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2025-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastcal Parish of North West Swindon and Lydiard Millicent

Trustees Annual Report

for the year ended 31 December 2025

The Vicarage The Butts Lydiard Millicent Swindon SN5 3LR allsaints-online.org.uk Tel 01793 772417 Reg. Charity no. 1182788

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 19[th] April 2026

1 Introducton from the Chairman of the PCC

When Tudor retired, I was voted on as Chairman of the Standing committee and PCC in his place. Shortly after he left, we commenced services in the church following the reordering and roof work and services in the Village Hall. I thank the Village Hall committee for allowing us to take services there FOC whilst work took place.

I had a lot of support as Project Manager while the work on the church was taking place and the PCC have supported me during my time as Chairman, especially Beverley Belcher as she took the prayers at PCC meeting as I am not comfortable with doing that.

Without naming anyone else I would like to thank all who have worked to make sure that the function of the church continued as normal during the interregnum. Many of whom have been named in the Church Wardens report. I believe that newcomers to the church during this period would not have found us lacking and I look forward to handing over responsibly to the new incumbent. (Tina Wheeler)

2 Organisaton and Trustees

2
Organisaton and		 Trustees
PCC Member Retrement Reason Note
Tina Wheeler
(Treasurer)		 March 2027 Elected Member
NickyIddon(Vice -chair) March 2026 Elected Member
Bev Kauppinnen March 2026 Elected Member/Deanery
Synod
Beverley Belcher
(Secretary)		 March 2027 Elected Member
Heather Benn March 2026 Elected Member
John Lindsay March 2025 Elected Member
LindsayShaw March 2028 Elected Member
Bryan Hutchinson March 2028 Elected Member
Karen Johnson March 2028 Elected Member
Rev Tudor Robert
(Chair)		 Ex Ofcio Incumbent Retred from the Parish
April 2025
Rev Tricia Roberts Ex Ofcio Minister Licensed to
Parish		 Lef the Parish April 2025
John Halstead Ex Ofcio Churchwarden
Andrew Roberts Ex Ofcio Churchwarden
Julian Wright Ex Ofcio(2025) DeanerySynod

2.1 The trustees of All Saints Church were the Parochial Church Council (PCC), which had the responsibility of cooperating with, and supporting, the Vicar in promoting the work of the Church within the parish.

4. Actvites and Achievements

4.1 Church Membership

The electoral roll had a full revision in April 2025 and ended the year with 60 members

(Beverley Belcher)

4.2 Worship

From January until the end of April 2025 we continued to offer an 8am Holy Communion Service along with a 10.30am service with Holy Communion on 2[nd] and 4[th] Sunday of each month. However, once Tudor retired the 8am service was stopped and the congregation invited to join the 8am service at Purton Church. We continued to offer a 10.30am service with Holy Communion on 2[nd] and 4[th] Service of the month although on the odd occasion this was not possible due to the lack of availability of minister to take a Communion Service. On these occasions Morning Prayer was offered. The monthly Communion service was also stopped.

4.3 Annual Sunday Atendance

Year
Service
Atendance		 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
8.00 Adult Ave 13 12 12 12 11 9 10 9 7 7 4 5 5 5
8.00 Adult
Norm		 13 12 12 12 11 9 10 9 7 7 4 5 5 5
9.30 Adult Ave - - - - 14 11 12 11 9 2
9.30 Adult
Norm		 - - - - 14 11 13 10 10 2
9.30 Child Ave - - - - 12 9 10 11 6 1
9.30 Child
Norm		 - - - - 12 9 11 12 6 1
10.30 Adult
Ave		 59 54 52 52 52 50 47 47 45 28 25 25 26 26 35
10.30 Adult
Norm		 57 49 47 45 43 48 49 50 41 30 23 25 26 25 36
10.30 Child
Ave		 21 19 17 15 12 10 9 5 4 1 1 2 5 4 4
10.30 Child
Norm		 20 17 16 14 13 11 7 6 2 1 1 2 5 3 3
6.30 Adult Ave 19 13 15 5 - - - 15 9 -
6.30 Adult
Norm		 8 6 5 5 - - - 15 0 -
6.30 Child Ave 0 -
6.30 Child
Norm		 0 -
Thurs Com
Adult		 4 7 8 7 6 3
Thurs Com
child		 4 7 8 2 6
YouTube* 3195 1281
Total number
of views
YouTube*
average
weeklyview		 80 53

The figures for 2009 to 2014 6:30 services include large figures at Partnership services.

The 6:30pm began to be reintroduced in 2019 but due to low numbers stopped again mid-2019.

*The YouTube numbers are the viewing figures as listed on YouTube on 11/3/2021. We do not know how many people may have viewed the service as a household or the age of the viewer.

The Monthly Communion Service was stopped completely in March 2020 and did not restart until mid-2021 due to Covid restrictions.

The 8am Holy Communion Service did not take place during 2021 due to Covid restrictions and restarted in February 2022.

Due to the start of the interregnum both the 8am Holy Communion and the Monthly Mid-week Holy Communion Services stopped after the 20[th] April 2025.

4.4 Christmas Services

Year
Service
Atendance		 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2022 2023 2024 2025
Christngle 87 85 60 81 92 121 150 75* 27 - Jan
28		 Dec
3		 n/a 86 N/A
Children 55 31 29 57 53 63 75 30* 18 - Jan
22		 Dec
3		 n/a 40 N/A
Carols 121 113 119 134 128 109 109 128 100 - 57 51 54 27 58
Children 23 21 25 34 69 19 37 12 7 - 6 5 2 1 2
Christmas Eve 146 65 85 81 92 121 150 146
*		 92 - 42 95 100 73 84
Children 48 15 35 57 53 63 75 40* 44 - 16 50 40 35 31
Midnight
Comm		 57 62 48 52 60 55 55 50 54 22 20 29 20 0
Children 0 0 2 0 2 1 3 3 5 0 1 0 0 0
Christmas Day 74 52 73 60 35 54 66 54 45 17 26 26 22 27 20
Children 26 17 18 7 12 15 9 5 9 2 1 3 2 2 2
Youtube Carol
Service		 59
Youtube
Christmas Day		 51

In 2021 we did not hold a Christingle Service in December but it was held on 3[rd] January 2022. In 2023 we did not hold a Christingle Service in church but facilitated this to be held at Lydiard Millicent School as part of a school assembly.

In 2022 we held a Christingle Service in January and again in December.

In 2021 there was no Midnight Communion Service. YouTube services were stopped mid-2021.

Due to the interregnum, we did not hold a Midnight Communion Service or Christingle Service in 2025.

4.5 Easter Services

4.5 Easter Services
Year
Service
Atendance		 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
*YouTube Maundy
Thursday		 42
*YouTube Good
Friday		 43
Good FridayService 18 7 49 35 No fgures
available
Children 6 2 27 71
Last hour at the cross 15 8 10 14
Children 0 0 0 0
Easter Day 42 41 47 56 84
Children 3 4 13 15 16
*YouTube Easter Day 61

*The YouTube numbers are the viewing figures as listed on YouTube on 11/3/2022. We do not know how many people may have viewed the service as a household or the age of the viewer.

In 2020 there were no Easter Services in Church due to Covid.

Due to Covid there was no Service on Maundy Thursday in 2021. Once again this was available on YouTube. In 2021 a Good Friday service was held outside church along with a YouTube pre-recorded service.

In 2024 and 2025 the Good Friday 10.30am service was planned and run by Bev Kauppinen (Schools and Children’s Worker) and the young people.

Occasional Ofces

During the year, there was 1 wedding, 3 baptisms, 2 Funerals and a Memorial Service.

4.6 PCC Secretary

During 2025 the PCC continued to meet regularly and once the vicarage was no longer available have made use of the space provided by the reordering and meet in church. During the year we held 8 meetings and a small group met separately to work on producing the Parish Profile ahead of advertising for a new incumbent. Each meeting continued to follow the pattern of opening with a Bible reading and a prayer, a more focused section for prayer at the end. Once again, I am pleased to report that attendance has been good.

This year we have, continued to work, ensuring that reordering was completed, the recruitment process for a new incumbent as well as working with St Mary’s, Purton to appoint Bev Kauppinnen as Faith Chaplin.

Once again, I am grateful to Tina Wheeler who kindly proofreads for me and to all those who prepare reports ahead of the meeting. As always, we work on behalf of the church members so please speak to any of us about any concerns or ideas. (Beverley Belcher)

4.7 Deanery Synod Report

There were four meetings in 2025 and the two notable items discussed were ‘Pioneering Parishes’ and ‘Public Consultation on the appointment of Our next Diocesan Bishop’.

Pioneering Parishes or Releasing Parishes to Reach Others February 2025.

This came at an appropriate time in the life of All Saints because we were about to face the loss of our vicar through the retirement of Tudor and grief will undoubtedly follow this. We discussed the:

Our Next Diocesan Bishop – held on 16[th] July 2025

This was an informal meeting at The Well Church where we were treated to a sumptuous BBQ and during which we were asked to answer, in writing, the following 5 questions:

  1. What do you believe are the key strengths of the Church in the D of Bristol and how will these benefit the wider community?

  2. What opportunities do you see for the Church in the D of Bristol and how might these be used to better serve the community?

  3. What are the main challenges facing the Church in the D of Bristol and how might the bishop address these?

  4. What specific gifts, skills and qualities should the new bishop possess?

  5. If you could choose anyone, fictional or non-fictional, or someone you look up to within the Church, to be the next Bishop who would you choose and why?

Prior to this we were told that Diocesan Bishops serve all people, communities and CofE churches in their diocese. Therefore, our input is crucial and together, we can ensure the role profile for our new Bishop reflects the hopes and needs of our diverse diocese.

We passed on to our PCC that they could, as a whole or individually, answer these questions and submit them to the Diocese of Bristol. To date we have heard nothing more about the role profile being used to select a new bishop for the Diocese of Bristol.

Bev and Julian are in the last year of their 3-year tenure, which ends in May 2026, and the next Annual Church Meeting is where our Deanery Synod Reps, old or new, will need electing.

(Julian Wright)

4.8 Worship and Music Team

2025 was a year of transition and change for All Saints. We began the year, as we ended the last meeting for Sunday worship in the Parish Hall while work continued on the church building. Chairs, tables, screen, projector and musical instruments all had to be set up each Sunday and then put away again after the service. We had no sound system and Anne coped stoically with the idiosyncrasies of the old church keyboard. In March Tudor had surgery on his knee and was unable to lead our services, but fortunately Tricia was able to step into the breach and take this on.

We were delighted to be able to return to All Saints in time for Easter, our first service in our newly re-ordered but not quite finished church building being on Palm Sunday. We were also pleased that the first phase of the organ refurbishment, involving an overhaul of the pedal board, was successfully completed during the months that we were away from the church. The second phase in May/early June involved more significant work that included cleaning of the pipes and other parts of the instrument, installation of better lighting, tuning of certain stops to create a better sound and restoration of some original features. We were delighted at the result once all the work had been completed with several people commenting that they are able to hear the difference this has made to the sound of the organ when it is played.

With Tudor’s retirement at the end of April and Tudor and Tricia moving away, we were then into a time of interregnum without a regular minister to lead our worship. We were grateful to everyone who agreed to lead services for us during the rest of the year, ministers from across the diocese and elsewhere, including Bishop Neil, some old friends, and members of the congregation who bravely took this on and blessed us with their gifts.

During this time of change we tried to maintain our regular mix of traditional hymns played on the organ and more modern songs played on piano and guitar. We also continued to use Worship Lyric Videos when musicians were unavailable. Bev and the young people from Bash led All-Age services on Good Friday and Christmas Eve and also sang when we hosted a joint service with St Mary’s Purton on Advent Sunday when Bev was commissioned as Faith Chaplain to our local schools. We were pleased to be able to hold several baptism services during our morning services which was as always, a privilege and a joy.

We ended the year looking forward to more changes in 2026 when we hope to welcome a new vicar to All Saints.

(Anne Dwight and Ginnie Heads)

4.9 Open the Book Assemblies in Primary Schools

Overview: Open the Book is a bible story telling programme in primary schools and part of Bible Society. Stories sit within a whole school act of collective worship which is scripted and inclusive of all faiths and none. Children watching actively participate and see their peers help the Open the Book team present the story.

In 2025 we were blessed with a team of 17 active people from different churches who took a total of 63 assemblies fortnightly into Shaw Ridge, Westlea, Tregoze and Peatmoor Community Primary Schools on Wednesdays. Having increased provision in Shaw Ridge to fortnightly last year in line with our other schools Sept 25 found us returning to monthly assemblies due to competing hall and curriculum timetabling. All schools remain on the same story programme but on some Wednesdays Shaw Ridge forgoes an assembly.

The Story Programme: Spring term began with a series of OT versus NT stories exploring the values Compassion, Humility and Service from the Christian Values Book. After Easter we launched into Pentecost and the Book of Acts finally landing in Revelation with the story “New Heaven, New Earth”!

In the Autumn we started the school year with a Christmas module of 6 stories from Zechariah through to the visit of the Magi and were invited into Brookfield school for a “taster” assembly “Shepherds and Angels” which was very well received. To support our Christmas module, we gave each school an Advent gift – the younger classes received Real Chocolate Advent calendars that tell the Christmas story along with copies of Bible Societies 2025 booklet “The Amazing Adventure!” which has a photocopiable colouring sheet to go with it. And we gave our school contacts a box of chocolates and a card for the staff room with an invitation to promote 2 events for families - An afternoon of Christmas activities and carols at Holy Trinity Church Shaw and the Nativity Festival held at St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze. Some classes also visited the Nativity Festival as part of a class trip.

Training : In May 11 team members spent an enjoyable morning at Bible Society on one of their new courses – refresher training (which keeps us up to date with our training for the next 3 years) and a drama workshop. The drama workshop was so inspiring and has given us many new ideas, particularly in mime to try out - helping us think outside the box! We also met our new regional trainer Claire Morgan who replaces Rachel Cully now head of Open the Book at Bible Society and arranged a repeat training with her in October for those who missed it.

Safeguarding: Our safeguarding officers Rebbecca Kershaw (Holy Trinity) and Beverley Belcher (All Saints) continue to keep the team up to date with safeguarding requirements and provide schools with letters of assurances under our working together agreement.

Meetngs with schools : In June Edward Glennie, Angela Mak and I met with schools to check in how the year had gone, agree the assembly dates and stories for next year, and raise awareness of the school visits that are available to St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze and Holy Trinity Shaw that support the RE, History and Eco Biology Curriculums. Risk assessments/protocols were reviewed and the new song introduced and welcomed.

Schools have been very affirming in these meetings and throughout the year. We have been invited to the school play at Tregoze and featured on their RE notice board! Peatmoor invited us to their annual thank you assembly and regularly mention us in their newsletter along with a photo of the team. All schools follow up the Christian message in assemblies and have embraced the new story programme planned from 2026 as we return once again to the beginning of the biblical timeline with Creation.

Change of school/church contact for Peatmoor: Following Tudors retirement in May as vicar of All Saints Church, Lydiard Millicent - Bev Kauppinen, their schools and family worker, is now copied in on school communications.

New Head teacher for Westlea school : In September Fay Dean became the new headteacher. I am still copying Alex Moore the Deputy head and Caroline Cannon remains our very encouraging school contact.

Experience Easter year 3 visits to Holy Trinity Shaw: at the school meetings these were agreed for each school as the same day and time as last year in the last week of the Spring term.

The Gathering and Prayer meetngs: We have continued with our quarterly prayer meetings and our annual gathering in July at Holy Trinity - a time for the wider team and OtB friends to meet, pray and share. It was great to catch up with their Open the Book news from Oliver Tomkins, Millbrook and Hazelwood Academy schools and to share our news with them. This was followed by a time of creative and open prayer together before learning the new Open the Book song with Makaton Signs which we introduced in the Autumn and schools now sing before and after each assembly.

T-shirts and Fleeces : As a thank you and to use in school every team member has received a Navy T-Shirt with an Open the Book logo on the front and Open the Book, Bible Society writing on the sleeve. Thank you to Holy Trinity Shaw for funding these. As the weather turned colder, we explored Open the Book logo fleeces and several members have these too!

Joys and Sorrows: This year we welcomed Richard Williams, Janet Clarke and Myra Jones to the team and said farewell to Judith Mumford. We have held in prayer Liz Rabbit who has been unable to return to assemblies in Shaw Ridge and also Peter Rogers who has spent much of the year in cardiac rehabilitation. We are so thankful he is still with us and was able to return to Tregoze assemblies in the summer. As we go forward into 2026 we continue to hold other team members who are struggling with their health in our prayers.

Memorial Baner: Very sadly our team member and sister in Christ Christine Maxwell passed away unexpectedly at Eastertide. Christine was a valued member of the Westlea assembly group, and we hold her family and husband John in our prayers. Team members attended her funeral at The Well church in May which was a beautiful and heartwarming service in remembrance of her life.

We received a donation from the family and decided to use it for a memorial banner to hang from our book stand. This has “Open the Book” on it with a picture of our storytelling bible below and has been used in our school assemblies since the winter. Grateful thanks to Stephanie Glennie for organising this for us.

Our vision: The vision of the team is to see an Open the Book assembly in every West Swindon school. This year I wondered if we might be “nearly there yet” only to realise how far we have to go! And that it is the journey with God that is important not the arrival at the destination which ultimately is in God’s hands and timing.

(Heather Benn, Open the Book Team Leader, Benefice of West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze)

4.10 Annual Faith Chaplain Report

A Year of Faith and Growth

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were in the final days of Tudor’s ministry, and now we are about to embark on an exciting new chapter—not only with a new minister but with a female minister!

Last year, I served as All Saints' part-time, school’s youth worker, collaborating with three schools. Now, as the Faith Chaplain for the Diocese, I am delighted to be working with St. Mary’s Church as well as All Saints, engaging with five schools in what feels like l, a nearly, full-time capacity! Exciting times indeed.

So much has happened over the past year that I could write a book! Instead, I will cover the highlights, challenges, and plans for our future as succinctly as possible.

Worship

Initially, I felt a tremendous responsibility in leading weekly worship at Lydiard Millicent and Ridgeway Farm schools without Tudor by my side, also accompanied by some apprehension. However, I can honestly say that this aspect of my role has become increasingly rewarding. At the end of every worship session, the BASH youngsters lead the rest of the school with the powerful refrain:

God is good All the time All the time God is good

For that is His nature!

WOW! At that moment, just about every hand is raised high to God; what an AMEN that is!

Additionally, Peatmoor School now allows me to lead their assemblies every other week, and I am excited to take my first worship at St. Mary’s School, Purton after this half-term. The head at Bradon is also open to involving some of the youngsters I meet with on Tuesdays and Thursdays to lead assemblies. Although it’s early days with the latter two schools, the future looks bright!

Teaching

My teaching load is increasing as RE teachers are few and far between. I must admit, I love being back in the classroom in a teaching capacity. This position allows me to discuss my faith openly—something that not permitted in a traditional RE teaching role.

The Experiences!

Experience Pentecost and Christmas were loved by students and staff alike. One head wrote:

“Thank you so much for the time, effort, and care you put into running Experience Christmas. It is truly appreciated. The experience gave the children a much deeper understanding of the Christmas story, and it was wonderful to see how engaged they were throughout. I know it will have made a lasting impression on them.”

In term one of the next academic year, we will be offering Experience Harvest. I appreciate that church members have been involved and get to ‘experience’ working with the youngsters.

All-Age Services

Both our All-Age Good Friday services and Christmas Eve services—led at St. Mary’s and All Saints—were blessed with a substantial number of youngsters participating, totalling in the high twenties. The churches were packed, and the youngsters’ singing, dancing, and spoken words were truly uplifting. On Christmas Eve, one person remarked, “I wasn’t feeling like Christmas at all when I arrived this evening, but now I do!” Witnessing the commitment of the youngsters to these services is always a highlight for me.

BASH: Bible And Sharing Hour & a Half

I am delighted that our BASH numbers this year are in the twenties. As I write this, tonight, we have a special BASH family and church event featuring the wonderful Francis from Uganda.

Additionally, I am collaborating with Rev. Ian and his wife, Celia, at their vicarage, on an older youth group called SOUL— Spirit of Unlimited Love.

The SOUL sessions are averaging five to seven teenagers and cover very interesting subject matter. Up to three of our older BASH members have attended, and I will work on encouraging others to join me as opportunities arise.

Our summer BBQ & rounders tournament.

What can I say accept bring on the next one!

What food, what numbers, what fun.

When people drive by because they can’t believe such a huge gathering, could be ours, you know God is working amongst us.

We went against our BASH youngster’s advice and offered a light party on the 31st October. Nicky, Karen and I put a lot of effort in to making it particularly special and on the day, we had three youngsters planning to attend. We prayed for ten to come and praise God by the end of the evening, we had ten youngsters. We will offer this event as an alternative to Halloween again this year.

I want to thank Ian for organising and writing, and the congregations of both churches, for giving me the most moving, and humbling experience this year and all the BASH parents that attended my commissioning service. I will never forget that day. I was so blessed.

God has taught me so much this last year, namely I can make plans and He laughs on. After all I was never going to apply for the role of Faith Chaplain, was I? God showed me He knew best and increasingly helps me to trust in Him and accept that He is my safe resting place and under me are His safe arms. I ask for your continued prayers for:

All the schools and youngsters. Particularly Lydiard Millicent, where school numbers are low, and after-school participation will become nonexistent when the current youngsters move to secondary schools at the end of this academic year.

Patience and Strength: As I navigate my emotional journey of grief after the loss of my husband and mother.

Youth Engagement: That in the coming months we will see more young people and their families joining us at church services.

As I reflect on this past year, I marvel at what God has done.

Each moment, whether in worship, teaching, or events, has brought me closer to God both in purpose and spirit and I, so, thank Him for that. I pray that together we can inspire our youngsters and their families and ensure that the light of our faith shines brightly so that our church will be filled with

Thank you, as always, for your support and prayers l, for which I am so very grateful. I am really excited for this next year full of faith and even more growth!🙏🙏 (Bev Kauppinen)

4.11 Bell Ringing

Officers of ASLM Bellringing Team: Ann Hutchinson - Tower Correspondent Jeanette Ferris - Ringing Master John Halsted - Steeple Keeper Judith Coulson-French - Health and Safety Officer Bryan Hutchinson - Tower Treasurer

Numbers remained steady throughout the year with around 8-9 regular ringers on Tuesday evening practices and 6 or 7 ringers for Sunday services. We have had enough ringers to ring the bells most Sundays of 2025.

Michael Moore helps with teaching on the first Tuesday of each month and this has been a huge bonus and help to everyone for learning and general progress. A couple of others also come regularly to boost numbers on both practice nights and for Sunday service ringing and this is very helpful and much appreciated. Another ringing teacher Colin Woodley plans to start coming monthly along with Michael to help teach learners and to enable more method ringing etc

A Quarter Peal for International Women’s Day was rung in March 2025.

On a beautiful sunny day in May 2025 several of the ringing team also took part in a ringing challenge to gain a place in the Guineas Book of Records. A world first was achieved ringing at Charlton church as we joined ringers from all over Britain for this event. A mini-ring and beer festival were set up in the village hall and a well-earned drink and cake was enjoyed after taking part in the challenge.

As part of the village VE day commemoration events a Tower Open Day was held during the weekend in May. This was well-attended with around 100 visiting ringers and locals coming into the tower

We had no weddings during 2025 partly due to the church refurbishment and also due to Tudor’s retirement. However, we did have several visiting bands from other towers and other parts of the country. This is a useful source of income for us and also a huge help when we get to ring with and learn from those who visit.

A new carpet and painting of part of the walls have smartened up the tower again. We have also refreshed the bellringing section of the website.

Thank you to everyone in All Saints who help, encourage and support us throughout the year, it is much appreciated. (Ann Hutchinson and Jeanette Ferris (Joint Tower Captains)

4.12 Saturday Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study

After Tudor retired, we managed to continue the monthly Men’s Breakfast meeting. Because the kitchen was unfinished the first meeting was held at Greggs in Asda in West Swindon but thereafter, we were able to meet in the church. We used to meet in the vicarage so the re-ordered South Aisle could not have come at a better time.

It is held from 8am for an hour either on the first or second Saturday in the month and the breakfast usually consists of bacon rolls, tea, coffee and orange juice. This is followed by a short Bible Study, discussion and prayer. Peter, a Licensed Lay Minister has been preparing and leading most of the studies.

The breakfast is funded from donations which also help to cover the cost of the Filling Station sandwich making and food for the homeless that All Saints Church partakes in approximately every 15 weeks, in a rota with other churches within the Swindon Deanery.

The numbers attending vary from 4 to 10 and emails are sent to around 16 members of All Saints church. We also have men come who attend other churches, such as St Mary’s Purton and Holy Trinity Shaw, which is a great blessing and we hope that this will grow in 2026. We welcome all men who wish to socialize and learn more about the Christian Faith.

(Julian Wright)

4.13 Thursday afernoon Bible Study Group

This continues on a Thursday afternoon and has regular attendance of 5-7 people. We read and discuss about 3 chapters each week and enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit. A summary of the chapters is usually circulated with notices for the week. (John Lindsay)

4.14 Safeguarding

Firstly, I am pleased to report that no safeguarding concerns were reported to me during 2025.

All Saints is committed to Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and as a result regularly reviews our Safeguarding Policy and follows safer recruitment practices. All appointments are approved by the PCC once the safer recruitment procedure has been followed. All members of the PCC have obtained a DBS check and undertake training to Foundation Level. I also provide a Safeguarding report to the PCC every meeting.

It is a requirement that all who work with children, young people or adults at risk need to obtain a DBS check and this has to be renewed every three years. As well as this they all must undertake Safeguarding Training at a level appropriate to their level of responsibility, which again must be renewed every three years unless it is the Basic training.

In 2025

Both the Basic and Foundation Safeguarding courses are available online and can be completed by anyone at a time convenient to you. Should you wish to do so please let me know and I will organise this for you.

Once again, I wish to thank all those who have responded to my requests to complete training, provide references or renew DBS checks without complaint and so promptly.

In the coming year we shall continue to raise awareness of Safeguarding issues and review our policies and practices in line with government and Diocesan requirements.

(Beverley Belcher)

4.15 Churchwardens’ Report

It has been a busy year for the wardens with Tudor’s retirement, the completion of the Nave roof, the reordering and refurbishment of the organ. Andrew has worked hard and successfully to fill all the slots for the taking of services. We have dealt with several wedding and funeral enquiries. Andrew has faithfully locked and unlocked the church on a daily basis so that it is available for private prayer during the day.

John has checked, maintained, and the grass cut at the Vicarage. A garden maintenance day was held to clear the worst of the weeds from then flower beds.

The Chaplaincy with St. Mary’s Purton was set up with funding from both churches and the Diocese and is working well. John Lindsay and myself (John H) are the All-Saints reps, on the committee for this. John H. took on the maintenance and inspection of the bell tower.

The Quinquennial inspection was carried out by the Church Architect, producing a list of work to be carried out over the next few years.

Work was carried out by John to try to stop the new glass door from blowing open and reduce the draughts into the church from the door surround. Also, electrical work was required to reinstate one of the convector heaters. Unfortunately, one of the new radiant heaters has stopped working and we are awaiting replacement parts.

There have been problems with the pressurisation unit on the boiler, now, hopefully resolved.

The PCC has been successfully expanded with talented people. A subcommittee was set up to produce the Parish Profile for a new minister and interview the candidates.

New activities have been set up: prayer meetings, bible studies, youth work and coffee morning for school Mums. The life of the Church is expanding in a most satisfactory way.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the life of the church over the last year. Whenever we have asked members for help, the answer has always been “yes” and we are very grateful for all the support we have received. Special thanks go to Ginnie and Anne who are responsible for the music, Sally and her team for the flowers, Nicky for the environmental side and assisting Bev K helping with numerous other activities such as grant applications and catering and organising social events, etc etc. Tina, of course, who has worked like a Trojan to lead the reordering, carry out the Treasurer’s role and chair the PCC. Julian for Health and Safety, sandwich making, Saturday Men’s breakfasts, and wise contributions to fabric and other issues. Bev K. for her remarkably successful work with the children’s groups, the schools and the Chaplaincy. Alison for her help and artwork with the Experience Pentecost, Experience Christmas and all age services. Karen for her administration work, especially the rotas. John Lindsay for home communions, helping with communion services, serving on the Chaplaincy enabling committee, and running prayer and bible study groups. Heather Benn and the Open the Book team.

We would also like to thank Andrew Bourne, Beverley Belcher, John Lindsay and Bev Kauppinen for taking services during the interregnum. Further thanks to all of the visiting clergy and lay preachers who have come from as far and wide as Surrey and Wales and to the Reverend Michael Johnson for helping out with three baptisms as well as a guiding hand. Further thanks too to David Cain who, in addition to taking many services, has put up with polite requests for amendments to his services, often at late notice. (John Halstead and Andrew Roberts)

4.16 Reordering Project

At the start of 2025 services were taking place in the village hall and the Nave roof repairs were almost completed. Rixon builders completed the Nave roof repairs at the end of January and work commenced on the reordering of the South Aisle.

Ellis and Co were appointed to work on the reordering with Benjaman and Beauchamp as architects. Originally the work comprised of removal of South aisle pews, a new wooden floor, infrared Halo heating and a glass door. The glass door has been etched with a design by Sheona Beaumont incorporating pictures drawn by local school children.

As work commenced and grants became available the work was expanded to include a new accessible WC and kitchen, Ellis were able to incorporate these changes into their schedule as and when funds became available.

Although work was not completed when Tudor left the church Ellis allowed us access to the church for his final Easter service before he retired.

Parts of the organ were removed for repair at the start of the reordering work. When the reordering work was reaching completion Clevedon Organs dismantled the organ to overhaul it.

Following completion of the work in June we had sufficient funds remaining to purchase new chairs and tables for the south aisle. Church members are already making excellent use of the flexible and welcoming space created by the reordering. As well as enjoying refreshments after services in a relaxed café-style arrangement, we have been able to host a variety of events. These have included a Celebration Day in September to mark the completion of the reordering, a shared meal with our mission partners in October, and a concert in November. The new space has also enabled enhanced activities for our youth group, BASH. Tina Wheeler – Project Manager)

4.17 ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION REPORT

Eco Champion’s Report

This year has been a positive and encouraging one for our churchyard and our wider eco work. Wildflowers were sown in three different beds: a small, heavily shaded bed under the trees, a long bed against the rear wall, and a circular bed outside the vestry door. Although these areas were difficult to maintain during the drought, they still provided valuable food and shelter for pollinators and other small creatures.

On Palm Sunday as part of a blessing of the reordered church the Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Neil Warwick, blessed the pond and the churchyard.

In May, 22 members of BASH took part in a lively churchyard session, digging over a flower bed, adding compost, and planting sunflower seeds. Their efforts were rewarded with burgers and chips, and everyone took home extra seeds to plant. We also enjoyed summer BASH sessions in the churchyard, complete with a paddling pool to keep cool on hot evenings.

In July, we welcomed Lydiard Millicent Pre-School for a churchyard visit, where the children learned about our eco work and learned about insects. Planting around the pond was enhanced to provide better cover for wildlife, and I am delighted to report that a frog was

spotted, raising hopes of frogspawn in spring 2026. Dragonflies were also seen visiting the pond, further encouraging signs of a thriving habitat.

In October, the PCC agreed an Environmental Policy to guide outlining our environmental principles and commitments going forwards. This is published on the church website.

The back of the churchyard was tidied in October in preparation for winter. Alongside this, we have continued to make small but meaningful sustainability improvements, including reducing plastic use and choosing more eco-friendly products.

Our work has been recognised beyond the parish, with features in the September 2025 Diocesan Environment Newsletter and the Benjamin and Beauchamp newsletter, where All Saints was highlighted as a flagship church for the Bristol Diocese Net Zero programme.

I continue to attend Swindon Deanery and Diocesan Eco Champions’ meetings and am working with others to plan the Swindon Churches Green Festival (6–14 June). Nicky (Eco Champion)

4.18 Events Team Report

Our vision for the reordered church was that we wanted to be able to build community far better. Not just between church members but for people across the local area. The church now feels lighter and airier, and the flexible layout, together with the new kitchen and indoor toilet, has made it possible to host a wide range of events and functions that simply weren’t feasible before. To make the most of these opportunities, an Events Team was formed (Julian, Lynda, Bev K, Karen, Lindsay, Andrew R and Nicky) with the aim of developing regular community events.

Celebraton Day: In September we held a Celebration Day where we invited the Architects, builders, funding bodies, church and community to an event with Prosecco and Celebration Cake. The programme included an overview of the reordering project, celebration songs from BASH, a fascinating talk by Sheona Beaumont (who designed our iconic glass door), a demonstration of our newly restored organ by Ann, a display and papers on the history of the church and a variety of fun competitions. This was attended by 78 adults and 14 children.

Evening with Francis and Dorcus: In October, we hosted an evening meal in the church with our mission partners, Francis and Dorcus Nkurunziza, who lead ‘Hope for Life’ in Uganda. Ten people attended the meal, which raised £212 for ‘Hope for Life’, supporting their work to equip and empower people in Katanga to take up a career.

Young People’s Light Party: The Light Party (an alternative to Halloween) took place on Friday 31 October and was attended by 10 young people. They enjoyed a wide range of activities including doughnut eating, face painting, glass bottle painting, pass the parcel, karaoke and luminous bowling. Those who attended had a great time, and we hope they will invite friends so the event can grow in future years.

Sax Choir and Sarsen Songmen : In November, twelve talented saxophonists performed on the full range of saxophones — from the tiny sopranino to the deep baritone. Their lively and tuneful programme spanned many musical genres and moods: humorous, mischievous, moving and rhythmic. They were joined by The Sarsen Songmen, a male voice choir from Aldbourne, who sang a wide selection of songs in rich four-part harmony — unaccompanied, melodic and full of fun. The event was attended by 63 adults and 24 children, raising £514.

Looking ahead the Events Team has exciting plans to deliver a wide range of community events throughout 2026.

(Nicky Iddon, on behalf of All Saints Events Team)

5.0 Financial Review

5.1 Financial Arrangements

Banking Facilities: Barclays Bank, Regent Street, Swindon

Planned Giving Organiser: Tina Wheeler

Independent Examiner: Nikoleta Bates, King Charles Road, Swindon

5.2 Treasurer’s report

2025 Financial Report

For the second year running our General Fund income did not cover our expenses and we used more of our reserves, although not as much as predicted at the start of the year. Most of our expenses remain much as budgeted, but for various reasons our income has reduced. The exceptional expense this year is the cost of running the new Halo heaters, installed as part of the reordering, which are more expensive to run than the previous heaters.

The budget for 2026 indicates that we will use more of the reserves, even though our Parish Share has been reduced due to having a part time incumbent. We are fortunate that we usually make up some of the deficit during the year and that we have reserves to call on.

The Special projects fund currently holds sufficient to pay the retention fees on the roof and reordering which are due for payment in 2026.

We are holding £5,000 in the Children’s fund as our contribution to Purton towards employing a Children’s worker in 2026.

Hopefully as the church grows so will our income.

The PCC have approved the reserves policy which states why we are holding reserves and how much. It is a requirement of the charity commission that members are made aware of this policy. (Tina Wheeler)

5.3 Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy deals with our General Fund of £39,778 at the end of 2025.

Other funds which are NOT required to be included in our reserves are:

  1. Building Fund £12,049 (Restricted)

  2. Bell Fund £2,971 (Restricted)

  3. Special Projects £11,888 (Restricted)

  4. Children’s work £5,000 (Restricted)

Our Reserves

From an operational perspective, maintaining reasonable cash reserves represents good stewardship by allowing a church to be prepared for contingencies, such as unexpected large repair bills, a sudden and unexpected downturn in revenues, or other unexpected events. The recommendation is three to six months of operating expenses. The PCC have agreed to hold sufficient money in our General Fund to cover six months of expenditure (which is £35,274 budgeted for 2026). This is a reduction on previous years as we will only have a part-time incumbent.

Other Funds held for Specifc Purposes

Restricted funds (Building, Bell, Special Projects and Children’s funds) can only be used for the purpose for which they were donated.

Changes from 2025

Our General Fund expenses in 2025 exceeded our income by £3,143, which is worrying as two years in a row we have had a deficit. Our Parish Share for 2026 is based on a part-time incumbent but it is not significantly lower than that for a full-time person as we agreed to pay an extra £3,842. The 2026 budget is currently predicting a deficit of £4,818, hopefully now we are back in the church the financial situation will improve.

The reordering and roof work was completed in 2025 and the money remaining in Special Projects Fund is reserved to pay the retention fees to the builders, which are paid 12 months from completion of the work.

The Children’s worker fund residue will cover our donation to Purton Church for the Children’s worker in 2026. The Building fund has increased in value due to the transfer of the residue from the Special Projects fund.

Nikoleta Bates

12 King Charles Road Freshbrook Swindon SN5 8NA

Tina Wheeler 49 Chestnut Springs Lydiard Millicent SN5 3NB 22[nd] February 2026

Dear Tina,

I reviewed All Saints Church accounts for the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and can verify

that accounts have been kept correctly and accurately.

Yours sincerely

Nikoleta Bates

All Saints Lydiard Millicent - 1182788

Balance sheet (Church of England) As at: 31 December 2025

As at 31/12/2025
£		 As at 31/12/2024
£
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted
Unrestricted - General fund
Restricted
Restricted - Building Fund
Restricted - Bell Fund
Restricted - Special Projects
Restricted - Children's Work
Funds of the church		 4,892.19
23,324.99
44,798.98
73,016.16
1,328.37
71,687.79
71,687.79
71,687.79
39,778.64
12,049.15
2,971.18
11,888.82
5,000.00
71,687.79		 1,387.72
158,474.37
130,439.19
290,301.28
255.90
290,045.38
290,045.38
290,045.38
41,780.60
6,029.15
3,291.18
232,751.05
6,193.40
290,045.38

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

Page 1

27 February 2026

All Saints Lydiard Millicent - 1182788

Analysis of income and expenditure Selected period: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

Receipts
Planned giving
0101 - Gift Aid – Bank
0110 - Gift Aid – Envelopes
0120 - Gift Aid – Restricted
0201 - Non Gift Aid
Planned giving Totals
Collections and other giving
0301 - Cash GASDS
Collections and other giving Totals
Other voluntary receipts
0401 - One-off G Fund
0420 - One-off Restricted
0901 - Fund Raising Inc
Other voluntary receipts Totals
Gift Aid recovered
0601 - Tax Claim – GF
0610 - Tax Claim restricted
1001 – Dividends
1020 - Bank Interest
Gift Aid recovered Totals
Other receipts
08A1 - One-off grants
Other receipts Totals
Receipts from church activities
1101 - Ministry Fees
Receipts from church activities Totals
Receipts Grand totals		 Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
46,236
—
—
—
46,236
54,015
2,737
—
—
—
2,737
2,853
—
—
816
—
816
816
1,090
—
—
—
1,090
680
50,063
—
816
—
50,879
58,364
2,741
—
146
—
2,887
2,540
2,741
—
146
—
2,887
2,540
1,727
—
—
—
1,727
1,903
—
—
7,160
—
7,160
14,451
466
—
—
—
466
774
2,194
—
7,160
—
9,354
17,128
13,525
—
—
—
13,525
15,223
—
—
1,915
—
1,915
3,949
—
—
4,832
—
4,832
9,342
1,009
—
—
—
1,009
1,124
14,535
—
6,747
—
21,283
29,639
—
—
102,066
—
102,066
112,993
—
—
102,066
—
102,066
112,993
696
—
—
—
696
920
696
—
—
—
696
920
70,230
—
116,937
—
187,167
221,585
Payments
Missionary and Charitable Giving
1850 - Tithe Giving
Missionary and Charitable Giving
Totals		 6,880
—
—
—
6,880
6,991
6,880
—
—
—
6,880
6,991

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27 February 2026 Page 1

Parish Share
1910 - Diocese
Parish Share Totals
Clergy and Staffing costs
2002 - Organists & Speakers
2004 - Children's Worker Wages
2110 - Incumbent Expenses
2120 - Children's Worker Trv
Clergy and Staffing costs Totals
Church Running Expenses
2201 - Young Peoples Work
2210 - Church Groups
2220 - Outreach
2270 - Training
2301 - Church running - Ins
2302 - Admin - Licences etc
2303 - Admin - Printing etc
2320 - Organ / piano tuning
2331 - Gifts Misc
2370 - Sundries Expenses
2401 - Utility - Electric
2410 - Utility - Gas
2420 - Utility - Water
Church Running Expenses Totals
Church Repairs & Maintenance
2311 - Church Furnishings & Eqp
2312 - Churchyard Maintenance
2702 - Roof Repair
2703 - Organ Refurbishment
Church Repairs & Maintenance
Totals
New Building work
2701 - Church Major Repairs
2901 - Architect's/Consultant Fees
2910 - Reordering
New Building work Totals
Other Payments
1701 - Fundraising Costs
Other Payments Totals
Payments Grand totals		 Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
50,004
—
—
—
50,004
63,732
50,004
—
—
—
50,004
63,732
2,952
—
—
—
2,952
2,516
—
—
11,326
—
11,326
11,449
540
—
—
—
540
2,207
—
—
704
—
704
469
3,493
—
12,030
—
15,523
16,643
718
—
80
—
798
885
54
—
—
—
54
171
—
—
—
—
—
555
230
—
—
—
230
185
2,050
—
—
—
2,050
2,403
525
—
20
—
545
672
159
—
—
—
159
299
392
—
—
—
392
186
398
—
—
—
398
42
2,520
—
—
—
2,520
1,676
2,100
—
—
—
2,100
941
333
—
—
—
333
745
480
—
—
—
480
130
9,965
—
100
—
10,066
8,894
694
—
300
—
994
264
147
—
—
—
147
1,231
—
—
56,911
—
56,911
145,256
—
—
16,020
—
16,020
4,200
841
—
73,231
—
74,072
150,951
—
—
—
—
—
3,118
857
—
10,654
—
11,511
23,973
—
—
237,276
—
237,276
9,180
857
—
247,930
—
248,788
36,272
190
—
—
—
190
—
190
—
—
—
190
—
72,232
—
333,292
—
405,525
283,484

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28 January 2025 Page 1

Missionary and Charitable Giving
1850 - Tithe Giving
Missionary and Charitable Giving
Totals
Parish Share
1910–Diocese
Parish Share Totals
Clergy and Staffing costs
2002 - Organists & Speakers
2004-Children's Worker Wages
2110 - Incumbent Expenses
2120 - Children's Worker Trv
Clergy and Staffing costs Totals
Church Running Expenses
2201-Young Peoples Work
2210 - Church Groups
2220–Outreach
2270 – Training
2301-Church running – Ins
2302 - Admin-Licences etc
2303-Admin-Printing etc
2320-Organ/piano tuning
2331-Gifts Misc
2370 - Sundries Expenses
2401-Utility–Electric
2410-Utility–Gas
2420 - Utility–Water
Church Running Expenses
Totals
Church Repairs&Maintenance
2310-Church Minor Repairs
2311 - Church Furnishings & Eqp
2312-Churchyard Maintenance
2702 - Roof Repair
2703-Organ Refurbishment
Church Repairs&Maintenance Totals
New Building work
2701 - Church Major Repairs
2901 - Architect's/Consultant Fees
2910 – Reordering
New Building work Totals
Other Payments
1701 - Fundraising Costs
Other Payments Totals		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Thisyear
Total
Last year
6,991
6,991
8,346
6,991
6,991
8,346
63,732
63,732
63,732
63,732
63,732
63,732
2,516
2,516
2,439
11,449
11,449
9,989
2,207
2,207
1,925
469
469
1,005
4,723
11,919
16,643
15,358
885
885
651
171
171
173
555
555
785
185
185
115
2,403
2,403
2,387
652
20
672
794
299
299
76
186
186
162
42
42
384
1,676
1,676
2,934
941
941
727
745
745
1,132
130
130
201
8,874
20
8,894
10,526
90
264
264
375
1,231
1,231
3,905
145,256
145,256
4,200
4,200
1,495
149,456
150,951
4,370
3,118
3,118
23,973
23,973
384
9,180
9,180
36,272
36,272
384
18
18

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28 January 2025 Page 1

Total This year Last year 283,484 102,738

Unrestricted

Designated

Restricted

Restricted Endowment 197,668

Payments Grand totals 85,816

~~27 February~~

~~Page~~

All Saints Lydiard Millicent - 1182788

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at: 31 December 2025

Balance Previous
balance
Cash at bank and in hand
6505: Barclays Bank - Asset
General fund
Unrestricted
Building Fund
Restricted
Bell Fund
Restricted
Special Projects
Restricted
Agency collection
Restricted
Children's Work
Restricted
Debtors
6506: Debtors - Asset
General fund Unrestricted
Building Fund Restricted
Special Projects Restricted
Cash at bank and in hand
Z05: Accounts Receivable - Asset
General fund Unrestricted
Building Fund Restricted
Investments
6501: CBF Deposit Account - Asset
Debtors
General fund
Unrestricted
Special Projects
Restricted
Agency accounts
Investments
6699: Agency collections - Liability
Agency collection
Restricted
Agency accounts		 12,940.83
11,998.15
2,971.18
11,888.82
—
5,000.00
44,798.98
44,798.98
—
—
—
—
4,841.19
51.00
4,892.19
4,892.19
23,324.99
—
23,324.99
23,324.99
—
—
—		 18,456.67
6,012.15
3,291.18
96,445.79
40.00
6,193.40
130,439.19
130,439.19
1,224.72
17.00
146.00
1,387.72
—
—
—
1,387.72
22,315.11
136,159.26
158,474.37
158,474.37
40.00
40.00
40.00

27 February

Page

Balance Previous
balance
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Z04: Accounts Payable - Liability
General fund
Unrestricted
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Grand Total		 1,328.37
1,328.37
1,328.37
71,687.79		 215.90
215.90
215.90
290,045.38

4/27/2026