The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's Trustees Annual Report and Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity number: 1196796
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parfsh of fjossops Green and Bvrtbuth. St Auyan Contents OffirS and profe&sional advtsers Tnst& aDr*1 report Independent examlners report Recelpts and Payments summary of FTnanctal ktivities statement of tsssets and Liab111tfes Notes to the Annual F)rwla1 Rei io
The Parochial ChL%rch Cwncil of the Eccle5TOStFcal Parish of G0550ps Green arKI B¥bLL%h, St Alban Officers and professioftal advisers Trusteg5: Ex Officio: IncumbenL' Revd. Ann Alexander Ichalrl (retired 7 July 24) Currently vocant h5 Delrah Cowte (until 15 December 20241 Mrs s Richards(x) Nice chairl Mr Alan Magrath" ILmtll 12 Pkny 20241 Mf5 Meg Millert (from 12 May 20241 Mr Andy Fkre Wardens: Secretary: Safeguardlng offTcer. Elected membgrs". Mr Geoff Bull lunttl 8 July 2024) Mrs Caroline Edwards (until 1Z May ZOZ41 Mr Keith Ford Mr Robert Higson Mr An(ty Hoa Mrs Ernma Humphrey Ms Beverly Killick Sarah Ma8rath luntll 12 May 214) Mr5 Jane sharpe Mrs Madeleine Taylor A4r5 Helen Ford (from 12 May 20241 Mrs CSssy (from 6 September 20241 Mts Jemma Robinson (from 17 Septernber 20241 Deanery SyftKMI.. Madeleine Taylor Mrs Helen Ford (from 12 May 20241 •e5plte beFns ex-offido p%ltlon thisperson has ngt taken ¢p the mle of a voting member of the pcc. Treasurèr". Finance officer: Mr Jarnes May Mrs Sue Richaid5 Charity Number. 1196796 Re8iStÈred officè: St Aibans Parish Officè St Albans Church Hall Gossops Drtve Crawley West Su55ex RH11 8LD Independent Examiners: Darn Hardin8 ACA FCCA tKhA thard Pla tJ)b50n Services Limited 1-7 Statlon Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 1Hr
ounci e Eccle5ia5tical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbu5h, St Alban's Tru5tee5 Annual Report for 2OZ4 About thè Parish St. Alban's church is in the Parish of Gos50ps Green and Bewbush, which are two neighbourhoods on the west side of Crawley. It is part of the Deanery of East Grinstead and the Diocese of Chichester. St. Alban's church prides itself for being inclusive and has a multicultural congregation Df all age5 and walks of Iffe. The church welcome5 W51tor5 from within as well a5 outside the parTsh boundary to join us as members of the farnily. 1.1 Notice of Suspension of Presentation On Septernber 11th 2024, the Parish Wardens were advised that the presentatk>n of the Benefice of G05sops Green and Bewbush St. Alban's was suspended for a period of five years. Under the provision5 of the Mission and Pastoral ea5ure Z011, this allowed for the temporary liftin£ of a patron's right to present an incumbent for appointrnent to a parish. The Bishop would remain responsible for the cure of souls which would normally be exercised by the appointtnent of a priest-in charge, or by arranging for neighbourfng clergy to serve Tfb the parish. Structure. goYèrn3nce and management of the ¢harity The s¥)vernance of St. Alban's church is conducted In accordance with that specified by the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is registered with HMRC and became a registered charity with the Charity Commission in 2021. Its governin8 document 15 the Parochial Church Countils IPowet5I measu 1956. In 2024 we held six PCC meeting5 and an APCM. Four Standing Comtnittee meetings were also held throughout the year. The members of the Parochial Church Counril who served during the year are listed on the Charities Commission web51te. Membership of the PCC is deteTmined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex- officio members Ithe incumbentlpriest-in-charge, curate (where appropriatel, the churchwardens and membe of the Deanery Syno(tsl, and 9 mernbers on the electoral roll who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeti#g IAPCMI. All members of the congregation are encotjraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensu a balance of skilts, experience and diver57ty where possible. Communication to parishioners is provided via a weekly ema71ed new51etter (also publlshed on F3boOk and hard copies deliVed to those without intemet access). 2. 1. Notable Changes s our car. the Revd Ann Alexander. retired In June 2024, St. Alban'5 Church is in ari interregnum. The running of the church is now solely the re5pon5ibility of the Church Warden5 and PCC with support frorn the Rural Dean and Archdeacon. The church has continued to operate a5'bus7ness as usual, with sèrvices being coveied by w51ting cars. The church also has two lay leaders lone who is In training } who are authorised to take certain parts of 5ervTCe. 2.2. Safeguarding statement The PCC of the Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbu5h has complied with section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy DiscÉpline Measure 2016 Iduty to ha¥e due regard to House of Bishop5' guidance on Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults1. The PCC of the Parish of G0550ps Green and Bewbush is committed to implementing all safeguarth.ng policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops and have adopted the 'Promoting a Safer Church-, Safeguarding Policy Statement,. The PCC has implemented the new requirement to have saieguarding arrangements on the front page of the parysh's website and in the porch notrtr board. The parish has also achieved the SQP Level I qualiry assurance assessment.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's Trustees Annual Report for Z024 2.3 Pollcles The following policies are upheld by the PCC and are regularly updated: Health and Safety Policy St Alban's, Health and Safety PolTr¢y Bewbush Barn, Finance Policyi Finance Reserve5 Policy, Significant National Mouming Poliry, GDPR Data Privacy Notice. GG Data Protection Consent Form, GDPR Audlt, Response to Safeguarding Allegation5, Safeguarding Policy, Parish Whistleblowing Policy, E.Safety Policy> Behaviour Code, Asjthorised Sidespersons, Conflict of Interest Policyi Reporting of Serious Inodents, Social Media Policy, Safer RecruTtment Policy, IThe House of Bishops Guidance orl Safer Recruitment and Management of People Church of england.orglsafeguarding/Emanuallsafer recruitment), and Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Objectives The objertive5 of St. Alban's church are". The prornotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of En8land Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical To know Jesus better and rnake Him better known Practical and spiritual support and care for all people liiqng in the parish. from the youngest to the oldest, irrespective of level of need or ability to pay Maintaining the fabric of our buildings for worship and community life Tn order to faci17tate our rnission and outreachz 3.1. How St. Alban's objectlvès have been met The PCC achieved its objectives by: Enabling as many people as ry)ssible to worship at our church and making their exrienCe of worship a welcoming and accessible tsne Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish com]ThJnity Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers Considerin£ how seMce5 and OutaCh events can involve the many groups that live wlthin the parish Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture. music and sacrament and helping to serve some of the needs of our local ctsmmunities Qffering worship and prayer and leaming about the Gospel Tn small groLP Situatior15 Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of, and trust In, Jesu$ Provision of pastoral care for pèople I?ng in the parish Glving material support to various charities and mlsslonary organisations ReachTng out to the Unchurch through the prOS7on of a variety of outreach events Impart of St. Alban's Church on the Community St. Alban's chLtrch makes a significant Tmpact to people's lives whether from the local commLTrnity or worldmde. This ranges fro¥n nurturing their Spiritual needs to providing practical he. 4. 1. Worship and Prayer St Alban's Church is open during the day on a Tuesday and Wednesday and on a Friday morning. and in our busy world it offers a place for people to pray or just sil in a quiet and sa¢d space.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbu5h, St Alban's Tnsstees Annual Report for 2024 In 2024 there were 84 people recorded cy) the electoral roll. which is a small increase from 2023. On average 60 people attend the Sunday Sung Eucharist. This includes about20 children, which is higherthan the national average for the Church of England. The older d)ildren rularLY participate in these setTrices by gNing out service sheets, reading the lesson and intercessions. r5nging the be115 and serwng. It ha5 been noticeable that the ytsung people have grown in confidence by taking on these roles. As a result it enabled them to lead the Crrib Serwce. The youno people go out to Junior ChLsrch at the start of the serrice and return during the Peace. They do activities that teach them about the same Gospel or readings being heard in church and have a chance to talk about what they have leamt toward5 the end of the seTrlce, which help5 give them confldence wth saking in public. Several all age servT¢e5 were held in 2024 as part of the Sunday Sung Eucharist that were specifically targeted at young people Ino Junior Church 15 held at this timel e.g. Mothering Sunday. A weekly said Euchadst TS held that is attended by abtsut 12 people. Major festlvais such as Christmas aThJ Easter, and the Carol Service tend to attratt more people from the community. Other special services included= the Triduim at Easter, HaNest, Mothering Sunday, Christlngle, Taize, and Wave of Prayer Serrice5 for the Mother5 Llnion. Once again, it was a pleasure to welcome The H(Jly Trtnlty Secondary School. who used St. Alban's church to host thelr carol service. 4.2. Teachin& baptising and nurturing new and existing bellevers in the Christian faith The were 3 Baptisms in 2024. which involved preparation with the parentslGodparents and the Baptism itself that took place elther in the Sunday Eucharist or a small servfce with family> frierbd5 and representatives f rom the church. The Lent Course was well attended and a lay leader led a fortnightly bible stu(ty group. We have a ded7cated team of volunteers who njn Junior Church and this pro excellent teaching for our young people well as being very much enjoyed by them. The annual Good Friday Children's Workshop was well attended and enjoyed by all140 children and 15 adults) as was the Christingle serrice143 attendees). Classes from Year 2 of Gossops Green Primary school visited the thurch as part of their studies io learn about the building, Its features and how these are used. A member of the congregation and a retired vicar showed them around and answered the5r quegtion5. A mefftber of the cOngatIon visited Year 3 classes of Gossop5 Green Primary School to teach them about the meaning and symtois of Advent 4.3. Provision of pastoral care Pastoral care was prowded by the pastoral care team and included home communions, regular phone calls and visits. It was offered to anyone in need. whether they were churchgoers or not. 4.4. Prowsion of practical 5UPPOf. Helping those in need provides a SIbLe demt>nsrration of our faith. Members of the congregation regularly provided practical help e.g. small jobs, shopping to those identified in need. We have a box in church for donations io the local foodbank, Freeshtsp Crawley. which is deliVed resuLarly. The church run5 a Heart of Welcome Café whith is a registered 'Ptace of Welcome, trntye. MembeT5 of the community enjoy coming each week a5 It is a warm and friendly weekly meeting place, also seNng as a place of warmth while energy bills are still so high. Social Service5 and NH5 staff bring clients with whom they are working on a one to one basis and Age UK refer older people well. Some people have been referred to the weekly health walk led by one of the volunteers. Local council10, PCSO'S and representatives from Age UK attend regularly to provide advice and practical help to those who attend.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesidstlcal Parish of f)sSOP5 Green and Bewbush, St Alban's Trustees Annual Report for 2024 OurTlny Toes toddler £roup continues to attract more and more people from the whole community aftd has prcTrved to be a much nded and welcome wellbeing pr510. Weekly attendance is around 204 familie5. Refreshment5 and craft actiwties are prowded each week for the children and their adults. Christma5 and Easter grifts are gTven to the children each year. The Mothers. Unfon IMUI actlvely 5UPPOrts our mis510ri through projects such a5 the Rlse Up Project tg 5UPPOrt Victims of Dome5tlc Abuse. As a result, they have received the Bronze award for supporting victim5 of domestic abuse. The MU a150 i55ue Socks for Gatwck detainees and attend a Carol Service at Brook House, Gatwick's Immigration Rernoval Centre. The parish has 5UPPOrted the Fatnily Support Work charity throughryjt the year wth regular food donations, half of our Harvest donatlons and the annual Toy Service. Food collecdon5 are also colletted and delIved regularly to the Free Shop Crawley. The parish supports Link to Hope by sending Christmas shceboxes filled with useful items and toys to those in t)eed in Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine148 boxe5 in 20241. We also support Open House, and the YMCA hub which supports young people as they move into adulthood and we have church members who help cooking a weekly meal for the young people. St. Alban'5 continues to support Open Doors through prayer, indivTduals providing financial gifts and advocacy. The latter is perfomied by encouraging our MeTnEer of Parliament to become infornd about the World Watch List and by gnIng petitions for sUPPOrt of persecuted Christians, which 15 directed to national governments and the United Nations. We held our annual service dedicated to the persecuted church where the congregation learnt about the work performed by Open Door5. 4.5. Provision of the church buildTng5 for people to enjoy In addition to church seThice5, one of our mafn focuse5 has been to explore ways 7n which our church buildings can be used for groups and events that are of value to our local community. These can take place in the church or church hall. A5 the chairs are riot fixed in the church, it prowde5 a large and flexible space for a wide range of varied activities. A major event in 2024 was Rev. Ann'5 final setmce which was well attended by the regular congregation and those ttt whom she crossed paths in the community and wider afield during her 11 years in office. A celebration lunch was held that reinforced the sense of comtnunity in rhe churth. Other events such as the annual Cream Tea afternoon, Christmas Fair and Tree Festival, are enjoyed by the whole community. The wonderful cakes and refreshments offered at each event a lovingly baked by the fundraising team. There are many other group5 who regularly use the church and hall, including Alcoholic5 Anonymous, Slimming Wortd, Rainbows, a Martial Arts cia5S. The Bam Church Bewbush is no longer used for regular Anglican seTVtces but it provide5 a resource centre for the parish and acts as a community centre. The building is Used by regular groups who prowde services that benefit the community- The Bam Pre School. Desire Z Dance, and Elim Pentecostal Church, as well as being used for one. off events. 4.6. Si4nrficant ActTYities in 20Z4 Taize Service Visioning Day Fund raising Concert given by an ex-chorister who now performs professionally Whole church meeting with Archdeacon Angela and Rev'd Richard Poole
The Paro¢hial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parfsh of G05SOP5 Green and Beyush, St Alban's Trustee5 Annual Report for 2024 Patron31 Festival and Rev'd Ann's 'send-ofP Creatn Tea Anne Oldham's talk on her job a5 rnakeup artist for Downton Abbey Harvest Festival Lunch Christingle serwce Christmas Tree Festival and Fair & Grand Draw Carol 5eNce Crfb service The Future St Alban'5 15 currently fundrdi5ing for various desperately needed imFrovements to the church building 50 that more rnis5ion. outreach and community work can be facilitated. Medium temi plans include the installation of a kitchenette in the church. Thts will rnake it easier anii safer to provide coffee after church serwces and othercommunal gatherfngs, which currently has to come from the church hall. Further longer term plans indude building a new entran to make St. Alban's more aCCesbIe and to incorporate toilets within the church. At 50me stage we would be like to replace the church hall with a new multi-purpose brick buiidTng. Financial Review The sufflmary of financial activTtie5 shows an InCaSe In givingp an 7case fjn the nurnr of hirers of the Church Hall and a reduct7on in expenditure. The tower qUIreS signiflcant time and money to make it structurally sound and the PCC is fundralslng an(i identifwng suitable grants specifically for thi5 project. 6.1. Reserves It is the PCC'S policy that due to the age and condition of the buildings, it should maintain a balance on the general unrestricted funds vthich equate5 to approxtmately two months of unresLricted payments as contingency against 15nlore5een situations. The c105ing balance on unrestricted funds at the end of 2024 was c.£50,0(KJ, whid) achieved this. 6.2. Risk Managemen: The tnjstees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitfgate exposure to the major risk5. The PCC takes a minimal risk approach to operation5. PCC meetings are held every 2-3 month5 to discuss risk5 lincluding upcoming events) and put in pLace insurance. With no fixed assets or debtor5, the risk of impaiTment is minimal. Cash handling remains a risk. segregation of duties taking place throughout the parish where possible. There is a Safeguard7ng Officer ?n place in order to ensure that we can manage vulnerable people appropriately. Atrproval Th7$ TnJstees' Annual Report has been approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Sue Richard50n, PCC Chair. Date-
he Parhla1 ChLJrch C¢yJncil of the Ecclesiastlcal Parish of G05s0ps Grèen and BewbLtsh, St Alban's Independent exarnlners report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Eccleslasti¢al Parfjth of G)550ps Green and 8ewbush. St Alban'5 I report to the chwity trustee5 on my examlnatTon of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 L)ecember 2024 which a set out on pages 1 to 12. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charivs trustees you are responsible fvrthe preparation of the accounts in accordan with the reqL4irements of the Charitie5 Act 20111.the ACVI. I rep)rt in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carrfed our Lder Secti 145 of thÈ Att and in carrying r*Jt my examinaOn I have followed au the applicable Dirertions gi¥a) by the Charity CoMmi10n under Section 1451511bl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have co¥npleted my examinatyon. I conftrnthat no material matters have come to my attention in Connertion with the examination gNing me cause to believethat in any materjal respect: l. accounting records were not kept In respeLt of the tharity as required by 5ertlon 130 of the Act- or 2. the accounts do not accord wth Etr5e records I have no cerns and h)ve ccme across no other matters in connection with the examinatktn to whlch attention sho¢Jld be drdwn in this report in order to enable a proper derstanding of the accounts to be reached. Datren Iptardlng ACA FCCA DChA Rlchard Place Dobson Semces Lfm5ted Registered in England Company Number 4681154 1-7 Station Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 11 14 April 2025
aroc ia Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Albants Receipts artd Payments Summary of Finan¢lal AttivlUe5 Note Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Trtal Fund5 Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Incorne and wO0wnnts fronL' Donation5 and legacies Trading activtties Othèr weipts Total received 35,489 40,726 SC 35.989 40.726 4,164 80.879 45,663 40.206 1.492 87.361 2.442 2,942 77.937 Expenditure on: Ralslng fuThJs Charitable )rtTVite5 Other payrnents Total pald 274 47,377 12.482 60,133 274 47,377 12.482 60.133 121 44.713 Z7.199 72.033 Reconthllation of fun(ts: Net income Funds at 1 January Fuftds at 31 Dè¢ernber 17,804 32,502 50,306 2.942 12.936 15,878 20.746 45.438 66.184 15.328 30.1qO 45.438
arc( ia Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gow Green and Bewbush. St Alban Statement of A55ets and Li•bllitie5 Unre5trtrted ftestrfcred Funds Funds rotal Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 bank current accourit 50,306 15,878 66.184 45.438 Note 7 has further detalls on restrictedfunds. Llabilities: At the year end the following ettimated Ilabilitles exlsted (all to be pald from unrestritted f1(15). 2024 2023 Acc15 1,552 2,490 This FlnarKlal Report fur the ended 31 December 2024, including the rteS following) approved by the PCC and sigfied its behalf by s, Chair: Date: 11 . Lt .
The Parhla1 Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of GrAsops Green and Bewbush, St Alban5 Notes to the Annual Fln•JKSal Report l. BasTs of preparation The financ?al starements of thè PCC have been prepared In accordance with the Charftles Art 2011 and the Church Accounting regulatIr 2C6, using the Recefpts and Payments Basis. 2. Analysis of total rffeived Ut)restricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Tota Fund5 2024 2¢r24 2024 2023 Planned givlng lexcl. refund5 Planned gSving Ino tax refunds) Loose cash collection5 SFecial apFeais Glft aid recovered Donations 23.529 1.750 1,629 2,697 23,529 1.750 1.629 3.197 5.884 35.989 23.434 2.27T 2.366 11,726 5,860 45,663 500 35,489 500 Rental income Fundraising evertts Trnding activlties 37,196 3,530 40,n6 37,196 3.530 40.726 37.625 1581 40,206 Fees for weddings and funerals other receipts Othv receipts 491 1,231 491 3.673 4.164 1.084 408 1.492 2.442 2,442 Total received 77,937 2,942 80.879 87,361 10
aro¢hTal Church Council of the EcclesTastical Parish of Gossops Gn and Bewbush, St Alban¥ Notes to the Annual Flnanthal Rèport 3. Analysi5 of total pal¢J Unrestiicted Restricted Fd5 Funds Totsl Fund5 Tot41 Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Note Event Costs Raisln¥ fund5 274 274 274 274 121 121 Charitable donatiC115 Parish share w Chichester Diocese Interregnum costs Salar?es and horari& incl Nl Clèrgy and other wple'5 expenses Misslon costs Insurance Water, gas, elertthc. and 011 Printing and photcwyir Wedding and funeral costs Other regular church runnlng costs Charit4ble actlvities 20.004 1,206 3,802 2,184 1,193 4,363 15,(AX) 1,206 3,802 2,184 1,193 4,363 8,807 2,838 1,167 1,813 47.377 3,525 4.289 13,4C 2,412 2,838 1,167 1,813 47.377 1,536 44.713 M3Tntenance & redecoration Accountancy fees Bank fees Other payment5 9,936 9.916 1,284 120 1,162 12,482 24,737 1,2f 120 120 1,162 12.482 27,199 60,133 60,133 72.033 4. Parlsh Share to Chichester l*ocese The Parish share to Chichester Diocese of QO,00012013'. E15,0001 is for the payment of Clergy and other central cvsts. The full cost ¢)f the parish ministry amounts to C.£81.0 for the year12023: c£80,(MXIi. The shortfall is not payable by the parish in future year5. 5. Glft ai Gift ald 15 rtcoverJble on donations received up t4 the year end. the to thè PperatiOn on the basis of cash accounting. tlwe is Gift Aid on DeMb,$ donation after the year end.
The Parnxhial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parfsh of Gossopg Green and Bewbush, St Alban¥ Notes to the Annual Finanthal Report 6. Payments to PCC employee5 2024 2023 Gr05s pay Honaria payments Salaries and honaria per note 3 3,501 301 3.802 3,300 225 3,525 7. Restrlcted fut)ds The PCC continues to fund raise for a buiLdin8 projert which will take place in pha5e5 but will result in the repair of the church tower, constrLrtTon of a entrance hall, the upsrade of Wcs and the kftthen a4. and a new churth hall. Furthermo the charity ha5 atso received fund5 whlth are restricted for expenditure in rettion to the Toddler group at the church. 2024 2023 Buildingfvnd Toddler group 13,436 2.442 15,878 12,936 12,936 . Related party transathons During the year there were various donations from tnJ$tees to the parish. Oue to many bein4 in cash it is not possible to quantify the amounts. During the period there were various expenses paid for by trustees on behalf of the church {beCae cash floats a wven outl, 5(h were then reirnbursed. Furthermore the uLility, councll tax, and phone bills of the clergy and curates are paid by t tharity. WTth rert and wage5 being paid by the OreSe {for vlhich thfs char(ty pay5 throLryh contribution5, see note 31. There yre no other related party payments or receipts tjuring the year. 12