2023-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Stephen, Soundwell, Bristol

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

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, SOUNDWELL, BRISTOL ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 Biddel 12 The Newlands Frenchay BS16 1NQ

Churchwarden

PCC members who have served from 1 January 2023 until the date of this report are:

Vicar: Rev Lisa Wigmore Chair Ex Officio Clergy: Rev Regan Meares Ex Officio Rev Sandy Cooper Ex Officio Lay Ministers: Mr Peter Robbins Safeguarding Officer Ex Officio Wardens: Mrs Gill Mayo Ex Officio Representatives on Mr Bill Bishop Vice Chair Ex Officio The Deanery Synod Elected Members Mrs Lin Cooper Elected 2023 Mrs Carolyn Smith Elected 2023 Mrs Sarah Fry Elected 2023 Mrs Carolyn Hawkins Secretary Elected 2021 Mrs Julia Merrifield ER Officer Elected 2021 Mrs Trish Phipps Elected 2021* 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

end of 3-year term

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	At the Turnpike
Sacristy Team	Safeguarding Team	Prayer Teams	Youth Church
Choir	Friday Night Live Team	OutburstYouth Group
See & Know	Knit & Natter	Ladies Group
Men’s Group	Pensioner’s Group	Discipleship Groups
Café Central Team	Baptism Prep	Re-Ordering Committee
Bereavement Team	Pastoral Care Teams	Flower Persons
Cleaning Guild	Welcomers & Sides People	Welcome Space

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 has been one incident 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 has met 7 times in 2023 and all meetings have been in person.

Objectives and Aims – our reason for being!

The PCC of St Stephen’s, Soundwell, has the responsibility of cooperating with the Vicar, 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, in line with Diocesan objectives, continued with a number of specific aims for 2023; To follow Jesus. To serve others. To transform communities. Our Mission Statement is simply: Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.

In addition, the PCC strives to fulfil our financial and physical responsibilities, both within the Church and to the Diocese

Activities and Achievements – review of the year.

Electoral Roll

The Electoral Roll now stands at 115 people, an increase of 3 from last year. Five names have been removed and eight added.

Ministry Overview

Vicar

2023 was a good year - a year that has brought new people to St Stephen’s and an atmosphere that feels vibrant and alive.

Praise God that the updates and extra security measures following a break-in, a wobbly spire and lead theft, were virtually finished. The cost of all of this was immense - in both time and focus as well as money (which we didn’t have). Through grant funding applications and the generosity of many people throughout the parish, we have come through this time of trial.

Following on from Christmas 2022, we began 2023 knowing that Jesus is the Light in the darkness of our lives and our world. And His light really shone right through the year, lighting all we planned and said and did in His name and for His glory. No wonder, we got to the end of the year celebrating that Jesus is Joy to the World!

The success of Friday Night Live, on the 3rd Friday of each month, meant that the services carried on throughout the year, even during the usual ‘down-time’ of August. Its focus on Scripture and how we connect to that as individuals and as a worshipping community, as well as its relaxed style of worship and welcoming atmosphere, has probably been the reason why.

The monthly Coffee, Chat and Company at the Turnpike Pub had to move its start time to 12noon, which wasn’t as convenient for many, but still lots of people come along and often has around 22 people meeting up. Warm Space began in January, which provided a space for people to keep warm, meet with others and share refreshments and conversation. It morphed into Welcome Space in the spring and has continued throughout the year. The earlier start time of 9am is welcomed by parents after the ‘school run’ and is now operating on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

Our other 6 Mission Outreach Groups; Ladies Group, Men’s Group, Pensioners Group, See & Know, Outburst, Knit and Natter, continued to meet throughout 2023. 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 Lent Course in 2023 was based around the film, ‘Chocolat’, which enabled us to explore Scripture and the ways we live out our own faith with the help of a small French village and its new arrival - a lady who made & sold chocolate!

Talking of food - we had a great time celebrating Regan’s Priesting, both at the Ordination Service in Bristol Cathedral AND back in Soundwell when he presided at Holy Communion for the first time and we broke bread together, buffet and BBQ style, afterwards.

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.

It was a delight and joy that several of our young people requested to receive Holy Communion before Confirmation, which, after a period of preparation, happened for most of them on Easter Day. Three of our adult members were Confirmed in November. The Holy Spirit is certainly moving in Soundwell. We celebrated the King’s Coronation with a picnic, which was great fun. The 2nd annual Plant Sale was a huge success with extra funds raised for the mission and ministry of St Stephen’s Church. Both the Summer and Christmas Fayres were well attended and it was obvious that that people of our 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.

During the year, plans for stars to hang in church, so that we might sparkle for Jesus went underway. Who knew getting the right tinsel would be so difficult?! The result was stunning, as was the response to

sponsor a star. It touched people deeply and many of them chose to sponsor a star for a loved one. St Stephen’s Infant school sponsored a star for each year group - so their stars were shining for many children and families!

Shining throughout the streets of Soundwell during Advent were Christmas lights in many homes, some of whom joined with The Friends of Lees Hill to create a Light Trail. We joined in as well, and in addition to the trail, offered a time and space for the community to gather, sharing refreshments and singing carols. This was a joyous and well appreciated mission outreach activity. Another new missional outreach activity was a ‘pop-up cinema’ in the church hall. Amelia Read came up with the idea and, with a team of helpers, made it happen - the first Free Family Film event took place. Besides the film there was popcorn, hot chocolate, mince pies, sweets and chocolate for everyone to enjoy. The church hall was full and those attending were overjoyed.

Following this event and from time spent with local families, the idea of a group for families with neurodiverse members was born. A couple of meals out cemented the idea and the group is set to start to meet regularly in 2024.

As all the above and more was taking place, in the background we are still steadily looking towards the future of our church building, so we can pass on what we have been freely given, to the generations to come. During 2023 your PCC began with reminding ourselves who we are as a church, and our reason for being – as outlined in these statements…

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.

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.

During September and October, I visited each of our Mission Outreach Groups, spoke about it in church and wrote an item for the monthly newsletter, Open Space, explaining the reasons and asking everyone to have a voice and provide us with their feedback. This was in the form of a Questionnaire which could be completed online, or in writing. Not only did it go to everyone in or linked with the church community, but these were posted to 700 homes in the parish, taken to every school, and the Leisure Centre. Posters with QR code access were put up in bus stops, shops and other venues throughout the parish. EVERY effort has been made to hear the views of as many of the people of Soundwell as possible.

As a Church, we continue to strive to know Jesus more and to make Jesus known to those around us. We plan to do this with joyful, thankful, grateful and generous hearts and minds and through the way we each live our lives separately, and as a church community. We plan to do this by continually Following Jesus, because Jesus is Joy to the World!

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Churchwarden

As far as the work that had to be carried out on and in the Church was concerned, I think we were all glad to see the back of 2022. We had been dealing with the results of a break in, lead theft and all that was involved with the process of getting the Church Tower repair under way.

By January 2023 most of the repairs required due to the break in, had been carried out, meaning now, importantly we had to ensure the Church was secure, following suggestions from the Police Crime Prevention Officer. It was very sad that we had to go to such lengths to do this, but it was also very necessary we protect ourselves as well, in particular when people are entering the Church alone. Some of the extra security steps had to be taken to ensure the insurance company would still be able to offer us cover. It was mid-February when the alarm system was installed, thus meaning that quite a few of us required instruction on how to use it. Still to come were window bars and metal frames over the roof lights and bars on doors, also a higher more effective gate by the side of the Church Hall was fitted. Again, early in the year we had a “Card Reader” installed, thus allowing Church members and visitors the opportunity to donate to the Church using their bank card etc. Early Summer we had a much needed Freezer delivered for the Church Hall and the old one taken away, this has proved useful for various events that take place using the kitchen.

August brought around the fifth year since the last Quinquennial Survey and for this reason our Surveyor, George Chedburn, visited us to carry out the necessary inspection of our Church buildings. As he finished it was with relief we were able to hear that there was nothing really seriously requiring attention.

Only a short time after this we became aware there was a problem with the Church Hall floor which would require the removal of the existing varnish, sanding the wooden floor and re-varnishing. Just a short while after this work was done there was a problem suggesting an area was very damp, so a dehumidifier was installed. We involved the Insurance Company and further investigation did not give any answers. The outcome was the floor dried out and there has been no further problem. Paul Wigmore was able to make an alteration to the doors under the stage, which now open sideways rather than pulling down… something that had been causing damage to the floor for many years. During the Autumn time we had the opportunity to buy some reasonably priced chairs which were similar to those already in the Church Hall. In view of the fact that more were required for larger events, a number of these were purchased.

Coming toward the end of the year, a Company called Gnarly Trees cut back the trees that surround the Church garden, so in the Spring we should get some fresh healthy growth.

Tim Parker has been up on the flat roof attached to the hall, and was able to remove a great deal of dead leaves and weeds etc. and put special covers on the drainpipes to ensure there are no further blockages. His work carried on into the new year when he attended to various drain pipes around the Church.

Again, starting a short while before Christmas, Dan Tippet the Electrician, began the whole list of jobs we had given him, one of which was PAT testing. He has continued with other work which will include the ‘5 year Electrical Test.'

We look forward to a quiet and relaxing 2024.

Gill Mayo Churchwarden

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). 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 seventh year as Church Warden and she has been supported by a fantastic team of six Assistant Church Wardens; Geoff Harris, Jan Brookshaw, Bill Brookshaw, Tim Parker, Matt Gait, Wayne Topps & Carolyn Hawkins. Thank you all.

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. Amelia Read took over from Lisa in promoting St Stephen’s on social media and has had an immediate and positive impact. Thank you to all of them.

Particular thanks to the PCC for being an active part in the Governance and Mission of St Stephen’s.

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Services

St Stephen’s Community Worship is a great place to be at 10am each Sunday and we have had more than 20 people join us this year. The Youth Church team, led by Peter Robbins, has grown in its leadership, with new people joining the team and helpers and leaders. The young people who come tell us it’s a great place to be. These young people are the future of our church, so we must encourage them with our prayers, smiles, encouragement and considerations.

We have valued teams of people leading Ante-Communion (the first part of the service), Intercessions and readings from the Bible. New people have joined these teams this year, which is a delight. During 2023, Prayer Ministry (praying with others) was re-introduced at the end of many services, but this is always on offer, and so is lighting a candle in private prayer.

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.

Throughout 2023, a small team of church members continued 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 increased in regularity and are now held monthly, 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.

Bishop Lee visited us and preached during Lent, which was a blessing for us, as he retired shortly afterwards.

All the usual Christian festivals have been celebrated, with increases in numbers of people attending. The theme for our many Christmas Services in 2023 was Jesus… joy to the world!

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, this year with numbers increased by over 50, 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 usual, 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. These services, one in the Spring and one in the Autumn, are well attended and enabled people to gather in church to remember their loved ones. There are also a small but committed team of people who support Baptism Families both at the Baptism itself and during the preparation sessions. During 2023 13 children and 3 adults were Baptised at St Stephen’s. Eleven funerals were conducted in Church, with a further thirteen at local Crematoriums, with three burial of ashes. And during 2023, there were 2 wonderful couples who chose St Stephen’s Church as the special place for them to be married.

Our main Sunday Services, festivals and occasional offices were enhanced by our Parish Church Choir, led by Lin Cooper. Tim Parker shares with her the leading of our sung worship week by week.

All these services, and the many events and celebrations at St Stephen’s are made possible by the many teams of our Church members. We applaud and thank all those who are mentioned so far and those involved in quiet and unseen ways which support the work of St Stephens Church, including;

the Sacristy team who prepare for services, assist the priests, clear up and maintain supplies and furnishings appropriate to the liturgical seasons. In addition, there are others who wash, iron and regularly care for the linen.
the team who administer the Sacrament at the Lady Chapel.
the team of ‘greeters’ provide a warm welcome with a smile week by week at our door.
the team who manage the supply and arrangements of flowers and decorations to beautify our Church and play their part in preparing the Church for worship for regular Sundays and festivals.
the team of people who keep the Church building clean and tidy, and decorate our buildings for special occasions.
those who tend the gardens and look after the day to day repairs to our buildings.
the many café teams on Sundays and on other occasions, who provide us with refreshments, lay out tables and chairs and clean away afterwards.
the teams who help us see and hear things clearly by operating and maintaining our audio and visual equipment.
those who count the cash donations received each week, look after our banking and accounts and administer the ‘Parish Giving’ and ‘By Envelope’ schemes.
the various team of people praying for us and those who ask for our prayers.
Thank you all!

Dial-a-Sermon (phone in free to hear) & Click-a-Sermon (click link on church website to hear) continues to be refreshed with the sermon of the week, EVERY week! So, if you want to hear the sermon again, or you’re not in church on a particular week, but want to connect - then please listen in!

The average Sunday attendance for 2023 was 74 adults and 6 children, which is a significant increase. God brings new people regularly to our services, so please let us all be as welcoming as we have always been.

This year has been a real joy… the joy of Jesus with us is clear. As we look to the future, let’s continue to declare, not just with our mouths, but in what we do and think and say, that, We Follow Jesus!

Revd Lisa Wigmore, Vicar

Deanery Synod Report

The synod meets 3 times a year and gives an opportunity for church people from churches all over Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery to meet and hear each other’s experiences. Good and bad things – problems and solutions are explored. We also get updates on current initiatives passed down from the diocese.

There is usually a talk and a period of group discussions where we can express our points of view and listen to how others have coped or advanced in faith while dealing with a variety of situations.

In February 2023 we met in Frenchay C of E Primary School which is the first “Passive” school in South Glos. and the deanery. We were taken on a tour of the modern building and told how the building had triple glazing, no air conditioning, sensor lights in corridors which only come on when someone is present, 400mm thick insulation, and overall many eco-friendly features. A look at what the future holds.

The Uganda link was explained and promoted. Anyone wishing to participate in a visit was encouraged to come forward.

The Co-Area Dean is The Revd Bruce Goodwin and the Lay Chair was Kate Davison – now changed by election Feb 2024 to Alison Rowe.

A Climate Emergency was declared by the Bristol Diocese and we were all encouraged to involve our parishes in sustainability projects and look for an “Eco-Champion”. A scheme is being promoted for churches to start green projects to reduce energy use and be generally eco-friendly. If proper forms are submitted and inspections agreed and work identified to obtain these ends, a sum of several thousand pounds is available as a grant.

If anyone wishes to join the Diocesan Synod they can be nominated by Deanery Synod members. Please speak to me if this interests you.

Bill Bishop

Care and Prayer

Pastoral Care

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, Regan and Lisa, take Home Communion regularly to around a dozen 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 really great. If a member of the congregation notices an empty seat where there is usually a familiar face, they either get in touch or let one of the ministers 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. Emails 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.

Sixteen baptisms took place during 2023, as well as two weddings. Twenty-four 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 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!

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Safeguarding

Statement of commitment to Safeguarding:

The parish of St Stephen Soundwell is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Peter Robbins LLM Assistant Parish Safeguarding Officer: Sarah Fry

Policies

The Safeguarding policy was reviewed and agreed by the PCC at its meeting on 14[th] November 2023.

Activities

The PCC oversees the following activities for children, young people or for vulnerable adults: Youth Church, See and Know Toddler Group, Outburst Youth Group and Welcome Space Social Group

Safer Recruitment & DBS

The PCC is responsible for the safe recruitment of people wanting to work with vulnerable groups through the activities mentioned above. During the year, the PCC has recruited the following numbers of people to support those groups.

Youth Church – 4 Leaders, 4 helpers (2 of whom are new helpers recruited this year] Outburst Youth Group – 7 Leaders, 5 helpers

See and Know Toddlers Group 4 leaders & 4 helpers

Welcome Space Social Group 2 Leaders and 4 helpers. This is a new group this year, all leaders and helpers are in existing roles in the parish requiring Safeguarding training and DBS for the Leaders

DBS Checks

As part of the safer recruitment process, where eligible, volunteers working with vulnerable groups have been DBS checked at the level appropriate to the role. Because the parish provides activities for vulnerable groups, the PCC members are also eligible for an enhanced DBS Check. All volunteers and PCC members who require one have a current check.

Training

Safeguarding training at different levels is a requirement for all roles, the current situation in terms of meeting the requirements in the parish is as follows:

Basic Awareness(all church officers and volunteers	Basic Awareness(all church officers and volunteers
Number in	Number completed training in last 3	Number with no or expired
Role	years	training
21	18	3
Foundation Safeguarding(PCC members, volunteers		(leaders) working with vulnerable groups,
Churchwardens, Parish Safeguarding Officer
Number in	Number completed training in last 3	Number with no or expired
Role	years	training
16	11	5

Leadership Safeguarding (Churchwardens, Parish Safeguarding Officers, Licenced Lay Ministers, Number in Number completed training in last 3 Number with no or expired Role years training 3 2 1 Domestic Abuse (PCC members, Churchwardens, Parish Safeguarding Officers, Licensed Lay Ministers) Number in Number completed training in last 3 Number with no or expired Role years training 11 10 1

Reporting to the PCC

The PCC was updated about Safeguarding matters in the parish at all 6 meetings during 2023. There was one safeguarding matter which was reported on to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Action Plan

The Safeguarding Officers are preparing an action plan using the Parish Dashboard, progress on which is reported to the PCC meetings.

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:

Coffee, Chat and Company at the Turnpike Pub

This initiative which started in June 2022 is ‘a time to be, be known and be together’. The group mainly attracts those who live alone who appreciate some company but, of course, a friendly welcome is extended to all. We feel it is good for our church to show its face outside our own building and to support our local business community.

In June the Turnpike changed its opening time from 11am to 12 noon which meant it was no longer convenient for some regulars. However, due to the new time, we seem to have morphed into a lunch club. Whilst numbers have almost halved, around a dozen still gather to share fellowship together on the first Wednesday of every month. We have the Pool Room allocated for our use and have some of our own chairs there in case we need them (thank you Lisa for obtaining these). Some of us struggle to get up on the high chairs!

We aim to have a short prayer during our time together but in the busy coming and going this has occasionally been forgotten. Lord please forgive us! Are our aims and objectives being met? Whilst leaving, one person said they often come in feeling a bit low but after being with ‘us lot’ they walk out feeling a whole lot better! Praise God for that.

Rosemary Boulton

Welcome Space Report

Last winter we came up with the idea of having a Warm Space to help people who were struggling to find somewhere warm. Part of this idea was influenced by the increase in the cost of heating. We planned on having a Warm Space in our Church Room and it would run every Tuesday between the hours of 10 and 12. We decided that we would not only provide a Warm Space, but we would also have snacks and refreshments available for those attending.

As the weather improved and we headed towards summer, we wanted to keep Warm Space open as it proved to be a great place to meet, chat and get to know each other better. Therefore, we changed Warm Space to Welcome Space. We also changed the times it would be open; the new time would be between 9 and 11. The reason why we changed the times was so that we could provide somewhere for the parents who have just dropped their children off at school. This would provide an opportunity for them to enjoy a warm drink and a chat after the often-busy task of getting their kids into school.

At the moment, we are running Welcome Space, every second and fourth Tuesday a month. We have a rota for all those who help with welcoming and serving snacks and refreshments. In the future we are looking to advertise more and hopefully get more people to come and join us.

Revd Regan Meares

Ladies Group

We have more new members since we moved to Thursday Afternoons. We started the year with wine, cheese and a quiz.

One of our talks was by Fussels Fine Foods and we were able to buy oil etc. We have had such interesting speakers and on our birthday the choir sang and Regan told us of his journey to faith. Our Project Evening was for the Sisters of the Church. The Old Crocks Alumni played for us. We had a very good outing to Exmouth with marvellous weather.

We ended the year with a Christmas Meal at Weston College and a visit to the Cadbury Garden Centre. We had a Christmas Party and a Carol Service with the Pensioners and the Men’s Group.

Jean Hulbert (Chairman)

Men’s Group

Since changing our meetings to afternoons instead of evenings our membership level has continued to hold firm, although there is now some concern as age seems to be taking its toll in terms of health issues with some of our members.

Staying positive however, all of our meetings during the past year have been most enjoyable. Our Summer day trip to Weymouth was particularly enjoyable – the weather was well and truly on our side that day!

One very enjoyable “first” was the combined Carol Service with Ladies Group and Pensioners; a definite “must” for the future!

We hope and pray that our group will continue to thrive to which end we extend a warm welcome to anyone who decides to join us why not pop along one Thursday afternoon for a great chill out and sociable couple of hours.

Brian Brown

Pensioner’s Group

Pensioners in the Church District and surrounding areas continue to support our meetings. It is wonderful to know that despite not advertising our events other than in Church documents, we continue to welcome new people - we meet alternate Fridays from 1.45 to 3.45pm.

Very sadly we have lost several members and they are sorely missed.

Our usual favourite entertainers including Les and Gina, Mike Nash, Jon on his Tod and Classic FM are always popular and give everyone the opportunity to heartily sing old songs, bringing back many memories. New items such as a Creative Quiz Game Show and the Yate Ukulele Players also proved popular.

Our outings to Weymouth and Salisbury proved enjoyable, but sadly our third day trip had to be cancelled through lack of support.

Our Christmas meal to the Players Golf Course Club, was once again well supported, and following on from the very cold room last December, the venue this time was well and truly heated.

Our Charity chosen for the year was the Great Western Air Ambulance and a cheque for £500.00 was presented to their Representative who gave a brilliant slide show and talk.

For our Annual Carol Service this year, it was decided to hold a joint Service with both the Ladies and Men 's Groups, with shared responsibilities. The Service was well supported with plans to make this an annual joint event.

Groups do not run by themselves and it goes without saying that our Chairperson, Mary Britton, has worked extremely hard this year to ensure that meetings are run with fun and enjoyment, for which we all thank her very much. Thanks also to our Treasurer, Marilyn for the work behind the scene.

Margaret Dodge

Outburst Youth Group

During 2023 we have continued to welcome new members to Outburst, with many children joining us from the local primary schools.

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 maintaining our 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

See and Know

See and Know has been running now for over 20 years. For people new to St Stephen’s we are an unashamedly Christian Toddler group. Our aim is to introduce young children and their parents/carers gently to the Christian Faith using puppets and songs. We want the children to know that they are special and that they are loved by God. Our numbers fluctuate each week but we welcome new families when they come. Every year we have a Christmas party with a visit from Father Christmas and a leavers party in July with a bouncy castle.

We open on Thursday mornings from 10am-11.45. If anyone would like to visit us and see what we do they would be most welcome.

Blessings from Sue Humphrey and the See and Know Team.

Knit and Natter 2023

We continue to have a regular attendance of12-15 members. We have lost our friend Bobbie Tucker but a new member has joined us.

We have had a stall at the summer fete and Christmas bazaar. We continue to knit for local nursing homes and make hats and gloves for the homeless. We also keep Lisa supplied with teddy bears to give to the children being baptised. This year we also gave items to Cossham hospital for sale in their shop and made donations to the national Send a Box appeal at Christmas.

We meet in the church room on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30 -3.30. If you would like to join us you would be very welcome. We do a lot of knitting and nattering.

Jan Brookshaw

Financial Overview Year ending 31[st] December 2023

The Parochial Church funds at the end of this financial year stand at £150,329. This shows a slight decrease of about £56 on the 2022 figure. The main features of 2023 were continuing improvement to the security of the Church and improved lighting in and around the Church premises. As always, the Church has greatly benefited from the generosity of the community.

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. The total interest received during the year was £3,249.97.

Unrestricted Funds

The unrestricted general fund reserve has increased in the year from £42,344 to £51,910, 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 decreased from £107,017 to £97,309. This is mainly due to roof maintenance work highlighted in the 2019 Quinquennial report, and to a lesser extent the on-going security improvements, comprising gates, bars and an alarm system. These are all part of the designated Fabric funds that are required to cover the day to day maintenance and upkeep of the Church building. This year, Church Hall lettings fees have covered all the regular outgoings and the general maintenance of the Hall. There have been no major contributions to the Next Generation Fund this year. This Fund was established in 2021 with a view to building resources for major improvement to the Church in years to come.

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds within the Church accounts arise from gifts given to the Church to be forwarded to specified Charities. Our relationship with Fairtrade has finally come to a close during this year.

Income & Expenditure

Church income is generated mainly from the generosity of Church members, together with some well supported fund-raising fayres and events. Planned giving income increased by 10% compared with the previous year. Gift Aid continues to make a significant contribution to the income of the Church.

The Parish Share contribution for 2023 was increased to £66,140. 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 The Children’s Society

During the year, Church maintenance has included additional security measures and an alann. lead replacement and further routine roof repairs. With the help of community generosity, the Church Hall floor has been resurfaced, and some additional ¢h2irs have been purchased to repla those suffering from the wear and tear of continual use. During the year, many Church members have continued to give through the Parish Giving Scheme. 11 has also benefited us by the monthly tax reclaim system and also by the ways those on the scheme are prompted to review the 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. With rising costs all around us, we are struggling to make ends meet and sadly we are facing a deficit budget for 2024. But the faithful generosity of those who support us financially (and in many other ways) is cause for continuing gratitude. We may not be rich in our bank balances here in Soundwell, but we are rich in care and love.. which has been evident in our 'giving' as well as in the way we follow Jesus in other aspects of our lives. Approved by the PCC on 12th March 2024 and signed on their behalf by Rev'd Lis Wigmo PCC Chair CHARITY NO. 1131503 14

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2023

Incoming Resources (Note 1) Donations Other voluntary Income Trading Investment Income Total Incoming Resources Resources Used (Note 2) Grants Church Activities Fundraising & publicity Church management & Admin Total Resources used Net incoming (outgoing) resources Transfers between Funds Movement for the year Opening Funds Balance Carried Fwd	2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ General Designated Restricted Total General Designated Restricted Total 97,287.40 1,602.00 3,543.63 102,433.03 88,477.75 25,450.00 2,310.90 116,238.65 - - - - - - 45,725.79 45,725.79 6,690.71 15,691.24 - 22,381.95 7,837.59 27,394.45 53.88 35,285.92 3,249.97 - - 3,249.97 78.61 - - 78.61
	107,228.08 17,293.24 3,543.63 128,064.95 96,393.95 52,844.45 48,090.57 197,328.97
	- - 12,456.14 12,456.14 - - 11,310.90 11,310.90 76,485.33 - - 76,485.33 75,491.20 - - 75,491.20 - - - - - - 53.88 53.88 9,177.27 30,002.30 - 39,179.57 6,335.47 22,490.07 58,914.79 87,740.33
	85,662.60 30,002.30 12,456.14 128,121.04 81,826.67 22,490.07 70,279.57 174,596.31
	21,565.48 (12,709.06) (8,912.51) (56.09) 14,567.28 30,354.38 (22,189.00) 22,732.66 (12,000.00) 3,000.00 9,000.00 - (9,000.00) - 9,000.00 -
	9,565.48 (9,709.06) 87.49 (56.09) 5,567.28 30,354.38 (13,189.00) 22,732.66 42,344.40 107,017.65 1,023.96 150,386.01 36,777.12 76,663.27 14,212.96 127,653.35
	51,909.88 97,308.59 1,111.45 150,329.92 42,344.40 107,017.65 1,023.96 150,386.01

3y1212023 JUW2022 CutyemtAssÈts Stotk Debtij Central Board ol Firwnce C35h at Bankand in hand Cash In hand Note4 5397.14 92.203.11 55,159.55 201.87 5,058.19 5,342.01 143.387.99 8.51 152,961.67 Cutsent LOabi1ths Sundry Creditor5 Or8ani5ation Deposits Outburst Flower FLtDd Holiday Club Chosr Fund 2,631.75 2526.69 287.71 15.941 270.70 331.53 1.75 3W.69 150329.92 038&01 5tstsment of FurAs Note 3 51.YB.8B 42344.10 SI98 42.344.410 Designcted De518Trated- Fabric DesiÉnated- Fabric SpKial Projects Designated- Next Generatim Fund D25i8riated- Hall 1387.04 3.167_46 85.331.67 6.422.42 14,085.75 2,615.46 85,{[.[) 5J16A4 9730839 107.017.65 Restrirted Mission Fairtrade Spire Fund Llll.4S J.015.45 &51 Liii.45 IM23.96 Totsl FuThls Approved by the Pa1 Churth Counal 11 ftlknz4aI sened on thelr bel*ll b¥ Reverend Lis• Wi8rThxt. Vkar.....-.................. -. . iwraine 5onderson.Treasurer.__.._. 16

St Stephens Church, Soundwell Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

1 Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the accruals basis The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular 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 that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the donations are received.
Funds raised by the fete, garden party and similar events are accounted for gross.

Other ordinary income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when received. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.

Resources used

Grant s

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.

Creditors are recognised on the basis of goods and services received and measured at the settlement amount.

Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 31[st] December 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1[st] January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life (initially over 4 years) on a straight line basis.
All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £2,500, or the repair of moveable church furnishings acquired before 31[st] December 2000 is written off.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment 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 written off when the asset is acquired.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank

2. Trustee Remuneration, Related parties Transactions and Staff Costs

Two Trustees received expenses in performance of their duties totalling £1,038.93.
Mrs L.M. Cooper who is a Trustee received £1,500 for her work as Musical Director plus £875 for Wedding and Funeral services.
Mr G. Harris who is a Trustee received £315 for his duties as verger
Mr P. Sanderson who is the husband of a trustee received £3,220.90 for his duties as Hall Cleaner
The trustee payments are in accordance with S7A of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.
There is one other member of staff, our Church’s Promotions Officer.

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Year ended 31st December 2023 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 1

Note 1 Incoming Resources

TOTAL 2023 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Next Hall Special Generation Account £ £ £ £	Toal £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fair- Spire Break in Fund trade Fund Fund £ £ £ £	TOTAL 2022 £
59,447.67 20,748.68 2,162.00 6,095.32 13,479.36 500.00	59,447.67 20,748.68 1,762.00 6,095.32 9,233.73 -	- - 400.00 - 702.00 500.00	- - - - - - - - 200.00 - - 200.00 - - - - - 552.00 150.00 - - - 500.00 -	- - - - 3,543.63 -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,543.63 - - - - - - -	56,386.12 16,708.36 1,394.92 3,992.44 37,756.81 -
102,433.03	97,287.40	1,602.00	200.00 552.00 650.00 200.00	3,543.63	3,543.63 - -	116,238.65
-	-	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	45,725.79
-	-	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	45,725.79
4,335.00 4,061.64 11,629.60 2,345.71 10.00 - -	4,335.00 - - 2,345.71 10.00 - -	- 4,061.64 11,629.60 - - - -	- - - - 4,061.64 - - - - - - 11,629.60 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	5,933.00 3,301.93 10,791.75 1,370.59 534.00 13,300.77 53.88
22,381.95	6,690.71	15,691.24	4,061.64 - - 11,629.60	-	- - - -	35,285.92
3,249.97	3,249.97	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	78.61

128,064.95	107,228.08	17,293.24	4,261.64 552.00 650.00 11,829.60	3,543.63	3,543.63 - - -	197,328.97

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2023 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 2

Note 2

Note 2 Resoures Used

TOTAL 2023 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Next Hall Special Generation Account £ £ £ £	Total £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fair- Spire Break in Fund trade Fund Fund £ £ £ £	TOTAL 2022 £
9,000.00 3,456.14	- -	- -	- - - - - - - -	9,000.00 3,456.14	9,000.00 - - - 3,447.63 8.51 - -	9,000.00 2,310.90
12,456.14	-	-	- - - -	12,456.14	12,447.63 8.51 - -	11,310.90
66,140.00 1,038.93 490.29 5,350.55 2,293.28 1,172.28	66,140.00 1,038.93 490.29 5,350.55 2,293.28 1,172.28	- - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	65,651.00 1,159.89 231.20 5,093.17 2,248.17 1,107.77
76,485.33	76,485.33	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	75,491.20
-	-	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	53.88
n 2,107.95 3,320.54 4,067.11 - 14,862.35 - 4,098.00 5,806.71 3,220.90 342.87 1,353.14	1,789.62 3,320.54 4,067.11 - - - - - - - -	318.33 - - - 14,862.35 - 4,098.00 5,806.71 3,220.90 342.87 1,353.14	- - 318.33 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14,862.35 - - - - - - - 4,098.00 - - - - - - 5,806.71 - - - 3,220.90 - - - 342.87 - - - 1,353.14	- - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1,677.02 2,859.25 1,600.20 199.00 3,533.65 63,904.07 6,333.69 552.31 3,057.60 242.19 3,781.35
39,179.57	9,177.27	30,002.30	18,960.35 - 318.33 10,723.62	-	- - - -	87,740.33

128,121.04	85,662.60	30,002.30	18,960.35 - 318.33 10,723.62	12,456.14	12,447.63 8.51 - -	174,596.31

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2023

Note 3 Funds Reconciliation

GENERAL DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fund Fabric Special Projects Next Generation Fund Hall Account RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fund Fairtrade Spire Fund Break In Fund Totals	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2023		Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2022
	42,344.40 107,228.08 (85,662.60) (12,000.00) 51,909.88		36,777.12 96,393.95 (81,826.67) (9,000.00) 42,344.40
	14,085.75 4,261.64 (18,960.35) 3,000.00 2,387.04 2,615.46 552.00 - - 3,167.46 85,000.00 650.00 (318.33) - 85,331.67 5,316.44 11,829.60 (10,723.62) - 6,422.42		12,339.67 16,602.70 (14,856.62) - 14,085.75 2,165.46 450.00 - - 2,615.46 60,000.00 25,000.00 - - 85,000.00 2,158.14 10,791.75 (7,633.45) - 5,316.44
	107,017.65 17,293.24 (30,002.30) 3,000.00 97,308.59		76,663.27 52,844.45 (22,490.07) - 107,017.65
	1,015.45 3,543.63 (12,447.63) 9,000.00 1,111.45 8.51 - (8.51) - - - - - - - - - - - -		1,015.45 2,310.90 (11,310.90) 9,000.00 1,015.45 8.51 53.88 (53.88) - 8.51 13,189.00 42,120.60 (55,309.60) - - - 3,605.19 (3,605.19) - -
	1,023.96 3,543.63 (12,456.14) 9,000.00 1,111.45		14,212.96 48,090.57 (70,279.57) 9,000.00 1,023.96
	150,386.01 128,064.95 (128,121.04) - 150,329.92		127,653.35 197,328.97 (174,596.31) - 150,386.01

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2023

Note 4 Net Assets per Fund

Total £ - 5,397.14 92,203.11 55,159.55 201.87	2023 General Total £ - 2,463.54 316.94 49,759.28 201.87	2023 Designated Total £ - 2,933.60 91,886.17 4,218.82 -	2023 Restricted Total £ - - - 1,181.45 -	Total £ - 2,933.60 91,886.17 4,218.82 -	Fabric Next Generation Special Hall £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - 2,933.60 3,387.04 85,331.67 3,167.46 - 500.00 - - 3,718.82 - - - - 2023 Designated - Detail	Total £ - - - 1,181.45 -	Spire Mission Fairtrade Break in £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,181.45 - - - - - 2023 Restricted - Detail
152,961.67	52,741.63	99,038.59	1,181.45	99,038.59	3,887.04 85,331.67 3,167.46 6,652.42	1,181.45	- 1,181.45 - -
2,631.75 - - - -	831.75 - - - -	1,730.00 - - - -	70.00 - - - -	1,730.00 - - - -	1,500.00 - - 230.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	70.00 - - - -	- 70.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2,631.75	831.75	1,730.00	70.00	1,730.00	1,500.00 - - 230.00	70.00	- 70.00 - -
150,329.92 150,329.92 -	51,909.88 51,909.88 -	97,308.59 97,308.59 -	1,111.45 1,111.45 -	97,308.59 97,308.59 -	2,387.04 85,331.67 3,167.46 6,422.42 2,387.04 85,331.67 3,167.46 6,422.42 - - -	1,111.45 1,111.45 -	- 1,111.45 - - - 1,111.45 - - - - - -

Total £ - 5,058.19 5,342.01 143,387.99 8.51	2022 General Total £ - 1,455.44 5,342.01 36,983.43 -	2022 Designated Total £ - 3,602.75 - 105,389.11 -	2022 Restricted Total £ - - - 1,015.45 8.51	Total £ - 3,602.75 - 105,389.11 -	Fabric Next Generation Special Hall £ £ £ £ - - - - 500.00 - - 3,102.75 - - - - 14,989.67 85,000.00 2,615.46 2,783.98 - - - - 2022 Designated - Detail	Total £ - - - 1,015.45 8.51	Spire Mission Fairtrade Break in £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,015.45 - - - 8.51 - 2022 Restricted - Detail
153,796.70	43,780.88	108,991.86	1,023.96	108,991.86	15,489.67 85,000.00 2,615.46 5,886.73	1,023.96	- 1,015.45 8.51 -
2,526.69 287.71 (5.94) 270.70 331.53	552.48 287.71 (5.94) 270.70 331.53	1,974.21 - - - -	- - - - -	1,974.21 - - - -	1,403.92 - - 570.29 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3,410.69	1,436.48	1,974.21	-	1,974.21	1,403.92 - - 570.29	-	- - - -
150,386.01 150,386.01 -	42,344.40 42,344.40 -	107,017.65 107,017.65 -	1,023.96 1,023.96 -	107,017.65 107,017.65 -	14,085.75 85,000.00 2,615.46 5,316.44 14,085.75 85,000.00 2,615.46 5,316.44 - - -	1,023.96 1,023.96 -	- 1,015.45 8.51 - - 1,015.45 8.51 - - - - -

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2023

Note 5 List of Funds

General Fund for the operation of the Church

Designated Funds

Fabric Fund which covers the maintenance of the fabric of the Church building

Fabric Special Projects which covers altar linen and similar fabric projects

Next Generation Fund is money set aside by the PCC for the longer term maintenance and development of the Church Buildings Hall Account covers the operation and maintenance of the Church Hall

Restricted Funds

Mission Fund covers monies given or allocated for Charity work beyond the PCC control Fairtrade covers the acquisition and sale of Fairtrade items and produce Spire Fund covers monies given to the Church for the restoration of the Church Spire (Completed 2022) Break In Fund covers monies specifically given to make repairs following the break into the Church (2022 only)

Note 6 Details of Charity Donations

e 6 Details of Charity Donations
	2023		2022
	£		£
Expenditure - Grants
Bristol Soup run	1,200.00		1,200.00
One25 Project	1,200.00		1,200.00
Emmaus	1,200.00		1,200.00
Sisters of the Church	1,500.00		1,500.00
Diocese Uganda fund (19 & 20)	500.00		500.00
Christian Aid	1,200.00		1,200.00
Beloved	1,200.00		1,200.00
Bristol Schools Connections	500.00		500.00
Harvest for the Hungry	500.00		500.00
		9,000.00		9,000.00
Donations from collections
Harvest for the Hungry	476.68		572.75
Sisters of the Church	1,672.21		1,534.45
Children's Society	1,042.74		203.70
Sundry Donations	256.00		-
		3,447.63		2,310.90

St stepPs Church Accounts forthe year ended 31st Decemr 2023 Independent Examiner's Report lo th¢ PCC of St Stephen's Church. 8ound%%ll I report lo the trustees on my exInatIOn of Ihe accounts of the T¢ for Ihe year ended 31 Decemtr 2023. which are set out on pages 15 10 23. As the charity's trustees. you are reSntIe for Ihe preparation of the accounts in accordance wrth the requiremenls of Ihe Charities Act 2011 Actl. I report in respeci ol my examination of Ihe TnJst'$ accounts Carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in Carrying out my examinalion, I have followed all the applicable Directions given tsythE ChaTily Comfffflssion undEf settiDTr 145(5)(b) ol Ih? A. I have compl8ted my exawunaknon. l LXjnfi that no material m*ters havé corne to my attention, in connection with the examinalion which givtis me cause to belleve that in any material r8SFed.' the accounting records were nol kept in ac())rdanc8 with seclTron 130 of Ihe Charities Act; or ' the accounts did nol accord with th8 aceountiNJ reco$ or ' the accounts did not c(Mnily with the a'cable requirements concemin9 the form and ¢onlent of the aUnIS set oul in the Charrties (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a Irue and falrf view which is nol a matter ¢¢Idered as part of an independent examinatlon. I have no concems and have come across no olher matteryJ In connecllon wth the examlnalion to which attention shouhj be drawn In order to a proper understarKllng of the accounts to be reached. David Biddel FCA 12 The Newlands Frenchay Btlslol BS16 1NQ 15 Apdl 2024