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2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 1pm Pentecost Sunday, 24[th] May 2026

Reports

Our vision is to be a welcoming innovative Christian community of all ages and all stages of faith, nurturing spiritual growth, and representing God’s living presence in our town

St Faith’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting 1pm, Sunday 24[th] May 2026

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction

Prayer

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

• Closing prayers

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St Faith’s Church Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting (APCM)

held at 3pm on Sunday, 27th April 2025

In the Bulson Hall of St Faith’s Parish Centre, Victoria Square, Lee-on-the-Solent

Present: Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain, Mr Cliff Rook, Mr Mike Shrives, Mr Luke Marshall and 57 other parishioners. (For names, please see the red Attendance List Book, held by the PCC Secretary.)

Meeting Commenced: 3.00pm Meeting Finished: 5.35pm

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Welcome and Introduction

Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain (PC) welcomed everyone to the meeting and opened by leading the meeting in prayer, with responses on the screen.

Appointment of Churchwardens

Cliff Rook (CR) advised the meeting that Luke Marshall and Mike Shrives had both been proposed by him, and seconded by Karen Hooper and Janet Parrett respectively. These were approved without dissent.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

1) Apologies for Absence

Joyce and Trevor Dawson, Brian May, David and Ruth Honour, Tony and Sandy Smith, Ann Dent, Ken Bailey, Pam Ede, Angela Torroni, Roy Brammall, Sarah Thierry, Colin Skinner, Pam Rigg, Rita and Andrew Morgan, Wendy Mansbridge (18 in all).

2) Minutes of the meeting 28[th] April 2024

Kevin Dean (KD) raised a query about the minutes of the previous APCM, section 3, Matters Arising, which he felt was misleading.

In the 2023 APCM, the vicar’s report had mentioned his concern that we were not making progress in reaching those with no faith, and therefore were not growing in numbers. At that time KD had expressed his concern that our vision statement was inward-looking, as it did not include a growth component. He asked whether the church vision statement would be reviewed and updated by the PCC when it developed a plan for growth, and PC confirmed that it would.

Post-meeting note: Our vision statement says:

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Our vision is to be a welcoming innovative Christian community of all ages and all stages of faith, nurturing spiritual growth, and representing God’s living presence in our town.

KD felt that the minutes for 2024 implied that the PCC did not review how well St Faiths was meeting the vision statement, and did not consider growth, because this was not mentioned in the vicar’s report.

As a result, his question of 2 years ago still stands:

What is the plan for growth of St Faith’s Church, and will the topic of growth be on the PCC’s agenda for next year?

PC started his response by reminding everyone that PCC minutes are available for viewing by everyone, being posted on the noticeboard at the back of the church.

The PCC has not reviewed the vision statement, and nor are there any plans to do so, because fine-tuning the wording distracts attention from actually making things happen to meet the objectives. The PCC has however on a number of occasions talked about its vision for the future of the church, and what we need to do to make that happen. Some concrete proposals to that end feature later in the agenda.

KD asked whether the vision statement included the word ‘growth’, to which PC responded that it was not included explicitly but was inherent in the statements about the kind of church we wish to become. Spiritual growth is mentioned, but not numerical growth per se.

KD responded that out of 11 or 12 thousand people in Lee on Solent, we have a membership of 259, which figure speaks for itself. PC responded that he would later in the meeting be reporting on what the PCC had discussed on their day together, which focussed on the future of St Faiths, and KD agreed to await that item.

CR asked whether everyone was otherwise happy with the minutes. There being no further questions, Mike Shrives proposed their acceptance, Roland Rogers (RR) seconded this, and the motion was carried without dissent.

3) Matters Arising

There were no other matters arising.

4) The Electoral Roll

CR reported that the electoral roll stood at 205 members, following its recent renewal. He encouraged anyone who had not registered to do so.

5) Elections to the PCC

CR reported that there were 6 candidates for election/re-election, as shown in the table below. However, Paul Stocks is currently not eligible, as an employee of the church, but can be co-opted once his notice expires.

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Candidate Proposer Seconder
Paul Stocks Mike Shrives Cliff Rook
Annabel Brammall Cliff Rook Dennis Wren
Roland Rogers Cliff Rook Mike Shrives
Bridget Dean Peter Murrells PennyMurrells
Margaret Hunt Jo Drew Sheila Taylor
PhilipScott Colin Skinner Pamela Rigg

All of the remaining candidates were approved by unanimous vote.

6) Approval of the Welcome Team

CR reminded the meeting that welcoming people is not the sole responsibility of the Welcome Team, but in fact falls on everyone’s shoulders. The names of the current members of the Welcome Team are available in section 20 of the Annual Report, and were read out by CR. Additional volunteers would be welcomed; please get in touch with Rita Morgan.

These names were approved by unanimous votes.

7) Presentation of Church and Parish Centre Accounts

The annual accounts for 2024 had been made widely available prior to the meeting. KD reported that the History Group had recently received a church pamphlet published over 60 years ago, in 1959, to support a planned giving project for St Faiths. He shared this figure with CS who found an interesting comparison:

The Treasurer, Colin Skinner (CS), had presented his apologies, so Rebecca Hawkins (RH), our new Finance Administrator stood in for him. She directed everyone to his summary report, also included in the Weekly Notes. This is included in full at Appendix A, but covers:

Summary tables for the last point were displayed, first for the Church General Fund. We are not quite where we had hoped to be at this point.

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A similar table was shown for the Parish Centre:

CS had only received one question: Where in the accounts can one see the amounts paid as the parish share, and the receipts for the Christmas Tree Festival?

Our Parish Share for 2024 was £120,094 (p18, under Expenditure on charitable activities). This was paid from the General Fund. The parish share for 2025 will be £125,106.36, an increase of a little over 4%. For more information about parish shares, see the Parish Share Explained page on Portsmouth diocese’s website.

Income from the Christmas Tree Festival was £3,963.90 (p17, under Income from charitable activities), and was paid into the General Fund. This event is not seen primarily as a fund raiser; rather its purpose is to celebrate Christmas and the community, and to attract as many people as possible into the church building. People who do not normally attend church, but came to the Live Nativity, heard the Christmas Story.

Finally, CS asked RH to express his thanks to the finance team who work with him to ensure that the finances are run as effectively as we can run them, and that there is ongoing scrutiny and rigour in our processes. In particular, he thanks:

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Brian Mansbridge (BM) proposed a vote of thanks to Colin. As a past treasurer himself, he knows how much work the role entails. Despite careful scrutiny, he has never found anything amiss, and he was particularly impressed by how smoothly the handover to RH has gone. CS retains the role of honorary treasurer, in which he is overdue for relief, volunteers welcome! The vote of thanks was approved by general applause.

PC concluded the financial section by commending the Church of England’s guidance on giving to parishioners. This advises that members should give 5% of their post-tax income to the church, and a further 5% to other charitable causes. If everyone on the electoral roll did that, we would never have to worry about finances again!

Finally, PC elaborated on the ‘good news’ hinted at in CS’s report in the Weekly Notes. The church has recently received an anonymous donation of £100,000 towards the building project, which increases to £120,000 through Gift Aid. PC expressed the church’s great gratitude towards the individual concerned, which was applauded.

We are also expecting to receive a legacy of about £160,000, [Post-meeting note: actually £260,000], from the estate of John Maude, who was a member of our community for many years, for use at the PCC’s discretion. Again, we are very grateful to John for that contribution to the life of our church.

8) Celebrating what we do at St Faith’s

We usually simply invite questions on the reports in the publication. This year, PC briefly summarised each activity, by quoting from their reports, and asked people in the teams concerned to stand for recognition, in order to be thanked by him and by all attending. Some particular comments were:

8.3 Children and Families

A large number of those present stood to represent their participation in one or more of our children’s activities - Families@11, Rainbow Toddlers, Messy Church and our Schools Ministry.

KD described this ministry as amazing, with thanks due to all involved, but in particular he would like to highlight the leadership of Becca Chamberlain (BC) in driving and leading these ministries, which really reach out to people outside the church. This was applauded.

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8.4 Courses at St Faith’s

A large number also stood to indicate that they had taken part in one or more courses this year. PC thanked Mike Moritz (MM) for taking full responsibility for this aspect of our life together, which was applauded.

8.5 Cuppa and Company

Mike Shrives (MS) proposed a vote of thanks to Paul Twine, Malcolm and Liz Roberts for purchasing a new Jollybus 3, for ICanGo. This is slightly lighter, having 8 seats only, so can therefore be driven without a D1 licence.

PC made a note to include Transport in next year’s report, and reinforced the thanks to Paul Twine and his team for all that they do.

8.6 Events

This year’s fete will be on 7[th] June, with signup sheets available very soon.

8.7 Fabric Committee

PC gave special thanks to Margaret Hunt who has chaired this team for many years. RH asked how the Fabric Committee overlaps with the Building Development Group (BDG)?

PC replied that there is not too much overlap, as the Fabric Committee is concerned with the buildings now, while the BDG looks to the future. However, BM, already a member of the BDG has recently been co-opted onto the Fabric Committee to ensure a smooth interface.

8.8 Flower Team

PC commented how good it was to have the lovely flowers back again after Lent.

8.9 Friends of St Faith’s

PC extended special thanks to Jo Drew (JD), who as Secretary is the driving force behind the work of this group. He also drew attention to the upcoming quiz night on 17[th] May, and an afternoon trip to Houghton Lodge Gardens on 1[st] July.

8.13 Open House

PC gave special thanks to Andrea Simkin (AS) for her leadership of this activity. KD mentioned that Open House attendees in particular had greatly benefitted from the purchase this year (so not in AS’s report) of 6 chairs with arms, to assist in sitting and standing, as trestle tables are not secure. He gave special thanks from Open House attendees to the Friends for providing these.

However, these are in much demand, so he did also ask whether it would be possible to purchase a further 6? CR said that it would be discussed at PCC. PC said the issue here is storage. JD said that the new chairs being considered for the church might well address this need.

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8.14 Parish Centre

June Witham asked about the floor of the Bulson, which shows a number of black marks. PC replied that it could be sanded down and re-finished, but is cosmetic rather than functional.

8.16 The PCC

St Faith’s Parochial Church Council (the PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

KD took issue with the phrase “responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent” above, taken from the report. He advised that, according to the Church of England website, the PCC has the responsibility, along with the incumbent, to promote the mission of God in the parish, together with other duties, but there is no mention of a responsibility to cooperate with the incumbent. Was this wording perhaps a little misleading, both for PCC members and for outsiders, notably the bishop and deanery?

PC felt that he recollected this wording from an official Church of England document, but could not offhand recollect which one.

KD’s concern was that the PCC might not feel able to challenge the incumbent, to which PC responded that they do indeed challenge him, and so do the leadership team. The PCC does not simply agree with what he says.

Paula Turner said that her interpretation was that the PCC had the responsibility to mediate with the incumbent where necessary, discussing and working together to reach an agreement.

PC undertook to check the source of the wording of concern.

Philip Scott quoted from the PCC member’s role description he had just been given on appointment a few minutes earlier, to say he has the responsibility, along with the incumbent, to promote the mission of God in the parish.

BM commented that all of the activities being reviewed just would not happen without cooperation between the PCC and the vicar. There are avenues for managing the situation in discussion with the diocese where, perhaps for mental health reasons, the PCC felt that outside intervention was needed, He had direct experience of this elsewhere. The process worked, but it was not a happy experience, so he felt we should celebrate the good relations we enjoy in St Faith’s.

Ian Hamilton said that as a Lay Reader during the vacancy prior to PC’s arrival he had worked with the churchwardens to maintain church activity. Just keeping worship going took the great majority of their time, leaving little effort to spare for promoting activities such as those the meeting had just been reviewing. He felt that this demonstrated the value that PC has added in meeting the broader responsibilities described above.

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8.19 Safeguarding

MH, our safeguarding officer, also sits on the diocesan safeguarding team and briefly described the independence with which they operate.

She is stepping down shortly as our safeguarding officer, after serving in the role since 2009. Pam Rigg (PR), our safeguarding administrator since before the pandemic is likewise handing her role on.

PC was delighted to report that Stuart and Linda Hills, from the 8 o’clock service, had volunteered to take on these key roles, for which he is very grateful to them. The handover process has already begun. MH and PR will be thanked formally at an appropriate occasion shortly, but PC asked that in the meantime everyone should assist Stuart and Linda as they not only learn about their roles, but also, as relative newcomers, meet and get to know parishioners from across all our congregations and activities.

Roland Rogers (RR) asked if their photos could be included in the Weekly Notes, to help people identify them, and PC agreed to do this.

8.20 Welcome Team

Elaine Johnson asked that the people who wash up communion glasses each week be thanked. PC commented that there were many, many other ways in which people quietly undertook vital roles to keep things going, such as cleaning the brass, cleaning areas of the church. Others added Mary Shepherd for her work on the grounds, the intercessors and David Fordham for preparing communion every Sunday. Alan Millard (AM) commended Bridget Dean for making monthly contributions to our local magazine, Big Voice, to help keep St Faith’s in public view.

PC thanked all of these people, and any others not mentioned, for their essential service.

8.21 Youth Work

Noah Chamberlain (NC) commented that he had been attending KFC for 7 years now, and would like to thank its leader, Alison Jeanneret, for helping him to develop the faith he has today. PC added his thanks for her great contribution.

He also asked everyone to pray for this group as it goes through a period of transition, with Alison shortly due to stand down, and with many of the members turning 18, and so moving on to college etc in the autumn.

8.22 Vicar’s Report

PC began by quoting from his report:

Wow. The pages before this one show how much we do as a church. Thank you to everyone who contributes to St Faith’s in any way, through giving your time, talents or ‘treasure’ to our community. There are too many people to name individually, and I fear I’d miss some people out - so just ‘Thank You’ to everyone.

NC asked about the ‘Santa’ incident just before Christmas.

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PC summarised matters as follows. Clearly, he had made a mistake in assuming that all Year 6 pupils would know about Santa, but what followed was a fascinating experience, giving an insight into what happens to people in the news, with quantities of hate emails, etc.

PC had a very good meeting with the Junior School Head in February. Following this, the Year 3 came for the Easter Experience, and PC is hoping that Year 6 will use the church for their end-of-year show as usual. (This is the only building large enough in Lee). He is hopeful that relations will be back to normal by September.

Luke Marshall felt that Homegroups should be included as a topic next year. PC agreed, and added that we are about to start a homegroup for 18-30s, as we are seeing young people from this age group just turning up, and we need to help them feel part of our community.

He also asked anyone of any age interested in joining a homegroup to let him know, as there are a brilliant way of growing in faith together.

AM asked if there could be more guidance to help with daily bible readings? PC said he would recommend some suitable materials. Gillian Sinclair reported that she obtains bible reading materials from the Bible Reading Fellowship 3 times a year and distributes them to members of the congregation. PC was unaware that this was happening, but was delighted to hear that it was, and undertook to publicise it.

9) Prayers of thanks

PC summarised this section saying how wonderful it was that so many people serve in so many ways, enabling us to be the community that we are.

He then invited everyone to silently thank God for what they felt particularly grateful for in the life of the church, before leading the meeting in a prayer of thankfulness.

There was then a break for refreshments. PC encouraged people to talk to someone they don’t know.

10) Looking Ahead

PC reported on the PCC’s day together in March to discuss the future of St Faith’s. They began by thinking about the good things in our community life now, as reflected in the discussion before the break.

They then went on to consider what the church might be like in 10 years if we carry on as we are now, and concluded that:

PC then showed a slide displaying the electoral numbers since the 1980s.

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Our electoral roll currently stands at 205, similar to that for 2008. Part of the reason for the fall this year is that we have just reset it, as we have to every few years. Our numbers are much better than most C of E churches, but we are top-heavy, age-wise, and need to address this.

The PCC therefore asked themselves what they want the characteristics of St Faith’s to be in a decade’s time:

Vitality, integrity, an inclusive community, celebratory, spiritually growing, more representative of Lee as a town, younger, more dynamic, showing increased commitment across our community, an engaged young adult community, a discipled team, offering attractive services for all ages, showing vibrant life in later life, generous in giving, showing spiritual wholeness, accessible, and an attractive community more integrated with the wider Lee community.

PC would love it if we could achieve this vision.

We then considered how we might get from here to there, covering aspects such as our services and other ministries (as reviewed above).

No major decisions were made at that time, but the PCC will be considering all these things over the coming months, reviewing what should continue, and what needs to change. There were however 2 initiatives that PC wanted to make people aware of:

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PC acknowledged that suggesting removal of pews can be an emotive issue in some churches, but does not believe that our own pews would be greatly missed, being neither comfortable nor historic.

JD agreed that the current seating is uncomfortable, but pointed out that it does have the merit of being easy to move, as it is in fixed sets. This is a factor, but PCC members could think of examples in other churches which addressed this point.

BC asked what this would mean for the font. PC replied that it takes up quite a lot of space at the back of the church that could be used for tables and chairs. Its future was also under review in the building project, but no decisions have yet been made.

PC also advised everyone that in the longer term, when the building project commences with work in the church, we will all need to meet in the Bulson Hall for the duration anyway, so the plans above will be by way of a useful trial for the in-church-refreshments element of the building project.

JD asked if we would run into faculty problems replacing the seating in our listing building? PC replied that we will indeed need a faculty, but he did not foresee this being difficult, although it would take a few months, to include a period of public consultation. PC is keen that if we go ahead and purchase new chairs, we should invite the congregation to purchase a chair or two each, rather than dipping into funds which we have been fortunate to be given for the larger building project.

Sarah Shrives asked what had happened about the donation for glass doors made a few years ago, to allow people to see into the church from outside? PC replied that the money was earmarked for this purpose, and it would be part of the planning for the building project. Joan Rook said that she felt very committed to this concept, as she had been part of the team which had worked hard on this and had travelled widely, including to the Isle of Wight, to look at examples. MH commented that there are some structural challenges to their installation, one of which is that the font base would obstruct inwardopening doors.

Peggy Penfold commented that she had been a member at a very old church where they had replaced the pews, which was considered a great success. They had trolleys to move the chairs in bulk, and they had also removed the old font.

CK had likewise been in Denmead when pews had been replaced. There they found that inviting people to purchase a chair with a plaque in someone’s memory greatly helped in raising the necessary funds.

Building Development Plans - Feedback on the Survey. Mike Moritz (MM) started by giving feedback on the survey which he announced at last year’s APCM. 144 responses were received, which was a little disappointing. 121 / 84% were members of St Faith’s, of which 95 were from people resident in Lee. The overall message was that most people outside the church were really not very interested in having a say in its future development. More information is available on request.

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The survey sought feedback on and relative priorities between 4 key areas. Making the most of the buildings we have, and in particular the church itself, was most people’s priority.

We also asked in what ways we should adapt our buildings? Church members’ stated preferences were to:

Non-church residents of Lee were primarily interested in seeing improvements to the buildings we have, and in particular to our large spaces, rather than in any major restructuring works.

Finally, we asked what form improvements to our existing worship space should take, with unsurprising results:

This project will cost serious money. It would be great to secure grant funding for at least some of this, and we are attempting to do so. However, we are seeking funds to support religious activities in a larger secular community, so this is not an easy sell. Even funds for environmental improvements are very competitively pursued, often by churches in much greater need than ours.

Therefore, we are going to need to fund most of this out of our own pockets.

Building Development Plans - Progress on the project . Our architect, Simon Goddard, is on the Diocesan Advisory Committee, the body which approves faculties, so he is wellplaced to offer advice on what might be acceptable in this respect. What followed were some money-no-object ideas for possible options rather than a definitive plan. MM highlighted some key aspects:

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These ideas have been shown to a number of focus groups from different congregations for feedback, and this process is ongoing, to include our regular hirers.

When all of this feedback has been obtained, and the plans refined accordingly, it will be presented to the PCC. A costed, phased plan will then be developed in conjunction with the architects. Phasing is necessary as it cannot all be undertaken in one go.

Finally, funding will be a challenge, so we need to decide which elements will offer a justifiable return in value for money terms.

BC commented that the plan did not seem to include any smaller meeting rooms suitable for children’s groups, etc, although this had featured in feedback. MM described the options that had been considered, but did say that these would perhaps be smaller than BC might have wished.

She also asked whether a second, mezzanine floor had been considered? MM replied that yes, it had, but it seemed unlikely to pass the value-for-money test.

Paula Turner expressed a concern that so much additional space had been made available in the lobby, making it almost as large as the Lowry Room, when kitchen teams were in real need of more working space to carry out their roles.

MM said that this had not featured highly in the responses, to which the reply was made that very few of those people work in the kitchen! Roland Rogers then pointed out that in fact there is more space for the kitchen in the new plan; the red line shows the existing wall.

The need for such a large entrance space was challenged, to which MM responded that it was a way of routing people into and through the building, and welcoming them. For Rainbow Toddlers, for example, the current space is often very crowded indeed. Finding a way of guiding non-churchgoers to this entrance is an ongoing challenge for the team.

June Witham (JW) asked about space for choir robes, and hymn books. MM suggested that the current office might be available, but JW was concerned about the damp in this space. MM responded that the damp problem would definitely have to be tackled as part of the development work, but he undertook to give consideration to this matter in the ongoing plan development.

JD asked whether with all the plans for increased community use there would be a space for quiet contemplation and worship, like the current Lady Chapel? MM agreed that at

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times there might be external use of the church space, but there were no plans to remove the Lady Chapel.

CK asked whether the project would address matters such as renewal of the wiring etc, and would it include things like movement-sensor lights to save electricity. MM confirmed that these matters were essential, but not particularly controversial, so would be addressed once the big picture had been firmed up.

NC was concerned about storage space. MM highlighted the areas which would be available for this.

Nigel King asked if it would be possible to have the plan made available in printed form, with a. key, for people to better understand the plans? RR replied that this was a discussion document to support focus groups etc, rather than a fixed plan, and remained in a state of development. The team were concerned that people would see it as a fixed plan, leading to unnecessary concerns and debates while matters were still fluid.

KD commented that the glass doors discussed earlier did not appear on the plan? MM confirmed that they had indeed featured in the discussion with the architect, along with ideas about a possible mezzanine floor, and/or a partitioned-off café/welcome area at the back of the church. In the latter case, the glass doors would open into a small space, rather than giving a view the length of the church, so might not be appropriate. This is an ongoing topic of discussion.

PC concluded this section by re-emphasising that this session was for church members’ awareness of where we are at this stage, rather than representing our chosen way forward. Once a firm plan has been developed for presentation to the PCC, they will no doubt want to share it with the wider church community.

CR commented that all of the activities we had been discussing in our very busy church community did not happen without leadership, and he thanked PC for leading us so well, which was greeted with applause.

11) Closing Prayer

PC closed by leading the meeting in prayer, seeking God’s guidance as develop our vision for the future.

He thanked everyone for their participation, and the meeting closed at 5.35pm.

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Reports for the calendar year 2025

1. AV (audio-visual) Team

Our small but dedicated AV Team supports the smooth running of the Parish Eucharist and Sundays@11 each week. Between us we operate the sound desk, cameras, and onscreen presentations, helping to create a clear and engaging experience for the congregation in church and for those joining us from home via our YouTube livestream.

Although the two services each have their own character and technical needs, our volunteers have developed strong skills and confidence—this year we were delighted to welcome two new team members who have quickly mastered the system.

From time to time, we also support concerts, talks, and special events in the church, which offer opportunities to be creative and try something a little different.

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers. If you’re interested in finding out more, please speak to any member of the team or to me directly. I’m very happy to give a quiet, no pressure introduction to the equipment when the church is empty.

Jon McDonald

2. Building Development Group

2025 started out with many consultations with the church community to get thoughts, ideas and recommendations with regard to designs for improvement and change to our Church and Parish Centre. We met with many users of our site including internal groups and external hirers. We then went on to clarify the findings and compare the requirements with the initial drawings from the architect. (We reported the summary consultation results at the APCM in 2025).

In June Brian Mansfield decided to stand down as Chairman of the Building Development Group - we would like to put on record our thanks to Brian for all his hard work as Group Chair.

Susan Berry joined the BDG at Paul’s invitation. Susan has a background in Project Management for building construction, internal renewal and redecoration, and change management.

It was agreed that due to the diversity of the requirements, and to improve our understanding of the process moving forward, we should engage with the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee for Buildings) and ask their advice both to what might be approved, and any other suggestions they may have. Several members of the DAC visited in October and were very helpful and positive in discussion as to what changes and improvements could be carried out.

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During this period, we also had a visit from a Design Professional who had previously worked with Susan and has lots of experience with projects from design to completion including project management and contractor selection. He helped us to develop some ideas for going forward with our project.

By then it had become clear that before we could start anything in earnest there were several important steps needed to establish the current status of the building and inform the design process. So as the year came to a close, we were planning to have the required surveys carried out in the first half of 2026. These included: an asbestos survey; a damp survey; a mechanical, electrical and plumbing survey; a photographic survey, and a full set of CAD drawings. Once these are in place, we will be able to commission a prospective design, based on the PCC’s decided specification.

Susan Berry

3. Children and Families’ Ministry

Families@11 Our vision is to Know, Grow and Show God’s Love

The team provides Kids@11 sessions every Sunday during Sundays@11. The groups are for children from the age of 2 years old and up, with the senior group for year 6 and upwards choosing when to join the main service or Lowry Room activity. Although some families attend church each week, it is far more common to see children once or twice a month or less. Primarily taught from the Roots material, the groups usually follow the lectionary.

The families are encouraged to participate in communion and prayer responses together some weeks, and on other weeks, the children and adults pray separately. Kids@11 therefore is sometimes 20 mins and sometimes 30 mins.

We have a fabulous team with a mixture of parents and others. A special thanks to everyone involved either as helpers or leaders, and a special welcome to those who have joined this year.

The Easter Eggstravaganza

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We see supporting families as essential in helping children on their faith journey, as 20 mins twice a month is only a small influence in the life of a child.

The Families’ Facebook group is a closed group intended to allow families to share what they have been doing and different ideas about doing faith at home to encourage one another. SJ and Becca have been the ones who have posted most and the page has not really fostered the community we had hoped.

The children that come really enjoy the Sundays@11 and the Kids@11 groups are greatly appreciated. The community that we are building is greatly valued.

We have continued to arrange Families@11 Breakfasts, one at Lent, one in the summer and one at the start of Advent. A brilliant opportunity to get church families and children’s team volunteers together, and it was especially good to launch the activity packs and material for the families to participate in at home.

Rainbow Toddlers

Our vision is Sharing God’s Love

Rainbow Toddlers has had an excellent year, with lots of families enjoying the space as we use the church and the Bulson Hall in the cold/wet weather, and families love the outside space in the summer. We have a great team with lots of excellent ideas for creative ways to engage the families that come along.

The vision for Rainbow Toddlers is Sharing God’s Love and we do this through hospitality and supporting one another, and each month we share a Bible story together.

The team has grown and changed but we are a consistent committed bunch. We have lunch together on the first Tuesday of the month and there is a very friendly and supportive atmosphere. Currently Jenny Morris helps set up, Sue Hamilton and Sarah Shrives provide the refreshments, sometimes excelling themselves with seasonal treats such as pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and Christmas cake in Advent. SJ, Bronwen, Karen, Becca, Ros, Sandra, Nick and Doug are stalwarts of the current team.

We hold an optional story time each week, and tell a Bible story once a month. Largely we follow calendar events celebrating saint’s days, festivals and enjoyed a great role play season on the world of work.

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This year we have continued a half termly Bring & Swap encouraging families to bring items they no longer need and swap them for others. They were invited to donate towards a different charity each time and together we have raised money for various causes over the year and also benefitted one another with sharing resources. We also give regular donations to church and the parish centre in acknowledgment of the use of the building, however the church sees Rainbow Toddlers as a key part of our ministry to the town and, as such, Rainbow Toddlers does not hire the building in the usual way.

Term Charity Amount(£)
Spring1 Naomi & Jack’s Place 73.20
Spring2 Comic Relief 100.00
Summer 1 Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance 90.00
Summer 2 Sophie’s Legacy 155.00
Autumn 1 Home Start 137.29
Autumn 2 Toilet Twinning 120.00
TOTAL 675.49

We have consistently had 40 families registered, and more attending some weeks than others. We tried a couple of events particularly targeted at alumni, and found the Summer Fun Day more successful than the pub nights.

We finished the year with a brilliant Christmas Special, with Father Christmas, the Nativity Story and a giant craft. Christmas books were given out to the children and some new big toys to the whole group.

Messy Church

Messy Church values are about being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration

Messy Church continued most month through the year.

Each session starts with table top games and refreshments, and then a short video of the Bible story on the big screen, followed by a variety of activities linked to

the theme to explore together as a family. We then have a short service followed by a meal together. We have had good numbers attending and but felt we are not creating as much of a sense of community and are exploring whether there might not be a better way to draw people to faith.

Seasonal Specials

We held a very successful Easter Eggstravaganza in Holy Week, with Easter activities, including the famous Egg-drop Challenge, and a celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Summer Fun Day in August was really to make up for having to cancel all the fun bits of the Summer Fete due to bad weather, so we got the donkeys and the

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inflatables in, with all the toys from the cupboards and had a brilliant time with families in the sun, followed by a picnic.

We also held a family Light Party at Halloween, and it was well attended, concluding with a great lantern parade and short celebration. We wonder whether this is the way forward for family engagement. It has been great to involve some of the youth to support these activities too.

Thrive

In September we started Thrive, a weekly afterschool club to facilitate exploration of big questions for children in years 4, 5, & 6. We offered a walking bus from the Junior School and hoped children from outside our usual circle might attend. We started with the Children’s version of Christianity Explored for this reason, but actually we have mostly had children from church coming along.

We develop the programme based on the questions the children put in the search engine box, and this along with the number of neurodiverse children, takes a relatively big team and a lot of creativity and time. It is great to hear the kids questions and help them explore them together with cultural and scriptural input.

Schools Ministry

Our vision is to show that Christianity is relevant in today’s culture and to support the schools in our community

This year we have had Year 3 from the junior school visit for Easter Experience, the junior school for the end of school celebration, and Will visited the junior school for a talk at their harvest celebration.

We have also been invited into the schools for assemblies and Paul, Will, and/or Open the Book have been in to the infant school weekly, and the infants have enjoyed visits from our local puppet parrot Gerald. We also deliver Open the Book in the infant school and Bridget and Will are leading the team every fortnight to help the children act out a story from the Bible.

Recognise

We held an afternoon tea in the summer to thank all those who are part of the children and families’ ministry in St Faith’s, and Becca was invited to Lambeth Palace to participate in the national Recognise event, even receiving a letter from the King

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expressing his gratitude for the work of churches with children, youth and families in their local communities.

If you are interested in helping with the Children and Families ministry, we would love to talk to you.

We would like to offer parenting courses, parenting for faith courses to resource parents, grandparents and all those supporting children, and more regular kids’ clubs, as well as continuing with all of the above.

The biggest challenge to the ministry is advertising and social media, so if you have skills with graphics and digital media do get in touch.

Becca Chamberlain Children and Families Coordinator (Voluntary)

The Summer Fun Day

4. Cuppa and Company

Cuppa and Company is a community support group for those experiencing loss, loneliness or change in their life circumstances. We meet in the Bulson Hall every Thursday between 2 and 3.30pm, excluding the main school holidays. Transport is available with the ICANGO bus if required, for those who live locally.

There are two teams operating on alternate weeks, led by Sue Castle and Sandy Smith from our congregation. Each team consists of 5 volunteers from both St Faiths Church and the wider community. We were very pleased to welcome new volunteers from our congregation, namely Pam Ede, Jan McCredie and Ruth Dewland. All have fitted in extremely well and their help is very much appreciated. We also appreciate having Rev. Erica Wilkie with us for most weeks, who is also popular with our clients.

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Our client numbers vary from week to week but are generally in the region of 12 to 14 for most weeks. During the past year we have welcomed 3 new clients, not all of whom attend regularly, and lost 2 clients due mainly to ill health or moving to a nursing home.

At the suggestion of one of our clients, we took them all to a pub lunch in the country which was very popular, and will be repeated next year.

Tea and homemade cakes are provided by the team, and occasionally supplementing the cakes, is Dr Gillian Ashby, a past member of Cuppa and Company. These are very much appreciated.

We are also grateful to Heidi Ford, the Community Champion from Asda Fareham, for supporting our events with donations of cakes and attending occasionally with a game or quiz to get the brain cells working! At Easter we held our usual celebrations of a decorated Easter Tree, Easter cards, an egg for all our clients, and a small raffle. Cakes were supplemented by hot cross buns.

At Christmas we decorated a tree for Christmas and showed a short film during Advent to remind us what Christmas really is. We also hired an entertainer who sang songs which were greatly appreciated by our clients, and included audience participation. He was very popular and we hope to book him again for next year. Once again, we held a raffle and all clients received a prize, donated by our volunteers, together with a Christmas card.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who give up their time each week, make delicious cakes, and offer a welcome chat with our clients.

Cliff Rook

5. Fabric Committee

The Fabric Committee meet regularly every 2 months; its main purpose is to keep watch over the general maintenance of the Church and Parish Centre. To focus on this, we follow a monthly schedule, some of which is suggested by Ecclesiastical Insurance, supplemented by relevant points relating to the care and safety of these buildings.

The meetings include a general ‘walk about’ to take note of any problems that may not have been seen before. These are then noted with an action plan attached to the minutes for further attention by us or, if necessary, by outside agencies. During the year we have achieved the following:

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Health and Safety is reviewed by a separate team (there are currently over 89 risk assessments!). Any RA relevant to the Fabric team is reviewed by them and these are all up to date; they will next be assessed in 2027.

Thank you for the small fabric team who, in doing this work, save the church a lot of money and make the churchwardens’ lives easier!

If you would like to join the Fabric Committee and/or help with the upkeep of our building and grounds on occasion, please do let me or Rev Paul know.

Luke Marshall

The South Doors decorated for Remembrance Sunday

6. Flower Team

The Flower Team had a very busy 2025 keeping the Church looking beautiful during the year (but not through Advent and Lent, of course!). We are so lucky to have a large team of dedicated and talented ladies, which enables us to place arrangements in many areas of the Church as well as the porch.

Easter was celebrated with white lilies and spring flowers. Harvest Thanksgiving saw vibrant autumn colours, with a large loaf of bread like a sheaf of corn (with a little mouse

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at the bottom) made by our local baker, placed in front of the altar. We wanted to do something a bit different for Remembrance Sunday this year: the ‘Knit and Natter’ group kindly knitted nearly a hundred poppies for us, which were fastened to a framework of silk leaves and erected as an archway over the porch of the south door of the Church. Our Christmas theme was ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ using red flowers and berries with lime green foliage, with lots of candles on windowsills.

As well as arranging flowers in Church, we held four outreach/fundraising events during the year. In April, there was the Easter basket/wreath-making event; in June, we had a flower demonstration by a professional floral artist, Jennifer Thompson; in November, we had a bulb sale, the bulbs planted and nurtured by three of our team; finally, December saw two Christmas wreath-making workshops. The workshops and demonstration successfully brought in many ladies from the community and proved to be much enjoyed events; the bulbs were snapped up by Church members in one coffee session!

My sincere thanks go to all the ladies of the Flower Team whose commitment and effort continue to fill the Church with colour and beauty in their skilful arrangements.

Carolyn Keyzor

7. Friends of St Faith’s

The Friends of St Faith’s exists to help maintain St Faith’s buildings and grounds. Individuals can join the Friends for a suggested donation of £20 per year (although they can give more, if they wish!) and the Friends committee organises fundraising events to add for the resources the Friends have to spend.

In 2025, the Friends Committee consisted of Jo Drew, Alice Green, Shelley Rees, Joan and Cliff Rook, together with ex-officio members our vicar Paul Chamberlain (acting Chair), and churchwardens Luke Marshall and Mike Shrives.

We held three quizzes during 2025, which were great fun, and which raised the sum of £2349. This, along with subscriptions, Gift Aid and bank interest gave us a total income of £3757. This allowed the Friends Committee to pay £426 for Lowry Room chairs, £630 for tree work in the grounds, £640 for lawnmower maintenance, and £1000 towards the new defibrillator.

The Friends has a bank balance of £7848 at 31[st] December 2025, which includes our reserve of £1,500.

Thanks to all the committee for their work over 2025 and to everyone who has supported the Friends via membership or attendance at our events. If you’re not a member of the Friends but would like to be, please pick up a leaflet in the south porch and join us! Your contributions make a big difference to helping us maintain St Faith’s and its grounds.

Rev’d Dr Paul Chamberlain

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8. History Group

St Faith’s History Group – Bringing History Alive

The St Faith’s History Group aims to share HIStory, that is, to share the story of Jesus Christ through fellowship and research about the history of St Faith’s Church and Lee-on-theSolent.

During 2025, the History Group researched the Sweetland Pipe Organ to actively support the organ fund raising events, created a photographic archive of the 169 kneelers in the church, identified an Early Mesolithic Flake Tool discovered in Victoria Square and produced online history posters with QR codes for the memorials in the building.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend the St Faith’s History Group meeting and the dates can be found on the church web site.

And if you can’t wait for the next meeting date, then you can read all about the history of St Faith’s Church and Lee-on-the-Solent in the book we produced to celebrate the 90[th ] anniversary of the church building. There are still some copies available to purchase from the church office.

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Kevin Dean
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MU trip to Salisbury in June

9. Mothers’ Union

Our branch at St Faith’s continues to flourish and we now have 41 members, the largest we have been for many years.

We have enjoyed a varied programme of different speakers and meetings through the years. Despite events in our Diocese being less frequent, we have attended Midday Prayers at the Cathedral and services organised by other branches plus our own Deanery Advent Service at Warsash.

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We continue to support the Diocesan AFIA Holiday Project (Away From It All) providing holidays and breaks for families badly in need of a change of scene. This worthwhile scheme has now been running for over 50 years. We also continue to support the local refuge by collecting toiletries and small toys/stationery items for the children. Our annual Diocesan AFIA Day at the Seaside has been based at St Faith’s Parish Centre for a few years now and we are happy to help support this. Members also knit and sew for the QA Project sewing incubator covers to protect babies from the bright lights and also knitting hats, baby jackets and covers. One of our members oversees this Project. Two of our members are Diocesan Trustees.

In 2026 Mothers’ Union celebrates 150 years and we look forward to celebrating with a variety of events but at the heart of our organisation is the message ‘Christian care for families’.

Sue Hamilton

10. Music

It has been another rich and rewarding year of music-making across all our groups, from the choir to the worship band. My sincere thanks go, as always, to everyone who gives so generously of their time and talent week by week, lending their voices and instrumental skills so faithfully. It continues to be a real joy to work alongside such committed and enthusiastic musicians, and the standard and spirit of our music-making remain a great strength of parish life. It has also been encouraging to welcome new singers and instrumentalists into the worship band this year, further enriching our musical offering.

The Sacred & Secular concert in April

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The major focus of the year has, of course, been the cleaning and restoration of the church organ. I would like to express heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this significant project: those who gave so generously through donations, those who supported and attended our two ‘Sacred and Secular’ concerts, and those who performed. These events, enriched by the valued participation of Lee Choral Society and a number of instrumentalists both from within and beyond the parish, were marked by a wonderful sense of shared purpose and enjoyment. The work itself has made a remarkable difference; pipes and electronics have been thoroughly cleaned, the trumpet stop has been significantly improved in clarity, and the instrument has been tuned to a bright and vibrant standard. We are no longer experiencing issues with ciphers, and we now have a reliable and responsive instrument that will serve the church well for many years to come. Particular thanks must go to Roland for his tireless support throughout the process, from funding applications to publicity, as well as to the parish office staff for their assistance. I am also very grateful to the Friends of St Faith and to Lee Choral Society for their generous financial contributions.

Within the choir, it has been especially encouraging to welcome several new singers in the alto and bass sections. We have also been fortunate to welcome two new organists, one of whom holds an Associate of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO) diploma; their contributions have enabled greater flexibility within services, allowing me at times to direct the choir more fully (or to play the flute). I would also like to acknowledge with gratitude the continued support of Erin, our resident professionally trained soprano, whose contributions to concerts and regular services have enriched our musical life considerably.

My thanks also go to Graham, who has so willingly stepped in to support music during Sundays@11 when I have been away, bringing his skills and musicianship to our worship in a much-appreciated way. And, as always, to Bridget. Always a joy to work with, she brings so much joy, passion and spontaneous musicality to our contemporary worship, as well as singing with the choir on big occasions. It has truly been a musically fulfilling year, and I remain immensely proud to serve as Director of Music here. I look forward with great anticipation to all that the coming year will bring.

Richard Dewland

11. Open House

Open House continues to thrive with an average of over 20 attendances each week. We aim, as in previous years, to provide a weekly opportunity for people to chat and experience the warmth of shared fellowship whilst enjoying coffee/tea and cake. During the year, some new people have attended and the group are always extremely welcoming to any newcomers, whether from our own church family or from the wider Lee community.

Everything we are able to offer people by providing Open House is only possible because of our team of volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our church and without them many aspects of our pastoral care and outreach, including Open House, would not be

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possible. We currently have 13 volunteers in the team. Each week we have at least two and, if possible, three on duty and each team member usually has one duty per month. Their role includes providing, preparing and serving refreshments (some bring delicious home-made cakes too) but equally important is their role in ensuring our guests are made welcome and supported and no-one is left without someone to talk to.

I should add that group members also support one another, including giving lifts and providing a listening ear when needed. There is one other person who, although not officially on the team of volunteers, I would like to pay tribute to. She provides support to the team in so many ways and we are all grateful for everything she does to keep Open House running smoothly.

As a team, we meet every six months and attendance at these meetings is almost 100%. The meetings provide a good opportunity to share best practice, identify and resolve any issues and update ourselves on safeguarding. Examples of actions taken following these meetings are the development of comprehensive emergency contact information for all our guests and volunteers plus a list of any allergies or dietary issues each may have.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who give their time to support Open House and do so with much kindness and care for those who come. You truly transform faith into action.

Andrea Simkin

The Christmas Day Lunch

12. Parish Centre

The Parish Centre continues to play an important role in supporting both the church and the wider community. Throughout the year, the focus has been on maintaining a welcoming and well-managed environment, while also seeking to strengthen the financial sustainability of the Centre through a balanced mix of church and private

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bookings. While usage has remained steady, with some areas of growth, the Centre has also faced a number of operational challenges alongside increasing financial pressures.

Regular hirer activity has remained stable, with 18 regular hirers at the end of December 2025, generating an average monthly income of approximately £3,800. This represents an increase of £400 per month compared to 2024. Demand for space remains strong, with both existing and new hirers seeking additional capacity. However, limitations in room availability mean it is not always possible to accommodate growth or new enquiries, resulting in some hirers seeking alternative venues.

The Parish Centre operates as a dual-purpose space, supporting both church activities and private hire. The ongoing challenge is to ensure this balance continues to serve both the needs of the parish and the wider community effectively. While there are opportunities for private hire during the week, particularly in morning and afternoon periods, availability during peak times remains limited. Consideration could be given to encouraging greater use of quieter periods, such as afternoons, by attracting business groups for meetings or social use, as well as community groups such as arts or children’s activities, where appropriate.

Operationally, the year has been challenging due to significant turnover within the caretaking team from April onwards. This has required considerable time for recruitment, training, and cover arrangements, impacting the consistency of service delivery and the operation of the Centre. It has also reduced office capacity to focus on further development of the Centre. A stable and consistent caretaking team remains important to maintain service standards and the overall presentation of the Centre.

Lee Community Cinema has seen reduced attendance, resulting in lower income. Six screenings were held in 2025. Promotional efforts, including advertising through local Facebook groups and in ‘Forget Me Not’ magazine, did not lead to an increase in attendance. Following review, the 2026 programme will be adjusted to a more selective schedule based on demand.

Bar sales have performed steadily. Efforts have been made to improve stock control and carry out regular checks to reduce wastage. Despite fewer large events, the bar has continued to generate a modest net income of just over £2,000 during the year. The bar’s operation does, however, remain dependent on limited staffing capacity, with current provision often relying on the Parish Centre Manager. With improved staff availability, there would be a greater scope and confidence to promote the bar more actively for private hire, which could help increase income further.

Private event bookings have delivered mixed results. The Parish Centre hosted 33 birthday parties, 9 wake gatherings, 2 christenings, 1 wedding, 6 concerts, and 21 other events, including celebrations, meetings and community activities. Encouragingly, birthday party bookings have doubled compared to 2024, reflecting the successful promotion of the venue for this type of event. However, the lower number of wedding receptions has had a notable impact on overall income, highlighting the importance of this area.

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Securing wedding bookings continues to require long-term planning and early engagement. While previous marketing efforts have resulted in future bookings, there have been instances this year where four weddings booked earlier were cancelled due to changes in personal or financial circumstances.

Running costs have increased due to several maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure improvements. These have included the installation of a new oven, associated electrical works, including a three-phase supply and a new distribution board, as well as works addressing issues such as water pump failure, gas leaks, boiler faults, underfloor heating maintenance, and faulty alarms. Additional unplanned expenditure, including statutory inspection costs, has also increased overall running costs. While many of these costs have been generously supported by the Friends, the general income of the Parish Centre, even with modest adjustments to hire fees, is not sufficient on its own to offset rising costs without affecting competitiveness in the local market.

In summary, the Parish Centre continues to be a well-used and valued facility, supporting a wide range of church and community activities. Operating within a mixed-use model requires a careful balance between parish and external use. While there have been positive areas of income stability and growth, these have been offset by rising costs, staffing instability, and reduced income from larger events.

Going forward, the focus will be on improving operational stability, making better use of available space during weekends and quieter periods, and finding practical ways to increase income while keeping the Centre attractive and accessible for both the Church and the wider community.

Florence Lo

Sundays@11

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13. Pastoral Team

St. Faith’s Connect: A network of people in St Faith’s community, simply looking out for each other.

Connect is a pastoral network of small groups created so that people can get to know each other. To assist with this the groups are organised around the three Sunday services.

The team are looking at the benefits of creating a further group for the Thursday service.

Our Coordinators continue to provide their time and care supporting this network, reaching out to members in their group. The pastoral team would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all they do.

We have said a heartfelt thank you to two Connect Coordinator’s from the Parish Eucharist and two from Sundays@11, when they stepped down.

We have welcomed two new Coordinators for Sundays@11 and one for the Parish Eucharist. We currently have seven groups for Sundays@11, ten for the Parish Eucharist and one encompassing the 8 am service.

Whilst Connect is a light touch, some Coordinators have also held coffee mornings/an informal get together at different venues. We would like to add that it has often been the knowledge of our Coordinators that has enabled the pastoral and clergy team to reach out to individuals.

We have held two meetings this year for our Coordinators. At our April meeting we had an update on safeguarding procedures and we were also joined by the Parish Safeguarding Officer in December.

We will continue to look for ways we can support our Coordinators.

There continues to remain a number of people that we would like to offer membership of a Connect group. We believe this is particularly important as these are new or fairly new members of St Faiths. We hope to set up two further groups for the Parish Eucharist and continue to seek additional Coordinators.

Carolyn Marshall, Angela Torroni, Karen Hooper

14. PCC

St Faith’s Parochial Church Council (the PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Rev’ Dr Paul Chamberlain, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. As well as the Church itself, which is a grade II listed building, the PCC is also responsible for maintaining the Parish Centre and the Grounds.

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The PCC is committed to enable as many people as possible to worship at our Church, and to become part of our parish family. PCC members who have served during the year of 2025 until the date of this report were:

The Incumbent Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain

Churchwarden Mr Mike Shrives Churchwarden Mr Luke Marshall PCC Lay Chair Mr Cliff Rook Clergy Rev’d Will Alvarez, Rev’d Erica Wilkie PCC Members Mrs Annabel Brammall, Mrs Andrea Simkin, Mr Brian Mansbridge, Mrs Bridget Dean, Mr Ian Hamilton, Mrs Joyce Dawson, Mrs Linda Hills, Mrs Margaret Hunt, Mr Mike James, Mrs Mandy Fulton, Mr Paul Stocks, Mr Philip Scott.

Treasurer Mr Colin Skinner PCC Secretary Mr Steve McIntyre

The PCC met seven times during the year, during which the main items for discussion were:

At our meeting in May we welcomed Linda Hills to the PCC as our new Safeguarding Officer. Safeguarding in general was discussed, when we also reviewed our status as a church within the Diocese. The replacement of the chairs was our first and lively discussion including proposals for the funding. In July Paul reported on his Remissioning Course he has been attending, which the PCC had previously approved the funding for this course. During the Vicar’s up date, Paul proposed that the PCC increase our meetings from six to nine a year to give more time for strategic discussions.

St Faith’s Harvest Celebration

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During September and October, the Building Development Group reported that plans for the reordering of the Church and Parish Centre had been submitted to the DAC for consultation. Following the consultation with the public on the replacement of the chairs in the church, a detailed summary of the survey was discussed, and the PCC approved the metal chair example for ease of stacking comfort and movement when required. A proposal for the distribution of the kneelers was to be sought in due course. In October the Building Development Group reported on the recent visit to St Faith’s of the Diocesan Advisory Committee which was very positive. As a result of the future changes proposed, much notice was paid to some of the ceremonial custom and practices.

In November the PCC was informed that the Rev’d Mary Ball would be joining St Faith’s on the 30th November. The update on the new chairs was discussed and the PCC approved the type of cloth and the colour purple, the chairs at each end of the rows will have arms. As normal at each meeting Paul updates the PCC on the overall ministry of St Faith’s, which is good.

Cliff Rook

15. People & Planet

2025 has continued to be a productive year for the St Faith’s People and Planet group, thanks to the hard work of those in the group and the support of the St Faith’s church community.

St Faith’s People and Planet group has continued to help guide the church to become more sustainable. In the past two years, we have begun to plateau in finding quick fixes to help the church become more sustainable, as we undertook many simple changes when we achieved our silver award last year. We have however continued looking for ways in which we can make St Faith’s more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Wildflower Area

Since we started the wildflower area several years ago it has become clear that this has been more of a challenge than originally anticipated. The first 2 years of planting wildflower annuals were successful. However as time has gone on a series of challenges have faced us, including drought, workforce issues and the encroachment of the surrounding grass.

In light of these challenges the P&P group took a decision last year to rethink how we could make the area more manageable, whilst still encouraging pollinating insects and increasing the biodiversity of the grounds.

We were fortunate enough to have the help and expertise from one of our local residents, Debra Bullen. Debra is a garden designer and landscaper and helped us to plan for plants which are either perennials or shrubs. We began this task in the autumn and, after clearing the grass, planted rosemary, lavender, wallflowers and forget me nots. These support insects emerging in the spring. Already we have had several species of bees on these plants.

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Debra also planted ornamental grasses for structure and during the next few months we will continue planting to ensure that we support the pollinators throughout the changing seasons. We are also going to mulch the area to keep the grass at bay.

The Recycling Hub

Every year in this country, countless packaging ends up in landfill sites because it cannot be placed in our kerbside recycling bins. St Faith’s Church set-up a recycling hub in March 2021 to help members of the community to make a difference in Lee-on-theSolent.

The St Faith’s Recycling Hub can currently recycle the following items:

Since March 2021 the St Faith’s Recycling Hub has collected over 500 kg of packaging for recycling plus 575 printer ink cartridges.

Aluminium Foil

Over 171 kg of aluminium foil has been collected for recycling since August 2022.

The aluminium foil is sold to raise money to support adults with physical and learning disabilities at the QE2 Activities Centre near Southampton.

Printer Ink Cartridges

575 printer ink cartridges have been collected for recycling since May 2024.

The printer ink cartridges are sold to raise money to support Lee ICANGO (Community Transport).

Bakery Plastic Packaging

Over 121 kg of bakery plastic packaging has been collected for recycling since Sept 2021.

In the past, St Faith’s Recycling Hub also collected other items that could not be placed in the kerbside recycling bins, however, sadly these opportunities have disappeared.

Cheese Plastic Packaging

Over 34 kg of cheese plastic packaging was collected for recycling between November 2021 and November 2025.

Biscuit Wrappers

Over 21 kg of biscuit wrappers were collected for recycling between November 2021 and April 2025.

Dental Care Products

Over 67 kg of dental care products was collected for recycling between March 2021 and February 2025.

Crisp Packets

Over 53 kg of crisp packets were collected for recycling between March 2021 and April 2022.

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Tetrapaks

Over 31 kg of Tetrapaks were collected for recycling between March 2021 and Aug 2021.

Elaine Johnson & Kevin Dean

16. Refreshments Team

Sunday coffee time continues to be popular all year. Over the last few weeks we seem to have been serving even more drinks as our congregation is growing. God is good. The accompaniment of biscuits is welcome, these being mainly supplied by the weekly teams.

Rebecca orders the fresh coffee supplies and will be ordering tea and sugar also as Cecily is taking a break from doing this. Gratitude and many, many thanks go to Cecily for faithfully supplying these over many years.

Recently the teams have welcomed the supply of 24 extra mugs and a new dishwasher in the Bulson kitchen which seems to be doing well.

We do need some more team members to help on Sundays, especially as we may be loosing some in the next year and we would ask any ladies or gentlemen to consider a duty once a month.

My thanks go to everyone involved who happily contribute to the smooth running of coffee time each week.

Angela Torroni

Pentecost Celebration – with the congregation facing a different direction!

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17. Safeguarding

Safeguarding remains a priority for the Church of England, and therefore also for St Faith’s. Our safeguarding team meets regularly to monitor training requirements and keep track of any new policies which we need to adopt.

There are, at the last count, 134 people who have active volunteer roles in the church, and the types of training required for each role are set by the Diocese. The Diocese may amend or add to these from time to time - for example, a requirement for the Awareness of Domestic Abuse course has recently been added to some roles.

Over the past 12 months, a total of 45 training courses (*course available online) have been completed by 35 different people:

These are all valid for 3 years, and renewal reminders are emailed out to our volunteers before their training lapses. Thanks to all who have completed their required training this year.

In addition, 27 DBS applications/renewals at various levels have been processed in the last year. Thanks to Stewart Hills who has been handling these.

We recognise that some people are less at home with online training, and so this year has seen two in-person group Basic Awareness courses at St Faith’s, given by Paul who has become an accredited trainer. A group Foundation course is also planned for later in 2026. Anyone who has been asked to do this training is welcome to attend.

Safeguarding Team minutes are presented to the PCC, where any safeguarding issues or policies are discussed. Our church policy is signed each year and posted on the notice boards. We endeavour to also post any new information from the Diocese. All church groups also have safeguarding as a priority and are required annually to review their practice and policies (with the PSO if needed) and report to the PCC.

My thanks to all who have undertaken training and supported the church’s safeguarding initiatives.

Linda Hills

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18. Welcome Team

First impressions count!

The welcome someone receives in a church has a huge impact on whether they stay. Many of us are a part of St Faith's because of the welcome and acceptance we felt when we first visited and continue to feel as we’ve remained. Christians are called to welcome others as they have been welcomed. So, thank you to everyone at St Faith's as you help to create a welcoming atmosphere that helps to make us such a welcoming church!

We are blessed to have a committed welcome team who support and encourage each other, and offer a warm welcome to all as they arrive for services.

The role of the welcome team is to welcome everyone and to help keep services running smoothly - so a welcomer needs to be observant and ready to step in and offer help if needed. The duty welcome team also acts as the emergency party for evacuation of the church buildings (for example, during a fire exercise or during any emergency event where the congregation’s safety is at risk).

In March we held welcome team meetings (3 - to give team members a choice of dates/times to attend) to review our welcome guidance notes and to give the team an opportunity to make suggestions for changes to the way we do things and to improve our welcome. It was also an opportunity to check in with team members about any concerns they may have. Paul outlined a proposal for a welcome table in the Bulson Hall during refreshments time, which was well received by the team; a new team is currently being put together. Paul also used the meetings to express his thanks for all the welcome team does.

The Crib Service on Christmas Eve

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For anyone new joining the team, there is now a safer recruiting process in place which is fairly simple and straightforward. Once invited to join the team, induction training is given: a chat with me, provision of guidance notes, safeguarding trainingn and an opportunity to shadow an experienced welcomer before joining the rota.

Several new welcomers have joined the team over the last year (thank you) - but we are always eager to welcome more to the team! There is a particular need for more welcomers to join the Sundays@11 team. If you are interested in finding out more about joining the team for the service you attend, please speak with Paul, myself, or a member of the welcome team.

Current Welcome Team: 8am Service Christine Bean Jan Bennett Brian Mansbridge Wendy Mansbridge Steve McIntyre Ros McIntyre Mary Shepherd 9.30am Service Susan Berry Mary Bucks Sheila Caudrey Brenda Savage Rachel Cole Pam Elliott Alma Hadley Margaret Hunt Elaine Johnson Kathy Kanji Andrea Simkin Sundays@11 Alison Jeanneret Rita Morgan Andrew Morgan Jon Murphy Diane Suter Donna Vann Reserves (occasional welcomers) Rebecca Parrett Philip Scott

Rita Morgan

19. Youth Work

This year, we have continued our youth work across St Faith’s.

Our weekly Thursday youth group, Youth@StFaiths, has continued as normal. Doors open from 6.30, we eat at 7 pm, session content from 7.45 – 9, then enjoy an hour of socialising with Dungeons and Dragons and our newly formed Music group, who rehearse songs for Riptide! We occasionally run social sessions with more free time and games around halfterms. We are extremely grateful for all those who provide food for Youth; it is a great help.

Leaders - Becky (Rebecca Gemmell) has taken the role of Head of Youth since September, with much-appreciated support and guidance from the wonderful youth team! Alison Jeanneret stepped down at the end of the previous academic year. Will

39

Alvarez potentially be moving on from his curacy at some point. However, James Parrett has joined in wonderfully, as well as the current members, Tony Camara, Rebecca Parrett, and Roland Rogers.

Riptide - Every third Friday is Riptide, a multi-church youth groups gathering from St Faith's and Gosport URC, and recently growing to include more churches in Gosport, such as Abundant Grace. We are trying to get other churches involved, but now it is just the two. At Riptide, there are games, a talk, food and sung worship. Riptide has changed leadership; this was an event previously run by Stephen Pethick, but due to changing circumstances, St Faith’s Youth Team has now taken leadership.

Poland, August 2025 - some of the young people went on an extremely enriching mission trip to Poland, including training in Harpenden with YWAM (Youth with a Mission), evangelising and volunteering in Ustron with community work, children's church work, and other community events.

The youth group trip to Poland

Young Adults - We have started a Young Adults home group for 18-30-year-olds from the church, which many of the older youth now attend. This happens on Wednesday evenings and has become a great open space for young adults to grow deeper in their faith with other like-minded Christians. The content of these sessions is chosen by Will Alvarez, so far covering: the Jesus’ parables, John Mark Comer’s book ‘Practicing the Way’, and occasional pub socials

Annual Summer BBQ – Each year, the youth group hosts a BBQ for the youth and their families.

We look forward to seeing all of these groups/events grow in the coming year. Thank you for all your support.

Rebecca Gemmell

40

20. Vicar’s Report

Before I wrote this report, I read all the other reports which you will find above… and I am humbled and grateful. Grateful to God for our community here at St Faith’s, and grateful to all those who contribute to it in any way. Thank you to God and to you all. I’m humbled as well, to be the vicar of such a wonderful community and place.

2025 was a good year for St Faith’s. As a community we carried on meeting, worshipping and praying, we talked about Jesus and the difference he makes, and we tried to love God with all our hearts and love others as ourselves.

You’ll see in this report many of the things we did in 2025; the many activities we undertook as a church. I want to thank the leaders of all the different ministries in St Faith’s – I know how hard you work for the church.

I particularly want to thank the other members of the leadership team for their wisdom and work. In 2025, the leadership team consisted of me, Rev’d Will Alvarez, Rev’d Erica Wilkie, churchwardens Luke Marshall and Mike Shrives, pastoral care lead Carolyn Marshall, children and families’ coordinator Becca Chamberlain, and church manager Rebecca Hawkins. Rev’d Mike Moritz was also part of the team, until leaving in May 2025, and Rev’d Mary Ball joined in November. The leadership team meets fortnightly, and those gatherings are so helpful to me and to the church.

Florence Lo, our Parish Centre Manager, also deserves credit for her work for the Centre, and I’d like to thank the extended preaching team including Rev’d Ann Leonard, Ven Trevor Reader, Rev’d Janet Minkkinen, Rev’d Jan Beer, Rev’d Joan Ross, and Roger Vann.

I’m conscious that there is yet more that we do as a church which isn’t highlighted elsewhere in this report:

My wider role

41

St Faith’s in (some) numbers

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Average attendance
8am 31 32 30 28 26 29 24 22 22 19 16 13 14 13 15 14
Parish Eucharist -
adults		 145 144 130 136 136 146 129 126 124 118 100/
47*		 57 79 95 102 106
Parish Eucharist -
children		 10 11 12 14 16 13 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1
Sundays@11
adults		 47 46 47 45 49/
30*		 41 47 48 47 46
Sundays@11 -
children		 19 20 16 16/
4*		 13 17 15 10 14
Thursday
Eucharist		 15 13 13 11 11 14 11 12 14 12 12 9 8 10 11 14
Electoral Roll 228 249 213 223 241 238 256 268 285 253 250 250 264 264 259 205
Christenings 45 32 13 18 30 41 22 26 9 17 5 12 18 19 11 13
Weddings 15 18 13 10 7 10 8 6 5 6 4 5 6 3 4 2
Funerals 45 26 26 26 26 57 27 31 24 39 42 35 33 24 33 18

*Before and after churches were closed during the covid-19 pandemic

Finally, I want to draw you back to our church vision statement, which is written on the front page of this report. This vision underpins everything we do as a church, and is what we are aiming to be. We will only achieve this with God’s help, so please do pray for the church, and for its leaders. I want to finish with a prayer for St Faith’s – perhaps you’ll take a moment to pray this, as you read it now:

God of mission, who alone brings growth to your Church, Send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions, and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, In spiritual commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

42

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST FAITH'S LEE ON THE SOLENT

Registered Charity No 1150119

St Faith’s Church and Parish Centre Lee on the Solent in the Diocese of Portsmouth

Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2025

Vicar

Rev. Dr. Paul Chamberlain

Treasurer

Colin Skinner

Independent Examiner

Peter Nicholls

PN Independent Examinations

Page 1

Table of Contents

Introduction Page 3
Independent Examiner’s Report Page 12
Notes to the accounts Page 13
Statement of Financial Activity Page 16
Balance Sheet Page 17
Statement of Assets and Liabilities Page 18
Fund Movement Summary Page 21
Analysis of Income and Expenditure Page 24

Page 2

Introduction to the Financial Statements for St Faith’s Church and Parish Centre for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Financial review

2025 saw a significant increase in the Church’s funds; A very substantial legacy of £268k was received along with a one-off generous donation of £100k plus associated gift aid, (placed in the fabric fund and restricted to the impending building/renovation project). Of the legacy received, £168k has been placed in the fabric fund, and £100k has been placed in a new Mission and Outreach fund, which the PCC wishes to use to fund the recruitment of a Children and Youth outreach worker, or similar. The Church did not receive any income into the General fund from large one-off donations, (in 2024 this was £28k) although income from regular giving remained broadly similar to 2024. We remain very grateful to the many members who give regularly and generously to the life of the Church.

Before the Away Giving provision of 5% of our giving income, and other transfers the general fund was £4k in surplus. After the Away Giving and other transfers the General Fund was £4.5k in deficit, with a year-end balance of £78k.

There has been an aggregate net increase in the Church’s funds of £384,889.

Our ministry at St Faith’s is expensive to run. Including the Parish Share, running St Faith’s cost £187k in 2025 or just under £3,600 per week. Whilst we have many generous donors there are still many members of the Church family who do not give regularly to the life of the Church. If you are a regular worshipper at St Faith’s Church and do not give regularly, please consider doing so. It is very important to not only to continue to cover our costs from our regular giving, but also to generate funds to enhance our mission and outreach into the local community.

Our accounting policies are detailed in the notes to the accounts and are compliant with Charity law. In 2025 we migrated the Church’s finances from the Church of England’s recommended software Finance Co-Ordinator 4 (FC4) to its successor My Fund Accounting On-line (MFOL). Gift Aid is collated using a complementary package called Donations Co-Ordinator 7 (DC7).

Page 3

Reserves policy

It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance of free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted expense payments. This is approximately equivalent to £50,000. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The funds viewed as constituting our reserves are detailed below. Notwithstanding the funds available in the general fund, when taking future development plans into account there are no free reserves in the general fund.

The monies in designated and restricted funds are retained for the purposes detailed below. It is our policy to invest as much of our cash resources as we can in the CCLA Church of England Deposit Funds.

Finance team

The finances of the Church and Parish Centre continue to be run by a team who help and support myself as treasurer. The treasurer role remains accountable to the PCC for the Church’s finances, supports Rebecca Hawkins in the performance of her dayto-day tasks, co-ordinates the activities of the other team members, and carries out quality control checks and balances. The team members are:

Rebecca Hawkins

Rebecca joined the finance team in September 2024 as a paid member of staff and carries the day-to-day bookkeeping role and routine finance admin tasks.

Richard Froude

Richard was the bookkeeper until handing over to Rebecca in Sept 2024. He continues as a member of the finance committee and supports Rebecca and Florence with credit control and chasing unpaid invoices when required.

David Honour

David continues to help the team in making day to day payments to our various service-providers and reimbursements of expenses to our various volunteers.

Peter and Penny Murrells

Peter and Penny carry out our Gift Aid co-ordination and the claiming of this from HMRC.

Page 4

Roland Rogers

Roland continues to process our payroll and liaises with Stewardship Services, our payroll provider, to ensure our staff get paid each month.

In addition to the above, Mike Shrives, Luke Marshall and Paul Chamberlain are members of the finance committee.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the team who volunteer considerable time and energy in helping to run the finances of both the Church and Parish Centre.

Colin Skinner

Treasurer

Page 5

The accounting statements

Charity accounts must be prepared in accordance with charity law. The Charities Act 2011 requires accounts to be prepared in line with the current Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

The accounts are managed using a software system – My Fund Accounting On-line (MFOL) – which is recommended by the Church of England. It enables detailed analysis to take place and can produce a wide variety of reports compliant with statutory requirements

The accounting policies are detailed in the notes to the accounts.

The Church’s funds explained.

The Church’s funds and their respective income, expenditure, transfers in and out and balances are detailed in the fund movement summary on page 21.

Fund types and ‘legal’ purposes are explained in the accounting policies section of this report.

The Church now has some 29 funds with monies in them. Each time the Church embarks on a new initiative or ministry there is often a requirement to establish a fund for these activities thus enabling their finances to be kept transparent and ringfenced for their specific purpose. A brief description of the Church’s various funds is set out below and on the following pages.

Unrestricted funds

General Fund

This fund contains monies which are either donated or generated for the general operation of the Church. Use of its money is decided by the Finance committee and PCC.

On a day-to-day basis there was a surplus for 2025 of £4,089 in the general fund but after transferring £7,041 to the away giving fund and £1,500 to the MES fund the operating deficit was £4,451.

At the year end the General Fund balance stood at £78,065. Much of this will need to be spent on the next phase of the Church’s development.

Page 6

Designated funds

Away Giving Fund

A fund created in 2018 to provide greater transparency over the amounts set aside for the Church’s charitable giving.

After the transfer noted above under the general fund the Away Giving fund balance stands at £7,041 which will be distributed as soon as practically possible.

Bulson interest fund

This fund receives the interest from the Bulson Shares and can be designated by the PCC for any use. This fund is considered as one of our reserves in support of our reserve policy. The year-end balance was £21,918.

KJS door fund

This fund arose through a donation from a former member of the ministry team and has been designated by the PCC for the renewal of the Church’s doors. It can be used for other purposes in consultation with the donor. The year-end balance was £5,000.

Mission and Outreach fund

A new fund arising from the legacy received in 2025 with £100k being transferred to this fund, the monies will be used to pay for a Children and Youth worker or similar as soon as is practically possible.

Parish Centre fund

This designated fund facilitates the income and expenditure associated with running the Parish Centre. In the year, a surplus of £3,092 was generated. This is disappointing but as last year, work continues to focus effort and resources on activities and events that will be positive for the Centre in 2026. At the year-end the fund balance was £13,378.

Rainbow Toddlers Fund

Income generated by the Rainbow Toddlers group was in earlier years included as part of the Parish Centre income. In 2016 a separate fund was established for these monies so they could be designated for the benefit of the group. The year-end balance was £3,232. Details of the activities of the group and the donations they have made to other charitable organisations are detailed in their separate report. It is intended during 2026 to amalgamate this fund with the Children and Youth Fund.

Page 7

Reserve fund

This is held in reserve to meet unforeseen contingencies and supports our reserves policy. The year-end balance was £23,036.

Reserve fund Bulson shares

This investment held on our behalf by Portsmouth Diocese at CCLA fund management, is invested in the Church of England Fixed Interest Securities Fund. Interest is received quarterly and paid in to the Bulson Interest fund above. The Capital value showed an increase of £753 in 2025. It can be used for any purpose at the PCC’s discretion and has in the past been used to help pay the parish share. It supports our reserves policy. The year-end valuation was £31,525.

Retention Fund External repairs

There is a 2.5% retention built into the stage payments for the external repairs. The balance retained in this fund of £3,383 which will be paid to the contractor when the retention period expires.

Restricted Funds

Children and Youth Fund

This fund was originally the Conques Pilgrimage fund and used to pay the cost of young church members who needed help with the travel costs at the time of the Conques pilgrimage. The fund has no current use for that purpose and the PCC has permission to use this fund in support of other children’s and youth ministry work in the Church. After a transfer from the Rainbow Toddler fund of £3k the balance at the year-end is £437. This fund and that of Rainbow Toddlers will be amalgamated during 2026.

Choir Robes Fund

This fund was established to finance the purchase of choir robes by way of an appeal to the congregation. The year-end balance was £13.

Christmas Lunch Fund

This fund holds monies donated for the Christmas Lunch hosted by St Faith’s. The year-end balance was £1,058.

Cuppa and Company

This fund spent £328 during the year; the year-end balance was £7.

Page 8

Defibrillator fund

Funds were raised to replace the defibrillator in 2025 and an appeal was launched. The fund balance is £114 at the year end.

Fabric Fund

The fabric fund facilitates the renewing and repair of the fabric of the Church and is funded by transfers from the general fund when required and by restricted donations from donors. It is the Church’s policy that receipts from legacies unless otherwise stipulated are also credited to this fund. There was a legacy receipt during 2025 of £168k, and a one-off donation of £100k. The year-end balance is £317,482.

Facilities for the disabled fund

This fund received a donation during 2023 of £5,000 plus gift aid, to be used towards the cost of upgrading the accessible toilet facilities. At the request of the donors a transfer was made to the Organ Fund of £1,798 to finance the shortfall within that fund following a major repair project. The year-end balance is £4,452.

Flower Fund

This fund receives donations from Church members towards the cost of flowers as well as fees for the cost of flowers at weddings. Fundraising efforts by the flower team such as the flower festival are also recorded in this fund. Activities of the flower team are reported separately. The year-end balance is £884.64.

Friends of St Faith fund

This fund receives donations from church members and the wider community – ‘friends’ and fundraising proceeds from events held. Projects paid for from this fund are considered and actioned by the friends committee and reported separately by them. The year-end balance was £7,848.

History Group Fund

The history group received a restricted donation of £15 in 2022 which necessitated the creation of a fund for the purpose of recording the group’s finances. The fund records the transactions of the History Group with a year-end balance of £338.

Llewelyn Jones Grave Trust fund

This fund can only be used to maintain the Llewelyn Jones memorial in the church grounds. This fund received monies from the maturity of a War stock investment held by the Diocese as custodian trustee. The year-end balance was £1,113.

Page 9

Mission Experience Scheme fund

This new fund in 2023 received a grant from the diocese of £880 to meet the expenses of our mission experience participant. It continues to fund the ongoing travel costs relating to her training after a transfer from the general fund of £1,500. The fund balance is £203.

Men’s Ministry Fund

This fund records finances for the Men’s group who meet regularly to enjoy fellowship, a meal and a talk from an interesting speaker. The year-end balance was £225.

Music Fund

This fund is used to finance the purchase of new music, resources and external musicians for special events and services. It has been supported by donations from the congregation, as well as choir wedding and funeral fees. The year-end balance was £304.

Organ Fund

This fund receives donations towards the cost of maintaining the Church’s pipe organ. An appeal ran in 2024/5 which aimed to raise in excess of £17k for the major cleaning and maintenance program scheduled for 2025. The work has been completed and paid for with a transfer of £1,798 from the Disabled Facilities fund as detailed above. A grant of £4,021 was received from the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme in respect of the VAT charged for the work completed.

People and Planet fund

This fund records the financial transactions for the People and Planet group. Their activities are reported separately. The year-end fund balance was £201.

TH door fund

This donation and the accompanying gift aid have been restricted for the installation of new doors and their ongoing maintenance by a member of the church. This work forms part of the ongoing re-ordering plans being considered by the fabric committee and PCC. The year-end balance was £17,726.

Vicar’s discretionary fund

This fund was established by a donation and associated gift aid from a former member of our congregation who has now moved away. It is used to support the needs of individuals or families who need confidential support. The recipients of such support are known only to the vicar. The year-end balance was £809.

Page 10

Women4women in Lee Fund

This fund created in 2020 is to support the activities of the fund’s committee in their ministry to vulnerable women in Lee. Their activities are reported separately. The year-end balance is £598.

Endowment Funds

Bulson endowment fund

This fund represents the build cost of the Bulson Hall and is held in the form of the fixed asset of the Bulson Hall in the Church’s accounts. The value of the fund was written down substantially in 2017 and continues to reduce with a depreciation policy now in place for the asset represented by this fund, now at £184,800. in our books.

Page 11

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St Faith’s Church,

Lee-on-the-Solent.

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 13-27.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees for any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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

P A Nicholls MBE MAAT 5 Nursery Road Havant Hants PO9 3BG

22 April 2026

Page 12

Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of financial statements

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions. They are prepared under the applicable accounting standards and the 2019 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Fund accounting

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

Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC's general purposes.

Designated funds are general funds set aside by the PCC for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only.

Page 13

Income

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

All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Expenditure

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share expected to be paid is paid in twelve equal installments and paid over when due.

All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

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

Assets are generally written off on acquisition and not valued in the financial statements.

The Bulson Hall had been valued at build cost and not depreciated over time. After seeking professional advice, the PCC took agreed to depreciate our Bulson Hall asset over a period of 50 years. A baseline date of the year 2000 has been used to begin the 50-year period of write down with an annual depreciation charge of £7,700.

Investments are shown at market value on 31 December 2025.

Page 14

2 Statement of Financial Activity (SOFA)

Where headings and sub-headings are shown in the SOFA, these correspond to the analysis of income and expenditure (pages 24-27) where a breakdown of the SOFA headings can be found.

3 Balance Sheet

The alignment of asset, cash and liability balances shown in the balance sheet to the Church’s funds can be found in the ‘Statement of Assets and Liabilities showing funding alignment’ on pages 18-20.

Page 15

St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the-Solent St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the-Solent St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the-Solent St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the-Solent
Statement of Financial Activity (SOFA) for the year ended 31 December 2025
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted		 Endowment Total Prior year
funds funds
funds		 funds funds total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies £275,677.43 £6,449.19 £307,051.93 - £589,178.55 £219,376.75
Income from charitable
activities		 £12,103.59 £49,592.15
£7,608.60		 - £69,304.34 £68,650.01
Other trading activities £715.55 £18,022.35
£1,325.05		 - £20,062.95 £29,089.63
Investments £128.57 £7,129.57
£6,825.67		 - £14,083.81 £6,698.23
Other income £2,482.11 -
£4,043.12		 - £6,525.23 £82.82
Total income £291,107.25 £81,193.26 £326,854.37 - **£699,154.88 ** £323,897.44
Expenditure on:
Raising funds £1,150.48 £3,436.91
£2,198.40		 - £6,785.79 £16,003.31
Expenditure on charitable
activities		 £185,417.63 £72,823.99 £39,233.75 - £297,475.37 £260,774.46
Other expenditure £449.92 £1,964.18
£643.20		 £7,700.00 £10,757.30 £18,231.86
Total expenditure £187,018.03 £78,225.08 £42,075.35 £7,700.00 **£315,018.46 ** £295,009.63
Net income /
(expenditure) before £104,089.22 £2,968.18 £284,779.02 (£7,700.00) £384,136.42 £28,887.81
transfers
Transfers
Gross transfers between
funds - in		 - £107,041.00 £3,298.00 - £110,339.00 £12,972.00
Gross transfers between
funds - out		 (£108,541.00) - (£1,798.00) - (£110,339.00) (£12,972.00)
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on
investment assets		 - £753.21
-		 - £753.21 £901.79
Gains on revaluation, fixed
assets, charity's own use - -
-		 - - -
Net movement in funds **(£4,451.78) ** £110,762.39 £286,279.02 (£7,700.00) £384,889.63 £29,789.60
Total funds brought
forward		 £82,517.73 £97,753.33 **£67,586.79 ** £192,500.00 **£440,357.85 ** £410,568.25
Total funds carried
forward		 **£78,065.95 ** £208,515.72 **£353,865.81 ** £184,800.00 **£825,247.48 ** £440,357.85

Page 16

St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the Solent

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Description As at
31/12/2025
As at
31/12/2024
Fixed assets
Bulson Hall - land and buildings
Bulson Shares
Parish Centre Chairs
Total Fixed assets
Current assets
CAF current account
Lloyds current account
CCLA (CBF) Organ Account
CCLA (CBF) Reserve Account
CCLA (CBF) Children and Youth Account
CCLA (CBF) Fabric Fund Account
CCLA (CBF) Bulson Interest Account
CCLA (CBF) Llywelyn Jones Grave Trust
CCLA (CBF) Friends of St Faiths
CCLA (CBF) Parish Centre Reserve Account
CCLA (CBF) TH Door Fund
Parish Centre Bar Stock
Accounts Receivable
Total Current assets
Liabilities
Agency collections
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
Reserves
Excess/(deficit) to date
Starting balances
Other gains/(losses)
Total Reserves
Represented by Funds
General (Unrestricted)
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total		 £184,800.00
£192,500.00
£31,525.36
£30,772.15
-
-
£216,325.36
£223,272.15
£28,890.62
£78,445.20
£12,681.38
£8,650.66
-
-
£204,958.14
£64,823.31
£1,011.01
£967.24
£308,256.39
£24,609.78
£21,918.23
£19,934.22
£1,113.06
£1,064.87
£7,381.51
£7,061.92

£247.84
£237.11
£17,726.89
£16,959.38
£1,354.53
£1,562.25
£8,593.21
£4,004.00
£614,132.81
£228,319.94
£1,583.40
£690.40
£3,627.29
£10,543.84
£5,210.69
£11,234.24
£825,247.48
£440,357.85
£384,136.42 (£247,618.68)
£440,357.85
£687,074.74
£753.21
£901.79
£825,247.48
£440,357.85
£78,065.95 £82,517.73
£208,515.72
£97,753.33
£353,865.81
£67,586.79
£184,800.00
£192,500.00
£825,247.48
£440,357.85

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 28th April 2026 and signed on its behalf by The Reverend Dr. Paul Chamberlain P. Chamberlain

Page 17

St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the Solent Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2025

Previous Balance balance

Investments

6440: Bulson Shares

Reserve Fund Bulson Shares Designated £31,525.36 £30,772.15
£31,525.36 £30,772.15
Investments £31,525.36 £30,772.15

Tangible Assets

6430: Bulson Hall - land and buildings

Bulson Investment Fund Endowment £184,800.00 £192,500.00 £184,800.00 £192,500.00 Tangible Assets £184,800.00 £192,500.00

Cash At Bank And In Hand

6501: CAF current account

Away Giving
Designated
Children and Youth Fund
Restricted
Choir Robes
Restricted
Christmas Lunch
Restricted
Cuppa and Company
Restricted
Defibrilator Fund
Restricted
Fabric Fund
Restricted
Facilities for Disabled
Restricted
Flower Fund
Restricted
Friends of St Faiths
Restricted
St Faith's History Group
Restricted
Mens' Ministry
Restricted
MES Fund
Restricted
Music Fund
Restricted
Organ Fund
Restricted
Parish Centre Fund
Designated
People and Planet Fund
Restricted
Rainbow Toddlers
Designated
Church External Repairs - 2.5%
retention
Designated
Vicar's Discretionary Fund
Restricted
women4women in Lee
Restricted
General fund
Unrestricted
Agency collection
Restricted		 £7,041.00
£8,472.00
(£2,030.43)
(£345.06)
£13.50
£13.50
£446.21
£653.88
(£392.71)
(£372.13)
£114.00
-
£9,225.59 (£3,179.53)
(£1,798.00)
-
£734.64
£775.69
£2,160.77
£999.19
£388.50
£396.50
£225.98
£225.98
£202.88
£2,246.31
£305.41
£613.16
(£4,021.00)
£6,475.00
£5,568.80
£3,996.40
£201.71
£256.09
£814.79
£99.63
£3,383.76
£3,383.76
£809.01
£809.01
£598.46
£598.46
£3,133.20 £51,882.96
£1,764.55
£444.40
£28,890.62 £78,445.20

Page 18

Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cont. Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cont. Balance Previous
6502: Lloyds current account Balance
Children and Youth Fund Restricted £1,467.71 £1,186.68
Christmas Lunch Restricted £310.00 £310.00
Cuppa and Company Restricted £400.00 £400.00
Flower Fund Restricted £150.00 £150.00
Friends of St Faiths Restricted (£1,859.86) (£1,434.22)
Music Fund Restricted (£0.99) (£0.99)
Parish Centre Fund Designated £7,307.34 £4,584.10
Rainbow Toddlers Designated £2,417.79 £1,903.43
General fund Unrestricted £2,670.54 £1,305.66
Agency collection Restricted (£181.15) £246.00
£12,681.38 £8,650.66
6511: CCLA (CBF) Reserve Account
Christmas Lunch Restricted £1,000.00 £1,000.00
Door KJS Fund Designated £5,000.00 £5,000.00
Facilities for Disabled Restricted £6,250.00 £6,250.00
Mission And Outreach Designated £100,000.00 -
Reserve Fund Designated £23,036.28 £17,901.45
General fund Unrestricted £69671.86 £34671.86
Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cont.
6502: Lloyds current account		 Balance Previous
Balance
Children and Youth Fund
Restricted
Christmas Lunch
Restricted
Cuppa and Company
Restricted
Flower Fund
Restricted
Friends of St Faiths
Restricted
Music Fund
Restricted
Parish Centre Fund
Designated
Rainbow Toddlers
Designated
General fund
Unrestricted
Agency collection
Restricted
6511: CCLA (CBF) Reserve Account
Christmas Lunch
Restricted
Door KJS Fund
Designated
Facilities for Disabled
Restricted
Mission And Outreach
Designated
Reserve Fund
Designated
General fund
Unrestricted		 £1,467.71
£1,186.68
£310.00
£310.00
£400.00
£400.00
£150.00
£150.00
(£1,859.86) (£1,434.22)
(£0.99)
(£0.99)
£7,307.34
£4,584.10
£2,417.79
£1,903.43
£2,670.54
£1,305.66
(£181.15)
£246.00
£12,681.38
£8,650.66
£1,000.00
£1,000.00
£5,000.00
£5,000.00
£6,250.00
£6,250.00
£100,000.00
-
£23,036.28 £17,901.45
£69671.86 £34671.86
6512: CCLA (CBF) Children and Youth Account
Children and Youth Fund
Restricted
6513: CCLA (CBF) Fabric Fund Account
Fabric Fund
Restricted
6514: CCLA (CBF) Bulson Interest Account
Bulson Interest Fund
Designated
6515: CCLA (CBF) Llywelyn Jones Grave Trust
Llywelyn Jones Grave Trust
Restricted
6516: CCLA (CBF) Friends of St Faiths
Friends of St Faiths
Restricted
6517: CCLA (CBF) Parish Centre Reserve Account
Parish Centre Fund
Designated		 , ,
£204,958.14 £64,823.31
£1,011.01
£967.24
£1,011.01
£967.24
£308,256.39 £24,609.78
£308,256.39 £24,609.78
£21,918.23 £19,934.22
£21,918.23 £19,934.22
£1,113.06
£1,064.87
£1,113.06
£1,064.87
£7,381.51
£7,061.92
£7,381.51
£7,061.92
£247.84
£237.11
£247.84
£237.11

Page 19

Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cont. Statement of Assets and Liabilities Cont. Balance Previous
6518: CCLA (CBF) TH Door Fund Balance
TH Door Fund Restricted £17,726.89 £16,959.38
£17,726.89 £16,959.38
Cash At Bank And In Hand £604,185.07 £222,753.69
Debtors
Z05: Accounts Receivable
Friends of St Faiths Restricted £166.00
£187.75
Organ Fund Restricted £4,021.00
-
General fund Unrestricted £4,406.21
£3,816.25
£8,593.21
£4,004.00
Debtors £8,593.21
£4,004.00
Stocks And Work In Progress
6600: Parish Centre Bar Stock
Parish Centre Fund Designated £1,354.53
£1,562.25
£1,354.53
£1,562.25
Stocks And Work In Progress £1,354.53
£1,562.25
Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections
Agency collection Restricted £1,583.40
£690.40
£1,583.40
£690.40
Agency Accounts £1,583.40
£690.40
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Z04: Accounts Payable
Children and Youth Fund Restricted £13.92
-
Christmas Lunch Restricted £697.51
£611.67
MES Fund Restricted -
£680.00
Parish Centre Fund Designated £1,100.00
£93.17
General fund Unrestricted £1,815.86
£9,159.00
£3,627.29 £10,543.84
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One
Year		 £3,627.29 £10,543.84
**Grand Total ** £825,247.48 £440,357.85

Page 20

St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the Solent

Fund movement summary for the year ended 31 December 2025

Fund Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers **Gains/Losses ** Journals Closing
Away giving
Designated £8,472.00 - £8,472.00 £7,041.00
-		 - £7,041.00
Sub-totals £8,472.00 - £8,472.00 £7,041.00
-		 - £7,041.00
Bulson Interest
Designated £19,934.22 £1,984.01 - -
-		 - £21,918.23
Sub-totals £19,934.22 £1,984.01 - -
-		 - £21,918.23
Bulson Investment
Endowment £192,500.00 - £7,700.00 -
-		 - £184,800.00
Sub-totals £192,500.00 - £7,700.00 -
-		 **- ** £184,800.00
Children and Youth
Restricted £1,808.86 £1,920.38 £3,294.87 -
-		 - £434.37
Sub-totals £1,808.86 £1,920.38 £3,294.87 -
-		 - £434.37
Choir Robes
Restricted £13.50 - - -
-		 - £13.50
Sub-totals £13.50 - - -
-		 - £13.50
Christmas lunch
Restricted £1,352.21 £404.00 £697.51 -
-		 - £1,058.70
Sub-totals £1,352.21 £404.00 £697.51 -
-		 - £1,058.70
Cuppa and Company
Restricted £27.87 £120.00 £140.58 -
-		 - £7.29
Sub-totals £27.87 £120.00 £140.58 -
-		 - £7.29
Defibrillator
Restricted - £464.00 £350.00 -
-		 - £114.00
Sub-totals - £464.00 £350.00 -
-		 - £114.00
Door KJS
Designated £5,000.00 - - -
-		 - £5,000.00
Sub-totals £5,000.00 - - -
-		 - £5,000.00
Fabric
Restricted £21,430.25 £299,722.93 £3,671.20 -
-		 - £317,481.98
Sub-totals **£21,430.25 ** £299,722.93 £3,671.20 -
-		 **- ** £317,481.98
Facilities for the Disabled
Restricted £6,250.00 - - (£1,798.00) - - £4,452.00
Sub-totals £6,250.00 - - (£1,798.00)
-		 - £4,452.00

Page 21

Fund movement summary cont. summary cont.
Flower Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing
Restricted £925.69 £1,196.10 £1,237.15 - - - £884.64
Sub-totals £925.69 £1,196.10 £1,237.15 - - - £884.64
Friends
Restricted £6,814.64 £6,309.14 £5,275.36 - - - £7,848.42
Sub-totals £6,814.64 £6,309.14 £5,275.36 - - - £7,848.42
History
Restricted £396.50 £27.00 £35.00 - - - £388.50
Sub-totals £396.50 £27.00 £35.00 - - - £388.50
LJGT
Restricted £1,064.87 £48.19 - - - - £1,113.06
Sub-totals £1,064.87 £48.19 - - - - £1,113.06
Mission and Outreach
Designated - - - £100,000.00 - - £100,000.00
Sub-totals - - - £100,000.00 - **- ** £100,000.00
Men’s Ministry
Restricted £225.98 - - - - - £225.98
Sub-totals £225.98 - - - - - £225.98
MES Fund
Restricted £1,566.31 - £2,863.43 £1,500.00 - - £202.88
Sub-totals £1,566.31 - £2,863.43 £1,500.00 - - £202.88
Music
Restricted £612.17 - £307.75 - - - £304.42
Sub-totals £612.17 - £307.75 - - - £304.42
Organ
Restricted £6,475.00 £15,853.00 £24,126.00 £1,798.00 - - -
Sub-totals £6,475.00 £15,853.00 £24,126.00 £1,798.00 - - -
Parish Centre
Designated £10,286.69 £71,488.57 £68,396.75 - - - £13,378.51
Sub-totals £10,286.69 £71,488.57 £68,396.75 - - - £13,378.51
P-Planet
Restricted £256.09 £22.12 £76.50 - - - £201.71
Sub-totals £256.09 £22.12 £76.50 - - - £201.71

Page 22

Fund movement summary cont.

Rainbow Toddlers Opening Rainbow Toddlers Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing Journals Closing
Designated £2,003.06 £2,585.85 £1,356.33
-		 - - £3,232.58
Sub-totals
£2,003.06		 £2,585.85 £1,356.33
-		 - - £3,232.58
Reserve Fund
Designated £17,901.45 £5,134.83 -
-		 - - £23,036.28
Sub-totals £17,901.45 £5,134.83 -
-		 - - £23,036.28
Reserve Fund Bulson Shares
Designated £30,772.15 - -
-		 £753.21 - £31,525.36
Sub-totals £30,772.15 - -
-		 £753.21 - £31,525.36
Retention
Designated £3,383.76 - -
-		 - - £3,383.76
Sub-totals
£3,383.76		 - -
-		 - - £3,383.76
TH Door
Restricted £16,959.38 £767.51 -
-		 - - £17,726.89
Sub-totals £16,959.38 £767.51 -
-		 - - £17,726.89
Vicars Discretionary
Restricted £809.01 - -
-		 - - £809.01
Sub-totals
£809.01		 - -
-		 - - £809.01
w4winLee
Restricted £598.46 - -
-		 - - £598.46
Sub-totals
£598.46		 - -
-		 - - £598.46
General
Unrestricted £82,517.73 £291,107.25 £187,018.03 (£108,541.00) - - £78,065.95
Sub-totals **£82,517.73 £291,107.25 ** £187,018.03 (£108,541.00) - - £78,065.95
Totals **£440,357.85 £699,154.88 ** £315,018.46
-		 £753.21 - £825,247.48

Page 23

St Faith’s Church Lee-on-the-Solent Analysis of income and expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2025

Total

**Unrestricted ** Designated Restricted Endowment This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Gift Aided Donations
through Bank		 £23,388.00 - £101,350.00
-		 £124,738.00 £25,548.00
Non-Gift Aided Donations
through Bank		 £1,203.00 -
£1,270.00
-		 £2,473.00
£1,819.00
Parish Giving Scheme £100,419.84 -
-
-		 £100,419.84 £101,059.44
On line Donations Gift
Aided		 £40.00 -
£220.00
-		 £260.00
£330.00
On line Donations Non-Gift
Aided		 £2,957.00 £8.00
£659.00
-		 £3,624.00
£1,417.00
On line Donations - St
Faiths 2		 £4,024.00 -
-
-		 £4,024.00
£3,882.00
Gift Aided Donations -
Envelopes		 £3,710.00 -
-
-		 £3,710.00
£2,475.00
Friends donations Non Gift
Aided		 - -
£258.00
-		 £258.00
£363.00
Friends Donations Gift
Aided		 - -
£56.00
-		 £56.00
£166.00
Friends Donation Gift-Aided
Through Bank
-		 -
£608.00
-		 £608.00
£585.00
Messy Church - -
£605.30
-		 £605.30
£436.25
Other Pledged giving £1,705.00 £5,074.79
£265.00
-		 £7,044.79
£1,040.00
Loose plate collections £3,380.60 -
-
-		 £3,380.60
£4,085.75
One-off Gift Aid gifts - -
-
-		 - £28,395.00
Donations appeals etc £206.56 -
£7,522.12
-		 £7,728.68
£5,677.95
Donations & Fees for
Flowers		 - -
£326.50
-		 £326.50
£742.00
Donations - Study Book £865.00 -
-
-		 £865.00
£1,101.00
Donations - Start/Bible
Courses		 £74.30 -
-
-		 £74.30
£165.00
Tax recovered on Gift Aided
Donations		 £9,704.61 - £25,166.00
-		 £34,870.61 £14,736.22
Gift Aid Parish Giving
Scheme		 £23,825.52 -
-
-		 £23,825.52 £23,776.70
Legacies £100,000.00 - £168,076.32
-		 £268,076.32
-
Non-recurring one-off
grants		 - -
£669.69
-		 £669.69
£220.00
Other funds generated £174.00 £18.85
-
-		 £192.85
-
After Church Coffee - £1,347.55
-
-		 £1,347.55
£1,356.44
Donations and legacies
Totals

£275,677.43		 £6,449.19 £307,051.93
**- **		 £589,178.55 £219,376.75

Page 24

Analysis of income and expenditure cont. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This Year Last Year
Men's Ministry - - - - -
£100.00
Summer Fete £2,983.70 - - - £2,983.70
£4,697.62
Christmas Fayre £2,210.29 - - - £2,210.29
-
Other Fund Raising Events £1,175.00 - £7,393.50 - £8,568.50
£2,929.42
Evenbrite Ticket Sales £5.70 £22.80 £215.10 - £243.60
-
Christmas Tree Festival
2024		 - - - - -
£3,963.90
Seeley & Paget Conference - - - - -
£463.36
Fees for Weddings £844.00 - - - £844.00
£1,043.00
Fees for Funerals £1,969.00 - - - £1,969.00
£5,469.00
Church Lettings £2,840.90 - - - £2,840.90
£1,908.00
Bulson Hall Lettings - £33,329.95 - - £33,329.95 £29,983.75
Lowry Room Lettings - £11,755.65 - - £11,755.65 £10,238.35
Rainbow Toddlers - £2,585.85 - - £2,585.85
£2,408.70
Lowry Room Lettings
(Refreshments)		 - £10.00 - - £10.00
-
Parish Centre Cinema
Income		 - £1,887.90 - - £1,887.90
£4,573.21
Parish Centre Other Events - - - - -
£871.70
Magazine income -
advertising		 £75.00 - - - £75.00
-
Income from charitable
activities Totals		 £12,103.59 £49,592.15 £7,608.60 - £69,304.34 £68,650.01
Other trading activities
Risograph recharge £590.00 - - - £590.00
£998.80
History Book Sales £16.00 - £27.00 - £43.00
£270.00
Parish Centre Other Events
Private Party		 - - - - -
£130.25
Private Domestic Events
Bar Sales		 - £3,731.60 - - £3,731.60
£5,169.70
Bulson Hall Hire Private
Domestic Events		 - £11,772.05 - - £11,772.05 £18,560.33
Lowry Room Hire Private
Domestic Events		 - £1,312.20 - - £1,312.20
£1,170.40
Parish Centre - Bar Takings £109.55 £1,206.50 £1,298.05 - £2,614.10
£2,790.15
Other trading activities
Totals		 £715.55 £18,022.35 £1,325.05 - £20,062.95 £29,089.63
Investments
Bank and building society
interest		 £128.57 £7,129.57 £6,825.67 - £14,083.81
£6,698.23
Investments Totals £128.57 £7,129.57 £6,825.67 - £14,083.81
£6,698.23
Other income
Easy Fundraising £44.11 - - - £44.11
£40.25
Listed Place of Worship
Grant Scheme		 - - £4,021.00 - £4,021.00
-
Recycling Income - - £22.12 - £22.12
£42.57
Insurance claims £2,438.00 - - - £2,438.00
-
Other income Totals £2,482.11 - £4,043.12 - £6,525.23
£82.82
Income and endowments
Grand totals		 £291,107.25 £81,193.26 £326,854.37 - £699,154.88 £323,897.44

Page 25

Analysis of income and expenditure cont. Analysis of income and expenditure cont.
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last Year
Online Fees £295.50 - - - £295.50
£273.10
Online Fees - Parish
Centre		 - £90.97 - - £90.97
£138.14
Costs of fetes & other
events		 £173.53 £325.00 £1,793.62 - £2,292.15
£1,519.28
Summer Fete Costs £464.68 - - - £464.68
£801.34
Christmas Fayre Costs £195.59 - - - £195.59
£2,846.75
Eventbrite Ticket Costs - - - - -
£30.09
Seeley & Paget Conference
Costs
-		 - - - -
£184.28
Parish Centre - Bar
purchases		 £21.18 £1,533.66 £404.78 - £1,959.62
£2,924.61
Parish Centre - Function
Costs		 - £40.83 - - £40.83
£878.50
Parish Centre Cinema - £1,037.01 - - £1,037.01
£2,239.96
Parish Centre - Private
Function Costs		 - £409.44 - - £409.44
£4,167.26
Raising funds Totals
£1,150.48		 £3,436.91 £2,198.40 - £6,785.79 £16,003.31
Expenditure on charitable activities
MFA Online Fees £105.00 - - - £105.00
-
Giving - relief and
development agencies		 - £8,472.00 - - £8,472.00
£5,114.85
Home mission £1,982.03 £109.97 £683.18 - £2,775.18
£660.20
Secular charities - £555.49 - - £555.49
£283.51
Ministry parish share etc £125,106.36 - - - £125,106.36 £120,094.00
Church Salaries £19,648.70 - - - £19,648.70 £12,889.86
Parish Centre Salaries - £33,336.39 - - £33,336.39 £34,891.49
Payroll Administration Fees £826.75 - - - £826.75
£855.35
NEST Pension Employer
Contribs Church		 £565.51 - - - £565.51
£374.24
NEST Pension Fund
Employer Contribs PC		 - £950.70 - - £950.70
£1,069.97
NEST Pension Employee
Contribs Church		 £763.38 - - - £763.38
£521.43
NEST Pension Fund
Employee Contribs PC		 - £1,267.74 - - £1,267.74
£1,426.71
Wages - Casual Bar Staff - £311.96 - - £311.96
£982.15
Wages - Casual Staff - - - - -
£27.26
Vicar's Expenses £2,245.64 £236.37 £750.19 - £3,232.20
£1,555.39
Associate Minister's
Expenses		 £587.27 - - - £587.27
£588.71
Curate's Expenses £1,327.16 - £2,863.43 - £4,190.59
£1,642.75
Church Flowers - - £1,225.57 - £1,225.57
£599.31
Altar Requisites £1,199.77 - - - £1,199.77
£1,404.14
Water rates - vicarage £183.50 - - - £183.50
£84.59
Vicar's telephone £128.00 - - - £128.00
£208.00
Education £70.09 - - - £70.09
£1,250.00
Parish training and mission £1,446.77 - £35.00 - £1,481.77
£3,762.32
Youth resources - £93.94 £13.92 - £107.86
£931.69
Messy Church Costs - - £686.93 - £686.93
£693.75
Youth Activities - £35.56 £1,231.23 - £1,266.79
£1,242.88
Men's Ministry - - - - -
£74.31
Outreach Group Expenses - - - - -
£252.56

Page 26

Analysis of income and expenditure cont. Analysis of income and expenditure cont.
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
Church running - insurance £2,413.26 - - - £2,413.26
£2,337.10
Church office - telephone £451.08 - - - £451.08
£114.15
Church Office - Risograph
Printer/Copier		 £3,096.00 - - - £3,096.00
£3,407.10
Church Office - Computers
& Equipment		 £950.81 - - - £950.81
£1,664.08
IT resources - purchases
and maintenance		 £69.60 - - - £69.60
£69.60
PPL/PRS £588.53 - - - £588.53
£1,626.46
CCLI £1,207.06 - - - £1,207.06
£939.00
Organist & Musician Fees £9,267.19 - £80.00 - £9,347.19
£8,990.90
Organ / piano tuning £569.40 - £24,126.00 - £24,695.40
£1,690.79
Music Purchases - - £227.75 - £227.75
£164.78
Church maintenance £1,242.44 - £1,254.00 - £2,496.44 £10,070.69
Parish Centre Maintenance - £6,843.70 - - £6,843.70
£7,747.76
Upkeep of Church Grounds £314.22 - £1,346.55 - £1,660.77
£54.98
Church Administration £2,146.12 - £18.35 - £2,164.47
£5,735.98
Parish Centre
Administration		 - £4,566.53 - - £4,566.53
£968.36
Church - electricity £3,380.28 - - - £3,380.28
£3,522.62
Church - gas £3,470.20 - - - £3,470.20
£3,844.68
Parish Centre - electricity - £3,380.27 - - £3,380.27
£3,522.64
Parish Centre - gas - £3,453.00 - - £3,453.00
£4,045.22
Parish Centre -
maintenance		 - £1,427.32 - - £1,427.32
-
Parish Centre - telephone - £506.82 - - £506.82
£168.15
Parish Centre - water - £1,593.67 - - £1,593.67
£1,204.49
Parish Centre Refreshment
Purchases		 £65.51 £498.57 £1,142.01 - £1,706.09
£1,047.51
Parish Centre + major
repairs - installa		 - £4,871.99 - - £4,871.99
-
Parish Centre + Upgrade
Costs		 - - £3,124.00 - £3,124.00
-
Parish Centre + interior and
exterior de		 - - £425.64 - £425.64
-
Other PCC property
upkeep		 - £309.00 - - £309.00
£4,356.00
Expenditure on charitable
activities Totals		 £185,417.63 £72,823.99 £39,233.75 **- ** £297,475.37 £260,774.46
Other expenditure
Verger Fees £150.00 - - - £150.00
£870.00
Defibrillator Maintenance - - £96.00 - £96.00
-
Bank Fees & Charges £79.92 £67.62 - - £147.54
£109.50
Depreciation Charge
Bulson Hall		 - - - £7,700.00 £7,700.00
£7,700.00
Parish Centre - Waste
Disposal		 - £1,896.56 - - £1,896.56
£3,227.36
Church major repairs -
structure		 - - - - -
£2,000.00
Professional Fees £220.00 - £547.20 - £767.20
£4,325.00
Other expenditure Totals £449.92 £1,964.18 £643.20 £7,700.00 £10,757.30 £18,231.86
Expenditure Grand totals £187,018.03 £78,225.08 £42,075.35 **£7,700.00 ** £315,018.46 £295,009.63

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