BLURTON DRESDEN ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Annual Report 2025 Some excellent highlights of 2025: several young adults joining ourchurch family • the Hive becoming a hub forThe Bread & ButterThing. giving us another wayto support people in our communitywho may be struggling. as well as reducingfood waste • a third fireside sunrise service to greet the dawn on Easter Sunday outside St Bart's ' the continuation of Community Lounge. Foodbank & Community Lunch at the Hive • a whole yearof Stay & Play at the Hive . two summerAfternoon Tea & Songs of Praise events at St Bart's • welcoming school children to St Bart's for Experience Harvest • a new Knit & Natter group at the Hivewho produced amazing displays for Remembrance Sunday • Clare rescinding her resignation as the Hive Manager a fabulous nativity in collaboration with St Paul's [and I'll sneak one in from January 2026..- Jack's joyful baptism & confirmation at St Alban's] Funerals 29127 atst Bart's. 1 just at the crematorium. 1 just atthe graveside) 3 interments of ashes in the graveyard Thanksgivingfor the Gift of a Child O Baptisms 13 Weddings 1 Vows Renewals 1 Rev'd Angela Once more this has been a busyyearforthe pastoral team. Bereavement care telephone calls have been made to all 29 families whose loved one's funerals were conducted in St Bart's. As is usually the case. most ofthese individuals have notfelt in need of ongoing support but have appreciated the warm follow up. We held our annual Memorial Service in November, as with other recent years. the numbers attending this service were lower than was historically the case. butthe service was gratefully received bythose who did choose to come. A committed and enthusiastic team of people have continued to enable month acts of worship in both Willow Barnes and Spratslade House this year. These services not only meet residents, spiritual needs through the short services themselves. bul they also provide important moments of pastoral care and much appreciated social interaction between residents and our church members. We have also continued tovisit a reducing number of people in their own homes and offered home communion to those who requested it. This year has seen the death of 8 number of elderly committed church members who have been unable to attend services in our buildings over recentyears. Though most of ourgatheringcommunity may no longer have missed their presence at ourservices. they remained loved bythose who knew them and it has been good to be able to give thanksfor them and join with theirfamilies in committingthem into God's tender care. With the average life expectancy in the UK. and therefo￿ our parish. continuing to increase, ministry offered in care homes and people's own homes will remain an important aspect of the church's callto pastoral care. Whilst this is somethingto which we are committed it is also important to recognise that it is an aspectwhich poses us a degree of challenge as our own Congregation continues to age. In this area, as with manyotherareas of church life, our abilityto sustain this care into the future, depends on our abilityto growyounger aswell as larger. Rev'd Ali. PastoralTeam Leader The service atwillow Barnes is held on the 1 st Sunday rnorningof every month. it is a ommunion service with hymns readings, prayers and a talk. We have approximately 10 communicants and is well received bythe residents. Three people who not residents attend, and before the service one resident likes to sing a song, another does the reading in the service. My heartFeltthanks go to Biian. Julia. and Sheila who are all actively involved with the service. Willyou please hold the residents at Willow Barnes in your prayers. {Peter Walker} PRATSLADE IIQUSE The team have continued to visit Spratslade offering a small service related to a Bible verse or theme dependent eg Easter I Christmas. Most ofthe residents recognise us and are excited when we getthere. They join in the hymns and Lords Prayer. I would like to thank everyone involved in this outreach mission. Dates have been agreed with Spratslade for 2026. {Julie Wood} ILDREFILQ￿.pEQ￿LE Blurton & Dresden ￿dS Forthe pastyear. the Kid's Group have used a resource called Roots. This is proving to be veryvaluable. We payfor usingthis but feel it is moneywell spent. The resource is lectionary based and so quite often the work the children do will be based on one of the bible readings heard bythe adults in the main service. Each weekthere is a theme, an opening prayer. some suggestions for activities. the relevant Bible reading. a colouring sheet. an activities sheet and a closing prayer. From this. the leaders can pian a meaningful session forthe young people in our church. We are still hoping and prayingfor more youngsters to be part of ourchurch. but we are confident that when theyarrive, we will have a stable foundation to deliver some teachingthat is both relevant and enjoyable. The team currently consists of Linda. Su. Veronica. Janet Harrison. Janet Hammond. 8nd Lesley. Sarah occasionally steps in when someone is away. The whole team has valued using the Roots materialand this has added to their enjoyment in delivering Kid's Work. Each member's contribution is greatlyvalued and appreciated. Because the materialforeach week is provided. joiningthe team does not mean lots of preparation. Maybe you could offer to assist occasionally and, in doing so, be part of the team? It so. please do speakto me. Lesley Humphrey Blurton & Dresden Youth We have not had anyyoung people aged 11-18 connectingwith the church in 2025. Rev'd Angela SCH.QQL& I have continued to lead worship weekly at Beigrave St Bartholomew's Primary Academy. in addition to advising on their RE curriculum. I sat on the Governing Body as one of two Foundation Governors, serving as Vice-chair in 2024-5. After serving 8 three- yearterm. the other Foundation Governor and I stood down. and in the autumn were replaced by Brian and Lesley, e8¢h nominated to serve three-year terms. In the Summerterm the parish were represented at Beigrave's summerfayre with a game stall and a teddytombola. In June two classes came from Kemball Schoolto explore the building. then we welcomed all Belgr8ve pupils in years 1 and 2 for Experience Harvest at St Bart's in September. Year6 alsovisited the Hive Foodbank distribution centre and the Foodbank Warehouse around Harvest time. Rev'd Angela Foodbank sessions are everyTuesdayfrom 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Hive in hall 1. Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank funded Money Matters who based themselves in hall 1 with foodbank de81ingwith clients there. In Septemberthey lost the Foodb8nkfunding but applied elsewhere and gotfundingto continue. They now base themselves in the Community Lounge mostweeks. Foodbank and community lounge work welltogether. People with foodbank vouchers either stay in hall 1 and have a drink while waiting for their voucher to be processed or go to community lounge to speak to one of the various agencies, where theirfood parcels are taken to them. We have had several schools visit usthis year and Biddulph Rotary Club. Theyall donate food to Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank and want to see what happens to their donations. The visits are arranged by Caroline Ifoodbank office). They come to the Hive distribution centre first about 9.30 am. I take them through the process as if they had arrived with a E- voucher number, then Joan and Peter showthem the picking and packing process. Answer any questions they might have. Then I take them to the café to showthem where the community lounge takes place. explain what happensthere and aboutThe Bread- and-ButterThing. Caroline then takes them down to the warehouse in Magdalen Road, where they learn what happens totheir donation once it arrives atthe warehouse. We have had 8 full year of new picking lists and 3 vouchers per 6 months. The figures showwe were slightly busierthan 2024: 2024 2025 Difference Vouchers 227 277 +50 People fed 580 731 +151 The picking list count for2025- 2024 2025 Difference Singles 94 107 +13 Couples 36 55 +19 Small Family66 68 +2 (now classed as Family of 3-4} Family of 5-6 32 +32 (new category) Larye Family19 15-4 {now classed as Family of 7+1 The Hive foodbankvolunteers attended the FoodbankAGM with lunch atthe Bethel Church. Dunrobin Street. Dresden in November 2025 and again on December 19th for volunteers, Christmas p8rty. Lesley W decided to leave ourgroup of volunteers and Kevin Pjoined. I would like to thank all my volunteers: Joan. Peter B. Kevin P. Georgina. Helen, Janet, Jean. Su and Jane for their support during this diff icult year for me personally. and their willingness and dedication to the Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank and theirguests. Sheila Plant, Lead Volunteer HIAL CHU.RCH 9 PCC meetings were held during2025. No meetings in February. August and December. In mid-januarythe chair, Angela. became ill and was off workfor ten weeks. Vice-chair Brian chaired meetings until Angela's return in March. Parish finance budget spreadsheets w￿re circulated to PCC committee members before each meeting. Trea5urerAlan explained budget and was discussed by committee. Church finances are still a concern (congregation giving). Alan gave a Stewardship sermon in June and state of church finances letter was give to all church family in September. Responsevery poor. Parish commitment for Mission Giving discussed. Charities chosen Tear Fund linternational}. TrussellTrust {nationall The Hive for individuals in need {local). Spratslade House visits Commence from January 2025. Su Wilshaw resigned 8s SafeguardingOfficereffe¢tive from December. Janet Hammond took up the role and was co-opted on to PCC. Reviewing and updating our Mission Action Pian was discussed, no ch8nges were made. Review ofwinter months at St Alban's {Nov 241Feb 251. Agreed to do it again Nov 20251 Feb 26. The Baptism policy reviewed. No changes made. Communion before Confirmation. Discussion about baptized adultslchildren taking Holy Communion beforethey are confirmed. As we are doingthis now the PCC members proposed we applyto the bishop to be registered as a parish which practice this. Quinquennialfor 2026 PCC agreed to change architect to Cruciform. Christmas services discussed atjuly meetingwith a possible collaboration with St Paul's Longton Hall Road. Finalised in October. Dave stood down as PCC secretary at APCM in May and Sheila was elected. November Angela informed PCC that she and Ali would be leaving the parish at end of January 2026. Dave and Sheila would liketo thank all PCC members for their attendance and participation in PCC meetings. We ended the year on a sad note we are losing ourvicar. Rev'd Angela Bryan & RevAIi Oxborrow. who will be staring a new adventure atthe end ofjanuary 2026, their prayer. cafe, help. concern, teaching and of course humourfor the people of Blurton and Dresden has been wonderful. The church family ofthis P8rish wish them both well in their new endeavours. God bless you both. PCC Attendance - R*ts C- ?* Jwr. 1&9 G• '.9 Ltycw. Ke￿-Tr 18 V. p￿11 M.¢Mel Dave Stockley and Sheila Ptant. RY There were two Deanery Synod Meetings in 2025: February at St. Werburgh. High Lane. Burslem Peter Barber. David Stockley & Su Wilshaw, were attendees Three huge issues 1. Archbishop of Canterburyl Archbishop ofYork- Resignation ofjustin Welby- Appointment ot his successor- Position of Stephen Cottrell 2. Safeguarding- Current safeguarding in our p8rishes- Ourterrible past- Independent Safeguarding 3. Gay m8rriage- We are deeply divided- No change ofdoctrine-"Prayers of Love and Faith" {"PLF°l- Work being led by the Bishop of Leicester- Standalone services- Episcop81 provision for those who disagree- Preparingto have open conversations in our parishes - Pastoral Principles Reverend Shaun Morris. Area Dean of Stoke. explained the feedback from the General Synod. The Document was presented as a plan to see in the future howthe Church can develop plans to accommodate the 3 items as described in the attached February 2025-three huge issues document. it was obvious this will take time and prayer and thought. there will be in the future lengthydiscussions on howto achieve the goals. It was not an open discussion. Ino questions l answers) but an explanation of how the Church is going to tackle these subjects over time. Peter Barber. David Stockley, Sue Wil5hawwere the attendees it's difficultfor us to describe allthat was said on the subjects and whatever as individuals we may say, would be our own thoughts not as a collective. It may have been helpful if there was a video so it could be shown to the PCC members. The video below is worth watching about 6 minutes long: httPS://www.youtube.com/watch? v-IkgvmWuR4fO Could be used in our Church. May at St. Paul¥. Lon8ton Hall Road Present Peter Barber. David Stockley, Su Wilshaw. Vicar Angela Howto Nurture a Faith-sharing Culture-"Encouraging a culture of growth in our churches" _was presented by CPAS head of Leadership Development, James Lawrence. A lengthy presentation which Su. was unable to keep notes. as it was a continuous output of information in the presentation. there were pamphlets and other books that could have been purchased which would help explain the evenings content. we were considering a purchase at the end. VicarAngela had already purchased the relevant books about the evening and would be introducing some of its contents in due course to thechurch. Peter B. Su W & Dave S, Deanerysynod Representatives In 2025 we continued vffjrshipping all together on Sunday mornings. with a mixtufe of Common Worship, occasional Celtic-style Worship. 8nd monthlyAII-Age Worship. Sundayworship is usualLy Holy Communion. with a few Sundays a year a Service ofthe Word. We began theyear at St Alban's and moved to St Bart's in March. One ofthe most encouragingthings h85 been the atmosphere of unity and joy, which has pervaded our gatherings at both buildings. There were no Praise & Praise evening services this year. but there was one midweek evening service when Bishop Matthew came to confirm three church members in August, which was joyful. and two summer Songs of Praise- one which was held outside and so hot that everyone was seeking shade. and one held inside because August had gone cool! We have used recorded musicfor Sundayworship. apart from when I played, as no musicians joined us. However, Ken Smith has been a regularfuneral organistfor us. The weekly Saturday prayer meeting has continued. with much the same membership this year. Rev'd Angela In January we were still meeting all together in the Hive Cafe on Wednesday evenings. continuingwith We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren. The format meant that it was easy for a variety of people to lead a session or read a book chapter orfrom the Bible. Attendance varied from 6 to 16. The intention had been to become two groups fairly early in the newyear. but this was delayed by my sick leave until the summer. In order notto make group leadershiptoo onerous. two facilitators were chosen for each group, with the intention that they share responsibility for enabling the group to meet. rather than leading in a more conventional sense. When the group became two. there was still a few weeks of the study bookto complete. One group decided to meet on Tuesday evenings and the other on Wednesday evenings. Following the completion of the book. I supplied all facilitators with a range of online and printed material. from which theirgroups could choose theirtopics for study. In November both groups decided to take a winter brea Rev'd Angela The Wednesdaygroup The Wednesday group decided to watch the 1st series of The Chosen after finishingthe book. Bythis time the group size was approximately 6. As 8 one-off the two groups got back togetheratthe beginning ofAdventto have an evening of Readings, Prayer and Praise. This was enjoyed by allwho attended. Thankyou to everyone who took part in makingthe yearso enjoyable. Bless you all. Joan (& Garry} The Tuesdaygroup The Tuesday group did a studyon the Service of Holy Communion and shared a meal together. Sarah kindly offered to look for new material for Lent studyfor when we restart. Linda and Joan met, to put together an Advent reflection bycandlelight. Every member of the groupswere involved in the presentation. The groups are open to everyone, lasting just over an hour. Please see Linda orjoan if you would like to be part of one of these groups. Jesus said that if two orthree are gathered together in my name there l am in the midst of them. So let's growtogether learning, sharing. praying. walking the way of Jesus. Linda W (and Sarah) Rl The church year has seen numerous changes to our parish- its fabric and outside areas. Since the four wardens were admitted to their roles in a visitation service led bythe Archdeacon and Area Dean. in manyways time seems to have flown by. This could be in part to howwe four have supported each other and worked together. This reportwill both indicateworkthat hastaken place. and also mention future priorities. In addition to the ongoingyearlyfunction ofwardens to help ensure the smooth running of services and ordering of resources required forworship. the following has been undertaken thisyear. Work Completed Hand rail installed in the cemetery • New lighting in the south nave • Broken window in the meeting room repl8¢ed Support rack for information leaflets put up in the lobby umbed in water heater in kitchen replaced with a free standingtea urn Painted lobby and toilet Wardens and volunteers decorated church for various festivals Future Prlorities Next yearthe church is scheduled for a Quinquennial inspection. This is a mandatory inspection required by the Diocese. In another report it will mention the architectural company (Cruciform) approved by both the PCC and the Diocesan Councilto carry out the inspection. When giving advice on a possible futufe redevelopment of the meeting room, an architectfrom Cruciform noticed signs ofwet and dry rot in Saint Bartholomew's Church. Atthis stage there is no need for alarm as this might be a small renovation to be completed. The PCC were informed immediatelyand there will be provision made in next year's financial budget. As we nearthe end ofthis church year, thewardens would like to thank everyone in the congregation who always help to create such a warm and caring atmosphere in our parish. Churchwardens Peter Barber, Joan Evans, Shelia Plant. Brian Rushton Parish". this yearthere have been no issues raised whilst any of our Sundaylwednesday services have taken place. No issues were raised during any of our other services that took place either inside or outside of our church building. The Hive: early in 2025 there was an issue raised. during our community day (fuesdayl at the Hive. This was reported to Clare. as manager. and was quickly investigated by Brian Rushton. Sheila Plant. with me also taking part. The issue was resolved satisfactorilyto all concerned. The diocese was also made aware ofthe issues that had been raised. During the aforementioned investigation there were several points raised as to howwe could furthersafeguard our community especiallywhen The Hive was being used other than for our church activities. Going forward it was decided that Clare would take on the overall safeguarding responsibilityforThe Hive. The parish safeguarding off icer would act as a secondary person forthe Hive, and Clarewould act as deputy pso forthe P8rish. In late summer I made the personal decision to leave my role as safeguarding officer for Blurton and Dresden Parish and spoke to Ange18 about a transltion period whilst we found a new PSO. During October there were several members of the PCC that had to renewtheir basiclfoundation certificates. with the majority now having completed both certificates or outstanding only the foundation certificate. In November. I handed over the role to Janet Hammond. and I sincerely hope that everyone will show Janetthe support. love and friendship thatwas shown to me. which is at the heart of safeguardingour church community. Su Wilshaw, Safeguarding Officer 2025 has been a year of financial consolidation which has impacted the accounts in a positive manner. This has resulted in the parish being left in a healthy position at the end of this year. The main impacts have been: Gift Aid recovery from previous years being higher than originally budgeted with the difference showingas income duringthe year. New utility contacts being signed with fixed rates for the next 3 years bringing significant savings over the iatteT months of the year. Long-term contracts being agreed with major hall users atThe Hive with more reliable paymentterms. New regular user bookings at The Hive. Unexpected ad hoc Gift Aid donations being received. Resolution of incorrect postings in recent earlier years into unrestricted funds rather than restricted. As a result of the above. the parish enters 2026 having recovered from significant losses at The Hive the previous year. Total unrestricted funds stand at £48.345, compared with £32.251 atthe end of2024. This sum includes essential reserves in the region of £30.000. The resulting operational reserve of approximately £18.000 provides confidence in the financial stability of the parish for the year ahead. For those unfamiliar with the parish accounts, the festricted funds balance includes the value of The Hive building as a fixed asset. This is for financial regulatory purposes. The restricted funds balance also includesfundsforthesalaries ofthe Manager andActivities Co-ordin8tor at The Hive. This currently provides security of tenure through to September 2028. I commend this parish Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2025 for approval. The Revd Alan Humphrey Treasurer Annual Report 2025 ST.ALBAN'S.L . ￿PREs￿H0.0￿ LE LEARNER During the last 12 months the nursery has continued to open 5 days a week 78m until 6pm. We currently have 48 children who are attendingthe setting but obviouslythe 3-year- olds will leave us at the end of September as they will be goingto School, so this is always a diff icult time financially forthe nursery. We will still have some babies and children undertwo who will still be attendingthrough the summer holidays who ara payingfor their nurseryfees. The nurserywill be open forthe first 5 weeks but as always. we will be closed the last week so that the staff can have a well-deserved break. We had quite a busyyear last year as we are nowtaking more babies from the age of9 months to 2 years of age. This was due to the government announcingthe government fundingto enable parents and carers to go back to work. This has meant that we have had to take on a new member of staff to be able to coverthe new chid ratios. We also sadly lost one of our long-standing member of staff Ichloel of over 10years due to her health and needinga change of career. We have now replaced her with a previous member of staff who has happily rejoined our team. During tsst yearwe had to demolish our shedlsummerhouse from the outside area due to an infestation of ratswho had decided to feed from the outside bin and then have a long overnight stay in our shed. This meant that obviously everything in the shed/summerhouse had to be skipped including the shed. We are currentlytrying to raise funds to replace all items that we lost. Hopefully this will be resolved very soon. We had several meetings with the sub-committee towards the end of last year to resolve the issues with the Licence agreementwith the Hive. We have now signed a 3- year contract agreement with them and arewaitingfor a couple of other issues regarding some items to be agreed or resolved. Finance Report StAlban's Little Learners, Nursery's finances are stable for now due to the extra 9- month governmentfunding. We are still struggiingto source fundingforthe outside area as this is an area that needs developing to get it to a standard that is a better environmentforthe children. Anyvolunteers for ideas or help would be welcome. We feel that we now have a betterworking relationshipwith The Hive and are working well together to improve any situations that arise. We have regular meetings with them. and we do our bestto attend The Hive committee meetings. Kind regards, Lisa Bromley and St Alban's Ltttle Learners, Staff ALE DE IN We would like to take this opportunityto express our sincere thanks to Clare and the Committeeforthe help, guidance, and continued supportthey h8ve given us over the pastye8r. This support has been especi8llyvaluable during discussions around increasingfees. and we areverygratefulfortheir understanding and advice throughout this process. The year 2025was an examination year. and we are extremely proud to report outstanding results. We were initially concerned about our latest Examiner as she leads the IDTA West Midlands branch and so has very high standards. but across all age groups. we achieved excellent results. with the vast majority of students receiving high marks and distinctions. and 8 100% pass rate. Currently. our academy has approximately70 pupils. includingstudents acrossvarious age groups and disciplines. Attendance remains Strong. and some students have increased the number of classesthey attend each week. The use of the café facilities continues to be positive. and we look forward to continuing our arrangernent this year. We will be performing atThe RepTheatre in July 2026. this is a newtime for us as we usually perform in March and 50 the year seems more relaxed than usual. We have already booked extra dates with Clare for photograph days and rehearsals. During 2025 we welcomed two newTAD staff babies with a furtherone due this year. A change in staff has presented its challenges. but we workwell as a team and continue to support one anotherthroughoutthese changes. Overall, we are extremely proud of what has been achieved and are looking forward to another successful and excitingyearforTweedale Academy of Dancing. Thankyou. Julie Wood & Emma Morris QEQQ.FFEE The group has stayed successful for anotheryear. We have people recommended into group from the community lounge as well as the local PCN. Many of our group are 65+ and would otherwise experience isolation. We do not charge a fee and cover the rent by regular raffle and meal donation. It can be hard to raise funds and we appreciate the ongoing help from the Hive. We still receive regular education on health and scams etc. We are lookingforward to a group holidayto Barmouth again this year. Many of our group have not been on holidaysince loosingtheir husband orwife. We will continue to otter a safe place to come and join us for a brew and a chat. Paula and Liz group leaders. GENTLE EXERCJSE We started the yearwtth 16 members but on return in the newyear one ladydecided not to return. Duringtheye8r 2 men and 2 ladies joined the group. Members now total 19 with a possibility of 2 more joining in January. We meet at 2.30pm on Monday atthe Hive except Bank Holidays. Ages range from late 60's to 91. Everyone has now started bringing cakes when it's their birthday. The group enjoy the exercises and drink. chat and maybe cake after session. AIL 19 enjoyed a Festive Lunch atthe Harvester (Poachers Cottage) on December 15th. I am thankful for my long-standing members and the increase in new members Sheila plant. Gentle Exercise Leader RANT F NDIN Introduction.. the secondyear This second year of our funding has seen greater stability atthe Hive in several ways but, ai the same time. we have had a treasurervacancy for some of the year, and then a new treasurer, so some of our spending had to be curtailed until our new treasurer had made sense of some patchy previous records. Consequently. you will see that our spending from the capital portion of the grant fundingwas suspended until recent months. In terms of the goals ofthe grant funding. however, we have continued to develop projects started in year one. and started two significant new projects- Stay & P18y parent 8nd toddler group. and The Bread & Butter Thing. Having two members on site much of the time has transformed what is possible in terms of projects, and increased flexibility for unlocking and locking up from one-off hires. The Hive Management Committee are delighted wtth the progress made overthe last twelve months, and the new and existingways we have found to serve our local community. Moving On.. our second-year Development ofcommunity Lounge The Community Lounge has continued to growfrom strength to strength this year. We provide warm. nutritious meals for around 32-35 people everyweek. For some of our older population. this is the only hot meal they receive. so we also offer takeaway meals forthose unable to eat on site. Support for Refugee Families We support refugee families living in singie-room accommodation with no cooking facilities otherthan a kettle. We provide culturally-appropriate halal ready meals to ensure they have access to safe, sultable food. The local hoteLcan house up to 38 families at anyone time. and these people are desperate forfree warm meals. We also support them with free advice and wifi access. Volunt88r Support & Inclusion Ourvolunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds. including: Adults with learning difficulties Individuals in rehabilitation or recoveringfrom mental health challenges Refugee families wishingto improvetheir English All of our achievements are made possible bythe effort and time given by ourwondertul volunteers. Across all projects we currently have a team of 32 volunteers. Some of these people help a couple oftimes a month and some attend regularly and support all our projects. Volunteers do a range of activities to suit their abilities. and we are aware that some people come to us simplyto get some interaction with other people. Many of our volunteers are on career breaks after strugglingwith mental health problems. We also support adultswith learning difficultiesto be able to work as a team. on projects like the'Bread and ButterThing'. We also collaboratewith the local special needs school, who visttweekly in term time to bring 8 children to pack bags, greet customers and practice customer service. which all counts towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards. We reward ourteam with regularget-togethers and a Christmas party. They really are the backbone ofwhat we do and we appreciate their contribution as much as they enjoy coming each week. We currently have volunteers from Syria. Afghanistan and Pakistan. who are now briiLiant members ofthe team. Their contribution is invaluable. Cup of Coffee Group The Cup of Coffee Group provides a safe. social environmentfor local older adults. many ofwhom are isolated. The group offers twice-weekly opportunities to chat, play bingo. c8rds, crafts. and engage in other activities that support wellbeing and ommunity building. Knit & Natter This new group, meetingsince July 2025. offers socialconnection for church members and local OAPS, regulartywelcoming 1(I-12 participants. They completed a beautiful projectfor the Royal British Legion, producing poppies and a tsrge instalLation forthe local Cenotaph, which became a focal point of the Remembrance Sunday service. 'The Bread and ButterThing' This food waste4eduction project supplies affordable groceries to 80 local families weekly. with no reterral needed- only a contribution of £8.50. We also provide vouchers for f8milies in crisis. The project is supported entirely by volunteers. many of whom are adults with learningdifficulties. We currently have 265 families registered. showing a high level ofdemand. We started operating our hub of the TBBT in February this year. We operate with JET employment and training to get people off benefits. We have had 12 people go on to gain employment aftervolunteeringwith us. We have achieved 8 5-starfood standards rating and I'm very pleased to saywe are the best performing hub in the whole of the north of the UK despite beingthe newest hub to come on board. We have packed and distribute over 4100 bags offood. saving over 78 tons of food goingto landfill. 80 families every week receive 3 bags offood saving on average £67.50 on theirweekly shopping bill. Stay and Play- In partnership wlth Stoke Baby Bank We reported on havinEiUSt started our Stay & Play sessions in lastyear's report, and this year it has become an estabLished part of ourweekLy programme. This initiative supports families with children underfive and helps reduce social isolation, especially among single parents. The group also distributes healthy leftover fruit and vegetables from'The Bread and ButterThing'. Through our collaboration with Stoke Baby Bank, families can donate or request essential baby items including clothing, toys. and safety equipment such as stair gates. This partnership also supports the newly established Family Hub next door. creating 8 Collaborative community network of quality provision. Mental Health Training& Crisis Support We have seen an increase in the number of individuals experiencing mental health criseswho have reached out to us for support. Through our ongoing mental health training. we have been able to offerappropriate help and guidance. Several individuals who previously struggled with their mental health are now valued volunteers, thanks to the opportunities and support available through the Hive. This training has been vital for both community safety and volunteer wellbeing. Summary.. the secondyear This year has been one of successful collaborations between other lottery projects including Affordable Foods Stoke, TBBT. Stoke foodbank and Stoke Baby Bank. We have welcomed the arrival of a Family Hub into the council building next door. and worked with them to ensure that our prowsion 15 collaborative and complimentary. Across all our projects. the Hive continuesto grow as a key support hub within the community. From food provision to social groups. family support. crisis support. and inclusive volunteering opportunities. ourwork is deeply rooted in compassion. dignity. and empowerment. We remain committed to SUPPOrting our community in meaningful, sustainable ways. We are indebted to TNL'S Community Fund forworking with us to deliver support and transformation. Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of Blurton & Dresden For the year ended 31st December 2025 PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomew and St Alban) Contents Page Trustees Annual Report Independent Examlners Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 5-13 2025 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Counc51 of Blurton & Dresden Trustees Annual Report Please see separate Word document Independent Examinerfs Report to the membors of the PCC of Blurton & Dresden I report on the accounts for the year ended 315t December 2025 which are set out on the following pages. Res ecllve res onsibilities of the Trustees and Inde endent Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charty'5 trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 14VI of the Chartties Act 2011 (the Charities Act) that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission lunder section 14515llbl of the 2011 Charities Act. and to state whether particular matters have come ot my attention. Basis of Inde endent Examiners 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 ton5ideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the ewdence 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. Inde endenl Examlneffs statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect. the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with sertion 130 of the 2011 Charities Att or to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met,. or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report51 Regulations 2Crf)8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come acros5 no other matter5 in connertion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Date: 26 March 2026 Claire Slater FCCA Slater5 & Co Accountants Lymore Villa. 162a London Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, St6ff5.. 5T5 7J8 The PCC of Blurton & Dresden Flnancial Stalements for the Year Ended 31st December 2025 Statement of Financial Activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Designated Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Incomlng Resources Income and Endowments from: 'sfjg note 12 forfu￿1 Donations and Legacies 42,462 45,651 245 88,358 65,181 Activities for Generating Funds 2b 38,744 38.744 27,413 Income frorn Investments 1.522 1,522 919 Church Activities 2d 5,314 5.603 10,917 6.249 Other 2.325 3,490 5.815 4,924 Total 90.367 45,651 9.338 145.356 104,686 Resources Expended Expenditure on: Raising Funds 207 chU￿h Activities 3b 77,619 48,536 9,357 135,512 122,300 Other 2.533 2,533 3.127 Total 80,152 48.536 9,357 138,045 125.634 Net Incomel(Expenditure) before investment galnslllossesl 10.215 {2.885} (191 7,311 20.948 7{bl & N81 gainlllossesl on investments 8lal Net Incorng1(Expendlture) 10,215 2,885} 1191 7.311 120,948 Transfer be￿een Funds 5,879 {5,8791 Net Movement In Funds 16.094 8.764) 19 7,311 20.948) Total Funds brought forward 11 32,251 688.128 380 720.759 741.707 Total Funds carried forward 679.364 361 728,070 720.759 The PCC of Blurton & Dresden Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2025 Balance Sheet Total 2025 Total 2024 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investment Assets 7{a) 71b) 658,829 659,405 Total Flx8d Assots 658,829 659.405 Current Assets Stock Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand 81a) 81bl 8{c) 30 7,124 81,649 88,803 30 16,020 Total Current Ass8ts 77,999 Current Liabilities - due within 1 year Creditors and accruals 19.562 19,562 Total Current Llabilities 9(a) 16,645 Not Current As$otsllLiabilitiesl 69,241 61,354 Liabilities due after one year Creditors Doferred Parish Share 9(b) Total Llablllties due after one year Total Net AssetsllLlabiliti•s) 728,070 720,759 Total 2025 Total 2024 Funds of the PCC Unr8Strictad Funds General Fund Restricted FLtnds D8signalod Fund 48,345 679,364 361 32,251 688,128 380 Total Funds 728,070 720,759 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on .lts.-. .Q.Lp-202& 2026 and ned on its behalf ty. Signature.. Name:fv& 6fv% r)¥￿￿5 fLus klT( PCC Chaimian The notes on the following pages fomi part of these accounls PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomew and St Alban) Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2025 Accountin Policies The PCC is a public benefit entsty Nthin the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in acojrdance wth Ihe Church ALxounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and wlh the Regulations true and fair vie provisions. They have also been prepared in accordan￿ wlh the Charithes SORP IFRS 1021. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical eosl convention with items recognised at eosl or I￿nSactiOn value unless otherwse slated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The finanual 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 lo another body nor those that are infomwl gatherings of Church members. Cashflow Statement The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce Cash flow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500.000. Goin Con¢•rn There are no material uncertainties related to events or ￿ndI￿onS that cast significant doubl on the charitys ability lo ￿ntInue as a going concem Accountin Estimates and Prior Year Em>rs No changes to accounting estimates have occJJrred in the reporting period. No material prior year errors have been idenltfied in the reporting p8itod. Dèscri ton of Funds Unrestricted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on Ihe general purposes of the PCC. including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets lor its own use or for Spending on a future project and which are thgrefore not included in its 'free reSe￿eS. as disclosed in the trustees. annual report. Restri¢ted funds comprise of ts¥o elements :_ a) income from trusts or endowinents which rnay be expended onty on those restricted objects provided in the temis of the trust or bequest b} donations or grants ￿e1ved lor a specific obie(a or inviled by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the spectfic object for which they wère gNen. Any balance remaining unspent al the end of each year must be carried fowdrd as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to indNidual funds on an average balancE basis. Endowment funds are re51ricled funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject lo 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 restricttons are shown in the notes to the accounts. PARISH OF BLURTON AND DRESDEN (Churches of St Bartholomew and St Alban) Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2025 Accountln Income Policles contlnued Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when receNed or when the PCC becomes entitled to the resource and the monetary value can be measured wtlh sufficient reliability. Tax ￿f￿ndS are cognised when the incoming resource lo which they relate i% recetved. Grants and Legacies are actounled for when the PCC i8 legally entitled to the amounts due and the monetary value can be measured ￿th sufficient reliabilty. Dniidends are accounted for when recervable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. Al incoming resources are accounted for gross. endlture Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. or when awarded, rf that award creates a binding or construclwe obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received Specif￿allY for mission are dealt wilh as restrrcted funds. All other expenditu￿ is generally rgcognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gn)ss. Governance and Su ort Costs Support costs should be allocated between govemance costs and other support. Govemance costs comprise all costs involving public accounlabilrty of th8 PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include ￿ntral functions and have been allocated to activty cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by allocating staff Costs by lime spent and other costs by their usage. Flxed Assets Corisecraled and benefice property is not included from the accounts by s.1012)lal&lC) of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church fumishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which rgquire a facu￿ for disposal are in81ienable property. listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected lal any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficierbt Cost infO￿atiOn available and therèfore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. No depreciation is provided on buildings a5 the currently estirnated residual value of the propert48s is not less than their Carr￿n9 value and the ￿mIanIng usefvl Irfe of Ihese assets exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. Other tangible fixed assets are valued at cost. The depreciation rates and methods used are disclosed in note7. Investments Investments in quoted shares. traded bonds and similar investments are valued I￿ltI811Y at cost and subsequently al market value at the year erKI. Investments held for re-sale are treated as current asset inveslmenls. Debtors Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amoutn. Subsequentty they are measured at cash expected to be received. Credltors and Accruals Creditors are measured al settlement amounts less any trade discounts. Accruals are measured on best estimata of th& amount required lo setde the obligation at the reporbng date. The PCC of Blurton & Dresden Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2025 Tolal Fund¥ 2025 Total Fund¥ 2024 Fund Funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Des￿n•t•d Funds Donations and Legac￿5 Volunfary Ineome q Tax èfficiènt planned giving 2 Other planned giwng 3 Collections al 5ervice5 l other giving and voluntsry rè¢&ipts induding special appeals 6 Gfft Aid Recoverable Donations rèee￿8d 7 Legaci85 Grants (recurring and one-off) 17.410 7,818 4.493 17,410 7,818 4,493 16,173 8.451 3,779 1,868 8.435 2.438 245 2,113 8,435 4.429 2.123 4.582 530 43.660 43,660 29,543 42.462 45,651 245 88,358 65,181 Chariiabl• AetNiti•s Activitie5 for Genernting Fundg Parish Fayre Incom8 from Trading L8itings IHall Hir&l 2b 513 764 26.136 12 38,633 38.633 38.744 38,744 27,413 In¢omè from Investments Bank Interest 2c 10 1,522 1.522 919 1.522 919 Income from Church A¢tivities Statutory Fees (retained by PCCI Fundraisin9 activities 2d 11 12 4,075 1,239 5,603 9,678 1.239 4,340 1.909 5.603 10,917 6.249 Other In¢om• Other 2• 13 2,325 3,490 5.815 4,924 2.325 3.490 5.815 4,924 A Total Income 90.367 45.651 9.338 145,356 104.686 The PCC of Blurton & Dresden Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2025 Unrn%tricted Funds Re$trlct•d Fun Designal8d Funds Total Punds 2025 rotal Fundg 2024 EXPENDITURE Ra5sing Funds Cost5 Of Genoratlng Funds Fund raising costs 17 207 207 Charitabl• Activities Church Activities MissFon Giwng and Donat￿nS Diocesan Parish Share 2,819 32.691 6.751 2.366 2.819 32,691 54,738 8,035 2,306 31,140 40,188 411 19 SalarTr&s and Wages Clergy and Staff Expenses chU￿h Exwns•s Church Expenses (Misslon and Evtyi5ml Church Running Expenses (St Barthob)mth