2025-12-31-accounts

DIOCESE OF CANTERBURY

The Parish of the Bridge Group

Comprising the churches of St Peter’s Bridge, St Mary’s Patrixbourne, St Peter’s Bekesbourne, St Mary’s Lower Hardres and St Mary’s Nackington.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2O25

Incumbent

Reverend Canon Estella Last

Bankers

In respect of The Bridge Group Parish

The Co-operative Bank PLC

and

The CBF Church of England Funds 85 Queen Victoria St, London EC4 4ET

There are residual bank accounts in respect of

Bridge, Patrixbourne, Lower Hardres and Nackington held with Lloyds TSB bank PLC

49 High Street, Canterbury Kent CT1 2SE

And in respect of St Peter’s Bekesbourne

Natwest

Independent Examiner David Muggridge FCCA MAE Ackland Webb Ltd

Introducton

Since January 2020, the churches of St Peter’s Bridge, St Mary’s Patrixbourne, St Peter’s Bekesbourne, St. Mary’s Lower Hardres and St Mary’s Nackington have formed one ecclesiastical parish. This is now known as The Parish of the Bridge Group in the County of Kent, within the East Bridge Deanery of the Diocese of Canterbury of the Church of England.

We are an episcopal church led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The See of Canterbury was vacant throughout 2025, pending the installation of Dame Sarah Mullaly as Archbishop in March 2026. The episcopal role was filled during this period by Rt Rev’d Rose Hudson Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover. Our Patrons are The Archbishop of Canterbury and the President and Scholars of St John’s College Oxford. This is the sixth Annual Report of the newly created Parish of the Bridge Group.

Aims and Purposes of this report

This annual report is made to the parishioners of the Bridge Group of churches and the members on the church electoral roll who live within or outside the parish. The Church Representation Rules (Rule 9 (1) (b)) require ‘an annual report on the proceedings of the PCC and ‘the activities of the church generally’ to be received by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), to be held this year on Wednesday 29[th] April 2026. The APCM is invited to discuss it.

The PCC sincerely thank all those people who voluntarily give their time and money to serving the church in many ways, thus enabling the five churches in our Parish to flourish as a Christian community.

– 2025 All change!

The last Annual Report reviewed the progress made over the preceding years and celebrated the Parish’s recovery from the difficult period of the COVID pandemic. Preparations were in place for major restoration and development work at three of our five churches, and we looked forward to the coming year with great anticipation.

Much has been achieved during the past twelve months. The first phase of the reordering at St Mary’s Nackington has been completed, with installation of electric heating under the pews and opening of the side transept into a delightful, airy space for gathering. The lovely lychgate at the entrance of St Peter’s Bekesbourne has been restored to its former glory. And the long planned extension at St Mary’s Patrixbourne has been completed on time and on budget, offering much needed facilities for congregation and visitors.

The completion of these projects has been very satisfying, but at the same time we have been presented with new challenges. We knew that Curate Miriam would be leaving us after four years as a much loved member of the ministry team, and we said our fond farewells in August. Within a few weeks, our Vicar Estella announced that she would be leaving us at the end of the year, following her appointment as Archdeacon of Maidstone.

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In some ways, this was not really surprising news. Estella has been an inspiring and dynamic leader, under whose guidance the Parish has been completely reorganised and revitalised. It was clear that a minister with these abilities would welcome fresh challenges and while we may feel that Maidstone’s gain is our loss, we recognize that Estella will have prayed and sought God’s guidance in seeking this change. She left Bridge in February after eight years in post, and she goes with our love, our thanks and our very best wishes for the future.

So we begin the search for a new incumbent. This process is well under way, and we hope to advertise the post of Vicar in the Parish of the Bridge Group at the end of March. We must pray that a minister with the ability to inspire and challenge us will hear God’s calling to lead us in the coming years.

Rory Wetherell , PCC Secretary

Vicar’s Report

I am writing this report having already finished as the Vicar of the Bridge Parish and having been Archdeacon of Maidstone for just a month – in fact, I am still in Bridge Vicarage as I write this as our move to Maidstone is happening next week!

Last year in my report to the APCM I wrote

“I think though as we move forward in 2025 we will need to give some thought to what the future looks like, to continue the work of enabling our churches to be assets to the communities we serve (rather than simply monuments to be preserved) and to consider how we can shape our worship in such a way that it is reaching the most people, offering the best missional opportunities and being as accessible as possible. ………... For those of us who work for the Church it is good to be reminded that we are the agents of God’s welcome and hospitality, and our work is not simply about sustaining the church we like or want but building a church that can enable everyone to grow in faith and discipleship for many years to come. May this be our focus as we go forward together this year.”

In 2025 we did indeed take seriously our call to seek to be hospitable in the places we serve. It is a tremendous achievement to report that three of our churches had significant projects which made hospitality and welcome all that little bit more possible.

The much-awaited refurbishment and restoration of the Lychgate at St Peter’s Bekesbourne, carried out with funds raised by the ever industrious Friends of Bekesboure Church provides a welcome arch to people coming up the hill to the church and a welcome resting place on the bench placed there for anyone weary from the pull up the hill.

The team at St Mary’s Nackington have progressed their works to enable them to offer greater hospitality. Works to the electrics, and the reordering of what was the side chapel, now newly redecorated, have provided both warmth in the form of new eco-friendly electric heating, (replacing the rather temperamental oil-fired system) and a beautiful space for socialising and fellowship.

The final and perhaps most significant of these works is, of course, the project to reorder and extend St Mary’s Patrixbourne, which saw the church building closed for much of the year (March to November). A very generous personal donation enabled us to complete the project as planned. And so, with a disabled access toilet and wet room facility, a new hospitality kitchen

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and a reordered space to the rear of the Church, St Mary’s is now well placed to host Pilgrim groups who may wish to stay in the church. It is also now much more suitable to use as a venue for concerts or meetings and much more comfortable as a place of worship (and it has been beautifully redecorated to boot!)

All of this work is wonderful for securing the long-term sustainability of our beautiful churches but my challenge to you remains – what are you doing in and with your buildings that serves your local community in a Christian way? How could the people of your villages who don’t yet engage with faith, find in the church a place that truly benefits them?

In August we said fond goodbyes to our Curate Revd Miriam and thanked her for all her work with us over four years. Whilst I know many of us were sad to see her go, this is one of the downsides of being a training parish (indeed of being a Training Incumbent) that moment when the placement comes to an end, but we sent her on her way with our love and gratitude for all that she had brought to us in her time with us. Revd Miriam continues to be a friend to the Parish though, and we look forward to seeing what the next steps will hold for her.

Speaking personally for a moment, one of the greatest challenges I faced during the year was being nominated to serve on the Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission and I am grateful to the Parish for releasing me for this important work and for your prayers throughout the process. (This release largely enabled by having Revd Miriam to pick up some of the slack!). It was a privilege to be at Archbishop Sarah’s Confirmation of Election Service at St Paul’s in January 2026 and we very much look forward to her ministry in Canterbury, the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.

The final challenge of the year came in the process of my own discernment and application for the role of Archdeacon of Maidstone. As I think I have said before, ‘call’ from God, to me, has always felt more like a physical shove than a gentle ‘follow me’ and this time the ‘shove’ saw me applying for a job I didn’t think I was ready for at a time when we weren’t really ready to leave – and yet here we are. It has been a privilege to live in Bridge and to serve as the Vicar of the Bridge Group Parish for eight years. I did my best to ensure that you would be well supported after I left and hope that these arrangements are working well. I am also praying for the arrangements to recruit my successor. This is a great Parish and you really deserve someone who can pick up where I left off and join you on the next stage of your journey together.

And so, as I wrote in my final Parish magazine letter, and as Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘I thank my God every time I remember you… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

Rev’d Canon Estella Last

Vicar, The Bridge Benefice, January 2018 - January 2026

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Updates from each of our Churches

St Peter’s Bridge

Services

Our service pattern consisted of:

2nd Sunday Parish Communion at 10 am.

On Mothering Sunday the school choir attended. On Palm Sunday the service was preceded by a procession from the school to church led by Banks the donkey (who stayed in church during the service).

Choral Evensong at 6pm was held in February, July and November.

Family Service at 4 pm was only held twice in November and December.

Messy Church met monthly until July, then once a term from September.

Additional services throughout the year included – Ash Wednesday Communion, Maundy Thursday evening Tenebrae, Remembrance Day service in church and at the War Memorial with the Nailbourne Scouts (all ages) attending, Carol Service and 2 Christingle Services.

The school held services for Easter, Summer (end of term), Year R Reception, Harvest, Advent and Year 2 Nativity. The school also participated in Lent Prayer Station over 2 days.

The Nailbourne Scouts held their Christmas service in December.

There were 8 Baptisms, 1 Wedding, 8 Funeral services and 9 Interment of Ashes

Church Building

The building is mainly in good order and is open every day.

There continue to be minor flaking of various areas of stonework, which are kept under review. A quotation for repairs was obtained but work was not carried out during the year.

The clock is mainly in working order, thanks to Mark Esdale who looks after it. The fire Extinguishers were inspected/serviced in February.

The heating boilers were serviced in June.

The organ had an annual tuning.

The church silver and vestments are in good order.

The choir is led by Jean Barber, who is our main organist. Dan Luck and Gerard Ahern assist with organ playing as required.

Rosemary Whatley is our Sacristan, Viv Brasier organises the flower arrangers, there is a small team of volunteer cleaners. Eco church recycling continues and volunteers take the materials to various places for onward recycling.

Churchyard

The churchyard continues to be maintained by Canterbury City Council, who cut/strim the grass during the mowing season. Any other maintenance/tidying is carried out by volunteers as and when they are available. Some help is occasionally available from staff from The Pig.

Laurence Dunderdale and Evelyn Andrews Churchwardens

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St Mary’s Patrixbourne

On January 6[th] the Churchwardens of Patrixbourne and Bridge churches met with Eric Colman, James Wood (Colman’s) Andrew Clague (Church Architect) and the Vicar, to plan the project for the building of the new extension to Patrixbourne Church. This followed on from the granting of a Faculty and the securing of funding for the project in December 2024. Getting to this point was the culmination of eight years of planning, consideration of the proposals by various interested bodies and the gaining of all necessary permissions to take the project to the point of commencement.

It was decided that the work would start in March and it was expected to last until November 2025. During the construction phase the church would remain closed and our monthly communion service would be hosted by one of the other churches in the parish. One thing emphasised at the meeting was the necessity to avoid any unnecessary disturbance of the swifts who nest each year in the chancel eaves.

Rapid progress on the shell of the building meant that by the time the swifts arrived in the middle of May most of the exterior work was completed and the swifts appear to have had a successful breeding season. To further encourage the swifts two new nesting boxes, constructed by a member of Pauline’s family, have been affixed to the north face of the extension close to the normal nesting sites.

Inside the church the pews in the rear of the north aisle were removed and a new insulated floor laid. Pilgrims staying overnight can now sleep on a warmer surface and the space created in the north aisle means we now have a larger social area for serving refreshments after a service. Within the extension the interior has been fitted out with both a kitchen and bathroom area. The extension can be closed off to the main body of the church by clear glass doors.

As the building work neared completion, it was decided that the interior should be redecorated as it was probably last painted fifty or more years ago. Finally, a cleaning company was employed to ensure the church was ready for services to commence again. Meanwhile the church path was weeded and refurbished with new shingle. The only glitch in the building work has been with Southern Water who have not yet connected the church to the main water supplies, though this is now planned for 9[th] March 2026. To cover the supply of water at this time a temporary connection was made to the original outside tap.

On Sunday December 7[th] a Service of Celebration was held with Archdeacon Will Adam presiding and preaching, and Bridge Choir leading the singing. The Annual Carol Service was held on 19[th] December with mulled wine, prepared in the new kitchen, served after the service. Our normal third Sunday Communion service was held on the 21[st] December.

Although the church was officially closed from March to November a limited amount of other church functions still took place. A U3A group visited in February and on June 21[st] the Pilgrims Hospice used the churchyard as a refreshment stop for walkers on the annual fundraising sponsored walk event. As the church couldn’t be used due to the building work, gazebos were used to provide cover for the volunteers serving refreshments. These had an advantage on a very hot day as they could be moved around the churchyard to find the most shaded areas. The builders also kindly allowed access to pilgrims, following the pilgrims’ routes, to stamp their

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pilgrim passports with the stamp kept on the table in the entrance to the church. Pilgrims are already starting to book to stay at the church in the coming year.

Finally, we need to thank Colman builders for their work on the new extension; their craftsmanship has ensured the extension is in keeping with the beauty of our church. Andrew Clague our architect has brought ideas to life, and to all others who have played a part in the project, especially our neighbours, Konrad and Elisabeth Schiemann for the noise and disruption they have suffered and the cups of tea offered to the workers. Friends of Kent Churches helped with some of the funding for the project and they are coming to visit the church in 2026. We also need to thank all the churches who hosted ‘Patrixbourne in exile’ while we couldn’t use our own church. It was lovely to see so many of our friends in the congregation on those Sundays. Now come and enjoy our refurbished and more ‘user friendly’ church!

Andrea Nicholson and Pauline Pritchard Churchwardens.

St Peter’s Bekesbourne

Services

Regular services

Songs of Praise services on the first Sunday of each month Parish Communion services in January and August Additonal services this year 9am Holy Communion in June 10am Sung Eucharist in July and October Thanksgiving for life of a child (Rolan Barker) in May Wedding (Archie Davies and Natasha Palmer) in July

Our services are well attended. Our Pet service and Easter service with egg hunt were particularly popular this year. On Christmas Day we had 157 attendees with lots of young people and 6 dogs! Songs of Praise services have hymns, readings and prayers which follow a theme. We have invited speakers on some occasions. Thanks to the wonderful band of bell ringers who ring out a welcome to all the services. There is always an offer of coffee and chat afterwards – with Jill’s cakes on special occasions! Thanks to Wendy her capable management of the refreshments and the washing up.

Church building

The church building is in a good state of repair thanks to Peter Rothwell who monitored the condition and fabric of the building. He retired earlier this year.

This year we have restored the lychgate to its former glory. The structure was straightened, the rotten wood replaced and the gates renovated and rehung. Thanks to Mervyn Gulvin, who masterminded the project. He provided detailed plans for the application of a Faculty, put the plans out to tender and oversaw the work carried out by Roy Harlow. The Friends’ of Bekesbourne Church paid the full cost of £17,865 with money raised from donations to our appeal.

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Our beautiful churchyard is an ‘open churchyard’, maintained by a team of volunteers organized by Ian Gillanders and Gill Moon. They meet regularly to tidy round the gravestones and cut back trees and brambles. They enjoy coffee and cake for ‘elevenses’. Regular mowing is done by a contractor. We aim to care for the churchyard in a way which makes it pleasant and attractive for visitors, a place in keeping with the function of burials, a fit setting for the church and a haven for wildlife.

The churchyard trail, written by Jill Thomas in 2015, is to be relaunched this year at an Open Day on 4[th] May. We aim to introduce the church, its heritage and the abundance of wildlife to be found in our beautiful churchyard. We hope to inspire people to become involved and perhaps start a community project based on the churchyard.

Nicky Fry Churchwarden

St Mary’s Nackington

A year of significant change and improvement at Nackington with the completion of Phase 1 of the refurbishment project. The removal of the old heating system boiler, iron pipes and radiators and the installation and upgrade to the church power supply and electrics has transformed the space and ambiance of the church. The removal of the pine plinth in the side chapel has improved the seating capacity considerably. The final service before the work started was on Easter morning April 20th. In May there was a large funeral for a loyal longstanding member of the congregation for which the church was reopened ,ninety attended. Improvement work recommenced and was completed by Trinity Sunday.

The service pattern has remained unchanged with the usual additions of the wreath laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday at the Nackington War memorial. The Christmas Eve Communion service was Estella ‘s final service at Nackington. This was as usual very well attended and the improved heating and the under-pew heaters much appreciated and discussed. This work has been coordinated and overseen by John Meardon for which we are grateful.

During the time, when Patrixbourne was undergoing a large building modernisation, the services usually held relocated to Nackington which we all enjoyed. The work was completed in early December and they were able to resume and reopen the church. Permission to sell the Nackington Porringer was finally obtained and in the Autumn it was sold at the Canterbury Auction Gallery. This completed a task that has been ongoing for many years. Now we plan to commence the second part of the reordering project which entails the installation of a water tap ,drainage ,kitchenette and toilet. These additions will bring the building up to today’s expectations for visitors and members of the congregation for services who enquire

frequently about the availability of such facilities.

Daphne Reece and Scilla Wright Churchwardens

St Mary’s Lower Hardres

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The pattern of services has remained the same this year with Lower Hardres having the Parish Communion Service on the fourth Sunday of the month at 10am. This service continues to be well supported with the congregation made up of people from across the whole of the parish. As is the custom, there are always refreshments available at the end of the service for everyone to enjoy while they chat and catch up with one another.

On Remembrance Sunday there was the usual wreath laying service at the War Memorial in Lower Hardres at 10.45am led by Miriam Westendarp our Lay Preacher. The wreath was laid and the Roll of Honour was read by Douglas McCully, the national Anthem was sung and the Last Post and Reveille was played on the trumpet by Iain Carpenter. It was well attended with more than 30 people taking part.

In December the village social committee and members of the Lower Hardres church team organised Community Carols in the church. It was well attended with over 60 adults and children joining in with the singing. Estella told the Christmas Story with appropriate carols sung while the figures were placed in the crib with the help of the children. The Christmas tree was also decorated by the children. Mulled wine and hot chocolate, sausage rolls and mince pies were served to everyone. Donations were made and £200 was sent to the local food bank in Canterbury.

There were no baptisms or weddings this year in Lower Hardres and only one funeral. This was the funeral of Norma Stone, a lifelong resident of the village and supporter of the church. She had attended the church and Sunday School as a child and then later served on the PCC for many years and was Churchwarden for over seventeen of these. She and her husband Eric helped keep the churchyard clear and tidy during this time and even did all the mowing for a while. She had continued to attend the services in Lower Hardres regularly until her unexpected death aged 93 in January this year. She will be sadly missed.

St. Mary’s Church is open as usual, all day, every day of the year for visitors and private prayer and continues to be used regularly by people who enjoy the peace and serenity of the building and the churchyard.

I am very grateful to the small team of helpers who keep the church clean and tidy and who help make the church beautiful with flower arrangements throughout the year. The churchyard, which is open, is mown regularly by Mr Chris Tanton. We are grateful to the Parish Council who make a donation towards the upkeep of the churchyard every year which enables us to keep it looking well cared for. Areas of the churchyard are left ‘wild’ to encourage wildlife and we have been part of the God’s Acre Project for many years. This is all part of our efforts to be as environmentally friendly as possible in all aspects of the church and its grounds. I would also like to thank David and Ann Nichols who have carried out much of the clearance and maintenance work in the churchyard again this year. We are very grateful to Douglas and Catherine McCully who allow us to use their field for parking whenever there is a service or event in the church.

I would particularly like to thank Ann Nichols for all that she has done throughout the year to help and support the church in Lower Hardres and me as Churchwarden. For various and different reasons both Ann and I have had a difficult year and we are very grateful and appreciative of all the help, support and kindness that has been given to us by so many of the members of the other churches in our parish.

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Carol Day Churchwarden

Friend’s Organisatons

Friends of St Peter’s Bridge (FOSP)

FOSP was established in 2014 for major fabric repairs and outreach into the community. Coffee & Cake Concerts began with Carols in 2016, they remain popular and those in 2025 were:

• (1) Jan - ‘My favourite things’ Miriam Westendarp [£190 to New Life & £72 to Church*]

• (2) Feb - 50th Anniversary Concert [£249 (all proceeds to Church)]

• (3) Mar - ‘The Accidental Soprano’ Jean Collingsworth [£110 to Pilgrim’s Hospice & £75 to Church*]

• (4) May - Charlton Larks Choir [£304 to Christian Aid*]

• (5) June - Summer Solstice Concert [£185 to Playgroup*]

• (6) Sept - ‘My favourite things’ Dan Luck [£150 to MIND & £30 to Church*]

• (7) Oct -‘Bill Rose Remembered’ [£100 to Red Cross & £113 to Church*]

• (8) Dec - 9th Annual Carol Concert [£115 to Embrace Middle East & £115 to Church*]

Notes: - (1) No C &C Concert in Nov – audience encouraged to attend ‘A Christmas Carol’. (2) The Sharing arrangement* agreed with Concert givers . (3) Total raised £ 1154 (64%) to various charities + £654 (36%) to church funds = £1808 (4) Further Coffee & Cake Concerts planned until July 2026.

Alan Barber & Laurence Dunderdale

Friends of St Mary’s Patrixbourne (FOSM)

FOSM has had a quiet year as St Mary’s has been closed for building works for much of it. We look forward to making more active use of our new facilities in the coming year.

Pauline Pritchard

Friends of St Peter’s Bekesbourne

The Friends’ works towards protecting the future of our beautiful Church building and graveyard. We do this by organising various events bringing the community together throughout the year.

We would like to record our sincere thanks to Christine Dutfield, our late Chair who sadly passed away in November after a year of ill health. Christine had led us successfully for 15 years and is naturally missed.

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We held 4 successful fundraising events during the year: Wine and Wisdom in March, Charlie Singalong in April, Summer Lunch in July and a Crib Festival in December. Ride & Stride participants also donated their funds. The aim of these events is not just to raise money but to foster community spirit in the village.

Steve Thomas continues to organize our 100 Club which provides the Friends with a regular annual income. New members always welcome.

We have reconstituted our committee this year with Steve Thomas-Chair, Nicky Fry- Secretary, Graham Duplock-Treasurer, Wendy Howard and Gill Moon members.

We are very proud that during the year we have completed the restoration of our previously tilting Lychgate mainly thanks to the successful appeal to the village for donations, at a cost of around £18,000. We wish to thank all who contributed and Mervyn Gulvin for his architectural input. Do come and look at it.

These events bring together all villagers and encourage them, and the stalwarts, to enter into a community spirit. Please spread the word and look out for events the Committee is organising this year. Any ideas for other events would be most welcome.

We wish to thank our wonderful volunteers who enable us to run events and all villagers who support them and hope you continue, and more villagers will follow your example in the future to achieve a successful and profitable 2026 continuing to support the fabric of our beautiful church.

Steve Thomas, Chair

The Friends of Nackington Church

In May 2025, work began to remove the ancient oil-fired boiler and pipework and install a new eco-friendly under-pew and radiant electric heating system.

Once the heating had been installed, work began on the Lady Chapel which involved removing the old Altar and repainting the walls with specialised clay paint. This reorganisation has given St Mary’s a much needed flexible space for additional seating and hospitality. In June the church was re-opened with a special service of blessing which was very well attended.

The new heating system was put through its paces in the cold winter weather and has made a huge difference to the comfort of the congregation!

In early December, The Salvation Army Band came to Parsonage Barn for an evening of Carol Singing. This year Revd Estella was the Master of Ceremonies and Major Gavin Friday gave an interesting talk on the work of the SA in the Canterbury area. Following the Carol singing the evening was rounded off with refreshments and the retiring collection raised £304 for the SA and £372 for the church.

In 2026 The Friend's Committee will be meeting again to discuss fundraising for the installation of a WC and kitchenette.

Ann Meardon February 2026

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Deanery report

In 2025 there were three meetings of the East Bridge Deanery Synod and one joint meeting with West Bridge synod. This took the form of a Roadshow with Bishop Rose and various diocesan officers, at Lower Hardres Village Hall.

Mr Paul Allen has become the Lay Chair for the Deanery and The Rev Estella Last was the Area Dean.

The Roadshow was held in July and after prayers and some presentations, and an address by Bishop Rose, synod members participated in one of three workshops.

• Growing, giving and generosity

• Leading your church into growth

• Children, Young People and Education: Welcoming the ‘Quiet Revival’

• All the groups were well attended, and interesting discussion took place.

The main focus of the Deanery Synod meetings throughout the year has been on the production of a Deanery Plan. This is to be submitted to the Diocese as any financial implications of the plan will need to be funded by the Diocese. The main items in the plan are:

• Lifting the Financial Burden on our Parishes- Parish Share and other costs becoming unsustainable

• Getting the best from our ancient church buildings- all churches need to be warm with toilet and other facilities- Faculty process often burdensome

• Resourcing Ordained and Lay Ministry - do we have enough people to carry out all the functions we need in our Parishes?

• Reorganisation and revitalisation- is the current benefice structure working?

The ability to put such a plan into action might need extra personnel such as a Youth Officer, a Diocesan Building Officer and a possible pastoral reorganisation.

This draft plan is currently being assessed by PCCs in the Deanery.

Other items discussed at Deanery Synod were Safeguarding and the Living in Love and Faith proposals. A Candlemas Deanery Evensong was held at Wingham Church on the 1[st] February and members of Bridge Choir helped lead the singing.

Andrea Nicholson, Amanda Barker, Daphne Reece (early 2025), Rosy Atkinson (late 2025)

Christan Aid report

In 2025 Christian Aid celebrated its 80[th] anniversary, having been set up by UK churches after WW2 to support the many refugees resulting from the war. Christian Aid Week in May focused on Guatemala and the severe effects climate change is having on agriculture, which is the main source of income for the majority of people. At the start of Christian Aid Week we had a film and talk at during the 10am Parish Communion service at Bridge, showing how Christian Aid’s partner organisation Congcoop is supporting farmers to grow resilient crops, make fertiliser and conserve water, so building sustainable communities.

As in in previous years our Parish raised money for Christian Aid Week in several ways over the whole month of May. The May Coffee and Cake concert raised £320, envelopes in our 5 churches £75, deliver-only envelopes in selected roads in Bridge £491.80, and individual donations £470. All the money raised was paid into our specially created on--line ‘envelope’

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with a total of £1,501 going direct to Christian Aid. Gift Aid amounted to £508 giving a final total for Christian Aid Week of £2,009.80. Rosy Atkinson organised Bridge Open Gardens in July, providing refreshments in Bridge Church and an opportunity to donate to Christian Aid. This raised an additional £265.

Bridge Group Parish is represented on the Canterbury Christian Aid committee along with another seven church representatives, including from the Cathedral. The Committee’s activities are divided into fundraising, awareness raising and campaigning and a few members of the Parish have supported some of these events during the year.

Thank you to everyone who supports Christian Aid in the Parish in any way.

Jean Barber. - Parish Eco Church Team

The Eco Church Team has not met this year, mainly due to the busy schedules of the small number of people in the team.

The Bridge Recycling Station continues to be well used. Soft plastics are collected weekly and taken by church volunteers to supermarkets for recycling. There are also boxes for used coffee bags, electric toothbrush accessories, batteries and stamps. These are managed by volunteers from the village and other organisations. Regretfully we have had to discontinue accepting blister packs because the number being left at church was becoming overwhelming and also because Superdrug in Canterbury reduced its recycling facilities and large quantities of blister packs cannot be deposited at Boots in Wincheap.

The Parish churchyards continue to be maintained by volunteers, providing a sustainable environment and encouraging biodiversity.

An Eco Church Newsletter is in preparation.

The Parish has achieved its target of converting to smart meters in all its churches, which it is hoped will reduce the amount of fuel consumed. Thanks to Megan and the Church Wardens for their hard work in organising the change-over, which has been time-consuming.

Bridge & Patrixbourne Primary School has created an Eco Team and has completed a whole school project on climate change. Another project is planned in the coming months on waste reduction. A new bike rack has also been installed to encourage cycling to school, thanks to a local grant. It is very encouraging that young people are being made aware of the need to think and act sustainably.

The Parish Eco Church Team has been invited to meet other local eco groups at a networking morning in Littlebourne in March, to report on local action and share ideas.

The Team is aware that we could be doing more as a Parish to support the environment and help mitigate the effects of climate change, but we will only be able to achieve this by more interested people getting involved. It is important that we remain active in order to maintain our Silver Eco-Church Award status.

Jean Barber

Choir and music report

The choir has been pleased to welcome Jackie into the soprano line, following an appeal for new members in On the Nail, so with the return of Hilary we now have 9 members. Revd Estella has also been part of the choir and her strong soprano voice is already being missed

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since she left Bridge to become Archdeacon of Maidstone. The choir sings regularly during the Communion at the 10am services at Bridge and Lower Hardres if we have a full SATB team available, otherwise a congregational hymn is sung.

An enjoyable Hymns and Pimms evening service, led by the choir, was held in July 2025 when 10 people chose a favourite hymn for all to sing. We also sang Choral Evensong at Bridge in November to celebrate All Souls. The choir travelled to Patrixbourne for its grand re-opening in December, singing Psalm 84 ‘O how amiable are thy dwellings’ as the new building work was dedicated by Archdeacon Will Adams. At Christmas a few friends joined us for the Bridge Carol Service, when we were accompanied by Ian Thompson in the absence of Gerard Ahern. We sang carols in the Red Lion following the Christmas Farmers’ Market and on Christmas Eve at The Pig restaurant. In February this year 6 of us stook part in a Deanery service for Candlemas at Wingham Church, joining with other choirs from across the Deanery.

We have welcomed again children from the Bridge and Patrixbourne School Choir, with their teachers Helen Brooks and Dan Luck, to lead the services on Mothering Sunday and Education Sunday. It has been good to see more children in church and their enthusiastic singing is very popular with our congregation at Bridge.

The Parish Choir continues to form the core of a community choir which has performed during the year at our Saturday Coffee and Cake Concerts - a Summer Concert in June and a concert to celebrate the life of a former choir member, Bill Rose, in October.

Many thanks to our regular team of organists in the Parish – Gerard Ahern (Patrixbourne and Nackington) and Andrew Cooper (Bekesbourne). Philip Cheetham has retired as the organist at Nackington. He and his wife Susan were thanked at a morning service there in the summer and a gift was taken to them as they were not able to attend. Dan Luck plays for our Christingle services, sometimes for the Bridge Parish Communion and for the termly Family Services. Gerard is the organist for most weddings and funerals in the Parish.

Mander Organ Builders continue to tune and maintain the organs annually.

Patrixbourne and Bridge churches are affiliated to the RSCM and an annual fee is paid.

Jean Barber, Bridge and Lower Hardres Organist.

Bridge CEP School

Bridge School continues to be a thriving and oversubscribed school at the heart of the village. We remain full in most year groups, and the strength of applications reflects the confidence families place in the education, care and values that define our community.

As with many schools, we are seeing an increase in both the number and complexity of Special Educational Needs. This requires skill, patience and careful planning. Our commitment remains clear: that every child is known, supported and challenged within a nurturing community rooted in our Christian vision — to flourish and grow within the love of God — and guided by our core values of Service, Forgiveness, Trust, Generosity and Compassion.

Achievement and Standards

Outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2 remain securely above national averages, particularly in reading and writing. The vast majority of pupils achieve the expected standard, and a strong proportion achieve at greater

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depth. These outcomes reflect the strength of our curriculum and the high expectations held consistently across the school.

Attendance is a significant strength. At 97.6%, it is well above national averages, with very low levels of persistent absence. This reflects strong relationships with families and a culture in which children feel safe, valued and eager to attend.

Where outcomes have not been as strong as we would wish — particularly in mathematics for a small, disadvantaged cohort last year — leaders have acted decisively. Strengthened teaching approaches and earlier identification of gaps are already showing positive impact, with all disadvantaged pupils in the current Year 6 cohort making expected progress. We remain ambitious for every child.

Safeguarding continues to be effective and embedded in the culture of the school. Procedures are robust and regularly reviewed, and pupils consistently report that they feel safe and supported.

SIAMS Inspection – Living Out Our Christian Vision

This year we were delighted to welcome inspectors for our SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools). The inspection affirmed that Bridge & Patrixbourne is thriving as a Church of England school and that our Christian vision is deeply embedded in every aspect of school life.

Inspectors recognised that our vision is not simply words on a page but actively shapes leadership decisions, relationships and the curriculum. They highlighted the inclusive and nurturing culture of the school, noting that pupils and adults alike flourish because they feel valued and supported.

The quality of Religious Education was praised, particularly the way pupils engage thoughtfully and respectfully with different faiths and worldviews. Collective worship was recognised as meaningful and reflective, supporting pupils’ spiritual development and sense of belonging.

Importantly for us as a parish community, the inspection also affirmed the strength of our partnership with the church. The close relationship between school and parish enriches worship, pastoral care and community life. The report recognised that this partnership strengthens the lived experience of Christian community for children and families alike.

The inspection also identified areas for continued growth, including deepening opportunities for spiritual reflection and further empowering pupils to articulate how our Christian vision influences daily life. These align closely with our existing development priorities and form part of our ongoing commitment to improvement.

Personal Development and Opportunity

Personal development remains a significant strength of Bridge School. Eighty-seven percent of pupils participate in at least one extra-curricular activity, with participation rates consistent across disadvantaged and SEND pupils. Opportunity at Bridge is inclusive and accessible to all.

Educational visits and enrichment opportunities broaden horizons well beyond the classroom. From cultural visits to sporting competitions and creative projects, our aim is that children leave Bridge not only academically prepared, but confident, curious and ready to contribute positively to society. Our inaugural ski trip in 2025 proved to be an outstanding success. Its impact has been such that we are planning a return visit in 2027, with 29

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children already signed up — a clear testament to the confidence families have in the experience and the value placed upon it by pupils.

The arts continue to be a defining strength of the school. As an Artsmark Gold school, we are working strategically towards Platinum accreditation. Creative expression and performance remain central to school life. Our Year 6 pupils put on a fabulous performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in July 2025 and rehearsals are well underway for the 2026 show, We Will Rock You, which promises to be another memorable showcase of talent, teamwork and confidence.

We are grateful to the Parish Council for once again allowing us to use the recreation ground for our fireworks display and summer fete. These events raise vital funds through the Bridge Parents, Teachers and Friends Association and strengthen bonds with the village.

A Note of Thanks – and Farewell

In January, we said goodbye to Revd Estella as she took up her new role as Archdeacon of Maidstone. As a school, we are absolutely delighted for her. Her appointment is richly deserved and a recognition of the leadership, wisdom and compassion she brings to everything she does. At the same time — if we are honest — we feel the loss. She will be very hard to replace. During her time with us, Estella did far more than simply support the school — she helped to shape it. She strengthened our Christian vision and, more importantly, helped us to live it out when it truly mattered. As a governor, she was a calm, thoughtful and principled voice, ensuring decisions were always rooted in what is best for children and families.

Many within our community experienced her pastoral care personally. In moments of anxiety or uncertainty, she offered steadiness, wisdom and grace. Often quietly and behind the scenes, she advocated for those who needed it most and reminded us to hold firmly to our values, even when that was not easy.

She also challenged us to think creatively and courageously about community — reminding us that church is not simply a building, but a people. Because of that vision, more children and families have felt welcomed and included. Our school, parish and wider community are stronger because of her, and we wish her every blessing in her new ministry. We also thank Laurence Dunderdale and Evelyn Andrews for all they have done in the past 12 months to supporting our school community when we have worshipped at St Peter’s. We are very grateful.

Challenges and the Future

Financial pressures remain the most significant challenge facing schools nationally, and we are not immune from this. Rising costs and increasing pupil need require careful stewardship of resources. One ongoing priority is ensuring the sustainability of our school minibuses, which remain an invaluable asset in enabling enrichment, sport and wider opportunity.

Despite these pressures, Bridge School remains a strong, inclusive and ambitious community. Leadership is reflective and strategic, governance provides appropriate support and challenge, and staff continue to show extraordinary commitment to the children in their care.

The children of Bridge School continue to impress us daily with their kindness, resilience and character. They are a credit to their families, their teachers and the community that surrounds them.

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It remains a privilege to lead this school. Thank you for your continued support.

James Tibbles, Headmaster, and Victoria Pattison, Governor

- Parents of Neurodivergent children cofee and catch up

For the moment, I am continuing the parent group as a ‘parent volunteer’ rather than with a clergy hat on. In this guise I have been ‘safely recruited’ by the church as someone who has done safeguarding training, as has one other in the group. There’s a rota of parents for opening up and setting up, and the pavilion is booked monthly until the end of the current school year (Summer 2026) at which point my involvement will cease.

There will be a question, at that point, as to whether the group is realistically still a ‘church’ group or whether it should be handed back to the school. The parents who attend are keen for it to continue – but mostly don’t have the wherewithal to organise it themselves. The decision on how to take this forward will fall to the school’s SENCO (special needs co-ordinator) and to the other safely recruited volunteer.

Miriam Bier Hinksman, Assistant Curate (until August 2025)

Parish Magazine

On The Nail is the Parish magazine for Bridge, Patrixbourne and Bekesbourne.

Ten editions were published in 2025, 490 copies are printed each month, of which 290 copies are delivered to subscribers in Bridge, 38 to Patrixbourne and 110 to Bekesbourne. Copies are available in each of our 5 churches, and Rev Estella had copies to hand out. Copies are available in some retail premises in Bridge, and copies are made available to guests at the Pig at Bridge Place. Copies are also posted to former residents.

In April 2025 we changed printers to The Sustainable Printworks. This included a coloured front cover page and a reduction in printing costs of £100 per month. The annual subscription remains at £5.00.

Megan Shirley, our Parish Administrator, gathers the information monthly, edits and typesets the magazine prior to printing. Steve Thomas coordinates the advertising.

Our thanks go to Megan, Steve and all the volunteers who deliver the magazine across our three villages.

Laurence Dunderdale

- Single Parish Electoral Roll 2025 6

The Electoral Roll operates on a six-year cycle. Therefore prior to the APCM in 2025 applications were invited and a new Roll was completed.

There are 103 names on the Roll for 2025 – 2026.

Before last year's revision there had been 157 names. In the previous 6 years, there have inevitably been deaths and several people had moved away.

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With regard to this year's revision, new application forms have been printed for anyone who wishes to be added to the next Electoral Roll. The churchwardens have been asked to announce this year's revision at the services in their churches through March 2026. When any completed forms have been collected, the Electoral Roll will be updated and the new Roll will be printed and placed in the churches at the required time. Before all that a notice will put up in each church announcing the proposed revision for the year 2026 - 2027.

Rosemary Whatley, Parish Electoral Roll Officer

- Safeguarding 2025 2026

Safeguarding has high priority in our parish. It is at the foundation of its ministry, promoting a safe, caring environment for all who are involved with our church community whether they are beneficiaries or workers. It aims to ensure safe recruitment, prevent abuse and protect children and vulnerable adults.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all and is overseen by the Incumbent, the PCC and support from the Diocese. A Policy for Safeguarding is displayed on our website and in each church. We aim to raise awareness of the need for safeguarding throughout the community.

We have appointed a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) who is in contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and who keeps the PCC informed of ongoing issues and initiatives. Safeguarding is on the Agenda at every PCC meeting.

DBS checks are in place for those who work within the Parish such as Churchwardens, organisers and helpers of groups for children and adults, those who carry out home visits and others who assist with voluntary activities. Training for these workers is undertaken as appropriate.

Anyone with concerns about safeguarding should contact the PSO or Incumbent who will then report to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team or the Police.

Rosemary Whatley, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Parish Giving Scheme

The Parish Giving Scheme continues to be a popular and successful way to support our Parish. PGS is a simple, convenient, and secure way for churches to receive money donated by individuals either monthly, quarterly, or annually by direct debit. An option is also available for one-off donations.

57 individual donations are currently received each month into our Parish account which enables us to monitor our finances effectively. PGS claim the gift aid on our behalf and this is also paid monthly into our account.

Our sincere thanks are expressed to all who support our five churches by giving through the PGS. More information is available on the PGS flyers held in each Church, alternatively contact me on 01227 830960.

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Evelyn Andrews PGS and Gift Aid Secretary

Financial Review for the Year Ending 31st December 2025

Since the amalgamation of parishes in 2019 the financial figures represent a consolidated view of the accounts of the three former PCCs plus the Benefice Group. Each PCC is required to pay its allocated “Parish Share” to the Diocese of Canterbury, which goes towards the overall Diocesan budget for selection, training, stipends, housing and pensions of the clergy, and administration of the Diocese. Effectively it is the cost of providing ministry to the Parish.

The 2025 Parish Share was increased by approximately 6% compared to 2024, to £77,579 (from £73.2k). As a group, by February 2026, we successfully paid 100% of our Parish Share for 2025 plus small arrears (£2k) from 2024.

The Statement of Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year is attached. As required by the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Act 2011, this Statement will be subject to an independent examination.

Reserves at the end of December 2025 were £188k, a reduction of £294k, representing a cash outflow, mainly from Restricted Reserves.

The £294k overall deficit includes £370k of exceptional restricted spend that has been carefully planned and checked by members of the respective parishes.

Significant repairs and alterations to the fabric of our churches- amounting to £370k - happened during 2025. Building works and associated payments, primarily at Patrixbourne, continued into early 2026 with the aggregate spend exceeding £200k on this project, comprising an extension with a kitchen, shower and toilet, redecoration and deep cleaning.. At Bekesbourne, the lychgate was renovated; and at Nackington, the oil central heating was replaced with a modern electrical system. In addition, minor repairs to the roof at Bridge and remedial electrical work and clock repairs across the estate were carried out. All of this has been funded from reserves, built-up from land sales, bequests and grants. It should be noted that the Restricted Funds are for various designated uses, such as church estate project and improvement and maintenance work, and we still very much require the ongoing generous Planned Giving and Collections to continue to fund the day to day running costs of our wonderful churches.

In operating terms, a surplus of £75k is recorded: voluntary receipts increased by £6k and operating costs were £35k less than in 2024. Note that transactions are recorded on a receipts and payments basis, meaning that year on year comparisons are not wholly comparable due to their timing.

All of this activity takes time and resource by our clergy, volunteers and supporters, and is never taken for granted. The continuing success of the Parish Giving Scheme and the many fundraising activities taking place in the parishes only happens as a result of people getting involved and making it happen.

During 2025 we made several contributions to charities through a variety of fund-raising activities. Some of the charities supported were Porchlight, Christian Aid, Red Cross, Canterbury Food Bank, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Royal British Legion and the Children’s Society.

Looking forwards, increasing costs such as utilities and insurance, together with pressures on household budgets, indicate lean times ahead.

Significant donations during the year that were added to our reserves were: April – Orbis Foundation £5,000

April - Benefact Trust £6,750 (re-ordering project at Nackington)

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January, April and October – anonymous donations totalling £8,000 September – Mr J Rogerson £5,000

November – Friends of Kent Churches - £5,000 (extension project at Patrixbourne)

As in prior years, our churches received grants towards our churchyard maintenance and we are very grateful for the ongoing support of our Parish Councils who again, kindly provided these maintenance grants.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support of all those who have generously contributed to the life of the Parish over the past year, especially in the areas of planned giving, collections and donations.

Alison Mannering PCC Treasurer

Administratve informaton

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006). Under these rules, the PCC must meet four times during the year and conduct an Annual Parish Meeting. The administrative load has increased since the formation of the single parish, and we have increased our number of meetings so that we meet every other month.

Since the formation of the Parish of the Bridge Group on 1[st] January 2020, the annual turnover of the PCC has exceeded the threshold for registration with the Charity Commission. Registration was successfully completed on 13[th] January 2022; the PCC’s Registered Charity number is 1197483.

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PCC Membership

PCC members who have served during 2025 are:

Ex Ofcio members: Incumbent: Rev’d Canon Estella Last Curate: Rev’d Dr Miriam Bier Hinksman Lay Chaplain: Miriam Westendarp Wardens: Laurence Dunderdale Nicola Fry Evelyn Andrews Scilla Wright Andrea Nicholson Daphne Reece Pauline Pritchard Carol Day Vice Chair: Pauline Pritchard, succeeded by John Meardon There are two Churchwarden Vacancies (Lower Hardres and Bekesbourne) Deanery Synod Members: Amanda Barker Andrea Nicholson Rosy Atkinson Hon. Treasurer: Peter Turrell, succeeded by Alison Mannering Safeguarding and Electoral Roll Officer: Rosemary Whatley (Co-opted member) Secretary: Rory Wetherell (also elected rep Patrixbourne) Elected Members: Rosy Atkinson (elected rep Bridge) Alan Barber (elected rep Bridge) John Meardon (elected rep Nackington) Gill Moon (elected rep Bekesbourne) Graham Duplock (elected rep Bekesbourne) William Day (elected rep Lower Hardres) There are 3 elected member vacancies (1 x Patrixbourne, 1 x Lower Hardres, 1 x Nackington) Finance Commitee – appointed by the PCC as a sub-committee Rev’d Estella Last (Incumbent) Alison Mannering (Treasurer) Evelyn Andrews (Gift Aid Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Bridge, Patrixbourne, Lower Hardres & Nackington) Zan Clifford (Gift Aid Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Bekesbourne) Laurence Dunderdale John Meardon

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This Annual Report has been approved by the Parochial Church Council by correspondence (email) on 26[th] April 2026 and signed on their behalf by

John Meardon, PCC Vice Chair

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ACCOUNTS ST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 CONTENTS Pa Independent Examinerfs Report Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Accounts

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP This report on the financial statements the PCC forthe year ended 315r December 2025 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20061"the Regulations") and settion 145 of the Charities Act 20111.the Act"). Respective Responsiblllties of the PCC and the Examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations section 44121 of the Act do not apply. It is mv responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basls of thls Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance 2006 edition, issued by the finance division of the Archbishops. Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the financial statements with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent Examlneffs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to., Keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 ofthe Act,. and b. To prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply wrth the requirements of the Act and Regulations have not been met; or 2. To which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the financial statements to be reached. David Muggridge FCC Ackland Webb MAE Date

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 UMRESTWCfÈD ALLFUNDS FylY#ar fviyat Y••r FknYY•ir RECE￿ vowr4TUY PkinMdGkO c￿le(lI￿n GIftthPeco VokAnthrySyblO#I 745 .745 ié. N713 2L627 2L827 $5 ¥>A53 9&ts5 OThEA cthrV&￿rt4ry￿4¢t 41fv48 41 17,660 11,9gi f62 221322 IL981 17,82 1722 o￿￿r￿￿•1Pts In¥05trh*ntlrKo L$m6 16N8fj LI345 437 X93 IX455 TOTAL•ECEIPTS 67,114 X#.176 IX757 55th•Ji 66fi5a i J J Q653 B7 8P.902 2￿71 2.571 6.754 754 3.502 t49.ag2 177.795 53.934 4.593 4,593 TOTALPAYhlEMTS JJ 1014 L47,W9 $VHPLUSI DEFIC IR2 B•521 1g.t49 211743 20leg1 TOTALRESePVE5AT15TJAWAAY 11ty]8 257J14 5URPLUSIIDEHCIT)FOA TbKITAR 8J56 IB2,241 Itsy9) 221743 FUNPIW45FER5 TOTALHESEAVEsAfnsTrrtÈMtsER

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31- DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 CASH BALANCES Bank Account Isee note5 1 & 21 CBF Deposits Isee note 71 Cash in Hand Cash at Bank and in Hand.. End of Period UNRESfRICfED 16.089 REsfRicfED 127,060 237,964 ALL FUNDS 143,149 237.964 ALL FUNDS 16,661 438.075 16A189 365024 381.1 454736 OTHER mON￿ARy AS5Ers Investments (see note 101 iOA32 18.033 28A65 28,694 OTHER ASSETS (See note 31 OTHER UABIUTIES TOTAL ASWSAND UABiufiES 24521 3$3￿57 409.578 4WA30 1 ESCKI is held in PCC St Marys Lower Hardres account whlch is restricted for use of thè lower Hardres 100 Club. NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31- DECEMBER 2025 2 Bank balances as at 3tst December (non CCLAlinve5tment Ac(ountsl'. 2025 2024 UNRESTRicfED 15.182 280 581 NIA RESTRICTED 114,618 N/A NIA 11,942 500 NIA NIA NIA 127J560 ALL FUNDS 129,800 ALL FUNDS 1.433 Bridge Group Parish PCC The Bridge Group of Parishes PCC of Bekesbourne Current Account PCC Beke5bourne Reserve A¢o)unt PCC St Marys Lower Hardres (see note 71 PCC Lower Hardres & Nackington PCC St Marys Nackington PCC Patrixbourne with Bridgè 581 11,942 500 750 14.423 550 34 16x189 34 143,149 17.161

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 4 The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis. 5 Other Assets - The Movable Church Furnishings are listed in the inventory (held by the Church Wardens on special trust for the PCC and which requlre a faculty for disposal}. 6 Reserves Policy - it is our poliry to invest funds, balances with the CBF (Church of England Deposit Fund). 7 The Restrirted Funds comprise the followlng accounts and values at year-end.. 2025 2024 St. Peter Brid e & St Mar Patrixbourne Sale of Vicarage Land IGeneral} Fund SUBTOTAL 60,470 137,095 60,470 137,095 St. Peter Brid Fabric Fund Choir Fund SUBTOTAL 109.569 109,517 638 263 110,207 109,780 St. Ma Patrixbourne Fabric Fund SUBTOTAL 113,364 113,364 St. Peter Bekesbourne Friends of Bekesbourne Church SUBTOTAL 16,854 16.854 18,776 18,776 St. Mar Lower Hardr Fabric Fund Daisy Law Churchyard Fund Friends of Lower Hardres Church Lower Hardres General Fund Lower Hardres l(KJ Club SUBTOTAL 4,318 4,111 618 57 500 4,131 3,933 591 55 500 9.604 9,210 St. Mar Nackin Fabric Fund Friends of Nackington Church Nackington General Fund Chancel Income Fund SUBTOTAL on 22,986 12,405 3,048 2,387 40,826 21,587 23,175 2,917 2,171 49,850 TOTAL 237,W 438,075

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 8 The Receipts and Payments Account shows the amounts paid in respert of Parish Share contributions during the year ended 31 December 2025. At 31 December 2025, an amount of £6.465 remained outstanding in respect of the 2025 Parish Share contribution. The outstanding balance was paid on 7 January 2026. 9 The Re￿iptS and Payment5 Account shows the amounts paid in respect of building work at St Marys Patrixbourne during the year ended 31 December 2025. At 31 December 2025, expenditure of approximately £65.OC() was committed but not spent until January 2026.

The Investment Assets comprise the following accounts and valuations at year*nd..

2025 2024 St. Ma Lower Hardres RECTORY LAND FUND Unrestricted CBF Investment CBF Fixed Interest Securities Unlts 208.5 378 4,628 578 4,821 564 Dividends are credited quarterly to the church's general fund {PCC Lower Hardres & Nackingtonl. St. Ma Nackin on RECTORY L4ND FUND CBF Investment CBF Fixed Interest Securities Unrestricted 208.5 391 4,628 598 4,821 564 * Dividends are credited quarterly to the church's general fund IPCC Lower Hardres & Nacklngton). TOTAL U14REsfRICTED INVEsfMENT A55ETS ION32 10,770 CKINGTON CHANCEL FUND CBF Investment. Endowm 182 4,208 Dividends are credited to the Chancel Deposit Fund MISS DORIS RYE BE UEST Restricted CBF Fixed Interest Securities 6515 9,953 *** The income from this bequest 15 restrirted to the church's Fabric Fund and dividends are credited to the St. Mary Nackington Fabric Fund. 9,715 St. Peter Bekesbourn WARDELL BEQUEST (Endowment) CBF Investment 172 4.001 * The income from this bequest Is credited to the St. Peter Bekesbourne current account. TOTAL REsfRICTED INVESTMEMf ASSETS 18,033 17,924

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ACCOUNTS ST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 CONTENTS Pa Independent Examinerfs Report Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Accounts

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP This report on the financial statements the PCC forthe year ended 315r December 2025 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 20061"the Regulations") and settion 145 of the Charities Act 20111.the Act"). Respective Responsiblllties of the PCC and the Examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations section 44121 of the Act do not apply. It is mv responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basls of thls Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance 2006 edition, issued by the finance division of the Archbishops. Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the financial statements with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent Examlneffs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to., Keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 ofthe Act,. and b. To prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply wrth the requirements of the Act and Regulations have not been met; or 2. To which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the financial statements to be reached. David Muggridge FCC Ackland Webb MAE Date

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 UMRESTWCfÈD ALLFUNDS FylY#ar fviyat Y••r FknYY•ir RECE￿ vowr4TUY PkinMdGkO c￿le(lI￿n GIftthPeco VokAnthrySyblO#I 745 .745 ié. N713 2L627 2L827 $5 ¥>A53 9&ts5 OThEA cthrV&￿rt4ry￿4¢t 41fv48 41 17,660 11,9gi f62 221322 IL981 17,82 1722 o￿￿r￿￿•1Pts In¥05trh*ntlrKo L$m6 16N8fj LI345 437 X93 IX455 TOTAL•ECEIPTS 67,114 X#.176 IX757 55th•Ji 66fi5a i J J Q653 B7 8P.902 2￿71 2.571 6.754 754 3.502 t49.ag2 177.795 53.934 4.593 4,593 TOTALPAYhlEMTS JJ 1014 L47,W9 $VHPLUSI DEFIC IR2 B•521 1g.t49 211743 20leg1 TOTALRESePVE5AT15TJAWAAY 11ty]8 257J14 5URPLUSIIDEHCIT)FOA TbKITAR 8J56 IB2,241 Itsy9) 221743 FUNPIW45FER5 TOTALHESEAVEsAfnsTrrtÈMtsER

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31- DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 CASH BALANCES Bank Account Isee note5 1 & 21 CBF Deposits Isee note 71 Cash in Hand Cash at Bank and in Hand.. End of Period UNRESfRICfED 16.089 REsfRicfED 127,060 237,964 ALL FUNDS 143,149 237.964 ALL FUNDS 16,661 438.075 16A189 365024 381.1 454736 OTHER mON￿ARy AS5Ers Investments (see note 101 iOA32 18.033 28A65 28,694 OTHER ASSETS (See note 31 OTHER UABIUTIES TOTAL ASWSAND UABiufiES 24521 3$3￿57 409.578 4WA30 1 ESCKI is held in PCC St Marys Lower Hardres account whlch is restricted for use of thè lower Hardres 100 Club. NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31- DECEMBER 2025 2 Bank balances as at 3tst December (non CCLAlinve5tment Ac(ountsl'. 2025 2024 UNRESTRicfED 15.182 280 581 NIA RESTRICTED 114,618 N/A NIA 11,942 500 NIA NIA NIA 127J560 ALL FUNDS 129,800 ALL FUNDS 1.433 Bridge Group Parish PCC The Bridge Group of Parishes PCC of Bekesbourne Current Account PCC Beke5bourne Reserve A¢o)unt PCC St Marys Lower Hardres (see note 71 PCC Lower Hardres & Nackington PCC St Marys Nackington PCC Patrixbourne with Bridgè 581 11,942 500 750 14.423 550 34 16x189 34 143,149 17.161

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 4 The Financial Statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis. 5 Other Assets - The Movable Church Furnishings are listed in the inventory (held by the Church Wardens on special trust for the PCC and which requlre a faculty for disposal}. 6 Reserves Policy - it is our poliry to invest funds, balances with the CBF (Church of England Deposit Fund). 7 The Restrirted Funds comprise the followlng accounts and values at year-end.. 2025 2024 St. Peter Brid e & St Mar Patrixbourne Sale of Vicarage Land IGeneral} Fund SUBTOTAL 60,470 137,095 60,470 137,095 St. Peter Brid Fabric Fund Choir Fund SUBTOTAL 109.569 109,517 638 263 110,207 109,780 St. Ma Patrixbourne Fabric Fund SUBTOTAL 113,364 113,364 St. Peter Bekesbourne Friends of Bekesbourne Church SUBTOTAL 16,854 16.854 18,776 18,776 St. Mar Lower Hardr Fabric Fund Daisy Law Churchyard Fund Friends of Lower Hardres Church Lower Hardres General Fund Lower Hardres l(KJ Club SUBTOTAL 4,318 4,111 618 57 500 4,131 3,933 591 55 500 9.604 9,210 St. Mar Nackin Fabric Fund Friends of Nackington Church Nackington General Fund Chancel Income Fund SUBTOTAL on 22,986 12,405 3,048 2,387 40,826 21,587 23,175 2,917 2,171 49,850 TOTAL 237,W 438,075

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE BRIDGE GROUP ST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025 8 The Receipts and Payments Account shows the amounts paid in respert of Parish Share contributions during the year ended 31 December 2025. At 31 December 2025, an amount of £6.465 remained outstanding in respect of the 2025 Parish Share contribution. The outstanding balance was paid on 7 January 2026. 9 The Re￿iptS and Payment5 Account shows the amounts paid in respect of building work at St Marys Patrixbourne during the year ended 31 December 2025. At 31 December 2025, expenditure of approximately £65.OC() was committed but not spent until January 2026.

The Investment Assets comprise the following accounts and valuations at year*nd..

2025 2024 St. Ma Lower Hardres RECTORY LAND FUND Unrestricted CBF Investment CBF Fixed Interest Securities Unlts 208.5 378 4,628 578 4,821 564 Dividends are credited quarterly to the church's general fund {PCC Lower Hardres & Nackingtonl. St. Ma Nackin on RECTORY L4ND FUND CBF Investment CBF Fixed Interest Securities Unrestricted 208.5 391 4,628 598 4,821 564 * Dividends are credited quarterly to the church's general fund IPCC Lower Hardres & Nacklngton). TOTAL U14REsfRICTED INVEsfMENT A55ETS ION32 10,770 CKINGTON CHANCEL FUND CBF Investment. Endowm 182 4,208 Dividends are credited to the Chancel Deposit Fund MISS DORIS RYE BE UEST Restricted CBF Fixed Interest Securities 6515 9,953 *** The income from this bequest 15 restrirted to the church's Fabric Fund and dividends are credited to the St. Mary Nackington Fabric Fund. 9,715 St. Peter Bekesbourn WARDELL BEQUEST (Endowment) CBF Investment 172 4.001 * The income from this bequest Is credited to the St. Peter Bekesbourne current account. TOTAL REsfRICTED INVESTMEMf ASSETS 18,033 17,924