OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements

of

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Wilfrid Cowplain

Registered Charity No. 1130601 Year ending 31 December 2025

TITLE **PAGE **
Annual Report title page 1
Blank page 2
Contents page 3
Administration Information 4
Priest in Charge Report 5-6
ChurchwardensReport 7-9
PCC Report 10-13
Financial Review 14-16
2024 Accounts 17-24
Independent Examiner’s Report 25
Electoral Roll Report 26
Copy of Electoral Roll 27-29
Planned GivingReport 30
Safeguarding Report 31
General DataProtection Regulations (GDPR)report 31
Parish Upper and Lower Hall Report 32-33
Health and Safety Report 33
Fabric andMaintenanceReport 34-35
AV Team Report 35-36
Worship Services 36
Welcome Team Report 37
PastoralCareReport 37
Organist Report 37-38
Licensed Lay Minister Report 38
PrayerOpportunities at St. Wilfrid’s 39
Curate Report–Rev Derek Johnston 40
CurateReport– Rev PollyHoneychurch 40-41
Ministry Team Report 41-42
HavantDeanery SynodReport 42-43
Tea and Coffee Makers Report 43
Community Coffee Cup 43
Home GroupsReport 44
CMS Missionary Link Report 44
Eco Church Report 45
Bereavement Support Group Report 45-46
Anna Chaplain’s Report 46
Christmas Day Lunch Report 47
Shoebox Appeal Report 47-48
Sunday ClubReport 48
St. Wilfrid’s Art Group (SWAG) Report 48-49
Want toPaintReport 49-50
School Report 50
Messy Church Report 50-51
ToddlerGroupAnnual Report 51-52
TLC (Tea and Lovely Cake) Report 52

3

Warm Spaces Report

52

Annual Report of The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the

Ecclesiastical Parish of St Wilfrid, Cowplain (Registered Charity No. 1130601) From May APCM 2025 to April APCM 2026

Administrative information

The parish of St Wilfrid is situated in Cowplain. It is in the Deanery of Havant, the Archdeaconry of Portsdown and the Diocese of Portsmouth.

PCC correspondence: c/o The Vicarage, Padnell Road, Cowplain, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 8DZ

Website: www.stwilfridscowplain.co.uk

PCC members who have served from the APCM in May 2025 until this report are:

Priest in Charge Reverend Christopher Spencer (Chair) Curates Reverend Derek Johnson (resigned from June 2025) Reverend Polly Honeychurch Churchwardens Steve Day Jan Smith (Vice Chair) Representatives to Catherine King the Deanery Synod Elaine Hoey (PCC Secretary / Electoral Roll Officer) Elected members Bob Wheeler (Until 2027) Brenda Mizen (Until 2027) Sara Bolton (Until 2026) Margo Farmer (Until 2026) Yolanda Cawdeary (Until 2026) William McGannan (Until 2026) Mark Coates (Until 2028) Sonia Passingham (Until 2028) Allan Brawn (Until 2028) Co-opted Members Colin Mason (Treasurer) Val Strutt (Safeguarding Officer)

Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Priest in Charge, the Parish Administrator, Mrs Sara Bolton, Treasurer Mr Colin Mason ACMA and the many other volunteers who willingly give of their time.

The PCC thanks them all for their time and dedication.

4

Banking: Barclays Bank PLC, PO Box 6, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3DH Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, 272 London Road, Waterlooville, PO7 7HN

It is a joy to write my third Priest in Charge’s report at St. Wilfrid’s. Scripture reminds us repeatedly not to worry. Anxiety robs us of present joy, yet God calls us to trust. As we look to the year ahead, I sense this invitation clearly: to move from worry to trust, to seek first His Kingdom, and to deepen our discipleship together.

Thank you for journeying with me since September 2023. I am grateful for the Ministry Team, our Churchwardens Jan and Steve, and our PCC, who faithfully discern God’s will for our parish. Their wisdom, prayer, and service are a great blessing.

A year ago, we faced serious financial concerns. Projections were in the red, and uncertainly weighed heavily. Yet through your generosity and God’s provision, our finances have begun to turn around. While re remain careful and prayerful, we give thanks that our needs have been met and that we are in a stronger position.

Our building continues to serve both mission and community. Toddlers, Warm Spaces, the Bereavement Group, Community Coffee Cup, Messy Church, Care home and the many more all help to proclaim the good news of Jesus. A highlight this year has been the installation of solar panels – a sign of hope and stewardship for the future.

I am deeply grateful to all who serve: staff, volunteers, those with roles and those whose work is often unseen – from administration and finance to cleaning, flowers, gardeners and hospitality. We also give thanks for Reverend Derek and Shirley Johnston our curate and Val Strutt our Parish Safeguarding Officer for their faithful service and pray for those stepping into new roles.

As we grow, the demands on key volunteers increase, and this can bring weariness. Jesus’ call to “seek first His kingdom” reminds us that blessing flows first from prayer, not activity. If we trust Him fully, He will provide what we need.

St. Wilfrid’s is called to be a community of all ages – a place of welcome, refreshment and encounter with the living God. We rejoice with those who join us and remember with love those we have lost. Together, we are learning to move from fear to faith – from anxious disciples to bold witnesses.

Looking ahead, my hope is that we continue to grow in prayer, confidence, and generosity. Let us lay aside fear, learn to share our faith, and rejoice in God’s provision. I believe St. Wilfrid’s is on an exciting journey, and I am thankful to be part of it with you. So, thank you all for being part of this amazing church, for your patience, your love, your generosity and your willingness to journey together.

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father, we lay before You our worries about today and tomorrow. Teach us to trust Your provision and seek first Your kingdom. Help us all to live faithfully in the present, confident that You grace is enough. Strengthen us to serve with courage and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Reverend Chris Spencer

March 2026

5

We (Jan and Steve) were elected to the roles of Churchwarden in 2022. We were re-elected at the APCM in 2023 and then again at APCMs 2024 and 2025.

Clergy

This has been another blessed year. Priest-in-Charge (soon to be Vicar) Rev. Chris Spencer has been supported by PTO Rev Ruth Loveman and curate, Rev Polly Honeychurch, whose ordination as priest was celebrated on 28[th] June.

We enjoyed having the Johnstons in our midst while Rev Derek did part of his curacy here, bringing with him Shirley with all her pastoral gifts and on occasions several other members of the family, some local and some from South Africa, and we wish them every blessing in their roles in Cosham and Wymering.

Anna Chaplaincy

Elaine Davenport and Julie Brown continue in their respective roles in Anna Chaplaincy and are very much appreciated by residents and staff in local nursing homes, as well as at Age Concern.

Services

We continue with 2 Sunday Services – at 9am and 11am, each with its own loyal congregation. We are still without an organist and rely, at 9 o’clock on an iPad and the generous services of retired organist, David Wiseman; occasional Sundays a “said” service is enjoyed by those who like quiet.

The Thursday Morning Holy Communion Service, meeting in Church in warm weather months and sometimes in the Hall when it’s cold, has its own congregation and lots of fellowship opportunities – usually with cake – after the service.

The music group at the 11 o’clock service ensures that we enjoy a service of worship in every sense of the word. Stephen Bolton, Lesley Baker, Mark and Sasha Coates are often joined by Chris and/or Polly.

On Sunday Club Sundays (usually twice each month), there are often more children in attendance and we are most grateful to those who lead this opportunity for children to enjoy Christian teaching at a level designed especially for them.

A number of teenagers has joined us at 11 o’clock. Perhaps we might consider their needs too, although we celebrate the fact that at 11 o’clock we enjoy ALL AGE services.

Seasons

Special seasonal events continue – of course the church year is celebrated by some wonderful and deeply moving services - but we have come to expect social and fundraising events to mark the seasons too, and we are never disappointed. We are always blessed by the Art Exhibition and a wide variety of other activities.

Special Services, Events and Courses

Our CMS Missionary Link, Alison Giblett joined us for our two services on 1[st] March (having been sent home from Kyiv after her documents were stolen) and we still have the opportunity to join her on Zoom on Saturday evenings.

6

We have enjoyed a new experience (twice) at St Wilfrid’s when Café Church has been the means of celebrating the 11 o’clock service in the lower hall. With delicious refreshments and families or friendship groups gathered around small tables, to encourage communication and interactive responses to all parts of the service, there was a very positive reaction to Café Church on both occasions. We are likely to remember Zacchaeus and the Parable of the Seed through the activities on the respective days.

It is intended to increase the number of Home Groups again during 2026 – they are an excellent opportunity for fellowship, prayer and discussion – with the focus on scripture. Please let Polly know if you would like to join a group – face-to-face or by Zoom.

Our service and lunch to celebrate the installation of the Solar Panels, gave an opportunity for giving thanks to the whole church family for all that each person contributes to the life and health of our church.

Thirst Services have continued during this year –usually on Friday evenings once a month and people from other churches have joined us. An in S piring experience, month by month. For those that could not attend there is now a copy of the talk on the website

Lent Courses have been led by Hart Plain Church each year recently – we enjoy their hospitality and excellent teaching.

Polly’s invitation to join her for Coffee with the Curate has recently moved from Costa to the newly opened Mad Hatterz Tea Shop in Cowplain. It’s always good to stop and chat.

The Events team has had continuing success since our last report, creating events that are not only enjoyable to the community but provide a much needed boost to our church funds. During 2025 we put on some old favorites, 2 Fish & Chip quiz evenings, Concerts from Achoired Taste, our local community choir that have made St Wilfrid’s their home on a Monday evening. and Dragonfly for which we also provided a buffet meal, We also tried a number of new events, a Beetle Drive, a Car Treasure Hunt during the summer and in December we held a Christmas Wreath making workshop. This was well attended and participants left with a beautiful Christmas decoration, which lasted well past 12[th] night.

January 2026 started with an Auction of Promises which we haven’t held since 2005 and 30 promise lots were up for auction. Bidding was brisk and most lots went for above their reserve price. Due to the generosity of all involved church funds benefited by £1200.

2026 continued with Sea Shanty sing a long evening with a Fish & Chip supper. Raise the Roof Theatre Company took us back to Oxton Hall for the evening, to help them solve yet another murder mystery in that ill fated building.

Please watch the notice sheets for the other events in the coming months

People and Groups

During the course of the year a number of dearly loved members of our church have died and others have become too frail to attend; some have moved away (to Cornwall and to Somerset – too far to commute to us) and to Hayling Island.

During this year, Colin Mason continued in his role of Treasurer, and Terry Gibbs took over as our Planned Giving Officer.

7

Val Strutt has continued during the year as our careful and caring Safeguarding Officer and has recently tendered her resignation after more than 20 years in the role. We are indebted to her. Allan Brawn continued his hard work as Maintenance Manager, Acting Verger and Health and Safety Officer until illness prevented him from undertaking all the tasks he usually does. Derek Baker and Bob Wheeler have helped considerably, as they did when churchwarden Steve underwent a hip replacement operation. Elaine Hoey and Denise Williams are always supportive in ensuring Sunday tasks are undertaken when churchwardens are absent through accident, illness or simply taking holidays. Sara Bolton continues as our Administrator and has recently (in Allan’s absence) become a Server at the Thursday Service of Holy Communion. Elaine Hoey’s dual roles as Electoral Roll Officer and Secretary to the PCC ensures that she too is kept very busy and we thank her for all that she continues to do.

Our eco group has led us all in the various ways that we can work towards a healthier planet – God’s wonderful creation – and we give thanks that in August 2025 our solar panels were installed. Thanks go to the amazingly generous congregation at St Wilfrid’s.

Our Toddler Groups continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by adults and children, with lots of helpers and leaders (more always welcomed) led by Hazel Watson and with Chris and Polly supporting too.

Messy Church continues to be well supported by families who may or may not come to our Sunday services or services at other churches. Lesley Baker values the involvement of the whole team, especially including those who create our scrummy meals!

Community Coffee Cup at Westbrook and TLC at St Wilfrid’s continue to give much pleasure to people at the weekends; Coffee Cup joined up with the Havant council Play Rangers for a number of joint play and craft activities which provided further outreach into the Westbrook community. Warm Spaces has offered hospitality after the Thursday Service during the winter months. Homemade soups and rolls have been much appreciated. Thanks especially to Val and Dave Strutt and Brenda Mizen and Margo and Martyn Farmer and their teams for looking after us all so well – and for providing welcoming outreach opportunities.

Our ever growing (slowly growing – still room for more) Church Cleaning Teams and Flower Arrangers have looked after the church wonderfully and Helen Couper and Stan Hoey, along with Allan Brawn and others have ensured that our gardens give constant pleasure.

Pastoral Care, including Home Communions has continued and so has PRAYER – a focus for the first Wednesday of each month (and every other day of the year too).

The Audio Visual team have installed the new sound system which has been operating successfully for a year and hopefully this has improved the sound quality for both the Sunday services. There is still a little more to do to complete this phase of the project. Because of the use of more multimedia types including videos during the 11am service, the team have been trialing a different display program, and the 11am congregation may have noticed a different look to the words of the songs in the last few months. The next phase of the upgrade looking at and replacing the projection output is well under way. This will give a permanent static location for the AV control desk. We are also moving forward, with help from the diocese IT team with a new look church website. There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes during the last few months. The team have completed the old to new page mapping exercise and produced a number of page templates which we will populate and then after testing will go live in the next few months

Overview

8

God continues to strengthen and guide us throughout each year and we are most grateful.

More statistics to consider

As mentioned last year, in February 2025 , 124 different adults and 13 children attended services at St Wilfrid’s.

The most at any one service was 49 adults and 11 children (that was at the 11 o’clock service when Alison Giblett joined us)

In February 2026, 115 different adults and 22 children attended services at St Wilfrid’s. The most at any one service was when 42 adults and 16 children came on 8[th] February,

HOWEVER on 8[th] March, at 11 o’clock we were joined by 53 adults and 20 children.

If you only come to one service (as most people do) you might not have met all of your brothers and sisters in our church family.

It’s good that we have our Meet the Family events. Do come, if you can. The next one is to be lunch together after the APCM on 19[th] April.

Jan Smith and Steve Day, Churchwardens. March 2026

9

This report covers the time from APCM May 2025 to April 2026. During this time the Parochial Church Council has held six full meetings during 2025/2026 in May, July, September, November, January and March. Reverend Chris Spencer has chaired those meetings and Elaine Hoey has kindly recorded the minutes and dealt with the different correspondence.

Each PCC meeting is structured in the following way: welcome, open devotions, prayer, Apologies, conflicts of interest, minutes to approve and matters arising from those previous minutes. Next would follow confidential minutes, safeguarding report, separate items such as Christmas collections and all the sub-committee meetings. Reports from Deanery, Diocesan and General Synod are part of the meetings as well as correspondence. Finally, the PCC cover Training opportunities, future events, announcements, AOB, dates of next meeting and each meeting closes with prayer. This format now means that meetings last for about 1 hour and ½ to 2 hours.

The various sub-Committee meetings operate in between PCC meetings that help in matters arising within the church and we reflect on doing life together in St. Wilfrid’s Church. At the last APCM the PCC delegate the detail work to the various sub-committees so we currently have six in operation.

The Standing sub-Committee operates in between PCC meetings and sets out the PCC agenda, implements the detail of PCC decisions, takes urgent actions on certain matters and the members of the sub-committee are the Priest in Charge, Church Wardens, PCC secretary and a member of PCC.

Personnel sub-Committee operates when the church needs advice on recruitment such as our new Planned Giving Officer, grievance procedures, employment terms and conditions, law and polices, issues that emerge in staffing and training developments. This sub-Committee has also helped in shaping the role descriptions for those who carry out different roles in church.

The sub-Committees below are not exclusive rather it is designed to provide all church members an opportunity to work collaboratively so all are invited and you would be most welcome to join and if to do so then please let Reverend Chris know.

Finance and Fabric sub-Committee operates by providing advice, support and practical guidance in relation to budgets, stewardship and the financial position of St. Wilfrid’s church. This committee also looks at the day-to-day operations, the fabric of the building, health and safety, planned giving report and so on.

Mission and Discipleship sub-Committee operates by ensuring that God is known and made known by all by promoting the mission of the church through the various activities and groups such as children, families, alpha, Art groups as well as through Messy Church, Coffee Community Cup, community events, schools work, toddlers and so on.

Events sub-Committee operates by providing at least ten events during the calendar year to bring people together such as meeting the family, offering hospitality, welcoming others and hosting bigger events like our Spring and Christmas fayres or murder mystery evenings.

Resources sub-Committee and Ministry sub-Committee have not met during the year.

Special Project sub-Committee operated by focusing the solar panels which was completed

10

during the year. The small team gathered every six weeks to move the project forward. The special project sub -committee is now looked at another project for the future.

The next level of the church is the many teams or groups or individuals they make up the life of the church and they fit or overlap within these different sub committees such as Hall meeting team, Ministry team, Pastoral care, Messy Church and so on. The biggest challenge throughout the year was in the discernment in various role descriptions and how these individuals work together in St. Wilfrid’s church, building God’s kingdom and grow in unity, love and growth we move forward together in the future.

Administrative Information

St. Wilfrid’s Church is situated on Padnell Road, Cowplain. It is part of the Diocese of Portsmouth within the Church of England. The registered charity number is 1130601

Governance

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules dated in 2020. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives

The PCC of St. Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest-inCharge in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building and grounds.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England, a registered charity and operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure.

The method of appointment of PCC Members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Regular church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to consider standing for election to the PCC. PCC members are required to undertake safer recruitment procedures such as DBS and confidential self-declaration forms and relevant training. Representatives of the PCC are asked to attend other relevant training events, report back to the PCC as a body and disseminate printed information where appropriate.

Sub-committees

The PCC operates six sub-Committee (Finance and Fabric sub-Committee (FFsC), Mission and Discipleship (M&D), Events, Special Projects, Standing and Personnel) which meet between full meetings of the PCC and all sub-Committees make recommendations to the PCC for approval.

Attendance at Services :

St. Wilfrid’s Church attendance has stayed the same or decreased. A review of attendance during January supports this observation.

Comparing attendance at St Wilfrid’s in January 2024, January 2025 and January 2026.

The total number of people who attended at least once during the month

2024 2025 2026
Adults *130 *147 *147
Children *30 *25 *25

*Including the Christingle Service and Thirst

Average attendance at individual services during the month

2024 2025 2026

11

9.00 Sunday 29 27 26.5
11.00 Sunday: excluding those who had
already attended at 9.00
(usually 3-5 people)
36		 44 43
Children 10 11 10
10.30 Thursday: including those who
had already attended onSunday		 27 28 28.4
10.30 Thursday: excluding those who
had already attended onSunday		 16 19 18.6

Some people, as we see here, attend more than once a week – Sundays and Thursdays.

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals held in 2025

Baptisms: 11 compared with 2 in 2024
Confirmation: 0 compared with 0 in 2024
Marriages: 2 compared with 0 in 2024
Funerals in Church: 9* compared with 7* in 2024
Funerals at Crematorium: 10 compared with 15 in 2024
Funeral at Cemetery only: 1 compared with 0 in 2024
Internment of Ashes: 0 compared with 2 in 2024
Total number of Funerals 20

* Of these funerals, 2 was held at St. Wilfrid’s Cowplain (memorial service), 4 was held at St. Wilfrid’s Cowplain followed by a burial, 3 was held at St. Wilfrid’s Cowplain followed by crematorium

Electoral Roll

At the APCM in 2025 there were 127 names on the Church Electoral Roll, compared with 155 in 2024.

Policies and Risks

The PCC has reviewed the following policies and procedures during the year 2025.

Alongside this at each PCC meeting the Parish Safeguarding Officer (Val Strutt) gives a written and verbal update throughout the year and references the safeguarding dashboard. There have also been ongoing changes to national and diocesan safeguarding guidelines such as Standards and will continue to be so in the future which will impact parish policies, practice and training.

Our Parish Treasurer (Colin Mason) provides a detailed budget which is prepared and agreed by the PCC each year and provides regular updates comparing the current situation to the budget at each PCC meeting.

Finally, our Health and Safety Officer (Allan Brawn) reviews and updates all health and safety issues that arise on the church premises and all groups using our premises are expected to be familiar with the health and safety policy and comply with it. Allan Brawn also reports to the

12

PCC about accidents that occur within his report.

Insurance: The PCC is fully insured through our Ecclesiastical Insurance Parish Plus policy.

Conclusion

We praise God that He continues to bless St Wilfrid’s, so that we can bless others - locally in our community, in Havant Deanery, Portsmouth Diocese and in many places further afield. We give thanks for all that has been given and shared, for worship and witness, for prayer, fellowship and faithful service to the glory of God. We look forward to the exciting future that God has in store for us!

We are greatly indebted to every single member of our church who voluntarily gives of his or her time, practical skills, spiritual gifts and money to build up our fellowship in the Spirit, grow our discipleship in Christ, and enable us all to continue to play our part in God’s mission of love to the world in Jesus Christ.

Thank you so much for all you do!

Approved by the PCC 19[th] March 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Rev Christopher Spencer (PCC Chairman)

2025 provided stable pattern of services and other church activities, however this was not wholly reflected in the month-on-month stability of our finances.

Summary details of Unrestricted General Fund Income and Expenditure for 2025 (with comparative figures for 2024) and relevant notes of explanation are in the tables below [Note: Full details are contained in the table towards the end of this Financial Review]:

Income 2025
Serial Description Amount
2025		 Amount
2024		 Change Comment
1 Planned Giving 44,454 45,734 -1,280
2 PGS 19,799 15,779 4,020 See Note 1
3 Gift Aid & GASDS 17,433 16,625 808 2025 – Reflects increased giving via
PGS
4 Collection 7,140 8,412 -1,272

13

5 Donations 1,623 4,123 -2,500 See Note 2 below.
6 Hall Letting 16,068 11,888 4,180 2025–Reflects increase in Hall Users
7 Wedding/Funeral 2,213 1,212 1,001 2025-2 Weddings and 21 Funerals
8 Fayres 4,345 4,199 146
9 Events 6,124 3,294 2,830 2025–More Events
10 Other 3,755 572 3,183 Incl £2,000 Transfer between Bank
Accts
11 Nett Income
122,954		 111,838 11,116
12 Transfers In 2,500 6,419 -3,919 From Other Church Funds
13 Gross Income
125,454		 118,257 7,197
Expenditure 2025 Expenditure 2025
Serial Description Amount
2025		 Amount
2024		 Change Comment
1 Charitable Giving 1,220 1,140 80 To CMS & Waterlooville Foodbank
2 Parish Share 76,010 86,000 -9,990 See Note 3 below
3 Clergy & Staff 7,550 6,724 826
4 Cost of Events 2,075 929 1,146 2025–Costs of more Events
5 Training 391 627 -236
6 Cleaning 4,962 4,776 186 2025-Increase in Real Living Wage
7 Gas & Electricity 6,559 7,681 -1,122 See Note 4 below
8 Water 1,442 1,025 417 2025–Inflationary increase
9 Insurance 1,615 1,419 196 2025 - Premium increased for Solar
Panels
10 CCLI 424 408 16 2025–Increase due to inflation
11 Admin Costs 1,918 2,197 -279
12 Maintenance 4,994 3,887 1,107 See Note 5 below
13 Running Costs 1,058 1,238 -180
14 Other 2,250 452 1,798 Incl £2,000 Transfer between Bank
Accts
15 Gross Expended 112,469 118,503 -6,034

Notes:

  1. While giving via PGS increased in 2025 this was balanced by decreases in other Planned Giving, Loose Plate Collections and Donations.

  2. The overall effect was General Fund Donations reduced in 2025, but significant donations were made towards the installation of Solar Panels – See details in Eco Fund.

  3. The Parish Share figure for 2025 was initially £81,904 (based on a new/revised algorithm). In May 25 it was estimated that this level was not sustainable and a representation was made to the Diocese – this resulted in a reduction to £76,000.

  4. New Gas and Electricity contracts commenced 1 Oct 25 with Corona Energy. Due to an administrative error in the Corona accounting system, as of 31 Dec 25 we had not been invoiced for the cost of electricity from Oct to Dec 25.

  5. The total of all Maintenance costs in 2025 was slightly lower than the agreed budget figure – careful management ensured all necessary routine maintenance and necessary repairs were completed in a timely manner at optimum cost.

The overall result for the year was a gain to the General Fund (as gross income exceeded expenditure) of £12,985 versus a loss of £246 in 2024. This improvement was due to a combination of a significantly reduced Parish Share, unanticipated/unbudgeted increased Hall Letting income, increased nett Event income and a loan/transfer from the Community Support Fund. The General Fund balance carried forward to 2026 was £20,916.

14

The month-on-month carrying balance fluctuated marked throughout the year as shown in the following graph – causing serious concerns to the Finance & Fabric sub-Committee and the PCC in the early months of 2025:

It is hoped that a more stable profile will be seen in 2026.

Summary details of Designated Funds Gross Income and Expenditure for 2025 was as follows [Note: Full details are contained in the table towards the end of this Financial Review]:

Serial Fund Income Expenditure Balance
31 Dec 25		 Comment
1 Community Coffee Cup 2,238 2,171 1,676 See Note 1
2 Community Support - 2,048 965 See Note 2
3 Cow Trail - 191 0 See Note 3
4 Eco Fund 13,665 21,019 627 See Note 4
5 Evangelism Fund 549 1,545 2,184 See Note 5
6 Ground Maintenance
Fund		 - 35 308

15

7 Growth Fund 200 200 7,690 See Note 6
8 Legacy (Designated) 2,724 23,573 43,278 See Note 7
9 Messy Church 628 85 543 See Note 8
10 Carer & Toddler Groups 1,430 982 2,143 See Note 9
11 Total
21,434		 51,849 59,415

Notes:

  1. Income includes £600 ASDA grant and £191 transferred-In from Cow Trail.

  2. Standing Committee decision to transfer £2000 to General Fund. [Note: This transfer will be treated as short-term loan that will need be repaid.]

  3. Balance transferred to the Community Coffee Cup and the Fund closed.

  4. In 2025 the Eco Fund received £13,665 in donations (incl Gift Aid) towards the cost of installing Solar Panels and expended £20,729 towards the total project cost; the balance coming from the Legacy Designated Fund (See Note 7 below).

  5. Income included donations totalling £507. Expenditure included £910 cost of Harrogate Conference.

  6. The £200 cost of joining the Diocesan Website Development Project was matched by an anonymous donation.

  7. Legacy Designated Fund is primarily used to fund specific projects. In 2025 £16,548 was spent on the installation of Solar Panels, £7,025 on Maintenance and Repairs (Lift Repairs, LED Lower Hall Lighting, Vestry Damp Repairs and a new Fire Alarm System). For accounting purposes the balance on this Fund is held (along with other funds) in a Virgin Money Deposit Account where it earns a competitive rate of interest each month.

  8. Messy Church Fund came within St Wilfrid’s administration 7 Jul 25.

  9. Carer & Toddler Group Expenditure includes £500 transferred to the General Fund.

The nett change to the aggregate balance on all Designated Funds (after income, expenditure and inter-fund transfers are taken into account) was a decrease of £30,416 – due primarily to expenditure on the installation of the Solar Panels and maintenance from the Eco and Legacy Designated Fund plus a number of inter -Fund transfers (typically to support the General Fund in the first half of the year.

There were no material changes to Restricted Fund balances in 2025. £50 was expended from the Larteh Fund to support a church in Ghana following an appeal from the Deanery.

The aggregate balance carried forward at 31 Dec 25 on Unrestricted (the General Fund) and all Designated Funds was £80,331 of which £43,278 was retained in the Legacy Designated Fund (the figures for 31 Dec 24 were £97,762 and £64,127 respectively). Any new/further projects may need additional targeted fundraising, application for any applicable grants or be funded from the Legacy Designated Fund (subject to PCC approval).

Reserves Policy

It is a longstanding PCC policy to attempt to maintain a Reserve balance available to the Unrestricted General Fund which equates to at least three months payments on unavoidable (non-discretionary) running costs. Based on both average monthly expenditure in 2025 and the 2026 Budget this would amount to some £28,465. This balance would serve two distinct purposes:

a. It would act as a buffer to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow (expenditure versus income) and meet any unbudgeted/emergency action where funds are not available in other Funds, eg the

16

Legacy Designated Fund.

b. It would provide the essential liquidity (ie, readily available funds held in one of our bank accounts) needed to support our short-term financial viability.

In the short-term there is little potential for this target figure to be achieved – so we continue to monitor and manage our finances in line with best practices to ensure our financial stability.

The Unrestricted General Fund balance on 31 Dec 25 was £20,916, 76% of target (a marked improvement on the 28.9% at 31 Dec 24).

The overall balance of all Fund Categories at 31 Dec 25 was as follows:

Fund Category Balance
31 Dec 25		 % of
Total		 Comment
Unrestricted 20,916 20.3
Designated 59,415 57.6
Restricted 22,743 22.1 Includes £22,000 retained value of Orchard
Garden
Total:
103,074

If the £22,000 value of the Orchard Garden is excluded (because it is not a liquid asset) the %age holdings in each Fund Category would be 25.8%, 73.3% and 0.9% respectively. [Note: Restricted Funds can only be used for their legally defined purpose, Designated Funds can be used at the PCC’s discretion, and there are no restrictions on the use of Unrestricted Funds so long as they meet the church’s agreed strategic aims and purposes.] Therefore, the monthly management of receipts and expenditure in the General Fund are closely monitored to ensure sufficient liquidity is retained to meet all known short-term expenditure demands.

Forecast for 2026

A potential loss to the General Fund amounting to some £1,400 is projected for the end of 2026 – based on forecast further changes in utility prices and general corporate and domestic inflation factors affecting everything we purchase. This means that the overall monthly situation of receipts and payments against the General Fund needs to be closely monitored to ensure the improvement in the General Fund and the overall financial position achieved in 2025 are at least sustained. As always, we remain unendingly grateful to all who contribute to St Wilfrid’s finances, both through regular giving and in supporting our various fundraising efforts.

Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving (See Table towards the end of the document for details) the end of the through the church totalled £3,441, equivalent to 2.8% of gross receipts to the General Fund : This is a decrease on previous years and remains below our target of 10%. [Note: This calculation only considers gross income to the General Fund and the monetary contributions we make. Therefore, no account has been taken of either waived or discounted Hall Rental Charges for users with charitable status or the Parish Share which directly accounts for some 60.6% of income in 2025.] Additionally, the congregation’s and parishes’ wider generosity should be recognised through the provision of some three hundred and sixty Christmas Gift boxes to Samaritans Purse (including those collected from other local churches and organisations – and there undoubtedly were several donated on-line) and the donation of items essential to the operation of the church.

Note: If non-discretionary expenditure, ie the Parish Share, is subtracted from gross General Fund income (reducing it to £49,454) then the percentage would be 7.0%.

17

2025 Accounts of the Parochial Church Council of St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain

Explanatory Notes to the Accounts

  1. The accounts are being reported on a receipts and payments basis as agreed by the trustees at a full PCC meeting on 26th November 2015. The accounts are presented in accordance with guidance in the 5th edition of “PCC accountability” which conforms to The Charities Act 2011 incorporating SORP 2015 (and as amended by the Charities Act 2022 and the Charities Amendment Act 2024).

  2. Electricity expenditure for 2025 is understated by an unknown amount as the Supplier since 1 Oct 25 (Corona Energy) has yet to raise invoices for the period Oct to Dec inclusive due to an administrative issue with the account.

  3. A budget for 2026 is included in the accounts. This was accepted at the PCC meeting in Jan 26. All finance projections are based on the final figures for 2025 modified by reasonable assumptions and/or known costs for 2026.

  4. Financial Assets are forecast to decline in 2026: Essential repairs to the Vestry Upstand and Coping, replacement of the North Door, replacement of conventional lamps with LEDs in the Upper Hall and Stairways all from the Legacy Designated Fund. Additionally, a material spend from the Growth Fund on Phase 3 of the audio-visual system upgrade will further reduce the aggregate sum in the bank accounts and therefore our overall liquidity.

  5. The liabilities (£2,137) shown in the statement are due to transactions in the “Agency Accounts” (money that passes through the church bank accounts but must not be counted as church funds as it relates to third parties) that could not be completed in the budget year. The significant items are £1,120 owed to the Diocese for 2025 Q4 Fees, £260 to both the Hants & IoW Air Ambulance and Rowans Hospice from the Christmas 25 Giving, £300 Wedding Deposit and £157 to Waterlooville Foodbank (Donations collected at the weekly “Warm Spaces”).

18

St Wilfrids Church - 1130601

Statement of Financial Activities

For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Prior year
funds funds funds funds total funds
Receipts:
Voluntary receipts 90,448.87 15,971.90 — 106,420.77 104,006.00
Income from church activities 10,507.52 1,100.05 — 11,607.57 7,611.13
Other trading activities 18,450.50 — — 18,450.50 13,099.50
Investments — 1,354.36 — 1,354.36 247.13
Other income 3,547.10 2,526.44 — 6,073.54 64,209.12
Total income 122,953.99 20,952.75 — 143,906.74 189,172.88
Payments:
Raising funds 2,123.19 633.10 — 2,756.29 970.82
Costs of church activities 108,095.54 46,317.51 — 154,413.05 140,883.80
Other expenditure 2,250.00 1,918.23 50.00 4,218.23 61,693.98
Total expenditure 112,468.73 48,868.84 50.00 161,387.57 203,548.60
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer 10,485.26 (27,916.09) (50.00) (17,480.83) (14,375.72)
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in 2,500.00 481.33 — 2,981.33 10,762.59
Gross transfers between funds - out — (2,981.33) — (2,981.33) (10,762.59)
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds 12,985.26 (30,416.09) (50.00) (17,480.83) (14,375.72)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 7,930.84 89,830.98 22,792.90 120,554.72 134,930.44
Total funds carried forward 20,916.10 59,414.89 22,742.90 103,073.89 120,554.72

13 February 2026 Page 1

19

St Wilfrids Church - 1130601

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code) As at: 31 December 2025

Class and nominal code General
Designated		 Last year
Restricted
Endowment
Total
2,136.73
2,301.76
Net total assets
20,572.10
59,414.89
23,086.90
—
103,073.89
120,554.72
Total
(1,200.00)
(730.34)
4,067.07
—
—
—
6699 : Agency collections
—
—
2,136.73
—
2,136.73
2,301.76
Liabilities
6601 : Loans received
(1,200.00)
(730.34)
1,930.34
—
68,285.80
78,452.07
Total
20,348.29
57,328.36
5,153.97
—
82,830.62
100,476.48
6505 : Virgin Charity deposit
account
1,384.69
53,143.19
13,757.92
—
9,510.17
16,168.17
6503 : CAF cash account
(5.00)
5.00
—
—
—
—
6502 : Lloyd's Bank current account
90,368.24
(65,145.94)
(15,712.13)
—
22,380.00
22,380.00
Current assets
6501 : Barclay's Bank current
account
(71,399.64)
69,326.11
7,108.18
—
5,034.65
5,856.24
Total
(976.19)
1,356.19
22,000.00
—
22,000.00
22,000.00
6431 : Organ
(976.19)
1,356.19
—
—
380.00
380.00
Fixed assets
6430 : Land
—
—
22,000.00
—		 22,000.00
22,000.00
(976.19)
1,356.19
—
—
380.00
380.00
—
—
22,000.00
—
22,380.00
22,380.00
Total
(976.19)
1,356.19
22,000.00
—
68,285.80
78,452.07
1,384.69
53,143.19
13,757.92
—
9,510.17
16,168.17
(5.00)
5.00
—
—
—
—
90,368.24
(65,145.94)
(15,712.13)
—
(71,399.64)
69,326.11
7,108.18
—
5,034.65
5,856.24
Total
20,348.29
57,328.36
5,153.97
—
82,830.62
100,476.48
—
—
—
—
2,136.73
—
2,136.73
2,301.76
(1,200.00)
(730.34)
1,930.34
—
2,136.73
2,301.76
Total
(1,200.00)
(730.34)
4,067.07
—
Net total assets
20,572.10
59,414.89
23,086.90
—
103,073.89
120,554.72
Page 1
07 February 2026

20

St Wilfrids Church - 1130601 Receipts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

Note
To
From		 01 January 2025
01 January 2024
31 December 2025
31 December 2024
Other income
other income
Total Other income
Total receipts:
Total Other trading activities
Investments
Bank and building society interest
Total Investments
Other trading activities
Rummage sales etc
Fees for weddings and funerals
Church hall lettings - objectives
Easy fundraising
Income from Events
Total Income from church activities
Total Voluntary receipts
Income from church activities
May Fayre
Christmas Fayre
Loose plate collections
Donations appeals etc
Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
Receipts:
Voluntary receipts
Planned Giving - Bank
Planned Giving - Envelopes
Other planned giving (PGS)
General - General fund (Unrestricted) Fund		 7,139.85
8,412.15
1,623.46
4,122.67
17,433.00
16,625.13
44,269.00
45,454.00
185.00
280.00
19,798.56
15,778.55
38.15
51.01
6,124.36
3,294.37
90,448.87
90,672.50
1,528.50
1,488.44
2,816.51
2,711.31
170.00
—
2,213.00
1,212.00
16,067.50
11,887.50
10,507.52
7,545.13
18,450.50
13,099.50
—
247.13
3,547.10
274.22
—
247.13
3,547.10
274.22
122,953.99
111,838.48

21

Payments:

Payments:
Brought forward balance
Transfers to/(from)
Total carried forward balance
Total Other expenditure
Total payments:
Excess of Receipts: over Payments:
Electrical testing
Total Costs of church activities
Other expenditure
Miscellaneous expenses
Water-church/Hall
Governance costs examination/audit fee
Fire check
Magazine expenses
Hall supplies
Phs supplies
Data Developments
Electricity
Gas
Hospitality costs
Stationery
Postage
Sacristy supplies
Printing
Paper
Church Cleaning
Lift maimtenance
Administration
Performing rights license
Organ / piano tuning
Church maintenance
Water rates - vicarage
Parish training and mission
Insurance
Working expenses of incumbent
Travelling expenses
Parsonage house expenses
Assistant clergy expenses
Readers expenses
Office manager
IT Subscriptions
Portsmouth Foodbank
Parish Share
Costs of church activities
CMS Alison Gilbet
Advertising
Children & Youth Resources
Raising funds
Costs of fetes & other events
Lilies
Total Raising funds		 2,075.39
928.82
47.80
—
84.00
199.20
1,441.95
1,025.46
50.00
—
450.12
435.96
67.00
—
550.89
352.12
35.23
351.64
—
150.00
3,159.66
4,163.09
3,399.07
3,517.90
6.75
162.53
146.69
822.31
23.49
20.40
472.11
533.90
434.49
142.18
108.94
—
4,961.80
4,776.00
607.96
821.37
66.98
225.85
423.86
408.30
945.00
540.00
2,907.22
1,890.76
555.12
462.98
391.22
627.15
1,615.36
1,418.94
135.00
182.27
1,595.84
286.01
85.00
83.00
—
954.52
—
12.99
5,179.20
4,557.87
888.10
697.80
300.00
240.00
76,010.03
86,000.04
920.00
900.00
77.46
138.06
—
21.62
2,123.19
928.82
108,095.54
117,122.22
2,250.00
452.26
2,250.00
452.26
112,468.73
118,503.30
7,930.84
8,177.05
2,500.00
6,418.61
10,485.26
(6,664.82)
20,916.10
7,930.84

07 February 2026 Page 2

22

St Wilfrids Church - 1130601

Fund movement by type Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

Fund and type Fund balances
brought forward
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Resources
Transfers
Fund balances
carried forward
General - General fund
Unrestricted		 7,930.84
122,953.99
112,468.73
2,500.00
—
20,916.10
Sub-totals 7,930.84
122,953.99
112,468.73
2,500.00
—
20,916.10
CCC - Community
Coffee Cup
CommSupp -
Community Support
Cowtrail - Cowtrail
fund
Eco - Eco Fund
Evangelism -
Evangelism fund
GM - Ground
Maintenance
(Formerly WMGF)
Growth - Growth Fund
LegDes - Legacy
(Designated)
Messy - Messy Church
Toddler-2 - Carers &
Toddlers - 2
Designated		 1,609.68
3,013.29
191.33
7,980.82
3,180.05
343.20
7,690.35
64,127.28
—
1,694.98
627.84
84.95
—
—
542.89
1,430.00
482.20
(500.00)
—
2,142.78
200.00
200.00
—
—
7,690.35
2,434.36
23,573.32
290.00
—
43,278.32
548.80
1,545.07
—
—
2,183.78
—
35.00
—
—
308.20
—
—
(191.33)
—
—
13,665.00
20,728.63
(290.00)
—
627.19
2,046.75
2,171.71
191.33
—
1,676.05
—
47.96
(2,000.00)
—
965.33
Sub-totals 89,830.98
20,952.75
48,868.84
(2,500.00)
—
59,414.89
Larteh - Larteh fund
VDF - Vicar's
Discretionary fund
Whitbread - Whitbread
fund
Restricted		 138.23
300.00
22,354.67
—
—
—
—
300.00
—
—
—
—
22,354.67
—
50.00
—
—
88.23
Sub-totals 22,792.90
—
50.00
—
—
22,742.90
Totals 120,554.72
143,906.74
161,387.57
—
—
103,073.89

07 February 2026 Page 1

Note : The Whitbread Fund Balance includes £22,000 for the purchase value of the Orchard Garden.

23

Charitable Giving 2025 Charitable Giving 2025
Source Recipient Amount
Christmas 2024 Appeal Rowan's Hospice 296.74
Christmas 2024 Appeal Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance 296.73
Ongoing Donations Leprosy Mission 106.98
Christingle Service Children’s Society 29.17
Event Traidcraft Breakfast 96.50
Warm Spaces Waterlooville Foodbank 500.00
Event Sophie’s Legacy 150.00
Larteh Fund Koforinda Donation 50.00
Harvest Service Waterlooville Foodbank 168.00
Remembrance Service RBL Poppy Appeal 227.32
Donations + General Fund Farewell Gift to Rev Johnston 250.00
Church Funds (Gen Fund) CMS - Monthly Contribution 920.00
Church Funds (Gen Fund) UCB 50.00
Church Funds (Gen Fund) Waterlooville Foodbank - Monthly Contribution 300.00
Total: 3,441.44

Notes:

  1. The Total figure does not take into account the following examples of the congregation’s additional generosity:

  2. a. 360 filled Christmas boxes to support the Samaritan’s Purse appeal.

  3. b. Provision of food to support Warm Spaces with all cash donations then passed through the church to Waterlooville Foodbank.

  4. c. Provision of tea/coffee, milk and biscuits for Thursday and Sunday Services.

  5. d. Provision of Church and Hall Cleaning Materials.

  6. Additionally, Hall Rental Charges are either waived or discounted for other Registered Charities, eg the Brownies and Girl Guides.

24

Income and Expenditure to the General Fund (Final Budget 2026 including calculations and assumptions as approved by the PCC 22 Jan 26)

General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version

General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version General Fund - Budget for 2026 - Final Version
2025 2026 2025 2026
RECEIPTS (GROSS) 25 Budget Act to M12 +/- Budget Basis Budget PAYMENTS 25 Budget Act to M12 +/- Budget Basis Budget
Voluntary receipts
Planned Giving/envelope scheme 43734 44454 720 = 2025 -£4000 40300 Missionary and charitable giving 1260 1,220 -40 =2025 1260
PGS 15779 19799 4020 = 2025 +2% 20000
Gift Aid Income tax refund 16125 17433 1308 = 2025 +2% 18000
Sub-Total 75638 81686 6048 Calc 78300 Parish share 81700 76,010 -5690 Actual 76000
Church collections 8412 7140 -1272 = 2025 Actual 7000 Clergy, organist and office manager 9000 7,550 -1450 =2025 Budget 9000
Donations and appeals 4123 1623 -2500 = 2025 Actual 2000 Cost of Raising Funds / Events 1000 2,075 1075 Estimate 2000
Other voluntary receipts = 2025 Actual 0 Parish Training 1000 391 -609 =2025 Budget 1000
Diaries Zero 0
Legacy Zero 0 Church running expenses
HCC grant Zero 0 Cleaners & Window Cleaner 5000 4,962 -38 = 2025 +6% 5300
Income from charitable activities Gas and Electricity 8640 6,559 -2081 = 2025+6% 7000
Other income 274 3547 3273 Estimate 250 Water rates 1110 1,442 332 = 2025 + 10% 1600
Easyfundraising 50 38 -12 Estimate 50 insurance 1447 1,615 168 Actual 1691
Easter Fayre 1750 1529 -222 = 2025 Actual 1500 CCLI + RSCM 429 424 -5 = 2025 +6% 450
Christmas Fayre 3000 2817 -183 = 2025 Actual 2750 other running/admin expenses 2470 1,918 -552 = 2025+10% 2100
Income from events 2000 6124 4124 Estimate 4000
tea/coffee, other fundraising Zero 0
Other trading activities Church maintenance (incl Lift & Tests) 5600 4,994 -606 Agreed Budget 6100
Hall lettings 12500 16068 3568 = 2025 Actual 16000
Fees weddings and funerals 1250 2213 963 = 2025 Actual 2000 Church/Hall running costs 1390 1,058 -332 = 2025+10% 1250
Recycling 0 170 170 Zero 0
Investments 300 -300 Estimate 0 Miscellaneous 500 2,250 1750 Estimate 500
car park Zero 0
Total 109297 122954 13657 12.50% 113850 Total 120546 112469 -8077 -6.70% 115251
-1401
2026 Projected Excess of Income over Expenditure:
Notes:
~~1. All figures are based on a prudent approach that disregards extraordinary and exceptional income and expenditure. 2025 has been used as the base-year where appropriate.~~
Following standard budgeting process estimates of income are based on a pessimistic view (tend towards understatement) whilst expenditure is similarly based on a pessimistic view
(tend towards overstatement).
2. 2025 Actuals EOY are as stated in the M12 25 Financial Report for the General Fund. Where NOT an appropriate assumption, prudent estimation has been employed (at no
additional cost!).
3. The 2026 Parish Share been confirmed - £76000.
4. The Real LivingWage £12.60ph 2025 will increase to £13.45(per the Nov 25 Budget Statement)and has been used for salarycosts(includingcleaners)from 1 Apr 26.
5. Utility costs are based on current information re rates and assumed consumption.
6. The Maintenance Budget figure excludes items that it has been assumed will be funded from the Legacy Designated Fund.
7. The Events figures for 2026 are based on based on an assumed average income from similar events in 2024-25 or monthly income of £400 for 10 months , whichever is the lower.
Similarlyfor assumed average expenditure with a minimum monthlyexpenditure of £200 over the sameperiod.

25

Independent Examiner’s Report –

15 Loxwood Road Waterlooville Hampshire PO8 9TU

17 March 2026 The Secretary of the Parochial Church Council

St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain

Independent Examiner’s Report – Year Ending 31st December 2025

Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full 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 give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. To keep accounting records in accordance with s. 130 of the 2011

  3. Act; or • To prepare accounts which accord with those accounting records have not been met; or

  4. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Andy Forbes

Andrew Forbes Honorary Independent Examiner

26

Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales prior to retirement

CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL CERTIFICATE

PARISH of St Wilfrid's Church, Cowplain DEANERY Havant

Electoral Roll 2026

This year’s total is 128, with 60 being resident in the Parish. Five were removed, as follows;

We gained 16 new members.

Last year = 127 Leavers - 5 New members +

Signed Elaine J Hoey

Electoral Roll Officer

Date 22[nd] March 2026

27

Title Christian
Name		 Middle
Name		 Surname Res/Non
Res		 Date Added
Mrs Deborah Adam Non 23/03/2025
Ms Betsy Anaman Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Janet Elizabeth Andrews Res 23/03/2025
Mr David John Attridge Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Gillian Mary Attridge Non 23/03/2025
Mr Derek Colin Baker Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Lesley Patricia Baker Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Loraine Barberini Res 23/03/2025
Mr William John Barberini Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Katie Beck Non 23/03/2025
Mr Nathan Bruce,
Kelvin		 Beck Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Sara Bolton Non 30/03/2025
Mr Stephen Bolton Non 23/03/2025
Mr Allan James Brawn Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Susan Patricia Brawn Non 23/03/2025
Miss Clare Louise Bridger Non 22/02/2026
Mrs Hilary Clare Brown Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Julie Brown Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Yolanda Louise Cawdeary Res 23/03/2025
Miss Sarah Elizabeth Chambers Non 23/03/2025
Miss Holly Clements Non 22/02/2026
Mrs Jane Marie Coates Res 23/03/2025
Mr Mark Stephen Coates Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Carol Cork Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Helen Ann Couper Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Elaine Davenport Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Joy Day Non 23/03/2025
Mr Stephen Edward Day Non 23/03/2025
Mr Bernie Dickson Res 03/04/2025
Mrs Diane Dickson Res 03/04/2025
Mrs Pamela Ann Dilloway Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Margaret Farmer Non 23/03/2025
Mr Martyn Roger Farmer Non 23/03/2025
Miss Winifred Sylvia Flint Non 23/03/2025

28

Alice
Mrs Allison Gale Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Mary Gaunt Res 23/03/2025
Miss Valerie German Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Ruth Gibbs Non 23/03/2025
Mr Terry Gibbs Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Sheila May Ginger Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Caroline Haill Non 23/03/2005
Mr Simon John
Jackson		 Haill Non 23/03/2005
Mrs Marion Hammon Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Sheila Winifred Hamston Non 23/03/2025
Mr Roy Leonard Handley Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Sabina Harding Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Shirley Ann Henley Res 23/03/2025
Mrs John Hill Non 23/03/2025
Mr Michael-Reece Terence
Brendan		 Hill Non 22/02/2026
Mrs Jane Elizabeth Hill Res 23/03/2025
Mr Marjorie Irene Hill Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Sylvia Margaret Hoare Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Elaine Jeanne Hoey Non 23/03/2025
Mr Robert Stanley Hoey Non 30/03/2025
Mr Gary William Huckle Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Dorothy Mildlred Jones Non 03/04/2025
Mrs Ruby Evelyn Jordan Res 23/03/2025
Mr Colin Kaidby Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Angela Sheila Kemp Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Lisa Kernot Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Catherine King Res 23/03/2025
Mr Graham Paul King Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Daniel Philip Knight Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Evelyn Claire Knight Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Mary Lambert Non 23/03/2025
Mr Brian Elgar Lettin Res 23/03/2025
Mrs June Mary Leveratt Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Patricia Maude Long Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Kathleen
(Babs)		 Phyllis Lunn Non 30/03/2025
Mr Colin Edward Mason Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Elizabeth
(Trudy)		 Mason Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Maria, Josephine McGannan Res 23/03/2025

29

Mr William Michael McGannan Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Joanne Mead Non 23/03/2025
Mr Niall Antony Mead Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Brenda Mizen Non 23/03/2025
Mr Charles Douglas Mobsby Res 23/03/2025
Mr Mark Moncreaff Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Teresa Moncreaff Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Melanie Morgan Non 30/03/2025
Mr Michael Fielden Morgan Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Gwenda J Morris Res 23/03/2025
Carole Morton-
Mason		 Res 23/03/2025
Obrageli Jennifer Okafor Res 22/03/2026
Mrs Helen Rebecca Owen Non 30/03/2025
Mr Michael James Owen Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Sonia Passingham Res 23/03/2025
Mr Alan Patrick Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Jackie Patrick Res 23/03/2025
Mr Douglas Pettit Res 30/03/2025
Mrs Natalie Pettit Res 23/03/2025
Mr Alan James Phillips Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Anne Lesley Phillips Res 23/03/2025
Mr David Price Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Dorothy Margaret Reed Res 30/03/2025
Mrs James Edward Reed res 23/03/2023
Mrs Anne Reynolds Non 30/03/2025
Mrs Linda Rivers Non 03/04/2025
Mrs Barbara Roberts Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Sally Rolison Non 23/03/2025
Mr Daniel Sandford Res 23/03/2025
Mr Adam Sandham Non 22/03/2026
Mrs lauren Sandham Non 22/03/2026
Mr Anthony Sears Non 23/03/2025
Mr Robert Edward Shrimpton Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Janet Smith Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Emily Rose Spencer Res 23/03/2025
Mr David Strutt Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Valerie Heather Strutt Res 23/03/2025
Mr Kenneth George Tallyn Non 23/03/2025
Mr David Raymond,
George		 Thompson Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Jacqui Thompson Non 23/03/2025
Mr Anthony Thompson Res 23/03/2025

30

Mrs Janet Winifred
Ann		 Warnecke Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Barbara Waters Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Hazel Watson Res 23/03.2025
Mrs Eileen Susan Weston Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Judith Wheeler Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Barbara Eleanor Wheeler Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Robert Charles Wheeler Res 23/03/2025
Mr Sharon Christine Wheeler Res 23/03/2005
Mrs Pamela Margaret White Non 03/04/2025
Mrs Norma White Res 23/03/2025
Mr Paul Wilkinson Res 23/03/2025
Mrs Susan Mary Wilkinson Res 06/01/1900
Mrs Denise Carole Williams Non 23/03/2025
Mr David Graham Wiseman Non 23/03/2025
Mrs Jeanette Mary Wiseman Non 23/03/2025

Parish Giving Scheme

Donations Received £19,798.60 Gift Aid Received £4,908.05 Total £24,706.61

REGULAR PLANNED GIVING SCHEME –Including one off donations – Tax Payers Donations Received £56,620.64 Gift Aid Received (includes £15.53 interest) £14,170.69

Total £70,791.33

REGULAR PLANNED GIVING SCHEME –Including one off donations – Non-Tax Payers Donations Received £4,310.00

All Planned Giving Donations received including Gift Aid are allocated to the General fund. = Total £99,807.94

The number of planned giving members as recorded in the database as giving during the year is 83.

31

- Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) Donations from the weekly collection plate

Total GASDS Claimed for year ending 31[st] December 2025 £8,456.13[1] Total Gift Aid received £2,114.04 = Total £10,570.17

This Donation is added to the General Fund giving a Total Including Gift Aid £110,378.11 (Last Year £92,335.68) increasing by £18,042.43

__________ Total of All Donations received £89,185.33 Gift Aid £21,192.78 Total £110,378.11 Total Received for Year End 31[st] December 2024 £92,335.68 Total Increase for Year End 31[st] December 2025 £18,042.43

44

SAFEGUARDING REPORT APCM 2026

This report covers the time from May 2025 – April 2026.

The first thing to mention is how grateful Chris is to Val, Sara, Maria and Reverend Polly for all that they do as our parish safeguarding team and for all the hard work they do within their various roles.

We can report most people are up to date with their training and our thanks to all of you who keep up-to-date with all the safeguarding requirements. We have also updated our policies which can be found in the foyer and website. Training is vital as one of the tools we have in keeping our church safe. We hope you read the safeguarding noticeboard from time to time as it can help refresh your memory and we do also add different updates and useful information. Although we have our safeguarding team, safeguarding is everyone’s business. So please continue to be vigilant.

We are very grateful to everyone who has co-operated with safer recruitment. We have also worked hard on the safeguarding dashboard which is subject to change and we continue to monitor, updating the PCC regularly.. Once again our thanks go to you all.

Val attended the safeguarding conference in September which concentrated on Trauma and has put a few of the leaflets on the safeguarding board for everyone to

1 The total that can be reclaimed for GASDS is £8000 over the tax year. This figure is for the calendar year.

32

be able to access.

The PCC has been discussing the 5 National Safeguarding Standards, a copy of which is on the safeguarding noticeboard in the foyer.

At our last APCM report Val spoke about the National auditors, INEQE who are independent from the church. INEQE have now published the results of their audit for Portsmouth diocese and we were all very heartened to see that our Diocese has been praised for its work. The team were also very pleased with the response they had from people in the parish to its questionnaire. So many thanks to those of you who took the trouble to respond. We are blessed at Portsmouth Diocese in having a Bishop who takes safeguarding very seriously.

Val continues to go to safeguarding meetings either online or in person or on a webinar which discusses a range of safeguarding issues. In November the PCC updated our safeguarding policy, which is in place and follows the Diocese of Portsmouth guidelines. In November we updated our Safeguarding policy statement, as well as our ex-offender’s policy and adopted the domestic abuse policy.

We can expect more changes ahead. Safeguarding never stands still and nor can it afford to do so. Indeed, the General Synod has met and will be implementing more changes with emphasis on independence in safeguarding. Indeed, it has just approved the creation of an Independent Safeguarding Authority which will have a majority independent board and its Chief Safeguarding Officer will hold protected operational powers. There will be a new Code of Practice regarding safer recruitment and people management.

Val is stepping down from the role of parish Safeguarding Officer which she has held for over 20 years and would like to thank all who have supported her in this role, including the Diocesan Team. As we seek to appoint a successor, we hope they will find the role as fulfilling as Val has done. Thank you, Val, for all you have done to keep St Wilfrid’s safe.

We end this report with this prayer

Lord, Look with favour on us your children, We ask for your tender care, That you uphold us as we become Christ’s witnesses in our world. Allow us to create an environment where both children and adults can flourish and minister to each other in a spirit of light, love and joy.

We remember those who have been hurt and those who are hurting so that they may know your healing source of strength. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev Chris (Safeguarding lead), Val (PSO), Rev Polly, Maria and Sara. March 2026.

33

Like all charities and organisation, the parish must comply with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which give individuals greater rights over how their personal data is used.

Using guidance, templates, and checklists from the national Church of England Parish Resources website, our GDPR Officer, Reverend Chris, continues to ensure the parish remains compliant. Personal information is not shared without prior consent, and all required responsibilities for the role are fulfilled.

Following updated national guidance in January 2026 regarding the display of personal contact information online, we have continued to review our practices. St. Wilfrid’s contacts many individuals on a legitimate interest basis, and where explicit consent is required, this is obtained and recorded appropriately.

The parish remains fully compliant with both our Data Protection Policy and Diocesan procedures There were no reported data breaches in 2025.

Reverend Chris Spencer

March 2026

During the term time, we have been very busy. We have welcomed several new groups over the last year and are now hosting a wide variety of groups including the girl guides, children dance and drama groups, choirs, Pilates, bridge clubs and RSPB. We still see a drop in hall users during the school breaks – although Pilates and Purbrook Bridge Club run during these breaks which provide a valuable source of income.

It has been wonderful to see our halls busy and full of people this year and with this, we have seen a growth in our income as a result. Our halls provide valuable income towards the running of the church and are grateful for those who hire our halls on both a regular and irregular basis.

During the winter months, we have hosted our Thursday Holy Communion service in

34

the lower hall as well as offering soup, bread and warm drinks from October through to February. Our thanks go to Brenda and Margo for organising the rotas as well as to everyone who provided soups, helped to serve and tidy afterwards and provide a warm space for those in our community.

Our Toddler Groups remain popular and well attended by the local community, providing a space for families with young children to meet and enjoy refreshments. Our thanks goes to all those who volunteer to keep our toddler groups meeting and successful.

There have been many events that we have looked forward to and enjoyed – the spring and Christmas fayres were well attended and raised a significant amount of money for the church. We have enjoyed choir concerts from both Achoired Taste and Folks in Harmony – Achoired Taste’s June concert proceeds were donated to St Wilfrids which we remain grateful for. We have hosted sea shanty evenings, quizzes and a murder mystery event to name a few.

Whilst we have had a busy year with new groups joining us, existing groups using our spaces and ad hoc events, my personal thanks goes to Elaine Hoey for the work she has put into creating a legacy of hall users who see St Wilfrids as their home. Without Elaine’s hard work over the past years, there would not be the bustling life we see today in our halls. Elaine has stepped away from her hall booking role in the last year and I would like to personally thank and recognise her for the work she has given the church behind the scenes for many years. Sara Bolton

HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT COVERING PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 - 1 APRIL 2026 PREPARED FOR APCM ON 19 APRIL 2026

The PCC reviews and approves the St Wilfrid’s Health & Safety (H&S) Policy each January; a copy of the policy is on display in the Church Foyer.

During the period 1 April 2025 and 1 April 2026, I received only one Accident Report Form. This was for a helper at Toddlers Group who while taking toys out of a cupboard bumped their head on the top of the door frame; a strip of foam has been affixed to the top of the door frame.

The contents of the First Aid boxes situated in the vestry, rear of the church, kitchen, and upper hall kitchenette are checked every March to ensure the contents are in date.

An annual review of the fire risk assessments for the church and halls is conducted every March. The assessments (12 in number) are kept in the Fire Log / Risk Assessments / Test Certificates Folder. I am not aware of any other H&S issues.

Allan BRAWN H&S Officer

35

FABRIC & MAINTENANCE REPORT COVERING PERIOD 1 APRIL 2025 - 1 APRIL on 2026

Prepared for 15 April 2026 APCM

The following improvements and maintenance have been undertaken during the period 1 April 2025 to 1 April 2026:

36

old sanctuary south and north roofs required maintenance: Both roofs were fully stripped. New breathable membranes and treated battens were fitted, eave vents and support trays for the solar panels on the south roof were fitted and a new dry ridge system installed. Both roofs were fully retiled using tiles left over from the nave roofs.

There has been an ongoing intermittent problem with the lower hall heating since December 2025. All About Gas have attended 5 times and have:

37

A variety of other tasks from cleaning out gutters and drains to mending broken doors, replacing defective light fittings and plug sockets have been completed. Standard Maintenance Items

In addition to the above the following standard maintenance tasks remain extant:

38

Finally, I would like to thank all those who have assisted me with the maintenance of the building and environs.

Allan BRAWN Maintenance Manager

Music Group Report – 2025

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6

It has been our privilege to once again lead the congregation in sung worship throughout the year. We continue to be blessed by God’s presence as we sing our songs of Praise and Worship.

There have been many highlights throughout the year - we have been singing songs, both new and old in our core worship services and we have especially enjoyed supporting the worshiping community at Christmas and Easter. We were able to sing Carols in Waterlooville precinct as well as welcoming Padnell Junior Schools choir to our Family Carol Service.

Our monthly Thirst worship nights continued through 2025 – a time to come together in extended Praise and worship – these are wonderful evenings full of God’s presence and a privilege to be part of.

As always, I am very grateful for the continued support of Lesley, Mark, Sacha, Chris and Polly, for the amazing gifts that God has given them and their willingness to share these with the congregation.

Stephen Bolton

St. Wilfrid’s continues to hold two Sunday services at 9am and 11am, and a mid – week service on Thursdays at 10:30am. The 9am Holy Communion uses seasonal

39

worship booklets, sometimes accompanied by our organist or recorded hymns, while the 11am service offers informal worship, including Worship for Everyone (formerly known as All Age Worship (AAW)) and Sunday Club activities. Occasionally, we have joint services at 10am.

Our monthly Friday night service, Thirst, explores themed praise and worship. Over the year Worship for Everyone services have focused on Luke’s account of Jesus’ meals as well as starting to focus on the parables in Matthew and the 11am service has focused on Colossians and Isaiah. The 9am and mid-week services follow the daily lectionary.

Thanks are due to all who serve in worship at the church - from AV support, readings, intercessions, music and leading services too. It is encouraging to welcome new members and visitors to our services.

In terms of life events, we celebrate baptisms, weddings and conducted funerals, whether at the church, at the local crematoria or in our own garden of remembrance.

Reverend Chris March 2026

Sidesmen – Sidespeople – Welcomers (Different names for the same teams)

The number of people available to welcome us at the 9 o’clock service has become fewer as people have moved away but nevertheless there is always a welcome.

It would be good to recruit more people.

The 11 o’clock teams are very flexible and organise themselves around the inevitable needs to swap ensuring that someone is there to greet us at the doors.

The roles of the teams include giving out whatever is needed for the service (e.g. hymn books, notice sheets, prayer diaries etc.,) as well as counting the people and counting the money and tidying up after the service.

Churchwardens are there to give help and support as needed.

If you would like to be part of this important group of people, please do let us know. A big thank you to those who help already. Jan Smith March 2026

Pastoral Care at St Wilfrid’s

Just as it should be, most Pastoral Care is carried out informally – with people in the church family caring about (and for) each other. We ask each other for updates on health or family concerns that we

40

know about; we may telephone or visit personal friends who are from church as well as our personal friends who used to come to church before they became too frail.

There is also, however a Pastoral Care Team which meets at intervals to try to ensure that our caring is fully inclusive

– we don’t want anyone to be missing out.

Please do let us know of anyone who may have been inadvertently overlooked. Home Communion is offered for those unable to come to church, sometimes just during a time of recovery from accident or illness and sometimes over a much longer period.

We pray that Pastoral Care will continue to be shared among the church family, so that everyone will know that they are loved and cared for, not only by God, but also by their brothers and sisters here at St Wilfrid’s.

Jan Smith 2026.

Organist Report for APCM 2026

I have been privileged to play at a number of 9am Holy Communion Services over the last year, usually once or twice per month. In those Services four hymns are included, and the Gloria, Sanctus/Benedictus and Agnus Dei are also sung; setting is by David Thorne.

My role continues to include suggesting hymns for each 9am Service. I use the RSCM publication Sunday by Sunday for guidance, in conjunction with reference to the Bible readings for each Sunday as given on the rota. I also look at the suggestions listed at the back of the hymn book. My suggestions go each month to the Ministry Team for vetting - and occasional changing.

The organ itself is generally very reliable, and is more than adequate for routine Service use. There is the occasional power failure to the subwoofer, when the plug fuse needs replacement. The subwoofer is the large chest at ground level in Church, situated near the piano and font. It is there to enhance the organ bass sounds, and the general tone gets rather “two dimensional” (as opposed to three) without it.

David Wiseman

41

April 2025 – March 2026

As I reported last year, I have stepped back from leading and preaching as I feel lead more to the Anna Chaplaincy Ministry, which I love doing. (See separate report). I remain a LLM/reader (Licensed Lay Minister) with PTO (Permission to Officiate). There is often a cross over between these two ministries.

Because I’m a LLM I was able to officiate at the funeral of a lady who I encountered at The Borrow Centre. This was a privilege and the family were happy for me to fulfil their mother’s wishes.

The other areas of Ministry that I’m involved in at present are, helping with Sunday Club when needed, Pastoral Care, Community Coffee Cup, Prayer Ministry, Home Communion and Anna Chaplaincy. I also helped with the Healing Services during the year.

This year, I decided not to attend the annual conference, but along with the rest of the Ministry Team, I’m attending a course at Dalesdown Retreat Centre. This year I also attended several Deanery events for LLM’s. In March I’m attending a Diocesan Bishops Study Day at the Cathedral.

I thank God for all the support and encouragement I have received over the many years, that I have been a LLM (reader), at St Wilfrid’s Church. This year I will have been Licensed for 23 years.

Elaine Davenport

1. The Prayer Chain

Known as a “chain” from the olden days when prayer requests were passed along by letter or telephone, from one person to another, the prayer chain is now virtually instantaneous and works primarily through email.

Anyone who would value prayer for a particular person or situation can contact Joy Day joyday1411@gmail.com (telephone 079 6319 4709) who will forward the request to those who have opted to undertake the role of prayer warrior. Please let Joy know if you would like join the pray-ers.

Those receiving prayer requests will treat any information as strictly confidential. We have given thanks for many answers to our prayers.

  1. Day of Prayer

  2. The first Wednesday of each month is designated “a day of prayer” and there will sometimes be suggestions of prayerful activities, sometimes a prayer walk and usually a prayerful gettogether in church at 7.30pm which we call “Connect in Praise”, preceded by half an hour of prayer for persecuted Christians.

  3. Prayer Diary

  4. A prayer diary is provided for each calendar month inviting prayer for members of our church

42

family. If you notice any omissions, or have suggestions of other items to include, please do contact Jan.

  1. Intercessions

Intercessions on Sundays are usually led by lay people. If you would like to join the team, please do speak to Rev Chris.

  1. Prayer Ministry

Prayer ministry refers to the times when people pray for each other, often, though not necessarily, after services. There is a team of people who have been trained to offer this ministry; please do contact a member of the clergy if you would like prayer for any matter that is concerning you.

  1. Easter Experience/Thy Kingdom Come/Advent Experience Occasional, seasonal “Prayer Stations” will appear in church, encouraging us to come and pray; we give special thanks to Rev Chris and Rev Polly for setting these up.

  2. Personal Prayer Thankfully, this is the most prolific prayer in our church. Let’s keep on praying. God loves to hear us.

43

Jan Smith March 2026

Assistant Curate report for the APCM 2026

It has been another busy year for your assistant curate. The highlight of the year has to be my priesting in Portsmouth Cathedral at the end of June. It was such a blessing to have so many of you attending the service itself and then supporting me as I presided at my first communion services the next day. It is such an honour and a privilege to be able to serve you all in this way.

I have loved being able to continue to share my passion of the Bible with you through regular sermons. In the last year we have had two new house

groups start and I am thankful for those who have stepped up to lead these groups. I have written a range of study materials for our house groups to use as they wish and most of our house groups have studied the books of Colossians, Ruth and Hebrews. In the coming months we have studies planned on Isaiah and Philippians. If you are not in a house group and would like to join one, please do come and speak to me.

Another passion of mine is prayer. Thank you to those who have joined me on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for our community as we walk together. I would love to

have more of you joining me. If you can’t walk and pray with me, why not do your own prayer walk and then come and join us at Pause and Pray in church at 7:30 pm?

Thank you to everyone who has come along to ‘coffee with the curate’. I love drinking coffee and having time to chat. I will continue to offer regular sessions and am also always happy to meet anyone on a 1:1 basis for coffee and a chat. If you want to meet up for a coffee and a chat please ask.

It has been great to continue to work alongside Reverend Chris in school’s ministry supporting the RE curriculum, leading assemblies and hosting the schools in church for services and lessons. We had over 500 children from Padnell Infant, Padnell Junior and Queens Inclosure Primary Schools join us for our advent and Easter experiences. Please pray for the sustainability of our schools’ work.

There is so much more I could share with you about my time with you. I am grateful for all of

44

the opportunities I am being given to grow in my ministry. I have been privileged to take part in baptisms and funerals, to carry out pastoral visits, to administer home communion, to visit house groups, to host a light party and a pancake party, to be part of the Messy Church team and so much more. I can’t believe how much I continue to fit in but please don’t assume I am too busy and do reach out and ask for any support and help you need.

My prayers and blessings go with all of you. Please continue to hold me in your prayers. Reverend Polly March 2026

When Jesus sent people out in ministry; he sent them out in twos. He did not expect them to minister alone.

Mark 6:7

When Jesus sent our His disciples, He did not send them alone. It was a call to shared ministry and deep trust in God’s authority and provision.

I see this same trust within our Ministry Team at St. Wilfrid’s. Over the past year, we have grown together in faith, walking alongside one another with generosity, prayer, and mutual care. God continues to meet our needs – personally and corporately – often ministering to us through one another. I am deeply grateful for this team I serve alongside.

Our team has seen change again this year as we said goodbye to Reverend Derek and we thank God for his ministry among us.

Over the year we meet regularly, we have studied Luke’s gospel, the Psalms and now journeying through Isaiah, while praying, planning rotas, music and supporting one another through both joys and challenges. In laughter and tears alike, we have known the Spirit’s presence.

My prayer is that God will continue to guide us with wisdom as we shepherd His people, giving us strength, resilience, and daily joy as we lead St. Wilfrid’s forward in His name. I close with these words, as Deuteronomy reminds us: “All these blessings will come upon you… if you obey the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:2)

Reverend Chris March 2026

45

The June Deanery Synod met on 10[th] June at All Saints, Denmead, opening with prayer and worship led by the new Area Dean, Reverend Emma Racklyett and new Assistant Area Dean Reverend Jonathan Jeffery. The meeting focused on the Ghana-Portsmouth Diocesan link, encouraging parish contributions to the Ghana Fund, and on fresh expressions of church, including Bubble Church, Tea and Praise, Wild Church, and Anna Chaplaincy, alongside wider deanery updates.

The November meeting was held on 11[th] November at St. James Church, Emsworth, opening with prayer and a welcome from Lay Chair Kathy Gunn. The main focus was

Children’s, Youth and Families ministry across the deanery, with additional updates from Diocesan Synod, parish share, and parish news.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 25[th] March.

Deanery Synod representatives: Reverend Chris Spencer, Reverend Derek Johnston (Until June 2025), Reverend Polly Honeychurch, Elaine Hoey and Catherine King

March 2026

APCM 2026 Report

We have just celebrated our 12[th] Birthday which coincided with St Valentine’s Day. Lesley and Messy Church made some little Valentine gifts for our lady visitors and these were gratefully received. It was a lovely idea and great for MC and CCC to work together, showing the church’s love. Jane made some lovely cakes which were very much enjoyed. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout both from the church and the community. Councillor Antonia Harrison also supported us, together with Paul and Margaret Ludford who were part of the founders of CCC. Earlier in the year we were approached by Jacqui, ASDA Community Champion. Jacqui offered to enter us in ASDA’s offer of £500 grants to community projects. We felt very blessed to have been chosen and received £600 (upped by £100) to buy toys, activities and refreshments. We cannot use to pay hall rental which is usually our biggest outlay. However, we are grateful for the Spring Fish and Chip Quiz which tops up our funds for hall rental.

Jacqui and Antonia also supported our Christmas efforts to give a Christmas party. Our regulars with a few from the Community came along and there was a lovely real message of Christmas with Carols etc.

Youth Services hold their last meeting with us in March and we will be holding another Community Coffee Litter Pick which supports the church’s greening efforts and all that Lesley and her group do so faithfully.

As always, our thanks to the amazing CCC team, Dave, Yo, Steve, Elaine D, Elaine and Stan, Jane, Will, Barbara, David and Jeanette, and not forgetting the help we get in the background from Gary and Maria. Many thanks and Blessings for all God has bestowed on us. Val and Dave Strutt

46

Home Groups/Connect Groups/Bible Study Groups

We are delighted that the two face-to-face groups we started last year are thriving, alongside our preexisting groups which are a mixture of online and face-to-face. All groups have been offered a range of material to study and in the past year we have looked at the books of Colossians, Ruth and Hebrews alongside material specific to the individual group. As well as studying the Bible together the groups give opportunities for prayer and fellowship.

As new people have joined church in the last year we are now in a position where we need to start up at least one new group which will meet face-to-face on Wednesday evenings. Anyone wishing to join a group should speak to Revd Polly for further information.

In the coming year groups will be able to choose to use the material we are preparing on the book of Isaiah and Philippians as well as a journey through advent. Please continue to pray for all of our groups.

Jan Smith and Revd Polly March 2026

We are very pleased to have been able to keep in touch with our CMS Missionary Link, Alison Giblett who lives in Kyiv in Ukraine. St Wilfrid’s Church is committed to supporting Alison financially and individual members of our church also support Alison through CMS or City Hope Church.

On Saturday evenings, Alison joins a number of representatives, by Zoom, from Churches in England who support her prayerfully and financially, as well as people linked with Alison from other countries. Alison gives us news from her Church in Kyiv (Tabernacle of the Living God) and news of their outreach to several groups of people –

their chaplains to soldiers serving on the front line and those in hospital, mission visits to widows and grieving mothers, and special visits to bring encouragement and fun to groups of children.

Lots of travelling is involved and miraculously none of the members of the church has been killed or injured despite the dangerous circumstances surrounding them.

Alison’s hopes to re-establish Genesis Groups in Kyiv continue, but the work to bring God’s healing to those in the grip of addiction has been on hold for a while, for lack of suitable and willing leaders – a need for our continuing prayers.

We know well that the dangers of living in Kyiv persist but Alison’s commitment to serving God there is unfaltering.

Due to the fact that her documents were stolen, Alison has had an enforced trip to England, beginning in March 2026 and we were blessed to enjoy her company sooner than we might have

47

expected. Alison left behind freezing temperatures, power on for only an hour or so each day and ongoing heart ache for families separated from each other over the course of the four years of war – separated geographically, separated by breakdown in relationships and separated by death. It is a great blessing to Alison that every week her needs and the needs of those she cares for, can be shared with members of the congregations supporting her through CMS – she is most appreciative of our prayers.

She continues to be an inspiration to us all. Jan Smith and Keith and Alice Atkins

Leprosy Mission

As a church we raised £425.00 when Gabby, Area Manager for Leprosy Mission visited St Wilfrid's on the 11[th] January, which is a wonderful amount. I have put the thank you notices on the notice board and given the letters to Colin as Treasurer.

From April 2025 to present we have received £51.77 from the donation boxes. Sadly, I have seen a decline in donations, due to a decline in contributors.

When adding the totals together we as a church have raised £476.77 which, when divided by £24.00 (the sum it costs to cure one person from leprosy) shows we have helped cure 19 people so a very big thank you all.

Margo Farmer

We currently don’t have an eco-church team but some of the work continues thanks to enthusiasts!!

The energy footprint tool was completed.

Sonia, Derek & Lesley attended the first NZC conference at Portsmouth Cathedral.

Solar panels have been installed and are now generating.

Dave Strutt took care of the bird boxes.

A few of us took part in annual bird and butterfly counts.

Lesley completed Carbon Literacy Training with the CofE

48

The Messy Church team delivered Messy Green Week.

Lesley joined Eco Church prayer meetings and webinars. Recordings of webinars are available to all on the Eco Church pages of the diocesan website.

Yolanda & Lesley collected art work from Nurseries and uniformed groups and put together a Children's Gallery for Green Week that, with support from Jan, was displayed in Waterlooville Library.

Lesley organised swap events, fairtrade events, & litter picks. She continues to maintain our partnership with Havant Climate Alliance.

There was a service featuring fairtrade elements, and fairtrade meet-ups with Havant Borough. Derek & Lesley attended a fairtrade coffee morning at the Peace Centre in Havant.

Polly has been proactive in supporting us to up our game in order to live up to our silver award. With her leadership we are revisiting and working through the A Rocha questionnaire, with a view to Eco Church becoming embedded in the life and ministry of St Wilfrid, Cowplain. This is a work in progress, to be completed in 2026.

Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform, Treasure

Report for APCM April 2026.

The purpose of the group is to provide a time and space for anyone who has been bereaved to come and meet with others who are experiencing similar feelings, supporting each other, through talking and listening, to work through their grief. It is open to anyone not just members of the church. Numbers vary over the months as required by the participants, usually in single figures. Those who have attended during the past year have really appreciated these meetings. Everything is completely confidential . Things spoken about are not discussed outside the meeting. Nor do we reveal the names of those attending. Everyone’s journey through grief is different, we are not judgmental and respect where everyone is on their individual journey.

The group continues to meet on the 3[rd] Tuesday each month in the upper hall at 2pm. We are ready to support anyone who wishes to attend whether you are a member of the

congregation or not. You do not need a special invitation, you may contact the office to say you are coming, or you can just turn up on the day.

Revd Ruth Loveman. Group leader.

49

Bishop Jonathan made care for older people one of his two main priorities, in his presidential address at the April 2022 meeting of our Diocesan Synod, aiming to create a network of Anna Chaplains across the diocese.

The plan is to have an Anna Chaplain in every parish, benefice and cluster in our diocese.

They are named after Anna, the widow and faithful older person who – together with Simeon – recognised the infant Jesus as the Messiah in the temple at Jerusalem.

The Anna Chaplain for St Wilfrid’s is Elaine Davenport. Elaine was licensed as an Anna Chaplain in November 2022. Julie Brown supports Elaine as an Anna Friend.

Anna Chaplains minister to older people in the community. These may be older people who have a faith, little faith or no faith at all.

Elaine visits the Borrow Centre (Age Concern) lunch club and also helps at their Social Afternoon. During the year Elaine has officiated at a funeral from one of the service users from Borrow Centre, the lady in question was a former member of the Tuesday Social Group and had asked Elaine to officiate before her death. The family were very grateful for the service at The Oaks Crematorium.

Elaine was also able to lead the annual Remembrance Service at The Borrow Centre, each year the number attending has increased, with many people valuing the service.

Along with Julie, Elaine also visits Nightingale Court Nursing Home, Woodlands Nursing Home and Bayith Rest Home. We take a service once a month at each of the homes and always conclude by praying for each person individually, if they want us to. The visits seem to be valued by all.

In February, Julie also attended the time of remembering for a service user at Nightingale Court. Julie was able to reflect on the faith the lady had and offered prayers.

In February, Elaine and Julie attended the Anna Chaplains Network Day at the Cathedral and Bishop Jonathan lead a service of re- commissioning at the Candlemas service in the evening.

Elaine Davenport

SHOEBOX REPORT APCM 2026

We were pleased to have sent off 396 shoeboxes for Christmas 2025, partnering

50

with Samaritans Christmas Shoebox Appeal. This was slightly down on the previous years. We received boxes from the congregation and local schools and within the wider community and we would like to thank all who contributed.

However, we found the stronger evangelical message this year did not always resonate well with some people. Therefore, the team will meet and discuss whether we need to explore other options together with taking a fresh look at Samaritans own Shoebox Appeal. We will of course pursue a consultation process with the schools and anyone who may wish to put forward any views. We still wish to have some kind of outreach and may well still be with the Samaritans but we need to look carefully at what we feel will be the best option.

Many thanks to everyone involved. The Shoebox Team Rev Chris, Rev Polly, Bob and Val

In 2025, Sunday club continued to run. usually twice each month, with sessions led, planned for and taught by Deb Adam and Lisa Kernot. As well as assisting in the sessions, Elaine Andrews led Safer Recruitment.

The session dates are planned by Chris Spencer to run alongside half of the services when there is not an all-age worship service. We usually run around 2 sessions a month, in no set pattern. We have continued to break during the Christmas, Easter and Summer breaks, and to continue to run during half term holidays.

Sara Bolton and Natalie Pettit have continued to be part of the team as an additional leader on a regular basis, and has assisted in sessions in both planning and delivering Sunday club sessions alongside Lisa and Deb.

In addition to our usual sessions, we have also assisted in running two ‘Takeover services’ this year where the children have been involved and assisted in different roles within the church, usually on the 5[th] Sundays in months with 5 Sundays.

We have had on average 8 children attending each session, with some having as many as 10-12 children.

In addition to this, we also have three ‘Sunday club buddies’ who are young people of a senior school age who assist with the youngest members of the team during our Sunday club sessions. These young people are always working with the leaders and assistants during the sessions and are never left alone with other children.

Lisa Kernot

51

APCM REPORT YEAR END 2025

I am happy to report that St Wilfrid’s Art Group continues to thrive. Our numbers dropped in 2024 but following a recruitment drive after our AGM in 2025, we have now recruited 4 new lovely members to the Group.

Following her resignation as SWAG Secretary in 2024, Val Strutt volunteered to organise our Visiting Artists and in 2025 we had three very different workshops or demonstrations.

In March, Roger Dellar, gave us a demonstration of portrait painting, for which Rev. Chris gamely agreed to be the subject! Fantasy artist Sharon Hurst came along in May and the Group enjoyed painting ‘Magic Mushrooms’! Finally, in November we had Hilary Frame who taught us more about painting people in landscapes and the ever elusive ‘vanishing point’! Three very diverse styles and artists but each one hugely enjoyable and informative.

Our small Committee of Pete Withers (Chair), Brenda Boyer (Membership Secretary), Grace Willcox (Treasurer) and Ruth Loveman (Asst. Treasurer) continue to keep things in order. Our Accounts are audited annually by the eagle-eyed Norma and our thanks go to Norma for her hard work. Norma does not charge for her work on the accounts but we make a donation each year to the Charities of Norma’s choosing.

In October, in conjunction with the Want to Paint Group, we held our most successful Art Exhibition to date, raising £1,020.61. With a small addition from SWAG funds, we were able to donate £525 each to our two chosen Charities, St Wilfrid’s Church and the Rowans Hospice.

The Art Exhibition is hard work for a small Committee and we are re-thinking how we may organise things differently this year. That said, however, the weekend itself is always fun and in 2025 we had our most successful year ever! Our artists sold 26 pictures (double the previous year’s total) and this added £147. 75 to the Charity pot! The Exhibition also provides an opportunity for SWAG to join forces with Want to Paint who often come up with new and interesting ideas for the weekend. This year we exhibited artwork in uniform 8x8 frames and whilst they didn’t sell as well as we had hoped they provided a focal point and a conversation piece. New ideas are always worth trying!

SWAG continues to be a happy, social and talented bunch! We all look forward to our Friday afternoons of painting, chatting and tea and cake!!

Grace Willcox- Treasurer – St Wilfrid’s Art Group

52

This year was great for the group.

Everyone has worked hard both indoors and in the great outdoors.

We’ve really knuckled down to the basics of perspective and drawing figures in the landscape—without some grasp of which, land-scapes can look very strange.

One very wet morning in June, we set off for the Weald and Downland Museum. After lunch in the café, the sun came out- just as the forecast had predicted- and everyone wandered away to sketch some of the old, rescued buildings on site.

At the end of July, we took ourselves to beautiful Bosham for more lunch and sketching; car sharing’s a great way to socialise!

Another Van Gogh acrylic workshop was a good exercise in stepping away from very small water colours. Though having said that, everyone has their very particular way of working and it’s good to see personal styles developing.

We seem to average 16 or 17 members which is small enough for me to help where helps needed and everyone enjoys getting to know one another- people have mentioned friendliness, sharing and kindness. They enjoy chatting around the tea pot and cake too. .

My thanks of course go to our busy committee and SWAG for their support during Exhibition times. Lorraine and I have been so thankful that Graham Foyle has been happy to continue as our independent financial adviser even from down in Somerset!

Remember---never let your brushes dry!

Sonia P

It has been

another busy and fruitful year for our local schools, and we are very grateful to all involved in this ministry. We continue to support Padnell Infants, Padnell Juniors and Queen’s Inclosure Primary School through prayer, listening to children read, teaching lessons, assemblies and workshops.

53

It has been a joy to host school events at church as well, including Easter Experience and, new this year Advent Experience welcoming nearly 500 children over three weeks to explore the Christmas story. We also continue to lead Harvest services and deliver assemblies in schools, rooted in Scripture and prayer.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside Reverend Polly in supporting RE lessons and the wider schools’ ministry.

We remain committed to praying regularly for our schools and look forward to building deeper partnerships, helping children and families grow in their understanding of faith in Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray for children, staff, parents, carers, and volunteers – for peace, joy, hope, and opportunities for new faith to grow.

Reverend Chris and Reverend Polly March 2026

Christ Centred, Creative & All Age, a Celebration with Hospitality

St Wilfrid Cowplain with Hart Plain 2025

At Messy Church we are blessed to have such a strong and gifted team who are passionate about what we do. We continue to demonstrate a love for Jesus and are driven by our desire to share our faith with the families through actions and words.

We are playing our part in Eco Church and are committed to making sustainable choices in Messy Church, especially in developing an appreciation of the world that God created.

Our monthly services are based on BRF’s publication ‘Get Messy’, which provides plans that can be used as they are or tweaked to suit the needs of our Messy Church families. It also creates a feeling of being linked to Messy Churches studying and worshipping worldwide.

If you would like to know more about Cowplain Messy Church please speak to a Church Warden who can signpost you to a member of the team, or look at the BRF website for a general view of what Messy is all about. - - https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/what messy church/

Messy Church Team

54

St Wilfrid’s Toddler group run during term time, twice a week in the Upper Hall, on Wednesday and Friday mornings. We welcome all ages from new-born babies to pre-school children.

Our aim is to provide a welcoming, safe and social environment for the children, parents/grandparents or carers giving them the opportunity to meet each other, play with their children and to have fun whilst mixing with others.

The sessions could not run without our team of amazing Church volunteers who set up and then pack away this fantastic play space each session, interact and engage with the children and their respective adults that gives an amazing insight into our beautiful church. The Friday sessions also offer a weekly craft which is loved by both the children and their adults.

These morning sessions are very popular, and we see it as a valuable opportunity to build and grow our links with young families and our local community.

We use our St Wilfrid’s Toddlers Facebook group to interact and promote church events. As a result, we see some families attending Messy Church, special events and Church on a Sunday and this is an area we seek to grow.

We always endeavour to send a message of God’s love and link in with the Major Christian festivals, Easter and Christmas. We encourage worship and prayer through our story and music time.

55

Summer Term 2025 – Busy summer of play. Lots of our regulars moved up to school. The team celebrated with a party and bibles were given to our school age leavers. All the toys were sorted and deep cleaned ready for the new academic year.

The toddler funds paid for deep cleaning the upper hall carpets, kindly organised by Alan on our behalf.

Autumn Term 2025 – After a delayed return due to unavailable volunteers at the start of term, both Wednesday and Friday sessions settled back in October. Wednesday sessions being run temporarily by Rev Chris and Rev Polly alternately, supported by the Wednesday team. Generally, a quieter session, but attended by several regular families and childminders. Friday sessions returned slightly busier and have continued to grow steadily in numbers. The run up to Christmas was enjoyed by all with Christmas themed craft offered and the final session on the year being given free to the children and their adults to celebrate.

Spring Term 2026 - A cold and wet start back after Christmas, again numbers staying steady. The toddler accounts are looking healthy and the team will be discussing in the near future where we can reinvest some of our funds back to the sessions and church. Perhaps with some more maintenance of the upper hall. As this is where we are located.

We are still desperately in need of a volunteer to lead the Wednesday sessions. We will be reviewing at Easter the viability of Wednesday sessions continuing without this role. It is likely that the Wednesday sessions will have to close unless we can find someone to take this on. This will be a great shame to lose as really does benefit both the community and the church.

If this is something you feel you can help with or if you would generally like to volunteer for a session, please do speak to me, Chris or Polly. We are always looking to grow the team.

We thank God for the building, for those on the toddler team who give up their time to help and for all those coming along to the sessions, that they may not only enjoy their time with us but sense something of God’s love for them

Much Thanks to all the Toddlers Team!

Christmas Day Lunch 2025

Every year we wonder

And this year, for the first time, there were too few people able, willing AND available and so, very reluctantly, we had to decide that there would be no lunch at St Wilfrid’s on Christmas Day 2025. There were a number of disappointed people and we were saddened, with them, by our necessary decision.

Let’s see what will happen in 2026. Jan Smith – coordinator.

56

Tea and Lovely Cake runs on alternate Sunday afternoons throughout the whole year.

We like to open our doors to all who may be feeling in need of the company of friends. Our maximum number is about thirty.

All cakes are homemade by Sarah Canham and Sonia Passingham and any left over are taken home by group members - we also have fruit as a healthy alternative. Sarah starts the afternoon with a quiz and games and prizes are arranged by Brenda.

Our thanks to Marion, Judith and Barbara for their huge help and the kind people who set out tables and help clear away.

Brenda Mizen

Warm Spaces runs on Thursday mornings during the months of November through to the end of February.

This year has been a rather dull and wet spell when our friends have been happy to come in, meet together and enjoy bettered rolls and a choice of three home made soups, tea and usually cake!

We generally have about sixteen people in our group.

Brenda Mizen

57