As individuals and as a Church, we are a community: ## ROOTED in God; CALLED into faith and fellowship; and SENT OUT to love and serve our community. ## ANNUAL REPORT 2024 **1** **This page is intentionally left blank for printing purposes.** **2** ## **ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF KINGSWOOD** ## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024** The **Parochial Church Council (PCC)** of the Benefice of Kingswood in the Diocese of Bristol, has the responsibility of promoting throughout the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC has maintenance responsibilities for the church buildings of Holy Trinity Church and The Church of the Ascension. This report, gives a summary of our activities in 2024 and seeks to celebrate all that God has been doing as well as demonstrate the good stewardship of our resources. ## **Overview of the Year** Our Parish remains committed to being _rooted in God, called into faith and fellowship, and sent out to serve the community._ Alongside our regular worship and fellowship at both churches, our continued focus on mission and outreach is bearing much fruit. We have welcomed new people into our church family and through Alpha, Messy Church and EXPLORE, as well as our home groups and Lent / Advent courses we are growing in faith and discipleship as we seek to follow Jesus and share his love in the world. We have sustained growth in our seasonal celebrations at Christmas and Easter as well as our regular concerts at Holy Trinity Church; and our outreach initiatives at Christmas and Easter continue to raise the profile of the Church at these important times of year and invite many to receive the Good News of Jesus Christ. There has been much to celebrate in our partnership with our local schools, over 600 school children have visited the church this year to learn more about the Christian Faith, through the warm welcome we provide and assurance of God’s love for us all, some have come along to other events bringing their parents and we are always met with excited smiles when we meet them out and about. Our thriving toddler groups seek to foster early connections to the church. The Church family, through both generous financial support and volunteering effort are making a significant contribution to our community and wider mission, including: the successful community garden at Church of the Ascension; our partnership with We Are BS15 in the Food Club, Kingswood Kitchen and Trinity Garden; Lunchbox; Food Bank; Friends and Neighbours; bereavement support; and the Pastoral Care Group. God is working in a powerful way amongst young people both in our church and the wider community. As a Benefice we were able to celebrate with three of our young people who came to baptism this year and share in their testimony of all that God is doing in and through them as followers of Jesus. The arrival of Rev Catriona Rawlins, our new curate, alongside support from the congregation has enabled us to respond to the number of new young people wanting to explore faith and join the church. Youth Alpha was launched for the Benefice in January 2025 and we are now exploring next steps to support our young people both in church and in our local secondary schools. We are grateful for a significant legacy and other reserves that are enabling us to carry out significant essential works at both churches and invest in mission and outreach activities. However, our regular outgoings are more than our regular income and we need to work on closing the gap in order to provide financial stability going forward. We continue to thank John Godfrey and Paul Taylor for their hard work and sound stewardship of our finances. **3** Our current vision is now five years old. Later in 2025 we will take time to reflect together on the next chapter in the life of our Parish and Benefice and we look forward to lots of positive conversations as we seek God’s direction for the next ten years. The P.C.C. remain committed to a proactive approach to Safeguarding and continue to strengthen and embed our safeguarding practices to ensure a safe and welcoming Church for all. We are very grateful to Mary Whyatt our Safeguarding Officer for her dedication and support. What is evident from this report is our continued dedication to faith, community, and responsible management of our resources, but none of this would happen without the faithful service and prayer of the Church family. It is impossible to name everybody individually but we give our heartfelt thanks for all that you do as fellow disciples and servants of the Lord. ## Signed: …………………… Date:…9[th] May 2025………. Rev Beverley Charles (Team Rector) During the year the following served as members of the PCC: Team Rector Rev. Beverley Charles Associate Vicar Rev. Steve Dyson Rev. Chris Evans Curate Rev Kathy Prosser Rev Catriona Rawlins _(from July 2024)_ Wardens (ex Officio): Gill Godfrey _(one post vacant)_ Deanery Synod (ex Officio): Rob Elliott Francis Hearne Elected Members: Kathryn Gulliford Cath Hayer Janet Hill Leta Hutchins Graham Jury (co-opted) Mandy Newport Colleen Mercer Jacqueline Owen Joan Reeves Safeguarding Officer Mary Whyatt Angela Chappell (assistant) Treasurer John Godfrey Secretary Cath Hayer **4** ## **ADMINISTRATION** Bankers HSBC National Westminster Bank Independent Financial Examiners Parish level: Paul Taylor HTKDCC John Godfrey ASCDCC Adrian Britton Mission John Godfrey HTK Restoration Audrey Higbey ## **MEMBERSHIP** Electoral Roll 2025 - 56, (72 - 2024) ## **MINISTRY TEAM** The Ministry Team is made up of the Team Rector – Rev. Beverley Charles, Associate Vicar – Rev. Steve Dyson, Associate Vicar – Rev. Chris Evans, Curates – Rev. Kathy Prosser and Rev Catriona Rawlins and Lay Ministers – Janet Donnelly and Joan Reeves. David Prosser has joined the team in a lay capacity leading on aspects of mission and outreach, including Explore, Schools work and Discipleship. In June, we sadly said ‘Goodbye’ to Jenny Cresswell as she began her training for ordained Ministry. Later in the year we welcomed David Prosser and Susie Craney as they job share the role of Team Administrator, supporting the Ministry Team across Kingswood and Hanham as well as managing the Kingswood Parish Office. In July, we celebrated with Rev Kathy at her priesting and welcomed Rev Catriona as our new curate and celebrated her ordination to Deacon in October. It has been another year of significant growth for the Ministry Team, as we welcome new members to the team, we are also blessed by the new ideas they bring. As a team we continue to look for the signs of the Holy Spirit among us and our community and seek to be led by Him in our plans and practice. WE continue to be thankful for your support and prayers. **5** ## **STATISTICS FOR MISSION** |**HOLY TRINITY**|52
29
33
36| |---|---| |**CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION**|16
19
20
21| |**ALL SOULS**|10
N/A
N/A
N/A| |**TOTAL ADULTS**|78
48
53
57| |**EXPLORE****_* MONTHLY_**|14| |**MESSY CHURCH****_* MONTHLY_**|19
21
24| ||| |**HTK UNDER 16**|3
0
6
6| |**ASC UNDER 16**|1
2
0
1| |**ASSP UNDER 16**|3
N/A
N/A
N/A| |**TOTAL UNDER 16**|7
2
6
7| |**EXPLORE****_* MONTHLY_**|5| |**MESSY CHURCH****_* MONTHLY_**|23
22
23| |**2020**
**2021**
**2022**
**2023**
**2024**|**2020**
**2021**
**2022**
**2023**
**2024**| |---|---| |**BAPTISM**|4
6
8
7
6| |**MARRIAGE**|0
1
4
1
2| |**FUNERALS**|12
20
19
20
10| ## **WORSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP** In 2024 we continued to see our parish flourish. There is so much to celebrate as we reflect on all that God has done in the life of our church, in our worship, our outreach and our mission. Though not an exhaustive list, here are some of the highlights from last year alongside our regular pattern of worship and groups. We stepped into 2024 with excitement and faith and embarked upon our familiar pattern of Services. On the first Sunday of the month, we continued to worship with our brothers and sisters from Hanham Parish at our **‘Together to Worship’** Services and on the second Sunday of the month **Messy Church** brings many families together for activities, food and celebration of our amazing, loving, powerful God as we nurture seeds of faith. EXPLORE has become a growing part of our regular pattern of worship, providing a second opportunity in the month, alongside Messy Church, for us to worship and explore faith in creative ways. **Themes for worship and teaching** during 2024 have included Welcome and belonging, based on Jesus’ invitation to ‘abide with me’ (John 15:1-17); our **Lent** focus was on drawing closer to God as we ‘Watch and Pray’ a resource commended by the Archbishop of Canterbury; we have looked at generosity and stewardship at points during the year and the letter of James. The year finished with our **Advent** study reflecting on the incarnation of Jesus through a book by Isabelle Hamley - Embracing Humanity. There were special groups for Lent and Advent giving opportunity to explore the themes with others. **6** We have continued to be blessed by those who support our **music across the Parish** . In October we said ‘Goodbye’ to Pat Robson as she retired after 17 years as organist at Church of the Ascension. We are so grateful for her hard work and dedication and for the blessings she leaves us, including a number of hymns written for the congregation. John Cottle and Jim Williams have led another full year of music leading the Church Choir, the Holy Trinity Singers and the St George Community Choir. Highlights included: another beautiful Service of Light for Candlemas, Music for Passiontide, special services of Evensong at St George Hanham Abbots for the Court Open Weekend and for the Deanery in June and a new Advent Pilgrimage which started Advent with themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. As well as blessing our worship for the church festivals at Easter, Harvest and Christmas, the Holy Trinity Singers also supported out Christmas outreach with a service for older people and their carers and joining in the Community Carols. A varied programme of Concerts and Afternoon Tea have been well received, bringing a growing number of visitors to the church and raising much needed funds for the organ restoration. David Prosser, Colin Owen and Leta Hutchins have come together to lead worship for Messy Church and Explore and play an important role helping to engage young people and their families in sung worship, introducing new songs and the much enjoyed ‘Jam’ sessions at Explore where the young people are able to join in making ‘music’. We continue to give thanks for the important part that music plays in our Parish. Our regular **Monday Bible Study** Group goes from strength to strength and is at risk of outgrowing the Vicarage lounge, as well as the lent and advent materials, we have studied a varied programme including a detailed study of the Book of Revelation – which was a Revelation to us all and included a trip to see an amazing exhibition by textile artist Jaqui Parkinson! Mandy Newport and Gill Godfrey attended a course for new Small Group Leaders run by the Diocese of Bristol and have been leading some of the Bible Studies including a great series on Women in the Bible. We ran an **Alpha Course** starting in January and had an amazing group of nine people, some completely new to the church, who came to dig a bit deeper into the foundations of our Christian faith. Their questions were exciting and stimulating and at the end of the course, those who were able, continued and completed the Bible Course. It was an absolute privilege to journey with them and witness the Holy Spirit working and bringing them to new joy in knowing Jesus. We were able to celebrate with them in May as two were baptised and one renewed their Baptismal Vows. All have found a welcome place in our Church Family. The **Post Alpha Group** (who completed Alpha in 2022, plus a few newbies, and need a new name!) have continued to meet a couple of times a month, to discuss topics of faith, look at scripture, pray and share fellowship together. This is a small group of amazing young women who are hungry for God and support each other in life and faith. A group of 14 attended **Spring Harvest** and we had a **Parish Weekend at Emmaus House** , an encouraging weekend of teaching led by Father Michael and Sister Ann and fellowship together. We give thanks and praise to God for all the new people that have joined our Church family in the last year or so, across all our services, and for the joy of seeing people old and young, grow in their faith and love of Jesus. We continue to pray for all that God is doing through and among us as we grow as disciples and share our faith with others. **7** ## **FRESH EXPRESSIONS OF CHURCH** ## **Explore – Rev Kathy Prosser** As you have walked into church recently, you may have wondered why this cloud art is there! Well, in answer, at EXPLORE we have continued in our explorations of God’s faithfulness, and this piece of art was created as community. It reveals the growth in our relationships as a small worshipping congregation, focused on deepening Christian faith and discipleship. We are creating informal space, to grow conversation, to foster relationships, to worship and pray in different ways, to learn faith in a way that enables those who have no faith, are new to faith, or have longstanding faith to discover the meaning of faith in an ever-changing world. Creativity is in our hearts and that includes a JAM zone for the younger among us! We welcome any who are seekers of God in diverse and creative ways of worship and prayer. We value the prayers of all, that EXPLORE may bring fruit in Christian mission, discipleship and community. My thanks to the EXPLORE team who have given sacrificially and openly, sharing the gifts God is nurturing in them. Please continue to pray for them. ## **Messy Church – Mandy Newport** This past year at Messy Church has been outstanding, we have a small committed, enthusiastic and dedicated team, who all take their roles seriously and give 100% in all they do, for which I am very grateful. We average around 40-50 in attendance aged between months old to grandparents in their eighties, so very multi-generational. We have families who have been attending for over ten years and new families just joining us, keen to find out what Messy Church is all about, hearing about us often through word of mouth. Themes we have covered this year are Families and belonging to the Family of God, Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Caring for ourselves, for each other, and our community, Love, and the Holy week journey. At Christmas and Easter, we have invited the wider church family to join with us for our Messy Nativity and Messy Easter, it has been rewarding to explore these stories at the heart of the gospel together. There has been laughter, learning, excitement, worries and fears shared together, alongside joyous singing, delicious food, fun, crafts and games, and much conversation and getting to know each other better on this fun filled, exhausting, but very beautiful journey of Messy Church, I feel blessed to be involved with Messy Church and am excited and expectant to where God takes us next **.** **8** ## **OUTREACH AND MISSION** ## **School Links – David Prosser** We have continued to develop our links with the local primary schools this year. We once again had every year group from Park School to visit the church and our volunteer team were able to bring alive the relevant parts of their curriculum from Christian symbols, the Bible, festivals, Experience Easter, parables and rites of passage. This year we also had Beacon Rise Year 1s and 2s visit us at Church of Ascension to learn about symbolism used in worship and the bible and Courtney school Yr4s joined us for the Experience Easter. Our challenge for 2025 is resourcing the growing interest from the other schools in the area and looking to the possibility of doing more with Park School in the future. As in previous years, Park School and Beacon Rise came to Holy Trinity Church for their Christmas Services. In addition, the choirs from these schools supported some of our Christmas events singing alongside the Holy Trinity Singers and others. John Cabot School presented a Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity and Jim Williams continues to liaise with the music department exploring more opportunities to work together and support the young people in their exploration of music. One pupil from John Cabot School continues to use the Church for organ practice and playing the church organ was one of the highlights of the school concert. Rev Beverley is a member of the Governing Body at Beacon Rise school, contributing to building links with the church and the wider community and she visits both Beacon Rise and Park School for assemblies each term. ## **Christmas and Easter Outreach** _“For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16_ We have a vision that everyone in Kingswood will know the story of God’s love played out in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus – the story behind the increasingly secular presentation of Christmas and Easter. Alongside Messy Church and our School Visits, we partner with Freedom Church to share the story in an interactive trail at both Christmas and Easter. Children follow the trail as the story unfolds, finding at the end of the trail opportunities to chat over crafts and a goody bag to take home which includes a seasonal Story book and the obligatory chocolate kindly donated by the church family. At Easter over 150 children participated in the trail. Christmas was disappointing when our event clashed with several other events happening on the same day. We successfully gather the community to sing carols with a short message and prayer, the weather was good this year and both events were very successful. **Carols at the Cross Keys pub** attracted over 40 people singing together in the car park and **Carols in Kingswood Park** had about 120 people attending up from last year. These services encourage great conversations about the meaning of Christmas and a few people came along to other Christmas services as a result. **9** **Carols by Candlelight** at Holy Trinity Church brought together so many strands of the life of our parish and the fruit of much that the Holy Spirit has been doing throughout the year, the church was full of all ages singing of the joy and hope that was born in Jesus Christ on that first Christmas – Emmanuel, God with us. Christingle at Church of the Ascension brings the cubs and scouts into church with their parents and is always well received and Christingle at Holy Trinity Church is a highlight of Christmas for many families. These services also raised £238 for the Children’s Society. This year we provided copies of ‘Why Jesus?’ in the pews and encouraged visitors to take these if they felt they wanted to think more about the man at the heart of the Christmas Story. Many did take them and we pray that in time these will bear fruit. ## **Toddler Groups** We have a particular calling and heart for sharing the Good News of Jesus with young children and their families, inviting them to know that Jesus loves them and praying that they will embark on a life-long, personal relationship with Him. Alongside Messy Church and EXPLORE we run **two toddler groups: Little Stars at Church of the Ascension and CafeTots at Holy Trinity Church.** Each offers a safe welcoming environment for children 0-4 years to play and learn to socialise with other children. Parents and grandparents also benefit from a chance to chat with others and make friends. Our dedicated team of volunteers often provide a listening ear or offer of prayer when needed. ## **Lunchbox – Rev Chris Evans** This continues to meet each Wednesday 12.15, Lisa managing the catering and Rev Chris as pastoral care oversight, with a team of dedicated volunteers. Numbers vary between 15-20 on average, with folk coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and needs. 2024 we opened on New Years Day for the few we were expecting, only to find we had 28 people and in danger of running out of food. In addition to providing a meal and a warm safe place to be, friendships are made between those attending and it gives an opportunity for those living alone to have a shared meal and conversation. Alongside fellowship it has been possible to develop a deeper rapport pastorally with those in need of a listening ear and support, and an opportunity to invite folk to other church activities such as bereavement group, concerts and special services at Christmas. Also there has been an uptake by some folk in using our Advent and Lent resources. We have recently increased our charge to £3.00 and all profits are donated back into the church. ## **Friends and Neighbours – Colleen Mercer** This Tueaday group for mixed Seniors is about to celebrate 40 years! At this time we are 20 in number. Our Lord just goes on blessing us. We have tea and cake. We do light-hearted quizzes/games and have various Speakers, among which recently a Fireman on Home safety, Armchair exercises, Mary with her Assistance dog, and a local milliner with splendid hats which we were invited to try on. Occasionally we do an outing. We celebrate Christmas with a Nativity service, and Easter appropriately. **10** There are always books + jigsaws available to swap. There is a donation box for agreed charities and one of our ladies knits for the needy. The Kingswood Community Transport support us at all times. More recently we started to hold monthly Tuesday coffee mornings. Another opportunity to socialise. Come and go as you wish. You are welcome. ## **Mission Support - Kathryn Gulliford** The Mission Support group meets regularly during the year to plan various fund raising (and just as importantly) social events. The money raised from these events, along with 10% of your weekly/ monthly giving, goes to support charities at home and abroad. Within the last year, the following have each been sent £250, in November 2024 and in May 2025, £200. This has been an increase of £150 to each charity in comparison to the previous year. The Penny Collection has though unfortunately been down- this has been the case since the Covid situation and the greater use of cards instead of cash. This collection was initially set up to help fund 'named' Maji Safi students but as there is no longer a 'named' student the money now goes into the Mission Support funds. Current Supported Charities: 1. Embrace the Middle East. 2. Mission to Seafarers. 3. The Friendship Clinic Nepal. 4. Mercy Ships. 5. Mission Aviation Fellowship. 6. The Community of the Sisters of the Church (St Paul’s, Bristol). 7. Maji Safi. In November 2024 the following were also supported with a donation of £250 each. 1. ‘We are BS15'. 2. Caring at Christmas. 3. The Jessie May Trust. The Mission Group also attempts to offer financial support to major world disasters/conflict. in 2024 a 'one off' donation of £500 was sent to the DEC (Disasters Emergency Commitee)- this was to support the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. New members to the Group will always be more than welcome - if you are interested please chat with Leta or Joan (Holy Trinity) or Gill, Cath, Lynne or Kathryn at the Church of the Ascension. ## **PASTORAL CARE – REV CHRIS EVANS** ## **HARTS** Our bereavement support group continues to meet 2nd Wednesday of each month 2-3.30pm at the back of Holy Trinity church to share tea, cakes and fellowship. We are an informal group offering friendship, support and a listening ear to those recently bereaved or longer ago. **11** We are clear that we do not offer counselling but a space where folk can be beside others to share stories and give mutual support. All of our volunteers have experienced bereavement themselves. There is no formal referral process; word of mouth, invitation, posters and also increasingly via social care and GP services. Group numbers vary from 6 -8; some folk join us for just a few sessions, others for months or several years. We open with a quiet time to remember those who we have lost, including the lighting of candles by each person, something that the group finds helpful. Our annual service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in May is attended by members of the group in addition to the families connected through funerals and internment in church and at local crematoriums. ## **Pastoral Care Group** A dedicated group meets each term with a remit of pastoral care oversight within the church family, supporting and visiting those in hospital and Care Homes, housebound church members and taking home Communion where requested. There is a link person identified at both HTK and Ascension and we have a new member from Ascension joining us recently. We also carry out visits to those requesting contact with the church at times on need, meeting preferably in church or in twos at home. We have recently reviewed our risk assessments and job description for pastoral care, of importance particularly when visiting the vulnerable. ## **SAFEGUARDING REPORT – MARY WHYATT, PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER** The Parish of Kingswood is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. The Parish Safeguarding Policy was reviewed on 20th November 2024 and will be reviewed again in November 2025. Our policy on the Recruitment of ex- offenders and our Procedure for dealing promptly with allegations and complaints have also been reviewed and approved by the PCC during the past year. In addition, the list of our church activities and the risk assessments for each of them have been revised and approved. Considerable progress has been made in implementing our safer recruitment process and it is now integral to providing a safe environment for all of the church activities which children, young people and vulnerable adults may attend. Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS) are now required every 3 years for PCC members, pastoral visitors and leaders of activities for children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks have been carried out and completed for these roles and are currently up to date. Four levels of safeguarding training are provided by the Diocese: - _Basic Awareness – required by all church officers and volunteers_ - _Foundation – required by Churchwardens, PCC members, Parish Safeguarding Officer and all volunteers working with vulnerable groups in any capacity._ - _Leadership – required by Churchwardens, Parish Safeguarding Officer, Licensed Lay Ministers and Leaders of Church Activities._ **12** - _Awareness of Domestic Abuse – required by PCC members, Churchwardens, Parish Safeguarding Officer, Licensed Lay Ministers and volunteers working with children, young people and vulnerable adults._ All training must be renewed every 3 years. Leadership training is currently up to date and in September 2024, thirty-six of our church members who volunteer at our activities which include children, young adults or vulnerable adults, either renewed or completed Foundation training. During the year there has been one safeguarding matter which was referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team for advice and support. The process for addressing this concern was led by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. The PCC receives regular Safeguarding Reports and has been kept up to date with the progress of the Action Plan, which remains at level 3, the highest level. I would like to extend my thanks to the PCC, the clergy and all of our volunteers for the support they give me, their willingness to undertake relevant safeguarding training and for their commitment to working together to make our churches as safe as we possibly can, not just for our children, young people and vulnerable adults, but for the whole church community. ## **GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCES** ## **CHURCHWARDEN – GILL GODFREY** ## **Holy Trinity** This year has seen positive changes in the Parish which are bearing much fruit. David Prosser took over from Jenny Cresswell last September to work in the Parish office. Messy church and Explore have seen growth in numbers and commitment. The church organist, John Cottle has led the choir and the numerous services during the year which has brought many visitors to the church. The church hall’s make-over has made a real change having used many colours to paint the cupboards which enhance the look tremendously. The fabric of Holy Trinity church is still waiting for work to be done, but permission has been granted. A big thank you to Alan Coombs who has quietly worked on so much during the year. ## **Ascension** Ascension’s organist retired last October after many years of dedication. The music reverted back to using CD’s which was and is now manned by John and Rob. John and Carlos have stripped the growth from the inside and outside of the wall on Greenbank Road. Work has been planned and approved for the work needed on the roof and the decoration of the Chancel. I would just like to thank everyone who has worked again so methodically and with such grace and love to keep our Parish as a beacon of light to the community; and a special thank you to Beverley and the team for leading us forward with such vision and enthusiasm. We are looking for another Church Warden to take on responsibilities in this Parish so please keep praying, if not for yourself, for someone to come forward. The Parish has grown and cannot be sustained by only one warden. Please consider the work-load of our Rector. May God lead us kindly into the coming year and bring us and our community closer together as we serve Him in humility and love. **13** ## **FINANCE REPORT – JOHN GODFREY, PARISH TREASURER** The maintenance of the Parish Finances is the responsibility of the treasurers of the five different bank accounts across the two churches in the Kingswood Parish. The overall responsibility is held by the PCC treasurer, John Godfrey, who prepares the overall annual Parish accounts. Heartfelt thanks go to all our treasurers and to the independent examiners of the accounts for all the work they do on our behalf. Our true parish income for 2024 was £255168, an increase of £134,699 on the 2023 level and our expenditure for 2024 was £107,693, an increase of £12,022 on the 2023 level. True income/expenditure excludes all inter-account trading such as various fees, donations for mission, administration from the churches within our parish. The increase in income is largely attributed to the receipt of a legacy for Holy Trinity Church. Our cash balances at the end of 2024 were unrestricted - £194,385 and restricted - £199,950. This was an increase of £147,911 on 2023 made up mainly from rent receipt £5193 from the parish house, £8,155 from ASC, £130,437 from HTK and £4,126 from HTK Restoration. For full transparency, the Organ fund at HTK which is restricted has been transferred to the restricted balance in the overall accounts. It is expected that the HTK Restoration fund will be transferred into the HTK fund in 2025 to be used towards the cost of works to the windows. Substantial expenditure is expected in 2025 due to building repair works in both churches. Detailed accounts are shown in a separate document and presented to this AGM. If anyone wishes to have a copy of any of the individual accounts which make up the parish accounts, please see the office staff who will arrange a copy for you. **14** PARISH of KINGSWOOD REBUILDING, RENEWNG, REACHING OL Holy Trinity, Kingswood Church of the Ascension, Mounthill Website.. www.kin swo .weebl .com Email.. mail.eom PARISH OF KINGSWOOD (Registered Charity No: 1128426) PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ANNUAL ACCOUNTS ST ST 1 JANUARY 2024 to 31 DECEMBER 2024 PARISH OF KINGSWOOD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDING 31" DECEMBER 2024 PCC Treasurers Re ort The Parish accounts comprise of indiv*#ual slalements covering the funds operated for HOW Trinty Church. HTK Rèstoration. Church of the Ascension. and Parish Level Accounts which also indudes Mission Account. All individual accounts have been independently examined by the relevant IndeFendent Examiners assigned. and duly signed for accuracy. I woubj like to thank them on behalf of the parish for completing this lask. The Vicar and Churchwarden Account was transferred to the parish level accounts in 2023. The balan￿S for each of these funds is shown in this report and details of individual accounts can be requested from the PCC treasurer. All individual accounts hav8 been prepared in the traditional manner by the respective trea$ureryJ and we thank them for their due diligence. Generally all accounts operated with reasonably healthy balances throughout 2024. The combined accounts true income figure further increased to just over £255,167 in 2024, due mainly to 8 £150,000 legacy for HTK. Again this year, Parish Receipts and Payments Accounts have been prepared. Some receipts do not require to be included in the annual report, namely fees paid to the Diocese, choir and fiower fees. collections such as Christian Aid and parish events where the parish is acting only as agenl. Therefore, the report addtiionally shows balancesl inLx*melexpenditure in gross temis as well as nett of these categories. The main finanoal h￿hlightS of the Kingswood Parish for 2024 have been as foliu4VS:. Fund hi hts PARISH LEVEL The overall balance for this fund increased by £5192.85 in 2024 although the rent income received from 36 Elmfield was transferred to the Administration fund to Pay for parish office staff. The balance of the Vicar & Churchwarden's account was transferred into the events fund ￿￿thin the parish level accounts in 2023. There were no signfficant highlights in the Mission accounts. The allocation of funds to chariti'es is managed by the Mission Support Group, under the dIr￿tiOn of the PCC. HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Overall fund balance for HTK incr88sed Substantially in 2024 to £162347. This was due to the receipt of a £150000 lega￿. The parish share figure raised for 2024 was £18,600. The budget lor 2025 shows parish share requirement of £20,599 but only £18,600 has been budgeted for. There will be substantial maintenance costs in 2025 due to building works. HTK RESTORATION Ther8 was an increase in the balance forthis fund to £28.954 in 2024. wtth no éxpenditure in Ihe year. CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION The overall fund balance increased to £68,136 in 2024 mainty due to a Eegacy of £4000. The parish share promise for 2025 is £8715, an inC￿aSe of £92. It is hoped to complete the maintenance work in the chancel area in 2025 at a cost of £13,500. Golng Concern Accountlng Pollcy The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the chartty is able to continue as a going concem. The charity holds unrestricted, general reserves of £194,385, that can be drawn down rf necessary and ￿$tricted reserves of £199,950. The trustees consKler that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to continue as a going concem for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which Ihese finanaa staements are approved. Findly I commend the accounts to the APCM. L.J. Godfrey. PCC Treasurer- Parish of lfjngswood 1f March 2025 Page 1 PARISH OF KINGSWOOD FUND BALANCES AT 31st DECEMBER 2024 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS 20241£) 20231£) TOTAL CASF Kin swood Team Minist HS8C main checking aeLount HSBC saviros account HSBC HI Bond Cash in Hand Reconc¢lialions Ict*8ques Th)t cashed) TOTAL ASSETS Parish Mission Account HSBC Current accc4Jnl HSBC Bonus Savinos alc Rocowliati￿s Icheques rKst whed) TOTAL ASSETS r•strlctodlunrn8trlct•d 3392.36 2681.86 30158.20 25(KX).()J 1CWXI.C() 1(KxJxJ co 199.33 587.34 £109,415.55 £133,749.89 £112,6*.70 133749.89 128269.20 RestrScted Fund KTM 20 £118,734.56 285.77 111204 250.00 1147.81 1585.65 £1,397.81 150.CKJ 1435.65 £128,269 20 KTM & MISSION ACCOUNT £135,147.70 134897.70 129704.85 £133,749.89 Hol Trlni Accounts HSBC ujrrpnt acrounl HSBC deposit account (part reslrictedl Cash in Hand Reconalialions Iclwues rnt cashed) + Creditors Debtors £162,816.20 2347.72 160446.27 22.21 2￿.78 2437.65 162347.07 29115.35 2261 4474.93 li￿1 £1572.51 cheq not 3166.91 cashed 2022 31910.03 TOTAL ASSETS Holy Trinity Restoration Account {Re8trl¢ted) National Weslminsler bank reserva actounl N81ional Weslminsler bank c#Jrrenl 8CCCtht Reeoncili81ions Ic*eques not cashed) TOTAL ASSETS 1105.16 27848.94 1089.36 23739.13 £28,954.10 28954.10 24828.49 TK & RESTORAn COUNTS £191,770.30 Church of the Ascenslon Accouiits HSBC Current acwunl HSBC deposit account HSBC HI Bond National Weslminisler Hanham bank account Cash in Hand Reconciliations ltheques not cashed) TOTAL ASSETS 191301.17 56738.52 976.95 22Cth.OJ 363.24 14423. 155.77 19163 £68,135.72 68135.72 59980.87 TOTAL ASSETS - ALL ACCOUNTS £395,053.72 394334.59 246424.24 Vicar & Churchwardens Account IG•nèrnl Fund) Now held in Events Fund - l(fM AJC Parochial Trusts held by the Bristol Dlocesan Board of Finance (market value) 36 Elmfi8ld Ir8sidual of house purthasg} 8640.62 HTK Gr8veY￿d upkeep18ook value £350.CIJ) Prepared by.. LJ Godfrey. PCC Tr88sur8r. lfjng5wood T8am Ministry, 15th Marth 2025 Page 2 Parochial Church Council of Kingswood Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 Note 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed amets lftvesbnent assets 941 Slbl 1.718,289 8,841 1,717,580 8,641 CURRENT ASSETS Dobtors 2,418 145,OCrt) 250.053 3,187 145,( 103,032 Short tenn deposits Cash al bank and in 397.471 251,199 LIABIUTIES: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 3,137 4.625 NET CURRENT ASSETS 246.574 NET ASSETS 2.119,284 1.972,795 FUNDS Unrestrithd ReStr￿led 1.835.674 283,591 1.718,408 254.387 End￿}ent 2.119,265 1,972,795 HTK accounts approved 19th March 2025, Restoralion, sub$equentbaMy approved. ASC accounts approved 17th January 2025, KTM accounts approved 29th January 2025. Revd Beverfey Chath- Team Rector The nolo$ on the follmnq paw forn port ofth•s• ac￿￿nts Page 3 Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Kingswood Financial Statsments for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Receipts and Payments Accounts 2a RECEIPTS Unrestri¢Xed Funds HTK PARISH Restricted Funds HTK ASC PARISH TOTAL FUNDS 2024 2023 anned wing.. Tg% efihJent p￿r￿d LV¥TrJ GfftAid racovered 13498 4778 1040 260 3053 797 27450 272S4 2722 872 4926 2825 3556 4 Spedal (r￿￿rr&¥j & on8 oin 7 Lega￿￿1e￿￿d le4Mal val*l 8 Grnnl•lTr*hJe re(xMring & LY)e offj 1169 129 107 1405 12838 2473 62009 5500 TOTAL VOLUNTARY INCOAIE 178157 1500 2292 16811 4110 2C6670 1057 1057 1874 1716 18 15141 19135 15878 Chwch •clTvld•s Stsbjtory f8e8 rotahed byth• PC¢ 11 fi*wab. •tGI 4414 4414 4951 Gross Mime from trat*w le.g. hal 12 m4gazr¢, boDksl31l. NOT 18171 21540 29570 14 2258 2352 61e6 TOTAL RECEIPTS EXCLUDED RECEIPTS GROSS RECEIPTS 199101 20280 1314 8262 21847 255168 120488 2803 134 156 1CQ41 13134 168S2 2019￿ 20394 1470 0984 0262 31888 268302 137320 2b PAYMENTS TOTAL FUNDS 2024 2023 prrK ASC PARISH PARISH 17 let*ts& kmymetthl chufyrh a¢dYlll•• 18 M￿sK)n 4961 27223 4571 27384 9428 1341 20 s￿￿11e%. %¥aga8 & honarniia 21 ckr9y￿d staff eyrws ChuRrh expenxs 1242 1242 3907 17629 19752 20484 2382 23 e%pBrw 24 25 C¢)6t oftr•¢kno 14361 16108 17884 1414 17814 14879 27 Major repaK8to Major rwanto hall. derWI￿￿￿j or 28 olhw PCC prfyerty 29 New0￿ thto the cloxth. SU&TOTAL for church a¢tlvlllo* & eXp•n￿ 66953 153e6 11303 2279 9859 105481 94518 Page 4 118 810 61 10 136 476 959 1254 156 825 TOTAL PAYMENTS EXCLUDED PAYMENTS GROSS PAYMENTS 89881 15437 11915 107894 95869 2263 6541 12848 16383 7372J 1TI 802 129512 112052 E¥cg99 of ro¢eipts tsvor p8yTh•nts Transfer between l￿dS 128179 1S488 147780 -19575 108804 19575 -10445 25939 1S488 147780 C••h at bank & In hand at 1 J•n 31860 35333 8585 25078 24648 121270 2￿$?4 221286 CA•h at bank & In hand at 31 D 140264 38027 .1860 51037 301CQ 13673B 394334 246574 140264 38027 -1860 51037 30108 137C¥)8 394584 NOTE: In th• Srt•r••l• ol lull hn•p•r•n¢y ￿ Oryln Fund •ho¥m ofth• ￿r[K unr••tri¢t•d fund pfvvlously. ha• bMn trnn•f•nYd to th• HTK r••trl¢t•d fund. TA MENT fA ET TIE Ufftstrictad F¢Jnd$ ASC PARISH R•strictèd Funds HTK ASC PARISH Cash Funds- ross 2024 2023 Bank Curranl Account Cwsit Funds 2370 140871 2418 8027 -1860 27849 15108 37008 66502 2[￿ 15QX 11Jrxxo 3C6551 2418 72828 175204 3167 145659 38027 .1160 48329 30108 137008 397471 251199 8 Othef Moneta InsUr8e￿I daim r8fiJnd Cheques not ￿¥h￿d Crgditors -250 -250 -2887 -150 4475 .2887 48B7 4137 3 Investment Assets Invostrn•nt Fund Sh8m$ at market value 8641 2 Assets retalned lor cknurch use 111l1(￿ 531289 75000 1718289 1717S80 The reslrided funds wmpri5e Holy Trinity Restoration fvnd, Holy Trinity Organ fund. the Mission fuThJ and som6 e18ments of th8 Church of th8 Asc8nsion funds. Specrfically the fabric element of the C of A fund is subi8Ct to restricaion. The freèhold land and buiTrdinos eompri$e thg cur*e's house located al 36 Elmfield. Kings4￿)Od. For 8co)unting PUTPQS8S, Ihg historical cost of this prop8ty is deemed to be ils 1997 valuation. and has not been updated. This property is t)Jrrenlly rented and generatss £10,200 per annum which is used to supplamont the salary of the Parish Offie* Adminislratcf. Additionally Ast￿$10n churth h811, Holy Trinity thurch hall plus thg HTK 8X-SC¢Xrts hall valwl at insurance valuès. The church halls were revalued for insurance purposos in June 2004. Church equipm8nl C4)mprises a computer SI￿￿￿n at estimated value at th8 d*e of purthase in Aw'l 2c￿. Also a new photocopier was purchased at a ￿$1 of £875 in 20C6 and a new Copyprinler was purchased in 2016. AI Ascgn$ion a ropla¢em8nl projgctor and microphone was pwchased in 2019, also flower stands arKI advent ring were purchased in 2019. A replacement Tractor-mower was purchased in 2022 follomng theft of the orioinal. Page 5 Parochial Church Council of Kingswood Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For tho year endèd 31 Decern￿r 2024 S FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY ThE PCC Flxed A••ots ￿ at 3111W21 d•prnclalS1)n no long•r taken into account 5(•l Twjpth fix6Ll8ss&ts AWWJDEEMED COST At 1 JwoJ•ry 2Q4 1.715,1)00 2m3 1.n7.033 At 311)e¢eth2024 1,715.4) 1,717.033 DEPRECL4T At l JJrAMry 2W24 C*arg8 forlh8 yew At 31 DÈ¢eth*)w2024 744 744 7H 1289 744 1.716289 NET BOOK V￿UE At 31 OtcYmbqT2024 1,715,0 1,715,OC 1299 1.716289 Pl￿01•1, the ¢06t deomod tobv 1987 vahJa1K￿. ond hJNnot been wdotsd. ¥A￿e reva*Jed fow wwJran¢t wrp08es￿ 2C¢)4. ASC Hol rawaw 2W20. 5(bl lnve81m￿fjX&18s11ts Mtr4emerts in Ihe yew.. MwkelvBk*. 31 De¢*mberJ)24 Paroc**l Trwts hetyJ*lth eDBF=£8841 P8 Eknfidd). 8 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUNO Funds t.641289 75.0fy) 8,6¢1 1.716289 8N1 397,472 -3,137 197,272 -2,887 -250 FWMI balnntt• 1,835,674 283,591 2,119,285 Page 6 Parochial Church Council of Kingswood Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the yoar ond•d 31 DKembor 2024 7 DEBTORS 2024 2418 3167 2,418 3.167 8 LIABILMES: AAIOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2887 4475 3.137 9 FUND DETAILS The feslricted funds comprise Holy Trinty Restc¥ation fvnd, the Mission fund and some 81oment5 of both Holy Trinity and Church of Ihe Ascension funds. Spgctfically the fabric element crf the C of A fuTrJ is subject to restriction 88 ￿11 as the organ fund wthin HTK. Page 7 0> o) I I I I I I I I I I I Independent Examiner's Report to the membersltrustees of the Parish of Kingswood (Church of the Ascension), Parochial Church Council. I report on the Church of the Ascension a¢count$ for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 4 of the Financial Statement. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The chariVs tNst8es conshder that an audit 1$ not required for this year under seclion 14412) of the Ch8tilies Aot 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to examine the aco)unls under section 145 of the 2011 Act.. fdJ(Mf the proc&lures l&d down in the General tlifeclX￿ given by the Chaiity Commissioners section 145(5Xb) of ts 2011 Ad; and stale whether paitthkr matters have ￿rne lo my attenli)n. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Statsment My examination was Carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the a¢￿unIS presented by those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the management ￿Mrnittee conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in a full audit. and consequently I do not express an audit opinvjn on the Independent Examinerfs Statement In connecfion with my examination, no matters have come to my attention 1. wh￿h give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance wilh $.130 of the 2011 Act: or to prepare accounts which accord vthh these accounting records have not been met,. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enabfe a proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reached. AdrFan Britton 1, Wykis Court Hanham Bristol. BS15 3SQ Datod.. (Ji. 02 Independent Examiner's Report to the membersltrustees of the Parish of Kingswood (Holy Trinity>, Parochial Church Council. I report on the Hoty Trinty accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 3 of the Financial Statement. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The chariws trustees consrder that an audit is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acl) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the acccsunts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: folknv the procedures laid down in the General Oirecxions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145{5){b) of the 2011 Act- and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Statement My eXaminat￿n was carried out in accordance vthh the Geneial Dire¢lions given by the Charity Commisston. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented by those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee con￿mIng any such matter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide 811 the evidence that woukl be required in a full audil. and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection wtth my examination. no matters have come to my attention 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lo keep accounting ￿COrdS in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or to prepare accounts which accord wilh these acwunting records have not been met.. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attentron should be drawn in order to enable a proper underslanding of the accounts to be reached. Laurence John Godfrey 168, Forest Road Kingswood Bristol. BS15 8EN Dated.. Independent Examinerfs Report to the membersltrustees of the Parish of Kingswood (Parish Level-KTM). Parochial Church Council. I report on the Parish Level {KTM) accounts for the year ended 31" December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 7 of the Finanei81 Slalement. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The charl￿$ trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{2) of the Chattties Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to examine the acc¢)unts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: follow the procedures18id down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5llbl of the 2011 Act,. and sL*e whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Ststement My examinalion was carried OLrt in ac￿rdance *ryth the General Direrth)ns given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the chartty and a Comparison ot the accounts presented by those records. It also indudes con&deration of any unusual items or disclosures in the wjunts, and seeking explanations from the management committee conceming any such matters. The procedu￿$ undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a ful audit. and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination. no matters have come to my attention 1. which grve me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accA)unting r￿rdS in accordance 7Mth $.130 of the 2011 Ad,. or to prepare accounts wh￿h accord with these accounting records have not been met., or 2. to vthich, in my opinion, attentton shoubj be drawn in order to enable a p￿per understanding of the a￿nts to be reached. Paul A. Taylor BA Arr The Long Bam, Collins Fam Abson Bristc4 Dated..