related expenditure previously treated as resources expended has been recategorised and treated as Fixed Asset additions, with opening balances and corresponding figures restated accordingly. This means that the 2024 and 2025 expenditure figures are presented on a comparable basis in these accounts.
The overall increase in expenditure in 2025 reflects increases across a broad range of areas, with notable increases in:
- Repairs, increasing from £9,025 to £23,649 (an increase of £14,624);
- Churchyard and garden, increasing from £2,390 to £10,079 (an increase of £7,689);
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- Legal and professional services, increasing from £5,969 to £13,496 (an increase of £7,527); and
- Church contents, increasing from £1,036 to £5,604 (an increase of £4,568).
Expenses in other areas also increased, including Parish Share (from £63,043 to £66,195), heating and lighting (from £31,018 to £34,216), insurance (from £10,509 to £12,599), and sacristy expenses (from £2,419 to £3,957). These categories represent largely unavoidable expenditure, limiting the PCC’s short-term flexibility.
A small number of headings saw expenses fall – such as diocesan fees and some discretionary categories – but these reductions did not offset the increases elsewhere.
Other resources expended (shown separately in the SOFA) reduced from £22,743 in 2024 to £13,215 in 2025, which is consistent with lower exceptional outgoings in respect of the St Thomas project during the year. Although many of these costs are expected to be recoverable in due course, they nevertheless reduce unrestricted liquidity in the near term.
‑ Five year expenditure context is:
|Year ended|Total resources expended –
adjusted (£)|Total resources expended –
as originally reported (£)|
|---|---|---|
|2021|144,394|144,394|
|2022|210,239|211,091|
|2023|229,868|229,868|
|2024|187,294|301,723|
|2025|228,180|–|
‑ Five year average (adjusted): £199,995.
## Unrestricted and restricted results (SOFA perspective)
The SOFA allows the year’s movement to be considered separately for unrestricted and restricted funds. In 2025, unrestricted incoming resources were £187,639 and unrestricted resources expended were £208,409 (a net outgoing of £20,770); while restricted incoming resources were £52,494 and restricted resources expended were £19,771 (a net incoming of £32,723).
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## Organ Project and capital accounting
A material feature of the accounts in the current year is the treatment of organ project expenditure as capital, reflected in the restatement described in the notes. Consistent with this treatment, the balance sheet includes assets under construction of £342,663 at 31 December 2025 within tangible fixed assets.
Organ Fund receipts (2024: £74,690; 2025: £32,840) are recorded as restricted income, while expenditure on the project is reflected through capital recognition as the project progresses.
## Unrestricted funds at year end
At 31 December 2025, unrestricted funds totalled £578,360, comprising £41,229 in the general fund and £537,131 in designated funds. The reduction in unrestricted funds over the year is consistent with the net outgoing position on unrestricted funds reported in the SOFA for 2025.
## Restricted funds at year end
Restricted funds increased during the year, primarily due to continued Organ Fund receipts.
These movements strengthen the balance sheet but do not improve the PCC’s ability to meet routine (unrestricted) costs.
## **Reserves and liquidity**
It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to a minimum of three months’ unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to c. £47,000 based on current average monthly expenditure.
At 31 December 2025, unrestricted funds stood at £578,360, of which:
- £537,131 is designated, and
- only £41,229 is freely available general reserve.
## **Financial outlook and sustainability**
The 2025 accounts present a picture of a PCC that remains solvent and liquid, but with increasing structural strain:
- Income is falling;
- Expenditure is rising; and
- Unrestricted operations are in deficit.
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Investment income is currently cushioning this position, but reliance on financial markets introduces additional risk and cannot substitute indefinitely for a sustainable operating model.
In the absence of corrective action — whether through income growth, cost containment, or both — the trajectory implied by the SOFA is one of the gradual erosion of unrestricted reserves.
## **Restricted funds in detail**
## **Organ Fund**
Donations and related income of £32,840 were received into the Organ Fund during 2025. The fund balance at 31 December 2025 was £517,045. The opening balance for 2025 includes a restatement adjustment of £142,558 arising from the correction of the prior-year accounting treatment of organ expenditure. Donations in the year included a £1,000 grant, larger donations of £20,000 and £4,500, and proceeds from fundraising events (including Art Weeks and a wine-tasting event). Expenditure incurred on the Organ Project during the year is treated as capital and is reflected as Assets under construction on the balance sheet, rather than being shown as revenue expenditure in the restricted funds analysis.
## **Flower Fund**
Income of £439 was received during the year and £161 was expended on flowers. The fund balance at 31 December 2025 was £574.
## **Special Collections**
Income of £7,538 was received and £3,507 was expended during the year, resulting in a closing balance of £7,764. Receipts included a £4,400 donation for churchyard and garden purposes.
## **Parish Pantry Fund**
Income of £1,272 was received and £285 was expended during the year, resulting in a closing balance of £2,437.
## **St Thomas Roof Fund**
Income of £10,040 was received and £12,523 was expended during the year, leaving a closing balance of £1,553. This year’s income includes a £7,500 grant for St Thomas Church repairs.
## **Choir / Jericho Youth Choir / Organ Scholar Fund**
Income of £365 was received during the year and expenditure of £3,295 was incurred. The fund therefore showed a negative balance of £2,831 at 31 December 2025.
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## **Deanery Mission Fund:**
There was no movement during the year and the fund balance remained at £1,500 at 31 December 2025.
## **Fabric Fund / Piano / Clock Fund:**
There was no movement during the year and the fund balance remained at £2,725 at 31 December 2025.
## **Land and Buildings Fund**
There was no movement during the year and the fund balance remained at £2,648,047 at 31 December 2025.
## **Project Management of Galilee Rooms Fund**
There was no movement during the year and the fund balance remained at £182,178 at 31 December 2025. This balance reflects expected recovery of expenditure from the Parish Room Charity (net of VAT) and a related long-term position.
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## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARNABAS AND ST PAUL WITH ST THOMAS THE MARTYR, OXFORD**
## **Annual Accounts**
## **of the Parochial Church Council**
**for the period ended**
**31st December 2025**
## **Contents**
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
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Members of the Parochial Church Council
241 Woodstock Road
St Barnabas and St Paul with St Thomas the Martyr
Oxford
Oxford OX2 7AD 23 April 2026
Tel 0780 1077 199
Dear Members of the PCC,
## **Independent examiner’s report – year ended 31[st] December 2025**
I report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of St Barnabas and St Paul with St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford for the year ended 31st December 2025.
## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and examiner
The charity's trustees, the PCC, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 144 of the 2011 Act;
- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission
- under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view', and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Yours faithfully
Michael Everett (MA, Chartered Tax Adviser)
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|**Statement of Financial Activities for the period**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**Restated**
Note
**£**
**Incoming Resources**
Incoming Resources from Generated Funds
1
**145,972**
Voluntary Income
1a
**44,431**
Investment Income
1b
**4,250**
Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities
1c
**83,367**
Other Incoming Resources
1d
**278,020**
**Total Incoming Resources**
**Resources Expended**
2
**(141,604)**
Charitable Activities - Ministry
2a
**(634)**
Charitable donations
2b
**(5,899)**
Investment Costs
2c
**(16,414)**
Management and administration
2d
**(22,743)**
Other Resources expended
2e
**(187,294)**
**Total Resources Expended**
90,726
**Net Incoming / Outgoing resources before transfers**
**-**
Gross transfers between funds
**90,726**
**Net Incoming / Outgoing resources before**
**other**
Other recognised gains and losses
**90,726**
**Net movement in funds**
**3,810,127**
Total funds brought forward from 31 December 2024
**3,900,853**
**Total funds carried forward**
9|**1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025**
**Total Funds**
**General**
**Designated**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
43,429
-
20,529
**63,958**
37,966
18,100
-
**56,066**
2,590
-
-
**2,590**
69,722
15,832
31,965
**117,519**
153,707
33,932
52,494
**240,133**
(153,707)
(33,932)
(156,364)
-
(18,745)
**(175,110)**
(44)
-
(580)
**(624)**
(199)
(873)
-
**(1,072)**
(22,113)
(15,600)
(445)
**(38,159)**
(10,973)
(2,242)
-
**(13,215)**
(189,694)
(18,715)
(19,771)
**(228,180)**
(35,987)
15,217
32,723
11,953
-
-
-
**-**
(35,987)
15,217
32,723
**11,953**
-
-
-
**-**
(35,987)
15,217
32,723
**11,953**
-
599,094
3,328,268
**3,927,362**
**(35,987)**
**614,312**
**3,360,991**
**3,939,316**
**Unrestricted Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|
|---|---|
||43,429
-|
||37,966
18,100
2,590
-
69,722
15,832
153,707
33,932
(153,707)
(33,932)
(156,364)
-|
||(44)
-
(199)
(873)|
||(22,113)
(15,600)
(10,973)
(2,242)
(189,694)
(18,715)
(35,987)
15,217
-
-
(35,987)
15,217
-
-
(35,987)
15,217
-
599,094
**(35,987)**
**614,312**|
18
|**Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025**
**Total Funds**
**2024**
**Restated**
**£**
Note
**Tangible fixed assets**
2,648,047
Land and buildings
3
142,558
Assets under construction
3
7,322
Equipment and furniture
3
2,797,927
**Total tangible fixed assets**
**Current assets**
15,105
Debtors
4
192,449
Long-term debtor (PRC)
4
884,917
Short term deposits
37,609
Cash at bank
21
Cash in hand
1,130,101
**Total current assets**
(668)
**Liabilities: amounts due within one year**
5
**1,129,433**
**Net Current assets**
**3,927,360**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Liabilities: amounts due over one year**
6
**3,927,360**
**Net assets**
7
**Funds**
Unrestricted
77,240
General
521,854
Designated
3,328,266
Restricted
**3,927,360**
**Total Funds**
9
The Reverend Christopher Woods (Chairman and Vicar)
Mrs L C Herbertson (Church Warden)
Mr Paul South (Church Warden)|**Total Funds**
**Adjustments**
**2025**
**£**
2,648,047
-
342,663
7,123
-
2,655,170|**Total Funds**
**2025**
**£**
2,648,047
342,663
7,123
2,997,833
13,374
192,499
740,881
16,467
3
963,223
(21,705)
**941,519**
**3,939,352**
-
**3,939,352**
41,229
537,131
3,360,992
**3,939,352**|
|---|---|---|
||13,374||
||192,499
740,881
16,467
3
963,223
(21,705)
**941,519**
**3,596,689**
-
**3,596,689**
41,229
536,801
3,018,596
342,396
**3,596,626**||
19
|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**Restated**
**£**
**1a Voluntary Income**
Planned Giving
28,307
Tithes
16,923
Income tax recoverable|**General**
**£**
29,320
10,000
5,326
2,394
5,150
1,239
-
43,429
-
-
27,520
27,520
2,590
2,590
**General**
**£**
8,000
981
280
11,150
9,600
-
27,012
1,726
10,973
69,722
**143,261**
**Unrestrict**
**Unrestrict**|
|---|---|
|26,908
Other planned giving
-
Collections
3,474
Open plate & Envelopes
6,500
Legacies
26,528
Sundry donations
37,333
Grants
145,973
**1b Investment Income**
948
Rent from 47 Cardigan Street
19,281
Rent from 50 Cardigan Street
24,202
Dividends and interest
44,431
**1c Incoming resources from charitable activities**
4,250
Fees from Occasional Offices
4,250
**1d Other incoming resources**
8,000
Jericho Community Association - Fee for Church Institute
695
Fundraising Events
259
Donations for coffee and biscuits
-
Parish Room Charity Contributions
10,419
Church Bookings
10,400
Contribution from Romanian Orthodox congregation
7,105
**Organ Appeal**
33,765
Rent from St Thomas' Day Nursery
4,381
Sales of product income
8,343
St Thomas Project reimbursements from PRC
83,367
**278,021**
**Total incoming resources**||
20
|**2 Resources expended**
**2a Charitable Activities - Ministry**
(63,043)
Parish Share
-
Direct ministry expenses
-
Building expenses
(31,018)
Heating & lighting
(9,025)
Repairs
(10,509)
Insurance
(16,965)
MD/Choir; Jericho Youth Choir/Piano maintenance
(1,593)
Pilgrimages; gifts/Sunday school & Children's Worker
(2,001)
Fees payable to the Diocese
(2,390)
Churchyard garden
(294)
Other Property Costs
(1,036)
Church contents
(2,419)
Sacristy expenses
(785)
Social events and coffee/Parish Outings
(327)
Purchase of flowers for church
(199)
Depreciation
(141,604)
**2b Charitable donations**
(634)
(634)
**2c Investment costs**
(180)
Bank charges
-
47 Cardigan Street|**General**
**Designated**
**£**
**£**
(66,195)
-
-
-
(34,216)
-
(10,322)
-
(12,599)
-
(12,981)
-
(81)
-
(899)
-
(8,843)
-
(564)
(2,242)
(5,210)
-
(3,957)
-
(299)
-
-
-
(199)
-
(156,364)
(2,242)
(44)
-
(44)
-
**General**
**Designated**
**£**
**£**
(199)
-
**Unrestricted Funds**
**Unrestricted Funds**|**£**
-
-
-
(13,327)
-
(3,295)
(332)
-
(1,236)
(394)
-
(161)
-
(18,745)
(580)
(580)
**£**
-
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|**Total Funds**
**2021**
**£**
(66,195)
-
(34,216)
(23,649)
(12,599)
(16,276)
(413)
(899)
(10,079)
(2,806)
(5,604)
(3,957)
(299)
(161)
(199)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||(177,352)|
||||(624)|
||||(624)|
||||**Total Funds**
**2021**
**£**
(199)|
21
|-
Insurance
(170)
Repairs and replacements
(2,595)
Other Property Costs
-
50 Cardigan Street
(397)
Insurance
(2,077)
Repairs and replacements
(480)
Other Property Costs
(5,899)
**2d Management and administration**
(2,319)
Printing & stationery
(4,648)
General administration expenses
(471)
Advertisements / Subscriptions and fees
(974)
PRC Rent
(5,969)
Legal & Professional services
(2,034)
Purchases
(16,415)
**2e Other resources expended**
(22,743)
Transfer to PRC (St Thomas Project Legal costs)
(22,743)
**(187,295)**
**Total Resources expended**|-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(423)
-
(330)
(120)
(199)
(873)
(1,853)
-
(4,592)
-
(1,070)
-
-
(15,600)
(13,496)
-
(1,103)
-
(22,113)
(15,600)
(10,973)
-
(10,973)
-
**(189,694)**
**(18,715)**|-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(445)
(445)
-
-
**(19,771)**|-
-
-
(423)
(330)
(120)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||(1,072)|
||||(1,853)
(4,592)
(1,070)
(15,600)
(13,496)
(1,549)|
||||(38,159)|
||||(10,973)|
||||(10,973)|
|||||
||||**(228,180)**|
|||||
22
|**3 Tangible Fixed Assets**
**Cost**
3,277,309
At start of period
114,809
Additions
591,953
-
Disposals
2,800,165
At close of period
**Depreciation**
(1,915)
At start of period
(323)
Charge for the year
-
Disposals
(2,238)
At close of period
**Net book value**
3,275,394
At start of period
2,797,927
At close of period
**4 Debtors**
Trade Debtors
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors and prepayments
Long-term debtor (PRC) for Galilee Rooms Project
**Total Debtors**|**Land and**
**buildings**
**Assets under**
**construction -**
**Organ**
**£**
**£**
2,648,047
142,558
-
200,105
-
-
2,648,047
342,663
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,648,047
142,558
**2,648,047**
**342,663**
**Total Funds**
**2025**
**£**
250
13,000
124
192,499
**205,873**|**Equipment**
**and furniture**
**£**
9,560
-
-
9,560
(2,238)
(199)
-
(2,437)
7,322
**7,123**|**Total**
**£**
2,800,165
200,105
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**3,000,270**|
||||(2,238)
(199)
-|
||||**(2,437)**|
|||||
||||2,797,927|
|||||
||||**2,997,833**|
|||||
23
||**5 Liabilities: amounts due within one year**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Total Funds**||||
|||**2025**||||
|||**£**||||
||Trade creditors|(20,334)||||
||Receipts in Advance|-||||
||Accruals and other creditors|(1,370)||||
||**Total Liabilities: amounts due within one year**|**(21,705)**||||
||**6 Liabilities: amounts due over one year**|||||
|||**Total Funds**||||
|||**2025**||||
|||**£**||||
||None|-||||
||**Total Liabilities: amounts due over one year**|-||||
||**7 Analysis of net assets by fund**|||||
|||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**||**Total Funds**|
|||**Funds**|**Funds**||**2025**|
|||**£**|**£**||**£**|
|2,797,927|Fixed Assets|7,123|2,990,710||2,997,833|
|1,129,433|Net Current Assets / (Liabilities)|571,237|370,282||941,520|
|3,927,360||578,360|3,360,992||3,939,353|
|-|Liabilities: amounts due over one year|-||-|-|
|**3,927,360**|**Fund Balance**|**578,360**|**3,360,992**||**3,939,353**|
||**8 Capital commitments**|||||
||At the Balance Sheet date commitments of £63,522 had been|entered into in respect of Capital|||Expenditure.|
24
## **9 Employee Emoluments**
|**9 Employee Emoluments**||
|---|---|
|Director of Music
Assistant Director of Music
Assistant Director of Music - Outreach (JYC)
**Total**|**Gross Wages**
**Employers'**
**National**
**Insurance**
**Total Cost of**
**Employment**
**£**
**£**
**£**
9,600
534
10,134
-
£
-
£|
||**9,600**
**534**
**10,134**|
The current Director of Music was appointed in September 2024.
## **11 Prior Year Adjustment**
During the year it was identified that expenditure in relation to the Organ fund had been treated inappropriately as resources expended instead of as fixed assets acquired. In consequence of this, both the corresponding figures for the year ended 31 December 2024, and the opening balances for the current year, have been restated to reflect the correction of this and related identified misstatements.
The amounts involved are £28,805 in fixed assets brought forward at 1 January 2024, and £114,473 in fixed asset additions made during the year to 31 December 2024, both of which had previously been recognised as resources expended. The corresponding figures in these financial statements have been restated to reflect these
25
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **10 Analysis of movements in Reserves**
|**Unrestricted - General Fund**
**Unrestricted - Designated Funds**
Property Fund
Property reserve for repairs
**Total Unrestricted Funds**
**Restricted Funds**
Land and Buildings
Flower fund
Special Collections
**Organ fund**
Fabric Fund / Piano / Clock Fund
Deanery Mission Fund
Pantry Fund
Galilee Rooms Project
Project Management of Galilee Rooms
St Thomas roof
Choir / Jericho Youth Choir / Organ scholar
**Total Restricted Funds**
**Grand Total**|**Balance 1 January**
**2025**
**Income for year**
**Interest to**
**reserves**
**Qualifying**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**between funds**
**Balance**
**31 December**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
77,240
153,708
(189,719)
**41,229**
515,854
33,932
(18,112)
(543)
**531,131**
6,000
-
(543)
543
**6,000**
599,094
187,640
-
(208,374)
-
**578,360**
2,648,047
**2,648,047**
296
439
(161)
-
**574**
3,733
7,538
(3,507)
-
**7,764**
**484,205**
**32,840**
**517,045**
2,725
-
-
**2,725**
1,500
-
-
-
**1,500**
1,449
1,272
(285)
-
**2,437**
-
-
-
-
**-**
182,178
-
**182,178**
4,036
10,040
(12,523)
**1,553**
99
365
(3,295)
**(2,831)**
3,328,268
52,494
-
(19,771)
-
**3,360,992**
**3,927,362**
**240,134**
**-**
**(228,145)**
**-**
**3,939,352**|
|---|---|
26