Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for 2025-26
St Mary Magdalene, Belmont is part of a United Benefice with St Laurence, Pittington. After a three-year vacancy the Rev John Estall was appointed as priest-incharge in November 2025. Due to the nature of the benefice, we continue to be supported by Rev Kevin Dunne, Rev Canon Leslie Morley and Rev Canon Rosalind Brown. Patrick Holroyd and Linda Dott are our Licensed Readers.
The PCC is legally responsible for co-operating with the Minister in promoting in the parish the whole ministry of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the church buildings and for the moveable items in the church. It has overall charge of all expenditure.
Membership of the PCC is either ex-officio, co-opted or by election at the Annual Meeting. The parish has under 100 names on the electoral roll so is entitled to nine lay representatives to the council. Representatives to Deanery Synod also sit on the PCC: the parish holds three such posts, elected at three-year intervals. Readers licensed to the parish sit on the PCC if the annual meeting decides this. The PCC may also co-opt certain representatives - up to two for a parish of this size electoral roll.
Membership of the PCC
Elected 2025: Anne Corbett Churchwarden (one year ex officio) Kevin Reynolds Churchwarden (one year ex officio) Elected 2023: Charlotte Reynolds Deanery Synod (Ends 2026) Geoff Moore Deanery Synod (Ends 2026) Julie Winkless Deanery Synod (Resigned 2025) Elected 2024: Jean Foulds (Ends 2027) Paul Beken (Ends 2027) Peter Corbett (Ends 2027) Judith Holroyd (Ends 2027) Di Jackson (Ends 2027) Elected 2025: Jane Moore (Ends 2028) Alan Port (Ends 2028) Megan Port (Ends 2028) Jane Robson (Ends 2028) Elected 2025: Patrick Holroyd LLM (one year ex officio) Elected 2025: Gerald Ions Director of Music (one year ex officio)
Angela Stockdale
Authorised Lay Chaplain (one
year ex
officio)
Employees
Church Administrator Currently being carried out by Charlotte Reynolds (voluntary) Church Cleaner Deborah Turnbull Director of Music Gerald Ions The PCC also oversees payment of fees to vergers for weddings and funerals. Church Statistics
There were 78 people on the 2025 Electoral Roll. During the year we held 10 baptisms, 0 weddings, and 12 funerals . Live-streamed services continue to be watched by a small number of people.
An average of 10 adults attended early Sunday service, and an average of 45 adults the later service. Both services saw occasional under-16s. Easter day saw 72 people at the 10.30 service.
An average of 17 adults attended Wednesday Communion . Home Communion was taken to a few individuals as well as to between 7 and 25 people at the local care home . An average of 16-20 children attended Messy Church.
The total number of people attending special services held specifically for civic organisations or schools was 456. The total number of people attending special services held specifically for the congregation and local community was 441.
The total number of people attending our main Holy Communion Christmas Day and Christmas Eve service was 81.
PCC Business during the Year - Peter Corbett, Secretary to the PCC
March 2025
QI to take place on 25 March by Sarah Harrison, assisted by David Beaumont. The Lent Course is going well with an attendance of 15. Permission has been granted for tree planting.
The reduction in Parish share was considered a good idea, with the books balanced. Rosalind Brown will cover Easter services. Chocolate eggs will be handed out on Easter Sunday.
Alan Port became net zero carbon lead with the assistance of Jane Robson. Flowers are to be placed in the narthex.
August 2025
Members clarified the terms “pastoral care” and “safeguarding”. The two terms are not interchangeable; they refer to different aspects of ‘care’. Annual insurance had cost £3k.
Reverend John Estall has been appointed as Vicar of Saint Mary Magdalene and St. Laurence.
The meeting had agreed that the bier, a heavy piece of furniture bearing the trademark symbol of Robert “Mousey” Thompson, should be stored adjacent to the front pew on the left, to save carrying it a long way.
Handrails were suggested for steps to both Lower and Upper Vestries. Harvest Service scheduled for October 12[th] (Rev. Rosalind Brown). Messy Church were producing an altar cloth featuring Jonah and the Whale.
September 2025
Safeguarding practice - lanyards were now available for helpers in the Narthex. There had been a recent National DBS data breach, and extra support was being offered by the diocese. All relevant people have been informed
The PCC made a unanimous decision that the Parish Pledge should be reduced to £25k, with this sum sustained for two years. The reduction was due to falling numbers on the Parish roll and an ageing congregation.
The church building was considered to be sound, but there are concerns about the roof.
An electrical inspection was due.
New handrails were being installed in the vestries. Pastoral care – 75 visits had been made.
November 2025
An electrical inspection had been carried out, at a cost of £1k, with a pass certificate valid for the next 5 years.
John Estall had expressed thanks for his Licensing Service. The Bishop and Archdeacon had been in attendance with a congregation of 133. A surplus of £5k+ was anticipated for the end of the year.
The salaries for the cleaner and for the organist were unanimously agreed to be raised by 4% in line with inflation.
Cafe Church, the Table and Messy Church were thriving.
January 2026
A basic and Foundation course for safeguarding had been arranged for January 26[th] . Angela Stockdale was to update her Leadership Safeguarding Training. Finance -fund raising events would be needed, but it was anticipated that no drastic action would be required.
Annual heating system service had been arranged. It was considered that there should be a roofing survey.
Christmas services had been successful, and it was proposed that there should be a Christingle service next year and that the Salvation Army should be invited to a service.
March 2026
Confirmations had been arranged for June 6[th] 2026, at St. Nicholas’ Church. Linda Dott was confirmed as a Reader in church.
VAT Charges for gas bill had been challenged. Progress on the church roof and the possibility of solar panels was discussed (ongoing). Complaints had been made about the low temperatures in church following the introduction of Hive thermostat – further experimentation needed. Monday morning prayers were to be continued throughout the year. There had been positive feedback about the foodbank.
Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Unrestricted | Restricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| RECEIPTS | |||||
| Voluntary receipts: | |||||
| Planned Giving | 29,146 | - | 29,146 | 30,961 | |
| Collections at Services | 5,722 | - | 5,722 | 3,980 | |
| Donations | 787 | - | 787 | 1,570 | |
| Gift Aid and GASDS Recovered | 9,896 | - | 9,896 | 10,538 | |
| Legacies | - | - | - | 76,261 | |
| Grants | 5,117 | - | 5,117 | 3,455 | |
| 50,667 | - | 50,667 | 126,765 | ||
| Church Activities | |||||
| Other Receipts | PCC Fees Trading |
1,987 2,569 - |
- - - |
1,987 2,569 - |
1,792 3,112 |
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 55,223 | - | 55,223 | 131,669 | |
| PAYMENTS | |||||
| Church Activities: | Parish Share Clergy & Staffing Costs Mission and Evangelism Mission Giving and Donations |
20,004 4,966 69 4,000 |
- - - - |
20,004 4,966 69 4,000 |
33,000 7,502 - 4,246 |
| 29,039 | - | 29,039 | 44,748 | ||
| Church Running Expenses: Insurance 2,953 Routine Church Maintenance & Rep 3,960 Cost of Service and Administration 4,628 Utilities 8,139 |
- - - - |
2,953 3,960 4,628 8,139 |
2,895 3,127 3,131 8,549 |
||
| 19,680 | - | 19,680 | 17,702 | ||
| Cost of Generating Funds Cost of Trading Other Payments (governance costs |
- 3,418 725 |
- - - |
- 3,418 725 |
3,203 198 |
|
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | 52,862 | - | 52,862 | 65,851 | |
| EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER PAYMENTS | 2,361 | - | 2,361 | 65,818 | |
| Transfers between funds | - | - | - | 68,464 - |
|
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS: | 2,361 | - | 2,361 | (2,646) **- ** |
|
| Cash & Bank Balance as at 1st January | 3,654 | 3,654 | 6,300 | ||
| Cash & Bank Balance at 31st December | 6,015 | - | 6,015 | 3,654 |
Page 2
Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene Belmont Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 Statement of Assets & Liabilities
| Note Cash funds Bank current account Barclays tracker Other Monetary Assets Gift Aid Recoverable Liabilities Charitable giving |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Designated Funds £ TOTAL 2025 £ TOTAL 2024 £ 6,015 - 6,015 3,654 - 94,175 94,175 110,120 6,015 - 94,175 100,190 113,774 - - - - 3,700 - - 3,700 - |
|---|---|
NOTES
-
1 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
-
6 The PCC has administrated the following agency payments and charitable donations £839 in DBF fees, £4000 to charities - various.
The PCC are saving for a building project to be Carbon Neutral by 2030 (approved by General Synod in 2022) involving funding a new heating system and roof. This will cost approx. £250,000. The designated building fund of £94,175.95 is the savings so far towards this. All excess goes into this account therefore the general fund is run to balance income and expenditure with a small surplus. The PCC agreed to increase the parish pledge by £5000 to £25,000 for 2026. The General fund also holds funds for Café Church (£1381.77) and the choir (£300) which are independent to PCC funds.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF BELMONT ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH, DURHAM
I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are as set out on the attached pages.
Respective Responsibilities of PCC Members and Examiner
The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act and CBF guidance; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and given guidance from the CBF. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as members 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 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 matter has come to my attention:
-
1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act;
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
7 Elvet Waterside Durham DH1 3DA 21 February 2026
Page 1
| Charity Donations 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| CHARITY | ||
| Durham Christian Partnership (foodbank) | 325 | |
| Heel and Toe | 165 | |
| NightstopUK | 165 | |
| CMS(Church Mission Society) | 165 | |
| USPG(Now Us) | 165 | |
| Grace house | 165 | |
| Motor Neuron disease | 165 | |
| Middle East Christian Outreach(Embrace) | 165 | |
| Butterwick Children's Hospital | 165 | |
| MercyShips | 135 | |
| Bible Society | 165 | |
| Christian aid middle east Humanitarian appeal | 235 | |
| LeprosyMission | 165 | |
| Salvation Army | 165 | |
| British Legion Poppy | 85 | |
| People's Kitchen | 85 | |
| (NE)Air ambulance | 165 | |
| Alzheimers society | 165 | |
| Marie Curie | 165 | |
| MS(Multiple Sclerosis) | 165 | |
| RNMission to deepsea fisherman | 165 | |
| British Heart Foundation | 165 | |
| ReFuse(chester-le-street) | 165 | |
| Huntingdon’s disease | 145 | |
| Cuthberts Hospice(plus Xmas cards) | 20 | |
| 4000 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF BELMONT ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH, DURHAM
I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are as set out on the attached pages.
Respective Responsibilities of PCC Members and Examiner
The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act and CBF guidance; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and given guidance from the CBF. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as members 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 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 matter has come to my attention:
-
1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act;
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
7 Elvet Waterside Durham DH1 3DA 21 February 2026
Page 1