2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Binley Coventry

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The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Binley Sunday 26[th] April 2025 at 11.30am.

Annual Joint Meeting of Parishioners:

Present: Welcome:

A. Apologies.
B. Minutes of the Annual Joint Meeting of Parishioners held on 27[th] April 2024.
C. Matters Arising.
D. Election of the churchwardens.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting:

Present: Welcome:

A. Apologies:
B. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 27[th] April 2024.
C. Matters Arising.
D. Electoral Roll Report.
E. Finance Report.
F. Churchwarden/Fabric Report.
G. Annual Report.
H. Safeguarding.
I. Elections:
a. Members of the PCC.
b. Deanery Synod Representatives.
c. Auditors.
J. Any Other Business.
K. Vicar’s Report.

Minutes of St. Bartholomew’s Church AGM

Held on Sunday 27[th] April 2025, in the Church Hall.

Annual Joint Meeting of Parishioners:

Present:

Present:
J. Bremner–in the Chair	T. Grimwood	D. Barnett
J. Taylor	G. Richardson	S. Slater
B. Allen	R. Bromley	A. Horton
A. Grimwood	D. Bromley	C. Horton
S. Bird	J. Blundell	S. Underhill
R. Schoolar	R. Jenkins	K. Stafford
J. Owen	I. Jenkins	J. Stafford
M. Owen	J. Tramontina	G. Adamson
C. Murray	R. Normington	J. Latta (Carney)
R. Salisbury	L. Normington	C. Latta
B. Slater	S. Taylor	K. Williamson
P. Slater	N. Croft	T. Bird (Kitchen)
S. Sampson	M. Barnett	A. Gowans (Kitchen)

Welcome:

All were welcomed to the meeting for 2025.

A. Apologies:

K. Mayo, P. Durrant, G. Sampson, L. Grimwood, S. Baker, M. Gilbert, R. Sherry, D. Sherry.

B. Minutes of the Annual Joint Meeting of Parishioners held on 28[th] April 2024.

The minutes and reports have been circulated by email, paper copies have been available at the back of church.

Proposal that the minutes of the meeting held on Sunday 28[th] April 2024 be accepted by the Annual Joint Meeting of Parishioners,

Proposed: G. Richardson. Seconded: J. Owen. All in favour, proposal carried.

C. Matters Arising:

Nil.

D. Election of the Church Wardens:

There are two nominations for the position of Church Warden, these are for Steve Bird and Ali Grimwood. Grateful thanks were given to them both for their service over the past year. No election is required as their nominations are unopposed.

The meeting closed at 11.43 am.

Minutes of The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Binley

Held on Sunday 27[th] April 2025, in the Church Hall.

The meeting opened at 11.43 am

Present:

Present:
J. Bremner–in the Chair	T. Grimwood	D. Barnett
J. Taylor	G. Richardson	S. Slater
B. Allen	R. Bromley	A. Horton
A. Grimwood	D. Bromley	C. Horton
S. Bird	J. Blundell	S. Underhill
R. Schoolar	R. Jenkins	K. Stafford
J. Owen	I. Jenkins	J. Stafford
M. Owen	J. Tramontina	G. Adamson
C. Murray	R. Normington	J. Latta (Carney)
R. Salisbury	L. Normington	C. Latta
B. Slater	S. Taylor	K. Williamson
P. Slater	N. Croft	T. Bird (Kitchen)
S. Sampson	M. Barnett	A. Gowans (Kitchen)

Welcome:

All were welcomed to the meeting for 2025.

A. Apologies:

K. Mayo, P. Durrant, G. Sampson, L. Grimwood, S. Baker, M. Gilbert, R. Sherry, D. Sherry.

B. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 28[th] April 2024.

Proposal that the minutes of the APCM held on Sunday 28th April 2024 be accepted as true and accurate.

Proposed: R. Salisbury. Seconded: C. Horton. All in favour, proposal carried.

C. Matters Arising:

Nil.

D. Electoral Roll Report:

The PCC held a meeting to approve this today. The purpose of the electoral roll is to take an accurate list of regular church attenders. This year there was a complete renewal of the electoral roll. Any names from previous years where there is no new application for completed, are removed. The numbers on the roll now stand as:

Resident = 83

Non-resident = 21

Total = 104

The roll will become live again tomorrow so any new names can be added.

E. Finance Report:

Ray Schoolar is our Church Treasurer, and grateful thanks were extended to Ray. The report has been circulated. In short, the report confirms that bank account demonstrates that expenditure and income balance.

F. Churchwarden/Fabric Report:

Grateful thanks were extended to Ali Grimwood and Steve Bird for their service as Church Wardens. On their behalf, Ali extended massive thanks to all those who work behind the scenes for the work of the church. These included those who look after the churchyard, do flowers, cleaning the church, to whom she extended a great debt of gratitude.

Steve explained other things that have been happening in the church building. Wi-Fi has been installed, and the Quinquennial Report (5-year survey) has taken place this year. A detailed report has been received, indicating work that needs to be done on the fabric of the building. This work that needs to be done will be more of a focus over the next few years, with some challenges to come.

Thanks were extended to Karan Mayo for taking over the Church Hall bookings.

Chris Horton extended thanks to John Owen for his fundraising work for the Hall.

G. Annual Report:

There are two versions of the Annual Report, one runs from January to December each year and is included in the Annual Audit of Accounts. The second version is updated to run from April to March each year and is included in the APCM documents. Jon expressed grateful thanks to all the volunteers for all the activities reflected in the report and grateful thanks to those who send information for collation in the report.

C. Horton explained about the development of the Bereavement Café which will be starting in the Church Hall in May. Thanks were given to Rose and Ian Jenkins and to Chris Horton for their faith and work.

H. Safeguarding:

Thanks were extended to Marian Owen, Parish Safeguarding Officer, for her rigorous record keeping and vigilance. This forms part of our witness to safeguard people.

I. Elections:

a) Members of the PCC

St. Barts can have up to 12 PCC members in addition to Churchwardens, Clergy and Deanery Synod members. This year the following have been nominated:

Beth Allen, Karan Mayo, Carolyn Murray, John Owen, Marian Owen, Ray Schoolar. Rachael Sherry and Brian Slater.

Clergy, Churchwardens and Deanery Synod are ex-officio members.

b) Deanery Synod

St. Barts can elect up to four people to stand for Deanery Synod, they stand for three years. Last year Gavin Holmes-Wilson stood for this, and he is joined this year by Tom Grimwood. Thank you Tom.

c) Auditors.

Auditors Burgis and Bullock are the auditors for the annual church accounts. The church is happy with the work they have done so the proposal is:

Burgis and Bullock should be the auditors for the Church accounts for 2025/2026.

Proposed: R. Bromley. Seconded: R. Schoolar. All in favour, proposal carried.

J. A.O.B:

a) Huge thanks were extended to Jon and Su for their 10 years (plus) of service to this church. It is a joy and a privilege to have them here to lead us. Gifts of flowers and whisky were given from all the church family. Jon stated that it was a joy and a privilege to be here with the church family.

b) Thanks were extended to those who were in the kitchen today (Theresa & Andy) and on other days.

c) L. Normington told us about Youell Court and the amazing work done there by Vicky Owen. She also stated that it is good to have a multi-cultural congregation at St. Barts and hoped this would be reflected in those groups involved in the running of the church.

d) S. Sampson hoped that as this meeting was about all things new that young people could be included in the PCC. PCC members must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

e) K. Williamson asked about the work of the Churchwardens. It was explained that they do many things but primarily are responsible for the fabric of the buildings. Spiritual leadership is primarily the work of the Vicar who is supported by the Churchwardens and the PCC. They are trustees for this work and for other aspects such as Safeguarding Office and Treasurer.

f) A. Horton asked if a picture board could be produced to help identify those individuals who are elected to serve on the PCC.

K. Vicar’s Report:

The worship report was circulated in the reports for this meeting.

Jon thanked James for chairing today’s meeting which will sadly be James’ last here at St. Bart’s as he’s moving to Nuneaton to take on two churches and a new church plant. He is immensely grateful to James, Bethany and their family here, and they will be hugely missed. Thanks were given for all they have done here from Charing the Church Hall Committee, staring a new Connect Group, and a Youth Group. There will be many challenges for us and we are massively grateful for everything.

It has been a wonderful year here at St. Bart’s.

An Alpha course was run with 14 adults and 5/6 young people. This followed the pattern of a meal supplied by other Connect Groups, a talk and discussion. It hoped to run another course later this year.

The Bereavement Café is starting in May in the Church Hall and will be led by Rose Jenkins and Chris Horton. This has developed from the Bereavement Friendship Group which Rose was prompted by God to run, at Rose and Ian’s home. This now has about 20 members and the idea is to expand this with a monthly meeting at the Church Hall. Please pray for this group.

The Parent and Toddler Group, Outlook and lunch clubs have all been well attended during the last year and we give thanks for them.

Sadly, we lost four members during the last year, Ken Croft, Josie Grantham, Jean Wilkinson and Celia Buckby. We are very sad for their loss but glad they are with the Lord.

The worship report mentioned something is changing with the climate of church attendance in this country. It is more open to young people (age 18-34), this age group is increasing, and we are starting to see this at St. Bart’s. Thank you to God for this. Attendance at Easter Sunday services has increased here, 2022 – 80 attenders, 2023 – 105 attenders, 2024 – 117 attenders and 2025 – 153 attenders. We pray that this is a sign that numbers are increasing. The challenge is to welcome people and share God’s love along with being faithful to scripture and welcoming all who come our way.

We have a new Bishop, Bishop Sophie coming to Coventry in June. Please pray for her, it is a challenging time to be a Bishop in this climate.

Finally, Jon said it is a joy to minister at St. Bart’s Church, he is blessed and encouraged by the Church Family.

S. Sampson asked if it were possible to have booklets about this church to give to new-comers.

The meeting closed at 12.25 pm

Electoral Roll report for Binley Parish 2026 APCM

Following a complete renewal of the Electoral Roll this year, the numbers on the roll now stand as:-

Resident = 82

Non-resident = 22

Total = 104

Last year’s figures were:

Resident = 83

Non-resident = 21

Total = 104

Ray Schoolar – Electoral Roll Officer

Finance overview for the year 1[st] January 2025 – 31[st] December 2025 for APCM

Whilst the full financial accounts are produced by Burgis & Bulluck Accountants, I thought I’d write a more simplified round up of what happened financially in 2025.

Bank Account:

Bank Account:	Bank Account:	Bank Account:
Below is a summary of the bank accounts at the end of 2024 compared with 2025
Main Acct	Savings	Totals
31/12/24 £17,145.93	£15,234.64	£32,380.57
31/12/25 £11,568.12	£15,449.80	£27,017.92
Variance 2024 to 2025		-£5,362.65
As you can see, the balance at the end of 2025 is £5,362.65 less than end December 2024

Spend (Major Items)

Spend (Major Items)
Diocese Quota	£60,000.00
Energy Bills	£3.414.86
Accountant	£1,008.00
Ecclesiastical Insurance	£2,387.07
HOPE Coventry (Charity)	£2,100.00
Diocese Fees	£1,489.00 (weddings/funerals etc.) Plus £1,041 Q4/25 fees paid in
Feb 26
Maintenance	£1,100.00
Outreach (lunch clubs, fete,
light Party)	£700.00 (Note: profits from these events exceeds expenditure)
Children’ Society	£176.68
Transfer to Church Hall Account	£2.666.00 (of which £1,816.00 were concert proceeds)
Music Licenses CCLI	£509.69
Income (Major Items)
	2025	2024
Regular bank giving (Gift Aided)	£46,240.25	£50,041.03
Regular bank giving (Other)	£2,056.00	£2,426.00
SumUp Donations Gift Aided	£726.42	£662.32
Loose Plate White Envelopes	£2,643.80	£3,512.20
Gift Aid tax refunded from HMRC	£14,730.60	£15,217.72
Summary:

It’s plain to see 2025 wasn’t the kindest year for our church finances. The increase to our diocese quota from £55,000 in 2024 to £60,000 in 2025. didn’t help. Thankfully our quota is not being increased in 2026.
Regular monthly gift aided donations reduced in 2025. Some of our contributors sadly died whilst others have moved to new parishes.
Energy prices never reduce and we have a cold building to heat especially during the winter months.
I would urge you all once again this year, that if you pay income tax, please consider to gift aid your donations , whether these are regular or occasional donations (given via white envelopes). The tax we can claim back from HMRC makes a huge difference to our bank balance.
Finally, I am fully aware of the increasing demands on everyone’s domestic finances, but would ask you to review your regular giving and, if at all possible, consider increasing whatever you give by 10%. Thank you.

Ray Schoolar - Treasurer

Church Warden Report 2025-2026

Steve and Ali attended a Church Warden training day in September to gain a better understanding of the Church Warden’s role. This included responsibilities for worship and the life of the church as well as information on maintaining buildings and faculty applications etc.

1. Worship

Our thanks to all who help in so many ways to ensure worship services run smoothly.

Jon of course, Richard and Greg and others who cover services.

Musicians, servers, those who lead intercessions, read and steward at worship services

All who support weddings, funerals, and baptisms.

John for organising the rotas.

Thanks also to all who provide refreshments after services and to the breakfast team.

2. Annual Maintenance Works

2.1 Church Yard

General maintenance works this year, include:

Regular grass cutting

Hedge cutting

General tidying-up of the church yard

Planting and pruning

Preparation of new ashes burial sites

Many thanks to the volunteers who have helped with grass cutting and churchyard maintenance during the year, your help is very much appreciated.

2.2 Church Building

General Maintenance this year includes :

Electrical PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) completed.

Fire Extinguishers checked and ok.

Security alarm maintenance, serviced annually by Intergra

Church Cleaning - many thanks to all the volunteers who faithfully clean the church.

Flowers- many thanks to the flower arrangers for growing/obtaining the flowers and making the church look beautiful for services and weddings

3. Non-Annual Maintenance

Storage Heater at the rear of the church reset again and is now working.

New storage heater installed in Craven Chapel.

4.Stonework repairs: Quinquennial Report March 2025

The Quinquennial Report highlighted that there is damage (delamination) to the stonework of the church building caused by water ingress. If this is left to continue it will cause considerable damage and could lead to very expensive repairs being necessary. To prevent this PCC have agreed to undertake remedial works, which do not require a full faculty and are subject to List B approval. An application has been made for this and approved with some conditions by the Archdeacon.

Steven Matthews, our architect arranged for a tender process, tenders have been received and a report provided by the architect. PCC agreed that we hire the company recommended in the tender report.

The project budget is £22,500 including contingency. PCC have agreed to fund £2,500 of this with grants being applied for from the Diocese and Heritage Charities. Jon, Steve and Ali met with Andy Duncan from the DAC, who has experience in grant applications. A report has been compiled and Andy is going to help prepare funding applications.

The timescale would look at repairs taking place possibly in the late summer/early autumn after funding has been obtained.

The church building will remain open during the repairs.

5.Uneven Floor

The Quinquennial report also mentioned the uneven floor in front of the communion rail near to the Craven Chapel. We were already aware of this issue and it does seem to be becoming more noticeable and a possible trip hazard. We have been unable to lift the carpet to inspect the floor due to it being stuck down.

The architect has been consulted and has recommended someone who has some experience in this and could possibly advise us. A meeting will be arranged in the near future to discuss the way ahead.

6. Planned new play area/garden behind the Church Hall – Update.

Clearing and levelling off works were completed last year. However, no further progress has been made at this point. This project would also require grant applications for funding.

7. Inventory and Logbook

Terrier (Inventory) The fabric, goods and ornaments of the church and has been checked, updated and approved by PCC. The Logbook contains a record and receipts for all the work done on the church building and is seen by the architect at the quinquennial inspection. It is maintained and updated whenever necessary.

Report Prepared by Steve Bird and Ali Grimwood

St. Bartholomew, Binley

APCM Annual Report April 2025 – March 2026.

The annual report is a summary of what the PCC and the church as a whole has done over the year.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of St. Bartholomew’s PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England, and also to fulfil the Mission Statement of the Church which is: “to know God better, to be wholly filled with His love, and to share this love with others.” The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting (in the ecclesiastical parish), the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Name	Appointment
Rev. Jonathan Taylor	Vicar
Rev. Richard Bromley	Associate Minister
Rev. James Bremner	Curate until June 2025
Alison Grimwood	Church Warden
Steve Bird	Church Warden
Brian Slater
Thomas Grimwood	Deanery Synod Representative
Ray Schoolar	Treasurer
Rachael Sherry
Carolyn Murray
John Owen	Vice Chair
Marian Owen
Karan Mayo
Gavin Holmes-Wilson	Deanery Synod Representative
Beth Allen	PCC Secretary

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

In the year ending April 2025 there was a complete renewal of the electoral roll. Any names from previous years where there is no new application are removed. There are 104 names on the Church Electoral Roll. 83 are resident in the parish and 21 are non-resident.

The average weekly attendance of adults at Sunday Services is 64 adults. Services on Thursday average 22 adults.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

The full PCC met 9 times during the year, and the average attendance was 75%.
Music licences were renewed.
Connect Groups. There are five of these groups with an average membership of 9 people
• Family Breakfast Church continues to run on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Breakfast is served from 9.00 for the church congregation and those attending the Breakfast Church service. This service is aimed at, and for parents and children together, which contains elements of the service in church along with crafts and activities to help families explore faith together. We are continuing to look at “Finding Jesus in the Old Testament and in December had reached Samuel being sent to Bethlehem to anoint David as king, we then reflected on the future king who would be born in Bethlehem. Attendance has remained steady and we now have a core congregation, with numbers varying between about 20-25 adults (including the team) and 16-20 children.
Open Door runs on the 4th Sunday of the month, with the same team as previously. We are following the themes from Breakfast church with different readings to further explore the theme from the previous Breakfast Church. Numbers vary between 10 and 19 children. It is a joy to explore faith with our children and young people and to see their willingness to engage in discussion and share their thoughts.
Creche: As we now have a number of preschool children, a creche now runs alongside Open Door, using the new “children’s” room created by using the partition in the hall.
Baby and Toddler Group. Runs on Monday morning from 9-11.15. The group continues to benefit from the hall improvements, especially from the new heating system, which has made a big difference on cold mornings and the improved ladies toilets, which have been much appreciated. We had a few children move up to nursery or school in September and two families have moved away, however, new members have joined and we have up to 36 babies and children and their parents/carers. We held an Easter celebration in church and the end of the summer term in July we were able to give our leavers a children’s bible once more. In December we held a Christmas party for 45 children, which included a short time in church with Jon, telling the Christmas story and singing carols/songs. It’s a privilege to serve local families in this way.
School Holiday Activities. Continuing our response to the rising cost of living we ran 4 school holiday activities during 2025..
We ran a summer lunch club on 2 Tuesdays during the summer holiday, one at the church hall and one at St Bart’s School. Each time there were crafts, games and activities and a hot meal. It was good to meet families from the school as well as families who we know from Breakfast church and the toddler group. There was an average of 30 children, we had a special activity each time, with outdoor games and sand at church and a bouncy castle at the school. Greg told a story for us on both occasions. This was funded by PCC along with generous donations from the church family. With the dates of the October half term and Christmas holidays, we were not able to run anything at the school. In February a Lent themed Lunch club was held at St. Barts school on Shrove Tuesday. A further lunch club was held in Holy week on 31[st] March with lots of Easter themed activities, the Easter story told by Jon and there was a buffet lunch. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, who make the lunch clubs possible.
Outlook Group 2025 The Outlook Group have met most months (except for July/August).
Contact has been made with about 60 members by phone and Christmas cards including the housebound, we have also welcomed some new members.

Sadly 4 of our long-term members have died during the past year. We miss them at the meetings.

We have had a varied programme with speakers, music groups, lunch in the hall and 2 coach trips.
Summer Fête: A fête was held in June. The church was open with floral displays and a quiz. There were stalls inside and outside the church hall, along with games and a bouncy castle. The weather was fine and the fete was well attended and an enjoyable community occasion.
Bereavement Comfort Café:

The Bereavement Comfort Café was born out of the success of the Bereavement Friendship Group which meets at the home of some parishioners and is attended by church members. It was felt that there was a greater need to comfort the bereaved. With that in mind, the Bereavement Comfort Café meets on the first Tuesday of the month at St. Bartholomew’s Church Hall. It is run by volunteers and advertised widely in the community. A listening ear, hot drinks and cake, and external speakers are on offer. The Bereavement Comfort Café started in May 2025 and has steadily increased in numbers during that time.

FABRIC & FINANCE

PCC agreed to and paid a Parish share of £60,000 for 2025.
The Repair Works to External Stonework’s project. The Quinquennial inspection report for St Bartholomew Church was finalised in March 2025. The report included several tasks / works that must be undertaken to keep the church (that is a Grade 1 listed building) in good working order. The report recommends the works for each of the next five years. The repair to external stonework’s, is a specified year 1 project.

Completed activities include the loading of Project deliverables onto the diocese project portal, including the Technical Specification. We have also started the procurement process, and 5 companies have submitted their tender documents. A preferred bidder has been selected. The next phase is to secure the necessary funding to start site works summer 2026.

Report on the activities of the Church Hall Committee (CHC) for the period Jan - Dec '25 for the annual report, prepared by Mr Keith Stafford (chair)
Prior to noting the work of the committee during the period noted I would like to thank all those who have served on the CHC and also to those who clean and prepare the Hall for the many events held here, including the “meeters & greeters” and the “shutting down team” for the weekend events. I am very thankful for the tireless efforts that are put in to maintaining the building as a solvent church and community venue.
Particular thanks to Rev’d James Bremner & Mr Ray Schoolar both of whom were my predecessors on the C.H.C.
We aim to meet monthly with the exception of August and December..
Current CHC: K. Stafford, J. Owen, P. Green, T. Bird, and K. Mayo.
Key Activity:
Replace ceiling strip lights for new L.E.D ceiling lights.
Hot water tap boiler.
Refurbishment of Ladies toilets.
New radiators fitted in the Disabled/Ladies & Gentlemen’s toilets, including piping & electronics
New radiator fitted in extension, including piping & electronics.
Various works carried out in “Ladies Toilets”, new doors installed & painted, local plastering to wall and fitting of extractor fan.
Maintenance check on ceiling fans to check safety and functionality.
Repair & maintenance of external C.C.T.V.
Water Butt fitted to front external wall, local guttering cleared and applicable signage moved.
Finances continue to be stable – thanks to John Owen/treasurer and concert-organiser and Karen on hiring.
Various small repair and maintenance jobs completed, and resolution of health and safety concerns addressed.
December 2025: Christmas meal joyfully consumed in Toby Carvery, also may I add a fine selection of Christmas apparel was on display!

MINISTRY

Harvest was celebrated at the service on 5[th] October. Church members gave donations to Coventry Food Bank and give financially throughout the year.
Home Communion is offered by the Home Communion Team.
A lent course was led by Rev. Jon Taylor and was well attended by members of the congregation at both morning and evening sessions.
An Annual Service of Remembrance was held in November.
An Alpha course was run during the Autumn and was well attended with 16 participants.

MISSION

Mission and Outreach group has ensured that relevant posters are displayed on the external notice boards and in the church hall and has planned the Fete, Christmas Tree Festival, Christingle, Light Party and the Lunch Clubs.
Light Party. As an alternative to ‘trick or treat’ on Halloween and to share the Light of Christ with our community, on 31st October 2025 we decorated the outside of the church building and drive with lights and left sweets and treats for children to collect. The side entrance to the church hall was used to serve hotdogs, hot chocolate and other refreshments. The main hall was turned into a light disco with lights, music, glow sticks and balloons, while the partition allowed us to create a space for craft activities. The event was very well attended and very much enjoyed by a good mix of local families and church members.
Christmas Tree Festival. The Christmas Tree Festival was held again in December 2025, based on the Church of England’s Christmas material “The Joy of Christmas” Trees were decorated on the theme of Christmas Joys by church run groups, Brownies, St Bartholomew’s, Clifford Bridge and Sowe Valley Primary Schools. The church was open for visitors with stalls and refreshments in the church hall from 2.30-4.30pm, followed by carol singing in church at 4.30pm. Attendance was good with everyone enjoying how lovely the church looked. It was good to have our magnificent lit star once again shining out across the field to the Binley Road. Many thanks to Andy and Beth for making this happen.
The Christingle service took place on Christmas eve at 3.30pm. This was held in aid of the Children’s Society. The service began in the hall making a Christingle. Refreshments were served before a lovely service in church with readings and carols (some by the light of the Christingles and candles). This service was extremely well attended by local families, with more than 60 children making Christingles it was wonderful to see so many people in the church on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Gift Bags. Bags containing chocolates, biscuits, Christmas crackers and other festive treats, along with a £25 supermarket voucher were given to 15 families identified by St Bartholomew’s School. The bags were funded once again by very generous donations from the church congregation, topped up by PCC and much appreciated by the school.
A Carol Service was held for 62[nd] Scout Group, Clifford Bridge Academy and St. Bartholomew’s C of E Academy.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

A Successful Summer Fête was held in June.
Four music concerts were held during 2025. They included Keith Donnelly, It’s the Beatles, a French evening with Flossie Malavialle and the Lost Notes.
A Barn Dance was held in March 2026.

SAFEGUARDING

St Bartholomew’s PCC has been proactive in ensuring policies are reviewed and updated if necessary. All relevant volunteers within St Bartholomew’s are DBS checked and complete safeguarding training as and when required. To this end, a tool has been developed to monitor this aspect of safeguarding. It is within the Parish Safeguarding Officer’s remit to regularly monitor the Parish Dashboard and Safeguarding Hub (tools to monitor progress and ensures systems are in place) and a report is made at every PCC meeting.

There is Safeguarding information displayed in the church and church hall and Safeguarding procedures covers both children and vulnerable adults.

If you need to contact Marian, regarding any safeguarding or recruitment issues, the e-mail is stbartssafeguarding@gmail.com and mobile no. is 07782-954846.