2025-12-31-accounts

ST MARGARET’S HORSMONDEN PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PCC

Report of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025

Status and Administration

St Margaret's Horsmonden Parochial Church Council was registered with the Charity Commission for England and 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 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL DURING 2025

Roger Marsh, ex officio, Churchwarden, Lay Chair, re-elected 30 April 2025

Pat Morkane, ex officio, Churchwarden, re-elected 30 April 2025

Bob Norton, re-elected 30 April 2025, elected Deputy Churchwarden by the PCC

Dave Bell, co-opted 28 April 2024, elected 30 April 2025

Sue Huzzey, re-elected 30 April 2025

Sue Irving, co-opted 15 July 2025

Steve Jones, Treasurer, co-opted 18 February 2025, elected 30 April 2025

Diane Springett, re-elected 30 Aril 2025

REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEANERY SYNOD

Pat Morkane, elected by the PCC 20 May 2025

Sue Huzzey, elected by the PCC 20 May 2025

OTHER PERSONNEL SUPPORTING THE PCC

Bookkeeper: Gerry Hughes

Parish Administrator: Miranda Hungerford

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Miranda Hungerford

Gift Aid Secretary: Janet Norton Electoral Roll Officer: Janet Norton PCC Secretary: Jan Cobley Independent Examiner of the Accounts: Martin Cobley

QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTOR AND BUILDING CONSULTANT

Thomas Ford & Partners Ltd.

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Trustees' Statement

The PCC held eight regular meetings during the year, with average attendance of 84%. It also passed two resolutions by email circulation.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) was held on 30 April 2025.

During the course of the year, the Churchwardens, with the support of the PCC, continued to seek a House for Duty incumbent. Their efforts were rewarded with the announcement by the Bishop of Rochester on Sunday 16 November of the appointment of Rev’d Jacqueline Dove as Priest-in-Charge.

Patterns of Worship

Sunday services at St Margaret’s are held at 10am, as follows:

1st Sunday Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer 2nd Sunday Worship for All 3rd Sunday Holy Communion, Common Worship 4th Sunday Informal Worship

Joint Cluster Services are held on fifth Sundays, rotating round the four parishes of the cluster (All Saints Brenchley, St Luke’s Matfield, St Margaret’s Horsmonden and St Mary’s Lamberhurst).

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

We held joint services with Horsmonden Methodist Church on Good Friday on the Village Green, on 8 June in the marquee on the Green as part of the village Summer Festival, and on Remembrance Sunday at the Village War Memorial.

Special services were held on Saturday 12 April – “Time to Remember” – and on 11 May to commemorate VE Day.

Christmas services included the annual Carol Service on 21 December, a Nativity Service on Christmas Eve, and a morning service on Christmas Day.

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

During the year there were five weddings, two baptisms, nine funerals, and four burials of ashes with a service by the graveside.

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 Home 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, carers and 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). The Youth Club, which started in 2024, has gone from strength to strength and now has two groups (year 6 and year 7) meeting one after the other on Friday evenings.

A group from the church regularly visits the Primary Academy in the village during term time to present bible stories, and in July the pupils of Year 6 were invited to spend a day in church with activities including bell ringing and playing the organ. The school held its carol service in the church.

2

Buildings & Churchyard

The Churchwardens confirm that the internal fabric of the church, the fixtures and fittings and the physical assets, including the silver, are in good order and remain safe and sound.

During 2025, the St Peter ad Vincula chapel was reorganised as a place for quiet prayer and healing ministry. The existing path from the gate to the north porch was extended to the west door, the oak fence and gate at the front of the church were renovated, and the fence to the west edge of the churchyard was restored. The lightning protection has been secured by decommissioning of an electrical cable that might have interfered with its proper functioning.

The plan for maintenance and care of the churchyard was set up in 2020 and revised in 2025, balancing respect for the graves and those who come to visit with care for the environment and the wildlife that can be found there.

Financial Review

Overview

2025 saw a significant reduction in financial activity compared to 2024 as the majority of funding for the building project had been completed. Focus therefore moved to ensuring the financial position of the general fund remains stable on an ongoing basis. In summary there was a small surplus of £10,163, which will be particularly helpful as a significant shortfall is anticipated in 2026.

General Fund

INCOME

Most notable with regard to income has been the ongoing reduction over the last 2 years in Direct Giving (those donating via standing order). In 2023 income was £54,848; this reduced in 2024 to £47,448, a reduction of 14%; in 2025 it reduced further to £42,439, 23% less than in2023. Direct Giving in 2025 included several large one off donations, so regular monthly giving is 37% down on 2023 levels.

The level of income tax recovered through Gift Aid reflects any change in levels of giving, and so was lower in 2025 than 2024.

Collections during services increased during the year as plate collections were resumed and some retiring collections were agreed for weddings and funerals.

The reserve fund continued to be invested in an interest-bearing liquidity manager 35 day notice account, with interest payable of £1,006 (note 2c).

Income for the church hall, whilst slightly higher than in 2024, was £643 less than expenses during 2025. Almost all income for the hall comes from donations for Playtime.

Income from weddings and funerals in 2024 was slightly up on the previous year at £4,229. During a vacancy, the PCC retains the Diocesan share of fees,which are held in a Sequestration account and used to cover the cost of paying Clergy to take services. This was adequate to meet these costs.

EXPENDITURE

The PCC decided that, for 2025, the Parish Offer paid to the Diocese would be £19,128 based on ordinary parish contribution to meet diocesan costs. This would be the position whilst the Parish continued to be in vacancy.

The Informal Worship Leader arrangements continued, but were revised mid-year with an overall reduction in cost to the PCC.

The arrangements for the Parish Administrator were reviewed and increased.

Designated Funds

The Fabric Fund is a fund held by the Diocese into which the PCC pays £560 per month. It is used to pay for essential maintenance and repairs at the Church.

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The Parish News continued to make a loss: during 2025 the deficit increased to £1,165 from £454 in 2024.

Restricted Funds

The Church Building Fund is the fund used to cover the costs of the building project. During the year it received income from donations, fundraising activities, and further grant claims to the Listed Places of Worship (LPOW) scheme, recovering VAT on the building costs.

The Woodland/HYA fund holds monies used to cover the cost of providing youth activities.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by

…………………………………………………………………………………

Rev’d Jacqueline Dove, Priest-in-Charge, St Margaret’s Horsmonden

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ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN PCC

ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2025

Notes INCOME Voluntary income 2a Activities for generating funds 2b Deposit interest 2c Church activities 2d Other income 2e Total Income EXPENDITURE Church activities 3a Raising funds 3b Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2025 Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2025

TOTAL TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 67,198 0 12,433 79,631 234,206 15 0 4,473 4,488 14,291 1,006 201 0 1,206 2,193 5,279 3,584 3,017 11,880 10,879 0 0 0 0 194 73,498 3,784 19,923 97,206 261,764 54,670 4,749 22,593 82,012 489,793 0 0 854 854 722 54,670 4,749 23,448 82,866 490,515 18,828 (964) (3,524) 14,340 (228,751) (8,665) 5,600 3,065 0 0 10,163 4,636 (459) 14,340 (228,751) 75,587 80,190 11,972 167,749 396,500 85,750 84,826 11,513 182,089 167,749

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2024 for comparative purposes

Notes INCOME Voluntary income 2a Activities for generating funds 2b Deposit interest 2c Church activities 2d Other income 2e Total Income EXPENDITURE Church activities 3a Raising funds 3b Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds b/fwd at 1 January 2024 Total funds c/fwd at 31 December 2024	TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 69,665 0 164,541 234,206 627 0 13,664 14,291 1,195 155 843 2,193 4,840 3,479 2,560 10,879 194 0 0 194
	76,521 3,634 181,609 261,764
	62,453 3,933 423,407 489,793 100 0 622 722
	62,553 3,933 424,029 490,515
	13,968 (299) (242,420) (228,751) (5,925) (3,551) 9,477
	8,043 (3,850) (232,943) (228,751)
	67,544 84,041 244,915 396,500
	75,587 80,190 11,972 167,749

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2025

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 yr 8a NET ASSETS PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted 9, 10 Designated 9, 10 Other Restricted Funds 9, 10 TOTAL FUNDS	75,000 75,000 10,190 52,076 44,833 107,099 (10) 182,089 85,750 84,826 11,513 182,089 2025 £	2024 £ 75,000
		75,000 13,857 45,270 33,632
		92,759 (10)
		167,749
		75,587 80,190 11,972
		167,749

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

…………………………………………………...................................

Rev'd Jacqueline Dove, Priest-in-Charge, St Margaret's Horsmonden

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025

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 (eg theatre, Christmas fair) are reported gross in the SOFA ie before any related costs have been deducted from the gross proceeds.

Grants and donations

These are included in the SOFA when any preconditions preventing 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 and any interest-bearing bank accounts 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.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

ASSETS (continued)

Depreciation

No depreciation is provided on the church hall as the currently estimated residual value is not less than its 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 2025 subect 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 redesignated 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.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

2 INCOME

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 Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ 42,439 1,430 43,869 11,958 1,150 13,108 5,780 7,548 13,327 6,021 6,021 2,306 2,306 1,000 1,000 67,198 0 12,433 79,631 15 0 4,473 4,488 1,006 201 0 1,206 1,050 1,050 4,229 3,017 7,246 3,584 3,584 5,279 3,584 3,017 11,880 0 0 0 0 73,498 3,784 19,923 97,206	TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 47,448 2,140 49,588 13,016 7,795 20,811 3,813 34,599 38,412 4,388 4,388 120,007 120,007 1,000 1,000
		69,665 0 164,541 234,206
		627 0 13,664 14,291
		1,195 155 843 2,193
		988 988 3,852 2,560 6,412 3,479 3,479
		4,840 3,479 2,560 10,879
		194 0 0 194
		76,521 3,634 181,608 261,764

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

3 EXPENDITURE

a Church activities Missionary and charitable giving: Ministry: Parish Offer Sequestration Expenses Rectory council tax/utilities Other ministry Church Running Expenses: Utilities Insurance Repairs and maintenance Churchyard maintenance Upkeep of services Parish administrator (see Note 4) 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 Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ 20 20 19,128 19,128 2,936 2,936 1,019 1,019 6,784 6,784 1,979 1,979 5,357 5,357 1,261 19,562 20,823 4,500 60 4,560 2,607 2,607 7,266 7,266 2,760 35 2,795 1,000 1,000 693 693 0 0 4,749 4,749 75 75 134 134 87 87 54,670 4,749 22,593 82,012 0 0 854 854 54,670 4,749 23,448 82,866	TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 0 0 24,150 24,150 0 (365) 795 430 12,539 1,317 13,856 1,543 1,543 5,278 5,278 3,315 420,034 423,349 4,500 1,200 5,700 2,975 2,975 5,040 5,040 2,190 61 2,251 765 765 18 18 0 35 3,933 3,968 287 287 182 182 0
		62,453 3,933 423,407 489,793
		100 0 622 722
		62,553 3,933 424,029 490,515

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

4 STAFF COSTS a Wages and Salaries Parish Administrator The PCC shares a part-time administrator with Lamberhurst PCC, who are the employer and make all the PAYE deductions required	2025 £ 0	2024 £ 0

.

b Payments to & Donations 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 2025 was £29,190 (2024 £56,730).

5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Land & Buildings Valuation Net book amounts at 31 December 2025	2025 2024 £ £ 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.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

7 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Income tax recoverable Chun Fund Donation 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 Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ 9,040 1,150 10,190 0 0 9,040 0 1,150 10,190 10 10 0 0 10 10 75,000 75,000 85,750 9,826 11,523 107,099 (10) (10) 85,750 84,826 11,513 182,089	TOTAL Unrestricted Designated Restricted FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 9,044 2,653 11,697 2,160 2,160
		11,204 0 2,653 13,857
		10 10
		0 0 10 10
		75,000 75,000 75,587 5,190 11,982 92,759 (10) (10)
		75,587 80,190 11,972 167,749

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARGARET'S HORSMONDEN

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

10 STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds General Fund Designated Funds Fabric Fund Church Hall Property Fund Parish News Restricted Funds Church Building Fund Sequestration Account Woodland/HYA Total Funds	Balance Transfers, Balance b/fwd other gains c/fwd 1 Jan 2025 Income Expenditure and losses 31 Dec 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 75,587 73,498 (54,670) (8,665) 85,750
	75,587 73,498 (54,670) (8,665) 85,750
	4,075 201 0 5,600 9,875 75,000 0 0 0 75,000 1,116 3,584 (4,749) 0 (49)
	80,190 3,784 (4,749) 5,600 84,826
	9,596 16,906 (20,452) 3,065 9,116 180 3,017 (2,936) 0 261 2,196 0 (60) 0 2,136
	11,972 19,923 (23,448) 3,065 11,513
	167,749 97,206 (82,866) 0 182,089

Restricted Funds

They comprise:

(a) Church Building Fund for monies received towards the maintenance, upkeep, refurbishmant or development of the property in accordance with the terms specified by donors.

(b) Sequestration Account - set-up to record eligible income (DBF element of Statutory Fees) and expenditure (Service fees, standing charges for Vicarage Utilities) for the period of interregnum.

(c) Woodland/HYA Fund for monies received towards these activities.

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 18 months' of unrestricted payments.

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Evergood Farm House Brick Kiln Lane Horsmonden Kent TN12 8ES

23 April 2026

To St Margaret's PCC

Independent Examiner's Report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025

This report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 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

[e-mail] 07802 304747