THE PARISH OF THE WOODFORD VALLEY WITH ARCHERS GATE
comprising
All Saints’ Woodford St Andrew’s Durnford St Michael’s Wilsford
and Archers Gate and Kings Gate
in the Diocese of Salisbury
ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of the
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL For the year ended 31 December 2025
Vicar:
The Reverend Dr Michael Perry The Vicarage Middle Woodford Salisbury SP4 6NR
Professional Advisers
Bankers: HSBC, 19 Minster Street, Salisbury SP1 1TE Lloyds Bank, 38 Blue Boar Row, Salisbury SP1 1DA Investment Manager: CCLA, 80 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DZ Independent Examiner: AJ Radice FCA, Guelder Cottage, Hanging Langford, Salisbury SP3 4NW.
Registered Charity No. 1195656
The Parish of the Woodford Valley with Archers Gate Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
Parochial Church Council (PCC)
| Ex-officio: Incumbent: The Reverend Dr Michael Perry (Chairman) Licensed Lay Minister: Sylvia Parrett (Vice Chairman) Churchwardens: All Saints’ Woodford: Giles Fletcher Rae Owen St Andrew’s Durnford: Julia Gallop Peter Curtis St Michael’s Wilsford: Vacant Representatives to Deanery Synod: Margaret Knight Elected Jeremy Coombe Vanessa Hawkings Helen Hosier James Iles Elizabeth Le Sueur Luke March Suzanne Waters Antony Wells (Treasurer) |
Note |
|---|---|
| 1,3 1 1 1 1 1 2,4 1 1 |
Note: 1. Member of the PCC Standing Committee; 2. PCC Safeguarding Officer; 3. Member of Diocesan Synod; 4. Electoral Roll Officer
Other Office Holders
Honorary Associate Rev’d Patricia Powell Priest Lay Ministers Sylvia Parrett Hugh Keatinge Lay Pastoral Assistants: Suzanne Waters Lay Worship Leaders: Suzanne Waters Sidesmen St Andrew’s: Luke & Sarah March, Ian & Mary Stevens, Suzanne Waters, Antony Wells St Michael’s: Jennie Chapman, Sarah Coate, Simon Folkes, Angie Langley, Peter Moss, Ian Reid, Liz Le Sueur
All Saints’: Jean Coates, James Iles
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Parishioners and Other Supporters of the Churches in the Woodford Valley
At 31 December 2025 there were 92 (2025: 116) parishioners on the Electoral Roll.
The Church has a worshipping community of 77 (2024: 83). The total number of people who worshipped with us at Easter was 182 (2024: 188) whilst at Christmas it was 357 (2024: 325).
Regular donors to the parish total 77 (2024: 77) persons which includes those donations received at the church services and donations through Parish Giving or by other means to the parish.
Objectives
The Woodford Valley with Archers Gate PCC is responsible for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in this ecclesiastical parish. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the churches within the parish. As part of the Diocese of Salisbury, the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, the PCC also has a responsibility to promote the mission of the Church locally, nationally and internationally.
Within this context the PCC aims to be a resource allowing all people who live in the parish to develop faith in Jesus, and to promote and increase Christ-centred community within the Woodford Valley and the new housing estates within our parish.
Events and Actions During 2025
Mission within the Parish, Deanery and Diocese
During 2025 the parish continued to contribute actively to the wider mission of the Church of England within the Diocese of Salisbury as well as within the parish itself.
During the year the Vicar took on the role of Bishop’s Adviser for Creation Care and Climate Justice , a two-day-per-week diocesan appointment agreed by the PCC with an associated reduction in the parish’s Parish Share contribution. In this role the Vicar has been working with churches across the diocese to encourage environmental action and engagement with the Eco Church programme. This work reflects the Church of England’s commitment to care for creation and supports the PCC’s charitable objective of promoting the mission of the Church locally and more widely.
The Vicar was also commissioned as Associate Rural Dean for the Stonehenge Deanery . In this role he has supported clergy and parishes within the deanery and participated in the interview and appointment process for new clergy. During the year new appointments were made in Amesbury and within the Avon River Team. The appointment of the new Vicar of Amesbury, Kelvin Inglis, is expected to strengthen missional engagement in the Amesbury housing communities of Archers Gate and King’s Gate , which lie within our parish. These developments support the PCC’s aim of encouraging Christian faith and Christ-centred community life across both the villages of the Woodford Valley and the newer housing communities within the parish.
Worship and Services
Public worship remains at the heart of the parish’s life and mission. Throughout 2025 the parish continued to offer regular services across its churches, providing opportunities for worship, prayer and teaching for the wider community.
During the year the parish introduced a revised liturgy for Ordinary Time , used between the main festival seasons. This liturgy was designed to be clear and accessible and has helped make services
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more approachable for occasional worshippers as well as regular members of the congregation. In this way the parish continues to fulfil its charitable aim of enabling people living within the parish to explore and develop faith in Jesus Christ.
Music continues to make a significant contribution to the parish’s worship. During the year the parish was pleased to recruit Frances Howard as organist and musical leader for Choral Evensong . These services, which alternate between St Michael’s Wilsford and St Andrew’s Durnford, have been well attended and have enriched the worshipping life of the parish.
The Second Sunday at Six services , led by Hugh Vivian, have continued to provide a valuable monthly gathering using contemporary worship. During the year these services included teaching from the Burning Heart missional agency and provided an accessible setting for people to explore Christian faith in a different style of worship.
At the parish’s principal Sunday services music continues to be led very ably by Margaret Knight , to whom the PCC expresses its sincere thanks. Margaret continues to serve in a temporary capacity and the parish remains hopeful of recruiting a further organist to support this important ministry. A number of special services were held during the year which helped strengthen the parish’s engagement with the wider community. These included an open-air Rogation service at St Andrew’s , giving thanks for the land and agricultural life of the valley, and a well supported Pet Service at St Michael’s which welcomed many members of the community and their animals. Events such as these provide opportunities for people who may not regularly attend church to connect with the life of the parish.
The major festivals of Easter and Christmas continued to attract strong attendance and remain key moments when the church connects with many people in the parish who attend church less frequently during the rest of the year.
Two confirmation services were held during the year. At Candlemas , All Saints hosted a confirmation service with Bishop Alastair Redfern, the retired Bishop of Derby, presiding. Later in the year the parish held its annual school confirmation service on the Vicarage lawn , with Bishop Andrew, Bishop of Ramsbury, presiding. These services form an important part of the parish’s commitment to supporting young people and adults as they deepen their Christian faith.
During the year the parish celebrated seven baptisms , conducted one wedding , and held seven funerals , together with two burials of ashes following funerals elsewhere. These services remain a central part of the church’s pastoral ministry and demonstrate the church’s continuing presence in the key moments of life for people across the parish.
The parish also offered opportunities for Christian learning and reflection during the year. A Lent Course on the Sacraments helped participants explore the theological significance of the sacraments in the life of the Church, while an Advent Course on the Incarnation encouraged reflection on the meaning of Christ’s coming into the world. These activities support the PCC’s objective of helping people grow in faith in Jesus Christ.
Links with the Church School
The parish continues to maintain a strong relationship with the local Church of England primary school. The Vicar and Amanda Iles have both served on the Local Governing Body , helping support the school’s Christian ethos and its role within the local community.
Through this involvement the parish helps support the school’s Christian character and contributes to the moral and spiritual development of pupils.
Amanda Iles’ four-year term as a governor concludes in June 2026. When she steps down the Vicar will remain the only governor drawn directly from the parish congregation, although several strong Foundation Governors have been recruited from outside the parish. The PCC hopes that further governors from within the parish may be able to serve in the future, strengthening the connection between church and school.
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Administration
During 2025 the parish did not employ a parish administrator. In order to reduce costs the Vicar undertook the administrative work of the parish directly. While this approach helped control expenditure during the year, the PCC recognises that additional administrative support would be beneficial and hopes to recruit a parish administrator during 2026.
Building Work and Appeal
The PCC continued work on a major buildings appeal during the year. The appeal has now raised over £100,000 , and the PCC expresses its sincere thanks to all who have contributed so generously. These funds have enabled several important projects to begin or be completed, including the repair of the wall at All Saints , the installation of new heating at All Saints , new lighting at St Andrew’s with similar improvements planned for All Saints, and the installation of new pew runners at All Saints .
These projects form part of the PCC’s responsibility to care for and maintain the parish churches so that they remain safe, welcoming and suitable for worship and community use. Maintaining these historic buildings also allows them to continue serving as important community spaces within the Woodford Valley.
The PCC expresses particular thanks to Antony Wells, our Treasurer , and to the Churchwardens , who have undertaken a substantial amount of administrative work connected with faculty applications and project management.
Volunteers
The life and work of the parish depend greatly on the commitment and generosity of volunteers. The PCC expresses its sincere thanks to all who contribute their time and gifts to the life of the church. This includes the bell ringers , those who open and close the churches , cleaners , flower arrangers , those who care for the churchyards and the sides-people who welcome people to services. Particular thanks are due to our Churchwardens , whose leadership and dedication are vital to the effective running of the parish.
The PCC is also grateful for the ministry of our retired priest Patricia Powell , our Lay Ministers Hugh Keatinge and Sylvia Parrett , and our Lay Worship Leader Suzanne Waters , all of whom contribute greatly to the worship and pastoral life of the parish.
The PCC also wishes to thank all those involved in producing the parish magazine The Bridge , which continues to be an excellent publication serving both the church and the wider community of the Woodford Valley.
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Financial Report
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
A full detail of the Financial Activities and Balance Sheet can be found on pages 7-11.
I am pleased to report that the financial position of the parish has now largely stabilized.
Statement of Financial Activities
For the financial year 2025, the parish registered a deficit of £3,552 which compares to the deficit of £10,686 in 2024. This is attributed to a number of factors but significantly:
-
Interest from the newly opened Deposit Account generated £1,472 in deposit interest
-
The Parish Share and fees paid to the diocese reduced to £60,854 which reflects the Vicar’s appointment to new responsibilities at the diocese and less time devoted to the parish.
-
Repairs & Maintenance charges, although increased over 2024 were in large part applied to Designated Funds (see below) leaving the balance applied to general fund reduced to £5,480 for the year
-
The Bridge Magazine once again showed a strong performance with income generated – from donations and advertising – at £8001 and a surplus of £3,132. The editors of the Bridge have generously agreed to release £2,000 of the surplus to General Fund.
The Churches Appeal
The biggest impact on the finances of the parish has been the result of the Churches Appeal. Launched in June 2025, this has generated donations of over £75,000 and together with Gift Aid that will be received in 2026 and also further donations pledged will total over £100,000.
The appeal was targeted to fund a programme of repair and restoration and also enhancement projects across the 3 churches. A number of these projects have been completed and a further few are in hand. Once completed it is expected that the parish will have 3 churches in sound operating order and fit for purpose in the 21[st] century.
Balance Sheet
Also largely reflecting the benefit of the Churches Appeal, the financial position of the parish is considered sound with total assets of £171,394 including funds on deposit of £81,868.
Looking forward, the parish will no doubt continue to face financial strains with a steady increase in costs on the one hand against continuing challenges in sourcing revenues to cover those costs on the other. However, for the time being the parish remains in sound financial condition.
Antony Wells Treasurer
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Woodford Valley with Archers Gate.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 8-11.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the charity’s trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of 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 no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
oto keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and -
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
-
have not been met; or
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
A J Radice, FCA.
2026
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||||||||
| YEAR | ENDED | 31st DECEMBER 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| General Fund |
Designated | Endowment | Total £ |
2024 | |||||||||||||
| Fund | Funds |
Funds | |||||||||||||||
| REVENUES | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||||||
| Donations | |||||||||||||||||
| Planned Giving | 38,530 3,480 3,451 14,854 14,767 848 3,921 1,512 1,750 1,472 |
75,436 2,500 8,001 |
38,530 3,480 3,451 90,290 14,767 848 3,921 1,512 4,250 1,472 8,001 |
37,624 | |||||||||||||
| Free Will Offerings | 3,319 | ||||||||||||||||
| Collections and Boxes | 4662 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bequests and Donations | 15,656 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gift Aid Reclaim | 14,642 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fund-raisingEvents | 6,370 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fees | 8,684 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment Income | 1,530 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grants etc | 1,750 | ||||||||||||||||
| Deposit Interest | 397 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bridge Church Magazine | 5,722 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total IncomingResources | 84,583 | 85,937 | 170,520 | 100,355 | |||||||||||||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| Diocese Parish Share and Fees | 60,854 - 3,560 1,500 |
60,854 - 3,560 1,500 |
62,893 4160 2,245 1,150 |
||||||||||||||
| Parish Administrator Salary | |||||||||||||||||
| Parish Office & Travel exps | |||||||||||||||||
| Church Supplies & Others | |||||||||||||||||
| Organist fee | 1,020 | 1,020 3,481 21,077 |
2,976 3,825 12,084 |
||||||||||||||
| Utilities | 3,481 | ||||||||||||||||
| Repairs & Maintenance | 5,480 | 15,597 | |||||||||||||||
| Churchyard Maintenance | 3,576 | 3,576 | 6,264 | ||||||||||||||
| Legal & Professonal Fees | 777 | 777 6,936 4,869 951 |
1,937 6,814 4,523 2,170 |
||||||||||||||
| Insurance | 6,936 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bridge Church Magazine | 4,869 | ||||||||||||||||
| CharityDonations | 951 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Resources Expended | 88,135 | 20,466 | - | 108,601 | 111,041 | ||||||||||||
| Net Resource Turnover -gain/(loss) | - | 3,552 |
65,471 | - | - | 61,919 2,193 |
10,686 - |
||||||||||
| Profit/(Loss)on Investments | - | 1,184 |
- | - | 1,009 |
1,217 | |||||||||||
| Net Movement of funds | - | 4,736 |
65,471 | - | 1,009 |
59,726 111,667 |
9,469 - |
||||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 57,194 | 29,437 | 25,036 | 121,137 | |||||||||||||
| Total Funds carrried forward | 52,458 | 94,908 | 24,027 | 171,393 | £111,668 | ||||||||||||
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| WOODFORD VALLEY WITH ARCHERS GATE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL | ||||||||||||
| BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 | ||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||
| Fixed Assets | ||||||||||||
| Investments at Market Value | 52,204 | 54,397 | ||||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||||||
| Cash at Banks | ||||||||||||
| General Account | 33,872 | 26,881 | ||||||||||
| Planned GivingAccount | 3,450 | 6 - |
||||||||||
| Deposit Account | 81,868 | 30,397 | ||||||||||
| 119,190 | 57,271 | |||||||||||
| Total Assets | 171,394 | £111,668 | ||||||||||
| Represented by | ||||||||||||
| General Fund | ||||||||||||
| At 1 January2024 | 57,194 | 63,192 | ||||||||||
| Surplus/(Deficit)for theyear | 4,736 - |
11,223 - |
||||||||||
| Transferred | ||||||||||||
| From Designated Funds | 2,000 | 1,199 | ||||||||||
| To Designated Funds | - | 4,026 | ||||||||||
| 54,458 | 57,194 | |||||||||||
| Designated Funds(see below) | ||||||||||||
| At 1 January2024 | 29,437 | 33,463 | ||||||||||
| Surplus/(Deficit)for theyear | 65,471 | 1,199 | ||||||||||
| Transferred | ||||||||||||
| From General Fund | - | 4,026 - |
||||||||||
| To General Fund | 2,000 - |
1,199 - |
||||||||||
| 92,908 | 29,437 | |||||||||||
| Endowment Funds | ||||||||||||
| At 1 January2024 | 25,037 | 24,483 | ||||||||||
| Profit on Investments | 1,009 - |
554 | ||||||||||
| 24,028 | 25,037 | |||||||||||
| Total Funds | 171,394 | £111,668 | ||||||||||
| Designated Funds | ||||||||||||
| Churches Appeal | 68,298 | - | ||||||||||
| Bells | 686 | 686 | ||||||||||
| Bridge Magazine | 4,132 | 3,000 | ||||||||||
| All Saints Re-ordering | 2,189 | 2,189 | ||||||||||
| St Andrew's Maintenance | 7,319 | 9,819 | ||||||||||
| Repairs(ThodyLegacy) | 9,373 | 9,373 | ||||||||||
| Fabric Repairs | 879 | 4,338 | ||||||||||
| Sudan Collection | 32 | 32 | ||||||||||
| Total | 92,908 | £29,437 | ||||||||||
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WOODFORD VALLEY WITH ARCHERS GATE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Notes to Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025
1. Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011. They have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investments which are shown at market value at 31 December 2025. The PCC considers that the charity has the ability to continue as a going concern.
Funds
The General Fund represents the fund of the Parochial Church Council which is not subject to any restriction regarding its use. Designated Funds are either from or for specific projects. The capital of Endowment Funds is not available for revenue expenses.
Incoming Resources
All income is recognized when received. Income Tax and Value Added Tax recoverable are not accrued.
Resources Used
All expenditure is accounted for when incurred.
2. Incoming Resources and Resources Used
Full information appears in the detailed accounts, available from the Honorary Treasurer.
3. Staff Costs
Members of the Parochial Church Council The Chairman’s reimbursed working expenses £3,560 Others Organists’ Fees £1,020
4. Investments
The historical cost of investments was £11,668 and the market value at 31 December 2025 was £52,205 (2024 £54,397).
5. Related Trusts
The Vicar and Churchwardens of Woodford as trustees are the owners of the original site of Woodford Valley Church of England Primary Academy and the curtilage of Woodford Village Cross. They hold a long lease of the school car park.
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6. Risk Management
The Parochial Church Council is responsible for risk management, which is kept under review, and also for safeguarding, health & safety, disabled access and protection of children & vulnerable adults.
7. Contingent Liabilities
There is a contingent liability of £42,300 in respect of contractor costs for ongoing projects at All Saints church including the rebuilding of the boundary wall, replacement heating system, tower stairs repair and path and soakaway restoration.
8. Funds Analysis
Investments
Endowment Funds £23,778 General Fund £28,427 Total £52,205 Cash at Bank and Deposits General Fund £26,282 Designated Funds £92,908 Total £119,190 Total Funds at 31 December 2025 £171,395 (2024 £111,668)
9. Designated Funds
At 31 December 2025, the Designated Funds were subject to the following adjustments:
1. Bridge Magazine Designated Fund
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£2,000 was released to General Fund.
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Grant received from Wiltshire Historical Churches Trust
-
£2,500 applied to Churches Appeal Designated Fund reducing the charge of Repairs & Maintenance to that fund
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Maintenance & Repair Costs charged to designated Funds
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£2,500 in respect of masonry repairs applied to St Andrew’s Maintenance Fund
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- £3,459 in respect of All Saints boundary wall repair applied to Fabric Repairs Designated Fund
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£500 in respect of St Michael’s internal works charged to Fabric Repair Fund
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£9,638 in respect of various repair projects applied to Churches Appeal Designated Fund
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