## **The Annual Report Including the Financial Statements of**
‘’The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Castle Bromwich’’
## **Year ending December 2025**
(Registered Charity No. 1146681)
## **Promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish**
**the whole mission of the church,**
**pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.**
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**Structure, Governance and Management**
The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956. as amended and church representation rules.
St Mary and St Margaret is registered with the Charity Commission as ‘’The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Castle Bromwich’’ Charity No. 1146681
The method of appointment of PCC/Trustee members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
All regular attendees at the church are encouraged to register on the electoral roll which enables them to vote and to stand for election to the PCC.
The PCC/Trustees of
‘’The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Castle Bromwich’’
_ex officio_ 1 Rector Revd. Fiona Harrison-Smith MA, BA(Hons) BMus(Hons)
_ex officio_ 2 Churchwardens
Mrs Anita Low
_ex officio_ 3 Deanery Synod representatives Mrs Karon Ward Mrs Deborah Bates
Mrs Jackie Harris
## 9 elected members
Mrs Elaine Jeffs (Treasurer) Mr David Greaves Mrs Shirley Middlemass Mrs Susan Bates Mrs Laura Fallows (resigned 18[th] May) Mrs Margaret Grady Mrs Mary Jones Mrs Tricia Richards (resigned 18[th] May) Mrs Karol Rogers Mrs Florence Pond (elected 18[th] May) Mrs Jane Cooper (elected 18[th] May)
Bank Lloyds Bank, High Street, Sutton Coldfield
Independent Examiner M. Lawrence & Co., 213 Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham, B33 8BB
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## **Aims and purpose**
The aims and purpose of the church remains undiminished where the mission, outreach, thanksgiving, and celebration are at the heart of the ethos in our parish. We are an open and inclusive Church and warmly welcome everyone at St. Mary and St. Margaret, whatever their background or previous experience of Christian worship. We are looking to grow every individual as a Child of God through close ties with the Church school and in our wider Church community.
**Our Mission** is to be relevant in this community and beyond, through loving Christian service.
**Our Aim** is to be a living, vibrant, witnessing Church at the centre of our Community.
During 2024 we adopted 5 values across all areas of church life; **FAITH, YOUTH, ECO, HERITAGE, COMMUNITY**
## **Vision for the Future**
In 2019 we started our Transforming Church journey to grow our Church and meet the needs of an everchanging society. We embarked on a journey of reflection to consider who we are, who our community thinks we are and where God is calling us. With the arrival of our new Rector we have begun to look at what this could look like for us and the next steps to achieve all that God is calling us into
## 1. **To be a prayerful and Christ led Church: centered on the needs of the congregation, and wider Community. Caring and compassionate to all that live** . **and work in Castle Bromwich, regardless of age, culture, needs, or background**
2. **To Support our Church School family, fostering a mutual spiritual and pastoral partnership with Children, Teachers, and parents** .
3. **To be Open, welcoming, and hospitable – sharing the Love of Jesus with everyone, regardless of who they are or why they join us. Whether new, of long standing or visiting, make everyone feel at home and included as we seek to** .
**broaden the diversity of our outreach and grow new disciples**
4. **To provide worship that satisfies the needs of all ages, abilities, and lifestyles, meeting people where they are in their Christian Journey.**
5 **. To be mission led – taking the word of Jesus out into the Community. Linking up with people, other communities and Churches on joint ventures that** . **strengthen connection and unity between our different congregations** 3
## 6. **Provide a regular programme of activities to support Christian journeys. Creating a Discipleship Pathway particularly for new Christians, Children, Youth,** . **and families to grow their faith**
## 7. **To be an Environmentally responsible Church – committed to being stewards of God’s Creation**
The PCC is looking at ways in which we can become carbon neutral.
## 8 **. To provide a thriving Christian Ministry for Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) – in the belief that children and young people can follow Jesus and be full members of the Church and are integral to church growth.**
## **Objects and Activities**
We have a thriving and inclusive all-age congregation from many walks of life. While many people come from the local community – the village setting of Castle Bromwich with its Hall and Gardens – many others are drawn from further afield and from different Christian traditions. By providing a variety of services and worship styles we hope that most needs are catered for while creating the conditions for discipleship and spiritual growth, development and wellbeing. We also have an excellent relationship with our local church school, St. Mary and St. Margaret CE Aided Primary School, where children participate in weekly clergy led worship, both in the school and in the church setting. Our family church team are working hard to improve these links.
Our Community Hall provides for our own needs while broadening our community outreach by offering a broad range of services and activities that have both deepened and strengthened our local ties while fostering and developing community cohesion.
## **Worship and Services**
We have a balance of family services, e.g. Baptism services, and more formal communion services.
In 2025, the parish undertook
- 6 church funerals,
- 4 crematorium only funerals
- 4 burial of ashes
- 27 baptisms
- 7 weddings
Our current service patterns are as follows:
- Sunday: Holy Communion Service at 9:30 or 11:00am
- Baptism every 1[st] Sunday of the month11:00 am
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- Café Worship every third Sunday 11:00 am in church community hall
- Family Communion on alternate Wednesdays of the month at 9:30. During term time, a class from our church school join us.
## **Pastoral Care**
There are 9 members on the Pastoral team who held 6 meetings during 2025. Over the year we held 4 Luncheon Clubs in the Church Hall which were well attended. We catered for approximately 42 people from both Church and the local community. Our annual Summer Outing on 19[th] June was to Coventry Cathedral with a guided tour for those who wanted more information. There was free time after for refreshment in the museum café or in the town, followed by a meal at The Black Boy in Knowle. 40 people attended the trip and all enjoyed their day out.
Our Christmas meal was once again held at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel where an excellent meal was enjoyed by 89 people from both Church and the local community. We held coffee mornings on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Wednesday mornings of the month in the Church Hall, attendance varies throughout the year.
Our Bereavement Group meets on the 2[nd] Monday afternoon of the month. We have an average attendance of 15 who are very appreciative of the support and comfort they receive from attending.
Our All Souls service held on 2[nd] November, was followed with tea and coffee and time to chat. It was a good service, well attended, the earlier time of 4pm preferred by those who came.
Home Communion it taken once a month, by Shirley Middlemass, Tricia Richards and Deborah Bates, to those who are no longer able to attend Church. This is much appreciated by those who are sick or housebound. The Pastoral Team continue to send Thinking of You cards to the sick, bereaved, and those in need of support, which are well appreciated by those who receive them.
## **Baptism Team**
We had 24 Children’s baptisms during our 11am services and 1 at 12:30. We also had 3 Adult Baptisms. We are now doing Baptisms during the 11am service only except in special circumstances. Thanksgiving and Baptism preparation sessions are now held in the vicarage with Rev. Fiona.
## **The Mothers’ Union**
We continued to meet on a Wednesday for our monthly friendship afternoons, we chat, craft, play games, discuss interesting topics and occasionally celebrate the Eucharist together. We start the meeting with a prayer and always finish with the Grace. Our meetings are open to all and are popular with members and non- members alike. Those less active continue to support us especially with prayer, which is a very important part
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of our ministry.
We have had a very busy year with numerous amazing milestones, 2 new members enrolled, 3 x 40 years long service certificates given out , an 80th, a couple of 90th birthdays plus a diamond wedding and a new marriage all celebrated. What joyous occasions to remember. Highlighted meetings, in March for Mothering Sunday, we made up daffodil posies to distribute to all the ladies in church or at home. In June we held our messy church session, what a memorable afternoon it was with year 1 from school joining us. It was a joy to see young and old alike joining in fellowship together and trying to understand the difficult concept of the Trinity. We learned the Grace with actions, we then did our craft of a trinity wheel and we finished with a drink and cake. Year 1 are a credit to the school, well-mannered and well behaved. Thanks go to them, their teacher and support staff for making it such a fun and informative meeting. In July we hosted a summer social for all our Diocesan members, we had a strawberry cream tea which was well attended and enjoyed. Members also had the opportunity to look around our ancient church.
We finished the year off with our annual afternoon Carol Service, thanks must go to our local community and businesses, especially the Crafty Cow on the green, our Family church group and congregation who joined us this year in collecting for Women’s aid. A representative attended our service and left with an amazing amount of wonderful contributions, it was heartwarming to see such generosity. Our members continued to be very active within church life and have been delighted to serve our congregation and community during the past year and eagerly look forward to what 2026 brings.
## **The Family Church Team**
Family Church is made up of a dedicated team of volunteers from various areas within the Church, united by their passion for Family Mission. The group aims to establish a supportive environment where families and those new to Christianity can explore their faith in imaginative ways, fostering fun and fellowship. The team collaborates by sharing ideas and resources, offering both practical and spiritual support, functioning as a unified group while maintaining individual teams.
The individual Teams are:- Messy Worship Team; Café Worship Team; Warm Welcome Team; Social & Community Group
2025 was a busy year for all the groups. We welcomed Ricky Sandiford, who joined as our Family and Youth Community Worker. Ricky established the Youth Connect Monthly Worship and the Warm Welcome initiative and supported some of our young people through confirmation. Unfortunately, Ricky left partway through the year, resulting in the cessation of Youth Worship. Warm Welcome paused for a period, but the remaining Warm Welcome team resumed sessions later in the year. Family Church activities in 2025 included:-
Pancake Race, Easter Egg Trail and Light Party
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Community Carols and Nativity Trail – raising approximately £600. Community Christmas Toy/Gift collection for Women’s Aid
Harvest food collection for North Solihull Foodbank
Children’s Crafts provided during Baptism Services
Supported at All Age Harvest, Good Friday and Christmas Nativity, Baby Loss and Easter Eve services.
Father Christmas Children’s Crafts Workshop Family Games evening Supported at Church Fete – BBQ and children’s games.
## **Some Highlights**
**Father Christmas Crafts Workshop** – this was a major success, entertaining over eighty children and families. The event featured a Christmas Grotto, a visit from Father Christmas, presents, crafts, and other activities. Feedback from attendees was highly positive, making the workshop a popular event for local families.
Warm Welcome - was an outreach event for the local community, providing free weekly games and activities for families. Attendance was lower than anticipated – however those that attended gave very positive feedback. Ricky left part way through the year, so there was a short sabbatical, but the event has been relaunched by the Warm Welcome team, during school holidays only, which we hope will be more convenient for families.
**Community Carols and Nativity Trail - t** his annual informal Carol Service had a fundraising element this year, raising approx. £600. It was well attended and was a fun and joyous event, receiving very positive feedback from the local community. **Christmas Collection for Women’s Aid -** Whilst primarily a Mothers Union event, Family Church members assisted by engaging with local businesses such as the Crafty Cow and the Remembrance Club to collect gifts for this worthwhile Charity.
## **Café Worship Team**
Café Worship continued to be a lively and valuable addition to our traditional Sunday services. The aim is to create an informal and relaxed atmosphere that is accessible for individuals and families exploring their faith. Sessions include crafts, Bible teaching, videos, activities, informal worship with songs, and interactive prayers. Café Worship remains well attended and is especially popular with families, with a higher proportion of pre-school children compared to school-aged children or youth, reflecting broader trends within the Church. The lack of new volunteers is an ongoing challenge, particularly during holiday periods, occasionally leading to the suspension of sessions some months.
## **Messy Worship**
Messy Worship continues to be a well-attended worship event which takes place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. It starts in church at the 9:30am service and ensures
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that those who attend can experience the regular Sunday Eucharist and also offers an informal worship service, that gives both children and adults the best of both worlds. There are on average around 12 to 20 children attending between the age of birth to 9 years of age and they are all accompanied by a responsible adult.
Following the service starting in church the Messy Worship group leave the main service after the confession and take a Cross with the Children’s Bible. A child is chosen to process with the Cross and Bible into the community hall where activities and chairs are already set up.
Roots on the web is used at each session and this ensures that the lectionary is followed and reflections on what has been discussed at Messy Worship will correspond with the service in church.
The worship begins with a brief welcome, a prayer, the saying of the Grace and then the Bible reading is read out by one of the leaders. An activity is then enjoyed by everyone who attends, even the adults can join in with word searches and crosswords that are relevant to the Bible reading. The group leaders spend time with the children and those accompanying them, talking about all sorts of things that encourage and welcome everyone who attends, this is an essential part of worship and evangelism. Sadly the leadership team is going to decrease at some point in the future due to other commitments and therefore there will be a lack of volunteers. It is hoped that new volunteers will come forward to ensure the group is able to carry on and reach out to those who enjoy the worship.
## **Bell Ringers**
## **Introduction**
2025 has been another highly successful and progressive year for St. Mary and St. Margaret's Church in Castle Bromwich. Our bell ringing group has continued to grow in both confidence and ability, building on the strong foundations established in previous years. This year has seen a particular emphasis on developing more advanced ringing methods, alongside continued engagement with the local community and strengthening relationships with neighbouring towers. As we reflect on the year, it is clear that the church remains a vibrant hub for worship, learning, and fellowship, with bell ringing playing a central role in bringing people together.
## **Bell Ringing Achievements**
One of the most notable successes of 2025 has been the continued development of our bell ringing skills, particularly in tackling more complex and demanding methods. Building on our work from 2024, the band has been working consistently on more difficult methods, with a strong focus on _Bob Doubles_ and _Grandsire Doubles_ both now with bobs, successfully ringing courses of 60 and 120. This has marked an important step forward in both individual ability and overall band cohesion.
In addition, we have begun developing our skills in _Steadman Alliance_ , laying the groundwork for further progress in the coming years. This work reflects the band’s growing confidence and ambition, with a clear aim of achieving _Steadman Doubles_ in 2026.
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Our bell ringers have continued to support regular services throughout the year, enhancing worship and maintaining the strong audible presence of the church across Castle Bromwich. We have also rung for weddings and other special occasions, continuing our valued role in marking important moments in the lives of our community. We have welcomed two new local learner ringers, Liz and Louise who are both beginning very well and ring consistently at Wednesday practice sessions. **Strengthening Relationships with Local Towers**
Throughout 2025, we have continued to build and strengthen our relationships with neighbouring towers, particularly those in Sheldon and Coleshill. These connections have provided valuable opportunities for shared learning, mutual support, and the exchange of ideas and techniques.
By ringing together and supporting one another’s practices, our band members have benefited from wider experience and encouragement, helping to accelerate progress and build confidence. These partnerships have fostered a strong sense of fellowship and community that extends well beyond our own tower.
## **Community Engagement and Heritage**
St. Mary and St. Margaret's has remained an active and valued part of the wider community in 2025. Our involvement in heritage events and local history initiatives has once again been a highlight, with the bell tower attracting visitors and local residents interested in the history and traditions of the church. We have welcomed visiting towers from as far north as Leeds and as far south as Cornwall!
Opening the tower to the public has provided a unique opportunity to share the story of bell ringing and its place in the heritage of Castle Bromwich. These events have continued to strengthen our connection with the community, bringing together people of all ages to appreciate both the history and ongoing life of the church.
## **Tower Trips and Church Fetes**
Tower visits have continued to be a popular and rewarding activity throughout 2025, offering members of the congregation and the wider community the chance to experience bell ringing first-hand. These visits have not only been informative but have also helped to inspire interest in the art of ringing and encourage new participants. Our annual church fetes have once again been a great success, providing opportunities for fellowship, fundraising, and celebration. The bell ringers have played an important role in these events, contributing to the lively and welcoming atmosphere that defines our church community.
## **Conclusion**
Reflecting on 2025, it is clear that St. Mary and St. Margaret’s Church has continued to grow in strength, both as a place of worship and as a centre of community life. The achievements of the bell ringing group this year—particularly in developing more advanced methods such as Bob Doubles, Grandsire with bobs, and the introduction of Steadman Alliance—demonstrate both commitment and ambition.
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with enthusiasm and clear goals, particularly the aim of successfully ringing Steadman Doubles. We remain committed to developing our
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skills, strengthening our relationships, and continuing to play a meaningful role within the Castle Bromwich community.
## **Choir and Organ**
Throughout 2025 the choir have continued to sing at the weekly Eucharist services, Weddings and occasional funeral services and also met for weekly choir practice on a Thursday evening. The choir is a little depleted in numbers with currently six Sopranos, two Altos, one tenor and one bass totalling nine members. We are actively trying to encourage new members, and this will remain a ‘work in progress.’ The choir as usual, sang at the main liturgical service during ‘Holy Week and Easter’ and support the music and singing at other services. Christmas 2025 saw another ‘extra-curricular’ activity when we presented “STARGAZERS” together with St Clements Church. After a couple of months of rehearsals on a Thursday evening in the church hall and with help from visiting musicians, we had two very enjoyable and successful performances both at St Mary & St Margaret’s and St Clements. A big thank you to everyone who supported it, helped with the organisation, and freely gave time to ensure its success. The organ has continued to be a fine instrument since it’s rebuilding and is now regularly tuned and minor tweaks made when Rodney Briscoe from Boggis & Co visits around twice a year.
It is hoped that 2026 will be the start of an exciting new period for music at St Mary and St Margaret church and there are a number of plans for events in the near future to raise the profile of our music and worship.
We are appreciative of the input and efforts of every single choir member, who turn up each week, along with the support from the congregation who turn up each week, and we look forward to future growth and fellowship.
## **The Flower Arrangers**
Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, this talented team enhanced our worship with amazing floral displays at Easter, Patronal Festival, Harvest and Christmas. There are also altar flower arrangements in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries etc. which are requested (and funded by) individual members of the congregation.
## **Church Cleaners**
There was a small team of volunteers to whom we are all grateful for their efforts in keeping our Church clean and tidy for the benefit of all who attend. Due to the lack of new volunteers we appointed a paid cleaner in the latter part of the year and this is working well.
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## **Gardening Group**
The gardening group have once again done an amazing job looking after our memorial garden and Churchyard, for which are really grateful. The gardens provide a tranquil and relaxing area to refresh the Spirit.
## **Charity Fund Raising**
We continue to support Malawi through Lent collection boxes, Children’s Society collection at Christingle Service and St Basil’s collection boxes during Advent. Ad hoc charity collections take place at times of emergencies throughout the world.
## **Hall Management Team**
The Community Hall is run by the PCC who ensure all Policies and Procedures are kept up to date. The Community Hall office is staffed by a part time Parish Administrator who deals with all hall enquires and bookings as well as supporting the worship team with administration.
The Hall has both a music licence and alcohol licence.
The are several regular paid bookings for the hall, with Yoga classes and courses, Pilates classes, Baby Massage/Sensory Courses, Dance Classes, Mother & Baby exercise class and Martial Arts groups.
The hall is used for their worship on Sundays by Messy Worship and Café Worship. The hall is also used for Wednesday coffee mornings, Bereavement Support Group, Mothers Union meetings, Luncheon Club, Soup and Roll Lunches and Warm Welcome which continue to be popular with church members and community alike. These events provide important opportunities for outreach, as they are attended by many people from the wider community, as well as Church regulars.
## **Safeguarding**
We work to provide a safe and caring community, through respectful pastoral ministry, for all our parishioners and congregation. All the Safeguarding information on our noticeboards has been reviewed by PCC and is clearly available. Our clergy, Readers and all volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults, are DBS checked and complete the relevant on-line safeguarding training courses. All members of the PCC keep their safeguarding training up-to-date and, in compliance with the directive from the Church of England, are also DBS checked. Our safeguarding policies and procedures are discussed and approved annually at PCC meetings. The PCC has also appointed a children’s advocate and an adult’s advocate, who sit on the PCC to represent the interests of these vulnerable groups.
The PCC has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on
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safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. St. Mary & St. Margaret is using the Parish Dashboard which gives us visibility of all policies, procedures and training for our church, related to keeping our church community safe. Our Parish Safeguarding CoOrdinator reports at each PCC meeting and presents a Parish Dashboard action plan at regular intervals for PPC approval. Our Safeguarding Co-Ordinator is also using the Parish Hub which is proving to be a useful tool, giving reminders of training or DBS checks that need to be done or renewed.
## **Church/Hall Fabric**
2025 has seen the Church Warden spending a lot of time obtaining quotes for upcoming electrical work needed in the church. We will be having our electric distribution board replaced and electric circuits updated to enable us, at a later stage, to possibly install solar panels in our efforts to become more eco-friendly.
The other electrical work is in the ringing room and the tower staircase, replacing all old, dated light fixing to enable a lighter space, ensuring a safer passage when we are welcoming visitors. We also having emergency lighting in these areas upgraded. We are also having a ring doorbell fitted to enable a safer environment for all bell ringers and choir when in church alone in the evening,
During 2025 our new AV system was installed, with some minor hiccups along the way with the new screen . The screen can now be lower out of sight when not requires which brings the church back to some of it’s original setting. There also new cameras which we are still getting used to but with more training I’m sure we will all know the system so much better. The AV work also went into the hall and the projector presents a much cleaner sharper picture with no distortion when in operation. The new system we’ve had installed has also future proofed the church with blue tooth technology, and the added extra screens around the alter and pulpits,
## **Building Committee**
We continue to develop projects that future proof the church and spend the legacy money in a sensible and cost-effective way.
The projects that have been completed in 2025 are as follows: -
New AV system for the church - This included a retractable screen, new projector, two new cameras, various TV screens 4x wireless microphones and a new control console. The control console has been relocated in the north side of the high pews. Quinquennial survey completed by our church architect. This will provide the basis for essential work to the external part of the church and will allow us to apply for Heritage Lottery money possibly in 2027.
Projects under consideration are: -
New Distribution board for the church. This is to upgrade to a better 3 phase board (needed when we add renewables to the church building) Also to improve the
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distribution system from a health and safety point of view. We hope to have DAC (Diocesan Advisory Council) approval early 2026
In 2026 we will be preparing a DAC faculty to introduce solar panels, batteries and warm air/cooling units in the Community Hall. This will help us reduce our electricity usage from the grid and provide warm air and cool air when needed. Climate conditions are changing so this gives us the opportunity to allow for all possibilities. Introduction of a South Door vestibule, which will help reduce the loss of heat from church and make this door the main entrance and exit to the church. The north door will be mainly an emergency exit door. The structure inside the church will be wood and glass allowing a more welcoming appearance. A DAC faculty will be put forward in 2026
We are still looking at ways to improve storage in church but there are no plans being developed.
The introduction of renewables i.e. solar panels, batteries and air/water heat pump in church is still being considered. The faculty application is going to be difficult as we are a Grade one listed building in a conservation area. The faculty will be prepared in 2027. As part of our interest in pursuing heritage projects for our Heritage Lottery fund application, we are looking at ways of giving visitors a more enjoyable experience. This includes a safe viewing platform in the roof space for up to 15 people. As we have bats in the roof this will restrict our opportunity to enhance people’s experience.
Projects that we have decided not to pursue: - Under pew heating – very high capital cost
Insulation on the North and South Isle – very high capital cost with very little saving due to the structure of our medieval roof.
Many thanks to all committee members and advisors for their help and support over the past 12 months
## **Heritage Committee**
Heritage is one of the core values of the church and the Heritage Committee have worked hard this year to raise the profile of the church’s heritage and make it more accessible.
Key to achieving this goal is to work closely with the Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel and with Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens. Anita Shergold in particular has worked hard to build a relationship with the Hotel and has offered tours to guests in the hotel, in exchange for publicity.
The relationship with the Hall Gardens has also strengthened and we were pleased to welcome Jack Gunn, a member of the Gardens staff to our committee to ensure that the church and hall gardens work together to plan events and share publicity. Several tours of the church were undertaken and we were pleased to welcome the Harborne U3A in October who enjoyed their visit.
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We took part in the National Heritage Weekends in September and opened the church and tower to 184 people over two weekends. There were tours of the church including a video, tours of the belltower and roof. A children’s trail was available and an Edwardian hat making activity for all ages. On the second Saturday afternoon, there were refreshments, games and stalls in the Community Hall. The visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many people visiting for the first time. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped the committee welcome visitors or serve refreshments, not forgetting the bellringers who conducted the trips up the tower.
On the final Sunday of the Heritage weekends, a “Songs of Praise” style service was held featuring hymns from throughout the ages of the church. This was preceded by a short procession from the rear garden of Castle Bromwich Hall. Visitors and congregation were encouraged to wear hats made in the craft activity at the open days and dress in Edwardian fashions which echoed the Edwardian theme of events held by the Gardens. The service was very well attended and was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Stuart Jeffs and to the choir for leading the singing.
In all, this was a successful year and we hope to build on this success in 2026.
## **Coleshill & Polesworth Deanery Synod**
## **The first meeting of 2025 was held on Zoom on Wednesday 5th February 2025.**
Area Dean Louise Shaw welcomed Steph Haynes, the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer to this meeting to give an update on Safeguarding processes. Here is a summary of some of the things mentioned.
- Any allegations of Clergy and church officers which have happened in the Church must be referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. If you feel something is not right, phone the Safeguarding team.
- 60% of calls are preventative before it becomes a safeguarding allegation.
- Where a risky adult wants to attend Church or a probation safety plan is in place, a Risk Assessment will need to be done. There are currently 14 in the Diocese.
Steph also talked about The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard, an online tool, for which the Birmingham Diocese pays a licence. It allows parish Safeguarding leads to keep track of safeguarding in their Parish/Church. Coleshill and Polesworth are doing well, 15 parishes are on level 3.
_**National Safeguarding Standards**_ – September 2023, CofE went live with national Safeguarding Standards, which will be on the Dashboard for the Parishes. Audit will be measured against these safeguarding standards.
1. Culture, Leadership & Capacity
2. Prevention
3. Recognising, Assessing & Managing Risk
4. Victims and Survivors
5. Learning, Supervision and Support
The Diocese priority is (1) Culture and (4) Victims and survivors. The Church has got to get the culture right where people feel safe when they attend. There are resources to
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support Parish engagement with the standards, for further information is available on the Church of England website.
**Parish Safeguarding Survey –** Steph talked about a Parish Safeguarding Survey; it’s time to ask the congregation what they think about Culture of the Church of England. The survey will take place later in the year. This is to ensure that people are aware of safeguarding and know what to do.
## **Diocesan and Deanery updates**
The church commissioners helped the Diocese with 1.5 million deficit for the last financial year. The Diocese is now partnering with the church commissioner to look at a ten-year plan. They will be putting in a bid to be sustainable. The national church will support us until we become financially stable. The Common Fund is the main income for the dioceses but people are struggling to pay.
## **Net Zero**
Linda, Deanery Environment Champion, provided an update on Net Zero for the deanery. She thank you everybody who had completed the Energy Footprint Tool return in 2024, 88% of churches in the Coleshill & Polesworth deanery completed the survey, which is a fantastic effort and hoped for 2025 we would achieve 100%. Completing this tool is a simple way to calculate the carbon footprint of your church buildings and ensures that churches are eligible for CofE Net Zero Carbon grant funding.
## **The second meeting of the year was held at St Barnabus Church, Kingshurst on Wednesday 4th June 2025**
Area Dean Louise Shaw and Revd. Mandy Harris welcomed everyone to St. Barnabus.
**Growing Gifts course -** Occasional Preacher and Occasional Worship leader from Garretts Green and Kingshurst spoke about their experience on this course. It was very encouraging to hear how people had grown in confidence (to the extent they would not have been able to stand in front of Synod before the training) and the encouragement to take a step to do things in church. Louise spoke about the Deanery course that is beginning in September and how it was important to know which parishes were interested.
## **Diocesan Synod Review**
Agenda items included
- **Diocesan Board of Education** where their Diocesan Director of Education, Sarah Smith told the Synod about the Board’s priorities. Mrs Sarah Smith, focused on how the mission and ministry of schools can support the wider Diocesan strategy. It’s about transformation and transforming lives through education.
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- **Future of Safeguarding** Dr Jan Smart, Diocesan Secretary, stated that safeguarding continues to be a high priority in the Church of England Birmingham. In February 2025, General Synod (GS) debated and voted on two proposed models (labelled 3 and 4) for independent safeguarding in the Church of England. GS Members approved a motion (amended) that endorses ‘Model 3' for immediate implementation while further work is carried out on the potential for ‘Model 4’. Both models are outlined in paper GS2378. It was noted that under model 3 Safeguarding staff in the diocese will continue be employed by their Diocesan Board of Finance, but national safeguarding staff will move to a new independent organisation. Dr Jan Smart, Diocesan Secretary, reported that the process of implementing IICSA 1 and 8 (the recommendations from the 2019 enquiry) have begun and that the move from Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is quite fundamental as this will give DSOs independence from Bishops (previously they were advisors to the bishops).
## **The Bid to church commissioners (Strategic Mission, Ministry and Investment Board (SMMIB) for DIP partnership funding**
Continued focus on ‘Growing churches at the heart of each community’ as the vision. This partnership support breaks down into:
Will know if successful probably at the end of July.
- _Church planting and revitalisation to bring new life and resource to some of our most in need churches._
- _Parish Growth initiatives to help all parishes and Oversight Areas to contextually grow._
- _Support to form our existing leaders and raise up new missional leaders._
- _Support to help us become financially sustainable in the future._
- _Protection for our internal mission fund for missional use locally._
## **The final meeting of 2025 was held at St Clements Church on Wednesday 22 October 2025**
The main topic of this meeting was the £17.8 million grant received from the Church Commissioners.
Bishop Esther started with scripture. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain" (Psalm 127:1).
She said that these scriptures remind us that no amount of funding or strategy can replace the need for faithful hearts and communities transformed by Christ. The Grant: A Gift and a Responsibility – The £17.8 million grant from the Church Commissioners is a profound opportunity. It enables us to move forward with confidence in what God is doing in our diocese. This is not about shaping a vision to attract funding—it’s about joining a long journey of prayerful transformation that began before any of us.
There are four key themes:
**Sustainability** Since COVID, we’ve faced a deficit of £1.5 million, covered by reserves that are now nearly depleted. This new funding provides a bridge to rebuild financial
16
stability. It allows us to apply for common funding transparently and prayerfully, aiming for sustainable ministry and mission together.
**Leadership** Flourishing churches need flourishing leaders—lay and ordained, diverse and equipped. We’re investing in forming leaders with wisdom and resilience. Many curates and local ordained ministers have grown from within their parishes. Our leadership must reflect and release people into their communities.
**Parish Growth** Growth is not just about numbers as important as it is —it’s about revitalisation and discipleship. Mission enablers will work alongside parishes to “Sowing Seeds Funding” and strengthen shared ministry. Even under-resourced parishes have great potential with some help. This is not a centralised model but one that allows for local missional growth activities.
**Revitalisation and Planting** This is often misunderstood. It’s not about takeover—it’s about partnership in mission. Stronger churches can give away people and resources to help another church. We currently have a list of seven churches involved.
There were discussions about how the grant was going to be distributed. There were many questions following the discussions with many Synod members upset about the bid had been put together and felt lessons should be learnt when making funding bids in future.
## **Volunteers**
We must thank all our volunteers, many of whom work tirelessly in the background but without whom the church and hall would not run so smoothly. Each year we do lose one or two of our older volunteers and we particularly give thanks to these people for their many years of service.
_The above report has been compiled by the PCC Secretary with input from the Rector, PCC Vice Chair, Church Wardens and Church Groups on behalf of the PCC/Trustees._
## _**Approved by the PCC on 29[th] April 2026 and signed on their behalf by the Rector**_
## _**Revd. Fiona Harrison-Smith**_
17
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Balance sheet at 31st December 2025**
|Note
**FIXED ASSETS**
Property - Hall
4a
Property - Church
4a
Bells
4b
Organ
4b
Church - Fixture & Fittings
4b
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
6
Short Term Deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
**LIABILITIES; AMOUNTS FALLING DUE**
7
**WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Creditors
Provision for Common Fund
Diocesan Loan
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**LIABILITIES; AMOUNTS FALLING DUE**
8
**AFTER ONE YEAR**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
Unrestricted General
Restricted Legacy ( decoration Fund )
Restricted - Church ( Capital )
Restricted - Hall (Captial Cost )
Restricted - Bells
Restricted Bells ( Capital Cost )
Restricted - Organ
Restricted - Organ ( Capital Cost )
Restricted - Awards for All
Restricted - Youth Worker
Restricted - Church F & F|2025
2024
£
£
538098
538098
33006
33006
52291
52291
54600
54600
35833
0|
|---|---|
||713828
677995|
||15000
15000
300000
360000
61416
69393|
||376416
444393|
||0
0
0
0
0
0|
||376416
444393|
||0
0|
||1090244
1122388|
||261002
318582
30000
30000
33006
33006
538098
538098
14003
13673
52291
52291
5637
5307
54600
54600
3765
4878
62009
71953
35833
0|
||1090244
1122388|
Approved by the Parochial Church Meeting on and signed on its behalf by :
Revd F Harrison Smith Mrs A Low
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31st December 2025**
|**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
**For the year ended 31st December 2025**||
|---|---|
|Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from donors
2a
Other voluntary incoming resources
2b
Income from charitable and ancillary trading
2c
Other ordinary incoming resources
2d
Income from investments
2e
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Charities
3a
Activities directly relating to the work of the churc
3b
Fund-raising and publicity
3c
Church Management & Administration
3d
Depreciation - Church (F&F)
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
TRANSFER OF ASSETS
Restricted
Unrestricted
NET MOVEMENTS OF FUNDS
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD AT
1ST JANUARY
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT
31ST DECEMBER|Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
26695
180
26875
34538
3569
4145
7714
7344
18845
0
18845
19194
562
0
562
570
16588
0
16588
20759|
||66259
4325
70584
82405|
||0
180
180
721
72714
0
72714
71551
611
0
611
0
20971
0
20971
13964
8041
0
8041
0|
||102337
180
102517
86236|
||-36078
4145
-31933
-3831|
||21291
21291
110697
-21502
-21502
-110697|
||-21502
21291
-211
0|
|||
||318582
803806
1122388
1126219|
||261002
829242
1090244
1122388|
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2025**
## 2 INCOMING RESOURCES
|2 INCOMING RESOURCES||
|---|---|
|2a Incoming resources from donors
Planned giving
Covenants
Income tax recoverable on covenants
Collections (open plate) at all services
Sundry Donations
2b Other voluntary incoming resources
Fete/Autumn Gift Fayre/Christmas Craft Fair
Heritage Funding
Warm Welcome
LPOW refund for work under legacy
2c Income from charitable and ancillary trading
Community Hall Letting
Fees ;- Weddings / Funerals
Church Bells Maintenance
Church Organ maintenance
2d Other ordinary incoming resources
Tea & Coffee Money
2e Interest from Legacy
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES|Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
20862
0
20862
21629
0
0
0
0
3871
0
3871
4276
1962
180
2142
8633|
||26695
180
26875
34538|
||3569
0
3569
3783
0
447
447
3561
0
1539
1539
0
0
2159
2159
0|
||3569
4145
7714
7344|
||10565
0
10565
12016
7620
0
7620
6408
330
0
330
330
330
0
330
440|
||18845
0
18845
19194|
||562
0
562
570|
||562
0
562
570|
||16588
0
16588
20759|
||66259
4325
70584
82405|
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued) For the year ended 31st December 2025**
|3 RESOURCES USED
3a Grants
Missionary and charitable giving:
3b Activities directly relating to the work of the church
Ministry: dioceasan quota
Clergy expenses / Visiting clergy expenses
Church running costs / Domestice Services
Telephone / Broad Band
Church maintenance
Church Materials
Church Administration
Community Hall Electric
Community Hall running costs
Upkeep of churchyard
Organist fees / Maintenance
Justice Security / Alarm call outs
3c Fund-raising and publicity
Costs of Fund raising
3d Church Management and Administration
Heritage spending
Legacy Spending
Youth worker
3e Depreciation
Hall Fixture & Fittings
TOTAL RESOURCES USED|Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
0
180
180
721|
|---|---|
||0
180
180
721|
||24000
0
24000
26000
2468
0
2468
1698
8795
0
8795
7689
2221
0
2221
1601
3186
0
3186
5232
1053
0
1053
2016
1555
0
1555
3286
2974
0
2974
2460
17814
0
17814
13885
1200
0
1200
1200
4622
0
4622
4088
2826
0
2826
2396|
||72714
0
72714
71551|
||611
0
611
0|
||611
0
611
0|
||1560
0
1560
3475
4012
0
4012
10489
15399
0
15399
0|
||20971
0
20971
13964|
||8041
0
8041
0|
||8041
0
8041
0|
||102337
180
102517
86236|
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2025**
## **5 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND**
|Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
0
713828
713828
677995
Current assets
261002
115414
376416
444393
Current liabilities
0
0
0
0
261002
829242
1090244
1122388
General Fund
261002
318582
Legacy;- Decoration fund
30000
30000
New Facilty Fund (Capital Cost )
538098
538098
Bells ( Capital Cost )
52291
52291
Organ fund
5637
5307
Bells Fund
14003
13673
Organ ( Capital Cost )
54600
54600
Church ( Capital Cost )
33006
33006
Awards for All
3765
4878
Youth Worker
62009
71953
Church F&F
35833
0
**Total**
1090244
1122388
**6 DEBTORS**
Income Tax recoverable
15000
15000
Prepayment and accrued interest
0
0
Other Debtors
0
0
0
0
**7 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
a Accruals and deferred income
0
0
b Creditors for goods and services
0
0
c Other creditors
0
0
0
0|Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
0
713828
713828
677995
261002
115414
376416
444393
0
0
0
0|Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
0
713828
713828
677995
261002
115414
376416
444393
0
0
0
0|Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
0
713828
713828
677995
261002
115414
376416
444393
0
0
0
0|
|---|---|---|---|
||261002
829242
1090244
1122388|||
||||261002
318582
30000
30000
538098
538098
52291
52291
5637
5307
14003
13673
54600
54600
33006
33006
3765
4878
62009
71953
35833
0|
||||1090244
1122388|
||||15000
15000
0
0
0
0|
||||0
0|
||||0
0
0
0
0
0|
||||0
0|
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2025**
## **4a COMMUNITY HALL**
|**Fixed Assets**
As at January 2025
Additions
Disposals
**As at 31 December 2025**
**Depreciation**
As at January 2025
Charge for the year
Disposals
**As at 31 December 2025**
**Net Book Value**
**As at 31st December 2025**
**As at 31 December 2025**
**Note 4b CHURCH**
**Fixed Assets**
**Cost**
As at January 2025
Additions
Disposals
**As at 31 December 2025**
**Depreciation**
As at January 2025
Charge for the year
Disposals
**As at 31 December 2025**
**Net Book Value**
**As at 31st December 2025**
**As at 31 December 2025**|**Freehold**
**Property**
**Bells**
**Organ**
**Fixture**
**and**
**Fixtures Total 2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
538098
0
0
24871
562969
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0|
|---|---|
||538098
0
0
24871
562969|
||0
0
0
24871
24871
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0|
||0
0
0
24871
24871|
|||
||538098
0
0
0
538098|
|||
||538098
0
0
0
538098|
||33006
52291
54600
22541
162438
0
0
43874
43874
0
0
0
-22541
-22541|
||33006
52291
54600
43874
183771|
||0
0
0
22541
22541
0
0
0
8041
8041
0
0
0
-22541
-22541|
||0
0
0
8041
8041|
|||
||571104
52291
54600
0
677995|
|||
||571104
52291
54600
35833
713828|
**All assets costing more than £1000 are capitalised at historical cost. Fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. The Freehold property is valued at historical cost and it is not depreciated, as the Community Hall is considered to have a useful life greater than 50 years and so any depreciation charge is considered immaterial.**
**The Bell refurbishment and installation of two new bells have a useful life greater than 50 years and is not depreciated as the charge is considered immaterial**
**The Organ Restoration will now have a useful life greater than 50 years and is not depreciated as the charge is considered immaterial**
**Depreciation charge for Fixtures and Fittings are:Chairs 10%**
**AV System 20% Kitchen Equipment 10% Heating System 10% (Church only)**
## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025;- Additional analysis of major items ( for information only ) Church Running Costs**
|Insurance|4569|
|---|---|
|Utilities|4135|
|**Church Administration**||
|Café Worship|236|
|Iknow Calendar|257|
|Website|252|
|New Paddles for Defibrillator|172|
|Green Bins|88|
|Incidentals|337|
|**Maintenance & Repair**||
|Boiler|1584|
|Electrical Work|1490|
|**Hall Running Costs**||
|Manager|10137|
|Cleaning|1707|
|Window Cleaning|225|
|Licence|295|
|Air Pump Service|1990|
|New Floors|2596|
|**Charities**||
|The Childrens Society|135|
|Sands|30|
|Malawi|15|
|**Fund Raising Events**||
|Garden Fete|2489|
|Christmas under the Stars|457|
|**Donations - General Fund**||
|Dame Mary Bridgeman|1319|
|Pastoral Group|300|
|Legacy|1000|
|U3A|72|
|Anon Donations|365|
M. LAWRENCE & CO.
ICAEW
CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
213 Station Road
Stechford
Birmingham B33 8BB
Telephone . 0121784 5321
Email: admin@mlawrence.org.uk
Parochial Church Council of St Mary and St Margaret
Castle Bromwich
I have examined the Accounts, Statements and Invoices submitted to me, and have
found some minor differences, but they are so insignificant that they do not require
any adjustments to the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary and St
Margaret for the period 01/01/25 to 31/12/25.
Signed .
H Lawrence A.C.A.
Date .
A. Lawrence LLB Dip LP
Solicitor
H. Lawrence ACA
Chartered Accountant
S. Lawrence ACCA
Certified Chartered Accountant