2025-12-31-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 2025

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 ‘til Aug 2025 Ex Officio Rev Sandy Cooper Ex Officio Lay Ministers: Mr Peter Robbins Safeguarding Officer ‘til June 2025 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 2025 Mrs Nicola Read Elected 2025 Mrs Sue Humphrey Elected 2025 Mrs Lorraine Sanderson Treasurer Elected 2025 Ms Linda Krause Elected 2025

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 Team	Admin Team	Chat at the Turnpike
Sacristy Team	Safeguarding Team	Prayer Teams	Youth Church
Choir	Friday Night Live Team	Outburst Youth Group	Bible Chat
See & Know	Knit & Natter	Ladies Group	Bring Your Bible
Men’s Group	Pensioner’s Group	Fabric Team	Little Church
Café Central Team	Baptism Prep	Re-Ordering Committee
Bereavement Team	Pastoral Care Teams	Flower Persons
Cleaning Team	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 2025 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 2025; 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 111 people, an increase of three from last year. Five names have been removed and eight added.

Ministry Overview

Vicar

Following on from Christmas 2024, we began 2025 celebrating that Jesus is the one in whom we have Hope! We ended the year with the theme that Jesus is, the Light of the World. And I believe His Hope and Light have been evident throughout 2025 and in all we have experienced together at St Stephen’s.

I was granted a 3-month sabbatical, which began on 1[st] March - and this certainly was a hope filled and illuminating time for me. God being ‘always and everywhere’, and being ‘drenched in His love’, were words and experiences I had with Him, that refreshed and refuelled me and shone a light to the future for me and for St Stephen’s. Regan did a fabulous job in leading us through that time, starting Bible Stories on Friday Lunchtimes in St Stephen’s Junior School, and Bring Your Bible each week on Wednesday evenings. Both of these continued throughout the year and are not only welcome additions to the mission and ministry of our Church, but are growing and deepening the faith of those who attend.

Regan completed his Curacy with us in August and moved to a very different Church and community, as a formal placement for the final year of his training, to give him more experience of Parish Ministry in very differing circumstances. This has proved to be the right thing for him and has been valuable in helping him discern where God is leading him next.

2025 saw our 2[nd] year of ‘Little Church’- Church for families who struggle with main church as some of their family members are neuro-diverse. ‘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.

Numbers attending the Discipleship Courses and Lent Course in 2025 dropped from previous years, so in June we began Bring Your Bible. This weekly, Wednesday evening Bible Study Group offers the opportunity to read and discuss the Bible in a relaxed and open way. During this time Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the early chapters of Genesis and the readings used in the Christmas Carol Service have been studied. The group also shares what God might be saying to them during the week through His word, through social media and in their own lives. Numbers of people attending grew throughout the year, with between four and ten people attending each time, and has shown a clear thirst for God’s word. Alongside this, Bible Chat, the afternoon Bible Study Group, also continued to grow in numbers, with between eight and fourteen people attending regularly through 2025. This fortnightly group looks at the Gospel reading for the following Sunday, ponders it together, sharing the understanding and meaning it has for us today, and also focuses on where God has been active in lives of group members and in our world. Everyone is welcome to either or both Bible Study Groups.

The monthly Coffee, Chat and Company at the Turnpike Pub attracts people meeting for company and fellowship on the first Wednesday of the month. 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 2025. 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 Summer and Christmas Fayres were both a huge success in the way that the community wanted to come to their church. Many didn’t seem to want to leave and there were some fabulous conversations as well as lots of goodies changing hands. Sue Humphrey does wonders in organising us, so thanks to her, but also to each & every one of you who helped in one way or another.

The links with the 5 Schools in the parish took on a new life with the appointment of Elaine Brewster, our Community Chaplain in September. Throughout the year there were visits to church, RE lessons taught by ministers on both school and church premises, Collective Worship led in school and regular services in church. Linda Krause joined the team of Academy Councillors (used to be called School Governors) at St Stephen’s Junior School where lots of vital work takes place. Regan began a Bible Studies Lunch Club in May, which Elaine has built on and continues with Will Bishop, and she has also begun lots of other initiatives, details of which can be found in her report. Together, as a team at St Stephen’s, we continue to explore how we might share the story of Jesus in imaginative and interactive ways in our local schools.

The recruitment process for a Community Chaplain produced great fruit with Elaine’s appointment. Her first four months with us have seen her settle in wonderfully as part of the Church family as well as bring life and joy to the Children, Youth and Families (C, Y & F’s) activities of our church within our community. Part of her focus is the 5 schools, then C, Y & F’s opportunities within the parish, as well as the existing and new activities for these age groups in Church.

During the latter part of the year a specific Fabric Team was created to care for and, alongside the Reordering Team, to look at the current and future needs of our premises. So that we can continue to be an asset for and with the community in which we are set. The Fabric Team (Gill Mayo, Tim Parker, Paul Sanderson, Matt Gait, Lorraine Sanderson and myself) look at the day to day and year by year maintenance needs. The Re-ordering Team (Sandy Cooper, Carolyn Smith, Julia Merrifield, Nicola Read, Tim Parker, Paul & Lorraine Sanderson, and myself) have been collating information, seeking advice, preparing necessary documentation, so that during 2026 we have thoughts and ideas to share with you. 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 multi-functional 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 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 Light of the World!

Revd Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Churchwarden

The year felt that it had been full of electrical and roof work, plus Health and Safety, and Fire Risk assessments. However, it started with a further attempt to keep the Church safe from intruders. The Church room door was fitted with a part that ensured it could not be broken into. It also had an efficient electric bell installed.

In February, Simon, a well-qualified Church member offered to inspect the Church and complete a full Health and Safety risk assessment. Tim Parker and myself walked around the Church with him and listed all the necessary steps we needed to take to prevent avoidable accidents. Simon then completed the necessary paperwork to ensure we met the legal requirements.

In his capacity as an experienced Firefighter, Simon then looked at the potential fire risks within the

whole of the Church building, plus what action should be taken in the event of a fire. It was with his guidance that the necessary Fire Risk assessment was completed, and again there were quite a few steps we had to take in order to meet the requirements.

It was in mid-summer that we were suddenly faced with the partial collapse of the old stone wall that divides the Church and Soundwell Academy grounds. The first move had to be getting the area fenced off as potentially there could be further falls. Following an assessment by a qualified person from the Diocese, it was agreed that the existing wall should be made safe, and the fallen stones be removed and safely stacked elsewhere. This was done by a strong group of volunteers. Rebuilding the wall was considered, but this is being held in abeyance as it is possible that long term plans for the Church, could want to occupy that space.

It was around this time that a group was brought together to discuss a brilliant idea that Lisa had been thinking about. The idea was that we set up a FABRIC TEAM who would meet together, as necessary, to discuss outstanding work on the Church building, and, using the skills of the team members, make plans for work to be carried out. This is proving to be very successful, and it has taken stress off me, as Church Warden.

Most important this year is that we had a new volunteer to be an Assistant Warden, he joined the wonderful little team that help ensure the Sunday services run smoothly. We also had some new volunteer Welcomers, who have the important role of ensuring everyone is made welcome in our Church.

Gill Mayo Churchwarden

Ministry Team

The ministry team - 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) - sadly reduced in size during 2025. Peter stepped away in June for a year-long sabbatical and Regan moved to St Chad’s in Patchway to gain some very different and valuable experience there to help him discern where God is calling him next. 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 ninth year as Church Warden and she has been supported by a fantastic team of seven Assistant Church Wardens; Tim Parker, Geoff Harris, Jan Brookshaw, Bill Brookshaw, Wayne Topps, Carolyn Hawkins & Matt Gait… with Paul Sanderson joining part way through the year. Thank you all.

At the end of 2025, Tim Parker, Paul Sanderson and Julia Merrifield agreed to be Co-Church Wardens alongside Gill, becoming a tighter team of support... the outworking of which we will see in 2026.

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 three mornings a week. Thank you to Bill 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 leads our social media promotions which has successfully translated into people coming to Church.

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.

Revd. Lisa Wigmore Vicar

Community Chaplaincy and Family Ministry (September–December 2025)

Elaine Brewster joined the ministry team in September 2025 as Community Chaplain, with a focus on strengthening relationships between the church, local schools, and families.

During this period, Elaine met with the headteachers of both St Stephen’s Junior School and St Stephen’s Infant School, laying foundations for ongoing partnership. She led collective worship in both schools and hosted school services at St Stephen’s Church, including Harvest and Christmas services for the Junior School and a Christmas service for the Infant School.

Elaine supported and developed several school-based initiatives. At St Stephen’s Junior School, she established a Crochet After School Club, providing a safe and welcoming space for pupils. She also continued the Bible Lunchtime Club that had been introduced by the previous Curate, expanding it to include colouring and craft activities alongside the Bible story. The club had a regular attendance of approximately 15 pupils, with additional attendees joining on a weekly basis. Elaine also took responsibility for the school’s prayer corner, introducing a prayer tree that enabled pupils to write and hang prayers during break and lunchtime.

In December, Elaine and church volunteers delivered “Christmas in a Box” to Year 5 pupils at St Stephen’s Junior School. She also facilitated two church-based workshops: one with a Reception class, allowing pupils to tour the church and ask questions, and another with Year 3 pupils exploring the theme “What is a place of worship?”.

Within the wider church community, Elaine took an active role in the See and Know toddler group and Sunday Youth Church. She helped lead the purchase of ten Youth Bibles, introduced Bible Races into Sunday morning children’s provision, and led the Youth Church in presenting a Youth Nativity.

Elaine also supported Outburst and Little Church, working alongside existing teams to promote and help grow these groups. In addition, she began initial discussions and planning towards the launch of a Bubble Church at St Stephen’s. Starting to gather a team of volunteers to be on the team.

To support communication and outreach, Elaine also established a St Stephen’s Church Instagram page, complementing the church’s existing social media presence that Julie Goss has built and maintained beautifully.

Special thanks to every member of these groups who have helped support and welcome the chaplaincy work this year.

Elaine Brewster Community Chaplain

Kingswood & South Gloucestershire Deanery Synod

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 2025 we met at Downend and the Deanery Mission Action Plan was explained. It was a helpful way to help a Church / Parish / Deanery to help identify areas that are growing and areas we want to grow in to – areas that need growth. It helps with setting goals and identifying stepping stones.

In July we met here at St Stephen’s and a good number of parishioners were represented – particularly those on sub committees to achieve the stated Deanery objectives of: Look after your buildings – Eco Church. Experts were in attendance to give advice. I believe they found it very helpful as we are pursuing these Deanery objectives.

In November we met at St Chad’s Church Patchway and the subject was “Transforming Church Together”. I was able to tell the meeting that we were at the forefront of this and well on our way to achieving many of the aims in this initiative.

If anyone wishes to join the Deanery Synod they can be nominated by our PCC – we have room for more representatives

Please speak to me or a member of the PCC if this interests you.

Bill Bishop

Deanery Synod Representative

Services

Little Church, is Church for families with Neuro-diverse children. We began in January 2024 with 3 families and have grown to 5 families with space for just one, possibly 2 more. It is a fresh expression of Church to meet the needs of the people of our community and it is shining the Light of Jesus for those who attend and lead it.

Friday Night Live, at 6.30pm on the 3rd Friday of each month, shines the light and love of Jesus in very different ways to our more traditional main Sunday Service. In a relaxed way we praise Jesus, explore Scripture together - breaking out in groups to suit our different learning styles as people - and enjoy friendship and fellowship over crackers and cheese afterwards.

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, was led and co-ordinated by Dawn Dufffin, from the start of 2025, with the help and support of Peter Robbins & Regan Meares. In September, Elaine joined with oversight of the team, encouraging Dawn and the rest of the team of leaders and helpers. Thank you to Katy North, Teresa Cooper, Nicola Bailey, Will Bishop, Julie Goss, Lorraine Sanderson and Sue Humphrey who give their time to plan, lead and support our Youth. These young people are the future of our church, so we must inspire and uplift them with our prayers, smiles, words of encouragement and considerations. If God is nudging you to help in any way, please do speak with Elaine or Dawn.

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, and we see the Light of Jesus shining through them! During 2025, 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 for the way His Light shines through them. 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 small, but committed congregation at 10am each Wednesday to share Holy Communion together.

Throughout 2025, a small team of church members continued to take Holy Communion to around nine 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 are held monthly, some with Holy Communion, others without. All these are received and valued by residents, staff and carers alike and are well attended. Thank you to the team from St Stephen’s who support and help at these services - Margaret Archer, Mike Long, Jean Hulbert and Rosemary Boulton.

Julia Merrifield has done an amazing job in pulling together resources for our 5 All Age Services. These happen at Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday and on our Church’s birthday (Dedication). The team of people who plan and lead these services continues to grow and our community tell us they see the Light of Jesus shining through them. This team continue to create the Experience Easter Trail in the Church Garden, which has been a huge success across our community over the last few years, with many people coming to Experience Easter during Holy Week.

All the usual Christian festivals have been celebrated, with Regan conducting a Baptism by Full Immersion in Church on Easter Day - the first time for many years. What joy there was praising our Risen Lord! There was one special Confirmation that took place in June, at Christ Church Hengrove, for Ethan Ridler.

Ministry in our local schools is growing - and building on all that has gone before, Regan and then Elaine are exciting faith in the children. Through these building relationships, this encourages significant numbers of children, parents and carers to attend their many School Christmas Services in Church. Our Church Carols by Candlelight saw Church bursting at the seams again and the Light of Christ shining brightly. The Soundwell Brass Ensemble continues 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 similar numbers of people attending as last year, as did Midnight Holy Communion. And wonderfully, the families of Youth Church celebrated with us in main Church with a fabulous re-

telling of The Nativity. Our theme - Jesus the Light of the World, shone brightly in 2025.

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 enable people to gather in church to remember their loved ones. There wasn’t a Baptism Preparation Session throughout 2025 due to falling numbers in people requesting Baptisms, but there is a small and committed team of people who support Baptism Families at the Baptism Services. During 2025, 9 children and 4 adults were Baptised at St Stephen’s. Six funerals were conducted in Church, with a further thirteen at local Crematoriums. And during 2025, there were two 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. There was a particularly large Choir for the Church Carol Service that sounded amazing. Tim Parker and Lin share the leading of our sung worship week by week by playing the organ and piano, as well as choosing what we sing. We would be lost without them, so thank you.

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!

Some folk have chosen to move to other Churches, or have found jobs elsewhere, and some have gone to be with our Lord in glory. But God has brought a significant number of new people to us over 2025, so the average Sunday attendance for 2025 was 77 adults and 10 children, which is an increase on last year.

God’s Light has certainly been shining on our Church Community throughout 2025, and we have seen His light shining out form us to touch others with the knowledge and love of Jesus. As we look to the future, let us continue to allow His Light to shine through us as we always and everywhere Follow Jesus!

Revd. Lisa Wigmore Vicar

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 October, 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 continues to offer friendship visits at home to those who would like them and the visitors; Jenny Bishop, Lorraine Sanderson, 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.

Thirteen baptisms took place during 2025, as well as two weddings. Nineteen funerals were conducted either in Church or at other locations, but there were no interments of ashes carried out.

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!

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 (until 15[th] June 2025) Rev Lisa Wigmore took on role from then

Policies

The Safeguarding Policy was reviewed and agreed by the PCC at its meeting on 11[th] November 2025.

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, and in its other Mission Outreach Groups.

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.

Reporting to the PCC

The PCC was updated about Safeguarding matters in the parish at all 6 meetings during 2025. There was safeguarding awareness matter reported on to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Action Plan

Lisa has been looking for the right people to take on the role as Parish Safeguarding Officers throughout the latter half of 2025. Two people, Nicola Bailey & Lorraine Sanderson came forward at the end of the year and they will begin sharing the role and responsibilities at the start of 2026 with some training to get them started.

Lisa Wigmore

Vicar & Interim Parish Safeguarding Officer

Community

The Church membership is 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: we call them our Mission Outreach Groups:

Welcome Space

Welcome Space has continued from 9 – 11.30am on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month throughout the year. It began as a Warm Space, intended to be a place in which people could come for warmth, refreshment and a chat during the cold winter months.

This enterprise has continued to be successful during winter and summer alike with a band of 20 or so regulars aged between babies to people in their 90’s. It has become a mutually supporting community of people, whilst still being an open place to welcome visitors from time to time.

Currently the team is led by Lorraine Sanderson and Sandy Cooper, supported by a delightful team of 6 faithful people. We pray that Welcome Space will continue to provide a welcome, company and support into the future.

Lorraine Sanderson & Sandy Cooper

Coffee and Chat at the Turnpike Pub.

We have been going for over three years now and around a dozen of us gather on the first Wednesday of every month in the Pool Room of the Turnpike Pub. All ages are welcome and in the last year that has included under one year old to over ninety!

Some of us just have coffee whilst others like to stay on for lunch and to continue fellowship together.

This is one of the few opportunities we get to meet and show our faces outside our church premises and also to support our local pub.

Rosemary Boulton

See and Know

See and Know is our Christian parent and toddler group. We have been running now for 23 years and aim to gently introduce young children and their parents or carers to the Christian Faith. We use songs, rhymes and puppets to encourage the children to share, take turns and have fun learning that Jesus is their friend.

We had a leavers party in the summer, and we said goodbye to 8 children who moved on to school. This left our numbers rather depleted and the remaining children were very young. However, we are now beginning to welcome new children and their carers.

We said goodbye to helper, Carol Millard, at the end of the summer term. Carol has been with us since See and Know started and is sorely missed. However, Elaine, the Community Chaplain, has joined us, along with Stella Hoare and Sarah Cook, which is a great help. We also have a couple of mums who regularly help us to set up.

We have a really friendly and helpful group of mums and nans who are very supportive of each other. We would welcome any new families who would like to join us.

Sue Humphrey

Outburst Youth Group

In 2025 we were delighted to welcome new members to Outburst, including children joining us from our local primary school.

Throughout the year, we explored a wide range of themes such as Mothering Sunday, Easter, Fairtrade and the meaning of Christmas. Our sessions took many forms – film nights, craft session, cooking, discussions, Bible treasure hunts and quizzes – offering something for everyone

Our aim continues to be to show young people that spending time together in a Christian based group can be both enjoyable and enriching. By planting the seeds of faith, we hope that when the time feel right for them to make their own personal commitment they will look back on their experiences at Outburst and St Stephen’s and choose to continue their journey with God.

Carolyn Smith

Knit and Natter

Membership has dropped slightly this year due to illness and the loss of our friend Doreen who made the lovely teddies for those being baptised. Some of us are now trying to make them as well as she did. We continue to support the nursing homes, Cossham hospital, the soup run and the shoe box appeal. This year we have knitted dolls clothes and also mittens for the children attending the nursery next to the church. We would welcome new members.

Jan Brookshaw

Pensioners Group

The year passes so quickly. Despite losing several long term and wonderful friends, we have been fortunate in meeting new friends, who find our fortnightly meetings very enjoyable. It seems the content of each meeting is so different, yet suitable for us.

We always look forward to the musical entertainment, which is enjoyed by everyone.

This year we had a trip to Weymouth which was well supported and enjoyed by all.

Our previous years fundraising was for MND. During 2025 our fundraising efforts were not so successful, although our Harvest Sale went well. It was decided that we would find other means of fundraising during 2026.

This year for our Christmas celebration we decided to visit Shepton Mallet and have a fish and chip lunch. This was followed by a visit to Dobbies Garden Centre nearby, to top up with Christmas presents and enjoy a cup of tea. It was very successful and enjoyed by all.

Our Christmas Carol Service was held on a Thursday, joining the Ladies Group, Men’s Group and friends. It was followed by refreshments in the Church Hall. Our grateful thanks to Rev Sandy Cooper for his help in arranging this.

Mary Britton (Chairman)

Men’s Group

This year we lost four of our longest serving members – Malcolm Pullin, Derek Beek, James Head and Chairman Brian Brown. They are sadly missed and our thoughts and condolences go out to each of their families.

With the rising costs of speakers, we had to reshuffle our set-up, to entertain ourselves some weeks. To this extent our membership filled the gaps with great fellowship and interest, with the outcome meaning we remained financially solvent.

On the summer outing to Weymouth we enjoyed super weather, and a trip to Gloucester Military Museum proved to be very interesting.

The joint Carol Service with the Ladies and Pensioner Groups was very enjoyable, as usual, and our Christmas meal, at the new venue of Keynsham Rugby Club, was highly acceptable and will be used again next year.

We have to say special thanks to Treasurer, Bob and 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 1.30-3.30 pm 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 2026.

Keith Winter (Chairman)

Ladies Group

Ladies Group had a very good year, with lots of good speakers. Our trip was to Cardiff Bay and then on for shopping. We held a Macmillan Cancer Support afternoon and some people from church joined us.

We had a Harvest Lunch and also a Christmas Auction, with Tim Parker as the Auctioneer.

Our winter outing was to Bath College for an excellent meal and then across the road to the Christmas Market.

Our fundraising project was for St Peters hospice, and we raised £1,000. To end the year we had a joint Carol Service with the Pensioners and Men’s groups which was very well attended.

Jean Hulbert (Chairman)

Financial Overview Year ending 31[st] December 2025

The Parochial Church funds at the end of this financial year stand at £163,683. This shows a small increase of about £10,438 on the 2024 figure due to a combination of Restricted funds given to provide for the salary of a Community Chaplain and monies held in the Hall Fund to finance heating improvements. The main features of 2025 were the recruitment appointment of a Community Chaplain, and some generous grants given to support her salary. Prayerful consideration has continued 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 £4,541.15.

Unrestricted Funds

The unrestricted general fund reserve has further decreased in the year from £51,029 to £47,881 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 £99,134 to £104,861. 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 retained in the Hall Fund to part fund a proposed Eco-friendly heating system and solar panel array. It has not been possible to set aside any resources for 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. However there has been significant effort expended in considering what improvements are necessary to enhance the 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. The Church has gratefully received restricted grant funding towards the repair to a flat roof, for eco-enhancements of the Hall electrical system and to support the salary of a Community Chaplain.

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 1.9% compared with the previous year. Gift Aid continues to make a significant contribution to the income of the Church.

The Parish Share contribution for 2025 was increased to £70,467. 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 Christian Aid Beloved Bristol Schools Connection Harvest for the Hungry Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust

Bristol Churches Fund The Children's Society Uganda Mission Project Day to day Church maintenance continues with the annual electrical, fire and boiler tests and certification. Ongoing flat roof repairs continue lo be a challenge with significant expendilure during the year. Eco improvements have been carried out in the Church Hall with further work planned for the Church in 2026. Further Eco work is in the final planning stage for r-to-Air healing for the ChLbrch Hall, iogelher with a solar array and battery system. Pemiissions are awaited and it is hoped that work should commence early in 2026 During the year, many Church members have continued to give through the Parish Giving Scheme. It has also benefitted us by the monthly tax reclaim system and also by the ways Ihose on the scheme are prompted to review their level of their giving annually. Many other Church m8mbers have continued filling their weekly giving envelopes and ensure they have found their way into Church funds. As in recent years, we ar8 projecting a deficit budget for 2026. However. we do hope to secure some additional grant funding for the Communty Chaplain role, and for the Eco upgrades of Solar Panels and a new healing system in the Church Hall, as well as other maintenan. We won't obtain all we need, so we may need lo dig deep to ensure we are followng Jesus in the ways he wants his church to go. But we know we follow a faithful God, and, together as his people here in Soundwell, we can be grateful people who are joyously hopeful for the future. Approved by the PCC on io ...rfknkn... 2c2.Q....... and signed on their behalf by Rev'd Lisa Wigmore, PCC Chair CHARITY NO. 1131503 14

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2025

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	2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ General Designated Restricted Total General Designated Restricted Total 92,546.85 3,870.00 3,618.81 100,035.66 94,275.27 625.93 2,358.92 97,260.12 - - 30,222.32 30,222.32 934.00 - 4,500.00 5,434.00 6,020.46 20,292.73 - 26,313.19 5,371.47 18,440.26 - 23,811.73 4,541.15 - - 4,541.15 3,875.01 - - 3,875.01
	103,108.46 24,162.73 33,841.13 161,112.32 104,455.75 19,066.19 6,858.92 130,380.86
	- - 13,668.81 13,668.81 - - 13,404.37 13,404.37 81,281.83 - 11,698.97 92,980.80 80,092.33 65.00 65.00 80,222.33 - - - - - - - - 12,367.37 21,435.49 10,222.32 44,025.18 9,261.94 23,158.69 1,417.61 33,838.24
	93,649.20 21,435.49 35,590.10 150,674.79 89,354.27 23,223.69 14,886.98 127,464.94
	9,459.26 2,727.24 (1,748.97) 10,437.53 15,101.48 (4,157.50) (8,028.06) 2,915.92 (13,000.00) 3,000.00 10,000.00 - (15,982.61) 5,982.61 10,000.00 -
	(3,540.74) 5,727.24 8,251.03 10,437.53 (881.13) 1,825.11 1,971.94 2,915.92 51,028.75 99,133.70 3,083.39 153,245.84 51,909.88 97,308.59 1,111.45 150,329.92
	47,488.01 104,860.94 11,334.42 163,683.37 51,028.75 99,133.70 3,083.39 153,245.84

St. Stephen'5 Church Soundwell Year endèd 31st Oetember 2025 Balance Sheet 311IV2025 3V1212024 Current Asmts Oebtors Central Board ol Finance Cash at Bank and in hand Cash in hand Note 4 5,241.80 100,447.45 60,202.59 4,797.53 97,097 10 52,989.97 165.891.84 154.884.60 Current Llabilities Sundry Creditors Note 4 2.208.47 1,638.76 2,208.47 1,638.76 Net Assets 163,683.37 153,245A4 Statement of Funds Un$tcted- Geneml Note 3 47,488.01 51,028.75 47.488,01 51,028.75 DesigQted Designated - Fabric Designated- Fabric Special Projects Designat - Comrntjnity Chaplain Desnated- Nekt Generation Fund Designated- Hall Note 3 137.86 4.683.39 339.79 3,793.39 89,478.67 10.561.02 88,468.67 6,531.85 104,860.94 99.133.70 Restrirted Mission Fabric (Church) Hall Account Communtty ChapLiln Note 3 16.(K) 6600 11,318.42 3.017.39 11,334.42 3.083.39 Totsl Funds 163,683.37 153.245.84 Approved by the Parochkil Church CcAJncll on 10th March 2026 and signed on their behaK by Reverend s3 Wigmore, Vicar and PCC Chair............... Lorralne Sanderson, Treasurer.......... 16

St Stephens Church, Soundwell Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

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 £932.54.
Mrs L.M. Cooper who is a Trustee received £1,000 for her work as Musical Director plus £560 for Wedding and Funeral services.
Mr G. Harris who is a Trustee received £200 for his duties as verger
Mr P. Sanderson who is the husband of a trustee received £3,145.20 for his duties as Hall Cleaner
During the year there were two other members of staff, firstly our Church’s Promotions Officer, and then, from September 2025, our Community Chaplain.

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell

Year ended 31st December 2025 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 1

Note 1 Incoming Resources

TOTAL 2025 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Community Next Hall Special Chaplain Generation Account £ £ £ £ £	Toal £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fabric Hall Account Community Fund (Church) Chaplain £ £ £ £	TOTAL 2024 £
64,008.51 17,521.63 873.00 5,832.37 10,800.15 1,000.00	64,008.51 17,356.63 873.00 5,832.37 4,476.34 -	- - - - 2,870.00 1,000.00	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,970.00 890.00 - 10.00 - - - - 1,000.00 -	- 165.00 - - 3,453.81 -	- - - - 165.00 - - - - - - - - - - - 3,453.81 - - - - - - -	61,487.88 17,685.88 1,568.00 5,924.65 10,593.71 -
100,035.66	92,546.85	3,870.00	1,970.00 890.00 - 1,010.00 -	3,618.81	3,618.81 - -	97,260.12
30,222.32	-	-	- - - -	30,222.32	- 1,400.00 8,822.32 20,000.00	5,434.00
30,222.32	-	-	- - - -	30,222.32	- 1,400.00 8,822.32 20,000.00	5,434.00
2,692.00 3,135.73 17,157.00 3,328.46 - - -	2,692.00 - - 3,328.46 - - -	- 3,135.73 17,157.00 - - - -	- - - - - 3,135.73 - - - - - - - - 17,157.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	3,133.00 3,085.93 15,354.33 2,238.47 - - -
26,313.19	6,020.46	20,292.73	3,135.73 - - - 17,157.00	-	- - - -	23,811.73
4,541.15	4,541.15	-	- - - - -	-	- - - -	3,875.01

161,112.32	103,108.46	24,162.73	5,105.73 890.00 - 1,010.00 17,157.00	33,841.13	3,618.81 1,400.00 8,822.32 20,000.00	130,380.86

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2025 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT PART 2

Note 2 Resoures Used

TOTAL 2025 £	GENERAL £	Total £	DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fabric Community Next Hall Special Chaplain Generation Account £ £ £ £ £	Total £	RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fabric Hall Acount Community Fund (Church) Chaplain £ £ £ £	TOTAL 2024 £
10,000.00 3,668.81	- -	- -	- - - - - - - - - -	10,000.00 3,668.81	10,000.00 - - - 3,668.81 - - -	10,000.00 3,404.37
13,668.81	-	-	- - - - -	13,668.81	13,668.81 - - -	13,404.37
70,467.09 932.54 200.00 11,698.97 7,021.33 1,680.00 980.87	70,467.09 932.54 200.00 - 7,021.33 1,680.00 980.87	- - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - 11,698.97 - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,698.97 - - - - - - - - - - - -	69,345.00 1,100.61 298.96 6,464.49 1,690.00 1,323.27
92,980.80	81,281.83	-	- - - - -	11,698.97	- - - 11,698.97	80,222.33
-	-	-	- - - -	-	- - - -	-
n 4,682.70 3,730.56 3,987.24 - 9,674.53 - - 12,692.91 3,931.20 368.53 4,957.51	4,682.70 3,730.56 3,954.11 - - - - - - - -	- - 33.13 - 8,274.53 - - 3,870.59 3,931.20 368.53 4,957.51	- - - - - - - - - - 33.13 - - - - - - - - - 8,274.53 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,870.59 - - - - 3,931.20 - - - - 368.53 - - - - 4,957.51	- - - - 1,400.00 - - 8,822.32 - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,400.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - 8,822.32 - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2,270.11 6,448.58 3,378.47 - 11,496.18 - - 2,464.47 3,744.00 162.60 3,873.83
44,025.18	12,367.37	21,435.49	8,307.66 - - - 13,127.83	10,222.32	- 1,400.00 8,822.32 -	33,838.24

150,674.79	93,649.20	21,435.49	8,307.66 - - - 13,127.83	35,590.10	13,668.81 1,400.00 8,822.32 11,698.97	127,464.94

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2025

Note 3 Funds Reconciliation

GENERAL DESIGNATED FUNDS Fabric Fund Fabric Special Projects Community Chaplain Next Generation Fund Hall Account RESTRICTED FUNDS Mission Fund Fabric (Church) Hall Account Community Chaplain Totals	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2025		Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Closing Balance Resources Resources Balances £ £ £ £ £ Year to 31st Dcember 2024
	51,028.75 103,108.46 (93,649.20) (13,000.00) 47,488.01		51,909.88 104,455.75 (89,354.27) (15,982.61) 51,028.75
	339.79 5,105.73 (8,307.66) 3,000.00 137.86 3,793.39 890.00 - - 4,683.39 - - - - - 88,468.67 1,010.00 - - 89,478.67 6,531.85 17,157.00 (13,127.83) - 10,561.02		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
	99,133.70 24,162.73 (21,435.49) 3,000.00 104,860.94		97,308.59 19,066.19 (23,223.69) 5,982.61 99,133.70
	66.00 3,618.81 (13,668.81) 10,000.00 16.00 - 1,400.00 (1,400.00) - - - 8,822.32 (8,822.32) - - 3,017.39 20,000.00 (11,698.97) - 11,318.42 - - - - -		1,111.45 2,358.92 (13,404.37) 10,000.00 66.00 - - - - - - - - - - - 4,500.00 (1,482.61) - 3,017.39 - - - - -
	3,083.39 33,841.13 (35,590.10) 10,000.00 11,334.42		1,111.45 6,858.92 (14,886.98) 10,000.00 3,083.39
	153,245.84 161,112.32 (150,674.79) - 163,683.37		150,329.92 130,380.86 (127,464.94) - 153,245.84

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2025

Note 4 Net Assets per Fund

Total £ 5,241.80 100,447.45 60,202.59 -	2025 General Total £ 1,921.80 950.97 46,070.15 -	2025 Designated Total £ 3,320.00 94,162.06 8,132.44 -	2025 Restricted Total £ - 5,334.42 6,000.00 -	Total £ 3,320.00 94,162.06 8,132.44 -	Fabric Next Generation Special Community Chaplain Hall £ £ £ £ £ - - - - 3,320.00 - 89,478.67 4,683.39 - - 137.86 - - - 7,994.58 - - - - - 2025 Designated - Detail	Total £ - 5,334.42 6,000.00 -	Mission Fabric Church Hall Account Community Chaplain £ £ £ £ - - - 16.00 - - 5,318.42 - - - 6,000.00 - - - - 2025 Restricted - Detail
165,891.84	48,942.92	105,614.50	11,334.42	105,614.50	137.86 89,478.67 4,683.39 - 11,314.58	11,334.42	16.00 - - 11,318.42
2,208.47	1,103.33	1,028.96	-	1,028.96	275.40 - - - 753.56	-	- - - -
2,208.47	1,103.33	1,028.96	-	1,028.96	275.40 - - - 753.56	-	- - - -
163,683.37 163,683.37 -	47,839.59 47,488.01 351.58	104,585.54 104,860.94 (275.40)	11,334.42 11,334.42 -	104,585.54 104,860.94 (275.40)	(137.54) 89,478.67 4,683.39 - 10,561.02 137.86 89,478.67 4,683.39 - 10,561.02 (275.40) - - - -	11,334.42 11,334.42 -	16.00 - - 11,318.42 16.00 - - 11,318.42 - - - -

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 Hall £ £ £ £ £ - - - - 3,694.08 - 88,468.67 3,793.39 - - 339.79 - - - 3,214.46 - - - - - 2024 Designated - Detail	Total £ - 3,083.39 - -	Mission Church Fabric Hall Account 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 - 6,531.85 339.79 88,468.67 3,793.39 - 6,531.85 - - - - -	3,083.39 3,083.39 -	66.00 - - 3,017.39 66.00 - - 3,017.39 - - - -

St. Stephen's Church Soundwell Year ended 31st December 2025

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 Fabric (Church) covers monies given specifically for Eco and maintenance work Hall Account covers monies given specifically for Eco and maintenance work 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
	2025		2024
	£		£
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
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		1,000.00
The Marmalade Trust	-		1,000.00
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust	100.00		-
Bristol Churches Fund	900.00		-
		10,000.00		10,000.00
Donations from collections
Harvest for the Hungry	501.88		465.51
Sisters of the Church	1,709.68		1,643.51
Children's Society	232.25		249.90
Sundry Donations	50.00		30.00
Gaza Disaster Fund	-		1,015.45
Uganda	1,175.00		-
		3,668.81		3,404.37

St Stephens Church, Soundwell AG¢ounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 Indgpendent Examlnerfs Report to the PCC of St Stephen's Chureh. Soundwell I report on the accounls of ihe Trust for Ihe year ended 31. December 2025, whlch are set out on pages 15 to 22. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparalion 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 soction 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have follow6d all the applicable Dlrections gIv8n by the Charity Commlsslon under sectlon 14515){b) of the Act. I have compléted my examination. I confimi that no material matters hav6 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 k8pt In accordance with section 130 of th Charlties Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accountlng records; or the accounts ¢Yid not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fom and conlent of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulatlons 2008 other than any requlremenls that the accounts glve a 'lrue and fair, view which Is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examlnation. I have no concerns and have com8 across no other matters In connection wth the examinatlon lo whlch attentlon should be drawn In Ihls report in order to enabl8 8 proper understandlng of the accounts lo be r&ached. Burton Sweet Cornerstone House Midland Way Thornbury Bristol BS35 28S 2026 23