The Parish of Central Exeter
Churches of St Mary Arches, 5t Olave, St Pancras, St Petrock, St Stephen
Giving breathing spa¢e; Livlng the values; Engaging with the clty
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of
Central Exeter
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 December 2024.

Intnxlurtion to 2024 Annual Re
rt
There contlnues to be change within the shopping facllities along the High Street and within
the city centre generally. We see the ongoing march of coffee shops and eateries as more
people shop online. There is also a growth in rented housin& mainly for students.
As a parish we are acutely aware of the ever-changing pattern of activity within the city
centre and try to provide some sense of long-term continuity through the continuing
presence of our medieval churches- which are themselves important features of the city
landscape.
Administrative Information
The Parish of Central Exeter is a charity which is registered with the Charity Commissioners,
number 1134851. It is part of the Diocese of Exeter within the Church of England. The
correspondence address is Parish Administrator, 3, Blackthorn Way, Cullompton EX15 IQH.
Parfsh Churches
St Stephen. High Street, Exeter EX4 3LN
Daughter Churches
St Mary Arches, Mary Arches Street,
Exeter EX4 3BA
St Pancras, Guildhall Centre,
Exeter EX4 3HW
St Petrock. High Street, Exeter EX4 3DT
St Olave, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT
Team Rector
Revd Sheila Swarbrick
Mlnistry Team
Revd Sheila Swarbrick, 7 Lower Kings Avenue, Exeter EX4 6JT
Bank
Lloyds Bank. High Street, Exeter, EX4 3NL
Independent Examiner
Simon Gay. 14A, Church Road, St Thomas, Exeter EX2 9AY
Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
in accordance with the Church Representation rules.
PCC members who have serrfed from l January 2024 until the date that this report was
approved are:

Mlnlstry Team: Revd Sheila Swarbrick
Chalr: Revd Sheila Swarbrick
The Churchwardens: Keith Walton, Betsy Allen
Representatives of Deanery Synod: Jessica Claridge, Celia Smith
The Elected Members from 2022: Richard Skinner, Viv Asher,
The Eletted Members from 2023 Helen Evans, Claire Mayer
(There were no elections in 2024)
The following offlcers were appointed:
Treasurer: Sean Swarbrick
Secretary: Mary Keaney
Structure Governance and Mana
ement
Commlttees
The Planning Committee (Clergy, Churchwardens) meets in between full PCC meetings.
Other ad hoc committees and working groups are created and terminated as needed.
The full PCC met for ordinary meetings four times during the year, all being face to face. The
average attendance was 80%.
Aim and Pu
oses
Statement
'The PCC is required. as ststed in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1966, to
co-operate with the Parish Priest. in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the church,
pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical,.
Ob'ectives and Activities
The Parish's vision, goals and actions are stated in full in the Mission Action Plan.
Vlslon
Being part of God's mission of love and reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ. we are
comrnitted to:
Giving breathing space
Living the values
Engaging with the City
(Continues)

Objectlves (goals)
We will achieve our vision by working together with others as we pursue the following goals:
To attract more people to enter and use our churches and find it a positive experience;
To encourage visitors, church members and church users on their spiritual jou rney.
challenging towards deeper levels of Christian commitment;
To meet our on-going parish commitments, seeking efficient and effectlve use of our
resources with other Anglican or Ecumenical colleagues.
In carrying out their work the Trustees take due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance
on public benefit.
Continuing Activities
We have been able to keep all our churches open on weekdays and for the now established
pattem of services at St Stephen's on the first, third and fifth Sunday of each month, St
Pancras on the second, and St Olave on the fourth. We discontinued the use of parish zoorn
meetings on the second Sunday of the month as with the prepared worship sheets on those
days.
The lunchtime service of Communion in St Pancras has been maintained rnonthly on
Thursdays at 12.00.
Voluntary organisations are able to use the churches for approved purposes on request and
subject to terms and conditions.
Continuing activities (rnaintained in various formats throughout the year) include:
Variety of worship services as outlined above.
Lent Groups
Summer concerts and other music activities
Exhibitions
'Inner Room, poetry workshops
Use of the parish website to communicate with and provide support to the parish
members and the general public.
Jewish Circle Dancing
Prayers round the Cross bi-monthly
Seeking Silence
Book Club
(Continues)

Achlevements and Performance
Church Attendance
There are 36 Parishioners on the church electoral roll of which 34 are not resident within the
Parish. Average Sunday attendance in-church Is about 19, Attendance in-church at Easter
2024 was 28 and 20 on Christmas Day.
Community use of Churches
St Stephen's continues to be the main church for community use. During the autumn of
2024 Safe Space, which had been on hold during the earlier part of the year awaiting
further funding, was able to restart in this church.
Safe Space serves three main purposes - light medical treatment like cuts. sprains, recovery.
blisters. welfare support like counsellin& phone chargin& water, safety alarms, bottle tops,
change of clothes and a safe and warm place to wait for transport home.
We have also seen a continued steady use of St Stephen's by Exeter Network Church. of St
Stephen's and St Pancras by the Russian and Romanian Orthodox churches.
St Petrock's continues to host support group meetings. the Exeter Guild of Bell-ringers plus
their library, and we have developed a regular programme of exhibitions. With the main
body of the Quire in Exeter Cathedral being out of use for renovation and excavation, the
Dean and Chapter have been using St PetrOc￿S for daily moming prayer and eucharist and
St Pancras for a weekly communion service lunchtime on Wednesdays.
St Pancras is on the register of Small Pilgrim Places and is open daily for private prayer, with
monthly BCP Communion and monthly shortened lunchtlme Communion services. Seeking
Silence continues as a monthly time of meditation on the first Wednesday of the month.
St Olave's is the church used least by the community. largely because of its fixed pews.
In total in our churches we hosted over 500 separate events including worship services, Blble
study. prayer meetings, support groups. concerts and coffee mornings.
St Mary Arches is now leased to Unlimited Church - the Diocesan youth church and holds a
number of activities to attract young people.
(Contlnuesl

Parish Actlvltles
The basic pattern of services remained unchanged in 2024.
We supported the Fore Street Flea Market with St Olave's taking part in this event. The
Christmas St Nids Fayre was also able to take place as a parish f undraiser.
The Inner Room, launched in 2020 as a parish outreach project, has continued to flourish
with a mixture of face to face and zoom activitie5. The Room to Write events which give
participants prompts to write poetry is now self-contained without needing regular input
from Helen Evans - the project champion. We are delighted to have been able to run live
events in St Stephens and St Olaves, giving opportunity to create poems using vlsual prompts.
Our Facebook page is continually updated along with the website.
We continue to support the Exeter Community Initiative, St Petrock's Centre for the
Homeless. and the Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy, as well as a programme of monthly giving
to selected local, national and international charities.
We are ensuring that members of the PCC receive appropriate Safeguarding clearances and
training to their level of involvement in the Parish.
We are conscious that our membership demographic is getting older and sadly we saw the
death of four of our stalwart members, Revd Dr Bob Burn, Sue Blow, Caroline Cornish and
John Dobson during the year. Whilst the Parish is relatively secure flnancially, the number of
people available or able to assist in preparing the church and assisting in the services is a
concem. This situation is not unique to our parish and is a matter of concern to the whole
Diocese.
Church Buildings.
The PCC has continued to undertake all the necessary repair and maintenance of the
churches in the Parish, mostly resulting from normal wear and tear, pests and occasional
abuse or vandalisrn.
Following the resignation of Jeremy Chadburn as our architect we have appointed Michila
Wilks to this post.
The quinquennial survey of St Pancras has taken place.
(Continues1

Links with other churches/organlsatlons
The Parish continues to be involved with the Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy. The Revd Shella
Swarbrick has continued to provide a vital link between the parlsh and other churches in the
centre of Exeter and Diocese at all levels both fonnally and informally.
Policy
The PCC is kept abreast of Parish responsibilities under the Safeguarding legislation by our
designated representative. We have taken due regard to the guidance issued by the House
of Bishops on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. The
churchwardens and PCC members have completed their required Safeguarding Training. A
Safeguarding policy document is in place. We have a Health and Safety Officer and our H&5
policy is reviewed as necessary. We introduced a Data Security policy and have issued
appropriate privacy notices and received and recorded consents for use of data as required
by the General Personal Dats Regulations.
Flnancial Revlew
The totsl income for the Parish in 2024 was £64,140 representing income derived from
'normal' parish activities. Expenditure of £70,665 gave us a deficit of £6,525
The target parish (unrestricted) income budget for 2025 has been agreed by the PCC at
£55,000.
Reserves Policy
In 2013 the PCC agreed to a reserves policy of 4 times the monthly average expenditure,
which equates to £23,500 for 2025
Approved by the PCC on l)ate and signed on their behalf by:
Sheila Swarbrick PCC Chair
(Continues)

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Central Exeter
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Note £
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Prev Year
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income
Activitles for generating funds
Income from savings
Church Artivities
2(a)
2{b)
21c)
2(d)
42,065
2.505
984
18,586
42,065
2,505
37,278
1,888
579
33,873
18,586
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
64, 140
64,140
73.588
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Church Activities
Fund-raising trading costs
Governance Costs
3(a)
31b)
3(c}
70,665
70,665
53,215
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
70,665
70,665
53,215
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
-6,525
4.525
20,373
Transfers between funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUND5
-6,525
4,525
20,373
BALANCES BIFWD start of year
65,497
8.728
74,225
53,851
BALANCES C/FWD end of period
58,972
8,728
67,700
77,224
(Continues)

The Parochial Church Councll of the Parlsh of Central Exeter
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Totsi
Funds
Total Funds
Prev Year
FIXED ASSETS
TanBible assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Deposit account
Shared Interest Account
Cash at bank
1452
19,429
5,047
33,044
58.972
1.452
19.429
5.047
4L772
67.700
1,650
18,450
5,042
49,082
74,224
8,728
8,728
LIABiirriES
Creditors: all amounts falling due
in one year
Total ussets less current Ilobllities
58,972
8,728
67,7
74,224
TOTAL NET ASSETS
58,972
8,728
67,700
74.224
REPRESENfED BY
Unrestrlcted Funds
Restritted Funds
58,972
54972
8.728
67,700
65,497
8,727
74,224
8.728
58.972
8.728
(Continues)

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Central Exeter
Notesto the Finanaal Staternents for the Year Ending 31 December 2024
and forming an Integral part of the statements.
l Accounting policies
Basls of financlal statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting regulations
2006 in accordance with applicable accounting stsndards and the current ststement of
Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities {SORP 2005).
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the
financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is
responsible in law.
(a) Funds
The General Fund represents 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.
Designated are general funds set aside by the PCC for use in the future and remain
u nrestricted.
Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for a specific purpose, the
use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
(b) Incoming resources
Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Income tax
recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and
legacies to the PCC a re accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement.
the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.
Funds raised by fundraising events are accounted for gross.
Income received from use of PCC property is on a voluntary basis dependent on the ability
to pay and therefore accounted for only when re￿ived.
(c) Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing
the charity to the expenditure. The Common Fund contribution is accounted for when
paid.
(Contlnues)
10

(d) Fixed Assets
Consecrated and beneficed property is not included in the accounts In accordance with
s.10(2){a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Incumbent and Churchwardens on special trust for
the PCC and require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed In the church's
inventory. For anything acquired prior to 2(KIO there is insufflcient information available
and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.
Unrestricted
Funds
Restrltted
Funds
Totsl
Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES
21a) Voluntsry Income
Tax efflcient planned giving
Collection5 (open platel
Recurring donations
Non recurring donations
Tax recoverable on planned & non
recurring donations
Recurring grants
Other grants
8477
874
8,477
874
2,995
2995
4W3
2461
23255
3,461
23.225
42065
42.065
2(b) Actlvltles for Generating funds
Fund-raising
2505
2,505
2,505
2505
21¢) Income from savln8S
Interest from deposit account
Interest from Shared Interest Acc
979
2{dl Income from church artlvltles
Use of church buildings- local
community
Other
Fees retained
15930
2386
270
15.930
1386
270
18586
18,586
2{e) Other IncomlnE resources
Miscellaneous
Total Incoming Resources
64,140
li

RESOURCES EXPENDED
3(a) Churth Activltles
Mlssionary and charltable 8ivlng
Overseas missionlaid
Local charities
UK & International charities
635
63S
1.290
470
470
2,395
Ministy.. DI0￿San parish share
Clergy expenses
Cost of services
Church upkeep & maintenan
Utllltles
Administration
Miscellaneuus
Fumiture & fittings
Depreclatlon
10757
10,757
6922
27690
12 525
7969
2407
6,922
27,690
12,525
7,969
2,407
70665
70,665
31b) Fund-ra151ng tradlng costs
31cl Govemance costs
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
70.665
The PCC does not employ any staff and has not made any payments to PCC members for remuneration.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSEf5 NIA
un￿$tritted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
DEBTORS
Tax recoverable
Other debtors
Prepayment5 and accrued Income
1,452
L452
1452
£452
UABIUTIES
Payments held on trust for ch3fities
Creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
12

REsfRicfED FUNDS
Churches
U keep Fund
Fund Movements
Total funds
Balance at Istjanuary
Incoming Resources
Resources Expended
Funds Transfer
Balan￿ at 315t December
8,728
8,728
8,728
8,728
Net assets of restrkted funds
Tangible fixed assets
Tax recoverable
Accrued Income
Deposlt account
current account
liabilltles (all wlthin one year)
8,728
8,728
8,728
8,728
9 Explanatlon of Restrlrted Funds
The Churches Upkeep Fund is a restricted fund for donations and grants given to the Parish
specifically for the upkeep of the churches for which the PCC is responsible and would include
running costs and repair and maintenance.
Approved by the PCC on
Q o Zb
and signed on its behalf by
Sheila Swarbrick (Chairman)
Sean Swarbrick (Treasurer)
13

DIOCESE
OFEXETER
Independent Examiner's Certificate
forthe PCC Accounts
THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND
IN DEVON
Report to the trustees of".
Parochlal Church Council
On accounts for the year ended..
Charity Number (if applicable):
1134851
Rèspeciive responsibilities The charivs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts Th8
of Iruslees and examlner tharity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under sedion
144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Chaiities AGtI and Ihat an independent
e￿￿MinatiOn is needed.
11 is my responsibility to=
examine the accounts under sectlon 145 of the Charilies A¢
to fr>llow the prc¢edures taid down in Ihe general Oire¢tion$ gwen by tt
Ch*rty CoMmiss￿¢n {under seth.on 14515)(b) of the Charities Act. and
to state whether parti(yJlar matters have come to my attenton.
Basis of independent My examination was carri8d out in accordance with general t)irections given by Ihe
examinefs statement Charity Commission. An examination indudes a Teview of the accounting records
kept by the chaiity and a comparison of the accounts presented wrth those records.
It also inpjudes consideralion of any unusual items OT disclosures in the a(XI￿nts,
and seeking explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The
procedures undertaken do not provKle 811 the evKlence that would be required in an
audit. and consequ&nt]y no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a
'true and fairf VEW and the report is limrted lo those matters set out in the statThnt
below.
Independent examinerfs In conneciion with my examination, no matter has conie to my attention (other than
statement that disdosed below
1. which gives me reasonable eAuse to believe that wi. any material respect, the
requirements..
to keep accounting records in awdance w.tth section 130 of the Charitses
A¢ and
to pr8par8 acccAJnls which accord wrth the accounting ￿OrdS and comply
with the aLtounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met or
2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding ot the accounts to be reached.
. Please delete the words in the breckets rfthey do not apply.
Signed:
Date:
Name:
Relevant professlonal
qualifKation{s) or body (rf
any):
Address: