Parish of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang and Crosby Garrett with Soulby
Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF
KIRKBY STEPHEN WITH MALLERSTANG, CROSBY GARRETT AND SOULBY
(Charity Number 1132029)
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
31[st] DECEMBER 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby (PCC) is part of the Diocese of Carlisle within the Church of England and is registered on the Register of Charities wef 7[th] October 2009, No: 1132029.
The correspondence address is: The PCC Secretary, Lunesdale, Rowgate, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4SP
The charity does not have a constitution, but its status is established under sections 2 and 3 of the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll.
The full PCC met six times during the year for general business, with an average attendance of 71%.
PCC members who were serving at 31 December 2025
Priest-in-Charge Rev Canon Brendan Giblin
Wardens: Becky Cowling, William Richardson, Alan King, Glenys Lumley (Vice-Chair)
Representatives Rosemary Turner, Martin Holdgate ( Member of the Diocesan Synod) on the Deanery Synod:
Elected Shiela Haughey, Cathy Prime, Kathleen Robinson , Rob Paisley, Anne Jorysz, Members: Gordon Hutton, Maggie Heath, Rick Greenough. Also Coopted Members Gloria Venning, Elizabeth White
Ministry Team: Canon Carole Marsden, Rev Jean Wright, Rev Judy Polkinhorn, Rev Charles Cowling, John Thompson (Reader)
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AIMS AND PURPOSE
The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of all the church property within the Ecclesiastical Parish of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:
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Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
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Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
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Mission and outreach work.
To facilitate this work, it is important that we continue to maintain the fabric of our Churches.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Worship and Prayer
The PCC is keen to offer a range of services during the week and over the course of the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. Normally Kirkby Stephen Parish Church holds a said service twice a month, a choral service every Sunday, and additional services at times of festival. We also hold a monthly service at a local extra-care housing complex for older people. St Mary’s Mallerstang has two services a month and St Andrew’s Crosby Garrett has two services a month in the summer and one in the winter. Week-day services are also held in our churches. Joint services for our eight Benefice churches continue, usually when there is a fifth Sunday in the month. One of our parishioners was confirmed by at a service at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church in August.
All are welcome to attend our regular services. At present there are 85 parishioners on the joint Electoral Roll of our three churches. This has fallen from 106 before the creation of a new roll in 2025. The total average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 67.
As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in
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this world and to commend the person into God's keeping. In our churches this year, there were nine baptisms, five weddings and nine funerals.
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
We were pleased to continue welcoming Primary School children for Experience Easter and Christmas. Both primary and secondary pupils held Christmas Carol Services in the Parish Church.(Thanks to our Methodist neighbours for hosting the Primary School’s Harvest Festival in the week when our new heating system was being installed and the church was closed). Clergy are taking assemblies in the Primary School about twice a term. A significant group of youngsters from uniformed organisations attended the annual St George’s Day service. We held Messy Church events four times this year.
Beyond our regular worship, we organised a Songs of Praise service as part of the local community’s Westmorland Dales weekend. There was a Lent Study Group in the vicarage. Members of our church and others took part in a lively and successful Retreat weekend on Lindisfarne. We were glad to welcome back the local Roman Catholic community whose priest now says mass in our Hartley Chapel every six weeks or so.
Every quarter, our eight Benefice Churches come together for Sunday worship.
As part of our local Churches Together we took part in the January Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a Lent Study Group, Good Friday Walk of Witness and Service, Christian Aid 80[th] Anniversary service, Advent Study Group.
Regular celebrations, such as Easter services, the Harvest Festival, the ecumenical Remembrance Service and Christmas celebrations (Carols in the Mart, Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, Christingle) were well attended.
St Mary’s Mallerstang
There was a sense in 2025 that the annual cycle of worship and congregational activity at St Mary’s Mallerstang had re-established the momentum existing before the pandemic. It was decided to undertake a survey of activity for the period 2016-26 and this confirmed that the size of the average ‘core’ congregation across 2025 was back to the level of 2018 (although the number of services held during the year - not counting private baptisms, weddings and funerals - had reduced from 37 in 2018 to 23 in 2025).
We have continued with a regular rhythm of two Sunday morning services per month, including what is now an annual set of special services: Lambing, Railway, Harvest Festival (followed by a Harvest Auction) and Christmas Eve ‘anthology’ (readings and carols). The Lambing service recognises the role of farming and farmers in the valley, while the Railway service commemorates those who died during the building of Mallerstang section of the Settle & Carlisle Line and are buried in the churchyard.
St Andrew’s Crosby Garrett
Our usual pattern of services has continued, with a Holy Communion Service and Evensong each month during the summer; and a monthly Holy Communion Service in winter.
Other worship included special services for Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, the Transfiguration, a ‘Hymns and Pimm’s evening worship, St Andrew's Day. The Christmas service was exceptionally well attended.
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Joint services with the Crosby Garrett United Chapel were held at the Chapel for Harvest celebrations and for Remembrance Sunday.
Pastoral Care
Our Ministry Team continues to offer support to both members of our congregations and other local residents. In our predominantly elderly communities, congregation members provide much informal support too.
Mission and Outreach
Alongside the outward-looking work listed above, we run a weekly ‘Drop-in’ Café. It is used regularly by people who are not otherwise connected to the church and by visitors to Kirkby Stephen. We also support the local Food Bank, which provides support to families in difficulty across our wide rural area.
Financial Review
The income and expenditure for the year are shown in the Financial Statements. The charity's financial position remains sound.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees recognise that reserves are needed to manage cash flow delays where income arrives later than expenditure. Cash in the bank at any one time is normally sufficient to cover such delays. The Trustees will regularly consider the levels of current and expected income and expenditure and assess the level of cash reserves required to meet any shortfalls in cash receipts over payments.
Approved by the Trustees on 9 March, 2026 and signed on their behalf
………………………………………………….. Chair, Rev Canon Brendan Giblin
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL TREASURER’S REPORT 2025
To be presented at a later date
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ACTIVITIES OF THE PCC
The PCC met six times during the year for general business; and once for the postAPCM short meeting to elect officers. Routine finance and fabric issues were discussed at each general meeting and given approval where necessary. Information was provided regularly to the PCC about our links with local schools. Please see other reports for details, particularly on major refurbishment at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, and safeguarding. Key matters not reported elsewhere in the annual report were as follows.
Mission and Ministry
At two meetings we explored members’ views about priorities for mission. Key themes emerged: Engaging young people, Catching up with building repair and refurbishment backlogs, Our life together.
More procedurally, we noted the Lifting of Suspension of Presentation, meaning that Brendan is appointed as vicar with tenure rather than as priest-in-charge as in the
current arrangement.
Regular work with children and schools continued. In addition, a new link has been established between St Mary’s Mallerstang and Kirkby Stephen Primary school for learning about local history and developing creative writing.
We continued to discuss the possibility of a setting up a new ministry post, to expand work with people of all ages, both children and the ‘missing generations’ of working age adults. At the end of 2025, we heard that there were promising conversations with the Diocese about the part-time role of a Mission Priest.
Social Events, Outreach, Community Events
The PCC noted the continuing success of the Drop-in Café (held weekly in Church House); and a Benefice-wide tea party at the vicarage in August. Carole’s ‘Gun Club’ lunch and the monthly Sunday lunch for people living alone also continued until illness in her family in the autumn meant these were suspended. There were Harvest Suppers at Mallerstang and in Crosby Garrett.
We were pleased to put the internal and outside space of Kirkby Stephen Parish Church to good community use again to provide refreshments, host exhibitions and stalls for the Easter Rally, the July Westmorland Dales Day and the usual preChristmas celebrations. Concerts held in the Parish Church included performances by Kirkby Stephen Silver Band, the Upper Eden Community Choir and the Wensley Camerata.
Future of St Andrew’s Church
As a PCC, we were aware of our responsibility for the care of St Andrew’s Church and tiny congregation. We took the following actions: in March, we recognised that the current situation could not continue. In July, there was a public consultation about the future of the church attended by several PCC members. At our September meeting, with great sadness, we resolved to take steps to close the church and at the same time, to ask the Churches Conservation Trust to take over care of this grade 1 listed building. Work with the Diocese to take forward these plans continued
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throughout the rest of the year. Brendan attended the civil parish meeting in November in order to answer any queries.
Eco Church
The PCC heard from our Eco Church group, which had worked with the Diocesan Adviser, Rosemary Riley, on the surveys of the Eco organisation A Rocha. As a result, the Parish Church gained first their Bronze, then Silver award, covering a range of eco-friendly issues, including bio-diversity, congregational awareness and inclusion of eco-issues in services and preaching. The PCC encouraged continuing work in the Churchyard, including the removal of exotic trees. St Mary’s has agreed to become a Fair Trade church and will investigate other eco-activities in 2026.
Landholdings
During the year, work continued to regularise the legal position in regard to church landholdings in Nateby and Soulby. For Nateby this involved defining the location of the fields, establishing a valuation, then taking action to register the fields. For Soulby, tasks included identifying a new tenant and working towards a valuation (continuing). Establishing new fair rents for both landholdings continues. Parish Church Organ
Problems with the Parish Church Organ were flagged at our March meeting. A first paper discussed in November identified possible short term ways forward. It is hoped a longer-term solution will be decided upon in 2026.
Other Issues Brought to the PCC
The Archdeacon made a formal visitation to each of our three churches in June. Her mainly favourable comments and our responses were discussed at our July meeting. We discussed and decided to replace our hymn books (September – Parish Church; November – St Mary’s)
We noted that annual risk assessments for all churches had been completed. We received reports about two open consultation and information meetings which were held in church during the year, one focussed on the new heating system, in February; and one considering the installation of a kitchen, toilets and other rearrangements, in December.
Safeguarding: our policy was re-approved at our January 2026 meeting, and therefore fulfilled the PCC’s duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
FABRIC REPORTS
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
Once again we have considered major refurbishments at length during the year. The new heating system, comprising a number of Herschel Halo Heaters (suspended chandelier type infra-red heaters) were installed in September 2025. These come with both ‘up’ and ‘down’ lights, which have addressed our need to improve the lighting within the church. Asthetically they are very pleasing and the concern of some parishioners that they would impact upon the visual appearance of the church has been unfounded. Unfortunately they have not been as good as we were led to believe by the company in terms of heating the church and despite
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overcoming some teething problems since they were installed, the congregation continue to complain of being cold during services. A meeting was held on the 29[th] January 2026 with a representative from Herschel to discuss the problem and he has gone away to consider our concerns and research some options to attempt a remedy. He will return to us in due course (present at the meeting were Canon Brendan Giblin, Professor Rick Greenough PCC & DAC member and Alan King, churchwarden).
An application has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council for planning permission to install a number of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the south facing church roof and a decision awaits. Subject to permission being granted then a faculty application will be made for this work to be carried out in 2026. This will also include a battery storage system that will be installed in the basement of the church. Further work planned for the church has been approved by the PCC on the 2[nd] July 2025 and is to be submitted to the DAC in due course and will comprise:
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Removal of the rear two rows of pews (north and central aisles) and relocation of the two large wooden chests. This is to create space at the rear of the church to provide for a community multi-purpose area and for a children’s play area. It has been agreed as a compromise to the relocation of the Victorian font.
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Installation of a new kitchen and toilet, which is to be sited in the north western corner of the church where tea and coffee is currently served.
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Installation of a series of information panels (seven) within the church to tell visitors more about the story of the Christian faith in this part of Cumbria, and in particular the history of our Parish Church – the second largest church building in the former county of Westmorland.
Other work planned for the church that has yet to be approved by the PCC:
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The removal of the old gas boiler and housing to the northern side of the churchyard.
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Removal of the gas heater grill and making good the resultant hole on the inside of the northern wall.
Routine repairs have continued: clearing of drains and gutters and regular testing has continued in accordance with the maintenance schedule. In September, whilst the new heating was being installed water ingress was identified along the north wall and an inspection of the roof revealed damage to the north western section of the roof. This had been caused by water overflowing the downpipe in the north western corner, which in turn had been caused by leaves and debris from a large ash tree that overhangs the roof at this location. The water had seeped under the copper sheeting and had rotted the timbers all of which needed replacing. This work has been completed. The ash tree is to be pollarded on the 2[nd] April 2026. The church CCTV was re-set on the 13[th] March 2025.
A number of church cushions were ordered and subsequently delivered, the 1st batch on the 30[th] May and the 2[nd] batch on the 12[th] November 2025. The alarm & smoke alarms were service for Church House on the 18[th] September 2025.
A lightening inspection test was conducted on the 30[th] October 2025.
A people counter was fitted on the 27[th] November 2025.
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The 2026 Quinquennial inspection was carried out by John Barnes, church architect on the 5[th] November 2025 and includes items which were outstanding from the last QQI. These will be addressed as a matter of priority in 2026 and will include amongst others the following:
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The painting of the Hartley Chapel, the Sanctuary and the Wharton Chapel.
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Repairs to the tiles on the roof of the Hartley Chapel.
John Barnes is compiling a schedule of works for the church to ensure that all matters identified in the QQI are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. We would like to thank those who have given time to look after the churchyard and buildings at no cost – no need for names. Big thanks too for helpers at spring and autumn boon days.
Alan King and Glenys Lumley, Churchwardens
St Mary’s Mallerstang
During the year, routine fabric maintenance was undertaken at Saint Mary’s as usual: checking electrical equipment, maintaining fire extinguishers, undertaking risk assessment, etc.
A Quinquennial Review inspection was conducted in February 2025, the results of which have dominated the planning of more fundamental fabric maintenance during the period 2025-27. In 2025, following steps were put in place:
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receipt of a Quinquennial Review inspection report from architect John Barnes
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receipt of both a Schedule of Work and a Specification document from Mr Barnes, setting out required refurbishment and repairs to the fabric
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application and approval from the diocese for Archdeacon’s permission to proceed with the work
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application (result pending) for a faculty from the diocese to remove an obsolete and obtrusive Victorian stove chimney
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the division of required work on the fabric of St Mary’s into two parts: twothirds to be undertaken in mid-2026; followed by a final third to be undertaken in mid-2027
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successful tendering for the work planned in 2026
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application to the National Churches Trust for grant-in-aid to assist with the work planned in 2026
A detailed consultation concerning these building repairs was undertaken at a formal Congregational Meeting held in November, with Rev. Brendan Giblin in the chair. The tendering process was described in more detail and the Schedule of Work Document passed around, resulting in those present confirming the desirability of proceeding with the work.
The necessary funds to undertake refurbishment works in both 2026 and 2027 are in place.
William Richardson, Churchwarden
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St Andrew’s Crosby Garrett
WORK DONE DURING THE YEAR JANUARY
Bell rope which broke on Christmas Eve, spliced by Ian Outram, Kings Meaburn - re-fitted and bells greased.
Slipped slate put back on Chancel roof. MARCH Headstones checked for stability - no issues. Fire Extinguishers serviced by Beacon Fire Protection, Penrith. APRIL
Portable Appliance Testing carried out by A.Alderson _ all passed MAY
Electrical Fault (earth to outside light) rectified by Birbeck Electrical Contracting, Appleby.
Grazing licence issued for the churchyard. JUNE
Lightening Protection Annual Service by Lightening Protection Services of Lockerbie. No issues.
JULY
Lead valley gutters and downspouts checked and cleaned out; this work was carried out with the help of Patrick Giblin. SEPTEMBER
Back gate to churchyard repaired and cupboard door at front entrance gate to churchyard: work carried out by Andrew Seymour, Joiner. OCTOBER Headstones checked for stability. Hodgson headstone loose, laid down. Family informed now re-erected by Parkin Jackson, Monumental Masons of Kendal. Risk Assessments done and reviewed. No additional Issues.
DECEMBER
Stock proof fencing renewed around the two yew trees in churchyard. Work carried by Josh - Shields Ltd.
Grateful thanks to everyone who has helped in the church and churchyard during the year.
Ian Allonby, Churchwarden Emeritus and Caretaker
APPLEBY DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
The Appleby Deanery Synod met three times during 2025
Aside from routine procedural issues, we shared news related to the four God for All themes: Follow Daily, Care Deeply, Speak Boldly and Tread Gently. Reports from Diocesan and General Synods were received. Other key presentations and discussions are described below.
At the March meeting, we heard from Rev Raewynne Whitely, Vocations Lead for Ministry Development, on the theme ‘Who Does God Call?’. She gave Bible
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passages to groups to search for different meanings and examples of vocation, then provided examples of different types of vocation and the training involved. In July, our Rural Dean, Stephen Tudway, made a presentation on the Rural Mission Project, a three year fund in three Cumbrian areas, include ours, to help small churches release time for more outreach work in their communities. A discussion followed about possible uses for the fund.
At the October meeting, Bishop Rob outlined his priorities for the Diocese and thanked all congregations for bringing hope and life to our churches and communities. We raised issues about Mission and Community size, location of the Suffragan Bishop post, possibility of having a central grants officer, development of new worshipping communities. Richard Grimshaw, Rural Mission Project Manager, then gave a presentation about possible next steps for the Rural Mission Project. Rosemary Turner
SAFEGUARDING
Throughout the last year as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) I have continued to update the Safeguarding dashboard which ensures that we are following the correct procedures for Safeguarding and that the relevant training is being completed. We continue to work through the Safeguarding Action Plan and thank you to all those who have completed their online training and gained their DBS certificates. In January 2026 I offered a face to face Basic and Foundation training session. This was well attended and all members of the PCC are now up to date with their Safeguarding Training.
Throughout the year I have supported various members of the parish to complete their DBS applications and supported some people with their on-line training. I have updated my own Safeguarding Training as necessary and in addition have completed a Train the Trainer course and attended Zoom meetings regarding the Safeguarding Hubs.
The Safeguarding Hubs have a suite of tools to help a parish with safeguarding. I intend to discuss this with Brendan and hopefully adopt this in the next few months. We continue to follow the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church; Safeguarding Policy statement’, and Church of England safeguarding policy and guidance.
Our parish supports groups working with children and young people and with adults who are vulnerable. The leaders and volunteers working with our groups have been safely recruited according to the Church’s national guidance and we are working to ensure that they have received the level of training required by the Church.
I continue to meet on a regular basis with Brendan to discuss Safeguarding and I continue to have regular contact and training with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, who are always ready to support our work on Safeguarding in the Parishes. The team has recently expanded and is also about to take over responsibility for DBS checks which will be helpful in the future.
Liz Paisley, Parish Safeguarding Officer
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VICAR’S REPORT
I want to begin by thanking everyone who is involved in the life of the three churches that comprise our parish. Your generous commitment and hard work make our churches the places of joy and hope that they are.
Thank you to our churchwardens, Alan King, Becky Cowling, Glenys Lumley, and William Richardson, and Churchwarden Emeritus, Ian Allonby. You are the lynch pins upon which so much turns in our church communities. Thank you for all you do. My thanks too to PCC members. Turning out on a cold February night for a meeting about toilets, heating, additional ministry, hymn books, or whatever, is an act of faith. More pertinently it is also a sign of love. Thank you.
Thank you to Rosemary Turner, our PCC Secretary, who so efficiently ensures that all is well for a smooth-running process. It is no small task. Our finances are also no small task, so a huge thank you to Claire Diggle and Kathleen Robinson for all you have done to ensure that bills are paid and we can function.
Thank you too to our organists, choir and bell ringers who week by week raise our spirits and deepen our joy in the Gospel. Thank you to those who so cheerfully battle with urns, teapots and coffee makers to provide refreshments, and so build community. We would be lost without you. Thank you to those who care for the fabric of our building and churchyards…there is always something to do; be encouraged, those who visit can see they are well cared-for. All who look inside our buildings see they are cared for, and (when not in Advent and Lent) brightened by beautiful flowers. Our thanks to all who creatively labour to lift our worship visually.
We all owe a big debt to those who lead worship in our buildings week-by-week. My licensed clergy colleagues Charles Cowling and Fran Parkinson, clergy with Permission to Officiate, Carole Marsden, Jean Wright, and Judy Polkinhorn, reader colleague John Thompson, and ordinand Rachel Milburn. A huge thank you for all you give so that we are spiritually well-fed.
There are many more people who deserve to be thanked, who work tirelessly for the good of our churches and their communities. Without your input we could not survive, let alone thrive.
Jesus said that he came that we might have life, life in all its fulness (John 10.10). As Jesus’ people, our churches are called to be life-giving in his name. At the same time, as individuals we are aware of how much we need this life. And, also that it is our calling to be churches that share this life with our communities. This is what we are called to do.
A few highlights from the year…
At St Mary’s it was encouraging to see special services reaching into our community and beyond our usual congregations. The Lambing Service overflowed into a wonderful ministry to the primary school - a ‘woollen writing workshop’, went down very well, so well indeed they are coming back for more this year. It was pleasing too to see a good crowd at the Harvest Auction, the public meeting about building issues, and heartening congregations at festivals.
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St Andrew’s continues to be beautifully cared-for, and draws significant congregations for festivals. It was with much sadness that, after public consultation, the PCC agreed to seek to put the church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust (CTT). If this process is successful, the CCT will look after the fabric of building, and weddings, funerals Christenings and special services will be able to be hosted. The churchyard will remain in the care of the PCC.
At Kirkby Stephen Parish Church in October, after almost a year without heating, a new heating system was installed. Whilst it is better, a great deal better, than enduring no heating, sadly the system has not performed as well as we hoped it would. As I write we are in conversation with the manufacturers, installers, and others, about how this might be improved.
I am glad that the PCC agreed in principle to make significant improvements to the building - including toilet facilities, kitchen, removing two pews from the back of the nave and extending the crossing. When it comes to altering buildings, passions run deep. It was pleasing that overall the process of consultation was positive, as a result of which plans have been adapted resulting in better proposed plan. The list of building works is very long, endless. The process of making KSPC watertight continues. The north aisle has been re-roofed - we are grateful to the National Churches Trust for their support. Installation of solar panels on the south aisle will give opportunity to address issues with that roof. Unfortunately we also need to re-roof Church House. Plans for this are well under way.
But it is not all buildings. We have a new hymn book that widens our repertoire of hymns. Thank you to all who have financially supported this project. Our work with schools and Messy Church continues. Services such as the Carol Service, Christingle, Mothering Sunday, St George’s Day and Harvest (among others) are well attended. In September a few of us enjoyed a pilgrimage to Holy Island (bumping into celebrity pilgrims appearing on the BBC next month), the Wednesday Drop-in-Café and Thursday Club continue to be appreciated as a place of warmth and fellowship, and we have enjoyed exploring the Christian faith together in study groups.
Suzannah and I prepare to leave here with sadness, but also many happy memories and friendships that we will cherish. We are grateful for the welcome that we have received here. As the parish looks to the future, we join with you in praying that, during the next chapter of the life of God’s church in these places, the next incumbent will joyfully accompany you as you share, and share in, the life of God in these places.
Thank you. May God richly bless you all. Brendan Giblin
The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2026
PARISH CHURCH CHOIR
May I begin this report by thanking the choir members for my flowers and chocolates to celebrate my 40 years as choir mistress. As I said in my very short speech ‘I hope I have done my best’ and thanks for all the support I’ve had during the last 40 years which has included…. Seven vicars, six interregnums, three organists, many
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choristers young and old (out of these, Judith and I are still singing). Some have moved away, we have sung at choristers’ wedding and funerals and we have enjoyed happy times and still do.
When I write these reports I look back, not just to the last year’s highlights, but I find myself reading old letters and reports of years gone by. In 1993, we received a charming letter from Monaheng Motebang, a Lesotho boy whom the choir sponsored for many years…. (as others did in the parish, as Jean Wright will remember). I now find myself wondering how he is and whether his hopes for the future have been realized. He ends his letter with these words: ‘May God, our heavenly Father be with all members of the choir, their families and friends, and good luck for their work’. All these years on we have been blessed with our work and our friendship.
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church choir have sung at four weddings this year, thanks to all who helped with these, especially robing the ‘extra’ choristers. And especially at Jess and Dean’s service (Jess had been a chorister as a little girl), where we had hockey club members to swell our number!! Thanks for the help throughout the year, organising, worrying, recruiting and dressing extras… We have now bought ten more robes, therefore it won’t be so chaotic, e.g. squeezing hockey players into small children’s robes or ladies into gents’ attire….. even funnier. All part of the camaraderie of the choir vestry.
We have also sung at Lady Elizabeth Holdgate’s service of remembrance, which we were very happy to do – it was a simple but beautiful tribute to a delightful and friendly member of our congregation.
Another special service this year was for the Westmorland Dales Day in the summer, a time to reflect upon our surroundings and our community. It was a service of music and words to help us realise how lucky we are living here.
The highlight of our year was, as always, the Christmas Nine Lessons and Carols service. The organ was played beautifully, the small band (organised by Martin) was tremendous, the sound of both organ and band lifted the wonderful 40 plus choir to greater heights. Thank you to everyone for everything – Martin our organist and others who played throughout the year, the choir, the congregation and the clergy. Cathy Prime
MEDITATION GROUP
The meditation group continues to meet on the second Friday of the month at The Cherry Tree, Brough Sowerby, and the fourth Friday of the month at Mains View, Crosby Garrett, both at 11 a.m. The group first met in the summer of 2003.
There are usually between five and seven of us at each meeting.. Those unable to attend can listen to the short talk on line and share the silence from home.
The group is part of an international community – The World Community of Christian Meditation whose aim is ‘to communicate and nurture meditation in the Christian tradition, in the spirit of serving the unity of all.’ Sarah Kirkup
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MESSY CHURCH
We held sessions of Messy Church four times during 2025. This has continued so far into 2026. The report below shows what a lively time was had by all, with help from congregation members and Methodists friends.
We had another wonderful Messy Church in March, 2026. 15 children attended with their parents and carers. A lovely selection of snacks and drinks were waiting for us all on arrival. The youngsters made flower hanging decorations, egg box seed trays, and a spring card these had been thoughtfully prepared by Suzannah and Shirley and the crafty team. There was lots of time for playdough in between crafts. Rachel brought her big box of toys and we sang and danced to the worship music. Rev Brendan told us the story of Moses in the bullrushes. We had a lovely tea of Pizza and sponge with ice cream made by Cath, John and the team from the Methodist Church. Leagh, the Methodist children's worker had designed some games and we had a great time, so great that no one wanted to leave. Messy Church takes place in the Methodist Hall once per term.
Rachel Milburn
THURSDAY CLUB
Thursday Club with a membership of 25 continues to meet from October to July on the second Thursday of the month at Church House. Chaired by the Revd Carole Marsdon and assisted by Gloria Venning as secretary. The meeting always begins with a prayer and ends with refreshments and a raffle offered by two volunteer members.
January The first meeting of 2025 as we had previously announced was held on Wednesday 15[th] at the White Hare Café. A New Year’s meal consisted of either two or three courses a hot beverage and chocolates to follow. 16 members attended together with Revd Brendon Giblin who offered a prayer of thanks. It had been agreed that this year we would not have Secret Santa Gifts but rather members donate £5 each to a chosen charity which this year it was agreed to be the local food bank. Carole handed out schedules for the coming months and updated members of the speakers booked.
February 13 members attended a talk by Carol Gandy as guest speaker, to discuss the making of the Coast to Coast tapestry which hangs inside our church. She explained how she was inspired to make it after noticing how many C to C walkers came into church to look around. So, feeling bored after completing the wonderful Gold and White Altar front for our church she decided to research many of the churches along the route and then set about designing and creating a tangible embroidered depiction of what she had seen. Members really enjoyed her talk about her journey, asked many questions of Carol and felt privileged that they were able to see the tapestry close -up as we had bought it into Church House. During refreshments Carole Marsdon informed members that we no longer had to
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pay for the use of Church House. And we talked about the forth coming trip to Carlisle Cathedral.
*It is very sad that since that presentation Carol Gandy has passed away but has left the Church she loved a wonderful legacy of Altar front and the Coast to Coast tapestry.
March 12 member and two guests attended a talk by Sir Martin Holdgate entitled ‘Saving The world Environment’ Carole opened the meeting by welcoming Sir Martin and Irene said a short prayer. Sir Martins presentation talked about his extensive world-wide and exceedingly impressive career particularly on Global Conservation. His knowledge is clearly second to none and has been called upon to advice governments here and overseas together with global organisations throughout his working life and beyond. Members felt very proud that Sir Martin was part of our Church community and we thoroughly enjoyed his wide- ranging ability to explain a very complex subject. (More details of Sir Martin’s talk are situated in the Thursday Club folder within Church House under the meeting report for March 13[th] 2025)
April it had been agreed that for this meeting we would meet at Carlisle Cathedral for an organised one hour tour . 9 members attended some had come on the train others by car.
The talk was very interesting and informative and members found time to peruse the Cathedral shop before dispersing to either go for lunch or to shop.
May Gloria officiated in Carole’s absence and Judith Doig assisted. There were 10 members plus 1 guest to hear our guest speaker, local historian Anne Taylor, present her talk on ‘Women of the Railways’ ( now a completed book) Anne made the talk really interesting by offering details of local history of the town and the role women played on the railways interjected by card and word games.
June 14 members attended the meeting held at Church Brough Ice-cream Parlour our speaker was our own member, local historian, Margaret Gowling. Margaret spoke about the history of ‘Brough -under- Stainmore’ about which she has written a book. She explained about the village now and how it had originated from preroman to a Roman settlement as a defence fortification, and its transformation into the village today. The talk was both illuminating and thought provoking as Margaret bought local history to life. After refreshments, we discussed a range of future speaker and outings after which some members walked to the castle others went home.
July there were 14 members in attendance for the last meeting before the summer break. Audrey Dent was a Guest speaker and as a lifelong Kirkby resident, talked about the town in days gone by, which created much discussion and everyone learning something new about our town. In business of the day it was voted and agreed that £300 be donated to the church in Sierra Leone helped run by Dr Hannah and Dr Ash Ashley.
It was also agreed , that the majority of our meetings be now held at 2pm, including the AGM in October. Carole continued to talk about the club’s future programme set to be distributed in October.
The club then breaks for the summer until the AGM on October 9[th]
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October Our AGM was held at Church House at 2pm and Revd Carole Marsden officiated short service of welcome and thanks with Holy Communion, with Irene Downing offering a reading . Nine members attended, the minutes of the last meeting read back agreed and passed. Carole as Chair, Gloria as Secretary and Jean Thompson as Treasurer were voted back in for another year. It was agreed the subs stay at £10 for membership to be collected by Jean.
Carole handed out a 2025/26 programme for future speakers and events and asked for volunteers for hostesses. Treasurer Jean gave a report on our finances which had £172 in the kitty and a charitable donation will be decided at the next meeting. Carole asked if at our December 10[th] Christmas Party meeting whether members would like to have a Secret Santa or make a £5 Charitable donation which was agreed but the charity to be discussed at the next meeting.
Judith Doig read out a thank-you card from Dr Hannah Ashley for our generous donation earlier in the year. Also a discussion was had re- the white blankets donated by the local Out of Eden company what they would like to do with them now the heating at church has been resolved i.e. returned to them or donated to charity. Members remembered Carole Gandy in the end of meeting prayer, who had recently died. A regular church member ,and creator of the Coast to Coast Tapestry hanging in the church Carol had spoken at our February meeting and will be sorely missed.
November 16 members and guests attended to a presentation by Kevin Lischke and his mother Viginia, local producers of organic makers of bath and toiletry products. Kevin set up their home production two years ago with his wife in Ravenstonedale and is a member of the Craft Soap and Toiletry Maker Guild. Their products range his home from scented candles, body butters and lotions and many Bath and Body products all suitable for vegans and vegetarian requirements. Members really enjoyed his talk and were able to sample the products before they bought them. Gloria reminded members that the December meeting would be on 10[th] December which was a Wednesday but it meant that they were able to have the White Hare Café all to themselves for the Christmas Party. Carole distributed the menu and asked members to state what their preferences were. Gloria said she would email everyone and let them know the details nearer the time.
December There were 19 members attending the Christmas Party meeting at the White Hare Café on Wednesday 10[th] . The meal started with a prayer from Revd jean Wright and the festivities began with Carole leading us with a Christmas Carole and the pulling of crackers. After the two or three course meal followed by tea, coffee and chocolates members thanked the café owners for the delicious food and a poem was read by Irene. We agreed the £5 donations . which totalled £90 be given to the NW Air Ambulance, treasurer Jean Thompson agreed to ensure they received a cheque for that amount. The day was success and Carole gave details for the January 9[th] meeting which would be called ‘Just Us’ for a chat and refreshments and some reading poetry or stories. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. The meeting closed. Gloria Venning
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DROP-IN CAFÉ
Our first Drop-in Café was held on Wednesday 7 February 2024. Now, two years on, it is an established weekly event.
We have a great team of people who volunteer to host the Drop-in Café, usually once a month.
The Drop-in Café is held every Wednesday morning from 10am - 12 noon in Church House. We offer a warm, safe and welcoming place for people to come together and have a chat while enjoying a hot drink and something delicious to eat. Everyone is welcome.
We have many regular visitors, both members of our church congregation, and also our neighbours in the community. We have also welcomed visitors to our town. It is a great place to meet new people. No one is sitting on their own and there is lots of friendly chatter. In the summer months we set some tables up outside if the weather is good.
There is no charge for the refreshments but people can leave a donation for church funds if they would like to. These donations fund the coffee for the Drop-in and also the coffee and compostable cups for our refreshments at church. We bought some lovely display boards to advertise the cafe. Jan Donaldson also kindly advertises the Drop-in Café very imaginatively on Facebook.
Donations in Year 1 before costs deducted : £1,379.98 Donations in Year 2 before costs deducted : £1,767.81
We were approached by The Green Tree Pharmacy who asked if they could come along to let people know about new NHS initiatives which they provide that might benefit those who live in the area. They have visited twice and shared really useful information about services which are now available.
Thank you to everyone who supports the Drop-in Café either by volunteering to host or by coming along. Recently one of our regular visitors said the Drop-in Café ‘feels like a hug’ which was a lovely endorsement of what we are trying to create. Suzannah Giblin
KIRKBY STEPHEN YOUNG SINGERS (KSYS)
In another packed year for KSYS, they performed at a number of events in 2025:
The Mothering Sunday Service in March Upper Eden Community Choir Concert in April Kirkby Stephen Primary School Assembly in July The Harvest Thanksgiving Service in October The Christmas Lights Switch On in November Upper Eden Community Choir Concert in December
They all performed with their characteristic enthusiasm and style! KSYS is for children aged 7+ who love singing. We currently meet at Kirkby Stephen Primary school on Thursdays after school in term time. New members are always welcome. Full details are on the Kirkby Stephen Young Singers Facebook page. Rob Paisley
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PARISH CHURCH BELLRINGERS
Kirkby Stephen Church Bellringers had a busier time than usual in 2025, with an increased number of visiting bands (5 in total) and a record number of weddings. We were pleased to be able to raise a band for every single wedding couple requesting the bells, thanks to help from ringing friends as far away as Barnard Castle and Carlisle. We continue to ring for Sunday services, although our weekly Thursday evening practices have long since been abandoned. They will, however, be resurrected if we can find some willing volunteers to learn to ring. Finally, our eight new ropes for the bells have arrived and we look forward to their imminent installation, which should hopefully make the bells easier to ring. Colin Belsey, Tower Captain and Secretary
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
OF
KIRKBY STEPHEN
WITH MALLERSTANG CROSBY GARRETT AND SOULBY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Registered Charity Number 1132029
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Parochial Church Council of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Prior year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | total funds | |
| Incoming resources | ||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||
| Voluntary income | 67,007 | 2,175 | 69,183 | 71,683 |
| Activities for generating funds | 2,092 | 2,092 | 6,629 | |
| Investment income | 373 | 11,363 | 11,736 | 31,459 |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 8,208 | 320 | 8,528 | 5,086 |
| Other incoming resources | 720 | 17,202 | 17,922 | 2,245 |
| Total income | 78,399 | 31,060 | 109,459 | 117,102 |
| Resources used | ||||
| Cost of generating funds | ||||
| Cost of generating voluntary income | 50 | 50 | 565 | |
| Fundraising trading cost of goods sold and other costs | ||||
| Investment management costs | ||||
| Charitable activities | 83,744 | 62,870 | 146,614 | 109,168 |
| Governance costs | 439 | 2,873 | 3,312 | 222 |
| Other resources used | ||||
| Total expenditure | 84,233 | 65,742 | 149,976 | 109,954 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | -5,834 | -34,682 | -40,516 | 7,148 |
| Transfers: | ||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 24,529 | 24,529 | 27,107 | |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | -24,529 | -24,529 | -27,107 | |
| Other recognised gains / losses | ||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | -3,716 | -7,622 | -11,338 | 725,374 |
| Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use | ||||
| Net movement in funds | 14,979 | -66,834 | -51,854 | 732,521 |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 77,686 | 1,456,075 | 1,533,761 | 801,240 |
| Total funds carried forward | 92,665 | 1,389,242 | 1,481,906 | 1,533,761 |
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
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Parochial Church Council of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby
Balance Sheet (Summary)
| As at | As at | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | 31/12/2024 | |||
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Tangible Assets | 251345 | 91014 | ||
| Investments | 980378 | 852110 | ||
| 1231723 | 943124 | |||
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 9101 | 19144 | ||
| Cash At Bank And In Hand | 257126 | 578671 | ||
| 266226 | 597815 | |||
| Liabilities | g | |||
| One Year | 16042 | 7178 | ||
| 16042 | 7178 | |||
| liabilities | 250184 | 590637 | ||
| Total assets less | current liabilities | 1481906 | 1533761 | |
| Liabilities | ||||
| - | - | |||
| Total net assets less liabilities | 1481906 | 1533761 | ||
| Represented by | ||||
| Unrestricted | ||||
| Unrestricted - General Funds | 92665 | 77686 | ||
| Designated | ||||
| Restricted | ||||
| Restricted - B Farrant | 6252 | 6344 | ||
| Restricted - Chancel capital | 178 | 185 | ||
| Restricted - Chancel inc | 242 | 227 | ||
| Restricted - Children's Fund | 4069 | 4069 | ||
| Restricted - Choir Fund | 1090 | 770 | ||
| Restricted - Donations | 1755 | 1720 | ||
| Restricted - Fazackerley Coppock 1 | 102114 | 102952 | ||
| Restricted - Giles Thompson | 157 | - | ||
| Restricted - INTERNAL LAYOUT PROJECT | -569 | -569 | ||
| Restricted - LEGACIES | 1000 | 1000 | ||
| Restricted - Maintenance and Development Fund | 28906 | 32984 | ||
| Restricted - Mary Thompson Organ Fund | 3930 | 3930 | ||
| Restricted - Organ Fund | 481 | - | ||
| Restricted - P Norton | 3977 | 3812 | ||
| Restricted - Restoration | 7750 | 6219 | ||
| Restricted - Restricted Fund | 27968 | 30488 | ||
| Restricted - Soulby Field | 27037 | 26627 | ||
| Restricted - Tithe Act Fund | 2074 | 2039 | ||
| Restricted - Vicar & Churchwardens fund | 1108026 | 1169467 | ||
| Restricted - Vida Mary Scott | 62804 | 63812 | ||
| Fund Totals | 1481906 | 1533761 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 26th May 2026 and signed on its behalf by
Vice-Chair,Glenys Lumley
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United Benefice of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby
For the year ended 31 December 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standards FRS 102.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention except for investment assets, which 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.
Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC’s discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.
Restricted funds comprise revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC’s general purposes.
Designated funds are general funds set aside by the PCC for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only. Funds designated as invested in fixed assets for the PCC’s own use are abated in line with those assets’ depreciation charges in the SOFA. Designated funds remain unrestricted and the PCC will move any surplus to other general funds.
Incoming resources
Planned giving, collections and similar 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 use of the resources, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are readily quantifiable. Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, interest as and when accrued by the payer. All other income is recognised when it is 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 offer expected to be paid over is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and accounted for gross.
Fixed assets
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Investments are valued at market value on 31 December.
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Parochial Church Council of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby
Analysis of income Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Restricted | This year | Last year | |
| Incoming resources | ||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||
| 1010 - Planned giving - gift aided | 34,893 | 34,893 | 36,105 | |
| 1011 - Tax recoverable | 11,755 | 11,755 | 12,599 | |
| 1012 - Planned giving - non gift-aided | 1,717 | 1,717 | 892 | |
| 1013 - Collections | 8,401 | 8,401 | 6,387 | |
| 1015 - Donations - gift-aided one-off | 3,071 | 3,071 | 3,122 | |
| 1016 - Offertory box | 1,566 | 1,566 | 1,705 | |
| 1017 - Donations - other | 5,555 | 577 | 6,131 | 5,825 |
| 1019 - Just Giving Donations | 49 | 1,599 | 1,648 | 5,048 |
| 1030 - Special events - fund raising | 2,092 | 2,092 | 4,368 | |
| 1031 - Fund-raising - rest fund | 2,261 | |||
| 1040 - Interest and dividends | 373 | 10,473 | 10,846 | 27,709 |
| 1045 - Income from investment properties | 890 | 890 | 3,749 | |
| Incoming resources from generated funds Totals | 69,472 | 13,538 | 83,010 | 109,771 |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | ||||
| 1050 - Statutory fees | 4,051 | 4,051 | 2,044 | |
| 1051 - Extra Parish Fees | 1,378 | 1,378 | 330 | |
| 1053 - Magazine advertising | 1,828 | 1,828 | 1,232 | |
| 1054 - Magazine subscriptions | 951 | 951 | 1,020 | |
| 1057 - Rental income | 460 | |||
| 1058 - Choir fees | 320 | 320 | ||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities Totals | 8,208 | 320 | 8,528 | 5,086 |
| Other incoming resources | ||||
| 1060 - VAT recoverable | 17,002 | 17,002 | 2,245 | |
| 1061 - Other income | 720 | 200 | 920 | |
| Other incoming resources Totals | 720 | 17,202 | 17,922 | 2,245 |
| Incoming resources Grand totals | 78,399 | 31,060 | 109,459 | 117,102 |
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Parochial Church Council of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby
Analysis of expenditure Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Restricted | This year | Last year | |
| Resources used | ||||
| Cost of generating funds | ||||
| 2061 - Fund raising costs | 50 | 50 | 368 | |
| 2062 - Printing of stewardship envelopes | 197 | |||
| Cost of generating funds Totals | 50 | 50 | 565 | |
| Charitable activities | ||||
| 2012 - Charitable giving - home | 50 | 50 | ||
| 2015 - Diocesan parish offer | 45,536 | 45,536 | 42,500 | |
| 2016 - Other ministry costs | 544 | 544 | 378 | |
| 2020 - Cleaning | 1,913 | 1,913 | 3,590 | |
| 2021 - Electricity | 4,792 | 4,792 | 10,471 | |
| 2022 - Gas | 1,256 | 1,256 | 7,158 | |
| 2023 - Repairs and maintenance | 3,559 | 490 | 4,050 | 4,377 |
| 2024 - Security system | 2,808 | 2,808 | 2,248 | |
| 2025 - Fabric | 960 | 33,489 | 34,449 | 8,991 |
| 2026 - Churchyard | 1,250 | 96 | 1,345 | 5,773 |
| 2029 - Water Rates | 70 | 70 | 118 | |
| 2030 - Insurance | 9,102 | 9,102 | 10,455 | |
| 2031 - Service expenses | 891 | 1,989 | 2,880 | 2,342 |
| 2032 - Priests' expenses | 4,373 | 4,373 | 3,179 | |
| 2033 - Organ expenses | 1,791 | 1,791 | 1,498 | |
| 2034 - Choir expenses | 274 | 274 | 173 | |
| 2035 - Printing and stationery | 1,206 | 1,206 | 66 | |
| 2037 - Management and administration | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,217 | |
| 2038 - Gifts | 50 | 545 | 595 | 219 |
| 2039 - Training | 48 | 48 | ||
| 2042 - Magazine Printing | 1,574 | 1,574 | 1,740 | |
| 2044 - Depreciation | 26,261 | 26,261 | 2,591 | |
| 2045 - Sundry epenses | 97 | 97 | 85 | |
| Charitable activities Totals | 83,744 | 62,870 | 146,614 | 109,168 |
| Governance costs | ||||
| 2071 - Independent examiner's fee | -500 | |||
| 2072 - Architect's fees | 439 | 1,990 | 2,429 | 722 |
| 2073 - Land agent's fees | 883 | 883 | ||
| Governance costs Totals | 439 | 2,873 | 3,312 | 222 |
| Resources used Grand totals | 84,233 | 65,742 | 149,976 | 109,954 |
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Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
FIXED ASSETS
| (a) TANGIBLE Freehold land and buildings: Cost At 1 January and at 31 December Disposal 26/06/24 Depreciation At 1 January and at 31 December NBV At 31 December Church equipment: Cost: At 1 January Additions At 31 December Depreciation: At 1 January Charge for year At 31 December NBV At 31 December |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 30,000 - 30,000 11,526 11,526 8,455 838 9,293 2,234 |
Restricted 2025 £ 280,000 225,000 - - 55,000 16,317 186,592 202,909 13,375 25,423 38,798 164,111 |
Total 2025 £ 310,000 - 85,000 27,843 186,592 214,435 21,830 26,261 48,091 166,344 |
Total 2024 £ 310,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||
| 310,000 | ||||
| 24,493 3,350 |
||||
| 27,843 | ||||
| 19,239 2,591 |
||||
| 21,830 | ||||
| 6,013 |
The unrestricted freehold land and buildings comprise Church House, Kirkby Stephen.
Equipment consists of storage heaters, CCTV System, Organ, Lawn mower, heating system, pew cushions
The restricted freehold land and buildings comprise those land and buildings known as Duckintree Farm and Duckintree House, Kaber, Kirkby Stephen have been sold in 2024. Pieces of land at Nateby and Soulby which are let for grazing, are valued at £55000.
| (b) INVESTMENT Market value at 1 January Additions Unrealised revaluation gain/(loss) Transfer of Capital Market value at 31 December |
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2025 £ £ - 852,110 205 3,715 - 7,622 - 88,204 41,521 - |
Total 2024 £ 69,173 195 17,258 - 800,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 84,489 803,172 |
852,110 |
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Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
| Gift aid recoverable VAT recoverable Rent Reimbursements Interest receivable Fees Other Prepayments CREDITORS AND ACCRUED INCOME Amounts falling due in one year: Heat and Light Cleaning Priests' expenses Professional fees Repairs Reimbursements Other |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ 12,009 12,665 7,998 - 2,245 10 330 - 64 677 1,190 1,945 1,640 35 20 2,358 1,055 |
|---|---|
| 8,413 687 19,145 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ 896 1,924 150 150 1,265 1,114 353 705 9,026 384 - 453 - 302 |
|
| 2,563 9,026 4,227 |
DONATIONS MADE IN 2025
| Children's Society | 605 |
|---|---|
| Bishops Harvest for the Hungry | 557 |
| Royal British Legion | 901 |
| Sierra Leone | 524 |
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Parochial Church Council of Kirkby Stephen with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby Restricted Fund movement
01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Fund KIRKBY STEPHEN ORG Organ Fund CROSBY GARRETT MALLERSTANG MDF - Maintenance and Development Fund Leg - Legacies PCC Funds Soulby Church trust GRAND TOTAL BFar - B Farrant Chancca - Chancel capital TITHE - Tithe Act Fund VCW - Vicar & Churchwardens fund CHIL - Children's Fund CHOIR - Choir Fund ORGAN - Mary Thompson RESTR - Restricted Fund INTERNAL - Internal Layout VMS -Vida Mary Scott F-C - Fazackerley Coppock 1 PNort - P Norton Restora - Restoration Chancin - Chancel inc Don - Donations |
Brought Forward Movement Carried Forward 4069 0 4069 770 320 1090 -569 -569 3929 157 4086 481 481 30488 -2521 27968 2039 35 2074 1169467 -61441 1108026 6344 -92 6252 185 -7 178 227 15 242 1719 35 1754 3812 166 3978 6219 1531 7750 32984 -4078 28906 102951 -838 102113 1000 0 1000 63812 -1008 62805 26627 410 27037 1456073 -66834 1389239 |
|---|---|
Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of Kirkby Stephen Parish Church with Mallerstang, Crosby Garrett and Soulby
I report on the accounts for year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out on pages 1 to 8.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do 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.
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
Signed
Dated
Stephen Barnes Accountancy Ltd Westwood Garth Brough Sowerby Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4EG
Independent examin8fs rèport to the PCC of Kirkby Stephen Parish Churth with Mallerstang. Crosby Garrett and Soulby I report on the accounts for year ended 31 Cjecember 2025 whith are set out on pages 1 to 8. R08pon81bllles and basls of report As the charty trustees of the Trust you are resFon5ible for the preparation of Ihe arxounts in accordance with the requirernents of the Charities Act 2011 {'the ACV). I report in respect of my examination af the Trusfs accounts caThied out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination I ha foMo*Yd all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5}(b) of the Acl. Ind•pènd8nt •xaminarfs statement I have completed my examlnation. I confini that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me uSe lo believe thal in any material respect.. 1. accounting records Vre not kept in respect of the Tntst as required by section 130 of the Ac( or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; Ix 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicat4e requirements ryjnceming the fomi 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 1¢h is not a matter (x>nsidered as part of an independejnt exarnination. 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with tho methods and princiF4es of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accountirvJ and reporting by charits'e8 lapplicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Rwrting Standanl applicable in the UK and Republic of Ire18nd (FRS 102)]. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in conneclK)n wth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enalJe a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned Dated /fl2( Stephen Barnes Accountancy Ltd Westsvood Garth Brough Sowerby Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4EG