ii'"ri i-. 4%7'()N The Parochial Council of St. Peter's Church, Little Aston Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025 Incumbent Interregnum 30.12.24 Honorary Assistant Priest Reverend Jeremy Blunt Readers Andrew Farrow Pamela Strong Bank HSBC UK 67 The Parade Sutton Coldfield B72 1 PD Independent Examiner Ray Boyland htt wV.st eterslittleaston.co u
The Parochial Council of SL Petees Church, Little Aston Annual Report for the Year ended 31 December 2025 rhis report is made in accordance with the Church Representation Rules (2011) and is separate from any other statement or address that the incumbent may wish to make or any reports that any other individual or parish group may present at the Annual Parochial Church Mting) Administrative Information St. Peter's Church is situated on Roman Road, Little Aston B74 3AT. It is part of the Diocese of Lichfield within the Church of England. Correspondence is also addressed to the Vicarage, 3 Walsall Road, L5tt1e Aston B74 3BD. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2011) and a Registered Charty 1128819. Ex officio members Incumbent Readers Interregnum from 30.12.24 Andrew Farrow Pamela Strong Jane Alderson Richard Paxton Brenda Clarke Church Warden Church Warden Secretary Elected Members Treasurer Gift Aid Secretary Deanery Synod Treasurer & Diocesan Member & Diocesan Synod Member and Assistant Lay Chair of Deanery Synod Christopher Hulland Helen Garbett Margaret Pye Jill Hope Lynne Gibson Deborah Hartland Annie Horton Geoffrey Kite Peter Marriott Susan Mitchell Emma Paxton Nicola Thompson It is considered that all PCC members and any others who could be understood to be 'managers' in the activities and affairs of the church, as defined in Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010. are 'fit and proper, persons under the terms of the Act. AII PCC members elected for the first time and those re-elected are supplied with minutes of PCC meetings and receive a copy of the last Annual Report and Accounts. They are entitled to ask for any explanations of their content. In service training is offered as appropriate. Page 1
Structure, government and management The Parochial Church Council PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St. Peter's the membership consists of the incumberrt (our vicar). churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation that are on the electoral roll of the church. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish. including how the fijnds of the PCC are spent. New members receive initial training in the w01ngS of the PCC. The PCC met 9 times during the year. There is a Standing Committee that is the only committee required to be in existence by church law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to r*(ifi&qtion by the PCC. Meetings were via Zoom when necessary. Aims and purposes St Peterfs Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Objectlves and Activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of the communty of St. Peterfs.The PCC maintains an oveNiew of worship and will feedback to the vicar suggestions and comments relating to forn of servic8 undertaken. Our services are intended to PLrt our faith into practice through prayer, Scriptur8, music and the sacraments. We 8nUeavour to ats1e orfjinary people to Ilve out thelr Talth as part of our church communty. Worship & Prayer - Bible studies, Discipleship courses. Lent courses, preaching and different types of service with some meeting particular needs are promoted. Provision of pastoral care for members of the congregation both within and outside the parish. This includes our ALrthorised Lay Ministers taking communion to those unable to attend church and visiting in hospitats, nursing homes and homes. Missionary and outreach work - our targeted charitable giving and support for social opportunities are well understood supporting both local and intemational concerns. To facilitate all this, we consider it vital we maintain and. rf possibF8, improve the fabric of the church of St. Peter s and also the Church Room. Page 2
Achievements and perfonnance Worship and Prdyer There are usually three senlices on Sundays at 8am,1 Oam and 5pm and Holy Communion at 9.30am on Wednesdays. Baptisms. weddings and funerals took place throughout the year and special services were held for Easter. Harv8St. Remembrance, Friends Remembered, Christingle and Nine Lessons and Carols. During this interregnum, we have been extremely fortunate to receive the services a number of retired clergy taking services A special mention must also go to Nina Diaper and Lynne Gibson for running a series of very meaningful and inspiring early evening services during Lent and Advent. In our Welcome to Worship publication we list family and friends of the congregation currently in need of prayer and who have been bereaved. We also have a facility for private prayer during the 1 Oam sen41 on a Sunday and run a prayer chain for people requiring emergency prayers which is completely confidential. Mission and Evangelism The weekly Welcome to Worship publication continues to be an important means of communication wtth the congregation and other interested parties. They are available at all services and are emailed to 163 addresses plus some printed copies are passed on to those who do not have email. The What's on at St Peter s leaflet giving details of contacts, regular services, activities, and events is available in strategic places around the parish as well as in church. There are regular meetings of Mothers, Union, the Knit and Natter group. the Keep Fit group, the Film Glub, the Bereavement group, the Hand Bell ringers, the SACRED groups and the SPOGS - a group of gentlemen who meet monthly dining at local pubs for fellowship and goodwill. A band of volunteers meet very regularly to help with maintenance of the churchyard and every Tuesday there is a coffee morning with entertaining quizzes which is well supported. We continue our close connection with Pathways - the domestic and sexual abuse charity in Lichfield. They receive donations throughoLrt the year especially from our haNest festival and when members of the congregation give 25 small gifts through our reverse advent calendar scheme. Page 3
Pastoral Care The team meets regularly and discusses members of the congregation who may need help and support. They also arTange visits with home communion. Monthly coffee momings were introduced by the team in 2022 that became weekly Winter Warmer Coffee mornings and these continue to encourage members of the congregation and any friends or acquaintances to meet together for relaxed, informal socialising in a warm welcoming space. The vergers for the fonnal occasions of baptisms. weddings and funerals are meeting those in need with great skills of guidance, organisation and, when required empathy. They have our particular grateful thanks when undertaking the occasional difficult aspects encountered. Baptisms Weddings. 7 Church Funerals 13 Crematoria 3 The electoral roll contains 165 names but 660h live outside the parish The Church Bulldlng St. Peter's is a listed Victorian Building and any repairs have to conform to regulations and are invariably expensive. New notice boards have been installed that meet the criteria set by the Diocese. The Quinquennial Report identified required repairs to the roof and some stonework. The costs expected to be around £36000 plus VAT. Work commenced in October with finance being provided principally by two Charttable Trusts. Our whole enterprise relies on the many willing volunteers that make this church the friendly and responsive communty so appreciated by all concemed. The aged demographic of the congregation places added expectations of and responsibilities to those involved The social context of our church cannot be underestimated After service coffee fomis an increasing opportunity for social dialogue and thanks are due to those who offer to cater to meet the demand. It is self-financing. The Churchwardens have continued their extraordinary efforts in view of the lack of a Vicar. Their responsibilities have expanded enormously but other volunteers in the congregation have assisted where possible. Page 4
Safeguarding The safety and security of children is of the utmost importance and guidelines and policies are part of the processes that have been adopted to ensure that all children taking part in activities in our churches may do so in a loving, caring and safe atmosphere. There is a Protection Policy in respect of children and vulnerable adults. recognised by the PCC .Mrs Det>orah Hartland is the Safeguarding Officer. A formalised programme of serious learning and certification has been undertaken by the Ministry team and members of the Church identified as having contact with children and vulnerable adults. It was undertaken on-line and highlights any possible signs of risk that need reporting. The programme is monitored by Lichfield Diocese. A mission is to support children and young people. A monthly Breakfast Club offers families an opportunity to be supported by our church communty. Monthly prayer groups focus on children and young people's needs. The aim is to broaden and open up further services to support families. C3 Certification Ministry Team 4 C2 Certification Churchwardens and 2 others C1 Certification 21 Church member Risk Management St. Peters use the Health and Safety Ecclesiaslical Pro-fonna (small churches) taken from their website in conjunction The PCC approved an annual review VerIng the church, church room, churchyard and carpark. We ensure that any possible hazards are dealt with immediately by the appropriat8 group of people. Headstones are inspected every six months and any that are loose are laid flat to avoid possible accidents unless repairs can be made speedily. Fire extinguishers are tested and Gertrfied PAT testing is completed on all electrical equipment annually.Both certrficates are displayed on the noticeboard in the church room. There are two First Aid boxes with accident books. One is kept in the church and one in the church room and both storage cupboards are clearly labelled with a green cross. Communicants with mobilty difficulties have been considered. bearing in mind the multiple steps to be negotiated. All trees within the church grounds have been monitored and any necessary work carried out by Chris Peake, registered tr surgeon. The trees ale monitored annually. We consider we have done everything practical to ensure the safety of anyone visiting St. Peter's Church. To dale we have no incidents to report. Page 5
2025 Financial Review As we have been in Interregnum for the whole of 2025, it was recognised by the Churchwardens and PCC members that real efforts were needed to retain an enthusiastic congregation. In order to cover the expected expenses, it was important to keep all informed as to income and expenditure throughout the year. The regular gift- aided appeared largely static and many standing orders needed a review. Congregations were addressed by the Treasurer in October and this has resulted in additional annual commitments of £4,500 so far. The Friends of St. Peter's have contributed to the Churchyard upkeep and the Mothers, Union has shown tangible support. We continue to appreciate the work of fundraising given by many and the coffee offering is now self funding. In anticipation of major expenditu relative to the Quinquennial inspection, two Trust Funds have covered the costs involved as the sums were outside normal cashflow. The Contactless Card Reader in the foyer is showing slow but useful progress. Total Income £174.557 (2024 £141,405> Notwithstanding being in interregnum, we were expected to fully meet the Common Fund to the Diocese of Lichfield £69.055. This was achieved to ensure we meet the criterium for a stand-alone parish. Our electricity suppliers, EDF have now caught up with the accounting. £13.553. Our contract is due to expire in August 2026 but we continue to work towards smart-metering in the meantime. The Quinquennial work was estimated at some £36,000 plus VAT. We have paid 50 % during this year with the balance due early 2026 when the VAT may be reclaimed providing the criteria of the Govemment scheme are met. Visiting clergy are able to claim expenses but the Diocese will refund those allowable. The upkeep of the churchyard is a major expense notwithstanding much volunteer work. £13801 The feature is however very important to many. Our charitable contribution of £1100 was to Blood Pressu UK in memory of Philip. Printing Costs £4042 include some reprinting of Service booklets as well as the good quality weekly Welcome to Worship leaflets. Total Expenditure £161493 (2024 £124,769) Page 6
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Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2025 1. Notes to the Accounts The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. 2. Fixed Assets Consecrated and benefice property is not included from the Accounts by s.10(2){a)&(C) of the Chartties Act 2011 . Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposable are inalienable property listed in the Church's inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For any acquir&J prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Other tangible assets fixed assets are valued at cost. 3. Description of Funds Unrestiicted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC , including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free resenies" as disclosed in the trustees, annual report. Restricted funds comprise two elements a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the SP8cific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment. interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to discretionary power to spend capital as income and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Page 9
Independent Examlnevs Report to the Trustees of the PCC of SL Peters Chu. LtUl8 AsknL Reglstered Charity 1128819 I report on the accounts for the year erKled 31 Decem 2025 whtth are set out in the Annual Report and Financial Statements. Respective responslbilftles of the TnBtees arKI Indepnt Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparatFon of the accounts. The chartly's tnJste8s consider that an audit is not required for this year under Sectlon 144 of the Chariti&s Act 2011 (the Charities Act) rather an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility . to examine the accounts under section 145 of Charities Act . to follow the procedures laid down in the General DirectiorE given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)Ib) of the Charitt&s Act and . to state whether particular matterB have (x)me to my attention. Basis of Independent Examlnevs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the Geral Directions given by the Chartty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty arKI a comparison of the acccwjnts presentsd with these records. It also includes consideratton of unusual items or disclosures In the accounts and seeking explanations from th8 trust conceming such rnatte. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eVidCe that would be requir in an audit and consequentty no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a °true and fair. view and the report is limit&3 to th( mattws set out in the statement below. Independent Examinees Statsment In connection with my examination. no material m8tter3 hav• comg to my attention which give me cause to believe that in any material respect ' accountlng records were not kept in acCOrdar with tIOn 130 of the Charities Act or . the accounts do not accord with the a(uunting rrdS I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. signed ,-J/ IJ Pag810