The Church of England PARISH OF SWANAGE Annual Report 2025-2026 and Statement of Accounts for 2025 ARP, For the Parish of Swanage Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held in All Saints Church, Ulwell, Swanage on Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 7.30pm The Swanage & Studland Team Ministry: Parish of Swanage ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday 21" April 2026 at 7.30pm All Saints Church Annual Meetlng of Parishioners AGENDA IJ To re￿1ve Nominations from the Parish Churches St. Marfs. St. fvlarks and All Salnts for Two Churchwardens from eath. to serve untll the Annual Meetlng 2027. Churchwardens should have been nomlnated by the individuul Churches at their respective annual meetlngs and the PCCSecretary informed. Technically, other nominations may be received in writing at or before this Annual Meeting, Annual Parochlal Church Meeting AGENDA 11 Prayers: Revd Jo Levasier 2) Apologles: to be recorded on a circulated list 3) The Mlnutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of l April 2025 were presented at the PCC on 15 May 2025 to be approved at thls meetin& Matters Arising. Copie5 of the minutes are included in this booklet. 41 Reception and Dlscusslon of Reports: a} Changes in the Electoral Roll slncé the last Annual Meeting b) Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council c) Financlal Statements of the PCC for the Year ended 31" December 2025 (Pages: 14-20 white sertion.... Treasurer) d) Reports from the Churchwardens on the fabric, goods, and ornaments of the churches of the Parlsh. If there ore Significant developments to be notified to the Meeting, these Should be reported verbalfy,. otherwlse no verbal report is nece55ary but the Inventoryfor each Church should be available to inspect and signed by the Rector. (Inventories Should be submitted at this point.) e) Proceedings of Purbeck Deanery Synod. A wrltten report is included in this booklet. 51 Elections and Appointrnents: a) Churth Lay Members to sep4e forthree years on the Parochlal Church Council. b) The Appointment of Deanery synod reps -four reps (based on our Electoral Roll nurnberl. c) The Appointment of the Independent Examlnerto the PCC forthe coming year. dl The Appointment of Treasurer to the PCC for the coming year. e) The Appointment of an Electoral Roll Offlcer for the comln8 year. 6) Receptlon of other reports 7) Safeguardlng Report Revlew of Safezuardlng Pollcy (there is a copy of the Sofvguarding Poliry avoiloble In each church ond on the Team Website) 81 Other business: Date next APCM: Tuesday 20 April 2027 91 Words from the Clergy ioi aosing Prayers REPORT FOR 2025 FROM IAN BIRD (TEAM RECTOR) & JO LEVASIER (TEAM VICAR) It continues to be a great blessing to share together in the mission and work of the Swana8e Anglican Team here to Make JESUS Known. This year has been a year of change and development in the Clergy team in Swanage and Studland and we have welcomed two Licenced Lay Ministers ILLMs1 into the team. 2025 wa5 full of many special moments for us as churchès here in Swanage and Studland. As we look back over the year, there were Some which particularly stood out, not least the ordination of the Rev Natalie as priest in a wonderful service at Salisbury Cathedral in June. Ivs not often that we have Bishops on the ground in Swanage, but this year we were delighted to welcome both Bishop Stephèn and Bishop Karen for a variety of different events over the summer months. In Julv, Bishop Karen joined us at St Mary's for our second Purbeckyear 6 Leavers Event where we h05ted about 180 year 6 chlldren: the morning's reflectlve actniities and servSce ably staffed by a great team from across ourchurches. the wider Churches Together in 5wanage and Deanery clergy. What a privilege to be able to speak into these young people's lives at this important moment of transition, In August we welcomed Bishop Karento St Nicholas, church in Studland to a welcoming service to mark the start of Rev Tony Edmonds, tenure there a5 Associate Minister- a great addition to the clergy team in our benefice. Tonytook overfrom Rev Tony Hi8gin5, who retired at Easterand whose ministry was much appreciated not only in Studland, but in Swanage too. Bishop Stephen joined us at St Mary's for our patronal festival and then went on to preach at the Annual Swana8e Lifeboat service. Bishop Karen returned in September to Licence Rev Dave Rlchards as Associate Priest at St Mark's as well as licence Carol Richards and Jane Hawksworth (from Studlandl as LLM5. Lots of moments of joy and celebration. We have continued to work well with the rést of the Churches Together in Swanage group, building on the new developments in 2024. Gathering together for a Good Friday remembrance around the cross at the bandstand and the sunrise meeting on the beach on Easter Sunday were both powerful moment5 of united Christian witness. We were delighted with another opportunity to hold the Carnlval Praise 5eNice in the main carnival tent as well as have a tent on the ca rnival field all week. Our churches together procession entry this year was hugely enhanced by the young people from Friday fun Club displaying their circus skills and accompanied by our resident stilt walker- thanks Kevinl We were the proud reciplents of the silver medal for our entry. Each of our churches has continued to develop their own strengths and work on Making Jesus Known in their particular style. St Marfs rich choral tradition has once again flourished. and we have been particularly délighted to see the growing work with the young choristers. Friday Fun Club continues to thrive and it was a prlvllege to witness the confirmation of two of our ehoristers at Salisbury Cathedral in October. A Special mention must be madé of the work that David Fawcett has been putting into nurture and develop children and youn8 people'5 music both locally and nationally with the Royal College of Muslc. Ouryoung people had the opportunityto sing in Wells Cathedral in February and Portsmouth Cathedral in May; and it is fantastic to see them being able to take a lead In national young chordl Initiatives. Back in Swanage, All Saints was particularly pleased to welcome a year 10 student from Purbeck School as work experience student thls yeari growing out of ourconnection with young people involved in conternporary musi¢ in the town. June saw the relaunch of community outreach events which has developed into a now termly Fabulous Free Family Fun Day which has enabled new links to be built with a wide age range In the communtty. Another highlight was the relaunch of an All Saints, Toddler Group in September and we are grateful forthe commltment of Suzanne Dominy in hertime workin8 on Community Projects to facilitate this. St Mark's contlnued to uphold its reputation for refreshments and invitstional events in the local community, including some brilliant Teddy Bears Picnic events and other much-loved classics Ilke Plmms & Hymns in August. Dave and thè team were particular￿ excited to baptise 2 children in August and see the growth and development of the Herston Junior choir, who were able to particate in church and town events in new ways thi5 year. It has been a joy to see how our dlfferent churches are seeking to connect with our local community in dlfferent ways and seek to Make Jesus known both in our town and In the wider world. Of course, nothing would be happening without YOU- and so a big THANK YOU to everyone who has played a part in our combined church life this year. As well as our hugely supportive team of retired clergy on whom we lean hèavily- there always there are far too many people to mention, some of whom carry huge responslbilities that are often unnoticed bythe majority- We notlce-thankyou. It is our prayer that together we might increasingly reflect that Body of Christ model that thé Bible describes- each one playing their part and tOEether being able to be Christ's hands and feet, mouth and ears here in Swanage. Finally, brother5 and 515ter5, rejoicel Strivefor maturity, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you... 14 Moy the grace of the LordJe5us Christ, ond the love of God, and thefellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13vll, 14 With every blessing lan and Jo PURBECK DEANERY SYNOD REPORT Three Deanery Synod meetings were held on 18 March, 10 July and 22. October. At the March meeting, held at All Saints Church Hall, Rebecca Paveley, Diocesan Director of Communications gave a talk entitled 'Scroll all about it- communicating in a digital world,. She reviewed digital communication and the need for parishes to Communicate well in the digital space. This included good websitès up to date and suitable for phone viewing. The Church Neor You website offered a basic website and helpful resources. Social media platforms e.g. facebook were important tools for us to use. Also we need good notlceboards- for content'le5S 15 more,. Continuing on in the communication vein, Carol Richards. Synod Lay Chair, then presented awards to various deanery churches for: most welcoming outside, most welcoming interior, clearest website and highest post numbers on facebook. Mike Hampton, DeaneryTreasurer thanked everyone as lastyear96% of requested share payment was paid. lan Bird gave a brief summary of the recent Diocesan Synod meeting. Richard, Rural Dean, announced that Rev Neil Kelly and Rev Deborah Swann have been appointed joint Team Rectors in the Wareham Team Ministry. There is now a vacancy fora Team Vicar. On ordination, Shelmarvaughan would become Assistant Curate in the Wareham team. The July rneeting, held at St Nicholas Church Worth Matravers, comprised of a Synod Eucharist Service, led by Archdeacon Penny Sayer. a short and informative review of the extensive building work recently completed there and a presentation of the work of the Historic Churches Trust by Jeremy Selfe, A photograph was taken forthe Deanery facebook page. At the October meeting. held at Lady St Mary Church Hall, Wareham, Rev Lydla Reese gave an excellent talk on 'ConseNation in Our Churchyards,. She highlighted that the historie and protected nature of graveyards meant that often the ecology observed had ancient and rare characteristics. Examples of sensitive conservation projects were given, wlth good projects Involving the wider community, being well publicised and well planned with detailed surveys of existing flora and fauna. Good msources available from the 'Caring forGod's Acre, website. The treasurèr thanked parishes a5 91% of requested share had been paid so far, noting that some were running down reserves to do so. In the report on the recent Diocesan Synod the need to address urgently the diocesan annual budget deficit of £2 mlllion was highlighted. The Rev David Richards and Rev Tony Edmonds appointments were noted as were two further LLMS Carol Richards and Jane Hawksworth {in our teaml). lan Rector SAFEGUARDING REPORT Safeguarding continues to be taken very Seriously here in Swanage and Studland. As before each church has a parish safeguarding officer- Gill Kaiser at All Saints Church, Anne Roper at St Marks Church and Margaret Griffin at St Mary's Church. We continue to promote a safe culture and ènvironment within our churches by preventin8 and protecting those that are at risk of being abusèd and respondlng well to those that have been abused. The Salisbury Diocese has moved to safeguarding hubs and have a new DBS provider called 31.8. The Parish Dashboard is our 'bible' and It contains all the information needed regarding safeguarding in one place - role descriptions, person specifications, DBS ¢ertrficates and appropriate trdining needed. We are ensuring Safer Rècruitment is at the top of our agenda bringing in Volunteers to posts within our churches in a robust safe way. As ever please remember Safeguarding is everybodrfs business. Margaret Griffin, Anne Roper and Gill Ktsiser Safvguarding Officers ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT Last year we had to do.the big one" with three completely new Rolls produced with up to date addresse5 and telephone numbers. We now have email addresses for 83% of the Roll members and All Saints, in partlcular make good use ofthem with St Marfs at the testing stage. This year it's the 'easy one,, simply checking to ensure that the data from the last year is up to date, making necessary changes and adding new members as appropriate. The result is shown in the table below and as can be seen there is very little change overall. The vital human touch15 provided by Tim Silk at All Saints,, Marion Marchant at St. Mark's and Rosemary Carpenterat St. Mary's and l am very grateful to them-ea¢h one has taken great care to ensure that as many as possible of our various congregations havè had the chance to register and all three churches have been able to add new members during the year. Swanage Parish Saints, Mark's Mary's Of course we oll should be encoumging new member5 of our churches to join the Roll $0 that they canfvel more involved in the church and can vote in the election of the PCC and its office including the parish representotives at the deanery synod. 2025 276 113 34 129 Complete New Roll 2026 274 iii 35 128 Revised Roll Froncis Barnard Electoral Roll Office SWANAGE TEAM Minutes Annual Meeting of Parishioners Tuesday I" April 2025 Prayers lan Bird (Chairl read from Hebrews 12. followed by prayer. The nomlnations for Wardens were read as tollows: St Mary's: Avril Harrisi proposed by Susan Johnson, seconded by Julle Pike Ray Davi5, proposed by Avril Harris, seconded by Janet Davis Heather Lightowler, proposed by Pam Hayes, seconded by Mike Hayes John Payne, proposed by David Williams, seconded by Roger Arnett John Way, proposed by Joanne Penleyi seconded by Pearl Nash Anne Roper, proposed by Marion Marchant, seconded by Carol Richards All Sa ints St Mark's There being no further nominatlons, It was proposed by the Chairto accept all these. AJI I￿￿￿￿r Minutes Annual Parochial Church Meeting Tuesday I" April 2025 2 Apologles: Rosemary Carpenter, Bob Davies, Janet Davles, Ray Davies, Judith Bird, Anne Roper, Davld Tyrall, Natalie Davie5, Tim Sillk, Michael Campbell, Penny Campbell, Bob Burt. Carol Burt, Sue Hampton, Wendy Clark, Andrew Head and Julie Pike 3 The Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 22nd Aprll 2024 were approved at the PCC meetlng on 12 June 2024. It was proposed from the chalr that the mlnutes be accepted and agreed by all present. Matters Arlsing: None 4 Reception and Discusslon of Reports: Changes in the Electoral Roll. Francis Barnard, Electoral Rol l Officer noted there had been a reduction of people on the roll but hoped numbérs would increase. The Rector thanked Francis Barnard, Tim Silk, Marion Marchant and Rosemary Carpenterfor all their work co-ordinating the reconstitution of the Electoral Roll this year. b. Proceedlngs of the Parochlal Church Councll. This was accepted by the PCC and signed by Revd lan Bird on the 19 March 2025. It was proposed from the chair the report on the proceedings for the Parochial Church Council be accepted. All infavour. 9t c, Flnanclal 5tstements of the PCC for the Year ended 31 December 2024. John Way, Treasurer, presented the accounts. He thanked the good team behind him. Mel Dyke, Bookkeeper and lan Bandy, He also tha nked David Williams for his sterling work in respect of the PCC Trust furKls and David Tyrrall for exarnlning the accounts. There being no further question5 acceptance of the Financial Statements and Accounts for 2024 was proposed by John Way and seconded by Mike Hampton. Allinfvvour. The meeting thanked John Way for all his work as Treasurer forthe Parish and The Rector thanked him, lan Bandy a nd David Williams for all their help and expertise. d. Reportsfrorn the Churchwardens on the fabric, goods, and ornaments of the churches of the Parish. The inventories were presented and signed by the Rector. e. Proceedlngs of Purbeck Deanery Synod. A written report wa5 included in the APCM booklet. 5 Elettlons and ApF)olntments: a) Three Church Lay Members to serve for three years on the Parochlal Church Councll. Thanks were expressed to Tim Silk for all that he had done as Churchwarden at All Saint's and as Vice Chairof PCC and the meeting agreed to send him a Thank You card. IDO you want me to arrange thisP Signed by you and others, or by me on behalf of you etc] Also thanked were Margaret Griffin, Lizzie Moreton, Roger Murphy and Barbara Jackson who have eithercome to the end of their term of off ice or resigned from PCC. Each church is entitled to have three lected lay members fora 3-yearterm of office. It was proposed from the Chalr and agreed by all present that the nornination5 received from the churches for Rosemarie Clark and Roger Arnett and Elena Petto be accepted. St Marfs: Elena Petto (2028) Trish Clark {2026) John Hallett {20261 All Saints: Rosmarie Clark f2028) Gillian Kaiser (2027) Roger Arnett (20281 St Marlds: Stephen Higgins (20261 Colin Burgess120271 David Hudson12027) b) The Appointment of Deanerysynod representatives- not required this year. It was noted that with the resignation of Barbara Jackson there is a vacancy for a Deanery Synod reprèsentative from All Saint's. c) The Appolntment ofthe Independent Examinerto the PCC for the corning year: It was proposed from the Chalr and agreed by all present that David Tyrrall be appointed Independent Examinerforthe coming year. The Rectorthanked David for undertaking this Important task forthe parish. dl The Appointment of the Treasurer for the coming year.. It was proposed from the chairthat John Way continues as Treasurer forthe coming year. All in favour el The Appointment of an Electoral Roll Offlcer forthe coming year.. It was proposed from the chair that Francis Barnard continues as Electoral Roll Officer for the coming year. All in favour. 6 Reception of other report& It was proposed from the chalrthat the reports be accepted. Allffnfavour. 7 Safeguardlng Report and Revlew of Safeguarding Pollcy- A written Safeguarding report was included in the APCM booklet. It is a requirement that our Safeguardlng Policy Is reviewed Ithis was done at the PCC meeting in January 20251 and adopted at the APCM. Copies are available in each church and on the Website. Current Safeguarding Officers in our churches are Clare Head, All Saints; Anne Roper, St. Mark'5; Margaret Griffin, St. Marfs. Sara-jayne Smith has been appointed as the Safeguarding Officer forst. Nichola5 Church, Studland, The Rector explained they meet regularly a5 a group, and thanked the Safeguarding Officers in the Team forall the work they do. It was proposed from the chairthat the Policy and Report be accepted. All infavour. 8 Date of the APCM in 2026: Tuesday 21° April at 7.3￿rn- to be confirnRd at the June PCC meetlng. 9 Words from the Clerbry The meeting watched a power point presentation of hlghllghts from ourthree churches overthe past year. Thanks were expressed tojo for putting the presentatlon together. The Rector then spoke aboutTeam Clergy news, PCC, Going Forward and Our Buildings for Mlsslon and finally thanked everyone. Ourcurdte, Natalie Davies, and her husband Joseph, have settled well Into the Swanage and Studland Team. She will be priested on June 28 at Salisbury Cathedral. All are welcome to attend. Tony Higgins is retiring after serving at St Mar]ds and from then- for nearly 20 years- at St Nlcholas Church in 5tudland. He will be taking a break and resume in August ministering in Swanage Parish. The Rector acknowledged his service and support to the Team. He wa5 delighted to announce that the recently retired Tony Edmonds will serve in an interim ministry role leading St Nicholas for 2 years- starting in August. while Studland makes Ions term plans for a house for duty positlon. pcc: Last year, we had planned to look at parish vision, but we had to address issues precipitated bv Berno's departure. Understandably people in the parish churches, in Churches Together and the Wave were asking'what next?1 Considerin8 our position and our weak engagement wlth Children and families, PCC voted to prioritise the development of mlnistry with children and families. In November, we had an away mornin8 looking at where we were, in the Ilght of Berno's departure, and looked at what could our future Children'5 and Families ministry look like in Swanage7 As PCC we have some further work to do on the output from that morning. IMPORTANTLY, PCC has agreed to have 2 more meetings a year, to have more time to enable us, as the Leadership of this parish, to discuss important 155ues like vision, strdtegy and develop our mlssion plans. l am looking forward to thosé discussion5. Golng forward: Followlng Pctrs decision, to prSoritise children and families in the parish, we advertised and appointed a Comrnunlty Projects Contractor, Suzanne Dominy, to set up projects in the parish. The First is to be a Toddler Group at All Saints. Friday Fun Club (FFCI, based at St Man¢s and set up by Berno before he léft, continues to go from strength to strength. We are considering next steps and how best to support our pre-teens and teenagers attending that group. Watch this space! The Rectorthanked all the leaders. In July this year there will be a Confirmation Service at St Mary's. Some of our young people are already signed up forconfirmation and if you know any others, or you wish to be confirmed, please let Jo, Dave or lan know. io Buildings for Mission: We are blessed with good buildlngs and we continue to look at our buildlngs and their use in worship and mission. The AV upgrade at AS and renovating the Ground Floor room at St Marfs and the Rectory Classroom are great recent examples. There are plans afoot to develop St Mark's further, and we have started on plans to improve St Mary'5. For St Mark's plans we have histori restricted funds to helpi for St Marys It wlll require us to apply for grants. FINALLY: Thanks to all who support in our churches in so many different ways. Jo, Dave and myself are very thankful for you all. Being a communities of faith around Swanage, sharing God's love and hope in many different ways, being salt and light, is done best together- so thank you all for all you are doingl 10 Closlng Hyrnn and Prayers-The hymn 'Be thou myvi5ion' was sung and the Rector closed the meetlng wlth the Grace. Meetingfinished at 8.50pm The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Swanage Annual Report and Financial Statements st for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Registered Charity number: 1134114 Parlsh Office: St Marvs Rooms Church Hill Swanage Dorset BH19 IHU Trustees: The Revd Dr l Bird The Revd J Levasler The Revd N Davies J. Way R Arnett C. Burgess R Clark Tclark R Davis D Hudson J Hallett M Hampton A Harrls S Higgins G Kalser H Lightowler J Payne E Petto J Pike C Richards A Roper D William5 (Team Rector) (Team Vicar) (Team Curate) (Treasurer) (from April 20251 (frorn April 20251 (from April 20251 (from Aprll 2025) (from April 2025 (from April 20251 Ifrorn April 20251 H Kimbèr IPCC Secretsry) Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Nationwide Building Society 29 Station Road Swanage Dorset BH19 IAD Independent Examiner Mr David Tyrrdll FCMA Flat 5 Melsan Court 13 Park Road Swanage Dorset BH19 2AA ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025 The Parochial Church Council is required by law to make thefollowing wrltten report. Airn and purposes Swanage Parochial Church Council IPCCI has the responsibility of cooperating with the Team Rector and Team Vicar in promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Swanage, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Marfs Room5 and the Rectory Classroom, St Marvs Parish Church, Herston, and All Salnts, Parish Church and Hall, North Swanage. Parochial Church Councll Membershlp Members of Swanage PCC are either ex-officio, co-opted or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules of the Church of England. During the year, the following served as members of the PCC: a. Ex-offlclo Members Llcensed Clergy The Revd Dr lan Bird The Revd Joanna Levasier The Revd Natalie Davies Team Rector Team Vicar Team Curate Churchwardens St Marf5'. Avril Harris (First elected 15 April 2013) st Ray Davis (Elected l April 20251 All Saints: Tim Silk (Resigned I, April 20251 th Heather Lightowler (Elected 24 April 2023) John Payne (Elected I" April 20251 St Mark's.. th John Way IFirst elected 27 April 2022) Anne Roper (First elected 16 April 2018) Diocesan and Deanery Synod Members Mike Hampton Julie Pike Carol Richards Anne Roper John Way David Williams b. Elected Members {with year of retirement) At the APCM of 2004 it was agreed that each Church would elect three membersfrom Its Church Committee to serve for three years. Vact7ncies in previous years which hove now been filled have oltered this ogreed principle. Mike Hayes, Margaret Griffin {20251 Jonathan Ha Ilet, Stephen Higgins, Liz Moreton (resigned 20251 and Trish Clark120261 COMMITfEES The Parochial Church Council of Swanage meets six times per year. Members include the Team Rector, Tea m Vlcar, Treasurer, Youth Minister, PCC secretary, Lay Chair, Churchwardens, Deanery Synod representatives and representatives drawn from each of the three individual church committees. It is chalred by the Rector or the Lay Chair. The PCC operates throu8h a nurnber of committees, whlch normally rneet between full meetings of the PCC. The Standlng Comrnittee is réqulred by law and members consist of The Rector, Team Vicar, Treasurer. six Churchwardens two from each of the three churches, the PCC secretary and Lay Chair. The Standing Committee has the power to transact the busines5 of the PCC between meetings of the Council. subject to any directions given by Council and meets four times a year. The PCC ha5 agreed that the Standing Committee should also act in support of the Treasurer, although decisions about finance remaln the responsibillty of the full PCC. Indlvldual Church Commlttees The three parish churches of St Mary, St Mark and All Saints each have their own committee. These are elected, consultatlve committee5, chaired by one of the clèrgy or an elected lay officer. These bodies deal with the daY-t￿daY running of the churches and make recommendations to the PCC in matters that require the agreernent and authorisation of the PCC or Diocesan authority. In order to deal with specific areas of church life, the church committee5 appolnt sUb￿0mMIttee5 or working groups os need a rises. These are accountable to the Church committee responsible and ultimately through it to the PCC. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AND AThENDANCE One Church Roll is maintained for the Parish. In 2025 the Electordl Roll was completely re-made and 15 due for Its next remake in 2031. At the Swanage Annual Parish Meeting in April 2025 the number of members reported was 276. FINANCIAL sfRucfuRE AND POLICI The day-to-day administration of finance is carried out by the part-time Bookkeeper who works closely with the treasurer. The cash from Collections and other sou￿e$ is counted and banked monthly. Mr. John Way, the treasurer, rèports to the PCC and has been supported throughout by lan Bandy. a previous treasurer, and also by the Flnance & Stewardship Commlttee. He is 8150 very grdteful for all the work the book-keeper does. The account5 have been inspected by David Tyrrall FCMA and his signed report is Included with the accounts. The reserves policy of the PCC is to maintaln a balance on unrestricted funds. In March 2023 the PCC agreed to reduce the reserves flgure from 6 months to 3 months with an annual review. Thisequates to É73.000. approxirnately three months, unrestrictéd payments, to cover emergencies that may from time to timè arise. Current unrestricted reserves equate to approximately 0.7 month's payments. Budgets are set annually with a vlew to maintaining the health of the PCC funds over the long term. In recent years. this has necessitated utilising available capital funds to compensate for reduced income. When funds are not needed with instant access it IS thè PCC'S policy to invest balances in funds run ethically by investment managers such as CCLA. A5 of 31st December 2025 the PCC has unrestrlcted funds of £16,899 12024: £22,458), Restricted funds of £190.057 {2024: £255,729) and Endowment funds of £161,495 (2024.. £174,072). No new substantial legèeies were received in 2025 but the deposit account created for legacies received in 2023 and 2024 has continued to earn interest which has been added to our general fund. The arnendments to usage of the PCC'S historic Endowment funds approved by the Charity Commission over the past couple of years continues to help us employ these funds in a way that better meets the needs of the Parish today and into the future. RISK MANAGEMENT Financial risks are managed and regulated by regular examination by the Standing Committee, which reports to the Trustees at the PCC. The Treasurer, Rector and churchwardens have monitored income and expenditure closely during 2025 reviewing and proposing budget amèndments to thè Trustees at the PCC as appropriate. A Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy has been adopted and reviewed on an annual bas15, with each church in the Team having a nominated Parish Safeguarding Officer who also acts as Verifier to manage Disclosure & Barring SeNlce issues. The PCC Is using the Salisbury Diocese mandatory Safeguarding Action Plan for each church in the Tearn. All PCC members are required to undertake basic safeguarding training. Safeguarding issues are discussed at all PCC meetings and current policies and training event5 are addressed. PUBLIC BENEFIT The PCC have given due regard to public benefit when planning the church's activities, in accordance wlth section G2 and G3 of the Charity Commission's General guidance on Public Benefit ljanuary 20081. The paragraphs above and below set out the PCCS activities, achievements and performance during the year, which are directly related to the objects and purposes for which the church exists. The church achieve5 it5 principal objectives and purposes through: hiBh qua lity public worship, both traditional and conternporary pastoral care and support of those in need promotion of Christian Aid, mission agencies and other charitable causes. These benefits are directly related to the aims of the church and are fully compliant wfch Principles l and 2 of the Charlty Commission Principles on Public Benefit. Mission Statement - The Parish of Swanage is part of the SwanaEe and Studland Team Ministry which promotes the following mission ethos: The churches of the Swanage and Studland Team Ministry aim to welcome all, to be prayerful and caring as we seek the will of God and strive to do His work. We recognise the ministry of all Christian5, male and female, ordained and lay in sUPPOrting all in the local community. We aim by various means to support local, regional, national and internationa l organisations which act to improve the lives of others and to share the Gospel. There are separate reports for each church in the team (see below). REVIEW OF THE YEAR PCC Secretarfs report: th th th th The full PCC met in 2025/26 on 15 May, 14 July, 9 Septernber, 19 November, 22, January and 24 March to deal with normal busine55. The PCC Committees Met a5 and when necessary and their deliberations were received by the full PCC and fully discussed when appropriate. In accordance with the objectives listed above the PCC moved to achieve its aims in 2025 through the following: This year the PCC increased its scheduled meetings from four to six for the year and four meetings of the Standing Committee. At each meeting the day-to-day business of the An81ican Church in Swanage is discussed. Any repairs to fabric or fittings, alterations or large purchases are discussed and permission to proceed given. Policies have been reviewed during the year. A financial report produced by the Treasurer and the current State of the finances is discussed in detail. There continues to be concern5 about the state of the finances, but the PCC Is very grateful to the Honorary Treasurer, John Way and the Finance and Stewardship Committee for careful and considered advice regarding management of investments and of the PCC budget. The Parish Givin8 Scheme {PGSI and donation station5 installed in 2021 in St. Marfs and All Saints churches has resulted in congregations and visitors eontinuing to be generous. This year reserved funds and legacies have enabled the PCC to meet increasing financial demand5, The full minutes of the PCC meeting5 are made freely available in the Indivldual churches for all chU￿h members and interested others. Information about the activities of the three Indivldual churches is recorded in the PCC'S annual report booklet for 2025. Statement of PCC Responslbllltles The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the f inaneial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practlcel. Charity law req uires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and falr view of the state of the affairs of the charlty as at the balance sheet date and of its incomin8 resources and application of resources for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the PCC are required to: l.select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 2. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. 3,makejudgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 4.state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure5 d i5c105ed and expla ined in the financial statements. and 5.prepare the financial Statements on a going concern basis unless It Is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The PCC 15 responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Account5 and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection o* fraud and other irregularities. Swanage Team Minlstry. The Team Ministry was inau8urated In 1986 to cover the United Benefice of Swanage and Studland and its present constrtution was established in 2004. It is headed by the Team Rector whose prime day-to-day ini5try 15 focused on the historic Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in central Swanage. supported by the Team Vicar, based at All Saints Church in north Swanage. The ministry of St. Mark's is overseen by the Rector but Is led by Resident Priest, the Revd. David Richards. St Nicholas, Church, Studla nd, a separate parish from Swanage, but an integral part of the benefice Team. It was mana8ed day-to-day by Resident Priest the Revd. Tony Higgins, until hls retlrement at Easter 2025, with the PCC being Chaired by the Team Rector. We are pleased to report that in August 2025, the Revd Dr Tony Edmonds was appointed as A550clate Minlster to succeed the Revd Tony Higgins. We are blessed by having a number of retired priests who lead services and assist In aspects of ministry in the two parishes. In 2025, on request, some of our retired priests have led services at churches across the Purbeck Deanery. Each church in the team is ind ividual, rneetin8 the needs of its congregatlon a nd together they offer a wide range of worship stylès and approaches. St Mary's, St Nichola5 and St Mark's present a more traditional form of Anglican worship. All Saints is contemporary In style, Evangelical in theology and is a rnember of the Evangelical Alliance. St Mary's hosts the Civic and community services and combined team services for the year-round festive occasions altemate between thè churches. We are pleased that in 2025 the three churches have continued to deepen their sense of teamwork, co-operation and desire to work together to 'Make Jesus Known, in our communitv. Swanage Team Ministry has strong ecumenical links with the other churches in the town and is part of Churches Together in Swanage, taking a pa rt in organising and participating in any ecumenical ventures for the town, including the promotion of Christian Aid and other mission and charitable initiatives. The network meets on a regular basls and organises ecumenical joint services and activities throughout the year. The Food Bank is run ecumenically and has been developed to meet the ever-increasing needs of the community which has been of particular importance and 5UPPOrt to many families during 2025. Churches Together in Swanage set up an active group to consider the plight of refugees which includes members of the hèlping agencies and other member5 of the community with specific skills. Occaslonal Offlces and Lrfe Event Servlces In the 3 Parish Churches Baptisms 2 {2 children) i Re-affirmation of Baptismal Vows i Thanksgivin8 for the gift of a child I Confirmation Weddings Funerals at Church Funerals at Crematorium Thanksgiving Services 28 14 Occasional Office and Life Event services in Swanage Parish for 2025. The Team churches St Marfs The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Swanage, is a large. impressive structure built of local Purbeck stone situated in the centre of the town. It is open all day, every day. The church tower houses eight bells rung twice each Sunday, and also, when requested, for weddings and funerals, by an enthusiastic team of bell ringers who rehearse each Wednesday evening. Daily Morning Prayer and a mid-week Holy Cornmunion Service are held in St Aldhelm's Chapel. The weekly Tuesday afternoon service, All Things Bright and Beautif ul, has continued throughout this year. Provided primarily for those with dementia and their carers, it takes the form of a short, simple, service, led by various clergy, followed by activities and refreshments, coordinated by Bridget Coffin, ably asslsted by team of volunteers. Resources for children attending the 10.30am Eucharist are provided by dedicated volunteers. On the f irst Sunday of the month, in our Family Eucharist, our Junior Choir members are involved in reading scripture, leading prayers, welcoming and serving réfreshments. Friday Fun Club Ifor around 8-13 yr old51 has gone from strength to strength. Members are drawn mainly, but not exclusively, from Junior Church and meeting on Fridays 6.3￿8prn in term time. The group is led by volunteer rnembers of St Marfs congregation along with Revd Natalle Davies. Though linked to St Marfs Junior Choir, the group 15 open to all. In July, St Marvs hosted the Purbeck Primary Schools, Yr6 leavers event. The Sunday 10.30a.m. Choral Eucharist is central to regular worship and 15 enriched by St Mary's strong chora I tradition. The Director of M usic, Simon Lole, and Associate Director, David Fawcett, contribute greatly to the quality of worship at the Sunday Choral Eucharist and weekly Choral Evensong as well as occasional services. In addition to regular worship, the church hosted the Town Remembrance Day Service and a Community Carol Service. This year we also hosted The Swanage Folk Festival ServSce and a 150 Anniversary Service to commemorate the founding of Swanage Lifeboat Station. In October, Gabby North from Leprosy Mission came to preach and also there is continuinE SUPPOrt of Christian Aid and The Bible Society by the St Marfs congregation, 'Come and Sing" Choral Evensong, held once a month, continues to thrive. Nationally recognised Directors of Muslc rehearse St Marfs Choir and other singers who attend, with a refreshment break before the service Itself. Most months this doubles the numbers in both choir and congregation. Distinguished guest Directors of Music have been engaged by Simon Lole In an annual programme, enhancing the 5epii¢e with different styles of conducting being experienced. St Mar¢s Junior Choir is d irected by David Fawcett, Associate Dlrector of Music and continues to grow and develop. It is open to boys and girls in Year 3 and above who love to sing and who can read confidently. Junior Choir has weekly practices, joins the adult choir for a family-oriented Choral Eucharist and Even50ng each month and for special services such as thè Community Carol Service and Christmas Eve Crib Servlce, St Mary's hosted a number of special musical events both by local musicians, choirs and singers, and vi51ting professionals. Concerts were hosted during Purbeck Art5 Wéek, Purbeck Chamber Music Festival, and several local choirs have held concerts in the church during 2025. Also, St Mary's was one of the venues for the 2025 Purbeck Film Festival. Pastoral care has continued and thè Pastoral Tearn ￿launched the St Marfs Prayer Circles to pray for those hronically ill or with long term needs. Durin8 the year those requesting prayer were prayed for in Daily Morning Prayer held in St Aldhelm's Chapel, St Matvs and at our Sunday services. Home Communions continued to those housebound. The Pastoral Team provides a chaplaincy function for the 15-bed Swanage Hospita5 when needed. T-pot has continued to meet every Wednesday morning, coordinated a team of dedicatèd volunteers. Thi5 group provSdes refreshments and fellowship and meets informolly in the Rectory Classroom, a small hall bv the church. It welcomes up to 35 both regula r and occasional visitor5 and is highly valued by many who enjoy social time together. It is especially supportive of the elderly, bereaved, and depressed and has become an important mutually supportive group. St Marvs St Mark's built forthe Herston community in 1872, using local Purbeck stone from the quarries whlch provided a livelihood for many local families. The regular congregation includes some lifelong members, although there have been a number of "incomers" in recent years. The church has a strong emphasis on outreach to the local Herston community with a series of community events which began as part the 150 annivèrsary celebrations in 2022, and have continued through Subsequent years. The emphasis ofthese events has been re8 other than 4ny requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf vlew which Is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examlnatlon. I have no concems and have Come across no other matters In connection with the examlnatlon to which attentlon should be drawn In this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Date: ... Mr Dairid Tyrrall FCMA Flat 5 MelsaTJ Court 13 Pèrk Road Swar￿ge Dorset BH19 2A4 13 FuMd• Incomlng Inr>Jrnlng resour￿ frtyn Don4tlon¥ 1￿,586 217,VdS Othpr itlwme In¥estnwnt Inc 40,953 2,398 40.953 11067 48,122 12.872 Tot41 Inwlr¥J mout 229,937 Chwitabb ?dtvths 29).897 9,991 9.991 341,425 1, 40.538 let irYA¥niwf loul40ingl I60,￿9) 112B391 133851 (17.184} 135,8081 56.227 (49,821 J 16.405) 14n21 162,460) (9PMI 177.1841 IN806) G￿n$10r)￿lI ¢J 182n 13211) 10,6241 6A18 rnLA*m￿ In fvrvjs 15.5591 112,5 .ILYJI RwKMl•tloth ot￿nd TotalfuTrJ5 trmWJhtfo￿md 11. 12 TotslfvrO1 can￿dIO￿Fd 11. 12 2Z,458 255,T29 180.C67 174,072 161.495 481.449 452,259 s￿,451 Tlw ￿r0¢h￿l Chyr¢h CounEH af th• EcrlJ•Wlcal P&18h Of Swam Inv8slrMnls 10 220,783 321.083 CurrertAs¥ets 850 150.465 Ca$h 4t b4t*oTrJ ￿ hwd 133.T66 y•Ar 13212> P,590 148.123 131,177 25 Th•fund% olthb clmrtir. 11.12 161.495 174.072 11, 12 1W,057 255.729 D•stgnatsd 11. 12 GDMr•l 11. 12 62.282 (35.3831 58,139 135.6811 Toi•l Unr••irfetod 16,899 22,458 Tol•l chartylundl 11,12 368,451 .259 Apprtyed tyth•TAMt888 and 8pJn>J I￿￿rteha1T ty.. Iprinl namel Oate.. 24 Marth 2026 Pty&16 Ni*•t•lh• $l*tamwts foTt4*Y*r End8d 31 Deumb•r1026 l A￿￿r￿kn9 PDlldes B•Bls ofprwMtk+n The P•Trthial Churd¥ Counc41 (PCCI1g • kxJfAk b8nofftentrtyv•thin R•rAtiNJ knd8td IFRSI 102.Thefinanoal Sta￿n￿nts h•ve Lwn pr•patpd Und￿1heChOrttW A#2011 •r>J in attOrdan￿￿Ith the cnurth A￿￿n￿n9 Re9ul¥tlons 20C6 go¥wnlng Ihe irKI￿11￿4l afxountsof PCC4, aTra wlthth*RaguLgtloDS'Th and f8irvW pr¢yd&ion8.togel1￿VAIh FRS102 (20161 a$ the 8pplhyb* 8tsnd￿￿S th8 2019 ISORP (FAS1￿)}. I*$kn￿tast* whb* are *￿a￿tY￿￿•. Fund• Ganafalfunds wrew*tho hJTrJ¥ Pccthat aKt 8uii&*t•8ny rvBtr4¢Ion% rnyaJdkng IhotruEe4nd 4r• Availth forapplKat¥)n U*gmaSputFoseff50ftho PCC. De¥iLThted funds at*a port ofunr8striGtsd the PCC set*pJe tobs￿d tora rb01￿￿ RE￿r￿1 fu￿¥•reth￿lurth kn8t ilw Pccare obw b)¥p•nd (rff on p8ibryJ*pwpog••s•touttyt donor. EndswKMntfjJNls are 8notherfemi tyf Re8trttdfiMd whomthe wilal moneywto lh• PCCcLrnThth tho 6pgcIRc rthdk)ntl&tontythe ￿ined fn)m monw ￿ b9 Wt. IT￿m4 is wntsed knthe StatthnenlofFtrJort*lAL*lfyl*¥ (SOFA)Mthen th• PCC b•x¥rt•walW entw b tha Oltho w0￿rc••. Grnnts anddofithns and their &88odatsl GfftLAvJ orothgrt*K daRTA IncbJd8d in th•SOFAthMry condffjrth prn¥•nOr8th•lr LNe bytm FCL h•va been rT*t U18 th•fvndB*rg rrf8Nod. k)o)mg ratsod fw gvents 15 reww gfo¥J In tre SOFA. K& t¢kn¢grry relthd ArrypFfi ¢rlw5 on thos*Oflrh￿llr￿[lI arn1 •nyg*n orlwr6sunlng Irom rovaluty kW881m￿ It¥ tait vabNJ ts aliltsond rIthe￿ar. cLryri5E¥ th088 eobisintAJrrgd ty the th•tyln ofks aTrJ xrvlw for banaffcknit 11 indLtyJ68 ¢0* that CBn ofan lThJb•d quanbfiabb. 5ts rdat*J lot￿¢•t•90ry. PwlB Th• ChyrEh Dfthi F¢Glwititsl Plrrt•• 8l•t•metslorthpY¢werthd 31 ZVolurhl•ry Fun Fwth 2025 2024 Planned gNing c01kntw￿4nd appga GWtAbJtsxr•Ssim8d 140.774 15281 30.5 86 18.344 159,118 15,3( 34,880 155.598 25,ICA 36.923 ,625 4,350 One S¥gaty 01£1.894 wa& r8c6w-th￿ wi8 th•fin•l P•rtfv￿n a ￿9&¢y￿0￿￿ted ln 2024 Ths¥e in nots 11 Anab%i& Dffurxl¥ 202S 15821 14￿53 3277 15.921 14,8521 3,377 6,81Y2 40.953 19,146 11,496 4,510 12,968 4&1 Htrg Inc MBgaz¥nE fBe5 and donatk)M 0uw1nc￿e Ind￿ monleB ￿￿1ved IrDm Sludland PCC as d?6￿bed 9.11 alw lftdthY8s ir￿£ Irw solar panek aiAM Sainls, Insuran￿ dakns and ther mx•nanetyJ8 MIL%)m•. JathfBeB 8180 indud6s monb8 from St￿land PCC. Unroglrtct8d R••trkted End0￿￿eNt Total FI￿dI Totsl Funlts Fun nds 2025 21)24 InMme from WNg9)nants'. w nclB 11 Interesl on c88h doposrt5 3.283 10.U 12,n8 2.IXO 12.087 fj An•W8 ofCtrwr¢h Unrostdctod R88trktsd Endo*Trwrt T4Jtal FL*th Totsl Funds Fund8 Fund Fund¥ 2025 3024 Fundf&i8Tn9 ¢C*18 PUb￿￿tyCOSts Dlwan 8ttaTg Employrn•nt r&•t• IM•fi¢t•81 vtlmy 434 861 155.102 1.429 413 158,115 48,765 22,360 16.732 50.358 33.170 28,653 6,566 9,774 3,424 10,764 155.1ro 31¢J92 23.426 I1.￿) 16,288 18fit4 2.994 24428 11.0 41720 211È6 8.1SO 8,036 8,610 Insu¥£rK%* Music Rep8ir8 and klaint￿￿K• 1014 2.387 Mi¥sK)nary and Ch8lltat4eGwYpJ Other running costs F￿r￿rav￿l￿g rosts aNJ fooB C*gy eyn8￿Ear= 2.0 ￿E= 1.35112024.. 3.& FfE t.7 Thi1£32092 ￿ payroll rast8 in TrJta 8 Th8 PCC b an tharty and aB 8UL* ¢ontrol th•Jro2mkn Oftt￿ PCC 88 trwgBoIth• Charty. Th• Tw R•¢torl8 chqlrdtr*JthSwatrag8 PCC Stud*TrJ pec. In 2024 £2957 wos s￿dIa￿d Pcclor . Sorv￿*S1￿0. Prin￿￿) prov•Jed ty Sw*n8go PC¢ to PC¢.' . a C4Jrthulkn totsY&Nth MIn*Ws$￿ory This In (kn¥lncomg •rt¢ U*J021Tr8 4 M•thetVqlu A58t31 Dtr*thr2024 321,IA3 16,6241 0*p￿*S AJ at31 I t￿￿$t￿￿ wr• hikl in the UK and in¥*0 In ipthChurtholEffjknd thd5 rnan8p*by p*14 Itrtmtotha FIMKlal &alJnr•rtslorth•Yezendpd 31 ljwiber 2Q20 11 rfl￿d• At1 Atjl 2025 rMourc•s •XWd•d Trnnsf•r• g•ln•ll¢bM 2026 Unrn6trlct8d lund• DesIgna￿l￿d& Geperal funds Total UnrBslrKknJ fvn 58.139 35,fj81 9,47J 220.462 229.937 192051 (6.127) 52282 135.382 16.899 18271 1290.8971 255.ng 27,859 140,5381 (49,821} 132111 I￿,05? End¢1•￿ent 174,072 462280 io4c61 181A95 461 2SI,241 (341.4251 At31 O•¢•mbor 2026 At31 2024 staw legaot VarKsu5 smalknTfu#tti 45.657 6,625 51,7 Total At31 At31 Balan¢•6 M R•std¢W lundi J24 8t 40,2TI 4,190 44,467 ve￿1￿ ¥nolkrfiJndJ (see 31 Total Sl Marts 53,442 Mary'$ UBicFund Dw8¢tor of Varb?u6 atrAmulatod fvnd$ Sm*h ￿gacy[SO• ntsk 31 C&rf(e bJKy18eo n(kn31 nd Wcy Ttst*l St ME 13.759 12.738 2.91S 45, 34.832 36,894 10,0 75.Q 145,285 AH SalD Varbw 8fAwmu&tedlundè 224 81 81 Totsl 190.1)5T 255,729 19 At31 At31 2025 BennettLegxy 57.756 27,89S 14,522 I¢￿,174 J7,312 Z7.229 15,127 UWI Road T£tsl AU Sarts. 8t Stllprf* CaKlw 61.321 74404 161,495 174,0 12 t40ta￿lS Unrnstrl¢lod R•sIr1￿ End0*Tr￿￿t Tdal Funds Funds Fund• FUFK 2025 2024 10,991 12.0921 40,2TT 149,780 ,057 161,495 22LI,703 147.088 317,4Te 134.781 Net astots 161,496 Swana e Parochial Church Council Commentar to the Annual Accounts 2025 PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COMMENTARY DOES NOT FORM PART OF THE STATUTORY ACCOUNTS AND HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECTTO INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION. The yearend accounts presented to the Annual Meeting are produced in this format to meet Charff(y Commission requirements. However, it is not easy to see the magnitude of the financial issues the parish faces within the accounts in their statutory form. In recent years we have indicated that our most pressing issue is that wè have been running a def icit for several years on our day-to-day income and expenditure. We have made up this deficit by transferring money from our historic legacy funds. Day-to-day income donations from individuals, hire of halls, and investment income. Day-to-day expenditure - diocesan share, utility bills, insurance, wages, repairs and maintenance of the buildings. These day-to-day figures are seen in the first column "Unrestrlcted Funds" on the flrst page of the account5. Here are these figures over the last five years.. 2021 £254,398 £301,813 2022 £228,222 £292.752 2023 £249,222 £317,253 2025 £229.937 £290,897 Money in Money out £236,842 £329,712 rin 2025 ures with 2024.. Income In 2025 Is slightly lower because of a decrease in "other income-. income such asfvneralfves, hire fees and magazinefees. Expenditure In 2025 is lower, mainly because of reductions in sums spent on repairs, refurbishments ond salaries. Legacies. repairs and refurbishments vary considerablyfrom year to year, and salarie5 have reduced following the resignation of the youth minister and verger who have not been replaced. The amounts from our historic and reeent legacy funds which have been transferred to balance the account5 over these five years are: 2024 2025 Money transferred £25,000 £41,500 £54,334 £70,000 £54,000 Across five years we have spent £245,000 keeping our day-to-day income and spending in balance. Legacy money given by former member5 of our congregations has been used to proviée these funds. Some has been spent on building and refurbishment projects to whichever one of our churches the individual was associated wlth, but sadly much of thelr legacles has been spent on day-to4ay runnlng expenses. If our church finances are to be sustainable, we need to close the gap between regular income a nd expenditure. We are required to have reseNes to cope with emergencies and there are a number of repair, refurbishment and development projects which we would love to Carry out. At this rate of depletion of our current unrestricted legacy funds, they will have been used up in just over two years. ( some legacies are restricted and cannot easily be accessed for balancing our accounts). 21. To resolve thi5 Sltuation, we must either Increase our income or reduce our expenditure. We have already worked hard at reducing costs (looking at insurance, equipment, utlllties etcl and there is very little scope forfurther reductions, $0 our key aim is to see how we can Sncrease our income. Here are some more facts for consideration: In 2025, we spent around £12 ft)r every £10 we received. There are approximately 116 members of our churches who support us by using the very efficient Parlsh Giving Scheme. The monthly amounts glven via PGS range from £5 to £440 (only 25 people give £100 or more per month) There are 276 members on our electoral roll, but only 42% of those are In the PGS. If each of the current 116 PGS givers gave £160 per month- our deficit would be removed. If each of those givers (family or individuall were able to give an additional £5 per wéek, this would halve our presént déficit and put us on a much more 5UStainable basis to carry out God's work in this parish. I know that not everybody can affi)rd such an Increase, but I'm sure some could afft)rd more. The more people who give by this means, the easier it is for us to budget and the greater regular income we can rely on. Leaflets about the PGS are available in all the churches, or please ask me. With our accessible reserve funds d ue to run out in the next two years if we continue deplètlng the funds at the current rate, the Finance and Stewardship Committee felt that wè should write to ourchurch member5 to make clear the position in which we find ourselves. We believe that with prayer and careful consideration of the use of our available funds, both individua l and corporate, we can alleviate this situation. l am always avallable to discuss the implications of our financial difficulties and possible ways that we as individuals or as a team of churches can take action to reverse the recent trends and to do the work of the God we serve in a way that is more glorifying to him. John Way, Swanage PCCTreasurer treasurer@swanageteam.com 01929 422951 22