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CHURCH LANDS

Registered charity 254122 · accounts filings on the Charity Commission register · also known as THE CHURCH LANDS TRUST

Trust re esablished in 1614 to help maintain the structure of St Mary's Church Ambrosden

Causes: Environment/conservation/heritage · Get email alerts

Latest income
£49k
Latest spending
£329k
Registered
1967
Accounts read
FY2025

Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts

The accounts state that the trust held unrestricted reserves of £93,837.94 at the end of the financial year, a significant decrease from the opening balance of £374,056.00 due to the purchase of a property for £285,000. The trust reports that resources are adequate to continue operations, with an independent examiner confirming the accounts reflect a true record of activities.

Automated summary of the FY2025 accounts; the evidenced findings below carry the verbatim passages.

What the accounts disclose

Going concern: noted by the trustees or auditor
“It has been agreed to invite Marcus Blake of Berrys Land Agents to revisit the Blackthorn site in early 2026 to discuss the potential sale of the equestrian land for development. Should the development be approved, Church House will go on the market to be sold.” — page 2
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Payments to trustees: RR Thompson received £134.65 for Lands Trust Admin.
“28/04/2025 RR Thompson £104.65 BACS Lands Trust Admin”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Trustees met with Directors of Thomas Merrifield to clarify relationship; Merrifields is the property management agent receiving fees.
“Three of the trustees met with two Directors of Thomas Merrifield in August to clarify our relationship with the company. The outcome was satisfactory, and all is good so far.” — page 1
“28/04/2025 RR Thompson £104.65 BACS Lands Trust Admin”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Trustee RR Thompson received payments for Lands Trust Admin.
“Three of the trustees met with two Directors of Thomas Merrifield in August to clarify our relationship with the company. The outcome was satisfactory, and all is good so far.” — page 1
“28/04/2025 RR Thompson £104.65 BACS Lands Trust Admin”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Trustee RR Thompson received payments for Lands Trust Admin.
“Three of the trustees met with two Directors of Thomas Merrifield in August to clarify our relationship with the company. The outcome was satisfactory, and all is good so far.” — page 1
“28/04/2025 RR Thompson £104.65 BACS Lands Trust Admin”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.

Accounts independently examined (not a full audit). Discloses 3 of 6 completeness components.

Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/09/2024)

Total income
£713k
Total spending
£385k
Cost of raising funds
£374k
Reserves (reported)
£0
Employees
0

Trustees · trustee networks

Trustee list from the Charity Commission register (current, not historical).

Operates in: Oxfordshire

Income and spending

Financial year endIncomeSpending
30/09/2025£49k£329k
30/09/2024£713k£385k
30/09/2023£21k£29k
30/09/2022£18k£15k
30/09/2021£19k£14k

Common questions

Is CHURCH LANDS financially healthy?

Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the trust held unrestricted reserves of £93,837.94 at the end of the financial year, a significant decrease from the opening balance of £374,056.00 due to the purchase of a property for £285,000. The trust reports that resources are adequate to continue operations, with an independent examiner confirming the accounts reflect a true record of activities. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.