## **The Parish of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol**
## **ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** _Registered Charity Number 1134719_
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MATTHEW AND ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL (REFERRED TO IN THIS REPORT AS ‘ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH’ OR ‘ST MATTHEW’S’)**
## **THE VISION OF ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH**
‘St Matthew’s Bristol: Welcoming, Vibrant and Serving the Community - God’s love in action.’
**With focus on Discipleship, Outreach, Service** , **Grace & Gentleness** ,
Standing on a **Foundation of Prayer** .
## **STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT**
St Matthew’s benefits the local and wider community by:
1. Providing Christian religious worship services through regular services each Sunday and special services during different seasons (Harvest, Remembrance, Bereavement services) and at times of celebration (e.g. Lent, Easter, Christmas etc) and providing regular online worship on Sundays and at other times.
2. Providing resources for moral, spiritual and intellectual development for its members and anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers
3. Enabling Christians to be able to give to, and practically support, their local community through a broad range of activities organised by the church. These include: Sunday Club, youth groups, refugee support, pre-school playgroups, home groups, prayer groups, community events, social outreach, arts events etc
4. Allowing third-party organisations to use church buildings and facilities where and when possible, to run activities that help build a healthier community, including: toddlers, Brownies, Guides, choirs, local interest groups, work with ex-prisoners and environmental groups
5. Providing weddings, funerals and baptisms
6. Providing a place for prayer and support
The Trustees (Parochial Church Council referred to below as ‘the PCC’) are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in _The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit_ and have had regard to it in their administration of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew’s.
The Trustees believe that this report, taken as a whole, provides further evidence that St Matthew’s work in 2025 furthered its charitable purposes for the public benefit.
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## **THE TRUSTEES**
The Trustees of St Matthew’s Church are the PCC, which has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole work of the Church in the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC is governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures. These are the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969, as amended)
## **PCC Membership**
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. After the APCM, the following served as members (normal retirement is at the APCM in the year stated, unless otherwise shown):
|Incumbent|Rev Ian Tomkins (Chairman)|
|---|---|
|Wardens|Dr Alison Edmonds (until May 2025)|
||Mr Timothy Mizen (from May 2024)|
||Mr Philip May (from May 2025 for one year)|
||Mr Kevin Froud (from June 2026)|
|Associate Minister|Revd Richard Pendlebury (Non-stipendiary, part-time)|
|Curate|Revd Juliet Dellow|
|Lay Minister|Ms Helen Aberdeen (Non-stipendiary, part-time)|
Representatives on the Diocesan Synod
||Canon Simon Pugh-Jones Chair of the Diocesan DAC|Canon Simon Pugh-Jones Chair of the Diocesan DAC|
|---|---|---|
|Representatives on|the Deanery Synod||
||Mr Fabian Breckels|from September 2020 until May 2025|
||Ms Laura Protheroe|from September 2020 until May 2025|
||Dr Alison Edmonds|from May 2026|
||Mr David Aberdeen|from May 2026|
|Elected members|Mr Gregory Allen|from May 2025|
||Ms Melanie Bunce|from May 2023 until May 2026|
||Mrs Gael Browne|from May 2024 until May 2025|
||Mr Kyle Douglas|from May 2025|
||Mr Kevin Froud|from May 2024 until June 2026|
||Prof Andrew Hogg|from May 2023 until May 2026|
||Ms Emily Lissaman|from May 2025 until May 2026|
||Mr Philip May|from May 2024 to May 2025|
||Mrs Mary Parsons|from September 2020 until May 2025|
||Ms Kit Ling Siu|from May 2024|
||Mr Daniel Green|from May 2026|
||Ms Alison Taylor|from May 2026|
||Ms Ruth Rimmer|from May 2026|
||Mr David Fraser (Treasurer)|from May 2023|
|PCC Secretary|Ms Julia Wright|from May 2023|
|**Banks**|National Westminster Bank plc, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol||
||Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street,||
||Manchester M60 4EP||
|**Independent**|Joshua Kingston FCA, Burton Sweet Limited||
|**Examiner:**|The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton,||
||Bristol BS48 1UR||
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## **THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE**
The full PCC met 6 times during 2025, with an average attendance of 13.
The PCC operates through several sub-committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. All these teams report to, and are overseen by, the PCC.
**Standing Committee:** It has the authority to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The Standing Committee consists of the vicar, Curate and associate ministers, the churchwardens, and three members of the PCC, and met 4 times in 2025
**Missions Committee** : It coordinates the church’s support to its mission partners. As well as sending financial support, it aims to keep in touch with their news, writes to them, and prays for them on a regular basis. The group also promotes awareness of mission in the church by keeping the congregation up to date with news and encouraging members of the church who sense a calling to mission.
**St Matthew’s Playgroup Management Committee** : It has responsibility for the management of the St Matthew’s Playgroup on behalf of the PCC.
**Building Committee:** It works with the vicar and churchwardens in the coordination and implementation of the care of the fabric of the church building and grounds, including oversight of the audio-visual and computer equipment.
**The Eco-Group sub-committee** was commissioned by the PCC with terms of reference. The Eco Group mission is to celebrate and care for God’s creation, and to implement and promote sustainable practices within the St. Matthew’s Church Community and in the wider neighbourhood in accordance with St Matthew’s vision, to be Christ’s church, that is welcoming, vibrant and serving the community: a witness to God’s in action, all underpinned by the pillars of our discipleship, outreach, service, as a community of grace and gentleness.
**An Events Outreach Team** was also commissioned by the PCC during the year to support the vicar and the ministry team in Christian mission into our local parish community. Its aims:
- Work with the vicar and the church ministry leadership team, and report to the vicar, as a coordinating body, setting up event-specific teams to carry out the events as required.
- Focus on events which encourage the church community to reach out to our local parish.
- Provide support in ensuring necessary paperwork (such as Risk Assessments and First Aid provision) is in place for all events.
- Advise on the marketing of events with local groups and online.
**Staff Team:** The staff team comprises:
- The Vicar, Rev Ian Tomkins
- Associate Minister, Rev Richard Pendlebury (honorary position)
- Curate, Rev Juliet Dellow
- Licensed Lay Minister, Helen Aberdeen (honorary position)
- Church Administrator, Julia Wright
The core staff team meets weekly on Monday mornings and the full team of ministers meet monthly on Mondays where possible, following the staff team admin meetings.
The vicar also meets with the churchwardens, and the Standing Committee (see above) meets on alternate months during the year.
**Growth** : The PCC is seeking to encourage growth in faith and numbers, through encountering and entering a relationship with Jesus Christ, by bible teaching, discipleship and a foundation of prayer, and encouraging the church family in Christian service in the church, their communities and in their daily lives. We are being blessed by and encouraged by gentle and consistent growth in numbers, and in a broadening of the age, cultural and social diversity of our congregation.
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## **Worshipping and Deepening Discipleship Report**
As a church we continue to focus on the vision:
## ‘St Matthew’s: _Welcoming, vibrant and serving the community_ – God’s love in _action_ ’.
Our vision recognizes continuing changes in society and church life over recent years, with a deepening relationship with our local parish community, building bridges and opening new and imaginative ways to serve, alongside existing and established ministry patterns.
The key pillars of church life - Discipleship, Outreach and Service to the Community, while seeking to be a Community of Grace and Gentleness, give us focus for all activities and ministry, reminding us that it is only by God’s grace that we help build the Kingdom of God, and introduce Jesus to others, by the way we live and serve our neighbour.
2025 was an encouraging year. Steady growth in numbers and diversity continued, as did proactive engagement with our local parish community. Our prayer and planning in 2025 continued to embed this vision. A ‘ **Welcome** ’ of grace, gentleness and openness for all, and our endeavours to practice this, and is resulting in many more visitors and new church members. The ‘ **Vibrancy** ’ of St Matthew’s grows, with more diversity in age range, cultural and social background. We are seeing a steady increase in attendance by younger adults seeking faith.
In 2025, our Alpha Course continued, with a very encouraging Alpha in the Spring. We again combined together English and Cantonese speaking groups, eating together and then splitting into the two groups for the film and discussion, with the Cantonese speaking group doing The Bible Course. This format also encouraged relationship and friendship building.
Easter and Holy Week were again uplifting and encouraging, with the beautiful services and steadily increasing attendance.
St Matthew’s introduced a new outreach initiative, the Inspired Breakfasts – with a series of three talks on inspirational Christians – George Muller, Elizabeth Fry and William Wilberforce, together with a lovely breakfast.
The Life Group Community continued to meet on Friday lunchtimes, welcoming both people from Hong Kong and others from the local community.
We continued to give pastoral support to those on their own, and those without access to online worship, with visits, home communion and other help where we can. We encourage our discipleship practices in all, with an outward-looking focus of care and looking out for others.
Throughout the year, we engage with families through the Tuesday toddlers and parents/carers ministry, ‘Kings Kids’, using the outside gardens as much as possible. Kings Kids is hugely valued and appreciated across the community, with families beginning to come to special services and church events.
‘Stay & Play’, the shared ministry with E5 church in Stokes Croft, continues to serve in this part of the parish.
Our Eco-Group continues to oversee the regular opening of the gardens for the local community, and the development of the Wildlife Garden. With this clear and visible renewal of our church attendance, engagement with the local community and community activities, we continue into the future, confident in God’s grace and hope.
Outside summer community events continued in the church gardens, a Spring Fair and Harvest Fiesta being organised by the St Matthew’s Eco team and growing in appreciation and attendance by the parish community.
St Matthew’s again hosted a November Community Fireworks, with hotdogs and hot chocolate. This event is hosted mainly by the church members who support the children and youth ministry and is becoming a hugely attended and appreciated local event.
St Matthew’s Church hosted the local Kingsdown community Fair in the building and gardens, and this again helped establish our church’s service to the community and our being at the heart of community.
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At Christmas, the services programme again included outside carols (again becoming ‘inside carols’ due to the weather!) at the beginning of Advent. This continues big growth in popularity, with many students, younger adults and families coming.
In the autumn and the approach to Christmas, as usual, St Matthew’s prepared for and promoted through invitations delivered to all local households, with details of services and events, including the invitation to Alpha.
## **Worship**
In 2025, our worship in church continued encouragingly, with a steady flow of visitors and also new members of the church. We continue to offer online services through weekly live-streaming of the ‘shop-window’ Sunday 10.30am service. It is viewed both by those enquiring about church, as well as church members who are unable to come to church, whether through illness or being away from home. It also has regular online visitors.
We also produce an online weekly Midweek Thought.
We continued to offer special services, including a Bereavement service called ‘Kept in our Hearts’, Ash Wednesday Holy Communion, and a full festival programme for Christmas and Easter. Music involves many of the church family of all ages, playing and singing, as well as the continued use of our organ whenever we can.
Our creative service on the 4th Sunday of the month, ‘ **All Together Amazed’,** recognises that people learn in very different ways’. At this service, all ages are together, and we offer more creative opportunities, in a craft activity after an interactive talk to focus the message, active prayer (e.g. Anointing, placing our own prayers into a cross shape etc), and imaginative ways of sharing readings and bible talks.
We remain open and creative, encouraging new ideas and an outward-looking vision, to serve and encourage all ages to worship together.
Our preaching continued to focus on discipleship, encouragement and teaching the Bible. We had series on ‘Meeting Jesus’, Philippians, ‘How to take Sabbath’ and ‘Forgiveness’. We also preached on Christian stewardship, the environment, Advent, Christmas and Easter themes.
St Matthew’s continues to host Trinity College placement students and help in their training. They play an active and creative role in contributing to and supporting our worship and ministry.
## **Prayer**
Our church vision for our parish ministry is based on a ‘Foundation of Prayer’. This remains central to our church life and service.
We maintain a regular cycle of prayer. We have prayer time in our St Nathaniel’s chapel before our main Sunday service, and prayer after Sunday services for those who want it. During 2025, we have been training some church members for ministry, so that they can be commissioned to serve on Sundays.
We continue to offer opportunities for prayer, encouragements through prayer materials during Lent and Advent, as well as creative ways of engaging in prayer, especially in our monthly ‘AllTogether Amazed’ service.
## **Children’s and Youth Work**
Discussions around the St Matthew’s Playgroup’s funds and their use, within a review of the playgroup operation, resulted in the church deciding not to charge the playgroup for the use of the facilities during this time, resulting in a reduction of available income to contribute to funds available for a Children and Families minister.
But during 2025, with increasing church giving, the PCC decided to proceed with plans to seek a new part-time C & F minister. We maintained the weekly Sunday morning Sunday Club for children and kept in touch with St Matts Youth group.
‘Kings Kids’ pre-school group meets on Tuesday mornings for toddlers and parents/carers, with between 30 and 40 children every Tuesday morning in term time. It is highly appreciated and popular in the local community, much valued and is the primary opportunity for the church and local families to build relationships together.
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The use of our gardens in the summer continues to support families, with many continuing to meet there in a self-organised capacity during the summer holidays, as they maintain the community grown by Kings Kids during term time. Summer was important for engaging further with local families, with the St Matthew’s Spring Fair in June, and the Kingsdown Community Fair in the autumn, which is based at the church.
We again offered our St Matthew’s Harvest Fiesta in September - an event for families and local community in our lovely gardens and the church building, including apple pressing.
Christmas 2025 was very encouraging, with continued growing attendance and increased local community engagement. The early event at the beginning of Advent, informal carols in the church hall with hot chocolate, mulled cider and mince pies, is establishing its place in the calendar for the local community, as well as students and families.
We participated again in the local community Advent Calendar displays, with a large-scale display on Christmas Eve.
## **Midweek Discipleship**
Our mid-week groups give an opportunity to share, worship, pray, and learn together. During 2025, there were 6 home groups meeting midweek, with around half our regular adult attendees taking part in them. These groups have continued and we are seeing the growth and development of new groups, again in 2025, there was a post-Alpha group focusing on ‘The Bible Course’. We also began a new group for younger adults, which meets every two weeks.
The monthly group for women, called Gather, which aims to be an informal and relaxed time for women to explore God’s heart through worship, creativity, discussion and friendship, continues meeting.
We ran a Lent Course during this season, with Lectio Divina reflection as its weekly focus.
## **Attendance Figures**
The Church of England assesses the size of the church community by counting the Electoral Roll and Average Sunday Attendance (ASA). ASA is our October average. Figures are set out below.
||**2015**|**2016**|**2017**|**2018**|**2019**|**2020**|**2021**|**2022**|**2023**|**2024**|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Electoral
Roll|141|149|145|110|86|84|91|87|94|95|78|
|All Age
ASA**|129|128|114|93|177|56|89|101|86|110|136|
|Adult
ASA**|108|103|93|80|158|46|75|80|80|98|126|
|Child
ASA**|21|25|21|13|19|10|14|21|6|12|10|
*Indicates complete renewal of the Electoral Roll
** in 2022, in common with many other churches, we also continued our services online
A measure of attendance is the usual Sunday attendance. This is calculated by looking at the attendance across the whole year and taking out ‘unusual’ figures (e.g. Festivals, Baptisms). In addition to the church services in the building, St Matthew’s also has a regular viewing audience for its live stream Sunday service. The Electoral roll has begun to increase in 2023 as new people joined, and average Sunday attendance in church began to pick up. Easter and Christmas showed a substantial pick-up from the previous pandemic-impacted years.
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## **Festival Attendance**
|**Service**|**2019**|**2019**|**2020**|**2020**|**2021**|**2021**|**2022**|**2022**|**2023**|**2023**|**2024**|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Average
attendance|Under
16|Adult|Under
16|Adult|Under
16|Adult|Under
16|Adult|Under
16|Adult|U16/
Adult|U16/
Adult|
|Easter Day|19|114|-|-|-|-|21|99|17|140|10/134|9/125|
|Carol
Services|27|198|17|64|8|128|43|150|33|257|39/388|34/322|
|Christingle|105|203|-|-|37|70|49|123|42|145|55/155|59/198|
|Christmas
Day|12|96|0|66|7|69|17|100|10|95|11/96|11/109|
For completeness, our occasional office numbers are also set out below.
||**2014**|**2015**|**2016**|**2017**|**2018**|**2019**|**2020**|**2021**|**2022**|**2023**|**2024**|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Baptisms|10|2|3|2|0|5|1|3|3|1|2|1|
|Confirmations|0|0|0|0|3|1|0|0|0|0|0|0|
|Weddings|3|1|2|1|0|1|0|0|3|0|2|1|
|Funerals|1|1|2|0|2|2|2|4|4|3|3|2|
## **Church Community Activities Report**
Our vision continues to be a church which is ‘Welcoming, Vibrant and Serving our community – God’s love in action’, focusing on Discipleship, Outreach and Service; A community of Grace and Gentleness, with a Foundation of Prayer.
## **Welcome**
We have continued to major on our vision of being a truly welcoming local community church, developing, living out and sharing a culture of invitation and welcome in the whole congregation. We encouraged the church community to invite and welcome others and encourage them into the life and faith of the Church at St Matthews. Our service wardens and Service Welcomers had annual training and encouragement, as we continue to learn how better to welcome into a church community.
Our annual Alpha Course provides the opportunity to constantly invite new contacts to explore Christian faith. This remains a key part of the vision, as we look to go deeper in understanding and giving a true and godly welcome to all.
## **Small Groups (between 5-12 members)**
We continued groups in 2025. Growing new groups and developing post-Alpha groups. Each group meets for fellowship, prayer and worship and pastoral support, both for each other and for others in the church and community. The groups often follow the weekly sermon series in their studies. A new group for younger adults was started during the year.
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## **Pastoral Care**
Pastoral Care of the church community continues to be led by the vicar, curate, and lay minister, as well as through the small group communities. Our pastoral care oversight is organised to ensure we respond appropriately to any needs here may be. We seek to ensure that no one is isolated, and we continue to encourage pastoral care in the community. The first line of pastoral care is through the mid-week groups. The staff team and the pastoral care oversight support several other individuals in the parish, with communion at home being taken by the ministers, to those who would like it.
This is moving into a further phase of development and structuring, with new teams being trained.
Pre-wedding, Baptism and Confirmation conversations and visits and preparation continued to be undertaken by the ministry team.
## **St Matthew’s Eco Group**
The St Matthew’s Eco-group is a sub-committee of the PCC, sustaining our commitment as a church, to creation care, and helping church members understand our own responsibilities as Christians in this.
We continue to participate in the A Rocha Eco-Church scheme; St Matt’s currently has the silver award in the programme of working towards becoming carbon neutral, and in our promotion of and care for the environment. This group remained active in the church and in engaging with our community, cooperating with a neighbouring parish in putting on events.
In 2025 the group also organised the annual plant sale, and Spring Fair, continuing the development of our beautiful gardens, including a wild garden encouraging wildlife and biodiversity. This group actively seeks to help the church and wider community in our understanding of the critical issues facing our world and how we can all play a part in caring.
## **St Matthew’s Life Group Community**
This is a group formed to principally encourage and connect those from the Hong Kong community, both church members and others. It generally meets on Friday lunchtimes during term time, over lunch. Social and games times follow, and sometimes helpful talks and advice for those new to the UK from Hong Kong.
## **Church Community Social Events**
Community events continued in 2025, building on the growing strong relationship of church and local community, and the community’s increased sense of value and appreciation for St Matthew’s.
After church coffee times on Sundays remained very well attended and are an essential part of our church community, as relationships are built and friendships are made.
As seen above, the St Matthew’s Eco Group organised the Spring Summer Fair and Plant Sale, with tea and cake in the beautiful St Matthew’s gardens in June.
The ‘Harvest Fiesta’ event in the church gardens again welcomed locals and visitors into the church and gardens, as did a substantial community fireworks party in November, with hot chocolate and hot dogs, for local families.
The gardens were open all summer for the community, and on Tuesday afternoons in the school holidays, the church hosted tea and cakes for any locals and visitors. Our church gardens are being very welcomed as a much-valued local community resource, especially for the many people who live in flats. Serving our community and building our community contacts and relationships continue to be at the heart of living out our vision and mission.
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## **Outreach Activities Report**
Being welcoming, vibrant and serving our community, and a visible presence of God’s love in action, by going into the world to make disciples and love our neighbour as ourselves.
**Local schools:** In 2025, our curate, Rev Juliet Dellow, began developing some new relationships with our local primary School, Cotham Gardens, and beyond some initial earlier contact, resulted in St Matthew’s being invited into the school for a Christmas presentation to a class.
## **St Matthew’s ‘Open House’ - Ministry to the elderly**
This ministry continues on Tuesday afternoons, once a month, in the church hall.
Open House offers friendship, tea and cakes, activities and topical talks, and continues establishing itself well in church and community life, all run by faithful St Matthew’s volunteers. Open House again offered tea and cake in the garden during the summer holiday, every Tuesday afternoon, and this attracted not only elderly, but also local families, students and visitors/ passers-by, coming to rest in and play in the church gardens.
## **Stay and Play**
This ethnically diverse group continued, meeting weekly in The Elim Centre on King Square. It is now led by members of Elim Church, and supported by members of St Matthew’s and run together. St Matthew’s volunteers provide chat, tea and cakes for the parents, and this provides an important community resource, especially for those living in the high-rise Dove Street flats ion the parish.
## **St Matthew’s King’s Kids**
St Matthew's Kings Kids is the primary and most effective ministry for connecting local families with the members and life of the church. It is an established and effective ministry to the local community, providing a group for young children and their parents or carers on a weekly basis under the leadership of the vicar, curate and a dedicated team of volunteers. In 2025, this continued to flourish, connecting hugely with the local community families. It is a lively, funfilled morning and is much appreciated by the locals and families who attend. The church gardens are open when the weather is better.
## **St Matthew’s Playgroup**
St Matthew’s PCC continues to run an Ofsted regulated playgroup, serving the local area. The playgroup is managed by a sub-committee of the PCC. This also provides some support to families who need local council support for pre-school. The team continued to rebuild, following a financially challenging season for pre-school groups nationally. In 2025, following a substantial review of the operation of the playgroup, its financial viability and overhead costs, and how it might align with the mission of the church, the number of days was reduced, but there are three full days – and so just about the same number of hours. The pattern now reverts to a weekly schedule nearer to pre-pandemic patterns, with more time for church ministry now available on Fridays. In 2025, the playgroup days of operation were Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Its last Ofsted inspection reported ‘ _Outstanding in all areas_ .
## St Matthew’s Playgroup employs four staff.
## **Support for mission work outside the Parish**
Overseas and home mission continues to be a St Matthew’s priority. The Missions sub-committee of the PCC met regularly to review and keep in contact with our supported mission agencies. The committee again recommended to the PCC the allocation of the Missions budget, which remained at 10% of the giving to the General Fund. In 2025, seven mission agencies and societies were supported. Through use of our building and resources we also continue support the foodbank support for local charity, The Sisters of the Church (based in St Paul’s and serving those in need in the local community) and a fund-raising concert was held for Friends of Alalay (Santa Cruz) (Children’s charity). St Matthew’s also invited speakers from mission agencies.
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## **Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults**
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer and Administrator for Disclosure and Barring Service (Julia Wright) was available to deal with any concerns and dealt with the applications from those wishing to be involved with vulnerable adults, youth and children’s work.
Julia Wright continues to be St Matthew’s nominated person for Vulnerable Adults.
The Safeguarding policy, which covers Children and Vulnerable adults and children and addresses all areas of safeguarding in line with the Diocese of Bristol's policies, is reviewed by the PCC in October every year, and the policy is reviewed to include and update social media and online operations, as well as taking forward all safer recruitment guidance. The updated St Matthew’s Safeguarding Policy can be obtained from our website (www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk) or from the church office.
## **Communications**
Our website _(www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk)_ continued to be well-used and well-managed, and our clear and helpful site is kept up to date by our administrator and tech manager, to ensure relevant information is always available, has been hugely appreciated and is a huge step forward in our communication.
We sustain an active Facebook page and Instagram account for St Matthews church news and information.
Weekly E-News bulletins are sent to those who have requested them and all our sermons are available as a podcast. We have also ensured that any not online, have remained connected and in receipt of church news, community information, and items of practical and spiritual support.
## **The Building and Fabric**
A Quinquennial Survey took place in August 2023. The Architect’s Report records that, in summary, the building is structurally sound and generally in good condition. The Report noted certain issues and recommended the carrying out of certain works, all of which will be attended to over the Quinquennium.
In October 2025 the church’s insurers also carried out an inspection and valuation of the building. They made some minor recommendations for safety improvements, all of which have been attended to.
The garden which surrounds the building is also generally in very good order and continues to be regularly used and enjoyed by both the children’s playgroup which meets in the building and also by members of the public to whom it has been opened up for a number of successful community events.
During the course of this year the following major works were undertaken:
- Completion of the installation of the radiant heater system in the worship space, to include new linear heaters in the side galleries and upgraded ‘Halo’ heaters in the central area; an upgraded control system was also installed and some smaller standalone units were acquired, to be installed in due course in the St Nathanael Chapel, in the vestry and by the organ.
- Preparations for the installation of a new platform stairlift to give direct access to the worship space; the historic lift is in need of replacement.
- Preparations for the installation of a new platform stairlift to give direct access to the worship space; the historic lift is in need of replacement.
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- Replacement of the electric organ blower motor.
- Ongoing preparations for further essential refurbishment of the organ.
- Preparations for the replacement of obsolete fluorescent light fittings and tubes with energy efficient LED units.
- Redecoration and refurbishment of the small meeting room.
- Refurbishment of the children’s playhouse in the garden.
- Construction of a new garden shed.
- Extensive pruning of the trees in the garden.
- Installation of a new emergency bleed kit on the exterior of the building.
There were also regular ongoing work and maintenance on the building and the garden.
There were no disposals of or damage to any of the moveable items of value recorded in the church Inventory.
## **Licensed and Lay Ministry in the Parish**
Rev Richard Pendlebury continues at St Matthews as Associate Minister (self-supporting and parttime), and our curate is Rev Juliet Dellow (stipendiary full-time, started at St Matthews in June 2024, ordained Priest June 2025). They bring much support and many gifts to church leadership, through preaching, teaching and leading of all ages, and supporting the ministry of the church
Helen Aberdeen continues as a Licensed Lay Minister with St Matthew’s Church, bringing considerable gifts of preaching and teaching to the church.
In addition, the PCC employed one part-time member of staff during 2025. Julia Wright was our part-time Administrator throughout the year.
We are blessed to have a congregation and church family of people who minister and serve in a wide variety of ways, both in the church and across the city, e.g., musicians, intercessors, Sunday Club leaders, vergers, social event organisers, home-group leaders, sacristans, assistants at Communion, cleaners, flower arrangers, pastoral visitors, online and tech editors, buildings experts and others who contributed to the ongoing ministry of the church, by quietly offering acts of service and prayer, and supporting each other. They are all very much appreciated.
We are very thankful for all the church community and for the contribution they make to worship and the life of the church, some in public and visible ways, some hidden and unseen.
## **Finance**
2025 saw unrestricted planned giving (standing orders and regular CAF donations) of our donors, the primary source of voluntary income, increase over the level in 2024, up by 6.3%. In addition, further legacy donations of £14,250, in addition to those received in 2024, with restrictions on applicable expenditure, were also received, boosting reserves for future projects. Our designated missionary and charitable giving stayed at the same level of support in 2024, and our support is based on a policy of 10% of regular giving, excluding one-off gifts and legacies. Our Diocesan Parish Share, given to the Diocese of Bristol, was at a much lower level compared to 2024, at £70,500.
Our St Matthew’s Playgroup delivered a deficit of £4,676, and no charge was made against this deficit to reflect the use of premises, which was the same as in 2024. Trading conditions for all
11
pre-school groups remain challenging, where Local Authority fees have remained relatively flat, per child, but labour costs have increased substantially with increases in the National Minimum Wage. The finances of St Matthew’s Playgroup continued to remain under critical review during 2026, with staff redundancy being confirmed in July 2026. Please see the full accounts for more information and Note 13.
## **Reserves Policy**
The PCC endeavours to carry such Unrestricted General and Designated Reserves as it considers necessary to finance the work of the church over a period between 3 and 6 months. However, it also recognises that its largest outgoing, the Parish Share, is not a contractual obligation, and therefore could be reduced in the event of a material reduction in donated income from members, currently sufficient to maintain this intended commitment.
Because of this flexibility, if necessary, in paying the Parish Share each year, the Trustees believe the charity is a going concern.
Unrestricted General reserves at 31[st] December 2025 were £45,585, up from £27,414 at December 2024. The PCC's forecast expenditure for 2026 is around £13,200 per month, including a commitment of £6,463 per month for Parish Share, which is not a legally binding liability.
Therefore, the Unrestricted General reserves represent around 3.5 months’ normal expenditure, including Parish Share, before regular standing order income is received. However, Unrestricted Designated reserves totalled £49,481 at 31[st] December 2025, excluding the Fixed Asset reserve, and these can, at any time, be reallocated by the PCC to Unrestricted General reserves, increasing the cover to 7.2 months of normal expenditure, including Parish Share, which falls above its Reserves policy above, of 3 to 6 months of expected expenditure.
## **Grant making policy**
As set out in note 10 to the accounts, the PCC adopts a policy of setting aside 10% of its regular income from donations for the support of mission partners, which further the ministry and charitable objectives of the charity, both in the UK and abroad, and details of these organisations are set out in Note 10. A non-binding commitment is given to each mission partner for a period of 4 years, with a review on termination or extension towards the end of the third year, so that at least a year’s notice is given of support not continuing. The mission committee receives and considers, and recommends to the PCC, any application for new mission partner funding.
## **The Future**
During 2025, the Vicar the Rev Ian Tomkins, together with the church ministry team, churchwardens, treasurer and PCC, continued to lead the church family though increasingly encouraging times of continued growth, local community engagement and positive change and development.
Our church building is at the heart of the community, and the church is well served by a buildings team with both a heart for maintenance of this historic building and also for the use and development the church as a focus for Christian ministry and mission.
The church community continues to care for each other, as it seeks to be a ‘Community of Grace and Gentleness’, and also serve our local community and our neighbours in creative and imaginative ways.
We have again seen the blessings of this during 2025, with continued numerical growth, increasing diversity and wider community engagement - all bringing us closer to the parish we serve and helping us connect.
12
Our church vision continues be our foundation, in loving the Lord our God, and loving our neighbours as ourselves.
2025 was another very encouraging year, with so much to be thankful for.
Continued opportunities and challenges remain as always, including financial pressures on individuals and church organisations due to cost-of-living levels and uncertain economic and political times. But St Matthews remains a Christian community in good heart, growing in discipleship, outreach and service, continuing to bless many.
## **FINALLY**
This Annual Report is a composite document prepared collaboratively by the officers and members of the PCC, in line with the terms of the Charities Act 2011. We hope that it gives a clear picture of the life of the church and the way in which the PCC has administered the task placed on them as trustees of St Matthew’s Church.
## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Parochial Church Council on 13 July 2026
Tim Mizen Churchwarden
Philip May
Churchwarden
13
## **St Matthew’s Prayer**
_Heavenly Father, pour out your Holy Spirit upon St. Matthew’s. Grant us a new vision of your Glory, a new experience of your power, a new faithfulness to your Word, a new consecration to your service so that, through our renewed witness your Holy Name may be glorified and your Kingdom advanced, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen_
14
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of PCC of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PCC of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Joshua Kingston FCA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Date: 13 July 2026
15
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**Note**
**INCOME FROM:**
Donations and Legacies
2(a) & 2(d)
Charitable Activities
2(b) & 2(e)
Investments
2(c) & 2(f)
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Charitable activities
Grants
3(a) & 3(d)
Activities directly relating to the work
of the church
3(b) & 3(e)
Church management & administration 3(c) & 3(f)
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE TRANSFERS
**TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS**
10
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1 JANUARY
10
**BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD**
**AT 31 DECEMBER**
10|**Unrestricted Funds**
**General**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
147,754
3,679
8,281
75,583
3
887
156,038
80,149
-
14,000
102,980
84,048
20,111
-
123,091
98,048
32,947
(17,899)
(14,776)
16,816
18,171
(1,083)
27,414
112,517
45,585
111,434|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
23,141
-
1,483
24,624
6,428
18,718
-
25,146
(522)
(2,040)
(2,562)
121,565
119,003|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
174,574
258,931
83,864
106,420
2,373
2,511
260,811
367,862
20,428
14,000
205,746
244,616
20,111
18,715
246,285
277,331
14,526
90,531
-
-
14,526
90,531
261,496
170,965
276,022
261,496|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
174,574
258,931
83,864
106,420
2,373
2,511
260,811
367,862
20,428
14,000
205,746
244,616
20,111
18,715
246,285
277,331
14,526
90,531
-
-
14,526
90,531
261,496
170,965
276,022
261,496|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||367,862|
|||||14,000
244,616
18,715|
|||||277,331|
|||||90,531
-|
|||||90,531
170,965|
|||||261,496|
The comparatives funds are shown in note 5
The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above. All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719**
## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025**
|**Note**
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Short term deposits
CBF - PCC Deposit
CBF - Educational Foundation
CBF - Mission Fund
Cash in Hand
Co-operative Bank Current Account
Playgroup Current Account
LIABILITIES
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL
FUNDS
Unrestricted:
General
11
Designated
11
Restricted
11|**2025**
**£**
61,953
31,938
20,497
3,289
15,297
887
94,132
68,155
234,195
(20,126)
214,069
276,022
45,585
111,434
119,003
276,022|**2024**
**£**
59,913
40,987
19,610
3,122
13,981
628
80,547
46,774|
|---|---|---|
|||205,649
(4,066)
201,583
261,496|
|||27,414
112,517
121,565|
|||261,496|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 13th July 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Tim Mizen Churchwarden
Philip May Churchwarden
The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except where otherwise stated in the accounting policy note) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The charity is a public benefit entity.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Church's ability to continue as a going concern because over 75% of its unrestricted income is made up of giving by standing order and associated Gift Aid recovered, which reflects an ongoing commitment to continue giving in future. Any future increases to giving may well be impacted by the general cost-of-living increases in the economy, and there are always uncertainties with church members leaving membership of the church.
## **Funds**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
Restricted funds are those given by the donor and specified only to be used for specific purposes.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
## **Income**
## _Voluntary income and capital sources_
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.
Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.
Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.
## _Other ordinary income_
Rental income from the letting of church premises is accounted for when the rental is due.
_Income from investments_
Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable.
## **Expenditure**
## _Grants_
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
## _Activities directly related to the work of the Church_
The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when payable. Any Parish Share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.
## _Governance_
Governance costs represent the expenditure related to statutory requirements such as audit or independent examination and legal advice. They have been included within support costs relating to charitable activities.
## **Assets**
## _Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings_
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.
No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.
## _Expenditure on the church building_
During 2017 and 2018 the PCC undertook significant improvements to the entrance porch and ground-level hall. The PCC considers that the improvements are of a lasting nature and do not require depreciating. Any repairs to the building are expensed, as incurred.
## _Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment_
Equipment used within the church premises, costing less than £10,000, is expensed in the year in which it is incurred, for clarity. Any equipment above this limit is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years.
## _Investments_
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.
## _Current assets_
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
## _Creditors_
Creditors are measured at the settlement amount less any trade discounts.
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**2.**
**INCOME**
2(a) _Donations and legacies_
Standing Orders
Envelopes
CAF donations
Income tax recoverable on
Standing Orders, Envelopes,
and Sundry Donations
Cash Collections
Legacies
One-off Donations
2(b )_Charitable activities_
Church and Hall lettings
Fees
Playgroup
2(c) _Investments_
Dividends and interest
**TOTAL INCOME**|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
100,905
-
-
-
8,675
-
26,381
125
6,126
-
-
-
5,667
3,554
147,754
3,679
7,035
-
1,246
-
-
75,583
8,281
75,583
3
887
3
887
156,038
80,149|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
3,516
-
-
1,269
4,106
14,250
-
23,141
-
-
-
-
1,483
1,483
24,624|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
104,421
99,153
-
300
8,675
7,280
27,775
28,437
10,232
7,662
14,250
97,659
9,221
18,440
174,574
258,931
7,035
6,615
1,246
778
75,583
99,027
83,864
106,420
2,373
2,511
2,373
2,511
260,811
367,862|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
104,421
99,153
-
300
8,675
7,280
27,775
28,437
10,232
7,662
14,250
97,659
9,221
18,440
174,574
258,931
7,035
6,615
1,246
778
75,583
99,027
83,864
106,420
2,373
2,511
2,373
2,511
260,811
367,862|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||258,931|
|||||6,615
778
99,027|
|||||106,420|
|||||2,511|
|||||2,511|
||||||
|||||367,862|
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**2.**
**INCOME (comparatives)**
2(d) _Donations and legacies_
Standing Orders
Envelopes
CAF donations
Income tax recoverable on
Standing Orders, Envelopes,
and Sundry Donations
Cash Collections
Legacies
One-off Donations
2(e) _Charitable activities_
Church and Hall lettings
Fees
Playgroup
2(f)
_Investments_
Dividends and interest
**TOTAL INCOME**|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
95,384
-
300
-
7,280
-
27,495
-
5,632
-
-
2,000
16,484
1,956
152,575
3,956
6,615
-
778
-
-
99,027
7,393
99,027
2
988
2
988
159,970
103,971|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
3,769
-
-
942
2,030
95,659
-
102,400
-
-
-
-
1,521
1,521
103,921|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
99,153
102,061
300
670
7,280
7,439
28,437
27,642
7,662
7,791
97,659
-
18,440
40,285
258,931
185,888
6,615
8,665
778
817
99,027
92,033
106,420
101,515
2,511
1,782
2,511
1,782
367,862
289,185|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
99,153
102,061
300
670
7,280
7,439
28,437
27,642
7,662
7,791
97,659
-
18,440
40,285
258,931
185,888
6,615
8,665
778
817
99,027
92,033
106,420
101,515
2,511
1,782
2,511
1,782
367,862
289,185|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||185,888|
|||||8,665
817
92,033|
|||||101,515|
|||||1,782|
|||||1,782|
||||||
|||||289,185|
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**3. EXPENDITURE ON**
3(a) _Grants (see note 10)_
Missionary and charitable giving:
Church overseas
- missionary societies
-
2,000
- relief and development agencies
-
6,000
Home mission & other Church societies
-
6,000
-
14,000
3(b) _Activities directly relating to the work of the Church_
_Ministry:_
Diocesan Parish Share
70,500
-
Clergy expenses
382
-
Sundry Support
40
-
Playgroup:
Salaries
-
77,245
Other expenses
-
3,014
_Church running expenses:_
Heating and lighting
10,246
-
Cleaning & domestic
6,247
-
Insurance
6,449
-
Church maintenance
4,388
-
_Books & publications:_
Books & other materials
219
-
_Upkeep of services:_
Music
734
-
Altar & other requisites
544
-
_Support costs:_
Children's & Young People's Work
58
1,003
Church Events
627
-
Church meals
280
-
Equipment
499
2,786
_Governance costs:_
Independent Examiner's Fees
1,767
-
102,980
84,048
3(c) _Church Management and administration_
Bank Charges
178
-
Printing, stationery and office expenses
1,620
-
Telephone
870
-
Sundry Administrative Costs
1,869
-
Salaries
15,574
-
20,111
-
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
123,091
98,048|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
6,428
6,428
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
922
1,517
-
-
-
-
16,279
-
18,718
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,146|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
12,428
6,000
20,428
14,000
70,500
84,593
382
102
40
10
77,245
83,207
3,014
2,220
10,246
10,551
6,247
6,311
6,449
5,750
5,310
45,704
1,736
109
734
1,469
544
251
1,061
548
627
611
280
415
19,564
1,063
1,767
1,702
205,746
244,616
178
67
1,620
1,185
870
755
1,869
1,784
15,574
14,924
20,111
18,715
246,285
277,331|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
12,428
6,000
20,428
14,000
70,500
84,593
382
102
40
10
77,245
83,207
3,014
2,220
10,246
10,551
6,247
6,311
6,449
5,750
5,310
45,704
1,736
109
734
1,469
544
251
1,061
548
627
611
280
415
19,564
1,063
1,767
1,702
205,746
244,616
178
67
1,620
1,185
870
755
1,869
1,784
15,574
14,924
20,111
18,715
246,285
277,331|
|---|---|---|---|
||||14,000|
||||84,593
102
10
83,207
2,220
10,551
6,311
5,750
45,704
109
1,469
251
548
611
415
1,063
1,702|
||||244,616|
||||67
1,185
755
1,784
14,924|
||||18,715|
|||||
||||277,331|
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**Unrestricted**
**General**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**3. EXPENDITURE ON (comparatives)**
3(d) _Grants_
Missionary and charitable giving:
Church overseas
- missionary societies
-
2,000
- relief and development agencies
-
6,000
Home mission & other Church societies
-
6,000
-
14,000
3(e) _Activities directly relating to the work of the Church_
_Ministry:_
Diocesan Parish Share
84,593
-
Incumbent's expenses
102
-
Sundry Support
10
-
Assistant Staff (Children & Youth work) :
Salary
-
-
Playgroup:
Salaries
-
83,207
Other expenses
-
2,220
_Church running expenses:_
Heating and lighting
10,551
-
Cleaning & domestic
6,311
-
Insurance
5,750
-
Church maintenance
5,408
40,296
_Books & publications:_
Books & other materials
109
-
_Upkeep of services:_
Music
1,469
-
Altar & other requisites
251
-
_Support costs:_
Training
-
-
Children's & Young People's Work
85
463
Church Events
611
-
Church meals
415
-
Equipment
803
260
_Governance costs:_
Independent Examiner's Fees
1,702
-
118,170
126,446
3(f)
_Church Management and administration_
Bank Charges
67
-
Printing, stationery and office expenses
1,145
40
Telephone
755
-
Sundry Administrative Costs
1,784
-
Salaries
14,924
-
18,675
40
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
136,845
140,486|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
14,000
14,000
84,593
83,646
102
1195
10
10
-
19,126
83,207
81,762
2,220
3,374
10,551
14,169
6,311
5,305
5,750
5,562
45,704
7,721
109
285
1,469
1,311
251
144
-
140
548
914
611
380
415
532
1,063
4,034
1,702
1,508
244,616
231,118
67
86
1,185
906
755
947
1,784
1,740
14,924
14,489
18,715
18,168
277,331
263,286|**TOTAL FUNDS**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
14,000
14,000
84,593
83,646
102
1195
10
10
-
19,126
83,207
81,762
2,220
3,374
10,551
14,169
6,311
5,305
5,750
5,562
45,704
7,721
109
285
1,469
1,311
251
144
-
140
548
914
611
380
415
532
1,063
4,034
1,702
1,508
244,616
231,118
67
86
1,185
906
755
947
1,784
1,740
14,924
14,489
18,715
18,168
277,331
263,286|
|---|---|---|---|
||||14,000|
||||83,646
1195
10
19,126
81,762
3,374
14,169
5,305
5,562
7,721
285
1,311
144
140
914
380
532
4,034
1,508|
||||231,118|
||||86
906
947
1,740
14,489|
||||18,168|
|||||
||||263,286|
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
|**4.**
**STAFF COSTS**
Wages & Salaries
Employer's National Insurance contributions
Employer's Pension Contributions|**2025**
**£**
89,675
448
2,696
92,819|**2024**
**£**
94,463
841
2,827|
|---|---|---|
|||98,131|
No employee was paid more than £60,000 per annum and no members of staff received any monetary benefit, other than statutory employer pension contributions at the minimum statutory rate, during the current or previous year. The Incumbent, who is a Trustee, was paid £nil in expenses (2024: £nil) and no other Trustees were paid any expenses, during the current or previous year.
The average number of staff, paid by the PCC and employed during the year, was as follows:
|Playgroup
Administration (Office Administrator)
Cleaner
Total|**2025**
4.67
1.00
-
5.67|**2024**
5.00
1.00
0.33|
|---|---|---|
|||6.33|
The PCC delegates the day-to-day running of St Matthews to the staff team which consists of the above staff (excluding Playgroup), working under the line management of the Incumbent, and the Assistant Curates. In addition, the Churchwardens are closely involved in various day-to-day matters, where required. The total amount of salaries and benefits received by key management personnel was £40,358 (2024: £40,337).
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **5. COMPARATIVE FUNDS**
|**INCOME FROM**
Donations and Legacies
Charitable Activities
Investments
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Charitable activities
Grants
Activities directly relating to the work of
the church
Church management & administration
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
NET EXPENDITURE BEFORE TRANSFERS
**TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY
**BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER**|**General**
**Fund**
**£**
152,575
7,393
2
159,970
-
118,170
18,675
136,845
23,125
(15,257)
7,868
19,546
27,414|**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
3,956
99,027
988
103,971
14,000
126,446
40
140,486
(36,515)
15,257
(21,258)
133,775
112,517|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
102,400
-
1,521
103,921
-
-
-
-
103,921
-
103,921
17,644
121,565|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
258,931
106,420
2,511|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||367,862|
|||||14,000
244,616
18,715|
|||||277,331|
|||||90,531
-|
|||||90,531
170,965|
|||||261,496|
## **6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**
The Vicar is remunerated by the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance, to which Parish Share is paid. No member of the PCC received any payment during the year.
During 2025 donations received (excluding gift aid recovered) from PCC members and their close family members (spouses, parents, siblings, and children) was £35,278 (2024: £32,110). The decrease was a result of both changes in PCC membership and changes in individual giving by some PCC members.
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **7. FIXED ASSETS**
|**FIXED ASSETS**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Cost**
At 1 January 2025
Additions
At 31 December 2025
**Net book value**
**At 31 December 2025**
**At 31 December 2024**|**2025**
**£**
59,913
2,040
61,953
61,953
59,913|**2024**
**£**
59,913
-|
|||59,913|
||||
|||59,913|
|||59,913|
The additions in 2025 were expenditure incurred on a replacement projector and the screen system in the church, funded from specific legacy funds for the fabric of the building.
## **8. DEBTORS**
|Income tax recoverable
Accrued income
Other debtors
Prepayments|**2025**
**£**
27,867
-
1,426
2,645
31,938|**2024**
**£**
35,240
3,365
199
2,183|
|---|---|---|
|||40,987|
There were no capital commitments at 31st December 2024 or 31st December 2025.
## **9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|Other creditors
Deferred Income|**2025**
**£**
20,126
15,932
20,126|**2024**
**£**
4,066
-|
|---|---|---|
|||4,066|
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **10. FUND DETAILS**
The Restricted funds comprise:
- a) The Special Collections Fund (Restricted) relates to funds raised at special collections to support the work of certain individuals, societies and agencies.
- b) The Youth Worker Fund (Restricted) holds monies collected for application in the area of youth work and to fund a youth worker.
- c) The Educational Foundation (Restricted) holds monies on deposit with the Central Board of Finance under certain historic trusts (trustees including City Council representation) relating to the parish of Kingsdown. Income is in the form of dividends and interest.
- d) The St Matthews Mission Fund (Restricted) is monies held on deposit with the Central Board of Finance under a trust relating to mission within the parish of Kingsdown.
- e) Legacies (Restricted) are monies received as legacy donations, for specified applications as to how the funds can be used.
- f) The Playgroup Fund (Restricted) relates to revenues from the Local Education Authority.
Restricted Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:
|Special collections
Youth Worker
Educational Foundation
St Matthews Mission
Legacies|**Balance**
**at 1.1.25**
**£**
7,377
6,909
3,122
8,498
95,659
121,565|**Income**
**£**
4,496
4,395
167
1,316
14,250
24,624|**Transfers to**
**General**
**Fund**
**£**
-
-
-
-
(2,040)
(2,040)|**Expenditure**
**Balance**
**at**
**31.12.25**
**£**
**£**
(6,428)
5,445
-
11,304
-
3,289
-
9,814
(18,718)
89,151
(25,146)
119,003|
|---|---|---|---|---|
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **10. FUND DETAILS (continued)**
The designated funds comprise those funds where the PCC has decided to put monies aside for administrative purposes only. Such monies may be redesignated at the discretion of the PCC.
## The Designated funds comprise: a) The Mission Fund holds funds specifically designated for external mission.
- b) The Building Fund holds funds designated for upkeep of the church building.
- c) The Fixed Asset NBV Fund represents past expenditure on changes and improvements to the church building, funded from the Legacy Fund and General reserves.
d) The Legacies Fund holds the balance of funds remaining on legacies received, where the donor has not restricted their use but the PCC wishes to ensure they are used for specific purposes and not general day-to-day expenditure, typically something of a lasting nature.
- e) The Eco Fund holds the balance of funds raised from various events run by the Eco Group and funds can be used for purposes consistent with its purpose
- f) The Toddler Funds holds funds raised from donations, designated to be spent on Toddler activities.
- g) The Playgroup Fund holds the balance of income from parents and expenditure on childcare activity.
Designated Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:
|Mission Fund
Building Fund
Fixed Asset NBV
Legacies
Eco Fund
Toddlers
Playgroup|**Balance**
**at 1.1.25**
**£**
2,870
6,344
59,913
20,656
1,206
5,177
16,351
112,517|**Income**
**£**
-
1,512
-
-
1,178
1,876
75,583
80,149|**Transfers**
**from/(to)**
**General**
**Fund**
**£**
14,776
-
2,040
-
-
-
-
16,816|**Expenditure**
**£**
(14,000)
(2,168)
-
-
(618)
(1,003)
(80,259)
(98,048)|**Balance**
**at**
**31.12.25**
**£**
3,646
5,688
61,953
20,656
1,766
6,050
11,675|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||111,434|
The Missions Group allocated £14,000 in grants this year, allocating to overseas mission societies and individuals: £2,000 to each of the Busoga Trust, Crosslink, Friends of Alalay, and FFRME, plus to home missions: £2,000 to each of Changing Tunes, CPAS, and the Sisters of the Church.
The balance of the Mission Fund is reviewed on an annual basis by the Mission Committee. The Transfer of £14,776 from the General Fund follows a policy, set by the PCC, of allocating 10% of General Giving to mission support.
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **10. FUND DETAILS (comparative year: 2024)**
Restricted Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:
|Special collections
Youth Worker
Educational Foundation
St Matthews Mission
Legacies|**Balance**
**at 1.1.24**
**£**
5,347
2,198
2,940
7,159
-
17,644|**Income**
**£**
2,030
4,711
182
1,339
95,659
103,921|**Transfers to**
**General**
**Fund**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-|**Expenditure**
**Balance**
**at**
**31.12.24**
**£**
**£**
-
7,377
-
6,909
-
3,122
-
8,498
-
95,659
-
121,565|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The designated funds comprise those funds where the PCC has decided to put monies aside for administrative purposes only. Such monies may be redesignated at the discretion of the PCC.
Designated Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:
|Mission Fund
Building Fund
Fixed Asset NBV
Legacies
Eco Fund
Toddlers
Playgroup|**Balance**
**at 1.1.24**
**£**
1,613
45,652
59,913
18,656
960
4,230
2,751
133,775|**Income**
**£**
-
988
-
2,000
546
1,410
99,027
103,971|**Transfers**
**from/(to)**
**General**
**Fund**
**£**
15,257
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,257|**Expenditure**
**Balance**
**at**
**31.12.24**
**£**
**£**
(14,000)
2,870
(40,296)
6,344
-
59,913
-
20,656
(300)
1,206
(463)
5,177
(85,427)
16,351
(140,486)
112,517|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Missions Group allocated £14,000 in grants this year, allocating to overseas mission societies and individuals: £2,000 to each of the Busoga Trust, Crosslink, Friends of Alalay, and FFRME, plus to home missions: £2,000 to each of Changing Tunes, CPAS, and the Sisters of the Church.
The balance of the Mission Fund is reviewed on an annual basis by the Mission Committee. The Transfer of £15,257 from the General Fund follows a policy, set by the PCC, of allocating 10% of General Giving to mission support.
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2025**
## **11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS**
|**Fixed Assets**
**Net assets**|**Unrestricted Funds**
**General**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total**
**2025**
-
61,953
-
61,953
45,585
49,481
119,003
214,069|
|---|---|
||45,585
111,434
119,003
276,022|
|**Fixed Assets**
**Net assets**|**Unrestricted Funds**
**General**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total**
**2024**
-
59,913
-
59,913
27,414
52,604
121,565
201,583|
|---|---|
||27,414
112,517
121,565
261,496|
## **12. INVESTMENTS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES**
The incumbent and wardens are administrative trustees of the following investments held with the Central Board of Finance:
|||Market Value|Market Value||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**2025**|**2024**||
|||£|£||
|54|CBF Fixed Interest Fund Shares||83|81|
|40|CBF Investment Fund Shares||888|925|
Income from these investments is applied to the church's General Fund.
The incumbent and wardens, together with City Council representatives, are trustees of an Educational Foundation associated with the parish of St.Matthews, Kingsdown. It holds 1,054 income shares in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund, with a market value of £23,397 at 31st December 2025 (2024: £24,371).
This Educational Foundation does not form part of the assets under the direct ownership and control of the PCC.
## 13 **POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENT**
In May 2026 the PCC confirmed that St Matthew's Playgroup would be closing at the end of the summer term in 2026. As a result of this decision, staff were serviced notice of termination of their employment contracts and redundancy payments would be paid. The cost of redundancy payments, covered from reserves of the charity, were quantified at £39,492.