ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, SOUNDWELL, BRISTOL ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Legal and Administrative Information
St Stephen’s Church, Soundwell, Bristol, is part of the Diocese of Bristol within the Church of England. We have charitable status under the Charities Act, registered No. 1131503. PCC members are trustees of that charity by virtue of their membership.
Church Address
St Stephen’s Church Church Road Soundwell Bristol BS16 4RH
Chair of PCC Churchwarden Rev. Lisa Wigmore Mrs Gill Mayo 52 Gladstone Street 122 Burley Grove Staple Hill Downend Bristol Bristol BS16 4RF BS16 5QG
Bankers
Lloyds Bank 697 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3UJ
Independent Examiner David Biddell 12 The Newlands Frenchay BS16 1NQ
Churchwarden
PCC members who have served from 1 January 2022 until the date of this report are:
| Vicar : | Rev Lisa Wigmore | Chair | Ex Officio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clergy | Rev Sandy Cooper | Ex Officio | |
| Rev Regan Meares | Ex Officio | ||
| Lay Ministers: | Mr Peter Robbins | Safeguarding Officer | Ex Officio |
| Wardens: | Mrs Gill Mayo | Vice Chair | Ex Officio |
| Representatives on | Mr Bill Bishop | Vice Chair | Ex Officio |
| The Deanery Synod | |||
| Elected Members | |||
| Mrs Lin Cooper | Elected 2020 | ||
| Mrs Carolyn Smith | Elected 2020 | ||
| Mrs Sarah Fry | Elected 2020 | ||
| Mrs Carolyn Hawkins | Secretary | Elected 2021 | |
| Mrs Julia Merrifield | ER Officer | Elected 2021 | |
| Mrs Trish Phipps | Elected 2021 | ||
| Mrs Sue Clements | Until May 2022 | ||
| Mr Geoff Harris | Elected 2022 | ||
| Mrs Nicola Read | Elected 2022 | ||
| Mrs Sue Humphrey | Elected 2022 | ||
| Mrs Lorraine Sanderson | Treasurer | Elected 2022 | |
| Ms Linda Krause | Elected 2022 |
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Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The person to whom day-to-day management is delegated is the Vicar, Rev Lisa Wigmore. The PCC adopts the appropriate training procedures for the wide range of matters affecting the parish, specifically Safeguarding. The PCC has access to training courses arranged by the diocese and deanery.
There are several committees and groups which report to the PCC. Some committees meet on a regular basis whilst others on an ad-hoc basis. All major initiatives, events, proposals and requests are reported to the PCC when it meets every other month. The PCC agenda will always include provision for reports from the following committees:
| Ministry Team | Finance | Admin Team | Warm Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacristy Team | Safeguarding Team | Prayer Teams | Youth Church |
| Choir | Friday Night Live Team | OutburstYouth Group | |
| See & Know | Knit & Natter | Ladies Group | |
| Men’s Group | Pensioners Group | House Groups | |
| Café Central Team | Marriage Prep | Baptism Prep | |
| Bereavement Team | Pastoral Care Team | Flower Persons | |
| Cleaning Guild | Greeters & Sides People |
The major risks to which the PCC is exposed, as identified by the PCC members, have been reviewed and systems or procedures have been established to manage such risks.
The PCC considers that it has, to the best of its knowledge, taken all reasonable steps to comply with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. It confirms that there have been no incidents since the previous APCM.
An annual budget is prepared to ensure short term viability. Actual results compared with budget are reported regularly to the PCC. The PCC has approved internal controls for annual accounts, cash and cheques handling. All assets are insured and levels reviewed annually and approved by the PCC.
The PCC met eight times in 2022 and all meetings were in person.
Objectives and Aims – our reason for being!
The PCC of St Stephen’s, Soundwell, has the responsibility of cooperating with the Priest-in-Charge, Rev Lisa Wigmore, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical – in short, focusing on what Jesus wants us to do. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and the Church Hall.
The PCC continued with a number of specific aims for 2022, as we worked towards agreeing a new vision and mission statement for the future. The continuing aims were; connecting with God; connecting with each other; and connecting with the community in order that we will be a ‘Beacon of Light & Hope to the community’. In addition, the PCC strives to fulfil our financial and physical responsibilities, both within the Church and to the Diocese. The new vision and mission statements are outlined in the Vicar’s Report.
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Activities and Achievements – review of the year.
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll now stands at 112 people, an increase of one from last year. Four names have been removed and five added.
Ministry Overview
Vicar
Although Covid-19 didn’t affect our services throughout 2022, it still impacted our lives at times, when one or more of us contracted the virus and had to ‘isolate’ in order to best care for those around us. Behind the scenes and across the life of the church, Covid Risk Assessments continued throughout the year on a monthly basis. But no matter what, we continued to find ways of connecting with God and each other – thank the Lord for the telephone calls, video chats, Dial and Click-a-Sermons, as well as worship in church!
Although most people have resumed worship with one another in church… for some that hasn’t been possible and they rely on Open Space, receiving Holy Communion and listening to sermons at home, and keeping in touch with one another in various ways and times.
Sadly, the year began with lead theft from our roof, which resulted in leaks and damage. This was on top of the already extensive works needed to repair our ‘wobbly’ Spire, and the general repairs to the building that the 2018 Quinquennial Inspection suggested. Then there was the break-in, which really did pull the rug from under us for a while – it felt wrong and disheartening, to say the least. Yet… the people of our church community were amazing!! With mops and buckets, cleaning fluid and cloths, we gathered to put right the awful mess that was caused. People from the parish sent messages and financial donations of support, and St Stephen’s Infant and Junior Schools sold doughnuts and had colouring competitions to raise funds for the repairs and demonstrate how important their church is to them. Sadness turned to joy and we got stuck into the repairs.
I can’t express how much work it took to repair the Spire; apply for grants to raise the funds needed; supply information and obtain quotes; deal with architects and contractors; be there to open and close the church; worry about how long it was taking. Then, similarly for the lead theft, quinquennial repairs and the break-in (except sadly grant funding isn’t available for those sorts of things). It was a huge weight on a small number of us that were involved – but I am thankful and grateful to this team for all they did ! The finishing works will tip over into 2023, when the additional security measures, suggested by The Crime Prevention Officer of Avon and Somerset Police, begins.
But none of this stopped us worshipping the Lord and continuing to follow Jesus. We gathered as a Church Community through Lent to explore Living in Love and Faith – a Bible study and discussion around the themes of relationships, sexuality and living together as a church community from a wide range of backgrounds. Youth Church chose to make changes to how it meets and worships together, to make it more relevant and open to all who might wish to come and grow together with Jesus. A bumper number of six couples were married in church in 2022 and one couple renewed their marriage vows. Three sessions of Baptism Preparation meant that fourteen children were Baptised at St Stephen’s. Thirteen Funerals were conducted in Church, with a further sixteen at local Crematoriums and two Memorial services enabled people to gather in church to remember their loved ones. 2022 was the year we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and also the year we said our goodbyes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Our Mission Outreach Groups; Ladies Group, Men’s Group, Pensioners Group, See & Know, Outburst, Knit and Natter, continued to meet throughout 2022. Some building up from a new start, others welcoming old members back and lots of new ones as well. What joy! They continue to be ways in which the love of Jesus is shared within our community.
The links with the 5 Schools in the parish continue to grow, with increased visits to church, RE lessons taught by ministers on both school and church premises, Collective Worship led in school and regular services in church throughout the year. Two of us are members of St Stephen’s Junior School and Soundwell Academy Governing Bodies where lots of vital work takes place. We continue to explore how we might share the story of Jesus in imaginative and interactive ways in our local schools.
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In June 2022 we began a coffee morning in in The Turnpike, which has been a hugely popular, attracting both folk who regularly come to church AND those who don’t. It’s a great way of showing ourselves in the community and can lead to opportunities of sharing Jesus with others – loving God and our neighbour!
The Summer and Christmas Fayres were both a huge success in the way that the community wanted to come to their church. Many didn’t seem to want to leave and there were some fabulous conversations as well as lots of goodies changing hands. Both these events, along with the very first and hugely successful ‘Plant Sale’, and the wonderful concert which brought together ‘Storm Force 10’ Sea Shanty Band and the ‘Old Crocks’ band, made St Stephen’s a fun place to be, as well as raising much needed funds to keep the mission and ministry of our church alive.
In time honoured tradition, I am saving the best ‘til last… July was an extra special month as it brought Reverend Regan Meares to St Stephen’s as our Assistant Curate. What a delight and joy it has been for us all to have Regan with us, as part of our church family. This marked the start of a minimum 3, and maximum 4 year stay with us in Soundwell as he continues to learn and grow in the ministry to which God is calling him.
But what next??
Throughout 2022 and for some time before that, your PCC has been daring to look ahead. Part of that included looking back, and out of that came the St Stephen’s Story video, which also encouraged us to leave a legacy to our church as well as ‘knowing Jesus and making Jesus known’, which has become our Vision Statement. Part of this looking back helped us to think through who we are, and we agreed the following Mission Statement, so that all we do might come from, or be checked through this…
SSS Mission Statement
We exist to share the love of God, which we see most clearly in Jesus. Our Mission as Christians in Soundwell is to enable everyone to get to know Jesus and to deepen their relationship with Him.
We aim to do this by being the Church family for the whole community; journeying together through the good times, tough times, and also the everyday, ordinary times; nurturing faith, having fun, serving our neighbourhood and working in partnership with those around us.
St Stephen’s Church is a place of prayer and worship where everyone is welcome; everyone is valued; everyone is important, to us, and to God. This is because life, love and death does not make sense without Jesus.
Vision Statement
St Stephen’s… knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.
Our Diocese continues to look at our collective focus and priorities for the years ahead and we look forward to working together towards those new objectives. Despite all the expense of the building repairs we have overcome this year, and despite the very real crisis in our economy, we know we have to lift our eyes and look towards the future of our church building, so we can pass on what we have been freely given, to the generations to come.
This is not a quick process, because none of us want to rush anything so important. Which is why your PCC began with reminding ourselves who we are as a church, and our reason for being – as outlined in the above statements. Next will come consultations with the members of our church, our Mission Outreach Groups and the wider folk of our Parish. St Stephen’s is the church for the whole parish, the whole community and we want to hear from everyone.
The reason is outlined in this next statement, but in a nutshell, it’s because we know we have to ensure our buildings remain ‘fit for purpose’ for the next 120 years, whatever wonderful purposes God has planned for them.
Re-ordering Mission Statement
St Stephen’s Church, Soundwell, is well-worn, because it’s been well used. We want to make our church a multifunctional facility which is hospitable, fit for purpose and serving the needs of our local community.
St Stephen’s… knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.
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As I write this in March 2023, the groundwork of who we are and the demographic of the parish we serve has all been recorded. A questionnaire is in the early stages of being created, and as soon as we are ready to share this more widely, it will be with you. Nothing is being hidden, and all will be shared… but we can’t share what we haven’t yet prepared. Please pray for your PCC as we take this forward with you and with our community.
Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar
Churchwarden
2022 began with the problems involving the Church Tower still hanging over us. However, at that time we were anticipating the repair work would start in the February, but there were a few problems. Eventually it was started in May and completed early September, and while the scaffolding was in place Dawson Steeplejacks fitted the new lightening conductor. Some tiles were unavoidably damaged due to the scaffolding but were later repaired.
Just prior to Covid we had a builder lined up to do the outstanding quinquennial roof work, but unfortunately he was then unable to take on the work, so this necessitated our getting three more quotes from other builders. As a result of this we received a very acceptable quote from Ellis & Co. (who were doing the Tower work) and it was agreed they would do the work.
Another roof problem which had occurred just before Christmas 2021, was the theft of lead from the Church Room roof, so it was felt appropriate to ask Ellis & Co. to take on this work as well. Unfortunately, at a point where the lead was missing rain water filtered through to the Robing Room and caused more damage.
It was mid-January when the Church was broken into and the perpetrators left behind a trail of destruction, as a result of this there was an inordinate amount of work to be done both by Church Members and professional tradesmen.
All the roof work, plus the theft and break-in involved constant contact with our Insurance Company giving them updates of what was happening or going to happen. Again, there was regular contact with the Diocese and completion of necessary forms gaining permissions etc. that would allow us to go ahead with various works.
One job that had to be done was the repair of the Vestry floor, so that proved a good time to get the Church Hall floor repaired. Although this floor had been refurbished comparatively recently, there were several areas where unfortunately it had suffered damage.
Throughout the year we had the usual annual checks such as the boiler servicing, P.A.T testing to ensure our electrical appliances were safe, and the fire extinguisher/ blankets tested to ensure they were in good working order.
Although it was just at the start of 2023, we finally had the quinquennial work and the lead replacement completed. It was hoped that we could have had an alternative to lead, but the builder advised us that this product was not suitable. We now look forward to a much quieter 2023.
Gill Mayo - Church Warden
Ministry Team
The ministry team continues to be made up of Lisa Wigmore, (Vicar), Sandy and Lin Cooper (Associate Priest and Director of Music), Peter Robbins (Licensed Lay Minister), Gill Mayo (Church Warden), Lorraine Sanderson (Treasurer), and Regan Meares (Assistant Curate), who joined us part way through the year. As your Vicar, I know how hard these folk work for our Church and for the glory of God. They are each fabulous and fantastic and use their God-given gifts and skills in everything they do…. often doing so in a sacrificial manner. I praise & thank God for them!
This has been Gill’s fifth year as Church Warden and she has been supported by a fantastic team of seven Assistant Church Wardens; Geoff Harris, Jan Brookshaw, Bill Brookshaw, Carolyn Hawkins,
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Tim Parker, Matt Gait and Wayne Topps. Special thanks for Tim and Matt for continuing with necessary maintenance work over this difficult year.
Supporting the Ministry Team and often being the first point of contact for the community, are a team who keep the Church office open and active four mornings a week; Jan Brookshaw, Jenny Bishop, Bill Bishop, and Bill Brookshaw, with David Packe keeping us connected through advertising, the website, our weekly slides and Open Space.
Thank you to the Sacristy Team for their continuing help in supporting the presiding priest at services of Holy Communion.
Particular thanks to the PCC for being an active part in the Governance and Mission of St Stephen’s.
Services
St Stephen’s Community Worship is a great place to be at 10am each Sunday. The Youth Church team, led by Peter Robbins, has grown in its leadership and style and come through a time of change and renewal. The young people are the future of our church, so we must encourage them with our prayers, smiles and considerations.
We have valued teams of people leading Ante-Communion (the first part of the service), Intercessions and readings from the Bible.
A small but committed congregation meet at 8am on the first and third Sundays of the month for BCP Holy Communion. There continues to be another committed congregation at 10am each Wednesday to share Holy Communion together.
The new monthly Coffee, Chat and Company at the Turnpike Pub, has been a thriving success, and often has around 22 people meeting up.
During 2022, a small team of church members offered their time and received training to take Holy Communion to around fourteen of our ‘At Home Members’. This number can grow when folk are housebound by illness for short periods of time.
Friday Night Live, at 6.30pm on the third Friday of each month, is a service that allows people to explore God’s word in ways that suit their own learning style. It is relaxed and open to people of all ages and experiences and has a committed team to plan and lead the worship.
Services at Deerhurst Care Home are held regularly, some with Holy Communion, others without. Some more prayerful for just a few people and others for everyone. All these are received and valued by residents, staff and carers alike.
The planning teams for the all age community services, which happen at Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday, Good Friday and on our Church’s birthday (Dedication), continued to grow in number, confidence and ideas. They are a team of people who are passionate about enabling the young families of our community get to know and follow Jesus. This team continue to create the Experience Easter Trail in the Church garden, which has been a huge success across our community over the last few years, with many people coming to Experience Easter during Holy Week.
All the usual Christian festivals have been celebrated, with Palm Sunday seeing a donkey called ‘Barney’ visiting us to remind us of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Easter Day saw the Easter Story told in chocolate. And Jesus… the light in the darkness shone throughout all our Christmas Services.
Ministry in our local schools is growing, through assemblies and visits to them, this in turn encourages significant numbers of children, parents and carers to attend their Christmas services in Church. Carols by Candlelight saw our Church bursting at the seams again, with the 37th Kingswood Alumni Scout band continuing to be a valued part of the worship and fun times at St Stephen’s. The Christmas Eve Family Fun Christingle Services and Christmas Morning Family Service were very well attended, as was Midnight Holy Communion.
We have a fabulous team of people who ensure those who have lost loved ones are invited to our Memorial Services, and that they are cared for and welcomed when they do. There are also a small but
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committed team of people who support Baptism Families both at the Baptism itself and during the preparation sessions.
Our main Sunday Services, festivals and occasional offices were enhanced by our Parish Church Choir, led by Lin Cooper. And Tim Parker has shared with her the leading of our sung worship week by week.
Care and Prayer
Pastoral Care 2022
Pastoral Care continued to be a particular focus of the Church during the year. This included home visits, hospital visits, home communions and care home visits and services.
Visits were also offered to the newly bereaved, and Memorial Services were held in May and November, for anyone who wished to attend. The love, prayer and reading of the names of those gone to glory was much appreciated by those that came to these special services. There is also a Book of Remembrance in Church.
Jenny Bishop is our Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator, and she supports Lisa and the Ministry Team in caring for the people of our Parish. She phones and visits folk as an ambassador of our church… as do many of the congregation. Jenny, along with Jan Brookshaw, Carolyn Hawkins, Lorraine Sanderson, Gill Mayo, Regan and Lisa, take Home Communion regularly to around 15 people – a number that often increases as a short-time need arises for some.
The love, care and concern shown by so many of our congregation to each other, especially those who aren’t always able to join us in regular worship, is the whole basis of Care Connections . If a member of the congregation notices an empty seat where there is usually a familiar face, they let one of the ministers or the Care Connections team know about it as soon as possible.
Specific needs are prayed for immediately by a team of people known as our Prayer Chain . They pray for those whose people who have asked Lisa or any of us for prayer, and would like us as the ‘church’ to be praying for them or the particular situation. E-mails are sent to the team to request them to pray immediately. These prayers continue, and also include the names of our home members and those who are to be baptised or married during the year.
Fourteen baptisms took place during 2022, as well as six weddings and one marriage blessing on a special anniversary. Twenty-nine funerals were conducted either in Church or at other locations, and there were three interment of ashes at other cemeteries.
Using the Cycle of Prayer and the diary from Open Space, all church members, but especially those in the Prayer Chain are able to pray for the life of St. Stephen’s. Our Cycle of Prayer, from which we pray for our organisations, individuals, and those living or working in streets in our parish, provides a platform from which specific prayer needs flow.
All requests for prayer are treated as confidential. St Stephens truly is a praying Church!
Safeguarding Report
The PCC were delighted to be able to appoint Sarah Fry to the voluntary post of Assistant Parish Safeguarding Officer in the Autumn. Sarah will be a great asset to the Safeguarding work in the Parish and provide an additional contact point for those seeking support with any aspect of Safeguarding.
During the year Peter, Sarah and the Ministry Team have received training from the Diocese to keep their Safeguarding training requirements current.
Due to a change in the Church of England guidelines, the year started with an unexpected demand for most of our Disclosure and Barring certificates to be renewed, which was completed in just a few weeks. Our DBS disclosures are now fully up-to-date, any changes will now be reported to the PCC as required by National Church.
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During the year our Safeguarding policies and administration have been reviewed and brought in line with the latest procedural guidelines.
Training and education has been provided to PCC members about their Safeguarding responsibilities as Trustees, along with regular reports by the Safeguarding Officers on developments in this aspect of the work of the Parish.
Peter Robbins - Parish Safeguarding Officer
Community
The Church membership are involved in many unseen individual acts of care, service and generosity to those in particular need. In addition, the following community orientated activities have been taking place in and around the Church: -
Church Outreach Groups:
St Stephen’s Ladies Group 2022
The Ladies Group last year changed their meetings to an afternoon which is on a Thursday every two weeks. It is one of the best things we could have done, resulting in a lot of new members.
We hold our Birthday and Carol service in the church. Lisa, our Vicar, is also our President. We have a varied programme. We hold a Bring and Buy Sale in aid of our project, which this year is the church. We had a visit from the OId Crocks Music Group for which we sold tickets, with the money raised from this also going to the church.
We welcome any new members who wish to join us.
Jean Hulbert, Chairman
Outburst Youth Group
During 2022 we have continued to welcome new members to Outburst, with many children joining us from the local primary schools. Unfortunately following our return after the summer holidays our numbers decreased and we are actively advertising our group to the local community in the hope that numbers will rise.
During the year we have covered many subjects including Mothering Sunday, Easter, New Life, God’s Creatures, Fairtrade, Remembrance, Advent and the meaning of Christmas to name just a few. These sessions have taken the form of film nights, crafts, discussions, treasure hunts using the bibles, quizzes and the installation of a new planter in the church grounds.
Our aim is to show the young people who attend that meeting together in a Christian based group can be fun and enjoyable and doesn’t necessarily have to be part of a formal meeting. We hope that by planting the seed of Christianity that when they feel ready to make their own commitment in faith they will reflect back on their time at Outburst and want to continue with their journey with God.
Carolyn Smith
Knit & Natter
I am pleased to say we are still meeting, even though our numbers have reduced due to illness and sadly the loss of our friend Bobbie Tucker. However, there is group of 10 to 12 regular members.
We continue to support our 2 local nursing homes providing blankets and twiddle muffs and sometimes soft toys. Members also make hats for the homeless and other charities which they support personally.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons 1.30 - 3.30 and would welcome any new members.
Jan Brookshaw
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See and Know
See and Know, for those who don’t know about us, is a Parent and Toddler Group that runs on Thursday morning during school term time. We have been running now for 20 years and are now at full capacity with 27 children on the register.
Each week we have a theme which includes a craft activity and a singing session relevant to that theme. We want the children and their families to learn about the Christian Faith in a friendly and caring way and know that Jesus is our friend.
We had a party in July with a bouncy castle and party food when we said goodbye to the children leaving to go to school. We also had a Christmas party with Father Christmas in attendance and a good time was had by all.
It is hard to believe that we have been open now for 20 years and most of the team have been together since we first started. Needless to say, we are all getting older and would really love to welcome some new help. If anyone is interested please see me or any of the team.
Sue Humphrey and the See and Know Team.
Senior Citizens Group
We are so fortunate to be able to meet every other Friday. Our Group continues to flourish, more so now since the Pandemic. We are frequently welcoming new members.
As usual we had our favourite entertainers, held bingo sessions, quizzes and fund-raising afternoons. Our chosen charity was the Great Western Air Ambulance. Our Christmas Carol Service was well supported and we have to thank Lisa, our Vicar, for giving up her day off to be there to support us. Our outings were fully supported and included trips to Weymouth, Torquay and Worcester. Our Christmas meal at the Players Club was really good, although despite being an extremely cold day and the room being cold, the meals were piping hot and very enjoyable.
Sadly, we bade farewell to several members and our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends.
Our grateful thanks must go to Mary for her fantastic leadership when, under very difficult and sad times, she continued to encourage us all.
Thank you so much. Mary Britton, Chairperson.
Men’s Group
2022 was a year of mixed blessings – our meetings were, as usual, full of interest and good social interaction, but as with most organisations “Post Covid”, our numbers were affected. However, we rose to the challenge and, at our AGM, decided to change our meeting times from Thursday evenings to afternoon, opening our door at 1.30 for refreshments prior to starting our programme at 2pm. Almost immediately, our numbers rose to a more viable level. Whilst natural reductions still are and always will be a fact of life, we are confident that, with the spirit of friendship and unity of purpose coupled with meetings of interest and entertainment, we will flourish and grow ever stronger! A genuine and heartfelt welcome awaits all newcomers, so if any of you are thinking about joining us, ponder no longer – we look forward to seeing you.
On a special note, our sincere thanks and gratitude go to Ken Fox who, in his 90[th] year, has decided to step down as our Vice Chairman. Over many years of membership, Ken has served on every position of our Committee. Thank you, Ken – we look forward to your continuing fellowship with us.
Brian Brown, Chairman
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Financial Overview Year ending 31[st] December 2022
The Parochial Church funds at the end of this financial year stand at £150,386. This shows an increase of about £22,733 on the 2021 figure. The main features of 2022 being the completion of repairs to the Spire, the on-going repairs following both a break into the Church’s premises and the theft of lead from the roof. The Church has greatly benefitted from the generosity of the community and grant giving charities. In addition, the Church has received a gift allocated to the Church’s Next Generation Fund.
Investments
Some of the Church reserve funds are invested with the Central Board of Finance and are managed by the Central Board of Finance. Other funds are lodged with the Church’s bankers and the interest received during the year was £78.61.
Unrestricted Funds
The unrestricted general fund reserve has increased in the year from £36,777 to £42,344, and is held partly in accounts with Lloyds Bank and in an account with the Central Board of Finance. In addition, the designated funds have increased from £76,663 to £107,017. This is mainly due to improved Hall lettings, insurance payments for repairs as yet incomplete and the gift allocated to make provision for improvements to the Church Fabric for the Next Generation – a new Fund in 2021. The designated Fabric funds are required to cover the day to day maintenance and upkeep of the building. The Church Hall fund includes income from the use of the Church Hall. These premises are normally used by a wide range of local community organisations as well as for Church based activities. The use of the Hall has greatly improved following the easing of the Covid – 19 restrictions.
Restricted Funds
Restricted Funds within the Church accounts arise from gifts given to the Church to be forwarded to specified Charities, and from Fairtrade goods sold within the Church. A small sum of Fairtrade cash and monies awaiting allocation to the appropriate Charity remain at the close of the year. Grant funds held at the beginning of the year for the Spire have been used totally during the year. Grants and gifts given specifically to assist with repairs following the break-in have been fully spent during the year.
Income & Expenditure
Church income is generated mainly from the generosity of Church members, together with, in normal years, some well supported fund-raising fayres and events. Planned giving income increased by 4.5% compared with the previous year. Gift Aid continues to make a significant contribution to the income of the Church.
The Parish Share contribution for 2022 was increased to £65,651. This represents the Parish contribution to the diocese’s costs in providing ministers’ stipends and housing as well as a further contribution to diocesan and national services costs.
The Church has an agreed policy of giving around 10% of its Voluntary Income to a number of Charities which have become known as our “Mission Partners” because of their ongoing relationship with members of the Church. These include: -
The Bristol Soup Run The One25 Project, Bristol Emmaus, Bristol Sisters of the Church Diocesan Uganda Fund Christian Aid Beloved Bristol Schools Connection Harvest for the Hungry
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The have been some significant items of Church Maintenan during the year, including repairs to the spire, repairs and making good following Considerable damage during a break-in al the Church premises, and the commissioning of lead replacement following thaft. Works expected early in 2023 indude additional security measures and an alarm, lead replament and further routine roof repairs. With the help of community generoslty and Charitable Trust grants, the Church Hall has been able to begin to rebuild reserves and sèt aside resources for work to make the pmISeS fft for the Next Generation. During the year, many Church members have continued to give through the Parish Giving Scheme. It has also benefitted us by the monthly tax reclaim system and also by the ways those on the scheme are prompted to VIeW their level of their giving annually. Many other Church members have continued filling their weekly giving envelopes and ensure they have found their way into Church funds. Offerings and Hall lettlngs have been gradually improving following the reductlons during the Covid times. We continue to be blessed by Ihe faithful generosity of the church community. Many people have made donalions which are over and above their normal giving, especially as a result of the break-in. The people of the parish also gave spontaneously and generously in response, to help put right, the damage that had been made in their church. We may not be rich in our bank balances here in Soundwell. but we are rich in care and love.. and this has been evident in our'giving. as well as in the way we follow Jesus in other aspects of our lives. May we always and ntInUallY declare in our hearts, from our lips, and through our actions, that We Follow Jesusl Approved by the PCC on and signed on their behalf by Rev'd Lisa ore, PCC CHARITY NO. 1131503 hair 11
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St. Stephen's Churth Soundwèll Yearended 31st Dember 2022 Balancé Shtet 3illl/2022. Currèftt Assets Stock Oebtofs Central Board of Flnance Cash at Bank and In hand Cash in hand Note 3 5,058.19 5,342.01 £ 143,387.99 8.51 1,85127 5,272.67 J22,8X02 851 £ 153,796.70 £) Current LlabllltlÈs Sundry Creditors Organi5atlon Dep051ts Outburst Flower Ftsnd Holiday Club Cholr Fund Note 3 £2.S26.69 £1.430.12 287.71 5.94 270.70 331.53 270.70 331.53 3.410.69 Net Assets £ 150.386.01 ' . £ 127fi5*?,'. ststement of Funds Unrestricted- General Note 4 42.344.40 36.777.12 £ 42,344.40 1., £ 36,777.il.' Deswnoted Desi8nated- Fabric Designated- Fabrit Special Projects De518nated- Next Generation Fund De5ignated- Hall Note 5 14,085.75 2.615.46 85,000.CKJ 5,316.44 12.339.67 2,15&14 fr'I-: £ 76.663.27 £ 107,017.65 Restricted Mission Fairtrade Spire Fund Uganda Fund Job Help Note 6 1.015.45 8.51 1.015.45 ¥.. &51 .189.00 1.023.96 &. £ 14,212.96. Totsl Funds £ 0.380.01 ft". £ J27,653.3&'k: Approved by the Parochlal Churth Council o 023 and signed on their bèhalf by Reverend Llsa Wigmore, Vitar...................... Lorralne Sande0. Treasurer..................... 13
St Stsphens Church, Soundwo11 A¢counts for the year ondod 31 D8mb#r 2022 Notes to th• Flnanclal Statem•nts 1 Accountlng Pollcle8 The financial statements have been prepare(l in accordance wfih the Church Accoursling Regulations 2006 using the accruals basis The financial slalements have been prepared under the historical cost conventson. Fixed assets Consecrated land and buildings and movgble ChUh fumishings . Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by $.9612}lal of the Charities Act 1993. Movable churGh fijrnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a facuty for disposal, are aOnted as inalienable propety unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can bè inspected lat any reasonable limel. For inalienable propety acquired prtor to 31 clember 2000 there is insufficient cost infomiatson available and therefore such assets a not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1" January 2001 have been ¢aptslised and depreGlate(l in the accounts over their currently antIpated useful economic life (initially over 4 years) on a slraighl line basis. ' All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £2,500, or the repair of moveable Church fumishings acquired before 31 December 2000 is wrtiten off. Funds Genefftl funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject lo any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds deslgnale(S for a p8rti¢ular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. The accounts include all transactions. assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those th* are informal galherings of Church members. Incomlng Resources Voluntary income and capit81 urceS ' Collections arg recognised when receNed by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned givin9 receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donats'ons is recognised when the donatr'ons are receiv&8. Fund$ raised by the fete, garden party and similar events are accounted for gross. Otherordinary income Rental income from the letting ol church premises is recognised when the rental is ¢Ju8. Income fmm investments Dividends and interest are accounled for when received. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised In the same accounkn.ng year. Resourcgs usod Gr8nts Grants and donaltons are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded. if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Activities dKectly relating to the work olthe Chufrrh The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid al 31 t)eeemb8r is provided fr>r in these accounis as an operational (though not a legall liability and is shown as a cltOr in the Balance Sheet. Oth6rfixtures, fith'ngs and office 8quipm8nt Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 year5. Individual itsms of equipment with a purchase pr¢ce of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Current a&sets ' Amounts owlng to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other InMe are shown as debtor5 less provision for amoLtnts that may prove uncolleth"ble. -Short-lerm deposits include cash held on deposlt either with the CBF ChurGh of England Funds or at the bank 2. Trustse Romungrdtlon, Rolatod partle8 Transactlons •nd Staff Costs . Two Trustees received expenses in performan of their dubes totalling £1,159.89. ' Mrs L.M. Cooper who is a Trvslee received £1,500 for her work as Musical Director plus £1,305 for Wedding and Funeral services. ' Mr G. Harris who is a Trustee recei¥8d £440 for his duties as verger Mr P. Sanderson who is the husband of trustee received £2.446.20 for his duties as Hall Cleaner ' There is one other member of stsff. our Church's ProMotn8 Officer Croditors are recognised on the basis of go)ds and services received and measured al the settlement amount. 14
Illl o) * mc ul 4r* lillii Ililiia J£Jry O
St. Stèphen's Church Soundwell Year ènded 31st December 2022 DetaFled Income and Expendlture Ant Note 4 2022 General Fund Income Incoming resourcesfrorn donor5 Offerln85 and donatlon5"Glft Alded. Intorne Tax recovered from"Gift Aid" Offerin8 envelopes not'GIft Aided" Open plat? offering Sundry donations E 56,386.12 £ 16,708.36 1,394.92 3,992.44 9,995.91 £ 54AgJ.55 £ 15.507.96 1,419.71 2.718.59 8.792.32 E 88.477.75 Incoming resource5from choritable ondonrilliury troding Fees Sundry Cards & Calendars 5,933.00 1.370.59 534.00 £ w.oo 555.75 923.IXJ 7,837.59 In£omefrom investments Interest received 78.61 Totsl Incomln8 resources £ 96.393.95 General Fund Expendlturt Activities directly reloting to workoAthe Church Ministry- Parish pledge Cler8y expenses - Sundry Church Insurance. Light and Heat Music provlslo Communion and other servlce costs £ 65,651.00 1,159.89 231.20 64.050.CKt". 429.21 5,093.17 2,248.17 1,107.77 497A5 £ 75,491.20 Church mLrnugEmenr otrjdodminlstratlon Printin& stationery and envelopes Equrpment purchased Salarie5 Subscrlptlons and Admin Sundries Cart15 & Calendars 1.677.02 2.859.25 1.600.20 199.00 3.089.64 2,583.95 ..:~ 636. 6.335.47 £ 81.826.67 8,3CO.3 £ 79JOB. Net Incoming resourte Transfer between fund5 ITO Mission) Transfer between funds (To Hall Fund) Balance brou8ht/fwd tst January 2022 9,0(.() :: '40 £ 9,5LXJ.W, 3,C.Lv' £ 41.36S.39 £ 36,777.12 Balance ¢arrfedlfwd 31st Otcember 2022 £ 36.Tn. 16
SL Stephen's Churth 5oundwell Year ended 31st December 2022 Detalled Incorno •nd Expendlture Account 2022 Designated Funds Fabrlc Ftlnd Le83cS & Sundry Donat10Tr5 Insurance clairns Fetes, 8aiaars and Fund ralslng Total incomin4 resource £ 13.3LKJ.77 É 3,301.93 28 16.602.70 Church rnaintenanre Spire Costs after restrittedlund$ Break-in costs afterRe5trlcted funds Costs of Fetes. Bazaars and Fund raising Tt>tal Exwndllur¢ £ 3.533.65 £ 8,594.47 E 2,728.50 . 420475 6,075.ot 6.62 Net In¢omln8lOutyolnRI rtsourtt5 L746.08 Balante broijghtlfwd 1st January Balance tarri•dlh¥d 31rt Dq¢qrnber2022 12.339.67 14.085.75 Fabrlc S d•1 Pro Donations for Church projects Totsl IornIn{ resource 450.oj 15U 450.IXI Cburch projects Totsl Expendlture Net ltt<omin8lOutgolnAI restyJrce5 450.00 alance brou8hi/fv4d 1st Janry B•1?e carrladlf*NI 315t D4mber 2022 2.165.46 2.61SA6 ration Fu Legacles Donaiions Total IncomJn8r•source £ 25,(W.00 i0.(K 25.cixI.rKJ Church projects Totsl ExpÈndltyJre &alance broughvfwd IstJanu8ry Balance Carried1fv 31st DeMbrIo22 60.).[) 85.Wl.00 Hall Account Hall Lettings Church Organisations Transfer from Genèr•1 Fund Total Incomln8 resources £ 10,791.75 4452 10.791.75 Hall runDln8 costs Wages Waterrates Ll8ht and Heat Totsl Lypty11Ure 552.31 £ 3,057.60 242.19 E 3.781.35 4,653.19,, .¥758 97.15.. 7,6a3.4S Nèt in(omin8/outgoln4 Yesour¢e5 3.158.30 8alance broughtlfwd 1st January Balance carrledlfvA 31¥t December2022 2.158.14 Sa16.44 £ 3.16L61
$1. 5t*phen's Chur£h 5ourthieM Yearended 31st December 2022 Detalled In(ome and ExpendityroA0Unt Note 6 Restrkted Fund5 Mis Sundry donationsand collettiom5 £ 2.310.K• 2LOY, 2,310.90 9.OtN).LKI 11.310.90 Transfer between Funds (from GerTrerall Total Incomln8 resource Expndityre- Grants Bristol Soup run One25 Projett Emmaus Sisters of the Churth Diotese U8anda fL¢nd119 & 201 Christian Aid Beloved Bristol Schools Connectx)ns Harvest for the Hungry Donutlonsfrom collert$ Harve5tforthe Hun8ry Help for HeroÈs Si$ters of the Church Children'5 Soclety 5undryDorntions Total ExperltUre £ L200.(AI 1.2LNJ. £ 1.200.QO i.5.00 500.00 1,200.00 1.2fK).tKI sw.00 £ 13QO. £ L500Th1 500JIO £ 43C¥).CKJ 572.75 1,534.45 203.70 iL310.90 Nei Incornln8lOutgoln81 resourts5 Balance brouÉhVfwd 1st January Balance tarrledlfwd 31st December 2022 1,015.45 lJ)15.45 I,0.45 Fairtrad Income from tharitable and ancillarytrading Sale$ Stock WTiteoft Le$5 Cost of sale5 Net incomSn8 resour5 Balance broughtlfwd 15tJBnuary 8alancoorrledlth 315t December2022 53.88 53.88 8.51 8.51 we Fund Grants & Grfts fo¥ Spire Repairs Net incomlnl resryJr(os Spire Expendlture Balance brought/fwd 1st January Balafi¢g(arrledlfwd 3tst OÉternber2022 £ 42,120,60 13,189.C¥) 42,120.60 55.309.60 13.189.C47 k-ln Fun Grènts & Gifts ftsr 8Teak-in Net Incofflin8 resources Break-in expendltufe BIlan carrledlfwd aist Dectrnbgr2022 3,605.19 3,605.19 Net Incomlng resourtes Remritted Batance I23. 18
St Stephens Church, Soundwell Accounts for the y2aT ended 31" De¢•mber 2022 Independent Examln¢Vs Report to the PCC of St Strphen'5 Church. SoUndwl I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on pages 12 to 18. As the charity's tru8tèes, you are responsible for the preparation of the accourts in accordano wth the requirements of the Chartties Act 2011 (Yhe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all th8 applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission und•r sectFon 14515)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim7 that no material matters have come tr) my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect: . th8 accounting records were not kept in accordance valh section 130 of the Charities Act; or . the accounts did not ac£ord with the accounting records. or the accounts did not Comply with the applicable requiremerts conceming the fomi and conterrt of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulaty'ons 2008 other than any requirements that the accourrt5 give a Irue and fair, view whiGh is not a matter considered as part of an irKlepend6nt examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection wrth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a prop8r understanding of the a¢counts to be r8ac*Ed. Davld Bld 12 The Newands Frenchay Bristol BS18 1NQ XS 2023