REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 209188
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
FOR
ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
Cassidys Chartered Accountants South Stour Offices South Stour Road Mersham Ashford Kent TN25 7HS
ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 3
Independent Examiner's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Financial Statements 7 to 13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objects of the component part of the charity are as follows :
1. 'The Church Lands'
The annual income of the charity shall be applied in the maintenance and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of Ashford.
2. 'The Sidney & Lillian Howland Trusts'
a) CH - The object of the charity is to provide funds for the maintenance of the Parish Church of Ashford after all necessary expenditure on the repair and upkeep of the charity's property.
b) CH No 2 - The object of the charity is to provide funds for the maintenance and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of Ashford.
3. 'The RE Wicken Trust (CH)'
The Legacy income shall be applied in the maintenance and repair of the fabric of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin.
During the year the charity has been able to meet its' objectives by supporting the maintenance and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of Ashford.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the charity commission relating to public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
Investment performance
The majority of the charity's funds are invested in freehold property, which generated rent receivable of £17,520 (2024 - £16,790) during the year and shares which generated dividends receivable of £38,420 (2024 - £37,575) during the year.
Freehold properties are stated at valuations provided by Messrs Taylor Riley, Chartered Surveyors as at 23 January 2023.
The share portfolios are managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited, M&G Charities and Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management. Investments, excluding properties, have increased in value and at 31 December 2025 amount to £1,111,987 (2024 - £1,034,536). Overall funds at the year end totalled £1,612,985 (2024 - £1,521,392).
The net surplus/(deficit) for the year, after costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives and operational expenses of £41,883 (2024 - £67,845) was £91,593 surplus (2024 - £28,407 surplus).
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The trustees maintain reserves at a level they deem sufficient for the future of the charity.
It is the charity's policy to maintain a balance of at least 3 months average expenditure in current accounts held at Lloyds, to meet its day to day running costs.
In addition the charity holds cash on deposit with their investment managers to fund large one-off repair costs and also to generate additional investment income.
FUTURE PLANS
The trustees are satisfied that the investment strategy adopted will enable them to continue with the stated objects of the charities in the future.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Under schemes established by the Charity Commissioners on 31 October 1890 and 9 April 1895, the property and investments formerly administered as assets of 'The Church Lands' charity were to be administered as assets of Ashford Parochial Charities.
At the same time, the property and investments formerly administered as assets of Richard Best (founded 1574), Thomas Milles (1625), Sir Richard Smith, Martha Copley (1668), William Brett (1704) and John Barlow (1820) were to be administered as asset of Ashford Parochial Charities, under the Poor Account.
Subsequently, the Sidney and Lillian Howland Trusts were founded on 2 July 1975 following the death of Lillian Howland and these assets are also administered as part of Ashford Parochial Charities.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The board of trustees is made up of four trustees from the Borough Council, three trustees which include the Rector of Ashford and two Church Wardens, and the remaining trustees are individuals with local knowledge. The appointment of the trustees from the Council takes place with the Council and the appointment of the Rector of Ashford and Church Wardens is automatic with their position. For an individual to be appointed, they must be proposed by one of the existing trustees, then seconded by an existing trustee, and all other trustees must agree.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
209188
Principal address
115 Faversham Road Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9DE
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Trustees R Blount B J Heyes L W Krause J D Hudson Rev. Canon J Worthen Miss C S Hannah J K Fox Dr C J Hallett Cllr E E Wright
Independent Examiner
S G Whorlow FCA Cassidys Chartered Accountants South Stour Offices South Stour Road Mersham Ashford Kent TN25 7HS
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
.......................................................................... Rev. Canon J Worthen - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Ashford Parochial Charity
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ashford Parochial Charity (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
S G Whorlow FCA
Cassidys Chartered Accountants South Stour Offices South Stour Road Mersham Ashford Kent TN25 7HS
Date: .............................................
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Investment income 2 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3 Other Total Net gains on investments NET INCOME Transfers between funds 9 Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds £ 35,452 5,414 10,766 16,180 20,364 39,636 (535) 39,101 974,061 1,013,162 |
Restricted funds £ 22,806 4,279 21,424 25,703 54,854 51,957 535 52,492 547,331 599,823 |
31.12.25 Total funds £ 58,258 9,693 32,190 41,883 75,218 91,593 - 91,593 1,521,392 1,612,985 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 57,029 8,413 59,432 67,845 39,223 28,407 - 28,407 1,492,985 1,521,392 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Investment property 6 CURRENT ASSETS Investments 7 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 9 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds £ 380,000 552,552 81,635 634,187 (1,025) 633,162 1,013,162 1,013,162 |
Restricted funds £ - 559,435 40,923 600,358 (535) 599,823 599,823 599,823 |
31.12.25 Total funds £ 380,000 1,111,987 122,558 1,234,545 (1,560) 1,232,985 1,612,985 1,612,985 1,013,162 599,823 1,612,985 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 380,000 1,034,536 108,356 1,142,892 (1,500) 1,141,392 1,521,392 1,521,392 974,061 547,331 1,521,392 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Investment property
Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Rents received Deposit account interest Dividends received |
31.12.25 31.12.24 £ £ 17,520 16,790 2,318 2,664 38,420 37,575 |
| 58,258 57,029 |
continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
3. RAISING FUNDS
Investment management costs
| Portfolio management Property repairs |
31.12.25 31.12.24 £ £ 8,563 8,225 1,130 188 |
|---|---|
| 9,693 8,413 |
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Investment income EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Other Total Net gains on investments NET INCOME Transfers between funds Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 33,687 4,228 31,083 35,311 25,829 24,205 (515) 23,690 950,371 |
Restricted funds £ 23,342 4,185 28,349 32,534 13,394 4,202 515 4,717 542,614 |
Total funds £ 57,029 8,413 59,432 67,845 39,223 28,407 - 28,407 1,492,985 |
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 974,061 547,331 1,521,392
6. INVESTMENT PROPERTY
£
FAIR VALUE
At 1 January 2025
and 31 December 2025 380,000
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2025 380,000
At 31 December 2024 380,000
Fair value at 31 December 2025 is represented by:
£
Valuation in 2018 79,000
Valuation in 2022 80,000
Cost 221,000
380,000
7. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS
31.12.25 31.12.24
£ £
Listed investments 1,111,987 1,034,536
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continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other creditors MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.25 £ 433,711 540,350 974,061 326,652 220,679 547,331 1,521,392 as follows: Incoming resources £ 19,357 16,095 35,452 14,663 8,143 22,806 58,258 |
Net movement in funds £ 8,071 31,565 39,636 40,810 11,147 51,957 91,593 Resources expended £ (11,286) (4,894) (16,180) (16,821) (8,882) (25,703) (41,883) |
31.12.25 £ 1,560 Transfers between funds £ (1,120) 585 (535) 275 260 535 - Gains and losses £ - 20,364 20,364 42,968 11,886 54,854 75,218 |
31.12.24 £ 1,500 At 31.12.25 £ 440,662 572,500 1,013,162 367,737 232,086 599,823 1,612,985 Movement in funds £ 8,071 31,565 39,636 40,810 11,147 51,957 91,593 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.24 £ 438,661 511,710 950,371 319,186 223,428 542,614 1,492,985 |
Net movement in funds £ (3,875) 28,080 24,205 7,201 (2,999) 4,202 28,407 |
Transfers between funds £ (1,075) 560 (515) 265 250 515 - |
At 31.12.24 £ 433,711 540,350 974,061 326,652 220,679 547,331 1,521,392 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands |
Incoming Resources Gains and Movement resources expended losses in funds £ £ £ £ 18,836 (22,711) - (3,875) 14,851 (12,600) 25,829 28,080 |
|---|---|
| Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust |
33,687 (35,311) 25,829 24,205 14,570 (18,586) 11,217 7,201 8,772 (13,948) 2,177 (2,999) |
| 23,342 (32,534) 13,394 4,202 |
|
| TOTAL FUNDS | 57,029 (67,845) 39,223 28,407 |
continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.24 £ 438,661 511,710 950,371 319,186 223,428 542,614 1,492,985 |
Net movement in funds £ 4,196 59,645 63,841 48,011 8,148 56,159 120,000 |
Transfers between funds £ (2,195) 1,145 (1,050) 540 510 1,050 - |
At 31.12.25 £ 440,662 572,500 1,013,162 367,737 232,086 599,823 1,612,985 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds S&L Howland 1 Churchlands |
Incoming Resources Gains and Movement resources expended losses in funds £ £ £ £ 38,193 (33,997) - 4,196 30,946 (17,494) 46,193 59,645 |
|---|---|
| Restricted funds S&L Howland 2 Wicken Trust |
69,139 (51,491) 46,193 63,841 29,233 (35,407) 54,185 48,011 16,915 (22,830) 14,063 8,148 |
| 46,148 (58,237) 68,248 56,159 |
|
| TOTAL FUNDS | 115,287 (109,728) 114,441 120,000 |
continued...
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2025.
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ASHFORD PAROCHIAL CHARITY
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Investment income Rents received Deposit account interest Dividends received |
31.12.25 31.12.24 £ £ 17,520 16,790 2,318 2,664 38,420 37,575 |
|---|---|
| 58,258 57,029 |
|
| Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Investment management costs Portfolio management Property repairs |
58,258 57,029 8,563 8,225 1,130 188 |
| Other Wages Insurance Clerks expenses Ashford PCC |
9,693 8,413 2,085 1,966 1,850 1,824 78 85 26,449 54,057 |
| Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees |
30,462 57,932 1,728 1,500 |
| Total resources expended | 41,883 67,845 |
| Net income/(expenditure) before gains and losses Realised recognised gains and losses Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments |
16,375 (10,816) 75,218 39,223 |
| Net income | 91,593 28,407 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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