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2023-12-31-accounts

ST MARGARET’S HORSMONDEN

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Status and Administration

St Margaret's Horsmonden Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) was registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales during 2020 under charity registration number 1188677, in accordance with the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956), as amended, and the Church Representation Rules that came into effect on 2 January 1956.

Charitable Objects

Promoting, in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Horsmonden, the whole mission of the Church.

Officers & Key Management Personnel

MEMBERS OF THE PCC DURING 2023

The Rev’ds Tim and Trish ffrench (Incumbents, retired 31 July)

Steve Jones (Lay Chair and Warden to 3 May; re-elected Warden 3 May; resigned 11 June)

Roger Marsh (co-opted to PCC 12 April; elected to PCC and Lay Chair 3 May; elected Warden 2 July) Pat Morkane (elected to PCC 3 May; elected Warden 2 July)

Bob Norton (re-elected 3 May; elected Deputy Warden 2 July)

Sue Huzzey (re-elected 3 May)

Angie Jenkins (re-elected 3 May)

Erica Jones (re-elected 3 May; resigned 11 June)

Sara Kovach Clark (elected 3 May)

Nikki McVeagh (elected 3 May) Diane Springett (elected 3 May; resigned 24 August)

REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEANERY SYNOD

Erica Jones (to 11 June)

Sara Kovach Clark (elected 3 May)

Sue Huzzey (elected 13 July)

OTHER PERSONNEL SUPPORTING THE PCC

Treasurer: Steve Jones

Bookkeeper: Gerry Hughes

Administrator: Miranda Hungerford

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Miranda Hungerford

Electoral Roll Officer: Erica Jones (to 3 May); Janet Norton (from 3 May)

PCC Minutes Secretary: Jan Cobley

Building Committee Chair: Nick Gerard-Pearse

Independent Examiner: Martin Cobley

Quinquennial Inspector & Building Consultant: John Bailey, Thomas Ford & Partners Ltd

Trustees' Statement

2023 was a year of significant change, as the Rectors, Tim and Trish ffrench, retired at the end of July. The Parish went into interregnum and the Bishop imposed the “Mission & Pastoral Measures 2011: Suspension of the Patron’s Right of Presentation to the Benefice of Horsmonden”, meaning that the PCC cannot yet commence the process of seeking a new incumbent. Nevertheless, all regular Church activities and services have continued, primarily with the support of Paul McVeagh, Minister with Permission to Officiate, and Roger Hulbert, Informal Worship Leader.

1

Steve Jones resigned as Warden and PCC member on 11 June but, with the agreement of the PCC, remained as Treasurer.

The PCC held 10 regular meetings during the year, with average attendance of 90%. The PCC also held an extraordinary meeting on 13 July to elect an additional Deanery Synod representative, and approved one resolution, to petition for a faculty, by email circulation.

The Annual Parochial Church meeting was held on 3 May 2023 and an extraordinary meeting was held on 2 July to appoint two Wardens and a Deputy Warden.

There were several informal meetings of the PCC to discuss the future organisation of the parish cluster and incumbents, and one informal meeting with the congregation to seek their views on the subject. Informal, bilateral meetings with other parishes in the cluster were also arranged, and the Diocese organised two, more formal meetings for all four parishes.

Patterns of Worship

Services have been regularly held in church at 9.30am:

3rd Sunday, Common Worship Holy Communion; and

Joint Cluster Services are held on 5th Sundays, rotating round the four parishes.

We held services in the marquee on the village green as part of the village Summer and Christmas Festivals. On Remembrance Sunday, the service in church was conducted by our Archdeacon, and this was followed by a joint service with the Methodists on the village green, jointly led by the Archdeacon and the Methodist minister.

Christmas services included: the annual Carol Service, on 17 December; a Nativity Service and Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve; and Christmas Day Holy Communion.

All services in the church are streamed live on a dedicated YouTube channel.

In addition to formal worship, monthly informal sessions – the “Well@5” – have been held in the Social Club and a monthly “Prayer and Praise” meeting in the church hall.

There have been two baptisms; five weddings; four funerals, one followed by burial in the churchyard; two other burials; and 11 burials of ashes in the churchyard.

Pastoral Support

Pastoral support is provided through informal networks, including not only personal contacts and visits, but also the much frequented “St M’s C” WhatsApp Group. Three Connect Groups meet fortnightly in people’s homes for bible study and prayer, and a twice monthly Coffee Morning is held in the Social Club.

Youth and Children’s Ministry

Playtime – a gathering of toddlers with their parents, grandparents and child-minders – is held in the church hall on Thursdays in term-time and continues to be successful and much-appreciated. Woodland Connect, for young people, is held on the first Sunday of the month in the woods off Haymans Hill (or in the church hall when wet). During the year, plans were developed with the YMCA for a Youth Club, to be held in the church hall, starting in 2024.

Buildings & Churchyard

Repairs to the tower roof and internal timbers were completed in February 2023.

Repairs to some stained glass windows, which had been postponed from late 2022 to spring 2023, were carried out in June, July and August, generously funded by The Friends of St. Margaret’s; and the refurbishment of the Garden of Remembrance, including a new boundary and marker stone, was completed around the year end, with funding organised by a group of villagers.

2

With local authority planning permission and approval from the Diocesan Advisory Committee in place, work began on the kitchen and toilet extension in November and has continued at a slow but steady pace to date.

Financial Review

2023 saw a considerable amount of activity and change at St Margaret’s, which is, to some extent, reflected in the finances. It was not easy to create a budget with such anticipated change and major projects being undertaken, but it is good to note that most “business as usual” activities were in line with the budget set and with previous years.

Tax-efficient voluntary giving held up well and we were able to make Gift Aid claims on most of the donations received. It was noted, however, that the rate of giving fell towards the end of the year, which will impact the 2024 outcome.

The biggest change came with the retirement at the end of July of Rev’ds Tim and Trish ffrench, who spent six wonderful years looking after St Margaret’s. Their retirements have not had a material impact on finances in 2023, apart from the fall in giving mentioned above and modest savings on some personal and rectory related expenses. A sequestration account has been established, funded by the Parish keeping a share of fees for funerals and weddings since August and through the period of interregnum. This account is used to pay for retired clergy and others to help with occasional services.

Towards the end of the year, the PCC voted to reduce the 2024 Parish Offer paid to the Diocese by over £14,000 to reflect the absence of an incumbent. The reduction will be used to meet the cost of formalised arrangements to pay those who continue to take most services.

As reported last year, the Parish News has been taken in-house and has been operating broadly on a breakeven basis. A payment was made to the previous editor under the share of income arrangement that existed during his tenure.

During the year, parking rights on ground adjacent to the church were granted by the landowner and formalised, enabling St Margaret’s to provide parking for up to 70 cars. The PCC agreed to meet the landowner’s legal costs of £2,070, and fund the installation of matting, to improve the stability of the grass area used for larger events, at a cost of £7,134. Some further legal costs will be paid in 2024.

The project to refurbish the Garden of Remembrance was completed towards the end of the year. Costs increased significantly during the approval period to £8,860. The main funding for this project came from a project group, Horsmonden Social Club, and collections at St Margaret’s, and was augmented by a transfer of £717 from the community garden fund. The balance of £1,918 has been funded in the interim by the PCC but further fundraising events are planned by the project group.

The church hall has been used throughout the year by Playtime and their donations account for almost the entire £1,283 of income. The only other regular uses of the hall are for PCC and other Church group meetings, and it will be used for the new Youth Club going forward.

Church Building

TOWER AND STAINED GLASS WINDOW REPAIRS

The tower repairs straddled two financial years and cost a total of approximately £54,000. This was £12,000 less than the tender price as many of the timber repairs identified in the specification were not required. These costs were paid from the designated Church Fabric Fund (via a transfer to the Church Building Fund) and a £12,500 grant from the Friends of Kent Churches.

The £21,326 cost of the window repairs was paid for by a generous donation from the Friends of St Margaret’s, the balance of which will be used to help fund the new west door entrance.

TOILET AND KITCHEN EXTENSION

During the year, all approvals were received for this building work and, following a competitive tender, Ellan Gray were appointed as preferred contractor. The tender price is £338,478, in addition to which there are £59,009 of professional fees, giving a total project price, before VAT, of £397,487.

3

Whereas 100% of the VAT on the tower and stained-glass window repair projects could be reclaimed from the Listed Places of Worship (“LPOW”) Scheme, not all the VAT for the extension project will be reclaimable; but, having negotiated with the LPOW, it has been agreed that only 9.1% of the VAT will not be recoverable, taking the total project cost, including VAT, to £404,721.

At the year end, £39,549 of the professional fees had been paid, leaving £365,172 of the total cost to be paid during 2024. The Church Building Fund stood at £245,406, which includes funds raised during the year and grants of £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and £5,500 from the Benefact Trust. In addition, the Church Fabric Fund of £7,471 is available, and grants of £20,000 from Marshall’s Charity and £15,000 from the Congregational and General Charitable Trust are still to be claimed. Further grant applications have been made but, at the year end, there was a shortfall in funding for the extension project of nearly £77,300.

Safeguarding

Diocesan regulation requires that every parish should follow the House of Bishops’ Policy, “Promoting a Safer Church (2017)”, for the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is the legal responsibility of the PCC.

The policy requires that safeguarding be an agenda item at every PCC meeting and we must, each year, formally adopt the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement, which the PCC voted unanimously to do at its meeting on 28 June 2023.

During 2023 our Safeguarding Officer has ensured that we meet our safeguarding obligations as a Church, including requisite training and reporting, and weave it, where applicable, into key decision making and operations.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Roger Marsh, Churchwarden and Lay Chair, St Margaret’s Parochial Church Council

4

ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PCC

ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2023
TOTAL TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME
Voluntary income 2a 78,316 0 72,709 151,025 321,302
Activities for generating funds 2b 552 9,065 9,617 6,456
Deposit interest 2c 146 146 45
Church activities 2d 7,520 4,884 921 13,325 9,937
Other income 2e 0 0
Total Income 86,389 5,030 82,695 174,113 337,740
EXPENDITURE
Church activities 3a 79,811 7,346 98,348 185,505 146,543
Raising funds 3b 0 0 87
Total Expenditure 79,811 7,346 98,348 185,505 146,630
Net income/(expenditure) 6,578 (2,315) (15,654) (11,391) 191,110
Transfers between funds (5,747) 5,600 147 0 0
Net movement in funds 831 3,285 (15,506) (11,391) 191,110
Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2023 66,714 80,756 260,422 407,891 216,781
Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2023 67,544 84,041 244,915 396,500 407,891

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2022 for comparative purposes

TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
INCOME
Voluntary income 2a 75,318 245,984 321,302
Activities for generating funds 2b 1,171 5,285 6,456
Deposit interest 2c 45 45
Church activities 2d 5,906 4,031 9,937
Other income 2e 0
Total Income 82,395 4,076 251,269 337,740
EXPENDITURE
Church activities 3a 71,990 2,100 72,453 146,542
Raising funds 3b 87 87
Total Expenditure 71,990 2,100 72,540 146,629
Net income/(expenditure) 10,405 1,976 178,729 191,111
Transfers between funds (6,470) (56,643) 63,113
Net movement in funds 3,935 (54,667) 241,842 191,111
Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2022 62,778 135,423 18,579 216,781
Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2022 66,714 80,756 260,422 407,891

2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
5
Total Fixed Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Total Current Assets
LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
8a
NET ASSETS
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted
9, 10
Designated
9, 10
Other Restricted Funds
9, 10
TOTAL FUNDS
3,265
7,471
310,774
2023
2022
£
£
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000

4,600

1,725

327,411
321,510
333,736
(10)
(845)
396,500
407,891
67,544
66,714
84,041
80,756
244,915
260,422
396,500
407,891

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Roger Marsh, Churchwarden and Lay Chair, St Margaret's Parochial Church Council

3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the current Church Accounting Regulations and comply with the current Charities SORP and applicable accounting standard FRS 102.

a INCOME

Recognition of Income

This is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the PCC becomes legally entitled to the benefit of use of the income, the benefit is quantifiable and probable.

Fundraising costs

Funds raised from events (e.g. Christmas Fair stall, talks, theatre productions) are reported gross in the SOFA i.e. before any related costs have been deducted from the gross proceeds.

Grants and donations

These are included in the SOFA when any preconditions attaching to their use by the PCC have been met. For collections and planned giving, this is when the funds are received.

Gift Aid Tax claims etc on cash donations

These are in included in the SOFA at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the Accounts but is described in the Trustees' Annual Report.

Church hall rental

This is recognised when received.

Investment income

The interest entitlement on the church repair fund is recognised when received.

b EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable.

Grants

These are recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made externally and there are no preconditions still to be met for entitlement to the grant that remain within the control of the PCC.

c ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of 'charity' by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011, such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings

These are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case, the item is not capitalised but all items are included in the church's inventory in any case.

4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

ASSETS (continued)

Depreciation

No depreciation is provided on the church hall as the currently estimated residual value is not less than it carrying value and the remaining useful life of the hall currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charge would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out each year end and any resultant loss identified included in the expenditure for that year. There were no items in 2023 subject to depreciation.

Short term deposits

Include cash held on deposit with the CCLA Church of England Funds.

d FUNDS

Unrestricted funds

These include the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and that are therefore not included in its 'free reserves' as disclosed in the trustees' report.

Designated Funds

Designated funds are funds that are earmarked by the PCC for a particular purpose, but can be undesignated and returned to general funds

Restricted funds

These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.

5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

2
INCOME
a
Voluntary Income
Direct giving
Income tax recoverable
Other donations
Collections at all services
Grants
Legacies
b
Activities for Generating Funds
Fundraising
c
Investment Income
Deposit interest
d
Income from Church Activities
Church hall lettings
Weddings, funerals and memorial fees
Parish News
e
Other Incoming Resources
Miscellaneous
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
54,848
54,848
54,354
54,354
14,697
2,198
16,894
11,961
38,864
50,825
5,294
15,068
20,361
5,087
191,159
196,246
3,478
3,478
2,729
2,729
55,244
55,244
1,187
15,961
17,148
200
200
0
78,316
0
72,709
151,025
75,318
0
245,984
321,302
552
9,065
9,617
1,171
5,285
6,456
146
146
45
45
1,283
1,283
70
70
6,237
921
7,158
5,036
5,036
4,884
4,884
800
4,031
4,831
7,520
4,884
921
13,325
5,906
4,031
9,937
0
0
0
86,389
5,030
82,695
174,113
82,395
4,076
251,269
337,740

6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

3 EXPENDITURE

a
Church activities
Missionary and charitable giving:
Ministry:
Parish Offer
Rector expenses
Rectory council tax/utilities
Other ministry
Church Running Expenses:
Utilities
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Churchyard maintenance
Toilet hire
Upkeep of services
Parish administrator
General administration
Church Hall Running Expenses:
Utilities
Repairs and maintenance
Other expenditure:
Parish News
Outreach
Refreshments
Miscellaneous
b
Raising funds
Fundraising Costs
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
720
720
400
400
0
38,895
38,895
39,445
39,445
784
784
1,418
1,418
3,612
3,612
3,507
3,507
2,439
42
2,481
1,435
1,435
1,215
1,215
898
898
5,193
5,193
5,053
5,053
10,243
87,593
97,836
1,088
2,100
72,165
75,353
4,632
8,871
13,502
7,638
288
7,926
132
132
132
132
2,167
2,167
3,212
3,212
6,788
6,788
4,695
4,695
1,662
1,662
1,950
1,950
420
420
186
186
107
107
104
104
0
7,346
7,346
433
433
514
514
335
335
315
315
34
1,147
1,181
0
79,811
7,346
97,653
184,809
71,990
2,100
72,453
146,543
0
695
695
0
87
87
79,811
7,346
98,348
185,505
71,990
2,100
72,540
146,629

7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

4 STAFF COSTS
a Wages and Salaries TOTAL TOTAL
FUNDS FUNDS
2023 2022
£ £
Parish Administrator 0 0

The PCC shares a part-time administrator with Lamberhurst PCC, who are the employer and make all the PAYE deductions required.

b Payments to and from PCC Members No payments, other than reimbursement of expenses, were made to members of the PCC .

The total of donations made to the PCC by PCC members during 2023 was £39,706 (2022 £228,762).

5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Valuation
Net book amounts at 31 December 2023
Freehold Land
and Buildings
£
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000

The freehold land and buildings comprise the Church Hall and the value represents the valuation by Smiths Gore in November 2013. This is now treated as the deemed cost.

6 INVESTMENTS

The PCC does not currently hold any investment assets.

8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Income tax recoverable
Miscellaneous
8
LIABILITIES
a
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year:
General Creditors
9
FUNDS
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
Fixed assets for church use
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,114
75
3,189
3,236
1,364
4,600
76
76
0
3,114
76
75
3,265
3,236
1,364
4,600
10
10
820
25
845
0
10
10
820
25
845
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000
67,544
9,041
244,925
321,510
67,534
5,756
260,447
333,737
(10)
(10)
(820)
(25)
(845)
67,544
84,041
244,915
396,500
66,714
80,756
260,422
407,891

9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

10 STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Designated Funds
Fabric Fund
Church Hall Property Fund
Parish News
Restricted Funds
Church Building Fund
Community Garden
Garden of Remembrance
Sequestration Account
Woodland / HYA
Total Funds
Balance
Transfers,
Balance
b/fwd
other gains
c/fwd
1 Jan 2023
Income
Expenditure
and losses
31 Dec 2023
£
£
£
£
£
66,714
86,389
(79,811)
(5,747)
67,544
66,714
86,389
(79,811)
(5,747)
67,544
1,725
146
0
5,600
7,471
75,000
0
0
0
75,000
4,031
4,884
(7,346)
0
1,569
80,756
5,030
(7,346)
5,600
84,041
255,798
77,864
(88,256)
0
245,406
717
0
0
(717)
0
2,068
3,910
(8,860)
964
(1,918)
0
921
(1,189)
0
(268)
1,840
0
(44)
(100)
1,696
260,422
82,695
(98,348)
147
244,915
407,891
174,113
(185,505)
0
396,500

Restricted Funds

These funds are to be used in accordance with the terms specified by the donor or as advised by the PCC to those making donations

They comprise:

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on liquid unrestricted funds (if possible) which equates to approximately 3 months' unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations. The current balance on 'liquid' unrestricted funds at the year end equates to approximately 12 months' of unrestricted payments.

10

ST MARGARET’S HORSMONDEN

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Status and Administration

St Margaret's Horsmonden Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) was registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales during 2020 under charity registration number 1188677, in accordance with the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956), as amended, and the Church Representation Rules that came into effect on 2 January 1956.

Charitable Objects

Promoting, in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Horsmonden, the whole mission of the Church.

Officers & Key Management Personnel

MEMBERS OF THE PCC DURING 2023

The Rev’ds Tim and Trish ffrench (Incumbents, retired 31 July)

Steve Jones (Lay Chair and Warden to 3 May; re-elected Warden 3 May; resigned 11 June)

Roger Marsh (co-opted to PCC 12 April; elected to PCC and Lay Chair 3 May; elected Warden 2 July) Pat Morkane (elected to PCC 3 May; elected Warden 2 July)

Bob Norton (re-elected 3 May; elected Deputy Warden 2 July)

Sue Huzzey (re-elected 3 May)

Angie Jenkins (re-elected 3 May)

Erica Jones (re-elected 3 May; resigned 11 June)

Sara Kovach Clark (elected 3 May)

Nikki McVeagh (elected 3 May) Diane Springett (elected 3 May; resigned 24 August)

REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEANERY SYNOD

Erica Jones (to 11 June)

Sara Kovach Clark (elected 3 May)

Sue Huzzey (elected 13 July)

OTHER PERSONNEL SUPPORTING THE PCC

Treasurer: Steve Jones

Bookkeeper: Gerry Hughes

Administrator: Miranda Hungerford

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Miranda Hungerford

Electoral Roll Officer: Erica Jones (to 3 May); Janet Norton (from 3 May)

PCC Minutes Secretary: Jan Cobley

Building Committee Chair: Nick Gerard-Pearse

Independent Examiner: Martin Cobley

Quinquennial Inspector & Building Consultant: John Bailey, Thomas Ford & Partners Ltd

Trustees' Statement

2023 was a year of significant change, as the Rectors, Tim and Trish ffrench, retired at the end of July. The Parish went into interregnum and the Bishop imposed the “Mission & Pastoral Measures 2011: Suspension of the Patron’s Right of Presentation to the Benefice of Horsmonden”, meaning that the PCC cannot yet commence the process of seeking a new incumbent. Nevertheless, all regular Church activities and services have continued, primarily with the support of Paul McVeagh, Minister with Permission to Officiate, and Roger Hulbert, Informal Worship Leader.

1

Steve Jones resigned as Warden and PCC member on 11 June but, with the agreement of the PCC, remained as Treasurer.

The PCC held 10 regular meetings during the year, with average attendance of 90%. The PCC also held an extraordinary meeting on 13 July to elect an additional Deanery Synod representative, and approved one resolution, to petition for a faculty, by email circulation.

The Annual Parochial Church meeting was held on 3 May 2023 and an extraordinary meeting was held on 2 July to appoint two Wardens and a Deputy Warden.

There were several informal meetings of the PCC to discuss the future organisation of the parish cluster and incumbents, and one informal meeting with the congregation to seek their views on the subject. Informal, bilateral meetings with other parishes in the cluster were also arranged, and the Diocese organised two, more formal meetings for all four parishes.

Patterns of Worship

Services have been regularly held in church at 9.30am:

3rd Sunday, Common Worship Holy Communion; and

Joint Cluster Services are held on 5th Sundays, rotating round the four parishes.

We held services in the marquee on the village green as part of the village Summer and Christmas Festivals. On Remembrance Sunday, the service in church was conducted by our Archdeacon, and this was followed by a joint service with the Methodists on the village green, jointly led by the Archdeacon and the Methodist minister.

Christmas services included: the annual Carol Service, on 17 December; a Nativity Service and Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve; and Christmas Day Holy Communion.

All services in the church are streamed live on a dedicated YouTube channel.

In addition to formal worship, monthly informal sessions – the “Well@5” – have been held in the Social Club and a monthly “Prayer and Praise” meeting in the church hall.

There have been two baptisms; five weddings; four funerals, one followed by burial in the churchyard; two other burials; and 11 burials of ashes in the churchyard.

Pastoral Support

Pastoral support is provided through informal networks, including not only personal contacts and visits, but also the much frequented “St M’s C” WhatsApp Group. Three Connect Groups meet fortnightly in people’s homes for bible study and prayer, and a twice monthly Coffee Morning is held in the Social Club.

Youth and Children’s Ministry

Playtime – a gathering of toddlers with their parents, grandparents and child-minders – is held in the church hall on Thursdays in term-time and continues to be successful and much-appreciated. Woodland Connect, for young people, is held on the first Sunday of the month in the woods off Haymans Hill (or in the church hall when wet). During the year, plans were developed with the YMCA for a Youth Club, to be held in the church hall, starting in 2024.

Buildings & Churchyard

Repairs to the tower roof and internal timbers were completed in February 2023.

Repairs to some stained glass windows, which had been postponed from late 2022 to spring 2023, were carried out in June, July and August, generously funded by The Friends of St. Margaret’s; and the refurbishment of the Garden of Remembrance, including a new boundary and marker stone, was completed around the year end, with funding organised by a group of villagers.

2

With local authority planning permission and approval from the Diocesan Advisory Committee in place, work began on the kitchen and toilet extension in November and has continued at a slow but steady pace to date.

Financial Review

2023 saw a considerable amount of activity and change at St Margaret’s, which is, to some extent, reflected in the finances. It was not easy to create a budget with such anticipated change and major projects being undertaken, but it is good to note that most “business as usual” activities were in line with the budget set and with previous years.

Tax-efficient voluntary giving held up well and we were able to make Gift Aid claims on most of the donations received. It was noted, however, that the rate of giving fell towards the end of the year, which will impact the 2024 outcome.

The biggest change came with the retirement at the end of July of Rev’ds Tim and Trish ffrench, who spent six wonderful years looking after St Margaret’s. Their retirements have not had a material impact on finances in 2023, apart from the fall in giving mentioned above and modest savings on some personal and rectory related expenses. A sequestration account has been established, funded by the Parish keeping a share of fees for funerals and weddings since August and through the period of interregnum. This account is used to pay for retired clergy and others to help with occasional services.

Towards the end of the year, the PCC voted to reduce the 2024 Parish Offer paid to the Diocese by over £14,000 to reflect the absence of an incumbent. The reduction will be used to meet the cost of formalised arrangements to pay those who continue to take most services.

As reported last year, the Parish News has been taken in-house and has been operating broadly on a breakeven basis. A payment was made to the previous editor under the share of income arrangement that existed during his tenure.

During the year, parking rights on ground adjacent to the church were granted by the landowner and formalised, enabling St Margaret’s to provide parking for up to 70 cars. The PCC agreed to meet the landowner’s legal costs of £2,070, and fund the installation of matting, to improve the stability of the grass area used for larger events, at a cost of £7,134. Some further legal costs will be paid in 2024.

The project to refurbish the Garden of Remembrance was completed towards the end of the year. Costs increased significantly during the approval period to £8,860. The main funding for this project came from a project group, Horsmonden Social Club, and collections at St Margaret’s, and was augmented by a transfer of £717 from the community garden fund. The balance of £1,918 has been funded in the interim by the PCC but further fundraising events are planned by the project group.

The church hall has been used throughout the year by Playtime and their donations account for almost the entire £1,283 of income. The only other regular uses of the hall are for PCC and other Church group meetings, and it will be used for the new Youth Club going forward.

Church Building

TOWER AND STAINED GLASS WINDOW REPAIRS

The tower repairs straddled two financial years and cost a total of approximately £54,000. This was £12,000 less than the tender price as many of the timber repairs identified in the specification were not required. These costs were paid from the designated Church Fabric Fund (via a transfer to the Church Building Fund) and a £12,500 grant from the Friends of Kent Churches.

The £21,326 cost of the window repairs was paid for by a generous donation from the Friends of St Margaret’s, the balance of which will be used to help fund the new west door entrance.

TOILET AND KITCHEN EXTENSION

During the year, all approvals were received for this building work and, following a competitive tender, Ellan Gray were appointed as preferred contractor. The tender price is £338,478, in addition to which there are £59,009 of professional fees, giving a total project price, before VAT, of £397,487.

3

Whereas 100% of the VAT on the tower and stained-glass window repair projects could be reclaimed from the Listed Places of Worship (“LPOW”) Scheme, not all the VAT for the extension project will be reclaimable; but, having negotiated with the LPOW, it has been agreed that only 9.1% of the VAT will not be recoverable, taking the total project cost, including VAT, to £404,721.

At the year end, £39,549 of the professional fees had been paid, leaving £365,172 of the total cost to be paid during 2024. The Church Building Fund stood at £245,406, which includes funds raised during the year and grants of £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and £5,500 from the Benefact Trust. In addition, the Church Fabric Fund of £7,471 is available, and grants of £20,000 from Marshall’s Charity and £15,000 from the Congregational and General Charitable Trust are still to be claimed. Further grant applications have been made but, at the year end, there was a shortfall in funding for the extension project of nearly £77,300.

Safeguarding

Diocesan regulation requires that every parish should follow the House of Bishops’ Policy, “Promoting a Safer Church (2017)”, for the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is the legal responsibility of the PCC.

The policy requires that safeguarding be an agenda item at every PCC meeting and we must, each year, formally adopt the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement, which the PCC voted unanimously to do at its meeting on 28 June 2023.

During 2023 our Safeguarding Officer has ensured that we meet our safeguarding obligations as a Church, including requisite training and reporting, and weave it, where applicable, into key decision making and operations.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Roger Marsh, Churchwarden and Lay Chair, St Margaret’s Parochial Church Council

4

ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PCC

ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2023
TOTAL TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME
Voluntary income 2a 78,316 0 72,709 151,025 321,302
Activities for generating funds 2b 552 9,065 9,617 6,456
Deposit interest 2c 146 146 45
Church activities 2d 7,520 4,884 921 13,325 9,937
Other income 2e 0 0
Total Income 86,389 5,030 82,695 174,113 337,740
EXPENDITURE
Church activities 3a 79,811 7,346 98,348 185,505 146,543
Raising funds 3b 0 0 87
Total Expenditure 79,811 7,346 98,348 185,505 146,630
Net income/(expenditure) 6,578 (2,315) (15,654) (11,391) 191,110
Transfers between funds (5,747) 5,600 147 0 0
Net movement in funds 831 3,285 (15,506) (11,391) 191,110
Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2023 66,714 80,756 260,422 407,891 216,781
Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2023 67,544 84,041 244,915 396,500 407,891

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2022 for comparative purposes

TOTAL
Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
INCOME
Voluntary income 2a 75,318 245,984 321,302
Activities for generating funds 2b 1,171 5,285 6,456
Deposit interest 2c 45 45
Church activities 2d 5,906 4,031 9,937
Other income 2e 0
Total Income 82,395 4,076 251,269 337,740
EXPENDITURE
Church activities 3a 71,990 2,100 72,453 146,542
Raising funds 3b 87 87
Total Expenditure 71,990 2,100 72,540 146,629
Net income/(expenditure) 10,405 1,976 178,729 191,111
Transfers between funds (6,470) (56,643) 63,113
Net movement in funds 3,935 (54,667) 241,842 191,111
Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2022 62,778 135,423 18,579 216,781
Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2022 66,714 80,756 260,422 407,891

2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
5
Total Fixed Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Total Current Assets
LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
8a
NET ASSETS
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted
9, 10
Designated
9, 10
Other Restricted Funds
9, 10
TOTAL FUNDS
3,265
7,471
310,774
2023
2022
£
£
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000

4,600

1,725

327,411
321,510
333,736
(10)
(845)
396,500
407,891
67,544
66,714
84,041
80,756
244,915
260,422
396,500
407,891

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Roger Marsh, Churchwarden and Lay Chair, St Margaret's Parochial Church Council

3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the current Church Accounting Regulations and comply with the current Charities SORP and applicable accounting standard FRS 102.

a INCOME

Recognition of Income

This is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the PCC becomes legally entitled to the benefit of use of the income, the benefit is quantifiable and probable.

Fundraising costs

Funds raised from events (e.g. Christmas Fair stall, talks, theatre productions) are reported gross in the SOFA i.e. before any related costs have been deducted from the gross proceeds.

Grants and donations

These are included in the SOFA when any preconditions attaching to their use by the PCC have been met. For collections and planned giving, this is when the funds are received.

Gift Aid Tax claims etc on cash donations

These are in included in the SOFA at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the Accounts but is described in the Trustees' Annual Report.

Church hall rental

This is recognised when received.

Investment income

The interest entitlement on the church repair fund is recognised when received.

b EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable.

Grants

These are recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made externally and there are no preconditions still to be met for entitlement to the grant that remain within the control of the PCC.

c ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of 'charity' by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011, such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings

These are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case, the item is not capitalised but all items are included in the church's inventory in any case.

4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

ASSETS (continued)

Depreciation

No depreciation is provided on the church hall as the currently estimated residual value is not less than it carrying value and the remaining useful life of the hall currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charge would be immaterial. An impairment review is carried out each year end and any resultant loss identified included in the expenditure for that year. There were no items in 2023 subject to depreciation.

Short term deposits

Include cash held on deposit with the CCLA Church of England Funds.

d FUNDS

Unrestricted funds

These include the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and that are therefore not included in its 'free reserves' as disclosed in the trustees' report.

Designated Funds

Designated funds are funds that are earmarked by the PCC for a particular purpose, but can be undesignated and returned to general funds

Restricted funds

These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.

5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

2
INCOME
a
Voluntary Income
Direct giving
Income tax recoverable
Other donations
Collections at all services
Grants
Legacies
b
Activities for Generating Funds
Fundraising
c
Investment Income
Deposit interest
d
Income from Church Activities
Church hall lettings
Weddings, funerals and memorial fees
Parish News
e
Other Incoming Resources
Miscellaneous
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
54,848
54,848
54,354
54,354
14,697
2,198
16,894
11,961
38,864
50,825
5,294
15,068
20,361
5,087
191,159
196,246
3,478
3,478
2,729
2,729
55,244
55,244
1,187
15,961
17,148
200
200
0
78,316
0
72,709
151,025
75,318
0
245,984
321,302
552
9,065
9,617
1,171
5,285
6,456
146
146
45
45
1,283
1,283
70
70
6,237
921
7,158
5,036
5,036
4,884
4,884
800
4,031
4,831
7,520
4,884
921
13,325
5,906
4,031
9,937
0
0
0
86,389
5,030
82,695
174,113
82,395
4,076
251,269
337,740

6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

3 EXPENDITURE

a
Church activities
Missionary and charitable giving:
Ministry:
Parish Offer
Rector expenses
Rectory council tax/utilities
Other ministry
Church Running Expenses:
Utilities
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Churchyard maintenance
Toilet hire
Upkeep of services
Parish administrator
General administration
Church Hall Running Expenses:
Utilities
Repairs and maintenance
Other expenditure:
Parish News
Outreach
Refreshments
Miscellaneous
b
Raising funds
Fundraising Costs
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
720
720
400
400
0
38,895
38,895
39,445
39,445
784
784
1,418
1,418
3,612
3,612
3,507
3,507
2,439
42
2,481
1,435
1,435
1,215
1,215
898
898
5,193
5,193
5,053
5,053
10,243
87,593
97,836
1,088
2,100
72,165
75,353
4,632
8,871
13,502
7,638
288
7,926
132
132
132
132
2,167
2,167
3,212
3,212
6,788
6,788
4,695
4,695
1,662
1,662
1,950
1,950
420
420
186
186
107
107
104
104
0
7,346
7,346
433
433
514
514
335
335
315
315
34
1,147
1,181
0
79,811
7,346
97,653
184,809
71,990
2,100
72,453
146,543
0
695
695
0
87
87
79,811
7,346
98,348
185,505
71,990
2,100
72,540
146,629

7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

4 STAFF COSTS
a Wages and Salaries TOTAL TOTAL
FUNDS FUNDS
2023 2022
£ £
Parish Administrator 0 0

The PCC shares a part-time administrator with Lamberhurst PCC, who are the employer and make all the PAYE deductions required.

b Payments to and from PCC Members No payments, other than reimbursement of expenses, were made to members of the PCC .

The total of donations made to the PCC by PCC members during 2023 was £39,706 (2022 £228,762).

5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Valuation
Net book amounts at 31 December 2023
Freehold Land
and Buildings
£
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000

The freehold land and buildings comprise the Church Hall and the value represents the valuation by Smiths Gore in November 2013. This is now treated as the deemed cost.

6 INVESTMENTS

The PCC does not currently hold any investment assets.

8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Income tax recoverable
Miscellaneous
8
LIABILITIES
a
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year:
General Creditors
9
FUNDS
Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
Fixed assets for church use
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
TOTAL
TOTAL
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
FUNDS
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
3,114
75
3,189
3,236
1,364
4,600
76
76
0
3,114
76
75
3,265
3,236
1,364
4,600
10
10
820
25
845
0
10
10
820
25
845
75,000
75,000
75,000
75,000
67,544
9,041
244,925
321,510
67,534
5,756
260,447
333,737
(10)
(10)
(820)
(25)
(845)
67,544
84,041
244,915
396,500
66,714
80,756
260,422
407,891

9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

10 STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Designated Funds
Fabric Fund
Church Hall Property Fund
Parish News
Restricted Funds
Church Building Fund
Community Garden
Garden of Remembrance
Sequestration Account
Woodland / HYA
Total Funds
Balance
Transfers,
Balance
b/fwd
other gains
c/fwd
1 Jan 2023
Income
Expenditure
and losses
31 Dec 2023
£
£
£
£
£
66,714
86,389
(79,811)
(5,747)
67,544
66,714
86,389
(79,811)
(5,747)
67,544
1,725
146
0
5,600
7,471
75,000
0
0
0
75,000
4,031
4,884
(7,346)
0
1,569
80,756
5,030
(7,346)
5,600
84,041
255,798
77,864
(88,256)
0
245,406
717
0
0
(717)
0
2,068
3,910
(8,860)
964
(1,918)
0
921
(1,189)
0
(268)
1,840
0
(44)
(100)
1,696
260,422
82,695
(98,348)
147
244,915
407,891
174,113
(185,505)
0
396,500

Restricted Funds

These funds are to be used in accordance with the terms specified by the donor or as advised by the PCC to those making donations

They comprise:

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on liquid unrestricted funds (if possible) which equates to approximately 3 months' unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations. The current balance on 'liquid' unrestricted funds at the year end equates to approximately 12 months' of unrestricted payments.

10

APPENDIX 2

Evergood Farm House Brick Kiln Lane Horsmonden Kent TN12 8ES

1 April 2024

To St Margaret's PCC

Independent Examiner's Report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023

This report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023 is in respect of my examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Act 1993.

My examination is not an audit and I express no opinion as to the view of the financial affairs of the PCC shown in the accounts.

I confirm that no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that the PCC has not kept accounting records in accordance with its duty under the Charities Act.

Nor am I aware of any matter to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.

Yours faithfully

Martin Cobley

Martincobley05@aol.com 07802 304747