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

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2025

Charity number 1131636

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Reference and Administrative detail	1
Annual Report	2
Independent Examiner’s Report	5
Statement of Financial Activities	6
Balance Sheet	7
Notes to the financial statements	8

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Reference and Administrative detail

Charity Name:	The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton
Other name(s):	Parochial Church Council of St Mary, Shirehampton (PCC)
Registered Charity
number:	1131636
Principal address:	High Street
	Shirehampton
	Bristol
	BS11 0DW
Vicar:	Rev Alison Sowton
Independent Reporting	David A Oakensen,
Accountants:	Oakensen (Bristol) Ltd
	Chartered Accountants
	Suite 9, Westbury Court
	Church Road,
	Westbury-on-Trym
	Bristol BS9 3EF
Bankers:	HSBC
	62 George White Street
	Bristol
	BS1 3BA

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ ‘true and fair view’ provisions, together with FRS102 (effective 1 January 2019) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2019 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS 102)).

Charitable Status

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England under the PCC Powers Measure. The PCC was registered as a charity in 2009, with charity number 1131636, having previously been an excepted charity. The PCC members have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission .

Aims and Purposes

The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also maintains the Tithe Barn in accordance with its aims and objectives, making it available for the purposes of St Mary’s and for the use of the inhabitants of all ages with the object of improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants.

Objectives and Activities

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton provides Church of England services and religious activities for all ages, gives pastoral care to people living in the parish and beyond, and provides outreach into the community via work with youth, the elderly and the vulnerable. The PCC seeks to enable as many people as possible to worship in our church and to become part of our parish community. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament.

We run a youth group, dance classes, a Mothers’ Union branch, a Bereavement Journey branch and host a ‘Goldies’ singing group. We are open every day for coffee mornings for the community or for worship, and provide lunches during our Welcoming Space on Fridays. In addition, we hold various social activities and Pop-Up events during the year, all open to the whole community.

As part of the Avonside Mission Area (ASMA), we work alongside the Anglican churches of Avonmouth, Lawrence Weston, Sea Mills and Stoke Bishop to provide additional support and events to the whole community, including a Mental Awareness Group branch.

Structure, governance and management

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure, The PCC is a Registered Charity. Members of the PCC are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

During the year, the following served as members: Vicar:

Rev Alison Sowton

Wardens: Sharon Viney Appointed 11[th] May 2025 Also Safeguarding Officer and Health & Safety Officer Deanery Synod Representatives: Pat Davidson Derek Sowton Elected Members: Anne Ford Resigned as Warden 11[th] May 2025 Tim Forder Electoral Roll Officer Philip Fowler Resigned 11[th] May 2025 but still acts as Data Protection Officer Colin Godfrey Resigned 11[th] May 2025 Florence Grimes Sarah Parry Reid Secretary Richard Powell Treasurer (not in PCC) Eleanor Beddoes

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Standing Committee:

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions from the Council.

Financial Review

Income at £132,549 (2024: £128,430) was lower (2024: lower) than expenditure of £163,272 (2024: £150,012) to give net expenditure) of £30,723 (2024: £21,582 net expenditure). Unrestricted donations fell by £4,269 during the year, but overall income increased due to a rise in restricted funding in the year. We have worked hard to make our church known in the community and welcome all through our doors, and are grateful for all donations received. More donors have transferred across from monthly giving to the Parish Giving Scheme, freeing up administrative time and effort in recording donations and claiming Gift Aid. We have made it easier for people to give online and via contactless payment, recognising that cash is not always the preferred method of giving. We applied for grants from some Charitable Foundations and were pleased to receive £23,033 grant income, £17,809 towards the salary and expenses of our Youth & Community Connector who started working with us in July 2025 and for a proportion of our Youth Worker’s salary, £1,304 towards the costs of running our Friday Welcoming Space, £1,920 towards the costs of running our Pop Up events open to the whole community and £2,000 towards the running of a new Boxing and Fitness club to connect with the youth in our area. Returns on investments continued to bring in valuable income. Total costs increased from last year, mainly due to the salary cost of the new Youth & Community Worker, though their salary was fullyfunded by a grant. Some other costs fell as we took on new fixed rate contracts for utilities and broadband.

As the parish is part of the Bristol Diocese Priority Communities Network (PCN) programme, it benefits from receiving operational administrative support from the Operations Hub Manager employed (using PCN funding) by St Peter's Church, Lawrence Weston.

We are grateful to our church family and local community for your continued support.

Giving to missions/charities from general funds totalled £2,060 (2024: £3,000). The amount paid to the Diocese for parish and ministry costs was £45,000 (2024: £48,720).

Restricted income exceeded restricted expenditure by £3,455 (2024: £359 expenditure exceeded income) and a breakdown can be found in the notes to the accounts.

The loss on revaluation of shares held as endowment funds was £31,286 (2024: £17,474 revaluation gain).

The Charity Commission approved a scheme allowing us to sell our own investment shares to the value of £109,000 to partly fund the purchase of the Tithe Barn, on the condition this amount would be fully repaid. At 31 December 2025 the total amount remaining to be paid was £55,391 (2024: £55,391). The full amount is to be repaid by 2033.

Reserves Policy

The PCC aims to maintain reserves in unrestricted funds at a level that will allow sufficient funds to be available to pay for church activities as they arise and to ensure that support and governance costs can be met as they fall due. The balance held as unrestricted funds at the year-end was £390,375 (2024: £424,553), of which £43,505 (2024: £70,186) are regarded as free reserves after allowing for funds tied up in tangible fixed assets.

Where possible, we maintain reserves to cover, as a minimum, identifiable repair and maintenance costs relating to the fabric and furnishings of St Mary’s, three months’ parish share payments and 25% of the amounts required from fund raising to cover general expenditure. We have estimated quarterly net expenditure on fabric and furnishings for 2026 at £5,000, parish contributions to the Diocese for three months total £12,375 and £3,000 is required to cover any shortfall in fundraising.

Investments

The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd, as custodial trustees, hold CBF Ltd shares on our behalf in both the Bernard Salmon and Napier Miles Trusts. In addition, 404 CBF shares are held in respect of the Ecclesiastical and nonEcclesiastical Charities.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

PCC Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Parish and of its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the PCC is required to:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless this is inappropriate.

The PCC members are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parish and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the relevant legislation. They are also responsible for safeguarding assets of the Parish and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Alison Sowton

Approved by the PCC on 14[th] April 2026

and signed on their behalf by Rev Alison Sowton (Vicar)

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Independent Examiner’s Report to the members of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton (PCC).

I report to the members on my examination of the accounts of the above charity “the Trust” for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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.

Independent examiner’s statement

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 accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement 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.

David A Oakensen

David A Oakensen FCA Oakensen (Bristol) Ltd Chartered Accountants Westbury Court, Church Road Westbury-on-Trym BS9 3EF

Date: 14[th] April 2026

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £
Notes
Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income 2 Expenditure on: Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure Total expenditure 3 Net (expenditure) before gains and transfer (Losses)/Gains on investment assets Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward at 1 January 2025 Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2025 10	67,894 24,990 — 92,884 84,405 9,596 — — 9,596 10,315 7,098 — — 7,098 6,452 22,971 — — 22,971 22,821 — — — — 4,437
	107,559 24,990 — 132,549 128,430 1,097 — — 1,097 232 133,143 21,535 — 154,678 142,283 7,497 — — 7,497 7,497
	141,737 21,535 — 163,272 150,012
	(34.178) 3,455 — (30,723) (21,582) — — (31,286) (31,286) 17,474
	(34,178) 3,455 (31,286) (62,009) (4,108)
	424,553 12,853 780,969 1,218,375 1,222,483
	390,375 16,308 749,683 1,156,366 1,218,375

All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

Notes 1 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Balance sheet

lance sheet
	2025 2024 £ £ 346,870 354,367 749,683 780,969 1,096,553 1,135,336 10,825 8,418 59,958 81,462 70,783 89,880 (10,970) (6,841) 59,813 83,039 1,156,366 1,218.375 390,375 424,553 16.308 12,853 749,683 780,969 1,156,366 1,218,375
Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Investments 6 Current assets Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 8 Net current assets Total Net Assets Represented by Unrestricted funds 10 Restricted funds 10 Endowment funds 10 Total Funds

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 14[th] April 2026

Alison Sowton Eleanor Beddoes Rev Alison Sowton E Beddoes Vicar Treasurer

Notes 1 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The financial statements use the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these financial statements. The valuation of investment assets are shown at market value.

The financial statements 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.

The PCC constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is sterling and all figures are rounded to the nearest pound.

The PCC considers there are no material uncertainties about their ability to continue as a going concern.

Fund accounting policy

Unrestricted funds are general funds that can be used for PCC ordinary purposes in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for a specific purpose, the use of which is restricted to that area. These funds represent income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest will in future be appointed to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained. Only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Annual Report. All help received is greatly appreciated and we would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

Fixed Assets

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of ‘charity’ by Section 10(2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable 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 a reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 with individual value below £1,000 are written off.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost, less any residual value, over their expected useful life, as follows:

Tithe Barn 2% of construction and refurbishment cost on a straight-line basis

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Investment gains and losses resulting from revaluing investments to market value are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisitions or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount at which the charity is expected to benefit in a future period. Provision is made for any amount that may prove uncollectible.

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

2 Income

Donations and legacies Gift aided donations Gift aided donations via envelope Planned giving Collections (open plate) at all services Sundry donations Donations – appeals, grants(see below) Tax recoverable on gift aided donations Legacies received Donations and legacies total Income from church activities Fees for weddings, funerals & interments Church lettings - objectives Tithe Barn lettings – objectives Other income Income from church activities total Other trading activities Fayres and fundraising events Tithe Barn lettings – other Other trading activities total Investments Interest - dividends Bernard Salmon Trust income Napier Miles Trust income Bank interest Investments total Other income Telecommunications agreement Other income total Total income Grants received: Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Temple Ecclesiastical St Thomas Ecclesiastical Bristol Archdeaconry Charity Bristol Churches City Fund Feeding Bristol George Muller Charity Wessex Water Total grant income	Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2,380 — 1,676 — 36,795 — 1,953 — 15,172 1,957 — 23,033 9,418 — 500 —	2025 £ 2024 £ 2,380 1,565 1,676 3,661 36,795 37,494 1,953 2,171 17,129 17,367 23,033 10,000 9,418 10,147 500 2,000
	67,894 24,990	92,884 84,405
	4,588 510 — — 2,849 — 1,649 —	4,588 510 3,842 75 2,849 5,762 1,649 636
	9,596 —	9,596 10,315
	4,456 — 2,642 —	4,456 1,843 2,642 4,609
	7,098 —	7,098 6,452
	796 — 14,099 — 7,373 703 — —	796 880 14,099 13,770 7,373 703 7,201 970
	22,971 —	22,971 22,821
	— —	— 4,437
	— —	— 4,437

	107,559 24,990	132,549 128,430
	— 17,809 — — — — — — — — — — — 1,304 1,920 2,000	17,809 — — — — — 1,304 1,920 2,000 2,500 2,500 2,000 3,000 — — —
	— 23,033	23,033 10,000

We are grateful to all grant providers for their support.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

3 Expenditure

Raising Funds	Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £	2025 £ 2024 £
Costs of fayres and events Raising funds total Church Activities Youth Programmes Food and Fellowship Ministry Parish Share Donation to St Mungo’s Donation to Marie Curie Donation to Medecins Sans Frontieres Donation to Alive Activities Donation to The Children’s Society Donation to UNICEF Church activities subtotal Church activities – support costs Employment costs Telephone and broadband costs Parish training and mission Fees paid for weddings and funerals Additional organist fees Verger fees Church running – insurance Kitchen consumables and equipment Church and office equipment Organ/piano tuning and maintenance Church maintenance and replacements Cleaning & hygiene Altar requisites Upkeep of churchyard Security expenditure Printing and stationery Sundry expenses Church running – utilities Specific expenses including licences Tithe Barn running – rates and utilities Tithe Barn insurance Tithe Barn maintenance Tithe Barn broadband Governance costs – independent examination Professional and other fees Church activities – support costs subtotal Church activity costs total Other expenditure Depreciation Other expenditure total Total expenditure	1,097 —	1,097 232
	1,097 —	1,097 232
	1,013 1,395 3,262 1,340 45,000 — — — — 750 750 560 — — — — — —	2,408 544 4,602 2,421 45,000 48,720 — — — 750 750 560 1,000 1,000 1,000 — — —
	51,335 2,735	54,070 54,685
	44,290 17,059 1,763 — 129 — 21 — 200 — 1,000 — 3,788 — 1,374 — 399 — 813 — 708 — 256 — 770 363 1,097 — — — 2,720 — — — 10,423 1,378 1,862 — 5,185 1,623 758 623 — — — — 1,188 — 818 —	61,349 43,458 1,763 1,566 129 480 21 175 200 400 1,000 1,100 3,788 3,756 1,374 959 399 — 813 1,460 708 717 256 1,358 1,133 1,254 1,097 — 601 527 2,720 2,739 — 204 11,801 12,077 1,862 1.803 5,185 1,623 758 623 5,033 1,610 2,200 556 1,188 1,320 818 2,245
	81,808 18,800	100,608 87,598

	133,143 21,535	154,678 142,283
	7,497 —	7,497 7,497
	7,497 —	7,497 7,497

	141,737 21,535	163,272 150,012

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

4 Staff Costs

	2025 £ 2024 £
The aggregate payroll costs of staff were as follows: Gross payroll and employer’s national insurance contributions Employer’s pension contributions Number of part-time staff	59,938 42,505 1,411 953
	61,349 43,458
	2025 Number 2024 Number 4 4

No trustees received any remuneration or benefits during the year in their capacity as trustee. One trustee incurred expenses to be reimbursed of £5,944 during the year, relating to administrative, worship and Welcoming Space costs incurred in the performance of their duties. At the year end, £4,019 was outstanding and included within creditors

5 Fixed Assets for use by PCC

	Tithe Barn £ 2025 £
Cost At 1 January and 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year At 31 December 2025 Net Book Value At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024	515,000 515,000
	515,000 515,000 160,633 160,633 7,497 7,497
	168,130 168,130
	346,870 346,870
	354,367 354,367

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

6 Investment Assets – Endowment Funds

	Number of shares	Church £ Shire Charities £	2025 £ 2024 £
Bernard Salmon Fund At 1 January 2025 Shares purchased in year Net gains/(losses) on revaluation At 31 December 2025 Napier Miles Trust At 1 January 2025 Net gains/(losses) on revaluation At 31 December 2025 CBF Shares Charity Funds At 1 January 2025 Net gains/(losses) on revaluation At 31 December 2025 Summary Market value at 1 January 2025 Net gains/(losses) on revaluation Total investment assets at 31 December 2025	21,945 — —	507,431 — 1 — (20,286) —	507,431 496,076 1 — (20,286) 11,355
	21,945	487,146 —	487,146 507,431
	11,475 —	265,339 — (10,608) —	265,339 259,402 (10,608) 5,937
	11,475	254,731 —	254,731 265,339
	404 —	— 8,198 — (392)	8,198 8,017 (392) 181
	404	— 7,806	7,806 8,198
		772,771 8,198 (30,894) (392)	780,969 763,495 (31,286) 17,474
		741,877 7,806	749,683 780,969

7 Debtors

	2025 £ 2024 £
Prepayments Other debtors	9,881 7,821 944 597
	10,825 8,418

8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

	2025 £ 2024 £
Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Taxation and social security Other creditors	6,469 3,126 3,184 3,684 — 31 1,317 —
	10,970 6,841

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

9 Analysis of Net Assets by Fund

	Unrestricted £ Restricted £ Endowment £ 2025 Total £
Fixed assets for church use Investment fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities	346,870 — — 346,870 — — 749,683 749,683 54,475 16,308 — 70,783 (10,970) — — (10,970)
	390,375 16,308 749,683 1,156,366

10 Fund movement by type

	Opening £ Incoming £ Outgoing £ Transfers £	Gains/ (losses) £ Closing £
Endowment Funds Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Grand total	780,969 — — — 12,853 24,990 (21,535) — 424,553 107,559 (141,737) —	(31,286) 749,683 — 16,308 — 390,375
	1,218,375 132,549 (163,272) —	(31,286) 1,156,366

Analysis of Restricted Funds		2025 £ 2024 £
Audio Visual & Music Equipment Fund Memorial Garden Security System Flower Fund Roof Fund Vestments Fund for new church chairs Vicar’s Discretionary Fund Youth Group Fund Pop Up Events Youth Connector Boxing & Fitness Project Total Restricted Funds		639 639 702 702 2,271 2,271 904 280 3,667 3,667 180 4,795 278 31 211 630 2,000 180 4,795 288 31 — — —
		16,308 12,853

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

11 Financial commitments and contingencies

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton holds shares in an endowment fund managed by the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Limited. The Charity Commission approved a scheme allowing the PCC to sell some investment shares to the value of £109,000 to partly fund the purchase of the Tithe Barn, on the condition these shares would be purchased back until the £109,000 was repaid. At 31 December 2025 the amount remaining to be paid was £55,391 (2024: £55,391). The number of shares to the value of £109,000 is to be repurchased by 2033.

Come: as you are Be: renewed Go: share God’s love

www.stmarysshire.org

When you have finished with this document please recycle it or better still, pass it on to a friend.

ST MARY'S Annual PCC Report January to December 2025

Parochial Church Council of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report

Background:

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton has the responsibility of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Membership:

Members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year, the following served as members:

Vicar: Rev Alison Sowton Wardens: Sharon Viney Appointed 11[th] May 2025 Also Safeguarding Officer and Health & Safety Officer Deanery Synod Pat Davidson Representatives: Derek Sowton Elected Members: Anne Ford Resigned as Warden 11[th] May 2025 Tim Forder Electoral Roll Officer Philip Fowler Resigned 11[th] May 2025 but still acts as Data Protection Officer Colin Godfrey Resigned 11[th] May 2025 Florence Grimes Sarah Parry Reid Secretary Richard Powell Appointed to PCC on 12[th] May 2024 Treasurer (not in PCC) Eleanor Beddoes

Vicar’s Report

Welcome to this year’s APCM. This gathering gives us the opportunity to look back over the past twelve months and reflect on all that we have shared together as the body of Christ here at St Mary’s. Just as importantly, it is a moment to lift our eyes to God, remaining open to the gifts and challenges that lie ahead.

As I write, I am looking out towards the trees. They are lush and green, full of life as birds dart in and out of the branches. Yet my view is partly obscured by the hard metal of scaffolding. It strikes me that beauty and life are often hidden by the harsher realities of the world, making it harder to notice the wonder that surrounds us. I am reminded that it is the roots, the soil, and the water that nourish those magnificent trees. Here at St Mary’s, it is our deep roots—our rootedness in Christ and in relationships built over time—that hold us steady. The soil is being enriched by new members bringing fresh life and new perspectives, helping us see ourselves as others see us… a true gift. Together we share in the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, the living water, and we look forward with hope to the gifts God has in store.

My heartfelt thanks go to all who work together as the branches of our tree. To Sharon Viney and all PCC members who give their time and take on responsibilities to ensure the good running of the parish—thank you. In particular, I want to express deep gratitude to Anne Ford, Richard Powell, and Sarah Parry-Reid as they step down from the PCC. Each of you has given so much over the years in caring for this church and its people. Your wisdom and support have been a blessing, and I know the whole church joins me in thanking you.

Sharon, our Warden, has also carried the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer—an increasingly vital responsibility. The Church of England has faced significant challenges in this area, and it is at the grassroots, in our local churches, that we must continually work to ensure a safe environment for all, grounded in openness and accountability. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of St Mary’s.

My thanks also go to those who keep the gallons of tea and coffee flowing; to the Welcoming Space team, led by Pat Davidson, who feed both body and soul for so many in Shirehampton; to the churchyard team who clear litter, tend plants, and maintain a place of sanctuary for the village; to the events teams—young and old—who move chairs, set up tables, and transform our space to raise much-needed funds; to our sound team who ensure the smooth running of Worship services; to the money counters and to Phil Fowler for keeping our finances in order; to the Tithe Barn team for managing bookings and supporting our users, and to those users who have been gracious during the Barn sale process; and to Shelley Eynon for keeping our church clean, tidy, and beautifully adorned with flowers.

Worshipping together is central to our life as a church. As in many congregations, some find nourishment in traditional worship while others connect more easily with contemporary styles. Here we must show grace, finding sustenance in both, accepting our differences while remembering that our love is for Jesus—not simply for a particular kind of music.

This year we formally joined the Inclusive Church Network. Their statement resonates deeply with our vision for a flourishing church and community: “We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.”

This January we shared a meal and gave thanks to Revd Trevor Hearn for his wonderful ministry here over many years. Although Trevor has stepped back from formal ministry, we continue to be blessed by his prayers, his house group, and his ongoing presence in our church life. Revd Duncan Jennings continues to lead services regularly, and I am always grateful for his generous and beautiful ministry. This year we have also welcomed Revd Tina Hodgett into the village and the church. Tina has now received Permission to Officiate (PTO), and we are delighted she will be part of our ministry team. Her commitments to pioneer ministry and training mean she will serve with us in flexible ways, and we are grateful for the gifts she brings.

We have enjoyed Tristan’s continued support in our Warm Space as part of his Ministry Experience placement—he is a firm favourite with the kitchen team and a blessing to us all. We were also pleased to host Josh Bradshaw on placement, and we rejoice that he is now Priest in Charge at Hartcliffe and Withywood. Please hold him and his family in your prayers.

Of course, clergy need help! My thanks to Jill Eynon, our wonderful verger, and her team; to Colin Godfrey and James Smith for bringing together all the elements that make our services run smoothly; to Tim Forder, our Musical Director—who has just celebrated 40 years in this role—and to our choir for their faithful and generous service week after week. Thanks also to Rosie Smith for helping lead the singing in our contemporary worship.

My heartfelt thanks go to Eleanor Beddoes, who continues to do a marvellous job keeping the vicar on track! Her love of people, gentle spirit, good humour, and calm proficiency in all things administrative and financial hold this parish together with skill and grace. Once again, “thank you” feels far too small.

I am grateful to have Gosia Piotrowska as part of our team. It has been a challenging year for securing grants in a shrinking sector, and I appreciate her insight and determination to match funding to our needs—always with a smile.

Amy Boucher continues to inspire with her boundless creativity. Her passion for ministry with children, youth, and all generations has been instrumental in leading new people to faith. Working together brings me great joy; sharing a vision for a flourishing community and seeing hope come to life is energising.

In July we welcomed Nat Clarke as our Youth and Community Connector, funded by the Priority Communities Network. Nat is using Asset-Based Community Development to help us recognise the blessings already present in our community. He brings a wealth of experience and has already built strong relationships with young people, those on the margins, and the wider village. He is also forging links across the city with sports, youth, and support organisations. We look forward to the development of his boxing ministry and other pathways to faith.

Good News

We have been blessed by 20 new people joining us this year, across all age ranges, some are new to faith, some seeking to renew a relationship with God, and it has been my privilege to baptise those who wanted to take this next step into faith.
Warm Space continues to grow, regularly feeding up to 60 people. The atmosphere is wonderful, and it is becoming a pathway into worship and faith.
Pop-up events are well supported and are also proving to be a route into faith.
We are seeing more willing and able helpers—both from the church and the wider community—which is a real blessing.

But not all the news is easy. You will hear later that we are facing a significant deficit. Several factors have contributed to this: the sale of the Tithe Barn has taken longer than expected, affecting bookings and income; and the cost of food has risen alongside the growth of Warm Space. We are seeking additional funding and are encouraged by increased giving towards this mission. Its impact on our community and church growth leaves us in no doubt that God is at work.

Looking Ahead

My prayer for the coming year is that we will:

Continue to strengthen our relationships with children, youth, and the wider community, using ABCD to build empowerment and resilience.
Recruit a volunteer pastoral support worker.
Deepen discipleship through engagement and connection with new church members.
Communicate our life in Christ more effectively by developing a stronger online presence.
Work towards a more stable financial footing through increased giving, legacy planning, effective use of our building (including concerts), grant applications for core costs, and discerning the ethical short-term investment of funds from the Barn sale.

Having Amy, Sharon, Eleanor and the whole leadership team beside me—and all of your prayers—was a profound source of comfort and strength last summer when Derek spent seven weeks in hospital. We are deeply grateful.

My final thanks go to Derek who holds, sustains and yes sometimes nags about self-care, he knows when to put the kettle on and when to give me a moment - for all these things I am grateful.

As we step on in faith, we do so in the care of Christ who leads us. We are reminded to put our faith in Him and be ready to receive all that is for us.

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Blessings, Alison

Electoral Roll Report

In 2025 St Mary’s Shirehampton produced a new Electoral roll on which there were 56 members. The status of the Electoral roll at the time of producing this report stood at 59 members, 21 of which live outside the parish. 2 Members have passed away during the last year and there have been 5 new members added to the roll. Members of the Church will only be permitted to take part in any election of Officers and PCC members if they are on the Electoral Roll.

Tim Forder Electoral Roll Officer

Safeguarding Officer’s Annual Report

It really doesn’t feel like a year since writing my first Safeguarding report, but here we are at that time of year again and I hope you are all keeping well. The time has flown by as always with the active life of St Mary’s community to keep us all busy. The Safeguarding Officer role itself has been quite busy too, but in a very good way - not due to safeguarding concerns (which although always there in some shape or form have been low in number and actioned quickly to support those concerned) but due to a continuing rise in numbers at community and youth activities etc. so more people to be aware of, which is a great position to be in, and to ensure support reaches those that need it.

The PCC have a short discussion on Safeguarding at each meeting for awareness (confidentiality still maintained) and to consider training needs etc. so that this important element remains high on our agenda. In relation to this, we are also required to publish a formal statement of compliance annually in our Safeguarding report to inform you all that "The PCC has complied with the requirements imposed by the code under section 5A of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016."

However, Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and considered a vital part of any organisation’s activities, including those in churches or communities. It is important for us all to be aware of vulnerable members and visitors and to ensure their safety at St Mary’s and in the community by reporting any concerns or anything you feel uncomfortable about. Please speak to our Vicar, Alison Sowton, Youth and Families Minister, Amy Boucher, Nat Clark our Youth and Community Connector, or Safeguarding Officer, Sharon Viney if you have anything to report, or please see contact details on our Safeguarding notice boards in the porch and in the church or on our website: www.stmarysshire.org

Thank you for your help with this so that appropriate support actions can be taken – “See something; Say something”.

St Mary’s Safeguarding policies and procedures, and other associated policies have been reviewed, updated where needed and re-signed as usual in the past year to ensure we are meeting all legal, national and Diocesan requirements to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

Policies and Procedures in place to promote Safeguarding at St Mary’s are available in our policy folder and include:

child protection
vulnerable adults
domestic abuse
safer recruitment
handling of disclosure information
lone workers
fair recruitment of ex-offenders

A series of Risk Assessments for each activity are also in place to help promote safeguarding and wellbeing of participants – some have been reviewed/updated this year and others will continue to be done on a rolling basis. Safeguarding incidents and actions are reported on to the relevant next stage as per policy and procedure and confidential records are kept securely in the document safe at St Mary’s.

Bristol Diocese provides a variety of relevant safeguarding training at different levels and for specific roles, for those working with or in regular contact with children and vulnerable adults. Much of this training can be undertaken online

https://www.bristol.anglican.org/aboutus/safeguarding/safeguardingtraining/

as well as in person and ensures that all those who need to can develop awareness of safeguarding expectations and required processes to take competent actions in specific circumstances.

Thank you to those who have undertaken training to make our church a safer place already – 3-yearly revalidations are arranged on a rolling basis and please do ask if you think some Safeguarding training would be useful to you.

All those in regular contact with children or vulnerable adults are also required to have clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as a national background check for safety and suitability to work with them. Our next update of DBS and training checks is now in process. Thank you to those working to carry this out and to our many amazing volunteers working in various roles and groups to make St Mary’s the safe and engaging place that it is.

Our Safeguarding Dashboard as an online data storage system for our records linked to the Diocese, continues to be regularly updated, so many thanks to Gosia, Eleanor and Alison for their assistance with this ongoing task. We are also working to compile more easily accessible records and lists for office use, such as DBS and training of those in roles of responsibility and support at St Mary’s, especially in activities for

more vulnerable members of the community. This aims to ensure that we can more accurately monitor current compliance and upcoming needs for the required training for each role on a rolling basis and are continuing to ensure St Mary’s is a safe, inclusive and happy place to be.

Sharon Viney Safeguarding Officer

Churchwardens’ Report

It’s been an eventful induction year to the role of Churchwarden – a position I knew little about to begin with but after some prayerful guidance, support and help from the team at St Mary’s and from Anne Ford as the retiring Warden (thank you everyone) plus a lot of research, I began to feel I had half an idea about the role. That was short lived! The more I found out, the more it led to me realising there was still a lot to learn and do and I have enjoyed building this knowledge, followed up with the practical experience of 2 main church inspections and other events all in a short space of time allowing the building of wider contacts and sources of support for St Mary’s and the community too – it’s been quite a learning curve and I’m sure will continue to be so over the next year too.

It would be of great benefit to St Mary’s to have more than one Warden to ensure all elements can be covered effectively, so if you feel called to serve in this way (practical work or administrative to suit you) please talk to Alison or myself and we can continue to learn together on the job.

Alternatively, if you feel able to help with an occasional task from the wide variety needed to keep church life and community events ticking over we would love to hear from you and will add you to a list of people able to help occasionally or please consider joining our Events Team to help us run events for community benefit or fundraising purpose. There is something suitable for everyone and “Every little helps” as they say, so we would be very happy to make use of your talents. Thank you. Many thanks as always to those already working regularly at coffee mornings and café lunches too, especially to Alison for all the early morning peeling and cooking. The Warden role may involve helping to look after church buildings, grounds and records, but the real purpose and importance of the whole church behind this is people and community and it is so fulfilling to see the ever growing and continuously evolving opportunities for welcoming and including everyone in our diverse, multi-cultural, multi-generational church and community and to see the growing band of people attending and offering help and support to achieve this. Thank you so much to Alison for leading this progress and to all church members and community links, partners and volunteers for making St Mary’s the place to be, and with a little Divine intervention too, a place where prayers truly are answered.

Events of the last year or so:

Our Triennial Inspection in November (a bit like Ofsted for churches) was very successful - thank you to Alison, Eleanor, Gosia, Jill and Amy for the behind the scenes work to get huge files of documents ready and find all the right artefacts to be checked etc. There were no major points found requiring action and many points around our welcoming and supportive environment, community relationships, strong leadership and administration and our future vision were highlighted as things to celebrate.

Our recent Quinquennial Inspection (a sort of health check of the buildings and grounds) also went well, with just some minor ongoing maintenance jobs and repairs noted, and the need for future replacement of boiler/heating system, but nothing urgent or that we weren’t aware of. Some useful advice and sources of support for future proofing the church and working towards net zero targets were also gained.

The Tithe Barn has been cleared of a large proportion of its contents, with all the equipment required for various youth ministries now located in the main church. Most things have a home, but some items are still temporarily stored until new cupboards are built after the sale of the Barn. Many thanks to Amy for arranging this and for the tetris skills involved in storing such large amounts of equipment in smaller spaces. Thanks also to James and Nat for shuttling items to their new spaces and building storage units etc. to help accomplish the mission. There will soon need to be another push to clear the rest of the equipment from the Barn (mostly kitchen items) as the day comes closer for the sale to complete, so any offers of help at that time would be gratefully received from anyone who could offer time to pack or move things. Many thanks, in advance.

Our new floor and chairs look fabulous and have really lifted the look of the church as well as the chairs making it so much easier for the space to be transformed quickly and easily for multiple types of use. Many thank you’s to so many people who helped at various stages of this transformation, especially those from the community or from other groups who appeared to share their skills or strength every time it was needed – we really are blessed to have so many lovely people sharing the St Mary journey with us.

Our Youth Ministries and clubs under Amy’s guidance continue to build confidence and bring young people and families into the church for new experiences and opportunities to discover faith and we are now lucky to have welcomed Nat Clark as Youth and Community Connector to continue this with wider community and wish him every blessing as his new boxing project launches, opening up another new pathway to self-esteem, confidence and faith.

Various events continue to form a regular and important part of our calendar from amazing free monthly pop-ups, annual Global Feast, Patronal Festival, and regular All Age Services or special Celebration Services, as well as the eagerly awaited Glow Party and Carols by Discolight which all bring in extra families, groups and community members to join us for fun and friendship at St Mary’s. We have also continued to run a few regular fundraising events such as the Christmas Fayre, Easter stalls and raffle, cake or book sales etc. and are always grateful to those who have helped with these as they raise some vital income to help us continue with other free events. If you have ideas for future events, we would love to expand our scope and if you would like to help at future events we would love to welcome you to the team. Thank you.

Many thanks everyone for a busy but productive year – let’s work together on what the next year may bring.

Sharon Viney Churchwarden

Children’s and Youth Report

Over the past year our model of ‘multigenerational church’ is now very much established and we regularly see people of all ages and multiple generations of families join us across our services and events ranging from 0-97 years old! In addition to being multigenerational, we are also growing in being a multicultural community and I have had the privilege of working with families from England, Poland, India, Nepal, Iran, Nigeria, Wales, Kenya, Honduras, Greenland, Hungary, Spain, China, Peru, Ireland, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Thailand. It is this rich diversity of ages, culture and life experience that I believe creates a truly wonderful global Church community that we are blessed to be a part of here in Shirehampton.

This year we are very grateful to receive a grant from the Mullers Foundation to buy equipment, food and resources to help minister to under 18’s in Shire – we have been able to buy lots of good quality new resources to help Young People explore faith as well as a variety of long-life food and snacks to provide for our families and help combat the growing number affected by food insecurities.

STOMP Dance Clubs:

Our dancers range from age 3-18 and they have been working hard on a variety of routines and confidence building activities, including celebrating 15 Years of ConfiDANCE with a big dance display and awards show in July, whilst also raising money for Blonde Angels Homeless Street Team. Break time topics have been enhanced with equipment bought with the Mullers grant to enable an activity known as ‘Godly Play’ – using props to explore faith themes that have led to conversations around communion, Heaven and various Bible stories. The groups have enjoyed a range of performance opportunities such as dancing at a variety of All Age and Celebration services, as well as being able to participate in Bristol STAGES dance weekend in a professional theatre setting – this year’s dance theme was ‘STOMP Mega Mix’ celebrating 10 years of attending STAGES with a blend of their past dance moves, costumes and themes. STOMP has now moved from the Tithe Barn into the Church building and we have seen a huge positive impact from doing so – we have gained several new members from accidental walk-ins who have noticed the church open and have stayed out of curiosity, our dancers feel more confident now that they can practice in the same space as many of their performances and with the addition of our Youth and Community Connector Nat, we have been able to develop relationships with the families who bring their children to dance. Nat is able to build those relationships in a café style environment whilst I teach each class at the front.

Youth @ The Barn:

Our sessions include young people aged 10-16 and have also now moved from the Tithe Barn to the Church. The young people helped to pack, move and find new homes for all the equipment from the big move and have adapted well to the new space. They have enjoyed the new freedom that comes with the new chairs, creating multi-use spaces for different events and activities and having access to the ‘Godly Play’ resources to enhance their break-time team talks. We have had a few new leaders join our volunteer team and it’s great to have them with us each week, getting stuck in to all the activities, themes and talks. The young people have continued to be involved with the Youth Events Team and so far have helped to plan, prep, set up, pack up and lead a variety of events including The Glow Party, food serving at Pop Ups, The Noise Community Fayre, Pop Up play village, Pentecost, Easter and Christmas services and set designing for the Wizard of Oz Fayre!

Pop Ups Outreach Events:

The Pop Ups continue to be one of the most powerful tools of multigenerational outreach for us with well over 1000 people attending throughout the year who span a large range of ages, cultures and faith beliefs. Families have expressed their thanks of a welcoming space with free activities, and many have opened up with lots of soul-searching questions. Some highlights have been a massive Pancake Party attended by 126 people, lighting up the High Street with Carols by Disco Light, hosting a 2[nd] Global Feast with many bring and share dishes from all over the world and a Summer Holiday Pop Up Play Village that filled the Church and brought in over 250 visitors, with children enthusiastically learning how to interact as a caring community by role playing in this village.

In addition to our annual themes, this year we were able to celebrate the 80[th] year of VE and VJ days with afternoon teas, street parties, hymns around the fire pit, wartime crafts and games, hearing individuals’ stories of living through VE/ VJ day and celebrating 80 years of Hospitality Ministry at St. Mary’s.

Friday Café:

Fridays are often busy and full of life with people of all ages. I really enjoy the community atmosphere and am able to build relationships with local child minders, homeschooling families, families new to the area/country and whole families that span 4 generations, all gathering for food and community together. Many go on to join us in other areas of ministry such as Pop Ups, Services and regular clubs.

GLOW:

We have a core group of 12 Young People who have been attending Glow sessions to ask bigger faith questions. This year our young people have been the focus group again of Youth Echo - to explore the future of the Church of England and how our communities can best become safe, inclusive and nurturing to teens and young adults as they explore their faith. They have been able to set the topic agenda of ‘Understanding Our Generation’ for other youth groups in the Diocese to discuss. Among this theme, the talking points of mental health, the pros and cons of social media and concerns for a rise in hostile belief systems were a priority for discussion points according to our youth. The group have also taken part in making media content including exploring themes of worship songs and a Church ‘Welcome for All’ video that has been picked up by the Archdeacon of Bristol who is due to share it with the diocese.

Youth Alpha:

4 of our Young People from our various groups decided they would like to go further still in exploring the Christian faith by attending a 10-week course called ‘Youth Alpha’. Nat and I were able to work together to run the sessions and share our faith journeys with these young people in a thought-provoking and interactive way. All of the young people made the decision to commit to follow Jesus and have launched into their faith journey with the gift of Youth Bibles and future discussions around Baptism and Confirmation.

Schools Work:

I continue to regularly attend Shire Primary School for monthly assemblies to both KS1 and KS2, as well as the Church being able to host the school Easter and Christmas assemblies. Both Shire Primary and Nova Primary Schools have been keen to bring classes of Children to visit St. Mary’s as part of their RE curriculum. This year we have welcomed 130 5-7 year olds to explore the Palm Sunday events, 60 7-9 year olds to learn about Pentecost, 45 8-9 year olds to learn about the Trinity and 120 9-11 year olds to learn about and act out famous parables that Jesus told. We have also worked regularly with the SEN students at Kingsweston School who help us with food preparation and pop-up set ups to gain experience in a community environment so that they can use these skills in a future job when they leave school.

Sunday Services:

We continue to offer a variety of breakfast services across the month where we have met new families both at Mary’s Munchies and Rooted Life Group – the funding for the Godly Play items has again become really valuable for bringing each month’s Bible stories and themes to life.

It has also been great to welcome new families to our Worship for All Services, to be able to facilitate an accessible style of worship to all generations and to walk our faith journeys alongside those who are discovering faith for the first time. This led to a wonderful triple Baptism in the Summer of Cariad, Carys and Danny and further conversations of more baptisms booked in for the year ahead.

Finally, it was great to be able to launch our 5[th] Sunday Café style church service – a great way to engage with the wider community in a relaxed environment, pray for our local area and hear more about important projects happening in Shire.

We have also had a successful year of special celebration services, with a broad range of Church family and community families of all ages coming together for Harvest, Christingle, Nativity, Mother’s Day Cafe Church, Easter Services and the Pentecost Birthday Party. It was also great to see some of our uniformed organisations at our Remembrance Day parade.

Photo by Bob Pitchford

Rooted Home Group:

Rooted has developed into a fortnightly home group to allow those in their late teensthirties a focused space to ask questions, read scripture and explore various Bible themes together. This year we concentrated on the Gospel of Mark and getting to know Jesus through his words and actions.

It’s been great to work together with many teams of people at St. Mary’s and a blessing to add Nat to our team. A huge thank you to all leaders, volunteers, young people and congregation members for helping on various teams and being present to share God’s love in our community - you have made such a valuable difference to our local children, young people and their families, and we look forward to continuing to do this through many more all age opportunities!

Amy Boucher Youth Minister

Connections Report

The first person I met at St Mary’s was Derek (Vicar Alison’s husband). The feeling I got was one of warmth, kindness, and eccentricity - a truly winning combination. This feeling turned out to be a perfect encapsulation of the Shirehampton adventure I have been blessed enough to be part of thus far. A large part of my role has been focused on working with young people in the wider community, who may feel excluded or disengaged with life to some degree, whether that be in the areas of education/familial or societal in a broader sense. We hope that the newly established church boxing club can be a real source of help in this area. We hope that we may be able to provide a potential space of reconnection, healing, restoration of self-worth, physical and mental discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose. Though I have a real passion for our new church boxing club, my time at St Mary’s Shirehampton has felt like so much more – see details later in my report.

I feel very grateful to Alison for being a great mentor to me and being so accommodating in giving space for creativity and passions within the team which go beyond her own personal preferences. This sums up the atmosphere at St Mary’s which Alison has cultivated, one of acceptance, kindness, innovation, and generosity of spirit. Amy has also been a magnificent help to me, guiding me through with typical humility and competence. And as everybody in the office would tell you, Eleanor is the foundation of so much of the above, what would we do without her?! Not to mention putting up with my, at times, alarming lack of organisational skills.

The volunteer community here at St Mary’s are a genuine inspiration, and they have all been a great source of encouragement to me. As have the church family, who have been so kind and welcoming, despite the unconventionality of some of my work! Last and certainly not least is the wider Shirehampton community. Each community is special in its own way, but there’s definitely something unique about Shirehampton. I feel grateful to be a small part of it. Below are a few areas I have been active in:

Opening of boxing club with the help of a financial grant from Wessex Water. Boxing Club predominantly for young people in the community. Plans to expand classes to all age demographics. Specific weekly boxing class for people with Parkinsons and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Weekly assistance with three different dance groups. Chatting and serving parents whilst they wait for their kids. Being a presence in the evening for the older youth.
Helping run Youth Alpha
Helping run the Lent course
Weekly help at Friday’s welcoming space within the church, helping to serve food and build relationships
Weekly participation in the Prepared Course
Being a regular presence within the community. Spending time in the churchyard with men and women living on the edges of society
Involvement in some Sunday services, including giving a talk at our ‘fifth Sunday of the month ‘special service‘
Being a regular presence at the monthly family Sunday service
Setting up female self-defense classes
Assisting in school assemblies at the local primary school
Practical help around the church with regards setting up and setting down of events
Participating in council meetings
Participating in ASMA
Participating in ‘four villages‘
Helping and being a presence at different ‘pop up’ events for the wider community, held at church
Liaising with different cafes/businesses in the village and finding out what they feel would be helpful to the community

Nat Clark

Youth and Community Connector

Church Music Report

St Mary’s enjoys a traditional style of music in worship with traditional hymn and a worship song downloaded and shown on the screen. We have a Sung Communion with a musical setting by David Ogden on the first Sunday of each month and other special occasions. The second and third Sundays are Said Communion services with hymns and songs. The fourth Sunday is a Worship for All service. We have a small but enthusiastic choir of six mostly senior adults at the present time, but new members would be very warmly welcomed. We aim to sing an anthem or hymn during the communion administration. The choir do not robe up for the Worship for All service. The music is accompanied by our manual organ or grand piano and the organist regularly plays voluntaries before and after each service. The organ is serviced twice a year, and I am happy to report that there have been no serious faults during the last year.

There is also a Shirehampton community choir run by our present musical Director which regularly practices in the church and produces performances in St Mary’s during Holy week and at Christmas. Some members of the community choir are always very willing to supplement the church choir for special occasions such as the Annual Carol Service. The Area choir is also diminishing in numbers and would warmly welcome new members. Music has always featured as an important part of our worship and fellowship at St Mary’s and we have enjoyed over the years a good number of concerts in the church both by the Community choir and other invited parties. In addition to concerts the church is used regularly for meetings of the Golden Oldies group who enjoy singing sessions of popular songs of the present and past. Also, a local pianist frequently comes in and plays on a Friday morning entertaining the people who come in for coffee.

Tim Forder Organist and Director of Music

Community Report

Coffee mornings take place throughout the year in the church and are well attended by a range of people of all ages.

Fridays are particularly busy, with bacon butties being served during the Coffee Morning, followed by our Welcoming Space from midday to 2pm. Lunches are generally prepared by Rev Alison, ably assisted by a wonderful team who have served it up to all who come along. This has proved to be a very popular and vibrant session, with piano music provided by Sarah, lots of chat and a friendly atmosphere. We received some grant funding at the beginning of the year to help pay for food and heating, and we continue to look for other grant-funders to help with costs and to further our mission.

We are so grateful to all our volunteers who regularly help, those who are happy to help at short notice and anyone who helps temporarily. New people have volunteered to help at coffee mornings and Welcoming Space during the year. We are also grateful for your donations of teabags, coffee, biscuits and cakes. The coffee mornings are such an important space for the community to meet and connect, and is widely appreciated by many. We could not continue to provide this space without the help of all of you.

We welcomed once again young volunteers from Kings Weston School, who gained valuable experience helping at Coffee Mornings, Welcoming Space and some Pop Up events. We are grateful to staff there for organising these sessions and for their supervision, and we give our thanks to all the young people involved.

We are always happy to receive enquiries about volunteering at St Mary’s, especially as our team is quite small. If you are interested in serving refreshments for the two hours between 10am and 12 noon, please let us know. Anyone could potentially help, so if you are aware of somebody who lives locally and would like to help, please point them in our direction.

Our church building has been used for various community events during the year. West Bristol Concert Band, Avon and Somerset Police Choir, Bristol Concert Wind Band and Bristol Male Voice Choir (with Swansea Male Voice Choir) have held concerts that have been well attended and appreciated.

In August, we held a cream tea and flower festival as part of our Patronal Festival Celebrations. Many thanks to Morgan Williams for playing the harp during this event, and thanks also to Sarah for playing the piano at our Longest Night Service.

As the 2024 Christmas Fayre was cancelled due to the appearance of Storm Darragh, Willy Wonka attended our Easter Fayre instead, to the great delight of many. Our 2025 Christmas Fayre was a success and it was great fun seeing some of the team dress up as Wizard of Oz characters.

Thanks to all who help at these events in any way, we couldn’t welcome so many into our space without you.

Report on the Fabric of the Church Building

The Church Building

Various leaks continue to occur during the heavy rain and wind. Clearing gutters and removal of moss on the flat roof is outstanding but plans are in place to complete this work before the APCM takes place. Simon Cartlidge, the church architect, continues to explore options for a more permanent solution.

Although the church heating has performed reliably throughout the year, we are mindful that the system is ageing and will require updating in due course.

Church Yard

Maintenance of the church yard is the responsibility of Bristol City Council following formal closure for burials. However, we continue to maintain our memorial gardens with Norman England cutting the grass.

The wooden surrounds for the bins in the church yard have remained stable and have withstood acts of vandalism better than the previous bins. One of the poster frames has recently been damaged. The church yard is sometimes littered when the bins are not used properly, and we are grateful to our volunteers who continue to clear this up. Some damage to flowers has also been detected at times.

Church Security

The church alarm system continues to work well with remote monitoring and call-out facility of a key holder. We are investigating what up-to-date digital options are available to minimise false alarm callouts.

External metal on the building is protected with smartwater applied to all surfaces and the required notices displayed.

Anti-climb paint has previously been applied to drainpipes to deter anti-social behaviour and climbing onto the flat roof, and the required notices have been displayed.

The external lighting on the West End porch provides light from dusk to dawn, improving visibility during the hours of darkness.

Routine Maintenance and Certification by Contractors

Annual tests and certification of the following are up to date:

Lightning conductors.
The church heating system and operation of its gas system and supply.
The security alarm system.
Fire Extinguishers.
Radio microphones licences.
The organ humidifier.
Portable electrical appliance testing (PAT).

– - Routine Maintenance In house

A schedule of routine maintenance continues to operate, ensuring a regular review of the condition of the building and any actions needed. The schedule includes checks of such items as roofs, gullies, drainpipes, windows, toilets, water heaters, church ladders, timber door thresholds, tea/coffee water heater de-scaling and more.

Carbon monoxide monitors were installed in the year, along with a new lock and deadbolt in the Vicar’s Vestry to enable easier entry via the Altar area.

5 Yearly Inspection of Electrical Circuits

This was carried out by Daley Electrical on 8[th] April 2022. The recommendations from the report have been carried out which included improving emergency lighting.

Quinquennial Inspection

The quinquennial (five yearly) church inspection was conducted on 31[st] March 2026. No urgent concerns were raised and we are awaiting the final architect report containing a list of actions.

Triennial Inspection

The Archdeacons’ triennial (three yearly) inspection, which reviews our records, processes and property, took place on 11[th] November 2025 and the Diocese verified that all requirements had been satisfactorily met.

Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Carbon Advice

An energy and decarbonisation survey was undertaken by Inspired Efficiency Ltd in May 2024 to offer us advice on how the church can be more energy efficient, provide a sustainable and comfortable environment, and move towards net zero carbon. This is part of the wider environment and parish support programme within the Diocese of Bristol. The target date of the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon emissions is 2030.

The main recommendations were to improve draughtproofing, increase LED lighting and to change from gas boiler heating to a full electric heating system. They acknowledged that we had reduced some emissions by moving over some lighting to LED lighting and that we use some electric heating.

It is estimated the cost to install an air-to-air heat pump would be in the region of £118,000.

Grateful thanks go to:

All who keep the Church and Tithe Barn maintained;
All who help in the church yard;
All who tend the flowers in the memorial and planters in the churchyard; and
All who empty the bins in the churchyard.

There are so many people working on the building fabric and behind the scenes to make this church truly active, accessible and attractive for everyone- we value your time and efforts.

Photo by Bob Pitchford

Building Co-ordinators Report on the Fabric of the Tithe Barn

This is the fabric report for the Tithe Barn.

Roofs

The Tithe Barn roof and the Orangery roof are generally sound. A small leak appears in the Orangery roof in very wet and windy conditions.

Walls, Windows and Doors

External walls of both parts of the building are in good order.

All windows are double glazed and have required routine maintenance during the year. They are all in good working order. The kitchen window has been cracked on the outside and a temporary sealing cover has been applied to avoid further damage.

There is a small area of peeling paintwork on the pillar to the left of the door leading from the main hall into the extension.

Rain Water Goods

No issues are reported for the gutters and downpipes of the original barn and the orangery.

Interior

The kitchen and toilets are in good working order.

The heating programmer installed in the main hall in 2023 is working well and has improved control of the heating system

Exterior

The exterior fence, gates and party wall are in good order. The garden is maintained by Norman England.

Security

The building is secured with modern dead locks.

5 Yearly Inspection of Electrical Circuits

This was carried out by Daley Electrical on 11[th] April 2022 the recommendations from the report have been carried out which included improving emergency lighting.

Annual tests and certification of the following are up to date:

The barn heating system and operation of its gas system and supply.
The fire/smoke alarm system. (6 Monthly tests to BS 5839)
Fire Extinguishers.
Radio microphones licences.
Portable electrical appliance testing (PAT).
Thanks to:

Philip Fowler and Eleanor Beddoes for managing the lettings and accounts of the Tithe Barn.

Colin Godfrey, Philip Fowler, Monica and Tony Symons for the opening and closing of the Barn, dealing with the routine maintenance and operational actions required including setting up and clearing away after each letting.

Mothers’ Union

We have had a number of speakers this past year. The Great Western Ambulance talk was very interesting and we raised £220 for them. We support the Summer of Hope, an MU charity and this year we held a cream tea and sold donations of home-made cakes, raising £300. Jeremy, who is Port Chaplin to Seafarers, was very interesting.

Our new President was commissioned at Bristol Cathedral. Anne Ford represented us by doing one of the readings. This was followed by a light lunch.

We hosted the Deanery Festival at St Mary’s which was well attended. Some of our members knitted small stockings for Friends for Parents who distribute them at the Bristol Children’s Hospital. We have also just knitted chicks for Easter. We received 40 Bible Society Nativity books which Amy distributed to local children.

For Christmas we had lunch in the Tithe Barn, sang some Carols while Ray played his guitar and listened to some poems. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Solveig gave a very interesting talk about her life in India and Gaye Senior Smith talked about her trip to Uganda. She has visited a few times and is now very friendly with the people she has met. Her pictures brought everyone to life, they had also made Gaye a MU dress.

If you would like to join us, we meet in Church on the 2[nd] Wednesday of each month.

Julie Smith Branch Leader

Health and Safety Report

Many thanks to those who have continuously supported with important ongoing checks and implementation of Health and Safety requirements through various roles at St Mary’s over the past year or longer – your help is always invaluable and greatly appreciated. Health and Safety requirements state that everyone should be responsible for the Health and Safety of themselves and others – that it is everyone’s responsibility to notice and report anything that could be a hazard or risk in their work or meeting place or organisation, so as we set out on the next year of updating and improving, we would like to invite you please all to be a part of helping us to note any elements that we could do better with for Health and Safety and let myself or Alison know of any concerns so that we can act on them quickly. We would also be very grateful for any offers of H&S service from one-off repairs if you are a “handy” person to a more regular commitment to help with small elements such as room set-up/clearing chairs safely for events and working through regular H&S checklists taking on part of the H&S requirements role. Thank you.

The PCC has continued to review policies connected to Health and Safety throughout the year, including Safeguarding, youth policies and Lone Working (thank you to Sarah Parry Reid for the extra work with them) and our policy file has had its annual update. Our Risk Assessments were briefly reviewed and re-signed ready for our Triennial Inspection in November and the next phase is to update them all on a rolling basis throughout the year to include new activities and events and the change of some activities to the Church instead of the Tithe Barn as well as making them all more comprehensive, current and multigenerational.

Several minor Health and Safety items have been addressed or actioned recently at the Tithe Barn to help move towards readiness for sale completion – thank you to Richard Powell, Colin Godfrey and Derek Sowton who have helped to achieve these improvements or have maintained the Barn over recent years and also to Anne Ford for her famous “wobble test” for safety of old gravestones amongst many other checks at the church, as well as to our growing team of event helpers and anyone who has been involved in any way in following or overseeing procedures to help keep us safe as part of their roles. We are grateful to you all for committing to keeping people and processes safe when volunteering.

Thank you all for helping to making St Mary’s a safe and welcoming space for Church family of all ages and for our constantly expanding numbers of people visiting from the wider community for food, friendship and faith, comfort, practical help or emotional support or special fun or themed events too.

Sharon Viney Health and Safety Officer

Avonside Mission Area (ASMA) Report

The Avonside Mission Area is a partnership between our 5 churches, where we support one another and work collaboratively together in mission. In 2025 we said goodbye to Revd Sonia Home and Revd Julie Summers as their curacies across the Mission Area came to an end in the summer. We are thankful for all they brought to ASMA and their role in cultivating the connections between the churches. Sonia and her family are now living in Islington and Sonia is the Associate Vicar of Hope Church. Julie has recently been licensed as an Associate Minister at St Mary’s Stoke Bishop, alongside her part time work as a Senior Staff Nurse. Tristan Hagger is now in his second year as our Ministry Experience Worker for ASMA. Tristan continues to spread his time across the 5 churches and has offered some reflections.

It continues to be a privilege to be part of the Mission Area, and to experience a range of Christ-centred worship and mission. In Stoke Bishop I have been overseeing the youth ministry, leading the weekly youth club and a fortnightly discipleship group for young people. I’ve also been helping with the fortnightly service, Explore@4 which helps to foster intergenerational conversations about faith.

In Shirehampton it’s been great to be regularly at the Friday Open Spaces where 50+ lunches are served each week drawing many people into church, offering a safe haven, good company and loving welcome to anyone who wishes to come. The appointment of Youth and Community Connector, Nat Clark has added capacity to this area of ministry, and he has been working on new projects to meet the needs of the community and address anti-social behaviour. I was particularly touched by 2025’s VE day street party. Tables were brought outside, old classic music was playing, plenty of food was prepared, and many people were moved by the nostalgia, memory and celebration.

The church in Sea Mills continues to be a real blessing to its community. It has been a joy to help with Seedlings, the weekly parent and toddler group, over the last year. It is clear how valuable the time and space is for all who come, and Jemima Downing, the Children and Families Minister, does a fantastic job connecting with people. The ‘light-in-the-dark’ animal party at Halloween was wonderful to participate in. It was incredibly busy, and many families from across the Mission Area came to the event.

I’ve enjoyed being at St Peter’s Lawrence Weston regularly on Sundays this year. They recently launched a new service pattern, with the later morning service encouraging younger engagement. Messy Church has also had a revamp, and it now runs every month. It’s been great to be part of the team who run The Well every Tuesday at St Andrew’s Avonmouth, and to be part of the Alpha Course which has been offered to those who come. The 24hr prayer event was very special too - I arrived at 2am and worshipped God with others throughout the night.

For me, 2025 was a year that has felt dynamic, varied and Christ-centred. It has definitely been a year I will never forget.

Tristan Hagger Ministry Experience Scheme Worker

2025 Diocesan Synod Report

Diocesan Synod is the largest and most representative governing body in the Diocese. It supports the bishop in shaping the strategic direction of diocesan life by providing a forum for engagement and debate, a sounding board for emerging priorities, and a setting in which formal decisions are taken through prayerful discernment and collaborative relationships. In summary, Diocesan Synod is the place all voices and wisdom come together to discern God’s calling focus and his kingdom is the Diocese.

Below is an overview of the topics discussed and motions approved during 2025. Full Synod Minutes are available on the Governance page of the Diocesan website.

Living in Love and Faith (LLF)

LLF was discussed at every Synod meeting during 2025.

March: The Rt Revd Viv Faull, Bishop of Bristol, updated Synod on national discussions regarding the ordination and licensing of individuals seeking or in same-sex marriages. Members were invited to reflect on:

What discussions around Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) had taken place within PCCs and Deanery Synods, and what their impact had been.
What further information would support constructive conversations locally.

June: The Very Revd Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol Cathedral and a member of the National Programme Board overseeing the LLF process, updated Synod on recent developments.

The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, appointed in November 2023 as lead bishop for the LLF process stepped down from his role
Over the summer, dioceses will convene to discuss and respond to the proposals, contributing to the next phase of the LLF process
Resources to support Diocesan Synod discussion will be made available at diocesan level
Diocesan Synod members encouraged to attend Nationally run LLF Webinars to gain clarity and opportunity to ask questions.

September: A dedicated LLF session enabled members to:

Listen and engage with one another
Deepen understanding of our diverse diocesan perspectives
Reaffirm unity in Christ
Prepare for the House of Bishops’ October 2025 decisions

No formal minutes were produced.

November: The Rt Revd Neil Warwick (Acting Bishop of Bristol) outlined the House of Bishops’ decisions:

Prayers of Love and Faith can continue to be used within regular services of worship or privately with a couple at the discretion of the incumbent
Standalone services will be referred to General Synod

He also provided context, reaction, and an overview of next steps.

March 2025

Carbon Net Zero (CNZ)

Synod received an update confirming greater clarity surrounding carbon measurement. Bristol continues to be recognised nationally for leadership in solar installations and environmental initiatives. A list of grants and schemes awarded was shared.

Dissolution of DBAT

The transition of Diocesan Board of Academies Trust (DBAT) schools to other trusts concluded successfully, reinforcing long-term benefits for children, young people, schools, and communities. The Diocese of Bristol School Partnership Programme (DBSP), co-constructed with trusts, will launch in September 2025.

Transforming Church. Together (TC.T)

An update was provided, including a presentation from Holy Trinity Horfield on its use of Sharesy, which has increased bookings and improved efficiency.

Echo: Youth Voice

Synod watched a video on insights from trusted adults working with young people, highlighting their desire for safe and welcoming spaces.

Other business:

Bishop’s Council reports from 10 December 2024 and 25 February 2025 were approved.

Link to 22 March 2025 Minutes

June 2025

BDBF Annual General Meeting

Chair: Richard Bacon re-elected
Vice Chair: John Sutherland elected
2024 Accounts: Received and adopted by Synod. Subsequently formally approved by Trustees
Auditors: Haysmac appointed for the year ending 31 December 2025

Safeguarding Annual Report

A comprehensive audit reflected exceptionally strong safeguarding practice across the Diocese. A new national framework now enables leadership training to be completed in a one-day session.

All Saints Roof Repair

Following an overview of the proposed works, a presentation from the Racial Justice Team, and extended Q&A, Synod reaffirmed its previous decision to proceed with the roof repairs.

Church Buildings

Highlights included:

Support for parishes across maintenance, accessibility, reordering, and housing schemes
Increased staffing, including a dedicated fundraising adviser
Resource Hub useful tools. An improved version will be launched in due course
National funding pressures requiring coordinated planning
A film showcasing reordering work at St Stephen, Southmead, and St Andrew, Castle Combe

Other business:

Bishop’s Council reports from 24 March and 13 May were received
Synod approved the election arrangements for the Diocesan Board of Education for 2025–2028
Bishop Viv’s last Synod was marked with reflections on her time in Synod, and grateful thanks for her leadership

Link to 14 June 2025 Minutes

November 2025

Budget 2026

Synod reviewed the significant financial challenges facing the Diocese. Key points included:

The 2026 Budget marks the start of essential restructuring
Long-term sustainability planning is required
CNZ commitments remain firm, with a new funding plan to be developed
Parish Share methodology, expectations, and support resources were explained

The budget presented a total 2026 deficit of £3,540,000. After round-table discussion and Q&A, Synod authorised the BDBF to expend the sums set out in the budget. A 10-year Financial Plan will be developed during 2026.

Priority Communities Network (PCN)

The PCN work is cross-departmental and integrated within the broader TC.T context and workstreams. Updates included:

PREPARED leadership development programme
9 of 14 lay workers recruited
Positive signs of engagement and growth

Synod approved becoming a formal partner of the Church Urban Fund (CUF) and joining the Together Network.

Other business:

Bishop’s Council reports from 8 July, 18 August, 14 October, and 31 October 2025 were received
The Church Representation Rules (CRR) Scheme for Concord Church Bishops’ Mission Orders ( BMO) was approved
Synod agreed that lay representation on Deanery Synods should remain
proportionate to parish electoral roll numbers, using the formula approved by Bishop’s Council

Minutes currently in draft, will be approved at March 2026 meeting

Thinking of Joining Diocesan Synod?

The current Diocesan Synod triennium ends in July 2027. If you are considering re-standing or standing for the first time, now is an ideal time to begin reflecting and finding out more.

Diocesan Synod plays a vital role in shaping the life of the Diocese, and we encourage anyone passionate about the Church’s mission to consider putting themselves forward.

For further information, please contact the Governance Support Team: governance.support@bristoldiocese.org

Finance Report

While 2025 presented significant financial pressures, it also proved to be a highly rewarding one. Our worship services, activities and events continued to grow in strength and impact, driven by the collective effort of our volunteers and church family.

Last year we highlighted the need to focus on securing external funding to strengthen our financial position. We have been fortunate to receive grants that covered the employment costs of 2 new team members who joined us in 2025. Gosia joined as Operations Manager in January, with one of her primary responsibilities being to identify and apply for suitable grants. Nat joined us in July as Youth and Community Connector, a role designed to deepen our community relationships and provide support where it is needed. Further details of Nat’s work can be found in his report earlier in this document.

Funding for both roles was provided by the Diocesan Priority Community Network (PCN) Fund. However, the overall level of grant funding secured this year is lower than we had hoped. This reflects the increasingly competitive landscape, with several funders closing their programmes due to high demand and the growing reliance of charities on this type of support. The total grants received in 2025 can be shown as follows:

Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance (Priority Community Network Fund)	£17,809	Part salary and expenses of Youth & Community Connector and Youth Worker
FeedingBristol	£1,304	WelcomingSpace
George Muller Charity	£1,920	PopUpEvents
Wessex Water	£2,000	Boxing/Fitness Project
Total	£23,033

We are grateful to all the Foundations for supporting our mission. Looking ahead, grant fundraising will remain a key priority for 2026 as we seek to strengthen our financial position. We are pleased that funding for our new chairs arrived early in 2026, providing a welcome boost to our space and an application for £5,000 towards our Welcoming Space was approved in April 2026.

More donors moved from monthly giving to our Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) during the year. This is a scheme managed by the Church of England and undertakes gift aid administration, freeing up valuable time and resources for other important tasks. Planned giving fell by £699 (1.9%) in the year to £36,795 over the year. We hope to see this increase in 2026, particularly as new members have joined the electoral roll and are attending services more regularly.

As always, we remain deeply grateful for every donation received, whether financial, practical or through the gift of time. Contributions such as teabags, biscuits and books may seem small, but they make a meaningful difference to our hospitality and community life. Each offering plays a vital role in enabling the work of St Mary’s to continue and flourish.

Although the sale of the Tithe Barn has been agreed, the completion of the legal process is progressing more slowly than anticipated. Most of the net proceeds will be earmarked for improvements to the church building, including measures to enhance energy efficiency, and will require careful monitoring to ensure they are used effectively.

The financial results for the year have been affected by this transition period at the Tithe Barn. Costs continued to be incurred while bookings were paused whilst awaiting a confirmed offer. The combination of reduced income, alongside a similar cost base has had a noticeable impact on our overall financial performance.

Costs have remained relatively stable over the year, reflecting the care we take in managing expenditure and securing the best prices available. Where possible we shop around, for example when fixing utility rates, which helps us maintain control over costs as far as is practical. Employment costs rose due to the addition of new staff members; however these roles were fully funded, ensuring no additional strain on our core finances.

Parish Share paid during the year totalled £45,000 compared with £48,720 in 2024. The Diocese has expressed its gratitude for this contribution, which supports a wide range of essential services including clergy training and support, governance guidance, financial information resources, safeguarding advice and more.

Investment values held in endowment funds in the names of Bernard Salmon and Napier Miles fell by 4%. Because the number of shares held in these funds is so high, even small percentage movements in unit prices can have a significant impact on the Income and Expenditure Account. It is important to note, however, that this valuation represents a snapshot at the year end. The income generated by these investments continues to grow year on year, providing a stable and valuable source of income for our ongoing work.

My thanks go to Phil Fowler for his diligent work behind the scenes, preparing source accounting information, claiming gift aid, liaising with the bank and managing an endless list of other essential tasks. Thanks also to those who handle the weekly cash counting and banking, and to all who carry out the many essential tasks that keep everything working smoothly, including James for his I.T. support. I am also grateful to the PCC members who oversee the finance function and give their time to support the governance of this church and, of course Alison, for her support.

Eleanor Beddoes Treasurer and Parish Administrator

St Mary’s Church Shirehampton Annual Parochial Meeting and Election of PCC Sunday 11[th] May 2025, 12-noon

Chaired by Rev. Alison Sowton; Approx. 34 attendees Agenda as attached

1	Opening Prayer Rev. Alison Sowton
2	Apologies for absence Apologies: Tim Forder, Sue Allford
3	Minutes of last Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 12th May 2024 • Approved by the meeting.
4	Any matters arising • None noted.
5	The Reports All reports were published in the Annual PCC Report Booklet (January to December 2024), and circulated prior to APCM. Reports published were: a. Vicar’s Report b. Churchwarden’s Report c. Report on the Fabric of the Church d. Safeguarding Report e. Finance Report (*see item 6 below*) f. Health & Safety Report g. Children and Youth Report h. Mothers’ Union Report i. Community j. Report on the Fabric Report of Tithe Barn k. Tithe Barn Report l. Church Music Report m. Electoral Roll n. Avonside Mission Area (ASMA) Report. o. Bristol West Deanery Synod Report , Chair named each individual report, and for each report invited questions or comments: a. Vicar’s Report: No questions. b. Church Warden report: Noted thanks to Anne Ford for all her service as Church Warden. No questions. c. Reports on the Fabric of the Church Buildings (Reports c and j): Noted thanks to all the volunteers for their work in keeping the Church and Tithe Barn in good order. Questions from floor on dates of the quinquennial and triennial inspections. AS reported that dates have not been notified as yet but are expected this year. Preparations are already in hand, with thanks Richard Powell and Anne Ford for all their work towards these upcoming inspections. d. Safeguarding Report: Noted thanks to Sharon Viney for all her work as Parish Safeguarding Officer. Chair noted that CofE Church Representation Rules (Parish Governance) require an additional statement for the Safeguarding

	Report (omitted in error). The statement is ‘*The PCC has complied with the* *requirements imposed by the code under section 5A of the Safeguarding and* *Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.’ Chair read out and confirmed this statement. No questions. f. Health & Safety Report: Noted thanks to Sharon Viney for all her work as Health & Safety Officer, and to thanks to Richard Powell, Anne Ford and Colin Godfrey for their work in this area. No questions. g. Children and Youth Report: Noted thanks to Amy Boucher for all her work. No questions. h. Mothers’ Union Report: Noted thanks to Julie Smith for her continuing work as branch leader. Noted upcoming Deanery service on Wednesday 14thMay, with the new MU president attending. No questions. i. Community Report: Noted thanks to Jill Eynon who has stepped down as coffee mornings co-ordinator, but continues to volunteer, and sincere thanks to all volunteers at coffee mornings and other community events. Noted fund raising and grant applications in order to replace the current chairs with easier to move seating, that would allow more flexible use of the Church building. No questions. k. Tithe Barn Report: Noted thanks to Philip Fowler for the report. Noted Tithe Barn is now being marketed for sale. Any net proceeds from the sale will be used to further enhance the facilities at St Mary’s. Questions from floor on buyer interest in the Tithe Barn, and noted 12 viewings to date, and a second viewing coming up. l. Church Music Report: Noted thanks to Tim Forder for all his work. No questions. m. Electoral Roll (Apologies from Tim Forder, Electoral Roll Officer): Chair noted one correction point for the Electoral Roll Report: At time of completing the report for APCM, electoral roll comprised 99 members. However, we were required (by national church) to renew our electoral roll with applications to be submitted by 26thApril 2025. Following roll renewal, electoral roll 2025 stands at 56 members and represents a truer reflection of our regular congregation. Noted from floor that any regular or new congregant not yet on electoral roll is welcome to join the electoral roll. n. Avonside Mission Area (ASMA) Report: Noted thanks to Rev. Sonia Home for the report. Noted Wednesday morning prayer hub at St Mary’s with prayer particularly for Shirehampton local issues. No questions. o. Bristol West Deanery Synod Report. Noted Pat Davidson and Derek Sowton continue as Deanery Synod representatives, for the third year of their terms. No questions. Rev. Alison Sowton noted thanks to all involved in writing and collating the individual reports and the Annual Report Booklet, especially to Eleanor Beddoes. All reports received by the meeting and accepted as provided.*
6	Finance Report: year ending 31 December 2024 See Annual Report Booklet for full report from Eleanor Beddoes (Treasurer), circulated priortoAPCM. General finance pointsnoted were:

Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2024 (including Unrestricted, Restricted and Endowment funds), broadly in line with 2023. However, large reduction in ‘Cash at hand and in bank’.
• Costs did fall slightly, with Church Office team working to reduce costs whenever possible, for example, reviewing contracts (fixed term) for energy suppliers, and decreased core bank costs for the Church and Tithe Barn.
• Re energy costs: noted we are heating the church for Friday Welcome Space, but grant income covers the costs, plus received donations on the day.
• Parish Share: Diocese request for 2024 was £48k, and was paid in full. Parish Share request for 2025 increased to £52k. However, given reduced annual income in 2024 and in 2025 to date, PCC committed to payment of £45k, and will look to pay more if income allows.
• Noted that the Cellnex mast income has ceased, so that significant income in previous years was reduced to £4.5k in 2024 and zero in 2025. No income source identified to replace this as yet.
• Noted decrease in funds from occasional offices (e.g. weddings and funerals). • Noted St Mary’s will need to raise money: plans include fund-raising events, Parish Giving Scheme (See St Mary’s website), standing orders, one-off online donations, accepting cheques, introduced a more user-friendly card reader for coffees, fayres, etc (credit/debit cards), Gift Aiding, legacies.
• Contactless giving has increased over last year, and noted benefits of the new easy-use donation point.
• Noted one area to explore is legacies funding. Received £2k from Pam Goulding in legacy in 2024. Noted the Church of England is partnering with FareWill to offer a free online will writing service.
• Looking to augment ‘donation’ income through grant income. Noted that St Mary’s now has a Priorities Community Network (PCN) Hub Manager, Gosia Piotrowska, funded by Diocese, and a key focus of Gosia’s role is to ‘capture’ grant income.
Noted 2 grant applications towards new chairs last year – but unsuccessful.
• Noted Thanks to Philip Fowler for all his work as deputy Treasurer.

Chair noted support from Diocese, providing 2 salaries as part of PCN network funding. These salaries cover local PCN Hub Manager Gosia Piotrowska, and will fully fund PCN lay worker Nathaniel Clark who will start as Youth and Community Connector in July 2025.

Questions and comments from floor:

How much does it cost to run the contactless donation point? : Answer: costs were approx. £200 to buy and approx. £15 per month fees. Noted there are also fees attached to all monies donated, including cheques and cash. Noted greater take-up of the new donation point as its easier to use than the previous Sumup machine.
Can we get rid of the old Sumup machine, so as to avoid any fees associated with it? : Answer: there are no fees attached to old Sumup machine as it was part of a Diocese-funded scheme.
Derek Sowton noted thanks Matthew Beddoes for his work on churchyard.
• Question about Giftaid: Answer: noted a person must be a UK tax payer to allow for Giftaid, and a request to let church office know if a donor’s tax situation changes. Giftaid can only be claimed on donations, and not on ‘sales’, so for example cannot claim Giftaid on tea/coffee ‘sales’.
Question - Could we claim Giftaid on book sales? : Answer: book sales are badged as ‘suggested donation’, however, generally the books are ‘sold’ rather than specifically noted as a donation, so we are not claiming Giftaid on books.
• Noted that donations can be put in the collection plate (as a donation) so that Giftaid could be claimed. Any single donation to the collection plate must

remain under £30 max limit in order to qualify for the small donation Giftaid scheme.

Chair noted thanks to Eleanor Beddoes and Philip Fowler for all their work on accounts and weekly input.

Chair noted thanks to all for their regular generous giving and donations. Finance Report received by the meeting and accepted as provided. 7 Elections and Appointments

Chair noted Colin Godfrey and Philip Fowler are stepping down from PCC, and proposed sincere thanks for all their service.

a. Election of Church Wardens

Anne Ford has served multiple years as Church Warden, and has now stepped down from this role. Noted sincere thanks Anne for all her service.

Sharon Viney has come forward to stand for election as Church Warden. Noted the key role of the Church Wardens in church life, that the role is very large and will need many helping hands. No other person has come forward to stand for election as a Church Warden.

Proposal: To elect Sharon Vinney as new Church Warden. Approved by the meeting.

b. Election of PCC members

Anne Ford, Tim Forder, Florence Grimes, Sarah Parry-Reid and Richard Powell had submitted signed applications (proposed and seconded) to stand for election to the PCC.

Noted that the PCC will also automatically include the Church Warden, Sharon Viney and the current Deanery Synod Members Pat Davidson and Derek Sowton.

No other person has come forward to stand for election to PCC.

Proposal: To elect those named above to the PCC. Approved by the meeting.

Thanks to all for stepping back onto role of PCC members

c. Appointment of Independent Examiner

The Independent Examiner for the accounts; year ending 31 December 2024 was David Oakensen FCA, of Oakensen (Bristol) Ltd, Westbury-on-Trym.

No questions from the floor.

Proposal: To not appoint an Independent Examiner during the APCM, but rather to allow the PCC to discuss the increase in cost and alternatives, at a meeting shortly after this APCM. Approved by meeting. PCC will look to appoint the independent examiner.

8 Vicar’s Summary
See Annual Report Booklet for Vicar’s Report (Rev. Alison Sowton), circulated prior to APCM. Rev. Alison also spoke at the meeting, commenting:
Rev. Alison is approximately 30 months into her ministry here at St Mary’s – working to the vision of being and serving at the heart of the community
• Noted sincere thanks to all who make the church life possible • Talked to the idea of hope, despite the financial challenges

	• Noted that sale of the Tithe Barn will help take Church forward on a more sure financial footing • Noted sale of Tithe Barn will also be a time of transition, as all groups (and their equipment) move into the Church Building; we will all be required to act with grace as we work out the needs and logistics of the various groups • Commitment to a new year of servitude and a year of ministry that will go forward, to show and share God’s love to the community • Commitment to make the church building a place of peaceful and joyful celebration • Commitment to hear the voice of Jesus calling and sharing – to show hospitality, welcome inclusivity, and encourage curiosity that can grow into faithfulness - as a church this is a way of passing on the gift of faith to the generations to come • Noted welcome new faces coming over the last few months • Rev. Alison finished by noting she is feeling courageous, thankful and hopeful • In addition to thanks to all those noted earlier in the meeting, noted sincere thanks to Amy Boucher for her youth ministry, to Eleanor Beddoes for all the administrative support, to Trevor Hearn and Duncan Jennings for their support with services, to Jill Eynon particularly for her work as verger, to Anne Ford as she steps down as church warden, to Sarah Parry-Reid as PCC secretary. • Noted thank you to one and all. Amy Boucher proposed sincere thanks to Rev. Alison. Alison Harding noted thanks to Rev Alison Sowton and Derek Sowton, to the PCC and retiring church warden and PCC members.
9	Closing Prayer Rev. Alison Sowton

St Mary’s Church, Shirehampton Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Election of PCC Sunday 10[th] May 2026 at 12pm

1. Opening Prayer

Apologies for absence
Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 11[th] May 2025 – Approval of minutes
Any matters arising
The Reports
a. Vicar’s Report
b. Electoral Roll
c. Safeguarding Report
d. Churchwardens’ Report
e. Children and Youth Report
f. Connections vReport
g. Church Music Report
h. Community Report
i. Annual Fabric Report of the Church and Tithe Barn
j. Mothers’ Union Report
k. Health & Safety Report
l. Avonside Mission Area Report
m. Deanery Synod Report

6. Financial Report

Elections and appointments
a. Election of Churchwardens
b. Election of PCC Members
c. Appointment of Independent Examiner
Vicar’s Summary

9. Closing Prayer

First meeting of the new PCC – further dates to be agreed

2025-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton

Contents

Reference and Administrative detail

Charitable Status

Aims and Purposes

Objectives and Activities

Structure, governance and management

Standing Committee:

Financial Review

Reserves Policy

Investments

PCC Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Alison Sowton

Responsibilities and basis of report

Independent examiner’s statement

David A Oakensen

Statement of Financial Activities

Balance sheet

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

Fund accounting policy

Incoming resources

Resources expended

Volunteer Help

Fixed Assets

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings

Depreciation

Investments

Taxation

Cash at bank and in hand

Debtors

Liabilities and provisions

Financial instruments

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2025

2 Income

3 Expenditure

4 Staff Costs

5 Fixed Assets for use by PCC

6 Investment Assets – Endowment Funds

7 Debtors

8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

9 Analysis of Net Assets by Fund

10 Fund movement by type

11 Financial commitments and contingencies

www.stmarysshire.org

Parochial Church Council of St Mary, Shirehampton Annual Report

Background:

Membership:

Good News

Looking Ahead

Philippians 4:6

Electoral Roll Report

Safeguarding Officer’s Annual Report

https://www.bristol.anglican.org/aboutus/safeguarding/safeguardingtraining/

Churchwardens’ Report

Events of the last year or so:

Children’s and Youth Report

STOMP Dance Clubs:

Youth @ The Barn:

Pop Ups Outreach Events:

Friday Café:

GLOW:

Youth Alpha:

Schools Work:

Sunday Services:

Rooted Home Group:

Connections Report

Nat Clark

Youth and Community Connector

Church Music Report

Community Report

Report on the Fabric of the Church Building

The Church Building

Church Yard

Church Security

Routine Maintenance and Certification by Contractors

– - Routine Maintenance In house

5 Yearly Inspection of Electrical Circuits

Quinquennial Inspection