Parish of Uffculme
Parochial Church Council Annual Report For the year ended 31st December 2025
Loving God, discovering Jesus, serving the community
www.stmarysuffculme.org.uk www.squarecorner.org.uk
Parish of Uffculme. Deanery of Tiverton & Cullompton, Diocese of Exeter Bank: CAF Bank Ltd; Independent Examiner: Marie Johns, Batchelor & Co Charity Commission No 1146940
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Report – Reflections on the Year 2025
As I reflect on my first full year of ministry in Uffculme, I am thankful to God for each of you. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading alongside the Churchwardens, PCC members and lay leaders. Richard and Alison have done a magnificent job of supporting me and helping with the practical day to day running of the church. They both do so much, and at this time, it is right to express my thanks for their invaluable support.
I have also been encouraged that when the need arises, there are people ready to step in to use their gifts to serve. Whether it is leading worship or involvement in services, welcoming people into church or serving refreshments, providing and arranging flowers for the church, organising events or getting a building project off the ground, pastoral care or practical jobs, so many of you get involved and that is good to see. Our Lord Jesus encourages us to let our light shine (Matt 5:14-16), and one way we do that is by serving each other. After all, it is our love for one another that enables us to be good news to the world (John 13:34-35).
It has been a joy to stand at the front on Sunday mornings and see your hungry and receptive faces. When I preach, it is clear that you are really listening and engaging with God’s Word. It is my firm conviction that, through his Word, God wants to shape us by his Spirit into an effective witnessing community in Uffculme. Over the last year we have had a varied diet from the Old Testament and the New. John’s Gospel has formed the backbone of our teaching, and it has been great to take a deep dive into the testimony of the beloved disciple. Remember that John’s purpose for writing is that we would believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in him we might have eternal life (John 20:31). The Old Testament’s teaching has seen us engaging with Micah and following
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the early ministry of Moses. Studying these texts gives us a far bigger view of who God is and his amazing plan of salvation. All sixty-six books of the Bible are God-inspired and this rich variety will help us corporately become the people who Christ has called us to be.
This engagement in God’s Word on a Sunday also spreads out into the week and I have been encouraged to hear that there are lively weekly Bible Study groups, hosted by the Lewis’s, Kidds and a group that meets in Square Corner. I understand that there may be a need soon to think about starting another group to feed the growing appetite to meet and study together. If you are someone who could host or lead a new group, please let me know. Alongside, and complementary to, our Bible studies is the weekly prayer meeting which takes place in Square Corner on a Monday at 12pm. Do join us here to pray for the world, our nation and local community, including the church.
Last year, we said goodbye to Andy and Jo Hague and with them, one of our regular worship leaders. I am grateful to Richard for serving us faithfully week by week on the organ. Despite losing Andy, it has been exciting to see developments in our sung worship over the last year with the introduction of an All-Age Worship band, comprised of children and adults. I’d like to express my thanks to Paul Hockey for overseeing this ministry. My hope is that it will be a training ground for future worship leaders as well as an encouragement to all of us month by month. Alongside this, we have been able to encourage and receive encouragement from Grace, who has led our worship on occasions. I am grateful to those who play regularly at our Sunday morning services, as they usher all of us into the presence of God.
The steps forward and growing momentum on the long-desired servery/church improvement project are also a cause for celebration. Gordon has been the driving force behind this and I am thankful for his skills and commitment. He has also had a good supporting team,
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both from within the church as well as some from the surrounding community, who are helping to drive the project forward.
Another great encouragement was the sign up for our Mission Community 24 hour prayer event back in the autumn. I was so pleased that by the time I’d finished petitioning, pretty much all the slots were doubled up! I reminded us at the time that prayer is the engine room of the church, so this is certainly something to build on over the next year.
As far as regular outreach is concerned, we have Toddlers which attracts a good cohort of local families. I am so grateful to Claire and the team who run this. I am also thankful for the Seniors’ Lunch on the first Tuesday of the month - a place where people from outside the church can come and find community, if they wish. The starting up of Open the Book has been an exciting new development and the school has expressed their appreciation for the team. As well as this, we have regular coffee mornings in Square Corner, Bible Story Club, which Helen and Sue organise, a home-schooling chess club and a Christian Union up at the Secondary School. I am aware that all of you, even if you are not part of one of these initiatives, have been living out your faith in the situation where God has placed you, whether that is in your family, at work or around friends who don’t know Jesus. I regularly pray for you, knowing that you are reaching people I have no connection with.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel. May God bless us as we give thanks for last year and continue to look ahead to the future.
Every Blessing,
Reverend Ben Maynard
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Thriving in Rural: REACH Project Report (Jan - Dec 2025)
The REACH project aims to creatively sustain and grow children’s and young people’s work in the Mission Community. Joint working is helping to build and grow working
relationships across the Mission Community and helping us to recognise areas which need to be developed, most notably communication and additional recruitment of volunteers. September 2025 marks the final year of this project and what an exciting year it has been…
Schools work
One of the most encouraging aspects of this year has been the deepening relationship between St Mary’s Church and Uffculme Primary School. We have developed a range of creative RE enrichment resources to support children’s learning about Christianity and this year we worked with 150 children across five year groups. Feedback has been very positive “ Thanks for coming in on Weds. I have been told it went very well and was perfect for the classes so thank you very much.” Exploring some tricky Bible passages using Lego was particularly popular!
It was great to welcome year 3 to church for Easter Experience, a big thank you to the volunteers from St Mary’s for enabling this to run. The church was filled with 30 children, activities included shouting “Hosanna!” and waving newspaper palms as children remembered Palm Sunday, washing feet as we thought about Maundy Thursday, sharing bread as we remembered the last supper and held space to think about the sadness of the
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crucifixion. We concluded by sharing the joy and hope that Christians have in the resurrection and how this changes everything. Reception class enjoyed exploring more about the Church during Experience Church, made prayer paperchains, reenacted a Christening, decorated their own stained glass windows and listened to the Bible. It was a really joyful session!
The Bible story club at Uffculme Primary is also supported and resourced by the REACH project and a huge thank you to Sue and Helen who have faithfully led this lunchtime club for many years.
St Mary’s Church hosts the harvest, Easter and Christmas services for Uffculme Primary School. These seasonal services give us an opportunity to deepen links with the wider school community as well as provide hospitality for our community primary school.
Although this will be covered separately I also wanted to thank the amazing team of volunteers who have taken the plunge and agreed to help lead and run Open The Book at Uffculme. Sharing Bible stories this way with the school each half term is an amazing privilege and a lot of fun too!
Preschools
Along with schools work the opportunity to work with our local preschools has also developed and grown, this year we worked with 200 preschool children and adults across the Mission Community. We offered Easter, Harvest and Christmas services for both Uffculme Preschool and Kingwood children at St Mary’s. One of the highlights was the Easter services where the children made Easter gardens and explored the Easter story through songs and storytelling.
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Toddlers
We have been regularly welcoming 20 families to Uffculme Baby and Toddler Group and have worked hard to offer hospitality and kindness to all who join us, we know that it speaks loudly of God’s love and welcome. One of our parents said “To us this is not just a toddler group. It is a safe space, something that has given me comfort in what was the worst time of our lives, so we truly thank you for that. This really is a special group” . As we continue to partner with other community groups it has been a joy to welcome volunteers from Uffculme Library Friends to start BarrowBooks , a half termly session within our group where stories and books from Uffculme Library are shared with families. We have successfully applied for funding from Uffculme Parish Council to ensure the baby scales are calibrated and safely transported. Seasonal specials have been very popular too, including Good Friday, summer sessions and Carols and Cake.
Community Outreach
The REACH project continues find opportunities to work with the community. The summer activities in Uffculme included a hugely popular Uffculme Community Picnic hosted by Coldharbour Mill, a great opportunity to partner with Warm Space and the Green Team and a variety of community organisations. We welcomed families to Light and Hope at Square Corner on 31 October (reduced numbers this year but they appreciated the hospitality of Square Corner). Other outreach includes the window displays in Square Corner , Nativity trails (this year in four villages), children’s crafts in church on Lights Switch On night and a lot of Christmas events.
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Across the Mission Community
REACH supports RE enrichment across all three primary schools, has built up chaplaincy in Kentisbeare CoE Primary school, having a regular presence in the school supporting Bible stories, Collective Worship and the wider school community. We have also built and maintained links with five preschools across the Mission Community. In Lent the pancake session in Willand church hall had a doubled attendance from last year, welcoming 45 adults and children to find out more about Jesus. Such a wonderful session and many thanks to everyone who took part.
During the year Claire was invited to Lambeth Palace as one of the two representatives from Exeter Diocese as part of the 30K national church project RECOGNISE and enjoyed afternoon tea alongside children’s workers from across the country. She was interviewed about what she loves about her role and this was shared nationally on the Church of England’s social media. She also completed the Foundations course with the Diocese and was Commissioned as a Lay leader of Evangelism and Mission with children and young people at a joyful special service in Kentisbeare.
REACH is proving that vibrant children's and families work can
flourish in rural settings. With your support, we'll continue sharing God's love and building lasting connections throughout our Mission Community. We are passionate about helping our rural churches to discover that they have a hidden treasure, that thriving children’s and families work is not limited to large town or city churches. (Matthew 13:44) Your support in prayer and finance enables this work to continue.
Claire Nichols (REACH Project Lead Worker)
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St Stephen’s Ashill
During this period the following services were held: Easter, Christmas Carol Services and Harvest.
We had 2 funerals (225 and 82 attendees). The School Room was fully used for these occasions and an overflow outside the grassed area. There was 1 wedding with 110 attending. There is a forthcoming baptism on 29[th] March 2026.
The coffee mornings are fully supported with an average of 20 attending. This has proved to be a very good source of income for the Church. The library is well supported by the Community.
Caroline Meikle
This year marks ten years since Square Corner was refurbished and equipped as a lasting legacy for our
community —a visible and active expression of our church’s mission to serve our Lord through loving hospitality and generosity.
Who would have imagined that, ten years on from opening Square Corner on 25 August, Bishop Sarah would now be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury ? We have indeed been fortunate in many ways.
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Square Corner continues to provide a warm and comfortable space for a wide range of community, church, and commercial gatherings. We are wonderfully supported by volunteers who run Coffee and Chat and so much more, alongside volunteers from many other village organisations.
Conversation Space has continued to use the Office Room, which remains an important part of our income, together with various other commercial hires throughout the year.
Coffee and Chat remains a cornerstone of our support for older members of the community—and the occasional young family. Its success is entirely due to the dedication of our volunteers, for whom we are deeply grateful.
The Monday Bible Study and Home Group maintain a prayerful presence in the building, and as a member of that group I can testify to the sense of being in a small corner of God’s Kingdom.
The Green Team, the Repair Shop, and the Lights Committee continue to meet here, and we remain the hub for the dedicated Spotlight collation team. The loft has also been well used, providing a quiet space for counselling and other wellbeing activities.
— This past year we even managed to make a small surplus of £25 quite remarkable given the expenditure on heating issues and a leaking rooflight. Square Corner is truly a gift to the whole community, and it is clear that we are able to sustain ourselves in faith and through God’s abundant generosity.
So watch this space for details of a celebration later this year, marking this wonderful building and the people who serve it.
Tony Lane TSSF (Chair & Premises Manager, Square Corner
Management Group)
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Treasurer’s Report
Unrestricted Funds income increased in 2025 from £73,617 in 2024 to £76,912. It is pleasing that Planned Giving increased for the second year running to £26,534 (2024 £23,608, 2023 £21,934), a 21% increase since 2023. Planned Giving plus the associated Gift Aid tax recovery now accounts for just over 45% of overall unrestricted income, compared to just under 42% a couple of years ago.
Restricted Funds income fell to £38,275 from £46,854 in 2024, mainly due to fewer grants being received, although interest and dividends income was also about £2000 lower. The main Restricted Funds relate to Fabric and to the REACH project – see below – with smaller funds for Music, Special Giving, and St Stephen’s Ashill.
We are very grateful to Uffculme Trust for a grant of £3,000 to the Fabric Fund towards AV/PA spend, plus a grant of £750 to the REACH project; and to Uffculme Parish Council with grants totalling £2,508 towards Spotlight printing costs, REACH, and Square Corner. In addition, the Christmas Tree Festival was supported by more than £1,000 of contributions from Uffculme Parish Council, Holcim Aggregate Hillhead, Hitchcocks Business Park, Bridwell Park, and Station Garage.
Unrestricted Funds expenditure increased from £71,172 to £76,688. One significant factor here is a £2,500 increase in the Common Fund contributed to Exeter Diocese to £36,616 (the Common Fund will rise again in 2026 to £39,838, representing a 50% rise over four years since 2022’s figure of £26,543 – the Common Fund is required to pay for diocesan support, including the payment of clergy and provision of housing, and is partly the result of a very welcome rise in congregation numbers). Heat/light/water expenditure has also increased by about £2,000, and has gone up by 85% in the last two
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years (with further increases likely in 2026), as our pre-Ukraine negotiated arrangements with suppliers have expired.
Our 3-year REACH Project is well underway, and is proving very successful – it will draw to a close in August 2026. With fewer grants in 2025, expenditure significantly exceeded income in 2025, but this was expected (and covered to a large extent by a transfer from the Uffculme General Fund, comprising Uffculme PCC’s contribution). The Mission Community PCCs, and a good number of individuals across the parishes, are regularly giving to the project, which still has a positive financial balance at the end of 2025.
Square Corner realised a very small, £25, surplus in 2025. This is very encouraging, and is largely due to a welcome increased income from hire of rooms, although a high proportion of bookings income is from a small number of customers. The parish Spotlight magazine continues to be popular, and ran a surplus of about £1,000 in 2025, with thanks to an increased grant from the Parish Council, as well as continuing support from advertisers.
There are ambitious plans for re-ordering work inside the church (see elsewhere in the annual report). £3770 was raised towards this end in 2025 (under Church Improvements), offset by £4615 spent on architect’s fees, from the Fabric Fund. This project will feature in future Treasurer’s Reports, and will require extensive fundraising, including seeking significant external grants.
As in previous years, our Church Mission Fund has supported CHAT and the Karen Action Group, together with the usual November Remembrance collection for the Royal British Legion.
Thank you for your regular giving to the work of the church. There have already been some increases in planned giving early in 2026, and we urge you to keep in mind how you might best support our
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mission, wherever possible arranging giving using Gift Aid, which increases the value of the gift by 25%.
I could not complete this report without stressing my gratitude and indebtedness to the previous Treasurer, Tony Jackson, from whom I took over as Treasurer in September 2025. Tony has been – and still is – an essential support to me, as I have grappled with various aspects of the church accounts. Many thanks for all your help and encouragement.
Tony Kidd (Treasurer)
Health and Safety Report
Our approach to safety and health continues to embody the Gospel message of ‘Loving your neighbour as yourself’ Mark 12:31 . Our health and safety policy was updated this year and continues to be a live document which supports our work.
St Mary’s, St Stephen’s and Square Corner have all maintained the necessary compliance requirements regarding risk assessment and fire protection as well as legionella. I continue to be in Richard Rutty’s debt for his conscientious maintenance of the fire and general safety checks in Square Corner, St Mary’s and St Stephen’s. We are part of a much wider team to whom I also extend our gratitude.
The H&S Policy, Risk Assessments and Fire Controls will be reviewed in 2026 and PCC members will be briefed on their collective responsibilities in respect of these as required.
We have had no serious accidents or incidents reported to me since the last APCM however we continue to take seriously any issues or injuries however minor. It is good to be part of a community committed to creating a safe and healthy space for the wellbeing of all who use it.
Tony Lane TSSF, SFIIRSM, Tech IOSH (Health & Safety Officer)
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Safeguarding Report
The main objective of the Safeguarding Officer is to ensure we are and continue to be compliant with Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measures 2016, to have full and due regard to The House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
This work has continued throughout 2025 with all PCC members and volunteers within St Mary’s and St Stephen’s having had the appropriate safeguarding training and disclosure checks. Training continues throughout year for all those eligible at both churches.
The Exeter Diocese continue to add new checks and balances within their Parish Dashboard reports and Hub Tool. This remains the consistent measure of how we are performing as a Parish, currently we are at Level 3 and operating at above 90% completion month by month.
Safeguarding is on every agenda for each PCC Meeting, complying with Safeguarding guidelines. I have met and collaborated with the Safeguarding Officers for Willand and Kentisbeare on a regular basis and will continue to do so going forward.
Safeguarding continues to be the responsibility of everyone involved in the Parish. There have not been any reports of issues regarding safeguarding in the past year. This vigilance should continue to be maintained by everyone within the church.
If you do have any safeguarding concerns and need to contact someone; in the first instance, please contact:
alison.culmvalleychurches@gmail.com
Safeguarding mobile telephone number at St Mary’s and St Stephens: 07704 716061
Alternatively contact the Diocese Safeguarding Team or the DBS coordinators please contact the group email address: dsa@exeter.anaglican.org
Alison Milne (Safeguarding Officer)
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Churchwardens’ Fabric Report
We are pleased to report that the repair to the vestry roof and replacement of the missing roof vent was completed during 2025. In late December water dripping into the Brice Chapel was found to be caused by squirrels scratching the lead roof causing holes through which, after rain, the water percolated through. This was quickly discovered and no perceivable damage was done. A repair was made to the lead roofing. It is likely to be necessary to remove some branches of the tree where the squirrels can access the roof. Following the chopping down of a dead tree in the Churchyard the remaining stump was removed.
Ongoing problems with the PA system necessitated a review of the system and an upgrade was completed by API during 2025.
There are fabric issues identified in the 2023 Quinquennial review some of which were remedied in 2025 however looking into 2026 there are still fabric issues that we will need to consider going forward. There was some external electrical work required relating to lights at Christmas and we were grateful that Robin Trump was able to do that work speedily. Following ongoing difficulty with the keys for opening the main St Mary’s door the locks to both the main entrance and the Bell tower were changed. All the necessary maintenance of fire extinguishers and boiler servicing were carried out.
The church is kept immaculately by the untiring efforts of Theresa Maunder. As we said last year her contribution both in St Mary’s and Square Corner cannot be understated.
We are pleased to report that a working group under the leadership of Gordon Milne was established early in 2025 to determine the
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best place for a new servery. In addition to a new servery area the working group looked at where an indoor toilet facility might be sited, additional storage space created and a more appropriate children’s area. A series of meetings were held during the year with an architect, the diocese and various church building interested parties. We are grateful to everyone who contributed financially towards the initial phase of the re-ordering work.
Richard Rutty/Alison Milne (Churchwardens)
Churchwarden’s Report 2025
First we must acknowledge and give thanks to so many people who have helped consistently in the church throughout 2025.
The welcomers, the readers, those leading the prayers, those operating the PA system, preparing and serving at the Communion services, the after service refreshment volunteers, the bell ringers, those who helped move the pews for Baby and Toddlers, PCC members, Deanery Synod members, vergers and musicians, rota organising, banking the cash.
A special thank you to those who organise and contribute to the provision of flowers in the church, with arrangements that beautifully reflect the changing seasons.
And special thanks are also due to Theresa Maunder who works tirelessly to keep the church and Square Corner always looking special. Tony Lane has continued as Chairman of the Square Corner Management Group.
The two home groups led by Dave Lewis and Claire continued during 2025, as did Sue Kidd’s Book Club.
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Other events that happened during 2025 were the Lent lunches, the Passover meal on Maundy Thursday and the Christmas tree festival. The film club has continued to meet. The summer fete was very successful. The Seniors Lunches continued to be as popular as ever and Coffee and Chat in Square Corner on Mondays and Thursdays continued to thrive. As part of the Reach project, Claire’s Baby and Toddlers Group on Tuesdays continued to be very popular.
The Christmas Shoe Box appeal was a huge success across the Mission Community and will be repeated in 2026.
Encouragingly our links with Uffculme Primary School have continued to strengthen during 2025. Claire, Helen and Sue have all been involved in liaising with the school for their Bible Club and RE lessons and we are very grateful to those volunteers involved with the Open The Book project working with Uffculme Primary School. St Mary’s hosted their Harvest and Christmas Carol services and the church was full to capacity with the children and their relatives. We look forward to welcoming them for their Easter 2026 service.
We once again welcomed Uffculme Senior School for their Carol service.
We are very grateful to all who contribute financially and would again emphasise that it would be a very big help if more people would use the Parish Giving Scheme (www.parishgiving.org.uk ). Not forgetting that there is the alternative to cash by using the card machine by the main door.
Thank you all.
Richard Rutty/Alison Milne (Churchwardens)
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Bell Tower Report
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Training of new and existing bellringers has continued at our regular Thursday practice night throughout the year
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During 2025 we aimed to ring every Sunday when a service was held
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One of our experienced ringers has retired during the year and three other less experienced ringers have stepped back meaning our numbers are now too low to be able to guarantee to ring each Sunday
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It is possible two of those who have stepped back may rejoin but the experience illustrates how marginal our band of ringers is and how important it is to continue recruiting and training new ringers
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We are a friendly and sociable band and try to keep the tin of chocolates topped up for offering round at half-time during our practice
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Four of our ringers achieved their first quarter peal, a continuous piece of ringing about 45 minutes long; this is a significant step requiring both resilience and concentration and all rang very well
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We rang for the switching on of the Christmas lights and start of the Christmas tree festival. Bells have long been rung to celebrate national and local events and we would be pleased to dedicate a short piece of ringing to a wedding anniversary or significant birthday - please do get in touch!
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We were also able to take part in a friendly bellringing competition at Stoodleigh in September where we were delighted to be placed first and second!
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We fielded teams in Guild of Devonshire Ringers novice competitions in October and held an outing to East Devon
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One bellrope was repaired during the year and another has recently been sent for repair; several other ropes are showing signs of wear and we recommend beginning a rolling replacement programme so that all ropes are replaced over the next few years
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We would like to explore the possibility of installing simulator equipment to assist with the training and development of our ringers
John Martin (Tower Captain) 01884 840966 jrm.ringaholic@gmail.com
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Deanery Synod Report
The Deanery Synod met three times since the 2025 APCM (June, October, and February), chaired by the Rural Dean, Revd Andy Humm, and Lay Chair, Keith Rushforth. Tony Lane and Matthew Nichols have now completed the third year as your Deanery Representatives. Tony is standing down from this role this year.
In June we heard from Revd Ian Bussell, Director of Mission and Ministry. Revd Ian shared how his background in history and psychotherapy informs his support for church growth. Using the metaphor of a "trellis" that allows the vine to flourish, Ian defines his vocation as providing the structure necessary for others to thrive in ministry. He highlighted five strategic priorities for his team: missional leadership, vocations, mixed ecology, youth engagement, and developing a "missional DNA."
In October the Very Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter joined us. Bishop Mike opened his address with the affirming message that "God is pleased," encouraging us to embrace the power of "littleness" to effect significant change. His vision centres on protecting clergy numbers and resourcing lay leaders to reach the 95% of the population currently unengaged with the church. He concluded by challenging us to engage with the Kingdom of God through a simple three-step process: Notice experiences of the divine, Name them through language, and Nurture them to deepen our relationship with God.
In February the Rt Revd Moira Astin, Bishop of Crediton gave the talk. Bishop Moira outlined a leadership style anchored in
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prayerful mindfulness, hope, and teamwork. Drawing on her passion for youth engagement, she expressed a keen interest in supporting parishes through school outreach and confirmations. She also detailed the strategic use of a £10 million grant (potentially rising to £24 million) from the Church of England, aimed at mission projects, clergy stipends, and church repairs. This funding, alongside the Exeter Leadership Development Programme, remains dedicated to the "Pray, Grow, and Serve" vision for Devon.
Matthew Nichols has put himself forward again as parochial lay representative on Deanery Synod. If elected, he will continue to serve as an ex-officio member of the Uffculme PCC.
Matthew Nichols (Deanery Synod Representative)
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Bible Story Club Report
Helen Steele and Sue Apps continued with Bible Story Club again at Uffculme Primary school from autumn term 2025 for Key Stage 1 pupils . We meet on Fridays, at lunchtime during term time. Claire Nichols provides the story bags and a craft activity or colouring sheet related to the story, which may be taken from the Old or New Testament.
Open the Book Report
Working with The Bible Society, who provide scripts, guidance and training, a group of 5-6 members of Uffculme St Mary’s congregation tell a bible story to the village Primary school. This takes place on a Monday afternoon, once a half-term. The story script is approved beforehand, and some children are given the opportunity to take part, sometimes with 30 minutes notice! OTB seeks to encourage “children to want to explore the Bible for themselves”.
Seniors Lunch
The Seniors Lunch is going well. We can seat 60 and most months there are between 55 and 60. We have a waiting list which is used when any regulars are away.
Sally our cook does us proud and we all enjoy her delicious lunch and return home very full and content, having spent an enjoyable couple of hours in good company!
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Parochial Church Council 2025
Uffculme PCC met five times over the course of the year on 21 January, 27 May, 28 July, 8 September and 24 November.
The following served as members of the PCC:
Rector of Culm Valley Mission Community/Chair: Revd Ben Maynard Churchwardens: Alison Milne & Richard Rutty
Deanery Synod Representatives: Tony Lane & Matthew Nichols
Elected members:
Stephanie Burtchaell, Mike Butler (from April), Felicity Cowley (from April), Rosalie Fleet (to April), Lucy Statton (to April), Kelly Williams (to April), Sue Kidd
Co-opted members:
Caroline Meikle (from April), Lucy Statton (from April)
Supporting roles:
Treasurer: Tony Jackson (to September), Tony Kidd (from September) Electoral Roll Officer: Alison Milne
PCC Secretary: Mike Butler
Health & Safety Officer: Tony Lane
Safeguarding Officer: Alison Milne
The PCC confirms that it has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Facts and figures
During 2025, St Mary's had one funeral, one wedding, one baptism, two marriage celebrations and one thanksgiving service. St Stephen's had one funeral and one wedding.
Electoral Roll Report for 2025 for Uffculme Parish
79 (2024 88) , with around 19 living outside the parish.
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Loving God, discovering Jesus, serving the community
The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Uffculme
with St Stephen’s Ashill and All Saints’ Bradfield
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| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | ||||
| Receipts | E | f | |||
| Planned Giving | 26534 | 26534 | 23508 | ||
| Collections | 5557 | 6557 | 6224 | ||
| SpecialGiving | 341 | 464 | |||
| Donations | 1924 | 1924 | 3912 | ||
| TaxRecovered | 8181 | 8181 | 77'J.L | ||
| REACH | 2,4 | 22229 | 22229 | 3L697 | |
| Church Fundraising | 301 | 301 | 1510 | ||
| lnterest &Dividends | 1. | 1810 | 12705 | 14515 | L7T2L |
| SpotlightMagazine | 7 | 9317 | 9311 | 8459 | |
| ChurchyardRents | 275 | 275 | 255 | ||
| G rants | 0 | ||||
| ChurchFees(net) | 2024 | 2024 | 2587 | ||
| Square Corner | 2,3 | 8419 | 8419 | 8255 | |
| Church Hire | 0 | 0 | 234 | ||
| NETMobile Mast | 6100 | il04 | 5700 | ||
| Christmas TreeFestival | 1055 | 1055 | 1369 | ||
| UffculmeBellringers | 2A | 20 | 350 | ||
| Churchlmprovements | 377A | 3770 | 0 | ||
| Sundry income | 25 | 25 | 19 | ||
| TotalReceipts | 16912 | 38275 | \20471 | ||
| Payments | |||||
| CommonFund | 36616 | 366 | 34157 | ||
| ClergyExpenses | 461 | 461 | 218 | ||
| Maintenance | 23L7 | 2317 | r_868 | ||
| Insurance | 7432 | 7432 | 7267 | ||
| UpkeepofServices | 343 | 343 | 628 | ||
| Heat/Light/Water | 6599 | 6599 | 4657 | ||
| Square Corner | 8394 | 8394 | 8696 | ||
| SpotlightMagazine | 8278 | 8278 | 8149 | ||
| Major repairs/refurbishme | 15034 | 15034 | 2345 | ||
| Music | 1.612 | 1612 | 647 | ||
| REACH | 3072s | 34125 | 3L242 | ||
| FundraisingCosts | 22 | 22 | 214 | ||
| ChurchTithe/Giving | 3115 | 341 | 3456 | 4L75 | |
| Print,post,Stationery | 190 | 190 | 91 | ||
| lndependentExaminer | 339 | 339 | 288 | ||
| Bank Charges | 60 | 60 | 64 | ||
| Christmas TreeFestival | 1.676 | 1676 | 854 | ||
| Church Flowers | 149 | L4 | 0 | ||
| Churchlmprovements | 443 | 443 | 0 | ||
| UffculmeBellringers | 87 | 87 | 0 | ||
| Su ndries | 1.67 | L67 | 275 | ||
| Total payments | 76688 | 477L2 | 105895 | ||
| Accumulatedfundb/fwd01.01.25 | 52500 | 45094 | 97592 | 83016 | |
| Transfer between funds | -61.57 | 6L57 | 0 | 0 | |
| (Deficit)/Surplus | 224 | -9437 | -921.3 | 14576 | |
| AccumulatedFundc/fwdat3L.L2.25 | 46567 | 41814 | 88379 | 97s92 |
| MoniesHeld: | f | |
|---|---|---|
| BankCurrentAccounts&Cash | 7,828 | |
| COIFDepositFunds | 80,543 | |
| CAFDepositAccount | 8 | |
| 88,379 | ||
| Permanent Endowments(seenote 8) | ||
| CBFInvestmentFund(14184units) | 374,86L | |
| CBFlnvestmentFund(371.18units) | 8,240 | |
| M&GDividend lncomeFund(9220units) | 5,748 | |
| M&GCharifund(1223units) | 21,129 | |
| : | 349,977 |
| presentedby: | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NoteBal | @L.1.25 | Receipts | - | Payments | Transfer | Bal@ 3t.12.25 | |
| € | f | f | f | f | |||
| Unrestricted | |||||||
| Generalfund | 4782L | 66029 | 6L727 | -10135 | 35988 | ||
| Designated | |||||||
| ChurchMissionFund | 615 | 0 | 3115 | 3978 | 878 | ||
| Square Corner | 2348 | 8419 | 8394 | 0 | 2373 | ||
| Ashill | -7464 | 1389 | 1689 | 0 | -7764 | ||
| Christmas TreeFestival | 1633 | 1055 | 1676 | 0 | 1072 | ||
| UffculmeBellringers | 1046 | 20 | 87 | 0 | 979 | ||
| Restricted | |||||||
| Fabric | 7 | 43839 | 1s169 | 15034 | 0 | 43974 | |
| Music | 1556 | 536 | 1612 | 0 | 480 | ||
| REACH | 5035 | 22229 | 3072s | 7020 | 3559 | ||
| SpecialGiving | 6 | 1078 | 341 | 34L | -863 | 2L5 | |
| StStephen's Ashill | 685 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 68s | ||
| Sub-Total | 97592 | L1"5187 | ]-24400 | 88379 |
| Permanent Endowments | Bal@1.L.25 | Changein | Bal@3L.L2.25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| f | Value(f) | f | |
| EBriceEndowment | 327972 | -13,111 | 314861 |
| TBriceEndowment | 31406 | 3,7t0 | 35116 |
| Sub-Total | 359378 | -9,401, | 349977 |
| Total | 456970 | 438356 |
| Notes: | f | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bankinterest | ||
| FabricFund | 12769 | |
| MusicFund | 536 | |
| GeneralFund | 1810 | |
| 1451"5 | ||
| 2.Grants | ||
| UffculmeTrust{Fabric -AV/PAequipment) | 3000 | |
| UffculmeParishCouncil {Square Corner) | 500 | |
| UffculmeTrust(REACH) | 754 | |
| UffculmeParishCouncil(REACH) | 508 | |
| UffculmeParishCouncil(Spotlieht) | 1500 | |
| 6258 | ||
| 3. Square Corner-lncome | ||
| Hireofrooms | 7778 | |
| Coffee mornings | 660 | |
| Grants(seenote2) | s00 | |
| Donations | 81 | |
| 8419 | ||
| 4.REACHProject-lncome | ||
| Donations | 10080 | |
| PCCContributions | 8130 | |
| Programmelncome | 1606 | |
| Grants{seenote2} | L258 | |
| Bankinterest | 110 | |
| Taxrecovered(Gift Aid) | 1045 | |
| 22229 | ||
| 5.REACHProiect -Expenditure | ||
| - | ||
| Staff costs | 27449 | |
| Programme costs | 3087 | |
| Officecosts | 189 | |
| 3A725 | ||
| 5.Special/Missiongiving | ||
| - | ||
| KarenActionGroup | 1618 | |
| CHAT | 1688 | |
| Royal BritishLegion | 150 | |
| 3456 |
| 7. FabricFund -Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Churchlmprovements(Architect'sFees) | 4615 |
| RoofingWorks | 6228 |
| AV/PAEquipment | 3375 |
| Churchyard TreeWorks | 816 |
| 15034 |