2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Lawrence, Long Buckby, In The Diocese Of Peterborough

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St Lawrence, Long Buckby

Registered Charity Number : 1211891

Church Address: St Lawrence Church, Church Street, Long Buckby, NN6 7QH Diocese: Peterborough (Church of England) Deanery: Brixworth

Correspondence address:

The Reverend Kevin Montgomery, The Vicarage, 10 Hall Drive, Long Buckby, NN6 7QU

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aims and purposes

St Lawrence Parochial Church Council (the PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Vicar in “ promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”.

In addition to its Church building and closed churchyard (which has an area for the interment of cremated remains) the PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the School Rooms adjacent to the Church which are used for a range of community and church activities.

PCC Achievements and performance.

Objectives and activities:

Major Building Repairs

Following the Quinquennial survey in 2021 the need for the lead on the South Aisle to be replaced was identified. In 2022 the PCC started a “Roof Restoration” project to raise £100,000 to cover the cost of the works.

By the Autumn of 2024 this target had been reached as a result of many fund-raising initiatives, the generosity of local people and successful applications to grant-making bodies, the PCC had raised sufficient funds to proceed, A specialist Contractor was appointed to undertake the works and, following receipt of all the necessary consents, works commenced on the roof on 15th September 2025. All the works were completed on 18th November 2025 when a commemorative plaque was placed on the roof, replacing a previous one from works undertaken in 1954.

Thanks are expressed to all those who contributed to the costs of the work in any way and particular gratitude is expressed to the grant making bodies for their generosity:

The Northampton Historic Churches Trust £10,000.00 The Wolfson Foundation (via the National Churches Trust) £5,000.00 The Buckby Feast Committee £1,000.00

Matters considered by the PCC

Over the past year the PCC met six times and the main items considered were:

Adopted a Code of Conduct for PCC meetings
Works to the South Aisle of the Church Building
Programme of works to the Tower
2026 Budget
Improved Internet connections to the Church Building
The Community Shelf and Community Larder (see below)
A possible Benefice Council
Fund Raising Events
Churchyard Noticeboards
Format of the Benefice-wide 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Changes to the delivery of Children’s work
2026 Quinquennial Inspection

Safeguarding

The PCC continues to monitor its Safeguarding Policy and complied with its duty under the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults) particularly following the publication of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse investigation into the Church of England report.

The post of Safeguarding Officer for all four parishes within the Benefice is held by Julie Mousley.

All members of the PCC are required to undertake Safeguarding Training appropriate to their respective roles and have all completed the training required

Standing Committee

The PCC is required to have a Standing Committee which has met as necessary over the past months, membership of the Standing Committee is the Vicar, the Churchwarden(s), the PCC Treasurer, the PCC Secretary, Richard Howard and Graham Simpson.

Ecumenical relationships

We continue to meet as Churches Together in Long Buckby with the local Baptist and URC churches. The Vicar and a representative from each of the other two churches met together four times during 2025.

The three churches work together as an Open the Book team, going into Long Buckby Infant and Junior schools each Monday afternoon of term time telling a Bible story and a life lesson and prayer based on that story.

During the Easter Season the three churches held a joint Walk of Witness on Good Friday ending at the URC church where refreshments are service. We held a joint prayer walk around Long Buckby village in June 2025.

During 2025 we welcomed a new Baptist Minister, Matt Levett, who was invited to preach at the Remembrance Sunday service.

The churches produce an annual Christmas card to the village with a short Christmas message and an invitation to all of the Christmas events and services in all three churches.

Community Activities

For several years the Church has operated a “Community Shelf” which provides food and other essential items on a “take as needed” basis.

In 2025, this was expanded in conjunction with Food for Thought to operate a weekly Community Larder, initially for a trial period of six weeks during the School Summer Holidays. The trial demonstrated that there was a real need for affordable food to be provided for some households, whilst other members are passionals about reducing food waste. The main supply of food comes from FareShare, the largest charity coin the UK redistributing surplus food, mainly from the large supermarket chains.

Support for the Larder has also come from the Long Buckby Parish Council who have awarded grants to pay for a proportion of the FareShare costs both 2025 and 2026.

The weekly operation relies on Sheila Robertson and her team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are members of the Church.

More than 100 households are now registered as members. In addition to the provision of food additional support is offered to members

through a monthly visit by a volunteer from the Community Law Project who offers free legal advice and by members of the Housing team who are able to offer assistance with housing problems.

This is now operated under the control of a separate Board of Management with a majority of members appointed by the PCC.

The Annual Village Remembrance Sunday service was held as usual with a United Service in the Church followed by the National 2 minutes Silence and wreath laying at the Village War Memorial in the Churchyard. We were delighted to welcome one of the Deputy Lord Lieutenants for Northamptonshire, Miranda Wixon, who laid a wreath on behalf of His Majesty the King.

Financial Report See separate report.

Financial Reserve Policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a cash balance which equates to 3 months unrestricted payments. During 2023 this required the PCC to formally resolve to withhold part of the final quarterly payment of the Parish Share to ensure that adequate reserves were available.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all those volunteers who are actively invoked in making our Church the lively and vibrant community which it is.

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England and operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and the Church Representation Rules 2020.(CRR)

The PCC is a Registered Charity and all PCC Members are Charity Trustees The method of appointment/election of PCC members is set out in the CRR 2020 and at St Lawrence’s the membership of the PCC consists of the Vicar, two Churchwardens, Reader (Ex-officio following a previous resolution at the APCM), nine elected members and two Deanery Synod representatives.

The Churchwardens are elected annually at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners and the other PCC members and the Deanery Synod representatives are elected by those members of the congregation who are on the Electoral Roll of the Church. The PCC appoints a Secretary, Treasurer (from its membership) and a Safeguarding Officer (who need not be a member of the PCC).

PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the Parish including approving an annual Budget and deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

All those who share in the life of the Church are encourage to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC.

The Parish is part of the United Benefice of Long Buckby with Watford and West Haddon with Winwick. It was established formally in 2011 although the parishes had worked together informally since 2002.

A ministry team led by the Vicar meets regularly to plan services and a common scheme of readings and themes for preaching across the Benefice.

The Church Wardens from each of the four parishes meet together with the Vicar to consider closer working across the Benefice. There were four meetings of this group during 2025.

Administrative Information:

PCC Members and Trustees at the date on which this report was approved

are: Vicar: Rev’d Kevin Montgomery (from August 2023) (Chairman)

Wardens: Chris Banks and One Vacancy (2025-2026)

Reader (Ex-officio): Richard Southey

Elected Members: Helen Baker (2024-2027) Julie Mousley (2025-2028) Graham Simpson (2024-2027) Mary Simpson (2023-2026) Malcolm Sniders (2023-2026)

There were four vacancies on the PCC during the year.

Deanery Synod Representatives:

Chris Banks (2023-2026) and Sheila Robertson (2023-

2026) Chris Banks is the PCC Vice-Chair

The PCC Secretary is Malcolm Sniders and the PCC Treasurer is Mary Simpson.

Employees:

The PCC does not currently employ any paid staff

This report was adopted and approved by the PCC at its meeting held on 17th March 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Rev’d Kevin Montgomery (PCC Chairman)

Church of St. Lawrence. Long Buckby Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31st December 2025 Incumbent: The Revd Kevin Montgomery The Vicarage 10 Hall Drive Long Buckby NN67QR Bank: Nat West plc Independent Examiner: Judy Patchett 31 William Road Long Buckby Charity Number:_1211891

Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of St. Lawrence's Parothial Church Council I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31X December 2025. which are set out on the following pages. Respectlve responsibilities of the Trustees and the examiner The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustee5 consider that an audit is not required for this year under sertion 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination 15 needed. It is my responsibilty to- Examine the acwunts (under section 145 of the 2011 Art): To follow the prOdureS laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners lunder section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act); and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC 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 you as 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 examinerfs statement In connettion with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met-: or 2 to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Judy Patchett 31 William Road Long Buckby Sign= Date

Flnancial Statements as at 31 December 2025 ststement of Assets and Liabilities Totthl General Fund5 Funds 2024 funds Cash Funds Cash & theOLOn hand Natwest eurrentkttTht Langton Freeman ik3nkwrfent account tkwlt Funds r4at West 8uyne55 Resernt Account NatWestknquk4ty Manager35 DèyAccount 38&47 . 1269.11 6.12019 4.229.33 410.rKI 1.481.56 9.172.17 870.20 87020 709.77 8.837.49 247.21 4.670.13 11.754A3 18,523.72 2.597.40 20.313.32 25.727.70 13N53.29 20.970.53 35.359.43 2597AO 71,071.49 46.041.02 19,405.60 870.20 70.6S3A5 118,882.75 The balan ofthe N•tWestCurront arr * 3LIZ25 vrtasD.71534th15 Ild on bElwff ofTheConMnuNtyiarder. other Monetsry Assets Investment Assets at Market Value 5297.12 228.76 2.85 13.950.05 10,668.47 10.274.94 4.715_82 4715A2 7.924.79 7.924.79 (Q 11640.61 s5,240 5,257.85 195.58 2.85 13,565.18 10,609.80 10,140.67 4.859.48 8,304.64 52,936.05 Liabllhties at 31.1225=£ as follw¥- Fee5 received due to PDBF Loan due to PDBF, (see note fj) Amounts due io the PCC= £ at 31.IZa5 as follow&'. fjiftAkl rea>YerabfroM HMRC Grants Recefvab £299. £25X(#J. £1230.91 £10586.Q5 £5.IXM).IYJ The movemtyts In the 8eneralfund. desi8nated fundsand re5trirted fundsdurinstsvear w. Balbfvd Payment5 Trwk5f¥ Balclfwd A54rt i.la5 31.1125 3L12.24 Designated Half & HaFUnd Flower Fund CommuntysheWFL¥MI Gen 2 Fund St. L3vKenceTrutt Fund OLY) 74 18.66 57.44 LJ41.27 57A4 059 12Jl.29 58 1,14127 i.m.12 19.105. 20.622.97 7.72 2.119.68 20JUJ2 19.405.60 0.00 20.970.53 20,622.97 1.772.12 Restricted SthoDlrooms Bells Spedal Collertion5 Church Reorderine Restoration Fund Mi5yon 57T21 571x47 15792 12929 751 195.69 51041 577.21 570.47 157.92 2,1.90 71,97D.83 975.28 76,352.61 1&1&25 1.776.17 OLbJ OA 71.970.83 5U6557 93.40 975.28 1.425.64 9)5.28 76352.61 55.329.36 96365.54 66FA) L4OS64 O.CrfI 35316.43 Endowrnent Restrlcted Fund L3n8ton Freeman tharty No3(Y4768 GÈneral Fund 2J84Jl 21.197. 50.138.28 59.839.39 118W2.75 109,971.53 15821W).83 223.78 709.77 2.[.[) 13.4%.29 21.197.40 o.rAI 70.653A5 118,882.75 Communlty Larder 13 Om 3.950.00 20A5 O.IXl 3.929.55

Financial Statements for the Period ended 31 December 2025 Receipts and Payments Accounts Unrestricted Unrestricted Designated funds Restricted Re5trirted Endowment Fund Total Total 2025 2024 Note General Funds Funds Recelpts Voluntary receipts Planned Giving Collertions All other givingjvoluntary reiptS Gfft Aid Recovered 28.725.53 3.215.53 28,725.53 3.215.53 29.839.11 3.690.30 4,243.64 8.560.58 44.745.28 1,113.62 6,845.06 1,087.72 7,932.78 4,065.31 2.355.17 15,976.10 12,202.32 9,648.30 53,791.68 4,155.31 5,776.65 15.976.10 5,271.79 25,(KKI.00 25,000.IJO 50,138.28 2.119.68 55,329.36 2,384.21 109,971.53 123,049.25 58,106.39 9,408.69 101.044.49 6,337.48 4,580.28 3,628.00 7.459.00 1.113.62 90.LX) 916.06 Fund raising activitie5 Investment Income 121.21 2.384.21 Grants Recelved Church artivitles Other ReIpts Total receipts 5.271.79 Payments Church activities Parish share Clergy and Staffin8 Costs Church running expense5 Church repairs and maintenan Major repairs Schoolrooms running costs Schoolrooms repairs and maintenance 36.000. 107.45 10.207.57 36,000.00 36,000.00 107.45 3,518.32 12.203.47 12,278.94 1,772.12 223.78 7.349.35 7,349.35 93,372.90 2.325.53 4,924.93 93,372.90 2,325.53 2,502.15 3.849.49 195.69 4,045.18 1,389.48 Mission giving and donations io 2.771.45 96,340.04 25.50 0.00 2,771.45 223.78 158,175.33 25.50 2,335.39 62,949.21 424.87 59.839.39 1.772.12 Cost of fund raisin8 aCtl¥ltles li Other payments Total Payments 12 0.00 223.78 158,200.83 1,599.09 64,973.17 59.839.39 1,772.12 96,365.54 Excess of reipts over payments Transfers between funds (9,701.11) 2,IJJ).CKI {7.701.11) 347.56 141.036.18) 2,160.43 (48.229.30) {2,OCM).001 0.00 160.43 148,229.30) 58,076.08 0.00 58,076.08 347.56 {41,036.18} Cash at bank and in hand at I January 2025 31.12.25 21,197.40 20,622.97 13,496.Z9 20.970.53 76,352.61 35,316.43 709.77 118,882.75 870.20 70.653.45 60.806.67 118,882. 75 Approved by the PCC on 17th March 2026 and signed on their behalf by =_ Revd Kevin Montgomery IPCC chaimianl

Financial Statements for the Period ended 31 December 2025 Notes to the Accounts:_Further Analysis of Receipts and Payments Unrestrirted ijnrestricted Restricted Generdl L)esignated Fund5 nds Restrirted En¢Jowment Fund Total Totol Note Funds 2024 Recelpts All othergNIng1Tllrtary rIPtS Donations 1,232.00 3,011.64 o.(x) 1,23100 1.551.47 3.011.64 Noticeboard donations Bells Fund Schoolrooms Fund Speci31 Collections Church Reordering Fund Flower Fund Cornrnunity Shelf Fund Mission ICMSI Restoratiofi Fund 50.00 1.618.25 1,244.04 1,618.25 1.113.62 1.113.62 1,137.62 698.89 288.26 4,447.92 53,835.00 0.00 12,202.32 58,106.39 698.89 4.447.92 6.845.06 4.243.64 1,113.62 Fund rnI$Fa¢tl¥tles Garage sale IL8teu5fSraMI Plant sale (Hfj¢ryyTtk(kl Jumble Sale12014 DuckRaco1 June Concert IAbington Band I Singalong Ischwliooms Fund) ILuminats5 ConrtI Art Exhibr%ion 90.C 117. iii. 310.46 541.63 207.(M) iii.00 180.75 311.00 310A6 902.(70 541.63 1,003.37 43. 43.00 867.60 2.215.47 2,325.74 n6.75 697.02 50.00 0.00 4.155.31 6,337.48 2.215.47 726.75 Christma5 TTee Fertival ICMSI Garden Tea5 (Garage sale) 90.(KI 4,065.31 Investment Intome NatWÈst &JsinessRe5eNe 121.21 101.56 1.525.91 231.11 259.24 o.¢xi 1,525.91 1.071.49 1.962.68 1.962.68 1,850.88 192.17 192.17 196.56 229.36 229.36 224.01 1.635.42 978.10 2.384.21 5.776.65 4,580.28 Naiwe5t qUitym1l35 Fiddity Invtstrnents Wock RIKk C8F Inve5ttrt CBF St Lawrence Tnjst Fund 907.72 916.06 727.70 2,355.17 121.21 Grdnts recefved Long Buckby Feast Insurance Claim Bees Nest Gen2 Fund 0.00 i.000.00 I,)0.00 0.00 1.500.00 i.()o.cM) Hi5ttyk Crthe56fanl i0,O.(K) 4.976.10 O.IXJ 15.976.10 lo,}0.00 4,976.10 1.128.00 O.(K) 15,976.10 3.628.00 vat refvnd Frep Church actlvltles Schoolroorn Lerrin85 2,390.50 2,734.00 147.29 5,271.79 2390.50 3,012.00 2.734.00 4,337.00 147.29 iio.00 o.Ix) 5.271.79 7,459.cio Fees Recdved Other Recelpts Loan from POBF 25,(KX).00 25,(KKI.00 The PDBF loaned the PCC £25,1)(KJ in January 2025 forthe purposesof cash flow whilst undertaking major repair work to the church buildin& this is an interest freefive year loan, which has to be repaid in yeady instalmentsof £5.000 on the anniversary date of 121h January. The first repayment of £5.¢XKJ was paid on 9th January 2026. 0.00

Financial Statements for the Period ended 31 December 2025 Notes to the Accounts:.Further Anatysis of Receipts and Payments Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restritted Gen2ral De%w)aied Funds fvnds TrAal Totul 20Z5 2024 Note Fund5 Fund Payments aer and Stthng Clts Administratoflfamilyworker aer8y office & travel e4)enses o.iyl 3.518.32 107.45 107A5 3,518.32 107.45 107.45 Chyrth rnnnkngexwse5 Church Insurnnce Church Heat & Ltht Fees pald Fees Pasd to Diocese Office E¥penditUTe Service Cost5 Bank/SumUptharges 2,840.41 2,303.37 2WO.41 2,762.17 2J03.37 2,596.37 1,019.( 376.th) 1,980. 2A47.48 1,301.96 1.018.92 1,06Q.96 64J3 59.92 376.00 2.447.48 L018.92 Website. Muwc Copyrighi. zoom 556.56 556.56 1,302.31 1.772.12 223.78 223.78 196.25 223.78 12.203A7 12,278..94 Community Sheff purthases ildren'5 work exp2nses 1,772. 10,207.57 1.772.12 SthookwS rnnrant (05ts Elertricity Water 1,224.04 3CQ.37 Ji.u L224.04 1,242.02 3rxi.37 352.08 801. 770.16 137.89 o.w 1325.53 2,502.15 1Tr5urance Cleaning 2.325.53 Mlsslon O¥lng and d(wwtitAIs CMS Poulson io 637.64 507.64 866.LK) 637.64 530.24 S07.64 530.24 S66. 85.LK) CMSAnn Marie Funeral donations ArchdeOn'S Discretionary Furxl 421.56 65.45 135. 536.80 444.56 157.92 188.79 0.00 2.771.45 2,335.39 Daventry Fwdbank Royal 8ritysh Legion Children's gKiety 65.45 536.80 157.92 2.771.45 C05tof generating Funds Fundraising C05ts-IDèventry Biass Band ¢oncertl Art exhSbstion li 358.10 66.77 424.87 25.50 25.50 25.50 25.50 Other PInts Gen 2eKpendrture sofa aiea New headsets 0.00 1.500.00 ijo 99.09 0.00 1,599.09 The Community Larder 13 The Long Buckby Community Larder was trialled in the Summer and has now become an established weekly event taking place in St. Laweren'S Churth every Tuesday afternoon. It is organised by a separate Charity No. 1184601, Food forThought Daventry IFFfDI. As at 31 December 2025 the Trustees were in the prO$S of setting up a separate bank account for this charity, in the meantime mor)ies received have been banked and accounted for under the PCC'5 banking arrangements. All monies due to the Community Larder weie transferred to this new bank account on 31st March 2026. Receipts and Payments forthe period trn8 31 December 2025 WeeklyTakings Donations 3.Th1.(K) 160.fKJ 3.950.00 120.451 3.929.55 Sum Up char8es Excess of receipts over PayMts as at 31.12.25