OpenCharities

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

2025-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Belper

Incorporating the churches of St Peter’s, St Mark’s and St Swithun’s

Annual Report

Year Ended 31[st] December 2025

Registered Charity No 1132878

St Peter’s Church St Mark’s Church St Swithun’s Church Chesterfield Road Over Lane, Openwoodgate Holbrook Road Belper Belper Belper DE56 1EZ DE56 OHW DE56 1PA (Parish Church)

Correspondence should be addressed to Parish Office, St Peter’s Church, Church Lane, Belper, DE56 1EZ

Legal Status

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Belper St Peter’s is a registered charity, number 1132878

PCC Membership (Trustees) Clergy

Rev. Elliot George Priest-in-Charge (from October 2025) Rev. Charles Beresford Retired Clergy Representative (non-voting)

Parish Churchwardens

Julian Hodgson David Skelton

Deanery Synod Representatives John Hastings-Thompson St Peter’s David Fox St Mark’s Elected Members Steve Bennet St Peter’s Deputy Warden Judie Fogarty St Peter’s Deputy Warden Patience Atkinson-Gregory St Peter’s Treasurer and Parish Treasurer Margaret Goddard St Peter’s Tracy Drake St Peter’s Amy Hollingsworth St Peter’s Constance Lane St Peter’s Chris Craddy St Peter’s Derek Adams St Mark’s Deputy Warden Geraldine Comery St Mark’s Deputy Warden Chris Gregson St Mark’s Treasurer Dorothy Hunt St Mark’s Christine Catherall St Mark’s Adam Moss St Mark’s Philip Thomas St Swithun’s Deputy Warden Keith Wollerton St Swithun’s Deputy Warden David Anderton St Swithun’s Treasurer Barbara Anderton St Swithun’s Tracy Comber St Swithun’s Co-opted Members Sian Kellogg St Peter’s Sue Allen St Peter’s Parish Safeguarding Officer Vicky Walker St Mark’s Safeguarding Link Keith Wollerton & Tracy Comber St Swithun’s Safeguarding Links Jane Carter PCC Secretary (non-voting)

2

Vicar’s Report

I can’t believe that it’s been six months since I was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of this Parish, and there’s so much to give thanks for! Megan and I feel so overwhelmed with people’s love and support here, especially with the teething problems around the housing situation; but honestly, we’ve not felt more at home anywhere else since we left our home town. There are far too many people to thank by name, but we’re so grateful to everyone who has reached out a hand of genuine friendship towards us. Family always comes first – and we’re so excited to become part of the family of this Parish!

Belper is one of the most wonderful, warm and thriving communities in Derbyshire, and this Parish plays a central role in it. I feel so privileged to have been entrusted with the role and responsibility here, but I’m more privileged to be working along such a magnificent team of ministers, wardens, staff and volunteers. You all work so tirelessly, often for very little credit or reward, but without everyone playing their part, everything would fall flat. Thank you all!

I’m meant to reflect back on the Parish’s life and activities since the APCM in 2025, but I can only manage about half of that since being licensed in October. The phrase “baptism by fire” has been suggested more times than I can remember, and that’s possibly true for my personal bubble of activity – Remembrance, Advent, Christmas, moving house, birthdays, Lent groups, Easter – but not for our churches. So far, there has been a huge buzz of excitement and enthusiasm, and an eagerness to explore together what the next chapter of this Parish might look like. I’m grateful to all those who have offered their creative reflections as I’ve bedded in at all three churches over the last few months, but equally I’m grateful to those who have questioned and challenged the hows and whys of what we do. Family is about moving forward together, recognising difference and embracing diversity.

I’m so excited for what the future might hold for us as a Parish family. No doubt there will be changes on their way – some near, and some far off; some surface level, and some deeper. Change often brings uncertainty, questions, and trepidation when the path ahead feels unclear. In times like these, what matters most is not having all the answers, but knowing we are not facing it alone. Together, we support one another, adapt, find strength in unity, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus at the centre. Every challenge becomes lighter when it is shared, and every step forward becomes more meaningful when we take it side by side.

I, for one, am so excited about the road ahead as we journey with Jesus, but let’s not forget it’s our job to bring others on the journey too. 20,000 people live in our parish, and this year is a big one for Belper’s history. But in these troubled times, the world needs to know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We are pilgrim people, so let’s get moving!

Rev. Elliot George Priest-in-Charge

3

Churchwardens’ Acknowledgements

The past twelve months have been another year of change for the Parish of St Peter’s. This time last year we were still in vacancy with interviews looming. Since then, we have welcomed Rev. Elliot George, his wife Megan and daughter Chloe to the parish and they have all settled well into the vicarage (albeit after a delayed move while the diocese completed repairs). The parish showed yet again what it can do when everyone pulls together and his installation service in October went very well. It brought together not only the parish family but many of those connected to St Peter’s within our wider community. A huge thanks to all those who made it a memorable service.

Elliot has been getting to know the idiosyncrasies of each of our churches by spending a month at each church in turn. He has begun to review the various policies and processes that we use and identify the gaps we need to fill. This will take time to implement but from a parish warden’s perspective, feels both encouraging and supportive of our role.

The parish has continued to provide a variety of activities for those wanting to engage with the church, from the “young” to the “not so young” members of our community. There are too many people to mention by name who give of their time and energies to support the ministries across the parish but we want to thank everyone who helps run our various activities whether practically, financially or prayerfully; as without all three components, we would not see them flourish as they do. Regular attendance is increasing and we are seeing more newcomers on a Sunday. Regular maintenance work has been carried out at all three churches and our thanks to the Deputy Wardens who coordinate much of the detail needed.

Looking forward to the coming year we have a parish weekend booked at Wydale at the beginning of July which we hope will provide lots of thought and ideas as we explore what it means to be “family” in the parish. Steve Bennett steps down at the end of May as deputy warden at St Peter’s and we thank him for his tireless service over the years, always willing to tackle whatever job needed doing. Thank you so much Steve, and we wish you well for the future knowing you will still be willing to help out if you are able. This does leave a deputy warden vacancy which you can speak to David or me if you feel called to help.

David and I continue to be grateful for all the support we receive knowing people are praying for us and the work we do.

Julian Hodgson with David Skelton Parish Churchwardens

4

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical in this ecclesiastical Parish.

The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church House, known as St Mark's House in Openwoodgate, Belper.

1. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

St Peter's Parish falls within the Dove and Derwent Deanery, within the Church of England Diocese of Derby and serves an area with a population of approximately 18,000 people, making it one of the largest single parishes in the Diocese. The Parish participates ecumenically through Churches Together in Belper.

The Parish Mission Statement is ‘Jesus at the Centre – transforming our community’. The PCC promotes this vision and is committed to enabling people to grow in discipleship through worship and teaching and to be active in supporting the community both local and worldwide and allowing people of all race, age, gender, learning level, sexuality and dis/ability to be an active part. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the Parish and makes suggestions on how the services at our three churches can involve the many groups that live within the Parish.

The Priest-in-Charge is Reverend Elliot George, licensed on the 22[nd] October 2025. The Parish also greatly benefits from the help of several retired clergy with permission to officiate, and five fully trained and licensed lay ministers. They all assist in different ways in the daily life of the Parish.

However, a large proportion of the work and activities is carried out by the many volunteers who give freely of their time and effort, and without whom nothing would be achieved to promote the gospel or encourage people to follow Jesus and be an active presence within the local community. In particular Churchwardens, Deputy Churchwardens and Treasurers work tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly, safely and efficiently, alongside the Parish’s employed administrators and cleaners.

2. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Anyone who is on the individual church's Electoral Roll may seek election onto the PCC by being nominated and seconded by anyone else who is on the Electoral Roll. Under the governance structure nominations are made through the individual churches, and elections take place at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). All terms of office are for three years with one third of the council due to stand down each year.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Members of the individual churches form the Trustees Local Committee (TLC) dealing with the day-to-day business and mission of each individual church, under the guidelines and recommendations of the PCC. Other members of each local church are encouraged to be part of groups and committees. Specialist expertise is shared across the Parish.

The full membership of the PCC comprises:

The PCC met six times during the year, dealing with business affecting the whole Parish. The APCM took place in April 2025 at St Peter’s Church. Additional urgent decisions were taken via email as allowed in our Parish constitution.

5

The PCC has a standing committee, currently made up of the Vicar, Parish Churchwardens, Deputy Churchwardens, PCC Secretary and PCC Treasurer. It has authorisation to transact urgent business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC, including expenditure of up to £500.

The TLCs are the councils of the individual churches and are all accountable to the PCC. Processes are in place to ensure that matters discussed at those council meetings are reported back to the PCC.

Administrative and other statutory information

The Parish of Belper is made up of the churches of St Peter’s, St Mark’s and St Swithun’s. It forms part of the Deanery of Dove and Derwent in the Diocese of Derby. The churches are members of Churches Together in Belper (CTiB).

The PCC is a body corporate established by the Church of England and is the actual governing body within the framework of the Parish and is a registered charity. Representatives from the PCC form the TLCs for each church; the PCC delegates the day-to-day decision-making for the individual churches to those TLCs.

The PCC is also required to operate under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956 as amended. This Measure states that the PCC “is to co-operate with the minister in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”.

The property of St Swithun’s Church is owned by the independent charity “St Swithun’s Church or Mission Hall” (registered charity no. 217994), also previously known as the “Hanson Trust”. This charity also makes grants to the TLC of St Swithun’s for major repairs and alterations in the Church and exists to serve the “social, spiritual and educational needs of the people of Cow Hill”. Ex-officio members of this trust are the Vicar and the two Parish Churchwardens.

Under Charity Law and Church Accounting Regulations, the PCC is required to present an annual report together with a set of consolidated accounts for the whole Parish, prepared on an accruals basis and examined by an independent examiner.

PCC members who have served during 2025 and at the date this report was approved are shown in this booklet.

Approved by the PCC on the 14[th] April 2026 and signed on their behalf:

PCC Chair

PCC Secretary

6

3. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Church Statistics

Parish Total St Peter’s St Peter’s St Mark’s St Mark’s St Swithun’s St Swithun’s
2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024
Electoral Roll 180 174 115 125 53 32 12 23
Sunday attendance
(adults)		 128 116 73 70 38 30 17 16
Baptisms 15 19 15 17 0 2 0 0
Thanksgivings 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Weddings 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0
Renewal of Wedding
vows/Marriage
blessing		 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Funerals at Church 26 30 23 23 2 5 1 2
Funerals at Crem only 2 3
Thanksgiving for life 0 1
2025 2024
Burial of Ashes St P 0 5
Burial of Ashes Cem 0 0
Confirmation
Admittance to HC		 8
0
0 8
0 0

Worship and Prayer

Services are held in all three churches each Sunday. The pattern of worship ensures that there is a communion service each Sunday within the Parish.

Morning services include Common Worship Holy Communion and Service of the Word. At times these have been taken by Wardens and people on the Diocesan Discipleship Training Course. A more relaxed style of worship is held at St Peter’s on the third Sunday of the month and is led by a varied team of people. St Mark’s also holds an informal Family Service each month.

Communion is available in each of the churches at least monthly. An additional Communion Service takes place on a Wednesday morning at St Swithun’s Church each month.

Main services at St Peter’s are livestreamed via YouTube with the appropriate licenses. This is also available for a small fee for livestreaming weddings and funerals.

There are around four Parish combined services during the year. Weekly prayer meetings are held at all three churches, and on Zoom.

7

Service Patterns across the Parish

Week St Peter's St Peter's St Mark's St Mark's St Swithun's St Swithun's
1 10.00am MW with
Baptism		 10.00 am HC 11.00 am MW
2 10.00 am HC 10.00 am MW 11.00 am MW
3 10.00 am Relaxed
Worship		 10.00 am MW 11.00 am HC
4 10.00 am HC 10.00 am MW 11.00 am MW
5 Flexible, with a HC service somewhere in the Parish.
(MW = Morning Worship, HC = Holy Communion)
In addition, there are a few joint parish services in any year.

Occasional Offices

26 funerals or burial of ashes or thanksgiving for a person’s life were conducted during the year by clergy from the Parish, both in the churches and at Markeaton or Amber Valley Crematorium. Burials take place at Belper cemetery and burial of ashes is available in the Garden of Remembrance at St Peter’s.

During the last year no weddings were conducted in the Parish.

There were 15 Baptisms at St Peter’s, none at St Mark’s and none at St Swithun’s. Preparation sessions are held for parents and Godparents. The parish policy is not to book baptism dates before families have attended preparation which is called ‘First Steps’. Families are also expected to attend at least one worship service and a baptism or thanksgiving service within the Parish before coming to preparation. This period of preparation helps families to decide whether Thanksgiving for the birth of a child or Baptism is more appropriate for them.

4. CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK

Sunday Club at St Peter’s

We have been glad to offer Christian learning and fun for the children who have come to St Peter’s on Sunday mornings over the past year.

There are 8 of us on the team, some of us planning and leading sessions and some acting as helpers, always each week with a minimum of two. From time-to-time parents or grandparents have accompanied their charges as well, and made valued contributions. We are grateful to Amy for keeping the resources cupboard in good order, to Irene for compiling the rota and to Sue for co-ordinating the attendance records and being the formal leader for the purposes of the on-line hub. Everyone on the team has regular safeguarding training and the appropriate DBS clearance.

In recent months the average attendance has been five, with a maximum of nine and a minimum of zero. Included in this figure are a few children who have joined us only once, perhaps because they were in Church as visitors. In addition, we sometimes welcome children associated with baptism families and on the relatively few occasions they have joined us their numbers have averaged five.

While we try and offer something that will connect with all the children who come, they represent a wide variety of ages and abilities, and for some of the older ones what we offer will increasingly be too young for them, and we risk losing them. We would very much like to start a second group for them, but this will require additional team members. Honesty compels us to admit that we are living more from hand to mouth than we would like, so we hope to meet with Elliot soon and start planning strategically. We pray that God will send us more children,

8

more leaders and more helpers. Please talk to any of us if you would like to consider dropping in for a taster session one Sunday morning with a view to possibly becoming a leader or a helper.

Tony Ward

YPF (Young People’s Fellowship)

The YPF leaders and helpers have made it their mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people, aged between 11-18 years old, to come together to explore their faith, make and grow friendships and have time to talk and have fun with likeminded people.

YPF meets every Friday evening during term time at St Peter’s, as well as extra activities throughout the year such as walks and chippy tea, BBQ, Bonfire Night fireworks, bowling, Christmas party church sleepover and the everpopular weekend away at the Peak Centre in Edale. Attendees have also been given the opportunity to help at church events when volunteers have been needed, such as the Winter Market and decorating the church Christmas tree. This gives the group a sense of feeling part of a bigger community, where they are encouraged and valued.

It's been heartening to see more new faces join YPF on a regular basis with average attendance still holding strong in the low twenties. Regular attendees include people from St Peter’s, St Mark’s, neighbouring churches of other denominations and the local secondary schools. The young people who attend are often effective evangelists to friends and family, confident in sharing their faith through friendship and open invitations to YPF and other church activities. Attendees model loving behaviour, always being respectful, curious and open. They pray for one another and the wider world and have deep and encouraging conversations, filled with questions about the gospel and the challenges they experience

day to day, as well as on their faith journey, whatever stage that may be!

Jo Richardson

Messy Church

Messy Church is a twice-monthly event for families to come together to enjoy learning about God’s love through craft activities, games and stories and by eating a meal together with friends. The first hour of each session is spent on a variety of craft activities around that month’s Bible theme. We have a team of helpers who assist with the craft activities. After the craft activities, we have a time of celebration during which we sing, have a Bible story and have an interactive time of prayer. Then we sit down to enjoy a meal together.

Messy Church started at St Swithun’s church in September 2014 and takes place on the second Saturday of each month (except August) from 4pm to 6pm. The number of attendees varies considerably from month to month – averaging between 10 and 20 children plus adults and helpers.

St Mark’s Messy Church began in February 2022 and usually takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month (except August) from 4pm to 6pm. Each session follows a similar format to the one at St Swithun’s. Attendance similarly varies with an average of 6 to 16 children plus adults and helpers.

April Tompkins

Little Church

Little Church is a Parent and Toddler group for 0–4-year-olds and their parents/grandparents or carers. We meet every Wednesday morning in term time from 10am to 12 noon. During the session there are opportunities for play, singing, stories, prayer and craft as well as a drink and snack. This is also a chance for parents/grandparents and carers to meet together socially and join in an act of worship with their children.

It’s encouraging to see that a number of the children who have been coming for some time are able to join in with the words to the songs and prayers. We have great fun acting out some of the Bible stories and it’s a delight seeing the response from the children – and adults too!

April Tompkins

9

Prams and First Shoes

Prams and First Shoes at St Mark’s Church is a group for 0–3-year-olds with their parents/carers, meeting weekly on Thursday mornings in term time. It is run by a group of church volunteers who offer a safe, friendly environment for babies and children to play, and adults to have a coffee and a chat with others to share news and ideas.

People can come and go as they please over a two-hour period 9.30 - 11.30, and everyone is made very welcome. There is no charge but donations are appreciated. Usually there are about six to ten children with adults but it can vary from week to week. There is plenty of room to play and socialise and enjoy a relaxed environment.

Joan Foster

School links

St John’s Church of England Primary School

Foundation Governors continue to support the school by leading monthly prayer meetings to which staff are invited. Although still a small group, the number of staff members attending is increasing so we’ve now moved to a larger room! All staff look forward to cakes usually made and donated by one of the governors.

We introduce Christian values throughout the school as we sit on other governor committees as well as the Foundation Governor committee, and help them to review and strengthen its Christian foundation, mission vision and statements. Every school policy now has a relevant Christian verse on the cover.

When Rev Anne retired, Nick Gee joined us as ex-officio governor until Rev Elliot began in October, when Nick continued as co-opted governor. Collective Worship is held daily and Rev Elliot leads these regularly, along with occasional RE lessons, nursery stories and other school visits.

At our termly Foundation Governor meetings we discuss

The school still has links with Scott Lane School in Kolkata and although no one from St John’s visited this year, they collected some things to send over to the school with a representative who went from another Derbyshire school.

We would like to thank Mr Averis for his support and leadership during his time as headteacher, and wish him the best as he moves on to new pastures. We look forward to working closely with the new headteacher in September.

Rachel Kennings & Patience Atkinson-Gregory Foundation Governors

Pottery Primary School

Staff, children and their families from Pottery School held their annual Christmas service at St Peter’s. Rev Elliot has met with Mr Hooley the headteacher and also attended the school’s own Nativity assemblies.

Herbert Strutt Primary School

Staff and children from Herbert Strutt Primary School came to St Swithun’s for their Christingle and Nativity services. Rev Elliot has met with Mrs Redfern and Mrs Allen, the new headteacher and deputy. The Open the Book team also delivers Bible-based assemblies almost every week of the school year.

10

5. PCC SECRETARY'S REPORT

PCC Meeting Attendance
PCC 18th March 25 22
APCM 29th April 25 45
Extraordinary PCC Meeting 6th May 2025 21
PCC 17th June 25 20
PCC 19th August 25 18
PCC 4th October 25 21
PCC 9th December 25 15

PCC meetings this year were all in person and all members attended at least one meeting. During the vacancy, an extraordinary PCC meeting was held to finalise the Parish Profile. Many of the PCC members were involved in the interview day and the Committee welcomed the new Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Elliot George, to the meeting on 4th November. Patience Atkinson-Gregory continues in the role of PCC Treasurer.

Individual churches held many concerts. Concerts included: The Take That Experience, Jane Varga, Unbreakable, Meatloud, Floyd in the Flesh, Legends of Motown, the Amber Band and the Bohemians.

Outside spaces have again been utilised. The trees at St Peter’s regularly being covered in thought provoking attire. The Woollen Woods were again in St Peter’s churchyard, and an Easter Garden has become an annual event.

Indoor events or meetings are flourishing: craft evenings, Messy Church, warm spaces, Summer fairs and Winter markets and Holiday at Home. Regular clubs include board games afternoons, knitting groups, Widows Might and bible study. St Mark’s hosts the Family Film Club and many others.

John Hastings-Thomson edits our magazine ‘Three in One’. Our online newsletter ‘Enfold ’via email is edited by Pamela Gough. Both have kept people informed and included throughout the year.

Jane Carter PCC Secretary

6. PARISH FABRIC REPORT

St Peter’s Church

David Skelton

11

St Mark’s Church and Hall

(Comprising church, vestry, church hall, kitchen and outside play area)

Church

Vestry

Church Hall & Kitchen

Outside

Derek Adams & Geraldine Comery

12

St Swithun’s Church

Philip Thomas

7. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT

Accidents and Near Misses

All three churches carry out Health and Safety inspections and have accident books. Completed forms are retained securely.

St Peter’s

David Skelton

St Mark’s

Geraldine Comery & Derek Adams

St Swithun’s

Philip Thomas

13

8. SAFEGUARDING THE CHURCH FAMILY

This is a large parish comprising three churches and we have many activities for children and young people in addition to adults who may be considered to be vulnerable.

Our largest church, St Peter’s is open daily. The parish administrators are based here and it a busy environment, used by our congregation and many members of the public. St Mark’s church has a hall which is used by a preschool group in term-time weekdays and uniformed organisations in term-time weekday evenings. St Swithun’s church is less busy but also holds gatherings in addition to the Sunday service.

We provide a Sunday Club on almost every Sunday for children under 16 in two churches. When there is a baptism during the service, we offer a welcome to all visiting children. We are very aware of the minimum number of qualified leaders and helpers required. Messy Church is held monthly in two of the churches. Activities for under 5s take place during term-time in two churches. Additionally, the Young People’s Fellowship is very well-attended one evening/week in term-time.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is usually, but not always, based at St Peter’s and liaises with named Safeguarding Links: Vicky Walker at St Mark’s, and Keith Wollerton and Tracy Comber at St Swithun’s. The PSO supplies a safeguarding report to every PCC meeting. The DBS Administrator has full responsibility for all DBS applications, both new and renewals. In 2025, 18 new non-clergy applications were successfully submitted plus five renewals. We now have 63 non-clergy DBS holders which is a record high.

Our congregations are very committed to maintaining good safeguarding practices and raises possible concerns with the PSO. These are dealt with appropriately and tactfully and, when necessary, escalated to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team for professional advice. Documentation relating to concerns raised is stored securely on the office PC.

All PCC members and the majority of activity leaders hold a DBS and most have completed Basic and Foundation training courses. Deputy Wardens have very similar responsibilities to Parish Wardens and have all undertaken Domestic Abuse and Leadership training. Our Pastoral Visiting Group is vigilant re safeguarding issues as the members visit vulnerable adults in their own homes, often sharing communion and sometimes postbereavement.

The very detailed Parish Safeguarding Policy v7 has been replaced by a much simpler version in 2026. The policy is displayed in the three churches. The parish activities are numerous and the activity leaders and helpers often change. The Parish Dashboard needs to be updated monthly. Despite this, the Level 3 dashboard score has recently struggled to keep above 70%. A number of PCC members will sign up to monitor the dashboard and this will help to provide more accurate information.

Sue Allen Parish Safeguarding Officer

9. DOVE AND DERWENT DEANERY SYNOD

Representatives of the Parish attended the two meeting of the Dove & Derwent Deanery Synod over the past twelve months.

Discussions have included finance, common fund, and carbon-neutral targets. At the most recent meeting the work of The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group was highlighted and the Parish will need to respond to this in due course.

John Hastings-Thomson

14

10. FINANCE REPORT

St Mark’s House

St Mark's house is owned jointly by Benefice of Belper (St Peter’s Church, St Mark’s Openwoodgate, and St Swithun’s) and the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The house, was revalued in November 2025 and the value increased by £25,000. It is rented out to provide income to the Benefice of Belper. The property has been let since March 2025, at £1100 per month. The property is managed by Matthew Thomas Residential, with Patience Atkinson-Gregory providing oversight from the church.

Finance Report

Accounts for the individual churches may be found at each church.

The accounts for St Peter’s Belper (St Peter’s Church, St Mark’s, and St Swithun’s) are made up of the funds of the PCC and those of the three individual churches. Within the Parish accounts the funds of each church are shown as a restricted fund for that particular church, although they may be made up of several separate funds, both restricted and unrestricted, within the accounts of the individual church.

Operational Matters

The expenses of Parish ministry continue to be shared among the three churches using a formula based on attendance and electoral roll to contribute to the Diocesan Common Fund and Parish expenses.

During 2023 the PCC agreed that money that arose due to the rental of the St John’s Car Park should be used for Children and Family work across the Parish. During 2025 costs of £1260 were incurred for valuation of the land and legal expenses regarding access over the land.

Reserves Policy

Reserves are held in the Church of England Deposit Fund which is regularly reviewed to ensure that the best possible interest rate is being obtained. In addition, the PCC agreed that money be deposited in Derbyshire Community Bank, in line with the mission of the church as allowed by the Charity Commission, although this account was closed during 2025. The Parish seeks to find the highest return for reserves.

As shown in the balance sheet on page 20, the total funds for the PCC at the end of the year amounted to £223,557 with a further fixed asset in St Mark’s House valued at £290,000.

The St John’s land is also owned by the St Peter’s Parish Belper (St Peter’s Church, St Mark’s, and St Swithun’s) but there is no corresponding asset fund as this asset is fully depreciated and has a “nil” book value. It is held in trust jointly by the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance and the Church Commissioners of the Church of England on behalf of the Parish, who have now been appointed the managing trustees. The land is now leased to Belper Town Council for use as a car park. The rent was reviewed in 2023 to £8021/year with a review due in 2028. The PCC agreed that this income should be ringfenced for use on Children, Young people, families and schools work across the Parish.

Funds held by the individual churches are treated as restricted funds for the purposes of the particular church within the context of the Parish accounts.

Reserves at St Peter's Church amounted £73,386. £52,516 is in the general fund, £4562 is in the belfry fund. £9706 is restricted for future work on the organ, the Church Fabric fund is £6600 money held for the repair and restoration of the north vestry window. Reserves at St Mark's Church amounted to £31,161, the Church Hall designated fund is £7159, the music fund is £302. Reserves at St Swithun's Church amounted to £12,385. St Swithun’s is supported by the Hanson Trust an independent Trust Fund established by the founder Elizabeth Hanson to maintain a Christian presence in the area of “Cow Hill” Belper. This Trust contributes to major repairs and renovations and pays the annual insurance on the building. Noted in the accounts as a recurring grant.

Patience Atkinson-Gregory Parish Treasurer

15

11. ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

The electoral roll is up by three people from the previous year, bringing the total number on the roll to 183. There were five new additions and two recorded deaths.

St Peter’s 117 (increased by two) St Mark’s 54 (increased by one) St Swithun’s 12 (no change) Total 183

Siân Kellogg

16

PCC

Consolidated Financial Statement

For year ended 31[st] December 2025

17

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examlngrfs Report Report to Ihe trusteesl mewnbgrs of St Pstèr's Parish . 8elper On accounts for the year ended 3161 DeTrrnber 2025 harity no lif any) 1132878 Sèt out on pages I report lo the trustees on my examination of th6 accounts ol the above Charity I'lhe Trust") for the year ended 31112 12025. Responsibilities and As the Ghaiity trugléès of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Ghaiilies Act 2011 I'lhe ACY'I. I report in respect ol my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 01 the 2011 Act and in carrying OLFt my examination. I have followed the applicable Direotions giv8n by the Charily Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. I have comp18t8d my 8xamination. I confim that no material matters have ome to my attention (other than that disdosed below ') in connèction with the examination which gives me Cause lo believe that in. any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in a¢oordance with sèctlon 130 01 the Act or the accounts do not accord with the 8¢wunling records Independent examiner's ststsment I have no concerns and have come 8cross no other matter5 in connection with the exarrination to which sttention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the acGounts to be reached. Pleas8 tlel6te the words in the brackets if Ihey do not apply. Signed.. Date- Name.. Eric O'connor Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body lif any}= M.A.A.T Addr¢¥s: NiGholson Tax & Ac¢ounts 8 Chapel Street Belp&r , D8rby5hire DE56 1AR IER October 2018 18

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 December 2025

Incoming Resources
Activities for generating funds
Church activities
Income from investments
Other incoming resources
Voluntary income
Total Incoming Resources
Resources Used
Cost of church activities:
Cost of generating funds
Cost of generating voluntary income
Redevelopment works
Governance costs
Investment management costs
Mission and charitable giving
Other
Parish Share
Resources Used before transfers
Allocation of parish expenditure
Total Resources Used
Net Incoming (Outgoing) Resources
Balances brought forward
Balances carried forward at
31 December 2025		 Note
2
3
4
5
6		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL PARISH FUNDS
P.C.C.
P.C.C.
St Peter's
St Mark's
St
Swithun's
2025
2024
Church
Church
Church
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,141
-
58,943
3,986
2,676
67,746
36,552
5,279
-
7,891
433
85
13,688
12,353
22,938
-
898
17,961
330
42,127
35,689
-
25,000
1,629
4,457
1,307
32,393
2,878
-
-
97,799
43,202
16,796
157,797
161,324
30,358
25,000
167,160
70,039
21,194
313,752
248,796
243
-
34,852
4,736
-
39,831
3,518
41,453
-
32,403
9,959
8,575
92,389
99,735
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,171
1,108
-
100
50
30
1,288
1,336
6,267
-
-
10,114
-
16,381
11,209
-
-
7,010
4,012
1,342
12,364
12,376
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
49,829
21,953
9,519
81,301
75,387
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
49,071
-
124,194
50,824
19,466
243,554
210,733
(32,024)
-
21,465
7,711
3,343
495
4,041
14
17,047
-
145,659
58,534
22,809
244,049
214,774
13,311
25,000
21,501
11,505
(1,614)
69,703
34,022

93,593
265,000
51,660
19,609
13,999
443,861
409,836
106,904
290,000
73,161
31,114
12,385
513,564
443,858

19

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2025

lance Sheet at 31 December2025
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Current Liabilities - falling due within one year
Creditors and accruals
Net Assets
FUNDS
Income Funds
Unrestricted - general
- designated
Restricted		 Note
16
17
18
19
20
20
20		 2025
£
£
290,000
9,200
220,940
230,139
(6,582)
513,557
(159)
118,647
395,069
513,557		 2024
£
£
265,000
4,871
179,546
184,417
(5,559)
443,858
592
100,955
342,310
443,858
443,858
592
100,955
342,310
443,858

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21st April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

PCC Chair

----- Start of picture text -----
PCC Treasurer
----- End of picture text -----

20

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2016, together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting for Charities, issued in 2016 (SORP for Charities (FRS102)).

Funds

Unrestricted general funds represent the funds of the parish that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for use, at the discretion of the Parochial Church Council, for the general purposes of the parish.

Designated funds are unrestricted but are amounts which have been put aside at the discretion of the Church Councils.

Restricted funds are either subject to specific conditions imposed by donors or they represent the funds of the individual churches. Funds within the individual churches themselves maybe unrestricted, unrestricted but designated, or restricted. They are, however, treated as restricted in the accounts of the parish as they relate to the particular local church.

The accounts include all known transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Parochial Church Council is responsible. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections, grants and income from fund raising efforts are recognised when received by or on behalf of the local Church Councils. All non gift aided giving is now under the heading Small Gift Aided giving. Small Gift Aid is reclaimed up to the HMRC limit of £8000 of this total for each building.

Planned giving receivable under Gift aid is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on Gift aid donations is recognised when donations are received.

Statutory fees from funerals and weddings are accounted for on a receivable basis.

Grants to the individual churches are accounted for as soon as that church is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt is reasonably certain.

Sales of books and the Church magazine are accounted for gross.

Income from investments

Bank interest is accounted for when received. Income and expenditure from Insignis is apportioned between Parish Reserve and St John's Fund according to the balance invested; currently 87.5% / 12.5%.

Resources used

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when payable.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

Amounts due to the parish by the three churches are accounted for when payable.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from these accounts by virtue of Section 96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.

St Mark's House was revalued to a gross value of £290000 in November 2025. No Depreciation is applied.

Items of equipment are written off when the asset is acquired.

21

2
Activities for generating funds
Fundraising events
Fund raising events Gift Aided
Building rental
Magazines
Photocopying income
3
Church activities
Fees - Weddings and funerals
- Preparation of banns
certificates etc
- organ
Mission, Ministry & Discipleship
Contributions to refreshments
Belfry income
Bookstall
Organists' fees donated back
Children & Young People
Miscellaneous Income
4
Income from investments
Interest received
Car Park rental
St Mark's house rental
Hall rental
5
Other incoming resources
Revaluation of St Mark's House
Grants
Donation for Insurance (Hanson)
Flowers and misc
VAT refund
6
Voluntary
Gift Aided donations
Small Gift Aid scheme
Non gift aided donations
Parish Giving Scheme
Income tax recoverable
Project Donations GA
Project Donations non-gift aided
Legacies and bequests
Total Incoming resources		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL PARISH FUNDS
P.C.C.
P.C.C.
St Peter's
St Mark's
St Swithun's
2025
2024
Church
Church
Church
£
£
£
£
£
£
£

35
52,945
277
1,312
54,569
28,318
-

5,998
3,709
1,364
11,071
6,828
1650
1,650
1,407
456
456
2,141
-
58,943
3,986
2,676
67,746
36,552
2,543
2,465
330
60
5,398
6,959
224
224
108
475
75
25
575
800
1,036
704
1,740
1,707
-
1,975
1,975
1,181
135
135
117
1,730
1,730
1,420
1,420
1,215
56
406
28
490
266
5,279
-
7,891
433
85
13,688
12,353

4,228
898
505
330
5,961
2,414
8,021
8,021
8,021
10,689
10,689
9,670
17,456
17,456
15,584
22,938
-
898
17,961
330
42,127
35,689
25,000
25,000
1,554
4,457
6,011
1,605
1,307
1,307
1,223

75
75
50
-
-
25,000
1,629
4,457
1,307
32,393
2,878
28,794
17,340
3,730
49,864
48,884
8,693
5,779
4,989
19,461
23,959
8,001
3,250
11,251
20,135
29,341
8,870
4,809
43,020
37,327
13,872
7,963
3268
25,103
29,701
-
170
9,097
9,097
-
1,147
-
-
97,799
43,202
16,796
157,797
161,323
30,358
25,000
167,160
70,039
21,194
313,752
248,796

22

Outgoing Resources
7
Costs of generating
funds
Fayres and other fund
raising events -
expenses
Use of Church costs
Hall maintenance
Website Costs
Publicity giving costs
8
Cost of generating vol
income
Parish ministry:
Clergy expenses
Parish Support Staff
Vicarage water rates
Children & Young
People
Mission, Ministry &
Discipleship
Education and
outreach
Miscellaneous
expenses
Individual churches:
Church premises -
- heat, light, water &
insurance
- PCC cleaning
- maintenance
-local cleaning
expenses
- major repairs
- equipment
purchased
-professional fees
- churchyard
Corporate worship
costs
Organists' honoraria &
fees
Music and AV Costs
Subscriptions
Miscellaneous costs
Church bookstall costs
Church belfry costs
Organ upkeep
Printing, postage,
stationery and
telephone
Photocopier
Bank Charges other		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL PARISH FUNDS
P.C.C.
P.C.C.
St Peter's
St Mark's
St Swithun's
2025
2024
Church
Church
Church
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
34,852
34,852
366
4,736
4,736
-
2,802
243
243
243
-
107
243
-
34,852
4,736
-
39,831
3,518
161
161
513
28,408
28,408
29,531
-
380
3,612
3,612
4,819
2,148
2,904
77
5,129
6,837
24
52
76
251
2,785
1216
4,001
536
14,439
3,286
3,100
20,825
23,706
1,803
316
1,202
3,321
3,129

562
1,090
1,246
2,898
2,301
14
479
17
510
275
1740
1,740
10,723
1,779
3,638
140
5,556
2,968
877
877
1,040
48
693
741
1,076
1,147
446
52
1,645
1,620
1,820
630
2,450
595
936
430
981
2,346
2,336
80
75
60
215
190
215
215
110
137
137
100
1,294
1,294
446
144
239
383
690
1,082
721
578
2,382
2,341
3,050
3,050
2,680
168
226
23
417
542
41,453
-
32,403
9,959
8,575
92,389
99,735

23

9
Redevelopment works
10
Governance
Independent examination
and other accountancy fees
Governance costs
Payroll preparation costs
11
Investment management
costs
Building running costs
12
Mission and charitable giving
Open Doors
Water Aid
Church Army
Smiles
St Crispins, Pune
Home for Good
MAF
Hope for Belper
Cottage Project
Blue Box
Air Ambulance
Link for Hope
13
Other
Depreciation - St Mark's House
14
Parish Share
Diocesan Parish Share
Proportion of Parish expenses
Total Outgoing Resources		 Unrestricted
Funds
P.C.C.
£		 Restricted Funds
TOTAL PARISH
FUNDS
P.C.C.
St
Peter's
St Mark's
St Swithun's
2025
2024
Church
Church
Church
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
7,171
-
-
-
-
-
7,171

100
50
30
700
700

300
348
288
288
520
300
288
1,108 -
100
50
30
1,288
1,336
6,267 10,114
16,381
11,209
6,267 -
-
10,114
-
16,381
11,209
1,400
1,400
1,400
300
300
450
300
300
450
1,400
1,400
1,400
1,410
1,410
1,400
1,400
1,400
1,400
1,003
1,003
831
1,400
1,003
442
2,845
2,681
1,003
1,003
831
300
300
450
1,003
1,003
831
-
-
252
7,010
4,012
1,342
12,364
12,376
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(32,024) 49,829
21,953
9,519
81,301
75,387
21465
7,711
3,343
495
4,041
(32,024) -
71,294
29,663
12,862
81,796
79,428
17,047
-
145,659
58,534
22,809
244,049
214,774

The expenditure of the Parochial Church Council is apportioned among the three churches in the ratio of the average Sunday adult attendance and electoral roll of the churches. During the year St Peter's was levied 61.29%, St Mark's 27.00% and St Swithun's 11.7%

Related Party Transactions

One member of the PCC or church councils received remuneration or payment as agreed by the Charity Commission no other member received remuneration except for the bona fide reimbursement of expenses.

24

16 Tangible fixed assets St Mark's House Gross book value £ 1st Jan 2025 265,000 31st Dec 2025 290,000 Net Increase due to Revaluation 25,000

P.C.C. St Peter's
St Mark's		 St Swithun's
TOTAL
TOTAL
Church Church Church 2025 2024
17 Prepayments and accrued income
Income tax recoverable on gift aid 2,476
1,466		 587
4,528		 2,871
Other debtors 1,488 2,713 374 97 4,671 2,000
1,488 5,188 1,839 684
9,200		 4,871
18 Cash at bank and in hand
CCLA 17,874
18,221		 6,815
42,909		 31,362
Bank accounts 20,316 52,102
12,822		 5,000
90,241		 59,662
Belfry 3,843 3,843 3,880
Insignis deposit 83,139 83,139 80,918
Credit Union - 3,298
Cash in Hand 0 677 131
808		 426
103,455 74,495 31,043 11,946 220,940 179,546
19 Amounts owed and deferred income
Loans -
Agency accounts (2,778) 1,937
41		 (800) 397
Other creditors 904 4,583 1,681 215 7,382 5,162
(1,874) 6,520 1,722 215 6,582 5,559
20 Funds
Unrestricted
General account (159) (159) 592
Designated - St Mark's House Account 20,145 20,145 13,616
Designated - St. John's Hall Account 20,311 20,311 13,610
Parish Reserve Account 66,521 66,521 65,774
106,817 -
-		 -
106,817		 93,592
Restricted
(Unrestricted in the individual churches' accounts)
General account 52,525 23,700 12,391
88,616		 69,661
52,525 23,700 12,391
88,616		 69,661
(Unrestricted but designated in the individual churches' accounts)
St Peter's Belfry Fund 4,332 4,332 3,654
Music Fund - - 155
St. Mark's Church Hall 7,159 7,159 4,146
St Swithun's Churchyard 179 179
4,332
7,159		 179 11,670 7,955

25

(Restricted in the individual churches' accounts) churches' accounts)
PCC St Peter's St Mark's St Swithun's
Parish Asset fund
290,000		 290,000 265,000
Organ Maintenance 9,706 - (214) 9,492 7,645
St. Mark's Project Fund - -
Music Fund 302 302
Church Redevelopment
fund 6,600 6,600
I Sing Pop UK - -
Flower Fund 58 58 4
Churchyard -
Defib - -
290,000 16,306 302 (155) 306,453
Total Restricted funds
290,000		 73,164 31,161 12,415 395,069
Balance at Incoming Outgoing Fund Balance at
Movement in Funds 1st Jan 2025 Resource Resource transfers 31st Dec 2025
P.C.C - non TLC element
£		 £ £ £ £
Unrestricted - general
funds
General fund 4136
 2,637 6,932 (159)
Unrestricted but
designated funds -
St Mark's House Account 13616 10,690 4,161 20,145
St. John's Property
Account 13610
 9,971 3,270 - 20,311
Parish Reserve Fund 65774
 3,700 2,953 66,521
97,136 26,998 17,316 - 106,818
Parish Asset Fund
Restricted
St. Mark's House
265,000		 25,000 290,000
265,000 25,000 - - 290,000
362,136 51,998 17,316 - 396,818
St Peter's Church Balance at Incoming Outgoing Fund Balance at
Unrestricted - general
funds 1st Jan 2025 Resource Resource transfers 31st Dec 2025
General fund
40,358 156,523 144,365 52,516
40,358 156,523 144,365 - 52,516
Unrestricted but
designated funds
Church Belfry fund
3,880
 1,975 1,294 4,562
Church Repairs fund -
3,880
 1,975 1,294 - 4,562
Restricted
Organ Maintenance Stat
fees
7,645
 2,061 9,706
Church Redevelopment
fund - part 6,600 6,600
I Sing Pop -
7,645
 8,661 - - 16,307
51,883 167,160 145,659 - 73,385

26

St Mark's Church
Unrestricted - general funds
General fund
Unrestricted but designated funds
Church Hall fund
Music Fund
Restricted
Defib
Project funds
St Swithun's Church
Unrestricted - general funds
General fund
Restricted
Flower Fund
Churchyard
Organ Fund		 Balance at
Incoming
Outgoing
Fund
Balance at
1st Jan 2025
Resource
Resource
transfers
31st Dec 2025
15,308
47,430
39,038
23,700
15,308
47,430
39,038
-
23,700
4,146
17,534
14,521
7,159
155
620
473
302
4,301
18,154
14,994
-
7,461
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
19,609
65,584
54,032
-
31,161
Balance at
Incoming
Outgoing
Fund
Balance at
1st Jan 2025
Resource
Resource
transfers
31st Dec 2025
13,994
21,169
21,662
13,502
13,994
21,169
21,662
-
13,502
-
5
-
215
(210)
693
(693)
25
239
(214)
5
25
1,147
-
(1,117)
13,999
21,194
22,809
-
12,385

Specific collections and donations are treated as agency funds and go directly to the charity or organisation for which they are intended and therefore do not form part of the Parish income or expenditure.

27