2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Stephen, Soundwell, Bristol

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ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, SOUNDWELL, BRISTOL ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

Rev. Lisa Wigmore 52 Gladstone Street Staple Hill Bristol BS16 4RF

Churchwarden

Mrs Gill Mayo 122 Burley Grove Downend Bristol BS16 5QG

Bankers

Lloyds Bank 697 Fishponds Rd Fishponds Bristol BS16 3UJ

Independent Examiner Linda Hughes Burton Sweet Cornerstone House Midland Way, Thornbury Bristol, BS35 2BS

Churchwarden

PCC members who have served from 1 January 2024 until the date of this report are:

Vicar: Rev Lisa Wigmore Chair Ex Officio Clergy: Rev Regan Meares Vice Chair 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 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 2024 Mrs Julia Merrifield ER Officer Elected 2024 Mrs Trish Phipps Elected 2024 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 & groups:

Ministry Team	Finance	Admin Team	Chat at the Turnpike
Sacristy Team	Safeguarding Team	Prayer Teams	Youth Church
Choir	Friday Night Live Team	OutburstYouth Group	Bible Study/Chat
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 2024 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 2024; 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

A new Electoral Roll has been compiled. It now stands at 108 people.

Ministry Overview

Vicar

2024 was another good year - as in 2023, it has been a year that has brought new people to St Stephen’s and enhanced the family feel atmosphere that is vibrant and alive.

Following on from Christmas 2023, we began 2024 celebrating that Jesus is JOY to the world. And that JOY infected the whole year.

It was with GREAT joy that ‘Little Church’ began in January. This is church for families who struggle with main church as some of their family members are neuro-diverse. So, ‘Little Church’ is a ‘Fresh Expression’ of church because it has grown from the needs of those who come - meeting them where they are might best describe it. Little Church enables families to come and worship in a safe environment that has been created to welcome and include them in the special and wonderful ways they need. The first service was a joyful success and this continued each term throughout the year.

Following on from an excellent Discipleship Course in 2023 - Getting to know Jesus more - the Lent Course for 2024 was called ‘Talking Jesus’. Throughout the 6 sessions we explored God’s story, thought about our own, how as Christians we are called to live distinctly and what motivates us, all wrapped up with encouragement and real-life examples about how we might share the Jesus we know with others. It really was great! At our Discipleship groups we thought about and discussed ‘Gods character and spiritual powers’ and ‘Persevering’ and the afternoon Bible Study (which we renamed Bible Chat) unpicked the Scripture set for the particular week in which they met.

The monthly Coffee, Chat and Company at the Turnpike Pub moved its time back to 11am in April, and continues to see lots of people meeting for company and fellowship. Welcome Space, from 9am ‘til 11.30am on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, continues to be a place of warm welcome and friendship for all those who attend - there’s no requirement to come for the whole session, popping in for a cuppa and chat is wonderful.

Our other 6 Mission Outreach Groups; Ladies Group, Men’s Group, Pensioners Group, See & Know, Outburst, Knit and Natter, continued to meet throughout 2024. What joy they are for those who attend! They each 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. With the addition of Lynn Burton, three of us are now 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. St Stephen’s Junior School became a founding member of the newly formed Mosaic Academy - this is because the Department of Education believe that academies are the best way for children to get an excellent education.

We employed a Community Chaplain in September, to work half-time in our local schools and the other half-time split between the community and church. Sadly, this did not work out as we had hoped, and the employment ceased. Although not the best time of year to be doing so, we advertised again at the end of 2024 but received no applicants. We intend to try again in June 2025.

It was a delight and joy that another one of our young people, Ruby, requested to receive Holy Communion before Confirmation, which, after a period of preparation, happened for her on Easter Day.

The 3rd annual Plant Sale was a huge success with extra funds raised for the mission and ministry of St Stephen’s Church. Many didn’t seem to want to leave and there were some fabulous conversations as well as lots of plants changing hands and cream teas being consumed. The ‘Flower Team’ held a very successful Afternoon Tea with Music, which raised a good amount for flowers to decorate Church throughout the year. Both the Summer and Christmas Fayres were well attended and it was obvious that people of our community wanted to come to their church. Another great ‘gathering’ day was the ‘Crafty Day’ – folk from church and the community gathered together to make greetings cards, chat and funds for Church were also raised.

Another new venture began in 2024, which we call ‘Bears and Prayers’. We invited all the families who had children baptised during the preceding 2 years to come along, with their Baptism Bears (or others), to remember and celebrate their baptisms and to pray and have fun together. The plan is for this to take place again in 2026.

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. It is a slow process, because we are doing things thoroughly and also learning what to do as we go. A sub-group of the PCC has been working diligently to investigate and prepare us for the steps ahead. I especially thank Sandy Cooper, Julia Merrifield, Nicola Read and Carolyn Smith for all their time and efforts. The aim is to have plans for the PCC and wider church to look at during 2025.

Why are we doing this? Hopefully our Mission Statements below might remind us and keep us on track…

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.

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 the Hope of the World!

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Churchwarden

We started 2024 still dealing with the problem of a damp area on the recently resurfaced Church Hall floor. After considering some obvious possible causes, we became aware this could result in us having to spend a large amount of money. For this reason, we contacted our insurance company who instructed a Loss Adjuster to investigate. After further negative tests, eventually with no further work or cost the floor dried and the risen wood blocks settled back causing no further problems.

Although the Church underwent its Quinquennial Survey in 2023, we did not receive the full printed report until January this year. We had already been verbally advised there was no urgent work required, but it was good to see this in print. There were two outstanding jobs at the time, but they had already been done. The list of other work required was recommended to be done within the next 12 to 18 months and there were some other things we needed to consider doing before the next Quinquennial was due. The cost for all this work was estimated by the Surveyor as being £13,500, however this did not take into account rising

inflation. George Chedburn (our Surveyor) completed his report with the following words: “St Stephen’s Church continues to be well maintained and the Church Wardens and PCC should be congratulated on the amount of work that has been completed over the last 20 years, including the upgrading of facilities to meet statutory requirements, as well as building an extension on the south side and introducing a modern, audiovisual system. More recently large-scale works have been completed to stabilise the timber structure of the spire, and work has been carried out on the west end of the Church to alleviate issues associated with rising damp. These improvements appear to be very successful.” Part way through 2023 a water leak appeared from ceiling in the mens toilet which necessitated getting a builder to do some repair work on the roof above. Also, Tim ensured that there were no drainage pipe blockages in that area, plus he then continued to clear all the other drain pipes around the Church. To ensure these pipes would stay clear he put a device on the top of them to ensure leaves or any other debris could not go down.

Later in the year it was time for someone from Pulse to do the annual check on the main boiler and also the gas appliances in the kitchen. On checking the hot water boiler in the kitchen, he discovered there was a problem with the fume extraction outside and therefore recommended that we change to an electric water heater. (Which we are now intending to do)

Over the year we have kept Dan Tippet the Electrician fairly busy, this was with several individual jobs plus the annual PAT testing in which he checks that all of our electrical items are safe to use. He also carried out the required five yearly check on the Church electrical system.

Another annual check which was done early in the year showed that we had several fire extinguishers which were of a type that would be taken out of service in the coming September. For this reason the Avon Fire Extinguisher person agreed he would come back at that time to take those extinguishers away and replace them with more appropriate ones. These are checked on a monthly basis by one of our Assistant Wardens.

So, if we look back over 2024 one thing does stand out, and it is that a lot of work, effort and finance goes into ensuring St Stephen’s remains a safe and welcoming place to be.

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 Godgiven 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 eighth year as Church Warden and she has been supported by a fantastic team of six Assistant Church Wardens; Tim Parker, Geoff Harris, Jan Brookshaw, Bill Brookshaw, Wayne Topps, Carolyn Hawkins & Matt Gait. And for all the ‘behind the scenes’ work Paul Sanderson does. 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. This was four mornings a week, but has now been reduced to three. Thank you to Bill & Jenny Bishop and Jan & Bill Brookshaw for all they do. Many thanks to David Packe who keeps us connected through advertising, the website, our weekly slides and Open Space. Thanks, also to Julie Goss who took over promoting St Stephen’s on social media and has had an immediate and positive impact.

Particular thanks to the PCC for all their time and input in being an active part in the Governance and Mission of St Stephen’s. And to Paul Sanderson and Mike Hudd who, with training and support, are advising the PCC on ways in which we best become an ‘Eco Church’.

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Services

Little Church, as mentioned above, began in January 2024 and is a fresh expression of Church to meet the needs of the people of our community. It is a delight and joy.

Friday Night Live, at 6.30pm on the 3rd Friday of each month, certainly has a feel of joy about it. Joy in praising Jesus in a relaxed way; joy of exploring Scripture and what it means in different learning styles to suit different people; and joy in the fellowship and friendships that are made.

St Stephen’s Community Worship is a great place to be at 10am each Sunday and we have had 22 people join us this year. The Youth Church team, led by Peter Robbins, has grown in its leadership, with new people joining the team of helpers and leaders. Dawn Duffin is one of those who have joined the team and is stepping out in faith to lead/co-ordinate the team during 2025. These young people are the future of our church, so we must encourage them with our prayers, smiles, encouragement and considerations. If God is nudging you to help in any way, please do speak with Peter, Dawn or Lisa.

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 & joy! During 2024, Prayer Ministry (praying with others) continued to be offered at the end of many services. Although there are always people available to pray with anyone at any time, so is lighting a candle in private prayer.

At regular intervals throughout the year, we have all been blessed by the witness of our own church members, sharing their testimony during our main Sunday service, and giving glory to God. What an encouragement to all of us this has been. As have the 4 speakers we had visit us during Lent.

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 2024, a small team of church members continued to take Holy Communion to around twelve of our ‘At Home Members’. This number can grow when folk are housebound by illness for short periods of time.

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 team for the all-age community services, which happen at Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday 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 every member 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.

Sadly, neither Bishop Viv or Bishop Neil were able to be with us on our 120th birthday and 100 years of being a parish celebrations - General Synod & other commitments meant they were elsewhere. But Bishop Viv will be joining us during Lent 2025 as one of our 4 Lent Speakers.

All the usual Christian festivals have been celebrated, with increases in numbers of people attending. On Palm Sunday, Romeo the donkey and his handler visited us, and Easter Day Bingo brought joy and laughter, as we celebrated and praised our Risen Lord! The theme for our many Christmas Services in 2024 was Jesus… Hope of 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 many Christmas services in Church. Carols by Candlelight saw our Church bursting at the seams again, this year with numbers increased by approximately 50 people, 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 also saw significant increases in people attending, as did Midnight Holy

Communion. For the first time in many years, the families of Youth Church celebrated with us in main Church with a fabulous re-telling of The Nativity.

We have an amazing and committed 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 2024, 6 children and 3 adults were Baptised at St Stephen’s. Six funerals were conducted in Church, with a further seven at local Crematoriums, with two burial of ashes. And during 2024, there was one wonderful couple 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’ who 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 clear 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 teams 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 2024 was 75 adults and 7 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 full of joy and hope in Jesus… the joy and hope of Jesus with us now, and the hope we have in Him for ever is clear. As we look to the future, let’s keep our hopes clearly founded on and with Jesus. And 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 2024 we met in St Chad’s Church, Patchway and discussed Eco Church and the Uganda link. In June we met in United Church, Longwell Green and discussed Transforming Church and the offer of an energy audit by the diocese. In November we met at St Michael’s Stoke Gifford, elected 2 laity and two clergy reps onto Diocesan Synod and discussed the Strategy behind the U18 works within Bristol Diocese. We had talks on Youth Chaplaincy and Growing Faith with practical examples.

Bill Bishop Deanery Synod Representative

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.

Forging Friendships began during 2024, which has offered friendship visits at home to those who would like them and the visitors; Jenny Bishop, Lorraine Sanderson, Sandra Rosser, Trish Phipps, Jean Hulbert, Carol Murphy; are caring members of the congregation.

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.

Nine baptisms took place during 2024, as well as one wedding. Thirteen funerals were conducted either in Church or at other locations, and there were two interments 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 (until 5[th] November 2024)

Policies

The Safeguarding Policy was reviewed and agreed by the PCC at its meeting on 12[th] November 2024. Additional policies adopted in 2024:

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy reviewed and agreed 12[th] November 2024.
Prevention of-Bullying & Harassment Policy agreed and adopted 12[th] November 2024

Activities

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

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

Little Church group for neurodiverse young people and their caregivers - 2 leaders and 7 helpers. (A new initiative this year; all leaders and helpers are established in the parish with appropriate Safeguarding clearance)

Outburst Youth Group - 4 Leaders, 2 helpers See and Know Toddlers Group - 3 leaders, 4 helpers Welcome Space Social Group - 2 Leaders and 7 helpers

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 as Trustees 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	3	0

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 2024. There were no safeguarding matters 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.

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:

COFFEE AND CHAT AT THE TURNPIKE PUB

This initiative which started in June 2022 was described as ‘a time to be, be known and be together’. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the Pool Room at the Turnpike from 11 am when the pub opens. All are welcome whether or not they come to our church. We are a friendly bunch and feel it is good for us to show our faces outside our church building and also to support our local business community. Some of us just have coffee whilst others like to stay on for lunch and continue their fellowship together. It was encouraging to have one person say they sometimes came feeling a bit low but left feeling a whole lot better.

Don’t be shy, give us a try, we would love to see you! Rosemary Boulton

WELCOME SPACE

Welcome Space began as a Warm Space which was intended to be a place in which people could come for warmth, refreshments and a chat during the cold winter months. This proved to be successful and as the months got warmer, people who attended Warm Space requested that we do not stop running during the summer. This request was wholeheartedly accepted and Warm Space became Welcome Space. Over the last year, we have continued to run every month providing a space which is much needed in the lives of those who attend. Our aim remains the same, to provide a warm place in which people can come and be welcomed, feel safe and talk to others. Throughout our lives each one of us will have challenges and struggles. During these times it is vital to have people we can talk to and people who can offer comfort and support. Welcome Space has certainly provided this and has made a difference in the lives of the people who attend. We currently run from 9 to 11:30am, this early start offers an opportunity for parents who have dropped their children off at school to pop in for a coffee and chat. Our team consists of two main leaders and 7 to 8 helpers. This past year, we have managed to receive a grant from the National Lottery to help us with our expenses and we are grateful for this support. Looking forward, I continue to pray that Welcome Space will provide a space of comfort, company and support in the future. It has certainly been an inspiration for me to watch the leaders and helpers serve and provide for the needs of those who attend. I thank God for Welcome Space, and I pray that He will continue to work in our church and community.

Revd Regan Meares

LADIES GROUP

We had a very interesting programme of speakers throughout the year. It was our 65th Birthday celebration in May. Our summer outing to Sidmouth was a wash out, it poured with rain all day, but was still very enjoyable.

We also held two Bring and Buy Sales, had a Fish and Chip Lunch, a Harvest Lunch and Christmas Lunch. A Christmas Meal was at Bath College also visiting the Christmas Market.

Our Carol Service was a combined one with the Pensioners and Men’s Groups.

We would like to extend a welcome to any Ladies to join us every other Thursday in the Church Hall. Jean Hulbert (Chairman)

MEN’S GROUP

Another year has gone by; one during which we sadly lost a long term member and friend. Despite the rising cost of visiting speakers, we give thanks that we still remain financially solvent; due in part to the sheer determination of all our members. This ensures that we bring great fellowship and interest to every meeting; be it with a visiting speaker, or just from within our members alone.

Among our highlights, the joint Carol Service with the Pensioners and Ladies Groups was a most profound and enjoyable experience. Our summer day out to Exmouth was enjoyed by all, as was our Christmas meal at “Ye Olde Inn”, Westerleigh. A recent visit to Frenchay Museum also proved most interesting. Special thanks goes to Bob, our Treasurer and also to our Speaker Secretary, Keith, whose roll is now combined with other members. Our “tea boys”, Alan Fox and John Gray, keep us well refreshed at the start of each meeting. “Thank you guys”.

Please note that our meetings are from 1.30pm to approximately 3.30pm on alternate Thursdays in the Church Room. We always extend a genuine and warm welcome to all comers. Here’s to a great and successful 2025.

Brian Brown (Chairman)

PENSIONERS GROUP

We are so fortunate to be able to meet every other Friday. Our group continues to flourish and we are frequently welcoming new members.

As usual, we had our favourite entertainers, held bingo sessions, quizzes and fundraising afternoons. Our annual Christmas Carol Service now runs jointly with Ladies Group and Men’s Group and was well supported. Many thanks to Lisa, our Vicar, for giving up her day off to be there to support us. Our outings were well supported and included trips to Weymouth and oak and treasures. This year we raised money through our various auctions etc. for the Jessie May Trust and we were privileged to have a speaker from the trust to receive a cheque.

Our Christmas meal at the Players Club was, as usual, really good, with the meals piping hot and enjoyable.

Sadly, we bade farewell to several members and I thought some prayers go out to their family and friends. Our grateful thanks must go to Mary for her fantastic leadership when, under very difficult circumstances, she continued to encourage us all. Thank you so much Mary.

Margaret Dodge

OUTBURST YOUTH GROUP

During 2024 we have continued to welcome new members to Outburst, with some children joining us from the local primary schools.

During the year we have covered many subjects including Mothering Sunday, Easter, Fairtrade and the meaning of Christmas to name just a few. These sessions have taken the form of film nights, crafts, discussions, bible treasure hunts and quizzes.

Our aim is to show the young people that meeting together in a Christian based group can be fun and enjoyable. 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 St Stephens and want to continue with their journey with God.

Carolyn Smith

SEE & KNOW

See and Know, for those who are new to St Stephen’s, is our parent and toddler group. We began in January 2004 and we welcome parents and carers with babies, toddlers and pre-school children. We have lots of toys, play kitchen, play dough and a different craft activity each week.

Our aim is to gently introduce young children and families to the Christian Faith. We do this with songs and rhymes and our special puppet Monty Mouse, who is a great favourite with everyone. We want them to know that they are all special and loved by Jesus.

There is also tea, coffee, squash and biscuits served during the morning.

We open on Thursday mornings, during term time, from 10-11:45.

We have a dedicated team who help set up and clear away and are happy to chat and encourage if needed.

We don’t have a waiting list at present so if you know anyone who would like to come along and join us they would be most welcome.

Love and Blessings

Sue Humphrey

KNIT AND NATTER

This year the group has grown slightly and we now have17 members on the register with a regular attendance of about 13 to 14. Members knit blankets and twiddle muffs for the local nursing homes, items for premature babies for Cossham hospital, hats scarves and gloves for the soup run. We also sent contributions for the Shoe box appeal at Christmas. All this is in addition to making items for friends and family. There is also a lot of nattering going on. We meet on Tuesday afternoon 1.30 to 3.30 and a cuppa and a biscuit is provided and sometimes cake when there is a birthday. If you would like to join us you would be very welcome

Jan Brookshaw

Financial Overview Year ending 31[st] December 2024

The Parochial Church funds at the end of this financial year stand at £153,246. This shows a small increase of about £2,916 on the 2023 figure mainly due to Restricted funds given to provide for the salary of a Community Chaplain. The main features of 2024 were prayerful consideration of how the Church premises and ministries may be made ready for the community of the next generation in Soundwell. As always, the Church has greatly benefitted 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 £3,875.01.

Unrestricted Funds

The unrestricted general fund reserve has decreased in the year from £51,910 to £51,029 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 £97,309 to £99,134. Day to day work on maintaining the fabric of the Church building has exceeded budget, and has included ongoing flat roof repairs and electrical systems upgrading. The use of the Church Hall by the community has increased during the year and this year the letting fees have more than covered the general running and maintenance expenses. So, some funds have been set aside from the Hall Fund to the Next Generation Fund. The Next Generation Fund was established in 2021 with a view to building resources for major improvement to the Church in years to come. A detailed survey of the Church site has been carried out to assist with general maintenance and to consider the scope for future enhancements of facilities on the Church premises.

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds within the Church accounts arise from gifts given to the Church to be forwarded to specified Charities. Also, funds have been given during the year, restricted to support the salary of a Community Chaplain. Our relationship with Fairtrade finally came to a close during 2023.

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 decreased by 2% compared with the previous year. Gift Aid continues to make a significant contribution to the income of the Church.

The Parish Share contribution for 2024 was increased to £69.345. This presents the Parish contribution to the diocese's costs in providing minislers. stipends and trK)using as well as a furth8r (x)ntribution to diocesan and national services cosls. The Church has an agreed policy of giving around 10% of lis Voluntary Income to a number Charities which have become known as our -mission Partners" because of their ongoing relationship with members of the Church. These ilKI:. The Bristol Soup Run The One25 Project. Brisiol Emmau5. Bristol Sisters of the Chur(* Christian Aid Beloved Bristol Schools Connection Harvest for the Hungry The Marmalade Trust The Children's Society Gaza Disaster Fund Day to day Church maintenance continues with the 8nnual electrical, fire and boller tests and certificalion. The Quinquennial survey highlighted the nomal list of minor maintenance tasks. but with no alarming cost implications this time. Ongoing flai roof repairs continue to be a challenge with some m¢xe significant expenditure planned for 2025. Eco improvements possibilities are also being considered f(K 2025. For the Church Hall. in addition to the nonnal day to day maintenance from our fantastic volunteers, work this year has included replacement of gutteriThJ. some lights'ng upgrades and other electrical equipment to improve our eco footprint, During the year. many Church members have continued to give through the Parish Giving Scheme. It has also benefitted us by the monthly tax redaim system and also by the ways t$0 on the scheme a prompted lo review 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 furKIs. As in recent years, we are projecting a defiat budget for 2025. However. we do hope lo sacure some grant funding lor the Community Chaplain we hope will loin us in September of 2025. and for Eco upgrades to our lighting and Other maintenance. We won't obtain all we need. so we may need to dig deep to ensure we are following Jesus in the ways he wants his church 10 go. But we know we follow a faithful God, and. together as his people here In Scxjndwell. we can be grateful people are joyously hopefvl for the future. Approved by the PCC on 11" March 2025 and signed their behalf by Rev'd Regan Meares, PCC Vice Chair CHARITr NO. 1131503 13

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2024

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	2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ General Designated Restricted Total General Designated Restricted Total 94,275.27 625.93 2,358.92 97,260.12 97,287.40 1,602.00 3,543.63 102,433.03 934.00 - 4,500.00 5,434.00 - - - - 5,371.47 18,440.26 - 23,811.73 6,690.71 15,691.24 - 22,381.95 3,875.01 - - 3,875.01 3,249.97 - - 3,249.97
	104,455.75 19,066.19 6,858.92 130,380.86 107,228.08 17,293.24 3,543.63 128,064.95
	- - 13,404.37 13,404.37 - - 12,456.14 12,456.14 80,092.33 65.00 65.00 80,222.33 76,485.33 - - 76,485.33 - - - - - - - - 9,261.94 23,158.69 1,417.61 33,838.24 9,177.27 30,002.30 - 39,179.57
	89,354.27 23,223.69 14,886.98 127,464.94 85,662.60 30,002.30 12,456.14 128,121.04
	15,101.48 (4,157.50) (8,028.06) 2,915.92 21,565.48 (12,709.06) (8,912.51) (56.09) (15,982.61) 5,982.61 10,000.00 - (12,000.00) 3,000.00 9,000.00 -
	(881.13) 1,825.11 1,971.94 2,915.92 9,565.48 (9,709.06) 87.49 (56.09) 51,909.88 97,308.59 1,111.45 150,329.92 42,344.40 107,017.65 1,023.96 150,386.01
	51,028.75 99,133.70 3,083.39 153,245.84 51,909.88 97,308.59 1,111.45 150,329.92

St. S¢¢ph¢n's Ch¥h Soundw•ll Yeai endéd 31st December 2024 B•l•nc• Sh••t 3111212024 3VUn023 Current As5¢ts Debtors Central Board of Flnance Cash at Bank and in hand Cash In hand Note 4 4.797.53 97.097.10 52.989.97 5,397.14 92.203.11 55,159.55 201.87 154W.60 152,961.67 Curr•nt Uabllltl Sundry Creditors Note 4 1,638.76 2,631.75 L638.76 1631.75 153245A4 150.329,91 Stat•m•nt of Funds Unrestrkted. General Note 3 51.028,75 51.9)9 88 51028.75 $1.9)9 Deslqnoted Designated - Fabrlc Desi8nated - Fabrlc Speclal Prole¢ts Desi8nated- Community Chaplain Designated - Next Generation Fund Deslinated - Hall Note 3 339.79 3,793,39 2,387.04 3.167.46 88.468.67 6.531.85 85,331.67 6.422.42 99,133.70 97,M.59 Ile5tricted Miss1¢ Communlty Chapl•Sn Note 3 Llll.45 3.017.39 3,083.39 1,111.45 Total Funds 153245.84 150,329.92 Approved by the parh111 Church Councll on Ilth March 2025 and si8ned on thelr behalf bv Reverend Re8an Meares. PCC Vl¢e Chalr .... Lorralne Sanderson. Treasufer.-.-.-.--. --..-.-.-.............-.-.......- 15

St Stephens Church, Soundwell Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

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 Central Board of Finance, 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 £1,100.61.
Mrs L.M. Cooper who is a Trustee received £1,500 for her work as Musical Director plus £470 for Wedding and Funeral services.
Mr G. Harris who is a Trustee received £135 for his duties as verger
Mr P. Sanderson who is the husband of a trustee received £3,744 for his duties as Hall Cleaner
During the year there were two members of staff, firstly our C hurch’s Promotions Officer, and then, for a five week period, a Community Chaplain.

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Year ended 31st December 2024 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 1

Note 1 Incoming Resources

TOTAL 2024 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Community Next Hall Special Chaplain Generation Account £ £ £ £ £	Toal £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fair- Community Fund trade Chaplain £ £ £	TOTAL 2023 £
61,487.88 17,685.88 1,568.00 5,924.65 10,593.71 -	61,487.88 17,685.88 1,568.00 5,924.65 7,608.86 -	- - - - 625.93 -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 625.93 - - - - - -	- - - - 2,358.92 -	- - - - - - - - - - - - 2,358.92 - - - - -	59,447.67 20,748.68 2,162.00 6,095.32 13,479.36 500.00
97,260.12	94,275.27	625.93	- 625.93 - -	2,358.92	2,358.92 -	102,433.03
5,434.00	934.00	-	- - - -	4,500.00	- - 4,500.00	-
5,434.00	934.00	-	- - - -	4,500.00	- - 4,500.00	-
3,133.00 3,085.93 15,354.33 2,238.47 - - -	3,133.00 - - 2,238.47 - - -	- 3,085.93 15,354.33 - - - -	- - - - 3,085.93 - - - - - - 15,354.33 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	4,335.00 4,061.64 11,629.60 2,345.71 10.00 - -
23,811.73	5,371.47	18,440.26	3,085.93 - - 15,354.33	-	- - -	22,381.95
3,875.01	3,875.01	-	- - - -	-	- - -	3,249.97

130,380.86	104,455.75	19,066.19	3,085.93 625.93 - 15,354.33	6,858.92	2,358.92 - 4,500.00	128,064.95

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2024 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 2

Note 2

Note 2 Resoures Used

TOTAL 2024 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Community Next Hall Special Chaplain Generation Account £ £ £ £ £	Total £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fair- Community Fund trade Chaplain £ £ £	TOTAL 2023 £
10,000.00 3,404.37	- -	- -	- - - - - - - - - -	10,000.00 3,404.37	10,000.00 - - 3,404.37 - -	9,000.00 3,456.14
13,404.37	-	-	- - - - -	13,404.37	13,404.37 - -	12,456.14
69,345.00 1,100.61 298.96 6,464.49 1,690.00 1,323.27	69,345.00 1,100.61 168.96 6,464.49 1,690.00 1,323.27	- - 65.00 - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - 65.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - 65.00 - - -	- - - - - - - - 65.00 - - - - - - - - -	66,140.00 1,038.93 490.29 5,350.55 2,293.28 1,172.28
80,222.33	80,092.33	65.00	- - 65.00 - -	65.00	- - 65.00	76,485.33
-	-	-	- - - -	-	- - -	-
n 2,270.11 6,448.58 3,378.47 - 11,496.18 - - 2,464.47 3,744.00 162.60 3,873.83	2,270.11 3,613.36 3,378.47 - - - - - - - -	- 1,417.61 - - 11,496.18 - - 2,464.47 3,744.00 162.60 3,873.83	- - - - - - - 1,417.61 - - - - - - - - - - - - 9,633.18 - - 1,863.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,464.47 - - - - 3,744.00 - - - - 162.60 - - - - 3,873.83	- 1,417.61 - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - 1,417.61 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	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
33,838.24	9,261.94	23,158.69	9,633.18 - 1,417.61 1,863.00 10,244.90	1,417.61	- - 1,417.61	39,179.57

127,464.94	89,354.27	23,223.69	9,633.18 - 1,482.61 1,863.00 10,244.90	14,886.98	13,404.37 - 1,482.61	128,121.04

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2024

Note 3 Funds Reconciliation

GENERAL DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fund Fabric Special Projects Community Chaplain Next Generation Fund Hall Account RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fund Fairtrade Community Chaplain Totals	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2024	Spire Fund Break In Fund	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2023
	51,909.88 104,455.75 (89,354.27) (15,982.61) 51,028.75		42,344.40 107,228.08 (85,662.60) (12,000.00) 51,909.88
	2,387.04 3,085.93 (9,633.18) 4,500.00 339.79 3,167.46 625.93 - - 3,793.39 - - (1,482.61) 1,482.61 - 85,331.67 - (1,863.00) 5,000.00 88,468.67 6,422.42 15,354.33 (10,244.90) (5,000.00) 6,531.85		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
	97,308.59 19,066.19 (23,223.69) 5,982.61 99,133.70		107,017.65 17,293.24 (30,002.30) 3,000.00 97,308.59
	1,111.45 2,358.92 (13,404.37) 10,000.00 66.00 - - - - - - 4,500.00 (1,482.61) - 3,017.39 - - - - -		1,015.45 3,543.63 (12,447.63) 9,000.00 1,111.45 8.51 - (8.51) - - - - - - - - - - - -
	1,111.45 6,858.92 (14,886.98) 10,000.00 3,083.39		1,023.96 3,543.63 (12,456.14) 9,000.00 1,111.45
	150,329.92 130,380.86 (127,464.94) - 153,245.84		150,386.01 128,064.95 (128,121.04) - 150,329.92

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2024

Note 4 Net Assets per Fund

Total £ 4,797.53 97,097.10 52,989.97 -	2024 General Total £ 1,103.45 1,751.65 49,435.72 -	2024 Designated Total £ 3,694.08 92,262.06 3,554.25 -	2024 Restricted Total £ - 3,083.39 - -	Total £ 3,694.08 92,262.06 3,554.25 -	Fabric Next Generation Special Community Chaplain £ £ £ £ - - - - - 88,468.67 3,793.39 - 339.79 - - - - - - - 2024 Designated - Detail	Hall £ 3,694.08 - 3,214.46 -	Total £ - 3,083.39 - -	Mission Fairtrade Community Chaplain £ £ £ - - - 66.00 - 3,017.39 - - - - - - 2024 Restricted - Detail
154,884.60	52,290.82	99,510.39	3,083.39	99,510.39	339.79 88,468.67 3,793.39 -	6,908.54	3,083.39	66.00 - 3,017.39
1,638.76	1,262.07	376.69	-	376.69	- - - -	376.69	-	- - -
1,638.76	1,262.07	376.69	-	376.69	- - - -	376.69	-	- - -
153,245.84 153,245.84 -	51,028.75 51,028.75 -	99,133.70 99,133.70 -	3,083.39 3,083.39 -	99,133.70 99,133.70 -	339.79 88,468.67 3,793.39 - 339.79 88,468.67 3,793.39 - - -	6,531.85 6,531.85 -	3,083.39 3,083.39 -	66.00 - 3,017.39 66.00 - 3,017.39 - - -

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 - - - - - -

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2024

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

Community Chaplain which covers the costs of the Community Chaplain attributable to the Church

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

Community Chaplain which covers the funds of the Community Chaplain attributable to external grants

Note 6 Details of Charity Donations

e 6 Details of Charity Donations
	2024		2023
	£		£
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
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	1,000.00		500.00
The Marmalade Trust	1,000.00
		10,000.00		9,000.00
Donations from collections
Harvest for the Hungry	465.51		476.68
Sisters of the Church	1,643.51		1,672.21
Children's Society	249.90		1,042.74
Sundry Donations	30.00		256.00
Gaza Disaster Fund	1,015.45
		3,404.37		3,447.63

st stephens Church, Soundwell Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Stephen's Church, Soundwell I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st December 2024, which are set out on pages 14 to 22. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Act"). 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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Burton Cornersto Midland Way Thornbury Bristol BS35 2BS eet 2025 22