2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Report

The Parochial Church Council of the

Ecclesiastical Parish of Heathfield

All Saints’ Old Heathfield, St.Richard’s Heathfield, and St.George’s Broad Oak

For the year ended 31 December 2024

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
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CONTENTS

Page
Sequestrator’s Report 3
Financial Review 5
Financial Accounts 6
Examiner’s Report 11
Website: www.heathfieldbenefice.org.uk Incumbent: To be appointed Church Wardens: Miss Jane Eales Mrs. Marigold Clarke Independent Examiner: Mr. Gary Hicks, FCCA 14 Meadow Way, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8AF. Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc.

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Heathfield Parochial Church Council Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024

1.1 Sequestrator’s Report

T HEthroughout 2024. The Churchwardens, Miss BENEFICE HAS been in interregnum Jane Eales and Mrs Marigold Clarke, together with the Rural Dean, Revd Marc Lloyd, have been the Sequestrators of the Parish. At the end of 2024 there were 111 people on the electoral roll. The PCC, as trustees of the parish, met eight times during 2024. Sub-committees of the PCC met regularly to deal with the financial administration of the parish, the maintenance of the church buildings and grounds, and the administration and care of St.Richard’s Hall. All sub-committees reported back to the PCC.

The Ministry Team, comprising the parish’s Readers and two local retired clergy, met with the churchwardens regularly.

Our aims and purposes as a charity

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in:

• 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

• To engage with all sectors of the local community, including school, colleges, and public services, in order to embed the Church in the life of the local community

• Practical support and care for the people in the parish

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

Attendance and worship

Numbers attending worship across all three churches in the Parish have remained stable throughout the year.

There was at least one service of Holy Communion in the Parish every Sunday throughout the year, as well as non-Eucharistic services on some Sundays. There was also a said service of Holy Communion on all but two Wednesday mornings in 2024 and, once a month, a said BCP service of Holy

Communion early on a Sunday morning. We are very grateful to our two local retired priests, Revd. Canon Lucy Murdoch and Revd. Ann Pollington, who presided at most of our services of Holy Communion and conducted all the baptisms in 2024.

The Benefice Choir, as well as singing at morning services and on special occasions, sang choral evensong once a month during the year at St.Richard’s Church. Most Sunday services were live-streamed, primarily for the benefit of those who are housebound or are unable to get to a service. Some funerals also were live-streamed for those relatives and friends unable to travel to the service.

Our Remembrance Sunday service involved local uniformed organisations and, for the second year, some members of Warbleton Brass Band played for the service.

The children and staff of All Saints and St.Richard’s School, our local voluntary aided primary school, walked to All Saints’ Church for a school service five times in 2024.

All three of our church buildings were open every day during daylight hours for anyone to come into a quiet space to pray.

Evangelism and Outreach, and Provision of Pastoral Care

St.Richard’s Hall has been used by many church and community groups. It has been hired out to individuals, families and groups for meetings, activities and hospitality; these include the rehearsal venue for the Cake and Wine Choir, and weekly meetings of the Heathfield Folk Dance Group, Heathfield Dementia Café, and Heathfield Rainbows and Brownies. The Arts and Crafts Group, run by church members, now includes board games; Scrabble is proving very popular. These afternoons are open to all members of our local community and provide opportunity for socialising, particularly for those who live alone, as well as a warm space during the winter months.

An informal, monthly, free lunch continues to happen in St.Richard’s Hall. It is run by members of the church community and is open to all. There are two, weekly baby and toddler groups, run by

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church members, one in St.Richard’s Hall and the other in St.George’s Parish Room. A Book Club meets monthly at the back of St.Richard’s Church, as does a very active Mothers’ Union branch.

Our provision for children continued in the Sunday Club (during the service on Sunday mornings), the Junior Choir, and our links with All Saints’ and St.Richard’s Primary School. For older people, we continue to engage with Country Lunches, which offers a lunch fortnightly for up to 50 elderly residents. We maintain regular links with Heffle Court (a local care home) by providing tea and conversation to the residents, and both our choirs sang for the residents at Christmas time.

The monthly service of Holy Communion which has been held in Holdenhurst, an independent living complex in the parish, continues to be well received and the number of people attending has grown.

A Friendship and Bereavement Group meets once a month in a café in Heathfield High Street, led by our Authorised Lay Minister. The venue has needed to be changed to a larger café to accommodate the number of people wanting to attend. The ALM also led a course entitled The Bereavement Journey which was valued by, and helpful to, many people. It is planned to repeat this course in 2025.

F our members of the parish have taken home communion to those who are unable to attend church services due to illness or infirmity.

Four days in November saw the first Nativity Set Festival in St.Richard’s Church. This was wellattended by local people, who came to view over a hundred nativity sets which had been loaned for the occasion.

The free Heathfield Magazine, produced by Heathfield Benefice, contains many and varied articles covering a very broad range of interests. 1400 copies were distributed in the town each month and it is also available on the benefice website.

We actively support Heathfield Street Pastors and School Pastors. Two Street Pastors and four School Pastors are members of this parish, with a further two members of our parish about to complete training to become School Pastors. Both groups are supported by Prayer Pastors, who also include parishioners among their number.

The parish continues to support Family Support Work, a diocese-based charity, by providing a base

for their local caseworker at St.George’s Parish Room and by regularly donating food and other items which are distributed to where they are needed.

Provision of the church buildings for people to enjoy

All the church buildings and church grounds in the parish have been mainly maintained by a team of volunteers.

With the help of FASCOH (the Friends of All Saints’ Old Heathfield) in raising the necessary funds, All Saints’ Church clock now has working chimes. At the end of 2024, plans and permissions were being put in place to redecorate the interior of All Saints’ Church and update the lighting and the sound system, with work due to begin in January 2025.

In 2024, new lighting was installed in the chancel and sanctuary at St.Richard’s, replacing the obsolete tungsten lamps with more cost-effective, dimmable LEDs.

St.Richard’s Church and All Saints’ Church have been venues for concerts, exhibitions and meetings, while still primarily being places where people can worship together and pray individually and corporately.

There has been a growing number of people joining the team of bellringers, learning how to ring the changes in the belltower at All Saints’ Church. They rang the bells before services at All Saints’ on Sunday mornings and on special occasions.

Deanery Synod

Four members of the PCC sit on the Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. A summary report of the proceedings of the Synod appears in the reports booklet.

Looking ahead

During this time of interregnum we aim to keep all our commitments going as far as possible, whilst seeking for a new Vicar of Heathfield who will lead us into the next phase of God’s mission for His Church here.

The work and mission of the benefice is actively supported by a large team of people, working together for the furtherance of the Gospel in Heathfield.

Jane Eales Churchwarden and PCC Vice-Chair

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Financial Review

The attached accounts represent the financial activity of All Saints’ Church, Old Heathfield, St Richards Heathfield and St George’s Church, Broad Oak, Heathfield during the year 2024. The accounts for these Churches are consolidated into one account.

The total receipts within the General and Unrestricted Fund were £126,415 and are detailed in the Financial Statements.

The planned Giving through Envelopes and Bankers Orders decreased by 0.1% and the total overall income – including tax recovered – decreased by 0.2%.

The largest item of expenditure was the Parish Contribution £47,300 to the Diocese to cover our Vicar, Curate and ministry costs. Our contribution for 2025 has increased by 5.7% to £50,000.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to invest fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund, the total of which is £81,156.

Structure, governance and management of the charity

The PCC is a charity, and is registered with the Charity Commission and the registered number is 1201528 Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Power) Measure 1956. Incumbent: Vacancy

Church Wardens: Mrs Marigold Clarke Miss Jane Eales (Vice-Chair; Deanery Synod Rep; also on Diocesan Synod)

Deanery Synod Representatives: Dr Susan Greener (also on Diocesan Synod) Mr David Gardiner Mrs Patricia Weaver

Elected Members:

Mr Alan Clark Mrs Janette Reid Mrs Jennifer Gardiner Mr Colin Saunders Mrs Diana Hughes Mrs Mary Sumner Mr Joseph Peters Mr Peter Weaver

Mrs Heather Bruce Mrs Judy Piper Ex Officio: Mr Nicholas Rayment (Treasurer) Co-opted

PCC Secretary: Mrs Hazel Nicol

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules and consists of certain ex-officio members, the vicar and lay readers licensed to officiate in the church, the church wardens and members of the Deanery, Diocesan or General Synods, and members of the church who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by Miss Jane Eales, PCC Vice-Chair

…............................................... Date: ……………………………….

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Financial Accounts The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Heathfield All Saints, Old Heathfield, St.Richard's Heathfield, and St.George's Broad Oak Financial Statements for the year ended 31st Decemeber, 2024 Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments Unrestrl£ted Totol Totol General Desigt)ated Fund Funds DesiEnated osit Restrlrted All Funds All Funds Funds 2024 2023 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 89,450 5,298 27,537 882 soo 1,092 91,042 5,298 27,537 2,779 68,316 5,219 29,719 2,605 50 Investments 1,599 298 Other receipts Total recelved 123,167 2,099 1.390 126,656 126,109 Expenditure on.. Cost of raising fund5 Charitable costs 107,850 25,837 225 3,420 111,495 25.837 101,259 Trading c05t5 Other payments 25,619 11,0951 11,0951 12,233) Total paid 133,687 225 2,325 136,237 124,645 Retonciliotiort offvnds.. Net income or Inet expenditure) 110,5201 1,874 19,5811 1,464 Transfers between funds 14,307 19,1841 17,1531 2,030 Net movement in fund5 3.787 17.3101 17.1531 1.095 19.5811 1,464 Bank accounts at l January 2024 62,456 44,189 14,062 37,926 158,633 157,169 Bank accounts ai 31 December 2024 66,243 36,879 6,909 39,021 149,052 158,633 A&L TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Heaihfield Benefice In In lovt In loss Page 6 of 12

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

st

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Note5 to the Annual Financial Report l The flnancS8l siaiemortts olthe PCCha¥È bÈÈn prepared In accordance wlth the Ch•rftl¢s Art 2011 •nd ihe Churth Accouhtin8 Re8ulatlon$ 2t*)6. usln8tht Rettlpts and Payments basls. 2 The1oll￿ni a55ets are re(0￿1$ed not valued In the Ststement olA55etsand Uabllttle5.' Mo¥able thurth lumi5hlni5 held by the Churchwarde￿o￿ 5peckil tW5tforthe PC4 whlch requirea lacuitylord15posal. 3 Ana￿S oltoial retel¥ed: Unrestrlrted General Deslgnated Fund Funds Total All Funds Ttrtol All Funds Deslgnated De Restrlrtedfunds 2024 2023 Planned giving lex¢l tax refunds) 39,600 39.600 39.145 6,421 6.421 6,942 Loose cash collections 6,215 6.215 7,931 james Town 2,599 11,410 Gift Aid recovered 11,799 2,385 1,408 501 11.799 2,385 3,000 501 Fund Raising DonatlOn5 500 1,092 15,830 2.128 Legacie5 Grants 21.121 21.121 2.331 Donation5 and legacies 89,450 SW 1,092 91,042 88.316 Fee5 for weddings & funerals 5,298 5.298 5,219 Charitable actNities 5,298 5.298 5,219 Fee5 payable to Diocese S3le5 of the parish magazine Donatlons Parisg Magazine Other Hall Income 1,5Z7 14,648 1,367 780 16,470 16.470 928 928 Church Hall Letting fees Fund Ralslng Ingurante Clalm 10.139 10.139 21.037 360 Other tradlng artl¥ltles 27.537 27.537 29.719 Bank deposit iDtere5t CBF Deposit Interest Lerring of Inveliment property lthvestmerrts 94 486 580 1.947 788 1.113 298 2.199 858 1.599 2.779 2.805 Other receipt5 50 Total received on all funds 123.167 2,099 1390 126.656 126.109 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Heaihfield Benefice In In lovt In loss Page 8 of 12

Notes to the Annual Financial Report 4 Analysis of total paid: Unrestricted Total Total General OeslEnated Fund Fund5 OeslEnated De sitA Restitttedfvnds All Funds All Funds 2024 2023 Summerfete expenses Concert posters & musicians expenses Cost of rai5in8 funds Cost of ralslnE funds Charit3ble grants 3nd donations Parish Share to Chichester Diocese 519 2,500 3J)19 47,300 124 47.3 124 43,000 3.120 Fees payable to Dlocese Clergy and other people's expenses Mission & evangelism c05tS Curate Expenses 3,760 3.760 4,427 40 98 6,600 6.6(M) 6,468 Water, Gas, Electricity, and Oil Printing & photocopying other regular church running costs Accountln8 and Examiner'5 fee5 Church mèlntenance & redecoration 8,175 B.175 6,712 1.163 1,163 1.214 4,184 920 5.104 5,213 2,150 33.835 2.150 34,060 2,150 28.067 225 New building work Charitable cost5 107.850 225 3.420 IIIA95 101,259 Sumrnerfete expenses Parish Magazine running costs Church hall caretakin8 & cleaning Hall maintenance & redecoration 142 142 930 2,660 2.660 2,713 385 585 519 Magazine priniing 16.680 16.680 16,740 5,970 5.970 4,617 100 Other trèding costs Tradin8 Costs 25.837 IS￿37 25.619 CBF Investment Profit/L055 11,0951 I1￿95) 2,2331 Total paSd ot) all funds 133,687 225 2,325 136,237 124,645 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Heaihfield Benefice In In lovt In loss Page 9 of 12

Notes to the Annual Financial Report 5 Gift aid 15 recoverable on donation5 received up to year end 6 PaytnÈnts to PCC Ètnployees RetnunÈratlons 2024 2023 2320 National Insurance Summary of funds Fund income and expenditure and final balance5 are as follow5.. Balance5 Transfers, other gains and losses Balances blfwd l Jan 2024 Ifwd 31 De¢ 2024 In¢ome Expenditure CBF Investment Fund Shares 37,926 37,926 1.390 1,390 2,325 2,325 2,030 2,030 39,021 39,021 Total of all endowed lunds Deposit account 14,062 17.1531 6,909 Total of all restrlcted funds 14,062 52,672 44,189 927 17,1531 16,307 19,1841 6,909 56.759 36.879 575 Gener31 fund 95.630 2.099 16.470 11.067 107,850 225 Designated Funds Parish M3g32ine Church Hall 16,822 9,015 8,857 12,0001 8,909 Total of all unrestrlcted funds 106.645 125.266 133.912 5.123 103.122 Total funds £158,633 £126.656 £136.237 £149.052 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Heaihfield Benefice In In lovt In loss Page Ioof 12

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Heathfield

(All Saints’ Church Old Heathfield, St Richard’s Heathfield and St George’s Church Broad Oak)

report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 set out on pages 1 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

2. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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 accounts 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

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

2. b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

3. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Examiner’s signature: .......................................................

Examiner’s name: Mr G. A. Hicks, FCCA Date: ..............................

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: FCCA

Examiner’s address: 14 Meadow Way, Heathfield, East Sussex. TN21 8A

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Heaihfield Benefice In In lovt In loss