## _**The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex**_ 


## **Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025** 

## **Administrative Information** 

St Mary’s Church is situated on Church Road, Burnham-on-Crouch. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England. The Correspondence Address is The Vicarage, 2A Church Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8DA. 

## **Aims and Purposes** 

The Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin (PCC) has the responsibility of promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, 

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evangelistic, social, and ecumenical in the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St Mary’s Church. 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Church, and to become part of the St Mary’s family. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music, and sacrament. We are committed to serving all the people of our parish as far as we can, through worship and prayer, the provision of pastoral care (including the occasional offices), and mission and outreach work. 

Specific activities relating to the above are given in the review of the year below 

## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956). The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission as: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Burnham-on-Crouch, in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Charity number **1212410** . Members of the PCC are appointed according to the procedures set out in the Church Representation Rules (2020). 

## **Committees:** 

The PCC has one committee, which meets independently of the full PCC: 

## **Standing Committee:** 

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to the consent of the full PCC.  Its membership comprises the PCC Chair, the two Churchwardens, the Treasurer, and the PCC Secretary. Other PCC members can be invited to attend if and when required. 

## **Membership:** 

Members of the PCC were elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.  During the year the following served as members of the PCC: 

## **Incumbent:** 

Revd. Suzanne Fryer 

**Curate: (** appointed 8[th] July 2025) Revd. Karen Eyles 

## **Churchwardens:** 

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Jeremy Cousins (ex officio) Tony Young (ex officio) 

## **Elected Members:** 

Terry Saunders (elected in 2022 for 3 years, appointed Deanery Synod Representative by the PCC on 30[th] April 2025) 

Babs Owers (Deanery Synod Representative elected in 2023) James Cousins (elected in 2023 for 3 years) Janet Stead (elected in 2023 for 3 years) Susan Waller (elected in 2023 for 3 years) Peter Bowyer (elected 2024 for 3 years) Walter Jenkins (elected 2024 for 3 years) Bob Calver (elected in 2025 for 3 years) Janet Hemmings (elected 2025 for 3 years) Susan Cambridge (co-opted by the PCC on 25[th] June 2025) 

## **Officers:** 

The Following were elected at the PCC meeting held on 12[th] May 2024: PCC Chair Revd. Suzie Fryer PCC Lay Vice Chair Tony Young PCC Secretary Walter Jenkins PCC Treasurer James Cousins PCC Gift Aid Officer James Cousins Parish Safeguarding Officer Walter Jenkins PCC Health & Safety Officer Bob Calver Parish Electoral Roll Officer Linda Cleverley 

## **Bank:** 

Barclays Bank UK PLC Leicester. LE87 2BB 

## **Independent Examiner:** 

Mr T Dungate 3 Springfield Road Burnham-on-Crouch 

## **Report on the Church Electoral Roll:** 

During the course of the year the Electoral Roll has been maintained. During the revision of the Roll: 

4 people were added. 3 people were removed. 

As a result, the number of people on the Electoral Roll has increased by 1 to 65 

Linda Cleverley 

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## _Electoral Roll Officer_ 

## **PCC Review of Activities 2025** 

The PCC is responsible for the maintenance of St Mary’s Church, the churchyard, and the green, and for a wide range of matters affecting the parish, including compliance with health and safety legislation, disability legislation and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. In their capacity as trustees, members of the PCC are responsible for the stewardship of funds and for the appropriate accounting and reporting of the parish finances. 

The PCC was pleased to welcome Karen Eyles, our new curate to the parish who was ordained deacon in September. The Churchwardens and Incumbent are ex-officio members of the Burnham United Charitable Trust. PCC meetings take place once every two months, with the Standing Committee meeting in-between. If urgent matters require attention the secretary would email members highlighting the issue and ask them for a decision which would then be endorsed and recorded in the minutes of the next PCC meeting _._ 

Reports were received at each PCC Meeting from the Deanery Synod representatives, the Health and Safety Officer, Churches Together in Burnham representatives, and the Parish Safeguarding Officer. The churchwardens reported on the condition of the church building and the Treasurer provided an update on the financial situation. The parish health and safety policy was reviewed in November. Rev. Suzie reported on the activities in the sister parishes, Holy Trinity, North Fambridge and St Andrew’s, Althorne. 

Walter Jenkins, the Parish Safeguarding Officer, gives a Safeguarding Report to each PCC meeting. There were no safeguarding issues or concerns during the year. The PCC started to approve the mandatory safeguarding requirements in the new Parish Dashboard. The work on the Safer Recruitment procedures is continuing. Member’s Safeguarding Training is monitored and updated when necessary. The Parish Safeguarding Policies were adopted by the PCC with all the other Parish Policies at the November meeting. 

Jim Cousins and Walter Jenkins continued as the St Mary’s representatives on Churches Together in Burnham [CTB]. At the AGM in Burnham United Reformed Church, Rev Suzie was elected as Chair and Walter stood down as Treasurer. Members of the congregation help at the weekly satellite Dengie Food Pantry at the URC. Joint services were organised including the World Day of Prayer in March; a sunrise Easter Sunday service on the Quay; and 

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Rev Suzie, as the Chaplain for the local branches of the RNLI and the Royal British Legion, led the CTB services for the Blessing of the Lifeboats during Burnham Week and Remembrance services in November. She also led 80[th] Anniversary services for VE Day and VJ Day at the town War Memorial. On the Sunday following VJ Day a service of Thanksgiving for the end of World War 2 with Prayers for Peace was held in the Church. The annual Christian Aid week collection raised over £2,100 a slight decrease on the previous year. The Christmas Festive Fayre was well attended and the Christmas Message bags for the children proved to be popular. 

2025 was the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the re-building of St Mary’s Church after the devastating fire in July 1774. To celebrate this event Bishop Adam presided at the 10am service on 21[st] September. Walter gave an illustrated talk on the history of the church from early 1700 to the present day, we had a family fun day on the Church Green and Terry held a joint concert of music through the ages with Ormiston Rivers Academy. 

The numbers attending Sunday worship are still increasing, particularly in the Family Services on the first Sunday of the month.  The Lenten cycle of a Bible Study course and Compline once a week continued. The Easter services were well attended, the Good Friday Messy Church proving to be very popular, we almost reached capacity. Rev Suzie continues to conduct a large number of funeral services, many of which are at church, and there are a reasonable number of baptisms. St Mary’s also hosted 2 weddings in 2025, as well as the Deanery Confirmation Service in June. 

The monthly All-Age services included Mothering Sunday, and Harvest Festival where donations were encouraged for the Food Pantry and the window sills were decorated by local community groups. Paul J King, Funeral Directors helped to organise a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in November to support the recently bereaved. St Mary’s held carol services for St Mary’s School, the RNLI, and the Town Council. The joint Farleigh “Light Up a Life” service with All Saints, Creeksea was held at St Marys. 

Rev Suzie leads Collective Worship at St Mary’s VA CofE Primary School every other week, and School Eucharists are scheduled once a term where parents can also attend. Rev Suzie also visits Burnham Primary School. St Mary’s School pupils come to St Mary’s for services on Ash Wednesday, Easter, Harvest, and a Carol service. The number of children in the early years classes have meant that two services are now arranged to accommodate all the children and parents who wish to attend. A special service is held for year 6 as they leave St Mary’s School.  Younger classes hold their Nativity Plays in the School. A report on the school’s activities is always given to the PCC by either Rev Suzie or one of the PCC Governors. 

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The major fundraising event was the Great Burnham Bonfire, which was held on the Church Green, our thanks to everyone who helped with the organising of the event. Our Car Boot Sales on the Green continued once a month during the summer months. A Christmas Craft Fair and Coffee morning was held with the RNLI Burnham Branch. Pam Bridge continues to raise funds for St Mary’s through her cards, thank you Pam. At a regular service of the organ a major overhaul was advised. To raise funds for this Terry held a six-hour organ marathon which was well supported, we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed towards this work which will involve the complete dismantling and rebuilding of the organ pipes. 

The PCC thanks everyone who helps in the day-to-day affairs of St Mary’s, especially Pam Bridge for making the cards; Terry for his concerts and work as Director of Music and organist; Jane and Mervyn Hammond, plus the rest of the flower team, for their continued work in decorating the Church; those who attend the Church for Church cleaning; and the bonfire builders and stewards who have made that event so important in the Burnham Calendar. 

Walter Jenkins _PCC Secretary._ 

## **Churchwardens’ Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church** 

As with any church, the maintenance of the building is an ongoing process. Things break and need repairing or they come to the end of their useful life and need replacing. 

We have continued to ensure broken tiles are fixed to avoid safety hazards and the side altar rail needed to be attached having come loose towards the end of the year. 

The external cesspit tank required some work during the year and some urgent work was also required on the organ.  Further work has been approved by the Archdeacon and will take place in 2026. 

The communion plate, processional cross and candlesticks that are used regularly are all in a reasonable condition for their age. In relation to the Quinquennial Report, completed in 2022, in 2024 we completed the urgent tasks listed and will continue to address the less urgent tasks during 2026. 

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Notwithstanding the above we have a wonderful church and as Churchwardens we would like to thank the members of our PCC and other committees; Deanery synod reps; sides people; readers; intercessors; refreshment providers and servers; Terry and the choir; the sacristy team; flower arrangers; our craft creators and helpers; those who open and lock up church daily; and church cleaners. We are sure we are bound to have missed some people but we really appreciate all their hard work to keep a loving and welcoming presence here at St Mary's. 

Thank you. 

Jeremy Cousins Tony Young _Churchwardens_ 

## **Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod** 

Deanery Synod meetings took place on Thursday 10[th] April 2025 at St Michael’s Church Woodham Walter, Wednesday 15[th] October 2025 at All Saints Maldon. 

Topics discussed range from the condition of building and their repairs, the parish share and the Maldon & Dengie Deanery unable to pay this in full needing to improve from currently 83% to 92%, while the Church of England is criticised for spending millions on reparations.  The Parish Giving Scheme is recommended as it takes pressure off Parish Treasurers without cost and tax is returned within a month.  Safeguarding is a regular topic with the increasing need to protect our young people, avoid scams and review procedures.  We also have a Vocations Advisor, Rev Julie Willmott, who stressed the need to promote the role each person in each congregation has within “the body of Christ”; that is each one of us, what we do and how we live. 

The regular feedback from parishes continues, as last year, to be positive and upbeat.  At each meeting parishes reported increased numbers in attendance, new and young faces, varied activities sometimes traditional ones brought to life with a new twist and modern technology brought in to help.   The Hundred Days of Prayer which began on Ash Wednesday are an essential ingredient to this renewal and the continuance of interest and growth in faith. 

The Diocesan Report is read out.  Sustaining Ministry is a matter of concern and prayer.   Education and Safeguarding are invariably on the agenda as are distribution of funds, clergy stipends and budgets. 

Our area Dean, Rev Peter Begley is retiring at the end of 2026. 

Auriel Owers & Terry Saunders 

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## _Deanery Synod Representatives._ 

## **Finance Report for Year To 31st December 2025** 

The Annual Accounts for the year to 31[st] December 2025 are attached. 

The Statement of Assets and Liabilities shows that the Church has Investments of £61,364 (all Endowment Funds) and Cash at Bank totalling £156,142 in our 11 bank accounts which represent Endowment or Restricted Funds except for the General Fund of £13,823 which is unrestricted. 

The Receipts and Payments Account shows that most of our 11 Accounts have transactions limited to the receipt of bank interest or investment dividends for the year. The 4 Accounts which differ are firstly the Bell Fund which shows Income of £93 ( donations), the second is the Organ Fund showing donations of £11,899 and Gift Aid of ££2,637 and the third is the Restoration Fund showing receipts of £3,967 (donation £500, sale of cards £304 and interest £3,163.57) and expenditure of £3,867 ((new waste pump £2,720, CCTV camera £946 and gazebo £201). 

The other account is The General Fund which shows Income of £41,662 plus transfer of £837 from Tithe Chancel Fund and Expenditure of £43,392 resulting in a deficit of £893 and a year-end balance in the Fund of £13,823. The income included Donations and Tax Recovered of £32,491, Net Fees for Weddings and Funerals £3,390, Fund Raising (mainly Bonfire, Car Boot Sales, Fun Day, Terry’s Concerts and Walter’s Talk) £5,070 and Insurance Claim £710. Expenditure included Parish Share £27,000 and Running and Fundraising Costs £16,392 

We increased our Parish Share contribution by £2,000 but nonetheless we are still falling well short of the required level. 

A big thank you to our Church Donors, Terry, Walter and all who helped with our fund raising events for their contribution and to Pam Bridge for income from the sale of cards. 

James Cousins _Hon Treasurer_ 

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Inde
endent Examiner's Re
Church Burham on Crouch.
l ￿pOrt on the accounts of the PCC of St. MaryThe Virgin Church
Burnham on Crouch forthe year ending 31 December 2025 which are Set
out on the 7 pages attached.
Res
ective res
onsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts; you consider that an audit is not required for this year under
Section 144(2} of the Charities Art 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an
Independent Examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
rt to the PCC of St Ma
the Vi
in
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act:
Follow prO￿dureS laid down in the general direction5 given by
the Charity Commissioners section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act:
and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
asis of Inde
ndent Examlner's Statement.
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
account5 presented wrth 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the
accounts.
Inde
endent Examiner's ststement
In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:
111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material
respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with S130 of the
2011Act," or
to prepare accounts which accord with accounting records have not
been met,- or
{21 to which in my opinion attention should be drawn in orderto enable
a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Name and Ad
Date
Page 9 of 15

## **Burnham on Crouch St Mary PCC Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025** 

||**Balance**|**Previous**<br>**balance**|
|---|---|---|
|**Investments**<br>**6430: CoIFS Tithe Chancel 108001176s - Asset**<br>Tithe Chancel Endowment|**32,689.87**|**33,935.55**|
|**6431: COIFS H E Pilkington 108001280s - Asset**<br>Pilkington Trust Endowment|5,571.77|5,803.80|
|**6432: COIFS Dorothy Bell Bequest 108001432s - Asset**<br>Dorothy Bell Bequest Endowment|23,102.44|24,064.49|
|**Investments**|**61,364.08**|**63,803.84**|
|**Cash at bank and in hand**<br>**6501: Bank current account Barclays 70223867 - Asset**<br>General fund Unrestricted|13823.03|14,716.08|
|**6502: Restoration Barclays 40223948 - Asset**<br>Restoration Fund Restricted|3,443.65|3,507.24|
|**6506: Restoration Dep -Barclays 10061484 - Asset**<br>Restoration Fund Restricted|67.83|66.95|
|**6507: Sunday School Dep -Barclays 50892483 - Asset**<br>Sunday School Restricted|408.04|473.73|
|**6508: Dorothy Bell Dep - Barclays 90223913 - Asset**<br>Dorothy Bell Bequest Endowment|5,147.20|4,417.15|
|**6509: Pilkington Trust Dep - Barclays 60539090 - Asset**<br>Pilkington Trust Endowment|1,318.32|1,141.25|
|**6510: Bell Fund Dep - Barclays 40646148 - Asset**<br>Bell fund Restricted|239.10|143.81|
|**6511: Choir Fund Dep - Barclays 93170764 - Asset**<br>Choir Fund Restricted|133.22|131.49|
|**6512: Organ Fund Dep - Barclays 40634425 - Asset**<br>Organ Fund Restricted|14,632.17|94.04|
|**6515: CCLA (CBF)608378001D Restoration Fund - Asset**<br>Restoration Fund Restricted|114,276.12|114,113.43|
|**6516: CCLA (CBF) 608378002D Bell Fund - Asset**<br>Bell fund Restricted|2,653.34|2,564.84|
|**Cash at bank and in hand**|**156,142.02**|**141,370.01**|
|**Grand Total**|**217,506.10**|**205,173.85**|



## **Burnham on Crouch St Mary PCC Receipts and Payments Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025** 

## **Pilkington Trust (Endowment) Fund** 

|**Pilkington Trust(Endowment) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|**Income and endowments**<br>Investments|||
|Dividends||39.21|
|Bank and building society interest|177.07|133.78|
|_Total Investments_|177.07|172.99|
|**Total income and endowments**|177.07|172.99|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure|177.07|172.99|
|Brought forward balance|6,945.05|6,642.19|
|Adjustments|(232.03)|129.87|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**6,890.09**|**6,945.05**|



## **Restoration Fund (Restricted) Fund** 

|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**||
|---|---|---|---|



Page 10 of 15 



|**Income and endowments**<br>Donations appeals etc.<br>Legacies<br>Non-recurring one-off grants<br>Other funds generated|500.00<br>-<br>-<br>-|1,361.00<br>100,462.33<br>4,680.00<br>1,044.00|
|---|---|---|
|_Total Donations and legacies_|**500.00**|**107,547**|
|Other trading activities<br>Fund raising<br>Fund raising - sale of goods<br>Bookstall sales-fundraising|239.35<br>-<br>64.20|48.00<br>263.20<br>49.00|
|_Total Other trading activities_|**303.55**|**360.20**|
|Investments<br>Dividends<br>Bank and building society interest|-<br>3,163.57|179.73<br>532.63|
|_Total Investments_|**3,163.57**|**712.36**|
|**Total income and endowments**|**3,967.12**|**108,619.89**|
|**Expenditure**<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Church maintenance<br>Equipment & Maintenance<br>Upkeep of churchyard<br>Church major repairs–Structure|2,720.00<br>1,147.14<br>-<br>-|-<br>-<br>1,161.00<br>6,264.00|
|_Total Expenditure on charitable activities_|**3,867.14**|**7,425.00**|
|**Total expenditure**||**7,425.00**|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Brought forward balance<br>Transfers to/(from)|99.98<br>117,687.6<br>2<br>-|101,194.89<br>16,492.73<br>-|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**117,787.6**<br>**0**|**117,687**|



## **Sunday School (Restricted) Fund** 

|**Sunday School(Restricted) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25**<br>**to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24**<br>**to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|Income and endowments<br>Donations and legacies<br>Donations appeals etc|-|500.00|
|Total Donations and legacies|-|500.00|
|Investments<br>Bank and building society interest|5.82|4.72|
|_Total Investments_|5.82|4.72|
|**Total income and endowments**|**5.82**|**504.72**|
|**Expenditure**<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Other expenses|71.51|105.78|
|**Total Expenditure on charitable activities**|**71.51**|**105.78**|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Brought forward balance|(65.69)<br>473.73|398.94<br>74.79|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**408.04**|**473.73**|



## **Tithe Chancel (Endowment) Fund** 

|**Tithe Chancel(Endowment) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|Income and endowments<br>Investments<br>Bank and building society interest|-|261.78|
|Total Investments|-|261.78|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Brought forward balance<br>Transfers to/[from]<br>Adjustments|-<br>33,935.55<br>(837.00)<br>(408.88)|261.78<br>36,493.82<br>(4,487.00)<br>1,666.95|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**32,689.87**|**33,935.55**|



Page 11 of 15 



## **Bell fund (Restricted) Fund** 

|**Bell fund(Restricted) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|**Income and endowments**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Gift Aid - Bank<br>Donations appeals etc|10.00<br>83.00|-<br>90.00|
|_Total Donations and legacies_|93.00|90.00|
|Other trading activities<br>Fundraising|-|10.00|
|_Total Other tradings activities_|-|10.00|
|Investments<br>Dividends<br>Bank and building society interest|-<br>90.79|32.66<br>98.19|
|_Total Investments_|**90.79**|**130.85**|
|**Total income and endowments**|183.79|230.85|
|**Expenditure**<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities**<br>**Equipment**|-|132.00|
|**Total expenditure on charitable activities**|-|132.00|
|Total Expenditure<br>Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Transfers to/[from]<br>Brought forward balance|-<br>183.79<br>-<br>2,708.65|132.00<br>98.85<br>52.00<br>2,557.80|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**2,892.44**|**2,708.65**|



## **Choir Fund (Restricted) Fund** 

|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|---|---|---|
|**Income and endowments**<br>Investments<br>Bank and building society interest|1.73|1.96|
|_Total Investments_|1.73|1.96|
|**Total income and endowments**|**1.73**|**1.96**|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Brought forward balance|1.73<br>131.49|1.96<br>129.53|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**133.22**|**131.49**|



## **Dorothy Bell Bequest (Endowment) Fund** 

|**Dorothy Bell Bequest(Endowment) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|**Income and endowments**<br>Investments<br>Dividends<br>Bank and building society interest|-<br>730.05|162.56<br>576.61|
|_Total Investments_|730.05|739.17|
|**Expenditure**<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Church maintenance<br>Equipment|-<br>-|1,500.00<br>1,075.20|
|**Total Expenditure**|-|2,575.20|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Adjustments<br>Brought forward balance|730.05<br>(962.05)<br>28,481.64|[1,836.03]<br>538.48<br>29,779.19|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**28,249.64**|**28,481.64**|



## **Organ Fund (Restricted) Fund** 

|**Organ Fund(Restricted) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|**Income and endowments**<br>Donations and legacies|||



Page 12 of 15 



|Donations appeals etc<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid|11,899.39<br>2,637.50|-<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|**Total Donations and legacies**|14,536.89|-|
|**Interest**<br>Bank and building society interest|1.24|1.40|
|_Total Investments_|**1.24**|**1.40**|
|**Total income and endowments**|**14,538.13**|**1.40**|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure<br>Brought forward balance|14,538.13<br>94.04|1.40<br>92.64|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**14632.17**|**94.04**|



## **General fund (Unrestricted) Fund** 

|**General fund(Unrestricted) Fund**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Note**|**From**<br>**1/1/25 to**<br>**31/12/25**|**From**<br>**1/1/24 to**<br>**31/12/24**|
|Income and endowments<br>Donations and legacies<br>Gift Aid – Bank<br>Gift Aid – Envelopes blue<br>Other planned giving<br>Loose plate collections<br>Online giving<br>One-off Gift Aid gifts<br>Donations appeals etc<br>Donation Flowers<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid<br>Non-recurring one-off grants<br>Other funds generated|13,030.00<br>4,049.00<br>1,672.60<br>3,555.06<br>1,989.97<br>616.90<br>720.40<br>135.00<br>6,722.78<br>-<br>-|13,095.00<br>3,834.50<br>1,726.20<br>3,457.84<br>1,951.00<br>6.00<br>1,071.21<br>262.63<br>6,212.27<br>550.00<br>10.95|
|_Total Donations and legacies_|**32,491.71**|**32,177.60**|
|Income from charitable activities<br>PCC Fees for weddings and funerals<br>Verger & Organist fees<br>purchase of plaque|4,095.65<br>(705.00)<br>-|3,012.20<br>[1,090].00<br>350.00|
|_Total Income from charitable activities_|**3,390.65**|**2,272.20**|
|Other trading activities<br>Fund raising|5,070.03|4,371.27|
|_Total Other trading activities_|**5,070.03**|**4,371.27**|
|Other Income<br>Insurance claims|710.**00**|**-**|
|_Total Other Income_|**710.00**|**-**|
|**Total income and endowments**|**41,662.39**|**38,821.07**|
|**Expenditure**|||
|Raising funds<br>Costs of fund raising<br>Cost of fund raising-refreshments|765.15<br>28.27|969|
|**_Total Raising funds_**|**793.42**|**969**|
|Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Giving to charities<br>Parish share<br>Working expenses of incumbent<br>Church running – insurance<br>Organ/piano tuning<br>Organist<br>Church maintenance<br>Equipment<br>Equipment & maintenance<br>Upkeep of services<br>Flowers<br>Upkeep of churchyard<br>Administration<br>Other expenses<br>Cost of online giving<br>Church running - electric<br>Church running-water|460.00<br>27,000.00<br>523.35<br>4,288.84<br>523.20<br>50.00<br>-<br>-<br>2,205.87<br>1,740.25<br>275.25<br>811.50<br>1,614.16<br>35.00<br>24.47<br>2,907.73<br>139.40|-<br>25,000.00<br>196.00<br>3,997.45<br>-<br>150.00<br>929.99<br>1,415.00<br>551.98<br>2,101.94<br>363.00<br>970.50<br>1,022.28<br>-<br>28.37<br>3,767.90<br>252.87|
|_Total Expenditure on charitable activities_|**42,599.02**|**40,749.28**|
|**Total expenditure**|**43,392.44**|**41,718.46**|
|Excess of Income and endowments over Expenditure|(1,730.05)|[2,897.39]|



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|Transfers to/[from]<br>Brought forward balance<br>Adjustments|837.00<br>14,716.08<br>-|4,435.00<br>13,178.47<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|**Total carried forward balance**|**13,823.03**|**14,716.08**|



Other Activities not covered in the Annual Report 

## **Bell Ringers Report 2025** 

Our tower continues to have a reliable team of ringers although age is beginning to take its Toll on some of us, me included!! 

Tony Eaton continues with his teaching skills and David Mason with his knowledge of bell maintenance. 

At the moment I am attempting to clean “upstairs” where the bells are situated but have met with signs of something nesting aloft and also an insect infestation. These problems with help from my team I will deal with, as and when. Tony Young is our “Steeple Keeper” and is helping with this. We ring every Sunday and at all Weddings and Services when required. When we have visiting ringers. I now pass any donations directly to Jim Cousins rather than holding them until the end of the year. 

Steve Clarke is still willing to stand in for me if needed but hopefully not yet!! Although I am Tower Captain without all the support I receive from all my ringers it would be a thankless task, so my thanks goes to all of them 

Wendy Hooper _Tower Captain_ 

## **Director of Music’s Report 2025** 

We finished 2025 as we began, with the same nine seasoned choristers who have a total of over 500 years’ choral singing between them.  I don’t keep a register, but I would be surprised if any of them had an attendance record of less than 90%; we are indeed fortunate to be able to benefit from such a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

Once again, the choir stepped up to the plate when needed for major services – those at Easter and Christmas and the Civic Service in May. It was at the other service supported by the council – the Town Carol Service – that the choir, plus a few extras, really came into their own, when the organ packed up just before the ‘How silently’ verse of _O Little Town of Bethlehem_ . They provided a much-needed input to the unaccompanied singing for the five remaining carols and their efforts received much praise afterwards from several of the distinguished guests. 

We are always on the look-out for new members to join us (whether with 50 years’ choral experience or none). We meet every Sunday at 9.15 to go 

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through the hymns – including the introit just before the service starts – and the psalm, if applicable.  Please let me know if this is something that appeals to you – anyone is welcome to come along on a trial basis with no obligation! 

## Terry Saunders. _Director of Music & Choirmaster_ 

## **Flower Report 2025** 

We have been able to decorate our beautiful Church building for all the major festivals this year. It is very much a team effort. However you have helped, I would like to express my very sincere thanks. 

The price of flowers is still high and I am very thankful to everyone who has donated money. My thanks go to Jeremy Cousins for organising this. It has enabled us to fund the flowers. 

Jane Hammond 

_Flower Arranger_ 

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