Charity number.. 1149972 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY UNAUDITED TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 WR Partners Protecting your future. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY CONTENTS Page Reference and administrative dotails of the Charity. its Trustees and advisors Trustees. report Indepondont examin8r's report Statement of financial activitiOS 3-20 23-24 Balan¢• $h¢¢t 25-26 Notes to thg financial statements 27-49 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY REFERENCE ANO ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Trust Diana Morgan, Safeguarding Officer Bernice Fimiin. Churchwarden Elizabeth Coley. Elected Member Michael Duckett, Ex Officio Member Martin Riddett, Treasurer Christine Poharyskyi, Elected Member Miles Kenny. Elected Member Rev Pal Mdred. Ex Officio Member Slefan Poharyskyi. Elected Member June Marshall, Deputy Churchwarden, Deanery Synod Rep Sarah Cooper, Elected Member Joan Greatbatch-wood, Electoral Roll off￿er Katherine May. Deanery Synod Rep Hannah Smith. Deputy Chur¢hwarden. Deanery Synod Rep Rev Stephanie Fahie, Covopled Clergy Brian Nevmian, Churchwarden Francis Kniqht Jane Magee Charlty roglst•r¢d number 1149972 PrSncipal offlco The Abbey Church Abbey Foregale Shrewsbury SY2 6BS Secretary Carolyn Mahy Accountants WR Partners Charte￿d Accountsnls Belmonl House Shrewsbury Bu$ine$$ Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY2 6LG Page 1 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY REFERENCE ANO ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY. ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 202$ Bankérs Royal Bank of Scotland 36 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2YB C¢Foperalive Bank PO Box 101 18alloon Street Manchester M60 4EP CCLA Inve$lmenl Mangers 1 Angel Lane London EC4R 3A8 Page 2 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 The Twslees P￿sent their annual ￿port together v￿th the financial stslemenls of the Charty for the 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. Objec￿v*S and actlvltl•s a. Policies and objectives The Parochial Chuf¢h Council of Holy Cross Shrewsbury Ithe PCCI and. during the continuing interregnum, the hurchwardens tiointlyl are responsible for promoling the ecclesiastical parish, the vthole mission of the church. pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the church. The PCC is committed lo enabling as many people as possible to worship in our churches and to become part of our parish community at Holy Cross, Shrewsbury. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live wthin our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. Also, through non- sacramental aclivrties of hosprtalrty and fellowship V*t aim lo reach non4hur¢hed members of the community. The PCC members, as trustees are awdre of thg Chanty Commission's guidance on public benefi't in The Advancement of Religion for the Public 8enefit 'Public benefit.. njnning a charity IPB21' and have had regard to il in their adminislralion of the Charty. The Iruslee5 believe that. by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of The Holy Cross Shrewsbury il helps lo promote the whole mission of the Church Ipasloral, evangelistic, social and ecumenicall more effectsvety. within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing $0 it provide$ a benefit lo the public by.. Providing facilities lor public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for 115 members and for anyone who wishe5 to benefit from what the Church offers., and Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and lo their communities, lo the benefrt of indiwduals and society as a vthole. The PCC is specificalty responsible for the maintenance of the Abbey. St Peterfs and the parish hall on the Sl Peter's site. Even before the Refomalion the nave of the Benedictine Abbey church, dedicated to SS Peter and Paul, was used as the parish church of the Holy Cross for the surrounding area. As well as continuing as a parish church lo this day. the Abbey is the Mother Church of the County of Shropshire. 11 conts'nues lo be the venue lor many large civic services and for services for county-wide organisats'ons. for example the Women's Institute, the Freemasons, and the Shropshire Society of London. The church is open every day for people lo drop in anonyrnousty for private prayer, to sil quietly and to light a candle in the Lady Chapel. Prayer requests are left in the Lady Chapel- typically one or a day. The expanding programme of concerts and gigs covering a very wde fange of musical styles from opera, via oratorio and jazz to rock is bringing into the abbey an increasing number of people who are able to appreciate ils glorious Norman and Gothic archrtecture and its nearly a millennium of history. The IM) fair5 in the calendar a150 brings In large numbers of local people able to buy from the various stslls. This overall gieater exposure may account for the nine weddings already booked in the Abbey for 20261 Page 3 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Obje¢￿¥•5 and a¢tlvltl•s l¢ontlnu•dl b. Safeguarding The PCC believes it has ftjlfilled tis duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure Ilo have due regard to the House of Bishops 20161. AII PCC members are required to have a DBS Disclosure and undertake Basic and Foundation Safeguarding training. The safeguardin9 officer. Diana Morgan. continues lo monitor the Safeguarding training courses for Basic and Foundation Safeguarding which is a requirement for several volunteer roles wrthin the chur¢h. These two courses are not Confined to PCC member$ but are also mandatory for people undertake certain roles such as taking Communion to care homes and home visits. It is also recommended for volunteers, especially a5 we have many vi511ors lo the Abbey. This training should be revisited every three years. The C of E 15 pulling more emphasis on the importance of safeguarding within the churches. For example, the Parish Safeguarding Officer has attended further safeguarding related courses. The Diocese now has designated Area Safeguarding Pra¢lilioners,' Shropshire 1$ covered by Laura Curry. This is lo be y￿1¢oMed. as she has had lo deal wth other confidential safeguarding issues that have arisen. and it is helpful, then necessary, to be able to discuss these matters wth the ASP. In addition. Diana Morgan has ensured that the parish safeguarding policy is compliant wlh C of E requirements. The PCC musl review the policy every year and Safeguarding must be a Standing item on every PCC meeting. When the parish splits into ￿0 separate parishes at the beginning 012026 and new PCCS are formed. the existing PSO wll continue wth the Abbey. vthilst St, Peter's wll need to appoint their own. All new PCC members wll be required lo apply for a 08S disclosure. Diana Morgan Safeguarding Officer Page 4 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco *. Parish Activities Introduction Thi5 has been a full and faithful year in the life of our parish, despite moving into our 4th year of vacancy and anlicipaling the splitting the Parish by the end of the year. Much of our energy has been spent on negotiating an amicable and equitsble split as well as in ￿a¢hIng out lo our local ￿MMunitieS and maintsining our missional focus. Despite this, rt has been a year marked by prayer, service. and a deepening sense of community. Week by week, the rhythm of w)rship has remained at the heart of all we do. drawng together a diverse congregation lo celebrate. reflect. and give thanks. Alongside our regular services, special fesb.vals and pastoral offices have brought both joy and consolatson, as we have walked one another through the significant moments ol life. Beyond the liturgy. the parish has been a place of welcome and activty. Our groups and gatherings have flourished, offering fellowship, learning. and support to people of all ages. Outreach inilialives have continued to extend our care Into the wder community. responding In pradical ways lo local need and building meaningful connections. As is re¢orded above, congregalicsns wilinue to grow and there 1$ an overall increase on foottall a¢ro$$ both hurches. St P•terf8 Activities include bul are not restricted to.. Coffee and Chat Exercise together Warm space & Food Hub Toddle-in Forgel-me-not tea Social events and outing$ Prayer Group Thi5 is not an exhau51ive list bul 5how5 the bTeadth of services that Sl Peter's church is able lo provide. Sl Peter's has provided a weath of outreach ini(i*ives bthich have been well received by the local community. This has led lo new members joining the church and an increase in sacramentsl ministry. There is no decline in the demand for services vthich is hampered only by a s￿r¢lty of volunteers and a lack gf stipendiary leadership. Worship is contemporary and the welcome warni. With the 8nlicipaled arrival of a Priest for Duty, rf not a .5 appointmenl18ler in 2026, Sl Peter'5 has a promising fvlure. St Pelerfs enjoys good lay leadership and is well c￿ordInated wth a reti￿d priest. assisted periodically by other clergy from the area. Page S THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) The Abbe The Abbey's congregation also continues lo grow and enjoys a steady llow of new families and visitors. Congregations over the Christmas and Easter period. once again exceeded all expectations and showed another increase on previous years. Music continues to play a central and enriching role in our worship and outreach. Our choir has gone from strength lo strength, offering not only musical excellence bul also a deep Sense of devotion that enhances the prayer of the whole Congregation. Their commitment. week by week. Is a gift lo us all lifting hearts. enriching the liturgy. and drawng many into a deeper engagement vthh vrt)rship. Beyond the regular pattern of services, the Abbey ha$ extended the church's presence into the wider community through a series ol concerts and musical events, as are described below. These occasions have been both well- attended and warmty received. offering high-quality entertainment in a setting of beauty and welcome. They have provided an important point ol connection wlh those vkno might not olhewse cross the ehurch's Ihreshtsld. ag well as opportunities for fellowship and hospilalty. Such events have not only enriched our common life bul have also contributed meaningfully lo the ¢hurch'$ wder mission and, most certainly, to rts finan¢ial $u$lainability. The Abbey now has a reputation for being the '9￿10. venue for Several concerts. This developing ministry wll continue to grow and be built upon. The bookshop has now increased its stock and is an attracb.ve additson to the visrtor experience. The Abbey ulilises social media and benefits from a su$laine(l online presence. Anlicipaling a fulklime slipendiary priest later in the year wll cement and further enhance the opportunrties the Abbey has for mission. The Parish None of thi$ would be pos$ible vthhout the generosity and commrtmenl ol so many clergy, musicians, volunteers. and congregation alike- ￿Ose bme, gifts, and faith sustain the lrfe of this parish. Together, we look ahead with hope, trusting that we wll continue to grow as separate worshipping, serving, and loving communities in the year to come. Rev. Patrick Aldred b. pr￿￿dIng$ of the PCC The work of the PCC and the division of the benefice and rish The major fecus for the PCC was the Church Commissioners Pastoral scheme for the division of the benefice and parish into The Abbey and S. Peter's. The process has been a frustratingly long one. not helped by the diocese having to respond to a single objector to the proposed scheme. The PCC also spent time via a subcommittee representing both churches, on deC￿Ing the splrt of certain assets specific to each church, and there was vigorous debate about the diocese's decision on the financial aspects of the split. The Scheme was finalty signed off by the Bishop of Lichfield on 16th December 2025, to come into effect on 1st January 2026, wlh the Common assets to be splrt in a 70".30 ratio belween the Abbey and Sl Peters. Page 6 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) c. Fabric Goods and Ornaments of the Abbey The major improvement at the Abbey in 2025 was the insl3113tion of low energy lighting in the nave. In addition emergency lighting was installed in the side aisles, together wth illuminated exrt signs over south, west and north exits. These latter were particulady important given that there are now many occasions during the year when the Abbey is completely full after dark, at times for various concerts and the like. Repairs were required to the soulh door and the v*st vesty door of the Abbey after a forced break-in. Apart from this damage nothing of value was taken from the ¢hur¢h. An additional mortice lock was fitted to the south door. Some of the Victorian cast iron floor gratings had to be replaced during the year. The condition of a number of gratings remains a matter for concern and there is also evidence of crumbling Support for these either side of the floor heating ducts. Running repair$ included glazing repairs in the n¢yih and south ai$le$ and to the bOi￿r rogm wndow and repairs to cracks above the Lady Chapel windows. Page 7 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) d. St Peterfs Report for the year ended 2025 The parish of the Holy Cross (Abbey and St Peterfsl has been in vacancy since May 2022. As described above, a Pastoral Measure seeking to split the parish has progressed through the various Diocesan Committees and following public consultation passed to the Church Commissioners for approval and completion. It was finally passed, and the separate pansh of St Peter's will be formed on 1 January 2026. In addition to those nole(l elsevdhere in the report. the followng activities in St Peter's may be noted.. Pra ar Grou Has met every Thurs(lay evening, and a list of prayer requests was updated %%tekly. The numbers attending has grown. Stud Grou has mel on Friday Momings and rellected together on the prewous Sunday's readings. mel five limes led by Richard Hayes. Buildin s and Gardens Two 'Love Sl Peter's Day's held in March and in autumn, to b'dy thè Church and work in the garden. The gardens have been well maintained by Roger Smith as thell as by volunteers maintaining the flowerbeds and tubs. The gardens were entered into the Diocesan Churchyard ￿Mp￿.￿On and St Peter'$ was awarded a silver medal. Mi88i¢n and Outreach Most of this has taken place in the St Peterfs hall. In May Sl Peter's wa5 awarded the Mayor of Shrewsbury's Community Award for ils contribution lo the Monkmoor community. Coffee and Chat on Tuesday momings continued to be a source of inspiration. friendship and enjoyment lo all who attend. Numbers vary between 20-35. F￿e refreshments continued bul many gave donats'ons from which supplies were bought and a regular contribution towards heatsng made to the PCC. A second weekly occasKJn for Coffee and Chal on Thursday moming5 in the Church has grown in popularity. The hall having a regular booking. This grew out of'wam Space,. On both occasions there are several a¢Jutts recemng care there brought by their carers to enjoy the opportunity. Food Hub SUppl￿S collected by volunteers were made freely available on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Food Bank. The ￿lleCtIOn point in Church conbnued, and weekty deliveries to the Food Bank al Barnab89 Church were made. Toddle-ln The very popular TOdd1￿1n Group on Wednesday momings during lerm-time continued to Ihrwe under the leadership of Vieky ToweTs and Natssha Price assiste(I by a team of church members in the kil¢hen. Numbers attending have grown to over 30 chihlren and their carers. Each year sees a tumover as children move on to nursery and school arbd others join. We said farewell to Natasha Price at the end of the summer term and Page 8 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) to Vicky Towers at Christmas time. the Group had developed in popularity under their leadership. In September Helen Comerford Roberts stepped in ¢)ttasionally to help ready to tske over with Nicky Edwards in January 2026. Forgèt Ma Not Tea is the response in Holy Cross parish to outreach for ¢arers and in particular to those caring for those with memory loss. It takes place on the first Wednesday aftemoon of every month with an informal fresh expression service of worship followed by a very good tea. The overarching theme for 2025 vrds 'Pasl times & Leisure, vith a presentstion an¢J wlh participation of attendees. The Annual Dementia Church certthcale was rene￿d again by Bishop Michael and the three ath'ons promised for 2025 which included a Song5 of Praise service In church for Dementia Awareness week were fulfilled. We have been very pleased lo wekome several new people, and they have enjoyed the friendship and earing support that this outreach offers. Particular highlights were the teas. In common Trmlh many ChU￿h events, we rety on a small group of dedicated volunteers who tum up wth freshly baked scones and other cakes and sandwches, lay up, clear down and tidy away. Wrthout their 5UPPOrt this event WDuld be very difficult lo run in ts present format a5 we regularly gel as many as thirty people attending. Thank you to those helpers for their dedication in continuing our dementia aclion in this Parish The theme sel for 2026 is 'Colours'. Got Movlng Gentle Exercise on Monday momings in the Hall stsrted in the Autumn of 2024 continued throughout the year and has attracted between 8 - 12 participants. A gentle Yai chi, using a wdeo followed by refreshmenlsl Events Other successful events have been held vthh good attendances and some fund raising induding.. May Fair on Saturday 10th May was a happy event an¢J raised £1055 on the day half of which was given lo Severn Hospice. Itolal £5701 A Summgr coach outlng to Llandudno was held cffl Tuesday 8th July, expenses being met by a gift and a grant of £200 from Hewitt Trust Volunteer Tea was held on Saturday 6th September lo thank all volunteers vA)o help al St Peterfs,. more than fifty people attended. A Christmas Fair on 29th November raised a total of £1115.70. A donation of £440 was given to Shropshire Supports Refugees. A Chri$tma$ Lunch was held at The Abbey Hotel. None of the above ¥s%)uld be possible vthoLrt the consistenl and much appreciated help and commitment of the many volunteers for vthich we as a congregalion are extremely grateful. Bernice Firmin. ChuT¢hbrdrden. June Matshall. Deputy Warden and Rev Stephaniè Fahie Page 9 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) e. Deanery Synod Report R8 ort on thè Parish's r8s8ntation on thè Shrnwsbu & Wrockwardinè Doano The Parish Deanery Synod representatives during 2025 were Katherine May, June Marshall and Hannah Smith. Deanery Synod met on three occasions, March, June and October. Katherine May and June Marshall attended the March and October meeting5. Apologies were sent for the June meets"ng. The March 2025 meeting concentrated on E￿Church, our considerable need lo Care lor God's creation and the need for each ¢hur¢h community to work towards reducing its ￿rbon footprint. A Rocha e¢o-s¢heme was promoted, churches being encouraged lo engage that agenda. 11 was both an inspiring and challenging meeting. The October Deanery Synod meeting was equalty engaging as church represenlalives from across the deanery shared ideas about telling the Christma$ story during Advent wlhin their parishes, parti¢ularfy lo younger audiences. A more light-hearted atmosphere for sure, one of generous sharing, encouraging and refreshing for those who attended. Katherine May Page 10 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) f. Communlcatlons and Events Events at the Ab The programme of events is now a very vital element of our income. Tumover is grovAng year on year. We have full order book in 2026 and expect to have again in 2027. The last thing we should be is complacent, though. Equally vf(al is ￿rtIng closely wlh our customers. Intelligent account management, lo pul Il in commercRI lem15, Is crucial. Each gig 15 different. We listen and act accordingly lo deepen our relationship wlh customer5 and maintain our reputation, ever mindful that customer5 and the public have a choice. Last year we respondeil lo demand wth better lighting and TV screens in the aisles. Further improvements wll be considered in 2026. The role of Parish Administrator, now Evenis and Operations Manager. has developed considerably in recent years and the need to recruit an assistant is now recognised to ease the load administratively, technically and for supervising events. We now have tsvo securty personnel al most evening events. We have had a few minor incidents bul these were dealt wth very calmly and profes$i¢)nalty,' deescalation is the key. Having security staff on duty will become the ngrm once Martyn's Law is in force. Overall, the present and the luture are very bright, but given the venue for these events is an iconlc church. we need lo continue lo embrace the three R's". Religious observance. Revenue. Reputation. Steve Swnden Page11 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) g. Duty to promote the success of the Charity to achieve its charitable purposes Risk mana èman The PCC is aware of r(s major risks and has a risk-management policy which is reviewed annually. The Risk Management Policy include5 a description of the principal risks and uncertainbes facing the Charity and ils subsidiary undertaking, a5 Idenbfied by the PCC members. together with a summary ol their plans and strategies for managing those risks as well as any factors that are likely lo affect the financial perfomance or posilitsn in the future. Volunts•rs at th8 Abbe 11 is our policy lo open the Abbey 365 days a year. This requires a large number of daytime volunteers and currendy rt would be good lo have some morel We have lost tsvo volunteers in recent months and been unable lo replace them apart from on an ad basi$. Volunteers are wonderful people who give a warm welcome lo our many visitors, and we are extremely grateful for all that they do. We hold social events for volunteers to express our thanks, and these go down well. Evening volunteers at gigs are also essentsal. 11 is encouraging to report that recenuy new volunteers have Come forward from the congregation and some who don't worship al the Abbey but live nearby. This is great news. We need lo be realistic insofar as not all evening gigs are attractive lo our day volunteers. bul il is great when they do sh to help. Steve Swinden Worshlp and Ser¥lces Worshl at tho Abb The pattern of worship at the Abbey remained unchanged during the fourth year of interregnum. Morning prayers were said every morning and short Prayers al noon daily except Sunday. Holy Eucharist was celebrated sung on Sundays and said on Wednesdays. with choral evensong every Sunday aftern¢on. On major mid-week Feast days the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the evening. A total of 204 attended Abbey Easter services. of ￿0M 150 were communicants. This represents an increase of 44% and 43°A respectively over Easter 2022 at the start of the interregnum. A lolal of 1207 attended Abbey Christmas service5 of whom 365 ￿tre communicants. This represents an increase of 2Vo and 14% over 2022, the start of the interregnum. The Abbey worshipping community has grown to 126, an increase of 18% during the interregnum, the greatest increase being in adults aged 1849. There has been a more recent increase in adults with children and making meaningful provision for these children is a major obiecb.ve for 2026. There were eight baptisms, and six candidates presented themselves to the bishop and were confirmed. At St Peter's, similady, the numbers of regular worshippers has been growng. The average Sunday attendance there is now 30 adults. The number on the Parish Electoral Roll (Abbey and S. Peter's logetherl as reported at the APCM rose lo 159, a nel increase of 110A over 2024, and a 27% increase since the stsrt of the interregnum in 2022. Why, we may ask, are we seeing these increases at a time of national decrease? When the parish first entered interregnum the then archdeacon of Salop, The Ven Paul Thomas, charged the congregation at the Abbey to Page 12 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) play to our strengths in dignrfied fomial Irturgy vthh high4Juality Mus￿, and to drfferentiate our churchmanship and worship style from all other C of E churches in Shrewsbury. With considerable input and assistance from our wonderful team of Pto pries15. the Abbey churchmanship ha5 returned lo ￿al f( was over half a century ago In the whole parish. This. taken our enlhusiasbc membership of Inclusive Church. means th* the Abbey is now truly a Liberal Catholi¢ church. Our worship style has attracted new worshippers from some considerable distance to join a congregabon that has in any case always been eclectic. We are setting ourselves challenging targets to continue this increase in the size of our wDrshipping community. Worshl at St Petorfs With the assistsnce of Rev Sleph Fahie. Rev Ri¢hard Hayes. Associate Priest Pal Aldred and our several readers, the regular Sunday pattem of ￿rShip of Holy Communion at 10.00am (except on the 4th Sunday each month vthich is a 10.00am lay led service) has been maintained. Other visiting priest5 have induded Bishop Michael in August, Archdeacon Nick Walson 3 limes,. Rev Chris Walker, Revd Martin Wilson and Revd Kevin Roberts. The numbers of regular worshippers are growng- average Sunday attendance 30 adult$. There are a number of congregants attend regularty wlh their care Supporters induding our blind organist Rob Sherratt on the first Sunday each month. Services for Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday Nlere held at 7.00pm There was a $erwce for Haryesl Festival followed by a Parish bring and share lunch attended by about thity. At Christmas the usual Carol Service was held followEd by mince pies and mulled wne, the collection being donated to Embrace the Middle East along wth that on Christmas Day. These collections were added lo the lithe of the end of year balance from the Friends of Sl Pelerfs IFOSPI accounts and amounted lo a total of £1356.00. Messy Church has continued followng a pattem from 2024 usualty on a Wednesday moming Ilhe Toddle-ln slot) in holiday times. This tskes the form of a selection of themed crafts for parents and children to do followed by a short time of 'knrship' in church and then a meal in the hall. It requires a large team of church member5 to prepare and deliver on the day. During 2025 we met 4 brnes. It is athys well received. One 11 yr old gid vtho attends ￿th her grandmother vras baptised in the moming service at the end of November. There were three church fvnerals for church members) and crematorium fvnerals. Page 13 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 A¢hlovem•nts and pgrfomianco Icontlnuod) h. Abbey Choir Report The Abbey Choir conbnues to make a valuable Contribution to the regular Sunday worship, both at Mass and al Choral Evensong. During the pa51 year, there have been several changes among the choir membership. We are pleased lo welcome new members". Liz and Jill on the soprano line. Sarah as an allo. John as a tenor, and Mark as a bass. Akhough small in number. our junior section now includes three young singers under the age of twelve, all of om are beginning lo make a meaningfvl ¢onlribution lo the choir's work. These three girfs are now undertaking formal training prior to rehearsals through the RSCM Voice for Life programme. We remain deeply grateful to our former and occasional singers who. %thenever possible, return to the Abbey to lend their voices. Over the summer, the choir had the privilege of singing at Wakefield Cathedral over a weekend al the beginning of August. Considerable preparabon look place both beforehand and on arrival. and the choir performed admirably throughout the days, singing Iwo Masses and Iwo Choral Evensongs. The lead-up to Christmas was a particulady busy period, wth the choir taking part in the Advent Carol Service and the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols. Irb addib"on, we prOV￿ed music for the Drapers. Carol Service and the Friends of Sl Mary's Carol SeNce. The musical life of the Abbey ￿ntInueS to flourK8h through regular Sunday services and a number of mi0￿88k festivals. Holy Week and Easter remain especially demanding times, the choir singing a total of ten services befvleen Palm Sunday and Easter Day. This represents a remarkable commitment from all members and should not be undereslimaled. The volume of music rehearsed and perfomied is exceptional. particularly for a non- cathedral or n charge represents the amounts payable by the Charty to the fund in respect of the year. Page 29 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 AcCoun￿ng pollcl•s {¢ontlnu•d 1.13 Fund accounting General ftjnds are unrestri¢led funds ￿1¢h are available for use at the discreb'on of the Trustees in furtherance of the general obje¢ts'ves of Ihe Charity and *thich have not been desi9naled for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted fijnds that have tjeen set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of eath designate(J fund is sel out in the notes lo the fin8n¢ial slatemenls. Restricted funds are funds vthich are to be used in accordance wth Specific restrictions imposed by donor5 or vthich have been raised by the Charrty for pa￿CUlar purposes. The costs of raising and adminislenng such funds are charged against the spttific fijnd. The aim 8nd use of each reslricled fund is sel out in the notes lo the financial stslements. Investments that have administrative trustees of the in¢umbent and ¢hurchwardens are regarded as restricted by the Lichfield Diocese. These funds are for the benefrt of the Parish. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated lo the appropriate fund. Page 30 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Income from donations and legacies Unrnstrict8d R8strict8d funds lunds 202S 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Donations Other income 129,228 3.659 7,695 1,345 136,923 5.004 f 39,944 5,495 132.887 9.040 141,927 145,439 Total 2024 139.343 6.096 145,439 Income from charftsble a¢tlvltles UnrnstrSctod funds 202S Total funds 2025 Tot81 funds 2024 Grft aid & collections Fees for weddings and funerals Church hall & Abbey leth'ngs Icommunty groups) Abbey shop Non recurring grant {¢lergy lee reimbursemenll 644 11.011 21,618 10,124 12.396 11,011 21,618 10,124 12,396 12, 790 12.486 4,178 55,793 55.793 28,854 Total 2024 28.854 28,854 Page 31 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Income from other trading activitie5 Incomo from fundrnl$lng ovents Unrestricted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Summer fayre Christmas fayre Tea and coffee donations 3,045 1,840 1,677 3.045 1.840 1,677 1,098 1, 796 551 6,562 6.562 3,445 Tol812024 3.445 3,445 Incomè from non ch*rltabl• trndlng actlvltl68 Unrg8tricted funds 2025 Totsl funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Hire of Abbey and Parish Hall 65.116 65,116 54.583 Total 2024 54.583 54,583 Page 32 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Investment income Unrnstrict8d R8strict8d funds lunds 202S 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Income Irom local listed investmerrt$ Bank interest 6,020 7,657 8,020 10.737 4,854 8,690 3,080 3,080 13,677 16.7S7 13,544 Total 2024 3.025 10.519 13.544 Page 33 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Expenditure on raising lunds Costs of ral$lng Yoluntsry Incomo Unrestricted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Cost of fayres & other acts'viles 2,329 2.329 8,693 Tol812024 8,693 8,693 Fundrnl8lng tradlng •xp•n808 UnMtrict8d funds 2025 Totsl funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Fundraising trading expense 1 8,945 8.945 other tradlng ex￿n9•S Unrestricted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Abbey hire expenses 24,228 24.228 Page 34 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activitiey Summary by fund typg Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total 2025 Total 2024 Direct costs 235,453 3,110 238.563 198,455 Tol812024 191, 784 6,671 198,455 Page 35 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Analysis of expenditure by activities Activiti&s undertaken directty 2025 Support costs 2025 Totsl funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Charitable activities 150,716 87,847 238,S63 198,455 Analysis of direct costs Charltsblo a¢tlvili8s 2025 Total fund$ 2025 Total funds 2024 Staff costs Expenditure on Charitable athities Common fund Maintenance Upkeep of serwces Visits'ng clergy l organists Administratson Events Donation$ lo other charities 65,481 8,361 37,613 9,211 5,214 18,604 1,217 3,589 1,426 65,481 8,361 37.613 9.211 5.214 18,604 1.217 3.589 1.426 60,494 11,587 25,070 8,399 4,699 17,003 4,869 538 150,716 150.716 132.659 Total 2024 132,659 132,659 Page 36 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Analysis of expenditure by activities Icontinuedl Analysls of $upport Costs Charitable *¢tlvities 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Expenditure on charitable activities Staff costs Insurance Maintenance Cleaning Administratson Church utilities 2,480 3,206 12,157 2.480 3.206 12,1S7 1.486 11,948 1,951 1,060 6,450 24,269 2,507 9,388 2,217 2,423 16.328 18,692 2,408 15.921 3,076 1,000 3,291 6,865 2.423 16,328 18,692 2,408 15,921 3,076 1,000 3.291 6.865 Major repairs Service charges Legal fee$ Music scores Governance costs 4,520 87,847 87,847 65, 796 Tol812024 65. 796 65, 796 Page 37 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS WITH ST PETER'S SHREWSBURY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Independent examiner's remuneration The independent examinerfs remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £1,575 (2024 - £1,500), and accounts Preparation of £67512024- £600). 10. Staff costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution lo defined contribution pension schemes 59,017 5,465 999 56.396 3,269 829 65,481 60,494 The avera9e number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows.. 2025 No. 2Q24 No. Average number of employees No employee received remuneration am¢)unling to more than £60.000 in erther year. 11. Trusto89' romuneratlon and oxpense# During the year, no Trustees receive