St Alban's
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 2025
Registered Charity number: 1196796
THE Q-HUPC_H
OF Er￿cLA1ND

The Parochial Church Councll of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Contents
Officers and professional advisers
Trustee annual report
Independent examlners report
Receipts and Payments Summary of Financial Activities
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
10
Notes to the Annual Financial Report
11

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Offlcers and professional advisers
Trustees:
Ex Offlcio:
Priest-in-charge
Rev'd Greta Sawyer (Chair) (from September 2025)
Previously vacont
Ms Beverly Killick. (from September 2025)
Mrs Sue Richardson (Vice chair)
Mr Keith Ford (from May 2025)
Mrs Meg Miller
Mr Andy Hoare
Mrs Cissy Atwine (until October 2025)
Mr Keith Ford
Mr Robert Higson (until May 2025)
Mr Andy Hoare
Mrs Emma Humphrey
Ms Beverly Killick (until September 2025)
Mrs Jemma Robinson
Mrs Jane Sharpe
Mrs Sandra Sheehan (from May 2025)
Mr Geoff Snell (from May 2025)
Mrs Rita Wallis (from May 2025)
Mrs Madeleine Taylor
Mrs Helen Ford
Reader:
Wardens:
Secretary:
Safeguarding officer:
Elected members:
Deanery Synod:
'Despite belns on ex-offic70 position th7s person hos not token up the role of o votins member of the
pcc.
Treasurer:
Finance officer:
Mr James May
Mrs Sue Richardson
1196796
Charity Number:
Registered office:
St Alban's Parish Office
St Alban's Church Hall
Gossops Drive
Crawley
West Sussex
RH118LD
Independent Examiners:
Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA
Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
1.7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastiol Parish of Gossop5 Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
1. About the Parish
St. Alban's church is in the Parish of Gossops 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 of all ages and walks of
life. The church welcomes visitors from within as well as outside the parish boundary to join us as members of
the family.
2. Structure, governance and management of the charity
The govemance of St. Alban's church is conducted in accordance with that specified by the Church of England.
The Paroch7al Church Council (PCC) is registered with HMRC and became a registered charity with the Charlty
Commission in 2021. Its goveming document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. In 2025 we
held six PCC meetings and an APCM. Four Standing Commlttee meetings were also held throughout the year. The
members of the Parochial Church Council who served during the year are listed on the Charities Commission
website. Membetshlp of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain
ex-offlcio members (the incumbent/priest-in-charge, curate (where appropriate), the churchwardens and
members of the Deanery Synods), and 9 members on the electoral roll who are elected at the Annual Parochlal
Church Meeting (APCM). All members of the congregation are encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and
we try to ensure a balance of skills, experience and diversity where possible.
Communication to parishioners is provided via a weekly emailed newsletter (also published on Facebook and
hard copies delivered to those without internet access).
The church has an Authorised Lay Minister: Community Elective (ALM)
2.1 Notable changes
Following the retirement of the Revd Ann Alexander in June 2024, St. Alban's Church started the year in an
interregnum. During this tlme, the running of the church was now solely the responsibility of the two Church
Wardens and PCC with support from the Rural Dean and Archdeacon. The church continued to operate as
'business as usual, with services being covered by visiting vicars.
In September 2025, the Revd Dr. Greta Sawyer was licensed by the Bishop of Horsham as 'Priest fn Charge.. This
is a part-time role that comes as 'House for Duty,.
A Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) was licensed on 20 September.
2.2 Policies
The following policies are held by the PCC:
Health and Safety Policy St Alban's and
Bewbush Barn
Finance Policy
Flnance Reserves Pol7Cy
Significant National Mouming Policy
GDPR Data Privacy Notice
GDPR Data Protection Consent Form
GDPR Audit
Response to Safeguarding Allegations
Safeguarding Policy
Parish Whistleblowing Policy
E-safety Policy
Behaviour Code
Conflict of Interest Policy
Reporting of Serious Incidents
Social Media Policy
Safer Recruitment Policy (The House of Bishops
Guidance on Safer Recruitment and Management
of People - Church
of england.org/safeguarding/ Emanual/safer
recruitment)
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Church Hall Hire Ts and Cs.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
2.3 Safeguard7ng statement
The PCC of the Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush has complied with section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy
Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and
vulnerable adults). The PCC of the Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush is committed to implementing all
safeguarding 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
safeguarding arrangements on the front page of the parish's website and in the porch notice board. The parish
was quick to register to use the new Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and swiftly reached Level 2.
Objectives
The objectives of St. Alban's church are:
The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the
Church of England
Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and ecumenical
To know Jesus better and make Him better known
Practical and spiritual support and care for all people living 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 in order to facilitate our mission
and outreach.
3.1. How St. Alban's objectives have been met
The PCC achieved its objectives by:
Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and making their experience of worship a
welcoming and accessible one
Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community
Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers
Considering how services and outreach events can involve the many groups that live within the parish
Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament and helping to serve
some of the n￿dS of our local communities
Offering worship and prayer and learning about the Gospel in small group situations
Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of, and trust in, Jesus
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
Giving material support to various charities and missionary organisations
Reaching out to the unchurched through the provision of a variety of outreach events.
Impact of St. Alban's Church on the community
St. Alban's church makes a significant impact to people's lives whether from the local community or worldwide.
This ranges from nurturing their spiritual needs to providing practical help.
4.1. Worship and Prayer
St Alban's Church is open Tuesdays-Thursdays from 9.00am - 4.00pm and in our busy world it offers a place for
people to pray or just sit in a quiet and sacred space.
In 2025 there were 79 people recorded on the electoral roll, which is a small decrease from 2024 (83). On
average 57 people attend the Sunday Sung Eucharist. This includes about 14 children, which is higher than the
national average for the Church of England. The older children regularly participate in these services by giving
out service sheets, reading the lesson and intercessions, ringing the bells and serving. It has been noticeable
that the young people have grown in confidence by taking on these roles. The young people go out to Junior

The Parochial Church Coundl of the Eccleslastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
Church at the start of the service and return during the Peace. They do activities that teach them about the
same Gospel or readings be7ng heard in church and have a chance to talk about what they have learnt towards
the end of the seryice, which helps give them confidence with speak7ng in public.
Several all age services were held in 2025 as part of the Sunday Sung Eucharist that were specifically targeted at
young people (no Junior Church is held at this time) e.g. Mothering Siinday. It was a pleasure to welcome 6th
Crawley's Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs to the Remembrance service who were smartly dressed in their uniforms.
A weekly sald Eucharist is held on Thursday mornings that is attended by about 12 people, Major festivals such
as Christmas and Easter, and the Carol Service tend to attract more people from the commun7ty. Other special
services included: the Triduum at Easter, Harvest, Mothering Sunday, Christingle, Taizé, and Wave of Prayer
Services for the Mothers Union. A carol service was held in the Bewbush Barn for the first tfme in several years.
Once again, it was a pleasure to welcome The Holy Trinity Secondary School, who used St. Alban's church to
host their carol service.
4.2. Teaching, baptising and nurturfng new and existing believers in the Christian faith
There were 5 Baptisms in 2025, which involved preparation with the parents/Godparents and the Baptism itself
that took place either in the Sunday Eucharist or a small service with family, friends and representatives from
the church.
The Lent Course was well attended and a lay leader led a weekly bible study group.
We have a dedicated team of volunteers who run Junior Church and this provided excellent teaching for our
young people as well as being very much enjoyed by them.
The annual Good Friday Children's Workshop was well attended and enjoyed by all as was the Christingle
serv7ce.
The Revd Dr. Sawyer has been keen to continue the close relationship we have with the Primary and Secondary
schools in the ne7ghbourhood of Gossops Green. She has taken classes in the Primary school and led a Eucharist
for the teachers at the secondary school.
4.3. Provision of pastoral care
Pastoral care was provided by the pastoral care team and included home communions, regular phone calls and
visits. It was offered to anyone in n￿d, whether they were churchgoers or not.
4.4. Provision of practical support
Helping tho* in need provides a vls7ble demonstration of our faith. Members of the congregation regularly
provided prattical help. We have a box in church for donations to the local food bank, Free Shop Crawley, which
is delivered regularly.
The church runs a Heart of Welcome Café which is a registered 'Place of Welcome, centre. Members of the
community enjoy coming each week as it is a warm and friendly weekly meeting place, also serving as a place of
wamith while energy bills are still so high. Many Outreach3Way carers bring the people they support along to
sociaLise and Age UK refer older people as well. Local councillors, PCSO'S and repre*ntatives from Age UK
sometimes attend and provide advice and practlcal help that benefits those in need.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
Our Tiny Toes toddler group continues to attract more and more people from the whole community and has
proved to be a much needed and welcome wellbeing provision. Weekly attendance is around 20+ families.
Refreshments and craft activities are provided each week for the children and their adults. Christmas and Easter
gifts are given to the children each year. Although initially set-up to support families in the local neighbourhood,
due to its popularity members also now come from further afield. To be fully inclusive, unlike many similar
organisations, pre-booking is not required and there is no set fee (but donations are gratefully received). The
families that attend come from many backgrounds and English is often a second language.
The Mothers, Union (MU) actively supports our mission through projects such as the Rise Up Project to support
Victims of Domestic Abuse. As a result, they have received the Bronze award for supporting victims of domestic
abuse. The MU also issue socks for Gatwick detainees and attend a Carol Service at Brook House, Gatwick's
Immigration Removal Centre.
The parish supports the Family Support Work charity to which the toys donated at the 'Toy Service, were sent.
Regular food donations, including those from our Harvest, are provided throughout the year to Free Shop
Crawley.
The parish supports Link to Hope by sending Christmas shoeboxes filled with useful items and toys to those in
need in Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Every year St Alban's members support the Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal
and collect and fill shoeboxes with items for families and the elderly in Eastern Europe. (42 boxes in 2025).
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 with cooking a weekly meal for the young people.
St. Alban's continues to support Open Doors through prayer, individuals providing financial gifts and advocacy.
The latter is performed by encouraging our Member of Parliament to become informed about the World Watch
List and by signing petitions for support of persecuted Christians, which is 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 Doors.
4.5. Provision of the church buildings for people to enjoy
In addition to church services, one of our main focuses has been to explore ways in 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. As the chairs are not fixed in the church, it provides a large and flexible space for a wide range
of varied activities.
A major event in 2025 was Revd Dr. Sawyer's licensing service which was conducted by the Bishop of Horsham
and attended by nearly 200 people. This included the Archdeacon of Horsham, members of the regular
congregation, 20 robed clergy, councillors, family and friends. Refreshments were served in the church hall
after the service.
The Mother's Union makes good use of the facilities for activities including worship, preparing the Mothering
Sunday posies, making poppfes for Remembrance Sunday and Christmas 'Shine a Light, stars for the very young,
packing socks for Brook House Immigration Removal Centre detainees and collecting food donations for Family
Support Work.
Other events such as the annual Cream Tea afternoon and Christmas Tree Festival and Café are enjoyed by the
whole community. The wonderful cakes and refreshments offered at each event are lovingly baked by the
fundraising team.
There are many other groups who regularly use the church and hall, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Slimming
World, Rainbows, and a Martial Arts class.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
The Barn Church, Bewbush is a useful resource to the parish and atts as a community centre. The building is
used by groups that provide services that benefit the community: The Barn Pre School, Desire2Dance, and Elim
Pentecostal Church; as well as being used for one-off events.
4.6 Significant Activities in 2025
2nd February - Taizé Service
16th February - Dedication service and Bring & Share lunch
18th April - Good Friday Workshop (Messy Church)
22nd June - Patronal Festival and 80th anniversary of Peace
3rd August - Cream Tea
3rd September - Rev'd Greta's Licensing
12th October - Harvest Festival and lunch
19th October - Service for the persecuted church
7th November - Fundraising Painting event
9th November - Remembrance Sunday
22nd November - Safeguarding Training
29th November - MU Silence for Abuse victims
30th November - Christingle Service
6th December - Christmas Tree Festival and Café
7th December - Toy Service
7th December - Grand Draw raffle
7th December - Carols in The Barn
14th December - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
24th December - Crib service and Midnight Mass
25th December - Christmas Day service
Buildings and Maintenance
Maintenance has been periodically carried out on the church and hall throughout the year. This included
stopping leaks in the church roof, redecorating the Lady Chapel and some re-pointing.
Although the church is only about 60 years old, the brickwork on the tower is spalling and scaffolding has been
put around it to catch any falling masonry. This is going to require significant time and money to rettify and the
PCC is identifying suitable grants specifically for this purpose. One other avenue is through encouraging people
to donate via legacies.
St Alban's is currently fundraising and applying for grants for various desperately needed improvements to the
church building so that more mission, outreach and community work can be facilitated.
The church is currently considering the installation of a kitchenette in the church, building a new entrance to
make St. Alban's more accessible and to incorporate toilets within the church. At some stage we would be like
to replace the church hall with a new multi-purpose brick building.

The Parochial Church Council of the Eccleslastical Parlsh of Gossops Green and Bewbush. St Alban's
Trustees Annual Report for 2025
Financial Review
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 that equates to approximately three months of unrestricted payments as contingency
against unforeseen situations.
We also keep three months, income from Bewbush Barn rental fees to cover contingency against unforeseen
situations.
We have a restricted account for special projects.
Unrestricted Funds at the end of 2025 were £72,218. This achieved the reserves as outlined above.
6.2 Risk Management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is expo*d, and are satisfied that systems are in
place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The PCC takes a minimal risk approach to operations. PCC
meetlngs are held every 2.3 months to discuss risks (including upcoming events) and put in place insurance. Wfth
no f7xed assets or debtors, the risk of impairment is minimal. Cash handling remains a risk, with segregation of
duties taking place throughout the parish where POSSTble. There is a Safeguarding Officer in place in order to
ensure that we can manage vulnerable people appropriately.
Appointing Trustees
The church seeks new PCC members and trustees annually. This process starts when an AGM notice is displayed
in Church 3 weeks before the meeting. This notice states the desired number of PCC members required &
Deanery Synod roles. Before the meeting, those who are willing to stand are asked to sign a nomination form
which they sign along with proposal & seconder. Thts individual is then put forward at the AGM and voted on by
those present. All members of our PCC are trustees and the details added to Charity Commissioners website.
Approval
This Trustees, Annual Report has been approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Revd Dr. Greta
Sawyer, PCC Chair.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastital Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Recelpts and Payments Summary of Financial Actmties
Note
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Trading activlties
Other receipts
Total received
42,406
43,545
819
86,770
42,406
43,545
819
86,770
35,989
40,726
4,164
80,879
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activites
Other payments
Total paid
218
50,507
14,134
64,859
218
50,507
14,517
65,242
274
47,377
12,482
60,133
383
383
Reconcillatfon of funds:
Net income
Funds at 1 January
Funds at 31 December
21,912
50,306
n,218
(383)
15,878
15,495
21,529
66,184
87,713
20,746
45,438
66,184

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastlcal Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Notes to the Annual Flnandal Report
1. Basis of preparatlon
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011
and the Church Accounting regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments Basis.
2. Analysis of total received
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)
Planned giving (no tax refunds)
Loose cash collections
Speclal appeals
Gift ald recovered
Donatfons
23,253
1,939
1,962
9,862
5,390
42,406
23,253
1,939
1.962
9,862
5,390
42,406
23,529
1,750
1,629
3,197
5,884
35,989
Rental income
Fundraising events
Tradlng activlties
38,659
4,886
43,545
38,659
4,886
43,545
37,196
3,530
40,726
Fees for weddings and funerals
Other receipts
Other recelpts
Total received
332
487
819
332
487
819
491
3,673
4.164
86,770
86,770
80,879
11

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Statement of Assets and Liabilitles
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
Assets:
Bank current account
72,218
15,495
87,713
66,184
Note 7 has further details on restricted funds.
Liabilities:
At the year end the following estimated liabilities existed (all to be paid from unrestricted funds):
2025
2024
Accruals
1,380
1,552
This Financial Report for the period ended 31 December 2025, including the notes following, was
approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Rev'd Greta Sawyer, PCC Chair:
6.5.S
Date:
Iq APJ Z•z6
10

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Notes to the Annual Financial Report
3. Analysis of total paid
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
Note
Event costs
Raising funds
218
218
218
218
274
274
Charitable donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Interregnum costs
Salaries and honoraria incl Nl
Clergy and other people's expenses
Mission costs
Insurance
Water, gas, electric, and oil
Printing and photocopying
Wedding and funeral costs
Other regular church running costs
Charitable actlvitles
20,004
1,944
3,949
1,825
477
4,461
11,496
2,504
366
3,480
50,507
20,004
1,944
3,949
1,825
477
4,461
11,496
2,504
366
3,480
50,507
20,004
1,206
3,802
2,184
1,193
4,363
8,807
2,838
1,167
1,813
47,377
Maintenance & redecoration
Accountancy fees
Bank fees
Other payments
Other payments
10,862
1,350
116
1,806
14,134
383
11,245
1,350
116
1,806
14,517
9,916
1,284
120
1,162
12,482
383
64.859
383
65,242
60,133
4. Parish share to Chichester Diocese
The Parish share to Chichester Diocese of £20,000 (2024: £20,000) is for the payment of Clergy and
other central costs. The full cost of the parish ministry amounts to c.£85,000 for the year (2024:
c.£81,000). The shortfall is not payable by the parish in future years.
5. Gift aid
Gift aid is recoverable on donations received up to the year end. Due to the preperation on the basis
of cash accounting, there is Gift Aid due on December's donation after the year end.
12

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Notes to the Annual Financial Report
6. Payments to PCC employees
2025
2024
Gross pay
Honaria payments
Salaries and honaria per note 3
3,749
200
3,949
3,501
301
3,802
7. Restricted funds
The PCC continues to fund raise for a building project which will take place in phases but will result
in the repair of the church tower, construction of a new entrance hall, the upgrade of Wcs and the
kitchen area, and a new church hall.
Furthermore the charity has also received funds which are restricted for expenditure in relation to
the ToddLer group at the church.
2025
2024
Building fund
Toddler group
13,053
2,442
15,495
13,436
2,442
15,878
8. Related party transactions
During the year there were various donations from trustees to the parish. Due to many being 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 (because
cash floats are not given out), which were then reimbursed.
Furthermore the utility, council tax, and phone bills of the clergy and curates are paid by the
charity, with rent and wages being paid by the Diocese (for which this charity pays through
contributions, see note 3).
There were no other related party payments or receipts during the year.
13

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
Independent examiners report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the
Ecclesiastical Parish of Gossops Green and Bewbush, St Alban's
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended
31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 1 to 12.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charitvs trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the ACY).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the
Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the
Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA
Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
Registered in England
CompanyNumber 4681154
1-7 Station Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1HT
Date: 1 May 2026