INh-
g I
2025
Parish of St. Bartholomew's '
Wickham Bishops with
St. Nicholas, Little Braxted
ANf4UAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH
Sunday 26th April 2026
at 12 noon
in St. Bartholomew's
Church Hall
THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND
36

Welcome to the
Annual Report
for the year 2025
Page Number
Admlnlstrative Informa￿On
The agenda for the meeting, together with last
ye3rf5 minutes are available as separate documents,
along with the Accounts and nominations forthe
election of PCC members and Churchwardens.
PCC Members and offi￿r$
Electoral Roll
Vlce Chalrman's Report
PCC Report
io
Ourthanks go to all who have contributed
to this report.
Clergy cover durlng vacancy
li
Safeguarding
12-13
Thank5 too to those who have given so generously
of their time and slcills in supporting the work of our
two churches during a second challenging
year of interregnum.
Deanery Synod
14-15
Fabrit Report
16-17
Finance
18-19
Worshlp
inc. Choir and St. Nlcholas
19-23
There are many unsung heroesto thank, not least
our flower ladies, those who clean the church, loolc
after our altar linen, make the coffee, manage our
numerous rotas and many morel
Pastoral
Including Drop-in
Communltv
24
25
26-27
Additional volunteers are always welcome..
Discipleshlp
28- 29
Fundralslng and Social
30- 31
THANK YOU
Edward Bear
32-33
Guardians
34
Contacts
35

services of a paid Benefice Administrator who will take on enquiries
for Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals.
Geraldine Speannan
PCC Secretary
Information
The Parish of St Bartholomew Wickham Bishops with St Nicholas
Little Braxted is situated in the Witham Deanery, part of the Diocese
of Chelmsford. It has responsibility for two principal places of wor-
ship - St Bartholomew's Church, the Parish Church, which is situated
in Church Road, Wickham Bishops and St Nichola5 Little Braxted. St
Nicholas is situated in Witham Road, Little Braxted. Informatlon
about the churches in Wickham Bishops and ￿ttle Braxted is also
available at- www.churchinwickhambisho
s.or
.uk andalso on A
riear Yoil web51te
The Parochial Church Councll of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wickham
Bishops with Little Braxted is a Registered Charlty No. 1159874.
PCC Members
offi￿rS as atjanuary 2026
Priest in Charge..
Vacant
Priest with Permisslon to Officiate:
Revd, Derek Clark
Churchwarden5'.
Vacant Position x 2
Elected Representstlves
Ta April ?O?.S
John Baker
Kate Dawson
Tp Aprll ?077
Dorothy Kerr
Maggie Drewett
Barry Cousins
Elizabeth Joslin
Graham Win8rove
Witham Deanery is undergolng a perlod of transition and strategic
engagement focused on sustaining ministry and misslon beyond
2026. The restructure has been in process for 2 years and can only
come into practice when the Legal process has taken place.
The Parish has been in interregnum since Aprll 2024 and with the re-
structure we are now moving into a United Benefice of 18 parishes.
Within that Benefice we are part of a new 'Clusterf of churches called
the Beacon Pari5he5. This comprises, our two churches, Great
rotham, Little Totham and Goldhanger. There will be 4 clusters with-
in (he 18 parish Benefice, each with a full-time stipendiary priest.
Tn Aprll ?028
Graham Speaman
Francine Cope (Standing down 20261
Ex.nfficto
Geraldine Spearman - PCC Setretary
Dea￿e￿Sy￿Dd Re
Christine Bealer
John Gilbert {standin8 down 2026}
The new priest may reside either in the Wickham Bishops Rectory or
the Great Totham Rectory. The post will come under the leadership
of a Team Rector who will be based in Tiptree. We will also have the

Other Officer
PCC Wice-chair & Treasurer:
Graham Spearman
This is Year2 of the fully revised Elettoral Roll and requires that all
Members are contacted to ascertain whetherthey wish to remain
for 2026. No form filling this year. Emailslsome letters were sent
out. and some phone calls were made. l arn grateful for the speedy
responses.
Safeguarding Offi￿r.
Brian Joslln
Safeguardin8 Trainin8.'
Francine Cope
Electoral Roll Offi￿r.
Mary Brown
In total there are 98 people on the 2026 Church Electoral Roll,. of
these 74 live in the Parish, and 24 are non-resident.
Deputy Churchwarden:
Graham Win8rove
Pastoral Assistant=
Christine Bealer
One member requested removal from the Electoral Roll and one
mernber has sadly died during the last year. Three ofthe members
who did not return their form last year land were rernoved from the
2025 Roll) have asked to be reinstated, and their forms have now
been received.
Sidesper50ns'.
Kath Adkins
Nomia Hayward
Kate Dawson
Lester Firkins
Dorothy Kerr
Stuart Parish
Thank you to everyone foryour co-operation in preparing The Roll
for 2026.
Wendy Firkins
John Kerr
John Wratten
Francine Cope
Denise Yelland
Dick Yelland
Mary Brown, Elettoral Roll Offi￿r
Geraldine Spearman
Vivienne Lodge
Chri5 Baker
Allan Baker
If you're interested in becoming a Sidesperson or reading one
of the lessons at the seThlces please speok to Dorothy Kerr.

Draft Proposals for creation of the new Benefice to be known as "the
Blackwater Benefice." Views on the draft proposal are asked to be
forwarded to Canon Nathan Whitehead at the Diocese as soon as
possible and not later than midnight on 8 May 2026.
If anybody wants to know more please talk to me.
I can also advise that the vacancy for Team Rector Designate, to be
based at Tiptree, 15 now being advertised.
The adve￿sernent for a Team Vicar for our Cluster, to be l<nown as
the Beacon Cluster was due to be published in March,
We are meeting with the other three Parishes in our Cluster and
thanks to Ma88le Drewett who has started a monthly prayer group as
well as a Prayer Chain for our awn Parish.
Where we are now is only because there are so many people who
have contributed a lot of effort so often quietly in the background I
am reluctant to name name5 because inevitably I will mlss someone
out. You all know who you are 50 thank you.
Whilst I must acl<nowledge my bias, we really do need to say a huge
thank you to our PCC Secretary, Geraldine. She has worked very hard
on all the Parish administration for the past two year5. Hopefullv
some of this is going to be taken on by the Administrator of the
current Blackwater Group. That said we have some reservations
because of the lack of local knowledge which is so often necessary.
We do not know what the future holds but I do think that we have a
healthy and supporknve congregation as well as bein8 reco8nised in
the village community. Whatever happens in the coming months
your PCC will do it all it can to sustain our
Parish Life.
Vice Chairman's
Report
Whilst l am writing this report I must acknowledge that I have only
held this role since November 2025.1 wish to thank my predecessor
John Gilbert for all his hard work and contributions during most of
2025.
Well here we are 2 years having passed without an I ncumbent.
I hope everyone agrees that we have done well in maintaining our
pattern of worship which is what the PCC agreed following Reverend
Hilary's retirement. This Is largely down to Barry Cousins and an
extraordinary amount of effort he puts in to fi'nd clergy to officiate.
Please see Barry's report on this topic. I wish to re-iterate his thanks
to Reverend Derek who has enabled us to continue with our
lucharistic services at St BarthoSomew's. It is great for u5 that Derek
has indicated that he is prepared to continue with the same
arrangerllents.
U nfortunately Barry's lob is gethng increasingly difficult. Two clergv
have been lost from the Deanery, Reverend Ann- Marie Renshaw and
Revorend Natasha Mcmichael havin8 moved away to new posts in
other parts of the country. This will be compounded with Rev Noah
Cockett applying for posts now that he Is coming to the end of his
Curacy at St Nlcolas Witham. Hence there are fewer clergy to call on.
As well as our services we have maintained our Bible Study Groups,
Womens Christian Fellowship, Drop In and Edward Bear. We need to
recogni5e and thank all those who work so hard to enable these
events to happen.
The proposed new Benefice of 18 Parishes, 19 Churches, seem5 to be
moving very slowly. In early March we received from the Diocese the
Graham Spearman
Vice-chairman

carried out by myself as PCC Secretary. This will come into place once
the funding of the role has been confirmed.
The PCC is to be thanked for their increased workload and
commitment during this time and thanks again to members for their
support and patience throughout 2025,
Geraldlne Spearman
PCC Secretary
PCC Report
The PCC members are Charity Trustee5 and have ultimate
responsibility for ensuring that the church is solvent and well run. Our
Electoral Roll membership in 2025 entitled our Parish to 9 laity PCC
member5 plus 2 De3nery Synod Reps. Rev. Derek Clark and Secretary
Geraldine are both ex-officio members. The post of Churchwarden
remains vacant. The Standing Committee, which decides on the PCC
agenda items, is comprised Df the Chair, Secretary, Pastoral Asslstant
and Deputy ChurchwardeN. Rev. H ilary retired in April 2024 and the
Parish has been in interregnum since this time.
We have had our usual PCC meetings six times this year with the
addition of extra ones to disCUSS the proposed re-organisation and
re-structure of the Benefice. These included attendance f rom Bishop
Roger, the Area Dean 8nd Archdeacon5. John Gilbert valiantly
stepped in as Vice-chair, in the absence of a Priest in Charge and
latterly, Graham Spearman has taken the Vice-chair's role.
Safeguarding and Finances are standard agenda items for discussion
along with reports from the 4 committee5. The Parish Safeguarding
Officer has attended meetings to give regular update5. The
re-structure has understandably become the focus of some of our
meetings and the changes that are ahead, as we move into the new
Beacon Parish cluster of 5 churches and the 18 Parish Benefice. We
have tried to maintain 'business as usual, and PCC members have
taken on additional responsibilities to ensure that services and other
activities could continue without too much disruption to our church
PCC member5 have also been invited to attend additional
meetings of the Cluster, the Benefice and pre5entation5 of the new
structure plans and the Leg31 aspects required.
We are hoping to benefit from the services of one of the Benefice
Administrators to take on some of the tasks which currently are
CLERGY COVER DURING VACANCY
Th nk You
We approach a third year in Vacancy- it
is two years ago that Rev Hilary moved
on into retirement I We have been blessed with many and various
ordained ministers, both serving and retired who have valiantly
stepped up to maintain our regular and occasional services. We are
and remain extremely grateful for their services week in and week
out. land I'm not sure that many if any, have claimed their fiscal duesl.
The list is quite long, and most would not want to see their names in
print, but I believe that there are a few stalwarts that deserve to be
honoured for their unstinting and regular support. Sparing his blushes
we must especially thank Rev Derek for his valiant support dashing
from an earlier service at U lting Sunday after Sunday. Very regular
support has come from other retired priests, especially Rev John
Chandler and Rev Rose Braisby.
There are many others currently in service in the Diocese.
Archdeaconry and Area Deanery who have provided frequent andlor
occasional support in their busy lives- we are grateful
for their continuing help and happily polish their halos I
Barry Cousins
li
io

Seek to ensure that Sofer Recruitmentpractice isfollowed, with
the support of diocese.
Attend diocesan 5a
uardin
troinin
Maintain sofeguardNng records,.
Complete national, dioce50n andparish safrguarding
seff- 0sse55ments as required,.
Contribute to the onnuol review of parish Safeguarding
arrangement5,-
I regularly report on safe8uarding in the parish. Safeguarding Is a
stsnding agenda item at each PCC meeting.
l arn also be re5ponsiblefor
Being the DBSAdministrotor [within the Diocese of Chelmsford we use
the temi Registered Recruiterj
Supporting other church offi'cers who work with children or vulnerable
odults..
Providing orarranging provision of sofeguording training safeguarding
learnin8 and development module5 for parish worker5 (both
volunteers and paidstoff, in lioison with Froncine Cope..
Displayed around the Churches in Wickham Bishops and Little Braxted
are a variety of safeguarding posters which give contact details for
safeguarding concerns. I try to ensure that these are kept up to date,
Each of the two churches has a supply lon prominent display) of our
Safeguarding Policy and Useful contact details for 5afeguardin8-
contacts both within and outside the Church of England.
The Diocese of Chelmsford has a Safeguardin8 Dashboard which I
regularly access to ensure that the polices and procedures we have in
place are regularly reviewed and brought
up to date.
Brian Joslln
Parish Safe8uardln8 Officer
Safeguarding
ot leost every three yeors,.
Nom7a Ht7yward had workedfvr many yeots 05 the Pansh
Safrguarding Offi￿rfOrst BartholoMe￿S Wickham Bishops with St
Nichola5 Little Braxted. l om very gratefvl to Nonnafvr the guidonce
that she continues to give to me os her5uccessor In thot mle.
"I"he Church of En
land
CofE
prioritizes safeguarding a5 an integral
part of its mission, aiming to create a safer church for children,
young people, and vulnerable adults. Key measures include robust
policies, mandatory training, safer recruitment IDBS check51, and
collaboration with statutory aLJthorities. The National Safeguarding
Team oversees these, with local responsibility held by parishe5.
My role as a Parlsh Safrguordlng Officer (PSO) Is to..
Work closely with the incumbent (ond in the absence of an
incumbent, the PCC) to advise within the parish on oll
5ofeguurding matters relating to children. young people and
vulneroble adults,.
Receive, with the incumbent. Jny concerns t7bout children or
adults in the porish and make sure thot proper odvice is 50U9ht
and prDper referrt71s ore mode,.
Report all motters relating to concems and ollegotions of
abuse agoinst church officers, in liaison with the incumbent. to
the DSA [Dioceson Safeguarding Adviser] who will lit7ise with
the stotutory agencies, os required. Concerns obout the
incumbent should be raised directly with the DSA,.
Ensure that any ex-offenders with offences ogainst children or
vulneroble adults known to be in the church community are
notified to the D5A and contribute to m(7naging Saftguording
Agreements,.
PromDte saferpractlces in Gll activities and make any
recommendations required taking into occount the porticular
arrongements of the parish,.
13
12

During the last year, presentations at our Deanery meetings were as
follows:
February Ilth 2025 '.
Introduction to the Strategic Mission & Ministry Investment Board by
Wendy Lidgate.
Deanery Plan Restructuring presentation by Rev.A-M Renshaw
June 18th 2025:
Developing Lay Ministry by Caroline Harding
Progress on the new Central Benefice
October 22nd 2025:
Generosity, Giving & Diocesan Support by Michelle Cottis & Becky
Hills. Update on the New Central Benefice
Deanery Syno(r-
A deanery is part of the governance structure of the Church of
England, linking to the Diocesan Synod and to General Synod through
elected representstives. Meetings are chaired by the Rural Dean, in
our case Rev. Simon Garwood and a Lay Chair, Simon May. Synod
meetings are held up to four times a year and regular business
includes updates on the Deanerfs Parish Share payments, events
and activities in the Parishes and perhaps a session on a matter of
interest. A report of the latest meeting of the General Synod can also
be circulated.
Christine Bealer &John Gilbert
The word "Synod" comes from a Greek word meanin8"assemblf or
"meeting"
A Deanery Synod con515ts of all the clergy licensed to a Benefice/
parish within the Deanery and elected lay members - each parish is
allocated a number of lay places on the Deanery Synod based on the
size of their electoral roll. Deanery Synod members are elected at
the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to serve a three-year terni.
What does a Deanery Synod do?
The Deanery Synod makes decisions at a deanery level. It acts as an
intermediary between the parochial church councils of each parish
and the synod of the diocese as a whole. Deaneries also have the
power to bring proposals and motions to Diocesan Synod for debate.
What do Deanery Synod lay member5 doP
Deanery Synod members are invited to attend four Deanery Synod
meetings per year. These are held at variou5 locations in the
Deanery, and are generally approximately two hours long. The
agenda and papers about matters to be discussed are circulated to
members in advance. Some decisions are put to the vote. Deanery
Synod members are a150 automatically mombors of their parish's
Parochial Church Council IPCCI, and so attend those meetings as
well.
PJTr5hyune
Fct
De3nerySw
Fabric
After the extensive redecoration of St Bartholomews completed by
Bakerfs last year, activity levels have been quieter.
Rick Smith stepped down as Chairman of the Fabric Committee in
January. his contributions were deeply valued.
In May, the Committee welcomed Allan Baker who assumed the role
and has proven to be a great asset.
John Popham, a valued member of the Fabric Comrnittee, sadly
passed away this year. His kindness and acknve participatian greatly
benefited the church and community.
14

vestry went out. The fuse was removed and a temporary LED
portable light used instead. The light has been fixed by Sigma with
replaced circuitry and reflector. Lighting protection, PAT testing, and
fire extinguisher inspections were all completed in 2025.
The Community Payback team do a splendid job in keeping the
churchyard grounds tidy. Beth Lunn from the Probation Service
annually reviews the documentation to ensure a thorough and up to
date risk assessment. This year the new agreement form was written
in more detail, Beth Lunn forwarded the documents to the Fabric
Committee for review. The Memorandum of Understanding and
Risk Assessment were reviewed and agreed by the Fabrlc
Committee Meetin8 and then forwarded to the PCC for sign off and
approval at the October 2025 meeting.
The maintenance of the churchyard and graveyard is managed by
dedicated volunteers, who are organised on a rota by Dick
Yelland. Additionally, two scheduled clean-up efforts In March and
November have ensured that the area remains well-kept and
presentable. Also undertaken this year wa5 the cutknn8 back of the
laurels along the border of the nei8hbourin8 property at the rear of
the church.
.Fobrlc Report
conunued
th
ST BARTHOLOMEWS - June 8 saw the retum of the superb
biennial Wickham Bishops Garden Festival and the Garden
Festival Concert held in September. In November proceeds from
the festrval funded the porch renovation. The porch along with
three doors were stained and treated by Ollies Garden
Service5, greatly enhancin8 the entrance's appearance. The li8ht at
the front entrance of the porch was also replaced.
During last yeads interior refurbishment works the choir stall heat-
ers were disconnected. Sigma restored the connection
earlier thi5 year and the heaters are working again.
The fan heaters in the church hall stopped workin8 because of a
faulty 5Wltch, however Slgma repaired the switch and the
heaters are back in operation.
Draina8e/Foul water- Followln8 Jlggin's annual inspecuon of the
pump and chamber a fault in the float stop was located and a tem-
porary rig installed, the replacement float was installed in February.
Followlng the Open Gardens event in June a routine cleaning of the
pump chamber and jetting of pipes was carried out,. however a tan-
gled lead was left in the high-level pump chamber causing a false
alarm, this was remedied by Jiggins.
The cleaning of the gulleys and valleys was deemed necessary as
they tended to become blocked and overfiow causing
dampness to penetrate the walls. This year it was arranged for
DNPS Building Contractors to carry out an inspection and clean the
gulleys and valleys twice a year. There had been problems with the
pulpit light. When the pulpit light was turned on the lights in the
sr NICHOLAS The replacement Corona
at St Nicholas was completed last year
and a Dedicadon Service held Decernber
2024 at the carol seNice. Quinquennial
inspection undertaken by Hilary Brightman.
Quotations for works have been received,
and Lodge and Sons will be recommended
to the PCC. Rainwater hopper/valley and
gutter clearing carried out by DNPS ￿lce a
year Works to collapsing gravestone have been
completed.
Thanks go to Jonathan Aldis for keeping the church ground5 in good
order.
Maggie Grice
Committee Secretary
17

Finance
ort
Furthermore John has Stepped up to deal with the Magazine
Adverhsing revenue for this year. John, as my predecessor in this
role, has a150 been of great support and guidance a5 a Mentor.
To close thank you all for your giving but please keep the
amount you contribute under review. If anyone would like to
join the Parish Giving Scheme please come and talk to me.
Graham Spearman
Treasurer
For a full report please See the published accounts.
There are sorne important points to be reiterated in this report.
Once again we did not pay our Parish Share in full. The amount paid
was £41,000 down from £46,000 p8id12st year. U nfortunately, due to
ill health as well as other changes the Magazine Advertising income
was significantly reduced which together with a small reduction in
planned giving our overall incorlle to General Funds was lower. The
PCC remember that Parish Share is an entirely voluntary contribution.
Unfortunately the Diocese are saying that if Parish Share is not met in
years to come then the number of clergy will have to be reduced.
Another major cost is maintenance of the Fabric. The Quinquennial
roport for St Nicholas was undertaken last year and having obtained
three quotes, we have instructed Lodge and Sons to undertake the
work. When we redecorated St Bartholomew's we were able to
reclaim the VAT. That scheme has now been withdrawn by the
current Government so we are going to have to pay an additional 20%
from the St Nicholas Fabric Fund. Luckily, that fund ha5 benefitted
from a generous bequest 50 there are sufficient funds to pay the bill.
l am pleased to report that both Restricted funds are in a relatively
healthy state. St Bartholomew's fabric fund benefitted significantlv
from the Gardens Festival and once again thank you to Stewart Adkins
and his committee. l understand that the event will take place again
in 2027 under the Chairmanship of Wendy Wallace.
Once again I must express my thanks to John Balcer for his continuing
work as Gift Aid Secretary which reduces my workload John's efforts
have resulted in an additional £10,860.
Worship
The Service Planning Group consists of a small group of people who
have continued to try and work together to take the lead in
arranging the service schedule and content for the two churches in
our parish, whilst the search for a new team vicar continues. They
are,.
Choir and Music lead forst Bartholomews Church- Graham
Spearman.
Morning Praise Lead - Lester Firkins
Morning Praise Music Lead - Ben Southgate
Acting Deputy Church Warden- Graham Wingrove
Authorised Local Preachers - Barry Cousin5, Elizabeth Joslin, John
Gi5bert and Christine Bealer
Having only met twice during the last year the group have
remained united in maintaining the usual consistent pattern of
Eucharistic and non Eucharistic services18am and 10.30am at St
Bartholomew's Church in Wickham Bishops and 9am on third
Sundays at St Nicholas, Church in Little Braxted, previously offered
before the interregnum started.
18
19

In order to accomplish this pattern, our 51ncere and grateful
thanks go to Barry Cousins, wha continues to devote many hours
looking for and chasing down priests to cover our Eucharistic
seroices. Special thanks also goes to Rev Derek Clark, who has
con5iStently found his way up to St Bartholomew's Church on
several Sunday mornings each month, quietly joining us part way
through the service to take the Celebrant role for our Eucharistic
services. Without his 5UPPOrt, we would have found it very
difficult indeed, if not entirely Impossible, to continue our usual
pattern of servlces.
Graham Spearman, has also, amongst his many other duttes,
been tireless in acquirlng organist support- special thanks go to
Richard Overill, Gillian Ward-Russell and Stuart Wilks for thelr
ongoing support.
The chan8es made earlier in the interregnum will continue, as we
endeavour to make our Eucharistr'c services more welcoming and
accessible to those who are immune-suppressed or otherwise
medically vulnerable, or have mobility Issues and find navigating
steps difficult.
As we continue to bring God's word to the inhabitants of our
villa8e, we are mindful to try and welcome the very youn8est
newcomers into our church family and look forward very much to
the future and/or the new challenges and changes that may
bring.
Chr15tlne Bealer
Chalr- Worshlp Commlttee
Choir
As a reminder this is how l opened last year's
report. "The purpose of the Choir is to lead the
congregation Sn Worship. That may be either
leading the hymns and Eucharist seth'ngs or
performing a piece of muslc to lift the
congre8ation,"
The Chair contrnued to provide leadershlp throughout the year
and also sung an Anthem on Easter Sunday a5 well as providing a
service of 9 Lessons and Carols at Christma5. This was, as ever,
well supported by the villa8e with a congregation of about 120.
Thls was only achieved with the help of visitin8 slngers to
augment the regular cholr and visiting muslclans to play and
conduct.
Once agaln I must express our thanks to Steven Rumsey who took
numerous practices, particularly for the Christmas and Easter
music.
I would also like to express my thanks to our visiting Organists,
Stuart Wilks, Richard Overill, Gillian Ward-Russell, Jonathan
Turner and Brian Fletcher who played for our 9 Lessons and
Carols service. I should also say Thank you to Jayne Jennnings who
plays at St Nicholas and from time to time at St Bartholomew's.
The choir 15 affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music IRSCMI
who have sadly disbanded area commlttees and so area event5.
However, Emma Gibbins, Director of Music at Chelmsford
Cathedral, organise a Diocesan Choral Evensong Festival which a
few of u5 attended in 2025. This event is being repeated in May
and a few of us will be attending again.
I make no apology for repeating what I said last year. Sacred
music at Parish level is sadly in decline and l am very pleased that
at St Bartholomew's we have, so far, been able to maintain the
20
?1

tradition which is a major part of our culture. There was a m05t
enlightening article by the Precentor of Chester Cathedral on the
importance of music in Worship in Parish Churches as well as
Cathedrals. If anyone would like to read it please ask me for the
article.
It is an ongoing challenge to find musicians to play and singers to sing
for our regular services a5 well as at major festivals. So, if any one
would like to sing or play or knows people in the
village who sing and or play please contact me.
Graham Spearman - 07721505296
Thanks are due to the many and various 'stsnd-in priests, who preside
at our seNices while the parish remains in Vacancy. We are extremely
grateful to Jayne Jennings for playing the organ at both regular
and special services. Many thanks Jaynel The church is always
decked out with fresh flowers, and we must thank Elsie who continues
to supply them despite moving to Great Totham and having to rely on
taxis or lifts. Elsie and Donald also ensure a Poppy display for
Remembrance time and have provided a wonderful array ofstrings of
battery lights for the Patronal Festival, the mid-week Carol Service and
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.
The church is clearly well known across the globe for its decoration
and wall paintings and remains open most day5 of the week. It is
evident frorn the Visitor Book that there is a continuous flow of
'pilgrims' from far and wide and especial thanks are due to Trudy aF)d
Kit for daily unlocking and locking over so many years. As they move
into their new home 'up-the-ro8d' we look forward to Beth and Daniel
maintaining the family tradition as they move into the 'Hall' next door.
St. Nicholas
ST NICHOLAS, LITfLE BRAxfED in the parish of Widtham Bishops
with Little Braxted.
The Parish continues to maintain this ancient and spectacular church
in both structure and for worship. The building is designated as a
Chapel of Ease with a licence a5 a wedding venue. During this
Interregnum or 'Vacancy , services of Holycommunion using the
Prayer Book style of 1662 have been maintained, monthly and, as a
'Fe5tival Church, additional worship and praise has been offered at
special times such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday, St Nicholas, Day and
at Christmastr'de.
For the regular monthly services congregation members come mainly
from Gt Totham, some from Wickham Bishops with others from
Chelmsford and Witham. It is noticeable that there are no, or hardly
ever worshippers from the civic parish of Little Braxted although there
may be one or two on the Electoral Roll.
Barry Couslns
22

Pastoral
Drop-in Sessions
The committee supports the pastoral care in the church and local
community. This includes visitin8 the sick, lonely and bereaved;
Drop In sessions, Welcome Packs, Parish Ma8azine, Edward Bear,
Services at Little Oaks and Home Communion.
Drop In sessions are on the second Monday of each month and are
free. The Parish magazine has details and a contact number. Drop In
provides refreshments, friendship and a sympathetic ear if anyone
wants to talk in confidence. The Christmas party In December is al-
ways popular. There are seasonal snacks, Secret Santa presents,
crackers, carols and lots more.
Attendance In 2025 was between 9 and 21. There is a dedicated and
Small hardworking team who have Safeguarding quallfications Two
people lead the session each month. The helpers are Geraldine,
Christine. Jayne, Kate, Kath, Maggie and Sue.
Sue Clements
The Parish magazine has continued to be delivered to every
household during the year. We were delighted to welcome Helen
and Louis as the new editor5 after Elaine stepped down in readiness
for her move. We are so thankful to her for stepping in and taking
the magazine forward. We are very grateful to the willing band of
helpers who ensure the delivery of the magazine and are always
lookin8 Out for new people to join the ranks. Welcome packs have
also been delivered to newcomers to the village by our Welcome
v151tors.
We once again or8anised the delivery of cyclamen plants to the sick
and bereaved at Harvest time and these were much appreciated.
We also assisted with the plannlng of the Service at All Souls and
provided ref reshments.
We contr'nue to visit Little Oaks once a month for a short service
with Holy Comrnunion and to chat with the residents. Christine, in
her role a5 Pastoral Assistant, does a wonderful job in ￿gUlarlY
V15itin8 and taking Holy Communion to many in the parish as well as
supporting the Edward Bear Club at their weekly meetings.
We all, with member5 of our church family, try to lend 5UPPOrt
where we can to the bereaved, the elderly
and those not so wel5.
Jayne Jennln85
Chalr- Pastoral Commlttee
24

COMMUNITY
Bowls Club
Foodbank
the
trussell
trust
Another good year for the St. Bart's Outreach Bowls Club.
As members are becoming a little older, the lifting of the mat is often
an issue and we are looking at ways to rectify this.
The clLJb enables people to
meet and socialise, whilst
learning to play bowls. There
is always a break for tea, cake
and chatl All are welcome.
Contact Cindy or Gillian if you
would like to come along and
give it a try.
Hopefully we can strll
continue in 2026.
We continue to support the work of the Trussell Trust
Foodbank with a permanent collectr'on box in St.
Bartholomew's and also working in conjunction with the
village One Stop Shop. The Manager and staff of One Stop are very
supporknve, promoting the collections and providin8
additional items at Christmas and Easter frorll their
Community Fund. We're very grateful to them.
Once again there was 3 splendid Harvest
Collection of food delivered to the church
and shop by members of the congregation
and the wider Parish, The children of
Wickham Blshops Nursery made a special
visit to the church with their Harvest gifts
presented in pretlily hand painted paper
bags. They took part in a special prayer and
were told how some people needed extra
help to provide food for their families.
The food is delivered every month to the Trussell Trust
Warehouse in Braintree from
where it is distributed to the
Witham area as well as Halstead
and Braintree. People can
collect food parcels at the Witham
Methodist Church in
4 Guithavon Street. Vouchers are
provided by GPS and Social Care
providers.
Cin(ty Baker
Geraldine Spearman
COMMUNITY
26
27

Womens Christian Fellowship
Bible Study Groups
The group has had another good yearwith varled speakers and
activities. The membership has stayed around 30 with average
attendance about 20. and we have had the pleasure of a few
gentlemen at meetings which have interested them.
Talks have included a local locksmith. Colchester Zoo and a speaker
from The National Garden Scheme
Added to this our annual Daffodil Walk at Oliver's Garden Centre,
Summer Aftemoon tea and Christmas lunch.
Refreshments are always seNed atthe end of the meetings leaving
plenty of time for, tea, chat and plenty of company.
Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in
the Church Hall at 2.30pm and are open to everyone.
Denise Yelland
Monday afternoon
Our Monday afternoon Bible studies continue on the first and third
Mondays ofthe month with an attendance of between 10 and 13
regulars. Our topics are varied and we are blessed with the range of
conversations and knowledge that we have from those who come
along, finishing with group prayer.
Over the last year we have studied 'Journeying through Lent, from the
New Daylight series of books by BRF; 'Resurrection' by Kristie
Berglund,. 'Advent for Everyone, byTom Wright and now looking at'ln
and Out of Cave5', a Lent study written by a Methodist Minister from
Nassau in the Bahamas. Do come along and join us, we would love to
see you. We start at 2pm.
Gillian Wingrove and Maggie Drewett
Tuesday evening
The group meets twice a month and currently 10
people attend. All are welcome and anyone
interested in attending should speak to Christine
Bakerfor more details. We meet in a different home
each time and take it in turns to facilitate the
evening, although there is no requirement for anyone to offer to host
or lead the group but would still like to attend.
We focus on a book of the bible. IThis past year we have studied the
Gospel of Mark and are currently studying Paul's Letter to the
Romansl. We have very wide ranging discussions relevant to our
Christian lives and current events to help us in our daily living.
The group is very welcoming, relaxed, friendly and open to hear
everyone's views and sharing of experiences of God's goodness and
ourdaily walk with Him.
Steve Carter
Prayer group
In November we started a player group, meeting on the first Saturday
in the month at different churches across the Beacon grDUP, from
9.30am to 10am Icoffee/tea from 9am). This came out of one ofthe
meeting5 that the PCC had with the otherchurches in our new
Beacon group of churches, us, and St. Nicholas with the Parish
churches in Little and Gt. Totham and Goldhanger. We pray for our
communities whilst gettTng to know each other more.
We have now launched our email prayer chain..
chLirchin¥vick-kiGmbislio
s.orLul. This is for
anyone who wants those on the prayer chain to prayer
for them or their circurn5tance. An additt.on to the
prayer request card5 that are in the church for folk to come in and
complete. If you want to join the prayer chain then please let
Maggie Drewett know via the email address above.
?•

Garden Festival & Concert
In 2025 we were fairly acllve, coordinatr'ng a reasonable nLJmber of
fund raising and Social events, as well as making a significant
contribution to the extremely successful Garden Festival in June and
supporting the Concert in September.
Our three fund raisers were the Quiz in Februery1£5361, the Spring
Coffee Morning in March laround £8321 and the Christmas Market in
November (approximately £1,842). All were enjoyable, well 5UPPOrted
occasions as well as fi'nancial successes.
One of our purely social events wa5 the Harvest Festival Brlng and
Share Lunch in October, which was a pleasant and reasonably well
attended occasion with a plentiful and varied
selection of food. Next was the decoration of the
Christmas Tree by the uniformed groups at the
beginnlng of December. This was a successful
evening and better 5UPPOrted than the previous
year. Our committee provided refreshments for
the young people, which were very well received, as were the seasonal
ones we provided after the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols later in
the month.
The Garden Festival, held on lune 8, 2025, was a wonderful
celebration of communitv
spirit and i@amwork.
We welcomed 800
visitors and raised an
impresslve £14,600 from
the Festival itself and an
additional £2559 from
the associated concert
held on September 20
and attended by 160
people across the two
performances.
At the heart of our success were rnore than 80 dedlcated voluriteers.
Their tireless efforts whether sethng up gardens, runnlng stalls,
guiding visitors, making and serving food and drinks, or or8anizing the
Scarecrow Trail created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that
truly set our festival apart. The camaraderie and joy shared by
everyone involved was inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for each
volunteer's contrSbution.
This year, we introduced a taxi bus service and enjoyed a fantasdc
potling demonstration by Perrywood Garden Centre, which brought
fresh interest and new faces to the event. Our ever-popular
Scarecrow Trail featured over 40 imaginative entrie5, deli8hting
families and visitors in the run-up to the festival. The continued
support from Sponsors, donors, and local residents much of it
Secured before the event was crucial in ensuring both the festival's
financial success and its inclusive, welcoming spirit.
Under the leadership of incoming Chairperson, Wendy Wallace, a new
committee will be formed, comprising some former committee
All in all, a good yearl Our committee of eight couldn't achieve what it
does without the support of others within the Church family and the
wider community, for which we are most grateful. We hope we can
count on that continuing throughout 2026 and that it will be an
enjoyable and successful year.
Kath Adkins
Chalr- Fund Ralslng and Soclal
Commlttee
FPH YOURtsUPg•
30

embers and a few new faces. They will organise the next event in
lune 2027.
Edward Bear Club is built upon the core Christian values with
emphasis on love, respect, and l<indness. Each session is based upon a
key theme which is structured around the Christian and wider annual
calendar of events,. whereby crali activity and book mirror5 this
theme. For @xample, we have celebrated National Roald Dahl day
making dream catchers and marvellous potions, Martin Luther King
Day in learning to love and respect everyone, story of Nativity and
recently learning about the Winter Olympics with our own races and
medal presentation,
The sessions are built around structure but also open play,. whereby
the children thoroughly look forward to EoinE into the church to sing
and find the hidden bears. Spending time in the church allows the
children to ask questions about who God is, the furnishings, stained
glass windows and lay-out of a church.
During the Colder months we spend our time
in the h811 extension, however when the
weather warms, we move to the outside ar-
ea where the children continue to learn, ex-
plore, play, and value the
Christian values. We
remain thoroughly
grateful to the church for their continuous sup-
port for our annual 'Christmas' party
and 'School Leavers, party.
If you'd like tD join the team or share your suggestions, please contact
Wendy Wallace at..I':
continue to grow this wonderful tradition and make the 2027 Garden
Festival even more Special I
Stewart Adkins
Chair of the Garden Festlval Commlttee12020-2025)
Edward Bear Club is a welcoming, energetic, and thriving group that
meets at the chL¢rch every Monday during term-time. Our club
consists of children from birth to four years old, who attend with their
special grown-up. The Club 15 run by Emma Turner, with help from
Stella Scrivener and Christine Bealer providing the backbone of
support and lead us in prayer each week.
The group has grown in the last 9-months gaining
new members and a Ilfeline to their 'special
grown-up, for example who is new to the village, a first-time parent,
an older carer providing childcare or just in need of a safe space for
children to play and them to enjoy company of other5 around them.
Emma Turner
Edward Bear Lead
32

Guardians of the Village Churches
Parish Contacts
With the increaslng C05t of repairlng and maintalnlng our historlc
churches, The Guardians of the Village Churches was established to
address the challenge of ensurlng that these beautiful bulldings are
preserved for the next generation - to secure their future as
multi-use resources and returnlnB them to the heart of the
communities they serve.
Prlest In Charge Vacant
Acting Vico-
Grtihciim %pearmiL n
Chairman
and Treasurer
07721505296
Rev. fJerel( Clar1( -fhLI I_L.)LlS I=;
Permission lo
Offlclate
01245 380627
Regrettably, In the absence of an incumbent, the Guardians
committee Is cuirently dormant. It Is hoped that when the time is
right the commlttee will be reactivated and we will be happy to hear
from anyone who wishes to be part of that group to share their
ener8y and Ideas to start the ball rolllng once agaln I
07860 235778
CM.12JL
Pastoral
Asslstsnt
07958 263128
General
Enqulrles
Churchwarden5 Vacaiil.
Graham Spearman
.Iii)iJ5.nr14.Iili o/fJ44 973705
PCC Secretary
07870 166008
gspotirmtinprrQOKmcill.r.om
Church Hall
Booklngs
01621891143
fr
kaLI Iryiiddl(Iii.%li /CI!IF,miil1,com
Drop In
Sue Clomont
01621892032
Guardians
Prayer Chaln
pray(Ir@cliiirEhliiwlcl<hamblsliops.
or8.lik
On-une WorshSp Vla l-aCLbook
Churches open
Dcilly f'rom 9.30am lo 4pm
Church web51te www.churchinwlckhambishops.org.uk
Parish Magazlne ma
azine
bisho
churchinwickham
s.or
34

# **Wickham Bishops & Little Braxted PCC Registered Charity 1159874** 

**End of Year Financial Statements** 

**Year ending 31[st] December 2025** 

1 



WICKHAM BISHOPS AND LIThLE BRAXTED
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts ofthe above charity
{￿he Trusf) for the year ended 31 De￿fflber 2025 which are set out on pages
4t09.
Responsibilities and basis of rep(xt
As the charity trustees of Trust, yw a￿ responsib￿ for the weparation of
the accounts in accordan￿ wrth tkE requirements of the Charities Act 2011
{￿he Ad").
I report in resped of my examination of tTrE Trust's accounts carried OLrt under
section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying OLrt my examination, I have
followed the applicable Directions given by the Chanty Commission urKler
section 145{5}(b) of the Act_
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have
ome to my attention in connection with examination which grves me
ause to believe that in, any material respecl..
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of
the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records or
the accounts do not comply with the appliGable requirements
conceming the fonn arKI content of accounts set out in Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 otP*r than any requirement
that accounts give a Irue and fair view which ts not a matter
onsidered as part of an irvjependent examinati￿.
no cOn￿mS arKI have come across no other matters in connection with
xamination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable
r understanding of the accounts to te reached.
John Bar
Independent Examiner
30 COOM￿ Rise
Chelmsford
Essex
CM17DG
13 April 2026

## Treasurer’s Report 

In respect of our General Funds, notated as Unrestricted funds, which cover day to day running costs we have experienced a downturn to our financial position. The Diocese continue to request what I consider to be an excessive sum by way of Parish Share particularly when we compare our figure against similar parishes. In 2024 we paid £46,000 to the Diocese in respect of Parish Share against a request for £53,208. This resulted in a reduction to our General Fund of some £9,300. For 2025 we were asked for a contribution of £53,476. The PCC has continued with our agreement to withhold any payment of Parish until the financial year end when we could ascertain what we could afford. Unfortunately, we have seen a reduction to the Planned Giving Scheme together with lower amounts in collections and donations. Furthermore, there was a delay in collecting fees for advertising in the Parish Magazine although this has been energetically rectified by John Baker to whom I am so very grateful. At the PCC meeting in January 2026, it was agreed that a payment of £41,000 be made. So, at the financial year end General Funds were reduced to £42,102 down from ££50,308. Hopefully this will be largely rectified by the 2026-year end as we should see £14,000 advertising revenue included in this year’s income. As Trustees of our own Charity, we are expected to make responsible financial decisions and hold sufficient funds to cover 6 months of expenditure. With annual expenditure approaching £90,000 I am anxious to maintain a reserve of £45,000 to £50,000. 

Turning to Restricted funds both fabric funds are in a relatively healthy state. St Bartholomew's fabric fund benefitted significantly from the Gardens Festival and once again thank you to Stewart Adkins and his committee. The St Nicholas Fabric fund is in a healthy position and hopefully we will be able to undertake most of the work required in the quinquennial report. 

The scheme for repayment of VAT has been running since 2001. Unfortunately, this scheme is ending at 31[st] March 2026. Whilst a new scheme is being launched which includes churches it is being suggested that we will have to cover VAT on any future works. This is obviously going to be a significant burden as we will have to raise 20% more than we did previously. 

While saying thank you, a particular thanks to John Baker for his continuing work as Gift Aid Secretary. John’s efforts have resulted in an additional £10,860 of income. John, as my predecessor in this role, has also been of great support and guidance as a Mentor. 

To close thank you all for your giving but please keep the amount you contribute under review. If anyone would like to join the Parish Giving Scheme please come and talk to me. 

Graham Spearman 26/01/2026 

## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

3 



||**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**Prior year**<br>**total funds**|
|---|---|
|Planned giving<br>Collections and other giving<br>Other voluntary receipts<br>Gift Aid recovered<br>Other receipts<br>Youth Club<br>Receipts from church activities<br>**Total income**<br>Missionary and Charitable Giving<br>Parish Share<br>Clergy and Staffing costs<br>Church Running Expenses<br>Youth Club<br>Hall Running Costs<br>Church Repairs & Maintenance<br>Hall Repairs & Maintenance<br>New Building work<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income / (expenditure) resources**<br>**before transfer**<br>Gross transfers between funds - in<br>Gross transfers between funds - out<br>Gains/losses on investment assets<br>Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,<br>charity's own use<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>**Total funds carried forward**|£32,316.89<br>-<br>£32,316.89<br>£36,554.84<br>£1,601.50<br>-<br>£1,601.50<br>£3,303.26<br>£4,393.32<br>£62.31<br>£4,455.63<br>£43,280.90<br>£10,859.90<br>-<br>£10,859.90<br>£23,974.60<br>£4,814.50<br>£2,022.46<br>£6,836.96<br>£5,981.92<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£12,537.80<br>£19,162.77<br>£31,700.57<br>£14,480.38|
||**£66,523.91**<br>**£21,247.54**<br>**£87,771.45**<br>**£127,575.90**<br>£651.50<br>£267.50<br>£919.00<br>£1,729.88<br>£41,000.00<br>-<br>£41,000.00<br>£46,000.00<br>£4,028.59<br>-<br>£4,028.59<br>£3,558.16<br>£27,908.04<br>£2,468.31<br>£30,376.35<br>£27,494.82<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£1,981.54<br>-<br>£1,981.54<br>£1,916.91<br>£279.00<br>£5,761.32<br>£6,040.32<br>£100,714.66<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||**£75,848.67**<br>**£8,497.13**<br>**£84,345.80**<br>**£181,414.43**|
||<br>**(£9,324.76)**<br>**£12,750.41**<br>**£3,425.65**<br>**(£53,838.53)**<br>£190,956.63<br>£221,092.12<br>£412,048.75<br>£36,816.97<br>(£181,854.74<br>)<br>(£230,194.01<br>)<br>(£412,048.75<br>)<br>(£36,816.97)<br>(£7,882.84)<br>£7,882.84<br>-<br>£7,882.84<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||**(£8,105.71)**<br>**£11,531.36**<br>**£3,425.65**<br>**(£45,955.69)**|
||**£50,307.64**<br>**£44,913.75**<br>**£95,221.39**<br>**£141,177.08**|
||**£42,201.93**<br>**£56,445.11**<br>**£98,647.04**<br>**£95,221.39**|



General fund 

- £42,201.93 £42,201.93 £42,424.80 

4 



|Guardians Restricted Funds|-|-|-|-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Ukranian Refugee Fund Cash In Hand|-||-|-|
|Wickham Bishops Deposit CB3022304|-|-|-|-|
|Bowls Club Restricted Funds|-|£843.14|£843.14|£843.14|
|Guardians Restricted Funds|-|£14,710.46|£14,710.46|-|
|Guardians Restricted Funds Cash In<br>Hand|-|£19.80|£19.80|£9,221.20|
|Little Braxted Fabric Fund CB3022306|-|£36,139.94|£36,139.94|£36,018.96|
|Ukrainian Refugees Restricted Fund|-|£245.36|£245.36|£506.48|
|Ukranian Refugee Fund Cash In Hand|-|£0.94|£0.94|-|
|Wickham Bishops Fabric Fund<br>CB3022305|-|£4,485.47|£4,485.47|£6,206.81|
|**Total funds**|**£42,201.93**|**£56,445.11**|**£98,647.04**|**£95,221.39**|



## **Balance Sheet detailed** 

|**Class and code**<br>**Description**|**As at**<br>**31/12/2025**<br>**As at**<br>**31/12/2024**|
|---|---|
|**Current assets**<br>6501<br>Co-op Bank current account<br>6502<br>CAF Cash Account 00022245<br>6503<br>CAF Gold Ukranian Refugees<br>6504<br>CAF Gold Guardians<br>6505<br>CCLA deposit account608143001D<br>6506<br>Co-op Bank Ukranian Refugee Fund<br>6510<br>CCLA deposit account Church Restoration<br>6515<br>CCLA deposit St Nicholas Fabric<br>6590<br>Cash in hand<br>6591<br>Cash in Hand Guardians<br>**Total Current assets**<br>**Liabilities**<br>6601<br>Loans received<br>Z04<br>Accounts Payable|£1,944.17<br>-<br>£36.88<br>£11,753.05<br>£0.94<br>£506.48<br>£14,710.46<br>£9,221.20<br>£41,041.38<br>£39,264.44<br>£245.36<br>-<br>£4,485.47<br>£6,206.81<br>£36,139.94<br>£36,018.96<br>£22.64<br>£133.29<br>£19.80<br>-|
||**£98,647.04**<br>**£103,104.23**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£7,882.84|



5 



|**Total Liabilities**<br>**Net Asset surplus (deficit)**<br>**Reserves**<br>Excess/(deficit) to date<br>Z01<br>Starting balances<br>Z02<br>Gains/(losses) on reval of fixed assets<br>**Total Reserves**<br>**Represented by Funds**<br>General (Unrestricted)<br>Designated<br>Restricted<br>**Total**|**-**<br>**£7,882.84**|
|---|---|
||**£98,647.04**<br>**£95,221.39**|
||£3,425.65<br>£28,327.96<br>£95,221.39<br>£59,010.59<br>-<br>£7,882.84|
||**£98,647.04**<br>**£95,221.39**<br>£42,201.93<br>£50,307.64<br>-<br>-<br>£56,445.11<br>£44,913.75|
||**£98,647.04**<br>**£95,221.39**|



6 



## **Analysis of income and expenditure** 

**Total** 

||**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**This year**<br>**Last year**|
|---|---|
|**RECEIPTS**<br>**Planned giving**<br>0110 - Envelopes<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£90.00<br>0201 - planned giving<br>£32,316.89<br>-<br>£32,316.89<br>£36,464.84<br>**Planned giving Totals**<br>**£32,316.89**<br>**-**<br>**£32,316.89**<br>**£36,554.84**<br>**Collections and other giving**<br>0301 - collections<br>£1,586.50<br>-<br>£1,586.50<br>£3,188.26<br>0501 - Gift Aid Envelopes<br>£15.00<br>-<br>£15.00<br>£115.00<br>**Collections and other giving**<br>**Totals**<br>**£1,601.50**<br>**-**<br>**£1,601.50**<br>**£3,303.26**<br>**Other voluntary receipts**<br>0302 - Charity Collections<br>£616.90<br>-<br>£616.90<br>£641.88<br>0550 - Other Giving<br>£360.00<br>-<br>£360.00<br>£360.00<br>0551 - Donations<br>£3,353.42<br>-<br>£3,353.42<br>£3,971.25<br>0553 - Flower Fund<br>£63.00<br>-<br>£63.00<br>-<br>0554 - Music Fund<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£81.50<br>0701 - Legacies/Grants<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£38,105.11<br>1000 - Friends of Little Braxted<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£66.16<br>1001 - Guardians<br>-<br>£62.31<br>£62.31<br>£55.00<br>**Other voluntary receipts Totals**<br>**£4,393.32**<br>**£62.31**<br>**£4,455.63**<br>**£43,280.90**<br>**Gift Aid recovered**<br>0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid<br>£10,515.24<br>-<br>£10,515.24<br>£9,876.60<br>0602 - Tax Refund - Church<br>Restoration Fund WB<br>£344.66<br>-<br>£344.66<br>£14,098.00<br>**Gift Aid recovered Totals**<br>**£10,859.90**<br>**-**<br>**£10,859.90**<br>**£23,974.60**|-<br>-<br>-<br>£90.00<br>£32,316.89<br>-<br>£32,316.89<br>£36,464.84|



7 



|**Other receipts**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|0901 - Other funds generated|£351.56|-|£351.56|£100.00|
|0914 - Trading Income|£98.06|-|£98.06|£22.30|
|1020 - Interest - General Fund|£1,838.13|-|£1,838.13|£2,061.31|
|1021 - Interest WB Church<br>Restoration Fund|-|£226.95|£226.95|£1,420.04|
|1022 - Interest LB Fabric Fund|-|£1,621.02|£1,621.02|£1,103.52|
|1024 - Interest Ukranian Refugee<br>Fund|-|£7.32|£7.32|£22.06|
|1025 - Interest on Guardians<br>Account|-|£167.17|£167.17|£275.50|
|1500 - In/Out|£2,526.75|-|£2,526.75|£977.19|
|**Other receipts Totals**|**£4,814.50**|**£2,022.46**|**£6,836.96**|**£5,981.92**|
|**Receipts from church activities**|||||
|0909 - Fund Raising - Open<br>Gardens Flower Festival|-|£19,162.77|£19,162.77|-|
|0910 - Fund Raising|£3,054.02|-|£3,054.02|£4,227.06|
|1100 - Fees to Diocese|£1,206.34|-|£1,206.34|£428.66|
|1101 - Parochial Fees for<br>weddings and funerals|£3,244.00|-|£3,244.00|£1,699.02|
|1103 - Memorial Book Income|£60.00|-|£60.00|£10.00|
|1210 - Greeting Cards sales|£70.60|-|£70.60|£68.15|
|1240 - Church hall lettings|£3,763.25|-|£3,763.25|£4,082.50|
|1241 - Tea/Coffee|£309.59|-|£309.59|£260.69|
|1250 - Magazine income -<br>advertising|£830.00|-|£830.00|£3,675.00|
|1337 - Drop In Donations|-|-|-|£29.30|
|**Receipts from church activities**<br>**Totals**|**£12,537.80**|**£19,162.77**|**£31,700.57**|**£14,480.38**|
|**Receipts Grand totals**|**£66,523.91**|**£21,247.54**|**£87,771.45**|**£127,575.90**|



8 



## **PAYMENTS** 

## **Missionary and Charitable Giving** 

|1801 - Charity Donations|£651.50|-|£651.50|£785.88|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2336 - Ukranian Refugee<br>Expenditure|-|£267.50|£267.50|£944.00|
|**Missionary and Charitable**<br>**Giving Totals**|**£651.50**|**£267.50**|**£919.00**|**£1,729.88**|
|**Parish Share**|||||
|1901 - Parish Share|£41,000.00|-|£41,000.00|£46,000.00|
|**Parish Share Totals**|**£41,000.00**|**-**|**£41,000.00**|**£46,000.00**|
|**Clergy and Staffing costs**|||||
|1104 - Fees to Diocese|£1,212.00|-|£1,212.00|£428.00|
|2001 - Other Clergy Expenses|£361.59|-|£361.59|£496.63|
|2050 - Wages Honoraria &<br>Support|£2,455.00|-|£2,455.00|£2,480.00|
|2130 - Rectory expenses|-|-|-|£153.53|
|**Clergy and Staffing costs Totals**|**£4,028.59**|**-**|**£4,028.59**|**£3,558.16**|
|**Church Running Expenses**|||||
|1730 - Costs of Fundraising|-|-|-|£163.10|
|1733 - Costs of Fundraising- Open<br>Gardens|-|£1,184.28|£1,184.28|-|
|2301 - Insurance - Wickham<br>Bishops|£2,662.84|-|£2,662.84|£2,572.27|
|2302 - Insurance - Little Braxted|£1,273.69|-|£1,273.69|£1,208.84|
|2330 - Church maintenance WB|£2,717.63|£310.00|£3,027.63|£4,701.70|
|2331 - Church Maintenance - LB|£169.78|£620.04|£789.82|£276.78|
|2337 - Pastoral Care|£150.43|-|£150.43|£169.88|
|2339 - Children & Youth Work|£485.12|-|£485.12|£194.00|
|2340 - General Costs|£1,815.33|-|£1,815.33|£2,227.26|
|2341 - Flowers for Church|£692.16|-|£692.16|£239.04|
|2343 - Music Fund|-|-|-|£108.94|
|2350 - Upkeep of churchyard WB|£884.04|£353.99|£1,238.03|£1,750.35|
|2351 - Upkeep of Churchyard LB|£680.00|-|£680.00|£510.00|
|2360 - Administration|£859.45|-|£859.45|£639.46|
|2401 - Church running - Utilities<br>WB|£6,254.53|-|£6,254.53|£6,300.44|



9 



|2410 - Church running - Utilities<br>LB|£286.85|-|£286.85|£535.30|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2501 - Magazine expenses|£5,940.00|-|£5,940.00|£4,864.93|
|2510 - Greetings Cards costs|£135.60|-|£135.60|£47.20|
|2521 - Tea/Coffee Costs|£192.54|-|£192.54|£256.33|
|2601 - Governance costs<br>examination/audit fee|£120.00|-|£120.00|£120.00|
|4000 - In/Out|£2,588.05|-|£2,588.05|£609.00|
|**Church Running Expenses**<br>**Totals**|**£27,908.04**|**£2,468.31**|**£30,376.35**|**£27,494.82**|
|**Hall Running Costs**|||||
|2520 - Hall running costs|£1,981.54|-|£1,981.54|£1,916.91|
|**Hall Running Costs Totals**|**£1,981.54**|**-**|**£1,981.54**|**£1,916.91**|
|**Church Repairs & Maintenance**|||||
|2701 - Church major repairs -<br>structure|-|£3,478.03|£3,478.03|£2,020.80|
|2702 - Church Major Repairs -<br>Structure St Nich|-|£200.00|£200.00|£2,816.28|
|2703 - Guardians Costs|-|-|-|£9.59|
|2710 - Church major repairs -<br>installation|-|-|-|£1,852.80|
|2711 - Capital Expenditure|£279.00|-|£279.00|£499.00|
|2720 - Church interior and exterior<br>decorating|-|£2,083.29|£2,083.29|£93,516.19|
|**Church Repairs & Maintenance**<br>**Totals**|**£279.00**|**£5,761.32**|**£6,040.32**|**£100,714.66**|
|**Payments Grand totals**|**£75,848.67**|**£8,497.13**|**£84,345.80**|**£181,414.43**|



WICKHAM BISHOPS & LITTLE BRAXTED P.C.C. ASSETS 

10 



## ASSETS 

## **General Fund** : 

CAF Bank:         £ 36.88 Co-Op Bank:   £ 1.101.03 CCLA: £41,041.38 Petty Cash:         £ 22.64 Total: £42,201.93 

|Restricted Funds||
|---|---|
|Bowls Club Restricted Fund (held in General Funds)|£ 843.14|
|Guardians Restricted Funds|£14,730.26|
|Ukrainian Refugees Restricted Fund|£ 246.30|
|Wickham Bishops Church Restoration|£ 4,485.47|
|Little Braxted Fabric Fund|£36,139.94|
|Total:|£56,445.11|



## Bookstall Stock: £ 600 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Church  Hall £500,000 Step Ladder £             109<br>Tables & Chairs £    3,000 Lawnmowers £          2,000<br>Kitchen Equipment - Storage  £    1,500 Strimmer £             150<br>boxes, Urn, Cutlery, Microwave<br>etc<br>Crockery & Glasses £       500 Hedge Trimmer £             150<br>Vacuum Cleeaners £      200 Shed X 2 £          1,500<br>Video, Sound System, Heaters £   1,600 Piano X 2 £          2,700<br>Choir Robes £   1,500 Projector £             430<br>Dishwasher £   1,500 Floristry equipment £          2,000<br>Mevo Camera £      350 Photocopier £          2,500<br>WiFi Router & booster £      120<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


11 



WICKHAM BISHOPS AND LIThLE BRAXTED
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts ofthe above charity
{￿he Trusf) for the year ended 31 De￿fflber 2025 which are set out on pages
4t09.
Responsibilities and basis of rep(xt
As the charity trustees of Trust, yw a￿ responsib￿ for the weparation of
the accounts in accordan￿ wrth tkE requirements of the Charities Act 2011
{￿he Ad").
I report in resped of my examination of tTrE Trust's accounts carried OLrt under
section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying OLrt my examination, I have
followed the applicable Directions given by the Chanty Commission urKler
section 145{5}(b) of the Act_
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have
ome to my attention in connection with examination which grves me
ause to believe that in, any material respecl..
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of
the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records or
the accounts do not comply with the appliGable requirements
conceming the fonn arKI content of accounts set out in Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 otP*r than any requirement
that accounts give a Irue and fair view which ts not a matter
onsidered as part of an irvjependent examinati￿.
no cOn￿mS arKI have come across no other matters in connection with
xamination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable
r understanding of the accounts to te reached.
John Bar
Independent Examiner
30 COOM￿ Rise
Chelmsford
Essex
CM17DG
13 April 2026