THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDINGBRIDGE AND HYDE AND BREAMORE AND HALE WITH WOODGREEN
ALSO KNOWN AS
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Charity Number: 1201768
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity Information | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 |
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
All members of the PCC are trustees of the charity (see page 9 for details)
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS:
Avon Valley Churches The Rainbow Centre 39 Salisbury Street Fordingbridge SP6 1AB
CHARITY NUMBER: 1201768
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Simon Ellingham BA FCA DChA Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants Windover House St Ann Street Salisbury SP1 2DR
BANKERS:
NatWest Bank plc Lloyds Bank plc 48 Blue Boar Row 25 High Street Salisbury Ringwood SP1 1DF BH24 1BD
1
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The members of the Parochial Church Council of the Avon Valley Churches present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. The accounts have been examined independently and the report of the examiner, Simon Ellingham BA FCA DChA of Fawcetts LLP, is set out on page 10.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the accounts and comply with the applicable law, the requirements of the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011.
AIM AND PURPOSES
The Parish ceased to be in a vacancy on February 28th 2024, when our new rector, the Rev Luke Wickings, was installed. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Avon Valley Churches, in cooperation with the Rector of the Avon Valley Churches, has the responsibility of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church Buildings, associated buildings and churchyards of the Parish - St Mary's Fordingbridge and the Church Hall; Holy Ascension Hyde, Church Centre Hyde, churchyard Hyde and the churchyard at Ibsley; St Mary's Breamore; St Mary's Hale; St Boniface Woodgreen; St Aldhelm's Sandleheath (leased to the Sandleheath Village Hall Association on a long fully repairing lease); St Giles' Godshill (not at present used for public worship, but as a retreat and visitors’ centre).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Churches and to become part of the Church communities of the Parish. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the Parish and makes suggestions on how our Services can involve the many groups that live within our Parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:
-
l Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
-
l Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
-
l Missionary and outreach work.
To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the churches and halls in the parish.
(continued on next page)
2
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done." (Matthew 6v10)
Our purpose as God’s Church here in the Avon Valley is to build God’s kingdom and to fulfil his purposes, and we have sought to continue to do this over the past year. The following outlines some of the achievements of the past year.
PASTORAL CARE
"Love one another, as I have loved you." (John 13v34)
Mary Melbourne leads the pastoral care team, and they are such a blessing to us. We are also grateful to each member of our congregation who checks-up on a Christian friend, makes that phone call, or undertakes that home or hospital visit. And, of course, we must also remember those who run regular services in our local care-homes, and those who take Holy Communion to brothers and sisters in their homes, or visiting those who are housebound. It is, of course, beholden on all of us to ‘love one another’, and we have seen this happening so much across our parish.
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honour and power." (Revelation 4v11)
Our regular worship is a vital part of doing God’s will and building God’s kingdom, and we have, of course, worshipped our Lord across our various churches throughout the year. We are so grateful and indebted to everyone who has made this possible; to priests, curates, lay ministers, licensed preachers and ministers, to wardens, singers, choirs, musicians, servers and directors of music; and of course, to our congregation members. We have so many people in our churches to thank. May God’s blessing be upon us all as we worship and serve God together.
ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS
Jesus prayed: "I pray that they will all be one." (John 17v21)
The parish is a member of “Fordingbridge Churches Together” and on 19 January we held the service to mark the week of prayer for Christian Unity in St Mary’s Fordingbridge. It was a blessing as we were joined by members of various other churches and worshipped with them, offering together praise and worship to God. The relationships between us and other churches remain good. Indeed, over the past year the rector has met one-to-one with the ministers of the Salvation Army and the URC, and has attended joint prayer breakfasts with brothers and sisters from a number of local churches.
On a related note, we have been blessed to have a number of brethren from the now closed URC in Fordingbridge coming to worship with us, and several members of our churches attended their final service. We were saddened by the closure of the URC, but we remain as brothers and sisters, working together in the service of Christ.
(continued on next page)
3
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
OUTREACH : "Go and make disciples." (Matthew 28v19)
The Alpha course has been a real blessing to many. At the end of 2024 we ran the course for Church members, and those who attended were blessed and strengthened in their faith. This year we have offered the course to others, both inside and outside the existing church communities. A good number are attending. Some are already strong in faith, but some are enquiring and seeking God. we thank God for them all and, with God’s help, we will see the Church grow as new disciples are drawn into His Kingdom. Please pray for us as we do so.
Two other significant outreach events are the showing of The Chosen, and the recent Epiphany play. These have been great opportunities for us to invite friends, relatives and neighbours to hear the goodnews of Jesus Christ in contemporary and engaging ways. May we, Christ’s people in the Avon Valley churches, continue to use all such opportunities to share the good news with our communities.
The parish continues to serve the two church schools where members take regular assemblies, and Messy Church continues at Hyde. Holiday activities for children are run in Fordingbridge under the auspices of the AVCM.
MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEVICE : "To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12v7)
Another of the blessings that we have received in the past year is the growth of various church members in ministry. In June, Ruth Crosland and Vicky Semple were ordained and have joined us as curates and deacons in the Parish. In June 2025 Alex Sains will be ordained Deacon and Ruth and Vicky will be priested. Also, Julian Sims began his training as an ordinand and will be ordained in 2026. In addition, both Mary Melbourne and Julie Francis have been licensed as Anna Chaplains, and Julie continues to move forward as she explores God’s calling upon her life, most recently applying for the forthcoming Bishop’s Permission to Preach course. The parish also has a large number of people who have received the Bishop’s Commission to serve in a variety of areas in the parish and others continue to seek to serve God in both new ways and old. Others are also exploring God’s calling upon their lives. And, of course, we join them, working together and offering our own gifts and service to glorify God, to bless and build up his Church and to extend his kingdom, because we are all ministers in Christ’s name. And so, may God continue to lead each of us as we consider God’s calling on our own lives.
BUILDINGS AND CHURCHYARDS : "And there (Abram) built and altar to the Lord." (Genesis 12v8)
Our beautiful buildings, the places where we worship, are themselves testimony to the faithfulness of God to his people over the centuries. It is therefore our responsibility to care for and to maintain these lovely churches. Over the past year we have sought to do so.
The congregation at Hale and Woodgreen congregation have applied for grants, fundraised, given and worked to see the roof of St Mary’s, Hale repaired. Meanwhile, at Fordingbridge, the beautiful north chapel windows have been repaired and put back in place, the church interior redecorated, and
(continued on next page)
4
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
BUILDINGS AND CHURCHYARDS (CONTINUED)
plaques installed, having been transported from the Methodist Church, and much more work is ‘in the pipeline. Thanks to all who have worked to make this possible.
The beautiful churchyard at Breamore is open annually for the Snowdrop display, which is celebrated on Snowdrop Sunday.
At Hyde we have recently celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the opening of the Church centre. This building has been such a blessing to the Church and to the community, and will continue to be so. The churchyard at Hyde is maintained by regular voluntary groups as well as maintenance of the grass and hedges during the Summer months by a local contractor.
We are grateful to all of the congregation members who give generously, who clean, tidy and volunteer for work parties.
DEANERY SYNOD
The AVC has four members on the Deanery Synod which is a link between our PCC and the Diocesan Synod. Its role is mainly to look after mission and pastoral matters in the Deanery, help parishes deliver the Diocesan strategic priorities and to monitor and support the allocation of Parish Share across the Deanery to the Common Mission Fund.
Christchurch Deanery Synod met three times in 2024, in February, May and October.
The year began with a February Zoom meeting when the main speaker was Jordan Shepherd, Creative Communications Officer & Generous Giving Promoter for Winchester diocese. Jordan’s presentation with slides looked at ways churches could increase income beyond regular giving and one off fundraising events. They ranged from simple small additions like introducing a card reader for donations to large enterprises such as creating a music venue or coffee shop.
In May at St Mary the Virgin Bransgore, Revd Sam Scott, the Diocesan Environment Officer, gave an informative presentation with slides on Creation Care and what we can do together to respond to God’s call through Discipleship, Mission and Resource Stewardship.
June saw the first Deanery Ideas Fair, held at St Mary’s Fordingbridge where churches from across the Deanery offered ideas for other churches to adopt. It was also an opportunity to share information from Mothers Union and Kinkiizi. Sadly, it was the last occasion led by Area Dean Revd Canon Gary Philbrick.
The Deanery was shocked and saddened by Gary’s sudden death in July from malaria. The Assistant Area Dean Revd Canon Charles Stewart and the Deanery lay chair Sue Lyonette have stepped up to steer the Deanery through the remainder of the year and thanks must go to them for all they are doing. We are still currently without an Area Dean.
(continued on next page)
5
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
DEANERY SWORD (CONTINUED)
The final meeting of 2024 was held in October at Christchurch Priory. We learned more about the major project at the Priory still in its early stages but with ambitious plans to renovate and upgrade various aspects of the buildings. A presentation was also given to highlight the partnership the Deanery has with Kinkiizi Diocese in Uganda.
The Deanery overseas link with Kinkiizi continues to operate. The Deanery was asked to help with financing an upgrade to the solar power at the Health Centre in Nyakatare and to support the new obstetrics doctor at the maternity unit. Following a Deanery wide appeal £5531 was raised. The solar upgrade is now complete and gives much needed reliable power for Health Centre activities. Retired clergy were also supported with financial help towards unexpected expenses like medical bills. In 2024 a total of £5881 was sent in support of Kinkiizi Diocese.
During 2024 there have been a number of parishes in vacancy, but Deanery officers have worked hard to support churches through the process of their interregnums. Some appointments have been made and new clergy begin to make a difference in those places.
Deanery Synod meetings are now all open meetings for anyone to attend should they so wish. (Only if a vote is called are restrictions in place for elected members only to cast such a vote.) I would encourage everyone to consider coming along to hear interesting speakers, have a chance to meet other people from across the Deanery, and to share experiences for mutual support.
Gill Tybjerg (Deanery Secretary)
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The church office manages all the central funds while each local church area has its own assistant treasurer who manages the funds for that LCA. The parish treasurer has an overview of all the funds and is responsible for checking the central fund and for consolidating all the accounts at the end of the financial year.
The PCC aims to have a reserves policy of keeping a balance of at least 3 months in unrestricted funds. The parish has been granted a reduction in the requested CMF and is now in the second year of the proposed “flight plan”. In 2024 the parish was asked to pay the reduced amount of £74,396 and this was achieved. In 2025 we are asked to pay the reduced amount of £81,742 but the response to “generous giving” at St Mary’s Fordingbridge enabled them to pay more than they were asked and in 2025 the parish will pay £84,612.
(continued on next page)
6
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
CMF Request (Flight Actual Request Reduction Granted
Path) (estimate at 2%
increase per annum)
2024 £ 74,394.56 £ 117,394.56 £ 43,000.00
2025 £ 81,742.45 £ 119,742.45 £ 38,000.00
2026 £ 90,137.30 £ 122,137.30 £ 32,000.00
2027 £ 99,580.05 £ 124,580.05 £ 25,000.00
2028 £ 110,071.65 £ 127,071.65 £ 17,000.00
2029 £ 121,613.08 £ 129,613.08 £ 8,000.00
£ 132,205.34 £ 132,205.34 £ -
2030
(indicative) (indicative)
----- End of picture text -----
The “Generous Giving” initiative resulted in a very generous response from the congregations. Hale & Woodgreen raised sufficient funds through grants and donations to repair the roof at Hale and do some remedial work at Woodgreen. St Mary’s, Fordingbridge has been able to increase the amount they will pay towards the CMF contribution and have continued with the work on the church. Hyde has been able to maintain its giving at a good level despite the death of several benefactors and Breamore is also showing a healthy end of year budget.
The total income in the year was £364,236 compared with £254,110 last year. This was largely due to VAT refunds and one-off grants, (£73,527).
Fordingbridge has continued with the program of work – another £15,315 - which has come from the designated fund for that purpose. Hale and Woodgreen has spent £32,411 on essential building work and this has been funded from donations, legacies and grants. This has been a major achievement by a dedicated congregation.
The PCC would like to give special thanks to all the local treasurers for their work during the year and, in particular, to the Hyde local treasurer who has done so much towards preparing the final accounts for the year.
VOLUNTEERS
We would like to thank all the volunteers who make it possible for the churches to continue to be effective places of worship and outreach. We would also like to thank our wonderful team of retired clergy and the lay ministry team who have worked with the rector to serve all the churches and provide the welcoming ministry in them.
The PCC is very grateful to the many volunteers in all of the churches who contribute so much, seen or unseen, and who make the parish the welcoming and vibrant community that it is.
(continued on next page)
7
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The PCC accepts the House of Bishops' safeguarding guidance, both policies and practice, and it publishes and regularly reviews its Safeguarding Policy; we have a central safeguarding officer and assistants in each local church area.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules, supplemented by the AVC PCC Handbook; this can only be substantially amended by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
The membership of the single PCC is made up as follows:
-
l The Rector
-
l 2 Churchwardens from each Local Area (=8)
-
l 1 PCC Member from each Local Church Area (=4)
-
l Any licenced Clergy (including Curates)
-
l 4 Deanery Representatives (current number)
-
l 1 Licenced Lay Minister
All those who attend our services and all members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
The PCC members are trustees of the whole parish and are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.
The full PCC met nine times during the year (including the APCM).
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Avon Valley Churches Parish is part of the Christchurch deanery in the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England. The postal address of the Parish is:
The Church Office 16 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge SP6 1QX
Tel: 01425 653163
The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Power Measure 1956, Church Represenation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission (1201768).
8
AVOM VALLEY CHURCHES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ADMINisfRATIVE IP4FORMATION {coKfiNUED) PCC members who have served at any time during 2024 are: Incumbent". Revd Luke Wickings Ifrorn 28 February 2024) Licensed Assistant Priest: Revd Canon Nigel Coates Assistant Curates.. Revd Victoria Semple {from 29 June 2024) Revd Ruth Crosland Ifrom 29 June 20241 Mr Mark Ward (from 8 May 20241 Mr Martin Ing5 Fordingbridge Hyde Mrs Mary Melboume Breamore Mrs Lynda Warne Mrs Janet Butcher Hale with Woodgreen Hyde Mrs Christine Calder (from 8 May 20241 Hale with Woodgreen RePresentstes on the Deanery Synod. elerted for 3 year5 2023- 2026.. Mr Mark Ward* (olso Wardenj Mr Julian Sims Mrs Lynette Stsnford Mrs Cjane Cant Warden5: Fordingbridge Hyde Breamore Hale wrth Woodgreen Elected Lay Member5: Mrs Heather Clark fPonsh Treusurerj Mr Nigel Spratt" fPCCSecretoryJ Mr5 Alex Sains (until 8 May 2024) Mrs Alison Stevens (until 8 May 20241 Mrs Janet Spratt. (from 8 May 20241 Mr lan Newman. 1Atsi5tont Wordenj Ms Lyn Dudman (from 8 May 20241 Mr Dennis White (from 8 May 2024) Hyde Fordingbridge Fordingbridge 8reamore Fordingbridge Fordingbridge Hale with Woodgreen Breamore 'The total number of members from Fordingbridge is four as specified in the PCC handbook. Approved by the PCC on 17 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Revd. Luke Wlcklngs Chair Nigel Spratt PCC Secretsry
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF FORDINGBRIDGE AND HYDE AND BREAMORE AND HALE WITH WOODGREEN I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accottnts of the charity for tlie year ended 31 Deiember 2024, which corllpri5e the Statement of Financial Activitie5, the B3laiice Sheet, aiid the related notes. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible lor the prepafation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's èccounts cèrried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commi55ion under Section 1451511bl ol the Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the charity's gross in¢ome exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Section 145 of the Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member Of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Er)gland and Wales, which is one of the listed bodles. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no materi31 matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materi31 respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as reqvired by Section 130 of the Act,. the accounts do not accord with those record5; or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concernin£ the form and content of accounts set out in the Chariries IAccDiJnt5 and Reporisl Regu13tions 2008 other than any equirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view. which is not a Inatter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concèriis and have come across no other matteys in ttsnnection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached, Simon Ellin ham BAFCADChA Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants Windover House St Ann Street Salisbury SPI 2DR Dated.. io
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Note Donations and legacies 3a Other trading activities 3b Investments 3c Charitable activities 3d Other income 3e TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 4a Charitable activities 4b Governance costs 4c TOTAL EXPENDITURE GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS Realised gains/(losses) Unrealised gains/(losses) NET GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS NET (EXPENDITURE) / INCOME Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD Total funds brought forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 195,327 19,510 11,449 18,051 76,180 320,517 4,353 213,276 2,100 219,729 - 257 257 101,045 4,955 106,000 232,390 338,390 |
Restricted Funds £ 41,755 396 1,568 - - 43,719 - 38,441 - 38,441 - 2,812 2,812 8,090 (4,955) 3,135 176,372 179,507 |
Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Totals 2024 £ 237,082 19,906 13,017 18,051 76,180 364,236 4,353 251,717 2,100 258,170 - 3,069 3,069 109,135 - 109,135 408,762 517,897 |
Totals 2023 £ 187,745 12,505 19,156 17,582 17,122 254,110 4,437 639,377 2,100 645,914 269 9,818 10,087 (381,717) - (381,717) 790,479 408,762 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
11
AVON VALL CHURQIES BALANCE 5HEEr 31 DECEMBER 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Investments 132.4C¥) 204,496 CURRE1 ASSErs Agency collertion Debtors Prepayments and accrued income Cash at bank and in hand 15,870 312 8,033 371.668 387J50 205,363 213396 CREDITORS. AMoupif5 FAWNG DUEwmiiN ONE YEAR Agency collectlon Accounts payable Accruals 173 2.IC(I 9,100 9,13Q NcUlIRENt ASSEtS 385.497 204.266 TOTAL ASSEfs LE55 CURREPU LIABILMES 517A97 408.762 CHARITY FUNDS UnstrIcted- General funds Unrestricted- Des$8nated funds Restricted fvnds Endowment fuThds 3,025 335.365 179.507 275 232,115 176.372 TOTAL FUNDS 517,897 408.76Z The financial statements were approved aml authorised for issue by the parh31 Church Council on and were si8ned on its bèhalf bv= Revd. Luke Wl¢kln8s Chair Ni¥tl Spratt PCC Secretsry The notesfomi partof these finarKial statemerrts 12
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1a. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity does not meet the definition of a larger charity under the Charities SORP and is therefore exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statements.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements are prepared in Sterling (£) which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
1b. FUND ACCOUNTING
General (unrestricted) funds of the charity are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the charity. Designated (unrestricted) funds comprise monies set aside for a particular purpose by the charity, including funds designated for the benefit of particular local church areas.
Restricted and endowment funds comprise (a) income from endowments which are to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific charity activity intended by the donor or which have been raised by the charity for a particular purpose. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. A summary of the purposes of each restricted and endowment fund is available on request.
1c. INCOME RECOGNITION
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
13
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1c. INCOME RECOGNITION (continued)
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102).
Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred over the life of the asset.
1d. EXPENDITURE RECOGNITION
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included within the item of expense to which it relates.
1e. DEBTORS
Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts.
1f. CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1g. PENSION COSTS
The charity contributes to the individual defined contribution pension schemes of employees. Contributions to this scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable.
1h. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Fixed asset investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they arise.
14
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security Defined contribution pension costs |
2024 £ 37,326 - 526 37,851 |
2023 £ 34,665 - 495 35,160 |
|---|---|---|
The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:
| Administration Music Assistant staff |
2024 1 2 1 4 |
2023 1 2 1 4 |
|---|---|---|
No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the period.
The charity considers its key management personnel comprise the trustees. Key management personnel are not remunerated.
A total of £934 (2023: £146) was paid to five trustees (2023: one trustee) as reimbursed travel expenses.
15
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 3a. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM DONORS Church collections - 116,367 Special collections - 941 Wall Safe - - Donations appeals 1,222 10,008 Legacies - 16,000 Tax Recovered on Gift Aid 128 36,479 Grants received - 4,575 Breamore Rectory Trust 8,400 - Other funds generated - 1,207 9,750 185,577 3b. ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Fair trade sales - 2,068 Fundraising 101 17,341 101 19,409 3c. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS Dividends - 3,046 Bank interest - 8,403 - 11,449 3d. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Fees for weddings and funerals - 14,210 Parish magazine sales and advertising - 3,841 - 18,051 3e. OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES VAT refunded - 66,452 Church hall lettings - 8,412 Miscellaneous 912 404 912 75,268 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 10,763 309,754 Unrestricted |
Restricted Funds £ 13,467 1,833 - 11,121 11,901 333 3,100 - - 41,755 - 396 396 424 1,144 1,568 - - - - - - - 43,719 |
Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Totals 2024 £ 129,834 2,774 - 22,351 27,901 36,940 7,675 8,400 1,207 237,082 2,068 17,838 19,906 3,470 9,547 13,017 14,210 3,841 18,051 66,452 8,412 1,316 76,180 364,236 |
Totals 2023 £ 119,191 2,372 - 15,546 5,500 28,177 3,515 12,600 844 187,745 1,979 10,526 12,505 5,067 14,089 19,156 13,415 4,167 17,582 7,796 8,623 703 17,122 254,110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
| 4a. COST OF GENERATING FUNDS Fairtrade costs Magazine expenses Fundraising 4b. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Outward giving Deanery share Salary of Parish administrator Director of music and organist Tax/NI paid on salaries Pension on salaries Assistant staff costs Clergy expenses Common Mission Fund Mission and Outreach Nurture Insurance Benefice of the future Organists' fees Organ/piano tuning Church building maintenance Church building repairs Routine maintenance Cleaning Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Administration and printing Heat, light and water Office rental Church hall maintenance Church hall repairs Miscellaneous expenses Office cost contributions from LCCs Professional fees 4c. GOVERNANCE COSTS Independent examiner's fee Accountancy TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ - 1,569 - 2,015 - 769 - 4,353 1,107 716 - - 17,538 - - 10,227 - - 526 - 9,561 - 2,507 47 - 74,396 - 446 1,203 303 - 13,490 - - - 1,663 - 887 - 2,698 - 21,833 - 3,827 - 986 - 3,320 - 2,256 2,857 1,002 - 26,322 2,453 - - 5,798 - - 1,739 3,568 (33,578) 33,578 - - 5,913 207,363 2,100 - - - 2,100 - 8,013 211,716 Unrestricted |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - 2,704 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 290 31,166 - 1,080 - - 1,503 352 - - - - 1,346 - - 38,441 - - - 38,441 |
Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Totals 2024 £ 1,569 2,015 769 4,353 4,527 - 17,538 10,227 - 526 9,561 2,554 74,396 446 1,506 13,490 - 1,663 1,177 33,864 21,833 4,907 986 3,320 3,759 4,211 26,322 2,453 5,798 - 6,653 - - 251,717 2,100 - 2,100 258,170 |
Totals 2023 £ 2,062 2,124 251 4,437 3,543 - 15,790 9,842 - 495 9,033 2,997 103,536 97 213 13,762 - 1,575 1,026 4,562 403,730 2,844 696 3,202 4,731 8,702 28,869 2,200 2,658 5,684 6,010 - 3,582 639,377 2,100 - 2,100 645,914 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| Market value at 1 January Additions Disposals at carrying value Unrealised (loss) / gain on revaluation Market value at 31 December |
Totals 2024 £ 204,496 1,466 (76,631) 3,069 132,400 |
Totals 2023 £ 591,775 - (397,097) 9,818 204,496 |
|---|---|---|
6. COMMON MISSION FUND
During the year, a contribution to the Common Mission Fund of £74,396 (2023: £103,536) was made.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions during the period with the exception of the transactions detailed in Note 2 to the financial statements.
18
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds - general General fund Unrestricted funds - designated Fordingbridge: General fund CBF Investment fund Special projects Hyde: General fund Church and churchyard fund Church hall repair fund Fabric repair fund Link magazine fund Breamore: General fund Toilet fund Flowers Hale and Woodgreen: General fund Other general designated fund Hales Angels fund Restricted funds Fordingbridge: PCC sale of Church land Fabric fund CBF Shakespeare fund CBF St Aldhelm's Sandleheath CBF Fuel Trust CBF Churchyard Trust CBF Hastings Trust CBF Heath Trust Hyde: Broadband fund Charitable donations fund Church improvements fund Churchyard fund Churchyard memorial fund Fabric repair (Hulse) fund Flower fund Friends' fund Ibsley churchyard Music fund Breamore: CBF Breamore Tithe Chancel CBF C S Hall legacy CBF Ground rent CBF Hulse and Rooke charity CBF PCC Hall legacy CBF Rawlence Trust CBF Churchyard fund CBF Sale of Church land Fabric fund Hale and Woodgreen: Organ Restoration Madeleine Boiteux legacy Margaret Booth-Jones fund Total funds |
Balance at 1 Jan 2024 £ 275 275 5,823 8,510 95,652 53,701 10,000 2,400 4,536 2,906 14,742 1,753 352 31,326 - 414 232,115 2,086 567 1,685 107 151 922 349 1,280 352 495 19,905 899 211 2,092 151 2,404 - 70 7,728 6,285 3,301 1,559 846 17,248 5,244 67,627 18,721 - 7,229 3,359 3,499 176,373 408,763 |
Incoming resources £ 10,763 10,763 105,275 - 82,452 55,366 - 688 - 3,841 28,251 - - 33,806 - 75 309,754 - - - - - - - - - 2,326 - 3 - 403 - - 600 - 346 - - - - - - - 8,741 462 30,509 329 - 43,719 364,236 |
Outgoing resources £ (8,013) (8,013) (91,305) - (19,335) (48,172) - (4,336) - (2,159) (24,496) - (22) (21,862) - (29) (211,716) - - - - - - - - (352) (2,704) (1,346) (902) - (1,776) - - (600) (70) - - - - - - - - - (220) (30,471) - - (38,441) (258,170) |
Investment gains / (losses) £ - - - 257 - - - - - - - - - - - - 257 63 17 51 3 (34) 59 11 39 - - - - - - - - - - 99 144 76 36 185 395 120 1,548 - - - - - 2,812 3,069 |
Transfers £ - - 64,000 - (64,000) - - 2,000 - (2,000) (2,000) - - 6,955 - - 4,955 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,000 4,000 (7,267) (3,688) - (4,955) - |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 3,025 3,025 83,793 8,767 94,769 60,895 10,000 752 4,536 2,588 16,497 1,753 330 50,225 - 460 335,365 2,149 584 1,736 110 117 981 360 1,319 - 117 18,559 - 211 719 151 2,404 - - 8,173 6,429 3,377 1,595 1,031 17,643 5,364 69,175 29,462 4,242 - - 3,499 179,507 517,897 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (continued)
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS:
General free
These are funds which have been accumulated for the general purposes of the charity. At 31 December 2024 all funds are designated for specific local church areas and the charity holds no undesignated general funds.
Designated
These are funds which have been set aside by the charity for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only. All designated funds remain unrestricted and the charity may move any surplus to other general funds.
RESTRICTED AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS:
These funds comprise (a) income from endowments which are to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific charity activity intended by the donor. A summary of the purposes of each restricted and endowment fund is available on request.
20
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - COMPARATIVE BALANCES
| Unrestricted funds - general General fund Unrestricted funds - designated Fordingbridge: General fund CBF Investment fund Special projects Hyde: General fund Church and churchyard fund Church hall repair fund Fabric repair fund Link magazine fund Breamore: General fund Toilet fund Flowers Hale and Woodgreen: General fund Other general designated fund Hales Angels fund Restricted funds Fordingbridge: PCC sale of Church land Fabric fund CBF Shakespeare fund CBF St Aldhelm's Sandleheath CBF Fuel Trust CBF Churchyard Trust CBF Hastings Trust CBF Heath Trust Hyde: Broadband fund Charitable donations fund Church improvements fund Churchyard fund Churchyard memorial fund Fabric repair (Hulse) fund Flower fund Friends' fund Ibsley churchyard Music fund Breamore: CBF Breamore Tithe Chancel CBF C S Hall legacy CBF Ground rent CBF Hulse and Rooke charity CBF PCC Hall legacy CBF Rawlence Trust CBF Churchyard fund CBF Sale of Church land Fabric fund Hale and Woodgreen: Organ Restoration Madeleine Boiteux legacy Margaret Booth-Jones fund |
Balance at 1 Jan 2023 £ - - 55,923 8,060 454,023 33,457 10,000 1,770 4,378 7,863 11,361 1,753 352 30,779 3,616 364 623,699 1,976 537 1,596 101 101 903 330 1,212 1,000 248 9,905 1 211 85 151 2,404 340 - 7,164 5,745 3,017 1,425 947 15,765 4,793 61,812 26,484 4,407 18 3,359 3,499 159,537 |
Incoming resources £ 12,694 12,694 106,621 - 9,061 55,106 - 815 158 4,167 24,869 - - 17,683 3,795 50 222,325 - - - - - - - - - 2,554 10,000 450 - 52 - - - 250 193 - - - - - - - 1,103 - 4,489 - - 19,091 |
Outgoing resources £ (12,419) (12,419) (127,283) - (396,870) (46,177) - (185) - (2,124) (30,354) - - (15,484) (9,063) - (627,540) - - - - - - - - - (2,307) - (1,442) - - - - (340) (180) - - - - - - - - - (216) (1,469) - - (5,954) |
Investment gains / (losses) £ - - - 450 - - - - - - - - - - - - 450 110 30 89 6 50 19 19 68 - - - - - - - - - - 371 540 284 134 (101) 1,483 451 5,815 - - - - - 9,368 |
Transfers £ - - (29,438) - 29,438 11,315 - - - (7,000) 8,866 - - (1,652) 1,652 - 13,181 - - - - - - - - (648) - - 1,890 - 1,955 - - - - - - - - - - - - (8,866) (4,191) 4,191 - - (5,669) |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 275 275 5,823 8,510 95,652 53,701 10,000 2,400 4,536 2,906 14,742 1,753 352 31,326 - 414 232,115 2,086 567 1,685 107 151 922 349 1,280 352 495 19,905 899 211 2,092 151 2,404 - 70 7,728 6,285 3,301 1,559 846 17,248 5,244 67,627 18,721 - 7,229 3,359 3,499 176,372 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - COMPARATIVE BALANCES (continued)
| Endowment funds Hyde: Anna Jane Banks endowment Barwise & Deakin endowment E J H Banks endowment M Ellen endowment Total funds |
Balance at 1 Jan 2023 £ 1,309 1,818 2,236 1,880 7,243 790,479 |
Incoming resources £ - - - - - 254,110 |
Outgoing resources £ - - - - - (645,913) |
Investment gains / (losses) £ 45 72 77 75 269 10,087 |
Transfers £ (1,354) (1,890) (2,313) (1,955) (7,512) - |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ - - - - - 408,762 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10. ALLOCATION OF THE CHARITY NET ASSETS
The net assets are held for the various funds as follows:
| Unrestricted funds: general Unrestricted funds: designated Restricted funds Endowment funds Total Unrestricted funds: general Unrestricted funds: designated Restricted funds Endowment funds Total Prior period net assets held for the various funds were as follows: |
Fixed Assets £ - 8,766 123,634 - 132,400 Fixed Assets £ - 75,923 128,573 - 204,496 |
Net Current Assets £ 3,025 326,599 55,873 - 385,497 Net Current Assets £ 275 156,192 47,799 - 204,266 |
Long-term Liabilities £ - - - - - Long-term Liabilities £ - - - - - |
2024 Total £ 3,025 335,365 179,507 - 517,897 2023 Total £ 275 232,115 176,372 - 408,762 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
22
AVON VALLEY CHURCHES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11. PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Note Donations and legacies 3a Other trading activities 3b Investments 3c Charitable activities 3d Other income 3e TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 4a Charitable activities 4b Governance costs 4c TOTAL EXPENDITURE GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS Realised gains / (losses) Unrealised gains / (losses) NET GAINS/(LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS NET (EXPENDITURE) / INCOME Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD at 31 December 2023 Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2022 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 169,841 12,076 18,398 17,582 17,122 235,019 4,437 633,423 2,100 639,960 - 450 450 (404,491) 13,181 (391,310) 623,700 232,390 |
Restricted Funds £ 17,904 429 758 - - 19,091 - 5,954 - 5,954 - 9,368 9,368 22,505 (5,669) 16,836 159,536 176,372 |
Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - 269 - 269 269 7,512 - (7,243) 7,243 - |
Totals 2023 £ 187,745 12,505 19,156 17,582 17,122 254,110 4,437 639,377 2,100 645,914 269 9,818 10,087 (381,717) - (381,717) 790,479 408,762 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
23