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2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Albrighton

For the year ended 31[st] December 2025 Registered Charity Number: 1164192

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The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Albrighton Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

Charity registration number 1164192

Objectives and Activities

The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Albrighton (the PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Mary Thomas, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the church

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at Albrighton. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. Also, through non sacramental activities of hospitality and fellowship we aim to reach non churched members of the community.

Public Benefit

The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Albrighton, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:

• Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and

• Promoting Christian values and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

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Achievements and Performance

2025 was another positive and busy year for the parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Albrighton.

The PCC met on seven occasions: January, June, July, September, October x2 and December.

Business included:

It remains my privilege to serve as Vicar in this place and I will continue to be thankful for the people amongst whom I minister and for whom I pray regularly.

The Revd. Prebendary Mary Ruth Thomas.

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Fundraising activities against objectives set

Worship and Prayer

Worship at St. Mary’s is delivered through a range of different liturgical and ecclesiological styles; Common Worship Parish Eucharist, Morning Praise, Songs of Praise, a weekly Morning Prayer on Tuesdays at 9am and an Informal Iona style Communion on Wednesdays & Messy Church several times a year.

We are blessed to have a merry band of bellringers who give of their time to call people to worship on Sundays and to bless couples as they marry or toll the bell for those who have died.

Remembrance Sunday was a huge village event, as evert year, with a parade through the village with the RAF Cosford band, a service at the War Memorial followed by a service of Prayer and Thanksgiving in St. Mary Magdalene Church. It remains a privilege to play a part in such an important service for the village community. We were delighted to host Christingle services for St. Mary’s (CE) Primary and Albrighton Primary schools as well as a carol service for St. Mary’s (CE) Primary School, and two carol services and a Springtime Celebration service for Birchfield school. Our parish Carol Service was exceptionally well attended (198 people), Blue Christmas saw attendance of 55 (up from 12 last year) and the Christmas Eve Crib service was also well attended. The change in time to 11 pm for the First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass) saw good numbers and a reduction in disruption to worship as a result of late-comers or merry worshippers.

Baptism, Wedding & Funeral Policies

Baptisms are offered on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Saturdays of the month, with parents being encouraged to attend church, particularly Messy Church, and to become a part of our community should they wish. Baptisms of church members are offered as part of Sunday morning worship where appropriate.

All who live within the parish are welcome to get married in St. Mary Magdalene. Those who do not live within the ecclesiastical parish must meet the criteria for a qualifying connection.

All who live or die in the parish are entitled to a funeral service and burial/interment of ashes.

Mission activities through community events

Beer Festival

Summary

The 2025 Beer Festival; Music Festival, was a resounding success, attracting 992 attendees across two days and featuring 14 musical acts. Enhanced planning ensured sufficient ale and cider stock, with surplus used at later events. Supported by 42 volunteers from the church and local community, the festival’s total expenditure was £108,309.37, mainly due to bulk purchases of tumblers, which will benefit future festivals. The event remains a cornerstone fundraiser, with expectations high for continued success in 2026.

Report

The 10[th] Annual Beer & Music festival took place during May 2025. The two-day event was very successful, and well received, with a constant flow of people from when the doors opened until closing on both days. To avoid running out of stock, more ale and cider were purchased pre-event compared to any of the previous events. Some of this was able to be purchased at Sale or Return (SoR) to mitigate or reduce the risk of holding unsold stock. Some stock did remain that was not Sale or Return but this has been used during other social functions following the festival.

A total of 14 musical acts performed over the two days and a total of 992 persons attended this year’s event, (415 on Friday & 575 on Saturday), compared to 994 footfall last year. The event was supported over the two days by 42 different members of staff, all volunteers made up from members of the church and local community. The event had more initial expenditure this year primarily because of ordering tumblers. These were purchased in a large Qty (better value), but this means we won’t have this outlay for next year and more than likely the following year which will assist in maximizing profits.

Total expenditure (outlay) was £10,8309.37 comprising of: Goods (Ale, snacks etc.) Musicians, Tumblers, T shirts, beer mats, aprons, and purchasing of some low-cost consumables/equipment. Total net income (gross revenue minus expenditure) £8,416.08. (This is £3000 down on last year, because of Tumbler cost £2043.00, Musicians slightly increased costs (£300 extra)

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pre-event sponsorship and donations (£1981 compared to £2933.98 last year) approximately £1000 down. There was also an outlay on Beer mats, T shirts and aprons (£701.15), T shirt costs were recouped and are included in takings when working out net profit). Taking this all into account, although the headline profit figure is less than last year, the event was an improvement on last year by just under £1000.

The formula for this annual event is pretty much set in stone with only minor adjustments being made to ensure the event runs smoothly. The event continues to go from strength to strength, with the two-day festival being one of the main fund-raising events of the year. Looking forward to 2026, the 11[th] festival, if the event runs as it has done for the previous ten, there is no reason why the next one won’t be equally successful.

Festival Chair, Paul Fisher.

St. Mary’s Tea Room

Our monthly St. Mary’s Tea Room is held on the second Friday of the month and was intended as part of our pastoral provision. It has gone from strength to strength and now has a regular attendance of about 54 people. Huge thanks to all involved and to all who come. (A more extensive report is included in the reports section).

United Benefice Men’s Breakfast

The United Benefice Men’s Breakfast continued to thrive throughout 2025. There was a total of 11 breakfasts held, with the month of May being the only time we didn’t hold one due to the United benefice Church Centre’s kitchen refurbishment. Average attendance throughout the year was 28 with a maximum of 36 and a minimum of 19. A cost of £3.50

was charged from January to September then from October this was increased to £5. A total of approximately £1330 was paid by the attendees with approximately £810 spent on running costs, leaving a healthy surplus of over £500. There has been the odd occasion where breakfasts have been donated to individuals who were in need. Volunteers that have assisted throughout the year are, Adrian Robinson, (main and only cook), Charles (Mitch) Mitchel, Dave Williams, Nick Bentley, Phil Murphy, Lee Chatburn and myself.

Steve Jones

Reports

Safeguarding

St. Mary Magdalene Church is seriously committed to safeguarding and is fully aware of all its pastoral safeguarding responsibilities, having adopted the National and Diocesan Safeguarding Policies. All our Ministers, Churchwardens and PCC members have up to date DBS Certificates, and this year 4 people have completed their 3 yearly renewal of their Basic Awareness and Foundation Training Modules. Also, we have been host to 9 people, parishioners from other churches in vacancy, to provide Basic Awareness and Foundation Training.

As is best practice the Incumbent and Parish Safeguarding Officer have sought advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding team and West Mercia Police when further support has been deemed necessary.

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Church Fabric Report 2025

Apart from the Weathervane refurbishment no real major issues were identified.

Weathervane

The Faculty for repairs and refurbishment work was approved in July and the weathervane was removed in August by the contractors Highlife Rope Access and returned to their workshop for refurbishment. It is expected to be re-instated February/March 2026.

As reported in the 2024 Fabric Report water ingress was reported at the back of the Nave due to broken or loose tiles. This repair work will be addressed by the contractors when they come back on site to re-install the weathervane.

Electrical

For safety reasons a new floodlight was fitted on the Lychgate to shine down the pathway to the church. A new timer control unit was fitted to the outside floodlights. New bulbs were replaced in the lamp stands which illuminate the pathways. New sender/receiver units were changed on the church CCTV camera system in the Vestry/Office due to loss of signal. An annual service contract for the church wi-fi system has now been taken out with API Communications.

Heating System

The 2 gas fired boilers continue to be problematic, especially over the Christmas period. Fortunately, we managed “tweak” them to continue heating the church. A full service of both units is booked for January 2026, however there are major concerns about their reliability in the future. The PCC is in the process of reviewing new options for the church heating system with the focus on clean energy and Net Zero targets.

Churchyard

A small group of people continue to meet on the second Tuesday of each month for Churchyard Tidy Up. New volunteers would be most welcome.

Chris Cherrington Churchwarden

The Church Centre

In 2025 the Kitchen was refurbished in the Church Centre and so activities ceased for about two months. But each year seems to see an increase in the number of people using the Centre and the number of activities on offer to our church community and all those living in Albrighton and surrounds. The building continues to be a real community hub where people of all ages feel welcome and supportive friendships have been made. Without a large band of volunteers, which we appreciate very much, we could not run the wide variety of activities which are on offer. The Centre is now used every day, morning and afternoon and throughout the month some evenings.

On a Monday we have Cosy Café which has provided a warm space and free meals for up to 60 people. Every week on a Tuesday morning sees an exercise class for the over 60’s and then following this each fortnight there is a flower arranging group and at other times a “Tiny Club” for mothers with babies. Once a month flower club meet in the evening as do the W.I.. The Church Centre has provided a welcoming place this year for the teaching of English on a Wednesday morning and afternoon to Afghan Refugees, funded by the Home Office. In the evening sees another exercise group “Menofit”, although on some Wednesday’s we also have “Reel Issues”, where a film is shown followed by a meal. On Thursday morning in Term Time we have “Tiny Club”, a group for moms and toddlers. This is followed by our “Thank you for being a friend” singing group. Friday morning there is Yoga, and then once a month in the afternoon we have St. Mary’s “Tearoom” where a delicious array of cakes and sandwiches are served to a group of 60 or more people.

On Saturday morning every month we have Men’ Breakfast. An opportunity just for men to get together, have a meal and a chat. And, of course, after every Sunday Service there is time for a cuppa and fellowship for the congregation.

These are our regular activities, but we also have birthday party bookings, Funeral Wakes and other family functions plus our annual quiz night and fish and chip evening.

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Benefice Office Report

2025 saw another extremely busy year in the Benefice Office. We provide secretarial support for St. Chad’s and St. Cuthbert’s Churches. Meet, greet and assist personal callers and similarly respond to telephone calls. Deal with the many and varied emails. After the Kitchen refurbishment earlier in the year the Church Centre again was increasingly used. (See separate report). The Benefice Office is open every weekday from 9am to 2pm and works to relieve Revd. Mary of the myriad tasks involved in running the Benefice that do not require the expertise and qualifications of a Cleric.

Safeguarding

The Benefice is up to date with all Safeguarding Training and DBS Certification: This year the Rev’d Prebendary Mary Thomas and Julie Bromley the Safeguarding Officer, provided both Basic Awareness and Foundation Training to 11 parishioners from the Benefice as well as 9 people from other churches in vacancy.

Statistics

Data is required by the Diocese for the Statistics for Mission annually. For all our three churches they require the number of people on the Electoral Roll, with a breakdown of numbers in various age categories of the worshipping community and average Sunday attendance. A special record is kept of attendance figures for every service in October and attendance figures and communicants for Advent, Christmas and Easter, plus the total number of funerals, weddings and baptisms. This year we continued to provide data on our energy use which produced the carbon footprint for each church.

Funerals

Liaising with Funeral Directors, Clergy, Organist, Verger, Bell Ringers and Grave Digger to arrange all aspects involved in preparing for a Funeral. At the beginning of October each year we contact the relatives of the deceased with an invitation to the annual Memorial Service. Towards the end of the year the Diocese produce the following years Parochial Fees. The new Funeral Fees are sent off to all Funeral Directors and Stone Masons.

Weddings

Working with all relevant parties to facilitate the wedding ceremony, produce an invoice and in some cases, print Orders of Service for the big day. Sometimes, if couples who live in the Parish are getting married elsewhere, there is the need to post a Banns Certificate off to the Incumbent where the marriage will take place.

Baptisms

Gathering all relevant information from the families, arranging the date, Clergy and Verger, obtaining Verger Fee and producing Baptismal and Godparents Certificates.

Church Centre

Managing regular bookings and producing on-going invoices. Arranging one off bookings for parties booking the Church Centre, collecting fees and changing key codes for each booking. Overseeing the care and maintenance of the Centre and calling in help as required.

Finance

During the course of this year a new system was introduced to pay Bills from commercial companies or church members and expense sheets from church members. Everything is now scanned through to our Accountant instead of her keeping paper copies of everything. A petty cash float for incidental small payments was managed and accounted for, but this has now been stopped. St Cuthbert’s Finances are managed from the office and all income sheets, records of paying-in-slips, offertory envelopes and funeral and wedding returns are scanned through to our Accountant. The office negotiate Utility Tariffs for all Churches and Church Centre and submit meter readings.

Legal

Annual application to the County Council and the Police to secure Alcohol licenses for the Beer Festival and to license the Church Centre. Preparation of paperwork, forms, and Electoral Roll revision for the Annual Parochial Church meeting of all three churches (APCM), to fulfil our legal obligations.

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Printing

All weekly Sunday Service booklets and/or reading sheets for the three churches in the Benefice and Services held in the village Care Homes are printed by the Office. Many posters, publicity materials and tickets for any Church Event or Fund-Raising Event, are printed and sometimes produced here. In November the CTAA Christmas card which is delivered to every house in the village is printed. We ensure the care and maintenance of our three printers and arrange sufficient supplies of toners and paper for these products for the printing of everything including the monthly Parish Magazine, which is printed by volunteers.

Church

The opening and closing of Church each weekday. Liaising with the Church cleaner and overseeing the cleaning of the Church.

Keys

The Office is the keyholder for all 3 Churches in the Benefice.

Miscellaneous

Arrange for work force and specialists to carry out work needed in the church and Church Centre, arranging yearly services of boilers, fire alarms and extinguishers. Liaise with social housing who refer people to us for help with food parcels, take phone calls from people who need food parcels. Prepare menu cards for Lent Lunches etc.

Julie Bromley, Parish Administrator

Music

Whilst our aim at St. Mary Magdalene is to provide a rich worship experience through a range of musical styles and activities, this is becoming evermore difficult due to not having a regular organist and health issues among the choir. The former Director of Music gave us notice of resignation on 28[th] January and left his post on 30[th] March 2025. Despite regular advertising, recruitment to the role remains difficult. Deep thanks to Gerald Leach, Hugh Smith, Lydia Radigan, Simon Baugh, Graham Davies who provide live music for Sunday worship. Also to Rosemary Maguire, Judith Foote and Nick Worth for having sung in the choir and enhanced our worship with such faithfulness and dedication.

Jo Bolton, Gerald Leach and a company of willing volunteers provided music for carol services at St. Cuthbert, Donington and St. Mary Magdalene. Their contribution was much appreciated, with some saying it was the best carol service they had ever attended! We are hopeful for more of the sane.

The hunt for an organist/Director of Music will continue into 2026 with the vision of rebuilding the musical offering at St. Mary Magdalene.

The Foodbank

The Food Bank has been in operation since 2011/2012 and is managed by St Mary’s church.

During 2025 I volunteered to take over the running and management of the foodbank on behalf of the PCC. The store room was rearranged and had new racking installed by Chris Cherrington and Paul Jones. Following an appeal in the Parish magazine several people volunteered to help. A meeting was held on 21 July by Rev Mary and myself with the volunteers to explain how the food bank was organised. The volunteers were given a copy of the rules and regulations pertaining to confidentiality. These signed copies are held in the benefice church office. A Whats App group was set up for continuity of cover and after a stock check a rota was set up for the volunteers to arrange cover for each weekday. Due to the volume of stock required I set up an online banking account with Asda and with the able assistance of Frank Aston we can maintain stock levels. This system is now well established. The office staff have taken over control of the rota for the volunteers and continue to support all the people in our community.

My sincere thanks go to Rev Mary for her continuous support, to Frank and to the volunteers who willingly give their time.

Denise Cherrington

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Churches Together in Albrighton and Area

In September the Chair was passed to the Methodist church with Chris Harrison taking the role of Chair with David Corden as Vice-Chair, Julie Bromley and Bill Sharples continue as Secretary and Treasurer.

Last year the intention was for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the World Day of Prayer to alternate, however the World Day of Prayer, clashes with St Mary’s Tea Rooms. As this will always be the case as they are both on the first Friday in March. In the future Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will become the focus.

This year we again held three lunches in the Wesley Hall, with the Anglicans, Methodist and Roman Catholics each hosting one of the lunches. 20-25 people attended the lunches each week and £450 was raised for Mission Aviation Fellowship, which uses its planes to help aid agencies deliver urgent medicines and to evacuate urgent medical cases.

Lent study groups followed a film ‘The Theory of Everything’ based on the life Stephen Hawkins. The course was challenging and philosophical with an inevitable science vs religion debate, where there were differences of opinion. Our thanks to Rev Mary Thomas for preparing the material and to Rev Mary and David Corden for leading the sessions.

Christian Aid week was marked with an exhibition and music outside the Wesley Hall, the takings of £120 from the Café Central were also donated, which with envelopes distributed in the churches raised a total of £550.

Experience Pentecost did not take place this year due to difficulties with dates and a lack of volunteers. The proposed way forward is to run three experience events over three years; Experience Easter, Experience Pentecost and Experience Christmas.

On Shropshire Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride Day, four churches were open for a part of the day, and there were a few visitors.

Christmas cards with a Christmas message, details of services were delivered throughout the area, the allocation to the different churches was tweaked to account for the new houses on the Millfields development.

Bill Sharples

Care Homes and Home Communion

Home Communion services have been held in both the Cedars and the Old Rectory Care Home throughout 2025, and are appreciated.

At the Cedars services have been attended by around 11 although numbers have dropped as low as 5 and risen as high as 18. The service is usually held on the first Wednesday of the month, although it has sometimes been more convenient for the Cedars to hold it on Thursday.

At The Old Rectory Care Home the usual attendance has been between 9 and 12 and is usually on the 4[th] Wednesday of the month. The service is usually by extension, however at Easter, and Christmas Rev Mary Thomas was able to attend and preside, so consecration took place during the service.

Home Communion has been taken out to people’s homes as required, with a regular visit to four locations.

Bill Sharples

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Deanery Synod

During the year the Rural Dean Rev Matthew Lefroy resigned and at the November meeting Rev Stuart Howes was licensed as Rural Dean for Edgmond and Shifnal Deanery. This is in addition being currently the Rural Dean of Telford Deanery. The two Deaneries will maintain their separate identities but will hold joint meetings.

At the meeting in March Malcolm Maclean reported on the newly created Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust, which is a partnership of Lichfield and Hereford Diocese, and the initial joiners are 8 local CoE schools. After the business the synod adjourned to join Heartspace which is a place for growing disciples through alpha leading to full immersion baptism.

In July following a communion service there was discussion about keeping churches open during the day. It was agreed that it was important to show what we are doing now and not let visitors think they are in a museum.

November was the first joint meeting with Telford, and the main item of business was the licensing of Rev Stuart Howes. This was followed by an interesting presentation by Sarah Thorpe on Dementia Friendly Churches. All churches were encouraged to take up the challenge to become dementia friendly churches.

Bill Sharples

Servers Report

Our team of servers is always present at our Parish Eucharist services as well as key community events such as Remembrance Sunday and Carol services. To ensure everyone is kept safe we maintain high standards of hygiene, using hand sanitizer as well as hand washing during the the eucharist and washing the chalices, ciborium and paten in hot water.

I would like to offer an opportunity for anyone who would be interested in joining our small group of servers, to speak to either Reverend Mary, Jean or myself. There would be no obligation to join us on a permanent basis, you would be made most welcome.

I would like to Thank Jean, Sue and Matthew for all their help, it has and is very much appreciated.

Paul Jones

Mission and Evangelism

Tiny Club

The group is for mothers/carers and their young children. It offers the opportunity for the children to have fun and mix with other children, in a safe environment with a familiar adult. Also, for carers to mix and make new friends. The group runs on Thursday mornings 9:30am – 11:30 am in term time only in the Church Centre.

The hall is set up with a matted baby area with supports/toys. A matted toddler area with various toys/equipment. There is a messy tray, craft table and easel. Another matted area is provided with slides, rocker and sometimes other equipment to aid physical development. There is a role play area with a five-piece wooden kitchen set, small table, chairs and other role play toys/equipment. There is space provided for children to use trikes/walkers. At the back of the hall a space is left for parents/carers to put the pushchairs/buggies.

There are themed activities each month, with a craft activity and something tactile on the messy tray for sensory play. The activities and themes we have covered this year are:

January

Painting, drawing, playdough. Dried oats and Loch Ness monster craft for Burns Night. Dried coloured rice and snake craft for Chinese New Year (year of the Snake)

February

Spaghetti with lizards in for Australia Day. Rose craft for Rose Day. Jelly and Valentines wreath for Valentines Day Pasta for Pasta Day and Pikachu & Jigglypuff craft for Pokémon Day

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March

Sand, buckets and spades and Hungry Caterpillar craft for World Book Day – the children, myself, Mandy and some of the adults dressed up for World Book Day. Coloured powdered flour and bright neon painting for Holi. Compost with toy insects in and a flower wreath craft for Spring. Playdough with family cutters and Mother’s Day Flower and card

April

Ribbons & ; pom poms and Butterfly craft to celebrate the colours of Spring Fake Mud made with cocoa powder (smelt like chocolate) and an Easter wreath craft for Easter

May

Sand and toys and people craft for International Family Day. Turtles and other sea creatures in water and a turtle craft for International Turtle Day

June

Compost and insects and an Earth Day Craft for Earth Day. Shaving foam and a Father’s Day craft for Father’s Day. Sand, buckets and spades and jelly fish craft.

July

Playdough and cutters and rocket craft for UFO Day. Shredded black paper with toy snakes in and a snake craft for Snake Day Sand and paint a fish craft for Summer Holidays.

September

Sand and drawing. Shaving foam and cloud with rainbow tassels craft for Dream Day.

October

Playdough and animal cutters and a Smiley Sun/Star craft for Smile Day. Dried oats with farm animals in and a Scarecrow craft for Harvest. Pasta and Autumn leaves patchwork craft for Harvest (the patchwork represents all the farmers’ fields). Black and neon coloured rice with toy spiders in and a pumpkin and spider craft for Halloween (children, myself, Mandy a few adults also dressed up for Halloween). The Children were given a Halloween decoration to paint at home.

November

Shaving foam sprinkled with glitter and dinosaurs in and a Firework painting using black paper and neon paints for Bonfire Night Sand and Pudsey bear face craft for Children in Need (children, myself, Mandy and a few adults also dressed up for Children in Need). Playdough and Children shape crafts for Children in Need. Dried oats with farm animals in and a turkey craft for Thanksgiving Day.

December

Cheerio’s with spoons, cups and Scrunch bauble and Holly wreath craft for Christmas Shaving foam with penguins, polar bears, whales etc and Christmas stocking/tree craft for Christmas. Fake snow with penguins etc in and tube people Nativity characters and Nativity wreath for Christmas. Also, in this month we provided a play Nativity set for the children to play with, Nativity stories, felt Christmas trees on which the children can attach Velcro decorations and a large cardboard igloo for the children to play in. The children were each given a Nativity sticker decoration to do at home and a few chocolate treats on leaving. We also dressed up for Christmas.

This year we purchased a sturdy wooden five-piece kitchen set for the group which comprises of a microwave, fridge, cooker, sink and washing machine. The children enjoy playing role play games with this and to develop their play we also purchased a wooden cleaning set. All the toys/equipment is regularly checked and cleaned. This year we have seen a rise in weekly numbers with 15 - 26 children and 18 – 28 adults. We have welcomed lots of new moms, dads, carers, nans and grandads throughout the year. A variety of healthy snacks and drinks are provided for everyone each week. It is encouraging to see how the children are developing and the friendship groups which are forming both with the children and adults. Myself and Mandy enjoy running the group and have received lots of positive comments from the parents/carers. This year we have welcomed extra help on occasions when only one of us were available from Pauline Hill, Tracey Read, Margaret Chapman and Lisa Fildes. We are both looking forward to seeing how the group develops and flourishes in the future.

Josie Fisher Tiny Club Leader

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Teeny Tiny Club

This is a group which was set up in March at the request of some of the mothers who come to Tiny Club. It is a quieter group which runs on Tuesday 1pm – 3pm once or twice a month for parents/carers with children 0 – 18 months only. It is a relaxed group to ensure babies/young toddlers have a safe environment to play and develop. The Messy tray is assembled on its lowest level and edible tactile items are put on it; jelly, Cheerios’, cooked pasta and apple slices have been used. Within the space there is a matted area with supports/toys, a space for children to use walkers. A space at the back of the hall is where buggies/pushchairs are left. The group has run 9 times this year with 1-6 children and 2-9 adults attending.

Josie Fisher

Teeny Tiny Club Leader

Cosy Café

Through 2025 we have fed an average of 37 people each week. Numbers vary between 29 and 42 plus staff/volunteers. We have a team of 5 volunteers taking it in turn to cook each week and 3-4 people helping front of house.

At Christmas we all came together to cook a Christmas dinner for all the guests and staff, each chef cooking a different part of the traditional meal or dessert. On this occasion we fed over 50 people. We continue to reach out and engage with new people appreciating the service provided.

During 2025, the decision was taken to ask for a suggested minimum donation of £5 to ensure that Cosy Café remains self-funding.

Total donations for the year £4685.30 – Total Costs of £2107.12 = Total profit of £2578.18 The % Increase of profit over costs amount to an average of 22.36% each week.

It is so lovely to see people come along and forge new friendships. Over the last three months, more volunteers have come forward to offer their services in serving, washing up or welcoming people. Cosy Café continues to go from strength to strength establishing its reputation as a warm and friendly place to come and enjoy a freshly cooked two-course lunch. Sincere thanks to all who make it possible.

Mary Thomas

St. Mary’s Tea Room

This year we served afternoon tea 8 times. We continued to change the menu each month and vary the guest speaker / performers, whilst matching the celebration of the month. After the summer we chose to charge, at time of booking, to attend afternoon tea due to the amount of no shows on the day, once the food had been prepared. As a result we have increased the profit year on year, despite only being open 8 times and making a loss 1 month. We have had another successful year.

On average we fed 54 guests per month & 8 staff. Average monthly donation: £269.56. In total for the year we made £1020.7, after expenses.

No of Guests No of Staff Expenses Donations Profit
January No Afternoon Tea
February 46 10 119.4 205.5 86.1
March 43 10 119.36 217 97.64
April Cancelled
May Cancelled
June 62 7 82.08 259 176.92
July 50 7 120.1 227.41 107.31
August 44 9 310.56 231 -79.56
September Closed to due to kitched refurbishment
October 64 9 101.88 407.1 305.22
November 64 7 123.54 314.41 190.87
December 62 7 158.85 295 136.15
435
66
1135.77
2156.42
1020.7

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Messy Church

The first Messy Church was held on Friday 14th February, 2025 and the theme was ‘Love’, 25 children, 28 adults attended; lots of heart shaped crafts and activities were enjoyed by all. Most of the children stayed for tea. It was a rewarding way to start the year.

Friday 18th April was Messy Easter held in the Church on Good Friday this was very well attended 43 children, 41 adults. There was a chick hunt around the church, which encouraged the children to move around the church to see the different crafts/activities on offer and to look around at different parts of the Church building, small craft kits and Easter eggs were given out to the winners and every child got a small bag of sweets on leaving.

Friday 11th October, the theme was ‘Halloween’, Light overcoming darkness celebrating Gods love as a powerful source. 53 children and 44 adults attended with lots of various crafts and activities, lots stayed for tea afterwards. Friday 28th November, Messy Christmas, 39 children and 37 adults attended, and the children enjoyed lots of crafts, most children also stayed for tea.

Messy Church numbers have been very encouraging this year, and the children also enjoy staying for tea too. More families who attend Tiny Club are also now joining us for Messy Church too.

Each Messy Church I contact both schools who kindly send the information to all parents in the Friday Flyer or by a text. Posters are also displayed about two weeks before and information is put in the Parish magazine. Frank has also helped with the advertising by putting the information on social media.

This year we had more helpers from the Benefice and the village. Sam Pocock, Francis Quilter, Phil Murphy and Paul Fisher in the kitchen. Myself, Mandy Murphy, Jane Maeer, Pauline Hill, Jo Bolton, Sarah Williams with the crafts. Also new helpers who help when available Pam Cattell, Pam Slater, Jenny Bryne, Sue, Jogi, Dave Maeer, Lucy Shropshire and Vanessa Bentley. Rev Mary Thomas has provided all the worship, with Bill Sharples helping with a pop-up Nativity for Messy Christmas.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped or saved cardboard boxes, tubes for crafts and for everyone’s continued support. I look forward to seeing how this group develops in the future and if anyone would like to help in any way, please let me know. Thank you.

Josie Fisher Messy Church Leader

Page 13

Thank You 4 Being a Friend Singing Group

The Thursday singing group is for all members of our community, run by three volunteers. It offers the opportunity to share in the fellowship of others through an enjoyment of singing. The group runs weekly, term-time only, for an hour from 1.30 pm on a Thursday at St. Mary’s Church Centre.

The group has been running for two years and membership has increased over that time from around 10 to 29 at times, there is no requirement for weekly attendance so numbers fluctuate although we do have a strong core membership of regulars. The average number attending for the year was 19.

The session starts with refreshments and a time to chat: it also allows time for some members to come along from the Rectory Care Home who need transporting. We do not charge for these sessions but donations are taken for the refreshments. Over 2025 we received £292.40 over the 28 weeks that we ran the group (there were fewer sessions this year partly due to the refurbishment of the kitchen.)

Each session has a theme for the songs we sing (songs from across the decades). Words on a laptop are projected onto the large screen rather than the photocopy sheets which helps members with eyesight problems, the songs are accompanied on the piano. Members also join in with ideas for themes and songs. Some of the themes we have covered this year include Let’s Dance, A World of Colour, Valentine’s Day, Eurovision Calling, The Beatles and Lost in Space. These themes included songs, Under the Moon of Love, Rock Around the Clock, Singin’ the Blues, Unchained Melody, With a Little Help From my Friends and All Kinds of Everything. Around 280 songs have been sung during the year.

At Christmas some members of the group joined with St. Mary’s Choir and sang at the Carol Services at both St. Mary Magdalene, Albrighton and St. Cuthbert, Donington which was a very successful partnership. We also went Carol singing at the Rectory Care Home.

Jo Bolton, Musical Director.

Youth Work

Youth Work is also delivered through the local primary schools. Clergy deliver weekly assemblies at St. Mary’s Primary (C of E) and Albrighton Primary (County) which enables us to build relationships across the community and to deliver the gospel in interactive and exciting ways.

Page 14

Parish Magazine

The magazine was produced 11 times in 2025 (the usual joint July/August issue being produced in the summer). The price has remained at £1.50 a copy. The print run does seem to be reducing slightly each year though we still get many positive comments. It is now just over 700. We still have 10 pages of local advertisements, which readers have said they find invaluable, and we have had several new ones this year.

We receive regular contributions from more than 30 active groups from all walks of village life.

Covers – local and seasonal photos are still sent in by readers, and we try to celebrate as many local organisations as we can – we had a four-photo collage of the Spring Fayre at the Moat Project, four celebrating the Battle of Britain flight at the Cosford Air Day and four celebrating the latest ten years of Albrighton Fayre.

----- Start of picture text -----
January – Churchyard in the snow – ML February – Donington Pool – Mary Hancox
March – Walking group 2025 – Mary Hancox April –Albrighton sunrise – Gerald
Leach
May – Albrighton Moat Spring Fair June – Air Day – Battle of Britain Flight
July/August – Fayre – Ten years on September – Red House tree October – Sheep at
----- End of picture text -----

The magazine is still printed at the church centre and distributed by a team of over 40 loyal and dependable volunteers. Margaret Leach Editor

Page 15

Reel Issues 2024-25

An initiative of The Bible Society, the agenda is to discuss life’s big issues as they are treated in popular films and to see what the Christian faith has to say about them. Everyone understands that the discussion is Christian-led and will include Christian perspectives, but there are opportunities for all members to share from personal experience and their individual perspectives. It’s an opportunity for friendships to grow and beliefs to be shared in an atmosphere of respect and trust. Think dialogue rather than traditional evangelism. The aims are (a) to help Christians relate their faith to the stories and messages of popular films and (b) find points of contact for conversation and faith-sharing among their friends.

At St Mary Magdalene Church Albrighton REEL ISSUES takes place at least six times a year although interest is such that more events are a distinct possibility. Attendance, at the time of writing, numbers around 50.

Past seasons have included films as varied as CONCLAVE, A REAL PAIN, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND and ATONEMENT shown uninterrupted in an environment as close as possible to a cinema experience.

At the conclusion, a two-course hot supper is served, usually to between 40 and 60 or more and this is followed by friendly and lively discussion relating to issues which have been highlighted by the storyline of each, individual movie. No charge is made for REEL ISSUES events, but participants are invited to donate towards the supper. The occasions are, therefore, self-supporting.

Frank & Sue Aston

Bell Ringing Report

I am delighted to be able to report that we have all enjoyed yet another successful year of Bellringing for the Parish and Community of St Mary Magdalene, Albrighton. Whilst writing this today, I celebrate 56 years of bellringing, first starting at St Mary’s Church, Bromfield, Shropshire.

We started off last year with ringing in the New Year of 2025. We had a visit during January from The Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconries Society of Change Ringers who rang a full Peal of Spliced Surprise Major, some 5,152 changes which took just over 3 hours. During the year we had the opportunity to host a team from our neighbours at Tong Church, who rang a quarter Peal to honour the marriage of James Heminsley, the son of Paul Heminsley one of our regular visiting ringers. Also, during the year, we had a ringing day to the Derbyshire area, which included a visit to the Parish Church at Edensor, on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate at Chatsworth, as well as going on to ring at Bakewell, Ashby – by- the – water, as well as other churches. These were all kindly arranged by one of our ringers, Sean Greenfield, who, although currently living at Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, regularly joins us to ring and particularly for special occasions, including Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Years Eve, Easter Sunday and Weddings.

We ourselves, continue to ring for the Sunday 10.30 am Services, weddings and funerals.

A very busy Christmas period included ringing for the Candlelit Carol Concert, the First Eucharist of Christmas on Christmas Eve and this year for the Christmas day United Benefice Christmas Day Service.

We are most grateful to Phil Murphy for teaching and helping us out on practice nights. Thank you to John and Tom Whalley and Frank Aston our Church clock winders and also Paul Jones for his assistance for muffling and unmuffling bells and helping the Tower Captain with the raising of flags on appropriate occasions.

Currently the weathervane and its wooden pillar are away being restored.

The march of time took its toll on one of our bell clappers in July during practice night, when a large bang in the bell chamber heralded the breaking of the clapper from the 7th bell. Fortunately, our Tower Captain, Dr Tim Mear with the assistance of Phil Murphy were able to retrieve it and remove it from the tower. Thankfully a regular visiting bell ringer Rolf Hilse, from Codsall Church, volunteered to transport it to the Bell Hangers for recasting, thus saving us some £600 plus VAT. On the subject of saving costs, we were able to successfully negotiate a service contract with our regular bell hangers, Blyth and Co Ltd to annually service and inspect our bells at a new fixed rate for a three-year period at £400 plus VAT per year. Some churches are paying £100 a bell. So, for our 8 bells, per year, this could have been £800.

This year we got off in a similar style to last year with ringing in the New Year 2026, with another ringing day in the early planning stages. My renewed thanks to everyone for their loyal support, my fellow bellringers, clockwinders, my steeple keeper and of

Page 16

course the continuing support of our Incumbent, the Rev’d, Prebendary Mary Thomas and the members of her Parochial Church Council.

Dr. Tim Mear Tower captain

Financial Review

Net total Assets: £559,213_2025 [£573,116_2024] Income:- £165,145_2025 [£147,306_2024] Expenditure:- £219,463_2025 [£164,256_2024] Deficit: (£54,319)_2025 [(£17,221) 2024] – Unrestricted Excess: £2,153 Restricted Deficit (£56,473) [(£17,220) 2024]

Whilst the accounts are showing a deficit of (£54,319) this is mainly due to the work on the Kitchen, a restricted fund. The day to day unrestricted fund and designated funds are showing combined an excess.

Overall Income has increased from £147,306_2024 to £165,145_2025. The most notable differences being increases in 0101 Gift aid collections, 0301 Loose plate collections, 0302 Wedding & Funeral collections and 0550 Donations. We have seen reductions in 0201 Non-gift aid collections, 0303 contactless but this is because all of the income from the Beer Festival was shown against this code. In 2025 this was shown as 0901 Other income. There have been increases in fees for Weddings and Funerals but reductions in 1260 Parish magazine sales.

Expenditure has also increased from £164,526_2024 to £219,463_2025. The most notable differences are the increase in 2801 Hall + major repairs and 2590_Hall running - Heating and Lighting with reductions in 2330 Church maintenance and 360 Administration.

A Food Bank Agency was set up in December 2015 to be able to donate to other food banks. This continued until December 2024 showing any donations and expenditure via the Agency account. It was decided in 2025 because it was now running as a Food bank within its own right that the Agency funds that had built up of £11,356.93 would be transferred as a one off donation on 01.01.25 to the Food Bank Fund and from 2025 all of the income and expenditure would be shown in the accounts via the Food Bank fund.

Kim Benton

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £33,706_2025 [£35,914_2024]. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the year-end was £34,198_2025 [£50,043_2024] and in addition there are free reserve investments of £122,666_2025 [£124,115 2024], which is significantly higher than this target. St Mary’s no longer show their reserves in a designated fund. In the uncertain economic climate, it is felt to have a healthy reserve is a good foundation for the future and will allow the charity to explore different outreach if identified and also be secure of having sufficient reserves if called upon in any unforeseen circumstances.

Page 17

Investment Policy

The charity is granted power to invest in suitable investments under the PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Trustees Act 2000. As a charity, the Trustees have a duty of care to take such advice as is appropriate before investments are undertaken. This advice is sought from the Central Board of Finance (CCLA) in London.

The charity’s investment policies are based on two key principles: -

Investment policy for long-term funds is aimed primarily at generating a sustainable income, with due regard to the need for the preservation of capital value, and the possible need to realise investments to meet operational needs. The charity does not have a policy of generating income at excessive or high risk – known as “purchasing income”, where high returns are guaranteed at the expense of capital.

In summary, the charity has an overall policy to maximise income while preserving the real value of its funds. Due to the nature of the charity, an ethical investment policy is taken into consideration when investments are made:

The charity follows the Ethical Investment Advisory policy as recommended by the Lichfield Diocese which includes the following:

Planned giving, collections and donations are the main sources of fund raising along with tax recoverable.

Safeguarding

The PCC believe they have fulfilled their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Reporting Serious Incidents

A Serious Incident is an adverse event, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to the charity’s beneficiaries, employees, office holders, volunteers or to others who come into contact with the charity through its work, loss of the charity’s money or assets, damage to the charity’s property or harm to the charity’s work or reputation.

The trustees are not aware of any Serious Incidents in the last year

Fundraising

The PCC takes it fundraising responsibilities seriously and is very grateful to all donors – whether regular or occasional – for their support of the church and church events. PCC supporters are never taken for granted. The PCC take full responsibility for fundraising and do not use commercial organisations or professional fundraisers. All money raised is either by donations, fundraising events, special appeals or legacies for which the PCC are most grateful.

The members of the PCC would like to thank all of the 34 volunteers who work so hard to make our Church a lively and vibrant community.

Risk Management

The Church Wardens carry out regular Health and Safety Reviews and regularly inspect premises for potential hazards. We have safeguarding policies in place for child protection and for work with vulnerable adults, including rigorous DBS checking of staff and volunteers. Our insurances are reviewed annually to ensure adequate cover. An informal review of any new risks which may impact the work of the Church in the Parish is ongoing.

Page 18

Structure, Governance and Management

The PCC is a Body Corporate established by the Church of England and is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission. The PCC is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended that came into effect on 2[nd] January 1957, and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended).

The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. The PCC members receive training from courses run by the Diocese. Members of the congregation are always urged to join the Electoral Roll, and to stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The PCC met 6 times during the year.

Related Parties

Andrea Tyerman is employed as Parish Administrator and PA to Revd Mary Thomas and continues as a Trustee of the PCC. This has been discussed by the PCC without Andrea present and the PCC agreed unanimously that they wanted Andrea to continue in both roles. Andrea resigned from her employed role and her last working day was 31 December 2025.

No other Trustee or their family are employed or offered contracts to carry out work for the PCC.

Donations from Related Parties

Donations from 11 related parties during the year totalled £36,946 [£36,421 2024]. All these donations were received without conditions. One donor donated 89% of the total but has done this on a consistent basis over many years.

Remuneration paid to Trustees

One or more of the trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment with the charity. Andrea Tyerman is employed as the Incumbents personal assistant and is also The Church Warden. The PCC discussed the reason for employment and her continuing as a Trustee without Andrea being present. They decided that because of her years of experience working as the Administrator [prior to being registered with Charity Commission] and her years of attending St Mary’s Church, they wanted her to continue in both roles.

The remuneration is £8,736 per annum_2025 [£8,736 2024] – there are no pension payments and Andrea does not receive any other benefits.

Expenses paid to Trustees

Two trustees were reimbursed a total of £NIL_2025 [£871 2024] for travel and subsistence during the year.

Page 19

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Albrighton

Other names the charity is known by: N/A Registered Charity Number : 1164192

Charity’s principal address: Vicarage Fields Albrighton Wolverhampton WV7 3EQ

Correspondence address: St Mary’s Church Centre Vicarage Fields Albrighton Wolverhampton WV7 3EQ Website address: https://www.albrightonparishchurch.org.uk

PCC Members: Who Served from 1 January 2025 to the date this report was approved

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
period
Ex-Officio
The Rev’d Mary Thomas Chair
Andrea Tyerman Deanery Synod Rep Resigned May 2025 as
Churchwarden/Vice Chair
Chris Cherrington Churchwarden Elected 12.05.25
Tim Bradshaw Churchwarden Resigned as PCC member
12.05.25. Elected as
Churchwarden 26.01.26
Josephine Fisher Churchwarden Elected 12.05.25
Lydia Radigan Secretary
William Sharples Deanery Synod Rep
Stephen Cooper Director of Music Resigned May 2025
Howard Siswick Churchwarden Resigned December 2025
Elected Members
Pam Slater
Paul Jones
Denise Cherrington Gift Aid Secretary
Sue Aston
Mary Hancox
Timothy Mear
Joanne Bolton

Page 20

Bank TSB Bank PLC High Street Albrighton Wolverhampton WV7 3JE Investment CCLA Managers 1 Angel Ln London EC4R 3AB Independent Examiner Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance St Marys House, The Close, Lichfield. WS13 7LD

Approved by the PCC on 24.03.26 and signed on its behalf by:

Revd Mary Thomas

Lydia Radigan

Page 21

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees/members of The PCC of The Parish of Albrighton Registered charity number: 1164192

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent 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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independen t examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

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 the trustees concerning 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 order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance

St Mary’s House, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD

Page 22

The Parish of Albrighton Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31[st] December 2025

Accounting Policies

The Financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. 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 main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Cashflow Statement

The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500,000.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties that relate to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Accounting Estimates and Prior Year Errors

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period. No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period

Description of Funds

Unrestricted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its "free reserves" as disclosed in the trustees' annual report.

An explanation of purpose of each Designated fund are as follows:

Page 23

Restricted funds comprise of two elements :-

An explanation of purpose of each Restricted fund are as follows:

Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts.

An explanation of purpose of each Endowment fund are as follows:

The Parish of Albrighton does not hold any Endowments.

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received or when the PCC becomes entitled to the resource and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources Expended

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 is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Governance and Support Costs

Support costs should be allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by allocating staff costs by time spent and other costs by their usage.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts by s.10(2)(a)&(C) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable 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). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. The Church Centre is revalued at 31 December annually using Nationwide house price calculator and shown on page 36.

Page 24

Investments

Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are valued initially at cost and subsequently at market value at the year end. Investments held for re-sale are treated as current asset investments.

Debtors

Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount. Subsequently they are measured as cash expected to be received

Creditors and Accruals

Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. Accruals are measured on best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

Page 25

Parish of Albrighton year ended 2025

Statement of Receipts and Payments 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
2025
2024
Receipts
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Payments
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
118,498
712
12,954
-
132,165
114,477
10,288
-
-
-
10,288
9,024
-
13,625
-
-
13,625
14,907
1,220
7,845
-
-
9,066
8,897
-
-
-
-
-
-
130,006
22,184
12,954
-
165,145
147,306
399
-
-
-
399
461
128,507
15,209
69,427
-
213,143
156,031
5,920
-
-
-
5,920
8,034
134,827
15,209
69,427
-
219,463
164,526
(4,821)
6,974
(56,473)
-
(54,319) (17,221)
66,056
10,327
66,752
-
143,136
38,908
(77,081)
(65,997)
(61)
-
(143,137) (38,909)
(1,449)
-
-
-
(1,449)
6,028
41,865
-
-
-
41,865
-
24,571
(48,694)
10,219
-
(13,903) (11,193)
516,878
49,649
6,587
-
573,115
584,307
541,449
956
16,807
-
559,213
573,115

Page 26

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2025

Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment 2025
2024
Fixed Asset - Investments
CB3028026: CCLA Albrighton St Mary Magdalene PCC
Total
Fixed Asset - Tangible Assets
HALL: Church Hall
Total
Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In Hand
00108922: St Mary Magdalene - Main
07046817: St Mary Magdalene Savings - Planned Givi
CB3028025: CCLA (CBF) Reserve
IDALBR011: IDS Decoration Scheme
ZZ6590: Cash in hand
ZZ6592: Emergency Fund Vicars discretion
Total
Liability - Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections
Total
Net total assets
122,666 -
-
-
122,666 124,115
122,666 -
-
-
122,666 124,115
384,585 -
-
-
384,585 342,720
384,585 -
-
-
384,585 342,720
1,203
956
15,466
-
17,626
15,163
22,321
-
520
-
22,841
90,310
10,658
-
-
-
10,658
10,197
-
-
1,769
-
1,769
1,769
14
-
-
-
14
54
-
-
-
-
-
4
34,198
956
17,756
-
52,910
117,500
-
-
949
-
949
11,219
-
-
949
-
949
11,219
541,449 956
16,807
-
559,213 573,115

Approved by the PCC on 24.03.26 and signed on its behalf by:

Revd Mary Thomas

Lydia Radigan

Page 27

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2024

Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment 2024
2023
Fixed Asset - Investments
CB3028026: CCLA Albrighton St Mary Magdalene PCC
Total
Fixed Asset - Tangible Assets
HALL: Church Hall
Total
Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In Hand
00108922: St Mary Magdalene - Main
07046817: St Mary Magdalene Savings - Planned Givi
6590: Cash in hand
6592: Emergency Fund Vicars discretion
CB3028025: CCLA (CBF) Reserve
IDALBR011: IDS Decoration Scheme
Total
Liability - Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections
Total
Net total assets
124,115 -
-
-
124,115 118,087
124,115 -
-
-
124,115 118,087
342,720 -
-
-
342,720 342,720
342,720 -
-
-
342,720 342,720
(10,529) 9,655
16,038
-
15,164
36,564
50,310
40,000
-
-
90,310
83,413
64
(9)
-
-
54
131
-
5
-
-
5
5
10,197
-
-
-
10,197
9,683
-
-
1,770
-
1,770
1,770
50,043
49,650
17,808
-
117,500 131,566
-
-
11,220
-
11,220
8,066
-
-
11,220
-
11,220
8,066
516,878 49,649
6,587
-
573,115 584,307

Page 28

Analysis of receipts and payments 2025

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2025 2024

RECEIPTS
Donations and legacies
0101 - Gift Aid Collections
0201 - Non Gift Aid Collections
0301 - Loose plate collections
0302 - Wedding&Funeral collections
0303 - Contactless
0410 - Giving through church boxes
0550 - Donations appeals over £20
0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid
0701 - Legacies
0801 - Recurring grants
08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants
0901 - Other funds generated
Donations and legacies Totals
Income from charitable activities
0902 - Heating - Weddings&Funerals
1101 - Fees for weddings and funerals
1210 - Magazine/Bookstall sales
Income from charitable activities Totals
Other trading activities
1250 - Magazine income - advertising
1260 - Parish magazine sales
Other trading activities Totals
Investments
1001 - Dividends
1020 - Bank/Building society/CBF interest
1230 - Donations to Church Hall Upkeep
Investments Totals
Receipts Grand totals
PAYMENTS
Raising funds
1720 - Costs of stewardship campaign
1740 - Bank Charges
Raising funds Totals
Expenditure on charitable activities
1730 - Costs of fetes/concerts & other events
1910 - LDBF Common Fund
2050 - Parish Administrator Salary
2201 - Parish training and mission
2301 - Church running - insurance
2310 - Church office - telephone/internet
2320 - Organ / piano tuning
2330 - Church maintenance
2331 - Cleaning
2340 - Upkeep of services
2350 - Upkeep of churchyard
2360 - Administration
2370 - Visiting speakers / locums
2440 - Heating & Lighting
2550 - Hall running - insurance
46,849
-
-
-
46,849
43,763
828
-
-
-
828
4,606
3,485
-
-
-
3,485
3,031
1,022
-
-
-
1,022
-
1,708
-
-
-
1,708
7,374
363
-
-
-
363
169
14,098
282
12,954
-
27,334
12,794
11,928
-
-
-
11,928
17,832
5,520
-
-
-
5,520
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
2,500
-
-
-
2,500
3,082
30,194
430
-
-
30,625
19,824
118,498
712
12,954
-
132,165 114,477
845
-
-
-
845
480
9,443
-
-
-
9,443
7,924
-
-
-
-
-
620
10,288
-
-
-
10,288
9,024
-
4,280
-
-
4,280
4,743
-
9,345
-
-
9,345
10,163
-
13,625
-
-
13,625
14,907
-
-
-
-
-
129
1,220
-
-
-
1,220
1,715
-
7,845
-
-
7,845
7,051
1,220
7,845
-
-
9,066
8,897
130,006
22,184
12,954
-
165,145 147,306
-
-
-
-
-
81
399
-
-
-
399
379
399
-
-
-
399
461
12,494
-
-
-
12,494
7,230
47,310
-
-
-
47,310
46,384
18,734
-
-
-
18,734
18,352
5,340
1,130
2,209
-
8,681
7,801
3,627
-
-
-
3,627
3,529
1,411
-
-
-
1,411
1,091
384
-
-
-
384
315
10,540
-
374
-
10,915
15,089
3,710
-
-
-
3,710
4,420
1,824
-
-
-
1,824
3,088
-
-
5,778
-
5,778
4,994
15,862
2,272
-
-
18,135
23,273
747
-
-
-
747
71
6,997
-
-
-
6,997
17,705
-
1,047
-
-
1,047
1,018

Page 29

2560 - Hall running - maintenance
2580 - Hall running - water
2590 - Hall running - heating and lighting
2701 - Church major repairs
2801 - Hall + major repairs
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals
Other expenditure
2051 - Other Salaries
2060 - Music Staff Salaries
2101 - Working expenses of incumbent
2131 - All Other Expense Claims
2840 - Vicarage Decorations
Other expenditure Totals
Payments Grand totals
-
40
89
-
129
491
-
843
-
-
843
252
-
9,875
-
-
9,875
921
(480)
-
-
-
(480)
-
-
-
60,974
-
60,974
-
128,507
15,209
69,427
-
213,143 156,031
4,366
-
-
-
4,366
2,869
1,220
-
-
-
1,220
4,140
-
-
-
-
-
21
334
-
-
-
334
475
-
-
-
-
-
528
5,920
-
-
-
5,920
8,034
134,827
15,209
69,427
-
219,463 164,526

Fund movement by type - 2025

Fund Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains/Losses
Journals
Closing
Children
Designated
Sub-totals
Decoration
Restricted
Sub-totals
Emergency
Designated
Sub-totals
Food Bank
Restricted
Sub-totals
Hall
Designated
Sub-totals
Halo Heating
Restricted
Sub-totals
Magazine
Designated
Sub-totals
Yard
Restricted
Sub-totals
ZZKitchen
Restricted
526
712
940
-
-
-
299
526
712
940
-
-
-
299
1,769
-
-
-
-
-
1,769
1,769
-
-
-
-
-
1,769
4
-
4
-
-
-
-
4
-
4
-
-
-
-
4,818
12,624
2,584
-
-
-
14,857
4,818
12,624
2,584
-
-
-
14,857
4,827
7,845
12,016
-
-
-
657
4,827
7,845
12,016
-
-
-
657
-
180
-
-
-
-
180
-
180
-
-
-
-
180
-
13,625
2,248
(11,378)
-
-
-
-
13,625
2,248
(11,378)
-
-
-
-
-
5,778
5,778
-
-
-
-
-
5,778
5,778
-
-
-
-
150
61,064
60,914
-
-
-

Page 30

Sub-totals
ZZOrgancham
Designated
Sub-totals
ZZReserves
Designated
Sub-totals
ZZServices
Designated
Sub-totals
General
Unrestricted
Sub-totals
-
150
61,064
60,914
-
-
-
4,300
-
-
(4,301)
-
-
-
4,300
-
-
(4,301)
-
-
-
40,000
-
-
(40,000)
-
-
-
40,000
-
-
(40,000)
-
-
-
(10)
-
-
9
-
-
-
(10)
-
-
9
-
-
-
516,878
130,006
134,827
(11,025)
40,416
-
541,449
516,878
130,006
134,827
(11,025)
40,416
-
541,449
Totals 573,115
165,145
219,463
-
40,416
-
559,213
Fund movement by type
Fund
- 2024
Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Transfers
Gains/Losses
Journals
Closing
Children
Designated
Sub-totals
Decoration
Restricted
Sub-totals
Emergency
Designated
Sub-totals
Entertain
Designated
Sub-totals
FoodGrant
Restricted
Sub-totals
Hall
Designated
Sub-totals
Magazine
Designated
Sub-totals
Maintain
Designated
Sub-totals
183
799
456
-
-
-
526
183
799
456
-
-
-
526
1,770
-
-
-
-
-
1,770
1,770
-
-
-
-
-
1,770
5
-
-
-
-
-
5
5
-
-
-
-
-
5
(343)
-
7,231
7,574
-
-
-
(343)
-
7,231
7,574
-
-
-
4,818
-
-
-
-
-
4,818
4,818
-
-
-
-
-
4,818
792
7,052
3,016
-
-
-
4,828
792
7,052
3,016
-
-
-
4,828
8,510
14,907
1,822
(21,596)
-
-
-
8,510
14,907
1,822
(21,596)
-
-
-
(20)
-
217
237
-
-
-
(20)
-
217
237
-
-
-

Page 31

Organ
Designated
Sub-totals
Organcham
Designated
Sub-totals
Reserves
Designated
Sub-totals
Services
Designated
Sub-totals
Yard
Restricted
Sub-totals
General
Unrestricted
Sub-totals
(175)
-
315
490
-
-
-
(175)
-
315
490
-
-
-
4,300
-
-
-
-
-
4,300
4,300
-
-
-
-
-
4,300
40,000
-
-
-
-
-
40,000
40,000
-
-
-
-
-
40,000
(150)
-
2,818
2,959
-
-
(9)
(150)
-
2,818
2,959
-
-
(9)
(1,058)
-
4,994
6,053
-
-
-
(1,058)
-
4,994
6,053
-
-
-
525,676
124,548
143,659
4,284
6,028
-
516,878
525,676
124,548
143,659
4,284
6,028
-
516,878
Totals 584,307
147,306
164,526
-
6,028
-
573,115

Staff Costs

2025 2024
Wages & Salaries £ 24,316 £ 21,178
Social SecurityCosts £ 1,014
£ 39
Average number of
Employees
3 3

During the year the PCC employed an Administrator, a Personal Assistant, and a cleaner [all part-time]. Not all payments were large enough to attract social security costs.

Whilst the verger is paid via the payroll, £1,945 2025 [£1,460 2024] all payments were for Weddings, funerals and baptisms collected as fees. The Verger is not formally employed.

There were no employee benefits to key management personnel in the previous or current year and no payments into the NEST pension which payroll uses.

Albrighton St Mary’s receives £1,528 per annum [£1,528 2024] from Boningale Parish towards administration costs.

Albrighton St Mary’s receives £3,048 per annum [£6,096 2024] from Donington towards administration costs.

Page 32

Trustees’ Remuneration & Expenses

Andrea Tyerman, a trustee of the PCC, was paid £8,736_2025 [£8,736 2024] by the PCC during the year for her role as Personal Assistant. Andrea has been employed as a personal assistant for a number of years. She was the best candidate when she applied and because of her experience it was felt that it would be beneficial for her to continue as a Trustee. She is not present when there are any discussions regarding her employment. No pension contributions were made by the PCC in connection with this employment.

Two Trustees have been reimbursed £NIL_2025 [£871 2024] for travel and subsistence during the year.

Related Parties

No other expenses were paid to any other PCC member, persons closely connected to them or related parties.

Donations from 11 related parties [PCC members] totalled £36,946_2025 [£36,421 2024]

Fees for the examination of the accounts

2025
£
2024
£
Independent Examiner’s
fees
210 150
Other fees (eg accountancy
services) paid to the
Independent Examiner
1,981 1,350
Total 2,191 1,500

Page 33

Analysis of Transfer between Funds - 2025

Debit Credit Description Fund Fund Type
- 60.22 Tfr from Kitchen to General to bringto nil and close ZZKitchen Res
60.22 - Tfr from Kitchen to General to bringto nil and close General Unr
- 60,974.40 Tfr from General to Kitchen to bringto nil and close General Unr
60,974.40 - Tfr from General to Kitchen to bringto nil and close ZZKitchen Res
- 5,778.00 Tfr from General to Churchyard to bringto nil General Unr
5,778.00 - Tfr from General to Churchyard to bringto nil Yard Res
- 11,377.25 Tfr from Magazine to General Magazine Des
11,377.25 - Tfr from Magazine to General General Unr
- 4,300.26 Tfr from Organ Chamber to General. Project finished
in 2017
ZZOrgancham Des
4,300.26 - Tfr from Organ Chamber to General. Project finished
in 2017
General Unr
- 10,318.50 Tfr Reserve to General in 07046817_Contra in
CB3028025
ZZReserves Des
10,318.50 - Tfr Reserve to General in 07046817_Contra in
CB3028025
General Unr
- 29,681.50 Tfr from Reserves to General 07046817 ZZReserves Des
29,681.50 - Tfr from Reserves to General 07046817 General Unr
- 10,318.50 Tfr Reserve to General in 07046817_Contra in
CB3028025
General Unr
10,318.50 - Tfr Reserve to General in 07046817_Contra in
CB3028025
ZZReserves Des
- 10,318.50 Tfr from Reserves to General_CB3028025 ZZReserves Des
10,318.50 - Tfr from Reserves to General_CB3028025 General Unr
- 9.48 Tfr from General to Services to bringto nil and close General Unr
9.48 - Tfr from General to Services to bringto nil and close ZZServices Des

Page 34

Analysis of Transfer between Funds - 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Debit Credit Description Fund Fund Type
Tfr from General to Church Maintenance -
- 237 End of year tidy up General Unr
Tfr from General to Vestry etc - End of year
2,958.81 - tidy up Services Des
Tfr from General to Entertaining - End of
7,573.82 - year tidy up Entertain Des
Tfr from General to Entertaining - End of
- 7,573.82 year tidy up General Unr
Tfr from Magazine to General - End of year
21,596.25 - tidy up General Unr
Tfr from General to Organ Tuning - End of
490 - year tidy up Organ Des
Tfr from General to Churchyard etc - End of
- 6,052.80 year tidy up General Unr
Tfr from General to Churchyard etc - End of
6,052.80 - year tidy up Yard Res
Tfr from General to Church Maintenance -
237 - End of year tidy up Maintain Des
Tfr from General to Organ Tuning - End of
- 490 year tidy up General Unr
Tfr from General to Vestry etc - End of year
- 2,958.81 tidy up General Unr
Tfr from Magazine to General - End of year
- 21,596.25 tidy up Magazine Des
----- End of picture text -----

Page 35

Fixed Assets

a) Tangible fixed assets

Freehold
Buildings
£
Total
Assets
Cost or Valuation
As at 1 Jan 342,720 342,720
Additions in the Year 0 0
Disposal in the Year 0 0
Revaluation 41,865 41,865
Value at 31 Dec 384,585 384,585
Accumulated Depreciation
As at 1 Jan 0 0
Charge for the Year 0 0
Disposals 0 0
Value at 31 Dec 0 0
Net Book Value at 1 Jan 2025 342,720 342,720
Net Book Value at 31 Dec
2025
384,585 384,585

The Freehold land and buildings are The Parish Church Centre. The Church Centre is revalued at 31 December annually using Nationwide house price calculator referred to on page 24

b) Fixed Asset Investments

At 1 Jan
£
Additions
£
Disposals
£
Transfers
£
Change
in
Market
Value
£
At 31
Dec
£
Unrestricted
funds
Investments 124,115 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1,448 122,666
Total 124,115 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1,448 122,666

CCLA – CB3028026 – Albrighton St Mary General - £122,666_2025 [£124,115_2024]

Page 36

Debtors

2025
£
2024
£
Other debtors
Total

Liabilities

2025
£
2024
£
Agency 949 11,220
Total 949 11,220

Page 37

Summary of Assets by Fund 2025

General (Unrestricted)
Designated - Children
Designated - Emergency
Designated - Hall
Designated - ZZOrgancham
Designated - ZZReserves
Designated - ZZServices
Restricted - Decoration
Restricted - Food Bank
Restricted - Halo Heating
Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
2025
2024
541,449
-
-
-
541,449
516,878
-
299
-
-
299
526
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
657
-
-
657
4,827
-
-
-
-
-
4,300
-
-
-
-
-
40,000
-
-
-
-
-
(10)
-
-
1,769
-
1,769
1,769
-
-
14,857
-
14,857
4,818
-
-
180
-
180
-
541,449
956
16,807
-
559,213
573,115

Summary of Assets by Fund 2024

Unrestricted
General fund 516,878 516,878 525,676
Designated
Beer Festival Collections For General Fund - Inact --
Bells Maintenance --
Charitable Fund --
Childrens Activities 526 526 183
Choir - Inactive --
Church Clock Maintenance --
Church Maintenance -- -- (20)
Emergency Fund - Vicars discretion 5 5 5
Entertaining (Receptions) -- -- (343)
Flowers --
Hall Fund 4,828 4,828 792
Magazine Fund -- -- 8,510
Ministry Training --
Organ & Piano Tuning -- -- (175)
Organ Chamber Fund 4,300 4,300 4,300
Quinquennial Inspection - Inactive --
Reserves - 3 Months Expenditure 40,000 40,000 40,000
Stationery --
Sunday School - Inactive --
Tiny Club Fund - Inactive --
Vestry Wine/Wafers/Candles/Baptism (9) (9) (150)
Restricted
Church Yard -- -- (1,058)
Decoration Scheme 1,770 1,770 1,770
Food Bank Grant 4,818 4,818 4,818
Total 566,528 6,587 573,115 584,307

Page 38

Statement of Receipts & Payments Comparatives

Previous Year 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
2024
2023
Receipts
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Payments
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
113,679
799
-
-
114,478 116,675
9,024
-
-
-
9,024
9,809
-
14,907
-
-
14,907
16,446
1,845
7,052
-
-
8,897
7,093
-
-
-
-
-
-
124,548
22,758
-
-
147,307 150,023
461
-
-
-
461
444
135,163
15,874
4,994
-
156,032 139,011
8,034
-
-
-
8,034
8,601
143,659
15,874
4,994
-
164,527 148,056
(19,110)
6,884
(4,994)
-
(17,220) 1,967
21,596
11,260
6,053
-
38,909
118,950
(17,312)
(21,596)
-
-
(38,909) (118,950)
6,028
-
-
-
6,028
13,182
-
-
-
-
-
(10,042)
(8,798)
(3,452)
1,058
-
(11,192) 5,107
525,676
53,102
5,530
-
584,308 579,201
516,878
49,649
6,587
-
573,115 584,307

Page 39