2025-12-31-accounts

Benefice of Wrington with Langford and Redhill, Burrington and Butcombe

Wrington PCC Annual Report 2025

Section 1: Introduction

At the beginning of 2025, Wrington PCC set its mission aims for the coming five years (2025 – 2029). Conscious of the generosity of God, we want to respond to his love by:-

• valuing and cherishing the people and resources which are part of the Church today

Whether it’s weekly Coffee and Cake at St Mary’s, monthly Coffee and Company in Redhill Village Hall or the quarterly Pastoral Teas in All Saints’, valuing and cherishing the people of the parish is a fundamental part of what we stand for. In addition, the three Bible Study groups are an important way of deepening our fellowship together.

A new departure this year was ‘The Last Gift’: an opportunity for people to reflect on how to plan their funeral. Over 30 people came across the two sessions, from the congregation and the wider community.

• enabling children and young families to deepen their curiosity about God

We are deeply indebted to everyone involved in Wriggly Monkeys (04s), Jumblies (0-4s), Messy Church (4-11s) and Youth Group (11-18s) and the monthly Family Services in Redhill who make sure this aim is a reality across the parish. The two Open the Book teams and the ecumenical worship team supporting worship in our two Primary schools give another fantastic opportunity to help deepen that curiosity. Further opportunities came in the form of the Easter Trail (with the Chapel), the Crib Festival and the Live Nativity (also an ecumenical venture).

2

• encouraging the missing generation of those in their 20s – 50s and enabling them to take their place as part of the people of God

It’s been great to see one or two more faces in this age-group worshipping with us. However, this needs to remain a key goal in the coming years.

 sharing our ministry and leadership

With David Kemp and Brian Whitehead joining us, we now have four Readers on the team. They add extra breadth and experience to our team of preachers as, between them, they have been licensed for well over 60 years! Their timely addition has made such a difference, given David’s recent ill-health, and as we plan for Andrew’s retirement in May 2026.

 seek to ensure we have the financial resources necessary to support the above Mission Aims

Finances have again been challenging this year. However, I’m so grateful to everyone who responded so positively to the request for increased giving in all three churches and to the vestry project at All Saints’. Nevertheless, we will need to be prudent as we continue to finance the ministry of the church.

Membership of WRINGTON PCC 2025-2026

Chair: Revd David Gent Vice-Chair: David Marsh (co-opted) Secretary: Margaret Morris Treasurer: Grenfell James

Churchwardens: Andrew Whiting and

3

Gabrielle Wilson

Christ Church Chapelwardens: Christ Church Treasurer & Secretary

Associate priest:

Deirdre Taylor, Lindy Wood

Catherine Hemming

Revd Andrew Hemming

St Mary’s Peter Kirkup (from May 2025) Chapelwardens Jeremy Hopkins (from May 2025) St Mary’s Secretary Margaret Morris Deanery Synod reps: Sarah Pearson, Gabrielle Wilson and Jeanette Farrow

Elected members :

2022-2025: Jane Watson

2023 – 2026: Mike Barnfield and Grenfell James 2024 – 2027: Fiona Densham, John Ledbury, Katy O’Connor 2025-2028: Jill Bagnall and Roger Vincent

4

SECTION 2: FINANCE REPORT

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH WRINGTON	ALL SAINTS' CHURCH WRINGTON	ALL SAINTS' CHURCH WRINGTON	ALL SAINTS' CHURCH WRINGTON
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
				ALL SAINTS		CHRIST CHURCH		ST MARY'S						ALL SAINTS		CHRIST CHURCH		ST MARY'S
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS				2025										2025
RECEIPTS										PAYMENTS
Donations - tax recoverable				41790		8850		7935		Parish Share				59716		11464		19724
Otherplannedgiving				5100				2048		Wedding/Funeral fees to DBF				4000
Collections at services				9553		11756		2529		Clergyexpenses				2060
Gift Aid				13928		1203		3007		Visitingclergyfees				0
Othergivingand donations				630				2000		TOTAL				65776		11464		19724
Legacies				0
Special appeals				1126						CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES
Fundraisingevents				0						Churchyard maintenance				7775		2485
TOTAL				72127		21809		17519		Gas & Electricity				8424				2635
										Water rates				608
										Insurance				5439				858
CHURCH ACTIVITIES										Weddings - thirdpartyfees				987
Fees for weddings and funerals				11435		1645		279		Music fees - Sundayservices & licence				6425				344
Benefce contributions				5027						Cleaning				0
Friends of Churchyardgrants				5647						Supplies for Services				1412				4351
Othergrants				5315				858		Other expenses				821		15783		243
Fundraisingevents				1221						TOTAL				31891		18268		8431
Church and ReadingRoom hire				1178		559		3580
Insurance claim				0						ADMINISTRATION COSTS
Other income				582				126		Secretarial services				8661		1540
TOTAL				30405		2204		4843		Printing,Stationery,telephone,wif				4927		1584		280
										TOTAL				13588		3124		280
INVESTMENT INCOME
Brook House fund dividends				9679						MISSION
CCLA bonds dividend				2448		1330				Children & Young people				937
Bank Interest				257						Local mission & evangelism				155
TOTAL				12384		1330				Fundraisingcosts				0
										Charitable donations				1729		2247
TOTAL INCOME				114916		25343		22362		TOTAL				2821		2247
										REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
										Minor repairs & maintenance				4222				1122
										TOTAL				4222				1122
										OTHER PAYMENTS
										Stimson dividends to Christ Church				859
														859
										TOTAL PAYMENTS				119157		35103		29557
										EXCESS OF PAYMENTS OVER RECEIPTS				-4241		-9760		-7195

Wrington PCC Finance report for 2025

Receipts were £114,916 and Payments £119,157, in relation to transactions for 2025, leaving a cash deficit of £4,241, notwithstanding generously-increased giving from many parishioners, following the Rector’s Spring Appeal.

5

The prior-year adjustment isolates Gift Aid Receipts of £3,543 for 2024, banked in 2025, and Payments of £8,731, made in 2025 for 2024, an additional cash outflow of £5,188.

In summary, there was a total net cash outflow of £10,592 in 2025.

Brook House Fund reserves were reduced by the need to transfer investment sale proceeds of £17,000 and other cash of £6,000, a total of £23,000, to assist the funding of major fabric repairs of £14,241 (principally the West Window) and architects’ fees of £10,652 (principally for the Vestry Project).

As at 31st December 2025, the All Saints’ reserves were supported by these assets:

1. Bank accounts: £18,174 (including Restricted Funds of £7,984)

2. Brook House Fund: £294,837

3. CCLA investments: £59,353

6

SECTION 3: FABRIC, ORNAMENTS AND GOODS

All Saints’:

Vestry Project

After much consideration, the vestry project to install a WC, and replace the floor infested with death watch beetle was submitted to the church authorities in June. Following review, in August the DAC recommended Faculty approval. In accordance with the Faculty approval process, David Gent and the two churchwardens applied for a petition initiating a formal period of 28-day public consultation. Ellis and Co were selected as our preferred contactor. (At the time of writing the project is due for completion second week in April 26). Quinquennial Report works (2024)

A summary of the main items from the report to be considered over the next two years identified the repairs to the stonework of the West Window to be urgent. Since the report, stonework had also detached and fallen to the ground. Following DAC faculty approval, Wells Cathedral Stonemasons were engaged to repair the stonework under the direction of our architect Emma Green working closely with Philip Kinsman. Extensive and varied work was completed with scaffolding in place. We thank Ryan Brunt MD, and Sam the stonemason for his excellent work of high quality, giving us confidence in the integrity of the window for the future.

ers Churchyard mat

The churchyard continues to be admired, thanks to the diligence of our grass cutting contractor Doug Doors who is

7

sadly retiring this year for a well-earned rest. We are also very grateful to the ‘Friends of the churchyard’ who help fund much of this work.

The box hedges that lead up to the north door have been cut back, removing a lot of Box Tree Moth caterpillars which have also been sprayed. The lamp-post and sign by the north gate has been beautifully refurbished, however the damage being done to the churchyard walls by plant growth has not yet been satisfactorily addressed.

Finally, our thanks to Philip Kinsman who words tirelessly to maintain the fabric of our beautiful historic rural church. Andrew Whiting (sub-committee chair)

Christ Church:

The overall condition of the building is reasonable given its age and the quality of the build.

Some expensive repairs, such as the north roof of the nave, merit action when funds become available.

We do what we can to get the best value for our money. To this end replacement of the shutters and re-proofing the window against birds remain on hold until our Christ Church friendly builder can do the work for us at little or no cost. (QR 5.7/12.36). A quote for a rope access tower survey has been accepted.

Lindy Wood

St Mary’s:

We now have Wi-Fi connection.

Our sound and vision facilities have been updated. We will need some guttering replaced soon. Work must be done on our outside lighting.

8

Margaret Morris

SECTION 4: LOCKING DEANERY REPORT

Although Locking is quite a small place, it gives its name to our Deanery which covers churches in Weston-super-Mare and a big area of countryside in North Somerset. Therefore, representatives come from widely different backgrounds to share experiences and discuss our challenges.

Two meetings were held in 2025, led by our new Area Dean, Rev’d Caroline Deakin, following on from Rev’d Andrew Hemming, who had completed his term of office – a hard act to follow! Caroline is full of energy, enthusiasm and new ideas, so the meetings include active participation – no nodding off in the back row!

Meetings always include an act of worship, and discussion of activities that churches are engaged in, especially successful innovations that we can all learn from and adapt to our own situations. Sometimes there will be a speaker on a subject of interest, and any special events and anniversaries are marked. The appointment of new clergy to a parish is always good news, and help or support can be offered to those seeking a new incumbent.

We have a special link with the Deanery, in the shape of Janet Gent, who produces the minutes of meetings – no small commitment, given the wide-ranging and lively discussion at each meeting. Gabrielle Wilson, PCC Deanery Rep

SECTION 5: SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The Diocese Safeguarding team continue to expand. Ben Goodhind has designed a strategy for the next three years whereby the Team will concentrate on three subjects:-

9

2026 – Domestic Abuse 2027 - Dementia

2028 – Mental Health

Relevant courses will be offered for each of these subjects during the year.

Also in 2025 it has been decreed that all PCC members must be trained in Basic, Foundation and Domestic Abuse.

The delivery of training courses within the Benefice has continued to be a struggle. I continue with my aim to deliver the training courses myself in group settings. Two were held during 2025, Basic and Domestic Abuse. This proved

successful as volunteers appeared to prefer this method of training. Therefore in 2026 I intend to increase the training groups. However the problem is getting attendance and the fact that people are due their training at different times.

I still feel that training is a massive issue within the Benefice and continue to look at ways that this can become easier and more streamlined.

I believe the success story for 2025 is greater recognition of the importance of Safeguarding and the increase of issues brought to David and myself.

That’s what it is all about!. Jill Bagnall, Safeguarding Lead

10

SECTION 6: CHURCH LIFE

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

At last year’s APCM I reported that St Mary’s Langford had joined the Parish of Wrington, with a very well organised roll of 30 members, to add to the numbers for All Saints’ Wrington and Christchurch Redhill.

Announcements have been made in Parish Notices for the three congregations, to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to ensure that they are registered.

At present the Electoral Roll is still arranged in sections, for the three separate congregations. The actual numbers will be finalised and announced at the APCM and subsequently reported in the annual certificate which is sent to Diocesan staff.

Roger Vincent, Electoral Roll Officer

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH CHOIR

The church choir continues to provide choral singing at all services as requested. Alison Blundell continues to lead us in rehearsals and performances, with full-time organ and piano accompaniment. She provides encouragement and guidance with great patience and warmth. While we still continued to cover our requirements, we are sadly depleted in all voice parts and would love to have more singers. We receive some additional help on special occasions from other churches in the benefice, but a larger, younger choir would be very welcome. We meet as and when required to rehearse for about an hour, usually mid-morning on Fridays, before the sung eucharist service, or during the afternoon before the monthly sung evensong. The former around the piano in the Reading Room, the latter in church.

11

Simon Medd

FOUNDATION REPORT FOR WRINGTON AND BURRINGTON CofE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Wrington School had an OFSTED inspection in June. It was very positive about all aspects of the school and rated “Good”. Attendance was above the National Average because of the tenacious work of staff.

The schools had regular visits from the LSP (MAT) school improvement partner; their new scheme for handwriting was helpful.

History and Geography LSP curriculums were changed in the autumn. The teachers were given guidance online, difficult with their normal workload.

The deputy head (Corinne Clarke) resigned for a head’s post elsewhere. Sarah Whitehouse and Rebecca Matthews share the deputy roles.

In November, Burrington School was first to be inspected by OFSTED under the new reporting system and was rated “Expected”, equivalent to the old “Good”. Belinda Kumpel, Foundation Governor

CHURCHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Ethos committee met six times during 2025. Retired Revd Pauline Nixen from Winscombe joined the committee in March. The focus has been on preparing for SIAMS which will take place in the summer term 2026. This included completing the self-evaluation form and revising the school’s Vision Statement. A lot of work has been done by the Head Teacher, Lorraine Woollven, and we feel well prepared.

12

We hosted Yr5 for a day of activities in St John’s church at Churchill in May. Yr6 spent a day at Wells Cathedral in July. We continue to monitor Collective Worship and the teaching of RE in the school.

The RE curriculum has been revised and a lot of work has been done in developing the children’s concept of spirituality. The children are active in the community by taking part in the Youth Speaks Debate, collecting food for the local foodbank and the choir went to sing in Landford’s residential home.

SATs results were particularly good, consistently exceeding the national average. Margaret Morris

JUMBLIES

We are going on well at the moment with good numbers (usually between 12-16 families). We have new-borns through to toddlers, accompanied by Mums and Dads and Grandparents. They are a supportive and welcoming group of people with new faces joining every few months or so.

We have a regular team of five: Ann Seabright, Heather Dart, Sue Vernon, Mary Barnfield and Zoe Maitland-Round. We are delighted that Mary is now a regular part of our team this year and is particularly good at the welcome role. Many thanks to the team for all their commitment.

We have been running for 20 years now! We wanted to mark this occasion by planting a tree in the church grounds and maybe also commissioning a bench, or similar, which might celebrate our children. This is yet to be organised, though one of our local families would like to purchase the tree for us. Hopefully we can do this before the year is out.

13

Last summer we made the front garden safe to play in by putting in a gate at the side of the church and buying a safety drive net to erect on Jumblies days. This worked very well and the outdoors was much enjoyed on the sunny, warm days, and we look forward to using this space a lot more this year.

Zoe Maitland-Round lately made it known to the team that she may be moving away in the next year or so, which is likely to mean she won't be able to continue to be involved with Jumblies. Therefore, we are on the look-out for anyone who might like to be on the team and enjoy leading the singing.

It is lovely to hear from new and old families, how much they appreciate the group and enjoy our time together. This encouraging feedback really keeps us all going! Zoe Maitland-Round

MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church has met nine times this last year at All Saints. It is led by a wonderful team of helpers whose time, energy and wholehearted commitment are so appreciated.

Each occasion is carefully and thoroughly planned, offering a range of stimulating activities and bible- based teaching, short films have also been used. This teaching adds to the invaluable work undertaken by the Open the Book team in the Primary School.

Our challenge lies in competing attractions and thus in securing a regular commitment to attend. This clearly impacts on the continuity and depth of Family Christian Learning. Rosemary Barrett

14

MOTHERS’ UNION

2025 was another good year for Wrington Mothers’ Union with a loyal membership attending meetings which continue to take place at 2.30pm from September to April and at 7.30pm on summer evenings. Meetings always start with prayer, followed by discussion on a theme, or a speaker on a current topic such as Lent or Advent.

Members support the community through a stall at the summer fête each year, and providing help with refreshments every Monday at the Little Stars group in the Memorial Hall.

We take part in the ‘Wave of Prayer’ in January, when members around the world hold a short service ending at noon local time – with the difference in timing, this is truly a wave of prayer.

We also enjoy a tea party in July and an outing in August.

In 2026 we will be celebrating 150 years of the Mothers’ Union! Lin Edwards

OPEN THE BOOK REPORT

All Saints’

A team of eleven volunteers visit Wrington Primary School on a rota basis every Tuesday in term time to tell and act out Bible stories from both the Old and New Testament. We use the materials provided by The Bible Society, designed to make the stories come alive and help the children understand the meaning behind them. The children love taking part and dressing up in some odd costumes from our store of items kept in the Reading Room.

The staff of the school are very supportive of this activity, and each session usually ends with a short prayer and some singing.

15

More volunteers are always welcome to the group – no special acting ability is required!

Gabrielle Wilson

St Mary’s

We have continued to go into Churchill Primary School every Monday during term time. Unfortunately, there have not been any additions to our team of seven. The new Bible Society material for Open the Book continues to present a challenge. The emphasis is often on narrative rather than dialogue, making it more difficult to bring the stories to life. However, the children enjoy joining with us in acting them out. We try to liaise with the school on the themes for our services, so that the same Christian Value can be the focus for Collective Worship throughout the week.

Margaret Morris

PASTORAL TEAM

The Pastoral Team have continued to meet regularly to discuss those who need visiting for any reason. They have also organised the tea parties which are popular and include people from across the benefice. These are highly valued by those who are elderly, lonely, vulnerable and, of course, many more!

The organisation of lifts on a Tuesday morning for the 10.30am service proves beneficial. At present, there are two or three people who would otherwise be unable to be at that service. We would be delighted if more people would like to be collected.

We also take Home Communion to anyone who is housebound, maybe after an operation or for any other reason. Please let us know via the Church Office if you know of anyone who would like to be included. All team members are trained and also observe complete confidentiality. Fiona Densham

16

TOWER

2025 was, in many ways, a consolidation year for ringing in Wrington. Our adult learner became a reliable member of our band, we called worshippers to the 9.30am Sunday service most weekends and were able to ring for other key moments throughout the church and village year. We continued to practise regularly on a Thursday, attracting a growing population of local ringers to support, whilst our fourth Thursday 8- and 10-bell practice has become a popular feature in the calendar.

We appreciated the advanced ringing available at the Branch 10 bell bi-monthly, welcomed three peal bands (two were successful) and hosted six quarter peals during the year (two of which with female ringers turning the tenor in to Royal methods).

Two Youth Week groups and the Cubs were welcomed to the tower, which resulted in one learner who is making steady progress. We were also pleased when a “returning” ringer moved into the village, especially as he’s getting involved in steeple-keeping work.

We officially elected two new members to our band, so ended the year with six full members, one learner and numerous local supporters without whom ringing all 10 would be impossible.

Alison Grieveson, Tower Captain

WRIGGLY MONKEYS

Wriggly monkeys is toddler group aimed at 0-5 year olds. It runs for an hour and a half on the first Thursday of every month and includes songs, activities and snacks for the children. Parents and carers can enjoy a chat with friends over

17

tea, coffee and cake. We enjoyed a successful 2025 with a great group of helpers and both regular and new attendees. We look forward to welcoming everyone in 2026. Helen Griffiths

YOUTH WORK

David, Janet and I have had the privilege of working with the benefice youth aged 11-18. We have been running the Youth Club since September 2024 with the sessions taking place at the Rectory on the first Sunday of the month. We have an average of about four young people attending the club sessions with nine on our books. The sessions involve the chance to discuss and/or complete activities related to the Bible, as well as other games and activities. Some of the activities we have had a chance to do are playing tennis/table tennis, going on a scavenger hunt around Wrington, and baking. David has been attending a course called 'LaunchPad' which feeds into the sessions and we met with Tony Cook, Assistant Director of Education and Go Team Leader, to help guide us when setting up the club. Our next steps will be to ensure a steady increase in the number of young people attending the sessions.

Lana Sparey

18

SECTION 7: CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT 2025 All Saints’

All Saints’ Church continues to offer a wide range of services and activities to serve the community: this includes the traditional communion services during the week, as well as Sundays. Once a month there is an informal café church service and a choral evensong, both of which are very popular. There is a special service on Remembrance Sunday, attended by the Royal British Legion and the local Scout and Guide groups.

For younger members of the community there is ‘Wriggly Monkeys’ a toddlers’ group, Messy Church for primary age children, and a Youth Group for teenagers. We have a close relationship with Wrington Primary School, with Open the Book Bible stories enacted by church members most weeks, plus various services and visits throughout the year.

The church building is open every day of the year for local people to drop in – the children’s corner is well-used by families with small children, and we also attract a significant number of overseas visitors who are interested in the birthplace of John Locke and the grave of Hannah More.

In 2025 the main priority has been to finalise the plans for reordering the vestry, to remove the timber floor which has been attacked by deathwatch beetle and to install a disabled access toilet. Much of the detailed work has been completed by a small committee, and this culminated in an application to

19

the Diocese for a Faculty in August. This was followed by several months’ delay, due to a number of objections, but finally, by the end of the year, we could feel confident that work on the project would start in 2026. (at time of writing completion April 26).

We host a number of concerts throughout the year which prove very popular, local groups, Cantiamo singers, Churchill Music and the Trinity Singers have regular slots.

The churchyard continues to be kept in very good condition, thanks to support from the Friends of the Churchyard. This is much appreciated by the community, judging by the number of people who make use of the benches to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Andrew Whiting and Gabrielle Wilson, Churchwardens

Christ Church

It seems appropriate to begin our report by acknowledging the sad deaths of John Vowles and George Meredith – both loyal members of our congregation whose loss we feel deeply.

Christ Church plays an important part in the life of the village and continues to develop ways of demonstrating God’s love within the community. We are delighted that, thanks to Andrew’s vision with on-going and action-packed Family Services, we continue to regularly welcome several families with varying numbers of children and our Celebration Services with praise songs have been very much enjoyed; we are grateful to Brian Whitehead who has stepped in to conduct many of these services. Thanks are also due to several church members who have been ‘trained up’ to deal with the idiosyncrasies of our new digital hymnal and sound system and also to Cathi Hemming for her sterling work as our treasurer.

20

She has handed on the baton to Karen Baber and is now, I am sure, looking forward to helping Andrew enjoy his retirement!

Churchyard clean-ups still take place, thanks to the assistance of Tina and Bill Hillis and Dee and Barrie Taylor, and we are fortunate to have the services of Dawn and John Lee to keep the churchyard and the church interior looking neat and tidy and to open and close the church each day.

As well as regular services, the church has hosted weddings, funerals and baptisms throughout the year. Our Harvest produce was donated to ‘Somewhere to Go’ in Weston and we celebrated our Patronal Festival in November with a meal at The Sidcot. December saw the usual selection of festive services, including a concert featuring the Weston Community Brass Band. And we are looking forward to the Easter celebrations, heralded by a wonderful Passover Meal.

Finally, our heartfelt thanks must go to Andrew who has led us, inspired us and been a wonderful spiritual example to the whole community of Redhill. We wish him a happy, welldeserved, fulfilled (and restful!) retirement. Lindy Wood and Dee Taylor

21

Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held in All Saints’, Wrington at 7.00pm on Wednesday 6[th] May 2026

1. Opening Prayer

2. Minutes of 2025 Annual Vestry Meeting

3. Election of two churchwardens and four chapelwardens 4. Apologies

4. Electoral Roll report

5. Consideration of Annual report

6. a) Section 1: Mission Aims

7. b) Section 2: Financial Statement 2025

8. c) Section 3: Fabric Report

9. d) Section 4: Deanery Synod report

10. e) Consideration of the rest of the Annual Report

11. Election of three members of the Parochial Church Council from the electoral roll of All Saints’ and one member from the electoral roll of St Mary’s plus elections of three Deanery Synod representatives.

12. An opportunity to suggest matters for the PCC to discuss in the coming 12 months.

13. Rector’s reflection and questions

14. Safeguarding

15. Minutes of the 2025 APCM (sent out separately)

16. Matters arising

17. Appointment of independent examiner

24