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2025-12-31-accounts

St Mary the Virgin, Almondsbury

Annual Parochial Church Report 2025

Presented at a meeting held on 31 May 2026

This combined report is presented in accordance with the Charity Commissioner’s Statement of Recommended Practice commonly known as SORP 2005.

CONTENTS

Section 1 Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council.

Section 2

Accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2025 incorporating:

Section 3 Reports from organisations

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St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, Almondsbury, BS32 4DT

Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and the activities of the parish generally for the year to 31 December 2025.

Correspondence address: St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DT

PCC Members : Commented [MJ1]:Check who is current PCC member Commented [MJ1]:Check who is current PCC member
Rev Anjali Kanagaratnam,Priest -in-Charge Rev Paul Van Rossum,Associate Vicar & Treasurer
Astrid Domingo Molyneux,LayMinister Pam Van Rossum
Helen Hine Clare Jefferis,DeanerySynod
Tim Jefferis,Churchwarden Gill Bostic
Thelma Gibbs Mike Keig
Mo Pearson RosemaryGriffiths,DeanerySynod
SandyThompson Josh Pullan
Pam Skelding,SafeguardingOfficer Hannah Roberts
Mike Jenkinson,PCC Chair and LayMinister James Rogers

Commented [MJ1]: Check who is current PCC member

INTRODUCTION

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The Parish of St Mary’s, Almondsbury, is part of the Benefice of Almondsbury and Pilning with Compton Greenfield.

The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure. The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules and is drawn from those on the Electoral Roll of the Parish. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 1131407).

REPORT OF PRIEST IN CHARGE 2025

APCM Report: Rev Anjali Kanagaratnam

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

As I have reflected on the life of St Mary’s over 2025 and look ahead to 2026, this verse from Isaiah has stayed with me. It reminds us that this is God’s mission and that we as a church are merely partnering with him in this as we listen and discern his leading. This has been a year of discernment, growth and stepping more fully into what God is calling us to be as a church in this season.

Mission, Vision and Identity

A key priority this year has been to prayerfully discern and articulate our mission and vision following on from the Mission and Vision Day in Nov 2024. I am grateful for the way many in the congregation have engaged with this process. We have now arrived at:

Our next steps will be to embed these into the life and mission of the church, so that they shape not only what we say, but how we live, worship and serve together.

Sunday Services

The regular Sunday service pattern remains unchanged but with the addition of a new service, Encounter, once a month.

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We have continued to explore new ways of engaging with God in both word and worship, seeking to be attentive and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Seasonal Services

Our seasonal services continue to be an important point of connection with the wider community: at Easter, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas. Attendance has remained similar to previous years, with many joining us at key moments in the church calendar. It has been a joy to be able to share the good news of Jesus with so many people.

Ministry Team

It has been encouraging to see the ministry team continue to grow. Alongside Rev Paul van Rossum, Astrid Domingo Molyneux and Mike Jenkinson:

We continue to conduct a number of pastoral services for the community and those connected to St Mary’s.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Our outreach activities with children have continued with ongoing connections through our weekly toddler group, Messy Church, Oasis, the Good Friday Activity morning and our link with Almondsbury Primary School. Pam Skelding and I continue to lead collective worship, and the children visit the church regularly for collective worship, end of term services and the occasional RE lessons. I also continue to be involved in the life of the school in my capacity as Foundation Governor.

In October, a new Wednesday Community Coffee morning began, under the leadership of Lucy Rogers and supported by a team from the church. This has been a way of expanding our outreach to the community, especially older residents. It is already proving to be a valuable space for connection and welcome .

Discipleship : The online home group and the Lent and Advent groups have provided opportunities for discipleship as have the various regular prayer groups: the weekly Tuesday morning prayer group at the Old Hospital and the monthly Tea and Toast and Prayers for a suffering church.

Charitable Giving

We have continued to support a range of local and national charities: Bristol Home bank (until its closure), Community of the Sisters of the Church Food Bank, the Salvation Army Toy Appeal, the Children’s society (through the Christingle service collection) and the British Legion (through the Remembrance Sunday Collection.) The “Charity of the Month” initiative has been under review over the year as we considered how best to approach our charitable giving.

A team effort: The ongoing life, ministry and mission of the church is only possible through the commitment and service of so many people, including those in the wider community. Much of this contribution happens quietly and behind the scenes. I am grateful to God for each and every person who gives so generously for their time, energy and resources.

There is much to be thankful for this year. As we look ahead, we trust that God is continuing to do a new thing among us, calling us to be a part of it as we continue to grow in knowing Jesus, making him known and serving our community.

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CHURCH WARDEN

APCM Report: Tim Jefferis

As churchwardens we have done our best through the year to support Anjali, Paul Van Rossum, Astrid Domingo Molyneux and Mike Jenkinson in their vital work ministering to the congregation and more broadly to the inhabitants of the parish. We have also attempted to support all of the congregation members and other volunteers who help to ensure that St Mary’s runs smoothly and touches the lives of as many people as possible. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you for all your contributions during 2025.

We would particularly like to thank those who have served as members of PCC this year. This is a responsible role as the PCC is a charity and the PCC members are trustees. They therefore have overall responsibility for the church finances and also the care and maintenance of the fabric of the church and its contents. Much of this work is delegated to the Finance & Buildings and Worship & Mission committees whose focussed work in discussing and resolving issues allows the main meetings to run smoothly.

We commend to you the other reports on activity in 2025 which go some way to illustrating the breadth and depth of activities that we as a church have accomplished during last year.

There are two points that we wish to bring to your attention: 1. The Quinquennial Survey was undertaken in October 2025. This is when the church architect surveys all of the fabric, reports on its condition and makes recommendations for repairs and other improvements. We are pleased to find that no significant additional issues were identified. The most important issues are repointing of the churchyard wall where it abuts the doctors’ surgery and investigation of the ongoing damp problems in the Lady Chapel.

  1. Early in 2025 a tree branch fell across the wall into the Glebe Field. This prompted the PCC to commission a tree survey, which identified a number of issues where remediation work was required. This work was undertaken in November 2025 and successfully completed. The churchyard trees should now all be in a safe condition and are not obstructing any of the paths.

  2. A survey was also carried out on the listed Chest Tombs in the churchyard. Having had no maintenance since their installation 200 – 250 years ago many of them are in poor condition. At present it is expected that returning them all to good condition would cost in excess of £100k and the PCC does not have this level of spare funding. The PCC will therefore consider the best way to proceed.

E LECTORAL ROLL

APCM Report: Mike Jenkinson

There were 65 names on the Electoral Roll as at 31 December 2025, of which 49 were resident in the Parish and 16 resided outside of the Parish. This was significantly down on the previous year (103 - 72 of which were resident in the parish and 31 outside. This reflected the fact that 2025 was a year in which the whole roll was renewed.

WORSHIP AND MISSION

APCM Report: Pam Van Rossum

We receive regular input from the group members on aspects of the church’s spiritual life and on how the church is functioning. Concerns are addressed and recommendations made to the PCC.

The reports we received from the team members highlight that Anjali’s ministry is well received and the continuing input from the Ministry team is much appreciated too.

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The Praise group and Matthew (on the organ) gave an excellent lead to our worship each week. The worship is tailored to the weeks theme/reading.

It is recognised how many volunteers e.g. welcomers, AV team, cleaners, banner ladies, flower ladies, readers, prayer folk, pull together to be an active part of the worshipping community and to enable us to be a healthy and functioning church.

The 8.30 and 10.00am service reps reported on increasing attendance, excellent input, and good relationships.

The children’s group met each week throughout the year during the All- Age service. There were about 5 regular attendees and sometimes more children. There are usually toddlers, with a parent, too. The Roots and other teaching material is used when appropriate.

Messy church met once a month with about 30 children.

Toddlers met in term time with about 8 children.

There are three prayer groups meeting weekly / monthly and a Home Group meeting weekly.

Last year’s Good Friday Activity morning was an enjoyable community event attended by 45 children and 60

adults. Church members were involved in welcoming and door monitoring, the music group, managing the AV, craft/garden/ cooking activities and refreshments. Anjali led the service. The children went home with their crafts and a book linked to the video.

The Christingle services are a popular community event too, especially the second one. There were about 650 attendees of which a large proportion were children and young adults. Almondsbury shop donated the oranges and village families made half of the Christingles.

The Catering team provided refreshments for the Carol Service, a breakfast between two services, a Lent Lunch which raised funds for Tools with a Mission, Good Friday morning, as well as coffee after the 10.30 services.

The wider church community services have been well attended e.g. Remembrance, Mothering Sunday

The Charity of the Month in 2025 focused the congregation in looking beyond our immediate concerns. The Charities included The Leprosy Mission, Tools with a Mission, Uganda Link, Ripple Effect, Tearfund, Suicide Prevention Society, Release International, Royal British Legion, Ride and Stride (Gloucestershire Historic Churches) and the Children’s Society.

Pam van Rossum, Chair, Worship and Mission

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FINANCE & BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

APCM report

The Finance and Buildings Committee met on regularly during the year. These meetings were supported by ten different attendees. As chair I would like to thank everybody who has supported these meetings, which have been very useful and productive.

During the year matters discussed can be divided into three main categories:

The results of these discussions have resulted in a number of matters being forwarded to PCC with a recommendation for action, with others being addressed by the members of the Finance and Buildings Committee using available resources. Mike Jenkinson, Vice Chair

FINANCIAL REVIEW

APCM Finance Report: Paul Van Rossum, Treasurer

Finance Report for year ending December 2025

The church is a registered charity and, as such, is required to prepare its accounts under three separate headings: Unrestricted Funds; Restricted Funds; and Endowment Funds. The Unrestricted Funds also include Designated Funds which have been earmarked for future expenditure.

The principal financial aim of the church is that its regular unrestricted income should cover its normal annual expenditure, including day to day maintenance. In 2025, this income exceeded expenditure by £2,559, which now forms part of the church’s unrestricted savings and is available for use in the future.

In addition, the church was fortunate to receive legacies of £156,131 in 2025. These legacies and any income from the sale of assets are held in a Designated Fund for future investments in ministry and buildings.

Restricted Funds can only be spent on the purposes specified for the individual funds. In 2025 the expenditure from restricted funds exceeded income by £3,959. This was mainly as a result of a generous gift of £3,750 (including Gift Aid) for children and youth ministry.

Endowment Funds are funds which have been given in perpetuity. They are held in CCLA (Churches, Charities and Local Authorities) Investment Funds and dividends from these investments are used as restricted funds to support expenditure on, for example, the churchyard and children’s ministry.

Finally, we must always remember that the vast majority of our income comes from regular donations by individuals, and we are extremely grateful for your generosity.

A full copy of the Accounts for 2025 is included in section 2 of this Annual Report.

Paul van Rossum

Treasurer

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SAFEGUARDING – PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

APCM report: Pam Skelding, Parish Safeguarding Officer

The parish of St Marys Almondsbury is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Policies and Statements

The following polocies have been reviewed and accepted by the PCC in March 2026;

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Appropriate Boundaries Support for Victims and Survivors Working One to One Policy Lone Working Policy Responding to Domestic Abuse Recruitment of Ex offenders Policy

Activities

The PCC oversees the following activities for children and vulnerable adults:

Messy Church

Toddlers Oasis Sunday Group Pastoral Support.

Safer Recruitment

The PCC is resonsible for the safe recruitment of volunteers working with children, youth and vulnerable adults. During the year 25/26 The following DBS and Training has taken place ;

DBS Enhanced certificates ….... 11 people

Basic Training ….........................10 people Foundation Training …................5 people Leadership Training …................5 people Responding to Dom Abuse …......7 people There are currently 35 volunteers covered and active .

Reporting to PCC At each PCC meeting there is a safeguarding report issued with details of new volunteer training status and safeguarding needs

Safeguarding Action Plan This has been updated and modified in March 2026 so that we have achieved 98% at Level 3 on our Parish Dashboard. Our next task is to collate Risk Assessments and Registers to ensure that they are up to date for 2026.

We continue to use the Church of England Safeguarding Hub to monitor the needs and progress of our parish

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safeguarding and recruitment efficiently .

Pam Skelding PSO

DATA PROTECTION REPORT

This role is part of the job description of our Parish Aministrator. After a period of vacancy, a new Administrator has been appointed.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's, Almondsbury

Statement of Financial Activities

1 January 2025 to 31 December 31 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
2025 2024
Incoming Resources (Note 2)
Income from Charitable Activities 3,448.00 3,448.00 3,519.00
Income from Donations 71,555.95 9,855.60 81,411.55 67,402.37
Income from Legacies 156,131.82 156,131.82 1,000.00
Income from Lich Gate Advertising 10,181.00 10,181.00 9,923.00
Investment Income 794.80 1,477.91 2,272.71 3,135.51
Total 242,111.57 11,333.51 **0.00 ** 253,445.08 84,979.88
Resources Expended (Note 3)
Charitable Activities:
Charity Management and
Administration 115.00 115.00 148.30
Church Buildings Costs 10,874.59 6,722.08 17,596.67 10,779.28
Church Running Costs 10,339.68 44.59 10,384.27 15,944.27
Cost of Services 747.28 747.28 206.27
Employment Costs 10,186.27 10,186.27 8,100.73
Expenditure on Lich Gate Magazine 10,132.00 10,132.00 10,106.52
Grants and Donations 3,300.01 3,300.01 2,451.65
Ministry Costs 4,726.19 607.42 5,333.61 4,235.41
Parish Share 33,000.00 33,000.00 32,010.00
Total 83,421.02 7,374.09 0.00 90,795.11 83,982.43
Net income/(expenditure) before
investment gains/(losses) 158,690.55 3,959.42 **0.00 ** 162,649.97 997.45
Gains/(Losses) on Revaluation of
Investments 2,720.21 (2,126.36) 593.85 5,869.72
Net income/(expenditure) 161,410.76 3,959.42 **(2,126.36) ** 163,243.82 6,867.17
Total Funds Brought Forward (Note 6) 147,279.50 9,572.74 53,188.00 210,040.24 203,173.07
Total Funds Carried Forward (Note 6) 308,690.26 13,532.16 **51,061.64 ** **373,284.06 ** 210,040.24

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Balance Sheet
31 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2024
Fixed Assets (Note 4)
Investments 146,282.66 149,533.63
Current Assets (Note 5)
Debtors 9,828.25 3,601.43
Cash At Bank And In Hand 221,231.52 59,524.74
Total current assets 231,059.77 63,126.17
Creditors falling due within
one year (Note 5)
Other Creditors 4,058.37 2,619.56
Net Current Assets 227,001.40 60,506.61
Total Assets 373,284.06 210,040.24
Funds and Reserves
(Note 7)
Endowment Funds 51,061.64 53,188.00
Restricted Funds 13,532.16 9,572.74
Designated Funds 256,123.78 101,428.33
Unrestricted Funds 52,566.48 45,851.17
Total Funds 373,284.06 210,040.24

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ALMONDSBURY

Note 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

with applicable accoun�ng standards and the current Statement of Recommended Prac�ce Accoun�ng and Repor�ng by Chari�es (SORP 2005).

assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transac�ons, assets and liabili�es for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of other church groups (e.g. The bellringers) or informal gatherings of church members.

Fund accoun�ng

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC’s discre�on; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue dona�ons or grants for a specific PCC ac�vity intended by the donor. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC’s general purpose. They may also be used to support Restricted funds which are deficient. Designated funds are unrestricted funds that are allocated by the PCC to specific projects and purposes. They may be re-allocated at the direc�on of the PCC.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collec�ons and similar dona�ons are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is en�tled to the use of the resource, their ul�mate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are reliably quan�fied. Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, interest as and when accrued by the payer. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and dona�ons are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or construc�ve obliga�on on the PCC. The diocesan parish share expected to be paid over is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

the Chari�es Act 2011.

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which requires a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable �me). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost informa�on available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £2,500 and all such expenditure has been wri�en off when incurred.

The PCC owns the land on which the Doctor’s Surgery and Church Rooms were constructed. The building is subject to a 125-year lease to the doctor. The underlease on the Church Rooms was held by the PCC but was sold to the surgery in 2019. In view of the long-term le�ng of the surgery, no value is given to the land containing this surgery.

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Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are wri�en off when the asset is acquired. There are no items with an accoun�ng value at 31 December 2025.

Investments are held within accounts managed by the CCLA within the CBF Church of England Investment Fund.

The Consolidated Churchyard and the Frost and Miles funds are 'Permanent' Endowment funds. The former is an amalgama�on of many individual gi�s, funds and bequests. The la�er is held under the terms of the bequests of the late Miss Frost and Mr Miles. The capital (and any associated capital growth) underpinning these funds remains locked into the Endowment funds, the income, in the form of dividends, being allocated to the respec�ve Restricted revenue accounts which remain restricted to the purpose of the underlying fund. The Endowment Chancel fund contains the amalgama�on of several obliga�ons for the support of the chancel that were converted into lump sum payments a number of years ago. Again, income from dividends is restricted to expenditure on the Cancel. A new restricted fund, Children and Youth, was established in 2025 following a gi� to be used at the discre�on of the PCC on children and youth work. The Final restricted fund is the Bells ABRP Fund which was created at the �me bells refurbishment in 2019. It can only be used for expenditure related to the bells. The Investment Fund was created from some of the proceeds of the sale by the PCC of the house containing the village shop. The Development Fund has been created from legacies received in 2025. The Bells Fund is mainly comprised of income received for the use of the bells, for example, at weddings. All three of these Funds are Designated Funds.

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December 2025 using share values provided by the CCLA – the fund manager.

Terms Used in the Report

Fees received on behalf of third par�es

Fees received on behalf of third par�es (e.g. elements of wedding and funeral fees which are collected on behalf of the diocese) are not under the control of the PCC and, therefore, not included in these accounts as income and expenditure.

Employees

During the year the PCC employed an organist and parish administrator (both part �me). These employees equate to less than one full �me employee. There were no associated Na�onal Insurance costs. The organist is enrolled in the NEST pension scheme. The Parish Administrator has chosen not to join the scheme.

Payments to trustees

No payments or expenses were paid to any PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related par�es, other than to reimburse clearly iden�fiable expenditure incurred on specific purchases or in accordance with the recommenda�ons of the Diocese for the payment of clergy and Licensed Lay Minister expenses.

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Note 2 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Incoming Resources 2025 2024
Income from Charitable Activities
PCC Fees Income:
Funeral Travel - PCC 24.00 24.00 120.00
Funerals - PCC 1,892.00 1,892.00 1,728.00
Weddings - Bells - PCC 50.00 50.00 200.00
Weddings - PCC 1,482.00 1,482.00 1,471.00
Total 3,448.00 0.00 0.00 3,448.00 3,519.00
Income from Donations and Legacies
Donations:
Bible Reading Fellowship Notes Donations* 0.00 30.00
Coffee/Catering Donations 283.54 283.54 650.95
Good Friday Activities Morning Donations* 0.00 137.91
Toddlers/Messy Church Donations 451.00 451.00 502.67
General Donations 5,099.51 3,000.00 8,099.51 6,358.98
Legacies 156,131.82 156,131.82 1,000.00
Regular Giving 50,672.50 50,672.50 44,253.18
Gift Aid Claimed 12,538.68 750.00 13,288.68 12,220.93
Grants 200.63 6,105.60 6,306.23 1,638.10
Special Collections and Activities 540.40 540.40 1,609.65
Children's Society 1,335.75 1,335.75
Royal British Legion 433.94 433.94
Total 227,687.77 9,855.60 **0.00 ** **237,543.37 ** 68,402.37
Income from Trading Activities
Lich Gate Magazine Advertising 10,181.00 0.00 0.00 10,181.00 9,923.00
Investment Income:
Dividends received 1,477.91 1,477.91 1,443.41
Interest Received 794.80 794.80 1,692.10
Total 794.80 1,477.91 0.00 2,272.71 3,135.51
Total Income 242,111.57 11,333.51 **0.00 ** **253,445.08 ** 84,979.88

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Note 3 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment

Total Total 2025 2024

Resources Expended

Charitable Activities
Charity Management & Administration
Bank Charges 115.00 0.00 0.00 115.00 148.30
Church Buildings Costs:
Church Insurance Costs 6,553.77 6,553.77 5,724.42
Church Routine Repairs & Maintenance 2,374.30 2,374.30 3,161.98
Churchyard Maintenance Costs 1,946.52 6,722.08 8,668.60 1,892.88
Total 10,874.59 6,722.08 0.00 17,596.67 10,779.28
Church Running Costs
Electricity 1,764.12 1,764.12 3,252.06
Equipment Purchase and Maintenance 2,564.27 44.59 2,608.86 6,279.03
Heating Oil 3,233.97 3,233.97 4,602.48
Office and Administration Costs 2,654.68 2,654.68 1,705.52
Water and Sewage 122.64 122.64 105.18
Total 10,339.68 44.59 0.00 10,384.27 15,944.27
Cost of Services
Organ / Piano Tuning & Repair 198.00 198.00 75.00
Wine / Wafers / Candles 549.28 549.28 131.27
Total 747.28 0.00 0.00 747.28 206.27
Employment Costs 10,186.27 0.00 0.00 10,186.27 8,100.73
Expenditure on Lich Gate Magazine 10,132.00 0.00 0.00 10,132.00 10,106.52
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations 989.92 989.92 842.00
Special Collections and Activities 540.40 540.40 1,609.65
Children's Society 1,335.75 1,335.75
Royal British Legion 433.94 433.94
Total 3,300.01 0.00 0.00 3,300.01 2,451.65
Ministry Costs:
Children's Ministry Costs: 284.60
Good Friday Activities Morning 211.64 50.21 261.85 140.40
Messy Church and Toddlers 1,085.98 257.63 1,343.61 729.82
School 482.83 114.54 597.37 591.42
Staff Development Costs 641.75 152.25 794.00
Sunday Groups 138.21 32.79 171.00 166.00
Total 2,560.41 607.42 0.00 3,167.83 1,912.24
General Ministry Costs: 0.00 28.41
Bible Reading Fellowship Notes 113.26 113.26 184.71
CCLI and Other Licences 433.50 433.50 604.50
Catering 907.83 907.83 616.87
Clergy Expenses 711.19 711.19 888.68
Total 2,165.78 0.00 0.00 2,165.78 2,323.17
Total 4,726.19 607.42 0.00 5,333.61 4,235.41
Parish Share 33,000.00 33,000.00 32,010.00
Total 83,421.02 7,374.09 0.00 90,795.11 83,982.43

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Note 4

Note 4
Fixed Assets
Investments Investment Chancel Churchyard Frost Total
Fund and Miles
Brought Forward 31 96,345.63 9,141.56 22,186.70 21,859.74 149,533.63
Dec 2024
Gains/(Losses) on (1,124.61) (365.46) (886.99) (873.91) (3,250.97)
Investment Assets
Carried Forward 95,221.02 8,776.10 21,299.71 20,985.83 146,282.66
31 Dec 2025
All Investments are in CCLA Church of England Investment Accounts
Note 5
Current assets and Liabilities
Current Assets 31 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2024
Debtors
Gift Aid Pending 4,433.07 4,251.53
Other Debtors 5,395.18 121.66
Prepaid Grant Income (771.76)
Total 9,828.25 3,601.43
Cash At Bank
CCLA - Deposit Account 182,522.69 22,546.05
HSBC - Deposit Accounts 33,574.46 29,810.13
HSBC - Main Current Account 5,134.37 7,168.56
Total 221,231.52 59,524.74
Total current assets 231,059.77 63,126.17
Current Liabilities
Creditors due within one year
Miscellaneous liabilities 616.02 215.74
Deferred Income - Lich Gate 1,167.00 1,047.00
Children's Society 1,335.75
Receipts on Behalf of 3rd Parties 457.00 183.00
Liability - Heating Oil 728.82
Liability - Invoice paid twice 445.00
HMRC 482.60
Total Current Liabilities 4,058.37 2,619.56
Net Current Assets 227,001.40 60,506.61

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Note 6 Analysis of Funds

Fund Name Type of Fund Brought Gains/(Losses) Income Expenses Carried
Forward on Investment Forward
31 Dec 2024 Assets 31 Dec 2025
Chancel Endowment 9,141.56 -365.46 8,776.10
Churchyard Endowment 22,186.70 -886.99 21,299.71
Frost and Miles Endowment 21,859.74 -873.91 20,985.83
Total Endowment 53,188.00 (2,126.36) 0.00 0.00 51,061.64
Bells - ABRP Restricted 9,324.67 44.59 9,280.08
Chancel Restricted 248.07 254.01 502.08
Children and Youth Restricted 0.00 3,750.00 0.00 3,750.00
Churchyard Restricted 0.00 616.48 616.48 0.00
Frost and Miles Restricted 0.00 607.42 607.42 0.00
Total Restricted 9,572.74 0.00 5,227.91 1,268.49 13,532.16
Bells Designated 5,082.70 843.42 0.00 5,926.12
Investment Fund Designated 96,345.63 (1,124.61) 0.00 95,221.02
Development Fund Designated 0.00 154,976.64 0.00 154,976.64
Total Designated 101,428.33 **(1,124.61) ** 155,820.06 0.00 256,123.78
General Fund Unrestricted 45,851.17 90,136.33 83,421.02 52,566.48
Total Unrestricted 45,851.17 0.00 90,136.33 83,421.02 52,566.48
Grand Total 210,040.24 **-3,250.97 ** 251,184.30 84,689.51 373,284.06

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Independent examinerfs report to the PCC of St Marfs. Almondsbury This report on the financial statements of the PCC forthe year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages I to 8. 15 in respect of an examination caffied out in accordance wtth the Church Accounting Regulations 20061'the Regulation￿) and s.43 of the Charities Att 19931'the Act'l to the extent described below. Respective responslbilities of the PCQ Examiner and Treasurer Members of the PCC are responsible forthe preparation of the financial statements. They considerthat, given the relativelysimple nature of the church accounts (and corresponding income and expenditure), the formal the audit requirement of the Regulations and s.43{2) of the Act does not apply. The SOFA is examined by an independent examiner who is not a member of any of the PCC committees but who is a member of the con8regatior). Independently. the SOFA is checked against bank accounts and CCLA retums by members of the PCC who confimi that they are satisfied that the SOFA presents a true picture of the church assets held in these accounts. It is my responsibility as treasurer to 155ue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basls of this report by the independent examiner My examination of SOFA 2025 was carried out in accordance with good prattice to ensure the consistency and accurdLV of the figures and calculations. It also indudes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from PCC trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examinerfs ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attentidn: l. which brives me reasonable cause to believe that the SOFA contains any material inaccuracy; 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Anthonys G Kite Page 9

St Mary the Virgin, Almondsbury

Reports from Organisations SECTION 3 ANNUAL REPORT

Distributed with the Annual Parochial Church Report Presented at a meeting held on 31 May 2026

THE LICH GATE

Helen Hine

The Lich Gate Magazine is published by St Mary’s Church, and 1,220 copies are distributed to all homes in the Parish and to the community shop and Almondsbury Primary School (plus some selected recipients outside Almondsbury). Distribution Manager Steve Townsley is still running a strong distribution team, and Steve provides a useful link to past ways of working on the magazine.

Last year a small editorial team was set up to try and spread the workload. From February 2025 Helen Hine, Pam Skelding and Morgan Tickner work regularly to produce 10 magazines in a year, supported by the creative designer Gayle Smith at Motion Printers. The wider team includes advertising manager Karen Perks and group member Robert Graham, who has a link to the Parish Council, and Rev Anjali stays in close touch with the group. Lucy Rogers facilitates and hosts the group which meets at Old Almondsbury Hospital approximately 3-4 monthly. In February this year we celebrated one year of editing the magazine!

Karen has worked hard to secure a significant group of advertisers who pay annually and the fees for 2026-27 are all paid. The magazine covers its printing costs. There is an ongoing balance to be struck between number of adverts and available space for submitted articles.

A major change occurred in March this year, as Morgan decided not to continue her role of adjusting and laying out articles and choosing the artwork. Therefore Helen (with temporary support of husband Richard) is doing most of the production work, while Pam continues to develop new ideas for community involvement and produces a comprehensive events table each month. Helen and Richard are trying to work out the simplest process for organising magazine production before we advertise for one or more people to step into Morgan’s role.

We are very grateful to Morgan for helping, with great enthusiasm, to get the magazine into a better place over 2025/early 2026.

We continue to receive much praise and encouragement from Almondsbury community. I believe the Lich Gate magazine helps to strengthen the link between St Mary’s Church and the wider community of Almondsbury.

Helen Hine (on behalf of the Lich Gate team)

BABIES AND TODDLERS GROUP

Sandy Thompson

Toddler Group has had a very special time with Val Slade from Holy Trinity leading us with her Bible stories. We have loyal families attending but are losing more and more children to school. I think the time has come to rethink toddler days and times. I started toddlers 40 years ago and I feel it’s now time for a change so I am stepping down but I do hope the group will continue in the future.

OASIS GROUP

Jan Cooper

Due to the bereavement of Jan’s sister and ongoing matters involved, Oasis has been having a break.

We are now praying about the future and best way forward. We will update Worship and Mission committee when things are clear.

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MESSY CHURCH

Sandy Thompson

Messy Church is going from strength to strength! The children are regularly attending with their families. It is a wonderful atmosphere of pleasure and learning for everyone. Anjali opens the session with Bible content maybe a story (today we celebrated Pentecost). The children are very attentive and interact with her enthusiasticly. Lovely crafts linked to the message are enjoyed by children and parents. Songs, grace, food and a blessing end the service. The last 2 Messy Church have had 86 children, parents and helpers. 75 children, parents and helpers today. Praise the Lord.

CATERING COMMITTEE

Rosemary Griffiths

Our committee consists of five members.

Coffee is served every Sunday after the later service thanks to a rota of committee members and helpers. Since the report last year, we have helped with The Good Friday Activities of 2025 arranged by Pam and Paul Van Rossum. Followed by the Village Fête on Saturday 10[th] May when, together with a band of helpers from the church, we served cream teas in the vicarage garden.

The committee served breakfast between the early service and the All-Age service on Sunday 19[th] Oct and although not many stayed on from the 8.30 one many from the 10am one came early to enjoy a croissant and coffee.

The committee also served teas and coffees at Almondsbury Village Events Annual Christmas Fayre in the Old School Hall on 21st November. Whilst after the Carol Service in St Mary’s on Sunday 21[st ] December, mulled wine and mince pies were served to a very packed church.

Anjali held an Alpha Course through February and March when a meal was served in the church to the participants. Although the committee co-ordinated it, the delicious meals were donated by members of the congregation.

Lent Lunches for 2026 were held as usual in the church, with the charity St Peter’s Hospice as the beneficiary.

Finally, we come back round to the annual Good Friday Activities Day held this year 2026. Whether because of the inclement weather that day, or the great job that had been done of advertising, the number of parents and children attending exceeded last year and the committee ran out of hot cross buns.

I would like to thank everyone, the committee members and others who willingly offer their help with various events

FLOWER ARRANGERS

Sarah Redmond

This year we were blessed with amazing displays of flowers in church at the lectern.

The arrangements being changed on a fortnightly basis worked well and flowers lasted well usually, with any fading blooms being replaced to keep the display looking fresh. This has been welcomed by the arrangers and no complaints from the congregation, who in fact often make complimentary remarks.

As usual the arrangers have provided beautiful pillar displays at Easter Harvest and Christmas. With special thanks to Mrs Jane Smith for her extra special main arrangements at Easter and Christmas and for Mrs Jackie Hartley for her extra special Harvest display and to Mrs Toni Ranger for her extra special Remembrance Day .display.

Sarah Redmond

BELLRINGERS

Marcus Booth, Tower Captain

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Another fun-packed year and we are settled into a steady routine of ringing. The bells have been rung where possible on Sundays and for weddings and practice nights. There was a large amount of ringing for the various Christmas services, weddings and activities and we gathered eight ringers to ring at midnight on New Year’s Eve 2025/ Day 2026.

In statistics the story of 2025 is:

Attendance on Sundays ranged from 1 to 10, with the average being 6.8 up from 6.35, the average last year. We rang on all 52 Sundays and had six or more ringers on 45 of these (87% up from 71% last year), with seven or more on 32 (62% up from 42%).

Attendance on Mondays ranged from 6 to 15, with the average being 10.34 slightly up from 10.07 last year. We rang on 47 of 52 Mondays, four of the missing Mondays being due to Bank holidays and one to the AGM. In 2024 we rang on only 42 of 52 Mondays. We had eight or more ringers on 41 of the 47 Mondays (79% down from 83% last year) and ten or more on 29 (56% slightly down from 57% last year).

We have 14 resident ringers, four more than last year and we are still regularly joined by three Alveston ringers who come to us to recover skills they once had when ringing in younger days.

Our ringing highlights in 2025 were a string of individual firsts: first quarter peals for Madeleine Jefferies and for two of our Alveston visitors, Lawrence Roberts and Julie Jackson. Pauline achieved her first touches of Norwich Surprise Minor, Ipswich Surprise Minor, Cambridge Major, and Spliced St Simon’s and St Clement’s Doubles. Pauline and Steve Crane rang their first touch of Primrose Surprise Minor whilst Pauline, Stephen Channon, and Andrew Stubbs rang their first touch of Bourne Surprise Minor. Adrian Cooper conducted a touch of Spliced St Nicholas and Winchendon Doubles for the first time and the band recorded its first touch of Spliced Cambridge and Beverley Surprise Minor. Gerry Anniss called Plain Hunt and led the lower for the first time. We rang two quarter peals in 2025, one less than in 2024.

Otherwise, we rang 35 different methods versus 36 last year. These were Rounds and Call Changes, Plain Hunt, Cloisters Doubles, Grandsire Doubles and Triples, Plain Bob Doubles, Minor, Triples and Major, Stedman Doubles and Triples, St Simon’s Doubles, St Martin’s Doubles, Spliced St Simon’s and St Martin’s Doubles, Reverse Canterbury Doubles, All Saints Doubles, Shipway Place Doubles, Twineham Doubles, Bampton Doubles, April Day Doubles, Spliced St Nicholas and Winchendon Place Doubles, Little Bob Minor, Spliced Plain and Little Bob Minor, Treble Bob Minor, Kent Treble Bob Minor, St Clements Minor, VJ Bob Minor, Cambridge Surprise Minor and Major, Primrose Surprise Minor, Norwich Surprise Minor, Ipswich Surprise Minor, Spliced Cambridge and Beverley Surprise Minor, Bourne Surprise Minor and the Ellacombes.

The Almondsbury ringers won back to back titles as the Branch Quiz champions in February 2025 by some fluke! The target is probably NOT to win this year, as otherwise we’ll have to organise it again! We look forward to another successful year, with plenty of fiendish challenges to come!

Marcus Booth Tower Captain – Almondsbury

DEANERY SYNOD

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See Bristol West Deanery Synod Annual Report 2025 at Appendix A

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AA

APPENDIX A

Diocese of Bristol | Bristol West Deanery

Bristol West Deanery Synod Annual Report 2025

Introduction

Three Deanery Synods took place. In 2025 and the key themes were:

March Deanery Synod: ‘Creating a Culture of Safety’

Deanery Synod on 12 March 2025 the meeting was held in at Christ Church, Clifton

Synod commenced with a summary of three items:

Diocesan Synod

The Area Dean listed the Members of both Houses of Diocesan Synod and provided an account of the Synod Members Breakfast. Three written questions were articulated for Diocesan Synod, they concerned:

  1. Diocese of Bristol Re-Branding

  2. Christian Funerals

  3. Creation Care and TC.T Partnerships

Vacancy in See Committee

o The Vacancy in See Committee requested that Synod should address four questions:

  1. What fills you with joy and hope about the ministry and mission of the Church in the Diocese of Bristol?

  2. What are the challenges and frustrations, and what would you like to change?

  3. What gifts, qualities and experience do you think are needed in an incoming Bishop?

  4. Do you have any names that you feel the CNC should consider?

o These were discussed and output collected and communicated to the Vacancy Committee.

o General Synod

The Main Theme: ‘Creating a Culture of Safety’

Introduced by Caroline Jowett Ive, previously Director of People and Safeguarding for the Diocese of Bristol.

The Church of England is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its ministry and mission, promoting a safer culture and the welfare of every child, young person and adult. As such, the Church has robust policies,

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procedures and guidelines in place, to ensure good practice throughout the central organisation, its 42 dioceses and other Church bodies.

The Church of England will:

How do we enable this culture to live in our parishes, ministry and mission?

Output from Round-table Discussions – these have been communicated to the Safeguarding Team:

not just a name on a notice board

need streamlined systems and more pooled arrangements (e.g. DBS checks)

e.g. special needs, elderly

May Deanery Synod:

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‘Ministry to the Mature and Faith in Later Life’

Deanery Synod on Tuesday 20 May 2025 focused upon Ministry to the Mature and Faith in Later Life. The Meeting was held at St Peter’s Church, Henleaze.

Following the welcome Synod commenced with the report from Diocesan Synod on 22 March at which the primary focus had been Living in Love and Faith (LLF).

The Main Theme: ‘Ministry to the Mature and Faith in Later Life’

In a world obsessed with youth, it can be easy for churches to overlook the gifts, experience and wisdom of older people. The simple fact is that people are living longer and there are increasing numbers of older people in society who sometimes feel overlooked. Churches can work together to encourage and bless older people, as well as drawing on their wisdom and helping them avoid loneliness and isolation.

Here's a more detailed look at the various aspects of church ministry to older adults:

1. Spiritual Growth:

2. Social Connection:

Intergenerational programs:

3. Physical and Mental Well-being:

Health and wellness programs:

Cognitive stimulation:

4. Service and Outreach:

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Involvement in church ministries:

Outreach to the community:

5. Adapting to Changing Needs:

Accessibility:

Communication:

----- Start of picture text -----
Messy Vintage is a missional
offshoot of Messy Church,
which began in a Methodist
Church in Jersey. It is a
movement that takes Messy
Church values and good practice
to older people.
----- End of picture text -----

How does this session help people grow in Christ?

The parable of the good Samaritan not only gives the opportunity to share stories of times we have spent with neighbours now and in the past, but also causes us to think more deeply about who we consider our neighbour to be. Jesus makes it clear that everyone is; there are no boundaries or excuses for not sharing God’s love.

Messy team theme

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• Share thoughts on global neighbours. Activity

You will need: household coil wooden clothes pegs (7.5 cm minimum); doublesided sticky tape; scissors; felt-tip pens; circle of thick card; craft wood glue

Twist the clothes pegs and remove the coils. Reverse the two halves so that the long ends are back to back and secure together with double-sided sticky tape. Turn each peg into the people who are attending using felt-tip pens. Form the pegs into a circle, with the lower third of each peg-person firmly touching its neighbour. Take out one person at a time and secure it to its neighbour using wood glue. Cut a circle of thick card (15 cm diameter or appropriate to the size of your pegs). Glue on to the back of the wooden peg circle to support the round from the back. Decorate the card that shows through the gap in the middle.

Then: Share a personal experience illustrating neighbourly love, or ask a team member to give a testimony of a good experience, before sharing the story of the good Samaritan. Then, talk about how God calls us to love not only those with whom we happily rub shoulders, but also those with whom we share no common ground.

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October Deanery Synod: ‘An Outward Looking Church’

Deanery Synod on Thursday 16 October 2025. The Meeting was held in person at St Alban’s Church, North View, Westbury Park.

The Main Theme: ‘An Outward Looking Church’

Revd Rosy Ashley (Advisor for Parish Development) Revd Lee Barnes (Advisor for Fresh Expression of Church)

The Diocesan Offer:

Rosy, Lee or another member of the Diocesan team will work with any PCC or leadership Team to help shape a strategy or direction relevant to a particular context.

Introduction: Mission in a Strange New World

Rosy and Lee introduced the Synod Discussion with a summary of the recent Diocesan Conference Mission in a Strange New World.

The Key thought is that the end of Christendom is where the Christian story was known and the church was central. In the new world the church invites Christians in western culture to embrace marginality and discover fresh ways of being church and engaging in mission. While the transition from modernity to postmodernity has received a huge amount of attention, the shift from Christendom to post-Christendom has not yet been fully explored.

How do we engage with local communities for worship and growth, and in providing practical support and outreach? As well as the traditional structure of what we do there is also opportunity in fostering new worship communities through "fresh expressions," running programs like "Leading Your Church into Growth". We also, as we have previously explored, need to become hubs for community activities and essential services, as seen with church cafes and foodbanks. We may also focus on family faith development through "Faith at Home" and equip communities for service through "Growing Good" initiatives.

Rosy and Lee introduced Synod to a wide variety of working models to enable the shaping of local strategic intentions and direction.

Bristol West Deanery Uganda Link

During 2025 Bristol West deanery Uganda link committee, chaired by Rev Janet Lee, met twice and reported back on the three link dioceses in N Uganda. In each Diocese we heard about achievements and challenges:

1. Nebbi Diocese - the Girlchild Project to help young schoolgirl mothers has continued, money was raised to buy sewing machines for those who completed the tailoring course, enabling them to start a business and sustain themselves and their child. Janet was able to hand over the sewing machines during the visit in August. Thank you to those people and churches who contributed to this project.

2. Diocese of N Uganda - we continued to help support the Theological College in Gulu, Archbishop Janani Luwum College , by sponsoring students, and sending money for computers, exam transport and new classrooms. During a visit in August, we are able to meet the students, talk with the Principal, the Rev Sarah Cawdell (a CMS missionary) and see the improvements in the place. The biggest answer to our prayers has been the registration of the college with the Higher Education Council; this has been a long drawn-out process.

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3. Kitgum Diocese - two projects have been supported, (1) the remote health centre at Lira Palwo, and (2) the borehole at Rev Jabuloni school. It was great for the team that visited in August to be able to see the solar powered refrigerator in use and a number of other improvements at the clinic.

A report was given in the October Deanery Synod about the August visit and experience.

Looking to next Year – 2026

Opportunities and challenges across the deanery for this coming year are:

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