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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 M￿ting)
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 w0￿1ngS 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

FL¥od A88ets
Larvj a￿1 8uikliFVS
Total Flx•tJ A￿ts
Curr•nt As#ats
HSBC CunBntAccwrt
52618.91
88123.19
Hs8C WM ALwJ)t
J18.08
HSBC Fn￿rtS of St.Pet&s CurnrtP£crAUrt
22527.34
24￿.25
CCLA ICBB Acccrtjrrt
Interior D*¢xating Scheme
1146.15
Y21.15
Totsl Current Assets
14ttJI0.48
133624.59
Curyert UabHI
Ag￿¢Y CdlxtK
Totsl Uablll
146311.48
133227.59
133Td7.59
116586.05
Surplusl D8ficit
13W3.89
16641.54
146311A8
Un￿$t1￿CtEd
Gweral Furwj
82501.52
1.C
Charity Aws & Fun(knWtvJ
Ftlends of St. Peterfs
42521
425.41
22527.34
24575.25
Intsrk)r ￿Orat[￿j Sclw
921.15
921.15
SP￿181 Proj8Cts Furnj
Tooching & Evangdism FI￿1
21n1.$6
541.26
723.0)
4722926
4722926
50721.07 .
14631128

Grft
74￿.
7C013.11
Plon GIttAiY
2441AO
&W.14
7404.85
11(XXLI(t
15&71
1C661AS
Tax Glft NAd
7W15.87
12¢Y246AO
rrcF
12rAI(L)
12rffi.o)
1$￿.(￿)
1&w.rx)
oth￿ Fur￿8 Gen￿tEll
4￿1#
2916.77
Rummag8 Sdesètc
378152
Bank Int*Bst
1041
1745nA4
141I0U5
st*￿rtsh￿ camrA￿Tr￿ Feto(Ytsia
137A2
137A2
1938.07
IAX07
11rA).i)J
Cornrnon FuThJ
Organi8t
T￿￿ph￿9
929A7
11125
Parf9h T￿rnn9
surarte
Church MAint4tl•P
13TJ
Upkè#pof Churctrwrd
Jmlnlatrn
13W1JI
10X).10
11$897
Printirvj
4042.14
ctrknty
13653
7245.61
510.73
231.97
117*07
122891.34
181x6.13
161493.55
124769.41
188>8.54
174577.44
141405.95

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 Indep￿￿nt 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 G￿eral 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 eVid￿Ce 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 r￿rdS
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