THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Registered Charity Number: 236033
EDMUND CARR LLP
Chartered Accountants 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW
THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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CONTENTS PAGE
Trustees (The Executive Committee) 1
Other Officials of the Association 2
Report of the Trustees 3
Report of the Independent Examiner 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements 9
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST TRUSTEES (THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Chairman Mr H.M. Stuchfield, M.B.E., J.P., D.L., F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S. Vice-Chairman Mr J.E.J. Pickthorn Hon Treasurer Mrs J. Pimblett Other Trustees Mr J.W. Beale Dr F.J.A. Bettley, J.P., D.L., M.A., Ph.D., F.S.A. Mrs E.J. Brice, D.L. Mrs R.A. Grainger, D.L. Mrs C. Leeder Resigned 22 May 2025 Mr A.G. Marsden Mrs S.J. Hutton-Mayson Elected 22 May 2025 Mr P.J. Tottman
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE ASSOCIATION
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Patrons Rt Rev Dr. G. Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, H M Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Rt Rev A. Williams, Bishop of Brentwood
President Mrs J.M.S. Abel Smith Holding Trustees Mr J.W. Beale Mr H.M. Stuchfield
Registered Office
Pentlow Hall, Pentlow, Essex C010 7SP
Charity Commission Registration Number
236033
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc, 40-41 High Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1DE
Virgin Money, Jubilee House, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE3 4PL
Investment Manager
M & G Securities Ltd, Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH
Independent Examiner
Alex Stone FCCA, Edmund Carr LLP, 146 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0AW
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 which have been the subject of an independent examination.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The principal objects of the Trust are the promotion of public interest in the history of the Christian Churches in the area of the Diocese of Chelmsford and assisting in the preservation, repair and restoration of their fabric, through grant giving. From January 2015 grants are also made for work to improve church buildings.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Grant making policy
The charity invites applications for the funding of repair and restoration projects, and from 2015 also for improvements to churches. Applications are reviewed against specific criteria by the Grants Committee which meets quarterly. Grants are allocated based on the highest priority and the funds available.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The 2025 grant allocations for maintenance and improvements were £123,500 (2024: £159,000).
17 Churches were offered grants which ranged in amount from £1,000 to £25,000. Grant cheques of £136,000 (2024: £155,000) were paid in the year for completed projects.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 are set out on pages 7 to 13. The Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet, together with the accompanying notes, provide a detailed review of the charity’s performance for the year.
Our total income increased from £112,951 in 2024 to £167,080 in 2025 due to two legacies notified in the year totalling £55,000 (2024 - one legacy £1,000). A number of fundraising events are held each year at which volunteers provide support. These events, of which a principal one is Ride+Stride, have generated income in 2025 of £68,858 (2024: £65,106). A proportion of the money raised by Ride+Stride, net of gift aid, is returned to the participating churches and this figure is shown in the notes.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued)
THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Investment Policy
There are no restrictions on the charity’s power to invest. The investment strategy is set by the trustees and takes account of recent demand for funds and the grant making policy set out above. Since 2014 the only stock investment has been in M&G Charifund income units. The performance of this investment will continue to be monitored by the Trustees.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted reserves at a level consistent with enabling the charity to provide sufficient funds to meet the agreed grants allocation for the year plus expected outgoings and a provision for contingencies.
The agreed grants allocation for the year will be constrained by the previous year’s income less expected outgoings plus any reduction in reserves adopted by the Committee from time to time.
The reserves policy is reviewed annually and a range of options consistent with prudent investment policy considered.
The trustees consider the current level of reserves just enough to meet this policy.
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Friends of Essex Churches Trust is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. The affairs of the Trust are governed by its Constitution which was originally adopted on 29 January 1983 as amended most recently on 13 May 2015. The Constitution was previously amended on 23 July 1987, 7 May 1991, 11 May 1999, 15 May 2007 and 15 May 2014.
Trustees
The trustees of the Trust both during 2025 and at the date of signature are set out on page 1.
The Executive Committee (trustees) consists of the honorary officers and not less than 5 and not more than 11 members elected at the annual general meeting, who hold office from the conclusion of that meeting.
The honorary officers, being the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, are elected by the members from amongst themselves at the Annual General Meeting.
Other Executive Committee members are nominated by members of the Charity in writing to the Secretary of the Executive Committee at least 14 days before the annual general meeting. Should nominations exceed vacancies, elections are by ballot.
When a new trustee is appointed appropriate training and induction are provided.
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Approved by the trustees on 16 March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
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J Pimblett
Hon Treasurer
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H M Stuchfield
Chairman
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees 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 charity'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:
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Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
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Alex Stone FCCA
Edmund Carr LLP 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW
31 March 2026
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Grants, donations and subscriptions 2 Legacies Fundraising activities 3 Investment income 4 Total income Expenditure on: Fundraising activities 5 Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net gains on investments 8 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Net income/(expenditure) / net movement in funds |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 26,336 55,000 68,858 16,886 167,080 29,641 128,748 158,389 43,614 52,305 242,839 295,144 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 26,336 55,000 68,858 16,886 167,080 29,641 128,748 158,389 43,614 52,305 242,839 295,144 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 30,671 1,000 65,106 16,174 112,951 25,500 159,454 184,954 6,395 ( 65,608) 308,447 242,839 |
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The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above.
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
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|2025|2024|
|Note|£|£|£|
|FIXED ASSETS|
|Investments|8|295,308|251,694|
|CURRENT ASSETS|
|Debtors|9|52,800|2,258|
|Cash at bank|10|72,366|126,027|
|125,166|128,285|
|CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year|11|125,330|137,140|
|NET CURRENT ASSETS/ LIABILITIES|( 164)|( 8,855)|
|NET ASSETS|295,144|242,839|
|FUNDS OF THE CHARITY|
|Unrestricted General Fund|295,144|242,839|
|Restricted Funds|-|-|
|TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS|295,144|242,839|
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Approved by the Trustees on 16 March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
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|---|---|
|…...............................|….............................|
|J Pimblett|H M Stuchfield|
|Hon Treasurer|Chairman|
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The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (SORP 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following SORP 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
General Information
The Friends of Essex Churches Trust is an unincorporated charity which meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The registered office is Pentlow Hall, Pentlow, Essex, C010 7SP.
Fundraising activities
The committee consider directly attributable expenditure on fundraising activities to be material, therefore income is accounted for gross of expenditure. The return payments to local Churches are shown as outgoings.
Income and expenditure
All income and expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that income/ expenditure, it is probable that settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably.
Legacies received
Legacies are accounted for when receivable as long as they are capable of financial measurement.
Investment Income
Investment income is accounted for on a received basis.
Interest on bank deposits
Interest is accounted for on a received basis.
Grants Payable
Grants payable are recognised as expenditure when the grant is allocated.
Debtors and Creditors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Fund accounting
Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable object at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.
Taxation
As the Trust is a charity, it is exempt from taxation - other than VAT, which is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities - to the extent that any income and gains are applied to its charitable objectives.
2. Donations and Subscriptions
| Donations and subscriptions Gift Aid Income from Fundraising Activities Ride+Stride - Donations - Gift Aid Other Events - Donations & Charges |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 23,665 2,671 26,336 Unrestricted 2025 £ 29,589 3,294 35,975 68,858 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - - Restricted 2025 £ - - - - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 23,665 2,671 26,336 Total Funds 2025 £ 29,589 3,294 35,975 68,858 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 28,413 2,258 30,671 Total Funds 2024 £ 28,820 3,378 32,908 65,106 |
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3. Income from Fundraising Activities
4. Investment Income
| Dividends received Interest receivable |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 16,154 732 16,886 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 16,154 732 16,886 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 15,385 789 16,174 |
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
5. Expenditure on Fundraising Activities
| Ride+Stride: - Returned to sponsoring Churches Other Event expenses Charitable Activities Maintenance Grants awarded … (2024: 12) Improvement Grants awarded ... (2024: 5) Grants released Grants for gutter clearance Promotion of public interest in churches Governance and support costs (note 7) |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 13,443 16,198 29,641 Unrestricted 2025 £ 85,500 38,000 123,500 - - 123,500 2,112 3,136 128,748 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - - Restricted 2025 £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 13,443 16,198 29,641 Total Funds 2025 £ 85,500 38,000 123,500 - - 123,500 2,112 3,136 128,748 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 14,526 10,974 25,500 Total Funds 2024 £ 114,000 45,000 159,000 (5,500) - 153,500 2,566 3,388 159,454 |
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6. Charitable Activities
1 grant awarded in 2025 exceeded £15,000 (2024: 0)
7. Governance and Support Costs
| Governance and Support Costs Unrestricted 2025 £ Independent examination and accounts 2,700 Other administration costs 436 3,136 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 2,700 436 3,136 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 2,952 436 3,388 |
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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8. Investments
2025 2024
£ £
Market value at 1 January 251,694 245,299
Additions - -
Unrealised gain/(loss) on investments 43,614 6,395
Market value at 31 December 295,308 251,694
Historical cost at 31 December 240,768 240,768
All investments are held in M&G Charifund Income units.
9. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Gift Aid recoverable 2,400 2,258
Accrued income - R+S 400 -
-
Accrued income - legacies 50,000
52,800 2,258
10. Cash At Bank
2025 2024
£ £
Current
Barclays - 5 various accounts for each section 72,366 41,027
Deposit
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Virgin Money - easy access 85,000
72,366 126,027
11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Outstanding obligations for grants 122,000 134,500
Accruals 3,330 2,640
125,330 137,140
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THE FRIENDS OF ESSEX CHURCHES TRUST
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
12. Trustees Remuneration/ Related Party Transactions
No trustees or connected persons received any remuneration or personal expenses either directly or indirectly (2024: nil).
There were no related party transactions during the financial year (2024: nil).
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