## **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.
1
## **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.
3
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
4
## **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**|
2
## **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
3
## **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.
4
**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.
5
## **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|
6
## **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|
7
**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.
8
## **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|
9
## **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.
10
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
Martincobley05@aol.com 07802 304747