2024-12-31-accounts - Dorcan Church Swindon

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REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR AND COMMUNITY CENTRE OPERATIONAL MANAGER

I have now spent three years as Church Administrator and two years as the Community Centre Operational Manager. Both of these roles are still running smoothly together, and I no longer feel like a newcomer. I have developed a clearer understanding of my responsibilities and how things are meant to operate. I have even got to know a number of you face to face, which has been rather nice.

Last year presented several challenges and changes within the Church and its building, but through prayer and patience, we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Money raised for the roof and watching the signing of the LECS was a particular highlight and a privilege to witness.

By taking on administrative tasks for various individuals and groups within the Church. I’m able to free up their time which enables them to focus on their own ministries and better serve our community.

Hall bookings continue to grow and we have something on every single day, some days having multiple events. Children’s birthday parties are particularly popular on the weekends, and we have also received a few bookings for training sessions. However, these events rely on a dedicated team of volunteers who help open and close the hall. Without this amazing team, these events would not be possible, so I want to extend a huge thank you to all of you who give up your free time to support our community centre. Your contributions are genuinely appreciated. I look forward to seeing what this year brings. Blessings in abundance!

Building God’s House

Knowing Jesus Knowing Jesus

and making Him known and making Him known Transforming Lives and Transforming Lives and Communities Communities

Maggie Johnson

*CAN oy Annual Annual e 2 Report Report eee ‘< 2024 2024 2024 Annual Report

2024 Annual Report

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CiD’s Café Too

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These pages represent our report to The Charity Commission in a format and with content as required for charities with an income greater than £100,000

Ecumenical Church Council formally approved the report on 29th April 2025

Pages 24-32 These pages celebrate the mission and ministry of The Dorcan Church and are reports that have been offered by the Church family.

We have continued with the pattern established last year of it being a coffee morning aimed at older adults, meeting every Tuesday at St Timothy’s from 10am12 noon. This is proving to be a valuable space providing support and company for a number of people. Numbers vary, but are usually between 10-15. We do sometimes have children coming along during the school holidays, and open up the Church at those times to provide a space for them to play.

We are very pleased that we have been able to welcome some new volunteers to join the team of helpers during the year, and that for some it has provided a way into deeper involvement with the Church and exploration of faith. As ever, we are extremely grateful to those volunteers who regularly support the coffee morning, it couldn’t run without them. If you feel that this is something you could offer to help with, please speak to Stephen or Trudie. You need to be available for about three hours approximately once a month, and have the ability to make tea and coffee, cut up cake, and chat. Deacon Stephen Roe

THE FOOD COLLECTIVE

We opened the Distribution Centre at St Timothy's in July 2022 and started with 12 volunteers. We are now in the first two months of 2025 /26. Paul as team leader/manager, and Angela Roe as deputy team leader. The number of referrals has been steady, although numbers shot up at the week before Christmas where we fed 30 people (that is adults and children combined). Since the start of this year we are steady, with two to four referrals each week.

We have lost a number of volunteers attending each week and reduced them to three to each session due to the low number of clients we are receiving, although signs are showing we are beginning to see a slight increase, as the referrals are realising that we are actually here at Liden and their clients don't have to go into town to get food, when they live this end of Dorcan.

We do receive clients from further afield, due to their need, and we are the only centre open Friday mornings. Numbers rise occasionally if a family is large in people, as many as six or seven. So, signs are encouraging going forward, with God's help. I, on behalf of Swindon Food Collective, wish to thank all our volunteers, the church council and the clergy. For their continued support of their time and personage in the outreach to the community and wider Swindon area of those in need of support. Thank you. Paul Tayler Team Leader /Manager

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members of other Churches in Parks and Walcot and eventually after advertising, a few non churchgoers also joined. Queens Drive Church closed in 2016 and for a while the group met in the lounge area at George Hall Court in Cavendish Square, but gaining access became very difficult. In 2018 the Dorcan Church was approached through Andrew Wigley who was of course the Minister at Queens Drive when the group started. We are very grateful that they agreed to allow us to meet at St Timothy’s.

There are currently 16 registered members, 5 of whom are from the original group. We meet on the first Monday each month and we do knit as well as chat and have tea and cake. Items are taken to three places – Edgehill Care Home, who also share items with other care homes in Swindon; the Salvation Army, and a charity which delivers clothing to Eastern European countries. In 2024 we donated 167 items of baby clothes and 24 children’s jumpers. Adult items were 72 hats, 12 scarves, 40 pairs of fingerless gloves, 15 pairs of mittens, 35 muffs, 7 cowls, 7 small blankets and 8 large blankets. Most of the wool we use is donated and if you look for our advert in the Handy Mag you can find out how to donate any wool you have spare or any knitting you do at home if you don’t want to come to the meetings. Brenda Phillips

CiD’S CAFÉ and CiD’S CAFÉ TOO (Café In Dorcan)

CiD’s Café

Twelve months ago, I wrote a report for the 2024 AGM saying how I felt that CiD’s Café at St. Paul’s was such a success, allowing people to make new friends over a cup of tea/coffee etc. I had found many new friends myself and felt uplifted by the way people appreciated what we were doing for them. But what joy we have experienced this year after moving from the small hall into the large hall. It does get very busy as we now have more visitors than we could ever have accommodated in the small hall. However, the chatter, laughter and general feeling of friendship is something that is very precious to me, and I am sure other helpers feel the same way. Most of the people that come only have very slight or no connection at all with the church, showing that this is a very real and very welcome outreach for the local community.

A few people recently have spoken to me about their personal problems. Whilst I cannot of course discuss any of this, it shows that we are trusted and people believe they can depend on us. With God’s blessing, I believe we will continue to grow over the coming year, not just in numbers but that the fellowship that has been created will prove to be sustained, supporting people possibly when they are lonely or need to be with other people for any reason.

ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31[st] December 2024 Legal and Administrative information

Chair of ECC Charity number Nathalie Marshall 1143702 6 Sutton Road Eldene SWINDON SN3 6BX

Churchwarden

Diane Killick Vacancy 15, Popplechurch Drive Covingham Swindon SN3 5DE

ECC Secretary Nicki Broom

ECC Treasurer

Mr Anthony Prichard 1, Poltondale Covingham Swindon SN3 5BN

18 Fairlawn Liden Swindon SN3 56ET

Bankers

Independent Examiner

The Co-operative Bank, PO Box 250, Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

Mr Paul J Crowley FCA Derrick Newman Limited Chartered Accountants, 29 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4AS

Church Address Details

St Pauls St Timothy’s St Paul’s Drive Grundys Covingham Liden Swindon SN3 5BY Swindon SN3 6HP

Church office at St Pauls: 01793 435987 dorcan.church.office@gmail.com www.dorcanchurch.org.uk

Colin Parsons

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House Group

THE DORCAN CHURCH

A Local Ecumenical Partnership between The Church of England & the Methodist Church Serving the Swindon urban villages of Covingham, Nythe, Liden & Eldene.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the world has been reconciled to God, and in Jesus Christ unity has been offered to all people. Through the Word, we are called into a relationship with God and with one another as the children of God – a relationship inaugurated by Baptism into Christ through the Holy Spirit, nurtured and deepened through the ministry of word and sacrament and expressed in a confession of one faith and a common life of loving service.

(From the Declaration of Intent of the Dorcan Church)

We continue to meet twice a month on a Tuesday eve at St Tim's. At the moment we are studying the book of Revelation which is challenging! This past year we have enjoyed meals out, pottery painting, crafting for the Christmas event and coordinating the angels etc to put around our Estates at Christmas!

If you are not a member of a House Group at present I would definitely recommend joining one! Deb Mulcock

Thursday evening group

We are a group of 10 people who mostly met on the 2023 lent course, and a few others who attend occasionally when work commitments allow. In 2024 we did the Lent course “The Difference Course” looking at peace making and disagreeing well, “Test Of Faith” published by the Faraday institute, looking at science and faith and the interaction between the two, and then worked our way through “The Bible Course” published by the bible society. We enjoy meeting together on a regular basis, growing in our faith and in our friendships. Nathalie Marshall

Edgehill Care Home

OUR PURPOSE

“Transforming lives and communities, Knowing Jesus, and making Him known”

OUR PICTURE OF CHURCH

“A growing and vibrant church, confident in its purpose and trusting in God”

A church which makes Jesus known A church of disciples A church in, and for, the community A church which cares

Edgehill is a Care Home situated in Liden quite close to St Tim’s. I go about once a month, usually on a Wednesday morning, and lead a half-hour service, some traditional hymns, prayers, and a reading and a reflection. There are usually about 12-15 residents attend. About once a month I also go to share Communion with a smaller number of the residents, mainly those with a Church background. This is an important part of our seeking to be presence in the community, and if anyone feels that they can come along and support this, please let me know and I will speak to the Home about the possibility . Deacon Stephen Roe

The Avalon Centre

The Avalon Centre is a rehabilitation centre for patients with severe brain trauma, typically caused by an accident or a stroke. It is situated on Edison Park (opposite Morrison’s). I go for an hour about once every couple of weeks, at a time when there are no formal sessions taking place and play Bingo and chat to some of the patients. I am also available if any of the patients or staff wish to talk about matters relating to faith, or any other subject, with someone independent from the system, but this happens very rarely. St Paul’s is also a designated Emergency Evacuation Centre for the Avalon Centre, in the unlikely event of a disaster meaning that the Centre has to be evacuated at extremely short notice. Again, this is a significant aspect of us showing that God has a concern for the community outside the Church . Deacon Stephen Roe

Knit and Chat

Knit and chat began in 2014 at Queens Drive Methodist Church when a few members arranged to meet to knit clothes for charity. We were joined by some

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Monday morning group

We are a small group of retired people who meet weekly to study the bible and pray together. Over the past year we studied The Passion for our Lent Course, and studied the gospel of Luke, Colossians and minor characters in the New Testament. The facilitation of our group has been shared for the last 10 years between Colleen Wiseman and Jenny Poole. We are still recovering from the shock of losing Colleen last October after a sudden short illness caused by a brain tumour. Pam Wood has kindly stepped in to take her place as co-facilitator. If you are interested in joining us, we have space for another couple of people.

Jenny Poole

St Timothy’s Prayer Group

The Prayer group at St Timothy’s Church continue to meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The group members have always been fairly small, but as age catches up on us all and health issues sometimes prevent us attending as regularly as we would like, numbers attending are very few. We do remember God’s promise to hear the prayers even if only two or three are gathered together and of course anyone is welcome to pray with us. Our prayers for more people to help make Tim’s a living and thriving part of the community have been answered, especially as regards Messy Church and other weekday activities. For this we thank the volunteers who usually attend St Paul’s for coming to help us out. This proves we are one united Dorcan Church. Brenda Phillips

M&M’s (formerly the Tuesday evening Group)

The group consists of 12 members who meet for prayer and Bible study. Since our last report there have been a few changes. Barbara and I stood down as leaders after Easter last year. We both felt we needed a rest. Members of the group now share responsibility for study and opening and closing prayer.

The other change is that we now meet every second and fourth Monday afternoon at 2pm. Angela Roe, Ann Murphy and Nicki Clinch share their homes for two sessions at a time. The group needed to change the name, as we no longer meet on Tuesdays. They decided on M&M’s, Monday Ministry.

We all appreciate the fellowship and friendship that studying and praying together brings, and have experienced the comfort of knowing our friends are praying and have had answers to prayer. Over the last year we have studied the Bible Society’s The Bible Course; an Advent study; The Hope Course and infilled between courses with studies of various women from the Old Testament, such as Ruth, Esther, Sarah, Delilah and Rebekah. We are at present following The Romans Course, also from The Bible Society Dianne Lane & Barbara Wilcox

ROLE OF ECC

The Trustees of the Dorcan Church are the Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council, which has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbents in promoting the activities of the Church in the Community. Members of the Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council are either ex-officio, elected at the Annual Church Meeting or coopted in accordance with the Constitution Governing Document dated 10[th] April 2011, as amended from time to time thereafter.

Membership of Ecumenical Church Council (2024-2025)

Elected Members (elected for 3-year term)

Janet Prichard	until 2025
Tony Prichard*	until 2025	Treasurer
Nicki Broom*	until 2026	Secretary
Nicki Clinch	until 2026
Nathalie Marshall*	until 2026	Chair
Neil Marshall	until 2026
Peter Mulcock*	until 2026
Jenny Poole*	until 2026
Chris Rose	until 2026
Clare Rose	until 2026
Sue Morgans	until 2027
Clare Smith	until 2027
Deanery Synod Representatives(elected for a 3-year term)
Jenny Poole*	until 2026
Churchwarden (appointed on an annual basis)
Diane Killick*	until 2025
Vacancy
Ministers
Revd Trudie Wigley*	ex-officio
Revd Stuart Fisher*	ex-officio
Deacon Stephen Roe*	ex-officio

*Standing Committee

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Other Appointments: Church Stewards (Appointed on an annual basis)

Other non-trustee elected Positions:

St Paul’s

Nathalie Marshall (Senior Church Steward) Angela Davidson Jo Hannigan Diane Killick Neil Marshall Clare Rose

St Timothy’s

Jo Bush Ruth Dartnell Sarah Paterson Brenda Phillips No senior steward appointed

Representatives to the Methodist Circuit meeting

Nathalie Marshall Tony Prichard

Additional Facts and Figures

Average Sunday Attendance 2024 average	Average Sunday Attendance 2024 average
St Paul’s	50 adults	1 under 16s
St Timothy’s	15 adults	4 under 16
Messy Church (monthly)	14 adults	22 under 16
Total	84 adults	27 under 16s
Typical week-day attendance: 2024 average
Tiny Tots St Paul’s	23 adults	29 children	5 volunteers
Tiny Tots St Timothy’s	5 adults	6 children	4 volunteers
Cid’s Café St Paul’s	30 adults	0 children	4 volunteers
Cid’s Too St Tim’s	15 adults	0 children	2 volunteers
Blaze	6 adults	10 children
Youth Group	6 adults	20 children
Total	85 adults	65 children

Messy Church

Over the past year we have been hosting a monthly Messy Church at St Tim’s. Our strong, encouraging team of helpers enable families to come and enjoy crafts, breakfast and worship time together. This year we have built relationships with many families who regularly attend, as well as welcoming many new families during the past year. We have enjoyed getting to know them as they explore learning more about what it is to have faith in God and follow Jesus. This led to a very exciting event in September, when we held our first messy baptism within Messy church. It would be amazing to see more families becoming part of God’s family through baptism in the year ahead.

Our sessions explore a different theme each month and included an All-Age Messy Nativity at Christmas, which we held at both St Tim’s and St Paul’s and was a really special time with older and younger members coming together, including some friends from CIDs. We would love to get more people involved and will continue to

Christmas Toy Appeal

This was the third year that we hosted the Christmas toy/gift event at St Paul’s. Sixty six families benefited from generous donations from The Dorcan Church and the wider parish/circuit. Children received three main presents, two stocking fillers, a soft toy and a book each. Also a family game. Again, this was staffed by volunteers, displaying the gifts attractively, after moving large boxes from one place to another (and less heavy ones back again at the end). We opened for four consecutive days for four to six hours each time.

It was humbling to listen to their stories and hear how they coped with life’s blows and difficulties. It was a privilege to meet them and laugh and cry with them. They were all so very grateful and touched by your generosity. Thank you all for your gifts that enabled them to give their children a happy Christmas.

Dianne Lane & Sandra Marshall

GROUPS AND COURSES

There are a number of home groups meeting across the Dorcan Church and the fellowship, encouragement and learning are important as we journey on in our discipleship. Meeting together in the week is integral to our Christ-like living and we have others who wish to join groups, and additionally we want to encourage as many of our church family as possible to be involved in a small group. However we simply do not have leaders to volunteer or groups who are able to invite others in, due to size or other reasons. Please do think whether you might be able to offer to lead a group, whether a new one or formed from an existing group, or if you are able to open your group to others and their new perspectives. We need each other to support our Christian life and discipleship. Revd Trudie Wigley

Revd Trudie Wigley

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Covingham Park Primary School

We have maintained our links with Covingham Park Primary School in a variety of ways. I have led occasional assemblies at the school with the different year groups, and we once again welcomed the children and staff, along with parents, carers, and wider family and friends, for their Harvest Festival and Christmas celebrations at St Paul’s. We also welcomed the Year 4 classes to hear the Christmas story at ‘Christmas Unwrapped’, and the Year 5 classes to experience Easter at ‘Easter Cracked Open’. We thank all those volunteers who supported any of these activities in a vital aspect of our outreach to the local community.

Deacon Stephen Roe

Liden Academy

We continue our strong relationship with Liden Academy and each half-term I am warmly invited to lead an assembly. They sing with gusto and it is a joy to see some of them also coming to Messy at St Timothy’s. We also hold festival services for Harvest and Christmas, although for 2024 these were temporarily held in the school, rather than St Timothy’s. I am also invited to judge the Easter bonnet competition (fun!) and school celebrations such as the summer fayre, Christmas jumper day etc. We also invite Liden for Christmas unwrapped and Easter cracked open at St Timothy’s and it’s a delight to also be there for these and to strengthen connections. Rev Trudie Wigley

Dorcan Academy

Links with Dorcan are slowly strengthening. Every term I am invited into the school to meet and pray with the Head Teacher and am also on the oversight governing board. There is a sense of joy and energy whenever I visit, and it is a privilege to be invited into the Academy. Rev Trudie Wigley

It’s Your Move

Going up to that big school can seem daunting, and not knowing who or what to believe. We have been going into our local primary schools to Year 6 to share 'It’s Your Move', a very helpful booklet from Scripture Union which address many of the questions students have. It is a fun session with games and sharing information, which is appreciated by students and teachers.

Diane Killick & Sue Morgans

Easter Cracked Open & Christmas Unwrapped

Christmas and Easter are such very special times in the church calendar, and we were once again delighted to welcome the pupils of Covingham, Nythe, Eldene and Liden, years 4 & 5 to a close up look, and discover the real reason we celebrate, through games, activities and crafts. Huge thanks to everyone involved so that we can provide this wonderful experience

Occasional offices

	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Baptisms	2	3	3	1	0	12	10	15	14
Funerals	5	7	7	16	18	16	24	9	13
Confirmations	0	0	0	0	0	5	4	0	1
Weddings	0	1	0	1	0	1	0	2	0

CHANGES IN APPOINTMENTS OF AUTHORISED MINISTRIES

No changes to report this year

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Year ending 31 December 2024

The governance of our charitable body called “Dorcan Church Swindon” is set out in the “Constitution Governing Document with a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership” (SCLEP) dated 10[th] April 2011, as amended thereafter.

The business of Dorcan Church Swindon is directed and overseen by the ECC, the Ecumenical Church Council. Trustees are elected from the Electoral Roll which has served as the Membership list of the SCLEP for many years. The maximum number of elected members to ECC is 13, although there has been a vacancy this year such that elected members are 12.

Meetings of ECC

The trustees met seven times during 2024, all in person. We are grateful to everyone who serves on ECC, for their time, energy and wisdom, and for the discussions we have had this past year. A significant focus has been the journey of amending our governance from an SCLEP to a Local Ecumenical Co-operative Scheme (LECS) and this has not always been easy. We have had some challenging conversations and have had to learn along the way, yet we have navigated through those challenges with grace and tolerance which is down to the love and grace of each member. Thank you.

Sue Morgans & Diane Killick

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Committees and working groups

The aims of the charity are effected through a number of committees and teams, as detailed below. We are immensely grateful for all that the committees do so diligently and prayerfully, without which our mission and ministry would be poorer. Thank you.

Centre Management Committee: The Centre Management Committee meets to coordinate property-related matters across the Dorcan Church in support of the Church’s Vision and Mission. It forms a link between the ‘do-ers’ and the decisionmaking processes at Finance and ECC. It provides oversight to the Centre Administrator in the letting, maintenance and development of the premises at St Paul’s and St Timothy’s. The Centre Management Committee also sets out to balance the use of the centres both to help enable the mission of the church and also to provide facilities for the benefit of the community. The committee also delegates to other time-limited sub-groups, as needed.

Children and Young People: Our strong ministry to CYP continues through our schools work - assemblies, Christmas Unwrapped, Easter Cracked Open, festival services; missional outreach to young people and pre-schoolers in our community through Blaze/Youth group, Messy Church and Tiny Tots; as well as nurturing and caring for those children and young people who worship with us and are a part of The Dorcan Church. Currently each area of our CYP work meets independently and we do need to look at periodically coming together to support each other and look holistically at our CYP ministry.

Finance Committee: The team works under the delegated authority of the ECC and looks after our financial resources, managing the day-to-day finances of income, giving and expenditure. It looks to prepare an annual budget and annual accounts for approval by the ECC.

“Nuts and Bolts” team: The team comprises the Church Warden(s), Senior Steward and Incumbents. The group meets every 3-4 weeks and focuses on the day-to-day running of the church, centre, and upcoming services. It also serves as a sharing and ideas forum to aid communication and smooth running, as well as being a place of support and accountability.

Preaching team: The team met three times together, studying the Bible and praying together. It also focuses on some of the practicalities of worship, as well as being a sounding board for exploring spiritual growth, discipleship, preaching styles and prayer ministry.

Wood has kindly agreed to take over this role. We have recently recruited additional volunteers to help with setting up and also to help during the sessions. As with all church activities we are entirely reliant on our team of dedicated volunteers to enable us to continue to serve our community and support families. Please pray for Tiny Tots, the volunteers and all who attend, let us be salt and light, in Jesus name. Brenda Fisher & Pam Wood

Tiny Tots at St Timothy’s

Since September Jean Smith and I have led Tiny Tots at St Tim’s, with the help of Hazel Merrett, Marie Pottinger, Helen Burzynska Sandra Marshall and Leslie ValatDesgranges. Stephen Roe pops in regularly to chat to the mums, and we value his input. Marie and Helena supply and serve snacks and Sandra. Hazel and Leslie help on a rota basis. We have had visitors from outside groups, who have been able to signpost parents to available help and support.

We have 16 children on our books, but there is a core of 6 or so regulars that come most weeks. It can be disappointing when only a few come, or mums with babies come once and don’t return. It’s hard to know how to change to attract others or keep new ones as regulars. Mums with small babies sometimes come for a week or two, then the baby’s routine changes and they are no longer able to make it. Some are lost to the local school nursery, as Government funding is available for babies as young as nine months.

In spite of those difficulties, we have got to know the mums and delight in the children, seeing them develop and change almost week by week. They love the craft, organised by Jean, especially if it involves sticking or painting! They play happily with the toys, learning to play together and share, though sometimes we have to referee! When it is time to tidy up ready for songs and stories, they help by throwing everything into the boxes. Singing is entered into more enthusiastically than tunefully (led by Dianne, enough said)! Story time can be a challenge, a wide age range and limited ability to sit still for longer than a minute, can be a challenge. We soldier on. After snacks and drinks, prepared by Marie, the children love to “help” stack the small chairs and replace the tables.

Our main difficulty is moving all the chairs in the chapel to set up, then replacing them at the end, ready for the Sunday Service. A few men have been approached for help, and we are hoping to set up a rota for them to assist with replacing the chairs at the end. Dianne Lane & Jean Smith

Safeguarding: Safeguarding practice is central to the mission and ministry of the church. The safeguarding team work to ensure that everyone, and especially children and vulnerable adults are safe in our churches, and that all those who are survivors of abuse are listened to, valued and supported. Whilst we are set up as a team, we currently do not have an overall Parish Safeguarding Co-ordination Officer

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CELEBRATING THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE DORCAN CHURCH

The following pages are reports that have been voluntarily offered from the Church family to mark and celebrate our mission and ministry. These are not allencompassing of all that we do, yet paint a wonderful picture of some of the ways we have been serving the community and sharing the Good News of Jesus. Well done amazing Church for all that you and all that you are. Thank you!

MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

We have an extensive and strong ministry to children and young people in the parish. Thank you to everyone who supports and prays for this important ministry. Without this mission and ministry, we cannot nurture the next generation of disciples and grow God’s church to further his kingdom in this place.

(PSO) who provides oversight and review. This needs to be addressed with urgency and ECC have therefore agreed to employ someone on a time-limited project basis to review, update and ensure implementation of our processes and procedures. This may develop into a permanent role on reduced hours. It should be noted that Safeguarding remains the legal responsibility of the ECC.

Standing Committee: The standing committee is authorised by the ECC. It has the power to transact the business of the ECC between meetings, subject to any direction from ECC. It comprises seven people, with a quorum of five from the Ministers (including Anglican and Methodist incumbents), Churchwarden, Treasurer and two others from ECC. If there is business to transact, it meets between ECC meetings to agree risk assessments, finances, attend to other dayto-day requirements and deal with urgent items that cannot wait until the next ECC. Standing Committee met once in 2024.

2025 and beyond

In the summer of 2023, we began a journey to address three significant challenges we are facing as an SCLEP. These are:

Blaze & Youth Club

We continue to meet on Wednesday evening every 2 weeks. Numbers can vary from week to week. We are very pleased that Caroline has joined the team! Our youngsters come from a variety of backgrounds and with varying needs. This year we have hired some of the equipment from Youth for Christ such as play equipment and the popcorn and candy floss machine which the youngsters particularly enjoyed. At the moment our numbers in the younger age group are quite low so please spread the word!! We would also welcome prayer for our youngsters particularly our oldest ones as they sit their GCSE's this year.

Deb Mulcock

Tiny Tots at St. Paul’s

The group continues to average twelve to twenty children plus their caregivers each week. Our register extends to over 35 families. We have celebrated Easter, end of term and Christmas with parties and gifts. During the year we ran themed craft activities and read Bible stories explaining Lent, Easter, stories Jesus told and the nativity journey. Several of the parents now bring their older children to Messy Church, Easter and Christmas activities as well as church social events. The generous donations from parents and grandparents ensures that we can continue to provide this event free of charge and transfer surplus funds to the Dorcan Church.

There are five volunteers and two occasional volunteers, Stephen Roe has continued to be a regular visitor and supporter. Unfortunately, after leading the group for six years Brenda Fisher has had to step down for health reasons. Pam

The difficulty in facing two different denominations with their associate procedures, strategies and administration, against a backdrop of reduced volunteer time and energy, and increasing legislation;
The increasing financial commitment to both denominations, and our rising and considerable subsidies by our parent denominations;
The challenges of providing a future Methodist minister given national shortages, and of recruiting an Anglican priest into an SCLEP.

Over the following year we explored these challenges and how we might express ourselves ecumenically which still honours who we are, yet also faces the realities. This was not an easy journey and we are grateful to the church family for engaging in the discussions, which meant we were able to draft a new governing document, called a Local Ecumenical Co-operative Scheme (LECS).

The LECS was drafted, with numerous iterations, following engagement with the church family, discussions at ECC, and with the support and agreement of the various governing bodies of Bristol Diocese and the Methodist Circuit and District. The LECS was signed on Christ the King Sunday, 25th November 2024, in a service where we were joined by the Bishop of Swindon, +Neil Warwick, the Methodist Superintendent, Revd David Gray, and Archdeacon Ven Christopher Bryan.

Whilst the LECS Partnership Agreement expresses a new governance, with the Church of England as the lead partner, this is not an end to our special and long2024 Annual Report

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lasting Methodist-Anglican relationship, nor it is an end to our ecumenical essence which is so important to our identity here at Dorcan Church. Instead, it is a new legal governing agreement which is fit for purpose, recognises the challenges that we face, and yet at the same time provides considerable flexibility to uphold our Ecumenical identity and worship. We are the first church to have signed such a LECS Partnership Agreement, following changes to Canon Law in 2022.

We are currently in the process of working through the practicalities and the legal aspects of moving to a LECS. This includes the closing of the existing “Dorcan Church Swindon” SCLEP charity with associated Ecumenical Church Council, and bringing back into life the dormant charity called the “Parochial Church Council of the Parish and Benefice of Dorcan Swindon”. This will take some time, including the need to change bank accounts, appoint new trustees and officers, and liaise with the Charity Commission to dissolve the SCLEP. We are expecting this to be completed before the end of this calendar year.

We are very grateful indeed to Nick Orman, from the parish of Wroughton and Wichelstowe, who has kindly agreed to project mange and oversee the transition. Nick has immense experience of both Canon and Charity law and is supporting us to identify and deliver many of the steps we need to effect this change. Nick has already attended two of our ECC meetings, and will be at the annual meeting on 15[th] May 2025.

One consequence of the changes at Dorcan is that we no longer have automatic representation on the Circuit Meeting, but both the Circuit and the Dorcan Church are happy and willing for someone to be appointed as a non-voting representative, in order to maintain a link. Please speak to either me or Nathalie Marshall if this is a role you feel called to consider. The meeting is four times a year, usually in an evening, and there are always others travelling from Swindon, so transport is available. Deacon Stephen Roe

END OF CHARITIES COMMISSION REPORT

Rev Trudie Wigley

ELECTORAL ROLL Membership & Church Links

2025/26	2024/25	2024/23	2023/22	2022/21	2021/20	2020/19*	2019/18	2018/17	2017/16
111*	144	144	141	139	146	147*	162	161	159

*Full electoral roll revision

Electoral Roll 2025

Every 6 years, Members of our church need to renew their membership. That 6[th] year has now arrived, and thankfully, many of you have already signed on the dotted line and returned your forms to me.

Currently there are 111 people who are officially registered as Members of the Dorcan Church. We do, however have quite a few folk who worship with us on a regular basis, but have not yet committed themselves to filling in a form. If you’re one of those people, or you aren’t quite sure of what’s involved, please speak to one of the Ministers, or myself after the meeting.

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BRISTOL METHODIST DISTRICT REPORT

During this year, the District said farewell to Revd Dr Jonathan Pye, and welcomed Revd Dr Marcus Torchon as the new District Chair. His first Synod was held at Kingswood School in September, and each Circuit was invited to share a short presentation about one of the missional activities that they are involved with. The North Wiltshire Circuit spoke about some work which is going on with some Afghan refugees, particularly women, in Lyneham, where the Church is providing a safe meeting space and also some practical assistance with items such as raised beds for growing vegetables. The Spring Synod will be hosted by the North Wiltshire Circuit. Marcus is spending time initially visiting the different Circuits around the District, and getting to know people and places, trying to discern the way forward as he leads the District. We wish Jonathan well in his retirement, and offer our prayers for Marcus as he continues to get to grips with his new role.

Deacon Stephen Roe

NORTH WILTSHIRE CIRCUIT REPORT

Alongside the day-to-day aspects of managing the Circuit, there has also been considerable time spent considering the future, particularly in view of the fact that two ministers will be leaving in 2026, and the likelihood that two more will be moving on in 2027, along with changes to the Circuit Churches, such as the change in structure at Dorcan.

The decision was taken to use some of the Circuit reserves to support the Circuit assessment for the next two or three years, meaning that all the churches saw a reduction in the assessment for 2024-25. The Circuit has also established a Development and Growth Fund and Policy, to which churches can apply if they are looking for financial support for new mission and outreach initiatives.

In terms of ministry, the intention is to submit profiles for two ministers to come to the Circuit in 2026, one a deacon to work with the Pilgrim Centre in Swindon and also alongside the presbyter at Bath Road Methodist Church, and one a presbyter in Marlborough and the surrounding villages. It is then expected that the minister leaving Chippenham will not be replaced in 2027, and the Circuit will look for some lay pastoral support for the churches there, to work alongside the remaining minister.

The congregation at Rodbourne Methodist Church reluctantly took the decision to close as they could no longer sustain weekly worship, or fill the roles necessary to be a church. Responsibility for the building passes to the Circuit, and the intention is to spend the next couple of years exploring whether there is potential for it to be used as a Christian-based Community Centre. There are some community groups already using the building, and this will enable that to continue for the time being.

Sadly, during the past 12 months, we’ve had to say ‘farewell’ to some precious Christians who have either moved away or passed on to glory… Sheila Evans: Brian Newman: George O’Neill: Colleen Wiseman, and we remember them with love and gratitude for all they meant to us. However God is moving on in His own inimitable way, and we find new people joining us regularly.

Which brings me seamlessly on to the LINK system. You may already be aware that when new people have been worshipping with us for a while, we like to team them up with a LINK person. The LINK person is someone who would perhaps make contact by phone if they hadn’t seen that newcomer at church for a couple of weeks. This role is not onerous or intrusive in any way, but needless to say, as we joyfully welcome new people into our church, we really need new volunteers to take on this vital role. Pease consider this prayerfully and see if this is something you would be able to offer.

Many of us have experienced changes during the past 12 months, both in our own lives, and certainly in the life of our church, some joyful and others not so. I pray that during the next 12 months of our life together that God will truly bless us as we seek to worship Him in this place. And despite our reluctance for change, God has the final word. “ For I know the plans I have for you…to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29;11

Barbara Wilcox Electoral Roll/Membership Secretary 2025

CHURCHWARDEN REPORT

Last year’s report finished with the words, with God’s help we will continue to serve each other and Him. With all the changes we have seen this year I think this has been accomplished, and we go forward in the same way.

Both churches have seen some new faces, and sadly we have said goodbye to others. Each church is unique and has its own special qualities. St Tim’s offers a beautiful intimacy, whilst St Paul’s has energy, and both offer a heartfelt welcome and fellowship.

Our visiting clergy have included amongst others, Bishop Neil, Archdeacon Christopher, and Rev David Gray. Once again both churches were full at the Christingle and carol services. So much goes on before, during and after a service and we are blessed to have lovely volunteers who prepare the communion table, welcome folk, do the power point, clean the churches, flower arranging, provide and serve refreshments, readers and those who lead intercessions. Thank you all, and a big thank you to Maggie Johnson, our administrator who helps in so many aspects of our church life.

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December saw a small team at St Pauls providing a wonderful service with the Toy Appeal, helping families struggling with Christmas gifts for their children, sharing Gods love, and putting a smile on faces. May we continue to spread the love in as many ways as we can. Diane Killick

Church Warden

FABRIC REPORT

St Paul’s

during the year, and we heard updates across the four areas of clergy housing, churches, schools and the Diocesan office at Hillside House. Of note is that £10k grants are available to churches to support their local journey, funded from the use of £2.19m of Diocesan reserves, At Dorcan we have started to engage with energy audits at both St Timothy’s and St Paul’s and whilst we have not had an easy start in our exploration of cavity wall insulation at St Paul’s, there are other ideas and recommendations for us to take forward which were highlighted in the audit reports. We are grateful to the Centre Management Committee for their work, and also to our Eco champion, Neil Marshall, as he steers and encourages us in both our personal and corporate discipleship as we commit to the 5th mark of mission “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth”

Count your blessings, name them one by one, see what God has done.

The roof was in a dreadful state of disrepair and the cost was high and seemed out of our reach, but with the enormous support of the Roofers team, church family, and many of the groups that use the building, the money came in and the roof was repaired in August. We had Swindon Male Voice Choir, The Big Band, Line Dancing, Jive Dancing, Ladies Evening, Afternoon Tea & Plants, Quiz Night, Cream Tea, and more, truly blessed.

The building continues to be busy with various activity groups, from knitting to yoga, home to Cid’s, and Dorcan Senior Citizens, Tiny Tots and Youth Group. A big thank you to Maggie Johnson our centre manager for all her hard work, with the bookings and payments. Grateful thanks to all who help with the general upkeep, it really is appreciated.

An unexpected blessing was the gifting of the cost of new flooring in the snug, making it look so much better.

Blessed in abundance

St Tim’s

Standing steadfastly in Liden. Home to Messy Church, Cid’s 2, Tiny Tots, Knit and Chat, Prayer Group and Swindon Food Collective.

Now with a large noticeboard, and tables, a perfect place for prayer meetings and church council. Diane Killick

Diane Killick Church Warden

Living in Love and Faith: Progress at General Synod has been slower than hoped, and Diocesan Synod has been kept informed on developments and thinking. This remains a polarised debate at General Synod, which is replicated at Diocesan Synod, and in many parishes. Recent work by groups supporting General Synod has focused on the bespoke stand-alone services of Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex relationships, and particularly the associated pastoral reassurance (including Bishop support) for those who agree, and disagree, with this development. This assurance may include delegated episcopal ministry to another Bishop other than the Diocesan Bishop, effectively providing alternative episcopal oversight, similar to that for those unable to receive the ministry of female clergy and Bishops. Additionally, pastoral and theological advice is being sought and digested regarding clergy who seek to be in same sex marriages. From Spring to September 2025, there will be informal consultations in Diocesan Synods, and with other stakeholders, to ask for feedback on the workability and impact of proposals. In February 2026 it is envisaged that full proposals will be bought to General Synod for discussion, debate and a vote.

Other significant agenda items included: the learning from the inadequate rating on the Deanery School and the subsequent cessation of the Bristol Diocese Academy Trust , the erosion of clergy stipends and pension , particularly in the past 15 years; the continuing insufficiency of parish share to fund clergy and Diocesan Support Service costs; review of risk registers , and progress with the Diocesan commitment to Racial Justice .

Synod is a place where the voice of parishes can be heard, and the national Church of England informed and challenged. Whilst there is invariably some tedious business to be transacted, it has become increasingly participative, engaging and diverse and if you would like to be a part of shaping the future of the Church of England, please do consider standing, or come along and see what happens (guests are always welcome). Do have a chat with Nathalie Marshall or Trudie Wigley. Rev Trudie Wigley

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three years, and a new Diocesan Synod was elected from 1[st] September 2024, including Nathalie Marshall as a Lay Member, and Rev Trudie Wigley as the Cochair of the Synod. One third of those elected were new this year, reflecting considerable effort to diversify and reflect different parishes and voices across the Diocese. Over the year Synod hears and discusses a wide range of topics, and in the four meetings in 2024, these were some of the substantive areas of focus:

Safeguarding Audit: All Dioceses and Cathedrals will be independently audited over the next 4-5 years by the INEQE Safeguarding Group. Bristol Diocese volunteered to be one of the first to be audited under the new system and was commended for its safeguarding culture and leadership. It was noted that the Diocesan Safeguarding Team was one of the Diocese’s greatest assets and is a highly experienced and dedicated team. Whilst challenges remain in how survivors have been supported in the past, the audit was content that there was no cover up or disregard in this Diocese. There are a number of recommendations to work through, yet these come with the encouragement and affirmation by INEQE of our processes and procedures.

During 2024 there were a number of high profile safeguarding cases in the media, which continued into 2025. In November 2024, Synod took time to reflect following the news of the abhorrent abuse of boys by the late John Smyth. The news broke on Channel 4 in the week leading up to Synod, and we laid aside the agenda to express our feelings, thoughts and concerns and to gather comments for National Church and senior leaders. There was time for prayers of sorrow and lament for the victims and survivors, and the failings of the Church of England.

Transforming church. Together (TC.T): This is the strategy for the next season in the life of the Diocese and has twelve priorities which look to support parishes and the Diocese in their mission and ministry. We have secured funding of £6.8m, from the National Church and the programme is regularly reported on at Synod, together with good news stories to encourage and inspire. Many of the projects within TC.T are new, and our experiences and learning are being fed back to National Church so that other Dioceses can benefit from our insights.

We heard presentations from the Priority Community Network, children and young people work stream and the growing faith chaplains initiative. TC.T is a significant programme and more details can be found at https://www.bristol.anglican.org/visionandpriorities/transforming-church/ .

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Safeguarding practice is central to the mission and ministry of the church. The safeguarding team work to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are safe in our churches, and that all those who are survivors of abuse are listened to, valued and supported. Safeguarding remains the legal responsibility of the ECC. The team met during the year.

There are 50 volunteers working at various jobs within the Dorcan Church. Each one has been safely recruited and most have completed safeguarding training at the required level. There are one or two still needing to finish their training, but this is in hand. Not only does each one complete training initially, but they have to refresh their training every three years. This is a huge commitment on top of the service they are giving. So, thank you everyone for being prepared to set time aside for this important work.

As far as we are aware all those who need DBS clearance for their role have done so. Thank you again for responding and keeping up to date with this, especially as the requirement is every three years now. The organisation we use, Thirtyone:Eight, now informs the verifier three months before a DBS is due. This will prove helpful to keep everyone up to date.

Dianne Lane and Sue Morgans

We are very grateful to Dianne Lane and Sue Morgans for all they do on safeguarding, with their particular focus on safer recruitment, training and DBS checks. Thank you!

As a team, we have been extremely concerned that there has been no overall Safeguarding Co-ordination Officer (PSO) for the last couple of years to provide oversight, policy review, and a link into the Diocesan Safeguarding team. However, we are delighted (and relieved) to share that ECC gave agreement to advertise for a temporary paid position to help get our policies and procedures updated, and our new PSO will be starting in the late Spring. Additionally, we are grateful to Sandra Marshall who will be joining the team with a focus on safer recruiting. We have a strong and amazing safeguarding team and thank you to you all. Rev Trudie Wigley

Here at Dorcan our short term priorities are to recruit a Parish Safeguarding Coordination Officer and complete all that we need to do to with our change of governance, however after this there will be capacity to start considering how we might engage with the strategy in our unique context.

Carbon Net Zero (CNZ): Both General and Diocesan Synod have declared a climate emergency and committed to CNZ by 2030. This was a considerable focus

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CHARITY TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

The Dorcan Church is a Local Ecumenical Partnership between The Church of England and The Methodist Church, serving the Swindon urban villages of Covingham, Nythe, Liden and Eldene. The partnership includes the congregations worshipping at St Paul’s, Covingham and St Timothy’s, Liden. The Church continues to work to build the kingdom of God throughout the parish, both as a worshipping community and also as a serving community.

In 2024 we continued to serve our local community in various ways; using our buildings to reach out to our community with the love of God. Cids and Cids2 (coffee mornings, one in each centre for our local communities) continued to go from strength to strength, we have enjoyed working with our young people through Messy Church in St Tim’s, and Youth Club and Tiny Tots in both centres. Our buildings are frequently used by local community groups such as the pre-school, Blood Donation Service, Dance School, Senior Citizens and so many others and we have irregular hirings for parties and social events. Underpinning all of this is our relationship with the local community, so we were thrilled when the community came together to help us raise the not inconsiderable sum required to fix the hole in the roof, running numerous fundraising events, and attending those run by the church. We have danced to the big band, exhibited paintings by a local artist, bought and sold plants, jewellery, cream teas and much more besides, and we now have a roof that doesn’t leak. And over and above the finances, we have strengthened our links with our neighbours.

We have continued to work in and with our local schools by invitation, both visiting for assemblies and providing Christmas and Easter themed teaching in our church centres for the schools to bring the children to. We are so grateful for this opportunity.

We have continued to work together to try and reduce the ecological impact of our church on our environment by continuing the eco-friendly planting in our garden areas, improving our food waste disposal practices, and continuing our regular eco tips in the notices. Our buildings are not the easiest to work with to improve in this area, but we hope and pray that 2025 will be the year of the bronze Eco church award.

2024 was also the year we signed the LECS – simplifying our governance whilst still recognising the importance of our ecumenical identity, heritage, worship and traditions. The challenge for 2025 will be to implement the changes that this

DEANERY SYNOD 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Deanery Synod met 4 times during the year, with the Deanery Leadership team (DLT) meeting between synods to plan the agenda. Having launched our Deanery Vision in November 2023 we focused our synods in 2024 around our key priorities and on learning from one another, to give all synod members (and other interested people who are always welcome to attend) a chance to reflect on and be inspired by the areas the working groups will be focusing on in more detail. In February we met at St John’s Parks and Walcot to focus on education and how churches are already engaging in our schools. We heard about the Open the Book Team from the West of Swindon, the Year 5 RE enrichment pilgrimage in North Swindon and the Secondary school chaplaincy run in various schools by Simon Halls, Owen Green and Jamie Reeves. We also had the joy of hearing the powerful testimony of a young person herself.

In May, at St Mark’s New Town, we looked wider than just the Deanery as Archdeacon Christopher Bryan joined us to help us see how the Diocesan strategy, Transforming Church. Together, can help us at both parish and deanery level.

In July, we had our annual barbeque at All Saints Southbrook Street and, prompted by a question at the May synod, we took the time to hear from one another about the priorities of different benefices and how these connect with the Deanery Plan.

The final meeting of the year was at St Peter’s Penhill in October and we picked up on the discipleship strand, hearing from, and questioning Stephanie Hayton, the Advisor for Lay Ministry, on how the diocese is encouraging every member ministry.

At every meeting we heard updates on local and diocesan priorities, including Racial Justice, eco church and the cost of living crisis, as well as worshipping in a variety of styles and enjoying the hospitality of the host church.

We encourage anyone with an interest in the wider deanery and the topic under discussion to come to our meetings. The dates for 2025 are 27th February, 15th May, 16[th] July and 14th October. Please speak to me if you would like to know more. Jenny Poole Deanery Synod Representative

DIOCESAN SYNOD 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Diocesan Synod is the elected representative body drawn from across the Diocese of Bristol. Its purpose is to consider and express an opinion on matters affecting the Diocese, to advise the Bishop on matters she seeks thought on, and to approve the expenditure in the annual Diocesan budget. Those elected serve for

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----- Start of picture text -----
Dorcan Church Income Dorcan Church Expenditure
Regular Giving 36% Parish Share 31%
Other Giving 18% Ministers & Staff 13.5%
Other 7% Utilities 9%
Fetes etc. 2% Mission & Charitable Giving 2%
Fees 1% Major Repairs & Installation 1.9%
Lettings 21% Council Tax 0.7%
Tax recovered 10% Loan Repayment 0.6%
Plate Collections 3% Cost of Events 0.4%
Bank Interest 1.5% Repairs 23%
Methodist Assessment 12%
Administration 4%
Insurance 1.4%
Upkeep of services 1.3%
Fees paid to fundraisers .0.6%
Fees 0.5%
Maintenance 0.1%
----- End of picture text -----

necessitates behind the scenes, with the finance committee having to work particularly hard for which we are grateful.

As we move in to 2025, we recognise that we now need to forge a new identity as a church, looking forwards, knowing that we have a solid foundation on which we can lean. Who knows what 2025 will bring. What we do know is that we don’t face any of it alone, but firmly in the love of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Nathalie Marshall Chair of Trustees

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2024

Summary.

Although the 2024 budget predicted a loss of £12,169, we actually ended the year with a surplus of £11,660. This occurred despite the need to spend in excess of £30k on repairing the St Paul’s Chapel Roof. So, once again, we have much to praise God for regarding our finances.

But where has this extra money come from and how is it intended to be used?

Fundraising

Firstly, we would acknowledge the intensive fundraising effort and many generous donations that were made towards the St Paul’s roof repair. People both from within and outside our congregations were involved in this, and we give our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. The good news, though, is that the fundraising initiative that started with the roof is still continuing! Almost £2k of the money that we’re carrying over into 2025 comes essentially from this. (You will find it recorded as ‘St Paul’s Fabric Fund’ in the 2024 accounts.)

Grants

We received a significant amount in grants in 2024 and these form a substantive portion of the ‘Other’ income amount in the accompanying table. £4,087 was received towards the repair of St Paul’s chapel roof. £7,000 was received from The Diocese of Bristol in connection with our transition from a Local Ecumenical Partnership to a Local Ecumenical Cooperative Scheme. £6,036 of this is being carried forward into 2025, so this comprises a significant portion of the £11,660 end of year surplus. We anticipate spending much of this remaining money on employing a specialist person to bring our safeguarding documentation and procedures up to date. (We can use the grant for this, since this frees up our existing staff and volunteers to work on tasks more directly related to the implementation of the new ecumenical status).

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Giving

Regular giving remains foundational to the life and ministry of this church. This went up in line with our budget expectations from £62,419 in 2023 to £64,349 in 2024. We thank everyone who contributed to this total, but also urge others who may be able to give by direct debit, standing order or through our envelope scheme to contact Tony Prichard (Treasurer) or Pete Mulcock (Finance Committee Chair) for more information.

The overall total being carried forward is £78,322, which sounds a lot, but nearly all of this money is allocated for one purpose or another. Full details of amounts are in the Assets and Liabilities Section of the 2024 Accounts.

Please do ask if you have further questions about the Church Finances. Tony Prichard, Pete Mulcock and other members of our Finance Committee are all available to help.

Tony Prichard & Pete Mulcock Finance Committee

Denominational Contributions

In anticipation of our ecumenical status change, our Methodist Assessment was reduced by £10,004 to £14,636pa from 01/08/2024. However, it has been decided to use this saving to fund an equivalent increase in Anglican Parish Share for 2025, given that for a number of years this had remained static and well below the amount that we were being asked to contribute. This will bring our Parish Share up to £61,020 for 2025, which is close to, but still slightly short, of the amount requested/expected of us.

Other Points of Note from 2024

Rental income (Lettings) exceeded our budgeted amount by over £4k.
A successful Gift Day appeal raised £2,600. Thank you!
Our day to day expenditure has largely been within budget.
Though the cost of gas supply is challenging, we have ended the year largely within our expected budget
in June 2024 we made the final repayment on the loans we received in 2020 to replace the St Paul’s Boiler.

Money Carried Forward into 2025

In addition to items mentioned above, significant allocations of money being carried forward into 2025 include:

£35,713 of general reserves which we are required to retain.

----- Start of picture text -----
Income Expenditure
Regular Giving 64,349 36% Parish Share 51,000 31%
Lettings 38,103 21% Repairs 37,768 23%
Other Giving 33,018 18% Ministers & Staff 22,201 14%
Tax recovered 17,747 10% Methodist 19,638 12%
Assessment
Plate Collections 5,772 3% Utilities 14,999 9%
Other 13,021 7% Administration 6,211 4%
Fetes etc. 3,134 2% Mission & Charitable 3,180 2%
Giving
Bank Interest 2,454 1.5% Major repairs & 3,160 1.9%
Installation SP
Fees 1,408 1% Insurance 2,329 1.4%
Upkeep of services 2,104 1.3%
Council Tax 1,069 0.7%
Fees paid to fund 964 0.6%
raisers
Loan Repayment 1,000 0.6%
Fees 870 0.5%
Cost of Events 630 0.4%
Maintenance 218 0.1%
179,006 167,341
----- End of picture text -----

£10,552 for general day to day expenditure
£10,000 designated for AV improvements (Carl Gase Legacy).
£5,528 Remaining money from Viv Craig’s Legacy. This is restricted in the way it can be spent, but it may potentially be able to be used in funding future development projects, especially at St Timothy’s.
£4,767 designated for Centre Maintenance (typically large-scale projects). E.g. a number of items at St. Timothy’s (including the boiler) will require addressing at some point and St. Paul’s electrical installation is in need of updating. The maintenance of our buildings remains challenging!

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The Dorcan Church 2015

2024 Accounts

----- Start of picture text -----
Draft Copy
----- End of picture text -----

Accounting Policies	3
Basis of Financial Statements	3
Fund Accounting	3
Statement of Financial Activities	7
Receipts and Payments Acount	9
Statement of assets and liabilities	10
Funds income and expenditure	11
Centre accounts	12
Foot notes	13
Charts	14
ECC Approval	15
Examiner's report	16

Table of Contents

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Notes to the 2024 accounts

Accounting policies

Going concern accounting policy

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern. The cost of living crisis has had a small effect on finances with our income returning normal levels. The charity holds unrestricted, general reserves of £33,500, designated reserves that can be drawn down if necessary and a zero cash balance. The trustees consider that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved.

Basis of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102 SORP 2019).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the ECC 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.

The Receipts and Payments method has been used to present the accounts.

Related Parties Transactions.

· Trustees’ remuneration and benefits. During the year no trustee received any remuneration or benefit.

· Trustees’ expenses. During the year trustees received expenses directly attributed to their agreed working expenses including but not restricted to: Telephone, travel, purchase of materials wholly and necessary to the running of the charity.

Fund accounting

Endowment Funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the ECC's discretion; the income derived from the endowment is either to be used as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

Restricted Funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor, and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific ECC activity intended by the donor.

Unrestricted Funds are income funds, which are to be spent on the ECC's general purposes.

Designated funds are general funds set aside by the ECC for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only. Funds designated as invested in fixed assets for the ECC's own use are abated in line with those assets' annual depreciation charges in the SOFA. Designated funds remain unrestricted and the ECC will move any surplus to other general funds.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and similar donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the ECC is entitled to the use of the resources, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are readily quantifiable. Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, interest as and when accrued by the payer. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the ECC. The Diocesan parish share and the Methodist quota are expected to be paid over and is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Reserves

Approximately three months operating costs above our normal turnover are held in the general account as a reserve. At the moment this amounts to £33,500.

Policies

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Fixed assets

Consecrated, benefice and circuit property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s10 (2) (a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the ministers and churchwardens/stewards on special trust for the ECC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time).

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis of 20% over five years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

There are no investments to be valued at 31 December.

Funds

General Fund

The General Fund represents the amounts available to the ECC to meet its ongoing obligations, based on the assumption that restricted funds are not available for general use. The ECC aims to hold several months operating costs in general funds. At 31st December 2024 the balance represents around three months' costs.

Mission Fund

To be distributed at the discretion of the ECC

Holiday Club Fund

For the provision of a children’s Holiday Club.

Parish Weekend Fund

To assist those of limited means to attend Parish Weekends.

Centre Maintenance Fund.

A fund derived from the transfer from the General Fund as agreed by the Church Council for the maintenance of the two centres

St. Paul’s Fabric Fund (Designated)

The Balance of the Dorcan Church share of the proceeds from the sale of the vicarage. To be used for major repairs at the discretion of the ECC.

St. Paul’s Fabric Fund (restricted)

Fund established to accept donations for Roof Repairs to St. Paul’s. Surplus used for other repairs to both St. Paul’s and St. Timothy’s transferred to the designated fund

Tiny Tot’s (St. Paul’s)

Funds held for St. Paul’s Tiny Tots to be used at their direction

Tiny Tot’s (St. Tim’s)

Funds held for St. Tim’s Tiny Tots to be used at their direction

Tea and Toast

Funds held for the Tea and Toast group at St. Timothy’s. This has been expanded to become Cid’s café Too.

Policies

Page 4

Card Class

Funds raised by the Card Class to be used at their direction. The Card Class has closed and requested their funds be transferred to the Fabric Fund (Restricted)

Monday House Group (Formerly Monday Cell Group)

Funds held on behalf of the Monday House Group to be used at their discretion.

Uganda Link

Used to finance activities connected with the Diocesan Uganda Link.

Youth Club

Funds held for the church Youth Club to be used at their discretion

Carl Gase Legacy Fund

Fund from the estate of the late Carl Gase.

Viv Craig Legacy

Fund from the estate of the late Viv Craig

Agency Collections

Funds collected on behalf of another charity or organisation, which do not form part of the income of the Dorcan Church.

Various collections are held on behalf of other organisations and these are paid over as soon as practical.

Comment

The income and expenditure totals for the year are inflated due to the special roof appeal and subsequent roof repair at St. Paul's

2024 has been a year of intensive fund raising with rental income exceeding our budgeted amount. Our congregation continues with their offering equalling our budget expectations. Our day to day expenditure has largely been within budget. A successful Gift Day appeal raised £2,600. Despite the challenges of increased cost of gas supply we have ended the year largely within our expected budget.

Building on previous year’s financial work we have been able to continue working to a budget. This has made the work of the Finance Committee a lot easier as we are able to monitor progress throughout the year.

Gift aid continues to be claimed quarterly which maintains our cash flow such that both our Parish Share and Methodist Assessment have been paid as they became due. We continue with the Parish Giving Scheme whereby members can donate by direct debit. Donations and Tax recoverable from Gift Aid are received monthly reducing the work of the Treasurer and improving further our cash flow.

Grant aid totalling £4,087 has been received towards the repair of St. Paul’s roof.

A grant of £7,000 was received from The Diocese of Bristol towards the planned Ecumenical Transition from a Local Ecumenical Partnership to a Local Ecumenical Cooperative Scheme. £6,036 of this grant is being carried forward into 2025.

Policies

Page 5

Church Fabric

In order to facilitate the work of the Church it is important that we maintain the fabric of both St. Timothy’s and St. Paul’s Church and Community Centre. Both are important to our work while bringing financial challenges.

This year at St. Paul’s a special fund raising effort raised over £30,000 to repair the roof. The Snug carpet has been replaced with Vinyl Flooring

The Future

In 2025 there remain a number of challenges in the maintenance of our buildings. A number of items at St. Timothy’s will require addressing although lettings there have virtually dried up. St. Paul’s electrical installation is in need of updating. It is vital that we do not lose sight of the ongoing day-to-day financial needs of our Church. If our general income drops our outreach and mission, or that of our parent denominations, will consequently suffer. Maintaining or, if possible, increasing our regular giving through direct debit, standing order or envelope scheme remains key in this regard.

We anticipate a significant spend of around £6,000 on the employment of a specialist person to bring our safeguarding documentation and procedures up to date.

Policies

Page 6

Statement of Financial Activities

Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other Expenditure (Loan Repayments) Total expenditure Transfers Gross Transfers Between Funds - In Gross Transfers Between Funds - Out Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of Funds Total Funds Brought Forward Net Movement in Funds Total Funds Carried Forward	Unrestricted Funds £ 91,792 1,851 37,754 2,454 630 134,481 64 129,732 1,000 130,796 200 (2,050) (1,850) 1,835 44,431 1,835 46,266	Designated Funds £ 12,044 - 86 - - 12,130 964 3,160 - 4,124 2,000 - 2,000 10,006 13,267 10,006 23,273	Restricted Funds £ 29,044 393 2,958 - - 32,395 - 32,426 - 32,426 355 (505) (150) (181) 8,964 (181) 8,783	Total Funds 2024 £ 132,880 2,244 40,798 2,454 630 179,006 1,028 165,318 1,000 167,346 2,555 (2,555) - 11,660 66,662 11,660 78,322	Total Funds 2023 £ 93,990 3,131 35,141 1,409 1,929
					135,600
					96 133,626 3,250
					136,972
					907 (907)
					-
					(1,372)
					68,034 (1,372)
					66,662

Financial Activities

Page 7

Receipts and Payments Acount

Income

Income from Donations and Legacies Gift Aid - Bank - SO St.Paul's Gift Aid - Bank - SO St.Tim's Gift Aid - Envelopes - St. Paul's Gift Aid - Envelopes - St. Tim's Other planned giving - St. Paul's Other planned giving - St. Tim's Plate collections - St. Paul's Plate collections - St. Timothy's Regular gift days One-off Gift Aid gifts Donations appeals etc Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Non-recurring one-off grants Other funds generated Income from Charitable Activities Youth Club Fees for weddings, funerals etc. Bookstall sales to promote objectives Church hall lettings-objectives - St.T Other Trading Activities Fetes, Bazaars and Rummage sales etc Bookstall Sales - Fund raising Church hall lettings-fund raising - St.P Investments Bank and building society interest Other Income Income for events Total Income	Unrestricted Funds £ 44,413 7,502 4,515 3,258 8,491 1,053 3,115 880 1,117 20 981 15,563 500 384 91,792 1,408 2 441 1,851 91 1 37,662 37,754 2,454 2,454 630 630 134,481	Designated Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - 5,020 - 7,000 24 12,044 - - - - 86 - - 86 - - - - 12,130	Restricted Funds £ 3,574 - 20 - 200 13 1,180 597 1,501 - 15,688 2,184 4,087 - 29,044 393 - - - 393 2,958 - - 2,958 - - - - 32,395	Total Funds 2024 £ 47,987 7,502 4,535 3,258 8,691 1,066 4,295 1,477 2,618 20 21,689 17,747 11,587 408 132,880 393 1,408 2 441 2,244 3,135 1 37,662 40,798 2,454 2,454 630 630 179,006	Total Funds 2023 £ 42,837 5,638 1,952 1,591 9,847 553 2,422 790 9,300 - 2,362 15,564 1,112 22
					93,990
					243 2,528 57 303
					3,131
					2,098 80 32,963
					35,141
					1,409
					1,409
					1,929
					1,929
					135,600

Page 8

Income

Receipts and Payments Acount

Unrestricted Funds £ - 64 -	Designated Funds £ 964 - -	Restricted Funds £ - - -	Total Funds 2023 £ - 58 38
64	964	-	96
630 1,744 425 - 870 51,000 19,638 15 21,788 380 1,069 1,127 160 19 1,792 537 719 186 1,661 - 29 - 32 6,147 93 389 607 1,196 2,028 2,204 6,570 5,170 552 161 794 - - - 129,732 1,000 1,000 130,796 3,685	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,160 - 3,160 - - 4,124 8,006	- 920 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 414 - - - - - - - - - - 283 - - - - 30,810 32,427 - - 32,427 (32)	1,891 2,399 345 118 1,370 51,000 24,640 396 19,990 548 1,029 983 151 - 1,652 517 503 180 1,876 53 287 108 768 2,210 15 363 493 603 2,250 2,334 3,415 4,963 1,601 209 616 782 2,968 -
			133,626
			3,250
			3,250
			136,972
			(1,372)

Expenditure

Page 9

Centre Accounts

St. Paul's Centre

Income Church Hall - Fund raising - St. Paul's Expenditure Staff Wages (80%) Manager & Cleaning Council Tax Water Rates - St. Paul's Hall Running - electric - St. Paul's Hall Running - gas - St. Paul's Hall Running - maintenance - St. Paul's Hall Running - telephone Administration (80%) Excess/(Deficit) of Income Over Expenditure St. Tim's Income Church hall lettings- objectives - St. Tim's Expenditure Staff Wages (20%) Manager & Cleaning Church running - Electricity - St. Tim's Church running - Gas - St. Tim's Hall running - maintenance - St. Tim's Administration Charge (20%) Excess/(Deficit) of Income Over Expenditure	2024 £ 37,662 37,662 11,528 1,176 1,127 2,204 6,570 5,170 161 944 28,880 8,782 441 441 2,882 607 2,028 835 1,225 7,577 (7,136)	2023 £ 32,963
		32,963
		10,492 1,029 983 2,334 3,425 4,963 208 1,768
		25,202
		7,761
		303
		303
		2,623 493 2,250 1,601 442
		7,409
		(7,106)

Page 10

Centre Accounts

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Cash at Bank and In Hand Bank Current Account - Co-operative Bank General Fund Tiny Tots - St.Paul's Tiny Tots - St. Tim's Youth Club Uganda Link Mission Fund Centre Maintenance St. Paul's Fabric Fund Carl Gase Legacy Fund Viv Craig Legacy Fund Card Class Monday House Group Holiday Club Parish Weekend Tea & Toast (Cid's Café 2) Archdeacons Grant Bank Deposit Account - Methodist CFB General fund Mission Fund Carl Gase Legacy Fund Uganda Link Viv Craig Legacy Holiday Club Parish weekend Total Cash at Bank and In Hand Fixed Assets Ricoh Photocopier Debtors (Footnotes) Accounts Receivable General Fund Creditors (Footnotes) Accounts payable General Fund	Unrestricted Funds £ 10,553 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10,553 35,713 - - - - - - 35,713 46,266 3,360 3,360 2,736 2,736 2,941 2,941	Designated Funds £ - - - - - - 4,767 1,970 - - - - - - - 6,036 12,773 - 500 10,000 - - - - 10,500 23,273 - - - - - -	Restricted Funds £ 371 462 573 - - - - - - - 212 - - 460 2,078 - - - 142 5,528 535 500 6,705 8,783 - - - - - -	Total Funds 2024 £ 10,553 371 462 573 - - 4,767 1,970 - - - 212 - - 460 6,036 25,404 35,713 500 10,000 142 5,528 535 500 52,918 78,322 3,360 3,360 2,736 2,736 2,941 2,941	Total Funds 2023 £ 11,454 256 299 962 142 500 2,767 - 10,000 5,810 105 183 536 499 172 -
					33,685
					32,977 - - - - - -
					32,977
					66,662
					-
					-
					2,202
					2,202
					5,767
					5,767

Assets & Liabilities

Page 11

Funds income and expenditure

	Restricted/	Opening	Income	Expenditure	Transfers	Closing
	Designated	Balance				Balance
		2023				2024
		£	£	£	£	£
Tiny Tots - St.Paul's	R	256	710	(395)	(200)	371
Tiny Tots - St. Tim's	R	299	307	(144)		462
Youth Club	R	962	541	(730)	(200)	573
Uganda Link	R	142	-	-	-	142
Mission Fund	D	500	-	-	-	500
Centre Maintenance	D	2,767	-	-	2,000	4,767
St. Paul's Fabric Fund Restricted	R	-	30,455	(30,810)	355	-
St. Paul's Fabric Fund Designated	D	-	5,130	(3,160)	-	1,970
Carl Gase Legacy Fund	D	10,000	-	-	-	10,000
Viv Craig Legacy Fund	R	5,810	-	(282)	-	5,528
Card Class	R	105	-	-	(105)	-
Monday House Group	R	183	94	(65)	-	212
Holiday Club	R	535	-	-	-	535
Parish Weekend	R	500	-	-	-	500
Tea & Toast (Cid's Café 2)	R	172	288	-	-	460
Archdeacon's Grant	D	-	7,000	(964)	-	6,036
		22,232	44,525	(36,550)	1,850	32,056

Foot Notes

Debtors Hall rents - December HMRC - Gift Aid Tax recovered Q4 HMRC - Gift Aid Tax recovered Crowdfunder Q4 BusinessPaye - Payroll support Creditors Diocese of Bristol Loan Hills Waste Daisy Communications - Dec. Mobile phones Daisy Communications - Dec. Broadband Children’s Society Action for Children – Formerly NCH British Gas – Electricity (St. Paul’s) British Gas – Gas (St. Paul’s) British Gas - Gas (St. Tim's) British Gas - Electricity (St. Tim's) B Fisher Tiny Tots Expenses Advance Hall Bookings Rev. T. Wigley Expenses	2024 £ - 2,009 163 564 2,736 - 74 24 57 235 235 - 1,013 - - - 1,302 - 2,941	2023 £ 246 1,956 - -
		2,202
		1,000 99 26 152 200 200 308 1,798 308 64 130 1,236 246
		5,767

Page 13

Footnotes

Dorcan Church Income

Regular Giving 40% Lettings 34% Other giving 5% Tax recovered 11% Plate collections 3% Other 0.7% Fetes etc. 5% Bank Interest 0.6% Fees 2%

Dorcan Church Expenditure

Parish Share 31% Repairs 23% Minister's and Staff 13.5% Methodist Assessment 12% Utilities 9% Administration 4% Mission and Charitable Giving 2% Insurance 1.4% Upkeep of services 1.3% Council Tax 0.7% Stewardship Campaign 0.6% Fees 0.5% Cost of events 0.4% Maintenance 0.1%

Charts

Page 14

2024 accounts

Approved at a meeting of the Dorcan Church Ecumenical Church Council

N Marshall 3/27/2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date Chair Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council

ECC Approval

Page 15

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES/MEMBERS OF DORCAN ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council (the ECC) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the ECC 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 ECC'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

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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act ; or

(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this respect in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

P Crowley

3/31/2025

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date

P J Crowley FCA Derrick Newman Limited Chartered Accountants 29 Bath Road Swindon SN1 4AS

Ind Exam Report

Page 16

DORCAN ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1) The financial statements of Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council (the ECC) have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2016 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
2) The following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities :
moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the ECC and which require a faculty for disposal.
land and buildings held on behalf of the ECC.
other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the ECC is free to dispose of such assets without faculty.
3) The following assets are recognised and a monetary value given as part of the description in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities :
amounts owing from H M Revenue & Customs.
any other amounts owing to the ECC including church hall lettings.
4) Closing bank balances are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
5) The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
any arrears of the Diocesan Parish Share.
creditors for goods or services where the supply has been received and invoiced by 31 December 2024.

Page 17

Notes

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES/MEMBERS OF DORCAN ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council (the ECC) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the ECC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

Independent Examiner's Statement

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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act ; or

(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.

P Crowley

31/03/2025

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date

P J Crowley FCA Derrick Newman Limited Chartered Accountants 29 Bath Road Swindon SN1 4AS

DORCAN ECUMENICAL CHURCH COUNCIL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1) The financial statements of Dorcan Ecumenical Church Council (the ECC) have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2016 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
2) The following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities :
moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the ECC and which require a faculty for disposal.
land and buildings held on behalf of the ECC.
other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the ECC is free to dispose of such assets without faculty.
3) The following assets are recognised and a monetary value given as part of the description in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities :
amounts owing from H M Revenue & Customs.
any other amounts owing to the ECC including church hall lettings.
4) Closing bank balances are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
5) The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
any arrears of the Diocesan Parish Share.
creditors for goods or services where the supply has been received and invoiced by 31 December 2024.

Page 2

Notes