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2025-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin Bletchingley Charity Commission Registration Number 1189453

Annual Report 2025/6

&

Financial Statements

Year ending 31[st] December 2025

Contents

Charity Particulars .................................................................................................................... 3 Governance and Structure ...................................................................................................... 4 Aims and Purposes ............................................................................................................................ 4 Objectives and Activities ................................................................................................................... 4 Public Benefit .................................................................................................................................... 4 Worship ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Occasional offices ............................................................................................................................. 4 Education through courses, study groups, etc .................................................................................... 5 Pastoral Care..................................................................................................................................... 5 Missions and charities ....................................................................................................................... 5 Mission activities through community events ..................................................................................... 5 Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................ 5 Vision Statement ............................................................................................................................... 5 Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISHIONERS MEETING held on Sunday 11[th] May 2025 ................................ 6 St Mary’s Bletchingley Minutes of the ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING held on Sunday 11[th] May 2025 ................................................................................................................................................. 6 PRIEST-IN-CHARGE REPORT to the APCM 2026 ............................................................................... 9 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2025 ......................................................................................................... 12 Safeguarding .................................................................................................................................... 12 Churchwardens Annual Fabric Report ................................................................................................ 12 PCC Secretary’s Report ..................................................................................................................... 13 Finance Report ................................................................................................................................. 14 Tandridge Deanery Synod ................................................................................................................ 14 Men's BBC - (Blessed Breakfast Club) ................................................................................................ 15 Our Young People ............................................................................................................................. 15 The Ark ............................................................................................................................................ 16 The Church Choir .............................................................................................................................. 16 Church Bellringers ............................................................................................................................ 17 Flower Arrangers ............................................................................................................................. 17 Churches Together ........................................................................................................................... 17 Hungry Hermit ................................................................................................................................. 17 Discussion Groups ............................................................................................................................ 17 Social Committee ............................................................................................................................. 18

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2025 .................................................................................................... 19

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Charity Particulars

Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Bletchingley. The PCC is a body Corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956), Church Representation Rules 2020) and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under the Charities Act 2011.

Charity Registration Number: 1189453

Registered Address: Church House, Church Walk, Bletchingley, Redhill RH1 4PD (for correspondence)

Officers :

Chair: The Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP

Lay Vice-Chairman: Victoria Gillespie PCC Secretary: Leanna Quevedo

Treasurer : Geoff Stone Electoral Roll Officer: Clare Sturgeon

Church Safeguarding Officer: Louise Tantam and Victoria Gillespie

Trustees and PCC Members

Priest-In-Charge: The Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP (Clergy ex officio) Churchwarden: Victoria Gillespie and Trevor Dawson Deputy Churchwarden: Vacant

Diocesan Synod Representative: April Alexander (ex officio)

Deanery Synod Representatives: Jennifer Hyde (ex officio); Richard Fowler (ex officio)

PCC Members

Retiring 2026: Gill Black; Kate Doody; Ann Pressey Retiring 2027: Richard Fowler; Jennifer Hyde; Robin Idle; Clemmie Sellick Retiring 2028: Chrissie Markham; Ian McMillan; Leanna Quevado; Geoff Stone

Verger: Cyril Mighall Children’s Representative: Kate Doody

Bankers: NatWest

Independent Examiner: Mr Anthony Cock

Name of Insurers: Ecclesiastical Insurance Group

Website: www.bletchingleyparishchurch.org.uk

Name of Architect: Russell Hanslip, Hanslip and Co Unit 401 Bon Marche Centre, 241-251 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8BJ

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Governance and Structure

Aims and Purposes

Bletchingley Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Priest-InCharge, the Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick, in promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the Church complex of St Mary the Virgin, Church in the Parish of Bletchingley.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and offers suggestions on how our services can engage the many groups living within our parish. Our Services and Worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

Public Benefit

The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Bletchingley, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:

Worship

During the 2025 Sunday services, we offered 8 am and 9:30 am services.

We celebrated festivals on the relevant days as they fell, in practice deferring to the nearest Sunday.

Daily Offices Tuesday – Friday (morning and evening)

St Mary the Virgin Church is open each day, allowing visitors to enjoy its peaceful, prayerful space.

Occasional offices

Those who live in the parish are entitled to be baptised in the benefice churches, and those who either live in the parish or who are on the electoral roll are entitled to have a funeral service conducted by a member of the parish clergy. Those who live in the parish or who have a qualifying connection and/or who are on the electoral roll are entitled to have a marriage service conducted by the parish clergy, although in the event of a divorced person, there is no automatic right to have a marriage service in church, and the decision is at the Priest-In-Charge or the officiating minister’s discretion.

During 2025, we had 1 baptism, 3 children, 2 adults confirmed and 2 weddings. The clergy took 8 funerals, some in church and some at the crematorium and 5 burials of ashes.

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Education through courses, study groups, etc

Lent discussion groups, Basic Theology courses, bible discussion groups - regularly and in season. Baptism and Confirmation preparation classes, marriage preparation courses. Learning about the Christian faith is fostered by sermons, quiet days and services.

Contacts have been made with some local schools, and links are being built. In normal years, groups of local schoolchildren visit the church as part of their curriculum and are introduced to the building and the activities that take place there. This work takes place in the context of our ministry for Children and Young People. St Mary the Virgin also has a longstanding connection with The Hawthorns School and the Bletchingley Village School.

Pastoral Care

A team of volunteers and clergy visit people in the parish who are ill or have been bereaved. The clergy visit and minister to those in hospitals or hospices.

Missions and charities

The PCC gives to missions and charities from voluntary income. Missions and charities also benefit from funds raised by special collections and fundraising activities. The congregation of the parish are kept informed about the charities and raising funds to support them.

Mission activities through community events

Weekly Foodbank collections Ark – a provision for early years children and their parents Hungry Hermit Blessed Breakfast Club Women Who Wine Being With Children’s Ministry

Mission Statement

Come and discover God, maintaining a welcoming church to all. We do this by sharing the gospel of God’s love by living and exploring faith together through worship, reading and hearing scripture. We achieve this through prayer, loving service and support for all in our village.

Vision Statement

We want to discover and rediscover God by:

This is summarised on our website as: We believe in an inclusive church - a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, sexuality or any other grounds. Everyone is welcome.

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Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISHIONERS MEETING held on Sunday 11[th] May 2025

The meeting opened in prayer led by Fr. Paul, who also welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Minutes of the 2024 Parishioners Meeting, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, in the Annual Report of 2024, were taken as read. The Meeting agreed them as being a true account of that meeting, and they were signed by Father Paul Fitzpatrick, Interim Priest-in-charge.

Election of Churchwardens.

Nomination: Vicki Gillespie; Proposer: Valerie Muller; Seconder: Pamela Cock

Nomination: Trevor Dawson; Proposer: Richard Fowler; Seconder: Anthony Cock They were duly elected.

Fr Paul thanked Jeff both for carrying the parish through the vacancy and then for gently leading him (Fr Paul) as he started his ministry here. Jeff was a good guide, gave him a good grounding in the life of the village, he was humble and strong. Thank you Jeff.

Jeff thanked Fr Paul, saying how easy he was to work with.

Jeff handed the keys to Trevor the newly elected churchwarden.

The meeting was closed.

St Mary’s Bletchingley Minutes of the ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING held on Sunday 11[th]

May 2025

Apologies for absence: Jennifer Hyde, Chrissie and Geoff Markham, Liz Windridge, Sheila and Cyril Mighall, Clare Sturgeon.

There were 37 people in attendance at this meeting.

Minutes of the 2024 APCM were taken as read as they had been circulated in the Annual Report prior to the meeting. Fr Paul briefly did a resume of these minutes. The Meeting agreed them as being a true account of the 2024 meeting and they were signed by Father Paul, Interim Priest-in-charge.

Matters Arising. There were no matters arising

Reports.

Financial Statement 2024.

The treasurer presented the Financial Statement for 2024

I am delighted to report that we made a modest surplus of £1,700 rather than the deficit which we had budgeted. This was due to a number of factors, in particular the great generosity of a number of donors and the increased revenue from collections for services such as christenings and memorial services.

Overall our expenses were very similar to 2023 although we should note that we reduced our Parish Support Fund to the Diocese, even though they had asked for a 21/2% increase. This leaves our unrestricted reserves at £16,600, slightly higher than last year but still well short of the £25,000 prescribed in our Financial Policy.

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This was the first full year of the new electric heating system which turned out to cost £2,500 for the year, roughly similar to our gas bills before and substantially less than the £4,000 we had budgeted for – another reason for our beneficial financial performance last year. There is still restoration work required in the vestry resulting from the removal of the old gas furnace.

The balance sheet shows a marked increase of £21,000 to £40,000 which reflects the very welcome donation of nearly £21,000 from the Friends of Bletchingley Church and which allowed us to increase the sum on deposit with the Central Board of Finance of the C of E from £3,800 to £33,000.

The next section shows the donations we have made to various charities amounting to nearly £3,000. The largest individual donation was £565 to the British Heart Foundation from funds raised at Sue Morris’ funeral.

There have been significant movements in the restricted funds over the year, which are explained in the Financial Statements. In particular we have separated the funds received from the Friends into the Fabric Fund which has to be spent on the fabric of the church, and the funds arising from Lydia Dawes’ legacy which were not restricted. Two funds were extinguished having achieved their purpose, the Tower Fund and the Vestments Fund.

The Hungry Hermit had another good year, raising a surplus after costs (which include rent to Church House) of £1,200. Combined with the money left over from last year it was able to make donations of £1,900 – our hats off to the people who make it possible! The movements in the restricted funds are explained in more detail in the Financial Statements.

The meeting officially received these accounts.

The treasurer was thanked for his diligent hard work. Thank you Bill

The treasurer thanked Anthony Cock for his work and assistance as our Independent Financial Examiner and Lisa Swan for looking after wages.

Elections

  1. To PCC For 3 years

    • a. Ian McMillan was nominated by Jeff Marks and seconded by Bill Alexander (Unanimous)

    • b. Geoff Stone was nominated by Val Muller and seconded by Pamela Cock (Unanimous)

    • c. Chrissie Markham was nominated by Richard Fowler and seconded by Ed Muller (Unanimous)

  2. d. Leanna Quevado was nominated by April Alexander and seconded by Trevor Dawson (35 for, 1 against, 1 abstentions).

  3. They were all duly elected.

  4. Electoral Roll Officer Clare Sturgeon

  5. Clare is happy to continue as Electoral Roll Officer.(Unanimous)

  6. Appointment of Independent Financial Advisor Anthony Cock Anthony is happy to continue. (Unanimous)

Closing remarks.

Father Paul then addressed the meeting both reviewing the past year and then looking forward to his hopes and plans for the future. He referred to page 11 of the Annual Report where he expressed his thanks to those who have helped the life of the parish.

Some words about what we will do in 2025/6

Our mission is to come and discover God.

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Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.“ John F. Kennedy

Ask not what your church can do for you – ask what you can do for your church.“ Fr. Paul T. Fitzpatrick

Fr. Paul outlined what had be engaged with in 2024/5 in our strategic goals

Q&A

Mission activities in 2025/6

New areas of mission

Being With: Being With | A Course Exploring Christian Faith and Life. 10 evenings to meet people. Aimed at those curious about faith, Uncertain and disconnected and searching for something deeper. Me plus a team of four.

Stepping into faith: Discussion groups aimed at those who need to be nurtured in their faith

Outreach: Work as a team to connect with those in our community by praying together, discerning together, and acting together.

Bread for Bletchingley: A different type of mid-week communion, more organic.

Reviving past successes: House Groups or Home Discussion. Prayer Meetings (Tim & Charlie)

Strengthening the existing ministry

Developing our ministry with: Women who wine; Blessed Breakfast Club; Ark; Hungry Hermit; Family Ministry

Fr Paul mentioned his desire to become Rector, but as the impact of what is happening in Nutfield is assessed, he is unsure how this will affect him. He thanked the PCC for their support during the last few weeks. Rev’d Kerry Tucker thanked Fr Paul for his work amongst us, saying how refreshing it was to work with someone with a vision and the confidence to see that vision through. Fr Paul also thanked both Kerry and Penny for their help and the depth of experience they bring to St Mary’s. The meeting closed in prayer led by Fr Paul.

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PRIEST-IN-CHARGE REPORT to the APCM 2026

Review of the year from May 2025 to April 2026

This year, as a worshipping community, we experienced calm amid some challenges. We have moved to a stronger place in our hearts and minds as we move away from the difficulties of the past. The reality of the human experience is that some were able to reach a point where they could lay the past hurt aside and engage in forgiveness. Others are still on the journey to that point.

We said farewell to cherished members while embracing new relationships. Change impacts us all in all its realities. What is important is that we carry each other through joys and sadnesses.

It was an encouraging point in our parish life when there was an unanticipated decision to invite me to apply for the role of Rector. The plan at this point is for an interview in September and Institution and Induction in November 2026.

Mission is for all of us to embrace; although I lead this task by serving the whole parish with an open mind and a loving heart, it is something we all engage with through prayer and, for some, action. These qualities are essential as we continue the journey of growth and stability. I am encouraged that, at a minimum, these two qualities have enabled me to connect with a good number of people in our church and the wider community.

STRATEGIC INTERIM PERIOD GOALS

I met with the PCC on several occasions during the year, and we renewed our commitment to our strategic interim period goals until the Summer of 2026, at which point we will set our plans for the next 5 years. The basis for the next strategy is in the recommendation section of the Pastoral Statement issued on 11 February 2026 (available on our website under Policies).

We agreed that our core purpose was to allow anyone to come and discover God . This core purpose can be achieved by committing ourselves to be led by God and, with the Holy Spirit's leading, engaging in activities that strengthen our mission and vision statement, set out earlier in this annual report. We will engage in this task by continuing to work in the four priority areas over the next 12 months and by reviewing and building upon them in subsequent years.

1 - A joyful and worshipping church

When people feel safe and happy in church, we can be joyful and truly worship God. We are in a different place from where I started in 2023. We move from the internal, towards external, and this we share by being open, welcoming, inclusive and engaging.

The 8:00 a.m. congregation is growing and stable, and is a place where, in its quiet, those who are walking joyfully with the Lord or carrying burdens can find solace. The 9:30 a.m. congregation are offered a variety of service types each month. I am encouraged that numbers are growing, with many returning to church. This is a great indicator that we are developing in the right direction.

Thought for the Week is received by approximately 300 people who have signed up across the benefice.

2 - Activities towards growth

This area takes much of my time and energy, yet goes unseen from Sunday to Sunday. The mission is exciting because, if we engage in it wisely, we can undoubtedly build on what has been achieved over the last three or four generations. Connected with this is my work in Bletchingley Village School every month, and termly services in the church have been very encouraging.

I found great pleasure in working with my fellow trustees of the Bletchingley United Charities, engaging with those in our community who need help and encouragement .

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Kate Doody's leadership in our work with the children and families has been encouraging. A special thanks to Kate and her team. We were able to access a grant to support our work. Our work with Hawthorns School has been good, and it was great to be in Bletchingley Village School and lead services in the church at Harvest and Christmas .

I am encouraged that ARK has a place in the church's life. The team has continued to develop under Chrissie Markham’s leadership. This is exciting as we engage with young families as part of our mission.

Blessed Breakfast Club is thriving under Rob Tucker's leadership. We hold him in our prayers. This ministry among men who are on the edge of church life is a core part of people getting to know God.

It was lovely to have Liz Windridge licensed into the benefice and to see her taking an active part in our ministry, preaching, Women Who Wine, and visiting those at home. Both Liz and John Buck shared the catechesis with me for those preparing for confirmation. John has been instrumental in shaping our discussion groups.

It is exciting to observe God call men and women from our worshipping community to serve and lead in this mission.

3- Strengthening reconciliation

This last year has, on the whole, led me to conclude my work in this area. My Pastoral Statement sets out in detail what was achieved over the past 30 months. Suffice to say, a lot has been achieved, and I have set out my recommendations to prevent a recurrence of division.

I maintain what I said last year, that it is understandable that things may not change for those who live with anger and hurt. This is not a criticism of their position; rather, it is an acknowledgement of their lived experience. I pray for changed hearts and minds and a sense of peace. I’m always open to facilitating new conversations. I am also content to hold this space and listen to those who desire peace for themselves.

4- Striving towards financial stability

The Finance Committee and the PCC agreed on a 2025 budget and then exceeded it! Having a budget is a legal requirement under the Charities Act. A budget allows us to put a cost to the mission and measure our progress. We have agreed on a budget for 2026/7, which is included in this report. We have communicated our financial needs for 2026/7 to all who regularly worship with us. Soon, we should be able to compare the pledges people have made with our budgetary goals.

The PCC agreed to meet its obligations for its pledge to 2025 towards the Parish Support Fund, which amounted to £65,000. We have plans to attempt to increase non-donation income in 2026-7, particularly in the area of concerts. The PCC agreed to meet its obligations for its pledge to 2026 towards the Parish Support Fund, which amounts to £70,800.

Saying Thank You

The above was a quick review of our past year—much of the detail of what we have done and what has happened has rightly been set out by others in this Report. My report to the APCM should never simply be a list of “thank you” to those who keep the wheels turning, although of course, my thanks

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go to all who contribute to our common life together.

On behalf of you all, I want to thank a number of individuals, in no order of priority: Revd Penny Sherrington, Revd Kerry Tucker, John Buck, Liz Windridge and Rob Tucker, who have exercised ministry within St. Mary’s. Thank you, for without you, we would not have achieved so much.

The Churchwardens have been central to managing the operational side of church life. I am grateful for their wisdom and encouragement; together, we began to set new “traditions” within our community life. We pray for God’s blessing on Richard Fowler as he comes to the end of his term of office in 2025.

One lifeline of church management is the PCC and its subgroup members; thank you for your commitment. Our thanks to Bill Alexander as he stood down as Treasurer, and Geoff Stone took up the mantle. I thank our Director of Music, Tristan Hall, for enhancing our weekly worship for the choir and for their efforts. It has been very helpful to have the guidance of Cyril, our Sacristan, and his team as we have adapted our services. I want to acknowledge our thanks to those who take part in looking after the church fabric, the flowers team, cleaners and those who lock up, whose quiet and unobserved service enables the mission of the Church.

The benefice office is at the heart of our work, and we express our sincere appreciation to Elaine Chalcraft, our administrator, for all her hard work.

Theological Reflection

“ This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? ” Isaiah 66:1-2

These verses open to us a sweeping vision of God’s majesty and sovereignty. It reminds us that the entire cosmos is not merely His creation but also the setting of His reign. Heaven, the unseen realm of glory, is pictured as His throne, the seat of ultimate authority. Earth, vast and intricate as it seems to us, is described as His footstool, a place beneath His feet, subject to His will.

Our church is part of this imagery, and it challenges human pride. We often measure greatness by our own achievements, possessions, or influence, yet Isaiah’s words place all human activity within the context of God’s immeasurable scale. So as a church, let us lean into humility.

This scripture calls us to worship with awe and to live with perspective. Our daily concerns, while real, are not ultimate; they rest under the authority of the One who holds heaven and earth. It also challenges us to approach God not with grand offerings or outward displays, but with a heart that recognises His greatness and my dependence. In a world that often magnifies the self, this verse re ‑ centres my vision: God is enthroned above all, and my rightful place is at His feet, in reverence and trust. So, as we go forward into 2026-7, let us pray for ourselves and others: Come, discover God. With my prayers and blessings,

Father Paul - Interim Priest-In-Charge

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REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2025 Safeguarding

The parish is committed to the safeguarding of young children and adults.

Policy and Compliance: St Mary the Virgin Church follows the Diocese of Southwark commitment to provide a ‘Culture of Care’ within the Parish. This prioritises safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. A Safe Church is the manual that contains policies, procedures and guidelines for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. It can be found in the Vestry and on St Mary the Virgin church website.

A parish safeguarding dashboard has been launched by the diocese and ensures that we are compliant with The House of Bishops safeguarding requirements.

DBS and Security: Following a data breach in August 2025, the Diocese has transitioned to ‘thirtyoneeight’ for DBS processing. Affected individuals were offered credit monitoring, and all PCC members and volunteers remain checked under the safer recruitment policy.

Training: The church operates on the principle that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. A ‘Culture of Vigilance” is the strongest defence against harm. All PCC members, staff and volunteers complete the diocese safeguarding training relevant to their role in the Parish. This year, twenty-eight parishioners have either completed or updated safeguarding training.

Audit : Parishioners were offered the opportunity to engage in the independent safeguarding audit managed by iNEQE. The audit was open until 08 April 2026.

Casework: Four safeguarding concerns were identified over the past year. These were managed through internal pastoral support, with Father Paul referring two cases to external agencies for further assistance. In all cases, these were reported to the PCC and redacted from the public minutes. Louise Tantam and Vicki Gillespie, Parish Safeguarding Officers

Churchwardens Annual Fabric Report

In January, during routine cleaning of the Church, an infestation of carpet moth was discovered. All the carpets were promptly treated. In February, a Silver Birch sapling was removed and the boundary hedge was trimmed. In July, again during routine cleaning of the Church, carpet moth was discovered again. It was promptly treated. The carpets are regularly inspected. In July, the roof was inspected for water ingress. Broken tiles were replaced (like-for-like) and the tiles that had slipped were secured in place.

In September, a Quinquennial Inspection was carried out. The report made a number of recommendations. A small team has been appointed to oversee the necessary work. In September and October, routine inspections, such as lightning conductors and roof alarms, were carried out. In October, PAT testing was carried out. A couple of items failed and were promptly replaced. In October, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service carried out a fire safety inspection of the church during which they looked at the new Fire Risk Assessment, passed by the PCC earlier that month. There was only one small recommendation, which has now been implemented. In December , notices were put into place by the retaining wall on the east side of the churchyard to warn of the steep drop down to the pavement.

Vicki and Trevor (Churchwardens)

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PCC Secretary’s Report

The PCC’s principal responsibilities are the maintenance of the church and other parish buildings and the management of the church’s finances. It also has three further general duties:

  1. To work together with the incumbent to promote mission within the parish

  2. To consult with the incumbent on matters of general concern and importance in the parish

  3. To comply with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults – and record at the APCM that we have done so.

The PCC, which met 6 times during 2025/6, had another busy year.

Our meetings throughout the year regularly review the following subjects:

  1. Safeguarding,

  2. Finance, including our PSF and charitable giving,

  3. Our work with young people.

  4. Reports from the Deanery Synod

  5. Over 2025/6, the PCC passed the following resolutions:

  6. Proposed boundary changes (Jan 2025)

  7. Revised Budget 2025 (Jun 2025)

  8. Health and Safety Policy (Oct 2025)

  9. Fire Risk Assessment (Oct 2025)

  10. Budget 2026 (Oct 2025)

  11. To create a Restoration Committee – this committee will manage all things necessary to look after the heritage of the church building (Dec 2025)

  12. Recommendations in Fr. Paul's Pastoral Statement (Feb 2026)

  13. Adoption of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy (Feb 2026)

  14. Consultation on the appointment of Rector (a number of resolutions were passed)

  15. Over 2025/6, the PCC discussed:

  16. Mission Strategy

  17. Parish Boundary

  18. Safeguarding practice and policy

  19. Role of PCC members/Charity Trustees

  20. Pattern of worship

  21. Quinquennial Report

  22. Attending to our heritage responsibilities

In January 2026, Archdeacon Geoff Dumbreck addressed the PCC about the consultation for the appointment of Rector.

We are very grateful to the many people who quietly do numerous jobs behind the scenes to maintain the life of our beautiful church and her community, the welcomers, the verger, readers, those who lead our prayers, money counters, coffee makers, flower arrangers, cleaners, grass cutters, choir and bell ringers, those who run the ARK and Hungry Hermit, to say nothing of the wonderful people who lead our Sunday Club and so many more.

We also owe a huge vote of thanks to our Churchwardens, Vicki Gillespie and Trevor Dawson, who do so much for our church.

Leanna Quevedo PCC Secretary

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Finance Report

Overall, General Fund Income and Expenditure were similar to those of 2024, resulting in an overall surplus of £335. Stewardship was less than anticipated in 2025 in an environment of higher inflation than experienced in many years , but was compensated by increased collections and donations.

Within the General Fund, Expenditure grew by 2% despite the Pledge being reduced from £65,040 to £60,000. Changes were introduced to Wedding & Funerals receipts and payments in 2025 to improve monitoring and actions on a real-time basis. Overall Income of £10,046 and Expenditure of £5,766 resulted in a surplus of £3,786 after a Piano Fund was established at £1,540 including a single generous donation.

Expenditure of specific areas in 2025 followed a similar pattern to that of 2024 except for 4 four areas (1 Computing & Electronics, 2 Choir, Organ & Music, 3 Printing & Office Supplies and 4 Repairs & Maintenance), which aggregated £9,754 against Budget of £4,600 in 2025. Details are addressed in the Financial Report.

Appeals attracted £1,892 in collections, 30% less than that in 2024, while donations were made to Bishops Lent (£200), Medecins Sans Frontieres. (£422), Renewed Hope and (£438), Church House Charity (£438) and Royal British Legion (£394).

Restricted and Designated Funds were formally agreed; TF Goad and Lydia Legacies were defined as Designated Funds while the other nine were classified as Restricted Funds. Two Restricted Funds (Seat and Lectern/R Trotman) were formally closed in 2025 with minor financial adjustments. Grants, Children and Missions were given greater security by moving them from the General Fund to Restricted Funds. Further enhancements are planned for 2026.

The overall Restricted and Designated Funds grew from £23,530 to £33,517, a net gain of £9,987. Generous donations to the Vestments Fund (£5,000) and TF Goad Legacy Fund (£4,250) together with Hungry Hermit income (£2,579), Grants for Children (£2,000), Missions (£2,500), and donations to the new Piano Fund (£1,540) helped to achieve a total Income of £18,709. The corresponding Expense totaled £8,722 including £614 (Fabric Fund), £2,520 (Hungry Hermit,) £449 (Flower Fund), £789 (Children’s Fund) and £1,990 (Missions Fund). The expenditure for Seat Fund was £631 and R Trotman/ Lectern Fund was £1,729, both were formally closed in 2025.

Our deposit account with the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England was increased from £33,147 in 2024 to £39,602 in 2025. Cash at the Bank grew from £6,931 in 2024 to £11,274 in 2025 resulting in a net overall Balance of £50,791 (2025) versus £40,123 (2024).

In summary, a year of stability as we improved with numerous changes in selected areas, which will continue into 2026. We increased cash at bank by nearly 100% and our deposit fund in the Church of England by approx. 20%. We invested in a new electronic donations’ device late in 2025, which has encouraged us to expand this method of giving in 2026 with a further device.

Geoff Stone Treasurer

Tandridge Deanery Synod

During the year, the Deanery Synod met three times for business and once for a worship service. During business meetings, we discussed and promoted:

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Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick, member of the Deanery Leadership Team

Men's BBC - (Blessed Breakfast Club)

I arranged our first meeting in June 2018. 8 years later we still manage to find something interesting and topical to talk about, with the opportunity to consider the 'faith perspective'.

In the year ended Feb 2026, we held 12 meetings, all hosted at Bletchingley Golf Club. Meetings are scheduled on Saturdays at 08.30. Subjects discussed included;

We typically have between 12 to 15 at each meeting and of that number, about 40% probably wouldn't describe themselves as Church goers, although given their attendance they are clearly curious or sympathetic to Faith. We welcome persons of faith or none - and our discussions are all the more valid given the diversity of those who attend. It would be very dull if we all agreed with each other!

I am delighted that a number of our regulars are happy to chair some of our meetings - special thanks to Ian, Tim, Mark & Stuart who save the group having to hear too much of my voice! Rob Tucker

Our Young People

2025 was another fun year for Sunday Club! We continued to meet twice a month, on the first and third Sundays of the month, and welcomed children aged three and upwards to join us. We start in Church in the main service before going out to Church House for games, crafts, activities, and fun, and then re-join the congregation for communion.

We continue to share our activities with the congregation after communion and try to keep the Sunday Club boards updated at the back of the Church- do stop and look at our crafts and activities and ask the children about them, they really enjoy talking about what they have been doing and learning and they frequently surprise me with how much they take in and how insightful they are.

We have settled into a new format for the Family Service on the second Sunday of the month and the

15

children are really engaging with the story and teaching, which is lovely to see. We have tried to be creative with elements of the service to engage the children, and have introduced some more modern songs, rather than hymns, and some active prayer (with audience participation, and glow sticks).

In June, we ran a stall at the Village Fair, engaging children with crafts and activities- a great opportunity to share some of the sorts of activities we do at Sunday Club with a wider audience.

The highlight of the year for me was the Light Party in October when we welcomed families from Bletchingley and Nutfield into Church for games, activities, food, drink and a silent disco in the Bell Tower. The disco was a massive hit with parents and children! Everyone enjoyed our annual Christingle service on Christmas Eve, with adults and children alike joining in the fun and dressing up as the nativity characters.

Caroline and Sev hung up their Sunday Club boots in 2025, and a huge thank you goes to them for all their help over the years- especially Caroline, who was involved for over 15 years! Some new helpers have joined the team, Graham and Aurelia, and I'm very grateful to them both. Finally, a huge thank you once again to Max and Rosa for leading Sunday Club once a month. Kate Doody

The Ark

The Ark Mother, Baby and Toddler group continued to thrive in 2025 with a good number of little ones attending with either their mothers, grandparents or child minders each week. We were pleased to welcome several new babies, second or even third children for existing parents.

There were several notable events during the year. On June 11[th,] we met at the Stychens Lane Playground to mark Sue Morris’s anniversary. We gathered round her memorial bench to remember all she had done for the Ark. Father Paul and Liz Windridge also attended and we all enjoyed soft drinks and brownies made to Sue’s famous recipe! On August 27[th] , we met once again to celebrate the official opening of the Stychens Lane Playground and Logoland. The children enjoyed the extra treats and entertainment kindly supplied by Tandridge District Council and Bletchingley Parish Council.

At the start of Advent, Kate Doody generously supplied the children with salt dough shapes which were enthusiastically decorated and hung on the Christmas Tree in Church. Also during Advent, at the suggestion of Father Paul, I bought our own Advent Wreath to use in Church House rather than light a candle in the cold Church! A candle was lit at each session in December and we all sang a carol. By the time we had the Christmas Party, all four candles were lit. The party was a great success, with a visit from Father Christmas and his fairy helper. (Who could that have been I wonder)!! We ended a successful year on a very happy note.

As always, I would like to thank my lovely assistants, Peta, Jill and Barbara, without whose valuable and willing support the Ark would flounder!!

Chrissie Markham

The Church Choir

The church choir is a group of very dedicated, loyal members who endeavour to lead the music during our regular Sunday morning Eucharist, at occasional weddings and funerals, and the extra services at Easter and Christmas.

Preparing and singing anthems every week and preparing for the Carol Service are all challenges we enjoy. We are beginning to include singing psalms in our repertoire!

We are a very friendly choir, supportive of one another, but we desperately need more singers, particularly altos and tenors. You don’t need to be able to read music (although it helps!!). do speak to one or other of us after services.

We are very lucky to have a very talented organist leading us – thank you Tristan.

16

Valerie Muller (choir member)

Church Bellringers

Ringing at Bletchingley has settled into a routine with Vicky as tower captain. We usually have all 10 bells ringing for services, with a little support from the Nutfield band and our newer ringers have joined us for service ringing. Our practice nights are going well but are more varied in numbers. Our finances remain healthy.

Vicky Williams Tower Captain

Flower Arrangers

Our small dedicated team has continued much as before, always ensuring there are flowers in place each week for us all to enjoy. We then have others join us for festivals. It is always such a joy to see everyone coming together to fill our beautiful Church with flowers on these occasions.

We have a small flower fund, which is mainly used to purchase any sundry items. We are very fortunate that the flower team buy their own flowers, which we consider as part of our giving. The sponsorship scheme has remained slow, but a few people asked for loved one to be remembered. Others preferred to remember someone special, by giving a donation towards the Easter lilies. We appreciate all donations.

An alternative to traditional floral foam was introduced to the market earlier during the year, which we have been trialling. It claims to be biodegradable but is still single-use. It has, however, allowed us to create large pedestal arrangements (much loved by Churches) once again. For other smaller arrangements, we continue to use basic mechanics, such as frogs and chicken wire.

Using British, locally grown flowers have proved to be more of a challenge, both in terms of cost and availability, but we continue to look at alternatives, such as only using flowers that are in season. Vicki Gillespie

Churches Together

We were delighted to invite Deacon Tim Murrill to share in leading with our Christmas Carol Service. Father Paul Interim Priest-in-Charge

Hungry Hermit

We have now been open for 7 years and have continued to offer our village community a friendly space to call in for hot drinks and homemade cakes. Our regular customers welcome any new visitors, and new friendships are made whilst old friends enjoy time together.

As a hub for our local Foodbank, we regularly deliver goods to the warehouse and are proud that our church is one of the largest contributors in the area.

All profits from the cafe are donated to charity, and during the year we have sent £540 to Christian Aid, £425 to The Renewed Hope Trust and £325 to Church House to enable us to continue. A total of £1290 is being distributed.

If you would like to help the small team of volunteers in the cafe or help by occasionally baking a cake or taking goods to the Foodbank warehouse, please let us know.

Ann Pressey Hungry Hermit Team

Discussion Groups

It was great to have so many engage in discussing things. In Lent 2025, we looked at The Eucharist with contributors such as John Pritchard, Paula Gooder, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Angela Tilby, Robert Atwell, Simon Jones, John Inge.

Father Paul Interim Priest-in-Charge

17

Social Committee

The Social Committee has been very supportive of various events. They put on an amazing 80[th] anniversary VE Day in May 2025, with almost a fair-like event, such a lovely time. It was greatly appreciated that the Easter Breakfast was provided.

There were delicious refreshments after the Carol Service at Christmas. This is always a wonderful opportunity to welcome those from the village who attend our church only occasionally.

A very big thank you to all those who provided food, welcome and laughter. Above all, I express our thanks to Valerie Muller and her team for all they offer to our mission activities. Father Paul Interim Priest-in-Charge

18

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2025 19

Parish of St. Mary the Virgin Bletchingley

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended

31st December, 2025

Registered Charity Number 11894543

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December, 2025

Unrestricted
Incoming Resources
Incoming Resources from Donors
101,999
Church Activities
1,892
Other Income from investments
1,455
Total Incoming Resources
105,345
Resources Used
Donations out
1,898
The Work of the Church
97,359
Hungry Hermit Cafe
-
Property Management and Administration
5,408
Total Resources Used
104,665
Net lncoming/(Outgoing) Resources
680
Balances at 1st January, 2025
16,593
Balances at 31st December, 2025
£17,273		 Restricted
18,709
-
-
18,709
1,290
-
1,230
6,203
8,722
9,987
23,530
£33,517		 Total Funds
2025
120,708
1,892
1,455
124,055
3,188
97,359
1,230
11,611
113,387
10,667
40,123
£50,790		 2024
157,244
2,410
1,131
160,985
4,769
97,767
1,055
37,996
141,588
19,397
20,726
£40,123
Overall 2025 Accounts Balance Sheet as at 31st December
Current Assets
2025
Central Board of Finance(CCLA)
39,602
Balance at Bank
11,274
Hungry Hermit Petty Cash
105
Debtors
-
50,980
Less: Creditors
(190)
£50,791
Represented by:
Unrestricted Reserves
17,274
Restricted Funds
33,517
£50,791		 2024
33,147
6,931
45
-
40,123
-
£40,123
16,593
23,530
£40,123

Submitted to and approved by the Parochial Church Council at a meeting held on 10th February 2026

Priest in Charge Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick Chair of PCC

Honorary Treasurer Geoff Stone

R4d

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

General Fund: Overall Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December, 2025

Income
Notes
Stewardship
Gift Aid (Tax rebate from HMRC)
Stewardship (non Gift Aid)
Collections
Donations
Fees (Weddings and Funerals)
1
Appeals
Book of Remembrance
Diocesan Grants
2
Sundry Income
Thomas Chapman Charity (Clerks House)
3
Interest Received
Total
Expenditure
Appeal Donations Paid
4
Diocesan Pledge
Altar Requisites
Book of Remembrance
Ministry Resources
Organist
Computing&Electronics
5
Choir Organ and Music
Children
6
Insurance
Electricity&Water
Parish Administrator
7
Rent for use of Church House
Printing & Office Supplies
Repairs and Maintenance
8
Sundry Expenditure
Missions
6
Bank Charges
Total
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Accumulated Fund at year beginning
Balance carried to Balance Sheet		 2025
64,596
19,302
1,760
10,188
2,102
3,786
1,892
195
-
70
-
1,455
£105,345
1,898
60,000
678
264
3,274
8,047
2,172
633
-
5,766
3,179
7,104
3,600
1,541
5,408
718
-
382
£104,665
680
16,593
£17,273		 2024
64,105
19,240
5,000
9,026
451
3,377
2,410
110
-
400
-
1,331
£105,450
2,869
65,040
584
164
2,688
7,338
1,087
1,014
531
5,650
2,587
6,800
3,600
-
3,125
685
-
-
£103,762
1,688
14,905
£16,593

Notes

R4d

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

General Fund: Appeals Income and Donations Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December, 2025

Notes
2025
Income
Lent Appeal Charities Aid Foundation
200
VE Day Collection (Medecins Sans Frontieres)
422
Pimms Evening Collection (Renewed Hope & Church House)
876
Remembrance Sunday Collection (Royal British Legion)
394
Sue Morris Memorial
-
Donation for Sue's Bench
-
Separate Donations
-
Childrens Society
-
£1,892
Expenditure
Bishops Lent
200
Medecins Sans Frontieres
422
Renewed Hope
438
Church House
438
Royal British Legion
1
400
British Heart Foundation
2
-
Contribution to Sue's Bench
2
-
Caterham Food Bank
2
-
Childrens Society
3
-
£1,898		 2024
250
810
383
405
50
160
352
£2,410
250
58
500
440
565
50
500
506
£2,869

Notes

1 The donation to Royal British Legion was rounded to £400, instead of Income of £394 as it was the first time. 2[No Appeals were made nor Donations were given to British Heart Foundation, ]

Sue's Bench, Caterham Food Bank.

3 Childrens Society collections from the Christingle service in 2025 are accounted for in the 2026 accounts..

R4d

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

Restricted and Designated Funds: Income and Expenditure in the year ended 31st December 2025

Notes
Opening
Balance
R Fabric Fund
1
5,585
R Vestments Fund
2
-
R Hungry Hermit Fund
3
88
D TF Goad Legacy
4
-
D Lydia Legacy
5
14,864
R Seat Fund
6,7
559
R Flowers Fund
8
551
R Childrens Fund
9,10,11
155
R R Trotman/ Lectern Fund
12
1,729
R Missions Fund
13
-
R Piano Fund
14
-
£23,530		 Income
-
5,000
2,579
4,250
-
73
610
2,158
-
2,500
1,540
£18,709		 Expenditure
Closing
Balance
614
4,970
-
5,000
2,520
148
-
4,250
-
14,864
631
-
449
712
789
1,523
1,729
-
1,990
510
-
1,540
£8,722
£33,517

Nomenclature

D Designated - Available Funds can be used without restriction.

R Restricted - Available funds can only be used within a prescribed manner and within defined limits.

Notes

R4d

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

Restricted Fund: Hungry Hermit Income and Expenditure

Income
Donations
Expenditure
Church House Rent
Operations Cost
Surplus before Donations
Expenditure (Donations)
Christian Aid
Church House
Renewed Hope
Bletchingley Skills centre
Sue's Bench
Total
Net (Deficit)/Surplus
Accumulated Fund at 1st January 2025
Accumulated Fund at 31st December 2025		 540
325
425
-
-		 2025
2,579
960
270
1,350
1,290
60
88
£148		 800
650
250
200		 2024
2,278
820
235
1,223
1,900
(677)
765
£88

R4d

Parish of St Mary, Bletchingley

Notes

1 Principal Accounting Policies Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting

Regulations 1997 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention on the accruals basis.

2 Trusts and Charities

The PCC does not have control over any Charities and has not benefited from any in the past year. Four members (Fr Paul Fitzpatrick, Jeffery Marks (resigned May 2025), Vicki Gillespie and Trevor Dawson) of the PCC were trustees of Bletchingley Thomas Chapman Charity and three members (Fr Paul Fitzpatrick, Edward Muller and Richard Fowler) were trustees of Church House Charity.

Independent Examiner's Report to the Parochial Church Council

This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2025, which are set out on pages 2 to 6, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the

Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ('the Regulations') and s.145 of the Charities Act 2011('the Act').

Respective Responsibilities of PCC and the Examiner:

As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 144(1) of the Act do not apply. It is the Examiner's responsibility to issue his report on these financial statements in accordance with the Regulations.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 of the Act to be found in the Church Guidance,2011 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops' Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison ofthe accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Anthony Cock

The Manse Stychens Lane Bletchingley

Anthony Cock

Surrey

10th February 2026

R4d

Income 2026 Budget
(2025 Actual +3%)
Stewardship (Gift Aid) 68,300
Gift Aid(HMRC) 19,900
Collections 9,100
Donations 1,100
Appeals 2,200
Funeral & WeddingFees 3,700
Stewardship (Non Gift Aid) 3,200
Book of Remembrance 100
Grants 2,900
Thomas Chapman Charity -
SundryIncome 200
Interest Received 1,500
Total Income 112,200
Expenses
Donations from Appeals 1,500
Diocesan Pledge 70,800
Altar Requisites 700
Book of Remembrance 200
MinistryResources 3,000
Organist 7,800
Computingand electronics 500
Choir,Organ and Music 750
Children 800
Insurance 5,800
Light,Heat & Water 3,100
Parish Administrator 7,500
Church House Rent 6,000
Printingand Office supplies 300
Repairs and Maintenance 2,600
SundryExpenditure 500
Missions 900
Bank charges 400
Total Expense 113,150
Surplus(Deficit) -950
Inflation Estimate 2.5-4.0%