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2025-12-31-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 2025

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
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Iss. B

Page 1 of 12

CONTENTS

Page
Vicar’s Report
3
Financial Review
5
Financial Accounts
6
Examiner’s Report
11
Website:
www.heathfieldbenefice.org.uk
Incumbent:
Rev. David Packham
Church Wardens:
Miss Jane Eales
Mrs. Heather Bruce
Independent Examiner: Mr. Gary Hicks, FCCA
14 Meadow Way, Heathfield,
East Sussex, TN21 8AF.
Bankers:
Barclays Bank Plc.

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

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Heathfield Parochial Church Council Trustees’ Annual Report for 2025

Vicar’s Report 2025

Our aims and purposes as a charity

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

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

Attendance at worship

Numbers attending worship across all three churches in the Parish have remained stable throughout the year, with at least one service of Holy Communion in the Parish every Sunday, a said service of Holy Communion on Wednesday mornings and a monthly BCP service of Holy Communion early on Sunday morning. We continue to be very grateful to our two retired priests, Revd. Canon Lucy Murdoch and Revd. Ann Pollington, who presided at most of our Holy Communion services, until the arrival of the new incumbent in July, and conducted all the Baptisms in 2025. The Benefice Choir sang at most morning services, on special occasions and at the

monthly Choral Evensong. In addition, the Junior Choir has sung at a number of services and a Youth Choir has now begun. We are very grateful to have Simon Hendry as our Benefice Choirmaster. Our Remembrance Sunday Service was well attended and included local uniformed organisations, while attendance during our Christmas services was up by 10% from last year. We are very grateful for the unstinting work of our Readers, Sacristans and Vergers, who have made so many of our services and related church activities possible.

Evangelism, outreach and pastoral care

Saint Richard's Hall continues to be used by many church and community groups such as the local Folk Dance Group, the Dementia Cafe and the Rainbows and Brownies. The Arts and Crafts Group and the Book Club continue to meet, in addition to the monthly free lunch that is run by church members but open to all. Two weekly Baby and Toddler groups run by church members meet at Saint Richard’s Hall and in Saint George’s Parish Room. Our provision of Sunday Church for children, during Sunday morning services, complements the Junior Choir and our partnership with All Saints’ and St. Richard’s School (our local voluntary aided primary school), to whom we make All Saints’ Church available for school services throughout the year and to whom regular visits are made to lead Collective Worship or other activities.

The Benefice continues to support Heathfield Street Pastors and Heathfield School Pastors, who go into Heathfield Community College on a weekly basis during term time, supported by Prayer Pastors, which together form a collaborative Churches Together in Heathfield

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initiative. We are very grateful to the local Mothers Union branch members for the support and help they provide in preparing candidates for Baptism, the monthly Wednesday Communion Service at Saint Richard’s and the work done at All Saints’ and St. Richard’s School (often behind the scenes), including a wonderful Rainbow Collage made with the children last year, and showcased at our Christingle Service in December.

For older people, our partnership with Country Lunches offers a fortnightly lunch for up to 50 elderly residents, while links with Heffle Court (our local care home) have been maintained, in addition to a monthly service of Holy Communion at Holdenhurst (an independent living home). The highly valued Bereavement Cafe continues to meet once a month led by an Authorised Lay Minister (ALM) to provide friendship to bereaved people, while Home Communion is taken to those unable to attend church services. It is heartening that we now have a second ALM to support our pastoral work within the Benefice, having completed the training in 2025.

November saw the second Nativity Festival at Saint Richard’s Church, which was well attended and at which over 100 nativity sets were loaned and displayed. The Parish continues to support the diocesan-based Family Support Work charity, regularly donating food and other items for distribution and providing a hub for their local caseworker at Saint George’s Church. The Heathfield Magazine continues to be produced with many diverse articles covering a large number of subjects for a broad appeal, acting as a key tool for our mission and a community voice. 1,400 copies were distributed monthly and it was made available on the Benefice website. In addition, the weekly Grapevine e-newsletter continues to provide an up-to-date source of information on our services and activities.

Provision of church buildings for people to enjoy

All the church buildings and grounds in the parish have been maintained by a team of committed and able volunteers. We are very grateful to FASCOH (Friends of All Saints’ Church Old Heathfield) for raising the necessary funds that allowed the plans to redecorate the interior of All Saints’ Church to go ahead. Work on the updated lighting and sound system began in January and was completed in September. This has augmented the interior and brought a brightness to the building, enhancing the opportunity for church members and visitors alike to worship or meditate. 2025 also saw the redecoration of the west wall and part of the chancel and sanctuary of Saint Richard’s Church, highlighting the value we place on using our worship spaces as opportunities for the whole community to enjoy. The growing number of bell ringers, which now meets to practise twice a week, rang the bells before services at All Saints’ Church on Sunday mornings and on special occasions. All three of our church buildings are open in daylight hours for anyone who wishes to make the most of the quiet and pray.

Looking ahead

It has been hugely encouraging that, despite the extended interregnum, so many church activities and commitments have continued and that the Parish’s work and mission is supported by so many people. Having looked at how far we have come, the opportunity to grow a fresh vision, revisit the mission action plan and focus on local needs, supported by a stewardship campaign, gives great hope and confidence as we enter a new phase of God's mission, journeying together as his people in Heathfield.

Reverend David

David Packham Vicar of Heathfield

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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 2025. The accounts for these Churches are consolidated into one account.

The total receipts within the General and Unrestricted Fund were £312,451 and are detailed in the Financial Statements.

The planned Giving through Envelopes and Bankers Orders decreased by 9% and the total overall income – including tax recovered – increased by 247%.

The largest item of expenditure was the Parish Contribution £50,000 to the Diocese to cover our Vicar, Curate and ministry costs. Our contribution for 2026 has increased by 2.5% to £52,500.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to invest fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund, the total of which is £190,394.

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: Rev. David Packham Church Wardens: Mrs Heather Bruce Miss Jane Eales (Vice-Chair; Deanery Synod Rep; also on Diocesan Synod)

Deanery Synod Representatives: Dr Susan Greener (also on Diocesan Synod) Mrs Diana Hughes

Elected Members: Mr Alan Clark Mrs Janette Reid Mr George Dearsley Mr Colin Saunders Mrs Hazel Nicol (PCC Secretary) Mr Alexis Stafford Mrs Judy Piper Mr Peter Weaver Ex Officio (Non-voting) Mr Nicholas Rayment (Treasurer)

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 Rev. David Packham, Incumbent

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

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Financial Accounts

Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December, 2025

Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

5 5

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities

st

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

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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: Uthrestricted Total Totttl General Desi8nated Funds Desi8nated Deposlt Alc Restnctedfvnds All Funds All Funds Fund 2025 2024 Planned giving lexcl. tax refunds) Planned givlng Ino tax refundsl Loose cash collection5 37.425 37.425 39,600 4,497 7.662 4A97 7.662 6,421 6,215 James Town 2,542 9,864 2,542 9￿64 I￿92 4.061 Gift Aid recovered 11,799 2,385 Fund Raising Donations 1.892 3,461 600 Leg8cie5 Grants 154.098 154,098 501 51,932 120 52,052 21,121 Donlot)s at)d legacles 273,373 720 274,093 91,042 Fees for weddings & funerals 3.594 3,594 5,298 Charitable artivities 3.$94 3,$94 5,298 Fees pèyèble to Diocese Sales of the parish magazine Donations Parisg Magazine Other Hall Income 1,443 14,359 IA43 14.359 16,470 4,175 4,175 928 Church Hall Letting fees Fund Raisin8 In5ur?nce Cl?im 10,532 10,532 10,139 Othertradin8 activilies 30.509 30.509 27,537 Bank dep051t interest CBF Deposit Interest Lettin8 of investment property Itwestmems 65 212 277 580 1.189 2,510 279 3,978 2,199 1,254 2,722 279 4255 2,779 other receipts Totsl received on all funds 308,730 2,722 99Y 312,451 126,656 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: Unre5trirted Total Totol General Desl8nated Funds Desl8nated Deposit Alc Restrlctedlunds All Funds AIIFunds Fund 2025 2024 Summerfeie expenses Concert posters & musici2nsexpenses Cost of raising fund5 40 Cost of ralsln8 funds 40 Charitable grants and donations Parish 5h3re tD Chi¢he5ter DiD¢ese 1,062 50.000 1,371 2,4YJ 50.fXJO 3,019 47.30 Fees payable to Diocese ClerKy and other people'5 expenses Mission & evangelism c05ts Curaie Expenses 124 1,833 304 I￿35 3,76Q 40 6,818 10,182 3.145 6￿18 10,IB2 3,145 6,60Q 8,175 1.163 Printing & photOC¢PyinE Other regular church runnin8 Costs Accounting and Examiner'5 fees Church miintenan¢e & redecoration 7,161 2,200 102.680 7,161 2,21)0 102.680 5,104 2,15 34.060 New building work Charitable costs 185,385 1,371 IB6,756 111,495 Summerfeie expenses 782 78Z 142 Church hall caretaking & cleaning H811 malntenance & redecoratio 3,523 3.689 3523 3,689 2,660 385 Magazine printing 18,560 18,560 16,680 5,003 5W3 5,97 OthertradiDg costs TradinA ¢osts 31.557 31,557 25.837 CBF IDvestmeDt ProfitlLo5S 14981 11.0951 Total paid OTh all fund5 Z16,982 873 Z17,855 136.237 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 Glft ald Is recoverable on donatlons recelved up to year end 6 Payment5 to PCC employees Remuner3tions 2025 2024 National Insurance Summary of funds Fund income and expenditure and final balances are as follows-. Balances blfwd l Jan 2025 Transfers, other gains and losses Balances clfwd 31 Dec 2025 Income Expendlture CBF Investment Fund Shares Total of all endowed funds 39,021 39,021 499 39,520 39,520 499 DÈposit account 6.909 13731 6,536 Total of all restricted funds 6,909 56,688 36,879 575 13731 6,275 15,4021 1,500 12,0001 6,536 156,817 34,199 1,267 5,309 G@neralfund Designated Funds Parish Magazine Church Hall 280,152 2,722 18,534 10,544 186,298 19,342 12,215 8,980 Total of all unrestricted funds 103,122 311,952 217,855 373 197,592 Total fund5 £149.052 £312,451 £217.855 £243,648 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 2025 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

Chartered Certified Accountants which is one of the listed bodies.

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.

  4. The PCC has prepared receipts and payments accounts although a large legacy has taken them over £250,000 turnover, as they consider this to be a one-off occurrence.

Examiner’s signature: Date: 3[rd] March, 2026 Examiner’s name: Mr.G.A.Hicks, FCCA Examiner’s address: 14 Meadow Way, Heathfield, East Sussex. TN21 8AL

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